USA > Indiana > Miami County > History of Miami County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 34
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379
THE CHURCHES.
groceries, or cash as most convenient. At this time the first large revival was held, and 100 were added to the church. About 1860 the charge was divided by the conference, and Third street church was formed. A neat brick church was built, which proved too small, and the Second Presbyterian church, corner Miami and Main streets, was purchased and remodeled. The name of the charge was then changed to St. Paul's, in 1870, Rev. C. W. Miller being pastor at that time. He was followed by W. F. Walker in 1872-3-4, who departed from here to the North China mis- sion. Charels E. Disbro, the last pastor of St. Paul's, was here in 1874-5. To return to the Main street church; it continued to prosper under the following ministers: C. W. Miller '51; F. A. Hardin '53; H. B. Beers '55; H. Phillips '56; T. Habler '57; A. S. Lakin '59; D. F. Stright '61; W. R. Kistler '64; J. Col- clazer '66; W. J. Vigus '68; W. E. McCarthy '70; R. Toby '71; Augustus H. Tevis '72; W. R. Jordan '74. It was at this time that the two charges were united, neither of the old minis- ters returning and J. C. Makin being the first minister of the united church. The ministers since have begun their work on the following dates: H. J. Lacey '77; J. Colclazer '78; C. H. Brown '80; W. H. Daniels '83; A. S. Wooten '85. The value of the present church property is $10,000. The membership of the Sunday School is 275, that of the Church 350.
The Episcopal Church was organized first 1846 under the name of St. James parish. Every evidence pointed to a vigor- ous church. The Rev. Mr. Brown, a man very popular with the people of the community, had charge of the congregation, and the services were held over store rooms. Unfortunately he was called home to the East, and, his place being unsupplied, the organization was abandoned. In 1870 the people of the church began regular meetings under the charge of Rev. W. N. Dunham in the rooms in second story, northwest corner Main and Broadway, and December 9th an organization was made under the name Trinity Church. May, 1871, the present lot was purchased and steps taken for the erection of a building. October, 1872, the building was opened. May 1, 1873, Mr. Dunham's place was taken by Rev. John Henry Weddell, who
continued to May, 1875. He was in September followed by Rev. Andrew Mackie, and he, with some interval, by Rev. David L. Trimble, who served this parish, in connection with Delphi, until February, 1881. The church was vacant until November, 1882, when Rev. J. E. Martin was employed. The church was doing well under his charge, but January, 1884, he resigned with the consent of the vestry. July, 1884, Rev. W. B. Burke was employed and continues to the present time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church .- As early as 1849 ser-
380
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
vices were held here by Rev. Sturken, then of Logansport. The congregation being, however, too small, he discontinued for a year, when he again began, and Rev. Jungle also preached here. The church was regularly organized in 1859 and Rev. H. Horst called to the pastorate. He, after a short time, receiving another call, Rev. Sturken again preached to the congregation, and it was at this time that the first church was built, a small brick building on Second street, near Hood. In 1864, Mr. Sturken receiving a call to Baltimore, the services were held by Rev. Jox, also of Logansport, and his assistant, Rev. G. A. Hinkle. The latter received a call from Sturgis, Mich., in 1869, and the former, on account of too much work, could not attend to this church, so Rev. Strieter was called and became settled pastor, remaining until 1873, when he responded to a call from Proviso, Illinois. In August of the same year, Rev. C. A. Ger- man became pastor. Under him was built, in 1875, the present church, corner of Main and Fremont. It is a fine brick build- ing, 40 feet wide, 75 long and with a spire 125 feet high. The bell is the largest in the city, and a fine pipe organ adds to the interior. The cost was about $11,000. The old church has since been used as a school building, where Mr. Feussner teaches about seventy children. Rev. German, in 1883, received a call to Utica, N. Y., and March, 1884, Rev. H. Diemer, the present incumbent, began his work. The membership has increased from eight or ten to seventy-five voting members, which repre- sents about 175 communicants. The Church is in good financial condition.
The Baptist Church .- A meeting July 18, 1866, of those interested, organized a Baptist conference preparatory to organiz- ing a Baptist Church. Those participating were: F. M. Bacon, M. H. Waters, David DeLawter, E. H. Shirk, Moses Mercer, Rev. A. Virgil, H. J. Shirk, George Geves, Sarah Bacon, M. T. Waters, H. S. DeLawter, Mary Shirk, H. A. Mercer, Min- erva Shirk, Ellen Geves.
