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 13
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
This organization was founded in 1866 in Illinois, and has a present membership of about 450,000. It is composed exclusively of men who served in the late war against the states which seceded from the Union, and is a patriotic organization de- signed to cherish the memories of the fallen comrades, assist and fraternize the liv- ing soldiers and dispense charities to the widows and orphans of the deceased. The order has probably reached its acme, as it has incorporated in its ranks the majority of those from the late war who are still living, and the death rate must now necessa- rily be about as large as the increase from those who are eligible that still remain outside its folds. Under the present constitutional requirements it can be but a few years at most until the order must succumb for the want of material, and the Sons of Veterans has been organized as a society to perpetuate the memories of the fathers.
W. L. Sanderson Post, 191, was organized June 28, 1883, with 30 charter members, now having about 175 comrades. Geo. H. Cook, P. C .; H. E. Koetter, Adj .; Chas. H. Sowle. Q. M. Meets every Friday night.
Robt. H. Sage Post, 581, Was organized Sept. 1890, and has a membership of abont 40. John Jackson, P. C .; Leonard Leach, Adj .; Lucky Smith, Q. M. Post meets on Mondays. Hurst Circle of ladies works in connection with this and Sander- son Relief Corps with the other G. A. R. Post. All have rooms at s. w. corner Pearl and Market.
The Union Veteran Legion, was organized Mar. 1884, at Pittsburg, Pa., with the object in view of fraternizing the ex-soldiers who are justly entitled to the term veteran, by early enlistment and long service in the cause of the Union, unless discharged for proper causes while serving in the line of duty. The order now has encampments in about 20 states and the membership is rapidly increasing. Encamp- ment, No. 101, was organized, in New Albany, Oct. 5, 1891. Louis Bir, who was recently elected as councilman from the 1st ward, is colonel, and C. H. Sowle, Adj.
ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN.
The above order is the oldest of its kind in the United States, having been estab- lished at Meadville, Pa., October 28. 1868, and now having a membership of over 270,000, which is largely in excess of any other beneficiary organization. Prior to June 1, 1891, the A. O. U. W. had paid to the relatives of deceased members $35,- 737,673, and is now carrying insurance risks aggregating $540,000,000. The full $2,000 has in all cases been promptly paid, without litigation, upon proper proofs of the death of any brother in good standing, and the order has a record of reliability not excelled by any beneficiary organization. It is not, as its name would seem to imply, a fraternity of workingmen, but strictly a mutual insurance and fraternal society composed of all phases of business, social and religious preferences.
Morning Star, No. 7, was organized July, 1873, and has a present member- ship of 115. It meets every Thursday night at the n. e. cor. State and Market. Ed- ward Crumbo, W. M .; Theo. Park, Fin .; Matt. Klarer, Treas .; Jacob Herter, Rec.
KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR.
The Knights of Honor, similar in all respects to the A. O. U. W., was organized in 1873, and has a membership of about 140,000. The order has paid to beneficiaries more than thirty-five millions of dollars.
Oceola, No. 47, was established the first year of the order, and has over 150 members. Meets 2d and 4th Tuesdays. Wm. Michels, Dict .; Geo. Borgerding, F. R .; Conrad Kraft, Treas .; M. D. Condiff, Rep.
New Albany, No. 922, organized in 1879, has about 70 members. Meets 1st and 3d 'Tuesdays; J. A. Hucklebury, Dict .; J. L. Washburn, F. R .; Jos. Pratt, Treas .; J. O. Cavin, Rep.
The Knights and Ladies of Honor, the first fraternal society insuring women, upon a level basis with men, was organized at Louisville in 1876, and has a present mem- bership of 72,000. Insurance ranges $500 to $3,000.
Goodwill, No. 17, was organized Feb. 11th, 1879, and has a membership of
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DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
over 350, Linda Wiseman, Prot ; Susie Ried, V. P .; H. A. Rehling, Sec .; Geo. H. Godfrey, F. S .; J. M. Shaney, Treas. Meets every Thursday.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Labor organizations in the various departments of industry have flourished from time to time; but no preconcerted action to unite all forms of labor under one grand banner was taken until about 10 years ago. The Knights of Labor organized for the above purpose, made a phenomenal growth, raising its membership in a few brief years, to several hundreds of thousands.
Assembly, No. 3115, was organized in New Albany, Nov. 20, 1884, and has a present membership of about 70. It is the parent of several labor organizations here. All honorable toilers are eligible to membership, and as fast as any class has the required number of its craft, they are banded together as a separate body. This Assembly has a large library for the use of its members, and occupies Clapp's Hall, on Main st. Meetings 1st and 3d Thursdays in each month.
