Miami County, Indiana - Chapter 7: By Frank Fetter, 1887

Chapter 7: By Frank Fetter

Peru - The Original Owners - Laying Out ok the Town - MiAMispoRT - Sale of Lots - Early Business - Na\igation of THE Wabash - The Canal - Early Families - Incorporation - Addition.s - Fire Department - Water Works - Newspapers - Churches - Secret Societies - Literary Societies and Libr.\ries - Banks - Manufacturing Enterprises.

THE history of Peru is all within the lifetime of living men. No Indian Bancroft has handed down to us an older record; no Indian Byron has touched with poetic associations the woods and hills around. It may be said to begin with the treaty at the mouth of the Mississinewa river, Oct. 23, 1826, between the United States and the Miami Indians. By this much land was transferred to the government, but large tracts were reserved to the influential chiefs. In this way the section on which the original plat of Peru was laid passed from the common ownership of the tribe to John B. Richardville, one of the chiefs. The next year, August 18, 1827, a deed was made by Richardville and his wife Peme-se-quah, conveying this section to Joseph Holman for $500, and there is a half tradition that this was not all cash but a thrifty trade was worked in on the bargain. This conveyance was approved by John Quincy Adams, March 3, 1828. This land is now probably worth a million and a half dollars. Thus began the boom in Peru real estate. Jan. 7, 1829, Holman sold 210 acres of the east end of his 640 acres to Wm. N. Hood for just what he had paid for the whole. Before ever the transfer to Holman was made, John McGregor had in Feb. 1827, located in the western part of what are now the limits of Peru, and is considered to be tiie first settler within those limits. Joseph Holman laid out at that place March 12, 1829, the town of Miamisport, David Burr being the surveyor, and the plat was recorded in Cass Count)', of which this was a part, July 15, 1830. This town of Miamisport and the later town of Peru, were platted regardless of meridian lines and in conformity with the course of the river at that point, being nearly the same trend in both towns. At the founding of Miamisport, the canal which even then, eight )-ears before it was completed to this point, was looked forward to as the great future thoroughfare, was counted on and planned for accordingh'. The lots were laid out large, and a market and public square provided for. The site of the town is now in- - eluded by about the following boundaries in Peru : On the south, the river; on the east, Lafaj-ette street ; on the north, Main; on the west, Hohnan. The little village grew and prospered, and with the hopes of youth, looked forward to becoming the capital of the count}', \\'hich was soon to be separately organized. Its business and population increased and Peru was still among the things not 3'et, perhaps not thought of. A tannery was built by Andrew Marquiss. G. W. Holman run a boot and shoe store; tavern was kept bv John McGregor. The licenses granted the first few meetings of the first commissioners which probably represent the businesses - already settled there in 1834, '^'"^^ ^'^ Louis Drouillard, to keep a grocery and also a ferry; Nathaniel McGuire, grocery; Wm. Thompson, grocery; James T. Liston, tavern; Patrick Aiurphy, tavern. In addition to these may be added the names of such early settlers as Benjamin H. Scott, first County Clerk; Wm. M. Reyburn, first Countv Agent; Abner Overman, first Count}- Treasurer; Geo. W. Holman, Wm. N. Hood, Zachariah Pendleton and Walter D. Nesbit. While Miamisport's hopes were thus rising there sprang up a rivalry between the two probabl}' most influential men in the community at that time, Joseph Holman and Wm. N. Hood. The former, the proprietor of Miamisport, had been in the Legislature from the district composed of Allen and Cass, while this was a part of Cass County; the latter, two j^ears later, 1836, was elected a member of the Legislature, the first man who represented this count}' after it was made a separate Legislative district. The contest was this : Hood determined to found in the unbroken woods on his land east of Miamisport, a town which should dispute with that village the prize of the county seat. Holman was indignant and personal and violent words were passed, and it must ha\'e been for a time the absorbing topic in that little community. Vigorous measures were necessary to within a few months, make a forest outstrip a flourishing \illage of five vears growth. But destiny was with Peru. Hood had the town surveyed some time in the spring of 1834, by Stevens Fisher, then an engineer on the canal. An old document in our possession says:

"When Peru was laid out the site was entirely covered with heavy timber and a thick, impenetrable growth of underbrush. Not a rod square was cleared. I have frequently heard Mr. Fisher say that the men had to precede him and clear away the underbrush so he could sjet a sioht throuirh his instrument."

The Commissioners appointed bv a special act of the Legislature, January 2, 1834, which organized this county, met June 3rd at the house of John McGregor. To secure the location of the county seat, the proprietor of Peru executed to the Commissioners on that date, a bond offering inducements, of which the fcillowing are certainly part and probably all: He donated the public square and agreed to erect upon it a brick court house and a log jail, to donate a lot to each of the congregations, Methodist and Presbyterian, and to give $125, probably for a town librar}'. These promises were all fulhlled. He enlisted the friendship of the merchants then in Miamisport by donating to them business lots or selling them for a nominal sum. Some of the best lots on Broadway were sold for $50. These liberal and energetic measures, accomplished their purpose, and though the commissioners continued to meet in Miamisport until May 1835, its hopes of greatness had departed. June 9, 1841, it was vacated by the County Commissioners bv request of those interested and has became the county seat only by the limits of Peru growing beyond and including it. In Julv, 1834, taking advantage of the crowd attracted by the letting of the work on a portion of the canal, the first sale of lots is believed to have taken place. This fact can not be ascertained from the records, nor the names of the first purchasers, the deeds, whate\er they were being among the burned records of the court house fire of 1843. The sale is believed to have been satisfactory, the lots bringing the best price being those near the canal, on account of the advantages which were hoped to be, and were afterwards gained by its nearness. The same month Hood enlisted additional influence for his town. July 26th he transferred to Richard L. Britton a third interest in the original plat for $3,000, and July 28th to Jesse L. Williams another third interest for, as stated in the deed, the same amount, which deeds are among the restored records of this count\'. The former, who is always referred to by old settlers as "Dickey L," or "Old Dicky" had come, with considerable wealth, from Fort Wayne. The latter, an important fact, was civil engineer on the canal. A feeder dam was to be located, and it was deemed desirable for Peru that, on occount of the water power and other advantages, it should be located at that point just above Peru. Williams became a third owner of the town. The feeder dam was located there. The best idea of Peru in earlier times can be gained from descriptions of different earlv settlers. Writes one: "When I went to vPeru in 1835, it was a new and a verv small village of between one and two hundred inhabitants, many of whom were laborers on the canal." Another writing of the same year, says: "I looked around and what did I behold ? A living forest, with about fifteen or twenty log shanties, and some eight or ten rather respectable houses. The was tilled with people working on the Wabash and Erie canal, from different States." Another, describing Peru as it was in the fall of 1837 : " Peru was new and small. Felled trees lay scattered over much of the place: all of the buildings of the town were then situated on and between Canal and Fifth streets, and on and between Broadway and Cass, except on Fifth street west of Cass street, three dwellings; and on Fifth street east of Wabash street, two dwellings; on Fourth street east of Wabash street, one dwelling; on Canal street east of Broadway, one dwelling. On the east side of Broadway, including the old court house and the jail were just five buildings; on the corner of Broadway and Canal streets, one; the corner of Broadway and Second, one; and on Broadway between Third and Main, one. Outside of these all was the dense primeval forest, except on the west were some cultivated fields."

The canal trade, the settlers' needs and the Indian traffic attracted to this place, described by these witnesses, as so wild and rough, a swarm of enterprising merchants. Following the license mentioned abo^e as granted by the first Commissioners' Court, come rapidly a number, nearly all of which, probably, are for Peru. They are all for a 3ear from the date given; C. R. Tracey & Co., grocery, Oct. I, 1834; Lee & Cranor, same; John Prescott, same; Bearss & & Cole, merchandise, Oct. 3rd; Pike & Co., same; J. Evans & Co., merchandise, Nov. 4th; Alex. Wilson, merchandise, Dec. ist, I. Y. Sanger & Co., merchandise, March 3d, 1S35; James B. Fulwiler, same; Ezekial Cooper, tavern, March 3d; and so the}' came. The names of many others who either in these first years, or soon afterwards, engaged in business in Peru, have been preserved, but it is impossible to give them all. The methods of doing business differed widely from the present. The}' generally bought on long time and sold the same way, ever}' one in the community counting the date of the Indian payment as the time of settling accounts. Before the canal was built, goods were brought here with much expense and trouble. One route, for instance, when the goods were bought east, was, by Lake to Toledo, by pirogues (boats pushed by men who walked from the front to the back of them, pushing with long poles) up the Maumee River to Fort Wayne, then by wagon over primitive roads to the destination. When J. B. Fulwiler brought from Leesburg, O., to Peru, the goods with which he stocked the store he named the " Emporium," he had five five-horse wagons, and one six-horse wagon. Some hopes were raised of the possibility of steamboat navigation up to this point on the Wabash. They were occasioned bv the arrival one dav in June, 1835, unexpected, of the little steamboat Science. The water was high, but already falling, and having thrown the whole community into excitement, it steamed rapidly down the stream. The next spring the Tecumseh also reached this place loaded with goods from Cincinnati for the merchants. These experiments ha\e never since been succcssfullv repeated. The canal was pushed through very soon after the town was built, and it opened up a thoroughfare for comparatively cheap, easy and rapid transportation. The 4th of July, 1837, was the date announced, and the town was filled with people trom the surrounding country, come to see the wonderful sight. The boat " Indiana " reached the lock above, but on account of the escaping water, was unable to get to Peru. The passengers walked down, and joined by the citizens at the Stag Hotel, kept bv Mr. Cooper, had a jolly time. The canal continued until 1854, '^he principal, until 1S75, a still important means of transportation.

