JEFFERSON
COUNTY
(By W. P. Hendricks,
Esq.)
from
Biographical and Historical Souvenir
for the Counties
of
Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and
Washington
1889
Madison & Jefferson County Communities
View from the Madison Library, Downtown, 2008
Madison-The city of Madison is the county
seat of the county, and the oldest town on the county. It was named for James
Madison, President of the United States. There is no record of the date at which
it was made the seat of government of the county. It had a population of 8,945
in 1880, and is supposed at this time (1889) to have about
10,000.
History of Madison-The town of
Madison was orginally laid out in the year 1810. The first sale of lots was made
in February, 1811.
The original town was laid off in a parallelogram of four
blocks, containing sixteen squares of eight lots each. It was laid out on the
magnetic meridian, so that the streets ran directly east and west and north and
south. The first plat contained five streets running east and west. High,
Second, Main Cross, Third, and Back-now Fourth Street. High street was the
southern boundary of the town, and Back the northern boundary. There were also
five streets running north and south at right angles with these, viz:
East-the eastern boundary-Walnut, Main, Mulberry and West which was the
western limit of the town.
The original town was embraced in
section two, town III, north, range X east. The ground was originally purchased
by John Paul, in the spring sale of lands at Jeffersonville, in the year
1809. He and Lewis Davis and Jonathan Lyons entered into a partnership in the
lands and laid out the town.
The second sale of lots was held
June 12th, 1812.
Additions were afterwards made to the town to
the east, west and north, extending the area of the town into section three,
town III north, range X east, and into sections thirty-four and thirty-five,
town IV north, range X east.
All of the river front south of
High-now First-was afterwards platted as river blocks. These have been
since subdivided, and thus the descriptions of city property are various and to
a stranger seemingly complicated. In making the additions west to the
original town, the trend of the river was followed, making a bend in the
streets.
The city of Madison is situated on the north bank of
the Ohio river, on a plateau of ground which is really a peninsular tongue of
land, formed by the waters of the Ohio river on the south and the waters of
Crooked Creek on the north, and drawing towards and finally uniting with the
Ohio to the west. The city extends in length from east to west, something over
two miles, and from north to south about the distance of three-fourths of a
mile. The ground is slightly rolling towards either water course, so that the
whole city is naturally drained about equally toward each stream, and is
consequently high, dry and healthy. It is about 1500 feet above the sea level.
On the north of the city the hills arise quite abruptly to the height of nearly
four hundred feett. At Walnut street there is a long hollow running north into
the hills for about two miles, down which Crooked Creek come into the city and
skirts along the foot of the bluffs or hills. Madison is situated in
latitude 38 degrees and six minutes north, and longitude 8 degrees and 20
minutes west from Washington.
The early history of the town
is, like that of the county, hard to get hold of. The absence of the county
records, before the year 1812, makes it almost impossible, after the death of
the early settlers, to establish any facts in regard to the early doing of the
inhabitants. Almost every inquiry meets with different answers, which have been
partially learned and largely deduced, and principally guessed at; so that the
seeker after facts has a hard time to get them, although meeting constantly with
persons desirous and anxious to enlighten and assist him.
It is
prima facie fact that the town was built, and it is acknowledged on all hands as
to who were the first prooprietors, but after that skein is terribly tangled
that it cannot be straightened and unravelled.
Stores-Probably the first store in the town was kept
by Col. John Vawter, who came to this county in 1806, with his father, Elder
Jesse Vawter. His place of business was Jefferson streets, just west of and
opposite to the court house. When he established this store cannot be
determined, nor how long he continued it. He went to Jennings county in 1815,
with David McClure, and they laid out the present town of Vernon. Afterwards he
went to Indianapolis, when that place was determined upon as the seat of
government for the State. Later he was assisting in laying out and making
the town of Morgantown, and again at some two or three points on the old Madison
& Indianapolis railroad. Another of the early merchants here was John Sering
who, came in the year 1810, and was made county treasurer in 1812. He
was appointed as the first postmanster and held the office for many years. He
kept a store on the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets, where Gertz'
bakery now is. At a leter date Mr. Sering established the first cotton mill in
Madison. It stood on the ground now occupied by the residence of Mr. James J.
Sering, on N. Jefferson street. It had only machinery for making cotton yarn.
This was made from cotton rolls or batting, and was an industry of very nearly
as great importance in that day as the great cotton mills of our day, where the
raw cotton is made into cloths of different grades by machinery. At that time
the majority of all of the cloths that were used were made by the women from the
raw material, wether of flax, cotton or wool, carding by hand, spinning the
thread, and then weaving on a hand loom.
Dr. Drake &
Co. started the first drug store in 1813. Then followed Moody Park, Stephen C.
Stevens-afterwards he studied law and was one of the judges of the State Supreme
Cout. The two Hunt's, John and Nat, McCabe & Co., Clarkson, John McIntire,
A.C. Lanier, David McClure, John Newberry, Wm. Robinson, John Sheets, B.W.
