USA > Indiana > Floyd County > New Albany > The advantages and surroundings of New Albany, Ind., Floyd county : manufacturing, mercantile and professional interests Public buildings and officials, schools, churches, societies, canals, rivers, railroads, etc., etc > Part 11
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Among the many instances of success gained in New Albany, Wm. H. Mckay is a proper example. Born in Kentucky, reared in Missouri, he located in this city 20 years ago and became a partner of M. C. Browning. His partner was among the victims of the ill-fated steamer Pat. Rodgers, losing his life Aug. 5th, 1874. Three years later Mr. Mckay becaine sole owner of the business, and is now one of the leading underwriters in this section of country. He represents twelve leading com- panies in fire insurance, his business extending to many towns in southern Indiana, in which he writes policies for factories, stores, mills, dwellings, etc. He represents the well known Union Central Life Insurance Co. of Cincinnati, and writes accident policies for the Standard of Detroit. Mr. Mckay is a director in the Commercial Club, owns considerable real estate here, and his success, liberality and public spirit is too well known to need further comment.
HERMAN KNIRIHM, NO. 33, E. MARKET ST. INSURANCE AND STEAMSHIP AGENT.
The insurance business is peculiar in many respects, and one important feature is that the busy business man has not always the time or means at hand to examine into the merits or reliability of the different companies. He can and should fully know the reputation and candor of the local agent, and when satisfied that he is dealing with an agency that would not countenance unreliable ventures, he has only to indicate the amount of insurance which he desires to carry and the trustworthy agent will look after every other detail, as it is to his interest to protect his customer as well as to se- eure his company against unnatural loss.
Herman Knirihm is a native of Germany, residing in New Albany since 1854, and in the insurance business for nearly 20 years. He is the authorized agent for eleven well known companies. These companies represent many millions of dollars, and Mr. Knirihm can safely handle the largest risks. His customers have only to indicate
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their desires and every minutia is cared for. Mr. Knirihm is also agent for the North German Lloyd Steamship Co., and for the Netherlands line of steamships.
M. D. CONDIFF'S INSURANCE AGENCY. CORNER BANK AND MAIN STREETS,
M. D. Condiff is a native of Bedford, Ind., read medicine and sold drugs in early manhood. He moved to New Albany in 1855, was engaged in the furniture trade here, and in the late war served for a time in the quarter master's department. Mr. Condiff engaged in the insurance business 24 years ago, since which his entire atten- tion has been given to that line. He is agent for the Aetna and Hartford, of Hart- ford, Conn .; the Franklin, of Philadelphia, and other leading companies, covering fire, cargo, life, general accident, plate glass, employer's liability, boiler explosion, etc. Mr. Condiff is a notary public, and executes all descriptions of writings, requir- ing the notarial seal. He has been secretary of Jefferson lodge, F. & A. M., for 20 consecutive years.
R. E. BURK, REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE. NO. 9. EAST MAIN STREET.
Robert E. Burk is a native New Albanian, and commenced the insurance business thirteen years ago. He writes for the National, of Hartford; American. of Philadel- phia; American. of New York; the New Hampshire, London Assurance, and Michi- gan Fire and Marine Insurance company, also the Travelers Life and Accident Co., of Hartford, Conn. Seven years ago he added real estate to his agency, and conducts a general business in that line. In company with others he owns a large interest in Sil- ver hills plat, described elsewhere, is a director in the Highland electric raitway, and otherwise interested in the city's upbuilding.
MARSH & NEEDHAM, CORNER MARKET AND BANK.
INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE AGENCY.
Frank Marsh is a native of New Albany, formerly assistant superintendent in the Ohio Falls Iron Works, and Dr. H. J. Needham was born in Louisville, graduated from the Pulte Medical College of Cincinnati, and for 12 years past has been engaged in the drug trade and practice of medicine here. In Feb, 1891, the above firm was formed to operate insurance, real estate and building and loan matters. The firm represents the Prussian National and Hamburg-Bremen, of Germany; the Imperial. of London; London-Lancashire, of Liverpool and Traders of Chicago, all solid com- panies. The above gentlemen are familliar with real estate values here, and their opening year has brought the success of industry, Their connection in building and loan matters will be mentioned under that interest.
RIDLEY & KLOSSE, REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE.
