Wayne County, Indiana - Chapter 2: The Growth of Richmond, 1884

Chapter 2: The Growth of Richmond

Tue Crry 1x 1840. - An OLD SETTLER'S RECOLLECTIONS oF Ricumonp 1N 1847. - Awn Interesting Review. - A DECADE LATER. - THE ADVANCE OF A QUARTER oF A CenturY. - Sratistics oF Business AnD Porutation. - Boarp or TrapE. - Business Excuaner. - Ciry OFFICERS FROM 1840 ro 1884. - Tue Posrorrice. - PostMAsters FROM 1818 To 1884. - Post- OFFICE Bustness. - FREE DELIVERY ESTABLISHED. - STREET RarLRroaps. - ExrREss Companres. - Gas Worxs. - Tue Frre DepartMent. - WatTER WORKS.

Richmond In 1840

'The Richmond & Brookville Canal is now under construction." '*The population (of the city) is about 3,000.* The town contains two woolen factories, a paper-mill, an oilmill, two foundries and machine shops, two merchant flouring mills, a last factory, several carriage factories, besides numerous other manufacturing establishments. It has two literary and scientific societies, one of which has a large collection of minerals, shells and other curiosities. A splendid Episcopal church is about to be erected, and the Orthodox Friends are building in the vicinity of the town a large and beautiful seminary. Its schools, both male and female, are numerous and well conducted. Its business is extensive, and its facilities for trade must shortly be very great. The Richmond & Brookville Canal is intended to connect with the Whitewater Canal at Brookville which will open a water communication with Cincinnati. Macadamized roads in various directions are in contemplation."

On the 9th day of December, 1847 (now thirty-six years ago), the writer first set foot within the precincts of this fair city and here he has ever since remained. It was then a mere village of some 2,500 inhabitants, acknowledging John Saylor as its chief executive and head. Elected first in 1840, he continued in office until 1852, when he was succeeded by the late John Finley, Esq.

At that somewhat distant period the Friends, or Quakers, as they were commonly called, exercised a very marked influence over the society about them; their numbers being much greater then than now in proportion to the population. They were a thrifty, honest, intelligent people, possessed of many virtues, while their wives and daughters were the peers of any in the land.

As a people, however, they were rather non-progressive and lacking in that spirit of worldly enterprise so remarkably manifest at the present day. They were, however, tenacious of their religious ideas, and rigid in regard to its teachings and observances. To one not of their faith and unaccustomed to their mode of thought or manner of life, there seems to be an ever-present feeling of restraint and repression - a sort of mental and physical embargo - by no means congenial to the youthful brawn and brain. Mirthfulness was rarely encouraged, and if indulged in, was quiet and subdued; while demonstrations of gayety were rare and guarded. Speech was as silver, but silence was golden. The brilliant hues of beautiful flowers and the happy gleeful songs of birds seemed inappropriate to their surroundings.

Music and singing were but little understood or cultivated by the people of the time, and by members of their society in no degree whatever. Such practices were regarded as sinful, and as unbecoming the dignity, gravity and soberness of that peculiar people. Their speech and attire were alike of the plainest kind, and every color worn was in harmony with both. Under the shadow of their influence even pastors of other denominations discouraged the wearing of gay colors. Broad-brimmed hats and plain silk bonnets wholly unadorned were everywhere to be seen. A bearded face was the merest exception to the general rule, and was not unfrequently the subject of comment and criticism, while the unfortunate mustache was held in still greater disfavor, as the wearer was supposed to be of that class whose ways are dark and whose deeds are evil.

The good people of the village were generally distinguished for simplicity of habits and manners. But little effort was made in the direction of personal adornment or display. We distinctly remember that eight yards of material constituted a pattern for a lady's dress, and sometimes even less would serve. But times have changed, both larger views and ampler garments now hold sway. We remember also that the female head-gear did not then consist of those indescrible nondescripts now so fearfully and wonderfully formed, but simply and in fact, a hat or bonnet severely plain.

