Henry County, Indiana - New Castle and Henry Township, 1884

New Castle and Henry Township

Organization of Henry Township. - Its Original Metes and Bounds. - First Township Officers. - First Land Entries. - First Settlers. - Pioneer Life. - Indians as Neighbors. - Growth of the Township. - Religious History. - Xew Castle. - Retrospective. - From the Forest Primeval to the Populous Town. - The Donation of the Town Plot. - The Founding of THE Town. - The First Settlers. - Their Work. - The Village AND Tillage Life. - The Cholera Epidemic of 1833. - Later Events. - Incorporation of the Town. - Business Men OF Later Years. - Industrial History. - Hotels, Banks and Manufactories. - Pork Packing. - Improved Agriculture. - Fire Record. - Mercantile Interests. - Population, 1830 to 1884. - Churches and Societies. - Biographical.

In the Commissioners' Court, June 11, 1822: " Ordered by the board, that all that tract of land contained in the following boundaries shall form and constitute a new township, to be known and designated by the name and style of Henry, to wit: Beginning at the northeast corner of Dudley Township, and running thence west twenty miles to the western boundaries of Henry County; and thence due north to congressional township's line, dividing of townships 17, 18; and thence east with said line to the line dividing Wayne and Henry counties; thence south with the line dividing said counties, to the place of beginning. The new township of Henry shall, from and after the first Saturday of July next, enjoy all the rights and privileges which to separate and independent townships do or may properly belong and appertain."

Thus was formed a township six miles in width by twenty in length - soon to be reduced, however, by the formation of other townships. At present Henry exactly coincides with the limits of a congressional township.

the peace. Charles Jamison was appointed Inspector; William Shannon and Samuel Badson were chosen Justices of the Peace; Asahel Woodward, Thomas Watkins, and Micajah Chamness, Fence Viewers.

This township is watered by Blue River, Duck Creek and Flat Rock Creek. The surface is somewhat variable on account of the streams. A large part of the land is bottom-land of the best quality. The soil is generally good, and the farms in excellent condition.

Cray were the earliest settlers. Woodward settled in April, 1819, and the others mentioned within the same year. Asahel Woodward is said to have been the first white man who raised a crop of corn in what now constitutes Henry County.

William Shannon settled in the spring of 1819, on an eightyacre tract adjoining the land afterward taken up by Shepherd. In 1820 he sold out to Shepherd for $50, and the latter proceeded to erect a hewed-log house, 20 x 20 feet, on the lot. The house, which is now standing on the J, C. Hudelson farm, was at that day the best in Henry County.

Alan Shepherd, an Englishman by birth, came to Henry County with his family in October, 1819, and^ settled one and three-fourths miles north of New Castle. He had been here a short time previously, and selected a site for his cabin and engaged Charles Jamison to build it. The Woodward and Jamison families were then the only settlers at New Castle. There was an Indian cabin about eighty rods from the Shepherd cabin. The Indians seemed friendly, though they objected to the white men hunting and fishing. The Shepherd family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd; Nathan Powell, a Revolutionary veteran of eighty, who was the father of Mrs. Shepherd ; Alan Shepherd, Jr., a boy of eight or ten years; an infant son, Samuel; and Eliza and Martha Ward, daughters of Mrs. Shepherd by a former marriage. Martha (now Mrs. Andrew J. Lytle) is still living in New Castle. Alan Shepherd was one of the first commissioned officers of Henry County. He died in 1832.

William McDowell, for many years Court Bailiff of the county, was an early settler west of town. Judge Abraham Elliott came from Wayne County to the Elliott farm in 1823. Meshit Luellen was an early settler south of New Castle. Moses Finch located

Other early settlers, chiefly at Hew Castle, are mentioned elsewhere in this work. The township, having the county-seat within its borders, naturally grew quite rapidly, and in early years it was probably improved more rapidly than any other portion of the county.

The township officers for 1884-'5 are: D. A. Tawney, Trustee; C. C. Perdiew and Jesse H. Hall, Justices of the Peace; J. W. Sanders, Constable.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the house of William Conner, in the winter of 1830, under the ministry of Pev. Fairchild. The first members were: William and Mary Conner, Ernsley Brookshire, Joseph Allen, Hannah McDowell, Haney Conner and Mary Langley. Joseph Allen was the first Class-leader. Meetings were held at the houses of William Conner and Ernsley Brookshire several years.

About 1838 a log meeting-house was erected, and later a frame building, which was destroyed by fire. The present house, also a frame, was next erected, at a cost of about $1,000. The pastors have been: Kevs. Swank, Farnsworth, Robert Burns, Ansel Beech, Constant B. Jones, James Scott, E. Whitten, Davidson, L. Smith, Bruce, Davis, Beamer, Greenman, J. C. Medsker, Dale, C. Martindale, M. Mahan, H. Gillam, Harrison, Powell, Miessie, McKaig, E. B. Powell, H. C. Klingle, W. S. Boston, Hewton Wray, M. Mahan. The present Class-leader is Moses Bowers; Trustees, Moses Bowers, Samuel Fisher, John McDowell. The

McDonald Methodist Episcopal Church. - The church, located on section 33, in Henry Township, was organized about 1835. Among the early members were: Hugh McDonald, Wiley Ballard, Woodside, William Woolen, David Templeton, Jonas Moss, John Black, William Shelly, Ephraim Anderson, George Adkinson, William Davis, Samuel Low, James Smith, John Welsh, and their wives. A Sabbath-school has been maintained about thirty-five years. The church now has about twenty-five members. The first meeting-house was a small log building, the logs being unhewn. This was used until the present church was built.

Wesleyan Methodist. - Duck Creek Wesleyan Methodist Church was organized in August, 1843, by Rev. Emsley Brookshire. The first members were: E. Brookshire, Miles and Sarah Lamb, Benoni Pressnal, Jane Pressnal, Preston Kennard and Sarah Lamb. The first officers were: Preston Kennard, Steward; Jeremiah Pressnal, Clerk; Miles Lamb, Class-leader. The class first met at the house of Miles Lamb, and afterward at the Brookshire schoolhouse. The first church - a log building - was erected in 1847. In 1863 the present house was built, at a cost of $1,200. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. Mifflin Harker, Daniel Worth,

Payne, John Harrison, J. L. Fall, Absalom Parris, J. W. Johnson, L. White, William Talbert, P. W. Bilberbach, C. S. Smith. There were revivals under the pastorates of Haywood, Fall and White. The present membership is about fifty. The present officers are: B. F. Vanmatre, Class-leader; W. Bennett, Clerk; P. Lamb and W. H. Conner, Stewards. The first Sabbath-school was organized in 1844. Shubal Julian was the first Superintendent.

