USA > Indiana > Wabash County > History of Wabash County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 33
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five acres and were formerly the property of the now defunct Wabash County Agricultural Society. The site was selected by that society many years ago when it was yet a part of the virgin forest. Its most attractive natural beauties were retained, and these have been made more pleasing of late years to the artistie eye by intermingling with them adornments of a less primitive character.
"When the old Agricultural Society went out of existence on January 23, 1889, it conveyed a portion of its grounds to the county for the lo- cation of an Orphans' Home, and a part, consisting of abont ten aeres it conveyed to the City of Wabash conditionally, viz: 'That the same shall be forever held and maintained by said city of Wabash as a pub-
CITY PARK, WABASHI
lic park, or other public purposes, and with the further condition, that the ground shall be held for the use of all county and town outdoor meet- ings of a lawful character fitted for such uses, until such time as the same may be laid out and set apart for a Publie Park by said city, and then they shall set apart a space of one or two aeres in some prominent and proper portion of said grounds in the discretion of such city, to be held and kept for such meetings and for such purpose, proper and con- venient buildings, sheds, tents or amphitheater may be erected thereon, and all other ground to be kept for ornamentation and use common to Public Parks and places of resort.'
"Somewhat to the discredit of the city be it said, that for several years after it had been so generously dealt with by the old Agricultural
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Society, the City Government showed but a niggardly appreciation of the gift. No effort was made to further beautify the park or even preserve from desecration its natural loveliness. At last, however, steps were taken looking to transforming the grounds into a City Park which should be such in appearance as well as name. A Board of Park Commissioners was constituted, plans for the further beautifying of the park were evolved and an appropriation was made by the Common Council for the purpose of giving tangibility to these plans. The park commissioners were Messrs. Marland Gardner, Will Yarnelle and Arthur Burrell, all young men and possessing artistic tastes combined with practical sense.
"Under the administration of the present Board of Park Commission- ers many attractive features have been added, among which may be men- tioned electrie lights, drinking fountains, comfortable seats and the finest bicycle track in the state. It is the intention of the commissioners to add to these attractions just as rapidly as the funds which may be appropriated for this purpose will admit. Among the additional improve- ments contemplated is a beautiful lake of sufficient dimensions for boat- ing and skating purposes. The natural conditions of the grounds will admit this superior attraction at comparatively small cost, and when com- pleted and other plans akin to it are carried into effect Wabash can boast of an ideal publie park."
The city since then has purchased about thirty acres adjoining the above tract, making in all about forty aeres, and a new steel amphi- theater has been erected, and macadam driveways are being constructed throughout the park, which is the principal one in the city, and is lo- cated on West Hill Street.
Hanna Park is on East Hill Street, and was donated to the city by the heirs of Col. Hugh Hanna, which gives it its name. This park has been placed in an attractive condition, but as yet no buildings have been erected in it. It has been made attractive with flower beds and is a fine resting place for those who live near it.
CLARKSON W. WEESNER By H. G. Cutler
Since the death of Elijah Hackleman, January 16, 1901, there is no person living in Wabash County who has done more to record and pre- serve its history than Clark W. Weesner. Had it not been for his fore- thought and persistent efforts, there would have been no Lincoln Cabin in the city park to commemorate the grand mind and grander virtues of the most rugged democrat and republican of history; the man closer to the hearts of his countrymen than any who has lived before or after
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him. Ilere is a park with a purpose, a place for inspiration, as well as rest and recreation; it is suggestive of Clark Weesner, the supervising editor of this history; and it is the general verdict that no better selec- tion could have been made.
It may be going too far to say that Mr. Weesner has taken more pride and pleasure as president of the Old Settlers' Association than as mayor of Wabash, but the statement is quite safe that its interests have never been overshadowed either in his heart or mind by those of any other institution. In the upbuilding of the society, as in all other works to which he has put his hand, he has been patient, methodical, per- sistent, wise and affectionate.
Mr. Weesner's name indicates his German origin. It has been in- timated by family historians that the name was derived from the River Weser in the Fatherland, in whose valley the American aneestor was born. Michael Weesner, the great-great-grandfather of Clarkson W., settled in North Carolina in Colonial times. Through Micajah and Michael the family tree spread into Wayne and Henry counties, Indiana, and at length Jonathan Weesner, the father of Clark, became a resident of Waltz Township, Wabash County. This was in 1844. Two years afterward his first wife (neè Ruth Williams) died, the mother of five children, of whom the third was Clarkson W., who was born in Henry County, August 12, 1841. Both the oldest and the youngest sons were soldiers of the Civil war, the latter dying in the Union service, and had it not been for a congenital lameness Clarkson W. would have gone to the front as promptly as they.
