FULTON COUNTY INDIANA
HANDBOOK
D-E
By
Wendell C. and John B. Tombaugh
Limited Printing
Copy No.____of 6
TOMBAUGH HOUSE
700 Pontiac Street
Rochester, Indiana
46975-1538
2001
This book cannot be reproduced without the express permission of Wendell C. Tombaugh, John B. Tombaugh, their heirs or assigns.
Made in the United States of America.
FULTON COUNTY, INDIANA
HANDBOOK
D
D.A.R. [Rochester, Indiana]
See Fulton County War Memorial
__________
D.A.R. CHAPTER
It is reported upon good authority that Rochester is soon to have a chapter of
the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is one of the largest and most
aristocratic of American feminine lodges today. Only those who can trace their
lineal descent to men who fought in the war of Independence are eligible for
membership. There are already eighteen members of the famous order now in the
city.
The Thompson sisters have been the moving spirits in gaining the charter. Mrs.
Geo. Holman and Mrs. Charles Plank went to Winona Lake to confer with a
committee in regard to the installation of the chapter.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 6, 1908]
REQUEST GRANTED
Last week a committee of women interested in civic improvement, representatives
from the Womans' Improvement club of Fulton county, the Womans' club of
Rochester, and the Daughters of the American Revolution, met with the county
commissioners and presented a petition signed by three hundred women of Fulton
county, petitioning this honorable body to grant a room in the court house for
the purpose of a rest room for the women of Fulton county. The request was
granted and there is now a canvas being made by patronesses among club women and
business women for a sum to maintain and equip the rooms. The sum of one dollar
per year, fifty cents payable every six monts in advance, is the fee for joining
the Womans' Improvement club of Fulton county. Every woman in Fulton county is
invited to join this club, which is being promoted by Miss Jennie Thompson, who
was the founder of the first neighborhood club in East Rochester. The East
Rochester club is composed of twenty-one members, which will continue its
activity in the neighborhood, having accomplished much good in the last year.
They created and maintained a park, planting trees and flowers, and induced many
to beautify lawns and clean up in that section. Improvement about the homes is
of the first importance and if a half dozen members of an organization agree to
uniformly clean up and plant and make sightly, others will see and imitate.
Neighborhood clubs will be founded in all parts of our city and country for
civic improvement and betterment and Rochester will have an annual house
cleaning under auspices of these clubs.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, January 11, 1910]
CEREMONIES MARK TABLET UNVEILING
The bronze tablet, which Manitou Chapter D.A.R. was instrumental in placing on
the new State Bank of Akron, was unveiled Sunday afternoon with appropriate
ceremonies.
The program opened with "America." Prayer by Mr. Welton, a school
friend of Daniel Whittenberger, followed. Miss Edna Roth sang
"Indiana." Mrs. A. E. Babcock gave a short talk and Mrs. Ina
Whittenberger Dawson read a paper. Jacob J. King gave an address followed by
short talks by W. S. Shessler, Frank Terry, Everett Strong, Geo. W. Holman and
Bruce Whittenberger. After the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner,"
the meeting adjourned to the bank corner, where Miss Willadean Stout pulled
aside the flag which covered the tablet, completing the ceremony.
This tablet commemorates the crossing of the Indian trails of the Pottowatomies,
Black Hawk and Miami tribes from White Pidgeon, Mich., to the Miami county
Indian Reservation and from Ft. Wayne to Winamac thence to South Bend and
Michigan City.
The original white colony was established here July 4, 1836, Daniel
Whittenberger being the only one of the original settlers now living. On account
of the cool weather the meeting, which was to have been held in the open air,
was held in the office of the Akron News.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, November 25, 1918]
HISTORICAL SITE SOON TO BECOME A LAND MARK
One of the most interesting and most historic sites of Fulton Co., the
intersection of the Mich. road and Tippecanoe river, north of this city, will
soon be marked by the Manitou Chapter D. A. R. with a bronze memorial tablet
that will tend to keep fresh in the memories of the residents of the community
as well as travelers the interesting facts connected with the spot.
It was at this spot that the treaties were signed by the federal government and
the Pottawattomie Indian tribe providing for the removal of the tribe to a
reservation in Kansas and the tablet will bear the following explanatory
inscription:
"Site of Indian village Chippewa Nong, where treaties were signed in 1836
which transferred the Pottawattomies from this territory to land in the West.
Here soldiers camped with 1,000 Indians on the removal of the last of the
Pottawattomies in 1838. Placed by Manitou Chapter D. A. R., 1921."
There are a few among the present residents of the community who were
contemporaries of this historical event, but A. C. Mitchell, of this city who
moved here when a boy with his family in 1837, saw the passing of the Indians.
Mr. Mitchell sets forth that he stood with an elder brother on Main street in
the north part of the then very small village of Rochester and saw the Indians
leaving on their long journey to Kansas. As far as he could see, he says, either
north or south, the line of Indians was unbroken except for federal officers at
intervals of every 50 yards. An interesting fact concerning this pilgramage of
the red man is contained in Mr. Mitchell's statement that owing to lack of
proper housing, food and medical attention one-third of the large tribe died
before reaching the Missouri river.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, December 14, 1921]
LOCAL D.A.R. FOUNDS CO. HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Through the efforts of the local chapter of the D.A.R. Fulton county is to have
a historical museum at the court house. Space for exhibiting purposes of relics
and other data of the pioneer life in this section of the state, has been given
on the first floor of the county building.
As every exhibit of this nature has to be launched in a meagre manner, the few
antiques already collected by the D.A.R. will be displayed in one spacious glass
show case which will be placed in the corridor directly east of the recorder's
room.
The local society appeals to every resident of the county to help this project
by loaning any or all articles that were used in the early days of this state.
Small relics are now preferred as space in the display case is limited. People
who have relics of this nature should phone Mrs.Enoch Myers who will see that
the articles are collected and properly displeyed under lock and key.
The inauguration of the county museum should prove of intrinsic value to the
younger generation who can more readily understand the trying ordeals, hardships
and inconveniences which confronted their great-grandparents in the early days
of the 19th century in order that civic and educational avancement would make
continual progress in this county and state.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, November 6, 1926]
D.A.R. SPONSORS MOVEMENT TO PRESERVE CEMETERY RECORDS
By Earl L. Sisson
A genealogical survey, the purpose of which is to catalog the marked graves of
persons over 16 years of age, interred in more than 40 Fulton county cemeteries
prior to the closing days of the Civil War, is rapidly nearing completion by
Manitou Chapter, D.A.R., under supervision of the regent, Mrs. George V. Dawson,
assisted by Mesdames Lillian Babcock, Kewanna; Ina Brundige, Akron; and Marie
Sisson, Rochester.
The list of names, which include the founders of many prominent families, upon
whose shoulders rested the burden of Statehood during the formative years of
Hoosier history, will record for those interested in genealogical research, a
handy and authentic reference.
The county survey, when complete will be included as a unit of a state survey
will be placed on file by the local chapter for public reference.
Abandoned Yards
One of the interesting phases of the county-wide search is the number of
abandoned burying grounds scattered about the various townships, many of which
have long since been reclaimed from consecration for the more world purpose of
sewing and reaping; the simple marble slabs, last visible tokens of love and
respect, having been corded in fence corners, or relegated to the scrap heap. It
is because of this trend toward extinction which bodes the passing of all means
of identification, that the survey was undertaken, a work that will preserve to
posterity more than a thousand forebearers whose names were permanently
associated with the budding of civic and political affairs between the early
Thirties and the late Sixties.
These abandoned yards, relics of the days of horse travel, are located
approximately three to five miles apart. They are reminiscent of sand roads, of
malaria infested swails, and pioneer hardships. They teem with the victims of
epidemics - typhoid, smallpox, diphtheria, and the scourge of flies and bux, and
chills and fever; not to mention the malpractice of midwifery, the toll of which
is found on every slab-strewn knoll, and in many instances first removed from
the miniature marker of an infant son or daughter.
Limited Expectancy
The expectancy of life in those primitive days explains in a measure the axiom
of our forefathers: "Old at forty." In this survey the average span of
years is between 26 and 28, as compared to present expectancy tables of 62. And,
indeed, should the record have been taken to include those under 16, the average
life before 1865 would hardly have exceeded the year of majority, or 21.
Changing Styles
The changing styles - candles to kerosene lamps, flowing beards to curling
moustaches, visites to capes, and boots to shoes - is equally pronounced in the
grave markers of those shifting periods. Prior to the Seventies, all head stones
were simple slabs, usually about four feet high, eighteen inches wide and three
inches thick. No marker was complete without its epitaph, a verse of tender
expression for the departed.
But with the advent of the Seventies, came the thicker, broader stones, more
elaborately scrolled; and with the Nineties, still a stronger trend to
massiveness, with a tendency toward the simpler, more rugged monument. And on
down the years to the present, with the modern marker with only the family name
etched deep into the granite, and the individual headstones clusered around it.
Ironical Touch
Speaking of epitaphs. In this survey, searchers delved deep into the limbo of
the forgotten to find a message shorn of glamour, but bristling with a touch of
the ironical. It was found on the headstone of John Hipple who died in 1845 The
stone is down now, as are others in the old abandoned Johnson yard, on a wooded
knoll of the Gideon Miller farm, a mile west of Green Oak. The message reads:
"As you are now,
So once was I --
A laughing, breathing
Entity.
But, as I am now,
So you shall be --
Stretched out, in death
For Eternity.
The Drama of Life
To those who trudged the burying grounds of yesterday, there was unfolded in
Imagination, the real drama of life on the primitive scale of existence.
As one looks upon the headstone of Doctor Miller in Mout Olive cemetery, six
miles south of Rochester, and sees a man whose features were, no doubt
ensconsced in jutting whiskers - the badge of professionalism of the late
Forties, there appears the silhouette of an indefatigable worker astride his
favorite mare, saddlebags laden with pills and catholicous, as he checked rein
before the cabin of a settler, and administered as best he knew, to check the
spread of diphtheria or ague; or to relieve the convulsing pains of
choleramorbus; and advised solemnly against further indulgence in green apples.
Or, one may view the lasting peace of the Rev. Babcock, not farm from Dr.
Miller's grave, and wax retrospective on the life of a circuit rider, calling
here and there, his mission to minister to the spiritual needs of a widely
scattered flock.
And in either case for example, one may come to realize the drain upon life that
hardship exacted. Both men died long before the prime of life had been theirs to
enjoy.
Information Desired
In the interests of accuracy, the committee in charge of the survey are seeking
location of all burying grounds. The list of those completed or under
investigation is given. If readers know of others in the county, they are
invited to get in touch with the regent, or members of the committee as given
previously in this article. The list is as follows:
HENRY - Akron Citizens; Omega; Hoovers; Clark; Haughns and abandoned yard on
Heeter farm, Ft. Wayne road.
NEWCASTLE - Yellow Creek; Meredith; Sycamore; Hamlet; Reichter; and Lutheran.
RICHLAND; - Sand Hill (Ralstin); Richland Center; Dead Man's College; North
Germany; South Germany.
AUBBEENAUBBEE - Leiters Ford; Moon; Abandoned yard on Gideon Mohler farm, west
of Delong; Bruce Lake (2).
UNION - Shaffer; I.O.O.F.; St. Anne; Bowman.
WAYNE - Grass Creek; Fletcher's Lake.
LIBERTY - Fulton; Mt. Olive; Reed; Salem; Horton.
ROCHESTER - I.O.O.F.; Citizens, Shelton, Mt. Zion, abandoned yard on Gideon
Miller farm (Johnson); Antioch; Burton; abandoned yard on Ed Keim property,
Rochester.
Old Data
Historical data secured includes first burial in county in yard on Keim
property, East Rochester (first white person to die in Fulton county in 1828);
and interment in Old Citizens' Cemetery, Rochester 1831. The latter was probably
a removal from previous burial, as the Citizens' cemetery was not founded until
about the year 1839. Two Revolutionary war veterans are buried in the county:
John Johnson in Shelton cemetery, and Samuel Lane in the old Citizens' cemetery,
Akron.
Information being gathered concerns the name, relationship, age and date of
demise, as well as any other markings of value for genealogical research in
years to come.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, August 9, 1935]
D.A.R. COMMITTEE COMPLETES SURVEY COUNTY CEMETERIES
At the October meeting of Manitou Chapter, D.A.R., held Monday at the home of
Mrs. Helen Shadel, Kewanna, the Chapter viewed first hand, what is probably one
of the most outstanding historical and statistical achievements yet commenced by
them - the completed Genealogical Survey of Fulton County Cemeteries.
Following usual preliminaries, and the program feature of the meeting, a book
review of Gertrude Stein's "Mother and I", by Mrs. Elizabeth Sterner,
the Genealogical record was presented to the Chapter by the Regent, Mrs. George
V. Dawson.
The Record, a 78-page book is an authentic resume including name of decedent,
date of death, age and other information taken from 1014 marked graves in the 55
cemeteries of Fulton County. Its purpose being to record only the names of
persons in whom decendants might be interested, only persons over sixteen years
of age were included. The record is compiled in duplicate. One copy to be
retained by the local Chapter for a County record, and the other to be forwarded
to the State Committee of the D.A.R. to be included in a state volume.
Listed by Townships
The cemeteries surveyed are listed according to township. Henry tops the list
with a total of 12 cemeteries, while Aubbeenaubbee tails the survey with only 4.
Rochester's eight burying grounds lead in number of interments with a total of
284. Liberty, in the lowest bracket, furnishes only 75.
Statistical Data
Statistical data included in the record shows two Revolutionary soldiers buried
in the County: John Johnson, Shelton Cemetery; Samuel Lane, Akron Citizens'
Cemetery.
Coincidental also, there are but two Revolutionary daughters deceased prior to
1870: Nancy Jameson Holcome (1841), Horton Chapel Cemetery and Ada Low Welton,
(1838), Whittenberger Farm, near Akron.
There are six veterans of the War of 1812: Constant Bowen and John Melvin, Omega
Cemetery; Asher Welton, Whittenberger Farm; David Bright, Samuel St. Clair and
Joseph Sippy, Akron Citizens' Cemetery.
The oldest grave in the County: Elizabeth Lindsey, wife of a civil engineer,
buried on the Edward Kime property, East Race street, Rochester, 1830.
The oldest marked grave: John Elam, Rochester Citizens' Cemetery, 1824.
The oldest person buried in County prior to 1870, Anna C. Shine, 101 years, 9
months, in Pleasant Hill Cemetery (Bruce Lake), 1867.
The most significant marker is probably that of Oliver A. Carry, "The
Stranger" Rochester Citizens' Cemetery, 1884.
Many Abandoned Cemeteries
The survey shows a total of 27 abandoned or badly neglected cemeteries,
including two - one on the James Curtis farm, 1 mile west of Akron, and one
unnamed, about two miles north of Akron, from which no data was secured. Others
abandoned or neglected include: McKee Family Cemetery, west of Loyal [sic];
Johnson Cemetery, west of Green Oak; Clark Cemetery, south of Sugar Grove
church; Eddinger Cemetery, near Germany Bridge; Johnson and Dead Man's College
Cemeteries, northwest and west respectively of Richland Center; Sutley Family
Cemetery, northeast of Leiters Ford; Montgomery Cemetery, near Sherwood Bridge;
McIntire and Ball Family Cemeteries, and Cemetery on Barnes Farm, all northwest
of Akron, and several others.
Omitted
Only one omission was made, that of Potters' Field, Fulton County Infirmary,
where a complete record is kept.
Recent
Four County Cemeteries are of recent origin: Akron and Kewanna I.O.O.F., Antioch
in Rochester Township and Round Lake U.B., in Union [sic] Township. No
recordings were taken in any of these.
To Preserve Records
The object of the Genealogical Survey is to preserve for future reference the
cemetery location, name, and those interred in the various yards, many of which
are rapidly passing into the limbo of the forgotten; and to provide an accurate
and authentic source of information for those in years to come, who may be
interested in locating the final resting places of ancestors. It has taken
months of searching both in the cemeteries and among persons who recall earlier
residents, their death and buriel, as well as the necessary effort to classify
and record the names in each cemetery in alphabetical order.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, October 15, 1935]
DAAKE, HERMAN [Rochester, Indiana]
LOCAL MAN'S CARTOON IN CAPITAL NEWSPAPER
Herman H. Daake, for the past four months a resident of Rochester, and who
describes himself as "fat, 36, work for the Erie railroad," was the
subject of the first article in Frank M. Hohenberger's section "From Down
in the Hills O' Brown County," in the Indianapolis Star. A cartoon drawn by
Mr. Daake also was given four column by seven inches space in the section.
Mr. Daake had written Mr. Hohenberger, the very capable photographer who
specializes in Brown county, in appreciation of his writings. Daake wrote
Hohenberger he was glad to get back to Indiana after living in New York and said
that in this part of the state there were "about the same kind of honest to
goodness folks as one would find in Brown county."
The cartoon of Mr. Daake portrays Hohenberger and Daake, each with a hoe in his
hand and each in farmer's dress, in their own regions. Daake is in
"Tippecanoe Country - abounds in Old Indian lore, well seasoned jokes
(Hoosier variety), bass fishing and it is "just as God made it."
Hohenberger is standing on ground labelled, "Brown County." Daake
portrayed himself as saying, "Thanks, Frank for letting me do a little work
in your garden. But I guess as much as I love t' do it, I orta cultivate a patch
of my own over here. There's lots o' room fer it."
Perhaps Mr. Daake plans to write or draw, boosting north Indiana.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, February 8, 1926]
The News-Sentinel will from now on furnish its readers with a local cartoon
service. Herman Daake, Erie Railroad employee, an artist of some reputation, who
now makes his home in Rochester, will keep in touch with the events in Fulton
County and portray pictures of them with his pen. He has amply illustrated
people's feelings with regard to the present weather we are having in the first
cartoon which will be found on the editorial page. Others will follow at
intervals. Mr. Daake sketches his work on a chalk plate and this is made by the
News-Sentinel make-up force which casts the plate.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Wednesday, October 6, 1926
ROCHESTER MAN PRODUCES RAILROAD SAFETY SHRINE
Herman A. Daake, of Rochester, cartoonist for the Erie Railroad magazine and
other publications, introduced a novel safety movement among chiuuldren at
Huntington during his address before members of the Benefit Association of
Railway Employes in that city last week.
Mr. Daake, who was head of the Huntington division of the benefit association
for a two-year period several years ago, told of the recent development of a
safety section of the Knob Hill railroad, a cartoon feature appearing in the
Erie Railroad magazine.
The feature is a safety shrine, "Three Wise Children." The principal
object of the safety shrine is to emphasize the railroad crossing shrine and the
statuette shows three children illustrating " Stop, Look and Listen."
Will Soon Be Ready
Mr. Daake said that the safety shrine would soon be ready in metal form, about
five inches high, and would be sold to the public. He believed that many
railroad crossing accidents was due to forgetfulness and the safety shrines,
placed in homes and offices would do much to help folks to keep stop, look and
listen at railroad crossings in mnd.
As "Uncle Bill" of the junior section of the Railway Employees'
Journal, the official publication of the benfit association, he addressed
himself to the children present and said the safety shrine, "Three Wise
Children," would soon appear in his department of the Journal and he wanted
all junior artists, members of the club, to send him a drawing of the safety
shrine, so that they would always remember it, and also to compete for the
prizes to be given for the twelve best drawings received from the membership in
general.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 19, 1927]
HERMAN DAAKE HAS STRIP IN BIG FARM MAGAZINE
Herman Daake, well known artist and promoter of "Safety First" ideas
who has been on special duty with the Prairie Farmer magazine for some little
time returned to his work on the Erie railroad Wednesday when his leave of
absence expired.
Mr. Daake has been promoting safety through the magazine columns and has
organized a "Junior Guard Safety Legion" which has a column on the
Junior Page and he has in each issue a cartoon strip entitled "Little Bobby
Boots." The Junior Guard Safety Legion broadcasts over the radio from WLS
at 5:45 every Monday and Mr. Daake often talks on these programs and will
continue to do so at intervals. He reports that members to his Safety Leagion
are coming in at the rate of 1,500 every week and that this plan will be
promoted by several farm papers in the near future.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, January 16, 1930]
HERMAN DAAKE ELECTED ERIE VETERAN'S HEAD
Huntington, Ind., May 26. - H. A. Daake was elected president of the Erie
Veterans association at a meeting held last night at the Erie Railroad offices.
Mr. Daake succeeds Clarence Ott, who has headed the association for the past
year.
Other officers elected are Ambrose Burgett, vice-president; and R. F. McFarlane,
secretary-treasurer.
The meeting, at which plans for increased activity for the coming year were
developed, was attended by R. G. Lewis, president of the Sharon, Pa.,
association, and J. R. Ward, general secretary of the Dunmore, Pa., group.
A committee to make preliminary arrangements for an association banquet to be
held June 11, was apoointed by President Daake. The committee includes George
Grimes, chairman, A. W. Barlow, and O. M. Bell.
Members also discussed an outing to be held June 16, at Conneaut Lake Park, Pa.
A special train will be used from Huntington for members of the association and
their families.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, May 26, 1932]
STORY IN MAGAZINE
Herman Daake in this month's issue of a publication for Western Union Telegraph
Company employees was honored twice. The cover drawing was by Mr. Daake and a
story written by him was carried in the publication.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, January 25, 1935]
H. A. DAAKE APPOINTED ERIE R.R. STAFF OFFICER
Herman A. Daake, well known Rochester resident, and proponent of safety
measures, left this city Tuesday evening for Cleveland, Ohio where today he
starts his new duties as Chief Safety Supervisor of the Erie Railroad Co.
The new duties come in form of a promotion for the local man who has served 26
years with the railroad company. Fellow employees of the Erie R.R. Co recently
presented Mr. Daake with a beautiful traveling bag as a token of their
appreciation of his advancement.
The following article which appears in the February issue of the Erie Railroad
magazine will be of interest to Mr. Daake's friends in this community.
Safety Enthusiast
"H. A. Daake of Rochester, Ind., telephone maintainer since 1925, but
better known as a safety enthusiast, has been appointed supervisor of safety of
the Erie Railroad with headquarters in Cleveland, effective Feb. 1st.
"Mr. Daake is 49 and has been in Erie service 26 years. For many years he
has been a staunch advocate of safety. He has made a deep study of safety, has
read volumes about it and he never misses an opportunity to discuss it. He lives
his subject of safety - talks it, dreams it. His friends say that when they see
him in earnest conversation with another or with a group it is always safe to
wager that he is talking safety.
"To his new post Mr. Daake will be given greater opportunity for practical
application of his ideas about safety. Campaigns he has conducted, work that he
has done in the schools as well as his writings and safety drawings have shown
something of the wide knowldege that he has gained.
"During the fall and winter of 1929-30 he was given leave of absence to
conduct a safety campaign for the Prairie Farmer, farm paper, and Station WLS,
Chicago. Afterward with the permission of R. H. Corson, late superintendent of
telegraph, he went into the schools along the western end of the Erie and gave
instructive talks to the children on the dangers of trespassing and the
importance of carefulness at crossings.
"One of Mr. Daake's latest concrete contributions to the cause of safety is
the Safety Plaque he designed last summer which has had wide distribution. It is
circular in form, sixteen inches in diameter. In the center are three youthful
figures whose hands are in positions which symbolize a slogan which appears
around the edge of the plaque reading: Stop to Think, Look to See and Listen to
Hear for Safety.
"Mr. Daake has served at many points on the railroad. He began his services
with the Erie as telephone maintainer at Marion, O., August 14, 1913. Next came
the installation of the telephone train dispatching system on the Marion
division and he served as installer until the completion of the project. He was
then sent to Lima, O., as telephone maintainer and served there until December
1917, when he was sent to Huntington, Ind. as acting telephone inspector. In
June 1919, Mr. Daake was sent to Salamanca as telephone maintainer and served
there until February 1920, when he took up work with the Erie Railroad Magazine,
writing articles and drawing cartoons. In March 1921, he returned to the
telegraph department at Meadville,Pa. to fill a temporary vacancy and later was
sent to Hornell as telephone maintainer, serving until August 1925, when he was
moved to Rochester, Ind., where he has remained ever since.
"Mr. Daake has also been an active member of the Erie Railroad Veterans
Association, a regular attendant at the annual meetings and outings, and his
many friends among the veteran and other Erie employees who know him will be
glad to learn of his appointment to the position of safety supervisor."
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 1, 1939]
H. DAAKE'S CARTOONS IN 6,000 YEAR CRYPT
Friends of Herman Daake, safety director of the Chicago & Erie railroad,
will be interested in the following article which appears in a recent issue of
the Buffalo, N.Y. Evening News:
"Civilization 6,000 years hence will be able to hear some of the 'ten best'
hits of 1939. The entire April 8 Hit Parade was transcribed and a recording sent
to Prof. T. K. Peters for his Crypt of Civilization at Oglethorpe University,
Atlanta, Ga.
"Also in the crypt, to be opened in the year 8113, is a copy of the book on
radio education by Ben Darrow, WBEN educational director." This book
contains numerous cartoons by Herman Daake, of Rochester, Ind.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, May 5, 1939]
DAAKE NOW MEMBER OF SPECIAL R.R. BOARD
The May issue of the Erie Railroad magazine carries a news article which will be
of interest to friends of Herman Daake, recently appointed supervisor of safety
for the Erie Railroad.
"H. A. Daake, supervisor of safety, has been unanimously chosen by the
Committee of Direction, Safety Section, as a member of the Committee on
Education of the Association of American Railroads to succeed H. R. Cole,
recently retird assistant to the vice president.
"The other members of the Committee on Education are L. G. Bently, general
safety agent, Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, Richmond, Virginia, and C. M.
Kimball, supervisor of safety of the Southern Railway, Washington, D.C.
"The work of the Committee consists of the preparation of educational
matter and the design of posters which are used by the railroads of the country
to create greater thought for safety and to lower the toll of personal injuries
due to accidents."
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, May 8, 1939]
HERMAN DAAKE NAMED COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
Herman Daake, 520 Madison street, has been named chairman of the National
Committee on Prevention of Trespassing, which is part of the safety section of
the Association of American Railroads. This committee originates subject matter
used by the railroads in their educational campaigns for the prevention of
trespassing on railroad property.
Mr. Daake will also have charge of the trespass prevention program, steam
railroad section, of the National Safety Congress which will be held at Chicago
this fall.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, June 10, 1941]
DAGGY, W. A. "BILL" [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Bill Daggy)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From Bill Daggy)
DAGUE, DAVID NEWTON [Liberty Township]
BIOGRAPHY
David Newton Dague was born June 22, 1839, on Pigeon Creek, Washington County,
Penn. At the age of seven, he came to Indiana with his father, who located on a
piece of land that was situated partly in the northeastern part of Cass County,
and partly in the souteastern part of Fulton County. His father's first rsidence
was built in Cass County, and was replaced in 1858 by a two-story frame house,
18x36 feet in size, with a lean-to kitchen. The land was covered with a heavy
growth of poplar, ash and walnut timber. It was said to be the best piece of
forest in Fulton County. Mr. Dague at an early age realized that sooner or latr
he would be compelled to take up the battle of life for himself, with no other
person to direct him, and prepared himself accordingly to take up the struggle
by industrious application in the common school, and of all other available
means of acquiring a thorough practical education. His father was a man that
believed in thoroughness in whatever was undertaken and reard his children in
the same belief. His favorite maxims were, "Whatever is worth doing, is
worth doing well," and "Plow deep; you will have corn to sell and to
keep." Shortly after Mr. D. attained his majority, he purchased 80 acres of
land adjoining his father's farm, with money he had saved from the sale of stock
and grain his father had permitted him to raise. March 31, 1869, Mr. Dague
married Jenny Marsh, the youngest daughter of John and Catharine Marsh, of Cass
County, Ind. The fruits of this union were six children, viz.: George Willis,
Henry Martin, Sherley Linwood, Lucy Imogene, Maggie and Mary Ellen. The subject
of this sketch is a Republican, and during the civil war served in the One
Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment. He has been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for the past twenty years. Samuel Dague, the father of Mr.
Dague, and the fourth son and seventh child of John and Catharine Dague, was
born in Washington County, Penn., October 28, 1809. Was married to Phoebe
Conrad, August 28, 1834, died January 14, 1875. He was the parent of three
children, all of whom survive him.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 43]
DAGUE, GEORGE W. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Third Letter from George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Fourth Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Fifth Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Sixth Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Seventh Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Eighth Letter From George Dague)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Ninth Letter From George Dague)
DAGUE, WM. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] NEW SHOE SHOP Mr. Wm. Dague has opened and up-to-date COBBLER SHOP at the
Hoosier Shoe Store. Repairing neatly and promptly done.- - - THE HOOSIER.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, October 19, 1908]
DAHL, JIM [Akron, Indiana]
See Akron Feed & Grain
DAILEY MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW OWNERS TAKE OVER CORNELL GROCERY STORE
L. F. Dailey and his son R. M. Dailey, Monday morning took, possession of the
Cornell Grocery which they recently purchased. The name of the store was change
to "The Dailey Market." The two men own a chain of stores with one
each at Peru, Warsaw, North Manchester, Wabash, Auburn, Ind., and Paulding,
Ohio. The store will be run along the same line pursued by the local groceries
and the firm has taken a long time lease with the intentions of remaining in
Rochester. A major portion of their stock will bear the "Dailey"
label. Val Poffenbarger will be in charge. L. F. Dailey several years ago was a
traveling grocery salesman and made Rochester on his regular route.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, October 29, 1923]
__________
Located S side of street at 109 E 9th.
Grocery store owned and operated by N. O. Nelson
__________
[adv] Saturday Specials . . . . Our own special delivery for meats.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Friday, February 5, 1926]
DAILEY MARKET IS SOLD TO EXPERIENCED GROCER
A business change was effected late Saturday when Leroy King of Warsaw purchased
the Dailey Market of this city located on the south side of the public square.
The new owner is thoroughly experienced in the grocery and meat line and plans
to take up his permanent residence here immediately. Mr. N. O. Nelson will be
retained as manager of the store and the same efficient service will be
maintained and if possible bettered by the new proprietor.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, August 22, 1927]
NELSON WILL OPEN NEW STORE ON NOVEMBER 19
N. O. Nelson for several years the manager of the Dailey Market at 105 East
Ninth street, today announced that he has leased the room in which the Dailey
Market was operated and that he would open a first class meat market and grocery
store. Mr. Nelson will attempt to have his new store in operation by Saturday
November 19. The store at the present time is being redecorated by Mr. Nelson,
who will carry only standard brands of groceries.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, November 11, 1927]
DAILY NEWS [Rochester, Indiana]
See Rochester Republican
DAINE, L. E. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] L. E. Daine, Pool and Lunch Room. Cigars, Tobaccos and Candies. 126 East
8th St., Rochester, Indiana.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 17, 1914] [sic]
DALES & LYON HARDWARE & STOVE STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
Dales & Lyon Hardware and Stove Store. First door south of F. B.
Ernsperger's Store in Farmer's Block.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 2, 1864]
DALTON, CHARLES [Rochester, Indiana]
CHARLES DALTON STARTS WORK ON FILLING STATION
Charles Dalton announced this morning that he had started work on a new filling
station and barbeque stand in front of his home at 1625 South Main Street near
the intersection of State Road 25 formerly the Michigan Road, State Road 14 and
Federal Road 31. Mr. Dalton will handle the products of the Johnson Oil Company
of Cleveland, Ohio, which company is now erecting a supply station in this city.
A frame building 16 by 30 will house the filling station and the barbeque stand
being erected by Mr. Dalton.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, May 2, 1930]
DAM LANDING [Lake Manitou]
[See LAKE MANITOU, LAKE MANITOU'S EARLY HISTORY - Rochester Sentinel, Saturday,
March 11, 1922]
[See Hotels - Dam Landing Hotel]
DANCING SCHOOL [Rochester, Indiana]
See Ensel, Carolyn
__________
LEARN TO DANCE
Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Arnold announce the opening of their dancing school and
Assemblies at K. of P. Hall Monday March 30th, 1903. - - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, March 30, 1903]
DANIELS, BELLE [Rochester, Indiana]
Mrs. Belle Daniels, the popular boarding house keeper, will close her house
about May 1st and go to New York state for a visit with relatives. After that
she will locate in Indianapolis and engage in a canvasing business with Mrs.
Alice Daniels.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 24, 1901]
DANIELS, F. W. [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
F. W. Daniels, one of the distinguished citizens of Henry Township, was born in
St. Clair County, Mich., February 8, 1850. His father is of Welsh ancestry; was
born in Vermont January 25, 1809; his mother in New York State in 1819. They
were married, in Sandusky City, Ohio, September, 1844, he having located in St.
Clair County, Mich., some eight years prior to this event. Young Fred received a
fair education in the schools of his native county, and when sixteen years of
age began the life of a sailor on the Great Lakes. He followed this pursit some
three years, when in the autumn of 1869, he came to this place, his parents
having preceded him some months. He followed the lakes some two or three summers
afterward. In 1874, Mr. Daniels engaged in the harness-making business with W.
P. Kreighbaum and Capt. R. M. Shields, which business was successfully carried
on until the spring of 1880, Capt. Shields having retired from the business
several years before. At this last-named period, at the instance of a petition
prsented by the citizens of Henry Township to the County Commissioners, he was
appointed Justice of the Peace, and in the spring of 1882 was elected to the
same position and at the present writing, February, 1883, is Postmaster in the
General Assembly of this State.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 37]
DANIELS, FRED, MRS. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DANT, BUD [Indiana University]
BOB SOUERS BAND PLEASES DANCERS AT COLONIAL
"Bob" Souers and His Hoosier State Band made their initial appearance
at Colonial Terrace Gardens pavilion last night and got away to a most pleasing
start. A large representation of Rochester people as well as lake visitors were
present to hear and dance to the "sweet" music of the New York musical
organization.
Mr. Souers, or "Bob", as he is known to his host of friends in
Rochester, where he has spent his summers for the past 15 years, entered the
orchestra field six years ago in the East. His 11-piece band recently completed
a winter season engagement at the Barbizon Plaza Hotel, New York City, where
certain periods of the program were sent out over the ether waves via the
Columbia Network Broadcasting system.
After the completion of the Barbizon contract Souers and His Band furnished the
dancing music at the Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, Penn. for several weeks and
cancelled this booking just a few days ago, in order that he could bring his
organization to his "home" town.
Excellent Entertainers
The "sweet" soft tones of the musical ensemble are of an exceptionally
pleasing quality and the rhythm is perfect whether the selection be for the
speediest and hottest of Collegian dances or a slow, gliding melody for the
waltz fans. Souers, himself leads the band and also sings special vocal numbers
in a delightfully breezy manner. Other features presented nightly are given by a
trio and quartet, while the solo comedy and red-hot jazz "offerings"
are cleverly presented by "Red" Huff, a special entertainer and former
vodvil star.
The Souers Hoosier State Band will play nightly engagements at the Colonial
Gardens and on next Saturday evening the management has secured the Bud Dant's
Collegian band of Indiana University which together with Souers Hoosiers will
stage a "battle of music" with specialties and vodvil numbers galore.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, June 14, 1932]
DANTS TO PLAY
Bud Dant and his Indiana University Collegians orchestra which played at the
Colonial Hotel and Gardens last summer will start a three day engagement at the
Indiana Ballroom in Indianapolis on Thanksgiving Day. The Dants replace the
Charles Davis orchestra which has signed a contract for a long engagement at the
Wisconsin Theatre and Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wis.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, November 21, 1932]
BUD DANT'S ORCHESTRA
Bud Dant's orchestra which played at the Colonial Hotel and Gardens during the
past summer is appearing in the Hotel Muethbach at Kansas City. The orchestra
was recently taken over by Herbie Kay, prominent Chicago orchestra director.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, January 19, 1933]
DANZIGER DRUG STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson, George V.
See: Rochester, Indiana [Historical Review]
__________
I have fitted up the room formerly occupied by John Wallace as a Dry Goods
store, and removed my stock of Drugs into the same, and have also made large
additions to my old stock. . . Every variety of Pure Drugs, Medicines, kPaints,
Oils, &c, &c. . . M. Danziger.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 5, 1859]
A. Wormser, Harness & Saddle Shop, 1 door south of M. Danziger's Drug
Store, Main street, Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 15, 1863]
School Books. M. Danziger has books for sale in his Drug Store at Rochester,
an assortment including: McGuffey's Primers and Readers up to No. 6; Ray's
Arithmetics, 1st 2nd & 3d; McGuffey's Spelling Book, Pinneo's Grammars, etc.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 30, 1864]
DARR GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW GROCERY STORE
J. W. Darr has opened up a new grocery store and meat market on the corner of
Main and Second streets. Darr has remodeled the dwelling that stood on the
corner and has installed a large stock of staple and fancy groceries and meats.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 23, 1921]
DARRAH, JAMES [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Eureka Plumbing Shop
See: Churches - Lutheran
See: Rochester, Indiana [Historical Review]
__________
NEW PLUMBER IN THIS CITY
Arthur Freese, who has been one of the right hand men of the Rochester Gas
Company since the plant was opened in this city several years ago, has tendered
his resignation, which will become effective March 15. Mr. Freese has decided to
go into business for himself and has chosen the vocation of plumber as his
special line. He will open a shop in the room with H. H. Ward on the south side
of the public square within the next ten days and thereafter will give his full
attention to the development of his business. Mr. Freese has engaged the
services of a first class plumber in the person of James Darrah, who has had
twenty-three years of practical experience and is capable of caring for all
kinds of plumbing and steam fitting.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, March 2, 1912]
GYMNASIUM CONTRACT TO ROCHESTER FIRM
The contract for the construction work of the new high school gymnasium and
auditorium to be erected on the north school building lot during the summer so
as to be ready for the opening of the school season in September, was let
Thursday afternoon by the city school board to the Rochester Construction
Company, with a low bid of $18,074. The plumbing contract was let to James
DARRAH for $3,500 and the electric wiring and fixtures to the Hawkins-Myers
Electric Company, of Wabash, for $354. This brings the total cost of the
building to $22,528. On the two smaller items there were but the one bidder
each.
Other bidders for the construction work were E. A. Carson, of Logansport,
$22,444; Stephen Parcell,Rochester $29,404; Milo Cutschall, Akron, $25,682;
Wabash Construction Company, Wabash, $25,362 and Ertle and Wolf, Logansport,
$27,000. The latter bid was not considered, having been delayed past the hour of
two o'clock.
The firm that secured the contract is composed of Ben Hatfield, Heber Dunlap and
Carl Keel. It is expected that actual construction work will go forward as soon
as the bonds are sold.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 1, 1922]
DARRAH BUYS PLUMBING SHOP OF DUNN AT AKRON
James Darrah, proprietor of the plumbing firm bearing his name, Thursday
purchased the Jack Dunn plumbing shop in Akron. Mr. Darrah said Saturday morning
that he would continue to operate the Akron shop as a branch of his Rochester
business, and would place a capable man at the head of the establishment. The
Dunn plumbing shop was the only one in Akron. Mr. Dunn will leave about January
15 for Miami, Fla., where he will spend the winter.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, January 10, 1925]
[Adv] JAS. J. DARRAH, Plumbing and Heating - - - -
The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, September 25, 1934]
DAUGHERTY, ALMEDA [Rochester, Indiana]
MEDA GRAVES BACK
A kidnapping case that will probably be remembered by older residents of this
city was that of Martha Daugherty getting away with her younger sister.
The child's name was Almeda Daugherty. She was ten years of age. After her
mother died her older sister, Martha, decided to kidnap her. One day when her
father left for his work, Martha took her sister, Meda, and a brother, who was
fourteen years old, and took all of her father's things she could get away and
left.
While on her way she had her pockets picked and had no money to take them on.
She left the train at Danville, Ill., where she and her brother worked two weeks
until they could get money enough to get away.
From there she went to a small town near Bloomington. Meda was then placed in an
orphans' home and later gotten a home about nineteen miles from Springfield,
where she lived several years.
During that time Martha came back several times to see her sister. Meda was
treated very cruelly while she was with this family. She had plenty to eat and
wear, but she had to work very hard. When she left there she worked and stayed
with strangers for two years.
In March, starting in the third year on the 20th day, Meda was married. Her
sister had told her that her name was Quivey, and would not let her change it.
So she was married under that name to Mr. James L. Graves of Monticello, Ill.
She lived there six years. From there they went to Lyons, Oregon, and lived
there eleven years. Two children were born to them during the eleven years, Alta
and Willie. In 1900 they spent New Years day in Santa Rosa. They just arrived
there the night before. In 1904 another girl was born (Ruth). Two years ago
Martha came to Santa Rosa to live. While she was there she gave Meda's daughter,
Alta, a small picture of her mamma, her sister and one of her little nephews.
Martha told Alta that the little sister and nephew were cousins of theirs.
One day they discovered on the back of the picture there was writing and thin
paper pasted on the back of it. They worked and scratched until they got the
paper off. There were the names, Almeda and Aggie Daugherty. Martha had claimed
that this Daugherty was their uncle, but she would not tell Meda his first name.
Mr. Graves advertised for people by the name of Quivey, Daugherty or Huffman.
The advertisement brought forth all of their people.
The name Huffman was Meda's own sister's, Mrs. Jane Huffman. Martha claimed that
there was no such woman as Mrs. Huffman. The folks had been scattered in
diffferent places from where she left them. Her father died and never got to see
his child. Since then her folks had mourned her death until two years ago. On
the 10th of this month Meda Graves started for the East. She arrived in Peru
last Saturday, the 22nd. She came back to her folks for a visit. She is with her
sister, Jane Huffman, one and one-half miles south of that city.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, May 31, 1909]
WOMAN TO VISIT HERE
Some days ago it was mentioned that a lady of California was in quest of
relatives in this part of Indiana. She had been kidnapped thirty-eight years ago
and had little trace of her kindred. The Huntington Herald says:
"Within a few days there will visit the city as the guest of Mrs. E. L.
Shipley, of Jacobs street, a lady whose history is as romantic as anything that
was ever written in novel form. The woman is Mrs. Meada Garver of Santa Rosa,
Cal., half-sister of Mrs. Shipley. The Huntington woman and her little daughter,
Opal, spent Sunday at Peru meeting her half-sister for the first time at the
home of Mrs. James Huffman, another sister.
"The revelation of her identity came about a year ago when she came upon
one of her own baby pictures. Tearing the frame apart, she found her true name
and address, Rochester, Ind., written on the back of the little old picture. She
wrote at once to Rochester and obtained confirmation of her surmises and was put
in communication with her relatives, among them Mrs. Shipley of this city. She
is now in the state for an extended visit with her sisters, none of whom she had
seen since childhood, and she will also visit her old home at Rochester."
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 3, 1909]
AKRON
Akron News.
Mrs. Jane Hoffman, nee Daugherty, is now entertaining a sister, Mrs. Martha
Graves. Martha had been kidnapped thirty-six years ago by her older sister Meda
at Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 12, 1909]
KIDNAPPED GIRL VISITS HERE
Mrs. John Thomas and daughter, Effie, this city accompanied by Mrs. Thomas'
sister, Mrs. Media Garver, of Calif., went to Peru this morning for a visit with
their sister, Mrs. Jane Hoffman.
Mrs. Garver is the daughter of the late Ephriam Daugherty, of this city, and
will be remembered by SENTINEL readers as the person kidnapped by an older
sister in this city thirty-seven years ago. After many years she found out her
true name and relationship through finding her picture and other likenesses in a
locket.
A reunion of the Daugherty and Hoffman families will be held at Peru Sunday June
27, which will be the first since Mrs. Garver was kidnapped. Among those present
will be Mrs. E. Daugherty, this city, Mrs. E. S. Shipley, Huntington, and Mrs.
A. B. Mariton, Argos.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, January 24, 1909]
DAULTON, GLEN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Glen Daulton)
DAVIDSON, CHARLES [Aubbeenaubbee Township]
BIOGRAPHY
This man is a native of the county of Tyrone, Ireland, and born March 10, 1830.
He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth Davidson, both natives of the same place
as their son; and were reared and married in that county. The mother was the
daughter of Moses and Elizabeth Milholland, and was born December 5, 1797, and
is now living in Marshall County, this State. The subject of this sketch came to
America with his parents, landing at New York, May 24, 1855, and settled in
Springfield, Ohio, where his father died in May, 1862. In November, 1862,
Charles married Sarah J. Tremble, in Circleville, Ohio, and immediately came to
this county. Mrs. Davidson was born in the county of Tyrone, in the north of
Ireland, August 7, 1838, and came to this country with her parents about 1849,
and finally settled in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have six
children--Martha, born September 10, 1863; Lydia born December 24, 1865; Olive,
born April 19, 1867; Thomas M., born September 24, 1870; Robert H., born July 3,
1873; Bessie, born April 13, 1880. They are a bright, intelligent and happy
family, and all in all are making the most of life as it comes and goes.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 33]
DAVIDSON, LEW [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Giving Presents Away! - - -- This is one inducement for you to trade with
us, but a greater one is our fine line of groceries always fresh and clean. WALL
STREET GROCERY, Lew Davidson, Prop.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, December 9, 1903]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Lew Davidson intends to go back into the grocery business and has purchased the
corner of Mrs. Elizabeth Wine's property on Wall street, where he will erect a
building in a short time.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 8, 1907]
[Adv] The best staple and fancy groceries. By the best I mean everything that
is good. When you buy here - staple and fancy - you get the best. - - - We
deliver to all parts of the city. L. W. DAVIDSON, grocer. Phone 85.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 23, 1910]
GROCERY SOLD
The grocery store on Wolf's Point Lake Manitou was sold Wednesday by Lew
Davidson to John Swartwood and Ray Adamson. Mr. Davidson sold the business
because he did not have the time to devote to its attention. The new proprietors
own stores in East Rochester and on ninth street and at present Ancil Thompson
is attending to the lake business. They intend to add to the stock of their new
purchase and will make everything complete and up to date.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 12, 1913]
DAVIDSON, TURPIE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DAVIDSON, WILLIAM H. {Rochester, Indiana]
See: Academy of Music
__________
BIOGRAPHY
William H. Davidson was born July 13, 1815, wihin four miles of Manchester,
Adams County, Ohio. His early life was quiet and uneventful, and like the
majority of boys at that early period, he enjoyed but few opportunities for
acquiring an education. At the age of eighteen years, in June, 1833, he left
home, and launched out upon a career of his own, determined to earn a living and
a competence. Stopping in Henry County, Ind., he found employment in a brick
yeard, where he was engaged during the remainder of that summer. In September
following, he started with a companion for the Wavbash Canal, traveling toward
Huntington. They entered the wilderness about forty-five miles south of that
place, at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 9th of September, and upon
inquiring for a place to stay over night, were directed to a cabin about seven
miles farther. Reaching this at the end of a weary tramp, they found it
deserted. They had eaten nothing since 6 in the morning, and their spirits sank
at the prospect of spending a night in the forest. But this was their only
altrnative, and to protect themselves from the wolves they climbed a beech tree,
where they spent a wretched night. At sunset on the following day, they reached
Huntington, having eaten nothing in the meantime, and the next day they went to
work on the canal. Mr. Davidson remained there until late in October, then went
to Eel River, in Cass County, Ind., and was engaged in clearing and chopping for
the settlers there. His habits of life were simple and inexpensive, and thus he
saved nearly all of his earnings. In June, 1836, he came to Fulton County, but
shortly afterward went to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where he attended school
during the fall and winters. He returned to Fulton County in the spring of 1837,
but in the following fall and winter he again attended school in Tippecanoe
County. By a diligent course of study he qualified himself for teaching school,
and upon his return to Fulton County, in the spring of 1838, he secured a
teacher's certificate, and during the summer of that year was engaged in
teaching school. With the money he had saved from his earnings he purchased a
tract of land in the north part of Rochester Township, and addressed himself to
the task of improving it. In the intervening years he has made it one of the
finest farms in the township, and has a beautiful home, as the reward of his
industry and energy. In 1852, he went to California, with the view of improving
his fortunes, and after a few years spent there returned to Fulton County, where
he has ever since continued to reside. While building up his own fortune, he has
kept a watchful eye upon the best interests of his county, and has done as much,
perhaps, as any other individual citizen to further its welfare. All meritorious
enterprises that have called for public aid have received his encouragement and
support, in the shape of liberal contributions, while the public improvement of
the town and county has always had his hearty cooperation. The latest monument
to his enterprise and public spirit is the Academy of Music in Rochester. This
is a beautiful brick building, complete in design and elegant in finish, and
supplies a want long felt in this community. The building was begun in 1877, and
the opera house was opened to the public on the 19th of September, 1878. Having
taken such an active interest in the welfare of his county, it is natural that
his friends should not permit him to remain long out of the political arena. He
cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren for President, and has ever since been
a zealous member of the Democratic party. He has filled local offices from time
to time, and in 1881 was nominated by his political friends as their
Representative in the Indiana Senate. At the ensuing election he received a
majority of 652, and is now representing his county in the capacity to which he
was elected. In all positions, both as private citizen and public servant, Mr.
Davidson has borne himself well, and probably no citizen of the county is more
widely known, and certainly none more universally respected. He has been twice
married; first on the 9th of April, 1837, to Elizabeth Robbins, and second, on
22d of March, 1840, to Miss Nancy S. Chinn, his present compaion. By this union
Mr. Davidson and wife are the parents of four sons and two daughters, all of
whom are now living.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, pp. 28-29]
WILLIAM H. DAVIDSON (Biography)
One of the few men left as a living monument of the triumphant struggle of early
days in Fulton county is Hon. W. H. DAVIDSON, who was born in Ohio 80 years ago.
He came to Indiana in 1833 and located in Fulton county in 1836. He worked on a
farm in summer and used his earnings in securing an education in the Lafayette
High school. He married Miss Nancy S. CHINN in 1840, and to them twelve children
were born, only six of whom survive, as follows: Andrew, Frank, Turpie, Lee, Orr
and Ty [DAVIDSON]. Mr. Davidson owns seven hundred and twenty-five acres of land
just north of the city, the Academy of Music building and other city property.
He was elected Senator of Fulton and Marshall counties in 1880, serving his
constituency honorably for four years. He made a trip to California in 1852 and
has seen much of the country in the western and central states. He deserves well
the universal esteem the people entertain for him, and is grandly rounding out
one of the most successful careers the history of Fulton county contains.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
BIOGRAPHY
Hon. William H. Davidson. - This pioneer and honorable citizen of Fulton county,
was born in Adams county, Ohio, July 13, 1815, and came to this county in June,
1836. A short time thereafter he began clearing a farm in the northern part of
Rochester township. The fall and winter seasons of 1836-37 and 1837-38 he taught
school in Fulton county. In 1852 Mr. Davidson went to California, where he spent
a few years and then returned to Fulton county. The life of Mr. Davidson has
been distinctively that of a farmer and for many years he was one of the most
extensive farmers of this part of Indiana and, at one time, owned more than
1,000 acres of land in Fulton county. In 1878 he built in Rochester the Academy
of Music, which he still owns. In politics he has been a life-long democrat, and
cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. In 1881 he was
elected to the Indiana senate, from the district composed of the counties of
Fulton and Marshall. He served his district faithfully through the two regular
and one extra session of the legislature. He believes in an honest dollar, good
everywhere, and a tariff for revenue only. He has been twice married; first in
1837, to Miss Elizabeth Robbins, and second in 1840 to Miss Nancy S. Chinn. To
this latter union are these living children, viz.: Andrew J., Timander, Arizona,
Franklin P., David T. and Robert L. Mr. Davidson has been a resident of this
county for sixty years and is one of its most highly respected citizens.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
p. 61]
BIOGRAPHY
William H. Davidson was for many years prominently identified with affairs in
Fulton county. He was born in Adams county, Ohio, and when a young man of
eighteen left home and came to Fulton county. He attended school at Lafayette,
Indiana, and afterward taught school when Rochester was only a village, the
sessions being held in the old first court house. Later he became a farmer and
although he never attended agricultural college he spent much time experimenting
and learning the best methods of planting, culture and harvesting and his advice
was often sought by neighbors. In 1852 he made a trip to the gold fields of
California where he remained several years. Returning to Fulton county he
engaged in farming and became one of its influential citizens. In 1881 he was
elected to the State Senate serving two terms. He was successful in business and
at one time owned one thousand acres of land which he disposed of among his
children. He erected the Rochester Academy of Music which is still in the
possession of the family. William H. Davidson was married in Fulton county to
Nancy Chinn, who was born March 26, 1823, in Indianapolis, a daughter of
Chichester and Sarah (Jackson) Chinn, who owned the land where a part of the
city of Indianapolis now stands. To Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were born ten
children, six of whom are living: Andrew J., residing in Denver, Colorado;
Franklin P., of Fulton county; Mrs. Martha T. Emerick, of Fulton county; Mrs.
Otis Fought, of Altamont, Illinois; David T., of Fulton county; and Robert Lee,
of Marshall county. The father of this family died July 4, 1897, his wife
surviving till September 30, 1907, both buried in the Citizens Cemetery at
Rochester. The above record has been contributed by a daughter, Martha T., who
was born in Fulton county, reared and educated here and married Daniel Emerick.
She has two children: Nancy, a trained nurse, residing in Chicago; and Ross D.,
a railroad engineer, who served in the World war as a member of Company A, 62nd
Regiment, T. C.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 184-185, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DAVIDSON HARNESS SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
Harness! Saddles. . . Repairing . . . Cheap Corner. . . the old stand of Taylor
& Mitchell, over A. E. Taylor's store, on Main street up stairs. A. J.
Davidson. Rochester, Oct 1, 1863.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, October 1, 1863]
We neglected to say last week that Andrew J. Davidson had bought out the
Harness Shop of E. B. Chinn, and removed into the room recently occupied by him,
in the same building with our office. As this is now the only Harness Shop in
town, our friends will know where to go to get their work done.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, November 5, 1863]
We neglected to notice at the proper time that A. J. Davidson had removed his
Harness Shop to the rooms formerly occupied for the same purpose by Holmes &
Co., and more recently, by Bealle, as a Doggery . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, April 7, 1864]
The Old Saddle and Harness Shop is in full operation. Inhabitants of Fulton
Co. are informed of the services and prices at this shop on the East side of
Main Street, nearly opposite Mammoth Bldg. A. J. Davidson
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 7, 1864]
DAVIDSON & CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
A. Wormser, Harness & Saddle Shop, 1 door north of Davidson & Co.
Grocery, Main street, Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 4, 1863]
DAVIDSON & MILIZER [Rochester, Indiana]
New Firm. A. J. Davidson & A. Milizer, have purchased A. E. Taylor's Harness
Shop.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, July 31, 1863]
DAVIDSON & ROBBINS [Rochester, Indiana]
[Application for license to sell liquors] on Lot 42, Old Plat, in Rochester . .
. being the premises recently occupied by Chas. Becker. Davidson & Robbins,
Rochester, January 22, 1863.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, January 22, 1863]
Davidson & Robbins Saloon, west side of Main street, one door south of A.
Wormser's Saddle and Harness Shop.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, July 11, 1863]
J. M. Davidson, Esq. has sold his interest in Davidson & Robbins Saloon,
to Messrs. Robbins & Shore, and requests all debtors to settle accounts.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 7, 1863]
DAVIS, A. F. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
DAVIS, ABSALOM [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Absalom Davis, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Kent County,
Del., November 14, 1816; a son of William J. and Celia R. Davis, natives of
Delaware, and of English origin. Mr. Davis received but a limited education, and
at the death of his father, which occurred when he was about seventeen years of
age, he shipped as a sailor, which vocation he followed for two years. He then
accepted a position as Overseer of Slaves on a Maryland plantation. At the
expiration of two years, or in 1835, he came to this county, but soon returned
to Delaware, where he was united in marriage, February 28, 1837, with Miss
Priscilla Williams, a native of Delaware. Shortly after this event, Mr. D. and
lady emigrated to this State, locating in the vicinity of his present home with
a capital of "$5.10, an old and small wagon," himself with two strong
and willing arms, and "the old woman." The first work done was to
clear off a spot and erect a cabin in which to live. This was the beginning of a
life of toil necessary with the pioneers. Mr. D. now owns a farm of 280 acres of
land, 100 or more of which is under a good state of cultivation, and the cabin
has long since been superseded by a commodious frame residence. Their children
were twelve, nine of whom are living--Celia, William J., Margaret E., Robert J.,
Christopher C., Christina A., Elmore, Mary A. and Schuyler C. Of these, William
served four years in Company K, Forty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and participated in all of its engagements. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were for many
years members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Omega, of which society part
of his family are members. There are many thrilling incidents connected with Mr.
D.'s hisory, especially that part connected with the early settlement of this
county.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, pp. 37-38]
DAVIS, CHARLES A. [Rochester, Indiana]
DAVIS IS ENLARGING HIS JUDSON PROPERTY
The Bradford Hotel at North Judson under the able management of L. B. Hackett is
to be enlarged, remodeled and improved in a number of respects. A new addition
will provide eighteen new rooms and the entire building will be furnished with
heat, water and lights and will be modern in every detail. Charles A. Davis of
Rochester, owner of the property was in North Judson last week making final
arrangements for the work, which was started the first of this week.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 27, 1922]
DAVIS HOUSE SOLD
The Charles Davis residence on Pontiac street, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Keel, has been sold to A. J. Barret through the Cal Bitters real estate
agency.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, March 24, 1925]
CHARLES DAVIS IS APPOINTED TO HEAD PERU LIGHT PLANT
Peru, Ind., Sept 20 - While B. H. Freeland, ousted superintendent of the
electric light and water departments, is waging a bitter battle in the courts to
retain his position, Mayor Thomas O. Keller yesterday afternoon named Charles
Davis of Rochester, and W. T. Miller, of Lafayette, to supervise the activities
of the involved department, when Fred Olvey, Kokomo, recently appointed to the
position, refused to accept the position as long as it was in litigation.
Davis and Miller will be in complete charge of the electric light and water
plant. Freeland is marking time between now and Friday morning when Circuit
Court Judge Hurst is expected to hand down a decision growing out of his
petition. Freeland, who claims that he is the rightful superintendent of the
municipal works has applied to Judge Hurst for a temporary injunction to prevent
the mayor and city council members from interfering with his official duties.
Citizens Are Interested
Interest in the hearing brought about by Freeland's petition is growing more and
more each day. Scores of Peru citizens are expected to jam every inch of floor
space in the circuit court when Judge Hurst makes known his decision, Friday.
Having served for a large number of years as an engineer, Davis is expected to
help regulate the affairs of the electric light and water plant with great
efficiency. Miller, rated as one of the leading electrical experts in the state,
will collaborate with Davis in operating the plant jointly.
Olvey Resigns Place
Peru citizens received the shock of their lives when Fred Olvey, Mayor Keller's
choice for the superintendency of the municipal works, tendered his resignation
to the mayor Tuesday afternoon. In resigning, Olvey stressed the indefensibility
of accepting the position offered him by Mayor Keller. He called the mayor's
attention to the strenuous litigation being conducted by Freeland to carry on
his official duties without molestation on the part of the city government.
Olvey has made it plain to Mayor Keller that he will not sever his connections
with the Kennedy Van Saun Pulverizing company, at least while affairs were in
such a mix-up.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, September 20, 1928]
APPOINTMENT OF CHARLES DAVIS RATIFIED TUESDAY
Peru, Ind., Oct. 10 - The electric light situation was reviewed again at the
meeting of the city council last night with the result that resolutions
confirming the employment of Charles A. Davis as superintendent of the electric
light and water works departments were adopted by a vote of 5 to 4 by the city
council.
These resolutions were adopted after Councilman Hippensteel had introduced one
seeking to maintain B. F. Freeland, former superintendent. When this resolution
was defeated by a 5 to 4 vote, resolution confirming the employment of Davis as
superintendent and his assistants were confirmed.
During the verbal combat Councilman Zook wanted to know if the city officials
had ever received any information regarding the qualifications of Mr. Davis, and
the superintendent was asked to give an account of his experiences. He stated
that he had built up a plant at Rochester from a value of $80,000 to $265,000,
the purchase price when it was sold to the Insull interests.
Mr. Davis said that through buying cheaper coal, consolidating the office forces
and laying off unnecessary employes he had been able to cut the expenses of the
electric light department 20 per cent.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, October 10, 1928]
CHARLES DAVIS IS NAMED HEAD PERU LIGHT PLANT
The Peru city council at their meeting Tuesday night voted to retain Charles A.
Davis former resident of this city as superintendent of the electric light and
water works plants there which are owned by the city. The council at a former
meeting by a vote of 5 to 4 had passed a resolution to dismiss Mr. Davis but at
their meeting Tuesday night by a 5 to 3 vote decided to revoke their former
order. Mr. Davis has been the head of the Peru electric light plant and water
works for the past two years and during that time the municipally owned plants
have shown a large profit, in fact the greatest in the history of the plant. Mr.
Davis is well qualified to hold the position to which he was elected. For ten
years he was the superintendent of the Rochester Electric Light, Heat and Power
Company. He is a graduate of the engineering school at Purdue University.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, March 27, 1930]
CHARLES DAVIS TO TAKE NEW POSITION DEC. 1ST
The Kendallville city council has hired Charles W. Davis of Peru, formerly of
Rochester, as superintendent of the municipal light and water plant. Davis was
slated to get the job a week ago and his selection last night followed a call
issued by the council several days ago.
The council also accepted the resignation of Miss Veda Morrison as bookkeeper at
the plant and Miss Florene Stephens was hired to replace her.
Davis will assume his duties December 1. His salary was put at $200 a month.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, November 25, 1931]
CHARLES DAVIS RESIGNS FROM KENDALLVILLE POST
Kandallville, Ind., Dec. 4. - Mayor William C. Auman, of Kendallville, won his
tempestuous battle with Charles Davis, Light and Water Plant Superintendent, and
former resident of Rochester, late Friday night, when Davis handed in his
resignation at the Mayor's request.
Davis' capitulation climaxed growing dissention between Mayor Auman and the
utility official which had been hanging for several months, and which was fanned
to white heat a few days ago with the Mayor's assumption of what his enemies
called "dictatorial power."
The city's chief executive made two requests of Davis for his resignation, and
even went so far as to lock him out of his office, before Davis' sudden
surrender quelled the battle. Davis had outwitted Mayor Auman in the lockout
attempt by vaulting over a low partition into his office and carrying on as
usual.
"Due to the controversies existing at the present time," Davis'
resignation read in part, "I have come to the conclusion aftter careful
thought that I could not in the future receive that co-operation from all
citizens of Kendallville necessary to the successful operation of the
department."
Thanks Friends
Davis thanked his friends for their confidence in him. A part of the resignation
was devoted to the official's explanation of efforts to place the light and
water department on a paying basis.
Rex S. Emerick, attorney for Mayor Auman, said that Davis' resignation had been
"officially accepted."
No announcement was made concerning a successor for Davis, who was a Democrat.
Ausman is a Republican. The name of M. J. Ogden, a Democrat, has been mentioned
as a possible appointee, although many observers believed Ausman would fill the
post with a member of his own party.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 4, 1933]
CHAS. DAVIS APPOINTED SPECIAL CWA ENGINEER
Kendallville, Ind., lJan. 5. (U.P.) - Charles A. Davis, who recently resigned as
head of city's electric and water plant here because of a feud with Mayor
William Auman, has been appointed consultant engineer for civil works project in
three northern Indiana counties, namely Fulton, Marshall and Kosciusko. Davis
was tendered the post by William H. Books, chairman of the State CWA program.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, January 5, 1934]
DAVIS, CY [Rochester, Indiana]
CLOTHING BUSINESS CHANGE
On next Monday the clothing store operated by Cy Davis for a year or more will
be invoiced to Wallace & Grelle who have bought it and will move it to their
present large quarters west of Court House.
