USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnston County, Indiana. From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 50
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duced to enter the field of journalism at the suggestion of his friends, quite a number of whom assisted him in procuring the necessary outfit. His wife, who was also blind, assisted in setting type, and a nephew, Frank Kerr, became business manager of the paper, which soon obtained a fairly remunerative circulation. After edit- ing the Examiner a short time Mr. Kerr sold the office to Jona- than Williams, and went to Gosport, Owen County, where he en- gaged in business, and in which place his death subsequently occurred.
Mr. Williams took possession of the office in 1852, and started The Jeffersonian, which proved a decided improvement upon the original paper. The Jeffersonian was started as an independent local, devoted to the interest of Franklin and Johnson County, and under the editorial management of Mr. Williams, made its regular weekly visits until 1854, when George Allison, a vigorous writer and practical newspaper man, became proprietor. Mr. Allison greatly improved the paper, and made it a potent factor in mould- ing public opinion, and it is safe to say that none of his numerous successors in Franklin, ever gave the people a more satisfactory or lively local sheet, than The Jeffersonian, between the years 1854 and IS62. In the latter year Mr. Allison entered the army, and during his absence the paper was regularly issued by his brother, Harvey Allison, who spared no pains to make it what it, purported to be, the republican organ of Johnson County. The Jeffersonian continued to be published under the management of Mr. Alllison, until the spring of ISS2, at which time John F. Moses became editor and proprietor. He sold it the same fall to Henry Holt, who ran the paper quite successfully, until 1886, when the office was purchased by D. W. Barnett, the present proprietor, by whom the name was changed to The Franklin Republican, by which it has since been known.
The political complexion of the paper, as indicated by the name, is decidedly republican, and is a live local sheet, devoted to the in- terests of Franklin and Johnson County, and fearless in the discus- sion of the leading political and publie questions of the day, it will compare favorably with any other county paper in the state. Mr. Barnett is a trenchant writer, an experienced newspaper man, and has already greatly increased the circulation of the Republican, and secured a liberal advertising patronage. The paper is a six-column quarto, neat in its mechanical make-up, and the only republican sheet at this time in Johnson County.
The Star of Hope was established in 1853, by W. T. Hatch. After issuing it one year, he changed the name to The Star, and in IS55 sold out to E. W. Jeffreys, who published it as a political
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sheet, under the name of The Republican, until 1857. In that year it was purchased by George Allison, and by him merged into the Jeffersonian.
The Franklin Herald was founded in 1859 by a snydicate of democratic politicans, with Henry J. Sharp as editor, who was after- ward succeeded by M. R. Slater. The Herald was designed as a political sheet, in the interest of democracy, and under the editorial control of Mr. Slater, who was a writer of average ability, and a shrewd politician, it soon became the recognized party organ in Johnson County. Slater was a practical printer, and in its mechan- ical appearance, the Herald ranked among the best papers ever published in the city. The office was destroyed by fire in 1861, after which the county democracy purchased a new outfit and re- vived the paper, with Slater in charge as editor and publisher.
Fearless in its advocacy of party measures, the Ilerald made many enemies during the early years of the war. In 1863, the of- fice was mobbed by a detachment of Pennsylvania troops, who had been informed by some one unfriendly to the editor. that the paper was being conducted in the interest of the Confederacy. The work of the mob was complete. All the office material was thrown into the streets, the presses were destroyed, and for some time thereafter no efforts were made toward reviving the paper. Sub- sequently, Charles Patterson, a local printer. refitted the office, and resurrected the paper under the name of The Johnson County Press, which was published until about the year 1869, or 1870, John M. Farley becoming editor and proprietor in 1867. Mr. Slater took editorial control in 1870, and changing the name to The Democratic Herald. continued the publication until I878, at which time the office was purchased by W. S. Bliss.
