Owensboro, Kentucky - History (part 1 of 2)

History

This growing city is located on the south bauk of the Ohio River, at what was known to the early boatmen as the " Lower" or " Big Yellow Banks." As a name of this place, however, this was generally abbreviated to ihi simpler form, "Yellow Banks," and the town was scarcely known by any other name until about 1839 or '40. The postoffice bore this name from the time of its establishment in 1818 or '19, until 1837 or '8. The name is derived from the deep yellow color of the river bank, as it conspicuously exhibited itself to river travelers coming from either direction. This bank of yellow clay extends about six miles along the river, from ten to twenty feet above high-water mark. The foot of Frederica street is 37° 48' north latitude, and 10° 9' west longitude from Wa&hinofton, D.C.

Bill Smothers has the credit of erecting the first cabin at this point, which was probably one of the two only structures existing here in 1812, one of these being a store. Both were of logs. The site was selected as the county seat in 1815, by commissioners appointed by the first County Court, held in April of that year. The survey of the first plat of the town extended from the Ohio River and a ravine on the north, to Fourth street on the south, and from Lewis street on the east to Walnut street on the west. The survey and plat thereof was completed by Captain James W. Johnston, the first County Surveyor, on the 23d day of March, 1816, and approved by the commissioners and court with the name of Rossbo.ro, and ratified by the agent and owners of the land, Greorge Handley being agent for David Ross and other proprietors. Every fourth lot wa3 donated to the trustees for public purposes.

The name of this place was changed to " Owensboro" (spelled then with a uffk), probably in April, 1818; for we see in an old daybook kept by David Morton or his clerk at that time that the head lines of pages read " Yellow Banks" up to April 8, that year, and after that " Owensborough." This name was given in honor of the hero whose sketch here follows :

Colonel Abraham Oioen was born in Prince Edward County, Va., in 1Y69, and emigrated to Shelby County, Ky., in 1785. His first appearance on the public theater was npon Wilkinson's campaign, in the summer of 1791, on the White and Wabash Rivers. He was a Lieutenant in Captain Lemon's company in St. Clair's defeat, JSTov. 4, 1791, and received two wounds in that engagement. He was in the expedition led by Colonel Hardin to White River, and participated in the action which routed the Indians in their hunting camps. His brother John, James Ballard and others of Shelby County were his associates on this occasion. He commanded the first militia raised in tlie county, and Singleton Wilson, of Shelbyville, was the Lieutenant. Owen was soon promoted to Major, and then Colonel of the regiment.

Colonel Owen was elected to the Legislature by the largest vote ever before polled in the county, and in 1799 was chosen a member of the Convention wliich framed the State Constitution. Shortly before his death, he was a member of the Senate of Kentucky. In 1811 he was the first to join Governor Harrison at Vincennes, for the purpose of aiding in the effort to resist the hostile movements of the Indian bands collected by the energy and influence of Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet. He wascliosen by General Harrison to be one of his aids-de-camp, and at the memorable battle of Tippecanoe fell at tiie side of his heroic chief, bravely fighting for his country, deeply regretted by the whole army. In the following December the Legislature went into mourning for the loss of Colonel's Daveiss, and Owen, and others who fell at Tippecanoe; and in 1819-'20, the memory of Colonel Owen was perpetuated by a county bearins his name. He left a large family to unite with his country in deploring his premature falL Many of his relatives and descendants became distinguished in Kentucky aiul Texas,

The chivalric patriotism oF Colonel Owen, in leaving a position of ease -inddistinction at home, to volunteer his services against the Nortl'.western savages, is truly illustrative of the Kentucky character; and after-ages look back upon the deeds of heroism at Tippei'nnne, 'vith t!ie same venerati<jii with which the pre-ent ao-e regards the memory of those who fo.ught and I'ell at Thormopylie.

away. Mr. Morton died in this city in 1858. His son, Samuel Morton, is now clerk of the Planter's Hotel. Mr. Nunn still has a fragment of this interesting relic. It contains entries from Ma^. 24 to April 14 - a period of twenty- two days. The pages are from 305 to 3^8 of the day-book, and contain forty lines to the page, or an average of about fifteen entries. As the names of many of those entered as " Dr. " will appear familiar to many of our readers, we append a few :

The accounts were kept in both English and American denominations, as appears in the specimen, which also shows the retail prices of the various commodities:

-'Yellow Banks, Ky., July 2, 1820. -'Dear Brother: - I embrace the earliest op])ortnnity to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter bearing date June 2u. Althon<rh I have nothing to commnnicate which would aff.ii-d yon one nionient's real yileasiire, it might be a gratification to von to liear from j-oi'.r old Kentucky li'ieutls and acquaintan"i>s. I believe in my last to fither I mentioned William R. GrillitliV union with Miss Aria Moseley; if not you are miw iidorm<-(l. \\q ,,^.j^g nriitcd to hei- in April last, and 1 think if there i.< aiii' r.'al h;i|i|,i. ncss to 1)0 derived from a married lil'c he'eiijoys ashiire, for 1 think paradise. Ricliard S. May was married to Mrs. Lucy Davis, daughter of Ca]>taiii Benjamin Fields, last winter. John Gaither, nephew of Uncle Basil Gaither, was married to Rebecca Bell two weeks ago, and has taken her to Missouri. James M. Rogers will he niarrictl to Jane Adaius as soon as he returns from New Orleans, which will be in a few days. Nicholas G. Worthington and Miss Eliza Whitewill, daughter of Henry Whitewill, will be married on the sixth of this month. I am to be groomsman, and Susan Adams, bridesmaid. * * *

" You wished me to write you relative to the credit and standing of our Owensboro merchants. To give you a true account of their circumstances would be impossible; but I will endeavor to come as near the point as possible. Roger_Griffith & Co., I have every reason to believe, are perfectly solvent; S. I. & D. Morton, I believe, are are also solvent, although somewhat pressed, which is the case with every speculative character or merchant. Thompson and Moseley, 1 suppose, are also solvent; still, I think their case somewhat doubtful. I have understood that some time past a Philadelphia merchant drew on them for $40,000. John D. Moseley has gone into Missouri to live. He and Renben Bates are going to set up a grocerj'.

"You mentioned that you had not received a letter from uie acknowledging the receipt of $10 sent me by mail. I wj-ote to you immediately on the receipt of it to that amount. I did not think to ask Williams if he liad received any, but I think he did. He has written to you frequently and received no answer. He says he will quit writing if you do not pay more attention to liis letters, and for me to inform you that he is well and started a letter to you some time in June, and shall anxiously await the arrival of an answer. Neither he nL>r James will be in this fall, owing to their tobacco not getting to market. It has been lying in Green River better than, three month?, and at last have to haul to this place to ship. They intend to have it sent on to you with instructitms to bring on gonds, - at least talked strongly of doing so, - but the detainers ot the produce prevented their raising funds sufficiently to put in execution t])eir dtsigns. I suppose you have he.ird who has offu'.^d for the next Governor; if not yon will be informed on the receipt of this-: General Adair, ]?ntlcr Logan, and several others not worth mentioning. Adair's election, I think, is sure. The candidates for the Senate are: Ben Duncan Anderson, of Uaidinsburg, and Dr. Charles McCreery, of Hart- ford; Duncan, I think, will be elected. Candidates for the House of Representatives are: Beverly Todd, Captain Penticorii, Henry White, AVilliarn JSTewton and D. Warner Crow; Crow's election sure, I think. Candidates for Congress are: Young Ewing, Dr. A. Delaney, and one or two others; I know not which will carry the day.

"Prospects are well; my love to father, mother, brothers and sisters, and all inquiring acquaintances. I am still in bad health; have a constant pain, or weakness, in my breast - it is generally thought to be consumption. I shall remove from this place as soon as circumstances will admit. Alfred, Charlotte and family are all well. Write to me frequently.

''The amount that stands against you on G., R. & Co.'s books is $224.61. I don't think Alfred will be able to pay you before next spring. He has a line stock of hogs on hand. Perhaps he will kill 20,000 weight next fall. If tliere should be a good market, then, and not before, he will be able to discharge the debt. I hope you will all be mare attentive to me and write frequently. It has been nearly a twelve-month since 1 received a letter from you until I received the one now before me. Tell Caroline and Campsadell they must write to me. My compliments to Mr. Crabster and sister. He is one letter in my debt, and I would be glad to receive it. Write me everytliing that has transpired since I left Maryland. I would write often, but there is notiiing going on here that would be in any way satisfactory to you. Remember me to the servants in genera', and-believe-me ever your affectionate brother,

Fkagmentaky Items

Mrs. Howard, wife of T. J. Howard, deceased, was born in Oldham County, Ky., twenty-five miles north of Louisville, about 1803, and was brought here by her parents Jan. 20, 1808, who landed at Yellow Banks when there were but few log cabins and a store kejjt by Daniel Moseley. The father of the latter kept the first boarding house in the county. Mrs. Howard was a daughter of James and Anna (Boone) Barnhill, the latter being a second cousin of Daniel Boone.

One of the oldest log houses in Owensboro was torn down in 1869, and on its site Leo Sims that year built a large tobacco warehouse. The cabin was built about 1820 or before, by a man named Yeager, and was the first house on what is now Frederica street. It was occupied every year during its existence. What memories linger around such a spot !

Frederica street is said to have been named by Mr. Ross, in honor of a mulatto slave he owned at the time. The name, however, has been variously spelled.

Indian Generosity. - In 1784 or '5, among a party which em barked at the falls of the Ohio to descend the river, was Andrew Rowan. While the boat stopped at the Yellow " Banks on the Indiana side, Mr. Rowan borrowed a loaded gun, but no nmrnunition, and started off in pursuit of amusement rather than game. When he returned the boat had gone; the party having seen "signs" of Indians approaching, and not daring to wait for Mr. Rowan, hastened ofi" down stream. The latter started toward the nearest white settlement - Yincennes, 100 miles distant - but soon lost his way, wandered about fur three days and, exhausted, lay down to die. Roused by the report of a gun, he rose and walked in the direction of the sound. An Indian, seeing him, raised his gun to fire; Rowan turned the butt of his gun, and the Indian, with French politeness, turned the butt of his also. Taking pity upon Rowan's helpless condition, the Indian led him to his wigwam, and treated him with great hospitality until his strength was regained, and then took him to Yincennes. Wishing to reward his generosity. Mr. Rowan arranged with a merchant to pay him $300; but the Indian persistently refused to receive a cent of it. He finally, to please Mr. Rowan, accepted a new blanket, wrapping which around him, he said, with some feeling, " Whenever I wrap myself in it, I, will think of you."

