Carroll County, Indiana - Puulir Schools in Delphi, 1882 (part 2 of 2)

Dr. Robert Webber, a Welshman by birth, came from the Eastward and established himself as a ])racticing physician in the summer of 1835, from which time he lijis not ceased to be a citizen of Delphi. For many years afterward, he enjoyed a lucrative pr.ic tice in the line of his profession. Subseijuently, to relieve him self, in a measure, from the active duties of his position, ho re duced his ])ractice to the attendance ujion a few families in the city, who, fi-om long and iutimate accpiaintance with him, were loth to sever themselves from his professional cnmection. Dming the past few years, however, his physical infirmities have

Dr. Anthony Garrett came tu the Wabash in 1832 and settled in Americus. In 1836, he removed to this city, where, for a number of years, he enjoyed a very extensive and lucrative practice. In 1803, he was elected Clerk of the Carroll Circuit Court, and was re-elected in 1807, and served until 1871. Resuming practice in 1872, he continued in pm-suit of his calling until the time of his death, which occurred a few years since.

Dr. E. W. H. Beck commenced the practice of medicine and sm-gery in this city in the year 1845. At the breaking-out of the war with Mexico, he enlisted as a volunteer in the company of Capt, Robert. H. Milroy, but was afterward transferred to the medical department of the Third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and served until the cluse of the war, when he returned home and resiuned the practice of his profession. In 1850. he was afflicted with the gold fever, and "crossed the continent" in "cars" di-awu by oxen, the jom-ney occupying a period of six months and seven days. At the end of one yeai', he returned, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of the healing art, from which he has realized a comfortable subsistence, and enjoys still the confidence of a host of satisfied patients.

At an earlier date than when Dr. Beck commenced the prac tice of medicine in Delphi, there were other physicians who had skillfully represented the profession in Delphi, among whom the following have been placed upon the list:

Dr. John Pheljjs came to Delphi at a period perhaps anterior to must of those already mentioned. Whether he entered fully into the practice of his profession here is a matter of inconsiderable moment, since it is well known to the early inhabitants of Deljihi that he did practice here, and successfully, if. indeed, his professional e.nperienee was not quite extensive. Witli him, in 1837-38, a physician named Mauck shai-ed his office and practice, and they remained together for an indefinite period.

In 1835, and for several years afterwai-d. Dr. tt A. Milroy, a cousin of Gren. R. H. Milroy, was a successful representative of the medical profession. During a portion of the time he was thus engaged in Delphi, Dr. Elliott was associated with him, and they did an extensive business. How long they continued here does not now appear.

Dr. Samuel Grimes, well remembered by all of our older citizens, came here in June, 1835, and soon after engaged actively in the practice of his profession, succeeding well in his chosen avocation. He continued to reside here for about thirty years, when he returned to his native State, where he died several years since.

Dr. Edward Walker came to Delphi in 1850, and commenced the practice of medicine the same year. The following year found him a passenger of " "Walker' s Line," en route for the goldfields of California. Having enjoyed all the luxuries incident to ' an overland voyage to the " El Dorado," he reached the desired | haven and commenced the practice of his profession, remaining i thus engaged until sometime in the year 1853. when he rotiu-ned ' to Delphi and resumed professional labor, in which he has continued from that time forward. He has always enjoyed a good practice and an enviable reputation in that field. i upon the practice of the healing art. He remained here until a few years since, when, his health failing him, he abandoned the practice and sought relief in seclusion from business; but it was too late, for the destroyer had done his work, and the genial and courteous, and at the same time skillful, physician de)mrted to try the realities of a higher life.

Dr. Francis A. Shultz removed from Camden and located in this city in the year 18G1. His reputation, however, had preceded him, and he at once secured a very extensive and lucrative practice, which, instead of diminishing, has continued to increase even to the present.

Dr. John T. Richardson became a citizen of Delphi in 1863, and, by persevering industry and skill, erelong secured a good practice as a physician and surgeon. He continued in the line of his calling from that time until his death, which occm-red about one year since.

In 1870, Dr. W. H. McGuire. formerly a student and after, ward a partner of Dr. Shultz, came here and established himself in business, securing a respectable practice.

