Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 55, 1897

Chapter 55

Moses Treadway was an old and highly respected citizen who was one of the early settlers of Madison county, on a farm north-east of Anderson, now owned by Robert C. Shepherd, who is the son-in-law of Mr. Treadway. He was an honest, upright ok) gentleman, and had a host of friends in Anderson and vicinity. He was unpretentious in his manners and always prided himself on being prompt in paying an honest debt. He was a thorough type of the earlj' settlers of this county, and in his unfortunate taking otT was removed one of the landmarks of this community.

On the afternoon of Tuesday-, the 17th of June, 187-3, Mr. Treadway, while on his way home in a wagon, his horses became frightened as he was crossing a bridge over the hydraulic canal, a few rods from the Samuel Myers' ford, east of White river. At this place he met a man employed on the Myers farm, who was driving a yoke of oxen attached to a cart. The horses, imaccusfomed to such a sight, became excited and, after passing the oxen, started to runaway. Mr. Treadway was unable to control them, and when thev had run about thirty rods thev turned st|uare oft' from the road and up-set the wagon. It is supposed that Mr. Treadway was thrown out as the wagon up-set, and that one of the wheels struck him in the forehead, fracturing his skull and producing instant death. His feet were entangled in the lines and his bod)- was dragged ([uite a distance before the horses stopped. Some boys who were fishing in the river near by saw the team running away and hastened to the spot and found the old gentleman dead and bleeding profuselj- from his wounds. The driver of the ox-cart was prevented from seeing the accident because he had passed by a large rick of wood on the side of the road and this shut out the view of the scene.

1809. He moved with his family to \'irginia, and from that State to Ohio, and from tliere he immigrated to Madison county, in the jear 1832. This county was then almost a and Mr. Treadway was quite a young man, and, being industrious and frugal, had sufficient means to pre-empt the land that he owned w'hen he died. He made this place his home until the time of his death. His wife died in the year 1848, leaving Mr. Treadway with one child, a daughter, now the wife of Robert C. Shepherd. He was a man of strong mind and possessed of more than average intelligence. He kept himself posted on current events and w'rote a most excellent hand. In politics he was a sterling Democrat, and yet his mind was of a liberal cast and he could see and appreciate the good qualities of his opponents and the faults of his political friends. His remains were interred in the Stover graveyard, near Prosperity, where they are now sleeping the sleep of the just. .

Killing Of Rolla Franklin'

Rolla Franklin was a young man who was born and reared in Anderson, being a son of Rev. Joseph Frankln, formerly pastor of the Christian Church. YoungFranklin had left Anderson and gone to Veedersburg, where he was employed in the heading factory of W. H. Coleman, of that place. On the 22d of May, 1888, while engaged at his work in the factory, a pulley on a shaft bursted and a piece of the metal struck Franklin. \vho was at the time working at one of the circular saws. It struck him on the neck, almost severing his head from the body and killing him instantly. The body was taken to his boarding place, where it was cared for by the proprietor of the mill, and young Franklin's friends and relatives in Anderson were notilied of the occurrence. He was a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, who took charge of his remains. After the Coroner's inquest had been held they were removed to Anderson and were taken to his home. The Anderson Lodge of Knights of Pythias met the remains at the depot and escorted them to the family residence on Ohio avenue. The funeral obsequies were conducted under the auspices of the Anderson Lodge and took place at the Christian Church, Rev. \V. H. Ziegler officiating. His body was interred in the Anderson cemetery. He was a young man universally respected and his parents were old and influential citizens of the community.

Killing Of Edward Pomeroy

Edward Ponieroy, a brakeman on the Midland Railroad, met a horrible death on Saturday, the 21st of December, 1889, by being run over by a locomotive. Pomeroy had taken a position on the pilot of the passenger engine, and in getting off to open a switch he stepped between the guard and the main rail, catching his foot in such a manner as to hold him a prisoner until the wheels of the locomotive had passed over hs body. His left foot was crushed to a shapeless mass. The right leg was taken of!" at the hip, while his right arm was mashed to a pulp. In this mangled condition he lived until noon of the next day. He retained his consciousness until his eyes were closed in death. Drs. Hunt and Preston were called to attend to his injuries, but at once pronounced them fatal. He was twenty-two years old and unmarried. His home was at Lebanon, but while in this city he boarded with William Childers, on South Meridian stieet. Rev. C. G. Hudson attended him in his last moments until death relieved him of his sufferings.

Found Dead In His Red

D. M. Williams, a carpenter, was found dead in his bed, two and a half miles south of Anderson, on the 4th of June, ISIX). He had worked hard all day, and went to bed in seemingly good health. In the morning his wife got up and had gone to the barn to do the milking. Her husband was awake at the time she left, and he chatted with her. When she returned to prepare the breakfast she did not go to the bedchamber at once, but when she was ready to call her husband for his meal she found that he was dead. His body was still warm, and he had evidently died while she was near him, unconscious of the fact. Coroner Armington held an inquest and returned a verdict of death from heart failure. He left a wife and five children. He was an honest, industrious and hard-working man, and well respected bv the communitv.

