USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Logan's History of Indianapolis from 1818. Giving a carefully compiled record of events of the city from the organization of the state government > Part 10
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vote of the citizens on the 27th of March,
The Madison railroad depot was located and in case of its acceptanee the Governor this summer on the high ground south of was to proclaim the fact and that it had Pogue's run, nearly half a mile from the become a law. The donation east of the settled portion of the town. The location river was included in the corporation, and caused much dissatisfaction, and the com- was divided in seven wards. Washington pany was strongly urged to build its depot street was the boundary between the north on Maryland street ; but, the location hav- and south wards. All east of Alabama and ing been finally determined on, the coun- north of Washington was the first; thence eil ordered the improvement of Pennsylva-Iwest to Meridian the second; thence to nia and Delaware streets across the low |Mi-sissippi the third; thence west, fourth ; valley of the run, and the creek bed wasiall west of Illinois and south of Washing- straightened from Virginia avenue to Meri- ton, fifth : thence east to Delaware, sixth ; dian street by the property holders.
thence all east the seventh. The first city The citizens became provoked during the election was to take place April 24th. The summer at the bold operations of the gam- Mayor was to serve two years, had a jus- blers. Meetings were held, a committee of tice's jurisdiction and the veto power. One fifteen appointed, resolutions to abate the councilman was to be elected from each nuisance adopted, and Hiram Brown, the ward at $24 annual salary and serve one ol:lest member of the bar. retained to pros- year. The council was to elect one of their ecute the offenders. Vigorous measures number president, hokl monthly meetings. were taken, and repeated in December, two-thirds being a quorum. They had full 1847, and the gamblers compelled to leave power to pass ordinances, levy taxes, estab- the town. Much feeling was aroused by lish district schools and levy taxes therefor, these measures and the fifteen were de-'grade streets, suppress nuisances, &c., and nounced as a vigilance committee, but the were to elect a secretary, treasurer, assessor, desired object was attained and the town marshal, (who was to have a constable's rid of the presence of many bad characters. authority, ) street commissioner, attorney, and such other officers as might be needed. 1847. Heavy and continued rains, Taxation for general purposes was limited amounting to twelve inches in forty-eight to fifteen cents on the $100. but could be hours, had fallen over the State during the increased if specially authorized by vote of . last days of December, 1846, producing by the people. At the election for eity officers the first of January the greatest flood in in April a vote was also to be taken on the White river and its tributaries since 1824. question of tax for free schools.
The whole valley was flooded, washing off] Joseph A. Levy, the last president of the soil, cattle, hogs, fences, hay, and can-ing in old town council, issued a proclamation di- various ways so much damage that the As-frecting an election to be held in the six sembly authorized a deduction of taxes for wards of the town on the 27th of March. the year to parties residing on the streams. to determine the acceptance or rejection of The swamp north-east of town becoming the new charter. The election resulted in full, the banks of the drain broke flooding 449 votes for to 19 against it. This vote the two bayous, and causing loss and incon- was certified to Governor Whitcomb on the venience to parties who had built along 29th, and on the 30th he proclaimed the them. West Indianapolis was covered, and adoption of the charter and that it had be- the National road and canal badly injured. come a law. Joseph A. Levy, president of The acqueduct by which the canal crossed the old council, then issued a proclamation Fall creek was broken, and not repaired till'directing an election, on the 24th of April, late in the fall, the mills meanwhile lving in the seven wards of the city. for mavor idle. This flood was almost equalled by and councilmen, and also to decide whether another in November. la tax should be levied for free schools. The
The 22d of February was celebrated by election was held and the tax almost unan- the mechanics with a procession, speeches, imously authorized, Samuel Henderson dinner, &e. A meeting was held on the was elected the first mayor, and the follow- 26th of February to take measures for the ing persons from the several wards the first relief of the starving poor in Ireland. An'city councilmen : Uriah Gates from the organization was effected, committees ap- first, Henry Tutewiler from the second. pointed, subscriptions of money and grain Cornelius King the third, Samuel S. Rook- procured and forwarded, and for several'er the fourth, Charles W. Cady the
:/ 4
LIST OF PRINCIPAL CITY OFFICERS FROM 1847 TO 186S.
