Bartholomew County, Indiana - Chapter 9: 1!y C. Rickktts, 1888 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 9: 1!y C. Rickktts

Towns - Ciii' of Coiajmhus - When and How FoundivD - - Prfvations of thk Early Settlicks - Earev Taverns - Pioneer Doctors - - First Merchants - Railroads - Water \Yorks, Gas and Electric Light - Public Buildings - Additions - Newspapers - FRATj^iNiTiEs - ^ Banking - Manufactories - Hope - Elizabethtown - Hartsville - Jonesnille - Etc.

^RIOR to the year 1818, when the treaty of St. Mary's extinguished the Indian title to a large region of countr}' in the southern half of Indiana, and opened the land to settlement, there were no white men in what is now Bartholomew Count}', unless it were an occasional hunter or trapper such as always hovers on the frontier and is a kind of "connecting link" between savage and civilized life, and about as near the one as the other. This barrier removed, the resistless tide of emigration moved onward, and within the next three years settlements were made at a number of points in the county, and much of the land was surveyed and "entered."

The land on which Columbus now stands was bought in August, 1820, b}^ Gen. John Tipton and Luke Bonesteel. In that year Gen. Tipton erected a log house on Mt. Tipton, the most elevated and commanding spot in several miles square, and the site of the present beautiful residence of Mr. J. G. Swartzkopf, at the west end of Third Street. Luke Bonesteel built one a little further south on the river bank near where the water works now stand, and John Lindsey one at the west end of Fourth Street near where it is now crossed by the railroad. Early in 1S21 a legal ferry was also established at this point, though perhaps one had existed in fact sometime previous to that, giving the place more local prominence,. In that early day, when the nearest neighbors were usually several mifes apaii, this constiliitcd (j^uite a village, which took the name of Tiptonia, in honor of Gen. Tipton. Jt is thought that some kind of plat was made of the young town, but this is not certain as none was ever placed on record.

On January 9, 1821, by act of the Legislature, Bartholomew County was organi^ed, and by the same act, W. P. Thompson, Edward E. Morgan, John E, Clark, and James Hamilton, were appointed Commissioners to select and lay out a county seat. They proceeded at once to the discharge of their duty, and after due consideration, selected Tiptonia as the future seat of justice for the new count}'. It must have been rather a forbidding spot at that time on which to found a town, as it was covered b^^ a huge growth of forest trees, surrounded by swamps and bayous from which arose rank gases, filling the air with malaria and rendering it peculiarly unhealthy. It is not known what influenced the Commissioners to select this site, but we may presume that they had the sagacity to look forward to a time when the forests would be cleared away, the swamps drained and the county become rich and salubrious as we see it to-day. At that time, too, flat-boating was the principal means of shipping produce and goods, and this being at the junction of Flat Rock and Blue rivers, the head of navigation, unless during high water, was a natural shipping point. Perhaps, also, the donation of thirt}' acres of land by Gen. Tipton was not without its influence. Luke Bonesteel, who seems to have had less public spirit and more acquisitiveness than his neighbor Tipton, sold the Commissioners thirty acres more for $2,000, which must have been rather an exorbitant price at that time. They appointed John Newton, County Agent to survey and lay off the town and "dispose of the lots at public sale. The Commissioners a few weeks later changed the name from Tiptonia to Columbus, which was rather an ungracious return to Gen. Tipton for his generous donation of land.

The original plat shows that the town - on paper - extended from the present southern boundary, north to Harrison (now 6th) Street, and from the river east to Mechanic Street. The public square, exclusive of streets, contained a httle more than two acres. The width of Washington, Jackson, Merriam (2) and Tipton (3) streets was eighty feet, and of l^indsc}-, Brown, Franklin, Mechanic, Water, Mulbeny (i), Walnut (4) and Harrison (5) sixty feet, an^J the alleys were twelve feet. The lots were 75 feet front and 150 feet deep, and were 222 in number. The first sales were made on the 15th day of June, 1821, and 122 of the lots disposed of; John Newton having in the meantime been removed as County Agent, and John Dowling appointed in his stead. The terms of sale were one-fiftli cash, the remainder in three annual pa}-ments, with eight per cent, off for cash. The prices ranged from $10 to $200 per lot, and the total amount realized was $6,289. '^^^^ ^°^~ lowing are the names of some of the earhest purchasers, some from the agent and others from Luke Bonesteel: David Stipps, William McDonald, Jacob Kelly, WiUiam Beard, Thomas Maskal, Jacob Rice, Charles Depauw, William Chipman, Col. John C. Vawter, James McKinney, Peter B. W^right, John McEwen, James Dunlav}'-, R. H. Jacob, Joseph. Nicely, Harr}' Brown, David Hall, Thomas Harrison, James Vanmeter, Elizabeth Grifhth, Richard Fansher, David McEwen, J. B. Fugit, Patrick Murphy, John Mc- Kinne}^ John Young, Daniel Grant, John W. Hallister, Philip Switzer, Ira Grover, Benjamin Irwin, Horace Dow'ning, David Hager, Elijah Ferry, John Herrick, Julius R. Matson, Jacob Mc- Adoo, Samuel Mackinson, Solomon Stout, Sophronia Kent, Ebenezer Ward, James Dunham, Newton C. Jones, Samuel Crittenden, Jacob Lain, Henry McBride, John Orr, Jeremiah Grover, James Dueson, John Moffatt, Philip Redinbaugh, Reuben Henshaw^, Jacob Lewis, Hiram H. Lewis, David Dietz and Thomas Hankson. While some of these purchasers were doubtless non-residents who bought for speculative purposes, most of the persons named soon took up their abode in the village, as their names appear on the tax list and other public records at intervals; and the new^ town seems to have assumed quite a prosperous air for a backwoods place, laboring under so many disadvantages, of which the present generaation can scarcely form a conception.

Judging from the character of their work remaining, and from the estimate of those 3'et living who can remember them, the founders of Columbus must have been men of great energ}', resolution and strong common sense, and many of them possessed of a good education. The}- proceeded without delay to organize an orderly communit}-, elect olTicers, establish courts of justice, provide (or -churches and schools, and put in operation all the machinery and aycncies of a civilized and enlio-htened government. Many of theii! were men who had fought in the War of iSi 2, the Indian wars, and some even in the Revolution; they were inured to all manner of danger and hardships, and did not h(*sitate at diflicultfes that would have been insurmountable to men of less experience and resolution. Tliere were also quite a number from the Eastern States, endowed with more education and refinement, if less experience in the rough life of the frontier, and they exercised an excellent influence in moulding the character and shaping the affairs of the new community.

At first all goods, such as clothing, salt, sugar, whisky, nails and such indispensible articles were carried on pack horses from some point on the river, usually from Madison. With the opening of the State road from that city some time later, wagons came into use and a new industr}-^ was established, some persons making a business of hauling goods from the river. Henry Brown, John Adams and Thomas Dudle}^ were among the most noted of these old teamsters. A stage line was established later for the carrying of passengers and the mail. The roads were extremely bad, the streams often swollen, and it sometimes took several days to make the trip even with a very small load. The most of what was shipped out went by flat-boat to New Orleans or other cities down the river, and this was quite a business for a good many j^ears after the town was settled. It was not until some time in 182 1, that there was even a postofiice in the Hmits of the county; previous to that time the people having to go either to Vernon or Brownsto\yn, two "days' journey, to receive or send their mail and paying as high as twent^'-five cents postage On a single letter. But as they handled but little mail, this was one of their minor inconveniences. In 1821 a postoffice was established in Columbus, which answered for the whole county until 1832, in which year offices were located at Azalia, Newbern and Hope.

man who could afford, a house with two rooms, or built of hewn logs, was regarded as an aristocrat - even the Hrst juiblic buildings were maHc of logs, but it was not many years until the most of these gave way to brick or frame. The public s(]uare was in a state of nature and on tlie first Monday in Mav after the town was laid out, the clearing of the square was publicly let to the lowest bidder feu- the sum of $46.62 ;<. This, however, included only the cutting of the trees and burning the brush. The smaller logs were used in building cabins, but the larger ones remained on the ground until the summer of 1822. In that year Ira G. Grover came from Cincinnati with a stock of goods and opened a store on the southwest corner of the square. He was a public-spirited man as well as a man of fine taste, and could not long brook the unseemly sight of the great logs covering the square_ and soon raised a popular subscription of $55 and had them, cleared awa3^ Many of the large stumps remained for years and were often used as a platform from which politicians and other public speakers harrangued the people, made " stump speeches " in a literal sense. At the same time that the contract was let for cutting the timber on the square,. a contract was also let for building an estray pen, price $27, and a log jail, price $112. The house of Lake Bonesteel was used for some years as a court house.

Early Taverns. - Small as the town was, and as few travelers as there naturall}'^ would be under the circumstances, it was early supplied with a number of taverns - they did not have hotels in those daj-s. As early as 1821, James Dunston, John Lindsey and David Stipp, are recorded as "keeping taverns," and in 1822, the names of Thomas Hinkson, Newton C. Jones and Samuel Beck, are added to these. It is not to be supposed, however, that these taverns were very imposing structures, elaborate in outfit, or that the income of the proprietors was calculated to make " bloated capitalists." Under the law at that time, tavern-keepers were licensed to sell liquor, and a number of these taverns had no accommodation for man or beast, the license merel}'^ serving as a cover for the sale of liquor. Afterward the law permitted " groceries" and " stores," to sell liquor also, and many of these establishments had about the same outfit as the " taverns." In addition to those given the following named persons were engaged in the same business in Columbus, during the very early years of its history: J. F. Jones, Jerry Grover, Savern Jones, L. M. Hedges, Dr. W. P. Kirger, Aquilla Jones, John B. Hunter, William Wilkerson, W. P. Sims, O. Sims, L. Sims, James N. Laine, B. B. White, James Hobbs, Philip Daily, L. D. Jones, John McKinney, John Adams, John C. Hubbard, Elias Bedford, and John Jacob. I\Iost^)f these were only temporarily in the business, but a few of them continued in it until a comparatively recent date, notabl}' J. F. Jones, or "Jack" Jones, as he was familiarly known. He kept the "Jones House," on the southeast corner of the square, which for many years was the leading hotel, and was at the height of its popularity during Jones' administration. A histor}- of this noted house under its various names and different landlords would make an interesting volume of itself. Although shorn of its former glory and prestige by more pretentious and costly hotels, it still remains and does a fair business under the name of " Germania Hotel." Mr. Jones, the old landlord, afterward removed to Greencastle, Ind., where he died in 1886, at an advanced age. One pecuharity about him was that he never ate a bite of solid food from the time he was a mere child, having at that time received a severe injury to the throat by taking a drink of concentrated lye that almost closed the passage ever afterward.

