Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 75, 1897 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 75

Pipe Creek township derives its name from a small but pretty stream that enters the township on the east and leaves it about midway on the south. The name " Pipe " was given to the stream in honor of the noted Indian chief , Captain Pipe, or Hopocan (which signifies in the Delaware tongue, " tobacco-pipe"). The township is peculiar in shape, having ten inside and outside corners, with an area of forty-three square miles. It is well watered by Big and Little Duck creek. Big Branch, Pipe creek and their tributaries, and when Joseph Schell, the first settler in the township, located in 1830 on what is now section 11, was densely timbered. In 1832 a number of settlers, among whom were \Valter and William Etchison, from North Carolina, Reuben Kelly, from Virginia, Peter Job and John Chamness located in the vicinity of the present site of Frankton, and in 1833 Jacob Sigler, from Yivginia, and John Beeson, from Wayne county, Ind., located on the ground where Frankton stands. Others followed and the township was organized on the 13th of May, 1833.

" Ordered that there be a new township organized and stricken ofi" from Jackson township as follows, to-wit : Beginning on the county line at the south-west corner of Section 9, in Township No. 20, in Range No. 6 east, running thence east on the section line to the south-east corner of Section No. 8, Township 20, Range 7 east, thence north to the county line, thence west to the north-u'est corner of the county, thence south to the county line to the place of beginning. To be known and designated by the name and style of Pipe Creek township. It is also ordered that the Sheriff notify citizens of said township, that they on the last Saturday in June next proceed to elect one Justice of the Peace in said township, and that all elections in said township be holden at the house of Walter Etchison until otherwise ordered by the Board."

The boundary of Pipe Creek township as originally made and established by the County Board was changed at the May session, 1835, as follows :

"On petition filed it is ordered by the Board that the boundary lines of Pipe Creek township be altered so as to include the following territory, viz: Commencing at the southeast corner of .Section 10, Town 20, north of Range 7 east, running thence north to the county line, thence west with the county line to the north-west corner of Madison county, thence south on the said county line to the south-west corner of Section 8, Town 20 north, Range 6 east, thence east to the place of beginning; and that the said acquired territory and the same is stricken from the township of Richland. It is ordered that Jesse Harris be appointed Constable ; James French and Jesse Etchison, Supervisors; Jacob Sigler and William Flint, Overseers of the PoOr ; Robin Erwin and Jeremiah Derry, Fence Viewers of the township of Pipe Creek, and it is also further ordered that an election be held in said township on the first Monday in June next for the purpose of electing an additional Justice of the Peace, and that the Sheriff give notice accordingly."

It will also be seen by this that Richland, though now one of the smallest townships in the county, was at one time one of the largest, containing all the territory of Pipe Creek, Monroe and Lafayette.

An election was held the following June at the house of Walter Etchison, and James Beeson was elected to the oftice of Justice of the Peace. Shortly after this Elijah Dwiggins settled in the township and was soon followed by John and Daniel Dwiggins. In April, 1836, Noah Waymire settled on Section 24 and in June of the same year Henry Plummer located on Section 30.

Tlie names of others who settled in the township prior to 1840 are : James and William Montgomery, Jonathan Reeder, James M. Dehority, Caleb Canaday, James Barrow, Benjamin and Hezekiah Denny, John Hardy, Jacob French, Jacob Sigler, James Tharp, Edmund Johnson, Starling and Hezekiah Kidwell, John Benifiel, Arthur Legg, Joseph and Jonathan Miller, Frank Dennis and Lindsey Blue. A majority of these early settlers located along the creek from which the township gets its name. These pioneers have long since gone to their reward, but thev have numerous descendents living in the township and in other portions of the county who take pride in recounting their virtues. The first public highway in the township was the old Indianapolis and Fort Wayne State road, which was cut out but never improved.

The first mill erected in the township was a "corn -cracker." It was built in 1839 or 1840, and was located on the Big Branch on the old J. C. Montgomery farm, north-west of Frankton. It was a rude affair, but ground out a very good quality of corn meal. Previous to this the pioneers were compelled to take their corn to Perkinsville or Anderson to have it ground. About this time a saw-mill was built on Pipe creek, three miles north-east of Frankton, by Joseph and Daniel Franklin. This mill is still standing and is owned by David Fesler.

The first schoolhouse in the township was built in 1836 on Jacob Sigler's land, and the first school was taught by Dr. Perry. Joseph Sigler, who was afterwards elected Auditor of the county, was one of the first teachers in the township and taught school for many years. Hezekiah Denny, Tighlman Armfield and John Ring also taught in an early day.

The first village in the township was a place called " New Madison." It was situated about a mile and a half northeast of the present site of Frankton, on the south side of Pipe creek, and was laid out by John Chamness, December 3, 1849. Two years later another town called " Monticello " was laid out by James Hilldrup and a Mr. Sanders, about two miles northwest of where Frankton is situated. The town at one time consisted of a store, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and six or seven houses. James Hilldrup owned the store, and Hezekiah Denny taught the school. Considerable business, considering the sparse population of the vicinitj', was done here in the early '50s, but immigrants to the township preferred a diflerent location, and the village declined. This was likewise the case with New Madison, or " Chamnesstown," as it was sometimes called by the old settlers, and that such places ever existed is now but an old-time memory.

This village was originally known as " Mudsock," the name being conferred on account of the marshy condition of the land where it is situated. Back in the early '50s Riley

Etchison erected a log cabin near the present site of Dundee, where he traded in peltries, giving in exchange, when desired, dry goods and groceries. There were no roads at that time leading to his place of business, only forest paths or traces, as they were called by the backwoodsmen. Mr. Etchison's nearest neighbors were Anderson Brannock and Edmund Johnson, the latter the father of the present Clerk of the county. Ex- Sheriff Albert Ross, who is at present a resident of Anderson, traded coon-skins and other peltries for goods at this place in 1856, and has a vivid recollection of many interesting and amusing incidents that occurred hereabout that time and later. In the course of time quite a settlement sprang up and a postoffice was established here, the place being given the name of Dundee. On the 6th of December, 1883, Mr. Etchison platted the land upon which the village is situated and placed it on file in the Recorder's office. Dundee is four and a half miles east of Elwood, on the L. E. & M. R. R. The population at this time is estimated at 150 people.

Town Of Frankton

This interesting town is situated on the P., C, C. & St. L. Railroad, in the southeast part of the township, and was laid out March 3, 1853, by Alfred Makepeace and Francis Sigler. The first house erected in the place was built in 1848 by John Hardy, and a stock of general merchandise was placed in it by Alfred Makepeace. This store at one time was in charge of the Hon. Eli B. Goodykoontz, of Anderson. The building is still standing. Mr. Makepeace purchased his goods in Cincinnati and hauled them to Frankton in wagons.

The growth of the town was slow until 1887, when the discovery of natural gas caused it to assume an air of thrift and importance, such as are seldom witnessed outside of the Indiana gas field or rich western mining districts. It now has an estimated population of 2000 people. The town was incorporated in 1871, and the first Board of Trustees were : Dr. S. W. Edwins, William Cochran and Dr. R. Harvey. The present Trustees are : Solomon Smelser, Richard Lewellyn and William Johns.

The first postmaster in the township was probably William Taylor, who lived about one mile east of Frankton and kept the office at his house. The office was established in 1887 or 1838 and the mail was conveyed on horseback from Indianapolis via Strawtown, Perkinsville and on to Alexan- dria. The present postmaster is William T. Wright. The first church organized in the township was in the summer of 183G at the house of Reuben Kelly about one mile east of Frankton. A number of devoted Methodists, among whom were William Taylor, Joseph Miller, John Chamness, Jacob Speck, Amos Goff and their wives, gathered at the house of Mr. Kelly and the society was organized. This society for many years belonged to the Anderson circuit and its meetings were held during that time at the houses of the membership. Among the early ministers who preached to the congregation were Revs. Hezekiah Smith, J. F. Stiles, I. N. Ellsberry and J. C. Bradshaw.

The next religious society organized in the township was the Frankton Christian church. This church was organized in 1839 by Daniel Franklin at the house of Elijah Ring. The first membership included among others, Daniel Franklin, Joseph Franklin, Henry Plummer, Elisha Lawson, Edmund Johnson and their wives. Services were held at the homes of the members. In 1854 a majority ot the congregation united with the Elwood church and assisted in building a house of worship at that place, but in 1859 they returned and the Frankton church was reorganized. In 1867 a place of worship was erected by the congregation, since which time the membership has had a permanent home. Among those who have ministered to the spiritual wants of the church at times are Elders Daniel Franklin, Benjamin Franklin, his son, Joseph Franklin, Henry Blount, Cornelius Qiiick, and Grafton Nailor, the latter being the present pastor.

Besides the Methodist and Christian Churches, the United Brethren and Adventists each have an organized society at Frankton and a permanent place of worship. The new church edifice erected this year by the United Brethren is one of the

Frankton Schools

Much pride is taken in the public schools of Frankton by the citizens of the place, and the result is that a liberal policy is pursued by the School Board in providing educational accommodations and facilities for pupils. The enrollment this year was 432 pupils, for whose benefit a corps of teachers is employed. H. H. Belden is Principal of the schools. The present School Trustees are W. H. H. Quick, J. H. Daugherty and Joseph Qiiinn.

