Wayne County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 3 of those read), 1884

Industrial Interests Of Richmond

AN Account OF THE ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRIAL WEALTH OF THE City. - InTRODUCTORY. - EARLY MANUFACTURING EsTABLISHMENTS. - EARLY TANNERIES, Mitts, Drew- ERIES, CARDING AND Wooren Mitts, Founprizs, Corron Mitts, erc. - Leapine MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS OF Later Times. - HisrorroaL Accounts oF THE Leapine In- DUSTRIES oF To-pay. - TuE FOUNDERS AND INCORPORATORS. - Business Coances. - Present PROPRIETORS AND AMOUNT OF CAPITAL InvEstED. - l'nE Banks or RICHMOND. - SUMMARY oF BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The city of Richmond has become noted as the seat of important manufactories, ranking high in this respect among the cities of the West. Its industrial growth began early and has been gradual but constant. The early settlers perceived that the inland situation of the town, at a time when railroads were unknown, precluded extensive commercial relations with the rest of the world, and therefore wisely devoted themselves to fostering and encouraging homne interests, establishing manufactures and thus laying the permanent foundations of the future greatness and prosperity of the city. The advent of railroads gave an impetus to business of every kind, making the beginning of an era of more rapid development. Few cities in the West - few, indeed, anywhere in the conntry - have, in proportion to population, a greater varietv and extent of business interests than Richmond. The city is steadily and rapidly increasing in wealth, population and commercial importance.

In this chapter will be found a brief account of some of the earliest enterprises of the city, together with carefully prepared sketches of the most important establishments of

City Of Richmond Early Industries

A tannery was started in Richmond in 1818, by John Smith, and operated by Joseph Wilmot. Another of seventy vats wasestablished by Robert Morrisson during the same year. It was located on the north side of Main street, between Washington and Green streets.

Early grist-mills are elsewhere mentioned. One of the first industries of the town wasa brewery, established by Ezra Boswell, about 1816. His shop was on Front street, north of Main. It is said that he hada good patronage.

About the year 1818 Daniel S. Anthony erected a cardingmillat the junction of Fort Wayne avenue and old Pearl street (now Fifth street), where he carried on business several years. The machinery used in the old mill was rude and primitive but it served a useful purpose. The motive power was horse-power, a single horse in a tread-mill. Mr. Anthony returned to the East and settled in Jewett City, Conn.. where he became a wealthy and prominent citizen and served several years asa bank president. He was born in Rhode Island in the latter part of the last century and is a first cousin of Senator Anthony. He was still living in January. 1884.

Christian Buhl, a German, established a brewery as early as 1830, on Main street. He continued the business several years, making money rapidly for those days.

Near the present site of the gas-works a woolen factory was established by Philip Harter, about 1827. It was run only about five years. The water-power was furnished by springs, part of the water being conducted by pipes under the river, from a source near William Baxter's residence, and the rest from the east side of the river.

Near the same period Job W. Swain and Jonas Gaar erected a carding-mill on South Front (now Fourth street). They operated it in the winter season only, Gaar working as a cabinet maker and Swain as an iron-worker during the rest of the year. They worked in this manner until the fall of 1835, when they commenced the manufacture of woolen machinery and general jobbing work.

In 1831, Grover & Williams erected a foundry for the manufacture of stoves, plows, etc., In 1836 Swain & Gaar consolidated their business with that of Grover & Williams, and the firm of Thornburg, Haynes & Co. was formed, -Abel Thornburg and John Haynes being among the proprietors. They made woolen-mill machinery and did a large amount of casting, employing from seventy-five to one hundred men; but in 1838 they were overtaken by misfortune. A little later they were succeeded by Ellis Nordyke and Shipley Foulke, who carried on a less extensive business, manufacturing stoves principally. The machine shop and foundry were subsequently in the hands of different proprietors and finally were abandoned. The lot is now occupied by the county jail.

About 1828 a silk factory was started, near the site of the Green street mill, by George W. Rowlett, who carried on the business a number of years. He brought cocoons to Richmond and raised the silkworms here, ina building on the corner of Twelfth and Main streets. Mr. Rowlett also brought to the county the first shingle machine for cutting shingles with a knife from steamed lumber. This he located two miles north of Richmond, on the Union Branch turnpike, whence he afterward removed it to a location near Washington. He removed to Jay County later, and there engaged in farming until his death, in 1857. Mr. Rowlett was a native of Philadelphia, born of English parents. His grandfather was a native of France. The name was originally spelled Roulette. Mr. Rowlett was a noted mathematician, and gained a high reputation as a school-teacher. Two of his sons, O. B. and J. V., who are elsewhere mentioned, are both in business in Richmond, and are the inventors of valuable machinery.

Jesse Clark, who came from North Carolina, built the first fulling-mill in the county, two miles north of Richmond. After a few years he transferred the machinery to a building which stood on or near the present site of the Green street flouring mill. Samuel Test and Warner M. Leeds leased the mill and added machinery for carding, spinning and weaving. In 1825 the property was leased to Levinus, Thomas W. and Dean King. In 1827 the Public Ledger stated : '*The Messrs. King are extending their woolen factory with laudable enterprise. They have recently commenced the manufacture of broadcloth, in a manner which does them credit. They have also commenced the manufacture of blankets." Levinus King became sole proprietor in 1834. Three years later a company known as the Richmond Trading and Manufacturing Company was formed. Its members were Levinus King, of the woolen-mill; Warner M. Leeds and Isaac E. Jones, owners of the paper-mill; and James R. Mendenhall, proprietor of the Cox grist-mill. The company continued business until 1843. Mr. King then took charge and ran the mill until 1853. It was afterward changed toa flax-dressing mill.

Two Englishmen, direct from London, began the establishment of a brewery in 1827, which the Publice Ledger predicted would be successful. The editor also thought that " the wholesome beverage should take the place of the burning whisky which is now so common." This brewery was at the old Cushman distillery.

Even in 1827 the manufacturing interests, the foundation of the future prosperity of Richmond, had already become large in comparison with the size of the town. Encouraged by the outlook, the editor of the Ledger called for the establishment of a satinet factory and acotton factory. The latter soon appeared.

About 1831 Charles W. Starr built a cotton factory just above the bridge on the Williamsburg turnpike. It was operated by him several years and then sold to Job Swain, who sold the mill machinery and established a peg-factory in the building. Isaaç E. Jones afterward converted it into a silkfactory. This was succeeded by a grist-mill, called the Spring Mill. Joseph P. Laws bought the property later and established a tannery, which also passed out of existence.

The old cotton factory which was started in 1826 by Samuel Smith was afterward the property of Chas. W. Starr, and the cotton-mill was abandoned in 1836; then the building was turned into a shoe-peg factory, and from that to a machine shop, and then to a silk factory in 1842. This proved a failure and the next was a grist-mill, and last a tannery. This building that had been used for so many different kinds of business, and nothing long, was located near the present site of the Gaar Machine Works.