OPPOSITE P. O. AT NO. 16, SPRING ST.
C. D. Ridley, a native of Brandenburg, Ky., who had been in Government work, in the west, purchased the real estate business of A. Huncilman, in 1886, subsequent- ly adding insurance to his agency. In 1891, Henry F. Klosse, who had formerly been in the printing business, became a partner with Mr. Ridley. The firm represent a number of fire insurance companies, write accident policies, and conduct a general real estate agency, which has become a leading feature in their business. Some ex-
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tensive sales have recently been negotiated by Messrs. Ridley & Klosse, while the push and business tact of this comparatively new firm have brought them an encour- aging success.
N. D. MORRIS-INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE. 34, EAST SPRING STREET.
For nearly ten years, N. D. Morris served as assistant P. M., and five years ago opened a real estate office as above. Mr. Morris is a native of New Albany and thoroughly acquainted here. He represents several reliable insurance companies and transacts a general real estate business. He is secretary of the Howard Park B. & L. association, and agent for the Mechanics.
A. W. BENTLY-INSURANCE. NO. 3, EAST MAIN STREET.
Doubtless the oldest man in active business life, in New Albany, is Alfred W. Bently, who was born in the state of New York, Oct. 20, 1809, and located in New Albany in 1850. He took charge of the insurance business formerly conducted by Elisha Sabin, in 1868, having since continued in the business. Mr. Bently's well known philanthropy in Sunday school, church and lodge work has made him many friends.
J. O. GREENE, 131, STATE SRTEET. OWNER AND DEALER IN REAL ESTATE.
A native of Harrison county, John O. Greene has resided in this vicinity since 1858. He owns about 60 acres, extending from Cherry street over the bluff to Oakwood, and is principally interested in this street. Mr. Green is also a counselling attorney and notary.
G. H. PADGETT, REAL ESTATE AND INRURANCE.
NO. 42, EAST SPRING STREET.
George H. Padgett was born in Lawrenceburg, in this state, and has resided in New Albany since 1879. Cabinet work carpentering and contracting was his occu- pation, until receiving an injury last fall, when he retired from a successful business, having built 17 houses in 1891. In April last he commenced in real estate, and al- ready has a nice line of diversified property in his hands. He rents, collects and looks after all branches of the business, also writing fire insurance risks in good com- panies. Mr. Padgett's office is with U. S. building and loan association at No. 42, E. Spring.
OTHER ADDITIONS AND SURROUNDINGS.
Midway between the bridges, which cross the Ohio river here, and in the triangle formed by Louisville, New Albany and Jeffersonville, on a plateau well above high water mark, is found the thriving new village of Howard Park. The junction depot is at this place, so that residents can go to either of the Falls cities every half hour, and have good accomodation for freights. This village has recently been annexed to the old incorporation of Clarksville, which was located by Gen. Geo. Rogers Clark, before the beginning of the present century. Howard Park is principally owned by Stotsenburg & Son, N. T. DePauw and others, who will give easy terms to pur- chasers.
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Silver Grove lies just outside of the city limits, on the east side, and has recent- y become an incorporated village. This property was put on the market by Mayor McDonald several years ago, and Silver Grove is New Albany's most im- portant suburban village. Lots not yet sold to purchasers are the property of the McDonald family, and can be secured on easy terms.
The Meadows, and place formerly occupied by Dr. Newland, near the city lim- ts, on State street, are owned by Geo. B. Cardwill, E. G. Henry, C. J. Frederick und J. W. Dunbar. The Meadows is very conveniently located, was easily sold, has been mostly taken, and is largely settled up. The Dr. Newland farm is now ready for development.
Glenview Park is a handsome subrban plat, 3 miles from Main street, and now in the hands of a syndicate. It will be accessible by the proposed Glenview Park railway, and will doubtless become desirable property.
GENERAL SUMMARY AND REVIEW. READ THIS IF NOTHING MORE.
