USA > Indiana > Lake County > Reports And Papers Of Lake County Indiana (1958-1966) > Part 2
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
Solon Robinson's receipts for the fiscal year of 1837 were $24.03. During his term as postmaster he also served as agri- cultural correspondent for a New York newspaper and was able to frank his letters for some time. This franking priv- ilege later led into an argument with the postal authorities, for in one of his annals he states that he is relinquishing his office on account of too much Tylerism. He served under Presidents Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison and Tyler.
After serving successfully for more than seven years, Solon Robinson asked to be relieved of his duties as postmas- ter and on May 24, 1843, turned the office over to Dr. Henry D. Palmer who, like Robinson, was closely identified with the early progress of this county. Dr. Palmer was Lake County's first resident doctor. Besides his medical practice he carried on with extensive agricultural interests on the large farm now owned by his grandson, Henry Feiler. He also served as Judge from 1838 to 1851.
As the national administration changed in 1845, Presi- dent James K. Polk gave the appointment to Captain Joseph P. Smith who was Lake County's second county clerk. He was an outstanding military man, leading a company during the Mexican War and later lost his life during one of the Indian insurrections in Kansas. It was during his administration as postmaster that the name of Lake Court House was changed to Crown Point.
On May 5, 1847, Hiram S. Pelton was appointed post- master but only served until June 16 of that year. His term ending suddenly by his death. Up to the present time he was the only postmaster who died during the term of his office.
The succeeding postmaster was Alexander McDonald, who had the distinction of being the first attorney to settle in Crown Point. He served until February 26, 1849, when David Pettibone received the appointment.
Mr. Pettibone, like Robinson and Smith, was county clerk and conducted the post office in connection with his county office. As the national administration again changed he re- linquished his office on July 17, 1849, to Major Allman.
Mr. Allman ,being county recorder, conducted his two of- fices jointly and served until November 13, 1852. He was one of Lake County's pioneers, coming to this county in 1841. He was the founder of the abstract company which is now known as the Lake County Title Company. In 1850 the first steam
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
railroad, the Michigan Central, crossed Lake County, which gave new growth to this section of the state. From then on mail was transported daily to Crown Point from Lake Station, which is now East Gary. Charles Allman, nephew of Major Allman, completed his unexpired term and served until Aug- ust 30, 1853, when James H. Luther received the appointment from President Fillmore.
Mr. Luther conducted his office from the town's only ho- tel, the Mills House, later known as the Rockwell House. He had been prominent in public affairs and in 1861 he was elected to the office of county auditor.
On January 8, 1855, President Pierce appointed a mer- chant, Joseph Jackson, as postmaster, who conducted his of- fice from his general store which he sold on March 17, 1857, and moved to Wapella, Iowa, where he later served as mayor for two terms. His term of office as postmaster not having expired, his son-in-law, Zebulon P. Farley, filled that office from March 17, 1857, until May 14 the same year when Presi- dent Buchanan gave the appointment to Henry Wells.
Mr. Wells probably held the distinction of holding more public offices and spending more years in public life than any other early pioneer. He arrived in this county one day after Solon Robinson pitched his tent on what is now our court house site. He was appointed as the first sheriff of this county and served as elected sheriff for several terms later. He was Swamp Land Commissioner for many years and county treas- urer for two terms.
In 1858 the Fort Wayne branch of the Pennsylvania R. R. was built through Hobart and from then on the mail was transported from there to Crown Point.
On March 22, 1860, Joseph P. Smith was again appointed postmaster but only served one year in his second term. Wil- liam G. McGlashon, the succeeding postmaster, took office on March 9, 1861, just five days after President Lincoln was in- augurated and thirty-two days before the fatal shot was fired at Fort Sumpter which started the great Civil War.
Lake County at this time had a population of less than ten thousand and it was estimated that at least one thousand men enlisted in the war. Great excitement raged and much anxiety prevailed, causing increased demands upon postal service.
The money order system was inaugurated during Mr. Mc-
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
Glashon's term. In 1865 the first steam railroad was built through Crown Point and the town received its first direct mail service by train.
Mr. McGlashon was a successful merchant and conducted the post office from his store.