The friendless traveler could get food and shelter of almost an)- of the hospitable settlers, but of regular taverns, the one just mentioned, was one of the tirst. The Stag Hotel, or Buck Tavern, was on the northwest corner of Main and Canal streets. It was named from the decorations hung on it by successful hunters. It was kept by Durgan & Cox, and by Cooper, son-in-law of the former, for several years. Luscious venison steaks from that animal which gave the tavern its name, may have occasionallv graced the board, but we have the testimonj- of one who boarded at the famous hostelry, that the bill of fare consisted of " hard bread and stale butter, with an old potato and an egg, sometim.es rotten." Patrick Murph\% who was licensed to keep tavern, September 3, 1834, was located a little to the west of this hotel. H. A. Tarkington, a local Methodist preacher, blended the duties of minister and host in a tavern, about where the Episcopal church now stands. Hugh Peoples, in whose house the September term of Court was held in 1835, was near the corner of Cass and Second streets. James Ennis, C. Price and others are among the names of early " mine hosts."

T/ic Peril Collegiate Institute, a bright promise of the early days of the town, was chartered by the Legislature. Rev. Samuel Newbury and Rev. John Stocker and wife, were the teachers from 1836 to 1839. The school was attended by nearly all the children of the community. Two papers containing the names of scholars enrolled in 1839 is in existence still, worn and yellow, and the following familiar names appear on them: J. Omer Cole, George Rettig, Caroline Zerne, George R. Barse, Jesse Zerne, David Hood, Joseph Re^burn. The college failed for lack of backing and is one of the things which will continue to be regretted.

The histor)' of Peru, as a town corporation, begins about eight years after the town was platted. March 26th, 1S42, a mass meeting of the voters was held, and Joseph L. Reyburn elected president and James DeFrees, clerk, of the meeting. These two officers divided the town into five districts by north and south alleys, and the meeting elected one trustee for each district in the order named : John Lowe, Samuel Glass, J. L. Reyburn, John Coulter and Isaac Robertson. The trustees at their first meeting made permanent the president and clerk of the mass meeting; at its second meeting elected Wm. R. Mow- bray, treasurer; Samuel Hurst, lister, and John H. Griggs, marshal. A number of ordinances were passed, then for nearly a year the board did not meet. When it did it was to "provide measures for the purpose of arresting ravages of fire," which will be referred to under the head of fire department. The board met once more. May 8th, 1843, and elected John Low its second president, then for nearly five years Peru governed itself. The board never met again. March ist, 1848, the councilmen named in a special act of the Legislature, who were Albert Cole, Jacob Fallis, James M. DeFrees, George W. Goodrich, and Edward H. Bruce, met and elected Albert Cole, Ma}'- or, Ira Mendenhall, Recorder, and C. R. Trace}-, Treasurer. The first election was held March 13th, at which 'Wm. A. Mc- Gregor was chosen Mayor. For nearly two years the legal learning, the broad statesmanship and the burning eloquence of our cit}' fathers boiled and seethed around the question of hogs, to impound them or let them run. Ordinance after ordinance was framed, but there alwaj'S seemed a crack through which a pig could crawl. The no-hog party seems finally to have conquered. The total revenue the first year, March, 1848, to March, 1849, ^^''^ $341-79' '^"d the balance in the treasury at the end of that time, was $221.17. The most important question which has been continually before the council is that of the streets. The second month of the incorporation a grade of Broadway, by S. Coleman, was adopted, and during the next j'ear the work was done at a cost of $387.59. In 185 1, Broadway was partly paved, and so 3'ear after year the improvement went on. The city was incorporated by a vote of the electors, Feb. 25th, 1867 - 350 ayes and 37 noes. The city was divided into four wards. Major Orris Blake was the first Mayor or the new corporation, elected at the special election and succeeded by Josiah Farrar, elected at the first regular election. Peru has been from the first well governed. The names of the old, substantial citizens appear as councilmen and corporation officers, and they seemed to have put the same thought into it as with their private business. The Water Works (treated of separately) was an expense met by the sale of city bonds which are now outstanding. Aside from that the city is free from debt and with excellent credit. The following is a complete list of the Mayors: Under the town the term was for one year; under the city, two years. The date given is that of the election. Under first incorportion : Joseph L: Reyburn, March 26, 1842; John Low, May 8, 1843; the}' were called presidents of the board. Under the new incorporation: Albert Cole, March 1, 1848; Wm. A. McGregor, March 13, 1848; N. O. Ross, '49, D. C. Dryden, '50; Samuel Coulter, '51; D. C. Dryden, '52; N. O.

follows that which was made bj' the will of Frances Godfrey, War Chief of the Miamis, who died in 1S40. It provided for the laying out of 160 acres of his section of land situated in the Five Mile Reserve, which extended from the Wabash to Eel river. This quarter adjoined the Richardville Reserve on the east. It was to be so platted that the fractional lots would supplement and complete the fractions left along the section line of the original plat. This plat was entered for record bv Allen Hamilton, executor of Chief Godfroy, in June, 1840. The north and south streets named in that plat are St. Claire, Calhoun, Clay, Adams and Columbia. The name of Clay only is retained. The next addition was Ewing's, east of Broadway from Sixth to Eighth, in 1845. Hood's addition in 1S49, between Hood and Lafayette, Canal and Main. Whistler's subdivision from Sixth street north, between Miami and Broadway, in 1862. Shirk's addition, a portion of the old Hood farm, on w'hich one of the first brick houses in Peru was built, where the old residence of E. H. Shirk now stands, was made in "1863, from Hood to Lafayette and from Main to Eighth. Ewing's partition addition, from Fifth street north to Reserve line, east to Cass, between Fifth and Sixth, to the school grounds and the grounds north of Seventh to the railroad, in 1S64. Brownell's addition, from Canal to one tier of lots north of Main and from Holman, which was the west line of Miamisport, to Forest, was laid out in 1866. Shirk's second addition in 1S68. Smith's addition, between Lafayette and Hood, Eighth and the railroad grounds, was laid out January 8, 1869. Duke's addition from Grant to old Logansport road, and Seventh to railroad ground May 5, 1870. Smith's second addition east of Grant and north of railroad, December, 1870. Sterne's addition, from Grant two squares west and Main to Seventh, February, 187 1. Shirk's third addition, between Seventh and Eighth, Fremont and Hood, December, 1871. Duke's second addition, west of Grant and north of Boulevard, June, 1872. Smith's third addition from Canal street north to railroad, east of Godfrovs section, 1872. Run3-an's addition north of Boulevard to Thirteenth and between Runjan street on the west and Fremont on the east, June, 1873. Besides these additions of territory platted and sold, numerous sub-divisions of out lots have been made at \'ai"ious times as the growth of the town demanded additional building lots. Some of the persons whose names appear in the records of sub-divisions are Ross & Fennimore, Fallis, Mendenhall, G. W. Ewing, Ross & Talbot, Whistler & Mitten, Brandon, Shields, Davis and Shirk, J. VV. Ellis, J. JM. Brown and O. P. Webb. The suburban corporations are South Peru and Ridgeview, the former having a population of perhaps two hundred.

The Fire Department had a humble origin. The first town board of trustees had a special meeting, March 25th, 1843, "to provide measures to arrest the ravages of fire." The means pro\'ided \\'ere, five ladders, twenty-four feet long; five ditto, fourteen feet long; five roof ladders, fifteen feet long; three hooks wdth poles twenty-two feet long. Alexander Porter furnished the lot for $52. These were distributed to the different districts, and were the only fire apparatus for years. One of the first acts of the new government organized 1848, was to set the Marshal to hunting this "fire departipent." After considerable search he found three long and six shorter ladders and two hooks. In 1856, a number of incendiary fires occasioned the appointment of special policemen who served for a short time, and of a committee "to take steps to secure a suitable fire engine." Another committee was later appointed to inquire as to the cost of the best hooks, ladders and fire buckets, and Jan. 1857, a small lot was ordered, but probably ne\-er obtained. It was not until March, i860, that a petition presented by the citizens induced the council to send F. S. Hackley, as their agent, to Dayton, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, to examine engines and apparatus. In May, the old hand fire engine was bought from the City of Indianapolis, and in September the contract for the engine house was awarded. The cost of engine, hose and other apparatus was about $2,300, of the engine house $1,100. The expense of the fire department was about $50 to $75 a A'ear, during the next twelve j-ears. The energetic citizen would grab his hat at the first alarm of fire and streak it for the engine house. Arriving at the conflagration he would give a few strokes on the levers of the hand engine, get knocked in the head, his arm jerked out of joint, and then retire and tell the fellow who took his place how it ought to be done. In November, 1872, an ordinance was passed to establish a fire department, and a new steam fire engine was purchased. Geo. Crowell was the first chief. The present department is very effective. It consists

The Water Works were first agitated in 1871 but public sentiment opposed them. In 1876, Messrs. Shirk, Dukes & Co. proposed to build works under a franchise, the city to rent fire protection, but no action was taken on it. The discussion continuing, the council, to test the wishes of the people, ordered an election, July, 1877, at which ballots "For Water Works" and "Against Water Works" were voted, resulting two to one in favor of them. The council at once took steps toward the work, in October, the same year, the contracts for the different parts of the work and materials being let to a number of different parties. The pump house is situated on the river near the east end of the city, corner Canal and Wayne streets. The ground contains nearly three acres. The building is brick, handsome and modern in appearance. The pumping machinerN' consists of two engines, run by steam, which ha\'e a combined capacity of 2)^2 million gallons per day. The length of pipes laid is nearlj^ twelve miles. There are loi hydrants. An important feature in the safety, convenience and economy of the works is the reservoir, situated on the south side of the Wabash river on the hill, a little less than half a mile from the pump house. Most fortunately the elevation of this point, so convenient, is just what is needed to provide the force found the best means for effectiveness and economy, the reservoir being 93 feet above the pumps. Five streams from 50 to 75 ^^^^ in height can be thrown b}' reservoir pressure alone.

