USA > Indiana > Rush County > History of Rush County, Indiana, from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 58
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
23
638
RUSH COUNTY.
existence July 1, 1882. Dr. S. W. McMahan and G. W. Campbell were its founders, and for some time it was ably edited by the lat- ter. The only change in its management was made in November, 1886, when Jonn K. Gowdy bought the interests of Mr. Campbell, and assumed the duties of editor in chief. It was started as a busi- ness enterprise and has already achieved much of the success hoped for it by its originators. It is a Republican journal and gives loyal and valuable service to the party whose principles it promulgates.
East Hill Cemetery is situated on the Rushville and Vienna Turnpike, on the south side, just beyond the bridge. It contains something over nineteen acres. It was naturally a beautiful piece of ground, well adapted for the uses to which it is now consecrated. The Trustees wisely employed a skillful landscape gardner to lay out the grounds and superintend the work, and the result is a ceme- tery beautiful as a whole and tasteful in all its details. It is divided into six sections of unequal size and form by gracefully curving avenues. These sections are laid out into lots, with three-foot alleys to every alternate lot, so that every lot has an alley on one side or the other. The citizens of Rushville, and of the county generally, had long recognized the necessity of securing some suitable and sufficient tract of land to make a permanent burial ground, where their loved and lost ones might be laid to rest amid such surroundings as would testify to the tender love and fond re- membrance of those left behind. This feeling culminated in the call for the public meeting, which was held in the court house, June 18, 1859. At this meeting, a committee of five was appointed to select a suitable location for the cemetery, to ascertain the price for which it could be purchased, and to report at the next meeting. This consisted of the following gentleman: Jefferson Helm, Sr., Daniel Wilson, George Hibben, C. S. Donaldson and Joseph Win- ship. This committee, with the consent of the meeting, added to their number the name of Joel Wolfe. P. A. Hackleman, L. Sexton and John Carmichael were appointed a committee on organization, to draft articles of association for the Cemetery Company, and to report at next meeting. On motion, the meeting then adjourned to meet again at the same place on Wednesday, the 29th inst. Pur- suant to adjournment the friends of the Cemetery Association met at the court house, Joel Wolfe presiding, and John S. Campbell acting as Secretary. L. Sexton, from the committee appointed, submitted articles of association, which, having been read, were adopted.
The name of this association is the "East Hill Cemetery Co. of Rushville." The articles of association provide that the business shall be conducted and controlled by five Trustees, who shall be
1
639
CITY OF RUSHVILLE.
elected annually. These articles were signed by forty-nine men. On the 12th day of July, the election resulted in the election of the following named as Trustees, viz .: George Hibben, Jefferson Helm, Sr., Joel Wolfe, C. S. Donaldson and Daniel Wilson. This first board proceeded vigorously to carry out the intentions and purposes of the organization, and their efforts and those of their successors have been crowned with the most gratifying success. Many of the lots have been sold, and rapidly this city of the dead is becoming peopled. There is a section containing about thirty- five lots that was sold to the Catholics, and was used for burial purposes for several years, but, having purchased land on the Smelser Mile Pike, just above town, they have a cemetery exclu- sively their own, and to it have removed many of their dead from their former resting place. A portion of the northeast corner of the cemetery belongs to the county, where her paupers are buried, another portion adjoining this on the west is the Potter's Field, where strangers are interred. The grounds are ornamented by numerous beautifully luxuriant evergreens. An unusual number of fine and tasteful monuments, testify to the pious reverence of the living for their unforgotten and beloved dead, and the financial ability that enables them to manifest their sorrow and respect in this substantial manner. The front or north side is inclosed by a handsome iron fence, which adds greatly to the neat appearance of the cemetery grounds.
Banks .- Prior to 1857, the town of Rushville was without banking facilities. At that time the necessity for such facilities became so pressing that several of the most prominent business men of that day organized the Rushville branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana, with a capital of $100,000. Its first officers were George Evans, President, and Wm. C. McReynolds, Cashier. This institution transacted a large business and prospered. For many years its facilities were ample for the volume of business done in the town. At one time, however, steps were taken to increase the capital stock, but an increase was not effected. After the passage by Congress of the National bank act, the affairs of this institution were wound up, George C. Clark, being at that time its President. On February 22, 1865, under the new national banking system, the Rushville National Bank was organized with a capital stock of $100,000. Its first officers were George C. Clark, President, and Joseph Oglesby, Cashier. At the twenty-four annual elections held since the institution of the bank, Mr. Clark has been chosen to pre- side over and conduct its affairs. In 1870, Mr. Oglesby resigned as Cashier. Edwin Payne was elected to fill the vacancy, and to the present time has acceptably held that important position. The
640
RUSH COUNTY.
present Directors are Theodore Abercrombie, John R. Carmichael, John G. Reeve, Thomas K. Mull and George C. Clark.
