Marshall County, Indiana - The whole text, 1908 (part 9 of 12)

were very much annoyed with horse thieves. When a horse was put in a stable at night it was barely possible that it would be there in the morning. This condition 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 :

"In 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 depredations under the title of 'The Marshall County Watchmen.' The officers are: Amzi L. Wheeler, president ; Thomas Sumner, vice-president ; Rufus Brown, secretary, and John G. Osborne, treasurer."

How long this organization continued to do business, is not known. However, before it ceased to exist it succeeded in accomplishing one good thing - the arrest and conviction of a horse thief by the name of Richard Eno. Eno was a desperado of the worst type, and, although he had many times been behind the bolts and bars, somehow he always succeeded in making good his escape. At one time he was confined in the jail of Fulton county. The sheriff' went into the cell to take him his meal, when Eno shoved him into one corner, took the key away from him, locked him in the jail and leisurely walked out. Subsequently he was tried in Berrien county, Michigan, for horse stealing, convicted and sent to the state prison for a period of ten years. On the way to prison he jumped from the train, which was running at a rapid rate, and although he was strongly handcuffed he succeeded in making good his escape. Some time after this occurrence, in passing through this county he stole three horses from the stable of Benoni Jordan, who then resided on the farm now owned by David E. Snyder, president of the Plymouth State bank, on the Michigan road, si.x miles south of Plymouth. Mr. Jordan was a member of the "]\Iarshall County Watchmen" and started at once in pursuit of the thief. It was some time before he overtook the thief, but finally succeeded in capturing him and the horses, when the thief turned out to be none other than Richard Eno. At the August term, 1854, of the circuit court an indictment was found against Eno for the commission of the theft, of which the following is a copy:

The grand .iury of the eoirnty of Marshall charge that Richard Eno on the sixteenth (lay 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 $75, one iron-gray mare of the value of $100, one colt of the value of $30, the personal goods of Benoni Jordan. D. J. Woodward, Prosecuting Attorney.

The indictment is remarkable for its brevity, and is in pleasing contrast with the lengthy documents of a similar nature generally returned into court nowadays. Eno was taken back to Michigan and probably served out the remainder of the sentence pronounced against him. He was never returned here, and the indictment still stands against him untried. Marshall County Library.

Early in the history of the county steps were taken by some of the enterprising citizens of the county seat and county looking to the education and enlightenment of the people. The first of these efforts was the organi- zation of the ]\Iarshall County Library Association, October 7, 1837, by the election of the following trustees: Oliver Rose, Grove Pomeroy, W. N. Bailey, Evan B. Hobson, James Murphy, W. G. Pomeroy and Stephen Marsters. Subsequently Oliver Rose was elected president; William Bishop, treasurer: E. B. Hobson, secretary, and William G. Pomeroy, librarian. The regulations adopted required persons drawing books to give bonds for the proper return of the books, each volume to be returned as follows: 100-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 1846 330 volumes were purchased, for which $275 was paid. Some years later, by operation of law, the clerk, auditor and recorder were made to constitute a board of managers. The recorder was made the librarian, and he kept it in his ofifice, where any citizen of the county who cared to avail himself of the privilege could have access to the books, etc., free of charge, subject to the regulations adopted by the board. It was conducted in this way from year to year until about 1900, when, the books having disappeared by having been taken out and never returned until there were less than fifty volumes left and no funds to replenish them with, and the cost of taking care of these being $50 per year, the board of commissioners ordered the library to be discontinued, and the few books on hand sold for whatever they would bring. In the later '50's the writer for four years, as deputy recorder, had charge of this library. The books were mostly of a historical and scientific nature, such as the "old timers" cared to read. Except "Gulliver's Travels," "^sop's Fables," or the "Arabian Knights," the younger portion of the community never called for a book.

During the year 185 1 an effort was made by a few enterprising citizens to organize a Young Men's Library Association in Plymouth, as is learned from the issues of the Pilot newspapers of that period. The editor gave the proposition his hearty support, and in one issue of his paper grew eloquent, as witness the following:

"Come, fathers, mothers and guardians ! Rouse up ! Pull down the dark curtain of ignorance and you will see the bright and beautiful Temple of Knowledge, fading and sparkling with crowns, wreaths and jewels in the groves of science! See you not upon the marble terraces the distinguished scholars of all ages, crowned with triumphal wreaths? Does not the sight fill your breast with elysian joys? Intelligent fathers and mothers, we hear your quick response! 'I will lead my son with tender care to the portals of the temple to receive an immortal crown.' We bless thee, mother ; you also shall receive a crown."

Diligent search through the subsequent files of his paper fails to discover any notice where the sons and the mothers received the promised crowns. The writer was here at that time and he has personal knowledge that the "Young Men's Library Association" never came to maturity.

The McClure Library Association. What was known as a McClure Working Men's Library Association was organized in Plymouth some time in 1858. A man bv' the name of

McCliire died in southern Indiana some time previous, leaving a large estate and providing in his will for the donation of $500 to each county where an association should be formed and the incorporators would start it with 100 volumes and procure a seal. Where this library was located, who had charge of it and what became of it no one now living seems to know.

During war times, or shortly after the close of the war of the Rebellion, a system of township libraries was created by act of the legislature, by which the township trustees were authorized to purchase books and provide for their keeping and distribution. The books were selected more for the benefit of the school children than for the general reading public. At first these libraries gave promise of being quite popular, but as time went on interest in them ceased, and one by one they were moved around and boxed up, and finally disappeared from public view, and now none of them are in existence so far as is known.

The Public School Library of the city of Plymouth, which was organized about twenty-five years ago by Prof. R. A. Chase, superintendent of the city public schools, is the only library of a public nature in the county at the' present time. It is under the management of the superintendent and the board of education, who employ a librarian to wait on those desiring to obtain books. A small tax is levied on the taxable property within the city limits, which is used to purchase new books, magazines, maps, etc., and in this way a library of choice books has been obtained, numbering in all probably from three to five thousand volumes. These books are open free of charge, not only to the pupils of the public schools, but to the citizens of Plymouth as well.

The collection of funds for the beginning of this library was begun in April. 1880, by the efl'orts of several ladies and gentlemen who presented the comic opera of "H. M. S. Pinafore." The amount thus raised was increased by two concerts given by the teachers and pupils of the primary rooms, the total amount thus raised being $170.95. The intention in the first inception of the scheme was to make it purely a school library wliich should not be open to the public, but a law having been passed about that time authorizing towns and cities to levy and collect a small amount of tax each year which should be applied to the purchase of books and the building up of libraries which should be open to the public, the plan was changed to make it not only a school library but a library which should be open to the public as well, and in this way the tax collected from year to year could be secured for the benefit of this library. The plan has worked well, and the library is a credit to the school and the people of Plymouth who have assisted in the way of taxation in building it up.

Agricultural Fairs. Not long after the organization of the county the question of the organization of agricultural fairs began to be agitated, and in less than twenty years thereafter the Marshall County Agricultural Fair was organ- ized. This occurred in 1855, with James A. Corse, president; Grove O. Pomeroy, treasurer, and Samuel B. Corbaley, secretary. It was organized under the law authorizing voluntary associations, and its permanent members were those who paid $3 or more. The organization was also entitled under the law to the show licenses which yearly generally amounted to about $50. The first fair was held in the old courthouse, the live stockbeing corraled in the courthouse yard. It was not much of a fair, to be sure, but then it was creditable as a beginning, taking into consideration that the society owned no property and had no money of consequence to pay premiums, and its officers were totally inexperienced in the business. The condition of the society for the following year, 1856, was shown to be as follows:

The officers for 1857 were then elected as follows: D. S. Conger, president; I. B. Halsey, vice-president; David Vinnedge, treasurer; Samuel B. Corbaley, secretary. I. Mattingly and Thomas McDonald, editors of the Republican and Democrat, presumably for free printing and free advertising in their respective papers, were voted honorary members of the society.

Some time afterwards the society purchased from David Vinnedge what is known as the fair grounds, adjoining Plymouth on the north. Lack of money prevented the improvement of the grounds to any great extent. A few temporary exhibition buildings were erected, a few stalls for horses and some pig pens, and a quarter-mile track grubbed out and leveled down to show horses and cattle and other animals, but beyond this for a long time nothing was done.

The society labored faithfully for fifteen years to build up first-class exhibitions, but met with indifferent success for various reasons. About 1873 it was concluded by the management that as the fair exhibitions during its existence had never paid out, that it would be financial wisdom to change the plan of organization as an experiment and see what would come of it - at least, they reasoned, it could not be much worse than it had been. So it was organized on the joint stock plan ; additional grounds were purchased ; a new half-mile track made and the organization established on a strictly business basis. There was some opposition to the plan of organi- zation, 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 the next year 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, buildings, track, etc., and it was foreclosed and sold at sheriflf's sale to William Scofield and John Seltenright, who held fairs on their own account in October, 1879 and 1880. The exhibitions were about up to the average of those before held, but the receipts fell a few dollars short of the expenditures on the first and a few dollars more on the last. The proprietors became discouraged and decided not to attempt to hold any more fairs. They leased the grounds and race track to some Plymouth men fond of trotting races, who kept the track in good condition and held a race meet for a few years, after which a stock company was formed which purchased the grounds and race track and provided trotting races for a few years, when, not proving a success, they were abandoned, since which time nothing has been done with the grounds and buildings, and owing to the lack of interest which has always been manifest in supporting agricultural fairs at the county seat during a period of half a century, it is not likely that another fair will be held at the county seat.

