Logan's Indianapolis directory, 1868, Part 47

Author:
Publication date: 1868
Publisher: Logan
Number of Pages: 416

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Henkle, secretary. Premiums were offered April 28th for essays on specified subjects, and rules adopted for organizing county so- cieties. The first State agricultural conven- tion met December 14th, 1835, in Repre- All the horses, hose, reels and other appar- sentatives' Hall, and several annual meetings atus have been provided by the council.

were afterwards held, but the enterprise For some years after the organization of the died in a few years .. Meetings were held at paid department no central alarm existed, but in the spring of 1863 an alarm tower

the court house June 6th and 27th, to form a county agricultural society under the and bell was placed in the rear of Glenns' State Board rules. N. B. Palmer was pres- block, and connected by wires and pulleys

ident, D. Maguire, secretary. Subscriptions with the watchmen's station on the tower of were made for premiums, and the Board of (4)

HISTORY OF

Justices also appropriated fifty dollars. The the Legislature had given $100,000 for first fair was held October 30-1 in the court.

opening roads, had often asked aid to im- house yard. One hundred and eighty-four prove the rivers, and had chartered many dollars were awarded in premiums. Much railways. From`various causes these ex- interest was manifested. Four hundred penditures and efforts had effeeted little. dollars were subscribed for the next fair.

With increasing resourees the demand for Annual fairs were held by the society for greater facilities increased. The National two or three years.

road gave an impetus to other projects of In the fall the papers said much im- more doubtful utility. A pressure from all provement was going on. Property had sides was brought to bear on the Assembly, doubled in valuc in two ycars, and business and on the 26th of January, 1836, the in- lots on Washington street were selling at ternal improvement bill was passed. The fifty, sixty-two and seventy-five dollars per State not only undertook several great front foot.

The Benevolent Society was formed No- vate companies. The act was greeted with vember, 1835, with a president, secretary, treasurer, depository and visitors, and has marked the spread of the news. Our citi -- been active and efficient to the present date.

illuminations rejoicing. Bonfires and zens were especially elated, for several of Its system has always been the same, and the works terminated or crossed at this prevents street begging. Funds and eloth- point, and more than one outlet would ex- ing are collected in specified distriets in the ist to the world. A general illumination fall by visitors, who deposit the same with took place here on the night of January the officers, and who also aseertain and re- 16th, after the passage of the bill had be- port all cases needing aid. Written orders come a certainty. The bill at once im- for money, elothes or provisions are given proved the prospects of the town. Property to applicants, and transient eases are cared for by a special committee. The society has been sustained by private contributions, rose in price rapidly, new houses were built, the settled limits extended westward, me- chanies were busy, merchants sold large the city and township authorities furnishing stocks, money was plenty, and every one wood only when needed. Mr. James Blake prosperous. This continued nearly three has been the president for many years, and years, when funds gave out, public works much of the good effected by the enterprize stopped, trade eeased, property declined, la- has been due to his zeal and energy.

The Young Men's Literary Society, de- every one in the face. The hard times of signed for debate, composition and general mental improvement, was formed in 1835, and continued its meetings for twelve or fif- teen years. It was incorporated in April, 1847, under the general law, collected a considerable library, and from 1843 to 1848 gave each winter a series of leetures by its members, and others from abroad. It was tress, and enabling many to get another the sueecssor here of the Indianapolis Ath- eneum, and the preeursor of the lecture so- cieties of the present day.

borers went elsewhere, and ruin stared 1839-42 were sorely felt. The leading bus- iness men were most involved, and for years their lives were struggles to save something from the wreck. The forbearance of ered- itors alone saved them from utter poverty. The bankrupt act of 1841 afforded relief to the whole country, easing the general dis- start. From this time till 1847 the town remained a dull country village, with so unfavorable an experience of internal im- provements that our capitalists subsequently kept out of them or aided them but little.

The winter of 1834-5 had been eold and protracted. The spring was backward. More rain fell in May and June than in Wayne ten inches of water fell in two hours, the storm being limited to a small space.