THE COMMERCIAL CLUB .- This society was organized Dec. 3, 1889, to promote the commercial interests and general welfare of the city of New Albany and vicinity. It has made a special effort to aid in manufacturing development, and advertise the advantages of this place. It has about 200 members, comprising many of the ablest business men of New Albany, and its officers will gladly furnish to prospective settlers, for manufacturing or residential purposes, any required in- formation not found in these pages. A committee from the directors of the club has supervised these pages and endorse this pamphlet as correct in every essential feature. The officers are Geo. B. Cardwill, Pres .; H. E. Jewett, Ist V. P .; Geo. D. Hieb, 2d V. P .; J. O. Endris, Treas .; Chas, B. Scott, Sec .; W. A. Loughmiller, Chairman of committee on immigration, either of whom will be pleased to answer correspondence.
BUILDING AND LOAN .- The benficiary influence of building and loan associations has extended to all the states, and in many places these organizations have practically taken the place of savings banks. By these weekly or monthly pay- ments, they encourage small savings, and by loaning to their membership, homes are easily built. This of course creates mortgages, but by the systematic payment of dues, these incumbrances are paid off in a few years, and the laboring man may be- come the possessor of his own home. The saloon man or demagogue, may cry that the people are being overwhelmed with mortgages, but there is no better evidence of general prosperity, than numerous well conducted building and loan associations. New Albany is particularly favored in that direction, as there are 5 thriving associa- tions with their headquarters here, and a number of other first class companies rep- resented by local agents.
These associations are practically co-operative savings banks, and that they have become immensely popular with the people may be gleaned from the fact that G. W. Smith, No. 48, E. Main st., treasurer for 3 of-our B. & L's., handled more than half a million of dollars on that account in the year just passed. The saving of $10,000 a week, by the working people of this city, speaks volnmes in itself. It tells of a prosperous city, and temperate industrious wageworkers. Philadelphia, the city that originated these societies 50 years ago, has become a city of homes, and strikes are almost unheard of there. Bring on your manufactories to keep the people employed, and then the wageworker determines to secure a home from weekly savings. Less money. will then be spent foolishly and the temperate industrious father conferring a blessing upon himself and family by small savings will eventually secure a permanent home.
The first organization of this character in New Albany, was the Floyd Co. B. & L., which was started some 20 years ago, and divided into 5 series which paid out in a little over six years. The New Albany was started some 15 years ago, and paid out in 7 years. The Citizens Savings started 4 series, and although alive is not selling stock at present.
The Home Loan was organized Jan. 1, 87, on a perpetual charter, and to ac- commodate its many patrons, opens a new series every 2 months, whether the former
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
$100.000 series is full or not. It is now working on the twenty-third. Each share of $250, costs the holder 50 ets. a week. The officers are F. M. Tribbey, Pres .; I. A. Craig, V. P .; G. B. Cardwill. Sec .; G. W. Smith, Treas.
The Workingmen's Building, was organized Mar. 17, 1890, and to accom- modate small payments the shares were made $100 each, calculated to mature in 10 years upon payments of 10 cts. each week. This places the amount so small that many children invest. and are educated to small savings at an early age. Geo. E. Sackett, Pres .; W. H. Mckay, V. P .; D. M. Hammond, Sec .; G. M. Smith, Treas .; E. G. Henry, Atty., for both the above.
The Peoples B. & L. was organized Jan. 89, with authorized capital of a mil- ion dollars and charter perpetual. It met with the usual favor, and has now in op- eration some 2,500 shares. Robt. W. Morris, Pres .: Phil. Helfrich, V. P .; Wm. R. Atkins, Treas .; and Chas. Schwartzel, for 5 years past in insurance business, is Sec., vith office corner of Bank and Spring streets.
Howard Park Association was organized April, 1887, on the perpetual plan, stock to mature in 7 years. The capital, one million, is divided into 4,000 shares of $250 each, dues 50 cents per week. Levi L. Pierce, Pres .; Geo. B. Card- will, Treas .; N. D. Morris, Sec .; E. B. Stotsenburg, Att'y.
Mechanics B. & L. Association was organized Mar. 1890. Plan perpet- ual, 5,000 shares of $200 each. This is planned to mature in ten years on dues of 20 cts. per week. Geo. B. Cardwill, Pres .; I. A. Craig, V. P .; E. J. Hewitt, Sec .; N. D. Morris, Agt .; Herman Knirihm, Treas., E. B. Stotsenburg, Atty.
