Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 80

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 80

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).

When the farm was purchased a dwelling house and large barn stood there. The barn has been improved at an expense of $800 and in 1913 a new tile silo was installed at an ex- pense of $500. The farm has been limed and is in first-class condition. It is well stocked. In November, 1912, the commissioners pur- chased seventeen head of thoroughbred Hol- stein cattle-sixteen cows and one bull-at Jamestown, Pa. On January 1, 1913, there were thirty head of cattle, three horses, fif- teen hogs and 150 chickens on the farm, val- ued at $2,100. There were also thirty-five tons of hay, ten tons of straw, two tons of cornfodder, 500 bushels of oats, 150 bushels of wheat, 800 bushels of corn, 100 bushels of potatoes, ten bushels of beets, twelve bushels of turnips, 300 head of cabbage, 1,800 pounds of pork, forty gallons of applebutter, three barrels of vinegar, 590 quarts of canned fruit, all valued at $1,624.

The stewards have been as follows: George Shaffer, a county commissioner, who resigned his office to become the steward of the county home and served until January 1, 1909; W. M. Piper, who served from January 1, 1909, to April 1, 1912; D. T. Neal, from April 1, 1912, to April 1, 1913; and and W. M. Piper, since April 1, 1913.

GIRLS' INDUSTRIAL HOME

The Girls' Industrial Home was established in Indiana in 1894, under the care of the Children's Aid Society of Western Pennsyl- vania. The Home was first considered at a meeting in Oil City, when plans were dis- cussed, and three locations were viewed, Indi-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ana being selected. The object is to train the macadamized road just south of the Fair girls in housekeeping, give them a good school grounds from the George C. Dickey estate and Edward and Joseph P. Mack for $16,500. Then a permanent organization was made, charter obtained, and a board of directors elected, viz .: Hon. John P. Elkin, president ; has been improved until it is now worth $15,- John S. Fisher, vice president; J. Wood Clark, secretary; Tom E. Hildebrand, treas- urer. education, and then place them in good homes. The property, situated on Eleventh street, contains one acre of ground, which was pur- chased from Major McFarland for $5,000. It 000. The building accommodates sixteen girls, and as they are given family training and home life this number is considered sufficient The contract for the building has been let at $122,000, which amount is to be given by Mr. Iselin. It is understood that other cap- italists will contribute $25,000 for equipment. The hospital organization has expended about $1,000 in sewers, water, walks, roads and tel- ephone connections. Experienced landscape architects have laid out the grounds and sug- gested plans to make them very beautiful and attractive. for a large family. A separate building serves the purpose of a schoolroom. A ma- tron and also one teacher are employed. Miss Bratton, the present matron, has been in charge for sixteen years. Girls are admitted to the home between the ages of eight and eighteen. Six hundred have been placed in homes since the Home was started. The girls are taught housekeeping, sewing and also gardening, doing all the work of the house under the supervision of the matron. The home is managed by Mrs. Sue Willard, super- intendent, and a committee of three ladies of Indiana, belonging to the Children's Aid So- ciety.

INDIANA IIOSPITAL

The Indiana Hospital, located on the cor- ner of Church and Ninth streets, is a private institution founded by Dr. G. E. Simpson and Dr. H. B. Neal, in April, 1909. Its ca- pacity is twelve beds. It has been crowded with patients ever since the day of opening, and is too small to accommodate the large de- mand. It has now become merged into the Indiana General Hospital and will be taken over by that institution as soon as the new building is completed.

During the summer of 1912 Mrs. Sue E. Willard called a meeting to discuss the advis- ability of establishing a hospital in Indiana, Pa. At that meeting a committee of seven was appointed, as follows: John A. Scott, chairman ; Tom E. Hildebrand, Rev. N. P. McNelis, J. R. Richards, Joseph W. Clements, P. J. McGovern, Elder Peelor. The great dif- ficulty that confronted the committee was the lack of funds, but John A. Scott had a letter from Mr. Adrian Iselin, of New York City, in which he stated that he would be glad to help the citizens of Indiana to establish a hos- pital and agreed to contribute at least $40,000 towards the building, if a local organization would take charge of it and furnish a snit- able location, put in suitable condition. He practically agreed to erect the building.