When the Rushville National Bank was organized there was some disappointment among certain stockholders as to the details of organization. At the same time it was believed that the rapidly increasing business of the town would support another bank. These causes and the belief in that good maxim that competition is the life of trade, led to the organization of the Rush County Banking Company - a private enterprise whose first officers were Leonidas Sexton, President, and James S. Lakin, Cashier. The affairs of this institution were well managed and its prosperity led to the incorporation of a second National bank -the Rush County Na- tional Bank which came into existence in 1871, with a capital stock of $100,000. The first officers of this second bank were Oliver Posey, President and James Lakin, Cashier. The management of the bank has been wise and conservative. It transacts a large amount of business and enjoys the confidence of the business pub- lic. Its present officers, elected January 2, 1888, are L. Link, President; E. D. Pugh, Cashier; J. H. Oglesby, W. T. Brann, C. Cambern, B. L. Smith, T. N. Link, E. D. Pugh, and L. Link, Directors.
Building and Loan Associations .- It is the belief of many that no single agency has accomplished more for the upbuilding of the City of Rushville, and the prosperity of its citizens than the Build- ing Associations. They are operated generally by public spirited citizens whose aim is the good of the many. In all parts of the city, endeavors of their good work may be seen, and such is their pop- ularity, that scarcely a family in the city can be found which does not hold stock in some one of the associations now existing. The most substantial citizens, the shrewdest financiers, the most success- ful merchants, the artisans, mechanics, laborers and the poorer citizens are alike stockholders. Much financial ability is displayed in the management of these institutions, without specific compensa- tion, except a share in that accumulation of value which at length is distributed to all shareholders. Notwithstanding the acknowl- edgment of good now universally accorded these concerns, at first much difficulty was experienced in securing subscribers to stock, as many money lenders stigmatized the scheme as a game to rob the stockholders, and direful consequences were prophesied to the un- fortunate who was bold enough to put his money into it. The ad- vantages over the old system of borrowing money and the great savings features soon became apparent to the most skeptical, and in a few years from the introduction of the system, its bitterest op- ponents became its warmest friends and supporters. The pioneer
641
CITY OF RUSHVILLE.
in this county was the Rushville Building Association, incorporated June 21, 1877, with a capital stock of $100,000, divided into shares of $200 each. Its first officers were D. M. Stewart, President, L. Link, Vice President and J. O. Thomas, Secretary and Treasurer. It organized with 124 members. It closed its career in 1885, after accomplishing much good. It had no law suits, and distressed none of its members. At its close, John J. Fouts was President, D. J. Egan, Vice President, J. Q. Thomas, continued as Secretary and Treasurer during the whole of its existence. As a successor to the association just named, the Rushville Building Association No. 2, was organized and incorporated November 4, 1885, with D. Graham, President, M. Nolan, Vice President and John Q. Thomas, Secretary and Treasurer, and a capital stock of $100,000. When a little over two years old, this new association had redeemed 244 of its 500 shares, had handled over $40,000, and was in an ex- tremely prosperous condition.
The Citizens' Building, Loan and Savings Association was or- ganized February 13, 1880, with a capital stock of $100,000, and the following officers: John B. Reeve, President: William A. . Pugh, Vice President; Edwin Farell, Secretary, and M. C. Tingley, Treasurer. Excepting the last named, these officers have been re- elected annually and continue to hold the offices as designated. Mr. Tingley removed to Ohio, and the vacancy thus occasioned was filled by the election of T. M. Green. The first issue of stock (500 shares at $200 each), was redeemed in full in six years, nine months and three weeks from date of issue, and in December, 1886, stockholders' notes and mortgages and all stock certificates were cancelled. At this time $88.75 had been paid in dues on each share of stock and the amounts received by stockholders on shares when discounted ranged from $88 to $130. March 5, 1886, the association formally accepted the provisions of the legislative enact- ments of 1885, respecting such organizations, and has since operated under the same. May 11, 1886, it resolved to increase its capital to $1,000,000, to be issued in series of $100,000 each, and on Jan- uary 1, 1887, the second and third series were issued, every share being immediately taken. The demand for stock was so great that petitions were presented praying for the immediate issue of the fourth series, but this the directors declined to do. Many now owners of comfortable homes through its assistance, willingly tes- tify to its good work in the past and predict for it a bright future. Its Directory is now composed of J. B. Reeve, W. A. Pugh, T. Abercrombie, P. J. Beachbard, H. S. Stephens, J. A. Spurrier, A. B. Hinchman, T. J. Boring, and H. G. Hilligoss. The Peoples' Build- ing Association was organized March 4, 1882, with a capital stock
6.42
RUSH COUNTY.
