History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 57

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954

USA > Indiana > Orange County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 57
USA > Indiana > Washington County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 57
USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 57

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).

THE SECOND INCORPORATION OF PAOLI.

On the 20th of July, 1869, a meeting of the citizens of Paoli was held at the court house to take steps to incorporate the town. A. J. Simpson was called to the chair and H. H. Polson and A. J. Rhodes appointed Secretaries. Several speeches were made all favoring the project. W. J. Hollingsworth, J. M. Andrew and J. W. Payne were appointed a Com- mittee to survey the town, ascertain its population and otherwise comply with the necessary legal requirements. The Committee reported the fol- lowing for incorporation: " Beginning on the meridian line at the north- east of Section 1, Township 1 north, Range 1 west. thence north 60 rods, thence west through Section 30, Township 2 north, Range I west, 320 rods to the line dividing Sections 35 and 36, thence south 60 rods to the line dividing Sections 36, Township 2 north, Range 1 west, thence sonth on said line to Lick Creek, thence up the same to the southwest corner of Lot 226. thence east to the Meridian line, thence north to the place of beginning." This was the third official survey of the town, the first having been made by the County Agent in 1816, and the second by

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John Frazer in 1861-62. It was found at this time, 1869, that Paoli had a population of 584. An election to determine the question of incorporation was ordered held on the 25th of September, 1839, and although there was considerable opposition, the result was favorable by a fair majority, and in December the town was duly declared incorporated by the County Board. The following were the first officers elected: Luke B. Cogswell, Thomas Ireland and Robert King, Trustees; T. B. Bus - kirk, Clerk; B. D. Riley, Treasurer; Jeremiah Hobson, Marshal; Hiram Lindley, Assessor. The first meeting of the Town Board was held at the office of T. B. Buskirk. January 22, 1970, and Robert King was elected President of the Board. The first act was the adoption of a long series of town ordinances, similar to those of other towns. These ordinances were reported January 20. 1970. at which time they were discussed and adopted. After this, from time to time, other and sundry rules and reg- ulations were also adopted.

ADDITIONAL. ACTS OF THE TOWN BOARD.

On the 7th of April, 1870, A. J. Rhodes, H. H. Polson and A. Noblitt were elected School Trustees. By April 30 nine arrests had been made by the Marshal, and the Treasurer reported the receipt of $43.80 for licenses. of which $4.50 had been expended. The officers elected in May. 1970, were: Thomas Ireland. W. K. Andrew and Hiram Lindley, Trustees. Joseph Cox. Clerk: Jeremiah Hobson, Assessor; John Jones, Marshal: B. D. Riley, Treasurer. Joseph Cox was appointed Town Attorney, and John C. Albert, Street Commissioner. The School Trust- pes appointed as above stated. not having qualified, A. J. Rhodes, L. B. Cogswell and Lewis S. Bowles were appointed. The attorney was directed to procure a corporate seal with the words, "Paoli Corporation Seal, Indiana. " A tax of 20 cents on each $100 valuation, and 50 cents on each poll was ordered levied for 1870, but this was soon repealed, 20 cents on each $100 valuation, and 25 cents on each poll being substituted. At this time the meetings of the Town Board were held at the office of Joseph Cox. In April, 1971, J. C. Albert, Street Commissioner, reported receipts $156.00. and expenses $196.56. In May John Jones, Marshal, reported fifty-two arrests for the year. The Assessor's report showed a levy of 8138.824 on personal property: there were seventy-seven polls; $422 on male dogs; $2 on female dogs. The School Trustees reported on hand about $1. 100. besides $1.000 from the sale of the seminary.

SCHOOL BONDS. OTHER OFFICERS, ETC.