Continuous change in all things eaythly is one of the immutable laws of progress. Geologists prove that the earth was brought from a chaotic state to its present physical condition, fitted for human inhabitants by successive evolutions. So in the history of mankind, tribes, nations and kingdoms have flourished and passed imperceptibly from barbarism to civilization. The mightiest empires of antiquity have fallen into ruin, and above the buried ashes of their once magnificent cities another people, nobler and freer, now holds sway, governing by new laws, guided by new maxims, actuated by new motives. Only God and his laws are unchangeable, and change is one of His laws. It is the law of nature, of man, and of the works of man. In civilized life advancement and not retrogression attends the operation of this law.

Long after advancing civilization had begun the work of transforming the West, and even after the Territory of Indiana had been erected into a State, the wily Indian still hunted the deer in the deep forests bordering upon the Blue River, paddled his canoe up and down the placid waters of the tortuous stream, sought the otter along its shady margin, or enticed the fish from the deepest pools. Stealthy beasts of prey roamed at will over the wooded plains, and only their cries at intervals awoke echoes in the wilderness of solitude.

But with the advent of the white man an era of change began; and though for some years improvements were made but slowly, yet in the period of a lifetime, magnificent results were achieved. To-day the beautiful town of Hew Castle crowns a gentle elevation east of Blue River, upon which, prior to 1819, the white man, perhaps, had never set his foot.

Among the pioneers of 1819 was Asahel Woodward, a native of Ohio. He came early in the spring of the year mentioned, and chose for his farm land which is at present included within the limits of the corporation. His cabin was the first dwelling built by a white man within the present town limits, though for some years his land was not a part of the town. Other early settlers located on the river bottom, and thence, after the town site had been selected, moved their cabins to it.

^ When the legislative commission, referred to in a previous chapter, were seeking a site for the seat of justice of the newly erected county of Henry, about 100 acres of land was offered to them for the use of the county, on condition that the county seat should be located upon it. The commission accepted the offer, and thus Hew Castle was founded. By whom the name of the town was bestowed there is no record to inform us. land donated twenty-eight acres were given by Absalom Harvey; twenty-eight, less two lots, by John Brumfield; fourteen by A. Lewis; ten by Alan Shepherd, and twenty-four acres, less five lots, by Rue & Holman, of Wayne County.

The land donated was surveyed by William McK.immy and John Dorrah, to whom the commissioners of the county - subsequently granted $25 each for their services, and in July, 1822, lots were first offered for sale. The lots appear to have been a drug in the market. They were taken slowly, and yielded but a small price, although the commissioners tried their best to dispose of them, hj ordering advertisements of the date of the sales to be inserted in the newspapers of Richmond and Connersville. Ezekiel Leavell, agent of the county, was ordered to make sales of town lots in May and August, 1823, in May and September, 1824, and many times subsequently. At their May term, 1824, the commissioners settled with Mr. Leavell, and found that the whole amount arising from the sale of lots up to that time was $522. 12^-. At the same term the agent was ordered '' to offer for sale to the lowest bidder the clearing of the public square in New Castle."

Charles Jamison, whose house was the election place and the court-room until other accommodations were provided, was perhaps the first to occupy a town lot in the new village. He erected a cabin on what is now the Davis lot, on the west side of Main street, near the site of Judge Mellett's residence, and at once engaged in the business of tavern keeping, without going through the formality of obtaining a license to sell liquor. For this offense he was duly indicted by the first grand jury of the county, and subsequently found guilty and fined $3. The next year, however, he was granted a tavern license, and probably no allusion was made to his former offense by the commissioners, who appear to have taxed the liquor traffic for revenue only.

Among the first to locate in the infant town was an enterprising young man by the name of Isaac Bedsaul (afterward son-in-law ot Jamison). Foreseeing the importance of the county-seat as a trading-point, he made haste to establish a store. Having procured a small stock of goods, in the year 1823 he began business in a shanty, constructed of logs and poles, 12 x 16 feet in size. The commissioners' record shows that on the 12th of May, 1824, "Isaac Bedsaul, merchant of New Castle, made application to the board to assess rates of license to vend foreign merchandise, and having proved to the satisfaction of the board" that his capital was less than $1,000, the board assessed his rates at $10 per year agreeable to statute. According to the statement of an old resident, Bedsaul had about $200 worth of goods when he began to "vend foreign merchandise," and the greater part of them had been brought on his back from Cincinnati. His primitive mercantile establishment, the first in New Castle, was situated on the lot on which Judge Mellett's residence now stands. Bedsaul afterward removed his goods to another log building on East Broadway, and there continued business. The first frame building in the town was erected by Bedsaul about 1827, on or near the lot now occupied by the store of J. C. Hudelson, Jr., & Co. Part of the, frame of this store of BedsauPs was used in the residence now owned by Mrs. Edmund Johnson.

John Smith built a cabin about 1824, near Bedsaul's store, on the Mellett lot, and began keeping tavern. He remained but a short time, and was succeeded by Anthony Boggs. ISTathan Crawford, blacksmith, was the first mechanic to locate in the town. A man named Mitchell started a tannery near where the Union Depot now is. A few years later he sold out to John Powell, who carried on the business for a number of years.

May ^26, 1825, Matthew Williams & Co. were granted, by the county commissioners, the privilege of "vending foreign merchandise" in Hew Castle for one year, on payment of $10.

William Silver was one of the early merchants of the town. He sold out to Miles Murphey about 1830. Colonel Murphey, with whom for several years was associated his brother William, was one of the foremost business men of the town for nearly forty years.

Hew Castle was unfavorably situated for rapid growth. It had no water-power, and as the age of steam had not then dawned, it could look for no increase of prosperity from any except the usual small industries of country villages. The densest population of the county was in the Southern part, and Wayne County received considerable of the trade. The fact that it was the county seat was the chief recommendation of Hew Castle. By the year 1826, the town contained about twenty families, two stores, a postoffice, tavern-keepers, lawyers, doctors, etc. The buildings were chiefiy clustered about Broad street. A log court-house adorned the public square.

New Castle In 1827

" Forty years ago Hew Castle consisted of two taverns, kept for the double purpose of entertaining travelers and supplying the country with whisky. There were two dry -goods stores, which did considerable business in the exchange of goods for ginseng, deer hams, deer skins, and furs of various kinds, which constituted their principal business operations. The Clerk of the Circuit Court lived in the place; one lawyer, one doctor; the rest of the citizens were in the main hunters, trappers and ' seng-diggers.' The buildings consisted mainly of rude cabins of round logs; some had floors and some had none. There were, however, three or four hewed-log houses, which constituted the attraction and style of the town."