"Cy" as he is widely known, has been in the clothing business in
Rochester since 1883 and he has made a fine record as a reliable, obliging, and
energetic business man. For a time he will be engaged in making some
improvements on his home but it is not likely that he will be out of the
clothing business very long.
[Rochester Sentinel Tuesday, March 17, 1903]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Cy Davis has rented the Geo. H. Wallace room, formerly occupied by the Marsh
grocery and will enter the mercantile field for himself. He will open his store
about the middle of June.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, May 27, 1910]
TWO BUSINESS CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED IN CITY
Two business changes have taken place in this city during the past few days
which involve the changing of ownership of a variety store and a garage.
The Star Garage at 623-625 North Main Street, has been sold by Herb Shobe to W.
E. Russell of Star City. Mr. Russell will change the name of the garage to that
of the Russell Garage and will maintain day and night service. A complete repair
shop will also be operated in connection with the garage. Mr Shobe has leased
the room at 610 Main Street and has moved his stock of auto acccessories there.
Harry Wallace has purchased the variety store at 816 Main Street operated for
the past year by Frank White. He will reopen the store next Saturday with a new
stock of goods. Mr. Wallace has engaged the serviced of Cy Davis who is an
experienced operator of variety stores.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, October 2, 1930]
DAVIS, FRED W. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Fairview
DAVIS, HARRY W. [Rochester, Indiana]
MARRIED AN ACTRESS
The following marriage notice taken from the Indianapolis Star refers to the son
of John G. Davis who once resided in Rochester and was deputy clerk of the
Circuit Court under James Shelton. The Star says:
Indianapolis friends of Harry W. Davis, western manager for Henry W. Savage,
were surprised, yesterday, to hear that he had unexpectedly wed a young woman of
Chicago, carrying the name Sidoni Par Don. That the marriage was secret is
evident from the fact that the young man's relatives at Kentland were not
informed. Davis has been spending the summer at the country home of his uncle,
George Ade, and this week, received orders to hurry to New York to prepare
Wallack's theater for the opening. He went to Chicago and the next day the
marriage license appeared in the papers.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 6, 1904]
DAVIS, JACK [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Metal Products Co.
DAVIS, JOHN B. [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
John B. Davis, son of William and Celia R. Davis, mentioned elsewhere, was born
in Delaware June 1, 1827. In youth he followed the occupation of a farmer. He
received a fair education in the common school, and followed the vocation of
teacher a part of the time. In early life he came to Ohio, where he followed the
occupation of his youth; and on the 18th of August was united in wedlock to Miss
Mary Graham, a native of Fayette County, Ohio. In 1865, Mr. Davis located in
Akron, and engaged in the grocery trade, which business he conducted till 1870.
He then engaged in the purchase and shipment of cattle with Dr. Speck, of
Denver, Miami County. In 1879, he went into a general goods business at Akron,
with M. Yeagley, which partnership continued between one and two years, since
which time he has been engaged as a salesman in the same business with A.
Strong. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born four children--William H., Dora, Maggie
and Charles M., all of whom are married and useful, industrious citizens of this
county. Mr. Davis was bereft of his estimable lady July 20, 1870. Her loss was
regretted most by those who knew her best. Mr. Davis is living a consistnt
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as did his esteemed wife.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 38]
DAVIS, JOHN W. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From John W. Davis)
DAVIS, OSTINAL A. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Fairview
__________
Mr. O. A. Davis, who recently graduated from the Indiana Law school, has
taken office room with attorney Enoch Myers where he will engage actively in the
practice of his chosen profession. Mr. Davis had considerable experience in
legal business before taking the law course and he is fully equipped by
education and ability to make a successful attorney.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 19, 1896]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Ground was broken this morning for the O. A. Davis residence on south Main
street. The house will be of concrete blocks and the plans were made by
Architect John Kindig. Albert McKee has the contract for the stone work.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, July 17, 1907]
BUSINESS CHANGE
A deal was closed recently by which W. E. Mohler became the owner of O. A.
Davis' interest in the abstract business of Davis & Fretz. The new firm will
take charge of the business about January first and will retain the offices now
occupied by Mr. Davis in the SENTINEL Block.
Mr. Fretz has resigned his position as deputy auditor and will devote his entire
time to the business. He has been connected with the auditors office for six
years and is one of the most efficient and accommodating officials ever holding
office in Fulton county. Mr. Fretz' large probate matters, conveyances and other
county matters will serve him well in his new work. Mr. Mohler is a hustler and
has built up a large insurance and real estate business since locating in
Rochester. He will continue to devote his energies to this class of work.
Martin W. Ivey, the Kewanna Attorney, will succeed Mr. Fretz as deputy Auditor,
and O. A. Davis will continue to practice law, but will remove his office to the
Deniston building, over Wiles Clothing Store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 4, 1909]
NEWS OF THE DAY
O. A. Davis is now established in his new suite of rooms on the west side of the
court house over the Wile clothing store, where he will continue the law, loan
and insurance business.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 14, 1910]
BLIGH HOME SOLD
The Martin J. Bligh residence on south Main street, better known as the O. A.
Davis home has been sold to Andy Stehle, who is part owner of the Stehle and
Shively hardware store in this city. The Blighs are moving to the home on their
West Farm which has been re-decorated and repainted. It is one of the finest
farm homes in Fulton county.
Mr. Stehle will move his family which consists of his wife, and son and
daughter, to this city from Peru within the next few weeks.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, March 27, 1925]
DAVIS, R. J. [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
R. J. Davis is the son of Absalom and Priscilla Davis, who were born, reared and
maried in Delaware, and about 1840 immigrated to this county, and have ever
since lived at or near their present place of abode. R. J., is one of a family
of eleven children, eight of whom survive, and was born in Henry Township, this
county, November 21, 1847. He married Mary Elizabeth Low, November 23, 1876, and
soon after located on a piece of land he had purchased a short time before
marriage.
Mrs. Davis was born in Gilead, Miami County, July 4, 1853, and is the daughter
of Isaac V. and Mary Ellen Low, now of Rochester Township.
Her father is a native of New Jersey and her mother of Pennsylvania. This couple
are the parents of two children--Charles Lester and Luetta, and are also members
of Methodist Episcopal Church.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 38]
DAVIS & BARGER HARDWARE [Rochester, Indiana]
McCLUNG SELLS OUT HARDWARE INTERESTS
John McClung, recently retired county auditor, who had purchased the stock of
the Sheppard Hardware store which he had since operated, has sold out his
interests to Charles Davis and Guy Barger, who were operating an electrical
equipment supply shop in the same room. Barger and Davis had been interested in
the hardware stock, but are now the sole owners. Mr. McClung has not yet
signified his intentions for the future.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, May 6, 1924]
DAVIS & BURROWS FORD AGENCY [Akron, Indiana]
AGENCY AT AKRON
Tucker and Ball have rented the west side of the Palace garage at Akron to Davis
and Burrows, of Kokomo, who will open a Ford agency April 1st.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 30, 1923]
DAVIS & FRETZ [Rochester, Indiana]
BUSINESS CHANGE
A deal was closed recently by which W. E. Mohler became the owner of O. A.
Davis' interest in the abstract business of Davis & Fretz. The new firm will
take charge of the business about January first and will retain the offices now
occupied by Mr. Davis in the SENTINEL Block.
Mr. Fretz has resigned his position as deputy auditor and will devote his entire
time to the business. He has been connected with the auditors office for six
years and is one of the most efficient and accommodating officials ever holding
office in Fulton county. Mr. Fretz' large probate matters, conveyances and other
county matters will serve him well in his new work. Mr. Mohler is a hustler and
has built up a large insurance and real estate business since locating in
Rochester. He will continue to devote his energies to this class of work.
Martin W. Ivey, the Kewanna Attorney, will succeed Mr. Fretz as deputy Auditor,
and O. A. Davis will continue to practice law, but will remove his office to the
Deniston building, over Wiles Clothing Store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 4, 1909]
DAVIS & KENDRICK [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] DAVIS & KENDRICK Real Estate and Insurance Agents. Mortgage loans
negotiated. West of Court House, Main Street. JOHN W. DAVIS, F. K. KENDRICK.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 27, 1884]
DAVIS & LAMBORN [Rochester, Indiana]
The law partnership of Davis and Lamborn was on the first day of March mutually
dissolved. Mr. Lamborn will take up Civil Engineering, and Mr. Davis will
continue the practice of law. O. A. DAVIS, W. O. LAMBORN.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 14, 1906]
DAVIS ORCHESTRA, CHARLIE
POWELL A DIRECTOR
Dick Powell, a former Fairview Gardens dance orchestra favorite who has been
appearing for the past two seasons with Charlie Davis' stage band as tenor and
banjoist, has succeeded Eddie Pardo as director of the stage band and master of
ceremonies at the Circle Theatre at Indianapolis. Pardo's contract with the
Circle was terminated on Monday by mutual consent. Since last September Powell
has been a weekly feature at the Indiana theatre.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, May 23, 1928]
CHAS. DAVIS ORCHESTRA TO BROADCAST FROM WLW
Indianapolis, Ind., April 13. - Charlie Davis, popular Indianapolis orchestra
director, at last has given way to the call of national radio broadcasting.
Davis has accepted the compliment bestowed on him by Station WLW to follow the
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra over Station WLW during the Perfect Circle Hour.
He will go on the air every Wednesday evening at 8:30 o'clock.
The program played by Davis' band will be selected from numbers which will be
welcomed by the radio audience. They will consist of popular tunes of the day,
delivered with unique and novel arrangements of the standard classiques of jazz.
Another feature of Davis' program will be the wealth of vocal material which his
band is fortunate in having.
The Davis band, aside from this hour, will continue to groadcast Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 and also during the Ekouras Publix Hour,
Monday night from 10:45 to 11:30 over Station WFBM here. This broadcasting does
not interfere in any way with Davis' stage appearance at the Indiana Theatre.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, April 13, 1929]
DAVIS VARIETY STORE, CY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] 10% Discount on pure aluminum ware Saturday at Cy Davis and Co., Variety
Store.
Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 2, 1913]
Isaac Onstott has purchased the Geo. Wallace business room, occupied by the
Cy Davis Variety Store. The consideration was $6,000. The room is one of the
oldest in the city.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 7, 1914]
[Adv] From 1 cent to $1.00. Any article on display on the main floor of our
store is going to sell for $1.00 or less and the majority of them will be less,
Thursdy, Friday and Saturday. . . The Cy Davis Variety Store.
[Rochester, Sentinel, Tuesday, March 11, 1924]
[Adv] Toys! Toys! Toys! . . . .Cy Davis, Variety Store.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Saturday, December 5, 1925]
RECEIVER IS APPOINTED FOR DAVIS VARIETY STORE
The Davis Variety Store, 816 Main Street, was closed Saturday afternoon after a
friendly suit asking the appointment of a receiver had been filed in the Fulton
circuit court by O. A. Davis, of Indianapolis, against his brother Cy Davis
owner of the store. Judge Hiram Miller granted the request and apponted William
Biddinger as receiver The stock of goods in the store will be invoiced
Wednesday. The suit making the appointment of the receiver was filed because of
the physical condition of the owner of the store who has been confined to his
bed during the greater portion of the past two years and in an effort to
conserve the assets of the establishment as much as possible. Mr. Davis has been
working indoors for the past 40 years in various stores during which period he
has never taken a vacation. He has operated the variety store bearing his name
for the past 20 years.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, July 8, 1929]
CY DAVIS VARIETY STORE IS SOLD TO FRANK WHITE
The Cy Davis Variety Store at 816 Main Street was sold today to Frank W. White
of Fairmount, an experienced variety store man who will reopen the store within
a few days. Several months ago Ostinell A. Davis, brother of Cy Davis founder of
the store petitioned the court in a friendly suit asking the appointment of a
receiver for the store stating his brother because of his ill-health could no
longer manage. The request was granted by Judge Hiram Miller who appointed
Ostinell Davis as receiver. The sale of the store to Mr. White was approved this
morning by Judge Miller. The sale price was $525 in cash.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, September 17, 1929]
DAVISSON, A. C. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Real Estate, Fire Insurance and Loans. - - - A. C. DAVISSON, Agt. Office
over Racket Clothing Store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 7, 1902]
DAVISSON, HAROLD B. [Rochester, Indiana]
DAVISSON WILL CARRY ON DESPITE LOSS OF LEGS
A story appearing in a recent edition of the LaPorte Herald Argus, which
emanated from letters received at the Kingsbury Ordnance Plant either from
Harold Davisson or his relatives regarded an operation in which the Rochester
man underwent at Veterans hospital, Indianapolis, bespeaks of Davisson's
outstanding stamina and fortitude under most trying conditions. The article
follows:
"This is the story of Harold B. Davisson, a veteran of World War I and a
former member of the timekeeping division at Kingsbury Ordnance plant.
"It's a story that makes all of us sit up and take notice, for it is the
story of a man who recently underwent the amputation of both his legs as a
result of his action in the World War of a quarter of a century ago, but whose
only apparent disappointment is that he didn't do a better job than he did in
present-day war work. Perhaps his point of view will help to convince peole who
are not now working how important it is to answer the latest war industries
recruitment drive.
"We'll tell his story in an unusual way--with excerpts from recent letters
from Davisson's daughter, from his father, and from Davisson himself, to Emmett
L. Blankschein, chief timekeeper at KOP. Here they are:
"Letter dated March 21 from his daughter:
"As you know, my father came home Saturday night to begin a series of
hospital treatments for his infected feet. He had the first shot Saturday night
and something went wrong . . . in fact his legs and feet are practically
paralyzed and are rapidly turning blue . . ."
"March 22 from Davisson's father:
"I am writing this letter to you at the request of my son who was brought
to the Veteran's hospital (at Indianapolis) in a very serious condition. 'Letter
from Davisson was enclosed, advising latest report from surgeons this evening
was that both legs would have to come off at the knees.'
"March 28 from his father:
"He is resigned to his fate and is very cheerful about it, much more than
one could expect. He appreciated your telephone messages, and it surely did him
good.
"April 2, from Harold Davisson:
"Well, they've mowed me down and call me 'Shorty' now, but whoever saw a
'duck' with long legs anyhow. . . . Just finished the last one this morning and
feeling pretty good considering everything . . . Think a lot about the gang and
wonder how they are . . .
April 11, letter from Harold Davisson
"I have been in a wheel chair three times now but not for long, so you can
see I am improving a little each day . . . Please thank each and everyone at KOP
who have been so kind to me. I can't estimate the help my friends have been. It
takes something like this to make a fellow realize the value of true friendship.
"I am in a room with three other fellows now. When they moved me in,
veterans from four wars were in the room, Civil, Spanish-American, World War I
and II.
"There are a lot of boys coming in here from War II, fellows just like the
boys you have on the Timekeepers Honor Roll. Believe me, it makes a fellow think
and wish he had done a better job in any war activity. Tell the gang for me they
don't all realize how fortunate they are to be in a position to help get this
thing over. I'll admit I was in a rut at times, crabbed and growled over
nothing, but I know better now."
__________
"In explanation of the word "duck" in the April 2 excerpts
above, Davisson's nickname is "Ducky.
__________
"And here's the part of the story that wraps it up for us as one of the
truly great home-front incidents of this or any war: Davisson personally made
this statement last week to Chief Timekeeper Bankschein in the Indianapolis
hospital:
"Thank the KOP folks for me for all they've done, and tell them that one of
these days I'll be back there to thank them personally. And more than that--tell
them that I'll be back there AT WORK just as soon as I can get around."
"Falstaff"
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, May 1, 1944]
DAVISSON, MILTON [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DAVISSON BATTERY SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
LOCAL FIRM DISSOLVES PARTNERSHIP, MONDAY
Another business change was made in Rochester late yesterday when Harold
Davisson purchased his cousin Owen Davisson's interest in the Atwater-Kent radio
agency, and sold his own interest in the battery shop to the latter.
The Atwater-Kent radio agency will now be located in the Mandleco studio, 720
Main street under the management of Harold Davisson. Owen Davisson will still
continue in his battery and radio sundry business at its present location,
directly north of the Arlington hotel.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Tuesday, November 16, 1926]
[Adv] The Sparton "Equasonne" A revolution in radio development - -
- - OWEN DAVISSON, Battery & Electric Service, 627 Main St., Phone 18.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, August 13, 1928]
DAVISSON RADIO SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Atwater Kent Radio Sets. The supreme radiodyne circuit. Coast to coast
range. Highest selectivity. Record dial settings for each station, return to
them at any time. Child can operate. No. 10 and No. 9 Sets Installed Free. For
Sale by WILLARD SERVICE STATION, O. E. DAVISSON, Rear Chevrolet Sales Co. Phone
18.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, February 5, 1924]
LOCAL FIRM DISSOLVES PARTNERSHIP, MONDAY
Another business change was made in Rochester late yesterday when Harold
Davisson purchased his cousin Owen Davisson's interest in the Atwater-Kent radio
agency, and sold his own interest in the battery shop to the latter.
The Atwater-Kent radio agency will now be located in the Mandleco studio, 720
Main street under the management of Harold Davisson. Owen Davisson will still
continue in his battery and radio sundry business at its present location,
directly north of the Arlington hotel.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Tuesday, November 16, 1926]
[Adv] The Greatest ONE DIAL RADIO at Lowest prices. - - - - Mohawk one dial
radio. OWEN DAVISSON. Battery & Electric Shop. 627 Main. Phone 18.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, November 17, 1927]
DAWALD, BENJAMIN F. [Liberty Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Benjamin F. Dawald, a progressive and successful farmer of Liberty township, was
born near Denver, Miami county, Indiana, August 24, 1877, the son of Samuel H.
and Sarah Ann (Zartman) Dawald, the former being a native of Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, and the latter being born in Ohio. Samuel and Hannah (Kline)
Dawald, the paternal grandparents of our subject, travelled by team, from
Pennsylvania to settle on land near Denver, Indiana, when the father of Benjamin
Dawald was but a small boy. They cleared and improved this land and made their
home on it until they died. The maternal grandparents, Andrew Jackson and
Margaret (Fisher) Zartman, came from Ohio and took up land near Macy in Miami
county where Andrew Zartman died, his wife passing away at the home of one of
her children near Mud Lake. Samuel H. Dawald, the father of Benjamin F., was
educated in the old school of Denver, and with the completion of his studies, he
began farming near there. In 1883, he purchased the farm of seventy-eight acres
on which his son now resides. He was forced to clear much of the land, but
perseverance and ceaseless labor gave him one of the best farms of that section
of the township. He continued to make this his home placing all of the buildings
upon it with the exception of a part of the frame house. He and his wife both
died on this farm leaving six children, all of whom are living. They are:
Benjamin F., our subject; Hannah, Bird, Viola, John and Lyman. Benjamin F.
Dawald received his education in the district school which he attended from the
time he was six years of age until he attained his twenty-first year. He then
took up the pursuits of agriculture and two years later, on January 10, 1900,
was married to Emila Luella, the daughter of Lewis Milton Quick, of Liberty
township. For nine years thereafter he was on a farm a mile south of his present
one, and these years constituted the only period that he has lived away from his
homestead since he settled there with his parents. He has two children both of
whom are living: Cleo A. and Helen M. His integrity won for him the position of
district road supervisor in which capacity he served for two years. Since 1914,
he has been a member of the Baptist church at Fulton and takes an active
interest in all things for the betterment of the township in which he lives.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 175-176, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DAWSON, BYRON F.
See: Dawson, George V.
DAWSON, GEORGE F., MRS. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DAWSON, GEORGE V. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson & Coplen
See: Dawson, Jonathan
__________
NEWS OF THE DAY
Mr. and Mrs. George V. Dawson and son Raymond and daughter Mary left at noon,
today, for California where they expect to make their future home. And in their
going Rochester loses another of its most valued families. Mr. Dawson grew up in
the drug business in this city and has always been an enterprising and popular
business man and citizen. Mrs. Dawson has won the high esteem of all by her
church and literary activity and the love of her neighbors and acquaintances for
her amiable and benevolent life. All will be seriously missed in Rochester and
they carry a wealth of good wishes for success in their new home. Mr. Dawson
will probably continue in the drug business.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, March 8, 1904]
GEORGE DAWSON'S NEW STORE
San Luis (Ca.) Breeze
The Mission Bazaar is a thing of the past. All of the stock will be disposed of
at Mr. Kaetzel's cost mark which is on every article. Mr. George V. Dawson, who
will have charge of the new drug store to be put in the room, is now arranging
the stock for convenience of customers and himself so that the prices can be
read at a glance. Mr. Dawson desires to arrange with dealers if possible, in
disposing of the goods and will give them every advantage during the next few
days. In one week everything that is left will be disposed of to the public.
Mr. Dawson desires to clear the place at the earliest possible moment in order
to make room for the new drug fixtures that are expected to arrive within the
next month.
Mr. Dawson was in San Luis about four years ago and on his return to Rochester,
Ind., decided to dispose of his business at that place and locate in California.
After 19 years with the drug firm of Dawson & Richter it was quite hard to
dissolve partnership as business relations had always been very pleasant, but
the last severe winter in Indiana was one that caused Mr. Dawson to long for the
ideal climate of San Luis Obispo and finally induced his partner to assume
control.
Mr. Dawson has been with his brother, Dr. Byron F. Dawson, of Cayucos, since the
deal was made and returned here yesterday, when he commenced to get his stock in
shape to be disposed of.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, April 11, 1904]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The San Luis Obispo (Cal) papers have elaborate write-ups of the Dawson Bros.
new drug store just opened there. From the description the new store is modeled
much the same as the Richter drug store here only the furnishings are much more
elaborate. Both B. F. and George Dawson will conduct the store and as they have
the finest and best arranged store in the city they will doubtless succeed well
as they richly deserve.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 22, 1904]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Geo. V. Dawson has moved from the Jackson property on [212] West 9th street to
the Dawson property [214] across the alley west. Geo. T. Ross will occupy the
property vacated by Mr. Dawson.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 12, 1908]
GEO. DAWSON SELLS DRUG STORE INTEREST TO COPLEN-SHAFER
George V. Dawson, oldest merchant in point of years on Main street, today
announced sale of his interest in Dawson & Coplen drug store to Gene Coplen,
his partner since 1920 and Dave Shafer, Main street's youngest merchant.
* * * * Photo of George V. Dawson * * * *
The new store, Coplen & Shafer, will be operated by the two men in
partnership.
Mr. Coplen has been associated with the store since 1909. Mr. Dawson began work
in the store 54 years and one month ago. In 1884, after graduating from the
University of Michigan, Mr. Dawson went to work in the store then owned by his
father, the late Jonathan Dawson.
To Enjoy Vacation
"I'm going to take a vacation and have some fun," Mr. Dawson said
today when asked about his plans for the future. "Might go out to see
Carolyn," he added.
"I've enjoyed the association with Mr. Dawson over a long period of years.
I wish him good luck and I look forward to the future with enthusiasm,"
said Mr. Coplen.
When Dave was asked how he viewed the future he said, "I've always liked
Rochester and I want to stay right here. Gene and I have many plans for
development of the store. We're anxious to continue serving old customers and
we'll be happy to please new ones."
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, July 28, 1938]
A WELL EARNED VACATION
(front page editorial)
This week marked the retirement of the city's Dean of business men, George V.
Dawson, who on the day of his resignation from the pharmceutical business had
rounded out fifty-four years and one month of practically continuous service in
the drug store, situated [SW corner Main & Eighth] on the northwest corner
of the public square.
During this long regime in the drug store business, which was founded by his
father, Jonathan Dawson, George V. has watched the march of progress from the
coal oil light days to electricity; from the hitchrack days to the paved parking
spaces for "business" carriages; from lake-ice soda fountain days to
the electrically cooled refrigerator systems, and a score or more of other
improvements and innovations which have kept Rochester apace, or modestly
speaking, the least bit in advance of other cities in this section of the state.
In this progressive advancement of the business and civic life of Rochester and
surrounding community, George V. has always taken an active part. Perchance, the
records may reveal that at times his viewpoint might have swayed the least bit
toward the conservative, but in such instances time invariably proved his
judgment was sound.
Mr. Dawson's own individual business growth was formulated on the same
conservative and sound principles, nothing flashy, nothing drastic, but ever a
constant and healthy growth. His feet were always planted squarely on the
ground. Such individuals are sorely needed in any community and even though his
retirement is indeed well merited - this veteran business man is certainly going
to be missed about the vicinity of Main and 8th streets.
George V. has hung up a worth-while record - something worthy for the new and
younger firm of Coplen & Shafer to emulate. And now, in bidding Mr. Dawson
adieu from the business field, it is our sincere hope that George V. will prove
as great a success in the art of vacationing as he has done in the field of
business.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, July 29, 1938]
HISTORICAL REVIEW OF CITY'S PIONEER BUSINESS CONCERNS
Although he retired from active business a little over two years ago, George V.
Dawson, former druggist of this city, has most graciously consented to give the
readers of The News-Sentinel not only a review of his 54 years in the
pharmaceutical field, but also some of the earlier happenings in the drug store
business.
It is Mr. Dawson's belief that the first drug store ever to be operated in
Rochester was owned by Charles Henderson. This store a few years later was
purchased by a Mr. Pershing. Our informant, however, stated he was not certain
that this is the Mr. Pershing, who now resides in Indianapolis, and who at one
time was in the newspaper business in this city.
Business In North End
Rochester's first drug store was located in the 400 block of Rochester, in a
frame building near the building now occupied by the Babcock meat market. In the
early days practically all of the business houses and shops were situated in the
north end of town. Mr. Pershing disposed of the store to Plank & Shepherd.
The former member of this firm was A. K. Plank, father of the late C. K. Plank
of this city.
In a business transfer a short time later, Jonathan Dawson, father of George V.,
bought out Mr. Shepherd's interest in the drug store. This was in the year 1868.
Came to Town Barefoot
The elder Dawson, who was born near Rochester, Pa., in 1831, came to Rochester,
Ind., in 1846, from a farm eight miles east of here. The young man made the trip
in his bare feet. He received his earlier merchandising training in the general
stores of Shryock and Bozarth, Charles Stradley and Jesse Shields and finally
saved up enough money to purchase a partnership in the drug business.
After operating the store for a few years at 724 Main street, Messrs. Plank and
Dawson dissolved partnership. A. K. Plank then continued on in business in the
same location, and Jonathan Dawson also started a similar store in the adjacent
building to the south, now occupied by the Miller-Jones shoe firm.
The elder Plank retained his business which was known as the Central Drug store
until his death. It then became the property of Westfall & Walker, later
Walker & Ford, then sold to Dr. Ager and Alex Ruh, and from the Ruh family
it was purchased by Charles O. Dyche.
The Dawson Store
Now back to the historical record of the Dawson drug store. In the year of 1871,
Jonathan Dawson erected the two-story brick building on the southwest corner of
Main and Eighth street and moved his drug stock into the new home. He suffered
quite a loss by fire in 1876 - the flames spreading from the drug store to the
alleyway half a block to the south. It was recalled that willing assistants who
helped move the stock from the burning building often packed their arms too full
of heavy bottles and a large portion of bottles and contents was ruined by
breakage on the sidewalk.
George V. Dawson states he entered the drug store in the year of 1884, following
his graduation in a pharmaceutical course at the University of Michigan. In
those early days, Mr. Dawson stated, they had to mix their horse powders and
prescriptions from the doctors and many of these prescriptions were pretty loud
smelling concoctions. Only a few patent medicines were on the market in those
olden days and scarcely any toiletries. In those days, smiled the veteran
druggist, if a woman painted - "It was a case of look out."
Decline in Prescriptions
A few years later, Mr. Dawson recalls, the prescription and drug business began
declining and the toiletry business started picking up. All the while, more and
more patent medicines were being placed on the market. This transition in the
drug business started in the late '80s and has continued increasing until today,
the major portion of the modern drug store trade is in the toilet goods and
patent medicine departments.
Made Own Medicines
Continuing his recollections of yesteryears, Mr. Dawson said that before the
county and state went dry a great many of the older residents of the community
knew practically all of the healing qualities of the roots, herbs and berries.
In those days they dug up or picked their own remedies, and bought enough liquor
to make their own medicines. However, as the woods were cleared and the fields
burned over, the plant life died and the sources of home remedies was
obliterated. With a humorous twitching appearing around the corners of his
mouth, George added, "They then switched to patent medicines and drank
their liquor undiluted, not as a remedy, but more as a wash, you know."
Getting back to the records, Mr. Dawson stated that when he entered the business
in 1884 the pharmacy became known as the J. Dawson & Son drug store. In 1896
his father sold interest in the firm to W. N. Richter and the business operated
under the name of Dawson & Richter, until 1904 when Mr. Dawson sold out his
interest. He then went to San Luis Obispo, Calif., where, with his brother,
Byron F., they formed a partnership and opened a new drug store in that city.
This partnership continued until 1905 when George V. left the firm to do relief
work in drug stores throughout the western state.
Was in Earthquake
Mr. Dawson states he was working in San Francisco on April 18th, 1906, when the
great earthquake occurred. Nine days after that tragedy he headed back East to
Rochester and bought out the Richter interests and again the drug firm was back
in the Dawson hands. The drug store was operated under the sole ownership of Mr.
Dawson until 1920, when a partnership was formed with Eugene Coplen. The firm
operated under the name of Dawson & Coplen until July 28th, 1938, when the
senior member of the business sold his interest to Dave Shafer. In all, Mr.
Dawson completed 54 years of service in the drug business.
Record of Other Stores
A brief record of the background of the other drug stores in Rochester was that
of the store situated on the [NW] corner of Main and Seventh; the store was
originally owned by M. Danziger, who sold to J. B. Pellans; Pellans was followed
by Bert Skull; Skull in turn sold to William Perschbacher; Perschbacker to John
McMahan; McMahan followed by Ed Fieser; Fieser by the Newbys and [Steven] Newby
sold to the present owner, Everett Gilbert.
Another of the local pharmacies was started in a building room directly under
the old Academy of Music building on the southwest corner of Main and Fifth by
Ed Chinn; Chinn was followed by Plank & Brackett; they selling to P. M.
Shore; followed by Shore & Wilson, and now operated by Earl Shore and his
son-in-law, Ned Hart.
Another of the town's early drug stores was that of the late George P. Keith's
which was situated on the south side of the court house in the store room now
occupied by the New York Candy Kitchen.
The Floyd Brown Drug store, located in the Char-Bell building, was founded just
a few years ago by Jerome Schultz, now of Indianapolis.
Mr. Dawson, though retired, still finds time to make almost daily visits to his
old place of business, the Coplen & Shafer drug store. He and his wife also
take frequent vacation tours via auto, and one of their chief points for
relaxation is found at the home of their great-grandson, Richard Barr Ensign, at
Boise, Idaho.
Mr. Dawson is enjoying exceptionally good health and takes an active part in the
religious, social and general welfare work of this community. He has also served
as a member of the Fulton county council. He and Mrs. Dawson reside in a modern
two-story home situated at 214 West Ninth street, a scarce three blocks distant
from one of the city's oldest business firms where he spent over half a century
in the drug business.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, March 14, 1941]
DAWSON, HARRY W. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Harry W. Dawson)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From Harry W. Dawson)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Third Letter From Harry W. Dawson)
DAWSON, JONATHAN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson, George V.
See: Louderback Garage
__________
LOCAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
-- This year J. Dawson paid the heaviest tax of any man in the county.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 10, 1883]
BIOGRAPHY
Jonathan Dawson was born Dec. 21, 1831, in Lawrence County, Penn., of English
parentage, his ancestors coming from England and settling in Virginia. The
progenitor of the family moved from Virginia to Beaver County, Penn. His father
remained with his parents until the year 1830, when he became the head of a
family. In the year 1836, he concluded to try his fortune in the far West,
settling in Fulton County. He at once commenced clearing a farm which was in the
timber, or more of a wilderness, inhabited by the red man. The subject of this
sketch remained with his father on the farm, attending school and working in the
saw mill until he attained his majority. In the spring of 1854, he left the farm
and came to Rochester. He at once took a position as clerk in the dry goods
store of Shryock & Bozarth, remaining one year. He then took a similar
position with Wallace Brothers, remaining with them until 1857, at which time he
and C. J. Stradley bought out the firm. On September 18, 1856, he was united in
marriage to Isabelle V. King. He is the father of four children, two sons and
two daughters, the eldest of whom died when nearly two years of age. He and Mr.
Stradley remained in bsiness until 1859, when he sold his interest to Mr.
Stradley. He then entered the store of Jesse Shields, where he remained until
the spring of 1862. He then took an interest as a partner in the drug store of
Dr. A. K. Plank, in which he continued until 1867, when he bought the whole
stock, of thich he is now the proprietor. He keeps all kinds of drugs,
medicines, paints, oils, etc. He served as Treasurer of the Rochester School
Board for ten years. (Dawson is also spelled Dauson)
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 22]
LOCAL NEWS
Forty-six years ago today, Jonathan Dawson came to Rochester, from his home near
Akron, to make his way in the business world. He left home alone and walked the
entire distance. He soon obtained a position in the Shryock & Bozarth dry
goods store, on north Main street, where he remained one year. In a few years he
was a partner in a dry goods store. He remained in that business eight years and
then established the drug store now owned by his son George and W. N. Richter.
In 1875 Mr. Dawson built his present residence on west Pearl street. It was one
of the first buildings of its kind constructed in Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 27, 1900]
LOCAL NEWS
Charley Dawson, who has been employed in South Bend, is here spending a few days
with his grandfather, J. Dawson. From here he will go to California to visit his
father, Dr. Frank Dawson.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 4, 1903]
COMING OF THE PIONEER
By Jonathan Dawson
It is no small task to get in the reminiscent mood to the extent that one can
tabulate their thoughts, and bring forth incidents of the past in their regular
order, but since I have been invited to give some account of my youthful days,
will write as clearly as possible such things as I remember, principally
concerning the mode or manner of living, and beginning at the time my father
moved from Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, to Indiana, driving a two-horse team,
to make the journey. Prior to this, I have no recollection, save of very few
things, one of them being the Mahoming river, on the bank of which we lived.
An incident on the overland trip from Pennsylvania to this state is worth
repeating. We had reached Muncietown and lodged over night with a man by name of
Wilhelm. In the morning father paid the bill for accommodations and hitched up
the team to continue the journey. I remember that Wilhelm had a son-in-law, but
do not recall his name. We had not traveled far when we were overtaken by five
or six men on horseback, among them being Wilhelm and his son-in-law. They
flourished their revolvers and ordered father to hand over his money. He did as
he was ordered, handing to the highwaymen a purse containing about fifty
dollars. Luckily, Father and Mother had divided their money, and she had
secreted her share on her person, else the remainder of the trip would have been
fraught with greater hardship. After we were settled in Fulton county, Father
made several trips back to Muncietown to prosecute Wilhelm, and he and his
son-in-law were finally sent to Jeffersonville, but the others went free, as
Father could not identify them.
Our family reached Fulton county in 1837, stopping a short time with William
Biddle, a neighbor who had left Pennsylvania the year previous. Father soon
found an empty log hut, on the banks of Lake Manitou, and we moved in, living
there the remainder of that year and early spring, when it was decided to build
a house on his land, eight miles east of Rochester.
There was a settlement in the vicinity of Newark, known now as Akron, some of
the settlers being William Whittenberger and his sons, Dr. Sippy and the Welton
family. West of there were the Staton, Barrow, Clemens and Felix Clevenger
families, the last named man being the great-grandfather of Alex Clevenger of
this city.
Dan McIntire and our family were the first settlers in that particular
neighborhood, and each erected a log house, McIntire completing his two or three
weeks previous to ours. The houses were almost a mile apart, and thick woods
between. All houses were built of logs as there were no sawmills to cut timber
and no lumber yards, where material is finished ready for the carpenter's saw,
as in these modern days. By spring, our house was far enough along to inhabit,
although there was no floor and the door was covered with a bed-quilt. To build
a house, it was necessary to go to the forest, select suitable trees, chop them
down and then haul to the location where the home was to be erected. Neighbors
helped to pile the logs, notching the ends to make the corners meet. The roof
was made of slabs, split from blocks, resembling boards as much as possible. As
soon as a house had a roof on, it was thought to be ready for occupancy, even
though the cracks between the logs would admit throwing a small dog through. In
due time the cracks were closed with chinking and mortar made of clay. The next
thing needed were windows, which were cut out and covered with paper, nicely
oiled, through which the light penetrated. But it is of the wide, cheery fire
place, around which we delighted to gather, and in whose ruddy glow cluster the
most sacred memories of my childhood, that affords me the greatest pleasure to
describe.
Our fire place was not less than six feet wide and as high as a man's shoulders.
This was built of niggerheads at one end of the house. On this wall of stone and
mortar, the stick chimney rested, it being daubed with clay, inside and out, to
prevent danger from fire. Previous to this, the fire was made on the ground and
the cooking done out of doors. Fire, by the way, was rather a precious thing,
for it must be remembered this was long before matches were made, consequently,
perchance the fire went out, we must go to our neighbors for another suply, and
if the neighbor lived a mile away, you were still likely to be without fire on
arriving home. One way of getting a fire started, was to pour powder on a piece
of punk, then explode it by striking stone and iron together until the sparks
ignited the powder. This was no easy process and I have seen my father work for
an hour before he succeeded in getting a blaze.
Our fire place was wide enough to admit a backlog as large as a man could get
into the house, then we would pile smaller wood in front, using dogirons to keep
the wood in place. I used to wonder why they were called dogirons, then
conceived the idea that it was because they resembled little dogs with one leg
in front and tails turned up for handles. It was in this fire place that my
mother did the cooking. When there was bread to bake, the dough was put in an
iron pot, the same set on a bed of ruddy coals, which had been drawn out on the
hearth, and more coals piled on the iron lid. In cooking, sometimes the kettles
would upset, unless suspended on the iron crane, which was fastened at one side
and swung in and out. I must not forget to mention the johnnie-cake board which
was about fifteen inches long and five wide. It was made very smooth, and on
this was spread the dough and set before the fire. When one side was a crisp
brown, they were turned with a deft hand and the other side baked. A johnnie
cake thus baked is not to be forgotten.
The first thing to be accomplished after we moved in the spring of 1838, was to
clear a patch of ground, and plant corn, potatoes, etc. It was no small thing to
clear a piece of land. No one wanted to buy timber and everyone wanted to sell
theirs. Of course it was all green and hard to burn. The neighbors helped each
other pile the logs to burn, but it was hard and slow work. Sugar trees were
numerous, so some of them were tapped and molasses made. We raised some pumpkins
and then we had pumpkin and molasses with our corn bread. We knew nothing about
the process of canning, so it was the custom to invite in the neighbors, in the
evening, to a pumpkin peeling out of which grew much wholesome pleasure. Some
people could pare the entire pumpkin without breaking the rind. The pieces were
then hung up to dry. When we got far enough along to raise wheat, Mother made
baked pumpkin pies. We children were very anxious for Sunday morning to come, as
that meant biscuit and pie for breakfast. Every year added a little more cleared
land and as time went on the patch grew into a farm of many acres.
For several years there were no schools in our settlement, although a number of
new settlers moved in, among them being the Bright, Ball, Wagoner, Prill and
Hoover families. Those were the days of large families, and parents decided that
schools had become a necessity. The men therefore chopped down trees and before
many months, there were several comfortable log school houses within a radius of
a few miles.
One of the greatest pleasures for the young people, were the night spelling
schools. I remember the Prill school claimed the best spellers in the
neighborhood, being no less than James F. Wagoner and his sister Mary, now the
wife of Zane Russell. In our school, Daniel H. McIntire carried off the prize,
and I had a pretty good opinion of my own ability in that line of education. In
the Ball school, Ancil Ball, now of Seattle, Washington was the champion and
occasionally William Osgood would visit us and he was as good as the best. The
greatest times were when all the schools met at one place and chose sides, then
spell down. The old Elementary Speller was used.
Among the settlers were several ministers or exhorters. I recall the names of
Rev. Joseph Terrel, Isaac Stallard, and a little later James and Robert Burns
and Barzel Clevenger. The early minister was an earnest, sincere worker and
preached around in the homes of the parishioners without money and without
price. These were the first sermons I ever heard. Rev. Terrell had a brother
Josiah, who moved into the community about this time and built a house within
forty rods of our own. He was handy with a fiddle and loved to dance, and was
called far and near to play for dancing parties and often held them in his own
home. He began to attend the rural revival meetings and after a time became
converted. One evening the meeting was held in Terrel's home. After the sermon
by the minister, Mr. Terrel arose, told his neihbors of his recent change of
heart, then produced his fiddle saying: "Henceforth I will have no more use
for this," and suiting action to the words, walked to the fireplace and
laid the bow and fiddle on the blaze, where both were soon consumed. He also
became a preacher.
The farmer now has his riding plow and other agricultural machinery to make his
work convenient and farming a pleasure instead of a burdensome task, as suffered
by the pioneers. Nearly all the plowing I ever did was with a jumping plow. A
cutter was put in front of the plow to run over the roots, much as a sled would
have done, but it was somewhat dangerous to the one having hold of the handles,
for to strike a root meant a punch in the waistband. Around beach trees, there
would be a rod of ground where the plow never touched.
I also recall some of the custom in ladies' apparel. One rather unique head
dress was a white cap, starched very stiff and smoothly ironed. The women
thought they were not presentable without their caps and were as proud of them
as the ladies of the present day are of their Merry Widow hats. Another thing
they did was to smoke. The majority of them would carry their pipes and tobacco
wherever they went and be sociable by having a smoke with their friends. The
most of them smoked home grown tobacco, but a few purchased the weed. I have not
seen a woman smoke in a dozen years.
Sixty or seventy years ago, a man was considered stingy if he did not furnish
whiskey during harvesting, log rolling or barn raising, when a man was expected
to do hard work. Whiskey was supposed to make a man strong, and there were some
who wished to be noted for their strength, so they drank an extra amount and
were soon so strong they laid down in the shade of a tree, and the others not so
strong did the work.
Another thing common to that period, was the ague. It was no unusal incident to
find an entire family afflicted with the "shakes," in summer time, one
not able to care for the other. The chills came with punctual regularity, and no
amount of heat could make the victim warm. Then a pain-racking fever would
follow and no amount of cold could allay the fever, until it ran its course.
Some could go to work immediatey after the fever passed off, but unless the
chills were broken, the system became so weakened and reduced that work was out
of the question.
The land we settled on once belonged to the Indians, and at that time there were
almost as many Indians as whites. They frequently visited at our house, asking
for coffee, bread, tobacco or anything we had to divide. The squaws would have
their little papooses strapped on their backs. The red men were very peaceable
as far as my people were concerned. Before the mill was built, they pounded
their corn in a hole scooped out on the top of a log. The mill was erected at
the dam or outlet of Lake Manitou. At that locality I found many a dart or arrow
head. The only real experience I had with the Indians, was one time when my
parents were going to Rochester to trade and left us children at Neighbor
Terrel's. After a time we decided to go home, taking the Terrel children with
us. We opened the door, but jumped back in fright, for the house was full of
Indians. We beat a hasty retreat and did not wait to county the number, but I am
sure there were no less than twenty in our house helping themselves to half of
our coffee and other provisions. Each piece of tobacco was cut exactly in the
middle, leaving half.
Of course there were no roads in those days, every family making its own way by
driving or walking where it was high and dry and avoiding the mud or low lands
as much as possible. The lands then thought to vbe worthless, have been under
cultivation for the last quarter of a century. For many years no one thought of
raising hay as the prairies furnished an abundant supply. There were no buggies,
all traveled in a big wagon to which were hitched horses or oxen. If a young man
wished to take his lady love anywhere, they either went afoot or she would ride
behind him on his horse.
The first lamps we had were very crude affairs. Grease was put in an iron vessel
in which was inserted a piece of wick or cotton, the outer end being lighted. We
thought the light was very good, but of course, would now pale into
insignificance compared with our modern electric or gas light. I often helped my
mother make candles. We had candle-moulds through which wicks were stretched and
the moulds then filled with the melted tallow. Another way was to get long
sticks, and on them hang wicks as long as we wanted to make the candles. Then we
took an iron pot and almost filled it with warm water, and in the water poured
the hot tallow, which came to the top. In this we dipped and re-dipped the
wicks, cooling each time they were removed from the kettle, until they were the
required size and length. Previous to oil lamps and candles, we only had fire
light and will say, in passing, that many were the lessons conned in the light
from the great fireplace.
Well do I remember the first tomatoes we raised, knowing no other use for them
than to admire as we did flowers. We called them Jerusalem apples. Long after we
learned they were good to eat.
Meat was very scarce, unless there was a good hunter in the family. Father was
not an adept with shooting irons but I recall that he killed two or three deers
and several wild turkeys. Neighbor McIntire though, was an excellent shot, and
oftimes killed a deer before breakfast. I was no hunter, still would often shoot
squirrel and ducks. I had the pleasure of shooting at turkeys and deer but
suppose I must have had the "buck" fever, for I never brought any of
them down.
On Sunday, the boys had to amuse themselves in some fashion, as there were no
Sunday schools. We played mumeldepeg, walked on stilts, swam in "the old
swimming hole," or if in winter, hunt the streams for ice, slide down hill
on our sleds.
Another pleasure, and one I think foreign to the youths of the twentieth
century, and that was hunting skunk. If one was found, and there was a dog
along, there was no need to spend much money for perfume. Many of the animals
then numerous, have become almost extinct in this part of the country, among
them being the coon, muskrat, mink, porcupine, opposum. There were also many
snakes, black snakes, water snakes and various other kinds and the boys
delighted in killing them. I have seen the outer wall of a cabin, half covered
with the skins of animals and snakes stretched up to dry.
I left the old home place in the spring of 1854, almost fifty-five years ago.
The first eight years spent in Rochester, was behind a dry goods counter, the
balance of my business life, in selling drugs. In 1856 I was captured by
Isabella V. King, and am still a prisoner January 1, 1909.
[Marguerite L. Miller, Home Folks, Vol. I, 1910, pp. 8-13]
MR. & MRS. JONATHAN DAWSON CELEBRATE DIAMOND WEDDING
At their home on [NE corner] 9th and Pontiac streets in this city, Mr. and Mrs.
Jonathan Dawson Monday celebrated the 60th anniversary of their marriage. All
their children, grandchildren (except two living in California) and a
great-granddaughter were at home with them and many friends called to pay their
respects to the aged couple.
Jonathan Dawson, son of James and Sarah Biddle Dawson, was born near Newcastle,
Pa., Dec. 21, 1831, and came with his parents to Fulton Co., Indiana, in 1837,
locating near Lake Manitou. At that time this country was an almost unbroken
forest, Indians and wild animals being the principal occupants. The following
year, the family moved near to Akron where they cleared a farm where Mr. Dawson
resided until 22 years of age. On May 1, 1854, he walked to Rochester, with only
a few dollars in his pocket and began his career as a business man. He clerked
six years in various general merchandise stores and was two years a member of
the firm of Dawson & Stradley, dry goods. In 1862, he formed a partnership
with Dr. A. K. Plank, as Plank & Dawson, and engaged in the drug business,
later becoming sole proprietor, retiring in 1898 to a quiet home life.
Isabella Victoria King, daughter of William and Ann Line King, was born near
Roundhead, Hardin Co., Ohio, June 5, 1827, moved with her parents to New Haven,
Allen Co., Ind., about 1844 and then to Mexico, Miami Co., Ind., about 1847,
where her father died in 1852. She, with her mother, soon afterward moved to
Rochester.
Jonathan Dawson and Isabella Victoria King were married in this city Sept. 18,
1856 by Rev. W. P. Watkins, pastor of the Rochester Methodist Episcopal church,
and have continuously resided here, having in 60 years occupied only three
residences. To their union were born four children: Dr. Byron Francis DAWSON, of
Corning, Calif., temporarily residing at Akron; Mary [DAWSON], died in 1860,
aged one year; Mrs. Estella Edith SHELTON and George Vernon DAWSON, of
Rochester. They have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Dawson's has been an illustrious life of industry and thrift. He always has
avoided debt and lived within his income. For several years, he was the heaviest
individual taxpayer in Fulton county. He has done much for the upbuilding and
improvement of Rochester and the county. In 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson donated to
the city of Rochester five acres of land within the city limits for park
pur;oses which was named Dawson Park by the city council. It is now in process
of development. In 1915, when the infirmities of age were bearing heavily upon
them they made a partial division of their property among their children, that
it might be properly cared for.
Mr. Dawson never held membership in any lodge or occupied any political office.
He was 10 years a member of the county council and 10 years a town school
trustee. He and his wife have been members of the First Baptist Church of
Rochester nearly half a century.
These venerable pioneers of Fulton county, Mr. Dawson at the age of 84 years and
his wife at 79, honored and respected by the entire community, are in fair
health, but the burden of years is heavy upon them. After attaining the age of
81 years Mr. Dawson voluntarily submitted to an operation for cataract, which
only temporarily improved his sight, but he is still able to get about and
attend to his own business affairs.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 18, 1916]
DAWSON & COPLEN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson, George V.
__________
GETS INTEREST IN DRUG STORE
A deal was made this morning whereby Gene Coplen acquired an interest in the
Geo. V. Dawson drug store. Mr. Coplen is a graduate of Rochester high school and
after that attended Purdue University where he graduated in pharmacy with the
class of 1909. After his graduation he immediately started to work for Mr.
Dawson.
The firm name will be Dawson and Coplen, and will specialize in the Rexall line.
Mr. and Mrs. Dawson will leave in a short time for California as soon as another
pharmacist can be secured, where they will stay until spring visiting with
relatives.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 10, 1920]
The Dawson and Coplen Drug Store has purchased a Westinghouse radiophone
amplifier, which will transmit to patrons of the store the entire Westinghouse
musical program every evening together with market and weather reports, baseball
returns and general news items during the day. Workmen were busy Tuesday
installing the aerials and radiophone and expected late Tuesday afternoon to
have the outfit in working order in time for the evening musical program. It is
stated that with the amplifier, which magnifies the sound waves that travel thru
the air and ordinarily are heard by use of a receiver similar to that used on
telephones, anybody in the store can hear what is being transmitted as plain as
tho by word of mouth.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, February 14, 1922]
DAWSON & HOPKINS [Rochester, Indiana]
Ditching. Farmers, if you have any ditching to do, call on Stephen Dawson and
George Hopkins . . . They can be found by inquiring at this office or of R. N.
Rannells, at the Central House.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, July 4, 1867]
DAWSON & RICHTER [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson, George V.
__________
DAWSON'S DRUG STORE SOLD
Mr. W. N. Richter, the widely known young druggist, has, with George V. Dawson,
purchased the Dawson drug store and Jonathan Dawson will quit the drug business
and devote his time to his large property interests. The new firm is composed of
two of the nicest young men Fulton county has produced and they will succeed
because they deserve success.
Jonathan Dawson retires from the business after 43 years of work behind a
counter in Rochester and his mercantile life is a record of honesty, sobriety
and success of which any man might be proud. Here's the SENTINEL'S best wishes
for the comfortable old age which Mr. Dawson has so richly earned and for the
prosperity of the new firm.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 22, 1897]
[Adv] J. Dawson & Son's Successors --- DAWSON & RICHTER- - - Messrs
Geo. V Dawson and W. Nelson Richter will both give their entire personal
attention to the wants of their customers, aided by Mr. J. H. Shelton, who has
long been identified with the old firm. - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 3, 1897]
A BUSINESS CHANGE
A deal was closed Tuesday evening by which Nelson Richter becomes the sole
proprietor of the drug store of Dawson & Richter, Mr. Dawson having sold his
interest to his partner.
This will be a surprise to many SENTINEL readers who have grown familiar with
the name of Dawson in the drug business of Rochester. For twenty years George
Dawson has been the active head of the Dawson drug store and prior to that grew
up in the business with his father Jonathan Dawson, and in all these years of
successful business career he has made hosts of friends who will regret that he
has retired with the intention of going to California for future residence. The
Dawson-Richater partnership has existed six years and they have enjoyed a
splendid patronage and kept a model store.
Mr. Richter, assisted by Mr. Dawson for a month or so, will continue the
business, and his reputation as a pleasant business man and careful druggist
assures his success.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, January 6, 1904]
DAWSON & SHAFER
See: Dawson, George V.
__________
DAWSON DRUG STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
Located W side of street at 800 Main.
__________
J. DAWSON & SON
Drug Store
Prominent among the drug houses doing business in our city is that of the
gentlemen whose name heads this article. Mr. [Jonathan] DAWSON has been a
resident of our city for the past thirty-four years and has been in the drug
business since the year 1862 being located on the north-west corner of public
square.
Their store is well stocked with a complete assortment of drugs, chemicals,
patent compounds, paints, painters supplies, oils of all kinds, perfumes, toilet
articles &c. Also a full line of mixed paints of the most popular brands,
cigars, tobaccos &c &c. Messrs. Dawson & Son are very careful in
compounding drugs, and enjoy the fullest confidence of the people generally.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 29, 1888]
DAWSON'S DRUG STORE SOLD
Mr. W. N. Richter, the widely known young druggist, has, with George V. Dawson,
purchased the Dawson drug store and Jonathan Dawson will quit the drug business
and devote his time to his large property interests. The new firm is composed of
two of the nicest young men Fulton county has produced and they will succeed
because they deserve success.
Jonathan Dawson retires from the business after 43 years of work behind a
counter in Rochester and his mercantile life is a record of honesty, sobriety
and success of which any man might be proud. Here's the SENTINEL'S best wishes
for the comfortable old age which Mr. Dawson has so richly earned and for the
prosperity of the new firm.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 22, 1897]
RICHTER DRUG STORE SOLD
Negotiations were closed Tuesday whereby the ownership of the W. N. Richter drug
store passes to George V. Dawson who recently returned from California and who
was formerly a partner of Mr. Richter in the store. Mr. Dawson needs no
introduction to SENTINEL readers. They know him to be a square, honest, obliging
gentleman who knows all about the up-to-date drug business. Mr. Richter has
built up as large a circle of friends as any merchant in Rochester, and there
will be general regret when he leaves as he intends doing to engage in
manufacturing cement.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 15, 1906]
__________
In the north half of the 800 block on Main street beginning from the
intersecting alley, B. Levi operated a dry goods store. Next door Charley
Mitchell conducted a card room with, I believe, a billiard table or so. The room
later became "My Show," a popular movie house and now occupied by
Adler's Dress Shop. Then Joe Levi Clothing Store and Charles Plank operated a
shoestore. Ditmire's was next in line to Nobby True's Restaurant. A. C.
Copeland's bank and on the corner occupied by People's Drugs (now Lord's) was
Jonathan Dawson, one of Rochester's earliest dispenser of quinine, Brickle's
linament, Dr. King's New Discovery and prescription and patent medicines long
ago forgotten in this day of sulfa drugs, etc.
__________
[photo] George V. Dawson.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Thursday, December 6, 1934, p. 13]
__________
THE OLDEST NAME IN DRUGS
The name Dawson has been suggestive of drugs in Fulton county since 1862, and
with the exception of a few years, early in the present century has been of
continuous association.
Back in those days when Civil war gripped this fair land, Asa K. Plank and
Johnathan Dawson entered into a partnership under the firm name of Plank &
Dawson and operated a store in a frame building located where the Howard Jewelry
store now stands. Their stock consisted of general merchandise, boots, shoes,
groceries, school books and drugs.
It is noted from the store records of that period that eggs were quoted by the
six dozen lots at 24 cents; kerosene retailed at $1.50 the gallon and whiskey
could be purchased at 10 cents the quart.
After the war the firm dissolved, Mr. Dawson retaining the original store, which
he conducted until 1871, when the present location at [SW corner] Eighth and
Main was built.
In 1884, George V. Dawson became the junior partner after which the firm was
known as J. Dawson & Son. In 1898, the senior Mr. Dawson disposed of his
interest to W. H. Richter of Ft. Wayne and the name was changed to Dawson &
Richter. In 1904, George Dawson disposed of his interest to Mr. Richter and
established himself in San Obispo, California, where he remained until 1906 when
he returned to Rochester and again became the owner of the Dawson store.
At that time Mr. Dawson acquired the Rexall line of drugs and preparations and
the store, has since been known as the Rexall Drug store.
In 1909, Gene Coplen, a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Coplen returned from Purdue
and entered the store as a pharmacist and in 1920 became a partner with Mr.
Dawson, operating thereafter as Dawson & Coplen.
Since the days of Abraham Lincoln's rugged individualism the store has thrived
on the policy of efficient, courteous and dependable merchandising and today as
in he past it occupies a stellar position in the business life of this
community, which is of course, in keeping with the well-earned distinction of
Fulton county's oldest name in drugs.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 6, 1934, p. 13]
__________
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Monday, July 14, 1958]
Photo of American Railway Express office at 802 Main includes Geo. V. Dawson
drug store.
[Earle Miller, Shirley Willard, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 1, Willard]
Started by Jonathan Dawson, and succeeded by his son, George V. Dawson.
George V. Dawson took in a partner, Eugene (Gene) Coplen, who succeeded to the
business.
Mr. Coplen took David Shafer in as a partner.
Mr. Shafer left, and Mr. Coplen had Reid Erdman as his partner.
Mr. Erdman was then sole owner until he went out of business.
The same location was used by Peoples Drugs, which was owned by Ernest Baxter,
who operated Baxter Drugs simultaneously with this.
It went out of business in a short time.
DAWSON PARK [Rochester, Indiana]
CITY GIVEN FIVE ACRES FOR PARK
The presentation of a five acre plot of ground to the city of Rochester for use
as a public park, by Jonathan Dawson, was the feature of the regular council
meeting held in the city hall Tuesday night.
The land given lies between 12th and 13th streets, with Fulton avenue as its
east boundary line. It is valued approximately at $2,000 and was presented to
the city by Mr. Dawson, who is now 82 years old, and who has been a citizen of
Rochester for 60 years in appreciation of the confidence and trust placed in him
by the community's citizens when he first went into business, thus permitting
him to build up a comfortable estate. The plot was formally accepted and
Rochester now possesses a nucleus for its park system.
The piece of land is just a block wide and about 400 feet long, is slightly
rolling, lying low in parts, but has a rich black soil. With a little filling
and the planting of a number of trees, a pretty park will be well on its way to
completion. The land was originally part of the Gould estate, and has come into
Mr. Dawson's hands since. When the streets are paved the dirt taken out will be
used to fill up the low places. Until the ground settles and trees are planted
the boys will be allowed to use it for a base ball park.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 15, 1914]
COMPLAINT ABOUT DAWSON PARK
Residents of the southwest part of Rochester are complaining about the condition
of Dawson Park, which is now covered with weeds four to five feet high. Ever
since the land was given to the city by Jonathan Dawson, nothing has been done
to make the site look like a park. As it is now, the so-called park is a
disgrace to the city. With a little labor the weeds could be cut and if not
pretty, would at least prevent the land from becoming a breeding place for
malaria and mosquitos.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 10, 1915]
START WORK ON DAWSON PARK
The city is now dumping considerable dirt on the Dawson park site, in
fulfillment of the council's promise at a recent meeting. It is understood that
two landscape architects are to be here in the near future to help in making the
plans for the improvement of the park. A playground for children will be the
first matter considered.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, April 20, 1916]
ARCHITECT LOOKS OVER DAWSON PARK
C. G. Sauers, of Lafayette, a landscape architect, recently graduated from
Purdue, was in the city Thursday looking over the site for the proposed
playgrounds to be built by the Associated Board of Charities at Dawson park.
Mr.Sauers will soon submit to the board, plans into which he will have
incorporated the following ideas:
The grounds are to be drained and built up with cinder paths thru out. Main
attractions will be a large wading pool and sand piles for the little ones with
a base ball diamond for the older boys. He will also arrange for tennis courts
and swings, teeters and slides, things that make up the equipment of best
playgrounds in the country.
Mr. Sauers said that he was well pleased with the grounds which will not require
much grading. He said furthermore that practically the only objection he could
see to the park was the fact that it was extremely low and would have to be
drained which he thot would be an easy matter with the storm sewer and ditch on
west 13th street.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 14, 1916]
HERE'S CHANCE TO GIVE TREES TO DAWSON PARK
The idea of those trying to beautify Dawson Park is to use native trees and
shrubs. The shrubs will not be planted until fall, but trees may be transplanted
this spring if offered soon, and the young trees of the following varities are
wanted:
Four elm, two locust, two catalpa, two pin oak, two American beech, three Norway
maple, two black walnut, five red bud, seven flowering dogwood, 22 red osier
dogwood, 20 fragrant sumach, five smooth sumach, one American linden, one
European linden, one tree of Heaven and one sycamore.
The 50 maples have been offered by Dr. B. F. Dawson and will be planted soon. If
anyone can spare any of the above named trees, the committee will arrange to
transplant them without expense to giver. Prompt offers will be much
appreciated. Phone A. D. Robbins, Rev. A. S. Warriner, Mrs. Lucile Leonard, John
H. Shelton or Mrs. Arthur Metzler.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 28, 1916]
BUNK HOUSE IS NOW A MEMORY; COUNCIL DECREE
. . . . . Lucille Leonard sent an open letter to the meeting urging that the
council donate money to carry a water main to the park, build a baseball
diamond, two tennis courts, a sidewalk on the north side and complete the
shelter house. Alderman Burns said that the park was needed by the children for
a playground, asserting that it is the only vacant place in the city where the
boys can play ball. . . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 27, 1918]
[Adv] Roller Skating Rink. Open Afternoons and Evenings. Under Canvas. DAWSON
PARK.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, August 10, 1926]
DAY, GERALDINE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Wile Department Store
DAY, HAROLD [Rochester, Indiana]
See Regal Store
DAY, JOE [Akron, Indiana]
JOE DAY REFLECTS ON 93 YEARS OF CHANGE
BY ANN ALLEN
Sentinel Correspondent
Joe Day was only 10 or 11 when he took his ftrst job - weeding onions on his
hands and knees 10 hours a day for 10 cents per hour - but he's never forgotten
the lessons learned there.
"It was hot, but we didn't think anything about it," he recalled.
"Mondo (the late A.A. Gast) put his son, Bob, in charge of a bunch of us
boys. Bob felt sorry for us because it really was awfully hot. He told us if we
weeded a certain number of rows, we could take time to rest. We liked that idea,
and we really worked. We were taking it easy when Mondo drove up and demanded to
know why we were just sitting there. Bob explained that he'd told us we could
rest."
The elder Gast didn't care for that idea. He bellowed, "Rest, hcll! They
can do that after they're dead. Now get them back to work."
"I was afraid to sit down after that," Day said a few days after
observing his 93rd birthday with a community-wide celebration.
He's not Akron's oldest resident -- Willis Bowen tops him in longevity by a year
and a month - - but he's old enough to say, "I don't know how anyone could
see more changes than I have. We used to walk everywhere. Then we went by
buggies. Then we got cars. Now we have people going to the moon. We used to have
slide rules. Now we have computers.
"My family's been in this area for years," Day added. "My
great-grandfather, Jacob Embree Day, was one of the first settlers in the area.
