Jackson County, Indiana - Chapter 15, 1886 (part 2 of 2)

The first newspaper ever published in the county was the Jackson County Advocate , owned and edited, at Brownstown, by Henry B. Woolls, a man of some ability as a journalist and who was free in the expression of his opinion on subjects of a pub¬ lic nature. Having no railroads, no telegraph, and slow mails, general and foreign news were necessarily scarce ; consequently the columns of the Advocaie were filled with matter of a local nature, which was read by the subscribers with great interest. The Advocate , according to the best information, was a six-column folio, issued on Thursday of each week. It continued under the management of Mr. Woolls for more than two years, when it was sold late in 1851 to Gordon Tanner and Thomas Robertson, who continued its publication at Brownstown under the name of the Brownstown Observer .

The Observer was a Democratic organ edited and published by the parties above named. Its publication was continued until about 1852, when it was taken for debt by D. H. Long, Frank Emerson and W. T. Dobbs. From the following notice, which appeared in the Jackson County Democrat in the latter part of 1852, we are led to believe that a man by the name of Samuel 0. Parkman appeared for a while as the editor of the Observer :

Literary Notice

Samuel C. Parkman, late editor of the Brownstown Observer and Liter¬ ary Cosmopolite of Brownstown, left in the night for Tama County, Iowa, with out first paying me 50 cents for washing, which is justly due.

T. Dobbs as editors and proprietors. They placed the name of Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of Parke County, at the head of the editorial page for governor, and in their salutatory avowed their faith in the principles of the Democratic party and promised to use their best ability in sustaining these principles. They also urged a strict adherence to the constitution and the Union, and avowed their determination to discountenance any attempt to open afresh the slavery agitation. This paper continued under this management until some time in 1854, when Mr. Long became sole proprietor, and after two years or more he suspended publi¬ cation.

Jackson County Union was established in October, 1858, by Judge Ralph Applewhite, but his increasing practice in the legal profession compelled him to dispose of the paper, which he did in 1859, to John L. Owens and Daniel H. Long, from whom William Frysinger bought it in February, 1861. The paper was owned by a stock company, of which Mr. Frysinger had a con¬ trolling interest. He continued at the head of the Union until June, 1863, and during the trying period of the civil war, when treason was rife in many sections of the North as well as in the South, and many papers were opposing the further prosecution of the war, the Union was ever patriotic, and during that period contained many vigorous editorials upholding the cause of the Federal Government and sustaining the acts of its officers. It was always a fearless champion of the Democratic party and the union of States. The fearless manner in which the editor upheld what he believed to be right and just, doubtless led to the sale of the paper, in 1863, to Samuel W. Homes and St. Clair S. Earley, who placed the paper under the editorial management of Stevie R. Smith ; but after a short period it passed into the hands of John W. Chambers, who died and was succeeded by W. S. McClintic, who after a short time sold the office to Henry M. Beadel and was by him removed to Seymour in 1866.

Contemporary with the Union was the Little Giant , published by George V. Benton. This was a small three-column folio about six inches square, evidently intended for an advertising medium only; but it was soon enlarged and during its existence contained many pithy and well written articles. The Little Giant continued until 1864, when it suspended publication.

The legitimate successor of the Union was the True Democrat^ by Henry M. Beadel, who bought the equipments of the Little Giant office, and in August, 1867, issued the first copy of the above named paper. Either from the instability of the proprie¬ tor or a want of business management, the Democrat failed in less than a year, and the New Era was started and met with a like fate in a shorter period.

The next candidate for public patronage was the Brownstown Banner . Its projector was William Frysinger, who received a contribution of $200 from the citizens of Brownstown, and this, added to his individual outlay, enabled him to purchase an outfit, and the first issue of the Banner made its appearance April 1, 1869. The removal of the county seat, which was being agitated at that time, led the citizens of Brownstown to feel the necessity of a newspaper (the molder of public opinion) to champion their cause. How effectually the Banner served the purpose and ful¬ filled its mission we leave the people of Jackson to say. The Banner was run under the supervision of Mr.' Frysinger until October, 1869, when it was sold to Henry M. Beadel, who enlarged it to a five-column folio, and in the fall of 1870 sold it back to its founder, William Frysinger, who is still at its helm. It has been enlarged to a five-column quarto, and is issued every Thursday. It has a circulation of from 800 to 1,000 copies, and is one of the most successful as well as one of the most readable local papers in this section of the State.