The building, including the basement, will be four stories high. It will be of brick, stone and steel construction, with tile floors. It will be absolutely fireproof and sanitary in every respect, and so constructed that it can be enlarged if occasion demands. The dimen- sions will be 80 by 140 feet. The first floor will be occupied by the administrative de- partment. The second floor will have three individual rooms, two general wards and oper- ating rooms. On the third floor there will be ten individual rooms. The building will be ready for use early in 1914.

INDIANA Y. M. C. A.

At a citizens' meeting held in the court- house to consider the erection of a Young Men's Christian Association building in Indi- ana, Harry McCreary was made chairman and Walter H. Jackson secretary. All who expressed themselves, including the ladies present, favored the idea. These officers were instructed to get into communication with the State secretary and from him learn how to proceed.

At the next meeting, which was also held in the courthouse, the State secretary, Mr. J. B. Carruthers, was present. The rate for mem- bership was fixed at $8 per year for adults and $4 for boys. Mr. Carruthers advised the next thing to do was to canvass the town and ascertain how many persons wished to join a Young Men's Christian Association and would be willing to pay $8 a year for three years for such membership. A list of 440 was secured.

The committee solicited and raised $17,000 At the next meeting it was decided to go and purchased the fifty-four-acre tract facing on with an "Eight Day Campaign" to secure

INDIANA HOSPITAL, INDIANA, PA.

Y.M.C.A.

Y. M. C. A. BUILDING, ERECTED IN 1913, INDIANA, P.A.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

subscriptions amounting to $50,000, with McCreary, John H. Pierce, G. W. Lenkerd, which to buy ground and build. Mr. Car- ruthers secured Mr. C. F. Fought, ably as- sisted by Mrs. Fought, to conduct this cam- paign. Twelve citizens went on a note at the bank for $1,000 to defray the expenses, with the understanding they would lose if the campaign failed, but if successful this amount to come out of the fund as a regular expense item. The campaign was begun and success- fully completed by the following teams: B -George T. Buchanan, Captain, Bert Rus- sell, Prof. A. K. Heckel, J. T. Bell, Chas. Gessler, Richard Watson, Alex Stewart, Pearl W. Walker, Adam Lowry, W. S. Garee, Jos. Welteroth; C-Prof. F. Ernest Work, Cap- The association was incorporated April 12, 1911, and after carefully considering the site for the building, on June 3, 1911, the board of directors decided to purchase from the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. the site on the corner of Philadelphia and Ninth streets, 75 by 200 feet, for $10,000. tain, E. W. McFarland, Paul Smith, Chas. Duncan, Jno. A. Scott, A. T. Moorhead, L. C. Myers, Jno. L. Getty, L. G. Chase; D- C. H. Miller, Captain, D. F. Rinn, Linus Elkin, J. R. King, Prof. Hickman, James Sexton, John De Santis, Prof. John Lesh ; E-Dr. E. K. Wood, Captain, Harry Ear- hart, Harry H. Hart, Thomas Sutton, S. Ren Pollock, H. M. Lowry, Dr. Wm. Hosack, David Blair, J. C. Wallace; F-Silas C. Streams, Captain, Frank Moorhead, Jno. S. Fisher, Merle Mogle, R. T. Marlin, Meade Mahan, Elmer Ellis, D. W. Simpson, B. C. Fleck, Geo. Duncan; G-S. W. Guthrie, Cap- tain, A. W. Mabon, Meade Marshall, J. C. Leasure, E. B. Campbell, Dr. Geo. E. Simp- son, Prof. H. E. Cogswell, G. W. Lenkerd, J. C. McGregor; H-I. Earl Lewis, Captain, MUNICIPAL BUILDING Ralph Moorhead, Jesse M. Rodkey, H. Wal- lace Thomas, R. A. Henderson, Geo. Feit, J. L. Culp, Chas. Books, T. B. Clark, Wm. Jack, Chas. MeCrady, E. C. Osmun; I-Frank Wood, Captain, Geo. Little, Wm. Robensteen, John Houk, R. N. Ray, J. N. Elder, J. R. Clements; J-J. T. Stewart, Captain; J. L. Orr, W. R. Calhoun, Day Brownlee, Frank Duncan, M. J. Hedden, C. S. Borland, T. L. Edwards, C. R. Clark, Mr. Gilkenson, E. E. Dickie.