He had six sons and lived out north of town where Norman Tinkey lives. My
grandfather was Joseph Huston Day." Tbe older of Charles E. and Alwilda Mae
Wood Day's two sons (a brother, Earl, died at the age of 62), he was named
Joseph W. Day. After attending school at Beaver Dam for three years, he has
lived in Akron ever since. His son, Richard Day, founded Day Hardware, and his
grandson, Joseph W. Day II, now owns a small tract of land north of town that
has been in the family for nearly 150 yqars.
With his roots ftrmly planted in the Akron area, Day has observed the local
scene ever since the Winona Interurban went into existence. "It's the ftrst
thing I remember," he said. "I saw it come in and I saw it go out. I
remember when they paved the street east of the library, too, because I worked
on that job.
"I always had to work," he said. "It didn't hurt me any."
Day remembers working on the railroad for two years . Another. year was spent
working at a mule farm for $30 per month. They used the mules to grade the
roads," he said. "We always did it after a rain to get the best
results.
"We used to help drive cattle to the stock yards down by the
railroad," he said. "We drove them through the streets of Rochester
one time. We rode over in a horse and buggy but we walked most of the way
back."
But, while he worked all through high school, Day still made time to play
basketball.**
"When we played Peru, we went down on the Interurban and stayed all
night," he said. "We came back the next day. It was a major trip
then."
When water damaged Akron High School's gymnasium, then located in a lower level
of the building demolished several years ago, the trustee couldn't afford to
have the gym floor redone. Day and his team mates chipped in $10 apiece to have
the floor of the Opera House leveled. "We played up there for three
years," he said.
During his senior year of high school (he graduated in 1925), Day took a job at
Rittenhouse Manufacturing Company, better known as "the shovel
factory." Said Day, "I worked there four hours a night.and five hours
on Saturday."
It was also in 1925 that Day purchased his first car, a brand new 1925 Model T
Ford with self-starter and side curtains. "I paid $410 for it," he
recalled with a chuckle.
After graduation, he moved into a full-time (55 hours per week) job that lasted
for the next 2 years and saw the company evolve into C-K-R (Carrier-Kronk-Rittenhouse)
and eventually Tru Temper Corporation. The firm moved out in the early 1950s and
the buildings became the nucleus for the present Sonoco Products Company
operation.
For the next 18 years, Day worked as a carpenter with Rex Rhodes and his crew as
they built houses as far away as Marion an Gas City. Local houses include those
now occupied by Nora Krieg, Claude Haupert, Jim Lewis, Willis Bowen, Edith
Powell and the Church of God parsonage.
During all those years Day worked at his regular job by day and as a farmer by
night. "I'd come home from the shovel factory and go to the farm," he
said. "I had six sows out there and I really enjoyed the change of
pace."
As another change of pace, Day became a custodian at the Akron school. His wife.
the late Helen Miller Day, worked with him much of the time. We always worked
together," he said. "At home, we mowed and raked together. When she
didi 't have a full-time job of her own at school, she helped me."
Day retired at 70, then, still afraid to sit down, a job as custodian at
Tippecanoe Valley High School for another seven years before finally quitting
when he was 77.
"Now I sit and think of the past a lot," he said. "I remember
when the mail came in by train three or four times a day. It was big stuff when
the Chautauqua came to town. Helen and I used to enjoy going to the Fairview and
Colonial to hear the big name bands. We weren't good dancers, but we enjoyed
dancing.
"We never had much nione3r," he added, "but we tried to live
within our means. Back when we were married (1928) men were expected to work
outside the home. Woman stayed home and cooked and canned.
"When Helen ftrat got sick, I couldn't boil water. Now I can cook pretty
well, which just goes to show what you can do if you set your mind to it."
After Helen, by then in an advanced stage of Alzheimer's, was admitted to a
nursing home the day after Day's 91 st birthday, he made daily trips to
Rochester to feed her the noon meal. Ten months after her death, he collapsed.
The diagnosis was grim enough to make Day stop driving and keep him home-bound.
His son, Dick, and other family members, which now include a
great-great-grandson, look in on him, along with little Leslie Studebaker, a
third-grader who lives next door. "She comes every morning to see if I'm up
and she comes back in the evening to see if I'm still up," he said. I'm
pretty good now. You gotta thank someone for that."
Asked what he plans to do when he hits 100, Day just laughed and said, "I
just take it one day at a time.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 2, 1998]
DAY, JOHN [Green Oak, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
John Day, steam saw mill, Green Oak, this estimable gentleman was born in Cass
County, Ind., March 13, 1850; is the son of Thomas and Anna (Martin) Day; the
former was born in Brown Couny, Ohio, in 1813, and the latter in Union County,
Ind., in 1816. The subject of our sketch came with his parents to this county in
1857; he was educated at Rochester. The event of his marriage took place
November 25, 1873, to Mary Stephey, who was born in this county May 22, 1857;
she is the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Miller) Stephey, who were natives
of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Day have been blessed with one child, Harvey L.,
born April 18, 1875. Mr. Day has been engaged in saw milling since 1872; his
mill is located on Section 34, and is first-class in all its appointments;
special attention is given to custom work. He is leader of the "Plowboys
Cornet Band," and is an enterprising, influential gentleman, commanding the
respect of all who know him.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 29]
NOTICE TO SETTLE
Having sold my stock of goods at Green Oak to John Day, I must have a full
settlement with all persons indebted to me. After sixty days my books, notes and
all accounts will be left in the hands of a Justice for collection. THOS. J.
NEW.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, July 16, 1890]
DAY, JOHN [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The John Day meat market in the North end has been sold to Richard Yoder and the
purchaser will take immediate possession.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, August 21, 1908]
DAY NURSERY [Rochesrter, Indiana]
OPENS DAY NURSERY
A most modern day nursery has been opened on the second floor of the large
two-story dwelling on the northeast corner of 13th and Jefferson avenue by Mrs.
A. Behringer, of this city. Mrs. Behringer stated that the need for such a
nursery has become most urgent due to the fact that numerous mothers are now
employed in factory or war industry work.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, April 19, 1943]
DEAD RIVER [Richland Township]
Tippecanoe river E of Old US-31.
There used to be an iron ore smelter where they refined iron ore. It was called
the "Old Forge Dam." The dam was across the river about two city
blocks up from the Dead River's outlet. There is where the water wheel and
buildings were. The slag from the smelter was dumped on what now is the island
in its low ground. They are about room size and four feet high with a lot of
weeds on them. The slag is every bit as hard as the iron it was made from.
DEAMER, GEORGE [Rochester, Indiana]
GEORGE DEAMER'S LIFE PROVES IT PAYS TO WORK
In a community like this where we see our business men every day it is seldom
that anyone stops to think about the lives of those around us and just what they
have made out of them. It is for this reason that this newspaper is happy to
give a few details of the life of George Deamer, who has only recently been
associated in business in Rochester, and who as a notary public and lawyer, duly
admitted to the bar, has come to public attention.
Mr. Deamer was born on the farm, and grew to youth without any exceptional
opportunities being offered him. He attended school as most boys did but at the
age of eighteen, after outside study, took up the profession of teaching and
continued it for nine years. He holds one among the highest state teaching
certificates issued at that time. He then left the instruction work in which he
had been very successful and entered the government railway mail service where
he applied himself far better than the average for seven years as his high
grades will prove. Then he resigned voluntarily to return to the farm where he
has been for the last twelve years and still resides and considers himself a
successful farmer.
He took the agricultural course in Richland and Newcastle Townships and so well
did he do his work that he possesses a letter from his chief, complimenting him
on the thoroughness of his work and his ability as a diplomat to get all of the
facts without encountering trouble. He then took the land appraisement in
Newcastle Township with great success. Afterwards he organized the National Farm
Loan Association in Fulton County and is the secretary at the present writing,
which organization is prospering due to his management. He is a notary public,
standing high in the community, and recently after years of study, he being of a
very studious nature, was made a member of the Fulton County bar.
Undoubtedly Mr. Deamer has had a very successful life in whatever endeavor he
has taken up and the future will bring out even more evidences of his success in
life.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, May 19, 1926]
[Adv] FEDERAL FARM LOANS. Congress has reeuced the interest on all Federal
Farm Loans to 4 1/2%, also on new loans, and made the payments easier. Loans
made in Fulton, Cass and Marshall Counties. GEORGE W. DEAMER, Secretary and
Attorney, Rochester, Indiana.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, May 3, 1933]
DEAMER & DEAMER [Rochester, Indiana]
Located downstairs at 110-1/2 E 8th; later at 109 E 9th.
Owned by George Deamer and George Deamer, Jr., attorneys and abstractors.
Later George's son, Robert Deamer, entered the business, which he and his
mother, Doris (Adamson) Deamer, continued the business of abstracting after the
death of his father in 1979.
See: Beeber Block.
DEARDORFF, GEORGE W. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From George W. Deardorff)
DEARDORFF, JAMES A. [Akron, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From James A. Deardorff)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From James A Deardorff)
DEBOLT, FRED [Rochester, Indiana]
Peru Journal.
WITH REDPATH
Fred Debolt is home from his season of vaudeville in Chicago. Mr. Debolt's fine
baritone voice is gradually winning his fame and fortune. He has been engeged
for the summer by the Redpath Chautauqua association and he is home awaiting
assignments to go on the road for that organization.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, June 24, 1913]
DeBRULER, BOB [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Bob DeBruler)
DECKARD'S GROCERY [Kewanna, Indiana]
Mark Deckard's parents ownd and operated Deckard's Grocery in Kewanna in the
1960's.
[Josiah Tomlinson Family, Mildred Tomlinson McColley, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2,
Willard]
DECKER, LEROY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] LeRoy Decker, teacher of Violin, Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar. Terms 25
cents each lesson. Instruction given at your own homes day or evening.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 11, 1899]
DECKER, OSCAR R. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
__________
[Adv] O. R. DECKER, the North End Watchmaker and Jeweler - - - - Commercial
Block.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, September 20, 1879]
REMOVAL
Mr. Oscar Decker has removed his jewelry establishment to the north room in the
two-story brick building opposite the Central House, where his many patrons will
find him with an enlarged stock of all kind of watches, clocks and jewelry.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, July 8, 1882]
OSCAR R. DECKER
Jeweler
This gentleman is proprietor of one of the best known jewelry houses in the
city. Mr. DECKER has a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details,
having worked at it for the past seventeen years, locating in Rochester in
business for himself ten years ago, and from his practical knowledge in fine
watch and jewelry repairing, and discernment in selecting those styles of
jewelry which suit the taste of the people, his trade has become a substantial
one.
He carries a very fine stock, comprising a neat and complete assortment of gold
and silver watches, clocks, and every description of jewelry, silver ware,
spectacles, fancy goods &c. Mr. Decker warrants every article, and every
guarantee is made good if the article bought is not satisfactory and just as
represented in every way. These facts are well known to our people, and have had
the result of largely increasing the patronage of this house.
Mr. Decker pays particular attention to the repairing department and turns out
nothing but first class work. He is also a first class engraver having all the
modern appliances enabling him to do his work in the most artistic manner.
His place of business is on Main street opposite Central House and we would say
to all those needing anything in his line, give Mr. Decker a call.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 29, 1888]
DECORATION DAY [Rochester, Indiana]
For Decoration Day a four-wheeled cart was placed in front of C. C. Wolf's
jewelry store for people to fill with potted flowers. The cart was taken inside
at night, and by Decoration Day it was full of lovely blooming plants. On the
morning of Decoration Day (May 30) a parade was held, led by the G.A.R. (Grand
Army of the Republic veterans) and the Rochester Citizens Band. They marched to
the I.O.O.F. cemetery and played mournful dirges all the way. They were followed
by the cart full of flowers and most of the townspeople. This was around 1910
and was an annual event for many years. [Margaret Bailey Shafer and Byron
Bailey, reported in Fulton County Folks, Vol. 1, by Shirley Willard]
__________
DECORATION DAY, 1890
Decoration Day was different this year in Rochester from those of several
preceding years, in that it was one of the brightest of the proverbial month of
flowers and sunshine. "In panegyric oratory, in patriotic song, in the
wealth of May flowers with which we bestrew their graves is expressed the deep
gratitude, the tender reverence, in which we hold the nation's defenders in its
hour of peril. It is our highest honor that the custom grows with time, that the
march of years tends to brighten rather than dim their valorous deeds, making
them a glorious heritage to be as sweeetly commemorated by generations yet to
come."
Every detail for the appropriate observance of this, America's day of patriotic
worship and reverence, had been carefully perfected by McClung Post G.A.R. At 2
o'clock the 3d Regiment Band made a parade of the streets and led a vast
multitude into the Public Square where the exercises were opened by a song by
the quartette and prayer by Past Chaplain E. J. DELP. The pupils of the public
schools then entertained the audience with patriotic songs and recitations for
twenty minutes, when the speaker of the day, Hon. Charles F. GRIFFIN, was
introduced and delivered an eloquent, patriotic and touching eulogy to our
honored dead.
The line of march was then taken up to Odd Fellows cemetery with McClung Post
G.A.R., Manitau Blues, Knights of Pythis, Knights of Maccabees, and the school
children in procession. Upon arriving at the cemetery, the grave of Comrade
Palmer COLLINS was decorated by bouquets from the hands of forty-three little
girls who represented the states in the Union. This done and all other comrades'
graves decorated the procession reformed and marched back to the city where the
people dispersed, satisfied with having again performed the pleasant and
patriotic duty of "giving honor to whom honor is due."
THE SILENT ROLL
Leonard DOWNS, Gideon TAYLOR, Peter WOLF, Chas. BRACKETT, Jno. McKITRICK, Chas.
COCHRAN, James GRAHAM, John P. MYERS, Geo. W. TRUSLOW, F. DONALDSON, Christian
NEWHOUSE, J. H. MACKEY, Henry CARTRIGHT, David MOW, Andrew J. HOLMES, Stephen
PYLE, Wilson CHERRY, Parmer COLLINS, John ROUCH, Robert WILEY, R. N. RANNELLS,
Joseph BEEBER, Benj. PATTON, A. N. PARKER, William WEIRICK, Nathan BIBLER, John
W. THOMSON, Hiram JOHNSON, Jonathan CLAY, Henry HOOVER, Chester CHAMBERLAIN,
Horace C. WILSON, Edward B. CHINN, Ira M. SWEET, Alex CHAMBERLAIN, John BOCKOVER,
Geo. Keys OWENS, A. K. PLANK, Leonard BURTON, J. R. LOVAUGH, Andrew CALHOUN, K.
ANDREWS, P. RAWDEN, Melyne MILLER, Jacob STEVENS.
CITIZENS CEMETERY
(-----) MARTIN, Jacob BARRETT, John CRIPE, H. C. ANDERSON, Hudson STILES.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, June 4, 1890]
DEEDS, DENNIS [Rochester, Indiana]
ROCHESTER MAN IS BEST AT WRESTLING
Dennis Deeds local wrestler gave patrons of the athletic show at the carnival
here a real thrill Friday evening when he bested Cyuclone Burns in a wrestling
match. After one hour to a draw, Burns and Deeds again went to the mat. After a
short struggle, Deeds secured a scissors hold on Burns and forced him to quit
and give up the match. Deeds then put on an exhibition with Jim Andorff, another
of the carnival professionals. They wrestled their bout to a draw.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 26, 1923]
"MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN"; TOPS TRACTOR SALES RECORD
In a recent issue of "Caterpillar News," official organ for the
Caterpillar Tractor Co., of Peoria, Ill., a Rochester citizen, Dennis Deeds,
tractor and road building machinery salesman, comes in for considerable
publicity, as this magazine is distributed throughout all of the United States
and Canada.
The article which was illustrated with pictures of Mr. Deeds and caricatures
concerning his salesmanship, was given a most conspicuous "spot" in
the publication and a most apropos caption: "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town."
Following we reprint the story:
"Denny Deeds, salesman for the Indiana Equipment Company, Inc., of
Indianapolis, Indiana, is being greeted in his territory and on the Kingsbury
Shell Loading plant at LaPorte, Ind., with the salutation, 'Mr. Deeds Goes to
Town.' Denny has rightfully earned this title because he really did 'go to town'
insofar as the placing of Caterpillar products on this defense project.
Lived at Site
"In the eleven years that Denny has worked in his none too fertile
territory, what business there was, Denny always managed to get. Late in
September came the rumor that the government intended to construct a National
Defense Project at LaPorte. The rumor soon became fact and Denny practically
lived at the proposed site, contacting army officials and contractors who
contemplated building on the project. One of the contractors who Denny 'haunted'
was Bates and Rogers. Working with them, he laid out plans for doing the job
with Caterpillar equipment. When Bates and Rogers received the award as general
contractor for the project, they purchased from Denny a total of 20 tractors,
four motor graders; two D-4s; 16 scrapers; 11 bulldozers; five angledozers and
four rooters.
"When H. Bairstow Co. moved in on the job as sub-contractor, Denny was
successful in getting their orders for two D-7s, six D-8s, one rooter and two
scrapers. Also on the project are three compressors, two rollers, eleven shovels
and draglines, all powered with Caterpillar Diesel engines.
Sales Pass Million Mark
"The total aggregate of the sales closed by Mr. Deeds on the National
Defense project amount to well over one million dollars.
"Thus, thanks to preliminary selling, weeks of living on the job before it
broke, discouragement and wonder, Denny so completely sold Caterpillar for this
project that not a single piece of competitive equipment has been purchased. The
Indiana Eqipment Co. has supported Denny's efforts by supplying resident
servicemen on the project and emergency parts stock."
__________
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Deeds reside in their year-around lake home on the west
banks of Lake Manitou. His sales territory embraces 16 Northern Indiana
counties.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 26, 1941]
DEEDSVILLE, INDIANA [Miami County]
The Deedsville creamery seems to be doing a good business after having been
closed all summer until just recently.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 2, 1908]
DEEDSVILLE
Macy Monitor.
Harry J. See, the enterprising hardware merchant of Deedsville, has purchased
the general store of W. C. Hustin at that place, and will combine the two stores
in his present place of business.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 6, 1908]
N.I.P. CO. SEEKS RIGHT TO BUY DEEDSVILLE PLANT
Indianapolis, Ind., June 21. (I.N.S.) - The Northern Indiana Power Co., an
Insull interest, and the Deedsville Electric Co. has filed a petition with the
Public Service Commission asking for authority for the Northern Indiana Co. to
purchase the Deedsville Company for $6,000.
The Deedsville Co. serves about 75 customers in Miami and Fulton counties
according to the owners, F. L. and W. H. Longstretch.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 21, 1928]
FIRE AT DEEDSV ILLE STARTED BY LIGHTNING
The Rochester fire department was called to Deedsville fifteen miles southeast
of Rochester at 1:50 o'clock Tuesday morning when fire which followed a severe
rain and electrical storm destroyed three buildings and damaged two others with
an estimated loss of from $40,000 to $50,000.
No one was injured. For a time, however, the entire community of 150 persons was
threatened by the blaze. The town has no fire fighting equipment of its own but
departments from Peru and Denver with the local one succeeded in checking the
flames. Fire Chief Claude Rouch was in charge of the detail of firemen from
Rochester.
The fire started when lightning struck the Ermo Brown general store shortly
after 1:30 o'clock, and quickly spread to a hardware store operated by James
Hutchinson and the See & Son feed store. All three establishments were
totally destroyed. The town post office is located in the Ermo Brown store. A
restaurant operated by Walter Bank and the residence of Harry See, one of the
operators of the feed store, were damaged by the flames before they were brought
under control.
The business houses and the residence are located west of the Nickel Plat
railroad tracks in Deedsville which tracks practically divide the town. The
stores were located on the south side of the main street in Deedsville which is
a part of Road 16. Mr. Brown was engaged in business at Perrysburg for a number
of years and purchased the store at Deedsville about one month ago. Deputy State
Fire Marshal Hindle of this city was called today and went to Deedsville to make
an investigation of the fire.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, April 2, 1940]
DEEDSVILLE BUILDINGS TO BE REPLACED SOON
Reconstruction of three of four buildings destroyed in the recent $25,000 fire
at Deedsville is promised by owners of the buildings razed by the flames. Two
are to be rebuilt on the sites of the former buildings while a third will be
constructed across the railroad tracks, near the elevator.
The Odd Fellows are drawing plans for reconstruction of their building and lodge
hall on the corner lot of that razed business section. Likewise J. B. Hutchens
will rebuild the general store on the same site occupied by the former one.
See and Son, however, will rebuild on a site alongside the elevator, east of the
old site and across the railroad tracks from the former business block.
The fire which destroyed four business buildings, damaged two others and a
residence was caused by a bolt of lightning early on Monday morning, April 1.
Fire departments from Denver, Rochester and Peru confined their efforts to
saving other nearby buildings as the four structures in the business block were
beyond saving when they arrived.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, April 13, 1940]
DEEMER, ALMON V. [Leiters Ford, Indiana]
See: Patents and Inventions
DEFENSE ENROLLMENT [Fulton County]
See: World War II
__________
VETERANS WILL FILL OUT BLANKS IN REGISTRATION
Registration of World War veterans in Fulton county has been started by the
three American Legion posts in the county located at Akron, Kewanna and
Rochester. Questionnaire blanks have been received and an effort will be made to
enroll all ex-service men as a phase of the national defense program.
Brant McKee, commander of LeRoy Shelton American Legion post has received a
number of printed questionnaires from the state department at Indianapolis as
have the commanders of the other two posts in Fulton county. The program is
nation-wide in scope and has the official endorsementof the three Fulton county
posts, state department, national headquarters, the federal government and
allied agencies, Mr. McKee said.
Call At Legion Home
World War veterans are asked to call at the Legion Home in Rochester, located at
the [NE] corner of Thirteenth and Madison streets, to fill out in detail the
questionnaires. The same can be done at the home of Commander McKee, 713 1/2
Main street, or at the office of Frank Hubbard, adjutant of LeRoy Shelton post
in the Dyche Motors, Inc., at the [SW] corner of Main and Sixth streets.
Similar enrollments can be made with post officers at either Akron or Kewanna.
The registration is to close on February 22 on which day a man will be detailed
at the Rochester Legion Home to assist any ex-service man in filling out his
questionnaire.
The questionnaires are to detail present activities and capacity served during
the World War of veterans co-operating in the program so they may be classified
as to occupational activities and to obtain records in event of any national
emergency. Numerous key positions in the national defense program are at present
open and the records will permit officials to fill vacancies or positions when
and if the need arises.
Made In Triplicate
The questionnaires are to be made out in triplicate with one copy to be retained
by the local post, a second to be mailed to the state department at
Indianapolis, and the third to national headquarters.
Enrollment is voluntary with no obligation on the part of any World war veteran,
it was pointed out, the registration being made merely to serve as a guide in
the event of national emergency.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, February 7, 1941]
START REGISTRATION OF ALL WORLD WAR VETERANS
Voluntary registration of American Legion members and unaffiliated World War
veterans has been started here as a part of a nation wide movement to enable the
nation's leadership to make a complete inventory of the manpower, experience and
special training represented by war veterans.
Posts of the American Legion in Kewanna, Fulton and Rochester are assisting in
this work. Any Rochester veteran can obtain help in filling his questionnaire by
applying to Brant McKee, commander of LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post or to
Frank Hubbard, adjutant of the local post, whose offices are in the Dyche
Motors, Inc.
"This is a summons for possible important service to our nation whom we
served as young men in 1917-18," declared Mr. McKee today. "I feel
certain that every Legionnaire and war veterans generally will welcome this
opportunity of perhaps doing another bit for their country. We do not expect to
be called for active militar service. Most of us are beyond age. But there are
many home defense duties to perform.
"I urge every Legionnaire and other interested World War veterans in this
community to register before Feb. 22. If you are going to be out of town on that
date, fill out your questionnaire before you leave. It is a patriotic duty, and
we of the American Legion have never shirked out duty, or lagged in our
participation. The time has come again when we may be called upon once more to
stand up for America, and I am sure every Legionniare in this community is
ready."
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 12, 1941]
WORLD WAR VETS ASKED TO ANSWER 28 QUERIES
Twenty-eight questions are being asked of World War veterans who are voluntarily
registering with members of LeRoy Shelton Post of the American Legion, for
possible national defense service, Commander Brant McKee said today. The
nation-wide registration which started several days ago will be brought to a
close Saturday.
One significant question will not be asked, however, Commander McKee said. That
question is that of the registrant's age. The Legion does not want to know how
old its members or the World War veterans are, bacause there is no longer any
restriction of age in a citizen's sharing in national defense. Thereby hangs a
grim story - "total war has virtually eliminated the age in national
defense," the commander said.
Experience Listed
Some of the questions asked of World War veterans relate to whether the
registrant can speak any foreign language, had any police, fire department or
intelligence experience, names and addresses, whether naturalized or
native-born, whether married, number of dependents, education, the branch of
former war service, present (if any) military or naval status, present
occupation, number of years spent in present vocation, general physical
condition.
An important question is boxed in the center of the registration form. It is an
inquiry whether the registrant believes he will be able to answer to any call
for immediate service, for general army service anywhere, restricted service in
home community only, or on part-time or full-time basis.
Demand For Skilled
Commander Brant McKee pointed out that men and women skilled in trades now are
in demand in national defense industries irrespective of age. "Factories
and shops are reported to be hiring trained men today in some cases who are past
70 years of age. This is especially true in machine, mechanical and metal
trades."
The Legion's national defense questionnaire lists 67 special trades and
vocations which each registrant is asked to check. If the registrant's trade is
not listed, he should write it in, the commander advised.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 19, 1941]
LEGION AUXILIARY TO COLLECT SERVICE DATA
Mrs. Roland Smith, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, has received
blanks for emergency voluntary service. This is along the same lines as the work
completed in the American Legion a few weeks ago.
"The purpose of this registration," as outlined by the National
Auxiliary, "is to gather complete information as to the capabilities and
availability of auxiliary members for emergency service to the community and
nation, in order that we may respond quickly and effctively to any call for
service."
Application blanks may be secured from Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Hugh Holman,unit
secretary, who are compiling information. March 15th is the date selected by
National headquarters for the signing of this Emergency Voluntary Service
Questionnaire. All members of the American Legion Auxiliary are eligible to
serve their community and nation in this way.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, March 13, 1941]
DELANEY, WILLLIAM J. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
__________
INDIANAPOLIS HOTEL SOLD TO ROCHESTER MAN
Purchase of the Dearborn, a 10-story East side hotel at East Michigan and
Dearborn streets, Indianapolis, was announced last night by Will J. Delaney,
Rochester hotel operator.
The building, real estate and hotel equipment were sold to Mr. Delaney for an
undisclosed sum by the Maryland Casualty Company, which has operated the
establishment the last several years. The deal was arranged through Claude
Sifferlen, agent for the company.
The hotel, which has 66,000 square feet of floor space, was erected 14 years
ago. Mr. Delaney will serve as owner-proprietor of the business. He has been
associated with the Barrett Hotel in Rochester the last seven years.
In addition to 66 residence rooms, the hotel has facilities for public meetings,
wholesalers' and convention displays and a full-sized gymnasium. The public
rooms, all on the lower floors of the building, include a lodge hall, ballroom
and dining room.
Plans Coffee Shop
Mr. Delaney said a coffee shop would be operated in connection with the hotel.
The building is fireproof and of modern type construction.
All residence rooms in the building are outside rooms and above the fifth floor.
Contracts for redecorating of the hotel's interior and refurnishing of part of
the rooms will be let within a few days, Mr. Delaney said.
A former resident of Indianapolis, Mr. Delaney is a graduate of Arsenal
Technical High School and is affiliated with Pentalpha Lodge, F. and A. M. and
the Scottiish Rite there. He also is a member of the Shrine at Fort Wayne and
the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity chapter of Franklin College. He is a son-in-law
of Postmaster and Mrs. Hugh McMahan.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, July 22, 1939]
DELANEYS SELL DEARBORN HOTEL IN INDIANAPOLIS
Mr. and Mrs. Will Delaney, former managers of the Barrett hotel of this city,
yesterday announced the sale of their 10-story Dearborn Hotel, 3208 East
Michigan street, Indianapolis, to James I. Barnes and his seven daughters of
Logansport.
The Delaneys acquired the Indianapolis hotel 14 months ago at which time the
Barrett Hotel here was taken over by Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McMahan.
The Barnes interests assumed active management of the Dearborn hotel Wednesday.
The purchase price was not disclosed. Mr. Barnes' daughters are Mrs. Lucille
Drumpp, Mrs. Doris B. Hillis, Mrs. Emily Studebaker, Mrs. Clara Medland, Misses
Betty and Virginia Barnes, all of Logansport, and Mrs. Marjorie Sparling of
North Carolina.
Mr. and Mrs. Delaney and their three children are making plans to soon take up
their residency in the vicinity of Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Delaney will be
associated with the McMahan Furniture company of California, which firm operates
a chain of furniture stores in that state.
Mr. Delaney is a son-in-law of Postmaster Hugh G. McMahan, of this city.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, August 29, 1940]
WILLIAM J. DELANEY BUYS FURNITURE CO.
Will J. Delaney of Rochester, son-in-law of Hugh McMahan, local postmaster, has
purchased a furniture store in Michigan City. Before going to California several
years ago, where he was in the furniture business, Mr. Delaney was manager of
the Barrett hotel, now the Arlington hotel.
Following is a recent clipping from the Michigan City newspaper:
"Will J. Delaney, Rochester, Ind., has purchased the Pearson Furniture
store at 325 Franklin, and will hold a grand opening sale Friday, it was
announced today.
"Mr. Delaney has had wide experience in the furniture business and for some
time was associated with a group of furniture stores in California. These
affiliations will help him in stocking his store here.
"The store, which was opened by Pearson in April, 1942, will handle as the
situation permits, household furnishings and appliances. When they are available
the merchandise will include radios, washing machines, irons and other
appliances.
"The store will be known as the Delaney Furniture Co. Mr. Delaney has moved
his family to this city, and they now live in Long Beach."
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, September 11, 1944]
DELIVAN SANITARY MEAT & FISH MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW MEAT MARKET HOLDS OPEN HOUSE, FRIDAY EVE.
The Delivan sanitary meat and fish market located in the Robbins room directly
north of the Coffee shop will hold an open house friday evening from seven until
ten o'clock to which the people of Rochester and community are invited.
The proprietor stated that coffee, sandwiches and ice cream would be served free
to all who visit the store, and hundreds of novelty balloons will be given away
to the kiddies. - - - -
The new market which is one of the most attractive in the city will be open for
patrons Saturday morning, September 28th.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, September 26, 1929]
DELONG, INDIANA [Aubbeenaubbee Township]
FIRE AT DELONG
Our Delong correspondent writes us as follows: At 3 o'clock yesterday morning
the entire stock of general merchandise of J. A. Young and his household goods
was destroyed by fire. Fire had made such headway when discovered that the
family had just time to escape, and were able to save nothing. It is almost a
total loss, as there was but little insurance.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 6, 1896]
DELONG SCHOOL HOUSE CONTRACT
The contract letting for the construction of a brick school house at Delong,
last Saturday, resulted in the following sealed bidding for the building
complete.
J. W. Long, $1348.00; J. E. Ault, $1299.00; J. J. Hill, $1,350; Hill & Ault,
$1249.25; C. W. Reish, $1355.00; Geo. T. Paulissen, $1167.50.
Mr. Paulissen's bid being the lowest, trustee Ginther awarded him the contract
and he gave bond for the faithful performance of the work.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, July 16, 1897]
DR. HOWELL AND STORE
Dr. J. Q. Howell, a pioneer newspaper man of Indiana, founder of the SENTINEL,
Plymouth Tribune and six or seven other Indiana papers, is now a resident of
DeLong, and there conducts a drug store, hotel for transcient trade, and
practices at his profession.
The drug store is well stocked with all kinds of drugs, roots, herbs, compounds,
patent medicines of the reliable makes, drug sundries and physician's and
surgeon's supplies. A fine line of cigars is always to be found here as well as
tobaccos of all kinds. The prescription department, conducted by Dr. Howell, is
an excellent place to have formulas filled with accuracy. The Doctor has been
located at DeLong for about ten years, and as an accommodation to the traveling
public has opened his home as a hootel, where finely cooked meals can always be
had, and comfortable beds to sleep in.
The Doctor's store is well patronized and the proprietor is a fine old man for
whom everyone has a kindly feeling.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, July 21, 1905]
DELONG
Delong is on a boom. Mr. Williams of Ora, has put in a meat market in the lower
end of town, and Susie Zimmer is the proprietress of the new livery stable.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 27, 1905]
GEORGE ADE AT DELONG
George Ade, the world famous funny man and playwright was at Delong with a party
of fishermen, Thursday and they launched boats there to float down the
Tippecanoe and fish. This is the first trip on the Tippecanoe made by Mr. Ade
and the whole party enjoyed the beautiful scenery more than they did the
fishing.
Mr. Ade's home is at Kentland and he is said to be a typical Hoosier, tall and
well built rather handsome and about forty years old. Of late he has made so
much money that he has trouble to spend it. He and Will Kent, who owns pretty
near all of Newton county and who is with the party are fresh from Egypt and
they find more pleasure along the Tippecanoe than they did floating down the
sluggish Nile.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, July 27, 1906]
DELONG
Monterey Sun.
The Monterey base ball team defeated the Delong team Sunday, at Delong, by a
score of 9 to 1.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 21, 1906]
DR. HOWELL SELLS OUT
Dr. J. C. Howell has sold his hotel and residence property at Delong and will
move back to his former home in Kewanna. In speaking of his return, the Kewanna
Herald says:
"His many friends hereabout are glad to have him again as a resident. He
will surely be missed at Delong, where he was druggist, doctor, landlord,
Justice of the peace, merchant, marrying squire, telephone agent, legal advisor
and politician. He is prominently known throughout this section and besides his
other numerous virtues he has the unique distinction of having started the first
newspaper in Wabash, Marshall and Fulton counties in the days when a print shop
outfit could easily be moved on one wagon."
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, March 15, 1909]
DELONG
Really, Delong is a railroad town. It can boast of two railroads; we get seven
mails a day, eleven section laborers, four operators, one station agent, one car
inspector, two interlock men, three brakemen and one rural mail delivery.
The correspondent doesn't say whether the trains stop there, though.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, November 2, 1911]
Harlen Moore and wife are the new proprietors of the Jordon restaurant here,
Mr. Jordon having moved back to his farm. - - - DELONG ITEMS.
Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, September 10, 1914]
CALUMET POWER CO. WILL LIGHT TOWN OF DELONG
Mr. A. W. Smith, a representative of the Calumet Light and Power Co., of Gary,
was in Delong this week making arrangements to furnish light and power to the
citizens of Delong.
He met with fine success and it is the intention of his company to start work in
a short time and have their lines in before freezing weather sets in. This will
give citizens of Delong good lights for the long winter evenings, with a
possibility of some street lights.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, October 27, 1925]
DELONG SOON WILL GET ELECTRIC LIGHT SERVICE
Word has been received last week from the Northern Indiana Public Service Co.
that as soon as the weather permitted, the work will begin on bringing light,
heat and power from their lines to Delong.
Electric lamps have bee installed on the parking ground at the M.E. church at
Leiters Ford.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Friday, February 19, 1926]
CLOSE DELONG DEPOT
Beginning Jan. 1 there will be no agent at the depot at Delong, Pennsy officials
have announced. Telegraph operators will do the work hereafter. No word has been
forthcoming as to where H. N. Blair, present agent, will go when the order takes
effect.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 15, 1927]
NEW STORE
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Walle, who recently moved to Delong fromElgin, Ill., are
opening a new store in the building vacated by A. D. Toner.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, May 16, 1932]
FULTON REGAL STORE
Mr. And Mrs. Delbert Jordan of Delong took over the management of the Regal
Store in Fulton Monday. The store has been operated for some time by Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Austin of Burlington. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan formerly owned and operated
a store in Delong.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 7, 1940]
__________
Located at 900W and approximately 575N, at the intersection of the Erie and
Pennsylvania railroads.
Marshland was originally platted in 1884 by William Kelsey, with 29 lots and
five streets: Washington, Madison, Indiana, Fulton and Wilson.
Benjamin Good was appointed postmaster Sept. 26, 1884. There was already a town
named Marshland, so the name was changed to Delong on February 20, 1894, named
after a Mr. Delong, the first railroad agent.
The post office was in the first store, located SW of the raildroad
intersection, across the street from the depot.
In 1896 children attended a one-room school one-half mile SE of Delong. Later, a
two-room brick school was built in Delong. This was replaced in 1916 by a
two-story brick building, which was abandoned in 1945, and the children went to
the new Leiters Ford school.
[Bruce Lake and Delong, Shirley Willard, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
DELONG POST OFFICE [Delong, Indiana]
Located at the intersection of Erie and Pennsylvania Railroads, 5.8 miles S of
Culver and 3.9 miles SE of Monterey.
[F.C.H.S. Files]
DELONG POSTMASTERS [Delong, Indiana]
Benj. F. Good, Sept 26, 1884. William H. Vankirk, Oct 1, 1892.
[NOTE: The name has been spelled De Long. Now changed to Delong]
NB May 16, 1895. Wm. Heeter, Feb 20, 1894. M. O. Feb 14, 1898, Oct 25, 1897,
William H. VanKirk.
William H. VanKirk., Oct 25 1897. N.B May 26 19[??] ---- May 19, 1904. Lloyd V.
Robinson, June 7, 1909.
Albert D. Toner, Jan 27, 1916. (Act) July 12 1922.
Leslie E. Wolfe, confirmed Sept 22, 1922 commission signed, Oct 2, 1922, assumed
charge Oct 2, 1922, Deceased Mar 29, 1935.
Mrs. Eva Davidson, Act P.M. Apr 16, 1935, assumed charge Apr 8, 1935.
Byron Mahler, confirmed Sept 11, 1936, declined, appt rescinded Jan 4, 1937.
Mrs. Eva Davidson, confirmed Aug 4, 1937, commission signed Aug 13, 1937,
assumed charge Aug 18, 1937.
Mrs. Eva Reinholt (name changed by court decree from Eva Davidson May 13, 1936)
Mrs. Eva R. Jones (name changed by marriage from Eva Reinhold March 20, 1941)
[F.C.H.S. Files]
DELP, ED [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] ATWATER KENT RADIO Complete! - - - ED DELP, Char-BEll Theatre Building,
Shop Phone 89.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, December 19, 1928]
DELP, J. W. [Rochester, Indiana]
J. W. DELP
Meat Market
There is no business that requires more careful looking after, for its
successful prosecution, than that of dealer in fresh meats. Men in this business
who look after their affairs, buy nothing but the best of stock, and give good
weights, are a blessing to the community. Such a firm we have in this city. We
refer to the above named gentleman, [J. W. DELP].
His shop is a model of neatness, and in order, everything is scrupulously neat
and clean, and everything about his establishment has an air of cleanliness. The
refrigerator is one of the best makes, keeping meats in splendid shape no matter
what the condition of the weather may be.
So the steaks and roasts, bought at his shhop are always tender and juicy, and
the sausage and bologna of his make are as fine as can be obtained in the city.
Mr. Delp carries a good stock of dried and salt meats, curing the same himself,
so you can always rely on getting the best that can be obtained. In fact, this
gentleman keeps a market that does credit to the town.
Mr. Delp makes a point of buying fat stock of all kinds, and farmers having the
same to sell will advance their own interest by calling on this gentleman before
selling elsewhere.
Mr. Delp was born and raised in this county, and is too well and favorably known
to need further comment at our hands, we heartily commend him to the public,
knowing as we do, that persons dealing with him will get the best the market
affords and receive full value for their money.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 29, 1888]
DELP TAXI [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv. - Announcement!!!! I am prepared to render Taxi Service evenings and
Sundays and respectfully solicit your patronage. Stand - Dawson & Coplen's
corner. Ed. Delp. Home Telephone 215-02]
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 4, 1923]
DELUX ICE CREAM SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
DELUX ICE CREAM SHOP OPENS SATURDAY, JUNE 11
An attractive new business concern opens in the Brackett building, 715 Main
street, Saturday, June 11th. The new business will be operated under the name of
the DeLux Ice Cream Shop, and will feature ice cream, fountain drinks, dainty
sandwiches, confections and other good things.
The shop will be operated by Louis Bernero and his son, Louis, Jr., who come
here from Argos. The elder Bernero has had years of experience in the ice cream
and confectionery business, and several years ago he was associated with Florian
Dovichi in the confectionery and wholesale business in this city.
The DeLux Shop will manufacture its own ice cream in a newly installed Taylor
Automatic Freezer which freezes five gallons in a little less than 10 minutes.
The entire interior of the new store has been remodeled and redecorated and
presents a neat inviting appearance with its attractively arranged tables and
counters. An advertisement announcing the opening of the new shop appears
elsewhere in this issue of The News-Sentinel.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, June 10, 1938]
DEMOCRACY [Richland Township]
The Democracy of Fulton County assembled at the Court House in Rochester on
Saturday last, and organized by appointing Dr. Finley Stevens, of Richland
Township, President, Wm. Gregson and Henry S. Sutley, Vice Presidents, and A. J.
Holmes and J. J. Davis, Secretaries.
. . . Alvin L. Robbins . . . was declared duly nominated for Recorder; John
McConnehey for Commissioner; Hugh Bowman for Surveyor; and Samuel Ball for
Coroner.
Resolution adopted on moton of Dr. E. Nelson Banks.
The President then appointed the delegates to the State Convention as follows:
WAYNE: Wm. Elliott, James McGaughey, James Smith; UNION: John Skelton, Peter
Bixler, James Richey; AUBBEENAUBBEE: John Leiter, H. S. Sutley, Gideon Wolf;
LIBERTY: A. B. Fairbanks, John McConnehey, A. J. Sutton; ROCHESTER: H. W. Mann,
M. L. Minor, B. Lawhead; RICHLAND, Dr. F. Stevens, Wm. Sturgeon, B. A. Eidson;
HENRY: E. N. Banks, I. Pontious, R. M. Shields; NEWCASTLE: J. P. Collins Peter
Sanns, C. Montgomery.
The following gentlemen were appointed as the Central Committee for the ensuing
year, viz: A. H. Robbins, B. Lawhead, A. J. Holmes, J J. Davis, N. G. Shaffer,
John Skelton, Dr. Stevens, Dr Banks and R. M. Shields.
After which Hon. Cyrus L Dunham came forward and gave one of his good humored,
logical speeches whereby he entertained them for the space of an hour and a
half, which was well received by the audience . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 27, 1859]
At a Mass Meeting of the Democracy of Fulton County, pursuant to a call of
the Central Committee of said county, the Convention was organized by calling
Wm. McMahan to the Chair, and I. Wakler was chosen Secretary.
On motion of A. H. Robbins a committee of eight persons one from each Township,
was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting as to
instructing the delegates to the approaching State Convention. The committee
consisted of the following gentlemen: Hugh Miller, E. N. Banks, John W. Davis,
Jesse Klinger, R. Johnson, Henry Krouse, F. Stevens and S. W. Julian.
During the absence of this committee the Convention was entertained by remarks
from A. H. Robbins and others, upon the political topics of the day.
The committee reported and the following Resolutions were adopted: . . . .
The following volunteer resolutions were offered and adopted: by H. Miller,
Resolved, That . . . By A. H. Robbins, Resolved, That . . . By N. G. Shaffer,
Resolved, That . . . By A. J. Holmes, Resolved That . . .
The delegates heretofore elected to the State Convention met as a Committee and
selected the following gentlemen as delegates to cast the vote of Fulton County
in the State Convention on the 11th inst: E. N. Banks, B. Lawhead and H. W. Mann
. . . . Wm McMahan, Ch'n., I. Walker, Sec'y.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 14, 1860]
Democratic Meetings. A meeting of the Democratic Central Committee of Fulton
County was held at the Sentinel office on Wednesday evening May 9, 1860. Members
of the Committee in attendance: B. Lawhead, A. J. Holmes, A. H. Robbins, N. G.
Shaffer and J. J. Davis.
A. H. Robbins was elected Chairman, and J. J. Davis was chosen Secretary of the
Committee. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting to be the consideration
of means to organize more perfectly the Party throughout the County by the
formation of Democratic Clubs in the several townships.
On motion of A. J. Holmes a committee of three was appointed to draft a
Constitution and By Laws for Democratic Club in Rochester Township to report
tomorrow evening. The Chairman appointed A. F. Smith, B. Lawhead and N. G.
Shaffer said committee.
On motion of Mr. Lawhead it was Resolved, that the Central Committee appoint a
committee of five in each of the remaining townships to organize similar clubs
as early as possible. The committees consist of the following gentlemen: WAYNE:
Thos Decker, Jacob Showley, R. T. Beattie, Jacob Henderson and D. H. Rush.
UNION: John Skelton, B. Stamm, A. T. Jackson, A. D. Toner and Thos. H. Hust.
AUBBEENAUBBEE: Chas. Brugh, F. Stephens, Thos. King, John Leiter and John
Henderson. LIBERTY: A. B. Fairbanks, John McConnehey, Robt. Aitken, Geo. Goss
and James Martin. RICHLAND: D W. Jones, B. Eidson, Wm. Sturgeon, Geo. McGuire
and Morris Blodgett. HENRY: W. Ball, Robt. M. Shields, Isaac Puntious, E. N.
Banks and Jas. Russell. NEWCASTLE: Peter C. Dumbauld, Geo. Stockberger, J. C.
Dille, J. P. Collins and Peter Sanns.
The Committee then adjourned to meet at the Sentinel office tomorrow (Thursday)
evening to organize a Democratic Club for this Township.
A. H. Robbins, Ch'n. J. J. Davis, Sec'y. Rochester, May 9, 1860.
--- Rochester Township. Pursuant to the adjournment on Wednesday evening the
Democracy assembled on Thursday evening at the Sentinel office, for the purpose
of forming a Democratic Club when Dr. A. H. Robbins was called to the Chair and
W. W. Shuler appointed as Secretary.
. . . The undersigned a committee appointed at a previous meeting of the
Democracy for the purpose of submitting a constitution and bye laws for the
government of a Democratic Club to be organized in the Township of Rochester,
beg leave to report the following . . .
The same was then read by section and unanimously adopted. After which it was
subscribed to by the following persons: A. F. Smith, A. H. Robbins, V. O'Donell,
H. W. Mann, A. H. McDonald, I. Walker, N. G. Shaffer, A. Netcher, T. Montgomery,
I. Good, J. Davis, J. Jacobs, H. Bowman, D. McKee, W. H. Hatch, O. Baker, M. L.
Miner, John Miller, B. Lawhead, C. L. White, E. Weedon, J. E. MaCarthy, M. Fogle,
J. J. Davis, A. J. Holman, W. Osgood, G. P. Anderson, W. W. Shuler, E. Hunt, W.
Alexander, H. LeSeur, J. Crist, C. Lawrence, Jesse Shields, O. P. Osgood, A. M.
Ward, A. S. Ward, W. A. Ward, E. Rose, Wm. Spencer, D. R. Pershing, Wm. Wallace,
J. Kewney, F. Kewney, D. Young, S. Wagner, Dr. M. Danziger, A Renbarger, L.
Metzger, Geo. Renbarger, Robt. Wallace, Lieuwellen McClure, J. Hoppe, F. Sturken,
A. L. Robbins, Silas Miller.
The following officers were then elected for the ensuing year: A. F. Smith,
Persident. N. G. Shaffer, 1st Vice President. A. J. Holmes, 2d Vice President.
J. J. Davis, Corresponding Sec'y. . . I. Walker, Recording Sec'y. H W. Mann,
Treasurer.
The Chair then appointed the following named persons as an Executive Committee:
B. Lawhead, A. H. Robbins, W. W. Shuler, M. L. Miener and Wm. Osgood.
. . . A. F. Smith, Pres't. W. W. Shuler Sec'y.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 12, 1860]
Richland Tp. Hickory Club. The Democracy of Richland Township assembled at
Centre School House on Saturday, May 19, and organized a Democratic Club for the
Township. After adopting the Constitution of the Hickory Club . . . the
following officers were elected. . .: Frederick Packer, President. Morris
Blodget, Vice President. Benjamin Brook, Vice President. J. E. Bonewith,
Recording Secy. Wm. Sturgeon, Corresponding Secy. D. W. Jones, Treasurer. Wm.
Sturgeon, B. A. Eidson, Samson Cole, E. Miler, Geo. McGuire and Wm. Dudgeon,
Executive Committee.
. . . the following gentlemen were called for and came forward and made some
remarks: A. J. Holmes, Dr. A. H. Robbins, N. G. Shaffer, M. L. Miner . . .
adjourned to meet on the 16th of June at 2 o'clock p.m. Fred Packer, Pres't. J.
E. Bonewits, Sec'y.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 26, 1860]
Democratic Meetings. Pursuant to previous notice the Democracy of Wayne
Township, assembled at their usual place of holding elections on Saturday, the
9th inst.
On Motion A. W. Elliott was chosen Chairman, and J. Q. Howell, Secretary.
. . . The Club then elected the following officers: A. W. Elliott, President.
James Ware, 1st Vice President. R. T. Beattie, 2d Vice President. J. Q. Howell,
Recording Sec'y. S. W. Julian, Corresponding Sec'y. Jacob Hendrickson Treasurer.
On motion, the Chair appointed an Executive Committee consisting of five as
follows: Thos. Whalen, Edwin Barker, Jas. Humes, Geo. H. Porrs and Isaiah Smith
. . .
Mr. I. Walker was then called upon, and came forward and addressed the meeting,
after which A. J. Holmes, upon being called, responded in a short but sound
speech.
A. W. Elliott, Pres't. J. Q. Howell, Sec'y.
--- The Democrats of Henry Township met on the 9th inst., for the purpose of
organizing a Democratic Club for said Township.
Wm. P. Ball, R. M. Shields and Isaac Pontious were appointed a committee to
draft a Constitution and by laws to be submitted to the people at our next
meeting.
The following gentlemen were elected permanent officers of the Club: James
Russell, President. Isaac Puntions, Vice President. C. F. Harter, Secretary. R.
M. Shields, Treasurer.
An Executive Committee of five was appointed as follows: W. P. Ball, Isaac
Pontious, R. M. Shields, Wm. Kindy and John Ross.
The Club adjourned to meet on Saturday next at 5 o'clock p.m.
Jas. Russell, Pres't. C. F. Harter, Sec'y.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 16, 1860]
Richland Hickory Club. . . met at Centre School House, Friday, the 29th of
June, 1860.
The meeting was called to order by President Packer, and . . . by acclimation
the following gentlemen were appointed and duly instructed as delegates to the
County Convention: M. Blodgett, D. Jones, C. J. Clinger. F. Packer, Pres't. J.
E. Bonewitz, Sec'y.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, July 7, 1860]
At a meeting of the Democarcy of Newcastle township, held at King's School
house on the evening of August 1st, 1860, Jacob Stockberger was chosen chairman
and Michael Perschbaugher Secretary . . . Resolved, That we have a general
Democratic rally, at the Four Corners, near the residence of Jacob Stockberger,
and Jeremiah Whaley, on Thursday, August 16th., at one o'clock p.m., and that we
cordially invite the Democracy of Marshall and Fulton counties to participate
with us.
Resolved, That we will raise a pole over one hundred feet high, and procure a
flag for the same inscribed Douglas & Johnson.
Resolved, that we invite Dr. A. H. Robbins, our candidate for Representative,
Hon. Hugh Miller, and other speakers to address the meeting . . . Jacob
Stockberger, Pres. Michael Perschbaucher, Secy.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 4, 1860]
There will be a Democratic Mass Meeting at Pleasant Grove, in Union township,
on Saturday, September 1st, 1860. Speaking will commence at 10 o'clock a.m. Hon.
R. P. Effinger, District Elector for the Ninth District, Hon. Hugh Miller, and
other speakers will address the meeting.
A Hickory Pole will be raised at the same time and place. The Rochester Brass
Band has been engaged for the occasion . . .
--- The Democracy of Green Oak and vicinity have determined to raise a hickory
pole at that place on Saturday, the 8th day of September, 1860, at 10 o'clock
a.m. R. P. Effinger, Esq., of Miami County, Hon. Hugh Miller, and others, have
been invited, and will address the meeting . . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 25, 1860]
On Thursday night last the ever active Democracy of Henry township held one
of their old fashioned meetings at Sheet's School House. Dave Zartman was there
with all his assistant drummers and fifers, and the Belts -- who does not know
the Belts, with their shrill fifes, and thundering drums, who can, when called
on in the old Democratic cause, make more noise in the world than almost any
other set of fellows of their size? The Belts were there, and besides them all
the Democracy of the "region round about." The spacious house was
jammed full and the windows blocked by the crowd outside. N. G. Shaffer and Dr.
E. N. Banks addressed the meeting. Nels was in good trim, and held forth for
near two hours to one of the most attentive crowds ever addressed. Dr. Banks
followed in a pertinent and forcible speech, eliciting much applause from the
audience. The meeting broke up with three deafening cheers for the Democracy of
the Union, and the thunder of the martial bands in their progress homeward made
the woods echo for miles around. Hurrah for Henry Township!
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, September 1, 1860]
Resolutions of the Democracy of Richland Township . . . drafted by D. W.
Jones, Benjamin Brooke, B. A. Eidson, Wm. Sturgeon and F. Packer . . . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, August 7, 1862]
According to notice, the so-called Democracy gathered in considerable numbers
at this place on Saturday last, to nominate candidates for the several county
offices to be filled this fall. The result of the nominations was as follows:
For Recorder, Milo R. Smith. For Coroner, Caleb Montgomery. For Appraiser of
Real Estate, William McMahan. For Surveyor Isaiah Walker. For Commissioner,
Thomas Meredith . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, July 2, 1863]
Democratic Meeting was held at Pleasant Grove on Wed., last. Rochester Brass
Band was present. Address was by Hon. N. G. Shaffer and S. A. Hall, Editor of
the Democratic Pharos.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 30, 1864]
A Grand Rally at Rochester, Oct. 1, 1864. At 10 o'clock delegations from the
different twps, escorted by the Rochester Brass Band and numerous bands of
martial music, began to come into town, and proceeded through the various
streets of Rochester. "On Main Street there were four rows of 2, 4 and 6
horse teams extending from the bridge at the north side of town to the Court
House a distance of half a mile." About 7,000 people present . . .
"delegation from Union twp, under the command of Marshal John Skelton . . .
Our juvenile relative of the Sentinel office, Master Johnny Pearson, was busily
engaged with a small press in publishing and distributing throughout the crowd
democratic songs. On another wagon, Mr. O. P. Davis and Mr. Sholder . . . The
dance at Wallace's Hall in the evening went off pleasantly. . . "
-- At the great mass meeting in Rochester last Saturday, A. J. Holmes, Esq.
announced a picnic dinner for the returning soldiers at the court house square
on Saturday next. The "Union" folks also announced they would give
dinner to the soldiers.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 7, 1864]
Copperheads in Convention. On last Saturday. . . the Fulton County
Copperheads met in Convention at the Court House. [names mentioned]: Dr. Harter,
Andrew Jackson Holmes, Carter D. Hathaway, Isaiah Walker, H. B. Jamison.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, March 8, 1866
The Dave Turpie Riot! [details of Copperhead meeting with David Turpie
speaking] But Judge Turpie was not permitted to finish his speech. . . The
consequence was everyone rushed to the fight and the speaking had to stop. The
result of all this parade, of the visit of Turpie to Rochester and his
eloquence, was about five men badly injured, and about thirty bloody noses. One
of the injured men was E. B. Chinn, Town Marshal, who while in the discharge of
his duty was rushed on by the infuriated mob and was overpowered by the brutal
attack.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, August 23, 1866]
DEMOCRAT BAND [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rannells, William W.
DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE [Rochester, Indiana]
Notice. There will be a meeting of the Democratic Central Committee at the
Sentinel Office, on next Saturday evening at 5 o'clock.
The following gentlemen constitute said committee, viz: Finley Stephens, John
Leiter, D. R. Pershing, A. J. Holmes, James Russell, A. B. Fairbanks, James
Ritchey, David McCaughey, James Marsden, J. L. White, B. Lawhead, N. G. Shaffer
and J. J. Davis.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 28, 1859]
DEMOCRATIC COUNTY TICKET [Fulton County]
Representative, Banner Lawhead. Auditor, Andrew J. Holmes. Treasurer, Henry W.
Mann. Sheriff, William Osgood. Commissioner, William McMahan. Coroner, Levi M.
Montgomery. Prosecuting Attorney, M. L. Miner.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, September 25, 1858]
. . . . Nominations for October Election are as follows: For Recorder, Alvin
L. Robbins; For Commissioner, John McConnehey; For Surveyor, Hugh Bowman; For
Coroner, Samuel Ball . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, - - - - --, 1859]
Democratic County Ticker: For State Senator, Hugh Miller, of Fulton; For
Representative, A. H. Robbins; For Treasurer, H. W. Mann; For Sheriff, Isaac
Good; For Commissioner, Third District, B. A. Eidson; For Township Assessor,
Mark Moore.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, October 6, 1860]
DEMONT & SON [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW GROCERY STORE
Citizens' block is again to have a grocery. It has always been a popular place
and a good location for a grocery, and since Sardis Robbins moved out, that part
of Pearl street has lost much of its activity. Wm. F. DeMont & Son, the Wall
street grocers, are to be the new up-town merchants and the stock of goods will
be moved in tomorrow. Mr. DeMont started a little grocery on Main street over
three years ago and his trade has so increased in proportion that more
commodious quarters have become necessary. He will put in a much larger stock of
goods immediately.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, June 25, 1901]
DeMONT'S GROCERY SOLD
The W. F. DeMont & Son Grocery was sold today, and the new proprietors are
the Chamberlain Brothers -- Jesse and Harry. Mr. DeMont & Son have been in
business here for about five years and have been successful. The new proprietors
are energetic, accommodating, straightforward, young men and will undoubtedly be
given a fine patronage. The new proprietors took possession today.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 4, 1905]
DENISTON, ARTHUR L. (ROY) [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Indiana Road Paving Co.
See: Jarrette, Wade
See: Louderback Garage
See: Rochester Bridge Co.__________
LOCAL MAN NAMED TO HIGH POST IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY
San Francisco, June 26 --- A. L. Deniston, of Rochester, Ind., was elected
assistant secretary of the democratic national convention today. Mrs. Gertrude
McHugh, of Indianapolis, was also named an assistant secretary. The secretary is
E. H. Hoffman, of Fort Wayne.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 26, 1920]
BIOGRAPHY
Arthur LeRoy "Roy" Deniston was born September 9, 1882, the son of
William H. and Maria (Hoover) Deniston. The sketch of the life of our subject's
father appears elsewhere in this volume. He whose name heads this review
received his elementary education in the graded and high schools of Rochester
and then attended Purdue University taking a civil engineering course. He
returned to go into business with his father and remained with him until 1914
when he was made secretary and treasurer of the Rochester Bridge company. He
became president of that concern in 1916 and has continued to hold that office
since that time. The company employed only seven men at its inception but it now
has 135 men on the payroll. During the World War, the company did work for the
government, making steel for ships. The plant is thoroughly equipped to handle
work of this character as well as all structural steel work. The four buildings
that house the shops are 219x175 feet, 16x200 feet, 6x110 feet and 50x110 feet
in size respectively. The first building was constructed in 1909, the second in
1911 and the others in 1917. The Rochester Bridge company has been the most
successful factory to have its headquarters in Rochester since the first
settlement of the county. Arthur L. Deniston was married on June 24, 1903, to
Ada Rannells, of Rochester , who attended Oberlin College. To this union three
children have been born: William H., Dorothy, and Barbara. Mr. Deniston is a
strong adherent of the Democratic party and has always taken an active interest
in politics. He was elected to represent this district in the state legislature
in 1915 and was Democratic district chairman from 1917 to 1921. In 1910 he was
elected to the city council, and at the present time, he is the secretary of the
school board. He is the president of the Indiana Road Paving Company, a
Rochester firm that is a thriving concern. It does road paving work of all kinds
throughout the state. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M. and is a
Shriner, and he holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and in the Illinois
Athletic Club, of Chicago. He and his wife are devout members of the
Presbyterian Church.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 176-177, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DENISTON MEETS THE APPROVAL OF CASS CO.
The name of A. L. Deniston to be state senator is being well received in Cass
county according to a report in the Logansport Morning Press which reads as
follows:
"Cass county Democrats are rejoiced that A. L. Deniston, Rochester man who
formerly served in the legislature, is again inclined to seek the legislative
office and become the candidate for senator from Cass and Fulton counties.
Deniston, it is understood, has the solid support of Fulton county Democrats and
has always had a very strong following in Cass county."
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, February 22, 1924]
ROY DENISTON IS APPOINTED TO THE IND. PRISON BOARD
Indianapolis, April 30. - Gov. Jackson has appointed Arthur L. Deniston,
democrat of Rochester, to the board of trustees of the Indiana State Prison at
Michigan City to succeed the late John B. Stoll of South Bend, it was announced
today. The appointment becomes effective at once for a four year period.
__________
A. L. Deniston did not know of his appointment as a member of the board of
trustees of the State Prison at Michigan City until notified of it by The
News-Sentinel this morning. He stated that while he knew his name had been
considered that he did not believe he would be favored with the honor as several
other Northern Indiana Democrats were being considered. The position had to go
to a Democrat as the board is non-partisan.
It will be remembered that Mr. Deniston was considered for the same place
several years ago when Warren T. McCray was governor. He has always been a
prominent worker in the Democratic party, served at one time in the Indiana
house of representatives and was its party's candidate for the state senate two
years ago. The duties of a trustee require about two days a month when the board
meets. Other members of the board are Michael E. Foley, Indianapolis; Jess C.
Andrews, West Point and John L. Moorman, Knox.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Friday, April 30, 1926]
RECEIVES COMMISSION
A. L. Deniston, who on Friday was appointed to a four year term as trustee to
the Indiana State Prison at Michigan City, went to Indianapolis Saturday and
received his commission. He called on Governor Ed Jackson at the capitol and
thanked him for the appointment and said he was pleased to accept the
appointment because he was interested in the good work the prison was doing.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, May 3, 1926]
ROY DENISTON RENAMED TO STATE PRISON BOARD
Re-appointment of Arthur L. Deniston, as a member of the board of trustees, of
the Indiana State Prison for a four-year term was announced Monday afternoon by
Governor E. Jackson, Deniston's appointment will date from January 1. Deniston
is a Democrat.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, January 2, 1929]
MAYR, DENISTON DECIDE ON '32 LICENSE PLATES
Indianapolis, Dec. 12. - Indiana's 1932 automobile license plates will be green
and black, the numerals being black and the background a deep green, Frank Mayr,
Jr., secretary of state announced yesterday.
Mayr conferred with A. L. Deniston, of Rochester, democratic memberr of the
state prison board, and decision on colors was made then. The plates are
manufactured at the Indiana state prison and work on the new plates will begin
immediately.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, December 12, 1930]
FRANK MAYR ASSIGNS 1933 LOW AUTO LICENSE NOS.
Indianapolis, Dec. 12. - (U.P.) - Governor-elect Paul V. McNutt, following the
usual custom, will be given Indiana license No. 1 for use on his auto during
1933, James Carpenter, chief of the license bureau in the Secretary of State's
office, announced today.
