USA > Indiana > Madison County > History of Madison County, Indiana, from 1820 to 1874 : giving a general review of principal events, statistical and historical items, derived from official sources > Part 12
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At eleven o'clock the number assembled was quite large, at which time the meeting was called to order by M. Andrew Mckenzie. General John D. Stephenson was elected President, and J. F. Rhoades, Secretary. Prayer was offered by Rev. A. Davis, after which the meeting adjourned for dinner. The old pioneers seemed to under- stand thi- movement perfectly, and the way eatables disap- peared, and especially chickens, was almost wonderful to behold. At 1 P. M. the meeting was again called to order, to listen to the addresses. Rev. John W. Forrest came to the front and told what he knew about early times.
At the close of Mr. Forrest's remarks, the Perkinsville Silver Cornet Band put in an appearance and entertained us at intervals with excellent music. Speeches were made by Judge Jonathan Colburn, James Hollingsworth, W. W. Conner, Noah Waymire, H. G. Finch, and T. L. Beckwith. Mr. Finch very gravely informed the people that, in his judgment, the country would be better off without minis- ters or churches, etc.
Many interesting anecdotes were related bearing upon the manners and customs of early times. Some things were related which sounded rather indelicate to ears polite.
Various relics of bygone days were exhibited, and among them a shot pouch and powder horn worn by Mr. Fisher at the time he was killed by Indians. These were shown by Mr. William Roach, of Anderson. A permanent organiza- tion as an Old Settlers' Society for Hamilton and Madison counties, was effected. T. L. Beckwith was elected Corres- ponding Secretary. The meeting adjourned to meet again one year from to-day. M.
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MADISON COUNTY.
THE MADISON COUNTY FAIR.
The first fair held in the county was at Huntsville, about the year 1839. It was as a matter of course but slimly attended. But little stock, and that of the scrub order, was present. Among those who were interested in this fair were John J. Lewis, Isaac Busby, Conrad Crossley, William Roach and John H. Cook.
This infant organization did not continue and the next we hear of a county fair was at Anderson in the year 1850. A piece of land was leased of John Davis one-half mile west of the city for a term of years where several successful fairs were held. Quite an interest was taken and the stock had greatly improved since the Huntsville fair. About the year 1855, the lease expired and the fair again went down. In the year 1867, the society was reorganized, a piece of land containing twenty acres and immediately north of the one described was bought and enclosed with a substantial fence. On this ground fairs have been held ever since.
William Crim was elected President and served six years. H. J. Bronenberg is now President, and E. P. Schlater Sec- retary. The average receipts yearly have been about $2,800. The premiums have been paid and everything has been sat- isfactory. There are good halls and sheds sufficient for all the demands, a commodious amphitheater, a good time track, etc. In connection with this we will give the report of this society to the Indiana Agricultural Society for the year 1873, also, a full report of the premiums for 1874.
" The sixth annual exhibition of the Madison county Joint Stock Agricultural Society, was held on the 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th days of September, 1873, in their beautiful grove of twenty acres, immediately west of and adjoining the city of Anderson.
We had very bad, stormy weather, until about noon of the second day, when the clouds commenced breaking away, and all nature was bathed in the glad sunlight. The ave- nues leading to the grove at once became animated with life,
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HISTORY OF
and the crowds wended their way to the grounds by the hundred.
It was soon apparent that the exhibition of 1873, was destined to eclipse any former display, and prove itself to be the crowning success of the Society. The last exhibition gave such general satisfaction to its patrons that additional interest was awakened throughout the entire county, as was shown by the fact that the sale of tickets this year exceeded that of 1872, by over one thousand. Upon the third day of the fair more than one-third of the entire population of Madison county were present upon the grounds.
During last years' exhibition the directors became satis- fied that the number of the halls for the accommodation of exhibitors, should be increased, and accordingly a new hall was erected at an expense of over $500. This hall was devoted, in part, to the display of farm products, and a platform, 20x25 feet, built upon each side of the main entrance for the display and operation of sewing machines and musical instruments. The new hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and proved to be as great an attraction as was Floral Hall.
Six sewing machine agents aspired to the red ribbon, whilst three styles and makes of organs competed for the first premium.