In the meantime, December, 1876, Mr. Bliss, at the solicitation of certain local politicians, who were not pleased with the course pursued by the regular democratic paper, started an opposition sheet, to wit: The Democrat, an eight-column folio, which was reg- ularly issued until 1878, when both papers were consolidated under the name of The Herald Democrat. Mr. Bliss was a superior printer, and came into control of the paper, well fortified with many years' experience in the field of journalism. He was also a fair writer, and got out a very neat and readable paper, but failing to make the venture financially remunerative, he disposed of the office in June, 1879, to G. E. Finney and Luther Short, and retired from the business. Messrs. Finney & Short adopted the simple name, The Democrat, by which their paper should be known, and continued as partners until April, 1886, at which time Mr. Short purchased the en- tire interest and became sole editor and proprietor. Shortly after
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purchasing the paper, Mr. Short refitted the office with over $2,500 worth of presses and material, and by studying the wants of the people and giving them an ably-edited and dignified paper, has suc- ceeded in securing a large list of subscribers, besides doing a lucra- tive advertising business. The Democrat is in size a six-column quarto, a model of neatness in mechanical appearance, and fearless in its advocacy of democratic principles. It is manly and dignified in the discussion of the leading questions of the day, remarkably free from the personal abuse with which the columns of so many local partisan sheets abound.
The facksonian .--- This paper was started about the year 1880, by M. R. Slater, and, as indicated by the name, was designed as an orthodox democratic sheet of the old school. It was ably edited, and continued its regular visits until 1886, when Mr. Slater dis- posed of the office in order to accept a government position in Ari- zona. The last number appeared in the above year.
The Daily Press .- Several attempts have been made from time to time to run a daily paper in Franklin, but until quite recently all such ventures have proved disastrous financially. While editing the Herald Democrat, W. S. Bliss established the Daily Herald, a small folio, which, under the original management, was delivered to subscribers about three months, when James B. Wilson, an em- ploye in the office of Mr. Bliss, became editor. Mr. Wilson con- tinued the publication a few months, when finding his financial support insufficient to meet the expenses incident to running a daily, was compelled to suspend the paper. It was afterward re- vived by Frederick C. Williams, who published it at intervals four or five years, but, like his predecessor, failed to make it financially remunerative.
The Daily News, a four-column folio, established by Frank McClellan and James Moody, made its first appearance in March, ISSO. It was printed in the Democrat office, and began its career under favorable auspices, but after a few months, died a painless death, for want of proper financial support.
The next attempt in the line of daily journalism was made No- vember, ISSo, at which time appeared the first number of the Daily Argus, with N. B. Milleson and George L. Higgins, editors and proprietors. Like its predecessors, the Irgus was a small four-col- umn folio, devoted to the local happenings of Franklin and Johnson County, and like them also, its career was soon cut short by adversity, but few numbers having been issued.
The Daily Gazette was started several years ago, by Bert Fess- ler and George Bundy. The printing was done in the office of the Democrat, and the paper, under the joint editorship of Messrs.
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Fessler and Bundy, made its appearance a few months, when the former purchased his partner's interest, and became sole proprietor. Fessler ran the Gazette a short time, when learning that a daily without patronage was not a paying investment, discontinued its publication.
The Daily Star .- The latest attempt at daily journalisim in Franklin, and by far the most successful, is the Star, established July, 1885, by Messrs. Aikens & Needham, the former an exper- ienced typo and successful newspaper man. The Star began its career in a very humble way, and was first issued from Franklin College, in the shape of a small three-column folio. It was issued under the joint proprietorship of Messrs. Aikens & Needham, about three mouths, when the latter sold out to his partner and retired from the concern. W. W. Aikens took possession of the paper under many adverse circumstances, not the least of which was the embar- rassed condition financially, but actuated by a laudable desire to succeed he issued the paper regularly, until it won recognition among the farmers and professional men, and obtained a paying circulation. He commenced with an old press, that had been used for a number of years, and type and material well worn, but as his means would permit he improved the office, and at the end of one year moved to his present commodious quarters on Jefferson Street, which he has since furnished with an entirely new outfit of job type, presses, etc., etc. The Star is now a five-column folio, and presents an attractive appearance, with every indication of being in a flourishing condition. Its mechanical execution is good, and its local department is equal to any daily in the southern part of the state. Its present circulation is 700, which, with the liberal adver- tising patronage, denotes its thrift as well as the energy and enter- prise of the proprietor, who certainly deserves well of the public for furnishing a bright, newsy, and in every way, a readable daily paper.
