Dubois County, Indiana - Chapter 20: Dubois County, Its Modern, Political, Commercial, and Social Life, 1910

Chapter 20: Dubois County, Its Modern, Political, Commercial, and Social Life

A map of Dubois county, as first organized, is shown on page 158. Its subsequent divisions into townships are given herewith. The growth of .the civil divisions of Dubois county is an interesting study. The first record found of the civil divisions is that of June, 1S41. It is shown in the upper left hand map. Notice the five original townships - Columbia, Harbison, Bainbridge, Hall and Patoka. The size of Patoka township is noticeable. Ferdinand township came in with December, 1844. Bainbridge took part from Patoka in 1S45, and again in 1S48. Thus they remained until the present townships were organized. The map in the lower right hand corner is also shown on page 297.

The maps given above, if carefully studied will show the growth of Dubois county from 184 1 until its divisions into the twelve townships - at present its minor political subdivisions.

The First Court Hoicse in Dubois county, at Portersville, 1818, is shown in the left of the picture. The first county clerk's office is shown on the right. The jail stood north of the court house. It was torn down many years ago. At the time the first court house was built, giant trees stood guard as silent sentinels in the surrounding forest, and on the banks of White river. Parties having suits in court would camp tinder these monarchs of the forest until their suits were disposed of. The court house was two stories high; so was the jail. The jail has long since disappeared. It stood north and somewhat between the old court house and the clerk's office, which stood east the court house, and was a one story log structure. The upper story of the jail was used as a debtor's prison, for it was occupied under the old constitution of Indiana, which permitted imprisonment for debt. (Prior to 1853.) The lower story was more secure and used for the incarceration -of criminals.

The first and second court houses at Jasper are shown on pages 159 and 201. In 1909, the county council met and appropriated $75,000 for the construction of a new court house at Jasper. The members of this council were George P. Wagner, Joseph Friedman, Sr., Philip Schwank, Frank Zimmer, John Herman Beckman, Wm. Harbi.son, and Wm. Heitman. All voted for the appropriation except Messrs. Harbison and Heitman.

Milburn, Heister & Company, of Washington, D. C, were employed as architects, and on September 6, 1909, the contract for the construction of the new court house was awarded to Wm. F. Stillwell, of Lafayette, Indiana, for $56,200. Contracts for additions and alterations were made in 1910.

The county commissioners during the construction of this building: were Henry Wehr, John Luebbers and Fred. Alles. Mr. Alles was opposed' to the construction of a new court house. Michael A. Sweeney, county auditor, was an earnest supporter of the movement for a new building.

On September 30, 1909, while tearing down the old court house, erected in 1S45, "The Edgar Traylor Construction Company," contractors for the concrete work, uncovered the corner-stone. Many old citizens had gathered about to view its contents, but the receptacle was empty. If anything had been placed therein it had been removed before the brick walls were built. The stone had been in place sixty-four years.

August W. Hochgesang laid the first brick in the new court house, November 22, 1909. Andrew M. Hochgesang was superintendent during the construction.

The new court house is 114 feet north and south and 65 feet, 8 inches, east and west. The top of the flag staff is 100 feet above the surface. The building is erected with a view of being fire proof. It is constructed of steel, concrete, brick, stone, marble, and granite. During the construction of this court house, court was held in the second story of Nicholas Melchior's store, on the public square.' The various county officers, except the clerk, were quartered at the jail and sheriff's residence. It is probable that the new court house is worth $100,000.

When the county seat came to Jasper various prisons were built about the public square, and in the court house yard. In 1849, a brick jail was erected on the northwest corner of the court yard. In 1S75, it was removed. It had long served as an annex to the county auditor's office. At present the county jail and sheriff's residence is located two blocks north of the court house. The original brick building was erected in 1869. The stone addition, now the prison proper, was

The Poor Asylum

A poor farm was purchased in 1861. It was near the geographical center of the county. An asylum was erected on the farm, but it was destroyed by fire on a Sunday afternoon in the autumn of 1881.

The present asylum is situated on a splendid farm one-and-one-half miles south of Ireland, in Madison township. The building in the extreme measures ninety feet by one hundred twenty-nine. The structure is of brick, which were made upon the farm. The roof is of slate. The roomsare all in hardwood finish. The building itself is trimmed with Bedford stone, and to the traveler upon the road a half mile away, it presents a pleasing, comfortable, and respectable picture, with a grove of original growth in the background.

The building is two stories high, with a large and commodious basement. The rooms of the superintendent are in the front center wing of the asylum ; the women's department is in the north wing, the men's in the south. The cooking department is in the west wing. The structure faces the east. Each sex has its own accommodations, stair-ways, and other necessary annexes.

The building is heated by steam. The ceiling throughout the building is of steel, thus reducing the probabilites of a disastrous fire to a minimum. The water for the entire building is pumped by means of a gasoline engine into a tank, which is placed in the garret. A spring is one hundred fifty feet north of the building. It is one of the finest in the entire county, and certainly in the western part. A stream of water that requires an eight inch pipe to carry it away flows constantly from the spring.

F. Durlauf. The building has been extensively copied by other counties in Indiana. During the construction of the building, A. H. Koerner was county auditor, Joseph Fritz, Joseph Schroeder, and Conrad Jackie were the county commissioners.

The County Fair grounds are located one-half mile southeast of the city of Huntingburg, and cover about forty acres. It has a good half mile race track, a large park of original forest trees, a good supply of water, and spacious buildings. The fair was organized in 1887.

The first Dubois county fair was held at Jasper, from October 15 to 19. 1872. This fair was organized in 1871. The entries numbered 286, of which only five were made in cattle. The premiums awarded amounted to $700. The fair receipts were $1,402.35, and the expenses $1,000. This fair finally failed, and the grounds are now used for farming purposes.