John R. Reed, an employe in Ralva's heading factorv, which was once situated near the crossing of the Pan Handle and Big Four Railroads, in Anderson, met with a horrible death on Thursdav, the 23d of November, 1882. while running a cutoff saw in that establishment. One of the belts which ran the saw slipped oft' tlie pulley, and Mr. Reed attempted to put it on, \vhen it began to coil about his head, causing him to step back\vard to get out of its way. The saw ^vas about ten feet distant from where he was attempting to replace the belt. In stepping backward he stumbled over a pile of rubbish which had accumulated there and fell against the saw with his arm, which was severed from tiie body. He was also drawn over the sa^v, cutting him in several places, running diagonally from under the right shoulder through his breast, and also nearly severing his head from his bodv. He was thrown into the air above the saw and came down upon it again, cutting another terrible gash througii his bodv, just below the pit of the stomach. He was left almost nude, and presented a ghastly spectacle as he lay on the ground, mangled and bleeding.

Mr. Reed was about thirty-five years old. He left a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He had removed from Frankton to Anderson but a short time before the accident occurred.

Burned To Death

On the night of the 4th of June, 1890, the stable owned by Patrick Croke, near the Big Four railroad, in the neighborhood of the crossing of Meridian street, was discovered to be on fire. The department was called out, but too late to save the building from the fianies.

During the progress of the fire it was discovered that Daniel C. Croke, a boy about ten years of age, a son of Patrick Croke, the owner of the stable, was in the building and his body burned to a crisp before he could be removed.

Thomas and Patrick Croke were brothers, and at that time were dealers in "junk'" and used the stable as a warehouse. The boy and his parents did not live agreeably together, and he was sleeping in the stable. How the fire originated is not known, but bv some it was supposed to be spontaneous combustion from old rags piled up in the building. Coroner Armington held the inquest.

On the 81st of October, 1890, Andrew J. Gustin, an old man of the age of (')7 years, fell from a tree at the residence of George Kline at the corner of Meridian and Fifth streets, in Anderson, and was instanth- killed. He and his son-in-law, a Mr. \Vigner, were pruning trees for Mr. Kline. The old man had gone up into the tre2-top to cut out the limbs while \\'igner stood below to carry them away. Mr. Gustin missed his footing and fell to the ground, breaking his neck. He died almost instantly. Coroner Armington was called, and held an inquest merely as a matter of form and the old gentleman \vas taken to his home where kind hands laid beautiful flowers on his bier. Mr. Gustin was a man well liked by all who knew him, and was honest in his dealings with his fellow-man.

On the morning of March 24, 1891, Lizzie Bond, a young lady twenty years of age, who was employed by The J. W . Sefton Company at the "Butter-dish"' factory, was on her way to her day's labor with her dinner pail on her arm, as merry as the lark in the field, when, without a moment's warning, she was ushered into eternity, by being run over by an engine on the Michigan division of the Big Four railway, at the crossing of Twelfth street. Her remains were immediately removed to an adjoining house, and Coroner Armington called and an inquest held, after which she was removed to the home of her parents, bhe was a bright young lady, well respected by her co-laborers, as well as a large circle of friends. Her parents were poor and her sad death overcame them. The place where this event transpired is a veritable death trap, and it is only a wonder that more fatalities have not taken place there.

Horrible Death Ok J. E. Higgins

A most horrible occurrence took place in Anderson on the night of September iBrd, 1898, in which J. E. Higgins was burned to death. He was a roomer in the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Pratt on West Eighth street, while his wife was away visiting friends. In some manner the house caught tire in the room where he was sleeping, and was destroyed, burning Mr. Higgins into a crisp. It is supposed he was reading by a light and perhaps had been smoking and had fallen asleep and the bed clothing took fire.

A Fatal Ride

Sherman Eastman was one of the young business men of Anderson, who came here after the finding of natural gas, and was employed as bookkeeper bj' the Indiana Box Company, lie was popular with his employers as well as the general public. He was the son of H. O. Eastman, who was for many years road-master of the " Bee Line" railroad system, and a brother to Charles and Ruby Eastman of the Anderson Glass Company. He came to Anderson from Union City, his native to%vn, haying been born there, and where his parents yet reside.

On the eyening of December 28, 1895, as he was coming from North Anderson, his home, to do some shopping for the family, as he reached the east side of the public square, he attempted to alight from the car without stopping it. It was on a yery sleety night, and in dismounting his feet went from under him, and he fell backward under the rear car that was used as a " trailer," and had his head nearly seyered from his body by the car passing over him.

His body was taken into the drug store of Cassel Bros. on the east side and medical aid summoned, but life was extinct before the physician arrived.

Mr. Eastman left a young wife and a small family to mourn his untimely death, besides several brothers and relatives who were much attached to him. During his stay in Anderson he was highly esteemed by the business men, among whom his acquaintance mostly consisted, as he was unpretentious and made no effort to be proininent in society, choosing rather to attend strictly to business and spend his leisure moments with his family. The young business men of Anderson missed him greatly and felt the loss quite severely.

Boy Drowned In A Cistern

A distressing accident occurred in the family of Cjeorge Houk on the 19th of November, 1888, by which a son, a boy of four years of age, was drowned in a cistern. Mr. Houk lived on what has for many years been known as the Gunder farm, north-east of Anderson, on the Chesterfield road, near the residence of James Larrimore, where the accident occurred.

There was no covering over the cistern, hut a few loose boards lay near its mouth. The supposition was that the little boy had been playing around in proximity to the cistern, and had fallen in by stepping on a loose board. His mother soon missed him and after searching the premises went to the cistern. She saw that the boards had been removed, and on looking down was horrified to behold the body of her little son floating in the water. He was at once removed, but life was extinct. His remains were interred in the Anderson cemetery on the following Tuesday. He was a very bright boy, and the sudden and tragic death caused a gloom in the homes of the surrounding neighbors and friends.