General Progress

In 1833 the population of Owensboro was scarcely 200 all told, and not a single church edifice or organization. The increase in population was small until 1850. A branch of the Southern Bank was located in Owensboro about that time. The power of the trustees had been enlarged by Legislative action, and those officials began to drain and improve the streets. The action of the Digitized by Microsoft® trustees, and the fact tliat tlie bank was one of tlic institutions oi the place, gave assurance that there was some money in town, and seemed to infuse new li'e into tlic citizens, oven tlie o'd foiry part of the population, wliicli had been averse to entcr]n'ise. Improvements began to be made. P)etter houses were ('ommenced, new comers jumreil in and a steady growth was maintained until iSlil, wlien tlie war put a sto]i to all cHti-rurisr and puljlic improvement. Tlie pf)pulati(in dcci'eased, and imi uutil iSfJfi did improvements begin again, or was an iiici'ca-^e of |io]iuhiti(iii noted. A modei-ate but perce])tible degree of j)r(\gress and growth has continued until now, in 1SS3, wheii the population is estimated at about 11,600.

Owensboro received a city cliai'ter from the State Legislature, Feb. 16, 1866. The ftdlowing is the first entry of proceedings in the record book, ,and bears date of Aia-il 9, 1866:

" Pursuant to the provisions of the cliarter incorporating the city of Owensboro, E. 8. Ayrcs, who had been duly elected to the office of Mayor of said city, James Kennady, M. D. Soyd and -J. Deal, who had been duly elected as Councilmen for the upper ward, ;ind Benjamin Bransford, fTCorge Brown and William Shelby, who had been duly elected as Councilmen for the lower ward, appeared at the court-house in tlie city of Owensboro on Monday, the 9tli day of April, 1866, at three o'clock i>. m., and were <luly sworn into office by E. T. Berry, Esq.. and thereupon the cliairinau and trustees of the town of Owensboro delivered over to tlie said Mayor and Council t)ie records and pajiers of said town. The said Ma^^oi- and Council then organized, and, on motion, , lames Hughes was apjjoiiited Clerk, pro tern., and, on further motion, the said Council to Thursday night, tlie 12tli day of .Vpril, 1S66, to meei; at the store house of Kennedy & Ih'o.

Amoiiy till' otlicr oriliiianccs wasonein regard totlie observance of the Sal-.batli (to this (hiv Owoiisbdro i.s note 1 for the strict compliaiice with the huv on tliis .-^uhjcct, no stores being open on Sunday, even for an hour), discharging fii'c-arms. riot, disturbing religious worsliip, dog-fights, disturbing good order, lighting animals, riding fast, hitching on streets, exhibiting stallion or jack, nuisances, rubbish on streets. obst!'uction of streets, driving animals on pavement, obstructing sewer pipes, curbing, bathing in Ohio River, city scales, wharf, tl-rrv-man, wharfmaster, wharfboat, freight, wharf boat rates, swearing on streets, contagious diseases, selling unwholesome flesh as food, shade trees, concealed weapons, gaming fines recoverable, city judge, marshal's report, and taxing of dogs. By the organization of the Council and the adoption of these ordinances the machinery of city government was fairly set in motion, and Owensboro became a city in fact as well as in name.

The seal of the city of Owensboro was adopted April 18, 1866, and bears upon it the words, "The City of Owensboro Seal," and the figure of a tobacco leaf.

The first Mayor of Owensboro never ])resided over the deliberations of the Council. Shortly after the lirst meeting at which he was sworn in, Mayor E. S. Ayres was taken ill, and died in less than a week. The following ap()ropriate testimonial was adopted by the Council April IS:

"Wherkas, An inscrutalile Providence in his wisdom has removeil by death our esteemed fellow-citizen, Captain E. S. Ayers, recently elected to the office of Maj^or of this city, and who was therefore the presiding officer of this body, therefore be it

" Resolved, That in the death of said Ayers the community has lost a useful citizen, who, by his affable manners and correct deportment had endeared himself to the hearts of all, and this Council an able and efficient presiding officer and member, and that we deeply deplore his loss and hereby tender to his bereaved family our warmest sympathies.

Tiiat the citizens be requested to suspend all business, vith closed doors, from 10 to 12 o'clock to-morrow, darin<^ the funeral ceremony.

-' Resjlved, That the clerk of this Council present a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to the wife of the deceased, and that the papers of the cit)' be requested to publish them."

Salaries, etc. - The charter in ibrce previous to 1S82 allowed the city officials to vote themselves " back pay," which generally was justifiable, owing to increasing responsibilities coininensurate with the increasing growth of the city. Some complaints being made, however, in 1374 the following facts were developed: 1859, the Board of Trustees received $25 for their services; 1860, they increased the compensation of the chairman; 1861, pay of the clerk and aUorney increased; 18i)2-'3, pay of the treasurer increased to $75 and $50 for the respective years; 18G5, compensation of the councilmen doubled; l'^66, same increased to $150, and the mayor's to $300; 1869, that of the clerk, treasurer and attorney increased; 1871, mayor received $100 addition il tolas usual allowance; 1872, he received $700.

Present Charter. - By act of the Legislature approved March 18, 1882, a new charter was granted the city, with the foregoing defect remedied, among several others. Tiiis charter, with the ordinances, is printed in pamphlet form, making eighty duodecimo pages, and can be obtaifted by any citizen from the city clerk. The first section of the charter describes the city limits, which had been enlarged in a southerly direction in 1872.

Owensboro in 1872 had a population of about 8,000, and was one of three principal cities on either side of the Ohio River between Louisville and Ciuro. The city then had thirty-one lawj'ers, fifteen physicians, nine ministers of the gospel, three dentists, six drug stores, six express wagons, fifteen drays, twentyfive groceries, sixteen dry-goods stores, ten merchant tailors, two boot and shoe stores, one qneen's-ware store, one carpet store, two 'tinware and stove establishments, three hardware stores, three [bakeries, eleven confectioneries, two book and stationery stores ]tivi>, barber shops, six meat and vegetable shops, six millinery (stores, two furniture stores, two gunsmiths, two photograiihers Digitized by Microsoft® three jewelry establishments, thirty-five liquor saloons, six beer saloons, ten livery stables, three tobacconists and cigar-makers, three undertakers, nine shoemakers, seven clothing houses, four saddlers, eight blacksmiths and wagon-makers, one hide and fur house, one dye-house and one real estate agent.

Also fifteen large tobacco stemmeries employing over 600 hands, two large planing-mills, one woolen-mill, one foundry, one broomfactory, two extensive breweries, three corn and wheat mills, one apple-brandy distillery, four brick mills, one marble yard, three banks, seven wholesale liquor-dealers, one sewing-machine establishment, six hotels, one furniture factory, a city hall, skating rink, two brass bands, two large public schools, three private schools) nine good church buildings, six large distilleries, a splendid courthouse, with town clock, a securejail, two large wharf-boats, a good levee, public scales, gas-works, and lodges of Masons, Odd Fellows, Temperance, Harigari, etc. , etc.

is shown by the good directory published by Emerson & Williams, in which the items are so differently taken that an exact comparison with 1872 cannot well be made; but it is certain that while the population has increased to about 11,600, or forty per cent., business and improvements have gone forward with equal pace.

The taxable property of Owensboro in 1872 was listed by the city assessor as follows: Within the old city boundary, $2,121,- 585; within the addition, $181,915; property of negroes, $13,495; total value of property, $2,317,025. The property in the addition was listed separately because it was annexed to the city on condition that it should not share the railroad debt and some other responiibilities, and tliat of the colored people on account of their separate scIdoI interests. The assessment this year (1872) within the old city boundaries showed an increase of over $104,000 in excess of the pi'cvious year subject to taxation. Some other statistics of this year were also published; but when we see that the whole negro population U ciiai-g>3d, in the item of dogs, with owning only eleven of thein, we are in doubt as to the value of the rest of figures. One of the freaks of the census!

Aug. 7, 1880, a proposition was voted on, .329 to 32, to issue bonds to the amount of $50,000, for as much money to be expended in general iniiii-ovements, namoly: $20,000 for graveling and guttering the £8ig»^cfi9tl>i/WA&'olso#®3wers; $10,000 for im- proving the wharf; $5,000 for enlarging the school buildings; and $5,000 for protecting the river front. For the issue of bonds the charter required the affirmative of a majority of all the qualified voters of the city, and therefore the above measare did not carry. The iqDathy of the citizens was astonishing. A public meeting had been held, and rousing speeches made.

Population City Officers

1874:-'5. - Mayor, George Brown; City Judge, J. C. Dear; Marshal, Howard Long; Councilmen, Charles Rucker, James E. Dawson, A. F. McJohnston, J. A. Godshaw, John H. Brannon and John B. Scott; Clerk, David Morton, succeeded by P. R. Zulauf; Treasurer, T.S.Anderson; Assessor, William Pottinger; Collector, Isaac Kennady; Attorney, J. W. Feighan; Weighmaster, Samuel Digitized by Microsoft®

D. M. Griffith, J. H. Taylor, G. W. Eogers and B. Baer; Clerk, Phil. R. Zulauf; Treasurer, John Wandling; Assessor, A. B. Miller; Oollector, J. W. Carter; Auditor, J. W. Coleman; Attorney, W. T. Owen; Weigh master, E. A. Hathaway; Wharfmaster. H. Alexander; Physician, Dr. A. A. Haynes.

Industrial And Oommeecial

Mention has already heen made of the first store, kept by David Morton. Carpenters and masons of course came in with the demands of the growing village.

Among the first brick-masons remembered were Edward Lambdin, commonly known as " Old Boss;" Joseph Weaver, about 1839; and James A. "Wilhite, since that period. The first brick-yard in Owensboro was on Allen street, between Fifth and Seventh streets, near a tan-yard pond, and was owned and operated by Joseph Weaver before 1839. " Old Boss" and Stelle made brick near where Henry P. Tompkins' tobacco factory now stands, on Walnut street. Afterward Wilhite had one on Fourth street.

The first blacksmiths remembered by the present oldest residfints as following their trade in Owensboro were J. J. Boles (spelling of this name not ascertained), Legge and Faith.

In 1846 Mr. Boles and J. Brotherton formed a partnership .in the wheelwright business, which continued until 1862, when Boles died. Prior to this, however, the German (or Dutchman) named Legge did some wheelwright work in connection with his blacksmithing, near where Reinhardt's store now is. He closed in 1849.

Fib8T Livebt-Stables

The very first was located by Stephen Rogers on the bank of the ravine where the gas-works are now situated, and conducted by him a number of years. It was still standing in 1846, a very old structure.