Grover, V. and J. King, Milton Stapp, all kept dry good and groceries, boots and
shoes, hardware, etc. D. Blackmore, John Lee, Robert Trotter, Wm. Brown, C.
Basnett, John Kirk, Jacob Luck, Hunter, were early time hatters. C.C. Jeffreys,
Jones, Simpson, Brant, McCollough were among the early
silversmiths.
Taverns-John Booth was
the first tavernkeeper, on the east side of Jefferson street, below Second.
Samuel Burnet built a log tavern on the present site of the Masonic Temple;
David Maxwell followed him. His tavern had a sign of two cross keys. After that
it was known as the Bell tavern, because of the big bell which hung on the sign
post. This tavern was torn down in 1837. Then followed Ristine at the corner of
Mulberry and Main, Cross and Stapp; John Pugh on the site of the present Madison
hotel; Ira Wells on Second street; R.R. Rea on the south of the court house
square.
Physicians-Dr. Fisk was the
first physician. Dr. Hicks, Dr. Cravens, Dr. Good, two Dr. Howes,
Dr. Watts, Drs. Norwood, Hodges and Rogers and Dr.
McClure.
Newspapers-The Western Eagle
was the first paper published in the town of Madison and the second one
published in the State. The Western Sun (published in Vincennes,
beginning in 1804), being the first one. It was established by Wm.
Hendricks and Wm. Cameron, the first number being issued on May 26th, 1813, at
Madison, Indiana territory. In the address to the public the editor says it
"will be published weekly, and printed on a royal sheet." It was a four page
paper, with four columns to the page. It had news from all over our country of
from four to six weeks old. This paper continued in the hands of Hendricks and
Cameron until the year 1815, when Hendricks sold out to Cameron. After that time
there is no reliable history concerning it.
Indiana
Republican-As nearly as can be determined, this paper was
established by John Lodge. The date of publication was April 8th, 1817.
It had as first editor, John Lodge. He edited the paper a little over one
year. He was one of the early citizens of Madison and was engaged in the
printing bsiness for a number of years; afterwards he was engaged in merchandise
for some years. He was one of the first passenger conductors on the Madison
& Indianapolis railroad, and was killed in an accident upon the road Nov.
14th, 1845.
Col. C.P.J. Arion, a brother-in-law of Mr. Lodge,
became the editor and co-proprietor of this paper in 1818 and was editor for
fifteen years, whithdrawing from the paper August 22d, 1833.
Mr.
Arion was a Kentuckian by birth, and a brick mason and plasterer by trade. While
he was still quite a young man his mother came to Madison for the purpose of
freeing her slaves, and Mr. Arion came here with her. The Carter brothers,
Jacob, Peter and Dick and their mother, were of them. Col. Arion made some money
and was for years in quite easy cirumstances; but later in life, he lost in
business, and went to Chicago many years ago. He died several years since quite
poor.
The Weekly Banner-Early in the
summer of 1833, Judge Courtland Cushing and Judge Ebenezer Patrick, of Salem,
Ind., formed a co-partnership for the purpose of establishing a paper in
Madison, Ind., and got so far as to circulate a prospectur and take
subscriptions. This was the Banner a weekly
paper. After going thus far, an arrangement was effected between this paper and
the Indiana Republican, also a weekly, before
mentioned. The result of this arrangement was that Judge Cushing withdrew his
connection with the Weekly Banner and Col. Arion
withdrew his connection with the Indiana Republican,
and the two were combined, with Judge Patrick as the editor, as
the Republican and Banner-The first number of this
paper was issued August 22d, 1833. Lodge still held an interest in the
paper.
In the absence of old files of the paper there are lapses
of time not accounted for. John W.G. Simrall at one time was an
editor.
In the year 1841, Mr. D.D. Jones purchased an
interest in this paper and was the editor, the firm name being Jones &
Lodge.
In 1847, Mr. W.W. Crail became a partner of Jones in the
paper, and the firm was Jones & Crail.
In 1850
The Daily Banner was started by this firm, it being
the first daily paper printed in the State. The Republican Banner
and the Daily Banner were Wig in
politics.
Copy of a
letter:
"Madison, Ind., Jan. 1,
1889
DEAR FRIEND
As requested, I
furnish you such data as are in my possission, in regard to the subject spoken
of:
My father; Daniel D. Jones, was born in the county of
Cardigan, in the south of Wales, on Thursday, Oct. 1st, 1801. John D.
Jones, his father, emigrated to America in April, 1817, with his family, landing
at New York city, from which place he journeyed to Baltimore, Md. My father,
about this time, I think, entered the Baltimore American newspaper office, where
he learned the trade of a printer.....
When he left Baltimore I have
no data. He left Baltimore and came west and located at Bardstown, Ky.,
where he for some time edited, published and printed a Presbyterian
paper.
