Washington County, Indiana - Chapter 30: History of Salem, 1916 (part 2 of 2)

Men and Ixiys in these da\s, when they can go to a haberdasher, try on a suit and wlu-n they find one that tits, nay for it and go on their w^y rejoicing, nexx-r think about the time, labor and trouble it took to get a new co.it in the old tina-N The wool had to be secured in the first place, and tliii rei|tiirc<l a gijiul deal of care to keep the wolf from the fold, foxes from the lanih< and secure a ch'iK After the wool was obtained, the next step was to wash and pick it. making it ready for the carding machine. These niiUs wefe necessarily expensive and there were not many of them in tiie countrw so usually the wool had to be carried (juite a distance to get it carded.

With the sack of wool there was always sent along a quantity of grease which was necessary to use in the carding process. Everyone tried to get to the carding machine first, for if they- were a little slow in getting there they would often have to wait a month or six weeks before their turn came. It always required two. trips to the mill to get rolls. As soon as the rolls were brought home the big sjjinning wheel was ke])t buzzing from morn till night, until sufficient filling was made ready for the amount of jeans and linsey necessary to clothe the family the ensuing year.

Maple sugar, "sang." poultry or other farm iiroducts, were exchanged for the cotton chain or warp and after it was all colored with "blue" dye or bark ooze of some sort, it all went to the loom, where the cloth was made. The housewife was a tailoress, as well as a spinner and weaver, and with her patterns fashionefl coats for each meiuber of the family good enough for all occasions, such as meetings, musters or to town on big occasions. If the fit was not as snug as modern, tailor-made suits, they kept out the cold, looked new and bright and gave comfort and satisfaction to the wearer.

These home-made blue-jeans, long-tailed frock coats were in vogue among the older people as late as 1876. Their polished lirass Inittons alwa\ s gave them an attractive appearance, while the red bandana handkerchief was always carried in the rear pocket of the coat tail.

In early times Washington county was celebrated far and wide as being the home of a race of giants, and the wonderful feats of strength performed by some of these men are scarcely believable. There were a number of stalwarts w^ho knew not how strong they were when under an\' kind of excitement or when their power was put to the test. Anmng the men \vhi > made up the class of giants that ga\e the comity its reputatinn were .\liram Stover, Thomas Denney. James I'ppinghouse. James Lee, John Drough, William Cra\ens and others.

It was generally conceded that -S'toxer possessed the greatest strength of them all and a number of incidents have lieen handed down relative to his gigantic strength. He was a man of comiuanding appearance, six feet high, with a huge frame ami sturd\ manhood. He never \-aunted about the superiority of his muscular |)o\vers. was never <|uarrelsome, but stood up for his rights and was ever ready to meet an opponent on friendly terms, even if it came to a fist fight to settle the mooted question. In fact, none of the strong men of early days were prone to be quarrelsome. Had they been vicious and of a fighting disposition they would have been the terror of the countr\'. \\'hen a young man showed that he possessed extraordinary strength and prowess he always had his champions and backers ready to pit him against any and all comers of like age and experience.

These lists were usually planned for muster days and 4th of July celebrations. .\ ring was formed in which the contestants met and woe be to the individual who dared to interfere any way in the contest, other than to urge his favorite to supreme effort, or prompt him what to do. A public gathering of aiay kind was a very dull affair if there were Tiot a number of fights,- wrestles and foot races to give life to the occasion.

Thomas Denney was always considered' a close second to Stover, as a powerful man, and many of his champions were ready to stake their money on him, if a contest between the two men could be arranged. The two men were close friends and could not be induced to engage in a fist and skill contest publicly, liut their partisans finally arranged for a "whisky barrel" contest during a juiblic gathering at Salem. The test was to be the taking of a barrel of whisky by the chime, raising it up and drinking out of the bunghole. Judges were selected and a full barrel of whisky was rolled out in the street. It fell to Denney's lot to make the first test. After "lifting" the barrel, which weighed about four hundred pounds, he slowly raised it up and took a drink out of the bunghole. Stover walked up leisurely, laid hold of the barrel, raised it up easily, took his drink and set it down without a jar. There was then some discussion about the, decision, each side claiming the victory, but the judges after mature deliberation, gave the wager to Sto\er, because he had made a clean lift, while Denney had rolled the barrel part of the way up against his legs.