A Boy Drowned

On the I'lst of June, 1881, James Finan, a little lad of seven or eight years of age, met his death by being drowned in the fatal swimming hole near the Pan Handle railroad bridge near Anderson. He was in company with William and Peter Kellar, sons of Phillip Kellar, who at that time kept a restaurant on south Main street. They were boys about Finan's age or perhaps a little older. This was at that time a favorite spot for the boys to congregate and swim ; although many accidents had happened there, it did not seem to deter the lads from risking their lives in this fatal place. The boy jumped from the bridge and dived into the deep water below, and did not again appear. This soon alarmed his companions and little "Pete" Kellar, at the risk of his own life, plunged into the river to rescue his little friend, while William ran <lown the bank of the stream, screaming for help. This attracted the attention of Daniel Knotts and James Hanson, who were gunning along the river near by. They hastened to the scene, but too late to render any assistance, as young Finnan was dead before they reached the place. Little "Pete," hero that he was, did more than many men of mature years would have done. He grappled Finan and came very nearly getting him out, but had not sufficient strength to take him ashore. Every one of Anderson's older citizens remembers "Pete" Kellar. Although his surroundings were not the best, he was in all a manl_v little boy, and never knew what the word fear meant. He was as brave as a lion and would face death for a friend in time of peril. This was a heart-rending affair for the parents Of young Finan, who yet live in Anderson, and mourn the loss of their little one. The

Kellars live in Chicago, and little "Pete" is now a man and is said to be a useful and respected citizen. Thomas Finan, the father of the unfortunate boy, has for a long while been employed by the American Wire Nail Company.

A Terrible Death

For many years after the building of the Pan Handle railway through the city of Ander.son, there was a large strip of vacant ground lying directly west of the railroad and south of Tenth street, a portion of which had formerly been used as a Catholic burj'ing ground. In making the heavy fill for the railroad bed it was necessary to take out a large amount of gravel and earth from along this strip of ground. The Catholics in the meantime removed their cemetery to the present site south of the city. The locality above spoken of was for many years inhabited by a class of people who did not own real estate but had merely " squatted " there and built their little shanties and small frame houses in which they lived, being tolerated by the indulgence of the railroad company and others who owned the property in that vicinity. It was known as "Happy Hollow," and by some people it was called " No Man's Land," because no person living there had any title to the real estate. Among others who dwelt in that neighborhood was an old lady of the name of Johanna O'Connor, a widow who had living with her a deaf and dumb sister and a small girl of the name of Hannah Dunn, who helped about the household work and did little chores for Mrs. O'Connor.

On the 3d of August, 1877, little Hannah was ordered by Mrs. O'Connor to light the fire for the purpose of preparing a meal. The child at once obeyed and hastened to the stove, and in making preparations to light the fire, picked up a twogallon can of coal oil and began pouring it upon the wood in the stove, until she had emptied nearly half of the can. It seems that there were slumbering in the bottom of the stove some burning embers. When the coal oil came in contact with this it at once ignited and communicated with the can in her hand which exploded. The flames blazed furiously up into her face setting fire to her clothing, and in almost an instant she was burned to a crisp. It was with great eflFbrt that Mrs. O'Connor saved her house from being destroyed, but nothing could be done to rescue the little child. She screamed loudly and made a great struggle to save herself, but with no avail. Her screams could be heard for squares around. It was a most horrible sight to see her little body reduced to ashes. She was an orphan and for this reason the instance was regarded as more pitiable. Her remains were taken in charge by the neighbors and interred in the Catholic cemetery south of the city.

Killing Of M.Mitin Kogeks

On Thursday, the 16th of March, 1876, as the gravel train on the Anderson, Lebanon & St. Louis Railroad, now known as the Midland, was going to unload some gravel in ballasting the roadwaj', an accident occurred just east of the crossing which resulted in the death of Martin Rogers, one of the laborers on the road. Rogers was sitting on the side of a Hat car, his legs hanging over the edge. As the train neared the fence, which was built up close to the side of the track, there was not sufficient space between the ends of the rails and the side of the car to permit his legs to pass in safety. Rogers attempted to hold them up above the fence until the car passed by, but as he did not raise them sufficiently high his feet were caught in the rails and he was dragged off. In falling he was thrown under the wheels and his arm and side horribly mangled. His head was severely cut and bruised ; besides, he received internal injuries.

The train was stopped and the unfortunate man taken up and brought back to his boarding-house, where he lay in great suffering until two o'clock the next morning, when death came to his relief. He was attended in his last moments by Rev. Father Crawley.

Rogers came to Anderson from Peoria, Illinois, lie was a single man and had a brother living in New York. He had no friends in this part of the country and was employed by Burnett Brothers, railroad contractors, who did everything in their power to alleviate his sufferings, and when Death had taken his victim they also met the funeral expenses, for which kindly act they won the plaudits of the public.

Drowning Of John Crawley

John Crawley, who was a son of Michael Crawley, brother of the Rev. Father J. B. Crawley, for many years pastor of the Catholic church of Anderson, was drowned while bathing in White river, near the Pan Handle railroad bridge, on the 25th of July, 188H. He had gone to the place with John Lavery and Eugene Metcalf for the purpose of enjo3'ing a swim, this being a favorite place of resort for the Anderson youth. The lad got beyond his depth, and is supposed to have been seized with cramps, and being unable to extricate himself, gave the alarm to his companions, who did all in their power to rescue him but without success. A large crowd soon gathered upon the bank, having been attracted by the cries of the boys who were in company with the unfortunate young man. A search was immediately cominenced for the recovery of the body when, it \vas rescued by Robert Striker, near the spot where it had gone down, having been in the water nearly an hour.

