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 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Second National .- Notwithstanding the fact that the banking capital of New Albany aggregated a million dollars, some of the citizens here, early in 1874, believed that a fifth bank could be successfully established, and after considerable efforts the capital stock of $100,000 was secured, and the Second National Bank chartered n August 1874. Lawrence Bradley was chosen president; J. F. Butler, vice president; M. A. Weir, cashier, and the above, with R. G. McCord and R. P. Main, made up the directors. The present officers are Lawrence Bradley, president, who has contin- ued in this capacity since the organization of the bank. Mr. Bradley is also president of the Cotton Batting mills under which article he will have personal mention. E. B. Lapping, cashier, is a native of this city; educated in New Albany public schools and at the academy, under charge of Profs. Morse and May. Mr. Lapping accepted a po- sition in the Second National in 1878, and in 1884 was promoted to the cashiership. L. L. Bradley, assistant cashier, is a native of this city, son of the president, and was educated in the same schools as Mr. Lapping. The directors are L. Bradley, E. B. Lapping, C. P. Cook. Jas. Andrews, R. P. Main, S. W. Waltz and Jacob Goodbub.
25
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
The surplus and undivided profits of this bank is above $35,000, which with capital stock, and average deposits of about $175,000 make a sufficient amount to meet the- requirements of its numerous customers.
THE PRESS .- The opinions of the people are largely moulded by the news- papers; and to enterprising journals the progress of a city is often due. The press of New Albany has generally held an honorable reputation and ever been ready to ad- vocate measures designed for the upbuilding of the place. The journals here at the- present time are of a high local character.
Ebenezer Patrick started a paper in New Albany in the fall of 1820, which contin- ued for a year or two, and the Microscope begun April, 17, 24, in Louisville, was moved to this place, September of that year, by Dr. T. H. Roberts. This continued only a year. The Cresent and the Aurora were each started within the next 5 years, but soon succumbed.
Whig and Republican Papers .- In Nov. 1830, Collins Brothers commenced the Gazette which, with changing proprietors and under the names of Gazette, Bul- letin, Commercial and Tribune, continued a succession until about 1870. In 37, Thos. Collins issued the Gazette as a daily. Besides Collins we find the name of Mat- tingly, Wm. Green, Leonard Green, Barnett and others connected with the above papers. In 52 Collins & Green sold out to Milton Gregg, who was later assisted by his sons. Several of the Gregg family died 56-7, and after suspension for a time, J. P. Hancock undertook to revive the paper but with indifferent success. During the great- er part of the war no republican paper was printed here, but through the efforts of J. P. Luse and Schuyler & Harriott the Commercial was started in 64. It was sold to H. N. Gifford, who continued it for several years, but finding that it was an unprof- itable investment the paper was discontinued. When it suspended the material and franchises were bought by the Ledger company. For a number of years succeeding, the republicans of Floyd county depended principally upon the Louisville Commer- cial for political precept. About 1870, Mr. Keiger started the second Tribune, which run for a short time. McPheeters & Bradbury started the New Albany Republican in 1880, which was well printed but only lived a year or two. April 16, 88, Packard & Brown were induced to start the
Daily and Weekly Tribune .- Jan. 1, 89, a stock company was formed with Jasper Packard, president, aud John W. Edmondson, secretary and treasurer. The Tribune press is run by an electric motor, and the office fitted for commercial job work. Having lived four years with increasing prosperity, it has passed the ex- perimental stage and is on a good foundation for continued success. Hon. Jasper Packard, editor and manager of the Tribune, was born in Mahoning county, O., Feb. 23, his parents moving to Indiana three years later. Mr. Packard graduated in the classical department of the Michigan University 1855, settling in Laporte the next year, where he read law, and was admitted to the bar in 60. The next year he en- listed as a private in the Union army, and through meritorious services held the rank of Colonel and Brevet Brig. Gen., when discharged in 1866. Gen. Packard succeeded Schuyler Colfax in Congress, holding the position 3 successive terms. In 1874 he es- tablished the Laporte Chronicle, conducting it until he accepted the position of Inter- nal Revenue Agent, in 1876, subsequent to which he was again engaged in the news- paper business at Laporte prior to coming to New Albany. J. W. Edmondson, who
26
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
has been with the Tribune from its commencement, is a native of this city, and for many years was engaged in the produce commission business.