Prominent Industrial Establishments

Book Bindery. - The only establishment of this kind in the city is that of Nicholson & Bro., established in 1870. They employ from twelve to fifteen hands in this department and the manufacture of blank books and paper boxes. The building devoted to this business is two stories, 30 x 60 feet in size. This firm have long been engaged in the book and stationery trade in Richmond and have a first-class establishment.

Cain's Lumber Yard. - In 1872 W. E. Dulin commenced the lumber business at the southeast corner of Eleventh and Main streets. . In 1878 he sold out to William Cain, who still continues the business. He has two yards, one at the corner of Eleventh and Main streets, and the other on Eleventh Street, both having an area of 33,000 feet. The amount of lumber handled is over 3,000,000 feet annually.

Cary, Rowlett & Co., 1100 North Æ Street - This firm began business Jan. 1, 1884. The firm consists of Alonzo Cary, O. B. Rowlett and Henry Farmer.. They manufacture the check-rower (for use in planting corn) and the Hamilton corn-planter. Mr. Farmer is the patentee of both of these inventions. The planter was manufactured exclusively by the Farmer Manufacturing Company during 1880 and 1881. Messrs. Cary and Rowlett were engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds from 1877 until 1884. The firm now employ about a dozen men, and are making a specialty of the check-rower.

Champion Roller Milling Co. - This was organized as a stock company July 1, 1883. The building used is a three and a half story brick. It was erected in 1877, designed as a mill for the manufacture of linseed oil, and was used for that purpose by the company, Kendall, Barnes & Co., until July 1, 1882, when the firm was changed to Kendall, Reeves & Co., who continued until 1883. Then the company formed and arranged for the manufacture of flour under the new patent process. The mill is now in successful operation, with a capacity of 200 barrels every twenty-four hours. The machinery is run by a steam engine of sixty horse-power. About fourteen hands are employed. The Directors of the company are: Jas. E. Reeves, F. M. Clark and Arthur Reeves, the former being President, and the latter Secretary and Treasurer.

Champion Roller Skate and Wagon Company. - This company began business in January, 1884, and was incorporated Feb. 6, 1884, with a capital stock of $15,000. J. F. Reeves is President of the company; Reuben Mysick, Secretary and Treasurer; and J. V. Rowlett, Manager. They manufacture the J. V. Rowlett patent Champion roller skates and children's toy wagons patented by J. V. Rowlett. The manufactory is located at 1122 North E street.

Chase Piano Company. - The manufacture of pianos as now carried on, and the high reputation the pianos have gained, have been a source of pride to the city of Richmond for the past five years. The Trayer Piano Company was started in June, 1875, with George Trayer as President, and Richard Jackson as Secretary and Treasurer. The company continued for three years with limited means, but with an improving business, which gave assurance of success, as only increased capital was needed. This was secured in September, 1878, when the present company was formed with a capital stock of $100,000, of which $87,000 was paid in and the Chase Piano Company became the successor of Trayer Piano Company. The company secured twenty-three acres of ground and the finest water-power on the Whitewater. Their factory is a large four-story building, and such additions as needed, all covering a space of 70,000 square feet.

They commenced business by turning out one piano a week, but, in 1882, they employed 125 hands, and paid out $55,000 in wages. The past year, 1883, 150 hands, all skilled workmen, have been employed, and their labor account exceeded $65,000. The company have six patents secured, and issued to M. J. Chase, a skilled mechanic, whose inventive genius is still at work. The Chase piano is now rapidly coming into use as inferior to none, and standing in the front rank of musical instruments. The present officers of the company are: James M. Starr, President; Chas. F. Coftin, Vice-president; Benj. Starr, Secretary and Treasurer; and M. J. Chase, Business Manager.

Church, School and Office Furniture. - These works, Haynes, Spencer & Co., proprietors, probably the most extensive in the West, had a small beginning in 1866 by John Allen. Later, G. H. Grant became a partner, then owner, and took in with him Joshua Nickerson and William Wootin. Their business was small, and their factory was a small frame building, of about 1,700 square feet of space, which served as finishing-room, salesroom and office combined. In 1871 T. W. Haynes purchased William Wootin's one-third interest. That year they purchased ground, to erect works of their own. In 1873 Grant & Haynes purchased Nickerson's interest, and then sold the same to William F. Spencer. The partnership thus formed continued for five years when Grant sold his interest to his remaining partners. Messrs. Haynes and Spencer then formed a joint stock company, with a capital of $75,000, with T. W. Haynes as President, and William F. Spencer, Secretary and Treasurer. They have one building, 80 x 25, and another 60 x 55, four stories high. Their mill was burned in July, 1881, with a loss of $35,000, and insurance of $17,000. A new building was erected, four stories high, 100 x 45 feet, and an L, 80x50 feet, and completed within eighty days. Another fire the same year destroyed about $5,000 worth of furniture. The past year, 1883, a purchase of ground was made and a four story brick building was erected, 60 x 140, and a foundry, brick, 60 x 130. They have now about 100,- 000 feet of floor room, employ 200 hands, and do a business

City Carriage Works. - This factory, located at 7, 9 and 11 South Sixth street, was established in 1857, by S. B. Lippincott. After several changes of owners it was purchased in 1877 by Philip Schneider, the present proprietor. The main building is two stories, 40 x 80 feet. A ,three-story building, 25 x 50 feet, is also occupied by the works. From twenty to twenty-five men are employed. Phaetons, carriages, buggies and spring wagons are manufactured.

City Mill Works. - These works were founded Aug. 22,1876, by Joseph G. Lemon. Shortly afterward a stock company, styled the Richmond City Mill Works, was formed. The officers were Christian Fetta, President; Nathaniel W. Briggs, Secretary and Treasurer; and ©. F. Walters, Manager; Directors: A. E. Crocker, N. W. Briggs, J. G. Lemon, O. F. Walters, Christian Fetta and James M. Starr. The company purchased the property of the Malleable Iron Works, which had succumbed to a financial disaster, and added to it both large and valuable improvements. Opening in the fall of 1876, they have been progressive and prosperous. They are giving employment to 125 hands, have a 100 horse-power engine to run their machinery, and manufacture exclusively flouring-mill machinery. Their sales in Indiana and adjoining States exceed $300,000 per annum. Present officers are: J. G. Lemon, President; L. T. Lemon, Secretary and Treasurer, and O. F. Walters, Manager of the works. The dimensions of the buildings occupied by the works are as follows: Main bnilding, 60 x 150 feet, with a wing of the same size ; stone shop, 60 x 100; foundry, 50 x 60; blacksmith shop, 40 x 50; wood-working shop, 32 x 100.