Oct. 3, 1866 a council met, pastors of a number of churches in Northern Indiana being present and formally recognized the newly established church. Rev. A. Virgil was in charge from organiza- tion until May, 1867, Rev. John Trennamon July 1867, to July 1869, during which time the church building and parsonage were undertaken. The lecture room being occupied Jan. 1, 1869. The meetings before this had for a time been in rooms over a store on Broadway, opposite the court house, and then in the Presbyterian Church building then vacant on Main street. Rev. F. D. Bland, of Indianapolis, began July, 1869 and found the church membership 28, six of whom were non-residents. He was a man of enthusiasm and very successful as a revivalist. During his first year 108 were
38I
SECRET SOCIETIES.
baptised and 142 were added to the church. The church building being completed during this year was dedicated the first Sabbath in 1870. The cost of the church, parsonage and grounds was $22- 000, In November, 1870, Rev. Bland resigned. In response to a repeated call, Rev. Geo. E. Leonard came, taking charge of the church May 5, 1871 and continued until Jan, 1, 1882, at which time he accepted the position of Secretary of the Ohio Baptist State Con- vention, where he still is. March 5, 1882, the Rev. B. F. Cavins, then from New Albany, preached his first sermon and has since re- mained with the church. A fine pipe organ has been put in, the church and lecture room frescoed and carpeted, and the church gen- erally has prospered under his care. The Sunday School is well at- tended ever Sunday morning. The church membership at the close of the church year, May, 1886 was 327.
The A. M. E. Church had as its first minister, Elder Patterson and meetings were held in the engine house. The present church on Third street was dedicated, August, 1874, at which time Rev. Robinson Jeffries was pastor. The only stationed minister ever here was the Rev. Wm. Knight in 1875. The congregation being small has generally been served in connection with some other charge. Altogether there have been 13 ministers here. The present one, J. W. Collins, is every second week at Wabash. The church property is worth about $2,500.
In Secret Orders Peru is well supplied, there being 24 lodges, chapters, &c., at present here. The first in point of time was the Miami Lodge, 67, F. & A. M. It was organized about June 1844 in upper story of of the brick building used as the toll house at the bridge. It was instituted by Logansport and Tipton lodges and worked under dispensation until the charter was granted, May 29, 1848. The names of the earliest members were; Col. Wm. M. Reyburn, the first Master; Isaac Marquis, the first Senior Warden; Richard L. Britton, the first Junior Warden; Geo. L. Dart, Secre- tary; John M, Jackson, Treasurer; John Bush, Senior Deacon; James Douglass, Judge Potter, Albert Cole, Peter Long and Matthew Fennimore. The earliest members taken in were: first, Moses Falk; second, Aaron Scott; third, A. Keiser; fourth Michael Lang. They occupied the room where they organized three or four years, then rented of the Odd Fellows. They fitted up a room in a new three story building on the south-west corner of Second and Broadway which burned six months later. They then again used the Odd Fellows hall, situated then where Deibert's grocery is, about three years, then fitted up a room across the street now 70, south Broadway. About 12 years ago they fitted up the present lodge room. Their numbers have increased steadily. They furnish most of the members who organized the Peru Lodge. The masons in Peru besides the two lodges named have for years maintained a
382
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
chapter and the council of Royal and Select Masters organized Feb. 9, 1886, with Lyman Walker, as Illustrious Master.
Miami Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F .- The oldest lodge of the order in Peru, was organized January 13, 1848, with the follow- ing charter members: David Charters, James M. Reyburn, Brown McClintic, John Reid, Augustus Hunter, John Pasmore and M. R. Crabill. Since its organization the lodge has admitted 396 mem- bers, and its present membership is 94. The lodge owns its own hall, has money enough to pay all demands, and has $1,250 loaned on good security. From January I to November 1, 1886, the lodge paid $750 for six benefits and charitable purposes. The Peru Lodge and Peru Encampment are later growths of the Order. The Lessing, a German lodge of the Order, was organized April, 1873. The Daughters of Rebekah, maintained by the ladies, is in a flour- ishing condition.
The Patriarch Militant, uniformed rank of Odd Fellowship, is a new degree. Peru Canton, No. 20, was organized August 25, 1886, with 26 charter members, W. K. Armstrong, Captain.