The second was kept by Wm. Sharpe, jailer at the time, in 1S46, where the First National Bank Building now stands. Soon afterward Wm. C. Norris kept one where Courtney's drug store now is. Then Wm. Fielding, on the corner of Frederica and Fourth, v/here Biotherton & Son's stable is. lie sold to Geo. Murphy, he to Howard & Glenn, and they to John Brotherton, who has since been a proprietor.

About the time of the last transaction. Pointer & Cummings built a stable on Third street, which was afterward kept by Cummings, and owned by Burgess.

Tobacco Houses

The first tobacco warehouse in Owensboro was built by James M. Rogers, of logs, about 1837. It was forty feet wide by one hundred long. Soon after it was built it was sold to Peter F. Smith. In 1839 it was burned, and on the site a frame house was built.

Hugh Kerr & Co. - The second tobacco warehouse was a frame, built in 1838 by John 0. Hobsou, Frederick and Wm. 11. Bransford, all of Richmond, Ya. Wm. 11. Bransford came to Daviess County in the spring of 1838 and superintended the building of the factory. It was 50 x 150, two stories high, with a shed of twenty-five feet at each end and a shed of the same width alons one side, making the ground floor 75 x 200, with a capacity of 1,000,000 pounds. Tliis institution was conducted b^^ tlie firm of W. II. Bransford & Co. for five years, when Mr. B. died. The factory was then I'enteil for two years, when it was sold to Hugh Kerr & Co., of Henderson, Ky., who ran it until 1850. It was burned down April 5, that year, with 800,000 pounds of tobacco in it; but a portion of it was s.ived in a more or less damaged condition.

In the fall of 1850 the same company erected tlie factory now standing between Clay and Bolivar streets. It is two liundrcd feet long, fifty feet wide, four storii-s liigh, with a sliedon tlie south side twenty-five feet wide, and a warehouse 100 x 50 and two stories high. Cip-icity, l,5iJ0,000 })oiinds.

Rohcrt Du)d'ip^ Jr. - The fourth tobacco liou^ic in Owensboro was built in 185:^ by John A. Dunlop, at a cost of $8,000, including the house and grounds. Sizo ofbuihiing 150 x fiO, not counting the packing-room, which ia 150 x 25 feet, one story higii. The main building is three stories and basement. The warehouse is Digitized by Microsoft®

100 X 60 feet, two and a half stories high, located on the corner of Fourth and Triplett streets. Its capacity is 350 hogsheads, or 1,500,000 poi;nds per year, although tlie business does not justify working to its full capacity. At the decease of John A., Robert Dunlop, Jr., son of David Dunlop, of Petersburg, bought and still runs the factory.

Frayzer c5 Bro. - B. Bransford & Co. built the fiftli factory, on Elizabeth street, corner of First or River street. In 1S56 the company bought this of the Triplett estate, and remodeled and added to the old building, giving it a size 125 x 176 feet, two stories high, with a capacity of about 600,000 pounds. In a few years the firfn added 75 x 50 feet to the building, giving to the whole a capacity of 800,000 pounds. This pai-tnership was dissolved in 1862, and the business continued under the name of B. Bransford until 1873, wlien Mr. B. sold to Frayzer & Bro., who are now conducting the business.

Leo Sims, or FaulcP >< F actory . - ^This building was put up by Leo Sims in 1857, and the L's were built by John Faulds in 1878, and main building remodeled. Original cost of building, $10,500; additions, $6,000. Capacity, 800,000 pounds.

Sawyer tfc Brodle. - This house was built in 1870 by James Sawyer and Robert Brodie; size 125 \ 40 feet, two stories and basement. In is7;i they built an addition of 100 x40 feet, two stories and basement. Tlie cost of tiie entire liouse was about $12,000; capacity, 800,000 ponnds, although in 1880 they put up 1,000,000 pounds. Tlie building is situated on the corner of Triplett and Fifth streets. Most of the tobacco is shipped to England. Most seasons tiioy have run full capacity.

A. C. Tompkins. - The building now occupied by this gentleman was built by Burbank Hi'os. in 1S75, and the tobacco trade conducted by tlu in tlierein twr) seasons. It was then rented to C!am])- bell & Co., ami subsequently purchased by Mr. Tompkins, who has held the place ever since. The building is 60 x ISO feet and four stories high; caiiacity, 1,200,000 pounds. The main building C'>st §13.500, iuid is the largest in town.

p. ./. Miller's tobacco liouso wiis established about ISTl, by Benjaniiii Shown, for re-liaiidling tobacco. Size of buililiiiij; 00 x 40 fi'ut, two stories and basement. In 1S74- it was jmi-ciiased by Mr. Miller, who made improvements and nsed the house' for stemming to1)acc'o. In 1MT5 he built a larc^e adtlition to the old building, 140 X <!0 feet, throe stories and basement. The ca])acity of the house is abont 6U0,iJ(l(.> ])ounds. Cost of building, including contents, about SlCOOO. In connection with this liouse, Mr. Miller has a house on his farn; six miles oast of Owensboro, which has been used for tobacco since 1S58 or 1S5'.'; a\-erage cajKicitv, 15,000 pounds. He first built a small house, and has made numerous additions from time to time. The building is low, but covers considerable ground. Tobacco shipped to Londmi and Jjiverjiool.

J. II. Barrett ct Co. - This house cominencetl operations in 1838 under the name of A. B. Uarrett. Mr. B. died in 180^. He was one of the best business men the country ever produced. His estate was worth over $3,000,000. The property was then dee<led to his son, A. B. Barrett. Jr., and was afterward, in 1807, purchased by J. H. Barrett, the present owner, and from that time till 1871 the firm name was Barrett & Smitli (John 11. Smith); in September, 1871, John W. Mathews took charge, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of J. PL Barrett it Co. Average capacity of building, 1,000,000 pounds ])er year. Three fourths of the tobacco is shipped to England.

Daviess County Co-operative Tobacco Assiwintion. - This company was incorporated in 1878, with the following Bi.ard ot Dii'ectors: Eugene O'Flynn, Joseph King, J. "VV. King, AY M. Harrison, W. J. Taylor, S. H. Jesse, and K. L. Ellis. Jose])h King was elected President, an office lie has held ever since. This com])any was organized for the purpose of buying, selling, stemming, drying and prizing tobacco, in the city of Oweiisboi-o, where the ])rincipal place of their business shall be. The capital stock of saitl corporation shall not be more than $.50,000, divided into ten thousand shares <.t' $5 each. Tn 1879 the bouse was occujjied by James B. Cruse, who put u]) two crops of tobacco, and iu 1880 lie entered ir.t i jjartnershi]) with John 11. Chapman. The size of the building is 10' > x 40 feet, two stories and basement, and the average -amoiint of tobacco handled is 300,000 to 400,000 pounds.

S. V. \\'allaoe.-'-T]\\f, gentleman built a tobacco Ixmse in the fall -A I'^Tu, at a cost of ?2.000; size 130x.")4 feet, three stories and 'ri=eM!ent. Connected with this building is a store-room

120 X 50 feet, one story; capacity 1,000,000 pounds. The house has eight prize screws for prizing, latest improved, known as the ratcliet screw. The tobacco is shipped largely to foreign markets. Thi'" house ran under the management of Mr. Harris until the fall of 1875, when he went to Louisville and engaged in business there. In January, 1876, J. A. Fuqua managed the house. In 1878 S. V. Wallace took the management, and has continued it ever since. The building is located on the corner of First and Daviess streets.

W. H. Clan-he, & Go. - This factory is situated on McFarland street, between Fredericaaud Locust streets, and was erected in 1876 by the present firm. It is 130 x 41 feet, three stories high, with warehouse and shop attached; capacity, 500,000 pounds. The firm consists of William H. Clarke and Edward II. Clarke & Son.

Hamilton da Co. - This tobacco house was built in 1859 by David Hamilton, from Glasgow, Scotland, who was in business here twenty years. Caleb Snyder did the work upon the building, and Mr. Hamilton controlled it until 1878, when he went to Louisville, holding an interest in the business, however, until 1882. In 1878 Geo. N. Thompson became a partner of Mr. Hamilton, and in 1882 purchased the whole interest. The business is now conducted under the firm name of Hamilton & Co. This firm has done a very large business in the tobacco trade, the liouse having a capacity of 1,01)0,000 pounds a year.

John J. Miller's tobacco house was built in 1877 by J. F. Rice and Walter Gowan, under the firm name of Rice & Gowan, who did a light business one season. The following year it was (occupied by Aaron Rosenield, and in two years more by Norris Ford and John Burnett, who rented of J. T. Miller, the latter h; ])urchaaed the property in 1S79. In 1880 Jolm A. Miller rented the jiroperty of J. T. Miller, and has conducted the business ever siTiee, although it has jiassed into the hands of P. J. Miller, who now owns the house. The size of tlic buildiiig is 100 x ('i6 feet, two stiiries and [jaseniuiit; cajiacity inmi seventy-five to eighty hogsheads (>f tobacco. It is located on Hathaway street, between Fifth aiid Si.xtli. In !8si Mr. Miller ]jut n[) 2o8, 000 jiounds of tul.acco.

Henry Ki-i'r 'S: ^ 'o. '.s' tobacco house is located at the northeast corner of Second aiid Locust streets, and has a capacity of 300 ho^.-^heads. [t was formerly occ\i]Med by Aaron llosenfeld, then by Henry Ivei'r, and lastly by the y>re.,i'nL tinn.

F . J. Uhirke and J. II. Tli.ckm/in liave just formed a partnership (February, Iss;;) and are buyine; and receiving tobacco at the Mc0^dlister Factory, southeast corner of St. ^Vnn and Front streets.

lielnhardt <& Maries' factory was established in ls76. It is situated at the east end of Fourth street, and is a four-story building, 40 x 130, with a one-story L, 100 feet long. They have the capacity to handle 600,000 pounds per year, and ship large quantities to England.

After the tobacco is stemmed and packed in hogsheads it is exported to London and Liverpool - the low grades to Germany - through commission merchants. The average product in 183S was about 1,500,000 pounds, from which tliere was a gradual increase np to 8,000,000 pounds in 1S50, and 12,000,000 pounds before the war. Since that time it has remained about stationary. A factor} ,.f SOn.OOO jtouude employs forty to fifty hands. The season for business oi)cns in November or early wititer, and closes about midsummer. There ai'e, therefore, about nine months to work and pack.

The nmnufaeturo ot intoxicating li(|uors by methods of distillation doos not seem to have been understood by tlie antnents. It is said to havi! been Mi-st invented by the barbai-ian nations of the North of Kuroiio. an<l by them was made known to the inliabitants of the uKjre civilised enimtries ot S<iuthern Europe. It was formerly manufactured entire]}' from malt, and nnmalted barley or rye, but is now made largely from rye alone, Indian corn, potatoes, molasses, and other articles. i\\\ the juices of plants which can undergo vincuis termentation, and all vegetable matter which contains starelP/g'/fe^^ifiM6/'QS0^©)duce distilled liquors.