Year.
Mayor.
Prest. of Council.
1817. S. Henderson ......
1818.
& Henderson ....... II ( Newcomb .....
1840.
1850,
Il ( Newcomb .....
1851.
1852.
C Sendder ..... (: Srudder ..... C Sendder.
1853.
1851.
Jas MeCready .....
1855.
1837. 1858.
1859-40
1861-2
1803-1
John Caven .... ..
1865-0 1867-8
Dan Met'auley ....
8. 8. Rooker .. C. W. Candy ... Cien A Chapman .. Win Eckert ...
James G. Jordan ..
James G Jordan ... James Gi Jordan ... Jos T' Roberts ...... Jos T Roberts ......
I) B Culloy.
D B Culley ... DB Colley ..
das N Sweetser .... Ar Stevens.
Alf Stevens. Fred stem ... Gro Il. West.
Francis King ...... JJ M Jamison ... J M Jamison ....... Jos K English .....
Jos K English ..... W I! Craft ......
Robert S Foster ...
Marshal.
Win. Campbell ...
John Bishop ..... SA Colley ....
B Pilbean
S A Colley .. E Me Neely .. ..
B Pilbean ..
B Palbean .. Gi W Pitts ... Jefl Springsteen ..
Jeff Springsteen .. A D Rose .. Jeff Springsteen ... D w Loueks ........ John Unversaw ... John Unversaw ...
John Unversaw ... John Unversaw ...
Engineer.
Jinnes Wood .......
Jaunes Wood ........ James Wood ......
Jamey Wood ... ..
Win Wallace ..
AG Porter ..
N B Taylor ...
John G Waters ... J Il Kemedy ...... John B Stumph ...
John T Morrison ..
B Harrisonl., SV Morris .. BK Elliott ... J N Sweetser
R J Ryan.
B K Elliott.
B K Elliott .........
Assessor.
Joshua Bliek ......
Chas I Hand .. IL Olir ......
S P Daniels.
WVanlandingh'm Jacob'S Allen ...... M Little
Junes Wood ... .. G Porter ...
James Wood ........ James Wood .. .. N B Taylor.
James Wood .... .. N B Taylor.
A B Condit .... DB Jlosbrook .....
DB Hosbrook ..... James Wood ........ James Wood ........ James Wood .. ...... James Wood, Jr .. James Wood, Jr ..
Jmnes Wood, JJr .. Joshua Staples ..... R M Patterson .....
Attorney.
A. M. Cnmahan ... N. B. Taylor ...... . Win B Greer .. Ed Coburn ....
A A Londen .. DV Colley ... DV Culley DV Culley ..
Clerk.
Treasurer.
N. Lister .. II. Ohr ..... James Greer ...... J H. Kennedy .....
John'S Sp ..
A F Shortridge .... A F Shortridge .... I'' Shortridge .... A F' Shortridge .... II Vanlegrift ...... Francis King ......
John G Waters .... John G Waters .... John G Waters .... ('S Butterfick !..... ('S Butterfic) ...... Daniel Ransdell ..
Wm Hadley ........
INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.
John B Stmmmmh ... DL, Merriman .... R W Robinson ..... Jolm B Stumph ..
John B Stumph ... Wm Hadley ........ Win Hadley ........
JJohn Caven ...
Jas MeCremily ..... Henry F West .... W'in J Wallace .... W'in J Wallace .... Sat D Maxwell .. Samt D Maxwell .. Sam D Maxwell ..
47
109
48
LIST OF PRINCIPAL CITY OFFICERS FROM 1847 TO 1868-CONTINUED.
Year. Street Com'r.
18.17. Jacob B Fitler .....
1818.
John Bishop ......
1819.
George W Bitte ...
1850. Geo Youngerman 1851. Jos Butschi ..
Jacob Miller .....
A laugh ...
Phil Socks ...
J852.
Hugh Slaven ....
Jacob Miller ...
A Hangh ..
Phil Socks ....
1853.
Win Hughey
H Our ...
A Haugh
Phil Socks ....
Joseph Little Jacob B Fitler ..... Chas W Purcell ... Sumittel Keeley ....
