Delaware County, Indiana - Chapter 18: Chronology of the Last Quarter Century, 1908

Chapter 18: Chronology of the Last Quarter Century

It is said that Lincoln had in his law office a large cabinet provided with numerous drawers and pigeonholes, with a label over each to designate the particular subject or class of the contents. But over the largest of these receptacles, and the one containing the largest number of papers, was the following inscription: "If you can't find it elsewhere, look here."

Perhaps the chief design of the following chapter was to provide some Mich "omnium gatherum" of the numerous details that could not well be given space elsewhere in this history. It is evident that many events, because they arc detached from the main course of affairs, must be recorded in the form of annals rather than be narrated. Such a chronology as follows also has the advantage of ready reference. The principal events in the history of the county during the last twenty-five years are recorded in this way, though many of them receive more ample consideration on other pages. Had it been possible, the record would have been extended back fifty or even seventy-five years, but years of research would not produce as complete a record of those earlier periods as is given for the last quarter of a century, simply because no materials are in existence for such a compilation. Provided the value of this chronology is realized, it is hoped that local historians might continue the record thus begun, thus preserving a daily epitome of the changes and occurrences in the life and affairs of Delaware count)-. Incidentally this record serves as an index to the most important facts during the past quarter century, and indicates the date when a fuU description of the topic will be found in the files of the newspapers preserved in the public library.

Sept. - Council street opened and graveled from Charles to Middletown pike. Oct. 4 - Wysor's opera house (on Main and Walnut streets), remodeled and opened with Denier's Humpty Dumpty Company. Oct. 21 - Death of T. S. Walterhouse, well known lawyt* Oct. - Smallpox ravages in Granville. Nov. 8 - Williamson's flour mill at Yorktown burned.

for funeral. Feb, 6 - Citizens' National Bank moves from Main street to corner of Jackson and Walnut, into former quarters of Claypool's bank. March 1 - Delaware County Tile and Brick Makers' Assn. organized; E. H.

Case, president. March 17 - Death of Henry Hamilton, who came to the county in 1834. April 1 - Oakville swept by cyclone ; four killed and many injured ; only four yuly 11 - Xew steam fire engine arrives in Muncie and is tested. Aug. 30 - Death of Mrs. John Brady. Sept. 19 - Earthquake shock disturbs Muncie people.

Oct. 17 - Death of Dr. Henry C. Winans, prominent physician; an energetic member of Board of Health of Muncie. Xov. 28 - Minnie Maddern (now Mrs. Fiske) plays "Caprice" at Wysor's to a small audience. Xov. 6 - Minus and Fanny Marshall Turner celebrate golden wedding. Dec. S - Death of Peter Dragoo, aged 91, who came to Delaware county in 1832. During 1884-85 Muncie was a center of the roller skating craze which then prevailed all over the country, and which during the last few years has been revived, though not to such an extent as twenty years ago. Patterson's hall was a popular rink. The Royal Rink, at Jackson and Elm streets, was opened for the "skatorial art" in April, 18S5. Traveling shows introduced fancy roller skating as a drawing card. Muncie claimed to stand second in the 'manufacture of the roller skate. C. J. Becktel, J. F. Shafer and others in the city were inventors of skates of improved devices.

jfav 22 - Muncic Business & Manufacturing Assn. formed by committee, its object being the erection of buildings for purpose of manufacturing and promotion of manufacturing in Muncic and vicinity. Formal organization took place June 3, first board of directors being J. H. Smith, James Boyce, A. F. Patterson, T. A. Xeely, J. M. Kir by.

fan. 12 - Fire destroyed the old frame dwelling put up by James Lease about 1S39, on Main street, between the property of Mecks & Co. and J. A. Wachtcl. The first trial of our water works.

June 4 - The old C. F. Willard corner on the northeast corner of Main and Walnut torn down to-day for the purpose of rebuilding. It was one of the oldest brick buildings in Muncie, and the first building I entered when I came to Muncie. October 19, 1838.

Nov. 1 1 - The persons employed to bore for oil have this morning "struck" gas, and everybody is on the way to see for themselves - and it is true, after boring over 800 feet ; and it is this evening "lit up" and speaks for itself. Nov. 20 - An organization of a company with $100,000 capital for the purpose of furnishing gas to the city for lighting and manufacturing purposes iast night and much confidence expressed in final success of enterprise. Dec. 29 - Laying pipe for the natural gas - completed to Weller's Mill.

April - Ohmer avenue surveyed. Galliher farm reported sold for over $100,- 000, and Boycc buys Volney Willson place cast of town for $2jr 000.

May 11 - Excursion from Cincinnati and intermediate points brings 1,200 visitors to Muncic and its gas fields; many other excursions about this time.

Nov. 1/ - Co-operative Fuel and Gas Light Co. of Muncie, capital stock $25,000, organized, first set of directors being: T. A. Neely, W. F. Watson, W. L. Richey, A. L. Kcrwood, J. W. Ryan, Samuel Martin, W. H. Wood. I

H. Kemper, Arthur Mecks, W. H. Wood, J. R. McMahan, W. S. Richey, Charles Boycc, A. L. Kcrwood. James Boycc elected president, the company absorbing his electric light plant.

May - Southeast corner of Jackson and High streets to be occupied by "Larph" block: name composed of initial letters of Lenon, Anthony, Rice, Perkins, Heath, the builders.

R. Moore, secretary. Other directors were J. L. Strcctcr, Ezra Scarls, W. II. Long, J. W. Perkins. \jay_-Muncic I louse Building Association organized; Joseph Hummel, president; A. W. Chapman, vice president; C. H. Church, treasurer, and J. X. Tcmpler, attorney. rulv 4 - Cornerstone of M. E. church at Muncic laid. July '4 - Agitation for public park in Muncic begun. July 14 - Presbyterian church of Muncic celebrates semi-centennial of

J. A. Goddard, president. ,\u?. 14 - First roll of pulp comes from Muncie Pulp Works. Aug. 2S - Muncie Free Kindergarten Association arrange to open free kindergarten in South Muncie. Sept. 21 - Numbering of Muncie houses according to ordinance completed. Sept. 21 - Fred Douglass, colored statesman, speaks at Royal Rink. Oct. 2 - Death of A. M. Klein, pioneer Muncie jeweler. jan, - Kinnear Manufacturing plant sold at receiver's sale to George Kirby. Nov. 6 - Delaware county gives big majority for Harrison and Morton. Dec. 16 - Floral and horticultural halls at fair grounds burned.

sign pledge. Feb. 12 - Revival of the boom by presence of eastern capitalists to form Muncie Natural Gas and Land Improvement Co. Successive articles in New York World extol Muncic as "natural pas center of Indiana," spoke of boundless supply of fuel, the city's improvements and advantages, and the presence of three railroads and a belt line and 18 factories. The articles were inspired by and served as advertisement for the above named company, with its reputed two million dollars' capital, of which ex-Gov. Leon Abbett, of New Jersey, was president ; E. G. Rideout, of New York, vice president and manager; J. M. Woods, assistant general manager; William Harris, of Union City, treasurer, and S. C. Goshorn, of Muncie, secretary. Excursions were run from New York to the "new Eldorado," where the company had about two thousand acres of land.