A large proportion of the substances used for food may be thus applied to the production of ardent spirits. Sugar-growing countries produce rum, lands where the vine flourishes produce brandy, and in grain-growing countries distilled liquors are made in the form of whisky and gin. The Chinese manufacture a distilled liquor from rice, and the inhabitants of Kamschatka from mushrooms. A great deal of whisky was formerly made from the potato.

The production of whisky has been very large in the United States. Soon after the Revolution its manufacture was carried on to a large extent in Western Pennsylvania, and one of the first serious troubles the Govei'nment encountered was the whisky insurrection of lYW-'i, growing out of an attempt to collect an excise tax in this region. The distilleries of the United States were formerly much behind those of Great Britain in the perfection of their machinery, and tlie wonderful capacity of the production of single establishments; but improvements in late years have put them on an equal, if not a superior, footing. The States now largely interested in the production of whisky are New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri. Of the counties in Kentucky largely engaged in the distilling business, Daviess ranks among the first. Distilleries existed here in a very early day, but it is only within the last few years that the business has been increased to anything like its present proportions. There are at present eighteen distilleries within the county. With few exceptions, more grain is grown here than in any other county in the State. This fact accounts for the abundance and cheapness of material. The Ohio Hiver furnishes shipping facilities of an unequaled character, and the railroad running south from Owensboro is always ready to carry freight on reasonable terms. It is mainly for these reasons that the large distilling business, ot the county has been carried on so successfully, while it has languished and died in other sections of the country.

But it is not only in regard to quantity that Daviess County distilleries are celebrated. The county has the reputation of producing as good an article of whisky as can be ound iu the United States. A very large proportion of the whisky manufactured in Kentucky is in swcct-mash distilleries, which produce an inferior article in compaTrison with the product of sour-ma^h distilleries. Several of the distilleries are the largest in the State. The claim is justly made that the sour-mash distilleries of Daviess County

Owmsboro Distilling Company, consisting now of A. C. Tompkins, President; Joseph A. Fuqua, Secretary; N. M. Lancaster and John G. Weir. Their distillery was built in the fall of 1880, and has a capacity of thirty barrels per twenty-four hours. Capacity of the principal warehouse, 10,700 barrels. This building is of brick and wood on the outside, and wood and iron on the inside. Besides this there are four other warehouses of a capacity of 600 barrels each. This institution has been paying good dividends. Their brands of whisky are " The W. S. Stone," "Farmer's Club," .md " Kentucky."

Sowr-Mash Distilling Company. - M. V. Monarch, President; P. E. Payne, Secretary; J. A. Brown, Assistant Secretary. A stock company of five or six members, manufacturing the " M. Y. Monarch," "Sovereign" and "Jockey Club" brands of whisky. Distillery a mile east of Owensboro, established in 1868, with a capacity of eight barrels a day, now increased to about titty.

Hill, Perkins, (& Co. (Alex. Hill, "Wm. H. Perkins and Abraham F. Berryman). - This distillery was erected in the ':ummer of 1880, and has a capacity of 300 bushels. Location, just west of the city limits, in rear of the Daviess County Distillery.

Eock Spring Distillery, Hill & Hill (W. H. and T. C, brothers), proprietors. Started in 1881. Capacity 128 bushels, or eleven barrels. Four warehouses, affording room for 6,000 barrels. A ten-acre stock lot in connection. Located on the river bank, a mile east of Owensboro.

Hill (& Perkins. - The distillery operated by this firm was built by E. C. Berry in 1866. Its capacity was sixty or seventy bushels a day. It was conducted by him until 1877, when Alex. Hill and William H. Perkins became the proprietors. The capacity of the distillery is now 250 bushels of corn per day, and the brand of whisky is still the " E. C. Berry." Distillery and oifice west of the city limits.

B. Monarch c& Co. (Richard Monarch and J. T. Magale), distillers of " Sour-Mash Whisky," "Kentucky Standard" and " R. Monarch & Co." Their distillery was bnilt in the fall of 1869 and started in operation in March. It is located one mile west of Owensbors, on the Lancaster road. Capacity about 750 bushels. Office a few doors south of the Deposit Bank.

B. P Millet cS: Co. (Edwin P. Millet, Richard Monarch and Wm. H. Monarch) manufacture several celebrated brands of sour- Digitized by Microsoft®

John Tkixton Distillery Company. - The wholesale liquor house of Thixton & Slaughter was incorporated May 1, 1879, it bein^ the oldest wholesale house of the kind in the county. They succeeded the late Dr. A. D. Hill, buying his stock, etc. This company handle nearly all the different brands manufactured in the county. The invoice taken Sept. 1, 1882, showed the capital in the wholesale house to be $87,000 in whisky. Their sales amount to 150 to 200 barrels a month.

The John Thixton Distillery Company was incorporated in February, 1881, the stockholders being John Thixton and Joseph "W. Slaughter. The distillery is situated about a mile east of the courthouse, and was built at a cost of $18,000, building and equipments all new. The capacity is 280 bushels per day, and turns out 6,500 barrels per year. Their brand of whisky is " The John Thixton Distillery Company, 2d District of Ky." The House is in charge of Mr. Slaughter, and the distillery is under the personal supervision of Mr. Thixton.

John Hanning Distillery. - A building was erected in 1869 by John Hanning, and its capacity was ten barrels a day. It was burned down in the fall of 1S80, and in February following the " John Hanning Distillery Company" was formed, consisting of John Hanning, F. T. Gunther and G. W. Crutcher. Mr. Gunther is President and Mr. Crutcher, Secretary. This company erected a distiller}' below town, on the river, about a mile from the courthouse. Capacity, twenty-live barrels a day. Brand, "The John Hanning Hand-Made Sour-Mash Whisky."

Eagle Distillery Company. - In 1869 T. J. Monarch erected a distillery at Grissom's Landing, having a capacity of five barrels a day; but the works have been enlarged, so that the capacity is now about forty barrels. It was first the " T. J. Monarch Distillery," now it is denominated the "Eagle Distillery at Grissom's Landing." Mr. Monarcli is President of tlie company and Geo. A. Williams, Secretary. Office at the northeast cornerof the Public Square.

The " Eagle DistiUerv " at Birk City was started in 1880, with a ten-barrel capacity. Company: T. J. Monarch, Pre.sident; S. Monarch and Thomas Shalfcl. Office in Owensboro, same as above. The brands of whisky placed iu market by both establishments are the " T. J. Monarch," "Imperial" and "Cliff Falls." Digitized by Microsoft®

Daviess County Distillery Gonvpany (W. S. Harris and John Callaghan). - Tliis distillery was started April 16, 1874, by Oallaghan & Trigg. Mr. Bell afterward bouglit an interest in the concern, when the firm name became the "Daviess County Distillery Company." In March, 1879, Mr. Harris commenced, alone, and Oct. 14, 880, the present partnership was formed. Both these gentlemen reside in Louisville, and their business here is superintended by C. A. Todd, General Agent. The distillery is ocated about a mile west of town, on the river, and its capacity is 800 bushels of corn per day; it has 720 mash tubs and its engine is ninety horse-power.

M. P. Mattingly''s distillery was started at the present locality, in a small waj', about 1855, with a capacity of about sixty bushels. In 1863 Blandford & Bro. took possession of it; subsequently H. C. Elliott, then W, S. Stone, since which time it has been known as the " W. S. Stone Distillery." Its location is about five miles west of Owensbo o, near the river bank, and its present capacity

Daviess County Club Distillery. - Umldmg erected in the spring of 1880, with a capacity of 380 bushels of corn per twenty-four hours. The works were built by the club, an incorporated party, but are operated by N. P. Mattingly. Located one mile below Owensboro, on tho Ohio Kiver.

J. W. M. Field. - This house was started Feb. 3, 1873, with a capacity of two and one-half bushels per day. In the fall of the same year Mr. Field increased the capacity to six barrels a day. In 1880 the capacity was again increased to eight barrels a day; in April of the same year he doubled the capacity, making sixteen barrels a day, and in April, 1881, it was increased to its present capacity - twenty -five barrels a day. Mr. Field has conducted the business from the beginning.

J. T. Welch Distilling Company. - Organized about the first of March, 1881. Building was erected during the spring, with a capacity of about 400 bushels of grain per day. It is located about a mile and a half above Owensboro.

J. T. Welch, President, lives in McLean County; E. S. Triplett, Vice-President; S. Y.Wallace, Secretary; A. Eosenfeld, Treasurer. A. T. Harris, Jr., of Louisville, is also a member.

pose of makincj apple brandy. la the spring of 1881 the present firm of Boulwara& Wilhoyte was formed. The capacity of this distillery is seventy-five bushels a day. C. L. Applegate d; Co., Yelvington.

Othee Enteepeises

Oweasboro Woolen Mills. - This establishment was started soou after the war, by O. S. Warner & Co. It was burned down in 1873 or '4, and the loss fell heavily upon Dr. A. 0. Wood. The engine was a twelve-inch cylinder. The spinning-jack ran 210 spindles, which kept eight looms in operation, producing 150 yards of cloth daily, thirty-four inches in width, which sold wholesale at Two sets of cards were in constant operation doing custom work, which turned oif 200 pounds of rolls a day, the cost of which was from ten to fifteen cents a pound for carding. The blankets made were two and a quarter to two and a half yards in width, weighed seven and a half to nine pounds, and were entirely free from grease. The jeans they turned out was four, five and six leaf, and thirty-four inches wide.

Twenty-five operatives were employed, all industrious and of unimpeachable character, and the firm composed of gentlemen of the highest business integrity.

Troutman, Rarick & Co. (M. V. Monarch), manufacturers of hubs, spokes, wagons, carriages, plows, etc., and dealers in agricultural implements, at the junction of Fuurth street with the Litchfield road. Messrs. J. P. Troutman and Peter Earick started at this place, first as blacksmiths, about twelve or thirteen years ago, in a frame building, which was burned down in 1874. Immediately afterward they built a brick shop, which still stands as a portion of the present establishment. In 1876 they were partially bnrned out again; but these enterprising gentlemen still again rebuilt) went ahead with an increasing business, adding the manufacture of wagon material and dealing in agricultural implements.

In 1881 Mr. Monarch was admitted to partnership, and the com pany put in new machinery, added other buildings, and commenced the manufacture of liubs and spokes on a large scale, employing about forty hands and a sixty horse-power engine. They now have Digitized by Microsoft® two two-story brick buildings, one work-shop, one two-story frame,- besides engine-house and numerous sheds. Of the two-story structures the lower rooms are devoted to work and the upper to storage. Carriage painting, trimming, etc., is done in the second story of their large frame building, and one or two of the forementioned sheds are really large two-story structures, the upper portions of which are devoted to storage.

