Delaware County, Indiana - Center Township, 1881

Center Township

EARLY SETTLEMENT AND First SETTLERS - SOME PRIMITIVE INCIDENTS - TuE History or THIS TOWNSHIP CO-INCIDENT WITH THAT OF MUNSEYTOWN, SINCE MUNCIE. >

Some of these settlements were made as early as 1819. The early settlements, however, were not confined to. Center Township; indeed, they were scattered over various portions of the county. From that date, settlers came in frequently, and the vicinity of the old Indian town began to assume a significant consequence as a poitt likely to become unusually prominent in the future history of the locality. Before the lapse of eight years, the number had increased quite considerably. Among the settlers located here within the period named, we note the names of the most active and enterprising of them: Goldsmith GC. Gilbert, Barton Reese, Philip Moore, Jacob Calvert, John Nottingham, John Moore, Lewis Moore, George Truitt, James Franklin, Elijah Reeves, James Moore, Moses Wilson, and some others, whose names and the dates of settlement we have been unable to obtain. Subsequently, the settlement became more numerous, and business ao to be developed.

In 1825, Goldsmith C. Gilbert, who, for some time previously, bud been engaged in the management of a trading-house on the Mississinewa, was fortunate enough to be robbed by the Indians, in a drunken row, and his wife, during the melee, was struck with a hatchet and slightly wounded. The consequence of this assault was a penalty of $2,000, assessed against the perpetrators, and subsequently was deducted from the annuities of the tribe. With this money he purchased the Hackley Reservation, for the sum of $960. Upon this tract he erected two cabins, one of which he ovcupied as a residence and the other as a trading-house. These two cabins appear to have been the nucleus from which the present city of Muncie has sprung. Upon the organization of the county, and it became necessary to locate a seat of justice for Delaware County; the Committee appointed by the Legislature for the purpose having examined the several sites proposed, in conformity with the requirements of law, selected the site owned by Mr. Gilbert, Lemuel G. Jaekson and William Brown. As a condition of the location, these parties made liberal donations of land to the county, the three donations uniting in the center of the public square.

In 1827, there were four families within the original limits of Muncie; Mr. Gilbert on the north; Lewis Vansickle, who had a cabin near by; William Brown, who had a cabin where Wysor's Opera House now stands, and a man, whose name is not now remembered, had a cabin over to the westwar d, among the hazel- brush. embryo. ;

The organization. of the county took place, technically, on the Ist day of April, 1827, but the machinery of government was not placed in adjustment until the necessary officers were elected and qualified. This having been accomplished in due time, a session of the Board of County Justices, exercising the functions of office such as are now exercised by County Commissioners, was held in the month of June (11) following, at which time Center Township, then occupying a much larger extent of territory than at present, was organized, in conformity with established usage. The area of the township, as at this time described, comprises thirty-six square miles, exactly equal to one Congressional Township, and contains thirty sections in Township 20, Range 10 east, and six sections in Township 21, immediately north. The first entry of lands in this township, as we have seen, was that of the Hackley Reserve by Goldsmith C. Gilbert, about the year 1825, the tract containing 672 acres. The next was all of the southeast quarter of Section 10,

Mrs. Mary J. Edmonds Hon. Goldsmith Coffeen Gilbert

Few among the early settlers of Muncie were more active than Mr. Gilbert in the development and improvement of the town. He was of a race of pioneers, with whom it seemed natural to seek the outposts of civilization, and inaugurate progress in the wilderness. Such was the history of his grandfather on the mother's side - Capt. John Coffeen - who was the first white settler in the township of Cavendish, in the State of Vermont. In 1768, to save part of a bad debt, he took some land in Vermont, then known as '' New Hampsbire Grants," having previously enacted the pioneer's part at Rindge, New Hampshire. During the year 1777, Capt. Coffeen's farm sustained great injury from the rapacity of the soldiers farm while opening a road to Crown Point. They destroyed his orchard, and did much otherinjury. After the surrender of Crown Point and Ticonderoga to the British, the militia, whose time of service had expired, and those who were sent home by Gen. Schuyler for misconduct, passed through Cavendish, They arrived at Capt. Coffeen's farm in a severe storm, and immediately filled the house to overflowing. Those who could not get into the house, built fires out-doors with some boards and shingles which Capt. Coffeen had hauled all the way from New Hampshire to build his house. His hopes and prospects thus blasted, he sent his family to Rindge, and his farm became a common and his house a camp for the vagrant soldiery, several of whom died under its roof. After the close of the war, other families came to Cavandish, and Capt. Coffeen was a prominent man among them. He was their first Representative in the General Assembly, and held that position for several years. His grandson, Goldsmith C. Gilbert, was born in Washington County, N. Y., about the year 1795. When he was ten years of age, his mother died, and he was taken _to the home of his uncle, Goldsmith Coffeen, with whom he removed to Jefferson Seek N. Y., in 1805, and thence to Lebanon, Ohio, about the year 1814. The journey was made overland, by teams, one of which was driven by Mr. Gilbert. Soon after the arrival of his uncle's family at Lebanon, Mr. Gilbert went back to his former home in New York, and was married to Mary owe Following this event, he sought a home in the "Far West," and finally settled on Prairie Creek, in Delaware County, nd. Subsequently, he removed to the Mississinewa River, in the north part of this county, and began trading with the indians. One day, during one of their drunken sprees, they set fire to his house and store, and burned up all he owned. The Government Agent deducted the damages from the annuity of the tribe, and, with a portion of this caalenig B Mr. Gilbert purchased the Hackley Reserve, and, at a later date, laid out a portion of this tract into town lots, thus donating the original town plat of Muncie. The date of his settlement in this county was the year 1823, and for many uate afterward he was a prominent citizen. He dug the race, and erected the " Gilbert ill," at the northern extremity of Muncie, on White River. This property afterward assed to the ownership of Jack & Russey, and, through various changes, to Wysor & Kline, the Legislature chartering arailroad from Fort Wayne to Muncie. This was during the teelstative his efforts might have been crowned with success. At that early ts it seemed improbable that Muncie would ever have railroad contside world, and the advocates of such a pro Ta whom Mr.

a member of the State Senate, but on the way he was taken with pleurisy, and died at Pendleton, Ind., in January, 1844.. His remains were brought to Muncie, and were followed to their last repose by a large concourse of people, among whom he had been so long a prominent, leading citizen. s death caused universal sorrow in the community, for he had long been a public-spirited citizen, and the friend and promoter of improvements. He was a man of irreproachable integrity, and was honored and beloved by all.

all his transactions with the world he was governed by a high sense of honor; was enterrising and earnest, driving business with all his might, but was conscientious, anid never ook an unfair advantage. :

He was twice married. His first wife died afew years wp gee ge to his arrival in this county, and he was afterward married to. Miss Rachel Jewell, who survived him about ten years. He was accompanied to this county by his wife and one child, and six were born in this county, and one now living. His daughter, Mary J:, was born at Muncie in 1826, and was the first white child born in the town. She has a vivid recollection of events which transpired during her childhood, particularly those in which the Indians were concerned. Her instinctive fear of their red faces and savage, unnatural actions, probably served to stamp these scenes more indelibly upon her memory. In aconversation with the writer, she said: "* When I was a child, [remember having seen as many as five hundred Indians (men and women) pass our house at one time, on ponies, in single file. * * * e old sqnaws loved strong tea, and would tell mother to 'make it right from the root,' i. e., xery Resnsig te mother always made it for them as strong as lye. * * * Chief

