Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 57, 1897

Chapter 57

On the 7th of December, 1890, the Boring-Hannah block, on the north side of the square in Anderson, was destroyed by fire, entailing a large loss of property. The fire originated in the basement of the building in the bakery of William Williams from a burning gas jet.

Before the fire department could respond the building was in flames; a heavy gale was blowing, making it quite a bad fire to control. Tiie fire was kept within the bounds of the building, doing but slight injury to adjoining property. The Daily BuJlct'ni occupied the entire second floor and \\"as totally destroyed, losing all of the files and other property that insurance could not replace. The office and material were covered with insurance, and so far as the property that could be restored by the purchase of a new outfit the proprietors were made whole. This was the largest loss sustained by any one affected by the conflagration.

W. S. Shirk had a jewelry store in the building and suffered considerably from smoke and water, but his goods were many of them saved from destruction. The damage to the building was fully insured.

James W. Knight, one of the proprietors of the Jhilktiii, was sleeping in the building and was awakened by the smoke and gave the alarm. He hastened to the room of Fletcher Layne and a young man of the name of Harrison, who roomed in the bakery on the floor below, and aroused them just in time to save their lives. They were almost suffocated and were lying on the floor in a helpless condition. They were taken out more dead than alive and cared for until they were restored to their normal condition.

The Bulletin showed its usual pluck by getting out its regular daily edition as if nothing had happened. The Daily Herald and the jDoiiocrat kindly assisted them in their trouble, which was properly appreciated.

The Bulletin removed to its present site on Eighth street and was again burned out on the 14th of August, 1891. The last tire was fully as disastrous as the first, but the paper survived and is still one of the institutions of Anderson.

A Heading Factory Fire

Twenty years ago Madison county was heavily timbered with oak and other valuable woods. The forests were then within sight of the court liouse. Lumbering interests were carried on largely, prominent among which was the stave and heading factory of C. T. Doxey & Co., south of the Big Four railway, and which was lately occupied by J. L. Kilgore's heading establishment. On the night of January 3, 1873, an alarm of fire was heard to ring out, and it was soon ascertained that the factory of Doxey & Co. was enveloped in flames. Every person within sound of the alarm rushed into the streets and hastened to the fire to render such assistance as tliey could, to help subdue tiie llames. There being a large amount of shavings and oilier combustible material in the factory, and a high wind blowing from the south-west, it was but a short time before the factory was totally consumed and nothing was left but the machinery to tell where this industry once stood. The loss was estimated to be about !f8,00l), on which there was an insurance of about !i!3,500. This fire had the effect to throw a large number of workingmen out of employment in the dead of winter, which was a great hardship upon them. At that time there were but few manufacturing establishments within the limits of Anderson, and there were a large number of men and boys employed by Doxey & Co. in this factory. Be it said, to the credit of Major Doxe}', that during the cold winter months he contributed a large amount of money to those who were thrown out of employ- ment, and who were unable to take care of tliemselves. The factory was afterwards rebuilt, and was for a time owned by H.J. Bronnenberg, and then passed into tiie hands of J. L. Kilgore, who ran it until timber became so scarce that it became unprofitable.

Burning Ok The Adams Biock

At the corner of Eighth and Main streets, the present site of the Phojnix Block, was at one time a two-story business building consisting of four store rooms on the first floor, the second story being used for a public hall and offices. The building was erected in 1S67-8 by Robert Adams, a once prosperous woolen manufacturer who lived north of Anderson on Killbuck. On the l(5th of August, 1888. this structure was wiped out by fire which occurred about 4 o'clock in the morning when there was but little stir over the city. The fire department was summoned and worked hard to save the other buildings on the north side of the square. Randle Biddie, who was then night-watchman, was tlie first to discover the fire. He turned in the alarm, but from some cause it did not work perfectly and it was some time before the department responded. Among the occupants of the building at the time were Joseph Carr, Samuel Sykes and Benjamin Roadcap, who had rooms on the second floor. William Roach, Justice of the Peace, had his office in the room occupied by Judge Richard Lake, in the front of the building. Purcell & Ehli conducted a cigar manufacturing establishment on the upper floor. In the lower part of the building Mr. Pat Skehan had his grocery store. William West conducted a barber shop also in one of the lower rooms. There was also a dry goods store, all of which were burned, entailing in each case quite a loss.