Under the internal improvement system any season before for ten years, and at Fort the eentral canal, from the Wabash to Ev-

ansville, together with several railroads from various points, had been intended to centre This statement was made by Jesse L. Wil- here. All were abandoned in 1839, after liams, State engineer on the Wabash eanal. much work had been done. The Madison There was a hard frost on the morning of railroad had been completed nearly to Ver- July 1st, followed by a hot and dry season, non and graded to Columbus. It was oper- ated by the State till 1843, then surrendered to a company, and finally finished in Octo- closing on the night of August 18th in a tornado of wind and rain, unroofing houses, destroying fenecs, timber and erops, and ber, 1847. Before competing lines redueed. killing horses, cattle and hogs. The follow- its traffic it made more money than any ing winter lasted till April.

road in the country. The State was elicated out of her interest in the road, and the road itself, after losing business and importance, was finally bought and operated by the Jef-

1836. The want of natural channels for trade had prompted many improvement schemes in past years, and at an early day fersonville line.

works, but extended aid to others under pri-

INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.

The canal was nearly done when aban- urer's report showed $1,610 receipts for the. doned ; $1,600,000 had been expended, and year, and $1,150 of this sum had been ex- a comparatively small sum would have pended for the Marion engine and in dig- completed it from Noblesville to Martins- ging five publie wells, and other fire de- ville. It was begun in October, 1836, work partment expenses. A balanee of $124 was being prosecuted simultaneously along its turned over to the new government. The line by gangs of Irishmen, whose disputes new board passed ordinanees regulating with spade and shillelah gave animation to markets, ordering the streets to be opened, their eneampments. A great debate of this and prohibiting riots, drunkenness, horse- kind occurred in 1838 near town, between raeing and indecent language on the streets. the Corkonians and fardowners, several The work on the National road in the

hundred disputants being engaged, and the last few years had attracted many men of discussion occupying the greater part of the bad character and habits to this point. day. The sections to Noblesville and Mar- These, banded together under a leader of great size and strength, were long known as "the chain gang," and kept the town in a half subjugated state. Assaults were often committed, citizens threatened and insulted, tinsville were nearly ready, and that to Broad Ripple was finished late in Novem- ber, 1838, and opened for usc June 27th, 1839, with an exeursion by boats to Broad Ripple in July. Considerable preparations and petty outrages perpetrated, until at last were made for traffic on it. Several freight a mecting was ealled March 9th at the court and passenger boats were built, and flour,

house to take the matter under advisement. timber, grain, &c., were brought from Broad Harrod Newland, a revolutionary soldier, Ripple and above. The mill sites here was ehosen president and made a radical were leased June 11th, 1838, and one wool- en, one eotton, two paper, one oil, two grist

and two saw mills built shortly afterward. The power proved less than was promised, the canal not having fall enough to eause a free flow of water, but the mills went to work, and with others since built have

speech against the gang. Resolutions were adopted to abate the nuisance. The eitizens resolved to elect trustees and offieers who would see the ordinanees enforeed, and pledged themselves to assist them. The determined stand taken somewhat awed the gang, and they became less bold in their greatly benefitted the place. The millers demonstrations. At the camp-meeting in were always complaining of seant water and August on the military grounds, the leader mueh moss ; the people grumbled when the made some disturbance and was knocked water was drawn off to clean the bed ; and down and subjugated by Rev. James Hav- the Assembly, wearied by the incessant ens, the preacher in charge, and shortly af- complaint, January 19th, 1850, ordered the terward was also soundly whipped by Sam- uel Merrill. These defeats broke his pres- tige, the gang was demoralized, and most of them left the town or ceased their lawless conduct.

canal to be sold. It was soon after sold to persons who were chartered as a company in February, 1851. In April the company sold to Gould & Jackson, who sold in Oeto- ber, 1851, to "The Central Canal, Hydrau- lic Waterworks and Manufacturing Com-

The second homieide here occurred April 27th, Zachariah Collins being killed by Ar- pany." This company sold to another nold Laslily. The county agricultural so- company in 1859, who now rent out the eiety held its second fair at the court house

power. For years after the first sale it was regarded as a nuisance, and propositions to fill it up were seriously considered in the council, both in 1855 and 1858, but having lately been kept in better order the opposi- tion lias measurably abated. It was dry for months in 1847, from the breaking of the

October 7th and 8th. C. Fletcher delivered an address, stating that 1,300,000 bushels of corn had been raised this year on the thir- teen hundred farms in the county. Luke Munsell copyrighted a map of the town May 30tlı, and Wm. Sullivan published a map of the town in October. A great camp - banks and acqueduct, and in 1866-7 from meeting was held on the military ground the breaking of the feeder dam at Broad August 25-30, under James Havens and Ripple. It now furnishes mill power and John C. Smith. One hundred and thirty transportation for wood and logs. The expcrieneed religion. Professor C. P. Bron- company owning it lately sued for the pos- son [died in New York, April, 1868,] gave session of a part of the military park, on the first leeture here on elocution, August the ground that it passed at the sale as an 30th. Hiram Devinny began the manufac- appurtenance of the eanal.

ture of mattrasses, cushions and earpets here in October.

