Grant County, Indiana - Chapter 19: By W. W. Fuller, 1886

Chapter 19: By W. W. Fuller

TowNs - HIsSTORY OF MARION - FIRST SETTLER AT THE PRESENT TOWN - EARLY MERCHANTS - INCORPORATION - MANUFACTORIES - OTHER In- DUSTRIES - RELIGIOUS HisToRY - CHARITABLE ORDERS - THE PRESS OF MARION - WATER WoORKS - FIRE DEPARTMENT - BANKS, ETO. - FAIRMOUNT - SETTLEMENT AND INCORPORATION - BUSINESS INTERESTS - NEWSPAPERS - CHURCHES - J ONESBOROUGH - HARRISBURG, ETC.

"« Those olden times have passed away - And in the clearing by the wood Fair architecture builds to-day Proud mansions where the cabin stood; And cities lift their domes and spires Where hunters struck their lone camp fires." to whom, every community is indebted for its existence. Leaying behind them the native home, surrounded with all the comforting influences of civilization, they penetrated the unbroken forests, inkwbited by savage beasts and still more savage men, guided only by the compass and protected by his only implement of warfare, the trasty rifle. When they had reached the long looked for El Dora- do, they began the construction of rude log huts, cleared the small patch for corn, and began to transform the woodland into the growing fields. The first to begin the transformation scene within what is now the city of Marion was a man whose name has been forgotten, who built a small log cabin that stood on the bank of the river. This is believed to have been erected in the spring of 1827, on land bought of the Government by Martin Boots, November 9, 1825. This was followed by another, built by Nathan Branson, on the present site of the Spencer House. Thomas Branson built where Mr. George White now lives. David Branson built a double log cabin near where David Overman now lives, in 1826, and it was the first built in the township. Martin Boots built west of Boots' Creek. The first goods were sold by a man by the name of Chapman, in 1830. He had no regular store, but kept his goods in a box at the cabin of one of the settlers. The first regular merchant was John H. Baird, who erected the first frame building within what is now Marion. Baird had previously occupied a log building, which stood on the lot where D. B. Sweetser now lives. He began business in 1830.

The county seat was located in May, 1831, and was named by the county commissioners in honor of the "Old Red Fox" of the Palmetto State, Gen. Francis Marion. The town was surveyed and laid out by Samuel Woodworth in the latter part of September, and the first sale of lots occurred the second Monday in November. The price fixed for the sale of lots varied from $50 to $15, depending on the location. The deed conveying the land donated by David Branson and Martin Boots for the location of the county seat was executed May 20, 1832, and conveyed unto Nathan Branson, county agent, sixty acres, reserving to themselves every fourth lot. The sale of these lots brought into the county's exchequer thousands of dollars, being the principal source of revenue for the first decade of the county's existence, furnishing the necessary means for the erection of all the early public buildings. For this donation the county has ever been ungrateful. The benefactors have been dead for nearly half a century, and their last resting place is still unmarked even by a simple gravestone. The grave of David Branson is on the river bank, in the southwestern suburbs of the city, and is now turned out to the common. <A few years more and ravaging waters will have swept away with the current the mortal remains of him to whom the county will ever owe a debt of gratitude. The original plat consisted of thirty-nine blocks, to which more than fifty additions have been made. The following are some important additions: Oppy's Addition, January 6, 1838; Conner's Addition, April 13, 1838; Boots' Southwest Addition, May 6, 1839; Nathan Branson's Addition, January 18, 1840; Turner's Addition, March 5, 1842; David McKinney's Addition, May, 1855; F. S. McKinney's Addition, July 2, 1867; McClure's Additions, Swayzee's Additions, Bradford's Addition, White's Additions, C. S. Tibbitt's Additions, Sweetser's Additions, Willcut's Additions and Tharp's Additions.

Incorporated. - A petition to incorporate the town of Marion was presented to the county commissioners in 1838, and in the election that followed, it was carried by a large majority. The early records having been lost or destroyed, nothing could be learned about the early organization of the town. In 1854, which is as far back as any reliable information could be obtained, the town council was composed as follows: First Ward, Andrew Diltz; Second Ward, Thomas J. Neal; Third Ward, H. J. Lenox; Fourth Ward, J. A. Stretch; and Fifth Ward, Joseph Rodgers. Hiram Smith was clerk and treasurer, owned a small distillery, and manufactured a sufficient quantity of what is said to have been an excellent quality of whisky, and besides being used for medical and sacramental purposes, the pioneer was seldom without his demijohn of bitters, which he claimed was a sure preventive of all forms of malarial diseases, which were so common in those days; and from the numerous cases of "salt and battery'? reported by the pioneer "Squire," the inference is that the bitters were sometimes taken to excess.

The first "tavern" or place of entertainment was kept by Riley Marshall. Abraham Oppy, John Wall, Stephen Long, Dr. Trask, Nathan McGuire, Zimri Reynolds and Oliver Goldthwaite were also early tavern keepers. Reuben Overman and Madison Whitesides were early blacksmiths. Wilton Malott and John Flynn were the first brick-layers. The early merchants were David Conner, W. C. Woodworth, J. D. Campbell, Thomas Kirkwood, E. S. Trask, Samuel McClure, Cary & Bedsaul. Bedsaul built the frame store-house on the northeast corner of the square. This was built in 1835, and is still standing. \John Gilbert came in the latter part of the thirtieg

Early Business Interest. - Not the least of the hardships of the pioneers was the procuring of bread. The first settlers were compelled to go many miles to mill, or use a grater or pound the corn in a mortar. The enterprising Martin Boots, seeing the necessity for such an enterprise, embarked in the milling business in the fall of 1826. This was what was known as a corn cracker, and stood on the bank of Boots Creek. Other mills were built at an early day by David Branson and Marshall & Oppy. A ginseng factory, which stood on Boots Creek, was one of the most important early industries. The roots of the ginseng plant were collected and refined. John Wall and Hiram Weaks were the pioneer tanners, and supplied the settlers with a sufficient amount of leather for their boots and shoes.

Prominent early residents, not included in the above named, were Daniel Lease, Frederick Eltzroth, the Carys, Morton Jones, a man by the name of Goody, James Stout, William and C. Lomax, John Foster, Dr. Cadwallader, J. S. Shively, S. D. Ayres, David P. Alden, W. M. Havens, Samuel Bidwell, Adam Morrow, Andrew Longacre, Frederick Love, Benjamin Knight, F. Gregg, D. F. Horton, Thomas Carroll, H. J. Lenox, the McKinneys, William Hamilton, John Hodge, Mr. Cole, James Lindsey, Mr. Marrifield, Jesse Vermilya, Joseph Horton, B. F. Wallace, David Hill, Alexander Buckhannan, George W. Webster, T. J. Neal, the Browlees, James Sweetser and Henry Pierce.

Manufacturers. - James Charles & Son's flouring-mill, North Marion, is run by water-power and has a capacity of eighty barrels per day. The building is a frame, four stories high, and is supplied with the most improved machinery - full roller process. They do both a custom and merchant business, and ship to the principal markets of the United States.

L. ©. Lilliard & Co.'s flouring-mill building was originally used for a warehouse. It was remodeled in 1884 and supplied with milling machinery, and is now under the direct management of rive @ Lilliard. The capacity of the mill is sixty barrels per day.

McFeeley & Co.'s flouring-mill is located on the river, in the southeastern part of the city. The building is a frame, ana is well supplied with the best machinery, which runs by water-power. The capacity of this mill is seventy-five barrels per day.

D. RB. McKinney's steam flouring-mill is a frame, situated in the western part of the city. The grinding is done with buhrs. The capacity of this mill is about fifty-five barrels per day.

Marion Handle Works were established January 1, 1882, and are located on the line of the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railroad. Manufacture ""D" and long handles for forks and shovels. They use small or second-growth white oak timber, and employ about twenty men. The proprietors are Servis & Blanchard; the former manager, and the latter superintendent.

The Bending Factory commenced operations in July, 1880. They manufacture poles and shafts, which they ship to almost every State in the Union. The main building is a two-story brick, 40x80 feet, with a wing 20x24 feet. They use the best class of hickory timber, and give employment to twenty men.

Oil-mill was established in the spring of 1880, with a capital of $40,000. The building is of stone, two stories high, and has a storage capacity for 70,000 bushels of seed. The capacity of the mill is about 125 barrels per week. A capital of $60,000 is now invested, and an average of about twelve hands are constantly employed. The proprietors are James V. Sweetser and William Lyons. |

Marion Chair Factory, one of the principal industries of the place, was established in 1876 by Kellar & Mead. The buildings and surroundings cover about one acre of ground; store-room, twostory brick, 40x132 feet; engine-room, brick, 20x60 feet, and wareroom 40x70 feet, employing from four to six traveling salesmen, besides about twenty-five men in the factory. Their capacity is about 1,500 chairs per week. The individual members of the firm are O. H. Kellar and M. C. Mead.

Carriage and Buggy Manufactory, under the proprietorship of Thaddeus Butler, commenced operating in the spring of 1880. The building is a frame, two stories, 44x132 feet. The business has had a steady growth, and there is at present $7,000 invested, and give employment to about thirty men.