The engines were ready for operation March, 1879, '^"'^ '^'^^ reservoir completed August 3rd, the same year. Since then they have been uninterruptedly in operation. The enterprise of the city has been eminently satisfactory. The net cost of construction was $109,549.93. The funds to met this was mostly raised by the sale of city bonds. The cost of operation of the works being from the first less than the income the city is already prepared to redeem a portion of them, but unfortunately, although they were mostly sold at a discount, they are now held at par and cannot be redeemed for some j-ears. This, however, speaks well for the credit of the city. In addition to the net profits of the operation of the works, the city has had full amount of fire protection, which at the lowest rates usually charged by private companies, would be about $8,000 a year.

Until May, 1880, the works were under the control of a committee of three of the council. At that time, under a legislative enactment, a board of Water Works Trustees, consisting of James M. Brown, Andrew Fasnacht and C. H. Brownell, were elected, and since then this Board of Trustees, elected by a direct vote, have had control of the works.

The Gas Works were undertaken by the firm of H. E. and C F. Sterne & Co., the owners of the woolen mills at that time. Work was commenced June, 1S74, and they were first readv for lighting November 15, 1874. A contract was made with the cit}- to run 25 3-ears from date of lighting. Three and a half miles of mains were laid. The gasometer has a capacity of twenty thousand feet. The amount of gas made increases each vear, and last year it was about six million feet. July 27, 1S86, it was sold to the Peru American Gas Companj^ of Philadelphia, and Wm. Tracy is now superintendent. Since taking the works tiie comjianv has laid a half-mile of mains and intend laying three miles more, bringing the gas to many residences for which it was hitherto not ayailable.

The Electric Light was added to the improyements of Peru October, 1885. The Thompson-Houston Company of Boston, Mass., put in a twenty-tiye light machine as a trial plant, operating it with power furnished by Miller's mill. July i, 1886, V. Q. Iryine, of Crawfordsyille, purchased the plant and the ground and building, where now located on the canal next to the canal mill. He put in an 85-horse-power engine, a 112-horse-power boiler, and two nominal twent\'-tive light d\'namos, with an actual capacity of 55 lights. They are now running near their full capacity, lighting stores, the depot and part of the streets.

JVezi'spapcrs. - The press dates its existence in Peru from 1S37, when an association of citizens was formed, the press and material purchased of the Richmond Palladiinii, and Samuel Pike, of Fort Wayne, put in charge. From Jul}' 22, 1837, to January, 1839, it continued, and then followed, one after another, and printed with the same press and materials: Peru Gazette, James B. Scott and Augustus Banks, a Whig paper, July 20, 1839, to April 16, 1842; Peru Gazette Veru Democrat, a double pa]5er, half Whig and half Democrat, James B. and John H. Scott, editors from the last date to October 15, 1842; the Cork Screiu, humorous: the Peru Observer. Whig; the Peru Herald, Democratic, and finally June 28, 1848, the JMianii County Sentinel, the oldest paper, still in existence here. Its publication from that time has not been uninterrupted, it being continuous until 1861, when it suspended for about two j'ears. During this period was published in 1854 fo'" ''^bout a month a daily edition, the first daily published here. Graham was succeeded by W. B. Loughridge, he in turn "by McDowell, Loughridge again in 1867. The next few years ; the changes of firm ayeraged nearly one a year. The Daily and Weekly Times, started by T. J. McDowell & Sons, 1874, was for a time consolidated with the Sentinel under the name Times-Sentinel, then again separated and continued for a few years. The Sentinel was run by Ewing & Maxey, and they \\ere sue- ceeded by S. F. Winter, who continued for about three years. For the past six j-ears Fulwiler & Cole have been the editors and proprietors. To go back to the time just following the establishment of the Sciit/iiel, and we begin with the second printing press ever brought here. Its products w'ere all Whig - J^rce Press^ 1852; IVdhas/i Olio, 1853; Rcfiihlicau Ar<;yts, 1854: Peru Aezvs, 1855, all forerunners of the Peru Rcpuhlicau. That paper, still published, was started b}- E. P. Loveland October 9, 1856, and un- ' furled above its columns the motto, " Liberty and Union, One and Inseparable, Now and Forever." where it remained until the conclusion of the war. Other proprietors followed before one of the present owners became interested in it as one of the tirm of Reed & Brown, March, 1868. After Mr. Reed had been for a few years alone, Mr. Sinks became a partner in 1873. His place was taken bv W. W. Lockwood, the lirm being now Reed & Lockwood. Besides the pioneer dailv of 1856, there was published in 1874 a daih' edition of the Times. This and a later daih' enterprise failed to find sufficient support. In the summer of 1884 the Daily yournal was started by Crowder & Miller, continued by C. F. Crowder, who was joined bv Ezra Roe. Richard Kilgore continued the paper, and January i, 1887, C. F. Crowder, one of the founders, and Wm. Brenton, purchased the office.

T/ie Catholic Church, first in point of members to-dav, was first to build a church edifice. The first services were occasionally held bv Priests who came from Bardstown, Kv. Father Badin visited Peru from 1834 ^^ ^^37. During this time, in 1835, the first church was built on two lots, donated by the proprietors of the town. In the summer of this year the Rev. John Corcorass, on one of his visits, died after a brief illness and is buried in Revburn's grave\ard. Rev. M. Ruff, priest of the diocese of St. Mncennes, visited Peru in 1837. From 1837 to '42 Father M. J. Clark was the first resident pastor, but only for a time. After him the occasional visits were resumed bv Maurice St. Palais, and continued during the time from 1842 to 1845. He was one of the pioneer Priests and his territory embraced-three States, from Vincennes to Chicago and Detroit. He had been ordained priest 1836, appointed Vicar General, Administrator 1848, Bishop of Vincennes 1849 (now diocese of Indianapolis), and died from apoplexv June 28, 1877, at St. Mary's of the Woods, near Terre Haute, where he was attending commencement. 1846 Father Fisher, '48 to '52 Father McDermot, '52 to '57 Father F. A. Carius, '57 to '60 Father C. A. Zucker, April 15, i860. Rev. Bernard Force took permanent charge of the congregation, building the parsonage, at a cost of $2,000, and under him the Catholic cemeterv was bought and consecrated. January i, 1864, Re\\ Bernard Kroeger succeeded him. Under him was built the present brick .church in 1865, at a cost of

Thr Churches

$21,000. He was followed by Father Lamour Oct. i, 187 1, to Sept. 8, 1875. , The lirst frame church, erected in 1835 which had been for years used as the Catholic school house, burned during his incumbency and was replaced by the present brick building at a cost of $16,000. Father Lamour was succeeded b}' Rev. Ilenr}- Meissner. the present pastor. Owing to the large outla\- necessary to rebuild the school house, and the hopes frustrated by the financial crisis through which the country had just passed, the congregation on his arrival was in debt to the amount of * $16,350. Through the liberal and united efforts of the people the last note was paid December 23, 1886, and Father Meissner had the pleasure of announcing to them New Year's Day 1887, that the church was free from debt. Besides the recrular congregation Father Meissner has spiritual charge of the Sisters of Providence at the school, seven in number, and of the Sisters of St. Francis, five in number, who are emplo\'ed as nurses at Peru Hospital of the Wabash Railroad. The total membership of the church is about 1.500. The church property, embracing a quarter of a square, is on the northwest corner of Miami and Fifth street.