The Bremen Agricultural Society was organized June 28, 1889. Its objects are the promotion of the agricultural and mechanical interests of Bremen and German township and the surrounding country. The first officers elected were as follows : Morgan D. Fink, president ; John Huft, vice-president; Henry H. Miller, secretary; John R. Deitrich, treasurer; directors : Jacob Carbiener, Jacob Volmer, Jacob C. Kaufmann, E. J. Thompson, P. E. Deitrich, A. H. Fries and Samuel Leeper.

Under the above management a fair was held during the fall of 1889, which was an entire success, the receipts, entries and attendance being much greater than was anticipated by the most sanguine members and friends of the organization. The society owns real estate with improvements thereon, and race track, amounting to an estimated value of from six to eight thousand dollars.

The officers and directors elected for the second year were very nearly the same as for the first year, and those elected from year to year since that time have so managed the financial affairs of the society that its yearly exhibitions have uniformly been a success, the trotting races attracting the most noted trotters and pacers in the circuit of which the society is a member. The people of Bremen and German township and the surrounding country patronize it liberally, and it has now come to be one of the permanent enterprises of that locality.

This fair has been a great success from the beginning. The initial organization dates back to 1872, when under the name of the "Pioneer Farmers' Club," with Harrison Sparrow president and Washington Iden secretarv, the first fair was held at the schoolhouse, one and one-half miles east of Bourbon, in October. No entry fee was charged and no premiums paid, ribbons serving to designate the animal or article. All the records are not available, but Jahu Iden, Jeptha Disher and others served in various capacities, and William E. Gay was secretary for thirteen years. The fair grew in popular favor, and for want of room was moved from place to place to accommodate the increasing attendance. As a result eight acres of land was bought and buildings erected and a small fee charged for admittance. Thisproved to be too small, and on August i6, 1891, an association was formed under the law of the state, with a paid-up capital of $5,000. Thirty-five acres of suitable ground was purchased, and by October I, 1891, a fine half-mile track was completed and a grandstand, an art hall, a fruit house, grain and vegetable buildings, stables, pens and fences were erected, involving a debt oi $2,000, all of which has been paid, and the association is still making permanent improvements for the accommodation of increasing exhibits. No intoxicants are sold, no gambling allowed and no immoral show tolerated. The aim is to please and entertain the best element of society, and the attendance of over 12,000 on Thursday of last year proves that that policy is correct. A clean fair is a specialty.

Plymouth Commandery Drum Corps. A drum corps attached to Plymouth Commandery, Knights Templar, was organized in 1876 and continued for a year or two. It was composed of the following then young men : George H. Thayer, tenor drum ; C. S. Sutphen, tenor drum ; Frank Smith, tenor drum ; Fred W. Hill, tenor drum; Will W. Davenport, bass drum. This drum corps was organized through the efforts of Henry G. Thayer, who was then eminent commander of the commandery.

Was organized in 1876 and was composed of the following members: George H. Thayer, flute; Charles S. Sutphen, first violin; Will W. Davenport, second violin; Charles Haslanger, cornet; James M. Confer, baritone; Fred W. Hill, violoncello ; Charles S. Sutphen, leader. The life of this organization was of short duration, several of the young men having gone elsewhere.

This club was organized by several Plymouth people at Alaxinkuckee lake, June 15, 1875, the following being the names of the members: Joseph Westervelt, president ; John R. Losey, treasurer ; Charles H. Reeve, secretary ; Jerry Blain, W. N. Bailey, C. R. Cooper, H. G. Thaver, William M. Kendall, William W. Hill, C. C. Buck, C. E. Toan, Horace Corbin, U. S. Dodge, T. A. Borton, Daniel McDonald, Hiram V. Reed, M. W. Simons, Piatt McDonald, A. C. Capron, N. H. Oglesbee. The club leased a piece of lake front on the east shore from L. T. Van Schoiack, on which a clubhouse was erected which was occupied for five years. It is now owned by Mrs. McLfat, of Indianapolis, and was the first place of summer resort on the lake.

was organized in 1875 for the purpose of the propagation of game fish and the enforcement of the game laws. The club had quite a number of boats on three of the nicest lakes in the county and also owned three acres of land, including a beautiful grove, on the banks of Pretty lake. After a few years the grounds were sold to various persons in small lots and the club disbanded. It was composed of David How, John Seltenright, Lewis C. Fink, David Berkey, Ed R. Edwards, Noah Lauderman and S. A. Hoglan, most of whom are dead, and the remainder removed from the county.

This was a musical society which came into existence in 1873, mainly for the purpose of giving entertainments for the benefits of the needy poor of Plymouth and vicinity. It was composed of five gentlemen of some musical talent, residents of Plymouth. The first entertainment under its management was given in Balcony hall, Plymouth, January i, 1873. The program embraced an opening address by the late Charles H. Reeve, twelve vocal and instrumental selections, a charade, "Wayward," and two recitations, "Shamus O'Brien, the Brave Boy of Glingall," and "Over the Hills to the Poorhouse." The opening quartet by the Glee Club took the large audience by storm. The music was an arrangement of "Maryland, My Maryland," and the words by Mr. 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 here. The words are as follows :

Vainly raise to us their cry? Shall thirst and hunger ceaseless craVe, Shall death come near - beyond the grave - Shall we stand by with power to save.

Two entertainments were given during that winter, the net proceeds of which were $142.32. This was distributed to the deserving needy by a committee of one selected from each of the church organizations then existing in the city.

The 13 Club, the most noted organization Plymouth or Marshall county ever had, came into existence on Christmas eve, December 24, 1897, the gentlemen composing the club assembling at the office of Dr. G. R. Reynolds in response to the following invitation written by the doctor:

Mister: - Yu ar herby speeialy - (an owin to views peculer to yurself) pertioularly invited to be present at a meetin to be assembled at the ofis of doctor Eeynolds on the cvenin of dec. 24th 1897, betwixt the hours of 8 an 11 p. m. Tu air further notifyed that this is to be no soshal swel duins, wher dandyfide close with nice smellin bokase an things on 'em (for cos) cut a grate figer; as no wimin will be present at this meetin, -Hhieh is suniwhat for organisashun ; an wimin ain 't much on organisashim, eept in their peeulyer way. Won of the numerus objex of this meetin is for the purpus uv findin out why things ar as tha bee, an how cum tha so ; an as on this thar wil be readin from Titers as think tha have a sinch, all present air xpected to hav there thinkin caps with them; further this meetin may bee called upon to xpres whether it wil meet agin, an if so in this world or the neeks. In number this meetin will be a baker's duzen, by axual kount eelected on the darwin idee, owin to kinder like trates, uv not spekin unles tha sa sumthin.

Therby it is hoped this meetin may evoloot into sumthin' worthy of crisenin (tho uv corse that kud be later). Lite consumptives wil be fre as water, eonsistin uv meller sider, shel barks, appels, donuts, an sich. As to order, the darwin idee wil prevale, to the end that all reedin an listenin an absorbin an digestin uv the orthers idees, shuld be dun quietly, thotfuly, an farely; as the orthers wil not bee present fisicaly to fite for therselves. This order wil last til all ar wilin to call from laber to refreshment when the lite consumptives may be diskusseil at which time the hylarites that may evoloot will be in order. An it may be aded here that this line uv doin may bare repeatin etc etc.

The "baker's dozen" (13) invited responded to the call. The evening was spent in reading and commenting on the writings of Huxley, Darwin, Spencer and others, which proved to be a most enjoyable "evolution" from the conventional conversation that usually makes up the program on such occasions. The refreshments were sweet cider, doughnuts, Northern Spy apples, hickory nuts and cigars. During this part of the program some laughable stories were told, and at the hour of midnight the assembly disbanded to meet a week later for permanent organization.

