Marshall County, Indiana - Chapter 13, 1881

Chapter 13

- CAPTURE OF RICHARD ENO - PLYMUUTH SAX-IIORN Banp - AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - FISUING AND GAME CLUB - BOATING AND Fisuync Crus - Lakke View Crur - PLyMouTH GLEE CLUB - CHARITY CONCERT ODE - HELP Turn PooR - PortTic TRIBUTE TO GLER CLUB - MAaAsonic Mutual AID SocLETY - Opp FEeELLows' MutrvaL Alp Society - C, C. CLUB - LECTURE

On the way to prison he jumped from the train, which was running at a rapid rate, and althongh he was strongly handcuffed, succeeded in making good his escape. Some time after this occurrence, in passing through this county, he stole three horses from the stable of our fellow-citizen, Benoni Jordan, residing on the Michigan road, south of Plymonth. Mr. Jordan was a mem- | ber of the * Marshall County Watchmen," and started in pursuit of the thief. It was some time before he overtook Eno, but finally succeeded in capturing him and the horses. At the August term, 1854, of the Cireuit Court, an indictment was found against Eno for the commission of the theft, of which the following is a copy: Srate or InprAnA, MarsnaLn County, ss:

The Grand Jury of the county of Marshall charge that Richard Eno, on the 16th day of November, 1853, at the county of Marshall aforesaid, did feloniously steal, take, drive and lead away one bay mare seven years old, of the value of seventy-five dollars ; one iron-gray mare of the value of one hundred dollars ; one colt of the value of thirty dollars, the personal

Gas Company

From the early settlement of the county up to about 1860, the people were very much annoyed with horse thieves. When a horse was put in the stable at night, it was barely possible that it would be there in the morning. This state of affairs'led to the formation of a society for the detection of horse thieves. The Plymouth Banner of December 8, 1853, contained the following:

"Tn accordance with previous notice, a number of the citizens of this county have organized themselves into a society for the detection of horse thieves and others committing similar depredathe title of the 'Marshall County Watchmen,'

The first brass band was brought into existence in the winter and spring of 1853. The names of all the members are not now recollected, but the following were among the number of "blowers" that composed what was called the Plymouth Band: Mark Pomeroy, Rufus Brown, R. M. Brown, A. C, Capron, T. K. Houghton, W. H. Salisbury, Eugene B: Hutchinson, David Vinnedge, Platt McDonald, D. McDonald. The "preceptor" was He understood his business thoroughly, and soon had the boys so they could play reasonably well, The band played on almost all public occasions "without money and without price," and after holding together a few years disbanded, and on its ruins has been built up the excellent Silver Cornet Band, now in full "blast." The names of the members of the band as now organized are as follows: F. W. | Bleackley, Leader; John H. Harris, Second Leader; James M. Confer, President; William Price, Secretary; Daniel Herman, Joseph Price, David Enyard, Herman Rimpler, Mark Elliott, Thomas Crawford, Jacob Houk. COUNTY LIBRARY. The Marshall County Library was organized October 7, 1837, by the election of the following Trustees: Oliver Rose, Grove Pomeroy, W. N. Baily, Evan B. Hobson, James Murphy, W. G.

M'Clure Library

Pomeroy, Stephen Marsters. Subsequently Oliver Rose was elected President; William Bishop, Treasurer; W. G. Pomeroy, Librarian; and E. B. Hobson, Secretary. The regulations adopted required persons drawing books to give bond for the proper return of the books. Each volume to be returned as follows: One hundred-page book in one week; 200-page book in two weeks, and same ratio for larger books. The Library Fund amounted to $601. In 1845, the County Commissioners took charge of its management. In 1546, three hundred and thirty volumes were purchased, for which $275 were paid. Some years later, by operation of law, the Clerk, Auditor and Recorder were made to constitute the Board of Managers. Few additions have been made for several years past, for want of funds. It is kept in the Recorder's Office, where any citizen of the county who chooses to avail himself of the privilege can have access to the books, ete., free of charge, subject to the regulations adopted by the Board. M'CLURE LIBRARY.

donation of $500 to each county where an association should be formed, and the incorporators would start it with one hundred yolumes and procure a seal. What became of the association is unknown, but probably it was merged into the Township Libraries. None of these libraries have ever been of much benefit to the people, judging from the small numbers annually taken out.

This society was organized in 1855, with James A. Corse, President; G. O. Pomeroy, Treasurer; Samuel B. Corbaley, Secretary. It was organized under the law authorizing the formation of voluntary associations, and its permanent members were those who paid $3 or more. The first fair was held in the old court house, the live stock being corraled in the court yard. It wasn't much of a fair, to be sure, but then it was creditable as a beginning, taking into consideration the fact that the society owned no property and had no money of consequence to pay premiums, and its officers totally inexperienced in the business. The condition of the society for the year ending 1556, was shown to be as follows: constituted honorary members. Some time afterward the society purchased from David Vinnedge what is now known as the Fair Grounds, adjoining Plymouth on the north. The society labored faithfully for a period of fifteen years to build up first-class exhibitions, but met with indifferent success. About 1573, the society was organized on the joint-stock plan, purchased additional grounds, made a new time track, and established the organization on a strictly business basis. There was some opposition to the plan of organization, but notwithstanding this, the second year the fair proved the most successful, financially, of any previously held, and the society closed the year with the floating debt and premium list fully paid and some money in the Treasury. A change of officers brought a change of management, and the people failing to give it that support it deserved, the officers were unable to pay the mortgage held on the grounds for purchase money, building track, ete., and it was foreclosed and sold at Sheriff's sale, in 1878, to William Scofield and John Seltenright, the present owners. These gentlemen held fairs on their own account, in October, 1S79, and 1880. The exhibitions were about up to the average of those before held, and the receipts fell a few dollars short of the expenditures on the first, and a few dollars more on the last.