As some of our readers may not have time to peruse this entire sketch, we will briefly summarize for their benefit. Although articles may be found in this book which appear irrelevant to the text, (that of demonstrating to the world the superior advantages possessed by this city for diversified manufacturing) yet nearly every page brings out an important fact or convincing argument. We do not claim for this place a big boom, but steady and rapid increase for fifty years past, (see pages 13, 14.) The location of the place was well selected, and while the water power which should have been developed, pages 65-6, has not yet been realized, our facilities for obtaining cheap coal by river and rail, and iron working concerns for fitting manu- factories, 49-53, with other prominent facilities for obtaining raw materials, have re- sulted in the building up of a large manufacturing interest, see 45 to 62. There are 25 or more establishments in New Albany, which by reason of the magnitude of their operations, are contributing, in a marked degree, to the city's welfare. Several of these will be noted in subsequent pages, from which, at this writing, we have not yet received the historic facts. Extensive manufacturing give an impress of permanency, obtainable in no other way. New Albany has builded well, and has a grand foun- dation for extensive development in industrial enterprise. Located in the center of the magnificent Ohio Valley, at the head of deep water navigation. the New Albany wharfs can be easily and cheaply reached, from all rivers flowing into the great Father of Waters. By means of her exceptional railroad connections, 67-72, she can reach the markets of the country, and the principal cities, with great alacrity. Four rail- roads centering here, reach directly to St. Lous and the west, Chicago and the north- west, Indianapolis and the north, Cincinnati and the east, while the K. & I. Bridge Co., and Penn. lines give us immediate connection with Louisville and the trunk lines of the south. Our transportation facilities, cheap fuel, cheap living, that enables mechanics and laborers to work at reasonable rates, easy methods to secure homes, healthfulness and mild climate, all add to our advantages for successful progression. The product of a large iron furnace would be consumed in the Falls cities and there are many reasons why one would succeed here if judiciously managed. Agricultural implements, or any kind of iron working industry; furniture, carriage works, or other
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wood working factories; and many other lines of industry have as good or better chance of success here, than in most other sections of the country. With numerous real estate agents, many of whom are owners as well as agents; all realizing that extensive manufacturing gives solidity to a city which can be obtained in no other way, it is scarcely possible for speculative prices to be held against development. It is hardly necessary for us to refer again to the superior benevolent, financial, re- ligious and educational facilities presented here, pages 20 to 40. Banking capital and surplus of over a million dollars, average deposits of as much more; two daily and six weekly papers, twenty churches, representing the leading denominations and holding property worth nearly half a million; a $30,000 Young Men's Christian As- sociation now building; twelve public school buildings, and a $30,000 new structure going up; large catholic schools; DePauw College and New Albany Business College, all assist in the permanency, culture and success of the city.
We have superb water works and ample fire protection, pages 15, 42-3, which af- fords cheap insurance. Our hotel accommodation is but moderate, and a first class hostlery, with modern accommodations throughout, for travelers, bas been in con- templation. A tourist hotel, at popular prices, or hygenic home, if in the hands of a live company and good manager, could be made to pay heavy returns. The cli- mate here is void of either extreme, and a resort of this kind, could be run the year round. Louisville people, or those from the south, would enjoy the breezes of the highlands, and coolness of the parks, in the hottest summer weather; while persons. from the colder regions, of our northern latitude, would find that the most severe winter weather, of this section, was no great burden to them; as our cold season lasts but a few weeks at most. This suggestion is worth more than a passing thought, as by our Highland and Glenview Park railroads, the location would be in easy range of all the luxuries, amusements, etcetera, of the great metropolis across the river, and yet be entirely free from dust, smoke and city environments; in pure air, and with min- eral springs of reputed value at our command. The Briggs mineral water, does not precipitate by standing, has been tested for many years in bowel, kidney, and other troubles, with abundant proof of efficiency, and could be kept in such a resort, at all times for use of guests. Several capitalists here, have expressed their willingness to take stock in a company for this proposed enterprise, and the proper person can eas- ily secure needed encouragement, for erection of the Highland Hotel, or Glenview Hygienic Home. Who will make a move for this needed development?
We have several brick yards in the outskirts of the city, and with unexcelled clay for vitrified brick, a large industry should be built up in this direction. The shale on some of the surrounding farms has been tested for the production of pressed brick and the specimens produced have no superiors. Excellent cement rock is abundant in this section, and with superb dressing stone in the near by quarries there is no lack of material for fine architectural development.