We had neither railroads nor turnpikes (excepting the turnpike to Boston) while gas-light, telegraphs and telephones were as yet of the things to come. But a 'coach and four "' used to carry the mail for " Uncle Sam" and the few unlucky passengers whose business, or necessity, required them to be abroad in the land.

Cattle, hogs and sheep were then driven by thousands, in great droves along the national road on their way to some Eastern market. The surplus products of the country commanded but a nominal sum. Hauling by wagon was too expensive and our present facilities for transportation were not yet in existence. At that time all the business of the village was contracted on threesquares of Main street, lying between Front (on which the court-house now stands) and Franklin, which is now known as Seventh street, that between Front and Pearl streets (now Fourth and Fifth) doing much the greater part.

No mercantile business whatever was done any where oft Main street. A shabby old market-house stood in the middle of South Pearl street, about 150 yards from Main. On the present site of Reed and Vanneman's business block - corner of Noble and Fifth streets - and nearly opposite the west end of the passenger depot was located Kenworthy's tannery, the only structure in that vicinity.

Where the passenger depot now stands with its immediate surroundings was an enclosed field, and on the west front of it was the '' Quaker walk " leading to Friends' Orthodox Meeting House, a large plain, two-story brick structure erected in 1823. The "walk" referred to was partly planked and separated from the main road by a row of posts. The writer distinctly remembers seeing a horse and buggy, with two occupants, stick fast in the mud in front of where now stands the Avenue House, immediately north of the railroad crossing. The brick business block now occupying the east side of Fort Wayne avenue and covering a full square in length and forming something of a triangle, stands upon '' made ground, " formerly a stagnant pool whence came in spring time the doleful music of the frog.

This was then the property of Charles W. Starr, by whom it is said to have been offered fur sale for a few hundred dollars without finding a purchaser. On one occasion the writer remembers this pool furnished water to extinguish a neighboring fire. The old Starr House, subsequently known as the '* Meredith" and " Tremont" corner of old Fifth (now Eighth) and Main, was considered ''away out of town." Even the Huntington House was thought to be inconveniently far from business. An old '' mile stone" used to stand on the north side of Main street, between old Seventh and Eighth, marked '' one-half mile to Richmond." Beyond Franklin street (now Seventh) there were but few buildings, and Sixth street (now Ninth) had as yet no existence. Alleast was either orchard, open field or wood. Basil Brightwell, Benjamin Strattan, Thaddeus Wright, Jesse Meek, John Haines, William Blanchard, John M. Laws, Wm. S. Wa t, Win. Petchell and Ralph A. Paige were our dry-goods dealers, not one of whomis in the busin at the present day and only four of the ten survive, to-wit: Wright, Watt, Paige and Strattan. Their companions have all gone hence, where barter and exchange are unknown and the weary are at rest. Although uot in business here at the time referred to, Daniel B. Crawford was nevertheless a citizen of this vicinity for years before and since 1850, and has been a leading and prosperous dry-goods merchant. He has also been identified with various other interests of the city and county, both secular and religious, until his name has become as familiar as household words.

Messrs. Fletcher & Benton first sold hardware on the southeast corner of old Front and Main streets, afterward known as '' Hestor's Corner, immediately east of the court-house. Subsequently, Thomas Benton alone engaged in the business, in an old brick building, where the Richmond National Bank now stands. ;

A single member of the old Wiggin's firm (Charles O.), with some added juniors, continues to hold forth at the old stand as in the days of yore.

William L. Brady was also a pioneer, and was successfully engaged in the harness trade. Samuei and William Lynde will be remembered as among our principal grocers. Neither must we omit Elijah Givens in the same branch of trade. The former long did business where George W. Barnes for so many years dispensed his excellent family supplies, and where Joseph A. Knabe now caters to the public wants. The drug business was in the hands of Messrs. George Doxey, Irwin Reed and Dr. Joseph Howels, the former of whom died here during the prevalence of the cholera in 1849, and the latter is now engaged in the practice of medicine in this city; while Mr. Reed has for many years past been a dealer in hardware, on the southwest corner of Main and Franklin streets. To him has been vouchsafed the most extensive business career, in point of time, accorded any member of this community, crowned, too, with ample success. These gentlemen were succeeded by Drs. James R. Mendenhall, John T. Plummer and Lewis H. McCullough, each of whom continued in the business some years.

