generally independent in politics. The Register or Banner was Democratic. The press used was the one which was first brought into Indiana in 1804, to Vincennes, whereon the Western Sun was printed.
From the number of the Perrysville Banner for February 2, 1839, the Hoosier State in 1875 copied the following items, all of which will gather increasing interest as years roll by:
J. R. Jones was editor and proprietor. This is the twenty-fourth number of its issue. It contains five columns to the page, and was published at $2 per year if paid in advance; otherwise $3. The number contains a large amount of Congressional and Legislative news of this State, and but very little original or local matter.
Hiram Barnes, of Perrysville, advertises for a "professional" man to take charge of an ox team. Edmund James, a justice of the peace of Helt Township, publishes an attachment notice on the affidavit of Silas Rhoades, against the chattels of Simon and Martin Gilbert. The name of Permelia Smith appears as administratrix of the estate of Daniel Smith. George W. Palmer, J. P., notifies the readers that Ephraim Driscol, of Highland Township, had taken up an estray steer four years old, which was appraised at $12 by James Welch and Tom Lowers. James Thompson, school commissioner of the county, gives fair warning that he will sell fifteen tracts of land for taxes if not paid before the day of sale. S. & B. Turman notify the people where they can procure cheap dry goods, etc. William Whipps give notice of his appointment as administrator of the estate of Thomas J. Reed, lately deceased. Perrin Kent also give notice to the effect that he has taken out letters of administration on the estate of John Taylor, late of Warren County, deceased. The widow and heirs of Jacob Parke give due notice that they will make application to the next court to have commissioners appointed to assign and set off the widow's dower in the real estate of said decedent. Dr. Waterman gives notice that the partnership heretofore existing between himself and Dr. Small is dissolved. Crawford & Jackson, proprietors of an oil mill, advertise that they will give the highest price for flax and help seed, or castor beans. George W. Palmer offers a one-horse wagon and harness for sale cheap for cash. J. W. Downing, J. P., gives notice that an iron-gray mare, taken up by James Rush, was appraised by William P. Dole and A. M. H. Robinson at $45 before him on the 24th day of November, 1838. William Bales, sheriff, advertises the real estate of John Fosdick for sale at public auction, to satisfy a judgment in favor of Silas Kellough, William Dunning and Isaiah Dill. Joshua Skidmore, of Clinton gives notice as follows: "Whereas, my wife Mary has left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, I do hereby warn all persons, body politic or corporate and of whatsoever name or title, not to credit or harbor her on my account, as I am determined not to pay any debts of her contracting after this date, January 1, 1839." The names of Durham Hood and Margaret Craft appear as administrators of the estate of John Craft late of Eugene. Roseberry & Jewett, dry goods merchants of Perrysville, occupy about one-third of a column in enumerating their large arrival of new goods. William J. Nichols and James H. Cory, of Eugene, inform the people where to get their saddles and cheap harness. Dr. T. S. Davidson tenders his professional services to the citizens of Perrysville and adjoining country. Hall & Gessie announce the reception of new goods in a two-inch card. Jones & Smith call attention in a four-inch card to their
stock of fall and winter goods. Nathan Reed and J. H. McNutt request that those indebted to them for professional services come forward and square up by cash or note immediately. Jacob Riley informs the readers that he has found a silk handkerchief, supposed to be worth $1.25, which the owner can have by paying for the advertisement. G. W. Palmer, J. P., gives notice that John Fultz has taken up two estray heifers, which were appraised at $6 each by Samuel Lacy and James Crawford, before him, December 15, 1838.
John S. Kirkpatrick flings the following card to the breeze: "Now Look Out. The undersigned, having sold his entire stock of groceries, a circumstance follows which cannot possibly be avoided, -- that his accounts must be closed; those knowing themselves to be indebted will please make arrangements to square the 'yards' by note of 'plank up the simon' immediately." Miller & Seal warn their delinquent customers to look out for a thunder gust, and say, "Money we must have -- peaceably if we can and forcibly if we must." George W. Palmer, J. P., advertises two estray cows taken up by Horatio Talbert, of Highland Township, and appraised at $7 and $9 by Henry Green and Thomas Moore, January 5, 1839.
Dr. Dinwiddie, said to be a surgeon of the regular army, was the first physician located at Perrysville. He left some time in the '40s.
Dr. Thornton S. Davidson came about 1839, and died here about 1851-'52.
Dr. Reynolds was probably the next, who left about 1850.
Dr. R. M. Waterman, after practicing here awhile, moved to Eugene, where he started the News-Letter, and then to Lodi, Fountain County, where the postoffice was named after him, Waterman; served in the army, as Captain of Company A, Thirty-first (?) Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and contracted a disease from which he soon afterward died.
Dr. A. B. Small, not a graduate, was in partnership with Waterman and others, became feeble with age, and finally died in Milwaukee.
Dr. John Stuart Baxter, from Virginia, was a good surgeon, in partnership with Dr. Spotswood for a time, and died in Perrysville, in 1853.
Dr. Dexter F. Leland, from some of the Eastern States, arrived here about 1850, was a partner of Dr. Spotswood, a physician of gentlemanly manners, and died in three or four years.
Dr. Lewis Clark came in 1854, was an energetic man, practiced here three or four years, and died in Kansas.
Dr. Lewis Frazee, eclectic, was born in New Jersey in 1815 came to Perrysville in 1863, and died here December 20, 1881. His first wife and all the nine children by her died before him. Their son George M. began practice here in 1870, and died in 1878.
Dr. J. M. Wilkerson arrived here about 1851 or '52, and left a few years afterward.
Dr. L. M. Meering came about the same time, remaining only a year.
Dr. John Kemp, botanic, was here a few years a long time ago.
Dr. J. M. Ballard, from Waveland, practiced here from 1857 until his death.
Dr. Joseph H. Olds came before the war, and entered the army, whence he did not return to this county. He was a physician of considerable attainments.
Dr. Crooks, a young man in partnership with Dr. Clark for a period, moved to Lebanon, where he died.
Dr. B. I. Poland, eclectic, from State Line
(a village), came to this place a few years ago and two or three years afterward moved to Dixon, Illinois. He was rather an oculist and aurist. Was a gentleman.
The present physicians of Perrysville are Drs. E. T. Spotswood, James T. Henderson, James Webb, J. W. Smith and D. B. Johnson. Dr. Johnson has been here since 1870. Dr. Webb, eclectic, was brought up in Fountain County. Dr. Smith is a graduate, has been a resident of Perrysville a few years as a practitioner, but is now traveling. For a biography of Dr. Spotswood, see the index for another page. Specimens of his poetry are also given elsewhere in this volume.
Unity Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M., at Perrysville, was organized about 1850 or before, and increased in time to thirty-four members. The earliest record extant is dated May, 1853, which gives as officers at that time: A. Hill, Worshipful Master; J. S. Baxter, Senior Warden; W. P. Johnson, Junior Warden; R. D. Moffatt, Secretary; G. H. McNeill, Treasurer; W. B. Moffatt, Senior Deacon; James Starr, Junior Deacon; and Andrew Dennis, Treasurer. The other members were E. Brydon, A. C. Blue, John Leech, James Benefiel, John L. Stoll, Harvey Knapp, James Martin and Lewis L. Gebhart. The charter was surrendered to Abel Sexton in May, 1859.
Unity Lodge, No. 344, F. & A. M., was chartered May 29, 1867, with the following officers: W. B. Moffatt, Worshipful Master; James Hemphill, Senior Warden; Jacob S. Stephens, Junior Warden; William Jerrauld, Secretary; Robert E. Townsley, Treasurer; H. M. Townsley, Senior Deacon; John Wolf, Junior Deacon; Thomas Scott, Tyler. The present membership is forty-six, and the officers: Daniel Lyons, Worshipful Master; George R. Hicks, Senior Warden; John B. McNeil, Junior Warden; W. A. Keerns, Secretary; W. A. Collins, Treasurer; John S. Tiley, Senior Deacon; Martin L. Wright, Junior Deacon; D. W. Patterson and M. J. Rudy, Stewards; W. P. Hargrave, Chaplain; and Smith McCormick, Tyler.
Unity Chapter, No. 50, O. E. S., at Perrysville, was instituted March 17, 1882, by Willis D. Engle, District Deputy, from Indianapolis, with fifteen members; and the first officers were -- Elizabeth Collins, Worshipful Master; James Howard, Worshipful Prelate; Mrs. Sophie Rudy, A. M.; and Mrs. Helen B. Johnson, Secretary. The present officers are -- Mrs. Helen B. Johnson, Worshipful Master; Mr. M. J. Rudy, Worshipful Prelate; Mrs. James Frazee, A. M.; Miss Anna Robinson, Secretary; Mrs. Amanda Henderson, Treasurer; Miss Imo Collins, Conductres[s]; and Mrs. Dora Lyons, Assistant Conductress. The present membership is between thirty-five and forty, and the chapter is in a good financial condition. It meets the first Friday evening after each full moon, in Masonic Hall.