At the meeting of May 6. 1971. the School Trustees recommended the building of a schoolhouse which should cost about $10,000. They had on hand about $2.100. and advised the sale of $8,000 worth of corporate bonds to cover the cost. The Town Board carefully considered the mat -

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ter, and finally made the following order: " Be it ordered by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Paoli that there be issued bonds with proper coupons thereto attached to the amount of $8,000, $4.000 of said bonds to be issued as soon as can be done conveniently, beuring ten per cent interest per annum from the date of sale of said bonds until paid, said interest to be paid annually, for the purpose of building a schoolhouse for the use of the citizens of said town; the said bonds to be issued in bills of $100 each, to run for five years, but redeemable sooner at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees; the other $4,000 of bonds to be issued at such time or times as the Board of Trustees may deem proper on the above terms, but to run eight years, and be redeemable sooner at the pleasure of said Trustees." In accordance with this order work on the project was begun. The town officers elected May, 1871, were: Thomas Ireland, W. R. Andrew and Hiram Lindley, Trustees; J. Hobson, Marshal and Assessor; John W. Payne, Clerk: B. D. Riley, Treasurer. The Assessor exhibited the following assessment: Value of total personal property, $138,834.77; value of total real property, $166,532. In addi- tion to the usual tax 20 cents on each $100 valuation and 25 cents on each poll were ordered levied for school purposes. J. Hobson became Street Commissioner in 1871. The Treasurer reported for the fiscal year 1970-71: receipts, $329.45; expenses, $284.91. The order for a seal was revoked, and a new one issued in June, 1871. In August the School Trustees reported that they had advertised for bids for the construction of a schoolhouse, and in response had received three, which were opened and examined July 15, and the contract was awarded to John A. Mickey, the lowest responsible bidder, for $13,900, or $3,900 more than was expected. The School Trustees, therefore, asked the approval of the Town Trustees, and that an additional $4,000 of bonds might be issued, which requests were complied with. The officers for 1872-73 were: W. K. Andrews, Thomas Ireland and Hiram Lindley, Trustees; B. D. Riley, Treasurer; Jeremiah Hobson, Marshal; J. W. Payne, Clerk. Tbe receipts for 1871-72 were $810.09, and the expenditures $586.67: receipts from the sale of $4,000 worth of school bonds, 83,814. The tax for schoolhouse purposes was raised to 50 cents on each $100 valuation, and $1 on each poll. On the 2d of August, 1871, an additional $4,000 worth of bonds were ordered sold. In June, 1872, it was found that of the $12,000 of town bonds issued $7.500 remained on hand unsold. These were destroyed by order of the Board, and $7,500 bonds of the denomination of $500 each, bearing ten per cent interest, payable semi-annually, $1,500 payable in seven years, $3,000 payable in ten years, and $3,000 payable in twelve years, were ordered issued and sold to defray the expense of building the schoolhouse. Benjamin Stinson had negotiated the sale of the former bonds. Cogswell, Bowles and Rhodes were re-elected School Trustees for two years.

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MORE OF THE BONDS, THE STREETS, ETC.

