USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Hyman's Handbook of Indianapolis : an outline history and description of the capital of Indiana, with over three hundred illustrations from photographs made expressly for this work (1897) > Part 13
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
The Fidelity Building and Savings Union was chartered in December, ISSo, and in IS91, Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the "Fidelity" were chartered with a capital stock of $1,000,000 each. This is the largest and among the oldest building and loan associations doing a general business in Indiana. The oldest stock
250
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
is now being paid off at a net profit of 12 per cent. to the members. In ad- dition to this profit the stock is exempt from taxation, which makes it equiv- alent to a 20 per cent. investment to the stockholders. The total dividends apportioned to members since the organization has been $377,400. The amount of loans in force exceed $1,000,000, and 38,722 shares of stock were issued up to December 31, 1895. The officers of the company are J. B. Pat- ton, president; A. M. Sweeney, vice-president; E. J. Robison, secretary; II. II. Mosier, treasurer; O. Z. Hubbell, attorney, and J. H. Slater, actuary.
The Indiana Society for Savings was incorporated on April 6, 1893. It is recognized as one of the most solid and substantial institutions of the kind in Indiana, and has at this time assets exceeding $450,000. The policy of this association has been to confine its loaning operations almost entirely to the city of Indianapolis, and it has at the present time in excess of 97 per cent. of its loans on Marion county real estate. It has earned for its stockholders, since its organization, an annual dividend of 10 per cent. compound, and has paid during its existence over $50,000 in cash dividends to its stockholders. This association was a pioneer in the movement toward the abolishment of the expense fund. It was organized without this feature, and as a result its officers have exercised the strictest economy in its management, with the result that its expense rate during the past year has been one and nine-tenths per cent. as compared with twelve and one-half to sixteen per cent. on the part of its competitors. It issues stock at any time without the payment of an entrance fee, while its stockholders at any time have the privilege to withdraw without the payment of a penalty. It pays S per cent. cash dividends on its investment stock, and allows interest on such stock up to the date of its withdrawal. It has been the policy of the association to pay such withdrawals practically on demand, not taking advantage of the legal right to 90 days. The capital stock of the association is $1,500,000, of which $1,200,000 has been sub- scribed. The officers of the association are: Charles E. Thornton, presi- dent; John A. Finch, vice-president; Charles A. Bookwalter, secretary and treasurer, and Charles N. Thompson, attorney. The directors are: Charles E. Thornton, J. Augustus Lemcke, Thomas C. Day, John A. Finch, Guil- ford A. Dietch, J. W. Sawyer, M. D., and Charles A. Bookwalter. Fletcher's Bank is depository.
The Monument Savings and Loan Association of Indianapolis, Indiana, U. S. A., is a corporation duly organized under the provisions and acts of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, providing for the incorporation of building and loan associations, and placing them under the supervision of the Auditor of State. The authorized capital of this association is one million dollars ($1,000,000), and at the time of the last report to the Auditor of State, on the 30th day of June, 1895, the association had a subscribed capital of $523,000, and 1,352 individual shareholders, the shares being issued in four classes, viz .: installment, fully paid, prepaid and debenture shares.
The officers and directors of the association are Walter T. Cox, presi- dent (attorney C. C. C. & St. L. R. R.); R. French Stone, M. D., vice-pres- ident (author of Biographical Sketches of American Physicians); William
251
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
F. Churchman, treasurer (cashier of Capital National Bank); (IIenry F. Stevenson, secretary and general manager (lawyer); W. E. Stevenson (real estate and loan broker); and L. L. Burr (capitalist and broker), New Castle, Ind. These gentlemen are identified with the highest business element in the city, and Mr. Henry F. Stevenson, the secretary, is especially qualified by virtue of his past experience and record as a successful lawyer and loan agent for his present responsible position. The methods employed by this associa- tion, which operates what is known as the "definite contract plan," are bound to be very popular. This "definite contract" is issued to every applicant for shares. There are no "estimates" or "believe we can mature" figures given. . All is definite. You get a certificate in which the withdrawal value of your shares for each month is printed. You do not have to go to the secretary or anyone else to find out the value of your shares. It is set down in the certificate, and you KNOW exactly at any time what your money has earned you. A look at the certificate of shares of a definite contract association, will at any time reveal to its holders that he can withdraw not only all he has invested, but a definite amount of interest besides. These amounts are fixed, and the investor or the borrower can determine precise results before any money is paid on shares. In the larger cities such definite contract asso ciations have operated for several years, and are some of the most prosperous associations. The figures of the Monument are based on careful experience and due consideration of all that it involves, $7,000 having been expended in the preparation of tables, and in the gathering of data; hence it is no experi- ment, but a fact, and an attractive one at that, for the investor. In addition to the definite contract plan, the Lawyers' Loan & Trust Co., a strong finan- cial concern, after having carefully examined the plans and methods of the Monument Savings and Loan Association, have consented to issue, in con- nection with every certificate, an Indemnity Contract guaranteeing interest, maturity and withdrawal of each and every share of the association, thus making all doubly sure.