and Novelty Co. buy Chamberlain Mfg. Co.'s pump works. Jan. - Russian influenza or la grippe becomes epidemic in United States, including Delaware county. Feb. 14 - .Muncic city council and Big Four R. R. compromise matter of opening High street; new depot to be erected. March 3 - Citizens' National Bank moves to Anthony block. April - Muncic Board of Trade, after suspension of activity, revived for a men of affairs in parly. Sept. 10 - Work on Big Four depot at Muncic begun. Sept. 5 - Black letter headlines announce formation of new development fields to Hoosicr gas belt. Oct. 5 - English Lutheran church, Howard and Liberty streets, dedicated. Oct. 9 - Third and Ninth regiments of cavalry hold reunion in Muncie. Oct. 10 - -Muncic Homestead Company begins building fifty houses on the in many households. Oct. 27 - Death of William F. Jones, 77 years old ; was director and secretary of the Fort Wayne and Southern Railway in 1S4S, in 1S52

Blount was murdered by employes of Richmond asylum. Nov. 4 - First election under Australian ballot system. Nov. 20 - Mrs. Maria Wood worth begins meetings in Muncic Church of

189 1. Jan. - Agitation for 6 o'clock closing of shoe and clothing stores in Muncie. Jan. 10 - Fifty houses completed by Muncie Homestead Co. Jan. 12 - The Commercial Club and its building first talked of in public

April 21 - Death of Dr. Milton James, prominent as physician, in Democratic politics-and in affairs of city; his wife a daughter of Andrew Kennedy.

April 28 - Madame Fanny Janauschek, the Bohemian tragic actress, who died in 1904, plays "Meg Merrilics" at Wysor's ; "a classical entertainment" is the verdict of the Daily News.

June 6 - Jacob II. W'ysor purchases corner of Mulberry and Jackson streets as site for new opera bouse. The old Wysor opera house was on the southwest corner of Main and Walnut streets.

July 21 - Death of Robert A. Gordon, oldest resident of the county; came here in 1S19 with family of Andrew Brodcrick, and carried chain for the government surveyors in the survey of the county ; afterwards did much railroad contracting.

July - Kirby Mouse exchanges its mansard roof for full fourth story; elevator also installed. July 25 - Dr. R. J. Catling, inventor' of famous gun, in Muncie investigating its resources; but eventually fails to locate an ordnance factory in Indiana. Aug. 5 - Work begins on Wysor Grand.

Aug. 8 - Boys find two skulls east of Muncie; old settlers conjecture them to be the remains to two traders who passed through town one day in 185 1, and whose wagon was found the next day, but nothing of the men. Aug. 10 - Barnum and Bailey in Muncie. Aug. 14 - Citizens' Enterprise Co. formed.

Aug. - Muncic Shoe and Leather Co.'s plant sold at auction by receiver. Sept'. 3_Dcath of "Aunt Patsy" Branson, aped 94, widow of Isaac Branson, who settled on Buck creek in 1828. gcpti 7 - Muncic's first Labor Day celebration. [

Oct. 2S - Sioo.ooo lire destroys Ball Bros, stamping department Nov. - Muncie City Hospital, S. Council street, completed; Dr. \V. D. Whitney, the promoter and superintendent of the institution. Dec. - Duplicate whist first comes into vogue.

Dec. i4 Senator Yoorhees introduces a bill to provide Muncie with a postoffice building; the appropriation was not secured, notwithstanding several efforts made about this time. rjec. 18 - Asahel Thornburg celebrates ninety-ninth birthday. Born in Tennessee, a soldier in war of 1812, voted for nineteen presidents, and lived in Liberty township since 1825. \

Jan. - Delaware County Republican Club organize for the presidential campaign. Jan. 20 - Death of Boyd Linville at New Burlington, aged 82 ; one of the

Muncic by Big Four train. Jan. 29 - Muncic Woman's Club celebrates sixteenth anniversary. Jan. 31 - United Presbyterian church in Muncic burns.

dies, aged 84; in Muncie since 1855. March - "The sight of one of the ungainly motors ploughing through the business streets of Muncie is something that the majority of our citizens are not altogether satisfied with." - Daily News comment in urging the installation of an up-to-date electric car system for Muncie. March - Agitation for renumbering Muncic's streets by the Philadelphia orator. April 1 - Death of George Elliott, Muncie jeweler since 1S55. April 12 - Walker Whiteside plavs "Hamlet" at Wysor's. May 5 - Ezra Kendall plays "A Pair of Kids" at Wysor's. May - Tappan Shoe Co. organized to establish factory in abandoned plant.

June 8 - Building of Common Sense Engine plant begun. Contract let for new Presbyterian church at Charles and Mulberry streets to cost $42,300. June 18 - Hcmingray and Over glass factories burned to the ground, a spark from a switch engine starting the fire; loss of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. [uly 1 - Great Homestead strike inaugurated ; Muncie Rolling Mill Co.

signs union scale. Fuly 5 - Muncie Daily News changes to a morning edition of eight pages. July 5 - FJ^y new houses to be built in Congervillc to accommodate the newcomers in the factory district. July 7 - Work begins on the $65,000 paper mill at Albany. Aug 5 - Contract for Broadway bridge over White river let for $15,500. Aug. 6 - Announcement that Whitcly machine works will move to Muncie from Springfield, Ohio. "Whitely" the name of a new suburb to be formed across the river and east of the Fort Wayne tracks. Aug. 15 - Council resolves to build a garbage furnace in Muncie. Aug. 19 - Citizens' Street Railway Co. organized, with $250,000 capital; directors, W. N. Whitely, O. S. Kelly, W. A. Scott, all of Springfield, O. ; A. L. Conger and K. B. Conger, of Akron ; J. S. Tallcy, of Terre Haute, and George F. McCulloch, who was named in the' articles of incorporation with the understanding that he should resign in favor of Mr. James Boyce. Council granted their petition for construction and operation of electric lines by this company. Aug;. 20 - Fortieth annual fair brings out record-breaking crowds. Aug. 23 - Auction of Whitely lots ; excursions run from neighboring cities to bring in purchasers ; a "love feast" in evening at Wysor's. Aug. 25 - Reunion of 69th Reg., I. V. I., in Muncie. Aug. 26 - Muncie Nail works burned, with loss of about $50,000! Aug. 27 - Sale of lots being pushed in Hcckin park. Aug. 31 - Architectural Iron works burned; loss of about $40,000. Sept. 1 - Cornerstone of Muncie Presbyterian church laid. Sept. 2 - Campaign of '92 opened in Muncie at Wysor's, where "Col."

Charles W. Fairbanks was principal speaker. Sept. 6 - Boldt's glass factory suffers loss of about $15,000 by fire. Sept. 15 - Wysor's Grand Opera House, after a year in building, is opened to music and drama with Thomas W. Keenc in Richard III. Sept. 16 - Reunion of the "Iron Brigade" in Muncie. Sept. 29. - Midland Steel mills begin operation. Oct. 11 - Ohio Wagon works destroyed by fire. Xuv. 2 - John Wanamaker, postmaster general, makes political speech at gives a large plurality for the Republican ticket. Nov. 14 - Death of John F. Sanders, lawyer. . Xov. 26 - Lake View Hotel, in West Muncie, completed. Dec. 28 - Courthouse is damaged by fire that starts from leaking gas pipe ; many records and documents in the court room lost, and loss is about $25,000. Dec. 30 - Whitely inaugural ball a brilliant social event, Gov. Chase being jan 16 - Council passes the first of many ordinances providing safety gates at railway crossings in Muncie; the railroads did not comply for several vears.

jan 2j_ Eastern Indiana Jersey Cattle Breeding Association organized; Lewis Moore, president'; James Boyce, vice president; M. S. Claypool, secretary; J. G. Bowers, treasurer.