Muddy streets, at times almost impassable; stumps and trees standing upon vacant lots, and woods on all sides - such were some of the prominent features of the village. Yet the people were mostly happy and well-contented. Their wants were few and simple. The utmost freedom and sociability characterized their habits. Everybody knew everybody's business, yet there was little mischievous gossip; much good-natured fun, many a harmless prank and practical joke relieved existence of monotony. The stores and taverns were the chief resorts, and, we may say, the chief places of amusement.

Progress

In the year 1828 New Castle had one frame building - Bedsaul's store - and one brick house. The latter was a small, one-story structure, which stood about where Nixon's drug store now is. It was erected by Thomas Ginn, who was once Recorder and Sheriff of the county. The oldest brick house now standing in the town is that occupied by Mrs. Charles Powell. It was erected by John Powell in 1838.

" On the 31st of March, 1833," says Rev. George B. Rogers, in a published reminiscence, " myself and family landed in New Castle, then a little village of 150 inhabitants." Among the prominent citizens of the town at that date Mr. Rogers mentions Judge Abraham Elliott, who had his law office in the village, but lived south of it on the Elliott farm; Major Asahel Woodward, a worthy man, who lived west of the town; Colonel Miles Murphey, then, as afterward, a leading business man; Dr. Joel Reed, the village physician; John Powell, a quiet, unassuming citizen of intelligence and Christian character; Isaac Bedsaul, the Postmaster and pioneer merchant, who began life by peddling, and trading with the Indians; Judge Jacob Thornburgh, a quiet, modest, worthy citizen; L. D. Meek, one of the first who began business in the town, a tailor by trade, quick-witted, quick-tempered and honest; Evan B. Hobson, the landlord; Dr. John Elliott, then the County Clerk; John R. Coleman, one of the first settlers, who helped to organize the Methodist church; Judge Samuel Hoover,

Samuel Hawn, Thomas Ginn, James Carr, and Father Coleman, were then also citizens of the town, according to Mr. Rogers. To this we might add that Mr. Rogers himself became prominent in the little village. He set up a shop, and began the manufacture of chairs, the first article of the kind ever made in Hew Castle. Some of them are still in use in the town.

The Cholera Epidemic

A few months later a dread calamity had fallen like a thunderbolt upon the little village, whose pastoral simplicity is described by the writer above quoted, and there was mourning and gloom in many a household. What citizen of Henry County has not heard of the cholera epidemic of 1833 in Hew Castle? Or who that was then living fails to remember the consternation, the grief and the suffering which it brought?

There is an old-fashioned country grave-yard in Henry County, known as the Batson Cemetery. In it one of the headstones is marked with the name of Samuel Batson, Esq., who died Aug. 11, 1833, of cholera. Mr. Rogers states as a historical fact that this was the first case, and the first death from that terrible disease in the State. The cause and results of Mr. Batson's decease he also gives, substantially as follows:

'Squire Batson visited Cincinnati some time in July, 1833, and soon after returning to his home he fell ill. His sister, Mrs. Laboyteaux, who lived near, visited him during his sickness, and was with him when he died. After he was buried she returned home, and soon afterward was taken sick. Mrs. Laboyteaux's daughter, Mrs. John Ross, of Hew Castle, visited her mother and remained with her until she died. The funeral of Mrs. Laboyteaux was on Sunday; on the same evening Mrs. Ross returned home. So far no one knew the nature of the disease, but there was talk that it might be cholera. Other persons in the Batson neighborhood took the disease and died.

Mrs. Ross, after reaching Hew Castle, was taken violently ill on Monday morning, and died in the afternoon of the same day. Three of her children died, two before midnight and one the next day. Mrs. Webster, a young widow, who attended the Ross family, died on Tuesday. Mrs. Abraham Elliott was the next victim. Among the others who died were Mrs. Jesse Bedsaul, Mrs. Samuel Hawn and the wife of Hr. Penny. The names of all the victims of the disease are not recollected, but there was a total of fifteen deaths out of a population of 150.

Another name may be added to the foregoing list given by Mr. Kogers, for an old resident informs the writer that Dr. John Elliott died of the cholera during the epidemic. He was one of the first settlers, and probably the first physician in the town. He was Clerk of Courts from 1828 to 1833.

By an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 6, 1839, the town of Hew Castle was incorporated, and the control of said corporation vested in a president and Board of Trustees. A subsequent act, approved Jan. 1, 1849, substituted a mayor and four councilmen for the president and trustees. At a regular meeting of the mayor and town council, March 30, 1867, it was resolved to surrender the charter. And it was further agreed that steps should at once be taken to incorporate the town of Hew Castle in accordance with the general law of the^State for the incorporation of towns, which law was approved June 11, 1852. The following ofldcers were elected for the year 1867: Trustees - Michael Swigart, First Ward; Daniel Murphey, Second Ward; Jacob Mowrer, Third Ward; Jehu T. Elliott, Jr., Fourth Ward; Samuel Hoover, Fifth Ward. Marshal and Assessor, William H. Clift. Clerk and Treasurer, Robert M. Hixon.

Ho complete records of the town are to be found. In 1873 a Sixth Ward was formed. The officers for 1884-'85 are as follows: Trustees - W. A. Brown, First Ward; John F. Luellen, Second Ward; J. S. Hedges, Third Ward; Ed. Kahn, Fourth Ward; T. B. Loer, Fifth Ward; S. P. Jennings (President of the Board), Sixth Ward; C. F. Sudwarth, Clerk; A. W. Leonard, Treasurer; J. J. Watkins, Assessor; Daniel Harvey. Marshal.

Quite early in the existence of the town Jacob Brenneman started a cabinet-maker's shop. He followed his trade here for over forty years, most of the time in partnership with Adam Beam.

About 1835 John Davis started a hardware store and tin shop. After numerous changes Martin L. Powell become proprietor of the establishment and for nearly twenty years carried on a large business. The hardware store of John C. Livezey was established in 1866, and S. P. Jennings's store a little later.

Among the principal merchants of Hew Castle in 1843 were Miles and William Murphey, Rogers & Meek, opposite Hazzard's Hotel; and Wells & Goodwin, east of the court-house. In 1848

In 1847 Shirk & Johnson began the manufacture of grain cradles in Hew Castle. Humerous changes in the management of the business took place. In July, 1871, the firm of Shirk, Johnson & Fisher was organized and a fiouring mill added to the establishment. Besides manufacturing thousands of cradles annually, the firm do a large business in the milling line.

