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 3
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Court Houses .- Seth Woodruff, from New Jersey, located in New Albany shortly before Floyd county was organized, and erected a large frame tavern. Judge Woodruff is described as being a large framed, large brained, somewhat uncouth, but withal a kind-hearted man; who came west with a family, and plenty of surplus energy, physical strength, and go-aheaditiveness, which made his presence felt in the commuity. He was a man of force; Baptist preacher, tavern-keeper, brick-layer and in fact almost everything required in a new county. He served for many years as Justice of the Peace, Aseociate Judge, etc., his " picket fence " signature being a striking characteristic in the old county records. The first meeting of Commissioners was at Woodruff's tavern, on Main street, near east Fourth, and this was the head- quarters for all county business, until the erection of a courthouse in 1823, excepting that the basement of the Presbyterian church was occupied for a short time.
The Scribners had donated the four corner lots at the crossing of Spring and State streets, for the purposes of the public. Upon one of these a court house was to be built, and New Albany's staunch business men had bound themselves to raise $9,000 for county buildings, when this village was made the county seat in 1819. Feb. 10, 20, it was "ordered that the Treasurer pay Win. Norwood $10 for drawing a plan of the court house." "Ordered that the building of the court house and gaol be sold at public sale to the lowest bidder on the 3rd Monday in March." It was also "ordered that the above action be published in the Indianian, of Jeffersonville, the Gazette, of Corydon, and one notice be posted on Seth Woodruff's door." On the 20th of April, (a postponed date) the job was bid off by Charles Paxson and others, for $7,860. The contractors soon discovered, however, that they had taken the work too low and abandoned it. Subsequently the people complained regarding the inconveniences. The Commissioners brought suit against the bondsman for the $9,000, and as steps were being taken to remove the county seat, the New Albanians opened a subscrip- tion to build a court house. The total raised was $3.256 00, which was thought to be enough to secure a fair sized court house. This building was occupied in Novem- ber, 1824, but Seth Woodruff, who hal subscribed $100 for a cupola and bell failed to complete his part of the agreement until 1827, the upper rooms having been com- pleted the same year at a cost of $100 additional. The cost of that structure which was used for more than forty years as the seat of county justice was less than $3.000.
The present court house was erected 1835-7, of limestone from the Bedford quaries, and cost when completed $127,700. It is of Corinthian style, and equal to any connty
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court house to be found in Indiana. The cornerstone was laid July 11, 60, with Ma- sonic ceremonies. The building is 64x100, 40 feet in height. and fire proof.
U. S. GOVERNMENT BUILDING.
The above handsome structure was commenced in 1886, and completed in 89. Judge Bicknell, while in Congress asked for $100,000, with which to erect a building, but the Act was not passed until 1884, under Congressman S. M. Stockslager, May 86. Capt. J. S. Neal, of Indianapolis, was appointed Superintendent of construction, Ben. F. Welker clerk, and J. B. Mitchell disbursing agent. Excavation commenced in June, and Anderson Brothers, of Findlay, Ohio, completed the foundation in 87. The carpenter work by John Mitchell, of Louisville, Ky., was completed in June, 88, and the finishing by Shover & Christian, in Nov. 88. Heating apparatus was put in about the same time by J. F. Dalton. The approaches were made by Crumbo & Melcher, and alley and sodding by J. R. Hatfield, the building having been turned over to the custodian Oct. 1, 88, at a total cost of about $100,000.
The building is handsome and commodious, being thoroughly adapted to all its present purposes, a eredit to the Government and admired by all who see it.
POSTMASTERS .- The first postmaster in New Albany was Joel Scribner, suc- ceeded in 1823 by his son Harvey Scribner. The Scribners erected a log hut which
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was used as a U. S. post office for several years. Succeeding the above came Gen. Alex. S. Burnett, 1836; Jno. W. Varnam, 41; Calvin W. Ruter, 45; Geo. H. Harri- son, 49. P. M. Kent was appointed early in 53 but resigned after a few weeks service, and Frank Gwin succeeded. After Mr. Gwin's death Jan. 61, Wm. J. Newkirk served for 5 months, when John M. Wilson continued until D. W. Voyles came in 69. Maj. M. M. Hurley appointed January, 77, served under four administrations, and was removed by Cleveland in 85 under charges of being "a bitter republican partisan." Capt. John B. Mitchell was appointed in September 85, and served until July 89, within which period the government build- ing was erected. The post-office was removed to its present commodious quarters October 1st. 88.