March 7 - Citizens' Street Railway Co. begin construction of line from Whitelv, through town on Walnut and Main streets, to the West side. Miss Minnie McKillip inaugurates work by casting the first shovel of dirt at Wysor and Monroe streets.

March 2 - Metropolitan police bill passes both houses of the legislature, extending the system to Muncie. A. W. Chapman. Vernon Davis and W. E. Hitchcock were appointed first commissioners by the "-overnor. They in turn appointed James Miller first chief of po-- lice: patrolmen': George Ball. William James, John Galligher, William Cole, Adam Deems, John Seldomridpe, Curt Turner, George Benadum, Van Benbow, Hamilton Beall. Brinton Alstadt.

April 9 - Citizens' Electric Street Railway Co. steal march on protesting propertv owners by laying track down Walnut street to Main and thence to High earlv Sunday morning, when injunctions cannot be issued; the city police do not interfere. - ;

April 29 - Center 'township gives majority of 62S in favor of tax for subsidy to Chicago and Southeastern Railroad and the C, I. & E.. provided they are completed within certain limit (which they are not) ; Salem township gives 41 majority against tax for former road. April 29 - Death of Dr. Solomon Snell, for twenty-four years in Muncie. ,

Xcff. Mav_Strike of union carpenters ties up building operations in Muncie. May 13 - "Muncie's new electric street railway system is now in operation." In fifty davs from starting of work on March 17 the line was com-

History 01- Delaware County

At the [xnver In. use, just completed on North Walnut, a reception was held; there was music; speeches were made bv G. F. McCulloch, secretary of the company; Mayor Brady, Supt. Gotschal. The mayor started one engine, Miss Clara Koons the other, while Miss Fannie James switched on the current. Invited guests made several circuits of the line to the fair grounds. One who rode remembered the time when he had "hilled beans near where the power house stood."

25 - Ground broken for Malleable Iron works on Wysor's Heights. Street cars begin running to Whitelv. -Farmers purchase "home-made" harvesting machines at Whitely. Dinner is served under the trees of Wood's park to purchasers and friends by officers of the company, followed by a parade through the city.

-Muncie's streets without signs and houses without numbers, so that it is imixjssiblc for strangers and even residents to find their way. - The financial stringency of 1893 is felt in the country at large, and nourishing Muncie has intimations of its effects.

strawboard. 30 - Glass factories and iron mills close for summer, and anxiety is felt, though not generally expressed, as to whether they will reopen in the fall.

landmark, being destroyed. 12 - Fire partly consumes a house on Xorth Walnut street in which Yolncy Willson taught school during the forties, and which was also used as store and dwelling. Receiver appointed for Common Sense Engine Co.

West Muncie, with its Lake View- Iiotel and "Delaware Lake." lias a brief reign as popular resort before hard times. 2S - Muncie is infested by "bums and thieves"; products of hard times. 4 - Temporary suspension of Citizens' National Bank. President Kcrwood assures depositors that assets arc ample ; the cause assigned being inability to realize quickly on pood paper. Nearly fifty of the most prominent citizens of Muncic, representing collective responsibility of $3,000,000, signed a guarantee of deposits in the Citizens' National, the Farmers' National, Delaware County National and Merchants' National Hanks. This and other acts by individuals significant of the buoyant confidence of Muncic people in general. Comptroller Eckels, on hearing of the action of Muncic citizens in guaranteeing their banks, said: "That is patriotic, unselfish and good citizenship. That is the kind of stuff men should be made of. . . . If the intelligent and patriotic citizens in ail sections of the country, who know that their banks are safe and honestly conducted, would band together in that fashion, it would improve the credit of the country and put a stop to bank failures in most instances."

Aug. 28 - Street car franchise granted for 35 years. Many citizens express opposition to length of grant and free bestowal of public streets on private corporation.

Aug. 31. - Muncic branch of Gas Belt League, for promoting welfare of the city and gas belt, organized, officers being: W. A. Sampson, T. H. Kirby, F. J. Claypool, C. E. Everet, Charles Emerson, and James Boyce.

Sept. 7 - Proclamation from Muncie health board on smallpox epidemic, warning against public meetings and congregating on streets and insisting on vaccination. Fifty-two cases since beginning of epidemic. Churches, Sunday schools and public school suspended, and quarantine against Muncie is declared in surrounding towns. Pest house built in Congerville.

Sept. 13. - "One might be led to believe, observing the quietness of the streets, that Muncie is a village. . . . Just as soon as this temporary panic is allayed, those 20.000 people will spring to work with an earnestness that will soon substantiate the claim that Muncie is the chief city of the gas belt." - News editorial. From this time there is a noticeable absence of enthusiastic accounts of building, factory progress, etc.

Sept. 13 - Citizens' Electric and Muncie Street Railway Companies consolidate, new company being incorporated with $300,000 capital, $100,000 preferred stock bearing interest at seven per cent. Directors: J. Smith Talley, J. WvLandrum, of Terre Haute; Edward

Wells. Burlington, Vt. ; G. F. McCulloch and Charles Miller, of Muncie. Sept. 16 - The "dummy" street car line being changed to an electric line; F. G. Browncll, superintendent of the old line, turns over management to new company. Sept. iS - Muncie resolves to borrow $5,000 to fight smallpox scourge. In one week trustee of Center township issues one hundred relief orders to the poor of Muncie, indicating how the financial panic, the epidemic and general decline of prosperity affected the citv, that only a short time previously was nourishing. Sept. 30 - The News finds encouragement in the business outlook, a revival

World's Fair. Oct 9 - Muncie Iron ami Nail Co. accept a receivership, their assignment being caused by failure of one of the stockholders. Oct. - Central Union Telephone Co. said to have over 250 customers in

Nov. 4 - Smallpox quarantine, after lasting eight weeks, is raised, bv permission of the state board of health. General jollification, assembling of people on streets, blowing of horns, burning of red fire. On following day church bells call the people to divine sen-ice, and on Nov. 6, the public schools are opened. Mercantile business revives at once, and the country people, so long barred from town, bring in their produce and trade at the stores. Quarantine established Sept. 11; 146 cases and 20 deaths. The city fought the disease unaided until the last four weeks, when the state gave aid ($3,400). Total cost of epidemic to city was $40,000. Xov. 14 - Opening of Walnut street electric line to Congerville (Xcw York avenue). Xov. 22 - Citizens' National Bank, after a suspension of three months, reopens its doors. Charles M. Turner, a native of Muncie, succeeds W. M. Marsh, who has been connected with the bank as cashier for eighteen years. Xov. 19 - Methodist Protestant Church on East Jackson street dedicated. Xov. 20 - -Electric line installed on East Main street to Macedonia avenue, taking place of old "dummy" system. Xov. 23 - Samuel McCreary, who came to Washington township in 183S. with Philip Woodring, Ezra Maynard and Nathan Mavnard, dies near Gaston, aged 92. Xov. 23 - A. J. Buckles awarded a congressional medal of honor for gallantry at the battle of Wilderness. Xov. - The first autumn in which football flourishes as a popular sport in

Dec. 21 - Regular service begun over Powers and Council street electric lines to Avondale. In 1892 building permits in Muncie were issued to tlic value of $314,703.