Frankton Industries

The following are the factories thus far located in this thriving little city: Clyde Window Glass Co., two factories; Frankton Window Glass Factory, Wetherald Rolling-Mill,. Hoosier Fence Co., Frankton Brick Works, Dwiggins Fence Co., Quick City Novelty Works, Bradrick & Lineburg Fence Factory, Frankton Lumber Manufacturing Co., Frankton Flouring Mills, Orr & Campbell Saw-mill. These factoriesemploy a large number of hands, and are in active operation.

The Clyde Window Glass Factory was the first located at Frankton after the discovery of natural gas." It was located through the instrumentality of Joseph M. Watkins, October 22, 1889. He owned certain lands at Frankton, which he platted as Watkins' 1st, 2d, 3d and Fairview additions. He was one of the leading promoters of the "boom " that subsequently transformed Frankton from a village to a thriving, bustling town. Mr. Watkins is now Deputy County Treasurer. He is the son of Francis Watkins, one of the early pioneers of Richland Township, but for many years past a resident of the city of Anderson.

C. Q.Uick & Co.'S Bank

This institution was established in the year 1876 by Cornelius Qiiick, a leading citizen of Frankton and gentleman of wealth. His son, George Quick, now interested in the Anderson Banking Company, was a partner in the bank and took an active interest in its affairs until he retired to accept his. ' present position. The business of the bank is conducted upon conservative principles, and is one of the safest and soundest financial repositories in the county.

Fraternal Societies City Of Elwood

Elwood is the second city in size and importance in the county. It is situated in the north-west part of the township on the P., C, C. & St. L. Railway, and near the Tipton county line. It was originally called Quincy, but on account of another village, or postoffice, of that name in Owen county which caused no little confusion in delivering mail, the name was changed through the efforts of Captain F. M. Hunter and others, to that of Ehvood on the 21st of July, 1869, Captain Hunter being at that time, and for fifteen years thereafter, postmaster.

The town was laid out March 1, 1853, by James Anderson, Mark Simmons and J. B. Frazer, and soon after a postoffice was established. The office was called Duck Creek, and William Barton was appointed postmaster. Mr. Barton opened the first store (in 1852), also the first bank (in 1870), and built the first grain elevator. The office of postmaster has been held by the following gentlemen in the order named : William Barton, J. M. Dehority, W. F. ]SIorris, P. B. Smith, F. M. Hunter, James M. Parsons, James M. Overshiner and Franz Harbit, the latter being the present incumbent.

The Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad was completed to Elwood in 1857, and Andrew J. Griffith was appointed depot agent. It is related that Mr. Griffith was compelled very often to walk out from the "station" to the train on a log for the mail, the land in that immediate vicinity being covered with water at that day nearly the whole year round. No man at that time could have predicted the future possibilities of the place ; no man dreamed that it had beneath it that which, in a day, would cause it to mount to prominence later on as a busy mart, a proud manufacturing city. The growth of the town was like that of other Indiana towns until the discovery of natural gas - "nothing to boast of," although it was always a good business point. In 1872 it was incorporated, and the following officers were elected : Huston Clendenen, G. W. Hupp and John Ross, Trustees ; George Ross, Treasurer ; J. H. Hunter, Clerk; and J. M. Parsons, Marshal.

" A large amount of lumber and heading and stave material is shipped from this place. It contains a Methodist Episcopal and Christian church, a brick schoolhouse, a railroad depot, a good hotel, a livery stable, a lanyard, a flouring mill and several neat and tasteful private residences. The business firms are Burriss & Quick, J. M. DeHority & Son, H. C. Calloway, R. Free and A. Chamness & Dwiggins. The druggists are F. M. Hunter, J. F. Mock & Hunter and Waymire. The harnessmakers, T. Samuels & Bro. Shoemakers, James Parsons, William Hopenrath and John Buchanan. Wagonmakers, J. M. Overshiner & Co. Blacksmiths, George Barns & Son and James Hannah. Lumber dealer, Augustus Kramer. Sawyers, Cochran & Sons. Miller, J. T. Adair. Postmaster, F. M. Hunter. Railroad agent. Perry A. Taylor. Elwood contains a population of four hundred."

This picture presents Elwood as it was twenty-two years ago. It would require a volume now to give the details of its progress and history since that time. It is the marvel of the Indiana gas belt, and the pride not only of its citizens, but of the people of the entire county. It arose " as if from the stroke of the enchanter's wand," and yet there is not, perhaps, in the country a city of equal size whose improvements are more substantial, or whose various enterprises are operated upon a sounder basis. Immediately following the drilling of the first gas well the town began improving ; manufactory after manufactory was located by its enterprising citizens ; capital was invited to safe and profitable investment; the old landmarks disappeared and its busy population prospered.

Incorporated As A City

On the 27tli of April, 1891, an election was held for the purpose of determining the sentiment of the people with reference to incorporating the town as a city. The result of this election was 377 for and 146against the proposition. Soon after the city was divided into four wards, and the following officers were elected : W. A. Dellority, Mayor; O. A. Armfield, Clerk; T. L. DeHority, Treasurer; F. M. Hunter, Jr., Marshal; Councilmen, First Ward, G. W. Bryer and Jacob Kraus : Second Ward, Martin E. Goode and Hugh Lyst , Third Ward, Daniel Heck and S. H. Cochran ; Fourth Ward, John Frith and W. B. Willets. Since the first city election the following getitlemen have been elected members of the Common Council: Francis Harbit, W. L. Austil, Joseph Boyer, Theo. Harwick, C. C. Kestner, T. O. Arnifield, M. L. Shores, James Howard, A. L. Starkey, F. M. Headle^', R. H. Mount, A. B. Williams.

The present city officers are : W. A. Finch, Mayor; W. A. Hupp, clerk ; T. L. DeHority, Treasurer; James Parsons, Marshal; Geo. W. Alford, City Judge.

and five patrolmen appointed by a Board of Police Commissioners. The city also has a fire department and system of water-works, \vhich aff'ord ample protection against fire.

William A. Dehority

The subject of this sketch was born October 24, 1868, in the town of Elwood. His parents were John W. and Jane De- Hority, both of whom were born in Madison county. The father died August 28, 1891; the mother is still living at the old homestead at Elwood.

Mr. DeHority's boyhood was passed in the usual occupations which engaged the attention of the young in country villages. In 1885 he entered Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until 1887. In 1887-8 he took a commercial course at Louisville, Kentucky, where he acquired a knowledge of practical business methods, which, together with unlimited energy and good sound judgment, have contributed very largely to his success in the various enterprises to which he has given his attention. Owing to many advantageous circumstances he was chosen as the Democratic candidate for Mayor of Elwood after its incorporation as a city in 1891, and on the 9th of June of that year was triumphantly elected, being the first Mayor of that city and the youngest at tiie time in the State. During his administration the Elwood electric liglit plant was put in operation, his little son, John W. DeHority, having the honor of pulling the throttle that set the machinery in motion for the first time. This interesting event took place at 2 o'clock p. m., August 1, 1891. The electric street railway and water works system were also begun and completed during his term of office - improvements which it now affords him great pleasure as a citizen to know that he assisted in promoting. At the time of his election Elwood had a population of 2,500; it is now a city of 11,000 population.

Mr. DeHority was married June 27, 1888, to Miss Frances C. Metts, daughter of Rev. M. S. Metts, who was at the time pastor of the M. E. church at Elwood. The fruits of this union have been four children, three boys and one girl - John W., Ruth M., J. Loomis and Walter C. F., all of whom are living.

Mr. DeHority is actively engaged in various business enterprises and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him. He is nothing if not practical and comes as nearly observing the Golden Rule as any man in Madison county.

The Schools

The school facilities and accommodations of Elwood compare favorably with those of any city in the State of equal population. The progress made in this respect is commensurate with the advancement made by the city in its material interests. In 1876 the city had but one school building, which was known as the " Elwood Graded School ," the faculty being J. T. Jennings, Principal ; John Gronendyke, C. M, Greenlee and Joseph Howard, teachers in the grammar, intermediate and primary departments, respectively. The city to-day has four large school buildings of modern design and a corps of thirty-three teachers. The number of children of school age this year was 2,764. Every facility for acquiring a common school education is afforded pupils by an active and liberal Board of Trustees. Thomas F. Fitzgibbon,a gentleman well qualified for the position, is school Superintendent..

Manufactories And Banking Interests

list of her manufacturing industries, all of which have been located since the discovery of natural gas : Pittsburg Plate Glass Works, George A. Macbeth Glass Factory, W. R. McCloy Glass Factory, Elwood Furniture Company, Ehvood Furniture and Planing Mill Company, Elwood Boiler and Engine Works, Elwood Crystal Ice Manufacturing Company, Superior Radiator Company, Elwood Window Glass Company. Nivisen & Weiskolp Bottle Works, Phil Hamm Boiler Works. Akron Steam Forge Works, Elwood Brick Company, Starkey Brick Company, George Heffner Planing Mill Company, American Tin Plate Works. Elwood Box Factory, Elwood Iron Works, Excelsior Works.