Afterwards he was editor and proprietor of the Bardstown
Herald, until he removed to this place (Madison, Indiana,) where he printed and
published the Republican Banner, associated with others in said paper. He was
married January 22d, 1829, to Miss Mary Margaret Simpson, by the Rev. J.T.
Hamilton, of Louisville, Ky. His death occured September 21st, 1851.
Thos. S. Jones."
Madison Daily Tribune
was established in 1851, by John G. Sering and Milton Gregg. It
was published but a short time when it was taken to New Albany,
Indiana.
Weekly Madison Courier-This
paper was established in 1837, by Mr. Grey, and passed into the hands of
Doolittle & O'Grady, O'Grady as editor, after Rolla Doolittle was editor.
Then S.F. Covington, later Col. M.C. Garber was the editor-and continued in
charge of it until he went in to the P.O., when M.C. Garber, his son, was made
the editor; he still is in charge of the paper. While Col. Garber was at
the head of the paper-some time in the '50's-the Daily was commenced. This was
started as a Democratic paper, but on account of the difference caused by the
fugitive slave law in that party, and finally became a Republican, and his
paper a Republican paper. It is now the leading paper of the
county.
The Daily Madisonian was
established at this time (1852), by the Bright wing of the Democratic party,
R.S. Sproule, editor. It only lasted through the campaign.
The Progress, edited by N. Manville, was established
later as a Democratic paper, but lasted but a short time.
The Daily Free Press was established in the year 1867
by Llewellyn Jones; I.D. Simpson, editor. It was quite successful till January
1st, 1870, when the office burned.
Major Simpson started a daily
after the burning of the Free Press. It was also called the "Free Press." It
soon broke down.
In 1876, Maj. J.D. Simpson
started The Madison Star, an evening daily, which
he continued to the time of his death. It was finally bought out by the Courier
Co.
The Madison Herald In 1875,
a stock company started this paper as a weekly and semi-weekly paper, Dr.
Llewellyn Jones as editor. It afterwards changed hands and was edited by Mr. Lin
Jones. Later, Mr. M.A. Barnett, who established a daily, was editor and
proprietor. He sold an interest to Dr. Bartlett. It was then made a stock
company again, with Mr. Lin Jones as editor.
There have been
some other papers printed in Madison, but the facts as to them cannot be
satisfactorily obtained as they are not
mentioned.
Industries of Madison
Flouring Mills-Of all the
industries of the city of Madison, perhaps that of milling stands at the head,
both as to time of beginning and as to importance.
The earliest
inhabitants had their grinding done at the "Old Grey Mill," at Mount Byrd,
Kentucky. One of the first boys of the town-who is still living-says he
recollects of hearing his father say that Elder Jesse Vawter told him "that he
would come out on the point on his farm at Mt. Glad, and hail old man Gray at
his mill across the river, asking him whether he could get his grist soon if he
came over with it. If the reply was satisfactory, he would cross with it to the
mill." This is thrown in to show the importance of the mill in the new
community, and necessity for the erection of one at as early a date as
possible.
The first mill known in this part of the county was
Col. John Paul's, which was built on Crooked Creek, at the head of Mill street,
in the present city of Madison. Just when it was built cannot now be positively
ascertained, but there is mention of it as early as 1814, and possibly 1813. It
was run by water power. The next mill was built in 1831-32, by Sam K. Page,
Richard Dearborn and Alexander Washer. A large steam mill, on the site now
occupied by the stove foundry works. The first building was frame
which burned, and the elegant Star Mills, brick was built.
David
White fitted up as a mill about 1846, an old stone building at the east end of
the city. This was built for a mill by Dr. Israel T. Canby many years
before, but had never been fitted for work, no machinery having been put into
it.
Then the Magnolia Mills at the foot of Broadway was built
in 1850 or 1851. This burned in the fall of 1854. The next was the Palmetto
Mills, built by Wm. Griffin, occupying the site of Johnson's starch factory. It
was enlarged by Shrewsbury and Price who runt them for a few years. They were
destroyed by fire October 28th, 1858.
In 1856, M. Isaac Dulton
fitted up a mill on the north-east corner of West and Second streets, which he
sold to Mr. W.W. Page. M. Pages sold to Messrs. Trow & Stapp December 11th,
1858. They continued there till August, 1869, when they fitted up the large
building opposite on the south side of Second street, when it burned. In 1882,
Wm. Trow & Son built the present large mill at the foot of
Broadway.
About 1860 there was a mill fitted up in a large
building on the west side of Jefferson, at Ohio street, which was used as a
custom mill. It finally was burned in 1878 or 1879. In 1802, Mr. Gordon fitted
up a mill on Main street, between Broadway and Poplar Lane. He afterwards built
a large brick mill at the same place, which is now the Taylor-Hitz Co. mill. A
little later, W.W. Page established a custom mill at the north-east corner
of Main and Broadway. T.A. Pague and A. Schiek fitted up a mill on West street,
on the south bank of Crooked Creek, but ran it but a short time. Stapp& Trow
afterward bought it, and ran it till it was blown up.
Schneider
& Wehrle fitted up the old Shuh oil mill for a custom grist mill, and ran it
for some time. About 1866, R.J. Hurlbut and Capt. Haynes used this mill,
grinding homily, corn meal and flour. It passed into the hands of Louis
Rock.
Oil Mills-V. & J. King had probably the first
oil mill, for making linseed oil, in the town. Afterwards Jacob Shuh put up a
steam mill for making oil, combining a carding machine with it.
About 1845, Whitney & Hendricks built a large mill for making linseed oil
and meal, and quite an extensive woolen mill attached to it. This mill was on
the east side of West street, and north of the creek. It proved too large a
business for the place.
Castor Oil Mill-In 1849, Milton
Gregg and E. Morehouse built a large mill for making castor oil, just south of
the last-mentioned mill. This industry was in advance of its day and went
under.
Cotton Mills-The second cotton mill of
Madison was built by a man by the name of Ballentine, and became the property of
V. & J. King. It was a steam mill, and quite a large thing for the date. The
machinery manufactured the yarn from the raw material. The King Brothers
ran it till the improvement in machinery at other places made this unprofitable,
when they closed down.
The old mill stood on the west side of
Central avenue below First, below the second bank or rise from the river. It was
two stories and an attic in height, the first story being below the street. It
was afterwards made into a planing mill by Todd & Kyle. Later it was a paper
mill, owned by R. Manville. Finally it burned. At the time it was built, it was
as advanced, comparatively, as the present mill on Church
street.
For many years the cotton industry was quiet in Madison,
but in 1883 it was revivied, and the Eagle Cotton Mills were built in
1884.
Woolen Industry-The first mention of this industry is,
"that the Rev. Wm. Robinson, the first Prebyterian preacher, erected
a 'carding machine' on lot 36, Old Town. After Mr. Robinson was John M.
Watson; then came Braxton Wilson in the house on the south side of Third
street, and the east side of the first alley west of West street. Old
Father James Cottom was the foreman and carder. Then came the carding rooms of
Mr. Shuh, with Father Cottom as carder, referred to at another place, where
the power used was a stream. Next was the carding rooms, and manufactory of
Whitney & Hendricks-before mentioned. After this, with a long interval, was
the Schofield-Hague mills at the foot of Central avenue, where the Globe Tobacco
Works now stand. Some time after, the Schofield mills, northeast corner First
and Jefferson. Last the present extensive establishment, the Louisville and
Madison Woolen Mills, at the corner of West and Second. This mill is prepared to
do any kind of work in their
line.
Breweries-Old man Salmon had a
brew-house at the eastern end of Second street, at about the present wite of the
Madison Brewing Co's building. This was probably the first establishment of
the kind in this vicinity.
The next was the Schiek Brewery,
which was situated on Jefferson, north of Fourth street. This was abandoned
as a brewery some years since and fitted up as a canning
factory.
There was Abple's Brewery, at the head of Fourth
street. Mat. Greiner built a large brewery on the ground at the head of Second
street which was afterwards enlarged and the Madison Brewing Co. was
formed. P. Weber built the Union Brewery on Main and Vine streets. Both of
last mentioned are in full operation, and very large concerns.
Madison beer and ale were in long past, famous all over the West for their
superior quality. Now they rate with others all over the country. The difference
in the purity of the water is the probable cause.
Shipyards-The first shipyard of the town was operated by Joseph Howard
and P. Emmerson, partners. It was established early in the decade of '30, and
was situated at the extreme upper river front of the town, just below where the
Mammoth Cave Pork House stood. They afterwards went to Jeffersonville and Howard
established a yard there. Barmore, who started a shipyard in Jeffersonville wa a
workman in the yard here and went to Jeffersonville with Howard.
The Madison Marine Railway Shipyard was established in 1850 and has
been in operation ever since, with fluctuating success and failure. At the
present it is in good condition and is prospering.
The
Madison Dry Dock Co.-A sketch of this is given by Hon. Jos. T. Brashear,
Mayor.
"In the year 1859, Jos. T. Brashear, Louis H. Vance,
Henry Thompson, William McCleland and Samuel Beaty organized the
Madison Dry Dock Company, for the purpose of building and repairing steam
boats and water crafts. The first boat the company built was the ferry boat
Union, for Capt. John Abbott, to run as a ferry between Madison and Milton, Ky.
They then built their dry dock, the dimensions of the dock as follows: 192
feet in length, 52 feet in width and 11 feet in depth; was finished and launched
in the summer of 1860. The first boat that was placed on the dock for repair was
the Ida May, in the fall of 1860. The company built the following boats: Leslie
Combs, for Capt. Stivers, for Kentucky river; ferry boat O'Conner for New
Albany, Ind.; Fannie Brandies for Capt. Thomas Boles, of Evansville, Ind; Mattie
Cook for Capt. Adam Liter for Green river; two middle barges for Memphis Packet
Co.; Carolina for Capt. Isaac Tallay of Madison; Fantom for Capt. Charles Irwin
of Madison; ferry boat Lucy Taylor for Capt. Taylor of Hamilton, Mo.; Indiana
for Capt. J.S. Neal, of Madison, for the Cincinnati and New Orleans trade;
Calumet for Read river trade; Mollie Gratz for Madison and Louisville trade; Rob
Roy and Andrew Johnson for the St. Louis and Keokuk Packet Co.
The company did a large amount of repairing of old boats. In the spring of 1865
the dock was sold to Capt. Henry C. Watts and others. They erected a roof over
the entire dock and loaded the dock with hay. They put 1,650 tons on her. She
was taken in tow by the steamer Hazell Dell and taken to New Orleans. After
disposing of the hay, Watts & Co. sold her to some New Orleans parties
who used her for docking small crafts.
Foundries-The first foundry was carried on by Edward Shields & Bro.
It was located on the northwest corner of Vine and High streets. The motive
power was one blind horse. They did no work outside of a few plain castings and
mouldboards for plows.
Lewis & Crawford came next on the
other side of Vine street; from a small start they finally had a very large
foundry and machine shop, turning out all kinds of work in their line of
business. They accumulated quite a fortune but finally by reverses died
poor.
They sold out their shops, business and good will to the
Neals-J.S. and R.E.- and Wm. Johnson, under the firm name of J.S.
& R.E. Neal. This firm enlarged the premises till they finally had one of
the largest foundries in the whole West. They finally broke up in this
business, and started a large Agricultural Implement Manufactory, which
collapsed during the first years of the war.
Lodge & Sackets
started a small foundry on Mulberry street, near Fifth, on the east side of
Mulberry. Sackets became intemperate and the thing went to
pieces.
Crawford & Davidson, in the decade of 1850. First
called "Indiana Foundry," now "Madison Machine Works Co."
Joseph
R. Farnsworth built a foundry in 1848, on the river front between West street
and Central avenue. This was burned down in "50, and he built on the corner
of Elm and Ohio. This was burned three times, when he abandoned the
business.
Cobb & Stribling afterwards refitted this place,
and they were burned out.
The Novelty Works was established
by I.N. Todd, on Second, near Elm. After, Walker's foundry was removed to West
street, where Charles Johnson now runs it.
Starch
Factories-The first starch factory of any size established in the West was
at Madison, by O'Neal Bailey, and Irishman. This was a failure in his hands, but
after passing one or two other owners it was a success under the management of
Johnson & Clements. Finally they separated their interests and each built
works at the west end of the city, and are now operating two of the largest
starch works in the whole country. They use daily about eighteen hundred bushels
of corn in the manufacture of starch.
Stove
Foundries-Along in the fifties there was a stove foundry established on
Mulberry, below First. It did not continue long.
The Madison
Stove Foundry was established about 1883, and is doing a large and increasing
business.
Saw Mills-Dow & Brown have a large
saw mill and planing mill on the railroad, west side of Plum
street.
D.C. Robinson & Co. have a saw mill on the river at
the foot of Vernon street.
H. Clay Jones & Co. have
a fine mill on the site of the old Mammoth Cave pork
house.
Pork Packing-Madison was the natural outlet
of the county north of here for all of the products, and in the early days was
sought as such. The Michigan road reaching to the lake gave a fine route for the
farmers to haul their grain and to drive their hogs over.
The State road was
another artery reaching as far as Indianapolis. Along these the trade was
established running through the whole State. All routes centered at
Indianapolis, and as it was cheaper to drive than to haul, and as there were
at that time no arrangements for any extensive business there, it all
headed to Madison. The early establishments at this place gave to the packers
there great opening of the Madison & Indianapolis railroad, was a point
surpassed by none as a pork mart. Among the large dealers were Dearborn Godman;
Godman & Sons; Sering & Godman; Sering & Penninston; D.White; N.
Powell; Jas. Cunningham; J. Fitch & Son, and many others. After the railroad
outlet to Cincinnate was made, this trade was much lessened, but for many years,
in fact to the time of the breaking out of the late war, Madison was in the
front in this trade.
Dry Goods-This place was, by
virtue of its location on the river, the first place of business in this line.
The goods were hauled by wagon all over the State.
The beginning
in the town of the general store, where everything was kept to supply the
needs of the customer, gave way to the store of special line of goods, and
finally in the growth of the country, to the largest wholesale stores in every
line. The trade now is much lighter than it was in 1850 to 1856, but a good
business is done here in dry goods, shoes, groceries and hardware, there
being houses in each line here.
Banking-The Farmer' and
Merhanics' Bank of Indiana, located at Madison, was incorporated by act of the
Territorial Legislature, dated September 6th, 1814, signed
by:
Wm.
Hendricks,
Speaker of the House of
Representatives
Jesse L.