Early Mills. - Yox a number of 3'ears after its settlement Columbus had no mills, and except what meal and flour was liauled in b}'^ wagons, the dependence was on several primitive mills in the country. The first in the county was a hand mill owned by Daniel Branbom, about two miles east of the town, which was kept going day and night, each man doing his own grinding and paying no toll. Soon after a horse mill was established at the INIcFall settlement on Clifty, and another at the present site of Dipper's mill. Next was a small water mill that ground both wheat and corn, on Haw Creek, three miles northeast of Columbus, owned by Joseph Cox and his son Thomas. In 182 1, mills were also located at Lowell and at the crossing of Clifty on the State road southeast of the town. In 1831, Thomas Cox built a custom mill on Flat Rock, two miles north of the town, the water supply in Haw Creek hav- ing grown iiisufliciciit. Tliis mill did a good business for many years. The first Columbus mill proper, was built by Isaac Patterson in 4835, on- Flat Rock, north of the city. He experienced much trouble on account of the dam washinf: out, and after exchanging hands several times, the mill was abandoned in 1847. The next year Banfill & Griflilh extended the ra'ce for this mill and built a flouring mill near it, now the east end of the railroad bridge. This was sold to Captain Whitesides, w)u) ran it until 1858, when it was burned. A temporary custom mill was erected in its stead, which ran for a few years, when the water power and site were sold to the woolen mills company who erected a large woolen mill, that was also burned some years later. The first steam mill was built in 1856, by Crane, Gent & Bass, on the present site of the Caroline Mills. It was called the " Railroad Mill," and did a prosperous business for eighteen years. In 1863, Carr and Upton built an extensive mill on the corner of Washington and Fifth streets, which, after passing through several hands, was burned in 1 87 1. J. V. Stor}^, in 1863, erected the brick mill on the corner of Franklin and Fifth, which in 1875 was changed into a homin}' mill. A large steam flouring mill was built by Rominger & Banner in 1875, which did an extensive business until 1887, when it was also burned. This, we believe, includes all the Columbus grain mills that have ceased to exist.

Early Doctors. - The city and surrounding countr}^ earty afforded a fruitful field for doctors. The man}'- sluggish streams, swamps, bayous, the rank and decaying vegetation long rendered the " Driftwood bottoms " proverbial for unhealthfulness, and fevers and malarial diseases of all kinds here found a home. For a loner time a swamp in which water stood the year round covered the northwest corner of the square and several acres of adjoining land. There is a well authenticated tradition that at one time in the summer of 1821 there was but one well man in the town and he was soon after drowned on a trip down the river with a flat-boat. F. J. Crump, afterward one of Columbus' most noted citizens, and the weAlthiest man the county ever produced, was then a coffin maker and was kept pretty busy, often making two or three a day. The outfit of a doctor was a slight knowledge of medicine, a horse, and a lar<;e pair of saddle-bags in wliicli he carried liis few medicines and surgical instruments - such a thing as sending a prescripvtion to a drug store \vas unknown. As stated, the principal diseases were of a malarial nature and the chief medicine was calomel - quinine came later - and this was dealt out in copious

doses, and many an unhappy patient suffered more from the medicine than the disease. The lancet was almost as indespensable as calomel and a patient was bled on the slightest provocation. What, with the malarious climate, the calomel and the lancet, the settlers often had a wretched time of it and many succumbed to the accumulated burdens and found but a grave where the}' had fondly hoped to establish a home. Neither was the life of a physician one to be envied; they bore their full share of the early privations and are entitled to a large portion of the honor and reverence accorded other pioneers. They were expected to respond to all calls, day or night, and often made long journeys through the wilderness over almost impassable roads or no roads, forded streams, endured wet and cold, faced hardships and dangers that required an iron constitution, nerves of steel and undaunted courage. Then, too, Hke the pioneer preacher and teacher, they had to take their pay in " truck," a sack of corn, load of wood, a pig or whatever their patients could spare. The first doctors were not noted for great scientific attainments, but man}^ of them were men of strong, practical common sense, skillful for their opportunities and indispensable in the community. They were, perhaps, more generally known and are better remembered than any of the other pioneers, and it would be a pleasant task to give a personal sketch of each did the scope of this article permit.

Dr. Samuel Ritchie was one of the earliest, belonged to the *' calomel school," and was considered a safe and reliable practitioner. He lived in a two-story log house on the spot where Dr. ,S. M. Linton's house now is, and his wife was the first woman teacher in Columbus. Dr. Samuel Osborne came from New York, -was very popular professionaly and socially, but was unable to withstand the hardships, and soon died. Dr. William L. Wash- "burn occupies a prominent place in local history. He was an influential citizen as well as skillful ph^-sician, and occupied a num- ber of public positions in the count}'. His descendants still reside here, Mr. William Washbur.n, Sr., being his grandson. Dr. Joseph A. Baxter was also an eastern man, and probabl}-^ the best educated of the earh' pratitioners. lie was successful and popular among the more intelligent and relined class, though it is said that the rougher elements did not take kindly to his genteel manners. He also kept the first drug store, or apothecarj-'s shop, in Columbus. Dr. Tiffin Davis was a man of immense energy and courage, and attained an enviable reputation, especially as a surgeon, often being called to attend cases of that branch twenty miles away. Dr. Joseph Fasset settled at Lowell Mills, but his practice covered the same territor}' as the Columbus doctors. He belonged to the " botanic school," which became quite popular for a time and was a kind of protest against the inordinate use of calomel. He was also a Baptist preacher and teacher as well as physician, and withal a very useful citizen and highly esteemed. Dr. William P. Kizer was one of the earhest, and a somewhat noted individual in the community, but was regarded as a kind of quack in the profession.

First Merchants. - Perhaps the first store established in Columbus was by John Williamson and son Frazier, in the fall of 1 82 1. They had about $300 worth of stock of such articles as could be most easily transported through the wilderness and were indispensable to the settlers. In the spring of 1822, Ira G. Grover erected a store room on the southwest corner of the square, and in June, brought three large wagon loads of goods, bought in Cincinnati and Philadelphia, some $4,000 worth, which was a mammoth stock for that day. He appears to have had almost a monopoly for a short time, but the climate proved too much for him, and in March, 1825, he removed to Greensburg w^here he lived until a ver}' recent date, a prosperous and honored citizen. Prior to 1830, a number of stores w:as established, but many of these were like some of the taverns, onl}' a cover for the sale of liquor, as the law for a time, permitted the sale of this article by store keepers. John C. Hubbard had a store on the east side of the square, w^here Pape's cigar store is now, and a part of the original building is still standing. John M. Guinn had a brick store room on the west side of the square, about the pres- ent site of the Indiana House, and Hager & Wilson one on tlie nortluvest corner. Other early merchants, some perhaps as early i as lliose nientionetl, were David Dietz recently deceased, Mitchell & Jones, Z. Tannehill, William Chapman, John McKinne}', Wilson & Arnold, William Adams, John Jacobs, Evan Arnold, Giles Mitchell, Benjamin Parker, Thomas M. Weaver, and William Singleton.

It was not until 1S35 ^'^''^'- town had arrived at such dignity as to think of being incorporated. May 6, of that year, a petition was presented to the County Commissioners asking to be incorporated and an election was ordered to vote on the question, when the proposition was voted down, chiefl}' through the opposition of John McKinney. It was revived again in 1837, and an election held on the 15th of April, when the friends of incorporation had a majority. But thirty-five votes were cast at this election, showing that the population was yet very small or that comparatively little interest was felt in the subject.

The town organization continued until June, 1S64, when it was concluded that the dignity and population of the town justified a city government, and a petition was presented to the town council asking that the necessary steps be taken to secure a city charter. An enumeration was made and an election ordered, which resulted in favor of the charter, which was secured, and October 24 the first city election was held, at which Smith Jones was elected Ma3-or.

Early in 1869, the present gas company was formed and certain franchises granted it, by the council; also a contract was entered into for lighting the streets. The city erected and owned the posts, while the company furnished the light at so much per post. On November 6th, 1869, the city was lighted with gas for the first time amid much rejoicing. More posts were erected from time to time as needed, until 1887, when the demand for a better light induced the company to put in an electric light plant, a contract having first been secured for lighting the city for two years, and the gaslight for outdoor purposes has been abandoned.

Continuing the line of improvement, and realizing the necessity of better protection from fire, in 1870, the council decided to construct water works, and in the following year, the present system of Holly works was completed at a cost of not quite $54,000, though improvements and extensions since have brouglit the total cost up to near $100,000, At first there was no regular fire company and the only dependence was upon volunteers to man the hose whenever the necessity arose, and, of course, the work was ver}'' inefficient. Several severe losses soon taught the necessity of a regular company, which was organized in 1S73, and has since been maintained, and soon became ver}^ efficient. H. C. Davie was the first chief, and held the position for thirteen years, when A. B. Reeves became the head of the force.