The CJi.d Delphi House - Some Ai ^l)r^T of the ISuilding - Past HisTouY - Unused and Dilapiuatkh - The Butoiai House, Old and New - Weakly House - Knk.ht Hoim: - Cakll Hou.se - FiiisniE House, Etc.

XpOR several years after Delphi began to be populated, and to -'- assume, among other villages on the Wabash, the prerogatives of a town, recognized as a stopping-place in the journey from the Wea to Fort Wayne, it was without a hotel, kuovm in early days as a " tavern," or other building appropriated to the use of entertaining travelers. True, there were houses at which travelers could procure a satisfactory meal and comfortable accommodations for the night, but this would scarcely comport with the idea of a tavern as it was understood the third of a century ago. The increasing consequence of the place, in the course of time, seemed to demand something more in consonance with the populai- ideal. Accordir in the spring and summer of 1838^ Mr. Chevalier Richardsor projected and built, at the foot of Main sti-eet, a very large, ..nd, in its day, a neat and rather at tractive, building, for exclusive use as a hotel, known as the " Delphi House," containing forty-five rooms. It was so used for a number of years, but finally came to be recognized as a third-class tenant house.

In more modern times, the hotels that have figured most extensively as such were the old " Buford House," on the corner now occupied by the extensive brick block south of the Knight House and east of the public square ; and the new " Buford House," now known as the Knight. Both of these were origi-

I nally under the proprietorship of William H. Buford, long ago little later, perhaps. Dr. Samuel M. Thomas, formerly of i recognized as the best landlord on the Upoer Wabash. Some Cass County, in this State, fresh from the school of jireparation, | thirty-five years ago, Mr. Buford, finding himself too much circame to Delphi and entered at once actively and very successfully j cumscribed in his old quarters, erected the new building now oc- cupied by that genial and accommodating landlord, C. M. Knight. Esq. The stand is perhaps the best in the city, and enjoys a very liberal pati'onage.

The " Carll House," situated near the dejjot. though in no way pretentious, has had a very generous projiortiou of the patronage awarded by the traveling public.

The " Frisbie House," on Franklin street, while there is no effort at display, possesses all the substantial characteristics of a hotel, and accommodates a fair proportion of the transient visitants of the city, in addition to a large number of jiermanent Ijoai'ders.

Besides these just mentioned, there are other boarding houses, but conducted ou a less extensive scale, the jiatronage being conlined almost exclusively to the accommodation of the local public.

FiuK ('o>[p.\Nr - Offr'eh.s, Etc. T IKE many Western towns, Delphi existed for a number of ^ - * years without any organized jjrotection against fii-es. Every citizen was considered a fireman, agi'eeably with the custom of mutual assistance prevalent among neighbors in the pioneer days; and, U|)on heai-ing an alarm of iu-e, all the able-bodied mentiu-ned out ])rovided with a bucket. The stores were usually thrown open, and those who had no buckets helped themselves from the stock of the merchants. Reaching the scene of the conflagration, the crowd formed into two lines, extending from the burning building to the nearest well, cistern or stream, fi-om which the buckets were tilled with water and] passed from hand to hand along one line until they reached the men at the building. Their contents were emptied upon the fire, and the emjjty buckets passed from hand to hand down the opposite line to be replenished. Thus almost a constant stream of water was kept ])laying ujion the tire, and many important, conflagrations and their attendant sufferings were averted by the timely arrival and brave and effective work of the " Bucket Brigade. " This " brigade " had no formal organization and no leader. The man who could make his voice heard above all the noise was the one whose orders or suggestions were usually obeyed, and thus, Ijy common consent, he was recognized as the leader.

In 1868. the City Council piu-chascAil a nmnln'i' uf niljber l.mckets for use in the event of lires, storing them wliere they would be easily accessible. About two years subsequently, they ])urehasod six patent Babcook fire extinguishers, and these were likewise distributed about town. One was placed in the planingluil! nf 0. A. McClure & Co., one at the schoolhouse, one at Holt & Binohart's Hall, one at Dunkle & Kilgore's machine-sho)), one at Jakes & Lytle's drug store, and one at the jewelry store of R. L. Higginbothaiu. These proved ineffective, and the citizens, recognizing the fact that their property was practically at the mercy of fire, presented a petition to Council, on the 14th of January, KSV3, |)raying that body to take some action in ado|)ting protective measures. In response to this ])etitiou, a committee was apjiointed to inquire into the probable cost of a steam or hand engine, and the necessary hose and hose carts. In February. 1873. the hand engine " Conqueror " was purchased from the city of Fort Wayne, Ind., at a cost of $1,050, and, in March following, a complete hook-and-ladder apparatus was purchased of John Hunt, Richmond, Ind., for $450.