Jan. 16 - Citizens' Enterprise Co. elect James Boycc president, W. M. Marsh vice president, Gccrge L. Lenon treasurer, and G. I7. McCulhch secretary. *

Feb. 19 - Muncie Commercial Club organized "to promote the commercial and manufacturing interests and general welfare of the city of - Muncie." C. M. Turner, president; Thomas McKillip, vice president; Frank Claypool, secretary; E. M. Smith, treasurer, and T. F. Rose, A. W. Brady and C. M. Turner, executive committee. ,

Feb. 26 - City council orders "standard asphalt pavement" of Walnut street, from North to Willard ; Washington street, Walnut to High ; High, Washington to Jackson; Jackson, High to Mulberry: Mulberry, Jackson to Main; Main, High to Madison. Contract let in April, the cost in round numbers to be $So,ooo. The question of paving had been a live one in Muncie for several years. The graveled streets in the business center were as inadequate for the service demanded as had been the old-time mud streets of the early forties. Deep ruts, thick mud and sloppiness had been favorite themes with the press when civic criticism was in order or news items were scarce.

April 12 - Two hundred and seventy-three telephones in operation in Muncie : hard times caused nearly forty instruments to be taken out in past six months.

May <3 - Wliilely Reaper and Mower works destroyed hy fire; out of reach of the city water mains, and there was no insurance for the loss of over $100,000.

dies in Muncie, aped 74. fuiie 24 - Presbyterian Church at Charles and Mulberry streets dedicated, after two years in building; cost about $48,000.

July 19 - The Muncie Fcncibles (the name of the local militia company) reach home after doing guard duty at Hammond and East Chicago during the railroad strike.

Aug S - Mississinewa river, according to report- of committees sent to investigate, is black and foul from the refuse of the pulp works at Albany.

Sept. 1 - Market house, corner of Charles and Walnut, reopened, three davs in the week. Truck farmers offer fresh provisions, and the ringing of a bell is signal for the beginning of the market day.

Sept. 5 - A 22^S per cent reduction is made in wages of employes of Window Glass Workers' Association, as a result of the tariff reductions and general business depression. Maring, Hart & Co. and Over factories in Muncie start soon afterward.

Sept. 15 - The Street Railway Co. and the Asphalt Paving Co. dispute the possession of the streets and a pitched battle is barely averted; the paving people tear up a portion of the tracks and a riot occurs, order being restored when the court issues a restraining order against interference with street car traffic.

Sept. 26 - Many citizens of Washington township and elsewhere meet in old M. E. Church at New Corner (George W. Cromer, chairman) and express their approval of a tax of 2 per cent on their tax valuation as a subsidy for a railroad that will make a town out of the little hamlet at that place.

Qct- 27 - Muncic Electrical works sold by receiver to a new company that lias these officers: W. S. Richcy, president and treasurer; R. F. Piatt, vice president ; A. S. Richcy, secretary.

Qct 20 - Formal opening- of Whitely Malleable Castings works and the public sale of lots at Wysor's Heights. Liberal advertising brought many strangers to the city, and the opening of the new addition and its principal industry was an important event.

ftov. - 7,210 feet of asphalt paving cost Muncie $91,626.48, which was distributed among the benefited parties for payment, the city, the street railway company, the corporations and the citizens bearing the expense.

Nov. 13 - Opening of long-distance telephone in Muncie. Officials and private citizens, through forty transmitters at the Kirby House, talkto New York. Tcrre Haute, Pittsburg, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and other cities. j rjec. 1 - Farmers' Insurance Co. of Delaware County_ organized ; Enoch Drumm, of Harrison township, president; Lewis Moore, Hamilton township, vice president; Perry Y. Stewart, Salem township, elected secretary-treasurer, but resigned, and J. R. Shoemaker, of Daleville, elected to his place. One director chosen for each township.

aged 77; had lived in Muncie since 1836. Feb. 25 - Whitecap outrages at Granville. March 3 Streets of Muncic being marked in accordance with ordinance : of the governor's signature. March -5 - Col. R. G. Iugersoll lectures in Muncic. March 2$ - J. C. Wood & Co.'s sawmill and skewer factory and the plant in Muncic begins. .March 30 - The Vanguard has a new editor, George E. Holbrook. T!;- Chicago, Indiana and Eastern R. R. graded their line to a seven miles north of Muncic before hard times struck the country. For nearly two years nothing more was done, until the spring of 1S95, when the enterprise was once more revived and efforts made to complete the line to Muncie. Special efforts were put forth to build the road as far as Matthews, which as yet existed only as a "paper town."

April 15 - The Free Kindergarten Ass'n opens its first school in Avondale, in a five-room building on Ohmer avenue; 26 pupils the first day.

April 17 - Buck Creek flour mill, one mile southwest of city, owned by Enoch Witt, and a popular institution among the farmers of that section, is burned.

April 17 - Commercial Club elects A. W. Brady president, J. F. Wildman vice president, F. J. Claypool secretary, and Hardin Roads treasurer.

June 4 - Muncie citizens alarmed when they discover that the water company turns river water into the mains to supplement the supply furnished by the wells.

June 14 - A. L. Johnson. J. C. Johnson and Thomas Morgan plan building of five-story modern business block, Walnut and Charles streets, where old Presbyterian church stood.

June 14 - Total valuation of real and personal property in the county is $iS,goo.ooo, over $8,000,000 of it being in Muucic and Center township.

July 2 - Saloon-keepers comply with Nicholson law by closing at 11 o'clock and removing screens and raising blinds; card, billiard and pool tables taken out.

July 6 - Sale of Indianapolis People and other sensational papers stopped in Muncie in accordance with new law suppressing such publications. Reporter of "Muncie Topics" columns in said paper arrested.

July 9 - Death of Joseph Davis, aged 88. who came to Muncie in 1845; >n overland freighting business before the railroads, and later in merchandising and hotel business.

August - Muncie buildings planned or in course of construction: Bovce's two-story block, north side of Main to Elm; Johnson business block, Walnut and Charles ; Muncic Savings and Loan Co.'s threestory. High and Adams; Bishop's three-story block, Walnut and Howard: Scitz, three-story. Walnut near Charles; F. T. Roots, three-story, Charles street; J. J. Shields, two-story, East Main., etc.. etc.

Sept. " - Pioneers' Association of Delaware County organized. Jacob Heath, president; I. \V. Dungan, vice-president; i\. N. Spcncc, secretary-treasurer : X. 1'". Hthcll, historian secretary; township vice-presidents: James Tomlinson and Mrs. M. C. Smith, Center; William A. Jordan and Mrs. 1). \V. Cecil, Perry; Wilbcr Duncan and Mrs. Sarah Lewcllcn, Liberty; Gabriel Payton and Barbara Lake. Delaware; Calvin Crooks and Mary J. Wright, Niles; David Brandt and Mrs. Joseph Kirkwood, Union: Matthew McConnick and Mary Moore, Hamilton; Miles Herrokl and Mrs. John Losh, Monroe; Josiah Cromer and Mrs. George Young, Salem; J. Harvey Koontz and Mrs. Samuel Parkison, Mt. Pleasant; Jacob Cecil and Mrs. James Peterson. Harrison; Thomas McCreary and Mrs. Benjamin Lewi'-, Washington.

Sept. 15 - Location of postofficc decided at 417 South Walnut street. Bid of George A. Stafford accepted for building a three-story brick structure in which office to be located.