The Monument can be pronounced as safe and solid as its name indi- cates, and its unique features are especially attractive to all those preferring a certainty to an estimate.
I. N. Richie, real estate and loan agent at 60 East Market street, in the Lemcke Building, began business in IS92. His business is exclusively de- voted to real estate and mortgages loans, and receives his personal atten- tion. He is recognized as one of the most prominent and enterprising men in his business in the city. In 1S91 he platted Richie's Clifford avenue ad- dition, and in 1893 Capital Park addition in the western portion of the city, and is also interested in Ardmore addition at Central avenue and 30th street. Mr. Richie was instrumental in purchasing the property and securing the terminal facilities for the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago Railroad Company at this point. This was the most important real estate transaction during 1895.
252
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
GRANT
John S. Spann & Company, established in 1857, have had a longer con- tinued existence and identification with the real estate and insurance busi- ness in Indianapolis than any other firm. They have participated in many of the most important real estate transactions recorded during their long and successful career, and some of the attractive portions of the city of to-day are the results of their far-sightedness PREFERRED ACCIDENT. and good judgment, having been platted and sold by them. Notable among these are the Wm. H. Morrison addition, platted in 1873; Gen. T. A. Morris' addition and the larger portion of the northeast section of the city; Spann & Company's Woodlawn addition and other well-known additions. The members of the firm are John S., Thomas II., John M. and Henry J. Spann. The firm also repre- sents some of the most noted and substantial foreign and American fire insurance com- panies and are the financial agents for the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company of Ilartford, Conn., and the United States Mortgage and Trust Company of New York. The offices of the firm are located in the JOHN S. SPANN & CO. Hartford Block, S9 East Market street.
W. E, Mick & Co., real estate, rental and loan agents, have been estab- lished since 1868, and is one of the oldest and best known firms in this line of business in Indianapolis. The members of the firm are W. E. and E. L. Mick. The main offices are located at 68 East Market street, with a branch office in their handsome modern three-story brick building, at the corner of Illinois and Twenty-second streets. The business of this firm has kept pace with the growth of the city, and many of the principal additions to Indiana- polis are the results of its enterprise. Among the properties that Mick & Co. either owned directly or were instrumental in adding to the city are: King's Arsenal Heights addition in 1871; King's subdivision of Highland Park, 1872; T. A. Lewis & Co.'s Arsenal Heights addition, 1872; Shoemaker & Lippincott's Brookside addition, and Ramsey's Brookside addition, 1871. They subdivided Clark's addition to Haughville in 1885, Clark's second ad- dition to Haughville in 1SS6; Clark's third addition to West Indianapolis in 18SS, Mick & Clark's Haughville Park addition in 1893, Jameson's ist Belmont West Indianapolis addition in 1890, Ilyde Park in 1891, and many other valuable and important properties. Among the notable real estate transactions made by this firm was the sale of the Denison Hotel property to D. P. Erwin.
253
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
W. E. MICK & COMPANY BUILDING, ILLINOIS AND 22D STREETS.
The A. Metzger Agency was organized in 1863 by Alexander Metzger, who at that time sold out a flourishing steam bakery to Parrott & Nickum. From its very inception this agency has taken a very prominent part in the development of the city. After the death of Alexander Metzger in 1890, he was succeeded by his sons, Harry A. Metzger and Albert E. Metzger.
In every branch of its extensive business this firm has steadily grown, and holds its place in the foremost rank of the city's like enterprises.
The loan and rental departments are under the supervision of Albert E. Metzger. The loan department has become one of the important centers of distributing money. From a small beginning it has grown until now large sums of money are intrusted to its care for investment, both by residents and non-residents. The rental department has the care of properties in the city and surroundings. comprising a list of over eleven hundred (1.100) tenants.