On the 2()th of Feliruary, 1873. a number of citizens met at the Council chamber and formed themselves into an organization known as " Conqueror Fire Company, No. 1." This company, as originally organized, contained thirty-nine members, from among whom the following officers were chosen: William Bradshaw. Captain; William J. Buchanan, Foreman: W. F. Lytle, Assistant Foreman; D. C. Howenstine, Secretary; Ed H. Gresham. Treasurer: B. F. Wheeler, John Roach. James Lunney and O. L. Bm-k, Nozzlemen.

This company has continued to maintain a good organization, and its members have rendered effective services at numerous tires which have occurred in the city. It now has a membership of . with the following officers: Thomas Stout. Captain: J. F. Taylor. Secretary; Dr. S. T. Noland, Treasurer; Jacob Stoner, First Foreman; T. Plant, Assistant Foreman.

Hope Hook and Ladder Company was organized on the 8th of March. 1873. with twenty-eight members, and elected the following officers: j. C. Haunum. President: Charles L. Brough. Captain; Charles Ivvon. First Lieutenant; Samuel Barnett. Sec ond Lieutenant; Lewis Gros, Secretary: John Barr. Treasmvr.

The hook and ladder company is composed of brave and energetic firemen, who have acted well their part in defense of the city, and have responded promptly to all alarms. The company now has a membership of seventeen, with the following-named gentlemen as its officers: Legis Gros, President: W. Roach. Jr.. Captain; Charles Kilgore. First Lieutenant: Nat Mohr. Second Lieutenant: A. W. Wolever, Secretary: Samuel W. Barnett. Treasurer.

So great was the interest in the fii-e department that eightx five citizens enrolled their names as members. This left a large number without a specific station in case of fire. and. partially owing to this fact. Independent Hose Company No. 1 was or ganized in 1878. This company had twenty members, and elected C. D. Barnett. Foreman; Thomas Clifford. Assistant Foreman: O. C. Gruber. Secretary: and Thomas Condon, Trea.-- lu-er. The company has continued to flourish and maintain it> organization, sharing the confidence and regard which attaches to the Fire Department of Delphi.

Its present officers are: O. L. Burk, Foreman: A. Goodhue. Assistant Foreman ; H. L. Merritt, Secretai-y; T. Armitage. Treasurer; B. F. Wheeler, D. Heunesy. Charles Pero and W. T. Stunkard, Piiiemen.

pied by R. L. Higginbotham, who was appointed by the City Council shortly after the purchase of the buckets and Babcock e.xtinguishers previously referred to. He served three years, and was succeeded by William Bradshaw, who served until Mavi 1875. James Lunney was appointed in that year, and was succeeded, in 1877. l)y Charles Lyon. Mr. Lyon served two years, and, at the ex])iration of that time, James Lunney was again ap pointed, serving until the spring of I8S1, when he w:is succerd ed by James Butler, the |>reseut Chief.