Democratic and other Journals .- The Argus was started in 36, by Denni- son & Hineline as a democratic paper. This was purchased in 38 by Hutchens & Thompson, the former selling his interest to Virder a few months later. Thompson continued with this paper till it was suspended in 41. J. C. Joycelyn issued the Register for 2 years, but in 44 the plant was purchased by P. M. Kent, and the nanie changed to the Democrat. Kent shortly afterwards sold to C. D. Hineline and in 45 Bradley and Lucas were proprietors. Norman & Morrison purchased the plant in 46, and Sept. 1, 49, Norman, Morrison & Mathews commenced the
Daily Ledger .- Mr. Norman continued as editor and one of the proprietors un- til his death, Oct. 30, 1869, when his interest was purchased by L. G. Matthews, who in June 72, transferred the plant to Merrill & Moter, and two months later it was con- solidated with the Standard, which had been started July 31, 71; the new issue taking the name of the Ledger-Standard. Since the above consolidation extensive additions have been made to the plant from time to time, the job department fitted with modern faced type, necessary machinery put in and a good bindery established, making the Ledger one of the most complete offices in Southern Indiana. August 15, 81, the Standard was dropped from the name leaving it as originally started in 49, the Daily and Weekly Ledger.
Captain Jonathan Peters the manager of the Ledger Company is a native of Orange County, Indiana, was commissioned as 2d Lieutenant of Co. F, 117 Ind. Vols. in Aug. 63. He was in active service in the Cumberland mountains during the win- ter campaign of 63-4 as quartermaster of the 117th regiment. For several years subsequent to the war Captain Peters was a Commercial Agent, but in Nov. 72, he purchased an interest in the Ledger-Standard and was elected as president of the com- pany, a position which he has now held for nearly twenty years.
James P. Applegate purchased an interest in the Ledger-Standard in 72 and has been connected with it ever since. For 11 years past he has occupied the position of editor. Mr. Applegate was born in Jeffersonville, educated in the free schools and at Indiana University. He held the office of Recorder of Clark county eight years. Was very active in politics and generally held official positions on committees. He represented Floyd, Clark and Jefferson counties in the legislature of 1889, the body which passed the new election laws, the school book law and others of general in- terest, and the act creating a board of sinking fund commissioners, of especial inter- est to New Albany. He takes a deep interest in streets and park tree planting in the city and his efforts in this direction are apparent on the streets of the city.
Charles W. Cottom who has been in newspaper business in New Albany . since 1850, has charge of the local department of the Ledger, and is thoroughly posted on the history of the city.
Saturday Herald .- This paper started in 75 as an advertising medium, with free distribution, and five years later was purchased by J. W. Conner who has published it for a dozen years with good success. Several thousand copies are printed each week and the office is fitted for commercial printing of all kinds. Mr. Conner also conducts a wall paper and book store near the corner of Pearl and Spring streets, in connection with the printing business.
27
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
The Public Press was commeneed June 22, 81. by Josiah Gwin, who 10 years prior had been the chief spirit in starting the Standard, remaining with the consoli- dated Ledger-Standard until Feb. 14, 81, when he sold his interest to Jno. B. Mitch- ell. Mr. Gwin is a native of Harrison county, educated in the city schools, learned the printer's art, served as county recorder from 61 to 70, and has since then been almost continuously engaged in the printing business. The Public Press is democratie; is well equipped and conveniently located at No. 67, Pearl street.
A German paper was started in 1850. which lived but a short time, and a second one in 61 met with a similar fate. The Deutsche Zeitung started June 28, 75, by Otto Palmer survived for several years. Other German and English papers have been started but were short lived.
