Gibson County, Indiana - Chapter 8: Agriculture in Gibson County, 1914

Chapter 8: Agriculture in Gibson County

Ever since the dawn of creation agriculture has claimed the attention of the major portion of the human race, either directly or indirectly. In fact, the race could exist but a brief time were it not for that which the soil brings forth and this must largely be produced by the untiring labors of the diligent, faithful husbandman. Some sections of the state of Indiana, as well as many other states, have other resources upon which to subsist, financially, but the great wealth comes from the soil and harvesting of crops. There are many excellent farming counties in this commonwealth, but few, if indeed any, can produce better crops than does Gibson county, one year with another.

The quality of soil and general adaptibility of the land for the production of crops in any given community is best seen by glancing at the state reports that show the annual returns, from an impartial, unbiased standpoint. Such reports show that in 1900 Gibson county had 2,973 farms, and ten years later it had 2,882 farms. The number of native white farmers in 1910 was 2,687; foreign-born farmers, 103; negroes and other races, ninetytwo farmers.

The number of farms in the county in 1910 from three to nine acres, was 107; from ten to nineteen acres, 157; from twenty to fifty acres, 655; from fifty to one hundred acres, 841 ; from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred and sixty acres, 240; from two hundred and sixty to five hundred acres, 96; from five hundred to one thousand, 9.

Of the approximate 311,000 acres in the county, there were 273,000 acres in farms; improved lands in farms, 244,000 acres; woodlands in farms. 25,300 acres; other unimproved lands in farms of the county, 3,202 acres. The average number of acres per farm was ninety-four. The total valuation of all farm property in 1910 was $21,484,996, an increase of seventy-two per cent, iii the last decade. Of this amount over two million dollars was in domestic animals. The values were classed as follows: Land, 75 per cent.; buildings, 12 per cent.; improvements, 2 per cent.; domestic animals, 10 per cent. The average value of lands in Gibson county was shown in the 1910 reports to be $59.59 per acre.

Principal Crops Agriculture Thirty Years Ago

The following appeared in a former history of Gibson county, and reflects the conditions and opinions on the soil and crops at that date : "This county contains within its limits some of the best and most productive soil within the state. Agricultural pursuits are, in fact, the leading employments of the people and the rich returns that they bring to those engaged in them promise to attract strangers and reward all who devote their labor to them. Gibson county is located within the wheat belt. The leading staple products are : ^'\'heat, Indian corn, oats, potatoes, hay, tobacco and sorghum. The productions are so varied as to warrant the assertion that no year or season can occur in which the true husbandman will be completely disappointed in his hopes. Another branch of industry is stock raising. In this county may be found a few farmers engaged in breeding blooded sheep, cattle, horses, swine and poultry. This is an industry that ought to receive more attention from the farmers generally. Almost every desirable fruit, every useful grain, every nutritive grass, is found here growing to perfection. Industry may grow rich with the proper use of its resources and domestic comfort, and even luxury may find ample opportunities to gratify every reasonable desire."

Since the above was recorded this county has advanced wonderfully in the farming and stock-raising industry. Better crops, more yield per acre and better stock has come to obtain in every township in the entire county. Land has rapidly advanced in price, yet not so high that renting is out of date because of small profits, but on the other hand many of the renters are

In the history and development of Gibson county, there is no movement or organization so closely interwoven into the affairs of the county as the Gibson County Horticultural and Agricultural Association and no historical sketch of the county would be complete unless it included a review of the sixty-two years of energetic co-operation of the county's leading citizens toward advancing the interests of the farmer, the merchant, the mechanic and the artisan and instilling in them the desire to excel in every line of production and trade.

To give a complete review of the activities of the Gibson County Fair Association it is necessary to go back several years before the formation of the society to record a number of events which were responsible for its formation and which laid the groundwork for the association, which flourished until today it ranks above any of its kind in the state.

To one man, long since forgotten except by a few older residents of the county, belongs great credit. This man was Dr. George B. Graff, who in 1843 came to Princeton from Maryland, a man whose mind dwelt upon the future with an infinite faith in the great Middle Western states and whose philanthropy aided in its growth and development. As evidence of his philanthropic spirit, it is shown that, at considerable expense. Doctor Graff imported to Gibson county a quantity of what was then known as "White" or "Tapahannock" wheat, the species which is grown throughout southern Indiana today. The wheat was given to the farmers of the county for seeding purposes and proved a success beyond all expectation.