With the immense quantities of leather produced here, the cheapness of labor and living, this is just the place for starting a large harness manufactory. We have a few small concerns; but nothing calculated to meet the wholesale trade, and there is no better place in the country for a large establishment in that line than right here. East Liverpool, Ohio, with one railroad and the river, has built up an immense pot- tery interest. The clay for queensware, stoneware, tiling, etc., must be selected and shipped from various sections of the country, and as we have excellent transportation
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facilities, with near by markets, there is abundance of reason why large potteries in good hands could be made an unqualified success in New Albany.
Floyd and adjoining counties on the Ohio, present some magnificent tracts for peaches, pears, apples, etc. The peach crop is a special favorite in many places, and when the locatian is well selected, the crop is rarely destroyed by frosts, and proves very remunerative. Our townsmen, J. H. Stotsenburg & Sons, have 1200 acres of peach lands, some 25 miles above this place in Clark county. About 75,000 pcach trees, and a large variety of plums, apples, quinces and cherries are found in their orchards. An incline is used for sending the crates from the bluffs to the boat land- ing and other labor saving devices for marketing the products.
Agriculturally the city is in the centre of the small fruit culture of the Ohio valley. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, peaches and apples are raised in marvellous abundance almost within the city limits, and many hundred of thousands of crates are shipped each year to her easily reached markets. As a place of residence, New Albany has few equals. Her population of 25,000 people, walk and ride through many miles of paved streets, lined with handsome residences, and universally shaded with beautiful trees. At the western border of the city runs a range of exceedingly picturesque hills, reached by an electric railway, and rapidly filling up with comfortable homes overlooking the Ohio winding so gracefully below.
In area, New Albany covers nine square miles, and recent suburban additions will add perhaps another mile to this. The real estate valuation, with outside property, which is practically a part of the city, will not fall short of $20,000,000. With two electric light companies, and gas works, we have competitive illumination, and small manufactories are easily and cheaply run by water or electric motors. Our mercan- tile pages will show that, while we are under the shadow of Louisville, we are repre- sented by progressive merchants abreast of the times.
New Albany is thus seen to be full of solid advantages. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, offering every attraction to those desiring rest and recreation, and by steam- boat, railroad, electric car and street car, in a brief time and trifling expense, these garden spots of pure air and charming views may be reached. Handsome stores and elegant public buildings, abound here. Conspicuous among the latter may be men- tioned the fine stone courthouse, and the imposing United States custom house and postoffice. Free postal delivery is to be enumerated among the conveniences we enjoy, and we occupy our homes in peace and security under the care of one of the most competent fire departments in the country. In fact, any man who has the stamina to go west or south with limited means, trusting to his energy and the smiles of Providence, has greater certainty of success right here. He finds in the Ohio valley no devastating grasshoppers, nor blasting drouths. His products are near the great markets, and his necessities are easily and cheaply supplied. If the illustrious Horace Greeley was here at present, instead of saying "young man, go west," he would doubtless second our efforts by saying, "stay at home and do your best."
MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS.
By some it may be claimed that in describing the essential features of a city, " professional notes " are a matter of minor importance, and the space might better have been occupied with statistics or valuable data. It is not only difficult, but impossible, to meet the requirements of all, and while we shall attempt to please
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the majority, our experience has taught us that people take pleasure in mailing to distant friends a pamphlet containing the name and business mention of their per- sonal acquaintances; conseqently these notes, while seemingly unimportant, assist us in securing that wide-spread distribution which is so essential in making this pro- duction valuable to New Albany, and to all advertisers. The ease of wrapping and inexpensiveness of mailing this pamphlet to friends, its convenient shape for preser- vation, together with the fact that all subscribers for the pamphlet have agreed to make judicious distribution of the same, justify us in asserting that this sketch will have a more judicious circulation than any other descriptive sketch of a similar char- acter which has been issued from this city.
Probably no river city in the west has made a better record for healthfulness than New Albany. There is no stagnant water nor malarial surroundings here. The dramage is naturally easy and with a sewerage system perfected the sanitary condi- tion will be of the best. Yet accidents will happen, chronic and epidemic diseases arise, ignorant and more intelligent people transgress the laws of nature, and the city has its full quota of physicians, surgeons, dentists and vetenary doctors.
