History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 41

Author: Brant & Fuller
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 759

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court house, of which mention is elsewhere made. In speaking of the old house and the many pleasant recollections, we note his words: "Ah! is it any wonder that the memory of the old house is precious to me? Is it any wonder that I seem to see it, with its doors, and walls and seats just as they were, and with its con- secrated altar standing before my mind's eye as an objective reality? My heart leaps within me as I linger in memory about those old walls, and think of the scores, aye, of the congrega- tions, with whom I worshiped almost three-quarters of a century ago, and who have now ascended to worship in 'a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Is it strange that my soul is filled when I think that it will not be long till I hear the summons of my blessed Master to ascend and join those with whom I mingled so long ago?"

In 1825, through the efforts of Mr. Benton, assisted by Rev. E. Patrick, a local preacher from Salem, a class was organized, of which Mr. Benton became the leader. In 1826, the Browns- town Class was attached to Flat Fork Circuit, of which Rev. C. B. Jones was the preacher in charge, and Rev. John Strange the presiding elder. This was the first organization of the Meth- odists in Brownstown, which has continued without cessation to the present time. Among the members of that first organization the following were some of the most prominent: Walter Benton and wife, John Weathers and wife, William Crenshaw and wife, Abraham Miller and Margaret Miller, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Will- iam Benton, Samuel J. Murphy and wife, J. L. Murphy and wife, Hiram Noe, Mrs. Plaffenburger, W. T. Dobbs and Theodore Benkler. They continued to worship in the old log church until the early part of the forties, when it was sold, and the proceeds .donated to the church to be applied on the erection of a new building, which was completed not long after the abandonment of the old. This is a frame building, about 30x45 feet, and was built at a cost of about $600 or $700. It was sold to Walter

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Benton about the year 1859, and is now used for a tenement house.

The new brick church, as it is called, was commenced in the latter part of 1859, and was dedicated May 19, 1861. It stands on Lot 49, corner of Poplar and Walnut Streets, and is a com- modious and well-arranged church house, built at a cost of about $3,500. We append a list of the Methodist ministers who have at different times had charge of the congregation since 1827: Constant B. Jones, Asa Beck, John Vancleve, Ashel L. Risley, Henry S. Talbert, Michael S. Taylor, Amos Sparks, John T. Johnson, Lewis Hurlburt, E. Patrick, Ezra L. Kemp, Emmons Rutledge, Draper Chipman, Phillip May, Morris Benton, William McGinnis, Seth Smith, Daniel McIntire, L. M. Reaves, B. F. Crary, Sampson Tucker, Thomas Ray, Amos Bussy, E. B. Tucker, J. C. King. L. M. Hancock, Charles Tinsley, E. R. Lathrop, W. S. Carter, S. Layton, A. W. Sherely, Stephen Bowers, Francis Walker, Jacob Wharton, William Zaring, F. A. Huring, G. W. Durment, T. B. McClain, J. S. Reager, J. C. Gullett, G. M. Bar- ber, A. Wade, W. S. Falkenbing, B. F. Owen, Virgil W. Tevis, Thomas Harrison and George Cochran. The last named, who is in charge at the present time, is a native of Dearborn County, Ind., where he was born December 9, 1851. Mr. Cochran gradu- ated at Moore's Hill College in 1882, and was ordained in 1879, and for three years previous to his appointment at this place he was located at Versailles, county seat of Ripley County, Indiana.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Presbyterians, if there were any among the early inhab- itants of Brownstown, were so few in a number that an organiza- tion was impossible, and if there were any meetings held by this sect . at an early day, the writer has been unable to learn of the par- ticulars. In fact we doubt if there was an organization of this faith previous to 1865; however, a Presbyterian minister by the

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name of Nice lived here prior to that time, and preached often in the buildings of other church organizations, and in the court house and schoolhouse. Rev. John Bishop, of Bedford, and Levi Hughes, an old deaf preacher of Bloomington, Ind., visited Brownstown and preached for the people of his faith. To Dr. C. B. Davidson of Louisville, Ky., is propably due the credit of inspiring the organization of a Presbyterian class. He was officiating at the funeral of Samuel P. Mooney, and by his pleasant address, match- less oratory, and wonderful ability, the people became so infat- uated that they agreed to pay him $800 for his services for one year, and to that end a note was given signed by the following members: Samuel W. Homes, St. Clair S. Earley, Martin Ferris, James H. Green, John B. Robinson, Jason B. Brown, James A. Clarke, W. W. Wamsley, C. A. Bain, Daniel H. Long, W. A. Erwin, John H. Burrell, Lewis'I. Stage, Frank Emerson, Will- iam H. Hamilton, James R. Hamilton, Robert H. Sawyer, C. R. Dunbar, W. F. F. Cunningham and George V. Benton. A meeting was held and a committee was appointed to solicit subscription for the building of a church. The committee received subscriptions amounting to about $3,500, and a contract for the building of said church was let, but before its completion suit was brought on a mechanics' lien, and the church was sold for $300. Through the efforts of Rev. R. C. Mckinney, the property was redeemed and the church completed in 1874. The church is a brick building situated on the corner of Sugar and Walnut Streets, on Lot 112.