County Bee , which was more fortunate than its predecessor, and lived out its first year. In 1878 it passed into the hands of George A. J. Tomas and Isaac H. Thomas. They were brother, and the reason for the different spelling of the names is given as follows : " George A. was addicted to strong drink, and upon one occasion he was recovering from a debauch of several days, when he was met and upbraided by his brother, who had become in¬ censed at his beastly conduct, and while administering the re¬ buke, suggested that he change his name, in order that he might not further disgrace the family. Acting upon the suggestion, he appeared in court and succeeded in having the "h" dropped from his name." In 1878 the Bee was moved to Seymour, and pub¬ lished under the name of the National Ghreenbacker. The next to try its fortune in the field that had proved so fatal to such en¬ terprises was the Jackson County News , which after five months passed into oblivion.

Undaunted by the fate of its contemporaries, the Crothersville Enterprise, under the management of Chambers Bros., was brought to Brownstown and christened the Jacksonian Agitator , but after a bitter experience of seven months suspended, leaving the Banner the only paper published in this town at the present time.

Building And Loan Fund Associations

The first building and loan fund association started in this town was the Brownstown Building and Loan Fund and Savings Association, organized in 1871, and after doing business for about eighteen months suspended without loss to the stockhold¬ ers. The Live Mens' Building and Loan Fund and Savings Asso¬ ciation was organized December 22, 1876, with $50,000 author¬ ized stock. But $35,000 was subscribed, the shares being worth $100, with $1 per month dues. The first officers were Barthol¬ omew H. Burrell, president; Joel H. Matlock, vice-president; Frank Fassold, secretary ; and Walter L. Benton, treasurer. The association ran out in six years and three months, without the loss of a cent, or the foreclosure of a single mortgage. Such a record shows more than ordinary financial ability on the part of the management. The Brownstown and Ewing Building and Loan Fund and Savings Association was organized May 1, 1882, with $46,000 subscribed. Each share, as in the former associa¬ tion, was worth $100, and the monthly dues $1. The directors are Bartholomew H. Burrell, J. H. Matlock, David H. Lubker, W. H. Benton, William Frysinger, Frank Fassold, William Acker, Thomas B. Boyatt and Charles A. Robertson. The first officers : William Acker, president; William Frysinger, vice-president; Frank Fassold, secretary; and Bartholomew H. Burrell, treasurer.

These associations, which have been in existence for nearly two decades, have contributed more to the building up of the town and securing of homes for the poor than all other agencies combined. Unlike most all other monied organizations they are, Btrictly speaking, the institution for the poor man, and by the wise investment of a small per cent of his weekly earnings, many a poor man has been enabled to secure a home. Through the assistance obtained from these institutions, many of the best business houses, as well as many of the finest dwellings, have been built

Crothersville, the metropolis of Vernon Township, is located on the line of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Rail¬ road, and is a thriving business town of about 700 or 800 inhab¬ itants. The first house built within the present limits of the town was by John Hamacher, on Main Street The next build¬ ing was by a man by the name of Taulman, on the west side of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad. Soon the railroad was completed, and a switch built at this point, and the station was named Haysville. It was so christened by John Hamacher, because he believed the soil of this section especially adapted to the growth of hay. It was known by this name but a short time, when a proposition was made by Dr. Grothera, at that time superintendent of the Jeffersonville, Madison A In¬ dianapolis Railroad, to change the name to Crothersville, with the promise that he would build a depot that would be an orna¬ ment to the town. This promise he faithfully kept, and accord¬ ingly erected one of the best buildings to be found anywhere along the line of the road.

The town was laid off by John Humacher, March 4, 1858, the original plat consisting of thirty-nine lots. The most important additions since made are Rinner's Addition, November 30, 1870, consisting of 6 lots; Owen's Addition, March 18, 1875, consist¬ ing of 32 lots; the Davis A Co.'s Addition, April 12, 1875, con¬ sisting of 12 lots, and Thompson A Rider's Addition, September 17, 1877, consisting of 79 lots.

The first store was kept by Haughland Bros., in a house that stood just east of the depot The next firm was Williams A Adams, who, after operating a saw-mill for a short time, became the successors of Houghland Bros, in 1858 or 1859. A postoffice was established about this time, with Henry Williams as first postmaster. John Allen built where Rider Bros.' store now stands. Then came Brown Wilson, S. Wilson and J. Gillaspy.

Later Merchants Manufacturing Enterprises

macher Bros, built the present large steam flouring-mill in 1875. This was operated as a saw-mill until 1879, when a grist-mill was built in connection. Their capacity is about 7,000 feet of lum¬ ber and sixty barrels of flour daily.

