Decatur County, Indiana - Chapter 15: Agriculture, 1915

Chapter 15: Agriculture

"Indiana farmers are slovenly. They grow more weeds to the acre than any other locality in the world, with which I have had any acquaintance. They try to cultivate too much land. Their crops do not show the increase they should, only showing an average of twelve bushels of wheat to the acre, when it should reach twenty-five. The hay crop is not cut soon enough and a very large amount of it is lost on this account. The ground is plowed too shallow. It should be plowed deep, so as to enable grains to take deeper hold and thus withstand our frec|uent droughts."

This general indictment of Indiana farmers, made forty-five years ago by Mr. Greeley, was doubtless justified at the time, and no doubt the conditions he mentioned obtained, in a measure, in Decatur county. But since that time there has been a tendency to diminish the size of farms held and the gospel of deep plowing is now universally accepted. While the weeds have the same tendency to grow that they exhibited then, they are kept cut back along the roads and fences and their presence among growing crops is no longer tolerated.

Early settlers had considerable to contend with, when they attempted to raise a corn crop. It is said that in the fall of 1822 the squirrels traveled much and ate nearly all the corn in the county. But Decatur county pioneers were persevering folk, and the mere failure of a corn crop was not sufficient to daunt them. They cut their wheat with a hook, trampled it out with horses, cleaned it on a sheet and hauled it to Cincinnati, where they sold it for thirty-seven cents a bushel. They also found a market there for fox and coon skins at ten cents each, which helped a little in alleviating financial stringencies back home.

The first steam threshing machine to be used in the count}- was tried out by Jackson & Butler on the J. E. Robbins farm, one mile south of Greensburg, July 12, 1859. Several hundred farmers, coming from all parts of the county, were present to witness the test.

This crop was flax. It is probable that three-fourths of the present population of the county have never seen a flax patch. A curious characteristic of this crop was after it had been raised for a few years in the same place, the ground "ran out" and was rendered worthless for flax growing. The hemp was put through a \ariety of processes before it was ready to weave. It was first pulled, bound into bundles and stored away to dry, after which the seeds were beaten out. It was then spread out in order to rot the woody part, after which it was "broken," "swingled" and "hackled." The fibre was then carded and threaded, after which it was ready for the spinning wheel.

Another industry which has almost disappeared is the cultivation of sorghum cane. In 1870, J. G. H. Montgomery, who lived east of Greensburg, produced one thousand three hundred gallons of sorghum. One acre alone produced three hundred and twenty gallons.

One of the prize animals shown at Decatur county fairs forty years ago was the roan steer, "Decatur," owned 1iy T. M. McCoy. He was eighteen hands high and weiglied three thousand seven hundred pounds. It was claimed that by proper feeding he could ha\'e been made to weigh half a ton more.

Each year there is a steady increase in the number of Decatur county farmers who are devoting their time and money to raising pure-bred live stock. For a number of years there has been a general awakening to the fact that it costs no more to keep a prize animal than it does a scrub, and that the rewards from fancy stock are out of all proportion to income deri\ed from inferior animals.

Hogs. - Poland China, G. S. Gilmore and Wright & Thompson, of Greensluirg. Durocs, James Clark, of Clarksburg, and Mr. Redelnian, Mr. Shafer and S. S. Cole, of Greensburg. Hampshires, John E. Roljbins, M. E. Newhouse and W. H. Robbins, of Greensburg. Mulefoots, Charles Thompson, of Letts. Chester Whites, Walter Sharp, of W^estport, and Adam Hessler, of Greensburg.

Cattle. - Shorthorn, William Robbins Sons and Horace and Londa Wright, of Letts. Aberdeen Angus, Frank Baker, of Greensburg, and Raymond Pleak, of St. Paul. Hereford, W. A. ]\IcCoy, of Greensburg. Jersey, Henry Helmich, of Greensburg, and Walter Sharp, of Westport. Holstein. John Hornung, of Greensburg.