By his second wife, Jonathan Weesner had six children. The father of these two families, most of whom reached maturity, was in many re- speets a remarkable man. The most vigorous period of his middle man- hood and the earlier period of his old age were passed in Waltz Town- ship, where he cleared his heavily timbered land, opened up and cul- tivated his farm, faithfully reared his families in the paths of honesty, industry and piety, read industriously, grasped tenaeiously and thought strongly. Ile was strong bodily and mentally, and possessed remark- able abilities as a mathematician and mechanician. The last years of his life were passed at the county seat, at the home of his daughter, Elvira Ridenour, until his death April 15, 1902, marked the demise of a man of strong purpose, rugged mentality, manly accomplishments and true scientific convictions.
Clarkson W. Weesner inherited good and strong traits from both his parents. Early in youth he learned the value of mental training coupled with ceaseless and straightforward work. As a pupil in the public schools, a country teacher and a practical farmer he built up a
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solid and influential character which brought him into personal and pub- lic favor. In 1863 he was appointed deputy treasurer of Wabash County under Elias Hubbard, not long afterward commenced the study of law and in 1870 was admitted to the bar. Six years afterward he was chosen mayor, and his administration was a credit to his training, his family name and the city.
In 1878 Mr. Weesner was elected clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he filled by reelection until 1887. He has the honor of being the last clerk who has held office for two terms. His previous experi- ence as deputy had given him some ideas for improvements in methods, which he proceeded to put into practice. Among other innovations which commended itself to bench and bar alike was a clear and complete index to judgments and other records, of especial value to persons having oc- casion to examine the proceedings of the court and the records of the office.
Since retiring from the office of the clerk of the Circuit Court, Mr. Weesner has mainly devoted his professional abilities to probate and abstract business, and there are few better authorities in the state on these subjects than he. He is the examiner of abstracts in his locality for such companies as the Penn Mutual, Connecticut Mutual and Aetna. Years ago, at the height of its usefulness, Mr. Weesner was secretary of the Wabash County Agricultural Society, and was the organizer and secretary of the first building and loan association of Wabash County. ITis several years of service as president of the Old Settlers' Association have added both to his responsibilities and influence. Like his father, he has always been a wide yet careful reader, and as he has digested what he has read his mind is well-nourished and vigorous. Finally; his life is rounded out by marriage to a congenial companion, the birth of children and a harmonious household. In 1865 he married Miss Anna E. Leeson, and of their four sons only one has failed to reach a vigorous manhood. But providenee thus gives us the weak to soften our hearts and strengthen our affections.
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CHAPTER XIX
THE PRESS, FINANCES AND INDUSTRIES
FIRST CITY NEWSPAPER-THIE WABASH GAZETTE-WEEKLY INTELLI- GENCER FOUNDED-THE GAZETTE AND INTELLIGENCER-WABASHI PLAIN DEALER-PLAIN DEALER COMPANY INCORPORATED-THIE WABASII TIMES-STAR-THE DEMOCRAT-THE COURIER AND LEE LINN-FIRST NATIONAL BANK-THE CITIZENS BANK-WABASHI NATIONAL BANK- FARMERS AND MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK-WARREN BIGLER, PIONEER ABSTRACTOR-WABASHI COUNTY LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY-CITI- ZENS SAVINGS AND TRUST COMPANY-INDUSTRIES DISTRIBUTED- FLOUR MILLS FIRST-ROBERT CISSNA'S IMPROVEMENTS-SUMMERTON & SONS-UNION AND THOMPSON MILLS-THOMAS F. PAYNE, FIRST CABINET MAKER-WABASH SCHOOL FURNITURE COMPANY-THE WABASHI CABINET COMPANY-CARDINAL CABINET COMPANY-GREAT PAPER AND COATING MILLS-BIG FOUR RAILROAD SHOPS-WABASHI BAKING POWDER COMPANY-WABASHI CANNING COMPANY.
The city press is now represented by the Wabash Plain Dealer and the Wabash Times-Star. They are both daily papers, with weekly editions.
FIRST CITY NEWSPAPERS
The first newspaper issued from the Town of Wabash was the Upper Wabash Argus, which appeared in March, 1846, with John U. Pettit as editor and Moses Scott as publisher, printer and practical all- around man. The judge held on until September, when he gave way to Alanson P. Ferry, who continued as editor until the publication was suspended and the office sold to George E. Gordon, in October, 1847.