Walter B. Godfrey, the present Postmaster, was born in Luzerne county, Pa., April 17, 45, and graduated from the Blairstown Academy, in 1862. His father having been a manufacturer, he engaged in the same line, and in 73, became a superintendent at Lewistown, Pa., removing thence to New Albany in 77. For 12 years he was prominently identified with our mannfactories. He was appointed P. M. July 1, 89, and commissioned Jan. 9, 90, for a four year's term. Mr. Godfrey has held the highest offices in the Masonic bodies here, and is prominent in social and political circles.
Geo. A. Newhouse, Jr , assistant P. M. is of German descent, a native of this city and educated in her public schools. Miss Carrie C. Claggett has charge of the money order and registry departments, which are kept open from 7:00 A. M. to 6:00 P. M. Jos. E. Lloyd is mailing clerk; Jno. W. Thompson, delivery clerk and Frank Sears, special delivery. Ten regular carriers and two extras are required in the free deliv- ery system as follows: W. J. Thurman, H. F. Wells, O. P. Anderson, Thos. Maley, C. F. Green, C. M. Hatcher, Samuel Marsh, Jr., M. W. Sparks, W. E. Genung, Louis Meyer; and Harry Shipman and C. W. McFall as extras.
Ten regular mails are received daily and the same number dispatched, the aggre- gate of mail matter having steadily increased from year to year until at present about 250,000 pieces of first class mail is handled monthly and the entire force does not lack for employment. The force have systematized the work so that the average errors have been reduced to six per month, showing a very gratifying record.
INTERNAL REVENUE .- The 7th internal revenue district comprises 32 counties, and John F. Platt the traveling deputy collector is principally engaged in the fourth division of this district. Although born in Clarke county, he has been a resident of New Albany from infancy, was educated in the city schools and served in the drug trade for 8 years prior to his appointment, Dec. 17, 89, to the responsible position which he now holds. Mr. Platt was the republican candidate for city clerk, in 89, suffering the inevitable minority party defeat, with a reduced majority.
Mrs. Clara M. Wible, stamp deputy, is a native of this city. and graduate of the Female High School. She was appointed on the same day as the above.
U. S. COMMISSIONER .- James G. Harrison, who was appointed in 1890 as deputy clerk of U. S. Courts and commissioner, was born in Ohio, Sept. 29th, 34, removing with his parents to New Albany in 39. Educated in the city schools, he was appointed county recorder in 57, upon his father's death, and elected that fall, having ever since held some official position.
The Pension Board are Drs. W. H. Sheets, of Jeffersonville, president; A. M. Jones, of Corydon, secretary, and J. L. Stewart, of this city, treasurer.
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CHIARITABLE AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS,
County Poor House .- Formerly the poor, who were not kept at their homes, or in the county jail, were let by contract to some farmer, who was paid a small fee in addition to their labor; but in 1838 the county secured a farm of 140 acres 112 miles north of the city. It contained a log house to which a log addition was added in 1842. About 1850. 167 acres was leased 3 miles north of the city. Afterward this was purchased and a frame house erected which answered the purposes of the county poor, until the present brick structure was built in 1878. This will comfortably ac- commodate 140 inmates, while the usual average is about 90. Mr. John Priestley is a native of England, came to this country in 1852, and has been in charge of the Alms house for 7 years past. Mr. Priestley is a man well adapted for the place, being a thorough going farmer, and a large portion of the supply for the table, comes from the products raised by the inmates, under his charge. He is ably assisted in the house management by his amiable wife, and everything is kept in the best possible condition, considering the mental and physical weakness, variety and social standing of their large family.