"The dress and habits of the tribe were peculiar. Many of them wore rings in their ears and noses - one in the nose with small tinkling bells, and several in each ear. They were fond of the game called 'moccasin,' and one evening I went into the bar-room (or office) of our hotel, and found eighteen of them sitting on the floor, with their legs crossed like a tailor, playing at this game. coreg were not boisterous, but were lively and interested ne eartily at every turn in the game that pleased them. Chief eshingomesa as well as chief Montsee, stopped at father's house at various times." whose portrait appears on this e, was born in Washington County, N. Y., where he seunteen tie early caueaiian: C onecnsetl talents that made him bgp pone adapted to bap apt in which he afterward engeged: and as it was one of the desires of his boyhood to become a physician, he anit bent his energies to securing the means for furtherin his plans. He removed to Cincinna i, Ohio, and studied medicine with Dr. Mussey, an eminent physician of that city, and afterward graduated at one of the medical colleges 0 Cincinnati. He then went to Florida, where he practiced successfully until 1842 or 1843. He came to Muncie at that time, and was engaged in the duties of profession until his death, which occurred on the 17th of March, 1856. He was aman of sovl and brain. honorable and upright in all his dealings. Skillful and successful as a physician, kind and tender in the sick-room, he possessed the confidence and regard of all who knewhim. On the 3ist day of October, 1844, he was united in marriage with Miss J., daughter of Hon. Goldsmith ©. Gilbert. This union was blessed by four children, viz., Julia S., Samuel John E, and George R., all of whom still survive. On the 17th of March, 1858, his widowe wife was married to Joseph W. Edmonds, Esq., who is well known throughout this city and county as a worthy and honorable citizen. He has been engaged for a number of years as miller at the flo -mills of Wysor & Kline. aa

The third tract entered was part of the northeast quarter of Section 9, south of Hackley's Reserve, containing 58.62 acres, by Lemuel G. Jackson, on the 13th day of February, 1827. This tract is a part of the land embraced in the donation of Mr. Jackson to the county, in consideration of the location of the seat of justice thereon.

part of that donated by Mr. Brown, in connection with Messrs. Gilbert and Jackson, to the county, in consideration of the selection by the Commissioners of that tract as the seat of justice of Delaware County.

1829. This tract lies west of the Hackley Reserve. On the Ist day of | June, 1833, James Howell entered all of the northeast quarter of Sec- _ tion 10, lying east of the reservation above noted, containing 103.34 |

The first Trustees of Center Township were Minus Turner, Thomas Kirby and Joshua Truitt. Speaking of some of his early experiences in this field, Mr. Turner says: " We built the first schoolhouse located in the southeast corner of the township, on the Harter farm, and is since known as the ' Harter Schoolhouse.' Also one northeast of here, known as the ' Priest Schoolhouse;' and another, north of here, called southwest, and was known as the 'Shaffer Schoolhouse.' Built one southeast of here, perhaps, on the Bishop land. Then, a little further south, another one. All these buildings were frame, and cost from $400 to $700 each, and were considered cheap: I remember but one of the teachers employed, William Dragoo. He taught in the ' Holland Schoolhouse.' I think Warren Stewart was the first Trustee under the new law." et note Hr RPE ANeclas on ccatascceis svwseeccesoncsboecccecoatontec 192 MRE SE Ee eee SURGE Thay eaicsipcokscbasccccccscssceseascsacccoce 197 Total. ......seeseereee oaeeeeeesseceecsaescceccnescececsesensesescceeees 889 Average attendance of children within the schools...,........ 228 Total number of districts within the township,........sse+eees 10 Number of township graded schools, .........cceseeseeeceeeeeceees 1 Length of school taught within the year, in days...... Dhotaas 100 Number of white teachers employed in the schools: Male, 6; female, 4........ccscccccccccccccccccccsecscccccecocesees 10 Average compensation of teachers per day : UN Geie ects sR PeeE ECs poh ches cadesvssiecsiccsceSscccsesccusectedoceve $1 643 z MAUI ic cacebebasaeh ce cns sé aces cccceseee coccenscosdvccsccvasanececees $1 68% Number of brick schoolhouses..........+0+. sssewdevacevesyeoses, voae 7 Number of frame schoolhouses........ ccecceceeccscesscrecsereceees 3 Estimated value of all schoolhouses, including grounds, seats, desks, and outhouses.........ccccesccccccccccccccecccces $11,300 00 Estimated value of school apparatus, viz., globes, maps, charts and books of reference, etc......... Selita tae cpbaeh tad $50 00 Total estimated value of school property......cecccessrecseceeees $11,350 00 Number of volumes in township library..........sssecesseseevers 384 Account of revenue for tuition : Amount on hand, September 1, 1879......sccccecssevesseoes $1,736 22 Amount received in February, 1880 ........scecceeeceseeeees 517 16 Amount received in June, 1880...........c000 ccsccecsesevecs 1,516 10 Total .......scecccscececccsovccsescerersscecccscocscccsscsesvees $3,769 48 Amount expended, September 1, 1879........secsessecseseeverene $1,634 50 Amount on hand, August 31, 1880........sssseccsesecccceeteeeeece $2,134 98 Account of special school revenue: . Amount on hand September 1, 1879.......csccscceceeerreeee $2,720 17 Amount received within the year........c0e eccsscrecercevees 2,567 O09 Total. .iccvcdscocscccscvcsesccvcccccscecseccedcosvoveseesevepesce $5,287 26 Amount expended since September 1, 1879........0.sseeeseeses $2,200 28 Amount on hand August 31, 1880..........:sssscercservcceceerers $3,806 98

William H. Brown, Mound Schoolhouse, District No. 9. George McLaughlin, Hurst's Schoolhouse, District No. 10. Madden Schoolhouse, in District No. 6, is without a teacher.

Fats the time of the organization of Delaware County, Munseytown, near the site of the ancient headquarters of the Munsees, a division of the historic tribe known as the Delawares, occupying the White River country by invitation and sufferance of the Miamis, to whom this territory previously belonged, was only in anticipation, the town plat not having been surveyed. The northern portion of the lands thus occupied at the time of the location of the county seat at that point, was embraced in a reservation granted by the treaty with the Delawares, in October, 1818, since known as the Hackley Reserve. The tract was subsequently purchased by Goldsmith C. Gilbert, in 1826, soon after his immigration hither. After his purchase, Mr. Gilbert "built thereon two small cabins, which stood upon the site now occupied by J. H. Wysor's residence. In one of these he sold whisky and other articles of trade to the Indians," who then continued to remain there; in the other he resided. After the organization of the county, in April, 1827, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the organic act, the Commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice in Delaware County, met at the house of Mr. Gilbert some time during the second week of June of that year, preliminary to their contemplated examination of the several points to which attention had been directed as being probably eligible and adapted to the purposes of a seat of justice. Having made the examinations and investigations, and considered the propositions received as prescribed by the provisions of the with Goldsmith C. Gilbert, Lemuel G. Jackson and William Brown, located the seat of justice of this county on the tracts of land severally donated by the above named gentlemen, in consideration of said location. The lands respectively donated are described as follows, with the conditions precedent, to wit: "For the purpose of aiding in improving the town of Muncietown, the county seat for the county aforesaid, and for the benefit and use of the said county of Delaware, in the erection of public buildings and for other public purposes," Goldsmith ©. Gilbert donated "All that part or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the county of Delaware and State aforesaid, being a part of a reservation for Rebecca Hackley, beginning at the southwest corner of said reservation, and running thence, north, eighty-eight degrees east (N 88° E.), one hundred and thirty-five and twenty hundredths (135.20) poles; thence north, five degrees west (N. 5° WFO; forty-eight and fifty hundredths (48.50) poles; thence South eightyeight (S. 88° W.) degrees west, fifteen and seventy-five hundredths (15.75) poles; thence south forty degrees west (S. 40° W.), ten and seventy-six hundredths (10.76) poles; thence south sixty-five degrees West (S. 65° W.), eleven and twenty-eight (11.28) hundredths poles; thence south seventy-four degrees west (S. 74° W.), thirty-three and fifty hundredths poles; thence south forty-seven degrees west (S. 47° W.), thirty-four poles; thence south eighty degrees west (S. 80° W.), forty-one and seventy-five hundredths (41.75) poles; thence south four degrees thirty minutes east (S. 4° 30' E.), two (2) poles to the place of beginning, containing twenty acres and nine hundredths, be the same

S. P. Anthony's First Addition lies between Walnut and Liberty streets, and between Willard and Florence streets, in the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 20, Range 10, and was laid out in the year 1865.

Proud's First Addition is located in the northeast quarter and in the northwest quarter of Section 16, and les south of Adams street, north of Charles and east of Illinois street, and was laid out in 1865.

Kirby's Fourth Addition is located between Main and Adams streets, and west of Ohio avenue, and was laid out by Thomas Kirby in 1864. Subsequently Mr. Kirby laid out a Fifth Addition, located between

Railroad, bounded on the east by Grant street and on the west by Beacon street. Minus Turner's Second Addition was laid out in 1864, and oceu-

E. C. Anthony's First Addition was laid out in 1866, and was located on that part of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, lying west of Walnut street and south of Florence, extending south to the south line of the said northeast quarter of the southeast

Kilgore's First Addition is located in the southeast quarter of Section 9, lying between Main and Jackson streets, and between Kilgore and Gharky streets; it was laid out in 1866.

H. A. Stephen's Addition was laid out in September, 1866, in that part of the fractional southeast quarter of Section 9, Township 20, Range 10, lying between Main and Jackson streets, and between Kilgore and West streets.

Martin Galliher's First Addition lies south of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad and Seymour street, and in that part of the northwest quarter of Section 15, lying between Vine and Hackley streets; it was laid out in 1869 by Martin Galliher. In 1872, Mr. Galliher laid out a Second Addition in the northwest quarter of Section 15, which lies between Vine and Hackley streets.

George Kirby's Addition is situated in the northeast quarter of Section 15, and contains ten and one-quarter acres. It lies south of Kirby avenue and east of Hackley street; was laid out in1872, and contains eight lots.

Smith & Weller's Addition was laid out in 1873, by E. P. Smith and L. L. Weller, in a part of the northeast quarter of Section 15, lying between Kirby avenue and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, and between Beacon and Grant streets. This addition includes also four lots which were formerly a part of George Kirby's First Addition, and subsequently vacated.

Wm. Truitt's Addition is located in the Hackley Reserve, in that part of it lying east of Monroe street and on either side of Vine street, all north of a tier of ten lots on Washington street. It was laid out in 1872:

Thomas J. Matthews' Addition was also laid out in 1872, in that part of the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 15, lying south of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, north of Second and between Jefferson and Chestnut streets.

Neely's Subdivision embraces that part of Section 9 which lies immediately west of the Hackley Reserve and of the Muncie and Wheel ing Turnpike, and south of the Muncie and Bethel Turnpike. It was laid out in 1872.

Martin Young's Addition was laid out in 1872, in that part of Hackley's Reserve which lies on either side of Gilbert street, east of the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad, and north of Hoon's Addition.

Thomas Proud's Second Addition, like the first, is located in the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 16, but lies south of Charles street and eastof Illinois avenue. It was laid out in 1873.

Thomas Kirby's Sixth Addition was laid out in February, 1873, in a part of the northeast and southeast quarters of Section 16, lying west of Liberty street and the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad, and south of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad.

Paxson's Addition is inated at the head of Grant street, north of Main and immediately west of Ohio avenue.' This addition was laid out also in 1873. F:

Willard's Second Addition occupies that part of the northeast quarter of Section 16, lying between Charles and Howard, and between High and Liberty streets. Laid out in 1873.

E. C. Anthony's Second Addition lies between the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad and Liberty street, south of Florence street, immediately west of E. C. Anthony's First Addition - in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 20, Range 10 east.

Willard's Heirs Subdivision was made in 1873, and is a part of the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 16, lying between Liberty and Walnut streets, and between Willard and Howard streets.

Minus Turner's Third Addition is situated in the northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 20, Range 10 east, lying between Jefferson and Madison streets and south of Willow street. This addition was laid out on the 15th of October, 1873.

Alexander Wilson's Third Addition was laid out in 1873, and is located in the north half of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 20, Range 10 east, lying south of and adjoining E. C. Anthony's Addition.

Olom's Addition, situated in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 15, east of Walnut and north of Willard street. Laid out in 1874.

Winton Place comprises the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter, and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 16, Township 20, Range 10. Laid out in July, 1874.

Galliher's Fourth Addition is situated in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 20, Range 10 east, and lies south of and adjoining said Galliher's Third Addition.

Sample Place is located on Walnut street pike, which bounds it on the east. The Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad is on the west. It was laid out in December, 1874.

Galliher's Third Addition is located south of Kirby street and west of the east line of the northwest quarter of Section 15, Township 20, Range 10 east. It was laid out in October, 1874.

John C. Hiler's Addition was laid out in the spring of 1877, and is located in the south part of Lot No. 18, in Section 16, Township 20, Range 2 east, laid out by the School Commissioners. It lies south of Charles street and west of Liberty street.

From the foregoing recapitulation of the dates of location of the several subdivisions of territory now comprised within the seat of .justice of Delaware County, it will be seen that, during the period anterior - to its being clothed upon by a town corporation, little improvement was made in the way of enlarging its borders in direct ratio with the demands of an enlarged population and of increasing business. The subsequent changes which time has wrought are exhibited further along.

Muncie As A Town

RIOR to the fall of 1854, the seat of justice of Delaware County, known as Muncietown, or more generally " Munseytown," did not possess corporate powers such as were then prescribed for the government of towns below the grade, entitling them to be designated as cities because of their greater population. In 1844, the population was estimated at 467, and two years later at less than 600, within the area occupied by the subsequent corporation. From 1844, during the ten years succeeding, there was an increase of population equal to about 100 per cent, in all not exceeding 900. At the September session of the Board of County Commissioners, in 1854, the people, feeling themselves entitled to privileges not extended to mere township jurisdictions,

Minus Turner

Among the early settlers of Muncie, there were few who took a more active. part in the improvement of the town than Mr. Turner. He was long engaged in the manufacture of brick, and erected the first brick houses in the town , and his residence on West Main street was the first brick house in the county. In whatever he engaged, he was actuated by a laudable ambition to excel. He was one of the early merchants of Muncie, and was identified with its mercantile interests until the infirmities of age caused his retirement from active life.

His father, Bivens Turner, was a native of the State of Delaware. He was a plasterer and brick mason, which vocations he followed during life, varied by brief experiences in the pursuit of farming. In 1809 or 1810, he emigrated to the State of Kentucky and settled at Lexington, where he erected a residence for . Henry Clay. A short time subsequently, he moved his family to a farm near _ that city, from which he was soon forced to retire by the unhealthy condition of the locality and the prevalence of the disease known as ''milk sickness.' He then settled at Covington, Ky., and pursued his trade, subsequently engaging again in the pursuit of farming. In 1823, he came to Indiana and bought a tract of land in the Twelve Mile Purchase, Randolph Co., which he cleared and improved. He was married four times - first, in the State of Delaware, to Priscilla Beswick, who died in 1822. He was a widower at the date of his removal to Indiana, but, about the year 1830 or 1831, married Mrs. Deborah Bowen, while pursuing his trade at Muncie. He returned to Randolph County after working for about a year at Muncie, where his second wife died a few years later. He then returned to Delaware County and occupied the Winton farm, during which time he married Mrs. Butcher, who died after his children had reached maturity. His fourth wife, Mrs. Jackson, lived only a few years, and, after her departure, he made his home with his son Minus until his own death, which occurred in 1863,

Dover, Del., and never enjoyed the advantages offered by the schools of that State, as he was scarcely more than an infant when he accompanied his father's family to Kentucky. All his school experience was limited to the crude system in vogue at that time in the latter State ; ard for whatever krowled ve he acneiired trade pursued by his father, and when the lattér was engaged in farming, contributed his labors to his assistance. 'In 1823, he removed with his father's family to Randolph County, Ind., where he remained six years. At the close of that period, he decided to start out and earn his fortune in the world. With a good trade, an industrious nature and a determined will, he had little doubt of suecess. He came to Muncie in 1829, and engaged in brick-laying and plastering. In 1831, he was married, in Randolph County, Ind., to Eliza C. Bowen, who died at Muncie. In October, 1833, he married Miss Fanny Marshall, his present companion.

Mr. Turner' was engaged at his trade until 1838, when he erected the brick block on the corner of Walnut and Main streets, which was destroyed by fire a few years ago, and succeeded by the Patterson Block. In this building- - - then one of the finest in the town - he enjoyed his first experience as a hotel-keeper, and won the regard of the traveling Soa proving himself a genial host, and one ever solicitous for the welfare and comfort of his guests. He was thus en gaged for nine or ten years, at the end of which time he sold out to Mr. Hoon, and erected a brick storeroom at the east end of the same lot, and engaged in mercantile pursuits. In less than a year thereafter he sold out, resuming work at his trade; and, in 1861, he and his son Leonidas L, engaged in the boot and shoe business, and conducted a very satisfactory trade until the senior member of the firm felt the necessity of retiring from the tedium of active business life. The store was sold to William Lynn,.and Mr. Turner has since led a retired life. At the age of seventy-three years, he is still well preserved and remarkably active for one whose life has been marked by so much sévere labor. While engaged at his trade, he often went to his work at early dawn and continued until midnight, and in all the pursuits of his life, he manifested the same unflagging industry, accomplishing, by this means, the liberal allowance he has to sustain him in his old age. His achievements are the outgrowth of a nature to which no obstacle seemed insurmountable. He settled in an infant community, and, by his untiring labors at his trade, advanced, step by step, on the- road to wealth, prospering with the community, and lending a alpUg band in its aglvancement and public improvements. Honest effort for self-advancement is always commendable, but doubly so when eta under such disadvantages as beset the aspirant for fortune in the early days of Muncie. } .

through life. His second marriage was blessed by nine children. Miilie is the wife es! K. 7 woll, aditor of the Muncie Daily Ne,y~ ~ resided at Muncie. exelia is the wife of C. '3 lkoliinson. andan, .in thn Florida.

Dr. Samuel P. Anthony

In nearly all the earlier and later improvements inaugurated and carried to successful termination in Muncie and throughout Delaware County, Dr. Anthony bore a conspicuous part. He came to the village of Muncietown when it was scarcely more than a clearing in the wilderness, and throughout a number of years was one of its most active and worthy citizens, and was long identified with its mercantile and commercial interests. He was born December 2, 1792, at Lynchburg, Va., and, at the age of twenty years, removed with his father to Ohio. During the war of 1812, he served as a teamster in the United States Army, and, after the close of the war (in 1814), went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he and his father started the first tobacco manufacturing establishment west of and, after completing his medical education, removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where he was engaged for three years in the practice of his profession. At the end of that time, he removed to Cedarville, in the same State, where he was engaged in the practice for an equal length of time. He then located at Muncie, Ind., in 1831, where he spent the residue of his life, practicing medicine and selling merchandise. He invested largely in real estate, purchasing thousands of acres in this and adjoining counties, and, by close attention to business, amassed a large fortune, which, at the time of his death, was variously estimated at from $250, - 000 to $500,000. He opened a general merchandise store at Muncie, shortly after his arrival here, and for more than forty years was identified with that branch of the public interests ofthe town. He practiced medicine for twenty-five years, and, during that time, established a fine reputation as a successful physician. He could not retire from the practice altogether, for there were many who refused to have the administrations of any other physician in case of sickness. When called out upon such a mission to one of his old patients, he always responded eheerfully, and never took a fee for his services. He was himself a man of robust health, and, up to the day of his death, was engaged in active business life. Although he had almost reached the age of eighty-four years, his physical and mental faculties were unimpaired.

He was active in all public enterprises which seemed to him calculated to promote the interests of this city and county. When the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad was advocated, he at once enlisted to help the project along, by taking stock to the amount of several thousand dollars, and personally soliciting subscriptions to the road. He served as.one of the Directors of this road, and, later, was elected President, in which capacity he served about a year. He then resigned, and was succeeded by Hon. John Brough, of Ohio, and again became

On the day preceding his death, he had transacted his business as usual, and at evening repaired to the residence of his son, with whom he was then living.

was seized with violent pains, which culminated in paralysis, and, at 1 o'clock on Saturday morning, July 22, 1876, he died. In his death Delaware County lost one of its most substantial citizens and one of its best financiers. He seemed to possess a natural talent for making money, while he was never penurious or unwilling to contribute his share to public or private charities. In all his dealings with the world, he was strictly conscientious and honorable, and never took an unfair advantage. He was prompt in the fulfillment of his own obligations, and expected others to be so when they were the debtors. In many cases he found it necessary to be exacting, hence he was called by some *'a hard man," but those who understood him knew that in his nature there was more of kindness than any other trait, and his life was replete with kind deeds performed away from the public gaze and known only to the recipients. While engaged in the practice of medicine, the most impecunious patients were attended as promptly and as tenderly as the wealthiest, and he responded to their calls at all hours, even after he had nominally retired from the practice. He was a man of strong character and intellect, ar was independent in his methods. He was known and honored throughout Delaware and adjoining counties, and his death caused

He was twice married - first in 1817, to Miss Narcissa Haines, who died in May, 1858, leaving one son - Edwin C. ; in 1859, he married Miss Emily G. Venaman, who still survives.

His son, Edwin C. Anthony, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 29, 1818, and received his education at Richmond, Ind. He then engaged in business with his father at Muncie, and, prior to the late war, took the entire management of the business upon himself, as his father had retired from active life. At the outbreak of the rebellion, however, he was compelled to resume business life,,as the son had enlisted in the Union army. Capt. Anthony raised Company D, of the Forty-first Regiment Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered into the service as Captain of the company in 1861. He met with an accident by which his arm was broken, and, shortly after the battle of Shiloh, was compelled to resign on account of his injury. e returned to Muncie and again engaged in mercantile life, which he continued successfully for a number of years. Since the close of the war, he has been engaged in shipping live stock to the Southern States, and,

Capt. Anthony inherited much of his father's ability, and has been a successful man all his life, while he has always been liberal with those less fortunate than himself. He is highly regarded and universally respected in this community and wherever he is known. ; , ;

On the 30th day of September, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca G. Venaman, who has proved a loving and devoted wife throu hout the ears that have followed. They are the parents of six children, viz., Florence, Samuel P., Edwin C., Jr., Ella A., Charles H. and Adelia. Florence is the wife of E. H. Swain, and now resides in the State of Florida. Samuel P. married Miss Fannie F. Bayless, and is engaged in manufacturing at Muncie. Ella A. (now deceased) was the wife of George R. Gamble, and resided at Muncie.

petitioned the County Board tothe number of more than one-third of the voting population, so the record discloses, requesting that the privileges of a town corporation be extended to them. The board, having heard and duly considered the request, ordered that an election be held at the court house, on Saturday, Septetber 30, 1854, at which _ time there were fifty-seven votes polled with the word " yes,"' written thereon ; forty-two with the words, "for corporation,' and four with the word "no" written thereon. This vote was canvassed by the board at its following December session, when it was ordered that the place be thenceforward a corporation under the name of Muncie, the early original name " Munseytown" being discarded. At the time of incorporation, the town embraced an area covered by the original plats and the additions thereto known as Garst's Original or First Addition, Kirby's First, Second and Third Additions, Gilbert's Addition and Hoon's addition. These, with the other additions subsequently laid, are set forth at length in the chapter preceding, giving the reader an excellent idea of the dimensions of the place.

Muncie, at the time of its incorporation, was extremely deficient in the means of securing to the children resident within its limits, the necessary educational privileges. The Trustees elected for the purpose of looking after and regulating this branch of the local economy, in a report reviewing the situation at the time of their induction into office, exhibits. With these conditions surrounding them, in the fall of that year they '"' purchased an additional lot, bought some brick, and in the spring of 1856 commenced the erection " of the school building known as No. 1, which was subsequently completed at a cost, including desks and other furniture, of $2,586.96, capable of accommodating about three hundred pupils; but an enumeration of children entitled to school privileges within the corporate limits, made in the spring of 1865, dis. closed the fact that the aggregate of these was eight hundred, making it apparent that more room and enlarged privileges were urgently necessary, in view of the further fact that the "old seminary building," which in earlier years had been used for common-school purposes, was entirely unfit for use, and its further occupancy injudicious. In the summer and fall of 1856,, however, after the erection of Schoolhouse No. 1 had been provided for, to allay the dissatisfaction arising among the inhabitants, because of the improvement of the site at the east end of town, the Trustees secured the use of this old seminary building, which had come into the hands of E. C. Anthony, Esq., for school purposes until more satisfactory arrangements could be made for the accommodation of the inhabitants on the other extreme. This, for the time being, was known as School No. 2.

In May, 1860, an election was held for the purpose of choosing town officers for the ensuing year. On Friday, the 11th of May, a town meeting was held, the new board consisting of Samuel A. Neely, Trustee for the First District; John Marsh, for the Second District; John A. Gilbert, for the Third District; James Hodge, for the Fourth District, and James L. Truitt, for the Fifth District. Of this board, James L. Truitt was subsequently chosen President, and Carlton E. Shipley, Clerk. The following other officers elected presented their certificates and were sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties, and filed the necessary bonds: William H. Stewart, Treasurer; William T. Nottingham, Marshal, and John Brady, Street Commissioner, the latter being appointed to that position by the new board. ;

Among other proceedings at this meeting of the board, Samuel F. Brady, the outgoing Treasurer, submitted his report of the financial operations of the town during the preceding year. The following is a statement, in abstract, of those operations, as in the report set forth:

At the same meeting, it was ordered that a tax levy be made, whereby $1,000 could be realized for the year 1860. A further meeting was held on the 19th of June, 1860, when it was " Ordered, that for building and repairing schoolhouses, there be levied and collected upon each $100. valuation, real and personal, for the year 1860, in the town of Muncie, 25 cents, and upon each poll in said town for said year, the sum of 25 cents; also, for general purposes, on real and personal, 40 cents, and on each poll 25 cents." - :

An abstract of the Treasurer's Report, submitted at the meeting on the 11th of May, 1861, gives the following exhibit of the financial condition: |

The undersigned, Clerk of said town, respectfully presents the following statements of the receipts and expenditures of said town, for the year ending with the 1lth of May, A. D. 1861, together with a statement of the receipts and expenditures

Expenditures, Beech Grove Cemetery account... ....+++--+++e+e+ees $ 42 92 Street AcCCOuUNt.........cccccsscccscecsccccecssetscccccsscccceceececs 877 20 Officer's fees account..........ccscsceeeeeeeeceeees OR aR 185 66 Election expense ACCOUNL.........seeeeeeesecereerseeeeecseceeens 7 50 Specific allowance account......cssesceercereeeverseeeeeeeeceeees 15 00 Printing ACCOUNL..<......ceceeeceerenveneeeseerececenensenteeeenes 7 00 Sidewalk account,.........ssccccoccccccccreccccsccces senccesscnccess 10 00

Statement of receipts and expenditures of the town of Muncie, upon Beech Grove Cemetery, extending from the location of the Cemetery until May 11, 1861.

At the session of May 10, 1862, it was "ordered by the Board that Messrs. Willson and Gilbert be appointed a Committee to employ an Engineer to level the town for drainage purposes, and to make general plans for drainage, and to make and file in the office of the Clerk of the Town a perfect and intelligible record of all such drains and plans.. And said Committee is ordered to report at the next term of this Board."'

Gas Works Ordinance

1 On the 28th of May, 1862, a special meeting was called for the purpose of considering an ordinance under which it was proposed to light the town with gas. The question being undetermined, it was deferred until a subsequent meeting. Three days later, on the 31st, a further meeting was held, at which the following ordinance was -maturely considered and passed: _ .

Section 1. Be it ordained, by the Board of Trustees of the town of Muncie, in the county of Delaware, in the State of Indiana, that Thomas Harvey and Alfred H. Knowles, of the town of Marion, Marion County, Ohio, and their associates, suc- alleys and other public grounds of the town of Muncie, for the purpose of laying down and maintaining therein gas pipes, for the use of said town and the inhabitants thereof; provided, that such pipes shall not interfere with the proper drainage of said town by the construction of the necessary sewers and other fixtures for the conveyance of water; and provided, further, that neither the said town nor any of the inhabitants thereof, shall be liable for any damage occurring to said pipes from the necessary construction, improvement, continuance or repairs of any such sewers, or other fixtures for the drainage of said town. And the said town further agrees to use gas posts and lamps on the streets, lanes, alleys and other public grounds aforesaid, to the number of twenty-five. '

Sec. 2, Whenever the said Harvey and Knowles, their associates, successors or assigns, propose to open any of the said streets, lanes, alleys and public grounds for the purpose of laying down pipes therein, they shall give the Marshal of said town three days' notice thereof, and shall not, during the progress of the work, unnecessarily obstruct the passage of such streets, lanes, alleys or other public grounds, and shall, within a reasonable time, put the same in like good repair as they were before.

'Seo. 38. In consideration of the privileges hereby granted, the said Harvey and Knowles, and their associates, successors and assigns, shall furnish gas in said town for such public purposes as the Board of Trustees of said town may require, at a rate not exceeding $3 for each one thousand cubic feet; provided, that said town shalj furnish, at its own expense, the lamp posts and fixtures. But in case such posts and fixtures shall be furnished by the said Harvey and Knowles, their associates, successors or assigns, then the town shall pay for all gas consumed for such public purposes at a rate equal to the price paid by the citizens for private purposes.

Src. 4. The inhabitants of said town shall be furnished with gas for private purposes at a rate not exceeding $4 per thousand cubic feet, subject to the rules and usages regulating gas companies in the cities and towns of United States of America.

ing gas pipes in the streets, lanes, alleys and other public grounds of said town, for the period of twenty years from and after the taking effect of this ordinance.

Src. 6. The privileges hereby granted are upon this express condition: That the said Harvey and Knowles, their associates, successors or assigns, shall, on or before the 1st day of August, 1863, have the said gas works in successful operation for the manufacture of gas of sufficient capacity to supply said town and the inhabitants thereof. Any temporary failure on the part of the grantees to perform any of the conditions herein, except as to the completion of said works, shall not work a forfeiture of the privileges herein granted; provided, that such conditions shall be complied with within a reasonable time after such failure.

Sec. 7. If any person or persons shall willfully or maliciously injure, remove or destroy any gas-lamp, gas-lamp post, gas pipe, gas lantern or other gas fixture belonging to the-said grantees, hereby constituted, in any of the streets, lanes, alleys or other public grounds of said town, the person or persons so offending shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of $10.

Sec. 8. The price of gas to consumers, for both public and private purposes, shall be of such rates, and not greater than those hereinbefore indicated, as are or may be at the time usual and customary in towns and cities in the United States of America, with equal population with that of Muncie, and possessing equal facilities for transporting materials and manufacturing gas with cheapness.

Notwithstanding this proposed improvement had thus far advanced toward consummation, a hitch in the further proceedings interposed. and the matter, during the remaining existence of the town corporation, was abandoned, but for what reason does not now appear manifest.

On the 9th of May, 1863, an election of town officers was held with the following result: John C. Matthews, Trustee of District No. 1; W. B. Kline, District No. 2; Arthur Patterson, District No. 3; Isaac Meeks, District No. 4; J. A. Wachtell, District No. 5; Carlton E. Shipley, Clerk; William H. Stewart, Treasurer; John Sutton, Marshal; Andrew J. Riley, Assessor; Lewis 8S. Smith, Street Commissioner.

Alfred Kilgore was elected Trustee for the Fifth District, on the 20th of June following, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Mr. Wachtell, Trustee elect, from the district.

At the meeting on the 24th of February, 1864, Arthur F. Patterson was authorized to contract with George Higman for material and the erection of a house on the cemetery grounds, as per plan in possession of said Patterson, at a total expense not exceeding $600. Subsequently, however, the board having purchased from Mr. Thomas Kirby a halfacre of ground with a house upon it, lying immediately east of the cemetery grounds, the order for erecting a house on these grounds was canceled. Henry Gotleib was appointed Sexton.

Muncie. This petition was presented to the board at its session of April 11, 1864, by Mr. W. B. Kline, with the request that such preliminary steps as were necessary be taken by the board to secure the end contemplated. Public opinion, it appears, was not yet ripe for the consummation of that purpose, and the petition was laid upon the table.

On the 7th of May, 1864, the annual election for town officers took place, and the following persons were chosen such for the ensuing year: John C. Matthews, Trustee District No. 1; W. B. Kline, District No. 2; Arthur F. Patterson, District No.3; Isaac Meeks, District No. 4; James Truitt, District No. 5; Carlton E. Shipley, Clerk; William H. Stewart, Treasurer; John T. Robinson, Marshal; C. A. Ellis, Assessor; John Brady, Street Commissioner.

not disposed to allow their interest in a city corporation to subside, but continued to agitate the question more strongly than ever before.

and a decision of purpose that would not brook delay. Hence, petitions were more extensively circulated than before, and, of course, more numerously signed by representative citizens and property holders. In this effort they were more successful than formerly. Toward the end a city, under the general law of the State of Indiana, regulating the incorporation of cities, and, as in duty bound, your petitioners will @ver pray, ctc * * %* ' * February 24, 1864."

The board, at its session on the 9th of November, 1864, having examined and maturely considered the foregoing petition, enacted as follows: "And thereupon, it is ordered by the Board of Trustees of the town of Muncie, that John T. Robinson, Marshal, proceed at once to take an enumeration of all persons who were residents within the corporate limits of said town, on the 25th day of September, A. D. 1864, and make return thereof according to law, within sixty days from this date, to the board. It is further ordered, that, in such return, the Marshal give the name of each person so enumerated, and also the entire number of voters, separately, from the number of such residents."

On the 13th of January, 1865, the Marshal, John T. Robinson, pursuant to his instructions, made return of census on the 25th of September, 1864, showing a population of 2,196. Thereupon, it was "ordered by the board, that on Thursday, February 2, 1865, at the court house in said town, a poll shall be opened to determine whether the town of Muncie, Delaware Co., Ind., shall be incorporated as a city, under the general laws of said State."

Such election was held accordingly, and on the 4th of February, thereafter, the Judges and Clerk made report, showing that there had been cast with the word "yes" thereon, 293 votes; with the word "no," one and no more. The board thereupon ordered as follows:

"It appearing that a majority of the legal voters of said town have yoted at said election in favor of its incorporation as a city, it is ordered by the board that said statement, with said indorsement, be filed this day with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Delaware County, State of Indiana, which is accordingly now done." It was also "ordered by the Board of Trustees, that the city of Muncie be divided into four (4) wards, and that the boundaries thereof shall be as follows: _

An election was also ordered to be held in each ward on Saturday, February 25, 1865, "for the purpose of electing a Mayor, two Council. men from each ward, a City Clerk, Assessor, City Treasurer, City Engite of the people

The election having been held accordingly, and the city officers chosen, the Board of Trustees of the town of Muncie, after making sundry allowances for Judges, Inspectors and Clerks of elections, adjourned February 25, 1865, sine-die, when the old town corporation

We, Mark Walling, Arthur F. Patterson, John C. Matthews and Lewis S. Smith, Inspectors of the election held in the several wards of the city of Muncie, county and State aforesaid, on Saturday, the 25th day of: February, A. D. 1865, for the election of officers of said city, being met according to law, at the Common Council room in said city, on this Monday, February 27, A. D. 1865, at 9 o'clock A. M., on inspection of the statements of the result of said election in said several wards as returned by the Inspectors and Judges thereof, and now presented by us, do determine and declare as follows, as to the result of said election to wit:

Whole number of votes cast for the office of Mayor of said city, is 303, of which John Brady received 285; Job Swain, 16; Thomas S. Neely, 1; William Brotherton, 1. John Brady is therefore duly elected Mayor of said city. Whole number of votes cast for Clerk of said city, was 268, of which Joseph S. Duckwall received 265 ; James Maddy, 1; R. Berger, 1; Gates, 1. Joseph 8. Duckwall is therefore duly elected Clerk.

Whole number of votes cast for the office of City Assessor, was 314; of which James K. Moore received 152; Jacob Dodson, 162. Jacob Dodson is therefore duly elected Assessor.

elected Engineer. Whole number of votes cast for Marshal of said city, was 314; of which John T. Robinson received 189; Nathan Branson, 125. John T. Robinson was therefore duly

First Ward - Whole number of votes cast for Councilmen in First Ward, 157 - of which James Truitt received 36; Conrad Kurtz, 16; Armstead M. Klein, 19; Mark Walling, 63; James E. Wilcoxon, 21; Frank Leon, 2. Mark Walling and James Truitt were declared elected. f

Second Ward - Whole number of yotes cast for Councilmen in Second Ward, 208 - of which William B. Kline received 49; Frank Shafer, 46; David T. Haines, 43; Charles F. Willard, 28; Arthur F. Patterson, 42. William B. Kline and Franklin Shafer declared elected.

Third Ward - Whole number of votes cast for Councilmen in the Third Ward, 161 - of which John L, Little received 42; Isaac Meeks, 50; John W. Harter, 35; Volney Willson, 34. John L. Little and Isaac Meeks were declared elected.

Fourth Ward - Whole number of votes cast for Councilmen in Fourth Ward, 98 - of which Thomas S. Neely received 22; Lewis S. Smith, 31; William Brotherton, 43; Andrew J. Riley, 2. William Brotherton and Lewis S. Smith were declared elected.

On the 28th of February, after having taken the necessary oaths, they were duly installed in their respective positions, and the city of Muncie became a working as well as a fixed fact.

First Meeting Of Council

in special session this evening at 64 o'clock, pursuant to call, with a full board, His Honor the Mayor, in the chair, and C. HE. Shipley, Clerk of Town Corporation. At this meeting, the bonds of the Treasurer and Clerk were submitted and approved. A resolution was adopted, also, looking to the enlargement of the city limits. The old seal of the town of Muncie was adopted as the temporary séal of the city of Muncie. It was also further determined that the future meetings of the Council be held, until otherwise ordered, in the southeast room of the second floor of the court house, on the third Tuesday in each and every month, at 7 o0'clock P.M. These proceedings are signed by John Brady, Mayor, and attested by J. F. Duckwall, Clerk. On the 7th of March, the bonds of the Marshall and Engineer were submitted and approved. At the same meeting, a committee on constitution and by-laws was appointed, and J. F. Duckwall authorized to contract for the printing of the ordinances, constitution, by-laws, etc., in the Delaware County Free Press. A committee on ordinances was appointed, also, and a resolution adopted creating a device for the permanent seal of the city. The device is described as follows, to wit: "An eagle sur- - rounded with the 'City of Muncie - 1865.' The eagle to be the same _as on the fifty-cent coin of the United States recent coinage." - .

At the session of the City Council on the 6th day of March, 1871, the City Civil Engineer submitted, concerning the length of the different railroads in the corporate limits of the city, as directed, for tax purposes: ' The length of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, extending from the west line of the Muncie & New Burlington Turnpike, west to a point in the east line of the lands belonging to the heirs of Andrew Kennedy, is one mile and 366 | 3 » sul | sequently prepared, and, on the 14th of April, submitted to the Council,

"The length of the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad, extending from a point in a right line with the north line of Jack & Myer's Addition to the city of Muncie; thence south and southward to the west line of Liberty street, is 4,900 feet."

By an order of the Council passed April 3, 1871, the City Treasurer was authorized to redeem and cancel the Fort Wayne, Muncie & Cincinnati Railroad bonds now outstanding.

On the 15th of March, 1871, the committee appointed for the purpose, reported in favor of renting a room from Spilker, Brotherton & Shipley, for one year, with the privilege of four, at the rate of $100 per annum, to be used for a Council chamber and other city purposes, The report was concurred in. Afterward, at a meeting held on the 3d of July, 1871, it was

Resolved, That the office of the Mayor of the city of Muncie, be and the same is hereby established and located in the rear room of the second story of the brick building at the southeast corner of Jackson and Walnut streets in said city, and that the court of the Mayor and the sittings of the Common Council of said city shall be held therein hereafter, until otherwise ordered by the Council.

wants of the city for a Council room, Mayor's office, city prison, fireengine house and other purposes, became a matter of importance, exciting much interest and considerable comment. The agitation thus induced resulted in the presentation of sundry propositions for buildings and building sites adapted to the public want. During this period, Messrs. Kirby Brothers submitted for the consideration of the city authorities a proposition to sell the city a certain piece of ground occupying an eligible situation upon which such buildings might with propriety be located. Ata meeting held on the 11th of November of that year, this proposition was brought to the attention,of the Council, when, on motion, "the proposition of Messrs. Kirby Brothers, to sell to the city thirty-five feet front on Jefferson street and one hundred and twenty-five feet front on Jackson street, for the sum of $800, to be paid for within five years, with six per cent interest from date of sale," was accepted by the Common Council on behalf of the city, '' with the condition that the city shall build upon said ground such brick building as she may desire to erect, and that the erection of said building shall be commenced within two years from the, date of the sale of said grounds."

Accordingly, at a meeting of the Council on the 25th of November, a resolution was passed directing that a brick building be so erected on said grounds, and a committee appointed to draw up plans, specifications, etc., and report the same to the board; the building to be so constructed as to include an engine-room, city jail and Jailer's residence,

At a later date, December 9, 1872; the committee before appointed to ascertain the conditions of the proposed sale by Mr. Kirby of certain grounds for the erection of city buildings thereon, made report, stating conditions of sale, as embodied in the proposition; also, presenting an article of agreement for the purchase of a part of Lots 6 and 7, in Block 25, in Brown's donation, at the corner of Jefferson and Jackson streets, being thirty-five feet on Jefferson street and one hundred and twenty-five feet on Jackson street. December 23, the Committee on Plans and Specifications submitted their report and were discharged, and a further committee appointed, with instructions to make and report a final estimate of the cost of construction. Pending this proposition, a motion was made to submit the question of erecting such a building toa vote of the people. The motion met with little favor and was promptly tabled. Whether this was reported according to instruc

1873, a resolution was passed amending the plan of construction by leaving out the Clerk's office and Council chamber in the second story, with the calaboose and Marshal's residence in the first story. The plans being so amended, a committee was appointed to make arrange ments for receiving proposals for the erection of the same, on the 10th of March following. Pursuant to those arrangements, plans were subopened and examined, the final decision inthe matter being temporarily postponed. At the succeeding meeting, April 28, contracts for the city building were awarded as follows: To Davis & Branson, for excavation; to Messrs. Hamilton & Son, for brick and stone work; the carpenters' work being referred at the same time, to a select committee, with a a proposition was submitted by Mark Walling to sell to the city for a public building, the ' Walling Hall," on the west side of the public square, and the proposition referred to a special committee; but consideration upon the proposition was indefinitely postponed.

When the building had been otherwise nearly completed, the City Clerk, on the 11th of August, 1873, was directed by resolution "to give notice for two weeks in the Muncie News that sealed proposals would be received by the Common Council of the city of Muncie, at the City Clerk's. office, until Monday, August 25, 1873: first, for the plastering of the city building; second, for the material and work for the finishing of the top section of the bell tower in said building; third, for furnishing all material and running a circular winding stairway in the bell tower in said building; fourth, for laying the floors and hanging the large doors; fitting the sash and hanging the same; fitting, hanging and framing doors; running hall stairs; finishing windows and doors in the hall below and second story, and the base in the hall below, and throughout the second story in the city building; fifth, for the painting and graining of said building. Pursuant to that notice, proposals were received and examined, and the contract for painting was awarded to Cornelius & Watson, on the 25th of August. On the 8th of September following the contract for building the stairs in the bell tower was awarded to P. H. D. Bundy; the joining to Youse & Covault, and the plastering to Messrs. Blodgett & Crickenberger; subsequently, however, Messrs. Blodgett & Co. were released' from their contract to plaster the building, and Noah Shaffer was substituted. in their stead.

Upon the completion of the building, at a meeting of the Council on the 19th of January, 1874, it was " Resolved, thatthe Mayor's office and the meetings of the Council be held in the west room of the new building, over the engine-room situated on the northwest corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets, in the city of Muncie, from and after this date. The cost of the city building, as set forth in the report of the Clerk, submitted May 11, 1874, was. $5,402.64. At the meeting of August 3, 1874, the Marshal was "'ordered to take charge of the new building and put it in condition for the meeting of the Council, and all other things necessarily pertaining thereto."

On the 6th of May, 1875, the Treasurer submitted his annual report of the condition of the city finances for the year ending March 31, as follows: : |

'The city building had not long been in use when it was found to be insufficient for the purposes of the city government, and steps were taken to make the necessary additions thereto. A notice that proposals would be received for the purpose, brought forth numerous propositions. On the 2d of September, 1875, the committee to whom was referred the question of selecting the plan and awarding the contracts for materials and work, "reported that they had let the bricks and stone work to Charles S. Westlake, for $1,592.21; carpenter work and roofing to George Higman, for $951; painting to Levi Rich, $152.50; iron work, to Muncie Foundry and Machine Works, for $522; excavation to Davis and Hollock, at 25 cents per cubic yard." The action of the committee was ratified by the Council. ,

About the time the construction of the city buildings was originally contemplated, steps began to be taken toward placing 'guides on the streets and numbers on the buildings. With that end in view, the Council passed an ordinance January 13, 1873, directing that the names of the streets be conspicuously placed at the crossings, and that such a system of numbering buildings by a practical subdivision of the lots as should meet the demands of the public be adopted. A select committee was accordingly appointed, with instructions to consummate that object by carrying the ordinance into effect.. In addition to this; other lines of improvement were projected, calculated to beautify the city and add to the convenience and comfort of citizens. The fire department was enlarged, and supplied with the means necessary to the subjugation and control of fires; gas companies were organized, with the requisite powers to accomplish all the purposes of organization; a public library and reading room was established; a superior high school building - these and many others, within the period of ten years, have been brought forth as evidences of the healthy and prosperous growth of the city and the generous co-operation of an enlightened community. As presenting a comprehensive view of the magnitude of what well-directed public enterprise has produced, we insert here an address of the Mayor, delivered before the Common Council, on the 13th of May, 1878:

GENTLEMEN OF THE CouNcIL: In obedience to the laws of the State, and in compliance with former usage, I submit for your consideration such facts relative to the affairs of the city as seem to me necessary and proper. During the past year, the people of the cities all over this land have felt the damaging effect of the financial embarrassments of the country. Ours has been no exception; yet, the last abundant harvest, the unusually mild winter and a season of very general good health, have proven favors for which our citizens should feel most devoutly thankful.

In your new associations, some with and others.without experience as officers of the city, you assume important duties and varied cares, with their attending responsibilities. Your selection by your friends in the several wards isa guaranty of your effort to provide for the wants of the city. The people expect, and have the right to demand of you, that such time and care shall be used as shall be found necessary for fully learning all] the public wants of the city, and properly mature such plans as may be required to secure them. '

The fire department, a statement of which is herewith filed, represents the department in a sufficient and satisfactory condition, and is believed to be acceptable to the city and public. From the report of the City Board of Education, it is proper, and a pleasure, also, to say that the whole system of our common schools, embracing the academy, appears to have been well and safely controlled. All our sckool property, the value of which is herewith submitted, is free from debts of any kind, and the treasury with means to further provide educational facilities; your fostering care is invited to this very important interest of our city. In this connection, I desire to call your attention to the public library as one of the departments of general education. Its cost to the city is hereinafter shown; its real value, time alone can determine. From our Librarian's report, I find periodicals, including dailies, weeklies, monthlies and quarterlies upon her table, numbering fifty; number of books issued for the year ending March 31, 1877, is 11,979, and for the year ending March 31, 1878, is 17,120, being a gain in the last year, in circulation, of 5,141; and for library reading by persons without cards of membership, and the use of books in the library for reference, about 1,500, making the equivalent to a reading of 18,620 books. This extensive reading by the people cannot fail to have an influence for good, present and future, to the people and to the city. Through the efforts of the friends of education, our public library has been selected as the repository of the Congressional publications for this Congressional district. From that source, we have received, during the past year, many very valuable books. Our library now needs room and shelving for about five hundred volumes that are now idle for the want of such accommodations. In view of these facts, I recommend to your consideration the adoption of some means in connection with the library board, to place our public library where it will be easy of access, free from_all objectionable surroundings, with proper room for the reading and storing of its valuable treasure, believing that a generous public will sustain your efforts.

In the past, some efforts have been made to establish a Board of Health, and'to invest it with the necessary authority to render it useful and effective, but thus far without success. Many fears are entertained and often expressed that our sanitary condition as a city is not what prudence would dictate or safety require. Your careful attention to this subject is to be most earnestly desired.

Necessity makes it a duty that your attention should be called to the city prison. Decency and common humanity require that persons of both sexes should not be confined in the same room. Our present situation is such that a temporary separation only can be maintained, and in emergencies that are liable to occur, the county prison, which is expensive, is the only relief for such circumstances. It is hoped the Council will take the proper action to seclude from public gaze at the prison windows such persons as may be committed, whose acts and language are offensive to private citizens and to the public. cht, iad

Report Of The Value Of City Property Fire Department

Value of city building, lot and interest...........ccececscceseeceees $1,040 00, Expended on_ building in 1872........ oF ekontn's a= preabonseis ee piaeaaiags 400 00 Expended on building im 1878.............0e.seeeeseececeeseeeeees w 65,382 64 Expended on city building im 1874..............cecececeeeeeeeeeeeees 1,173 70 Expended on city building in 1875.............seseeseesceeeeeeeeeeee 4,004 77 Expended on city building in 1876............scssecesecene seeeeeees 645 43 Expended on city building in 1877...........ccceeeeseeeeeseneeeeeees 418 27 Expended for alarm bell.........cscscscscscscssccecsecercsessepeececers 500 00 Value of building and fixtures.............csccccccecscedeoecees $15,564 81 FIRE DEPARTMENT. One Babcock fire extinguisher............. thas dcpeachianqnachepitecan $ 2,600 00 Eight hundred feet of hose for same, with nozzles...........+++. 64 00 One supply cart and fixtures..........seeeeseees paicncs sSeeyt ee vunsives 27 00 One hook and ladder truck, and fixtures..........cccceeseceeeeeees 330 00 One Clapp & Jones steam fire engine....../......e. cece neers reeees 5,000 00 » One steam heater and fixtures...........e.sseeeseseeeceeeseceeeesenens 140 00 Two thousand feet rubber hose and reels........ceseeseeeeeeeeceees 2,300 00 One hose tester...........++ pix wonenh ries spodieshntchssabandgsssbveSuube 'j 15 00 One small rotary pump......... ceaveemervestensssiacren esescees Snes sean 20 00 One large rotary pump............+++ dodeceschabevevaaweach anna apeers 90 00 One gray hOrse........cesesereesseersers Dieeh beg debes eer tteaee DARD ee cee 135 00 One pair bay HOrses...........c.cesescseceeesescecceseeecsceesaroares ode BL FSO One lot Of harness... .pisvecesevvervedeevecvesvebbvocrceccessocvessuscees 73 00 Ome two-horse WAgOD.......ssccescsseseserceeeseneeeccecaseeseneeneeeees 90 00

One regulator ClOCK........sseecsssserseeeeeeeernesesenessceeseeeeee cesar: 14 00 One Coal StOVe.......:c2e secseccceceesecseensenpensesseesenseenensaaeeencs 15 00 Eighteen rubber coats for firemen......+s+.+--++s+reseeeeeereeeeesers 126 00 One coal cart for steamer..........ceeceeeeseeereeeteeeeesereeeeeneseres 20 00 Eight feet of section hose and one-half dozen VALVES. ......2-006 20 50 One jack-SCTOW ..ccsececsscneceeceecsesetseceseaeenantssenssenseseesaesens 8 00 One bedstead and spring bDOttOm.........-++ssseeeees seeeereeeseeerers 15 00 One gong and fixtures........-sseseeee seseseceersenerscssreeeeeeee ees 8 00 Two large reflector lampS......-.+++++s+eeeeereee Nsckbbardedencsccaesre 4 00 One lot sundries, tools, fixtures and supplies..........++-++eeeeee 239 563 Six large brick cemented Cisterns.........+:--s-seeeeeeeeesereeeeess 2,750 00 Four large fire wells.......0-sssssseeeseseesereneecseesenesseesesuecaners 687 00

Insurance

CEMETERY. Value of unsold ground, new purchase............2:s:beeeereeeeeeres $2,300 00 Value of unsold ground, old purchase.......ssscsseersersereeeereees 400 00 Fencing and other improvements............--seessereereeen sen eeeeenes 500 00 House and lot for Sextom.......cesssecceeecseersseeeeee ss sescecescseeoes 400 00 Total value of cemetery ZroundS.......se-csseessseeeeeeeseceeers $3,600 00 PUBLIC LIBRARY. Amount of first SUDSCrIPtiON.........ceeeeeesseeecreeeeerssneneesereeens $3,000 00 Amount of second subscription............ seneeeenasssseneeaeesaunenecs 750 00 Total payment by the City.......cecccesecesenencereeseneneeenenens $3,750 00 SCHOOL PROPERTY. Lots and building of No. L....ccccccseceecseeeseeeeseeeereeeeeneereeees $10,000 00 Lots and building of No. 2.........c.sscececcccesccscescscsccseeseners 10,000 00 Lots and building of No. 8...........ccsccscecsscccccececesssceccs eos 8,200 00 Lots and building of academy........+cccecceecccseerssecneccresersens 6,000 00 Frarniture And fxtares...ceccccesccccccceccscccccvcssccvcccccs ceccevccere 2,500 00 Total value of school property .........scecssesseeeccsererseees $36,700 00 INSURANCE.

Recapitulation

Value of city building and fixtures......... he edvinbbents $13,564 81 Value of fire department............ccc.cccccccreccsscceecceccecsecccees 15,189 53 Value of the street lights. .............-sseccscccccscecrsscceseeseeceese 822 00 Value of cemetery property.......c.cceccecccsccececcscesscccesccsceens 3,600 00 Value of public library........ccccccceccsscccscccescccscesscesccssccess 8,750 00 Value of school property.............ccecccccccccscsceesccnedocescscsens 36,700 00 Payment for imSurance.......cesceccerecersecesecerecsnersetensecene cece 1,239 18

In this connection it is proper to remark that no account is taken of streets and alleys, but it may be some gratification to many that we make an approximate estimate of the same. In the year 1877, we expended for that purpose, for labor and material, excluding graveling, $3,952.85, which is known to be below an average, and we estimate the average annual cost to be, say, $4,500. For thirteen years, we have total $58,500, which is probably below the amount actually expended.

Our financial condition, while perhaps not fully meeting the expectations of all, must be admitted to be in a fair and favorable situation. The liabilities of the city are:

At the meeting of the Council on the 7th of July, 1880, the City Clerk submitted the following report of the condition of the finances of the city at that date: es To the Mayor and Common Council of the City of Muncie: east for the offices named, were declared duly elected: For Clerk, C. S. Wachtell. For Councilmen - First Ward, Frank Ellis; Second Ward, ©. A.