of Washington City, and lately deceased, was in the book trade at the time of my advent into the village, and was located in an old frame building on the south side of West Main street, near the corner of Front - now Fourth street. Dr. J. R. Mendenhall soon afterward became his successor and our former city Civil Engineer. Hon. Oliver Butler was his business manager for years. The writer first greeted the public here in the capacity of salesman for Strattan & Wright, whom he faithfully served for five long years, for the meager salary of $15 per month and board, saving therefrom, by the strictest economy, his first $500, a result utterly out of the question in these times of increased values and multiplied temptations, from no greater pay. It was my good fortune to find a home in the family of * Uncle" James and '' Grandmother"? Hunnicutt, who kept the only boarding-house of the time, which was quite liberally patronized, as well it might be when we remember that they charged but $1.25 per week for board. Their house was headquarters for many oldtime +' Friends " during " yearly meetings." They were most truly a kind old couple, called hence this many a year.

Thomas L. Bargis and Isaac L. Dickinson dealt in stoves and tinware. William Show and Isaac Paxson, Sr., supplied the city with meats. Mark Lewis and William Mason, who soon after came to the rescue, furnished bread, cake and crackers. John Saftins, the hatter then, and for many years after, took care of the cranial department of the multitude, and ©. A. Dickinson and J. B. Hunnicutt supplied our wants, real or imaginary, with jewelry, watches, ete. The former still continues in the trade; the latter has retired from the stage of action. J. W. Gilbert, Daniel Sloan and K. Brookens citered to the wants of the public as hosts. There was but one moneyed institution, known as the ''Old Branch Bank," Elijah Coffin, Cashier. The building adjoined the Richmond National Bank on the east, and was removed a few years since to make room for other improveinents.

City Of Richmond

T. Plummer and William B. Smith, both of whom have long since paid the debt that nature owes. A. U. Newton was the only dentist of the time, and was for several years without a rival, until William R. Webster located here. The first named still continues to serve the public, while the latter has passed to that bourne from which no traveler returns. They were both good men, and professionally equal to the requirements of the times.

Milton Hollingsworth is deserving of special mention as being one of Richmond's foremost teachers. Earnest, capable and efficient, he was beloved and esteemed by his pupils, admired and respected by all. He, too, has gone to his reward.

John K. Boswell was the first daguerrean artist of my recollection, here. His work was a credit to his profession, and specimens of his in the writer's possession will bear comparison with that of the present day.

James Elder was Postmaster during 1847 - 48, and it is in my recollection that he also dealt in books and paper. He recently informed me that during his administration, single letter postage ranged from 5 to 10 cents, according to distance transmitted. Speaking of postal matters reminds me that about this time letter envelopes first made their appearance, and their utility being so manifest, were not long in gaining pnblic favor. Not so, however, with the equally useful steel pen, for, although upon the market for years, they were first beginning to win their way to public favor and appreciation. N.S. Leeds was the first citizen of Richmond to learn the art of telegraphing, which he did at Dayton, Ohio, some time during 1848, for the purpose of serving a company who put up a line along the national road in that year. Their office was located on the north side of West Main street, between Pearl and Marion, in the room now owned and occupied by James J. Jordan, as a fancy grocery store. L. H. McCullough soon after learned to manipulate the instrument, and became the former's successor. For lack of patronage or some other cause unknown to the writer, the enterprise proved a failure, and the line went down. Mr. Leeds has responded to a message from the eternal world, while Mr. McCullough still toys with the subtle fluid, in its various moods. It may be of interest in this connection to state that the latter gentleman was the first person to introduce coal oil into this city for the purpose of illumination. This was in 1858, and the oil so used was distilled from coal by some enterprising individual of Covington, Ky.

It may be said of the amusements of that day, that they were neither varied nor numerous, picnics in summer and balls and parties in winter constituting about all the diversions of that period. Lectures, concerts and theatricals were not in vogue. The reigning influence seemed to be adverse to anything of a happy or joyous nature. The piano had but two representatives inthe town. And as for sewing machines, alas! they were not, unless, indeed, we dare, without irreverence, apply the term to Eve's fair daughters, those blessed earthly ministers, who are ever ready to repair our garments or relieve our woes.