President, E. G. Lukemeyer; Vice-President, L. B. Johnson; Secretary-Treasurer, C. R. Ramsbrok; Delegate, J. P. Salb. The censors were C. W. Schwartz, H. W. Stork, and A. G. Wollenmann. The members were A. G. Wollenmann, E. G. Eukemeyer, L. C. Lukemeyer, J. P. Salb,

The annual death rate in Indiana, per one thousand inhabitants, is 13.5; in Dubois county it is 12. In 1906, two hundred forty-six persons died in Dubois county. Of this number, fifty-two were over sixty-five years of age. Thirty died of pulmonary consumption, twenty-two of pneumonia, fourteen of cancer, and fourteen met violent deaths. The remainder died of various other causes. In 1908, the average age at death in Indiana was 41. iS. In Dubois county it was 37.16 years. During 1906, there were four hundred fourteen children born in Dubois county. There were one hundred forty-two marriages.

Subjoined is a list of the physicians in Dubois county in 1908: B. B. Brannock, O. A. Bigham, John Casper, Peter L. Coble, Thomas Courtney, E. E. Eifert, E. E. Gengelbach, A. F. Gugsell, Jos. F. Gobbel, Porter Hopkins, L. B. Johnson, Luke Kuebler, S. W. Kellams, U. G. Kelso, Edward Kempf,

For the year 1908-9, the officers of the Dubois Count}^ Medical Association were as follows: President, Dr. C. W. Schwartz; Vice-President, Dr. U. S. Kel.so; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. A. F. Gugsell.

In 1909, Dr. J. P. Salb opened a sanitarium on East Sixth street, in Jasper, the first in the count}'. During the same year he was elected president of the surgeons of the Southern railway. Dr. Salb's ability as a surgeon is recognized by all, and has added new credits to the profession in Dubois county.

Dr. William Reid McMahan was born September 8, 1843; died October 23, 1903. He served in the Civil War as lieutenant in Co. E, 58th Indiana. Dr. McMahan was graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, March, 186S. He located in Huntingburg. As a man he was loyal, true, social, and honest. He made and kept many friends and was worshipped by his family. In his professional work he was more than successful. He filled the professorship of surgical pathology in the Evansville Medical School during its existence He served with distinction as surgeon in chief of the h E. & St. L. railway and later as division surgeon of the southwestern division of the Southern.

He was a man faithful in his work, devoted to his patients; keen and skilled in his diagnosis; always ready and alert for any new idea for advancement in medicine or surgery. He was conservative in his judgment, yet forceful and daring in execution. In abdominal surgery he was one of the pioneers in southern Indiana, being credited with having performed the second successful cholecystenterostomy in Indiana. Socially he was interested in all things pertaining to good civic conditions. Dr. McMahan was a Mason, a member of the G. A. R. and Loyal Eegion.

The first session of the Dubois County Farmers' Institute was held at Jasper, in 1890. Nenian Haskins was its first president, and Sebastian Anderson was the first secretary. Hon. W. W. Stevens and Mrs. Stevens, of Salem, were the first instructors employed from outside of the count)'. Annual sessions are held and much good is being accomplished.

Teachers' meetings and institutes were held in Dubois county before 1865, but with that year the Dubois County Teachers' Institute became a fixed factor in the educational affairs of the county. The first county institute was held in 1865 as a legally authorized institution, but no official records were kept of the institutes until 1883. In that year the enrollment was 114. In 1908, when the forty-fourth annual session was held, the enrollment was 143.

Subjoined is a list of the postoffices in Dubois county and the postmasters in 1908. Huntingburg, Frank H. Dufendach; Jasper, W. S. Hunter; Ferdinand, Dr. A. G. Wollenmann; Holland, Killian A. Hufnagel; Birdseye, E. A. Grant; Haysville, Henry Ruehrschneck; Ireland, Wm. B. Morgan; Dubois, Ben. E. Schroering; Crystal, A. W. Cave; Thales, Felix Waldrip; Portersville, Mary A. Giesler; Kellerville, Andrew J. Krodel; Norton, Jeff. Bledsoe; Celestine, Eena Striegel; Kyana, Robert Raney; Bretzville, Andrew Wagner; St. Henry, John Fisher; St. Anthony, Kate Lorey; Johnsburg, Henry Hoffman; Cuzco, Asberry Crowder; Hillham, Grant Morgan; Duff, Frank Kellams; Schnellville, George Schaaf; Ellsworth, Florian Nolan.

The "art preservative of all arts" is represented by the Huiititigburg Sigfial, one of the leading German weeklies in southern Indiana, the Huntginhtrg Argus, the Huntingburg hidependerit, the Ferdinand Netvs, the Jasper Herald, and the Jasper Courier.

The first newspaper published in Dubois county appeared about 1846. Its office was in the court house. It was known as the Americaii Eagle, and advocated the principles of the democratic party. About 1848, it was moved to Paoli, in Orange county. [Page 114.]

Other papers have appeared from time to time. Among them the Huntingburg Times, the Jasper Times, the Huntingburg News, The Holland Bell, and the Birdseye Nezvs. For various reasons they suspended publication .