The town having been specially incorpo- rated in February by the Assembly, the The new Washington Hall, a three-story new board of trustecs was elected under the brick hotel, built by a company in 1836-7, aet in April, and the officers of the old on the site of the old frame Washington board settled to April 1st, 1836. The treas- Hall, at a cost of $30,000, was opened by E.

HISTORY OF

Browning November 16tlı, and kept by him The Palmer House, a two-and-a-half-story till March 15th, 1851. It was then one of brick, was built in 1840-1 by N. B. Palmer, the largest and best western hotels, had a on . Washington and Illinois streets, and high reputation, and was the Whig head- opened by John C. Parker in the summer quarters for its entire existence. It was of 1841. It was enlarged and raised to four damaged by fire $3,000 in February, 1843, stories in 1856 by Dr. Barbour, the lessee. and came near burning up. Several at- Parker, Barbour, J. D. Carmichael, D. Tut- tempts were made to burn it in May and tle, C. W. Hall, B. Mason, and others have June, 1848. It was sold to F. Wright in been its lessecs. It has always kept the March, 1851, was subsequently known as same name, was for some time the leading the Wright House, was successively kept house, and has had a fair share of patron- by Henry Achey, Robert Browning, Burg- age. Little's Hotel, first built in 1834 or 5, " ess & Townley, W. J. Elliott, Louis Eppin- on New Jersey and Washington streets, by ger and others, and was bought in March John Little, and known then as Little's Sun Tavern, (from the sign, a blazing sun,) was the Glenns, and is now known as Glenns' originally a small two-story frame house. block, the lower story being used as business A three-story ell was added by M. and I. Little in 1847, and in 1851 the old frame was moved to East and Washington streets, rooms, and the upper by the council, city officers and police, with the fire tower and and remodeled in the summer of 1859 by

alarm on the roof. A very brief mention and a three-story brick front building put may be given here of the other leading ho- in its place. It also has frequently changed tels at various dates in the history of the lessees but has retained its old name. The town and city.

Duncan House, a three-story brick, subse- John McCormick was the first tavern and boarding-house keeper, beginning in the spring of 1820 on the river bank, in a little strects, by R. B. Duncan. It did a good cabin with small pens around it as sleeping apartments for his guests. In 1821 Hawk- ins, Carter and Nowland each opened "tav- erns,"-Nowland in a cabin on Washington quently the Barker and the Ray House, was built in 1847 on South and Delaware business for some years, but has long been mostly devoted to boarders. D. J. Barker, M. M. Ray and others have been lessees. The Carlisle House, a three-story frame, street west of the canal. He shortly after built by Dan Carlisle in 1848, on Washing- died, and his widow, Elizabeth Nowland, ton street, west of the canal, has so often changed names and lessees that they are in 1823 opened a boarding-house where Browning's drug store is now, continuing unknown. From its position it never did there for many years. Carter's "Rosebush as good a business as other houses, and is now used as a brewery. The Morris House, a two-and-a-half-story brick, subsequently much enlarged and raised to four stories, and known as the " American," " Mason," Tavern," a two-story ceiled frame, eighteen by twenty feet, built in 1821-2, at 40 West Washington street, was occupied by him till 1823. It was afterward moved near the ca-

nal, and then near the soldiers' home, where and "Sherman House," was built by Thos. it yet stands. Carter in 1823 built a two- story frame tavern opposite the court house, which was burned in 1825. Hawkins "Eagle Tavern," a double log house, was

A. Morris in 1852-3, north of the Union depot, and has done a good business. It has often changed its lessees. The Bates House, a four-story brick, which has re- built in the fall of 1821, where the Sentinel tained its name though often changing les- office is now, the logs-being cut from the lot and street. It stood there till 1826 or 7, when it was replaced with a small two-story

sees, was built on the corner of Washington and Illinois streets in 1852-3, by Harvey Bates, and has since been much enlarged,

brick. Bazel Brown took it in 1829, and being the largest and leading hotel of the was succeeded by John Hare, John Cain city, and doing perhaps the heaviest busi- and others. It was torn down in 1849 and ness. The Oriental, a four-story brick built replaced by the Capital House, which was in 1856-7, and opened in June by Francis opened by John Cain July 14th, 1850, and Costigan, has retained its name though often subsequently succeeded by D. D. Sloan and others, till March, 1857, when it was occu- pied by the Sentinel as a printing office.