The press, that mighty engine, had its representatives in two weekly journals, the Palladium and Jeffersonian, respectively Republican and Democratic in polities. The former was for many years published by Holloway & Davis. The Jeffersonian was presided over by James Elder, Esq.

In those 'good old days " there were no women in the profession; none as teachers in the schools. They were unknown to the editorial chair, nor had they a place at the desk, the case or the counter. With rare exceptions they were deemed incompetent for places of trust, or responsibility. Man's estimate of woman was not credible to his head or heart. His bigotry and selfishness were a bar to her advancement. But thanks to a dawn of a higher intelligence and the spread of more liberal views, the day of her deliverance has come. The shackles of prejudice and superstition are falling about her, and she is free to pursue whatever occupation or calling she may choose. A universal culture has taken the place of a partial education. A better system of schools, the press, and the facilities for travel and intercourse, owing to a growing disposition to investigate all subjects, taking nothing for granted, have combined to elevate and fit her for he active duties of life. She is freer, stronger, more self- reliant than her sisters of any age. May the bondage of hand or brain be hers no more, while the freedom of thought and the freedom of speech continue to be the just inheritance of a free and independent people.

We might very properly supplement these hasty sketches by briefly tracing the career of such early settlers as John S. Newman, David Hoover, Chas. W. Starr, Robert Morrisson, Albert C. Blanchard, Elijah Coffin, John Finley and many others, whose lives have left their impress upon this community, but such an undertaking would transcend the original purpose of the papers, as well as the needful information and ability of the writer. We trust, however, that the subject may yet receive the consideration it so justly deserves, at the hand of some one fully competent to the task.

At the period of my coming, as before stated, we had no railroads, but one turnpike, no telegraph, and no telephones. At the present day they radiate in all directions and encircle us round about. Then communication with the outer world was slow and difficult ; now we have almost unlimited facilities for transportation and travel, and almost instaut communication with the uttermost parts of the earth. Behold! what a marvel has been wrought; what wondrous changes in the brief space of less than two scores of years.

In 1857 the corporation limits of the city of Richmond extended north and south one and a half miles, and east and west about three-fourths of a mile.

In the vicinity of Richmond in 1857 there were twenty-two flouring mills, twenty-four saw-mills, one oil-mill, two papermills, and a large number of woolen factories. There were two large brick boarding schools within a mile or two of the city, one west and the other south; several extensive nurseries; a horticultural establishment; two sash, blind, door and flooring mills; a cutlery manufactory; a shoe-peg mannfactory; a soap and candle factory. In addition to this in the city of Richmond there were three coal yards, machine shop, manufacturing of agricultural implements, six carriage manufactories, etc., ete.

The value of real estate in Richmond, 1857, was.. 1,528,820 ee '¢ additional improvements in Richmond t18 TWAS eet are vain cies PO Se 253,440

Advance Of A Quarter Of A Century

Richmond steadily grew and prospered, her most flourishing period being the decade between 1850 and 1860, when it gained over 5,000 in population. Its slowest growth was Letween 1830 and 1850. The civil war was no detriment to her advancement. While the county suffered severely, owing to the large force placed in the field, Richmond, being a center for military purposes, was sustained in her growth, that growth being nearly fifty per cent. for the decade between 1860 and 1870. Not only was this period of a quarter of a century one of advancement in point of population, but its material interests developed in a ratio equally as great. The city expanded its limits, and its growth was of a solid and endurable kind. Railroads were built, gravel roads and turnpikes made, and the cultivation of soil increased by a thorough farming population. These all combined to make Richmond's advancement one of substantial prosperity.