A school has been for vears connected with the church. As earl}' as the pastorate of Father M. J. Clark (1837-42), a school was established. The Reverend Father was a cultured gentleman, revered bv the entire communitv and children of all denominations attended the school. The school was then, for a long time, discontinued. Prior to the pastorate of Father i'"orce a school was taught for a few months bv G. Volkert, a Badinese student, in a house on 5th street, opposite the residence of Rev. W. L. Huffman. Father Force opened a school in the church building, Mr. Franz Edtler being the first teacher. He was a great favorite with both parents and children, leading his pupils on delightful excursions into the woods and entering into their enjoyment. Many non-Catholic children attended the school, especiallv on account of the instruction in German. The school increasing. Miss Mary Force, sister to Father Force, became an assistant. Prof. Edtler left Peru to accept the position of organist in the Fort Wayne Cathedral, which place he held until his death, a period of nearly twentv-five 3"eara. He was succeeded as teacher by \'ictor Stevens who continued after Father Kroeger took the place of Father Force, being assisted until this change by Miss Force, who removed with her brother, after which Mr. Stevens was unaided. When under Father Kroeger the new church was built, the old building was used exclusively as a school. The desks were remodeled, a little later the school-room enlarged, singing made obligatory and the list of students increased. When Mr. Stevens resigned his position Mr. Theo. F. Wolfram was engaged, an excellent and systematic teacher. About Hie beginning of 1S67 he gave up the school and was succeeded by Miss M. Kinney, late of St. Mary's, Notre Dame. Other teachers about this time, in rapid succession and in part co-jointly were Thomas Miller, a Peruvian and an almunus of Notre Dame, Mr. John Schenk of North Vernon, Ind., and the imperishable Prof. Dr. Rudolph Ladislac Mueller, of Zanizow, the most popular teacher of the old regime, whose life reads like a romance. The second son of an - ancient baronial famil}- of Pomerania, the playmate of Pi'ince Otto Von Bismarck, at sixteen he bore a commission as lieutenant, at eighteen was professor in ordinary of mathematics in a Prussian military acadeni}-, at twenty lilled the chair of history, and at twent\'-one disinherited for professing the Catholic faith, enlistefl in the the English army, and bound for the Cape, in consequence of a mutiny was cast bj' fate upon these shores. He engaged in mining speculations in \'irginia and Pennsylvania, lost all he possessed, including a private library of 5,000 volumes, accepted a professorship in St. Vincent's College, Westmoreland County, Pennsyhania, taught the languages, in which he conversed fluentlv to th& number of fifteen, lectured on Geology and Ethnology, and became eccentric in his manners. He sought Father Kroeger. who had at one time been his pupil, and offered to teach the parish school, which he did for the space of foin- years, when Bishop Dwenger who esteemed highly his vast erudition, besought him to accept a professorship in the chief college of the Bishop's own order, which he did, and died there recenth', 1S85, in the habit of a monk, full of years and in great peace of soul. The doctor was the last teacher, of both girls and boys under the old system. Under Father Kroeger^ about 1870, the Ursuline Nuns of Louisville, Ky., took charge of the girls' school and were succeeded in 1S74 by the Siste-rsof Providence. They took charge of the boys' school also, Sept. I, 1881, the last lay teacher of the boys being Mr. Frank Horn. In the school at present are 300 pupils and seven teachers engaged in teaching, including the musical and painting departments.

The Prcsbxtcrlan Church was organized Thursda\', November 26, 1835, 'It the house of William N. Hood, and consisted of thirteen members. Rev. Samuel Newbur\-, the first minister of the church, presided. For a time the meetings were held in the house where orf^anized, then in a double loEf cabin, remodeled into one large room on West Fifth street: then in the Smith school house on West Second street, the first school house in the county. Rev. Newbury divided his time between Peru and Wabash. During the year 1836 a church building was erected on the present church lot. John W. Timberlake and Henry Robinson being the carpenters. This was probabh" the first Protestant house of worship in the county, although the Methodist Church was in process of erection at the same time. During this time uas organized a Sabbath School, tiien, and for several years, the onh- one in the county. October, 1837, Re\\ Asa Johnson, the second pastor, took charge of the church, the Rev. Newbury giving all his time until Jul}', 1838, when he removed to the interests of the " Peru Collegiate Institute." For a time Mr. Johnson preached on alternate Sabbaths, di\iding liis time over foiu" counties. In the winter of '42 and '43 a successfid protracted meeting was held. The Court House burning March, 1S43, court was for two 3'ears held in this church. From its erection to 1850 the church served the purpose of a town hall. Rev. Asa Johnson was succeeded with a few months' interval by Rev. Milton Starr, July 15, 1849, ^"^ he continued in charge of the chinxh two years. During this time the building was moved from the blocks of wood back on the lot and placed on a solid foundation. The store box steps and store box pulpit, covered with calico and green baize, were replaced, lamps took the place of tallow candles, and the church generallv improved. Mr. Starr ceasing the summer of 185 1, the pulpit for a vear was vacant. Rev. S. F. McCabe commenced his ministry Jul\' 10, 1852, and remained for fifteen years. The membership of the church when he began was about tifty. The salar}' was a little over $250. In the fall of 1854 '^'^^ present church was begun, and dedicated July 4, 1S5S. During his ministry in Peru Mr. McCabe preached 1,277 sermons in his own pulpit, baptized 177 persons, othciated at 282 funerals, and received into the church 210 persons. Mr. McCabe resigned May 20, 1867, and removed to Illinois, thence to Topeka, Kansas. Rev. Everett B. Thomson commenced February 2, 1S68, and continued one year. April i, 1869, the Second Presb^'terian Church formed a union with the First, the history of which has thus far been followed. September 5, 1869, Rev. Henry L. Brown began, continuing one \ear. During this year unusually sticcessful revivals were held in this and the other churehes of the city, resulting in 62 additions to this church. Rev. Samuel Wyckoff entered upon his duties Nov. 4, 1870, and continued until July, 1874. During this time the church was enlarged and improved and the lecture room built. The church was re-dedicated January 19, 1873. Rev. J. B. Parmelee began his service October i, 1874. In April, 1876, he resigned, procured a letter of dismission from the Presb)-tery, and was the first minister of the Congregational Church, which continued for some years. Mav i, 1877, Rev. Matthew M. Whitford accepted the call of the church and was installed a few months later, being the only installed pastor. He continued to December 31, 1882. Rev. L. P. Marshall entered upon his duties July i, 1883, and continued to the present time. Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, 1885, was held the

Jubilee, or tiftieth anniversary of the church's organization. The meetings were largely attended and were full of interest. G. I. Reed, editor of the Rcfuhlican, read a sketch on the history of Peru and J. H. Fetter a verv complete history of the Presbyterian Church, from which most of these facts are taken. A reminiscence meeting was held, participated in by many, and letters were read from a number of the ex-pastors. The church is now entirely out of debt and in vigorous condition. The membership of the church is 256: of the Sunday School, about 180.

The Methodist Church. - In 183 1 Col. Wm. M. Reyburn returned from Ohio and settled near Miamisport. He was a local preacher and at the request of Mrs. Dalla Moore, Mrs. Pendleton, Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Ilurst and a few others he organized a class meeting, and occasionally preached and held prayer meetings. With this organization in view the Methodist church would be entitled to the priority of age in Peru. In 1S32 this little band was reinforced by George S. Fenimore and wife, and several others. It was probably this same year that the society was officially recognized by Rev. Miles Huffaker and reported to the annual conference. When Miamisport was deserted for the new town of Peru this little class was known as the Methodist Societ\' of Peru. It held its meetings at Matthew Fenimore's and besides Col. Re\burn, A. A. Tarkington, another local preacher, held services in this tavern. At the same time that the Presbyterian church was building, fall of 1835 and spring of 1836, Geo. Fenimore and John Garrol put up the first Methodist church on Third street. It was ceiled with boards, and neither plastered nor painted. A wooden chandelier, on the arms of which candles were stuck, hung suspended b}' a rope which ran up through a hole in the ceiling. Through this hole and down the rope the playful mice would come and dine on the savory tallow. The country around was now organized as Peru Circuit, and the era of circuit riding began. An approximately correct list of the preachers in this period is as follows: Miles Huffaker, '35-'36; Burris Westlake, '36-'37; September 24, 1836, Rev. Jacob Colclazer, so long identified with this communit}-, was licensed, in the little Third street church, to preach, by the Rev. Richard Hargrove and recommended for admission into the traveling connection; - Merchon '37; - Reed '38; John F. Truslow '37; Wm. Wheeler, Wm. Stonax, and Nelson Green, '42-'44; - Beach '46: E. Holdstock '47: John F. Donaldson '48. In 1849 '^'^ the country appointments were stricken off and Peru was made a station. Re\'. W. L. Huffman was sent as the first station preacher and organized the first station. Steps were at once taken towards the erection of a new church and the present Main street church was erected. The subscription for that purpose was contributed to b\- citizens of all denominations and paid in wood, plaster, work, brick, '-shoemaking," groceries, or cash as most convenient. At this time the lirst large revival was held, and lOO were added to the church. About i860 the charge was di\ided by the conference, and Third street church was formed. A nCUt brick church was built, which proved too small, and the Second Presbyterian church, corner Miami and Main streets, was purchased and remodeled. The name of the charge was then changed to St. Paul's, in 1870, Rev. C. W. Miller being pastor at that time. He was followed bv W. F. Walker in 1872-3-4, who departed from here to the North China mission. Charels E. Disbro, the last pastor of St. Paul's, was here in 1874-5. To return to the Main street church; it continued to prosper under the following ministers: C. W. Miller '51; F. A. Hardin '53; H. B. Beers '55; H. Phillips '56; T. Habler '57;

A. S. Lakin '59: D. F. Stright '61; W. R. Kisder '64; J. Colclazer '66; W. J. Vigus '68: W. E. McCarthy '70; R. Toby '71; Augustus H. Tevis '72; W. R. Jordan '74. It wiis at this time that the two charges were united, neither of the old. ministers returning and J. C. Makin being the lirst minister of the united church. The ministers since have begun their work on the following dates: H. J. Lacey '77; J. Colclazer '78: C. H. Brown '80; W. H. Daniels '83; A. S. Wooten '85. The value of the present church propertv is $10,000. The membership of the Sunday Scliool is 275, that of the Church 350.