Pursuant to a notice mailed to all the sub- scribers of the Indiana Y. M. C. A. fund, and to those who had signified their intentions to become members of the proposed organ- ization, a meeting was held in the courthouse at Indiana on Thursday, March 9, 1911, at 8:15 o'clock, Harry McCreary, temporary chairman, and Walter H. Jackson, secretary. The object of the meeting was to effect a per- manent organization. The following were elected as a board of directors: George T. Buchanan, G. Meade Marshall, John D. Wid- dowson, Dr. G. E. Simpson, D. F. Rinn, Harry social clubrooms. The third floor is occupied

J. T. Bell, D. W. Simpson, Walter II. Jack- son, I. Earl Lewis, Thomas Sutton, R. N. Ray, Harry H. Hart, Hon. S. J. Telford, A. W. Mabon, Hon. John S. Fisher, William Roben- steen, J. T. Stewart. The board met the same evening and elected the following officers : President, Harry McCreary; first vice pres- ident, George T. Buchanan ; second vice pres- ident, Thomas Sutton; recording secretary, J. T. Stewart; treasurer, I. Earl Lewis. The following board of trustees was elected : John Houk, J. L. Orr, W. C. McFeaters, A. S. Cun- ningham, W. R. Loughry, J. M. Elder, Dr. Wm. Hosack, S. W. Guthrie, Robert Mitchell.

Preparations for a building were at once begun and on February 20, 1912, Mr. E. M. Lockard was awarded the contract for the building, at a cost of $30,485. This did not include the swimming pool which was after- wards included at a cost of $700. The build- ing is a three-story brick structure, with base- ment. It is modern in every respect and will be dedicated free of debt Thanksgiving even- ing, November 27, 1913.

In November, 1911, the voters of Indiana borough authorized the expenditure of $20,- 000 for the construction of a town hall and a fire engine house. The council advertised for competitive plans, which were submitted by eleven architects, Mr. H. King Conklin, of Newark, N. J., being the successful com- petitor. Upon his plans bids were submitted and Mr. Fred Herlinger was awarded the contract for $20,000.

The building was begun in the spring of 1912 and completed in the spring of 1913. It is a three-story structure, including the basement, is built of stone and brick, with roof of green tile, trimmings a Cleveland limestone. The basement is occupied by the fire department, borough weighmaster and heating apparatus. The first floor is occupied by the offices of the burgess, tax collector, borough clerk and solicitor and tax assessors. The second floor is occupied by the council chamber and the volunteer fire company's

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

by the borough engineer, board of education tions until the year 1859. In that year the and Indiana Military band.

The council at the time the building was account of the June frost," and again in 1864, constructed was as follows: J. Wood Clark, on account of the troubled condition of the president ; R. E. Young, W. S. Hamilton, E. country, the annual exhibition was dispensed E. Campbell, George J. Feit, Ira A. Myers, with.

George A. Conrath, James S. Blair, J. I. Shaf- fer, J. M. Wachob, R. T. Marlin, T. B. Clark ; the borough engineer, Thomas Pealer; solici- tor and clerk, John S. Taylor; burgess, J. A. Crossman; street commissioner, James Gom- pers. The committee having in charge the construction and equipment of the building consisted of: J. Wood Clark, chairman; R. T. Marlin, T. B. Clark, Thomas Pealer, and J. R. Richards, representing the fire depart- ment.

