History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 91

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 91
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 91
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 91

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).

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and during the epidemic the following persons died of the fell disease: Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. McCoy, Mrs. Cogswell, Mrs. Brazelton, J. H. Farn- ham, Francis Hagan's child, Isaac Hagan, a child of Mre. Compton, Rev. James McCoy, Mrs. D. G. Campbell, Mrs. Kyte, J. L. Johnson's child, Miss Bates, Miss Hayworth, Mrs. Compton, Mrs. Carpenter, Miss Bryles, Ellen Badger, Elizabeth Nixon, a daughter of Samuel Hender- son, making in all fifty-five who fell victims to the dreadful scourge. . There were a few sporadic cases of cholera in 1849, when Henry Young died.

Salem was again visited by this pestilence in Angust, 1831. It began about August 20 of that year, and the following persons died: The first was Alfred Markham, and then Mr. Reed (a German), John B. Hendricks, Mrs. Thomas Godfrey, Miss Godfrey, Mrs. T. W. Weeks, Miss Leah Ann Nuckols, Mrs. H. B. Malott, Capt. Samuel Day, Mrs. Branson Lee, Mrs. Peter Nangle, Mrs. Simon Drom. Charles Sutter. Henry Uppinghouse, Eliza Harris, Austin Harris, Miss Polly A. Spurgin, Thomas Lindley, James Wolf, Richard Lockwood, Stephen Baldwin, Celia Lee, Linzy White, Rebecca Demar; to which. ontside of town: William Henry, Thomas D. Weir, Rev. William R. Williams, John Botts and a stranger, name unknown. making twenty-nine. There were at one time six dead in 1851, but the day is not remembered. There have been no cases of the epidemic, with one exception, since the citizens removed the old Rodman dam below town.

BANKING ENTERPRISES.

In 1833 the State Bank of Indiana was chartered by the State. Salem was exceedingly anxious for a branch, and many of her leading citizens worked very hard to secure it, but they failed, and Bedford got it. It was then determined to organize a local bank. A charter was obtained for the "Salem Savings Institution," and the bank was organized. Henry Young was appointed Manager. It proved to be a very unpopu- lar concern. It was badly managed, and in 1840 Dr. Elijah Newland wonnd the thing up. In 1853 Washington C. De Pauw established the Bank of Salem, under the free bank law. John L. Menaugh was the Cashier. It was in operation several years, and was finally moved to the city of New Albany, where it continued to be called the Bank of Salem. The present Bank of Salem was organized September 17. 1879. with a capital stock of $55.000. Lee W. Sinclair is its President, and James F. Persise the Cashier.

THE NEW ALBANY & SALEM RAILROAD.

In 1846 the project of a railroad from New Albany to Salem, and thence to Lake Michigan, was broached, and a charter obtained. The company, after an herculean effort, was formed with James Brooks, Pres-

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ident. and George Lyman, Secretary, with a full Board of Directors. A new era in the business and prospects of old Salem was swiftly rolling round. But it took several years to complete this then stupendous enter- prise. By June, 1850, the company had progressed as far as Providence, and cars were then running to that point. Passengers from the south came that far by railroad, and from thence to this place a line of hacks ran daily for the accommodation of the traveling public. On the 15th day of January, 1851, the first train of cars arrived at Salem, which for a long time was the terminus of the road. The track was made in a primitive way. Stringers were put down, and now and then a cross-tie, npon which was spiked a strap or flat rail. But everybody thought it a marvel then, and it was. To Salem it was a grand day. Hundreds of people from the surrounding country came in to see the "iron horse," and when it did come. puffing, snorting into town, with its hoarse neigh reverberating from the surrounding hills, there went up a yell of delight and wonder that proved it to be the proudest day of Salem's existence.

LATER BUSINESS MEN.

Among those doing business in Salem at this date may be named: John Gordon, hardware and groceries; John H. McMahan & Sons. dry goods and groceries; Campbell & Bryce. dry goods and groceries; Weir & Thomas, drugs and medicines; Hiram B. Malott, groceries; Dawson Lyon, dry goods and groceries: Elijah Gossett was the cabinet-maker and undertaker; Snyder & Allison and George J. Attkisson were the tailors; John Hanger, who is still "carrying on business at the old stand, " was the wagon and carriage-maker; James H. Neal, also still in business, saddle and harness-maker; Samuel L. Brown, stoves and tin- ware; James P. Banta, wagon-maker and blacksmith; Willoughby Stuart, wheelwright and turner; Erastus K. Coffin, silversmith, watch and clock repairer; Daniel Knight, gunsmith; William Martin, boots and shoes; John A. Rife, cigar maker: John Arnold, baker; and last, but not least, the Chesterfield of Salem, Sampson Christie, the polished barber and hair- dresser. The hotels at this date were kept by Samuel M. Huston and Robert H. Wilson.