The next postmaster, George Willey, was appointed by President Johnson on September 13, 1866, and held that office until March 17, 1869. He was a successful farmer living east of the town limits. It was during his term that the village of Crown Point was incorporated as a town.
Zebulon P. Farley, the succeeding postmaster, had pre- viously completed the unexpired term of his father-in-law, Jo- seph Jackson. He received his appointment from President Grant. Mr. Farley was nearly blind and the detail work of the post office was done by his wife, and son F. E. Farley, who later became postmaster.
The first Civil War veteran to receive the appointment as postmaster at this office was Harvey J. Shoulters, who suc- ceeded Mr. Farley on April 11, 1877, President Hays making the appointment. Mr. Shoulters had enlisted with a New York company and came to this county shortly after the war. He was prominent in civic affairs and had served as deputy coun- ty auditor before he became postmaster.
Following Mr. Shoulters' retirement on February 12, 1884, President Arthur gave the appointment to another Civil War veteran, William T. Horine. Mr. Horine came to Crown Point from Lowell where he had been an instructor in the public schools. He conducted his office in the Allman building on the corner of Main and Clark streets. Being a disabled war veteran and having one leg amputated during the war, he was later awarded a position in the War Veterans' Pension De- partment in Washington, D. C.
The third Civil War veteran to receive the postmaster- ship was Lieutenant John P. Merrill, who received his ap- pointment from President Cleveland on February 24, 1888. Born at Merrillville on October 13, 1843, he was the first Lake County born citizen to hold this office. Mr. Merrill was one of the county's outstanding citizens, having been a successful merchant, trustee of Ross township and county treasurer be- fore he became postmaster. He died suddenly February 21, 1897. (Sic. 1891?)
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
On January 6, 1892, the fourth and last Civil War veteran to serve as postmaster was John J. Wheeler. He received his appointment from President Harrison. Born on January 11, 1848, he was not of an age to join his father, Colonel John Wheeler, when he organized the 20th Indiana Regiment in 1861, but managed to enlist later in 1863 when only fifteen years old and served with the Union for the remainder of the war. Early in his career he was twice elected to the office of county surveyor and in 1872 he entered the newspaper busi- ness which he followed very successfully until his death. Serv- ing as postmaster, he was ably assisted in his work by his son, Fred Y. Wheeler, who later served as postmaster for a long term of years.
During John J. Wheeler's term this country was still suf- fering from one of its major depressions. When the Pullman Car Works strike was taking place an attempt was made to stop all railway transportation including the mails. It was then that President Cleveland called out the Federal troops to protect the mail and once and for all established the rule that the mail must go on regardless of strikes.
As the National administration had again changed, Mr. Wheeler, after completing his four year term, relinquished the office on February 11, 1896, to Arthur A. Maynard who re- ceived his appointment from President Cleveland. Mr. May- nard had previously been a railway employee and had served as a staunch worker for the Democratic party.
After serving as postmaster for three years Mr. Maynard resigned and on April 18, 1899, Floyd E. Farley received his appointment from President Mckinley. Mr. Farley, as a young man, had helped his father when he had been postmaster, which experience served him well when he assumed his postal duties. He had also had varied experience in public life by serving as deputy sheriff and deputy auditor for several coun- ty officials.
Mr. Farley's term lacked one month of lasting thirteen years and was probably the most epochal as far as postal pro- gress was concerned, since Mr. McGlashon's term. It was dur- ing this term that the postal receipts reached the stage when the Crown Point office passed from the Third Class to the Second Class, and an assistant postmaster was appointed. The first assistant postmaster appointed was Miss Ella Massoth who is still serving in that capacity. Postal Savings and rural mail service were also inaugurated during this term.
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
On February 20, 1912, Charles J. Daugherty assumed of- fice, receiving his appointment from President Taft. Mr. Daugherty had been prominent in public service previous to this appointment. Coming from Hammond, Indiana, he first served as deputy sheriff and later served for two terms as sheriff of this county.
On July 1, 1914, city delivery service was granted to Crown Point with two carriers. John Fraas, one of the origi- nal carriers, is still in service after nearly twenty-five years of duty. It has been roughly estimated that in performance of his duty he has traveled on foot over one hundred thousand miles, or more than four times the distance around the world.