INDIANA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

An association for the purpose of "promot- ing the science of agriculture and the im- provement of the same" was organized on the October 1st, 1857, under the name of "The Indiana County Agricultural Society." At its organization the following persons were

M. Speedy, M. T. Work, William Evans, I. Campbell, S. P. Marshall, Adam Johnston, Esq .; corresponding secretary, Jonathan Rowe; recording secretary, George Shryock; librarian, J. H. Lichteberger; managers, James Hood, David Ralston, John G. Cole- man, R. H. Armstrong, J. T. Vanhorn, J. H. Johnston, James Bailey. David Ralston and James Bailey having afterwards removed from the county, James Sutton and James Hays were appointed.

The following June, at a regular meeting of the society, it was decided that they should hold an agricultural fair the next fall. The since that time a fair has been held. In 1903 following persons were appointed a commit- tee to raise funds for the society. They promptly agreed to become responsible for the sums stated below :

East Mahoning, Moses T. Work, $25; Green, James Shields, $6; Washington, Thomas Gibson, $10; Conemaugh, John H. Hart, $10; Young, John H. Hart, $10; Blairs- ville, William Maher, $10; Burrell, H. A. Thompson, $10; Brushvalley, R. B. Moorhead, $5; Indiana, Judge White, $10; S. Mahoning, Abram Davis, $10; White, A. T. Moorhead, $10; White, A. W. Kinnet, $10; Blacklick, William C. McCrea, $10; Cherryhill, William Evans, $10.

managers decided there should be none "on

The old grounds of the society were located on the Saltshurg road, between the State Agricultural farm and State Normal School grounds and contained thirteen acres. At its inception six acres were purchased from James Sutton and buildings erected thereon for the accommodation of stock, etc. These were afterwards found to be insufficient and constant additions were made and the grounds (finally enlarged by the purchase of seven acres) were generally overhauled, the track enlarged to a one-third-mile course, buildings remodeled and new ones added, and the roundhouse placed in the center of the grounds.

In 1876 we note that the society advertised 3d of January, 1855, and was incorporated a plowing match at 2 o'clock P. M. on the Saturday before the fair, and a ladies' riding match at 10 o'clock, A. M., on the last day, and the award of premiums was read on the elected officers: President, Hon. Thomas grounds at 1 o'clock P. M., of the last day of White; vice presidents, William Coleman, H. the fair. It was then the custom to read from

one of the windows of Agricultural Hall the award of premiums.

The old grounds becoming too small to accommodate the society they were sold at public sale December 8, 1891, to Hon. Silas M. Clark, for the Indiana Normal School, for $8,600. The boys' dormitory is built on this ground and the remainder of the ground is used as an athletic field.

In 1891 thirty-nine acres of the new fair grounds were purchased of H. M. Lowry and Gamble Fleming for $4,000. The first fair on these grounds was held in 1892 and each year

an additional ten acres were purchased by the society from A. C. Braughler for $1,500. The grounds of the Indiana Agricultural Society, now containing about fifty acres, are the finest in the State. The grove of about fifty large white oak trees is situated on a gentle sloping hillside from which the large crowds can view the races on the half-mile track below. The trees furnish a beautiful shade which is enjoyed not only while watch- ing the races but as a place of rest and a con- venient spot to lunch. At noon on fair days it is a pleasing sight to see so many families spreading under the large oaks the contents of the large well-filled baskets which they

From this time there were annual exhibi- have brought with them. It has become a

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

common thing for families to "reune" an- nually on the fair grounds.

On the grounds are the roundhouse, grand stand 150 feet long, vegetable building, stab- ling for 130 horses, six cattle sheds, sheds for hogs and sheep, and poultry house; also a W. C. T. U. building, dining building, and a dwelling house for the family that cares for the grounds. The city water is on all parts of the grounds and fire plugs are being in- stalled for the protection of the buildings.