From stories of the generosities of Doctor Graff which have been handed down he was at all times deeply interested in the growth and welfare of Gibson county and when in 1852 he projected the idea of holding a county fair, he secured the support of the leading citizens of Princeton and the surrounding country, including Dr. John McMaster, John Hargrove, A. Lewis, W. Kurtz, Dr. Joseph I. Neeley, Dr. W. W. Blair and others, whose names are closely linked with the history of the later organized fair association.

The idea of holding a fair was financed by the men named above and it was held in the court house yard at Princeton, November 11, 1852. Such live stock as was exhibited was tied to the fence surrounding the court yard ami an effort was made toward a display of farm protlucts uf all kinds. No admission was charged and the premiums were made up from money given by the merchants and others of Princeton. The premiums amounted to thirty dollars. In addition to the ca.sh premiums, silver cups were awarded as prizes and this feature was continued long after the fair association was organized. The officers of this preliminary organization were: John Hargrove, president; Andrew Lewis, secretary, and William Kurtz, treasurer.

The first fair was so well attended and was such a success that it was repeated the following year, on October 4th. During the following two years, for some reason, no fair was held, but in 1856 the movement was revived with added success. The premiums paid in 1856 amounted to two hundred and twenty-five dollars, with four hundred and ten entries in all classes. Like the former two fairs, this was also held in the court house yard.

The unquestionable success of the fair in 1856 led to the organization of the Gibson County Horticultural and Agricultural Association. It was evident to everyone that the movement was one which would increase in favor and on September 19, 1856, articles of incorporation were filed, signed by the following: Judge Elisha E. Embree, Dr. W. W. Blair, Silas M.- Holcomb, Sr., A. B. Lockhart, Alexander Devin, John RIcjMaster, George Kendle, Dr. Joseph I. Neeley, Thomas L. Smith, George W. Polk, Dustin Mills, B. F. Meade, D. T. Linegar, Thomas McMullen, T. B. McCormick, S. M. Barton, Robert Boswell, James, P. O. Lownsdale, Horace Page, Francis \\'ade, John McWilliams, A. G. Boswell, George Byers, James T. 1-jnbree, B. B. Estes. Joseph Devin, A. Poland, Hallock & Parmenter. X. D. Maxam, Andrew Lewis, Hamilton Polk, Samuel Hall, R. B. Hallock, Samuel T. Da\is. John Lagow.

It is interesting to note that of the list of original signers of the articles of incorporation. Dr. W. W. Blair, of Princeton, is the only one living at the present time (1914).

Though Dr. George B. Graff took an active interest in the permanent organization of the association, his name does not appear in the list of incorporators. However he was the first corresponding secretary of the association. Doctor Graff did not remain in Princeton to see his idea blossom, as that same year, or early in 1857, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he died in 1895.

The articles of incorporation stated that non-dividend-paying shares of stock should be issued and at the beginning of the organization two hundred (8) and thirty-three of these shares were sold. In later years considerable other stock was issued, but always with the original idea that they should not become a commercial asset.

At the first meeting of the directors the following officers were elected to serve one year: Judge Elisha Embree, president; A. Harrison, vicepresident; G. B. Grafif, corresponding secretary; W. W. Blair, recording secretary; A. B. Lockhart, treasurer.

The board of directors consisted of twelve members, Init the names of the members of the first board are unknown, the early records of the association having been destroyed by fire.

At the first meeting, the directors were given authority to purchase not to exceed ten acres of land for permanent grounds in a suitable location, near the town of Princeton, and in accordance with that order eight acres were purchased from Judge Elisha Embree, which was the nucleus of the present beautiful grounds of the association. The original tract of land lies near the present main entrance to the grounds and extends westward.

The fair of 1857 proved the success of the venture. Over seven hundred entries were made that year and the ]3roceeds of the fair were over seyen hundred dollars. Admission to the grounds was charged for the first time.

