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 5
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
First Baptist .- Nicholas Storch began preaching the doctrines of the Baptist church, in Germany, about the year 1520, and the Anabaptist sect, as the society was first known, was formed at about the same time Luther started the Reformation.
Seth Woodruff, who has been mentioned elsewhere, organized a Baptist church in New Albany, about 1825. After 10 years, dissentions arose which led to a division, 43 members going to form Park Christian church, and in 1844 a second Baptist church was formed. After several propositions to unite the two Baptist churches had failed, the better element from these formed what is now the First Baptist church of New Albany, May 11, 1848. The same year its members erected the brick structure which still stands at corner Bank and Spring streets. The old First continued its organi- zation until 1878, when its principal members united with the present organization. The church building on E. Fourth near Market, was erected in 1879, and cost with lot about $8,000. Dr. J. W. Juett is superintendent of S. S,, and Dr. J. L. Stewart has served as church clerk for 20 years. The present membership is about 350.
The following pastors have served the church in the order named: Revs. Armstrong, Geo. Giry, G. F. Pentecost, Harry Smith, W. M. Pratt, D. D., T. P. Campbell, J. C. Burkhalter, W. M. Jordan, Wm. Hildreth, B. F. Cavins, E. H. Swem, W. B. Riley, O .T. Conger, D. D., and the present pastor. I. B. Timberlake. Rev. Timberlake is a native of Richmond, Va .; graduating from Richmond college in 1885; later from the Theological seminary of Lonisville, and beginning his ministry here in March 88, since which the church has been much revived. He is chaplain of First Ind. Reg. Natl. Guards.
32
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
Culbertson Ave. Baptist .- T. L. McNeece, a graduate of the Louisville The- ological seminary, organized a mission Sabbath school in Ecker's hall in the summer of 88, and a few months later the school was held in Silver Grove. The next year, Rev. MeNeece purchased a lot on Culbertson avenue, and erected the building now occupied. The church organization was effected in August 89, with some 20 mem- bers, the present number being aboat 50. Rev. McNeece was succeeded in August 91, by Rev. J. G. Barker, a native of Park Co., Ind .; educated in St. Louis, for 5 years in the ministry and still pursuing theological studies in the Louisville seminary. Ollie Owens the Vincennes street druggist, has charge of the Sunday school.
Protestant Episcopal .- The organization of St. Paul's P. E. church was effect- ed July 18, 34. A frame building was erected on Spring street, near E. 3rd, in 1837, at a cost of about $5,000. This served until the present building on Main street above Sixth, was erected In 64-5, and which cost about $15,000. The membership is now 180, and a lot has been purchased at the corner of 11th and Market sts, where a $20,000 edifice will be erected shortly. The names of the rectors have been Ashbel Steele, 37; J. C. Britton, 41; Edw. Lounsberry, 42: B. W. Hickox, 43; W. K. Saun- ders, 44; T. H. L. Laird, 47; J. B. Ramsdell, 49; John Martin, J. A. Childs, 50; J. M. Gorhom, 52; J. S. Wallace 59; E. J. Purdy 62; T. G. Cower, 65; David Pise, 68; John Gierlow, 77; F. B. Dunham, 78; Walter Scott, 81; C. C. Lemon, 87; F. J. Mallett, 88, and A. B Nicholas, who came Oct. 15, 89. Rev. Nicholas was born in Manchester, Eng., removing to Ohio, in boyhood. He graduated from Kenyon col- lege 71, serving as rector at Sandusky, O., and as general missionary prior to accept- ing the New Albany charge.
Park Christian .- Alexander Campbell taught that the bible alone should be re- lied upon as the rule of faith, without the aid of man-made creeds, and upon this foundation the nucleus of the Christian church, as now known, was organized by Campbell and his followers about 1826. The Park Christian church was founded May 19, 1835, by 43 persons who had withdrawn from the Baptist church. Thos. J. Murdock was licensed to preach, and D. G. Stewart was minister for a time. when T. Vaughn succeeded. J. E. Noyes, Jas. Slider, J. J. Moss, J. M. Mathes, Jas. Jamison, Geo. P. Adams, J. M. Henry, W. F. Parker, and J. J. Parsons, were ministers prior to the formation of the Central church. Succeeding these we find the names of J. W. Sewell, J. H. Hamilton, N. R. Dale, F. N. Calvin, M. N. Reed, J. B. Gibson, Geo. P. Simmons, M. Pitman, Prof. Reese, W. H. Applegate, and Rev. O. E. Palm- er, the present pastor. Rev. Palmer is a native of Port Washington, Ohio, educated at Bethany college, and served as pastor at Lafayette this state, before coming to the Park church, 1883. A brick building was erected in 1836, which with lot cost about $6,000. This was torn down in 63, and the present commodious edifice erected the following year. The value of the Park church property is about $15,000, and present membership not far from 200.
