Shelby County, Indiana - Ciu-Rcll Iiistokv, 1909 (part 2 of 2)

'ihe First Baptist church of She]b^-vil]e was ore-anized in March 18^9 when Shelbyville hail btit five Baptists. The first serniou was ])reached by Re\-. John Reece in the old court-house that stood in the center of the pubh'c square and the services were attended by tweh'e persons. - Meetings were held every other two weeks and preaching had bv Reverend Reece. The constituent members of this chtirch were: \\'illian'i E. Midkiff Mar>- MidkilT Samuel ^lidkiff. .\gnes Midkiff. Olive Bassett. Reuben DeEoar.l Flva De- Board. Elizabeth T. Brown. Lydia Rodifer. Eliza R...bertson. Marv W^ach John Ba.sett and Katherine Bassett. For several vcars this church had a hard struggle for its existence as it had no church h...me. although in 1849 it had commenced the construction of a building of brick situated r.n Ea<t Washington street, but the Iniilding was not finally completed until sometime in 1863. Then lollowed several years of steady growth, until 1876. Then the society decided to sell its property on East \\-ashington street and Iniild upon the present lots in West Broadway. This edifice was the handsomest in the citv costing seventeen thousand dollars, and although bravelv begun require.l mau"y years of tedious struggle and self-denial before it was finally completed and paid for. In fact this l,and of Christian workers had planned to burn th.e mortgage upon the fifty-fourth anniversary, wliich would h.ave been March 25, 1902. but just six days before this date the building burned to the ground, leaving a crushed and discouraged people; nevertheless from the ashes' sprung -new zeal so enthusiastic and a spirit so couragwus that in just eighteen months. September 20. 1903. was dedicated the p^resent magnificent buUding, iTiore commodious and more beautiful tlian the burned structure.

'J'he Mount Gilead Dajjlist churcli. Ic or£,^anized [May 27. 1S30. Amonq- tlie eai ciety were: Alexander Miller and wife. L.evv Laingur and wife. Tin anas Mc- Fcrrin and wife. Mrs. Lucy Miller. Mrs. l'iide_e:raf. Among- the early ministers are now recalleil the names of Rev. Samuel Harding Rev. J. Reecc. Sr.. and Reverend Reece. Meetings were held at private houses until 1843. when a log house twenty-four feet square was provided - the same was on John ^^Ic- Crary's land. 'I'his building was used until 1S48. when a frame house was erected on land belonging to Jesse Laingor. In June. 1S7J. il was voteil 10 build in the village of Smithland and this house was dedicated a year later. In 1S58 a number of the members withdrew ar.d constituted th.e first membership of the church at Marietta. The church wa- soon dissolved, however, and its members came back t.. the mother church. Ai this dale (' 1909) the Sniiih^ land church h;is a membershiij oi one hundred forty-eiglu. It uses the last na.med building.

Brandy wine (later known as Fairland) Baptist church was organized July 30. 1S32. with the followir.g as first members: James V. A. Woods. Lewis Morgan. D. A. M. Morgaii'. \\'illiam C. C. ^.[org-an. Heniy Serber. A. M. [Morgan, Levi Bishop. Sarah Oldham. Xancy ?\Iorgan, Xancy OKlham, Nancy Hubble and Man- Bishop. The church was first located near tlie town of Brandywine. six miles northwest of Shelbyville. The location was changed in 1S59 to Fairland. From 183J to 1837 services were held from house to house, but in June, 1833, it was decided to build, but the edifice was not completed ujitil 1837. Rev. William G. F.aton preached the first sernT.Mi in this building. The church buildiiig at Fairland Vwis built and first occui)ied in i860, and Rev. John Reece was the first to preach in the same. The prc'^cnt membership is one hundred and forty. The edifice erected in i860 still serves.

The Second Mount Pleasant Baptist church was organized July 11, 1835. at a school-house in Hendricks townshi]). F'.ir two years this people worshiped in private houses and under the broad canojiy ..f heaven beneath the spreading branches of forest trees, etc., but at the end >>i that perii-fl they Inuli a liou-e of worship six miles northeast of Franklin, in the ci\fft: nf Johnson county. This was used from 1836 to 1S65, when a forty by sixty fi>ot building was erected, near the old site, costing four thousand four hundred thirteen dollars. Rev. Benjamin Reece was the first pastor and sen-ed until liis death in 1853. Up to 1887 there had been received into this one churcli organization eiglit

Little Pdnc River Bajnist cluirrli was estahlishcd in I'lii^n townsliij), Shelby county, ab mt seven miles nnitlicast of Sb.clbyville, in March, 1S2S. Thomas Goldinq- and the following persons constituted the charter membership: Sarah Golding, Jane Colding. \\"illiam G. Morris, Jacob Roscl, Barbara Rose], John Golding, Job.n Derrickson. Elijah Cotton. Peter Dewitt, Tally ^^'icker. Bettie Ann Wicker. Jane Clierry and Elizabeth Pirown. At first meetings were hold at private houses, but a church building was erected of logs and sen-ed well its purpose for a number of years. Subsequently a frame building was provided which was forty by sixty feel. Tu 18S7 this church had a membership of about two hundred and fifty. From this one Baptist church in Shelby county no less (pr.ssibly later ones) than si.\ ministers have been sent forth fr'.m its ranks. These arc Rev. James M. Smith. Rc\'. :\r. B. Phares, Rev. D. J. Huston. Rev. John Pharcs.Rev. Wi'liam Golden, and Rev. George W. Zike. In 1909 the meinbership of this society was cjne hundred and eighty-four.

'Jdie Bai)tist cliurch at W'aldron, organized at an early day. went down prior to iS<S5. but was reorganized and is now a prosperous church owning its own 0(bfice.

Goodwill Baptist cliurcli, of Hanover township. East E'nion, is In the Central Association that meets at Indianapf)!is, and data is not at haml for these churches. The following is concerning these societies :

The Goodwill Baptist church was fomied in Hanover township in May, 1S59, with the following membership: Prcdev Morris. Rebecca r\Iorris. Oliver Mo\Ti?. Elizabeth Merldeth, Archibald Canedy, Eliza L Rove, Thomas Meridcth, Delilah Talbcrt and Jesse A. Gibson. The churcii w-as formed by its first [lastor. Rev. John Phares.

East Union Baptist church, of ]\Ioral township, was organized in IMarch, 1867, bv members as follows: Lindsev and Lucinda Leonard. A. J. Jovce, H. R. Joyce. ^Largaret T. Joyce. Archiba'ld Mann. R. C. Mann, Letiiia Mann, B. P. Mann and Eliza h. ^^lann. Tb.is church was located at the Center schoolhouse and used the same as a meeting place for a number of years. In September, 1867. Rev. J. M. Smith was made pastor of this church, spcnditig onefourth of his time with them, for which he received thirty dollars per year. In 1868 a frame building was ereced and the society grew rapidly, having in 1S86 a meinbership of ninety persons. "

Pleasant View Baptist church, located in the northea.st corner of Moral township, was organized December. 1S36. consisting of the following members: James Bobbett, ArchibaUl Mann, Elijah Mann, George Hume, Jacob Baler and J. yi. Johnson. One jieculiarity concernin.g this church is the fact that no women were members at first, but at tlie meeting held in Januaiy, 1837, tlic U.ll.nving ur.iied: Susan \'ise, Eli;^al)ctli Mann. Mar-an.t BcbLctt. Elixa.- l.rth Grain and Mary Joyce. Rev. T. C. TMwnscnd, iheHrst pasinr. received the sum of ten dollar.- anil twelve cent- for his services.

The Second I'.apti.M church uf Shell.yville (col-red) was organized au.l perlected as a society I-Vhruary 19. i860. There were present at tliat meeting- Revs. ^^-il!iam Moore. J. Recce, J. B. Shaft. M. Brayles. \V. Singleton and ^\ dliam Xeal. William Moore officiated as the moderator. The meeti'igs for this purpose, as well as for the general use of the church, for the first sTx years in the history of the church were held in the third .storv of a hrick building, later .u-cupicil hy Julius Joseph. When first organizerl this church iiad but .seven niemhers connected with it. hut m 1886 had a membership of seventy. A brick church was built -m Hendricks street, costing two thousand five hun dred dollars, and its size was thirty-three by fifty feet.^ Th.is Iniildnig wa^; deflicaled in 1875, Rev. Moses Brayles delivering the sermon on that occasion. This brick church edifice is still doing good ^ervice for this, the onlv colored Baptist cluirch society within the county.

The Separate Baptists is a branch of the Baptist denomination, holding some special and rather peculiar notions oh certain points, hence many years ago formed tliemselves into a society of their own and are known as the Pleasant \"iew church, located in Jackson township. Meetings were held at sehoo!- h.juses until the old Lutheran church, which .stood two miles south of Mt. Auburn, was purchasc.l in 1868 and moved to its present place. Rev. Martin Layman was the organizer oi this branch of the Eajitist church. Prominent among the members were Abner Connor and wife, Joel D. Scott and wife, John La>-man and wife. Sarah Davis, John Shauer and wife and T. French and wife. Li 18S7 this church numbered sixty-four communicants. This society with kindred branches are still in exir^tence in Jack.son township and perhaps no where else in this county.

The New Lights was an early-day church in this country, but aside from holding a few meetings in Shefliy county (in ^Lirion township) nothing further developed of it here. It is claimed, in fact, that it originated with a icw niimls living tit one time in !Marion.

Tlie Lutheran church was formed in Jackson tov.-nship bv a class which met about 18.17 or 1848 the first time. :\ieetings were held at various rcsiiu_' niAinviCRs history of siiKi.nv Co.. i\ix dcnce? auil at tlie dislrici ?chMo]-lnu5e. Soinctiinc durin.c;- the forties, wliat is known as St. (.Jenrne's Lulheran church was cstahlishcd, aii<l a thirtv-six bv forty toot frame l)uildinjj jiroN ided in which to worship, '{"hi-; stood two miles soiiili of Mt. Auburn. In the .sixties a brick edifice was built at a cost of five thousand dollars. In 1887 there was a mcmliership of one hundred and twenty. This ciiurch organizalion is still in existence, but the membership is unknown to the v, riter.

St. Paufs Lutheran church was organized the latter part of the sixties bv families including the Wertzcs. Stines. Lamberts and Xiebels. Rev. D. A. , Kuhn was a prominent pastor of this church.

First Church of Christ - Scientist, had its origin at Shelbvville in ic)05, when eight persons of this faith met and heUl meetings in three rc'oms in the post-office bljck. In July, 1907, the church organization was perfected bv about twenty-five members. Tl;e original officers were the board consisting of the following persons: Ray Deprez, chairman : INIrs. Harrv Downey, vicepresident; :\Irs. 1<. Harri^on. treasurer: Walter Randall, secretary: the oihcr meinlier of the bnard being ?»Irs. Daniel Deprez.