Holman,
President of the Council Approved, September 10,
1814
Th. Posey, Governor
This was the first banking institution
legally incorporated within the territory. It was recognized and confirmed by
the State Constitution in 1816. The charter extended in time to January 1, 1835.
Under the charter, the property of the bank, including capital stock, was
restricted to, and not to exceed the sum of seven hundred and fifty thousand
dollars ($750,000.)
On January 1, 1817, the Bank of Vincennes
was adopted by an act of the Legislature of the State of Indiana, as the "State
Bank of Indiana," and was empowered conditionally, to adopt the Farmers and
Mechanics' Bank of Indiana as one of its branches. This was done, but the State
institution became so corrupt that it was deprived of its franchises and
privileges, by proceedings under a writ of quo warranto in the year of 1812. A
large amount of the notes of the Bank of Vincennes and its branches-branches at
Vevay, Brookville and Corydon-became worthless, and were never redeemed. The
notes of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Indiana at Madison, were all
redeemed.
This bank was kept in a brick house built for the
purpose on the east side of Jefferson, four doors north of Second
street.
In 1833, the State Bank of Indiana was chartered with
thirteen branches. One of these was at Madison, J.F.D. Lanier, first president.
This continued till 1859, when the charter expired, and the business of the bank
was wound up.
Along in
the forties, a Bank of Deposit and Issue was established by John & Victor
King, John Woodburn, George Leonard, and others. It was closed after a few
years. Under the State Free Banking law a bank was established by the Madison
Insurance Co., of Deposit only. The Indiana Bank was established under this law
as a Bank of Issue and Deposit. This bank was re-chartered under the
national banking law, and is now known as the First National Bank of Madison. At
the closing up of the business of the Madison branch of the State Bank, a new
bank was formed, taking the old building and name, being called "The
National Branch Bank." Both of these latternamed banks are still in
successful operation.
City Directory-The City of
Madison was incorporated in 1838, by act of the Legislature.
Moody Park was the first Mayor; he served from 1838 till April, 1850. He was
succeeded by Milton Stapp (1850-53). Wm. Hendricks, Jr., was the first City
Clerk, and Amariah Foster the first Marshal; John Pugh was the first
Treasurer.
The present city officials
are: (in 1889)
Mayor, Hon. J.T. Brashears; Clerk, John A. Zuck; Treasurer,
Wm. H. Rogers; Marshal, J. Hoagland; Assessor, Ben Wells; Supt. of Schools,
Prof. J. Hartin A.M.; Board of Waterworks, W.W. Hinds, Supt, C.E. Goodman, Wm.
Dum; Street Commissioner, L. Crozier.
City Council-1st
Ward, J.W. Thomas, N. Hovniff; 2nd Wardmm J. Schneider, A. Chapman; 3rd Ward, C.
Alling, S.E. Haigh; 4th Ward, James White, Jonathan Schooley; 5th W.W.
Page, C.C. Sappington; 6th Ward, S.J. Robinson, P. Klein. City Attorney, M.D.
AWillson.
Fire Department-Fair Play (steam) Fire Co.
No. 1; Pres. John A. Zuck; house, Main above Walnut. Washington (steam) Fire Co.
No. 3. Pres. Thomas B. Lockard; house West Main between Mill and Plum streets.
Washington Hook and Ladder Co., in Washington Fire Co's., house. Walnut Street
Hose Co., Fire Co. No. 4. Fres. W.W.Hinds; house east side Walnut beyond
Fifth.
City Schools-The system of puclic schools is
under the State, and all know what that is without any
prompting.
The city schools are located as follows: The Upper
Seminary on East Third street, south side between Walnut and East;
The Walnut Street School on Walnut, north of Fifth. The Central, southeast
corner Second and Central avenue; High School, northeast corner Second and
Central avenue; Lower Seminary, Main, north side, west of Plum; Colored School,
north Broadway.
Early Time Teachers-Rev. Wm.
Robinson, Presbyterian minister; Mrs. Searles, widow of Presbyterian preacher:
Mrs. Sard; Miss E. Goode; Miss Mason-now Mrs. Dr. Cornett; Mr. Beaumont Parks;
Mr. Chute; Miss Johnson, an excellent teacher-she taught in the old Bank
Building; Miss Brown, afterwards Mrs. Burrows; the
Salisburys.
Improvements-The first account of the
improvements in the town of Madison is in a sketch by Mr. D. Blackmore in
1850. He says: "Hall's was the first improvement. (This was in what is now
called Fulton.) Then John H. Wagner;s, the second improvement, which was on High
(now First) street, between Mulberry and Main. Lyon made the third improvement,
on the high ground between Ross' tanyard and the river. When he-Blackmore-built
in 1811, besides the improvements above, there were Trotter's on High, near
Walnut; Booth's tavern on Main (now Jefferson) and Second, southeast corner;
Burnett's tavern, a large log house with a porch-Hunt's property. Taylor's
(Father Nush Taylor) saddler's shop; J. Wilkinson's cabin, Walnut and High east
of Trotter's; Nat Hunt's old residence; Strickland's, on the old Brisben and
Barker lot, was a place of prayer meetings for the Methodists."
From that time forward there has been a constant advance in the buildings in
quality and numbers. The buildings, principally of brick and very substantially
built, have, a great many them, long survived the builders, and many are now
standing of sixty and seventy years of age, and quite strong and substantial.
There are more of the antique than of the modern style here among the dwellings;
the business houses have been made more to suit the times and the advance in
style of architecture, and there has been more remodeling of them, so that they
present a more modern appearance than the majority of the dwellings. Taken as a
whole, it is one of the most substantially built towns in the state.
(I am pleased to say many of the buildings Mr. Hendricks talks of
here are still beautiful to this day in 2009, 120 years later-
SLK)
Our public buildings-county and
city-are good, handsome and comodious. The fire engine houses, the public
schools, and the churches are all deserving of mention. The opera houseis also
unique thing in its way. Not as large as some, but as tasteful and elegant in
its appointments as any.
Among our residences are many that
will match in finish and comofrt with those of any place, and if the old houses
were modernized they would perhaps be injured in their home-ness more
than improved, as that would be only in
appearance.
Fire Indurance-The city is well fitted
in water works, getting their supply from the river above the town. The water is
forced up to the resivoir on the side of the hill at the head of Second street,
some two hundred feet above low water mark. There are also two reserviors at the
west end of the city, on a level with this one, supplied by springs and a
pollywog. The elevation of these reservoirs is sufficient to force the water on
top of the highest houses, by simply attaching hose to the fire plugs. By this
means fires are frequently drowned out without the use of the steam fire
engines. Consequently the per cent of loss by fire is much less than in other
places of the same size.
There are three steam fire engines
belonging to the city. Each one of these is kept and operated by volunteer fire
companies. Belonging to each of these fire companies are hose reels, carrying
large quantities of hose for attaching to fire plugs, and to the engines,
which force the water through them onto the fire.
There is
another fire company which has only hose.
Summing
up-Madison was a place of much note at the early part of this century. To
it was attracted a very great number of people of all classes, characters and
occupations. In 1816 and up to 1850, it was one of the points of attraction as a
new and growing town in a new and growing country. There were speculations in
town lots, and in all other possibilities of fortune-making that are now sought
in the new towns of the West. It had its great boom as they have, and property
was up to fabulous prices. The capitalist was attracted to is as a place of
investment; the mechanic as a place where he could get work; the merchant as a
good opening for his business, and as a growing place; the lawyer and doctor
were attracted to it as a place of investment; the mechanic as a place; the
lawyer and doctor were attracted to it as furnishing a good opportunity for fame
and riches; and it was especially attractive to the young men of that day. The
beauty of the location and its natural surroundings was added to all of the
others which have been enumerated. All of these combining, caused an inflow of
men of mark on account of talent and ability, such as but few other places
of that day or since has had. In the first fifty years of the century, but few
of the men of prominence in this country,-and of foreigners, traveling for
instruction or pleasre-but that made Madison a point of visit. Many men who
were afterwards of national fame were citizens of the old town. J.F.D. Llanier
and Hugh McCullough were young business men of this city. The bar of our city in
those days stood head and shoulders above any other in this State, and was the
peer of any in all of the country. In legal attainments, as counsellors and as
advocates, none surpassed the members of it.
Judge Miles
C. Eggleston, William Hendricks, Sr. and Jr., the Brights, Sullivan,
Marshall, Glass, Dunn, Carpenter, Gen. Meek, and many others of those who
have passed away.
In the political arena, Madison has produced
many names of honor and worth, both of State and national fame. William
Hendricks, the first Member of Congress from this State, second Governor of the
State, and United States Senator for twelve years; Jesse D. Bright, who was
Lieutenant-Governor of the State, United States Senator for about sixteen years,
(and for a time President of the Senate) and others for a mention of whom
space is wanting.
As financiers, Lanier and McCullough have
already been mentioned, but Gen. Milton Stapp, Canal Commissioner for this State
and agent of State, and M.G. Bright, Agent of State for Indiana for many
years, may properly be mentioned as men of national reputation. Those of local
or State fame are quite numerous. Lucius Barbor-the clock peddler-Jonathan
Fitch, Nathan Powell, Jesse Whitehead, David White and so on. Names might be
added to the list, almost ad infinitum.
The army has had many
illustrious names onits list from Madison. At the head and most conspicuous,
that of Gen. Richard Canby,-or as the "old boys" of his times call him "Dick."
In the navy is the name of Commander Napoleon B. Collins, of the ship Florida, a
man of world-wide fame, Capt. B.B. Taylor and others.
If Madison
is not known to general fame, it is not on account of illustrious and honorable
men as her citizens in the past, or at the present time, nor from want of
business possibilities, as living is cheap and the town is healthy. It is
"beautiful for situation," and nature is lovely all around
her.
There is the best of water and air, streets clean
and dry, and lighted at night by the electric lights in all parts of town; good
hotels, and all other accommodations. Good town and good people.(still true-SKL) Give a call upon us and try our
beautiful "little city under the hills,' and see if she will not do as a place
to live in, and to do business in.
Towns of the
County
(in
1889)
Barbersville, in Shelby
township, in section three, town V north, range XI east, was laid out by Enoch
Bray and Thomas S. Bray, December 18th, 1848. It contains one store, a post
office and a school house.
Brooksburg, Milton township, in section one, town III north, range
XI east, was laid out by Fletcher Tevis, November 21st, 1843. It has
several stores, a blacksmith shop, church, school house, post office, a printing
office. It is a well built pretty village.
Bryantsburgh,
Monroe township, was laid off by Jacob Bryant, March 5th, 1834.
It contains a post office, three stores, two blacksmith shops. It has a
population of about 60. It is in section eleven, town V, range X
east.
Canaan, is in section 21, town V, range XI,
in Shelby Township; was lalid off August 1st, 1836, by John Cane. It has several
stores. One drug store, a cigar manufactory, a Methodist church, a fine public
and high school building. Twelve miles from Madison.
Deputy, Graham township, section seventeen, town IV, north, range
VIII east, was laid out by Foster C. Wilson March 29th, 1871. It is on the
short line railraod from Louisville, Ky., to North Vernon, Ind. It has a
population of about 300. Eighteen miles from Madison.
Dupont, Lancaster township, on the J.M. & I. railroad, is in
section ten, town V north, range IX east. It was laid out by James Tilton of
Wilmington, Delaware, and named after his old friends, "the Duponts," powder
makers. of Delaware/ It has two churches, Methodist and Baptist;
a fine school house, a number of dry go(ods and grocery stores, drug store,
post office, railroad station, agricultural implements warehouse, several
blacksmith shops, wagon-maker's shop, a steam saw, grist and commercial mill.
Its population is about 300. Fifteen miles from Madison.
Hanover is a post office six miles west of Madison,
section twelve, town III north, range IX east. Has a population of about five
hundred. Well supplied with stores, blacksmith shops, a steam flouring mill,
Presbyterian church, Methodist church and College
building.
Kent, Republican township, is in section
thirty-two, town V north, range VI east. Was platted by James Blankenship, April
9th, 1853, and formerly callled Ramsey's Mills post office. There are three good
stores, two churches, a good school-house, a large flour mill, two doctors
offices, a blacksmith shop and post-office. The population is about 350. It is a
nice clean, tidy-looking little place. It is eight miles west from
Madison.
Lancaster, Lancaster township, is in
section thrity-three, town V north, range IX east. Post office, several stores,
one church, a fine merchant mill and school house. Situated at the confluence of
Big Creek and Middle Fork, on the north side of Big
Creek.
College Hill, is just across Big Creek from
Lancaster. Subjoined is a sketch of the college formerly located
there.
This institution was founded in 1850 by Elder Thomas
Cravens and son, John G. Cravens. It was called Elentherean (Eleutherian) College. It
was located at Lancaster, Lancaster township, Jefferson County. It was intended
as a school where all could be educated without regard to color, but especially
in the interest of the negro.
It was founded by Elder Thomas
Cravens and his son John G. Cravens. They came to Lancaster in 1848 and taught
school in a church house that year. In 1849 they built a boarding house. In 1850
they began building the college edifice. Their ideas were so obnoxious to some
of the neighboring citizens that the church and some of the boarding houses were
burned, and the founders of the institution were persecuted in various ways.
Notwithstanding all these hinderances, they preservered, and erected a large
stone college and a stone boarding house. In 1855 they commenced teaching in the
new building.
The organization was: President, Elder
Thomas Cravens; John G. Cravens, Professor and Business Manager. Trustees: James
Nelson, John H. Tibbets, Lyman Hoyt, David Hughes and Lemuel
Record.
After some months they had from seventy-five to
eighty students and boarders, about equally divided as to color. It was in its
prime from 1857 to 1860, and has gradually dwindled away until the school ceased
to exist and the building now belongs to the township, and is used as a public
school building.
North Madison, Madison township,
Section twenty-seven, town IV north, range X east. It was platted by Robert J.
Elvin, Wm. H. Branham, and David Branham, October 27th 1846. It has a post
office, several stores, a Baptist, Methodist and Catholic church, a fine
public and high school building, and a large nuber of railroad buildings.
Its population is 1,000. It is located at the head of the inclined plane of the
railroad, one and three-quarter miles from Madison.
Wirt, Madison township, is in section seven, town IV north, range X
east, was laid out by John W. Parsons and James Burns, July 18th, 1837. There is
a store, blacksmith shop and post office here. Population of about fifty.
There is a Baptist church and a school house in the town. There are two resident
physicians.
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
COPIED BY Sheila
Kell
