Bloomington Township

Bloomington Township

ea is abundant reason to believe that Bloomington Township was settled as early as 1816, and there are some evidences which fix the date of the first settlement in 1815 if not before. The power of the Indians was crushed at the battle of Tippecanoe in 1811, but all apprehension of danger from them did not die out for several years afterward. It may be stated as the opinion of several of the oldest settlers in the county that Monroe was settled as early as 1810 or 1811 by a few families of professional pioneers. Much of this, however, must be regarded as traditional. In the absence of definite data, it may be presumed that Bloomington Township received a few of these early settlers. It is certain that several families arrived in 1815, and many more in 1816, and, as stated above, thére is strong evidence that permanent settlers reached the township as early as 1815. Of course, as late as 1816, the county of Monroe, which as yet had no boundary or existence, was a wilderness filled with all varieties of wild animals inhabiting this latitude, and was roamed over by numerous bands of half-subdued savages. In fact, all of the county north of the old Indian boundary was yet the property of the Indians, and remained so until the treaty of St. Mary's, Ohio, in October, 1818, when it was ceded to the Government as part of the "New Purchase." By the time of the first land sale of Bloomington Township in 1816, there were a score or nearly so of families residing within its limits. Among those who entered land in the township during the first four or five years after the first land sale - in fact, all who entered land during that period - are the following, with the sections of land and the years of entry: David Rogers, Section 33, 1816; Joseph Taylor, Section 33, 1816; George Ritchey, Section 33, 1816; George Hedrick, Section 33, 1816; John Ketchum, Section 6, 1816; Henry Wampler, Section 6, 1816; Adam Bower, Section 6, 1816; Thomas Smith, Section 7, 1816; William Julian, Section 7, 1816; William J. Adair, Section 7, 1816 ; George Parks, Section 8, 1816; John Kell, Section 17, 1816 ; James Parks, Section 17, 1816; John Owens, Section 18, 1816; David Stout, Section 19, 1816; Samuel Caldwell, Section 19, 1816; Roderick Rawlins, Section 20, 1816; Joseph Taylor, Section 20,1816; James Parks, Section 20, 1816; George Paul, Section 21, 1816; David Raymond,

The First Resident Of Bloomington

The first man to settle permanently upon the present site of the city of Bloomington cannot be named with absolute certainty. Neither can the time of this first settlement be given. The first entries of land were as follows :

The lots were laid out on the southwest quarter of Section 33, and the southeast quarter of Section 32, which two quarters had been entered by David Rogers and Robertson Graham, as shown by the above table. It is probable that no man lived upon the town site until 1816, at which time both Rogers and Graham built log houses. Some fix the date of the erection of these houses as 1817. At all events, when the first lots were laid out, in June, 1818, a crop of wheat was growing on the land that had been purchased of Mr. Rogers. Whether it was the first or second crop on the same land cannot be stated. David Rogers entered the southwest quarter of Section 33, on which a portion of the town was laid out, but Jonathan Rogers afterward obtained part interest in the tract, as his name appears upon the deed which. conveyed the land to the county.

Platting Of The Village

On the 10th of April, 1818, the first day of the first meeting ot the County Commissioners, the county seat was ordered laid off and was named " Bloomington." The County Agent was ordered to oversee the work. He was instructed to make the public square measure 276 feet, and to lay out lots 66x132 feet, and streets 824 feet wide. The number of lots to be laid out was left to the discretion of the agent. The first public auction or sale of lots was fixed for the 22d of June, 1818, and the agent was instructed to advertize the sale in the Western Sun, of Vincennes ; the Louisville Correspondent; the Argua of Western America; the Western Eagle, of Madison, and the Liberty Hall, of Cincinnati, which so far as known was duly done. Jonathan Nichols was appointed surveyor to lay out the town. The following entry appears upon the record of the County Board: ' On motion of Bartlett Woodward, Ordered, that the agent of this county procure one barrel of whisky and have it at the sale of town lots in Bloomington." When it is remembered that the proceeds of this first sale amounted to the enormous sum of $14,326.85, it will probably be concluded by the reader that the action of the board was not misplaced - that is, on that day over sixty-five years ago. "Of course many speculators bought lots. The complete list of those who bought lots at this sale is as follows: John Scott, D. Thompson, Christian Eppinger, John Keys, Arthur Harris, W. A. Beatty, W. P. Anderson, William Lowe, Robinson Graham, David Sears, Floyd Cummings, Samuel Coleman, James Borland, George Hedrick, W. D. Hoof, David-Rogers, James Dunning, James Newman, Jcnathan Rogers, Thomas Smith, B. Miller, W.D. McCullough, Jacob B. Lowe, Wm. Curl, Henry Wampler, Coleman Pruitt, Elias Goodwin, Abner Goodwin, Solomon Bowers, John Owens, Samuel Scott, Sr., Nathan Julian, Isham Sumpter, Hezekiah Woodford, Solomon Phillips, E. R, Maxwell, Benjamin Freeland, George Richey, David Matlock, Lewis Noel, Samuel Haslett, James Denny, John Buskirk, Zachariah Williams, Moses Williams, T. B. Clark, Eli Lee, Thomas Lee, William Hardin, Nelson Moore, Ebenezer McDonald, J. W. Lee, Aquilla Rogers, John Foster, Thomas Hadey, Granville Ward, James Dickens, Stephen S. Bigger, Susannah Lee, Jonathan Nichols, Reuben Fullen, Martha Brown, W. B. Brown, Joshua Howe and James Brown. The above were the only buyers on the 22d and 23d of June, 1818, the only two days of sale, but several of them bought several lots or even many lots. As stated elsewhere, the total proceeds of this sale were $14,326.85. The land upon which the new town was located had been secured from Jonathan and David Rogers and Robert Graham by the locating Commissioners. The Rogers Broth'rs were paid $1,200 for such land and Mr. Graham $900 for 150 acres soon after the first sale of lots. When the lots were laid out, there was growing upon a portion of them a crop of wheat and corn, which the Rogers Brothers were permitted to harvest without disturbance. At the first sale of lots, Jonathan Nichols was surveyor. He laid out 208 lots and was paid 30 cents each. Benjamin Parks, County Agent, was allowed $33.50 for whisky furnished at the sale. The whisky was obtained of Whisenand. Robinson Graham was chain carrier; Aquilla Rogers, chain carrier ; John Owen, chain carrier. Lewis Noel was the "crier" or auctioneer. James Parks was clerk of the sale. Jonathan Rogers was " tapster'' and dealt out the whisky to the crowd of thirsty men, and was paid at the rate of $1 a day for his services. It must be remembered that the cash receipts were far short of the proceeds of the sale - probably about 15 per cent. The lots sold very high, considering the unsettled condition of the county. A few sold for over $200 each. The bidding was very spirited, but in the end the county lost over 30 per cent of the purchase price.

Other Buyers Of Lots

In November, 181%, at the public sale, the following men bought lots : William Hoggatt, Thomas Bailey, John Storm, James Parsons, Samuel Harryman, William Newton, James Gibbs, Pemberton Dickens, Anthony Chambers, Jesse Wright, Robert Hamilton, Samuel Scott, David Kello, Wesley Whitson, Haws Armstrong, William Cooley (colored), David Holland, George Rodenbaugh, Solomon Green, Isaiah Buskirk, Roderick Rawlins, Capt. Robert Hamilton, Jonathan Nichols, Amos Cox, David Clements, Addison Smith, John Cutler, Benjamin Parks, Jesse C. Moore, Aaron Wallace (colored), Tilghman Chance, Joseph Lebo, Joseph Perishaw, George Groves, Nelson Moore, Washington Moore, Joseph Baugh, Jesse Hughes, Josiah Buskirk, Michael Buskirk, Isaac Lebo, Chesley Bailey, John Whisenand, Thomas Graham, John Ketchum and Nathaniel Clark. The total amount of this sale was $12,274.75. The County Board ordered that county orders should be received in payment for town lots. In the spring of 1819, the County Treasurer reported the following cash receipts from the County Agent from the sale of lots:

This was about the fashion that the money came into the treasury. The cash receipts (from the sale of town lots only) from November, 1820, to November, 1821, were $3,860.42.. Of this amount, $3,207.10 was expended. In February, 1822, the agent reported in his possession notes from the sale of lots to the amount of over $18,000. This fund was the most extensive and useful of any in the county at its organization.