The Carriage and Buggy Factory of Joseph Crouse was established on a small scale in 1875, and has a capital at present of about $10,000. The sale-room and factory is a three-story brick building 24x132 feet, with a frame shop 16x30 feet. The sales of this estalishment aggregate about $30,000 per year. The number of men employed is twenty-five.

Samuel Wood & Co., stave and flour barrel heading. This factory has been in operation for nearly twenty years. Their buildings and storage space cover three acres of ground. The buildings consist of a factory, cooper-shop and dry-house, covering more than 7,000 square feet. Shipments amount to 150 car-loads annually; employ thirty-five men.

Benjamin Ackerman & Co., manufacturers of staves and oil barrel heading. This company began business.in March, 1883. They employ thirty men constantly, and the product of their labor amounts to 200 car-loads, which are shipped annually.

The Marion Foundry, on Adams Street, use two large buildings. The foundry is a brick 42x60 feet, and two-stories high. The wareroom is a frame structure 30x100 feet. The work consists of all kinds of repairs, and the manufacture of plows and sorghum mills. Samuel Hully is the owner.

R. H. Horne & Co., wholesale dealers in butter, eggs and poultry. This novel institution had its inception in 1878. The principal business of this house is packing eggs and dressing poultry, which are shipped in refrigerator cars to Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other points. The building in use for this business is a frame 30x100 feet in size, and has a refrigerator in connection with a storage capacity for 12,000 dozen eggs. This is one of the most important industries to the farmers there is in the county, furnishing a ready market and the highest prices for this character of produce. This firm transacts a business that aggregates $1,000,000 annually. ;

Other Industries. - Sweetser & Turner, Grant Elevator, has a storage capacity of 40,000 bushels; was established in 1878. John N. Turner & Co., planing-mill and lumber-yard, transact a business of $60,000 a year; occupy six buildings. McKinney & Pence, planing-mill and washing-machine factory. Spencer & Barley, planing and saw-mill; established in 1880; capital invested $5,500; give employment to eight men. John Zohn, planing-mill and saw-mill; building two-story frame 30x60 feet dimensions. Squires & Higbee, saw-mill; located on the line of the Pan- Handle; ship largely. Case & Son, saw-mill, south of Pan-Handle depot. The lumber dealers are Humphey & Byrd, soft wood; Johnson & Co., dealers in hard wood lumber. L. A. Von Behren buys and sells all kinds of hard wood lumber; ships an everage of 150 carloads of spoke timber annually.

The Churches.* - Probably the first member of the Methodist Church in Marion was Mrs. Brodrack, the wife of the miller, who worked for Martin' Boots. She came to Marion in the spring or summer of 1827.

During the next year Mr. Boots brought his wife and daughter to his home here, thus increasing the number of Methodists to three. To this number soon after was added Caleb Morris and his wife Polly, and Riley Marshall and his wife Betsey.

These parties, feeling the need and influence of a church as an aid in the important work of their own personal salvation, as well - as in conveying the same blessings to their neighbors, concluded to form themselves into a class, that they might the better watch over

Accordingly, in 1831, the first Methodist class of Marion was formed, consisting of the following persons: Caleb Morris and wife, Polly Boots and her daughter Nancy, Riley Marshall and wife, and Mrs. Brodrack.

Caleb Morris was appointed leader of the class, who continued the meetings until May, 1832, when Rev. Robert Burns passed along the Mississinewa to ascertain if the numbers were sufficient to justify regular missionary labor.

He stopped at Marion and preached to as many as could be called together, and during his stay organized the first Methodist Episcopal Church in Grant County. It consisted of eleven members as follows: Caleb Morris and wife; Riley Marshall and wife; Giles C. Smith, mother and wife; Mr. Jones, wife and mother-inlaw; Margaret Conner and John Idell.

Giles C. Smith was appointed class-leader. After this Mr. Burns preached for them over six or eight weeks, until the meeting of the conference in the fall of 1832, when Rey. E. W. Sweet was appointed missionary, who was succeeded by Rev. Farnsworth. In 1836 the membership had increased to fourteen, consisting of William Jones and wife, Riley Marshall and wife, David Hill and wife, William Massey and wife, Alfred Tharp and wife, Ziba Marine and wife, and Caleb Morris and wife.

The first church building was a frame that stood on a lot now owned by F. 8. McKinney, probably built in the year 1838. The second house was the brick building now owned by the colored Methodists, and was erected in 1845.

Those who have served as pastors of the church as nearly as can be ascertained, are as follows: Freeman, Farnsworth, Swank, Posey, Bowers, Bruce, Johnson, Munson, Sparks, J. W. Smith, Davis, Stout, Phillips, Greenman, Mendenhall, Gillam, Stabler, Rhodes, Sale, Hastey, Simpson, H. J. Lacey, C. W. Lynch, Robe, Straight, Hull, Webster, Donaldson, Anderson Robins, Beach, Greene, Lemon, Phillips, Rhode, Sale, Greenman, and the present pastor, Rev. Swadener.

The present magnificent edifice which stands on the corner of Seventh and Washington Streets, was built in 1881-82, although much of the inside work is yet unfinished. This is the largest church building in the city, and when completed will be one of the most beautiful church edifices of northern Indiana. The entire cost of the building will amount in the aggregate to $25,000.

There are at present 344 members under the pastoral charge of Rey. Swadner, a young man of scholarly attainments, a fluent and impressive speaker, and with the energy and determination that insures the success of everything he undertakes.

History of the Presbyterian Church of Marion, Ind. - The present year, 1886, is the semi-centennial of Presbyterian services in Marion. Rev. Martin M. Post, D.D., of Logansport, Ind., who had then been pastor at that point seven years, came to Marion in 1836, and preached the first sermon ever delivered by a Presbyterian minister in this place, and through his influence and at his suggestion Rey. Samuel N. Steele, a graduate of Wabash College, class of 1839, finally organized the Presbyterian Church of Marion, October 8, 1848.

The original membership comprised the following persons: Adam Morrow, Jacob Smith, \John Gilbert,} William Anthony, Martin Gingery, Agnes Gingery, Mary Hedrick, Abigail Trask and Sarah Sweetser.

sors in the session and eldership have been the following persons elected in the order named: Henry Barley, Samuel McClain, Daniel Mowrer, Frederick Seward, Henry L. Young, John C. Harlan, Joseph L. Custer (in 1873), George Harrison (January 8, 1877), William Hays (1879), James S. McClain (1879) and Alfred K. Fankboner (March 1, 1886). Of these the following are still members of the session: Messrs. Seward, Custer, Hays, McClain and Fankboner.

The deceased elders are Messrs. Morrow and Barley (about 1875), Samuel McClain (during the war) and Daniel ,Mowrer (died December 14, 1884). Names of ministers who have served as pastors of this church since its organization: Rey. Mr. Alderdice, 8. N. Steele, Mr. Hawes, Andrew Luce, Samuel Sawyer, William J. Essick, H. C. Hazen, W. C. Smith, Henry Brown, William Armstrong, A. P. Johnson, T. B. Atkins, Charles W. Wallace, H. A. Marshall and Rey. William R. Higgins.

One of the early church buildings used by this denomination is the small frame now used by the primary school.. The present substantial brick structure which stands on the corner of Fifth and Branson Streets, was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Brown, although not completed until the coming of Rev. Mr. Higgins.

The oldest members of the organization at present are Mrs. D. P. Cubberly, who joined in 1854; Mrs. Mary L. Baldwin, who joined in 1851; Mrs. Dorcas Barley, in 1849, and Miss Maria Secrist on July 4, 1847,all dating back to Mr. Hawes' noble pastorate. May they live to see a grand church here, and enjoy its garnered fruits above!

The present pastor, Rey. William R. Higgins, took pastoral charge of this church the third time in 1883, under whose administration the membership has increased to 102 resident members and thirteen non-resident members, which speaks for the faithful manner in which he performs his work.

The Christian Church.* - The Christian Church in Marion was organized on the second day of May, 1839, with the following members: James Stackhouse, John Moore, Elizabeth Oppy, Priscilla Dunn, Lydia Alder, Thomas Wall, Mary Marshall, Susanna Dunn, Nancy 'Broderick, Case Broderick. These were mostly emigrants from the State of Ohio. Elder Hallet Barber of the Central Ohio Christian Conference, effected the organization upon the following principles: The Bible the only rule of faith and practice; Christian character the only test of fellowship, and Christian the only name.