When the next meeting was held two of those who had been present at the first meeting concluded not to continue in the organization, whether on account of the "unlucky number 13" or for other good and sufficient reasons, and so the organization was continued as the 13 Club with eleven members, whose names follow : Charles H. Reeve, A. C. Capron, Samuel Parker, Harry Swindell, Daniel McDonald, George R. Reynolds, Leopold M. Lauer, Charles P. Drummond, Rosco A. Chase, M. W. Simons, Rollo B. Oglesbee.

club as long as lie and it lived. It was decided that the meetings of the club should be held on Saturday nights at the offices or houses of the members in rotation, if convenient, the entertainer to provide the refreshments to be served on the occasion. The president was authorized to notify the members from time to time to be prepared to present papers or topics to the club for discussion. It was also decided that no further rules or regulations or by-laws be adopted - that anyone wishing to discuss or cuss a question should have the privilege of doing so to his heart's content. Meetings were held during the fall, winter and spring months for a period of five years, at the end of which time, owing to the removal from town of several members, the club was disbanded. No deaths or other mishaps took place to the members of the club until after it formally disbanded in 1902. Dr. Reynolds, who had organized the club and had taken a lively interest in its welfare from the beginning, was the first to go. Driving home from visiting a patient one Sunday evening in 1903, in attempting to drive his horse across the track of the Pennsylvania railroad a mile east of town he was caught by a fast passenger train and instantly killed. The next year Mr. Reeve passed away suddenly from heart failure, and in Mav, 1905, Judge Capron died suddenly at his cottage at Ma.xinkuckee lake, and the next year Mr. Simons became insane at his home in Denver, Colorado, and died not long afterwards. Of the remaining members Mr. Chase is publishing a newspaper at St. Charles, Missouri ; Mr. Oglesbee is deputy auditor of state at Indianapolis ; Mr. Drummond and Mr. Parker are practicing law at South Bend ; Harry Swindell is in the butter and egg business at Kalamazoo, Michigan ; and the remaining three, Mr. Stevens, Mr. McDonald and Mr. Lauer, still reside in Plymouth. Notwithstanding no accident happened to any member of the club during their connection with it, yet there are those who firmly believe that the horrible deaths of Dr. Reynolds and Mr. Simons were occasioned by belonging to an organization having for its name the unlucky number "13."

In a work of this kind it must be apparent to all that nothing could be more appropriate than a paper devoted to the old folks generally. Anything that tends to perpetuate the early history and the scenes and incidents of the early days is not only interesting to those who participated in them, but will be to those who shall take their places in the future.

The formation of an Old Settlers' Society had been talked of for many years, but for one cause or another no active steps were taken until 1878. Prior to July 4 of that year a circular was issued requesting the attendance on that day at the fair grounds near Plymouth of all interested in the movement. In obedience to the call a large number were present. Robert Schroeder, the oldest settler at that time in the county, was selected chairman of the meeting ; John W. Houghton, secretary, and Rev. Austin Fuller, chaplain. A lengthy constitution and by-laws were adopted ; speeches and songs indulged in, and an old-fashioned picnic dinner partaken of under the shade of the trees. The following resolution was adopted :

"Resolved, That the annual meetings of this society shall, after the current year, be held on the 20th day of July in each year, that being the day of the month on which the county seat was located and the county organized, except when the said 20th day of July occurs on Sunday ; in that case the annual meeting shall be held on the 19th day of July in each year."

The following officers were then elected for the year ending July 20, 1879: President, Robert Schroeder; first vice-president, David L. Gibson; second vice-president, Joseph Evans ; chaplain, Rev. George H. Thayer ; treasurer ; Ahijah Hawley ; secretary, Daniel McDonald. About 300 names were appended to the constitution, after which the society adjourned until Saturday, July 19, 1879.

The first meeting after the organization was held in Plymouth July 19, 1879, and was largely attended. Daniel McDonald, who had been selected orator of the day, delivered an address appropriate to the occasion, and other addresses were delivered as follows:

Copious extracts from all these addresses may be found in the history of Marshall county published in 1881. The third (and last) meeting of the Old Settlers' Society was held July 20, 1880, in ^Magnetic park, Plymouth, Indiana. There was a large turnout and all seemed to have a good oldfashioned time. Elder Richard Corbaley, of Healdsburg, Cal., a former old resident, delivered an acceptable address, after which the following officers were elected for the year of 1881 : President, Rev. George H. Thayer; vice-president, Joseph Evans; chaplain, Elder Hugh Barnhill ; treasurer, Ahijah Hawley; secretary, Thomas K. Houghton.

The officers for one reason or another failed to arrange for the meeting in 1881, and it was allowed to go by default, and that society, the only one extending over the entire county, went to pieces and has never since been revived.

The Marshall and St. Joseph County Old Settlers' Society. During the past ten years old settlers' meetings have been held annually in the grove near the town of La Paz, in North township, the above caption being the name of the organization. The organization was first suggested by Rev. M. L. Peter, of La Paz. who has been the real life of it ever since, the two first meetings being held in Longaker's grove, on the countv line in St. Joseph county, one and a half miles west of La Paz. The remainder of the meetings have been held in Wilson's grove, south of La Paz. Jerry Hildebrand, residing at Lakeville, St. Joseph county, has presided at all the meetings, which, when the weather has been favorable, have been largely attended. The first officers were : President, Percy J. Trover ; secretary, J. Edward Cook; treasurer. W. Lester Hoover. The present officers are: President, William M. Sherland ; secretary, John W. Hildebrand; treasurer, W. Lester Hoover. At each annual meeting speakers have been secured who have delivered addresses appropriate to the occasion. At all the old meetings old and rare relics have been on exhiitbion, mostly old and rare volumes of the Bible. H. Y. Shirk exhibited a German Bible- Luther's translation - printed in Basle, Switzerland, in 1665, which has been in the Shirk family since the volume left the press. Rev. M. L. Peter exhibited Luther's first volume, printed in Jena, Germany, in 1555. As far as known it is the only volume of the kind in America. It was exhibited at the World's Fair, Chicago, in 1893. Other volumes, old and rare, printed in Germany, England, France and Ireland, owned by citizens of La Paz and vicinity, have been exhibited at all the meetings of the society, and also an English work on chemistry printed in London in 1545, owned by Dr. Albert Wagner, of La Paz. In addition to these rnany curious and rare specimens of que^nsware, fancy work, guns, spinning wheels, dinner horns, etc., have annually been exhibited.

The following have been the orators of the day at the meetings so far held: Charles H. Reeve, Daniel McDonald, Adam E. Wise, Charles Kellison, S. N. Stevens, H. G. Thayer and J. N. Wilson, of Plymouth ; Thompson Turner, of Walkerton ; J. B. Stoll, F. E. Herring, C. P. Drummond and Mr. Woodward, South Bend. Short addresses were also made at the various meetings by J. F. Langenbaugh, Meyer AUman, Peter Grube, of Plymouth, and Rev. W. W. Summers, South Bend; Rev. Samuel Gettie, North Liberty: Rev. M. L. Peter, La Paz; Jerry Hildebrand, Allen RamSby, Walkerton, and A. W. Dolph, Teegarden.

Xlvii. Literary Societies

Since its organization seventy-five years ago Plymouth has had several what were called "literary societies," none of which, however, survived any great length of time, or accomplished anything of importance during their existence. The first that gained any particular attention was what was called "The Shakespearean Literary Society," organized in the early eighties. Those who took part in the organization were readers and students of literature who believed that in numbers and concert of action the members would be brought closer together and a new impetus would be given which would result in a more thorough study of literature in all its various phases. Those who became members and perfected the organization, if memory is not at fault, were M. A. O. Packard, Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Packard; J\Iiss Stella Packard, Miss Kittie McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Bray, Louis McDonald, Judge and Mrs. Isaiah Connor, of Rochester, Bert J. Gilmore, Miss Hattie Boeckling, Daniel McDonald, O. P. Klinger and Will Funk, the humorist. The object of the society was particularly to read, discuss and analyze the plays of Shakespeare, but other famous authors were considered at almost every meeting. At each meeting a member was selected to write a report of the proceedings, to be read and considered at the next meeting. This proved to be a ver\' interesting feature of the proceedings. Some of them were considered sufficiently meritorious for publication in the local paper. From the report of the first meeting, as showing the trend of the program, the following extracts are herewith reproduced :

"The meeting of the Shakespearean Literary Society, though the initial one, with the machinery so new and untried that there was necessarily a good deal of friction to overcome, was nevertheless full of interest. One important feature of the society was by no means neglected, and that was the social amenities. If men and women would only understand that the highest and most satisfying conditions of happiness - that leaves no sting behind, that enlarges and ennobles our common nature, that quickens our sensibilities and inspires our better thoughts and impulses - is the cultivation of our social faculties, there would certainly be more attention paid to it. It would become more of a business than an incident of our lives.

"The literary exercises of the evening, though not as extensive as it is hoped they will be when we get into better training, were full of interest. One of our members recited that wonderful piece of human philosophy, 'The Soliloquy of Hamlet.' It can never be read or studied too much. Like a grand painting, each new study and inspection disclosed some brilliant part before concealed. Nowhere penned by man can be found in the same number of words such a boundless sweep of thought, or such a rich coinage of language. It is not too unfrequently criticised as presenting a too morbid and melancholy view of life. It would not be Hamlet if it were less so. And after all, though I speak it sadly, is it not a pretty fair average type of life's voyage, with its toisterous billows to encounter, its adverse winds, its counter currents, its rayless nights, its shoals and dangerous reefs.

' ' Who would fardels bear To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death - The undiscovered country from whose bourne No traveler returns - puzzles the will. And makes us rather bear those ills we have. Than fly to others we know not of.