In addition to the papers mentioned, was a small sheet estab- lished some time in the fifties, by Charles Patterson, who used its columns as a medium through which some very caustic personal matter was given publicity. But few numbers were issued, and the name of the paper, and nearly all the facts concerning it, have long since been forgotten. As early as the year 1837, Dr. David Monfort, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Franklin, published a doctrinal pamphlet which obtained a wide circulation throughout the country. A little later was published a religious controversy between Dr. Monfort and Rev. A. R. Hinckley, pastor of the Baptist Church, touching the subject of Christian Baptism, which was also largely read. Some time during the war, Dr. Pinckney
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published a political pamphlet on the causes of Rebellion, and a funeral discourse of a colored man preached about the same time by Rev. Mr. Collier, of the Presbyterian Church, was published, and caused no little sensation among the church people of the city. Scoret Societies .- Freemasonry was introduced into Franklin in January, 1850, at which time Franklin Lodge No. 107 was or- ganized under a writ of dispensation, with the following members: Fabius M. Finch, W. H. Hunter, J. Edwards, J. II. Williams, S. F. McGuffin, W. C. Hendryx and A. Shaffer. The dispensa- tion was granted by Elisha Deming, most worshipful master of In- diana, on the 16th day of the above month, and on the 20th day of May, 1850, the lodge was chartered with the following officers: Fabius Finch, W. M .; H. Hunter, S. W., and Joshua Edwards, J. W. The first officers elected were the following: J. Ed- wards, W. M .; S. McGuffin, S. W .; C. Hamilton, J. W .; Henry Fox, secretary: P. Birchard, treasurer; Thomas Morrison, S. D .; D. Coster, J. D., and S. Lambertson, tyler. The lodge held its sessions for several years in a hall on Jefferson Street, over the store room of Mr. McCollough, but in 1868, the present hall on the corner of Jefferson and Water streets, was erected and furn- ished at a cost of several thousand dollars. This is one of the most commodious lodge rooms in the city, elegantly finished and furn- ished, and reflects great credit upon the organization. Franklin lodge has had quite a checkered experience, having passed through seasons of adversity, as well as prosperity, and is now in a prosperous condition. The following is a list of the past masters since its organization: Fabius M. Finch, Joshua Edwards, W. H. Hunter, Joseph P. Gill, James T. Jones, John T. Vawter, Henry Keneaster, William W. Woolen, Isaiah J. Armstrong, Francis J. Pusey, William B. McCollough, Columbus H. Hall, Isaac M. Thompson, Charles W. McDaniel. Officers for ISSS; Elmer Walker, W. M .; J. C. Wood, S. W .; Luther Short, J. W .; J. M. Storey, treasurer; W. S. Young, secretary; L. E. Ott, S. D .; Robert Mitchell, J. D., and J. L. Davis, tyler.
Higher Degrees .- Franklin Chapter No. 65, was chartered May 21, 1867. The first officers were James C. Bennett, high priest; William A. Marrs, king, and William H. Jennings, scribe. The chapter has enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity. Ofli- cers for ISSS: Michael Walker, high priest; R. C. Wood, king; William S. Young, scribe; J. T. Jones. capt. host .; D. D. Wal- dren, P. S .; Luther Short, R. A. C .: Charles Byfield, first veil; A. Sauer, second veil; B. Peters, third veil; J. M. Storey, treasurer, and H. L. McClellan, secretary.
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Franklin Commandery was organized April 3, 1872, with the following charter members: Henry H. Boyce, James C. Bennett, Isaac Armstrong, John H. Lozier, W. W. Browning, James T. Jones, A. L. Bone. John B. Hopper, George M. Payne, Daniel Howe, Richard T. Taylor and Moses R. McGreggor. Present membership, 48. Officers: Luther Short, E. C .; Robert C. Wood, generalissimo; Isaac M. Thompson, captain general: C. II. Hall, prelate; Samuel Harris, S. W .; Michael Walker, J. W .: J. M. Storey, treasurer; H. L. McClellan, recorder; D. D. Waldren, standard bearer; J. T. Jones, sword bearer: Charles Byfield, warden : J. L. Davis, guard.
Odd Fellowship .- Johnson Lodge No. 76, was instituted Jan- uary 14, 1850. After the institution, the lodge went into the nomination of officers. E. May was nominated N. G .; W. S. Johnson, V. G .: C. C. Hamilton, secretary, and W. S. Cameron, treasurer, all of whom were elected and installed by the G. M., when the lodge was declared duly organized. At the meeting, January 15, Bros. Moore, Compton and Hamilton, were elected trustees. During the first few years of its history, Johnson Lodge grew and prospered, but at the breaking out of the war internal dissensions arose, which, for a time, seriously interfered with the success of the society. Quite a number of members left the city, others voluntarily withdrew from the order, and as there was no accessions to make up the losses, the lodge eventually became weak in numbers, and at one time the propriety of surrendering the charter, was seriously contemplated. A few faithful ones con- tinued to meet, and, by their earnest efforts, succeeded in keeping alive the organization. The year 1867, marked a new era in its history. At that time an interest was revived. old members re- turned, and a number of new members were initiated. With but little interruption, the spirit of progress has since continued, and the lodge is now in a healthy condition numerically and financially, the present membership being seventy-two. The present hall was built by the lodge at a cost of $2,000. It is a well-arranged and commodious room, with the necessary ante-rooms, and occupies the third story of a large brick building, on Jefferson Street. The lodge has cash at interest to the amount of $1,500, The following are the names of the officers for ISSS: John C. McNutt, N. G .; Samuel T. Fowler, V. G .; S. C. Brown, secretary: Albert B. La- grange, treasurer; Henry N. Dunlap, conductor: George Turpin, warden: S. A. Bright, chaplain; W. H. McCoy, R. S. to N. G .; W. W. Long, L. S. to N. G .; Ed. Moorehouse, I. G .; S. Buck, O. G .; Mort Rollins, R. 'S. S .; Jacob Holstein, L. S. S .; William Riddle, R. S. to V. G .; C. N. Craig, L. S. to V. G.
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Hesperian Lodge No. 12, K. of P *.- This lodge was instituted November 10, 1870, with ten charter members. The officers were: John Hogarth Lozier, V. P .; Samuel P. Oyler, W. C .: W. L. Dunlap, V. C .; J. F. Jelleff, R. and C. S .; R. B. Crane, F. S .; J. Beard, B .; J. Bice, G .; Levi Springer, I. S .; James C. Dunlap, O. G. The instituting officer was Charles P. Carty, G. R. and C. S., assisted by acting grand officers John B. Ryan, G. G .; J. W. Smithers, G. V. C .: W. H. Short, G. R. and C. S .; and W. H. Rall, G. I. S. The duties of the other positions were per- formed by the same officers. The name Hesperian was proposed by the V. P. J. H. Lozier, and unanimously adopted. The first person admitted as a member after the first meeting, was J. Frank Pusey, who is still a member of the lodge. Of the charter mem- bers, five brothers, Beard, Oyler, Jelleff, William L. and J. C. Dun- lap, remain. The others have located elsewhere, and some are not now members of any lodge. At the January session of the G. L., in 1871, brothers Lozier, Oyler, Beard, W. L. Dunlap, Jelleff and Crane, received the rank of P. C., in accordance with the laws then in force. The first representative was J. H. Lozier, and John Beard was the first P. C., recognized by the G. L. for any official po- sition. At the same session of the G. L., at which he was ad- mitted, W. Hazzleton, G. C., appointed him as G. I. S. J. H. Lozier was afterward elected as a P. G. C .; Samuel Oyler be- came such by virtue of his service, and William L. Dunlap became Junior P. G. C. at the end of his term as G. C.