Cojin Works. - The coffin works of Ezra Smith & Co. are as widely known as any other manufacturing institution in the city of Richmond. The business when started in the fifties was a sash, door and blind factory, owned by Jno. Ilillowpeter, and in 1859 he was succeeded by Ezra Smith & Co. They continued the business, including lumber and building material, until Jan. 1, 1872, when an incorporation was effected, with a capital stock of $50,000, and the coffin works became a fixed fact. The success of the company has been scarcely paralleled by any single business interest in the city. It has increased its resources to a paid-up capital ot $100,000. On the organization of the company new buildinfs were erected, consisting of a four-story brick, in all covering a working space of 48,000 square feet. Their engine is of forty-five horse-power, and sixty hands are employed in their business, which now extends to every part of the Union.

Dunham æ Cols Lumber Yard. - E. B. & G. H. Dunham, under the firm name of E. B. Dunham & Co., engaged in the lumber business at 513 North Twelfth street, in 1868, and have since conducted a large business. They also carry on extensive lumbering operations in the State of Tennessee, and send their products to almost every part of the Union.

Empire Steel Plow Works. - The manufacture of steel plows was commmenced in 1832 by Solomon and David S. Horney. About eight years later Solomon Horney became sole proprietor, and so continued until 1848, when he was again joined by D. S. Horney, who remained in the business until 1850. Solomon Horney continued alone until 1852, when he took George McCullough into partnership. In 1853 Elwood Patterson became a partner. These three, under the firm name of S. Horney & Co., continued business until 1876, when Horney retired. McCullough also withdrew two years later, and Elwood Patterson has since been sole proprietor

The early business was carried on on a small scale, but the establishment now takes rank among the first in the city. At first, cast and steel plows were manufactured, but for the past thirty-four years steel plows exclusively have been made. The factory was originally on tke corner of Fort Wayne and Washingion avenues, but since 1867 has been in its present location, 283 Fort Wayne avenue. The shops occupy an area of 17,000 square feet. About twenty men are regularly employed, and about 4,000 plows made annually.

Fleecy Dale Woolen-Mills. - The site of this mill, on the East Fork of the Whitewater, was first occupied by a saw-mill. In 1825 Benjamin Hibberd bought the site and established a woolen-mill. About 1849 the property was pur- chased of Mr. Hibberd by Benjamin Bond and Alpheus Test, and operated by them several years. Samuel Nixon and Ezekiel Aikin were the next owners and carried on business until 1867, when Ezekiel Aiken and Samuel Porter became proprietors. This firm continued to do business until 1878 under the name E. Aiken & Co. Mr. Aiken then became sole proprietor. He died in 1881, and the business has since been conducted by his heirs. The main building is of wood, three stories high, T-shaped, containing an area of about 12,000 square feet. There is also an addition, two stories high, 18x36 feet. Themill is provided with new machinery. A large amount of weaving was formerly done, but at present the manufacture of yarn is the principal work.

James W. Moore is a son of David and grandson of Alexander Moore, who was a lineal descendant of Irish ancestors, and married Jane Homan. David Moore was born in Uniontown, Pa., Oct. 6,1811, and was left an orphan at an early age, with little means. He had an innate love of knowledge, and by self application, with little assistance, acquired a good education. Hecame to Wayne County in an early day and for several years taught school; subsequently engaged in the mercantile business in Centreville. In 1847 he located in Connersville, Ind., where he was soon after elected Secretary of the Whitewater Canal Company, serving until his death, Feb. 12, 1852. He left a widow and four children. - Jacob R., of Indianapolis; Emma J. Richardson, of Cincinnati, Ohio; James W. and Martha E. Gossett, of Indianapolis. His wife, to whom he was married Sept. 21, 1857, was Catharine, daughter of Elijah Fisher, an early settler of Centreville. Elijah Fisher was born in Kentucky about 1782, and about 1800 married Nancy Meek, daughter of Jacob Meek, of Kentucky. In 1804, with his wife and one child, he came to Wayne County, Ind., his wife riding a horse and he walking allthe way. They located near Richmond where he carried on farming. After his permanent settlement, his. parents and nine other children joined him in Wayne County. He was the father of ten children - Jacob, John, Jennings, Nancy, Permelia, Betsey, Effie, Catherine, Ronan and Martha. Although a member of no church he favored the

Baptist church, in which he was reared. He died in Centreville in 1852. Of his children, four girls - Permelia, Catherine, Ronan and Martha - are living. Permelia, now the widow of Thomas Gentry, resides in Centreville and believes herself the eldest native-born resident of the county. James W. Moore was born in Centreville, Sept. 2, 1844. He was ` reared in his native county, and in Greenfield, Ind., where he obtained a fair education. He returned to Centreville in 1866, and in April, 1871, was appointed Deputy Clerk of Wayne Circuit Court, serving under Colonel W. W. Dudley until January, 1876, when he was appointed Clerk to fill an unexpired term. In the fall of the same year he was elected to the office by the Republican party and served till the fall ot 1880. Since then he has been engaged in the Quaker City Chair Factory. He was married to Louise J. Rupe, a native of Economy, Ind., born Feb. 5, 1850, a daughter of Henry B. and Jane Rupe. They have three children - Henry A., Emma R. and Nellie L.

Fry Brothers Sash and Door Factory. - In 1875 H. Cadwallader & Oo..began the business at present carried on by this firm. Itincluded the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, frames, moldings, desks and pumps. The business was carried on by the above firm three years, when the present proprietors succeeded. In 1880 the firm changed to Fry & Hadley, but in 1881 the name became Fry Brothers. The firm consists of James E. and ©. A. Fry. They employ fifteen men on an average and occupy 18,215 square feet of room. The factory is located at 17 and 19 South Eleventh street.

Fulton Boiler Works. - These works were established by their present proprietor, Jerry Cowhig, in 1876. The shops, located north of the Union depot, are 45 x 110 feet in size. Employment is given to from twenty to twenty-five hands and every kind of steam boiler and sheet iron work is manufactured.