Nov. I- - Ely Window Glass Co., a reorganization of Gilman Window Glass Co., incorporated to operate the plant at Gilman; directors: Otis E. Duncan, O. S. Jacobs, D. W. Joy, of Ohio; Charles Ely, of Gilman ; J. W. Hamilton, of Eaton.

Nov. 15 - Cornerstone vi addition to News building laid at 13 minutes past 12 a. m., inscription being: "Erected 1895. The Muncic News, established 1S72. The Evening News, established 1878. The Morning News, established 1892. Chas. F. W. Neely. Pub."

Dec. - In the visit of a Washington township farmer to attend court in Muncie is an echo of the discussion and trouble caused by the removal of the hitch-racks from the public square years befon".. At that time this farmer had vowed he would never again patronize Muncie merchants, and he had kept his word even to the

Feb. 22 - Muncie postoflicc moved to new building on South Walnut street where modern equipment, including lock boxes, is installed; space for office, 3S by 98 feet.

April 13 - Fire insurance expert reports on inadequacy of Muncie water supply, inefficiency of machinery and equipment of water works, and the inability of a fire department designed for a city of 5,000 to protect a city of 25,000 population.

May 24 - Death of A. C. Mellette, at Pittsburg, Kan. ; an early editor, lawyer; publisher with T. J. Brady, of Muncie Times; twice governor of South Dakota.

July 13 - Emmett M. Smith resigns from presidency of Delaware County National Bank ; John C. Johnson becomes president, and W. E. Hitchcock, vice-president.

v. jo - Benjamin Harrison adds to Republican enthusiasm in Delaware county. , 30 - Dcatli of George W. Staytcs, an old and popular resident of Muncie.

c. iS - Muncie Lodge No. 433. F. & A. M., Muncie Chapter No. 30, and Muncie Commandery No. 18, dedicate new quarters on the fifth lloor of the Johnson building. ,.Ci 30 - Rhea as "Nell Gwynne" at Wysor's.

being the fourth chapter in the state. ha. 20 - Citizens' Enterprise Co., after an existence of five years and the accomplishment of a remarkable amount of material benefit for the city and county, is dissolved and begins closing its accounts. !..n. 21 - Charles Baldwin becomes chief of Muncie police. :>!>. 26 - A cineinatoscope gives a "moving picture" exhibit at Wysor's. March 2 - C. F. W. Neely retires from the Morning News and is succeeded and pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Muncie. March 31 - Albany has $25,000 fire in business district. April 15 - William II. Fortncr, former superintendent of Muncie police, county, dies. May - The independent telephone company begins operation in Muncie. May - Agitation renewed for municipal ownership of water works, and

J'lly 15 - Mr. and Mrs. Simon Conn, north of Muncie, celebrate sixtieth anniversary of wedding. "Simc" Conn one of the well-known pioneer freighters between Muncie and Cincinnati.

Scpt. 25 - Announcement of 10 per cent reduction in insurance rates on Muncie property; fires of several years before had raised the rates inordinately.

Oct. 2S - '"The postofficc department has been experimenting in the matter of free delivery of mails in-rural districts, and results are so favorable that it does seem possible for the system to be adopted at no distant day." - Morning Xews editorial.

Nov. 4 - "Rural free delivery service in Delaware county will go into effect next Mondav." ( Nov. S) Four routes, to Dalevillc, to Sclma, to Albany and' to Wheeling. This was part of the experimental service instituted in different part-* of the country by the postoffice department. The beginning of the permanent system is later.

Xov. - The "Committee of One Hundred" and other temperance organizations conduct a vigorous campaign against liquor dealers in the residence portion of Muncie - especially against the Maple Grove resort.

Xov. 23 - Delaware County Veterans' Association organized ; A. L. Kerwood. president ;W. H. Younts, vice president; W. W. Ross, treasurer ; A. C. Stouder, general secretary ; Joshua Jester, recording secretary.

Dec. - General awakening to the fact that the gas supply is failing and the necessity of saving gas. The Xews speaks of "what might have been" had regulation been adopted sooner.

Dec. 17 - Death of Mark Walling, aged J~, who lived in the county since 1832, was builder of Walling Hall, and conducted a pioneer tanvard near Xorth Walnut street.

Jan. 24 - Operating expenses of Muncie electric light plant for 1897 were $4,344.82. Adding interest on bonds and depreciation ($2,640) makes each light cost $47.10. But criticism comes from various sources on inadequacy of plant and irregularity of lighting.

fan. 31 - First prosecution in Delaware county for violation of new compulsory education law; a father in Congcrvillc fined and sent to jail.

Feb. 8 - The pole is removed and toll house destroyed on Yorktown pike, and after forty years it ceases to be a toll road. The commissioners bought the Yorktown pike in March for the nominal sum of $1. Every pike in the county now free except the Muncie and Granville, and agitation begins for the freeing of that.

April 22 - President McKinlcy, in accordance with resolution of Congress demanding evacuation of Cuba, orders blockade of Cuba; amounting to declaration of war.

April 23 - Muncie streets filled with people, martial music plays, processions march up and down, and patriotic speeches are made, while the first volunteer company is being recruited by John K. Ritter, Fred Puckctt and others; officers of company are: Capt. Ritter, First Lieut. F. L. Wachtell, and Second Lieut. Puckctt.

April 30 - Eastern Indiana Normal University, after weeks of effort on part of promoters, is assured, when 302 lots' in Normal City are sold: building to be begun at once.

son of Joseph Anthony. July 2 - Death of James A. Maddy. aged 83; in Muncie since 1S34, a wellknown merchant and local official. July 24 - Rural free delivery routes being extended and placed on a permanent basis. The Muncie and Middletown route changed from star route to free delivery.

Jan. 18 - At invitation of Muncie Commercial Club, gas belt men meet to plan an organization to prevent pumping of gas from local fields. Ohio Pipe Line Co. said to be taking gas from Red Key district at pressure of 500-700 pounds (legal pressure being 200). It is now generally admitted that the simply of gas is rapidly diminishing.

March 18 - Franchise granted by county commissioners to George F. McCulloch for electric road from Muncie west along highway through West Muncie. Yorktown and Dalcvillc to county line; road between Muncie and Anderson to be completed by Sept. 1, 1900.

March 22 - Death of George W. Spiiker, aged 71, a resident of Muncie si::ce 1842; an early county official, and for thirty years a banker and prominent in artairs.

Aug. 20 - C. & S. E. (Midland) R. R. track completed to Muncie and construction train reaches Buck creek. Frequent failure of funds had caused repeated delays in construction of road.

Sept. <j - New county council begins its work by cutting down all estimates of expenditures for the various offices and departments of the county government.

Nov. 2 - Beginning of development of the oil field about Muncie; oil is struck while drilling a gas well on farm of John E. Reed, four miles north of Muncie, this being among the earlier oil finds.

Nov. 13 - Muncie city council grants franchise to Muncie Interurban Co. (F G. Brownell, superintendent) to enter city with line from Hartford City ; this franchise was later sold to people who built the Muncie, Hartford and Ft. Wayne traction road.

Dec. 15 - Death of David T. Haines, aged 81, resident of Muncie nearly fifty years; was secretary of the old Ft. Wayne and Southern R. R. Co. in the 50s, and secretary and treasurer of the company that finally built the road between Ft. Wayne and Muncie; was also an early merchant, hotel man and manufacturer.

destroys the power house of the street railway and Muncic citizens walk until temporary service is installed. Jan. 26 - Death of M. C. Smith, aged 75, ending a career marked by lonjj and varied public service; was resident of Muncic over forty years, and until retirement was merchant at Main and High streets.