Charity Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., was chartered April 20, 1846, by D. D. G. M. George Brown, the first officers were Irad Abdill, Noble Grand; Charles Boyles, Vice Grand; T. S. Davidson, Secretary; Thomas Cushman, Treasurer; John Dunlap, Warden; C. N. Gray, Conductor; Samuel Watt, Guardian; John A. Minshall, Recording Secretary. The present officers are -- G. W. Dealand, Noble Grand; W. G. Chenowith, Vice Grand; C. W. Ayres, Recording Secretary; J. T. Chisler, Permanent Secretary; W. A. Collins, Treasurer. There are nineteen members, who own the building in which their neat and well equipped lodge room is contained. Total value of all their property, $1,348.60. During the war the lodge was kept alive by
five or six faithful members. Of the old members, John Dunlap died about two years ago; Irad Abdill and William Callihan are living in Danville. Of the charter members, Thomas Cushman of Newport, is the only one living in the county.
Highland Encampment, No. 163, was instituted December 7, 1885, by D. D. G. P. David McBeth, of Clinton. First officers -- W. M. Benefiel, Chief Priest, J. T. Chisler, High Priest; C. W. Ayres, Senior Warden; Alexander Van Sickle, Junior Warden; D. W. Patterson, Scribe; W. G. Chenowith, Treasurer. Present officers --- J. T. Lowe, Chief Priest; William G. Chenowith, High Priest; D. W. Patterson, Senior Warden; W. T. Conner, Junior Warden; W. M. Benefiel, Scribe; W. A. Collins, Treasurer. There were nine members at first, and there are nine or ten at present.
Rebekah Lodge, No. 118, Daughters (or Degree) or Rebekah, was instituted July 24, 1882. First officers: M. B. Carter, Noble Grand: J. T. Chisler, Vice Grand; Sallie E. Carter, Secretary; C. W. Ayres, Treasurer; S. Watt, Guardian. The other charter members were W. M. Benefiel, W. H. Benefiel, Thomas D. Clarkson, J. H. Benton, W. A. Collin, J. T. Lowe, Anna Benefiel, L. Chisler, M. Benefiel, Susan L. Clarkson and R. E. Watt. The present officers are: Imo Collins, Noble Grand; Cora Chisler, Vice Grand; Mary Ayres, Treasurer; Kittie Chisler, Secretary; W. M. Benefiel, Warden. The membership has been about thirty from the first to the present.
Vermillion Lodge, No. 113, K. of P., was organized December 31, 1884, by District Deputy Talley, of Coal Creek, assisted by members from various lodges. There were sixteen charter members, and the first officers were: Dr. James T. Henderson, Chancellor Commander; F. S. Smith, Vice-Chancellor; L. A. Morgan, Master of Finance; M. J. Rudy, Master of Exchequer; D. H. Cade, Keeper of Records and Seals; W. A. Collins, Prelate; G. R. Hicks, Master at Arms; A. R. Marlat, Inner Guard; E. A. Lacey, Outer Guard There are now twenty-six members, comprising the best men of the community, who are, in their lodge relations, in perfect harmony. They have a lodge room of their own, and are in fair financial condition.
The present officers are: J. C. Wright, Past Commander; W. M. Collins, Chancellor Commander; Ned Spotswood, Vice-Chancellor; H. F. Royce, Prelate; M. J. Rudy, Master of Finance; W. T. Ferguson, Master of Exchequer; J. T. Henderson, Keeper of Records and Seals; D. Mossburger, Master at Arms; J. M. Howard, Inner Guard; Smith McCormick, Outer Guard; W. A. Keerns, District Deputy.
Richard E. Spotswood Post, No. 188, G. A. R., was organized in January, 1878, with the following officers: Major J. S. Stevens, Post Commander; B. O. Carpenter, Senior Vice-Commander; M. B. Carter, Junior Vice Commander; Dr. E. T. Spotswood, Adjutant. The membership has diminished from thirty-two to fifteen. Regular meetings, alternate Saturday evenings. B. O. Carpenter is the present Commander, and George Watt, Senior Vice-Commander.
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Perrysville was organized in December, 1881, with Mrs. Dr. Spotswood, President; Mrs. H. B. Johnson, Vice-President; Mrs. Sallie Carter, Secretary; Mrs. J. M. Mills, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. J. Rudy, Treasurer. Commencing with a membership of only ten, they soon increased to forty; but now there are only twenty-five. To the present time they have kept up gospel meetings, and have exerted a marked influence in giving the people a temperance education. For a