changing lessees, and has done a fair busi- ness. The Tremont, afterward the Spencer House, a four-story brick, was built on the It has since been used as a printing office corner of Louisiana and Illinois streets, near and bindery, and for business rooms and of-

the Union depot, in 1857, and has done a fices. It was the first four-story house built good business under J. W. Canan and oth- here. The successive hotels on this site ers, its lessees. The Farmers', now the were the Democratic headquarters ; and it Commercial Hotel, was built in 1856 by was at the Capital House, as the most styl- Henry Buehig, as a three-story brick, and ish in the city, that Kossuth was lodged enlarged and raised to four stories by F. A. during his visit here in February, 1852. Reitz in 1864. It has often changed lessces.

INDIANAPOLIS FROM 1818.

The Macy House, a three-story brick, was of the company. The risks assumed during the first year amounted to $136,000; its present risks to $3,146,000; cash and pre- mium notes on hand in April, 1868, $284,- built by David Macy, on Illinois and Mar- ket streets, in 1857, and has since been oc- cupied mostly by boarders. A large num- ber of other less important houses exist, 487; losses in last year, $10,606 ; no unad- mostly built in the last ten years, but want justed liabilities.

of space forbids further mention of them.

The Indianapolis Insurance Company was chartered for fifty years February 8th, 1836, with a capital of $200,000, in fifty dollar shares, and with very favorable banking privileges. It was organized March 16th with nine directors, D. Maguire being pres- ident and C. Scudder, secretary, and began operations in April. It did a limited busi- ness for many years, but finally suspended operations in 1859 or '60. In 1865 the old stock was purchased and a new company organized, with Wm. Henderson as presi- dent and A. C. Jameson, secretary. The charter was amended December 20th, 1865, increasing the capital to $500,000 by vote of the stockholders, and making the company perpetual. The old Branch Bank building was purchased for about $30,000 from the Sinking Fund, in April, 1867, and the of- fice las since been located there. It is now doing a prosperous insurance and banking business, and ranks high among the home enterprises of the city.

The other insurance companies since started may be briefly mentioned here. The Indiana Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany was chartered January 30th, 1837, and amendments made to the act at several subsequent dates. It was organized in Feb- ruary with James Blake, president, Charles W. Cady, secretary, and began business in March in an office opposite the Washington Hall. It was prosperous and did a good business for two or three years, but from in- herent defects in the plan, heavy losses and mismanagement, became involved, insolv- ent, and finally suspended operations about fifteen years ago.

The Indiana Fire Insurance Company was chartered in February, 1851, with a nominal capital of $300,000, and was organ- ized May 1st, 1851, - be- ing president, secreta- ry. It did a limited business, and sus- pended operations after a few years.

The Indiana Fire Insurance Company- a mutual company- was organized May 9th, 1862, under the general law of 1852, and the office has since been located in Odd Fellows Hall. Jonathan S. Harvey was chosen president, and W. T. Gibson, secre- tary, at the time of the organization, and have served till the present time. The amount of risks assumed by the company during the first fiscal year was about $600,- 000, and the amount now incurred is be- tween eight and nine millions.

The Sinnissippi Mutual Insurance Com- pany was organized November 18th, 1863, under the general law, with Elijah Good- win, president, John R. Berry, secretary, and continued its operations till 1866. It advertised extensively, did a large business, incurred risks (many of dangerous charac- ter) to the amount of millions of dollars, paid good salaries and commissions, and incurred heavy expenses and losses. As- sessments were rapidly made on the premi- um notes, and the company broke in 1866, passing into a receiver's hands, and its af- fairs are now being closed up. The office of the company was at 35 East Market street.

The Equitable Fire Insurance Company was organized on the mutual plan in Sep- tember, 1863, under the general law, W. A. Pellee, president, E. D. Olin, secretary, and its office opened in Odd Fellows Hall. The company was authorized by law in 1865 to change the character of its business substan- tially to the stock system, dispensing witlı premium notes and receiving premiums in cashı. Its operations were limited mostly to the centre and north of the State, but its expenses and losses compelled its suspension in January or February, 1868, and its af- fairs are being adjusted by a receiver. The office was in Odd Fellows Hall.