About this time, 187 1, the cit}- and whole community suffered a great loss in the failure of McEwen & Son's bank. This company had done an immense business of various kinds, and their failure for nearly half a million dollars was crushing in its effect, and dragged down many others also. The bank was the depository of the city and county funds, and by the failure the former lost $17,000 and the latter $27,000, only a small portion of which was afterward recovered from the assets.

yails. - In May, after the county was organized, the building of the first jail was let by the Commissioners to John S. McEwen for the sum of $112. It stood on or near the southeast corner of the public square, w^as of logs, two stories high, and of two rooms. The lower room contained an inner lining of oak wood, dovetailed together to give it greater strength. Two small grated windows at the top and at opposite sides gave light and ventilation. The only entrance was by a trap door in the floor above, through which a ladder was let down when it was necessar}?^ to descend or ascend. This was called the "dungeon," and was used for the more dangerous class of prisoners. The upper room was less secure but more comfortable, and was known as the "debtor's room," imprisonment for debt not having been abolished at that time. It was entered by a stairway outside. This jail becoming unfit for use, in 1832, a new one was 'built on the corner of Brown and Walnut (4th), This was of brick, but in other respects was a duplicate of the first one. It was insecure and unhealthy from the first, and in 1844, it was torn down and another built on the same spot, of Vernon limestone, with a brick residence adjoining. This appears to have been a bad job also, and the prisoners soon had the walls almost picked to pieces in tlicir attempts to escape, and it was torn down and rebuilt with heavy stone fl'tgging in the dungeon, and gtrung iron bolts inserted between all the courses in the walls. Like its predecessors, this proved to be unsafe and unhealth}', and the building and ground was sold by the county, and in 1S70, the present splendid jail completed at a cost of about $43,000.

Loitrt Houses. - As has been stated, the residence of Luke Bonesteel was first used as a court room, and on June 14, 1821, the Commissioners bought the house for $SO, and it continued to be used for the same purpose until 1S28. At the November term of 1821, the Commissioners contracted with Col. Giles Mitchell to build a brick court house to be completed in eight years. Just why so much time was given is uncertain; perhaps it was partially owing to the difficulty of obtaining the material, and also to give the county more time in which to pay for it. The building was forty feet square, two stories high, the first story thirteen feet between the floors ; the second stor}^ ten feet. It stood near the center of the square. This continued to be the seat of justice until 1838, when the Commissioners decided that " the requirements of the people demanded the erection of a new court house," and a committee was appointed to report upon the propriety of the same. The report being favorable, a second committee, consisting of John Knapp, John Oglesby, and EHsha P. Jones, was appointed to draft a model and make report at next meeting, and in May, 1839, the contract was let to John Elder, for the price of $8,500. John M. Guinn, Lewis F. Coppersmith, John F. Jones, John C. Hubbard and John H. Terrell were appointed to superintend the work. This building occupied the center of the public square, was brick, and was considered at the time a marvel of grandeur and magnifi- .cence.

But in the course of years the pubHc business of the county outgrew this also, and in 1870, the County Commissioners, Louis Essex, John P. Holtz and John W. Welmer, decided to erect one on a scale that would answer for generations. The work was let to McCormack & Sweene}', home contractors, for the sum of $139,000. The work was completed and turned over to the county near the end of 1874. The extra work on the building, the furni- ture, clock, Iicating apparatus, fence, etc., brought the total cost of tlae improvement up to near $250,000, it being at the time of its completion, the finest court liouse in the State with one or two exceptions. It was dedicated on the 29th of December, 1S74, with. a great banquet and ball, wliich was attended by many of the most prominent men of the State, and some from other States. A few old men were also present who could remember when court was held in the old log house on the river bank and the site of the present structure was covered with forest trees, and to them the change must have appeared little less than marvelous.

Additions. - No addition was made to the town as first platted, until 1848, when Doup's addition was platted. This consisted of a stnp of ground lying west of Washington Street and north of the Madison Railroad. The next was in March, 1851, by Lewis Sims and Mary F. Finley, contained two squares and extended north and east, from the corner where the Catholic Church stands. In August, 1 85 1, Jones, Irwin & Mounts' addition was made. This adjoined the original plat and extended from Washington Street east to Chestnut. After this no further additions were made until Januar}'", 1862, when Irwin's first addition was recorded. This was followed by Lewds Sim's addition, in April, 1862, and by Irwin's second addition, in July, 1862. In November, 1863, the city cemetery was platted and recorded as an addition, by James I. Irwin. Keith's addition was made in April, 1864, and in December of the same year, Hege & Hill still further extended the boundaries. Hunt's addition was made in February, 1865, and Irwin's third addition, November, 1866.

By petition of the tax-payers and action of the County Commissioners, several different pieces of ground lying in various parts of the cit}'^ were platted and added to its area, and February, 1S73, by the same process, the boundaries were extended in almost every direction. A small addition was platted by Karrenbach, in July, 1870, and by Keith & Keith, October, 1870.

September, 1875, Hay's addition was recorded, and many of the lots sold at public sale. This is a large and important addition lying between Tenth Street and the Cambridge Railroad. February, 1879, the Columbus Wheel Company and M. T. Reeves added a considerable porlion wlierc the Reeves manufactoiy stands. In March, iSSo, a few lots were added by William Manion, and in December, iSSo, a few more by S. B. Samuels. A large plat was added by Graham (!vr Tompkins, May, 1881, consisting of several acres of land lying east of Washington Street and south of the road that forms the present northern boundary of the city. The next addition was by George W. Cooper, in May, 1881, of grounds adjoining the Graham & Tompkins' addition on the south. August, 18S1, R. Whipker made a small addition, and in March, 1S82, Charles Whipker still further enlarged this.

Amos Burns, in May, 1S83, platted a piece of land just south of the Cambridge Railroad and between Washington and Franklin streets. This completed the platting the entire length of Washington Street. In July, 1884, the large addition of Crump's heirs was recorded, consisting of twenty acres northeast of the city and extending north to the Cambridge Railroad, and the addition of Quick's heirs, directly north of this, in the following November, completed the platting east and north to the corporation lines, and opened a large and beautiful section for building purposes that had hitherto been used only for agriculture. In 1886, a considerable addition was made to the city cemetery by Horn & Pfuffer, and in June, 1886, John A. Keith Place, consisting of a half a square just east of the Central School building, was subdivided and placed on record as an addition to the city. The last addition is Swengel's Park Place, three acres lying east of the city proper, which was platted and recorded November, 1878. There is a measure pending before the city council at this time to extend the boundary line from the river north of the city entirely around until it touches the river on the south, and which, if accomplished, will add some 2,500 acres to the area within the corporation.

A^ai/roads. - July ist, 1844, marked an important epoch in the history of Columbus, as on that date the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad reached this point. This was the first road in the State, was crude in construction and equipment, but the first whisde sounded the death knell of the freight wagon, the flat-boat and the stage coach. . The Jefferson Railroad was finished to Columbus in the spring of 1852, and the Columbus & Shelbyville roacj was commenced in June, 1853, and finished the same year. These lines were afterward all leased b}' the Penns^'lvania Company and operated as a part of that SN'Stem. For man)' years the city suffered great disadvantage for lack of railwa}' competition, and many schemes were proposed to secure it, but without effect, until 1SS5, the Columbus, Hope & Greensburg road, a branch of the Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis &. Chicago was completed. The railroad facilities cf tliis city are now equal to those of any cit}- of its size in the country.

JVc-wsJ>apcrs. - A true and full histor_v of the newspaper ventures of Columbus, would make a varied and interesting chapter, full of vicissitudes, humor and pathos, occasional success and man}' failures. Tlie first paper was the Columbus Chronicle^ Lamson L. Dunkin, publisher. Dunkin and his father published a paper at Charlestown, Clark County, but when Bartholomew became more thickly populated, there appeared to be an opening for a paper, so father and son divided the material, and the younger man came to Columbus. The first number was issued Januar)^ i, 1831, and it was predicted that it would be short-lived. But Dunkin was a practical printer, a man of business, tact, popular, and succeeded in building up a paying business, but his health failed, and he died in 1834. At Dunkin's death it passed into the hands of Williamson Terrell and James McCall, the latter a printer in the office. Terrell was a merchant at that time, afterward a minister in the Methodist Church, and one of the most noted pioneer preachers of the State. At first the paper was neutral in politics, but Terrell, who was neutral in nothing, soon converted it into a red-hot Whig organ, and changed the name to Western Herald. He was a man of positive views and combative disposition which led him into many difficulties during his short journalistic career, but his personal courage and great physical strength stood him in good stead on such occasions. After about a year Terrell sold out to his partner, who ran it another year, but not ver}' successfully, when the material was sold and removed to Bloomington, Ind.

The next paper launched on the new community was the Advocate^ a year or two after the demise of the Herald. Lewis F. Coppersmith, a la\\-yer and writer of ability, was the editor, and his partner, Samuel P. Farley, was a ]iractical printer. It was coaductcd with extraordinary dignity and ability for a local paper of tiiat day, and while Whig in politics, was conservative and mild, too mild for many of its fiery Whig readers. In 1840, Mr. Coppersmith sold his interest to R. L. Howell, a shrewd Yankee adventurer, for an interest in a patent shingle machine. Howell, while not possessed of the same abilil)- as his predecessor, was caustic and rasping, and made it hot enough for his political opponents. He controlled the paper but a short time, when it passed into the hands of the" firm of Schofield & Farley, who employed W. F. Pidgeon as editor. The financial condition of the country was bad at this time, and the Whig party in the country was also in a bad way, and although Mr. Pidgeon was a gentleman and scholar, he was not a success as a newspaper man and the paper went into a decline and expired in 1842.

Undaunted by these failures, in 1842 or 1843, a young man named Samuel H. Kridelbaugh started the Wecl:/j Ledger, employing Hosea B. Hai-n to edit it while he set the type. During the wmter of 1844-5, it was issued semi- weekly ; but the publisher was without experience and the editor was eccentric, what in these days would, be called a "crank," and in the spring of 1845, the Ledger went the way of its predecessors.