The first street opened was along the south side of Lot 241. In August, 1872, the School Trustees asked for the issue and sale of $4,000 additional of town bonds, which was done by the Town Trustees in denomination of $500 each with 10 per cent interest, payable semi-an- nually, the bonds to run twelve years. In April, 1873, Bowles, Rhodes and Cogswell were re-elected School Trustees. The receipts for 1872-73 were $1.156.23, and the expenses $1,039.21. Andrews, Ireland and Lindley were re-elected Trustees for 1973-74. Thomas Stalcup, Marshal and Street Commissioner; John W. Payne, Town Attorney; J. Hobson, Assessor; J. W. Payne, Clerk; B. D. Riley. Treasurer. In July, 1873, the town ordinances were revised, many important changes being made. In April, 1874, L. B. Cogswell was elected his own successor as School Trustee for three years. In 1874-75 Thomas Hunt, W. K. Andrew and James H. Sherrod became Town Trustees; B. D. Riley, Treasurer; J. W. Payne. Clerk and Attorney; Thomas Stalcup. Marshal, Assessor and Street Commissioner; T. B. Buskirk, School Trustee. The receipts for 1873-74 were $476.55, and the expenses $290.60. School fund receipts $1,398.38; expenses, $1,561.55. Joseph W. Comingore became Marshal, Assessor and Street Commissioner in June, 1974. In 1875-76 the Trust- ens were Thomas Hunt, J. F. Stocker and W. K. Andrew; Clerk and Attorney, J. W. Payne; School Trustee. L. S. Bowles; Treasurer, J. C. Albert: Assessor, etc. J. W. Comingore. The number of polls in May, 1975, was ninety-nine. The receipts for 1874-75 were $2,053.84, and the expenses $2,114.87. The officers of 1876-77 were Hunt, Stucker and Andrew, Trustees; John L. Megenity, Treasurer; J. W. Payne, Clerk; W. J. Hackett, Assessor, Marshal and Street Commissioner. Thomas L. Brown was elected School Trustee, in June, 1876, for three years. The receipts for 1875-76 were $2.558.98; expenses $2,439.71. In September. 1876, the Town Board ordered the issue of $4,000 of bonds to take the place of those then falling due which had been issued in 1871 to be used in building the schoolhouse. The new bonds were to be of the denomi- nation of $100 each payable in five years with 10 per cent interest. These bonds were issued and sold, and the first $4,000 issued of the old ones were taken up. In April, 1877, the office of Assessor was abolished. In 1877-78 the officers were Thomas Hunt, Christian Pro and Abraham Noblitt. Trustees; J. L. Megenity, Treasurer; J. W. Payne, Clerk and Attorney: W. J. Hackett, Marshal and Street Commissioner; W. F. Osborn, School Trustee for three years. The receipts for 1876-7 were $1,855. 78 and the expenses $1,801.73. In January, 1878, B. E. Bushaw succeeded Hackett as Marshal and Street Commissioner, and William H. Martin succeeded J. W. Payne as Clerk and Attorney.

THE BONDS REFUNDED; OFFICERS, ETC.

In 1878 the sale of 6 per cent bonds was begun to obtain means to

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redeem those bearing 10 per cent interest and then falling due. Bonds worth $8,000 were accordingly issued, in denominations of $50 and $100 each, bearing 6 per cent interest, payable semi-annually, the bonds to run five years, but to be paid after one year, at the option of the Town Trustees, and to bear date May 15, 1878. The officers of 1878-79 were: J. M. Andrew, H. E. Wells and J. T. Stout, Trustees; W. H. Martin, Clerk and Attorney; Elisha Braxtan, Assessor (the office having been revived); Marshal and Street Commissioner. L. S. Bowles was elected his own successor as School Trustee. The officers for 1879-80 were: Andrew, Stout and Wells. Trustees; E. G. Wilson, Clerk and Attorney; Thomas Hunt, Treasurer: S. E. Dayhuff, Marshal and Street Commis- sioner; B. D. Riley, School Trustee. In July, 1879, the amount of 6 per cent bonds to refund those outstanding drawing 10 per cent interest was fixed at $10,000, bonds to be of the denominations of from $50 to $500, payable in ten years, interest payable semi-annually, bonds paya- ble after five years, at the option of the Town Board. These bonds were sold and the proceeds used in redeeming the others as they fell due. In November, 1879, a revision of the town ordinances occurred. The officers of 1890-81 were: Stout, Wells and Andrew, Trustees; Abraham Noblitt, Clerk and Attorney: W. M. Bagerly, Marshal and Street Commissioner; Thomas Hunt, Treasurer. W. H. Martin became Clerk and Attorney in December, 1880. G. W. Beswick became Marshal, etc., in February, 1SS1. The officers of 1581-S2 were: Andrew, Stout and Wells, Trust- ees; E. C. Simpson, Clerk and Attorney; Thomas Hunt, Treasurer; Jacob Snider, Marshal. etc. U. H. Hon, L. S. Lindley and J. W. Hol- lingsworth were appointed a Board of Health. The officers of 1882-83 were: John L. Megenity, Benjamin M. Lingle and John T. Stout, Trust. ees; Thomas Hunt, Treasurer; W. J. Hackett. Marshal; B. D. Riley, L. S. Bowles and W. F. Osborn. School Trustees; E. C. Simpson, Clerk; A. J. Rhodes. School Trustee, June, 1SS2. In July Pendleton Brown became Marshal. The officers of 1883-84 were: Stout, Andrew and Megenity. Trustees; James F. Collins, Clerk; Thomas Hunt, Treasurer; Pendleton Brown, Marshal: W. F. Osborn was elected to succeed him. self as School Trustee. In July, 15$3, town bonds to the amount of $4,300 were ordered issued and sold to get means to redeem old bouds of that amount which came due May 15, 1SS3. The new bonds were $100 each, payable in five years. and bearing 6 per cent interest, payable semi- annually. William Farrell became Town Attorney in February, 1884. The officers of 1994-S5 were: Megenity, Andrew and Stout, Trustees; W. J. Hackett, Marshal: H. F. Davidson, Clerk; Thomas Hunt, Treas- urer. The receipts for the fiscal year 1583-84 were $7,080.64, and expenses were $6,350.05.