T/te J£piscopal Chttrch was organized hrst 1846 under the name of St. James parish. Every evidence pointed to a vigorous church. The Rev. Mr. Brown, a man very popular with the people of the community, had charge of the congregation, and the services were held over store rooms. Unfortunately he was called home to the East, and, his place being unsupplied, the organization was abandoned. In 1870 the people of the church began regular meetings under the charge of Rev. W. N. Dunham in the rooms in second storv, northwest corner Main and Broadwav, and December 9th an organization was made under the name Trinity Church. Ma\-, 187 1, the present lot was purchased and steps taken for the erection of a building. October, 1872, the building was opened. May i, 1873, Mr. Dunham's place- was taken by Rev. John Henry Weddell, who continued to May, 1875. He was in September followed by Rev. Andrew Mackie, and he, with some interval, bj- Rev. David L. Trimble, who served this parish, in connection with Delphi, until Februar}-, 1881. The church was vacant until November, 1882, when Rev. J. E. Martin was employed. The church was doing well under his charge, but January-, 1884, he resigned with the consent of the vestrj-. July, 1884, Rev. W.

vices were held here by Rev. Sturken, then of Loyansport. The congregation being, however, too small, he discontinued for a year, when he again began, and Re\'. Jungle also preaclied here. The church was regularly organized in 1859' and Rev. II. Ilorst called to the pastorate. He, after a short time, receiving another call, Rev. Sturken again preached to the congregation, and it was at this time that the first church was built, a small brick building on Second street, near Hood. In 1864, Mr. Sturken receiving a call to Baltimore, the services were held b}' Rev. Jox, also of Logansport, and his assistant, Rev. G. A. Hinkle. The latter received a call from Sturgis, Mich., in 1869, and the former, on account of too much work, could not attend to this church, so. Rev. Stricter was called and became settled pastor, remaining until 1873, when he responded to a call from Proviso, Illinois. In August of the same year. Rev. C. A. German became pastor. Under him was built, in 1875, the present church, corner of Main and Fremont. It is a fine brick building, 40 feet wide, 75 long and with a spire 125 feet high. The bell is the largest in the city, and a fine pipe organ adds to the interior. The cost was about $11,000. The old church has since been used as a school building, where Mr. Feussner teaches about seventv children. Rev. German, in 1883, received a call to Utica, N. Y., and March, 1S84, Rev. H. Diemer, the present incumbent, began his work. The membership has increased from eight or ten to seventy-five \oting members, which represents about 175 communicants. The Church is in good financial condition.

The Baptist Chtirch. - A meeting July 18, 1866, of those interested, organized a Baptist conference preparatory to organizing a Baptist Church. Those participating were: F. M. Bacon, M" H. Waters, David DeLawter, E. H. Shirk, Moses Mercer, Rev. A. Virgil, H. J. Shirk, George Geves, Sarah Bacon. M. T. Waters, H. S. DeLawter, Mary Shirk, H. A. Mercer, Minerva Shirk, Ellen Geves.

Oct. 3, 1 866 a council met, pastors of a number of churches in Northern Indiana being present and formally recognized the newly established church. Rev. A. Virgil was in charge from organization until May, 1867, Rev. John Trennamon July 1867, to July 1869, during which time the church building and parsonage were undertaken. The lecture room being occupied Jan. i, 1869. The meetings before this had for a time been in rooms over a store on Broadwav, opposite the court house, and then in the Presbyterian Church building then vacant on Main street. Rev. F. D. Bland, of Indianapolis, began Julv, 1869 and found the church membership 28. six of whom were non-residents. He was a man of enthusiasm and verv successful as a revivalist. During his first vear 108 were baptised aiul 142 were added to the church. The church building being completed during this j'ear was dedicated the first Sabbath in 1870. The cost of the church, parsonage and grounds was $22- 000, In Xo\ember, 1870, Rev. Bland resigned. In response to a repeated call, Rev. Geo. E. Leonard came, taking charge of the church Ma\' 5, 1871 and continued until Jan, i, 1882, at which time he accepted the position of Secretary of the Ohio Baptist State Convention, where he still is. March 5, iSS2,the Rev. B. F. Cavins, then from New Albany, preached his first sermon and has since remained with the church. A fine pipe organ has been put in, the church and lecture room frescoed and carpeted, and the church generallv has prospered under his care. The Sundav School is well attended ever Sundav morning. The church membership at the close of the church year, May, 1886 was 327.

The A. AI. E. Church had as its first minister. Elder Patterson and meetings were held in the engine house. The present church on Third street was dedicated, August, 1874, ^"^ which time Rev. Robinson Jeffries was pastor. The only stationed minister ever here was the Rev. Wm. Knight in 1875. The congregation being small has generallj' been served in connection with some other charsre. Alto<rether there have been i 'X ministers here. The present one, J. W. Collins, is everv second week at Wabash. The church propert^- is worth about $2,500.

In Secret Orders Peru is well supplied, there being 24 lodges, chapters, &c., at present here. The first in point of time was the Miami Lodge, 67, F. & A. M. It was organized about June iS44in upper storv of of the brick building used as the toll house at the bridge. It was instituted bv Logansport and Tipton lodges and worked under dispensation until the claarter was granted, May 29, 1848. The names of the earliest members were; Col. Wm. M. Reyburn, the first Master; Isaac Marquis, the first Senior Warden; Richard L. Britton, the first Junior Warden: Geo. L. Dart, Secretar}'; John M, Jackson, Treasurer; John Bush, Senior Deacon; James Douglass, Judge Potter, Albert Cole, Peter Long and Matthew Fennimore. The earliest members taken in were: first, Moses Falk; second, Aaron Scott; third, A. Keiser; fourth Michael Lang. Thev occupied the room where they organized three or four years, then rented of the Odd Fellows. The}- fitted up a room in a new three storv building on the south-west corner of Second and Broadwav which burned six months later. They then again used the Odd Fellows hall, situated then where Deibert's grocery is, about three vears, then fitted up a room across the street now 70, south Broadway. About 12 years ago they fitted up the present lodge room. Their numbers have increased steadilv. They furnish most of the members who organized the Peru Lodge. The masons in Peru besides the two lodges named have for vears maintained a

Miami Ldiiu^c, jVo. 32, I. O. O. /\ - The oldest lodi,re of the order in Peru, was organized JanuarY 13, 184S, with the following charter members : DaYid Charters, James M. Reyburn, Brown McCIintic, John Reid, Augustus Hunter, John Pasmore and M. R. Crabill. Since its organization the lodge has admitted 396 members, and its present membership is 94. The lodge owns its own hall, has money enough to pa)- all demands, and has $1,250 loaned on good security. From January i to NoYember i, 1886, the lodge paid $750 for six benefits and charitable purposes. The Peru Lodge and Peru Encampment are later growths of the Order. The Lessing, a German lodge of the Order, was organized April, 1873. The Daughters of Rebekah, maintained bY the ladies, is in a flourishing condition.

The Patriarch Militant, uniformed rank of Odd Fellowship, is a new degree. Peru Canton, No. 20, was organized August 25, 1886, with 26 charter members, W. K. Armstrong, Captain.

VV. B. Rcvlmrn Post, jVo. jd, Dcpartmcut of Indiana, G. A. R., was organized in Kumler's Hall, April 10, 1882, with a charter membership of 57. J. R. Carnahan. Department Commander, officiating. The tirst commander installed was Louis B. Fulwiler. The present membership is 144, who represent eleYen states. Michigan, Connecticut and West Virginia haYe each one regiment represented: New Jersey and Missouri each one caYalry regiment; Iowa, two; New York, three; Penns\lYania, tive: Illinois, one battei'}' and six infantrY regiments; Ohio, sixteen, and Indiana, sixtythree, fifty-two of which are infantry-, seYcn caYalry and four batteries. The 99th Regiment lias eleYen representatiYes; the 13th, eleYen; the 151st, nine: the 155th, seYcn. The Post has taken part in four decoration ser^-ices, four camp-tires, and, as a bodY, has attended re-unions at Miami, DenYer, Macy, Bunker Hill and Wabash. The Post has furnished one Junior Department Commander, W. F. Daly.

Hercules Lodge, Xo. 127, Knights of Pythias, instituted August 14, 1885, with 84 charter members. At the institution were present representatiYes of the Huntington, Kokomo, Marion, Logansport and Indianapolis lodges. They at once fitted up a lodge room oYer the Postoffice, 62 S. Broadway. The present membership is OYcr 100. The uniform rank, K. of P., was organized in Peru, August 17, 1886, with 38 members. Louis N. Andrews, Captain. Many were present from a distance and a banquet was giYen in Bradley's Hall.