In the " Board of Trade Review," the following exhaustive statistics of her business interests can be read with pleasure as well as profit :

Board Of Trade

The Board of Trade was organized in 1869, and was an active agent in developing and giving publicity to the mannfacturing and other business interests of the city, necessary to the public welfare, and which could hardly have been otherwise accomplished. It was suffered to lapse, but again recovered in 1874. The business of that year the board determined to report, and one of the most complete statistical works ever issued was the result of their labor. Why such an institution was allowed to die, or go out of existence, is hard to explain, and certainly was not creditable to the business men of the city. A better advertising medium for the trade of Richmond was never issued, or the reputation of the business men of the city for energy and progressiveness never better held up and exemplified.

After this so successful, though, as it proved, spasmodic effort, the association was again allowed to lapse, and in 1880 an effort was made to form an association under the above name, which was accomplished Dec. 31, 1880. J. W. Grubbs was elected President, Jos. G. Lemon, Vice-President, and A. E. Crocker, Secretary and Treasurer. The Directors were: W. OC. Starr, C. B. Hunt, T. W. Haynes and W. I. Dulin, all of whom, including the officers, still hold their positions.

It may be said that this organization is a successor of the Board of Trade, but what it has done to give the business interests of Richmond any name beyond its local limits is at present hard to say. It appears to be simply a board of arbitration among the business men, but has nothing of the character of a Board of Trade, with its annual report or "Trade Review." It would be of great importance, if this association should make an annual report as one of its features, and scatter a few thousand copies in the outside world. This would be like casting bread upon the waters, and it is donbtful if many days would elapse ere the return could be both seen and felt. Such an effort is worthy of the business talent

Population Of Richmond

To the above population as given may be added that taken by the city in 1874, to which was added the per cent. of gain of the preceding four years, and then the number published as the census of 1875. . This gives full information as its heading indicates.

City Officials

As is elsewhere stated, Richmond was incorporated as a village in 1818; as a borough in 1834; and asa city in 1840. A complete list of city officers from 1840 to 1884 is given below.

1840 - At the election on May 4, 1840, the following were elected: Mayor, John Sailor; Councilmen, Bazel Brightwell, I. Hollingsworth, William Parry, Nathan Morgan; Treasurer, John Haines; Marshal, Jesse Meek; Clerk, D. P. Holloway; Assessor, Eli Brown. The judges of the above election were Atticus Siddall and Achilles Williams.

1867 - The New Charter was adopted December, 1866, and the first election under it took place on the first Tuesday of May, 1867. The following officers were elected:

City Building

The Warner building, in which the city offices are, was erected by Dr. Ithamer Warner, an early physician, and a much honored citizen of Richmond. It was built for a residence, public hall, ete. Dr. Warner died in 1835, and in his will gave the town the rental of the property. The greater portion of the building is rented to various parties for school purposes, and brings in a revenue of about $400 per year.

Receipts. '

Potabne lance in SPONA FANGS. eannan s kaar aas tence csc hhe $ 3,501.84 EAEN IANCA IN PUNOTO! TONG. EEAS rar ESE ANELEE VERECA NEAR 46,251.70 UAA ok E ET T clewe.a sis visas A $49,753.54

Bonded Indebtedness City Limits

The city of Richmond has been extended from time to time during the past seventy years of its existence, and in its limits is now embraced an area of two and a half miles east and west, and two miles north and south. It is likely that quite a large addition will soon be made covering ground recently purchased by a syndicate, and lying on the opposite or west side of the Whitewater River.

Prior to 1840, the original plat of Richmond, as laid off by John Smith, had received eight additions made by Jeremiah Cox, Charles W. Starr, Isaac Jones, Achilles Williams, Robert Morrisson, Caleb Bond, Jesse Iden and Joseph Plummer. As is shown by a map made by William Dewey in 1840, no lots had been laid off farther east than what is now Eleventh street, on the north side of Main. Above North B street, Sixth street (now Ninth) was the limit of the lots, and they extended as far north as Vine (now North D) street. There were but few lots marked off northwest of Front street and Fort Wayne avenue, all of which are now known by the latter name. A triangular piece of land lying betw2en Fort Wayne avenue and Washington avenue, and extending north to High street, is marked '' Northern Liberties" on the map, and was at the extreme northern limit of the platted portion of the city.