Upon the organizati:!n of the society new quarters were secured on the second floor of the post-office block: a neatly planned and finel}- furnished chapel, with a seating capacity of about one hundred, was provided; also a reception and otYice room, together with a librarw The reading room is open every day in the week and services held Sunday and mid-week night.

The readers li;ive been. }Larry Downey, first reader: Miss Bertha .Spclman. second reatler. These still serve, except that :\[rs. Harry Downey is acting now as second reader. ?^h-s. Downey is also the efticient librarian. The present chairman is Ray Deprez and the vice-president is Mrs. Daniel Deprez.

This newly organized church has met with success and well represents the cause nearest the hearts of its membership. Literature and books treating on the faith of Christian Science are freely distributed among the people who read them eagerly. \\'ith this excellent reading room there can be no good excuse for one living in Shelbyville to live longer in ignorance of what this people belie\"e and teach.

Afkicwx Church I- S.

The colored people of Shelbyville and vicinity enjoyed but few religious privileges before 1872. The few representatives of this race who found tlieir way here at the cl^se of the Civil war which had set them free were indeed illy prepared to pay a minister or supjKirt a church organization. All efforts to organize a }vfethodist Episc .pal class for these people failed until the comtllAUWlCKS IIISIOKV OF SlIKLllV CO., IXIl. jG:; i!i- ..f KmLou \\'aikin<, t,i whom must be .Q-iveu the credit of fmnding- the Ai'iicau .Alethodist cliurcli of Shelbyvillc. The firsl meeting was held at Mr. AW-iikiiis" own liinise and tlic only resident mcmlier of the church was Frank Allen. An organization was pen'ected in the autumii of 1S72 and after holding meetings in various places. AMse's hall was leased and used as a place for worship until the church building was completed. This was a frame structure, erected at a cost of about two hundred and iifty dollars, which amount was largely contributed by the white people of the town. This church was within Lexington conference and among the early-dav pastors may be mentioned the names of Revs. Daniel Tucker, Straws. James :\[olan. George Zeigler, Daniel Heston, Reverend Steen an.d C. Xickols. In the year 18S7 tins church had a membership of forty-eight and much interest Avas manifested in the work of the society. At the present date - 1909 - the old church edifice .still servos the congregation which now has a membersb.ip of fiftv-.ine. It is the only colored .Methodist church within Shelbv county.

l-'reLMnasoiirv was first intnuiuccd into Slu-lliy couiUy. liuliana, llirMU-h a dispciuation I'nun K. W. AIk'I C. Pepper. 1). G. ^L. Xuvenil)er 15, 18^4. The charter issued Ijeafs date of October 5. 1S25. when the lods;c received tlie title of Lafayette Lodge Xo. 28, leaving it diiscretionary v/iili the meinbers to kicate the lodge in such piart uf the county as they might deem expedient. Brothers: David Tracy. W". M.: Justus Fen'is, S. V,'.: Joseph Adams. J. W. The names of the first petitioners were: Dr. David Tracy. Justus Ferris, Joseph Adams, Percy Kitcheh and John C. Walker. At first this lodge had no fixed quarters, hut met at members' houses. Even for the three years that the lodge had to meet from place to place, it liarl a g"ood growth. man\' of the best citizens of Shelby county becoming members of the order during the time. Among the more prominent are the follov>ing : Cah'in Kinslc\'. Chandler Huntington, Erasmus Powell, Abel Cole. William Hawkins, Xathan Johnson, \\'illiLnn Goodrich, William Little, and jKissibly others whose names have been lost sight of with the passing of so many years.

The charter was surrendered and a new charter issued under the date of Xo\ ember 25, 1828, constituting Erasmus J^owell, worshi[)ful master; Josiah Reed, senior warden; X'athan Johnson, junior warden, requiring the communications ()f the kxjge to be heid alternately at Hanover and Shelb)-- ville, still retaining its (jrigi'.ial name and number. Under this arrangement, for several }ears nitire the lodge seenied to jirosper and «'ither prominent citizens became its members, among whom may be mentioned : Austin AW ^.birris, Amaziah Williams. ^lathias Vanpelt. Harmon Updcgraff, Jacob Rice. Richard S. Cummins and William Hacker.

At the semi-annual election there were elected on July 4, 1S35, \\'illiam Hacker, worshipful master; James Lisher. senior warden; Harmon Updegraff, junior warden; William Goodrich, treasurer; John Walker, secretary: Chandler Huntington, senior deacon: Joseph Thrasher, junior deacon, and John Stout, tyler.

In consequence of having to sustain two lodges - the one at Planover and the other at Shell3y\illc, it S'"'On became necessaiy to dissolve and on June 2^. 1S36, by formal reso!uti>.in the charter was surrendered to the grand lodge but remained in the hands .:.f Worshipful Pilaster V.'illiam Hacker, until the meeting of the grand lodge in 1845, when the grand lodge granted permission to the lodge to re-organize and resume labor. The location was permanently fixed at Shelby ville. The following w-ere tlie petitioners for re-organization :

Morristown Lodge. X'o. 193, Free and .Accepted Masons, was chartered May 27, 1856, with Abram Rec'ces, worshipful master: Wareliam \\'. Woodyartl. ser.ior warden: Augustus C. Handy, junior warden. Tb.e present membership is large and the order is prosperous.

Sugar Creek Lodge, Xo. 279, F^ree and AccepiC.i Masons, was located at Boggstown, under charter dated ^lav 2-. 1862. with Tames Smclser, worshipful master; Eli Johnson, senior warden and ^Foses G. Tull, junior warden. This lodge was later transferred to Fairland ; in 1SS7 'i-'"^! :i m.enibership of forty-eight.

The Waldnni ^^lasonic Lodge was chartered ^Lay 23. 1858. with fohn C. Richey, worshipful master; John Lewi^. senior warden and David W. Fosett. junior warden. At this date ( 1909) the :\Lasonic lodge of this place is in a very flourishing cund.itiMU.

At Xorristown'a Masr.nic kxlge was instituted, kntw, n as Farmers' Free and Accepted Alasons Lotlge Xo. 147. Abav 27. 18;^. v. ith David Comber, worshipful master; David Fiynn. senior wardien. and Jesse ]\Ioorma!i. junior warden. This lodge was highly prosperous in 1886, ai:d had a niembersiiip of about si.xty, to which has been added mar.v more.

Shelbv Council. Xo. 3. of Royal and Select ^^lasters. was first organized U. D., dated August 31, 1S55, and a charter granted by the Grand Council of Ohio. This council participated in die organization of the grand council of Indiana. December 20. 1855, at which time it received its "Xo. 3" registrv of the grand council of Indiana and in 1886 numbered in membership, thirty-five. In April the membership was sixty. Its ofilcers at that date were : Julius L. ThrMHas. Thrice 111. ^1. ; Harry S.' Downey. Rt. 111. D-M. : Frank Bass. 111. P. C. \\".; John A. Young, treasurer; George W. F. Kirk. recor.Ier: Robert \\'. \\"ood, C. G. : Thomas E. Yarling, C. C. ; C. S. Fleming, steward; Thomas E. Xewton, sentinel.

Baldwin Commandery. Xo. 2. Knights Templar, was first organized March 2;. 1831, at the town of Greenslnu-g. Decatur county, under the title of Greensburg Commanderv", U. D. from 3.1. E. William Blackstone Hubbard, G. G. Master of Knights Templar of the United States, dated January 5, 183 1. This commandery participated in the formation of the Grand Commanderv of Indiana, when it received its "Xo. 2." on the registry, and continued to work until June 30. i860, when its members ceased to meet, and the organization was dissolved. But upon the petition of Sir Knights Thomas Pattison. William Allen. Jacob A^'ernon, Thomas H. Lynch. Daniel Stewart, Barton \\". Wilson, James Gavin, Putnam Ewing. Jacob \'. Berensdaii'er, Will C. Cumback, James Elliott. Robert Cones and John Elliott. Sir William Hacker as grand commander, authorized the transfer of the commandery to Shelbyville, Indiana, on the i8th day of March. 1865. April 4, 1866, the commanderv received a new charter and was changed to Baldwin Commandery, X'o. 2. ]5v 1886 this commandery enjoyed a membership of sixty-two knights, which number has increased to ninety-six. Its present ofF.cers are: Julius L.

The ]iresenl ot'ticers Shelby Podge. Xo. j8. Free and Acceiited Masons, at Shclbyville are as follows: Thomas E. Yarling, worshipful master: PPivry G. Auman. senior warden : Elmer E. Webster, junior warden : David P. Wilson, secretary: Johii ^iessick. treasurer: P. Gordon Teal, senior deacon: Rubert PP >Pirdis, junior deacon; Eden PP D. Young, tylcr.

The ]\Pasonic order in Shelb>"\'ille lias of late leased its lodge-room quarters. From 1S52 to 1S69 they owned a half interest in a building erected by themselves and the Pidependent Order of Odd Fellows, the three-ston,- brick building on the northeast corner of the public square, the one now occupied bv business and r.ther offices. This property cost in all. iive thousand five hundred dollars and was sold (the half interest) to the Odd Fellows in 1S69. for about three thousand five hundred, which money the ^vtasons have had out on interest and had their lodge home in the Deprez building for over thirty years. In 1S90 they loaned this sum to the parties who erected the business block on South Harrison street, in which the lodge is now located, and of which they have a long lease. Their hall is finely furnished and w^rk in all degrees up to the Scottish Rite is carried on here with excellent elTect, Those advanced to the last named rite attend at Lidianapolis.

Odd Fellows. . '

The beginning of the history cf the Pidependent Order of Odd Fellowship in Shelby county dates back to when the fraternity wa< yet in its infancy and was written up by the editor of the rirgan of the society. Rev. T. G. Beharrell and appeared in the April issue. 1877. of that magazine, and was the cijrrect history up to, and including, 1S75, of the instituti:ig and workings of Slielb}- Podge Xo. 39.

A charter was granted by virtue of dispensation from the Grand Master of the Grand Podge of Pidependent Order of Odd Fellows of Pidiana. Jriel B. McFarland, bearing date October 29, 1846, and upon the petition of the following named brothers: P. G. Joseph P. Silco.x. John P. Robinson, William Hacker, John Cartmill, John M. Wollen, and Hiram Comstock. "Shelby Podge. Xo. 39" was instituteil Xovembcr 13. 1846. by P). D. G. ^P Jacob Chapman officiating.