The building at the time of the fire was owned by Captain Frederick Tykle, of Middletown. Immediately after the disaster Captain Tykle visited the scene and made a proposition to his son-in-law, Hon. John H. Terhune, that he would transfer to him the real estate, providing that he would place a building thereon, which agreement was entered into, anil work was immediately commenced. As a result, the handsome pressed-brick structure, known as the When Block, and which was demolished by the explosion of natural gas a few years later, was erected. When the When Block was destroyed Mr. Terhune at once put up another building which is

A. F. And M. Works Destroyed By Fire

The Anderson Foundry, that occupied the grounds of the present establishment of the same name, was, on the nigiit of December 14, 1871, destroyed by fire.

The}' sold out the stock in the plant in Anderson, and the company was reorganized. In the year 1876 John H. Teriiune became interested in tiie business with the Hon. Edgar Henderson, Samuel Kiser and others, and this became one of Anderson's greatest monej' makers.

The fire above alluded to was a severe blow, not only to the proprietors, but to the employes as well, who were thrown out of work for considerable time.

This establishment has become famous the world over on account of its brick and tile machine?, which are used in every State in the Union and many places outside of the United States.

Burning Of The Walker Warehouse

Alfred Walker was once the owner ot the farm on which the beautiful suburb of Evalyn is now located. He had erected on this a palatial residence which he made his home, and which has since gone into the possession of Dr. William F. Harter.

Besides being a farmer on an extensive scale, Mr. Walker was also a dealer in grain and owned a warehouse, situated at the crossing of South Main street and the Big Four railroad. On the night of December 14, 1874, about half past 10 o'clock, the citizens were aroused by the alarm of fire. It was soon discovered that the Walker warehouse was burning. The fire had made such progress before the alarm was given that all attempts to stay the ravages of the flames were futile. The whole interior of the building seemed to be ablaze, and the flames had burst through the roof before any one arrived at the scene of the disaster. An eflort was made by George Craycraft to enter the office and save the books, but on account

The fire was undoubtedly the act of an incendiary, as there had been no tire in the stoves for several days, and the engine had been silent for nearly two weeks.

Mr. Walker carried an insurance of $2,000, while his loss was estimated to be in the neighborhood of $(j,000. Besides the building, there were several thousand bushels of corn, wheat and other grain in storage for which Mr. Walker had to stand the loss.

Alfred Walker was the father of Mr. Frank A. Walker, the Anderson attorney. Mr. Walker is well remembered by the old citizens of the county. He died in St. Louis a few years ago.

Adams' Heading Factory Burned

The extensive heading factory owned and operated for many years by the Adams Bros., at the crossing of the Big Four and Pan Handle railways was, on the 5th of September, 1887, the scene of one of the most destructive conflagrations that ever took place in Anderson. Early in the afternoon the people were alarmed by a cry of lire, and a huge, dense, black column of smoke was seen arising toward the heavens from the crossing. It was soon after ascertained that the heading factory was on fire. A drought had for many weeks been prevailing, and this made the factory and all the surrounding buildings an easy prey to the flames. It was estimated that at one time six acres of ground were in a mass of fire. The saw dust, the shavings that were lying on the ground, and other debris, together with a number of freight cars which stood on the tracks, were consumed.

heading and four hundred cords of bolt wood in the yard. There were about forty loaded cars on the side-tracks at the time, but an engine on the Pan Handle railroad track succeeded in hauling several of these to a place of safety. The factory was one of the best in the country, and was supplied with the latest improved machinery, and all that was left of it was a mass of twisted iron that could only be sold for old metal. The loss of the Adams Bros, was estimated to be from $25,000 to $30,000, with an insurance of only $2,500.

A dwelling house owned by James Trueblood, north of the factory, was also destroyed. The residence of Smith Andrews was at one time on fire, but was saved through tiie efforts of the hook and ladder company. Charles Goslin, an employe, was overcome with heat, and was carried away in an unconscious condition. Elias Vandyke was caught by a pile of burning heading and was badly burned. "Jack" Williams was also caught, but escaped with only slight injuries. Fully 2,000 people were present and witnessed the scene.