Secretary of State Frank Mayr, Jr., will receive No. 2 and Frederick Van Nuys,
U. S. Senator-elect, will be given the same number with a star.
A. L. Deniston, of Rochester, member of the state prison board, will get No. 18.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 12, 1932]
DENISTON REAPPOINTED MEMBER PRISON BOARD
Indianapolis, Dec. 19. - (U.P.) - Seven reappointments to the state boards and a
commission were announced today by Governor Harry G. Leslie. All but one, that
of Harry Stamp of Rochdale, reappointed to the Stallion enrollment board, were
for four years ending January 1, 1937. His appointment is for three years,
ending January 1, 1936.
The reappointments included A. L. Deniston, of Rochester, to the State prison
board.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 19, 1932]
A. L. DENISTON SELECTED TO HEAD PRISON BOARD
Michigan City, Ind., July 28. (U.P.) - Arthur L. Deniston, of Rochester, headed
the state prison board of trustees today, succeeding John L. Moorman, of Knox,
resigned.
Deniston was named chairman at the opening of the regular monthly meeting
yesterday. Members of the board voted to reduce the number of guards from 150 to
140.
Leniency pleas of prisoners, who have served their minimum sentence were
considered by the board today.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, July 28, 1933]
A. L. DENSITON RESIGNS FROM STATE PRISON POST
Michigan City, Ind., Mar. 29. (U.P.) - Arthur L. Deniston of Rochester, will
resign from the State Prison Board of Trustees when the board meets in regular
session here tonight, it was reliably reported today.
The report said that Deniston would accept another penal-connected position.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, March 29, 1934]
A. L. DENISTON ASSUMES DUTIES OF NEW POSITION
A. L. Deniston left today for Michigan City, where he will assume his duties as
industrial manager of the Indiana Penal institution Although the office was
created by Governor McNutt through a recent law which prohibits the sale of
penal made goods in interstate commerce, the work will not be entirely new to
Mr. Deniston.
The local man has been a member of the board of trustees of the Indiana State
Prison since Governor Jackson's regime and during this time he has assisted in
creation and management of various forms of manufacture and occupation for penal
labor. Mr. Deniston resigned from the board of trustees last Friday and
simultaneously he was appointed manager of the state's penal industries. He and
Mrs. Deniston will continue their residency in Rochester, although a great deal
of Mr. Deniston's time will be spent at the penal institutions throughout the
state.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, April 3, 1934]
A. L. "ROY" DENISTON SEEKS SENATE POST
A. L. (Roy) Deniston, of this city, tossed his hat in the ring in the race for
the nomination of State Senator for Cass and Fulton counties, on the Democratic
ticket.
The aspirant needs little or no introduction in the political field in either of
the counties he seeks to represent. His political career started in the year of
1909 when he was elected a member of the first council of the City of Rochester.
In 1915 he was a state representative and chairman of several important
committees of the state assembly. From 1916 to 1929 he served as District
Chairman of the old 13th congressional district and in the year of 1920
represented the 13th district at the Democratic National Convention at San
Francisco.
Mr. Deniston was a member of the City School Board from 1920 until April 1926,
00000000at which time he resigned to become a member of the Boaard of Trustees
of the Indiana State Prison. His appointment in this important office coming
from former Governor Ed Jackson. The local man continued in the capacity of
trustee of the state institution until April 1, 1934, when he was appointed
Director of Industries for all of Indiana's penal institutions by Governor Paul
V. McNutt.
Mr. Deniston, through his long years of experience in civic and political
affairs of this community, should be exceptionally well qualified for the office
he now seeks.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, April 6, 1936]
DENISTON, WILLIAM H. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Deniston & Caffyn
See: Deniston Elevator, William H.
See: First National Bank
See: Louderback Garage
See: Rochester Bridge Co.
__________
WM. H. DENISTON (Biography)
A business and official career of twenty-six years in Rochester has made Wm. H.
"Will" Deniston one of the conspicuous and widely known men of the
county. He was born in Ohio in 1846 but came to Miami county, near Mexico, soon
after where he was given the advantage of a good common school education and
then graduated from a commercial college. He came to Rochester in 1869 and
entered upon a business career which has been very successful. He conducted the
leading hardware business of the county for more than twenty years, has been a
prominent grain dealer for ten years, served his county efficiently and
honorably as Auditor from 1891 to 1895 and is again engaged in the grain
business. He is an active Odd Fellow and Knight of Pythias and has been one of
the trustees of the former Order in this city for nearly 20 years. He has
extensive property interests and his family consists of a wife and one son, Roy
[Deniston].
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
BIOGRAPHY
William Henry Deniston. - Mr. Deniston is a native of Preble county, Ohio, born
July 29, 1846. He is a son of Ethan A. and Mary Ann (Jerdon) Deniston. The
former was born in Preble county, Ohio, in October, 1821, and now resides in
Miami county, Ind. By occupation he has been a miller and for many years
operated a mill at Mexico, Miami county, Ind. The mother of Mr. Deniston was
born in Pennsylvania in 1820, and died in Miami county, Ind., in 1869. The
family came to Indiana in 1848 and settled in Miami county, where the subject of
this review attended the public schools and later took a business course at
Purdy's college at Lafayette, Ind. He grew up in the milling business in his
father's mill and became a practical miller. In 1869 he came to Rochester and
engaged in the grocery business, which he continued for about one year and then
began the agricultural implement business, which he continued for some three
years and then until 1890 he was engaged in the hardware business. In the year
last named he was, by a majority of 203, elected to serve four years as auditor
of Fulton county. His term of service began March 4, 1891, and continued until
March 4, 1895. As a public official he gave the people entire satisfaction and
left the office with the trust imposed in him faithfully and courteously
discharged. In the spring of 1895 he, as a member of the firm of Deniston &
Caffyn, engaged in the grain business. In politics he is a democrat and has
always supported the principles of that party. The marriage of Mr. Deniston took
place in 1866 to Miss Maria Hoover, who was born in Cass county, Ind. Mrs.
Deniston is a daughter of John and Rachel M. Hoover. The former was born in Ohio
in 1808 and died in Cass county, Ind., in 1872, while the mother was born in
Wayne county, Ind., in 1811, and died in Cass county, Ind., in 1894. To this
union is one son, Arthur Leroy. He is a member of Rochester lodge, No. 47,
I.O.O.F., and Fredonia lodge, No. 122, K. of P., and he and wife are members of
the M. E. church.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 61-62]
CAUGHT STEALING; NOT DISCHARGED
W. H. DENISTON IS BENEFACTOR
W. H. Deniston, owner of a local elevator, believes in giving every man a chance
to reform. This fact was proven today when he refused to prosecute his employe,
Omar Alexander who was arrested Monday night, in the company of Frank Monteham,
after they had taken 12 bushels of oats from the elevator and sold them to
horsemen at the fair grounds. Mr. Deniston went a step further in helping
Alexander. He will keep him in his employ. Alexander and Monteham were relased
from jail this morning. - - - - - - .
Montesham was ordered by the sheriff to leave the city at once. He came here
from Goshen, where he had been working and making a living following the fairs.
No one seems to know anything about his past record.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, September 16, 1913]
BIOGRAPHY
William H. Deniston. One of the greatly esteemed citizens of Rochester is
William H. Deniston, who has been a resident of the city since 1869 and during
the greater part of this time has been identified with the elevator business.
Mr. Deniston was born in Preble county, Ohio, July 28, 1846, and is a son of
Ethan Allen and Mary Ann (Jordan) Deniston, the former a native of Ohio and the
latter of Pennsylvania. The early years of the life of Ethan Allen Deniston were
passed in Ohio, but in 1850 he brought his family to Indiana and settled on the
Eel River, near the town of Mexico. There he passed the remainder of his life in
following the vocation of miller and operating a flouring mill and sawmill. He
and his worthy wife were the parents of six children: Wilson Shanan, who is
deceased; Lavanda Isabelle, wife of Joel Brubaker, of Rochester; William Henry;
James Harvey, a resident of Michigan; Orabelle Amanda, who died in infancy; Mrs.
Emma Caroline Wheeler, deceased. William Henry Deniston attended the grade and
high school of the community of Mexico, where he had been taken as a child of
four years of age, and supplemented this training by a commercial course at
Purdue University, after graduating from which institution he entered his
father's gristmill to learn the business. In 1869 he located at Rochester, where
he embarked in the grocery business. The community at that time was still
practically in the infancy of its commercial being, for there was but one brick
business building in the city, that being known as the Jesse Shields Building at
the [NE] corner of Eighth and Main Streets. His next venture was in the line of
stoves, tinware and agricultural implements, and subsequently he combined this
business with that of dealing in hardware, an enterprise in which he was in
partnership with Calvin Van Trump, Olando Smith and Andrew C. Shepherd. It was
about this time that he became interested first in the elevator business, and in
1891 was elected auditor of Fulton county. He was auditor at the time the
contract was let for the building of the present Court House. Later he sold his
interest in the hardware business to his partner Andrew C. Shepherd but
continued in the elevator line, in which he is still engaged. He has a well
established business and occupies a prominent position in commercial circles of
Rochester. He also has several other connections and is chairman of the
directors of the First National Bank. Mr. Deniston served capably as county
auditor for four years, and has taken an active part in civic affairs. During
the World War he was chairman of the Fulton County Council of Defense, which
made a splendid showing, and in other ways his public service has been of much
value to his adopted city and county. He was president of the Rochester Bridge
Company for several years, succeeded by his son Arthur LeRoy. Politically he is
a democrat, and his fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias and
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the former of which he has been a member
since the organization of Rochester Chapter. With Mrs. Deniston he belongs to
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, in the affairs of which they are deeply
interested. Mr. Deniston occupies a position on the advisory board of the Fulton
County History. Nov. 15, 1866, Mr. Deniston was united in marriage with Hannah
Maria, daughter of John and Rachel Hoover, of Cass county, Indiana. There were
nine children in the Hoover family: Martha Ann Moore, Mary Jane Moore, Noah B.,
Sarah Ellen Tyson, John M., Leah Catherine Forgy, Hannah Maria Deniston, Riley
C. and Emma Frances Fernals. Of these, Martha Ann, Mary Jane, Riley C. and Noah
B. are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Deniston there have been born five children, of
whom two daughters and one son died in infancy; Cora died January 12, 1873, aged
seven months; and Arthur L., a record of whose career appears elsewhere in this
work, is the only living child.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 177-179, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
CESSATION OF A LONG, HONORABLE BUSINESS LIFE
Editor, The News-Sentinel:
The news of the retirement from business of Mr. William H. Deniston, in your
paper last night, came as a surprise with a tinge of regret to many citizens, no
doubt with a sense no less pronounced to the gentleman himself, for I well
remember a similar cessation under my own jacket, when I bid goodbuy to the old
Daily and Weekly Republican, after an identification with that institution for
an even half-century.
On learning of Mr. Deniston's purpose, I called at his home, during Monday
afternoon, to obtain first-hand information. He was continually connected with
the business affairs of Rochester for sixty-four years, coming here in 1869, and
formed a partnership with the late Calvin Van Trump, in the stoves and tinware
business. About 1875 the firm of Shepherd & Deniston was formed as hardware
dealers, in a building where Felty's barber shop is now located. The following
year, 1876, Shepherd & Deniston, with Feder & Silberberg, Jonathan
Dawson and others, built Centennial Block, north of the court house, and in the
room lately occupied by the glove factory, carried the largest stock of hardware
in this part of Indiana up to that time.
Certain fixed principles must be adopted for any lasting success, hence it is my
conviction that Mr. Deniston's personal business motto was early adopted from
first verse, twenty-second chapter of Proverbs. Read it, make it thine own, for
no worthy purpose wins without it. For almost sixty years, this writer has known
Mr. Deniston as a business man and exemplary citizen, a constant friend and
trusted acquaintance. It was by reason of his personal integrity and close
identity with the population of Fulton county that he was elected as County
Auditor on the Democratic ticket, serving his term with distinguished
satisfaction to the public.
His next venture was with the firm of Shepherd, Deniston & Caffyn, in the
grain and coal business, in which he continued to the present, following the
demise of his partners. They owned and operated elevators in Rochester, Leiters
Ford, Monterey, Akron, Disko and Denver, latterly only the Rochester elevator
being retained, but in all the years, and at all points, a reputation for square
dealing made his Proverb an axiom, a sentiment above price and a heritage for
successors to carry on.
During the year 1906, in concurrence with the late Chris. Hoover, Jerry Drudge,
Frank N. Hoffman, Omar B. Smith and Abner J. Barrett and Joseph A. Myers, the
two latter being the only living members of the company who joined with Mr.
Deniston in the organization of the Rochester Bridge Company, he serving as
President of the company for several years, until strenuous competition and
grievous vexations, supplemented by the world wide depression, were machinations
rendering the plant unfortunately in quiescent state. For a number of years the
Bridge Works waxed prosperous; Rochester's principal industry, where Mr.
Deniston's guiding hand was a successful influence. Also, he was one of the
charter members of First National Bank.
In 1875 he joined Rochester Lodge I.O.O.F. and is now the highly esteemed
pioneer member, a distinction and pride he fully appreciates.
Having disposed of Rochester Elevator, the grain, seed and coal business, to Mr.
James L. Brooke, Mr. Deniston wishes to extend profound thanks to all his
patrons and friends in Rochester and Fulton county, for their constancy has made
his business career a brilliant page in his life history to which he can always
turn with pride. Finally he desires that the confidence of all friends be
extended to his successor, with fervent hope for continued success of the
business. For a time, Miss Ruth Clayton, who was his clerk and helper for the
past twelve years, is authorized to close his business affairs, collect
accounts, etc.
Mr. Editor, in the retirement of a citizen who has been longest in business of
any personage in Rochester, I am constrained to offer eulogy and praise, to
present my flowers now, rather than the after while, when friendship hears,
hearts beat in unison and warm palms clasp in the faith of today.
Respectfully Submitted,
Albert W. Bitters
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, April 25, 1933]
DENISTON, WILLIAM (BILL) [Rochester, Indiana]
BILL DENISTON BUYS SEE'S TAXI BUSINESS
It was announced today by Russell See that he has sold his taxicab business to
William (Bill) Deniston. Mr. Deniston has taken immediate possession of the
taxicab business and will retain Jim Harvey as driver, and Lou Holtz as operator
of the phone booth.
Mr. See will leave in a few days for Fort Benjamin Harrison where he will enter
the armed forces. He is home now on his automatic 14-day furlough following his
induction on October 15th.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, October 22, 1942]
ROBERT STONER SELLS DRIVE-IN, 'STREAMLINER'
Attorney William Deniston and Wayne Atkinson, both of Rochester, announced today
that they have purchased the "Streamliner," local drive-in cafe at
Ninth and Madison streets, from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stoner.
The purchasers will take immediate possession and continue in operation.
The establishment, which was opened in 1939 by Mr. and Mrs. Stoner, features
sandwiches and soft drinks. Stoner is employed at the Studebaker plant in South
Bend.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 11, 1944]
STREAMLINER TO OPEN AGAIN FRIDAY EVENING
The Streamliner, local drive-in formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stoner,
will be re-opened this coming Friday evening at 6 o'clock, the new proprietors,
William Deniston and Wayne Atkinson, announced today.
The establishment, which features sandwiches and soft drinks, is located at the
corner of Madison and Ninth streets.
A new policy announced today by the owners, will keep the drive-in open every
night, with the possible exception of Tuesday, until after the dances at
Colonial and Lakeview hotels. This service will accommodate many in search of
refreshments following the dances.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, July 13, 1944]
DENISTON & CAFFYN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Deniston, William H.
See: Deniston Elevator
__________
LOCAL NEWS - THURSDAY
The Rochester flouring mills, which for a number of years, have been under the
proprietorship of John Whittenberger, have passed into other hands. The firm of
Caffyn & Deniston has leased them and will take possession December 1st. Mr.
Caffyn and Roy Deniston will be the managers and the force of workers now there
will be retained. The lease is for a period of three years.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 21, 1902]
DISSOLUTION NOTICE
By mutual consent the firm of Deniston & Caffyn has been dissolved, and all
accounts prior to January 2nd, 1905, will be paid to Deniston & Caffyn, Mr.
Deniston continuing the business and Mr. Caffyn retiring. We will be pleased to
have all persons knowing themselves indebted to us call and settle, or pay the
collector when called upon. - - - W. H. DENISTON, C. W. CAFFYN.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, January 10, 1905]
DENISTON & GARBER [Rochester, Indiana]
DENISTON & GARBER LOW ON 2 BRIDGE CONTRACTS
Indianapolis, July 25. - The State Highway department today announced a group of
low bidders on bridge contracts which were opened by the commission, Tuesday.
The Deniston & Garber Construction company of Rochester was the low bidder
on two concrete arch style bridges over Little White Lick Creek on State Road
40, 2.6 miles west of Plainfield, in Hendricks county. One span is of 80-foot
length and the other 85-foot. State Road 40 is a dual highway for several miles
out of Plainfield.
Deniston & Garber's bid was $67,876.26. The second low was $68,293.30 by the
Bergen & Bergen Construction company, of Franklin, Ind.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, July 25, 1940]
DENISTON & GARBER GET $67,878 BRIDGE CONTRACT
Indianapolis, Aug. 7. (INS) - A $67,876.00 contract for a 165 foot bridge over
Little White Lick Creek, west of Plainfield, has been awarded today to Deniston
and Garber of Rochester.
The State Highway Commission awarded the contract in continuance of its program
to completely modernize Road 40 from Indianapolis to Terre Haute. The bridge,
which is to be completed by June 15th, 1941, will have two spans and an 80 foot
roadway.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, August 7, 1940]
DENISTON ELEVATOR, WILLIAM H. [Rochester, Indiana]
See Deniston, William H.
See Wilson Fertilizer & Grain, Inc.
__________
BUSINESS REVIEW OF ROCHESTER MERCHANTS
Prominent among the concerns in this county which have aided in the progress and
expansion of their home city and vicinity is this well known concern. They have
built up a large patronage among the farmers of this community by offering at
all times the highest market price for their grain.
Because their customers have always had faith in this well knon concern no one
has questioned the prices they have received. Because of this faith, which they
have built up after years of effort, thousands of dollars have been brought into
the community.
Through its extensive dealings in grain and allied lines, it has afforded the
farmers of this community a most advantageous market right at their very door,
where they are able to assure the best prices for their products and are saved
the expense and trouble of shipping. They bring thousands of dollars into the
community that would otherwise go to some other center.
Just as the public has come to them to look for information and advice in regard
to grain, so have the farmers of this section learned that from this popular
elevator, they can secure the best seeds of the highest nutritive value.
Fair and honest methods have brought this establishment into a leading position,
which it occupies today in the commercial and agricultural life of the section.
In this business review we wish to compliment upon the admirable manner in which
they are serving the public.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 17, 1922]
JAMES L. BROOKE BUYS DENISTON ELEVATOR CO.
Another business deal of considerable moment was transacted in this city
Saturday, when James L. Brooke purchased the W. H. Deniston Elevator and Coal
business. The new proprietor assumed active control of the business Monday
morning.
Mr. Deniston who has been engaged in the elevator and coal business in Rochester
for over half a century is retiring from the business field after a most
successful career in this community. The new proprietor, Mr. Brooke who recently
sold his lumber company, has a wide clientele of business patrons through
Rochester and surrounding community, and is thoroughly experienced in the grain
and coal business. He will continue to operate the business under the name of
the W. H. Deniston Elevator Co., and will strive to render the same efficient,
high-class service which brought such unstinted patronage to his predecessor. A
complete stock of feeds and seeds are being added to the supplies line of the
elevator.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, April 24, 1933]
MONTEREY MAN BUYS DENISTON ELEVATOR
Through a business deal consummated Tuesday afternoon The Deniston Elevator and
Grain Company operated by James Brooke, of this city, was sold to Glen Wilson,
of Monterey. The new proprietor took immediate charge of the business, which is
located on East 9th street this city.
Mr. Wilson, who is employed as a representative of the Smith Agriculture
Chemical Co., of Indianapolis, is thoroughly acquainted with the elevator and
coal business, having held an interest in the large elevator at Monterey for
several years. While Mr. Wilson's business connections with the Indianapolis
firm will require much of his time being spent out of this city, he will be
assisted in the management of the local elevator by his son, Russell.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, November 29, 1933]
__________
In 1897 John Whittenberger sold the farm, bought a half interest in the
Rochester Flour Mill and the family moved to Rochester. John was so worn out
with grief [sickness and death in the family] and worry over his business, which
had gone sadly downhill during his illness, that he became deeply in debt.
Things were so bad that John sold the mill and went to North Dakota and
Minnesota.
[Leininger-Krause Family, Charles Daniel Smith, Faye Leininger Smith, Kate
Morris Jennens, and Violet Titterton, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
DENTISTS [Rochester, Indiana]
Dr. Mawson, Dentist, will leave Rochester on Tuesday; those wanting work done in
his line should call previous to that time. Office at the Elam House.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 26, 1859]
M. M. Rex is again stopping at the Elam House for a few days where he is
prepared to wait on all that wish anything in his line.
[Rochester Mercury, Thursday, July 19, 1860]
Artificial Teeth . . . H. A. M'Cartney, Surgeon Dentist, would respectfully
inform the citizens of Rochester, and surrounding country, that he has
permanently located in this place for the practice of Dentistry . . . Office Two
Doors North of the Post Office, with M. L. Miner. Rochester, Feb. 1, 1861.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 2, 1861]
Dr. M. M. Rex, dentist, Office in Mammoth Building, (up stairs) over B. S.
Lyon's store. Dr. Rex would respectfully inform the citizens of Fulton county
and vicinity, that he has taken up his permanent residence in Rochester. . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, April 10, 1862]
Dr. M. M. Rex, a resident of this town for several years, has purchased
dental instruments costing $116. . . They are really splendid and we thought it
would be almost a pleasure to have a tooth operated on with them.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, March 21, 1863]
Dr. M. M. Rex moved, over the post office, opposite the Mansion House.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 13, 1863]
R. C. Wallace not being able to perfect his business arrangements at Warsaw,
wisely concluded to return to Akron and open a dental office. . .
[Akron News, Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 18, 1874]
DENTIST OFFICE OPENS
Dr. R. J. McELWEE announced Saturday that his dentist office over Cook and
Richardson Bros. grocery would be open next week. He has installed all modern
equipment.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, July 8, 1916]
DENVER, INDIANA [Miami County, Indiana]
LOCAL NEWS
Denver is to have a new basket factory. William Redmon, of that place, formerly
of this city, is to be the general superintendent. E. A. Kesler, the mill owner,
and E. A. Green, the banker, both of Denver, are backing the industry and as
soon as the weather permits, a large building near Denver will be built.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 6, 1901]
LOCAL NEWS - FRIDAY
Beginning with this week's issue the Denver Tribune is published by Rev. S. C.
Norris and son, P. O. Norris. The senior member of the firm has, in a financial
way, had an interest in the paper since its establishment, and the junior member
has had newspaper experience in other towns. Alfred Wooley, from whom Norris
& Son purchased the Tribune, has been editor of the paper since its first
issue, and has made of it a bright, newsy publication. Mr. Wooley was compelled
to retire from the editorship on account of failing health.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 21, 1902]
NEWS OF THE DAY
S. A. Gordon, who has been publishing the Denver Tribune for several years, is
teaching school and has disposed of his paper. Mr. Guilford and Miss Della M.
Lacy are the new people in charge.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 17, 1905]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Manager Redmond of the Denver Basket factory at Denver, Ind., is rebuilding the
plant which was destroyed by fire some days ago. The company has heavy orders
and if they can get their plant into operation in time, many will yet be filled.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, July 1, 1908]
ADDITIONAL LOCALS
The Farmers' bank of Denver has been organized and opened its doors for business
last Saturday. Henry Lewis is president of the institution, Isaiah Brower is the
vice president, and Noble B. Hunt is cashier. Mr. Hunt was in the city today on
business. The capital stock of the bank is $10,000, with responsibility of over
$200,000. The stockholders, directors and officers are composed of the most
influential and responsible men of Denver and vicinity and the bank is one of
the strongest institutions in the county.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 18, 1909]
DENVER'S COSTLY FIRE
The business section of Denver was badly damaged Saturday morning by a
devastating fire which threatened to wipe out the entire village. The damage,
which will run into the thousands of dollars, has not been estimated. The
following properties were burned: Charles Grimes general store, storage plant
and tool house, the livery barn owoned by Dr. Newell, dwelling house owned by
Charles Grimes, and a barn, the property of Charles Murden.
The fire originated from a gasoline explosion on the roof of the Grimes storage
plant, and quickly spread taking in the above buildings before the fire
department had much of a chance to do anything.
As soon as the fire had gotten a headway, and when the citizens saw that the
town was in danger, an alarm was sounded throughout the north part of the
county. All of the automobiles located in Mexico, Perrysville [?], Pettysville
and other small towns in that vicinity including the two owned by J. H. Miller,
the stock man, were pressed into service and people were hauled to help fight
the flames.
During the progress of the fire two men, Charles Grimes and Neal Bell, were
injured. The former was badly burned shortly after the explosion while
attempting to put out the flames and Mr. Bell was injured by a fall from the top
of the storage building. He struck the ground on his head and although serious,
the injuries are not thought to be fatal. Other citizens were slightly burned by
getting too close to the flames.
The fire burned firecely and kept spreading for about five hours, but by noon
was under control and there was little danger of any of the other near buildings
and dwellings catching.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, November 22, 1909]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The little town of Denver is still all broke up over the disastrous fire that
occurred at that place Saturday. All that remains of the buildings is a lot of
ashes and iron beams, and the scene is anything but pleasant. There is some talk
of rebuilding.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, November 24, 1909]
DENVER SAWMILL BURNED
A fire which broke out Monday evening, resulted in completely destroying the
Peabody sawmill at Denver, and the smoldering ruins, of building and twisted
machinery, is all that is left of a $2,000 industry.
The origin of the blaze is unknown but it is thought that a spark from a flying
skyrocket or roman candle smoldered in the roof until a blaze broke out. The
Denver fire company did all in their power to extinguish the fire but their
efforts were nearly useless and they turned their efforts to the lumber piles
nearby which were saved.
The mill, which was formerly owned by Peabody Brothers, was recently sold to
William Eiserman of Peru, and will be a total loss as there was no insurtance.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, July 5, 1910]
BIG FIRE AT DENVER
James Shumaker, aged 70 years, a prominent citizen of Denver, had a close call
from being burned to death Thursday night in a fire that destroyed the business
portion of Denver, the pride of the north part of Miami county. It was only the
prompt action of the town's volunteer fire department that Shumaker's life was
saved. The fire started in the second story of the building occupied by the
James Ream grocery store, where Shumaker had his apartments, and that building,
besides the Albert Eikenberry grocery store on one side and a vacant building
owned by Harry Lux, on the other side, was burned to the ground. Shumaker,
unable to help himself, was carried from his bed in a semi-conscious condition
to the street, and was barely gotten out in time.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 11, 1911]
NEWS OF THE DAY
A. M. Brown, the Denver Druggist, who was charged with conducting a drug store
without a registered pharmacist in his employ, or being a licensed man himself,
upon the complaint of L. E. LaSalle of Indianapolis, president of the state
board of pharmacy, appeared in Justice Farrar's court at Peru Wednesday
afternoon and entered a plea of guilty. He was fined and costed in the total sum
of $16.50, which he paid by check, and left on the afternoon train for home.
Brown wrote the check with a smile and patted Squire Farrar and Prosecutor
Merley over their backs as he presented the collateral.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 20, 1911]
IN WINTER QUARTERS
The Alderfer overland shows closed a successful season at Peru this week, and
went into winter quarters at Denver. Charles Alderfer and J. Ross Woodring, the
owners, say arrangements are to be made for increasing the circus property so
that next year the shows will go out as the largest overland circus in the
country.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, October 13, 1915]
CIRCUS INCORPORATES
The Alderfer shows, with winter quarters at Denver, has incorporated. Capital
stock is $10,000 and J. Ross Woodring, Charles Alderfer and Clarence L. Keyes
are directors.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 2, 1916]
DENVER LIGHT AND POWER FIRM FORMED
Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of state on September
20th and with the Recorder of Miami county on September 22nd for the Denver
Electric Light and Power Company. The incorporators are Alonzo C. Cunningham,
Lee S. Long. The capital stock of the company is to be $50,000.00 and the life
of the corporation is for fifty years.
The purpose of the company is to manufacture, generate, sell and supply electric
current throughout Miami county. The by laws provide for three directors and the
incorporators as above mentioned are named as the directors for the first year.
The first annual meeting of the corporation is to be held on the second Monday
in January 1922 at the main offices of the company which is to be located at
Denver, Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 23, 1921]
OPENING RESTAURANT
Gerald and Wayne Tombaugh of near Akron are preparing to open a restaurant at
Denver.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, February 12, 1932]
JOAN CRAWFORD EDUCATES TWO DENVER, IND. YOUTHS
Bill and Don Donaldson are Denver, Indiana boys who were put through college in
California, thanks to Joan Crawford, known throught the United States as a movie
star who heard of the predicament of the two Hoosiers who were practically
penniless in the western state and offered to help them. Early this year a
celebration was held at Denver in honor Miss Crawford because she befriended two
of Denver's sons. The following, a United Press dispatch:
Hollywood, Calif. - Two Denver, (Ind.) boys who hitch-hiked to California in
search of an education two years ago, will be graduated from Compton Junior
College next month, thanks to Joan Crawford.
Miss Crawford heard how Bill and Don Donaldson camped in the Hollywood hills and
picked up odd jobs, hoping to earn sufficient funds to complete their educration.
Through her secretary she arranged to finance their studies. It was not until
Christmas eve, 1932, that the boys learned the identity of their benefactress.
The public is just finding out now.
Both boys will enter U.S.C. next fall. Bill is taking a pre-legal course, Don
majors in business administration.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, June 6, 1934]
DE-OR COMMUNITY [Liberty Township]
Located 300E and 950S near Perry School.
DEPOT [Rochester City]
Chicago and Atlantic, located at Pontiac street and South side of railroad.
Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, located between Eighth and Ninth on E side of
Franklin Street.
See Railroads
DEPRESSION OF THE 1930s
GET MANY APPLICATIONS
That unemployment is serious in neighboring cities was emphasized here this week
when directors of the Rochester Country Club placed an advertisement in The
News-Sentinel and in South Bend and Indianapolis newspapers for a caretaker at
the clubhouse for the summer. To date they have received 80 letters of
application, three telegrams and five individuals have called in person and from
all indications the end is not yet in sight.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, April 9, 1931]
200 MEN START WORK ON ROAD 31 NORTH OF CITY
Two hundred men were placed at work in this county this morning by the
unemployment relief committee which is headed by Val Zimmerman. One hundred of
the men worked this morning and 100 more this afternoon.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the men who worked today were drawn from the poor
relief rolls of Rochester, Richland, Aubbeenaubbee and Newcastle townships. Mr.
Zimmerman also stated that he has a waiting list of over 300 men. Forty of this
number are from Henry township.
All of the men will be given work at some time or as quickly as their names are
drawn in rotation. The work being done is on Road 31, north of the city.
The work which was done today was from the Waymire Garage, one mile north of the
city, to the north corporation line of Rochester. The men were taken to the
Waymire Garage in trucks and private cars.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, November 2, 1933]
WORK PROJECTS IN THE COUNTY ARE LISTED
Working plans and allotment of men for each unit in Fulton County under the
program of the Civil Works Administration were completed Monday afternoon at a
meeting in the court house attended by about 50 officials. Val Zimmerman, Fulton
County Chairman, presided at the gathering and at the close began receiving
applications for public projects. It will be his duty to approve these and in
turn get the approval of government officials at Indianapolis before the work
actually begins.
Fulton County has been allotted 310 men and a payroll of approximately $60,400
to be paid out in 90 days. All of the work must be done and the money expended
by February 15, 1934. Any cash remaining at that time will revert to the
government.
Allotments Made
The number of men alloted to the various government units in the county follow:
Aubbeenaubbee Township, 22. (Road Work).
Liberty Township, 30. (Road Work).
Henry Township, 34. (Road Work).
Town of Akron, 20.
Richland Township, 18. (Road Work).
Newcastle Township, 18. (14 on Road Work).
Rochester Township, 62. (58 on Road Work).
City of Rochester, 50.
Rochester Schools, 2.
Rochester Library, 1 (for nine weeks).
Union Township, 20. (Road Work).
Town of Kewanna, 12.
Wayne Township, 18 (Road Work).
The allotment was figured out by the committee and made according to population
figures. Those units which had no projects of their own immediately announced
that their men will be placed under the supervision of the board of county
commissioners and the highway superintendent to be used in road improvement work
in their townships. The trustees and other unit officials will employ the men to
work in their units and will also determine their own individual projects with
the approval of the county chairman. The county commissioners will designate the
roads to be improved in the county with the chairman's approval dividing said
improvements among the townships so as to keep their total number of men alloted
busy for ninety days.
Some townships, cities, towns and other units have projects of their own in mind
and these will all be listed and approved separate from the road work. They will
be supervised by the officials who govern the units. The allotments were first
made by townships and then divisions made within each township to the various
units according to population and agreement of the officials. It can thus be
seen that the majority of work will be on roads in the county with each section
getting its due share of the payrolls.
Drainage Projects
Walter Wilson, county surveyor, stated that he had drawn up working plans for 18
drainage projects and asked that these be given consideration as a part of the
public works program in the county.
Talks were made by a number of men present at the meeting which clarified the
requirements and regulations under which the work must be done. It was explained
that the various governmental units would furnish the materials used, the tools
and all equipment and also must pay for the supervision of the work. The money
furnished by the government is to go entirely for wages and that the rate will
be 50¢ per hour for skilled labor. Teams are to be considered the same as
equipment. The men will work 20 hours a week for 90 days and will be paid in
cash each Saturday evening. In case a town or township did not use all of the
hours and funds alloted to it for a project, it was agreed that the money left
over should be spent on some other project in the county.
The government ruling is that projects already under way cannot be taken over in
this civil work but that they must be finished with their own funds and that
every project under this civil works administration must be entirely new.
Must Be Cut Down
It was evident that the new projects proposed would more than use up the total
sum appropriated for the county and that considerable paring down would have to
be done by the officials and Mr. Zimmerman before the requisitions were taken to
Indianapolis for approval by the latter.
As explained the majority of the projects will be road work which will mean the
widening of berms, putting down gravel and digging side ditches on many
stretches of county highways. This work will all be done under the direction of
the county commissioners and the county highway superintendent.
It was also explained that this work would not affect the present program which
is being carried on along state highways and at the fish hatchery. The men who
are now improving the right of way on U.S. Road 31 north of Rochester will be
continued at their jobs but their pay will be raised to the rate of 50¢ and
$1.20 per hour.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, November 21, 1933]
$166,200 PAYROLL IN COUNTY THIS WINTER
The total amount of money appropriated by the federal and state governments to
be expended in Fulton County this winter is now $166,200.
This sum is to be spent entirely on pay rolls to laboring men and skilled
workers. The wages will be paid out to the workers every Saturday night.
The total number of men expected to be employed in Fulton County on a multitude
of public projects is estimated at approximately 600. - - - - - - - - - - - .
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, November 24, 1933]
INVESTORS ASKED TO BUY U. S. RECOVERY SECURITIES
Washington, D.C., Dec. 7. - (U.P.) - American investors were asked by the
government today to buy nearly a $1,000,000,000 worth of securities to provide
funds for the recovery drive.
Acting Secretary of the Treasury Morganthau said, "preliminary reports show
an excellent reception on the part of investors to the new $950,000,000 issue of
2 1-3 certificates offered today."
Morganthau said that a survey of the government bond market showed that the form
of the current investment was the most advantageous from the government
standpoint.
The new securities in the form of a 2 1-4 [sic] per cent treasury certificates
of indebtedness due December 15, 1934. The treasury fixed the amount at
$950,000,000 "or thereabouts."
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 7, 1933]
HITCH-HIKING, RIDES ON RODS FACE DRIVE
Indianapolis, Dec. 9. - The day of "free transportation" for gentlemen
of the road, by freight car or brake rod, is about over.
Likewise, hitch-hiking is to be officially discouraged.
These are two moves planned in the campaign of the Federal Emergency Relief
Administration, working through the state relief commissions of the states, to
solve the transient problem - the problem of hundreds of thousands of homeless
people, mostly young men and boys, wandering over the country.
F.E.R.A. instructions say that beginning January 1, 1934, the railways of the
country will "attempt to impose stringent restrictions on use of the
railways as free transportation." The transients are to be kept off the
trains as much as possible, and provided in various Indiana cities, where
trained social workers will endeavor to find out where they should be settled
permanently and to arrange for some definite occupation and interest in life.
Gov. McNutt has instructed the state police to do everything in their power to
stop hitch-hiking.
Within a few days notice will be given transients by placing of large placards
in all public and private shelters for the homeless, in all transient centers,
in the "jungles" in cities where many of them stay, and in police
stations.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, December 9, 1933]
DEPOSIT HIDDEN MONEY IN BANKS OF THE COUNTY
There was one thing the special investigators for the Committee of the Nation
forgot to take into consideration when they were making their estimate of Fulton
county's cash resources last summer - hidden wealth.
And now it comes out, musty with age but, withall worth every bit as much as the
day it was sent out of the government mint, new and crisp, five or ten years
ago.
From improvised banks fashioned out of tin cans, old socks, mattresses, backyard
"graveyards," and an occasional safety deposit vault the money has
come. Thousands of dollars in bank notes, all of them older than the depression
that sent them into hiding.
It is estimated that over $25,000 in old bills has been deposited in the banks
of Fulton County since the Federal Deposit Insurance went into effect last
Tuesday.
Scores of new accounts have been opened since the insurance went into to effect.
In a number of instances, bankers report, customers have come in with bundles of
bills containing $2,500, still encased in the same wrappers they had on when the
money was withdrawn.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, January 8, 1934]
THE DEPRESSION WAS PLAGUED BY
STARVATION, UNEMPLOYMENT, DESPAIR
By Julia Dawson
For the Pharos-Tribune
Editor's Note: Julia Dawson grew up in Upland, Ind. in Grant County.
It was apparent that the depression was in full swing when our neighbor Mr.
Green lost his job. This was a man who had always brought home the bacon, and
even shared it. For one who had provided stability for his family to suddenly be
forced to acknowledge that the prospects of finding other employment was a
crushing blow. After weeks of searching, locally, he took to the road seeking
work.
He was one of the thousands who swelled the ranks of unemployed - this at a time
when unemployment benefits were unheard of. He searched far and wide without
success. An odd job here or an odd job there occasionally brought a small check
to sustain his family.
One day Mrs. Green tearrfully confided to my mother that all she had to feed her
sons for supper was a mustard sandwich, and she didn't know where the next meal
would come from. Mom moved her kerosene stove out into the yard between the two
houses. She salvaged an old table from the storage shed, and every day, for
several weeks, she cooked enough to feed both families.
Our small acreage was farmed on shares, and produce was bartered at the grocery
store. Since the last year's crop had been navy beans, many days the meal
consisted of navy beans with small bits of bacon, topped off with wedges of
cornbread. On Sundays she killed a chicken and made home-made noodles. Often it
was a pot of soup or spaghetti. Sometimes, merely biscuits and jelly. Whatever
she had was shared. The Greens finally moved to a neighboring town to live with
her parents.
Another calamity that indicated hard times was the disappearance of a local
barber, the head of a large family. With seven mouths to feed, he was barely
able to hold on. With the arrival of a new set of twins, boosting the number of
mouths to feed to nine, the overwhelmed father simply vanished. The wife, beset
with wailing babies and unpaid bills soon packed her meager belongings and she
too disappeared from town with her cvhildren.
The number of hobos who knocked on our door had steadily increased. One day a
man knocked at the door. Thinking it was just another tramp, my mother went
through her customary ritual of telling the man, "Sit down on the steps and
I will give you a pan of water so you can wash, and I will fix you something to
eat." The man started to cry. He asked, "Why, Hancel, don't you know
me?"
Then she recognized him - our old neighbor, Mr. Green - man who had always been
neat and clean, who walked tall and proud. He was emaciated, haggard and thin
cheeked. He needed a shave and a haircut. His clothes looked like the garb of a
scarecrow. He began to weep.
He sobbed out a tale of traveling the country, walking, begging rides, and
riding the rails. His job search was futile. He returned home broken in spirit.
My mother cried along with him.
As he ate, he told how other men rode the rails searching for work. Often they
weren't even men, just young boys. Often girls, dressed as boys, rode the
boxcars. Men and boys, old and young, all transients following the warmth of the
sun seeking work. After all, as they all said, it was better to be warm and
hungry than cold and hungry.
He told of food riots in one city, of the Red Cross handing out food. When that
happened, it was like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a way
some kept body and soul alive.
He finally slept the clock around before starting home to rejoin his family.
A few months later, we were all saddened to receive a letter telling us that he
had died, one of many who had become a victim of the depression.
While it was still not exactly true for many, things were looking up. The song
of the day was no longer "Once I built a railroad, made it run - Brother
can you spare a dime."
People began to sing "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries."
[Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Sunday, May 2, 1999]
DEPRESSION MEANT HARD TIMES -
NOT ALWAYS SAD TIMES
Foreword from the author: At the request of my granddaughter, I wrote some of my
childhood memories down concerning the "Depression Days." I am a
74-year-old widow of three years. I also have five generations now. I'm an
amateur artist, having entered Blair Point School Art Show twice. I still enjoy
painting. Thank you for making this offer to old timers.
By Betty Brooks
Pharos-Tribune Guest Columnist
Coal-oil lamps and I was 12 - no indoor plumbing either, was married before
having that luxury.
Father had a big garden or truck patch it was called. Dried beans on a blanket
in the sun - walnuts on top of the shed, onions hung to dry and potatoes in the
cellar which was cool and dry.
Slept in unheated bedroom with heavy comforts Mother made, could see your breath
- bedroom cold.
Mother had an old dishpan to use for the quick bath behind the old stove.
Your front side was warm and your back side cold. Mother ironed with old flat
irons.
I remember a man would come down the lane in a truck called a
"Huckster" with shelves inside it. Was a treat to get some penny
candy. A greater treat was when Daddy and Mother made home-made ice cream.
I remember thrashing time and hog butchering day. Ladies all got together and
cooked for the men and made stuffed sausage. Went with folks along railroad
tracks to Kokomo picking strawberries when I was 9 or 10 years old.
My father being a tenant farmer worked from 5 a.m. until feeding cows and
milking were finished in the evening. We lived in many different places in
Indiana dnd Ohio.
Dad drove a team of horses in fields and horse-drawn wagon shucking corn and
plowing.
I remember being taught to save. So that's why I'm called a pack-rat, but you
see, we had to. For instance, we saved bread wrappers (no ziplocks then) - mixed
oleo with an orange capsule to color it ourselves. No instant products then. I
used ties off coffee package as curlers and when I was a little girl my Mother
used a curling iron, put in the coal-oil lamp to get it hot then curled my hair.
I recall we burnt corncobs in the kitchen stove. My Mother would rise up early
and bake biscuits, couldn't afford store-bought bread. She put my school lunch
in a small lard pail - no fancy lunch box!
Father put new soles on my shoes with a shoe lath. Still have that!
During the depression I wore dresses from government. My Dad's old-maid sister,
Aunt Leona, made mine different by sewing on rick-rack and bias tape - Bless
her. On Saturday we would go to what was called a Medicine Show and movie, which
was held outdoors. We would sit on a blanket (the four of us) take our own
popcorn and watch the movie. At intermission a man in charge would sell medicine
in a bottle to the crowd. The medicine was supposed to cure all.
Going to a movie in town cost 10 cents each for Mother and Dad and they would
discuss whether to go. We usually went but Father was only into Westerns.
I started being creative at age 11. Made paper-dolls - designed their clothes,
all from school tablet. Also wrote out school plays for kids to act out in music
room when too cold to go out for recess. Was only in sixth grade then. No
allowance, we didn't even have pop in the ice box which was a cooler with pan
under to catch melted ice. My Mother was a gentle woman and a very good cook so
we did eat good. She wasn't one to complain about what life had doled out to
her. Was taught to be clean by her. We were poor; but it didn't seem so bad, a
lot of others were also - ate a lot of beans and taters!
Betty Brooks is a residet of Peru.
[Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Sunday, May 2, 1999]
LOGANSPORT WOMAN RECALLS HARDSHIPS AFTER BLACK TUESDAY
By Darlene Broughton
For the Pharos-Tribune
Fortunes were lost in a heartbeat, and chaos reigned supreme.
On Thursday, October 29, 1929, there was bedlam in New York City as the New York
Stock Market plummeted by $14 billion. It became known by the world as
"Black Thursday."
"It was awful. In New York, there were men jumping out of windows,"
said Mary Jackson. At the time, she was only 16 years old.
"Dad was in the stock market, and Mom was, too," Jackson said. Her
fahter, Dr. W.A. Holloway, was on the board of directors of the National Bank in
Logansport at the time. National Bank didn't survive the crash.
All of the banks in Logansport folded in the ensuing panic after the crash, with
the exception of the Farmers & Merchants Bank (now the Salin Bank). Jackson
said there were huge runs on the banks because people were afraid they would
lose their money if they left it on deposit. Eventually, most of the banks
reopened. Jackson said the banks' stockholders had to deposit cash matching the
value of the stock that they owned so the banks could reopen.
As a result of the panic, Jackson herself lost $550 that she had banked through
the school she attended. She said that if students wanted to save money and
place it in the bank, they could take their savings to school, and the school
would deposit the money for them in their name.
Although she lost a large amount of money during the stock market crash, Jackson
stated that she didn't really have a good understanding of the seriousness of
the events unfolding. "Teenagers, what do they know?" Jackson said.
Shortly after the crash, she was sent to a private boarding school in
Indianapolis, which she attended until 1951.
Because of the stock market crash and the run on the banks, many businesses
suffered and many people lost their jobs. It was the start of the Great
Depression. Jackson said there were soup kitchens and bread lines, and the
Salvation Army gave out food.
Even though the depression affected so many, Jackson didn't think it affected
Logansport too much. When asked why, she explained that Logansport was a big
railroad town and that the people who worked for the railroad were pretty well
off because they still had jobs. The intersection of Third and Market Streets
was called the Crossroads of America because of the railroads, bus lines, etc.
that ran through the city. The Pennsylvania, Wabash, and Vandalia Railroads all
passed through the city. Logansport was still a very busy city with much
commerce flowing through it, Jackson recalled.
Jackson said that another factor that helped Logansport thrive was that it was
located in a rural farmland area. The farmers didn't have to worry about not
having jobs or food. Their farms sustained them.
Jackson said that overall, Logansport was fortunate to not feel the full impact
of the results of the New York Stock market crash.
[Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Sunday, May 2, 1999]
A WEDDING OF THE 1930s
By Jane Hanna
Pharos-Tribune Guest Columnist
Jane Appleton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Appleton, of 903 Burlington Ave.,
became the bride of Harmol Hanna, R.R. 1, Logansport and son of Mrs.Emma B.
Hanna, 312 W. Linden Ave., Logansport, on August 27, 1932, at 2:00 p.m. The
attendants were Reba Walker, of R.R. 1, Galveston and Fred Hanna, 312 W. Linden
Ave., Logansport, brother of the groom.
The bride's dress, made of white eyelet, cost $8. Flowers for the bride cost $5.
The boutonniere for the groom cost $2.
Mr. and Mrs. Cole Watkins, music teachers of Logansport and Young America,
played violin and piano music for the ceremony. Rev. O.K. Malone was the
officiating minister. The bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Appleton, served a
buffet dinner to the wedding party and guests. While everyone was having a good
time, the couple slipped away, in the groom's Whippet Coupe, to Harrington
Studio on Fifth Street for picture taking. Two dozen of one pose were ordered.
We went back to the wedding party and around 4 p.m. Robert Hineman, a neighbor
across the street, and friends borrowed Mr. Appleton's team of horses and wagon.
They decorated the wagon, had the bridal couple to get in and all that wanted to
get in. Carloads of people followed the wagon down Burlington Avenue on the old
interurban tracks, down the middle of the street. They turned right on Market
Street, going to Seventh Street, then turned left on East Broadway and stopped
at an ice cream shop where everyone was treated to candy bars. Then they headed
down East Broadway to Third Street, turned left to go out to Burlington Avenue.
Being Saturday evening, there were many people in town doing their weekly
shopping. This was great excitement. Flowers were tossed to the bridal couple
with lots of cheering. Everyone had a great time.
Jane Hanna is a resident of fural Logansport.
[Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Sunday, May 2, 1999]
BUTCHERING IN THE 1930s
By Joe Bowyer
Pharos-Tribune Guest Columnist
Butchering day always began at dayulight when it was still cold and frosty -
usually in late November or early December. It was a long, busy day and your
fingers were always cold because you couldn't butcher with gloves on.
A fire was built under two huge butchering kettles filled with water. While this
water was coming to a boil, the hogs were killed - usually two of them unless
more than one family was involved. I have seen as many as 10 when neighbors
brought theirs in.
When the water came to a boil, it was poured into an open top 50-gallon drum,
which was leaning against the end of a table. The hogs were placed one at a time
on this table and slid into the drum to be scalded to prepare them for scraping.
Once the hog was hauled back onto the table, sharp butcher knives were used to
give the whole hog a shave with its bath. I always thought it would have been a
memorable day for a hog getting a shave and a bath if it hadn't been too dead to
enjoy it. While one hog was being prepared, more water was being heated for the
next one. Hogs aren't naturally clean, and the water got dirty fast.
Once the hog was cleaned, it was hung up by its hind legs and drawn and split
down the middle of its back. Then it was placed on a table and cut into hams,
shoulders, pork chops, side meat, (bacon to you people who buy it in the
supermarket) and perhaps some tenderloin. Most of the fat was trimmed off and
cut into chunks approximately 1 inch square. These were tossed into a
"rendering" kettle that cooked most of the lard out of them. The lard
was ladeled into 5-gallon "lard cans" to cool. The chunks were then
put into a lard press that squeezed out the remaining lard and left a round cake
of "cracklings." These probably weren't good for you, but we ate them
and also used them to flavor beans.
The intestines were cleaned and washed for use as casings for sausage that was
made from whatever cuts of meat the farmer wanted to throw into the sausage
grinder. This meat was then mixed with flavorings and spices to each farmer's
recipe, and I would point out here that this was good meat. Don't compare it to
today's bologna. When it was ready, it was put into the lard press. A length of
intestine was pushed onto the spout and tied shut with a short length of string.
One person would crank the press while another twisted the extruded sausage at
regular intervals to create the desired length of the links. When the correct
number of links in a length of sausage was formed, it was tied off and another
length started.
Most country people didn't have the luxury of an ice box in those days. Some of
them (my family included) had no electricity, and freezers were yet to be
invented. So after the neighbors left, we worked into the night with kerosene
lamps rubbing Morton's Sugar Cure into the meat so it wouldn't spoil. As I said,
it was a long day.
What I remember most about butchering day, however, is not the hard work, but
the different smells. I'll admit there was no pleasant smell generated by
cleaning the intestines, but the rendering kettle and the sausage and cracklings
smelled great. The old Morton's Sugar Cure didn't take a back seat either.
Another good memory is the laughter and friendship that was always shared, the
same laughter and friendship that seem to be in such short supply today.
[Logansport Pharos-Tribune, Sunday, May 2, 1999]
DESOLATION POST OFFICE [Wayne Township]
Located S side of 900S on the railroad.
In 1885, John Snyder applied for a post office, naming it Horn, but crossed it
out and renamed it Desolation.
Discontinued early in 20th century.
[F.C.H.S. Files]
DESOLATION POSTMASTERS [Wayne Township]
John Snyder, June 27, 1895, Aug 21, 1886. Helen Snyder, March 19, 1898.
Ps to Grasscreek Ind Apr 26, 1898.
[F.C.H.S. Files]
DeVAULT, ENSYL BARR [Kewanna, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
Ensyl Barr DeVault, Litt. D., well known Attorney at Law, residing at Kewanna,
was born in Clinton county, Indiana, February 4th, 1873; the son of Strauder and
Sarah (Ferrier) DeVault. The father of our subject served in Company C, 72nd
Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, one of the regiments that
composed the famous Wilders Lightning Brigade, of mounted infantry. At the close
of the War, he returned to Indiana and engaged in farming in Clinton county,
near Frankfort, until his death which occurred in 1905. He was of French
descent, his great grandfather having been a full blooded Frenchman. The mother
of Scotch-Irish descent, is still living and is a resident of California. Ensyl
Barr DeVault received the education afforded by the public schools of his home
community and then attended Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana. At the
age of twenty-one he entered the ministry in the Baptist Church, but coming from
a family who were poor, more funds were needed for the support of his parents
and youngrer members of the family, he engaged with the Prudential Life
Insurance company, of Newark, New Jersey, where for a number of years he enjoyed
an enviable reputation as one of the leaders of his company, but again took up
his chosen work of preaching, taking special study under the late Dr. Frank
Gonsaulus, of Chicago. He filled the pastorate of various Baptist churches in
Indiana and Ohio, but becoming dissatisfied with conditions, he began the study
and practice of law at Kewanna, seven years ago where he now enjoys a lucrative
business. He was married to Grace E. Johnson, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, June
10, 1903, and to this union have been born three children: Paul Johnson, Ralph
Star and Mary Ruth. Fraternally, Mr. DeVault is a member of the Masonic Order,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and his wife is
at present Matron of the Kewanna Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Mr.
DeVault is widely sought as a speaker on occasions when timely subjects are
demanded. Throughout the state he has an enviable reputation as an orator and
has spoken not only at many commencement exercises but in Chautauquas and other
assemblages. And for five consecutive years was the speaker at the Miami Old
Settlers Association, of Miami county, a sufficient testimonial of his
excellence as a platorm orator. He is fortunate in the possession of a library
containing over twenty-five hundred books and reference works, among which is
the life of Israel Putnam, published shortly after the Revolutionary War. Mr.
DeVault has traveled extensively and has lived in some of our largest cities,
but having been born and reared on a farm, built his own home where he resides
in Kewanna, and prefers, the practice of law in a small town, the quiet rural
life, his books and his children to that of the active and more fascinating life
of the city.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 179-180, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DeVAULT, PAUL J. [Kewanna, Indiana]
WINS HIGH HONORS
Bloomington, Ind., Jue - Paul J. DeVault of Kewanna, who received the doctor of
jurisprudence degree at the 103rd annual commencement exercises of Indiana
university here this week, was announced as the winner of the shield of Gamma
Eta Gamma given to the student of the law school who makes the highest
scholarship record during the student's senior year. DeVault is a member of the
Delta Chi social fraternity, the Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic society, the
Delta Theta Phi honorary dramatic and debating fraternity, and was secretary of
the senior class. He was chairman of the board of editors for the Indiana Law
Journal and a member of the intramural debating championship team.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 16, 1932]
DEVENY, HARRY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] SUITS TO ORDER $16.00. Merchant Tailoring! - - - I do my own cutting and
can divide profits. HARRY DEVENY.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 1, 1895]
HARRY DEVENY (Biography)
In local business circles Harry DEVENY is entitled to a place. He was born in
1848 and moved to Rochester ten years ago. He is a tailor by occupation, having
served his apprenticeship in New York and has had nearly twenty years experience
at the trade, having been cutter in some of the largest and most fashionable
tailoring establishments in the country. He conducts a merchant tailor store and
has a nice, prosperous business. He married Miss Lucy MANN, youngest daughter of
Dr. MANN, deceased, and they are the parents of one daughter, Miss Nancy [DEVENY].
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
[Adv] DEVENY the Tailor! Has removed his shop one door north of the Downey
Bakery. He has also employed a fine coat maker from Chicago and is prepared to
make up suits in the most artistic fashion. A share of your patronage solicited.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 9, 1897]
DEVIL FISH [Lake Manitou]
At about the time this columnist was a small boy, the story of the devil fish
was still a subject of conversation. Large buffalo fish were being caught and
sold in local markets. I recall seeing several hanging from hooks in front of
the Stockberger market, in the building now occupied by Gilbert's Drug Store
[117 E 9th] on the south side of the public square. The buffalo in Manitou grew
to a length of perhaps 36 to 48 inches, while the reputed early sea serpent was
said to surpass the length of a row boat. In more than a half century the devil
fish has been a legend with no repeat performance. No large buffalo have been
caught in a half century in Manitou waters. --- Earle A. Miller, The
News-Sentinel, May 5, 1959.
DEWEESE, ASA W. [Rochester, Indiana]
ASA DEWEESE (Biography)
Commissioner Asa Deweese, of the 1st district, was born in Miami county, Ohio,
in 1826. Three years later his parents moved to Shelby county, Ohio, and he
lived there until 1854, when he came to Fulton county and purchased the land in
Liberty township, west of Fulton, which has ever since been his home. His
baggage brought to the county consisted of a gripsack, in which he carried a
change of clothing, two iron wedges and a grubbing hoe while on his shoulder he
freighted an ax and a rifle, all necessary appurtenances for early day farming
in the heavy timber of this county. After two years work on his new farm he
returned to Ohio and married Emeline RUSSEL. She lived but two years, leaving
her husband alone. Several years later he married Mary A. BUTLER and two
children have blessed the union -- Emily [MARTIN], wife of Chas. MARTIN, of
Marion, and Charles [DEWEESE], a young man of nineteen.
Mr. Deweese has been a progressive commissioner and many of the most important
public improvements in the county are due to his idea of keeping county affairs
apace with the advance of the general community. His name adorns both the new
jail and new court house as one of the building commissioners. He is president
of the Board and will retire from his second term of office next December.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
BIOGRAPHY
Asa W. Deweese, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, in 1826, is descended from
sturdy ancestry, from rock-ribbed Wales, the family being founded in Maryland.
His grandfather, James Deweese, was born in Virginia, and emigrating to
Pennsylvania, there married Elizabeth Whitlock. By trade he was a blacksmith.
The father of our subject was born in Pennsylvania, in 1804, and, going down the
Ohio river, settled in Fairfield county, that state. He married Amy Blue,
daughter of Michael Blue, and she is now living in Peru, Ind., at the age of
eighty-eight. Their children are: Asa W.; Lucinda, widow of H. Bryan; Isabel,
widow of William Bryan; Nancy, widow of Oliver Longstreet; Michael, deceased;
Elizabeth, wife of A. Marrs; James L., of Peru, Ind.; Louisa, wife of B. Burton;
Diodema, wife of Daniel Gordon; Clarinda, wife of Mat Jones; and Susanna, wife
of George Rouch. Asa W. Deweese was reared and educated in Shelby county, Ohio,
and in 1854, with an ax and rifle upon his shoulder started for Fulton county,
Ind. He secured a farm in the forest near the town of Fulton, where for two
years he labored faithfully, preparing a home for his future bride. He was
married May 29, 1856, to Emeline Russell whom he at once brought to the new
farm, and who died two years later. Mr. Deweese was again married Jan. 1, 1863,
his second union being with Mary A., daughter of Burriss H. Butler. Her father
was born in Georgia, in 1806, was reard near Richmond, Ind., and came to Fulton
county in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Deweese have two children--Emily B., wife of
Charles Martin, of Marion, Indiana; and Charles B., who is living at the old
homestead owned by his father. This is one of the fine farms of the county, made
so by the earnest labors of Asa W. Deweese, who is recognized as one of the most
progressive and energetic agriculturists of Fulton county. In his political
views he is a democrat, and has not failed to vote at a democratic primary or
election for forty-three years. He has twice served as county commissioner,
receiving a largely increased majority at his second election, which was a high
testimonial of his faithful performance of duty during his first term. He
retired from office in 1895, as he had entered it, with the confidence and good
will of all.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 62-63]
DEWEY SALOON [Rochester, Indiana]
The Dewey saloon closed its doors yesterday evening at regular closing time.
There now only remain three thirst parlors in the city of the thirteen that
existed prior to the remonstrance.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, September 3, 1908]
DEWITT, BILLY [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
DICE & SON [Rochester, Indiana]
LIVERY FIRM MOVED
J. H. Dice & Son, who have occupied the Hill building on South Main street,
with their livery, moved today to the barn on East Seventh street, vacated by
Chas. Huffer. The Dice livery is up-to-date in all respects and they will no
doubt continue their success in the new stand.
The barn vacated on Main street will be opened as a hitch-in-barn by Dice &
Son.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 2, 1910]
NEWS OF THE DAY
John Schreyer has leased the building formerly occupied by Dice's Livery stable
on Main street, and will move his blacksmith shop to that place. In connection
he will operate a hitching stable.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, June 22, 1910]
DICE LIVERY SOLD
The James H. Dice & Son livery barn has been sold, Ott Calloway, the
well-known horse buyer being the purchaser.
Mr. Calloway has already taken possession and will devote his attention to the
improvement of the business. The new owner will also run a sale barn in
connection with the livery and will no doubt meet with success.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 2, 1910]
DICKERHOFF, JOHN [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
John Dickerhoff was born in Ohio February 25, 1853, the son of Joseph and Amelia
(Sauserman) Dickerhoff, she a native of Pennsylvania and he of Germany. Joseph
and his brother John came to America at the same time. They were educated German
boys and hoped to find their fortunes in the new country. They located in Akron,
Ohio, one marrying and the other dying single. Joseph secured his first job on
the canal and finally acquired a farm of fifty acres in Portage county. In 1866
he sold his property and removed to Indiana where in Henry township he bought a
farm of 132 acres, improved it by erecting buildings and established his home.
His children were: Jacob, Katherine, Susan, John, Daniel, Lydia, Joseph, and
Louisa. The fourth child, John, was educated partly in the Ohio schools and
partly in Indiana. As a growing lad he and his brother Jacob operated a sawmill
and both followed at one time or another the trade of carpenter. For thirty
years John Dickerhoff has lived on the place his father left him. He has brought
it to a good state of condition with all improvements. His family consists of
five daughters and four sons: Alsines E., Cora, Emma, Bessie, George, Joseph,
Frederick, Susan, and Dosia. Mrs. Dickerhoff belongs to the progressive Dunkard
church. Mr. Dickerhoff served two years on the county council.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 182-183, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DIELMAN, RHEA [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Wile Department Store
DILL, JAMES C. [Liberty Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Thomas Dill, the father of the subject of this sketch was born in Ohio. His
mother, Nancy Wiley, was a native of Virginia, and died in Cass County,
November, 1869. His father resides on a farm of 160 acres in the same county.
They were members of the Presyterian Church. James C., was born in Tippecanoe
County, May 2, 1838, and married Fanny A. Reed, widow of Isaac Reed, January 28,
1869. She was the daughter of Henry Walters, a minister in the United Brethren
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Dill have three children, viz.: Margaret I., Annie E. and
Mary O. He is a farmer, and was in the army during the late rebellion, enlisting
for four years in Company B, Forty-sixth Indiana, and was in some seven or eight
battles, amongst which were the siege of Vicksburg, and Champion Hill, where he
was wounded in the head by a minie ball. He re-enlisted in 1864, and was
mustered out with an honorable discharge in 1865. He came to this county in
1869, purchasing the place where he now resides, and making all the improvements
with his own hands. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 43]
DILLMAN, JESSE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Standard Oil Service Station
DILLON, A. H. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: First National Bank
DILLON, ANDREW J. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Goss, Ira D.