From this beginning, the church had a great prosperity, about 900 being the aggregate and 250 the present membership. They at first worshiped in private houses, in the schoolhouse, and in G. W. Webster's carpenter shop. In 1841 a small brick house was built for worship on the lot where the present building stands. This was dispjaced in 1864 by an excellent two-story brick which cost $15,000. The church has enjoyed several gracious revivals of religion, viz.: one under the labors of Rey. D. W. Fowler, in which more than 100 united with the church; another under Rey. W. A. Gross, of about eighty accessions, and another under James Maples, of fifty accessions and another under Rev. C. L. Jackson, of eighty-two accessions. There were many others of greater or less blessing to the church. This church was instrumental in organizing the first Sunday-school in Marion in 1841. {It was a Union school, held in the old court house, under the superintendency of John Gilbert. ) In 1851 a Sunday-school was organized in the church which has continued until the present time. The following ministers have served the church in the capacity of pastor for longer or shorter periods. Hallet Barber who organized the church was the first. He was succeeded by Elisha Ashley, and he by John Robinson. These men came on horseback, through woods and across rivers, to minister to this little band as often as they could go round their cireuits - once a month, perhaps, being an average. D. W. Fowler then became resident pastor of the church; he was followed by T. A. Brandon, and he by A. W. Tripp. A. W. Sanford was then called to the pastoral charge of the church. In November, 1860, a call was extended to Rev. J.P. Watson. Heaccepted and served the church acceptably until appointed chaplain of the Twelfth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, Col. Link commanding. After & year or more in the army he returned to the church. J. L. Towner was the next pastor, and during his charge the present church building was erected. He was succeeded by Rev. James Maple, D. D. Dr. Maple continued seven years, and was succeeded by A. W. Coan. C. W. Garoutte came next, and was followed by Prof. A. H. Morrill, when Dr. Maple was again called and remained four years.

He was succeeded, in 1885, by G. B. Merritt, the present pastor, who is a native of Montgomery County, Ind., where he was born, October 15,1857. When he had acquired sufficient education he taught school and followed clerking, and by industry and economy worked his'way through Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he graduated with the degree of A. B. in June 1885.

Society of Friends. - The resident Friends of Marion were for many years without a church organization within the town, and during that time worshiped first at the old schoolhouse near the Foster Cemetery, and later at a house which stood near what is now the Odd Fellows' Cemetery. This house was built in 1830, and was the first erected in the county.

The Marion Preparative Meeting was established in 1871. The preliminary. meeting for this purpose was held in the wood-house of Nathan Coggshall, at which the following members attended: Nathan Coggshall, Jesse Small, J. Wright, Job Mills, David Overman, Anderson Overman, Clarkson Willecuts, Joseph Baldwin, Owen Mills, William Russell, Alexander Frazier, Walter Jay and a few others constituted the meeting. A frame house was soon built on the corner of Fifteenth and Adams Streets at a cost of about $1,300. This house answered the purposes of the congregation until 1884, when, through the instrumentality of Nathan Coggshall and a few other leading members, the large brick building was erected in the grove south of the city. The house was dedicated to God April 12, 1888, President J. J. Mills, of Earlham College, preaching the dedication sermon. The cost of the building was $6,200, and has a seating capacity of 800. The present membership is 250. The recognized. ministers are Mr. Wooten, Mary Baldwin, J. Wright and Abagail Bogue.

St. Paul's Catholic Church, the first Catholic Church in Marion, was built in 1865 by Rev. Father Kroeger, who tended the place: once a month from Peru. It was a small frame building, with accommodations for about 225.

Before the church was built the priests who came here were obliged to say mass in some private house. The inconvenience of this was felt as the number of Catholics began to increase, owing to the building of the new railroad through the town.

town, by the advice of their pastor, resolved to build a small church for their accommodation, and the present church is the result of that resolution.

Their number continued to increase, and finally the present bishop, Dr. Dwenger, sent them the Rev. Father Frawley for resident pastor in 1875. The Catholics number about fifty families. Among the prominent members of the church who assisted in its organization were John Kiley and family, Daniel Dailey and family, Michael Dunahue and family, Daniel Dowd, Martin Flannagan, the Sullivans and others. The present priest is Father Grogan.

The Church of Christ struggled for many years under many embarrassments, prominent among which was the want of a permanent place in which to meet for public worship. For this reason the church has failed to exert the influence for good that it otherwise would have done.

Through the efforts of Elder T. M. McCormick the denomination here has erected a commodious house for worship on the corner of McClure and Ninth Streets. The house is frame, 38x60 feet, Gothic style, designed and built by G. W. Tingley, of Marion. The building was commenced in the fall of 1876, and completed in the spring of 1877. It is one of the finest frame church edifices in the country. The congregation at present numbers eighty-five.

Baptist Church. - The Baptist has been the pioneer church of many of the western counties, but in this it had no existence until September 2, 1885. For the organization of the church at this place credit is due Rey. W. D. Weaver, the first and only minister. The constituent members were John Malott and wife, Grindle, D. W. Weaver and wife, R. L. Squires, Mrs. Squires, John Murphey, Mrs. Higbee and Mrs. 8. Sprague. The present membership is about thirty-five. The meetings are held in White's building, which is well supplied with all the necessary furniture. The pastor, Mr. W. D. Weaver, is a native of New York, where he was born July 9, 1856; came to Indiana with his parents and settled in Jennings County. He received his primary education in the com-

~The Wesleyan Methodists were recently organized and hold services in the schoolhouse in North Marion. The total membership is sixteen. The present minister is Rev. Smith.

African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. Daniel Burden in 1873. The original membership consisted of but seven. The members who have served as pastors of this church since its organization are Rev. Russel, A. J. Furguson, A. H. Night, R. Hutchinson, P. G. Fuller, M. Coleman, R. McDonel, and J. A. Gordon. The present membership of the church is thirty-five. This congregation has owned two buildings, the first a frame and the present-one a brick, which was bought from the Methodists at a cost of $2,100.

Charitable Orders. - Grant Lodge No. 105, F. & A. M. In the early part of 1850 a petition signed by Samuel St. John, John Browntee, and a few others, was forwarded to the Grand Master of the State, and after some investigation. into the character of the petitioners a charter was granted, bearing date of May 29, 1850. The first elected were Samuel St. John, W. M.; John Brownlee, S. W., and John L. Byrom, J. W. The present officers are B. R. Norman, W. M.; Robert S. Lyon, 8. W.; James K. Mowrer, J. W.; C. S. Ratliff, S. D.; J. M. Thornburgh, J. D.; George D. Custer, Secretary, and Jeremiah Harry, Tyler.

For some reason best known to the members 'of the order, there was a division in the lodge in the latter part of the sixties which resulted in the institution of Samaritan No. 391. The charter bears date of May 25, 1869. The first officers were W. D. Mowrer, W. M.; D. H. Sander, S. W.; John Ruess, J. W.; Lewis Jenkins, Treasurer, and A. W. Tripp, Secretary. Present officers are DP Bi Patton, W. M.; A. Arnold, S. W.; W. M. Ward, Sees sett. Sanders, Treasurer, and Lewis V. Wheeler, Secretary. The present membership is fifty-six.

Secretary. The charter members were G. W. Gunder, J. C. Nottingham, ©. 8. Tibbits, D. W. Mowrer, J. W. James, and C. W. Humphreys. The present officers are S. B. Beshore, H. P.; David S. Hogin, K.; J. M. Thornburgh, S.; Charles Reece, Treasurer, and Lewis V. Wheeler, Secretary. The membership is sixty.

Marion Council No. 28 was organized under a dispensation October 21, 1868. The following were the first officers: W. D. Mowrer, T. Ill. G. M.; Lewis Jenkins, D. T. Ul G. M.; Milton Jay, P. C. W.; David H. Sanders, C. G.; L B. Rush, Rec.; J. H. Wigger, 8S. S. Present officers: D. H. Sanders, T. Ill G. M.; John W. Glasscock, P. 0. W.; W. D. Mowrer, C. G.; J. H. Wigger, Treasurer; Lewis V. Wheeler, Recorder, and D. S. Hogin, S$. 8S. The membership is forty-four.

The above divisions of the order own the third story of one of the principal blocks of the city, and have it conveniently arranged for the conferring of various degrees.

Mississinewa Lodge No. 96, I O. O. F., was instituted March 28, 1851, by D. D. G. M., A. P. Ferry assisted by the members of Jonesborough Lodge. The charter members were Joseph Lomax, Jeremiah Harry, John N. Turner, I. W. Hall, M. L. Marsh. The first officers were Joseph Lomax, N. G.; James F. Hall, V. G.; John N. Turner, Recording Secretary; M. L. Marsh, Permanent Secretary, and Jeremiah Harry, Treasurer. The lodge has one of the finest and best furnished lodge rooms in Indiana. They also own a beautiful cemetery of twenty acres just outside the city limits. They have recently bought a lot on the west side of the public square, on which they contemplate the erection of a fine brick building. The resources of the lodge amount to several thousand dollars. There have been initiated into this lodge 363 members, of which there are 130 at present. The present officers are CO. E. Hilborn, N. G.; Daniel Gunder, V. G.; John R. Fitzgerald, Secretary, and H. J. Lenox, Treasurer.

Grant Encampment No. 66 was chartered July 31, 1863, with the following members: William W. Moore, Morgan H. Zeller, N. W. Gordon, Milton Jay, Thomas C. Moore, Byron M. Jones and D. B. Sweetser. The first officers were Milton Jay, C. P.; Thomas C. Moore, H. P.; Morgan Zeller, S. W.; D. B. Sweetser, Scribe; and N. W. Gordon, Treasurer. Present officers: G. W. Daniels, C. P.; James Long, H. P.; Sylvester Saylor, S. W.; John R. Fitzgerald, Scribe 3 and H. F. Shunk, Treasurer. The present membership is 100.