The young lad was about fifteen years of age. An inquest was held by tlie Coroner, William A. Hunt, and a \erdict of accidental drowning was rendered.

Young Crawley had for several years made his home with his uncle. Father Crawley, who was very much attached to him, and was deeply affected by his sad ending. It had been Father Crawley's intention to send his nephew to St. Mary's college, Kansas, and give him a good education.

Killing Of Simeon Gooding

During the fair held at Anderson in 1874, on Friday, the last day of the exhibition, Simeon Gooding and wife and two grand-children were returning home when they met with an accident which was the cause of Mr. Gooding losing his life.

They were driving a span of small mules attached to a common road wagon. After crossing Whitinger's ford on W^hite river, and while they were in the act of ascending a steep hill at that point, the team, from exhaustion, came to a stand-still, and the wagon started backwards and was overturned in a ravine by the side of the road.

Gooding jumped clear of the wagon and fell heavily in the road. Tvlrs. Gooding threw one of the children out, and, with the other in her arms, jumped, and as the wagon turned over it fell heavily upon them.

Mr. Gooding was resuscitated after considerable effort, and with the help of friends, who soon arrived, he was removed to a house in the neighborhood, where he died before

During the summer of 1S9() William H. Ferguson was a familiar character in Anderson and the vicinity, by reason of his having a contract and of superintending the work of constructing the extension of the C. W. & M. Railway to Rushville. He was a boarder at the Griffith House, where he met his deatii, and was well liked b}' all tho^e who made his acquaintance. He was seemingly in the best of health until a few moments before his taking off, \vhich occurred about 10 o'clock on the 5th of .September, at which time he was stricken with apoplexy. The only indication of illness that he gave out was that he complained to his bookkeeper, a Mr. McGinty, of feeling a depression about his heart. He passed Mr. jSIcGinty's room and laid down upon a bed and then requested that a physician be summoned. Dr. M. V. Hunt responded, but on entering the room he found Ferguson in the throes of death and past all medical aid. Ferguson's brother and wife were at Evansville at the time, where they lived, and were notitied of his death. On their arrival the remains were taken to his home for interment. He was a man about forty years of age, and left an interesting family to mourn his loss.

A Horrible Boiler Explosion

At about the hour of nine o'clock on the morning of October 19, 1889, when the busy wheels of industry had just begun to move in the many factories of Anderson, a terrific sound broke out on the balmy atmosphere, as if the whole city had been blown up by some awful explosive. People ran out of their houses to see, if possible, what had happened. It was but a short time until word was received at fire headquarters, that R. y. Walton & Go's, saw mills had exploded their boilers, and that several men had been killed. Terrible excitement prevailed in all parts of the city. From nearly every quarter of the city, men were employed in the mill. Men, women and children, hurried to the scene to see if some loved one had been killed or wounded. W'hen the dust and smoke had sufUciently cleared away a rescuing party commenced tiie task of removing the dead and wounded. It was soon ascertained that Horace Kuhns, an employe, was killed, having his skull crushed by falling timber; Walter Mingle, the swayer, was horribly hurt, having his skull fractured ; Allen Stanley, a bystander, was slightly injured; William Rumler, of Ovid, a customer of the mill, was injured about the head and shoulders; Samuel Cooke, an employe was hurt somewhat, and several others about the mill received more or less shaking up. Mr. R. J. Walton, one of the proprietors, was standing just outside of the mill talking to a customer when the explosion took place ; the flying timbers and a part of the boiler went over his head, and his escape was certainly providential. William Stanley, the engineer, was standing inside the mill near the boilers when they went out, and how he escaped from being instantly killed is unexplainable. As it was, Stanley was only slightly shocked, and received no serious wounds. The mill was a complete wreck. It was simply wiped from the face of the earth, with hardly a thing left to tell where it stood. The cause of the explosion has always been a mystery to those who were in charge of it, as the engineer is certain that he had plenty of water in the boilers. He was a sober, competent man, and had run the engine steadily for six years prior to the accident, and was noted for never being absent from his post of duty. The mill was the property of Robert JWalton and John L. Forkner, doing business under the name of R. J. Walton & Co. The loss was complete as they had no insurance against explosions.

This was one of the most horrible explosions that ever occurred in Anderson. The boiler was thrown two hundred )-ards from the mill, and the frame work was scattered in all directions. The mill was immediately rebuilt and was operated on the spot of the fatal accident until it was sold to T. J. Riggs & Co., and removed to Logansport, Indiana.

The Sad Death Of J. E. D. Smith

James E. D. Smith, who was for many years a resident of Madison county, met an untimelj- death near the village of Hamilton, in Jackson township, on the 14th of October, 1864. He was engaged in hauling logs to the sawmill at Anderson, and while loading one on a wagon the ropes in some manner slipped or gave way, and the log rolled back, catching him beneath it and instantlv killing him.

He was a worthy citizen of Anderson, and was at one time the partner of his brother-in law, Mr. Xathan Armstrong, in contracting. His widow is yet living in Anderson, with lier daughter. Mrs. R. P. Grimes.

Mrs. Smith, the widow of the deceased, was the daughter of the late Benj. W'alker, a prominent and old-time resident of Madison county, who for many years prior to his removal to Anderson, resided in Richland township.

He built tiie palatial home now occupied by the Hon. John H. Terhune, on West Eighth street, where he resided with his interesting familv at the time of his death.