John R. Nunemacher Co .- Although this house prints no regular journal, transient publications, of any desirable size or shape, are produced, and everything in commercial, book and job printing comes in its line. John R. Nunemacher, deceased, was for many years connecte l with the book trade of this city, and in 1871 opened a printing office in connection therewith. The latter department rapidly increased, at length became the principal feature, and the book business was discontinued. New presses, other m tehinery and material have been alled from time to time until this is now among the best fitted job printing offices in New Albany, turning out all kinds of printing with promptness, and in the best style of the art. Ten to twelve hands are given employment, the work of the office going largely to New Albany firms. Walter C. Nunemacher, manager, is a native of this city, eduuated in our public schools and in 1871 commenced the printers trade in this office, a few years later be. coming foreman and on the decease of his father in 1882, he succeeded to the man- agement of the business, at No. 40 E. Main Street. Mr. Nunemacher has been an active worker for the upbuilding of the city, having succeeded N. T'. DePauw as president of the Commercial Club, which position he filled with honor until the election of the present incumbent, Judge Cardwill. He is treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association and the building committee of the same. He is also a director in the New Albany Clothing Company.
Home Organizer .- The latest venture in New Albany journalism is the Home Organizer which made its first appearance Feb. 13, of the present year. It is an ad- vertising sheet, with free distribution, and advocates the cause of the labor unions. It is published by J. G. Ewing & Co. at 65, State street, and edited by Miss Belle E. Pierson, who is a vigorous champion of the labor cause. The success of the Home Organizer, in its commencing weeks, has met the expectations of its projectors.
CHURCHES, ETC .- Including the German and A. M. E. organizations, there are 8 Methodist churches in New Albany, 3 Presbyterian, 2 Christian, 3 Baptist, in- cluding colored, 2 Catholic, and 1 each of Episcopal, German Evangelical, Second Advent, which together with the Y. M. C. A., and other religious organizations furnish the foundation for a highly moral community. The white Methodists of this city number 2,250 regular communicants; the Presbyterians 1,350; Catholic 950 fami- lies, and other denominations as reported under their respective heads.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
Wesley Chapel .- Rev. John Shrader organized a class of the M. E. church at the residence of Mrs. Ruff in 1817, and on Nov. 25th of that year dedicated the first
28
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
church building of this place. In 1830, the brick building, now rear part of Dr. Knoeful's drug store was erected which served the church, as a house of worship. for 24 years. The building on Market, below W. 2d, was solidly constructed in 1854, requiring 532,000 hard brick in its erection. Together with lot and parsonage the church property is valued at $25,500. Wesley Chapel gives convenient accommoda- tions for its membership of nearly 500 regular communicants, and Sabbath school of 375 members. The latter organization. a short intermission excepted, has been under the superintendency of Peter R. Stoy for the past 40 years.
The pastors prior to 1838 were Revs. Shrader, Locke, McReynolds, Davis, Wiley; Thompson, Goode, and Lowe. J. C. Smith came in 38; Wm. Knowles, 39; W. V. Daniels, 40; Silas Rawson, 41; G. C. Beeks, 42; E. C. Wood, 43; F. C. Holliday. 45; Jas. Hills, 47; W. C. Smith, 49; H. Gilmore, 50; Jas. H Noble, 52; J. Y. McKee, 54; B. F. Crarey, 56; Sam'l Reed, 57. S. B. Sutton, 58; J. M. Green, 60; Hayden Hayes, 62; Noble again in 64; W. McK. Hester, 67; Stephen Bowers, 70, Aaron . Turner, 71; Jos. S. Woods, 72; Wm. H. Grim, 74; J. L. Pitner, 77; Woods again, 80; A. R. Julian, 83; T. H. Willis, 86, and the Rev. E. R. Vest 91. Rev. Vest is a native of Scott county, Ind., studied theology and classics at the DePauw Univers- ity of Greencastle, Ind., graduating from there in 85, and preaching at Spencer, Mooresville and Martinsville, prior to coming here.