The Knights of Honor, Knights of Maccabees, Royal Arcanum, two Councils of the National Union, two assemblies of the Knights of Labor, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engin-

Military Organizations. 3S3

Militarv Organizations. - The lirst company was the Peru IMues, organized almost the first j-ear of the town, A. M. Higgins, Captain, and Vincent O'DonakL Sr., First Lieutenant. The company consisted of most of the young men of the community. Its notable exploits seem to have been two in number. The first was taking" part in the patriotic celebration July 4, 1836, the day's festivities ending with the explosion of a gun in the hands of O'Donald, the first Heutenant, only slightly injuring him, but resulting in lockjaw and death in about two weeks. The second exploit was marching to the scene of difficulty with some Indians on the Pottawattomie payment grounds on the Tippecanoe, near Rochester. Not a moment faltered they, but the campaign was bloodless as either their presence or the efforts of diplomacy quieted the difficulty. This was the famous battle of Chippewanoc, the cause of many a smile to our older citizens. The next military company for peaceful purposes was the Reyburn Guards, organized February 25, 185S, G. A. Crowell, Captain, J. M. Reyburn, First Lieutenant, C. M. Walker, Second Lieutenant. The}- at once uniformed handsomely in blue, and the same year organized, and conducted a big 4th of July celebration and ball which was largely attended from a distance, and at which they cleared $500. Cro\vell resigned and Reyburn became captain immediately after this. The next year, July 4th,' they, with the Teutonic Rifle Corps, now to be mentioned, attended a big encampment and celebration at Lafayette, at which were present eleven companies. The Teutonic Rifle Corps was organized about the same time as the guards with Julius Kloenne, Captain, Henry Kranskoff, First Lieutenant, Wm. Rassner, Second Lieutenant. The uniform was dark green with light green trimmings. They numbered between 50 and 60 members, all Germans. They were preceded by two pioneers, Philip Gahs and Jake Louis, wearing big drum-major hats and carrying axes. When wrought up by the martial spirit they sang a song the chorus of which ran :

At the Lafayette encampment the\' had the glory of an award for tiieir excellent drill and soldierly bearing. These companies had nearly if not quite ceased their ineetings some time before the opening of the war, and the demand for their arms, and the enlistment of many of their members, was the end. Just after the war Captain Wm. Wallick organized the Peru Zouaves, uniformed in red, and continued for a or two. The Peru Grays, Captain Jack, was organized in 1875, spent a week in camp at Put-in-Bay, responded to a call by Gov. Hendricks in 1876 to quell some troubles in the southern part of the State, but only went as far as Indianapolis. In 1S77 they disbanded. The Peru Light Infantry organized December 1SS2, H. F. Bolev, Captain, continued for about two years. The Peru Zouaye Cadets organized Noyember 1884, with 56 members, boys^from 14 to 20, Ed. Maxwell, Captain. They \vent to the 3d regiment encampment at LaPorte, August, 1885, and took first honors in the regiment. Disbanded Noyember, 1886. Gatling Gun Detachments Nos. i and 2 were organized in the fall of 1885, and July, 1S86, respectiyely.

Literary Societies and Public Libraries haye to some extent shaped the deyelopment of the communitv. The first "Lyceum *' was in the yery infancy of the to\\ n, being organized August 10, 1837. It continued its discussions for some years, dealing with the highest questions of goyernment and philosophy. Of the members who still suryiye are N. O. Ross, L. D. Adkinson, John A. Graham. J. B. Fulwiler and J. S. Fenimore. For some time after it ceased its meetintrs, there seems to haye been nothinsr of the character indicated by the heading of this paragraph. It consisted of a good selection of standard books, which were for years kept in the Recorder's office. On the page of the yellow, dusty record can be traced the tastes and character of many a prominent Peru citizen. The books became scattered, the library fell into disuse, and in 1881 the remnants, consisting of a few yaluable books and a great many agricultural reports, were gladly handed oyer to the Peru High School, where they now are. The Miami County Workingmen's Institute was organized the latter part of 1856, the Town Council pursuing inquiries through a committee as to what had become of the " Corporation Library " ( never before mentioned in the record ), after publishing notices and hiring " a boy - Ira Myers " - for three days to gather books, succeeded in getting together 140 yolumes. These were turned oyer to the Peru Township Trustee to add to the Township Library. The record of the latter begins with that year, 1S56.

Taking adyantage of the terms offered by the will of Mr. McClure, of New Harmony, Posey County, who proyided that Jf an institute should be formed of " persons who labor with their hands and earn their liying by the sweat -of their brow," and contribute 100 yolumes, he would donate them $500. The earliest remaining record of a meeting is February 17, 1857, and for about three years they maintained semi-monthly and monthly meetings, the discussions partaking somewhat of the nature of a Hterary society. The constitution proyided for lectures, and at one time the society authorized the secretary, J. W. Shields, to correspond with Bayard Taylor, and how near this distinguished literary man came to addressing a Peru audience may be seen from the following reply.

Literary Societies And Public Libraries. 3S5

ViNCKXNKs, FcliniMry 10, IS.")'.). DE.\n Sir: It is quite impossililo. All nij' time up to the end of April \v;is engaged near three months ago, and I have since lieeu obliged to decline 150 additional invitations. Very tndy yours, B.vvard Tayi.ok.

The Institute made no further attempt to secure lecturers. The hist recorded meeting was March 2, i860, and, in the exciting years which followed, the organization was abandoned. Just before the last meetings, the library was removed from the special room to the gallery of H. G. Fetter, and some jears later by him handed over to Dr. W. H. Gilbert, who has kept it in exxellent condition and still has it. The legal status of it is that it is the property of no one unless the old members, many of whom are still here, should reorganize the institute. The character of the books was excellent, and the record shows a veiy dilligent use of them. Among the names, with the occupation stated by which they "sweat to earn their bread," are: Jonathan Statesman, wagonmaker; John W. Timberlake, carpenter: Peter Keegan, shoemaker, John Mitchell, tailor; J. M. Stutesman, saddler; C. Griggs, harnessmaker; John H. Jamison, cabinetmaker.

For a number of years we find no literary organizations. In the winter of 1877-78 f course of lectures was successfully carried on by some enterprising citizens, which encouraged the fortnation October, 1S78. of the Peru Lecture Association, with capital stock of $5°° '" ^^ty shares of $10 each. The first president was R. P. Efhnger, the first secretary G. E. Leonard. The organization was maintained until Januaiy, 1883, during which time were furnished twenty-eight lectures and musical and literary entertainments, including Helen Potter, Theodore Tilton, Marj' A. Lixermore, J. W. Riley and other noted lecturers. The Opera House being completed December, 1882, philosophy, music, and literature went down before the popularity of the funny play and high tragedy, and the Association discontinued. Early in 18S4 in the study of the Presbyterian church was organized a society for the study of literature, Rev. L. P. Marshall president. That spring and in the winter of 1884-85 the original plan was strictly pursued. In October, 1885, it was reorganized as a Chautauqua reading circle, under tlie name "The Hoosier C. L. ^. C, of Peru." It is now in its second year, with a membership of twenty, Miss Eileen Ahern, president. During the winter of 1884-85 the society, generally known as the Episcopal Literary Society, was organized, Rev. Wm. Burke president, and studied Shakspeare, the next winter studied general history and the present winter are studying general literature. The society meets at the houses of members. October, 1886, was organized the Vincent Cliautauqua reading circle, composed mosth', but not exclusivel\-, of members of the Methodist congregation, with a membership of twenty, Ed. T. Gregg, president. The same month was organized the Philomathean ^^lovers of learning) Chautauqua circle, through the efforts of Rev. B. F. Cavins, and though the youngest, is now the largest circle, numbering thirty members. They meet at the Baptist church, the meeting nhrht of all the circles beintr Monday. In the matter of musical ortranizations there has been little outside of the reorularly maintained church choirs. During the war musical and dramatic entertainments were frequent, but the Peru Choral Union, about 1872, with J. W. Shields, director, was the tirst regular organization. It was maintained about a year, giving an entertainment and old folks concert. In January, 1886, was organized the Peru Musical Association, with W. E. M. Brown as director. For a half year it did good work, its abandonment at present being due to the removal of the director.

T/ic J^/rst JWjtioiial Bank was organized April, 1S64, under the law of February 25, 1863, authorizing national banks. E. H. Shirk was the first president and continued until his death, 1886. The first directors were E. H. Sha-k, Robt. Miller, James Hollenshade, Jacob Kreutzer, Geo. L. Dart, W. M'. Constant, Abraham Leed\. The capital stock was $75,000, afterwards increased to $100,000. The first building occupied was a small frame building located between Third and Main, on West side of Broadway, but soon after organization removed to present location opposite public square. There is at present a large surplus fund in addition to capital stock. The officers are: President, Milton Shirk; Vice President, Elbert W. Shirk; Cashier, R. A. Edwards; Teller, G. R. Chamberlain.

The Citizens^ A^aticnial Bank was the outgrowth of the pri\ate bank of Bonds, Hoagland & Co., organized February, 1S67. This in July, 187 1, was changed to the present corporation and present name, under the national banking laws. It was composed of nearly the same parties as the former bank, with some additions. The first Board of Directors was: D. C. Darrow, A. C. Brownell, Wm. Smith, N. O. Ross, C. D. Bond, R. F. Donaldson, M. S. Robinson. Dr. Darrow was President until July, 1883, when, he resigning, Chas. Brownell succeeded him. M. S. Robinson has been cashier continuoush'. The capital stock is $100,000, and the surplus $16,000. The room now numbered 6 South Broadwa}' was occupied from first until September, 1S86, when the bank moved into its own new building, opposite the Court House.