South B); and the extreme eastern limit was Sixth (now Ninth street), with the exception of one tier of lots in a block adjoining Main and extending south to South A.

Table Of Tax Levies

The office was established in 1818, and Robert Morrisson became the first Postmaster. The growth of Richmond may be gathered from thé fact that the receipts the first year were a trifle over $9, and postage nearly or quite ten times its present rate. The receipts in 1824 were less than $25. In 1856 they reached the sum of $1,406.13. The " Board of Trade Review" for 1875 gives the following interesting statistics of the business of the office for the preceding year, that of 1874:

Kind Of Orders

Richmond was made a free-delivery postoffice Jan. 1, 1881. Seven carriers and seven clerks are now employed. During the year ending June 30, 1883, the mail matter delivered was as follows:

The salary of the postmaster (according to the Postmaster General's report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1883) is $2,500; salary allowed clerks, $3,318. Other allowances make up a total of salary and allowances amounting to $7,103.

Street Railroads

Richmond has so far progressed in metropolitan ways as to have street railways. These were first started in running order in September, 1873. In March of that year, a charter was granted to S. C. Mendenhall, its projector, William S. Reid, D. K. Zelier, Isaac O. Teague, Abijah Moffitt, Dr. Houghton, C. F. Coffin and Joseph Dickinson. S. ©. Mendenhall was elected President; ©. F. Coffin, Treasurer, and Joseph Dickinson, Secretary. In 1876 Isaac C. Teague leased the road for one year, at the expiration of which time, the spring of 1877, the company sold out to J. F. Miller, when the present Street Railroad Company was formed. The Superintendent of the road is F. M. Francisco, who has acted as such from 1873 to 1876, and from 1880 to the present time. There are about three and a half miles of road in operation at this time. The cars run from the court-house to Glen Miller, and from Main and Eighth street to the Union Depot. The company have five cars and good stable accommodations on Seventh street. The directory is composed of William E. Bell, Thomas Rose, J. ©. Ratliff, J. F. Miller and James Turner. J. C. Miller, President; J. ©. Ratliff,*Vice-President, and H. I. Miller, Secretary and Treasurer.

Express Companies

The first express office opened in Richmond was by Locke & Co., who were succeeded by the American Express Company. Then came next the United States Express Company, in 1863. M. Y. Graff was the agent of both companies at the time the latter opened its office until his death in 1865, when his son, P. C. Graff, succeeded to the agency. Another office called the Merchants' Union Express was opened a few years later, with E. G. Hibberd as agent, but it was soon merged into the American, and the agent of the two first, P. C. Graff, still continued to hold the position, until the United States Express Company opened a separate office. This latter company appointed J. Izor as their agent, who served until his death, when D. P. Hiatt was chosen to fill the vacancy. Messrs. Graff and Hiatt filled the position of agents of the two companies until they again occupied one office, when Mr. Graff was continued as the agent of both. On Nov. 1, 1881, the Adams Express Company opened its office in Richmond, and occupied for a month the same office with the other companies, Mr. Grarf acting for all. Soon after, the United States opened a separate office, appointing a Mr. Richey, of Muncie, Ind., its agent. He resigned the next year, 1882, and T. O. Davis succeeded him, who still holds the position, Mr. Graff being the agent of Adams and American until June 1, 1883, when the American retired from the field, turning its territory over to the Adams and United States Express companies, Mr. Graff still being the agent pany was organized in June, 1855, with a capital of $25,000. Its stockholders were Charles Collier, Robert Morrisson, William Cain, John T. Plummer and William R. Webster. John T. Plummer was its first President; William R. Webster, Secretary; William Cain, Treasurer. The works were built by Charles Collier, and completed in December, 1855. In December, 1856, they were leased to Starr & White (James M. Starr and Benjamin C. White), who carried on the business for about thirteen years. A new charter was granted in 1870. J. M. Starr was then President, and Benjamin Starr, Secretary. The receipts for gas for that year were $19,000. Ninety-one street lamps were supplied and over 700 private consumers. In 1871 the capital stock of the gas company was raised to $100,000. In 1882-83 the works were entirely rebuilt and supplied with new machinery. The capacity of the works is now 500,000 feet per day. Two hundred and twenty-eight street lamps and about 1,100 private consumers are now supplied by them. Mr. Starr has owned the entire works since 1868. C. C. Binkley has served as Secretary since 1874.