East End Building & Savings, was organized Oct. 1, 1891, authorized capi- tal $250,000, in 1,250 shares, to be reissued as bought in by the company, making it perpetual. Wm. A. Hedden. Pres .; Hugh Nealy, Sec .; Ed. F. Trunk, Treas.
B. & L. Dept. Mutual Life & Endowment has an agency here with Marsh & Needham, and is one of the established institutions of this State. It was incorporated in Indianapolis, Feb. 17, 1882, and has matured its stock regularly in six years. On shares of $100, a monthly payment of 80 cts is made. Dr. H. J. Needham, local Sec. & Treas.
The Kentucky B. & L. was organized in June, 1891, and based upon dues at 60 cts. per month per share, will mature in 7 years. The home office is Louisville. and Frank C. Marsh, N. E. cor. Bank & Market, has been selected as Sec. & Treas. of local trade.
MERCANTILE INTERESTS.
While the manufacturing interests of a place are momentous, large and well con- ducted mercantile houses are important, and greatly assist in keeping at home the trade which would otherwise seek an outlet elsewhere. New Albany, although under the shadow of Louisville, is well represented in all lines of mercantile trade. Our space at present, is very limited, but we shall endeavor to make a brief mention of some representative houses in the various lines of trade.
Among the early merchants of New Albany, Paxson & Eastman, were prominent for several years from 1817. E. Baldwin commenced a year or two later, and Elias Ayres, who opened a store in 1821, continued in successful business here for many years. David Hedden, is fully mentioned under Hedden Dry Goods Co. Jesse J. Brown, a native of Baltimore, came to New Albany in 1837, and after a 3 years course at Anderson's Collegiate Institute, began clerking in the P. O. for A. S. Bur- nett, He was some time with David Hedden, and Shields & Lyman. In 1848 he be- gan in the hardware store of James Brooks, becoming a partner in 47, and in 51, pur- chasing Mr. Brook's interest. Mr. Brown continued in the retail and jobbing hard- ware trade for several years, and upon the formation of the First National Bank he was selected as president, which position he held during the life of its first charter, and still continues as vice president of this well known monetary institution.
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DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
MANN & FAWCETT-Wholesale Groceries, 111, State St.
The oldest merchant now in active business here is John Mann, who was born in N. Y. May 28, 1814, came to this place in childhood, and has been in mercantile business since 1849. He commenced wholesale grocery trade in 1857, Elwood Faw- cett coming into the firm in 1874, when the style became J. Mann & Co., and in 1879, upon the retirement of a third partner, the present title was adopted. Mr. Fawcett is a native of Ohio, has resided in this city for 37 years and has been in mercantile business from boyhood. The house deals exclusively in wholesale groceries occupy- ing a complete 3 story and basement brick block, 25x120 feet, with its wares, which comprises a complete line of staple and fancy groceries. The trade of this firm is well established in a majority of Indiana towns within a radius of 130 miles from this centre, and'is an important factor in New Albany's commercial trade.
P. N. CURL-General Merchandise, 202-4, W. Main.
That men of the right mettle can succeed in the mercantile trade here, has been clearly shown by numerous instances, but perhaps there is no better illustration of the self made merchant, in New Albany, than the above named gentleman. Born in Morrow Co., Ohio, Mr. Curl came to this city in 1877, and starting in the grocery trade with less than $500; he selected a location below Seventh, near the west end of Main street, where he has not only built up a very large retail trade. but is doing a jobbing business of no mean importance. Mr. Curl seems to have had a quick ap- preciation of the wants of his customers, and a willingness to meet every reasonable demand of business. By keeping squarely abreast of the requirements, his patrons rapidly increased and his stock of necessity grew in all directions. The large 212 story building, a hundred feet deep, became inadequate to hold the same, and last year, he erected the fine brick and stone block adjoining, which is fitted with a cash system and modern conveniences, is 110 feet in depth, and 3 stories in heigth, and which together with the one formerly occupied. is now full on all floors. Mr. Curl carries many thousands of dollars in stock, and has one of the most complete general stores in New Albany. His wholesale grocery trade extends for a hundred miles, and his retail stock, in addition to groceries, meats and provisions, contains a complete line of dry goods, clothing, furnishings, boots, shoes and notions. That he has built up this extensive mercantile trade in 15 years, speaks not only of business tact and energy, but a good surrounding country, and substantial business city, in which to do business.