The Jasper Courier

This is the oldest newspaper in Dubois count3\ It was established in 1858 by John Mehringer, then auditor of Dubois county, Rudolphus Smith, a lawyer, and Clement Doane, under the firm name of Mehringer, Doane & Smith. Messrs. Mehringer and Smith had very little time to devote to a newspaper, and most of the work devolved on the other partner, who was the practical printer of the enterprise. The first number was issued March 19, 185S, and the office was located in a room in the second story of what was then known as the "Baccarach building." It stood where the Dubois

County State Bank building is now located, and the lower story was used at that time by Grossvater Hurst as a saloon. It was burned 3'ears ago, but not till after the Courier had moved from it. At the close of the first volume, C. Doane bought Mr. Smith's share in the office, and it was continued by Mehringer & Doane. On November i, 1859, C. Doane bought Mr. Mehringer's share, and published the Coiirier up to his death, July 7, 1904, when his son, Ben Ed. succeeded him, and has published it ever since. For over fifty years, through sunshine and shade, the elder Doane and his son have stood at the helm and guided the destinies of the Courier, and worked and fought for what they deemed was best for the county of Dubois and its good citizens. The present management believes in doing right; telling the truth; being reliable, and printing all the news.

The Huntingburg Signai

The Signal was established in 1867 with E. Reininghaus as editor, and the Signal Company as owners. It is printed in the German language and it is one of the largest and most influential German weeklies published in southern Indiana. Its present owner and editor is the Hon. E. W. Pickhardt, who has practically spent a life time at the work. The Signal office is one of the best equipped offices to be found in the smaller cities of the state. Politically the Signal is democratic.

The first number of the 6'^^7^a/ appeared May 11, 1867. In 1877, Ernst Pickhardt, father of the present owner, assumed editorial and business control of the paper, which he held until his death in April, 1888. For the year following it was conducted by his widow, and then purchased by "E. Pickhardt's Sons' Printing Company." In 1891, the present editor and proprietor secured control.

The Huntingburg Argus

The Argus was established at Ireland in Januar}^ 1880. The plant was owned by a stock company of leading republicans of the county and Samuel T. Palmer was its first editor and manager. The publication at Ireland was continued something over a year and then removed to Huntiiigburg, where the first number of The Huntinghirg Argus appeared June 30, 1 88 1, Thomas Dillon having in the meantime become associated with Mr. Palmer in the capacity of business manager. August 1 1 of the same 5'ear, Robert Schley, a relative of Admiral Schley, became the editor and publisher and continued with the paper for nearly four years He was succeeded by Col. C. C. Shreeder, July 23, 1885, who continued the business until March 16, 1894, and was succeeded by D. F. Wickersham, of Fairfield, Illinois. June 21, 1895, J. W. Lewis came here from Newburg, Indiana, and purchased the plant, and conducted the paper successfully until December 19, 1903, when he sold to Louis H. Katter, the present proprietor. Under the management of Mr. Katter, the business has been largely increased. Practically a new plant has been purchased and installed in a building erected by him.

In all its career, it can be truthfully said that The Argus has been cleanly and well edited and enjoys a general reputation for truthfulness and reliabilty.

The Htintinghurg Argus is the only republican paper in Dubois county, a fact that makes it prominent, and gives it the undivided support of its party in a way to secure for it a prosperous present, and a favorable future. Louis H. Katter, the editor, assisted by the scholarly pen of N. S. Selby, has brought the paper into many new homes in the county.

The Huntingburg Independent

The paper was first edited by Robert H. Schley, a relative of Admiral Winfield Scott Schle}^ who was in command of the United States Flying Squadron that destroyed the Spanish fleet at Santiago, July 3, 1898.

In the fall of 1889, Mr. Schley's health began to fail, and he was assisted in editing the paper by Kd. H. Dufendach, who had learned the printer's trade under Mr. Schley.

In January, 1890, the latter's health became so impaired that he resigned as editor of the Independent and removed to Evansville, where he died a few years later.

Ed. H. Dufendach was then placed in charge of the editorial and business apartments of the Independent, and has been at the helm ever since. On assuming editorial charge of the paper, he was one of the youngest editors of the state. Through his efforts, The Independent has grown to be one of the leading country papers in southern Indiana, having a circulation of twenty-one hundred copies each week.

In 1903, The Independe7if s incre2ise in business made it necessary that larger quarters be secured, and its present home was elected - a brick building, built especially for the business, twenty-five by ninety feet, right in the heart of the city. The ofl&ce is splendidly equipped for doing printing of all kinds.

The Jasper Herald

The Jasper Herald wdiS established at Jasper, in 1895, by W. C. Binckley. It made its first appearance, August 2, 1895, and its growth in size, material, and popularity has been continuous and uninterrupted.

All its subscribers pay in advance. The Herald enjoys the confidence and support of the business men of town and county. This, in a measure, was brought about by its refusal to publish any article to which the writer would not attach his name. The Herald is democratic in politics, fearless in its editorials, and a paper any member of a family may read. It is carefully edited and printed by a well equipped press, the equipment of the Herald office being one of the best known to country papers. Its success has been far beyond the expectation of its friends.

The Ferdinand News

This is the youngest paper to enter the field of journalism in Dubois county. Henry Haake is editor, and he issued the first number May 25, 1906. The paper is a six column quarto, and is devoted to the welfare of Ferdinand and Ferdinand township.

Banking Institutions

The banking business of Dubois county had its origin in the Dubois County Bank, which opened for business January 24, 1883. Its successor The Dubois County State Bank, was duly organized August i, 1885, as a bank of discount and deposit, with a capital stock of $25,000.00. Its charter bears date of August 10, 1885, as bank No. 26. The directors for the first year were Elijah S. Hobbs, Frank Joseph, Joseph Friedman, Sr., August Sondermann, and Dr. Toliver Wertz. Dr. T. Wertz was elected president, and James Barton, cashier. The stockholders of this bank on the 4th Monday of July, 1886, duly elected the following named parties as directors for the second year, viz: August Sondermann, Elijah S.