< )n the morning of June 19, 186S, Pryor Siiaul, a young unmarried man who lived witii his mother on the farm now owned bv the McCulloughs, about three m'les southwest of Anderson, was going into the field to plow corn, riding a horse witli harness on. It was almost a cloudless dav ; the sun was sliining brightlv. and he was thinking, no doubt, of anything else but being suddenly called to his account, when in the twinkling of an eve a sudden flash of lightning knocked him and his horse to the ground, killing them botii instantly.

Tiie occurrence caused great commotion in the surrounding neighborhood, and was considered a strange freak of nature, from the fact that it was on a clear day, and no report was heard of the explosion for any distance around. Had the horse not been killed it would have been thought that young Shaul had come to his death from some other cause.

It happened in a field in the neighborhood of the large brick house standing on the McCulIough farm, near the Big Four railroad, and was pointed out for many years as the fatal spot where Mr. Shaul so suddenly lost his life.

A most distressing accident occurred on the farm of J. H. Stanley on the 9th of Jul.V. in the year 18()5, whereby John Wallace, an Anderson boy about seventeen years of age, was killed by the accidental discharge of a shotgun in the hands of Patrick McGraw, an engineer on the Bee Line railroad. Young Wallace was in company with McGraw and Thomas McGord, a fireman on the same road, hunting. When on the farm of J. II. Stanley, near the river, the party scared up a inuskrat, and, in attempting to get a shot at it, McGraw having his gun in a horizontal position, with the muzzle in front of him, it was discharged prematurely, the contents taking effect in Wallace's back, killing him instantly. The gun lock caught on a grapevine, and both barrels were discharged simultaneously, with the above result.

Young Wallace was a brother of Morris and Richard ^^'allace, who yet live in Anderson, and was a young man well respected. The affair caused much grief among the friends, and regret of those connected with the accident.

Sudden De.Vth Of Limon ,M. Cox

Limon M. Cox, a prominent citizen of Anderson, died suddenly at the Auditorium Hotel in Chicago on the 24th of July, 1895. He had left Anderson at noon the day before his death, going to Chicago for the purpose of buying clothing to replenish his stock. On his arrival in that city he called upon his friend, Mr. Don Carlin, of whom he was in the habit of purchasing goods. After chatting with Carlin a few moments, Mr. Co.x complained of feeling sick. Mr. Carlin invited him to the Auditorium Hotel, where he placed a suite of rooms at his disposal. After seeing him comfortablv situated, Mr. Carlin returned to his place of business.

About two o'clock in the afternoon one of the maids of the hotel entered the room in which Mr. Cox had been left by his friend and was horrified to find him sitting in an upright position in the bath tub dead. An alarm was at once given, and those in charge of the hotel promptly notified Mr. Carlin, who at once telegraphed to the friends and relatives of Mr. Cox in Anderson.

The news soon spread throughout the city and caused great surprise and much grief to the friends of Mr. Cox. Mr. Clem. Hooven and Charles Cox, a brother of Limon, immediately went to Chicago to bring the remains to Andejson for burial. Mr. Cox was a prominent member of the Masonic Order and was buried by that fraternity- with all the honors of that society. Mr. Cox was one of the most public-spirited citizens that ever resided in Madison county. He was liberal in donations of money and real estate to induce capital and manufacturers to locate their establishments here, and much of the thrift and enterprise of Anderson is due to his efforts, along with others with whom he was intimately associated.

He had at different times during his residence in Anderson been connected with various manufacturing establishments, and was at the time of his death one of Anderson's leading clothing merchants. During the panic of 1893, like many others. Mr. Cox became somewhat embarrassed financially, but being a man of iron nerve and excellent financial ability, and having a host of warm friends among those who could command money, he was soon on the road to recuperation, and had he lived another year he would have regained his place at the head of the column among the successful business men of Anderson.

No person ever died in Anderson who left warmer friends to mourn his loss, or whose death was more universally regretted than that of Mr. Cox. He was of a kind and cheerful disposition, scarcely ever becoming angry, and if at times he did so, his anger was but of short duration. He was always willing to reach forth the hand of friendship and to extend the olive branch to those with whom he had any misunderstanding, and when his remains were covered over and tiie evergreens were placed upon his grave, it is doubtful if there was a person living in Anderson who did not deeply regret his demise.

Mr. Cox had never held any political office, but was at one time a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Madison Circuit Court. He \vas for years a prominent member of the Anderson School Board, and always took great interest in educational matters. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the time of his death he was a widower, his wife having died about two years previously.

He left two interesting daughters to mourn his demise, Miss Emma and Miss Anna Cox, who both reside in Anderson in the old homestead at Jackson and Twelfth streets.

On the 27th of January, 1893, Frank Moss, one of the best known gentlemen in Anderson, suddenly died in the ball room in the Doxey Opera House on North Meridian street. He was seated at the time listening to the music and watcliing the merry dancers as they went by. On that evening Mr. and Mrs. Moss attended a concert given by the Elks in the tiieatre below the ball room, and early in the evening went to the ball, enjoyed the dance and participated in the grand march. After this they took part in a waltz. After making a few circuits of the hall, Mr. Moss became tired and with his wife, sat down to rest. He took his seat beside ex-Governor Will Cumback, who was at that time in conversation with his daughter, Mrs. J. W. Lovett. Suddenly Mr. Moss leaned over as if to make some remark to the ex-Governor who turned to listen, when he was startled to see Mr. Moss fall forward heavilj' to the floor. Dr. F. ] . Hodges was in the room at the time and was ([uickly at the side of the patient. He saw at a glance that Mr. Moss was dead and that nothing could be done for his relief. Mrs. Moss was stricken with grief and was at once taken to the home of her mother, Mrs. E. B. Hartley, on Delaware street. Coroner Armington was notified but declined to hold an inquest it being very evident that the deceased came to his death from natural causes. Mr. Moss was about fortj' vears of age, of a kind, genial disposition and whose home relations were of a very pleasant character. He was a brother of Sandford R. Moss, well known in Madison county and was engaged at various times in raising stock and farming. He was a prominent member of the Anderson Club, which organization was convened by the President, E. P. Schlater, and memorial services were held and resolutions passed in memory of the dead. The body of the deceased was followed to its last resting place in the Anderson cemetery by a large concourse of people and manv sorrowing friends.