Central Christian .- This society was organized in January 72, with 30 memb- ers, and the church building on Spring, near E. Fifth, was erected the following summer. Rev. J. L. Parsons, remained with the church about five years from its or- ganization; was succeeded by J. C. Tully, 77; H. K. Pendleton, 82; L. H. Stein, 85; J. H. Crutcher, 90; H. T. Wilson, 91, and T. R. Bridges, who came in February of the present year. Rev. Bridges is a native of Ghent, Carroll county, Ky .; graduated
33
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
from the Hanover (Ind.) college in 87; taught Latin and Greek at New Castle, Ky., for a year; griluatel in theology from the Kentucky University; and the New York Theological seminary, after which he took a tour in Europe, and has now settled down to the ministry in New Albany. The present membership of the Central church is over 400. J. L. Stacy is Superintendent of the Sabbath school which has a large attendance.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHIES.
Holy Trinity .- A pontifical succession in the Roman Catholic church has been clearly traced backwards through the history of the early church fathers to the honorable chair of St. Peter. So it appears that this church is able to estab- lish a longer continuous claim than any other organization among christian nations. The first R. C. congregation in New Albany was the Holy Trinity, organized by the Rev. Louis Neyron in 1836. A frame church was built next year and Father Neyron also attende l the congregation on the "Knobs" alternate Sundays until 1851, when the brick church was erected. after which he spent all his time here. Father Neyron died at Notre Dame, Jan. 7, 88, in his 98th year, Holy Trinity having paid him a 500 annuity for over 20 years. L. Gueguen succeeded in 64. and John Mougin in the same year, assisted part of the time by Revs. Ginnsz and Fleischman until 1881, when Rev. J. B. Kelly was appointed. Father Kelly is an Irishman, in America since 63, completing bis studies in philosophy and theology at Montreal, Canada, and serving as pastor at Cambridge, Ind., prior to accepting his charge in New Albany. The Holy Trinity school was erected in 1882 by Father Kelly, and the superintendence of the handsome home for the Sisters of Providence came next. Much expense has also been put upon the church and cemetery. Father Kelly is assisted by Rev. J. F. Stanton of Richmond, Ind., who graduated from Sulpitian Seminary, Baltimore, Md., and has been assistant here since July, 90. Over 350 children are in regular attend- ance at the parochial school, in charge of 8 Sisters of Providence, Prof. B. W. B. Kingston having charge of the advanced male department, and 400 families are adherents to this church. The church and school property is valued at $100,000.
St. Marys Congregation .-- This society also known as the church of the An- nunciation, dates its organization back to 1853, when Father A. Munschina gathered the German Catholics together, and secured the old house of the Holy Trinity church. Father Weutz came in 54. and was succeeded in 57 by the present Very Rev. Dean Faller. The following year the present handsome brick church edifice, corner Spring and E. 8th sts was erected at a cost of $20,000, all paid by the pastor's vigorous work. Rev. C. Doebbener who came in 67, five years later erected St. Marys Academy, a five-story brick structure, at a cost of $29,000. This is owned by the Sisters of St. Francis, who conduct a parish school, having under their charge 360 pupils, which includes the boys school of St. Joseph's hall. This building was erected by the Rev. F. I. Klein who came 1872, and who died from a fall which he received June 4, 86, while superintending work on the church. Rev. Faller returned to this charge July 14, 86, donated $13,000 to complete the improvements and in 88 built the handsome rectorage at a cost of $7,500. The seating capacity of the church is over 1,000 and the entire church property is worth over $100,000. There are over 450 families in the congregation. Prof. M. Merl has charge of the high class for boys, presiding over the church organ as well. Rev. Faller was born in Alsace, Germany, Jan. 3, 1824, and landed at Vincennes May 1, 1840 where after a six years course in the dio-
34
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
cesan seminary, he was ordained to the ministry in 46. Having since inherited a goodly sum, he has contributed to church enterprises over $50,000 from his personal funds. Rev. Frank A. Roell is a native of, and was educated at, Oldenburg, Ind., completing his studies at St. Meinards Seminary, 1878, and after ordination his first charge was at St. Marks church in Perry county. Father Roell came to New Albany Jan. 89, and has since been assisting Father Faller at St. Mary's church.