The Early Townsmen

E. R. Maxwell, Benjamin Freeland, George Richey, David Matlock, James Denny, John Buskirk, Zachariah Williams, Moses Williams, T. B. Clark, William Hardin, Nelson Moore, Ebenezer McDonald, John W. Lee, Aquilla Rogers, John Foster, Thomas Heady, James Dickens, Stephen S. Bigger, Susannah Lee, Jonathan Nichols, Martha Brown, W. B. Brown, Joshua O. Howe, James Brown, William Hoggatt, James Parsons, William Newton, James Gibbs, Pemberton Dickens, Jesse Wright, David Kello, Wesley Whitson, Haws Armstrong, William Cooley (colored), David Holland, George Rodenbaugh, Josiah Buskirk, Roderick Rawlins, Addison Smith, David Clements, Rev. Aaron Wallace (colored), George Groves, Washington Moore, Jesse Hughes, Isaac Lebo, Chesley Bailey, John Whisenand, and others. It is possible that a few of the above did not reside in the town, and a few are known to have remained not over a year or two.

At the time of the organization of the county, of course the population was sufficient to warrant such organization. Much of this population was near the center of the county, or on Township 9 north, Range 1 west, where it was known the county seat was likely to be located. As soon as the State Commissioner had bought land for the county seat of the Rogerses and Graham, the land in the vicinity of Bloomington rose suddenly in value and was in great demand. The town was laid out, not by the State Commission, but by the County Board, and while this was being done under the direction of the County Agent, many citizens of the county visited the spot. The streets running north and sauth, beginning on the west were named as follows: Poplar, Gherry, -Spring, West, Kast, Walnut, Blue and Buck, and those running east and west, beginning on the south, were Water, South, North and Washington. Some changes have since been made in these names. On the days of the first sale of lots, a large crowd of settlers of the county and speculators gathered to look on and possibly participate, and certainly to drink of the free whisky furnished by order of the County Board. Just why the sales were so large and at such a high figure cannot be stated, unless it was because it was known that Bloomington was destined to be a great educational center. One thing is historical :

The settlement of the town was phenomenal. At the close of the year 1818, not less than thirty families lived in the town in hastily built log cabins, or rude frame houses, from the saw mill of old man Blair. A log court house had been built in which the first school was being taught, probably by Addison Smith; 'stores had been started ; blacksmiths, carpenters, tailors and saloon keepers had appeared; hotels had been thrown open for public entertainment, and an irregular mail route had been established with Vincennes and probably with other points. The town had a population of over one hundred and forty. The year 1819 saw this nearly double, as in 1820 the population was nearly 300. The first store was opened in June, 1818, by William Hardin, who sold whisky principally, and about $150 worth of notions. He kept tavern at the same time. The following year, George Whisenand opened a tavern, and of course sold whisky and other liquors at the bar. About this time or soon afterward, Joshua O. Howe, Alexander Owens and Henry Batterton established separate stores of much greater pretensions than that of

Hardin, which Araki deserved the name. The latter really kept grocery, as liquor in those days was classed as '' wet groceries," and saloons, or the name, were unknown. The three men mentioned did not begin at the same time, but somewhere from 1819 to 1822, the exact date being unobtainable. Elias Abel says that when he came to Bloomington in 1824, the population was over 500, and was possibly 600. Others who came about the same time fix the population at about 400 in 1824. At all events, Bloomington at that time was the most prosperous town in this portion of the State.

eneral blacksmithing as did Benjamin Neal also. About the same time, William Alexander built a tannery in the eastern part of town. Col. Joseph Campbell started a tannery about a mile west of town. Day, Lucas and Campbell had some interest in the early tanneries. One stood where the railroad turn-table now is. Blair & Lowe owned an old horse mill. David Thacker owned another. The grain was ground in a rude manner, and was then bolted by hand, the owner of the grain doing the turning. The toll was one-sixth. Thacker's mill supplied his small distillery with ground grain. Not more than a barrel of liquor was manufactured per day, however. A man named Garner conducted a saw mill near the college, the motor being cattle or horses on a tread-wheel. Ellis Stone started a carding mill as early as 1820. It was operated by a tread-wheel. The building was of logs. Hecontinued more than twenty years, and at times did a large business. He pinned yp the packages of rolls with thorns gathered from the woods by boys whom he paid for the service. Haws Armstrong was operating a fulling mill in 1824. He had started it as early as 1820, and continued for a number of years to supply his patrons. Mr. Armstrong manufactured a superior article of gunpowder also. Samuel Dodds operated a tannery where the high school building now stands. John and Samuel Orchard started a carding machine about 1823, by means of a tread-wheel turned by oxen. They also manufactured considerable linseed oil, as did one or two others in the busy little town. Mr. Legg succeeded Thacker in the latter's tread-mill. Mr. Seward manufactured axes, plows, wagons and difficult work of the same character, and was so well patronized that he steadily increased his business until at last he began manufacturing general foundry work. E. C. Moberly kept tavern in 1823. Joshua H. Lucas opened a good store in 1823. He was an eccentric character of but little education, but of the highest natural ability. He was a fluent speaker, and always carried his audience with him. In 1824, he ran for the Legislature against William Alexander. The race was a close one, but Mr. Lucas was victorious, and it is stated that his victory was mainly due to his skill in telling stories and anecdotes of a quasi immoral character, which captivated the rabble.

A. & J. Owens, Henry Batterton and J. O. Howe still continued their stores, steadily increasing the value and variety of the stock. Al kinds of goods then sold for twice or thrice as much as now. Calicoes and prints were from 25 cents to 50 cents per yard, and other articles similarly high, and what rendered the times harder was the lack of market for farm productions. Wheat, corn, oats, etc., were worth from 20 cents to 40 cents per bushel, and it was difficult to sell them at that. Money was scarce - good money. Paper money was in existence and was worth all prices below par. As the value of the bills constantly fluctuated, they were really merchantable property as gold and silver were during the last war. Silver money was scarce and gold scarcer. The smaller denominations were almost unknown except as they were created and used by mutual consent. A silver quarter was quartered or cut in half, and the pieces called " sharp shins " passed current for 6} cents or 123 cents. Money was so scarce, however, that merchants were forced to barter their goods and were compelled to do a provision, pork and grain business. Farmers could trade live or dressed hogs for goods, the demand regulating the supply and price. They could also trade their grain in the same manner. 'This forced the merchants into pork packing and grain buying, and to the construction of flat-boats for the conveyance of their products to the Southern markets. The towns along the larger streams had the advantage in these particulars, and nearly all the heavy grain and pork shipments were from such points. This accounts for the fact that extensive business in this direction was not done at Bloomington.

Business Men

During the remainder of the decade of twenties, the merchants of Bloomington were: Alexander & John Owens, Joshua O. Howe, Henry Batterton, A. F. Morrison, John Muir & Co., 1824; John Borland, 1826; G. M. Early, 1826; John Garner, 1827; George Henry & Co., 1828; Andrew Todd, 1827; Evans & Barnes, 1827; Patterson Officer, 1828; George Hardesty, 1828, and possibly others. One of the most noteworthy features of the town then was the liquor traffic. The most prominent of the merchants kept it on their counters free for their patrons, and a tavern or inn which did not keep it at the bar, was a rarity, probably unknown in the early history of Bloomington. Among the liquor sellers were some of the best citizens, morally and temperately. During the decade of the twenties the following men sold liquor: William Hardin, Clem Dickens, George Henry, John Borland, 1827; Notley Baker, 1827; Robertson Graham, 1828; Isaac Brown, 1828; Albert Literal, 1828; Jacob Kelley, 1829; W. D. McCullough, 1829; John Owens, 1829; John M. Berry, 1829; and Barton Byers, 1829. A man named Jordan manufactured liquor in Bloomington, though not on an extensive scale. Mr. Thacker also distilled a very good article of whisky, if the judgment of old settlers is to be relied upon. As such old settlers were natives of Kentucky, no attempt will be made to controvert their opinions. The tavern keepers during the twenties were William Hardin, Dr. E. C. Moberly, William Nowland, A. F. Morrison, John Sheets, George W. Hardin, Francis Taylor, Thomas Nesbitt and Mary Stockwell, J. O. Howe, Hannah Sheets, W. D. McCullough. The Orchards kept the " Temperance House," where, it is said, liquor was not "on tap." The early physicians were David H. Maxwell, W. C. Foster, Roach and Jenkins.

The Town In 1830-40

regiment musters, though the battalion or general muster was by far the most universally attended. On these occasions, old Brig. Gen. J. B. Lowe donned his uniform and turned-up continental hat, buckled on his sword, and conducted the muster in person. On that day men were free, that is, they were privileged from arrest, except for crime. They could fight, run horses, drink all kinds of liquid hell, and rave through the county seat at will on the public streets and grounds, and no one could molest or make them afraid. The old muster or parade ground was two or three or more blocks east of the public square, that portion of the town being open common at that time. The muster was little better than a farce, and was chiefly enjoyed for the sports invariably present. Wrestling, jumping and shooting at a mark were among the popular sports. At one of these gatherings, two men became involved in a question of honor, and with true Kentucky spirit proposed to settle the matter with a fist fight. One was an experienced fighter, the other was not, and both were athletic, full of pluck and wind. Both stripped to the waist, and the experienced man stepped into a door near by, where stood a barrel of soft soap, which he quickly smeared over the upper half of his body and resumed his position ready for the fight. The slight delay led friends to intercede and the fight was compromised at this juncture, though the experienced man refused to withdraw unless his antagonist paid for the soap, which cost a picayune, which was accordingly done. Many a savage and protracted fight was witnessed on the public square. Election days were similarly observed. THE TOWN IN 1830-40.