Abner H. Bowen

ABNER H. BOWEN. The subject of thia sketch is remotely of Welsh extraction. His parents Enoch and Elizabeth Bowen {nee Wilson), were Pennsylvanians, who moved to Ohio at an early day, and located in Montgomery County, Ohio, where they were engaged at farming at the time Abner was born, October 9, 1814. While yet a lad, his father died, and soon thereafter the surviving members of the family moved to Dayton. He received such an education as was furnished by the high school and academy of that day, which was necessarily limited in its character. He then engaged as a drug clerk, but finding a more promising field in another branch of trade, he abandoned the drug business and accepted service in the dry goods house of George W. Smith & Co., of Dayton ; later, he was with W. & F. C. Easterbrook, of Salem, Ohio. He was thus employed until 1837, when he came to Delphi, and engaged in the general merchandise and produce business with his brother, under the firm name of N. W. & A. H. Bowen. During the first years of the business they shipped largely by flat-boat to New Orleans, and many interesting tales and adventures could yet be related by a few of the old pioneer navigators, who, in those days, were connected with the firm in the river commerce between Delphi and New Orleans. The first store of the firm was in a small building on the ground now occupied by Carll's Opera House. At the expiration of a year, they bought the property on the corner of Main and Union streets, since known as Bowen's comer, the buUding at that time being a frame one. This building was destroyed by fire in 1844, and during 1845, the building now standing was erected. In this new building the general merchandise business was continued until about 1855. Mr. N. W. Bowen died in 1848, after which the business was continued by A. H. Bowen. In 1843, a large warehouse was built on the canal, and here the firm continued the Jrain and pork business until 1863, when the warehouse was destroyed by fire. In 1851, he became interested in the manufacture of paper in this city. In 1870, he purchased the paper mill owned by Dewey & Griffith, and with his son, Abner T. Bowen, continued the business until the year 1877, when the mill was burned, and was not rebuilt. After the destruction of the warehouse, he discontinued the pork trade, but continued the produce, and conducted a general banking business. He and his son, Abner T., are still engaged in the latter pursuit. In 1856, he erected the commodious and elegant residence which is represented on another page of this volume. For over foi'ty-four years, Mr. Bowen has been engaged in business in this city, and has been largely interested in many public and private enterprises. In his numerous business ventures, he has made but few missteps. In his firmness of purpose, perseverance, interminable energy, decision of character and executive ability, he has been unusually gifted, and these characteristics have led him into the acquirement of a handsome fortune, the result of individual eflbrt. As a business man in general, he has for years been regarded as having but few equals, and among the foremost in the State. His career is an interesting study to young men just entering business life.

Mr. Bowen is one of the oldest living Masons in Carroll County. He was admitted to membership of Mount Olive Lodge, No. 48, in 1842. He was a charter member of Delphi Chapter, No. 21, instituted April 15, 1851. He is also a member of La Fayette Commandery of Knights Templar. In the Masonic order, he has always been an active member, and has repeatedly held responsible positions therein.

He was married to Miss Catharine J. Trawin May 10, 1849. The following-named sons and daughters are now living : Nathaniel W., Abner T., Mary E. (the wife of Col. Samuel T. Busey, of Urbana, Dl.), Henrietta S., Edward W. and Charles H. Age bears lightly upon him, and he has a reasonable expectancy of many years of active business life.

Manufacturing Industries The Lime Interest

THE LIME INTEREST. F;ari.y De.vki.oi'mknt oi'- THE Manukactuue - First Oi'Euatoks rx Trir-: I)i-^im-ss - Sihseijuent Changes - Supekiok Quality

A M()X(; the iiiauy important manufacturing interests in Car- -'-^- roll County, none stand forth more prominently than the manufacture of lime. From a state of comparative nothingness, thirty years ago,* when there was only here and there one of those old-fashioned kilns which had to be renewed after almost every burning, it has gj'own to the proportions of ten mammoth " Perpetiial Biu'ners." which only need to be fed and kept biu-ning, the lime being withdrawn as rapidly as it is sufficiently calcined. The change can scarcely be realized. The superior quality and excellence of this lime have placed it in the front rank as an article of commerce, giving it such a prestige that it is now recognized by all as the best in use, because of its adaptedness for all pm-poses to which lime is applied.

It began first to be manufactiu-ed on an extended scale in 1857, when E. W. Hubbard, D. R. Harley and Robert Mitchell, formed a cojiartnership for the especial purpose of utilizing the immense resoiu'ces at command for the production of an article so universally used at home and abroad. They succeeded so well that, in 1871, Lewis B. Sims, Daniel McCain, James McCain and Hiram Sampson were added to the capital and executive force, which enabled them not only to add greatly tu their manufacturing facilities, but actually to produce a superior quality, as well as a largely increased quantity of lime, the reputation of the company having so far sjiread abroad that the demands upon them made these enlargements a necessity.