German Evangelical .- This church oganization was effected in New Albany, Oct. 25, 1837, with 43 members, of whom only one, Mrs. Armstrong, formerly Mrs. Meyer, is now living. Rev. Henry Evers continued as pastor for several years. Meetings were held in the school house and old court house until 1843, when a church was built on State street near Oak. Rev. Fr. Dulitz, who died in Cincinnati, Jan. 92, at the advanced age of 95 years, was pastor from 43 to 47. Rev. Meyer served the church for seven years f om 53, during which the organization was greatly strengthened. Revs. Abele, Riedel, Brandau and Daubert served the society prior to the present pastor. In 1865, the Zion Lutheran congregation consolidated with the above, an l Sept. 4, 1870, the present han lsome house of worship was erected, which with lot cost over $20,000. The interior of the church was burned in June 86, but was rebuilt as good as before. The organization represe its 150 families and is in charge of Rev. G. Dietz, who came to this pastorate Feb. 79. He is a native of Ger- many, educated at Busle, SwitzerlandI, and has been in America since 1864.
Colored Churches .- Crosby chapel and Jones chapel are African M. E. church- es, and are well patronized by the negroes of New Albany. The Second Baptist church is also for colored people, and has a substantial brick church formerly occu- pied by the Presbyterians. Value of the church property belonging to the colored churches is about $20,000.
New Albany Y. M. C. A .- George Williams was the leading spirit in organ- izing the Young Men's Christian Association in London, in 1844. For 20 years there was no special uniformity in conducting the different societies; but about that time the work was more clearly outlined, and has been endorsed by all evangelical churches as an anxiliary to christian work. It hasmade a won- derful development and the remarkable progress of the physical culture depart- ment reflects credit upon the zealous workers for sanitary reform. In city life the gymnasium is an essential feature for grow- ing young men, and we are glad to note that New Albany is to have a well fittel
.
35
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
building as the permanent home of the Y. M. C. A. The structure with lot will cost over $30,000, the principal part of which has already been subscribed, and the build- ing is now well under way. It will front 60 feet on Main and 110 feet on Pearl, and the basement will contain a complete gymnasium, swimming pool, lavatories, etc.
J. F. Gebhart, the president of the Y. M. C. A., is superintendent of the woolen mills, under which heading he will be mentioned; W. C. Nunemacher, treasurer, is noticed elsewhere, and E. H. Jones, general secretary, is a native of Allegheny City, reared in Cleveland, graduated from the high school of that city, for several years was a watch maker, and six years ago entered the Association work, coming to New Albany Jan. 15, 1890, since when his [zeal in the cause has made many friends for him in this city.
1312125
Main Street S. S. Mission .- This philanthropy was commenced by A. W. Bentley in 1861, as a refugee Sunday school, and the interest which secured a permanent hold on the people in that vicinity continues to the present. Jno. F. Gebhart became superintendent in 1869, and has been zealously engaged in the charge ever since. Some 325 names are enrolled with an average attendance of 250 children each Sabbath day.
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS .- With an intelligent populace, the educa- tional interests of a city, has much to do with its desirability as a place for residence, and New Albany stands in the front rank in this particular. The founders of the village were zealous promoters of education, and a permanent endowment fund of $5,000 was set apart, the interest of which was to go perpetually for school improve- ments. In the first year of development here, a large log school house was erected at the corner of State and Spring. This was also used as a place for religious worship for two or three years. Stephen Beers was the first school teacher of whom we have record. Mr Corcelius taught a select school in the upper part of Jas. Anderson's shoe shop about 1820. An act incorporating the New Albany school was passed Jan. 8, 21, which placed the control in a board of managers and John A. Spaulding con- tinued as sole teacher for many years. In 38 the school was divided into male and female departments and additional teachers hired. As the accumulation of the inter- est on the endowment fund amounted to a considerable sum, it was determined to erect a building on W. First street, corner Spring; and the neat two story brick known as Scribner's High school for boys, was completed in the spring of 1849. In 1853, the city assumed control of the public schools, under a board of trustees, and a complete system of grading was arranged. The New Albany High school was open- ed in Oct. 53, with George H. Harrison in charge. The enrollment of July, 54, shows 1,570 pupils, with 28 teachers in service, but the law to provide for a general and uniform system of common schools, having that fall been declared unconstitutional, school progress was practically closed for a year or two. Charles Burnes was elected city superintendent and principal of the high school in 55; Jas. G. May, 57, and Geo. P. Brown, 64. The schools had been badly disarranged during the war, several of the buildings having been occupied as soldiers' hospitals, and Mr. Brown resigned his superintendency in 65. The schools were without a general superintendent for 8 years following, during which time a large number of private schools flourished. As Iate as 1870 only 28 per cent. of the school enumeration attended the free schools. In that year the Female High school was organized, and new life infused into the educational interests. Each succeeding year has added to the efficiency of the school system and to-day all classes of our citizens enjoy its privileges.