Mr. Daugherty relinquished his office on February 25, 1915, to Peter F. Hein who received his appointment from President Wilson.
During Mr. Hein's term increased duties were placed up- on the postal system incident to the World War. Aliens were registered at the post office, war savings stamps were sold in addition to the many other demands from the public.
Mr. Hein resigned as postmaster on April 1, 1921, to take over the cashiership of the Commercial Bank, which position he is filling at the present time. He was elected and served two terms as state treasurer, from 1935 to 1939.
The succeeding postmaster, Fred Y. Wheeler, received his appointment from President Harding and had the distinction of serving under three succeeding Presidents, Coolidge, Hoo- ver and Roosevelt.
Mr. Wheeler entered the post office possessing an unusual hereditary background. His great grandfather, Solon Robin- son, was the first postmaster, his grandfather was Colonel John Wheeler, who lost his life at the battle of Gettysburg, and his father was John J. Wheeler, who was a former postmaster and editor of the Lake County Star.
Mr. Wheeler had assisted his father when he was post- master and was also his associate in the publishing business. His wide experience in dealing with the public and his former contact with postal requirements facilitated his efforts to ren- der efficient service to the public. He lacked only two months in equaling Mr. Farley's time record of service. After the na- tional administration had changed and his third term of com- mission had expired he relinquished his office on January 1,
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
1934, to the present postmaster, being in office twelve years and nine months.
Mr. Wheeler's term was marked by the post war period of prosperity which was reflected upon the postal receipts, and at one time this office was within striking distance of be- ing a first class office. As the prosperity period reflected fa- vorably upon the office receipts, so did the recession period reflect adversely, and up to the present time, while much pro- gress has been made, postal revenue has not reached the heighth attained in 1929.
Up to this time the post office had been located in rented quarters. Preliminary work to obtain a government owned building for Crown Point was done by Mr. Wheeler. Through the efforts of our Congressman, William T. Schulte, a grant was made in July, 1934, for a Federal building to be used solely as a post office for this city and adjoining territory. In August of that year a site for the building was chosen at the corner of East Joliet and South East streets. The contract price of the building was $34,590.00 which was submitted by the Moses Construction Co. of Chicago, Illinois. The actual work for construction was started on February 25, 1935, and the building was occupied on October 1st of that year. It is a one-story structure, sixty by sixty-eight feet, of brick with sandstone trimming, upon a monolithick concrete foundation. Most of the material specified in the building is of a noncom- bustible nature which makes it most durable and nearly fire proof, and with its ample dimensions should serve this com- munity for a long time.
Since the establishment of the post office here in 1836 to the present time many changes in the postal system have taken place. Many additional duties have been assumed by the post office. When Solon Robinson's receipts for a year were $24.03 the only service rendered was the transportation of letters and newspapers.
During the past fiscal year the postal receipts at this of- fice were over $35,000.00. This includes only the sale of post- age stamps, box rentals and second class receipts. Postal Sav- ings accounts exceeding $190,000.00 are held at this office. Money order receipts exceeded $200,000.00 annually. The sale of documentary stamps amounts to $4,000.00 annually. Since the inception of the sale of U. S. Savings bonds March 1, 1935, the sale of these bonds amounts to more than $275,093.00 with an accrued value of over $360,000.00.
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
With the establishment of new governmental agencies the quantity of frank mail has been greatly increased from which no credit or revenue is derived, but more requests are received for statistics and information to promote them, which broad- ens the scope of postal activities.
Although the activities are varied ,and naturally the du- ties become irksome at time, this office, with its able staff, has found it a real pleasure to serve the public, with the feel- ing that part of its compensation comes from the realization of accomplishment and the splendid cooperation received from the patrons.
A population of about 8,400 people, nearly equally divided in numbers by the city and rural sections, is served from this office.
The rural mail service comprises three routes covering 187 miles of travel. Edward Bixenman, who is the present carrier on route three, has been a rural carrier since August 16, 1905, and has the longest record for continuous service in this office. Max Mracek has served since March 1, 1907. Her- bert M. Michael was transferred from Lowell on June 16, 1935.
City delivery service is also divided into three routes. John Fraas, the senior carrier, has carried the same route since July 1, 1914. Loran Holloway received his appointment on August 16, 1924, and Clarence Thomen received his May 16, 1931. Fred Halfman is the present substitute carrier and Robert Golden delivers the special delivery letters.