The Home Mutual Insurance Company was organized in April, 1864, under the general law, with J. C. Geisendorff, presi- dent, J. B. Follett, secretary. Its business was conducted substantially on the same plan as that of the Equitable Company, but was mostly confined to risks in the city and vicinity. Not being very remunerative, and some losses having occurred, the com-

The German Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized under the general law January 21st, 1854, and has successfully conducted its business to the present date. Its office was first located at 81 East Wash- ington street, removed in 1859 to Judah's block, and in March, 1866, to 16 South Del- aware street. Henry Busher, Julius Boet- pany voluntarily suspended operations in ticher and A. Seidensticker have been the June, 1868, and its business is being closed presidents, and A. Seidensticker, Valentine by a receiver appointed by the court. The Butsch, Charles Volmar, Charles Balke, office was most of the time at 64 East Wash- Adolph Miller and F. Ritzinger secretaries ington street.

HISTORY OF

The Farmers' and Merchants' Insurance in 1858-9 ereeted a four-story briek build- Company was organized on the same gener- ing on North Pennsylvania street as an of- al plan and under the same law as the two fiee and for business purposes.

foregoing companies, on the 1st of April, 1864, with Ryland T. Brown as president,

1837. At a meeting held February 22d and A. J. Davis, secretary, and the office it was determined by the young men to form

located in Blackford's block. It continued its operations, doing a moderate business in

a military company, and at subsequent meetings a constitution, by-laws and uni- the central portion of the State, till the sum- form were adopted, members enrolled, and mer of 1867, when it suspended, and its af- officers eleeted, Alexander W. Russell being fairs are now in process of settlement.

eaptain, and serving till August, 1838, when Thomas A. Morris succeeded and command-

The Union Insurance Company was or- ganized on the stock plan under the general law, in the spring of 1865, with a capital of $200,000, James M. Ray being president, and D. W. Grubbs, secretary. The office was first opened in Talbott & New's build- ing on Pennsylvania street, but removed in 1867 to Dunlop's building. E. B. Martin- dale was elected president, and George W. Dunn, secretary. The company continued its operations, doing a good business but meeting with considerable losses, till April, 1868, when it was determined to close its af- fairs and dissolve the company. Its risks were accordingly re-insured in the Home Fire Insurance Company of New York, and the Union Company discontinued.

ed the company for years afterward. The uniform was gray with black velvet facings, and tall leather caps with pompons and brass mountings. The company was armed with muskets and drilled by Scott's tactics. It was the best organization in the State, at- traeted much admiration on parade, and existed till 1845. The "Graybacks " were the first independent company, and were specially incorporated February 14th, 1838. Their fine discipline and soldierly bearing aroused the long dormant military feeling, and other companies were shortly afterward formed in the town and vicinity. Promi- nent among these were the "Arabs," or Marion Riflemen, under Captain Tom. Mc- Baker, uniformed in fringed hunting shirts, The American Horse Insurance Com- pany, (for security against loss by death, &c., of horses and other animals,) was or- ganized under the general law in August, 1865, with a nominal capital of $100,000, Thomas B. McCarty being elected presi- dent, J. F. Payne, secretary, and has eon- tinued its business to the present date, at the office in Vinton's block on Pennsylvania street. and armed with breecli-loading rifles. In August, 1842, the independent companies formed a battalion and eleeted Hervey Brown Lieutenant-Colonel, and George W. Drum, Major. Frequent parades and sev- eral encampments were held by the compa- nies, and the military feeling was active till near the time of the Mexican war. Three companies of volunteers were raised here during that war, under Captains J. P. The Franklin Mutual Life Insurance Company was organized under the general For two or three years after that war no or- law in July, 1866, James M. Ray being Drake, E. Lander and John McDougall. ganization existed. In 1852 the City elected president, and D. W. Grubbs, secre- Guards were formed under command of tary, (since succeeded by E. P. Howe,) and Governor Wallace, and in May, 1853, the has been very successful, as all life compa- Mechanie Rifles, but neither of these lived nies are that are carefully managed. It has long. done a good business and met with few loss- es, standing well among sueli enterprises. The office was first opened at 19 North Me- ridian street, but in April, 1868, the com- pany purchased the old State Bank build- ing, at the corner of Illinois street and Ken- tucky avenue, and removed to that point.

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Logan's Indianapolis directory, 1868, Part 47

Author: Publication date: 1868 Publisher: Logan Number of Pages: 416

Author:
Publication date: 1868
Publisher: Logan
Number of Pages: 416