The first elected for the term nf one }ear were: John P. R'lbinson, noble grand: William Hacker, vice grand; John Cartmill. rec'irding secretarv: bih.n ^P Wollen, treasurer. The lodge met Mondav evenings and c..in?i-ti.-i! 'if twelve niemlr.v.-. sume of wln'in were rcalix from neiglil.iorin^q- 1' dges to helj) in the founding of the ShelbyeiUe I'ldge. Xdwitlisianding the fact tliat tliis lodge was founded by sunie n\ the best men id" Slielbv county, it had a t-lnw growth for ab: ml I'lve year-. The men cinnecled therewith were not advanced in secret N)cicty matter-, indeed the order at that lime was but young in its bisti'.r}-. Just wliat struggles were endiu'eil b_\' this lodge in Shelby countv will ne\'er be fully made a rcconl. from the fact that on the night of Octal)er 26. 1849, '^'^^ lodge room was destroyed, together witli the cliarter, books of record, and \-aluable ])apers connected with the pioneer workings of the fraternity in this locality. Fire was the cau-e t'i this great irrei)arable loss to the young lodge. With the charter under which the lodge had worked gime. their authority was also gone. During the three years tlie lodge had been in cxi.'^.tence it had grown to the number of twentyfive good, true and honi^ralile 0(kl Fell )\vs. Steps were at once taken to secure a new charter. The call was responded to liy the grand ot'llcers of the >t;ne lodge, wdio immediately furnished a new charier, the srune being issued liy Right Wortb.y Grand Master Jnel B. Eldridge, of Logansport. The new cliarter contained the names of the follo^ying brothers: Joseph L. Silcox. William Hacker, John. Cartmill. Joseph S. Cam])be!l, Samuel R. Day, Samuel R. Robertson. ?ililton A. Malone. and Dwighi R. llovcy. whom the grand officers empowered ( ^vith.out .'m_\- ceremony) to proceed to work in the good cause of Odd ]-'ell<:)Wship. Hence Shelby Ij.dge Xo. 39 was once more allowed to occupy her rank, to which she was foinierly entitled. Ha\-ing met \vitb this calamity, the lodge was obliged to call upon her sister lodges, and by permission of the Cirand Lodge, circulars were sent forth throughout the state of Indiana, stating" the l(35s aiid soliciting aid. InTesiMuse to this call many handsome contributions were received, and these quite materially aided the struggling I'.iflge to get squarely uijon its feet again.

In 1851-52. after the loss just spoken of caused by the fire in Shelhyyille. in the autumn of 1849, Shelb>' Lodge X^o. 39. with Lafayette Lodge Xo. 28, Free and Accepted Masons, formed a "Joint Hall Stock Association", the object being to provide a suitable hall wherein both fraternities might have a suitable lodge home of their own. The proposition was well can\assed by members of the two orders after wdiich it was decided to build such a Imilding. The plan was this: Each lodge agreed to take slock to the amomil of $500: the members of each of the orders obligating themselves to take such amounts as they felt able, which they did t<j the amount of $2,500. The balance needed was jirovided by me:ins of a 1 )an secured by a mortgage on the property, when it slmidd bo completed, to the amount of Sj.ooo. The structure was to be built by Rrother William Hacker, who acted as a commissioner for both lodges, and who li_\- g.iod management succeeded in buying in the individual stock, and in ef|ual amounts, it was held and controlled by each of the lodges; and by so managing, the building was soon paid for in full.

When finally finished, the hall \va~ dedicated in the jirevenct Fellows frMHi far an.l near. The .ledicali -n a.I.!re-s was delivc Joseph L. Silcox. This building wa~ u<e<\ In- the two orders ui when the ]\Iasons became the sole occr.pants oi the building-. 1S69 - the Masonic fraternity having gr...wn rapidly, f. .und more spacious hall. They tlien pn.posed to sell their interest to the Odd Felliwvs. 'flic .leal was made and the price fixed w:i investment was of course a good one. as the .niginal c.ist .. interests was S5.550; onedialf of which was pai.l by the Shelb_ order, or $_',775 : amount paid the Alasons for their interest. 8^.500: total amount paid f ir building and grounds. $6,275.

Politics get into tlie lodge - great damage is done the fraternitv. In the eventful years of 1S54 to 1857. inclusive, when Know-Xothingisni was nuining raging throughout the entire counirv. politics foun.l its wav into liie sacred hall of Odd Fellowsh.ip. as well as other civic .societies. It .^o in\ a.led itself into the Shelby lodge that one time it verily seemed a.-^ if ir \\.>uld be wiped out of existence. Harmony and brotherly friendship, th.e element:- on which th.e great fraternity had ever been liased. .lid not prevail [n anv great extent at Shelbyville. It was brought al> .ui bv the introduction of pohtical mea.sures brought to the lodge-r.iiMu by discreet r.tenibers. .\n Odd Fell.wv who stood high in the order, as well as in the ci'mminity, was a can.lidate for ])ublic office and here trouble began, 'fhe tran-gressor was finallv brought beb^re tbe l.xlges and tlie z^'roiig brother was acquitted. The matter did not end there, but was appealed to tbe Grand Lo.lge an.l by it sent back for a rehearing in the subonlinate 1< idge. This time the right man wa< expelled fr.nri the order.

IToni 1S49 to 1S60 the membership of tliis lodge was greatly reduced and 111 1S03 lia-l but twenty-eight members, in good standing. After the close of the Civil war, and wlien things had adjusted themselves .wee more, the peaceable movements in the cnintry, as well as harmonious acti.-in within the lodge itself, partisan feeling was wiped out and in ii^ stead the true principles of Odd Fellowship once more were duly enthroned. In 1S86 this lodge had a membership of 125 and was in a flourishing c mditi.m. In 1S74, in tlie month of August, this order instituted a Rebekah degree.

The order has been the means of acconiiilishing much good in the community. As early as 1875 one of the reports shows that there had been pai'l out for funeral benefits, S795 : thirty widows, with their families, had been assisted at different times to the total sum of S45G: total number of initiations. 385; withdrawn, no; suspended, 56: deceased, twenty-four and eleven ex- ])elled. July. 1S77. the total membership was y^. The total recei|.ts from 1846 to 1875 were .$15,308; total res.uirces of l.idge. S9.092 ; liabilities. ."^2.133; total cirjihan fund at that date amounted t.i ,^:;.r/)0. Since that date t.i the

! from the Dorsey heirs. The membership of the lodge at that date was one hundred and fu't}-. In the last rc^jms named this lodge remained for ele\-cn years, when they bought ground at Xos. t6 and iS \\'est BrC'adway and j in its work in the degrees as well as in the increa.se of membership. At the sesj sion of the So\'ereign Grand Lodge held at Indianapolis in 1901, Shelby lodge

Shelbyville Encampment Xo. 162. was iiistituted X._;\emher 15. 1885. and has a membersliip of 125. The Encampment is ])rosperous and harnnip.y and good fellow-ship exist all along the line. Strife and d.i-c.ird are If-irrc'I out at all tin-ies. The present officials are :

The ]^lillilan brar.ch of this order is represented here by Canton Shelbyville Xo. 40 and has a memliership of about thirty-live, of whom eighteen are uniformed and its captain, Duney Wan Pelt, is making a great headway in tl.c perfection of the drill.

Waldron Lodge Xo. 197 was chartered May 20. 1858, by charter members: W. V. I'^rench. Greenville Wilson. William Xewlon. }»Iilton Corvir,, Aaron Lewis, A. G. Thompson, George Canull, J. P. Knott, J. Dccni and E. O. Wallace. A Rebekah Degree was formed: also an Encampment. At present the Waldron lodge has a membership of 104: they own their own hall.

Blue River Lodge Xo. 554 was established at Cynthianna. Xovember 22, 1877. bv charter members as follows: M. L. Waggop.er, Arrass Jjnes, E. T. Jones. S. H. A'ager, Asa Forcythe. Smith Solomon. In 1SS7 the lodge was in a flourishing condition and had nine hundred dollars in its treasury. In their lodge roon-i at that date hung an old clock that had been faithfully marking the hours and minutes of tlie days for over fifty years. The present membership is 122: they own their own building.

The Irjdge at Siuithland was tlrst instituted at :vlarietta but the Civil war almost broke the lodge up and later it was organized at Smithland. the date being early in the seventies. It is known now as Hiawatb.a Lodge Xo. 193. It has a present membership of 95 and owns a good building;.

McOuiddy Lodge Xo. 355 of the Rebekah degree furnished one of the guest rooms and supports it at the Odd Fellows' Home at Greensburg. This home is one of the finest monuments of Odd Fellowship in the state of Indl-

Bexevole.Xt Protective Order Of Elks

Lodge X... 43; <.t the I'.enevolent Protective Order of Fdks at Shelbyville was instituted under ili-pen.-aliMn fr^ni the Grand Ruler Decemljer 29. 1S98, in the A. O. U. W. hall, by Indianapolis lodge, with thirty charter members. It has grown to 178 on April i, 1909. In 1906 they moved to their own beatitiful hall on \\'est Broadway, between Harrison and Tomiikins streets. It is a twostory slructm-e. imitation of stone and is in a l>eautiful location, just ojiposite the new Garnegie Puliiic Library and next dnnr east of the high school building,

'Jdie past Exalted Rulers are: T. C. Kennedy, J. H. Deitzer. D. A. Levinson, :\I. O. Sullivan, P. P. Pettig, Charles .Morrison, C. H. Tindall, Morris Drake and Thomas H. Campbell.

It has been said of this benevolent order: "Scarcely can the cry of distress echo on the air, the wail of mi,->fortune, or th.e moan of despair summon assistance, ere the Elks tender the best efforts to aid and relieve, questioning neither cnuntr}' or creed, doctrine or belief."

On die 23d day of September. 1SS5, tlie first lodge of the Order of Knights of Pythias was instituted in Shelby county. Idiis was Chillon Lodge, Xo. 129, of Shelbyville. The charter members of Chill<;;n Lotlge were the following named citizens of the city: Peter C. Akers, railway postal clerk: Dr. J(.hn X. Lucas, physician; Charles P. Hales, painter; Judge Kendall :\I. Hord, lawyer: Edward H. Chadwick, lawyer; Robert W. Harrison, lawyer; David L. ^^'ilson, lawyer: Joseph H. Akers, merchant; Robert B. Hale, painter ; James E. Walker, farmer ; Lester Clark, insurance agent, Taylor A\'interrowd, instirance agent; Henry l-Viday, barber; J. Edward Beggs, distiller: Davi<l B. WiPon; undertaker: Ernest ?vlueller, baker: George H, Dunn, shoe merclKint : bTank Rijth, merchant; John J. V,'ingate, newspaper publisher: James }^Iagill, Sheriff: Richard D. Flai>:, Initcher : John X. Wdiite- l\)Ct(ir Lucas, one of the i)i nieers of I'vthianisni in Shelln- countv. was an a.«sidu"ius student in literature and liistory. and to him ("hill.in l.odL;e is indebted for its name, for he proposed tlie name, and it was ad.>pied 1)_\' the young- ]odj:;-e witliout a dissenting vriice. It came ali aU in this wi-e:

In Lake Geneva, in Switzerland, near it- eastern extremity, is an isolated rock that is sepru'ated from the mountains which surround the famous lake by a narrow sweep of waters full a hundred fathoms dee]). I'pon tins rock. rising- just above the surface of the water, was built in the chivalric age. nearly ten centuries ago. a huge and mighty castle. V'V many years this castle was the home of feudal chieftains, whose dohiinion extended far and wide around the lake. Often within its spacious halls the banquet board was spread, and often tliere the chivalry and beauty of that re,gion gathered.