There is no record of the fair of 1858, but in 1859 the receipts were more than one thousand five hundred dollars and the premium list was a trifle over eight hundred and fifty dollars. A. fair was held in 1858, but the records were destroyed.

By this time the fair had grown to such proportions that it was necessary to purchase more land and on January 4, i860, this was done, six more acres adjoining the original tract being acquired from Judge Embree. This additional land permitted the grading of a show ring, one-third of a mile in circumference.

For many years following the organization of the association racing was not a feature of the fair and this ring was used for show purposes only. Eventually racing became popular and the track was utilized for this purpose, not, however, without considerable opposition on the part of many stockholders who were opposed to it from principle.

Other additions were made to the grounds from time to time as the fair grew in proportion In 1870 six acres were added, in 1880 three acres, 1882 three acres, 1887 six acres and in 1892 nineteen acres. The addition of 1892 was the last addition, but beside those mentioned prior to 1892 there were other smaller lots purchased, making the grounds contain at the jiresent time a fraction over sixty acres.

Following the purchase of the largest addition of land in 1892, a halfmile speed ring was surveyed and many new buildings erected, which improvements were followed a few years later by the erection of a grand stand with a seating capacity of six thousand. In 191 3 a permanent administration building was erected and the improvements contemplated in the near future include an exhibit hall or coliseum of ample proportions

Every year since its formation has seen the association more successful, until at the present time it stands as one of the most stable of the organizations of its kind in the Middle West. The boast that Gibson county has one of the best county fairs in Indiana or surrounding states is not an idle one. It has kept pace with modern thought and as conditions have changed, so has the policy of the fair management been changed, except as to the fundamental ideas upon which its success has been built. It has always been the ])olicy to not limit competition in the matter of exhibits, except during the first three fairs which were held, and in the awarding of premiums the nonresident of the county stands an equal chance with all. Quality alone is considered. The fair, in a strict sense, is not a county fair.

From the first the Gibson County Fair Association has been capably officered, which fact alone is responsible for much of the success which has attended it. A roster of its officers and directors contains the names of many of the most conscientious and influential men of Gibson county.

Throughout southern Indiana and Illinois and northern Kentucky the Gibson county fair has become famous as an e\ent when a day of enjoyment can be spent free from all immoral influences. From the outset it has always been the policy of the association to bar all exhibits and attractions which were lacking in morality. Gambling in all its phases has always been strictly forbidden, as well as the sale of intoxicants on the grounds. In the well-grounded belief that running races attracted an undesirable class of people, no speed contests have been staged except harness events. In the strict and impartial enforcement of these rules, lies much of the success of the fair in all the years of its successful operation.

The Gibson County Fair Association was among the first to be organized in the state. In the few years following, fairs were organized generally throughout Indiana, but in no single instance has success crowned the efforts of the early organizers in a larger degree than in Gibson county. In many counties interest in the fair organization lagged after a few years and in many others in their efforts to instill new life int(j the organization and revive the waning interest, features were introduced which led ultimately to complete failure and in the end to a complete eradication of the county fair idea and in its stead came racing meets, carnivals and like events of no lasting benefit. Throngh all the years, however, the Gibson county fair has remained true to the first great principles laid down by its organizers, an event where the best that is produced in this and surrounding counties may be exhibited, a time when friends and neighbors may meet to renew friendship, a place where family ties may be again renewed.

Too much credit for keeping alive interest in the Gibson county lair during the years when it seemed to lag and fairs in surrounding counties were being disbanded, cannot be given to the memory of Robert A. Mitchell, who filled almost every office on the board of directors at some time in his career, with credit to both himself and the association. The fair organization has never had a more faithful and energetic worker than Mr. Mitchell and the firm foundation of the association today stands as a monument to his enthusiastic endeavor.

From the first year when the exhibits were few in number and the premium list but thirty dollars, the fair has grown until the entries each year are numbered by the thousand and thousands of dollars are distributed annually in premiums. From seven hundred dollars, the first record of paid admissions, the attendance has grown until more than six thousand dollars is paid annually by those who pass through the gates.

Great pride has always been taken in the grounds and they are un-. equalled in point of beauty by any similar grounds in Indiana. The natural forest trees have been conserved, large exhibit halls maintained and in every way the comfort of exhibitors and patrons kept in mind.