This test did not exactly satisfy Denney, so, meeting Stover in Salem a short time after this test was made, he proposed that they go upstairs into an empty room, on the corner of lot g, north side of the square, and take a friendly set-to, in order that the matter would be satisfactorily settled, no outsiders to be admitted. Stover readih- consented, and upstairs they went, laid off their coats and began their knock-down test. After sparring a hit. Stover planted one of his mauls squarely on the side of Denny's head and down he went. After taking a few breaths they went at it again, when StoN'cr, watching his (ii)p(irtunity, lanrled a heavy blow in Denny's face, bringing a flow of blood ;md sending him staggering against the wall. The merchant below, hearing sometliing fall hea\-ily upon the floor above, proceeded to investigate the matter. \\ hen he reached the room they were just turning fur their coats, when Uenney remarked, "Where shall we go to take it." Often after that time their partisans would endeavor tn get up a tight between them, but the re>-ponse of each would be, "lie is a mighty stout man and we prefer to be friends."

Upon one occasion there was a log-rulling scmth (if Salem ;md Stover went early to lenrl a helping hand. James Uppinghouse put in an appearance in the afternoon and had sought an opportunity for some time to test his strength with Stover. Slmrtly after h\< arri\al he noised it amund that he had come with the intention of \vhi]iping Stoxcr before he left the clearing and took particular pains to exasperate him m many ways. Finally, some one told ,Sto\er about the threat L'ppmghou^e had made, which put him on his guard. The ue\ er-failing jug was passed around fre(|uentl\- and it wasn't long till Uppinghouse began to feel that he \\a- the best man in the state, and again directed his insalts toward Sto\er, when the latter saiil, "I understand you ha\e come here to gi\e me a licking." Uppinghouse said, "That's my intentio-n," to which Sto\er replied. "Well, here we go." They squared off for the hght, ever\' one jiresent gathering aroimd to witness the contest. Uppinghouse made a few unsuccessful passes at Sto\fr who waited for a favorable opportunity, when he landed a b eyes, knocking him back'war<ls ;m<l o\er a log si ingly a dead man. Bystanders went to him and \ administered brought him to his senses again, w his feet, he said: "Abe, gi\e me xdur h;uid, 1 di and from henceforth I am your friend."

James Lee was nnich of a man and in all b came out successfully. Tie was ,,wv si.x feet tall, pounds and was indeeii a \er\ wiry, athletic niai was a match for Stover and n]ion several occa Stover. There was an election m Salem when with Stoxer. who became (|nite enraged, and at ll and W'ent after him with fire in his r\es, but a of him antl linallx dra.i^ged bini off of his o])|)oiRait ,iud succt. ing him down a bit. when Sto\er. taking a good breath --.ui] : glad you came to T ee's rescue, for I might have killed him."

Grocers used to buy all their sugar in large hogsheads, weighing a thousand or twelve hundred pounds. One had been received by a grocer on the south side of the pul:)lic square, near where Stover and some friends were seated on a bench engaged in conversation. A young man, who was one of the bullies of the town, came along and having about three good drams ahead saw Stover and offered to bet him that he could put the hogshead of sugar on end. Stover remarked: "Young man, I never bet, but that is a pretty good lift for you or any other common man." At this the young fellow seized hold of the hogshead and set it upright, when, slapping his fists together, he swore that he "was the best man in the county, young or old, and if any man didn't believe it, let him try it on." Stover made no reply, which emboldened the young fellow to move up closer to the old man and continue his ])raggadocio. Stover rose up slowly, doubled up his monster fists and said : "Young man, I am getting a little past my prime, perhaps, but (taking a step forward) I think I am as good as ever for a few jerks." Stover's manner and a])pearance was enough for the young blood, and reaching out his hand towards Stover said : "It's my treat, come on." When asked afterward why he calmed down so suddenly, he- said: "When I saw those huge fists and that mighty man facing me, I saw I had no business with him other than to cultivate his friendship and then retire in good order."