In addition to these industries the city has an electric railwav system that is operated in connection with the Elwood electric light plant ; also a telephone system, at the head of which is James M. Overshiner.

Banking Institutions

The city has two banks, the Citizens' Exchange Bank and the First National Bank, the former having been organized in 1881 by B. T. and H. C. Calloway, and the latter in January, 1892. The National had been doing business, however, as a private institution, known as the Farmers' Bank, until it was reorganized. The officers of this bank are J. H. DeHority, President; Nathan J. Leisure, Vice-President; J. A. DeHority, Cashier. The building in which this bank conducted its business was burned in 1892, and another was built on the north-west corner of Anderson and Main streets, where it is now located. Both banks have ample capital and enjoy the fullest confidence, not only of the business men of Elwood, but of the public generall}-.

An Immense Establishment

It would require much more space than is permissible in this work to give the names of the merchants and citizens doing business here at the present time, even if it were proper to do so. A history of this character, however, would be subject to just criticism if it failed to give some mention of the mammoth retail establishment of J. L. Leeson & Sons. This store occupies a three-storj' block, situated at the south-east corner of Anderson and South A streets, and is the largest establishment of its kind in the county. It is a department store and employs at certain times and during certain seasons as many as eighty clerks, to wait upon the customers \vho throng the different departments. An immense business is done annually, greater, perhaps, than in any store of its kind in Central or Eastern Indiana, excepting the State capital. It is a credit to the city of Elwood and the county, and stands as a monument to the excellent business methods and management of its founder, Mr. J. L. Leeson.

Fraternal Organizations

The first fraternal order organized at Elwood was Quincy Lodge, No. 230, F. and A. M. The lodge was instituted May 25, 1858, the following officers being elected : A. J. Griffith, W. M. ; J. M. DeHority, S. W. ; D. Barton, J. W. The lodge has a large membership and is in a prosperous condition.

Accidents And Incidents Destructive Fire At Elwood

On the morning of September 18, 1872, a destructive fire occurred at Elwood, whereby the large flouring and saw-mills owned and operated by John T. Adair took fire between 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning and were entirely consumed. The proprietor had run the mill until about 2 o'clock a. m. and, after shutting down, had gone to his home. He had scarcely reached his house and become comfortably seated before a cry of fire was heard, and looking out, saw that his mill was enveloped in flames. The alarm was given to the people of the neighborhood, and soon they ran from all directions with buckets and such other artpliances as were then at hand to enable them to subdue the fire, but in less than an hour the whole structure was destroyed, together with the contents, consisting of a large amount of wheat, valued at from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars, and a large quantity of lumber, the value of which was estimated at .$8,000, making a total loss of very nearly $20,000, none of \vhich was insured.

The loss fell very heavily on Mr. Adair, who had his entire fortune wrapped up in these enterprises. He was an energetic, thorough-going business man, and possessed the confidence and esteem of the community, who deeply sympathized with him. Efforts were at once made by the people of Elwood and the surrounding country to render him assistance to rebuild his mill, which he subsequently did, although on not so large a scale as the first one.

Mr. Adair was at this time a popular Democratic politician in Madison county, and one time made a contest for the nomination for County Treasurer, and came within one vote of reaching the goal of his ambition.

The losses sustained by Mr. Adair had the effect to a certain extent of destroying his usefulness as a business man, as he never fully recovered from it, and he died about the year 1885 near the scene of the conflagration.

The Killing Of Milton Halfin

On New Year's eve of the year 1875, the town of Ehvood was thrown into great excitement over the report that a j-oung man had been killed on the railroad near that village. Many of the citizens ran to the place of the disaster, where tliey found the lifeless form of a young man of the name of Milton Halfin lying on the railroad track, who had accidentally met his death by a pistol shot in the hands of Philip Hosier, a comrade.

The facts of the unfortunate shooting were about as follows: Arrangements had been made for an oyster supper at the house of Isaac Etchison, who resided about a mile and a half from Elwood. In the evening young Halfin and Philip Hosier went to town to purchase the oysters and other delicacies for the evening's entertainment. After providing themselves with such articles as they required, thev started back to the Etchison home, accompanied by Ira Kidwell, James Bird, William Kidwell, and John Kidwell. It being quite dark,, the)' walked down the railroad track in single file, Halfin being in the lead. Bird second. Hosier third, and Ira Kidwell fourth. -

They moved along quite rapidiv. jesting and talking with each other, when about half a mile from the town , Hosier quietly took a revolver from his pocket and, without warning, fired; into the air to scare his companions, as he afterwards said.

In doing so he cocked the pistol to fire the second time, and James Bird, who was frightened by the first report of the pistol, partly turned around to see what was the cause of the shooting, and in doing this threw up his hands and caught Hosier's arm which held the pistol, and jerked it downwards

In the meantime Halfin, who had partially turned around, at moment received the contents of the pistol in his left temple. The wounded man fell forward upon his face, and when they attempted to raise him he was found to be dead. vSome of the young men of the party hastened back to town for medical aid, and Drs. Armfield and Sigler hastened to the fatal spot, but the unfortunate man had died before they reached his side.

An inquest was held the next day by George M. Ballard, Justice of the Peace at Elwood, and a verdict of accidental shooting was rendered by the jury. Hosier was present at the inquest and gave full details as to the shooting and his connection with the affair ; he did not try in any way to conceal the facts of the case. Halfin and Hosier were about the same age, and greatly attached to each other. Both were young men of steady habits and much respected.

Struck By Lightning

In the month of August, 1878, on Sunday morning about 10 o'clock, during a shower at Elwood, a bolt of lightning struck a two-story tenement liouse located in the center of the town. The house was occupied at the time by a widow and another familj' - ten persons in all. The house was literally demolished. The shingles were torn from the roof and parts of the building were stripped off and carried to quite a distance from the scene of the disaster. In one corner of the house, under the sheathing, a hole about a foot in diameter was left where the lightning had entered, and then, striking the wall, twisted the main posts into splinters. Strange as it may seem, the inmates, who at the time were scattered about in different parts of the house, escaped without injury. Ira Kidwell, Jr., and Isaac Boyden, who were walking along the street about a hundred yards from the place, were knocked senseless by the force of the lightning, but soon recovered. The town was terribly shaken up over the matter, but fortunately no fatal injury was done to anv one.

Killed On A Railway

On Saturday, the 30th of August, 1878, John Sloan, William Cox, Edward Spencer, Aaron Spencer and John W. Spencer hired a team and spring wagon at the livery stable of Cox & Swindell, at Alexandria, and went to Dundee to a dance that was to be held on that evening. When they arrived at that place they found that the dance had been postponed. The party then proceeded to a saloon and drank quite freely. William Cox and John W. Spencer had gone to look about the team and had driven it partly across the railway and halted on the crossing. They had been gone but a little while when a train came down the track at a rapid rate. The engineer, seeing the men, gave a shrill signal. The party in the saloon rushed out just in time to see the train run over the wagon and kill one of its occupants.

It is supposed that Cox and Spencer had been overcome by liquor and did not hear the whistle until it was too late to make their escape. Spencer was killed instantly, and Cox suffered severely, but afterwards recovered. The front wheel of the wagon was carried a distance of one hundred and fifty feet. One of the horses was killed and the other terribljmangled. An inquest was held by Coroner Rockenfield and a verdict of accidental death in accordance with the facts was rendered. The railroad company was excused from all blame in the matter.

Killed By A Switch Engine

Charles J. Jeffries, of Elwood, was run over by a switch engine on the tracks at Indianapolis and killed, August 17, 1884. Both his limbs were cut off, and he lived but a short time. His remains were forwarded to Elwood, where his widowed mother resided. He was a young man, 22 vears of age, and unmarried. He had been employed by the Pan Handle Railroad Company some time prior to the accident, and had been out of work but a short time, having gone to Indianapolis with a companion to look for a situation. He was standing on the track unconscious of the approaching locomotive, when he was run over, with the above result.

Killed By A Horse

James Bright, a young man about twenty-four years of age, residing at Elwood, was, on Monday, the 12th of October, 1884, killed at a point a few miles west of that place on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He was approaching the crossing, when a train came along, and he got out of his buggy to hold the horse, when it took fright and reared, striking him on the head with its hoof, and then in some manner losing control of his feet, the animal fell upon him. His skull was crushed, and the injuries he received caused instant death.

Mr. Bright was an exemplary young man, and the tragical occurrence was very much lamented. The remains were buried on the following Wednesday.

Accidental Death

On Wednesday, the I'Mh of February, 1885, John Eastborn, a young man residing two miles north of Elwood, was the victim of a fatal accident. He was engaged in chopping down a tree, which fell upon him. One of the limbs struck him on the right side of the head, producing a fracture of the skull, from which he died. No one was with him at the time and little was known of the occurrence. Coroner Wm. A. Hunt was notified, and he held an inquest, being assisted by Dr. Daniel Sigler, who made a post-mortem examination, which resulted in a verdict of accidental death in accordance with the above facts. Mr. Eastborn was an industrious, hardworking boy, and the main support of a widowed mother, whom he left in needy circumstances.

In the month of March, 1887, a very sad suicide took place at the residence of John Grifiee, a farmer living five miles west of Elwood, whereby his sixteen-year-old daughter took her own life by swallowing adoseof " Rough on Rats." She had gone to Rigdon to purchase a box of this compound, and on returning home ate a part of it, and then told her mother what she had done. A physician was summoned, but not until the poison had taken such effect that she was beyond the reach of medical aid. She was a handsome and intelligent girl. Her parents and friends were very much grieved over the sad occurrence.

Anderson Brannock was an old and highlv-respected citizen who lived in Pipe Creek township for many years. On the 4th of April, 1882, while carelessly handling a pistol, it was discharged, killing him instantly. He was in his house hunting for a button to sew on his pants and while examining a box in whicli there were several articles he espied an old revolver that had been lying there for some time. He made a light remark that it iiad been there long enough and ought to be disposed of in some way, as it was considered worthless. While handling the weapon it was discharged.

the bullet taking effect in his abdomen. His wife and a servant girl were in the house at the time. They heard the discharge of the pistol and ran to his relief. The alarm was given to the neighbors and physicians were sent for, but the wound was of such a nature that no relief could be of any service to him, and he died the saine evening.

Michael Ryan, Coroner of Madison county, was summoned, and on the 15th of April held an inquest and returned a verdict of accidental death in accordance ^vith the above facts.

William Silvy, a farmer residing near Dundee in Pipe Creek township, committed suicide by hanging himself on the 22nd of September, 1885. He tied a rope around the rafters in an outhouse near his residence and without ceremonv swung himself into eternity. He had been troubled with rheumatism for many years and the disease had crippled him to such an extent that he had to require the constant use of crutches. It was through despondencj- on account of his bad health that caused him to take his life. He was a prosperous farmer in that part of the county before the disease fastened itself upon him and had accumulated considerable wealth, much of which he spent in the way of doctor bills and medicine. Dr. William A. Hunt, Coroner of the county, was called and investigated the case and rendered a verdict of death by suicide.

Killed By A L. E. & W. Railway Train

On Wednesday, the 25th of December, 1889, John Kemp, residing one-half mile west of Elwood, was run over by a Lake Erie and Western Railroad train and instantly killed. He had been to Elwood and had started home down the track ; he was in an inebriated condition, and it seems that he did not notice the approaching train, and when near a crossing he was struck by the locomotive, and his bodv, just above the hips, was cut almost in twain. He ^vas an unmarried man, about 30 years old, and resided with a brother, who took charge of his remsins, after the inquest bv the Coroner. They were interred in the neighborhood.

Run Over By A Pan Handle Train

He was in an intoxicated condition and had sat down upon the track. Dr. Stanley W. Edwins, of Frankton, was summoned and attended his wounds, amputating the w^ounded member. He recovered from the effects of his injuries.

Terrible Explosion

Newton House has for many years run a flouring mill at Elwood. On the morning of January 4, 1887, about 7 o'clock, the boilers under this mill exploded with terrific force, killing Joseph Redd and Dell Lyst, and severely injuring other persons in the neighborhood whose escape was miraculous. On the Monday evening before the explosion Dell Lyst, the engineer, when shutting down, drew part of the water from the boiler, intending the next morning to clean it out. On the following morning, however, he came late to his work. Joseph Redd, the miller, having got there before he did put a fire in the furnace which had been burning quite a while under the boiler, he not knowing the state of the water. When the engineer reached the place and the pumps were tested they were found frozen. The two men set to work to thaw out the valves, and the moment they were placed in running order and the cold stream of water was turned in, a terrible explosion occurred. Both men were killed instantly. Joseph Redd received a dozen or more internal injuries, any one of which would have proven fatal. The entire skin of llisface was burned off, and he could only be recognized by the clothing he wore. His right arm was crushed to the shoulder and both his legs were broken. He was a man of 39 years of age, and left a widow and two children. The remains of Dell Lyst, the engineer, w^ere mutilated almost beyond recognition, and were found in the boiler room a few feet distant from the pump, where he and Redd stood at the time the explosion occurred. The back part of his head was crushed, and there were scarcely two bones left in his body t-hat were not broken. He was about twenty-six years of age and left a widow and one child.

George Redd, another person who worked in the mill, was discovered a few moments after the explosion under a pile of brick and mortar and was rescued, being terribly hurt and frightened almost out of his senses. He finally recovered from the effects of the shock.

The victims of the explosion were buried at Elwood, and their funerals were attended by nearly all the population of the city. Services were held in the "rink," as the church was not large enough to hold the throng.

The mill was a complete wreck. The boiler house was entirely blown away and some of the foundation stones were removed from their position. One section of the boiler weighing nearly 200 pounds was thrown a distance of about two squares through the town and came down through the roof of a blacksmith shop. Another piece quite as large was thrown in an opposite direction for a considerable distance and was found near the cliurch. Another portion of the boiler was carried to a great distance and found near the residence of Mr. William Clymer, at the Pan Handle depot. Fragments of the building were found upon stores and houses in the locality. A section of pipe that was in a wall some twenty feet from the surface of the ground was blown out, and was found some distance away from the building. A piece of the boiler-head struck the brick residence of Dr. Daniel Sigler, north of the mill, and cut a hole in the wall ; another piece passed through a window of the same residence striking a stove and breaking it. The concussion produced by the explosion broke nearly all the glass in Sigler's residence and badly cracked the north wall of his building.

The mill was built in tirst-class style and co9t about $17,000. Its destruction was a severe blow to Mr. House financially, from the effects of which he has not recovered to this day, although he rebuilt the mill upon a more economic basis. This was one of the most disastrous occurrences that ever transpired in Madison county.

Fatal Shooting Affray

Among the many sad affairs that have occurred in ]Madison county none caused more excitement or general regret than the shooting of Dayton Warfield by Ella Overshiner at Elwood on the 29th of July, 1887.

Young Overshiner is the son of highly respected parents, and this happening was a very severe blow to themj although upon a trial in the Circuit Court the defendant was acquitted on the ground of self defense.

Dayton Warfield, the victim, was a resident of Tipton county and made his home with his brother there, he being a single man. and about thirty years of age. On the afternoon of the day of the tragedy, he had hauled a load of wiieat to Elwood, and was detained until a late hour at the railway unloading the grain. His brothi^r, Edward, had also come to town on business, and the two met about 10 o'clock. It was proposed by one of them and assented to by the other that they should go to a restaurant to take a meal before starting upon their journey home. They entered a place kept by Walter Beach on South Anderson street, and ordered a lunch. This was served to them and placed upon the counter. The elder of the brothers then took a pitcher and started in quest of some water. When he returned to the eating saloon he missed a piece of sausage from the table and asked his brother what had become of it. The latter replied by directing attention to three young men who were in the room, and remarked that the}' had taken it. The matter was reported to the proprietor who advanced towards them, and found the missing sausage on the counter near where they stood. He then ordered them from the room, a request which they immediately complied with, and went out upon the street. The three young men referred to were Ella Overshiner, Ernest Brenner and Charles DeHorrity, being chums and close friends, about the same age, and full of mischief, and from all accounts ready to engage in any sort of amusement. When the Warhelds had eaten their lunch, they also went out upon the street when they noticed Ella Overshiner sitting or standing by a box, and asked him whether he wanted to have any more difficulty about the matter, Overshiner replied that he was not seeking trouble. From words they passed to blows, Warfield struck Overshiner a powerful blow, so hard as to turn Overshiner partly around. Overshiner, however, recovered himself, and running backwards a few steps, warned his assailants to stand back. Overshiner then drew a revolver and fired at him, but the ball did not take effect, and Warfield ran back into the restaurant. At this juncture Dayton \Varfield bore down upon young Overshiner striking him in the forehead with a piece of board or barrel stave, severely wounding him. Overshiner recovered himself and as he did so he fired his revolver again, but not hitting his antagonist he fired another shot the ball from which took effect in the body of Dayton Warfield. The young man staggered into the restaurant, and walked into the dining room, wJiere he fell upon the floor declaring that he was killed. Dr. Daniel Sigler was summoned, but before he could reach

As soon as young Overshiner had fired the fatal shot he down the street in a frenzied condition. He was at once overtaken by friends who took him to his father's home where he was taken in charge until the Coroner held an inquest over the remains of the deceased. In the meantime Overshiner had secured the services of the law firm of Ballard & Goodykoontz to defend him. When the Coroner's inquest was concluded Marshal Wagner, of Elwood, brought Overshiner to Anderson, where he was placed in custody of the Sheriff. He was greatly excited, and suffered much mental agony and severe nervous strain. Overshiner was admitted to bail, which was readily furnished, and he was held to await the action of the Grand Jury. An indictment was returned against him, and at the following term of the Madison Circuit Court he was placed on trial. He was defended by Ballard & Goodykoontz and also by the Hon. James W. Sansberry, Sr.

Mr. Sansberry was an intimate friend of the father of the defendant and believing conscientiously that the boy was not guilty of the crime of murder -^vith which he was charged, volunteered his services in his defense. In his argument before the jury he made the ablest address of his life. This was his last speech before the Anderson bar. He cro\vned the evening of his life with the glory of having made one of the most eloquent appeals that was ever listened to in an Anderson court. He spoke for three hours \vithout cessation, and held the court, jury and spectators spellbound by the eloquent words that fell from his lips. He displayed much feeling, and it was evident that his ^vhole heart and soul ^vere wrapped up in the cause. Manj* tears were shed by the lady spectators and others who listened to this address, and after the jury took the case they were out but a short time, when a verdict of acquittal was rendered.

The Prosecuting Attorney was J. F. Neal, assisted by Colonel Milton S. Robinson and other able counsel. Colonel Robinson made a vigorous effort in this case, but could not bring about a conviction. Messrs. Goodykoontz and Ballard also acquitted themselves admirably. Mr. Ballard, who had but recently removed from Elwood to Anderson, and was, therefore, but little known to the people of the city, made a very able address which pushed him far to the front in the estimation of the people, and was the means of securing for

A Boiler Explosion

A very disastrous and fatal boiler explosion occurred at Ehvood on the 16th of November, 1894, by which the power house of the electric light and street railway plant was blown to atoms, caused by the bursting of one of the large boilers in the engine house. Thomas Clark, the night engineer, was in the building at the time and was so seriouslj- injured that he died two hours after the occurrence. Frank McDaniel, the only other person in the building at the time, escaped with slight injuries. Part of the boiler was blown a distance of two squares away. The building was entirely demolished, being blown down to the foundation walls. A number of street cars that were in the building were badly broken and damaged in such a manner as to be almost a total loss. The damage to the property amounted to nearly $20,1)00. Nearly the entire population of Elwood was soon gathered at the scene of the disaster, and all that men could do to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded was done. Jatnes»M. Overshiner, Ollie Frazier, J. H. DeHority, Henry C. Calloway and many others of the leading business men and financiers of Elwood were stockholders in the enterprise and immediately set about to secure temporary quarters for the operation of the plant, and in a very short time the street railway and the electric plant were in full operation. The building was immediatelv rebuilt, and, phoenix-like, this enterprise grew from its ashes and is now one of the best of its kind in Madison county, and is a monument to the financial nerve and energy of the founders.

Gas Explosion

On the morning of February 12th, 1895, the smoke and debris of Calvin IJendricks house in Andenson, wrecked by a natural gas explosion, had hardly been cleared away when the news of anotlier terrible catastrophe of the same nature, at Elwood, was received. The handsome new building known as the Heck block was wrecked and destroyed by a gas explosion on that day and other property in the same neighborhood badly shaken up, windows knocked out and doors blown oft" their hinges, making altogether a sorry picture. This block was used as a city building. The explosion took place at 8 o'clock. There were three men injured and several thousand dollars' worth of property- destroyed. It was a two-story building with business rooms on the first floor, the second being occupied bv the city offices. The gas had accumulated under the floor of the room occupied by the Elwood Trust Company.

A Mr. Telbs and Mr. Graham and an employee of the name of Miller were in the room at the time of the accident. Miller's right leg was broken in three places and he was otherwise seriously injured. The other two men \vere only slightly bruised.

The explosion wrecked the adjoining room occupied as a grocery, the glass plate was knocked out and other serious damage sustained. Fire broke out immediately but was quickly extinguished by the fire department, which was soon upon the scene of the disaster.

The loss upon the building at the time was estimated to be $2,000 and the damage to the stock of goods amounted to much morsj but was covered by insurance.

The cause of the explosion was supposed to have been a leak in the street main, running in front of the building, the gas having followed the service pipe into the cellar of the house and was ignited from a light in the room, or from the stove.

Killed By A Train

On the night of July 21. 1881, Joseph Halpin, of Pipe Creek township, was run over and instantly killed by the north-bound passenger train that passes Anderson at midnight for Chicago. He had been away that day and late at night started home, which was near the place where be met his death. He had sat down on the railroad to rest and had fallen asleep, from the effects of too much alcohol, in which he had been freely indulging, when the train came thundering along at a high rate of speed and knocked him into eternity. The engineer said he saw some black object on the rail, but not in time to stop. The night was very dark and it was hard to distinguish an object on the track at any distance. The accident occurred about two miles south of Elwood. Halpin was mangled past all recognition. The Coroner held an inquest as a matter of form and returned a verdict in accordance with the facts. Joseph Halpin was a man well liked by his fellowmen, and had but one fault, that was his love for ardent spirits. At the time of his sudden taking off he was well advanced in years, and had for a long while lived in the neighborhood where it happened.

On Sunday,' May 10, 1SS6, an old feud which existed between Carrol Parsons and William Wright, of Elwood, culminated in a "shooting match," in which Parsons was shot by Mr. Wright. Young Parsons was apparently the aggressor. On the evening above named Parsons met Wright on the street, but Mr. Wright was not inclined to enter into a fight or quarrel. However, he was followed and threatened, and he was then compelled to shoot in self-defense. The affair took place in front of Jenner's restaurant. The ball entered Parsons' head under the right eye and came out immediately in front of the left ear. He was carried home, and Dr. Sigler was summoned and dressed the wound.

Wright surrendered himself to Marshal Bucy, who immediately took him in custody to await the result of Parsons' injury. He was admitted to bail in the sum of .^1,000 and released from custody. The young man finally recovered.

W. A. Sprong, the attorney, was an eye-witness to the shooting and did much to quiet the parties and to prevent further bloodshed. Wright appeared for trial, and on a hearing was accjuitted.

Fire At The Plate Glass Works

On the night of June 25, 1891, the large Plate Glass Works at Elwood caught fire and came near being destroyed. At one time the flames looked very threatening to the people of Elwood, and the means of combatting them being very limited, the city authorities telegraphed to Logansport, Kokomo and Anderson for help. The Anderson department responded promptly. The switch engine was placed at their disposal, and two flat cars and two box cars were secured. The hosewagon, horses, ladders and truck were soon loaded. About five hundred people collected at the depot to see them off, and one hundred and fifty, including the police, newspaper reporters and others, boarded the train. The trip to Elwood was accomplished in a very short time. The fire was still burning when the Anderson department arrived, but it was practically under control. Logansport had sent her fire engine, and Kokomo two hose carts, but none of the apparatus was needed. The damage to the plant was estimated to be about $60,000. The portions of the building destroyed were the casting hall and the furnace room, the former building being probably three hundred feet long. The plant was only partially insured. After the Anderson department had gallantly assisted in subduing the flames they were invited to a restaurant, where at midnight a banquet was served. Mr. George Hogle, formerly of Anderson, acted as host. Mr. George Tate, one of the principal owners of the glass factory, became oaymaster for the bill. The Elwood people were very grateful to their sister cities, who had nobly responded to their call for aid, and treated them in royal style. The destroyed portions of the glass factory were immediately rebuilt upon a larger and more substantial scale. The plant is now one of the largest in the United States, being one of Elwood's principal industries.

Burning Of A Store

On the 1st of February, 1890, the town of Elwood was thrown into a state of excitement by a destructive fire, that culminated in the arrest of Abraham and Simon Sklute, two Hungarian Jews, in whose store the fire originated. A short time after the fire had been subdued, a mob gathered around the boarding house occupied by Miss Piper, where the Jews were stopping, and threatened to lynch them. The excitement was finally subdued by the counsel and advice of cooler heads. It was openly alleged by some in the crowd that the Sklutes had played the part of incendiaries for the purpose of burning their stock of goods and thereby reaping the benefit to be derived from collecting the insurance. The feeling became so strong against them that they were taken before 'Squire Ward L. Roach, and charged with arson. They stood a preliminary trial, the result of which was that their case was sent to the Circuit Court and their bond was fixed at $800 each. This they failed to give and were taken to Anderson by Deputy Sheriff Moore and lodged in jail. The Jews claimed that they knew nothing of the fire until they were awakened by some one about 4 o'clock ; that they had left the store about half-past 9 o'clock the evening before and had not been there afterwards. The only evidence given against them was by an old man, who testified tiiat he saw two men who resembled the suspected parties go to the store about 1 o'clock, in the morning, which allegation they declared to be false in every part, so far as they were concerned. Simon Sklute wasthe owner of the stock, and the other was in his employ. George M. Ballard was employed by the defendants to take charge of their case in the Circuit Court, and on the 28th of February, before an impartial jury, they were acquitted of the accusation. This fire caused considerable excitement at Elwood at the time and, even although the defendants were acquitted, many citizens could not be led to believe that they were not guilty.