Soon after the death of the Ledger, two papers of opposite politics were started, the Hoosier Revicio and the Columbus Gazette. The former had been published at Rushville, but failed, and the owner, Corydon Donovan, moved the material to Columbus, and re-issued it under the above tide. Donovan was an enthusiastic supporter of Polk, also had a good opinion of himself, and when his favorite had been inaugurated, went on to Washington to claim his reward. Modesty was not one of his cardinal virtues, and he first asked the French mission, then demanded some second-class mission, but being ignored, kept reducing his demands, until his enemies said he finally asked for a suit of the President's cast-off clothing, and this being refused he cam^ home in disgust and sold his paper to Kridlebaugh, late of the Ledger. Henry C. Childs was editor and proprietor of the Gazette, and published it a year, when George E. Tingle, a lawyer and vigorous writer, was employed as editor. Soon after this the two papers were consolidated and published a short time under the name of Iloosicr and Gazette, but the combinc-ttion did not last, and in a few months the publication of each was resumed, the Tfoosicr soon going the way of so many others. Mr. Childs associated with himself Mr. D. Petit, an experienced editor of Frankfort, Ky., who soon made the Gazette the best paper that had yet been published in the town. But Mr. Petit could not stand the climate, and died in 1846, and William B. Stuckey bought an interest in the paper. In the fall of 1S47, Mr. Childs sold his interest to W. H. H. ("Buck") Terrell, afterward Adjutant-General of Indiana, and right hand man of Gov. Morton. In Februar}'^, 1848, Childs again purchased an interest in the paper, Terrell remaining editor. He was a brilliant writer but unacquainted with newspaper work, and the business did not prosper, and in June, 1848, the office was sold and taken to Lafayette, and after a checkered existence of four 3'^ears, the Gazette, too, gave up the ghost. Gen. Terrell, the last editor, was a man of much note and great force of character. At the time of his death he was compiling a history of the county, and from his writings much of the material for this history has been obtained. It is a matter of great regret that it was not completed, as, owing to his ability in that line, and long acquaintance with all the affairs of the count}', would have enabled him to produce a better history than an}"- one now living can possibly do.

The next paper was the Columhiis Democrat, founded in 1848 by John R. Tinkle, who published it until 1850, when it was bought by Aquilla Jones and W. F. Pidgeon, the latter giving way soon after to W. C. Stateler, who, in 1852 became sole proprietor, and changed the name to Indiaiia Democrat. I. C. Dillie became the owner in 1854, who continued the publication, with Dr. Nathan Tompkins as editor, until 1861, when it was sold to Rev. William Howe. In 1868 it again changed hands, Judge N. T. Carr becoming editor and proprietor, who changed the name to Coliimbics Btdletin. Carr sold it in 1872 to John D. Lyle, who gave it the original name of Bartholomczu Democrat. George E. Finney was employed as editor and soon obtained an interest in the property. In 1876 the name was changed once more, now being called

CoIiDiibus DonocraL In 1S78, Finne}- sold his interest, but it was not long until he resumed his old position as editor. In this same 5«ar J. N. Marsh bought the paper. Marsh continued the publication until 1880, when it was bought by J. A. Arnold, local editor at the time. Mrs. Laura C. Arnold, mother of the proprietor, and a writer of some note, was made chief editor. But the business did not prove profitable under their management, partly owing to a heavy load of debt and partly to the establishment of the Herald^ a paper of the same political faith, which divided the patronage. Col. Thomas C. Woodburn obtained an interest in it and was the editor at the last, but it did no better, and in 1885 the publication was suspended after a period of thirt3'-seven years. A dail}^ edition was published with the exception of a few months, from 1876 until the paper suspended. ^

The Spirit of the West was established in 1848 also, by W. C. Stateler and Columbus Stebbins. It was Whig in politics, and remained so until the party itself expired, when it espoused the Peoples' Part}' and changed its name to Cohnnbus Independent. Upon the organization of the Republican part}' it became a Republican paper, but in 1858, the office was taken to Hastings, Minn., by Mr. Stebbins, who was then sole proprietor.

The Western Union was a literary paper, established by Alonzo Hubbard, in 1858, but the community was not equal to the task of sustaining a literary paper, neither was the editor, perhaps, and in less than two years its character changed, also its name, and it was called the Weekly Union, which lived about one year. Mr. Hubbard, or "Lon," as he was usually known, was an inveterate newspaper starter. He had decided literary talent, but was reckless and dissipated, failing in everything he undertook in the way of business, but still as happy as Mark Tapley, and liked by ever}'- one. He commenced the publication of a paper called the Coliunbus Republican in 1S63, but in a few months sold it to George W. AUison, who removed it Nashville, Brown County. " Lon's " last venture was a little sheet called the City JVews, which was published, as he said, " semi-occasionally," during 1876, the publisher himself dying in August of that year.

Ryan was a talented writer but a poor business man; besides the people did not take kindly to an independent paper, and were afso tired of aiding papers that could not be made to live, and the Independent lasted but a few months.

The Cohinibiis Rcpidjiiean was the first paper of that political faith to develop "staying qualities." It was founded in April, 1872, by Isaac T. Brown and Frank W. Lantz, the former as business manager, the latter as editor. Mr. Lantz sold his interest in 1873, to C. C. Brown, and the publication was continued b}' Brown Bros., with their father, Isaac M. Brown, as editor. The Browns were all practical printei's, and succeeded in firmly establishing their paper, although beginning with a very small capital and in a most uninviting field. In 1877, I. T. Brown became sole proprietor, and in May, of the following year, I. M. Brown retired from the editorial chair and was succeeded by C. Ricketts and M. Hacker, at that time practicing attorneys. In one year Mr. Hacker retired, since which time Mr. Ricketts has been the managing editor. In November, 1877, the publication of a daily edition. The Ezxning Kepiiblican^ was commenced, and has since been maintained, being twice enlarged during the time. The following cit}' editors have been connected with the Republican : John F. Pape, Mel. S. Roland, John J. Schrack, S. L. Tarkington, J. A. Arnold, Sep. Stansifer, George E. Finney, Henry M. Linton, G. Walter Barr, W. W. Smith, P. C. Watts, William L.' McCampbell and F. J. Beck.

In 1878, George E. Finney began the publication of a non-partisan paper called the Columbian, but at the end of six months the office was bought by J. A. Arnold, and the material incorporated with the Democrat, and the debt incurred helped to drag that paper down to its final doom.

In the fall of 1881, the Herald was established by George E. Finney and Charles H. Lacy, but later the Herald Co. was formed to continue the publication, though Finney and Lacy continued in control. A year after the paper was founded a daily edition was issued, called The Evening Herald, which has since been maintained and enlarged. The Herald is Democratic in politics, and since the death of the old Democrat, the only organ of the party in the county. John Doup has been the city editor during the time it has been published.

The last journalistic venture was b}' Henry Holt and John Holt, who rented the old Democrat office, and in August, i8S6, commenced the publication of the A^czi's. It lasted onl}^ one year, a penn}' daily edition being published for a short time at the close. The material was soon after sold at sheriff's sale, then re-sold and removed to Washington Court House, Ohio.

Fraternities. - St. Jo/ill's Lodge Xo. 20^ F. & A. J/., has had rather an eventful, and at times, stormy history. On March 29, 1822, a dispensation was granted to organize a lodge, by John Sheets, Grand Master of the State, and designated the following officers: Hiram Smith, Master; "William A. Washburn, Senior Warden; Luke Bonesteel, Junior Warden, and at the next session of the Grand Lodge, October 8, 1822, a charter was granted in due form. The lodge at that time contained fourteen members; but it soon fell into a decline, and, in 1826, William A. Washburn, Master, surrendered the charter, stating that he had not been able to secure a meeting for a 3^ear, that several members had been guilty of unmasonic conduct, and a further continuance would not be productive of good to the order. A new charter was granted in 1 83 1, but no re-organization was effected under it, and it was again stricken from the roll in 1835. Through the efforts of Captain Francis Lytle and a few other zealous Masons, a third charter was granted in May, 1843, and the lodge was re-organized with the original name and number, and since that time the organization has been maintained, and it has long been recognized as among the best lodges of the State. The first hall owned by the lodge was on the ground where the old Seeger House now stands. It was a two-story log house, with business room below and hall aboAC, the ground having been donated by Gen. John Tipton, a prominent Mason, for that purpose. The next regular place of meeting was in the upper part of the building on the corner of Washington and Third streets, the present site of Irwin's store and bank. In 1884, the lodge erected a three-story brick on their present location on Washington Street, which stood until 1883, when it was remodeled into the present magnificent temple, perhaps the best appointed in the State. Present officers are: M. Hacker, W. M.; R. M. Jackson, Sr. W.; Charles Hege, Secretary, and J. F. Snyder, Treasurer.

CoJumhu$ C/iaptcr JVo. lo. Royal Arc/i Jlfcrsons, was granted a charter May 26th, 1849, by Albert C. Pepper, Grand High Priest, on petition of Francis Lytle, Burns Moore, N. O. Herman, John W. SuUivan, I. E. Hauser, W. W. Hannaway, H. F. Hinman, B. F. Myers and H. H. Barkalow. The principal officers at present, are: J.B. Safford, High Priest; John Scott, King; Frank Stateler, Scribe ; M. T. Reeves, Treasurer, and M. P. Alden, Secretary.

yo/in B. Grave Council No. 5/, Royal and Select Masons^ was granted a charter October 19, 1883, on petition of Thomas Newb)'^, John H. Hess, William F. Coats, Amos Burns, John S. Arwine, William Gilgour, W. F. Kendal, A. R. Piper and Gero. Pence. It was named in honor of the late Dr. John B. Grav6, a ver}'- zealous and influential Mason. The first officers installed were: Thomas Newby, 111. Grand Master; J. B. Safford, Grand Chaplain; David Newsom, Grand Marshal, and Amos Burns, Grand Recorder. The present officers are : * W. F. Kendall, 111. Master; J. A. Trotter, Deputy; R. M.Jackson, Principal Conductor; WilHam Henderson, Treasurer; L. M. Guernsey, Recorder.