The first elders of the church were John H. Burrell, Robert H. Sawyer and James K. Hamilton, deacons; Phillip Gossman, J. L. Kester and James H. Hamilton, trustees; James H. Finley, Martin Harbert and Henry Gossman, Sr. The following are some of the ministers who have preached here since 1874: R. C. McKin- ney, F. M. Symmes, E. C. Trumble, J. L. Taylor, John T. Beard, J. H. Brattan, Rev. McMillen, J. A. Campbel, Arthur Brown, E. L.

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Lord and L. L. Lorimor. . The following were some of the most active members: John H. Burrell and wife, Robert H. Sayer, Mrs. Lizzie Weddle, James K. Hamilton, Margaret Hamilton, Mrs. Lucy Ford, Mrs. Mary Moreland, George W. Fitch and wife, and James Chambers. Under the pastorate of Rev. R. C. Mc- Kinney, the membership increased from seven to 120. A well regulated Sabbath-school was organized in 1874, under the super- vision of James K. Hamilton, by John Kestler, and he in turn suc- ceeded by Bartholomew H. Burrell, who is now in charge. There is an average attendance of about sixty pupils and nine regular teachers.

CHURCH OF CHRIST (CHRISTIAN).

This church was built about the year 1864, at a cost of about $2,000. Some of the ministers who have been employed here since the organization are C. L. Wayman, Rev. Hubbard, Wesley Hartley, Rev. Moore, William Beck, Elijah White, W. H. Cut- singer, Joseph Lockhart, H. S. Cribb, Rev. Dale and M. Shields. The following are some of the earliest members: C. L. Wayman, Mary E. Robertson, Sarah Ewing, William Burrell, Catharine Ireland, Lidia Miller, C. A. Robertson, James P. Tidwell, Mrs. L. J. Ewing, Sarah Tovey and Prof. Hottel and wife. The total membership is about thirty-five.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

In point of antiquity the Washington Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., stands first. This lodge was organized some time in the twenties, and its membership consisted of the old and substantial settlers of the county. Having no other suitable place in the town to hold their meetings the county commissioner granted them the privilege of meeting in the court house. Some of the early members were Daniel Kress, Samuel P. Mooney, Andrew Gel- wick, William Williams and James Grant. Some time in the

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forties the lodge surrendered its charter, but June 24, 1848, they were reorganized under a dispensation from the grand lodge. The first officers were William Williams, W. M .; Harri- son Durham, S. W .; Samuel P. Mooney, J. W .; Rawley Scott, treasurer: Thomas L. Long, secretary; Daniel H. Long, S. D .; Washington L. Woody, J. D., and Renjamin L. Tuell, S. T. The following are some of the most prominent early members: S. P. Mooney, Rawley Scott, J. P. Mooney, S. W. Ewing, H. Durham, W. L. Woody, James Ireland, D. H. Long, Frank Emerson, G. H. Murphy, J. L. Ford, S. W. Smith, B. H. Burrell, G. L. Robert- son, R. S. Braman, Gordon Turner, J. H. Burrell, Isaac Ireland, J. H. Green, J. H. Benton, G. W. Shepherd, J. P. Wright, Theo- dore Buckler, J. L. Owens, George King, D. A. Kelley, Ralph Applewhite, M. G. C. W. Williams, Elijah Applegate and Joseph A. Stillwell. The present officers are James F. Applewhite, W. M .; Leroy Miller, S. W .; Oscar Allen, J. W .; F. M. Moles, treas- urer; D. A. Kochenour, secretary ; J. B. Burrell, S. D .; Martin Kaber, J. D., and O. F. Lowell, tiler.

ODD FELLOWS.