TJtc Tclcorafh bound Peru with the \\orld before the first railroad reached it. The canal line ran from Toledo through Lafayette to Indianapolis via Crawfordsville. The first operator was G. L. Daniels, who serving only a month, was succeeded by

Various Industries

J. T. Henton, who served until January, 1853, beinq- succeeded by J. G. Dickey. In 1855, the Wabash Une along the railroad was established and the canal line abandoned. Jas. S. Duret was the first operator of this line and was succeeded by K. H. Wade, who is now General Superintendent of the Wabash Railway. The office was removed into the Citizens' Peru Bank building, Nov. 1886. Miss Alice Dunlap has been for some years the operator, and her services have been eminentlj- satisfactory to both companj^ and public.

The Telephone Exchange was established June 13, 1881, the number of subscribers being 45. At present the number of subscribers is 70. Connections can be made with all Exchanges within 75 miles, and, under favorable circumstances, conversation has been carried on with Louisville, Ky. The Exchange from the first has been in the telegraph office, removing with it to the new location. The present manager in Peru is Miss Bessie LaBonta.

The Railroad Shofs were established in 1853, when this was the northern terminus of the Peru & Indianapolis R. R., then just building. The average number of men emploved in these shops was 40. In 1873, the shops, then under the management of the I. P. & C, were removed to the present location, and the force increased to 130. When the road and shops passed into the hands of the Wabash, Sept., 1881, the force increased to 250. The shops on present location consist of Round House, capacit}- 15 stalls, area 33,210 square feet; Machine and Car Shops, 150 b}' 135 feet; Paint Shops, 153 by 45 feet; Blacksmith Shops, 105 by 36 feet: Freight Repair Shops, 200 by 60 feet. The round house and main shops are brick, the repair shops, frame. There are in addition a number of buildings and sheds for lumber, coal, ice, etc. Together the shops occupy an area of about ten acres. The business of these shops is the building, rebuilding and repairing of engines and cars. They are the most important industrv in Peru.

The Woolen ]\filh have been, since their establishment in 1865, one of the important industries of Peru. The firm of H. E. & C. F. Sterne consisting of the two named and Henr}- Sterne, built the first mill on the canal. It was a "five set mill" consisting of five sets cards and about 1,500 spindles. They made flannels, jeans, blankets and yarns, and did custom work for farmers, a class of work no longer done. They employed from eighty to a hundred hands and were building up a prosperous business, mostly in the Western States. One afternoon in January 1868, the entire building and contents burned, being a loss of $100,000, on which the insurance was $30,000. It was probably caused by spontaneous combustion. With M. Oppenheimer added to the old firm as the "companv" they erected on their present location a building 300 by 66 feet and two Others which together are 300 by 44. This was a four set mill, now enlarged to a six set. In January, 1874, -'-'- Mergentheim became associated in the business. Feb. 1877, Henry Sterne went out and a new firm was organized, Harry W. Strouse taking his place. The mHl was enlarged to five sets cards and 1,900 spindles and looms with a capacity of 70 pieces at a time, no hands were employed and the trade was extended east and west. Of that firm H. E. Sterne died February, 1878, in Cincinnati, C. F. Sterne died August, 1879 in the same city, and M. Oppenheimer August, 1885 in Philadelphia, where he had gone for his health. The present firm was organized June, 1886 and consists of L. Mergentheim, II. W. Strouse and the estates of H. E. and C. F. Sterne. During the past fall the mills have been enlarged to six sets of machinerv and 2,400 spindles. The fiim has always been financiallv in excellent standing and never missed a pay daj*.

The Inciiaua Maniifactnriiig Coiiipaiiv, one of the most important industries of Peru, dates from 1870, when the Howe Machine Company, looking for a location for a factor}- for wood work, was induced to locate here. The name under which it began and continued for five years, was the Howe Factory. The first buildings had been completed but a short time when a fire occurred, destro3ing them almost entirely and occasioning the loss of two lives, E. P. Loveland and John Cummings, who wei^e caught by the falling roof while assisting to save the property. The shops were rebuilt in six months and, as before, some 500 or 550 men were employed. In 1S75 a new compan\- was organized under the name of The Indiana Manufacturing Compan}-. In 1 88 1 it passed into the hands of a receiver, Mr. A. N. Dukes, who has successfully conducted it since. Not connected especially with any machine company, sewing machine woodwork is made for 16 different companies. A large amount is shipped direct to foreign countries. The number of men employed is about 300 at present, and the value of the yearly product $200,000.

T/ic Basket Factory was built in 1872 by Gardiner, Blish & Co., who removed from Antioch in consideration of a donation by our citizens. This place was considered especially well situated on account of the great plenty of elm timber found in this locality. In 1878, for some reason, the firm failed, J. M. Brown was appointed receiver, and it then passed into the hands of the Citizen's Bank. After standing idle for two years Lewis Benedict rented the building. April 18S2, Henton & Talbot purchased the interest of Benedict, and after eighteen months Henton withdrew and Frank M. Talbot continues to the present time. At the opening sixt}^ men were employed, the highest number at any time was 150, the present number ninety. The present

Various Industries. 39I

The Dow Factory, which promised to be so important an addition to the city, was established by B. F. Dow & Co., who had been manufacturing farm implements in Fowlerville, N. Y. The citizens donated ten thousand dollars to secure it. The buildings were erected in 1S80, and in Ma}' i88r, work was begun. The product was principally portable engines and threshing machines and all kinds of repairs for farm implements. They were sold over a large territory, but collections being slow under the general depression of business at that time, the firm became deeper involved, and November 27, 1883, J. G. Blvthe was appointed receiver. He completed his last report the first of 1887. The buildings are well situated for manufacturing purposes and no doubt will be used in some way before long.

The Mineral Waler Factory of A. Reed & Co., was established the Fall of 1880, by A. Reed. The product consists of the cooling drinks of Ginger Ale, Champagne Cider, Birch Beer, Cream Soda, and all kinds of pop. The territory supplied extends well over the State, the amount made being 1,200 boxes (about 25 thousand bottles) a 3'ear. Five men are employed for this and the beer agency run in connection with it.

Shearerh Ware House was established 1866, and is a building with the liberal capacity of 40,000 bushels of grain. It was built on the canal by which most of the shipping was at that time done.

Wilkinson'' s Planing Mill was started by Dan. Wilkinson, who in i860, moved to Peru with a saw mill. This was located in the southwest part of the town; in 1865 was burned, mmediatel\- rebuilt, and sold in the Fall of 1867. The only planing mill then in Peru was that of Wampler & Kranzman, who succeeded Coucher & Jamison, and which was located east, near the canal. Wilkinson erected a frame building on the lots at present occupied; in 1867 and 1872 it was burned, being a total loss, no insurance. The present brick building \\as immediately erected. The work done is mostly local, embracing, however, the surrounding counties and some city work. In the spring of 1883, Walter Wilkinson became associated, and the tinu name is Wilkinson & Co. In building season ten men are employed.

BrovjnclVs Planing Mill was started by John Mulhfield in connection with the lumber business and in partnership with New York parties, during the fall of 1879. In May, 1885, C. H. Brownell became owner, on the failure of the former management. Charles Cox was made manager, and the mill is now doing an excellent business. From 12 to 15 men are employed.

The First FoiDtdry was built by F. S. and George Hacklev about 1843. Just before the war the present building was erected by the former, who continued the business until his death. It was then continued by his son Levant, then by Thomas Lovett. The firm of Lovett & Rettig, formed later, branched out extensivelv into the manufacture of agricultural implements. Last vear the foundrv was bought by A. J. Ross and now conducted bv him.

M. F. Smith's j\Iachiuc Shop, Brass and Iron Foundry was established 1873. It is located corner Canal and Clay streets, and emplovs about nine men.

Isaac Millers Roller Mill, on the railroad, is a descendant of the first mill in Peru, built on the feeder dam at the time the canal was made. The water power was exxellent, and for years the old stone burrs ground out the support of a good part of the countv. Having passed through various hands, Mr. Miller obtained it 1870. In 1876, the dam washed out and the mill was removed to the present location, more convenient for shipping, and is run b}- steam. In 1882-3 the improved roller machinery was put in. The capacity is lOO barrels per day, shipped mostlv in Indiana and Illinois, some however going as far as New York City.

The Canal Roller Mill has been under the present management of Jackson A. Neal onlv since February, 1886. He succeeded Collintine & Jackson. The mill is not a new institution, but latel}- has put in the latest roller machinery and has a capacity for 75 barrels per day.

The Peru Flax, Tow and Bagging Mill was started by John Coyle, spring of 187 1. Mr. Torrey, of New Jersey, joined him in 1872, and the bagging miU was built. A stock company purchased the mill some vears ago, and, with some changes, still run it. The product is mainly sold in the South, being used for the cotton crop. The mill affords employment to a number of men, women and children.

In addition to these factories described are Ulrick's Wagon Factory, Sullivan & Eagle, and Ellis Stiles & Co.'s Carriage Factories, the Cigar Factories of the Keeners, Webb and Arnold, and various shops, which together represent in the aggregate as great a portion of manufacturing interests as any city in the State.