THE GOLD EXCITEMENT.

In 1550 quite a number of Salem people got the gold fever. Fabu- lous stories were told about finding gold on Salt Creek, and the North Fork of Beanblossom, in Brown County. It was reported that on Bear Creek nuggets had been found as large as grains of corn, and that with a machine they were washing out $15 or $16 per day. Of course such stories as these excited the naturally credulous portion of our population, and there was a stampede to the Brown County mines. One poetical miner, before leaving, published a " Brown County Gold Song " of seven verses. the first of which ran as follows:

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I'm now in Salem, it is true. With a wash-bowl on my knee. But I'm going to Brown County The gold dust for to see: And let the sun be e'er so hot. The weather wet or dry. I'm hound to see that golden spot.

Then, ladies, don't you cry.

They all returned to Salem in a short while with the remark that " The mines won't pay."

SALEM CAPTURED IN 1863.

During the summer of 1863 many false alarms had been circulated to the effect that the Confederates intended to invade Indiana. Our citi- zens had heard these reports so often that they got used to them, and paid very little attention to them. But the invasion came at last. On the 9th of July, 1863, Gen. John Morgan, at the head of about 4,000 men. crossed the Ohio River at Brandenburg, and began his march north- ward through Indiana. The " Home Guards " resisted his approach. but as they proved to be unorganized and undrilled, they made no headway against such a formidable enemy as that headed by the wily John Mor- gan. After passing Corydon they headed for Salem, which they reached on the morning of July 11, 1863. They planted their batteries on Den- nis hill and prepared for action. The unorganized militia of this town and vicinity finally determined to surrender. The troops then took pos- session of the town. They made a prison of the court house, and Mor- gan and staff established headquarters at the Persise Hotel, southeast corner of the square. They burned the depot and cut off all telegraphic communication. A rausom of $1,000 each was levied upon W. C. De Pauw's mill, Gayer Knight's mill, and the woolen factory of Allen & Co. They entered the stores, carrying away what goods they needed, and a great many they had no use for. These they afterward gave away, or threw away. Occasionally they paid their bills in Confederate money. Often they compelled citizens to disgorge what greenbacks they had, and would demand watches and such trinkets with impunity. They swapped and took horses whenever it pleased them. They left town in the after- noon, taking the Canton road.

THE SCHOOL BUILDING.

Among the many things of which Salem feels proud is her reputation for schools of learning. Years ago she stood second to no other town in Indiana in this respect. And while it is not the work of the author of this chapter to write about the schools-that duty having been assigned to others-he may be permitted to say that Salem still offers superior advantages to the youth of our land who desire an education. The Eikosi Academy, a private institution of learning for young ladies and gentle-

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men, is complete and thorough in every respect, conforming to the require. ments of the age of progress in which we live. Its Principal is that veteran teacher, Prof. William W. May. The town of Salem long ago said to the people, "Educate your children and I will pay the cost." On the 4th day of April, 1871, an ordinance was passed by the Town Board, "providing for the issuing of bonds for the purpose of raising funds to build a schoolhouse, purchase a site therefor, furnish the same, and pro. viding ways and means to liquidate the bonds issued." Under this ordi- nance the Board issued bonds amounting in the aggregate to $14,000, which drew 10 per cent interest, and were made payable in ten years, with the privilege of payment after the lapse of one year. The building was finally completed and received by the Board in the month of Decem- ber. 1871. Its entire cost, including lot, building and furniture, was $20,000. It contains nine rooms and employs nine teachers. The build- ing was planned with the most consummate skill. The grounds are large and beautiful, and the school has a tolerably good library, which is being increased annually by our wise Trustees.

THE BIG FIRE OF 1874.

On the morning of August 1, 1874, as Uncle Billy Spurgeon was going to open his meat shop, he discovered fire in Peck's dry goods store, in Lyon's Block. He gave the alarm as quickly as possible, and soon the bells called the citizens out. The building was three stories high, and extended the entire length of what is now Lyon's Block. Every- thing that could be done was done by the citizens to prevent ita entire loss. But the building, together with a large amount of the goods, including Masonic Hall and all the lodge furniture and records, were entirely burned up. The total loss was not less than $100,000. The building was set on fire for the purpose of covering up a robbery. Among the heavy losers by this fire were: Dawson Lyon, $32,000; H. D. Henderson, $7.000; R. L. Mitchell, $2,000; W. J. Hanger & Co., $2,000; Masonic fraternity, $2,000; Salem Democrat office, $3,000. As soon as Dawson Lyon secured the contents of his safe, a very large amount of which were deposits, he told those assisting him to save the chairs and table that were the property of his father, before they touched anything in the store. Such paternal reverence as this is noble and commendable. The block was rebuilt by Mr. Lyon shortly afterward, and though with one story less, presents as nice an appearance as the original block.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The first fire department ever organized in Salem was in the year 1\36. just after the burning of Micajah Newby's factory. The town bought a little engine and a company agreed to run it. The first fire proved its utter worthlessness and it was set aside. Early in 1878 the