The messenger service for transporting the mail from the depots is done by Arthur Volk who has performed this duty, with some intermission, for thirty-two years. The custodial duties are taken care of by Fred Rosenthal.
Previous mention has been made of the assistant post- master, Miss Ella Massoth having held that office since its in- ception, when Crown Point became a second class office. She started her postal duties on March 30, 1908, and holds a record approached by very few women in postal service.
The chief clerk, Harry Weber, started as substitute car- rier September 4, 1916. Later he was appointed regular clerk and is now assisting in the financial department. Harold Phillips, now at the head of the dispatching clerks, started service as regular clerk on April 1, 1924. Leonard Bolt first served as substitute clerk in Hammond, Indiana, and was ap-
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
pointed regular substitute at this office on January 1, 1931. He has been regular clerk for the past three years. Charles V. McFadden, the last appointed regular clerk, received his ap- pointment on November 1, 1938. He had served as auxiliary rural carrier and substitute clerk for several years previous to his regular appointment. George Everett is regular substi- tute clerk at the present time.
While this group of workers takes pride in its daily task, it realizes that it is but a small cog in that vast postal system, which is the world's largest business. In the United States there are 45,000 post offices, employing 400,000 people. Through the International Postal Union each of these offices has contact with every country in the world that has a postal system.
We of today are prone to take too much credit for our ad- vanced state of civilization. The advancement of mankind, to a great extent, is based upon the preservation of records of those who have labored before us. With this in mind the writer dedicates this little narrative to the workers of this of- fice who have served before him.
THE POSTAL SERVICE
Messenger of sympathy and love Servant of parted friends Consoler of the lonely Bond of the scattered family Enlarger of the common life.
Carrier of news and knowledge Instrument of trade and industry Promoter of mutual acquaintance Of peace and good will Among men and nations.
-Woodrow Wilson *
Inscription on the U. S. Post Of- fice Building, Washington, D. C.
Reminiscences were related by Mrs. Jennie Ward Wheeler.
The sixty-fourth annual meeting, September 30, 1939, at the Fine Arts Building, enjoyed the "old fashioned basket" dinner at tables in the "south wing." The central portion was
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
"set up" for the program.
Invocation by Rev. O. P. Manker, Methodist church ; busi- ness, with the reports from the officers, then an historical let- ter, written by Rev. T. H. Ball from his home in the "south- land," was read by Arthur G. Taylor. Addresses were made by Dr. William D. Weis and Frank B. Pattee, Crown Point lawyers; also by Judge Lawrence Becker, East Chicago.
Miss Nancy J. Weis, Munster, daughter of Dr. Weis, un- veiled a fine oil portrait of T. H. Ball. It is a gift from the Weis family and is to be placed in the Timothy Ball elemen- tary schools at the corner of North East Street and facing North Street, Crown Point. This is most significant and ap- preciated because of the many historical associations with the site and in which Mr. Ball played a very important role.
Arthur Patterson, East Gary, formerly known as Lake Station, sent his reminiscences which were read by the secre- tary. Cyrus Hayden told most entertaining stories of his life in the "Creek" townships.
In conclusion, prize winners not mentioned before are: Oldest couple born and married in Lake County-Mr. and Mrs. Aden Fehlman, Crown Point. Largest family with a common ancestor born in Lake County was the John Klahn's of Ross Township. The school teacher who has taught the longest and has the largest number of former pupils present was Matthew J. Brown, Eagle Creek Township. Nancy J. Weis was the youngest person with the longest ancestral line, Lake County citizens.