The real estate department. under the supervision of Benjamin F. Good- hart, has in the past years consummated some of the most important sales of business and suburban properties. Many of the largest additions, such as Kenwood Park, Metzger's East Michigan street addition, Marion Park, Beaty addition, several additions on Prospect street, and many other addi-
254
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
tions, comprising thousands of lots, have been platted and sold by this firm. Among the larger transactions consummated by this agency may be men- tioned the sale of the old Exposition grounds to the state, the sale of the Work House grounds to the county, and the sale of the Industrial Training School site to the city.
The insurance department, under the management of Harry A. Metzger, has grown with equal pace, and comprises a number of the very strongest and most reliable companies.
The steamship, foreign exchange and draft department, under the man- agement of Henry Grummann, has for many years been the recognized ex- change for tourists, in securing passage to and from Europe, or in taking ad- vantage of its facilities to issue money orders and drafts. The collection of claims in Europe also receives attention in this department, and many estates have been collected by means of the large number of reliable correspondents in Europe which this agency has at its disposal.
The firm has now in contemplation, plans for an extensive building to be erected on its own ground between the Scottish Rite and the Indiana Na- tional Bank buildings, on South Pennsylvania street, that will furnish the necessary accommodation for its growing business.
Dyer & Rassmann .- The substantial progress that a city makes during any given period is perhaps due more to that class of real estate dealers who have identified themselves closely with the welfare of the place, and prefer to see and aid her steady growth, rather than to assist in those unnatural infla- tions so aptly termed "booms." In the front rank in this class, who have done much to place Indianapolis in her present prosperous condition, are the firm of Dyer & Rassmann, whose offices are located at 31 Circle street. These gentlemen began business in 1SS2, and have gradually formed the most influential connections and are now conducting the largest renting business in the city. They conduct a general real estate business, in buying, selling, renting and exchanging reality, loaning money up to sums of $20,000, upon first-class real estate security, the placing of insurance in companies of known stability, and the management of estates for non-resident owners. They represent the following well-known insurance companies: National of Hartford, Conn .; America of New York; Phoenix of London, England, and Reading of Pennsylvania. Mr. S. M. Dyer is a native of Indiana, and a mem- ber of the Board of Trade and the Commercial and Columbia Clubs. Mr. E. C. Rassmann was born in this state, and belongs to the Commercial Club, and held the position of vice-president of the City Council.
Robert Zener & Company, whose offices are located in the Talbott building at the corner of Market and Pennsylvania streets, are the successors to the fire insurance business that was established by Cleavland & Company in IS6S. Robert Zener & Company have been in business since July 1, 1886. The firm is composed of Robert Zener and his son Clarence M. Zener. Beside being general agents for Indiana and Kentucky for the Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation, Limited, of London, England, they are the repre- sentatives of some of the best known fire and marine insurance companies
SHCBAUER-ENG-
UNION RAILWAY STATION.
257
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
C. E. Coffin & Company, investment bankers and brokers, 90 East Mar- ket street, was founded by C. E. Coffin. Ile came to Indianapolis in 1867 and secured employment in the office of Cap- tain William Y. Wiley, one of the first real estate agents in the city. He remained with him six years, during which time he took a law course at a night school, and was admit- ted to the bar of Marion county in 1871. Finding the real estate business more prom- ising, he decided to continue in that line, and on the death of Captain Wiley, in January, IS73, he opened up an office of his own, and by a close attention to business and strict in- tegrity has built up a very large trade. In January, ISSo, he associated with him in busi- ness his brother-in-law, Charles E. Ilolloway; under the firm name of C. E. Coffin & Com- pany, investment bankers and brokers. The firm buys and sells real estate, takes charge of rental property, makes mortgage loans in which it handles large amounts of eastern capital, and represents a number of first-class fire insurance companies. In ISS3 the firm moved into Mr. Coffin's new block, in East Market street, where it has one of the most C. E. COFFIN & CO. complete and handsomely furnished offices in the west. Of this firm it can be said, that there is none other that has taken a greater interest in the development of the city. It has at all times figured prominently in all movements looking to this end.
McGilliard Agency Company ; Insurance ; Nos. S3 and S5 East Market street .- The business was originally established in 1866, and the present company was incorporated January 2, 1896. It has a capital of $10,000, and is officered as follows : M. V. McGilliard, president ; Albert W. Hall, vice- president ; J. Kirk Wright, treasurer ; Edwin IIill, secretary. This company is especially prominent as general agents for the Indiana Insurance Com- pany, the Fort Wayne Insurance Company, the Vernon Insurance and Trust Company, and the Citizens' Insurance Company, Girard Insurance Com . pany, Fireman's Fund, Allemania Insurance Company, Western Under- writers Association, Rockford Insurance Company and the Central Acci- dent Insurance Company, of Pittsburg, Pa.