A Mysterious Murder

One of the most foul and dastardly murders ever committed in Madison county was done at Elwood on the 8th of July, 1894, in which William Foust was killed. The murder was, for some time afterwards, a complete mystery, baffling the skill of officers and detectives, who immediately set to work to ferret out the crime. Sheriff John Starr, of Madison county, and his deputy, Zachariah Dean, of Elwood, put in much of their time on the case, but a considerable period elapsed before any light was thrown on the subject that would tend toward the capture and conviction of the guilty party. Sheriff Starr took into his confidence Amos Coburn. the Chief of Police of Anderson, and Madison Moore, ex-Deputy Sheriff of Madison county, now a detective for the Pan Handle Railway system. On the 6th of February, 1895, Captain Coburn, Sheriff Starr, his son, James Starr, and Detective Moore went to Elwood and were successful to a certain extent in ferreting out the guilty ones and obtained evidence that pointed to the perpetrators of the deed.

On the morning of July 8th, 1894, some children discovered the body of a man lying near the Pan Handle railway tracks, a short distance from the Diamond Plate Glass Works in the northern part of the city of Elwood. The fact that the body had been found was immediately reported and a messenger sent to Coroner Armington, who repaired to Elwood to hold an inquest and investigate the matter. The remains were seen and identified as those of William Foust, a farmer living north of Elwood, who, at the time of the investigation held by the Coroner, was supposed to have been run over by a train and killed. During the examination of the body Dr. Armington discovered a small wound ju^t below the left collar and placed where the body was found, as it was cold and stiff when taken in charge. After an examination into all the facts that he could obtain. Dr. Armington returned a verdict setting forth that the deceased had come to his death from a pistol shot wound made by some person unknown to him.

The fact that the Coroner had placed the responsibility of Foust's death upon some unknown person caused no end of speculation concerning the tragic affair, and for weeks the murder was the principal topic of conversation in Elwood and vicinity. The mystery surrounding it had a fascination that could not be dispelled, especially in the mind of Mr. Dean, the Deputy Sheriff of the county, who resided in Elwood. He was impressed with the idea that the murder was committed near the place where the body was found, and he began a process of reasoning which finally brought about the apprehension of the criminals.

Living near the place where the body was found was a Mrs. Margaret Bolton, a widow, and her two sons, Clifford and Ephraim, aged nine and twelve years. Mrs. Bolton did not bear the best reputation and Dean was aware that she had sometimes persons of shady character about her premises, and also the fact that George Hires, William Cox and others had been seen in the vicinity of her home at different times under circumstances that left no doubt as to the knowledge on their part of her character. He put this fact along with that indescribable feeling that comes over a man when following a purpose, and he felt confident that Foust had been murdered in Mrs. Bolton's house. How to ascertain the actual facts now became the burden of his mind. Some time after the murder Mrs. Bolton and her two sons were admitted to the county infirmary, where she remained but a short time, and subsequently left that institution and went to Kokomo, leaving her two sons at the poor farm.

Dean was aware of this fact and on a visit to the city of Anderson on business connected with his duties as Deputy Sherifl"', requested James Starr, the son of the Sheriff, to drive him to the poor farm, stating that he wanted to procure if possible, by an interview with the Bolton boys, any evidence that they might possess in relation to the murder. Sheriff Starr willingly consented.

Dean and James Starr accordingly visited the infirmary and the boys revealed the story of the crime. Ephraim, the older of the boys, did the talking. He said that on the night of July 7, George Hires and William Cox came to their house and that later on Epbraim and George Crull came in. The men were drunk and indulged in loud talking. He said that he and his brother were not alarmed for "the reason that men often came to the house at night. A little before dawn of the next morning he got up and went to the pump in the back yard to get a drink of water. As he passed the kitchen door he saw several men seated at the table playing cards and William Cox in another room with his mother. As he came back to the house he met his brother Clifford at the door, who also saw the men and became very angry and threw a stool at them. A little later William Foust came in the room, where the men were seated, and upset some whisky that was on the table, and Hires and Foust got into a quarrel. Hires jumped up and pointed a revolver at Foust, calling him foul names, and informed him that he was not wanted there, at the same time firing his pistol. Foust sank into his chair and almost iminediately died ; their mother came in at this time and she and her two boys ran into another room, locking the door. After everything had become quiet they came out. but the men were gone, as well as the body of Foust.

This story of the boy was afterwards reiterated in substance before the Grand Jury in an investigation of the case, and an indictment found and warrants were issued for the arrest of George Hires, William Cox, Ephraim Crull and George Crull, for murder.

The men all resided in Tipton county, and just how to successfully carry out the intention of the officers was a matter of no little concern to the Sheriff. As before stated in this article, he called to his assistance Detective Mat Moore and Captain Coburn. They planned that Coburn should go to Kokomo, where Mrs. Bolton was then living, and place her under arrest, and as soon as she was placed in custody to proceed to the homes of the other parties in the case and place them under arrest also.

Captain Coburn performed his part of the plan without delay, and in a very satisfactory manner. Immediately after Coburn's return with the Bolton woman in charge, it was suggested that the Sheriff, with a number of deputies and a detail of police, should go to Elwood on an engine used in the Pan Handle j'ards. Detective Moore made satisfactory arrangements with the Pan Handle Railroad Company, and at 6 o'clock a. m. the engine pulled out of the yards at Anderson for Elwood. On board were the Sheriff, John Starr, his deputies, James Starr and Warren Copper, Captain Amos Coburn, Detective Mat Moore and Patrohnen Mark Robbins and Alonzo Pence, of the Anderson police force. The trip to Elwood was made in a few minutes. After arriving there the officers got off the engine, went to the home of ex-Sheriff Thomas Moore, and secured his services in the case. The posse then divided into three squads, each one of which went in search of its particular man. Hires was arrested at his home in Tipton county, about four miles northwest of Elwood. Ephraim Crull was arrested at a country literary entertainment, three miles west of Elwood. Cox, who worked at the chimney flue glass factory, was arrested just as he wasreturning from his daily work. George Crull beheld the officers coming and succeeded in getting away, but not before he had been stopped by Captain Coburn and questioned as to his name and where he was going. He gave satisfactory answers and was permitted to go on. He had been gone but a short time when it was discovered that he was the party named in the warrant. But it was useless for the officers to try ta overtake him, and they were therefore compelled to return to Anderson without him.

None of the men made any resistance, but each one declared not only his innocence of the crime, but his ability to establish that fact before a jury.

At the March term of the Madison Circuit Court, 1895, George Hires, the central figure in the case, was placed upon trial before the Hon. Alfred Ellison, Judge. The Judge, realizing the enormity of the crime, spared no pains in every way consistent with his position to bring the guilty party to justice. He therefore appointed W. H. Kittinger and Edward Reardon to assist Prosecutor D. W. Scanlan on behalf of the State. The defense was represented by Greenlee & Call, of Elwood, and George M. Ballard, of Anderson. The trial lasted for many days, and large crowds of witnesses from Elwood and the surrounding country were in attendance.

editor Scanlan and his associates, and nothing was left undone by the defense to prevent a conviction of their client. On the 6th of April the jury returned a verdict convicting Hires, and placed upon him a punishment of thirteen years in the penitentiary at hard labor.

On the 17th of April following the trial the community and the court officials were startled by the report that Mrs. Bolton had made a confession to SheriflF Starr in the Madison county jail that she was the guilty party, and that Hires was innocent of the crime, and that it was she who fired the fatal «hot which caused the death of Foust. The news spread at once throughout the city and county and caused great excitement and endless comment. But little credence was given the story, as it was thought that Mrs. Bolton, realizing the enfeebled condition of her health, she being then a great ^^sufferer, had concluded that she had but a short time to live, and that no conviction could be obtained against her before her death ; that she desired to obtain the release of Hires from prison, and of his ultimate acquittal, and therefore made this .confession. The news was at once conveyed by Sheriff Starr to Judge Ellison, who immediately went to the jail, where he had an interview with Mrs. Bolton, in which she reiterated her confession to SheriflF Starr. The Judge, however, gave but little credit to her words, and afterwards visited Mrs. Bolton at St. Johri's Hospital, where she had been taken for treat- .ment, and in company with Dr. Callens, a professional hypnotist, held an interview with her. The hypnotist immediately placed her under mesmeric influence, and she again reiterated her story as told to the Judge and the Sheriff on the previous occasions. The Judge did not attach much importance to her story, and no effort was made on the part of the prosecution to obtain a release from imprisonment of Hires.

When the time arrived for the trial of Ephraim and .George Crull,,a change of venue was taken from Madison county, and their cases were sent to Kokomo. When the trial began the same -witnesses appeared on either side as in the Hires case at Anderson. Young Bolton told the same story that he had testified to on the former trial. After all the evidence had been heard and the arguments were made a verdict of not guilty was rendered as to the defendants. Thus ended, .so far as. the courts were concerned, this celebrated case. The Teal facts surrounding this mystery will perhaps never be known to the community at large. As a general thing, well-

At one stage of the proceedings in ferreting out this case some suspicion was directed toward Chief Toler, of the Elwood police force, and strong efforts were made to bring him in as one of the suspected parties, but sufficient evidence was never obtained to connect him directly with this affair.

William Cox, one of the defendants, was tried by a jury at the June term of the Howard County Court and received a sentence of two years in the State's prison at Michigan City.

In writing this article, we have endeavored to be impartial to all parties connected with it, and have simply recorded the facts as they are, without a comment from our pen. The above account as stated by us is almost wholly taken from the Anderson Democrat of February 6, 1895, which gave a very concise statement of the facts developed in this case.