In his report on the geology of the State for 1872. Prof. Cox makes the following references to this industry, and its resoui'ces, facilities for manufactiu-e, etc. :

" Several mines are opened and extensively worked in and near Delphi for burning. The lime produced is of good quality, and is a specific article of trade known as ' Delphi Lime. ' It sets slow, or, in mechanical terms, 'works cool," allowing the mechanic time to spread his plaster or lay his mortar over a large space before ' setting,' and thus secures complete contact with adjoining sm-f aces, becomes hard as stone - often more compact than brick. The burned stone does not air-slake readily, and consequently aftbrds ample time to facilitate transportation. Seventy pounds of this lime, I am informed, is considered equal to eighty pounds of other Oh io or Indiana limes.

" The following firms are engaged in the business with appliances and productions as follows, viz. : Cartwright & Co. use thi-ee common kilns and one ' Donelson Perpetual Burning Kiln. ' Their product for the cmrent year will amount to 75,000 bushels. Reported cost of manufactiure by common kilns, 16 cents, and with patent kilns, 10 cents, per bushel.

"At Springfield, 111., I am informed that lime from this firm was used in the construction of sewer walls in the place of hydraulic cement. At the expiration of one year, the wall, although exposed to water, was found to be comiiact and in a satisfactory condition.

" E. W. Hubbard & Co. mine their stone from the lower number of the Pentamerous limestone, at their location, about twenty feet thick. The strata dip in every direction, and, at one part of the mine, are nearly vertical. A band of porous stone is seen near the water level, containing petroleum, which oozes out on exposui-e to the warmth of an October sun. Hubbard & Co. have twenty common kilns and two ' Monitor Perpetual Biu-ners,' Pelton's patent. The cajmcity of the common kilns amounts to 150,000 bushels (seventy pounds) per annum. The common kilns are now only occasionally at work. The capacity of the two 'Monitor Kilns' is estimated at 500 bushels a day, and intended to nin nine months in a year. The greatest pi'oduct in one year is reported at 150,000 bushels.

" The expense of mining is 35 cents per yard; of bm-ning by common kiln, 10 cents per bushel, and by patent kiln, 10 cents per bushel of seventy pounds. The product for last year, 150,- 000 bushels. Specimens from all the different mines were se. cvu-ed for the State cabinet for exhibition and analysis. "

The status of -affairs changed after the material for the foregoing report had been gleaned: the others parties named. J. A. Cartwright, A. B. Cartwright and B. F. Shelly united with E. W. Hubbai'd & Co. , thus constituting the Delphi Lime Company, under whose management the business is permanently established and rapidly enlarging. lis principal market has been Western Indiana and Central Illinois. Subsequently, MJr. Shelly retired from the company and William Bradshaw took his place. At a later date, George Harley and William Sidenbender commenced business on their own account, and succeeded satisfactorily. Recently, however, this branch has been changed, the business now being conducted under the tii'm name of Harley & Bro.

The Delphi Lime Company now run six perpetual burners, and Harley & Bro. fom-, the aggregate jjruducts of wliich are equal to nearly one milliim bushels per annum.

Paper-Mili

Georoe Robertson the First Paper Maker in Delphi - Mill Built - RiNEHART and Robertson Become Partners - Rine- HART Alone - Rinehakt &Wood - Rinenart & Bowen - Robertson & Arjutage Erect a New Mill - A. H. Bowen Afterward Owner and Proprietor - Large Steam Paper-Mill Erected by Beck AGridley - It is Burnt and not Rebuilt.

"DRIOR to the year 1845, it was scarcely contemplated that Delphi would ever acquire the notoriety subsequently attained to as the great paper manufacturing center of Western Indiana. In that year, however, Mr. George Robertson came here, and. securing an eligible site on the canal west of town, commenced the erction of the first paper-mill, completing the building, putting in and adjusting the machinery during the summer of 18-t6, when the machinery was put in motion and the first paper manufactuied Enoch Rmehait puichased an inteiest in 18-48, when the business was conducted b\ them jointly In 1849, the whole establishment was destioyed by hie Not dis couraged by this misfoitune. Mi Rinehait m con]unctinn with and built a mammoth paper-mill, the machinery of which was propelled by steam. Not long after it had been completed and was beginning to be remunerative, the building took fire and was wholly consumed, including the valuable machinery and a large amount of accumulated stock. It was almost a total loss, and the cost was so great as to preclude the possibility of rebuilding it.