W. B. Reyburn Post, No. 56, Department of Indiana, G. A. R., was organized in Kumler's Hall, April 10, 1882, with a char- ter membership of 57, J. R. Carnahan, Department Commander, officiating. The first commander installed was Louis B. Fulwiler. The present membership is 144, who represent eleven states. Michigan, Connecticut and West Virginia have each one regiment represented; New Jersey and Missouri each one cavalry regiment; Iowa, two; New York, three; Pennsylvania, five; Illinois, one bat- tery and six infantry regiments; Ohio, sixteen, and Indiana, sixty- three, fifty-two of which are infantry, seven cavalry and four bat- teries. The 99th Regiment has eleven representatives; the 13th, eleven; the 15Ist, nine; the 155th, seven. The Post has taken part in four decoration services, four camp-fires, and, as a body, has attended re-unions at Miami, Denver, Macy, Bunker Hill and Wabash. The Post has furnished one Junior Department Com- mander, W. F. Daly.
Hercules Lodge, No. 127, Knights of Pythias, instituted August 14, 1885, with 84 charter members. At the institution were present representatives of the Huntington, Kokomo, Marion, Logansport and Indianapolis lodges. They at once fitted up a lodge room over the Postoffice, 62 S. Broadway. The present membership is over 100. The uniform rank, K. of P., was organ- ized in Peru, August 17, 1886, with 38 members, Louis N. Andrews, Captain. Many were present from a distance and a ban- quet was given in Bradley's Hall.
The Knights of Honor, Knights of Maccabees, Royal Arcanum, two Councils of the National Union, two assemblies of the Knights of Labor, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engin-
383
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
eers are maintained here, besides a number of benevolent organiza- tions not belonging to secret orders.
Military Organizations .- The first company was the Peru Blues, organized almost the first year of the town, A. M. Higgins, Captain, and Vincent O'Donald, Sr., First Lieutenant. The com- pany consisted of most of the young men of the community. Its notable exploits seem to have been two in number. The first was taking part in the patriotic celebration July 4, 1836, the day's festi- vities ending with the explosion of a gun in the hands of O'Donald, the first lieutenant, only slightly injuring him, but resulting in lock- jaw and death in about two weeks. The second exploit was march- ing to the scene of difficulty with some Indians on the Pottawattomie payment grounds on the Tippecanoe, near Rochester. Not a mo- ment faltered they, but the campaign was bloodless as either their presence or the efforts of diplomacy quieted the difficulty. This was the famous battle of Chippewanoc, the cause of many a smile to our older citizens. The next military company for peaceful pur- poses was the Reyburn Guards, organized February 25, 1858, G. A. Crowell, Captain, J. M. Reyburn, First Lieutenant, C. M. Wal- ker, Second Lieutenant. They at once uniformed handsomely in blue, and the same year organized, and conducted a big 4th of July celebration and ball which was largely attended from a distance, and at which they cleared $500. Crowell resigned and Reyburn became captain immediately after this. The next year, July 4th, they, with the Teutonic Rifle Corps, now to be mentioned, attended a big encampment and celebration at Lafayette, at which were pres- ent eleven companies. The Teutonic Rifle Corps was organized about the same time as the guards with Julius Kloenne, Captain, Henry Kranskoff, First Lieutenant, Wm. Rassner, Second Lieuten- ant. The uniform was dark green with light green trimmings. They numbered between 50 and 60 members, all Germans. They were preceded by two pioneers, Philip Gahs and Jake Louis, wear- ing big drum-major hats and carrying axes. When wrought up by the martial spirit they sang a song the chorus of which ran:
"De Dutch companee is de best companee,
Dat ever come over from the old countree."
At the Lafayette encampment they had the glory of an award for their excellent drill and soldierly bearing. These companies had nearly if not quite ceased their meetings some time before the open- ing of the war, and the demand for their arms, and the enlistment of many of their members, was the end. Just after the war Cap- tain Wm. Wallick organized the Peru Zouaves, uniformed in red, and continued for a year or two. The Peru Grays, Captain Jack, was organized in 1875, spent a week in camp at Put-in-Bay, responded to a call by Gov. Hendricks in 1876 to quell some
384
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
troubles in the southern part of the State, but only went as far as Indianapolis. In 1877 they disbanded. The Peru Light Infantry organized December 1882, H. F. Boley, Captain, continued for about two years. The Peru Zouave Cadets organized Novem- ber 1884, with 56 members, boys from 14 to 20, Ed. Maxwell, Captain. They went to the 3d regiment encampment at LaPorte, August, 1885, and took first honors in the regiment. Disbanded November, 1886. Gatling Gun Detachments Nos. I and 2 were organized in the fall of 1885, and July, 1886, respectively.