Pet), 1 - Workhigmen's Library and Reading room of Muncic Trades Council receives $500 from Andrew Carnegie, increasing total contributions to $1,885.

May 10 - Center township votes, by majority of 22, a subsidy of $75,000 to the Cincinnati, Richmond and Muncic R. R., provided line is completed from Richmond to Muncie by Dec. 31, 1901.

June 12 - C. I. & E. R. R. voted a subsidy of $75,000 by Center township, one-half to be paid when road reaches Muncie ; this line and the C. R. & M. endeavor to outstrip each other in building to Muncie.

c^.f__.-\ general outcry is made against companies controlling the distribution of fuel and water. Muncie Natural Gas Co. and the Heat, Light and Power Co. propose to raise rales one-fourth. Municipal ownership is talked. Merchants prepare to supply citizens with wood and coal, "more wood and coal stoves being shipped in than in preceding twelve years." Gas companies delay putting the increased schedules into effect for one month. The water company also comes in for share of criticism, because of alleged bad quality of water and ineffectual pressure.

(lowing oil well on county infirmary farm causes many leases to be filed on land in that vicinity. , . . s -Council committee finds that the new gas rates are too high, i . i. ii - Roosevelt, candidate for vice-president, spends half an hour in Muncie, being the object of a remarkable demonstration of enthusiasm. r - Merchants in small towns along the intcrurban claim their business is decreased by the electric line. .'- - City council grants C. & S. E. (Midland) a right of way into

Muncie. <:. 23 - Death of John Williams, aged 82, who had settled in Hamilton township in 1838. S*. v. 5 - U. S. census gives the population of the county at 49.624, and that in east Muncie. S'ov. - Population of White river by Consumers' Paper Co. causes antagonism between landowners and manufacturers. Nov. 21 - Plans announced for new union station in Muncie for Big Four, Lake Erie, and Ft. Wayne, C. & L. (controlled by Lake Shore) ; a brick and stone structure to be placed east of old station and connecting with it. Nov. 27 - State supreme court annuls the act of 1889 forbidding the transportation of natural gas beyond state limits. Nov. 27 - Death of James Watson, aged 96, veteran of four wars. Dec. 5 - Mr. and Mrs. James Williamson, on Granville pike, celebrate fiftieth wedding anniversary. Doc. 10 - Fire stations Xos. 2 and 3 reported completed. Dec. 14 - First of "elegant new intcrurban cars" runs into Muncie from Anderson, but cannot come further than High street because of grooved rails. Dec. 24 - Rev. Jacob W. and Mrs. Heath celebrate golden wedding at their

Muncie home. Dec. 2j - First train over the C. I. & E. R. R. from Matthews reaches North View, and the first schedule is put into effect on Dec. 29, the Muncie station being on Wyscr street. The subsidy of $37,500 is won with two days to spare.

a son of one of the pioneers. jan. i2 - Death of David Scott, pioneer farmer of Harrison township. jan< 18 - Death of Frederick E. Putnam, aged 83, pioneer merchant, publi» official, and prominent in many activities ; in Muncie since 1838. [an. 30 - Petty Auditorium opened with polo contest.^ Feb. 2 - Plans' completed for building interurban to Union City. Feb. 3 - Death of Evan M. Weir, aged 76, who had lived in the county sixty wedding. Feb. 26 - Attempt to enact a law establishing state normal branch in connection with the E. I. N. U. at Muncie is abandoned. March 5 George F. McCulloch is elected president and general manager

Muncic is accepted by the city council. March 12 - Commercial Club takes first steps toward building a club home. March 18 - Large part of Con^erviHe is annexed to Muncic city. March 25 - Judge Marsh, of Randolph circuit court, gives a decision in franchise grant to the company. March 25 - Golden\veddina: of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel F. Brady in Muncic. May 1 - Death of James Wingate, president of Albany State Bank. May 11 - Cornerstone laid for Normal City M. E. Church. May Park site of nearly one hundred acres in Whitely is offered to the over fifty years. Tunc 20 - Terrific hail storm does great crop damage in the county. July g - Muncie, Hartford and Fort Wayne Railway Co. incorporated to county is begun, ten new routes being proposed. July 17 P. S. Heath and C. R. Heath sell controlling interest in the Morning News; Harry McElwee becomes president of new company.

I ,y j^ - Aftcr much delay and long negotiations for other sites, the city ; * council chooses the southeast corner of Jackson and Jefferson

Aur. ii - Firs* passenger train from Richmond over the C, R. & M. R. R. reaches Muncie, and a regular schedule is put into operation both north and south of Muncie. Km". 16 - Death of Thomas S. Ncely, aged 90, a resident of Muncie since

1S39; at one time had a daguerreotype studio in Muncie. K^Z- 23 - Death of John Rees, aged 71, resident of county since 1836. A.U*. 29 - Death of Samuel and Benjamin Bergsdol, brothers, aged respectively 82 and 79, natives of Virginia, who had lived in Albany and vicinity since about 1832. Crt_ j^ - Death of President McKinley. yov# 1 - Garfield school in Heekin Park completed.

Oct. 15 - New R. F. D. system begins with twenty-six carriers. Stout, Anthony, Rural, Hazel, New Burlington and Cross Roads postoffices discontinued. Nine routes start from Muncie. Oct. 23 - Serious strike at Eaton in Western Flint Bottle Co.'s plant. Oct - Samuel Payton, aged 84, of Eaton, is the only man still living in Union township who entered land there. Oct. 27 - Death of Isaac Scott, of Salem township, aged 75, a pioneer. Nov. 4 - Gas pressure fails in lines of Muncie Natural Gas Co. and Heat, Light and Power Co., and situation becomes serious for citizens and business men. N'ov. 7 - Commercial Club plans incorporation, the erection of a club building, and an energetic campaign for civic betterment. N'ov. 8 - Talk of reviving Muncie Artificial Gas Co.'s plant to .full capacity to supply deficiencies of natural gas; plant had been operated since gas boom merely in order to retain the franchise. N'ov. 11 - Council appoints a committee to investigate the low gas pressure. Nov. 17 - Through service inaugurated between Muncie and Indianapolis completed. N'ov. 20 - Death of Arthur F. Patterson, aged 79. who came to Muncie in 1S50 and soon entered the hardware trade, afterward becoming identified with various business and banking enterprises ; one of the last of the old-time prominent business men. Nov. 26 - An independent company seeks to enter the field occupied by the Central Union Telephone Co., which at this date has 625 business phones and 875 residence phones ; the independent company has 529 promised subscribers who also use the old phone, and 329 who have no phones. Nov. 2(5 - Commercial Club resolves upon northeast corner of Main and Jefferson as site for their building.

Dec. 16 - Council grants George W. Beers and W. E. Hitchcock, representing a company to be known as the Delaware and Madison County Telephone Company, a franchise to operate a telephone and telegraph system in the city lor 35 years; all wires in the business district to be placed underground. Much opposition had been shown to the independent company, many protesting against the expense and inconvenience of a double system.

Dec. 19 - Council passes a resolution demanding that the gas companies furnish their patrons an adequate supply of gas, claiming that an ample supply still exists and that the companies must comply with the terms of their franchises.