THE WABASH GAZETTE
Within a month Mr. Gordon commenced the publication of the Wabash Weekly Gazette, with Mr. Scott as his mechanical superintendent. The
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paper was whig, and with the closing of the 1848 campaign which re- sulted in the election of Zachary Taylor, presidential candidate of that party, Mr. Gordon sold the establishment to Mr. Scott, who, in turn, associated himself with John L. Knight as editor. Under that man- agement the Gazette continued to be issued until September, 1853, when it passed into the hands of Naaman Fletcher.
WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER FOUNDED
In the meantime (in August, 1849), the plant had been destroyed by fire, and although the regular issues of the paper were thereby some- what delayed, a new office outfit was purchased and the Gazette reap- peared in a new dress and in an enlarged form. After the sale to Mr. Fletcher in 1853, Mr. Scott continued his position in the publishing de- partment for a number of months. Then he became associated with Horace P. Peters and Daniel M. Cox in the purchase of a new office and the founding of the Weekly Intelligencer.
The first number of the Weekly Intelligencer was issued April 26, 1854, under the business and mechanical management of Messrs. Scott and Peters, who were both practical printers, and the editorial control of Mr. Cox. Although inexperienced as a journalist, the last named proved himself to be a forceful writer and a good newspaper man. In May, 1855, Mr. Peters and J. W. Stout became local editors, Mr. Cox re- maining as general editor of the paper. Mr. Scott was elected sheriff in 1856, when Messrs Peters and Cox became sole proprietors of the In- telligencer. In May, 1857, that partnership was dissolved, Mr. Peters becoming sole proprietor and John L. Knight, principal editor. In No- vember of that year Mr. Peters sold the office to Mr. Cox and Charles S. Parrish, who continued the publication of the Intelligencer until April, 1858, at which time Naaman Fletcher, proprietor of the Gazette, became the purchaser.
THE GAZETTE AND INTELLIGENCER
After September, 1853, when Mr. Fletcher took charge of the Gazette, that paper continued under his proprietorship and editorial manage- ment. In March, 1858, the office was again destroyed by fire, and in the following month, as already stated, Mr. Fletcher purchased the Intelli- gencer. On the 27th of April, 1858, he issued the merger known as The Gazette and Intelligeneer. The paper was thus published until Mr. Fleteher's death in 1866, when it was sold to S. M. Ilibben, who con- solidated it with the Plain Dealer, of which he had been the owner for a number of years.
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WABASH PLAIN DEALER
In August, 1859, W. C. MeGonegal had commenced the publication of the Wabash Plain Dealer, then a democratic paper founded along the lines of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In the following year Mr. Mc- Gonegal and his paper became republican, and soon afterward was pur- chased by Mr. Hibben. At that time, the office was located on Canal Street, on the third floor of the building since occupied by Simon Brothers. The Gazette disappeared with its absorption by the Plain Dealer in 1866, and in the fall of that year Mr. Hibben disposed of his paper to Meredith II. Kidd. After a few months, Major Kidd, who had made a good record in the Civil war, was appointed major in the regular army and turned over the Plain Dealer to A. P. Ferry and Thad
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OLD CAMPAIGN CARTOON
Butler. In July, 1868, Ferry & Butler sold it to John L. Knight, and within the succeeding four years it was conducted by Mr. Knight, Knight & Randall, Knight & Calvert, Frank Calvert and H. H. Robinson. In February, 1872, it was repurchased by Ferry & Butler, and in 1876, with John L. Knight, these gentlemen formed a joint stock company. Messrs. Ferry and Knight sold their interests to Theron P. Keator, in the spring of 1879, and the Plain Dealer was owned and published by Keator & Butler from that time until February, 1882, when it was purchased by Messrs. McClung, Bacon & Harris.
PLAIN DEALER COMPANY INCORPORATED
On April 14, 1887, the Plain Dealer Company was incorporated by Warren Bigler, Henry F. Harris, George C. Bacon, Charles H. Newell
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and Charles S. IIaas with Mr. Bigler as president, Mr. Newell as business manager and secretary and Mr. Haas as editor. Mr. Bigler continued as president until 1910, when he was succeded by Mr. Haas, who also retained editorial control. In February, 1914, the latter severed his connection with the Plain Dealer to give the bulk of his time to the Farmers and Merchants National Bank of which he had been president for several years. Since the retirement of Mr. Haas the active manage- ment of the Plain Dealer Company has been in the hands of Fred I. King, president and editor ; William II. Adams, vice president and manager and Harry F. Palmer, secretary and treasurer. The last named succeeded Mr. Bacon, who, with Mrs. Mary Gibson, retains stoek in the company. The daily edition of the Plain Dealer dates from July 1, 1890.