THE SECRET SOCIETIES.

Paoli Lodge, No. 119, A. F. & A. M. was established in Paoli. in

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February, 1850, a dispensation having been granted Hugh C. Wible, John Baker and H. T. Moxley, by the Grand Lodge to work until a charter could be prepared and forwarded. Within a short time George Faucett, S. D. McCann, J. T. Throop. W. T. Osborn and G. W. Coffin were duly initiated, and invested with Masonic dignity. The first meeting of the lodge was held on the 13th of February, 1850, and the first initiation-that of John T. Throop-ocenrred May 24, 1850. The first officers were: Hugh C. Wible, W. M .; John Baker. S. W .; H. T. Moxley, J. W .; and the remaining officers were elected as follows after they had been initiated; J. T. Throop. S. D .: W. T. Osborn, J. D; George Faucett, Treasurer; S. D. McCann, Secretary; G. W. Coffin, Tiler. The lodge was weak at first but gradually became strong as the membership increased. The charter was received in June, 1851, and bore the date May 30, 1851. The lodge has owned no hall of its own. but has a small property saved. and at present meets in the second story of the Riley Block, on the south side of the square. Their hall is taste- fully arranged. The present officers are: Christian Pro. W. M. ; B. D. Riley, S. W .; William T. Hicks, J. W. ; W. J. Throop, S. D .; W. H. Harrison, J. D .; Abraham Noblitt, Secretary. The present membership is large.

The early records of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Paoli are missing. From the charter it is learned that that instrument was granted by the Grand Lodge upon the application of John A. Lane, George Clark, W. C. R. Kemp, John Baker and Thomas W. Knox. It is stated that John A. Lane was the first Noble Grand. It is probable that the lodge worked under a dispensation at first, and if so was established in 1852. The charter bears date March 16, 1853, and the name, Reliance Lodge, No. 130. was adopted. The organization was fairly prosperous during its early existence, but soon after the war came on seems to have had a hiatus for about two years, owing to internal troubles. At the close of the war the meetings were fully revived, and have continued regu- larly until the present. The leaders of the lodge in 1555, are said to have been John A. Lane, John Frazer and George Clark. The lodge owns no hall, but meets in a rented one, in the Riley Block. It has property of some value saved from time. The present offcers are as fol- lows: M. S. Mavity, N. G .; B. M. Lingle, V. G .; George A. Buskirk, Secretary; John L. Megenity, Treasurer; A. J. Rhodes, Warden; J. H. McCarthy, Guard; William Farrell, Conductor; B. D. Riley, Host; William Farrell, M. S. Mavity and Jacob Schneider, Trustees. The pres- ent membership is about thirty-tive.