And then a change came over the spirit of that time. Witli the advancing civilization of the sixtcentli century came the Ref<^rmatinn. the mig-hty and far-reaching protest against the multiplied vices of establi.shed hierarchy. With a change in the religion came aho a change in the national life and policy of European peoples. 'i"he feudal s}'>tem surrendered up its power and dissolved away. The many old castles which dotted i'rance and Germany, indeed, all Trans-Alpine Europe, fell into disuse as the abodes of chivalry, the liMmes of beauty. They were left to decay and ruin, ny were transformed into dark and loathsome prisons of state.

An incident of tlie Reformation was the cruel an<l persistent persecution of what the then long dominant clnu-ch was pleased to call religious heresy. The Inquisition, with its dreadful ordeals and tortures, was insiitirted : and in every nook and corner 'if Europe its spies and agents were to be found. In time they hunted d.nvn three brothers, brave dwellers of the snow-Iiegirted Alps, who had embraced the Reformer's faith, and who, because thev would not renounce or forsake it, were thrown into tl;e dru'k dungeons of that old castle whose foundations were laid deep beneath the waters of the Cienewan lake.

The castle of which we speak, at first a safe retreat, the home of love and joy. the haunt of mirth and revelry, but later the dread abode of hopeless pain, despair and death, was the Castle of Chillon. b'r mi the incidents which make up its history, and particularly from the incident of the martyrdom of the three Swiss brothers, their unyielding adherence to truth, their strong love for. their tender care of, their undying devotion to each other, even through the gloom an<l torture of the ilungeon : from these strong exemplilications of true manhi^od, from these sad but beautiful jiroofs of Ijrotherly affection, the name "Chillcm." was chosen for that lodge of \vbich we h.ave spoken - Chillon Lodge, the parent of I'yihian Loflges in Shelb_\' county.

The name, so apt and fitting, conceived in the true spirit ni tlie poet, was given liy liim who. as the li'idjje records show, wa-^ elected tlie first c'nancelli«r of the lodge; a gentleman who disclaims all puciic lire, hut wlm. with a pmfonnd research in medicine, tnids time as well to prnsecute wide stndies in liistwry. literature and science. Doctor Lucas was. therefore, th.e tir-t ch.ancell'ir commander if Chillon Lodge, while David L. \\'ilson. Tavlor Winterrowd and Edward H. Chadwick were elected, respectively, the first vicechancellor, prelate and keeper of records and seal, of the new lodge.

Josei)h H. Aker> was elected the first master of exchequer of the Chillon Lodge, and he continues to this day, the only master of exchequer Chillon Ledge has ever had. Rarely in tlie history of secret societies do we find a like exemplification of faithful stewardship of lodge funds: and rareiw too. do we find a like appreciati m of faithful service as Chillon Lotlge has shown in the election, year after year, of the same faithful brother to guanl and conserve its lodge funds.

George H. Dunn was elected the first master of finance, and for manv years he continued in that important position. He was succeeded by Lester Clark: and later ^Jr. Clark was succeeded by Robert W. Buxton, th.e present master of finance, wh.o fir many years lias served the lodge faithfully and well as a most eTficient collector of dites and assessments. Alilton R. Scnour was elected the first master at arms of the lodge. Peter C. Akers was elected the first past chancellor of Chillon Lodge

Idle following members have filled the stati. n of chancell ir commander in Chillon Lodge, in order, from the institution of the lodge to the present time: Jolm X. Lucas, physician: David L. ^\'ilson. attorney; Tavlor Winterrowd, insurance agent : ]\IiIton R. Sen-iur. manufacturer ; Edward EI. Chadwick, lawyer: Robert W. Harrison, lawyer: John Reiver, traveling salesman: Robet B. Hale, painter: Dr. Charles A. Tindall : Harry L. Clark, telegrapher; Rev. George W. Hagans ; John G. King, factory superintendent: Frank R. }Iale. evangelist; George W. Kirk, insurance agent: Lester Clark, grocer; Edward Weakley, factory operative; Frank Bass, manufacturer: Charles F. King, factory operative: Charles A. Wdiite, music dealer: Lee B. Crithers, dry goods salesman ; Reuben F. Boger. teacher : Isaac O. Mann, grocer ; Robert W. Buxton, druggist : Harry C. Moore, teacher ; Elmer Bassett, lawyer; Oliver D. Alsman. real estate agent; Allen Green, lumber merchant: Thomas D. Wilson, undertaker: James S. Turner, factory emplove: Charles A. Pettit, furniture merchant ; Julius L. Showers, secretary Building and Loan Associatiim : Bert McDonald. Deputy Treasurer Shelby county ; William D. Stewart, factory employe; John Day DePrez, publisher Shelby Democrat: C)liver Bassett. factory employe; Otto J. Ccyle. Dejiuty Clerk Shelby Circuit Court; Clifford W. \"anPelt. factory eniplo\-e ; Thomas O. Tucker, factory employe: Reinliold Rcineke, factory employe; Ovid Silverthorn.

At the very heginning Chillon Lodge ado|)tcd the system <if paying death henefits to the widow or dependent kin of a deceased brother, one dollar for each member of the lodge in good standing at the date of a inember's death, and following this system to the present time, Chillon Lodge has paid out in death benefits to the widows and dependent kin of deceased brothers thirteen thousand sixty-nine dollars. Chillon Lodge has pursued a liberal policv in the matter of sick benefits, paying out in the course of its twentyfour years of history for sick and disability bcncfils and nurse hire, fully fourteen thnusand dollars. Throughout most of its history Chillon Lodge has paid death benefits to a brother losing a wife by death, fifty dollars being paid in each such instance, and disbursements on this account have reached the total sum of more than sixteen hundred dollars. Li other forms of relief and charity. Cliillrm Lodge has paid cut of its exchequer more than one thousand dollar's, making the total disbursements of the lodge moneys in less than twenty-fotir years, nearly, or quite thirty thousand dollars in relief and charities alone.

Incidental to the growth of Chillon Lodge, and as an agency for the upbuilding of the lodge. Chillon Castle Hall .Vssociation was incorporated in lanuary. 1900, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, divuled 'into five hundred shares of fifty dollars each. Section 1, Article IL of the Articles of Association reads as follows:

"The objects and purp<:)ses of this Association shall be to purchase, hold, use, enjov, lease, control and convey real or personal property, or both, as such corporation may deem necessary or proper, for the purpose of erecting, furnishing, maintaining and keeping in repair, a building \o be erected in the city of Shelbyville, Indiana, the upper floor of which shalj be constructed and arranged for the use and occupancy of Chillon Lodge, Xo. 129, Knights of Pythias, of Shelbvville, Indiana, the remainder of said building to be constructed and arranged for Inisiness and office rooins and other purposes."

"It is hereby agreed and declared that Chillon Lodge, Xo. 129, Knights of Pythias, of Shelbyville, Indiana, shall become the final beneficiary of this association, and the 'final owner of the building erected thereby."

The incorporators in the association were Chillon Lodge, represented by its Trustees, John G. King. Robert \V. Buxton and Robert W. Harrison, ar.d. the f<-.llowing individuals: Edward H. Chadwick, Charles A. Tindall, George

\V. I". Kirk. Klnicr P.a-ett, Josei-h II. Akcrs. Anliur J. Thurston and l.cster Clark, all pa<i cllanccllor^ in Cliillon Lcnl-e. except .Me-rs. Akers an.l Thurston. Chill ui Lo(!.qc liad saved up a fund by this time of five tliousand dollars, and invested it in one hun.ired shares of the st-.ck of said as.-ociatir.n. A large numlicr of the members of the lodge suljscrihed for stock in the association, and paid the same in weekly dues of twentv-five cents per week. The association in janua.ry. iqoo. com[)leted the purchase of a plat of oround in tlie s-.uthwest comer of the public scjuare in Shelbyville. si.xtv-si.K feet wide by one hundred nineteen feet long, at a cost of eight thou>and d.illars. and proceeded at once to erect a large three-story building thereon, letting the contract therefor immediately, at the sum of about twentv-two thousand dollars. This building was completed and ready for occupancv bv March i. 1901. It is one of the best l)u-iness properties in the city of Shelbyville. bringing in an annual rental in excess r.f txvo thousand dc..!lars. Chiilon Ix)dge is the virtual owner of this property, and the association will soon be dissolved and the property vested legally and of record in tlie lodge. From rentals and lodge apprnjiriations all st:>ck has been redeemed except seven shares owned by the Ijriard of directors of the association, and Chill.in Lodge is the owr.er of all otlier outstanding shares. An initial indcljtedue-~s of fully twenty-five thousand dollars in 1900 has been reduced to eleven thousand dollars in this }-ear of grace. 1909.

Chiilon Lodge, therefore, has been and is one of the foremost institutions in the social, fraternal and business life of the city of Shellivville. The debt above referred to will be wiped out in a very few years if the p<jlicv heretofore followed can be adhered to. and there is no reason m believe that the prudential attairs of the lodge will lie entrusted to hands less ca])able in the future than in the past. In the future as well as in the past. Chiilon Lodge will stand a hrm bulwark of pnnecti 'u and relief to many people.

A number of the members of Chillr;n Lodge luive sought relief from lingering ailments in states and sections far removed from here; and in the various places of their sojourning, the lodge has carried on its beneficent agencies through the instrumentality oi local lodges, and kindnesses, courtesies and friendships have met these afflicted brothers wherever they may have wandered in search of health and strength. To all the membership of Chiilon Lodge it is a source of gratifying contemjilation that Pythian friendship, charity and bene\olence are so widely extended, so firmly established, so tenderly responsive in ilie calls of distress frr.m all who suffer and from those who are bereft.

This chronicle must not omit a brief mention of the several I'ythiau lodges, which, like brandies from the parent stem, ha\e grown up in Shelby countv.