About the year 1864, a tannery was built by William Hudson, but after a short time sold to Clinton Hudson, from whom it was bought by the present proprietor. Besides supplying the local demands, small quantities are shipped to different points along the line of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad.

The most important, as well as the most extensive, business enterprise in or about the town of Crothersville is the stave fac¬ tory of Rider & Hiatt This was built more than fifteen years ago, but after a few years' operation, was entirely destroyed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt on a larger scale, and with many improvements. It has from its inception been one of the best paying enterprises in the county. The entire business is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Preston Rider, to whom the success of the business is almost entirely due. They give em¬ ployment to about sixty men, and in this way have contributed more to the growth and prosperity of the town than all other agencies combined.

The people of Crothersville support four churches, and from this it would seem that the citizens are a God-fearing and intensely religious class. It is said that there are few of the inhabitants but what are members of the following church: The Methodist Episcopal was built in 1868, at a cost of about $1,500. This is a plain brick building, conveniently located and commodiously arranged. John McSharp was the first resident minister. Henry Williams and wife, Mrs. John Hamacher, John Wilson and wife, Daniel Barney and wife, T. N. Gordon and wife, P. C. Ross and others were the first members. The Christian Church was built in the latter part of the sixties by Lutherans, by whom it was occupied until the new Lutheran Church was erected. It was bought by the Christians in 1885 and a church organized. Some of the prominent members are Mrs. George Mitchell, Mrs. Frank Eider, the Wilsons, Orrs and Easoms. The German Church was built at a cost of about $2,000 and has a parsonage in connection. To this church belong all the leading German families of this section.

The Presbyterian Church was built in 1885, at a cost of about $2,800, to which Preston Eider was a most generous contributor, donating more than half the amount required in the construction of the building. This is a small frame structure, with a beauti¬ ful and ornate exterior, while the inside is elegantly finished and conveniently arranged. The membership is small, consisting of the families of Preston Eider, John Hamacher, D. Warner and a few others.

Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

Crothersville Lodge, No. 419, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 22, 1873, with the following charter members: Barnett J. Ever¬ hart, John M. Christie, William M. Thomas, William H. Warner, Howard Cardell, James H. Cranson and William H. Tresler. The first officers elected under the charter were: W. H. Warner, N. G. ; A. M. Harding, Y. G. ; Frank Lesler, Secretary; Howard Cordell, Treasurer; and Henry Williams, Amos Hall and W. M. Williams, Trustees. There have been admitted to membership since the organization of the lodge seventy -eight persons, but forty-one of whom are now active members. Although with so small a membership the lodge has accumulated rapidly, and with¬ in one year from the date of its organization they had sufficient means, by contracting a small indebtedness, to erect a large store¬ house of two stories, the second of which is used for a lodgeroom, and is sufficiently supplied with all the furniture devices and decorations necessary for the conferring of the degrees. Be- sides owning this building, the lodge has in mortgage notes about $1 ,345. They have performed many acts of charity, and have liberally to the relief of those in need. The present officers are: Harry Eider, N. G. ; H. C. Pierson, V. G. ; Albert May, Secretary; William M. Williams, Treasurer; and W. T. Stewart, W. H. Holmes and W. M. Owen, Trustees. There is in with this lodge the Eebekah Degree Lodge, which was named Minnie Lodge, No. 125, and was established July, 1874, with the following charter members: John H. Cordell, John W. Hamacher, George W. Mitchell, W. M. Owen, Amos Hall, S. B. Hamacher, William H. Warner, Mrs. Amos Hall, Mrs. William H. Warner, Mrs. W. M. Owen, Mary M. Thomas and Mrs. E. C. Hamacher. They meet in hall of the Odd Fellows, but the meet¬ ings are so unfrequent that but little interest is manifested. The present officers are: Dora Stewart, N. G. ; Lillie Thomas, V. G. ; and Florence Hall, Secretary.