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Town Board decided to purchase a fire engine and appointed D. M. McMahan, B. T. Pace and George Hazlett to contract for one. Accord- ingly on the 16th of April. 1878, those gentlemen reported that they had bought of the Silsby Manufacturing Company a Silsby steam fire engine of the most approved pattern, together with hose, hose reel, pipes and all attachments and accompaniments necessary, at a cost of $4,500 Their action was approved by the Board and the engine was sent on immediately. On the 23d of April, 1878, Salem Fire Company No. 1. tendered its services to the Town Board. Their constitution and by-laws were submitted and approved, and the company's services accepted. The fire engine is a success and has more than paid for itself. The fire com- pany is ever on the alert and attentive to business. Salem feels proud of her fire department.

GRADING HIGH STREET, AND THE SQUARE.

Early in 1882 the citizens living on High Street concluded to grade and level that street. lay sidewalks and make crossings at the different streets and alleys. On the 27th of June the Town Board appointed A. J. Parker, James H. Redfield and Lee W. Sinclair. Street Commis. sioners for the purpose of improving High Street, authorizing them to grade. gravel and improve said street from the railroad south to the north end of said street. and to grade, gravel and improve such other streets as may cross said High Street. These gentlemen did their duty to the satisfaction of everybody, and High Street is now the boulevard of Salem. The maple and evergreen have taken the place of the ngl: locust. Those old sentinels of a former age are fast disappearing, though a few of them still stand, untouched by the ax. defying time and the winds. The largest part of the cost for grading High Street was paid by private enterprise-citizens living on the street. The town paid $306.45.

The next public enterprise was inaugurated August 21. 1SS3, at which time the Town Board ordered that the public square be graded, macadam- ized and drained. The contract was awarded to John Owens at the sum of $4,649. The job was completed according to contract on the 1st of December, 1883. It is one of the most important improvements ever made by our town, and one that will last always. No longer do the cats hold high carnival by " moonlight alone " in the rank dog.fennel that grew upon the square. The industry of an intelligent people has put abont fourteen inches of solid rock between that dog-fennel and the- cate.

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.

The first Masonic lodge organized in Salem was in the year 1815. It was then called Melchisedec Lodge, No. 7. and was under the jurisdic- tion of Kentucky. Her first charter from the Grand Lodge of Ken

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tucky and also from the Grand Lodge of Indiana were stolen, and the one she received to replace the latter, which was issued in 1835, was destroyed by the great fire of 1874, together with all the early records, papers and everything else belonging to the fraternity. Salem Lodge, No. 21, became the name of Melchisedec Lodge, No. 7, after Indiana became a State and organized a Grand Lodge. Salem Lodge, No. 21, is now in a prosperous condition. She has a membership of over 100, and holds two meetings per month. Salem Royal Arch Chapter, No. 28, also lost all ber records and furniture by the fire of 1874. The Chapter meets once each month; has about forty members, and is in the best con- dition she has been in since the fire.

Salem Lodge, No. 67, I. O. O. F., was organized June 4, 1849, and a charter granted July 11, 1849. Her present membership consists of sixty. This order has just completed a new and commodious hall, which is the best one in town. The value of the property is about $7,000. The order is in a healthy and prosperous condition.

Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 96, although a young order, has fifty- six members. It was organized August 9, 1881, and holds weekly meet . ings. Its lodge property is valued at $400.

THE COUNTY JAIL.

The present county jail was built in 1881 on part of Lots 15 and 16, at a cost of $15,000. It was built in the most substantial manner, with the latest improvements. The prison walls are composed of very heavy blocks of stone, neatly fitted in their places. The whole structure has an air of solidity about it, and reminds one that it is better to be a " good citizen " than to transgress and get into a place like this.

SALEM IN 1884.