The third branch fr 'in the parent stem was Kenton Lodge, Xm. J07, instituted at the village of Flat Rock, February 6. 1889. which has a meml)ership at this time of cne hundred nincty-live. Kenton Lodge owns its own castle hall, a large and fine appointed liaH.

Sui.Piicr Iiii.L I.Oiige

The fourth Pythian colony in Shelby county was Sulphur Hill Lodge. Xo. 241, instituied at the village of (deneva, February 3. i8yo, which now has a membership of more than one hundred eighty. This lodge has built and owns, free of delit. a large two--tory brick building", with the lodge hall and appurtenant rorans on the second floor and two business rooms on the first floor. < '

St. P.M'L Lodge

St. Paul Lodge has its own lotlge Ijuilding. a tliree-story brick, tniely and substantially built, standing just over the Shelby county line, in Decatur county, but this lodge has always been closely affiliated with the Shelby county lodges, and was in-tituteil largely througli the efforts and encouragement of Chillon lodge. Shelby county Pythians look upon St. P'aul Lodge, therefore, as almost a Sh.elby county growth, and the lodge, in.deed. has a large portion of its membership in Shelby county, which membership now is right at one hundred twenty-five.

New Palestixe Lodge

Though just over the line in Hanojck county, dii- lodge was instituted April 9, 1889. and now has a membership of about one hundred twenty. It

\\"aldn>n I.ridgc was instituted in the pleasant village of W'aldreui. August I'). iS()5. and has grown now to have a mcml)ersliip of about scventvfive. It has recently built for it-elf one of the finest brick structures in Waldron. two stories, in the first of which are two large, fincl}" appointed lousiness rooms: and on the second lloor are the castle hall and af)punenant rooms.

Brandywinc L'"idge \\as instituted in the town of Fairland. Xo\-cmber iS, 1895. and now has a membership oi fully one hundred twenty-tn-e. It owns its own castle hall, \\ith the api)unenant rotmis, and has a commodious and finely a])pointed home.

Moral Lodge Marietta Lopgf

jNLarietta L^dge, Xo. 467, ^\as instituted in the village of ^Larietta. January 13, 1899, and PiOw has a membership of on.e hundred forty-tr\c. This lodge owns its own ca^tle hall building, with business rooms on the first fioor and commodious room? on the second fioor for the castle hall and reception an.d property rooms.

Blue Riuge Lodge

Blue Ridge Lod,ge, Xo. 173. was instituted in the village of Cynthiana, AugT-ist 10, 1899. Tins lodge owns its own property, a two-story frame building, ha\-ing a good business room below and the lodge rooms, proper, on the second floor. It is a prosperous, substantial lodge, with a present membership of sixty.

Pythianism has grown, therefore, from the charter memljership of Chillon Lodge of twenty-five, on September 23, 18S5, to a membership of more than one thousand eight hundred, in this year of grace 1909, in Shelby county. The Pytliian Order is by far the largest in numbers and the strongest in financial standing of all the secret societies in Shell )\- county. Tlie men v,ho ci'>mpose this large mcmliership are good men and true, numbering mrmy leaders in tlie social, church and busine-s life of e\-er\- coinmunil',- in Shellw countv.

CliilK.n Lod.^c has supplied two men to prominent place in the Crand Lodge ol Knio-hts of JVthias of In.liana. Dr. Charles A. Tindall attained the exalted station of Grand Chancellor of the Grand Domain of Indiana at the Oct. her session of the Grar.d L-.dge. 1902. an.] filled this station with pre-eminent credit and success for one vcar.

Edward H. Chadwick was appointed a tnember of the Grand 'J'ribunal, the highest legal tribunal in the Grand Domain, in June, iS>)S. He resigned from this position in October, 1902. to accept the position of Grand Instritctor in the administration of Grand Chancellor Tindall; and in October, 1003, was re-appointed to a place in the Grand Tribunal, for the' term of five years, which expired in June, 1909, making his term of service in the Grand Tribunal nearly ten years. His decisions are marked by the judicial spirit, and exhibit very full and careful consideration in the preparation thereof.

Dr. Charles A, Tindall is now one of the five representatives from th.e Grand Lodge of hidiana to the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pvthias ...f the \\'orld. and his official title novr is "Supreme "Represenlative Tindall."

The r.encli and Bar of Slielby C(Uimy have a prou.l recM-I .,1 achievement and their history is of more than ordinary interc^t. The mil ctMilain? the names of distinguished statesmen, jurists, authors and lawvers, who ha\-e won both state and nati.. rial fame.

The Shelby Cuunty liar for al.iilily and inie-rity lias alwavs si.jod hi-h in the estimation of the bar of the state. This bar has the reputation of sticl<- ing closely to foi-ms of practice, and making hard fights on close points of law, which is often a surprise to lawyers from other counties, who ha\e been accustomed to loose practice.

The stres.-. of the prufe.ssion of the law is very great. On the bench or m the ranks the law is an absorbing pursuit, and is characterized by >itu:iti.ins that engage the whole man. The relations of lawyers to each other is ]>nifessionally that of opponents. They stand against each r.tlier : th-v cuniend : and yet it is creditable in the intluence .:f the study aud pursu.il /.f the lav.' that these o intentions d.. not reach the heart <,r l)ecime a part of the life. There is, perhaps, no one of the learned professi.Mis more characterized bv liberality and kindliness uf thought among its members than the profession of the law.

The attorneys and jiulges of this community have always taken a conspicuous part in moulding ]iublic opinion. Their business bi'ings them constantly in the "limeliglil." Their forum is the whole community, while other professions rux cr>ntined to a small porti.r.i of the entire ne.:.ple. Therefore the bench and bar wield, perhaps, a greater intiuence over the life and destiny of the community as a whole than any other class of men.

In the first organizati(.n of the courts of the state we had three circuits in Iniliana where courts were held. In 1S43 ^hc number of circuits had increased to twelve.

The first courts were difl'erenti}- organized from what they are now. Then one ju'lge. who was '-learned" in the law was elected by the' Legislature for several counties called a circuit, as the circuit or president judge, and in cash county there were two associate judges electeil l)v the voters of the countv.

Tliosc were tlic da_\ s wlien the judj^^-- and ia\v\ers ilic circuit" on horseback, and it was not an uncommon thin.ij lor the early judges and lawyers of this county to start out on horseback ten- Xaslivillc in Brown counly. or Brookville. in Franklin county, to attend the courts, which were at that time in this judicial circuit.

The first se.-sion vi the Shelby Circuit Court began on the loth day of October, 1S22. at the home ut David Fisher in the town of }*Jarion. The president judge, the Hon. William W. Wicks, was not present at this first .-ession. and the as.sociate judges. J"hn Sleeth. and A\'illiam Goodrich, pre-idci.

The court met at three different lv>u-e> during this first se-sion. first at the house of David Fisher, then at the Imuse of John Summers, and finrdly at the house of Hiram Alldredge. The last place of meeting wa-i in the town of Shelby\il]e. where the comi has e\'er since remained.

There was very little l)usiness transacted at the first session of the Sheliw Circuit Court, en account of the absence of the presiding Judge. Hiram M. Cnrr_\' was aiiiminted Pro>ccuting Attorney, and the following named persons constituted the first Grand Jury: Willis Law. George Goodrich. John Kennedy. Benjamin Raster, ibises Blood. George Cntsinger. James Gregory. Jesse Beard. Abel Cole. Henry Shearer, Zadock Plumuier and Zach.ariah Cullins. Indictments were found again.st William Welch and John Greer, for assault and batter}-. Proceedings were commenced at t'lis term tci declare James ^^ ilson a person of unsriund mind. "L'ptiri a \eri!ict of insanity by the jucry. the ct)urt appointed Ji>hr,. Jame^ and Franci- Walker, his guardians.

The following court seal was ad'^ipted : "Twenly-fi\e cent- in silver is stamped on a white piece of paper, notched around the edges, v. ith scaling wax under."'

.-Vbel Summers was granted a tavern license for one }'ear f(.>r keeping tavern and selling si)iritui)us liquors upcn the payment of ten dollars.

The second term of the Shelby Circuit Court began on the ist day of ]\Iav. 1823; at the house of Hiram Alldredge. in Shelb\\ille. At thi-; time the Hon. William W. Wick< appe,-n-edi as prcM-.lent or PreMding Judge of the fifth judici;d circuit, and of the Shelby Circuit Court. On lii> comnn-,->ion was indorsed his >--i\[h of office, to the effect thai he w<,uld faithfully di-^cbarge the duties of his office: th;it he liad riot since the i-t <h\- of |;inuar\. iSkj. either directly or indirectly sivcn or accc])te(l. r<v knowliicily c:\rrie'l a challen-e to any person or pers.:.ns to fiqiit in sin-ie coml.at with any clea,lly weapMn. either in or out of the state of Ir.diana, and that he will not'do so during the continuance of his term of office.

The rig-ht to appeal to private combat was fornierlv a part of the statute law of England's colonies in America, and remained so until the independence of our Rei>ublic. and was on tlie statute lj<^oks of England until iSi8. \\hile it was not intended under the law that deadly weajjons should be used in these combats, objection was seldom made to stretching- the law io suit anv emergency. Strange as it may seem the judges and lawyers themsel\-es were the last to abandon this manner of settling disputes. ^Miile they were willingto try ca.ves for their clients under the new order of things, difficulties amongthemselves were for many years settled by resort to the duel. Pistol practice was then an essential part of a lawyer's education. Hundreds of brilliant young lawyers who went South and \\"est to try their fortunes were challenged by the best shots of the local bar. who wanted to remove the dang-erous competition of their new rivals : and many of tliem fell before the bullets of trained duelists.

So it became necessary to pass a law to restrain lawyers from dueling-; said law making any person who h.ad sent, accepted, or knowingly carried a challenge to fight a duel ineligible to hold the office of judge.

In the early history of the county two terms of court each vear were sufficient in which to dispose of die legal business that came up for the determination of the court. These terms were held in ^^lay and October.

The first civil case that appears upon the docket of the Shelf/y Circuit Court was entitled : "Thomas Lawrence. John V. Lawrence and Thomas G. Casey, partners, etc., vs. Abel Cole and Moses Elood, partners, etc." The action was in assumpsit, a style of proceeding that has disappeared bv that name under the code practice of the new constitution. At the October temi, i8_'3, the Grand Jury returned three indictments against Jnhn Greer for larcenv. On one of these he w-as tried by a jury and found guilty. He was fined seventeen dollars and sentenced to one year at hard labijr in the State Prison at Jeffersonville. This was the first jury trial in this court, and the first judgment imposing confinement in the State Prison.