Industrial

Aside from the usual minor industries usually carried on in small places, Hew Castle had no manufactures until within recent years. The railroad shops of the Hew Castle & Richmond Railroad were established in the town in 1854. This was the first industry of importance, and unfortunately the' shops were removed before the town received much benefit from them. The first gristmill in the town was built about 1855 by Daniel Mowrer and Hiram Bundy. This establishment was quite an extensive one. It stood north of the Union depot on the east side of the railroad. The mill, however, was not a paying property, and after passing through several changes of ownership, it became known as Strickland's mill. It was destroyed by fire in 1874. A good mill, on Main street, erected by Shirk, Johnson & Fisher, was finished in 1871, and is still in operation.

The Hew Castle Flouring Mills, of which Rhine, Miller & C . are the proprietors, were built by John Rhine in 1881. These mills are provided with the latest improved machinery and have a capacity of 100 barrels per day.

J. M. Grough & Co., carriage manufacturers, etc., have one of the most extensive industries of the kind in the town. This firm was established in 1868.

^L. A. Jennings came to Hew Castle in 1867 and in 1868 started a saw-mill, planing-mill and lumber yard. He has since added to his business the manufacture and sale of furniture, and a hardware store. Under wise management his business has grown to vast proportions. In 1883 he erected a large factory for the manufacture of furniture. This manufactory is the largest building in the county and is a model establishment of its kind. It is 40 x 100 feet, four stories high, with a basement, and is well and substantially constructed of brick. When run at its full capacity 150 hands can be employed.

building a foundry and machine shop in New Castle, at a meeting held Feb. 3, 1871, definite action was taken, by accepting the proposition of George Keiser, of Anderson. Mr. Keiser agreed to build the works, and have them ready for operation in the spring of 1871, provided the citizens would donate $3,000 and land worth $300. The required amount was soon raised by subscription, and the works were started in March. Mr. Keiser failed before the end of the year, and in 1872 the shops were sold by his assignee to Barber & Harris. They were subsequently managed by Martin L. Powell and others, and finally ceased to operate, involving almost total loss to the investors.

In 1882 Waldron & Maxim erected a factory near the I., B. & W. depot, at a cost of $4,500, and engaged in the manufacture of shovel handles, which business they are still carrying on quite extensively.

The New Castle Building, Loan and Savings Association was organized Aug. 4, 1882. A Board of Directors was chosen, as follows: W. W. Cotteral, President; E. T. Mendenhall, P. J. Conley, W. H. Busser, George H. Cain, W. E. Livezey, J. T. J. Hazelrigg, S. M. King, W. H. Elliott. The following officers were elected Aug. 14, 1883: W. H. Elliott, President; Thad. Coffin, Wice-President; J. W. Foutz, Secretary; K. B. Carson, Treasurer; Appraisement Committee: R. B. Carson, George T. Melle, W. E. Livezey, D. A. Tawney.

A business college was started in New Castle by Herrold & Isaacs in 1881. It was afterward conducted by T. M. Herrold and I. W. Pearson. In 1883 the proprietors removed to another location.

The New Castle Foundry and Pump Company was organized April 28, 1883. The organization is a stock company, having the following Directors: G. W. Burke, President; J. S. Hedges, Treasurer; W. W. Cotteral, Secretary; Hugh Mullen and E. IL Bundy. The works are located in the northwest part of the town on the I., B. & W. Railroad. A general foundry and repairing business is carried on; also the manufacture of the Anti-Freezing Force and Lifting Pump - an invention which is fast coming into general use.

Pork Packing

farmers, was started in 1873, by Smith, Shaffer & Co., the firm being composed of the following members: James M. Smith, Jacob Clapper, Henry Shaffer, and John E. Millikan. The operations of this firm, though not extensive, were successful.

J. E. Millikan and B. F. Shaffer soon sold out their interests, and the remainder of the company continued business under the firm name of J. M. Smith & Co. In 1874 the firm secured grounds on the outskirts of the town, and erected a packing establishment at a cost of about $12,000. In 1876 this firm made an assignment; assets, $33,000; liabilities, $88,300. This failure was a serious misfortune to many. In the fall of 1876 Baldwin, Eoberts & Co., of Boston, bought the property at assignee's sale. This firm have since carried on the business on a large and successful scale. They enlarged and renovated the establishment, making it the largest of the kind in Indiana, outside of Indianapolis. Its appliances and machinery are perfect,^ and when the establishment is run at its full capacity more than a thousand hogs per day can be disposed of.

The First National Bank of New Castle was organized in February, 1864, with a capital stock of $100,000. This was the first national bank established in Henry County. Martin L. Bundy was its first President, and Daniel Murphey the first Cashier. Hon. Jehu T. Elliott served several years as President. William Murphey, S. T. Powell, Clement Murphey, C. C. Powell, and others have served upon the Board of Directors. The bank has been judiciously managed and steadily prosperous. To-day it ranks among the soundest financial institutions of Eastern Indiana. The present officers are William Murphey, President; E. M. Nixon, Cashier. Directors - William Murphey, W. F. Boor,

The Bundy National Bank went into operation Nov. 9, 1874, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers were: M. L. Bundy, President; L. E. Bundy, Caffiier; Directors, M. L. Bundy, J. S. Elliott, T. B. Eedding, A. E. A. Thompson, N. E. Black. The Bundy National Bank was the successor of a private bank started a short time previous by M. L. Bundy. It went out of operation in 1881.

President; George Hazzard, Yice-President; and W. C. Murphej, Cashier. The bank has been conducting a steady and prosperous business from the first. The present officers are: John R.Millikan, President; D. W. Kinsey, Cashier; Benj. Shirk, Yice-President; T. B. Millikan, Assistant Cashier. The capital and surplus now amounts to $140,000.

If we may judge by the number of hotels, the traveling public " (if there was any) could find abundant accommodation in New Castle while yet the town was in its infancy. On the commissioners' records the names of the following persons who were granted tavern licenses appear in the years mentioned: Chas.

Jamison and Anthony Boggs, 1824; Samuel Stinson, 1824; Jeremiah Meek, 1825; William Meek and John Smith (one license), 1825; Charles Jamison, 1825; Matthew William and Jacob Thornburgh (one license), 1825; Brazil Meek, 1826; Anthony Boggs, 1826; Jacob Thornburgh, 1827 ; Thomas Ginn and Charles Jamison (one license), 1827. Ginn also got a mercantile license for the same date.

In 1824 and 1825 the price of a tavern license for one year was $4. Probably the cheapness of the article accounts for the number of licenses taken - four in one year in a village having perhaps 100 inhabitants! But in 1826 the commissioners raised the price to $5 and only two licenses were granted.

Charles Jamison died in 1835. He had numerous successors in the hotel business, but no hotel had very ample accommodations until within later years.