This club was organized in 1875 under laws of the State providing for the establishment of voluntary associations. Its objeets are, for the propagation of game and fish, and the enforcement of the game laws. The club has a number of boats on Lake of the Woods, Pretty Lake, Dixon Lake and Twin Lakes. It also

Plymouth Boating And Fishing Club

This club was organized in June, 1875. It built a club house on the east bank of Maxenkuckee Lake, and first brought that beautiful lake into public notoriety. It sold its club house and lease of the grounds in October, 1879, and formally disbanded, the membership mostly going into the Lake View Club, mention of which is made under the head of Lakes and Rivers.

Plymouth Glee Club

This was a musical society, organized in 1873, mainly for the purpose of giving entertainments for the benefit of the needy poor of Plymouth and vicinity. It was composed of the following persons:~ Alexander C. Thompson, soprano; Adolphus B. Capron, tenor; Daniel MeDonald, alto; George R. Reynolds, first bass; Platt McDonald, second bass. The first entertainment under its management was given in Baleony Hall, Plymouth, January 1, 1873. The programme embraced an opening address by Charles H, Reeve, twelve vocal and instrumental selections, a charade - * Wayward," and two recitations - * Shamus O'Brien, the Brave Boy of Glingall," by Mareus A. O. Packard, and " Over the Hills to the Poor House," by Mrs. Eva A. Blain. The opening quartet by the Glee Club took the large audience "by storm." The musie was an arrangement from " Maryland, My Maryland," and the words by C. H. Reeve. They were so highly spoken of at the time and were so appropriate to the objects of the entertainment that they are worthy of being perpetuated by being inserted

"No, no! The Lord has given us Love, And Faith and Hope! It must not be, Our Faith and Hope by works will prove Daily works of Charity. Tlaste then - bring forth from out your store - Wherewith to clothe and feed the poor; Bring consolation to the door Of destitute humanity."'

Those who took part in the entertainment, besides those above named, were Prof. Michaels, Mrs. H A. Brown (daughter of C. H. Reeve), H. G. Thayer, Miss Louise Cleaveland, George Edwards. Two entertainments were given during that winter, the net proceeds of which were $142.32. This was distributed to the deserving poor by a committee of one selected from each of the church organizations then existing in the city.

The following excellent poem, written by Hon. M. A. O. Packard, and dedicated to the Plymouth Glee Club for their earnest efforts in behalf of the poor, is worthy of reproduction here:

"Tis when the poor, unhappy child of earth Can see from out the selfish haunts of men One beam of Christian love illume his dearth, And know thereby he's not forgotten then,

** Such, honored band, shall be your meed of praise ; For works of charity so nobly done, It shall endure (though not embalmed in lays) While love endures - till carth and Heaven are one.

"Tnspired by Charity - the noblest pearl of Heaven - You wrought with earnest hearts for suffering poor; And when their homes with wintry winds were riven, The orphan clad, and swelled the widow's store.

'From out those poor, unhappy homes will rise, Like incense, to the burnished gates above, Blessings and prayers, that bright may be the skies Of hearts so full of tenderness and love.

"Oh! that the busy, reckless world would heed The worthy, suffering poor around them strown, And 'consolation bring,' by word and deed, To cheer and brighten many a cheerless home."

The Plymouth Philharmonics

This was the high-sounding title of a musical organization that came into existence September 24, 1878. It was composed of the following then residents of Plymouth: George A. Little, J. J. Faude, George R. Reynolds, A. C. Thompson, A. B. Capron, W. E. Peterson, A. C. Capron, Platt McDonald, A. P. Harsh, and - well, modesty forbids the mention of his name. Of these, J. J. Faude was chosen President; G. A. Little, Treasurer, and A. P. Harsh, Secretary. The organization promised well - 'on paper" - put, from one cause and another, failed to accomplish anything beyond its organization.

The Plymouth Lecture Association

THE PLYMOUTH LECTURE ASSOCIATION. This association, the first of the kind in the county, was organized September 29, 1879, on the basis of the following: We, the undersigned, residents of the city of Plymouth, desirous of

C. R. Leonard C. H. Reeve

The course for the season embraced the following: Miss Susan B. Anthony - ' Woman Wants Bread, Not the Ballot;" Olof Bull Combination - Musical; Wendell Phillips - ' The Lost Arts;" Mrs. Scott Siddons, Elocutionist; Dr. J. Jay Villers - " Funny People;" Hon. Wm. Parsons (of Ireland) - "Old Homer."