Hobbs, Clay Ivemmon, Frank Joseph, and Joseph Friedman, Sr., and these directors on the ist day of August, 1886, elected the following officers: August Sondermann, president, and Frank Joseph, cashier. There was no change in the board of directors from July, 1S86, until July, 1889, when the following directors were elected: August Sondermann, Joseph Friedman, Sr., Frank Joseph, Elijah S. Hobbs, and William A. Traylor. The board of directors continued the same until the re-organization hereinafter named. August Sondermann continued as president of the bank until his health failed him, when on the 2d day of January, 1905, the directors duly elected John A. Sermersheim as president. The charter of the bank expired on the 31st day of July, 1905, when the stockholders re-organized for the second period of twenty years, and adopted the same name, Dubois Coicnty State Bank, to commence business on the ist day of August, 1905.

The stockholders by a unanimous vote on the 21st day of October, 1905, increased the capital stock of the bank to $37,500.00. The officers of the bank at the present time are John A. Sermersheim, president; Albert Sondermann, vice-president; and William A. Traylor, cashier. Frank Joseph was this cashier of said bank continuously from the 7th day of September, 1886, to the 3d day of February, 1908, when he resigned on account of the condition of his health. He has been a member of the board of directors since the first organization. Wm. A. Traylor, the present cashier of the bank, has been a member of the board of directors since his election in 1888. The capital stock is $37,500.00; surplus fund, $30,000.00; undivided profits, $3,344.00; total resources, $436,396.47. [1908.]

The Huntingburg Bank

The Hujitingbiirg Bank was organized as a private bank a short time after the Dubois County Bank was established at Jasper, being therefore the second bank to be organized in the county. It began business on May i, 1883, with a capital stock of $12,000.00. It was chartered May 5, 1884, as bank No. 22. The original shareholders were: Herman Rothert, Dr. W. R. McMahan, Katterhenry Bros., Henry Landgrebe, Jonas Kilian, Jacob Rauscher, Daniel Reutepohler, Herman Patberg, Joseph Heitz, F. W. Kreke, William H. Bretz, and Milton D. Lemond. The first ofiicers were Herman Rothert, president; Daniel Reutepohler, cashier, and F. W. Katterhenry, Jonas Kilian, and Dr. W. R. McMahan, directors.

The following year the capital stock was increased to $25,000 and the bank was incorporated under the state banking laws of Indiana, being state bank No. 22. The name and officers of the organization remained the same. On May i, 1891, Herman Rothert resigned as president, but remained on the board of directors until the time of his death, February 25, 1904. Dr. McMahan succeeded him as president and held that ofiice until the time of his death, October 23, 1903, when the present incumbent, lyOiiis Katterhenry, became president of the bank. Daniel Reutepohler was cashier until July 30, 1S91, when he was succeeded by Hugo C. Rothert, who is still serving the bank in that capacity. The present directors of the bank and the years in which they began to serve as such are: Henry Landgrebe, 1893; Louis Katterhenry, 1894; William Heitman, 1896; Hugo C. Rothert, 1903; Adam Stratman, 1904.

The constitution of Indiana limits the corporate existence of state banks to twenty years. In 1904, this term limit having been reached, the bank applied for and received a new charter under the same corporate name, but with its capital stock increased from $25,000 to $30,030. The capital stock was again increased May i, 1907, from $30,000 to $50,000, and a number of new stockholders admitted, the total number now being forty-six. During all this time the bank has been paying dividends to its shareholders, besides accumulating a surplus fund, which now amounts to $25,000. With the exception of some losses sustained in 1891, which were promptly covered by the shareholders, the bank has enjoyed continued prosperity. During the panics which it has passed through, the customers always received currency or gold when demanded. The policy of carrying a large reserve has enabled the bank to furnish its patrons with money at all times, provided only that good security was given.

The location of the bank has always been in the western part of town. For many years it was in the St. George Hotel building. In 1897, when the Moenkhaus livery stable burned and the hotel building was badly damaged, the bank was compelled to move into Kornrumpf's jewelry store for a few weeks. During the summer of the same year the bank built its own house at the northeast corner of Fourth and Geiger streets at a cost of $5,000, which it has occupied ever since.

The following figures showing the deposits of the bank are indicative of the commercial growth of the community: In 1888, five years after the bank was established, the average deposits were $43,000; in 1893, they were $81,000; in 1898, $102,000; 1903, $189,000; while in 1908, they were $320,000.

The Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Jasper was organized and began business in August, 1895, with a capital stock of $25,000. It now has a surplus of $14,000, and from its earnings has built a modern bank building at a cost of $15,000. It is protected by ample vaults and burglar proof safes and maintains safety deposit boxes for its customers. It has a deposit business of $350,000. It is justly regarded as one of the substantial business enterprises of southern Indiana. Its officers and directors in 1908 were John I,. Bretz, president; Dr. John P. Salb, vice-president; J. F. Friedman, secretary; Jacob Burger, Jr., cashier; Michael Agnes, director; Gustav Gramelspacher, assistant cashier. All these, except Agnes, have been with the bank since its organization and have during all ihat time held the positions they now hold.

The Ferdinand National Bank

The Ferdinand National Bank, at Ferdinand, was organized in 1906, Mathias Olinger, Sr., president; J. H. Beckmann, vice-president; and F. H. Richelmann, cashier. The capital is $25,000.

The National Bank At Birdseye

This bank was organized in 1907, with Frank Zimmer, president, James E. Glenn, vice-president, and Gus Sharp, cashier. The capital stock is $25,000. P. J. Hollowell, J. E. Glenn, and W. E. Wells are directors.