No case in the annals of crime has so puzzled officers of the law, except it be the celebrated Clem murder case, at Indianapolis, in 1868. There seems to have existed in the minds of the jury some doubt as to Hires' guilt, from the fact that they gave him so light a sentence.

The final scene in this mysterious tragedy occurred in Elwood, on the 13th of May, 1896, when Mrs. B. F. McFarland, a daughter of William Foust, the murdered man, committed suicide, after brooding over her father's death until she lost her reason.

Accident To Dr. S. W. Edwins

On the 13th of September, 1895, Doctor S. W. Edwins, of Elwood, while attempting tc cross the tracks of the L. E. & W. Railroad, was run over by a train of cars and was very seriously injured, and up to this writing has not fully recovered. He was in a buggy in company with a lady friend, who was also seriously injured. The horse which he drove was killed and the buggy torn into fragments. Doctor Edwins, having recovered sufficiently to be about, brought suit against the railroad company for damage to his person and property, which suit is yet pending in the courts. The many friends of the Doctor were paired to learn of his being maimed in such a manner as to practically unfit him to attend to his large and lucrative practice which he enjoyed prior to this accident.

Cut His Throat

On the 9th of May, 1896, Charles Vanness attempted to take his life at Elvvood by cutting his throat. He made a horrible wound, almost severing the jugular vein. It was thought that his recovery was beyond a possibility, but Dr. S. W. Edwins performed the difficult operation of sewing up the wound, being one of the first cases on record in the State where the jugular vein was sewed successfully and the victim survived.

Killed By The Cars

Gelispe was at the Pan Handle depot as local freight No. 77 pulled out, and at the crossing of South B street fell between two cars iu such a manner that the wheels passed over his neck and both wrists, completely severing his head and his hands from the body. A large crowd of people was soon attracted to the spot and Coroner Sells was at once telegraphed.

It is generally supposed that Gelispe attempted to board the moving train to ride from the depot to the post-office, which is a few squares north. Owing to the slow speed at which trains must travel this practice had become quite common, especially on freight trains. He was a single man, well known and liked among glass workers.

Coroner Sells at once visited the scene of the accident and held an inquest, returning a verdict of accidental killing, holding the railroad company blameless.

Fourth Of July Accident

During the celebration of the Fourth of July at Elwood in the year 1896, Charles Adair, a workman employed by the American Tin Plate Company, had his right arm blown off near the elbow by the explosion of a " cannon" fire-cracker.

He was enjoying the sports of the day with friends and was shooting one of those large toy crackers which are discharged with a fuse. It had been fired and set down in the street and Adair was awaiting the result when it appeared to him that the fuse had gone out, when he picked it up to exam-

Adair was a young man about twenty-five years of age and was well respected by the people of Elwood, and much sympathy was expressed in his behalf, and quite a gloom was cast over the festivities of the day.

Miscellaneous Elwood Lighted By Electricity

The striking of natural gas at Elwood brought to its borders, like all other towns in the gas belt, a large influx of population from all quarters of the country. Money began to be made and house building progressed to such an extent that it astonished the old timers who looked upon what was being done with amazement and Elwood grew at once to be quite a city.

Such a thing as electricity for the lighting of the streets of that hamlet was a thing that had never been dreamed of until in the summer of 1891 when a movement was put on foot to have the streets illuminated. There was much contention as to the best means of doing so. Some contended for lighting with natural gas, while others advocated the establishing of iron posts similar to the ones used in the old system of artificial gas lighting, but the ideas of the progressive element prevailed and the use of electricity was agreed upon and on the 1st of August, 1891, the elegant electric light power house was completed and at 3 o'clock in the morning the button was pushed by the electrician and Elwood sprang forth in all her magnificence and beauty, being one of the best lighted cities in the state. The Elwood band was brought out and discoursed stirring music up and down the principal thoroughfares and a general good time was had celebrating this event. The plant is a splendid one and the city can well feel proud of it , although it has been twice \vrecked, once by a gas explosion and once by that of a steam boiler explosion. It has been rebuilt and is still one of the features of the city. From time to time the plant has been increased to meet the requirements and demands of the growing population until it is at this writing second to none in thecount)-.

United States. Captain Nett Nuzum was their drill master and had them disciplined in the highest style. They won many prizes in local contests in the county during the period of their organization, but the crowning event of their existence occurred at St. Louis on the 22nd of September, 1891, when they entered at a meeting of all Cantons and competed for a prize of $1,000, which they captured. A dispatch from St. Louis appeared in the Democrat of September 23rd, giving the following confirmed notice : " The weather was very hot and oppressive, especially for the uniformed Cantons. The maneuvers were carried out splendidly. The draw of lots for position in the Canton drill resulted as follows : First Canton, number 3, of St. Joseph, Missouri, Captain, P. M. Abercrombrie ; second Canton, Elwood, number 33, department of Indiana, Captain, Nett Nuzum ; third Canton, of Indianapolis, Ind., Captain, J. M. Bodien."" The contest was one of the hottest fought battles in this line that ever occurred in the United States. Captain Nuzum, after a severe contest, came out the winner.

Upon receiving the news of the Canton's success, the people of Elwood were wild with joy, and upon . their arrival home a grand reception was given in their honor. Captain Nuzum is one of the finest looking officers in full uniform that one can see in many a day's travel. He is still a resident of Elwood and highly respected by the community.

The Elwood Cemetery Association

Elwood has one of the handsomest cemeteries in Madison county. It is situated on a beautiful knoll just west of the main part of the city, and is easy of access by brick-paved streets, of which Elwood has many. This association was incorporated in April, 1895. by Daniel King, Dr. Daniel Sigler, Thomas DeHority, L. M. Good and Lewis Hefner, who are the present officers of the association.

The place was long a burying ground before its incorporation, perhaps as far back as 1854, but was simply a village burying ground, with no one responsible for its care, and was kept up by those who had friends buried there. The rapid building up of the city made it necessary to have an incorporated cemetery, with a system of management, and the enterprising gentlemen whose names appear above came to the front and filled the want of the community in this regard.

ful cemetery is the late Dr. James M. DeHority, who is placed in a family vault, erected in 1882. Mrs. Flora May Howe, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. S. W. Edwins, whose sad death is yet fresh in the minds of her many friends, is also sleeping in the handsome vault erected by Dr. Edwins, an illustration of which is given on this page.

This is the finest receptacle for the dead in Madison county, and is a credit not only to its builder but to the city in which it is located. It cost the goodly sum of $4,000, and is built of finely dressed Bedford stone, presenting a beautiful exterior, and is handsomely arranged inside the walls with marble cases, urns, and stone vases for flowers.

The Edwins Vault

ory of his beloved daughter, but to make it one of the substantial evidences of the taste and refinement of the community in which he lives ; one that the people of Elwooa can well feel proud of and point to as a remembrance of the Doctor long after he has passed beyond, and has been placed beside his loving daughter, who has gone before him to that land from whence no traveler returns.

Burning Of The Excelsior Factory At Elwood

Leeson & March, during the year 1888, owned and operated an excelsior factory at Elvvood. It caught fire on the 20th of December of that year and was utterly destroyed. The fire had been put out under the boiler in order to enable some men to do work there. The machinery was running, although the gas was turned off from the boilers where they were making some changes. It was thought that the changes could be made in a very few minutes, and instead of cutting oft the gas at the street, the pipe leading into the engine-room was simply closed. A section of the pipe was taken off, and the gas rushed into the engine-room in a great volume, and as the brick and iron were still redhot, the gas ignited, and, as a result, the building was soon a mass of flames. In the building there was an unusual quantity of shavings and sawdust, and in a very short peroid the whole structure was in a blaze. Adam Miller and Michael Glaspy were at work in the engineroom, and were very severely burned. Miller was so severely injured that it was thought for a while that he would lose his life, as he inhaled the flames while endeavoring to effect an escape. He lay for several days in a critical condition. The factory had just been rebuilt and enlarged, and was doing a splendid business. The loss was $4,000, without any insurance.

Boiler Explosion

On or about the 9th day of August, 1877, the people of Frankton and vicinity were startled about 9 o'clock in the morning by a terrific sound and by the shaking of the window panes in the houses and the trembling of the earth as if an earthquake had taken place. The people ran from their places of business and from their houses to ascertain the cause of this commotion but were unable from any indications in the village to account for it. A messenger soon made his appearance and brought news that an engine connected with the threshing machine owned by James Ruth, which was threshing wheat on the farm of Samuel Beck, a few miles distant, had exploded its boiler. The engine was torn to atoms and was sent in all directions through the air like bullets shot from a gun. One of the men named Frank Melson, the engineer, was terribly lacerated and wounded in several places, having the

The news spread throughout the country in a short while and people from all directions were at the scene of the disaster. It was a wonder to all who witnessed the wreck how it was possible that such a mishap could take place in the presence of so many people who were connected with the machine, and who had assisted in the threshing, without some one being killed. No cause could be assigned for the explosion other than that the engineer neglected to keep a sufficient amount of water in the boiler. One of the pieces of the boiler was thrown a quarter of a mile, and a wagon standing near by was literally blown to pieces. The threshing machine was standing still at the time of the explosion and was not materially injured. Dr. S. W. Edwins, of Frankton, and Dr. John E. Canaday, now a resident of Anderson, and ex- Auditor of Madison county, were called to dress the wounds of the unfortunate man. Later in the afternoon Dr. G. F. Chittenden and Horace E. Jones were called in consultation with the above physicians, when it was decided that with proper care Melson would recover from his injuries, which proved to be the case. He is now living somewhere in this county. This was one of the most serious accidents that ever occurred in the vicinity of Frankton and was the talk of the neighborhood for months and years afterwards.