__________
ANDREW J. DILLON (Biography)
Among the useful and successful young men of Fulton county, Andrew J. (Jud)
DILLON stands in the front rank. Born on a farm in Richland township, 36 years
ago, he grew to manhood with an educational environment of only the common
schools. Then he looked higher and took advantage of the courses of study at
Valparaiso Normal, Franklin College and Bloomington University. Then he was
elected County Superintendent of schools, and conducted the affairs of the
office with splendid success for four years. Having had considerable experience
as an insutance writer he was made special agent of the Continental company for
Indiana and he has since been promoted to adjustor of losses, a responsible and
lucrative position. Mr. Dillon married Alwilda EDWARDS, the widely known primary
teacher, two years ago and they reside in Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
LOCAL NEWS
A. J. Dillon is at Bedford purchasing stone for his new house. The building will
be of the new idea in architecture known as stone veneer. The frame will be
built same as a frame house but instead of weather boarding there will be a
stone veneer four inches thick. This kind of construction is said to be the
warmest in winter, coolest in summer, and dryest that can be built.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, May 7, 1903]
REMOVE PLASTERING
Workmen are now busily engaged in removing practically all of the plastering
from the walls of the A. J.Dillon home on South Main street, because the
covering was found to be defective. When the new plaster has been put on, the
walls will be hand decorated by artists from Chicago.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, May 23, 1913]
BIOGRAPHY
Andrew Judson Dillon, deceased, was one of he most substantial citizens of
Rochester during his long and useful life. He was born near Maxinkuckee,
Richland township, Fulton county, Indiana, May 16, 1859, the son of Oliver P.
and Buella (Blake) Dillon, pioneers of Fulton County who died in 1901 and 1897
respectively at the ages of eighty-one and seventy-eight years. The parents of
Andrew Dillon had a large family, of whom only two are living. Andrew Judson
Dillon was reared on the home farm and received his preliminary education in the
public schools of his home community and the Plymouth high school. For two years
after his graduation from high school, he attended Franklin College and then
matriculated at Indiana University, from which institution he was graduated. His
studies completed, he was elected superintendent of schools of Fulton county a
position which he held for four years. At that time he became associated with
the Continental Insurance company, and in 1891, he was appointed the state agent
for that organization, continuing in that capacity until his death, which
occurred July 10, 1920. Mr. Dillon was also prominently identified with the
banking interests of the county, serving for many years as a director and the
vice-president of the First National Bank of Rochester, the successor to the
first bank of the county. Fraternally, Mr. Dillon was a valued member of the
Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Phi Delta Theta
college fraternity, and the Columbia Club, of Indianapolis and the Maccabees,
and the Blue Goose. On July 5, 1893, he married Alwilda Edwards, the daughter of
Andrew J. and Louisa (Strowsnider) Edwards. The paternal grandparents of Mrs.
Dillon were Joseph and Elizabeth (Sherer) Edwards, the former a native of
Michigan and the latter being born in Berrien Springs, Michigan. They came to
Fulton county, Indiana, at an early date and remained here until their deaths,
which occurred 1860 and 1896, Elizabeth Edwards dying at the advanced age of
eighty-six years. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Dillon were Ellis and Hannah
(Staggers) Strowsnider, both natives of Pennsylvania who came to Fulton county
among the first settlers where the former died in 1852, ther latter dying in
Illinois. The parents of Mrs. Dillon came to Fulton county when the settlement
of this territory was still in progress. Andrew J. Edwards was born in
Mishawaka, Indiana, March 7, 1833, and his wife was born in Coshocton county,
Ohio, November 19, 1838. He was a cooper by trade and followed this occupation
throughout his entire life. He had five children of whom three are now living.
Alwilda E. Dillon received the education afforded by the graded and high schools
of Rochester, and for two years thereafter she attended the State Normal school.
She then matriculated at Colonel Parker's school, of Chicago. For twenty-five
years, she followed the profession of teaching, sixteen years of that time being
spent in the primary schools of Rochester. Her success was so pronounced in this
work that she was chosen to instruct in the county institutes. She now lives in
a beautiful home on the [SW] corner of [Eleventh] and Main Streets in Rochester,
and she is respected and admired by a wide circle of friends.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 181-182, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DILLON, FRANCIS A. [Akron/Rochester, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
Francis Dillon. - This well-known business man was born in North Carolina,
November 25, 1846.
With his parents he came to Indiana in 1850, the family locating in Henry
County, where young Frank was a pupil at the schools in the vicinity of his
father's residence and where, during his earlier years, he followed such
pursuits as were incident to farm life until 1863, when he enlisted in the
Fourth Indiana Battery, and was shortly afterward transferred to the Nineteenth
Indiana Battery, with which command he participated in numerous battles,
including Buzzards' Roost, Ga., Resaca, siege of Atlanta and battle of
Jonesboro, making the march to the sea under Sherman, serving until the close of
the war, when he was mustered out at Indianapolis, July 20, 1865.
Returning again to civil live, Mr. Dillon immediately commenced to learn
blacksmithing, which he followed as a journeyman for several years. During this
time, or in 1869, he made a trip to Kansas, where he homesteaded a tract of
land, and for some time afterward followed his trade in the Indian Territory.
Returning to Indiana in 1870, he at once set up as a blacksmith and
carriage-make at Akron. His business was at first small, but has gradually
increased until it has become quite extensive and promises to become an
important business entrprise in the near future.
Mr. Dillon is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and a valuable acquisition to Akron.
He has been twice married, first in 1867, to Miss Julia Wilson. To this marriage
was born one daughter--Minnie. Mrs. Dillon died in December 1868.
The present Mrs. Dillon, to whom he was united February 1, 1872, was Miss Mary
A. Estill. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Mr. Dillon's father, Henry Dillon, was born in North Carolina, and married Chloe
Jones, of the same State. He emigrated to Indiana in 1850, and located in Henry
County, where he yet resides.
Mrs. Dillon's father, David W. Estill, a native of Northumberland County, Penn.,
was born in 1814, of German lineage, and came with his parents to Columbiana
County, Ohio, in an early day, where he married, on July 2, 1841, Miss Rebecca
Burns, who was born in London, England, in 1821.
He was the father of twelve children, of whom Mary A., the fifth, was born in
1852.
After several changes, Mr. E. located at Delphos, Ohio, where he now resides.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 38]
FRANCIS A. DILLON (Biography)
Sheriff Francis A. DILLON is a North Carolinian by birth but left that state
when four years old in 1850 for Henry county, this state, where he grew to
manhood. When sixteen years old he enlisted as a private in the 4th Indiana
Battery and served two years, Sherman's march to the sea being a part of his
service. On returning to Henry county he married Miss Julia WILSON who died
eleven months afterward leaving a daughter who is now Mrs. Minnie WEICK, of
Columbia City. Two years later Mr. Dillon located in Akron and engaged in the
blacksmith business which he followed successfully until he came to Rochester in
1892. He married Miss Mary A. ESTILL in 1872, and the two have been sufficiently
active as to build six residences and three business rooms during their
residence in the county. Mr. Dillon was a candidate for Sheriff in '88 but went
down with his ticket and was again nominated last year and elected, the first
republican sheriff the county ever had. He is an active G.A.R. man and Odd
Fellow, being Past Commander of McClung Post G.A.R.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
FIRST LOVE EXPLAINED
By Frank Dillon
Having greatly enjoyed the old settlers' stories, decided to write a brief
history of my life. However, I shall not be able to go so far back in history as
some of my older associates, Troutman and others, on account of my age. These
stories furnish a means for the public to determine as to how we have improved
the opportunities, which surrounded us in early life. Among the writers, so far,
we find but one born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he being a man of
considerable wealth, and yet fails to mention where or when he ever performed
one day's labor. The question arises as to how he had accumulated so much
property. However, he throws some light on the subject by pleading guilty to
taking one calf and a turkey from his neighbors. Notwithstanding all of this, he
has made a good 'squire. In this article I shall attempt a summary of the
leading events of my life, from childhood to the present time.
I was born in North Carolina, Nov. 25, 1846, and although the family left there
before I was four years of age, I can remember a great many things that happened
while living there, one of them is seeing mother spin the thread and weave the
cloth from which all our clothing was made. There were seven children of whom I
was next to the youngest. Speaking of the youngest reminds me of an incident
which occurred between him and me. We were playing in father's shop, (father
being a carpenter). My brother had a very bushy head of hair and I conceived the
idea that it would be a good joke to set fire to it, so I took a handful of
shavings, lit them at the fire place and held them to the back of his head. He
screamed out and about that time father had me by the back of the neck with one
hand, and in the other was a piece of a barrel stave. When the exercises closed,
it was hard to tell which was blistered the most, brother or I, but on different
parts of the anatomy. I also recall the first pair of panatloons made for me. Up
to that time I wore dresses, or I should say a dress, as we only had one and
that made as short as possible, and when we outgrew that, it was passed on down
the line to the next youngest. I moved up to where I was entitled to pants. They
were the "barn door" variety, with shirt and suspenders made from the
same material.
We left North Carolina in the fall of 1850, moving through in wagons, one
one-horse and one two-horse wagon, father, mother and seven children. A number
of amusing incidents occurred along the way. My sister and I were walking along,
one day, hanging quite a distance behind. We were running to catch up with the
wagons, but just before reaching them we came to a ditch which crossed the road.
I fell in, and when they got me out, mother had to strip me and take my clothes
to a pond of water to wash them. She then pinned them to the wagon cover to dry
and set me in the feed box where I had to stay. I don't recollect how long we
were on the road, but I remember the night we drove up to uncle's about two
miles west of Greensboro, late in the evening, and he actually seemed glad to
see us. Remained there a few days, then moved into a two-room house in the
woods, with a small garden spot, where we remained for some time, father working
at his trade, earning small wages and providing for a family of ten. Another
brother was born after coming to this state and none of the children old enough
to earn anything.
Each fall there were ten pairs of boots and shoes to be made. When the time to
make them came, father would take the measure of our feet by cutting a stick the
length of the foot, and took the ten sticks with him when he went to town to
place the order. Things were different then from what they are now, as we could
now get excursion rates on ten pairs. School privileges, in those days, were
limited. In fact, the older ones had to remain at home to assist in providing
for the rest of us. It was very fashionable for the girls to wear hoops, the
larger the better. I remember my sisters who went to school would sew tucks in
their skirts and run grapevines through, making the skirts as large as desired.
In our school we sat on benches, and it required a peculiar movement on the part
of the girls, to sit down just right, which I will not undertake to describe,
but which I feel certain could not be accomplished by the belles of today
without serious consequences.
There are two more incidents I wish to relate in regard to my boyhood days, one
being my last whipping, the other my first experience in making love to a girl.
These subects have been entirely overlooked by the other writers, although I am
sure each have had interesting experiences. Mother administered my last
whipping, and she must have made up her mind that it would be the last, and made
it severe enough to linger in my memory many moons. Brother and I often got to
scuffling and he being the youngest, he had to have the last lick. One evening,
while we were preparing for bed, I made up my mind to get even with him. I
hurried and jumped in bed, and as he cawled over me, I raised him one that sent
him against the wall. His screams soon brought mother to the scene, slipper in
hand, took us out of bed, one at a time, and when she finished the job, we were
so stinging hot there was no need of bed covers to keep warm.
I was about thirteen years of age when I fell in love with a girl at first
sight. Living a short distance from our house was the Black family, having a
son, Maynard, and a step-daughter, Elvira Stow. Well, Elvira smiled on me and I
smiled on Elvira, and each kept it up until it began to ripen into something. I
found out through Maynard that I could walk home with her from church, so the
next Sunday night I made the break. It was customary for the boys to line up
outside the church door and watch for the girl of their choice to appear, then
step up and ask if it is agreeable to walk home with her. If she said no, we
were "sacked." On this occasion, I took my place close to the door,
but when Elvira appeared, I became paralyzed and could neither move or speak.
She passed on and soon as I could move, I ran on ahead of her and got behind a
locus tree and when she came along I stepped out and walked a long distance by
her side before either spoke a word, then she said, "It's a pleasant
evening," and I answered in a timorous voice, "Yes," then after a
long interval, "I guess it is." And of course it was. Nothing more was
said till we reached her home. I was anxious to keep the affair from my folks,
but every one of them including an uncle visiting us, passed me on the road. I
have always considered this an unfortunate incident in my career as it instilled
in my mind, a fear of the fair sex I have not yet overcome. No doubt but the
reader will say, "wasn't he a greenth:" In reply will say, ask John
Troutman to tell ou the experience he once told me.
I will now pass on to the time I enlisted in the army, which did not occur until
October, 1863, owing to my age. My chum, George Macy, and I pledged each other
when one went the other would go also. Under eighteen years of age, it was
necessary to get parental consent and I was less than seventeen and George but
little older. So we planned to run away, and on the last day of September, 1863,
about seven o'clock in the evening, we struck out. Walked ten miles to what is
now the Soldier's Home, three miles south of Knightstown. Having worked there at
one time, we calculated to remain over night, then go to Knightstown, take a
train for Indianapolis the next morning and enlist. About one o'clock George's
father came after us, so we crawled out, walked down the road where his rig was
in waiting, (consisting of one saddle horse) and he being the commanding
officer, rode the horse, George and I formed two abreast and marched back home,
reaching there at daybreak. The next thing was an interview with father, which
ended by me agreeing to stay at home until I was old enough to go. The next day
George and I took our axes and dinners and went two miles to cut wood. We
chopped a little wood and planned the rest of the day. Returned home at night
and struck out again. Walked to Knightstown, and a short distance from the town,
crawled in a hay stack, making sure nothing but blood hounds would find us. It
soon began to rain, so we changed our hiding place by going on to town and
finding shelter in a haymow. Next morning we encountered another difficulty in
getting transportation to Indianapolis, it being the time the government was
shipping troops from the east to the western army, stopping trains only at water
tanks, so we had to walk to the next station and get on a train loaded with
soldiers. It was too late to find the recruiting officer, so the first night was
spent in a box car. Next morning we found the officer and told him we wanted to
enlist. His first qyestion was, "How old ar you?" and we both answered
"Eighteen." He then directed his remarks to me, being the smallest. He
said: "I am going to take you down in the city and swear you, then write to
your parents, and if you have lied, I'll put you where you will not bother any
other recruiting officer." His bluff worked all right, and I spoke right up
and said: "I'll not swear but father sent me." He said: "Will you
sign your father's name to an article to that effect?" I said I would, and
he wrote some kind of a lengthy article which I did not read but signed father's
name to it.
We were taken to headquarters, examined, sworn in, drew our uniforms and became
members of the 4th Ind. Battery, Light Artillery. We were placed in the
soldiers' home to await orders to go south, which came as soon as a sufficient
number could be secured. While in camp there was an order that those
volunteering to do guard duty in the forenoon could get a pass out in the
afternoon. One morning I reported for duty, was givan a gun and assigned to take
a prisoner down to headquarters to be tried for desertion, a very serious
charge. I marched him down all right and he ws taken up stairs, in a building
used for that purpose. I was directed to remain outside and guard the door.
Remained here for a while until it got a little monotonous, so I set the gun in
a corner and went down to the foot of the stairs. Had not enjoyed he sights
long, until my attention was called by an officer at the head of the stairs, who
held my gun and wanted to know if I could tell to whom the gun belonged. My
answer was, "Yes sir, the gun belongs to me; I am on guard." "You
will please step this way," he said. I obeyed. He inquired if I understood
my duty, and I tried to convince him that I really did. He opened the door and
called an officer, handed him my gun and directed him to take me to the guard
house. At this point I was ready to quit my job and not charge anything for past
services, but realizing it was useless to make such a proposition, I began to
beg and finally won out My gun was returned to me and after the trial, I
conducted my prisoner back to the guard house.
A short time after, I again reported for duty with the balance of the squad.
Marched to the guard house and lined up in front, and the one next the door took
the first prisoner out and so on until it came my turn. My man was a large,
husky artilleryman. He stopped and looking down at me said: "Bub, can you
run?" "Not much," I answered. He said "All right, I'll have
some fun with you." Supposing he was joking, I paid but little attention to
it. He was ordered to saw wood, I to stand guard over him. He worked a short
time, then said he must have a drink, so I went around the barracks to the pump
to get his drink and had started back when he suddenly whirled and ran. It was
such a surprise that he had made quite a start, but my previous experience
flashed across my mind, so grabbed my gun (which was little better than a club,
having neither lock or bayonet) and started after him. He ran across the guard
line, I following. The excitement aroused the entire camp, all yelling for the
little one. About one hundred rods from where we started, I got close enough to
punch him in the back with the gun. As I raised the gun to strike, he turned and
said: "Hold on, you are a liar! You can run." I marched him back. When
we got where the crowd was, he offered to bet five dollars I could outrun
anything in camp. He returned to the wood pile with a ball and chain on his leg.
We were ordered south, our destination being Chattanooga, Tenn., which was
occupied by the Union Army, the rebels holding Lookout Mountain and Mission
Ridge. We went within thirty miles of Chattanooga by rail and could go no
farther, as the bridge at Whiteside was burned, so we had to march that
distance. I can truthfully say that it was my hardest marching during the war.
We were not hardened to marching, besides it was on the railroad, walking the
ties. I will describe the knapsack I had. Old soldiers will easily understand
it. In mine was one blanket, pup-tent, gum blanket, overcoat, two suits of
underwear, extra pair of pants, and numerous other things. We presented a rather
amusing spectacle to old soldiers. As we passed the other camps, they called us
the Bureau Regiment. Many dropped out that day. I laid down within a quarter of
a mile of our camp. Went into camp at Mockeson Point, just across the river from
Chattanooga, where our real soldiering commenced. We were placed at once on
quarter rations and often less. Will tell the reader an idea of what we received
at one time. Drew rations one evening for three days. I proposed to the boys
that we would have one square meal, so we ate every particle at supper. Four of
us bunked together. Next day we began to get pretty hungry, so we started out
along the road heading towards the town. It was a road over which the supplies
were hauled and occasionally a grain of corn could be found, but not enough to
do much good. Finally we came to a place where butchering of cattle had been
done and several heads were left. These were collected. It had been some time
since they were killed and the meat somewhat tainted, but we built a fire and
got enough off the bones to satisfy our appetites. It was not very tempting as
we had neither salt or bread. This was the first day and nothing more coming in
the way of rations for two days. Next day I went to a place where there was a
rail pen of corn. A guard was watching it. I waited until almost night to get an
opportunity to steal four ears of corn. That lasted until we drew rations again.
Remained there until after the battle of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge,
then moved across the river into Chattanooga where the conditions were the same.
Have often heard the remark made by persons that ehey would rather starve than
steal and that convinces me that they were not in Chattanooga during the winter
of '63-'64, for there every man took his haversack with him wherever he went, to
keep his bunk mate from stealing it. A squad of our company was sent to
Nashville, during this time, and when they came back, each had a full haversack,
and every one lost them the first night. I took one that contained fifty-three
crackers. This was in '63. At the close of the war, we were at Indianapolis
waiting to be discharged. I saw the fellow from whom I had taken the crackers,
sitting in front of his barracks alone, and knowing we were soon to part, I went
over, sat down beside him and laying my hand on his knee said: "John, do
you remember having your haversack stolen while in Chattanooga?" He looked
up and answered: "Yes and if I knew who the fellow was, I'd mop up the
ground with him." I said, "It would be serving him right, and if I
ever hear who it was, I will tell you." I then changed the subject. He has
never found out and never will as long as he feels that way about it.
I could occupy all the space writing of incidents in and about Chattanooga, but
one more incident will suffice. A mule driver camped near our shanty. I noticed
he would feed late at night, supposing everybody to be asleep. He would then
come to his six mules, pour in the feed and leave. As soon as he was safely in
his tent, I would step in behind the mules and take the corn. I kept this up for
some time and was getting along better than the mules. One day a comrade asked
me how I was living, said he was almost starved. I told him, and that same night
I was just starting in to get the corn, when I noticed some one stepping in from
the opposite side. He had just bagan to gather the corn when the driver threw a
club, and from the way the fellow groaned I thought he was about killed, and the
language used would not look well in print. He accused the fellow of almost
starving his mules. I congratulated myself and turned in for the night. Our
winter was spent in this manner, and I can truthfully say more than half I had
to eat, was corn taken from the mules.
Some time in February, forty of us were transferred to the 19th Ind. Battery. We
were sent by rail to Ringgold, Ga., where the 19th was in camp. When we arrived,
we were lined up for roll call. While yet in line, members of the 19th came to
take a look at the new members. Looking over the crowd, I caught the eye of one
of the boys and at this he smiled and turned away. This occurred at different
times, until one day we met and he said: "Are you sure you are going by
your right name?" I assured him that I was, and he asked, "Are you
sure you are not a girl?" watching me closely. Finally he said I was the
picture of a girl he knew back home. After that the boys called me
"Sis."
Remained there but a short time until we began preparations for the Atlanta
campaign, which lasted four months, during which there was but little time we
were not under fire and within range of the enemy's bullets. Our battery
participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Siege
of Atlanta and numerous small engagements. In fact it was a fight from start to
finish. Johnson's army had been driven steadily back, though contesting every
foot of ground, to the front of Atlanta, when the south became dissatisfied with
the management of the army and on the 22d of July he was superseded by General
Hood, who ordered a general charge all along the line, resulting in heavy loss
on both sides. On this occasion I had one horse killed and another wounded. On
the 23d, the rebels had retreated from their breast works and had fallen back
into the city. When the siege of Atlanta commenced, and while we were expecting
to get possession of the city at any time, we held out until late in September
then captured them by a flank movement. Before this, there was an order issued,
that all not able to make forced march were to be sent back to the hospital.
Three were ordered back, but having a horror of hospitals, I slipped off and
remained in hiding until after the two were gone, and when the battery strated
after dark, I climbed on a caisson to ride, not being able to walk. The captain
seeing me, ordered me off. I was too weak to walk, and for support wrapped the
hair of the tail of Sergeant Conklin's horse around my hands and marched in that
manner during the night. The next morning we cut the only remaining railroad
leading to the city, and after one of the worst hand to hand battles it was ever
my lot to witness. This caused the rebels to evacuate the city. We then returned
and occupied the city, where we remained resting and getting ready for the next
move, and on the morning of November 17, started Sherman's march to the sea.
This campaign might be described, compared with others, as one continual round
of pleasure. The weather was fine and we passed through a rich country, with
orders to "take nothing we could not use." No fighting, except a
little skirmish now and then, until we reached Savannah on 20th of December,
staid there until January, then started on the campaign through the Carolinas.
On this march, we had one short but lively battle, that of Bentonville, in which
we lost all but one gun. I lost both horses and the gun on which I was driver.
However, we recaptured one of the guns, marched on to Goldsboro, and went into
camp. Received the news of Lee's surrender, followed by that of Johnson's which
meant home for me. I will not undertake to describe the joy this news created,
but which soon turned to deepest sorrow, on the receipt of the word of the death
of President Lincoln. Notwithstanding this great sorrow, preparations went right
on towards sending the soldiers home.
Our company went by boat from Morehead City, N. C., to Alexandria, Va., four
days at sea. After landing at Alexandria, we were marched across the river into
Washington, D.C. Were it possible, I would like to paint a picture of our
company at this time, as we had just closed one of the hardest campaigns, in
point of hardships, that we had ever experienced, the one through the Carolina
swamps, having had no chance to draw clothing, and being almost destitute in
that respect, a description of myself would be a fair representative for the
balance of the company. My wearing apparel consisted of hat, shirt and
pants,--no shoes. As we marched through the streets the sidewalks were lined
with God's people, with buckets of water and tin cups, giving to those who
wanted a drink. We were marched through the city to the north, to await orders
to go home. Ours finally came. We were marched back to the B. & O. depot,
where the yards were filled with trains. Someone reported that we were to take a
passenger train that stood on the siding, so we made a rush for it and soon had
it well filled, but had not enjoyed it long until ordered out and directed to a
train of cattle cars. Had to either stand or sit on the floor of the car, but
there was but little complaining, for we were going home to see mother. Went to
Parkersburg, Va., and there took boat down the Ohio river to Lawrenceburg, Ind.,
and on to Indianapolis, and was discharged. Thus ended my soldier life.
The first winter after my return home, I attended school, but found that I had
forgotten most of what little I did know, and that my school mates had advanced
so far that I received but little benefit. At the close of school, 1866, I hired
to learn the blacksmith trade, for which I was to receive forty dollars for the
first year, and board myself. The second year I was to receive sixty dollars and
son on. In Dec. 1868, I was married to Julia E. Wilson who only lived eleven
months, leaving me with a baby girl, now the wife of Adam Weick, of Columbia
City, Ind. I then sold out my business, came to Akron to visit a sister, and
while at that place there was a company being made up to go to Kansas. This was
in February, 1869, and on the first day of March the following named started:
Ely Strong, Wm. Strong, Avery Strong, Elmore Shelt, Eldridge Shelt, Alex Curtis,
Abijah Adamson, George Onstott, Wm. Nichols, Sam Swick and myself. All went as
far as Humbolt, where the land office was located. Not finding things to suit,
all turned back except four of us. We continued our journey to Chetopa, having
walked one hundred and twenty-five miles. I landed there with exactly five
dollars left, and the best I could do in the way of board was five dollars per
week. I soon found a job at my trade, went to work, but took the ague, the first
experience I had ever had. I would work one day and shake the next. Lost my job,
not being strong enough to do the work, so I went to the country and worked for
my board. Went into town one day and was offered a job to go down in Indian
Territory to work for a firm who had a saw mill leased, who had to keep a
blacksmith to do their work. I accepted the place, although it was not the most
desirable. I was to take the place of a man who had been murdered by the
Indians. From Chetopa to where the mill was located was sixty miles. I got ready
and on the 5th day of November I left Chetopa. I had just five cents left when I
started. I rode forty miles with a man driving an ox team. Took us two days to
reach Grand River. That was far as he was to go, so he took me across the river
and left me twenty miles from the mill. You may be able to imagine my feelings
on this occasion, but I hardly think so. I was alone, nothing to eat and no one
to speak to. There were Indian huts in sight, but I could not understand their
language, neither could they understand me. I was getting pretty blue, but after
waiting, what seemed to me an age, I saw a white man coming, driving two mules
to the running gears of a wagon, going to the mill, so I got to ride with him,
arriving some time after dark. I worked five months, doing the company's
blacksmithing and hauling logs.
Returned to Kansas and, with what money I had saved, bought two yoke of oxen and
went to farming. Planted a crop which came up and looked fine until the hot
winds came. Everything dried up and died out with my enthusiasm for Kansas.
Disposed of my possessions and returned to God's country.
After a short visit at home, again returned to Akron, bought the only blacksmith
shop Sept. 20, 1870. Feb. 1, 1871, was married to May A. Estil, my present wife.
Continued blacksmithing until March, 1886, when we moved to Kansas and was again
struck by hot winds, and at the end of four months returned to Akron, commencing
where I had left off.
1888, I was nominated for Sheriff on the Republican ticket, my opponent being A.
A. Gast, and after the votes were counted I found I had received a handsome
majority to remain at home, and I am not sure but this was worse than being left
alone on Grand river. However, I went back to shoeing horses, having followed
blacksmihing in Akron a little over twenty years, and tried to look pleasant. In
1891 I sold out and moved to Spiceland. Failing to find anything to suit, I
bought property in North Manchester, worked at my trade, also at the carpenter's
trade until September 1892, I came to Rochester and entered into partnership
with T. M. Snyder in the manufacture of buggies and wagons, doing an extensive
business. In 1894 I was again nominated for sheriff, having as my opponent the
late John King. At this election I was successful. Was again nominated in 1896,
and elected, this time my opponent Ed S. Fultz, being up to this time the only
Republican elected to the office of sheriff in the county. During my term, I had
the honor of closing the last court in the old court house and opening the first
in the new. After leaving the sheriff's office, I again engaged in the
manufacture of wagons and buggies for a short time, closing out, devoted my time
to improving my farm until 1906, I was appointed postmaster, which position I
now hold. You will observe from my dates, I am past sixty-two years of age, yet
I have never sat on a jury, was sued once and once sued a man, both cases
settled out of court. I have been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge since 1868,
and the by-laws of this order allow four dollars per week sick benefits. I have
drawen no benefits. Belong to the G.A.R. since its first organization.
Politically, I am Republican and in this our family is an exception to the rule,
as in most cases boys vote as the father. There are four brothers yet living,
and all vote the Republican ticket, while father was a Democrat. I can account
for it no other way than that father paid no attention to our political
training, and we grew up natural, and that of course means to be a Republican.
[Marguerite L. Miller, Home Folks, Vol. I, 1910, pp. 117-127]
DILLON, O. P. [Richland Township]
BIOGRAPHY
O. P. Dillon. - William Dillon, father of O. P. Dillon, was born in Greene
County, Penn., in 1796. He married Deborah Meredith, of the State of Delaware.
She was born about the year 1798. They settled in Ohio after the close of the
war of 1812. They had a family of twelve children. He died in the spring of
1862; she is still living at this date, March, 1883. Thomas Blake, the father of
Mrs. Dillon, was born in Pennsylvania, August, 1800. He married Temperance B.
Dacon. She was born in the year 1800. These parents came to Ohio in 1827. He
died July 4, 1864; she died 1863. The subject of this sketch was born in
Coshocton County, Ohio, April 28, 1822. He received a common school education in
his own neighborhood, and was united in marriage, October 2, 1845, to Miss B.
Blake, who was a native of West Virginia, born October 23, 1823. Mr. Dillon came
to this county in the year 1845, and by his industry has succeeded well. His
children are James T., born August 26, 1846; Rebecca A., born April 9, 1848;
William A., born March 24, 1850; Lewis C., born December 9, 1851; Oliver P.,
born October 30, 1853, died February 26, 1854; Lucetta E., born July 7, 1855,
deceased October 29, 1860; Andrew J., born May 16, 1858; Joseph R., born August
15, 1860, deceased March 13, 1865; Martin E., born August 14, 1862, and Charlie,
born June 2, 1864. Mr. Dillon is a great friend to education, and believes that
a man can be a farmer and yet be intelligent. He and his worthy wife are members
of the Baptist Church. He also owns a valuable farm of 456 acres of land, and is
a gentleman of the old school
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 52]
DILLON & WILSON [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Do You Need A Plow? - - - - We have a complete line of farm implements - -
- - Come in and get prices on anything you want in the hardware and implement
line. DILLON & WILSON. (Successors to L. Mercer)
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 15, 1891]
DILTS, A. L. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] TUNGSTON Electric light - - - 40 watt - - 60 watt - - 100 watt. Sold by A.
L. DILTS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 18, 1909]
[Adv] Something New. M.V.W. Electric stove and toaster cooks your cereals and
toasts your bread for the morning meal all with one heat. - - - - A. L. DILTS,
610 Main St., Phone 367.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 23, 1910]
DINNER BELL INN [Fulton, Indiana]
[Adv] DINNER BELL INN, State Road 25, So. Rochester. Chicken, Steaks, Chops,
Dinners 40c. Try our Sunday Dinners. Meals Served Daily. Also special service
for Parties, Clubs, etc. Prices reasonable. Phone, Fulton, Ind.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 1, 1938]
DINNER BELL INN MAKES IMPROVEMENTS
The Dinner Bell Inn, located south of Rochester on road 25, has completed a
remodeling program to increase the size of the restarant to accommodate 105
persons. A large private banquet room has been built on the east of the
building. This room is conveniently arranged for dinners, bridge parties and
dancing.
The Dinner Bell Inn is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Culp.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, October 25, 1939]
DINSMOOR'S CLOTHING STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
Clothing. On hand and made to order on short notice. Dinsmoor's Cheap Cash
Store, Bozarth Building.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 1, 1859]
DINSMOOR'S STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
. . . the latest improved straw cutter can be seen at Dinsmoor's Store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 2, 1859]
DIRIGIBLE LIGHT COMPANY [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW FIRM STARTED BUSINESS IN THIS CITY
Rochester has a new industry in the Dirigible Light Company, which has located
in the basement under the telegraph office. The company manufactures a motor
head light which turns with the front wheels of the car, thus lighting the path
ahead of the machine as it is being driven around a corner. Just one of the
lamps turns. The lamp was patented by Harrison C. Clymer, of Macy, head of the
company, who has associated with him in the business, F. E. Bryant, Harry Martin
and Bert Hymans. The company is starting business in a small way, but is already
receiving many orders that promise a flourishing activity in this city in the
near future.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, February 14, 1924]
Harry Martin, patentee of the Dirigible Light for automobiles which was
manufactured in the basement of the Holman and Stephenson building on East
Eighth street, is under arrest at Zion, Illinois, by federal officers, charged
with driving a stolen car from one state to another.
Martin came to this city in the spring of 1924 and organized a company to
manufacture his patented auto light. It seemed that sales did not come up to
expectations, as the inventor purchased a Ford roadster in Kokomo, giving a
mortgage on it to the National Union Fire Insurance company of Indianapolis, in
which car he made the county fairs in northern Indiana and through the south.
As Mr. Martin did not meet his payments on the Ford car, the insurance company
on November 15 1924, filed a criminal charge against him, converting of
property. The warrant for Martin's arrest has been in the hands of Fulton county
officers since that time, but despite all efforts no trace of the man could be
found until last week Sheriff Carr received word from the chief of police at
Zion, Illinois, a small city 30 miles northwest of Chicago stating that Martin
was serving a sentence there being unable to pay a fine for speeding. . . . . .
.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Saturday, March 14, 1925]
DISCO, INDIANA [Henry Township]
See Disko, Indiana
DISKO, INDIANA [Henry Township]
Located at 1600E and 400S.
__________
NEWS OF THE DAY
The postoffice at Disko was recently moved fifty feet south of its former
location, which in itself is not very significant, but develops the interesting
fact that it has taken the postoffice from Fulton to Wabash county.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 15, 1907]
WILD CAT KILLED
The bobcat, which has been terrorizing residents about Disko, and the northern
part of Wabash Co., has been captured and there is now peace where the wildest
of excitement had been prevailing.
Chester Cooper arrived on the scene of the hunt with a pack of fox hounds and
they started what the hunters thought a fox hunt. It was started on the Bridge
farm, northeast of Disko, and made a wide detour northward.
The men followed as fast as possible, some following the trail of the dogs while
others drove around the road.
The animal was chased to the swamp about five miles northwest of Disko, and for
awhile it seemed that the hunt would have to be given up on account of the
darkness. But the hunters spirits were revived when the dogs gave the signal
that their game was treed. Then the question arose as to what it was, and would
a fox climb a tree? After a short debate the men entered the swamp, headed by
Cooper, who had only a small guage shot gun, but he had great confidence in it.
It was some time before they reached the place, but when they did it was half
surprise and half fear that put them to guessing for there clinging to a large
tree was something similar to the cat that caused so much excitement last week.
They were all getting ready to shoot at the same time, but Jesse Heilmann, whom
Cooper said was scared within an inch of his life, shot ahead of the rest and
the wounded beast made a leap for the men. They emptied their guns at the
oncoming brute, but few shot took effect.
The cat leaped on Cooper biting and scratching him fearfully, but the dogs were
at his side and had it not been for them he would have been torn to pieces.
Bert Young loaded his gun and managing to get the muzzle against the cat's body,
pulled the trigger, and the fight was over.
People are wondering if this is only a stray cat or if more abound in the great
swamps north of town. The cat weighed thirty-three pounds and resembles the
mountain lion.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, March 6, 1909]
"LOST CITIES" NUMEROUS IN INDIANA - - -
. . . . Disko on the border of the county has many store buildings with the
fronts boarded up and just a few old time merchants are still on the job. . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 22, 1922]
DISKO FACES OBLIVION IN CIRCUIT COURT SUIT
Wabash, June 10. - The little village of Disko, located in the northwestern
corner of Wabash county, is threatened with the loss of its identity, a victim
of historical progress, as the result of a legal document filed in the circuit
court Saturday.
The suit was filed by Jesse Hileman, Mary Lukens and Clyde Gearhart, and asked
the state's agreement to the vacation of lots, streets, alleys and the public
square of the little town, which was christened New Harrisburg at the time of
its plotting.
Explicitly, the document avers that Hileman owns lots numbered 58 to 66 and 71
to 76; Mrs. Lukens owns lots 55, 56, 77 and 78; and Gearhart owns lot 57.
The town was plotted, the document said, "when it seemed the land would be
profitable," as a municipality, but the ground is now used only for farming
and gardening.
Vacation of two streets and an alley is also asked. Spring street runs north and
south from Main to South streets. South street, the second of the two noted in
the request, runs east and west from Palestine State road to Spring street. The
alley involved in the plot runs between Main and South streets.
The public square, which "never has been devoted to any public use,"
is located in the town plot as follows: grounded on the south and east by a
six-acre tract owned by Hileman, on the west by Spring street, and on the north
by the alley.
There is little doubt, the suit said, that the land and streets ever will figure
in another plot for a town and for that reason, the decision was made to ask for
the vacation of the land.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, June 10, 1940]
__________
Founded as New Harrisburg in 1856, this town lay in three counties. The present
spelling is Disko. The post office was created in 1876, being removed from
Niconza, Miami County, three miles south. In 1907 the post office was moved 50
feet across the street, which was a move from Wabash to Fulton County. Postal
records in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., show that the name was
changed at that time from Disco to Disko. It served a population of 500 and the
postmaster who changed the name was Edward Harmon.
Other businesses on the Fulton County side of Disko were John Will-Beare's
barber shop, John Sullivan's harness shop, Si Grogg's buggy-piano-coal sales,
Sara Fleck's grocery and meat market, and Charlie Fleck's blacksmith shop, later
run by Aaron Shipley. There are no businesses left in the Fulton County portion
of Disko.
While Amelia Shipley was postmaster, Judd Harsh carried the mail to and from the
Erie Railroad. The mail was caught by the train on the run from a special hook,
while mail for Disko was tossed from the moving train.
Chris Fleck delivered meat to farmers, using a meat house on a wagon.
The Disko-Laketon Telephone Company was built by Frank Zimmerman, who later
operated the Dutch Mill filling station. The depot and school were in Wabash
County, but most of the businesses were in Fulton County.
The children attended Twin Lake School a mile east of Disko until 1876 when the
first schoolhouse was built in Disko. The school was condemned in 1908 and the
pupils went to Forgey's Corners. In 1912 they attended the new Twin Lake School,
later to Laketon, and now attend North Manchester schools.
The Erie Railroad was double-tracked in 1912-14. Later Frank Peters built a
cement block store building in Fulton County, selling his old store in Wabash
County to the Disko Fish Club, which later donated it to the Methodist Church.
The church sold the building to Don Gearhart, who remodeled it into a home.
[Athens and Disko, Shirley Willard, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
DISKO DETECTIVE ORGANIZATION [Disko, Indiana]
SATURDAY
Disko has a new detective organization. It was organized by the election of Sam
Keller, president, and Linc Lukens, secretary. It was organized under an act of
the general assembly, April 13, 1899, and is for the purpose of detecting and
arresting horse thieves, counterfeiters, incendiaries and all other felons and
bring them to justice, and to aid the members in the recovery of stolen property
and indemnify against such thieves and felons.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 10, 1902]
DISKO FISH CLUB [Disko, Indiana]
See Disko, Indiana
DISKO-LAKETON TELEPHONE COMPANY [Disko, Indiana]
The Disko-Laketon Telephone Company was built by Frank Zimmerman, who later
operated the Dutch Mill filling station.
DISKO POST OFFICE [Disko, Indiana]
Located 1600E and 400S, in the SE corner of Fulton County, adjoining Miami and
Wabash counties.
DISKO POSTMASTERS [Disko, Indiana]
Harry W. Case, Dec 23, 1891. John W. Bene/Beare??, April 6, 1893.
Abraham Dillman, July 23, 1895.
John B. Shipley, Dec 19, 1895 N.B. Oct 12, 1900.
J. T. Cutshall, May 23, 1898.Henry B. Scott, Sep 18, 1905. Declined.
Edwin L. Harman, Oct 28, 1905. Into Wabash Co June 6, 1907. Alice Grogg.
Mrs. Alice Grogg, confirmed Aug 8, 1910, commission signed Sept 2, 1910, Assumed
charge, Oct 1, 1910, Ret. June 30, 1945.
Floyd W. Fleck, assumed charge June 30, 1945, Replaced.
Teleford A. Pearson, assumed charge Jan. 25, 1946, 2nd Des. Confirmed May 9,
1947, commission signed June 10, 1947, assumed charge June 10, 1947, Res.
James F. Peters, Act P.M. Oct 7, 1953, assumed charge Sept 17, 1953. Confirmed
Aug 5, 1955, commission signed Aug 19, 1955, assumed charge Aug 31, 1955,
Retired.
[Discontinued eff. Aug 11, 1967 (P. B. 8/10/67) Mail to Silver Lake.]
[F.C.H.S. Files]
__________
DISCO POSTMISTRESS TO RETIRE AFTER 35 YEARS
Of special interest to Disko and the eastern part of Henry township is the
change being made at the post office at Disco. Mrs. J. A. Grogg is retiring as
postmistress after a term of 35 years' continuous service, and Floyd Fleck,
local store owner, has been appointed postmaster.
Mrs. Grogg started her career as a postal employe Sept. 2, 1910, with many
misgivings, as Ed Harmon, the postmaster before her, had been robbed thrice.
However, as she looks back, nothing very exciting or unuausl happened to her in
her office.
She never had even a vacation from her duties in 35 years and she is now looking
forward to stayng at home doing her own housework and enjoying life generally,
with the help of the pension she will receive for her faithful service. Very few
postmasters in the United States have held their positions as long as Mrs. Grogg.
For awhile it was rumored that the post office at Disco might be discontinued
and Disco patrons would be served out of Silver Lake. However, it was decided to
move the post office into the Fleck general store with Mr. Fleck as postmaster.
Disco receives excellent service in its mail connections. Mail leaving Chicago
at 2 a.m. arrives in Disco around noon, which is better than many of the
neighboring towns and cities.
Mrs. Grogg will close her business relations June 30 and the post office
fixtures will be moved Sunday and Mr. Fleck will assume his duties Monday, July
2.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, June 27, 1945]
DISKO TELEPHONE EXCHANGE [Disko, Indiana]
WILL CLOSE DISKO TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
The Disko Exchange of the North Manchester Telephone company will be closed
within the next two weeks, officials of the company have announced. This company
has been maintaining exchanges at Disko, Akron and Laketon. When patrons at
Laketon threatened to have their telephones taken out last winter, the Disko
exchange was ordered continued open. Then it was expected that the exchange
would handle all of the Laketon calls.
However the Laketon residents did not have their phones taken out and the three
exchanges were continued open.
With the closing of the Disko exchange patrons previously served there will be
given the choice of being served from either the Akron or Laketon exchange. The
closing of the exchange will make some difference in the toll charges which
formerly were in force between North Manchester and Disko. The exchange will be
closed as soon as connections are made with the other exchanges
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 15, 1922]
DISTILLERIES [Rochester, Indiana]
See Geo. O. Harlan & Co.; Metzler Brewery; S. Wagoner & Co.
DITMIRE BOOK STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Ditmire's Window Shades, Wall Paper - - - DITMIRE'S BOOK STORE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 27, 1892]
[Adv] The Presents are Here. First Invoice of Santa Claus presents in the
city now open at DITMIRE'S CENTRAL BOOK STORE. - - - - F. H. DITMIRE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, November 30, 1892]
BUSINESS CHANGES
Within a short time the Ditmire book store will be moved into the room west of
the court house, recently occupied by Murray's store, and the stock greatly
increased. It is the intention of the proprietors to greatly increase their
stock of china and glassware and make this a strong feature of their business,
there being a good opening here for a large trade in that line of merchandise.
The book, stationary and toy departments will also be enlarged and improved and
the new quarters will afford facilities for showing such aline to the best
advantage. The Ditmires are widely known as reliable and up-to-date merchants in
their line and in their new and attractive quarters they hope to greatly improve
accommodations for their customers.
The Wert Bros. billiard and cigar business will move into the room now occupied
by the Ditmires.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 30, 1904]
[Adv] Christmas Gifts for Every One. - - - - DITMIRE'S BOOK STORE
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, December 18, 1907]
[Adv] Xmas Goods - - - - DITMIRES Book & China STORE, 806 Main St.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 15, 1911]
BOOK STORE SOLD
Henry Ditmire Wednesday afternoon sold his book store, which he had owned for 20
years, to Beecher Sweet, who recently resigned as clerk at Levi's dry goods
store. The store will be closed for several days to allow the new owner to
invoice.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 8, 1916]
DITMIRE MILL [Rochester, Indiana]
TO THE FARMERS
I would respectfully inform the farmers of Fulton and adjoining counties that I
now have my new mill in successful operation. I have spared no expense in
placing the latest improved machinery for the making of good flour, and those
who have tried it pronounce it the best on the market. I am prepared to grind
meal and crush corn and cob feed promptly. Give me a trial and with liberal
dealing I ask a share of trade. Good milling wheat always wanted. Yours Truly,
B. F. DITMIRE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 26, 1890]
__________
In his early manhood Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Ditmire went to Rochester and
worked in a grist mill, later buying it.
Shortly after the birth of the last child (1896), the mill caught fire and
burned to the ground. They sold their home and returned to Monterey where Frank
had charge of another mill, and Ida was in charge of a small hotel.
[Frank Ditmire Family, Jessie Ditmire Lareau, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
DITMIRE UNDERTAKING [Fulton, Indiana]
FULTON IS TO HAVE A MODERN FUNERAL HOME
The Ditmire Undertaking establishment is undergoing changes which will give
Fulton a modern funeral home. The work was started the first of the week and
will be rushed to completion. The whole of the store will be changed. On the
upper floor partitions will be removed and a large casket display room will be
made.
The main part of the first floor will be made into a funeral chapel, and the
office, which will be modernly furnished, will be moved to the front of the
building. The building is an ideal one for the arrangement and it is a thing
that has long been needed in Fulton. No furniture will be handled in Fulton, the
present stock being moved to the Macy store.
Ditmires, in making this step of advancement, have added a great deal to the
progress of Fulton.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, January 22, 1931]
DITMIRE FAMILY
After about five years the Ditmire family returned to Rochester, but while in
Monterey, Frank learned a great deal about the undertaking business, since the
town's mortician was his neighbor as well as best friend. In those days
preparing a body for burial was done in the home and Mr. Wagner would ask Frank
to assist him, which he did.
In 1902 Frank Ditmire decided to go into the undertaking business. He went to
Fulton and rented a building on South Main Street. A house across the street
(the second one south of the present United Methodist Church) was rented for the
family home.
The next thing was to get an embalmer's license so he could operate the
business. He went to Indianapolis to take the test and passed the practical
embalming examination 100 percent, but because of his meager education he failed
the written test, mostly due to spelling. This did not discourage him and he
pursued on in the business, although since he had no license he would have to
call on and pay Val Zimmerman, II, a licensed embalmer, for his assistance each
time he prepared a body for burial.
About two years later he moved his business to a larger building two blocks
north on Main Street, located between Rannell's Store and Enyart's Dry Goods.
By now Ida Ditmire had decided she would try her luck at becoming an embalmer so
she could assist her husband. After acquiring text books and studying for some
time, she went to Indianapolis and took a short college course before taking the
examination. She was the only woman in a graduating class of men and becae the
first licensed woman embalmer in the state of Indiana.
The cost of a funeral in 1905 was the unbelievable sum of $40.
Hearse, pulled by two horses, was last used in April 1936 to transport the body
of Anthony Kesler one-half mile down a mud road from his home to the county line
road where a motor hearse was waiting.
There were very few sidewalks in the town of Fulton at this time, so Ditty, as
most of his friends called him, contracted and laid a number of cement walks
when he was not busy with his undertaking business.
As the business began to grow, there was a need for a larger building. In 1908
Frank Ditmire built the two-story cement-block building which now houses the
funeral home in Fulton. All the block were made by Frank and his son, Ralph, on
the lot where the building now stands. The lower floor was used for a furniture
store and the undertaking business; the second floor was a seven-room apartment
for the family.
Mr. Ditmire installed his own gasoline light plant which had to be pumped up
every evening to light the entire building, as Fulton had no electricity at this
time.
When time allowed, he did picture framing in a back room he used as a work shop.
Ida Ditmire was good at assisting Dr. Dielman in delivering babies and was often
called for this service.
Frank Ditmire had a branch furniture store in Macy with Mary Ault in charge.
Gene Ditmire attended embalming school and became a partner in his father's
business.
After Ralph graduated from embalming school in 1934, Frank Ditmire retired and
turned the undertaking business over to Gene and Ralph, having discontinued the
furniture business several years prior.
After Gene's death in 1960, Ralph and Marie Ditmire continued in partnership,
with her son, Joe, assisting until Marie sold out to Richard Davidson, September
1960. In 1962 Davidson bought out Ralph, thus terminating the family business of
60 years.
In 1965 Davidson sold the business to Zimmerman Brothers of Rochester, and today
the business goes by the name of Ditmire and Zimerman. Rick Zimmerman and his
family lived in the renovated second-bloor apartment until 1979 when the moved
to Big Hills south of Rochester.
[Frank Ditmire Family, Jessie Ditmire Lareau, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
DITMIRE'S [Rocheste, Indiana]
Located approximately 808 or 806 Main.
In the north half of the 800 block on Main street beginning from the
intersecting alley, B. Levi operated a dry goods store. Next door Charley
Mitchell conducted a card room with, I believe, a billiard table or so. The room
later became "My Show," a popular movie house and now occupied by
Adler's Dress Shop. Then Joe Levi Clothing Store and Charles Plank operated a
shoestore. Ditmire's was next in line to Nobby True's Restaurant. A. C.
Copeland's bank and on the corner occupied by People's Drugs (now Lord's) was
Jonathan Dawson, one of Rochester's earliest dispenser of quinine, Brickle's
linament, Dr. King's New Discovery and prescription and patent medicines long
ago forgotten in this day of sulfa drugs, etc.
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Monday, July 14, 1958]
DITTON, CON [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Academy of Music
__________
BILLY BLODGETT WRITES SKETCH OF CON DITTON
Life History of Former Rochester Man Carried in Indianapolis Paper
Well Checkered Career
Con Ditton, late well-known resident, still continues to take up large space in
the metropolitan press. Here is what W. H. Blodgett of the Indianapolis News has
to say about him in a recent issue of the News:
"When E. E. McGriff, Judge of the Jay circuit court, sentenced B. C. Ditton,
alias B. Condon Ditton, alias Condon Ditton, alias Baird Ditton and other
aliases, to the Indiana State Prison for two to fourteen years, the law removed
temporarily from the realm of crooking an individual who said the world owed him
a living and that he proposed to collect it in the easiest way. The particular
charge on which Ditton was convicted was for issuing a fraudulent check to
Vernon House, proprietor of a poolroom in Portland, and formerly of Rochester,
after he had given another "cold" check to Grant Slaybaugh, another
former Rochesterite, employe at a Portland drug store.
"A sentence of ninety days at the State Farm, sixty-one days of which he
served, did not convince Ditton that the way of the transgressor is hard; that
the law may close one eye, but it never sleeps. When the heavy iron doors of the
State Prison closed on Ditton he left behind him only a bad reputation and five
checks of marked cards. The federal authorities believe Ditton was connected
with numerous robberies of liquor being transported under government permit.
Ditton denies he played a part in the theft, but he admits he knows who did.
"Ray Baderd, deputy sheriff of Jay county, who had custody of Ditton while
he was in jail here, says that if Ditton did not actually take part in the
liquor robberies he did assist in planning them. The inventor of the well-known
"tire dropping game" was Sheeny Frank, of St. Louis, and Ditton
admitted he knew all about the swindle and also the man who demonstrated it in
various parts of Indiana. It consisted in placing in the road at night an
automobile tire, which caused autoists to stop if they saw the tire. Then came
forth the robbers from concealment and the victim was robbed. It is known to the
federal authorities that Ditton was in the vicinity when some of these robberies
were staged. It is known also that he was a professional gambler at Muncie when
the wrestling swindles were worked, but he says he had no part in them. Agents
of the government are trying to obtain from Ditton information that will lead to
the arrest of the leaders of these hold-ups.
"Ditton was born at Rochester, Ind. When fifteen years old he ran away from
home and went to work in a side show of the old Ben Wallace circus, then having
headquarters at Peru. In those days a circus was practically a traveling caravan
of thieves, an evil that has since been eliminated.
"Young Ditton soon became an expert "three shell" worker, a
smooth manipulator of playing cards, and in the six years he was with the show
he established a reputation as a "sure thing" man. Leaving the circus,
Ditton engaged in various questionable enterprises and finally he became a
salesman for a brewery at Indianapolis. Later he acted in the same capacity for
a Chicago brewery and during his career as a beer agent he made a large number
of acquaintances among not only the saloon element, but with people who kept
their cellars well stocked with beer and liquor.
"Retiring from the business of selling beer by wholesale, Ditton became a
partner in a saloon at one of the lakes, a resort that soon became the
headquarters for a gang of crooks that held up a Terre Haute gambling house
several years ago. Ditton and his partner, however, said they knew nothing of
the character of the men who hung about their resort and their denials are
believed by the authorities, and so far as can be learned, Ditton never profited
by the operations of that gang.
"When the prohibition law put Ditton out of the saloon business he began
another career as a crooked gambler, and he operated at South Bend,
Indianapolis, Gary, Michigan City, Kokomo, Marion, Anderson, Peru, Richmond,
Terre Haute, Indianapolis and other Indiana cities. He dressed well and always
carried large sums of money. It is believed by the authorities now investigating
his record that during the time he was operating as a gambler, Ditton also was
in the liquor business, assisting in the running whisky, presumably private
stock, from Detroit, Pittsburg, Louisville and Cincinnati. In time he was caught
at Marion with a large cache of liquor in his possession and he was sentenced to
the State Farm for ninety days and fined $200, but he served only sixty-one
days. After his release Ditton operated as a layer-down of cold checks, but as
far as the government has been able to ascertain he never cashed checks himself.
Generaly he preyed on men with whom he had become acquainted as a beer salesman
or who knew him in his youth.
"Well informed of the private stocks of liquor in the cellars of many
Indiana residents, Ditton proceeded to place the liquor on the market,
neglecting to notify the owners. His scheme was to approach a prospective
purchaser with the information that a prominent resident wished to dispose of
his liquor stores, fearing the federal authorities were on his trail. This
policy proved profitable and Ditton did a large business. But the money so
derived he lost in gambling and other questionable pursuits. At least, he was
supposed to have lost it because when he was arrested he was broke.
"After selling many private stocks in Indiana, Ditton appeared as the
representative of the LaJunta Refining Company of LaJunta, Colo., of which L. C.
Ditton, presumed to be a relative, was president, and whose private secretary
was P. L. Connors. Ditton would ask acquaintances in various towns to cash a
check issued by the refining company, to L. C. Ditton, president. He explained
that the checks were sent him to pay his expenses while selling stock on the
road. he approached House in Portland with a check for $100, but as it was
Saturday he gave him $20 and told him he would send the $80 to him the following
Monday.
"Ditton worked a game on A. Slaybaugh, who cashed a check for $50. House
and Slaybaugh happened to meet the day following and the check matter was
mentioned. Becoming suspicious they notified Sheriff Badder, who began a search
for the giver of the checks. The officer learned that he had instructed the
clerk at the Murray hotel at Portland to forward mail to him at the Coulter
house at Frankfort. The sheriff found Ditton on a Cloverleaf train and took him
to Tipton, where he was placed in jail, later to be brought to Portland and
locked up.
"A query to the Colorado city brought information that there was no such
concern as represented by Ditton and that he was wanted in numerous cities, and
to hold him. As soon as it became known that Ditton was under arrest the sheriff
began receiving telegrams from various institutions which had been swindled.
"Before pleading guilty Ditton learned that the penalty for his offense was
lighter in Indiana than it was in Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois or Colorado, where he
also was wanted.
"A woman, who had known Ditton since childhood, says that until the last
two or three years he was only a gambler, but money did not come fast enough and
he thought he could obtain a large stake by bogus checks and then cross into
Mexico.
"The authorities have not been able to connect Ditton with any ac- liquor
in transportation under government permits, [sic] but federal agents have
received information that if the government will intercede in his behalf with
Governor McCray, Ditton may reveal information which will be of material
assistance to the government."
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 14, 1921]
DITTON, MAGGIE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DITZLER, WILLIAM [Akron, Indiana]
See Akron Feed & Grain
DIX, CHARLEY [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
DIXIE MELON FARM ANNEX [Rochester, Indiana]
See Fruit and Produce Stands
DIXIE USED CAR CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] DISIE USED CAR CO. We Buy, Sell, Trade! See our stock of used cars on lot
south of Dixie An-X. J. C. BEERY & son, 1417 So. Main. Phone 191.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 10, 1934]
DODGE, J. W. [Rochester, Indiana]
LOCAL NEWS
J. W. Dodge has opened his new barber shop on Wall street. First door east of
the Davidson grocery. Hair cut 10 cents.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, April 10, 1900]
DOLLER, WILLIAM G. [Macy, Indiana]
Temporarily insane as the result of grief over the death of his wife, which
occurred five weeks ago, William G. Doller of Macy, Monday night murdered his
mother and daughter, badly wounded his son and baby daughter and then committed
suicide on the grave of his wife a half mile from the home.
The results of the terrible tagedy were discovered Tuesday morning about eight
o'clock, when Mrs. Otto Cloud called at the mill, owned by Doller, for some
feed. Finding the place locked, she went to the home and saw the son, George
Doller, in the yard with blood all over his face, as the result of a bullet
which had passed thru his head. Mrs. Cloud called William Alspach, who went into
the house.
The body of Mrs. George Doller, Doller's mother, was found in her bed while
beside her lay the baby, Ida [Doller], yet alive, with a bullet hole just above
the ear. In a cradle bed, just beside that of the grandmother, lay the body of
Agnes (Doller), who had evidently died instantly. She had been shot thru the top
of the head. Each victim had been killed with a 32 calibre bullet.
A few minutes after the discovery of the bodies at the home, the sexton of the
cemetery found that of William Doller. He had knelt over the grave of his wife
and pressed the muzzle of the gun to his chest, pulling the trigger once. In the
gun were found two undischarged cartriges, proving.that he had loaded the gun
several times before committing suicide. George, the son, found in the yard, and
the baby Ida, were taken to a hospital at Peru. They are not expected to live.
Two letters were found upon Doller's person which showed that he intended to
murder his family last Saturday, but changed his plans when his father, George
Doller, did not leave the town as expected. The elder Doller left Monday
afternoon, coming to Rochester, and in the evening, the son went to Peru where
he purchased a revolver, returning to Macy at 8:30 o'clock. It is thought that
he murdered his family about one o'clock Tuesday morning, altho no one can be
found who heard the shots.
The Dollers were well liked in Macy, moving there in November from Westport,
Ind., where he and his father were small truck farmers. They purchased the mill
at Macy and soon young Doller became popular because of his congenial ways. He
was an ideal citizen, and did not smoke nor drink. His love for his wife was
very noticeable. Before the death of the wife, his family lived separatc from
his parents.
Two letters were found on Doller's body, one addressed to Rev E. H. KENNEDY, the
Methodist minister, as follows:
May 11, 1916
To the Rev. Kennedy
Dear Brother:
I have done the act because I cannot bear life without the one I love better
than I love my life. I cannot go and leave my mother and children behind, so
there is only one way and that is to take them with me to the one we loved so
well. I have prayed to God to forgive me and I hope he will.
I wish to be laid beside my loved one, then our baby, then our eldest girl next
to the baby and then mother. I have asked Mr. Musselman to see about the stone
to mark our grave and you will tell them what to put on it. Tell him not to pay
much for them. On my wife and mine put:
Wm. G. Doller, Oct. 15, 1885, Died May 12, 1916, Age 30 years; six months and 28
days.
Elsie E., his wife, born May 7th, 1889, died April 10, 1916, age 27 years, 11
months and three days.
On a stone for mother put Agnes Doller, born Dec 7th,:1865, died May 12th, 1916,
age 51 years, three months and five days.
Do this for me dear brother and good bye and God bless you.
Yours in sorrow
William G. Doller
P.S. I wish to be laid away just as I am dressed.
The second letter was addressed to Sam Musselman, Macy banker, and dealt with
business affairs, asking that he close out the entire mill and stock owned by
the Dollers and see that the bodies were properly buried. "Don't wait to
find father," the letter said.
George Doller, the father, who was Tuesday believed to be in Anderson, came to
Rochester Monday afternoon to see A. H. Reiter's patent carpet cleaner, he said.
He told Mr. Reiter of family trouble earlier in the day, but said he was going
back to Macy that night. At the station, he inquired the best way to Anderson
and bought a ticket to Kokomo, according to Chas. KEEL of the local force. At
noon, it was not believed that he knew of the tragedy. A. S. HOFFMAN, his
daughter, Miss Mary [HOFFMAN] and Rev. KENNEDY were in the city Tuesday
searching for the elder Doller whose absence from Macy is believed to have saved
his life.
The house in which the double murder took place stands just opposite the mill
owned by the Dollcrs. It contains six rooms. The grandmother and her two
granddaughters occupied one of the bedrooms on the lower floor while Mr. Doller
and his son slept upstairs. The grandfather occupied a room on the lower floor.
Monday evening William Dollcr was seen in Macy about 8:30. It is evident that he
went to bed with his son and later in the night stole down stairs, shot his
mother, killed the daughter in the room with her and atternpted to kill his
baby. He then went upstairs and shot his son, thence to the cemetery where his
body was found, dressed in a dark blue suit. The beds in which the bodies were
found were covered with blood but no evidence of a struggle could be seen. Tbe
mother had evidently turned over once after being shot. The son, who slept with
the father, and who may live, crawled out of bed and out upon the front porch,
leaving a trail of blood behind him.
The seven year old son was found in the yard crying for his grandma. He said
that he was not hurt any but coinplained that he, could not see. His head and
hair were a mass of blood. He was able to stand up, but reeled when he walked.
William Doller, the murderer, was a strange appearing man. He.was dark skinned
and very large, weighing over 200. His wife once said that Mr. Doller looked
like a rough man, but no woman, she said, ever had a better husband. He was not
considered handsome, having high check boties and very large ears. Macy people
do not know anything of the Dollers' past history.
Soon after the news of the murder reached Peru, the entire police force of that
city, including the sheriff, were on-the-scene. They thought that the murderer
was yet alive and brought along a camera to take pictures of the scene. At nine
o'clock, when a SENTINEL representative arrived, the Doller home was crowded
with curious people and no attempt was made to keep anyone from looking at the
bodies. It was one of the greatest tragedies which had ever occurred in or near
Macy. At noon the bodies were taken to the Savage undertaking establishment. No
funcral arrangements were made Tuesday.
According to a message from Peru, the two Doller children were alive at 3:00
o'clock but the attending physician said that the boy would be blind for life,
even if he did recover. They are at the Dukes hospital.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, May 16, 1916]
Little Ida [Doller], the 17 months old daughter of William G. Doller, Macy
miller who early Tuesday practically wiped out his entire family, died Tuesday
afternoon about three o'clock in the Dukes hospital at Peru, as a result of the
bullet wound inflicted in her head, by her father, who later turned the same gun
on himself, dying across the grave of his late wife. The body has been removed
to Macy, where it lies together with those of the father, his mother, and Agnes
[Doller],.the five year old daughter, all victims of the madman's revolver.