"He also read a choice selection from Richard III, in which are depicted the terrors of a horrid nightmare - the fruit of a guilty conscience. So vivid and startling is the wonderfullv wrought vision that the recital of it

"And then with what easy grace and exquisite tact he drops into moralizing over the condition of princes. It were as if liquid thought had been modeled in vessels fashioned from gems of the Golconda! Mark it:

"Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours. Makes the night morning and the noontide night; Princes have but their titles for their glories, An outward honor for an inward toil, And, for unfelt imaginations. They often feel a world of restless cares. So that, between their titles and low name, There's nothing differs but the outward fame!

"All hail Shakespeare, prince of bards! He stands as preeminently above all others who ever wrote a thought as Mont Blanc towers above the little hills in the quiet vale of the Chamonni. Having compassed all the range of thought, there is no new world for a second Columbus to discover or a second Alexander to conquer."

one cause or another, lasted only about two years. But its influence resulted in infusing into the minds of those of a literary turn of mind a desire to know more of the hidden mysteries of literature lying dormant here and there and everywhere. And so shortly afterwards several ladies of Plymoutli organized a literary society which is now known as

The Saturday Club. Thirteen ladies constituted the membership at its first organization This was in the year 1886. On her return from Germany during thf summer of that year, Miss Mary Arnold, a cousin of the late Senato/ Reeve and formerly a teacher in the Plymouth schools, organized twe classes for the purpose of studying English literature, Taine's Englisl. Literature being used as a text in both classes. The following named ladies composed the two classes : In the first were Mesdames Katherine Corbin, Harriet E. Blain, Olive Blain, Ella J\I. Veits, Carrie Reeve, Sarah R. Toan, IMary E. Thayer, Mary Buck, Mary L. M. Thayer and Miss Celesta Simons. In the second. Misses Charlotte Armstrong, Lou Ella K. Houghton, Jeanne Oglesbee and Katherine McDonald. In February, 1887, the two classes united, the joint meeting being held at the home of Miss Jeanne Oglesbee, at which meeting Miss Phebe Thompson joined the class. During this year two delightful open evenings were held. The work under Miss Arnold's instruction had been so profitable and enjoyable that at her urgent request the members decided to form a permanent class. At the last meeting of the class, held at the home of Mrs. Carrie Reeve, it was decided to organize a literary society as the most efficient means of continuing the work. The society was named the "Mary Arnold Literary Society," the first officers being: President, Mrs. Katharine Corbin; vicepresident. Miss Phebe Thompson, and secretary, Mrs. Harriet E. Blain. The charter members were thirteen in number, to which two more were added at the beginning of the work in the fall of 1887. "Miss Maertz' Outlines" were adopted as a foundation for study and followed for three years. During these years the whole realm of literature was traversed, from the highways of the great masters to the by-ways of our own local contributors. The same officers were retained and the work pursued in the same quiet way until 1890-91, when a number of ladies became interested and desired to take up the work. The membership was enlarged to twenty-eight, the year being devoted to a special study of Milton, Pope, Dryden and other respective periods as treated in Taine's literature. With the increase in membership several new features were introduced, among which was a series of evening entertainments in which the active members were assisted by fifteen associate members. These ladies were privileged to attend the regular meetings, but were not required to take part in the program and did not vote. The first of these openings was held at the home of Mrs. Mary Marble, December 9, 1890, to celebrate Milton's birthday. A paper was read by Phebe Thompson, and the Hymn of the Nativity recited by Anna Combs. About 100 guests were present. The second open evening was held with Mrs. Ellen Simons. Mrs. Eva L. LInderwood gave a resume of the Augustan period in literature. It being St. Valentine's day, the remainder of the evening was devoted to the reading and distribution of original valentines, in which the guests had been invited to participate. Miss L. A. Borton became secretarj' in 1891. During June of this year Rev. Mr. Smith, of Evanston, lUinois, gave a most delightful course of six lectures on early English and Scotch literature. Tickets were sold and the public gave the society generous support. The work closed with but one event to mar the pleasure of the year. Death had entered the ranks for the first time, taking from our midst Mrs. Mary Buck, one of the thirteen charter members. She was a lovable character, whose sweetness of disposition and unselfishness endeared her to all who knew her. She was followed a. year later by the death of Mrs. Olive Blain, another charter member, whose quiet, gentle ways had endeared her to every member. The season of 1892 and 1893 was crowded with good things. A new feature was added. "A Tourist Social," by means of which the ladies gave pleasure to themselves and friends by a series of addresses from their fellow townsmen who had journeyed abroad in the more remote parts of our country.. The first of these was held at the home of Mrs. Marble, where H. G. Thayer delivered an address on "The Environment of London." The next was at the home of Mrs. Lattimore, at which Daniel McDonald gave a very interesting description of "Yellowstone Park." At the third "Tourist Social," which was held at the home of Mrs. Eva Underwood, Rev. W. W. Raymond read a most charming paper on "Hawthorn and His Works." In 1891 the society reorganized under the name of the "Ladies' Literary Society," with Mrs. Katharine Corbin, president; Mrs. Elizabeth Lattimore, vice-president ; Miss Lou A. Borton, secretary. The study of American and continental literature was pursued until May, when the study of Shakespeare's plays was taken up for the summer work. October 22, 1892, Mrs. Elizabeth Lattimore was elected president; Mrs. Sarah R. Toan, vice-president ; Miss Borton, secretary. At this time a new ofifice was created, by which Miss Phebe Thompson became leader and general director of the program. During March, 1893, the society was fortunate in securing the services of Prof. Boon, who delighted everyone with his lecture on Richard Raelf, the soldier-poet. In October, 1893, Mrs. Lattimore was reelected president; Mrs. Sarah R. Toan, vice-president, and Estelle Chase, secretary. A series of ten open meetings was arranged for the year 1893-94, which were held at the home of the several members, at which time the following subjects were presented: "An Evening in the White City," by Mrs. Mary Thayer, hostess ; "One of My Favorite Books," Mrs. Bessie Baker, hostess; "An Evening With Dickens," Mrs. Corbin, hostess. The program consisted of a pantomime procession of characters taken from Dickens. "Our Hoosier Poet, Riley," Mrs. H. E. Blain, hostess. Phebe Thompson and Florence Agnew gave a critical analysis of Riley's work, the former taking a favorable view, the latter an unfavorable view of his output. A spirited discussion followed, in which extempore battle of wit Judge Corbin took the lead in behalf of the poet, while H. G. Thayer led the opposition. The next open meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Estella Drummond, at which Judge Corbin read a paper on "Westminster Abbey," which was followed by fifty literary conundrums which were distributed among the people. The answers were to be the names of noted authors, which furnished Senator Reeve, who presided over this part of the program, opportunity to show his readiness in repartee. Miss Celeste Simons was hostess March' 6th. The entertainment consisted of stereopticon views of "The Twelve Great World Pictures," shown by D. Frank Redd and Jacob Martin. One hundred and fifty were present at this meeting. It brings back pleasant memories to those present on account of the spontaneous song service at the close, in which "Auld Lang Syne," "Old Oaken Bucket," and other songs of yesterday were participated in by all present. In April, 1894, an evening was devoted to Indiana authors, in which all the numbers were original productions of the members. In February, 1893, the society joined the "Indiana Union of Literary Clubs." The officers for 1894-95 were Mrs. Corbin, president; Miss Phebe Thompson, leader and vice-president; Mrs. Mary Kinsey, secretary. Two of the valued members of the society, Mrs. Jennie IBorton and Mrs. Fannie Portmess-Work, died this year. The year 1895-96 was memorable for the society. Miss Celeste Simons was able to realize a dream of years in being able to furnish the society with a convenient and beautifully furnished clubroom, which was used by the society for several years. The officers for 1895-96 were : Mrs. Mary W. Kinsey, president ; Miss Angelica Thayer, vicepresident; Miss Florence Agnew, secretary. The first meeting was held for the first time October 5, 1895, in the new clubroom. At this meeting the name was changed to "Saturday Club," which name it still retains. This year Mrs. Julia Blain became secretary. Printed programs were given out for the year's work, the subject being, "Primitive American Races and Early American History." The social events of this year were a lecture by Mrs. Ford, of Chicago, on "Shakespeare's Women," followed by a reception ; and a reception given in honor of Mrs. Virginia Meredith, of Connorsville, president of the Indiana Union of Literary Clubs. For the year 1896-97, Mrs. Julia Blain, president; Mrs. Ida E. R. Smith, vice-president; Miss Alice C. Klinger, secretary. The study for the year was confined to South America, Central America and Mexico. The social events of the year were confined to a club tea at the clubroom and a banquet on Washington's birthday. Colonial costumes were worn and each lady took her own supply of dishes. Old-fashioned souvenir dishware taken and a description of them and the historical events with which they were connected proved of great interest. January 16, 1897, Mrs. Elizabeth Lattimore, former member and president of the club, died at Crown Point, Indiana. Memorial services were held in her honor on the day of her burial. Officers 1897-98: Miss Simons, president; Mrs. Corbin, vicepresident; Mrs. Mary Morrison, secretary. Program for the year, American History, etc. In February, 1898, occurred one of the most enjoyable evenings the club had experienced. Mrs. Elizabeth Armstrong Reed, of Chicago, delivered her famous lecture on "Mythology." The lecture was followed by a reception and supper given in her honor, to which a large number of guests had been invited. During the year 1898-99 Miss Simons, owing to failing health, resigned, and Mrs. Toan presided the remainder of the year. The social events of this year were the usual celebration of Washington's birthday, a lecture by Mrs. Ford, entitled "Eugene Field and James AA^hitcomb Riley," and a farewell party at the close of the year. At "this party Mr. Rotzein took a picture of the club seated at the table. The officers for 1900 were: Mrs. Toan, president; Mrs. Underwood, vicepresident ; Mrs. ]\Iary L. M. Thayer, secretary, and Miss Thompson, leader. The club was plunged in gloom September i6th of this year by the death of Mrs. Katharine Corbin, the first president of the club. She had been one of the most active and devoted members from the beginning. This year was devoted to Bible study, as literature and history. The first meeting of the vear 1900 was held in' October, with Mrs. Underwood, president ; Mrs. ^I. L. M. Thayer, vice-president ; Mrs. Ada B. Butler, secretary, and Miss Klinger, leader. The study of the Bible was continued and several social meetings for the members' held. A called meeting was held August i6th at the home of Mrs. Thayer in honor of Mrs. Phebe Thompson- Willey on her return from Australia. Mrs. Mary L. M. Thayer, president ; Mrs. 'Ida E. R. Smith, vice-president; Alice C. KUnger, secretary. The year was devoted to the consideration of current events, banquets, sleighride parties, etc. No change of officers was made in 1905. England, Shakespeare and American History furnished the theme for the year. A special meeting was held January 12th at Mrs. Underwood's, for the study of the art collection of the Union Literary Clubs. The carnation was adopted as the club flower. The year closed with a social afternoon and supper with Miss Olive Thompson. Mrs. Butler became president; Mrs. Winnings, vice-president, and Annie Morrill, secretary. The chief feature of the gala day was a burlesque exhibit of works of art. The attempts of the ladies at sculpture in the form of clay modeling were very classic in resuhs. The officers at the close of 1907 are: President, Airs. Phebe Thompson-Wiley; vice-president, Mrs. Jesse Toan-Brooks ; secretary, Mrs. Mary K. Hitchcock.