J W Davis .. .. .IT Williams. JT' Williams .... HIJ Kelley ......
Locomotive ......... Locomotive .... MIder & Harkness Chas G Berry ....... Larrabee & Cottam
Jet! Springsteen ... Jeff Springsteen ... JeffSpringsteen ... J M Van Blaricum Chas G Warner .... A D Rose .. Samuel Lefevre ... D Rose
1857.
II Colestock.
R Weeks ..
Note.
John Moffitt ........ John Motlitt ........ G W Allied ...
Andrew Wallace .. Jos W Davis ......... John E Foudray. Jos W Davis ...... Jos W Davis .......
Jas Loucks ..
Ind'p's Journal Co
1861-2 Jno \ Colestock.
Thos I Foos ..
18633-1 John M Kemper.
JJ Wemer .. ..
GW Allred ..
Chas Richmann ...
Jas Loucks
Ellis Barnes .......
James G Douglass
1865-6 August Richter ...
Chas John ..
Gi W Allred ..
Chus Richman ...
Ins Louels .. Joseph Bishop .... Ang Bruner ........
James G Donglass
Thos S Wilson ....
1867-8
Angust Richter ... Sampson Barbee
Market Master. Weighmaster.
Sexton, Ch'f Fire Eng'r. Scaler Wei'ts & Mea's. Printers. Chief Police.
John Patton.
B F Lobangh ......
A Hangh.
JIStrecher
A laugh ..
J I Strecher
Sintosman and Locomotive .... Sentinel and
1851.
Win Hughes
Jacob Miller ..
A Hangh ...
Geo Bisbing ........
1855.
J B Fitler.
Richard Weeks ...
A Haugh ..
John Motlitt ..
A Lingenfelter ....
3 M Jamison ...... J & Hanning ...... C' S Butterfield ....
Ind'p's Journal Co Ind'ir's Journal Co Ind'p's Journal Co
1808.
11 Colestock ..
Chas John.
1859-60 H Colestock .......
('las John ...
G W Allred.
A D Rose. Thos S Rumsey ... They D Amos .... David Powell ...... I Van Blaricum ...
G W Allred ..
Geo W Buchanan Chas Richinan ..
NOTE .- The city was incorporated by the Assembly February 13th, 1847, the act being accepted by the people at a general election held March 27th. A mayor was to be elected in April for two years, one councilman from each of the seven wards for one year, and the council were to elect the city officers, who also served one year. This government continued till March 7th, 1853, when the conneil accepted the general law of June 18th, 1852, as the city charter. By this act the mayor became president of the commeil, and all the officers and councilmen were to be elected by the people and serve one year. Two councilmen were to be elected from cach ward by the voters thereof. This charter was amended in 1857, extending the term of mayor and couneilmen to two years, and on the Ist of March, 1859, it was amended so that the city officers elected by the people were to hold office two years and the councilmen four years. This act was superseded by the act of December 20th, 1865, under which the officers and councilmen were elected for two years, the auditor, assessor, attorney and engineer being elected by the council. This act was super- seded by the act of March 14th, 1867, under which the city is now governed. This aet provides for a police judge, John N. Scott being elected the first incumbent May, 1867. The mayor, clerk, assessor, judge, marshal, treasurer and couneihnen are elected by the people, and hold their offices for two years ; the other officers are elected by the council, and hold office for one year.
Sampson Barber. Jacob Miller ........
Jacob Miller .. ..
Jacob Miller ........
A Hangh ...
Jacob Miller ... ..
J B Fitler. ..
HISTORY OF
49
INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.
fifth, Abram W. Harrison the sixth, Wil- D. Gregg, for a gift of $100. Lots were liam L. Wingate the seventh. The new purchased at from $300 to $500 in the seven council was organized May Ist, and elected wards in 1848-9, and in 1851-2 plain, cheap, Samuel S. Rooker president, and James G. one story brick structures, so planned that Jordan see'ry, at a salary of $100; Nathan additional stories could afterward be added, Lister, treasurer, at $50; James Wood, engineer, at $300; William Campbell, col- lector, with per cent. compensation ; Wil- liam Campbell, marshall, at $150 and fees;
were built in five of the wards. Those in the second, fourth and sixth wards, had two rooms each, and in the others but one room each. A second story was added to the A. M. Carnahan, attorney, with fees; Jacobifirst, second and fifth ward houses in 1854-6, B. Fitler, street commissioner, at $100; and all except the old seventh ward house David Cox and Jacob B. Fitler, messengers have since been enlarged or raised. A good of the fire companies, at 825 each; Samp- two story house was built in the eastern son Barbee and Jacob Miller, clerks of the part of the seventh (now in the eightli,) markets, at $50; Joshua Black, assessor ; and Benjamin F. Lobaugh, sexton. [The city officers, from 1847 to the present time, ward in 1857, and it was raised an addition- al story in 1865. Lots were bought in the fourth and present ninth wards in 1957, and are named on pages 47 and 48.] The tax in 1865-6 large, well finished, three story duplicate for 1846-7 amounted to $4,226, and buildings, with basements, were erected on $865 of this sum were delinquencies from for- them at a cost of about $32,000 each. Other mer years. Though there was little money
lots have been purchased for sites, and in in the treasury the council at once began to view of the future extension of the city be- improve the streets, and it was waggishly
yond the donation it would be good policy suggested that they employ a squad to tramp to secure sites for future houses on or beyond down the dog-fennel and thus give the place the present boundaries of the city. In a business appearance.
1867-8 a large, four story building, with
Little had been done by the old trustees basement, was erected in the south part of and councilmen in the way of street im-
the sixth ward and will cost, when fully provenients, beyond filling ind holes, cut- completed, about $43,000. It is at present ting drains or grubbing stumps, and though
the largest and finest school building in the James Wood had been employed to make city. The houses recently built are well a street profile in March, 1841, which had designed, well finished, and have far more been adopted in April, 1842, and followed architectural pretensions than the earlier in the subsequent improvements, and con- ones. Additional buildings are still needed as the schools from the start have been much cramped for room. siderable sums expended, no permanent re- sults had been achieved. The street profile was re-adopted by the new city council
The first tax levy, in 1847, produced $1,- June 21, 1847, and a new system com- 981; that of 1848, $2,385; that of 1849, menced, beginning at the centre of the city and extending gradually outward. Prop- 82,851. In 1850 the fund amounted to $6,160, 85,938 of which sum was spent that erty holders were required to bear the ex- year and the beginning of the next for lots pense of grading and gravelling in front of and buildings. The tax produced a larger their lots, and the city finished the cross- sum each year with the increased growth of ings. The first bouldering was done in the city, and in 1857 yielded $20,320. At buildings, the teachers being paid by tuition the annual return was mostly expended in salaries, the schools being kept open longer, more teachers employed and better salaries May, 1859, by Looker and Lefevre, on first the entire amount was expended for Washington between Illinois and Meridian streets, and by the summer of 1860 it was fees, but after the first houses were finished completed from Mississippi to Alabama streets, and from thence it has been extend- ed east and west and north and south. Nearly all the present street improvements, paid. culverts and bridges, have been completed in the last twelve years.
In 1847 the several wards were constitut- ed independent districts, each under the
The free school tax having been author- supervision of a trustee, and schools were ized by a large majority, at the election held opened in the fall of that year or spring of April 24, 1847, the council levied it and 1848, in rented houses. This continued till
made arrangements for the schools. Each ward was made a district under the super- vision of a trustee. Houses were rented January, 1853, when the council elected Henry P. Coburn, Calvin Fletcher and IIenry F. West, a board of trustees under and teachers employed, the schools being the new law, giving them the sole control free only for one quarter each year under and management of the city schools. . 1 the State law. Donations of lots and money code of rules was drawn up by Calvin were asked, and the thanks of the council Fletcher, arrangements made, and on the extended, in December, 1847, to Thomas 25th of April the free schools were opened
(6)
-
50
HISTORY OF
for the first time, two male and twelve fe- daily attendance. The schools were graded male teachers being employed. Until that as primary, secondary, intermediate, gram- date the number of pupils had averaged mar and high schools. The system was only 340, but by the first of May the atten- working prosperously and a bright career dance rose to 700, and over 1,000 out of the seemed certainly before it when the supreme 2,600 children in the city were enrolled. court decision on the tax question in Janu- Until the election of this board of trustees ary, 1858, struck a fatal blow at the whole the schools had been conducted indepen- fabrie. The city council was immediately dently, without a common system, text convened to consider the question. It called books or course of study. At the request meetings of citizens in the several wards to of the trustees the principals of the leading devise measures by which the schools could private schools prepared a list of text books be continued. The meetings were held and a course of instruction which was adopt- January 20th, and 1,100 scholarships were ed and subsequently followed. In August subscribed amounting to $3.000, and it was the graded system was adopted, and the resolved to sustain the free system for the high school, for more advanced pupils, was current quarter, and as a pay system after- opened September 1st, by E. P. Cole, with ward. The schools were closed, however, one assistant, in the old county seminary, at the end of the quarter, the superinten- which had been repaired and refitted for dent and teachers left for other points, and the purpose. From this date to February, the houses remained vacant or used ocea- 1855, the system was under the sole super- sionally for private schools for a year or two vision of the trustees, who served without afterward.
compensation and almost without thanks, No free schools were opened in 1859. A to the detriment of their private interests, small tax was levied for the repairs of but they persevered in the work, overcame houses and furniture, and from the State all obstacles, and at last interested the peo- fund free terms of eighteen weeks each were ple in the enterprise. The work, however, held in 1860 and 1861. The system was proved too great, and at their request the reorganized under the law of 1862, and a council in February, 1855, elected Silas T. term of twenty-two weeks held that year Bowen superintendent, at a salary of $400 and since that date it has been gradually per annum, (which he earned twice over, " regaining the ground occupied in 1858. requiring him to give a large share of his; Prof. George W. Hoss acted as superintend- time to the duties of the office. Ile effected ent in 1862-3, having 29 teachers employed a marked improvement, but it was soon and 2,374 pupils enrolled. In September, evident that the duties required more labor 1863, the system was again reorganised, A. and time than he could bestow, and the C. Shortridge being elected superintendent. council, in March, 1856, appointed George and since that date full terms of thirty-nine B. Stone (who had succeeded E. P. Cole as weeks have been held each year. The principal of the high school,) superinten- schools are graded as primary, intermediate dent at a salary of $1,000 a year, requiring and high, with four subordinate grades (A. him to give all his time to the schools. He|B. C. and Do in each. Common text books at once perfected the system, adopted im-are used in the similar grades, and all the proved methods of teaching, held meetings children in any given subordinate grade of of the teachers and examined and drilled all the schools are simultaneously pursuing them for their work, inspired them with his the same course of study, graduating from own zeal and energy, and made the system the lower to the higher subordinate grades, so thorough and popular that the prejudice and from the primary to the intermediate which had existed against it died out. The'and thence to the high school, the whole school tax was willingly paid, and the pri- course requiring twelve years, (ten months vate schools sank into the back ground or in each year,) and giving the pupils a languished for want of their former sup- thorough English education. Daily regis- port. With the increasing revenue better ters are kept showing the conduct, atten- salaries (ranging from $300 to $600,) were|dance and scholarship of each pupil, and a paid, the terms were lengthened, more given average minst be attained before pro- teachers engaged, 35, mostly females, being motion to a higher grade is granted. The employed in 1857. The average attendance registers thus kept show a great improve- of pupils had risen from 340 in April, 1853, ment in attendance and scholarship in the to 1,400 in 1856, and 1,800 in 1857. The last three years.
total number enrolled at that date was abont| The school buildings and the whole sys- 2,800. Ten houses were occupied, seating tem are controlled by three trustees elected comfortably only 1,200, but crowded with by the city council, but accountable for their 1,800 pupils. Forty-four per cent. of the aets and expenditures to the county com- children in the city were enrolled, and 73 missioners and the superintendent of public per cent. of those enrolled were in average instruction. They have charge of the ex-
51
INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.
penditures for buildings, tuition, employ- wards. under the supervision of seven trus- ment of teachers, &c; the expenditures be- tees, one to each district or ward. 1 board ing made from two separate funds, one of three trustees was then elected by the being for buildings and repairs, the other council to take charge of the entire system, for tuition, and derived partly from the State'and retained the control of it till April 12, sehool fund and partly from a special city 1861. when (under the new law) an ordi- tax. The immediate management of the nance was passed making the wards districts, schools devolves on a superintendent, who and requiring the voters of each of the seven devotes his whole time to them and receives wards to elect a school trustee for their a salary of $2000. The teachers (sixty-two ward. They were elected in May of that of whom are now employed, three mile and year for two years. This system continued fifty-nine female, ) receive salaries ranging till April, 1865, when, under the law of that from $400 to $700, and are only employed year, the council eleeted three trustees, W. after a thorough examination of their qual- H. L. Noble, T. B. Elliott and C. Vonne- ifications for the position. Improved gut, who have sinee been continued in office methods of instruction have been promptly and had the entire management of our eity adopted, object teaching, gymnasties, music, school system. The city is greatly indebted penmanship and other branches, are taught to the early trustees (prominent among by special instructors, who visit the schools in turn for that purpose.
whom were Henry F. West, Henry P. Co- burn, Calvin Fletcher, sr., Silas T. Bowen,
The following table shows the number of David V. Culley, David S. Beatty and Jno. houses, teachers, children enrolled in the B. Dillon.) for their zeal, energy and perse-
schools, average number enrolled, daily
verance under very discouraging circum- average attendance and per cent. of atten- stances, and to the present board, Messrs. dance from 1863 to the present time. No Noble, Elliott and Vonnegut, for reviving reliable returns exist as to the total number and carrying forward the system. Silas T. of children of school age (6 to 21,) in the Bowen, George B. Stone, George W. Hoss city for the several years, and no records and A. C. Shortridge, have been the super-
intendents. To Mr. Stone belongs the cred-
When the new sixth ward building is open- it for perfecting the system and demonstrat- ed, 4,200 children can be accommodated'ing its usefulness, and to Mr. Shortridge its with seats, and 75 or 80 teachers can be revival and present efficiency. The eity employed.
Y'cars.
School
HouseŃ.
Teachers
Cluldren
Enrolled.
Average
No Pupils
Per Cont.
5 Attend'ce
may well be proud of the system, and of the thoroughly drilled eorps of instructors now employed, and with continued careful man- agement the free schools will be among the first of her future glories.
In May, 1847, the Grand Masonic Lodge IS63-4 30 2,374 1,260 92 1864-5 28 2,533 1.428 91.1 bought a lot at the south -east corner of 1865-6 9 34 3,212 1,600 $4.2 Washington and Tennessee streets and 1806-7 11 58 4,399 2,505 95.3 formed a stoek company to build a hall. A 1867-8 12 4,949 3,137 62 plan drawn by J. Willis, architect, having In September, 1853, when the graded been accepted, the corner-stone was laid system was adopted, the schools were rated with appropriate ceremonies October 25th, as primary, intermediate, grammar and 1848, and the hall built in 1849-50 at a eost high school, the last being opened in the of about $20,000. It was opened in the old seminary building, on the first of Sep- spring, but not finished till the fall of 1850, tember, by E. P. Cole, with one assistant. and was finally dedicated by the Grand It was held there till the downfall of the Lodge May 27th, 1851. The concert room schools in 1858. It was re-established in'in the second story was the first large hall 1864, and held at the first ward house. and opened here for public meetings, and was from the spring of 1867 in the old Second in almost constant use from the time of its Presbyterian Church on Cirele street, which opening till the erection of Morrison's Opera was then purchased for $13,500. This Hall on Meridian street in 1865, since which building is now undergoing alterations and time it has been comparatively little used. being better fitted for school uses at an ex- The constitutional convention of 1850 was pense of about $4,500. The principals of held in Masonic Hall, and nearly all the this school from 1853 to 1858 were E. P. conventions, concerts, lectures, panoramas, Cole, George B. Stone and W. B. Henkle. and exhibitions, dramatie and otherwise, for Since 1964 W. A. Bell, Pleasant Bond, W. fifteen years, were given in it. Almost all the leading speakers, lecturers and singers of the country have appeared on its stage.
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