The ''New Castle Hall Hotel," corner of Main street and Broadway, was kept for some years by Samuel Hazzard. His card appears in the Courier in 1842.

In 1848 Anthony Livezey announces that he has " just finished a new and commodious house of entertainment in the south part of New Castle, on the Cambridge Road."

The principal hotel of New Castle is a large three-story brick building situated in the central portion of the town. It is now known as the Bundy House and is conducted by Bundy & Sons - Josiah Bundy, Proprietor, and Frank Bundy, Manager. The building was commenced in 1856 by Jeremiah Page and George Goodwin. Before it was completed it was transferred to Wesley

Goodwin, and bj him to E. B. Martindale. Eiually John Taylor became the owner, and in October, 1857, opened it to the public under the name of the Taylor House, by which designation it was known until recently. In 1869 Taylor sold out to T. B. French who managed the hotel until 1870. He then sold to Oliver H. Welborn, of Knightstown, who leased the house to Cunningham a year later. In October, 1871, George Hazzard bought the property, and in 1872 sold out to Colonel John S. Hoover.

A postofiice was established at Hew Castle soon after the town was laid out. Bene Julian, County Clerk, was Postmaster in 1823. Isaac Bedsaul, the merchant and County Treasurer, was the next Postmaster, and held the office until 1839. His successors have been: Samuel Hazzard, 1839-'45; B. W. Scott, 1846-'49; James Calvert, 1849; Samuel Hazzard, 1850-'53; Jacob Mowrer, 1853-'61; Samuel S. Cannady, Thomas S. Haley, Jacob Mowrer, W. H. Elliott, Thad. Coffin, Cornelius M. Moore, Thad. Coffin and L. S. Denius. By courtesy of Mr. Thad. Coffin, ex-Postmaster, we are enabled to give the following summary of postoffice business for four years:

Improvement In Buildings

In 1841, states one who first visited the town then, Hew Castle consisted of from eighty to one hundred buildings, chiefly small frame structures. Broad street was the chief street and the business thoroughfare. There were but two brick buildings in the town - John Powell's, on Broad street, and Samuel Hazzard's, a one-story brick house, situated about where Cummins's bakery now is.

Improvements progressed slowly for many years'. The threestory brick building on the southeast corner of Main and Broad streets, known to everybody in the county as the Murphey building, was the first substantial business building in the town, and in its day was a veritable wonder. It was built by Colonel Miles Murphey in 1848. The next important building was the Taylor House, now the Bundy House. Thenceforth, until after the war, although there were gradual improvements, there was nothing so important as to require special mention.

That part of the town known as Christian Hidge has been built chiefly since 1850. To enumerate the various additions made to the town would require a more lengthy chapter than our space allows. SuflSce it to say that Hew Castle has grown gradually but steadily, thus securing a substantial and permanent prosperity.

Pennsylvania avenue and other streets on ''Christian Hidge," which are now in good condition and ornamented with fine buildings and comfortable homes, are included in Powell's addition. The avenue was laid out through an old cow pasture in 1868, by Martin L. Powell. Since that time he has laid out and sold a large number of fine lots, at advantageous rates, thereby adding much to the prosperity of the town.

There are few towns in Indiana, or indeed in any part of the country, of the size of Hew Castle, with so many substantial and beautiful buildings as this town now has. Broad street, from Main eastward to the next corner, is lined with brick blocks such as would be an ornament to a city of 50,000 inhabitants. The year 1869 (in which the court-house was completed) marks the beginning of improved architecture in the town. Since that date more good buildings for business purposes have been erected than in all the years before. There have also been built many neat, tasty and costly residences. The Shroyer building, northwest corner]of Main and Broad streets, was the first improvement of the new era. This is a large three-story brick edifice, erected in 1869. With the exception of the Murphey building, all the best part of Broadway has been built up since. In many cases fire prepared the way for new buildings, as will be seen elsewhere.

A handsome block on West Broadway was erected bv N. E. Black in 1869, to replace his store destroyed by fire. Mr. Black began business in 1861, as a clerk for Joshua Holland. In 1863 he and L. L. Burr bought out Holland, but afterward resold to him the store. Mr. Black next engaged in the clothing business, w^iich he continued until 1879, when he retired from business. Dick Goodwin & Co. now occupy the Black stand.

The year 1872 was marked for the large number of fine buildings erected in the town. During this year was undertaken William Feed's livery stable, of brick; the Cummins building, two stories, brick, l7-g-x60 feet; JNfixon's block, adjoining Cummins's, two stories, 132 feet long - all on Broadway; a two-story brick block, by Dr. Boor; a brick block, 22 x 100 feet, two stories and basement, by M. L. Powell; L. L. Burr's building, and L. A. Jennings's residence.

The three-story Jennings block, on Broadway, the finest business house in town, was erected by L. A. Jennings, in 1877-'81. In 1883 the large furniture manufactory situated opposite the Union depot was erected by Mr. Jennings. This gentleman is deserving of honorable mention for the part he has taken in adding to the architectural as well as to the industrial improvement of New Castle, in which work he has taken the lead of all the others.

The completion of a through line of railroad to Louisville in 1881, and of the Indiana, Bloomington & Western extension, from Indianapolis to Springfield, Ohio, in 1882, has given such an impetus to the growth and business prosperity of New Castle that these events seem to mark an epoch of advancement unprecedented in the history of the town.

In this connection a few estimates made by the Hew Castle Courier are interesting: Aug. 26, 1881, that paper enumerates sixty-two buildings completed, being completed or improved, the total cost of the same amounting to $84,000 - all the growtli of one year. The next year was still more eventful. The I., B. & W. Railroad was completed, new streets were laid out, others graded and improved, sewers laid, and substantial evidences of prosperity appeared on every hand. The number of improvements for the year ending with December, 1882, was 126; cost of individual improvements, $124,545; street improvements, $13,746.78; general expenditures by the town, $2,000; total, $140,291.78. Total number of improvements for 1883, 82; total value of improvements, $107,950.

Among the improvements of 1883 were Jennings' furniture manufactory, cost $30,000; Bouslog & Ice's saw-mill, between the Ft. W., C. & L., and the 0., St. L. & P. railroads, $1,000; From & Bond's bent-wood factory, $600; ]^ew Castle Foundry and Pump Company, buildings and machinery, $5,000.

Fires And Bank Robbery

Monday, April 15, 1867, a block of frame buildings two and three stories in height, situated on Broad street, was destroyed by fire. The building was owned by Brown, Burton & Nicholson, and was occupied by several stores and offices. The losses amounted to nearly $6,000. On .the 28th of April, in the same year, a large wooden building on East Broad street, owned by Dr. Boor, and occupied by Byer & Chambers as a grocery, was burned. There was no clue to the origin of these fires, although they were supposed to have been incendiary. Incendiary fires, robberies and petty crimes were verj^ prevalent during the years immediately succeeding the war, and New Castle had her full share of them.