Elliott & Butler, Abstracters, are located in Hartford Block. The business was established by Mr. Elliott in 1866. The firm is recognized as one of the leading and most reliable engaged in this line in the city. The members of the firm are Joseph T. Elliott and Ovid D. Butler.
258
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
FREIGHT
DEPOT
THE INDIANA, DECATUR AND WESTERN FREIGHT DEPOT.
The Indiana, Decatur and Western, with its 153 miles of road connecting Indianapolis with the rich agricultural lands of central Illinois, is one of the more recent additions to the splendid railway facilities of this city. It is the only direct route from Indianapolis to Decatur, Illinois, operating four trains daily between these points, and two local trains between this city and Tus- cola, also through reclining chair and sleeping car service to Jacksonville and Springfield, Illinois, and St. Louis. At Roachdale it connects with the " Monon " for Chicago with a daily through car service between Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago. On this railway are located the celebrated Bloom- ingdale Glens, one of the most picturesque spots in the country, and the famous Sulphur Springs at Montezuma, with the largest bathing pool in the Union. This sulphur water is of great value in certain diseases, and a num- ber of marvelous cures have been effected by its use. The company's ex- tensive shops are located near Haughville, a suburb of Indianapolis, where several hundred men are employed. The general offices are located in the Commercial Club building. R. B. F. Peirce is general manager, John S. Lazarus, general freight and passenger agent, and George H. Graves, super- intendent.
Lake Erie & Western Railroad, "The Natural Gas Route," connects this city directly with all the important cities and towns situated in the famous gas and oil belt of Indiana and Ohio, and with its numerous divisions make it an important and popular line. The main line of the road extends from Peoria, Ill., to Sandusky, Ohio, and from this city the road runs to Michigan City, crossing the main line at Tipton, connecting with all trains and fur- nishing a quick and popular route to all points east, west and north. The different divisions embrace S90 miles, as follows: Main line, 420 miles; In- dianapolis and Michigan City division, 162 miles; Ft. Wayne and Cincin- nati division, 109 miles; Louisville division, 24 miles; Minster branch, 10
--
-
ยท LAKE ERIE AND WESTERN RAILROAD BUILDING AND ROUND HOUSE.
261
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
miles, and Northern Ohio Railway, 165 miles. It is the popular line between Peoria, Sandusky, Michigan City, Indianapolis, Connersville, Rushville and Ft. Wayne, making direct connections at these cities for all points in the country. At Bloomington it makes union depot connections with solid ves- tibuled limited trains for St. Louis, and at Peoria with the Burlington and Rock Island Routes for Council Bluffs, Omaha and Denver, also for St. Paul, Minneapolis and the Northwestern Territory. The general offices are located in the company's building on East Washington street, where the af- fairs of the road are directed. George L. Bradbury is vice-president and general manager, and Chas. F. Daly, general passenger agent.
LOUISVILLE, NEW ALBANY AND CHICAGO RAILWAY FREIGHT DEPOT.
The Louisville, New Albany and Chicago Railway Company operated what is familiarly known as the " Monon route." This is the favorite short line to Chicago running three solid vestibule trains daily consisting of parlor cars and elegant coaches on day trains and Pullman and compartment cars, the finest in the land, on night trains. These trains are heated by steam and lighted by Pintsch gas, and the speed with which they are run is the highest consistent with safety. They are marvels of elegance. Two trains daily except Sunday furnish the service between Indianapolis and Michigan City. connecting at Monon with the main line of the L., N. A. & C. Ry., which is the direct route from Louisville to Chicago. On this division of the " Monon" the famous health resorts, West Baden and French Lick Springs, the "Carlsbad of America," are located. This division also taps the inexhaustible quarries around Bedford, Ind., from which the world-famed oolitie limestone is taken. The summer tourist also finds an inviting spot on the main line between Monon and Chicago in the attractive resort "Cedar Lake," with its beauti- ful expanse of water. This is one of the finest of the numerous lakes that dot northern Indiana, furnishing delightful boating and excellent fishing. From Indianapolis to Chicago the " Monon" connects with all the roads
262
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
crossing the state, and at Chicago with all the great trunk lines, making it one of the most desirable and direct routes for reaching all points in the west, north and northwest. The offices in this city are located at the northwest corner of Washington and Meridian streets. Frank J. Reed, general passen- ger agent, is located at Chicago, and George W. Hayler, district passenger agent, has charge of the passenger traffic at this point.
The Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway has, since its opening on August 9, 1867, taken an important part in the development of this city, and of all the roads centering at this point none show more forcibly the great improvements that have taken place in American railroads. In point of equipment there is none that surpasses it ; in fact, it was the first road lead- ing into this city (in connection with the " Monon " with which for a num- ber of years it has been closely associated), to introduce safety vestibuled trains, and it has aggressively maintained its position to give the traveling public the very best in service, high speed and regularity with which it oper- ates. The main line from this city extends to Cincinnati, a distance of 121 miles ; six trains are operated daily each way. It makes direct connection , at Hamilton for Dayton, Toledo and Detroit, and at Dayton connects with the "Erie" for all points in New York state. At Cincinnati it connects with the Baltimore and Ohio and the Chesapeake and Ohio railroads. form- ing one of the most popular and delightful routes to all eastern points, and the "Queen and Crescent " for all southern points. It also runs a parlor car and sleeper over the Indiana, Decatur and Western railroad, connecting at this point for Jacksonville, Illinois, making a desirable route to western and southwestern points, and in conjunction with the "Vandalia" furnishes through car service to St. Louis from this city. Its train service from Cin- cinnati to Chicago through this city in conjunction with the "Monon" can not be surpassed if equaled, affording a popular line to all points in the north and northwest. The offices in this city are located at the northwest corner of Meridian and Washington streets. D. G. Edwards is passenger traffic manager at Cincinnati. The road is represented in this city by George W. Hayler, district passenger agent, and Henry G. Stiles, general agent.
The Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, popularly known as the "Big Four Route," operates seven distinct lines from this city, furnishing direct service to all the important points in the central west, and to every point in the country by close connection with the leading trunk lines. From St. Louis it runs its famous "Knickerbocker Special" via Cleve- land to New York and Boston through this city, and the "Southwestern Lim- ited" from New York and Boston to Indianapolis and St. Louis. At Columbus, connection is made with the trunk lines for Washington, Baltimore and all eastern points. Magnificent service is maintained by the line between Chi- cago and Cincinnati over which runs the famous "White City Special," con- necting at Cincinnati with the C. & O. Railway for the East, and with all lines for the South and South-east, and at Chicago for all points in the North-
6
NEDERLAND LIFELESENEDERLAND LIFT
NSURA
LIFE
"BIG FOUR" RAILWAY PASSENGER OFFICE.
265
HYMAN'S HANDBOOK OF INDIANAPOLIS.
CLEVELAND, BIG FOUR. CHICAGO,
ROUTE. ST.LOUIS,
COLUMBUS, E . EAST, WEST.
CINCINNATI. NORTH,SOVIA-PEORIA.
-
BIG FOUR FREIGHT DEPOT.
west. By an alliance with the Toledo & Ohio Central, a through car line to Toledo and Detroit has been formed, giving connection for Michigan and Lake points. The outlet for Iowa, Nebraska and the North-west is over their Peoria division, formerly the I. B. & W. Route, the old original line to the West. One of the most valuable lines on the system is the line from this city to Benton Harbor, Michigan, running through the gas belt of In- diana and the fruit district of Michigan. This is the favorite route for Michi- gan tourist resorts. One of the valuable acquisitions to the railway facili- ties of this city is the new route to Louisville, this company having invested nearly $3,000,000 in terminal facilities at that point, which includes the new Louisville and Jeffersonville bridge, one of the largest that spans the Ohio river. This company also operates branch lines to Cairo, Ill., and Sandusky, Ohio, having 2,345 miles of road in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. There is no railway system in America that is operated with greater regularity, and the equipment generally is kept up to the very highest standard. The service throughout the system is excellent. The local representatives are II. M. Bron- son, assistant general passenger agent; Benj. C. Kelsey, city ticket agent, and S. M. Hise, city passenger agent. Henry S. Fraser, general agent, and W. A. Sullivan, commercial agent, have charge of the local freight business. E. O. McCormick, passenger traffic manager, and D. B. Martin, general passen- ger and ticket agent of the system, are located at Cincinnati.
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.