Biographical, Sketches

HON. LEWIS D. ADKISON, a prominent citizen and pioneer of Peru, is a native of Fa\ette Countv, Indiana, born about eight miles wt^st of Connersville, May 26th, 1816. His parents, Robert and Rebecca (Henderson) Adkison, were born in North and South Carolina respectively, of Irish lineage. The father in 1829 moved to Fountain County, where his death occurred one year later. The mother was born in the year 1776, and departed this life on the 27th of August, 1846. Lewis D. Adkison, when thirteen years of age, accompanied his parents to Fountain Count}-, where for two years he worked on his father's farm. His early educational advantages were limited, being only those derived from attendance at the indifferent county schools of that period for about three months each year, until he arrived at the age of eighteen. He left home in the spring of 1S35, and went to Logansport, were he worked at brick making until the following Fall, at which time he came to Peru and secured employment on the Wabash and Erie Canal, then in progress of construction. After one year spent as workman on the canal Mr. Adkison accepted a clerkship in the mercantile house of D. R. Bearss, and later was engaged in the same capacity by Mr. Bearss' successor, Jacob Lindsey, acting as clerk in all about three years. In 1838, he was appointed by Governor Wallace Sheriff of Miami County to till the unexpired term of Asa Leonard, who died in office, and at the ensuing election in 1840 was chosen Sheriff, the duties of which position he discharged for about four years. On leaving the office he engaged in the plasters' and brick laying trades and after continuing the same for some four years, opened a general store in Peru, which he conducted with good success for sometime. He subsequently abandoned that line of trade and for some was engaged in the lumber business, which he carried on quite extensively in connection with a general hardware trade. In 1855 he disposed of his mercantile interests in Peru and emigrating to California opened a general store at Oak Valley, in the mines. He was subsequently elected Supervisor of Yuba County, that State, an office similar to that of County Commissioner in Indiana, and after serving one and a half years was chosen Sheriff, the duties of which office he discharged for about four years. In 1868 he returned to Indiana and settled in Fulton County, where, until 1874, ^^ ^^''^^ engaged in agricultural pursuits, disposing of his farm at the end of that time and returning to Peru. In 1874-5 he was Assistant Doorkeeper of the Indiana State Senate, and in 1882 was elected State Senator from the counties of Miami and Howard. He took an active part in the deliberations of that body and served on some of the most important committees, among which were these: Banks and Banking. Public Printing, Public Buildings, Swamp Lands, Fees and Salaries, etc. Since the expiration of his term as legislator, Mr. Adkison has been engaged in the insurance business and loaning money at Peru. On December

1 6th, 1840, he married Mrs. Lucy Davis, daughter of the late Judge Albert Cole, of Peru, by whom he had four children, only one of whom, Lucv A., wife of James H. Fetter, is living. Mr^. Adkison was born in the year 1820, and died March nth, 1885. Mr. Adkison was originally a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party, he has been an ardent supporter of its prin> ciples. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity.

NOTT N. ANTRIM," a prominent member of the Miami County bar and fourth son of Benjamin and Frances (Grey) Antrim, was born in Cass County, Indiana, on the 25th day of March, 1847. Left motherless at the age of four yeai-s and fatherless at ten, he was early in life obliged to reh" almost wholly upon his own resources, and until attaining his majority worked on the farm, obtaining a common school education in the meantime. Possessing a desire to make law his life work, Mr. Antrim, in 1872, began his legal studies with Messrs. Mitchell & Shirk, of Peru, under whose instructions he continued until his admission to the bar in 1873. He began the active practice of his profession, April, 1874, and within a short time thereafter won for himself a conspicuous place among the lawyers of Miami and adjoining counties, having been elected the same year to the office of State's Attorney for the circuit composed of Miami and Wabash counties. He was re-elected to the same position in 1876, and in 1882 was chosen to represent Miami County in the General Assembly of Indiana. In 1 88 1 he effected a copartnership in the practice with James M. Brown, Esq., and the firm thus formed still continues. As a lawyer, Mr. Antrim is painstaking and methodical, and has already an extensive and lucrative practice in the.courts of Miami and other counties of Northern Indiana. His official, as well as private life -is above reproach, and he enjoys in a marked degree the esteem snd confidence of the community around him. In politics, he is a Republican, and, as such, has rendered valuable service to his party in this countv. Mr. Antrim on the nth day of February, 1875, was united in marriage with Miss S. Marilda Adkisson, of Crawford County, Illinois.

DANIEL R. BEARSS (deceased) was born August 23, 1809, in Geneseo, Livingston Countv, New York. His parents were Truman and Sabrina (Roberts) Bearss. His grandfather was a major in the Revolutionary Army, under General Washington, and his father served in the war of 181 2. .\bout the }'ear iSii,the family removed to Painesville, Ohio, and in iBjJ to Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Bearss' boyhood was spent on a farm and his education was acquired in a log school house. In 1828 he went to Ft. Wayne where he became a clerk for W. G. and G. W. Ewing. His employers soon opened a branch

Biographical Sketches

Store in Logaiispovt in whicli Mr. Rearss was engaged until 1832. He then spent .two years in mercantile business on his own account in Goshen. In August 1834 with his young wife he settled in Peru where he resided the rest of his life. During his first year's residence here he carried on a general mercantile business in partnership with his father-in-law, Judge Albert Cole, whose biography appears elsewhere. This connection being disolved Mr. Bearss continued the business until 1844, when he formed a co-partnership with Charles Spencer under the firm name of Bearss and Spencer. Mr. Bearss being occupied with outside matters, Mr. Spencer took charge of the business, hi 1849, ^^- JE^earss sold his interest in the store and ^nally retired from mercantile life, after a prosperous business career of about twent\--one years. With perhaps one exception Mr. Bearss was the largest tax payer in Peru. He owned considerable cit\' property among which were. the Broadway Hotel and a number of business blocks. He also owned several valuable farms one of which just north of Peru he made his home. Mr. Bearss was one of the leading politicians of his county but was never known to resort to political trickery' in order that his party might triumph. No one in his locality labored more earnestly for the promotion of Henry Clay to the Presidency. From the organization of the Republican party he was one of its warmest friends and through his great popularity succeeded in carrying many elections when said party was in the minority. Through his influence Hon. Schuyler Colfax was first placed before the people as a candidate for Congress. Mr. Bearss served his count}' in various minor public offices. He was in the slate Legislature twenty years, eight years as Representative and twelve as Senator. During the memorable and exciting period of the late civil war when many legislators seemingly in sympathy with the south sought to tie the hands of Governor Morton and prevent the state from furnishing support to the Union, no member of the Senate was more faithful to his country than Mr. Bearss. His age prevented him from entering the army but he did his duty in the halls of Legislation. He took an active part in the railroad enterprises of the countj^ and for a while served as director of the I. P. & C. and Wabash roads. With his family he attended the Congregational church and gave liberally towards its support. Mr. Bearss was a man of commanding stature and in his prime possessed great physical strength and endurance. Few men were more favorably or better known not only in the county but throughout the state. He died April iS, 1884 at Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. January 14, 1834, ^^ Goshen, Indiana, he married Emma A. Cole, daughter of the late Judge

Albert Cole. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bearss: George R., William, Albert, Oliver, Homer, Frank, Emma and Ella.

ALBERT C. BEARSS, a native of Peru, was born April I, 1838, and is the third son of Daniel R. and Emma A. (Cole) Bearss, the sketches of whom appear elsewhere. Receiving his primarv education in the city schools of Peru, at the age of 14 he entered the preparatory department of Kenj'on College at Gamfier, Ohio, where he pursued the studies of that institution for a period of four years, and then returned to Peru. In 1859 he traveled westward and located in California, where he secured the position of salesman for a firm in the northern part of that State, and in 1862 he returned east as far as Nevada, where he engaged principalh' in silver mining and politics. In the year 1867 he came back to his native State and established himself in the mercantile business in the town of Rochester, Fulton County, where he continued until 1875, and then again made Peru his home continually since that time, devoting his attention to farming and also to public affairs. During his stay in Nevada he was three times elected to the lower house of the Legislature, and when he returned to Indiana, received the nomination on the Republican ticket for the same position and was elected in 1878, and in 1879, was by his very intimate friend, James N. Tyner, postmaster general, appointed postotfice inspector, which he filled in a creditable manner until his resignation took place - March, 1885 - - and since that time has been looking after his farm of 550 acres, situated in Peru township. Mr. Bearss was married to Miss Madeline V. Lamb, of Coshocton, Ohio, March 20, 1867. This union has been blessed with two children, Fannie Emma and Nellie Cole. Our subject is a staunch Republican, and believes in the Jacksonian motto: "To the victors belong the spoils." He was made Chairman of the Republican central committee of Miami county, and at present occupies that position.

JOHN H BECK, City Treasurer, was born in Miami county, Indiana, October 23, 1845, and is the eldest son of Adam and Teresa Beck, parents natives of Germany. Adam Beck was born in 1816; was united in marriagfe with Miss Teresa Trefferd in 1844, and the year following emigrated to the United States, coming direct to the cit\- of Peru. Joiin H. Beck was raised in Peru, obtained a practical education in the city schools and at the age of 16 commenced the tinner's trade, at which he served a three year's apprenticeship. In 1879, in partnership with Edward E. Riley, he opened out in the business for himself. He still carries on the business in connection with the retail hardware trade, and is one of the successful merchants of the city. In 1883 he was elected City Treasurer, re-elected in 1885 and is the present