Gaar, Scott & Co - The extensive establishment of this company stands foremost among the many industrial interests of Richmond and is among the leading manufactories of the kind in the country. The works, and the wide reputation

Oity Of Richmond

In 1836 Isaac E. Jones commenced the manufacture of stoves in a building which now stands on the corner of Sixth and North F streets, to which location it was removed in 1856 to make room fora machine shop. Three years later (1839) Jesse M. and John H. Hutton became the owners. They enlarged and renovated the establishment and called it the Spring Foundry. In 1841 they made the first threshing machine ever built in Indiana. It was of the style known as the ''chaff piler." Messrs. Hutton managed the business until 1849 and then sold to Jonas Gaar, Abram Gaar, John M. Gaar and William G. Scott, who, in 1852, began the manufacture of threshers. These gentlemen conducted the business under the firm name of A. Gaar & Oo. until April 1, 1870, when the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co. was incorporated, with a capital of $400,000. Froma modest beginning, their business at the above date had grown to about $350,000 per year and employed 200 hands. In 1874 the company was reorganized under the same name with a capital of $350,000. The present capital is the same. The present officers of the company are Abram Gaar, President; Joseph B. Craijhhead, Vice-President; Wm. G. Scott, Secretary; Jno. Milton Gaar, Treasurer. i

The establishment now occupies nearly nine acres of ground and fifteen buildings, with a floor room amounting to several acres. The principal buildings are as follows: Main building, four stories, brick, 40 x150 feet, T-shaped; machine shop, 50 x 190 feet, three stories, brick; molding room, 50x140 feet; boiler-shops, brick, 188x110 and 35x120 feet; blacksmith shop, 40 x 90 feet; supply room, 30x70 feet ; engine house, 30x70 feet; warehouses, one a three-story, brick, with slate roof - size, 50x 200 feet; and thefothers, 60x 100 feet, and 40x70 feet. The works are fitted throughout with the best of machinery, which is driven by a steam engine of 250 horsepower. The company manufactures portable engines ot every kind, plain and traction,and steam and horse-power tnreshing machines. The separators made by Gaar, Scott & Co. were awarded first premiums in 1860, by the United States Agricultural Society, and at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876.

They have also taken numerous premiums at State fairs, as have also the engines made by this company. The machines are in use in nearly all of the States and Territories of the United States, as well as in Sweden, Russia, and other foreign countries. The number of engines made in 1883 was 540; number of threshing machines, 500.

About 400 men are constantly employed, and the pay-roil amounts to $250,000 yearly. No interest of this section of the State is more substantial and prosperous, and none has merited greater prosperity.

Grain Elevator - The Depot Grain Elevator was established by Mitchell & Benson prior to 1861. This firm was succeeded by Bush & Co. about 1870 and by H. M. Van Frank in 1874, who enlarged the buildings and carried on a larger business. The main building is three stories, 60 x 120 feet. Mr. Van Frank failed in 1883.

Grant & Hempleman, manufacturers of church and school furniture. This firm was organized in 1878, and has since conducted a very prosperous business. Their manufactory now ranks among the leading enterprises of the city. Geo. H. Grant, the senior member of the firm, was the first to engage in the manufacture of this kind of furniture in Richmond, where he has been in business almost constantly since 1865. Mr. Hempleman has also been in the same business for along time. The firm make and sell over thirty different styles of church furniture and thirteen of school furniture. Their products are in use in more than twenty States of the Union, and are unsurpassed in style and quality.

Green Street Mills. - The present building was erected in 1864, by Marmon, Nordyke & Co., and is seven stories high, 30 x 36 feet. It has a fine water-power and also a steam attachment, which was added in the spring of 1883. The building was first occupied by H. C. Wright as a flouring-mill until 1876, when it was purchased by O. G. Carpenter. Originally the mill started with four run of burrs, and this continued until 1883. In the spring of that year the mill was renovated and provided with improved machinery of the patent roller process, and is now one of the most complete flouring establishments in the State. There is $25,000 of invested capital.

Hames and Chain Works. - These works were first started as early as 1832, on a small scale, by Wm. Cunningham, and carried on by hand. Since that time the business has changed hands several times, finally becoming the property of W. C. Starr, in the year 1866. The business had grown considerably during all those years, was carried on by steam, and was located on Smith street, near Pearl.

In 1872 Mr. Starr removed to his present location, having erected a two-story brick building, 60x 74, and a one-story back-shop, 58x 67 feet in size. The chain works were added in 1875, and the business has now assumed much importance. The works are conducted by W. C. Starr & Son, employing sixty-five hands and a motive power of forty-horse steam-engine.

Hoosier Drill Company. - The manufacture of the Hoosier drills was begun by Joseph Ingels at Milton, Wayne County, in 1857, under patents of his own. He continued until 1867, when a stock company was formed, which continued until 1873, when it was re-organized, J. M. Wescott becoming the principal stockholder. They manufacture grain drills, corn drills, hay rakes and broad-cast seeders. These articles have a wide-spread reputation and the demand is ahead of the supply.

The works were removed from Milton to Richmond in 1878, where during the year large and greatly improved works had been erected, which were taken possession of in October of the same year. Since then additions to the works have been made rendering them still more complete in every respect for the more perfect and rapid manufacture of their wares. The latest addition was a new engine-house and a fine engine of 150 horse-power. The buildings constituting the works are four in number, or the main building and additions. The main building is 50 x 350 feet, and four stories high; a wing 100 x 50 feet, same height; foundry, ete., 130 x 80, one story high, and another building same, 85 x 50 feet.

and J. A. Carr, Superintendent, all stockholders in the company. The capital stock when incorporated was $60,000 but is now represented by a much larger capital. It is one of the largest and most prosperous manufacturing interests of the city.

Ice Dealing- - This business, from a very humble beginning, has grown to important proportions. It was begun in 1837 or 1838 by Irvin Reed, who at the time was engaged in the drug business, near the corner of Sixth and Main. The demand for ice for use in case of sickness probably led him to engage in the business. He kept the ice in his cellar and sold it at about three '' bits" per bushel. He continued the business for more than a decade, occasionally making small shipments to Knightstown and other points. During this time he brought the first fresh oysters to Richmond by stage from Baltimore. About the same time a Frenchman named Bouche kept a saloon and did a small business in ice and oysters. William Mashmyer, A. Lewis, J. W. Chandler and others afterward dealt in ice on a small scale. Lewis increased the business, and was succeeded by John Hawkins, after two or three years, who carried it on more extensively.

In 1864 J. W. Brannon and Charles Live started in the business and leased the Thistlewaite Pond. They put up -about 500 tons per year at that time. In 1877 the present firm, Hawkins & Brannon, was organized, consisting of David Hawkins, son of John Hawkins, above named, and J. W. Brannon. The firm now sell about 8,000 tons yearly, which is delivered in all parts of the city. They employ eight or: ten hands and four delivery wagons.

Lron Fence Manufacture. - Samuel Marlatt commenced a general blacksmithing business at No. 123 Fort Wayne avenue in 1877. He is now principally engaged in the manufacture of iron fences, railings, shutters, doors, ete., both of plain and fancy designs.

Liberty Avenue Flour Mills. - This mill was erected in 1868 by Leroy M. and Lafayette Larsh, and at first called the Canal Mills. In 1874 L. M. Larsh retired and Corwin S. Larsh became a partner, the firm becoming Lafe Larsh &

City Of Richmond, 79

CITY OF RICHMOND, 79 Bro. The mill is 46 x 50 feet and has a capacity for manufacturing eighty barrels of flour per day of twenty-four hours.