Canton Marion No. 6, I. 0.0. F. The militant department of this order was first organized June 5, 1883, as a uniform degree camp. In February, 1886, they were organized into a canton. The first officers were Daniel Gunder, Captain; D. T. Davis, Lieutenant; and Phillip Diels, Ensign. The members of the company are O. A. Sprague, J. H. Miller, Clark Smith, John O. Spurgeon, Samuel Babb, John Begerly, J. R. Fitzgerald, Sylvester Saylor, James Long, H. G. Hamaker, R. W. Weaver, Charles Hilborn, John Morehead, George Osborn, H. F. Clunk, John Carl, Wilson Addington, Pearl Horton, A. Osborn, Perry Ridgeley, G. B. Merritt, ©. Hawkins, Isaac Smithson and Albert Spurgeon.

The competitive drills participated in by this company were at Indianapolis and Wabash. In the former they were awarded a prize of $200, in competition with some of the best drilled companies in the State; and in the latter took the first prize, scoring six and six-tenths points out of a possible ten. For the high position the company occupies among the uniform companies of the order, much credit is due Mr. Daniel Gunder, the efficient captain.

Knights of Pythias. - Grant Lodge 103 was instituted January 26, 1883. The charter members were W. OC. Smith, Willis Van Devanter, George Webster, Jr., Simon Goldthwaite, Cyrus W. Neal, William Sheldon, Hiram Beshore, J. M. Wilson, E. L. Goldthwait, D. R. McKinney, Jr., H. G. Hamaker, L. A. Von Behren, Frank Torrance, A. Eyestone, Thad. Butler, J. H. Forest, J. Q. Brownlee, A. A. Hamilton, J. F. Graftey and B. Prins. First officers: George Webster, P. C.; Willis Van Devanter, GHt:; S. Goldthwaite, V. C.; A. A. Hamilton, P.; W. H. Irvin, M. E.; J. C. Goldthwaite, M. F.; Cyrus Neal, K. of R. and Se Wer', Smith, M. A. The present officers are L. Hutchinson, P. C.; C. C. Jameson, C. C.; Hiram Beshore, V. C.; C. E. Moore, P sh: SD:

Jamison Division, Uniform Rank, K. of P., was organized November, 1885, with the following officers and members: C. 8. Brown, Captain; O. A. Sprague, First Lientenant; and W. C. Smith, Second Lieutenant. The members in addition to the above named are C. CO. Jamieson, O. R. Holman, T. Nottingham, D. Sherman, L. A. Von Behren, R. Hunter, Hiram Beshore, F. Rigdon, William Flynn, H. G. Hamaker, Phillip Lyon, Samuel Weaver, Charles Moore, William Wiley, George Webster, Jr., S. Koontz, H. Anderson, Cyrus Neal, O. Peters, T. B. Doan, Rev. Weaver, L. B. Hutchinson, Frank McGee and S. Buckels. O. A. Sprague is the present captain and drill master.

Knights of Honor. - The charter of Equity Lodge, No. 1274, of Marion, bears date of November 25, 1878, and is signed by E. M. Haines, J. J. Hall, D. M. Nottingham, G. W. Gunder, L. J. Starrett, Phillip Diel, Lewis Williams, Elijah Ritch, Daniel Gunder, B. H. Turner, M. Figley, Wilson Addington, James Perkins, J. M. Buckhannan, G. R. Fravell, E. C. Jackson, L. A. Wallace, Samuel Hamer, J. C. Whisler, W. L. Golding and J. Z. Smith. The first officers were G. W. Gunder, P. D.; E. M. Haines, Dictator; J. J. Hall, V. D.; D. M. Nottingham, A. D.; Lewis Williams, Medical Examiner; L. J. Starrett, Reporter; and Phillip Diel, Financial Reporter. This is strictly an insurance order, paying $2,000 on each death, and no one is admitted to membership without the insurance. 'The average cost per annum for the last four years has been $21. Although the order is but thirteen years old it has a membership in the United States of 140,000. The present officers are O, A. Sprague, P. D.; L. R. Case, D.; John Dugan, V. D.; John Hatt, A. D.; Daniel Gunder, Treasurer; M. M. Wall, Medical Examiner; and Wilson Addington, Reporter.

Grand Army of the Republic. - General Shunk Post No. 23 was named in honor of one of Grant County's most distinguished soldiers. The post was organized with a membership of sixteen. The first officers were J. C. Nottingham, Commander; John Ruess, Quartermaster; O. H. P. Cary, Chaplain; Frank Hall, Officer of the Day; Snead Thomas, Adjutant. The present officers are B. R. Normap, Commander; J. W. Miles, Senior Vice-Commander; Gus Kem, Junior Vice-Commander; J. W. Glasscock, Quartermaster; W. 8.

The Press Of Marion

Reeves, Officer of the Day; John Case, Chaplain; James C. Work, Adjutant. There are now eighty-seven members enrolled upon the roster of the Post. THE PRESS OF MARION.

The history of the press of Grant County begins with the Marion Democratic Herald, which was ushered into existence June 4, 1842. (1 was a five column folio, edited by John Gilbert, at that. time county auditor, and published by the venerable Jeremiah Harry.) The press and office equipments were owned by a stock company composed of a few of the Democratic leaders, who felt the necessity of a newspaper to fight the battles of the party. The editor was a vigorous writer, rather prolix in his style, and not always discreet in party matters, and as a result was frequently antagonized by the members of his own party. After about eighteen months this pioneer adventure suspended publication and was succeeded a few months later by the Message, which issued its first number November 7, 1845. Its publishers were Scott & Harry. The former withdrew in a short time and was succeeded by John W. Dodd, who changed the name of the paper to the Grant County Democrat. The publication of this paper continued until 1847, when its editor enlisted in the Fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers and went to the southwestern borders to meet the forces of the Mexican Government.

The Marion Telegraph, with James Brownlee and Benjamin Woolman, editorial managers, and J. A. Stretch, publisher, began its existence in 1847 and was opposite political faith from its predecessors, being a strong advocate of the principles of the Whig party, but did not live to see its party gain ascendency the following year. Its legitimate successor was the Rough and Ready Banner, edited and published by B. F. Wallace, and started for the purpose, as was stated in the salutatory, of presenting to the people of Grant County the claims of Gen. Taylor for President. In the first number a call was issued for a mass meeting of the Taylor men for the purpose of organizing for the campaign. The mass meeting was held in the

Succeeding the list named were the following ephemeral publications: The Western Union in 1849, edited and published by E. C. Overman and J. D. Cook; the Whig Thermometer in 1850, by Ezra Ink, with the motto " Preserve the Union and the Union will preserve us," and the Winfield Scott in 1852 by Andrew Diltz and James Brownlee. The names of the last two are sufficient to indicate their political attitude. The Marion Journal-Democrat issued its first number April 17, 1851, under the editorial management and proprietorship of J. F. and T. J. McDowell. This was a seven column folio and was well patronized. After two years J. F. Mc- _ Dowell severed his business connection with the paper, but continued to do the principal part of the editorial work. His editorials on all the national questions which disturbed the country during that period, were uncompromisingly Democratic, and show the same pronounced views that have ever since characterized the man.

In the fall of 1853 the Marion Journal was established by R. F: Brown, but was sold the following year to Joseph Lomax, who probably continued it until 1858, when it passed into the hands of D. W. Jones, who had previously owned and edited the Mississinewa Gazette. The Journal continued under the management of Mr. Jones until 1860, when it was sold to Wade & Swope, afterward Moore & Swope, and in the latter part of the same year was bought by Howard Coe, who changed it into a Democratic organ, but according to good authority discontinued its publication after a brief period.

The Marion Record, established by John Wade in the spring of 1858, met with the fate of many of its predecessors, and in less than two years passed out of existence.

Contemporaneous with the Journal was the Grant County Republican, by D. W. Jones. The Republican was established in 1860, and continued until January 16, 1863, and was succeeded in May of the same year by The Grant County Union, edited by H. S. Kelley and J. H. Jones, who were strong advocates of the Union cause, and believed that there was no neutral ground. 'A man is either a patriot or a traitor." In July of the same year Eward & Kelley became publishers, and in October the style became Eward & Custer, with Judge John M. Wallace editor, and lastly it passed into the hands of Wallace & Eward. Following this came the Marzon Journal in 1866, by John Zohn. In 1866 the Journal and Monitor was brought into existence by J. S. Jennings, from whom the office was bought September 4, 1867, by the firm of Tingley & Reece, and the new issue denominated the Marion Chronicle. Mr. Reece soon retired from the firm, which left both the business and editorial management to Mr. Tingley. As editor of the Chronicle he took a more or less active part in the discussion of political and other public matters affecting the interests of Grant County. While the Chronicle was stanchly and radically Republican, it was at the same time independently so. While it has advocated and defended the principles of freedom, patriotism and progress on which that party was organized, and on which it achieved its most glorious victories, the Chronicle steadily opposed its amnesty policy toward the rebels, and has unsparingly denounced the Credit Mobilier swindlers, salary grabbers and whisky thieves.