of $100,000-divided into 500 shares of $200 each. Its first officers were John J. Fouts, President, and W. S. Orwin, Secretary. Its first Directors were John Fouts, David M. Parry, John Carroll, Harrison T. Carr, Dominick J. Egan, Leonidas Havens, Michael Nolan, John Readle and Robert W. Perry, and with slight changes these gentlemen have constituted the Board of Directors ever since. The association had loaned $29,700 prior to February 28, 1887. The expenses of management had been about $650 up to January, ISSS. It was the intention of the institution when organized to accomplish the results for which it was created in about eight years. It is confidently predicted by the management that it will be able to wind up its affairs in about six years and three months from date of incorporation. This company has been carefully and conscien- tiously managed. At present, John F. Scanlan is President, and Thomas J. Newkirk is Secretary of the association.
The Big Four Building, Loan and Saving Association was in- corporated April 10, 1882, with a capital stock of $100,000, divided into 500 shares of $200 each. Its first officers were J. H. Bebout, President; C. H. Parsons, Secretary; Gates Sexton, Treasurer, and remain the same except that Mr. Sexton has been replaced as Treasurer by W. E. Havens. This company has been a power for good in the community and its wise management has challenged the admiration of all thoughtful men whose attention it has attracted. So prosperous has it been that it will "pay out " two years before the expiration of the time which at the time of organization the best calculators fixed as necessary for it to run its course.
The Rush County Loan Association was organized June 10, 1882, with a capital stock of $100,000. The members ceased pay- ing dues April 1, ISS7. The 500 shares originally issued were taken up and satisfied, and the business was closed in perfect order. It is claimed by those who had charge of its business that its career was a most successful one. For most of the time from or- ganization to its close, the following were connected with its man- agement: Directors, A. G. Mauzy, B. L. Smith, W. J. Mauzy, James Geraghty, J. M. Felts; Secretary, U. D. Cole; Treasurer, Thomas Madden.
The Home Loan Association was organized April I, ISS7. At this time 993 shares of stock have been issued, and the business is progressing successfully. The present officers are: Directors, A. G. Mauzy, B. L. Smith, James Geraghty, J. M. Felts, J. C. Sexton, R. J. Carmichael, Bernard Madden, W. J. Mauzy and Fred Johnson; Secretary, U. D. Cole; Treasurer, Thomas Madden.
Building Association No. S, was incorporated May 15, 1886, with a capital stock of $50,000, divided into 500 shares of $100
643
CITY OF RUSHVILLE.
each. Its first and present officers are: James T. Kitchen, Presi- dent; Arthur B. Irvin, Secretary, and Edwin D. Pugh, Treasurer. This company has been very prosperous. It has loaned on first mortgages $22,000, and has discounted IIS shares at $18 per share and 102 shares at $16.50 per share.
Secret Societies. - Freemasonry was introduced in Rushville a short time prior to 1840, but the exact date cannot be definitely determined. Morning Star Lodge was the first organized, but after a brief struggle for existence it surrendered its charter. This as nearly as can be determined was about 1840. Another attempt to establish the order was made and Rush Lodge No. 62, was organ- ized, but its charter was surrendered December 24, 1857. This was succeeded by Phoenix Lodge No. 62, F. & A. M., which un- der a dispensation granted in February, 1858, was instituted with Thomas Poe as W. M .; Benjamin F. Johnson, S. W., and James S. Lakin, J. W. On May 25 following, at the annual convocation of the M. W. Grand Lodge, of the State of Indiana, a charter was granted with the name and officers indicated above. The first officers after the completion of the organization were elected June 22, 1858, and were Thomas Poe, W. M .; James S. Lakin, S. W .; William Wilson, Jr., J. W .; Samuel W. Atherton, Secretary ; Alex. Posey, Treasurer; George Kelly, S. D .; James Wilson, J. D., and James W. Ferguson, Tyler. At present the lodge has seventy-two members, and the following are its officers: E. H. Butler, W. M .; J. Q. Thomas, S. W .; G. S. Megee, J. W .; Thomas Poe, Secretary; B. F. Tingley, Treasurer; H. P. McGuire, S. D .; D. P. Shawhan, J. D .; J. M. Conover, Tyler; W. J. Mauzy, R. W. Cox, B. L. Smith, Trustees; A. B. Hinchman and J. H. Bebout, Stewards. Rush Chapter No. 24, R. A. M., was chartered May 18, 1854, with Hor- atio G. Sexton, H. P .; Abram Reeve, King, and Leonidas Sexton, Scribe, and on the same day was organized by the H. P., H. G. Sexton. In the evening of that day the following officers were in- stalled to serve for the year ensuing: Abram Reeve, H. P .; H. G. Sexton, Scribe; Thomas Smith, King: B. F. Johnson, C. II .; W. H. Martin, P. S .; W. H. Smith, R. A. C .; George A. Chace, M. third veil; E. J. Waddle, M. second veil; George R. Kelly, M. first veil; J. V. R. Miller, Treasurer; Charles Waddle, Secretary and Guard. Rush Chapter has now a membership of forty-three and its pres- ent officers are: John C. Humes, H. P .; W. A. Posey, King; A. B. Ilinchman, Scribe; J. R. Carmichael, C. H .; R. W. Cox, P. S .; Edward Young, R. A. C .; J. M. Hildreth, G. M., 3d V .; C. W. Burt, G. M., 2d V .; W. J. Mauzy G. M., Ist V .; Thomas Poe, Secretary; G. W. Young, Treasurer; Joseph Stark, Guard.