In 1830, the population of Bloomington was not less than 700. At that time the ''Indiana College" had a large attendance. an excellent corps of instructors and a superior curriculum. This institution, which was built in 1823, was the pride of the town and the means of rapidly and greatly increasing its population, enterprise and material wealth. The town also boasted a flourishing newspaper, if such an issue can besaid to have been flourishing. The citizens had incorporated the village a number of years before, and this was another source of joy and congratulation. In addition to all this, there were numerous factories of leather, liquor, domestic and farming implements, flour, tailor goods, oil, and numerous stores, shops, offices, mechanics, artisans, tradesmen, educators, professional men and' speculators. The incorporated town of Bloomington was a prosperous place.

Merchants, Industries, Etc

The merchants during the decade of the thirties were Alexander and John Owen, Joshua O. Howe, Evans & Barnes, Parks & Hester, Henry Batterton, Patterson Officer, Notley Baker, George H. Johnson, John Borland, Lubertew & King, William S. Wright, Nichols & Roach, John Bennett, Hardesty & Graham, J. & J. W. Carter, John M. Sluss, B. R. Byers, John Campbell, Rogers, Blakely & Co., Hardesty & Robertson, J. H. King & Co., F. T. Butler, John M. Berry, Asher Labertew, Sluss & Hall, Tilford & Glass, John S. Barnes, John Fee, William Alexander, Moore & Swarengin, and perhaps others. Among the liquor sellers were Notley Baker, George & John Hardesty, James Cochran; and among the tavern keepers were Asher Labertew, Aquilla Rogers, Daniel Deckard, S. P. Seall and others. During this period, the population of the town increased to nearly 1,000, and enterprises of all kinds multiplied. The county seminary had been built in 1835, and had been so changed that females alone were admitted. In the State University, boys alone were admitted. The students attending both institutions at any time were about 200, and the influence exerted by the presence of such facilities for education gave Bloomington a literary and social caste at that time probably possessed by no other town in the State. There were two newspapers, each enjoying a fair circulation, and besides these there was issued by Marcus L. Deal a semi-monthly periodical in the interests of the college. The town had three or four churches attended by large congregations, and served by ministers of great ability and repute. Indeed, Bloomington was the center of the conference of most of the denominations, where the Presiding Elder or preacher resided, and where the religious interests of this portion of Indiana found their controlling head. The merchants had enlarged their stocks of goods and had begun to pask pork, though on a limited scale comparatively. T'he Sewards were doing a big business in all kinds of iron work; D. Batterton manufactured iron ware and stove furniture ; Philip Murphy & Co., manufactured hats and caps, getting his wool from the surrounding country ; Notley Baker, was the barber; J. McCullough was tanner and currier; S. P. Seall was proprietor of the Globe Inn; William Lowe was Postmaster ; Watts, Dunning, Gorman, Denny, J. B. Lcwe, J. A. Wright and others were lawyers; McCorkle, Hamill and Foster were the doctors; Chipman & Kirk made hats and caps; T. J. Ryan manufactured saddles; Day was the painter ; John McCullough's tannery was an extensive establishment for the time. The master tailors were Abram Funk, W. J. Flurry, A. Labertew, S. T. Hardesty and H. Hardesty. They adopted a schedule of prices for cutting and making. In 1837, the old " market house "' was erected, the County Board paying $200 if the town would pay as much more, which was done. Here it was that the townspeople went to market instead of to the groceries as at present. The old house was continued until some time in the fifties. In 1838, an effort to secure a fire engine failed, but the attempts directed attention to that want, and not many years later the old Pioneer Fire Company wasorganized. This company has endured until the present day. During this decade also a saxe-horn band was organized, which -furnished the town with public music until about the time of the last war. These are only a few of the enterprises of this decade. THE TOWN IN 1840-50.

The merchants during the decade of forties were Peter Martineau, Labertew & Ray, Johnson & Stout, Thomas McCalla, E. P. Farmer, J. O. & J. M. Howe, A. & J. Owens, John Campbell, G. H. Johnson, Deitch & Block, William Wylie & Co., Catharine Owens, H. W. Woodward, J. McCorkle, Snyder & Isaacs, Andrew Helton, G. W. Moore, E. E. & G. W. Sluss, S. P. Chipman, Coleman, Levy & Co., J. an Wise). Fee, Richard Hardesty, J. W. Carter, S. & J. Pennington, MBS Sed, W. Pullen, Alexander Sutherland and others. Among the grocers were Richard Hardesty, Aquilla Rogers, Jacob Young, J. M. C. Hunter,

Felix G. Hite and Rogers & Payne. It was during this period that the temperance struggle was prosecuted with such relentless vigor that nearly all the dealers were driven from the town mainly through the -pressure of public opinion. The leading business enterprises were the carding mill of Thomas Hardesty; Maj. Hite's steam grist mill and carding mill; McCrum's grist mill, the various tanneries, wagon and iron shops, harness and saddle manufactories, hatteries, etc., etc. The town had been again incorporated in 1847. The population had increased to about twelve

The Town In 1850-60

During the fifties, the merchants were Sutherland & Jones, Tarkington & Abel, W. O. Fee, H. D. Woodward, Andrew Helton, Jesse Cox & Co., J. B. Mulky, J. O. & J. M. Howe, Thomas McCalla, S. P. Chipman, William McCrum, G. H. Johnson, E. E. Sluss, Tuley & McCrea, Samuel & Isaac Kahn, E. B. Pennington, James Millen, J. W. Davis & Co., Helton & Dodds, Miller & Moffett, Asher Labertew, John Campbell, Dunn & Co., Pennington & Tuley, J. B. Hobson & Co., Pleasant Williams, J. B. Mulky, drugs; Carsaw & Andrews, monuments; J. J. Cherry & Co., furniture; Tarkington & Aiken, Joseph Orr, drugs; Daniel Shrader, boots and shoes; A. Helton & Sons, Benjamin McGee, tailors; Theodore Johnson, saddle factory ; George Heppert, butcher; Cox & Springer, drugs; Woodward & Buchanan, drugs; D. F. Tilford, stoves, etc.; Slider & Tibbetts, merchandise; Mason & Faris, drugs, and a host of kindred establishments too numerous to mention. The first bank was established during the fifties. The woolen factory of Mr. Holtzman had become large and prosperous. The following was his advertisement in the county paper:

The undersigned wish to inform the citizens of Monroe and the adjoining counties, that we have built a large addition to our Factory, and put up steam power; we are now ready to receive any quantity of wool tobe carded into rolls or spun into yarn at the following prices: For carding white, 6} cents per pound, or one-sixth of the wool. Mixed, 8}. For Carding and Spinning, 17 cents per pound, if not reeled; if reeled, 20 cents. All wool should be well washed and picked. The following is the best mode for washing fine wool: Filla large kettle with water, bring to near a boiling heat, add salt to make it a strong brine, put in some of the wool, not so much as to crowd the kettle, stir gently 3 or 4 minutes, take out the wool and rinse in clean water, do not empty the kettle, keep up the heat, keep it filled with water, adding a little more salt. We will also continue the manufacturing of double Coverlets and Carpetings, of a varicty of Patterns. The work will be done by experienced workmen. We do it promptly and must have prompt pay.

We would announce to thecitizens of the surrounding country, that these Mills are in complete running order, and would respectfully solicit their patronage. We shall endeavor to do our " custom work " with the utmost dispatch. Having in our employ men of experience and skill, and having the most approved machinery, we flatter ourselves that we are able to give general satisfaction, both as to quality and quantity. We will grind either for toll, or exchange flour for wheat. Terms: One-sixth toll. Exchange: Thirty-eight pounds 'of flour for white wheat, and thirty-six for red wheat, and half bushel of bran for each merchantable bushel of wheat. Grists to be ground we would prefer to be as much as 8 or 10 bushels. 50,000 bushels of wheat wanted! The highest.

market price paid for wheat and corn. Flour, meal and feed always on hand and for sale. Extra family flour from selected white wheat, put up in half and quarter barrel bags, and always warranted.

In 1855, Tarkington & Akin began to issue " shinplasters " of the denominations of 50 cents and $1, which were received at first at their face. J. M. Howe also issued a small quantity. This was done to facilitate exchanges, great want being experienced for denominations smaller than the banks or the Government afford. It is said that Tarkington & Akin issued several thousand dollars of these '" shinplasters."' In a year or two, they began to depreciate in value, and then the fun commenced. In 1858, the following action was taken by the leading business men, the proceedings being published in the Republican, as shown here:

'"'SurnpLasters.'' - We, the undersigned citizens of Bloomington, Ind., pledge our word and honor that we will not take any ''shinplaster'' currency after the Ist day of February, for more than ninety cents to the dollar; and that we will not circulate any more after this date - nor any other paper currency not regularly oharteréd aczording to law. January 20, 1858.

Tur Mairs. - Arrivals at and Departures from the Bloomington P. O. - From New Albany (by railroad) arrives at 5:25 P. M., and departs north immediately.

From Columbus (by two-horse hack) arrives every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 12 M.; and departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 10 A. M.

The New Albany Railroad, which had been built through the county early in this decade (fifties), had added materially to the growth and importance of the county seat, and the county as well. It gave the town the advantage of quick and cheap transportation. An account of the construction of this road will be found elsewhere. In about 1856, the Seward & Chase Iron Foundry doubled its capacity, and began doing a large business. Iron ware of all descriptions - stoves, plows, castings for all kinds of machinery, frying pans, andirons, axes, etc., and a general blacksmithing business. 'The following were the prices, in Bloomington,

The First Incorporation

As early as the 5th of March, 1827, the citizens of Bloomington, pursuant to notice, met at the court house to ascertain at the polls whether the county seat should become the incorporated town of Bloomington. Ellis Stone was made President of the meeting, and Benjamin V. Peele Secretary. On motion, it was decided to test the questioa viva voce, which was done with the following result: For incorporation, 18; against incorporation, 3; majority in favor of incorporation, 15. An election of the necessary Trustees was ordered, and was held with the subjoined result as shown by the returns of the board of election :

At an election held in the town of Bloomington on the 8th of September, 1828, to elect Trustees for the incorporation of the town, agreeably to the act of the General Assembly, we hereby certify that the following persons were duly el@cted: Jdabua O. Howe, William Alexander, Asher Labertew, Robinson Graham and James Evans." Given under our hands and scals this 17th day of September, 1828.

Judges. For some reason unobtainable, the municipal government was: permitted to die out, and was not again revived until late in the forties. The proceedings of the Legislature were as follows:

The 8Econd Incorporation

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State cf Indiana, That such part of the township of Bloomington in the county of Monroe as is included within the following limits and boundaries, that is to sny, beginning at the northeast corner of Outlot No. 21, thence west to the northwest corner of Outlot No. 39, thence south to the northwest corner of Outlot No. 38, thence west to the northwest corner of Outlot No. 41, thence south to the southwest corner of fractional Lot No. 24, thence east to the northeast corner of Outlot No. 35, thence south to the southwest corner of fractional Lot No. 9, thencs east to the southeast corner of the university square, thence north to the south west corner of Outlot No. 72, thence east to the soutoeast corner of Outlot No. 75, thence to the northeast corner of Outlot No. 21, the place of beginning, including all the inlots and outlots of said town, be and the same is hereby erected into a town corporate which shall henceforth be known and designated by the name of the town of Bloomington, subject, however, to such repeal, alteration and regulation as the Legislature may from time to time prescribe.

Section 2 of this enactment provided for the election of a Mayor, a Recorder and five Trustees, who should constitute a body corporate with perpetual succession, and to be known as the Common Council of Bloomington. Section 3 provided for the annual election of town officers. Section 4 provided for the administration of justice within the corporate limits. Section 5 provided for meetings of the Council, specified what

By an act approved January 16, 1849, the above act was amended go as to regulate the working of streets, and another amendment approved February 12, 1851, the corporate limits were changed as follows: "« Said town corporate shall inelude the southeast quarter of Section 32, in Township 9 north, Range 1 west, and the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 9 north, Range 1 west, and also the following: Beginning at the southwest corner of Seminary Outlot No. 60, thence with and including the street to the southeast corner of Seminary Outlot No. 76, thence north with and including the street to the southeast corner of said quarter section secondly ubove mentioned.

This act also provided that eleven Trustees should be elected instead of five, and the name became "The Council of Bloomington." Several changes were also made in the administration of justice.

The Municipal Government

In pursuance of the above act of January, 1845, the citizens of Bloomington met in the court house (in March, 1847), and proceeded to ballot for a Mayor, Recorder, Marshal, 'Treasurer and five Councilmen. Upon counting the votes it appeared that John Lawrence was elected Mayor; Robert Acuff, Recorder; A. Labertew, Treasurer; D. B. Judah, Marshal, and W. M. Smith, Samuel Kirk, J. M. Howe, John Graham and Joseph G. McPheeters, Councilmen. The first meeting of the Town Council was held on the 6th of March, 1847, in the Recorder's office. The first act was to appoint a committee to draft such ordinances as they deemed necessary to be presented to the full Council for adoption or rejection. Orders were then given for the necessary record books, and the Council adjourned. At the second mecting, Samuel Moore was permitted to occupy a portion of the street for his brick shed. David B. Judah was appointed Street Supervisor or Commissioner. 'The Council then proceeded to adopt sixteen ordinances for the municipal government. One of the ordinances (which the writer thinks was a good one) was as follows :

" 13th. No person shall be allowed to keep a dog within the limits of the corporation. Any person violating this ordinance shall be fined 50 cents for each dog so kept, provided that no person shall be fined more than once during the same year for the same dog."

It will be seen that the ordinance amounted to nothing more than an annual tax of 50 cents on each dog. At the August meeting of the Council, a petition signed by one hundred and three citizens was presented the Council praying that the above ordinance be repealed, and after discussion, the prayer of the petitioners was granted. At the next meeting, the Mayor tendered his resignation, which was laid upon the table until the next day, and was then refused; and after some promises and assurances His Honor withdrew the document, and the akies were bright again. Samuel M. Orchard was granted permission to erect hay scales on Market street. 'Considerable time was spent in amending the city charter, which was then turned over to the Representative in the Legislature from the county, to be passed at the next session. In January,

1848, a tax of ten cents on each $100 worth of taxable property was levied for town purposes. In February, 1848, the following was passed : " Resolved, That Hon. William Berry is entitled to the thanks of this Council for his promptness and energy in securing the passage of a new charter in the State Senate, which was all that this board asked or desired on his part, and that a copy of this resolution be handed to him." Just what change was made in the charter cannot be stated. James S. Hester was appointed Town Attorney. Mr. Smith resigned his position as Councilman, and Dr. R. ©. Hamill was appointed his successor. The town officers elected in 1848 were as follows: David H. Maxwell, Mayor; J. G. McPheeters, Recorder; D. B. Judah, Marshal; Asher Labertew, Treasurer; Joseph M. Howe, Elias Able, Henry Tanner, William Owen and Alfred Mercer, Councilmen. Liquor license was fixed at $25. In May and June, 1848, active work was done on the streets and sidewalks.

In 1851, an ordinance to tax retail liquor dealers with a town license of $500 (additional to the county license), after long discussion and some strong opposition, was adopted. This was the year of the visitation of cholera, quite.a number of the citizens dying. The Councik purchased 200 bushels of fresh lime to be scattered through the town, and directed that all saloons should be closed temporarily until the scourge was past. It was during this year also the construction of the New Albany & Salem Railroad was going on in the town. Changes were made in the streets to admit the road. For several years after this expensive work waa done upon the streets, so much sa that a strong sentiment in opposition to a continuance of a municipal government was developed. This led, in January, 1858, to the opening of the polls to determine whether the corporation should be dissolved. One hundred and fifteen ballots had on them the word " yes,' and 101 had on the word "no," being a majority of fourteen in favor of the dissolution. The municipal government was then dissolved.

Corporation Meeting. - Pursuant to public notice, a meeting of the voters of the town of Bloomington was held at the court house in said town, on Monday evening, the 2d of August, 1858, for the purpose of disposing of the property, money and effects belonging to the late corporation of said town, which corporation has been abolished by a vote of the legal voters of the same. i

The meeting was organized by calling Samuel H. Buskirk to the Chair, and appointing Milton McPhetridge, Secretary. The object of the meeting was then stated by the Chair. s

Robert C. Foster, President of the Board of Trustees of said town, submitted the following statement of the property, money and effects of said corporation, and liabilities of the same, viz.:

Resolved, That the funds in the hands and now due from Lemuel Gentry, Treasurer of Monroe County, and paid in on the taxes of 1855 and 1856, be distributed to each of the persons who have paid the same, in proportion to the amount paid. N ;

Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed by the President of this meeting to make such distribution, and when so distributed issue certificates to the persons entitled thereto; when d 1

Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to prosecute the suit in the Supreme Court, and to collect the delinquent taxes of 1855 and 1856; which motion was not adopted.