Floral Hall was, as usual crowded with almost every imaginable article of ladies' handicraft. A prominent and attractive feature of the Floral Hall display was the large number of paintings in oil, executed and exhibited by ama- teur artists. All of the paintings exhibited unusual talent and skill, and the thanks of the Society are due to the ama- teur artists for their countribution to the attractions of the hall.
The entries in the live stock department were in excess of the previous year, and it was noticeable that many of the exhibitors were new men, who had never before entered the list as competitors. This fact was of the most encouraging character, for the success of all our exhibitions, whether State or local, is mainly due to the interest which our farm- ers and mechanics manifest in them.
161
MADISON COUNTY.
In the display of horses, cattle, sheep and swine, no finer exhibition has ever been made in this county ; and if the inter- est in fine stock, already awakened among our farmers and breeders, is properly encouraged and fostered, not many years will elapse ere Madison county will be quoted as one of the best stock counties in the State.
The mechanical department was unusually well repre- sented, not only by articles of foreign manufacture, but by the products of home labor and skill. Large and elegant displays of carriages, buggies and wagons attracted general :attention.
The products of the farm, the garden and the orchard were represented in almost every variety. The grains, seeds, potatoes, apples, pumpkins and melons exhibited on this occasion, would convince the most skeptical that Madison county was second to no other in the class and character of her productions.
The premium list for 1873 amounted to $2,000, and pre- miums for the entire list were competed for, awarded and paid.
At this exhibition the Executive Committee rigidly enforced the rules adopted by the Society relative to gamb- ling and the exclusion of intoxicating liquors. On every side printed placards met the gaze of visitors, "Gambling of every kind and character strictly prohibited."
The Society is out of debt, with a surplus of almost $1,200.
The receipts for 1873 amounted to $3,114. The expend- itures, including new hall, repairs, etc., $3,123.
In conclusion, anticipating changes in the management of the Society, the present officers look with pride and gratifi- cation upon the success achieved at their sixth annual, and trust that those who follow them may be as earnest, watch- ful and devoted in advancing the interests of the Society as they have been.
An organization has been built up of which our county and State may justly feel proud, and it behooves the Soci- ety to select as its guardians those only whose energies and
11
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HISTORY OF
abilities will contribute still further to its advancement, general prosperity and extended usefulness.
EDWIN P. SCHLATER,
Secretary."
THE MADISON COUNTY FAIR.
- SEVENTH ANNUAL SESSION.
WHAT A HERALD REPORTER SAW.
THIRD DAY THURSDAY, Sept. 3.
Our last week's report ended with Wednesday, the sec- ond day of the fair. This morning the weather is clear, cool, and pleasant. The dust is deepening on the ground and thickening in the air. The managers had the track and principal roadway through the grounds sprinkled dur- ing the night, which makes getting about much more toler- able than it would have been otherwise.
There is to be seen, in the stalls this morning, the finest lot of horses ever brought together in Madison county. Jerry Brown, of Muncie, has four head, two of which will be put on the track to-morrow. Jonathan Sutton has two stable horses for general purposes. They are two years old, Madison county horses, and do much credit to our home representation.
Mr. W. E. Tindall, of Greenfield, has nine head. One is a general-purpose horse, Norman blood, four years, blood bay, and weighs sixteen hundred. We have seen very few as good horses. There are two other Normans almost as good.
John Huntzinger has a stallion of Morgan blood, entered for heavy draft and general purpose. He is a beau- tiful black and deserves well the consideration of the pub- lic. F. B. Keller has two-a young stallion and dam, English Glory, well proportioned for draft and general
163
MADISON COUNTY.
purpose. Color, dark roan. Samuel Parson has one two years old. Stock, Clydesdale. Weighs over a thousand, which for beauty and symmetrical proportion is hard to beat.
The last three mentioned are citizens of Madison county. Their stock is not inferior to that from a distance. Thomas J. Kimmerling has a three-fourths Norman blood. Took first premium for heavy draft. Aged four years. A beau- tiful dark iron dapple gray. Blood and pedigree unmis- takable, and is to be for future stock of Madison county.