John, J. HilVs Sub a/nd Spoke Factory. - This house was built in 1862, by Richard Smock, for a flouring mill, and was occupied by him three or four years. It was then converted into a distillery, and was used by J. Gr. Bailey and John Taylor two years for making sour-mash whisky. Taylor retired and Bailey ran it alone one year. It was then seized and sold by the Government, and purchased by William J. Lumpkin, who used it as a flouring mill six years. The building was then unoccupied for a year, when it was rented by Fuqua & Wise for a flouring mill. These men were unfortunate; the boiler was burned by a careless engineer, and they only used the house about six months. Sept. 1, 1882, it was rented by John J. Hill, who converted it into a hub and spoke factory, using the boiler and engine that were put in after the former was burned. He leased the building and power for one year, with the privilege of retaining it for an unlimited time. He averages about seventy-five sets hubs per day, running full capacity.

Owensboro Wheel Company. - James Weir and John Moorman, doing business under the style of Weir & Moorman; John Delker and W. F. Reinhardt, doing business under the style of Delker & Eeinhardt; and John Reinhardt and John W. Marks, doing business under the style of Reinhardt & Marks, Dec. 11, 1882, associated themselves under the style of the Owensboro Wheel Company, this partnership to continue ten years, unless sooner dissolved by a vote of the majority. The design and intent of the association is the manufacture of wagon, carriage and buggy wheels; and their place of business the city of Owensboro. The capital stock of said company is $15,000, subscribed by the parties in this association, and divided into thirty shares of $500 a share; but the association reserves the privilege of increasing the stock to $30,000 if a majority of the stockholders shall so determine.

Southern Wheel and Handle OoTnpany. - Owned and operated by Weir & Moorman since Aug. 19. One-story brick, 125 x 40, with wing 75 feet. The firna manufactures spokes almost exclu- Digitized by Microsoft® eively, but turns ont single trees, ax handles, luunnier handles, etc. The capacity is about Jj,000 sy)okos per day, which, are shipped to every principal ])oitit in this country, also Euro])e and South America.

J. O. Delkci\ Ataiiiifactuh r of Furniture ami CJinirs. - Tiiis business was established in the fall of 1870. Cost of building and machinery, about ^Bls.Ood. Building was burned in Februaiy, 1872, after being in operatic, n about sixty days. Loss, S13,()..»(); insured for ftS.OUO. lii Ajiril the manufactory was re-built, both buildings being made of brick; cost of new building and machinery about the same as the old house with the addition of the old foundation. Began running in May, 1ST2, making a general line of furniture, which continued until ls81. Dec. 1, lSs2, achange was made in the business; tiriii organij^ed under the name of Delker & Reinhardt, - J. (-i. Delker and AV. V. Reinliardtin the maiiufaciure of rims, and felloes, and cari'iage matei'ial. X slock company just crganized is using the second tioor <.if the building in ihe manu faeture of wag<jn and carriage wheeU. The corporation crmsists of tlie firms of Woii'tt iloorman, Delker Ai lleinhardt, and Iltinhardt & jMarks, with James AV^eir as Pre-^ident. Directors ai-e John Moorn^an, W I'' Uciniianlt and J.)hii Marks. Corporation or ganizoJ Dec. II, l>nSj!, Macliiiiery was pm-chased and operation begun 1st January, ISS:'.; cM]ntal -took, $:'>n.00().

Jiihn R. Oshoriic <( Son'n /*''''/;,///(/- J/ ^7/ was built in January, ly"."!, by Thornton A' Osborne. i May, l87.o, Thornton sold to J. R. 0>bi)rne & Son, who have since conducted it. The value of mill and property, including machinei-y, about $.5,000. Located cin-ner of 7th and Ilailroatl streets. They manufacture sash, doors, blinds, moldings, frames, cornice and stair work, counters, mantles, i)rackets, etc. Trade extends n\-er county and Southern Ken tuckv. Have also a saw -miU at Livennore, McLean Co., Ky. ; value, $l'.5')0. It was erected in Issij. run in connection with mill, preparing loirs ibr mill. Xl their planing-mill they supply the distilleries material tbr whisky tanks, fermentors, water tanks, stills, mash tri)Ughing, blow-pii)es, etc. This is the oldest firm in citv in tliis business. Their trade has doubled each year since they commenced. They turn out only first-class work, for which they have a large reputatii.n. During the fall monlhs of 1^81 they were runnirig day and night on distillery work, when the distilleries were running to their ful capacity. They ship a gre it deal of walnut and other lumber. Owing to their iiicn.ased trade they c<ni- template enlargements of the buildings this spring (1883), with addition of new and improved machinery, which will enable them to turn out still more work. William D., son of J. R. Osborne is the business manager.

J. E. Taylor's Planing-Mill. - This is a large mill on the bank of the river at the foot of St. Elizabeth street. Size of the main building, 60 x 90 feet; engine, thirty-six horse-power. Both hard and soft woods are dressed here, and the patronage is local. The proprietors have been: Barron, Marble & Co. (La kin Field) Marble, Hicks & Go. (Larkin Field, D. 0. Carter and Michael Carey), Hicks, Field & Co. (Carey and Carter), Hicks & Carter, J. H. Taylor.

OwenshoTO City Fowndry is situated on the corner of Fifth and Poplar streets, and was built in 1868 by J. A. Castlen, William King and T. H. Guthrie. The main building was 40 x 60 feet; the molding-room, 30 x 60 feet. It was a frame building, but in 1881 a brick one was erected in its place and enlarged to 60 x 150 feet, with a pattern-room in the second story. The moldingroom as enlarged is 40 x 60. In 1869 Mr. King withdrew from the partnership and it was continued under the firm name of Castlen & Guthrie until 1872, when Mr. Castlen sold to Stephen W. Long, and in 1881 Benjamin Bransford was taken in as a partner, since which time it has been conducted as Guthrie, Long & Bransford. The business consists of all kinds of castings, railroad and mill work, steam engines and mill machinery, and all kinds of repairs- An average of twenty mechanics are employed in its various de. partments.

Joshua G. TerriWs Flouring Mill '^a.sQVQC.iQdi in 1874 by Mr. Terrill at a cost of $8,000, including machinery. Size of main building, 60x30 feet, three stories and basement. The engine-room is 37 X 25 feet, 45 horse-power engine, 24 inch stroke. There are two warehouses, one of them 60 x 30, and the other 25 x 40, one story. The mill is located on Fourth street, near corner of Triplett street. Improvements have been made from time to time, and during the fall of 1882 new machinery was put in at a cost of $7,000. Capacity of the mill is 100 barrels flour per day. They do a large exchange business with farmers in this and some adjoining counties, part of the time running day and night.

Ogden Mills. - The first structure here now constituting the larger part of these mills was built in lS56-'7, by Ogdeu & Bro. (John D. and Ben L^^^r^^^^rnj^^jp^^l^factory; but finding that

Mr. J. Thomas liad conclndod not to rebuild liis flouring mill, in place of tlie one burned down, Messrs. Ogden turned their works into a mill of that kind, attaching also the machinery for woolcarding which Jo Daveiss ("Judge") had previously used for two They did some carding for about ten years. The flouring mill, with tliree run of burrs, was started into operation in January, is:. 7, and for all the works two eight-inch cylinder engines were used. Since then the building lias been con jidorably enlarged, a sixty horse-])(iwer engine substituted, and two runs of burrs added. John 1). Ogden is the proprietor, his brother, Ben. H., having died. The polite and jovial Marcus L. Ogden, another brother, is the bookkcei-)er. The proprietor mamifactures the "New Process," " Gohl-Dast," and " Gilt-Edge" brands of flour, and does both merchaTit and custom work. Mills on St. Elizabeth street, near the Planters' Hotel.

W. J. iSi L. Lnmpkinh Floxhring Mill. - Located at the foot of Crittenden street. Built in 1880, 40 x 60 feet and three stories high above the basement, besides engine-room; eighty horsepower engine; started with Ave run of stone; now have a rollermill added. Capacity, 120 barrels every twenty-four hours. Besides the mill the proprietoi-s have a warehouse and elevator, 4:0 X 100 feet, and also three st<n'ies high above the basement. Tiiey do both merchant and custom woi-k, dealing in flour, meal, grain and mill ofl^al.

Brick Mamifaoturers. - Accoruing to the Directory of 1882, the following were manufacturers (jf brick last year : Robert O. Crutchfield, west side of Triplett street, just north of McFarland; Wallace II. Decker, north side of Fifth, west of Vine; Sweeney & Co., west side of Lewis and south of Mcd^'arland; Mrs. Christine Tennes, south side of Fifth, second west of Vine; and Terrill & Jett, east end of Second street.

Cigar Maii.ufaehQ'fjrs. - ( II. Bottimweiser, northeast corner of second and Elm sti-(;i,'ts; A. Ilehnke, west side of Frederica and sixth door soutl; of Second.

Exi>r,i.-iA Cotiip'inlcs- - R. R. Hathaway, next door south of tlie National Bank, is agent for both the .\dams and the Southern Express Companies.

The first floor fronting on Main street is used for dry goods, notions, boots and shoes; the portion that fronts on Daviess street is used for groceries. That part of the second floor that fronts on Main street is used for clothing, carpets, window-shades, trunks, etc.; the second floor on Daviess street, for queen's-ware and millinery. Third floor front ot building is the wholesale department, and third floor fronting Daviess street is used for farming implements of every description. The house is arranged with all modern improvements. Yearly sales are over $150,000. Trade extends to all the surrounding country and Southern Indiana. Phillips Brothers reside in Lebanon, Ky. , and the house is under the immediate supervision of T. W. McAtee.

Citizens' Building cmd Loan Association. - This was organized in the summer of 1872, under the general law, to enable its members the more easily to erect buildings in the city of Owensboro. It was governed by a board of directors. The capital stock was formed by subscribed shares of $1 weekly payments. Any shareholder, by giving real-estate security, could borrow of the capital fund thus created a sufficient amount to aid him in the construction of a dwelling at a fair rate of interest and on a long credit. First officers: R. H. Taylor, President; Jo. Thomas, Secretary; P. T. Watkins, Treasurer; and J. W. Feighan, Attorney. Present officers: "W". T. Owens, President; E. S. Hughes, Secretary; J. H. Mc- Henry, Attorney. The association is inactive at present, but in former times it has done a great deal of good.