The destruction of this factory was a heavy blow to the Adams Bros, and nearly wiped out their entire capital. Tlie meagre amount of insurance they held was but a drop in the Inicket towards the rebuilding of the plant. The Anderson Board of Trade called a meeting to offer assistance to the unfortunate company, which the Adams Bros, agreed to accept on condition that they be permitted to reimburse the gentlemen who might come to their assistance. Upon these terms the Board of Trade went upon the streets through its officers and solicited subscriptions to the amount of $7,000, and the factory was rebuilt.

The Adams Bros, executed notes to the citizens before commencing the rebuilding of their plant, and as soon as they had made sufficient money out of their business repaid all wiio were kind enough to come to their aid.

Destruction Of Armstrong'S Planing Mill

Nathan Armstrong, of Anderson, has been an owner and operator of a planing mill for a great number of years. He was for awhile the partner of William B. ^\'right, under the firm name of Wright & Armstrong, and carried on an extensive business of building and contracting. From 1867 to 1869 they built nearly every house within the limits of Anderson, that was erected during that period. Mr. Armstrong pur- chased from Mr. Wright, his interest, and continued to operate the same, alone, with the exception of the last few years, during which time his son Walter has had an interest. On Monday night, January 12, 1883, his large and extensive factory was noticed to be on fire by some persons who were passing by at the time. They saw smoke issuing from the building and immediately gave the alarm, but by the time people could reach the place, the fire had gained such headway that it was beyond control, and the ^vorkers were then directed to save the stock. The building being filled with inflammable material, burned so rapidly that in a short time nothing was left but the walls.

The loss to Mr. Armstrong was estimated to be $15,000, with no insurance. This fell heavily upon him, but being a man of nerve and business tact, he immediately set about rebuilding the structure and placed therein new and improved machinery, which he has operated from that time until the present period, doing a prosperous business and has long since recovered from the effects of the loss that he sustained in 1888. No man in Anderson has enjoyed more universally the confidence of his fellow-men than does Nathan Armstrong.

Destructive Fire In Anderson

A very destructive fire occurred at the corner of Ninth and Meridian streets in Anderson on the morning of the 13th of July, 1880, in which the grocery store of Irey Brothers; the millinery establishment of Miss Carrie Dodd ; the meat market belonging to Rhoades Brothers; the shoe store of Minor Barrett ; the United States Express Company ; and the agricultural store of B. F. Alford were wiped out of existence. The buildings in which the fire occurred were wooden structures which had stood there for many years and were joined closely together. The fire was first discovered in Irey Brotiiers store by night watchman W^lf, who gave the alarm, but it being at an early hour in the morning when people are generally asleep verj' few responded in time either to assist in removing the goods or to help quench the flames. The cause of the conflagration was unknown but strong suspicions were aroused that it was the act of an incendiary. About two weeks prior to the fire a quantity of pine shavings which had been saturated with coal oil was discovered under the room occupied by the grocery store and had doubtless been placed there for the purpose of firing the building. The buildings belonged to Hester Xeely, some of which were afterwards rebuilt under leases, and others by Miss Neely herself. The fire was a seveie blow financially to Mr. B. F. Alford, from the effects of which he has never been able to recover.

Burning Of The American Wire Nail Mills

One of the most destructive fires that ever occurred in Anderson took place at the American Wire Nail Company's buildings in Ilazelwood addition on the lilth of March, 1890, by which that immense industry was almost totallj' destroyed. The roof burned first and fell on the machinery and lower floor. Some of the stacks were left and the office fixtures were also saved. The rolling mill and the repair shop were totally destroyed ; a greater portion of the wire mill department was saved. The machinery was badly burned and much of it broken by the falling of the roof; minor parts of the engine and boiler were broken and injured. This fire entailed a great loss to the company. During the conflagration there was much excitement, and consternation reigned supreme. The mill was covered by $50,000 insurance, which did not make up the amount destroyed, much less the loss of time and delay in re-building. Immediately after the fire a move was put on foot to re-build the plant upon a more substantial basis. The directors, at a meeting shortly after, decided upon reconstructing the plant by building it entirely as an iron structure. The Board of Trade of Anderson called a meeting and entered into an agreement with the company to enlarge its plant to a certain capacity and donated a subsidy for that purpose. The leading members of the board and the best citizens of the city helped the company, and soon the buildings were restored and the men were again at work.