Cohimhis Commander y No. /^, Knights Templar, is an organization of which the members are justly proud. It includes many of the leading men of the city and surrounding country within its jurisdiction. In efficiency, it ranks second in the State. A dispensation for its organization was granted December 17th, 1867, on petition of J. H. Hess, John D. Mathes, John D. Lyle, Richard Thomas, J. S. Arwine, William H. Jennings, Caleb Schmidlap, David Marcellus and W. W. Snyder. On December i8th, 1867, the Commandery was organized by Eminent Com. Hazelrigg in person, assisted by a number of other prominent Knights from different parts of the State. The first officers were : John H. Hess, Eminent Commander; John D. Mathes, Generalissimo; Richard Thomas, Captain General. A charter was granted, April 8th, 1868. The present officers are: A. P. Charles, Eminent Commander; William Henderson, General; W. T. Strickland, Captain General; Z. T. Sweeney, Prelate; M. Hacker, S. W.; W. T. Davies, J. W.; J. S. Arwine, Treasurer; Charles Hege, Recorder.

Isham Ktith Post No. /j, G. A. R., was granted a charter January 15, 1880, and at this time includes the greater part of the ex-soldiers of the city and surrounding countr3\ At first it was called Columbus Post, but afterward changed to the present name in honor of Lieut. Col. Isham Keith, a gallant young officer from this city, who was killed at the battle of Perr}- ville, K}'. It has an established reputation as one of the most active and efficient posts in this department. The principal officers are: George II. Clutch, Commander; Daniel Judd, Senior Vice Commander; Ward Salmond. Junior Vice Commander, and S. M. Glick, Adjutant.

As auxiliarv to this post. Lookout Canip No. 32, Sons of Veterans, was organized in Fcbnuuy, 1S87, whicli is a growing order, and has enrolled many of the best young men of the city. The olhcers are: J. II. Arnold, Captain; J. \V. Smith, First Lieutenant, and William Stevens, Second Lieutenant.

The WowaiCs Relief Corps. JS^o. 6p, of h/iain Keith Post, was not organized until August, 1887, but already numbers some fifty members and is growing in strength and influence. The officers are: Mrs. Ward Salmond, President; Mrs. N. C. Spurgin, First Vice President; Mrs. C. N. Spencer, Second Vice President; Miss Maggie Hopkins, Treasurer, and Mrs. I. M. Brown, Secretary.

Indiana Council JVo. 78, C 'ited States Benefit Association, is a new order, but has gained coi.. lerable strength and popular favor, and is regarded as one of the most practical among the benevolent orders. It was organized April 20, 1886, with fifty-three charter members, and has fifty-six at this tiriie. Wiley Rominger is President; Michael Unger, Vice President; J. F. Tormehlen, Treasurer; L. C. Griffith, Financial Secretary, and Daniel Crow, Secretary.

Castle Columbus A^o. rig. Knights and Ladies of the Golden Riile, is also a new order, the charter being granted Ma}'' 23, 1884. It is also one of the few fraternities that admits ladies to membership. It meets weekly. The officers are: Jacob Be3'l, Commander; Mollie SpaiTell, Vice Commander; Lena Schnurr, Prelate; Rebecca Rosenheim, Recording Secretary; Mary Moreledge, Herald; C. F, Ford, Master at Arms; Thomas Reeves, Sentinel; B. F. Moreledge, Treasurer; W. H. Jones, Warden, and W. H. Butler, Medical Examiner.

Ernest Duderc Lodge JVo. g2, United Order of Honor, was chartered September 11, 1884, and named in honor of Ernest Dudere, Secretar}'^ of the Grand Lodge, and one of the founders of the order. It also admits ladies, and, while the membership is not large, it is active, and a large amount has been paid out in benefits since its organization. Present officers: James McCammon, Presider:'.; S. H. Linson, Vice President; Frank McNeal, Secretary; D. M. No}', Treasurer; W. C. Bruce, Chaplain.

work, and as a benelicial and insurance order is will liked by the members. The officers are: Ward Sahnond, Dictator; Henry "*Straussner, Vice Dictator; John Schu\-ler, Assistant Dictator; J. N. Marsli, Reporter; E. II. Kinney, Financial Repoiter; J. R. Dunlap, Treasui-er.

A/izpah Council, J^oyal Arcaiiiiin, was organized in 1880, with thirt\'-tive charter members, the present number being forty-five. It is maintained chiefly on account of the insurance feature of the order, which is cheap and practical. R. B. Busch is Regent; J. B. Safford, Vice Regent; John W. Morgan, Collector; John Bonham, Secretary, and H. C. Davie, Treasurer.

Banking: - The first attempt at an3'thing like banking in Columbus, was about 1833, when John M. Guinn and William Gabbert opened an office for loaning money and buying " cash notes," or "shaving" notes, and it is said that they shaved deep. The partnership lasted some three years when Guinn withdrew and Gabbert carried it on a few^ years longer alone. Francis J. Crump, at this time a thrifty farmer who always had plenty of mone}', did a similar business, though he opened no office, but about 1849 he advertised in the Democrat that he would purchase good cash notes, and that his office was in his hat. Mr. Crump was afterward one of tlie founders and principal stockholders of the First National. Bank, and Vice President, at the time of his death, which occurred April 30, 1881, having during his long life amassed great w^ealth. When the old State Bank was re-chartered, an earnest effort was made, headed by Col. John Vawter, Senator from this district, to secure a branch at Columbus, but it finally went to Bedford. In 1853, B. F, Jones and William F. Pidgeon opened a private bank under the free banking law of Indiana, recently' enacted. The firm name was B. F. Jones & Co., and they received deposits on which they paid interest, and they also " inflated the currency " by issuing " shinplasters" of $1, $2 and $3, like bank notes in appearance, and w^hich were redeemed in gold or gold currency when presented in sums of $50 and over. As they cost nothing and were based on nothing but the credit of the firm, they were a source of considerable profit.

joined the ilnn, and the KcnLucky Stock Bank was organized. It had a capital of $50,000, liascd on Kentucky State bonds, and other iirterest bearing bonds deposited with the Auditor of State. The circulation was at first $45,000, but after\\ard increased, and at one time amounted to $100,000, but, in time this was all withdrawn, and it became a strictly private bank. In i860, Pidgeon retired, and in 1865, Jones also, and tlie bank took the name of McEwen & Sons, though Jones remained with it as cashier until 1870. The IMcEwens operated largely in real estate, live stock, pork, manufacturing, and other enterprises. Large deposits were made b}- city and count}- officials, and others, on which a high rate of interest was paid, and a great d-eal was borrowed from Eastern capitalists, ai d the accumulated burdens crushed the firm and they were forced into bankruptcy b}'- creditors. It was the greatest business failure the county ever sustained, and for a time almost paraWzed the business of the whole communit}^, and brought loss and ruin to many others. This occurred in September, 1S71, and WiUiam McEwen, the head of the firm, and a ver}' remarkable man in many respects, died in October, 1876, before all the business was finally adjusted.

Mr. Randolph Griffith, afterward president of the First National Bank, did a private banking business between 1862 and 1S64, and stiU more firml}'- established his already good reputation as a safe and sagacious man of business.

W. B. Whitney, young, energetic, and brilliant, carried on an extensive pork-packing business for several years. He controlled large suhis of money, was an honorable dealer, publicspirited, and very popular. To facilitate his enterprises, he, in 1874, organized the Farmers' Bank with a capital of $100,000, the greater part being held by the Whitney family, E. G. Whitney, president of the First National Bank of Madison, and father of W. B. Whitney, being a large holder. W. B. Whitney was president and John Harris, cashier. It received large deposits and did a flourishing business, but the president had acquired a mania for sjieculating in pork, lard and grain, and used all the resources of the bank and the packing house for that purpose, and lost, and the bank had to suspend in less than two years. The depositors were paid in full, but the stockholders were bankrupted. Whitney, the went to Cliicago, continued to sjieculate, got on his feet, lost again, and coniniitted suicide.

The First National Bank commenced business in 1865, under the National Bank Act of Congress. The otlkers were : R. Griffith, president; F. J. Crump, vice president, and F. JNI. Bonfill, cashier. The capital stock was $100,000, which has never been changed. It has always done a strictly legitimate banking business, conducted in a safe and conservative manner, such as to command public confidence, and is understood to have been very profitable to the stockholders. The present officers are: William J. Lucas, president, and L. K. Oug, cashier.

Irwin's Bank was estabhshed by Joseph I. Irwin, in 1871, under the private banking laws of Indiana. It is a bank of discount and deposit, and, owing to the well known financial ability and integrity of its owner, it commands general confidence, does a large and profitable business and for a number of years has been the depository of the city and count}^ funds as well as of many private parties.

The cit}' has had some bitter and costly experience with her banks, but those now doing business here, by 3'^ears of careful and conservative management, have established general confidence, and having plenty of capital, are equal to evgry -lemand upon tliem, and fully meet the requirements of the business public in their line.

JMonufactories. - To give anything like a detailed description of all the business interests of the city would be beyond the scope and object of this work, but even a brief history will necessaril}- include a glance at the standing at which the cit}'^ has now arrived, and this can not be better done than by a short notice of her various manufacturing industries. Manufactories are the life of a city, and few in Indiana of the same population can make a better showing in this respect, or do a larger aggregate amount of business. This review will include only the more important enterprises.

First in importance and magnitude of the industrial establishments of the city, is the great Cerealine Manufacturing Compan3\ The firm manufactures a product called Cereahne from Indian corn, which is used in very many culinary preparations, also largel}' in making beer. Ir is made by a process of which Joseph F. Gent, one of the fifm, is patentee, and this is the only establivshment of the kind^in the world. The business has grown to immense proportions in a few 3'ears, the plant and appurtenances are worth probabl}"^ $2,000,000, and large additions are still being made. From 200 to 300 hands are emplo3'ed about . he mills, which have a capacit}-^ of 7,000 bushels of corn per day. There is an immense demand for the Cerealine, orders being received from all parts of the civilized \\orld faster than they am be filled. The compan}' is also supplied with printing presses and material, box machinery and everything nccessar}- for packing, labeling and distributing the product. The aggregate amount of business will annualh' reach into the millions, and is rapidly increasing, and has not only enriched the owners, but made the name of Columbus familiar far and wide.