Centenary M. E .- The old Foundry in London was opened by Methodism in 1739, and 100 years later, the New Albany, Centenary M. E. church was erected. Sub- sequent to that date the First church has been known as Wesley Chapel. The build- ing on Spring street above E. 3.1, has been remoddled somewhat, but stands essen- tially as it was erected more than half a century ago.
The pastors have been J. C. Smith, 39; Wm. Knowles, 41; Silas Rawson, 42; R. Robinson, 43; Isaac Crawford, 45; Allen Wiley, 47; T. H. Rucker, 49; W. Terrill 51; C. B. Davidson, 53; B. F. Rawlins, 54; S. J. Gillett, 56. T. H. Lynch, 57; D. McIn- tire, 58; Elijah Fletcher 60; R. L. Cushman' 61; N. P. Heth, 64: Jas. Hill, 66; H. R. Naylor, 69; S. L. Binkley, 72; J. S. Woods, 74; W. F. Harned, 76; Jas. Dixon, 77; Geo. D. Watson, 78; E. T. Curnick, 80; H. J. Talbott, 83; John Poucher 84; Tal- bott again, 86, and Rev. J. E. Steele, since Sept. 88. Rev. Steele is a native of Car- roll county, Ind., graduated from DePauw University in 86, preaching in Indianapo- lis 2 years prior to coming here. The present membership of Centenary church is. over 500. Value of church property about $15,000. C. P. Gwin is Superintendent of Sabbath school.
Trinity and John Street .- Mr. John Conner donated a corner lot on E. 11th street, and the John's street M. E. church was organized and a building erected in 57. The pastors have been Wm. B. Mason, J. H. Ketcham, Jos. Wharton, Lee Welk- er, B. F. Tarr, Geo. Telle, Chas. Cross, J. J. Hite, John Julian, J. H. Clippinger, G. F. Culmer, Wm. McK. Hester. T. D. Welker, F. C. Iglehart, H. J. Talbott, 74; H. N. King, 75; F. Walker, 77; E. T. Curnick, 78; Walter Underwood, 80; Walker again, 82; St. Claire, 83; Byron Carter, 85; F. J. Mallett, 87-8. About this time the John's street congregation principally united with the new Trinity or- ganization, but still holds its trustees and legal separate existence. J. V. Giv- ler, was pastor for a time, succeeded by Dr. John Poucher, 89, and Rev. Talbott was for the fourth time returned to a New Albany charge in Sept. 89. Born in Greencastle, Ind., Mr. Talbott graduated from the DePauw University, of his native
29
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
town in 73, since which he has been in the ministry, and having had other charges 'here is favorably known by New Albany people. The Trinity church building corn- er Spring and 13th streets was erected in 89, and cost with lot about $40,000. The present membership is about 400. W. D. Keyes superintends the Sabbath school and Prof. B. A. May is president of the Epworth League.
Main Street M. E .- This church was organized about 1850. having been nam- ed Roberts Chapel at the start in honor of Bishop Roberts. The present brick edifice on Main, below W. 5th st., was erected in 1877, and with lot is worth about $4,000. The membership is about 300. The pastors so far as we have been able to obtain them have been prior to the close of the war, Revs. Kerns, Coffin, Daniels, Cross, Clark, Cushman, and following these, S. L. Binkley, 65; G. W. Bowers, 68; Carson, Tarr, 69; B. Carter, 70; Jolin Tansy, 71; H. J. Barr, 72; John Spears, 74; J. W. Cul- mer, 76; J. W. McCormick. 77; S. W. McNaughton, 79; John Walls, 80; J. W. Ju- lian, 82; G. W, Fansler, 84; J. W. Payne, 87; W. S. Rader, 88. Rev. W. S. Bid- dle, the present incumbent, is a native of Indianapolis, and graduated from DePauw Uuiversity in 86, coming from the charge at Grandview to the Main street church Sept. 89. The Sabbath school with 200 regular attendants is in charge of Thos. Plaiss.