The killing of Wni. Burke on Ohio avenue, in 1804, by James McKnight, has almost been forgotten by even the oldest residents of Anderson. The murder took place in a shanty on Ohio avenue on a Sunday night. The shanty was occupied by John Burke, a brother of the murdered man. They were brothers of " Paddy" Burke, who yet lives in Anderson. A quarrel had taken place between the Burkes and McKnight, and the latter had left the scene of disturbance and come up town, but soon started to return home and, coming in contact with Burke, some hot words were passed. McKnight picked up an old ax and dealt Burke a terrific blow, splitting his head open and killing him instantly.

Histouy Of Madison Coun'Iy, Indiana

himself. The murderer was locked in a cell in the old jail that stood on the lot at Jackson and Ninth streets. By this time the friends and relatives of Burke had learned of the murder. Great excitement prevailed. They demanded McKnight's life, and it required all of Sheriff Sebrell's coolness and courage to keep them from storming the jail and lynching the prisoner. The grand jury soon afterwards indicted McKnight for murder. The day for trial came. The excitement became more intense, and it was found necessary to summon a special jury to try the case. Tiie jury was selected principally from the south part of the county. John Sommerville is one of the men yet living who was selected to try McKnight. The evidence was conclusive. In fact no denial was made, but the plea of insanity and justification were set up. The jury, however, took a little more latitude. McKnight was an old man, and a compromise verdict, sentencing him to the penitentiary for ten years was agreed upon. This was concluded to be equivalent to a life sentence, because no one thought the old man would live to serve his time out.

In this, however, all were mistaken, and about fifteen years ago old man McKnight visited Ander.son. He claimed that at the time of his arrest he had money and other valuables on his person which were taken possession of by the sheriff and never returned to him. When McKnight was here he was in search of his valuables, but the sheriff was dead and gone beyond this bailiwick where he could not be reached. McKnight was old and gray. He iiad so changed that but few knew him or of his presence. He made his stay very short and departed for parts unknown.

There has been a great change in the Irish population since that time. Then the Irish people of Anderson were mostly day laborers attracted here by the railroad building and other public works. They generally lived in shanties on leased grounds, and were mostly uneducated. Now there is no city of e(jual population in the whole country that can show so many intelligent, happy, prosperous Irish citizens as Anderson. They are up to the standard in education ; all own the property they live in, and many of them have large realestate interests here. They are good citizens and Anderson is proud of them.

On the 1st of September, 1881, John A. Campbell was employed by the Paxon Bros, as engineer in the planing mill and lumber yard, on North Main street in Anderson. During the dull season, while the mill was standing idle, he was employed in stacking lumber in the yard. He was upon a high stack of boards when it became top-heavy and gave way. In the fall he was caught between the falling planks and terribly mangled, from the effects of which he died soon after being removed to his home.

Mr. Campbell was a man well-respected in the communitv, and was of English birth. He came to this country when about eighteen years of age. After being in Henry county several years he was married to Miss Trobridge, the daughter of a prominent Methodist minister. He was a member of Company K, 36th Indiana Regiment of Volunteers, during the war.

He was the father of Bartlett H. Campbell, ex-Prosecuting Attorney of Madison county, and Joseph B. Campbell, a traveling salesman for Heath & Milligan, of Chicago, 111.

Dr. William Robertson will be remembered by many of the old residents of Anderson. He lived about two miles south of the city on what is known as the Van Devender farm. Several years ago he married the widow Van Devender, owner of the place. On Monday, the 28th of March, 1887, while returning from the funeral of an acquaintance east of the city, in attempting to cross the railroad track in front of an approaching freight train. Dr. Robertson was struck by the engine. Mrs. Robertson had succeeded in crossing the track in sa'"ety, but her husband, being infirm and feeble, was slower in motion and was struck by the pilot of the engine before he could escape. He was thrown several feet into the air and off to the side of the road. He was conveyed to the residence of James Clark, at the crossing, where he lingered in an unconscious condition for about two hours, when death relieved his sufferings. He was seventy-five yeiirs of age at the time. He came to this locality from Randolph county a few years prior to his death, at which time he married Mrs. Van Devender and located on the farm owned by her. Here he made his home until the occurrence of this sad event. His widow was appointed afterwards as matron of the Orphan's Home, which institution she managed successfully for several years. The remains of Dr. Robertson were taken to Huntsville, Randolph county, for burial.

The Killing Of .Miss Tili.Ie Seber.V.