Accidental Shooting

On the 5th of January, 1884, Miss Mary Ring was accidentally killed by the discharge of a gun, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Kidwell. The unfortunate lady was there on a visit at the time. In one of the rooms of the house an old army musket was standing in a corner, and at the solicitation of his wife Mr. Kidwell had lifted it out of its place to put it in a more secure position. In doing this the hammer of the gun was struck by some obstacle and the weapon was discharged. The load took effect in the face of Miss Ring. Her face was horribly mutilated, her lower jaw was nearly blown off and her tongue torn out. Although suffering intensely she remained rational for some time and lived until Sunday night, the following day, when she died. At the time of the accident she was engaged to be married to a young and prosperous farmer, and had it not been for this, the wedding ceremony would have been performed in a few days.

Disastrous Fire At Frankton

On the 3d of October, 1877, a disastrous fire took place at the village of Frankton, in which nearly the entire business part of the town was destroyed. A correspondent from that place to the Anderson Democrat of October 5 gives the following account : " About half past five o'clock in the morning an alarm of fire was given which aroused the slumbering citizens of the quiet village to a full sense of the fact that the long-expected conflagration had come. In a short time most of the citizens of the town and many people from the country %vere at the scene of the disaster. It was very fortunate for the place that the morning was calm and that scarcely a breeze was stirring to fan the raging flames. But for this reason nearly the whole town would have been laid in ashes. The fire originated in the stable owned by William Waples. Next to this on the south side was the stable of J. W. Phillips. From this building it went to the drug store of John A, Howard, then to the Dwiggins building, in which was the post-office and a grocery owned by James McLean. On the north of this was the Suman building, occupied by the Kimmerling Bros., druggists, and J. & W. Townsend, dry goods merchants. Still farther north of this was a hardware store owned by Hurst & Brother. All these buildings were swept away by the raging flames in a moment's time. Quick, Sharp & Co. was the only firm in town that did not move its stock. H. C. Brown moved out of his building, but it did not burn. The cool and deliberate action of the people managed to save all the merchandise owned by the different firms. The most interesting incident of the fire was that of Isaac Wood, who tried to save two horses, but in spite of his efforts to rescue them from the burning building one of them perished. William Wood himself,, while trying to save his horses, was severely burned about the neck and face. A fine stallion owned by Waples & Phillips was also burned. The Masonic fraternity lost everything pertaining to their lodge. The Odd Fellows saved their furniture and fi.xtures. The books owned by 'Squire A. H. Muholland were lost, together with some valuable notes and papers. The severest losers were parties living out of town who were the owners of buildings, none of which were insured, among whom were J. M. Cockran and Bernard Dwiggins. As usual on such occasions thieves were busily engaged and a large amount of property was stolen and carried ofl^. Parties were seen going in every direction with bundles in their arms, but

It was generally thought that the fire originated in the headquarters of a lot of gamblers who were playing cards in the hay mow in a stable in which the fire was first discovered. This was a very severe blow to the enterprising village of Frankton, and it was some tiine before it recovered from the effects of the disaster.

The Killing Of John Little

John Little, who lived near Frankton, in Pipe Creek township, was at one time one of the central figures of that community, in politics and business. He was a prosperous farmer, made money fast, lived well and enjoyed the respect of the people among whom he lived. In the year 1870 he concluded to contest for the nomination, on the Democratic ticket, for the office of Sheriff of Madison county. He had always been a hard worker for the cause of his political friends and had numerous advocates of his elevation when he launched his boat upon the sea of politics. In that memorable year it seemed that nearly every prominent Democrat in the count)' aspired to some office. It was one of the most hotly contested and thrilling canvasses that was ever made for nominations since the formation of the county. The candidates went in droves from one township to another, making personal appeals to the voters, generally winding up each evening at some school-house in the neighborhood, where all the candidates would be corralled and speeches would be made in advocacy of their claims for office.

It was in this year that the late Neal C. McCullough made his famous fight for the office of County Auditor, receiving the nomination and then being defeated at the polls in the subsequent election. John Little was successful in securing the nomination for Sheriff ; James F. Mock for County Treasurer ; Neal C. McCullough for County Auditor ; Jacob Hubbard for County Recorder, and James W. Sansberry for Representative. During the scramble a great deal of bitter warfare was indulged in, causing a feeling among the candidates, which was impossible to allay or pacify after the primaries had closed. This warfare was kept up to the bitter end, thereby insuring the defeat of every candidate on the Democratic county ticket, except Hon. James W. Sansberry for Representative, Jacob Hubbard for Recorder, and Thomas

The canvass, made in the spring and before the fall election, cost Mr. Little nearly his entire fortune, and made a financial wreck of him for the balance of his life, and he never thereafter was able, although frugal in his habits, to overcome the indebtedness that he had made in this political fight, and when he died he left liis family in poor circumstances.

The sad end of his life was caused by an altercation with Henry Burk in the city of Anderson, in the month of March, 1876. Mr. Little had been to Indianapolis on business, and, on returning, stopped at Anderson to await the train to go north at midnight on the Pan Handle road. In order to while awa)' the time he stepped into a saloon on South Main street, kept by Hezekiah Trueblood. When he left the saloon he carried away an overcoat belonging to Henry Burk, the bartender. After leaving Mr. Trueblood's place he entered the salooh owned by William Ryan, where it is said he put Burk's coat into the stove and tlien left for the north depot to take the midnight train for home. Mr. Little had evidently been drinking, or he would never have indulged in this kind of conduct, from the fact that, although at times he was rough in his manners, no one ever accused him of being dishonest, or would have for a moment suspected him of taking the coat witii any intention of converting it to his own use, as he was entirely above reproach in that respect. Mr. Burk followed Little to the depot, and when he came upon him demanded Little's coat in place of the one he had destroyed, which Little readily assented to, and gave Burk his coat, who returned to town. Mr. Little, instead of going on with tlie train, followed Burk back to town and overtook him in the office of the United States hotel, a large three-story building that the older citizens of the city of Anderson will remember as having stood on the corner of Ninth and Main streets. It was occupied at that time by Frederick Cartwright. Little carried two large bowlders in his hands, and upon entering the room he dropped one of them on the floor and caught Burk by the collar with his left hand, and was in the act of striking him with the other stone when Louis Tetherington, a "bus driver, grasped Little's uplifted arm and took away the stone. Little at this juncture let go of Burk and struck Tetherington a terrible blow on his face, which sent him reeling to the other side of the room. Burk, realizing the great strength of Little, and know- ing his disposition to be ugly in a fight, took advantage of the occasion and determined to protect himself. He armed himself with a billet of wood, and when Little returned to attack him Burk struck him on the head and face, knocking him down. Little's face was beaten and cut into a perfect jelly, and he also received a fracture of the skull, from which he was found to be unconscious. Medical aid was summoned, and such relief as was necessary at the time was rendered him, and on the Saturday following the patient was removed to his home at Frankton, and after lingering for several days he finally died from the wounds. Dr. S. W. Edwins attending him in his last hours. Burk was placed under arrest for the crime of manslaughter, but upon a trial was acquitted and exonerated from any criminal act on the ground of his having acted in selfdefense. Little being the aggressor.

For many years after this a bitter feeling prevailed between the friends of Little and Burk, and it was feared for a time that the blood of other parties might be shed over this lamentable occurrence, but time has effaced all the memories clinging around it and it is now only alluded to as a matter of history.

John Little when sober was a noble hearted man and would sacrifice anything almost to do a friendly favor ; was hospitable at his home and was surrounded by a large circle of friends.

In the election above referred to Mr. Little was the central figure in the fight and it was made principally against him, but had a most wholesome effect upon the politics of the county as it caused the Democratic party, which was then in the ascendency, to be cautious as to the men who received the nominations and it was also a means of stopping the nefarious business of buying votes in the nominating conventions and at the polls in the following elections. At the following elections in LS72 the Democrats redeemed themselves and elected their entire ticket.

John Little in this election was defeated by David K. Carver, Esq., who was the first Republican sheriff that ever held the office in this county, and it is a real pleasure for the authors of this book to state that Mr. Carver was a conscientious official and filled his place to the satisfaction of the public, and had it not been for tbe overwhelming majority of the county he would have been re-elected.

A Sad Suicide

William Townsend was a young business man of Frankton, who was engaged in merchandizing with his father, under the tirm name of J. & W. Townsend. They carried on an extensive business and enjoyed the respect of the community and had a large circle of friends in the county.