Number 12 had an uninterrupted growth until the financial panic of 1873-5 struck the country and the lodge at the same time. From that time a season of adversity continued for about five years. In the meantime, Indianapolis Division No. 2, of the uniform rank, which had been organized with C. J. Many as commander, hearing of the demoralized condition of No. 12, gave an entertainment in Franklin for the benefit of the lodge. From that time the real prosperity of the lodge began: petitions began to pour in three and five at a time, and scarcely a meeting passed for more than a year after at which applications were not received. The lodge has made commendable progress, and is now free from debt, with an active membership of 174. The large and commodious hall on East Court Street, in which meetings are held, was purchased in ISSI ; it is in size, 50x70 feet, elegantly furnished, and with other lodge property, represents a value of $1,500.
But few deaths have occurred since the organization, and but little sickness has afflicted the brethren. They are a healthy and hardy set of men, and no one who has seen them in rank and file
"From history of the order in Indiana.
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would have a contrary opinion after witnessing their parades. J. F. Jelleff, P. C., has always been considered the father of the lodge. Others especially prominent in lodge affairs during the early days of its history, were: J. C. Dunlap, John Beard, Samuel P. Oyler, and Rev. John Hogarth Lozier, the last two being men of wide reputation throughout the United States.
The officers of Hesperian Lodge for the term ending Decem- ber, IS88, are: Robert A. Brown, P. C .; Benjamin P. Brown, C.C .; William Featheringill, V. C .; J. B. Payne, prelate; W. E. Lane, K. of R. S .; James R. Fleming, M. of E .; Harry Duncan, M. of F .; J. A. Swem, M. at A .; Joseph P. Smith, I. G .; John Jackson, O. G. Present membership, 174.
Sam Oyler Division No. 29, Uniform Rank K. of P., a higher degree of the order, was instituted August, 1886, with twenty-eight members, a number which has since increased to thirty-four. This is one of the best disciplined divisions of the Fourth Regiment Indiana Brigade, and stands second to no other division in the state. It is composed of the leading young men of Franklin, and is an organization in which the city, as well as the lodge, feels just pride. The officers for ISSS are: John H. Tarlton, sir knight captain: Samuel B. Eccles, S. K. Lt .; Benjamin P. Brown, S. K. herald; Jesse Overstreet, S. K. G .; Elmer Walker. S. K. S .; Will- iam Featheringill, S. K. recorder; I. L. Duncan, S. K. treas .; J. M. Storey, inspector general, and Dr. D. H. Miller, surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, are members of Division No. 29.
Knights of Honor .- Franklin Lodge No. 1726, was insti- tuted August 12, 18So, and chartered on the 19th day of the same month, with the following members: H. C. Allison, Milton G. Alexander, S. C. Brown, John F. Bullock, Rufus D. Black, John Carson, Samuel H. Clem, George G. Creasy, William L. Dunlap, Homer J. Hall, Richard M. Johnson, John H. Martin, William H. Mclaughlin, William O. Peters, Edward W. Pierce, John M. Rosen- burg, William H. Smith, A. Shaffer, John C. Wood and Samuel Yager. The organization is in a flourishing condition, numbering at this time twenty-three members. There has been but a single death in the lodge since its organization.