Engine And Machine Works

In the spring of 1848, William Dunkle and James W. Kilgore. under the firm name of Dunkle & Kilgore, began the manufacture of wagons and plows in a two-story wooden building on the corner of Franklin and Wilson streets. The enterprise prospeied from the first, and they continued enlarging their facili. ties In 1855 01 1856, they established a store on Main street foi the sale of agiicultiual implements, and, from time to time, weie called upon to lepaii vaiious articles of machinery for theii'

Charles Wood, m 1850-51, rebuilt the concern and commenced business anew, with abundant success On the 19th of April 1851, the firm of Rmehait & Wood was dissolved Mi Wood re tiring and Abner H Bowen taking his place This airangement continued for about one year, when the firm was again changed, and afterward known as Rinehart. Bowen & Co., and under that name the firm continued in business until 1864, when Rinehart and Charles Robertson became the proprietors. These gentlemen conducted the business through a series of years, but a single change occurring, until 1873. From that time forward, Mr. Rinehart has been the sole proprietor.

In 1853, Messrs. Robertson & Armitage built another mill, of about the same capacity as the other, but a little higher up the canal. When this firm had been operating for a few years, Mr. Armitage withdrew, and Mi-. Charles Wood took his place, after which the firm was known as Robertson & Wood. At a later period, another change followed, the business being managed by Dewey & Griffith, who continued until 1868, when Abner H. Bowen became the sole owner, and so continued afterward.

customeis Fioni a repair shop, their establishment gradually developed until it was decided, finally, to engage in a general machine business In 1872, they moved the frame building to the lear of the lot, and erected, m its place, the present twostory brick structure, 30x50 feet, which they supplied with a full quotii of lathes and other machinery for the manufacture of boilers, stationary and portable engines, etc. They manufactured the Dunkle & Kilgore engine, of which an engraving is inserted. The valve movement is the invention of Mi'. Kilgore, and is so constructed that a maximum of power is obtained with a mini mum of machinery'. The machine is the result of yeai's of study and experiment by a practical machinist, and is claimed to be nicirc' nearly ])ertect than any other engine manufactured. Among its points of excellence are: Lightness, combined with great power - the eight-horse power engine, complete, weighing but 3,000 pounds, the ten-horse jiower 3,400, and the twelve-horse power 3,500 pounds; tliey are quickly set for threshing, requiring only the setting of the brakes; they economize water and fuel, are convenient to move, and track with the ordinary wagon, and are fitted up with all the modern attachments of the best

(jiiality. This engine has met with an extensive sale, and a force of from six to ten men are kept busy in its manufacture. They also manufacture the " Little Corporal," an engine especially adapted to the use of printing offices and light manufacturing establishments. The boiler is of the upright pattern, having thirty flues, two and a half inches in diameter and thirty inches in length. The boiler and engine occupy a floor space of less than two feet square, and the construction is so simple that a child can operate it as well as an experienced engineer.

After a pleasant association of thirty-foiu- years, the th'm of Dunkle & Kilgore was dissolved, in January, 1882, by the withdrawal of Mr. Dunkle, who received the agricultural establishment in the settlement. In February, 1882, he sold this to Messrs. Ray, Rice & Stewart, and retired fi'om business.

Messrs. Dunkle & Kilgore were the pioneers in their line in Delphi. They manufactured the first plow and the first twohorse wagon ever made in this market, and built up an establishment that stands second to none in importance among the industries of the city. The maniafacture of a superior wagon is stilj continued in the old building, by Messrs. Fisher & Hare, who jmrchased the machinery of Messrs. Dunkle & Kilgore in 1879 or 1880. '

In 1845, Spears. Case & Co. erected the large elevator now owned by John Lenon, at the west end of Main street. The Wabash & Erie Canal was then the gi-eat commercial outlet of this region, and bore away, annually, large consignments of grain from this firm, varying from 100,000 to 300,000 bushels a year. Although not situated directly on the canal, a " side-cut," or private canal, led from the elevator to the main canal, and boats were run up and loaded at the warehouse, much as cars are now loaded at the same place. Delphi was then a favorite wheat market, and Messrs. Spears, Case & Co. purchased large amounts of grain fi-om this and adjoining counties, especially from White, Howard and Clinton. They conducted a prosperous business, from which they retired in 1867 or 1868. In 1870, the building was rented by J ohn Lenon, who engaged in a general grain trade, which he has since prosecuted successfully. In 1879, he purchased the building, and, during his ownership of it, has introduced niimerous improvements. He remodeled the shelling capacity to such an extent that two men now do the work which formerly required the labor of ten. The sheller is fed by a dragbelt, which carries the corn directly to the hopper, where it is shelled, the cobs being conveyed out of the building by a set of machinery working in connection with the sheller. He also added a cleaner, with suction fan, which carries the dust and chaff out of the building, and superseded an old-fashioned fan with a Moline separator for wheat. Mi'. Lenon handles and ships from 150,000 to 200,000 bushels of gi-ain per annum. The elevator is a frame building, 60x180 feet, three stories above the basement, and has a storage capacity of 60,000 bushels. The machinery is operated by steam.

W. A. Binehart erected the steam elevator near the Wabash depot in the summer of 1879. The wheat yield of that year was unusually large, and he handled and shipped more than 50,000 bushels. The elevator is conveniently located close to the railroad, and cars are loaded in a tew minutes. It is a three-story frame building. 30x50 feet, with a storage capacity of 16,000 bushels.

Hubs And Spokes

Lytle Manufacturing Company, began the manufacture of staves and coopers" supplies, at the north end of Union street, Delphi. Their location was remote from the railroad, thereby increasing the cost of handling stock and shipping goods. To increase their facilities, they removed to their present location, near the Wabash depot, where, in the spring of 1880, they erected their present establishment, which, with sheds and outbuildings, occupies two and a half acres. After removing to this location, they abandoned the manufacture of staves, and embarked in the manufacture of spokes and hubs. The enterprise prospered from the first, and has become one of the leading and most important industries of the city, giving employment to fi-om forty-five to fifty men. They manufacture daily a sufficient number of spokes for 115 wagons, or, as they are technically called, 115 sets. They have a suJficient demand for their goods to keep the factory running at full capacity, their shipuicnls briiii; to jobbers and manufacturers in various portions i^f iln- riiitiJ States. The works consist of a main building, 74.x 1 -Ml fvct. Iirsides the dry-sheds, storage rooms, etc. - in all, ten buildings. The machinery is all of the latest and most approved joatterns, and the workmanship that of the best mechanics.

In addition to the hub and spoke industry, the manufacture of the Finley patent safety whiffletree and neck-yoke is eonducted on a large scale by Messrs. Lytle & Dreifus, who have purchased the patent.

City Mills

In the siunmer of 1881,Montman & Ewald, who had formerly conducted a flouring-mill at Colburn, Ind., removed the machinery to Delphi and erected the present frame mill north of the Wabash tracks, on Washington street. The building is 32x44 feet, standing two stories high above the basement, which is a stone structure, ten feet high. The mill has a capacity of about

Stave And Barrel Factory

This enterprise is conducted by James Lunuey, at the west end of Main street. In February, 1879, he began the manufactlu-e of slack and tight barrels, making 6,000 barrels the first year. During tne second year, he manufactured upward of 20,000, and in March, 1881, he added to his establishment by combining the manufacture of staves with that of bai'rels. He erected a frame mill adjacent to his cooper-shop, 22x40 feet, and supplied it with the necessary machinery, consisting of buckers, heading machines, etc. He emp)loys from five to fifteen men, and manufactures from 30,000 to 35,000 barrels per anmun. The slack barrels are sold chiefly in tue home market, and the tight work at Chicago.

Planing-Mills

C. A. McChu-e & Co. erected a frame building at the west end of Delphi, in 1863, and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, building material, etc., at the same time con ucting extensive operations in contracting and building. In December, 1866, the mill and machinery were destroyed by fire. Immediately afterward, they began the erection of the present mill, at the south end of Washington street, and resumed the business on a large scale. The new mill was first set in operation in the spring of 1867. The main building is fi-ame, 40x55 feet, thi-ee stories high, adjoining which is a brick building 20x50 feet, which is used for an office and warehouse. The remaining buildings are an engine room, 20x40 feet, constructed of stone, and a dry-shed

In addition to the sale of planed lumber to mechanics and private parties, this firm are engaged in contracting and building, as well as the manufacture of all kinds of building material, such as doors, sasli, etc.