Cinder the laws of the state, all pure-bred mares and stallions in the state must be registered, with their general description and condition. The latest

Coex Exhibit, Greensbukg Wixxkrs Of Corn I'Kizks

The list of owners of pure-bred registered jacks in the county is as follows : R. Anderson, Letts ; William Blake, Letts ; J. B. Clark, Greensburg ; H. C. demons, Greensburg; J. E. Davis. Westport; Bert Davis, Westport; Carl Johnson, Greensburg; Williard A. Miers, Burney; Charles H. Ray. Greensburg; Hill & Jordan, Letts; William Kincaid, Greensburg; Charles H. Thompson, Letts, and Straughter V. Pleak, Greensburg.

Cattle Feeding

Owing to a number of causes, but mainly through the growth of the silo in popular regard, the cattle-feeding industry has enjoyed a wonderful growth in Decatur county during the past few years. Now in almost every barn, which has a silo standing beside it, a few head of cattle are fed during the winter months, while a large number of farmers, instead of making cattle feeding a side issue, are devoting all their efforts to fattening cattle for the market.

The marked growth of this branch of farming bespeaks much for the future prosperity of Decatur county. Every carload of cattle fed through the winter means many dollars to the feeder in the increased fertility of his soil. While there may be years when market fluctuations will cut the profits of the cattle feeder, he can always be certain of realizing pay for his labor through increased crop production.

One of the most attractive branches of cattle feeding is fattening "baby beef." While sometimes a money-losing undertaking in the hands of the novice, this particular branch yields exceptional returns to the expert feeder. Among the successful producers of "baby beef" in the county are John Gartin, Burney; Harry Pavy, Burney; W. E. Jackson; J. G. Miller, Cliff Eward, George Osting and Bernard Duffy, Greensburg; Edward Moore and Milton Moore, Letts.

There are a large number of farmers in the county who go to the Chicago and Kansas City stock markets each fall and purchase grass-fed cattle, to fatten on ensilage and cotton-seed meal during the winter months. An attempt to enumerate all such feeders in the county would be futile. Prominent among the more extensive feeders are the Hamiltons, Meeks, Donnells and Sefton and Miers.

Mule feeding is another Decatur county enterprise, in which several leading farmers are profitably engaged. Among them are William Mobley, of Clay township, who is one of the largest mule producers in the state. Marion Elliott, of Jackson township, also raises a large number of mules. Hamilton, Fee, Kincaid and Powers are other extensive mule breeders.

The Tomato-Growing Industry

The tomato-growing industry of Decatur county is still in its infancy. It was not until the fall of 19 14 that any serious step was taken toward its development. At that time a contract was made by a few of the progressive citizens of Alert, Jackson township, with Frank and F. C. Doly, of Columbus, Indiana, to erect and have ready for the 19 15 crop a canning factory at Alert, providing that the proper, or rather necessary, number of acres could be secured. During the winter months the question of raising tomatoes for market was taken up with the farmers of the vicinity by Doctor Bamster, Mulford 8z Webb, Dr. T. J. Norton and others, with the result that about one hundred and fifty acres were contracted for. At time of writing (July, 1915) the site for the factory had been purchased and work started on the building. Experts who have examined the soil declare that Jackson township should be second to none in tomato raising and the farmers of that community have high hopes that the industry may be as successful as it has been predicted.

The county agent is an outgrowth of a demand on the part of the farmer to keep in constant touch with the latest and best agricultural thought. The farmers' institute was the prime mover in this awakening, and the idea was hastened by the industrial trains and short courses in agriculture given under the auspices of Purdue University. The Legislature of 191 3 provided for a county agent and since that time a large number of counties have taken advantage of the law and engaged such an official.

McCoy has been in charge of the office since it was established. He is a graduate of Ohio State University and has taken special courses in Purdue University since coming to the county. He has shown his value to the farmers of the county in scores of ways and it is safe to say that there is not a farmer in the county but has been benefited in some way or other by his work. In general it ma}' be said that the county agent is nothing more than an expert scientific farmer. In every case in Indiana he is a graduate of a recognized agricultural college and thus has the scientific training which makes him of inestimable value to the community which he serves.