The club began "A Journey Through the United States" last September, starting from Plymouth, and to arrive at the national capitol in May, 1908. There have always been the strongest ties of friendship and affection between the members of the club. Very few have resigned except from sickness and absence from town. All feel that the influence of the Saturday Club is for good only. The members have not desired to place themselves conspicuously before the public. Their aim has been to broaden their own lives by this close contact with others of like tastes and aspirations. They feel that their influence has been more far-reaching than had they been less conservative. While the membership is at present limited to thirty-five for convenience in management, it is not the intention to exclude any who may wish to take up active work. The club is a most remarkable one. It is composed entirely of women and has been in existence continuously without interruption for well on towards a quarter of a century. In the sphere of its work it has accomplished great good in elevating the standard of knowledge and right thinking, and generally in cultivating the ethics of right living.

Xlviii. The Mozart Musical Club

For a number of years the vocal chorus music of Plymouth had been in rather backward shape and the various church choirs felt the effect in a marked degree. A number of ladies had talked the matter over and this meeting was held with a view to organize a society with the object of creating a sentiment in the city thdt would encourage music of a high class and take the place of the so-called "rag time" trash that was rooting out all classical music.

The Mozart Musical Club was a success from the start. Mrs. Stella Drummond was the first president, serving until her removal to South Bend. Mrs. Olive Soice then served a term of years, and Mrs. Eva L. Underwood has since been at the head of the society. Mrs. James McDonald was the first director, and since then they have had Prof. Franks, of South Bend, and Prof. McHenry, and now Prof. H. W. Owens, of Chicago, has just commenced his fourth year with this club.

Each year since the organization the club has given one or two concerts, which have been well received by those who heard them. No attempt has been made to amass money by these performances, the object only being to give to the public an exhibition of the progress made and to bring in noted soloists who could be heard here in no other way. When San Francisco was destroyed by earthquake this club sent the entire proceeds of one concert to the relief of the sufferers.

During these years this club has given, among others, the "Holy Citv," by Gaul ; "Rose Maiden," by Covven ; "Messiah," by Handel ; and this year the work is "Creation," by Haydn. That this club, started by a small company of ladies who were simply bent on self-improvement and an earnest desire to elevate the taste of the community for the highest class of music, should successfully give Handel's "Messiah," which is acknowledged to be one of the very best and most difficult of the standard oratorios, speaks well for the individual membership and the directors they have had. Prof. Owens, who drills the club once each week, has lately returned from England, where he went the past summer to get what was new and useful for his work, and under his supervision the work on "Creation" is being enthusiastically pushed, and when the club is ready to give this oratorio it is expected to be the finest musical production the club has ever given.

For several years this club was composed entirely of ladies, but now the gentlemen are taken into full membership, and the future of the club looks very bright.

While it may be true that Marshall county, or any portion of it, has not produced in the literary, musical or oratorical field of human action anyone, either male or female, whose excellence has attracted the attention and admiration of the world at large, yet it is true that there have risen up from among the people those who have made their mark in the liberal arts and occupy a sphere as high as their surrounding neighbors.

In a work of this kind it will be impossible to give more than a brief reference to those who have done sufficient in the literary field to make them a reputation that will be more or less enduring. The first who wrote to greater purpose than any of his contemporaries, the late Charles H. Reeve, stands easily at the head. During the last two decades of his life he wrote numerous books and pamphlets, mostly on crime and criminals, and criminal law reform, etc. His most pretentious work was "The Prison Question," a book of 200 pages, which had a large sale both in this and foreign countries among those interested in prison reform. He was a smooth and graceful writer and in descriptive composition had few equals anywhere. From an address of welcome to the Northern Indiana Teachers' Association held at Maxinkuckee lake, June 29, 1886, the following charming description of the "Beautiful Maxinkuckee," by Mr. Reeve, is inserted as a rare literary gem - a classic in its way. Addressing the assembled teachers, he said in part:

"Many years ago, near where we are now located, I came in sight of the lovely lake yonder for the first time. When I first saw it the primeval forest around it was almost untouched. Some settlers were near it but mainly the forest came to the margin. Some rushes grew in the shallow spots. A log canoe rocked on the shore near me as the light waves pulsated to and fro. The sunlight glinted from the surface of the water and the whole space above was filled with a kind of glowing haze I have seen nowhere else. The undulations of the shores and the deep green of the trees were reflected in black shadows from the water below. Near me a robin was caroling his liquid song. The red-winged blackbird flew chirping across the narrow bends, alighting now and then on the limber twig of a bush, or some stout bulrush that bent to the water and allowed him to seize something he saw and wanted. The lazy gulls rose and fell and turned from side to side as they crossed and recrossed above the water. Here and there in some still spot a fish would spring out and leave a circlet of tiny waves following each other in growing circles, soon broken by others made in like manner near by them. Some wild ducks arose from near the shore with a cry of alarm and winged a rapid flight around the bends to light in some obscure place. Away near the opposite shore a figure sat in a dugout holding a pole that would occasionally rise to the perpendicular and then come down to the horizontal, and it looked as completely alone as if it were the only being in its form alive. These trifling incidents attracted momentary notice only. But the lights and shades, the outlines and the undulations, the glittering and shimmering of sun and water and shadowy reflections, the life and motion and stillness, the strange mellow haze, like an invisible veil, yet obstructing no light, that was above and over it all like a halo, the something indescribable and seen nowhere else, were before me in the fullness of Nature's most perfect work. I reined in my horse and sat still on him, almost entranced by the indescribable feelings created by the scene. There are no words I know to describe it. It could only be felt - a glow of pleasure and wonder mingled with awe - a sense of beauty with a glow of exaggeration that went beyond words for comparison.

"I had met an Indian only a few moments before seeing the lake, just up yonder on the road coming through the woods. He was bareheaded, had on a calico shirt, deerskin leggings and moccasins, and carried a gun ; and he had told me in broken English with short pauses between the words about the road I desired to follow. 'Go so,' he said, pointing the direction; 'see - big - trail. Mabbe - go - so,' pointing another direction; 'see - chemoke - man's - wigwam. Yes.' That is, I would soon come to the main wagon road, and following that would come to a white man's house. I followed the first direction, and soon after the weird and beautiful

"But it has another beauty now that you gaze on. I have them both before me, and year by year have seen the changes as they grew in it and in the country regions round and about it. How many can go back to that log canoe as, half filled with water, it oscillated upon the shore yonder, and step by step follow the changes down to the graceful hulls and sails that daily skim the surface of the lake, or the shapely little steamers that

"Walk the water like a thing of life,' while the echoes on the shore awake the throbs of their fiery, imprisoned hearts, as the pulsations evolve the forces of their artificial life?