Main Street Brewery. - The main building of the present: Main Street Brewery was started by Christian Buhl, who established a brewery in Richmond as early as 1830. In 1869 it was purchased at sheriff's sale by Emil Minck, its present proprietor. Mr. Minck has made several improvements and carries on quite an extensive business. His son, Emil Minck, Jr., is associated with him in the management of the establishment.

Pork Packing. - This establishment was commenced in the winter of 1853 - 4, by William Wiggins and William S. Reid, for buying and slanghtering pork. On the death of Mr. Wiggins soon after, Jeremy Mansur joined Mr. Reid. Mansur & Reid carried on the business until 1861 or 1862, when Mr. Mansur retired, and G. W. Vanneman, C. C. Beeler and John P. Smith became partners of Mr. Reid, since which time the business has been continued under the firm name of Vanneman, Reid & Co. In 1867 this establishment took the name of " Charter Oak Pork House." It has the capacity. to slaughter and take care of about 900 hogs a day, or about 20,000 in a season, lasting about twenty days. The average number actually handled within the last three years, prior to 1870, was about 14,000 a year, and the value of the pork annually slaughtered and sold, about $250,000. This establishment was once destroyed by fire, but was promptly rebuilt. Nearly 20,000 were slaughtered in 1870, and in the season of 1871, 20,638. In 1874 it was the third in size in the State of Indiana, with the credit of packing the heaviest average hogs in the State. In1875 the present firm of Reid, Beeler & Co. became the owners, the firm being W. S. Reid, O. O. Beeler, John P. Smith and E. G. Hibberd. They have all the new improved and necessary machinery for their business with a capacity of 1,000 hogs per day. Their works and yards cover six acres.

Quaker City Chair Works were established by W. B. Hadley and Theodore Newman, on South Eleventh street, in 1879. In 1880 James W. Moore became a partner under the above name. Double cane-seat chairs are a specialty. Of all kinds, about forty patents are made, including the perforated-seated chairs. They employ thirty-three hands and also have a large repair shop, from which they give out work to a large number outside. They are doing a prosperous business of over $40,000 a year and improving. Theodore Newman is the manager, with a practical knowledge ot the business in all its branches.

Quaker City Mill. - This mill is located just outside of the city limits, on the New Paris pike, and is now owned by F. H. Stafford. It is one of the oldest mill-sites in the State, alandmark of olden times, well-known to the pioneers who came from far and near to secure its services in turning their corn into meal and wheat into flour. Customers patronized the '* Moffitt Mill," for it was known as such as far west as Indianapolis and north to Ft. Wayne. Charles Moffitt built the first mill in 1815. It was repaired and renewed and changed owners several times. It! was built of solid hewn-oak logs and remained standing with its additions and repairs until April 9, 1883, when it was destroyed by fire. The then and present owner, F. H. Stafford, erected upon the old site a substantial brick structure at a cost of $6,000 and furnished it with all the latest and best mill machinery. Itis run by water-power. The original dam remained intact until 1873, when it was replaced by the present one. The old site has been owned and the mill operated in the past seventy vears as follows: First came Chas. Moffitt, then his son Hugh became the next owner. Benj. Fulghum purchased a half interest, and the firm was Moffitt & Fulghum. The next firm was Kenworthy & Fulghum, Wm. Kenworthy purchasing Moffitt's interest. Then came Kenworthy & Son, Jesse Kenworthy purchasing Fulghum's interest. Ezra Hilland Henry Wetherell bought out the Kenworthys, and Ezra Hill, in turn, bought out his partner. Then, in 1874, the present proprietor became half owner which continued until 1879, when Mr. Stafford purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. He failed in 1884.

May 9, 1881. Since then the capital has been doubled and allpaid in. This increase was made May 12,1883. They control two patents of H. Ogborn, the first being issued April 9, 1881, and the second March 6, 1883. They are both furniture casters. The latter the company manufactures exclusively. A grain-drill caster, patented by S. C. Mendenhall, and reissued by Harrison Ogborn Nov. 22, 1881, is also controlled by this company. Present officers: Jas. M. Starr, President; H.Ogborn, Vice-President; C. B. Hunt, Secretary; Benj. Starr, Treasurer. The rapid extension of their business will again require a further addition to the capital stock in the near future.

Richmond Chair Company. - The original chair-works, started by Wm. Crawford in 1877, were sold by him in 1881 to H. D. Bond, who was succeeded in the same year by J. E. Thomas and Daniel Surface. This firm continued business until 1883 when Mr. Surface took entire charge. The Richmond Chair Company is an incorporated body, with a large capital. They make forty styles of chairs, many of which are patented. Their buildings are a two-story frame structure, 50 x 105 feet, and a three-story brick building, 40 x 60 feet. The company do an extensive business, employing about fifty-five hands. Their establishment ranks among the leading interests of this section. The works are located on the southwest corner of Thirteenth and North E streets.

Richmond City Mills. - About the year 1825 Thomas Newman erected a grist-mill on the West Fork. About 1853 Thomas Hunt purchased the property from Newman's heirs. It was afterward owned by Timothy Thistlewaite and then by Davis Bush, who, in 1869, remodeled, enlarged and improved it. In 1877 Thomas and John Hunt became the owners, and are still carrying on business under the firm name of Hunt & Brother. The mill is four-stories high, 60x 100 feet. It has been improved from time to time and provided with first-class machinery. Its capacity is about 100 barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. Large shipments are made to Eastern cities.

1872, when it became an incorporated company with a capital stock of $100,000, under the same name and stockholders, and in 1882, ten years later, assumed the name at the head of this article. Jos. M. Bayleis, as President, and And. Vaughan, Secretary, were the first officers of the company in 1872, and the former was succeeded by B. P. Perry, a leading stockholder in the company, in July of the same year. Mr. Perry is still President. In 1874 Mr. Vaughan retired from the secretaryship, and Mr. L. H. Bunyan assumed the office and still holds it.

Their work embraces saw-mills, engines, tile-mills and general work manufactured in such establishments. They havea forty horse-power steam-engine and employ an average of fifty hands throughout the year. The buildings composing their extensive works are as follows:

Richmond Paper-Miils. - The question of establishing a paper-mill in Richmond received attention as early as 1827, and in a copy of the Public Ledger of that year it is announced that ''Mr. Smith is progressing finely with his paper-mill." The death of the projector in 1828 caused the work to be suspended, but in 1830 a paper-mil! was put in operation by Leeds & Jones, with John Easton, Superintendent. The mill afterward passed into the possession of the Richmond Manufacturing and Trading Company, and afterward Nixon Brothers became the owners. The mill was destroyed by fire about 1871 but was rebuilt. The mills are now owned by Thomas Nixon. The capacity is 3,000 pounds of paper per day. Twenty-tive hands are employed. The motive power is furnished by three steam engines, amounting to eighty-six horse-power, and a forty horse-power water-wheel. The establishment occupies several acres of ground, and manufact-

In 1853 Timothy Thistlewaite, Miles J. Shinn and Joseph C. Ratliff started a paper-mill and operated it for some time. It was afterward run by Mr. Thistlewaite, who discontinued the manufacture of paper and added the power to that of his grist-mill.