Literary Societies and Public Libraries have to some extent shaped the development of the community. The first "Lyceum " was in the very infancy of the town, being organized August 10, 1837. It continued its discussions for some years, dealing with the highest questions of government and philosophy. Of the members who still survive are N. O. Ross, L. D. Adkinson, John A. Gra- ham, J. B. Fulwiler and J. S. Fenimore. For some time after it ceased its meetings, there seems to have been nothing of the char- acter indicated by the heading of this paragraph. It consisted of a good selection of standard books, which were for years kept in the Recorder's office. On the page of the yellow, dusty record can be traced the tastes and character of many a prominent Peru citizen. The books became scattered, the library fell into disuse, and in 1881 the remnants, consisting of a few valuable books and a great many agricultural reports, were gladly handed over to the Peru High School, where they now are. The Miami County Workingmen's Institute was organized the latter part of 1856, the Town Council pursuing inquiries through a committee as to what had become of the "Corporation Library" ( never before men- tioned in the record ), after publishing notices and hiring " a boy -- Ira Myers "-for three days to gather books, succeeded in getting together 140 volumes. These were turned over to the Peru Township Trustee to add to the Township Library. The record of the latter begins with that year, 1856.
Taking advantage of the terms offered by the will of Mr. McClure, of New Harmony, Posey County, who provided that if an institute should be formed of "persons who labor with their hands and earn their living by the sweat of their brow," and con- tribute 100 volumes, he would donate them $500. The earliest remaining record of a meeting is February 17, 1857, and for about three years they maintained semi-monthly and monthly meetings, the discussions partaking somewhat of the nature of a literary society. The constitution provided for lectures, and at one time the society authorized the secretary, J. W. Shields, to correspond with Bayard Taylor, and how near this distinguished literary man came to addressing a Peru audience may be seen from the following reply.
385
LITERARY SOCIETIES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
VINCENNES, February 16, 1859.
DEAR SIR: It is quite impossible. All my time up to the end of April was engaged near three months ago, and I have since been obliged to decline 150 additional invitations. Very truly yours, BAYARD TAYLOR.
The Institute made no further attempt to secure lecturers. The last recorded meeting was March 2, 1860, and, in the exciting years which followed, the organization was abandoned. Just be- fore the last meetings, the library was removed from the special room to the gallery of H. G. Fetter, and some years later by him handed over to Dr. W. H. Gilbert, who has kept it in excellent condition and still has it. The legal status of it is that it is the property of no one unless the old members, many of whom are still here, should reorganize the institute. The char- acter of the books was excellent, and the record shows a very dilligent use of them. Among the names, with the occupation stated by which they "sweat to earn their bread," are: Jonathan Stutesman, wagonmaker; John W. Timberlake, carpenter; Peter Keegan, shoemaker, John Mitchell, tailor; J. M. Stutesman, sad- dler; C. Griggs, harnessmaker; John H. Jamison, cabinetmaker.
For a number of years we find no literary organizations. In the winter of 1877-78 a course of lectures was successfully carried on by some enterprising citizens, which encouraged the formation October, 1878. of the Peru Lecture Association, with capital stock of $500 in fifty shares of $10 each. The first president was R. P. Effinger, the first secretary G. E. Leonard. The organization was maintained until January, 1883, during which time were furnished twenty-eight lectures and musical and literary entertainments, including Helen Potter, Theodore Tilton, Mary A. Livermore, J. W. Riley and other noted lecturers. The Opera House being completed December, 1882, philosophy, music, and literature went down before the popularity of the funny play and high tragedy, and the Association discontinued. Early in 1884 in the study of the Presbyterian church was organ- ized a society for the study of literature, Rev. L. P. Marshall president. That spring and in the winter of 1884-85 the orig- inal plan was strictly pursued. In October, 1885, it was reor- ganized as a Chautauqua reading circle, under the name "The Hoosier C. L. S. C., of Peru." It is now in its second year, with a membership of twenty, Miss Eileen Ahern, president. During the winter of 1884-85 the society, generally known as the Episcopal Literary Society, was organized, Rev. Wm. Burke president, and studied Shakspeare, the next winter studied gen- eral history and the present winter are studying general liter- ature. The society meets at the houses of members. October, 1886, was organized the Vincent Chautauqua reading circle, com- posed mostly, but not exclusively, of members of the Methodist
386
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
congregation, with a membership of twenty, Ed. T. Gregg, pres- ident. The same month was organized the Philomathean (lovers of learning) Chautauqua circle, through the efforts of Rev. B. F. Cavins, and though the youngest, is now the largest circle, numbering thirty members. They meet at the Baptist church, the meeting night of all the circles being Monday. In the matter of musical organizations there has been little outside of the reg- ularly maintained church choirs. During the war musical and dramatic entertainments were frequent, but the Peru Choral Union, about 1872, with J. W. Shields, director, was the first regular organization. It was maintained about a year, giving an entertainment and old folks concert. In January, 1886, was or- ganized the Peru Musical Association, with W. E. M. Brown as director. For a half year it did good work, its abandonment at present being due to the removal of the director.