One of the most horrible accidents that ever happened in Anderson occurred on the 1st of August, 1894, at " Inwood Park," east of the Pan Handle Railway tracks. Frank Stutskey at that time was operating a beer garden at the park and in order to attract people to his place had a grand balloon ascension at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The aeronaut who was advertised to make the trip into the clouds was Miss Tillie Sebern, a young lady about 17 years of age, hailing from Richmond. Ind. She was a novice in the business. At the appointed hour ufler the balloon had been inflated, in the presence of several hundred people, and in the midst of the shouting of the throng, the rope was cut loose and the air ship started upward with its human freight. When it had reached a height of about 800 feet it bursted, thus allowing the heated air to escape so rapidly that it descended with great speed, landing its occupant with terrific force on the ground near the bank of White river, just at the east end of the iron bridge spanning the stream, killing her instantly. It was an awful scene; men with stout hearts turned their backs, not being able to look upon it. Her body was immediately taken to Stutskey's place where her attendants took charge of her remains. Her people, who lived at Richmond, were at once notified and came and took her remains to that city for intermerft. Great indignation prevailed among the people when it was ascertained that the young girl was inexperienced in the business, and that that was her first attempt to make an ascension. Strong talk was indulged in of visiting summary punishment upon all those connected with the affair. Those who witnessed this incident will remember it as long as they live. Miss Sebern \vas the daughter of poor but honest parents, %vho were very much opposed to her engaging in such a reckless feat, and it

A Conductor Killed

John Hyer, a conductor on the C, VV. &IM. Railroad was run over and frightfully mangled in the Big Four yards in Anderson on the 8th of November, 1887, from the efiFects of which he died a few hours afterwards, at his boarding house on West Seventh street. He experienced intense pains during the last hours of his suffering, but remained perfectly rational until the last moment. He was able to recognize his father and mother when they arrived, and other friends who called upon him.

The accident was due to the fact that he had mistaken the direction in which a train was running, and, before he was aware of it, the engine was upon him and he was unable to extricate himself from his perilous situation. His remains were taken to Wabash the day after the occurrence for interment.

The deceased carried a life insurance policy for |1,000 which was made payable to his parents, but a few days before his death he had made a will in which he bequeathed the policy to his intended bride, a Miss Bevelheimer, of Anderson; but his death took place before the will had been signed or attested, thereby rendering it invalid, and the insurance went to his parents.

Run Over By A Train

On the 20th of September, 1891, John Rigsby, an emplo3-e at the Flint Bottle Works in Hazelwood, while passing a Big Four train that was standing across the street, met with an accident that caused him the loss of both of his I'mbs. The train was moving slowly at the time and in making the passage across, Rigsby caught his foot and fell beneath the cars. Two wheels passed over his left leg and right foot before he could be pulled from under the train by a man who was standing close by, which prevented him from being otherwise injured. Qiiite a number of people assembled and physicians were at once called. Rigsby was rendered a cripple for the balance of his days.

A Four-Year Old Boy Killed

It appears that a boy about sixteen years of age, named Henry C. Seybert, had loaded a gun for the purpose of killing a hawk, but failing to get a chance to shoot at it he placed the loaded gun under a bed in Jarrett \s house and left the premises. At the time of the accident the little boy and a brother, six 3'ears older, were playing in the room by themselves. It is presumed that the little fellow had crawled under the bed and discovered the gun and pushing it in front of him, had discharged it. The child was killed instantly, the whole side of his head being blown off.

Another accident of a very serious nature had occurred to this family four years previous to this, whereby a son was killed by being burned to death, which made this a double affliction for the bereaved family.

Willie Lang Killed

Willie Lang, a little five-}-earold son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lang, of South Fletcher street in Anderson, was run over by a wagon heavily laden with stone on the 17th of April, 1890, and so badly injured that he died the evening following. The little fellow was in company with some other boys and they were swinging on the wagons as they passed by. In some manner he got caught and was thrown under the wheels with fatal results. The remains were taken to New Albany for interment.

Drs. M. V. Hunt and J. W. Fairfield attended the wounded boy, but no medical aid could save him from his doom. The parents were grief stricken and were rendered such consolation as laid within the power of sympathizing neighbors.

Instantly Killed

On Sundav. the 11th of May, 1875, three boys were leading a horse along the streets near the residence of Johli Mershon, on Fourteenth street. The oldest of the boys, Frank Hunt, son of Andrew J. Hunt, the liveryman of Anderson, had hold of the halter strap which was attached to the horse. The strap was so long that when the horse would go faster

When in this position one of the brothers touched tlu- horse with a whip whicli scared him, and he began kickinj^. i-.id in doing so one of his hoofs struck Frank square in the face with such force as to break his neck. He fell immediately and his little brother ran to him and raised him up, and seeing, although but a child, that his brother was dying, he thought to save him by laying him down and fanning him, but to no purpose, as the injured boy lived but a few moments. He was buried on the following Monday in the Anderson cemetery.

A Fatal Fall

One of the most horrible occurrences that ever took place in Anderson was the falling off of a scaffold from Louis Loeb's building on the south side of the public square, in February, 1877, by Geo. Brown and Simon P. Shetterly. They were painting the front of the building, using a swinging scafibld. They were standing close together at work when it became necessary for them to move their position. Shetterly sat down, or squatted rather on his feet for the purpose of allowing Brown to pass aroimd him. Brown was in the act of passing Shetterly, and had thrown one leg on the opposite side and was just in the act of bringing the other around which would have made his passage safe, when the scaffold shook, or from some other cause frightened Shetterly, when he jumped and straightened up throwing Brown backward. Brown in attempting to save himself, caught Shetterly, and in less than an instant they lay upon the stone sidewalk a shapeless mass of broken bones and bruised flesh. Shetterly was almost instantly killed. Brown was so terribly mangled that every one thought it was a pity that he was not killed outright.