The First National Bank Of Huntingburg

This bank was organized October 23, 1907, with a paid-up capital of $25,000. The following officers and directors were elected: Chas. Moenkhaus, president; E. W. Blemker, vice-president; \V. E. Gasaw^ay, cashier; F. H. Dufendach, and C. W. Schwartz. Louis J. Poetker is assistant The real estate of this bank is valued at $12,600. All the stockholders are experienced business men or farmers.

The Holland National Bank

The Holland National Bank was chartered April 15, 1908. It is strictly a home institution owned and managed by local men. Among its principal stockholders are the following: President, J. H. Miller; vicepresident, A. H. Mauntel; cashier, J. Frank Overbeck. Directors: Fred Warnhoff, Wm. F. M. Meyer, Ben Meyer, J. H. Miller, A. H. Mauntel, George Rice, George Overbeck, John Wiesehan, Wm. Blesch, John Lange, and Joel Bailey. Mr. Meyer became assistant cashier in 1910.

This bank was organized July 31, 1909, with a capital stock of $25,000. Its first officials were J. B. Schroering, president; Frank J. Seng, vicepresident; and James O. Sanders, cashier. The first directors were J. B, Schroering, Frank J. Seng, James O. Sanders, Michael Agnes, Henry Hentrup, Adam Harker, and C. C. Baggerly. Its building and fixtures are valued at $4,500.

Secret, Benevolent, Fraternal, And Social

Secret, benevolent, or fraternal orders are not numerous in Dubois county and their membership is small. Among the leading and prominent orders of the county may be mentioned the following:

The post is named in honor of Capt. Lewis Biram Shively, of Huntingburg, and has been prosperous. In 190S, J. N. Morris was commander, and Thos. H. Parks, adjutant.

This post was organized at Portersville in September, 1S82, and disbanded April 5, 1905. Its charter members were John Bauer, Ben. F. Burris, Philip Baecher, Edward P. Charns, William M. DeMotte, Silas H. Funk, Michael Harker, John Harris, William Krodel, L. L. Kelso, S. C. Lemmon, W. S. Lemmon, W. W. Lemmon, Isaac N. Ledgerwood, William Patric, Andrew Patric, Alex. H. Rayhill, John Rudolph, Christian Senning, and William Woods.

This post, located at Birdseye, was chartered December 28, 1883. It was re-organized February 9, 1901. The following were charter members: Eleven R. Huff, commander; S. M. Nash, S. V. C; E. H. Baxter, J. V. C; Joseph F. Faulkner, Thompson Garland, Daniel H. Burt, Abraham B. Tower, John W. Mason, E. E. Inman, Robert McMahel, and Fred Miller. In 190S, John Koch was commander of E. R. Hawn Post No. 266.

This post was organized at Ireland, April 19, 1884. It disbanded, and then re-organized March 21, 1891, and disbanded again December 31, 1900.

The charter members were John P. Norman, John M. Lemmon, Albert H. Stewart, Daniel J. Banta, John A. Green, Burr Mosby, Jonathan Hopkins, Thomas H. Green, Thomas J. M. Rose, Thomas C. Johnson, and Marion L. Brittain.

This post was chartered at Jasper, April 23, 1886. Its charter members were W. S. Hunter, Louis Lady, Charles Seller, George J. Jutt, Jr., Joseph Roelle, Leopold Gutzweiler, Andrew J. McNerny, G. W. Riley, Jesse Evans, Jacob Kohler, George Segers, Joseph Mathias, Brittain Leming, John S. Barnett, Conrad Eckert, F. X. Sermersheim, Pillow Merchant, Joseph Heatty, John Troxler, Philip Kunkel, Sr., Henry Kraft, Rupert Naegele, and David K. Laughlin. In 1908, Conrad Eckert was commander.

This post was organized December 4, 1SS6, at Schnellville. It disbanded June 30, 1903. The charter members were Robert J. King, William Zehr, John Henze, Francis Mathais, L. M. Grant, Thomas Jeffers, Casper Blume, John J. Alles, Theo. H. Jackson, Andrew Striegel, Henr^- Schnell, and Reuben F. Bates.

This post was organized at Ellsworth, September 17, 18S7, and disbanded December 31, 1903. Its charter members were Benj. Owen, James M. Ellis, William T. Harbison, James Kellams, Levi K. Ellis, Thomas J. Nolan, Thomas J. Parsons, Levi Bridgewater, Ouinton Abell, and Matthew Gardner.

The Shively Woman's Relief Corps No. 103, Department of Indiana, was organized May 7, 1890, at Huntingburg. There is but one order of this kind in Dubois county. The charter members were Louise C. Schreeder, Alice G. Williams, Catherine Montgomery, Hattie S. Glezen, Lizzie McMahan, Susan Lemond, Emma Schreeder, Caroline Mandel, Mar}' Bird, Melona Glezen, Willa Fisher, Louisa Fisher, Isabella Tieman, Charlotte Brademeyer and Anna Koch.

Huntingburg Aeria F. O. E. No. 150O

The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Dubois county is represented by an aeria at Huntingburg, chartered September 18, 1906, with the following charter members:

Huntingburg Lodge K. Of P. No. 161

The charter members were Ed. F. Morris, Eli M, Critchfield, A, P. Roberson, Geo. R. Hazlewood, W. M. Sappenfield, A. J. Hubbard, H. T. Koerner, Frank Zimmer, Wm. Sallee, Wni. N. Koerner, J. T. Jackson, M. E. Borden, C. J. Hubbard, J. L. Thornberry, Samuel Cummings, Wm. J. King, Sylvester Witsman, Geo. W. Byers, Wm. H. Bonner, John J. King, D. L. Sallee, and W. P. Hollowell. In 1908, the membership was sixty-eight.