George (Doller], the seven year old son, also woundcd by the father, is still in
the hospital, his condition being unchanged. It is reported that he is rational
at times, but that he may never be able to see, even should he recover. He was
shot twice in the head. No funeral arrangements have as yet been made, and none
will be until the coroner makes his report. Undertaker John HOOVER of Rochester
assisted Undertaker SAVAGE of Macy in preparing the bodies for burial.
The elder Mr. Doller (George) was located at Anderson Tuesday. In the afternoon
the late young Mrs. Doller's father, Henry CLAY, who lives at Anderson, met Geo.
Doller on the street and, supposing he knew all about the tragedy, began talking
about it. Mr. Doller didn't seem to understand and Mr. Clay tried to explain to
him. The shock caused Doller to go crazy, according to report, and the sheriff
put him in jail at Anderson. After a while he quieted down and became rational.
The sheriff brought him to Macy Wednesday morning, between five and six o'clock
and he, being sane now, is not in the care of the sheriff.
In Doller's quarrel with his son, bcfore he left Monday, he deeded all of his
property to the son, and told him to "go to hell." The elder Doller is
an indulger. in intoxicating liquors.
As far as can be ascertained, the financial affairs of the dead man were in good
condition and he waited upon a number of customers Monday up until taking the
aftcrnoon train for Peru. He seemed to be in good spirits and joked with all his
acquaintances. After returning from Peru Monday evening he stepped in the L. J.
SAVAGE store and gave a check for some of his wifc's funeral expenses. He was in
apparent normal mental condition and good spirits.
As all of Doller's victims died as the result of one bullet, it is evident, as
first supposed, that he did not attack the son, George, who slept upstairs,
until he visited the lower floor. The boy must have been awakened by the shots
and probably got out of bed to meet his father, who by that time was in such a
state of mind that he could not shoot straight. The first shot did not silence
the boy, it is thot, so the crazed father probably held the lad and fired the
second bullet which cut the optic nerve probably rendering him blind for life.
When the lad was found Tuesday morning, he did not complain of pain, altho
carrying two bullets in his head.
It is strange that no one in Macy heard tlic shots in the Doller home as he must
have fired at least five times. Mrs. Amon Raber, who lives nearest to the
Dollers, about 30 feet away, was at home alone Monday night and she asserts that
she did not hear anything.
Since the terrible tragedy, many Macy residents remember peculiar things done by
William Doller. A. J. Slusser, the sexton of the cemetery, who found Doller's
body, says that he visited his wife's grave every day and was seen there many
times as late as 10 o'clock at night.
The murderer was convivial last Sunday evening at the Christian church in Macy
following a sermon delivered by Rev. Edward Castle of South Bend, a former
resident of Rochester. At the close of the services, Doller rushed forward and
grabbed Castle's hand sayng "those words are a great relief to me."
Doller's letter of instruction to Sam Musselman, Macy banker, was as follows:
May 11, 1916
Mr. Musselman
Dear Sir:
Will you please look after settlement of the business of the Macy Milling Co. I
am leaving the accounts in the McCosky register, also cash and.checks in my
overall pockets with keys to the office.
There are four cars of coal, two cars that shipment can be stopped as they were
to be shipped June 1st. Two cars hard coal, one has been shipped. I think the
other can be held up if cancellation is made right.
Will you please see that my wife's funeral expenses are paid, $130.35 for stone
vault.
'I'he lot is paid for. The receipt for it is with my money. Also see that our
funeral expenses are paid and keep the cost down and that the note owing to the
bank is paid and if there is.money left, put a tombstone on our resting place.
In fact, I want you to go ahead with this just as I have written it here. Don't
wait to find my father.
Before you buy the tombstones, I would like for you to pay the Paid Up
Assessment Fund of $25.00 so that the lot I have out at the cemetery will be
kept up and also pay for the
stone vault that I wrote of in the first part of the letter.
I will leave my cash that I have on hand in a tin box in the bottom dresser
drawer upstairs with a key in it and the key to the office of the mill. There is
also a steel barrel with some gasoline in it in the shed on the south side of
the old barn.
You will see by the Miller's Mutual Fire Insurance Policy that there is $101.25
coming to Doller & Son any time.
You are to sell everything; horses, wagons, harness, engine, feed grinders,
hogs, hay, corn, wheat, etc. You will find the oats in the big bin over the
scales. Wheat in the hopper bins in the cellar of mill and in bins in the mill.
If you can get Mr. Jorden, he can show you where. We do not owe any accounts
only to your bank and for the two cars of coal. I will try to give you a list of
the property: ton hominy meal, corn in mill and wagon and crib, tankage. We get
$2.50 for tankage, $1.50 for hominy meal, $2.10 for chick feed, $1.40 for bran,
$1.50 for shorts, of which there is some up in the bin on the second floor. My
father has gone to Peru and may go to Anderson. Try and locate him but do not
turn any money to him until you have done as I ask you.
I expect you will have to try and sell the mill. After you have carried out my
letter turn over the balance to my father or if anything should happen that he
does not claim the balance, you will give it to my father-in-law, H. C. CLAY of
Anderson, Ind., and the other two-thirds to my uncle, E. WILSON, Terre Haute,
Ind. You are to have suitable pay for your work. I ask you to do this for me
because I do not know who else to get.
Yours,
W. G. Dollcr.
P.S. Since writing the above, I have made some changes. I have made cancellation
on two cars of soft coal. Mr. A. Jordon owes me $15 for a stove. I will give Mr.
L. J. SAVAGE a check for $130.75 due him and you will please cash it.
Anderson, Ind., May 17 William Doller, the miller at Macy, who shot and
killed his mother and daughter, wounded his son and baby and then turned the
weapon on himself and ended his life, was the son-in-law of Henry Clay, a
prominent farmer, living in Lafayette township, Madison county. Mrs. William
Doller, whose death on April 10 is believed to have driven her husband insane,
was the daughter of Mr. Clay. She was 27 years old, and had been married for
nine years. Mr.Clay lcft Tuesday for Macy to give whatever assistance was
possible.
Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 17,1916
Special to the Sentinel
Macy, Ind., May 18 -- But two hearses were used here this afternoon when the
bodies of the four victims of the revolver in the hands of William G. Doller
were laid to rest in the cemetery, where his corpse was found Tuesday stretched
across the grave of his wife.
Services for the four, Mrs. Agnes [Doller] her son William [Doller] and his
children, Agnes [Doller] and Ida (Doller], were held in tlie Christian church at
two o'clock this afternoon, Rev. E. H. Kennedy of the Methodist church
officiating, and members of both choirs furnishing the music
Undertaker John Hoover of Rochester assisted in managing the details of the
funeral, which was marked by the largest crowd that ever attended a similar
service in Macy. Hundreds of people were unable to get into the church.
George Doller, the seven year old son is yet living, in the hospital at Peru and
Thursday morning he was able to distinguish between light and dark. He has a
slight chance to rccover according to the attending physician.
A number of the Doller's relatives including several related to Mrs. William
Doller who died about five weeks ago, came to Macy to attend the funeral. The
caskets were not opened at the church and the bodies were laid away in one large
grave.
George P. Doller, the only surviving member of the family, intends to sell the
mill at Macy and will leave. He is now staying with friends. The home in which
the murders took place is owned by Lcm Powell. It is the same one occupied by
Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Arnold and family of Rochester for 15 years.
When William G. Doller was in Peru Monday evening, at which time it is supposed
he bought the revolver with which he shot the members of his family, he went to
a drug store and asked for some potassium cyanide, but as this is one of the
most deadly drugs known to mankind, the druggist refused to sell it to him, when
he turned away apparently greatly disappointed. The druggist did not know the
man but from the description of Doller he is well satisfied that it was he who
asked for the poisonous drug. Before coming to Peru Monday evening Doller tried
to buy the same kind of drug at the Carter Drug Store at Macy where he was also
refused. It is believed that he intended to end his own life with this drug
which is sure death in a few minutes after it is taken. Being denied the drug
there was nothing for him to do except to shoot himself.
Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, May 18,1916
Macy, Ind., May 22 -- George P. Doller and Rev. E. H. Kennedy went to Peru
Saturday morning to ascertain what course to pursue in scttling the affairs of
Mr. Doller's son, William G. Doller, who shot his.children and mother and then
took his own life last Tuesday morning. They decided not to take any legal steps
until the son now in the hospital improved. The attending physician says that he
may recover.
Aside from the little son, the only near relatives that Mr. Doller has is one
nephew and a niece. Mr. Doller owned 180 acres of land in Jennings county, and a
couple, of years ago, in order to satisfy his son, deeded to him 80 acres of the
farm. Last fall the son pursuaded the father to trade the entire farm for the
Macy mill, and those familiar with the transaction say that it was a very poor
deal for the Dollers, who had put practically everything they had on earth in
the mill, which did not pan out as they hoped, or rather as the son had
anticipated. It may be that this condition of affairs was partially the cause of
the young man comiiiittiiig the terrible deeds.
A remarkible coincidence in connection with the horrible tragedy is that the.
only surviving child of the murderer and suicide, was the only one of the four
victims to have two bullets fired into his head. The two bullets entered the
boy's forehead, one directly over each eye, the one on the left side passing out
at the back of the head and on the left side. The other bullet is still in the
boy's head. An X-ray picture has been taken to locate this bullet but it has not
yet been developed. There is a bad contusion on the.right side of the boy's
head, but the skull at that point is not fractured. It was at first thought that
there was where the second bullet came out. This wound is thought to have been
caused by a fall from the top of the veranda at the Doller home.Tuesday morning,
but.no one, however, saw the boy fall.
Since the day of the tragedy some new light has been shed in the matter. It is
now evident that Doller did not at first intend to kill the mother and children
by shooting them. Onl Monday, the day before the killing, Doller sent his son
and daughter Agnes to a store in Macy and had them buy a quantity of pop, a
great deal more, than he was in the habit of permitting them to buy at one time.
The same day Doller tried to buy some cyanide potassium at the Macy drug store,
but the poisonous stuff was withheld from him.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, May 22, 1916]
Special to the Scittiiiel
Macy, Ind., May 23 -- X-ray pictures have been taken of the Doller boy in the
Dukes hospital at Peru, and it is found that he was only shot once. It has also
been learned that he did not fall from the porch roof, but was helped down by
Mrs. Henry Cloud, who was the first to discovcr him.
S. H. Musselman, the bank cashier, has received a number of letters from people
living in Bartholomew county, requesting him to send them ncwspapers containing
the account of the tragedy, as they say they are old neighbors of the Dollers
and wish to know the exact facts of the case,
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, May 23, 1916]
Special to the Sentinel
Macy, Ind., May 30 -- At an auction sale held recently, every article of
furniture and every household utensil in the William Doller home was sold at
surprising prices. Everything was disposed of, including the dishes. Even
Doller's overcoat was purchased.
The beds in which Mrs. Doller and the two children met their deaths, found a
ready sale. All of the goods have been moved out of the house and the owner, Lem
Powell, has rented it again. A large crowd of people attended the sale.
The grandfather, George Doller, has been in constant attendance upon his
grandson who is yet in the hospital at Peru. The boy's eyesight will probably
never be fully right. He does not know that his grandmother, father and sisters
are dead and often cries to see them.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, May 30, 1916]
DOLLER PLEADS NOT GUILTY ANDERSON MURDER COUNT
Anderson, July 14. - Arraigned in Circuit Court here today, George Doller, 71, a
farmer, charged with first degree murder, pleaded not guilty to each count in a
grand jury indictment.
Before his court appearance Doller had said he would plead guilty.
Row Over Berry Sales
On June 10 Doller, at his farm home, is alleged to have shot and killed his
stepson, Herbert Gooding, 44, wounded Gooding's wife and her brother, Wendel
Barkdull, 19, and attempted suicide by shooting himself four times.
He is said to have told police he did the shooting because of a quarrel over
receipts from sales of strawberries.
Trial in October
Fifteen years ago Doller's son, William, shot and killed his mother, his three
children and committed suicide at the grave of his wife near Macy, not far from
Peru.
George Doller was said to have used the same gun in the recent slaying.
Doller's trial will be held during the October term of the Madison County
Circuit Court.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 14, 1931]
DOODLE BUG [Grass Creek Town]
It was a slow train which ran daily through Grass Creek, nicknamed Doodle Bug.
DOUD POSTMASTERS [ - - - - - ]
Lucien Doud, Jan 26, 1893. Appointment is rescinded May 24, 1893.
DOUGLAS, H. H. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] YOU WANT ONE and these are the finest and cheapest [roll top desks] in the
world. - - - ask the agent, H. H. DOUGLAS, Rochester, Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, February 21, 1896]
DOUGLASS, FRANK [Wayne Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Frank Douglass is a native of Cass county having been born January 17, 1870, the
son of Tyre and Mary (Callihan) Douglass. His father was a Republican by
conviction and an iron molder by vocation and a Civil war veteran. He served in
Company E, 29th Regiment, and was a member of the G.A.R. He died about nine
years ago and is buried in Indian Creek cemetery. There were eight children in
this family. His son, Frank Douglass, the subject of this sketch, married Miss
Martha Pinkerton and they have had five children: Albert, John, Eva, Joseph, and
Elmer. He is a farmer and has held several responsible positions in his
community, one of which was trustee of Wayne township on the Republican ticket
for eight years. He cultivates his farm of eighty acres of fine land southeast
of Grass Creek, Indiana. His son, Albert, volunteered in the World war and
enlisted July 1, 1917, spending from December 1917 to August, 1919, overseas.
Seven months of that time were occupied with duty on the Rhine region. Another
son, John, enlisted but never left the states.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, p. 183, Dayton Historical Publishing
Co., 1923]
DOUGLASS, SNELL & CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] BE IN STYLE! Don't pay out your good money for a poorly made hat of last
season's style, when you can get the "Enquirer" Hat for the same
money. It is guaaranteed the best $3 hat made. Sold only by us and introduced at
$2.50. DOUGLASS, SNELL & Co., Opposite Zimmerman's.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, January 5, 1903]
[Adv] Our business is to sell business suits. - - - - DOC DOUGLASS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 5, 1903]
[Adv] OUT-OF-BUSINESS Slaughter Sale, Beginning Sat., Oct. 10, and continuing
until my entire stock of Clothing and Gent's Furnishing Goods is sold. This is
no Fake Sale. We will positively sell everything regardless of Cost or quality.
- - - DOC DOUGLASS, At the Split Dollar Store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, October 22, 1903]
DOVICHI, FLORIAN [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] SPECIAL - Thin skin juicy grape-fruit 5¢ The finest cranberries 7
1/2¢ qt. Large Bananas at 15¢ dozen. For this week at DOVICHI FRUIT STORE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, November 14, 1912]
"Butter-Kist" Pop-Corn - - - 5 cents - - - F. Dovichi, 721 Main St.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, September 8, 1914]
A NEW DEPARTURE
Beginning Friday, Florian Dovichi, will operate a fruit and vegetable wagon in
the city. Deliveries will be made from house to house every day. The wagon will
be driven by an experienced fruit man, formerly of Chicago.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 13, 1924]
SOCIAL CLUB SOLD
Florian Dovichi today purchased the City Social Club, 711 Main Street, of Mrs.
Alice Wilburn. The purchaser has taken possession and will continue the club in
operation. Mr. Dovichi has named Otto Weimer manager.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, October 14, 1935]
BILLIARD PARLOR SOLD
Marvin Metz today purchased the Dovichi Recreation Parlor at 711 Main Street and
has taken possession. In the future the parlor will be operated under the name
of the Manitou Club. Mr. Metz has closed his billiard room at 122 East Eighth
street.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, January 28, 1936]
DOVICHI, WILLIAM
See Midway Billiard Parlor
__________
TAKES AUTO AGENCY
William Dovichi has taken the agency for Fulton county for DeSoto cars and will
open a salesroom in the room on East Eighth street, formerly occupied by the
Rochester Gas Company. Mr. Dovichi will carry a complete line of cars and parts
in stock.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, January 11, 1930]
[Adv] Announcing the 1930 DeSoto now on display at our newly opened
salesrooms 512 North Main Street - - - ROCHESTER MOTOR SALES, William Dovichi.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, January 30, 1930]
RESIGNS AS MANAGER
William Dovichi, who has been the manager of the DeSoto Auto Agency at 510 North
Main Street, has resigned his position to open a tire agency and tire repair
shop in the Brackett building at the [SE] corner of Main and Fifth streets. Ray
Bowen of Peru has been named manager of the DeSoto Agency to fill the vacancy
caused by the resignation of Mr.Dovichi.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, April 5, 1930]
DOVICHI, INC. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Special Low Prices on Whiskies and gin - - - - Also have complete stock of
Domestic and Imported Whiskies and Wines. DOVICHI, INC., Phone 239, 721 Main St.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, July 19, 1939]
DOVICHI, INC. IS SOLD TO WALES AND BURKETT
Florian Dovichi today announced the sale of his restaurant and tavern business,
situated at 721 Main street, to Ora Wales and Otis Burkett, both of Fulton
county.
Mr. Wales had been engaged in farming in the Burton neighborhood and Burkett was
reared near Richland Center. The new owners stated they were applying for a
license to operate a tavern and cafe.
Pending action on their application the business will continue in operation as a
restaurant and soft dring parlor.
Mr. and Mrs. Wales and family have purchased a home on South Jefferson street
where they plan to reside in the near future, and Mr. and Mrs. Burkett and
family have taken up their residency on East Ninth street, this city.
Mr. Dovichi, when interviewed concerning his plans for the future, stated he
would take a much needed vacation and then perhaps announce his intentions of
continuing in business.
Dovichi opened business in this city in 1912 in the same building which is
occupied by his cafe. He started in business with a wholesale fruit store and
later operated a candy and cigar store for a long number of years.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, September 26, 1944]
DOVICHI'S TAVERN [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Hamburger sandwich 10c. Bottle of Beer 10c. Carry out Ale or Beer per doz.
$1.15. Beer in quarts 20c. All Sandwiches 5c & 10c. DOVICHI'S TAVERN, 721
Main Street, Phone 239.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, August 20, 1942]
DOWD MILK COMPANY [Athens, Akron, Leiters Ford]
TO MOVE PLANT
After being located with three plants in Fulton county and each month leaving
thousands of dollars with the farmers, the Dowd Milk Company, has closed its
pasteurizing, separating and bottling works at Athens and Akron and there is a
rumor among the farmers that the plant at Leiters will be sold.
The Dowd stations have been located in the county for more than a year and have
had a very good patronage, they paying good prices for the milk and getting
large quantities from the farmers. A communication from the owner, Mr. Dowd who
has his office and distributing wagons in Chicago, and similar buying places in
different parts of Northern Indiana and Illinois, states that the Athens plant
has not been a paying proposition in that he had been losing about $8.00 a day
by it.
The Athens station has been buying on an average about 3,000 pounds per day at
the rate of $1.10 per hundred which means an amount of nearly $10,000
distributed among the farmers, will be cut off. There are several stories to be
heard in and about Athens, the principal one to the effect that the Beyer Bros.
Co., of Rochester, has purchased the plant or business of it, and that all the
milk formerly sold there will in the future be brought to Rochester. Mr. Henry
Pfeiffer, manager of the creamery department of the Beyer Company, says there is
no foundation whatever for the story.
Mr. William Fisher, the manager of the Athens plant, made the statement to a
SENTINEL representative that the trouble with Athens and Akron is that the
farmers are skeptical of strangers and do not sell them the amount of milk that
is needed to make the business paying.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, February 5, 1906]
DOWLING, BEATRICE [Akron, Indiana]
AKRON MURDER TRIAL SET FOR APRIL 15TH
The trial of Mrs. Beatrice Dowling, 23-year-old Akron housewife who is being
held in the Fulton county jail on a charge of murder in the second degree, in
the "mistake slaying" of Robert Hoffman, 27, of Akron last January
24th, has been set for Thursday, April 15, before a jury in the Fulton county
circuit court.
The date for the trial was announced late Monday afternoon following a
conference between Mrs. Dowling's attorneys, George Windoffer, of Anderson, and
Charles Wallace, local attorney, and County Prosecutor Jesse Brown.
Several weeks ago, Wallace entered a plea of "not guilty" for
Mrs.Dowling in the circuit court.
Mrs. Dowling was charged with the killing of Hoffman as the climax of an early
morning poker game in a downtown Akron apartment belonging to the Ernest
Shiveleys, after an investigation by a grand jury.
It is alleged that the red haired housewife intended the charge from the shotgun
for her husband, who was in the card game, and struck Hoffman in the back by
mistake.
Mrs. Dowling has remained in the Fulton county jail here without bond ever since
her arrest several hours after the shooting occurred.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, March 9, 1943]
AKRON "MISTAKE SLAYER" GIVEN 2 TO 21 YEARS BY JURY
Today Mrs. Beatrice Dowling sits quite dejectedly in her city jail cell while
awaiting the sentence that Judge Kline D. Reed will pronounce upon her within
the next few days, probably Tuesday morning.
The 23-year-old Akron woman has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in
the death of the Akron garage mechanic, Robert Hoffman, early on the morning of
Jan. 24th.
Six hours and forty minutes after the jury retired to the jury room they
returned to report the verdict.
It was nine o'clock Saturday evening when they returned and their foreman,
Lorenzo Luckenbill, Leiters Ford undertaker, gave the verdict to the judge, who
read it to the court. Spectators, who had been waiting all day long to hear the
final word on the Dowling trial looked in awe at the "mistake
slayer"as she showed no visible expression of emotion, rose quietly and
walked out of the court room, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Stella Vice, and
her counsel. In the instructions to the jury - - - - - - - -.
Members of the jury were: Frank Stubbs, Walter McDougle, Ross Baldwin, Earl
Burgett, William Locke, Phil A. Miller, Mrs. Susan Malott, Donald E. Kanouse,
Mrs. Mildred Burns, Lorenzo Luckenbill, Omer Zartman and Clarence Reed.
In the opening argument - - - - - - - .
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, April 26, 1943]
DOWNEY, L. E. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] NEW STORE. I have opened a new stock of Staple and Fancy Groceries,
Fruits, etc., in the room formerly occupied by what was the People's Grocery,
1st door south of M. Wiles. - - - - L. E. DOWNEY, Prop., Telephone 51.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 27, 1899]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The L. E. Downey grocery was closed today for invoice. As soon as the invoice is
made the new proprietor, Arnold Priest, will open the store to the public.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, January 3, 1910]
DOWNEY, OMAR [Rochester, Indiana]
Omar Downey, who, as announced in Friday's Sentinel, is in Washington seeking an
appointment as minister to Siam, is practically a Rochester boy, having been
born and reared here. He is a nephew of Mr. & Mrs. Dan Agnew, of this city,
and was at one time an employe of the Sentinel. Since leaving, some 25 years
ago, he has owned several newspapers in northern Indiana, now being proprietor
of the Churubusco Truth.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 9, 1913]
DOWNEY, WILLIAM [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
__________
WILLIAM DOWNEY (Biography)
Born in Akron, Ohio, Wm. DOWNEY came to Rochester in 1847 when a small boy. He
learned the baker's trade and opened up in business for himself in 1866. Four
years later he moved to Illinois and remained in business there twelve years.
Then he returned to Rochester in 1882 and has conducted a successful business in
the bakery, restaurant and confection trade ever since. He was town treasurer
one term, and is one of the "good feelers" of the city. Mr. Downey is
married and himself and four daughters are devoted to music and very proficient
performers on cornet, violin, piano, flute and mandolin. He says the greatest
accomplishment of his life is having baked bread enough to lay a string of
loaves from here to Chicago and pies enough to make a round trip bridge to
Indianaolis.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
LOCAL NEWS
I have now opened my candy factory in the Fieser block, and invite you to see my
display of fancy and plain candies. WM. DOWNEY.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, November 14, 1901]
[Adv] DOWNEY'S CONFECTIONS - - - - SOLD BY YOUR DEALER.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 14, 1901]
DOWNEY BAKERY AND LUNCH ROOM [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Genial Bill Downey has again embarked in the restaurant and bakery
business in the new Deniston building, opposite the Arlington, - - - - WM.
DOWNEY.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 5, 1894]
[Adv] - - - I have purchased the Downey Restaurant and Bakery- - - - D. R.
MAHLER, Opp. Arlington, Telephone 165.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 16, 1897]
DOWNEY GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
Change. Mr. Wm. Downey has purchased the stock of groceries in Wallace's Block,
formerly owned by John Shore. . . Mr. Downey is a young man worthy of the
people's patronage.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, September 19, 1867]
DOWNEY'S GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] DOWNEY'S DAILY BULLETIN. We now have some extra fine Home Grown Ripe
Tomatoes, Creamery Butter, Partridge Plums 5c per quart. Watch this space.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 21, 1904]
NEWS OF THE DAY
L. E. Downey, the grocer, has contracted for space in the SENTINEL which will be
changed from day to day and will announce the arrival of fresh fruits and
vegetables and little specials. - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 21, 1904]
DOWNS, HARRY M. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] GUERNSEY SILO. The Guernsey is built entirely of Ohio vitrified glazed
hollow tile, interlocked with heavy tile clamps and thoroughly reinforced with
high carbon steel, ABSOLUTE PROOF against moisture, air, sun, wind and frost.
Can not blow down. Hollow tile doors make it fireproof. No repairing,
re-painting or trouble. Will Last Forever. Ask about the guarantee. Call or
write HARRY M. DOWNS, Agent, 130 W. 5th St., Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, May 15, 1913]
DOWNS, JAMES M. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
__________
BIOGRAPHY
James M. Downs was born in Fulton county on what is known as the Downs Sawmill
Farm October 28, 1873. He began to work at a wage at the age of sixteen,
following either farming or mill work as necessity demanded. He is now owner of
the home farm of two hundred acres. The sawmill was built before 1866 and still
is in use. James Downs had his schooling at the rural schools. His wife was Ida
B. Hower. They were married October 24, 1900, and now have six children: William
Warren, Nellie Ruth, James Clifford, Leah Genevieve, Marjorie Isabella, and
Ellsworth Morton. The eldest son, Warren, served in the World war in the 13th
Field Artillery in the regular army. In 1917 he went overseas and returned to
the U.S. after the signing of the armistice in 1919. He was mustered out but
returned to the service in 1920 and is now at Fort Hamilton, New York. Mr. Downs
is the son of William and Susan (Brown) Downs, the former a self-made man of
limited opportunities who was a soldier in the Civil war. He was a Republican
and a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge. His death occurred in March, 1912. His wife
passed away in September, 1911. The mother was a member of the Baptist church
and both are buried in the I.O.O.F cemetery at Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. James M.
Downs are members of the United Brethren church.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 183-184, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
DOWNS, JOHN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
DOWNS, JOHN, MRS. [Rochester, Indiana]
IS RIVAL OF LOCAL CREAMERY
BEYER BROS. have many competitors in butter making, especially among farmers
wives, but Mrs. John DOWNS, south of Rochester, probably makes more butter than
any other woman in the community.
She has done away with the old fashioned hand churn, and has hitched her churn
to a gasoline engine, which every morning assists her in making 15 or 20 pounds
of the necessity. Every step in the manufacture is in accordance with the latest
improved methods.
Sixteen cows are milked just for butter making. The butter when made is formed
into bricks and packed in cartons the same as the creamery product. Every
Saturday the butter, about 120 pounds, is delivered. As Mrs. Downs' butter is
better than ordinary, she receives more than the market price.
[Rochester SEntinel, Wednesday, July 16, 1913]
DOWNS, KENNETH [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
DOWNS, SUSAN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
DOWNS, WILLIAM [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
__________
BIOGRAPHY
William Downs, farmer and saw-milling, P.O. Rochester, son of George and Ann
(Black) Downs, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania, was
born in Jennings County, Ind., October 26, 1838. Mr. Downs enlisted in 1861 as a
private in Company B, Sixth Indiana Infantry, and faithfully served his country
for over three years, participating during that time in numerous hard-fouht
battles and skirmishes. He became a resident of this county in 1866, and has
since been extensively engaged in the saw-milling and lumber business. The event
of his marriage took place January 2, 1866, to Susan Brown who was born in
Jannings County, Ind., September 24, 1843. She is the daughter of John M. and
Jane (McGill) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Downs have had born to them four children,
viz.: Lillie M., born January 30,1867; Almeda, February 19, 1869; John G., June
26, 1871; and James M., October 28, 1873. Mr. Downs has under course of
construction a brick dwelling that will on completion be a model of neatness and
convenience. He is a member of Rochester I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 147, and is widely
known as an industrious, entrprising citizen, commanding the respect of all who
know him.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 29]
BIOGRAPHY
William Downs, farmer and lumber manufacturer, is a native of Jennings county,
Ind. He was born Oct. 26, 1838, and is a son of George and Ann (Black) Downs.
The father was born in Ohio, and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1892, at about
eighty-six years of age. The mother was born in Pennsylvania and died in this
county in 1886. The Downs family came to Indiana in 1838 and settled in Jennings
county, and during the late war the parents of William Downs came to Fulton
county. Mr. Downs grew up on the farm and received his schooling in the
primitive schools of Jennings county. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Sixth
Indiana volunteer infantry. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Salt
Creek Knob, Atlanta, and many other less important engagements. Not until the
surrender of Lee at Appomattox court house was Mr. Downs mustered out of
service. The war over, he came to Fulton county and since that time has resided
upon the Michigan road, about one mile south of the court house. He is one of
the county's leading farmers and now owns 318 acres of well improved land, all
located within three miles of Rochester. For some six months after coming to
Fulton county he worked at the carpenter trade and then engaged in the saw-mill
business. For thirty years he has been manufacturing lumber in this county. In
1896 he was appointed superintendent of the Michigan gravel road. He was united
in marriage in 1866 to Miss Susan Brown, who was born in Jennings county, Ind.,
Sept. 24, 1843. Her parents were early settlers of Jennings county, Ind., and
both died there about twelve years ago. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Downs
are these three sons and two daughters, viz.: John G., James, William K., Maude
and Almeda. The republican party has always had the loyal support of Mr. Downs
and he is a member of McClung post, No. 95, G.A.R and of the order of I.O.O.F.
Mrs. Downs is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Downs is one of the
progressive men of this county and the success he has attained has come through
his own well directed efforts.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
p. 63]
DOWNS BROS. [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Downs Bros. have purchased the John Hill moving apparatus and are prepared to do
any work of that kind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, May 31, 1904]
DOWNS MEAT MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
Leonard Downs has opened a Meat Market in the basement of Samuel Hock's Store. .
. . Rochester, Ind. May 12, 1864.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, May 12, 1864]
DOWNS SAWMILL [Rochester Township]
Located approximately SW corner of US-31 bypass and SR-25 - Located S of
Rochester on SR-25 at 150S.
__________
HISTORICAL REVIEW OF CITY'S PIONEER BUSINESS CONCERNS
DOWNS SAWMILL
For a most interesting narrative of one of the community's oldest business
concerns, that of the Downs sawmill, the author is indebted to James Downs,
present owner of this pioneer business which is situated a mile south of
Rochester, on State Road 25.
Inasmuch as the founding of the Downs sawmill was effected shortly after the
Civil war we must delve into the life and career of William Downs, father of
James Downs. William Downs was born in Jennings county, Indiana, on October
26th, 1838. When the Civil war broke out William enlisted with the Union forces
for a period of three months, and it was stated most everyone at that time was
of the opinion that the "Rebels would be licked" and the war ended in
three months, or even a lesser period.
Sent Home With Measles
The first duty of young Downs was to guard property siezed from the Rebels.
While engaged in this service he was stricken with the measles and returned to
his home. Recuperating from the epidemic, William then re-enlisted under the
service of the Union army for the duration of the conflict.
At the close of the war he returned to Jennings county where on January 1st,
1866, he was married to his childhood sweetheart, Susan Brown. A few weeks later
the newly-weds traveled to Logansport by train and from that trading post, they
journeyed northward to Rochester by a horse-drawn hack.
Upon their arrival, young Downs leased a plot of ground and a small framehouse
from Reuben Van Trump and the site became known to the Downs as "Rube's
lot." This section of ground is now the orchard of the James Downs 224-acre
farm, on which is located the sawmill.
At this time the sawmill was owned and operated by Reuben and Calvin Van Trump
and William Downs began his milling apprenticeship in their employ. A short time
later he was taken in as a partner and in the year 1870 he purchased the Van
Trumps' intrest and acquired more farm land.
Old "Muley" Mill
The sawmill at that time was known as a "muley" mill. A "muley"
saw was one that worked straight up and down and made its cut on the down
stroke.
When William Downs and wife came to this county practically all of the land
around the sawmill site was surrounded by timber. There were but three other
homes in that locality at that time, one on the Brackett farm, another residence
owned by the Hudtwalckers and one owned by John Elam and tenanted by Charles
Caffyn. James recalls of his father telling of the hard times he and young
Caffyn experienced in the late '60s.
During the fall and early winter months both Downs and Caffyn would go to the
nearby woods and cut their winter fuel and logs. James stated his father and Mr.
Caffyn went through some mighty slim winters, in those days, and at times there
was not enough meat to supply the two young couples. The elder Downs told his
son that whichever of the Caffyn or Downs household had meat for dinner it was
up to them to move the tools for the wood cutting job.
Business Thrives
After a few years of real hardships William Downs began to realize meagre
profits from his labor and he purchased another 20 acres of timber land lying
adjacent to the mill grounds. This was soon paid for by timber which was cut and
turned out at his mill.
A new Wyandotte Chief, circular saws which were made in Upper Sandusky, Ohio,
replaced the old "muley" saw in 1869. The old frames which held upper
and lower saws of the Wyandotte still stand in the mill today.
Business and others for whom William Downs supplied building lumber were the
Cowgill Lumber company (later the Ananias Baker Lumber company), the old Academy
of Music building and practically all of Rochester's older buildings.
Old-time Sawyers
Old Time sawyers in the employ of the elder Downs were John Bockover and Tim
Blackburn (father of Fred Blackburn of Akron). Tom Blackburn and family resided
in a little old frame building adjacent to the sawmill, which was once used as a
school house. It was in this home that Fred Blackburn was born.
James Downs, who was born in 1873, and who is owner and operator of the mill
today, received his schooling in a little one-story brick school which was
located in a corner of what is now the County Infirmary farm. Teachers who were
employed at various periods throughout the existence of this little brick school
were Estella Mitchell (the late Mrs. Nobby True), Sydney Moon, Clara McMahan and
Henry Foglesong.
As soon as James Downs completed his schooling he accepted a position in his
father's mill and served his sawmill operator's apprenticeship under the
guidance of head sawyer, John Bockover. James states in the early days there
were no long distance hauls to secure good timber as there was an abundance of
poplar, white and red oak, walnut and ash in the immediate vicinity of the mill.
Abundance of Timber
"The hauls were made chiefly on sleds and wagons and the mill maintained
two cutters, a couple of teams in the field throughout the early years. Today,
of course, the hauling is via truck and while a fairly good supply of timber
still remains in Fulton county, a great deal of the timber is hauled in from
Cass, Miami and Kosciusko counties.
In 1899, the Downs sawmill was completely remodeled, practically all of the
equipment was replaced with more modern devices, and in November of 1901 the
entire equipment was wiped out by a fire of unknown origin. Immediately
following this disaster, the Downs began to erect a new and still more modern
mill and in March of 1902, the new mill was placed in operation.
The following ten years, according to James Downs, were perhaps the busiest of
the mill's existence to date. The sawmill at that time gave employment to ten
teamsters, four cutters and extra saw and mill men. Another speed-up in
production of the business occrred in 1918, 1919, 1920 and 1921; the post-war
period during which time the greater portion of the mill's output was shipped to
Chicago, South Bend, Flint, Mich., and other industrial centers.
Timber For Coffin
Among the Downs' mill customers a score or more of years ago were the Pendergast
Lumber company of Lima, Ohio, agents for the Erie Railroad company, and also
large shipments of lumber were sold to the Erie car shops at Huntington, Ind.
Mr. Downs stated that perhaps the most unique order he received during his long
term of service in this business was from Jonas Myers who wanted some extra
high-grade oak from which to make his coffin.
According to James, old Sam Walters who built the casket for Mr. Myers, was
completely "fed-up" on this branch of the business and threatened to
quit his job as cabinetmaker if Jonas turned in any more of that sort of orders.
Jim Gets Scare
One of the humorous incidents which occurred during the present owner's long
tenure at the mill occurred when he was but six or seven years old. The mill at
that time had a steam twin-boiler hook-up for power. These boilers wereunder a
100-pound steam pressure and at the top was a bell and governor control for the
mill whistle. Young Jim was then prowling about the mill when in some manner
Charley Dix, the fireman, knocked off the ball governor control and with whistle
screaming, the whistle and box shot through the roof a hundred feet into the
air. James stated he would have been running yet if his parents hadn't caught up
with him and explained what had happened.
Two Men Killed
Mr. Downs stated there have been two fatalities to occur while he and his father
were operating the mill. William Sturkins, 19, was killed in July of 1882, when
his clothing became entangled in a pulley and belt at the mill. The other
casualty occurred about four miles south of town when Samuel Horn was killed
while he was attempting to repair a log-hauling wagon coupling which had broken
while corssing a small bridge. Horn was trapped in the riggings and found some
time later by Dee Robbins and William Rouch, stock buyers who were enroute to
Rochester at the time. Mr. Horn was killed in August of 1907.
Among the more recent sawing contracts of jobs turned out at the Downs mill were
timber for the Carl Quick barns, the Otto McMahan farms barns, Charley Bailey
barns and others. Timber is hauled in by truck from Cass, Miami and Kosciusko
counties as well as Fulton county. Likewise most of the mill's output today is
delivered by truck.
While Mr. Downs has no "set" personnel at the mill today he stated he
and Melvin Cissel operate the mill proper and his son-in-law, Russell Smiley at
times also assists with the work.
In earlier days James Downs, two brothers, John and Kenneth, were also employed
in the business. John Downs passed away several years ago, and Kenneth Downs now
resides in Rochester. Mrs. Meade Blackburn, of this city, is a daughter of
William Downs, founder of the Downs sawmill. The elder Downs passed away at his
farm home south of the city in March of 1912.
Other Old Sawmills
Among other mills which existed in this community during the long operation of
the Downs mill were a hub and spoke factory operated by Sam and Ferd Heilbrun;
the Wilks Taylor mill near the Erie R.R. tracks where John Shetterly was head
sawman; the Hinkle mill and the Strauss mill both located in the northern part
of the town, and the Peabody mill which was located in the vicinity of where now
stands the Farmers Co-operative business, on East Ninth street.
Mr. Downs and his wife, both of whom are enjoying good health, reside in a
modern, two-story brick home, south of Rochster, adjacent to "Rube's
lot" where some 75 years ago William Downs hewed out his one-story frame
home from native timber that almost completely surrounded that section of the
country.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, June 10, 1941]
__________
The mill was known as Downs Sawmill, later William Downs and Sons, and by
1912 when James Bought Kenneth's share, it again became Downs Sawmill.
In 1901 the mill shed burned, but the smoke stack still stood; the saw and log
carriege had to be sent away for repairs. A new boiler was installed in 1914 and
saw dust was burned instead of slab wood.
In 1945 the steam engine was replaced by diesel engine. In 1949 at the death of
James Downs the sawmill was discontinued, having been in existence about 100
years.
[Downs Family, Ruth Downs Richardson, Fulton Co. Folks, Vol. 1, Willard]
DOWNS SHOE REPAIR [Rochester, Indiana]
Located at 718 Main Street until a fire in 1922 gutted the building.
A. B. Shore and wife Reba Shore then built the present building to house the A.
B. Shore Clothing Co., which had been located at 504 Main Street.
__________
[Adv] Bring Your SHOE REPAIRING to JOHN G. DOWNS, 718 Main Street (Old
Manitou Barber Shop) - - - - Work Done While You Wait.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 6, 1918]
DRAFT REGISTRATION [Fulton County]
See: American Red Cross
See: Fulton County Draft Board
See: Selective Service World War II
See: Service Men World War II
See: World War II
__________
COUNTY CLERK REED ANNOUNCES SET-UP FOR REGISTRATION
Kline Reed, county clerk, today announced the personnel for the conscription
registration boards in the eighteen precincts of Fulton county who will register
all persons between the ages of 21 and 35 inclusive, on Wednesday, October 16th.
Each board consists of four members who will serve without remuneration. Two
Democrats and two Republicans will serve on each board and they were selected by
the party precinct committeemen in each precinct. Both men and women will serve
on the boards.
Eleven Questions
Men of draft age on registration day will be asked to answer eleven questions.
They are: name and address, telephone, age in years, place of birth, country of
citizenship, name of person who will always know your address, relationship of
that person, address of that person, employer's name, place of employment or
business.
The eighteen registration boards must complete their work of constription on
October 16 and the make their report to the county clerk. Such information will
then be turned over to the county draft board whose members have not as yet been
made public in Fulton county.
Following is a list of the members of each precinct registration board in Fulton
county and the place the registrations will take place:
Wayne Township
Place - School Building, Grass Creek.
Board Members - Otto Applegate, chief registrar; Lester Rouch, Omer P. McLochlin,
Theodore White.
Union Township (Precinct No. 1)
Place - Library, Kewanna.
Board Members - Carl Russell, chief registrar, Etta Zellers, Ellis McNabb,
Jennie Robbins.
Union Township (Precinct No. 2)
Place - Library, Kewanna
Board Members - Walter Wilson, chief registrar; Amy Wilson, George Elston, Frank
Hendrickson
Aubbeenaubbee Township
Place - School Building, Delong.
Board Members - Rev. John Walton, chief registrar; Walter Bryant, Paul Thomas,
Maurice Winn.
Liberty Township (Precinct No. 1)
Place - Fire Station, Fulton.
Board Members - Paul Wheadon, chief registrar, Mildred Dice, Dorothy Kelly, Guy
Nellans.
Liberty Township (Precinct No. 2)
Place - Library, Fulton.
Board Members - Garfield Newell, chief registrar, Walter Skinner, Ralph W.
Ditmire, Wm. J. Hafert.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 1)
Place - Relief Building, Cor. 7th & Jefferson.
Board Members - Ben Noftsger, chief registrar, Lulu B. Eiler, Earl Quick, Verle
Emmons.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 2)
Place - Public Library
Board Members - Charles Scholder, chief registrar, Marjorie McClung, Mrs. Ed
Keebler, Stertie Runyan.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 3)
Place -Columbia School House
Board Members - Ira Jones, chief registrar, Bessie Fretz, Ben Mullican, Free
Love Myers.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 4)
Place - County Assessor's Office.
Board Members - Fred Rowe, chief registrar, Delbert Ewing, J. A. Herbster, Ed
Vawter.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 5)
Place - Burton School.
Board Members - Donald Pyle, chief registrar, Earl Mathias, John Cessna, T. J.
Gaumer.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 6)
Place - County Farm.
Board Members - A. E. Babcock, chief registrar, Myrtle Keim, Mrs. Opal Sherrard,
John J. Werner.
Rochester Township (Precinct No. 7)
Place - Tim Baker Farm, Harold Gerrick's.
Board Members - Harvey Waymire, chief registrar, Thelma Hayward, Ann Plank, Mrs.
Geo. Krom, Jr.
Richland Township
Place -I.O.O.F. Hall.
Board Members - Harry J. Overmyer, chief registrar, Raymond Riddle, Earl H.
Adams, Clyde Beehler.
Henry Townsip (Precinct No. 1)
Place - Fire Station.
Board Members - Earl Shimer, chief registrar, London Imhoff, Roy Jones, Jesse
Klise.
Henry Township (Precinct No. 2)
Place - School House, Athens.
Board Members - Frank Dawson, chief registrat, A. C. Davisson, Harry Mastellar,
Blanche Swihart.
Henry Township (Precinct No. 3)
Place - Library, Akron.
Board Members - Harley Rogers, chief registrar, Lemoin Hand, Elmer Sheetz, Dale
Leininger.
Newcastle Township
Place - School House, Talma.
Board Members - Roy Rush, chief registrar, John Dawson, Gaston Coplen, Clarence
Hinton.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, October 10, 1940]
DRAGONS BAND WAGON [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rannells, William W.
DRAKE, A. L. [Athens, Indiana]
[Adv] DRAKE'S CASH STORE, Athens, Indiana. We are here to stay and can save our
trade money in every department of our store. - - - - We lead in the price of
produce. Remember the place. A. L. DRAKE, Athens, Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 4, 1897]
DRAKE, H. S. [Rochester Township]
BIOGRAPHY
H. S. Drake, one of the defenders of our country and flag, was born in Steuben
county, New York, in 1838; son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Cleveland) Drake,
natives of Vermont. The father was born in 1804 and died in Michigan at nearly
eighty-nine years of age, while the mother died in Erie county, Ohio, at
seventy-two years of age. The Drake family settled in Erie county, Ohio, in
1843. Mr. Drake first attended the public schools and later spent some time at
Oberlin college. He continued on the farm until Aug. 6, 1862, when he enlisted
in Company G, One Hundred and First Ohio volunteers infantry for three years, or
during the war. At the battle of Chickamauga, September, 1863, Mr. Drake was
seriously wounded, having been shot through the left forearm. Other important
battles in which he participated may be mentioned: Kennesaw mountain, Mission
Ridge and Lookout mountain. He was a true and brave soldier. The conflict over,
he returned to Ohio, where he resided until 1873, when he came to Fulton county,
Ind., and since then has been engaged in farming about two miles southeast of
Rochester, where he now owns a well improved farm of 115 acres, besides which
the family have some valuable property in the city of Rochester. The marriage of
Mr. Drake occurred Dec. 25, 1866, to Miss Norris, a native of county Tipperary,
Irland, born in 1841. In 1846, in the company of her father, Patrick Norris, she
came to the United States and settled in Erie county, Ohio. Her father died at
Toledo, Ohio, at about sixty-five years of age. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Drake are these three living children, viz.: Benjamin, who spent two years at
the university of Michigan, and is now living at Hammond, Ind.; Charles, an 1893
graduate of the university of Michigan and now a teacher of science in the high
school at Alpena, Mich., and Fred, who is also a graduate of this noted western
university, in the school of pharmacy department and is now engaged in the
practice of his profession. Mrs. Drake was educated at Oberlin college, and for
some time was engaged in teaching. She is a woman of strong force of character
and believes in a continuous, progressive education. She is a member of the M.
E. church. In politics Mr. Drake is an uncompromising republican, a member of
McClung post, No. 95, G.A.R., and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a
man of a pleasing personality and public spirit.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 63-64]
DRAKE, WILLIAM P. [Perry Township, Miami County]
BIOGRAPHY
William P. Drake, an enterprising citizen of Perry Township, is a native of
Hunterdon County, New Jersey, born May 28, 1829, the son of Jacob and Phebe
(Stout) Drake. Thomas Drake, paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a
native of New Jersey; he served three months in the Revolutionary War when but
fifteen years old. He died in his native State, and is buried in Hopewell
Cemetery along with John Hart, one of the signers of the declaration for which
he fought. Subject's maternal grandfather, Ira Stout, was born in New Jersey,
and was colonel of a regiment which was sent to quell the "Whiskey
Insurrection." Jacob Drake emigrated to Ohio in 1830, where William P. was
reared to manhood, he remaining with and assisting his parents on the farm until
he attained the age of twenty-three years. His education was in keeping with the
facilities afforded the children of his day. August 17, 1852, his marriage with
Catharine Strock was solemnized. The year following they emigrated to Indiana
and Miami County, of which they have since continued residents. Their union has
been blessed with four children, these two now living: George W., who married
Laura Bayles, and Eli T., who married Magdaline Butler, now deceased. Mr. Drake
has been uniformly successful in his vocation of farming, owning 248 acres of
well-improved land. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
Lodge, No. 365, located at Roann. In politics he is a Democrat and has been
honored with an election to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Township
Trustee, filling both positions to the entire satisfaction of the individuals
whose suffrages elected him.
[History of Miami County, Indiana, 1887, Brant & Fuller. p. 728]
DRAPER, E. C. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] See E. C. DRAPER, the Expert watch maker for Pianos, Watches, Jewelry, Cut
Glass - White front opp. P.O.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 11, 1907]
[Adv] AUCTION! $7,000 AUCTION! Diamonds, Watches, Clocks, Jewelry, Silver
Ware, Cut Glass. Saturday, March 14th. - - - - E. C. DRAPER, 716 Main Street. -
- - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 13, 1908]
DREW, EDWARD [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Edward Drew)
DRUDGE, DEAN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Louderback Garage
DRUG STORE WALKING CLUB [Rochester, Indiana]
DRUG STORE WALKING CLUB
The Drug Store Walking Club, which has been organized for over a year,
decided upon Tuesday as an ideal day for a jaunt, and therefore George Dawson,
"Davie" Davisson, Joe Levi, Nobby True, Will Howard and C. K. Plant,
all members of the club, took a lengthy "hike." Leaving the city they
tramped to the Dam landing and thence wended their way to the West Side hotel
grounds. From that point they took a cross country turn to Big Hills, from
where, after a short visit, the bunch made the return trip to Rochester and
finally turned up at their headquarters -- Dawson's drug store. At that point
one of the party, whose name will not be mentioned, gave vent to his feelings in
no uncertain terms, remarking: "What tam fools men vil pe, somedimes. Led's
sed down."
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, January 11, 1911]
DuBOIS, DWIGHT, MRS. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
DuBOIS, FRED H. [Kewanna, Indiana]
KEWANNA MAN ATTAINS PRAISE AS AN ARTIST
Fred H. DuBois, of Kewanna, who for some time has been delving in art work
during his spare moments, is swiftly attaining recognition as one of the
foremost oil painters in this section of the state. Mr. DuBois has placed on
display in the Ross book store window one of his most recent oils which is a
scene taken along the banks of the Tippecanoe river at a point a short distance
west of the Michigan road river bridge.
The painting, according to those who are up on their art work, is of
exceptionally high quality and the blending of the vivid colors has been most
adaptly handled by the Kewanna artist. Mr. DuBois, it was learned, has studied
art in the Brown county artists' colony for the past two or three years. His
paintings have been displayed in several of the Hoosier Art Salons where they
have received exceptionally high ratings.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, January 8, 1937]
DuBOIS, HOWARD W. [Rochester, Indiana]
BULLETIN
HOWARD DuBOIS DIES
Howard W. DuBOIS, aged 51, died suddenly at 2:50 o'clock Monday afternoon just
after he had finished the Masonic funeral oration over the body of the late
Walter D. ROSS at the graveside in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Dr. Dean STINSON,
coroner, held that death was due to a heart attack.
Mr. DuBois was acting Master of the Rochester Masonic Lodge. He was stricken as
his fellow masons were passing by the bier of their dead brother and were
depositing their evergreens. He was taken to the Woodlawn Hospital, where it was
found that he was dead.
Mr. DuBois had been suffering with heart trouble and gall stones for several
weeks. He was taken ill Saturday afternoon and had to be taken to his home at
931 Franklin Avenue.
Mr. DuBois had been prominent in civic, lodge and political circles here for
over a quarter of a century. He served for two years as postmaster of Rochester.
He was a Republican.
Mr. DuBois has filled the deputyship in the Fulton county clerk, treasurer,
auditor, and recorder's offices. At the time of his death he was associated with
his father-in-law, B. F. FRETZ in the abstracting business.
Mr.DuBois was a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and was a
32nd degree mason. He was a member of the Christian Church.
Survivors are the widow, three sons and daughter. The obituary will be carried
in The News-Sentinel Tuesday.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 23, 1935]
HOWARD DuBOIS RITES TO BE HELD THURSDAY
Seized with a heart attack at the conclusion of Masonic rites at the graveside
of his friend, Walter D. ROSS in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery Monday afternoon, Howard
W. DuBOIS, 49, slumped into unconsciousness and died a few minutes later as he
was being rushed to Woodlawn Hospital.
Mr. DuBois had been ill since Saturday but had recovered sufficiently by Monday
to allow him to go to the abstract office in which he was a patner with his
father-in-law, B. F. FRETZ. Obviously, he felt well enough to go with the local
Masonic body to the services for the late Walter ROSS and to undertake the
Master's part in the ritualistic service. He had completed the lecture when the
fatal seizure came.
Howard Wesley DuBOIS, son of Thomas and Clara [DuBOIS] was born near Green Oak,
this county, Aug. 24, 1886.
After attending the district school he entered Rochester College from which he
graduated in 1907 and entered the County Recorder's office as a deputy under his
father. From 1907 until 1932 he served as deputy clerk, treasurer, auditor and
recorder respectively.
In 1932 he was appointed postmaster of Rochester, which commission he held until
1933 when by virtue of political changes he was succeeded by the present
official, Hugh McMAHAN. Since his retirement from the postoffice he has been
affiliated with Mr. Fretz in the abstracting business.
Mr. DuBois' long association with public office gave him the groundwork of a
wide acquaintance in Fulton County. And being possessed of a retentive mind, and
a natural desire to serve he soon became one of the leading factors of local
Republican politics. In 1920 he was elected secretary of the County Republican
Central Committee and in 1924 was elevated to the chairmanship of the party, a
duty which he fulfilled with credit to himself and his party until his
appointment as Postmaster in 1932.
On Jan. 21, 1912, Mr. DuBois was united in marriage with Miss Mabel FRETZ. To
this union three sons, Robert [DuBOIS], Benjamin [DuBOIS] and Thomas [DuBOIS],
and one daughter, Dorothy Jean [DuBOIS] were born, who with the widow, two
brothers, Keort [DuBOIS] and Ross [DuBOIS], and one sister, Mrs. Ethel DEWEY,
all of Rochester, and an uncle William R. DuBOIS of North Manchester, survive.
Mr. DuBois was a member of the Masonic orders: Blue lodge, Council and Chapter
of Rochester, Commandry of Plymouth and consistory of Fort Wayne; K. of P.'s,
Odd Fellows and Eagles of Rochester, and the Madison Street Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Church of
Christ under Masonic rites and officiated by The Reverend John WALLENBURG.
Interment will be made in Rochester I.O.O.F. cemetery.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, December 24, 1935]
FRONT PAGE EDITORIAL
HOWARD W. DuBOIS
The sudden demise of Howard W. DuBois, a member of the Board of Directors of the
Barnhart-Van Trump Co., cast a pall of sorrow over a legion of friends in this
community. For over a score of years Mr. DuBois has taken an active intrest in
civic, political and fraternal affairs in Fulton county.
In his long years of affiliation with these sundry organizations, the deceased
gave abundantly of his services, even to such a generous degree that it
jeopardized his own personal interests. In his political activities in the
county and district Mr. DuBos stood staunchly for the principles of the
Republican faith, and his success as an organizer and supervisor in political
field work was held in highest esteem by not only those of the Republican ranks,
but also by opposing party workers. In these long years of public service, Mr.
DuBois through his love for fellowship and humanity in general, irrespective of
political or religious creeds, became a sincere friend with every one with whom
he came in contact.
A few years ago when Mr. DuBois was appointed Postmaster of Rochester, it
appeared that the Goddess of Fortune had at last decreed that a portion of a
just reward for years of untiring effort was to be meted out to the deceased.
However, with a political reversal coming within a few months, he was forced to
surrender this most desirable and needed post. Such adversities, and they were
not uncommon in the career of the deceased, were taken most graciously by Mr.
DuBois. He held malice toward none, and possessed that enviable trait or ability
of burying his own troubles and disappointments through a constant service to
his fellow men.
Such type of citizen will be sorely missed.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 26, 1935]
DuBOIS FUNERAL SERVICE WAS LARGELY ATTENDED
The funeral service for the late Howard DuBOIS, who dropped dead Monday while
delivering the Masonic funeral oration over the body of the late Walter ROSS in
the Odd Fellows cemetery here, were held Thursday afternoon.
The services were held from the Madison Street Christian Church with the Rev.
John WALLENBURG, pastor of the church, officiating. The Masonic order was in
charge of the funeral with Dean WALKER, Culver, as acting master of the lodge.
The church was filled to its capacity with friends and relatives of the late Mr.
DuBois, who was prominent in civic, lodge and political circles here for the
past twenty-five years. He had filled the deputyships in four county offices and
was the Republican county chairman for four terms and postmaster of Rochester.
Many beautiful floral tributes were sent by Mr. DuBois' legion of friends.
Delegates from the Fulton County Bar Association were present at the meeting as
were delegations from other bar associations in surrounding counties.
The pallbearers were Oren KARN, Clem V. LEONARD, Charles KEIM, Howard CALLOWAY,
Fred McCLURG and A. C. DAVISSON.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, December 27, 1935]
DuBOIS, WILLIAM [Liberty Township]
BIOGRAPHY
William DuBois, eldest son of Mathusalah and Rachel M. DuBois, was born April
14, 1840, being one of the first white children born in Liberty Township, Fulton
County, Ind. On February 8, 1863, he married Hannah M. Holcome, who was born in
the same county December 16, 1836. Immediately after marriage, they located in
Cass County, where they remained nine years, then settled on the old Holcome
farm, where he now resides. This couple are the parents of three children, viz.:
Thomas J., William R., and Jonathan E. His father traces his ancestry back to
the DuBois families who came to America from France in 1660, via Holland, and
landed here in 1675, in honor of which event they held their second centennial
celebration in 1875, at New Paltz, N.Y., at which a history of the family was
prepared, read, and finally published in book form for distribution among the
various branches and members of the family, amongst whom may be named Gen.
Winfield Scott Hancock, of the United States Army. Mr. DuBois, Sr., was born May
17, 1810, in Ulster County, N.Y., from whence he came to this county about the
year 1834, and married Rachel M. Nees, who was a native of Hendricks County. He
died December 28, 1858. Mrs. D. is the third daughter of Thomas J. Holcome, who
was born in Virginia January 28, 1808, and married Mary Ross in Jefferson
County, Ind., a native of this State, whose father died September 21, 1882, and
whose mother died July 28, 1851.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 43]
DuBOSE, ELEANOR JEAN [Rochester, Indiana]
MAY TAKE DAUGHTER TO ENTER "MOVIES"
Mrs. Lucy DuBose of Warsaw, who formerly make her home in this city with her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ford, has recently received a very flattering offer
in behalf of her 21-months-old daughter, Eleanor Jean, from the Famous Lasky
motion picture company, which she will probably accept. The studio wants the
child in pictures and has already tendered a contract to take effect immediately
or one to take effect in November. Mrs.DuBose will probably accept the latter
and leave for Hollywood this fall.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, July 24, 1922]
DUDGEON, ARTHUR V. [Rochester, Indiaa]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Arthur V. Dudgeon)
DUDGEON, NATHANIEL [Richland Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Nathaniel Dudgeon, born September 22, 1831, in Washington County, Penn. He came
with his parents to Holmes County, Ohio, in 1832, and there received a common
school education, and was married, in Cass County, Ind., June 26, 1856, to
Harriet E. March, a native of Berks County, Penn., born February 12, 1831. They
have the following children: William O., born July 18, 1857; Eleanor J., born
August 24, 1859, deceased August 7, 1860; Albertus H., born Novemer 16, 1866,
and Sarah M., born September 23, 1869, deceased October 4, 1870. Mr. Dudgeon was
a native of Pennsylvania, born December 25, 1803. He married Mary A. Jones, who
was born June, 1811. He deceased October, 1873, and she April, 1874. Jacob
March, the father of Mrs. Dudgeon, was born in Chester County, Penn., October
11, 1803. He married Rachel Rimby, a native of Pennsylvania, born Sepember 14,
1803. He came to Cass County, Ind., in the year 1850.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 52]
NATHANIEL DUDGEON (Biography)
Commissioner Nathaniel DUDGEON, of the 3d district, was born in Pennsylvania
sixty-four years ago. When one year old his parents moved to Ohio and there he
lived until grown to manhood. Then he came to Indiana and worked for five years
at the carpenter trade in Cass county. In the spring of 1856 he married Harriet
MARCH and they moved to Richland township, in the woods, cleared their farm and
now enjoy a pleasant home on three hundred and seventy acres of fine land. Most
of this land was purchased at $4.50 per acre and developed into a state of
cultivation which increased ten or twelve fold.
Mr. Dudgeon was elected County Commissioner in 1890 and re-elected in 1892 and
will hold his office until one year from next December. He has been an
enterprising and useful officer, the new jail and new court house both being
monuments to his ideas of the needs of the county.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
BIOGRAPHY
Nathaniel Dudgeon, present chairman of the board of commissioners for Fulton
county, a native of Washington county, Pa., was born Sept. 22, 1831, and is a
son of William and Mary Ann (Jones) Dudgeon. The father was born in Maryland in
1803 and died in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1872. The mother was born in Washington
county, Pa., in 1811, and died in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1873. In 1832 the
family settled in Ohio, having removed from Pennsylvania. The early boyhood of
Nathaniel Dudgeon was spent upon his father's farm. He obtained a common school
education at the Ohio public schools. At sixteen years of age he began learning
the carpenter trade, at which he continued in Ohio until 1852, when he came to
Fulton county. Here he remained one year and then removed to Cass county, where
he lived until 1857, when he came again to this county and settled on his
present farm, five miles north of Rochester. He continued the carpenter business
until 1857, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He now owns 371
acres of highly cultivated land and is considered one of the best and most
successful farmers in Fulton county. Politically Mr. Dudgeon has been a
live-long democrat, and for many years he has taken an active part in the
affairs of that party. In 1890 he was elected to the office of commissioner from
the third district. This position he has ably filled for more than five years.
During his second term the magnificent new court house of Fulton county has been
erected, and during his term of almost six years many substantial improvements
have been made in the county. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet
E. March, a native of Berks county, Pa., born Feb. 12, 1831. Mrs. Dudgeon is a
daughter of Jacob and Rachel March, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was born
in 1803 and died in Fulton county, Ind., in 1879, and her mother was born in
1803 and died in this county in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon were born these
children, viz.: Orton W. and Alburtus H. Orton W. was born in Fulton county in
1857 and died in this county in 1893. In 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss
Carrie E. Miner. To this union ar these children, viz.: Fred Ort, Nina Odessa,
Georgia, Ethel and Nathaniel. Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon are among the leading and
most highly respected citizens of Fulton county.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 64-65]
DUDGEON LAKE [Fulton County]
THOUSANDS VISIT DUDGEON LAKE
Dudgeon lake, recently pumped dry at a big expense to rid the water of carp, was
visited Sunday by at least 6,000 people. The road leading to the farm was packed
with automobiles all day and in the afternoon a refreshment booth was erected to
serve the crowd.
Those arriving in the afternoon were disappointed in not seeing many fish, but
in the morning, when but a few inches of water remained in the deepest part,
thousands of carp from two to 10 inches long could be seen battling in their
efforts to survive. As the water went down, they buried themselves in the sand
and in the afternoon few could be seen. Mr. Dudgeon will drain the lake as dry
as possible, when the mud will be scraped out. Several hundred hogs will then be
turned in to eat the fish. It is thought that the lake will not fill up again
for months as it is only fed by springs. Pumping was stopped several times
Sunday morning by minnows which in thousands clogged the pumping pit.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 4, 1916]
THREE WAGON LOADS OF CARP FROM LAKE
The rains of the past 24 hours have caused Bert Dudgeon a great deal of extra
work in draining his lake north of the city.
The lake had been pumped practically dry Monday, but the pump had to be started
again Tuesday as the rain had filled in a large space in the lake bed. The rain
Tuesday evening brought the water level up Wednesday to where it was when the
pumping was started Tuesday morning.