The first report of Mr. McCoy appears in the report of the state statistician for 1914 and covers the year closing June 30, 1914. Some idea of the work done is shown by the fact that he held 139 meetings, with a total attendance of 9,002 ; had 762 office calls and made 500 farm visits, with a total mileage of 5,703. The calls at the office and the visits to the farms over the county covered practically every phase of farm work and crops.

During the winter of 1913-14 four farmers' institutes were organized in the county, in addition to the three which were already in operation. Mr. McCoy was very successful in getting the teachers of the county to show their pupils how to test seed corn and clover. There was a hog campaign conducted during the latter part of March, which was very helpful. An alfalfa auto tour was held and in the course of his first year Mr. McCoy succeeded in getting the acreage of this crop doubled. During each spring office meetings are held and some special topic discussed each Saturday. It is known that a large part of Decatur county has acid soil and Mr. McCoy has taken much time in showing how this can be cultivated to the best advantage. Demonstration plots, where the soil is treated with limestone, have been established at various places and it has been found that the soil is capable of raising clover with the proper addition of lime. Four such demonstration plots were established the first year; a corn variety test plot, and three co-operative fertilizer test plots.

Summing up the first year's work of the county agent in I^ecatur count}', it is seen there is no longer a question as to the usefulness of the office. Among other valuable things which the first year has brought forth may be mentioned the following : A farm-service bureau was established where stock and farm articles are listed for sale, farm help secured, etc. : several boys' corn and poultry clubs were organized, with an average enrollment of forty each ; a soil- fertility campaign was inaugurated ; a men's five-acre corn contest was conducted ; and lastlv, an interest has been aroused in better farm-

Agricultural Statistics

The blanks of the township assessors schedule seven different items for taxation : Horses and mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, automobiles, farm implements and household furniture. The last report (1915) of James Cline, county assessor, to the state statistician gi\'es the following facts :

The last item, sets of furniture, includes the household goods in the urban as well as the rural districts. There is nothing in the report to indicate the respective number of sets in each district. There is no division of horses and in the report, although another report gi\'es the county two thousand one hundred and one mules on January i, 1914. Decatur is one of the ten leading mule-producing counties of the state.

There are many other items of interest in this valuable report, a \-olume of which may be obtained by anyone upon addressing the state statistician. Among other things, it was noticed that Decatur county had one thousand seven hundred and fifty-se\'en separate farms, four hundred and six windmills and ninetv-three silos.

Farmers Organiz.Vtions

Probably the first organization in the county which had for its object the improvement of farming conditions was the Decatur Countv Agricultural Society. A meeting of its directors is reported on January 3, 1859, for the purpose of electing officers for that year. J. D. Pleak was elected president, J. Q. Adams, secretary, and J. V. BemusdafYer, treasurer. R. R. Cobb was the retiring president. The secretary was allowed twenty-five dollars and the treasurer fifteen dollars for services during the year. Resolutions were adopted commending the Indiana Fanner and urging farmers to read agricultural periodicals.

Waynesburg Farmers' Club

The \Va}-nesburg Farmers' Club was organized, with Harrv Carr as president and Wilbert Thurston as secretary, in 1912. The organization meets twice a month for discussion of farm topics and home economics. Programs are laid out for the entire season by a special committee, composed of the officers and two others. Two successful corn shows have been held by the club and are strong factors in the social life of that community. The present officers of the club are: Wilbert Thurston, president; John W. Smith, secretary, and M. M. Carter, treasurer.