This tribe was chartered June 16, 1892, and had one hundred five members in 1908. Its charter members were: Jas. C. Parrish, Bazil Williams, Thomas Riley, W. E. Willis, E. G. Geiger, N. V. Cox, H. H. Xostetter, Edmund Pickhardt, Wm. Rowe, W. R. Damron, F. D. Garey, F. M. Reck, E. Q. Miller, Isaac Eads, Wm. Guess, Levi Guess, Chas. Dawson, T. J. Murphy, R. R. McCloud, E. B. Southard.

This tribe was organized at Ireland, and for several years was one of vthe leading orders in Dubois county, possessing real and personal property. Its membership gradually grew less, and its influence is gone.

The society was incorporated under the state laws of Indiana, December 24, 1902, Upon learning of the society, several persons in the county became interested in its objects and purposes. Local unions were organized by school districts, and the school houses were used for meeting -places. Cass township has six local unions; Patoka, three; Bainbridge, two; Madison, two; and Ferdinand, Jackson, and Jefferson townships, each one. There are about two hundred members in Dubois county, A county union was organized in 1906. Charter No. 132 was granted this union January 9, 1907. The following officers were charter members: President, Henry Hockmeister, Duff; vice-president, Isaac Curry, Duff; secretary, C. W. Land, Holland; treasurer, and Jacob L. Bretz, Bretzville.

Ireland Lodge No. 388, F. & A. M.

This lodge was chartered at Ireland, May 25, 1869, with Oliver F. Hobbs, W. M.; Raughley Horton, S. W.; and L. R. Taylor, J. W. These were also charter members: Wm. Monroe, B. Anderson, A. N. Thomas, Leroy ;Robinson, and J. E. Brittain.

In 1870, the lodge built its own hall at a cost of $i,Soo. The lodge has always been conservative and prosperous. There are forty members. These men have been worshipful masters: O. F. Hobbs, E. A. Glezen, \V. H. H. Green, A. J. Vest, Z. C. Kelso, R. M. Milburn, S. A. Glezen, J. L. Norman, R. M. Gray, O. C. Brittain, and Aris Stewart.

Dubois Lodge F. & A. M., No. 520

This lodge was organized at Huntingburg, May 23, 1876. Its records were destroyed by fire July 7, 1884. For a time the lodge was at Jasper, but on March 22, 1888, it was moved back to Huntingburg and has remained there ever since. In 1908 there were fifty members.

This Masonic lodge at Birdseye was chartered May 22, 1888. Among its members are to be found the leading and most highly respected citizens of Jefferson township. [Page 212.]

This chapter was chartered April 28, 1892, but its organization was effected January 18, 1S92. There were fift3^-four members in 190S, and the total enrollment since its organization has reached one hundred thirteen. The states of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Kansas, and Indiana are the homes of some who entered the order at Huntingburg. The following were charter members: G. W. Briffert, Mrs. X. A. Briffert, Mrs. Willa Fisher, Mrs. Antonia Koerner, S. D. Pierce, Mrs. M. L. Pierce, Wm. Rowe, Mrs. Mary E. Rowe, James Seredge, Mrs. Sarah Seredge, Mrs. M. E. Strong, S. C. Miller, Mrs. Hala N. Miller, Mrs. Elizabeth McMahan, J. G. Kerr, Mrs. Ann Kerr, and Mrs. Alice Williams.

Shiloh Lodge, I. O. O. F. , No

The I. O. O. F. lodge at Ireland was organized May 15, 1875, by Byron Brenton, of Pike county. Its first officers were J. H. Armstrong, N. G. ; B. F. Lansford, V. G. ; James Corn, recording secretary; Aaron C. Ferguson, permanent secretary, and Nenian Haskins, treasurer. Other charter members were Charles Horton, R. A. Armstrong, Elijah Stewart, Samuel H. Stewart, and Thomas Anderson. This lodge has been properous and owns its own building. The charter bears date of November 18, 1876.

The lodge formerly had many members at Otwell, but when an Odd Fellows' lodge was instituted there, they transferred their membership to their home town, materially reducing the membership of Shiloh lodge, whose membership at present is forty-six. Of that number twenty are past grands.

Andrew M. Anderson, of this lodge, is the present district deputy grand master of Dubois county, and the Hon. Horace M. Kean is the grand master of the grand lodge of Indiana. [1909.]

This lodge was chartered October 2, 1883, with the following members: Wm. Chamberlain, N. G. ; Joseph Brown, V. G. ; J. W. Jacobs, secretary; and Antou Pecon, treasurer. Members: Geo. W. Sigler, E. H. Baxter, and C. M. Parks.

Norton Lodge I. O. O. F. , No. S58

This lodge was organized at Norton, in Columbia township. May 16, 1908, with Allen Mills as N. G.; John Harrison, V. G,; R. C. Harmon, secretary, and C. C. Baggerly, treasurer. The charter members were John M. Ziegler, John Harrison, Allen Mills, R. C. Harmon, Harvey Cox, Edgar Hanger, Amos Bledsoe, Wiley Weaver, Milton Drake, Christ. Drake, Jonathan Drake, Wm. L. Drake. C. C Baggerly, William Wright, Otto Conrad, William Freeman, and Vester Parsons.

I. O. O. F. At Duff

A lodge of Odd Fellows w^as organized at Dufi", October 2, 1909, with twenty-three members. The first ofiicers were N. G. - J. F. Lichlyter; V. G. - R. W. Baldwin; treasurer - Fred Koons; financial secretary - Henry Atkinson; recording secretary - O. Songer.