Colonel Stovlr Pests His Son-In-Law

Colonel Sto\er had ;i son-in-law, named John firough, who was a powerful man and had never been worsted in any of his athletic contests with others. He was so confident of his superiority over his fellows that he even imagined that he was a match for his father-in-law. They met at a log-rolling east of Salem and after a few whiffs at the jug he bantered Colnnel StovtT for a tussel just fur a little fun. Stover told him to make a "running shoot" at him and he'd see al)Out it. Brough slipped back a few feet and came at the Colonel like a catapult. As he came in reach the old man caught him bv his trousers and about the neck, raised him up and threw iiini back over his head. Brough landed on some poles and broke his leg.

Cpiin one occa-ion a muscular fellow who clerked in Booth's store, on the north side of the scpiare, made the assertion that no man could put him o\er the counter. U]>]iinghou«e accepted the challenge and essayed the task. A long tusscl ensued, :ind when LT])pinghouse began to tire the young feljriw watched his ijp])(irimiity and unexpectedly toppled his adversary over the counter, who fell with a thud that jarred the whole building. The young man then boasted that no man could put him over, not excepting Stover. The Colonel happened to be in town and was hunted up and told that a fellow wanted to ^ee him at Booth's corner. A large crowd followed to see the sport. Arriving at the store. Stover was told what had happened and of the banter made by the young giant. "You think I can't put you over that counter, do voui'" asked Stover. "I know you can't,'" said the young man. Without another word Stoxxr stepjied up to the young fellow, took him bv one leg and an arm, and while he was squirming and wriggling in the vain endeavor to loosen the vice-like grasp of Stover, he was easily set down on the inside of the counter and then lifted back again, about as readily as an ordinary person would handle a child.

An Incident At The Construction Camp

While the public improvements were being prosecuted between Salem and the Ohio Falls there were some powerful men engaged in work from time to time, and almost every day some sort of strength test would come off. A fellow named Short proved to be the giant of all the gangs and he was frequently complimented on his great size and muscular powers. To such praise he would always reply, "Why, boys, there is a race of giants up in Washington county and I being the runt and unable to take my own part, was obliged to come down here as a matter of self-preservation." One day, while all hands were liusy. Short saw Sto\"er coming down the road with a four-horse team of produce for the market. He said to his fellows, "Now, here comes one of those giants I was telling you about," and he went out and greeted the Colonel heartily.

Stover was then introduced to the boss of the gang, when work was suspended and all adjourned to a nearby grocery. The saloon keeper was a practical pugilist and had heard of Colonel Stover, but after sizing him up. remarked, "Short, if your man is a mountain I can lick him." And without further warning squared himself for a fight. Stover .said he had not come there for trouble and instead of dealing the fellow a blow with his ponderous fist, he clutched him by the wrist, pulled him forward, took hold of his shoulder with the other hanrl and was aliout to twist his opponent's arm out of its socket, when the houty chap bellowed for mercy. Stover let him go, saying, "That's how I could break your arm as easy as I could a chicken's leg." The fellow then set up the drinks to the crowd and told Stover he was his guest for a week. On his way back home the Colonel was halted and treated like a lord. He boxed with two at a time, lifted weights and performed many feats of strength that were remarkable, making him the hero of the day.

There ne\er was a muster in the whole country round that Stover did not attend. He was promoted finally to be colonel of a regiment of the militia and in the fall of 1825 was appointed brigadier-general pro tempore, to review Colonel Schoono\-er's regiment at the October parade at Livonia. His aid was Capt. John Duckworth, a man no less portly and good-looking than himself. In gaudy parade costume and imjxjsing equipage and mounted on fiery steeds these men rode before the regiment. Colonel Stover made a speech and then, with his staff ,oiificers, retired amid the plaudits of the admiring throng. Colonel Stover lived on a farm, located about four miles southeast of Salem, on the Greenville road. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, his death occurring on April 6, 1875. He came to the county from X'irginia in 1815.