A. W. Ross, of Delaware county, has nine beautiful specimens of the swine, and from their docility we suppose they are not of the stock into which Mary's devils entered. Elijah Miller has five head from Delaware county.
Joseph Heaton, of Delaware county, has on exhibition seven head not inferior to the best in the hog line.
Benjamin Lukins has Poland and China hogs, twenty- two in number. He is from Stony Creek township, Madi- son county. His number is only equalled by the fineness of quality. Hogs to keep and hogs to sell. The utmost care is taken to make the appropriate crosses to insure the best development of the porkers. Orin Walker, of Fall Creek Township, has twelve head of Berkshire stock. He can boast of having the heaviest hog on the ground.
Thomas Wilhoit & Son, Henry county, have four head of thoroughbreds, the quintessence of symmetrical beauty. His hogs will demand the careful attention of the judges.
W. W. Ross, of Delaware county has five head of hogs.
And now we find ourselves among the fine cattle. We have just come among the lords of the lowing herds, Messrs. Wilhoit & Son's big bull. These gentlemen have seventeen thoroughbreds upon the ground. The patriarch of the tribe weighs 2,560 pounds. This herd is well known throughout the State, and the proprietors deserve the red ribbons which they carry away from every fair for their enterprise.
Mr. James Jackson, of Wabash county, formerly of Mad- ison, shows eleven head of Short Horn cattle. The lord of
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HISTORY OF
the head, four years old, weighs 2,280 pounds. All thor- oughbred and pedigreed. Mr. Jackson manifested much taste in the selection and cross of his cattle. We have but one objection to him-he ought to be a citizen of Madison county. His stock ought to be developed from grass and grain grown with us.
Mr. Lewis Gwinn, of Hamilton county, has nine head of highly graded stock, which compare favorably with the best on the ground. Mr. G. took all the premiums on his class of cattle.
Back to the horses again.
Mr. George Frampton, of Fall Creek township, has five. One light harness stallion, three light harness mares and one general purpose mare.
John Lewark, of Fall Creek township, has two. One stallion, pedigree, Kentucky Whip, a beautiful black, eight years old, hight, sixteen and a half hands, compares favor- ably with stock of his class. Also a gelding for light har- ness and general purpose.
J. G. Trees, of Warrington, Hancock county, shows two, one a horse and the other a mare. Speed is their traits. Both young and of sufficient beauty to make a city dandy proud of such a team.
D. P. Shawhan, of Rush county, has two for speed. Time, 2:45 ; trot.
Helms, of Huntington county, has three horses noted for speed, all young, in fine trim for the turf. One pacer and two trotters. Best time of Hoosier Tom, 2:19, pacing. The others respectively are 2:51 and 3:02.
Isaac Smith, aged seventy-seven years, with all the life and vivacity of a boy, has two horses, both of which are noted for speed. Their time is respectively 2:26 and 3:00. We like the old man for his spirit, snap and gentlemanly deportment.
L. V. Caldwell, of Henry county, shows two horses. Speed is their distinguishing characteristics ; both trotters. Time respectively 2:34 and 2:30. Blue Ball stock ; good as the best.
165
MADISON COUNTY.
Martin Dilts, of Union township, has one pair of fine mules and two Legal Tender colts. The latter two are fine animals.
L. L. Lawrence, of Wayne county, has the champion grey and prince of stallions, aged six years, stock of the purest blood. Noted for speed and general purpose. Intended for stock raising business. Has a record of 2:41}. Trotting is his only gait. We think him the most valuable 'horse on the ground.
Our fellow townsman, Sam Pence, has five horses. The favorite is Dolly, of course. She has been making some pretty fair time this summer.
R. H. Hunt has eight horses, six of which are noted for- speed. He took third premium in the three-minute trot. One other took second premium in three-minute pace. All the remainder compare favorably with the best horses of like class on the ground. He has charge, also, of Mr. John E. Corwin's Midland Hambletonian, the best blooded stallion: in Madison county. His pedigree is perfect.
Q. Makepeace sports two match teams.
Isaac Hodson has one noted for speed, took second pre- mium in pace. His horse is of Eclipse blood. "Blood will tell."