J. Zinsmeister & Bro., do an extensive wholesale trade, and G. W. McClintick con- ducts a jobbing and retail store. There are about 140 retail grocers.
McDonald & Co. conduct an extensive wholesale grain trade. L. Hartman and others handle flour, and we have three flour mills with aggregate capacity of 350 barrels daily.
THE F. WUNDERLICH CO .- Wholesale Liquors and Bitters.
Frederick Wunderlich, a native of Germany, has been connected with the whole- sale whisky trade since 1865, commencing business alone in 1875. In 1885, the late L. Michel, son-in-law, became a partner, continuing until his death in Feb. 89. In May following the concern was incorporated as above. The company produce the "Stylus Club" Sour Mash, are manufacturers of the celebrated Aromatique Stomach Bitters, and handle at wholesale all kinds of wines and liquors. Many years in trade has brought a large business to this house, which occupies handsome rooms in the Masonic block, corner Pearl and Spring streets.
J. C. TOOPS & SON-Poultry Packers, 33, State Street.
The poultry trade of this vicinity has become a business of no mean importance, and among the best established houses in that line stands the above firm. The father and son are both Hoosiers, the senior partner having been in the poultry trade for 22 years, and for 12 years past packing an average of 350,000 pounds of dressed fowls annually, which are shipped on ice to New York. These are raised in the surrounding counties of Ind. and Ky. William, the son, is familliar with every de-
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
ail. The firm handles large quantities of eggs, have met with an encouraging uccess, and have added to the commercial output of the city.
HEDDEN DRY GOODS CO .- Cor. State and Market Streets.
This firm has recently been named after one of New Albany's most venerable and espected citizens, David Hedden, who in his 90th year, still resides on Dewey street, ow having been connected with the interests of this city for nearly 72 years. He was born at Newark, N. J .. Sept. 5th, 1802, leaving there Sept. 25, 1820, with John Charles Alling, who brought a stock of merchandise to Madison, Ind. Mr. Hed- en continued down the river, landing here Nov. 1820, and shortly afterwards com- ienced clerking with Ebenezer Baldwin. A year or two later, he engaged with Eli- s Ayres, with whom he became a partner in 1829. Silas Day was added to this rm in 1836, the firm atter Mr. Ayres demise becoming Hedden, Day & Co. For ten ears from 1846, Mr. Hedden was engaged in the milling business and has been vari- usly connected with New Albany's continued developments, still holding large real state interests.
The firm of Hedden, Phelps & Co., was organized in Oct., 1878, continuing to do n extensive trade under that style, until the incorporation of the above company, March 1st, of the present year. The capital stock was made $25,000. Wm. A. Hed- en, president of the company, has been for 30 years in mercantile trade here, and as gained a wide reputation, as a business man, from his successful management of he Hosiery Mills. W. A. Beach, who gives constant personal charge to the store, a ative of Washington Co., Ind., has been in mercantile trade for 10 years, in con- tection with this house.
The salesroom on Market street, is 38x65 feet, and thoroughly filled with a com- lete stock of general dry goods, notions and hosiery. This opens in the rear with he State street L, 38x63 feet, three floors of which is occupied with the wares of the company. In this department is found an assortment of dress goods which for style, quality and prices compares favorably with the largest metropolitan stores, and it is only fancy and not necessity which requires any lady to go away from New Albany, n this line. An immense assortment of lace curtains, cloaks, etc., is also found here, while the Hedden Dry Goods Co. give special attention to meet the requirements of all in hosiery and notions.
Wm. Brown & Son .- This house was started in 1867 by Wm. Brown, subse- quent to which the son was added to the firm, and the present partners are Herman Brown and Henry A. Goetz. The above firm has secured an extensive trade in the arming community, and the retail business of the house in agricultural implements nd machinery is not exceeded by any in the Falls Cities. Fertilizers and seeds are also important articles of trade. Occupying three floors at Nos. 77-79 State street, un immense stock is kept on hand, and among the prominent specialties in farming machinery may be mentioned Studebaker wagons, Buckeye reapers and mowers, Su- erior wheat drills, several standard makes of plows, corn planters, cultivators, hay resses, hay rakes, etc., in fact any machine or implement needed upon the farm. This house also commands an extensive trade in carriages and buggies and is among he solidest mercantile establishments in New Albany.