United Charities Hospital .- This institution was established Nov. 1888, in accordance with the munificent endowment of the late W. C. DePauw, and is under the management of a board of trustees consisting of 18 ladies. Six of these are chosen from the Centenary church. two from Wesley Chapel, and one each from other prin- cipal churches. Mr. DePauw was a min of great wealth, kind and generous, and de- termined that this city should receive many blessings. With this end in view, after leaving 40 per cent. of the residue of his estate to the DePauw University, at Green- castle, and 5 per cent. to the DePauw College, of this city, he bequeathed an addition- al 5 per cent. for the purposes of this association, which are; "the keeping of a free reading room, establishing and maintaining an industrial school, a dispensary, infirm- ary, general hospital, lying-in hospital, home for the friendless, bath rooms, and a cof- fee and sandwich room, agreeably in all respects to the provisions and directions of said will." The four-story brick building at Nos. 82, 84 and 86, E. Main street, is in use, and under the provisions of the will. the amount available for improvements will increase from year to year. The public were slow to appreciate the benefits to be secured in this charitable institution; but the admissions are constantly on the increase, now averaging about 15 per month, The present number of patients is not far from 20 and the building will comfortably accommodate four times that number. Miss Eva Ola Smith, a native of this city, has been matron since the institution was opened, and presides with grace and dignity. This institution is destined to confer a great bless- ing upon the poor and unfortunate, and will be a greater monument to its sympathet- ic donor than columns of granite, extending to the sky, could be.
Cornelia Memorial Orphans Home .- Mr. Woodward gave the use of a build- ing for this purpose, and a home was opened on the corner of Main and Third streets, March 18, 77. A few years later Mr. DePauw donated the use of a building located at Spring and Third, and the home was moved there, where it remained until 82. Finding that the inmates were increasing so that it would be necessary to secure ad- ditional room, Mr. Culbertson purchased an acre of ground on Ekin Avenue and erect- ed the present brick building, which with the school building adjoining covers about one-third of the lot. He made a free gift of this for the purposes of the orphans home, and it was named Cornelia Memorial in memory of his deceased wife. The building
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will conveniently accommodate 60 inmates, there being now an average of from 45 to 50. Arrangements have been made to give ten months schooling, yearly. The home is situated in a beautiful high and healthful place, and there has been only 5 deaths at this institution in the past 15 years. Mrs. Mary McClane, matron, is a native of New York and came to New Albany in 53. She has been in the home, as matron, since its organization in 77, and is assisted by her daughter. Miss Alice. Every de- partment of the home is kept in first class condition, and the institution is in high favor among our citizens, who greatly appreciate the generosity of Mr. Culbertson and the successful management of this charitable establishment.
The Old Ladies Home .- In 1873, W. S. Culbertson erected a building at a cost of $25,000, which was located on Main street, opposite Upper Seventh, designed for the benefit of needy and worthy widows. He has made provision for its future main- tainance; by a liberal endowment fund. The building will comfortably accommo- date from twenty-five to thirty persons. It has 20 rooms and is located on a high, dry and healthful place. There have been only 25 deaths in the 19 years since its or- ganization. It is a non-sectarian institution, and the only qualification required is a good moral character, without a home, and unable to support themselves. Miss Mary Baldwin, who has been matron of the Old Ladies Home, since its organization, is a native of Kentucky, and came to New Albany in 53. Everything is kept scrupulously neat and clean, and the old ladies in their last days, without the usual home or friends, are made as comfortable as it is possible for human thoughtfulness to make them.
Cemeteries .- Formerly a "grave yard" was located on Lower First street, east of Spring, but after the opening of the Northern Burial Ground, about 1842, this place became popular as a resting place for the dead, and a few years later, the remains were largely removed from the W. First street grounds and the location abandoned as a cemetery. The Northern Burial Ground is owned by the city and since Oct. 15, 91, has been under control of a board of regents: Dr. S. C. Wilcox, Pres .; E. M. Hubbert, V. P .; H. A. Goetz. Sec .; G. W. Smith, Treas .; T. E. Austin. Moses Irwin and Geo. A. Newhouse, Sr. M. C. Baily. Supt .. has charge of selling lots, improvements, etc., and gives employment to several m'en in the care and beautifying of the place. Mr. Baily is a native of Ky., and was appointed to the charge of the New Albany cemete- ry Nov. 91. Ed. Summers cemetery Clk. The area of the cemetery covers 74 acres, contains numerous vaults and handsome monuments, and has had about 10.500 burials.
The New Albany National Cemetery was established Dec. 15, 62. Within its walls sleep over 2,850 soldiers of the late war. It is located on a high eminence, fronting 370 ft. on Ekin av. extending back 730 ft. and containing about 512 acres. John Laun, the superintendent, is a native of Germany; served in the late war; was appoint- ed superintendent of the New Jersey Natl. Cemetery June 2, 84, and transferred to his present eharge Feb. 23. 89.
The Catholic congregations each have a burial ground-that of Holy Trinity church being located on the Green Valley road. near the city limits, and the St. Marys ceme- tery on the Charlestown road, near head of Vincennes street.