In the latter part of the seventies the Marion Star, which was established by E. C. Overman in 1876, but at that time owned by John Q. Brownlee, was consolidated with the Chronicle. The publication continued under the new management until May 9, 1884, when the office was purchased by Edgar L. Goldthwait, who possessed the business qualifications and the editorial ability necessary to insure the successful management of the enterprise. November 5, 1885, the Chronicle and Grant County Republican, the latter owned by W. H. Sanders, were consolidated, Mr. Sanders thereby becoming interested in the publication of the former. The Chronicle is a six-column quarto, issued on Thursday of each week, and has, under its present management, gained a popularity hitherto unknown in the history of journalism in Grant County, having an unprecedented circulation of 2,160 copies. In point of artistic display and editorial management the paper has few superiors in northern Indiana.

The Mississinewa Monitor, a Greenback organ established by J. 8. Jennings in 1868; The Register, by J. M. Cumback in 1876; the Marion Star, by E. C. Overman, in 1877, all had a brief existence.

The Grant County Republican became a candidate for public patronage in 1880 under the management of H. C. Fellows, who remained at the helm until 1882, when it passed into the hands of

Sanders & Blair. Mr. Blair soon withdrew, leaving the entire management to W. H. Sanders, who soon gained a reputation as being an editorial writer of ability, and was always aggressive and outspoken.

Marion Democrat. - This enterprising paper, published by Wallace Bros., is deserving of special notice. It was first controlled by Messrs. Kitch & Vaughn in 1871. The following year Mr. Vaughn sold his interest to Mr. Kitch. In the fall of 1873 Mr. Kitch sold the office to L. A. and Joseph L. Wallace, sons of Hon. John M. Wallace, who took hold of the paper and increased its circulation. Soon after the purchase J. Milton Wallace bought out the interest of his brother Joseph, and he and his brother, L. A. Wallace, conducted the paper under the firm name of Wallace Bros. In 1874 they were offered $2,500 for the office, and a few days after the offer was made the destructive fire which swept away Sweetser's Bank and every other building upon the ground now covered by the magnificent new block on the northwest corner of the public square consumed all their presses and printing material. It was a total loss to them, as they had no insurance on the office. The paper, however, had many friends in Marion and throughout the county who were unwilling to forego its weekly words of cheer and inspiration, and with a contribution of $300 or $400 from the citizens, and additional help from other parties, new presses and new material were soon purchased, and the Democrat pan 24 in a building of its own on the east side of the public square." In 1879 L. A. Wallace became sole owner, and has ever since been editor and proprietor. Under his management the paper has always been a fearless advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and the editor has displayed ability worthy the name of Wallace. The Democrat is a six-column quarto, and has a bona fide circulation of 2,000 copies, which alone speaks for the character of the paper.

Water Works. - While devising better means of protection against fire, a proposition to establish a system of water works was introduced, in 1877, in the council meeting by Mr. Samuel Hulley, at that time a member of said body. The scheme was at first thought to be impracticable, for the reason that the town was too small to warrant the expenditure of the amount that would be required. However, the proposition was submitted to the tax-payers, and the plan approved by a large majority. In 1877 bonds were issued to the amount of $35,000, in denomination of $1,000, one half payable in ten years and the remainder in twenty years. Work was at once begun, and the present system is the result.

The works are located in the southwestern part of the city on Boots Creek. The water supply is obtained from three artesian wells, the largest of which is twenty-five feet in diameter and carried to a depth of twenty-five feet; but not finding water, a drill was sunk forty-one feet, at which depth a vein was reached that soon filled the well.

The second well was sunk a few feet from the first, and is six feet in diameter. A third well ten feet in diameter, with the driven well twenty-two inches in diameter has recently been sunk. which furnishes a surplus of thousands of gallons daily. The water is suitable for all purposes, pleasantly flavored; free from all germs of disease and contains excellent medical properties.

In answer to the question as to the probable source of the water and the cause of an artesian flow, the State geologist gives the following: "Besides being situated in a valley, Marion is located between two rocky ridges, with a valley three miles wide between them. Where the river cuts across the ridge southeast of the city, it may find a passage under the heavy sheet of clay filling the valley, and the well being sixty-eight feet deep, the fall between this point and the bottom of the well may be sufficient to cause an artesian flow."

The engine which was furnished from Dean Bros., of Indianapolis, was tested September 29, 1877, by J. D. Cook, civil engineer of Toledo. The test proved the capacity of the engine to be 901,284 gallons per day of twenty-four hours.

valves. The system is entirely self-sustaining, being operated without cost to the city. Few cities in the West can boast of a better system, and none can equal it for the healthfulness of the water. For the establishment of the system and the satisfactory manner in which it is operated, much credit is due Mr. Samuel Hulley, who has served as superintendent for nine years.

The Fire Department, as it exists, was established at the date of the completion of the water works. It consists of a chief and eighty volunteer members, with four reel companies and one hook and ladder company. The water is distributed throughout the city by the well known Holly system, which renders fire engines unnecessary, as the force of the work is sufficient.

For the purpose of alarms, the city is divided into four divisions and the alarms given by the whistle at the works, each division haying a designated number. Any alarm calls out the hook and ladder company and two reel companies, and in case of general alarm, all companies are called out. The work of the department has been very effective under the management of the present chief, D. F. Davis.

Marion Gas Works were established in 1880. The plant is situated on the banks of the river near the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan depot. The officers of this company are S. Woods, president; W. S. Kuhn, manager; S. M. Highland, general superintendent and treasurer; and C. C. Highland, assistant superintendent and manager of the Marion works. Mains are laid in all of the principal streets of the city. There are at present 220 consumers. The annual consumption amounts to 400,000 cubic feet.

Telephone. - The introduction of the telephone at this place dates from August, 1879. The first experiment was with the American Speaking Telephone, under the management of John Anderson, and at the end of the first year there were seventeen instruments in use. This continued until August, 1881, when the American Speaking and the American Bell were consolidated. This gave an impetus to the business, and the construction of country lines was commenced, Lines were constructed by Mr. Anderson, who deserves great credit for the energy displayed in the work, to Peru, Bluffton, Wabash, Hartford City and Anderson, with stations at the following points in Grant County: Fox Station, Van Buren, Jonesborough, New Cumberland, Upland, Fairmount, Herbst, Roseburgh,

The Banking Interests. - Marion had no early banks of any consequence except the State Stock Bank, established January 14, 1854, and this, according to the best information, was not permanent. The articles of association which were filed with the county clerk were as follows: 'Be it known that the undersigned have this day associated themselves together for the purpose of doing an exchange and banking business under the general laws of the State, approved May 28, 1852. The place where the operations of dis- 'counts and deposits of said association are to be carried on is Marion. The stock of .the association is to consist of 600 shares of $1,000 each, making a capital stock of $60,000." The stock was. taken as follows: H. S. Flynt, of Sandusky, Ohio, $200,000; F. ©. Sessions, Cleveland, Ohio, $200,000, and citizens of Marion, $200,000. 7

Jason Wilson & Co.s Exchange Bank. - This is the oldest banking company now doing business in Marion. It was established January 18, 1862. The individual members of the firm are Adam Wolfe and Jason Wilson, the former a resident of Muncie, Ind. The company began doing business in the Spencer House block, where they remained until 1883, the date of their removal to. the new building occupied by them. The block is, in architectural design and convenience of arrangement, unsurpassed in northern Indiana. The northeast room, first floor, is the one occupied by the bank, and in its fixtures and appointments itis of the latest approved style, and will favorably compare with our metropolitan trade centers in elegance aud convenience. The company is liable to depositors to the whole amount of their property, jointly and individually, which is estimated at $300,000. The business has always been under the direct management of Mr. Wilson.

Sweetser's Bank. - In point of seniority this bank occupies the second place among the banks of Marion, having been established in 1868 by James Sweetser & Sons. The father died in 1878, and the business was continued by D. B. and George. The latter retired from the firm a few years later and left D. B. the sole proprietor. His long experience in the business, together with the training he had received from his father, who was a financier of marked ability, eminently qualified him to assume the responsibility and direct the management of such a concern. This bank transacts a legitimate banking business in loans, discounts, exchange, deposits and collections, with correspondents in all the principal cities and financial centers of the Union. The bank is largely patronized, which speaks for the estimation in which it is held by the people. George Webster, Jr., who is cashier and inside manager, has recently purchased an interest in the business, and is now one of its proprietors.

"Marion Bank, although the youngest financial institution of Marion, has since its organization, July 1, 1883, been characterized by a progressive and hopeful career of prosperity and usefulness, and a general management, safe and conservative. The members of this company are George Sweetser, Phillip Matter, Joel G. Sayer and James V. Sweetser, who are, at a low estimate collectively, worth $400,000, in which amount they are liable to depositors. The bank has from its inception been a pronounced success, and its books show a line of depositors including many of the most prominent firms, corporations, and individuals in the city and country. It does a general banking business, and is conspicuous for' the prompt and systematic method in which its affairs have been managed. Joel G. Sayer has been the cashier ever since its organization, and his gentlemanly bearing adds much to the popularity of the institution.