The first petit jury was composed of the following named citizens: Benjamin Applcgate, David Brown, .William Cotton, William Ilcfthn, John Andrews, Jeremiah Campbell, Joseph Hewitt, Eber Lucas, Adam Rhoads. James Davidson, Arthur }*Iajor and Henry Gatewood. A new seal was adopted at this temi as follows: "Around the edge, 'Shelby County Seal, Lidiana,' in the center 'and eagle perclied upon a lion.' " This seal was emblematic of the triumph of the American eagle over the British lion.

the same house, hotel or tavern, as tlie case niii^iit be. and tlie evenings were g'eneraUy spent in playing- cards and telling stinies, and the term of court generally wound up witli a drinking bout.

Some of the tirst sessions of the dmrt of Shelby County were held in a tavern, wliich led a local wag- to remark as fullnws: "I practice law at two bars at the same time, but on account of the limited cuurt business the time my face is turned toward the Ijar of inspiration far exceeds the time I face the bar of reparation." This place of hokling court led the President Judge to deliver some severe criticism on a portion of the Clerk's record. Among- other things, he said : "The records in the order-books have been as well kept as could be expected, considering the manner the sessions of court have holdcn, surrounded by noise and confusion in the bar roomi of a tavern."

Judge Morris was succeeded tiy Judge Wick in 1S35. and the latter by James ]\Iorrison, in August, 1839. These, of course, were President Judges.

At the Februarv tenn, 1S43. Hon. William J. Peaslee assun-ied the duties of President Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. His associates on the Ijencli were Ira Cailey an.d Thomas Cotton.

Character Of Early J Udge.S.

At this point it will probably be well to take a retrospective view of the early judges who presided in the Shelby Circuit Court, as the new constitution marks a new era in die judicial affairs of Indiana.

We n-iust ren-iember in this connection that experience teaches us all that a profound knowledge of the law is not an absolute and only refjuisite to the making of a good Judge. A Judge on the bjcncli must ha\-e a judicial temperament and a well balanced mind. A Judge ma}- be a sound reasoner, erudite scholar, and thoroughly versed in the law, yet prove a failure; v^hile another not so well educated in the law would execute the functions of his office in such a manner as to give general satisfaction, and be pronounced by the public a first class Judge.

\\'illiam W. Wick, who was the first President Judge of the Circuit. which included Shelby county, was for many years a resident of Indianapolis. Few men w-ere better adapted to the impartial administering of justice than Judge Wick. \\'hile he was practically a self-educated man, his mind was w-ell stored with the principles of law, and he possessed the faculty of applying the law to any combination of facts, no matter how intricate, with ahmost unerring accuracy. His intellect was of the highest order, and this combined with the unusually fine physique which he possessed, made him a man of irresistable qualities. During his time he was regarded as one of the leading men

The next Jud!:;e was ISethnel F. ^vlorris. whu was also a resilient of Iiidiaiia])oIis. AliliMnyli HMt CMHsidered quite so able a man a.- his jjredecessor, he is remembered as one ;if superior ability, and an ornament to the bench.

Hon. Jame.s Mnrrisdn hrst assumed the duties of Judge in the Shclbv Circuit Court at the Aui^-ust term, 1S39. Like hi> predecessors, he too dived in Indianajjolis. wliere he took high rank as Judge, ol'tice ImMer. business man and citizen. He was an accomplished gentleman, an able lawver, and an excellent Judge. He was Attorney General of the state from 1855 10 1857. For a consideral)le time he is said to have Ix-cn presid.enl of the old State Bank, which was one of the best conducted institutions of its kind in the United States in its day.

\Mien in February. 1843. William J. Peaslee becaiue 1 'resident Judge. Shelby county, for the first time, was honoreil with the residence of its highest judicial oflker. At that time he had been jiracticing at this bar for a period of ten }-ears. during which time he was a cnstant resident of Fie was an able and successful lawyer and had acquired an extensive practice for that day, and that too. in opposition to the more weighty and successful practitioners from Indianapolis and other points, wlm "rode the circuit. "' judge Peaslee remained upon the lieuch until 1S50. During his term the businc-s of the courts of this county rapidly increased, and from the two terms a vcar the number was increased to f'fur. .\s a judicial oft'icer he was \vA above the average. His luind was ^lf that active kind that nearly always took a iiositiou on every question at the first statement of it. Li cimsequence of this his decisions were often partial without any intention on his part that lliev should be so.

He was a man of strong convictions and his ideas were freely and publicly expressed. 'Jiie natural bias of his mind coiitril)uted to make him a better advocate than Judge.

He was a fine Latin scholar, and took great pleasure in quoting to the members of the bar the many Latin legal phrases with which he was familiar. He was kind ami considerate of the interests of the young members of the bar. and many a struggling young lawyer received geiierou> assistance from his hands. The father of the writer of this sketch stu<lied law in his office, and the writer has in his possession a set of Llackstone's Commentaries and several otiier law IkoIcs that were presented to the father of the writer by Judge Peaslee.

After retiring from the liench Judge Peaslee again resutued the practice of the law and continued tlie ]iractice for se\eral vears. He later t<.)ok up his residence at aiiotlicr place, but later in life he returned to the scene of his eariv

Plitherto the old common law metliodis had been in v igue Inn under the new order of things the practice was much simplified and n'.any of the long and tedicus forms were done awav with.

'J'henceforth all actions were to be prosecuted and defended in the name? of the real parties. Th.e famous mythical jicrs-mages. John Doe and Richard Roe. were fore\er banished from the courts of Indiana. These were the fictitious plaintiits and defendants that were used in all action? to recover the possession of real property. These changes brought about much opposition from some of tlie older members of the bar throughout the state, 'fhey had studied the common law for years, until they liad become imbued with its ])rinciples, and to thus h^\e their ideals of the beauty and s_\-mmetry of the law shattered was too much for them, and many never became reccmciled to the change, wh.ile some e\'en went so far as to abanrlon the jiractice altogether.

'J"he office of Ass, ,ciate Judge was abolished, and the associate judges folded awa_\- their ermine and took their final leave of the Indiana coinls. leaving the task of supporting the scales of justice to a single Judge.

The first term of court umler the new constitution held in Shelby C'.iuntxbegan in April. 1N53. with William M. McCarty as Judge. Mr. McCarty was a resident of Brookville. in I'-ranklin county. His al)i!;ty as a Judge can hardly be estimated, as he held the office in this county but a short time - ies? than a year. As an advocate he sustained the reputation of being a good one, but it is not e\er_\" go( d ad\ocate that makes a good Judge.

Reuben D. Lijgan became the successor of Jtidge McCarty in this county at the October term. 1853. His home was at Rusliville. where he had earned the reptuation of being a good ])ractitioner. It was Judge L'^igan ui^on whom really fell the task of reor.gam'zin.g the court- in thi< district, according to the code practice which went into effect on the 9th diiy of May. 1.853. '1 his was a matter of some difficnlt\. The old sivle of pleading wa- whra had been learned liy all the lawyer-, and it was n.u an easy tln'ni;- f.ir them to immediately aeeommodate themselves ht the new coralilions. Jiid,L;e Li',i;an was not a man of more than ordinary ability, yet the fact that he continued to preside in this court uritil 1806. is strong evidence of liis having been a man of much force of character. Ilis was the longest term ever held by a Judge in Shelby county.

Jeremiah M. Wilson was the seventh Judge d the Shelby Circuit Cr.urt. His first term in this county began in April. 1S66. At thai lime be lived in Connersville. Probably in Judge \\'iIson Shelby county had the ablest Judge that ever sat upon her bench. He was exceedingly kind and courteous to both attorneys and litigants, and in those qualities which go to make a man ])oi)ular he was unexcelled. His knowledge of the law was pnifr.iund, and his faculty for applying it to any given case, no matter how perplexing. C'>ntributed to make him one of the ablest judges of the state. Judge Wilson afterwards located at Washington, D. C. and become one uf the most eminent lawyers in the I'nited States.

Samuel ]'. Oyler, who succeeded Judge Wilson, and win was his opposite in almo^t every particular, held his llrst term in this county, in Octolier, 1869. He possessed a rough exterior, and was gruff in his manners. He bad fair ability as a lawyer and his decisions were, in the main, correct and fair. He died at his home in Franklin a few years ago.

David B. Banta was tlie next Judge upon this bench and began his duties here in October, 1870. He, too. was a citizen of Johnson crunity and resided in Franklin. As a Judge, he was well liked by the meml.K'rs oi the bar, and his decisions v, ere fully up to the standard of the circuit judges. He was a good edvocate and a forcible speaker.

Kendall M. Hord, the second citizen of Shelby county to c>ccup}" the circuit bench, served as Circuit Judge two full tenns. from 1S76 to 1888. Judge H<nrd, who is still living in Shelliyville, and practicing law, has many qualities that especially fitted him for the bench. His quick discernment and judicial temperament caused his decisions in the main to stand the test well in the higher courts, although they were often rendered on the spur of the moment and without that careful investigation of the authorities and due deliberation given by other judges.

Judge Hord was fearless on the bench and expedited the business of th.e court in such a manner that upon his retirement from the bench he left a record as a good Judge.

Leonard J. Hackney, who succeeded Judge Hord on the bench, was also a citizen of Shelby county. Judge Hackney was a young man of rare ability as a lawyer, and his election to the bench opened to him great opportunities as a jurist. While he was inexperienced on the bench, at the start he rapidly came forward as a Judge whose decisions were respected by the lawyers and the general public.

While on the Cireuit Kendi he \v;i> well liked l)y the nienil>ers oi" the har. and it was due to the etTorts of the meniliers nf the Shelhv ecuntv har that he was placed on the Democratic ticket (when a vacancy had occurred hy deatli) for Supreme Judge, to whiclt ciflice he was elected in tlie fall ni iSiu. His career on the Supreme Bench of the state was marked by many able decisions. Some o\ them, however, taking- a wide departure from former decisions of tliat Cciurt. In the main liis decisions were regarded as fine expositions of the law. but some of his later decisions have been severely criticised. Mr. Hackney is nmv General Counsel of the Big- Fi.nir Railway Compan_\-, and resides in Cincinnati.

The election of Judge Hackney t') the Supreme bench created a vacancy in the judgeshi]) of the Shelb_\- Circrii Com't. Governor Chase, who had succeeded to the oftice of Governor upon the death of Governor Hovey, appointed William A. Johnson, of Johnson county, to nil out the unexpired term of Judge Hackney on the Circuit bench.