On Frida)- evening, No\ember 27, 1914, a few friends met at the home of Mr. and ^Nlrs. Robert Scott, in Fugit township. After enjoying the usual six o'clock dinner and spending a social hour together, an organization was affected which was to be known as the Farmers' Club of Springhill. Plans, aims and purposes were discussed at the time and permanent officers were elected: President, Ernest Power; vice-president, Mrs. Elbert Meek; secre- (25) tary, Mrs. Robert Scott; treasurer, Mrs. Nathan Logan. A committee of the executive officers was appointed to draw up a constitution and set of by-laws. Membership in the organization is Hmited to twelve families. The regular meetings of the club are held on the third Thursday of each month and the annual business meeting and election of officers are held at the November meeting. At the meetings there are usually talks on farm or household subjects, recitations by the children and a general discussion of topics of interest. Everything is kept as simple as possible. In order to make the work of the club as practicable as possible, one day is set apart in each August to investigate some special farm problem. On this particular day the club repairs to the home of one of its members where a special study is made of some farm crop. The club also makes trips to county fairs and studies the agricultural exhibits.

The first session of the Decatur county farmers' institute was held on December 2 and 3, 1910, at Clarksburg. Despite the cold weather, the sessions were well attended and a great interest was manifested by all of those present. In of the fact that this was the first session of this organization the details are here given in full :

The institute was opened by devotional exercises conducted by Rev. H. \V. Edwards. Papers we're read by Joe G. Miller and Bart McLaughlin on "Agricultural Education." J- J- Doan talked on "The Use and Abuse of Corn Fodder." Miss Mary L. Matthews, of Wayne county, gave her views on "Planning Meals" and "Furnishing a Home," and Miss Edith Hamilton opened the discussion.

The Saturday morning program was as follows : De\'otional exercises, Rev. Wimmer; music; "Cattle as Money Savers," J. J. Doan; discussion, Henry Dravis ; paper. Earl Gartin; "Planning Meals," Miss Mary L. Matthews, Cambridge City; discussion, Mrs. Rollin Clark; music; "Furnishing the Home," Miss Matthews; discussion, Miss Edith Hamilton; adjournment.

The Saturday afternoon program was ec|ually excellent and was as follows: Reading, Prof. Zetterburg; "Building and Using the Silo," J. J. Doan; discussion, William Jackson and Henry Hodges; "Poultry on the Farm," Miss Hannah Baker; discussion, Mrs. Walter Hite; "A Girl's Part in Country Life," Miss Matthews; general discussion; adjournment.

Patrons Of Husbandry Mutual Insurance Company

Sixteen hundred Decatur county farmers are protected against loss from fire and lightning, through the Patrons of Husbandry Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance Company of Decatur County. The association takes its name from the order that effected its organization. It was organized on June 20, 1S78. At that time there were many organizations throughout the county known as the Patrons of Husbandry, commonly called the Grange.

On the date mentioned, 187S, delegates from Decatur county granges met in Greensburg at Hoosier hall and formed the company under provisions of an act of the Legislature passed in 1877, which authorized such organizations to conduct an insurance business. Granges interested in the formation of this compan}- were those at Flat Rock, St. Paul, Greensburg, Center, Washington, Mt. Vernon, Flora, Sand Creek, Alert and Bell.

According to the by-laws of the company as organized, the insurance would not go into effect until policies amounting to fifty thousand dollars had been written. This amount was secured during the following September and the company was then ready for business. The first officers were : Wesley Gof¥, president; M. L. Wright, vice-president: Woodson Hamilton, secretary; A. H. Hice, treasurer, and George Hogg, assessor. These officers, with F. P. Applegate and T. G. Power, constituted the first board of directors.

In the beginning the company only insured members of the Grange, but later it was arranged so that any reputable farmer might share in its benefits. In iS'87 the Alechanicsburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company united with this association. It was during this year that the company sustained its first loss, rendering an assessment necessary. Lntil 191 5 the company had made thirtyone assessments, amounting to a total of sixty-seven mills on the dollar, thus giving its members protection against loss through fire and lightning at an annual cost of about eighteen cents on the hundred dollars.