Peoples' Wharf-Boat and Transfer Company was organized about 1869, the incorporators being E. S. Hughes, John S. Woolfolk, John B. Scott and J. D. Powers. The object of the company is the transportation of freight and passengers, by either rail or river, to any point. They have a good wharf-boat here. Capital, $25,000. The present stockholders are: E. S. Hughes, Hamilton Alexander and J. D. Powers. The latter has always been President of the corporation. Mr. Hughes is Secretary and Treasurer.

The Owensboro and Rochport Tromsfer Company., consisting ot J. H. Cox, E. Monarch and J. H. Triplett, was incorporated Dec. 29, 1882, for twenty-five years, " to build, buy and sell steamboats, machinery, barges and wharf-boats, and use and navigate the same for the transportation and forwarding of freight and passengers be- tween Owensboro, Ky., and Eockport, Ind., or anywhere else iesired, and all other purposes for which steamboats and barges and wharf-boats are adapted or used." Capital stock, $2,300, in scares of $50. Commenced business Feb. 1, 1883. Have a large A^harfboat at Owensboro. Run the II. M. Sweetser at present, mainly between Owensboro and Eockport, three trips a day. John H. Triplett, Jr., Agent.

Steam Ferry Company. - This company was formed in June, 1882, as a stock company. President, T. S. Anderson ; Secretary and Treasurer, E. L. Courtney. They run a very large, nice ferryboat, charging teamsters only two fifths of what the law allows. This is the first steam ferry ever run at this point, the boats heretofore having always been run by hand.

Owensboro Water Company. - This company was incorporated Sept. 9, 1878, for twentj'-five years, and consisted of Dennis Long, of Louisville, John G. Barrett, Donald McPlierson and Samuel A. Miller. Authorized capital stock, i?SO,0(»0, and a board of seven directors to control, who are elected annually on the second Monday in September. Mr. Long proposed to the city council to erect the works on the Holly system, on condition that the city would take fifty-five fire plugs at $75 each per year. This proposition was accepted, and the contract for building the works was awarded to Coverdale & Cowell, of Cincinnati, who completed them by the following July. Two engines and two pumps were placed in the establishment, with a capacity of 2,.-)00,0(i!i galloi-.s daily. The engines have cylinders twenty-five inches in diar etei by tliirty inches stroke, and are eighty lioi-se-]iower. Tlie .iimps, which are located at the bottom of a .sliaft thirty- thre, .eet doej:) are fourteen inches in diameter by thirty iiu'hcs stroke There are two boilers, sixteen feet by five feet eacli, with fifty-^'.-inr three ai^d a half inch tubes, set separately, so that either or 'xith can be us;id at pleasure.

B'hmh Electric Light omd Power Company. - This also is an incorp. rated stock company, organized in October, 1882. W. F. Eeinhardt, President; Joseph Lee, Treasurer, and J. W. Porter, Secretary and Manager. The other incorporators are John Reinhardt, Geo. "W. Jolly, T. J. Higgins. Capital, $5,000, in shares at $100, all taken. The company start out by using a sixteen-light dynamo, each light of 2,000 candle-power. The engine-power is rented of J. G. Delker. Up to date about $4,000 have been expended in the enterprise, and at present there are thirteen subscribers.

Telephone. - In the spring of 1880 J. W. Porter organized the " Owensboro Telephone Exchange." The incorporators were Geo. W. Williams, M. V. Monarch, T. J. Monarch, and J. W. Porter. M. V. Monarch was elected President; Breck. Speed, Secretary and Treasurer, and Mr. Porter, Superintendent. They immediately put up lines and commenced operations, connecting with Henderson and Evansville, and ran under this regime until May, 1882, when they sold out to the Evansville Telephone Exchange, which has eight or ten counties. There are 113 patrons in Owensbdfo. T^he central ofBce is on St. Ann street, opposite the east door ot ne court-house.

City Hall. - This building was formerly the "Bransford Instit^:ite" (see further on, under the head of Educational), and was pnr<i.hased of him by the. city in 1871, at $10,000. The Police Court ii held n the* lower story, and the Common Council in the upper.

HalVa Opera House. - This is the second and third stories of the large business block erected by Frank L. Hall in 1869, at the southeast corner of the public square. Size, 88 x 105 feet. Cost, $20,000. At that time it was the finest building in Owensboro. it was afterward appraised at $30,000. The ceiling is eighteen feet aibove the floor. It is the only dramatic hall in the city.

Owensboro Fire Depa/rtment. - ^For many years previous to the date of the city charter the citizens of Owensboro had often discussed the question and long felt the need of some sort of an institution to enable them to effectually meet and conquer that great enemy of city and town - the " raging ftames." Accordingly, in

.planted ii city cliartor, to meet the growitij:; demands of this rising commercial center, the Owensboro Fire Department was organized. The department is equipped with an excellent steam fireengine - the Ben Bransford, No. I, purchased in 1872. The officers of the department are: A. F. Alms, Chief; W. J. McGee, Engineer; F. Q. Washburn, Driver. Four men compose the force. Tt costs the city annually about $8,600 to supply the current xpenses of tlie department.

The Toion Clock was completed and set rum ing during the first wv ek of December, 1868. The tower was not originally built for a ilock, and the County Court ordered the necessary changes male, which cost $200. The clock cost $550 in Boston, Mass.; the weights were cast in Owensboro, at a cost probably of about $150. The time weight weighs 250 pounds, and the striking weight 1,000 pounds. All the expenses of this enterprise were borne by private subscription. The magnificent bell was bought by Judge Triplett, of Wm. Kaye, Louisville, and cost $450. It weighs about 1,200 pounds.

Owensboro Oas Company was organized in June, 1860, as a stock company, with shares at $100. Capital, $25,000. Number of shares taken, 189. The first officers were T. H. Pointer, President; E. H. Taylor, Secretary and Treasurei M. J. Miller, Superintendent.. Directors: T. H. Pointer, S. M. Wing, F. L. Hall, A. Gilmour, and J. H. Blair. M. J. Miller was the eontractor, who took one third of the stock, the trustees of the town took one third, and citizens the remainder. The works are located at the foot of St. Elizabeth street, and have a capacity of 16,000 cubic feet daily. Present number of street lamps, 112. The lot of ground was purchased of Wing & Bransford, for $1,200. The works have been enlarged, and mains very much extended. At first the price of gas was $4 per thousand feet, but the present rate is only $2.25. During the war, at one time, when coal was very high, gas rose to $6 per thousand feet. Present officers: A. Gilmour, President; P. T. Watkins, Secretary and Treasurer; James York, Superintendent.

City Railway Company. - This was organized in September, 1877. A sufficient amount of stock was subscribed, it was thought at the time, to build the proposed line; but the prospect of increased stringency in commerce led the company to postpone further action indefinitely. It seems now, however, that the enterprise, if pushed through then, would have proved remunerative.

Printing Officex. - There are four job printing offices in Owens. boro. Those of tlie Messenger tfi Exam,iner and the Saturday Pi:)S^ are already alluded to in Chapter YIII. 0. T Kendall cfe Oo?8, on the same floor with the latter, was opened Jan. 15, 1880. The " Co. " comprises George & Walter Parrish, and W. E. and I. N. Parrish. Ernest Bishop's is on the north side of Second street, a few doors east of Frederica street.

liosenthaVs Bottling Warhs, on the north side of Second street, near the railroad, is still flourishing. Bottling beer, ale and otiier liquors is the enterprise here.

Watch Factory. - This never existed in Owensboro, but a m>veaient for the establishment of one was inaugurated in 1882, by fifteen men, who proposed to put in $1,000 each for the object. A donation of eight acres of land, however, was asked, and a subscription stock to the amount of $60,000. The chief operators of this scheme were parties from abroad, and not being exactly the men for the place, the proposed enterprise "fell through. "

First National. - This is the newest by name but the oldest in business, of all the banks in the city. The first bank in Owensboro was a branch of the " Southern Bank of Kentucky, " and was established here Aug. 5, 1850, with the following Directors: Wm. Bell, Simpson Stint, Christopher D.Jackson, Junius B. Alexander, Samuel M. Wing, James H. Blair, Wm. T. Short, S. M. Moorman and Philip Triplett. Aug. 12 following Mr. Alexander was chosen President and James B. Anderson, Cashier. The principal bank was at Louisville, and was a State bank of issue. In June, 1853, Mr. Alexander resigned his presidency, and was succeeded by Wm. Bell. He moved to Louisville, thence to St. Louis, and during the war moved to New York. In all these places he followed banking, made a fortune in New York, retired, and now lives on Staten Island, N. Y.

In 1855 Wm. Bell was succeeded as President by S. M. Wing. April 1, 1864, the institution was changed to the " Planters' Bank of Kentucky. " Mr. Anderson died in October, 1864, and his son, T. S. Anderson, was chosen as Cashier in his place. May 24, 1870, Mr. Wing resigned, and Daniel M. GriflSth was chosen President in his place. Sept. 1,1871, T. S. Anderson resigned, and Digitized by Microsoft®

Phil T. Watkins succeeded as Cashier. March 6, 1872, Mr. Griffith resigned as President, and R. II, Taylor was appointed in his place. Messrs. Taylor and Watkins still retain the positions last named. Joseph Thomas is Teller.

Nov. 1, 1881, the bank was converted into the " First National Bankof Owensboro, Ky." Capital, $137,900. Present Directors: E. H. Taylor, J. D. Powers, E. H. Luckett, A. J. Turpin, A. Eosenfeld, James H. Hickman and M. V. Monarch.

Deposit Banh. - Th\& was established Oct. 1, 1860, with a capital of $50,000, since increased to $200,000. Hon. Thos. C. McCreery was President from the commencement to Feb. 17, 1864 since which date Mr. James Weir has had that position. W. B. Tyler was Cashier from the first to the time of his death, Dec. 4, 1877 since which time John Wandling has fulfilled the place. Present Directors: Wm. N. Sweeney, Ben. Bransford and F. T. Gunther. John H. Smith, just deceased, leaves a vacancy on this board not yet filled. Following was the condition of this bank Dec. 30, 1882:

Savings Bank. - This institution was chartered by the Legislature in January, 1871, and began business Feb. 17 following, in the room next door to the postoffice, on St. Ann street. While cashier of the Planters' Bank, of this city, Mr. T. S. Anderson, now President of the Savings Bank, saw the necessity of a bank that would meet the wants of all, and he and his brother, W. K. Anderson, conceived the idea of establishing such an institution in Owensboro. Their business so increased that their old quarters began to be too small; and they built, at the northwest corner of Main and Allen streets, one of the finest bank and office buildings in all the West, which they now occupy. The charter of this bank makes all the private property of its stockholders, in addition to the capital and surplus, liable for its corporate debts - the best guarantee of its safe management, and one that is offered by no other bank in this city. James H. Parrish is Cashier.