In 1899 stock was sold to pay off the debt and since that time the society has been in a good financial condition. There are no salaried officers except the treasurer and sec- retary, and all money earned by the society is used in the improvement of the grounds.

The growth, prosperity, and popularity of the Indiana County Agricultural Society have increased with its years. Its list of premiums has increased until in 1913 they were valued at $3,000, and the amount paid for races was $2,500.

OAKLAND CEMETERY

On December 21, 1863, a meeting was held in the courthouse to discuss the advisability of securing grounds for a cemetery. The fol- lowing committee was appointed to look over grounds and report: George W. Sedgwick, John Sutton, F. M. Kinter, James Todd, Hon. Joseph Thompson, Samuel Rhodes, Hon. Silas M. Clark, John Weamer, Jr., George Row, Sr., Hiram St. Clair, James Hood, Sam- uel A. Allison.

The committee reported that thirteen dif- ferent sites had been considered and that they preferred a different site from that of Oak- land cemetery, which lies between the Salts- burg and Warren roads. There were several objections to this site. The grounds were sit- uated over a mile southwest of the borough at such a distance as to require the use of car- riages at funerals at all times. This would be burdensome to persons of moderate cir- cumstances. At that time the dead were con- veyed to the burial grounds by four or six men, who carried the body on a bier upon their shoulders. Most of the residents of Indiana lived east of the Pennsylvania rail- road and the crossing where cars shifted was considered very dangerous. It was also argued that the ground was so wet that it would require considerable force to submerge a coffin. The price was considered exorbitant and extravagant.

taken by the citizens of the borough and White township and resulted as follows: 55 were in favor of the report of the committee, 126 in favor of the Oakland cemetery site, 16 in favor of the White and Carter site, and 163 in favor of the Kaufman site. Upon the report of the result of the vote at a public meeting held at the courthouse March 21, 1864, Judge Sutton, William Banks, C. C. McClain, James Clark and Adam Row were appointed an executive committee with in- structions to open books for the subscription of stock in shares of $10 each until $3,000 had been subscribed and paid. About one hundred persons subscribed for stock.

James Bailey, Peter Sutton, George W. Sedgwick, William B. Marshall, and William McCoy made application and on the 30th of March, 1864, obtained an "Act of Assembly" declaring them and such others as might as- sociate with them a corporation or body politic in the name and title of the Oakland Ceme- tery Association. Those who objected to the site of the Oakland cemetery made application for a charter under the name of the Indiana Cemetery Association. The site was north of Indiana on the James Clark farm. One per- son was buried there.

After much controversy and the presenting to court of petitions by both associations the Indiana Cemetery Association did not push claims further and the Oakland Cemetery As- sociation continued.

The grounds of the Oakland cemetery were purchased of William McCoy for $2,500 and contain fifteen acres. The repairs and trees which were planted cost $1,500. In 1878 a fence was built around the grounds at a cost of $2,200.

Many of the directors having died the stock passed into the hands of their widows, and the association did not prosper well. By the efforts of Mr. Edward Row and others the stock was sold, younger men were interested, and the association has since improved the grounds.

The directors at present are: Harry W. Wilson, president; Phil. M. Sutton, secretary and manager; A. W. Mabon, treasurer; J. Wood, clerk; Harry Earhart, S. W. Guthrie, Elmer Campbell. Harry H. Hart has charge of the grounds.

GREENWOOD CEMETERY

The Incorporation of Greenwood Cemetery (by S. A. Douglass) .- A meeting of the fol-