THE WABASH TIMES-STAR
The Wabash Times-Star is a combination of the following news- papers: Wabash Weekly Times, established in 1884; Wabash Daily Times, 1894; Wabash Weekly News, 1893; Wabash Daily Tribune, 1894; Wabash Weekly Tribune, 1894; Wabash Weekly Star, 1896, and North Manchester Leader, 1897. All of the foregoing newspapers were pur- chased by William H. Sharpe and combined under the name of The Times-Star. Mr. Sharpe issues editions of that paper every evening ex- cept Sunday, and a weekly issue. The paper is ably managed by Mr. Sharpe as editor and proprietor.
THE DEMOCRAT
Several newspapers other than those mentioned have been published in Wabash. In July, 1870, S. S. Baker issued the Demoerat, but it lived less than eight months either as a private enterprise or as a joint-stock · creature.
THE COURIER AND LEE LINN
In May, 1871, A. L. Bagley commenced the publication of the Wabash Free Trader, also as an organ of the democratic party. Within the suc- ceeding three years it secured quite a patronage, and in May, 1874, was purchased by Linn & Keyes. Mr. Keyes retired at the end of the busi- ness year, but Lee Linn continued ; and he managed to make quite a stir. Linn was a Scotchman, a Missourian, a dashing Union cavalryman from Kentucky, and a fighter in word and deed. As rather ponderously de- seribed by one of his friends, while enlivening Wabash-"he is univer-
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sally known as possessing the physical courage to back his public utter- ances." Mr. Linn changed the name of his paper from the Free Trader to the Wabash Courier in May, 1876, and in February, 1884, announced boldly that the paper would henceforth be an advocate of republicanism. There was never a doubt about Lee Linn's courage, intellectual, moral or physical. But although he was interesting and inspiring, he could not keep the Courier alive, and it expired-kicking-a few years later.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
The First National Bank of Wabash was organized under the national banking law of February 25, 1863, with a capital stock of $50,000 and the privilege of an increase to $100,000. Robert Cissna was president and John L. Knight, cashier. With the beginning of the year 1883, an application was made to the treasury department for a twenty years' extension of its charter, as provided by the law of July 12, 1882. The request was granted in the following February, and in Angust, 1883, its original capital stock was doubled, making it $100,000. At that time Frank W. Morse was cashier, having held the position for eleven years and continuing thus for two decades longer.
THE CITIZENS BANK
The Citizens Bank was organized in 1868 with a capital of $50,000. The principal stockholders were James McCrea, Joseph Crabbs and John II. Bireley, who held the offices, respectively, of president, vice president and cashier.
WABASH NATIONAL BANK
The present Wabash National Bank was organized as the Wabash County Bank, July 2, 1877, with a capitalization of $60,000. This was a private bank, although possessing a corporate name, the owners being Joseph W. Busick, Geo. N. King and Thomas McNamee. The first two named were president and vice president, respectively, and James I. Robertson, cashier. In 1888 the bank was changed into the Wabash National Bank, the officers remaining the same and the capital being increased to $120,000. Upon the death of Geo. N. King, in February, 1897, his brother, Thomas W. King, was elected to succeed him. Upon the death of Joseph W. Busick in March, 1897, Thomas McNamee was elected president. Upon the death of T. W. King in 1912, J. 1. Robert- son was elected vice president and still continued as cashier. This has
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continued to the present. The capitalization of $120,000 has also re- mained, but a surplus of $50,000 has been accumulated. George N. King and Thomas McNamee were friends for over half a century and partners in various business enterprises during this period. Their asso- ciation was the utmost harmony, without discord, and they remained as brothers until the death of Mr. King. In February, 1910, the First National Bank of Wabash went out of business, surrendered its charter and its affairs were taken over by the Wabash National Bank. Prior to this Citizens Bank was taken over by the Wabash National Bank. Of the original organizers of the bank Mr. McNamee is the only survivor.