In early years the Washingtonians and the Sons of Temperance had organizations in the town, and were largely attended. They continued several years, aud did much good in removing the prevailing impression that alcohol was an indispensible drink. These organizations were effected during the thirties, and were revived during the forties and fifties.

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In 1868 Paoli Lodge, No. 563, I. O. G. T., was instituted, and for sev- eral years flourished with a good membership. On the 12th of July, 1884, Williamson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Paoli, with a charter membership of twenty-three. The officers were installed by Spicely Lodge of Orleans, and was named for Dr. William- sou, who had resided for a short time at Paoli. He was mortally wound- ed at Champion Hills, while at his post. The lodge gives promise of prosperity.

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY SEAT.

The first newspaper published in Paoli, or Orange County, made its appearance on the 5th of May, 1832, and was called " The Paoli Times." It was a small sheet, Democratic in politics, subscription price, $1.75 per year, and was edited by William A. Bowles. After about a year and a half of irregular appearance, the issue was discontinued. About the 1st of January, 1835, the second paper was started at Paoli by Leonard Green, and was called the Indiana Patriot. It, also, was an insignificant sheet, compared with the present newspapers; was neutral or independ- ent in politics, and cost $2 per annum. How long it was issued, is uncertain, though probably about two years. In April, 1838, the third attempt was made to permanently establish a paper in Paoli. R. McGrew began issuing a Democratic paper called the Torch Light, and charged $2 per year subscription. This paper died without hope of res- urrection within a year. The fourth attempt to found a permanent paper at the county seat was highly successful.

THE TRUE AMERICAN.

On Monday, the 27th of May, 1839, the first number of the True American was issued by Henry Comingore. It was a five-column folio, subscription price, $2 per year, and made the following announcement concerning its politics: "Our politics, both of a general and local nature, shall be strictly Democratic, believing the people to be the Bov- ereigns in National as well as State Governments. The doctrines laid down by the illustrious Jefferson, the father of Democracy in this Re- public, and the universal friend of mankind, shall be carefully main- tained in our paper." D. C. Dodds was publisher. The second issue was June 10. In September the paper was changed to a six-column folio, and at this time J. Mayne became connected with Mr. Comingore in a subordinate capacity. The issue at this time and later was somewhat irregular. In 1S40 the publishers of the True American commenced issuing a small sheet called The Mirror. This was filled with miscel. laneous literature, and was sold in connection with the American for 50 cents per year. It was not continued long. The subscription price of the American was soon dropped to $1.50 per year, but still the editor had all he could do to make both ends meet. In Angust, 1840, George Mckay

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became associated with Mr. Comingore, but about six months later re- tired. In the spring of 1841 the name was slightly changed, becoming the True American and Agricultural Register. A full page was devoted wholly to matters of agriculture, and was made valuable to farmers in order to receive their support. The subscription list improved for a time, but the paper was again diminished to five columns, but again enlarged in December, 1841. It was during this period that the first agri- cultural society in the county was organized, chiefly through the influence of Mr. Comingore. In 1842 the paper was again diminished in size, and repeated calls came from the editor for produce on subscription. In 1844 J. M. Marts became associated with Mr. Comingore, and in 1845 the two started the Bedford Sun, at Bedford, of which James Hughes was established as editor. The True American was issued until January, IS16, when it was discontinued, the editor going to Jasper, where he founded a paper. While he was gone two short-lived papers made their appearance at Paoli-the Telegraph and the Battery-neither of which lived long. Cox & Payne were connected with the Telegraph and Riley & Baker with the Battery.

THE AMERICAN EAGLE.