Hosts of other horsemen with stock are on the ground and equally entitled to notice, among which we mention Mr. M. Black, with running stock intended for half-mile heats.
Many others we could only see on the wing and failed to. get account of the merits of their horses.
Mechanical Hall is filled with representative material from the shops of Newman, Skehan. Wagoner & Fisher,. Raber & Co., and D. C. East & Co., in the trunk line. The latter deserve special notice, as they have introduced a new industrial enterprise in Anderson. Their work will compare well with the best material of the kind found in other markets. Give them a call.
The old and reliable firm of Raber, Foland & Co., in the manufacture of cabinet work need never be ashamed to com-
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HISTORY OF
pare their work with any other in the State of Indiana. Young married men that wish to please a pretty wife, should give them a call.
Jas. Quinn & Son have a fine exhibit of the far famed " Vic- toria Jump-seat Buggy." There is mechanical skill here that does honor to Anderson and to the county and State. An appreciating public can not fail to reward such polished workman. Give them a call. ye pleasure-loving young bloods.
Elias Falkner & Son, are in the trade of buggies and car- riages. Their work is put up at Middletown. Ohio. They defy competion in cheapness and durability. The South Bend plow is on trial for premium. It has merit.
The Miller Carriage Company are here in the happiest display of their art. From the number of ribboned vehi- eles of their make, we presume they are in excellent humor.
Hank Conrad is on the tapis with his work. It deserves well. Nearly everybody knows Hank as the honest Dutch- man. Good workmanship is his fort, honesty his boast, and faithful integrity his recommendation.
It is remarked by my young friend that the present assemblage of citizens present the most respectable appear- ance of any that he ever witnessed. We admire the young man's taste and judgment. It is our opinion too. It is a happy thought that the race of professional roughs is grow- ing beautifully less. God speed the day when they are reformed or happily housed in eternity. The world is none the better for their having lived in it.
A hay rake and loader patented by G. W. Kidwell, of Ellwood, Madison county, June 2, 1874, has had the field test and does the work of five hands with the labor of only two. The patentee feels confident that his machine posesses every advantage that is possible to gain in anything of the kind.
FRIDAY, FOURTH AND LAST DAY.
When in Art Hall on Wednesday. we overlooked some of its attractions that were pointed out to us this morn-
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MADISON COUNTY.
ing. Miss Bertha Mccullough, the accomplished daughter of N. C. McCullough, of this city, has on exhibition a fine drawing, which is worthy of remark. The subject is an historical one, taken from an incident in Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. It represents an old soldier bending over his son, faint and weary, and shielding him from the rude winds and driving snow of that severest of Russian winters. The work is a very creditable delineation, and gives prom- ise of future excellence.
Miss Anna Walden, daughter of our fellow townsman, Elijah Walden, has several pictures on exhibition. "The Ship Wreck," possesses considerable merit, and received profuse ecomiums, from the visitors at the hall, for its beauty and harmony of design, and naturalness of repre- sentation.
In Floral (more properly agricultural) Hall, Mrs. O. W. Huston's family of birds adds much to its attractiveness.
Out among the stock men again we find Mr. James L. Blacklidge, of Richland township, with his handsome span of mules. Did we say " handsome!" Well, if it is pos- sible for a mule to be pretty, these mules are pretty.
We might extend these personal notices much further, but the Fair, when this account reaches the eyes of the reader, will be a thing of the past.
We have done what we could to bring to popular notice some of the most worthy things that we saw. Of course, every article, and every exhibitor's name, could not be men- tioned.
Wherein we have failed to give satisfaction, remember the difficulties of such an undertaking, and be lenient in criticism which-
" If 'pon one canvass broad and high, Could be with painter's pencil hurled,
That canvass hung unto the sky,
Would with its margin sweep the world.
W. A. HUNT.
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HISTORY OF
PREMIUM AWARDS.
WHO TOOK THEM AND WHAT FOR.
List of Premiums awarded at the Eight Annual Exhibi- tion of the Madison County Joint Stock Agricultural Soci- ty held at Anderson, Ind., September 1, 2, 3 and 4, 1874.
LIGHT HARNESS HORSES.