Judge Johnson assumed the duties of his office at the Decenilier term, 1S92, and wdiile probal/iy he was not as well qualifier 1 f(ir the high oflice a.s some of the gentlemen of the long rol'e who had preceded him, he was, nevertheless, careful and painstaking, and he showed marked courtesy tn the members of the bar. His decisions were fair and impartial, and on his departure from the bench a bar meeting of the lawyers of Shelley county was held in his honor,

W. J. Buckingham, the successor of Judge Johnson, also hailed from Johnson county, making the fourth and last Circuit Judge from Johnson county, as the district was soon afterwards changed, making Shelby and Rush counties a circuit.

Judge Euckir.gham was a splendid type of ph}'sical manhood, with affable manners, which gave him the appearance of a typical judge. He gave due consideration to all court matters. He was a fair advocate and a good judge of the law. and while he was sometimes accused of being partial to certain attorneys, the majority of the attorneys found him to be fair in all his dealings and decisions. After his term was out in Slielby and Johnsrju counties he was elected Judge of the new district of Johnson and Brown counties. He is still li\ing in Franklin and is now practicing law.

Douglas ^lorris, of Rush county, became Judge of the district composed of Shelbv and Rush crmnties, by reason of the change in the circuit. He was elected in the district composed of Rush and Decatur counties, but the Legislature having placed Rush and Shelby together. Judge ^Morris became our Judge. Judge Alorris was a fine lawyer in civil cases, but h.e had no experience at the time of goin.g on the bencli in criminal ])n. cedure, but he soon acquired the reputation of a careful and pain-taking Judge, He gave an unusual amount of time to l.joking un autlnarities, in ai! matters that can.ie before him.

He wa^- iiulu-trirais and i'. hard worker, and often hnnicd the "im^hiii^lit oil"' in his eflVnts to niete out ju>iice witli an impartial hand.

lie linall}" became \ery active in pnliiic.s in drder to retain hi.-; seat on the bench. His persistent political activity and the aid and assistance he gave the oppLincnts of the separate c^un liill for Shelbv c 'unty. and his successful appeal to Governor Liurbin t.> veto the bill, was disliked by'his -Shelby county friends. Judge ^b^rris is now jiracticing law in Rushville.

Will M. Sparks, nf Rush comity, cur present Judge, succeeded Judge ]\birris on the bench of this county. Judge Si)arks is probably the yiungc^t man who ever occupied the bench in this circuit. He has given eminent satisfaction as a Judge so far, and his future either as a Judge or a lawyer looks bright. He is probal)ly the quickest and mo.-t alert Judge we ever had to expedite the business of the court.

At its estal.)lishmcnt under the new constitiuion the Court of Ciimmon Pleas was given exclusive jtu-isdiction in probate nia.tters. and the old p'-oliate cotn-ts were abolished. It liad the jurisdiction of all that class of C'ffenses which did not amr.unt to a felony, except th.ose over which Justices of the Peace had exclusive jurisdiction. This Ciuu't also had concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in a certain class of civil cases. The Judge was ex-officio Judfje of the Court of Conciliation. Xo attorney was allowed to aiijiear for his client before the Court of Conciliation. The first term of the Common I'leas Court in Shelby cotinty began on Mondav-, the ^<\ of January. 1853. Hon. James M. Sleeth was Judge. The first act of the court was to adojit a seal. The order read as follows: 'Tt is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the court that the, seal of this court shall be a circle of one and five-eighths inches in diameter, with the \\'ords engraxed the margin: 'Shelby Ci:iunty Coiu't of Common Pleas, Indiana.' \\ ith a device of the Goddess of Liberty and thirteen stars enclrisefl in the center."

Judge Sleeth was a citizen of Shelbyville. He had been a member of both the Senate and Lower House of our State Legislature. George A. Buskirk, of ^Nb'inroe county, succeeded to the Common Pleas bench at the Abarch term. 1861.

Oliver J. Glessner. of Shelby county, succeede.l Judge P.uMo'rk in ^Larch. 1S65. (See Memorial on Judge Glessner at the end of thi-- sketch.)

Thomas W. \\'oolen, of Franklin, afterwards Attorney General of the State, was next elected to the Common I'leas Pench. IPs first term in the county was in Xovember, iSAS.

Richard L. Coffey, Prown count)', was the fifth and la-i of the Common Pleas Judges in tin- county. He began here in Xuvenib.M, 1870. and remained upon die bench until the court was ali'.ili>hed. in iNr;.

Probate Judges

The first motion in the- ShcH^y Circnit Court was made liy Ilirani M. Curry, asking- that he. with Charles ]1. Test. Calvin Fleteher. James Dulany and Jolm A. F.raekcnridL^e. he admitted to practice as attorney^ and counsellors at law in tliis court. The record says: On producing- their licenses from tinder the hand- of two of the President judj^es of the state of Indiana, permitting them to ]iractice in all the Circuit and Inferior cmuvIs of the state, and after being <hily swurn t<i support the C^nstituiion of tlie United States and the state of Indiana, and to demean themselves as attorneys and counsellors at law to the best r>f their understanding- while pi-acticing in this court, thereupon are admitted to practice as attorneys and counsellors at law in this court. At the second term of eourt James Raridan, Oliver H. Smith, Philip Swatzer. Jaines T. Brown and Abel Cole were admitted to the bar. This made a total of ten who had been admitted to practice law in Shell iv couniv. while but two ca.'^es wei-e yet tipon the docket. At this time alniM.-t all the lawyers "rode the circuit" with the Judge, and took chances on picking up business. or being en-iployed in important law suits when they arrived at the respective county seats. The journeys from county to county were long and proti-acted, and as tliere were no newspapers nor books in the cabins where they spent the nights, these lawyer circtiit riders killed tiie time as the saying was. by telling stories, in which invention as well as n-iemorv was brought intn plav. Many of these remai-kable stories have been handed down t() ]xisteritv. but some of them would not look well in print.

On the ir)th flay of February. 1843, the record shows tliat : "On motion of 'Mv. O'Xcal. Fdward Lander. Thomas A. Hendricks and James Harrison are admitted attoi-neys and cun^clliji-s at law at the bar of this court, and the said Edward Lander. Tlir.mas A. FIendrick> and James Harrison, liere now in person, take the sevei-al oaths required by law as such attorneys and counsellors at law."

This simple record of tlie admission to the bar of Shelby county of Thomas A. Hendricks marks tlie bcgiiming of a great cai-ecr. He represented the county in both the House and Senate of the state Legislature, was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Indiana, a member of Congress from this district. United States SenatMi-. Commissioner of the General Land Office in \\'ashingt<:in City. Governor of Indiana and \'ice President of the United States. In this rather blatant age, when wealtli is soi-neiinies wor>hiped at the expense of worth, it is a pIea^ure to pay oiu- tribtite oi praise to one who set so fine an exan-iiile of modesty and courtesy. In the language of a former niember of the Shelby County Ear: "It is diflicult to mention the name of this eminent citizen of tlie republic without a word of tribute to his memru'v. \\'c remci-nber his face, radiant with intelligence - his com-terai^ ami insinu;iting iiiaiir,cr>. his iior>u:i-i\'(.ne>> nf ti>;i;_:ue. the cxi|ni?ite j^race ami beauty of lii> clicli.iii. liis adiuir.iblL' iicr>i)ici;it_\ . (li-nity aiicl precision.- liis hapjiy .-qipi'-ilo illuslrati"iis ami alhiMi>ii>, the iieaine^s ainl clearness of hi? cxposiiiuiis. hi'^ masculine ami full -'n'wn n>lui>tness n\ miuil ami c(|ually diffuseil intellectual licalth anil the unas^aileil purity -.'! his pi-i\ te lite - all contributing to excite the li>ve and adniiraiioii nf his ci mritrymcn. To the legal profession, whose honnr antl character he was e\cr ready to vindicate, he i5^ especially endeared. Of him it may be said that, like Mr. I'ushe. the great Irish lawyer, he could hand up a ])uint of law to the court with as much grace and pliancy <.if gesture as if he were jiresenting a cfmrt lady wilh a fan."

Among the [jrominent lawyers of an early tlay who had a large practice in this county and were often seen here, were: Oliver II. Smith and James ]\arid;in. of Conuersville : William J. Brown and Hugh O'Neal, of Indianapolis; I'hilip Swatzer, uf Colunilnis ; Thomas D. A\'alpole, of Greenfield; Judge R\'m. mil, of Lawrenceburg ; Jtidge Davison, of Greensburg; Asahel Hubbard and General Hackleman. of Rushville, and other interesting- characters.

'Jdie Hon. ]\Iartin ^l. Ray is another memlier of our bar who is enthusiastically remembered here for his abilities as a lawyer and his extraordinary social attractions.

One of the early features of a lawyer's life in Shelby county %vas what was then known as "saddle-bag practice"' before the Justice of the Peace, so called because the lawyer carried his books and papers in his saddle-bags.

The Justices" court was the great forum of the young lawyer, and all of the distinguished lawyers in the early history of the county, including Hendricks and Ray, won their spurs in the Justice of the Peace courts. Tiie whole country around would often g-ather at these trials, and in the summer time the court was often held in some grove under the spreading branches of some old oak tree, where the fiery young orator in spread-eagle style, wou'd display b.is talents to the ct:amtr}'-side. James Harrison. James B. Mcl'adden and Isaac 0"Dell are three others of the old-time lawyers who had an extensive practice in the Justice of the Peace courts in th cearly days. Among the members of the bar who have distinguished themselves as authors may be menti(jned Charles ^^lajor. the author of "When Knighthood was in Flower," '"Dorothv \'ernon,"' and many other popular novels which brought to hirn world-wide fame and riches. Harvey H. Daugherty. a formermember of this bar. is the author of "The Y'.ung Lawyer." and Iissay."" He is al-o the author of some law books.

niamicrs, his [icrsiKi^ivciiess uf ti 'H.uu..', the cxiiuisilc .yrace and l)oauty of lii> dicii. 111. iiis adiniii'.hle iK-rspR-uitx . di-nity and ])ri'cisiiin. - Ids hapjiy ai)pM>iio illustrations and allusions, the neatness and clearness of his expositions, his masculine and full .lyrown rohustness of niind and equally diffused intellectual health and the unassailcd purity of his privte life - all contributing to excite the l(i\c and adiniran'. m i<\ his cminiryincn. To the legal profession, whose honor and character he was ever ivad.y to vindicate, he is especially endeared. Of him it may he >aid that, like Mr. F.u^he. the great Irish lawyer, he could hand up a i)oiiu of law to llie court with as much grace and phancy of gesture as if he were preseniiiig a court lady with a fan.'"

Among the prominent lawyers o\ an early day who had a l.irge practice in this county and were often .seen here, were: 01i\er ]]. Smith and Jauies Ivaridan. of Connersville : William J. Brown and Hugh O'Xeal. of Indianapc>- lis; Philip Swatzer. of Colinn!ni<: Thomas D. \\"aii)o!c. of (h-eenrield : Judge Rymoiid. of Lawrcnceburg : Judge Davison, of Greenshurg: Asahel Huhbard and General Hackleman. of Rushville, and other interesting- characters.