Richmond Industrial Association

This association was organized in 1870 as a joint stock company, to conduct the business of ordinary county agricultural societies on an amplified and more diversified basis. Thirty-three acres of suitable ground were secured in the northeast corner of the city corporate limits, alongside of the tracks of the Columbus, the Dayton and the Cincinnati railroads. This ground was improved by the erection of appropriate buildings for the exhibition of the fine arts, fruits and other products of the soil, live stock, manufactures, agricultural implements, farm products, and all the usual variety of articles spread out at agricultural fairs. An excellent time-track was constructed, and abundant stables and sheds provided.

The Fire Department

The first regularly organized fire company in Richmond seems to have been formed in 1830. According to information furnished by John A. Wright, who was secretary of the meeting, the citizens met at Jeffries' tavern on the 6th of December, 1830, and fifteen names were enrolled as members of the company, viz.: Benj. Fulghum, Aaron Pleas, William Dulin, Lewis Burk, Jesse Stutler, Zimri Strattan, Ephraim Ralin, Levi P. Rothermel, Abraham Jeffries, Wm. N. Cammack, Job W. Swain, Jehiel Wasson, John A. Wright and Leander Cary. Job Swain presided.

Prior to this meeting a fire engine had been bought, in 1829, for $600. It was an oblong box, 4 x 6 feet, and one foot deep, mounted on wheels. It was moved by a rope, to which pins for the hands to grasp were attached at suitable distances. About midway on each side of the box and attached to it were fixed upright standards for the support of the operating machinery. The latter consisted of a crossshaft with two cranks placed at right angles with it and opposite each other; this shaft was provided with suitable bearings in the uprights. Another shaft, similarly arranged, was placed above the first, and at each end of it was a drivingwheel, the cogs of which were geared into pinions on either side of the shaft. The driving-wheels were each provided with pin handles for turning, of sufficient strength for six men at each wheel. The bottom of the box supported two cylinders, which were attached to it, and constituted the pumps. They were about four inches in diameter and twelve in height. Piston rods, with valve heads, working in stuffing boxes which formed the tops or caps of the pumps, were connected with the cranks of the shaft, by the revolutions of which the pumps were worked. A branch pipe connected the bottoms of the pumps, terminating in a common orifice, to which the hose and to that the nozzle wasattached. Orifices opened from the lower end of the pump, connecting this with the box in which the water was stored, and thus performing the functions of the modern suction hose. The box, or tank, was filled with water by buckets brought by hand.

A new company was formed in 1832, with the following members. It will be seen that the list includes most of the business men of that period: Ithamer Warner, James Henry, Jonas Gaar, James Stuckey, Alexander Price, David Hook, William Cox, John Suffrins, Benjamin Fulghum, Zimri Strattan, Andrew Furguson, Rese Jones, Matthew Rattray, Banner Lawhead, W. N. Cammack, John T. Smith, Alexander Moore, Aaron Johnson, L. P. Rothermel, John Brady, Lewis Burk, Wm. Sutherland, Wm. Wiggins, Daniel Morrisson, Samuel Springer, Samuel T. Ogborni, Abel Thornburg, Thomas J. Larsh, John Way and Ira S. Center. Benjamin Fulghum was President; Matthew Rattray, Vice-President; William Cox, Secretary, and Ithamer Warner, Treasurer. This company offered its -resignation to the trustees of the town in January, 1834, and it was accepted.

In the early part of the fourth decade of the present century, aman named Quiner moved to Richmond from Massachusetts. He gave a glowing account of an engine which was then being manufactured in Boston, and induced the citizens of Richmond to purchase one. In 1836 the engine afterward famous as the '" Old Hunker" reached this town, having come from Boston to Cincinnati, whence it was transported by '' prairie schooner " to its destination. This engine had a suction hose and was considered a marvel. The bucket company was no longer necessary to supply water. An engine-house was erected on Pearl street, and for better watersupply large wells were dug in several parts of the town.