The course was successful beyond the most sanguine expectations of its founders, and is likely to become one of the permanent organizations of our enterprising city. The officers for 1879 were Rey. J. J. Faude, President; Hon. Henry A. Peed, Secretary; Mr. Henry G. Thayer, Treasurer. For 1880: Horace Corbin, President; H. G, Thayer, Vice President; James A. Gilmore, Treasurer; Charles Richardson, Secretary.

Masonic Mutual Aid Society

This was an organization composed of members of the Masonie Order, in Marshall County. It came into existence about 1866. John G. Osborne was Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Osborne held the position until his death. The amount in his hands as Treasurer paid the benefit to which he was entitled as a member, and so the organization went into liquidation.

Odd Fellows Mutual Aid Society

About 1870, the Odd Fellows' Mutual Aid Society was organized. In its infancy, Dr. W. N. Bailey was President, and C. S. 8. Todd, Secretary. For want of proper interest on the part of its members, it failed to accomplish the end had in view by its founders, and has finally ceased to exist.

This is an organization effected in 1876, composed entirely of Its main object is to perfect its members in the art of cooking. It has also given several literary and musical entertainments, and has accomplished much good in contributing substantial aid to the poor. Its membership, past and present, is as follows: Charlotte Armstrong, Lou C. Hoham, Hattie L. | Houghton, Jeanne Oglesbee, Stella H. Packard, Carrie Brooke, Louie K. Houghton, Kittie McDonald, Haddie G. Borton, Nellie Dodge, Fannie Russell, Lillian Woodward, Eldora Hart, Emma Blain, Lillie Dial, Fannie Patterson, Lettie Pue.

Anti-American Driven Well Company

This was a county organization, brought into existence by the claim of W. D. Andrews & Bro., of New York, assignees of the American Driven Well Company, organized under what is Imown as Green's patent. Their agent, James E. Franklin, of Indianapolis, sent an agent into the county to ascertain the number of iron or driven wells, who did not make his business known, but claimed to be engayed in introducing a new and useful article of "bluing." After securing the names of those owning wells, notices were sent to them by Franklin to pay at once a royalty of ten dollars for infringement on the patent he represented, or suit would be brought. This, what was deemed an unjust demand, created a furor of excitement, and an indignation meeting met at the Centennial Opera House, Plymouth, about the last of October, 1879. About four hundred of those interested met, and, after denouncing the unjust demand, in unmeasured terms, resolved to organize the Anti-American Driven Well Company, and resist the collection of the royalty demanded to the court of last resort. Articles of association were adopted, and officers elected as follows: Joseph Westervelt, President; Hiram Hervy, Vice President; Chester C. Buck, Treasurer; Amasa

' Johnson, Secretary, and an executive committee of one from each township, as follows: Eli Parker, Union Township; Daniel McDonald, Center Township; Belitha Gray, Green Township; John G. Rockhill, Tippecanoe Township: John K. Lawrence, Bourbon Township; John Bauer, German Township; William Scofield, North Township; William B. Kyle, Polk Township; H. C. Bailey, West Township; William J. Benner, Walnut Township. The membership fee was fixed at $1, the date for joining the association being fixed for December 1. At that date, the membership was about as follows:

The members paid according to the number of wells owned, and some paid who owned no wells, so thatthe amount of money raised was about $900. The association having secured a reduction of the amount of royalty claimed, from $10 to $5, and having secured the written opinion of Baker, Hord & Hendricks, covering all the points in dispute, by which it was found the chances were about eight to seven that the objects of the association would fail, and from the further fact that the expenses of attorneys and other costs would reach $1,500, and having less than $900 to pay it with, it was deemed advisable to disband the organization and pay the royalty of $5 demanded, which was done November 29, 1879.

claimed, but still regarded it as unjust and an outrage on the rights of the people, equaled only by the causes that resulted in throwing overboard into Boston Harbor, in 1773, three hundred and forty-two chests of British tea. They also gave it as their deliberate opinion that no one should be voted for as a representative of theyrights of the people who would not pledge himself, without equivocation, to use every effort in his power to cure, by legislative enactment, the patent laws then in force, under which this and all other similar robbery of the people was upheld, enforced and perpetuated.

Plymouth Gas Company

We, the undersigned, hereby unite and form ourselves into a body corporate according to the statutes of the State of Indiana, in such cases pro-

| vided: The name of such corporation shall be The Plymouth Gas Com- | pany, and its principal office of business shall be Plymouth, Marshall Co.,

Ind. The object of this corporation is the erection, in the city of Plymouth, Ind., of gas works, for the purpose of lighting said city with illuminating gas, and to purchase real estate, and erect such buildings and machinery thereon as shall be necessary for the successful prosecution of such enterprise. The capital stock of this company shall be $25,000, divided into 500 shares of $50 each; and said association shall continue for a period of fifty years, unless sooner dissolved by mutual consent. The number of directors shall be five, and the following are appointed such directors for the present year; C. T. Mattingly, H. G. Thayer, C. E. Toan, C. A. Reminsnyder and John Hoham.