Brownstown Lodge, No. 488, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 20, 1875, with the following charter members: J. T. Deal, Phillip S. Carlisle, James Davis, L. W. Marsh, Thomas B. Bagott, David A. Stockdell, S. S. Earley, W. C. A. Bain, D. H. Long and J. W. Herron. The first officers were S. S. Earley, N. G .; D. A. Stock- dell, V. G .; D. H. Long, S. V .; Phillip Carlisle, J. V., and W. C. A. Bain, Phillip S. Carlisle and D. H. Long, trustees. The lodge room is on the second floor of Wacker & Ireland's brick store- house, and is well furnished and neatly arranged. The present officers are J. C. Browning, N. G .; Lewis Gossman, V. G .; Cor- nelius Heller, secretary; William Frysinger, treasurer, and C. Heller, Lewis Gossman and James Basesley, trustees.

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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

Brownstown Lodge, No. 60, was instituted March 30, 1875, by Hermion Lodge, No. 44, of Seymour, with the following charter members: Frank Burrell, W. L. Benton, Edwin H. Wade, W. E. Benton, W. W. Reynolds, Charles Lawhead, D. A. Kochenour, Mathew M. Hamilton, Joel H. Matlock, James F. Applewhite, Sylvester N. Eddy, John B. Burrell, James S. Clements, Frank Brannaman and O. E. Cooper. The first officers were Charles Lawhead, P. C .; D. A. Kochenour, C. C .; Mathew M. Hamilton, V. C .; Joel H. Matlock, P .; James F. Applewhite, K. of R. and S .; Sylvester N. Eddy, M. at F .; John B. Burrell, M. of E .; James S. Clemens, M. at A .; Frank Brannaman, I. G., and O. E. Cooper, O. G. One of the principal features of this lodge was the early organization of a drill corps, with about twenty-five men uniformed and equipped at considerable expense. This has been an important agency in the building up of the order. The lodge meets in the attic of the county court house, which has been neatly fitted up and appropriately furnished for the purpose. The lodge is in good condition financially, and has a consider- able amount safely invested. The officers for the term ending January, 1886, are Thomas B. Boyatt, P. C .; S. Newton Early, C. C .; Fred L. Benton, V. C,; George S. Gray, P .; James F. Applewhite, M. of E .; Horace T. Bennett, M. of F .; D. A. Koch- enour, K. of R. and S .; Charles Allen, M. at A .; Frank Branna- man, I. G .; Martin Kober, O. G.

THE BROWNSTOWN PRESS.

It is now nearly forty years since the first newspaper was established in Brownstown, and during that time no less than a dozen others have started out to seek their fortunes in the same field. None have circulated to any considerable extent beyond the limits of the county, and but two have ever become conspic-

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uous in the journalistic annals of Jackson County. Not a few of the number have met with sudden deaths, and all of them have experienced the fiery trials and vicissitudes which have ever char- acterized the profession. These journals, with their contempora- ries, have contributed more toward the progress and advancement of the county than any other agency.

The first newspaper ever published in the county was the Jackson County Advocate, owned and edited, at Brownstown, by Henry B. Woolls, a man of some ability as a journalist and who was free in the expression of his opinion on subjects of a pub- lic nature. Having no railroads, no telegraph, and slow mails, general and foreign news were necessarily scarce; consequently the columns of the Advocate were filled with matter of a local nature, which was read by the subscribers with great interest. The Advocate, according to the best information, was a six-column folio, issued on Thursday of each week. It continued under the management of Mr. Woolls for more than two years, when it was sold late in 1851 to Gordon Tanner and Thomas Robertson, who continued its publication at Brownstown under the name of the Brownstown Observer.

The Observer was a Democratic organ edited and published by the parties above named. Its publication was continued until about 1852, when it was taken for debt by D. H. Long, Frank Emerson and W. T. Dobbs. From the following notice, which appeared in the Jackson County Democrat in the latter part of 1852, we are led to believe that a man by the name of Samuel C. Parkman appeared for a while as the editor of the Observer: LITERARY NOTICE.

Samuel C. Parkman, late editor of the Brownstown Observer and Liter- ary Cosmopolite of Brownstown, left in the night for Tama County, Iowa, with out first paying me 50 cents for washing, which is justly due.

SARAH RICH.

The Jackson County Democrat made its first appearance October 12, 1852, with Frank Emerson, Daniel H. Long and W.