Colfax Rebekah Lodge No. 337

Colfax Rebekah Lodge No. 337, of Ireland, was instituted February 14, 1890, by a degree staff from Cannelton, but its charter was not issued until November 20, of the same year. The charter members were Dr. G. L. Parr, Elijah Stewart, Isaac E. Hardin, Benjamin F. Lansford, Parks Campbell, Perry Greene, and George Washington Haskins. The present membership is about thirty-five.

Angerona Lodge No. 338, Rebekah, Huntingburg

In 1908, there were eighty-one members of this lodge. The charter bears date of November 20, 1890, and its charter members were F. M. Reck, Sarah Reck, Benj. W. Smith, W. D. Hamilton, Jessie Hamilton, J. S. Huser, Wm. Guess, J. H. Schrewsbury, Mrs. M. A. Schrewsbury, L. P. Guess, A. G. McGasson, Daniel Koons, Frank Perry, and Marion Eemonds.

This banch was chartered March 10, 1880 and in 1908, there were seventy-six members. The charter members w^ere Joseph Friedman, Sr., Felix Lampert, Charles Soliga, Conrad Eckert, Wendolin May, Jacob Eckert, Mathias Klingel, Daniel F. J. Miller, Andrew Eckert, and John Betz.

Ferdinand Branch C. K. Of A.

Ferdinand Branch No. 58S, C. K. of A. was chartered September 19, 1889 with Henry G. Hoppenjans, John H. Thieman, Henry Gokel, John Willmes, Joseph Havlick, Joseph Uebelhoer, Herman Noldau, Bernard Auffart, Franz Joseph Stelltenpohl, and Ferdinand Woerter as charter members. Of this number only Henry Gokel was a member in 1908, at which time there were thirty-six other members. This branch has no ladies' auxiliary. Its meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, and in 1908 its officers were as follows: Frank dinger, president; Richard Eiberg, vice-president; Leonard Muller, recording secretary; John Hassfurther, financial secretary; Peter Muller, treasurer; John Lindauer, sentinel; Gustav Woerter, sergeant-at-arms; and Peter Gerber and August Barth, trustees.

St. Eberhard Aid Society

At Ferdinand is St Eberhard's Aid Society. It was organized May i, 1S97, ^"d its object is to aid mutually its members in case of sickness or accident. There are two hundred members. Its organizers were Ferdinand Woerter, Richard Eiberg, Frank N. dinger, Paul Klueh, and Andrew Altmeyer.

This branch was chartered June 15, 18S8, and had twenty members in 1908. The charter members were Adam Stratman, Frank Dittmer, Joseph Miller, Jr., John E. Wood, M. H. Kumer, Joseph Steinhart, Hubert Lin- -denschmidt, Daniel Heitz, Jacob Bruner, and Michael Heitger.

There were sixteen members of this order in 190S. The charter members were Frank Dittmer, Wm. Mundy, Fred Brendle, John Niehaus, Henry Henning, Joseph Brendle, Frank Rice, John First, Frank Schlegle, E. Dittmer, Jacob Brendle, Andrew Wetcher, John Brendle, Joseph Renner, Henry Wretcher, Frank Eott, Jos. Yeager, Jos. Strohmeyer, Henry Stahl, Leonard Miller, Leonard Mundy, Anthony Renner, Frank Streicher, Leo Miller, Henry Fritch, W. L. Miller, Jos. Dittmer, Leonard Buer, Adam Sprauer, Geo. Meyer, Edw. Mundy, Martin Loci, Jos. Blessinger, Minrad Rinderer, Felix Sermersheim, August Fichter, Geo. Greener, Geo. Dittmer, A. Stratman, and John Renner.

A masonic lodge was organized at Hillham in 1875, but its charter wassurrendered in 1S82. Among its charter members were James B. Freeman, Wm. M. Hoggart, John W. Simmons, James R. Wineinger, and Willis A. Charnes.

The Twentieth Century Club

The Twentieth Century Club was organized at Jasper in 1902. Its purpose is to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance with literature and thefine arts. It is a ladies' club and the membership is limited to twenty. The members of this club in 1909 were as follows: Mrs. John E. Bretz, Miss Margaret Castrup, Mrs. Sarah A. Cooper, Mrs. A. C. Doane, Miss- Emma Joseph, Miss Barbara Eifert, Mrs. J. A. Forrest, Mrs. Gustav A. Gramelspacher, Mrs. George Haberly, Miss Anna E. Hunter, Mrs. Felix: Schneider, Mrs. Joseph Sturm, Mrs. E. A. Sturm, Mrs. W. A Traylor, Miss Flora Traylor, Miss Olive Traylor, Mrs. Geo. R. Wilson, Mrs. Wm. A. Wilson, Miss Maggie A. Wilson, Miss Anna Wuchner, and Miss Dora Wuchner.

Fraternal life insurance is at present represented in Dubois county,, mainly by the Modern Woodmen of America. They have camps at Huntingburg, Jasper, Ireland, Duff, Dubois, Haysville, Crystal, and Holland. The Tribe of Ben-Hur and the W. O. W, are also represented in Dubois county, chiefly at Huntingburg, which is the principal order locality in the county.

Music, Bands, And Orchestras

The pioneer German settlers brought their love for music and many of their musical instruments with them. Musical organizations were formed early at Jasper, Huntingburg, and Ferdinand.

The first orchestra in Dubois county was organized by the Jerger and Eckert families in 1845. The first military band was organized by Prof. Decker in 1858. He was succeeded by Prof. Merfert, who died in 1861. Mathias Schmidt, of Co. K, 27th Indiana, was his successor until 1870. About that time Prof. Charles Soliga organized a brass band, and its successor was the famous Jasper Star Band, organized in 1876. All of these organizations were at Jasper. The Star Band was organized by Prof. M. F. Durlauf and John P. Egg, with Henry Berger, as leader. Subsequent leaders were Tobias Zoeller, Leo J. Meyer, and M. F. Durlauf.