36
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
In addition to the usual funds received for free schools, the annual interest of the investment fund has been a great aid, and without the levy of excessive taxes, New Albany has kept abreast of the times in the free education of her youth. There are 12 substantial brick buildings ranging from 2 to 10 rooms each, 5 of these being used for the grammar grades. The new 8 room building now in course of constructon, cor- ner Vincennes and Shelby streets, will cost when completed about $30,000, and be one of the handsomest public school structures in this section of Indiana. This will make the aggregate value of free school property in New Albany above $200,000, all clear from debt. The enumeration for 1891 was 7,854, and total enrollment 3,304 pu- pils, under charge of 64 teachers. The expense for salary was $29,378.75, and inci- dentals $6,872. The school taxables of New Albany aggregate $10,578,485.
In 1873 H. B. Jacobs was selected as Superintendent, continuing 9 years. Chas. F. Coffin served from 82 until the present incumbent was chosen in 85. Prof. J. B. Starr is a native of Byrnville, Harrison Co., was educated at Hartsville University, and has been teaching in Floyd county continuously for more than a quarter of a century. He served as principal of the Spring street grammar school for 7 years prior to having been promoted to the superintendency, thereby gaining an accurate knowledge of the school needs in the city, and preparing himself for the good work which he has accom- plished in the general direction of the free schools.
The High School, corner Spring and Bank streets, is in charge of Prof. J. P. Funk, a native of Harrison Co., Ind., educated in the Indiana University, and later taking the A. M. degree from the Natl. Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio. He has been in school work for a quarter of a century, and principal here for 5 years past. The assistants are Mrs. Maggie Shrader and Miss Fannie Fawcett.
West Spring Street .- This school, located near W. 5th street, is a ten room building. Prof. J. M. Boyd, prin., is a native of Davies Co., educated in Fort Wayne College, and the National Normal University of Lebanon, Ohio. He has been in school work for 15 years, and in New Albany since 1887. His assistants are Lydia Towsend, Hattie E. Beeler, Lizzie Boss, Mattie Heth, Emma Pfrimmer, Philura Riley, Daisy Shaw, Emma Hannah and Hettie Stoy.
Main Street .- This school, located on E. Main, near 8th st., is in charge of Prof. W. S. McClure, a Pennsylvanian, educated in Normal Schools and at the Pittsburg Iron City Business College. He commenced teaching in 1868, and has been here since 74. His assistants are Annie E. Fowler, Cora Martin, Jennie Day, Mamie Beers, Nannie Magness, Belle Smith and Nettie Clark.
East Spring Street .- Prof. Geo. B. Haggett, principal of this school, is an Ohioan and received the degree of B. S. from Grand River Institute, in his native state, 1875, since which he has been in school work, having come to New Albany two years ago. He is assisted by Hattie Deeble, Belle Tombs, Lucy Barlow, Mary Mitchell, Lena Lonnon, Lillie Wheeler and Jennie Pennington.
Eleventh & Sycamore .- This building was erected in 1889, at a cost of $25,000. S. Ella Jones, principal, is a native of New Albany, and graduated from the High School. She is assisted by Eva Mathena, Marie Robellaz, Bettie Meek, Hester Patton, Millie Thomas, Jennie Riches and Florence Boardman.
Fourth near Spring .- Prof. Wm. Rady, principal is a native of this county, and after the common schools attended Hartsville University. He has been in school
37
OF NEW ALBANY, IND.
work since 1864, serving as principal of the Galvin school for 7 years prior to coming here in 1888. He is assisted by Nannie M. Beeler, Jennie Boyd, Carrie Hanmore, Annie McGarth, Lottie Ziegelbauer and Carrie Robertson.
West Union .- Prof. E. B. Walker, principal here for 2 years past, is a native of Washington Co., Ind., attended the DePauw and N. A. Commercial College. Mr. Walker has conducted normal schools in New Philadelphia and at our High School, and has served as teacher in the night session of the N. A. B. C. He is assisted by Augusta Mckay, Emma Riley and Rosa Rent.