There are many interesting features connected with the grounds of the Gibson County Fair Association, aside from the fair itself, chief among which was that they furnished camping space for three regiments of soldiers which went out of Gibson county during the Civil war, the Fifty-eighth, Sixty-fifth and Eightieth Indiana A'olunteer Regiments, which were recruited on the fair grounds and it was here that the men received their first military instruction.

In the sixty years the grounds have been maintained there have been but few accidents or tragedies which have occurred within their confines. A few years following the Civil war, David Williams, a young man, was killed in a runaway accident and in the late eighties Miss Gertrude Downev, of Francisco, was murdered by Sylvester Grubb, a jealous suitor.

The grounds have been the gathering place for many reunions between families, veterans of the Civil war and fraternal societies and many distinguished men and women have ])assed through the gates.

The spirit of keeping alive the county fair idea and making it live into the next generation has always been the first thought of the officers antl directors and at the present time the legacy which has been handed down by our forefathers is held in sacred trust.

l-'r^mi earl}- times Gibsi-n counly has had the reputation as one of tlie best corn growing counties in the state, and it has kept pace with other counties in modern and progressive methods of cultivating that cereal. There was a time when little attention was gi\-en to methods of corn cultivation, the selection of seed for planting, etc., these things being considered of minor importance in the primitive farming da\s. Then it was the custom nf the farmer to prepare his ground by skimming over it with a light plow, harrow it, sometimes, lay it off in crooked furrows, and then it was ready for the seed. The seed was selected from the corn crib, from what corn was left over from the winter's feeding, with little care whether the grain was perfect or shriveled and worm-eaten. The seed selected, the ground "laid off," and other preparations made, then the indispensable boy with his tin bucket was called into service. The boy followed the furrow, dropping the corn from the seed carried in his bucket, three or four, sometimes more grains to the hill, followed by the man with the hoe who covered the grains. After a time some of these grains sprouted, but a "good stand" was an unusual and unexpected result. Re-planting was usually necessary.

But all this has been changed, by the application of scientific study and the exercise of common sense. The farmer of today not only gives attention to the study of the character and preparation of the soil, but also to the quality of the seed. The seed is not only carefully selected, but is tested, and that which does not meet the required test does not go into the ground, but goes to the hogs.

These progressive ideas in farming are due largely to the teaching and influence of Purdue University, and the introduction of this study in the common schools. The result is that the boys have become interested. It has been demonstrated that education and science applied to farming, as well as to other occupations, are necessary to obtain the best results. As a consequence of this awakened interest in scientific fanning, the lx)ys are turning their attention more to that \-ocation, and not -^d much to becoming lawyers, doctors or preachers.

The man who has done more than any other one person in Gibson county to interest the boys in this industry is W. A. Barnett, of Hazelton. A few years ago he gave a notice through the papers that he would furnish one hundred boys each one quart of high class seed free, if the fathers of the boys would furnish the ground in which to plant the corn and agree to give the boys all the proceeds from the crop produced. A corn show at the end of the season was also promised the boys, every boy to get a prize. Books were to be furnished by Purdue University, by which they were to keep a record of planting, cultivating and harvesting, with bulletins from the same institution for instruction. Eighty boys responded to this ofifer, and when the records were submitted the production shown was from sixteen to twentyfive bushels from the seed furnished.

The promised corn show was held in Princeton, January i8, 191 1, which was largely attended, not only by the boys interested in the contest, but by farmers from this and adjoining counties. Concerning this event a local paper said :

"It has been up to the standard, both in attendance and interest, and the corn show was really better than any former affair of this kind. All who visited the show of corn produced by these boys were impressed with the progress made in corn culture in the last ten years. To produce such corn specialization Avas necessary, as well as application of brain and muscle. The boy farmer of today has profited by the experience of his father, and, by the study of soil and conditions, has learned the elements that are most necessary to produce the best."

As promised by Mr. Barnett, all the boys who accepted his ofifer and entered the contest were given a prize. The boys were also treated to a fine dinner, after which they repaired to the court house steps and had a group photograph taken. This photograph is reproduced in another place in this volume. Following are the names of the boys in this contest :