Grand Army Of The Republic

Marling Post, No. 224, G. A. E., was established at Uniontown, September 22, 1883, and was named Garfield Post, but there being another post within this jurisdiction having the same name, it became necessary to change the name and Marling was substituted instead. This was in honor of three brothers by the name of Marling, who enlisted into the service from Vernon Township, and two \ot whom were killed in battle. The char¬ ter members were Thomas S. Bard, James W. Beadle, W. M. Brooks, Leander Bannister, Isaiah Beadle, Henry Dobbs, Joseph W. Gorrill, Thomas Hall, Joseph H. Johnson, W. H. Leigh, James H. Phillips, W. M. Bobins, H. H. Eude, J. J. Eude and J. P. Vance. The first officers were : W. M. Brooks, Post Com¬ mander; Daniel B. Beadle, Junior Vice Commander; James W. Beadle, Senior Vice Commander; W. M. Bobins, Quartermaster ; Joseph W. Johnson, Adjutant; and H. H. Eude, Officer of the

Day. The largest part of the membership living in the vicinity of Crothersville, it was found more convenient to remove to the above named place, which they did, May, 1884. Since the or¬ ganization there has been but one death - W. M. Owen, who com¬ mitted suicide. The post is in fair condition, both financially and socially. The present officers are : James W. Beadle, Post Com¬ mander ; W. M. Robins, Junior Vice Commander; J. W. Hamacher, Senior Vice Commander; W. H. Thomas, Quartermaster; W. H. Leigh, Adjutant; and H. H. Rude, Officer of the Day. Total number admitted since organization is thirty-five, of whom thirtyfour still retain their membership.

Knights Of Pythias

Jackson Lodge, No. 83, K. of P., was instituted in April, 1879,. with the following charter members : C. M. Williams, Preston Rider, C. W. Simpkins, George W. Mitchell, Alexander Gregger John Milner, T. J. Grimes, Samuel Ridler, J. H. Smith, R. GAmmons, M. P. Lancaster, L. R McComick, K. A. Kelly, M. M. Montgomery, and Frank Lester. The first officers were : Preston Rider, P. C.; G. W. Mitchell, C. C.; C. W. Simpkins, Y. C.^ Daniel Ridlen, P. ; Frank Lester, M. of E. ; M. P. Lancaster, M. of F. ; T. J. Grines, M. A. ; R. G. Ammons, I. G. ; Miles Mont¬ gomery, O. G. ; and Alexander Gregger, K. A. Kelley and John Milner, Trustees. The lodge is in good condition financially and otherwise, and at present has about forty-two active members. For the success of this lodge much credit is due Alexander Gregger and Preston Rider. The officers for the term ending December, 1885, are A. G, Ritz, C. C. ; Isaac Warner, Y. C. -y James Dismore, P. ; G. W. Mitchell, M. of E. ; C. M. Williams, M. of F. ; L. R. McComick, K. of R. and S. ; F. M. Pearson, M* at A. ; B. H. Lett, I. G. ; E. G. T. Harrod, O. G.

in the valley of White River, and on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail¬ road. It is surrounded by a country of unusual fertility, and its people are noted for their thrift, business enterprise, sociability and sobriety. The town was laid out by West Lee Wright, and surveyed by August Pfafflin, May 23, 1853. The original plat consisted of ten blocks and 209 lots. Its principal streets were Poplar, George, Perry, David, Adams, Main, Riley and Scott Wright's addition, which was the first made to the town, was sur¬ veyed August 11, 1857, by Henry A. Schutz. Some of the first to build within the present limits of Medora were Daniel Wright, Riley Wright, one of the Talberts and J. W. Holmes.

It is probable that the first store ^ras kept by Isaac and Joseph Kling. Soon after came John W. Holmes, who has been continu¬ ously engaged in business ever since. Later merchants, and in¬ cluding the present: E. C. Emery, Scott & Co., James McMillan, D. W. Homes, G. M. Finley, John Eck, James B. Hamilton, W. - T. Julian, Thomas Hunsucker, H unsucker & Woodmansee, W. H. Kremer, Low Ernst and Zollman & Co. Blacksmiths: T. H. Shields, Cornwell, William T. Dougherty, L. L. James and Smith <fe Sons. Millinery goods are sold by Mrs. Dr. Wilson and Mrs. Daniel Holmes.

The first grist-mill of any importance that was started in Medora was by Beem Bros, in 1858. This was a large frame building, and was well equipped with the necessary machinery. After five years' experience, and a loss of about $5,000, the com¬ pany sold to John W. Holmes. Mr. Holmes has been almost con¬ tinuously in the milling business ever since, and at present is operating a large flouring-mill, a planing-mill and saw-mill, which showB a capacity for a diversity of enterprises that is unusual. Mr. Holmes exports large quantities of the manufactured product of these mills.

not in operation bat a few years, has become well established in commercial circles. The building is a large frame structure, con¬ veniently arranged, and furnished with the most improved ma¬ chinery. The entire cost of the building and machinery was about $16,000.