Robinson Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor, was instituted April 13, ISSI, by Grand Protector Robinson, with twenty-one members, a number which has since increased to thirty. The officers are :-- Green, protector ; Joseph McKane, V. P .; Mrs. N. J. McGlade, chaplain: Mrs. N. Brown, P. P .: Edward King, guide; Nicholas Brown, sentinel: P. H. McGlade, guard.
Knights of Labor, Assembly No. 10028, was instituted in Franklin, September, 1887, with twenty-seven charter members.
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While not as strong numerically as formerly, the assembly is still in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperty, numbering among its members some of the leading laboring men of the city.
Franklin Lodge No. 100, I. O. G. T., was organized October, 1886, with thirty-two charter members. The first officers were: Edward Baney, W. C. T .; P. H. McGlade, P. W. C. T .; Mrs. James Moody, W. V. T .; Elijah Sexton, treasurer; W. A. Car- penter, secretary; Mrs. W. A. Carpenter, financial secretary; Rev. Mr. Bright, chaplain; William Phillips, marshal, and Thomas Foley, lodge deputy. Present officers: Gabriel Moran, W. C. T .; Mrs. Emma Foley, P. W. C. T .; Lizzie Solenberg, W. V. T .; Frank Fowler, chaplain; Alonzo Bergen, secretary: Jane Misner, financial secretary; Edward King, marshal, and Stephen Gooden, L. D.
G. A. R .- A Grand Army Post No. I, of the district of John- son, was instituted in Franklin, on the 28th day of August, 1866, with the following charter members, to-wit: John R. Fessler, Will- iam S. Young, Thomas B. Wood, James C. Dunlap, S. W. Mar- tin, Robert S. Parr, H. P. Mullikin and Freeman P. Williams. S. W. Martin was chosen commander, and for about two years the post grew and prospered, the roster at one time containing the names of about seventy members. Later, dissensions arose, which, with a general lack of interest on the part of the members, finally led to the disorganization of the post.
Wadsworth Post No. 127, was organized December 9, 1882, with seventeen members, whose names are as follows: Charles Ryker, W. M. Connor, G. M. Overstreet, Jr., H. H. Luyster, Adrian Shaffer, W. S. Young, S. C. Brown, James M. Brown, W. D. Voris, W. C. West, H. S. Byers, Jr., George C. Whitlock, Thomas Flinn, James M. Bone, D. H. Miller, Henry King and S. C. Dunn, Jr. First officers: G. M. Overstreet, post commander: W. M. Connor, S. V. C .; W. D. Voris, J. V. C .; S. C. Brown, O. D .; W. C., West, O. G .: Charles Ryker, chaplain ; D. H. Miller, surgeon; W. S. Young, Q. M., and H. S. Byers, adjutant. The post has steadily increased in membership, the names upon the roster at this time (1888), being considerably in excess of 100. It is the leading post in John- son County, and one of the most prosperous and best disciplined in this congressional district. The following are the officers for the year 1888, to-wit: Dr. W. C. Hall, commander; M. D. Adams, S. V. C .: Cyrus Drake, J. V. C .: T. B. Wood, adjutant: J. M. Storey, Q. M .; J. C. Dunn, O. D .; R. Coons, O. G .: Robert Mitch- ell, I. G .; L. Rosburst, surgeon; John Fossett, chaplain; David Dahoney, O .: D. D. Walden, Q. M. S., and Wesley Drake, S. M. Wadsworth Women's Relief Corps No. 59, was organized July
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10, 1887, with twenty members. The officers are: Lydia Brown,. president : Margaret Green, S. V. P .: Julia Dunlap, J. V. P .; Mary Luyster, chaplain; Mal. Hall, treasurer; Lucia Storey, secretary; Ida Overstreet, conductor: Macia Knohe, assistant conductor: La- vina Brown, guard: and Maggie McCaslin, assistant guard. The corps has now an active membership of twenty-six.
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