L. D. Caldwell, first $10 00
D. P. Shawhan, second 5 00
SADDLE HORSES.
Gus. Gliddon, first 10 00
Joseph Heaton, second 5 00
GENERAL PURPOSE HORSES.
Stallion 4 years old and over, L. L. Lawrence, first 10 00
Geo. W. Harris, second. 5 00
Stallion, 3 years and under 4, George Heath 00
Stallion, 2 years and under 3, Wm. E. Tindall
5 00
Stallion, suckling colt, A. W. Ross. , 00
Mare, 4 years and over, Joel Garretson, first,. 00
George Wintou, second 00
Mare, 3 years and under 4, Thomas Lemon. 7 00
Mare, 2 years and under 3, Wm. E. Tindall, first 00
John Hickey, second 3 00
Mare, sucking colt, T. B. Keller
3 00
Gelding, 4, years and over, Sam. Pence, first
10 00
W. H. Peniston, second. 5 00
Gelding, 2 years and under 3, Wm. E. Tindall, 5 00
Pair matched horses or mares, Sam. Pence, first 15 00
Joel Garretson, second 5 00
15 00
Pair roadsters, Sam. Pence, first.
Joel Garretson, second .. 5 00.
Yearling colt, Hutch Stanley, first and second 7 00
HEAVY DRAFT HORSES.
Stallion, 4 years and over, T. Kimmerling, first 10 00
W. E. Tindall, second. 5 00
Stallion, 3 years and under 4, A. E. Russell, first. 10 00
John Huntzinger second. 5 00
Mare, 4 years and over, A. E. Russell, first and second 15 00
Mare, 3 years and under 4 ; A. E. Russell 10 00
Farm team, A. E. Russell, first. 10 00
Brood mare and Colt, A. E. Russell, first 10 00,
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MADISON COUNTY.
Joel Garrettson, second. $5 00
Gelding, 4 years and over, Wash. Black, first 10 00
Sam. Pence, second 5 00 S. McWilliams, second 5 00
Stallion, 2 years and under 3, F. B. Keller, first 7 00
W. E. Tindall, second. 3 00
Stallion, 1 year and under 2, A. E. Russel 5 00
Mare, 2 years and under 3, W. E. Tindall, first 7 00
George Saunders, second 3 00
Sweepstakes-Stallion, any age or blood, L. L. Lawrence 15 00
MULES.
Pair mules, 3 years and over, O. L. Walker, first 7 00
M. P. Diltz, second. 4 00
Mule, 2 years and under 3, J. M. Blacklidge, first and second ... 8 00
Mule colt, under 6 months, S. Mc Williams 3 00
Pair matched mules, George Heagy, first 5 00
O. L. Walker, second .. 2 00
Mule, 3 years and over, Martin Forkner, first 5 00
George Heagy, second.
3 00
Thoroughbred Cattle.
JAMES JACKSON.
Bull, 3 years and over, second 15 00
Bull, one year, and under 2, second 7 00
Bull calf, under 1 year, first 7 00
Cow, three years old and over, first 20 00
Heifer, 2 years and under 3, first ..
15 00
Heifer 1 year old and under 2, first
10 00
Heifer calf, under 1 year, first. 7 00
Fat cow, second 3 00
Herd of cattle 10 00
Bull, with three calves. 15 00
Bull, any age or blood, first 10 00
Milch cow, any age or breed, second 5 00
THOMAS WILHOIT & SON.
Bull 3 years old and over, first 25 00
Bull 2 years and under 3, first 15 00
Bull, 1 year and under 2, first 10 00
Bull calf, under 1 year, second.
5 00
Bull, any age or breed, second 5 00
Cow, 3 years and over, second. 12 00
Heifer, 2 years and under 3, second 10 00
Heifer, 1 year and under 2, second 5 00
Heifer calf, under 1 year. second. 4 00
Fat cow, first 5 00
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HISTORY OF
Graded Cattle.
LEWIS GWINN.
Bull, 3 years old and under 4, first $8 00
Bull calf, under one year, first 3 00
Bull calf, under 6 months, first. 2 00
Cow, 4 years and over, first
7 00
Cow, 2 years old, first
5 00
Heifer, 1 year and under 2, first
4 00
Heifer calf, first
2 00
MRS. FRANCIS M. GTRRISH,
Milch cow, any age or breed, first
10 00
Fine Wool Sheep.