There is also a colored burying ground on West street. near Ealy.
BANKING INTERESTS .- It is seldem you can find a city of this size, that employs less outside capital than New Albany, in its various enterprises. Our five banks are backed by an abundant capital, which are largely the results of profitable investments in the industrial pursuits of this place. The officers and stockholders of
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these, having made their money in New Albany are willing to encourage manufact- uring enterprises and have abundance of home capital for every legitimate pursuit. The banking interests of a community are of great importance to the general welfare. and the standing of the men at the head of these institutions is a matter which con- cerns every person in the city. We can confidently refer to the banking officers of this place as a strictly reliable, conservative and enterprising set of men. The banks are backed by ample capital and are judiciously managed. This condition of matters adds largely to the commercial and manufacturing stability of New Albany, and fail- ures, by men of any reasonable ability, have been very rare indeed.
First National Bank ..- The predecessors of this organization began business in New Albany as a branch of the State Bank of Indiana, in 1834. Mason C. Fitch was first president, and James Shields cashier. Three years later the substantial stone bank building, now occupied, on the corner of Main and Bank streets, was erected at a cost of about $50,000, and which remained for many years as the costli- est building in New Albany. The stone was taken from a quarry on the knobs, and its exposure for more than half a century has demonstrated that it will stand the rav- ages of time, practically unchanged. The capital stock of this bank was increased to $200,000 about Jan. 1833, and at the expiration of its charter in 1854, it paid a hand- some dividend to its stockholders, and was merged into the Bank of the State of Indi- ana. With the changes of the banking system, in 1865, this institution again made a satisfactory settlement with its stockholders, and formed the First National Bank, Jesse J. Brown, president, and Walter Mann, cashier. When the bank was reorgan- ized in 84, Mr. Brown declined the presidency and became vice president. while W. S. Culbertson, who had been a director since 1840, was chosen as president. Mr. Culbertson was born at New Market, Pa., in 1814. When 15 years of age he secur- ed employment in a dry goods house at Harrisburg, where he remained with the firm for five years, and in 1835 came to New Albany, where he engaged as clerk in the dry goods store of Gen. A. S. Burnett, corner of Main and Pearl streets. He was 40 years in mercantile trade, 30 years of which in wholesale, and has been variously connected with manufacturing enterprises.
Samnel A. Culbertson from early boyhood, has been trained to the banking business. Beginning as a messenger in 1880, he was soon promoted to teller, and was elected cashier July 14, 84. His six years of satisfactory service speaks for itself. John A. Hutton who has been connected with the bank for 8 years, has officiated as assistant cashier for 4 years past. The capital stock of this bank is $300,000, and its surplus and undivided profits $100,000. The directors are W. S. Culbertson, J. J. Brown, A. Dowling, M. McDonald and J. K. Woodard, jr., all men of high financial and social standing.
The New Albany Banking Company .- Capital stock, $100,000; surplus, $20,000. This institution was chartered by the Legislature of Indiana February, 1832, under the title of the New Albany Insurance Company, and had been in continuous business, from 1832 under that title, until April, 1877, when by order of the Floyd Circuit Court, the word insurance was changed to banking, and the institution still continues its business under the changed name of the New Albany Banking Company. Elias Ayres and Harvey Scribner were its first president and secretary in 1832. The charter of this company was granted for seventy-five years with full and broad powers of insurance and banking, with the privilege of charging any rate of interest or dis-
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OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
count that might be agreed upon, not to execed fifty per cent. The late John B. Win- standley became connected with the institution many years ago, and remained with it until his death in 1884, during which time he was its president. Isaac S. Winstand- ley, the son of John B. Winstandley, has also been connected with the institution since 1857 as secretary and cashier. and succeeded his father as president in 1884. Mr. I. S. Winstandley, the president of the company, has been closely identified with the city's progressive development, having been variously engaged in banking and manufactur- ing, and has been a promoter of many of the leading enterprises of New Albany and Louisville. He was a member of the board of school trustees from April 73, until June 79. and was very largely instrumental in placing our schools on a good founda- tion. He was also connected with the Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Company, dur- ing its construction, as a director. secretary and treasurer. resigning these positions after the completion of the bridge. He was also a director and a member of the exec- utive committee of the board of directors, of the Louisville. New Albany and Chicago Railroad during 1890 and 1891.