Rushville Council No. 41, R. and S. M., was chartered Octo-
644
RUSII COUNTY.
ber 21, 1874, with W. H. Smith, Ill. M .; Thomas Poe, Deputy Ill. M., and Edward H. Wolfe, P. C. W. The council has at pres- ent thirty-four members, and its officers are: W. H. Smith, III. M .; Edward Young, Deputy Ill. M .; Dora Abercrombie, P. C. W .; Thomas Poe, Recorder; A. B. Hinchman, Treasurer; R. W. Cox, C. G .: J. M. Hildreth, S. and S.
With these lodges have been identified some of the representa- tive men, not only of Rushville, but also of the State of Indiana and of the Nation. The Masons have for their use a pleasant and capacious hall, though they have no property interests. The funds of the organization have from time to time been disbursed in the furtherance of charitable objects. However, a building fund has been established which, because of the prosperous condition of the order, promises rapid growth.
Odd Fellows .- Franklin Lodge No. 35, I. O. O. F. was in- ,stituted May 13, 1846, by G. R. Warren, D. D. G. M., in a frame building on the northwest corner of Morgan and Ruth streets- where J. P. Guffin's store now stands. The charter members were Patrick Hefferman, William F. King, W. A. Pattison, James D. Hervey and H. D. Johnson. Hefferman and King were resi- dents of Rushville, but the others named left Laurel Lodge by card for the purposes of this institution, and afterward left by card and returned to Laurel Lodge. On the evening of the insti- tution of the lodge there were initiated W. B. Flinn, P. A. Hackle- man, Samuel Barbour, John L. Robinson, Richard Poundstone, James S. Hibben, Joel Wolfe, Harmony Laughlin, Marshall Sexton and S. S. Bratten. The first officers were William F. King, N. G .; P. A. Hackleman, V. G .; James S. Hibben, Secretary; Joel Wolfe, Treasurer. The membership of this lodge has included many of the most intelligent, enterprising and distinguished citizens of the town and county, from all classes and occupations. Several of its members have been elevated to high positions in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment I. O. O. F., of Indiana, and some have acquired na- tional reputations. The lodge itself has always occupied an honor- able and influential position in the order. Evidencing the zeal of this lodge is the fact that in raising funds to erect the Grand Lodge Hall, it took more stock in the enterprise than any other lodge outside of Indianapolis, subscribing $500.00. It is now in a prosperous condition, owning a large and handsome hall, in which its meetings are held, and a valuable property on Main Street, im- mediately north of the Commercial Block. The membership is large, zealous and properly proud of the high standing of the lodge. Among the prominent members of the past a few may be men- tioned: Gen. Pleasant A. Hackleman became G. M. of the Grand
.
645
CITY OF RUSHVILLE.