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T. Dobbs as editors and proprietors. They placed the name of Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of Parke County, at the head of the editorial page for governor, and in their salutatory avowed their faith in the principles of the Democratic party and promised to use their best ability in sustaining these principles. They also urged a strict adherence to the constitution and the Union, and . avowed their determination to discountenance any attempt to open afresh the slavery agitation. This paper continued under this management until some time in 1854, when Mr. Long became sole proprietor, and after two years or more he suspended publi- cation.

Jackson County Union was established in October, 1858, by Judge Ralph Applewhite, but his increasing practice in the legal profession compelled him to dispose of the paper, which he did in 1859, to John L. Owens and Daniel H. Long, from whom William Frysinger bought it in February, 1861. The paper was owned by a stock company, of which Mr. Frysinger had a con- trolling interest. He continued at the head of the Union until June, 1863, and during the trying period of the civil war, when treason was rife in many sections of the North as well as in the South, and many papers were opposing the further prosecution of the war, the Union was ever patriotic, and during that period contained many vigorous editorials upholding the cause of the Federal Government and sustaining the acts of its officers. It was always a fearless champion of the Democratic party and the union of States. The fearless manner in which the editor upheld what he believed to be right and just, doubtless led to the sale of the paper, in 1863, to Samuel W. Homes and St. Clair S. Earley, who placed the paper under the editorial management of Stevie R. Smith; but after a short period it passed into the hands of John W. Chambers, who died and was succeeded by W. S. McClintic, who after a short time sold the office to Henry M. Beadel and was by him removed to Seymour in 1866.

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Henry L. Gaiser

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Contemporary with the Union was the Little Giant, published by George V. Benton. This was a small three-column folio about six inches square, evidently intended for an advertising medium only; but it was soon enlarged and during its existence contained many pithy and well written articles. The Little Giant continued until 1864, when it suspended publication.

The legitimate successor of the Union was the True Democrat, by Henry M. Beadel, who bought the equipments of the Little Giant office, and in August, 1867, issued the first copy of the above named paper. Either from the instability of the proprie- tor or a want of business management, the Democrat failed in less than a year, and the New Era was started and met with a like fate in a shorter period.

The next candidate for public patronage was the Brownstown Banner. Its projector was William Frysinger, who received a contribution of $200 from the citizens of Brownstown, and this, added to his individual outlay, enabled him to purchase an outfit, and the first issue of the Banner made its appearance April 1, 1869. The removal of the county seat, which was being agitated at that time, led the citizens of Brownstown to feel the necessity of a newspaper (the molder of public opinion) to champion their cause. How effectually the Banner served the purpose and ful- filled its mission we leave the people of Jackson to say. The Banner was run under the supervision of Mr. Frysinger until October, 1869, when it was sold to Henry M. Beadel, who enlarged it to a five-column folio, and in the fall of 1870 sold it back to its founder, William Frysinger, who is still at its helm. It has been enlarged to a five-column quarto, and is issued every Thursday. It has a circulation of from 800 to 1,000 copies, and is one of the most successful as well as one of the most readable local papers in this section of the State.

The Village Echo, started by Carl Brayfield, died after a brief period, and was quickly followed in 1877 by the Jackson

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County Bee, which was more fortunate than its predecessor, and lived out its first year. In 1878 it passed into the hands of George A. J. Tomas and Isaac H. Thomas. They were brothers, and the reason for the different spelling of the names is given as follows : "George A. was addicted to strong drink, and upon one occasion he was recovering from a debauch of several days, when he was met and upbraided by his brother, who had become in- censed at his beastly conduct, and while administering the re- buke, suggested that he change his name, in order that he might not further disgrace the family. Acting upon the suggestion, he appeared in court and succeeded in having the "h" dropped from his name." In 1878 the Bee was moved to Seymour, and pub- lished under the name of the National Greenbacker. The next to try its fortune in the field that had proved so fatal to such en- terprises was the Jackson County News, which after five months passed into oblivion.

Undaunted by the fate of its contemporaries, the Crothersville Enterprise, under the management of Chambers Bros., was brought to Brownstown and christened the Jacksonian Agitator, but after a bitter experience of seven months suspended, leaving the Banner the only paper published in this town at the present time.

BUILDING AND LOAN FUND ASSOCIATIONS.