In its early days its favorite selections were "Shall We Gather at the River?" "Adelia," "Mocking Bird," "Gathering Shells at the Sea-shore," "Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming," "Aufnach Africa," "Wien Blielet Wien," and the national airs.

The Star Band when best known was organized as follows: Prof. M. F. Durlauf, leader; Fred Cron, E/^ clarinet; John Rottet, B6 clarinet; Robert Rottet, ^b cornet; M. J. Durlauf, Jr., solo cornet; Mathias Judy, solo alto; Edward Egg, ist alto; William Miller, 2d alto; Leo. F. Durlauf, baritone and solo trombone; John P. Egg, bass; George Roelle, bass drum; Alexander Durlauf, snare drum. This was from 1898 to 1902.

On August 4, 1884, Prof. M. F. Durlauf won first prize, a gold and silver B/^ cornet, valued at $125, in a contest at Evansville. The grand band consisted of two hundred and fifty pieces. Prof. Durlauf won his contest with a ^b cornet solo.

Among the early German pioneers whose musical abilities are still recalled may be mentioned the following: Prof. Decker, cornet and violin; Prof. Merfert, cornet and violin; Mathias Schmidt, cornet and horn; John Roelle, drum and bells; Geo. J. Jutt, basso, piano, and organ; Joseph Jerger, violin and E(^ basso; F. X. Eckert, clarinet and cello; Alois Eckert, clarinet and horn; Adolph Harter, flute and trombone; Andreas Eckert, clarinet; Anton Eckert, trombone; Henry A. Holthaus, alto; Gen. John Mehringer, cornet; Sebastian Kuebler, alto; Joseph Rottet, alto; Lieut. Stephen Jerger, drum; 'Dominick Eckert, cornet; Paul Egg, drum; Joseph Friedman, Sr., baritone; Isidor Schumacher, cornet; Ferdinand Schumacher, basso; and Michael J. Durlauf, Sr., snare drum. Some of these served as musicians in regimental bands during part of the Civil War.

Helfrich Band

The musical tendencies of the Germans of Huntingburg are shown in the organization in 1859 of the Helfrich Band. It was organized by Wm. G. Helfrich, a German, and graduate of West Point, and Francis Delphus, a French color bearer who lost his life in the Civil War.

The members were Ernst Pickhardt, John F. Meinker, Henry Berger, Conrad Ewing, Conrad Hoevener, Charles Mahler, Louis Krebs, Jacob Fromm, Henry Mauntel, Joseph Miller, Fred Moenkhaus, Charles Indirieden, and Moses Baurmeister.

Transportation, Resources, Occupations

The Southern railroad, which crosses Dubois county in two directions, is the principal means of transportation. The main east and west line was built through the county about 1882. A railroad was built from Rockport to Jasper, and the first train came to the county seat on February 14, 1879. Toward the construction of this road the citizens of the county gave many thousands.

Communication may be had with every neighborhood in the county. The Dubois County Telephone Company, a local institution, and the Cumberland Telephone Company, serve the people. The local company began in 1896; the Cumberland had entered the field previously.

That part of Dubois county lying west of a straight line drawn from Haysville on White river, and passing the Ackerman, Hopkins, and Alexander school-houses down to Patoka river, is the garden spot of the county. Here lie its valuable farm lands. The middle portion of the county contains its factories, and the eastern part its timber interests.

On the north, White river passes along the county over a meridional distance of about twelve miles. Patoka river flows through the county from east to west. It is a verj^ sluggish stream, and when its banks are half full its fall is less than one foot in a mile. It flows for nearly one hundred miles through Dubois county.

In the various factories of the county are manufactured organs, suckerrods, handsome colored pressed brick, shingles, veneer, secretaries or desks, engines, boilers, bicycles, spokes, headings, staves, hoops, furniture, and many other things that are shipped to various parts of the world.

hilly; the county, nevertheless, contains some extensive tracts of level land. The soil is generally a rich loam and along the water courses somewhat sandy.

The timber is of all varieties found in the state; the kinds most prevailing are poplar, walnut, cherry, ash, hickory, sugar, gum, buckeye, beech, maple, and the different varieties of oak, with an undergrowth of dogwood, hawthorne, pawpaw, and spice. The forests are rapidly disappearing.

Beef, corn, flour, wheat, pork, poultry, eggs, butter, and canned goods are the principal articles of produce for exportation. Lumber, cross ties, and articles manufactured of wood, are exported in great quantities.

Rural free delivery of mail serves the farmers of various parts of the county, but not as extensively as it should. The first rural route out of Jasper was opened April i, 1902, with Henry S. Mehringer, carrier. There are three routes out of Jasper, two out of Huntingburg, one out of Holland, and one out of Dubois.

The question of improved roads began to receive considerable attention in 1903, when rock road construction began in Patoka township, the farmers having been fully aroused to the necessity of improvement in this direction. Agitation on the subject has been kept alive, and the advance toward a better condition of country roads has been rapid since 1903. Considerable extensions are made from year to year. Columbia, Bainbridge, Patoka, and Cass townships have begun improved roads. Bonds are issued to pay for the construction.

Farming is the principal occupation of the citizens of the county. There are no exceedingly large farms, but many productive and well managed ones.

Conservatism in monej' affairs, veracity in statements, honesty of purpose, the love of home, respect for law and order, abhorrence of a debt, sincerity in religious matters, outspoken in political affiliations, respect for a promise once made, and industry, in particular, are the general characteristics of the citizens of Dubois county.