Historical And Reminiscent Notes

The earthquake which affected the whole valley of the Ohio and Mississippi in 1811 was distinctly felt in this county several times during a period of forty days. Live stock stampeded, houses creaked and a few times, on open places, the ground was seen to wave.

There were two prehistoric forts in the county in the early settlement of the county that were somewhat remarkable. One was on a farm owned bv William Rodman, some four miles southeast of Salem, and consisted of two immense ditches on the slope of the hill, one a short distance above the other and about an eighth of a mile long. They were once deep enough to hide a man on horseback, but are now nearly filled up. There was a similar fortification in Jefferson township, in section 16, on land owned by Charles Batt. This ditch was ten feet wide and almost as deep, also on a hillside ;ind a <|uarter of a mile long. There were springs near these ditches and flints, axes and sjiear points were scattered about them profusely. Several mounds in the county contain relics of the mound builders.

In Xo\ember, 1834, there was a meteoric shower that exceeded anything of the kind witnessed in this part of the country before or since. The meteors fell like drops of rain and left a stream of fire behind like a sizzling roman candle. The utmost alarm seized the people; some went to

In the fall of 1833 there was a remarkable march of squirrels through the county. They came from the north in countless millions and stopped not for any sort of obstructions, passing right through even houses and barns and across streams. They filled trees, covered fences and it was impossible to keep them from completely devastating corn fields. The\' could be killed with clubs or picked up with the hands Some farmers were left without sufficient corn to make their winter's bread. Where they came from and whither they went no one ever knew.

The first English sparrows seen in the town of Salem was about November I, 1879. There were about a half dozen together and were first discovered dusting themselves in the street north of the court house.

.A.t all elections in earl}- days the \oter was required to give his name to the election clerk - there were no judges - and then gave aloud the name of the man for whom he \oted. The clerk kept tally and the result of the election was known as soon as the ^-oting was over. Printed tickets were handed round but their only use was to aid the memory of the voters.

In the fall and winter of J822-.33, Salem merchants sent five boat loads of stock and farm products south from the Ohio Falls. Kimball & Coffin had two boatloads of fat hogs. On arriving at Xew Orleans there was no market for them, so Kimball shipped them by schooner to Cuba, where he disposed of his stock, the only shipment ever made from Salem to the Cuban isles. He brought back some Cuban hogs, that were hairless and black and for a great many years this stock of hogs could be seen occasionally through the county.

The first jieaches grown in the cmuity were on trees grown bv .\lexander Little, in 1814. He had lirought the peach seeds with him when he emigrated to the county in 1810.

The first i)iano Ijrought to .Salem was the property of Miss Sarah E. Noel, an eastern lady, who later married Thomas Lindlcy. Miss Caroline Forsey, who niarrieil Doctnr bVice, owned the second piano. John Di.n-er. of Pierce township, had brought the first one into the county in 1820.

The first marriage license issued in the county was given to Edward I.eutrunmT and P'lizabeth Hepner. M,i_\- 0. T815. Tlie ceremon\- was performed by Robert Catlin. Previous to this date se\eral parties were joined in wedlock without license, there being no one authorized b\- law U? issue them, but they were acknowledged as legal and binding under the old common law.

John Moore settled near Pekin, on what in later years was known as the Goss farm, in 1806. There were only two other known settlers then within the present boundaries of the county. They sought safety in a blockhouse when necessary on the Collins farm, one mile northwest of Pekm. The year he settled there he procured some apple seeds, which he planted and from which he started an orchard in 1808, the first in the county. It is said to have borne fine fruit. His son, John Moore, came to Salem in 1815 and set up the first barber shop, which he closed up after a few months for lack of paying patronage.

In 1854 Salem perfected its first fair organization. The grounds were located on the south side of the Canton road about a half mile east of town. The war excitement of the early sixties caused its abandonment. The present lair organization dates back to April 6, 1881, when an association was organized with John A. Bauman, president; F. L. Prow, secretary and John Craycraft, superintendent. The grounds east of town were purchased and fitted up and the first fair held in September of that year.