West Market .- Prof. G. A. Briscoe, prin., is a native of Greenville, educated at Danville & Valpariso, has been engaged in teaching for four years. He has recently taken the place of Miss Sue Hooper, who had been teaching here for the past 25 years. He is assisted by Jennie Elzy, Hattie Sands and Kate C. Huckeby.
German School .- Prof. J. B. James is a native of France, after an education in the county schools he commenced teaching and studying until he now carries a state license, and has been in the school work for the past 30 years. He is assisted by Clara Gohman, Lizzie Meyers and Lizzie Bohl.
Colored Schools .- The advanced colored pupils are under charge of Prof. W. O. Vance, at Scribner high school building on First and Spring. He is assisted by Mrs. D. S. Vance and Jessie Clay. Schools are also kept at West Second, D. S. Maxwell, prin., assisted by Ella Rickman, and on Division street with C. A. Martin, prin., assisted by Susie Banks.
The School Board are M. A. Weir, who has been president for a dozen years; J. G. Harrison, secretary, and P. R. Stoy, treasurer; all prominently connected in business and thoroughly awake to the cause of education. The principals and teach- ers have been selected and promoted upon merit, and it is doubtful if any city in the Union of this size can be found having a better system of public schools, more con- venient buildings and general accommodations for the children-and what is best of all no bonded or floating debt.
DePAUW COLLEGE.
A GENEROUSLY ENDOWED NEW ALBANY INSTITUTE.
Through the bequests of the Hon. W. C. DePauw, this historic place for education will soon receive a liberal endowment that will insure its prompt enlargement and continuous prosperity. 1ts successful progress will be regarded with much favor by all good citizens of New Albany, and will reflect honor upon its generous endower.
The central portion of the college building, was erected in 1852, as a boarding school for young ladies, under the name of Indiana Asbury Female College. In 1866 the building was sold to satisfy a mortgage and transferred to other owners; but the same year enterprising Methodists decided to celebrate their century of work in America, by a repurchase of this institute, which through the liberal donations of Mr. DePauw and other citizens of this city was accomplished, and the building pre- sented to the Indiana Conference free from debt. It was opened in Sept. 66, by Rev. Erastus Rowley, D. D., and commenced a prosperous career. The students increased so rapidly that additional room was required and the ever generous Mr. DePauw erected the east wing of the building at a cost of about $10,000. The building was partially burned in 1880, but rebuilt better than before. It is a three story brick structure, which can furnish recitation room for about 500 pupils. Up to 1889
38
DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH
the college had been chiefly devoted to the education of young women. when it was decided to establish a high grade academic course for both sexes. That this decis- ion was wise has been clearly demonstrated by its increased prosperity. DePauw College, although conducted under auspices of the M. E. Conference is not sectarian in its teachings, requiring only a high moral standard of action for admission to its benefits. The curriculum covers astronomy, chemistry, English, French, German, Greek and Latin languages, history and art, mathematics, philosophy, physics, phys- iology and special studies in elocution.
The library contains more than a thousand volumes, and the labaratory and apparat- us are quite complete, although it will soon receive large additions and improvements. The bequest of the late W. C. DePauw gives $1,000 a year for betterments each year until the settlement of the estate, when it is to be endowed by 5 per cent. of the resi- due of this estate estimated at from three to five millions of dollars, which will ena- ble the institute to add every needed improvement and greatly enlarge its sphere of action, making a school of learning of which New Albany may well feel a just pride.
The May Brothers, Jas. W. and Benoni A., Principals, came from a family of teach- ers and have inherited the disposition and faculty so necessary for complete success in that line. James G. May, grandfather of the above, was one of the best known educators in southern Indiana, having been a teacher for 60 years, and early connect- ed with the New Albany schools. Their father, William W. May, formerly principal of the Male Academy, taught in New Albany for fourteen years. The May Brothers were educated at Syracuse University, and taught in the Academy at Salem for several years prior to taking charge of DePauw College in 1889. They are zealous workers and are meeting with a justly merited success.
The Conservatory of Music, under charge of Miss Addie Packard has gained a wide notoriety for its efficiency in both vocal and instrumental music. In all de- partments diplomas or degrees are conferred upon those entitled to the same, and the Conservatory is becoming very popular. Miss Packard is assisted by J. F. Sur- man, teacher of violin, and Mrs. C. Carr, teacher of vocal culture, and the College, in all its departments, will be kept abreast of the times, so that not only New Albany citizens, but those from distant cities and states will accept its superior advantages.
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.