German M. E .- A class of German Methodists was formed about 1850, meeting for several years in one of the public school buildings. The brick church on 5th st., near Market, was dedicated in 1864, and served as a place of worship until the hand- some edifice, at the corner of E. Fifth and Spring, was erected in 1889-90. This with furnishing, lot and parsonage, cost fully $20,000. The names of the pastors so far as we have been able to obtain them, are Revs. Heller, Muth, Brunig, Doerr, Ruff, Lich, A. Klein, 75; C, Golder, 77; G. Treftz, 79; J. C. Weidman, 80; C. G. Fritche, 81; H. Grentzenberg, 82; C. G. Herzer, 85; and J. F. Severinghaus, 87, who is a na- tive of Germany, a self-educated homeopathic physician, and is now on his fifth year as pastor of the above church. Present membership 180.
Jennie DePauw Memorial .- Epaphras Jones, who owned the lands in the vi- cinity of Vincennes street, before the Scribners came to New Albany, abont 1820, undertook to build a rival town, calling his plat Providence. In 1850, Mrs. F. Gra- ham opened a Sunday school in her home on Vincennes street, and a year later, the Methodists erected a mission chapel. The building of the John's street church in 57, drew away from this and for some time no services were held on Vincennes street. In 1865, the late Hon. W. C. DePauw purchased from the Lutherans the building formerly occupied as the Episcopal church, and moved it to Vincennes street, where it was long known as the Kingsley mission. This was burned in 83, and Mr. De- Pauw at once erected the present building. Just as it was ready for dedication, Jennie DePauw, aged 13 years, died, and in memory of the daughter of one who has contributed more to Methodist enterprises than any other man of his time, the new building was named as above, Nov. 3, 1884. The class started with six members, T. S. Hynes pastor, but at the end of the year had 125 enrolled. H. J. Barr was pastor in 85; G. W. Fansler, 86; W. McK. Hester, 87, continuing for 4 years. Rev. Hester is a native of Clark county, and in the ministry since 1850. Rev. S. L. Niles, suc- ceeded as pastor at the last session of Conference.
Rev. J. M. Baxter, a native of Ohio. who has been a member of the Indiana Con- ference for 18 years past, was made Presiding Elder of the New Albany district in 1889. This charge covers 6 stations and 16 circuits, representing Floyd, Harrison
30
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
and Washington counties, and a portion of Orange and Crawford, the P. E. having executive powers and general charge over the above territory with headquarters in New Albany.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The Scribners were of the Presbyterian persuasion, although tolerant towards all evangelical churches. Not having enough of that sect in New Albany to organize a church, on Feb. 16, 1816, Mrs. Phoebe Scribner, with her children, Joel, James and Esther, united with Thomas Posey, (later Governor of Indiana, ) his wife, John Gib- son and wife, and J. M. Tunstall, to form the Union church, at Jeffersonville. Short- ly afterwards Mary Meriwether and Mary Wilson were added, but as the members had scattered, and the Scribners were the principal support, a meeting was held Dec. 7, 1817, at the residence of Phoebe Scribner, now the central portion of the Commer- cial hotel, when the church was reorganized by Rev. Banks, of Louisville, into the
First Presbyterian church of New Albany, with Phoebe, Joel, James, Esther and Mary Scribner, Jacob Marcell and wife and Stephen Beers and wife, as the mem- bership. Rev. Isaac Reed came in Sept. 1818, remaining for 15 months. In the fall of 19, a frame church, 30x40 ft was erected, which burned down 2 years later. A Sabbath school started about this time by Mrs. Nathaniel Scribner and Catherine Sil- liman, was reputed to have been the first in Indiana. Ezra H. Day was pastor from Oct., 22, till his death in Sept., 23. J. T. Hamilton preached each alternate week from 24 to 28, receiving a salary of $160 a year, half of which was contributed by Elias Ayers. Ashbel S. Wells came in 28, and under his ministrations a hundred new members were added and a brick church was erected on State near Spring which was dedicated Feb. 26, 30. S. K. Sneed became pastor in June, 32; W. C. Anderson, 38; F. S. Howe, 43; Dan'l Stewart 44; J. M. Stevenson, 49; T. E. Thomas, 57; R. L. Breck, 58; J. P. Safford, 62; Anderson again, 67; Samuel Conn, 70, and Rev. J. W. Clokey commenced his services here July 7, 1878. Rev. Clokey is a native of Jeffer- son county, Ohio; graduated from Wittenberg college, of Springfield, Ohio, in 59; studied theology at Xenia, and has been in the ministry since 1863, removing from Middletown, O., to this charge, in which he has labored for nearly 14 years.