Another of the industries that greatly benetits Columbus at home, and gives her reputation abroad, is that of Reeves & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements. They make the noted M. T. Reeves straw-stacker, Hoosier Boy cultivator, Reeves stalk cutter, and various other implements, most of which are their own inventions, and on which the}'' hold patents, but the principal article made is the straw-stacker. They commenced in a small way in 1875, being limited in both experience and capital. They laboretl along under man}' difficulties and discouragements for several years, but by pluck and perseverance gradually built up a profitaable trade. The stacker is probably the best of its kind made, and the demand for it has lapidty increased, and in 1887, 1,200 "were made and sold, and that number will be doubled this 3'ear (1888). The works are being greatly enlarged and new facilities added to meet the increasing demand for the implements. From 150 to 200 hands are emplo3'cd, and the annual amount distributed in wages will reach $125,000, and the aggregate amount of business $240,000.

T/ie American Starch Company was incorporated in April, 1880, with a capital stock of $200,000. The first officers were: F. M. BonfiU, President; John H. Rush, Secretar}-, and Henry Lang, Treasurer. Substantial buildings were erected during the year, covering several acres of ground, and supplied with the latest improved machii)cry, making, perhaps, the most complete plant of the kind in the country, with a capacity of 4,000 busli,els of corn j)er day. In 1882, James E. Mooney was elected President, and F. M. Bonfill, Secretary and Treasurer, by the Board of Directors. In 1885, to better accommodate the growing business, the ca}>ital stock was increased to $100,000, which was taken by various prominent business men and capitalists, and John L. Bradley became President, and Edmund Mooney, Secretar}' and Treasurer. The company gives emplo^'ment to about 100 hands, and the starch has an established reputation for excellence and has a large sale all over the United States and in Europe. The residual product makes an excellent food for cattle and hogs, a large number of which are fattened at the company's yards annuall}', while the farmers of all the surrounding country haul the feed away to use at home, and stock raising in the county is increasing in consequence.

One of the oldest, most successful and important industries is the tannery of W. W. Mooney & Sons. Edmund Moone}- & Sons commenced a small business in Nineveh Township in 1837, and continued there until 1863, when it was removed to Columbus, the firm at that time being W. W. & J. E. Mooney, brothers. In 1876, J. E. Mooney retired, Edmund and Thomas Mooney taking his interest, and the firm became W. W. INIooney & Sons, and in 1S86, William A. Moone}'', another and younger son, also became a partner. The business has steadily grown until it is now one of the largest in the city, and the largest of its kind in the State. A superior oak tanned harness leather is made from packer hides bought in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and other packing centers. Sevent3'-five hands are employed, 30,000 hides used, and over 1,000,000 pounds of leather produced annuall3^ The business reaches between $300,000 and $400,000 annaall}', of which $30,000 is paid out in wages.

Hege & Co., contractors and lumber dealers, is one of the oldest firms in the city. The business was established in 1857 by Hege & Keller, afterward changed to Hege & Mathes, then Samuel Hege alone, and in 1880 the present firm, consisting of Samuel Hege, the founder, Charles Hege, his son, and W. F. Kendall. They do a large business as contractors, also run an extensive saw mill and planing mill. About 11% hands are employed who receive in wages Jrom $25,000 to $30,000, and the aggregate amount of business reaches $65,000.

Keller & Brockman, contractors and lumber dealers, is also an old and well known firm. Adam Keller and William Brockman are the members. It was founded in 1866, the firm name being Perkinson, Brockman & Co., in 1868 it became Brockman, Keller & Co., and in 1870, Keller & Brockman. Thej-own and operate a large planing mill, as well as erect all classes of buildings and other work in their line. The}' average twenty hands continuously, who are paid $10,000, and the contracts will reach $50,000 annually. J. R. Dunlap and William F. Coats compose the contracting firm of Dunlap & Coats, also own their own planing mill, which does a large business aside from their building operations. The firm, as originally established in 1878, was Perkinson, Dunlap & Coats, soon after changed to Gilmore, Dunlap & Coats, and in 1886 to the present name. During the building season they employ forty hands, and average twenty continually, whose \vages amount to $10,000, the whole business reaching $50,000 per year. This firm has risen rapidly, the partners are young, energetic, thorough-going business men, and destined to play an important part in the future affairs of the city.

Moore & Tilton are extensive dealers in staves and hoop-poles, some of which they manufacture, others are shipped in a raw state. The business w^as commenced in 1883, by J. A. McGregor, know^n as the "stave king," who, in 1886, sold out to the Moore-Tilton Company, which in 1887, became Moore & Tilton, several of the partners retiring. They ship eight3'-five car loads of stuff per quarter, worth $250 per car, employing from twenty to thirty hands, distributing $8,000 in wages and doing an annual business of $85,000.

George Schinnerer, cooper, has been in the business since 1866, and from a.verj^ humble beginning has risen until he furnishes employment to from twenty to twenty-five men, makes 8,000 tight barrels per annum and a much larger number of slack barrels. His pay roll reaches $7,000 and his business $35,000 annually.

Perhaps .the oldest manufaotory in Columbus is tlie furniture establishment of William Brinkley. The nucleus of it was formed as far back as 1S53, when William Brinkley, George W. Pain, r, Theodore Kratts and Daniel May,. established a small sash and door factory, which in two j-ears \vas changed to a furniture manufactory, the site being in the woods at that time, and the founders cleared awa}' the timber to make room for the buildings. Kratts and IMay retired at the end of the Jlrst year, and the business was carried on for several years by Palmer & Brinkley. But Mr. Palmer was elected County Treasiu-er, began to speculate, and finalh^ bankrupted himself and wrecked the firm. McEwen & Jones, bankers, came into possession, and employed the old firm to run the business, but in 1861, Palmer retired and Brinkley managed the business until the bankuptcy of McEwen in 1871. The firm of W. O. Ilogue & Co. was then formed to conduct the business, Mr. Brinkle}' being a silent partner and manager. About 1880, the firm of Brinkley & Basse was formed, and this lasted until 1887, when Basse retired, leaving Mr. Brinkley sole proprietor.

Notwithstanding all the tribulations and difficulties, an excellent representation has been established for the wares and man}'- orders are received from all surrounding towns and cities, and a large and profitable business is now done. The amount of sales will reach $20,000 a year, and some $5,000 is paid to the fifteen employes. Mr. Brinkley is an old man who has done much for the city and richly deserves his present prosperity.

The steam flouring mill of J. R. Gent & Co. is fully equipped with the best modern milling machinerj-, and produces an excellent quality of flour. The present capacity is 125 barrels per da}^ about sixty per cent, of which is sold to local consumers, most of the remainder being shipped to southern markets. It was erected and operated by the veteran miller of Bartholomew Count}-, Thomas S. Gent, and his son, John R. Gent, who, since the death of the elder, in January, 1888, has been sole propiietor.

F. Banner & Son some months after the burning of their mill, mentioned heretofore, purchased the large el'::vator of H. Griffith on Fifth Street, and converted it into a first-class flouring mill,

Shcij Bros, are dealers in line meal, feed of various kinds, also bii}' and sell grain. They are the only dealers in diis line in die city who manufacture their own products. They are energetic 3'oung men widi a growing business which has already '-cached an aggregate of $30,000 annually, although established on a very small scale but five years ago.

R. M. Jackson, carriage maker, founded his business in 1865, and his work has long had an established reputation throughout a large section of country, and has played no small part in the upbuilding of the city. The business is not carried on quiie so extensively as a few 5^ears since, but some seventy-five new vehicles are made annually, more than double that number repaired, giving employment to about fifteen skilled workmen, who earn $7,000 in wages and turn out an aggregate of $15,000 worth of work per year.

Gaffney & Mason, carnage makers, have been in business but three years, and are the successors of Hellar & Bruck. They are young men and are steadil}'' building up a good business. They employ seven workmen, make about twenty-five new vehicles per year, and do an immense amount of repairing. The annual amount of business will reach $4,000 or $5,000.

Duffy & Cook is a new firm, and has established a new business, the manufacture of staves and heading, that bids fair to soon become one of the leading industries of the place. It has been in operation but a few months, but emplo3'-s twenty hands, a-id has a capacity of thirty-five cords of lumber per day, which is to be increased.

T//e Colnnibus Machine & Supply Company is another new business. The firm is cdmposed of T. L. Faust, E. E. Frost, and W. O. Hogue, the first two practical machinists. They deal in steam, gas and water fittings, iron, lead and soil pipes, and do a general plumbing, blacksmithing and repair business. The business has increased rapidly during the short time it has been in operation, and now requires fi'oni fifteen to twenty skilled workmen.

as tinners sl.oeniakers, broom makers, etc., wliich turn out a lar-^e amount of ooods in the course of a year, and add largelv to the jDusiness of the city. "

Columbus has never had a -boom" in tlie modern sense, but steaddy gro^yn to city of some 8,000 inhabitants, vvitli good raih-oad a.id turnpike facilities, electric and gas light, excellent water works and hre department, good schools, churches, abundance of stores ot all kinds, all the modern improvements usually found in much iarger ciUes. Her pri.K:ipal manufactories are comparatively new and yet m their infancy, and all the indications are that her future growth and prosperity will greatly exceed that of the past, and her citizens now enjoying all the privileges and advantages afTorded by modei-n times can scarcely realize that the city ever passed through the vicissitudes sketched in this chapter.