Lodge of Indiana and was twice elected Grand Representative of the Jurisdiction of Indiana in the Grand Lodge of the United States. He made a brilliant record in the Grand Lodge and prepared fine lectures on the "Rise and Progress of Odd Fellowship," which were highly praised and published in the Western Odd Fellows' Magazine. Flattering testimonials of his ability and zeal as an orator and an Odd Fellow, were freely given by the public and the press, especially the Ark and the Western Odd Fellows' Mag- azine. Joel Wolfe, a distinguished Odd Fellow, was a favorite lecturer on Odd Fellowship, and a valuable member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. E. H. Berry was at one time Grand Pa- triarch of the Grand Encampment and Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United States, and afterward Grand Secretary for several years. Leonidas Sexton frequently lectured on Odd Fellowship, and received the highest honors in the gift of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment, being Grand Master in the former, and Grand Patriarch in the latter. He was twice elected and once appointed Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of the United States. For many years he was a member of the Com- mittee on Grievances and Appeals in the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and was Vice President and Director of the Odd Fellows' Mutual Aid Association. Marshall Sexton was another able and zealous Odd Fellow, becoming Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment, and Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. B. W. S. Caldwell was well and favorably known in the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and was once its Grand Marshal. Lewis Maddux, now of New York City, but still a member of this lodge, was on the com- mittee that supervised the building of the Grand Lodge Hall. Four members of the lodge fell in battle in defense of the Nation. They were: Gen. P. A. Hackleman, Col. Joel Wolfe, Capt. B. F. Denning and Sergeant W. L. Peckham.
Bemice Encampment No. 12, I. O. O. F., was instituted April 7, 1848, by the then Grand Patriarch, Christian Bucher, with Joseph L. Silcox, Marshall Sexton, Pleasant A. Hackleman, Lewis Maddux, Clayborn S. Donaldson, Norvell W. Cox, Samuel S. Poundstone and Joel Wolfe, as charter members. Its first officers were: Pleasant A. Hackleman, Chief Patriarch; Joel Wolfe, High Priest; Lewis Maddux, Senior Warden; Marshall Sexton, Junior Warden; Norvell W. Cox, Scribe; Samuel S. Poundstone, Treas- urer. Rushville Lodge No. 132, Degree of Rebekah, I. O. O.F., was instituted December 25, 1874, by Past Grand Master John W. McQuiddy, with the following charter members, viz .: O. C. Hack- leman, Caroline M. Hackleman, W. L. Wilson, Margaret Wilson, F. T. Drebert, Mary A. Drebert, Edwin Farrer, Sadie Farrer, V.
646
RUSH COUNTY.
B. Bodine, Dorcas A. Bodine, John Kiplinger, Harriet Kiplinger, V. C. Bodine, Mary Bodine, William H. Smith, Fannie O. Smith, F. H. Monford, Belle Monford, Charles P. Sheaff, Jr., Sarah L. Sheaff, Nancy J. Colton, Jehu Linvill, Ann M. Linvill, S. E. Watson, Ella Watson, J. H. Roberts, Simon Klein, James M. Hildreth, Harmony Laughlin, Elias Hyman, David Jones, John D. Wilson, Sr., and Leonidas Sexton. Its first officers were Edwin Farrer, N. G .; Nancy J. Colton, V. G .; Sarah L. Sheaff, Secre- tary; Margaret Wilson, Treasurer.
Canton Rushville No. 21, Patriarchs Militant I. O. O. F., was instituted March 1, 1887, by Brig. Gen. Theodore Pfafflin and Col. J. W. McQuiddy, both of Indianapolis. The charter members were John A. Walsh, Edwin Farrer, O. O. Felts, Melvin L. Moor, William E. Wallace, A. T. Mahin, V. C. Bodine, C. S. Spritz, M. C. Leming, Levi Sherwood, Jehu Linvill, David Wert, A. M. Aultman, S. Stockdell, Alvin Moore and L. H. Havens. The first officers of the Canton were John A. Walsh, Commandant; Edwin Farrer, Lieutenant; O. O. Felts, Ensign; M. L. Moor, Clerk, and W. E. Wallace, Accountant.
The Rushville Lodge No. 2812, G. U. O. of O. F. was insti- tuted at Rushville, March 14, 1887, with seventeen charter mem- bers and the following officers: John . Banks, N. G .: Peter Johnson, V. G .; Reuben Banks, W. T., and John Roberts, E. S. The lodge now has a membership of twenty-three with the following officers: C. Copeland, N. G .: Joseph Shirley, V. G .; Reuben Banks, W. T., and John Roberts, E. S. This the only secret organization among the colored people of the city. It is prospering and doing much good.
Knights of Pythias .- The Knights of Pythias have a flourish- ing lodge known as Ivy Lodge No. 27. It was instituted March 4, 1873, with fourteen charter members. It now numbers 141. This organization is purely fraternal, considering all mankind as brothers; their object is to inculcate and to enforce the great prin- ciples of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, and to emphasize the divine command, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." It declares that toleration in religion, obedience to law and loyalty to government, are its cardinal principles. It im- peratively commands its members to comfort the afflicted, relieve the suffering, bury their dead, care for the widow and educate the orphans, to be charitable to all, to believe in the honesty of purpose and the good intentions of others. These teachings are truly fra- ternal, and if carried out in every day life, would give peace on earth and good will to all men.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.