"To me there is a strange blending of the sights and sounds here now with the memory of those of long ago. The carol of the robin and the bell of the steamer; the whistle of the blackbirds and the scream of the locomotive; the grace of the waterfowl and its rapid flight and the whitesailed yachts ; the presence of the lonely fisherman and the silent Indian ; the knowledge of the fewer wants and fewer means of gratifying them then, and the many needs and boundless resources of the present ; of the lighter burdens that rested then and the mighty ones that rest now; all pass before me like 'the cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces and solemn temples created by the baseless fabric of some weird vision.' "

Judge Albcrtus C. Capron. Judge Capron was one of Marshall county's most accomplished writers. For many years he owned a cottage on the shore of the beautiful Maxinkuckee lake, and no one enjoyed more than he the delightful breezes and charming scenery that met his view, no matter which way he looked. He was especially fond of fishing, and probably the last article he prepared was on the subject of "Fish and Fishing in Lake Maxinkuckee," published in a history of tlie lake in 1905, the year he died. The closing paragraphs are reproduced here to show the beauty of his style of composition, and the delightful picture he draws of good and bad fishing days. The judge's peroration is as follows:

"To be even moderately successful one must be fairly well acquainted with the 'lay of the land' in the lake. There are considerable areas that are absolutely barren of fish at all seasons, where one may fish for a week and not get a nibble. Where the water is sixty, seventy or eighty feet deep there are no fish, unless it be a few gars swimming near the surface in a migration from one side of the lake to the other.

"And there are days when the lake appears absolutely without fish of any kind, when the experienced fisherman with both live and artificial bait may search the bars and gullies of the very best fishing grounds, from 'morn 'till dewy eve,' with not a single strike. But even such a day is not without its recompense to the genuine fisherman, for he is always a lover of nature in her various moods. After a fruitless pull of a couple of hours, and he realizes that the fish are hugging the bottom among the lake weeds and grasses and beyond the temptation of his alluring baits, he can drop his oars and drift idly in the summer breeze that brings to him, across the lake, the odor of the woods, the fields or the new-mown hay, and watch the changing colors of the lake as the shadows of the fleecy clouds creep slowly over the surface; or, looking shoreward, beyond the line where land and water meet, his eyes will rest upon a sylvan picture of wooded bluff and shady beach with their bright tinted cottages nesthng among the trees, wordless invitations to the weary to come and find rest therein, and, as the evening comes on and the winds are hushed, and all the west, both sky and water, is painted in gorgeous colors by the glorious sunset, there comes creeping over the glassy lake a tinkling music as of water bells touched by the sparkling streams that gush from the flowing wells and splash upon the margin of the lake. And, as his boat glides to his landing place, the joy and sweetness of life fills his being with a new and thrilling sense of pleasure, and as he picks up his creel and saunters slowly toward his cottage he feels in his heart more than half glad that it is an empty creel - with nothing dead in it. Surely such a day is not a lost day, not a day to be regretted.

"And there are other days, red-letter days for the fisherman ; days when every good-sized fish in the lake appears to have awakened up hungry from a two or three days' snooze in the grass, and every one of them seems to be hunting the fisherman's bait; and, whether anchored on the edge of a bar or trolling deep among the gullies, the time between strikes is little more than enough to adjust a new bait and get the lines well out again. On these days the catch of a couple of hours half fills the creel with three or four varieties of goodly sized fish - all the small ones discarded and thrown into the lake. On these days the fisherman finds no time to watch the shadows on the lake ; no matter how gorgeous the sunset, he sees it not. The winds may waft the odor of the spices of Araby across the lake - he perceives it not; the music of the rippling streams that gush from the flowing wells is drowned by the chirr of his reel, and the cottage-lined shores are simply a landing place, where he will beach his boat and step proudly upon the shore, holding up to the gaze of family and friends his wonderful catch on this his lucky day. Well, it's only human nature to enjoy success, and these are the days the fisherman loves to talk and think of - the days he remembers best."

John S. Bender, who still resides in Plymouth at the age of eighty, is the author of a book entitled "A Hoosier's Experience in Western Europe," being a description of scenes and incidents that impressed him while making the tour of western Europe in the winter of 1874-75. He also wrote and published a small book entitled "Money," from the "Greenback" theory of the financial question.

Elder S. A. Chaplin, during many years' residence in Marshall county, wrote much on literary and religious subjects. All his writings had a religious tendency and a high moral tone, and were intended to make his readers better, wiser, and happier. The series of articles written by him and published in the Plymouth Democrat shortly before his death, entitled "The Return of the Jews to Jerusalem," and "Sketches of the Early Settlement of the Northwest Territory," were of a high order of merit and contained valuable information not elsewhere to be found.

M. A. 0. Packard wrote copiously, fluently and well. His articles "From Over the Sea," published in the Plymouth Democrat while making the tour of Europe on two occasions, and his letters descriptive of a tour across the continent to the Pacific coast, and return by way of the southern states, were models of descriptive writing rarely excelled, and worthy of permanent preservation. His style is smooth and polished, and he has the faculty of taking the reader with him and showing him the beauty and

Henry G. Thayer, while on a tour of Europe several years prior to his death, wrote a series of letters, which were published in the Plymouth Democrat, that were more than ordinarily meritorious, containing as they did a vast amount of useful information. From these letters Mr. Thayer compiled a lecture entitled, "Paul's Journey to Rome," which he delivered in most of the towns and cities in northern Indiana.

Le Roy Armstrong was born and reared in Marshall county, a short distance northwest of Pretty lake. His father and mother dying when he was a boy in his teens, he drifted into a printing office, and there received the first inspiration that led him to take up the literary part of newspaper work as a calling. It was not a great while until he was employed on the editorial stafif of the Chicago Herald, and while thus engaged employed his spare time in writing a novel entitled "An Indiana Man." It was a love story, picturing practical politics as he had observed them in Marshall county, the principal scenes being located at Plymouth, and at the old church and the schoolhouse near his old home, and the country about Pretty lake. To the old settlers it was interesting, as the characters were all genuine, although they bore fictitious names. Since then he has written several books, none of which, however, have attained to any considerable notoriety.

Miss Clare Osborne, born and reared here, now Mrs. Dr. Reed, of Chicago, was the first to graduate from the Chicago Musical College with the honors of her class a score of years ago. She was later employed as one of the faculty of the college, and is at present the owner and manager of the Columbia School of Music, Chicago. She is considered one of the finest pianists in that place.

Miss Stella Packard, now Mrs. C. P. Drummond, of South Bend, who was born and reared in Plymouth, graduated from the Chicago School of Music with the honors of her class many years ago. She is a fine pianist and was the first president of the Plymouth Mozart Musical Club.

Miss Helen Elizabeth McDonald, born and reared here, now Mrs. T. W. Gilmore, Chicago, graduated with high honors from the Chicago Musical College, being awarded the Board of Trade gold medal for the best pianist that year. She has been one of the faculty of the Columbia School of Music, and lias written several musical compositions that have been published, among which are "V^enetian Serenade," "Love's Confidence," "Evening Song," "When Thou Art Nigh," etc. The words to these songs were written by Mrs. Bertha Reynolds-McDonald, wife of Louis McDonald, now of Chicago. The words to an "Evening Song" are as follows :

Over the hilltop a moonbeam peeps. Over the meadow a dark shadow creeps. Far in the crimson west daylight is dying, Through the trees the wind is sighing - Sighing a soft good-night.

Stars glitter bright in the sky overhead, Birds twitter low in their pretty green bed, 'Way over yonder I hear the kine lowing, Soft the breeze, rare fragrance is blowing - Blowing good-night - good-night.

An orator is one who delivers an oration ; or, one who is skilled in public speaking. To a considerable extent it is a gift - the gift of knowing what to say, and how to say it. The orator must understand thoroughly the science of rhetoric, for, as it has been well said, "it teaches him to speak copiously and fluently on any subject, not merely with propriety alone, but with all the advantages of force and elegance ; wisely contriving to captivate the hearer by strength of argument and beauty of expression whether it be to entreat or exhort, to admonish or applaud." Closely allied with this is logic, without a thorough knowledge of which he can never expect to become an accomplished orator, because it "teaches us to guide our reason discretionally in the general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries after truth. It consists of a regular train of argument, whence we infer, deduce and conclude, according to certain premises laid down, admitted or granted ; and in it are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, reasoning and disposing; all of which naturally leads on from one gradation to another until the point in question is finally determined." What constitutes genuine oratory has never yet been definitely determined. Certain it is that it is not frantic gesticulations of the arms, head or body. Marshall county has produced its average share of orators, who have been trained in the courts of justice, in the pulpit, and on the political rostrum. Among those who have made their mark in these lines above their fellows may be mentioned C. H. Reeve, M. A. O. Packard, John G. Osborne, of the older practitioners, and later Samuel Parker, C. P. Drummond, Charles Kellison, and several others who are still with us, who, when warmed up to the subject, are considered more than ordinary speechmakers.