The first building and loan fund association started in this town was the Brownstown Building and Loan Fund and Savings Association, organized in 1871, and after doing business for about eighteen months suspended without loss to the stockhold- ers. The Live Mens' Building and Loan Fund and Savings Asso- ciation was organized December 22, 1876, with $50,000 author- ized stock. But $35,000 was subscribed, the shares being worth $100, with $1 per month dues. The first officers were Barthol- omew H. Burrell, president ; Joel H. Matlock, vice-president; Frank Fassold, secretary; and Walter L. Benton, treasurer. The

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association ran out in six years and three months, without the loss of a cent, or the foreclosure of a single mortgage. Such a record shows more than ordinary financial ability on the part of the management. The Brownstown and Ewing Building and Loan Fund and Savings Association was organized May 1, 1882, with $46,000 subscribed. Each share, as in the former associa- tion, was worth $100, and the monthly dues $1. The directors are Bartholomew H. Burrell, J. H. Matlock, David H. Lubker, W. H. Benton, William Frysinger, Frank Fassold, William Acker, Thomas B. Boyatt and Charles A. Robertson. The first officers : William Acker, president; William Frysinger, vice-president; Frank Fassold, secretary; and Bartholomew H. Burrell, treasurer.

These associations, which have been in existence for nearly two decades, have contributed more to the building up of the town and securing of homes for the poor than all other agencies combined. Unlike most all other monied organizations they are, strictly speaking, the institution for the poor man, and by the wise investment of a small per cent of his weekly earnings, many a poor man has been enabled to secure a home. Through the assistance obtained from these institutions, many of the best business houses, as well as many of the finest dwellings, have been built.

CROTHERSVILLE.

Crothersville, the metropolis of Vernon Township, is located on the line of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Rail- road, and is a thriving business town of about 700 or 800 inhab- itants. The first house built within the present limits of the town was by John Hamacher, on Main Street. The next build- ing was by a man by the name of Taulman, on the west side of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. Soon the railroad was completed, and a switch built at this point, and the station was named Haysville. It was so christened by John Hamacher, because he believed the soil of this section especially

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adapted to the growth of hay. It was known by this name but a short time, when a proposition was made by Dr. Crothers, at that time superintendent of the Jeffersonville, Madison & In- dianapolis Railroad, to change the name to Crothersville, with the promise that he would build a depot that would be an orna- ment to the town. This promise he faithfully kept, and accord- ingly erected one of the best buildings to be found anywhere along the line of the road.

The town was laid off by John Humacher, March 4, 1858, the original plat consisting of thirty-nine lots. The most important additions since made are Rinner's Addition, November 30, 1870, consisting of 6 lots; Owen's Addition, March 18, 1875, consist- ing of 32 lots; the Davis & Co.'s Addition, April 12, 1875, con- sisting of 12 lots, and Thompson & Rider's Addition, September 17, 1877, consisting of 79 lots.

The first store was kept by Haughland Bros., in a house that stood just east of the depot. The next firm was Williams & Adams, who, after operating a saw-mill for a short time, became the successors of Houghland Bros. in 1858 or 1859. A postoffice was established about this time, with Henry Williams as first postmaster. John Allen built where Rider Bros.' store now stands. Then came Brown Wilson, S. Wilson and J. Gillaspy.

LATER MERCHANTS.

John F. Kulckbock & Son, David Lester, Henry Beckman, Gibson & Harding, Mitchell & Rider, George Thompson, J. Rus- sell, Edward, Lester, Rider & Hiatt, Rider Bros., W. M. Owen, Isaac Rowland, Henry Williams, Alexander Gregger, Fritz & Davis, William Kattman, Swope & Schuler, Baldwin & Schuler and Oscar Williams.

MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES.

The first grist-mill was built by Williams & Baker, in 1857. This was the only milling enterprise in Crothersville until Ha-

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macher Bros. built the present large steam flouring-mill in 1875. This was operated as a saw-mill until 1879, when a grist-mill was built in connection. Their capacity is about 7,000 feet of lum- ber and sixty barrels of flour daily.

About the year 1864, a tannery was built by William Hudson, but after a short time sold to Clinton Hudson, from whom it was bought by the present proprietor. Besides supplying the local demands, small quantities are shipped to different points along the line of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad.

The most important, as well as the most extensive, business enterprise in or about the town of Crothersville is the stave fac- tory of Rider & Hiatt. This was built more than fifteen years ago, but after a few years' operation, was entirely destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt on a larger scale, and with many improvements. It has from its inception been one of the best paying enterprises in the county. The entire business is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Preston Rider, to whom the success of the business is almost entirely due. They give em- ployment to about sixty men, and in this way have contributed more to the growth and prosperity of the town than all other agencies combined.

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History of Jackson County, Indiana, Part 41

Author: Brant & Fuller Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Number of Pages: 759

Author: Brant & Fuller
Publication date: 1886
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 759