One of the most important business enterprises of Medora is the tannery owned by George Lour. This has been in operation for nearly two decades, and, besides supplying the local demand, ships large quantities of leather to St. Louis and Cincinnati An ashery was built on the present site of Dr. Wilson's office at an early day, and large quantities of potash were manufactured.

The Medora Press

For the following history of the Medora press we are indebted to Levi C. Wright, Esq. The first newspaper was a four-column folio called the Medora Advertiser , the publication of which was commenced by L. C. Wright, in October, 1871. After the third week the office was leased to Charles Lyon, who continued its publication for about six months. By this time he had learned what Mr. Wright learned in three weeks, that the business was not self-sustaining, and in consequence suspended publication. The following summer, 1872, the office was leased to a deaf-mute by the name of French, who made an unsuccessful attempt to es¬ tablish a paper on a paying basis. Nothing further was done in the newspaper line until January, 1888, when L. 0. Wright again entered the journalistic field, and began the publication of a fivecolumn folio called the Medora Eagle , for which he soon obtained a remunerative subscription and advertising patronage. The Eagle continued for about eighteen months, when, for want of time to give the paper proper attention, Mr. Wright was forced to discontinue its publication. The news of its suspension was re¬ ceived with universal regret weekly visits, J. T. Hobson began the publication of a fourcolumn folio, which was soon enlarged to a five-column called the Medora Signet. Mr. Hobson continued to issue the Signet weekly for about seven months, when he too found that the business was not self-sustaining, and in consequence suspended.

Murder Of Flinn And Reynolds

In the history of the crimes of Medora, which are not else¬ where described, the most notable are the two murders. Asrael Flinn was a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Leesville, but, long before his death, had departed from the teachings of his ancestors. Flinn was a lawless character and was generally believed to be a counterfeiter. A man by the name of Stephen Emery, while acting in the capacity of a detective, had provoked Flinn to threaten his life. This placed Emery in a position to legally defend himself, which he did at his first opportunity, and some time in February, 1866, he rushed upon Flinn while seated in the store of John W. Holmes, and there fired the fatal shot Fortyfour $50 bills of counterfeit money were found upon the person of Flinn.

The second murder was that of Michael Reynolds, who was shot and killed by Walker Rodman while engaged in a bar-room melee . This occurred on the 4th day of July, 1867.

Medora Lodge, No. 328, F. & A. M., was organized at Yallonia, Ind., May 24, 1865. The first officers were William J. Dill, W. M. ; Andrew J. Burrell, S. W. ; Francis M. Miller, J. W. ; J. N. Gallimore, S. D. ; F. W. Gibson, J. D. ; H. A. Hotchkiss, Treas. ; Harrison Durham, Sec. In September, 1880, the lodge, with all its effects, was removed to Medora. Since its removal there has been an increased interest and the membership has grown to about thirty in all. The present officers are W. B. Driskell, W. M. ; George Fenley, S. W. ; George W. Sparks, J. W. ; W. H.

A lodge of Good Templars was organized in Medora as early as 1856, and has continued its good work almost without cessation ever since. The present organization is a large one, and haa done much for the unfortunate victims of intemperance. The reformation that has been brought about through its influence is such as to commend the order to every one of habits of temper¬ ance.

Physicians And Lawyers

The G. A. R. organized a post at this place about two years ago. The post was named in honor of Newton Rea, and was the 193d organized in this jurisdiction. The membership is not large, but quite enthusiastic. The principal officers for the year 1885 were E. M. Alter, Commander; Levi C. Wright, Adjutant, and John W. Croucher, Quartermaster. The nights of meeting are the first and second Saturdays of each month.

Union Church

The Methodists, United Brethren, Soul Sleepers and the Christians all hold services in this church. It is a frame house that was built at a cost of about $700, and has recently been repaired by Rev. Hobson at a cost of about $100. A large per centage of the inhabitants of Medora belong to some one of these organizations. The only resident minister at present is J. T. Hobson, a native of Jackson County, where he was bom Novem¬ ber 30, 1850. After teaching school for several years he entered college at Hartsville, Ind., where he graduated in the commercial department in 1867. Rev. Hobson was ordained in 1880, and

For many years a large part of the produce was shipped to New Orleans in flat-boats. This was a long, tedious trip and often required four or five months to go and return. Thomas Ewing was the principal boatman, and is said to have made as many as a dozen trips to New Orleans, and to him belongs the honor of making the first voyage. The first cargo, it is said, consisted of hickory nuts, walnuts and venison hams. Many bushels of the walnuts of this cargo were gathered by Col. G. W. and Hon. John F. Carr, then small boys.