The commodious church on Bank, between Main and Market streets, was erected 1852-4, and with lot and furnishings cost about $35,000. The present membership is about 300. A flourishing Sunday school in connection is superintended by Samuel W. Vance, and the Main street mission school in charge of J. F. Gebhart.
Second Presbyterian .- From various reasons, shortly after the series of annu- al camp meetings was commenced by Sneed and others at Mt. Tabor, a division of the First church occurred and the Second was organized 1837 with Rev. Sneed as pastor. This church united with the New School Presbytery. The congregation met for worship in the court house for a time, later using the female seminary build- ing on E. 4th street. The church building, erected by the Second, corner Main and E. Third, cost $24,500, and was dedicated Aug. 1, 52. At that time it was the hand- somest church edifice in the city, A year or two since it was sold to the colored Bap- tists, for $6,000. The present superb edifice, corner Elm and 13th streets, was dedi- cated Dec. 14, 90. This structure with lot cost $35,000. The seating capacity is about 600, and when lecture room is added by opening the folding doors, at least 1,100 persons can be accommodated. Membership above 300.
The ministers in charge have been S. K. Sneed. 37; E. R. Beadle, 43; John Black,
31
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
45; J. M. Bishop, 46; D. Stewart, 50; J. G. Atterbury, 51; H. C. Hovey, 66; Stew- art again, 69; Rev. Dickson, 72; Chas. Little, 76; Win. Goodloe, 80; W. L. Austin, 84, and Rev. D. Vandyke, who has been in charge since Sept. 89. Rev. Vandyke is a native of Ohio; an alumnus of Lane seminary and has been in the ministry for 30 years. The society is now erecting a handsome parsonage, of modern architectural design, a ljoining the church, which with lot will cost about $7,500. The Sabbath school is under the superintendency of C. H. Conner. For 20 years past a mission school has also been conducted at West Union.
Third Presbyterian .- The growth of the city and Second church made it desir- able to have another place of worship, and'on Oct. 31, 53, 24 members withdrew from the Second to organize the Third church. A lot had been donated by the heirs of Judge Conner, and a church building erected as a mission chapel, corner of Oak and 9th, prior to the separation. The organization prospered and Feb. 9, 68, the sub- stantial stone building, corner of Spring and 9th streets, costing $26,000 was dedicat- ed. Rev. Chas. Hutchinson has served the church as pastor since its organization, 3812 years ago, and by his zealous and consistent Christian character, has endeared himself, not only to his own flock of over 750 members, but to all good citizens of New Albany. Rev. Hutchinson was born at Norwich, Vt., July 15, 1820; graduated from Dartmouth college in 48, and from Andover theological seminary 3 years later. A Sunday school of over 400 is under the charge of Silas D. Loughmiller. A church building was erected at Mt. Tabor in 1838, and a society maintained there for about 15 years, but it was disbanded about the time of the organization of the Third church, its membership largely coming to their society. A Sabbath school and preaching is maintained at Mt. Tabor, 3 miles north, and also at McCulloch chappel, 3 miles east. Rev. Hutchinson is a well preserved man for one of his years, but the charge is so large that he needs an assistant.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.