On the 20th of September. 1848, Mr. Comingore having returned to Paoli, issued the first copy of The American Eagle, a six-column folio newspaper, Democratic in politics of course, subscription price $1.50 per year. In June, 1854, D. O. Comingore was associated with H. Comingore in the publication of the paper, but his name disappears from the issues in January, 1856. In 1856, for a time, three or four columns of the paper were set in German. This was done by the editor to catch the German subscription, mainly in Dubois County. The issue of the paper continued until September, 1861, and was then abandoned until May, 1862, and then issued until July, 1862, and then abandoned again. It made its appearance in March, 1863, greatly reduced in size, but was suspended in August, and so remained until August, 1865, when it again came out as bright as ever. It was issued until 1874, and was then per- manently abandoned, after having been issued about twenty-five years by the veteran editor. Henry Comingore; or counting the True Ameri- can as the real commencement of the issue, Mr. Comingore conducted the sheet from 1839 to 1874. a period of about thirty-five years. It is not too much to say that in this long period no man in the county did more for the Democratic party than Mr. Comingore. He took a strong party position and maintained it to the last. During the latter part of the war he displeased the ultra element of his party by favoring the rapid enlistment of men in hopes of soon quelling the Rebellion. For this he was called by some a " weak-kneed Democrat," but time vindi- cated his judgment. Again, in the Greeley movement he refused, as he

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stated, to leave his party and political principles and "eat crow," and for this was denounced by many of his party.

THE UNION AND THE NEWS.

In 1868 a Republican newspaper called the Orange County Union, was started at Paoli, the editor being Mr. Knapp. The material had been purchased by Mr. Knapp mainly in Cincinnati, the funds being furnished or rather subscribed in shares of $10 each, by from thirty to fifty leading Republicans of the connty, who felt the need of, and were determined to have a party organ. Sufficient funds to pay for the outfit were not raised, and a mortgage was executed upon the office in favor of the Cincinnati Type Foundry. The sheet was conducted with fair success until early in 1872, when the editor, who had been appointed Postmaster of Paoli, suddenly decamped, having first, by fraudulent postal orders on other offices made payable to himself, managed to rob the Postoffice Department of several hundred dollars which he collected on his departure from this portion of the State. The mortgage on the office was foreclosed, and the material was sold at Sheriff's sale to Thomas B. Buskirk, a promising young lawyer of the town, who began the issue of a bright Democratic paper called the Paoli News. Mr. Bus- kirk owned and conducted the paper from July 31, 1872, until Novem- ber, 1879, and for a time bad his father, John B. Buskirk as an associate. The paper during this management, secured a large circulation, and had a valuable job and advertising patronage. It was first a folio, then a quarto, then a folio, subscription $1.50 per annum. At the last date above named the office was sold to Hon. John L. Megenity who is yet its owner and editor. It has a comfortable circulation, and a good job and advertising patronage and is the organ of the Democracy of the county.

THE REPUBLICAN.

The old American Eagle became defunct in 1874, and the following year, with the same office and material, J. W. Comingore began the issue of the Paoli Republican, a seven-column folio weekly newspaper. The paper was fairly prosperous, and was conducted by Mr. Comingore until November, 1878, when the entire office, good-will, etc., were purchased by Joseph P. Throop and Stephen Collier. The material belonged to Henry Comingore and was not sold. Throop & Collier bought the office material of the Orleans paper, and thus equipped, continued the issue of the Republican. In 1879, Collier sold his interest to Throop, who is now sole owner, editor and manager. At the time of purchase by MIr. Throop, the office was conducted mainly, if not exclusively in issuing the paper, but soon a valuable job and advertising patronage was secured, and is maintained until the present. The Republican is the organ of the county Republicans, though the Eraminer of Orleans, takes a portion of this honor.

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THE GREENBACK ADVOCATE.

In 1876 Henry Comingore began the issue of The Greenback Advo. cate, the name signifying in what interest the paper was founded and conducted. A fair patronage in all departments was secured, but at the close of the second volume the issue was abandoned. The Normal School has for some time issued a small sheet in the interests of that institution and education in general.

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History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 57

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 199-?] Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.] Number of Pages: 954

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954