The population of Salem at the present time is about 1,650. The rules of good society are well established, and the moral character of our citizens is at least equal to that of any other town where an equal amount of business is done. Though we have moneyed capital, there is room for more. Though we have skilled mechanics and industrious laborers, there is room for others. Our manufacturing interests are not what they should be. Other neighboring towns are reaping the benefits of our laxity. But we have some first-class mannfacturing houses. Our flouring-mills are first class. Knight's Mill, the De Pauw Mill, operated by W. S. Persise, and the Star Mills, by Henry R. Munkelt, are in con- stant operation. The last-named mill was built in 1880, and has a capacity of fifty barrels per day. It is run by steam, with stones and roller combined; size 72x40. The other mills have been mentioned before. We have one lumber-yard, doing a business amounting to many thousands of dollars annually. Lumber is shipped to all points in this State and the East and South. It is owned and managed by Col. S. D.

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Sayles. We have five dry goods stores, all of them doing a good busi - neas. They are: The Berkey Bros., Berkey & Motsinger, J. S. McCul- lough, A. J. McIntosh and Lee W. Sinclair. The following persons are engaged in the grocery trade: Hauger & McMurran, John B. Clark, J. F. Ratts, Jamison & Warriner, W. B. Harris, R. W. Allen, Collin Mckinney, James B. Guffey, J. M. Taylor & Bro., John L. Williams, William Shamo, William H. Thompson and James Godfrey. In the boot and shoe trade are Samuel Nixon, William Shamo and Henry Streaker. Dealers in stoves and tinware are: Samuel B. Hobbs and Samuel & Henry Smith. Hardware merchants-C. W. Mobley and G & H. Paynter and Morris & Reid. Watches, clocks and jewelry-B. T. Pace and John W. Cooper. Saddlery hardware-James H. Neal & Son and Shields. Drugs and medicines-Charles Mcclintock, Harvey D. Henderson and Benjamin W. Tucker. Clothing-Moch & May, C. C. Hanger & Co. and Lee W. Sinclair. Bakery-Johanna Kramer. School supplies -Charles Mcclintock and James Kemp. Our barber is Henry Schlagel. Milliners-Miss Eliza Mobley and Mrs. E. B. Walker. Fur- niture dealers and manufacturers-Routh & Attkisson and Henry Klerner & Co. Meat-markets-John T. Shanks, James Godfrey, Will- iam Spurgeon and Solon Tilford. Hotels-The Gray House, Parmer Gray, proprietor; the Telle House, Mary Telle, proprietress; the Hun. gate House, Thomas Williams, proprietor. Livery stables-J. J. Hun- gate, Chapman & Mckinney and Frank Ratts. Saloons-M. K. Chap. man, John D. Mckinney, Frank Ratts and Frank O'Donnell. Billiard hall-Eli Strain. Ten-pin alley-Albert Medlock. The Town Trustees at this date are as follows: First Ward, Mansford D. Coffman; Second Ward, Jacob D. Zink; Third Ward, H. H. Routh; Fourth Ward, Elisha D. Williams; Fifth Ward, William F. McMurran; Robert W. Allen. Treasurer; Harvey Morris, Clerk.

THE PRESS OF SALEM."

As early as March 17, 1818, a weekly newspaper called The Tocsin was founded at Salem. It was a small four-columned folio, subscription price, $2, $2.50 and $3 per annum, as to whether paid for in advance or not, edited and published by Ebenezer Patrick and Beebe Booth. At the end of the first volume Patrick assumed the paper alone, but Matthew Patrick a little later became associated with him. The issue was con. tinued until about May, 1821, and was then abandoned. May 3, 1822, Ebenezer and Eleazer Wheelock started the Indiana Farmer. Much attention was given to farm news. Many changes were made in the management. Patrick was at one time associated with Wheelock. Each conducted it alone for a time. In April. 1826. Patrick rented it for a year and resumed the old name Tocsin, and soon came out for the Adams

* The remainder of this chapter was written by members of the historical company.

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party. About the first of January, 1827, Henry S. Handy issued the first number of the Annofator, a larger paper than the others and an advocate of Andrew Jackson for President. John Allen became asso. ciated with Handy on the second volume, and soon afterward assumed entire ownership. In 1829 the name of the paper was changed to the Western Annotator, and at this time William Tannehill became connected with the sheet. Tannehill about this time conducted a paper called the Salem Literary Register, brought into being by the strong demand of the excellent literary societies and the educational interests of the town. This was discontinued before Tannehill's connection with the Annotator. In August, IS30. Ebenezer Patrick began issuing the Indiana Times, which was destroyed by the great Salem fire of December 21, 1830. Soon after this Patrick founded the Indiana Phoenix, a five-column folio. Salem then had two newspapers. In the Presidential campaign of 1832, the Phoenix espoused the cause of Henry Clay, while the Annotator con. tinued its support of Andrew Jackson. In December, 1832, James G. May became one of the editors of the Annotator. The Phoenix was dis- continued in June, 1833. Allen was connected with the Annotator at this time. but in July died of cholora, leaving Mr. May sole manager. In 1834 W. H. May was associated with him. In the latter part of 1834. May. then editor, accepted a situation as Superintendent of the Decatur County Seminary, when the Annotator was abandoned.