History Of Daviess Coxtntt

Farmers & Traders' BanJe. - This is situated on the north side of Main street, six doors east of Bolivar. L. Gray is President; A. J. Mitchell, Vice-President, and Wm. H. Moore, Cashier. This bank was opened for business 'Sov. 16, 1876, at the above place. The first Directors were: Dr. A. D. Hill, President; L. Gray, Yice- President; A. J. Mitchell, J. B. Cruse and W. T. Elliott. E. B. Colgan, Cashier. The corporation was organized as a stock company. Dr. Hill died Dec. 20, 1877, and L. Gray was elected President in his place. Mr. Colgan died Aug. 18, 1877, and Wm. H. Moore was appointed Cashier in his place, which position he still holds.

Its most ancient predecessor had the same name. It was the first hotel in the city, a frame building, erected by Timothy Burgess. In the process of time, a more commodious edifice becoming necessary, this was moved to the rear of the lot to be occupied by colored servants, while on the old site was put up a handsome two-story hotel, which is a part of the present block. It has been niised one story and wings added. Mr. Burgess sold the building

The Washiiirm Hoii.^e, now kojit by tlie proprietorw of the Planters', was builtia 1877, by Daniel M. GrifKth, who rented it to IJ. T. Wasbtuiriie, and the latter admitted to partnersliip Geo. I). Mattingly. Afterward he sold his interest to Alex. Moreland, and the tirm became Mattingly & Moreland, the present proprietors of both buildings. The Washburne building in 1878 was sold to Mrs. M. L. Crockett, wife of Americus Crockett, of Louisville. It stands on the site formerly occupied by a grocery, which had been previously the Southern Bank, and the Planters' Bank. The first story is 22 x 134, and the second and tliird stories are 44 feet in width.

The proprietors of the business of the Planters' Hotel have been Mr. Hathaway, J. C. Ashby, 0. H. Hughes, James F. Smith and now Matting]}' & Moreland.

The two buildings contain sixty-five furnished rooms. Tran sient rates, $2 a day. About 90 to 100 is the average daily number taking meals at this house.

The Planters' House has had a long and eventful history, and the noteworthy instances occuring in connection with it may be numbered by hundreds. The following comes to hand: In 1875, when the " civil rights " law prominently occupied public attention, and Mr. Hathaway was conducting the above institution, a negro presented himself one day for accommodations, under the aforesaid law concerning hotels. Mr. H. refused him on the ground tiiat " this was not a ' hotel.' but a private boarding house."

Spoern's Hotel. - This is located on the northeast corner of Second and Elizabeth streets which is only a square from the wharf. John Spoerri, proprietor.

Educational

Daviess County Seminary. - The oldest school building in Owensboro is the southernmost brick structure of what is now the Upper "Ward School. It was erected by Philip Thompson, in consideration of which a number of town lots were deeded to him by the trustees. The ground on which this house was built was originally donated to the town for school purposes. The institution was chartered about 1820. The most eminent teacher here in early day was probably George Scarborough, a relative of P. T. "Watkins and a native of Massachusetts. He taught school in this place about 1830 to 1840. On leaving here he sold a large collection of geological specimens to parties m this place, for use in the public schools. He went to Kansas, and from there to ITew Jersey, where he at a recent date was still residing.

Owensboro Academy. - This was started in the old Daviess County Seminary building about 1853, by Professor H. P. Hart, assisted by Mr.Palmer. This was one of the best schools Owensboro ever had. After a few years Professor Hart was succeeded by H. M. Woodruff, who subsequently edited the Owensboro Monitor; and in 1857 Malcolm Mclntyre was employed as assistant. Professor Burke was instructor of languages; Professor Halbey, of music; and for a time Mrs. Lillie Singleton had charge of the female department. Geo. L. Reinhardt was also assistant for a time. Profs. Hart and Woodruff erected the second brick building joining north of the original one.

The great war put a stop to this school. Many prominent and talented men have been educated at this academy, among them Riee E. Graves, who was afterward educated at West Point, went into the Confederate army and was killed at Chickamauga; John 0. Pegram; Amos R.Taylor, a lawyer of St. Louis ; E. Rumsey Wing, Minister to Equador; Weir Wing, Lawrence Raid, Lemuel and Estill McHenry, Samuel Morton and others. Professor Hart went to Texas in 1872 or '3 and died there. His widow is now teaching

Directly after the war the Baptists proposed to establish a college in Owensboro, with a charter. Accordingl}', Feb. 13, lS66,an act of the Legislature was approved, authorizing the following Board of Trustees, in behalf of the " Central Baptist Educational Society," to occupy the aforesaid property: Dr. J. F. Kimbley, CK. Moorman, W. B. Tyler, J. M. Dawson, Rev. J. C. Maple, J. N. Peay, and Dr. Joseph Otis. This board was authorized to confer all literary degrees, as in the best institutions of learning.

Thus they obtained the premises, on condition that they would erect another building at a cost of $10,000. They erected the building and called Prof. J. H. Gray to open out the school. The Professor organized the institution as a male school, and conducted it Ruccessfullj' for five years. lie was assisted at first by Dr. Otis, and afterward by Prof. Pointer. The attendance ranged from fifty to sixt}-, but during the last live months the pupils numbered about forty, and Prof. Gray was alone.

About this time the citizens of Owensboro made a move toward establishing free schools; ai"i as the College was sustained principally by local patronage, i* ,i- seen that it cnuKI not be kept up in competition with fi-ee schools, and the institution was therefore abandoned, and the building sold to the city.

Wif^ker^s ScJiOol. - Pi-of. W. G. AValker taught school for six -yr eight yc^ars, commencing in the spring of 180:^, in the boardirtghou^e building on St. Ann street, afterward purchased by Mr. Bransford. He had as many as forty or fifty boarding ])upils, besides about sixty from the citv. It was a most flourishing school, brit, \un\i [- ni'<.rie('t, it graOually died.

iiiir on St. Ann street, between Third and Fonrtli streets, then naed &^ a Ixiardiiig sclmol, and erecting by its side a two-story addition, oi>ened a Bchuol for the use of the general public. The need of a properly conducted institution of tliis kind had long been felt in Ovvcnsboro, as there were no free schools in the State at that date, and parents were obliged to send their cliildren to other cities where educational facilities were to be found. Mr. Bransford moved alone in this enterprise, and devoted much time and a small fortune to the turtberance of the project. The building erected for this purpose was 75 x4:5 feet. The rooms were fitted up with the best imjiroved furniture and modern appliances, purchased principally in New York. The buiidin;;; was dedicated on Christmas eve, 1862, and was on that occasion christened ''Bransford Institute." It was chartered under the laws of the State of Kentucky. Prof. Wm. Marriner, of Leban'on University, was engaged as principal, the school remainin:;- imder his charge for three years. Ilov. E. B. Crisinan, M. A., of Memjtliis, succeeded him one year, followed by Prof. Arnistroni; two years. It was then presided over for two years by Mrs. ]\[iiler, wife of Rev. A. B. Miller. At the expiration of the last term, the city and county had ado])ted the freeschool system, and the Institute was no longer a necessity. After the sus])t-nsion of the Institute Mr. Bransford sold the property, the new building being purchased by the city and now in use as the city hall; aiiJ the older portion to Mr. Bl. Auer, who has turned it into a tenement house. Mr. Bransford expended nearly $35,000 in building and fitting up this school, and realized but about onethird that amount in the sale of the property afterward. While the school was in operation ho turned it over to the respective principals, askiiiir only tliat his children be educated there.

Daviess Academy. - This was taught, near the close of the war, by Uev. II. T. Morton, Principal, and E.cv. J. C. Maple, Instructor in Mathematics.

(Joitrnl Hiij'tist College. - An association of Baptists, just after the close of the war, asked the Legislature to place the Owensbiiid si'hool building (now Upper Ward) under their control, for the jnii pose of making it the seat of a college.

TI" V'"/,/h.ii> Fi tiKth Iiistitvfe, located on the corner of Fourth and AValnul street-, was first organized under the direction and nianagcmont of -Mrs. Iv Sue Phillips in isdS, and was chartered by the Koutiu-ky Legishature nmier tliat name. V Piiillipscarried on tiie -^cliooi successfally for several ye .nd was sue- ceeded by Prof. J. TL. Gra.y, tlieii by Prof. Win. Wines, and tben by Prof. Thos. W. Mitclieli, a minister. Tlie scliool is now (1883) the manaj^einent of Mrs. M. F. Van Rensselaer and Mrs. M. E. Klinger, with a competent corps of teacliers. The principals of the school mentioned above liave all been experienced teachers of long standing, and, by faithful and earnest work, have made the school a necessity to the city and neighborhood. In connection with the scliool is a boarding liouse, under the supervision of the teachers, where ])upils from a distance can find ample accommodations. The enrollmcint for the present j'ear is over 100 pupils, with a present attendance of seventy -iive. The English branches, bookkeeping, liigher niatiiematics, drawing, painting, music, French and Latin are taught - the last mentioned by Rev. B. D. Cockrill.

Owenshoro Classical School. - This is taught by the veteran educator, Prof. J. H. Gray, in a frame building erected for the purpose, 18 x 32, on Bolivar street, between Fourth and Fifth. Attendance about thirty-eight. Strict discipline. Thorough instruction. " Excelsior" school furniture. Common and higher branches taught, including a complete collegiate course. Prof. Gray is personally well known to the Owensboro people, he having organized and successfully conducted the Baptist College, the Owensboro graded schools, etc., and having had thirty years' experience as a teacher - fifteen in a standard college.

Ths Amencan- German School Association'''' was chartered and organized in January, 1863, for the purpose of instructing the German youth in all the common brandies, including English. They employed two teachers most of the time, built a school-house in the upper part of town, and taught a flourishing school until about the time the free-schools were established in 1871. They supported their schools by subscription mostly; a small fund was drawn from the public treasury.

Business and Commercial Schools. - The principal teacliers in this class of schools in Owensboro have been Dr. J. Otis, J. H. Crutcher, and Geo. W- Crutcher.

Public Schools

March 13, 1871, an act of the State Legislature was approved constituting the city of Owensboro a school district, independent of the general school laws of the State. It places the public schools of the city under the control of a Board of Trustee s. to be elected by the people, - three from each of the two wards, " To be elected for a period of two years, and at the same time and place that city councilmen are elected. The pecnliar features of the charter are, the requirement that the German language shall be taught, and tliat no colored pupils shall be admitted into these schools. The schools are to he supported by a special public tax; but the trustees may iisuo bonds to the amount of $30,000, not exceeding ten per cent. This act was ratified by the citizens April G, following. The ordinary '^pcr capita''' is drawn from the State fund. The first meeting of the trustees under the provisions of the foregoing charter was held the next evening, the Mayor, S. D. Kennady, ex-officio President, when the Trustees elected were found to be, Dr. W. D. Stirman, John Wandling, Camden Riley, John Thixton, Philander Road and J. H. Branham. Dr. David Todd was appointed Census Taker and J. H. Gray, Superintendent of Schools. Messrs. Wandling, Kiley, Stirman and Read were appointed a committee to ascertain what property could be bought for school purposes, and the probable cost of the same. The first Friday night of each month was fixed as the time for regular meetings.