On the night of Oct. 29, 1869, burglars attempted to rob the First National Bank in New Castle. T. L. Campbell, a clerk in a store, slept near the bank, and was awakened by hearing them at work. He dressed hastily, went to the bank, and discovered two burglars inside. Summoning help, he returned, accompanied by about a dozen men. One of the robbers was wounded, but escaped; the other was captured. In assisting in the capture, Mr. Campbell was shot through the arm; James Mowrer was shot at twice, and J. A. Chambers received wounds. The safe was ruined, but the robbers secured only about $30, not being able to penetrate the ''burglar box." The captured robber succeeded in effecting his escape from the county jail only a few days after he was taken.

There was a fire, supposed to have been incendiary, on Saturday, May 15, 1869, which destroyed $4,000 worth of property. It broke out in the loft of Charles Colburn's livery stable on North Main street and was rapidly spread by the wind. The heaviest

On the night of Saturday, Oct. 8, 1871, the same date on which the great confiagration in Chicago began, about $6,000 worth of property was destroyed by fire in JSTew Castle. The losses, partially covered by insurance, were estimated by the Courier as follows: William Peed, livery stable, $2,500; Dr. Ferris's buildings, $2,000; Johnson & Fisher, wagon shop, $1,000; Edward Johnson, $400. As yet the town had no fire department.

June 5, 1872, the building known as Burr's Corner was destroyed by fire, supposed to have been incendiary. It was occupied by Burr & Co., dry-goods merchants; Hoover & Bidgway, grocers, and J. M. Mowrer's harness shop.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1881, nearly $12,000 worth of property was destroyed by a fire which broke out in Hernly's livery stable at eleven o'clock p. m. The heaviest losers were M. & J. Hipes, livery stable, $6,000; James Harvey, horse, $1,000; M. D. Harvey, billiard tables, liquors, etc., $1,000.

In spite of the great destruction of property by fire during recent years, the citizens of Hew Castle, enterprising though they be in all things else, are still living in the year of grace 1884 without the protection of a well-organized fire department, and with no fire engine. So far as we can learn the first fire company in the town was not organized until March, 1878. This was Hew Castle 'Hook and Ladder Company, Ho. 1 , officered as follows: President, Geo. W. Burke; Yice-President, John Thornburgh; Secretary, L. A. Williams; Treasurer, Lon. Rodgers; Captain, A. W. Coffin; First Lieutenant, Charles Hatch; Second Lieutenant, John Thornburgh; First Sergeant, Mat. Grose; Second Sergeant, W. J. Stilley; Third Sergeant, Will Gary; Fourth Sergeant, William Albright; Axmen, Wesley Goodwin, B. F. Moore, David Fisher and Charles Jeffries.

Business Of 1884

The several mills mentioned, Jennings's furniture factory, the works of the Foundry & Pump Company, and Waldron & Maxim's handle factory are the principal manufactories.

For further details regarding the business interests and business men of New Castle, past and present, the reader is referred to the biographical chapters.

Population

At the time the last census of New Castle was taken, June 1, 1880, the population was 2,299. The places of birth of the persons living in New Castle at that time are as follows: Bavaria

Methodist Episcopal. - Tlie Hew Castle Methodist Episcopal church, the oldest religious organization in the town, was formed in 1827. Pev. James Havens, who traveled a circuit embracing about six counties, was the first who preached in the place. In December, 1827, he met the Methodists of Hew Castle and vicinity at a private house and organized a congregation. The original members were as follows: Bevel Colburn, Margaret Colburn,

John B. Colburn, Elizabeth Colburn, Hugh Carroll, Keturah Carroll, Hugh Carroll, Jr., Sarah Carroll, Mary F. Colburn, Frances A. Colburn, Allen Macklin, Arcsey Macklin, Conrad Slagle, Sarah Slagle, Jane Webster, James Bozzell, Susan Bozzell. John B. Colburn was appointed class-leader. The first church building was a small frame structure, erected on the lot on which the present church edifice now stands. It was built by W. P. Harman in 1831. The present brick church was erected in 1856-'58. The church property is valued at $12,000 to $15,000. The congregation is large and fiourishing.

Presbyterian. - Hew Castle Presbyterian church was organized on the 13th of January, 1844, by Bev. Bobert Irwin, Bev. George S. Bea and Elder Templin. The following persons were admitted to membership, by certificate: Jane Swan, David C.

Hazzard, Elizabeth M. Hazzard, Eli S. Messick, Sarah A. Messick, Hiram A. Bundy and Prudence Aiken. Eli S. Messick and Hiram A. Bundy were elected Buling Elders. A house of worship was begun soon afterward, and on the 21st of Hovernber, 1845, it was dedicated by the pastor, assisted by Bev. John Dale, of Knightstown. Among those who have officiated as pastors of this church have been Bevs. Geo.S.Bea, A. B. HayW, Henry Thomas, B.M. Overstreet, Armstrong, Haney, Stewart, Shockley, B. F. Drake,

Lutheran. - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. J. Geiger, Sept. 14, 1850. The original members were: Benjamin Shirk, Frances A. Shirk, Mary Over, Susan Mitchell, Henry F. Clunk, Catharine Clunk, Elizabeth Johnson, Catherine Mowrer, Jacob Mowrer, Elizabeth Clunk, Joanna F.Wood, Louisa Newcomer, John Heichart, Rebecca Heichart. The first officers were: John Heichart, Elder; Benjamin Shirk and Henry F. Clunk, Deacons. The pastors have been: Revs. S. P. Snider, S. Mc-

Reynolds, II. Bickle, J. Keeler, P. G. Bell, Duncan Ross, J. H. Link, J. C. Myers, C. S. Sprecher, P. G. Bell, E. A. Wagner and J. B. Baltzley. The present house of worship was erected in 1857, under the pastorate of Rev. S. McReynolds, at a cost of $2,400. The present membership is thirty-four. Present officers: George Alsbaugh and Benjamin Shirk, Elders; D. W. Kinsey, George M. Byer, C. Sweigart and J. M. Fisher, Deacons.

United Brethren. - The first class was organized by this denomination in 1853 and consisted of Jacob Byers, Martha Byers, Jacob Shupp and wife, Henry Shupp and Hershey Shupp. In 1854 Jacob Byer and Jacob Shupp purchased the brick schoolhouse for use of the congregation. The present house of worship was erected in 1863 and remodeled in 1883. The congregation is in a prosperous condition with about 100 members. The pastors have been as follows: First, Rev. William Nicholson, followed by Rev. C. W. Witt, Father Witt Floyd and James Wall. Present pastor. Rev. J. M. Kabrich.