Whereupon a division of the question was demanded by Mr. McCullough, and a vote taken on the first resolution, which was adopted by the meeting

Dr. McPheeters moved to amend the eecond resolution, by providing that the money in the hands of the Treasurer of Monroe County be applied as follows, viz.: '' One-half thereof to be applied for the purchasing of a bell for the court house, 'and the residue donated to the Bloomington Band; which amendment was. on motion of P. L. D. Mitchell, laid upon the table; whereupon the original resolutions were adopted.

Resolved, That we receive from Wallace Hight, late Marshal of said town, the notes as money on the Citizens Bank of Gosport, which were received by him for taxes in good faith, and when they were current here; which resolution was adopted.,

Resolved, That the tax-payers of 1857 who have not paid their taxes, be released from the payment of the same; which resolutions were adopted by the meeting.

Resolved, That the $133 of the Citizens Bank now in the hands of Wallace Hight, be placed in the hands of the County Auditor for the purpose of aiding the County Board to purchase a bell for the use of the court house; also, that. all the books, seal, etc., of said corporation be placed in the hands of said Auditor for the use of any future corporation of said town.

The following year (1859), the town was incorporated anew, not under a special act of the Legislature but under the State law which thus provided. Since then the corporation has continued without interruption.

In October, 1866, an election was held to determine whether the town of Bloomington should become the city of Bloomington, with the following result: For incorporation, one hundred and seventy-eight ; against incorporation, ninety-three. As there were five hundred and thirteen voters in the town, and as a majority of the same had not voted for the incorporation or at the late election at all, the question of incorporating the town as a city was for the time abandoned. In 1868, upon petition of the Town Council of Bloomington, the County Commissioners conveyed to the Council and their successors in office the old county cemetery within the town limits. For the year ending April 20, 1868, the receipts of the town were $2,306.49, and the expenses $2,268.94. In 1870, the School Trustees of the town reported that they had purchased ground for the erection thereon of a high school building, and asked the Council to issue town bonds to the amount of $20,000 to defray the ex-. pense of erecting the contemplated building. Action on the matter was postponed by the Council until May, 1871, when the amount of bonds asked after date, with ten per cent interest ; sixty bonds of $100 each; ten bonds of $500 each, and five bonds of $1,000 each, the last due in eight years with interest at ten per cent. A tax of 40 cents on each $100 valuation and a poll tax of $1 were assessed to meet this expense. The receipts for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1872, were $4,989.35, and the expenses $4,960.04. In August, 1872, the School Trustees reported that $20,000 was insufficient to cover the expense of finishing the school building then in course of construction, and asked that an additional $10,000 worth of town bonds might be sold. This was ordered done by the Town Council, as follows: Fifteen bonds of $100 each, due in one year, interest ten per cent; forty-five bonds of $100 each; four bonds of $500 each; two bonds of $1,000 each, the last due in twelve years, and over two years, interest ten per cent. The same town tax as above stated was ordered continued until the principal and interest of the bonds were paid. In June, 1873, the School Trustees asked for the sale of additional town bonds to the amount of $15,000, to be used in completing the new school building. This was done as follows: Fifty bonds of $100 each ; ten bonds of $500 each : five bonds of $1,000 each, all to be due within twenty years and after five years, interest ten per cent. The tax to pa the principal and interest of the bonds was increased to 50 cents on ah $100 valuation, with the poll tax at $1. At this time the entire corporation tax was as follows: For corporation purposes.........scceccserseserseeeceees 20 cents on each $100

In 1873, alarge number of fire buckets, ladders, etc., were purchased. In January, 1876, the School Trustees reported that the new school house was completed, and that an indebtedness of $7,000 had been incurred in addition to the bond indebtedness of $45,000, in finishing the building, and asked that $7,000 worth of new bonds might be issued to meet such extra expense. The Town Board ordered the following bonds issued: Twenty bonds of $100 each; ten bonds of $500 each; all to be due within twenty years and after five years, interest ten per cent.

In July, 1876, the Council were petitioned to take action to have the town incorporated as a city, the petition being signed by 217 citizens. An election was held, and resulted as follows: For incorporation as a city, 184; against such incorporation, 169. The first city officers were C. W. Henderson, Mayor; John Waldron, H. H. Voss, W. N. Showers, A. T. Massey, Andrew Hoover and M. B. Dillon, Councilmen. The first meeting of the City Council was held September 13, 1876. R. C. Greeves was Clerk; ©. H. McPheeters, Treasurer ; and James Slocum, Marshal. In a short time, all the old-time ordinances were revised, corrected, rejected and adopted, and the new municipal machinery was set in effective motion.

By April, 1877, the bonded indebtedness of the city was $39,700, there having been paid $12,800. The City Council ordered new bonds, bearing seven per cent interest, issued to the amount of $16,000, that amount and $1,700 more being then due, for the purpose of refunding the old bonds at a lower rate of interest; 120 bonds of $100 each, and 8 bonds of $500 each, were ordered sold. A tax was ordered Jevied which would pay the interest on the bonds, and at the same time create a sinking fund of not less than 5 cents on each $100 valuation, to be used in reducing the principal of the bonded debt.

The receipts and expenses for the fiscal year ending May 1, 1877, were: Receipts, $3,318.72; expenses, $3,316.25. School fund receipts, $6,018.95 ; expenses, $5,987.05. The old Pioneer Fire Company No. 1 was re-organized at this time, and fully provided with the means of fighting fire. In August, an increase of 15 cents on each $100 valuation was levied for the school fund. C. F. Dodds became Mayor in 1878. In January, 1879, twenty-nine street lamps were erected around the square and along the principal streets, at a cost of about $75. In 1880, permission was granted to S. Solomon & (o., to erect gas works and lay down pipes through the streets of Bloomington. In November, 1880, schoolhouse bonds to the amount of $32,000 were refunded with new bonds bearing six per cent interest. In 1881, permission was granted the Bloomington Electric Telephone Company to erect poles, and stretch wires on the streets. In March, 1883, the City Council of New Albany presented Bloomington with a fine fire engine, as a return for $500 sent by the latter to the former a few months before during the great flood on the Ohio. The city has at this writing (October, 1883) $1,000 invested in the "artesian well" now being bored on the public square. Ever since the war, the Town or City Board has been constantly engaged in providing the county seat with good streets. The paving, macadamizing, guttering, etc., have gone on until all the leading thoroughfares of the city are water and mud proof, so to speak. Bloomington has without exception the cleanest and solidest streets of any city in the State. The present city officers are: C. F. Dodds, Mayor; R. C. Greeves, Clerk; G. W. Reeves, Marshal; H. H. Friedley, Attorney ; John Waldron, N. U. Hill, J. W. Shoemaker, B. A. McGee, M. D. Griffey and O. J. Hoover, Councilmen.

Secret Societies

Bloomington Chapter, No. 70, F. & A. M., was organized in 1867 The charter members were: Cyrus Nutt, Hiram Gilmore, G. W. Hardin, J. J. Durand, J. J. Hight, Asher Labertew, George Sheeks, M. C. Hunter, J. G. McPheeters, M. L. McCullough, J. B. Hamilton, Augustine Holtzman, and J. T. Holtzman. 'The first officers were: J. J. Durand, H. P.; A. Holtzman, K.; Cyrus Nutt, S.; M. L. McCullough, C. of H.; S. E. Holtzman, P. S.; J. T. Holtzman, R. A. C.; J. G. Mc- Pheeters, G. M. 3d V.; George Sheeks, G. M. 2d V.; L. Tannenbaum, G. M. ist V.; P. L. D. Mitchell, Treasurer; J. G. McPheeters, Jr., Secretary ; J. H. Thacker, Guard.

There are several other lodges in Bloomington - the Masons, Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias, etc., but the writer was unable to gain access to the records, and hence must omit an account or them.

Banking

The first banking business was done in the fifties, by Tarkington & Aikin, who issued at first only shinplasters: J. M. Howe did the same. In about 1857, the Bloomington Bank was regularly organized, with a capital of about $20,000; and soon bank bills were issued, signed by the above men. Missouri and other State bonds were deposited with the Auditor of State, but in 1860, these bonds so depreciated in value as to cause the suspension of the home bank. Its paper was worth only about 80 cents on the dollar. Soon after this, a private bank was organized, and continued until about 1870, when it was transformed into the First National Bank of Bloomington, with capital stock of $50,000 - since in-

The Schools Of Bloomington

The first school in Bloomington was taught in the old log court house during the winter of 1818-19, but the name of the teacher cannot be given, although it was probably Addison Smith. The next summer a log schoolhouse was built not far from where the old County Female Seminary now stands. The growth of the town was so rapid, however, that it was found necessary within two years to build another log schoolhouse, which was done in the eastern part. In 1822, or perhaps 1823, a brick schoolhouse was erected, which, with the two log cabins and other schools taught in private residences or elsewhere, supplied the town with public schools for several years. In the thirties, forties and fifties, other houses were built mainly for the accommodation of smaller scholars. All these schools were principally supported by subscription, there being no free schools as we now know them. Churches were often used, and the upper stories of business blocks on the square were rented for a series of years by educators, who transformed them into seats of learning. All these schools were more for the use of small children who could not enter the seminary or university. Prof. D. E. Hunter was prominently connected with the town schools proper late in the fifties and during the sixties. The teachers of the public schools were mostly ladies, who were scattered throughout the town in buildings which could be rented or leased for the purpose. No grading was done ; the scholars, large and small, in any portion of the town, attended the school nearest their residence or the one where the teacher was liked best. Many of these schools were of the highest excellence, being taught by the graduates of the university or the seminaries, or had come from abroad to follow their profession. In 1863, the subject of grading the schools was strongly urged, the leader in the movement being Prof. Hunter. The first public meeting of the citizens to consider the subject was held July 21, a large number being present. Prof. Hunter explained the character of high or graded schools. Other meetings were held and arrangements were completed to open the first graded school in Monroe County early in September. The Principal was Prof. Hunter; assistants in the old Baptist Church, Miss Mattie Cherry, Miss Lizzie Anderson and Miss Laura Verbryke; assistant in new building, Miss M. McCalla; assistant in Second Presbyterian Church, Miss Mary Anderson. The Principal held forth in the " new building," which was none other than the old tannery on the site of the present fine high school building. Milton Hight was the Trustee, and announced that the school system was "free to all in the corporation." It was found necessary to increase the school fund by several hundred dollars, which amount was raised by subscription among the citizens. At the end of three months, the Principal submitted the following report :

The following-named pupils have never been absent: Emma Batterton, Fransina E. Green, Laura A. Mitchell, Samuel W. McCune, Caroline Ehni, Eugene Fee, Samuel Curry, Amelia Sutter, Charles Tourner, Pauline Ehni, William Finn and William Harrington.

The following promotions have been made, viz: Ella Fellowes from intermediate department to grammar school, and Horace Mulky, Fannie Neal, Jane Thornton, Martha Winfrey and Esther A. Smith, from primary department to intermediate.

Soon after the school started, another primary department was started with Mrs. S. S. Getzendanner, teacher. The old Center Schoolhouse, as it was called, was used, also a frame building on Seventh street, between Lincoln and Grant streets. The old tannery was thoroughly fitted up, and four departments were there established in 1864. This was about the state of affairs until the present high school building, begun in 1871 and finished in 1875, was completed as detailed elsewhere, at a cost of over $50,000. Among the high school Principals or Superintendents have been D. E. Hunter, E. P. Cole, G. W. Lee, James M. Wilson, W. R. Houghton and Miss M. H. McCalla. The public schools of Bloomington are not surpassed by any in the State, and are far ahead of the average in discipline, and effective, practical work. The school under the management of Miss McCalla is spoken of in the highest terms, as a model of the result of professional skill. À

The old County Seminary was established as soon as the county was, though no building was erected until 1835. The funds from fines, penalties, etc., had continued to accumulate until at the time of the erection of the house they amounted probably to nearly $2,000. The structure was begun in 1833, and completed in 1835. Before this, however, aside from the Indiana College, now the University, Prof. Pering had established in the town a Female Institute, which, from the affability, culture and general worth of the man, had grown into considerable prominence. The popularity of this institute, the effective and satisa character of its work, and the fact that the Indiana College admitted no females to its course of study, led the citizens of the town, in order to obtain the best use of the seminary fund, and at the same time secure the higher education of their daughters, to petition the Legislature to have the County Seminary transformed into the County Female Seminary, and accordingly, during the session of 1832-33, this was done. This act was approved January 29, 1833, and the Monroe County Female Seminary was established with the following incorporators: John Borland, John Hight, William Alexander, James D. Robertson, Frederick T. Butler, Austin Seward, Richard Hardesty, Ellis Stone and Jobn Graham.

The building was erectéd in 1835, was a brick structure 30x50 feet, two stories high, containing two large halls and four smaller rooms. The halls were the principal recitation rooms, and extra care was ordered taken by the Trustees to have them well ventilated. The doors and windows were ordered thrown open at hours of intermission, until the entire volume of air had been renewed. Single desks were ordered to take the place of longer desks, to prevent crowding and discomfort. The first Principal, employed in 1835, was Cornelius Pering, A. M., a professional teacher, never having been engaged in any other pursuit, who about two years previous to his appointment had removed from London, England, to Indiana, and had opened in Bloomington, as already noticed, the first female institute in the State. He had been educated at the Royal Academy, London, and had become a member of the London Literary and Scientific Institute. He was eminently qualified for the position, which he filled with the highest credit to himself for thirteen years. His assistant was Mrs. Hinkston, a lady of unusual mental and moral endowments, who had herself been educated at the seminary. From the summer of 1435 to September, 1842 - a period of seven years - nearly four hundred young ladies finished the seminary course. The following tabular statement shows the attendance:

The courses of instruction were divided into three departments - primary, juniors and seniors - and the branches taught in the three departments were as follows:

Primary. - Orthography, reading, writing, first lessons in arithmetic and Parley's geography, and history; tuition, $5. Junior Class. - Orthography, rhetorical reading and speaking, writing in various hands, arithmetic in a manner calculated to insure practical utility, modern geography and history, English grammar and composition ; tuition, $8. Senior Class. - Ancient and modern geography and history, English grammar completed, natural philosophy, chemistry, astronomy, geometry, mental and moral philosophy, rhetorical composition, etc.; tuition, $10. Extra Studies. - French, $8 ; music, with the use of piano, $10; drawing and painting in water colors, $8; painting in crayon and oil, $10; short-hand, $3. There were two sessions annually of five months each, the summer session commencing the first Monday in May, and thesecond the first Monday in November. .

The seminary was conducted by Prof. Pering with increasing popularity and merit until about 1849, when Mrs. E. J. McFerson succeeded him. In July, 1855, the News Letter published the following regarding her success :

Our readers will find a notice in another place of the Examination and Commencement. exercises of the Monroe County (Mrs. McFerson's) Female Seminary, to take place next week. The name of Mrs. McFerson, the excellent Principal of this school, is o praise in'our midst. By untiring efforts for seven or eight years she has made the academy wha' it is, the pride and ornament of the place, and has won a higher and wider reputation as an educator than any lady in Indiana. We hope there will be a large attendance at the Examination and Commencement exercises,

The seminary had greatly increased in usefulness under the superintendence of this lady - not that it was not excellent under Prof. Pering, but the growth of the town, the presence of the railroad, and the advanced views on educational questions, led the management of the institution into innovations on obsolescent customs, and into theories and practices more in accordance with the times. The school was the pride of the town, and the lady was universally beloved for her rare elements of mind and heart. In 1855, a change was made in the mode of support, as will be seen from the following advertisement of the seminary : j

Monroe County FemaLe AcapeMY. - This institution will open its fall session on Thursday. the 20th of September, 1855, under the charge and superintendence of the undersigned. She would state to the public that a change has been made in the management of the institution. Under the present arrangement it is to be self-sustaining. - She has agreed to take charge of the school and furnish her own teachers, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, receiving as a compensation the tuition fees. She therefore asks a liberal patronage from the public, and requests prompt payment for her

Tuition Fees

Primary Department.................00+ woes sleeved a a a $3.00 Secondary T T E O E E 4.00 PROPAVRLONY-cccoe nse cones creases scsosececsuedecsseannaswscesececes EAEE eee 5.00 Seminary proper........ seblaunciade dace webesceacvesseeersecccessus sees cousseceetn seated 6.00 Music, with the use of the piano. ....... 20. ..0cescsscccsecceesccscavereecescesace 10.00 A contingent fee of 60 cents will be added to the fall session for the purpose of furnishing wood. E. J. McFerson, Principal.

In 1857, Prof. E. P. Cole succeeded Mrs. McFerson as Principal of the seminary.* The following was the announcement of the Trustees in 1858 :

Board Of Instructors

Boarpina. - Good board can be had in private families at prices varying from $2.00 to $2.25 per week. Desirable facilities are afforded for ladies wishing to board themselves.

Arrangements will be made by which young ladies can be boarded in private families, into which no male boarders will be received, and where a careful supervision of health and the morals of the students will be exercised.

The entire expense of a student for one year need not exceed $130. This includes boarding, fuel, lights, washing, books and tuition in all the branches except music, drawing, painting and fancy work.

No allowance for lost time, except in case of protracted illness upon the part of the student herself. This position is taken, that all inducements to irregularity may be removed. Irregular students receive but little benefit from their casual attendance, and likewise occasion much trouble, both to the teacher and also to the class with which they are associated. By order of the boord.

*It willbe observed that the advertisement speaks of the institution as an academy. It was, really, the Monroe County Female Seminary, made so by the Legislature in 1832-33.

Prof. Cole continued at the head of this institution until 1863. At that time the high school was founded, taking from the faithful old seminary its usefulness - or much of it - though it still continued, under various Principals - Rev. J. S. Reed being one - to hold forth educational inducements. Its day, however, was soon over. Tho building is now used as a dwelling.

The Model School

THE MODEL SCHOOL. A school which flourished for a few years, as a sort of preparatory defrtment of the university, was the Model School, conducted by Prof. . D. Riddile. The-following was the advertisement :

Tne Moves Scuoo.. - The next session of the Model School of the Indiana University will commence on Thursday, April 30, 1857, which is the first day of the college term.

TERMS : Orthography, Reading and Penmanship.................ssccssseeeeees seeeeees $3.00 Primary Geography, Mental Arithmetio and History.............2....00000 3.50 Written Arithmetic, Geography with the use of maps end globes, and Engish Gramm MiAnscncc<cscoscerscesesse Oresseoteaecestonctccssentestorscesesees 4.00 Natural Philosophy, Algebra and Physiology ............-sscssesceeeeeeeeeees 4.50

All tuition will be required in advance. No deduction in price will be made for absence, except in cases of protracted illness. We hope the patrons of this school will continue their patronage, as we have been at considerable expense in fitting up the schoolroom with mapa, &o., making it more interesting for our students.

The Bloomington Female College

The school law of 1852-53 provided for the sale of county seminaries, and the transfer of the proceeds to the common school fund. It is stated that the Methodists of Bloomington, who had talked for some time of founding an academy or seminary of their denomination, purchased the old seminary at auction; but, becoming alarmed regarding the title to the lots upon which the building stood, annulled the purchase before the deed was signed. They immediately founded the Bloomington Female College, however, their church being used for that purpose. Rev. T. H. Sinex became the first President. 'The following was his advertisement in 1855:

BLOOMINGTON FEMALE COLLEGE AND Acapemy. - The fall term of this institution will commence on the 20th of September, and continue thirteen weeks.

Tuition

and Writing, per Term..........:s-sesescsereeseercrscsesessecercecesesscenens $3.00 In Primary Department, 2d Class, embracing the above and Mental

Arithmetic and Primary Geography........+..--.sesseeceeeeseeensenereces 3.50 In Academic Department, 1st Class, embracing Geography, Arithmetic,

English Grammar, History and Analysis.........-.0+00seessessseeesneees 4.50 In Academic Department, 2d Class, embracing the above with Natural

Sept. 8, 1855. In 1856, immediately after the spring session, Rev. Sinex severed his connection with the college, and was succeeded by Rev. M. M. Tooke.

Faculty

Rey. M. M. Tooke, A. M., President, Professor of Intellectual and Moral Science; Samuel L. Bankley, A. B., Professor of Ancient Languages and Mathemetics; Mrs. L. P. Tooke, M. P. L., Adjutant Principal Teacher of Modern Languages and Ornamental Branches; Miss Sarah A. Purdy, M. P. L., Teacher of Natural Science, and Assistant Teacher of English Branches ; Edmond Jaeger, Professor of Instrumentaland Vocal Music.

Course Of &Tudy

Academic. - United States History, elements of physiology, geography completed, composition - Parker's exercises, analytioal grammar and ayithmetic, continued.

Collegiate Department

First Year. - Analytical grammar completed, anatomy and physiology completed, composition continued, elementary algebra, ancient history, botany, modern history, elements of the French and Latin languages and orthographical parsing.

Junior Year. - Algebra completed, natural philosophy, domestic economy, chemistry, rhetoric, natural theology, geometry, logic - French and Latin, elective, with the elements of Greek, also elective.

Senior Year. - Geometry completed, evidences of Christianity, science of government, plane and spherical trigonometry, German, elective, mental philosophy, geology, physical geography, elective, moral philosophy, elements of criticism, astronomy, Latin and Greek. Weekly exercises in composition, oratorical readings, etc., will accompany the whole course.

EXPENSES. Tuition in primary department, per term.............csceeceseeeeeeeee $3 50 Tuition in model school, per torm..2<.c..ccccccesssesseceactedcesecsececes 5 00 Tuitionsin academic, POr ter ceccnceaccescc-cesecseccresaetessnose acces 6 50 Tuition in collegiate department, first year..............ceeeceeeeeeeeee 8 00 Tuition in collegiate department, junior year.................e00 ---- 1000 Tuition in collegiate department, senior year...... E 11 00 For incidentals and janitor's fees - each term............ SOCOBCRE ECE 50

Musio on the piano, organ, etc., extra penmanship, bookkeeping, painting in oil and water colors, may, with the consent of the faculty, be substituted for those studies designated in the course as elective.

A large college boarding house was kept on Sixth street, between Walnut and Washington. b 1858, Rev. A. D. Lynch succeeded Rev. Tooks as President of this college. He continued with satisfactory success until about the breaking out of the last war, when the college was permanently closed.

The Indiana State University The Indiana College

with this provision the General Assembly of Indiana passed an act, approved January 20, 1820. appointing a Board of Commissoners to locate the two townships in Indiana, and appointed Trustees to superintend the sale thereof, and the appropriation of the proceeds for the establishment and maintenance of a State Seminary. In accordance with this act of the Legislature, the Commissioners appointed selected the present township of Perry, Monroe County, as one of the two townships, and made arrangements to erect the necessary buildings on the present site of the State University. In 1822, the Trustees let out the building of two seminary houses, one to be used as a dwelling for a teacher, and the other for the State Seminary. William Snodgrass was to furnish shingles at $4 per thousand; John Robinson to deliver brick at $4.75 per thousand ; John Wright, father of Gov. Joseph A. Wright, to do the stone work, and lay the brick in good mortar, made of well sifted dirt and plenty of good lime, at $4.25 per thousand. Edward and John Borland, Samuel Hardesty and David Kello, engaged to do the carpenter work of the small house, which was to be the size of W. D. McCullough's house, which he had rented to Thomas Allen, of Kentucky, except to be four feet longer. These buildings were both erected. On the 20th of November, 1824, the Trustees elected Rev. Banard R. Hall, the first and only teacher of the seminary, to open school as early as practicable in the following spring, at a salary of $250 per year, with the promise of an additional sum if the funds of the seminary would admit. The tuition fee of students was fixed at $2.50 per session, and two sessions were established for each year. On the 15th of May, 1827, the board elected John H. Harney teacher pro tempore of mathematics, natural philosophy and astronomy, with a salary of $150 for the first session of five months, $40 to be paid in advance. On the 2d of November following, upon the advice of the Honorable Board of Visitors, he was elected permanent Professor at a salary of $400 and $40 house rent, with the promise, if the initiation fees of the students amounted to more than $100 per year, to divide the overplus between the teachers to such amount as would not make their salaries more than $6 00. THE INDIANA COLLEGE.

At the session of the Legislature in 1827-28, an act was passed to transform the State Seminary into the Indiana College, and Edward Borland, Samuel Dodds, Leroy Mayfield, Jonathan Nichols, James Blair, David H. Maxwell, William Banester and William Lowe, of Monroe County, Seth M. Levenworth, of Crawford County, and William Dunn, of Montgomery County, were appointed to make the alteration and establish the new institution in accordance with the provisions of the enactment. On the 5th of May, 1828, the above named Board of Trustees met in the seminary building at Bloomington, elected Dr. D. H. Maxwell President of the board; Rev. P. M. Dorsey, Secretary ; and James Borland, Treasurer, and on motion of Mr. Dunn, proceeded to the election of the officers of the new " Indiana College." Rev. Andrew Wylie, D. D., of Washington County, Pennsylvania, was unanimously chosen President of the college; B. R. Hall, Professor of languages ; and John H. Harney, Professor of mathematics and natural philosophy for one session, at a salary of $400 per year, with the addition of $40 to Harney for

Wright, afterward Governor of Indiana: May, 12, 1828. Ordered, That Joseph A. Wright be allowed for ringing the college bell, making fires in the college building during the last session of the State Seminary, $16.25; also for lock, bell-rope and brooms $1.37}, and that the Treasurer of the late State Seminary pay the same.

In the fall of 1828, President Andrew Wylie, having accepted the position tendered him by tlfe Trustees, arrived in Bloomington, and the occasion was considered of much importance ; a torch-light procession and public illumination was given in his honor. President Wylie's connection with the college proved very advantageous, not only to that institution, but to Bloomington and Monroe County. He was famed for his learning all over the East and South, and soon students from distant States came to Bloomington to place themselves under his instruction. But the sudden and permanent popularity of President Wylie led to bitter jealousy on the part of Profs. Hall and Harney, who no doubt envied him his good fortune, and wished for the possession of his place and honors. The unpleasantness ceased with the permanent departure of Hall and Harney, in 1832. The college flourished greatly under the management of President Wylie, and its influence was soon felt upon the community. People of culture and refinement came to reside in the town; churches grew strong, and shed their influence abroad, and the presence of superior intellectual and moral culture gave a tone to Bloomington society that had a marked effect upon youth, and made the town justly famous throughout the State.

The State University

In 1838, an act was passed by the . Legislature to establish a university in the State, and John Law, of Knox County, Robert Dale Owen, of Posey County, Richard W. Thompson, of Lawrence County, Samuel R. Hosovuer, of Wayne County, P. C. Dunning, James Blair, Joshua O. Howe, Chesley D. Bailey, William Turner and Leroy Mayfield, of Monroe County, were appointed Trustees to make the change from Indiana College to Indiana University. The Board of Trustees met on the 24th of May, 1838, elected Paris C. Dunning, President of the board, and James D. Maxwell, Secretary, and made such changes as they deemed necessary. A new building was erected of brick, and the course of study was widened. Andrew Wylie, D. D.. served as President until his death in 1851, when, for two years, Theophilus A. Wylie, Daniel Reed and Alfred Ryors acted as such. In 1853, William M. Daily was appointed President, serving as such until 1858, when, owing to serious trouble which arose, he resigned. On All Fools' Day. 1854, the college building was destroyed by fire, which loss embarrassed the institution very much, as not only were the recitation rooms gone, but a valuable library of rare works was burned. This was no doubt the work of an incendiary. The citizens immediately went to work to raise funds for a new building. They received a meager sum from the State, and in 1859 completed the present college building, on the old campus south of town. After the resignation of President Daily, in 1858, T. A. Wylie acted as such for a year, and John H. Lathrop for a year, or until 1360, when Cyrus Nutt was appointed, the latter serving from 1860 to 1875. In the last-named year, Lemuel Moss, D. D., LL. D., was chosen President, in which capacity he is still serving. A detailed history of this university cannot be given in this volume; neither can suitable or merited personal sketches be written of the many eminent men who have been connected with it, or who have gone as students from its halls to honored positions in almost every State in the Union. It is appropriate, however, to say that the institution has been the soul of Bloomington. A majority of the older citizens are graduates or under-graduates, and their children and grandchildren are now treading in their footsteps.

The fine brick building, erected on the old campus late in the seventies for the scientific department, was destroyed by lightning in July, 1883. The loss is said to have been $300,000. The library of 12,000 volumes, the Owen collection of fossils, etc., and other valuable articles were destroyed. In 1883, the Trustees of the University purchased a tract of twenty acres in Dunn's Woods, fronting Fifth street, and made preparations to erect thereon two brick buildings, one for the main university edifice, and another for the scientific department. The estimated cost of each building is about $50,000. The old building is to be used as a preparatory department. The twenty acres cost $6,000. This is the situation at present (October 20, 1883).

The Chuches Of Bloomington

The Presbyterian Church of Bloomington was organized September 26, 1819, by Rev. Isaac Reed, the first members being Henry Kirkman, Mary Kerkum, David H. Maxwell, Mary D. Maxwell, John Ketchum, Elizabeth Ketchum, Elizabeth Anderson, Elizabeth Lucas and Patsey Baugh. The church was organized at the old log court house which stood where the jail now does. 'The first three baptized were the children of Dr. Maxwell - Martha Ann, James Darwin and Samuel Franklin. The first regular minister was Rev. David C. Proctor, who assumed the charge in 1822, preaching three-fourths of his time at Indianapolis, and the remainder at Bloomington. In 1825, he was succeeded by Rev. B. R. Hall, Principal of the State Seminary (now the University). Andrew Wylie, D. D., supplied the church from 1830 to 1834. He was President of the Indiana College, into which the State Seminary had been transformed in 1828. Rev. Ranson Hawley served from 1834 to 1841; Rev. W. W. Martin, from 1843 to 1845; Rev. Alfred Ryors, from 1845 to 1847; Rev. Levi Hughes, from 1847 to 1851; Rev. Thomas Alexander, from 1851 to 1853; Rev. F. H. Laird, from 1855 to 1856; Rev. Lowman Hall, from 1856 to 1857; Rev. T. M. Hopkins, from 1858 to 1869; Rev. A. Y. Moore in 1869. The first church was erected in 1826, and the last, the present one, in 1859-63.

In June, 1852, the Second Presbyterian Church was organized with a membership of eleven, eight of whom had been connected with the other church. Rev. Bishop became stated supply of the church, and continued with it until 1867. Rev. Elisha Ballentine, after 1X54, supplied the pulpit during the absence of Rev. Bishop. Rev. Ballentine served from 1867 to 1869 without assistance.

the pastorate of Rev. A. Y. Moore, and were called the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church. Thus the church remains at present with a membership of about 250. Since the organization of the church in 1819, there have been received into its communion through the First, Second and United organizations, 812 members. Twelve ministers of the Gospel have gone forth from the church.

The United Presbyterian Church of Bloomington is composed of three branches - the Associated Presbyterian (Seceder), the Associated Reformed Presbyterian (Union), and the Reformed Presbyterian (N. L. Covenanter), which were separately organized in 1<33, 1834 and 1838 respectively. The three branches remained apart until 1864, when the Associate Reformed under Rev. William Turner and the Associate under Rev. John Bryan came together and formed the United Presbyterian congregation. In 1869, the Reformed congregation, under Rev. T. A. Wylie, came into the union. The early accounts of the separate branches are meager. The members were mostly from North Carolina, having left there owing to their abhorrence to slavery. They were largely farmers and were scattered outside of the county seat. At the time of union the membership was about 200. It is now nearly 250. Their church, in the northern part of the city, was built early in the seventies. Rev. W. P. McNary became pastor in 1870.

The Methodists organized their class at Bloomington in 1820, and built their church about six years later. Among the early members were Joshua O. Howe and wife, Daniel Rawlins and wife, Benjamin Freeland and wife, Samuel Hardesty and wife, Ebenezer Shepard and wife, Mrs. Wright, Jonathan Legg and wife, Naomi Otwell and family, James H. King and wife, Abraham Pauley and others. The Wrights did the brick work on the old church. Elias Abel wheeled mortar. The building cost about $600. In the forties, it was sold to the Baptists, and in the sixties to the Catholics, who yet own it. In about 1846, the Methodists erected a new church. Rev. Owen was pastor at the time. It was the early custom in this church to have a door-keeper, and instead of a bell a great tin horn called to the house of worship. Other members in early years were the families of John S. Watts, Benjamin Neeld, J. D. Robertson, C. G. Ballard, J. S. Jones, W. E. Waugh, Zimri Worley, John Henry, G. W. Moore, J. W. Throop, C. P. Hester, B. F. Crary, W. F. Browning, J. W. Davis, Wesley Robertson, and others. The present church was built about 1873 and cost about $12,000.

The Christians, or Campbellites, organized a class not far from 1820, and built a church late in the twenties. The families of Haws Armstrong, David Batterton, William Armstrong, Eli Lee, George Isominger, Johnson McCullough, D. C. Smith, D. Eckles, J. W. Hardin, John P. Rader, William A. Clark, Thomas N. Williams, D. F. Tilford, and many others were members. They have had two houses since.

The Baptists started a small class at a little later period, the leading members being the Fosters, the Stones, the Vanoys and others. They built a brick church also, but were not as strong as the other three denominations. In 1861, the following 'statistics of the four churches - Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian and Baptist - were ordered prepared by the Bloomington Ministerial Association :

Counting the number from the country attending the above churches as about equal to the statistics of Mr. Turner's church, we have in Bloomington, church sittings, 2,025; attending church, 950; members 690; prayer meetings, 7; attendance, 180; and in Sabbath school, 405. Taking the population of Bloomington as 2,200, and counting Mi this number 600 for the children, we have as not usually attending church 640; not members of church, 900; children not in Sabbath school about 200. Surely, if these statistics approximate the truth, there is much ground still to be occupied.

Other religious classes have been organized since then. The Catholics have a small organization, and have a handsome brick church west of the railroad, on Sixth street. The colored people have two small brick churches in the city. Bloomington may be compared to Oberlin, Ohio, in the number of its colored population, and in many other respects - such as churches and schools. The city contains over 100 colored people, many of whom are well educated and well mannered.