Three large wagon loads of carp were raked from the lake bottom by Tuesday and
taken to the Berebitsky plant to be converted into fertilizer.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 6, 1916]
WELL SATISFIED, IS BERT DUDGEON'S WORD
Bert Dudgeon and his good wife climbed into their auto Thurs. morning and left
the farm north of the river, which for nearly a month has been the scene of
unique pumping operations. "We wanted to get away," said Bert,
"for we haven't had any rest since the work started. The boys are now
tearing down the flume and as soon as we get gravel hauled into the old bed,
we'll be ready for the new lake."
Two big auto truck loads of carp were taken from the lake, after it was pumped
dry. The rains of Tuesday morning and night lifted the dead fish from the ooze
on the bottom, and they were raked off the surface into shore and loaded onto
wagons. The foot of water deposited by the rains was all pumped out Wednesday
night. Thousands of minnows went thru the pump and down the flume into the
woods. As soon as the water sinks away, which it is rapidly doing, quick lime
will be placed on these dead fish. The work cost Dudgeon a large sum, but he is
perfectly satisfied with results.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, September 7, 1916]
DUEY, AL [Macy, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
DUEY, PHILLIP [Millark, Indiana]
MACY ITEMS
The schools of Allen township will begin Monday, September 13. The high school
teachers will be Mrs. Sylvia Cravens of Kokomo; principal J. D. Heighway of
Athens; and Miss Jones of Logansport, assistant; 7th and 8th grades, Phillip
Duey, intermediate, Miss Ferne Pancake, and primary, Miss Essie Day.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 31, 1920]
DUEY ELECTED
Phillip A. Duey, of Rochester, was elected president of the Association of
Unorganized of Indiana university Thursday. The ticket headed by Duey won all
except three of the twelve offices under contest.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 26, 1924]
PHILIP DUEY IN I.U. SHOW TO VISIT INDIANAPOLIS
Philip Duey of near Macy, music student at Indiana University and member of the
Phi Beta Kappa, scholastic fraternity, will appear at the Murat theatre at
Indianapolis May 21 in the cast of the "Jordan River Revue," campus
production, which has had its premiers at Bloomington, and which will be
produced there during commencement week.
The musical revue is practically entirely the work of the students, who wrote
their own tunes, arranged their own costumes, wrote their own plots, etc. A
campus artisan prepared the stage settings.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Saturday, May 16, 1925]
PHILLIP DUEY WINS VOICE SCHOLARSHIP
Phillip A. Duey, of Millark neighborhood, graduate of Indiana University last
year, has won exceptional honors in winning a scholarship in voice amounting to
approximately $1,200, given by the Juliard Musical Foundation, New York City,
according to word received here. Duey took post graduate work at Indiana during
the past year.
He will receive his instructions in voice under Madame Marcella Sembric or
Frances Rogers both leading teachers connected with the foundation. He will
report at the New York school Oct. 2nd.
Duey made a reputation as a singer during his college career and won one other
award. Last year he gave several solo numbers with the university glee club in
all its appearances.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Friday, July 30, 1926]
MACY
Mrs. Philip Duey of New York City came last week to spend the summer with her
father, Scott Sroufe and family.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 14, 1928]
INDIANA SONGBIRD
* * * * PHOTO * * * *
There's a "little grey home in the west" that will have its radio
carefully tuned in on Wednesday evening, June 19, when the Happy Wonder Bakers
program is broadcast over the NBC system. For Phil Duey, young radio baritone,
will be the Wonder Baker soloist that evening, and among other numbers will be
singing "My Little Grey Home in the West" for his mother and brothers
and sisters on their farm near Rochester, Indiana.
Duey left this farm only three years ago to study at the Juliard Music
Foundation in New York on a scholarship won when he received highest honors in
music at the University of Indiana. He has since played in the Broadway
productions of "Lady Do" and "Good News." Now he is a
popular phonograph recording artist, as well as one of the leading radio stars.
The boy from the farm "has arrived."
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, June 17, 1929]
DUEY RADIO ADONIS
The following is a clipping taken from "The Grit" published at
Williamsport, Pa., concerning Phillip Duey, son of Mrs. Mary Duey, of near Macy:
"A farm boy who made good is Phil Duey, National Broadcasting Company
baritone. Duey's home is in Macy, Ind., and he is known as the handsomest singer
in radio. He's a hard worker, too, for each week he is heard, either as a
soloist or member of a harmony group, in the Choral orchestra, the Family Party,
with B. A. Rolfe's orchestra, and in the week-end parties programs." A
picture of Mr. Duey appeared with the story.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, December 13, 1930]
PRAISE FOR DUEY
In January issue of "What's On The Air" the following comment is made
about a former Fulton County young man who has made good as a radio star and
also in the New York Metropolitan opera company. The excerpt follows:
"Phil Duey, baritone of the National Broadcasting Company, tells us that he
started his professional career in a small way. At the age of 4 he sang
"Old Black Joe" from a high seat of a road grader, his reward being a
nickel from the foreman of the road gang. Duey estimated his income last year to
be $50,000."
Duey was raised on a farm in the Millark neighborhood six miles southeast of
this city.
[The News-Sent inel, Friday, January 2, 1931]
MACY
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Duey and children of New York City came last Thursday for a
visit with his mother, Mrs. Mary Duey and family and her father, Scot Scroufe
and family. Mr. Duey left Sunday for his home while Mrs. Duey and children
remained for two weeks visit among relatives and friends.
The Duey family held their reunion Sunday at the home of Mrs. Mary Duey and
daughter Edith of Millark. A fine time was enjoyed. Those present were Mr. and
Mrs. D. M. Nicol and family of Chicago, Mrs. E. E. Smith and children of
Indianapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Duey and children of New York, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Berger, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Berger of near Gilead, Mr. and Mrs. John Duey,
Mr. and Mrs. George Duey and little Earl Geyer, Merrit Clemans and children, Mr.
and Mrs. Edgar Runkle and mother of Akron, Mr. and Mrs. Sollie Clemans and
daughter, Mrs. Florence Miller and son and Scot Sroufe. Marvin Brown and Fred
Bayless were afternoon guests.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, September 23, 1931]
MACY MAN FINALIST IN OPERA AUDITIONS
Macy, Ind., March 22. - Phil Duey of Macy was one of six finalists who sang in
the Metropolitan Opera auditions Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock over the NBC
network.
As the result of his audition, Sunday afternoon, he is eligible for a contract
with the Metropolitan Opera company. The judges of the Sunday afternoon
broadcast are to announce next Sunday which of the finalists will be awarded a
contract with the company.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, March 22, 1938]
DUFFY, I & SON CO. STOCKYARDS [Rochester, Indiana]
Located NW corner of Fulton Avenue and Erie Railroad.
Lee Moore manager.
__________
[Adv] ATTENTION MR. FARMER. Hogs Bought Every Day. Calves and Lambs Every
Thursday. TopVeal Calves Today $9.00. I. DUFFY & SON CO. Rochester, Indiana.
Phone 62. T. A. Marshall, Mgr.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, May 15, 1935]
DUKES, ANDREW E. [Wayne Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Andrew E. Dukes was born in Putnam County, Ind., July 20, 1826, and was married
to Miss Mary Troutman October 22, 1846, who was raised in Bartholomew County,
Ind. Her father, William, and her mother Rachel Troutman, were natives of
Kentucky. Mr. Dukes has six children living, and six dead. Of those living,
William E. married Mary J. Robinson, who is now deceased, leaving one daughter.
He afterward married Adelia Philbert, by whom he had two children. Peter married
Emma J. Moore. Francis M. married Mary C. Lauder, who died April 12, 1881,
leaving two children. Mr. Dukes was in the Eighty-seventh Indiana Regiment. He
was in the several battles, among which were those of Lookout Montain and
Perryville, Ky., where he was wounded in the foot that he was never afterward
able to march, and was mustered out, with his son William, who was in the same
regiment, under general orders. He came to this county in 1846, and entered
forty acres of land. He settled where he now resides in 1862. Mrs. Dukes has
been the mother of triplets. He and his family are members of the Christian or
Disciple Church. His father, Ephraim Dukes, was born in Clermont County, Ohio.
His mother, Jane Eslinger, was a native of Indiana; her parents both dying in
Pulaski County. Mr. Dukes, Sr., and wife were the parents of twelve children,
ten of whom lived to be married. They and nine of the children are members of
the Disciple Church.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 61]
DULL'S CASH GROCERY AND MEAT MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
DULL BUYS SHORE GROCERY
A deal was completed Wednesday afternoon whereby Ransom Dull, owner of a grocery
south of the court house, became the owner of the K. W. Shore grocery stock in
the Sentinel block. No consideration was named and Mr. Dull did not make public
his plans. Mr. Shore sold because of ill health.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, October 16, 1918]
NEW GROCERY STORE
Jesse Chamberlain will open a grocery store south of the court house, in the
room recently vacated by Ransom Dull, according to an announcement made by him
Thursday morning. Mr. Chamberlain had just returned fromChicago where he
purchased fixtures and his stock, but said that he would not open his place for
at least 30 days.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, January 23, 1919]
[Adv] Dull's Specials - Pete's Specials - - - - Telephone 42 - - - We
Deliver.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, February 13, 1920]
CECIL SNAPP PURCHASES GROCERY OF RANSOM DULL
According to an announcement made Saturday morning, Cecil Snapp has purchased
the Ransom Dull grocery on Main street and will take possession of the business
Monday morning. It is said, however, that Mr. Dull will retain the ownership of
the meat market, which he has in connection with the grocery business, for the
present time.
Mr. Snapp stated Saturday morning that upon taking possession of the Dull
grocery he will still operate the business on East Ninth street, for the present
at least.
Mr. Dull, who has been in the grocery business in this city for about five
years, stated Saturday that he did not know what business he would engage in in
the future.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 14, 1920]
GROCER IN BANKRUPTCY
Ransom Dull, owner of the Ransom Dull grocery on Main street, has filed
voluntary bankruptcy petition. The first meeting of the creditors will be held
in the offices of Selden J. Brown on September 11, 1920, at 11 a.m. Charles A.
Burnett, of Lafayette, Ind., has been named referee in bankruptcy.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 1, 1920]
DULL GROCERY STOCK PURCHASED BY BABCOCK
Ray Babcock, for many years one of the city's most prominent grocerymen, has
purchased the Dull grocery stock and is now doing business at the store, which
was opened Saturday evening. The sale of the stock was made by Charles Emmons,
who was appointed trustee at the recent meeting of the Dull creditors and
referee in bankruptcy. Just what the consideration in the sale amounted to was
not made public. Mr. Babcock has been in business in several locations in
Rochester. His last business enterprise in the city was sold about a year ago to
Chas. Maple, who in turn sold out to Frank Marsh. Mr. Babcock says that he will
carry an up to date stock of staple and fancy groceries, but will not handle any
meats.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 27, 1920]
DUMKE, RALPH
See: Hotels - Fairview
__________
ED EAST IN TOWN
Ed East, nationally known radio star, member of the "Sisters of The
Skillet" team made a short visit in Rochester and at Lake Manitou Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Mrs. East and their daughter and was driving to their
"old home town" at Bloomington, Ind. East and Ralph Dumke first teamed
up at Fairview Gardens when they were here with the Charlie Davis orchestra
several years ago. From there they went on the stage and for the last two or
more years have been on the NBC network being among their leading stars. Dumke
is spending his vacation in South Bend his "old home town."
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 19, 1932]
DUNN PLUMBING SHOP [Akron, Indiana]
DARRAH BUYS PLUMBING SHOP OF DUNN AT AKRON
James Darrah, proprietor of the plumbing firm bearing his name, Thursday
purchased the Jack Dunn plumbing shop in Akron. Mr. Darrah said Saturday morning
that he would continue to operate the Akron shop as a branch of his Rochester
business, and would place a capable man at the head of the establishment. The
Dunn plumbing shop was the only one in Akron. Mr. Dunn will leave about January
15 for Miami, Fla., where he will spend the winter.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, January 10, 1925]
DUNN'S GREENHOUSE [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] You will ned flowers for Easter. Call at our greenhouse, corner Seventh
and Fulton avenue and see the display. Call phone 356 and your order will
receive prompt attention. DUNN'S GREENHOUSE
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 23, 1910]
DUTCH MILL [Disko, Indiana]
The Disko-Laketon Telephone Company was built by Frank Zimmerman, who later
operated the Dutch Mill filling station.
DYCHE, Charles O. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dyche Blue Drug Store
See: Dyche Motors, Inc.
DYCHE BLUE DRUG STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Dawson, George V.
__________
BLUE DRUG STORE SOLD TO C. O. DYCHE OF HOBART
In a business transaction completed Thursday, one of the city's oldest and
widely known stores, The Blue Drug Store, was sold by Mrs. Edith Ruh to C. O.
Dyche, of Hobart, Ind. The new proprietor, who has been in Rochester for the
past few days, during final negotiation of the transfer, has already assumed
active management of this leading pharmacy.
The Blue Drug store was founded by the late Alex Ruh in the year of 1888, and
remained in the Ruh family up until the present date. Mrs. Ruh became owner of
the store in 1934, following the death of her husband, Fred B. Ruh, who at that
time was owner. Alex Ruh, preceded his son in death in October of 1933.
Has Broad Experience
The new proprietor, Mr. Dyche, who is in his early thirties, received his
preliminary drug business experience in Childress, Texas. He attended the Texas
University for a period of a year and completed his four-year pharmaceutical
course at the Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.
In the years of 1926 to 1931, Mr. Dyche was employed in drug stores in Hammond
and Gary, and for six years was proprietor of the Dyche Drug store in Hobart,
Ind. This business he sold in 1937 and for a time was associated with the Hook
drug store at Terre Haute, Ind. For the past several months, however, he had
been employed as a medical service detailist for the Parke-Davis Co., of
Detroit. His field of work in this position was the loop area of Chicago.
Mr. Dyche, who is a single man, has already taken up his residency in this city
and will devote his entire time to the management of the business. The store
will now become known as the Dyche Blue Drug Store.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, October 28, 1938]
DYCHE DRUG ANNOUNCES OPENING FOR DEC. 3RD.
In Thursday,'s issue of The News-Sentinel, the Dyche Blue Drug Store announced
its formal opening for December 3rd. Since Mr. C. O. Dyche purchased this
pharmacy from Mrs. Edith Ruh several weeks ago, the store has undergone a series
of major and minor improvements.
New booths and chromium-red leather stools have been installed in the fountain
service department and the entire retailing section of the store has been
enlarged, rearranged and redecorated. The personnel of this drug store in
addition to the proprietor, consists of H. E. Sumrow, graduate pharmacist of the
Florida School of Pharmacy and for many years employed by the Abbott
Laboratories; Fred Perschbacher, Joann Hagerty and Bonnie Kumler.
The store will operate under an economical price policy, comparable to that of
the large city drug stores. Gifts for both men and women will be distriburted at
the formal opening, however, as the supply is limited early patrons will have a
decided advantage.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, December 2, 1938]
WALGREEN AGENCY STORE OPENED IN THIS CITY BY C. O. DYCHE TODAY
C. O. Dyche today announces his grand opening featuring the Carnival Sale of his
Walgreen Agency drug store following a complete changeover of display and
merchandising methods in the store. All of the features of nationally famous
Walgreen drug stores have been incorporated in the Dyche store.
The combined buying power of 525 Walgreen stores and 1,500 Walgreen Agency
stores will enable Mr. Dyche to offer drug values supreme. Sporting goods,
vacation needs, Victor phonograph records, drugs and sundries have been added to
the already complete line.
New merchandise is displayed and the entire store is dressed up in
"Walgreen" fashion. The front has been repainted and the intrior has
been rearranged to make more room for new products.
The Dyche store was formerly known as the Blue Drug Store. In today's
News-Sentinel, on the back page, is the Carnival Sale ad.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 29, 1939]
E. BAXTER, OF WALTON, BUYS DYCHE DRUG STORE
In a transaction made Wednesday morning, the Dyche Blue Drug Store, 724 Main
street, this city, was sold to Ernest Baxter, of Walton, Ind., by the
administrator of the estate of Charles O. Dyche. The Blue Drug Store is one of
the oldest business firms in the city.
Mr. Baxter has had several years' experience in the pharmaceutical field and is
owner of a modern drug store at Walton. The new proprietor and Mrs. Baxter plan
to move to Rochester within the next few days where they will make their future
home. Russell (Bud) Wade, who has been acting as manager of the Dyche Drug store
will remain in the employ of the new owner, it was stated.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, October 8, 1941]
DYCHE MOTORS, INC. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Louderback Garage
See: Rochester Motors, Inc.
__________
NEW FORD AGENCY OPENS IN CITY FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
Rochester, which has been without a Ford sales agency for practically a year,
will on Friday, Sept. 27th again have a representative sales organization for
this popular automotive line.
The new agency, which will be known as Dyche Motors, Inc., will have temporary
quarters in the Moore Implement building, 118 West Ninth. The personnel of the
corporation is composed of Charles O. Dyche, president, Mrs. Bessie Bowers, of
Peru, secretary-treasurer and Ralph A. Wall, vice-president.
Mr. Wall, who will be in charge of the active management of the agency, comes to
Rochester from Hobart, Ind., where for a long number of years he has been
engeged in the automotive business. The agency manager plans to move his wife
and son to Rochester to take up their permanent residence here as soon as
suitable living quarters are found. Assisting Mr. Wall will be a corps of
salesmen, repair and parts men.
Claude "Barney" Burrows will head the sales division, it was announced
today.
In an interview with Mr. Dyche today, he stated the new agency would be open for
business Friday, Sept. 27th., with a complete line of 1941 Ford cars and trucks
on display.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, September 26, 1940]
BUILDING USED BY BEALL LEASED BY DYCHE MOTORS
Dyche Motors, Inc., Ford Agency has leased the building on the [SW] corner of
Main and Sixth streets, formerly known as the Hoover building and now occupied
by Beall's Tire Shop.
The building will be completely remodeled, a modern salesroom made and all
modern garage equipment installed. The frame building at the rear will be torn
down and the building will be continued to the alley.
Repairs will start immediately and the garage should be ready for occupancy
December 1st.
Temporary quarters of the Dyche Motors, Inc., Ford Agency will continue at the
Lee Moore building on West Ninth street.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, October 3, 1940]
F. G. HUBBARD HIRED BY DYCHE MOTORS, INC.
Frank G. Hubbard, formerly of New York City, who has been a resident of
Rochester for the past year, has joined Dyche Motors, Inc., Fulton county
dealers for Ford, Mercury and Lincoln-Zephyr cars.
He will act as auditor of the company and also take care of its advertising and
sales promotion.
Mr. Hbbard is a graduate of New York University (School of Commerce) and was a
partner of Bruce Barton for a number of years in the advertising agency
business.
His wife is the former Louise Gibbons, daughter of the late William Sherman
Gibbons and Lula D. Gibbons of this city.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, October 18, 1940]
DYCHE MOTORS, INC., TO HOLD FORMAL OPENING, FEBRUARY 1
The formal opening of the Dyche Motors, Inc., Fulton county Ford dealers, will
be held Saturday, February 1st from 2 until 9 p.m., according to the
announcement appearing in today's News-Sentinel.
An open house reception for the people of Fulton county and surrounding
territory will be conducted in the recently remodeled two and one story brick
and concrete building located on the southwest corner of 6th and Main streets,
this city. - - - - - - - .
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, January 30, 1941]
DYSERT, Joseph F.
See: Allman Store
See: Hotels - Arlington
See: Racket Clothing Store
__________
HOME TOWN TALES
By "Pioneer"
Mention Celina, Ohio to Joseph F. Dysert, a conversation is "on" in
which you will become simply - a listener.
Whether Joe was born in Celina, or not, is of no material consequence. Love for
the old town has entwined his heart with hoops of steel, and there will be
memories he will never forget.
His special delight is in relating how the Mersmann's and the Brandts from a
very meager beginning fashioned lumber into furniture and became famous
throughout the United States as builders of nothing but the very best. How a few
Celina citizens started a bank "on a shoestring" that grew and
developed an institution housing Two Million Dollars in deposits and rode
through the "financial crash" with every dollar still in storage. And
without the least sound of braggadocio, he might chance to relate his election
to the office of Clerk of Mercer County, Ohio, the first Republican elected to
that office since the Celina water reservoir was built.
Joe Dysert landed in Rochester, "for better or for worse" in the year
1907. From that day to this, he has indeed been a valuable citizen to the City
of Rochester. Every worthy project for the good of the greatest majority has
always received his support and financial assistance, and he will never be found
on the retired and uninterested list on local affairs.
When Joe left the town he still loves to talk about, Celina, Ohio, lost and
Rochester - WON.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, February 1, 1935]
FULTON COUNTY, INDIANA
HANDBOOK
E
E-Z KITCHENETTE [Akron, Indiana]
See: Akron Basket Factory
E-Z SWING CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
DEMONSTRATION OF E-Z SWING SATURDAY
E. D. Woodward and his partner, C. W. Moore, who constitute the E-Z Swing
Company, of this city, are just now ready to market their product and will stage
a public demonstration of the swing in his city Saturday.
Woodward and Moore, are now instigation of his step-father-in-law, [sic] Jake
Hoover, is the patentee of the swing which is a simple contrivance and will
retail for less than one dollar. [sic]
Woodward and Moore are now ready to really start their business and have already
secured jobbers in Chicago and New York, where they expected to dispose of the
large part of their early output. One shipment of several hundred swings goes
forward to Chicago this week
Then the company has employed five salesmen and will soon have ready as many
demonstrating trucks which will go about the country selling direct. The
demonstration Saturday will be held on the city lot on the corner of Main and
Seventh streets.
One feature of the concern is that it expects to employ only Rochester labor and
will use nothing but materials purchased in Rochester and the owners do not
expect any aid whatever from the city, having selected Rochester of their own
free will and accord.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, May 5, 1922]
E-Z SWINGS GO BIG IN OHIO
Wm. (Bill) GREEN has returned from a business trip to Dayton, Ohio, where he was
representing the E-Z Swing Co., of this city. Green reports exceptionally good
business and says the swings have made a decided hit throughout Ohio.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 23, 1922]
MANUFACTURER OF SWINGS BELIEVED TO HAVE "BLOWN"
C. W. Moore, of the firm of Woodward and Moore, or the E.Z. Swing Company, left
Rochestr last Tuesday ostensibly for Peru, Logansport and thence to Chicago, but
has not been heard from since last Thursday, when a card was received by his
partner from Christman, Illinois, where he had presumably joined Mac Bridge, a
salesman of the firm.
During the first part of the absence of Mr. Moore, Mr. Woodward was informed by
Mrs. Woodward of what was going on and he hurried back to Rochester from his
trip and has practically completed arrangements to go ahead with the business
and meet obligations whether or not Moore ever returns to Rochester.
There seems to be some doubt as to whether Moore wil return as he is said to
have left a number of creditors holding an empty sack, including one employe to
whom more than $60 in pay is due, two months rent at the hotel here, an account
with the Mentone Novelty Works, approximately $300 to a Fort Wayne firm for rope
together with several accounts ranging up to about $100 in local stores. Moore
is said to have left Rochester with all of his clothes and personal effects and
the obligations which total near $1,000 are believed responsible for his action
in taking silent leave, if he has actually done so.
It is said that in the event Moore fails to return his half of the business will
be sold to a local purchaser now prepared to take over the financial affairs of
the business and the firm will continue as was originally planned when it was
organized here.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, July 18, 1922]
E-Z SWING CASE HAS MANY DEVELOPMENTS
Since the disappearance of Charles Moore, one of the organizers of the E-Z Swing
Company, of this city, about two months ago, several interesting developments
have turned up. Moore left here very suddenly with a carload of swings, leaving
behind him many unpaid bills, one of them being to Wylie Bonine of the Arlington
hotel.
Following his disappearance from this city the next heard from Moore was when
the banks here received checks drawn by him on the E-Z Swing company from
different points in Illinois. There checks were returned marked no funds and it
is understood that the parties who cashed the checks are going to prosecute
Moore for forgery.
After Moore absconded Jake Hoover of this city, who is the step-father of
Woodward, instituted suit against the company to collect a note which they owed
him and asked the court for a writ of execution. The court granted the request
and Saturday was the date of the sale but as no bidders appeared at that time
Sheriff Sam Arter will have to re-advertise the same.
A number of firms in this city advanced Moore credit for lumber and rope with
which to manufacture the swings but nearly all of them were able to get their
money with the exception of the S. P. Bailey hardware Company. A number of
out-of-town firms, however, were not so successful, among them being the
Flanagan Hardware Company, of Logansport, the Caryot Lumber Company of Ft. Wayne
and the Mullenhour Lumber Company, of Mentone.
The Mullenhour Company have applied for a patent on the swing after they had
learned that Moore did not have one as he claimed he had. From Washington the
Mullenhours learned that a similar patent on a swing had been granted to parties
in 1878 but this had expired. It is understood that the Mentone parties have
changed the device and have added a floor board to the same and hope by so doing
to get a patent.
Moore not only crocked different firms with which he dealt but also his partner,
Woodward. Moore was in charge of the factory and Woodward would go out on the
road selling the swings. When he returned from his trip on the road, Moore would
show him bills which he had paid during his absence and Woodward would turn over
the receipts of his sales to reimburse him. It has since been learned that Moore
never paid the bills but pocketed the money. It has been estimated that Moore
got away with about $1,500 in two months.
[Rochester Sentinal, Friday, September 15, 1922]
AUTO SWING COMPANY NOW HOLDS PATENTS
One more Indiana company has applied for the patent rights for the manufacture
of a child's swing such as was manufactured in Rochester for a short time by the
E-Z Swing Company, of Nappanee. This company is now advertising a swing
identical with the one manufactured here for $1.00. The swing is advertised in
the current issue of "Popular Mechanics." The Mullenhour Lumber
Company, of Mentone, one of the creditors of the now defunct Rochester firm,
recently attempted to secure patent rights on the idea.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 27, 1922]
PERU MAN HERE TO BUY BUILDING FOR FACTORY
J. C. Whisler, of Peru, was in Rochester Monday looking over the factory
building at the east end of sixth street which was recently occupied by the E-Z
Swing Co. Mr. Whisler, along with his brother, is interested in locating an auto
parts plant here and stated that if the building can be bought from the present
owners that negotiations will be started at once. If he buys he said, operations
would start by August. His firm will specialize on a universal joint. Albert
Serewiz, of Chicago, is the owner of the building.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, June 4, 1923]
EAGLE, THE [Lake Manitou]
See Lake Manitou Boats
EAGLE BAKERY [Rochester, Indiana]
DOWNEY'S EAGLE BAKERY - - - Ice cream, buns, oysters and confections for suppers
and festivals.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, December 25, 1889]
[Adv] Deep Sea Oysters! Fresh from the Ocean Every Day at DOWNEY'S EAGLE
BAKERY.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, November 30, 1892]
EAGLE BAKERY [Rochester, Indiana]
Located 321 E 8th.
Operated by Rinaldo Pulaski "Nobby" True.
See Nobby's Restaurant & Bakery.
__________
[Adv] FARMERS! Have you ever tried one of those elegant, full-sized Lunches
to be had only at the EAGLE BAKERY? Best Coffee on earth. Come in and try it.
BREAD! No one has ever thought of competing with us on Bread, as they all know
we can beat the world on Purity, Cleanliness and general Excellence. Buy it and
you will like it. NOBBY TRUE, Proprietor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 25, 1895]
EAGLE POULTRY COMPANY [Rochester, Indiana]
POULTRY CO. TO LOCATE HERE
J. Phillips, a representative of the Eagle Produce Co., of Cleveland, O., has
contracted to purchase the Clay Sheets building on the corner of Main and Fifth
Sts., known as "Harmony Hall," for the ostensible purpose of locating
a wholesale produce branch of the company in this city. The deal was made
Friday.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 29, 1918]
EAGLE POULTRY CO. IS NOW LOCATED IN CITY
Rochester has a new business, the Eagle Poultry Co., of Cleveland, O., having
moved to this city. The company, represented by J. Phillips and son, Samuel, has
purchased the Clay Sheets building on North Main St., known as "Harmony
Hall" and is now moving in equipment. They will handle poultry and eggs
almost immediately and a little later, possibly by the first of the month, will
be in a position to handle other produce, such as potatoes, apples, onions, etc.
B. F. Sheward, who occupied a room in the building, is moving into the room just
south of Shore and Wilson's. The O. S. Goss ice cream factory will probably
remain where it is until the close of the season.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, July 17, 1918]
POULTRY FIRM CHANGES NAME
The Eagle Poultry company at the corner of Main and Fifth streets has changed
its name to that of J. H. Phillips and Son. The Phillips have been operating the
firm for the past two years.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 16, 1920]
POLAY JUNK BUSINESS MOVING ACROSS STREET
Jake Polay, who recently dissolved partnership with Foster Haslett when Haslett
sold the building they occupied to Klein Brothers, has leased the building
formerly occupied by the Eagle Poultry Company, and is moving his stock and
equipment to the new location, where he will soon be ready for business again.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 11, 1921]
EAGLE STEAM LAUNDRY [Rochester, Indiana]
LOCAL NEWS
The Eagle Steam Laundry has been sold by Fred E. Robbins to J. D. McCoy of
Plymouth, who is interested in a laundry at that place, and Ed. Vawter of
Rochester. These gentlemen are both practical laundrymen and will guarantee
first class work. Have work ready Monday morning, as it will be called for.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, March 31, 1900]
LOCAL NEWS
Laundrying seems to be an unsatisfactory business in Rochester. After S. B.
Fanning went out of the business at the Eagle Steam laundry, Ed. Fawter and Ed
Church joined forces and took up the work. Another change has now been made, and
Mr. Fanning is again proprietor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, November 25, 1901]
EARLE, GRAHAM [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Wait for the Favorites - THE GRAHAM EARLE COMPANY, at the Academy of
Music, August 16, 1885. Admission, 10, 15, and 25 cents. Reserved Seats at the
usual place.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, August 4, 1886]
THE EARLES
Last Monday evening Graham Earle's Dramatic Co. held the boards of the Academy
of Music in "Inshavogue." It was his opening play for the season. Mr.
Earle and his wife have made Rochester their home so long that they seem to us
like neighbors and we are naturally proud of any additional laurels they win as
footlight favorites. Mr. Earle's acting is superb, while his wife, Miss Agatha
Singleton takes the audience "clear off its feet" in her pleasing
rendition of her difficult parts. Last night as we went to press, the company
was playing "The Californian" to a crowded house, and will hold the
boards each evening this week. The Earles are supported by a strong company and
the smiling countenances of the popular Joe Anderson and Anson Varney are again
seen in the cast.
No troupe has ever played in Rochester that is as highly appreciated by theatre
goers as the Earle combination, and since their residence here this summer, by
their geniality and sociability, they have increased their popularity until the
applause with which they are greeted on the stage, is of such a nature as
inspires them to give Rochester audiences their "level best."
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, August 18, 1886]
GRAHAM EARLE INSANE
Graham Earle, the well known and much married actor, is in a sad plight and has
been compelled to retire from stage, says the Evening News, of Michigan City.
His mind is affected to such a degree that he cannot remember his lines and
knows but very little of what is going on about him. Graham has figured in
several divorce cases in the last few years, owing to his weakness of falling in
love with women he met, and he may still be able to fall in love, but the
doctors say he will never be able to act again.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 25, 1899]
GRAHAM EARLE ALIVE
Graham Earle, who used to summer at Lake Manitou, is a member of the
organization supporting Adelaide Thurston in "The Love Affair," which
recently played in northern Indiana. In the eighties and early nineties he
filled frequently engagements in many nearby towns, for several years, being a
county fair attraction.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 19, 1913]
GRAHAM EARLE DIES IN WEST
Graham Earle, 76, widely known actor, who in 1885 located in Rochester and built
a summer home at Lake Manitou, recently died in California, where he was acting
with a motion picture company. His former common law wife, Agatha Singleton,
whom he deserted to marry another after he left Rochester, is living in
retirement at Grand Rapids, Mich., and his daughter, who was known here and
elsewhere in the long ago as Little Fern, is the wife of a Chicago broker. Earle
was very popular when a resident of this city and was quite active in public
affairs and lodge work.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 24, 1920]
EARLE THEATRE [Rochester, Indiana]
Also see Miller, Earle A.
See Moving Picture Theaters
__________
[Adv] THE EARLE, Rochester's New 5c Theater. Odd Fellows Building, Southwest
Corner Court House Square. Open SATURDAY, June 22. Afternoon and Evening
continuous Performance. Every Evening and Saturday Afternoon. Change Program 3
Times Weekly. Illustrated Songs. Good Music. Come and see some good pictures.
Pictures that won't hurt your eyes. Spend a Happy Half Hour. EARLE A. MILLER,
Proprietor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 21, 1907]
NEWS OF THE DAY
"Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight," that beautiful romance of the days
of Cromwell, will be shown in colored motion pictures at the Earle, tonight.
Those who saw Cincerella and like dit should see this picture.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 22, 1907]
[Adv] PICTURES THAT TALK at the EARLE TONIGHT.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 7, 1908]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The world is now aflame with the new talking motion pictures. Very few Rochester
people have witnessed this wonderful mechanical invention but all those who have
been so fortunate pronounced them par-excellent. The Earle theatre will bring
first talking pictures to Rochester tonight. - - - - - -
Talking pictures are now the rage in every large city but owing to the great
expense of production, the smaller towns of the country cannot exhibit them. The
Earle theatre, however, will bring the first talking pictures to Rochester,
tonight, that have been produced in Fulton county. These pictures actually talk
and sing, leading one to forget themselves and think they ar at a genuine opera.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, September 7, 1908]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The talking pictures at the Earle last night, proved to be quite a novel feature
and drew out large crowds. The talking effect is producted by means of a large
graphophone, which is run in exact time with the picture and gives it the effect
of talking. There will be an entire new program tonight and the talking pictures
will be producte dor the last time.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, September 8, 1908]
Located NW corner 9th & Main [830 Main] in the S half of I.O.O.F.
building. Operated by Earle A. Miller.
The room had been vacated by McClure & Wilson Hardware. Many years later it
housed Kroger Grocery.
This "fairy land" of the silent picture days was indeed a crude
affair. The front retained the store windows of the hardware regime and just
inside the door was built a wooden partition containing a ticket office below
and a "lamp house" above where the old carbon-burning arc lights
provided the agent for projecting the pictures. Inside the theatre proper a
wooden platform held 160 kitchen chairs with a big muslin sheet stretched across
the rear of the room upon which the images were thrown. A piano furnished the
music.
The theatre was staffed with Fred (Chewy) Sholders as picture machine operator,
Helen Reiter and Mattie Brady beat out the popular tunes of the day on the old
piano and Ruth Grove sang songs between pictures. Earl (Really) Guthrie sat
behind the muslin curtain to make sound effects, one of which was to hit a taut
piece of canvas with a buggy whip to create a gun shot.
Cecile Brady sold tickets while John G. Myers and Delbert Collins took turns as
"barkers" in front of the amusement house using a large megaphone into
which they constantly yelled "just starting - just commencing" with a
voice enough to be heard to the river bridge.
It featured silent films of 20 minutes in length. Admission was 5 cents.
The Earle Theatre brought Rochester its first mechanical talking pictures.
Here a "jitney" got the city folks and the farm folks about 20 minutes
of the best entertainment of its day. The pictures were changed every night and
traveled in a circuit from one of these so-called Nickelodeuns to another at a
picture rental cost of approximately $12 a week for the six reels of pictures.
One of the outstanding pictures of that period was entitled "Honeymoon at
Niagara Falls" and was one of the very first pictures producted in color,
as up to that time all of the pictures came in black and white. When the old
carbons would burn apart the pictures would fade out until the operator shut off
the machine and retrimmed the arc.
Night after night the same customers drifted into the movie house and of those
best remembered, Ben West, agent at the Erie Railroad, never missed a night.
The comedy pictures of the day were of the custard pie-throwing type wherein
John Bunny and Fatty Arbuckle were the favorite comics. These were the Wednesday
night and the Saturday night features when more than 1500 persons would deposit
their nickle at the box office for the opportunity of screaming with delight
when the funny men did their stuff. Nobody was permitted to sit through two
shows for their nickel as seating capacity was too limited and the financial
success of the enterprise depended on "getting'em in and getting 'em
out."
Theatre burned October 5, 1908, and not reestablished.
Earle also managed independent basketball teams and promoted appearances of
semi-pro teams for games in Rochester.
He left Rochester and served as reporter and copy editor on papers in
Louisville, New Orleans and San Francisco. He became associated with the Blue
Products Company, which manufactured special cleaning powders, in 1931 at
Cleveland. Taking over ownership in 1940, he moved the business to Rochester,
116 W. 9th, and later to 130 E 8th. In 1954 he sold the business to Dee Fultz,
who in turn sold it to Garry Daniels.
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, June 23, 1953]
In the corner room of the Odd Fellows Building, Fred Wilson operated a
hardware store and the location later housed the Earle Theatre, one of
Rochester's earliest movie houses where you could see a "feature" for
a five-cent piece. The Earle Theatre brought Rochester its first mechanical
talking pictures. Adjoining the theatre, Al Fristoe operated Rochester's
earliest "five and 10 cent" store in what is now the north half of the
Kroger market.
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Monday, July 14, 1958]
The first of the outdoor motion picture theatres was established by the late Roy
Shanks at about the same time as Mose Kimmel operated a vaudeville theatre (The
Manitou) north of the public square. This writer nightly packed crowds into the
Earle Theatre, present location of the Kroger market (Knapp Building), and J.
Carl Jessen provided poenty of opposition with his Kai-Gee movie house where now
stands the Arthur Shore building (716 Main).
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Monday, August 25, 1958]
EASH, JOHN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Laundry
EAST, ED
See: Hotels - Fairview
__________
ED EAST IN TOWN
Ed East, nationally known radio star, member of the "Sisters of The
Skillet" team made a short visit in Rochester and at Lake Manitou Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Mrs. East and their daughter and was driving to their
"old home town" at Bloomington, Ind. East and Ralph Dumke first teamed
up at Fairview Gardens when they were here with the Charlie Davis orchestra
several years ago. From there they went on the stage and for the last two or
more years have been on the NBC network being among their leading stars. Dumke
is spending his vacation in South Bend his "old home town."
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 19, 1932]
EAST END GARAGE [Kewanna, Indiana]
PURCHASE GARAGE
Ralph Hattery and Daniel Decor, of Akron, on last Monday purchased the East End
Garage in Akron of A. J. Patten, who has operated it for the past two years. The
new owners are both experienced mechanics.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, October 4, 1924]
TO BUILD GAS STATION
A modern gas filling station will be erecvted on the site of the Armour cream
station at Akron by Hattery and Secor, new owners of the East Garage according
to an announcement made last week. A drive and canopy will be constructed and
the Armour station will be moved back.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, October 13, 1924]
Tuesday morning the East Garage formerly owned by Hattery and Secor was
turned over to the new owners, Ray Woodcox and Fred Imhoof. Mr. Woodcox comes
from Plymouth, Ind., where he was in the garage business for the last five
years. Fred Imhoff is well known in and about Akron having lived near there all
his life. Hattery and Secor state they have nothing definite in mind for the
future.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Saturday, January 5, 1929]
Elmer SMITH, 52, a life-long rsident of Union township and the owner of the
East End Garage in Kewanna, died at eight o'clock Thursday evening at Woodlawn
Hospital, in Rochester, following an operation for an obstruction of the bowels.
Mr.Smith had been ill only since Tuesday.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, December 6, 1929]
EAST END GARAGE [Akron, Indiana]
AKRON GARAGE MAN FILES PETITION IN BANKRUPTCY
Albert L. Sheets, owner of the East End Garage at Akron, has filed a voluntary
petition in bankruptcy in the South Bend District Federal Court. He scheduled
his liabilities as $4,500 and assets at $1,700. The creditors in the main are
automobile accessory concerns. A meeting of the creditors was held in the court
house here Monday afternoon with trustee in bankruptcy Alvin Marsh at which time
Attorney Howard W. DuBois was appointed receiver to take charge of the affairs
of the garage.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Wednesday, April 18, 1928]
EAST SIDE GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Saturday specials . . . . We deliver . . . . Try our meats.
Successor to O. P. Jones.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Friday, February 5, 1926]
EAST SIDE MEAT MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The East Side Meat Market has just received a shipment of nice sugar cured hams
and as long as they last will be sold at 12 1/2 c. Every ham guaranteed or money
refunded. Also a nice line of bacon at 13 and 16c per lb. Stop in and be your
own judge of these goods. I have a few nice young frying chicks, 2 to 2 1/2 lb.
Good fresh pork livers at all times, 10c each. Tel 54. VINE CURTIS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 26, 1909]
EASTBURG, JERRY
See: Ewing, Delbert
EASTERDAY GARAGE [Rochester, Indiana]
See North End Garage
EAT-RITE CAFE [Akron, Indiana]
Owned and operated by Everett and Sylvia Rose Secor Showalter for many years.
[Daniel Secor Family, Dawn Secor Sheets, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard.
__________
AKRON EAT-RITE CAFE IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Warren of South Bend purchased the Eat-Rite cafe at Akron
from Mrs. Lavon Bemenderfer, Wednesday and began the active management Wednesday
morning.
Mrs. Bemenderfer had purchased her daughter's interest in the cafe a few weeks
ago. They originally bought the restaurant from Everett SHOWALTER Nov. 26.
Mr. Warren and his wife have had restaurant experience in South Bend since
1940 and prior to that they owned the Roann Clarion.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, March 3, 1944]
AKRON EAT-RITE CAFE SOLD TO T. D. GROGG
T. D. Grogg sold the Eat-Rite Cafe in Akron Thursday to Mrs. Ruth Davis and
Roger Parker, who assumed charge of the business Friday. Mrs. Davis and Mr. and
Mrs. Parker are veterans at the restaurant business as they formerly owned the
Winona Cafe for several years. Mr. Parker recently resigned working on the Erie
Railroad. They plan to keep the same hours and continue the excellent service
the Eat-Rite has given the public in the past.
Mr. and Mrs. Grogg are going back to their farm for the present and haven't any
immediate plans for the future.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, November 12, 1945]
EBER, BURL E. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Burl E. Eber)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From Burl E. Eber}
ECLIPSE CONCERT COMPANY [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Eclipse concert company, of this city, will appear in Culver Wednesday
evening. The company have so far been very successful and have showed only to
full houses.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, November 3, 1908]
ECONOMY STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Kabo, the live model corset. - - - THE ECONOMY, Main Street, Rochester,
Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, June 3, 1913]
THE ECONOMY IS SOLD TO SOUTH BEND FIRM
The Economy dry goods store, owned by Martin Batt, was sold Wednesday afternoon
to M. Gilbert and Sons Co., of South Bend, the latter taking possession at once.
Mr. Batt has been in business at this location for years, was forced to retire
due to poor health. He and Mrs. Batt will continue to make their home in this
city.
The new owners, who have had stores in South Bend and Mishawaka for the last 25
years, intend to sell out the complete stock immediately and have announced a
sale which will start very soon. M. Gilbert, who was in this city Wednesday
completing the deal, stated that everything would be sold and the store
discontinued at the end of the sale.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Wednesday, June 10, 1925]
Rochester friends have been informed of the death of Martin BATT, for many
years a resident of this city where he was engaged in business, which occurred
Sunday morning at his home in New York City. Death was due to complications of
diseases from which he had suffered for some time.
Mr. Batt, who was past 80 years of age, for a number of years operated the
"Economy Store" on Main Street, where the Kirkendall and Mackey
millinery store is now located, carrying a line of dry goods and ladies wearing
apparel. Four years ago he was forced to retire from active business on account
of failing health. Following his retirement Mr. and Mrs. Batt continued to live
in Rochester until last August when they moved to New York City to be near their
daughter.
Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Nathan ROSENTHAL, of New York City, and a son,
Joseph [BATT], of St. Louis, Mo. No details were given in the message to friends
here but it is presumed burial will be made in New York.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Monday, November 19, 1928]
EDGEWATER PARK [Lake Manitou]
Located on Sanders Road.
EDICO MINIATURE GOLF [Lake Manitou]
See White City
See Miniature Golf
__________
IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING MADE AT AMUSEMENT PARK
The Edico miniature 18 hole golf course is now equipped with original Texas
cotton seed greens and will undoubtedly receive a big play from the many put-put
fans who will visit the amusement park. All in all, the new White City Amusement
Spot adds greatly to the assets of the lake resort and it is believed the new
forms of amusement will be instrumental in bringing a new group of visitors to
the lake.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 11, 1931]
EDMONTON MANUFACTURING CO.
See: Elin Manufacturing Co.
See: Topps Garment Manufacturing Co.
EDON PRODUCTS CO. [Fulton County]
See Indiana Metal Products Co.
EDWARDS, ANDY [Rochester, Indiana
See: Rochester, Indiana [Historical Review]
EDWARDS, DAVE [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester, Indiana [Historical Review]
EIDSON, B. A. [Richland Township]
BIOGRAPHY
B. A. Eidson. - The subject of this sketch was born in Preble County, Ohio,
Novemer 22, 1817, and at the age of seventeen years immigrated with his father
to Miami County, Ind., where he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Decker. Mr.
Eidson's father, William Eidson, was a native of Virginia, born in Bedford
County April 11, 1778. He was married to Sarah Harris, of his native county, May
24, 1801, whence they removed to Preble County, Ohio, in 1811. They both died in
Miami County, Ind., in the year 1847, she November 3, followed by her husband on
the 9th of the same month. Mrs. B. A. Eidson was a native of Madison County,
Ind., born October 21, 1822. After their marriage, they remained in Miami County
until the year 1850, when they located in Richland Township, Fulton County,
where Mrs. E. died March 2, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Eidson were the parents of nine
children--Arthur B., Mary E., Thomas J., Elizabeth C., Minerva J., Martha S.,
Jacob W., Sarah M. and Mary A. Mr. Eidson was again married, May 9, 1873, to
Sarah E. Brewer, of Marshall County, Ind. Mr. E. was elected County Commissioner
from the Third District a number of years ago, to which office he was twice
re-elected, which is evidence of the esteem which his consituents have for him.
He has a beautiful farm, which he has made from heavily timbered land by hard
and honest toil, and now in his old age is enabled to enjoy the fruits of the
labor of his younger years.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 52]
EIKLEBERGER, O. C., MRS. [Rochester, Indiana]
ROCHESTER'S APRON FACTORY
An industry that perhaps not all of Rochester's people know of is the apron
factory, owned by Mrs. O. C. Eikleberger, 1014 Fulton Ave., and managed by Wm.
Scott.
The product of the eight sewing machines at present consists mostly of work
aprons, such as those used as an advertisement by lumber companies, and about 50
dozen of these are turned out weekly.
A little later in the season the factory will turn its attention to the making
of ladies' fancy white lawn, lace and embroidered aprons for the holiday trade
and it is expected by the management that they will have to increase the working
force at that time.
Mr. Scott, who acts as traveling salesman for the concern is a gentleman of much
experience and with the quality of the goods back of him he has no trouble in
disposing of the products of the factory.
Considering the fact that the factory only started four months ago and has
already built quite a reputation for good goods, is an excellent showing and the
possibilities are unlimited.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, June 13, 1908]
EILER, J. S. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Page Woven Wire Fence. A plain steel wire Fence that is warranted to turn
all kinds of stock. The best fence in the world and also the cheapest, quality
considered. Any hight desired, painted or galvanized. Posts 30 feet apart. J. S.
EILER, Agent.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 4, 1892]
EILER, JACOB [Rochester, Indiana]
SECOND HAND STORE SOLD
Jacob Eiler, who has long operated a second hand store on north Main St., has
disposed of that business. Wm. Ewing got the property and it was again
transferred to George Harrison, who is now in charge. Mr. Eiler was quite
successful while in business and as to what he will do now he has not decided.
Mr. Harrison has had considerable experience and will no doubt make an able
successor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, July 23, 1909]
EILER, PAUL [Rochester, Indiana]
PAUL EILER PURCHASES HOTPOINT SERVICE STORE
Paul Eiler today announced he had bought Frank Walling's interest in the
Hotpoint Electric Service and will continue to operate the electric appliance
business and do electrical contracting. Mr. Walling, who came to Rochester 18
months ago from Ft.Wayne, will return to Ft. Wayne to resume his work at
Phelps-Dodge Copper Products Co.
Mr. Eiler, who joined Walling in partnership in the local business a year ago,
will continue to feature Hotpoint appliances. Contract wiring of farm homes,
schools, business houses and rsidences will round out the store's business.
Assisting Mr. Eiler will be Mrs. Harry McVay, bookkeeper, Boyd Henderson,
Kenneth Bender and Glen Minglin, electricians.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, January 17, 1941]
PAUL EILER WILL BUILD NEW STORE ON MAIN ST.
Announcement was made today by Paul Eiler, owner of the Hotpoint Electric Shop
that he would erect a new building at 522 Main street just as soon as materials
are available. Eiler purchased the lots and building on which are located the
Fleegle Restaurant, the Overmyer Implement Agency, Landis Shoe Shop and Peterson
Tire Shop. The restaurant building will be kept standing while the new concrete
block building with an attractive brick front will replace the frame adjoining
frame structures. The sale was made by Earl Holman, former resident.
Mr. Eiler stated that he intends to erect a "dream" shop in his new
building site that will have all the latest ideas in electrical display. The
retail store will contain a number of booths with each one fitted out complete
as various rooms of a house, all with the latest in elecrical appliances
incorporated.
This makes another modern building planned for the near future which indicates
that the local building boom will be of major proportions.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, July 25, 1945]
EILER & WILLIAMS [Rochester, Indiana]
The Eiler & Williams second hand store has changed hands and Mr. Eiler is
the sole proprietor. The stock is all in dandy shape and the store is building
up a fine trade.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 25, 1908]
EISEMAN, JOHN W. [Kewanna, Indiana]
See: Patents and Inventions
EISENHOUR, WILLIAM [Athens, Indiana]
CIDER MILL
I will run my Cider Mill, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Price one cent per
gallon, and satisfaction guaranteed, at Athens, formerly called Hoover's
Station. WILLIAM EISENHOUR.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 3, 1897]
ELAM, JOHN [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Downs Sawmill
ELDORADO VAUDEVILLE COMPANY [Nyona Lake]
E. SHAFER REORGANIZES VAUDEVILLE COMPANY
Eldo Shafer, who resides at Lake Nyona, has rebuilt his vaudeville company for
the coming summer and its personnel now includes twenty-four artists.
The company is now practicing in Detroit, Michigan and will play during the
summer months in cities in the central states. One-third of the cities visited
are return engagements.
During the past two months the company played one engagement in Detroit where
they were sponsored by a well known auto company. This car manufacturer will
present Mr. Shafer in a blindfold auto driving contest at the Indianapolis
Speedway at the time of the 500 Mile Race.
Mr. Shafer's troupe is titled the "Eldorado Vaudeville Company" and
features music, singing and magic numbers.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, March 29, 1938]
ELECTION, CORPORATION [Rochester, Indiana]
The old Board of Trustees were elected, viz: Enos Rose, D. R. Pershing and L. J.
Brown. For Clerk, C. K. Shryock; Treasurer, C. J. Stradley; Marshal, Jonas
Meyers; Assessor, Robert Wallace.
[Rochester Mercury, Thursday, May 10, 1860]
The election for Corporation officers last Monday passed off very quietly.
Not over one-fourth of the full vote was polled, many of the citizens having
forgotten the election entirely.
The following officers were chosen: Trustees, Wilson Alexander, J. Shields and
A. F. Smith. Clerk, Silas Miller. Treasurer, Charles J. Stradley. Marshal, G. P.
Anderson. Assessor, Milo R. Smith.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, May 8 1862]
Corporation Election. The election on Monday last went off quiet; fair play
was shown to both parties, and the Union men came off victorious, with a
majority of 33 votes.
Trustee, 1st Ward, C. A. Mitchell (Union) 131, Peter Meredith (Cop) 88. Trustee,
2d Ward, Jonas Myers (Union) 129, Alvin Robbins (Cop) 90. Trustee, 3d Ward,
David Ross (Union) 127, H. B. Jamison (Cop) 91. Marshal, E. B. Chinn (Union)
119, F. B. Ernsperger (Cop) 95. Treasurer, Robert Gould (Union) 131, M. Danziger
(Co) 87. Clerk, Robert Gould (Union) 131, Samuel Keely (Cop) 89. Assessor, B. M.
Elliott (Union) 133, C. Chamberlain (Cop) 86 . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, May 10, 1866]
ELECTION, NATIONAL
The Election. From the present news the Democracy have suffered a Waterloo
defeat.
Old Abe is elected, the Irrepressible Conflict, the higher law doctrine, the
Helpers and John Browns fully endorsed. God save our country from this conflict
between abolition and slavery, and eradicate from the minds of Americans, the
dogma that there is a higher political law than the Constitution of our country
. . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 10, 1860]
ELECTION, TOWNSHIP [Rochester Township]
The Election. The following is the result of the April election in this county:
WAYNE: Trustee, Jacob Hendrickson; Constables, James Torrence, John Powell,
Edwin Barker. UNION: Trustee, Thos. Barnett; Constables, Franklin Bennett, John
C. Davis, Alexander McCarter. AUBBEENAUBBEE: Trustee, William Moore; Justice
John Henderson; Constables, Robert Yelton, John Hay. LIBERTY: Trustee, Fred
Peterson; Constables, Henry Van Blaricum, E. Burnett, John Keller. ROCHESTER:
Trustee, Wm. Mackey; Justice, Thos. Holcomb; Constables, Jacob S. Rannells, Geo.
W Babcock, E. B. Chinn, James Carr. RICHLAND: Trustee, Wm. Sturgeon; Constables,
A. H. Mow, A. Irvine, Joel Felts. HENRY: Trustee, James Dawson; Justice, George
Bright; Constables, David Rader, Robert Secor, Sam Bemondarfer. NEWCASTLE:
Trustee, Peter C. Dumbauld; Constables, David Faulkner, McCaslin Moore, John
Grove.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 6, 1861]
The Election of township officers, which came off last Monday, was very
quietly conducted, with a light vote and no excitement, and resulted as follows:
Trustee, William Mackey; Justice of the Peace, William Spencer; Constables,
Jacob S. Rannells, Edward B. Chinn, Frank White and James Carr.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, April 10, 1862]
ELECTRIC PLANING MILL [Rochester, Indiana]
Located N side of Eighth Street at the railroad. [320 E. 8th]
S. P. Bailey., proprietor.
ELECTRIC SHOE SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
William H. Moss, proprietor of the Electric Shoe Shop on north Main, has
installed an agency at Leiters Ford, Ind. This is a new departure in the shoe
repairing business.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, March 9, 1915]
ELECTRIC SHOP - OWEN DAVISSON [Rochester, Indiana]
ELECTRICAL SHOP IS SOLD
M. O. Jamison, a former employe of the Rochester Electric Light, Heat &
Power Company, has purchased the electric shop of the company and will in the
future conduct the business as a separate enterprise. It will be known as the
Electric Shop, M. O. Jamison, proprietor.
Mr. Jamison is an experienced man in the electrical business and has been
employed here by the local company for over a year. As in the past he will have
full charge of house wiring, the sale of fixtures and such. He will install a
shop in Bourbon soon, where a full line of fixtures will be placed on sale.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, June 2, 1914]
[Adv] Your house wired FREE. We have arranged with the Rochester Electric
Light Heat and Power Co whereby until October 1st, 1914 we make the following
offer to owners of unwired homes ---With every job of fixtures purchased from us
for already built houses, we will include the wiring FREE OF COST. - - - - The
Electric Shop, 111 East 9th St.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, September 15, 1914]
BUSINESS REVIEW OF ROCHESTER MERCHANTS
In this entire part of the state there is not a concern that gives the people
more metropolitan service than is afforded the public at the storage battery
station of this popular battery house.
He realized at the start that to make a battery station most efficient it was
necessary to install the best machinery and then to employ the most competent
experts. This he did and as a consequence his battery department has attained a
high state of efficiency. He is thoroughly conversant with every feature of the
trade and can take your batteries apart and completely rebuild them if you
desire.
We do not think we exaggerate when we say that this is probably the most
efficiently operated service station in this section, for his many patrons all
willingly unite in their praise of the excellent work performed here. No matter
how urgent may by your demands they are equipped to serve you, for a
"service battery" is always ready for your use while your own battery
is being recharged or repaired. This is a most accommodating service which is
rendered efficiently and courteously by progressive business men.
The Willard organization recognized the ability of this firm in this line by
making this establishment their service station for this section. Therefore,
they are prepared to equip your car with the famous "Still Better
Willard," which represents the very last word in storage battery efficiency
by reason of the threaded-rubber insulation which is exclusively a Willard
feature. This insures a longer life and the most regular efficiency in Willard
Storage Batteries for which this is the authorized agency. The threaded rubber
insulation makes "re-insulation" unnecessary in Willard Storage
Batteries and therefore the owner of a Willard never has to have this work done
and is assured of the largest number of uninterrupted battery miles per dollar
expended for the insulation has a life as long as the battery and by reason of
this fact the life of both is much longer than that of any other make. While
they make a specialty of the Willard, yet they look after work on all makes of
batteries.
The fact that the Willard is standard equipment on 90 per cent of all cars and
trucks manufactured places it in the lead. It is used by 191 manufacturers and
thus one is able to obtain service without any trouble as their business is
world wide.
The Willard organization with characteristic foresight has produced a special
radio battery known as the "Willard Type A" and it has become the
popular battery for radio work. We can say right here that the Willard Radio
Battery is the choice of those who wish the best. The "Type A" battery
has the famous threaded-rubber insulation and a rubber case.
In making this review of the progress of the period we desire to refer this
establishment to our readers as one that meets the demands of the day, no matter
what they may be in their lines, and to say that the reputation of the past has
been maintained and to refer it to all our readers.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 17, 1922]
ELECTRIC WIRING AND SALES CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
Superior to the vast majority of electrical establishments and surpassed by
none, either in general excellence of work, this well known concern has
continued its successful carreer because the management and assistants are among
the most efficient electricians in this part of the state.
By dint of hard labor and the unflinching determination to master every detail
of this calling, they have earned a training in the intricacies of the
profession of electrical experts that constitutes them as an authority upon all
subjects pertaining to this very difficult trade. Well versed in all the
technical theory of their business, they have merited the position that they
attained as expert electicians, so no matter what problems you may have in
electrical work, they can work out the solution which will operate to your best
advantages.
This firm in addition to general contract electrical work, do all kinds of
difficult and intricate electrical work.
It is not surprising then that the Electric Wiring and Sales Co. should have
such a successful career in business or that the management should be at the
head of one of the leading electrical establishments in this section of the
country. Modern and up-to-date, you will find that there is a most competent
equipment in their place and you will see that it has been selected with an
expert's eye for true value. Electrical Fixtures and appliances of every
description and of the latest and best design are ready for you when you want
them.
We are pleased in this Edition to compliment this well known concern and suggest
that our readers take it into consideration when making purchases or desiring
work in the electrical line.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 17, 1922]
ELEVATOR [Rochester, Indiana]
Located NW intersection of E 9th Street and Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific R.R.
ELEY, LEWIS [Newcastle Township]
[Eley, also Ely]
__________
BIOGRAPHY
In giving a history of this man, the writer thinks best to trace his lineage
back to the last century in order to show some of the characteristics of his
ancestry.
His grandfather, Peter Eley, was born in Pennsylvania April 22, 1785. On
November 9, 1809, he married Mary Horn, of the same State. This lady was firm
and decided in her convictions and a devoted follower of Alexander Campbell in
her religious belief. Mr. Eley also united with the same church and was ever
known as a fearless promulgator of its doctrines, and was firm and decided in
all his business transactions. Early in the year 1813, this family emigrated to
Ohio and located in Knox County, where Mr. and Mrs. Eley died. They were the
parents of eight children, of whom Benjamin, the eldest, was born in Washington
County, Penn., December 15, 1810. At the age of twenty-five years, Benjamin Eley
united with the Church of Christ, the same to which his father belonged. He made
it a duty to post himself in the Scripture and doctrines of his church, and was
ever regarded as good counsel. He was a man of much firmness and great
integrity.
He was united in marriage January 12, 1837, to Miss Maria Staats. Her father,
Joseph, was of German parentage, born in Virginia in the year 1790, and at the
age of twenty-two was united in marriage to Katherine Hull, of Irish parentage,
born 1795.
Sometime after their marriage, Benjamin Eley and wife located on a farm joining
that of his father, where they lived happily together until his death, November
1, 1882. To them were born eleven [sic] children--Lewis, Homer, George W.,
Joseph S., Katharine, Maria, Rebecca J., Benjamin B., Sarah O., and Zipporah.
These parents leave behind them a name for honesty, integrity and Christian
fortitude of which their children may well be proud and which they may safely
follow.
Lewis, the eldest of their children, was born in Knox County, Ohio, December 17,
1837. His advantages at school were very limited, and his education of necessity
meager; but being reared on a farm, he was always noted for his working
qualities and industrious habits.
On the 30th of September, 1860, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Bell.
In 1861, Mr. Eley, in connection with his brother Homer, emigrated to this
county, and they, together with their uncle, Sampson Eley, who had come here
some ten years before, established a saw mill in the eastern part of the county,
where they engaged in the manufacture of lumber.
This was the beginning of the eventful part of Mr. Eley's life. Having but
little, he went in debt for most of his mill, intending to pay for it from its
profits.
In 1863, by purchase, he became sole proprietor of the mill, having in the
meantime changed its location twice by removals. In the autumn of the same year,
he sold his mill to other parties. Almost immediately after this transaction, he
purchased from a factory in Ohio a large mill, taking in with him as a fourth
partner one Israel Stuckey. They together were only able to advance $1,200
toward its purchase. This machinery arrived at Bourbon, Marshall County, on the
last day of January, 1864.
Mr. E. had thirty days from its arrival to erect the mill and test its
qualities. He located it one and a half miles northeast of Bourbon, and on the
29th day of February the boiler burst, killing one Henry Myers and breaking the
right arm and left leg of Mr. Stuckey, who now retired from the partnership.
This resulted in a loss to Mr. Eley of about $1,000, but, nothing daunted, he
set to work and in about thirty days was at work with new machinery. In the
autumn of this year, he was drafted into the United States Army; but having
incurred a debt of some thousands of dollars he felt that he could not leave
home with that unpaid, and the only way he could see to get out was to contract
a greater debt, so he gave $1,050 for a substitute in the army. To add to all
his other troubles, three days prior to the draft he was called upon to bury his
eldest son.
After the explosion spoken of above, a gentleman by the name of French Fisher
became a partner with Mr. Eley, putting into the business $600 in money.
During this year his business proved very successful.
In January 1865, they moved their mill four miles west of Plymouth, in Marshall
County, where they did a profitable business, and by the month of September Mr.
F. had succeeded in paying off all his indebtedness but $200.
During the last month named, they again changed the location of their mill. This
time to three and one-half miles north of Plymouth, where they remained till
January, 1867. Some time after locating at this place, Mr. E. paid off the
balance of his indebtedness and purchased his partner's share of the mill, and
found himself with $800 in cash on hand. Mr. Fisher at this time agreed to
furnish logs to the mill and pay cash for the sawing.
In January, 1867, Mr. Eley again moved his mill southeast of Argos, where in
very severe winter weather he put it up, and built a house, to which he moved
his family.