- ^^^i^^ - ^^^^'^ story of this town> inception and growth is almost inseparably connected with that of the Moravian Cluirch. More than a hundred years ago Moravian colonies 'were distributed in various parts of North Carolina, many of the members bein- emigrants from Bethlehem and Nazareth in Pennsylvania. In^'a history of these people, by Rev. Levin T. Reichel, published in i8s7, Tinder the heading, "New Congregations," the following is recorded: "Previous to 1830, the 'western fever ' had spread amonomany of the settlers on the Wachovia tract. Hearing of the rich soil of the far west, and looking upon their own poor, worn-out fields and the innumerable gullies washed out by the rains, crradually overspreading the arable land, many desired to better their temporal condition, and forgetting for a while the higher wants of the soul, sold their plantations and bent their steps to the untrodden wilderness of the far west. Thus, especially the congregations of Hope andFnedland were considerably reduced in numbers. Amonothe wanderers was Br. Martin Hauser, a descendant of the first sett tiers of Bethama, hence often called Hausertown. After five weeks' toilsome journey he reached Bartholomew County, in Indiana, in 1829, and found there some of his former neighbors, who, settling near each other, naturally desired to hear the preaching of the Gospel again, now more valuable to them than formerly when within tlie sound of a chiu-ch bell. After some correspondence with the

" In 1830, a tract of two hundred and forty acres was bought, and the town of Hope laid out. Br. L. D. de Schweinitz, then living at Bethlehem, visited the settlers in the same year, and on June 17, organized them into a Moravian Congregation." Familiar to those living in and about Hope are man}' of the names recorded in the history from which the above extract is taken as belonging to the first settlers in the North Carolina villages^ a few of which are here given: At Bethania, founded in 1759, Balthaser Hege, Adam Kramer, Frederick Shore, Henry Shore, George Hauser, Michael Hauser and Martin Hauser, who was "born in 1696, in Mumpolgard, Switzerland, came to North Carolina, in 1753, died in 1761, in Bethania"; at Salem, founded in 1766, George Holder, Michael Ziegler, Charles Holder; at Friedberg, founded in 1772, Adam Spach " from Pfaffenhofen, Alsace, who came to North Carolina, in 1754,'and died in 1801, leaving nine children"; at Friedland founded in 1780, the Voglers and Romingers.

Martin Hauser, the zealous pioneer who founded Hope, was born in Salem, North Carolina, September 23, 1799; Jlnd in the fullness of A-ears was called to the bosom of the INTaster, whom he had served long and well, October 25, 1875. From 1829 to 1847, he was the most prominent figure in the secular and religious affairs of Hope. In the 3-ear last named he emigrated to Edwards Count}', 111., there laid out the town of West Salem, organized a ]\Ioravian Congregation and built several churches. In 1868, he returned to Hope, and there spent the remainder of his days.

In the summer of 1829, a Methodist society had been organized in the neighborhood, about one and a half miles northwest of Hope, which brought into existence the little town of St. Louis. A spirit of rivalry early developed between the two places, which culminated in a contest for the establishment of a postofTice, to be supplied from a mail route then existing between Columbus and ShelbyA-ille, which resulted favorably to the latter settlement. Prior to this time the Moravian village, had 'cn called Goshen, but because of the existence of another postoilice in the State by that name, it became necessary to otherwise designate the new office, and looking back to the villni^^es of North Carolinia, founfled by their forefathers, the settlors here selected Hope, which name the town itself §oon assumed; but this struggle for the postofficc did not occur till 1833, the first mail was received March 10, 1834, and for eleven years thereafter, Martin Mauser was the postmaster.

Tradition says that Henry Clayton cut down the first tree that fell before the pioneer's axe on the present site of the town, and that Martin llauser, Thomas Essex and others laid out the town and erected the first log house in 1829 or iS;-;i>, In 1831, there were three cabins, all on the west side of the present public square, occupied by John Hager, the first merchant, John Bruske^^ a shoemaker, and John Leinback, a cooper.

The first business place was a small general store opened by John Hager in a little log house on the corner of what are now Main and Jackson streets, at present the site of Stipp & Son's drug store. One of the first buildings erected was a school house, for some time used as a place of worship by the Moravian Church. The interests of Mr. Hager were early purchased by Martin Hauser; and for a period the energetic young man devoted a portion of his time to mercantile pursuits. For several years the thinly settled country demanded no greater cniveniencies from the village than its postoiiice, its small general store and a blacksmith shop, but as the country filled with setders, the village natural! grew. A second store was opened in 1836 by a Mr. \/aterbury, who built a house for the purpose - that now occupied b}^ Reed & Son, grocers. Several log houses had been raised in the village, but this was the first of the frame houses, which soon became common. After four or five years of active trade, this merchant died; and in the same house Flenry Shirtin, a German, opened the next store. When he vacated the place it was occupied early in the 50's by by S. F. Eaton and William Ramsey, who afterward built the first brick house - that now occupied as a butcher shop by C. F. Neighbors. A harness maker, Keel by name, erected the next brick house, and as the town increased in size and importance, brick and stone became generally used. Samuel Spaugh, Lewis Spaugh and Levi Rominger came early, and in 1857 a partnership was formed, the firm name being Rominger & Spaugh, and a business house es- tablislicd which continues to the ])rc,sent day. Upon Mr. Sixuigh's dealli, Mr. Roniinger becanu' sole proprietor and .successful I3' conducted an ever increasing business until his sons, as wortliy successors, became able to take his phxce and permit him to retire. -Where the hirge and handsome stone house of the Romingcrs now stands, the first public house in the village was kept. It was called " L. J. Rominger's tavern," and was one (^f the hospitable inns known onl}- to early times. Provisions were cheap then and the landlord made money when keeping boarders at the low rate of $1.25 per week.

Surrounded b}' rich and inviting lands which attracted the attention of intelligent and industrious farmers, beinir the seat of an institution of learning early established, and the meeting-place of ;; devoted religious sect, the town became the objective point of a high class of immigrants from the older States, and its growth was rapid. Ever}- business of which the communit}' has stood in need has been represented, and at times there have been manufacturing industries of moderate size. In 1S64, a woolen factory was established by Hiram Solomon and Solomon Ziegler, being the first enterprise of the kind. It was operated about five or six years, when unfortunately the building was destroyed by fire. In 1856 Samuel and Sandford Rominger built a flouring mill, the ownership of which afterward frequently changed, for the last four years being successfully operated by Simon Nading. Supplied with the latest improved machinery, its capacity is eight}'- barrels per day, and,-though not constantly at work, consumes about 30,000 bushels of wheat per year. For twelve years past George W. Norman has operated a planing mill, which, doing only a local business, is extensive enough for the demands made upon it. Specht & Spaugh, contractors and builders, also own a planing mill which is principally engaged upon their own work. Miller, Reed & Norman are now operating a saw mill which was built about twelve 3'ears ago, since which time it has passed through several hands. A tile factory, started by Robert M. Rosencranz, and now owned by Miller & Rominger, is doing an extensive business. The making of carriages and light wagons has constituted a paying industry for several 3'ears; there are in the business now John Albright, Sher-

A novel and important industry most successfully carried on here is that of poultry farming. The pioneers in the business were Fishel Bros., who are said to be the most extensive breeders of Langshan fowls in the United States. They began business in 1879 ^ capital of one dollar, and now own, in addition to their costly fowls, yards containing three and one-half acres and. thirteen buildings, one being 20x60 feet and two stories high. The excellence of their birds is attested by the fact that they have w^on prizes wherever exhibited, successfully competing at Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Tex., Battle Creek, Mich., and elsewhere. Among their noted birds is a most perfect Langshan cock, valued at $200, and responding to the euphonious name, "Ching-Ching"; others are "He-No" and "Princess," the pair being imported from England at a cost of $350. Connected with the j'-ards is a kennel of handsome and valuable dogs, some of which are valued at from $500 to $1,000. These gentlemen devote their entire attention to fancy breeds, while the later firm of G. B. & M. B. Stapp, established in 1886, make a specialty of earl}- broilers for market, though their yards contain some line Plymouth Rocks, Light Brahmas and Black Javas. On Javas, which have been shown at Indianapolis, St. Louis, New Orleans and elsewhere, they have never been beaten in a contest for prizes. Their yards contain five acres and numerous buildings, representing a capital of at least $700. Among their best fowls is an especially fine Plymouth Rock, "Sid," valued at $50.

P/a//iiio- of the TiKcn. - Hope was nol survej-ed and platted until November 17, 1836, when it was laid out by John Essex, Ilcnry "Clayton, and William Chilty, into thirty-seven lots and a public park, 330 feet s(|uarc; the streets surroundinf,' the park were sixt}' feet wide, elsewhere forty feet wide. The following additions have been made: first, November 19, 1839, ^^y Trustees of the Moravian Church, fifteen in-lots and six out-lots; second, JNIay 15, 1844, by Trustees of Moravian Church, thirt3'--two lots; third, October 8, 185 1, by Samuel Rominger, forty lots; fourth, April 18, 1856, by Samuel Rominger, forty lots; fifth, April 18, 1856, by William D. Cook, fifteen lots; sixth, b}' Robert Spaugh, sixtv-nine lots; seventh, November 12, 1S56, by Trustees of the Moravian Church, fort}- lots; eighth, December 8, 1856, by A. C. Remy, twent3'-four lots; ninth and tenth, November 10, 1877, b}^ Trustees of the Moravian Church, twenty-seven lots and sixteen lots, respectively; eleventh, October 4, 1S83, by J. E. Robbins, Horace Scott and William H. Aikin, ninet3'-nine in-lots and twenty-seven outlots.

Incorporation, - A public meeting was held January 8, 1859,, to discuss the propriety of incorporating the village, as a result of which an election was ordered to be held April 2, 1859, to ascertain the wish of the people, at which seventy-five votes were cast . in favor of incorpt ration and thirty-six votes against it. The town was soon thereafter incorporated by the lawful authorities. At the first election of officers, held June 25, 1S59, ^^ following were chosen: E. T. Porter, William Jacobsor Jeremiah George, David Larimore, Philip Gombold, Trustees; A. Butner, Treasurer; J. A. Butner, Clerk; S. Jones, Marshal. The present officers are: C. G. Michael, John A. Miller, C. M. Handle}^ Trustees; T.J.Gates, Clerk; J. B. Millei-, Treasm-er; James A. Miller, Marshal. There have been no public buildings erected, except a small calaboose for confinement of petty offenders against the laws, now standing on the south end of the public square.