FARMERS AND MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK
On the 1st of October, 1901, Howard M. Atkinson, son of A. M. Atkinson, so many years identified with the Aetna Life Insurance Com- pany and first president of the Wabash Board of Trade, founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank. In that enterprise, the younger Mr. Atkinson associated himself with Frank W. Morse, who had been cashier of the First National Bank for nearly thirty years and John II. Birely, who had held a similar position with the Citizens Bank since 1878. It was certainly a strong combination for the establishment of the private bank which was established at that time with a capital of $60,000 and deposits of $100,000.
On June 23, 1902, it became a national institution under the name of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank, with HI. B. Shively as president, Howard M. Atkinson and Frank W. Morse, vice presidents, and John II. Bireley, cashier. It was capitalized at $100,000. In 1906 Mr. Atkinson retired and Charles S. Haas succeeded him as vice presi- dent. Mr. Bireley resigned the cashiership in 1908, and was followed by Otto G. Hill, formerly of the Citizens Bank. Judge Shively died on September 10, 1910, and Mr. Haas has held the presidency since.
Since January 10, 1910, the Farmers and Merchants National Bank has occupied a handsome building of its own, erected at a cost of $36,000. While the capital of the institution remains the same as originally fixed, its deposits have increased from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Its surplus and undivided profits amount to $50,000.
WARREN BIGLER, PIONEER ABSTRACTOR
There are several abstract, loan and trust companies which should be mentioned in connection with the finances of Wabash. The oldest abstract and loan business was established by Warren Bigler in 1875.
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At that time his office was the only concern of the kind in the Wabash Valley, and every line of the original books was written by himself. Those who have had long experience in the abstract business assert that their correctness is remarkable. Mr. Bigler afterward added the mak- ing of loans on farm and city property to his original business, and for years the transactions of the Wabash Abstract and Loan Company have been widely extended. Claude D. Stitt, president of the company, is also an old and experienced abstractor.
WABASH COUNTY LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY
The Wabash County Loan and Trust Company was organized in the fall of 1907 with a capital of $60,000, which has since been increased to $125,000. The company does a commercial and savings banking busi- ness, has also insurance and real estate departments, and acts in all trust capacities. Its president is Nelson G. Hunter, a well known lawyer and old citizen.
CITIZENS SAVINGS AND TRUST COMPANY
The Citizens Savings and Trust Company, which was incorporated in April, 1913, does a general banking business, rents safety vaults, and maintains insurance and abstract of title departments. Elmer Burns, the president, is a leading farmer, and C. H. LaSelle, secretary, an ex- perienced insurance man. The company has a capital of $50,000, sur- plus of $25,000 and resources of over $200,000.
INDUSTRIES DISTRIBUTED
From the first, the citizens of Wabash adhered to their determination that* the eggs from which she was to hatch her prosperity should be placed in various baskets; therefore the field of her manufactures has produced many crops. The result was that the city seldom experienced a general season of depression, as it was not within the probabilities that all lines of manufactures, from flour and furniture to paper and vegetables, could take a slump at the same time.
FLOUR MILLS FIRST
The flour mills of Wabash, although not extensive, represent the pioneer industry of the locality. The plant operated by the Wabash Milling Company (Summerton & Sons) on West Canal Street is the Vol. [ -22
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oldest and largest. The mills have a daily capacity of about one hun- dred barrels, and their business is founded on the enterprise placed on its feet by Robert Cissna in 1843.
ROBERT CISSNA'S IMPROVEMENTS
As early as 1835 Colonel Hanna had improved the waterpower at Wabash and built a gristmill, but Cissna's improvements are directly connected with present-day industry. In the year mentioned he came to town on a tour of inspection to find a site upon which to ereet a cus- tom and merchant mill. At that time the waterpower furnished by the Wabash and Erie Canal was being utilized all along its line from Toledo
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SPOKELI& BENDING FACTORY
WARERCOM
OLD SPOKE AND BENDING FACTORY, WABASII
to Lafayette. Upon examination Mr. Cissna ascertained that such a Site could be procured subject to the terms prescribed by the managers of the canal, with the consent of the State Legislature. By an act of that body approved January 15, 1844, the state board of internal im- provements was instructed to lease to Mr. Cissna the waterpower at the lock on the Wabash and Erie Canal at the Town of Wabash and "for the purpose of erecting thereon a mill house, and further to carry out and enjoy the object of the purchase or lease of said waterpower, to enter upon, take possession of, use and occupy so much of Canal Street in said Town of Wabash, as also so much of a space of public ground in said town lying west of fractional Lot No. 1 between the Wabash and Erie Canal and Canal Street as may lie and be situated within a line commencing at and running north from the north side of the tumble
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