Henry G. Thayer, several years before his death, was the first to bring the subject of oratory before the school authorities, by oflfering $50 in gold yearly as a reward of merit for the one who should be considered the best orator in a competitive, contest. This was continued a number of years, when for various reasons it was discontinued.

About 1903 an oratorical contest between picked pupils of the La Porte and Plymouth high schools took place in the auditorium of the Plymouth high school building, which stood on the site of what was a beautiful grove in the early times where all the public political meetings of all parties were held, and where many noted orators had made "the welkin ring with their eloquence." The gentleman who was selected to preside over the meeting, on taking the chair, delivered a short address, in part as follows :

"The entertainment provided for in the program of the evening is something new along educational lines here, and in the outset it is hoped that the results of this coming together may be the means of forming an association which shall embrace the northern part of the state.

"Right here, on the grounds where this school building now stands, something over forty years ago occurred a series of among the greatest political debates in the history of the United States. Schuyler Colfax, sev- eral times elected a member of congress from this district, also speaker of the United States house of representatives, and later vice-president of the United States, and David Tnrpie, afterwards three times elected to the senate of the United States from Indiana, were the contestants for congressional honors. No more brilliant display of forensic oratory was ever heard than was shown in these memorable joint political debates.

"The faint rumbling of the coming storm of the great rebellion was just then beginning to be heard in the southern horizon, and the eyes of the whole country were turned toward these political gladiators, the trend of the discussion being national in its bearing.

"These debates became the most widely known, and have been the longest remembered of any political discussions, excepting, always the neverto-be-forgotten debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in Illinois in 1858.

"Here, also in these beautiful grounds and in sight of them, have been heard such superb Indiana orators as Gov. Ashbel P. Willard ; Senator, Gov. and Vice-Pres. Thomas A. Hendricks ; Gov. Isaac P. Gray, Gov. James D. Williams, Senators D. W. Voorhees and Joseph E. McDonald, Senator and Pres. Benjamin Harrison, Stephen A. Douglas, Benj. F. Shively, Gen. and Lieut. -Gov. M. D. Manson, and the most polished orator of them all, William Jennings Bryan.

"All can call to mind sublime oratorical efforts that almost moved the world and became immortal. As illustrations I need only refer to 'Paul's Appeal to King Agrippa,' and in our own time to 'Lincoln's Gettysburg Address,' which stands singly and alone as the oratorical gem of the age."

L. Progress Of The Public Schools

Not until after the adoption of the new constitution of the state, in 1850, was there any real progress made in the organization of the public school system as we have it now.

Until 1851 the schools were under the jurisdiction of the township trustees, although by the school law at that time in force their jurisdiction was almost entirely nominal, their school duties being little more than to make a donation to the teacher of the morsel of interest coming from the school fund. The usual custom seems to have been to apply the public fund to the benefit of any teacher who chose to start a school, he making up the deficiency by tuitions from the pupils.

During the session of the legislature in 1871, an act was passed authorizing the appointment, by the board of county commissioners, of a county superintendent, whose duty it should be to visit the schools, make examinations, and issue certificates to teachers, examine the public records and enforce the payment of all fines and forfeitures belonging to the school fund into the treasury, and report the condition of the public schools once in each year to the superintendent of public instruction.

The duties of the county superintendent had, until the act of 1871, been performed by a school examiner, whose duties were to examine applicants, make the proper examinations and report the condition of the schools annually to the state superintendent, and perform such other duties as were thought for the best interest of the schools. Mark Cummings was the first regularly appointed examiner under the revised school law of 1851, and served as such until his death in 1868. The law creating county superintendent of schools was the creation of Prof. I\Iilton B. Hopkins, who was then state superintendent of the public schools. He was a democrat, and resided at Kokomo. He drafted the bill, and through his efforts its passage through the general assembly was secured. For some time there was considerable opposition to the measure, and in 1874 and 1876 it was something of an effort to keep it from being injected into the political campaigns of those years. Better counsels prevailed, however, and, as the good work of the county superintendents began to show itself, opposition naturally ceased, and before he died, Prof. Hopkins had the pleasure of seeing his system of county superintendents of schools as one of the most useful auxiliaries in the management of the public school system of the state firmly and permanently established.

Mark Cummings, the first school examiner under the old law, was one of the early residents of the county, having taken up his residence in Plymouth as a school teacher prior to 1850. He died in 1868. A. C. Capron was appointed examiner to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Cummings. In the September term of the board of commissioners, 1868, Thomas McDonald was appointed examiner, and served as such until the act creating countv superintendents was passed in 1871, when he was appointed the first county superintendent under that act, which position he held until his death, which occurred March 28, 1875.

It should be remembered that at the time the school question first began to be agitated the country was almost a wilderness. Except the Michigan road, the La Porte road and the Winamac road, there were no regularly laid out roa'ds in the county ; and these were only passable. A surveyor and ax-man had gone through the lines of these contemplated roads, the trees had been "blazed" so the traveler could keep in the direction in which he wanted to go, but as there were few inhabitants on the way, but little work had been done on any of them. Trees and brush and logs had been cut out, and "corduroy" bridges had been built across the impassable mudholes and streams, otherwise these public roads were little better than the Indian trails through the woods.

At that time special laws were passed by the legislature for the benefit of the people residing in each county, and Marshall county, having been organized but a short time, was without the benefit of special legislation. Except in a general way the people were a law unto themselves. But it was just as well. The inhabitants needed very few laws. They were of the better class of men and women, and were law-abiding. Christian people who had left civilization and the scenes of their childhood behind them, and had settled here to carve out homes in the wilderness for themselves and children, and to assist in building up a new civilization.

Among the first things they did, after clearing ofT a patch of ground and building a little cabin home in the wilderness, was to organize as best they could a system of schools for the education of their children. As has been stated, there was no law in relation to education, and no public funds with which to build schoolhouses and for the pay of teachers. The material for the support of schools was very limited and widely scattered, and in looking back over the events of more than the past half century it seems almost miraculous that these early pioneers, under the adverse circumstances and conditions they had to overcome, were able to accomplish as much as they did.

In 1840 the census report showed that Alarshall county had forty school children, twenty-five of whom attended school, and that there were but three schoolhouses in the county at that time. There were, however, more schools taught in the county than the number of schoolhouses would indicate. Log cabins that had been vacated for more commodious dwellings were frequently used for a winter's term of school, in the absence of a building erected especially for that purpose. No records of any of the schools were then made, and it is impossible to arrive at anything definite in regard to them.

In 1848 the question of "free schools" was submitted to the voters of the state for adoption or rejection. The question was voted on in Marshall county August 7, 1848, with the following result:

Polk, West and Walnut townships had not then been organized. The vote on this question taken throughout the state was for the purpose of feeling the educational pulse of the people to be incorporated into the new state constitution to be actoptcd by a constitutional convention to be held in 1850. Amzi L. Wheeler was the member of the convention for Marshall county, and, as he had been a "country school master" prior to his settlement here in 1836, it is fair to presume that he used his influence in favor of free schools. The convention was held, and after a long discussion and mature deliberation Article VIII of our present state constitution was inserted, and it has undergone no change since that time.

The preamble sets forth that knowledge and learning, generally diffused throughout the community, being essential to a free government, the general assembly was commanded to encourage by all suitable means moral, intellectual, scientific and agricultural improvement, and to provide by law for a general and uniform system of common schools wherein tuition should be without charge and equally open to all.

It further provided that the common school fund should consist of the congressional township funds and lands belonging thereto ; the bank tax fund, and the fund arising from the 1 14th section of the charter of the state bank of Indiana : the fund to be derived from the sale of county seminaries, and the monies and property theretofore held for such seminaries ; from the fines assessed for breaches of the penal laws of the state, and from all forfeitures which might accrue: all lands and other estate which might escheat to the state for want of heirs or kindred entitled to inheritance; all lands belonging to the state, including swamp lands after deducting expenses of draining the same, and taxes that might be assessed by the general assembly for school purposes.

It also provided that the principal of the school fund shall remain a perpetual fund which may be increased but shall never be diminished ; and the income thereof shall be inviolably appropriated to the support of the common schools, and to no other purpose whatever.

Under these provisions of the constitution the proper legislation to carry into effect the public school system has been had from time to time. The school fund provided for has accumulated from year to year at the rate of about $100,000 per year, and is now more than $11,000,000, probably the largest school fund of any state in the Union.

It has been almost impossible to arrive at anything definite in regard to the first schools taught in the county. As stated there were no schoolhouses, and the schools taught for many years occupied vacated cabins, and in some cases the "sitting room" in the cabin where a family resided. In the winters of 1836 and 1837 there were several attempts at teaching school in various parts of the county where enough children in the sparsely settled neighborhoods could be got together to justify a teacher to spend his time in that way. Among the first of these early schools was one taught by Thomas McDonald, in the winter of 1836, in a log house which had been occupied as a temporary residence on the farm then owned by Vincent Brownlee near Lake Maxinkuckee. Between this time and 1840 a hewed log schoolhouse was built about half a mile east of where this school was taught. It was the first attempt at building a house especially for school purposes in Union township, and possibly in the county. Those who taught in this house at the first were William E. Thompson, H. B. Dickson and Hugh Brownlee. All of these old time "country school masters" are now dead, and, with two or three exceptions, all the boys and girls that went there then and made the woods ring at noontime with their shouts of joy and laughter have passed over to the unknown beyond.