At the close of the fiscal year in 19 15 the company had paid for fire losses, $93,983.93. The total number of persons now insured in the company is one thousand six hundred and fifty-two and the}- carr_\' insurance amounting to $3, 575.595-

The company is managed by a board of seven directors. Fifty-two farmers have served the organization in this capacity. Eleven others have served as its president. During its existence it has had but six secretaries, as follow : Woodson Hamilton, Lafayette Shellhorn, Robert W'hiteman, Matthew Porter, \V. F. Robbins and S. W. Hillman. Present officers and directors are : M. E. Newhouse, president ; Frank Brown, vice-president ; S. W. Hillman, secretary ; J. F. Templeton, treasurer, Ovid House, W. A. McCoy and James F. Blackmore.

Only farm buildings are insured by this company, which thus avoids dangerous risks and large losses. No business is solicited and it is necessary for a farmer to ask for a representative of the company to call upon him if he wishes to secure insurance.

County fairs have had a rather varying existence in Decatur county. They have thrived, only to die a natural death, rise and flourish, only to die again. The first fair was held in 1852 by the Agricultural Society of Decatur County, which was organized on September 13 of that year. The first officers were, James Morgan, president; W. W. Hamilton, vice-president; B. H. Harney, treasurer; Davies Batterton, secretary, and Seth Lowe, Robert Foster, Moses Rutherford, John Hillis, James Moody, Charles Miller and James B. Foley, directors. This first fair was held just north of Hendricks street, between Broadway and Lincoln, in "Hendrick's woods." Its receipts were three hundred and twenty-five dollars and the profits were one hundred and twenty-eight dollars. The agricultural society continued to give annual fairs for many years, with ever-increasing success. In 1856 the society met an exception b}' losing considerable money, the receipts for that year being one thousand two hundred and fifty-eight dollars and ninety-eight cents and the expenditures two thousand, two hundred and forty-four dollars and fifty-eight cents. In 1857 the gate receipts totaled over ele\'en hundred dollars and eight hundred dollars were given in premiums, three hundred dollars of which was "in silverware." The greatest fair up to this time was held in 1858, when R. R. Cobb served as president, J. O. Adams as secretary of the society and John T. Hamilton as marshal of the grounds. Current accounts of the fair say that whisky was secretly sold on the grounds in spite of the marshal's efforts. Exceptionally good horse races were held on the last day, when "John Snialley," a grey pony that was the pride of the state, made a mile in the fast time of 3:11. Most of the races of the day were won in times between 3:18 and 3:48. In 1869 the society bought twenty acres of ground, part of which is now covered by the warehouses of the American Tobacco Company, for forty-seven hundred dollars.

In the late seventies a thorough reorganization of the society was undertaken by the Hon. Will Cumback and from that time until late in the nineties the fair flourished. Then the fairs were discontinued because they proved a money-losing proposition and the fair grounds were lost on a mortgage.

On August 8, 1905, Uriah Privett, A. A. Magee, Goddard & Deem, I. Carl Mitchell, Phil H. Spohn, C. B. Ainsworth, Gregg Alyea, John \V. White. James E. Caskey, Pulse & Porter, George S. Littell, Elmer E. Roland, Willis O. Elder, E. E. Doles, Williams & Clemons, Oscar M. Elder, A. M. Willoughby, John G. Zollener, Luther D. Braden, Mike Conner, R. S. Meek, J. Y. Hitt, George Saunders, C. H. Reed, J. C. Davis, J. B. Kitchin, Walter W. Bonner, John W. Rhodes, C. W. Woodward, Orlando Lee and Williard A. Miers, alh prominent citizens of the county, incorporated themselves as the Decatur County Fair Association. They rented the old fair grounds north of the city, built an amphitheatre and some buildings and continued the old fairs. Five or six years later they were reorganized as the Greensburg Fair Association. The last fair was held July 23-26, 1912, when they were discontinued because of lack of popular support. At that time the officers were: President, W. C. Pulse; vice-president, George S. Littell; secretary, Dr. C. B. Ainsworth; treasurer, E. E. Doles, and Will A. McCoy, a director. The association is still in existence, but its assets have been liquidated and it is inactive. Whether another fair will ever be held is a question which only the future can tell.