On Friday, March 18, 1864, a vote was lowing named persons, A. M. Stewart, J. S.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Nesbit, John Robertson, S. A. Douglass, J. N. the terms for the payments being liberal, it Banks, George W. Simpson, W. B. Pattison,

was decided to purchase the same. Articles for B. B. Tiffany, W. T. Hamill, Jonathan Trim- the incorporation of the cemetery having been ble, James Trimble, Thomas Trimble, J. A. Bell and Harry Bryan, was held at the office of A. M. Stewart, in the borough of Indiana, on Thursday, the 22d day of May, A. D. 1879, for the purpose of considering the pro- priety of purchasing of grounds in White township, Indiana county, for the location of a new cemetery for the burial of the dead. The meeting was organized by calling John

prepared, read and approved by the said board of managers, application was made to the court, and on the 18th day of June, 187.9, a charter was granted by Hon. John P. Blair, president of the court of Common Pleas, for the county of Indiana, Pa. The distinet and irrevocable principle on which this corpora- tion is founded, and to remain forever, is that the entire funds arising from the sale ment of said fund shall be specifically dedi-

Robertson to the chair, and appointing W. of burial lots and the proceeds of any invest- T. Hamill secretary. The object of the meeting had been suggested heretofore to the cated to the purchase and improvement of aforesaid parties, and had been carefully con- the grounds of the cemetery, and keeping them durably and permanently enclosed and in perpetual repair through all future time, including all incidental expenses for approach to the cemetery, and for the proper manage- ment of the same; and that no part of said funds shall, as dividend, profit or in any manner whatever, inure to the corporators. sidered, and on motion of A. M. Stewart the following persons were appointed a commit- tee to prepare articles of association for the incorporation of a cemetery association: J. N. Banks, S. A. Douglass and A. W. Taylor. * It was further agreed, and so resolved, that all parties present form a committee, with A. M. Stewart as chairman, to view and ex- amine the different locations proposed and report on Saturday, May 24th, at six o'clock P. M. It was also agreed and so ordered that G. W. Simpson, John Fulton, J. A. Bell, A. M. Stewart be a committee to canvass for addi- tional subscribers to the enterprise, and it was further agreed and so ordered that the name of the association be "The Greenwood Ceme- tery." The committee to view grounds suit- able for the location of a cemetery reported having viewed grounds of A. W. Taylor, George Row, John Lamp and James Clark, situate in White township aforesaid, and after some discussion as to merits of the dif- ferent places the vote was taken by ballot on

The following constitute the board of cor- porators for the cemetery: S. A. Douglass, Robert Mitchell, Andrew Gaily, W. B. Patti- son, J. H. McCune, B. B. Tiffany, James M. Stewart, J. N. Banks, J. H. Hill, Harry Bryan, J. L. Orr, George W. Wheeler, A. F. Cooper, John S. Fisher, J. C. Conner, W. C. Chapman, Dr. J. M. St. Clair, Dr. H. B. Buterbangh, E. E. Williams, J. R. Daugherty, Jr., P. L. Hamill, J. C. Nix, John Houck, Charles Nichol. These meet once a year and elect nine persons as managers, the present board of managers being: J. N. Banks, presi- dent; Charles Nichol, vice president; S. A. Douglass, secretary, treasurer and manager ; W. B. Pattison, J. H. MeCune, Dr. J. M. St. the different locations, which resulted in fa- Clair, John S. Fisher, W. C. Chapman.

vor of A. W. Taylor. A. M. Stewart, J. N. Banks, J. S. Nesbit, G. W. Simpson, John Robertson, R. C. Taylor, S. A. Douglass, W. B. Pattison and B. B. Tiffany were ap- pointed trustees for the purchasing of the grounds and the receiving and collecting of moneys for the said association, and also se- lected as a board of managers until first elec- tion appointed by the board of managers and corporators for that purpose.

BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS

Indiana Bent Rung Ladder Company .- The business of the Indiana Bent Rung Lad- der Company was organized in the year 1891 by Edward Rowe, patentee of the bent rung ladder; R. D. Hetrick, D. A. Hetrick, W. T. Wilson, Dr. N. F. Ehrenfeld, E. A. Penning- ton, A. M. Hammers, John Switzer and W. F. Wettling, under a copartnership agreement to do business as the Indiana Ladder Com- pany. The old furniture factory on Water street was rented and the company manufac- tured only the original bent rung ladder. The amount of money invested by the partners was about $1,000. The business grew rapidly

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 80

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930