The Curtis Physio-Medical Institute - - This institute was established December 9, 1881, under an act of the Legislature, approved February 2, 1855, and is now in its sixth year. The officers and board of trustees are as follows: Hon. Henly James, president; Dr. M. H. Murphy, treasurer; William R. Coldren, M. D., secretary; David Overman, chairman; Aaron Lobdell, James A. Wilson, Simon P. Barley, Abraham Leedy and David B. Shell, trustees. The faculty consists of David B. Snodgrass, M. D., professor of theory and practice of medicine; Howard C. Haines, M. D., professor of anatomy; B. A. Line, M. D., professor of regional anatomy and pathology; William A. Hough, M. D., professor of histology and physiology; William R. Coldren, professor of botany and materia medica; Benjamin D. Snodgrass, professor of obstetrics, diseases of women and children; A. B. Sephens, professor of surgery; Drs. Haines, Hough and Coldren also lecture on other subjects. The regular course of lectures begins in October and ends in March. Each student must have completed the full course as adopted before he is eligible to graduation. The requirements further provide that the student must have a good knowledge of the English branches and a good moral character. The cost to the student, in fees, is professors' ticket, $50; matriculation, $5; demonstrator's fee, $5; graduation, $25. The degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon eight candidates at the close of the term of 1885-86. Whatever good has been accomplished is due in a very large measure to the efforts of Dr. D. B. Snodgrass, dean of the faculty and founder of the institution.

Marion Opera House was built in 1884, by Smith & George, at . a cost of $20, 000. The latter soon withdrew from the firm, leaving Mr. Ira Smith the sole proprietor. This is a fine brick tdi: with a seating capacity of 1,000. The auditorium on the first floor is 52x61 feet, and has a seating capacity of 550. The capacity of the gallery is 450. The seats are the latest improved opera chairs. The stage is 33x52 feet in size, with a proscenium 29x33 feet in size, and is provided with seven sets of scenery. It is lighted by 154 gas jets. In the convenience of its arrangements it is equal to any in the State. LL. M. Whisler and George Webster, Jr., are the present managers.

Mob Law. - There are but few communities in Indiana that have not at times deemed it necessary to resort to mob violence to protect their lives, property or the honor of their families. So slow are the operations of the law that the punishment is too long delayed, and not unfrequently entirely evaded. This weakness of the law, or the failure to execute it, does not, however, justify lynch proceedings, for it is only when the voice of passion is hushed that justice can be meted out. The first and only attempt made by a mob to take life in Grant County was in the summer of 1885. Mary Linston Retta and Ella Leach, while returning home from town at about 9 o'clock at night became unwarrantably frightened at the actions of a eg&srert man by the name of Frank Wallace, and in her attempt to escape Mary Linston was overcome with fear, and lay in an unconscious condition for several days. By the middle of the following day, which was Sunday, the opinion became prevalent and the life of the negro, who had been placed in jail, was openly threatened. On Monday knots of men were seen on every corner, in whispered conversation. After night suspicious movements were noticed by the officers, and ominous whistling sounds heard in all directions. This was sufficient warning to the sheriff, Mr. Orange Holman, who, with the assistance of L. A. Von Behren, city marshal, prepared to protect the life of the prisoner. At 11 o'clock twenty-one masked men applied for admission, and, on being refused by the Sheriff, the door was soon broken in, and in the attempt to enter the mob was confronted by the officers, who fought as only men will when inspired by the performance of duty. In the struggle that followed many shots were fired, one passing through the brain of James Kiley, who died in a few minutes. After the death of Kiley the mob dispersed, but made several attempts to secure the prisoner on the following night, but without effect.. The prisoner was tried by the court and acquitted. Much credit is due the Sheriff, Orange Holman, and L. A. Von Behren for the fearless manner in which they performed their duty. Present Business Interests. - Phil Lyons, clothing; C. C. Jamieson, dry goods; M. Blumenthal and Arnold & Gunder, dry goods and clothing; Goldthwait & Sons, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes; Prins & Leon, clothing; Indianapolis Trade Palace, dry goods and notions; Hall & Davison, dry goods; Charley Young, novelty store; W. C. Smith and John Hatt, boots and shoes; H. 8S. Marks, books, jewelry, and wall paper; W. McGinnis and John Council, books and jewelry; John W. Moore, and Philip Diel, jewelry; Harmon Bros., J. B. Lytle, Charles Reece, John Davis, George Fravell, J. C. Adkins and L. J. Starrett, drugs; Hutchinson & Son, David Sherman, Henry Young, and Henry Sherman, merchant tailors; J. H. Wigger and Thomas Nottingham, saddlery and harness; Price & Cox, McCleary Bros., Campbell & Ludlum, hardware; Humphreys & Co., lumber and wood; W. ©. Webster, Peter Eshelman, I. W. Boswell, Hiatt & Hawkins, Custer & Co., R. W. Weaver, J. Glasscock, I. H. Anderson, R. M. Beck, Henry Beshore, A. Arnold, Elwood Worll, J. D. Beatty & Co., J. Morrow, Overman Bros., J. W. Kelley & Co., and Anderson & Boswell, groceries; Simon Koontz, O. A. Sprague, and Maher Bros., restaurant and groceries; John D. Gugenham, Conrad Brunka, James Morrow, Skinner & Carl, John Kiley,

Thomas Cameron, Allen Skinner, Corbett & Co., M. C. Berry, saloons; J. M. Sullivan, B. A. Haines, Charles Mathers, McClery Bros., L. Campbell, William Feightner, agricultural implements; Love Bros., J. D. Beatty & Co., and J. Butler & Kidd, livery stables; L. M. Whisler and L. L. Beshore, stoves and tinware; John Whisler, Levi & Bockmin, Barley & Co., J. W. Hill and Stephen Golding, meat markets; C. Brunka & Co., cigar manufacturer; Charles Brown, tobacconist; George Rowan, tobacconist and fancy groceries; Thad Butler and Joe Clouse, carriage manufacturing; Buchanan & Son and J. W. Diggs, undertakers; Keller & Mead and William Moore, furniture; John Case, S. Higbee, - - Barley, and Allen, sawmills;J. N. Turner & Co., planing-mill; Byrd & Co., lumber dealers ; Isaac Smithson and A. Buchanan & Son, marble cutters; Mrs. M. Davis, Mrs. R. Maas, Mrs. M. Dailey, Charles Young, Mrs. L. Culbertson. ~

Wholesale Houses. - Spencer & Hogin, wholesale grocery store, was established January, 1886. The individual members are Robert J. Spencer and W. E. Hogin.

J. H. Wigger, wholesale and retail buggy and carriage harness, trunks and valises. Store on the north side of publicsquare. Floor space, including ware-rooms, 17,611 square feet. Gives employment to seven men. Capital invested $25,000.

Hotels. - Spencer House was built in 1856 and was remodeled and enlarged in 1863 by Jacob Spencer, from whom it takes its name. The house was managed by Spencer & Sons until 1881 when it was leased by B. E. Brown & Son, the present managers. There are seventy rooms in the building, which are conveniently arranged. The house is largely patronized.

Grand View was erected by a stock company composed of Thomas D. Sharp, Samuel Burrier and John Embree in 1882. It isa three, and a half story brick, situated on corner of Branson and Fitth Streets. It cost between $35,000 and $40,000. It contains thirtyeight well arranged rooms, was opened by J. H. Buckles, September, 1883, and is still under his management.

Tremont House is a frame, situated on corner of Branson and Fourth Streets, owned by Messrs. Harvy & Caldwell. Present, landlord John A. Kime, who took possession in April, 1886. The house contains twenty-five rooms.

Fairmount was so named by Joseph Baldwin because of its resemblance in cleanliness and beauty to the Fairmount water-works of Philadelphia. It was laid out by David Sanfield, and surveyed by William Neal December 28, 1850. The plat is located in Section No. 29, Township 23 north, and Range 8 east, on the line of the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railroad. The original plat consisted of fifteen lots. The following additions haye been made: ~ Stanfred's; Baldwin's First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth; Nixon Winslow's; J. P. Winslow's First, Second and Third; Henley's First, Second and Third; Baldwin & Nottingham's; Phillips'; Winslow, Ehlers & Bogue's, and Winslow & Osborn's. The first house built within the present limits of Fairmount was by John Benbow, who bought the land from the Government November 30, 1831. The house stood near where the toll-gate in the northern suburbs of the town now stands, and was a typical pioneer cabin, built of round logs, with a stick and clay chimney, puncheon floor, ''chinked and daubed" to protect the inmates from the weather and wild beasts. With the exception of this cabin and small piece of cleared land surrounding it, the section in which Fairmount is located was an unbroken wilderness when Daniel Baldwin, with his family, appeared on the scene on the morning of Novémber 14, 1833. Daniel Baldwin had visited the county the year previous, and had bought the residence of Benbow. The second house was built near the southern limits of the town by the venerable Thomas Baldwin. The first store-house was built and the first goods sold by Joseph Baldwin in 1848. The building stood on what is now known as the Winslow Corner. Joseph Hollingsworth was probably the second merchant and Isaac Stanfield the third. Others that may be classed among the early merchants are Kaughman, Wright Bros., C. Lines, Henry Harvey, Bogue & Pemberton and M. Wilson.