Since this unique custom of "thinking up" a category that would continually arouse interest and be challenging both to committee and entrant, this sample list of the classifications in order to qualify for a prize is included. Variations did occur to arouse new interests. From the report of the sixty-third annual meting, September 24, 1938, is this fascinating account :
"Prizes were awarded as follows: Oldest man present, not born in Lake County, Mr. Luebcke, 97 yrs., Merrillville; oldest man present, born in Lake County, Thomas Hall, 91 yrs., Crown Point; oldest woman present, born in Lake Coun- ty, Mrs. Frances Brownell, 86 yrs, Lowell; oldest woman pres- ent, not born in Lake County, Mrs. Mary Cochran, 86 yrs., Crown Point; oldest couple present, married in Lake County, and married for the longest time, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hoshaw (very aged), Crown Point; oldest Civil War veteran, John R.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
Taylor, 95 yrs. old, Lowell; oldest twins present, Mrs. Ella Gurnsey, 60 yrs., Crisman, and Mrs. Emma G. Edwards, 60 yrs., Hobart; oldest teacher present with the greatest number of former pupils present (Lake County), Miss Josephine Meeker, Crown Point; youngest person present with the long- est ancestral line of Lake County citizens, Carl Earl Johnson, Hammond, Indiana, son of Attorney Earl W. and Mable (Thompson) Johnson, a lineal descendant in the seventh gen- eration from Obadiah Taylor (the only Revolutionary War soldier buried in Lake County)."
What the prizes were is not listed; as a rule they were attractive material gifts and occasionally, for a special award, a dollar or more in silver.
History of the American Legion in Lake County, Indiana
(1919 to 1959 Inclusive)
By RICHARD S. KAPLAN Past Commander, Post No. 17; Past 1st District Commander
The cataclysm was at an end. The flames of World War I had been quenched and men were busy reconstructing a new world from the embers which remained. In Lake County, as in counties throughout the nation, tears had been dried, though hearts were heavy, and thoughts of the future arose in the minds of those who had so nobly and courageously served their country.
In Paris, France, the American Legion had come into be- ing, an organization which was to bind together the men who had served their country in war, and would continue to serve in peace. In St. Louis, Missouri, the caucus approved the ac- tion of the delegates who had met in France, and the Ameri- can Legion was an actuality, dedicated to serve God and Coun- try.
In 1919, Lake County was in the throes of a dreadful steel strike. Home Guards, sent into this county to maintain peace, had shot many strikers; everyone was jittery and no one knew what tomorrow would bring. But in spite of those difficulties,
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1934-1939
there were men who were determined that the American Le- gion should and would have its place in Lake County, Indiana.
Almost simultaneously returning veterans in Gary and Hammond met to form American Legion Posts in their com- munities. In Hammond there was first formed what was then known as the Soldier's and Sailor's Club. Out of this nucleus there came into being Calumet Post, No. 16, American Le- gion, Department of Indiana, led by Floyd Murray, Irving Chaykin, Dr. A. A. Graham, and Joseph Todd.
Being without funds, the members of Post No. 16 met in the old Chamber of Commerce rooms, located at the corner of Sibley and Hohman Avenue, but eventually acquired a store room on State Street until prosperity enabled the post to build its own structure at 6634 Calumet Avenue, in Hammond, its present location.
In Gary, at the same time, Col. A. P. Melton, Major J. A. Umpleby, Robert Richardson, Bert Kuss and several other ex- servicemen met in the basement of the Public Library and there formed Gary Memorial Post, No. 17, on May 15, 1919. In a few short years the post built its own "hut" at 565 Mas- sachusetts Street, but in 1952-53, under the leadership of its Post Commander, Richard S. Kaplan, a new and imposing In- diana limestone building replaced the old hut. Today Post 17 is the largest post in Lake County.
While World War II was being fought the members of the then growing American Legion, which had proved its worth, decided that the men who were then serving in the armed forces of the United States, would NOT have to endure the sufferings of those who had served in World War I. Up- on demand of the American Legion, the Congressional Charter of their Legion was amended to include World War II vet- erans. The charter was amended for a second time to permit Korean veterans to become members.
As of 1959 membership in the Lake County American Le- gion stood at over 10,000 members, belonging to 34 posts, di- vided as follows: 11 posts in Gary, 5 posts in Hammond, an all-women's post in Whiting, and posts in Whiting, E. Chi- cago, E. Gary, New Chicago, Crown Point, Cedar Lake, High- land, Lowell, Hobart, Griffith and Merrillville.
In 1920 the Legion posts in Lake County became a part of the 10th District organization. Floyd Murray, of Hammond, was elected the first Commander of the 10th District. It was
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
not until the American Legion in Indiana was divided into Congressional Districts that the Posts in Lake County became the 1st District organization.
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