Richmond Tannery and Collar Works. - In 1859 Job and Arthur A. Curme, under the firn name of Curme & Son, started a small tannery one-fourth of a mile north of the city limits. At the end of four years Job Curme retired and was succeeded by Isaac D. Dunn, when the tannery was removed to its present location. In 1868 another partner was admitted and the firm became Curme, Dunn & Co. In 1874 the concern was incorporated with a capital of $100,000, with A. A. Curme, President; I. D. Dunn, Vice-President, and J. J. Harrington, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1877 the buildings were burned, but they were at once rebuilt on a more extensive scale. The firm owned two squares on North Third, between C and D streets, on which are one brick building, two stories high, 50 x 300 feet, two bark houses, two main buildings, etc. About sixty hands were employed. The tannery. has a capacity of 200 hides per week, and the manufactory of horse-collars is the largest in the State. The firm failed in 1883 and the property is now in the hands of an assignee.

Richmond Valley Mills. - These mills were destroyed by fire in 1883. The original of the establishment was a pioneer chopping-mill and grist-mill. It was owned by John Underwood as early as 1830, and was afterward converted into a woolen-mill by Bancroft, as already stated. After many changes of owners and considerable improvements, the property was bought in 1856 by Jacob Mering, who in 1857 sold it to Luther M. Mering, its last owner. Under Mr. Mering's management a large milling business was carried on, and about 20,000 barrels of flour made

Richmond Woolen Mills - This mill was established by Alpheus Test in 1856. It was on one of the oldest millsites in the county. The water privilege was first used for a grist-mill and saw-mill by Atticus Siddall and _Edward Wright. In 1856 Mr. Test bought the site and erected a frame building for a woolen-mill. In 1858 the building and contents burned, involving a loss of $10,000. In the spring of 1859 he erected the present factory, a brick building 30 x 60 feet. In 1865 Alpheus Test sold the property to William, Rufus, Oliver and Lindley M. Test. L. M. Test sold his interest a year later, and the other three brothers conducted the business until February, 1882, when William and Rufus Test became sole proprietors. In 1866 the mi!l was damaged by fire to the extent of $15,000, but was at once remodeled. In 1868 a stone dye-house, 25 x 50 feet, was erected, and in 1871 a large stone building, 50 x 100 feet, was erected, and is used for carding and spinning rooms. The firm employs from fifteen to seventeen operatives, and uses about 75,000 pounds of wool per year.

A woolen-mill was established in 1865 by Richard Jackson and Elias H. Swain, on the site of the old Cox grist-mill. A little later Henry C. Dunn was admitted to partnership, the firm becoming Jackson, Swain & Dunn. They had for a factory a five-story wooden building, and gave employment to about seventy-five persons. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1871.

The Robinson Machine Works were founded in 1842 by Francis W. Robinson. He was born in Baltimore, Dec. 9, 1810, removed to Wilmington, Del., and thence to Philadelphia, where he remained until his nineteenth year, during which time he learned the trade of a housecarpenter and builder. In 1829 he moved to Indiana bringing with him his youngest sister. He settled in Richmond in the year 1833 or 1834, and followed his trade until the year 1842, when he commenced business on the present site of the Robinson Machine Works, in a small way, running the establishment by a horse-power which had formerly been

The popular threshing machines of that day were called "chaff pilers," and "traveling threshing machines," but neither kind separated the grain from the chaff. After a few years Mr. R. bought out Edward Borton & Son (then engaged in the same business), and began the manufacture of '"' traveling separators, and shortly substituted steam for horse-power, and began the building of improved threshers and separators with separate horse-powers. About 1860 he commenced manufacturing portable farm engines and " Pitts" separators, having patented some valuable improvements making them successful '' grain-saving" machines and rapid threshers.

Up to 1853 he was sole proprietor, and was his own superintendent, foreman, book-keeper, collector and salesman, when Jonas W. Yeo, his son-in-law, became associated with him. Afterward R. H. Shoemaker purchased an interest in the business, and in 1872 the works were incorporated under the name of the '' Robinson Machine Works," the incorporators being F. W. Robinson, Jonas W. Yeo, R. H. Shoemaker and R. H. Swift. In 1872 H. E. Robinson, son of F. W. Robinson, bought the interest of R. H. Shoemaker. In 1877 the affairs of the incorporated company were wound up, and in 1878 the firm of Robinson & Co. came into possession of the works, and the firm of Robinson & Co. is now composed of Francis W. Robinson and Henry E. Robinson.

The machinery now built at the works is protected by numerous patents, being the inventions and improvements of F. W. Robinson, including a patent steam-engine governor, patent revolving straw-stacker, patent clover attachment to threshing machines, and numerous patents for improvements in threshers, engines, etc.

The works comprise a machine shop, carpenter shop, woodworking shop, boiler shop, smith shop, foundry and two warehouses. The motive power is a steam-engine of fifty horse-power.

Since 1878 Robinson & Co. have added to the real estate by purchase of a lot on Main street, 60 x 150 feet, on which is their commodious three-story brick office bnilding; a lot on North Third street, 60 x 145, adjoining the shops on the north, to be occupied by a three-story brick warehouse; also three lots on North Third street for storing lumber, etc. The capacity of the works is about $150,000 per year in product. The machinery made is in use in almost every State in the Union, but -more especially in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri.

Saddlery and Collar Manufactory. - This business is carried on by Wiggins & Do., at 509 Main street. It was begun many years ago by D. P. Wiggins and continued by his sons, a tannery then being operated in connection with it. In 1872 was formed the present firm of Wiggins & Co., consisting of Charles O. Wiggins, George Wiggins and Frank Wiggins. The original building on the present site was erected by D. P. Wiggins in 1835. The present building is ` of brick, three and one-half stories high, 20 x 100 feet. The first floor contains the office and salesroom; the second, a stock of trunks and valises; and the third floor is devoted to saddlery and harness making, in which from eight to twelve men are employed. Two other buildings are used in the manufacture of horse-collars, in which department from fifteen to twenty men are employed. The firm has a large wholesale trade in the Southern, Western and Northwestern States. i

Sash, Door and Blind Manufactory. - The sash, door and blind manufactory and planing mill of Wm. H. Middleton & Co. ranks among the leading industries of Richmond. The planing mill was first started in 1871 by Wm. Cain & Son. In 1875 the firm was T. P. Cain and J. M. Baylies, who were succeeded in 1879 by the present company, composed of Wm. H. Middleton, S. B. Williamson, H. W. Talhelm and August Kamp, under the firm name of Wm. H. Middleton & Co. They have a three-story brick building, 40 x 100 feet, and an engine room 20 x 80 feet, with a forty horse-power engine to conduct their manufacturing operations. Further additions will have to be made to meet the growing demands of their business.