T. WILHOIT & SON.
Buck, 2 years and over, first .. 5 00
Buck, 1 year and under 2, first 3 00
Buck lamb, first and second .. 4 00
Ewe, 2 years and under 3, first and second 9 00
Ewe lamb, first .. 3 00
Long Wool Sheep.
T. WILHOIT & SON.
Buck, 2 years and over, second. 3 00
Buck lamb, second 1 00
Ewe lamb, first 3 00
ORIN L. WALKER.
Buck, 2 years and over, first 5 00
Buck lamb, first
3 00
Ewe, 2 years and over, first
5 00
South Down Sheep.
ISAAC N. HODSON.
Buck, 2 years and over, first 5 00
Buck 1 year and under 2, first 3 00
Buck lamb, first and second 4 00
Ewe, 2 years and over, first and second 8 00
Ewe lamb, first and second. 4 00
Sweepsteaks, buck and 3 lambs 8 00
JOSEPH PENDLETON.
Buck, 2 years and over, second 3 00
Swine.
ORIN L. WALKER.
Boar, 2 years and over, first 8 00
Sow and five sucking pigs, second 3 00
Sow, 2 years and over, second 3 00
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MADISON COUNTY.
JOSEPH HEATON.
Boar, 1 year and under 2, first $5 00
Sow, 6 months and under 12, second. 1 00
Five fat hogs, second 1 00
BENJAMIN LUKENS, JR.
Boar, 1 year and under 2, second 3 00
Sow, 2 years and over, first 6 00
Sow, 1 year and under 2, second. 2 00
Sow and five sucking pigs, first
6 00
Collection of hogs.
5 00
Five fat hogs
8 00
T. WILHOIT & SON.
Boar, 6 months and under 12, second 2 00
Now, 6 months and under 12, first .. 3 00
A. W. ROSS.
Boar, 6 months and under 12, first 4 00
Boar pig, under 6 months, second 1 00
Boar, any age or breed. 5 00
Sow 1 year and under 2, first ..
4 00
Sow pig, under 6 months, second
1 00
Pair pigs, under 6 months, second. 1 00
W. W. ROSS.
Boar pig, under 6 months, first. 3 00
Sow pig, under 6 months, first. 3 00
Pair pigs, under 6 months, first 3 00
Poultry.
George W. Hughel, Spanish fowls 2 00
D. N. Hodson, Brahma fowls 2 00
Mrs. Silas Hughel, Poland fowls 2 00
J. R. Stephenson, Bantam fowls. 2 00
J. R. Stephenson, pair chickens any kind
2 00
Flowers.
MRS. E. B. HARTLEY.
Collection green house plants, first 6 00
Basket cut flowers, first 2 00
Pyramid boquet, first 2 00
Largest collection roses in bloom, first
3 00
Largest collection annuals, first 5 00
Sweepstakes on flowers 15 00
Hanging basket, first. 1 00
NORVAL CRIM.
Collection green house plants, second. 3 00
·Collection roses in bloom, second. 1 00
ollection annuals, second 2 00
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HISTORY OF
HATTIE SIDDALL.
Round boquet, first $2 00
Mantle boquet, first. 1 60
CALLIE SANDERS.
Floral cross of fresh flowers 2 00+
Fruits.
Martin Brown, apples, first 3 00'
Wm. Johns, apples, second . 00
Rebecca Pittsford, pears, first
3 00)
John Probasco, pears, second 1 00
Rebecca Pittsford, grapes. 3 00
Rebecca Pittsford, peaches 3 00
Rebecca Pittsford, plums. 3 00
Alfred Walker, collection and variety of fruits 00
1 00
Mrs. D. Hodson, pomegranates.
Jellies, Preserves, Butters, Etc.
Amelia Pittsford, jellies, first. 3 00
Ella J. Lowman, second .. $1 00
Mrs. Silas Hughel, fruit butter, tirst. 2 00
Mrs. J. R. Stephenson, fruit butter, second.
1 00
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