During the winter of 1837 ^ school was taught about two miles west of Plymouth on the La Porte road by William N. Bailey. About this time, although it may have been a year afterward, a school was taught on or near the farm of Adam Snyder, in North township, by Abraham Johnson. There was also a school taught in the Roberts neighborhood, four miles southeast of Plymouth, and one at the residence of Charles Ousterhaut, on the Michigan road, two miles south of Plymouth, and one about where the town of Argos now stands, about the same time. These were taught by Miss Catharine Logan, afterward Mrs. John B. Dickson, and a man by the name of Erskine. In German township the first school was taught in an old log cabin about one mile north of the present town of Bremen, in the year 1837, by a man by the name of Bemas. The average number of children present was about fifteen.

The first school in Bourbon township was taught in a log cabin which stood on ground owned by John Greer, in the south part of the present town of Bourbon, shortly after a settlement was made there, probably about

In Tippecanoe township the first school was taught in the summer of 1842, by Esther Jane Birney, at what is now District No. 3, or Summit chapel. She taught three successive terms of three months each for about $9 per month. The schoolhouse was built of logs and had a cabin roof; two small windows, both on the same side of the house, and a standing board was near the windows. The pupils all went to this board to do their writing, and when they had finished they returned to their seats again. The seats were made of hewed logs. The door was hung with wooden hinges, and had a wooden latch on the inside to which was attached a string, which was passed to the outside through a hole in the door, so that the latch could be raised from the outside by pulling the string; hence the old saying: "The latch string is out." The floor was made of puncheon to fit tightly together; and the building was further furnished with a mud stick chimney. From this early and small beginning the township has now ten comfortable school buildings, all paid for, and furnished with every convenience for efficient school work.

Several attempts in the past have been made to gather the facts in regard to the early schools of Plymouth, but with indifferent success. In 1836 there were very few residents of Plymouth, and there were not enough children to support a school, and so far as has been ascertained no school was taught here that year. The first school in Plymouth is said to have been taught by Oscar F. Norton, in the winter of 1837. Whether he taught more than that term is not known. The building used for this school was the first courthouse, which was built by the original proprietors of the town, and stood on the west side of Michigan street, corner of Adams. A few years ago the writer was informed by Mrs. Sarah A. Smith, formerly Miss Sarah A. Bannon, that she was a pupil under the tutelage of a teacher by the name of G. Parsons in the old courthouse during the winters of 1840 and 1841. She exhibited a reward of merit given to her by him, a copy of which is as follows:

Mrs. Smith says Mr. Parsons was from New York state ; was a short, heavy built man, and during his stay here boarded at the house of her father, who then lived on the south side of Yellow river, in a building known as the "American House." She said the only peculiarity she could remember about him was that he was very fond of soup ! Her father, James Bannon, was the first shoemaker here, and was postmaster of Plymouth under the administration of James K. Polk.

Our free school system had not then been established, and those who went to school paid for their own tuition. According to the census of 1840 there were but forty children of school age in Marshall county, not more than fifteen of whom resided in Plymouth and not more than half of these,

Mrs. Smith thought, attended the school taught by Air. Parsons in 1841. The census of 1840 also stated that there were but three schoolhouses in the county. Airs. Erskine is said to have erected a schoolhouse on Center street, on the second block north of the courthouse, in which she taught school a few years - how long is not known. Rev. Austin Fuller, Mrs. Smith said, taught school several terms in the old courthouse between 1841 and 1846, in addition to marrying people and preaching the gospel as occasion required.

A frame school building was erected about 1846-47-48 on the corner of the lot west of the Lutheran church building on Adams street. A young man by the name of Clark taught school there about 1850. He was followed by .Willoughby AI. McCormick in 1851 and 1852'. He was not much of a teacher, but he made the most out of the material he had to work upon, among his pupils being such unruly boys as Jim Westervelt, Abe Crum, Jack Bannon, Lloyd Hard, Sherm Wheeler, Jim Bannon, Hank Cougle and the writer of this sketch. Mr. McCormick went from Plymouth to Knox about 1853, where a few years later he was elected clerk of the court of Stark county, and was serving as such at the time of his death.

Our schoolhouses of nearly three-quarters of a century ago did not possess great attractions externally or internally. They were almost invariably small log buildings, cold and very deficient in regard to windows ; a fireplace at one end, and a few rough benches without backs for seats, and a board or two which served for writing desks, were the sum total of the internal arrangements of the building. During those days pupils who occupied seats at the back part of the house would often suffer with the cold, while those who were near the fire would suft'er as much from the other extreme. Not unfrequently the smoke would drive both pupils and teacher out of the building for pure air. But pupils of studious habits would make rapid progress, even under these disadvantages. Many graduates of these unsightly and uncomfortable schoolhouses now sustain excellent reputations as teachers and business men and women in other walks of life.

The first genuine agitation of the school question in Plymouth was in 1853. April i6th, a meeting was called to consider the propriety of employing Mr. and Mrs. Etter, of Rochester, who were mentioned as being teachers of a diii'erent grade from that with which the citizens had been afflicted thus far. At the same meeting the advisability of building a schoolhouse was discussed. The population of Plymouth was given as 670.

May 26th an election was held upon the proposition to levy taxes for the support of schools, at which the vote stood five in favor of and eight against such tax. June 23d a township election was held for the same purpose, at which the vote stood thirteen opposed to seven in favor. About this time Mr. and Mrs. Etter, Mr. James Thrawls, James M. Wickizer and others taught private schools.

In March, 1854, the lot donated to the county for seminary purposes was sold to the town for the nominal sum of $100, and on the thirtieth of the same month, contract for building a schoolhouse was entered into with Silas Alorgan. This building was completed in December of the same year. It contained three school rooms and one recitation room, and was a credit to the town, ^^"hen the present building was erected it was sold to Toseph Westervelt. and by him removed to the river bank on the east end of 'Wash- ington street, where it was overhauled and made into a flouring mill, known as "The Euxeka Mills." It was used as such for several years, when one morning it caught fire and was entirely destroyed. William J. Moir, who had then just retired as cashier of the Marshall County bank, was chosen principal of the schools, and had as assistants the first term Mrs. E. Crum and Miss E. Adams. The attendance was at first about 150. The textbooks used were Sanders' spellers, Parker's readers, Davies' arithmetic, Mitchell's geography and Clark's grammar.

Of all the teachers of former times Mr. Moir has left behind him the most pleasant recollections. He is uniformly mentioned with great respect by those who were his pupils, and there can be no doubt that he inaugurated a new era in school matters.

Mr. Moir was succeeded by C. H. Blair, who was principal but part of one year, when he was followed by Hiram C. Burlingame, who had formerly resided in La Porte county. He retired from the management of the schools in 1861, concluding that he had done his share of missionary work, and that he would seek some less "promising" but more lucrative employment.

Mark Cummings, who was for many years county school examiner, then took charge of the schools. Mr. Cummings was succeeded by D. D. Luke, who remained as principal until August, 1870, when he was elected superintendent of the Goshen schools. Upon his retirement Rosco A. Chase was chosen superintendent, and served as such continuously until 1903, a period of thirty-three years. He at once set about reorganizing the schools on a business and educational basis, introducing many changes in the administration of the schools. A systematic course of study was adopted ; the schools were graded ; a more exact discipline was introduced, and from a state of comparative confusion, as regards any settled policy of action, the business of the schools was as completely systematised as any business firm in town.

In 1874 a new school building of brick, two stories, with a basement story divided into school rooms, was built. About 1890 an addition to the main building was erected, with an auditorium having a seating capacity of 600, with other conveniences for the proper management of the schools

What was known as the "Ward School Building" was erected on the south side in 1868. It was a two-story frame structure, and was used fo) the accommodation of first-grade pupils for several years. With the growth of the town the need of better facilities made it necessary to erect a more commodious building, which was done in the '90s, and now there is ample room and every facility for the education of the entire school population of the town. The high school was organized in 1874, and the first graduating class was in 1876.

Mr. Chase was succeeded as superintendent by R. A. Randall, of Goshen, in 1903. Some changes have been made since Mr. Randall took charge of the schools, which were deemed necessary for the advancement of our school interests.

Number of school rooms in use, 21 ; total number of teachers and principals, 23 ; number of pupils enrolled, 973 ; per cent of attendance, high

St. Michael's Academy. This is the name of a Catholic institution of learning established in Plymouth in 1870. The building stands on Center street near the courthouse square, is of brick, substantially built, well arranged for the purposes for which it is used, and cost about $12,000. The management of the school is under the immediate supervision of the Sisters of The Holy Cross, from St. Mary's, St. Joseph county, who have spared no eftorts during the past thirty-seven years of its existence to make it what it is. a first-class academy of learning, an honor to the town and the denomination through whose liberality it was founded.