The earliest record now in existence is a minute-book of the proceedings of the " Old Hunker Fire Co., No. 2," under the date Feb. 6, 1850, when a constitution and by-laws were adopted and the following officers chosen: W. L. Farquhar, President; W. T.Shearon, Vice-President; S. R. Jamison, Secretary; Wm. W. Rattray, Treasurer; E. H. Page and John Stanton, Directors.

It appears that Company No. 3 was organized Dec. 14, 1850, under the name-of the Hoosier Fire Company, and at a subsequent meeting adopted the constitution and by-laws of the Franklin Fire Company of Cincinnati. J. H. Hutton was chosen President; Jesse M. Hutton, Vice-President; A. W. Mendenhall, Treasurer; S. F. Fletcher and John Conley, Directors; Ezra Smith, Messenger.

At a meeting held April 2, 1853, the city council was asked to remit taxes to the amount of $3 to members of the fire companies. The request was granted, and this was the first instance of the firemen of Richmond being allowed remuneration.

" Old Hunker " continued in use until 1857, when the city purchased an engine known as the Quaker City engine, to take its place, at a cost of $1,579. The former was kept " boarding round," without a home, until 1855, when J. L. Meek and E. H. Page succeeded in raising a fund by subscription for the erection of Engine House, No. 2, at a cost of $1,162. In 1857, the Hoosier Company erected a house for their engine, " The Rowboat,"' just north of the city offices, at a cost of $2,390.

In the fall of 1858 Washington Fire Company, composed principally of Germans, was organized. They erected a house in 1859, on a lot donated by John J. Conley, had a secondhand-engine, and did efficient service. They bought another old engine in Dayton in 1863. This was the last hand-engine purchased.

by several prominent citizens in 1859, but nothing was accomplished until the tullowing year. An engine was purchased by the city council in 1860, and a house for it erected at a total cost of $6,577.

The Mechanics Fire Company, No. 4, was organized Jan. 6, 1861, with J. M. Gaar, President; E. H. Page, James M. Smith, W. G. Scott and J. W. Starr, Vice-Presidents; J. M. Blanchard, Secretary; and Thomas Newby, Treasurer. The fire companies in 1861 were therefore Washington (No. 1), Quaker City (No. 2), Hoosier (No. 3), and Mechanies (No. 4), each having about 100 men.

One of the first fires which the steamer was called upon to subdue was that of the pork-packing house of Vanneman, Reid & Co., which raged for fifteen hours. "

In 1866 a hook and ladder company was organized and equipped ata cost of about $1,000. In 1871 No. 4 was exchanged for a new engine. In 1872 a second steamer was procured by exchanging two of the hand-engines and paying the difference, and in the same year the fire department of the city was made a paid department. The National Fire-Alarm system of electric alarins was adopted in 1876 ata cost of $4,750. An inventory of the property belonging to the fire department, made May 1, 1883, shows that the total value of the same is $22,- 746. Total expenditures for the year (including $8,513.36, paid in salaries), $12,322.95. Nine horses are in the service of the department.

Officers Of The Fire Department For 1883-4

Company No. 2 - Engineer, James Parsons; Fireman, Chas. Herbeler; Driver of Engine, Rufus A. Newman; Driver of Reel, Clark Yeager; Minute Men, Wm. L. Thomas, John Estell, Chas. Hessman, Mart. Hudson.

Water-Works

At the present writing, appearances indicate that waterworks in the city will soon become an established fact. The Richmond Water-Works Company was incorporated July 16, 1883, with the following Directors: S. L. Wiley, John W. Grubbs, S. R. Wiggins, D. K. Zeller, Ellis Thomas and W.P. Hutton. Capital stock, $250,000. Feb. 19, 1884, the company was fully organized with the following officers: A. E. Crocker, President; J. W. Grubbs, Vice-President; J. A. Norton, Secretary; W. P. Hutton, Treasurer.

Operations will soon be commenced, and it is expected that the works will be completed during the year 1884. The Holly system with the Wiley improvement will be used.