Directly opposite the planing-mill of McClure & Co. is a similar establishment, owned and operated by Lewis Moore, who is also extensively engaged in contracting and building. The mill, which was erected by Mr. Moore in September, 1876, is a brick building, 44x50 feet, with an extension 20x24 feet. The lower floor contains the planing machinery, consisting of one planer, a molding machine, rip saws, cut-off saws, etc. The upper floor is occupied by the carpenters of the establishment as a shop, and contains a rip saw, a cut-off saw and a scroll saw.

The boot and shoe establishment of John Burr & Son is among the oldest on the Wabash. In the summer of 1836, John Burr, the senior partner, came to Delphi from the State of Connecticiat, and, in the spring following, opened a manufacturing-shop on the site occupied by present business house of the firm. At that time, George Alsop, from Kentucky, had a shop in the same room with Adams" saddle-shop, and was doing business in a small way. Mr. Biut's shop, however, was the first in town exclusively appropriated to the manufacture of boots and shoes. From the beginning, he commanded a good trade, and has, from that day to the present, maintained not only an unsullied reputation for business, but a continually increasing trade. Until 1850, he manufactured in his shop all the work sold by him, employing four or five men for that purpose, running a custom-shop in addition. About that time, he began to buy Eastern work, when his establishment became more properly a retail store.

From the time he began to purchase Eastern work, he decreased his manufacturing force, employing at this time only two men in that department. In 1860, Mr. Burr took his son, John H., into business with him, since which the firm has been known as John Bun' & Son.

The business house now occupied by the firm was erected in 1850. Prior to that time, Mr. Burr had occupied a small frame building, formerly used by Dr. Blanchard as an ofiice.

Banks And Banking

At a very early date in the history of business in Delphi, long before the present or even recent system of banking had been inaugurated, firet, James P. Dugan, for a number of years, was considered and recognized as the chief banking officer of the community at large, siuce he was the general depositary for the surplus cash of the people throughout the county and beyond. While, therefore, he was not, in a technical sense, a banker, he received and paid out deposits with the same systematic regularity observed in the banking operations of the present day. In a larger or smaller way, from that day to this, it can, perhaps, truthfully be said that Mr. Dugan has been a banker.

At a later period, when the public works were in progress in this vicinity, from 1838 to 1843, during the construction of the canal, the pool-dam at Pittsburg and the steamboat lock, making a passage-way around the dam for that species of craft, a more extensive receipt and deposit business was gradually developed, by the addition of James Spears and Reed Case to the operations formerly controlled by Mr. Dugan alone, and the Arm came to be known as J. P. Dugan & Co., Speai-s, Case & Dugan, Spears, Case & Co. Although the business conducted- by these gentlemen was not under any general banking law, nor, indeed, a strict banking business, yet, because of their well-kuown responsibility, and the extensive operations requiring the handling of large sums of money, their establishment began to be and was recognized as a banking house. Subsequently, when the national banking law came into force, the First National Bank of Delphi was organized, by and under the general management of Spears, Dugan & Co. The people having, as in the past, unlimited confidence in the business integrity and qualifications, their banking operations came to be unusually large. In the course of time, however, while they were endeavoring to supply the demands of the people of the county for money, they were drawn upon too liberally, and hence, were compelled temporarily to suspend payments. It was only temporary, however, for, when the situation was fully canvassed, their ability and intention ultimately to pay in full all demauds against the concern was clearly manifested, as the sequel has demonsti'ated.

More recently, the Citizens' Bank of Delphi has been organized, and its operations have grown to be very extensive also, this institution in a measure taking the place cf the First National. The following are its oflBcers elected January 3, 1882: President, E. W. Hubbard; Vice President, Chai-les Harley; Cashier, William W. Hubbard ; Directors, E. W. Hubbard, D. R. Harley, Christian Gros, Jr., \V. F. Lytle and Charles Harley.