The first permanent physician of New Albany was Dr. Asahel Clapp, who located here in 1817. He identified himself with the material interests of the place, was prominently connected in the progress of New Albany, and built up a large practice, on which he was engaged until his death in 1862.
Dr. William A. Clapp, son of the above, was born in this city, Oct. 29, 1822; educated in the private schools, conducted by Prof. Sturdevant and Prof. Spence, after which he read medicine in his father's office, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in 1848. He at once commenced practice in this city with his father, and excepting his time of service as surgeon of the 38th, Ind., Reg., in the late war, he has been in continuous practice here for 44 years. It is rather a remarkable fact that Dr. Clapp's life has practically been spent in one place, his office and residence having always remained at the place of his birth, No. 11, East Main street.
Dr. John Sloan, was born in Maine, Sept. 25, 1815, graduated at Bowdoin Medical College, in his native state, in 1838, and located in New Albany, the same year. He had charge of a hospital here, as contract surgeon, during the late war. When he commenced in New Albany, Drs. Leonard, Dowling, Shields, Cooper, and eight or ten others, were in practice, all now gone. Many others have come and gone within the 54 years in which he has been in continuous practice here. Dr. Sloan has been prominently connected in the regular medical societies, county, state and national, but never sought for political preference. His office and residence is 157, E. Main street.
Dr. Seymour C. Wilcox, was born in N. Y., Sept. 20, 1818, graduated from the Geneva Medical College in 1841, having now been in practice for more than half a century. He located in New Albany 24 years ago, and has since been identified with this city. Dr. Wilcox is president of the Cemetery board of regents. His office and residence is at No. 273, E. Spring street.
Dr. John L. Stewart is a native of Switzerland county, attended the Vevay Academy, read medicines with Dr. W. C. Sweezy, in his native county; and gradua- ted from the Kentucky School of Medicine, in 1865. He served in the late war, a
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portion of the time being in hospital work. Dr. Stewart engaged in the drug trade of New Albany, with John R. Sigmon, in 1868, continuing for 10 years, sinee which his entire time has been given to medical practice. Office at No. 149, State street.
Dr. Geo. H. Cannon is a native of this city; after the public schools attended Forest Home Academy, in Ky., and returning to New Albany took a course at Prof. W. W. May's Eikosi. Dr. Cannon graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, in March, 1877, at once locating in practice here. He is a member of the state and county medical societies and physician to the United Chari- ties Hospital. The doctor occupies nicely furnished rooms at 114, E. Main street.
Dr. E. P. Easley is a native of Kentucky, attended the Seminary of Orleans, Ind., graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, in 1872, and located in New Albany, where he has been in practice for 20 years. Office - and residence 175, E. Spring street.
Dr. J. H. Lemon is a native of Bloomington, Ind., educated at the State Uni- versity, and the medical department of the Mich. University, locating here Jan. 1868. He served in detached duty as hospital stewart in 3d Div. 14th Army Corps. Dr. Lemon has been coroner, county physician, and is a present member of the city board of health.
Dr. H. S. Wolfe is a native of Floyd county, was educated in private schools, learned the shoemaker's trade which he followed for some time, graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1860, and commenced practice at Washington, Ind. Seven years later he received the degree of M. D., from the Kentucky University, after which he located at Corydon. In 1886 he removed to New Albany. Dr. Wolfe was surgeon of the 81st Ind., Reg., 1862-3. He owns a farm of 216 acres near Georgetown, makes a specialty of breeding fine sheep and swine, and spends mueh of his time in agricultural pursuits. Dr. Wolfe is an active democrat, but has usual- ly declined political preferment.
Dr. E. L. Sigmon was born in this city, educated in the High school, read med- icine with Dr. J. L. Steward, and graduated frem the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1886. Dr. Sigmon has made a special study of surgery, and for one so young, has made a prominent start in this direction. His office is with Dr. Steward at 149, State street.
Dr. C. W. McIntyre first saw the light on the Emerald Isle, was brought to America in childhood, read medicine and graduated from the McGill University, of Montreal. Canada, in 1864. He practiced for some years in Jefferson county, Ind .. and in 1873, took the addendum course, and graduated from the University of Louisville. Dr. McIntyre has, for 12 years past, been practicing in New Albany, office and resi- dence, 150, Vincennes street. He is a member of the Floyd Co. and Am. Medieal societies.
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