School Supplies - The manufacture of school supplies is conducted by Moon & Haynes, the latter entering the partnership in February, 1883. Mr. Moon is a natural mechanic with inventive powers of no inferior order. He has taken out several patents for articles manufactured by the firm. They are conducting a successful business of $30,000 per year.

Sedgwick Wire Fence Company - The manufacture of wire fence was begun by Sedgwick Brothers in 1879.. On the 5th of August of that year Isham Sedgwick secured a patent on a loom for weaving wire into double-twist net work. The loom is a most ingenious labor-saving device, and with its aid the fence can be made cheaply and rapidly. Buildings were erected in 1880 for the use of the firm and occupied in April. There have been additions, and the factory now comprises four of the following dimensions: 40 x 60 feet, two stories; 25 x 60 feet, two stories; 42 x 86, four and ahalf stories; and the last, erected in 1882, 14 x 80, three stories high. This givesample room. The proprietors have increased their business from eighty miles of fence in 1881, to 140 miles in 1883, and their wire gates from 1,000, in round numbers, in 1881, to 9,000 in 1883. They have now improved their machines to twenty-five times the capacity of hand labor, which was used exclusively in England, when the wire fence was first made. Each loom has a capacity of 100 rods daily, and six of these looms are in operation. Twenty hands have steady employment and steam-power is used. The territory in which their work is found now covers the United States and Canada, and their sales are only limited by the capacity of their works.

The Sinex Plow Company was incorporated as a joint stock company in 1874 witha cash capital of $8,000. The company is composed of William Sinex, President, John B. Sinex, Secretary and Treasurer; Charles Sinex and Chas. W. Sinex's heirs. The works of the company are at 174 and 176 Fort Wayne avenue, and occupy two buildings covering an area of 2,500 feet. The company employs from fifteen to twenty workmen and their products are sold extensively in the Middle, Western and Southern States. The plow of which a specialty is made is known as the Original Empire plow, which has taken over thirty premiums at State fairs. The first plow of this kind was made by Wm. Sinex, in 1849. Mr. Sinex, the President of the company, is a native of Delaware anda blacksmith by trade. He located in Richmond in 1838 and has resided in the city ever since, with the exception of about four years.

Spring Grove Oil Mill. - This establishment, situated onefourth of a mile north of the city, dates back to 1853, when D. S. Burson and I. P. Evans erected a frame building and engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil. This firm continued business until 1861 when D. S. Burson became proprietor. The following year he was succeeded by J. W. Burson & Co. who operated the mill until the death of J. W. Burson in 1871. The building was destroyed by tire in February, 1864, but rebuilt soon after. The mill was not operated from 1871 to 1876. In the latter year Kendall & Barnes rented it and carried on business until August, 1877, when the present proprietors, Evans, Ferguson & Reeves took charge. The daily capacity of the works is twenty-five barrels. Both steam and water power are used. Fifteen hands are employed. The mill is superintended by T. E. Kinsey who has had ten years' experience in the business.

Union Carriage Factory. - This factory was established by Peter Crocker in 1854. The business was afterward conducted by Shute & Brandell, and Shute & Bolin, and since 1880 by Geo. W. Bolin & Co. The building is located at 911 and 913 Mainstreet. It is three stories high, of brick, and is 23 x 116 feet. In the rear is a building 50 x 50 feet, which contains the wood-working and smith shops. The firm does a large business in the manufacture and sale of carriages and sleighs.

Wayne Agricultural Company. - One ot the foremost industrial establishments of the State is carried on by the above firm. The business began in a small way in 1858, when Davis, Lawrence & Co., of Wayne County, organized for the purpose of manufacturing agricultural implements. They made chiefly grain drills and reapers. Their business grew rapidly, and in 1872 an incorporated company, witha capital ot $100,000, was formed, and the facilities much extended. In 1875 the manufactory was moved to Richmond, and the main building, now occupied by the company, erected on the northeast corner of Fifteenth and North F streets. Other buildings have been erected from time to time, as the needs of the business demanded, until now the works cover an area of 64,250 square feet. The main building is two stories high, of brick; it is L shaped, one wing being 60 x 290 feet, and the other 60 x 160 feet. The firm employ nearly 200 workmen and traveling salesmen, and pay out in salaries nearly $100,000 per year. Jesse P. Fulghum, who has long been in the employ of the company, has made many valuable improvements and inventions. The last of his patents, and the most valuable, embodies the principles on which the Richmond Champion grain drill is constructed. All his patents are controlled by the Wayne Agricultural Company. Among the manufactures of this establishment are grain drills, the Richmond force-feed broadeast seeder, the Richmond Royce self-rake reaper, the improved Richmond mower, the Indiana walking cultivator, Moon's patent lever cutting box and the Champion corn drill. These implements are sold extensively throughout the whole country. The officers of the company are: L. L. Lawrence, President; William Baxter, Vice-President, and Thaddeus Wright, Secretary and Treasurer. The establishment is the second in size and in importance of all the industries of the city.

Wayne Creamery was established May 1, 1881, by G. O. Stevens tor the Indiana Farmer Company. It was conducted in the interest of this company until the summer of 1882, when it was purchased by Henry T. Burns, J.J. Russell and G. C. Stevens. In August, 1883, it passed into the hands of John G. Chandler, W. A. Howard, G. C. Stevens and C. E. Shute, by whom the business is now carried on. The creamery gives employment to twenty-five men, eighteen or twenty of whom run wagonsin the country, where cream is purchased. The capacity of the business is 1,000 pounds of butter daily. The proprietors have recently added to their business a wholesale house, wherethey sell foreign and domestic fruits and vege-

Whitewater Tannery. - This establishment, one of the oldest in the State, is the outgrowth of the two primitive tanneries started by Jonn Smith and Robert Morrisson in 1818. Morrisson's tannery was on the site now occupied by the Robinson Machine Works, and Smith's was on the present location of the Whitewater Tannery. About 1826 Daniel P. Wiggins became Morrisson's partner, the style of the firm being Morrisson & Wiggins. They continued business until 1845, when the Morrisson tannery was abandoned. Meantime the Smith tannery had been operated by various parties. About 1843 D. P. Wiggins became a partner of Caleb R. Williams in the saddlery and harness-making business, of which he became sole proprietor in 1846. At the latter date, with his sons, Mr. Wiggins purchased the old Smith tannery, which was operated for several years in the firm name of D. P. Wiggins & Sons, who also continued the saddlery and harness business. Mr. Wiggins soon retired to his farm, south of the city. About 1858 his sons became the owners of both the taunery and the harness shop, which they continued to manage jointly under the name of Wiggins & Co. until 1872. Stephen R. Wiggins & Son then took the tannery, and Charles O. Wiggins & Sons the harness department.