Jan. 20 - Death of Nepthalim Ross, aged 83, a resident of the county over 70 years and of Muncie 32 years; his wife a daughter of Garret Gibson, a pioneer.

Feb. 5 - Death of Orlando J. Lotz, aged 51. member of Muncie bar since 1874, judge of the 46th judicial circuit nearly eight years, and at the time of his death judge of the 4th district appellate court.

March 3 - Council passes three important ordinances - franchise to Muncie, Hartford and Ft. Wayne Ry. Co. ; a franchise to Muncie Electric Light Co. allowing them to lay pipes in streets for heating purposes ; and one permitting the gas companies to increase their rates to 18 cents per thousand, current rates (12 cents per thousand) to continue until October, 1902; meters to be installed.

March 25 - Mr. and Mrs. Obadiah Scuddcr celebrate 61st wedding aninvcrsary in Riverside; residents of county nearly fifty years. April 1 - Receipts of Muncic postofficc for year endintr March 71 are manufacturing industry at Cowan. April 17. - Death of James M. Gray, aged 73, an early merchant of Daleville. April 2S - Contract for construction of the Carnegie Library awarded Morrow and Morrow of Muncic, at $46,375.70. April 29 - Death of Mrs. Joseph Dungan, aged 72, a native of the county, and who for 60 years had lived in her home on East Jackson street! April 30 - Death of Richard Berger, aged J2, in Muncic since i860, and through county ; power house at Eaton nearing completion. July - Express and freight service inaugurated over Union Traction to Indianapolis. July - Trustee Dragoo of Center township decides to introduce manual training in the Congerville school during the following year. July - Plans announced for McNaughton block on Charles and Walnut streets. July 27 - Death of John \Y. Little, aged 5S, who came to Muncie in 1858. was merchant, manufacturer of feather dusters, and in real estate and loans, and prominent in city affairs. Aug. 9 - Muncie and Portland Traction Co. organized ; G. O. Driscoll, of

1857 and was a successful farmer. Aug. 18 - Gas question again becomes acute; the companies threaten to shut off supply on October 1. and council retaliates with motion to compel the companies to furnish gas or lose their franchises. Aug. - Construction of steam-heating system and laying of mains to various

Aug. 31 - C. & S. E. (Midland) after years of litigation, strikes, delays of construction, is transferred from a receivership to the Big Four system.

Sept. 15 - Council amends gas companies' franchises, permitting maximum rates of 22 cents per thousand during the following year and requiring free meters. Also grants a franchise to the Wabash Oil and Gas Co. to furnish gas at 18 cents per thousand until October, 1904. The established companies refuse to accept the amendment.

Sept. 26 - A compromise is reached in the long contention between gas companies and the council, when the latter passes the proposed amendments making a price of 23 cents per thousand for one year after October, 1902, 25 cents per thousand up to October, 1904, and 27 cents per thousand thereafter.

Oct. 8 - Death of Rev. Jacob W. Heath, aged 7^, who had lived in the county since 1829 and was one of the most prominent of the early Methodists.

Nov. 28 - Site selected for the Muncie postoffice at the southwest corner of High and Charles streets; four lots cost $20,000, of which $5,000 was to be raised by subscriptions from citizens.

Keb. y - Old landmarks on the northwest corner of Main and Mulberry being torn down to make site for tbe Ncely three-story modern business block. March 8 - Death of David Cammack, Muncic's postmaster, aged 57; came to the county in 1879, later establishing the sawmill at Cammack's Station, and later became interested in Muncie manufacturing grain business, gas. and public affairs. April 23-24 - Muncie Music Festival in Petty 's Auditorium the most ambitious and successful of Muncic's musical events; Miss Nannie C. Love director of chorus, and Mr. Alfred Damm leader of orchestra. On the second evening "Stabat Mater" was given, Victor Herbert's orchestra assisting. April - Old residence at corner of Mulberry and Jackson, a landmark, being torn down to make room for new hotel. May 1 - Death of John W. Dungan, aged 79, a resident of the county since 1S42, an early sheriff, a soldier, and stock farmer.

Sept. 7 - Daleville has $60,000 fire, when Ideal Stove and Foundry Co.'s plant is destroyed, a-concern which had been organized in 1896 as a co-operative stock company.

Sept. 7 - Resignation of superintendent of schools, W. R. Snyder, who had been connected with Muncie schools twenty years, all but four as superintendent. The high school and Washington school building the only modern buildings when he began, and in the meantime the corps of teachers had increased to over one hundred.

Nov. 24 - Muncic defeats, by a vote of 1,843 against and 211 for, the special charter proposed by the state legislature at the winter session. Only half the normal vote cast, and little interest was manifested.

Dec. 2S - Death of David Brandt, aged 88, a pioneer merchant of Eaton, where he had been in business more than fifty years. The year 1903 was also noted for unusual building activity, many of the buildings which now are considered the best examples of Muncie's architecture having been begun or completed in this year. The five-story Mc-

Feb. 3 - The Apollo Club, which was reorganized in the fall of 1903. gives a classic program at Wysor's, David Bispham being principal soloist. The Club's officers at this date were: J. B. Shick, president; L. H. Colvin, vice president; F. W. Prothcro, secretary; Dr. J. M. Quick, treasurer. Jan. - -White river floods Muncie, breaking levee on Walnut street, wrecking street railway bridge at High street and causing other damage; highest waters since July, 1895.

March 5 - Death of Lawrence L. Wellcr, aged 68, early manufacturer of lumber and organs, and one of the organizers of the Citizens' Enterprise Co.

whom came to the county in 1852, and the latter being a native of the county. March 10 - Death 01 Simon Conn, aged 86, one of the pioneer teamsters between Muncic and Cincinnati; hauled the court house bell from Cincinnati. March 26 - Most disastrous flood in history of Muncic sweeps the city, submerging Whitely, Walnut Grove, North Side, Riverside and Westside, doing damage amounting to thousands of dollars, especially in that part of Muncie lying north of Race street; the fires in the furnaces of the waterworks were drowned out, factories had to close, and the railroad lines were damaged. The Yorktown bridge was washed away, and this and other damage to roads and culverts cost the county fully five thousand dollars.

April 12 - Commercial Club building, built at a cost of about $55,000, and the handsomest and best equipped in the state outside of Indianapolis, is formally opened.

April - Removal of an old landmark at 317 North Mulberry street, a low brick house, the bricks for which were hauled, so it is said, overland from Cincinnati.

April 22 - Death of Gen. Thomas J. Brady in New York; was a native of Muncie, was a lawyer, soldier, newspaper man, public official, and since 1S81 had been in business in the cast.

Aug. - First large concrete bridge in the county built over Buck creek at Yorktown, replacing the iron bridge carried away by the spring flood.

July 23 - Selma is crowded on account of the oil boom, many people living in tents; insufficient machinery of government to uphold law and order, and illicit sale of liquor, gambling and the presence of undesirable persons give Selma somewhat the character of a border town.

Aug. - Contract let for the construction of a five-story hotel at the corner of Jackson and Mulberry; the first name proposed was Hotel March.

Aug. 15 - M. E. Church at Smithfield is burned, and because of the numerous oil derricks and tanks the venerable village is threatened with annihilation. Within a year Smithfield has been transformed from a "Hoosicr Sleepy Hollow" into a boom town; nn oil derrick was erected on the very ground occupied by the church. Aug. 20, - Factory No. 12 of the American Window Glass Co., built by C. II. Over in the '90s, burned, at a loss of over $50,000; had not been operated during the last two years, but used as storage warehouse. Oct. 4 - Aerial truck a new acquisition by the Muncie fire department. Oct. 9 - Death of Jesse Nixon, in Union township, aged 80, a resident of the county nearly all his life. Oct. 22. - Death of David Heal, aged 81, for seventy-five years a resident of Washington township; a local official and a highly esteemed and successful business man. Oct. 24 - Council finds garbage disposal a vexing question ; for the preceding sixteen years ashes had been almost unknown in the city and it now became necessary to devise additional means to dispose of them. Oct. 25 - Election in Gaston results 103 to 73 in favor of incorporation. Oct. 27 - G. F. McCulloch retires from active management of the Muncie Star and the morning papers of Indianapolis and Terre Haute, after having raised the combined circulation of the three dailies to 150,000; the Star was first issued May 29, 1899, and on Oct. 27, 1904, its circulation was 27,602. Oct - As a result of three murders within the past five months, besides many lesser crimes, a crusade is started to abolish the "wine rooms" and other resorts of vice and gambling in the Muncie red light district. Nov. 5 - People's National Bank, recently organized with Edward Tuhey president, opened for business at northeast corner of Main and Mulberry, in quarters vacated a short time before by the Merchants' National. Nov. 8 - Roosevelt and Fairbanks elected, Delaware county giving them a majority of nearly five thousand. Nov. 28 - Dedication of Selma public school for the consolidated districts of the township, this being the best school building in the county outside of Muncie. Nov. 14 - The county commissioners refuse to consider a remonstrance against the incorporation of Gaston on the ground that the election was not valid. Nov. - Muncie Gas, Light and Fuel Co. prepare to manufacture artificial in cleaning up resorts. Dec. 6 - Secretary of the State board of health declares that Muncie's water supply is rendered poisonous through the admixture of river water, which is contaminated with oil, salt water and other impurities. Dec. 13 - Death of John C. Johnson, aged 61, president of the Delaware County National Bank; one of Muncie's most prominent business men since 1884, a stockholder or official in half a dozen large corporations, influential in public affairs, and his death was felt as a grave loss to Muncic. Factories, stores, street car traffic and other business affairs were suspended ten minutes during the funeral.

Dec. 18 - Selma has a disastrous fire, starting in the Hotel De Long and destroying $25,000 worth of property; no fire or police protection, a bucket and blanket brigade fight the flames. The situation was aggravated by the presence of many prospectors and loafers brought together by the oil boom, who committed much looting and outrage and spread terror among the peaceful citizens of the town. As a result, during the following days, there was a general closing up of gambling and liquor resorts, the vicious element was driven out, and an active campaign waged by the county prosecutor assisted the reform sentiment of the town in purging the town of Selma.

Jan. 18 - Death of Jacob H. Wysor, aged S5 ; had been active in business and manufacturing affairs since 1840, and was one of the city's largest property owners.

Feb. 15 - A party of fifteen, known as the "Canopic Party," from Muncie, leave for tour of Holy Land, Egypt and Europe; party returned to Muncie June 27.

Feb. 20 - Franchise granted to William F. Warner, over the mayor's veto, to construct an electric light plant and sell electricity at the maximum price of 10 cents per thousand kilowatts.

March 21 - Press Publishing Co. purchases Muncic Times and Muncic Herald, evening papers, and after March 26 issues the Evening Press. March 22 - Citizens' Electric Light Co. incorporated with capital of $200,- 000 to use the franchise given to VV. ]-'. Warner, who becomes president of the new company; H. J. Keller, vice president; C. R. Hathaway, secretary; C. E. I Iinklcy, treasurer. March 25 - Police raid the "Old Home" wine room, Washington and High streets, making 65 arrests, 63 of them pleading guilty; in number of prisoners, the raid was without precedent in the history of the county. March 2S - An election in Dalcville on subject of incorporation results 90 for and 90 against, with one vote in doubt ; the election was really a contest between the saloon and the anti-saloon forces, the former desiring incorporation. March 30 - Plans are published for the six-story Wysor block, Walnut and citizen. May 16 - John Seldomridge succeeds Samuel Cashmore as chief of police. June - Miss Nannie C. Love resigns position as supervisor of music in

Muncic public schools, a position she had held twenty years. May 1 - Under the terms of the towns and cities act passed by the legislature in 1905, Muncie obtained a new municipal government, and several new officers and boards begin service on May 1. June 10 - Death of Edward Bcuoy, aged 77, a pioneer of Washington township. June - A new garbage furnace, which had been contracted for by the city council in December, 1904, and which was erected on the south side at Eighteenth and Hacklcy streets, at a cost of nearly $18,000, fails to satisfy the tests, and the board of works, which in the meantime had come into control of this department of the city's affairs, refused to accept the furnace. In July the operation of the old furnace on North Walnut street was resumed. Twelve hundred dollars was paid for the site of the new furnace. July 31 - Death of Carlton E. Shipley, aged jurist and lawyer, aged 7S, who came to Muncie in 1S43, and had been a member of the bar over half a century; was the oldest practicing lawyer of Delaware county at the time of his death. Aug. 1 - Work of construction begun on the Muncie and Portland traction line. Aug. - State statistician gives figures showing that cost per hydrant in cities having municipally operated water works is $12.23; with private plants the cost per hydrant is $49.22. Muncie pays $41.94 per hydrant. Aug. 10 - An experiment of oil-sprinkling of streets is made in Normal Citv, one of the first applications of a practice that has since become quite generally adopted. Aug. 13 - Mr. and Mrs. Canty Benbow celebrate their ,60th wedding anniversary at Macedonia in Monroe township, where they had lived since pioneer days, beginning married life in a log cabin.

Sept. - The auxiliary pumping station of the Muncie water works on Buck creek in Monroe township is completed, and water is conveyed from that stream to the main plant.

Oct. 5 - Annual report of the state board of charities declares that the Delaware county infirmary is "slovenly kept," that inmates arc illclothed and fed; finds commendable conditions at the Orphans' Home but advises a new building; and reports good management and good conditions at the county jail. With regard to the infirmary the county commissioners reply that the data on which the report was made were gathered more than a year before, and that in the meantime many improvements had been made and that the conditions mentioned had been remedied.

Xov. 11 - Opening of Delaware Hotel on Mulberry and Jackson streets, Robert H. Adams being the first guest. A fireproof, steel, brick and stone structure, costing $200,000, and one of the most complete and modern hotel buildings in the state; T. F. Rose, owner.

lived in the county since the '30s. Dec. 23 - Board of works finally accepts incinerating furnace at $11,700, a reduction of $6,000 below original contract price. The final test of the furnace, though not satisfactory, is held to meet the requirements of the contract.

is inaugurated, with Frank Gass as first judge. Tan. 5 - A $25,000 fire in Lane furniture store, 315 South Walnut street. Ian. 14 - M. E. Guirch at Selma is dedicated. Jan. 15 - Big storm docs much damage in county, especially in the oil field; wrecks the Muncie electric light plant, so that service is temporarily suspended. Jan. 19 - Plant of the Muncie Pulp Co., in southwest Muncie, built during be'en sold at auction. Jan. - Muncie postofnee receipts in 1905 were $71,874.71. Feb. 12 - A meeting at the Commercial Club plans the Art Association. Feb. 19 - Death of Mrs. Mary Eiler, aged 96, probably the first Catholic