Jas. S. Peake was born in this city Jan. 9, 1834, and has stood behind the ounter for the past 40 years. In 1871 he commenced as a partner with John Baer, und after 7 years moved to his present stand at No. 48, E. Market street. Mr. Peake keeps a well selected, reliable and complete line of drygoods. His 40 years of trade n this city, has brought numerous customers who stand by him.
COAL INTERESTS.
Otto Hoffman has extensive coal yards, elevator, etc., at foot of Fifteenth street, und handles upwards of a million bushels annually, requiring 25 hands and a number of teams. Mr. Hoffman is a partner in the Light, Heat & Power Co., and is among ur successful Germans.
Some 4 other firms do a like business, and as mentioned in our manufacturing in- lustries, there is no lack for cheap coal. Short space prevents further mention.
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DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH CARRIAGES, WAGONS, BLACKSMITHING, ETC.
LEWIS HANS-Carriages, cor. E. 3d & R. R.
Born in Germany, Lewis Hans has resided in New Albany from childhood, and served as engineer on a gun bo it in the late war. Returning to this city he engaged in the manufacture of carriages and other vehicles in 1865, and has ever since con- tinned on the above corner, during which time he has turned out many fine rigs to the order of customers. The extensive carriage manufacturers have perfected labor saving machinery, until small concerns are unable to compete in prices, and many of the vehicles in Mr. Hans' sales room are from eastern manufacturers; but he is pre- pared to build, to the order of customers, any desirable vehicle not kept in stock.
F. W. TRIBBEY & BRO .- Carriages, Buggies, Etc.
F. M. Tribbey commenced the manufacture of carriages, etc., in this city, in 1859, and has made many hundred ot vehicles. In 1890 Frances W. became a partner with his father, and Nov. last, John H., another son, took the remaining interest. The Tribbey Brothers have been raised in the business, and are expert carriage ma- kers. They occupy three stories at 16", Pearl steeet, and manufacture to the order of customers, any desirable vehicle in the most approved style of the art, keeping in stock a large assortment of carriages and buggies. Blacksmithing and wagon repair work receive prompt attention.
D. C. Axline, of Virginia, has been for 40 years in this line of trade, and also mannfactures and keeps stock goods at 68, E. Third street.
There are several others who keep carriages for sale, and a number of blacksmith and wagon shops that do repair work, but no large manufactory in this line.
W. H. STEPHENS-Wood Engraver, cor. Bank & Spring.
There is no profession more exacting in its demands, or which requires more thor- ongh training of the eye and muscle, than that of the engraver and designer. Lee H. Stephens, a native of Corydon, here from childhood, after a course in our High school, completed his studies in engraving at the Courier-Journal office, and for 7 years past has been in the business here. The success has met his most sanguine ex- pectations, and by superior work, at reasonable prices, he is kept extremely busy, filling orders for New York and distant cities, as well as controlling the best business of the local trade. This is a special line of business, bringing money direct to our city, and we are glad to notice its success.
GREER W. DAVIS-Calcium Light Points.
The old plan of whitling out lime points has been vastly improved upon by G. W. Davis, a native of Jackson, Mo., who has resided in this city for 20 years past. He began experimenting in 1875, and by improved machinery, now turns out the most perfect point in the market. The plant is in the basement of 112, Bank street, where a complete set of lathes, gives a capacity of 14 doz. points per day. These are packed in screw top cans and shipped to the best supply houses in New York, Chica- go and other metropolitan cities, for use in stereoptican and theatre scenic work.
P. M. MATHERS-Agent Bar Lock Type Writer.
The manufacturers of this successful writing machine claim for it advantages over all others in: visible writing, automatic paper feed, rapid release of carriage, perma- nent and perfect allignment, rapid writing, light and short depression of keys, auto- matic ribbon reverse, duplicate key board, almost noiseless, and the best manifold machine on the market. The agent is prepared to substantiate the above claims and illustrate other desirable features. Call on him at W. U. Tel. office.
SINGER MANF'G CO .- Cor. Bank & Spring Sts.
No other sewing machine has achieved the extent of popularity which has been accorded to the "Singer," as its more than ten million of sales will testify. Singer
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OF NEW ALBANY; IND.
machines are now in use in every civilized country on the globe, and still they sell. An office was established here some 30 years ago, which for 16 years past has been in charge of J. W. Argo. The Agency covers Floyd Co., and since its establishment in New Albany, several thousands of this standard machine have been placed in the homes of this county. There are other machine agents here.
THE BUILDING INTERESTS.
GOETZ-MITCHELL-Box Anchor and Post Caps.
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