Financial Instiiutions. - Banking facilities were first afforded the business men by the incorporation of the Citizens' Bank, JNIarch 15, 1883, with James P. Kenned}^, President; John E. Roberts, Vice President, and William Kenned}', Cashier, as its

'viicers, who continue to manage the affairs of the institution. Its capital stock is $25,000. Hope Building and Loan Association Avas incorporated March 31, 1SS3, with a capital stock $50,000 divided into 250 shares of $200 each. Its first olFicers were: W. H. Aikin, President; Jolm A. Miller, Vice President; li. Aufderhide, Secretary, and Ch.irles Neligh, Treasurer. The president and vice president remain the same, and the other olficers now are: W. T.Newton, Secretary, and Williani Kennedy, Treasurer. The association is prosperous, and has done mucli to advance the welfare of the town.

uYrzi'spa_pcrs. - In the spring of 1868, W. H. Ougley, now of Louisville, Ky., commenced Lhe publication of a six-column folio called T/ie Watchman, which was neutral in politics and devoted to local interests entirel3^ The enterprise was unsuccessful, and after a trial of about twent}- months, was abandoned, the proprietor moving to Edinburgh. October 5, 1872, The Hope Enterprise, similar to The Watchman in size and the interests it intended to serve, was established by S. L. Hiichcock, who, after continuing its issue for«about one year, sold his intf'rests to Jacob Clouse & Sons. These gentlemen at once started The Chronicle, which in the course of another 3-ear was merged into The Independent by L. E. Clouse, from whom, March 4, iSSi, S. L. Hitchcock leased the property and continued the Independent till March 25th following, when the name was changed to The Philomathcan, under which title it Avas continued until December of the same A^ear, when Mr. Hitchcock, failing to receive the cordial support he expeciied, retired from the newspaper business permanenth'. The material still belongs to the elder Mr. Clouse, and is stored .awa}^ unused. The Hope Champion, a live-column quarto, independent in politics, and issued w^eekh', was established November 15, 1883, bj- Mc- Pheeters & Bradbury, who continued its publication until April 16, 1885, when it passed into the hands of D. B. Baldwin, the present owner, wlio subsequent!}'- changed the name to th(? A'civs yonrnal. Under the management of Mr. Baldwin, the paper has been enlarged, its business increased rapidly, and its cnxulation more than trebled.

iNIizpah Lodge U. D., Eastern Star, H. A. M., was constituted ISiovember 3, 1S87, with the following officers: Mrs. Mary Hopkins, W.. M.; J. W. Vfomack, W. P.; Miss Addie Reed, A.M.; Mrs. Kate M. Robertson, Secretary; Mrs. Sarah Blodes, Treasurer; Mrs. Mary J. Womack, C; Mrs. Mary Pangburn, C; A. R. Kluge, S.; Miss Alice Kluge, W. The lodge has now thirty-eight members.

Fd/f7p"'f "Tl-'-' Circuit Rider" Edward Eggleston says: "I. is a singular tribute to the value of a horse, that antong barbarous or half-civilized peoples horse-steal- .ng ,s accounted an offense more atrocious than homicide. In such a community, ,0 steal a man's horse is the grandest of larcenies _ s o rob of the stepping stone to civilization." The matrnitude of the offense has been properly diminished to a just proportion w,th other offenses against the law, but only after the iLe of many years. Respecting the crime the Indiana Territorial Code provided as punishment for it, first conviction, the pavment of the antmal s value and costs with not lessthan fifty nor m^re than two hundred str-pes at the whipping post, and for the second convfctton, death! The only other capital crimes were .reason, n"d r arson, ano rape. The detection of guilt in crimesof this characttx was, ,n early ttmes, deemed a matter in which every good citizen

^htch aU posstble assistance ought to be rendered. On January 29, 1844, a number of at.zens of Haw Creek and adjoining townships met ,n the town of Hope and after serious deliberation adoptc-d articles of association with rules and bv-laws, by which aU tioii of horsi'-lliief-calihing associations. At llu' preseiil time then.- are two such associations at Hope, their presidents being Daniel Gates and Edward Jones.

The census of 18S0 shows the population of IIo]ie to liave been at that time, 830.. It is now estimatetl to be between 1,000 and 1,200. The most important of recent events affectiiiy the welfare of the town was the construction of the C, 11. & G. Railroad, reached here in the fall of iSS.].. It had lieen connected previously with the surrounding country, and neighboring towns and cities, by well-kept turnpikes which were ver}'^ influential in advancing the material interests of the town. The expectations - based on the construction of the rail wa}'- - of the citizens, have not generally been realized, but as 3''et those controlling capital have hardly learned how to use the new facilities placed at their command, and efforts such as might profitably be made have not been put forth.

Elizabctlitown. - This town on the Madison branch of the J., M. & I. R. R., situated in the southwest quarter of Section 13, Township 8, of Range 6 east, was laid out June 11, 1845, b}^ George W. Branham, into fifty lots, with streets forty feet wide, and named by him, in honor of Elizabeth, his wife. The following additions have been made: March 7, 1848, by G. W. Branham and John Snipes, thirty- four lots ; August 7, 1S66, b}' Oliver Judd, thirty-seven lots; March 24, 1871, and continued February 5, 1872, by Charles Dantorth, fort\^-six lots. George W. Branham was a railroad contractor, who bought the land upon which E'izabethtown now stands, built the lirst house there, opened a general merchandise store and laid out the town. He was succeeded in business by Danville Branham. Edward Springer was early associated with the Branhams, and from that time to the present has been more prominently identified with the business interests of the town than any other individual. About 1847, George W. Branham and Mr. Springer built the first saw mill, and about 1852, Danville Branham and Mr. Springer built the first flouring mill, which was destroyed by fire, rebu'lt by Augustus Vaught and now owned and operated by Voyles & Son. At present the othi-r business interests are: Edward Springer & Son, Adams & Phillips, R. C. Newsom, and W. II.

15 uxton, general merchandise; Wills & Reynolds, drugs; liuddenbohm & Ludon, and James Oieni, blacksmiths; Allison Elzea and ^Scott Elzea, wagonmakers; Mrs. A. Waught, furniture and undertaking. Evidencing the enterprising spirit of tlie citizens is the fact that the only natural gas wells in the county, excepting those at Columbus, have been bored at this place. The (Irst well, 998 feet deep, was sunk by the Elizabethlown Natural Gas and Oil Company, incorporated in 1887, with a capital stock of .f 1,500, J. C. Vo3les, President; the work being done by R. Bussard & Co., a Penn^j-lvania firm. The flow of gas is not yetsuflicient for practical use. The second well is being bored by the Elizabethtown Union Gas Compan}', incorporated, E. Springer, President.

The town never aspired to being more than a good trading point for a Hmited but very prosperous farming community. Fi-om the first its grow'h has been gradual and constant with the development of the countr}^. The population numbers about 550; there is a large church membership; intelligence, sobriet}'- and moralit}- are characteristics of the communit)^

Incorporation. - In Februar}-, 1871, a public meeting was held to discuss the propriety of incorporating the town, at which Dr. A. G. Boynton presided. The incorporation was effected soon thereafter. H. C. Branham was the first President of the Board of Trustees; I. E. Pearson was first Clerk. The present officers are: Ellison Elzea, President; Henry Buddenbohm and McClure Branham, Trustees; John Anderson, Clerk.

/. O. O. F. - Terrell Lodge No. 192, named in honor of W. n. H. Terrell, who, as deput}', organized it June 22, 1857, met with serious reverses, and worked only three or four j-ears, when discouraged by loss of all its property b}^ fire and by a large decrease in its members, due to the enlistment of its members in the United States Army, surrendered its charter. F'or about eleven ^-ears Odd Fellowship was at a standstill. The lodge was reorganized May 22, 1872, the charter members being: W. C. Adams, M. D. Long, Edward Springer, Augustus Vaught, William A. Parker, Washington Polen, Woods Ilerod and II. C. Bran-

EUzahcth Lodge A'o. 16 j, Daughters 0/ Rebecca, was chartered November 18, 1S75, charter members being: Edward Springer, William C. Ailams, Alonzo P>utler, V. M. Carr, John Boston, William Anderson, XL IT. Trent, H. H, Adams, Mrs. Sarah Boston, Mrs. Lancy E. Springer, Mrs, Sarah Adams, Mrs. Louisa Carr, and Mrs. Mar}-- J. Trent. The lodge is unfortunate and for a time did not prosper. In Jul}', 1887, it .was re-organized and is now in a flourishing condition, with twent3'-eight members. The preseit officers are: Mrs. Priscilla Ekea, N. G.; Mrs. Nannie Buxton, V. G Mrs. Cai-rie Hull, Secretary; Mrs. Catherine Reapp, Treasurer; Mrs. Jane Elzea, Chaplain; Mrs. Sarah I. Burns, Recording Secretary.

Iiaktiioi.Omkw Couxtv

G. A. R. - James Moffctt Post No. 223, was organized August 12, 1883, with thirty charter members. John Anderson was the first Post Commander, followed b}^ D. A. Thompson, K. D. Hawley, and Jefferson Huffman, the present Commander. The post has constantly grown in strength since its organization, there being now -sev-enty-four members. Fort Donaldson Camp No. 66, Sons of Veterans, was first mustered in Juhv 1887, and organized November 28, 1887, with t\yent3'-three charter members, under Capt. Waher I. Trent, now commanding thirt^'-eight members.

/. O. G, T. - A lodge of Good Templars existed here as earlv as 1857; and twice since that time organizations, now extinct, have existed. Eclipse Lodge No. 61, w^as organized Februaiy 9, 1886, with fifty-three charter members, through the instrumentality of jNIr. W^illiam Adams. The first officers were: Mrs. M. M. Bieber, W. C. T.; Miss Ida Newsom, V. T.; E. J. Newsom, Secretary. It now has about fort}'' members, the officers being: Miss Ida Newsom, W. C. T.; Mrs. Lizzie Adams, V. T.; Robert B. Anderson, Secretaiy. Clear W;; or Temple No. 29, Juvenile Templars, was organized August 11, 1886, with about twenty charter members. This noble band has grown rapidly, ninety-two members now adorning their lives with the practice of its good

The - ,n has a well conducted school, Methodist, I'^piscopal and Christian churches, each with lar^e con<^regations. These are elsewhere mentioned in detail.