Brovi'n was taken to his mother's residence in the south part of town, where Dr. N. L. Wickersham was called and attended to his wounds. There was scarcely a bone in his body that Avas not broken. His legs, his arms, his jaw bone, and in fact he was all broken up. Everyone thought it would be a blessing if death would relieve him as he would certainly be an awful cripple if he survived.

broken bones, bound up his wounds, and while he did not exactly make a new man of him, one would hardly think to see George Brown, the painter and paper-hanger, on the streets of Anderson, that he had been run through a threshing machine in his life time. George gets around about as nicely as any one, and is a prosperous and happy man ; does as much work as any man in town, and enjoys life as well as the best of them. He has been as near death's door as any man ever was to get back.

Poor Simon Shetterly never knew what caused his death. He was never conscious after landing on the stone pavement. He was not so terribly mangled as Brown, but was in some way killed in the fall. He left a widow and a small family of children, who yet live on Nichol avenue, in comfortable circumstances. Simon was one of the first members of the Knights of Honor, and held a policy of |:2,000 in that organization, which his family received at his death. He was a Spiritualist in belief, and his immediate friends and relatives claim that he often comes back to his old home and associations.

Simon Shetterly was an honest, upright man, as industrious as the busy bee, never gave any one a crusty answer or angry word, and was a man universally liked by all who knew him. The fall from the scaffold was witnessed by several people who were standing near by, but every one was so horrified that they turned their backs and held their breaths until the heavy thud announced the landing on the pavement. So dumbfounded were they that it was some time before a person moved'or came to the relief of the unfortunates. This is one of the occurrences that will never be erased from the memory of the Anderson old-timers, and it is hoped that it will never be repeated.

Killing Ok Charles Gipe

On the 25th of June, 1895, Charles Gipe, a carpenter employed in the construction of the Grand opera house, at the corner of Twelfth and Main streets, in Anderson, fell from a scaffold and was instantly killed. He was engaged at the time in placing some timbers on the building along with other workmen, and in some manner lost his balance, and fell from the second story, landing upon the timbers on the first floor, striking his head in such a manner as to cause instant death. He was a resident of Park Place where his remains were taken

On the 31st of August, 1896, Milton Gipe, a cnrpenter, while working on a building at the Straw Board works in Anderson, was killed by falling from a scaffold. He was employed in placing some timbers in position, when he lost his balance and fell to the lower story of the building, and was almost instantly killed. But little over a year prior to this, a brother of his, Charles Gipe, lost his life in the same manner, while working on the opera iiouse in Anderson.

Milton Gipe was a man well thought of, and a prominent member of Kamala Tribe of Red Men, he being sachem of the tribe at the time of his death. The lodges of Anderson all participated in the ceremonies at his funeral. The remains were taken to Mechanicsbiirg, in Henry county, and buried beside his brother, followed by a large funeral cortege.

Mr. Gipe was in the employ of P. B. Millspaugii at the time of his death as ^vas his brother Charles at the time of his sudden taking off. Both men were held in the highest esteem by their employer, and it was a sad blow to Mr. Millspaugh, as well as to the relatives and friends of the unfortunate men.

Killing Of Herman Seitz

Herman Seitz, a citizen of Anderson, was killed by the cars at Pendleton, on the 27th of June, 1894, while in the attempt to board a moving train. He had gone there for the purpose of purchasing a cow, aqd in his anxiety to get home attempted to get on the car that was just leaving the station, and in some way missed his footing and was dragged under the wheels and almost instantly killed.

Mr. Seitz was a married man and left a family in Anderson, who still reside here. He was by trade a glass blower, and came to Anderson with the American Glass Company in 1888, and was a stockholder in that concein when it went to the wall, losing what he had invested in it. After going out of the glass house he went into the saloon business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. He was a German, and well liked bv those who knew him.

Killed By A Tr.A.Ction Engine

August, 189G, by a traction engine. He, in company with Clay Brown and a man of the name of Sissons, were engaged in running a thresiiing machine into the barn, and had phiced the engine behind it to propel it, having a pole between the machine and the engine. The engine had started and was well up to the barn door, when the pole slipped and allowed the machine to run backward, catching Wynant between the engine and machine, crushing his skull and killing him almost instantly. He was a young man well respected, and had many prominent relatives, among whom is Charles H. Neff, the city editor of the Anderson Herald .

Peculiar Death Of W. A. Wihtakek

On .Sunday, July 12, 1866, W. A. Whitaker, wlio lived about three miles from Anderson, met with a peculiar death. He was sitting in a rocking chair, and in leaning backward, his chair became unbalanced, and he fell over backward, striking his head against a sewing machine in such a manner as to cause concussion of the brain, from which he died in a few minutes. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Chesterfield, by the Odd Fellows, of which order he was a member. He had many relatives and acquaintances in the community.

J. G. Starbuck, a brakeman on the Big Four Railroad was killed at the crossing of the Pan Handle, on Ohio avenue at Anderson, on Tuesday morning the 24th of June, 1884. He was making couplings in the vicinity and in passing between two freight cars caught his foot in a "frog," and before he could e.xtricate himself, he was caught by a moving train and knocked down, the car passing across his body. He was picked up immediately after the occurrence, but within a few minutes life was extinct. His remains were removed to Winchester, Indiana, near which place he resided, and \vhere he was buried. He was an experienced brakeman and held the position that he then filled for several years. He was about twenty-nine years of age and left a wife in humble circum .stances, but no children.