Christian Church. - ''Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him. If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."

March 1. 1863, at New Castle, Henry County, about 100 persons, known as Disciples, or Christians, were organized into church relation, with Miles Murphey, Clement Murphey and Samuel Roof as Elders, and N. T. Clawson and James Loer, Deacons.

Miles Murphey, James Loer, Clement Murphey, James Mullen, George Koons and William L. Boyd were elected Trustees, and, with the addition of Daniel Murphey, they were the Building Committee. The congregation met regularly every Lord's day, in what was known as the Murphey Hall, until the following spring. During the year the present edifice, situated on South Main street, ninety feet long and forty-five feet wide, was erected, and basement rooms finished, the congregation and Sundayschool occupying them the spring of 1864.

In August of 1865 the audience room, seating 800, the gallery, library room, vestibules, etc., were all finished, and furnished at a cost of about $15,000, A. I. Hobbs, then of Cincinnati, preaching the dedication sermon. In 1873 a baptistry, with dressing rooms and a large cistern, were built in an unoccupied part of the basement. In 1880 a new roof of iron, with all the external wood repainted, added very much to the preservation and beauty of the building.

The women of the church superintended the remodeling of the audience room, decorating the walls and ceiling, and filling the windows with handsomely colored glass, and subsequently putting in two large coal stoves, the addition and repairs costing about $1,650. The exterior of the church building presents a massive and substantial appearance; the interior, harmonious, and beautiful, while its acoustic properties are pleasing -to speaker and audience.

While twenty-one years have passed away, and the church building, seemingly able to stand the conflict of many scores of years yet to come, what of the congregation that first met within its walls? Of the 100 members at organization sad requiems have been sung over the lifeless remains of about one-half. Many elderly saints and young lambs of the fold have been gathered into the garner of God. Yividly do we recall that patriarch Elijah Mar^ tindale, whose faith never faltered amid persecutions or adversities also, the three brothers. Miles, Clement and Eli Murphey; Asahel Woodward and wife, Elijah Stout and wife, Mark Modlin, Haney Watkins, Dorothy Hoof, Melvina Mullen, Sarah Murphey, Clarinda Lennard; ''Mother" Goodwin, whose voice in prayer and exhortation so often cheered the younger members on to duty; Martha Branson, so devoted and enthusiastic in her Christian life; Elder A. S. Burr, who recently passed over - kindred spirits, happy in associations, sacred in memory, the fiitting years are but bringing us to thee! Oh, when will Death this moldering old partition wall throw down, and give to beings one in nature one abode?

About one-fifth of the charter members are yet living in this community, faithful in their attendance upon the services of the house of the Lord. Among them are: Samuel Roof, now past eighty-seven years of age. He and his wife, Dorothy, were the first persons immersed as Disciples in New Castle, Nov. 5, 1839. Mrs. Miles and Mrs. Eli Murphey, Mrs. Julia A. Shroyer, Arabella Goheen, Mrs. Maria L. Nay, James Mullen, N. T. Clawson, Ellen Murphey, William Murphey, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Goodwin, Belle Stanford, Maggie Shirk, Naomi Shively and Sarah A. R. Boor. The widows of Elijah Martindale and Clement Murphey, past ninety-one and seventy-four years of age, are no longer able to meet with the Disciples on the Lord's day, but are patiently waiting to hear the summons: ''It is enough! Come up higher. ' '

The membership at this time is 175; men, 55; women, 120. The present Trustees are: Dr. W. F. Boor, James Mullen, Elias Nay, N. T. Clawson and H. L. Shopp.

The Elders are: Robert S. Lynn, James Harvey, Ephraim Clark and A. H. Moore, the resident preacher, together with a full corps of deacons and deaconesses, all of whom comprise the Official Board ; H. L. Shopp, Clerk of the Board.

A large and interesting Sunday-school has always been sustained, and many of its members have united with the church. The women of the church have an auxiliary missionary society, sending out for foreign missions $100 per year; also a woman's working society, whose funds are used for home needs. The women are the janitors of the church building, attending to all that appertain thereunto. They believe with the Psalmist, " That it is a good thing to be even a door-keeper in the house of the Lord."

The first regularly employed preacher was Alex. Johnston. His successors were: W. G. Irvin, D. H. Gary, J. B. Ludwig, J. A. Roberts, A. J. White, and A. H. Moore, who has now entered upon his sixth year's labor. The congregation has also enjoyed the preaching of Benj. Franklin, who was its organizer; Samuel

L. L. Carpenter, E. L. Frazier, Charles Blackman, Daniel and Joseph Franklin, O.* A. Bartholomew, J. C. Tully, Robert and William Howe, J. L. Parsons, S. L. Conner, William Baxter, David Walk.

St. Anne^s {Roman Catholic) Church. - Catholics began to settle in New Castle about 1851, when railroad building commenced. There was occasional preaching for several years in private houses, by Rev.Willian Doyle, of Richmond, and other priests. In 1872, under Kev. Herman Alerding, stationed at Cambridge City, the building of a church was undertaken. The building was dedicated by the Bishop, Kev. Maurice de St. Palais, May 25, 1873, It cost $1,365.85, of which sum not less than $405 was contributed by noii-Catholics. Kev. John Kelly, of Cambridge City, was pastor from 1872 till 1881, and under him the parsonage was built. The first resident pastor was Kev. John Kyves, 1881-'83, succeeded by the present pastor, Kev. John B. Unversagt, Sept. 11, 1883. The congregation consists of about thirtyseven families.

African Methodist Episcopal Church. - The colored population of Kew Castle have quite a fiourishing congregation. Their house of worship is situated on Christian Kidge, and was completed in 1875. The church is of the Methodist denomination. The present pastor's name is Mitchell.

New Castle Cemetery Association

The Hew Castle Cemetery Association was organized Sept. 11, 1858, with a capital stock of $1,800 in shares of $25 each. This stock was immediately taken by citizens of Hew Castle and vicinity. Sept. 30, 1858, the following gentlemen were chosen Directors of the association : Miles Murphey, John Powell, Jacob Mowrer, E. B. Martindale and John W. G-rubbs. At the same date the capital stock of the association was increased to $3,000. The Board of Directors organized with the following officers : Miles Murphey, President; John W. Grubbs, Secretary; John Powell, Treasurer. In January, 1861, the following Directors were elected: James S. Ferris, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Wm. I. Haskett, Treasurer; Jacob Brenneman and James A. McMeans. From February, 1862, to March, 1866, the following Board of Directors served : Eli Murphey, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; James S. Ferris, Treasurer; Henry Shroyer, Elisha Clift. From 1866 to the present time the board has been as follows : Joshua Holland, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Elisha Clift, Treasurer; Henry Shroyer, Hathan Livezey. This board have managed the affairs of the association to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders. The cemetery is kept in good condition and the association is financially sound, having a surplus in the treasury of about $1,500. The cemetery contains about ten acres of ground, surrounded by good fence. The lots are 15 x 25 feet, and so arranged as to be easily accessible by good graveled drives.

Odd Fellows. - Fidelity Lodge., Fo. 59, 1. 0, 0. F., is an old and prosperous organization. It was chartered July 13, 1848. The following were the charter members : John G. Beck, John Corr, James Comstock and James Y. Wayman. The lodge has enjoyed great prosperity, and now has property valued at about $7,000. It owns a large two-story brick building, situated on Main street. The lower floor is occupied by Mowrer's drug store, and on the upper is a large hall, finely furnished, in which the lod^e meets. This building was finished in 1875, and dedicated on the 27th of May. The membership in January, 1884, was seventy -five.

Henry Encampment, No. 69, was chartered Noy. 21, 1865. C. Markle, George Paul, Nathaniel Carey, A. R. Shroyer, Henry Hernly, Frank Wills and J. L. Peed were the charter members. The present membership is forty-five. The encampment is in a good condition financially and otherwise.

Masonic. - New Castle Lodge, No. 91, F. dc A. M., was instituted Feb. 13, 1850, with the following charter members and first officers; Franklin Woodward, W. M.; Bushrod W. Scott, S. W.; J. H. Healey, J. W. ; John C. Beck, S. D. ; W. H. Beck, J. D.; Jesse Ice, Treasurer; W. Millikan, Secretary; John King, Tyler. The lodge has had the following Worshipful Masters, some of whom have served several terms : Franklin Woodward, Daniel Mowrer, John W. Grubbs, Elijah Holland, Geo. W. Leonard, James J. Hamilton, Robert M. Chambers, Wm. L. Brown, W. P. Goode, John Thornburgh, Owen Evans, Seth S. Bennett, Asa Hatch, L. L. Conner, T. W. Gronendyke and N. T. Clawson. The present officers are: N. T. Clawson, W. M. ; John F. Thompson, S. W. ; Geo. F. Mowrer, J. W.; John Rea, Treasurer; Newton F. Williams, Secretary; T. H. Hazelrigg, S. D. ; Samuel Arnold, J.

New Castle Chapter, No. 50, R. A. J[/., was organized Feb. 22, 1864, under a dispensation from E. W. Ellis, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Indiana. The following named companions officiated at the first meeting : Reuben Peden,

Redding, Secretary. The chapter was granted a charter May 19, 1864. The charter members were ; Milton Mahin, 0. P. Pence, J. J. Hamilton, David Millikan, Joseph Pearson, C. B. Morehouse, C. C. Connell and John B. O'Harra.

B. Redding, E. K.; John Minesinger, E. S. ; John B. O'Harra, C. of H.; C. 0. Connell, P. S.; Levi Leakej^, R. A. C.; C. B. Morehouse, G. M., Third Yail; Frank Wills, G. M., Second Yail; E. T. Ice, G. M., First Yail; J. J. Hamilton, Sec.; Jos. Pearson, Treas. ; Lewis Dale, Chap.; J. Q. Minesinger, Guard. The following have served as High Priests of this chapter: Milton Mahin, W. P. Goode, L. L. Dale, John R. Peed, G. W. Burke, James M. Mowrer, C. P. Pence, W. F. Walker, John Thornburgh, John Heedham, L. L. Conner. The present officers are: T. W. Gronendyke, E. H. P.; John Heedham, E. K. ; R. H. Polk, E. S. ; F. P. Ice, C. of H.; G. W. Burke, P. S. ; R. M. Chambers, R*. A.

C. ; Lewis Swindle, G. M., Third Yail; Lewis Smith, G. M., Second Yail; J. M. Harris, G. M., First Yail; S. H. Elliott, Treas.; George F. Mowrer, Sec.; Jacob Mowrer, Guard. The assets of the chapter amount to about $600; the membership is now fiftysix.

organized in 1872, with officers and charter members as follows: T. B. Loer, Chancellor Commander; A. W. Coffin, Yice-Chancellor; H. L. Mullen, Prelate; George H. Rea, Keeper of Records and Seal; Eli B. Mooney, Master of Finance; D. W. Kinsey, Master of Exchequer; C. R. Scott, Master-at-Arms; W. G. Hillock, Inside Guard; R. H. Mellett, Outside Guard; A. M. Grose, Past Chancellor; Ed. Kahn, J. F. Murphey, Lee Harvey, Frank Bowers, C. H. Cunningham, Henry Herliman, W. H. Albright, Lon Rogers, K. T. Hixon, Henry Denius. Total number of members since organization, 122; present membership, eighty-nine.

Knights of Honor. - Neio Castle Lodge^ No. 121, K. of was organized June 11, 1875, with the following charter members and officers: George W. Burke, Past Dictator; H. L. Mullen, Dictator; W. S. Bedford, Yice-Dictator; W. M. Watkins, Assistant Dictator; C. M. Moore, Guide; Frank Bowers, Eeporter; J. W. Ashdill, Financial Keporter; B. B. Carr, Treasurer; John S. Hedges, Sentinel; Milton Brown, W. N. Clift, George H. Cain, I. W. Ellis, I. W. Pitman, M. E. Anderson and M. D. Harvey. Since the organization thirty- seven have been admitted to membership. The lodge has the same number of members in good standing at present. The lodge is linancially in a sound condition, meeting all obligations promptly without making demands upon members, except for the regular dues. The officers for the present term are: H. L. Hernly, P. D.; John F. Thompson, D. ; W. H. Elliott, Y. D. ; Adolph Bogers, A. D.; George B. Bobson, B. ; George H. Cain, F.B.; W. N. Clift, T. ; N. T. Clawson, C.; L. S. Denius, G. ; A. F. Kramer, G. S.; Beporter to G. L., George B. Bobson; Lodge Deputy, Lon Bogers.

At the annual session of the Grand Lodge in February, 1881, Past Dictator, W. N. Clift, of the New Castle Lodge, was elected Grand Dictator of the State, and at the session of 1882 he was elected Beporter to the Supreme Lodge for two years. He attended the sessions of that lodge at Baltimore, Md., in 1882, and at Galveston, Tex., in 1883.