May 3 it was determined to have one ward school in each ward. May 12, Messrs. Riley aiid Stirman were appointed a committee to draft plans and specifications for a building in the Second Ward, Buflicient to accommodate 275 to 300 pupils. May 19, plans and specifications drafted by John Fields adopted, and a committee appointed to advertise for bids; the board offers $11,000 for the Baptist College, for a school-house in the First Ward.

June 5, contract for building the Second Ward school-house was awarded to George Brown, of Owensboro, at $7,820, and $12,000 was ordered paid for the Baptist College building.

Lower Ward school building erected 1871, at a cost of $12,000 for building and furniture. Capable of accommodating 300 pupils. The building has six rooms, including the basement, which has recently been fitted up to accommodate increased number of pupils attending.

The foregoing is a sufficient introduction to the series of proceedings had by the trustees of the Owensboro public schools for white children. Statistics must tell the rest of the story.

Besides the fore-mentioned, Mrs. A. J. Swiney and Miss Laura Hughes were "Senior teachers " in 1875-'6, and H. A. Wines, 1877-'8; and C. R. Bishop was "Assistant in First Ward, " iu 1871-'2.

The mayor of Owenshoro was ex-officlo president of the School Board until recently. The law is so changed that the board shall elect its own president. The present incumbent of that office (1883) is II. P Tompkins. The present board comprises S. H. Ford, Dr. E. H. Luckett and B. F. Rice, of the First Ward; and Dr. C. H. Todd, George Brown and I. W. Sutherland, of the Sec- ond. The present standing committees are: Finance - Todd .lud Brown; Salaries and Supplies - Sutherland and Luckett; I'uildings and Grounds - Ford and Sutherland; Printing and Revision - Brown and Ford; Grievances - Luckett, Kice and Todd; Rules - Rice and Todd.

Instructm^s. - Prof. A .0. Goodwin, Superintendent; Prof. W. A. Hester and Miss Laura Hughes, Principals; Airs. F. Conway, Miss Carrie Green, Mrs. M. E. Hart, Miss Lizzie Field, Mrs M. L. Singleton, Miss Vitula Jones and Miss Mamie Woodsmall, Intermediate teachers; Miss Fannie S. Colvin, Miss R. A. Wand ling. Miss Lutie Thomas, Miss Annie Brown, Miss Mattie Haney, Miss Sophie Gash, Miss 0. C. Tyler, Primary teachers; and Rev. H. F. Deters, German teacher.

1871. - President, ex officio., S. D. Kennady; Trustees, John Thixton, John "Wandling, Camden Riley, Dr. W. D. Stirman, Philander Read and J. H. Branham (resigned, succeeded by Charles "Werner); Clerk of Board, Ed. Morman; Superintendent, Prof. J.H. Gray.

1874. - President, George Brown ; Trustees, R. W. Sutherland, L. W. Marble; John Wandling, Dr. C. 11. Todd, Charles Werner and Dr. J. Q. A. Stewart; Clerk, S. F. Lowry; Superintendent, Prof. Frank Griffin, succeeded by Prof A. G. Bi-own.

1875. - President, George Hi-own; Trustees, Dr. 0. 11. Todd, Charles Werner, J. Q. A. Stewart, L. W. Marble, John Thixton and B. H. Hobbs; Clerk, S. T. Lowry (resigned and succeeded by David F. Todd); Superintendent, Prof. A. G. Brown, succeeded by Prof. S. T. Lowry.

Expenses For Two Average Years

The wages of the Principal of the First "Ward School is $70 a month; of the Second Ward School, $fiO; of primary teachers, $37.50; of teachers in the intermediate and grammar departments. $40.

Colored School. - This is supported almost exclusively by the State fund, which yields, since August, 1882, $1.30 per child of school age. Previously the per capita had thirty to fifty cents. There are now about 500 colored children of school age (between six and twenty years) in the city of Owensboro. Their school building, on Poplar street, between Third and Fourth, was erected in 1879, is of brick, and 30 x 40 feet in dimensions. Average attendance about 200. The teachers are Lewis Metcalf, Principal, and Mrs. Anna Vairian and Owen Barrett, Assistants.

We wish we had space here for biographical sketches of all the school teachers of Owensboro from the earliest times to the present, especially of those who remained here some time and endeared themselves to the hearts of many children. An account of each school would also be interesting, but we have been limited to an outline of a few of the most prominent. Among the most noted teachers we have already mentioned Mr. Scarborough. We may add here four or five others.

Prof. P. A. Pointer first taught in the Baptist College in this place, then in the public schools, next in Bethel College at Russellville, and afterward in various other places until his health failed. He is now dead.

Prof. Wm. Wines, a brother of the noted F. H. Wines, sociologist, of Illinois, was a most excellent teacher. He was connected with the Vaughan Seminary for some time, in its earlier history.

Prof. Wm. Marriner, Principal of the Bransford Institute about three years, was from Lebanon, Tenn., and was a superior teacher. His wife also was person of strong mind and a high order of talent.

Prof. J. H. Gray: see chapter entitled "Authors and Artists." Prof. A. C. Goodwin, present Superintendent of the Owensboro City Schools, was born in Clarke County, Ind. After finishing the common-school course he attended a classical academy in Jeffersonville, Ind., and tlien a full course 'at Boyd's Commercial College, Louisville, Ky. At the age of seventeen, during the war, he accepted the place of hospital steward at Jeffersonville; afterward he followed railroading, then spent three years at Kentucky University, Lexington; next was Principal of the Jeffersonville (Ind.) High School; then returned to Kentucky University a year, and then was Principal of the Male High School at Jeffersonville a year. He was County Examiner and Superintendent 1870-'82, when he resigned and came to Owensboro.

By 1880 Prof. Goodwin had attained so great a reputation as an educator that he was placed by the Democracy of Indiana upon their ticket for State Superintendent of Public Instruction; but, it will be remembered, the Republicans carried Indiana that year.

Dancing Master. - The most prominent, if not the only, dancing master who ever taught the Terpsichorean art in Owensboro, was H. C. Lippard, who first came here about 1858, and has made periodical visits since that date, excepting during the war.

St. Stephens' Catholic. - The first religions services according to the Catholic faith were held at the residence of W. Coomes, about a mile below town, once a month, by Rev. Wathen. The pastors since then have been: W. S. Coomes, 1841, to August, 1855*, Eugene O'Callaghan, September, 1855, to March, 1870; Ivo Schacht, March, 1870, to April, 1874; A. J. Brady, May, 1874, to Nov. 1, 1877; D. F. Crane, Nov. 1, 1877, to the present.

The congregation now comprises 235 families. The church building, three squares west of the court-house, was erected many years ago; and were it not for a stringency of the times at present, a larger edifice would be erected.

St. Francis Academy and St. Stephens' Parochial School. - The day-school for Catholic children was first taught in the old Daviess County Seminary building; but now it is kept in a large house built for the purpose, on Third street. The front portion is a twostory frame, and the rear a two-story brick. There are now eight

Rev. "W. S. Coomes died in Louisville about 1874; Rev. O'Callaghan is now in Fairfield, Nelson Co., Ky. ; Kev. A. J. Brady is pastor of the congregation at the Louisville Cathedml.

Father Ivo Schacht died in April, 1874. He was born in Ei-uj^es in 1821, and came to America in 1842; was ordained at Nashville in 1843; pastor of the cathedral tifteeri years; then missionary among the Indians in Kansas; in 1861 was appointed to St. Alphonsus Church, this county, where he was msti'umental in the building of two churches and two flourishing schools. Next lie was appointed to Lebanon, where he built a fine chnrch; thence to Danville, Paducah,and finally to Owensboro, where he endeared himself to the hearts of many people.

Hev. D. F. Crane was born in the city of Louisville, Ky., in May, 1843. His preparatory studies were completed in the Seminary of St. Thomas, near Bardstown, Ky., after which he was sent by his bishop to the American College of Louvain, Belgium. Here lie attended the course of the famous University of Louvain, and received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. He was ordained to the sacred ministry in August, 1867, and immediately returned to his native country. The first year of his ministry was spent as professor in St. Mary's College, Marion County, Ky. He then, by order of the Bishop of Diocese, took charge of the congregations of Shelbyville and mission. This latter at the time embraced the counties of Shelby, Spencer, Henrj', Oldham and Trimble. Afterward he was sent successively to St. Patrick's Churcb, Louisville, Henderson, and to the Theological Seminary near Louisvilie. In the seminary he filled the chairs of Mental Philosopiiy and Moral Theology. Placed in charge of the congregatiuis at Leliaiion. Marion County, he labored there for two year^. whence he \'.as removed to his present position in October, 1877.

May 12, 1S7S, the frame cluirch on the hill was burned; cause unknown. By order of the Rt. Rev. Bishop, . Father Uaeseley bniit a temporary church, 30 x 30 feet, on the site of the old church. In October of the same year a lot was i)archased of W. Speed, corner of Fourth and Clay streets, and the present brick church was erected thereon. Size of building, 86 x 43 feet. March 7, 1880, the new church was blessed and eervice was held therein by Kev- P. J. Uaeseley, the presetit pastor. The new church is not yet quite completed. The cost of church and lot is about $10,000. Missions were given in the temporary churcli by Bronsgeat Ilillman, and a second one in the new church by Rev. Chrysostomus Toffa, 0. B., in October, 1882.

The present ofBcers of the church are Andy Eger and A. M. Breitenbach. The congregation comprises about sixty-five families. Cathechetical instruction is given every Sunday, at 2 p. m., by the pastor in the church and by the sisters in the school-house. Since February, 1881, two Ursuline Sisters have been teaching tiie scliool near the present church on Clay street. Number of pupils, seventj'-eight.

liov. P. J. Hciesdey was born in Switzerland in 1830, and came to America in 1866, landing at New York, March 25. He attended St. Thomas' Seminary, Nelson Ciunty, Ky., seven years, then studied theology at Mount St. Mary's College and Seminary at Cincinnati, and in 1867 was ordained to the gospel ministry at the cathedral in Louisville. He was first stationed over the congregation of St. Martin's at Louisville, and then ten years in a German settlement about ten miles from Paducah, Ky., where he built a church, and lastly, in 1878, he came to Owensboro, arriv-