Clarence J. Frederick, secretary and cashier of the company, is a native of this place, graduated from the New Albany Business College in 1876. and served as deputy coun- ty treasurer for six years. He commenced business with the New Albany Banking Company as bookkeeper, Jan. 1, 1882, and two years later was promoted to his pres- ent responsible position.
The pedigree of each share of stock in the New Albany Banking Company. can be traced through the books to the date of its original subscription. Dividends have been regularly declared to its stockholders since its organization-the last cash divi- dend of Jan. 1, 1892, being number 73.
The continuous prosperity of this organization, through its successive changes, speaks well for New Albany enterprises and financial tact. The present directors are G. C. Cannon, Paul Reising, W. L. Breyfogle, E. L. Hurrle, I. S. Winstandley. John H. Stotsenburg and W. C. Winstandley. The bank is located at the corner Pearl and Market streets.
New Albany National .- This bank was organized on Jan. 4, 1865, with capital stock of $200,000. and has regularly declared semi-annual dividends of 5 per cent. be- sides making an annual addition to its surplus. The capital was largely increased at one time, but later was reduced to its original amount, of $200.000, at which it still remains, while the surplus and undivided profits add $110,000 to the aggregate. The bank was first situated at the corner of Pearl and Main streets. removing to the present location, at No. 15, E. Main, after the purchase of this block in 1869. J. M. Hains was elected as president at the beginning of the organization and still contin- ues in that capacity. He is in the milling business under which heading will be found his personal mention. M. A. Weir was born at Salem. Ind., Dec. 2. 1827, and has been variously connected in commercial and manufacturing pursuits. He was one of the organizers. and cashier of the First National Bank of Mt. Vernon for 8 years. In 1874 he assisted in the organization of the Second National Bank of this city. contin- uing as its cashier from 1874 to 1882, and upon the resignation of H. A. Scribner as cashier of the New Albany National bank Dec. 25th, 84, Mr. Weir at once assumed his present position. He also assisted in the organization of the Citizens Bank at Salem, Oct .. 89, of which he is vice president and a director. W. P. Brewer, is a native of Martingsburg, Ind .; has been connected with this bank for 6 years past, and
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assistant cashier since Jan. 91. Salem P. Town who was county clerk 1853-61, has for 10 years past, had charge of the individual ledger, and A. D. Brewer, a brother of the assistant cashier. keeps the general ledger. The present directors are N. T. DePauw, C. W. DePauw, John McCulloch, J. M. Hains, Peter R. Stoy, Moses Irwin and M. A. Weir.
From its organization the New Albany National Bank, has maintained a high po- sition as a financial institution and its stockholders have had no reason to be dissatis- fied with the returns. It is backed by ample capital judiciously managed and carries the usual line of deposits.
The Merchants National .- This monetary institution was established Jan. 6, 65. Its officers were Gen. A. S. Burnett, president; James R. Shields, cashier; and the above with Lawrence Bradley, J. Hangary and R. G. McCord were its directors. The Merchants National was first established on Main street, between Pearl and Bank, and remained there until the purchase of the present location, corner of Pearl and Main. The brick building on this corner was destroyed by fire in 68, and the bank erected the present structure at a cost of $12,500. The capital stock was originally $200,000, but Feb. 23, 78, was reduced to $100,000, and when it was reorganized at the expiration of its 20 years of charter, it was made a non-dividend declaring bank. N. T. DePauw, president, is also president of the Glass Works, and will be mentioned in an article on that subject. E. C. Hangary, cashier, is a native of this city, was educated in the Philadelphia schools, and returned to New Albany in 1863. He commenced as bookkeeper in the Merchants National Bank Sept. 74, and was promot- ed to the responsible position of cashier in May 75. Mr. Hangary served as secretary of the Water Works for 8 years. from 83 to 91, and has been connected with different manufacturing enterprises of this vicinity. J. Hangary Fawcett, assistant cashier, is a native of New Albany, received his education in the city schools, and engaged in this bank six years ago, 2 years since accepting his present position. The directors are as follows: N. T, DePauw, C. W.DePauw, J. K, Woodward, Jr., I. P. Leyden, C. H. Fawcett and E. C. Hangary. Officered as above with several of New Albany's stanchest business men. The Merchants National Bank carries a popular line of deposits aver- aging about $300,000, and is annually making a satisfactory addition to its accumula- tions, while it affords perfect security to its depositors.
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