The old Smith tannery was a small affair, but its capacity was increased from time to time, and the establishment has greatly extended its facilities under the present owners. The works occupy about one acre of ground, and are supplied with all modern improvements. They have 108 vats. and have a capacity for tanning 200 hides per week. The annual product aggregates nearly $100,000. About twenty-five men are employed. y

Zeller & Co.'s Cracker Factory. - This somewhat famous factory started in a small way about 1860. Mark Lewis and Stephen Wilson started the enterprise, which continued with various changes of owners until 1866, when it was purchased byJ. S. & D. K. Zeller. They enlarged its capacity and removed from North Ninth street to 915, 917, 919 and 921 Main street, where the brothers erected a building of which they took possession in August, 1869. At this place and time they had arranged for a capacity of fifteen barrels of flour per day. On Jan. 1, 1872, they took in as partner Benj. F. Crawford, J. S. Zeller retiring from the firm, and changed the firm's name to Zeller & Co., J. G. Zeller, D. K. Zeller and B. F. Crawford constituting the firm. In 1874 they started a branch factory at Mansfield, Ohio. Seven years later they dissolved partnership, Mr. Crawford taking the Mansfield business except a portion sold toa Mr. Taylor, and the Messrs. Zeller concentrating their interest in Richmond. This was in October, 1881. They built a fine brick addition, three stories high and 50 x 52 feet in size, and enlarged their works to forty barrels per day, and then still further to seventy barrels of flour every twenty-fourhours. This is now one of the largest factories of the kind in the State. A business of $130,000 per annum has been built up from a very small beginning.

Richmond Rose Nursery. - This nursery is under the proprietorship and care of Hill & Co., who have erected for their business two glass-houses 18x100 feet, and four similar houses 10 x100 feet in size. It is, as its name indicates, a rose nursery, there being nearly 300 varieties of this beautiful plant, and some of the finest of European roses among their number. Itis in every respect a tribute to the taste, skill and culture ofits proprietors. Perhaps the citizens of no city in the West have a more lovely or entertaining sight than those of Richmond, when this magnificent rose garden is in bloom and its fragrance fills the air. To this temple of floral beauty all visitors are taken, as being among the most beautiful sights which environs one of the handsomest cities in the West.

Richmond National Bank. - This is one of the oldest banking institutions in the State, being the outgrowth of the State Bank of Indiana, which was established in 1834 with Achilles Williams as President; Elijah Coffin, Cashier; and Charles F. Coffin, Teller. The bank was chartered for twentyone years, and the cashier and teller held their} respective offices during that time. The presidency was held from 1836 until the expiration of the charter by Albert C. Blanchard.

In 1855 the bank was reorganized as a branch bank of the State of Indiana, with A. C. Blanchard, President, and C. F. Coffin, Cashier. This bank continued business until 1865 and was then reorganized as the Richmond National Bank, with a capital stock of $230,000. At this time Charles F. Coffin was elected President, and has held the office ever since. Albert H. Blanchard was chosen Cashier. The first Directors were: C. F. Coffin, A. H. Blanchard, Stephen R. Wiggins, James L. Morrisson and James W. Smith. In 1873 Charles H. Coffin was elected Cashier, which position he still holds. He is also Vice-President. The present Directors are: C. F. Coffin, S. R. Wiggins, David J. Hoerner, Elwood Patterson and Chas. H. Coffin. The present capital is $250,000, with $35,000 surplus fund. The bank transacts a large business. It was among the last banks inthe country to suspend specie payments and among the first to resume them. The bank has always taken great pride in assisting and fostering the manufacturing interests of the city. The building occupied by this bank is located at the northeast corner of Fifth and Main streets. It was erected in 1856, is of brick, with iron and stone front, three stories high, with a frontage of thirtythree feet, and is well adapted to the banking business. The office is spacious and well arranged.

First National Bank. - The First National Bank of Richmond was organized and commenced business under the authority of the controller of the currency July 13, 1863. Its charter, which James E. and Mark E. Reeves were instrumental in securing, extended nineteen years. The capital stock was $200,000. The first officers were James E. Reeves, President; Edward W. Yarrington, Cashier; Directors: James E. Reeves, Lewis Burk, Andrew F. Scott, John W. Grubbs, John H. Moormann, Joshua Holland, Isaac P. Evans, James Van Uxem, Jr., and William S. Reid. This was the second national bank to commence business in the State and the seventeenth in the United States. From the first to the present time it has ranked among the leading financial institutions of Indiana. The present capital is $200,000, with a surplus find of $100,000. Its average annual deposits exceed $500,000. In1873 the present banking-house on the corner

Second National Bank - This institution was organized March 2, 1872, with a capital stock of $200,090. This amount was reduced Jan. 1, 1881, to $150,000, which is the present capital. The surplus fund is now $50,000. Andrew F. Scott was elected President, and John B. Dougan, Cashier; both still continue in office. The original Directors were : Jacob B. Julian, Oliver T. Jones, James Forkner, Jesse Cates, Andrew F. Scott, William G. Scott, John M. Gaar, Joseph Jackson and O. ©. Beeler. A number of changes have since taken place. The present Directors are: William G. Scott, Abram Gaar, A. F. Scott, John M. Gaar, Thomas W. Roberts, Ellis Thomas, Howell Graves, Robert Cox and J. B. Dougan. The Second National Bank building, northwest corner of Eighth and Main streets,was erected by A. F. Scott in 1862, and bought by the bank in 1872. Soon after the organization of the bank, Gaar, Scott & Co. bought out a number of the stockholders from the western part of the county, and have since held a controlling interest. The bank is one of the substantial institutions of the city, and has had a successful career from the beginning.

The Farmere Bank of Richmond, a private banking institution established by Stanley, Esteb & Co., began business in February, 1877, and continued until the fall of 1883, when it suspended with large losses to stockholders.

The Provident Life Association of Richmond was organjzed Dec. 31, 1879, and was the first life-insurance company ever formed in the city. The incorporators were: Isaac P. Evans, D. W. Marmon, Wm. B. Hadley, Jesse W. Brooks, J. F. Reeves, James M. Starr, J. R. Preston, Eli Stubbs, Dr. J. R. Weist, and Samuel Bellis. On the 1st of November,