Mills. - A saw-mill was brought here at an early day by James Cammack. The engine was bought by the settlers, and a steam saw-mill was erected on the present site of Wheeler's mill. This mill did an extensive business and stood for many years.

The early settlers of Fairmount were compelled to go to Conner's or Griffin's mill for their flour and meal, except what was grated or ground by the hand-mill. The first grist-mill was built by Isaac Stanfield early in the sixties, and was successfully operated for about six years, when the boiler exploded, doing great damage to the building and seriously injuring several of the workmen. The second mill was built, about the year 1865, but was moved from its first location to its present location on the street leading to the depot, and is now operated by Sewell & Co.

Wheeler & Co.'s steam flouring-mill was built in the latter part of the sixties. It has been improved and is now supplied with the latest improved machinery.

Manufacturing Industries. - Fairmount Machine Works was removed from Alexandria to Fairmount June, 1885. The building is a frame, 30x70 feet. They repair all kinds of machinery and deal in belting, piping, etc.

The Fairmount Manufacturing Company is a joint stock company, incorporated February 2, 1886, with a capital stock of $3,000. The Lancaster Corn Planter and Ditching Machinery are manufactured by this company. The corn planter has not been thoroughly tested as yet, but a sufficient number of the ditching machines have been tried to prove its utility to the entire satisfaction of those who have seen it operated. The officers of the company are J. P. Winslow, president; C. R. Small, secretary ; and Levi Scott, treasurer. The company is made up of twenty stockholders, comprising the best business men of Fairmount and vicinity.

Fairmount Woolen Mill was built and equipped with the necessary machinery by W. S. Wardwell in 1878. It is operated only in the summer season, and does only a custom business. The principal products are blankets and stocking yarn.

Fairmount Chair Factory had its inception in June, 1885. The operations were not extensive the first year, but the character of the work is fully up to the standard. The proprietors are Brady & Allred Bros. The other industries of a like nature are a saw and planingmill, established in 1881 by Gilbert La Rue; elevator of Henley & Nixon; elevator of Beals & Winslow.

Fairmount Incorporated. - A petition, signed by divers citizens, was presented to the Board of Commissioners in September, 1870, praying for an election for the incorporation of Fairmount. The election was ordered held September 26, and resulted as follows: Total vote, 67; for incorporation, 44; against, 25. The election of officers was held December 10 of the same year, and from this time dates the incorporation of Fairmount. First officers: First Ward, Enoch Beals; Second Ward, Elwood Haisley; Third Ward, Milton

Gossett; Fourth Ward, T. H. Wright; Fifth Ward, C. T. Schooley. Present officers: First Ward, Asa Carter; Second Ward, H. H. Wiley; Third Ward, T. J. Nixon; Fourth Ward. R. Ratliff: Fifth Ward, C. Small; N. W. Edwards, clerk and treasurer; J. W. Kester, marshal and street commissioner. The marshal as a peace officer is little. It is claimed that there has been but one man arrested on a charge of intoxication since the incorporation of the town. This speaks in the highest terms of the moral status of the community.

Fairmount Bank. - This is a private bank and was established November, 1882, by Levi Scott. This was the outgrowth of surplus capital not otherwise invested. Mr. Scott does a general banking business, dealing in exchanges, receiving money on deposit, discounting notes, etc. Mr. Scott has been phenomenally successful in all his business undertakings, and by his honesty and fair dealing he has won the confidence of the people. He is the owner of the bank building, which is a two-story brick, and is also the proprietor of Scott's Opera Hall, which has a commodious stage with scenery and all the necessary equipments to accommodate the best theatrical troupe.

Press of Fairmount. - The press of Fairmount had its beginning in the first issue of the Vews in 1S77. Its editor was Joel Reece, who brought with him from Jonesborough the press and equipments of the Jonesborough Herald. The News was a six-column folio, independent in politics and religion. After one year the office was sold to Charles Stout, who sold a half interest to W. S. Seaford. The paper was then published under the firm name of Stout & Seafortd. It continued to maintain its political independence until 1880, when it advocated the election of James A. Garfield for President. Seaford retired after the election of 1SSO, after which the paper advocated the cause of prohibition. In 1585 the office was bought by its present editor and proprietor, Edgar M. Baldwin, and the first number under his management was issued May 25. The paper is now independent in politics, and has a bona fide cireulation of about 500. It was recently converted into a-six-column quarto, and is replete with foreign, national, State and local news. Mr. Baldwin, although quite young, has had years of experience on several of the metropolitan journals,.and has shown ability in the management of his paper seldom excelled by one of his years.

The Childs Golden Voice is an eight-page illustrated child's newspaper, published monthly by Rev. G. P. Riley, of Fairmount. The editor claims for this paper originality both in matter and make-up, and an unprecedented circulation for its age, the last issue being 6,000. The first number was issued in the fall of 1885. It is intended to occupy an entirely new field, "being neither a Sabbathschool nor secular paper, but supplies the long-needed link between the two."

Quaker Church. - The Friends of Fairmount worshiped for many years in the old Back Creek meeting-house, which was the first church built in Fairmount Township. The first meeting held by this denomination in the town was in a house that stood on the present site of Dr. Wright's residence. Prominent among the early members were the Stanfields, Wilsons, Baldwins, Rushes and Morrises. The present brick building was erected about the year 1856, and cost about $2,000. The present membership is large, consisting of the families of Nixon Rush, the. Winslows, Elwood Davis, Stephen Scott, William Bell, I. Luther, Thomas Baldwin, Dr. Henley, Dr. Wright, Allen Dillon, M. Baldwin, George Butler, James Nixon, Mary and Hannah Wilson, and others.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church of Fairmount was organized in the year 1865 under the labors of Emsley Brookshire with fourteen members. .A lot was donated by Jonathan Baldwin, and a church house built under the management of E. Brookshire. The house was dedicated to the Wesleyan Methodists of America, and a weekly meeting on Thursday at 10:30 o'clock established, which has been kept up with few exceptions until this time. The first Thursday in every month is a business meeting, in which all the business connected with the church is transacted.

Isaac Meek was the first pastor, and remained as such for nine years, and was followed by the following ministers: Nathan Davis, E. Coat, William Paxton, R. D. Fisher, E. Brookshire, A. C. Hall, C. 8. Smith, J. F. Presnell, G. P. Riley, present pastor, 1886. Present membership is eighty-three.

Beeson Post, No. 386, G. A. R. - The charter members were Alexander Little, William Bidler, Jesse Milaner, Asbury Ray, J. B. Smithson, J. B. Hollingsworth, T. J. Payne, John F. Jones, Thomas Little, James Monaha, Lemuel Pierson, J. J. Payne, S. W. Stewart, E. L. Payne, Edward Gardner, Sylvester Baker, Roland Smith, William Powell, Taylor Bayley. First officers were Lemuel Pierson, Commander; J. B. Smithson, 8S. V. C.; Alexander Little, J. V. C.; J. B. Hollingsworth, Q. M.; J. F. Jones, Adjt.; Jesse Milner, Officer of Day; James Payne, Officer of Guard; Edward Gardner, Chaplain. Number of members on roll is twenty-three. The present officers are Commander, Jesse Milner; 8. Y. C., Edward Gardner; J. V. C., William Bidler; Adjt., Thomas J. Payne; Q. M., J. B. Hollingsworth; Officer of the Day, J. F. Jones; Officer of Guard, Gabriel Johnson; Chaplain, Taylor Baily; Surgeon, J. B. Smithson.

the Mississinewa River, in Section 33, Town 24, Range 8, Mill Township. It was laid.out by Obediah Jones, for whom the town - was named, and surveyed by David Alder, December 8, 1837. To the original plat the following additions have been made: South Addition, Overman & Jones, Jones & Hiatt, John J. Ellis, Kaughman, Daniel S. Hiatt, Coggshall, and Hiatt Extension. Before the coming of Obediah Jones, John L. McComick had settled on the land where Jonesborough now stands, and had built a log cabin 18x20 feet near where the Methodist Church now stands. This was probably built in 1833 and was bought by Mr. Jones in 1834, the year before he moved with his family to this county. The second cabin was built by Abner Jones, which stood in what is now the business part of the town. The first goods were kept by Obediah Jones. He had no regular store but kept a few goods at his residence. The first to embark regularly in the mercantile business was William Coat, later Coat & Fravel, who were in turn followed by L. D. Pierce and Thomas Jay. The store in which all the early business was transacted stood on the bluff near where the livery stable now stands, and was a log structure with puncheon floor. Daniel Sterns built a small store-house near the site of the wagon shop. George White, White & Daily, Daily & Baldwin, and Elias Coleman were among the early merchants.

In October, 1853, the county commissioners ordered an election held for the purpose of voting on the proposition to incorporate the town. This resulted in favor of incorporation, and a second election, for the purpose of electing trustees, was held a few weeks later. The corporation was let lapse for a time, but was soon revived. The present officers are as follows: First Ward, E. L. Cox; Second Ward, A. B. Rothinghouse; Third Ward, Fred Norton; Fourth Ward, J. K. Pemberton, and Fifth Ward, F. H. Peel; clerk and treasurer, A. L. Cray; marshal, F. C. Cleland.