The Hon. Martin M. Ray is another meiuber of our bar who is enthusiastically remeiulvered here for his abilities as a law\cr and his cxi raordinarv social attractions.

One of the early features of a lawyer's life in Shelby county was what was then known as "saddle-bag jM-actice" before the Justice of the Peace, so called because the lawver carried his books and papers in his .saddle-bags.

The Justices' c.jurt was the great fonim of the young lawver. and all of the distiuguished lawyers in the early ]li^tol-y of the counlv. including Hendricks and Ray, won their spurs in the Justice of the Peace courts. The whole country around would often gather at these trials, and in the summer tiiuc the court was often held in some grove under the s])reading branches of some old oak tree, where the fiery young orator in spread-eagle style, would display h.is talents to the ci;untry-si<le. Jaiues Harrison. Jaiues B. McFadden and Isaac O'Dell are three others of the old-time lawyers who had an extensive practice in the Ju<tice of the Peace courts in th cearly days. Among the members of the bar who have distinguished themselves as authors may be mentioned Charles ?kIaior. the author of -'When Knighthood was in Flower.'" "Dorothy Vernon," and many other popular novels which Ijrought to hiin world-wide fame and riches. Harvey H. DaugiK-rly. a former member of this bar, is the author of "The Young L.awyer." and -".Xiiother Essay." He is also the author of some law books.

The Shei,Bv Couxtv P,Ak Associ.Miox

It is not the purpi'-e or this work, for \arinus reasons, to insert litre, ]jersonal sketches of the dili'erent members of the bar, who are miw li\-iiig and practicing law. Such a feature wraild be foreign to the plan of this book.

Idle Shelby County liar has had several practitioners wiio wonld have taken the frciit rank in any great city of the country. Loremi .st of them all was Thomas A Hendricks, while but little, if aiiv, less able as a lawyer, was Martin M. Ray.

Other conspicuous meml)er- of the bar, who were the Xestors of the days goiie by. were Eden Tl. Davis. William J. I'caslee, Stephen Major, Benjamin E. Love. James Harrison. Alfred Major, O. J. Glessner. Thomas B. Adains, L. T. Micliener. James B. McEadden atid others who arc still in the practice here, ddicsc were, and the survivors are all around lawyers of natural force anil brilliant acipiirements. and no interior tow 11 ever had their superiors.

Tlie later accessions to the bench and bar oi Shelby countv will be pleased to known that their predecessors in the early days weic men of ihe hii:;hest ability and character alike as lawyers and in all relations of life.

The Shelby County Bar has passed many re-nlmions of resjicct upon the death of members, but it would be impossible to publish all of them, so we have selected four sets of resolutions passed upon the occasion of the deaths of four of the "old school" lawyers, each of whom practiced law in Shelbv county from forty to fifty years. These men saw the practice under the old code dwindle away, and witnessed the growth of the new forms of practice under the new constitution, and finally ended their days here, at good ripe old ages, still in the "harness" as the saying is-, at the time of tlicir respective demises. At a meeting of th.e Shelby County Bar. upon the occasion of the death of the Hon. Stephen Major, the undersigned committee on re-olutions reoortcd the follov.'ing :

"We have met to pay our tribute of respect to the memory of Hon. Judge Stephen ]\Iajor, wlio has been for upwards of half a centurv a member of our bar, e.xcepting an interval extending through one full term, in which he held the position of Judge of the ^^tarion Circuit Court. He has been taken from us in his mental vigor, but in the fullness of his days and professional honors. He falls ripe for the sickle of death. We have known him long and well, and desire, rather in our emotional feelings than in compliance with the usage of the profession, to give expression lo our high estiination of his merits as a man, a lawyer, a judge, and a Christian. Therefore, as expressive of our unfeigned sorrow and sympathy with his family and fellow citizens in their bereavement,

"Rcsoh'cd, That we hereby express our admiration and respectful .xmembrance of the jirofessional courtesy, talents and merits of our deceased brother, and thai we will emulate his virtues as the best tribute to his memory. "Rcsohcd. That we tender his family and friends our sincere condolence, feeling that although to them even more than to us the loss is irreparable. Yet to him it is a great gain that he has entered upon ihc rewards of a well spent life, before that higher bar where all must appear.

"Rcsohcd, That we attend the funeral obsequies in a body, and that our chaimian for us request that the minutes of this meeting be spread upon the records of the Shelby Circuit Court.

"With a tlcc]) sense of sadness and loss we are confronted witli tlic awful fact thai death has again inwaded our ranks and rein'i\-ed loni oiu" midst and from the busy scenes of life cur worttiy and e-ieenied Iimthcr, lion. James Harrison.

"He was bum in Bourbon county, Keinucky. on the 7th day of July, iSiS. At the age of twenty-five he located in this (Shelby) county, since which tune he has occiiiiied an enviable ])osition as a lawyer, a leg;islati:ir and a citizen.

"He was admitted to the bar in company with the late Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, on the i6th day of February, 1843, before the then acting Judge, AX'illiam J. Peasley. His career as a lawyer of nearly a half century, was marked with fidelity to his clients and integrity to his associates and the courts; lie was ever sincere and logical in his arguments and when occasionally occupying the bench he was fearless, impartial and courteous.

"Oliver J. Gles-ner was born in the state of Maryland on the i nh day of October. iSjS', and in his early childhood came with his parents to Indiana, where he has continui:iusly re>ided. Fie was admitted to practice law in Indiana in February. 1856. In 1S64 he was elected Judge of the Eighth Common Pleas District, of which Shelby county was a part, and n:oved to Shelby county in 1865, where he has ever since resided. Retiring from the bench, he immediately entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he soon became of the front rank. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the state Senate of Indiana. In 1872 the ])arty selected him as a candidate for Presidential elector, but declined the proffered honor, because his otTice of state Senator disqualified him from holding the office. In 1880 he was again nominated by his party, as a candidate for Presidential elector and took prominent part in the campaign of that year. In 1890 he was elected to the Lower Flouse of the Indiana Legislatiu'e. and took an active part in the session of 1891.

"Judge Glc.-=ner was a rcarly debater and a man ni comlxitive nature, but was not offensively so. It has been written < .f him : '.\s a lawyer he possessed

"A« an advocate few men in Indiana liad fuperi'M- skill: his hright ])erceptive facuhics. a vast fund of nanu'al ca]iacily. kn.nvn as sense;' an unusual pers'jnal magnetism, a fine voice, a fine antl graceful \\"W of language, ingenuity in presenting lucidly and impressively the facts cstahlisliing his theories and in answering and advocating the elements in conllict with his .theories, all united in securing his aims.'

"We recommend tliat a cop)' of this memorial be sijvead upcm the records of the Shelby County Circuit Court, and that a coiw also be tr.'ui-milted to the family of our decea-ed broth.er. arid that the local papers of Shelbyville be requested to publish the sanie.

"Again has the angel of death invaded our ranks and removed from our midst our esteemed friend and brother. Benjamiii F. Love, and made vacant the seat he has occupied for so many years, as he met with us in the discharge of his professional duties.

"And thicrefore. the sad and sacred duty devolve? upon us in some appropriate manner to gi\'e expression to our sorrow for the great loss we sustained by the death of our fonner associate.

"Mr. Love was not only a man of marked ability, but of perfect integrity, and lived to attain a verv high and honorable position in the ranks of his chosen profession, as well as in the cotificlence and estceni of all who knew him. He was laborious and painstaking in his profession and a courteous, genial gentlenian in all the relations of life. Gifted by nature widi an intellect aliove the average, by close application and unwearieil labor he was enabled to place him-elf in the rank of the forenioci lawyers of the state. A? a lawver he was candid with liis clients, untiring and tenacious in their interests, vet ill all things ami at all times ln''nest with the court and courteous with his aijversaries.

at the l)ar. and lu. lawyer wa'^ ever arrayed ;!,L;ainsi him in a le.iral contest at liie former, who cHil not before llie contest was owr, fully realize that he liad met a foeman worthy of his steel.

"He was not as polish.cd in liis manner of addre-sini^' the crmrt or jurv as other lawyers of much le-s al)i!ity. perhajis. vet In's manner was i)eculiarlv his own. and it mi,L;ht well he said of him that he was a diamond in the r.nit;h. lie was not an amhiii.ius man. hut was content to he cjidy a lawyer. As a lawyer he never acce])ted a retainer without giving to the case his best energy and ability of which he was possessed. He never neglected to make the most thorough preparation. He gtiarded against every emergency and was seldom caught unawares. Being carefully prepared upun the law <>f his cases and thoroughly actiuainled with the facts of each, his p^wer lie fore the jurv and court, alike, was of the highest order. He carried liis causes by the force of his nature, the correctness of his position, and his great skill in demonstrating the justness of his client's cause. Trickery and deception found no place in his legal equipment.

'"He was iniwilling to \iolatc the dictates of his own conscience, or \n-ostitute a noble profession by the employment of unfair or dishonorable means to aid a failing cause. The records of the local courts furnish ample evidence of his ability as a trial lawyer: while reports of appellate courts of this state will attest and peqietuate his profession and proficiency in the same. His life will prove an incenti\e tn the yoitnger members of the bar and demonstrate to them that induslr}", when coupled with an tmblemished character, will surely bring to the prefcssion success, and win the respect and esteem of all g^od men. jx'ilitical and all other cptestions in which the welfare of society was involved, he had strong con\-ictions of the right which he was ever ready to maintain with dignity and strength. He ever believed in the convictions of the things which he stood for and urged them because he believed them to right. In the positions which he took he always maintained his own self-respect and secured the respect of those with whom he differed.

"By h.is long and honorable career he has left upon the profession and the community in which he has lived, the stamp of his untiring energy, of his splendid ability and of his nol)Ie character. He was liberal to a fault, his charity was proverbial and his disposition was as kind as that of a child.

"The members of your committee, who were for many years intimately associated with him professionally and otherwise, take great pleasure in bearing witness to the splendid ability, his sterling integrity and his kindh- disposition.

"In his death the oanmunity has lost one of its best citizens and the bar one of its most al)!e and upright members. \\"e shall miss his venerable form in the courts. We shall feel the loss of his society in our professional gather-

Koll 01- Attorxf.Vs

Tlie followins^ roll of attorneys comprises most of tho?e who were admitted to the Shelby bar prior to 1852, as well as many of a subsequent date. From 1852 down to the present the records of admission are very voluminous arid withijtit index, hence it is next to impossiljle to obtain ever_\- name, but manv are qiven which will be of interest, as well as for reference: