Noble Township (part 1 of 3)

Noble Township

As lias been stated, Noble and La Gro townsliips are the original units of Wal)asli County, the seven subdivisions which now form its territory having been made from these parent bodies.

The first meeting of the board of county commissioners was held at tlie house of David Burr, Town of Wabash, on the forenoon of j\Ionday, June 15, 1835. The board was organized, several county officers were sworn in and some other preliminary liusiness was disposed of before it adjourned for an afternoon session to the house of Commissioner Blaekman. At the afternoon meeting the county was divided into both commissioners' districts and townships.

All that part of AVabash County lying west of the line dividing ranges tj and 7 was to be known as tlie Townsliip of Noble, in honor of James Noble, late senator of the United States, and all lying east of that di\iding line was to ])e called La Gro Township.

An election was also ordered to he hckl in Xol)le Township, at the house of David Burr, on the 8th of July, Ls;M, for the selection of three justices of the peace - two for Xohle Township and one for the Town of Wal)ash.

The chief steps 1>y which Noble Township was reduced to its present dimensions and form were the creation of Pleasant Township from its north end, or the nortliwest corner of ihe county, in 18;]6 ; the slicing olt' of its six southern sections in 1841, to form Waltz Township, and the consolidation of the north part of Xoble and the south part of Plea.sant Townsliij) into what is known as Paw Paw, in 1872.

AVith the exception of the City of Wabash, there is virtually no center of population in the township. Rich Valley postoffice, about four miles to the west of the county seat, was at one time quite a promising village, but is now scarcely on the map, tlie rural route system having even abolished its distinctive pastoffice.

^'ohle Township, considered from a physical standpoint, is a fertile, well-watered tract of country. The Wabash River throws a broad band across its central sections from east to west, and both northern and southern branches are thrown out, every mile or so, into the adjacent districts. The chief southern tril)Utai-ies come from l)eyond the limits of the township - Alill, Treaty and Burr creeks - while Kentner, the main nortliern l)ranch, penetrates well into the northeastern corner. Batchelor Creek waters several of the northwestern sections; so tliat, as stated, the township, as a whole, is abundantly drained and fertilized by running waters.

On either side of the Wa])ash River there is a strip of bottom land of vai-ying width, l)ordered by high bluH's, the substructure of which is t'liiutly liiiiestoiK' of suprrior (luality, but its strata iiuu'li varying in thickiu'ss. Tliouiih the .surface of tlie country is eonsiderably Itrokeu along the margins of tlie i-iver and the ereeks, tlie major i)art of the area is comparatively level, or gently undulating. The i)rotluctive (juaiity of the soil is scarcely surpassed by that of any otlier townsiiip.

K\ery natural condition favors the creation of a first-ciass country for the cultivation of hay. wheat, oats, corn, and the raising of hogs, horses ami mih-h cows, and the fanners of the township have taken such continuous advantage of these natural advantages as to add constant Wealth and unfailing comforts to the rural conununities and the county at hirge. h'or a verillcation of this statement, go to the auditor and his iigurcs eo\-(.'ring any series of years for the jtast lifty.

The first settlements in what is now Noble Township were at and near the present City of AValmsh. The Lulians had tirst to be bought otif before the whites could come in, and the tii'st stej) was taken under the Treaty of 1818; for shortly alter it had been ratilied the General Government sent Benjamin Level to the point on a creek, four miles southwest of the present City of AVabash, which the Indians had selected as a site for their promised mill. There - on Mill Creek - Mr. Level erected it, and Lewis ^Miller came as its tirst miller. On the 4th of July, 1826, Gillis AIcBean moved to the Indian ]Mills as its superintendent. These two millers, with their fannlies, represented the white settlers of Noble Township antl Wabash County prior to the opening up of the Indian lands north of the AVabash in the fall of the year named (1826).

The meeting of the United States commissioners and the chiefs, warrioi-s and head men of the jNIiamis and Pottawatomies, which resulted in the treaties of October 16 and 23, 1826, has been fully described, as well as rtie opening of the Treaty Grounds on the present site of AVabash as the Ileadcpiarters for New Comers. The story has also developed the fact that home-seekers from near and from far were not backward in responding to the kind invitation of General Tipton, the Indian agent, and other promoters of white settlement.

Some of those who were present during the progress of the council with the Indians concluded to return to the country and remain permanently. Among these were Frederick R. and James 11. Kintncr, who, within about a year after the conclusion of the treaties, had settled at lUit the first to arrive on the T)'eaty Grounds with his family "was Samuel .AleOlure, Sr., who left his native state of Ohio on Christmas day, lS2(i, and arrived at lu'achiuarters on tlie 15th of -January, 1827. This was ahout tiiree months after the treaties had heen made and before the huuls had heen surveyed which the ^liamis and Pottawatondes had relijKiuished. ^leCluie and his household iitniiediately moved into one of the shaidies built for tlie traders ami others who had attended the L-ouneil. .\s he had a wife and ten ehildren, his affairs were luiturally pressing. .Vfter getting Ins fannly under rover he set to work to feed them. Willi the winter half spent, he soon cleared the timber anti underbrush from fifteen acres of land near the family cabin, and early in the spring jdaided the tract to corn, in May the section including his corn Held was surveyed by the Government, and it was found that the ]Me('lui'e famil\' was squatting on land \vhich had been granted to the Indian chief, Little Charley. The i\lcClures therefore abandoned their lir.st selection and by the 10th of June, 1S27, the head of the family had comi)leted a log cabin on the banks of the AVabash about three miles below the Treaty Grounds.

In the following August, Sanuiel ]\lcClure, Jr., who had assisted his father in all these pioneer enterprises looking to the permanent settlement of the fannly, opened a store near their residence, which was the tirst mercantile establishment of the township. These rude cabins were sittuited on the tract of land afterward owned and occupied by Jonas. Carter, a son-indaw of Samuel McClure, Sr.

In ]\Iay, 1827, Benjanun Hurst and Kobert AVilson arrived at head- ([uarters to 'dook arouml." Shortly afterward Mr. AVilson was appointed Government blacksnnth at the Indian mill and went there to live.

Al)out the same time Joel and Champion Ilelvie arrived at the Treaty Grounds, but remained only a short time, finally settling opposite the mouth of the Salamonie River in what is now the Town of La Gro.

A littk' later in tlu- year 1827, Col. David liurr (after whom the creek is named j seems to have taken possession of several buildings on the Treaty CI rounds - probably by purchase, although the entry of his lands was not made until three years afterward. In one of these buildings, the colonel opened the pioneer hotel of the county, and lived in another, at which a postofficc was located in 1880.

The Kintiiers came next, but although they gave their name to the creek they only remained a few months, moving their saddlery and harness shoj) to Logansport in March, 1828. At that time the Indian agency was ti'ansf erred from Fort Wayne to Logansport, and the Kintner brothers depended almost entirely upon the Indian trade for their business.

Shortly before the Kintners left the township and the county, the Keller brothers commenced to come into the county. James and Jonathan settled in Noble Township, while Christian and Anthony became residents of La Gro Towiship. In the fall of 1828, Jonathan took charge of the Indian mill and remained there for two years. Anthony, after residing a few years in La Gro, returned to this township, and various members of the family eventually located around the headwaters of Keller's Creek, in the western part of the township, and formed the nucleus of a considerable settlement.

The first recorded purchase of land in Nol)le Township was that made on the 11th of October, 18P.0, by David Burr. He entered the fractional southeast quarter of section 1, township 27 north, range 6 east, containing 155.21 acres; also, the north fraction of the northeast and the north fraction of the northwest quarter of section 12 of the same towTiship and range, the former containing 49.60 acres and the latter, 101.80 acres. A large portion of these tracts is now embraced in the corporate limits of the City of Wabash.

On the same day John Tipton purchased the fractional southwest quarter of section 10, containing 42.29 acres, and the north fraction of section 15, containing 73.66 acres, all in township 27, range 6 east.

On the 3d of February, 1832, Hugh Ilanna purcliased the fractional southwest quarter of .section 11, township 27, range 6, containing 11 8. GO acres, all of which is covered by the town plat of Wabash.

Amony: the first settlers not lieretofore mentioned, \vho located on what thus ])ecanie the Town of Wabash, was .Milton AVheeler, brother of Isaac and father of Henry AVheeler, who located about 18:32. Some two years later I^aac AVheeler opened a blacksmith shop in what is now AVabash - perhaps tlie first in the county, outside the Government sliop at the Indian mill.

Outside the Town of AVabash, probably the most important cluster of settleirieiits in the early '30s was that founded by the Kellers. On the 3d of Oetolier, 1832, Jonathan Keller bought the east half of northeast quarter of section 14, township 27, range 5; also, the southeast quarter of the same. On December 15th of that year Thomas Curray purchased the west half of the southwest quarter of section 1, township 27, range 5. These were the first purchases and represented the pioneer settlements in the western part of the township.

Keller's Settlement, or Keller's Station, became quite well known in later years, and Rich A^alley, with its postoffiee, Avas a still later development. The latter was also one of the stations on the old Toledo, Wabash & AV^stern Railroad.

Maj. Stearns Fisher came to AA^ibash Comity in 1833, at the building of the AVabash & Erie Canal, with which he was prominently identified. He became a resident of AVabash not long after it was platted.

Oeorge Shepherd huilt the first house in tlu' Town of Wahasli on lot G.'j, iiuiiicdiatcly west of tlie soutliwcst eoi-iici' of Alien and Mai'ket streets, soon after the oi-iginal sale of lots in Ma\-, 1M;j4. A few days after nio\'ing- iido their eahin a child was horn to .Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, the iirst in the town.

AVithin a few years after the creation of AVal^ash County, the fixing of the county seat and the civil organization of Xohle Township, all of which happened in 18:^5, the Indian lands had also heen completely surveyed, and the population increased so rapidly that the permanent settlers took steps to provide schools for their children. As early as 1842- 43 private, or suh.scriptiou schools were taught in different parts of Nolile Township, generally in the winter season and occasionally in the summer.

lUit even prior to 1851-52 the schools were not very numerous, nor were puhlic schoolhouses very generally provided. In 1853 there were 1,363 of school age within the limits of Nol)le Township, including the Town of Wahash, and fifteen schoolhouses. They were described as "un'iforndy in had condition - usually log structures and illy supplied with even the ordinaiy paraphernalia of the schoolroonu School furniture was as yet almost unheard of in the routine of school life."

The year 1854 did not show great advancement, except perhaps in l)ecoming better acquainted with the situation and its wants. No new schoolhouses were constructed in the township either in 1854 or 1855, but during the latter year a tax amounting to $3,140 had been levied for that purpose to be applied in the following year.

In 1856, educational nuitters picked up; for three schoolhouses were built and 944 pupils attended the schools taught for a period of two and a half montlis. Again there was a tax of $2,478.83 levied for the erection of schoolhouses, and three additional l)uildings were provided in

18.')8. Duriiiy; that year out of a total enunici'atioii of 1,4G2 pupils, ],1G2 attended sehool during an average period of sixty-Hve days. In 1859 there were three and in 18G0 seven sehoolhouses built at a cost of $:},G:]0 for the two years. At that time, within the boundaries of Noble Townshi}), as then constituted, there were twenty-eight sehoolhouses, a majority of which had been constructed under the provisions of the new law on the subject, being therefore a decided improvement over the old order. ,

The schools of the present, it is needless to say, ai'e up to the modern standard, in sui){)Oi't of which statement reference is made to the report of the county superintendent of schools, a synopsis of which is })ublished elsewhere. In these days it would be only Civil war or a raging pestilence which eoidd cut the school year down to two months. Including the schools in the Oity of Wabash, more than ninety teachers are ]n)\v emi)loyed in Noble Township, (jf which thirty-ti\-e hohl forth in the establishments outside ihe municipality.

(Jutside the city, the township is divided into the following districts, with teachers as enumerated: Linlawn, 9; Chippewa, 9; AVhite's Institute, 4; Rich Valley, 2; country schools, 7. The enrollment of pupils in 1914 was 629. In 1913, according to the county auditor's figures, $59,292.89 was paid to the sehool board of the City of Wabash for the support of its educational system, and $-];l5()1.31 to the school boards of Noble Township.

White's ]\lanual Labor Institute, or, as it is generally called, W'hite's Inst'itute. is one of the most noted educational establishments in Noble Township and Wabash County. Throughout its life of more than half a century it has combined in a noteworthy degree, educational training, religious instruction and practical benevolence; and no pupil has ever been barred from its good influences on account of "race, color or j)revious condition of servitude."

White's Institute includes three l)uildings in which dependent children are housed and cared for, and two more are in coui'se of construction - a well-planned hospital and a home for small boys. It is situated about foui- and a half miles southeast of Wabash along Treaty Creek, and its farm of 640 acres was formerly a portion of the famous Me-shin-iio-me-sia Indian Reservation. Four hundred acres of this land is ill i-ultivatioii, and the property of tiie institute iiu-hulcs siihstantia] barns iui- the eare of its sixteen horses ami 100 iicail of eatth-. 'IMiere are now 210 ehihireii at the institute, of whom seventy ai'e ^irls. and, in accord with the objects for which it was foundrd they are receivini,' a moral, religious and industrial training which will make them useful members of society. , t--

t White's ]\Ianiial Labor Institute has always been under the control of th(,' Society of Friends, of whirh Josiali While, its founder, was a lifelong member. That line (Quaker was born in IT.Sl at Mount Holly, New Jersey. In his youth he had a passion for mechanical jiursuits and received a fair education. In Philadelphia he was apprenticed to the hardware trade, ami after sei'ving his time conducted a store on his own account. AVlieii he commenced an independent business he resolved to devote all his energies to it until he had accumulated ?f;40,000 in money. ])rovided lie could do so ])efore his thirtieth year. Two years before reaching that age, he i-ealized his ambition and retired from liusiness. At first he was ti'mi)ted to invest that sum at interest, liut instead his active temix-rammit induced him to ai)ply at least a portion of his fortune in building a dam and lock at Schuylkill.

In this work Josiali White was employed from 1810 to 1818, when the works wi-re purchased by the City of Philadelphia. He was one of the pioneers both in the improvement of the Lehigh and Delaware livers ami in the mining and marketing of antiiracite coal, and through liis executive and financial connection with various coal and navigation companies accumulated a much larger fortune than his original capital. He died in PS.'jO, and in his will made bequests for the establishment of vai'ious manual labor schools in Iowa and Indiana, to be placed at the disl)0sal of the Society of Friends.

-For the esta])lisliment of the Indiana Institute, $20,000 was devised; ''to ])e ai)proi)riated to the erection of a college, or manual labor school for the education of colored people, Indians and others likely to be benefited by the practical application of industrial with educational and religious instruction." One-half the sum mentioned was to be used for the purchase of grounds and the other half for the erection of buildings. A lioard of trustees was appointed by the Society of Friends of Indiana to select the location of a suitable site within the state limits. It first met at ^Val)asll on the 5th of October, 1852, its ineinl)ers l)eiiig George Evans, Luke Thomas, Aaron ITill, William Reese, Alfred Johnson, Isaac Jay, Jesse \Vilso]i, David Miles and Jesse Small.

This body was iii('()i'])()rated on the 25th of Octol)ei', 1852, and i)nrehased the 640 acres on Treaty (.'reek deserilied as section .'51, townslni) 27 north, I'ange 7 east, in 1851* an a(bnini.sti'ation Ijuihling, a schoolhouse and a boarding house were erected on the ]>urcliased tract, a superintendent ai)i)ointed and the institute organized on a modest scale to carry out the aims of the founder as far as could be done with the means at the disposal of the management.

From that tinu' forward, the institute strengthened and broadened and, although it has had its i)eriods of .depression, there was never any iloubt as to the honesty and faithfulness of those at the head of its management. Since its establishment Josiah White's two daughters have left endowments amounting to about thirty seven thousand dollars. JMary Emily Smith, late of Richmond, Indiana, also made a be(iuest of $13,000, and William WoldgannUh willed to it a sum of >t^l,00() and 160 acres of land in Nebraska.

In the .summer of 1888 the experiment was first tried of bringing Indian children from the western plains to the institute for the purpose of educating them. On the evening of February 5, 1884, Professor Coppack, of the institute, with Nathan Coggshall and :\lrs. Joseph Pleas, started for the far We.st to arrange for bringing thirty-seven Indian childi-en to the institute, in addition to the thirty-three who had already l)een acconunodated. Their purpose was to "select such children as know little or nothing ot civilization and make them over into civilized Americans^"

While the (io\ei-nment paid to the institute a certain sum per capita for the Indian children brought there, the board of trustees concluded that this featui-e of its work was outsitle of its scope as delined by Mv. White. A few years after the inauguration of the experiment the Govennneiit also established its own Indian schools; so that AVhite's Institute al)andoned the work.

At that time the institute l)egan cai'ing for the county wards. The children are received from different counties of the state and from juveinle courts and other in.stitutions, as well as fi'om the hands of fruanliaiis of or])haii chiltlreii. Tlu-y are trained in manual and farm work and in tloniestie service, receiving also the religious and educational instrnrtion which forms so large a part of the original plan. The institute ])rovides instruction not oidy in the conniion branches, but in art and music.

Tile surroundings of the institute are ideal for the normal Iwy and girl, and tlie trustees, who devote their time and services without compensation, may well l)e proud of the good work accomplished. The present board is coini)Osed of the following: Nathan (jlilbert, president, AVabash ; Isaac Elliott, secretary, Fairmount; John Johnson, Riclunond; AVilliam Diggs, Winchester; William Elliott, Fairmount; I. P. Hunt, Fountain City. Some of the members have been on the board for years, Isaac Elliott ranking them all in length of service.

The income from the farm produce and livestock, the proceeds from the endowment funds and the 30 cents per day received from the county for each child, make the institute more than self-supporting. The result is that improvements are constantly progressing, and ere long Wliite's Institute will be one of the most convenient and attractive homes for dependent children in the state.

First Native White Child - First Stores - Early Prices - First Town Corporation - Second Town Corporation - Old Courthouses - The City IIali. - The Wabash Postoffice - Protection Against Fire - Fine System of Waterworks - Changes in iManagement - Lighting by Electricity - Pioneer in Modern Street Lighting - The Natural Gas Era - The Natural Gas Syste:\i - Artificial Gas - First Schools in Town - School District No. 1 Organized - First Public Sciio(Jls and Teachers - First School Report- Building OF the Union Schoolhouse - Ward Schools of the City - The New High School - Present Status of City Schools - South Wabash Academy - Superintendents of City Schools - Adelaide S. Bayi^or - High School Principals - Warren Bigler's Service to the Schools - The Women Found a Library - Mrs. C. E. Cowgili. - Wabash City Library - ^As a Carnegie Public Library - Public Parks - IIist(^ric Spot - The City Park - Clarkson W. Weesner.

The City of Wal)ash, the county's seat of justice and its commercial and industrial metropolis, wa.s eighty years of age in April, 1914; still young as a city of the Ohio Valley, but substantial, cultured and beautiful, land yearly developing into a greater municipality. Its site on the Wabash River is striking from the viewpoint of picturesqueness, and favorable to the best hygienic conditions.

The business and manufacturing districts stretch away on comparatively level ground from the river and canal, while toward botli the north and the south the resident sections cover bold and healthful higldands. The rise is especially abrupt and striking )iorth of the Wabash, which embraces the main portion of the city.

The slree'ts of tlic city aiv l)road and wcll-krijt ; its ivsidcncL'S tasteful, without heiug gaudy; its stores substantial and attractive in ai)i)earanee, and its numufaetunng phuits hirge and expanding. Wabash as a city, with its i)rosperous lookijit; citizens, has the inevitable appearance of a municipality which is not founded on a "Ihjomi," or a special class of manufactures, l)ut has been tleveloped normally and solidly, and has fairly distril)uted its profits and its prosperity among all classes of its residents.

After sixteen years of existence as a towii, Wabash had a population of 964, and in 1S60 these figures had been increased to 1,504. From 1870 and 1875, the growth of the city showed a high percentage - its population being 2,881 in the former year, against 4,000 in the latter. It was during this period that the old \Yabash & Erie Canal was abandoned as a means of transportation and commercial exchange, a north and south railroad having been added to the city's facilities in that line. The early 70s marked the commencement of the railroad era and the growth of diversified manufactures. The banks were increasing in niuuber and linaiicial resources, and modern AVabash really was founded. In 18!H) it had a poi)ulatioii of 5,105; in IHOO, 8,618; in 1910, 8,687.

As will be seen by reference to the chapter on transportation, this well-to-do community of 9,000 peo])le has also since that period become thoroughly supplied with intimate avenues of communication with all parts of the state and nation through fine systems of interurban lines. Some of the main facts leading to this laudable development as a municil)ality and a commercial, industrial and financial center, are given as follows :

The Town of Wabash was laid otf in the spring of 1834 by Col. Hugh Ilanna. The original plat is situated on the north bank of the Wabash Kiver, about ninety miles northeast of Indianapolis, being the site of the Treaty Grounds and Paradise Springs where the treaty with the Pottawatomies and ]\Iiamis was held in 1826, the treaty being signed on the 16th and 23d days of October of that year. This ground is now occupied by the shops of the l^ig Four Railroad. The streets running north and south were named after the counties lying east and west, eoniinencing with Allen, Huntington, Wabash, Miami, Cass and Carroll. The original plat contains 233 lots, and since then ninety-nino atlditions

The first settlei-s in the town were George Shepherd, Col. AVilliaui Steele, Allen AV. Smith, Alpheus Blaekman, Jacob D. Cassatt, John Smith, Zara Sutherland, ]\Iiehael Duffey, Andrew Murphy, Dr.' J. R. Cox, Col. Hugh Hanna, David Cassatt, Dr. Isaac FinleyVl)r. James Hackleman and James AV. Wilson.

The first lot cleared and enclosed was 22, which was improved by Colonel Steele and Allen W. Smith. George Shepherd built the first house, which was on lot 63, and Colonel Steele built the second one on lot 22. These were built in l\Iay, 1834. Alpheus Blaekman made a kiln of brick in 1834, and Doctor Finley built a small brick house in the fall of that year on lot 54, and which was located where the Spiker Block now stands. Colonel Steele and Colonel Hanna l)uilt houses of the same kiln of brick.

Oidy a few days after George Shepherd had moved into his log cabin his first child was born, being the first white child born in the original linuts of the Town of Wabash. Many have been under the impression that J. Warren Hanna, son of Col. Hugh Hanna was the first white child born in the town, but on September 11, 1879, when he signed the constitution of the Old Settlers Organization, he gave the date of his birth as June 2, 1838, some four years after the town had been laid out, and with the number of families then living in the town, it is fair to suppose that there were several children born before that date.

On the 20th of May, 1835, the commissioners appointed for that purpose by the Legislature in an Act of January 22, 1835, located the county seat at Wabash.

Colonel Steele opened the first provision store and Colonel Hanna the first drygoods store. In the summer or fall of 1834 the first tavern was opened by Andrew Alurphy on lot 37. From this time forward the town improved rapidly.

In early times calico sold for a shilling a yard and it took eight yards to make a dress. Alerchants gave 3 cents a dozen for eggs, and as there was no shipping facilities the supply often exc(M'd(>d the deuumd

On the 16th day of January, 1840, Hon. Jacob D. Cassatt, th(Mi representative in the Lower House of the Genei'al Asseml)ly, secured the jjassage of a bill ineorpoj'ating- Wabash, and at the ehn-tion hehl on the lirst .Monday in April of that year the following' j^entlenieii were selected as the lioaid of trustees for the first year: Daniel 'SI. Cox, Tobias Beck, Allen AV. Smith, Alexander Jackson and John lams. The ])oard organized by the election of Daniel ]\I. Cox as president, and the appointnu-nt of John L. Knight, clerk; William 0. Ross, treasurer; Albert Pawling, mai-shal; Erastus Bingham, supervisor; and Henry B. Olin, assessor. The fii'st allowance by this Ijoard was made to Albert Pawling '"in the sum of twenty-eight cents for candles and nails furnished."

Tile report, of the first assessment, for which Mr. Olin, the assessor, was allowed .^l.")!), was as follows: Real estate, $43,430; imiirovements, $4(),47r); ])ersonal property, $48,470; total taxables, $141,385; total numliei- of polls, 161 ; total number of dogs, 3, owned by Peter King, William J>lack and James D. Conner. This was all the four-legged dogs scheduled.

The seeoiul ineorpoi'ation of the town was by an election held at the courthouse on Monday, July 24, 1854, for choice of one ti'ustee for each of the live distrit'ts, oi' wards, into wliich tiie town bail l)een tlividi'd by the commissioners. This second town eori)oration continued in existence untiPMarch, 1866, when it was ascertained that there was a poi)ulation in the town of 2,868 i)ersons, and an election, as provided by law, was ordei'ed to be held ou Monday, Alai-ch 26, 1866. to determine whether the town slioidd bi' incorporated as a city. It was so determined, and on the !)tli of Ajn-il, 1866, an election was held to select the officers of the incoming city government, which resulted in the choice of Joseph H. Matlock for mayor; William Bell, marshal; Fred Bouse, street commissioner; Lewis B. Davis, treasurer; and James ^l. Amoss, clerk.

Councilmen for the First AVard, Joseph :Mackey and William Steele, Jr. ; Second AVard, John 1). IMiles and Josiah S. Daugherty ; Third AVard, Levi Rose and Archibald Kennedy. The first regular meeting of the new olificers was held on AVednesday, April 11, 1866.

The ok! courthouse and the roof of the building near it in which were located tlie puhlie oftices were burned Ajn-il 14, 1870. The county commissioners then bought what was known as the new Presbyterian Church, located across the street from the i)nblic sipuire, ami this was occupied as a courthouse until the present substantial and modern structure was erected in 1878-71). The first term of the Wabash Circuit Court to be lield in this new building counuenced in September, 1879. Hon. John U. Pettit and Hon. Lyman Walker, who succeeded him October 22, 1879, being the presiding judges.

The municipal home of AValiash is the fine city hall at the southeast corner of Wabash and ]\Iain streets; a substantial two-story structure surmounted by a tower, with the first story of stone and the second, of red brick.

The present site of the city hall was purchased under authority of aji ordinance passed March 18, 1878, during the mayoralty of Clark W. Weesner. The cost was $1,400. Seven years passed before the structure was completed.

At a meeting of the city council held on the evening of IMonday, April 28, 1888, plans were presented and adopted for the erection of a city building on the lot mentioned. On May 14th, the contract for its construction was awarded to P. A. Grant of AVabash ; the contract price was $18,850. C. AV. Stephenson was mayor at that time.

The city hall was over two years in the building, being turned over complete to the municipality on June 22, 1885. The building stands 60 to 89 feet on the ground, the first floor being maiidy occupied by accommodations for the fire and police departments. On the second floor is the mayor's office, and rooms for the city clerk, treasurer, engi-

The front of the city hall is in excellent taste, all the windows being arched with stone cappiin^s. Ornamental stone work also surrounds the base of the .Mansard roof, which is surmounted l)y an iron bell-tower

The postoffice, or I'ncle Sam's Home in Wabash, is a handsome building, rather Grecian in its style of architeeture. It was ei-ecled m 1912, at a cost of $75,453.28, and is thoroughly adapted to the purposes for which it was desii-'ued.

History Of Wabash Cotnty

nit'iiiliri-s that lluTf were scarcely eiiouyh to operate the tiny hand eii;,niie which had heen pureliased as a protection against fire. At a hitt'r date a hoe.k and hidder company was formed and a steam engine pui'chased, with sui'ticient iiose and hosecarts I'or both the north and south sides of the city.

The city constructed sixteen tire cisterns, so located as to coinnuind tlie entire ai-ea of the several sections into which tlie municipal area \vas divided for iii-e })urposes. Each luul a capacity of from live lumdred to eight hunilretl barrels.

completed in 1887. About one hundred hydrants were thus added to the means of water supply in case of fire. This number has since been more than doubled, with a vastly increased force furnished by the new powerhouse of the waterworks.

If it were not for this fact, the fire department of Wabash City would be inadciiuate for the city's re(iuirements. It must also be remembered that all the lai-ge manufactories have special provisions to guard against the damage of their properties by fire.

With the foregoing in mintl, the showing made by the Wabash Fire Department may ))e considered with eiiuaiamity. As stated, the headquartei-s of the department are at the city hall, wherein are housed the steam fire engine, one hook and ladder wagon, one hose reel, one hose truck two teams and 3,500 feet of hose. The working force consists of

The foi'.M' for the south side consists of eiirlit volunteer nieuibers, and the appai-atus i'or that section of the eity eonipi-ises one hose reel, and one ladder wag-on.

Th(' eonstruetion of Wa])asli's fine system of waterworks was be^m in S.-pteuilicr^ lSS(i^ uiuler plans furnished by Clarence Delalield, one of the most pi^ominent mechanical engineers in the United States. On June l!)th of the following year they were completed at a cost of $130,000. :\lr. Delafield supervised the construction of the works himself and in no instance was an attempt made at small economy at the expense of ultimate efficiency.

As compleled, they constituted a telling illustration of the practical merits of the Holly system, combining both direct and standpipe pressure. The standpipe pressure alone was seventy pounds to the square inch, sufficient to throw water to tlie top of the hat factory, the highest point in the city. When to this was added the direct pressure ol)tainable, the citizens of Wabash felt that atle(iuate pi'Otection against tire was assured.

The punijiing station was located aliout a mile from the courthouse on tile Wabash and La Fontaine turnpike, the supply of watei- being drawn from a .series of flowing wells situated in a broad ravine about half a mile fi'om the ]){)werhouse. The artesian wells then in operation averaged about fifty feet in depth, those of much deeper bore having been sunk within comparatively recent \ears. The standpipe into which the water is forced from the pumping station is 100 feet high and has a capacity of 360,000 gallons. It is kept filled to within ten feet of the top.

As the water flows through iron tubing and empties into underground reservoirs, it is giuiranteed to be jjoth cold and pure. This no doubt accounts for the low death rate among the children of Wabash of school age. This conservation of the public health is further attained by the ei-ection of numerous drinking fountains in the l)usiness districts of the city. Consecpu-ntly, the Matei'-supi)ly system of the City of Wal)ash performs the two important pulilic duties of protecting l)Oth the lives and proi)erty of its peo])le.

Waliash has one of the best systems of waterworks of any city of its size in the eountr\'. The old woi'ks, situateil near the present paper mill, were completed in .lune, lHb7, and served the public for more than a dozen years. The old system, at the height of its usefulness eud)raced about ten miles of pxpes and TOO fire hydrants.

'I'lu' oi-if::iiial waterworks systmi was opci-ated ])y S. Ii. ]]villock &, Company, of New Yoik, iinlil 1900. It was tlicn sold to the First National liank of N\'w York, \vliicli, at tlu' same time, l)()\i^lit out Itie oM Wabash Kl.-rtrie Ligiit Company. On Januaiy 1, IDOl, the interests of the two were eombined under the naim- of the Wal)ash AVater and Liyht Company. At that time was l)uilt the new watei'works powerhouse south of the river, at tlie I'.ij^ Four lirid'-t' and in r.J04 tlu; new management rel)uilt and completely modernized the electric plant. The Fii-st National Bank of New York continued as owner and manager of the local water and electric service until Novemlx^-, l!n2, when the United Service Conqiany of Scranton, Pennsylvania, assumed control.

The system now endjraees thirty-two miles of nuiins and 2-i5 hydrants. The plant has a pumping capacity of 2,000,000 gallons daily, the supply coming from fonrtcm artesian wells vaiying in deplh from forty-five to eight hundrei] innety feet. Tlie water goes to moi'e than on(> thousand residences, and virtually to every factoiy in the eity with the excei)ti()n of till' gi-eat paper mills which have their own system of artesian wells. Tlie city water is pumped to an underground reservoii- and is then distrihuted to eonsuiners, never seeing dayli^uiit or ndrrohes until it is tapijed in house or faetory. Jt is examined four times a year hy the state l)Oard of health, and has always i)assed unquestioned uuister.

]\Iost of the streets and stores and many of the faetoi-ies and I'esidenees of the city are lighted i)y electricity. The electric plant also furnished about two thousand horsei)OWer to factories and other estahlishments. Since lf)Ul, T. ^Y. ^McXaiuee, who was formerly identified with the - old Wabash Electric Light Company, has l)een secretary, treasurer and ac- j five numager of the Wabash Water and Light Company. His predecessor ! was W. S. Still, who was the local superintendent of the system from its ) establishment until the year named. . ,/; j

In the matter of sti-eet lighting by electidcity, Wabash made a recoi'd wliieh l)rought the city into cosmopolitan notice. It was the iirst muineipality to test, aclojjt and put into successful operation the Brush system of electric lighting.

During the winter of 1879-80 tiie city council began to canva,ss various methods in vogue for the lighting of public thoroughfares. While thus engageil the promoters of the Brush Light offered a public test to prove the superiority of their illuminating agent. Finally ]\Iarc]i 81, 1880, was llxed upon as the day of trial.

At the appointed time, 8 o'clock P. ]\I., in the presence of a large number 01 representatives of the press from different sections of the state, with other visitoi-s. citizens and city officials, the grantl test was made. One who was {)resent, and a close, accurate observer, thus descril)es it: "At 8 'clock the ringing of the Court House l)ell announced that the cxhil)ition was about to connnence. Standing on the street in front of the Plain Dealer office, we hurriedly looked around to measure the general darkiu'ss as l)est we could. The city, to say the least, presented a gloomy, uninviting appearance, showing an abundance of room for more light. Suddenly from the towei'ing dome of the Court House l)urst a flood of light whicli, under ordinary circumstances wouKl have caused a shout of rejoicing from the thousands who had l)een crowding and jostling each other in the deep darkness of tlie evening. No sl\out. however, or token of joy disturbed the deep silence which suddenl.v set lied i 11''- vast crou-,1 that had ^-athere.l thus far and near to witness the .,f a singular enterprise in wldeh Waliasli was tiie first city I this wide woi-hl to move.

Tile i.eoi)I(^, almost with l)ated breath, stood overwhelmed with as If in th.. preseiiee of the supernatural. The strange, weird light, Mled m power only by the sun yet mild as moonlight, rendered the -t House s(|uare as liglit as midday. While we eontemplated the wonder in modern scienee, we eould l)ut think how our electricians got It on Ben Franklin. lie brought down the lightning from the MIS on a kite-string and bottled it, just to show, presumal)ly, how irt he was. Brush and Edison take a steam engine, belt it to a huge -tro-magiietir machine, manufacture lightning and use it to light cities 1 handils, thus l)enehting mankind and l)lessing posterity. "After thus meditating and .somewhat solilocjuiziug upon tiie ocealal impi'ovemeiits made by young Americans over the ways and means t obtained in 'our grandfathers' days, we took a stroll along one of streets to o])serve the efficiency of the light in the outskirts. At a dis- I'c of one square we could very distinctly read nonpareil print. At istanee of two S(|uares we could icad brevier print; at four S(|uares, inaiw disi)layed advertising, such as may be seen in the dis])lay lines of an advertisement in a eounty newspaper. We could also readily ascertain the time of ni;^lit from the wateh, the liands 1)eing visible without any strain upon the eyes. When we left Waha.sh, we remained upon a platform of the train to note the power of the light from a greater distance. At from three to four miles we could easily distinguish the face of our watch held at a reasonable distance from the eye. Indeed, the distance at which the effects of the light are appreciable is almost incredible.

"From the flagstaff of the Court House four lamps, of the general design in use, are suspended, a plain glass glol)e surrounding tlie carbon points to protect them from snow and ice, the whole covered with a shield or roof of galvanized iron. From these lamps the spectator will notice two ordinary telegi-aph-size cojjper wires leading down over the roof and down the west side of the building to the basement, where stands the Brush Dynamo Electric Alachine that generates the current of electricity that flows through the wires to the carbons, between which it flashes with the brilliiincy of lightning. The leaping of this current from one carbon pencil to the other produces the light, and the space thus made brilliant is termed the voltaic arc. This dynamo machine occupies a space of four feet in length and two in width and will last for years. It is practically indestructible, all its wheels revolving in the air. It requires no chemicals, and generates the most powerful electricity.

"The cost of the Brush Light machinery complete, exclusive of the engine, is $1,800. If two additional lamps were desired, there would be an additional cost of .$120. If the city purchased the engine, $600 more would be re(iuiretl. Total cost, $2,550. The cost per night (ten hours) per lamp, outside the expense of fuel and engine tender, is estinuited at 15 cents. It is believed that the entire expense for light, including fuel, engine driver and carbon points, would not exceed $2.50 per night, or about $9,000 per year."

The following is a copy of the contract under wdiich the City of \Vaba*sh tried and accepted the light: "The Common Council of the city of Wabash agree to purcliase one Bi-ush electric machine, arranged for four lights on one circuit, four Brush electric lamps, four hangers, 100 feet of copper wire No. 8. This order is given with the understanding that when, properly operated, according to instructions, it will give four good, powerful lights, and will work in a practical manner. It is guaranteed by said company that these four lights will light an area one mile in diameter sufficiently to enable people to get around at the farthest point, and that nearer the court house wall increase iu brilliancy as the distance is decreased. At the farthest point above indicated, it is by said company guaranteed that the light will lie as great as that of a gas burner of usual street size at 100 feet distance, and will be ecjual to the l'ul)lic tests and rontinucd use of the Bi'ush apj)ai-atus satisfied the city, and the system was not alfandoned for several years, ur until the expansion of the business distriet made it neeessary to more evenly distribute the illununatiou of the eity streets.

The completion of the first waterworks nuirked the virtual beginning of what may be called the natural gas era, which flourished locally al)Out a dif/j-n years. The cheapness of the supply, before its exliaustion from its widespread use, luul the effect of .stimulating the industries of tlie city and of retai'ding all efforts to generally intiodui-c manufactured gas.

In l.S,S7 the Howe Natural <ias Company of Indiana commenced active operations in the gas belt south of Waliash County, ami a few years afterward their interests were taken over by the Logansi)ort & Wabash A'alley Gas Company. The field hea(l(|uarters of the system were located seventeen ndles southwest of Wabash, with the natural gas plants located at Somer.set, Herbst and ]\Iier, Grant County.

The comijany named controlled sixteen sections, or 10,240 acres of land, which, with the excei)tion of a small stri}) in Jackson Township, ^liami County, was included in the townshijjs of Richland, Sims, Franklin and Pleasant, Grant County. At the iield headquarters mentioned was a substantial station house, a telephone exchange, and all the necessary appliances for regulating the gas i)i'es>ure and making repairs along the line. Till' othce in Wabash was in telephoinc connnunication with these headquarters, thus enabling the company, with the assistance of its l)ortable telephone service, to locate and repair any break within a few minutes after it had lieen reported. Thus Wabash received fully as good sefvice as Marion, Anderson, Kokomo and other i)laces which were located in the natural gas iield.

In the early period of the natural gas era the local plant was operated by the Waba.sh Fuel Company, its interests being purchased by the Logansport & Wabash Valley Gas Company, also known as tiie Dietrich syndicate. The low rates heretofore extended to local factoi-ies were nuiintained, and the field supply was increased by at least hfty per cent as a result of the consolidation. At the same time the Dietrich syndicate l)urehased the artiiicial gas works, G. S. Courtier being retained as superintendent. The other local ofliecrs of the con.solidated company were Clarence Heidey, nuinager, and .M. S. Howe, superintendent.

trol of the AVahasli plant tliey greatly iiiij)i'uv.'(l its physical ('(juipiuent, ivplaciiiLT its old rcgulatof with a iiiodcrii one and l.uildiiig six additional ivducing stations. It was this company which induced the givat Diamond TaiRT M'\\[ to locate at Wahash, a coiiti-act being made hy which the gas comi)aiiy agreed to furnish the null with any required supply at a nominal price. At the time 'Mv. Harber, of Diamond match fame, was connected with the paper mill enterprise, and he estimated that if the mill were rc(|uii-ed to use coal as fuel the annual cost of the same would reach .1<5( ),()()(). Under its conti-act with the paper mill the Logansport & Wabash Valley Gas Company received but $5,000 for the gas it annually furnished that i)laiit, or $44,000 less than the coal fuel bill of the ljai)er mill would have been.

Although the natural gas supply is now a thing of the past, it had its good day. The system upon which Wabash dei)t'iuled embraced twenty-two miles of main line - seventeen miles of b-iuch i)ipe and live miles of 6-inch pipe, as well as a 4-inch belt line encircling the comi)any's thirty ^vells. Add to the miles of nmins, the ten or twelve nules re(]uired to supply gas to the farming communities, and the consunu'i's of Wabasli and Grant counties were furnished with a linely eipiipped system comj)rising al)Out thirty-tive miles of piping. As long as the sui)i)ly held out, there was uo better company in Indiana than the Logansport & Wabash Valley.

^\'itll the collapse of the natui-al gas supply in the eaidy IDOO's, the intere^s of artilicial gas revived. Since then the Northern Indiana Ga.s Company has obtained conti'ol of the local plant. A modern holder was c(uiimenced in the winter of 11)05-00, with a capacity of 100,000 cubic feet, anil householdei-s began to get their nuuiufactui-cd supjdy in .May, ]I)0(J. Some 1,800 consumers now use this means of illumination and heat, so that, with electrical appliances and all, Wabash ims her wants in suck fields well supj)lictl, despite the retreat of natural gas to parts luiknown.

all iK'U- co.nnumitics, private effort preeed.-.l public organization in the yoiin- Tou-Ji of Wabash. For tlie first two or thr..,. y,.ars after its platdn- by Jhi^rh Ilanna its peoi)le were too busy takin- care of the county seat, buying and selling town lots, erecting the county buildings, organizing the courts and otherwise getting things ready for'neweonie'-s' to think much of schools for their children. But with the influx of permanent settlers, the schools had to come just as certainly as the churches, and other evidences of up-to-date civilization.

In the winter of 18;5b--37 Ira Burr started the procession of little log schoolhouses by providing for a class of eighteen or twenty children in a building previously n.sed as a storehouse by "William S. Edsall, situated on lot 26, original i)lat of the town.

Then followed schools taught in the spring or summer of 1837 by Sarah Blackmail, and in the following fall and ^vinter by Emma Swift. ^ In the fall and winter of 1838-39 a school was taught'by Mrs. Daniel Richardson in what afterward became known as the Pat Duftey building on the north side of Market Street east of AVabash. This building is described as a house built of large logs, which had previously been used for school purposes and as a public house and a courtroom, and may have been one of Colonel Burr's buildings.

Several other attempts were made by the good men and women of the raw little town to establish priva.te schools, but in the winter of lS3f)-4() the citizens of the locality decided to organize for public education. Tims at that time was founded School District No. 1 of Congressional Township No. 27 north, range 6 east, in Nolile Township, and citizens awarded a contract to erect a building for puljlic educational purpo.ses to Joseph Ray. Under his hands, in the si)ring of 1840, a little frame schoolhouse arose on the north part of lot No. 157, of the original plat of Wabash Town, a little south and east from the freight depot of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway.

This first public school of Wabash was taught by ]\Iiss Mary Ross, daughter of William 0. Ross, one of the pioneer lawyers and leading men of the town. A few years afterward ]\Iiss Ross married a Air. George Miller and became a resident of Peru, Indiana. Daniel Jackson, one of the a.ssociate .judges of the Wabash Circuit Court, a man of some means and much influence, is said to be the power behind the building of the first public schoolhouse at Wabash.

On the oth of July, IS.")], the school hoai'd of the Town of Walja.sli, of wliich Dr. . lames Fold was {)rol)ahly the leading,' nieiiiher, employed James Fulton to teach for a tei'iu of three months in the i)ul)lic sehoolhonse, at a eoiiij)ensation of $100. Ahout three weeks afterwai'd the boanl employed Rohert (Jordon to leaeh a sehool in a house on Hill Street, situated on lot 7:5, old plat. The building was known as "R('V. Smith's meeting house," and ^Ir. Gordon received for his tiiree months' services ^DO. At tlie same time a. tliii'd and a fourth teachc'r were engaged - Lydia C. Hunt to teach a school in a house located on lot 1, north addition to the town, and Mrs. ^Martha G. Cressy, wife of Rev. Edwin AV. Cressy, in a house not located in the records. The women Were paid $60 ])er term.

The three additional schools mentioned were opened and conducted in accord with the resolutions adopted at a public meeting of voters of the district held Jidy 11, 1851, l)y which it had been divided into four wards. It was further resolved that the four free schools therein should be taught for a term of three months each, and that in case of a deficiency of funds to defray their expenses for the prescribed period a ta.\ should be levied to meet such deficiencv.

It thus app..u^ that the total expenses of the publie school syste.n ot 1 istr.ct No 1 lor the year were +4:^0, and froni a report fur.'iished bo.- or l^ord by .Mrss Iluut-he calls it '"a labored table "-it is also

^'"' Pi'ovisions of the state school law of 1852, the people of Wabash soon commenced to move for the erection of a union schooliHuise bHittuiu the growing town. In May, 1855, the board of trustees passea ai, ordinance levying a tax of 50 cents per $1(H) valuation for Innldnig such a schoolhouse. Hut that levy and several subse-juent levies u''re iailun-s, hnancnd complications ensued, and it also seemed impossible lor the town board of trustees to agree upon any plan for the building ot the union schoolhouse. Finally the following five trustees were appointed for school purposes, viz.: Robert Cissna, M. H. Crabill, Albert Pawling, Warden .\leLees and Daniel Sayre.

In th.. fall of 1857 the school fund was made available and plans for a union building adopted. Further, contracts were actually let. That for the brick and stone work was awarded to David Kunse and that for the carpenter work to John Wilson. The bricks for the building were maile and furnished l)y Ilezekiah Caldwell and Hugh Ilanna at.4^5 per thousand, tlie former furnishing 180,000 and the latter, 100,000.

On the 18th of .May, 1858, the corner-stone of the union schoolhouse was laid under the auspices of Ilanna Lodge No. 61, with all the impressive ceremonials of .Masonry, Thomas Jay acting as most worthy grand nuister and Hugh Haiina as deputy grand master. In September, 185'J, was conuueneed tlie first term of the Wabash graded schools in the building thus provided. For six months AV. E. Spilman was principal and suiierintendent. Subseciueiitly Samuel Eastman was ])rincipal of the high school department, Mr. Spilman continuing as superintendent of the city schools. During the iir.st year the cori)s of teachers consisted of two males and seven females. The union school was o].ened and continued on the present .Miami schoolhouse lot on North Mianu

Street. The original cost was $11,000, but in 187;i changes were made in its wnstfuctioii. mainly to remedy (KdVcls in ventihition, and ^G.ODO aihietl. Thr high school was maintained in tlie union building until the construction of the ])resent one, in KS!)4.

In the meantime other ward schooliiouses had l)een eivi-ted - the West AVard. on West Maph' Street, in 1>S77; the Kast Ward, on Walnut Street, in iss:i; and the .Miann school, in 1888. Following the completion of the new high school on West Hill Street, in 1894, were the building of the South Side school, on Vernon Street, in 18!J7, and the erection of the Century school, on .Manchester Avenue, in 1900. The last named is one of the best constructed public school buildings in the city, being a nuissive two-story structure of red brick, with high stone foundation and basenuMit.

The ground for the new high school was broken in the fall of 1898, and the corner-stone of tlie building was laid by the Indiana firand Lodge of Masons on the lltli of April, 1894. Finally, it was completed and opened to pupils on the 26th of November, of that year.

The nuiin building consists of two stories and basement, and is of beautiful Bedford cut stone. Three handsomely carved arches, supported by four massive stone pillars, span the front entrance, the floor of which is [)aved with tile. The ground dimensions are IIG by 65 feet, and the main tower rises 108 feet from the surface.

The two upper stories are finished in ([uarter-sawed white oak, the entire building is lighted by electricity aiul gas, all the rooms have hot and cold air connections, and in other ways every provision is made for sanit.lry heating, lighting and ventilation.

On the iirst floor are reception, class and assembly rooms. The latter is large and well ventilated and will accommodate 250 pupils. On the second floor are the lil)rary, i)rincipars office, meeting room for the board of education and class rooms. The, superintendent of schools who was originally acconnnodated in the high school building has convenient quarters in ^lemorial Hall. The physical and chemical laboratories are in the basement of the high school, being well arranged and ample. In a word, the Wabash High School is one of the city's nu)st worthy institutions, and indicates that tlie welfare of the younger generations holds a large and a Hrm i)lace in the consideration of the citizens of Wabash.

Kroin the last r('i)ort of tlie city sui)LTiiitcii(l(']it of schools tlie following' iiifoniiatioii is taken, the table being self-explanatory:

The Soutli Side School, a substantial aiul liandsoine structure, two stoi'ics and basement with stone foundation and l)ri('k superstructure, is surrounded by spacious ami beautiful grounds which were formerly the proi)i'i't}- of the South Wabash Academy. The old academy was established in the 'GOs by Prof. P. A. Wilbur, of Wabash College, as a eirl's preparatory school for the institution named, which was under the general management of the Presbyterian Church. It was originally known as the Female Academy, but after some years of unsuccessful e\i)ei'imenting in that circumscribed field the scope of the institution was eidarged so as to include ))oth sexi'S. In this form the academy was more su(tcessful, but e\idently did not reach the exj)eetatio!is of Professor Wilbui- who resigned its principalship in 1873. At that time the Presbyterian Church also ceased to be its controlling body, the institution falling into the hantls of the Society of Priends. Prof. S. G. Hastings of Earlham College then assumed charge, being succeeded as principal, in 1874, by J. Tilghman Ilutchens of the Spicelaud Academy. The academic course aimed to give both a preparatory training for college and a practical business education and on the whole, the institution was well managed. Of course, it had its ups and downs, and eventually succumbed, as did similar academies, to the advancing excellence and breadth of the Wabash High School.

As stated W, E. Spilman was the first superintendent of the public .schools of Wabash. He served from 1859 to 1861; Joseph Mackey, dur- Vo^. 1 - 21

None connected with the educational system of AVabash has made a higher or more enduring record than Miss Adelaide Steele Baylor, for thirty-six years identified with every step in the progress of tlie public schools, whether of the city, county or state. During a period of fourteen years she served as principal of the Wabash High School and eight ycare as superintendent of the city schools, while since July, 1911, she has been the able assistant to the state superintendent of public instruction, as a lecturer and active organizer in the field. Aside from her abilities as a clear, luminous and convincing expositor of both practical and advanced theories in the field of higher education, and her inspiring work at teachers' institutes and other meetings of the profession, :Miss Baylor has achieved a national reputation for the strength and profundity of her mental attainments in mathematics, philosophy, psychology and other provinces of deep investigation and learning. Officially, she is a leader in both the state and national teachers' associations.

What makes this record a special cause of pride to the home community is that :\Iiss Baylor is a native of Wabash, her mother being of the well-known Steele family of which Col. William Steele, one of the fathers of the town and the county, was one of the most popular aiid highly honored citizens who ever lived within their limits. In 1878 Adelaide Steele Baylor graduated from the Wabash High School, and the same year was employed as a teacher in the city schools. In 1884 she assunied her first position in the high school as assistant to the learned and able Prof. A. U. Huycke, its principal, whom she succeeded in 1889. Her fine administration of the alfairs of that institution earned her an advancement to the head of the city schools, which she assumed in 1903, ])eing the first woman in the state to hold that position.

In the midsl of her pressing and absorbing duties as high school principal and city superintendent. Miss Baylor never rested in her determination to add to her individual attainments and efliciency. In the years 1893-94 she was a student at the University of Michigan, also attending' the summer sessions of 1894 and 1895. During tlie 'summer quarter of 1896 she also studied at tlie University of Chicago, from which she graduated in the summer of 1897. Not satisfied with this, in 1908, while superintendent of city schools, she pursued post-graduate courses at both the universities of Michigan and Chicago. These numerous university courses have been supplemented by European travel, so that Miss Baylor's culture is both pleasing as well as broad and deep.

Following Miss Baylor, as principal of the high school, was C. W. Knoutf, who succeeded her in 1903, and served until 1908. In the latter year C. H. Brady was placed at the head of its aifairs, and in 1911 he was succeeded by the present incumbent, 0. J. Neiglibours.

In here taking leave of the public schools of AVabash, it would b<3 inexcusable to omit anything but enthusiastic mention of the services rendered to tlicm and to the cause of higher education, by Warren Bigler, who has served as a member of the city school board since 1885 to 1903, and during a large portion of that period as its president. If any one man can be mentioned in the same class with Miss Baylor, it is ]\Ir. Bigler, albeit force of circumstances has made it necessary for him to make the dedication of his time, means and strength to the cause of education and individual culture, somewhat auxiliary to the insistence and pressure of a business and financial life. It is needless to add for the information of those who know Uv. Bigler that he is one of the stajichest admirers of the abilities, services and character which are associated with the personality of Miss Baylor.

The Carnegie Public Library of Wabash is an educator of wide usefulness, and everybody takes a just pride in its work. The earlier efforts to supply the public with mental food and stimulus are credited largely to the women ; and that is the rule, as the histories of all similar movements will prove.

At Wabash, the initial step in the founding of a library was taken by the women's club known as the Pound Table. At a cnlled session of that organization, held on June 4, 1889, as a memorial meeting to

Miss Jessie Stitt, a charter member of the club wliose death had occurred about two weeks previously, a motion was made that a fund be raised to be known a.s a Jessie Stitt IMemorial fund, and that this money sliouhl form the nucleus for a library fund.

The question of a public library had been discussed for a long time but nothing was done until the Round Table took the initiative. Immediately after this resolution was passed the meeting adjourned and at once organizetl and went into session as the Woman's Lil)rary Association. There were twenty-four charter members of this association and each was a member of the Round Table.

Each agreed to pay 50 cents to start the fund. Later an assessment was made and the members kept up the work until $50 had been raised, when the library was announced as an assured fact.

Tlie ladies after fixing the membership fee at $1 a year, began soliciting donations in money and books, and also solicited for new members. On January 11, 1890, the Woman's Library of Wabash was opened, the I*rol)ate Court room having been secured to be used for library purposes.

Mrs. C. E. (Jowgill was the first and oidy president the association ever had, l)eing reelected each succeeding year. In this connection it may not be out of order to say that Mrs. Cowgill deserves special mention, in any discussion of library histoiy in Wabash. She gave liberally of licr time and money, and without detracting from the credit due others, it may be said that the success of the enterprise was due in no snudl degree to her indefatigable energy and marked liberality.

The associiition started out with 300 volumes and this number was steadily increased from time to time. The services of the librarian were always donated.

The Probate Court room continued to be used for the library until 1895 when the books were removed to the high school building, the Woman's Library Association continuing in charge.

In 1900 the Woman's Library Association consolidated with the High School Library, the former passing out of existence, the new organization being known as the Wabash City Library with j\Irs. Nelson Zeigler as librarian. The board of directors consisted of members of the school board, Mrs. C. E. Cowgill and Mrs. J. I. Robertson. Shortly after the formation of tlie Wal)ash City Tiibrary, the books and headquarters were transferred from the hig:h school to Memorial Hall. There the public library remained until the opening of the Carnegie building in 1903.

At ditTerent times during the few previous years applications had been made to Mr. Carnegie for a donation, at least a dozen letters having been written to the noted founder of libraries. On Febiniary 23, 1901, Warren Bigler, then president of the school board and ever a steadfast ami intluciitial i)romoter of library matters, wrote again to Mr. Carnegie, and two da\s later Mrs. Cowgill added lier earnest plea to the steel magnate. Tiie latter especially gave a history of the hard struggle made by the ladies for the establishment and nuiintenance of a library at AVabash. Although i\lr. Carnegie, through his secretary, had previously intimated that he was limiting his appropriations for library purposes to cities of at least 50,000 inha])itants, he evidently capitulated before tlu'se last pleas, for about two weeks afterward Mr. Bigler received the following from James Bertram, Mr. Carnegie's secretary, dated ]\Iarch 6, 1901: "Dear Sir: Yours of 23d received. If the city of Wabash will furnish a site and agree to spend $2,000 a year on the support of its library, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to give $20,000 for a free library building." At this time the library had 3,300 volumes on its shelves.

The stipulations mentioned in Mr. Carnegie's letter were fully met l)y the Common Council of the city, and the present beautiful building was completed in February, 1903. Since the library became a Carnegie institution, its board of managers has included two members of the City Council. The first meeting under the new order was held at the residence of Cary E. Cowgill, April 25, 1901, and the following officers were elected: Charles S. Haas, president; Mrs. C. E. Cowgill, vice president; Oliver H. Bogue, seK:'retary. Miss Effie Roberts was the first librarian. At the next meeting, held on April 30th, it was resolved that the cost of the new building was to be limited to $17,000; the actual contract (awarded to John Ilipskind & Son) amounted to $17,795, without heating.

The library has continuously increased in literaiy volume and pu])lic favor under the management of such earnest and able men and women as Mrs. Cowgill, Mr. Bigler, Mr. Haas, Mrs. James T. Robertson and Messrs. J. II. Stiggleman and C. S. Baer. Both Mr. Haas and Mrs. Cowgill have held .the presidency for several terms.

S. Haas. There are some 6,000 volumes in the library, a generous and wise assortment of current magazines, and surroundings so comfortable and tasteful that there is no more profitable institution, or more restful place in Wabash tlmn its public library. The librarian is Mary Roberts. Since 1911 traveling libraries have been installed at the South Side and Century schools. Thus those who are at an inconvenient distance from the Carnegie building can avail themselves of the library privileges. This is but one of the many features which has earned such warm commendation for the liberal scope of its work.

The city has two pretty public parks, both located north of the Wabash. Hanna Park, which is on the eastern outskirts of the municipality, is in process of improvement. The grounds of the city park toward the west are laid out to a certain extent, provided with a music pavilion and refectory, and other public conveniences. There also is the Lincoln Log Cabin, with its historic museum and pretty rest room.

The cabin is not only historic, but the adjacent ground. The depression in front of its steps was caused by incessant travel along the tii'st road running through the site of Wabash - the old road running from Vincennes to Fort AVayne, of which this rut in front of the Lincoln Cabin was a small section. The Indians made this trail through the woods while on their travels to and from these cities. They rode horseback, single file, both men and squaws astride their ponies, and would halt at the cabin of Little Charley, which was located where the abutment of the railroad bridge now stands on the west side of Charley Creek. On their way they would also stop at Paradise Spring, afterward known as Hanna Spring. This road angled through the city as it is now located.

The city park was formerly the grounds of the old Agricultural Society of the county, and something about the early steps leading to its establishment as a beauty spot in Wabash is thus given in a souvenir edition of the old AVabash Times, published in 1897. The story reads: "In no other city, probably, of like population can be found a public park possessing more natural loveliness, grandeur and magnificence than the one owned by the city of AVabash. The grounds comprise about thirty- five acres and were formerly the property of the now defunct Wal)ash County Agricultural Society. The site was selected by that society many yeai-s a<,'0 when it was > et a part of tlie virgin forest. Its most attractive natural l)eauties were retained, and these have been made more pleasing of late years to the artistic eye by intermingling with them adornments of a less primitive character.

"When tile old Agricultural Society went out of existence on January 23, 1889, it conveyed a" portion of its grounds to the county for tiie location of an Orphans' Home, and a part, consisting of about ten acres it conveyed to th(i City of Waba.sh conditionally, viz: 'That the same shall ))e forever held and maintained by said city of AVabash as a pub- lie paik, or other public purposes, and with the furthei- condition, that the giou'.id shall be held for the use of all county and town outdoor meetings of a lawful character fitted for such uses, until such time as the same nuiy be laid out and set apart for a Public Park by said city, and then they shall set apart a space of one or two acres in some prominent and proper portion of said grounds in the discretion of such city, to be held and kept for such meetings and for such purpose, proper and convenient buildings, sheds, tents or amphitheater may be erected thereon, and all other ground to be kept for ornamentation and use common to Public Parks and places of resort. '

"Somewhat to the discredit of the city be it said, tluit for several years after it had been so generously dealt with by the old Agricultural

Society,^ the City Goverumeut sliowed but a niggardly appreciation of the gift. No elt'ort was made to further beautify tiie park or even preserve from desecration its natural loveliness. At last, however, steps were taken looking to transforming the grounds into a City Pi.rk which should be such in appearance as well as name. A Board of Park Commissioners was constituted, plans for the further beautifying of the park were evolved and an appropriation was made by the Common Council for the purpose of giving tangibility to these plans. The park commissioners were Messrs MarJaiid Gardner, AVill Yarnelle and Arthur Burrell, all young men and possessing artistic tastes combined with practical sense.

"Under the administration of the present Board of Park Commissioners many attractive features have been added, among which may be mentioned electric lights, drinking fountains, comfortable seats and the finest bicycle track in the state. It is the intention of the commissioners to add to these attractions just as rapidly as the funds which may be appropriated for this purpose will admit. Among the additional improvements contemplated is a beautiful lake of sufficient dimensions for boating and skating purposes. The natural conditions of the grounds will admit this superior attraction at comparatively small cost, and when completed and other plans akin to it are carried into effect Wabash can boast of an ideal public park."

The city since then has purchased al)out thirty acres adjoining the above tract, making in all about forty acres, and a new steel amphitheater has been erected, and macadam driveways are being constructed throughout the park, which is the principal one in the city, and is located on West Hill Street.

Hanna Park is on East Hill Street, and was donated to the city by tlie heirs of Col. Hugh Hanna, which gives it its name. Tliis park has been jjlaced in an attractive condition, but as yet no buildings have been erected in it. It has been made attractive with flower buds and is a fine resting jdaee for those who live near it.

Since the death of Elijah Hackleman, January 16, 1901, there is no person living in Wabash County who has done more to record and preserve its history than Clark W. Weesner. Had it not been for his foretiiought and persistent efforts, there would have been no Lincoln Cabin in the eity park to commemorate the grand mind and grander virtues of the most rugged democrat and republican of history; the man closer to the hearts of his countrymen than any who has lived Ijclore or after him. lU'iv is a park with a purpose, a place for inspiration, as well as rest and recreation ; it is suggestive of Clark Weesner, the supervising editor of this history ; and it is the general verdict that no better selection could have beeu made.

It may be going too far to say that Mr. Weesner has taken more pride and pleasure as president of the Old Settlers' Association than as mayor of Wabash, but the statement is quite safe that its interests have never been overshadowed either in his heart or mind by those of any other institution. In the upbuilding of the society, as in all other works to which he has put his hand, he has been patient, methodical, persistent, wise and affectionate.

^Ir. Weesner 's name indicates his German origin. It has been intimated by family historians that the name was derived from the River W^eser in the Fatherland, in whose valley the American ancestor was born. ]\Iiehael Weesner, the great-great-grandfather of Clarkson AY., settled in North Carolina in Colonial times. Through Micajah and ^lichael the family tree spread into Wayne and Henry counties, Indiana, and at length Jonathan AVeesner, the father of Clark, became a resident of AYaltz Township, Wabash County. This was in 1844. Two years afterward his iirst wife (nee Ruth Williams) died, the mother of five children, of whom the third was Clarkson W., who was born in Henry County, August 12, 1841. Both the oldest and the youngest sons were soldiers of the Civil wai", the latter dying in the Union service, and had it not been for a congenital lameness Clarkson W. would have gone to the front as i)romptly as they.

I5y his second wife, Jonathan AYeesner had six children. The father of these two families, most of whom reached maturity, was in many res])ects a remarkalile man. The most vigorous period of his middle manliood and the earlier period of his old age were passed in AYaltz Township, where he cleared his heavily timbered land, opened up and cultivated his farm, faithfully reared his families in the paths of honesty, industry and piety, read industriously, grasped tenaciously and thought strongly. He was strong bodily and mentally, and possessed remarkable abilities as a mathematician and mechanician. The last years of his life were passed at the county seat, at the home of his daughter, Elvira Ridenour, until his death April 15, 1902, marked the demise of a man of strong purpose, rugged mentality, manly accomplishments and true scientific convictions.

Clarkson W. AYeesner inherited good and strong traits from both his parents. Early in youth he learned tlie value of mental training coupled with ceaseless and straightforward work. As a pupil in the I)ubli(' schools, a counti'y teacher and a i)ra('tical farmer he built u]) a solid and influential eharaetin- which brought him into i)ersonal and publie i'avor. in 18G3 he was appointed deputy treasurer of Wabiish County under Elias Hubbard, not long afterwanl eoninieneed the study of law and in 1870 was admitted to the bar. Six years afterward he was ehoseii mayor, and his administration was a credit to his training, his family name and the city.

In 1878 Mr. Weesner was elected clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he tilled by reelection until 1887. He has the honor of being the last clerk who has held office for two terms. His previous experience as deputy had given him some ideas for improvements in methods, which he proceeded to put into practice. Among other innovations which commended itself to bench and bar alike was a clear and complete index to judgments and other records, of especial value to persons having occasion to examine the proceedings of the court and the records of the office.

Since retiring from the office of the clerk of the Circuit Court, ^Ir. A\'eesner has nuiinly devoted his professional abilities to probate and abstract business, ajid there are few better authorities in the state on these subjects than he. He is the examiner of abstracts in his locality for such companies as the Peiin ^Mutual, Connecticut j\Iutual and Aetna. Years ago, at the height of its usefulness, Mr. Weesner was secretary of tlie Wabash County Agricultural Society, and was the organizer and secretary of the first building and loan associafion of Wabash County. His sevei-al years of service as president of the Old Settlers' Association have added both to his responsibilities and influence. Like his father, he has always been a wide yet careful reader, and as he has digested what he has read his miiul is well-nourished and vigorous. Finally, his life is rounded out by marriage to a congenial companion, the birth of children and a harinoniou.s household. In 1865 he married ]\Iiss Anna Jv Leeson, and of their four sons only one has failed to reach a vigorous iMindiood. P>ut providence thus gives us the weak to soften our hearts and strengthen our affections.

Chapter Xix The Press, Finances And Industries

Dealer - Plain Dealer Co.^u^vNY Incorporated - The Wabash Tlmes-Stau - The Democrat - The Courier and Lee Llmn - First National I^ank - The Citizens Bank - Wabash National Bank - Farmers and .Merchants National Bank - Warren Bigler, Pioneer Abstractor - Wabash County Loan and Trust Company - Citizens Savlngs and Trust Company - Industries Distributed - Flour jMills First - Robert Cissna's Improvements - Summerton & Sons - Union and Thompson jNIills - Thomas F. Payne, First (Cabinet Maker - Wabash School Furniture Company - The Wabash Cabinet Co.mpany - Cardinal Cabinet Company - Creat Paper and Coating JMills - Big Four Railroad Shops - AVabash Baking Powder Company - Wabash Canning Company.

The city i)ress is now represented by tli(; Wa))asli Plain Dealer and the Wabash Times-Star. They are both daily papers, with w.'ekly editions.

First City Newspapers - The first newspaper issued from the Town of AVabash was the Upper AVabash Argus, which appeared in March, 1846, with Jolm U. Pettit as editor and IMoses Scott as publisher, printer and practical allaround man. The judge held on until September, when he gave way to Alanson P. Ferry, who continued as editor until the publication was suspended and the office sold to George E. Gordon, in October, 1847.

AVithin a month Mr. Gordon commenced the publication of the AVabasli AVeekly (iazette, with Mr. Scott as his mechanical sin>crintciulrnt. The paper was whi^', and with the elosing of the 1848 campaign which resulted in the election of Zachar}^ Taylor, presidential candidate of that party, i\lr. (iordon sold the estahlislunent to JNIr. Hcott, who, in turn, associated himself with Jolm L. Knight as editor. Under that nuuiagcment the Oa/ette continued to be issued until September, 1853, when it passed into the hands of Naaman Fletcher. :

In the meantime (in August, 1849), the plant had been destroyed by fire, and although the regular issues of the paper were thereby somewhat delayed, a new office outfit was purchased and the Gazette reappeared in a new dress and in an enlarged form. After the sale to I\Ir. Fletcher in 1853, ]\Ir. Scott continued his position in the publishing department for a number of months. Then he became associated with Horace P. Peters and Daniel M. Cox in the purchase of a new office and the founding of the Weekly Intelligencer.

The first number of the Weekly Intelligencer was issued April 26, 1854, under the business and mechanical management of ]\Iessrs. Scott and Peters, who were both practical printers, and the editorial control of Mr. Cox. Although inexperienced as a journalist, the last named proved him.self to be a forceful writer and a good newspaper man. In May, 1855, ]\Ir. Peters and J. AV. Stout became local editors, Mr. Cox remaining as general editor of the paper. ]\Ir. Scott was elected sheriff in 1856, when ]\Iessrs Petere and Cox became sole proprietors of the Intelligencer. In J\Iay, 1857, that partnership was dissolved, Mr. Peters becoming sole proprietor and John L. Knight, principal editor. In November of that year ]\Ir. Peters sold the office to Mr. Cox and Charles S. Parrish, who continued the publication of the Intelligencer until April, 1858, at which time Naaman Fletcher, proprietor of the Gazette, became tjie purchaser.

After September, 1853, when ]\Ir. Fletcher took charge of the Gazette, tliat paper continued under his proprietorship and editorial management. In ]\Iarch, 1858, the office was again destroyed by fire, and in the following month, as already stated, Mr. Fletcher purchased the Intelligencer. On the 27th of April, 1858, he issued the merger known as The Gazette and Intelligencer. The paper was thus published until Mr. Fletcher's death in 1866, when it was sold to S. M. Ililiben, who consolidated it with the Plain Dealer, of which he had been the owner for a number of years.

In August, 1859, W. C. IMcGoiiegal had commenced the publication of the Wabash rUiiu Dealer, then a democratic paper founded along the lines of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. In the following year j\Ir. Mc- Gonegal and his paper became republican, and soon afterward was pureliased by ^Ir. Ililjben. At that time, tlie office was located on Canal Street, on the third floor of the tjuihliiig since occupied liy Simon Brothers. The Gazette disappeared witli its absorption l»y tlie IMain Dealer in 1866, and in llie fall of that year Mv. IIil)ben disposed of his paper to i^leredith 11. Kidd. After a few months, ^lajor Kidd, who liad made a good record in the Civil war, was api)ointe(l major in the regular armv and turned over the Plain Dealer to A. P. Feriy and Thad

Butler. In July, 1868, Ferry & Butler sold it to John L. Knight, and within the succeeding four years it was conducted by Mr. Knight, Knight & Randall, Knight & Calvert, Frank Calvert and H. H. Robinson. In February, 1872, it was repurchased by Ferry & Butler, and in 1876, with John L. Knight, these gentlemen formed a joint stock comp)any. IMessrs. Ferry and Knight sold their interests to Theron P. Keator, in the spring of 1879, and the Plain Dealer was owned and published by Keator & liutler from that time until February, 1882, when it was purchased by ^Messrs. McClung, Bacon & Harris.

and Charles S. Haas with Mr. Bigler as president, Mr. Newell as business manager and secretary and .Mr. Haas as editor. .Mr. Bigler continued as pre.sident until 1910, when he wa-s sueceded by .Mr. Ha^s, who also retained editorial control. In Februaiy, 1914, the latter severed his connection with the Plain Dealer to give the bulk of his time to the l^anners and Merchants National Bank of which he had been president for several years. Since the retirement of .Air. Haas the active management of the Plain Dealer Company has been in the hands of Fred I King president and editor ; William H. Adams, vice president and manager and Harry F. Palmer, secretary and treiisurer. The last named succeeded Mr. Bacon, who, with Mrs. .Alary Gibson, retains stock in the company. Ihe daily edition of the Plain Dealer dates from July 1, 1890.

The Wabash Times-Star is a combination of the following newspapers: Wabash Weekly Times, established in 1884; Wabash Daily Times, 1894; Wabash Weekly News, 1893 ; Wabash Daily Tribune 1894- Wabash Weekly Tribune, 1894; Wabash Weekly Star, 1896, and' North Manchester Leader, 1897. All of the foregoing newspaper^ were purchased by William H. Sharpe and combined under the name of The Times-Star. Mr. Sharpe issues editions of that paper every evening except Sunday, and a weekly issue. The paper is ably managed by Mr. Sharpe as editor and proprietor.

Several newspapei-s other than those mentioned have been published in Wabash. In July, 1870, S. S. Baker issued the Democrat, but it lived ^less than eight months either as a private enterprise or as a joint-stock - creature.

In May, 1871, A. L. Bagley commenced the publication of the Wabash. Free Trader, also as an organ of the democratic party. Within the succeeding three years it secured quite a patronage, and in May, 1874, was purchased by Linn & Keyes. Air. Keyes retired at the end of the business year, but Lee Linn continued ; and he managed to make quite a stir. Linn was a Scotchman, a Missourian, a dashing Union cavalryman from Kentucky, and a fighter in word and deed. As rather ponderously described Ijy one of his friends, while enlivening Wabash - "he is univer- sally known as possessing the physical courage to back his public utterances." Mr. Linn changed the name of his paper from the Free Trader to the Wabash Courier in May, 1876, and in February, 1884, announced boldly that the paper would henceforth be an advocate of republicanism. There was never a doubt about Lee Linn's courage, intellectual, moral or physical. But although he was interesting and inspiring, he could not keep the Courier alive, and it expired - kicking - a few years later.

The First National Bank of Wabash was organized under the national banking law of February 25, 1863, with a capital stock of $50,000 and the jjrivilege of an increase to $100,000. Robert Cissna was president and John L. Knight, cashier. AVith the beginning of the year 1883, an application was made to the treasury department for a twenty years' extension of its charter, as provided by the law of July 12, 1882. The re(iuest was granted in the following February, and in August, 1883, its original capital stock was doubled, making it $100,000. At that time Frank W. Morse was cashier, having held the position for eleven years and continuing thus for two decades longer.

The Citizens Bank was organized in 1868 with a capital of $50,000. The principal stockholders were James McCrea, Joseph Crabbs and John II. Bireley, who held the offices, respectively, of president, vice j)resident and cashier.

TlTe present Wabash National Bank was organized as the Wabash County Bank, July 2, 1877, with a capitalization of $60,000. This was a private bank, although possessing a corporate name, the owners being Joseph W. Busick, Geo. N. King and Thomas j\IcNamee. The first two named were president and vice president, respectively, and James L Robertson, cashier. In 1888 the bank was changed into the Wabash National Bank, the officers remaining the same and the capital being increased to $120,000. Upon the death of Geo. N. King, in February, 1897, his brother, Thomas W. King, was elected to succeed him. Upon the death of Joseph W. Busick in IVIarch, 1897, Thomas ]\rcNamee was elected president. Upon the death of T. W. King in 1912, J. 1. Robertson was elected vice pi'csident and still continu(,'d as casiii»,r. This has c'OiitnnuMl to the pn-seiit. Tiu; capitalization ol $]2(),0()() has also reniaiiifd, hut a suri)lus of $5U,0U0 has l)eeii accumulated. George N. King and Tlujinas McXauice were friends for over half a century and partners in various husiness enterprises during this jteriod. Their association was the utmost harmony, without discord, and they remained as brothers until the death of Ur. King. In February, VJIO, the First National JJank of \VaI)ash w,-nt out of business, surrendered its charter and its alTaiis were taken over by the Wabash National Bank. Prior to tliis <'iti/.ens I5aid< was taken over by the Wabash National Bank. Of the original organizers of the bank .Mr. .AIcNamee is the only survivor.

On the 1st of i,)ctober, 11)01, Howard .AI. Atkinson, son of A. M. Atkinson, so many years identified with the Aetna Life Insurance Coml)any and lirst president of the Wabash Board of Trade, founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank, in that enterprise, the younger Mr. Atkinson associated liiniself with Frank W. Alorse, who had been cashier of the Fii'st National Hank j'oi' nearly thirty years and -lohn 11. P.irely, who had held a simihir position with the Citizens Hank since LS7S. It was certainly a strong coml)ination for the establishment of the private bank which was established at that time with a capital of $GO,OUO and deijosils of $1U0,(JUU.

On dune 2:i, 1902, it became a national institution under the name of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank, with II. Ix Shively as president, Howard M. Atkinson and Frank W. Morse, vice presidents, and John II. P.ireley, cashi.'r. It was caj)italiz.'d at $100,000. In 1906 ^Ir. Atkinsiiti retired and Charles S. Haas succeeded him as vice president. .Mr. P.ireley resigned the cashiership in 1908, and was followed by Otto (i. Hill, formerly of the Citizens Bank. Judge Shively died on ^ptember 10, 1910, and :\lr. Haas has held the presidency since.

Since January 10, 1910, the Farmers and Merchants National Bank has occupied a handsome building of its own, erected at a cost of $36,000. AVhile the capital of the institution remains the same as originally fixed, its deposits have increased from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Its surplus and undivided profits amount to $50,000.

There are several abstract, loan and trnst companies which should be mentioned in connection with the finances of Wabash. The oldest abstract and loan business was established l)y Warren Bigler in 1875.

At that time his office was the only concern of the kind in the Wabash Valley, and every line of the original books was written by himself. Those who have had long experience in the abstract business assert that their correctness is remarkable. Mr. Bigler afterward added the making of loans on farm and city property to his original business, and for years the transactions of the Wabash Abstract and Loan Company have been widely extended. Claude D. Stitt, president of the company, is also an old and experienced abstractor. .,

The AVabash County Loan and Trust Company was organized in the fall of 11)07 with a capital of $60,000, which has since been increased to $125,000. The company does a commercial and savings banking business, has also insurance and real estate departments, and acts in all trust capacities. Its president is Nelson G. Hunter, a well known lawyer and old citizen.

The Citizens Savings and Trust Company, which was incorporated in April, 1913, does a general banking business, rents safety vaults, and maintains insurance and abstract of title departments. Elmer Burns, the president, is a leading farmer, and C. H. LaSelle, secretary, an experienced insurance man. The company has a capital of $50,000, surplus of $25,000 and resources of over $200,000.

From the first, the citizens of Wabash adhered to their determination that* the eggs from which she was to hatch her prosperity should be placed in various baskets; therefore the field of her manufactures has produced many crops. The result was that the city seldom experienced a general season of depression, as it was not within the probabilities that all lines of manufactures, from flour and furniture to paper and vegetables, could take a slump at the same time.

The flour mills of Wabash, although not extensive, represent the pioneer industry of the locality. The plant operated by the Wabash Milling Company (Summerton & Sons) on West Canal Street is the oldest and hirgt'.st. Tlie mills have a daily eapaeitj- of about one hundred barrels, and their business is founded on the enterprise plaeed on its feet bv Kol)ert Cissna in 1843.