The First National Bank was organized April, 1864, under the law of February 25, 1863, authorizing national banks. E. H. Shirk was the first president and continued until his death, 1886. The first directors were E. H. Shirk, Robt. Miller, James Hol- lenshade, Jacob Kreutzer, Geo. L. Dart, W. W. Constant, Abra- ham Leedy. The capital stock was $75,000, afterwards increased to $100,000. The first building occupied was a small frame building located between Third and Main, on West side of Broadway, but soon after organization removed to present loca- tion opposite public square. There is at present a large surplus fund in addition to capital stock. The officers are: President, Milton Shirk; Vice President, Elbert W. Shirk; Cashier, R. A. Edwards; Teller, G. R. Chamberlain.
The Citizens' National Bank was the outgrowth of the private bank of Bonds, Hoagland & Co., organized February, 1867. This in July, 1871, was changed to the present corporation and present name, under the national banking laws, It was composed of nearly the same parties as the former bank, with some addi- tions. The first Board of Directors was: D. C. Darrow, A. C. Brownell, Wm. Smith, N. O. Ross, C. D. Bond, R. F. Donald- son, M. S. Robinson. Dr. Darrow was President until July, 1883, when, he resigning, Chas. Brownell succeeded him. M. S. Robinson has been cashier continuously. The capital stock .is $100,000, and the surplus $16,000. The room now numbered 6 South Broadway was occupied from first until September, 1886, . when the bank moved into its own new building, opposite the Court House.
The Telegraph bound Peru with the world before the first railroad reached it. The canal line ran from Toledo through Lafayette to Indianapolis via Crawfordsville. The first operator was G. L. Daniels, who serving only a month, was succeeded by
16 g Shink
389
VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
J. T. Henton, who served until January, 1853, being succeeded by J. G. Dickey. In 1855, the Wabash line along the railroad was established and the canal line abandoned. Jas. S. Duret was the first operator of this line and was succeeded by K. H. Wade, who is now General Superintendent of the Wabash Railway. The office . was removed into the Citizens' Peru Bank building, Nov. 1886. Miss Alice Dunlap has been for some years.the operator, and her ser- vices have been eminently satisfactory to both company and public.
The Telephone Exchange was established June 13, 1881, the number of subscribers being 45. At present the number of sub- scribers is 70. Connections can be made with all Exchanges within 75 miles, and, under favorable circumstances, conversa- tion has been carried on with Louisville, Ky. The Exchange from the first has been in the telegraph office, removing with it to the new location. The present manager in Peru is Miss Bessie LaBonta.
The Railroad Shops were established in 1853, when this was the northern terminus of the Peru & Indianapolis R. R., then just building. The average number of men employed in these shops was 40. In 1873, the shops, then under the man- agement of the I. P. & C., were removed to the present loca- tion, and the force increased to 130. When the road and shops passed into the hands of the Wabash, Sept., 1881, the force in- creased to 250. The shops on present location consist of Round House, capacity 15 stalls, area 33,210 square feet; Machine and Car Shops, 150 by 135 feet; Paint Shops, 153 by 45 feet; Blacksmith Shops, 105 by 36 feet; Freight Repair Shops, 200 by 60 feet. The round house and main shops are brick, the repair shops, frame. There are in addition a number of build- ings and sheds for lumber, coal, ice, etc. Together the shops occupy an area of about ten acres. The business of these shops is the building, rebuilding and repairing of engines and cars. They are the most important industry in Peru.
The Woolen Mills have been, since their establishment in 1865, one of the important industries of Peru. The firm of H. E. & C. F. Sterne consisting of the two named and Henry Sterne, built the first mill on the canal. It was a "five set mill" consisting of five sets cards and about 1,500 spindles. They made flannels, jeans, blankets and yarns, and did custom work for farmers, a class of work no longer done. They employed from eighty to a hundred hands and were building up a prosperous business, mostly in the Western States. One afternoon in January 1868, the entire building and con- tents burned, being a loss of $100,000, on which the insurance was $30,000. It was probably caused by spontaneous combustion. With M. Oppenheimer added to the old firm as the "company" they erected on their present location a building 300 by 66 feet and
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