This is one of Anderson's best industries. The new buildings erected are entirely of iron, and it would be almost an impossibility to again burn them down.

A Line Shaft Victim

On the morning of December 16, 1894, Curtis L. Tingle, of Anderson, an employe of the Woolley foundry, met death in a most horrible manner. A fellow workman at the foundry heard a pounding noise in that portion of the building where Tingle was accustomed to work, and its unusual sound at once filled his mhiJ with apprehension. He immediately signaled the engineer to stop the engine. He then hurried to the cupola, where the limp body of Tingle hung suspended from the line shaft. The clothing of the unfortunate man was wrapped so tightly around the shaft that it became necessary to cut his body loose. There were no cuts or bruises visible, save a fractured left arm near the wrist. The face, however, bore every trace of an agonized death. Ho%v it happened will forever remain a mj'stery to his friends and the inmates of the factory, as no human eve was a witness. The generally accepted supposition, however, is that in adjusting a belt on a pulley his clothing was caught by the shaft, and the man, helpless and paralyzed with fear, was hurled to deatli. His cry of distress, if uttered at all, was never heard. The thump, thump, thump of his body as it struck the side of the wall told of an unusual situation in the cupola section and led to the discovery.

The County Fair at Anderson was for many years looked forward to as a great season of enjoyment by the people of the county. Many enjoyable days have been spent in the beautiful grove of spreading oaks that lent their grateful shade to the comfort of the mass of humanitv who congregated there ainuially to give themselves up to gaiety and sport. Among the manv scenes of pleasure there have been some of sadness as well. One of the unfortunate afl'airs was the breaking of the leg of A. ^V. Stewart, of Elwood, on the 7th of September, 1870. While "'scoring '" the horses for a start in a race Stewart was coming down the "stretch" at a lively gait when he collided with a horse driven by Richard Hunt, whereb)- his sulky %vas overturned and he was thrown out after being dragged for some distance, and had his leg broken and being otherwise bruised.

He was kindly cared for by friends and soon recovered. This accident caused the greatest excitement tiiroughout the densely crowded grounds, and it was simply miraculous that others were not injured.

The extensive heading factory owned by J. L. Kilgore & Co., on South Main street, opposite the Big Four passenger station, was destroyed by fire on Sunda}-. the 16th of February,

1887, being one of the most destructive fires that ever took place in the city. The Hanies were first discovered in the engine room, where a spark from the furnace ignited a pile of saw-dust that lay close by. The fire spread with startling rapidity, owing to the combustible nature of the timber in the building. Although the firemen responded with promptness the factory was almost consumed before a stream of water could be turned upon it. This was a great loss to the propritors as well as to the community from the fact that it was at that time the largest manufacturing industry in the citj', and gave employment to a great number of workingmen, who were left almost destitute in the dead of winter. The building and its contents were partially insured, but not sufficiently to pay the loss. The company owned another factory at New Castle and it was several weeks before the proprietors determined upon re-building ; but after mature deliberation the factory was rebuilt and placed in operation and so continued until a few years ago, when, in consequence of the scarcity of timber in this section of the country, the plant was moved to Paducah, Kentucky, where it is now in active operation.

The Fatal Swimming Hole

On the 24th of August, 1876, Charley Brown, a lad of eight years of age, was drowned in White river, just below t*lie Fan Handle railroad bridge, while swimming with some boys. He was the son of a widow, who ^vas a domestic in the famil}- of Michael Skehan, who then lived on West Eighth street. His little companions did all in their power to rescue him, but to no purpose, as they were all small and could be of but little help to him. After making a heroic effort to save himself, he went down for the third and last time and sank from sight. The little fellows who were in his company were terror stricken and for a time did not know what to do. After gatiiering their wits, they gave the alarm, and the citizens turned out and made search for his body which wa* found, after some effort, not far from where he went down. This was a very sad afi'air for his widowed mother, as he was her only son, and she was very poor and worked out to maintain him and herself.