Early in 1835 Dr. Charles Hay and Royal B. Child bought the office of the Annofator. and commenced publishing the Indiana Monitor, a Whig paper, continuing three volumes, when Child sold his interest to Z. W. Rowse. and the Salem Whig was founded. Hay left in December, 1840, and in March. 1841, the Whig ceased with the death of Rowse. In 1838 Jaines Markwell and James MI. Lucas founded the Washington Republican. John L. Menaugh became connected with it in 1839, also J. O. Walters. printer. Soon after this James Markwell was connected with it. A new series of the Republican was started in March, 1840, by Calvin Frary and James M. Lucas. In 1841 Thomas P. Williams became owner, publisher and manager of the Republican with C. L. Dunham, editor. In 1543 Thomas P. Baldwin became editor. In April, 1945. Williams, publisher, and R. B. J. Twyman, editor, changed the title to People's Advocate. About a year later Twyman left, and Williams continued the paper until his death. In October, 1845, Calvin Frary issned the first number of the third series of the Washington Republican. He sold out to John I. Morrison in November, 1847. In April, 1841, William H. May bought the Whig office and issued the Western Commentator, with James G. May, editor. This paper was Whig. In September the office was moved to Madison. In 1845 Marcus L. Deal and Miles M. Birdsong founded the Salem Weekly News, which paper continued over seven volumes and a half. Mr. Deal was alone

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toward the last. The paper was Whig. In 1850 John I. Morrison and J. F. Baird founded the Salem Locomotive, a small folio flying Crockett's motto. The sheet did not live long. In June, 1855, Howard Coe and Lionel E. Rumrill started the American True Flag, a Republican paper. Rumrill left in January, 1856. The American Citizen was issued in 1856-57 by Thomas Collins. A. C. Trueblood and B. F. Hicks founded the Salem Times in February, 1858. In November. 1859, Hicks retired, and Erasmus P. Huston took his place. Trueblood left for the war in May, 1861, and John I. Morrison succeeded him as editor. In June, 1861, the Times was succeeded by the Union Advocate. These two papers were Republican. Early in 1862 Huston left, and D. A. Burton became publisher. Morrison left in June, 1864. James G. May had been for six months editorial writer. George V. Smith then became pub- lisher and James G. May editor. About the first of March, 1865, the office passed to T. H. & J. P. Cozine, the former being editor, and the latter publisher. The paper was suspended June, 1865. In March, 1869, J. S. Butler and O. T. Kendall started the Salem Mercury, which became defunct in six months. In 1872-73, D. M. Alspangh and C. A. Allen con- ducted the Salem Republican. J. H. Taggart issued eighteen numbers of the Free Press in 1874. For eighteen months in 1870 and 1880, Rev. W. M. Jordan and B. F. Hungerford conducted a monthly periodical called the Mirror in the interests of the Baptist Church. In IS62 (spring), the Advocate issued a small daily for about one month.

THE WASHINGTON DEMOCRAT.

November 27, 1547, Morrison & Taylor issued the first number of the Washington Democrat. This paper is yet issued (1884). In about two years the paper passed to Williams & Owens. T. N. Jordan became editor about January 1, 1850, but left after forty issues. Williams then worked alone. Horace Heffren became joint editor with Williams in February, 1852, but after the Presidential campaign Heffren withdrew. Z. S. Garriott became joint editor in March, 1854, but left in forty.three numbers, though in August, 1855, he became sole editor, Mr. Williams being publisher. In 1857 Z. S. Garriott became proprietor as well as editor, but in August, 1859, was succeeded by Levi D. Maxwell, and he in April, 1860, by Horace Heffren. Thomas Telle became publisher. During the summer of 1861 both entered the army, and in August G. Y. Johnson took the office and continued the issue under the name Dem- ocratic Banner of Liberty. In September, 1862, Heffren and O. T. Ken- dall came in as editor and publisher, and soon afterward the old title, Washington Democrat, was resumed. George Fultz and William P. Green became proprietors in September, 1863. Green became chief editor in October, and about a year later was succeeded by Fultz. Arm- strong & Kendall were associated with the paper. Late in 1872 the

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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 91

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