Quaker Church. - The first religious meeting held in Jonesborough was at the house of Obediah Jones, in 1835. Such meet- - tings were held at the private residences of the members until 1839 or 1840, when a small frame church was erected near where Dr. McKinney now lives. The prominent early members were the Joneses, Jays, Hiatts, Mormons, Pembertons and Winslows. The membership increased so rapidly that it became necessary to replace _ the old building with a large and more commodious structure, and as a result the building now used by the Advents was erected. This answered the purpose until the present brick was completed. This building cost about $1,200. The present membership of the church is about 100.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - At what date this church was organized or held their first services in Jonesborough is not known, but was probably in the early part of the forties. It is claimed by some of the best informed that the first meeting was at the house of Squire Barnard's father, and among those who attended that meeting were the Barnards, Daniel Hiatt, William Sullivan, the Morelands, and others. For many years they held their meetings in Liberty Hall, a building 35x40 feet, erected by the Abolitionists long before the civil war. This was used until the present frame church was erected. Robert Burns, Rey. Johnson, Rey. Nelson, Rey. Green, O. B. Lemon and L. W. Munson were among the prominent ministers. There are at present more than 100 members.

Presbyterian Church was organized early in the fifties and for about ten years worshiped in the Methodist Church. The present. two-story brick edifice was built in the early part of the sixties and cost about $3,000. Those who were prominent factors in the building of this church were Nancy Russell, Jacob Candy and Isaac Rush. The membership is small.

Methodist Protestant. - The Methodist Protestant can not be classed among the pioneer churches of Grant County. Their organization is of comparatively recent date, having been effected some time in the seventies. Their membership is small. Their house is a frame about 30x40 feet in size.

Advents. - This organization had its beginning ina tent meeting held at this place in 1882. At the close of this series of meetings the converts to the faith were sufficiently numerous to sustain an organization, The old Quaker Church was bought and fitted up as a place of worship. Well regulated Sabbath-schools have always been sustained in connection with these churches.

Masonic Lodge. - Masonry, like the Christian religion, has found a foot-hold in every civilized nation of the globe, and has contributed no little as a civilizing agent. While churches were built and dedicated to God, lodges were erected to the same Being and have, only in a less degree, contributed to the elevation of mankind.

out of such an organization, began to take steps to institute a lodge early in 1850, and before the years had passed away Jonesboro Lodge, No. 109, was instituted. The first master was A. W. Sandford. The membership of this lodge has never been large, but is probably less at present than at any time since its organization, consisting of only twenty-one members. The present officers are J. H. Rook, W. M.; D. W. Roush, S. W.; E. Hohn, Treasurer; A. L. Barnard, Secretary.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Amana Lodge, No. 82 was instituted January 10, 1850. The charter members were L. W. Munson, T. C. Bell, - Kisner, L. D. Pierce and Thomas Jay. The lodge erected a frame building late in the fifties, but this was destroyed by fire a few years later, and all the furniture, books and paper of the lodge were burnt. The lodge now owns a two-story brick building, valued at about $3,500, and in connection with the Masons have laid off a beautiful cemetery on the east bank of the river. The present officers are A. L. Barnard, N. G.; Robert F. Wiley, V. G.; L. E. How, Secretary; E. Carter, Permanent Secretary; A. L. Cray, Treasurer. This is the oldest lodge in the county and at one time numbered 200 members. _ The present membership is thirty.

' Knights of 'Honor. - Pheenix Lodge, No, 1738, -K; of H,,. of Jonesboro, Ind., was organized August 22, 1879, with the following charter members: George W. McKiney, S. S. Horne, D. W. Hiatte, David Winslow, R. A. Delehay, J. W. Brushwiller, D. Dilla, Ezra Jay, J. L. Douglass, W. G. Wilson, David Duncan, I. W. Carter, M. M. Wall, James Gammell, George H. Roush, J. W. Bates, Ed Squires and H. L. Daily. First officers were D. Dilla, Dictator ; D. W. Hiatte, Vice-Dictator; D. Winslow, Assistant Dictator; M. M. Wall, Reporter; J. W. Bates, Financial Reporter; I. W. Carter, Treasurer; J. L. Douglass, Chaplain; R. A. Delehay, Guide; J. W. Brushwiller, Guardian; George H. Roush, Sentinel; George W. McKiney, Past-Dictator and Medical Examiner; J. W. Bates, James Gammell and David Winslow, Trustees. Total number of members on roll, fifty-eight; total number of members in good standing, thirty-three. There has been no death in the order since its organization. The present officers are F. P. Pierce, Dictator; J. E. Russell, Vice-Dictator; William F. Young, Assistant Dictator; B. S. Bradford, Reporter; A. H. Cline, Financial Reporter; A. J. Futrell, Treasurer; David Winslow, Chaplain; E. J. Dubois, Guide; B. F. Richardson, Guardian; Edward Pierce, Sentinel; Theodore Wilson, Past Dictator; George W. McKiney, Medical Examiner; L. W. Carter, D. W. Hiatte and James Gammell, Trustees.

Grand Army of the Republic. - Wick Spence Post, No. 409, was instituted September 5, 1885. Names of the charter members were Adam H. Cline, Fred Norton, S. S. Horne, William G. Wilson, F. M. Lotridge, J. H. Coppock, A. Dennis, S. R. Spence, J. H. Rook and A. B. Rothinghouse. The names of the first officers were A. H. Cline, Commander; William G. Wilson, Vice-Commander; S. S. Horne, Junior Vice-Commander; Fred Norton, Surgeon; James Little, Chaplain; J. H. Rook, Officer of the Day; E. M. Whitson, Quartermaster; A. B. Rothinghouse, Adjutant; R. O. Henderson, Sergeant-Major; C. R. James, Quartermaster-Sergeant; J. C. Evans, Officer of the Guard. The same officers were re-elected on January 1, 1886. Number of members in the post, forty.

Jonesboro Press. - A complete history of the newspapers of Jonesboro can not be given owing to the fact that the editors of the early publications could not be interviewed and the desired information obtained. None of these papers, however, have ever played a very important part in the affairs of State or county.

The first paper published at Jonesboro is said to have been the Western Aurora, edited and published by D. W. Jones in 1845. This was a fearless advocate of the abolition of the slaves, and be it said to the credit of the editor, who was at that time a mere boy, that he openly proclaimed the right of a down-trodden race, although his life and property were threatened. The existence of other papers was brief, but among those that deserve special mention are the Jonesboro News, published by the News Club in 1860; the Jonesboro Herald, which was neutral in politics, edited and published by James Pinkerton in 1875; the Jonesboro Courier, by J. Reece, in'1876. Since that time there have been a few issues of other papers, but none that could be considered permanent.

Manufactories. - But little is done in this line at present: The grist-mills have always been the most inrportant branch of manufacturing at this place. The present frame mill is owned by S. R. Faukboner, until lately operated by Cox Bros. This is a watermill with roller process, and does both a custom and merchant business. The saw-mill of A. Cline is one of the principal industries of the town, and gives employment to several men. He makes large shipments, besides supplying the home trade. Other enterprises are the hennery or the incubator, a large building where chickens are hatched and poultry and eggs packed for shipping; the Wilson & Douglas planing-mill and furniture factory.

Harrisburg. - The town of Harrisburg is situated on the east bank of the Mississinewa River, in Mill Township, on the line of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad. It was laid out May 25, 1867, by John S. Harris, in whose honor the town was named. The plat is located in Section 33, Township 24 north, Range 8 east, and originally consisted of ninety-seven lots. The principal street is Main and is sixty-six feet in width. The first addition to the town was made by Mr. Harris, proprietor, in 1868. An election for incorporation was held in the seventies, and has ever since been kept up, but at present is almost inoperative. The first house that is said to have been built within the corporate limits of the town was a small log cabin that stood on the west side, just opposite the mill - this long before the town was laid out. The first goods were sold by Mr. Harris early in the sixties. This was a small stock, consisting of dry goods, boots and shoes, hats, caps and groceries. But little was done in the mercantile line until the completion of a railroad to this point in 1867. This gave an im-

Prominent among those who have done business at this point are the following: B. J. Ice, R. H. Patterson, George Dunean, Samuel Palmer, J. Jackson, William Oliver, Henry Wise, Wise & Nelson, James Crawford, Hugh Cox, H. Rhodes, C. Butler, a man by the name of Early, William Kidd and Daniel Dilla, who has been the railroad agent and telegraph operator at this place since 1871. The only mills are a saw and grist-mill. The latter was built for a warehouse, but was soon converted into a mill, and is now owned and operated by an Indianapolis company. The saw-mill of Wise & Nelson is the principal industry of the town at present. Its capacity is excelled by but few mills in northern Indiana. They give employment to a large number of men and furnish an excellent market for the timber of this section of the county. The business is retrograding, and many of the most progressive business men have abandoned the town, and in a few years the trade of the once thriving little village will have been absorbed by the larger towns of the county.