The first roads diverging from Salem were blazed out by Samuel and William Lindley and John Wright in December, 1814. One led southeast to the Ohio Falls and the other started at the north end of High street, crossed Brock creek a mile and a half above town and on to the Muscatatuck river.

The first circus licensed to spread their tent in Salem was on May 2, 1837. It was called the Miller, Yale, Sands & Company circus, and they carried a tent about the size of a common side show. The next was Van .'Vmberg's menagerie. September 18, 185 1, and tents were pitched on the site of the present Church of Christ, on North High street.

Early in the year 1823, two four-horse wagons passed through Salem carrying books, records and furniture from Corydon, the old state capital, to Indianapolis, the new capital. Some of the state officers accompanied the train, riding horseback. The roads were rough and muddy and frequent mirings made the trip a very slow and laborious one.

The first reaper, a combined harvester and mower, was sold in Salem by Gnrden & Martin in 1855. It was made by John P. Manny & Company and was bought by J. W. Reyman. When put in operation hundreds of people came to see the wonderful machine do its work. The first hayloader in the county was operated by W. W. Stevens in 1880.

The first stone pavement in Salem was laid down in 1876, by C. W. Mobley, in front of lot 7. The stone was quarried and dressed by hand. Mobley also set up the first coal stove in the town in 1859. The first stone front was placed in Mobley's hardware store in 1844. In i860 he brought the first coal-oil lamps to Salem, with oil that cost one dollar and twentyfive cents per gallon.

Salem once had a brewery on the southwest corner of Posey and Mulberry streets. It was operated for several years by John Gordon. The products of the plant found ready sale in Salem and all parts northwest where stage lines and freighters extended.

The leading fiddler and all-round musician of early days in Salem was Sampson Christy. He was a regular Beau Brummcl, indisj>ensable at all banquets and the athlete of the place. He flourished in the thirties.

The first cooking stove was installed by .\iKlrew Weir in his hotel on the southeast corner of the public square about 1834. It was a great curiosity and was visited by hundreds of people for inspection.

Isaac Evans, of Pierce township, was born in 1809. and old settlers stated and he always asserted that he was the first male child born in the county. William Kamp was the first in the neighborhood of Salem, born in 1810.

Count Lehmanoski, a Xapoleon soldier and in his later days a resident of Cor}-don, used to visit General DePauw in Salem frcf|uently. He lectured exttnsixely all over the country on Xapoleon and his wars, ahva\'s complimenting highly upon the courage and prowess of the hussars with whom he had been enlisted. The lecturer could not give the word the English pronunciation, but called them "Hoosiers." One of the old set of Shorts in this county, who had heard Leminoski speak was employed on the construction of the canal at Louisville, when it was being built, and getting into a scrap with some fellow workmen, soundly flogged three of them who attacked hitn. Gloating over his victory, he cracked his fists and shouted, "Don't tackle me, I am a hoosier," doubtless thinking that Colonel Leminoski had used the word in the sense of a hero. They all knew Short was from Indiana, and after that all Indianians were dubbed "Hoosiers." This undoubtedly is the correct version of the origin of the nickname "Hoosier," for it originated about the above date and here in southern Indiana.

The first bridge built in the county was across Royse's fork of Blue river, at the foot of Main street in Salem. It was completed on Jime 9, 1818, at a cost of four hundred and seventy-five dollars. It was built so that stage lines and freighters going to the Oliio Palis would not be unnecessarily detained by high waters.

In lune. 1854, John I. ]\Iorris(in was ai>pointed to distribute township libraries. The books had Ijeen sent in boxes: three boxes constituted a full library. Washington township received two sets of books; Franklin and Howard townships received three boxes each - a full library ; the other townships received two boxes each. In 1857 Mr. Morrison made another distribution of books on order of the county commissioners, the books having been furnished by the state superintendent of public instruction on November I, 1856.