While here, Mr. Fisher kept falling behind in his payment for work until he owed
$1,700.
In June, 1868, he again moved to within three miles of Bloomingsburg, the two
men bearing the same business relation to each other for about two years, when
they purchased eighty acres of timber land together.
Here they began to put their lumber in a yard instead of shipping it, Mr. Eley
intending to secure what his partner owed him by securing the lumber.
While at this place, on June 5, 1869, Mr. Eley's house, with nearly all its
contents, was consumed by fire; and in just one week from the time it burned he
moved into another, built on the same site.
In 1871, they purchased another forty acres of land, from which they took the
timber. In the meantime they put most of their lumber in a yard.
In the fall of this year, Mr. Eley agreed to move his mill to Roann, in Wabash
County, and to invest some $5,000 or $6,000 in the lumber business there.
After moving the most of his mill and while constructing the necessary
buildings, in this ever memorable autumn of fires, the intelligence was conveyed
to him that the remainder of his mill and all of his lumber had been consumed by
fire, resulting in a loss of nearly $6,000.
About the same time Mr. Fisher was taken away by death, thus cutting off all
hope of ever getting what he owed. Mr.Eley says, "For the first time in my
life I was discouraged."
Not being able to fill his contract at Roann, he supplied the parts of his
machinery destroyed by fire and rented his mill to other parties.
About the first of the following year, he procured a stave saw in company with
Michael W. Downey and J. V. Bailey, oif Plymouth, and began the manufacture of
tight barrel staves at Walnut Station; but in about six months he withdrew from
the company, purchased the entire mill and with it moved his lumber mill from
Wabash County to about three miles northeast of Bloomingsburg, where he agreed
to cut the timber off 314 acres of land for M. W. Downey. Here Mr. Eley remained
some four years, exerting every energy to accumulate property on which to live
in after life. While here he purchased 120 acres of land for the timber that was
on it, but this was not a profitable investment.
In the meantime, Mr. Downey failed in business, leaving Mr. Eley unpaid for part
of his labor and liable for some of his debts, thus incurring another loss of
some $6,000 or $7,000.
He now felt that he was almost financially ruined, yet his indomitable will
says, "do not yield."
In October, 1876, he located in Bloomingsburg very much embarrassed with debt;
but with his everlasting grit he went to work determined to conquer. Here he at
once began the manufacture of lumber, shingles and firkin staves, on an
extensive scale, and was very prosperous until the night of December 31, 1880,
when the fiery fiend again visited him and destroyed everything combustible
about his mill, and irreparably damaging other parts, causing a loss of some
$1,800 or $2,000.
Again he went to work. This time in the manufacture of lumber only, until in
January, 1882, he again opened a stave factory in connection with his lumber
business. These have proved successful, and in December, 1882, he paid his last
debt, being free for the first time in eleven years.
He has not only extricated himself from debt but has in his possession property
to the value of about $5,000.
In September, 1876, Mr. Eley united with the I.O.O.F. at Bloomingsburg. He has
filled all the principal chairs of the subordinate lodge with distinction; is a
member of the Grand Lodge, and for several years has been trustee of the lodge
to which he belongs. He perhaps did more than any other one man toward the
construction of their hall.
Although he is not a member of any church, his belief is the same as that of his
father.
He is a man of great integrity, strictly honest and upright in all his dealings.
He is the father of six children--Benjamin B. (deceased), Mary M., Elmer E.,
Flora D., George E. and Lewis O.
His eldest daughter was married some years ago to Reuben Kesler, and is the
mother of one daughter.
The writer has thus given the history of this eventful life, that the young
reader may gather some encouragement from it; and when beset by difficulties, be
induced by Mr. Eley's perseverance to follow his example, that success may crown
his efforts.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, pp. 47-48]
BIOGRAPHY
Lewis Ely, proprietor of the lumber mill at Bloomingsburg, is one of the best
known citizens of Newcastle township. In his business career he has met with
many difficulties, but his industry and energy triumphed over these. He was born
in Knox county, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1837, a son of Benjamin Ely, who was born in
Washington county, Pa., Dec. 15, 1810. His mother was Maria daughter of Joseph
and Katherine (Hull) Staats, the former born in Virginia, in 1790, of German
parentage, while the latter was born of Irish parentage in 1795. Throughout his
life Benjamin Ely followed farming, and died Nov. 11, 1882, leaving the
following children: Lewis, Homer, George W., Joseph S., Katherine, Maria,
Rebecca J., Benjamin B., Sarah O. and Zipporah. The grandfather of our subject,
Peter Ely, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 1785, and was married Nov. 9,
1809, to Mary Horn. In 1813 he removed to Knox county, Ohio, where he died,
leaving eight children, Benjamin being the eldest. Our subject received but
meagre educational discipline, but was reared to habits of industry. He was
married Sept. 30, 1860, to Susan A. Bell, and the following year, accompanied by
his brother Homer, came to Fulton county, where, in connection with S. Ely, he
engaged in the manufacture of lumber. In 1863 he bought out his partner, but
soon after sold the entire plant, and in company with Israel Stuckey contracted
for a new mill from the factory. This was located a mile and a half from
Bourbon, Marshall county, and was to be put on trial for thirty days. Just
before the expiration of the month the boiler exploded, killing one man and
seriously injuring Mr. Stuckey, who at once retired from the business. The
accident lost Mr. Ely $1,000, but within thirty days a new boiler had been put
in and work was resumed. The succeeding fall he was drafted for service in the
army, but sent a substitute and continued the business, being joined by French
Fisher, who invested $1,200 and became a partner in the enterprise. In January,
1865, the mill ws moved four miles west of Plymouth, and by fall Mr. Ely had
paid off all indebtedness with the exception of $200. The mill was then moved
north of Plymouth and he purchased his partner's interest, and soon accumulated
a surplus of $1,000. He sawed logs for his late partner, but the money was not
forthcoming, and he soon found he was a creditor to the amount of $1,700. In
1868 he removed the mill to an eighty-acre tract of timber near Bloomingsburg,
owned by Mr. Ely and Mr. Fisher, and as the lumber was manufactured it was
stored in a yard. In 1869 Mr. Ely lost his home and its contents by fire. In
1871 the firm bought forty acres of timber which they manufactured into lumber.
The same year they made an agreement to remove their mill to Roann, and when
this was partially accomplished word was received that the material still on the
old site was all destroyed by fire. About the same time Mr. Ely's partner died,
adding greater indebtedness to him. He continued his work in Roann, by forming a
partnership with M. W. Downey and J. V. Bailey, manufacturing barrel staves at
Walnut station. After six months he bought out his partners and removing his
mill from Roann, located both plants three miles northwest of Bloomingsburg,
where he contracted to cut 300 acres of timber for Mr. Downey, remaining there
four years. Within that time Mr. Downey died and Mr. Ely thereby suffered a loss
of $6,000. In 1876 he located in Bloomingsburg, and soon built up an extensive
and profitable business in the manufacture of lumber, shingles and firkin
staves. On Dec. 31, 1880, his mill was destroyed by fire, but soon rebuilt and
by December, 1882, had paid off every dollar of indebtedness. He is still
successfully engaged in the lumber trade, and in addition he owns considerable
valuable farming and other property. Eight years ago he successfully anchored a
suspension foot bridge over the Tippecano river, with a span of 265 feet between
piers, after the task had been pronounced impossible. Mrs. Ely is the daughter
of Rev. Banjamin and Mary Bell. The former was born in Green county, Pa., in
1812, and died in Licking county, Ohio, in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Ely was Mary
Moore, born in Ohio about 1813, and died in Knox county, Ohio, in 1859. The
maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ely was William Moore, a soldier in the war of
1812, who died in Iowa in 1881, aged 101 years. To Mr. and Mrs.Ely have been
born the following children: Mary M., who became the wife of Reuben Kesler, Oct.
4, 1879, and died July 2, 1887, leaving two children--Linnie D. and Earl; Flora
D., who became the wife of Levi Bybee, March , 18814, and has two children--Noma
D. and Devane L.; Elmer E., who married Allie Miller, July 15, 1886, and has
five children--Cleo, Millie D., Claude, Dean E. and Merl; George E., who was
born Nov. 10, 1869, married Providence Brown, and has two sons, Russell E. and
Byron E.; Lewis O., who was married March 15, 1890, to Irene Barrett; and
Charles Morgan, who was born April 29, 1885. Mr. Ely is a prominent Odd Fellow,
in politics is a democrat, and has served his township as justice of the peace.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 65-67]
ELEY, SAMPSON [Newcastle Township]
See: Eley, Lewis
See: Ely, Lewis
__________
BIOGRAPHY
Sampson Eley. - This respected gentleman and citizen is a native of Knox County,
Ohio, born May 30, 1821. He received his education in the rural districts of his
native county, and after working on his father's farm till he reached his
majority, he was united in marriage, in May, 1842, to Hannah Kemer, who was born
June 7, 1822. His father, Peter Eley, was a native of Pennsylvania, and married
Mary Horn, of the same State. They located in Knox County, Ohio, at a very early
date, where they remained till their death, which occurred in 1869 and 1862
respectively. Mrs. Eley's father, John Kemer, was a native of Virginia, born
A.D. 1800. He married Nancy Horn, who was twelve years his junior. They located
in Knox County, Ohio, where he deceased in 1826, his lady surviving him
forty-six years. Mr. Eley came to this county in the autumn of 1851, and
purchased the eighty acres on which he yet resides, and which he has improved in
such a manner as to make a home which is both convenient and happy. These
esteemed citizens are active members of the Christian Disciple Church, noted for
their integrity and purity of life. Their children are Lydia F., Hiram J.,
Lavina J., Mary O., Lorenzo D., Bell, Laura D., deceased, and N.S.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 47]
ELEY, SUSAN A. [Newcastle Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. James Bell, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of
Greene County, Penn., born in 1780.
In 1798, he was united in marriage with miss Elizabeth Hayes, a lady of Irish
parentage.
Mr. Bell followed the occupation of farming and shoe-making. In 1816, he
emigrated with his family to Knox County, Ohio, where he had purchased a tract
of land consisting of 287 1/2 acres, mostly unimproved. Here he set to work
improving his land and became wealthy. He died at the ripe age of fourscore and
seven years, respected and regretted by his entire acquaintance.
This couple were the parents of nine children, of whom Benjamin was the seventh,
born in Greene County, Penn., January 19, 1812. At the age of four, he went to
Ohio with his parents, where he spent his childhood and youth on his father's
farm.
At the age of seventeen, he united with the New Light branch of the Christian
Church, but the next year, being disatisfied, he united with the Church of
Christ and became a great reader of the Scriptures, with which he became very
familiar and went into the field as a minister, promulgating the Christian
doctrine, as preached y Alexander Campbell.
In August, 1832, he was united in wedlock with Miss Mry Moore, a native of Ohio,
born about 1813. Her father, William Moore, was a soldier in the war of 1812,
and was of Irish ancestry. He was born in 1780, and died in Iowa in 1881, aged
one hundred and one years.
Benjamin and Mary Bell were the parents of eleven [sic] children--William M.,
James J., Elisha and Elias, Susan A., Isaac E., Margaret C., Charles H., Mary E.
and Samuel E.
Of these, Susan A., the subject of this sketch, was born in Licking County,
Ohio, October 15, 1839.
She spent her early life in her father's home, and received a common school
education in the same vicinity.
After her marriage with Mr. [Lewis] Eley, which occurred Sepetmber 30, 1860, she
went through all the trying scenes mentioned in the preceding sketch. She has
ever proved a faithful companion, always ready with her counsel and encouraging
words; and partaking of the spirit of her husband was never willing to yield,
but always hoping for better times in the future. Mrs. Eley is a member of the
same church of which her father is the minister.
She is also a member of Bethleham Rebekay degree lodge, No. 195, I.O.O.F., to
which her husband also belongs. She has filled the various chairs, and at
present is occypying the principal chair the second term.
As a wife and mother, she is kind and affectionate. As a neighbor, she is
accommodating and obliging.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 48]
ELIN MANUFACTURING CO. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Topps Mfg. Co.
__________
ELIN MANUFACTURING CO.
TO START REVAMPING THE BRACKETT BUILDING SOON
Final negotiations have been completed for the purchase of the Brackett building
on North Main street by the citizens committee, and the Elin Manufacturing
company, Rochester's newest industry, will start an extensive remodeling and
improvement program soon.
Jack Elin, fortmerly associated with the Master Garment Company, in Ligonier,
expressed himself as being enthusiastic concerning prospects for future business
and said he was assured there was an ample supply of labor available in
Rochester and vicinity for operation of his production schedule.
Donors to the factory fund delegated authority to turn over the deed to Otis I.
Minter, trustee, Saturday. The building will not be turned over to the Elin firm
until all requirements of the contract are satisfied.
One hundred seventy-five firms and individuals contributed to the factory fund
during the past several weeks.
Improvement and rearrangement of the building will progress speedily. Windows
will be placed along the south side of the second story, the elevator shaft will
be enclosed, miles of electric wiring will be placed, shelving and cutting
tables will be constructed and everything will be put in readiness for
installation of the machinery and tools that will be used in the manufacture of
work garments.
While actual operation of the plant will not start until about January 1,
because of certain stipulations in the dissolution of partnership agreement
entered into by Mr. Elin and the company at Ligonier, construction and repair
work at the plant will begin at once. An option on the two lots just south of
the building has been secured by Mr. Elin who already has an eye to future
expansion of the physical facilities of the plant.
Mr. Elin and his associates will move to Rochester. Other employees of the firm
will be hired from Rochester and vicinity.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, August 20, 1938]
REMODELING ELIN FACTORY IS PROGRESSING RAPIDLY
Work on the Elin Manufacturing Corporation building at the [SE] corner of Main
and Fifth streets is progressing rapidly with a crew of 12 men busy making
changes in the structure, Jack Elin said today.
"Everything is being done to make it a pleasant place in which to
work," said Mr. Elin.
New windows have been cut, old windows and doors have been bricked up. An
entirely new floor is being laid on the second floor of the two-story building.
The interior of the building will be completely repainted and outside window and
door frames will be painted too.
New HeatingPlant
A new heating plant is being installed today to supply heat for the plant on the
coldest day. New rest rooms are being built. Everything is being put in
readiness for installation of machinery, cutting tables, storage shelves, etc.
The roof has been repaired, a new flue is being built and the structure is being
made as nearly fireproof as possible.
Mr. Elin and his brother, Seymour, are supervising the work.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, October 19, 1938]
ELIN MANUFACTURING CO. PLEAS FOR TRAINED WORKERS -
ORDERS EXCEEDING OUTPUT
Rochester's newest and fastest growing business, the Elin Manufacturing Company,
is behind on delivery of orders for work garments, Jack Elin said today as he
issued a call for more workers.
"We need factory experienced help and we need it now. We are compelled to
turn down orders every day because we are unable to produce the goods as fast as
our salesmen over the nation send in the orders," he said.
70 Now Employed
On January 16th the local factory opened with a few employees. Today more than
70 employees are working full time. Orders have piled in from salesmen who have
had their catalogs but 30 days.
The factory could employ more experienced workers, and efforts are being made to
get them from the surrounding territory as far south as Indianapolis and as far
north as South Bend.
"We have thousands of catalogs that could be placed with salesmen who would
develop thousands of dollars worth of business but we cannot send out these
catalogs because we are not able to deliver the goods as fast as garments can be
sold," said Mr. Elin.
Experienced Help Needed
"Somehow prospective employees have gathered the impression that we are
employing only inexperienced workers, but this is not true. We need girls who
have had factory experience and the sooner we can get them to work on the
machines the sooner they'll make a good wage and the sooner we will catch up on
our orders and increase the business," Mr. Elin added.
With the factory spending more than $250 per week on postage to ship merchandise
all over the country, it is evident that with a continuation of that business,
coupled with an inevitable increase in the amount spent for mailing Rochester
soon will have a First Class postoffice.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, June 7, 1939]
NEW FACTORY IS TERMED DISTINCT ASSET TO CITY
Jack Elin, of Elin Manufacturing company, Rochester's newest industry, was guest
speaker at the regular midweek Kiwanis club meeting held today at the Coffee
Shop.
The speaker was introduced by Lisle Krieghbaum and said in part:
"First, I want to express a warm word of appreciation for the help we have
received from many of you men and particularly the kind services of Lisle
Krieghbaum and Murray McCarty, whose help and services have at all times been
available to us.
"As business men, I am sure that all of you appreciate the considerable
difficulties we have had in building an industrial productive organization,
which a few short months ago numbered only a mere handful, to our present
organization which today has more than 75 employees on our payrolls, here in
Rochester alone. This organization is producing finished merchandise which is
being sold and distributed in every state in the Union.
Advertising for City
"Our sales organization is functioning excellently, carrying the name of
Topps and Rochester, Indiana, into thousands of cities and towns throughout the
country. Our purchase of postage stamps alone has already considerably increased
the revenue of your local post office in the past three months, since we have
been operating, which will total in round figures $12,000 to $15,000 the first
year only, and it should not be very long before Rochester will have the
distinction of having a first-class post office and employ several additional
clerks, which is rare for a city the size of Rochester.
"I have been told, too, that our express shipments will require at least
one additional clerk in the express office in the very near future. Our
expenditure ideally, for material, supplies, hardware, printing, lumber, and
other services already is over $400 per month, with every possibility of
doubling that figure within a very short time, which means that besides the
employees we ourselves employ, that our enterprise will also make it possible
for others to increase their payrolls. After all, without actual spending cash
produced by payrolls, no town of any appreciable size can hope to progress.
"Our chief difficulties and problems have not been that of securing
business, but in developing an organization to take care of the orders we have
on hand. We have found it necessary at times to curtail our sales to permit our
production to catch up with the back log of orders a few short weeks of sales
activity have created.
Wants Factory Seen
"My chief purpose here is to interest and invite you gentlemen to see,
inspect, and constructively to criticize our progress. I feel that all of you
business men have either a financial or a neighborly interest in our business.
"Our pay roll already has reached $40,000 per year and this only a
beginning, after a late start and in the summer season, the dullest of the year
for our type of business. When the fall season opens, our business will increase
to double or triple our present output. How to handle that business is our
present problem.
"I want you gentlemen to be my guests this afternoon at the Elin Garment
factory. I want you to feel that you have a material interest in this plant as
much as you have in your post office, city all, or any public institution, for
after all, it was through the instrumentality of you business men that the
garment factory is here in Rochester and its growth and progress, I feel, are
largely dependent on the moral support and encouragement we have received and
will continue to receive from you gentlemen of the Kiwanis club."
Following the meeting, a number of club members were shown through the factory
at Main and 5th streets. - - - - - .
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, August 2, 1939]
TOPPS FACTORY HITS STRIDE; OVER 100 PEOPLE NOW AT WORK
Few people of this community are aware that Rochester now has an industry which
employs over a hundred people - 103 employees, to be more exact!
An industry that has an annual payroll in excess of $75,000.00!
An industry that will during the ensuing year spend between $35,000 and $40,000
in postage alone, sending its numerous products to every state in the union and
the important industrial centers of Canada!
This thriving business is the Topps Garment Manufacturing Corporation, situate
at the corner of Main and 5th streets.
Started in 1939
Active production of the Topps factory was begun in February, 1939, with every
department starting at scratch. At that time a high percentage of the employees,
out of necessity, were obtained from other cities. Today, according to a
statemtnt made by the management 95 percent of the workers are local people,
several of whom have become so efficient as to hold highly responsible positions
in the plant.
In an interview today with Jack and Seymour Elin, managers of the Topps plant,
it was learned that this industry had brought approximately ten new families to
reside in Rochester, and these together with the officials and factory
personnel, have probably added a purchasing or trade value to Rochester and
community of between $60,000 and $70,000 per year. This sum does not include the
industry's operating and advertising expenses.
Departmental Heads
Departmental heads of the Topps Corporation who have played no small part in
bringing this new industry in the foreground of the Mid-West's garment
manufacturing business are: Sales and Publicity Manager, Herman Korb; Pattern
Designer, Tom "Mac" McCafferty; General Mechanical Superintendent,
John Filbrandt; and Production Forelady, Mrs. Madelene Runyan.
And now, let's take a casual trip through the plant. As one enters the main
floor of the plant the continuous whirr and hum of scores of power sewing
machines and the click, clack of dozen or so typewriters, makes the visitor
realize that here is one industry which has no time for such thoughts as hard
times and depression. The entire building bristles with activity.
23 In Clerical Work
In the clerical and sales management department 23 young people are employed -
routing shipments, correspondence, cataloging some 2,000 salesmen scattered
throughout the United States, and creating and designing advertising slogans
which give a touch of distinctiveness to the various forms of garments produced.
From the clerical offices, a trip through the main floor of the factory one sees
the designer cutting his patterns, massive bolts of cloth traveling back and
forth on an automatic carriage until piled 50 pieces deep, on long, sturdy
tables; the electric cutters slicing through the patterns - 50 at one operation;
the rough sewing machine operations, from where they are transferred to the top
floor for finishing work and pressing.
To the rear of the first floor are vast racks, packed high with "stock
garments," garments of a hundred varieties and in a score or so of
materials, overalls, coveralls, jackets, aprons, breeches, pants, store outfits,
sports suits, leather jackets, nurses uniforms, raincoats, hats, caps, riding
togs, army garments, dresses, shirts, service coats - in fact just about
everything personal service wear for man or woman and youth or miss.
The basement of the spacious building is devoted to storage of stocks and
supplies and this vast space contains thousands of dollars worth of materials.
Taking the elevator from the basement to the top floor of the factory one is
confronted with the real business end of this manufacturing beehive. Almost 100
electrically powered sewing machines are in operation on various kinds of
orders; seam flatteners and pressing machines give the finishing touches to the
products before they are sent to the packing room. One corner of this floor is
allotted to the mechanical superintendent, who is always busily engaged in
pattern making or repair and upkeep of the plant's intricate machinery.
Another fair-sized nook is devoted as a supply room for the sewing machines,
such as thread, needles, buttons, ornamental trimmings and such, all of which is
under the supervision of one of the lady employees.
Among the many remarkable pieces of machinery used in this industry are a button
hole maker and cutting device which is almost human in its mechanical operation
and also that of another compact apparatus which forms, cuts and presses various
designed pockets for the garments.
A trip through the Topps plant will readily convince the visitor that Rochester
has one of the most modern and businest garment factories in this section of the
country.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, April 17, 1940]
LOCAL PLANT AWARDED CONTRACT BY WAR DEPT.
The War Department at Washington, D. C., announced today that they had awarded
the Elin Manufacturing company of this city a contract for the making of 5,000
denim working sits. The contract totaled $9,054.
Jack and Seymour Elin stated today that they had received notice of the awarding
of the contract to them in an official communication from the War Department.
The garments will be built in the Rochester plant and must be completed within
90 days under the terms of the contract. Work will start on the garments as soon
as the materials are received and will be built at the plant in addition to
regular orders.
The Elin Manufacturing company is the first Rochester plant which so far has
benefitted under the government's defense program. The denim working suits are
to be one-piece and will be for use of army recruits at the various cantonments.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, November 26, 1940]
LOCAL PLANT AWARDED ANOTHER WAR CONTRACT
Jack and Seymour Elin, owners of the Elin Manufacturing Company, today received
a notice from the War Department that they had been awarded the contract for
20,000 flannel shirts. Their bid was $7,104.
The shirts are to be built in the local plant and must be completed within 90
days. Work will start on the garments as soon as the materials arrive here.
This is the second War Department defense contract which the Elin Manufacturing
Company has been awarded in the past week, the first being for 5,000 pairs of
one-piece denim overalls.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, December 2, 1940]
TOPPS GARMENT CO. LEASES TWO ROOMS IN MOOSE BUILDING
To give Topps Garment Company needed space for expansion of their plant
facilities, a committee of local business men, working in cooperation with Fred
Moore, effected a lease of two more rooms in the Moose building, opposite the
Topps plant, on a five year basis effective July 1.
With the Topps Garment Company entering into the lease, they will gain space now
occupied by Thomas Second Hand Store and King Oil Burner Company, to be
converted into a cutting room, thus enabling them to place more sewing machinery
in the factory room formerly used for cutting operations. They will be able to
add at least 25 to their payroll and will be in a position to bid on larger
government contracts than they have heretofore been able to handle.
Carlton Haskett has been appointed trustee by the business men to sell
merchandise in the Thomas Second Hand Store following purchase of the stock by
the business men.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, June 23, 1941]
TOPPS COMPANY RECEIVES $30,000 U. S. CONTRACT
Topps Garment Company has just received confirmation on a government order for
coveralls to run for four months, Jack Elin said today. The order will total
about $30,000 and could have been higher had the company had sufficient space.
On the basis of the first announcement telegram came an urgent wire asking if
the local plant could handle a greater volume than they had bid on.
This request for more coveralls had to be turned down because of limited
facilities for handling the order. Plans are under way to start repair of the
Moose building rooms across the street from the Topps plant to make room for the
cutting rooms equipment early in July.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, June 28, 1941]
TOPPS' GARMENT COMPANY ACQUIRES ADDITIONAL SPACE
Alpha Metzger, who recently acquired the old Moose building, has contracted with
A. R. Fansler Lumber Company to build a one story building 60x40 feet on the lot
immediately west of the old Moose building. This entire building will be taken
over by the Topps Garment Company.
Jack Elin, president of the Topps Garment Company, explained that increased
commercial work and the necessity of relieving crowded conditions in their
present factories located on both sides of Main street, has made it ncesaary
that additional space be secured.
Work Underway
Work on this new building has already started. It is estimated that the building
will be completed by January 1st at which time the Garment Factory will expand
its present production facilities.
This additional space will make it possible for the Garment Company to employ
from 25 to 35 additional employees. The factory invites all able bodied young
men and women over 18 years of age to apply for employment . The minimum wage
rate at the Garment Company is 40c per hour for 40 hours per week. Learners on
sewing machines are taught a skilled trade and after a few weeks of training are
placed on the same rate of pay as skilled employees.
With the new space that the Garment Company has acquired, Jack Elin believes
that the company will employ approximately 200 men and women. This work, he
explained, is not seasonal and that the entire organization will work steadily
the year around.
Phenomenal Growth
The growth of this company has been quite phenomenal. The garment factory
started in Rochester January 1st, 1939 with eleven employees. It has outgrown
its original factory quarters and has since acquired the two store fronts in the
Moose building. This company manufactures coveralls, shop coats and work
uniforms which are sold and distributed in every state in the union. Their
products are necessary items that are always in demand. Although the company is
now making coveralls for the U. S. Army, this industry's major market is in the
commercial field with a customer clientele that has spread throughout the
country.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, November 27, 1941]
ELLIOTT, A. C. [Rochester, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
A. C. Elliott was born in Muskingum Co., O., Aug. 5, 1833. His parents came to
Carroll County, Ind., in 1837. They moved to Marshall County in 1846, where Mr.
Elliott completed a common school education. After spending some time in selling
dry goods, he went to Pittsburgh, where he graduated from the Iron City
Commercial College in 1855. After engaging in the dry goods business for some
time, he concluded to go West. He crossed the plains in the summer of 1859, and
engaged in mining. He soon returned to the States and was married in Octovber,
1863, to Elizabeth M. Ralstin, of this county, born May 2, 1844. This union was
blessed by the birth of the following named children: Retta I., born September
15, 1864; Metta I., born September 20, 1865; Hal M., born March, 1870; and Gail
L., born January 29, 1881. His father, James Elliott, was a native of Mifflin
County, Penn., born in 1801. He married Miss Diana Fry, of his own State. She
was born in March, 1797. They settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, then moved from
there to Marshall, in Marshall County, Ind., where they both died. Mr. Elliott
came to Rochester in 1872, commenced selling dry goods and keeping books. He
formed a partnership with Maj. Bitters, in the loan, real estate and insurance
business, which is now dissolved and a new partnership, under the name of
Elliott & Jackson, loan, real estate and insurance agents. Mr. Elliott is
energetic in business and careful in regard to all details. His commercial
education qualifies him for all the various forms of business, and his attention
to those who need his services will always give him their future business.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, pp. 22-23]
ELLIOTT, ALEXANDER W. [Wayne Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Alexander W. Elliott, the son of Jesse and Rachel, natives of North Carolina,
was born in the same State January 13, 1813. His father died in Butler County,
Ohio, in 1838, at the age of sixty-four; his mother in Henry County, Iowa, in
1864, aged eighty-four years. A. W. Elliott is one of nine children, the most
prominent among whom is Henderson Elliott, a Circuit Judge at Dayton, Ohio. Mr.
Elliott married Miss Rebecca Parker July 17, 1837. This gentleman is the father
of ten children, five of whom--Francis M., a Presbyterian minister, Isabella
Reed, a widow at home, David P., Sylvester and Alfred--are still living. His
first wife died at the age of thirty-seven years, and his next marriage was to
Martha Elliott, the widow of Joseph Elliott, and a cousin of the martyred
President, the glorious Abraham Lincoln. He has served one term of two years as
Township Trustee, and had one son, Jesse, who went out in the rebellion as a
member of the Eighty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and laid down his life for his
country, after three months' service, at Louisville, Ky., in the twenty-second
year of his age. His parents were Quakers, but later in life became members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 61]
ELLIOTT, J. B. [Rochester, Indiana]
J. B. ELLIOTT
Coal & Cement Dealer
The gentleman whose name heads this article, [James B. ELLIOTT], is one of
Rochester's oldest business men, being identified with the same for the past
quarter of a century, during which time he has been engaged in various kinds of
business, having been engaged in the tanning business for seven years, then
selling out and engaging in the milling business which he followed successfully
for a number of years, finally engaging in his present occupation, that of
dealer in all kinds of coal, lime, plaster, cement, plaster paris &c. Mr.
Elliott pays the highest cash prices for hides, pelts and all kinds of furs. He
enjoys the fullest confidence of our citizens, has always been known as an
honorable upright man in all his dealings, he always gives full weight, is
attentive to all callers, and is one of Rochester's "good old
citizens."
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, February 29, 1888]
ELLIOTT, JESSE [Perry Township, Miami County]
BIOGRAPHY
Jesse Elliott (farmer) is a native of North Carolina, where he was born December
4, 1817. His parents--Jesse and Rachel (Jordan) Elliott--of Scotch parentage,
emigrated to Ohio about 1830, where they lived until the death of the father,
when the mother went to live with her daughter in Iowa, remaining there until
her death. Our subject was mostly reared in his native State, receiving a very
limited education. In 1848 he emigrated to Grant County, living there until
1859, when he purchased and removed to the farm on which he now lives. August,
1844, he married Hannah B. Davis, by whom he is the father of these six living
children: Henderson, who married Belle Bellew; Mary J., Sarah E., Asbury,
Charles M. and Julia A., the latter now Mrs. William Kile. Mr. Elliott has
always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with good success,
owning a well improved farm of 103 acres. His son Asbury, who makes his home
with his parents, is also the proprietor of 40 acres. The family are members of
the M. E. Church. Mr. E. belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he is a
Republican.
[History of Miami County, Indiana, 1887, Brant & Fuller. pp. 728-729]
ELLIOTT, RUTH [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Those interested in ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY are invited to call at
See Elliott's Ground Floor Studio.
ELLIOTT, SYLVESTER [Rochester, Indiana]
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 17, 1886]
ELLIOTT BROS. [Fletchers Lake]
TILE FACTORY
Elliott Bros., located south of Marshtown, near Fletcher's lake, would announce
to the farmers and all interested in drainage, that they are now prepared to
manufacture and furnish all the standard sizes of tile from three inch up to six
inch, and guarantee satisfaction. As they expect to put on an attachment to run
the larger sizes, they will give promt attention to all orders entrusted to them
in this as well as other departments of their trade. They invite inspection and
trial, feeling assured that they will be able to furnish good stock. Terms
reasonable, and we will take pleasure in serving our patrons. Come and see us.
ELLIOTT BROS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 13, 1883]
DISSOLUTION NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between D. P.
Elliott, F. M. Elliott and Sylvester Elliott in the manufacture of tile and
brick, in Wayne township, has been dissolved by mutual consent, Sylvester
Elliott, retiring from the firm. All unsettled business of the firm will be
adjusted by D. P. and F. M. Elliott. D. P. ELLIOTT, F. M.
ELLIOTT'S GROUND FLOOR STUDIO [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Elliott's Studio
__________
[Adv] Your photo will be made in an artistic and thoroughly up-to-date manner
if done at ELLIOTT'S GROUND FLOOR STUDIO - - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, February 2, 1903]
[Adv] Christmas Suggestions - - - - ELLIOTT'S GROUND FLOOR STUDIO, North of
Arlington Hotel.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 11, 1903]
ELLIOTT HARNESS & SADDLE SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
Victory. Another strategic movement was accomplished the other day by one of our
braves, John H. Shelton, lwhich terminated in an unconditional surrender of the
large stock of Saddles, Harness, Whips, Collars, &c., formerly commanded by
Messrs. J. B. & B. M. Elliott, to this energetic young chieftain. Farmers
reward the boys in blue for past gallantry.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, April 5, 1866]
ELLIOTT STUDIO [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Elliott's Ground Floor Studio
__________
Hugh Elliott will return from Winslow, Arizona, and reopen the Elliott Studio
on or about May 25.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 19, 1909]
ELLIOTT STUDIO SOLD
A deal was consummated today whereby the Elliotts disposed of their photographic
shop to Edwin A. Heiersderfer of Celina, O., who will take possession about July
20. Mr. Heiersderfer comes recommended as an expert photographer and a good
artist and will no doubt give the same satisfaction which the Elliotts have in
the past. He is at present connected with the Lewis studio at Celina.
The retiring owners, the Elliotts, have always given much satisfaction to
patrons and have added considerable to the up-to-dateness of the town by their
excellent work. Mr. Hugh Elliott, who has been in poor health for some time and
is at present in charge of the studio, will give up possession about July 20. He
does not know at present what he will do.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, July 1, 1909]
ELLIOTT TANNERY [Rochester, Indiana]
Hides Wanted . . . Rochester Tannery. . . I keep constantly on hand a large
assortment of the different grades of Leather, consisting of Sole Leather,
Harness Leather, Upper, Kip and Calf Skins. . . J. B. Elliott. Rochester, Sept.
1st, 1868.
[Rochester Union-Spy, Thursday, September 3, 1868]
ELLIOTT & BITTERS [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Land and town property for sale - - - - If you Mean Business, give us a
call. ELLIOTT & BITTERS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, October 9, 1880]
ELLIOTT'S BAZAAR [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Bazaar - - - Millinery Opening - - - ELLIOTT'S BAZAAR. Successor to Miss
Whittenberger.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 29, 1895]
ELLIS, JOHN H. [Aubbeenaubbee Township]
BIOGRAPHY
John H. Ellis, the son of John and Letitia (King), was born in Pickaway county,
Ohio, Oct. 20, 1851. The father, John Ellis, was the son of Robert and Nancy
Ellis, and was born in the above named county Sept. 18, 1819. His father,
Robert, was born and married in Wales, then migrted to America and settled in
Ohio. Robert died when John was but four years of age. John Ellis went to live
with one Jonathan Renick, and resided with this gentleman until he was
twenty-eight years of age. In the meantime he had hired to various persons by
the month driving cattle over the mountains to New York and Buffalo markets. He
followed this until his marriage, which occurred in 1847. He had saved enough
money in the meantime to buy 160 acres of land. He lived on this farm some six
years and then sold it and came to Indiana and purchased 330 acres in
Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton county, where he remained until his death. This
land is still owned by his heirs. He died March 18, 1875. He was the father of
the following children: Martha, John H., Nancy, deceased; Margaret, Bessie,
Robert, James, deceased; Andrew, deceased, Emmet, deceased, and Clara L. The
father was a very ambitious and hard-working man, and his death came earlier
than it would have had he not labored so hard in his time. He was a soldier in
the Mexican war. John H. remained with his parents until he was thirty years of
age, at which age he was married to Elva Swihart, June 5, 1883. To this marriage
have been born two children, an infant and Ray, both deceased. John H. was heir
to thirty-one and one-half acres and he bought the respective shares of two
sisters, and now owns 103 acres. He and his wife are members of the M.E. church.
He has always been a staunch democrat in politics.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
p. 67]
ELLIS, LETITIA [Aubbeenaubbee Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Mrs. Letitia Ellis. - This estimable lady is the widow of John Ellis, deceased.
She was born in the city of New York, July 22, 1826, and is the daughter of
Thomas and Martha King, both natives of Ireland, the former born in the county
of Clare and the later in Tyrone, February, 1800. He deceased November 16, 1876,
and she November 23, 1876. Mrs. Ellis was married to her husband, John Ellis,
August 31, 1848, in Pickaway County, Ohio. He was born in that county September
18, 1819, and deceased in this county March 18, 1875. His parents, Robert and
Nancy A. Ellis, were natives of North Wales. They came to America in 1816;
landed at Baltimore, Md., and settled in Pickaway County, Ohio. They had only
two children, John and Robert; both are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis had a
family of ten children--Martha A., John, Nancy A., Margaret, Elizabeth, Robert,
James B., Andrew, Emmet and Clara. James, Andrew and Emmet are now dead. They
settled in Fulton County September 1, 1854, on the present home farm. The first
purchase was 320 acres. They now have 450 acres. They settled in the woods, and
now have a beautiful home, and the farm is one of the best in that section of
the county. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the
confidence of all who knew them. All of the children are now married but three,
and they still live with Mrs. Ellis in her old days.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, pp. 33-34]
ELLIS BROS. GROCERY
See Akron, Indiana
ELLSWORTH, TOMMY [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
See: Hotels - Jefferson
See: Jefferson, Tommy
ELM DALE STOCK FARM [Rochester Township]
Located SE corner SR-14 and 500E.
Frank F. (F.F.) Moore owner. He was interested in livestock, especially Chester
White hogs.
His son, Fred Moore later resided there. [Fred's son, Hugh [Fredrick Hugh]
Moore, is now the owner. - WCT.]
The dining room served as the first office for the magazine called The White
Breeder's Companion, started by F. F. Moore in 1910. In 1918 the name was
changed to Chester White Journal.
[Moore Family, Reba Moore Shore, Fulton County Folks, Vol. 1, Willard.]
See Chester White Journal.
My father was interested in pure-bred Chester White hogs and in 1918 he rented
the Elm Dale Stock Farm from his uncle Frank Moore, who was editor of the
Chester White Journal.
[John Myers Family, Arthur L. Myers, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
ELMWOOD LAND COMPANY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Given away FREE. A desirable building lot 40x120 feet in Elmwood Park,
north of Rochester on the Michigan Road, fronting on the Logansport-South Bend
trolley line which will be built and equipped this fall. - - - Monday afternoon,
Sept. 3rd - - - lots 40x120 from $62.50 up. - - - ELMWOOD LAND COMPANY, Office
with W. C. Ewing over Bank of Indiana. - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, August 31, 1906]
ELMWOOD PARK [Rochester, Indiana]
See Elmwood Land Company
EL-RO-VERT CAMPGROUNDS [Talma, Indiana]
Located in Talma, S side of Tippecanoe River.
Eldora and Robert Calvert operated the El-Ro-Vert Campground where the Bowman
grist mill was in Talma along the Tippecanoe River until the tornado of April 3,
1974.
[B. H. Bowman Family, John C. Overmyer, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
EMAHISER & RUSSELL GROCERY STORE [Akron, Indiana]
Emahiser and Russell grocery store on the northwest corner where the Akron
Exchange State Bank was until the new bank was built a half a block west in
1976.
At a later time A. C. Emahiser bought out Otto Russell and it was then known as
Emahiser Grocery.
[Thomas Carpenter Family, Walter F. Carpenter, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
"Jay Emahiser's father had a grocery on the bank corner where men liked to
gather to sit around the stove. There were spittoons, too, and he always had a
cracker barrel. And plenty of Sen-Sens. Men liked to carry them in their pockets
so their breath would smell good."
[Ruby Dawson Remembers Akron, Ann Kindig Sheetz, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2,
Willard]
EMAHISER LIVERY STABLE [Akron, Indiana]
Located SW corner of E. Rochester and -------- streets, the present site of the
Akron Carnegie Public Library.
The business was operated by A. C. Emahiser from 1893 until the property was
sold for the construction of the library, which was dedicated October 28, 1914.
EMIGRANTS [Fulton County]
Letter from Lewis Bailey, one of the Idaho Emigrants from Rochester.
Rose Bud River, Aug. 7, 1864.
We have been confined here for about one week. . . . We left Omaha May 17, which
you may know was very late in the season, but the feed for our teams would not
permit sooner . . . Nothing of note happened until we got to Paunee Springs,
June the 12th, where two Indians had just before we got there, attacked two men,
killing one of them and wounding the other . . . [reporting Indiana raids on
wagon trains] . . . On the 28th of July, Anson Merrick, E. J. Granger, in
company with 18 others started for the mountains in another direction; while
gone, Granger discovered a lode of gold [describes the find] . . . We are now
about 160 miles from Virginia City, Idaho Terr., which is the nearest P.O. . . .
Anson Merrick and Granger and family are well. I have not heard from the other
Rochester boys lately.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 7, 1864]
EMMONS, C. E. [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] MONTGOMERY & EMMONS, O. F. Montgomery, C. E. Emmons. Lawyers and
Notary Public. Successors to Essick & Montgomery.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 2, 1908]
NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION
Notice is hereby given that the partnership business of the firm of Montgomery
& Emmons, attorneys at law, heretofore existing, has been this day, by
mutual consent of both parties, dissolved, O. F. Montgomery retaining the old
office, C. E. Emmons starting an office for himself.
Dated December 3rd, 1912.
O. F. MONTGOMERY
C. E. EMMONS
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, December 3, 1912]
MYERS & EMMONS NEW LAW FIRM
The well known attorneys, Enoch Myers and Charles E. Emmons, have formed a
co-partnership for the practice of their profession in this city. The office
will be located in Mr. Myers' present location and the entire upper floor of the
building will be utilized, making a fine suite of offices. Modern office
equipment is being added and one room will be used to care for the large library
of the firm.
Mr. Myers is one of the best known and most successful lawyers in northern
Indiana and has practiced his profession in this city for thirty-one years. Mr.
Emmons only recently retired from the firm of Montgomery & Emmons, where he
has established a large personal following, and the new combination will
doubtless enjoy a large legal business as it has the fullest confidence of the
public.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 14, 1912]
CAMPBELL AND EMMONS NEW LOCAL LAW FIRM
The second new law firm to be formed in Rochester within a few days was
announced Thursday. The members are Charles C. Campbell and Charles E. Emmons,
and the new firm will be known as Campbell & Emmons.
Mr. Emmons, formerly was a junior partner in the firm of Myers and Emmons, Enoch
Myers retiring from active practice because of advancing age and ill health. The
office of the firm will be in the Masonic building, in the room occupied
formerly by Myers and Emmons.
Mr. Campbell is a graduate of the law school of the University of Michigan,
having attended the Ann Arbor school eight years. He has been in the practice of
law in Rochester since 1896, and is a former deputy prosecutor and a former city
attorney. He has successfully handled many important cases.
Mr. Emmons is a graduate of the local high school and the Rochester Normal
University, and has been practicing law 15 years. He, likewise has won a number
of major suits.
Ed. Mohler, who has shared an office with Mr. Campbell over the Carter Book
store, will remain there.
The immediately preceding law firm organization here was Brown, Chipman &
Hosman.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 31, 1925]
EMMONS, DAN [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
When Dan Emmons retires from the saloon business, he having decided to abandon
the remonstrance contest suit, he will put in the room he now occupies the
finest meat market in town. Mr. Emmons is well known as a business man who
always keeps the best and keeps it spick and span and he will no doubt have a
fine trade in his new business right from the start.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, February 3, 1908]
AN ELEGANT MEAT MARKET
The new meat market to be opened Monday by Dan Emmons and son Ike is being given
the finishing touches today. It is to be an elegant place and the stock of
meats, fish and fancy vegetables and sauces, in season will be the best the
market affords. The fixtures are all new and up to date and in full compliance
with the pure food law and all who know Mr. Emmons understand that he will carry
the brst of everything and keep his place spick and span in cleanliness and
tidiness at all times.
The Emmonses are widely known as square business men and they will have a large
trade.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 15, 1908]
[Adv] Cleanliness. That word Cleanliness is going to be our motto - - - We
invite you to come in and inspect for yourself - - - - EMMONS MARKET, 3 Doors
So. P.O.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, February 18, 1908]
EMMONS, ETTA [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Arlington
EMMONS, IKE [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Ike Emmons will open a short order restaurant in the room formerly occupied by
the American restaurant and the C. F. Taylor meat market. The restaurant will be
on the ala a carte plan and Mr. Emmons says it is going to be the real thing and
that the people will be able to get anything to eat that they desire.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, April 5, 1906]
EMMONS, PAT [Rochester, Indiana]
'The innocent man who goes against a gambler's game stands as much chance to win
as a horse does to fly."
This is the opinion of Pat Emmons, long a resident of Rochester, now a reformed
gambler and ex-saloon man, who is now preaching in South Bend in his way and
endeavoring to lead men to decent lives instead of serving intoxicants over a
bar or running a gambling joint as he used to do.
Emmons, according to a story in the South Bend Tribune, which is accompanied by
a picture that any Rochester citizen would recognize at a glance, was converted
about a year ago in a little church, where he had "gone to scoff and
remained to pray." It will be remembered that he left here after
dissipating his fortune going to South Bend to work. He says in part:
"I was born in Tiosa, Ind., in the year 1881. For some time I lived in
Rochester, Ind. I used to have a joint there where some of the best people in
the town came. I had slot machines and the way the swell guys and low brows
played them was a caution.
"I used to hang out on Clark street, Chicago, in its palmiest days. One
well known joint there would always give a fellow a job as steerer, even if it
had hundreds of others. There was always room for one more. The house would give
a steerer 40 per cent of a sucker's losses. That is, if I found a friend from
Rochester or some other place, and after being nice to him, steered him against
a game in this joint and he lost $100, I would get $40 as my share.
"Money! Say, when I was in the game I spent money like water. It came easy
and it went easy. Not only did I spend my own ill gotten profits, but I spent
$45,000 that belonged to my best and first friend on earth, my good, christian
mother. Thank God, she's still alive to know I've changed my ways and am now
endeavoring with the help of God and a good christian wife and the inspiration
of a christian boy of 11 years, to lead an upright life and do what I can to
make amends for the past by trying to point out to others the pitfalls, the
danger and the uselessness of such a life as I led for over 15 years."
Rochester recalls with ease some of the feats of Pat Emmons when he was in his
"palmy" days, squandering the fortune his father left. He lived high
and paid well. The mother to whom he refers is now Mrs. Joe Harding, who lives
near Germany. Emmons' wife was Miss Ethel Castle, also of Rochester.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, November 30, 1914]
PAT EMMONS AGAIN
Pat Emmons of South Bend, ex-saloon keeper and ex-gambler, will go to Mishawaka
tonight and lecture in the Masonic temple block.
Rochester residents who heard Pat Emmons recently in South Bend say that he
delivered a splendid sermon. Mr. Emmons may come to Rochester soon.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, December 12, 1914]
PAT EMMONS WILL PREACH AT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Rev. S. A. Stewart has announced that Pat Emmons, a former resident of Rochester
and now of South Bend, will preach at the Presbyterian church in this city
Easter Sunday, April 4th. Mr. Emmons has been occupying the same pulpit in South
Bend every Sunday but he is working every day at his usual position.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, March 15, 1915]
PAT EMMONS IS NOW DISSIPATING ANOTHER ESTATE
All doubts as to the sincerity of Pat Emmons were dismissed Sunday evening at
the Presbyterian church, when the former Rochester man addressed 500 people,
delivering a strong evangelistic sermon against the evils of fast living.
Fifteen minutes before the hour set for the beginning of the services, the
church was crowded to the doors and over 100 people stood.
Mr. Emmons was introduced by Rev. S. A. Stewart. Without delay, the speaker
launched into his subject and for one hour talked like a rapid fire gun, never
hesitating for words and often speaking for fully 10 minutes at the top of his
voice.
Contrary to anticipation, Pat Emmons did not give a history of his past life. He
simply said that he had been converted over a year ago in South Bend and claimed
that he would have to serve the Lord 32 years yet to recompense for the 32 years
that he had served the devil. In this connection he advised all old sinners to
die game after they had served the devil for 60 years, saying that he did not
believe that God wants them in heaven.
The speaker paid his respects to the saloon, saying that he had traced boys in
Rochester from the saloon to the prison and the insane asylum. Taking a rap at
so-called church members, Mr. Emmons said that three of his best customers while
in the saloon business here were members of a church. Continuing, he asserted
that the man who voted wet is no better than the man who makes his living
running a saloon. He said that the people of Rochester were like the inmates of
an insane asylum, who try to empty a tub without turning off the faucet which
fills it.
Some very plain remarks were made by the former Rochester man regarding dance
halls, which he claimed were the devil's best assistants. "Moonlight
glides," "turkey trots" and "bear cats" were
characterized as a sure road to hell, the speaker saying that no common man can
think clean while lightly embracing another man's wife.
Referring to the large estate left by his father, which he dissipated in a few
years, Emmons said that he has inherited another estate, that of Christian
religion, and as in the case of the first, he was trying to give to everyone,
including the fellows who helped him spend the first.
One of the surprises of the evening was the manner in which the former Rochester
man referred to the Bible. It was evident that he has spent the last year in
study, as his sermon was filled with references and examples taken from the word
of God. He closed his address with an appeal to the non-Christian men to come
forward. At the close of the services nearly half of the people lingered to
shake hands with Mr. Emmons. He left for his home in South Bend Monday.
Preceding the sermon, a song service was given by the choir. Miss Edna Roth,
Miss Nellie Davis and Fred McClurg rendered a special selection and Mrs. McClain
of South Bend, to whom Mr. Emmons says he owes his conversion, sang a solo.
Pat Emmons is now employed in the Studebaker plant in South Bend. His spare time
is given over to work in the missions there. The religious revival following the
work of Billy Sunday in that city was largely responsible for the conversion of
Mr. Emmons and his style of preaching is somewhat patterned after that well
known envangelist. Mr. Emmons said that he was willing to come to Rochester at
any time and would be glad to lead in a fight to make the city dry.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, April 5, 1915]
P. EMMONS RELATES HIS EXPERIENCES
AS CANADIAN ORGANIZER
Hugh F. "Pat" Emmons, former resident of this city who was arrested in
South Bend Monday night at the request of Canadian authorities who held a
warrant for him charging him with having embezzled $1,313 of the funds of the
Revina, Province of Saskatchewan chapter of the Ku Klux Klan lodge, will be
arraigned in the St. Joseph county Superior Court Friday morning.
Pat will be asked at the hearing Friday morning to enter a plea on a charge of
being a fugitive from justice in Canada. Emmons, who is at liberty under bond of
$1,500 indicated Tuesday that he would not fight extradition. The former local
man says he is not guilty of the charge and that he can clear himself in the
court at Regina. He has been sought for the past five months by authorities.
Emmons' arrest Monday night disclosed the fact that Pat's dream of an
international Ku Klux Klan which would have included all of the countries in the
British domain and the United States had been blasted. Emmons who just was a
saloon keeper and gambler later an evangelist and in the last few years a klan
organizer granted an interview to South Bend newspaper men Tuesday.
Says "Skirts Are Clean"
Pat who was one of the star witnesses in the Reed Senate investigation committee
in 1926 at Chicago, claims that his skirts are clean.
"I was merely working as a speaker and an organizer for Lewis Scott
(another South Bend man who is said to hold an interest in a leather goods
store) and everything that pertained to my work I've got in writing.
"No, I'm not going to fight extradition. I'll gladly go back to Canada and
prove that I'm innocent. All I'll have to do is show the documents that I have
and there'll be nothing to it."
Boycotted in Factories
Emmons said that he left South Bend a little more than a year ago after he found
he was boycotted in practically every South Bend factory as a result of his klan
activities during 1923, 1924 and 1925.
"I wasn't able to get work in South Bend," he said, "so I had to
go somewhere else."
Before leaving South Bend, Emmons said he was approached by Lewis Scott who made
him a proposition to act as an organizer for a Ku Klux Klan that was being
formed in Canada.
Held Wizard Title
Scott, according to Emmons, had charge of organizing the entire province of
Saskatchewan. "Scott held a job in the Klan there," Emmons said,
"similar to the one held by D. C. Stephenson when the klan was at its
height in Indiana."
The Canadian klan was being formed by Lewis Fowler, former professor in a
Southern Baptist college in the United States. Fowler held the title of imperial
wizard of the Canadian Klan and maintained headquarters in Toronto.
For six months the organization work went forward but there wasn't much of a
field to work on in Canada, particularly in the region around Moose Jaw and
Regina which had been assigned to Emmons.
Decide to Leave
Consequently, Emmons decided to leave.
As he put it in an exclusive interview, "I found I couldn't make any sort
of a living working as an organizer. There weren't enough people to join. The
population was too scattered."
Accordingly, accompanied by his wife and two small daughters, he returned to the
United States.
The Saskatchewan grand dragon, Lewis Scott, also left at the same time and Scott
and Emmons went to Florida where they spend about four or five months working as
evangelists.
Returned to South Bend
A few weeks ago, Emmons returned to South Bend.
He was seen on the street there last Friday night and South Bend police recalled
that Canadian authorities had asked that he be arrested on the embezzlement
charge. This resulted in his arrest Monday night.
Emmons, Scott and Flowler had laid elaborate plans for an international klan
extending from the United States, through Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
England, but Emmons and Scott decided that the remuneration wouldn't compensate
them for their time spent working as organizers.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, February 15, 1928]
"PAT" EMMONS TESTIFIES AGAINST KLAN
Indianapolis, Feb. 20. (I.N.S.) - Emmons had previously testified that the
national klan favored whipping and tar and feather parties to revive interest in
the dying South Bend Klan.
After the Tipple lecture Emmons charged a fellow named James Stewart, South
Bend, Klansman came to him and said:
"Will you let me have some money to buy some dynamite with?"
"What for?" Emmons said he asked the man.
Anxious To Wreck College
"I am known as the dare-devil of the north and I am a baloonist," the
man replied according to Emmons.
"I don't care what becomes of me. I'll go right now and blow Notre Dame
University to pieces after hearing what Dr. Tipple told us how the Catholic
Church is trying to rule America."
"Of course, I discouraged him from attempting such a rash act," Emmons
related. "I squelched that right away."
Emmons said he was introduced to Dr. Tipple at the Drake Hotel in Chicago by
Imperial Wizzard Hiram W. Evans. Dr. Tipple, Evans explained according to the
witness was the author of a book entitled "Alien Rome."
Emmons added that sometime later after fiery crosses had been burned on the
Notre Dame Campus and the man Stewart was banished from the Klan.
Meets Robinson
Emmons also alleged that he was introduced to U. S. Senator Arthur R. Robinson
by Wilbur Ryman a Muncie lawyer at the Jefferson Hotel in South Bend.
Emmons said that Ryman turned to the senator and said "I want you to meet
brother "Pat" Emmons, Exalted Cyclops."
"Robinson shook hands with me and gave me the grip as a Klansman,"
Emmons testified. "He then asked How does the organization feel about me.
You know how I stand toward the Klan."
Robinson suggested that Emmons meet Dr. E. S. Shumaker superintendent of the
Indiana Anti-Saloon league as soon as possible, Emmons testified.
"Ryman soon after that introduced me to Dr. Shumaker who told me that the
Anti-Saloon League, the church and the Klan, all ought to go down the line for
Senator Robinson," Emmons testified.
Emmons also charged that the Klan had men on every newspaper in South Bend who
submitted copies of stories and editorials to the Klan in advance of
publication, and that the Klan tried to carry on a systematic boycott against
the South Bend Tribune.
Klan members were asked to cancel their subscriptions for the Tribune and to
circulate a report among the cities "merchants" that 45,000 klansmen
in South Bend would refuse to buy any articles advertised in the Tribune,"
Emmons charged.
__________
Indianapolis, Feb. 20 (I.N.S.) - A proposal to dynamite Notre Dame University
was advanced by a member of the South Bend Ku Klux Klan after hearing a lecture
on the alleged menace of Catholicism delivered at South Bend in 1925 by Dr.
Bertrand Tipple, former professor of the Methodist College at Rome, Italy,
former Exalted Cyclops, Hugh "Pat" Emmons of the St. Joseph County
klan testified here today at the deposition hearing conducted by Attorney
General Arthur L. Gilliom in his move to oust the Klan from Indiana.
Emmons had presiously testified that the national klan favored whipping and
tar-and-feather parties.
The recommendation for grafting terrorism came through a national representative
whose name was Sirman, according to the testimony of Emmons.
"You need a little more Southern spirit in this klan," Sirman said,
Emmons testified.
"You ought to take somebody around this Roman Catholic City of South Bend,
out, whip them, tar and feather them and then you would see the members joining
fast. it takes a demonstration to shake up the Protestant people.
Forestalled Bombing
A Ku Klux Klan proposal to dynamite Notre Dame University several yeas ago which
was "Squelched" by himself was revealed by Emmons.
After Emmons and other South Bend Klansmen had vigorously opposed Sirman's
whipping proposal, Emmons said that the National Representative called him
"Weak-kneed and yellow."
Objected to National Dues
Emmons said that W. Lee Smith, former grand dragon of the Indiana Klan, had
outlined with him a program through which the Klan would control everything from
local to national political affairs. When the South Bend Klansmen protested
because they were forced to pay a per capita tax to the national Klan of $2.70 a
year Emmons said that Smith explained that much of this sum was used to achieve
the political ambition of the hooded order.
When pressed for an accounting Smith, according to Emmons, said "There is a
lot of money beng spent that we don't care to account for. You have been in
politics yourself. You know how it is."
Urged Support for Robinson
Emmons charged in his testimony that Grand Dragon Smith urged him to line up all
the Klan behind United States Senator Arthur R. Robinson of Indiana in the 1926
primary when Robinson ran for re-election.
"Robinson is a klansman, Smith explained, according to Emmons.
Review of Career
Years ago Emmons was a saloon keeper at Rochester, Indiana. Later he became an
Evangelist in the roll of a reformed saloon keeper and ex-gambler. When the klan
entered Indiana Emmons became one of the organizers, he first became a Clarodo
in the South Bend Klan and later the Cyclops.
Testified Before Reed
Emmons broke with the klan in 1926 when he became the star witness before the
senatorial slush fund committee headed by Senator James Reed of Missouri.
After an absence of more than a year from Indiana, Emmons returned to South Bend
last week to find that the police held a warrant for his arrest on the charge of
embezzling $1,313 from the Canadian Ku Klux Klan. He is now under bond on that
charge.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, February 20, 1928]
PAT EMMONS WILL ;FIGHT EXTRADITION TO CANADA
Hugh F. "Pat" Emmons of South Bend, former resident of this city and
for several years cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan in South Bend expects to meet a
representative of the Canadian government in Indianapolis Friday to discuss the
charges under which he is sought by Canadian authorities for alleged
embezzlement in Regina, Saskatchewan of $1,313 of funds of the Canadian Klan.
Emmons claims to have documents to prove his innocence. He was arrested in South
Bend last week for the Dominian authorities when he returned to South Bend after
an absence of more than a year during which time he did Klan organization work
in Canada and evangelist work in Florida.
The Canadian government's representative went from Chicago to Indianapolis today
to meet Emmons according to Emmons' South Bend attorney. If an extradition
hearing is held it must be before John W. Kern, Jr., of Indianapolis, United
States commissioner, the only one in Indiana qualified to hear extradition
cases. Young Kern is the son of the late United States senator of the same name.
Emmons is still in Indianapolis after testifying at length before Attorney
General Arthur L. Gilliom Monday and Tuesday on the political workings of the
Klan in Indiana. Emmons' deposition was taken in connection with a suit to
dissolve the Indiana Klan organization. Emmons who delcared he is innocent of
the Canadian charge will fight being extradited.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, February 23, 1928]
EMMONS NOT HIRED BY "PROHI" FORCES
SAYS DR. SHUMAKER
Indianapolis, Feb. 25. (I.N.S.) - "Pat" Emmons, of South Bend, former
exalted cyclops of the St. Joseph County Ku Klux Klan today announced that he
would give another deposition to Attorney General Arthur L. Gilliom for use in
Gilliom's suit to oust the klan in Indiana.
Emmons startled the state a few days ago by revealing that a klansman plotted to
dynamite Notre Dame university and what were said to be secret plans of the
hooded order to control government in the United States and Mexico.
Denies Canadian Trouble
Emphatic denials that he had run afoul of the Canadian law by his Klan work in
that country came from Emmons today.
"This is only one of the rumors that have been circulated about me,"
Emmons said. "Only a few nights ago a South Bend newspaper called me up to
learn whether a report that I had committed suicide was true."
Emmons said that he had registered at Indianapolis, in the Washington hotel room
937 under an assumed name to avoid interference with his klan exposure program.
Other Sensations Expected
Gilliom next week will take depositions in Indianapolis and in other cities to
use in his klan suit.
"You haven't heard anything yet," was Gillion's comment, indicative
that many startling revelations are in store during the coming week.
__________
Indianapolis, Feb. 24 - E. S. Shumaker, superintendent of the Indiana
Anti-Saloon league, has issued a statement concerning charges made against him
and the Anti-Saloon league by Hugh L. "Pat" Emmons in his deposition
to Atturney General Gillion's office on Monday:
"Pat Emmons never was in the employ of the Indiana Anti-Saloon league. The
time that his picture appeared in the Indiana edition of the American Issue was
Dec. 22 1914, under the caption 'A Reformed Saloon Keeper and Gambler.' The
article contained just eight lines. In another place in that same copy was what
purported to be an indictment against the saloon by Pat Emmons 'reformed gambler
and saloon keeper of South Bend'. This was over 13 years ago and was long before
the klan was even heard of in this state.
Emmons Not Invited
"Pat Emmons may have seen me while in South Bend on the occasion that he
refers to. I have no recollection whatever of having any information from him or
anyone else that he was the exalted cyclops of the ku klux klan at that or any
other time. I certainly did not invite him to bring members of the klan in to
see me 'singly or one at a time' in order to avoid suspicion because as
superintendent of the Anti-Saloon league I never have done business in that way.
And, if he saw me he came of his own accord without any invitation, and I
received him just as I would receive any other citizen, Protestant, Catholic of
Jew.
Robinson Speech
"He says that Senator Arthur Robinson addressed a meeting at night on the
occasion that he saw me in that city. The fact is that Senator Arthur R.
Robinson addressed a mass meeting on Sunday afternoon, Jan 17, 1926, on the same
day that we had the annual field day of that Anti-Saloon league in St. Joseph
county.
"The meeting was not at night, but at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon. This
meeting was held in the high school auditorium under the auspices of the St.
Joseph County Ministerial association and the Anti-Saloon league. The president
of the ministerial association presided at that meeting and introduced Senator
Robinson.
"On the occasion of this field day, I arrived in South Bend over the
Pennsylvania line at 4:40 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday. There were 16
others with us on this occasion who spoke to churches over the Sabbath in South
Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph county.
"Among these were Dr. E. Scott McBride,our national superintendent. We were
all quartered at the Jefferson hotel and my time was taken up with our own party
during that evening. On Sunday morning I spoke to the First Methodist Church in
Mishawaka and had to hurry back to South Bend to get ready for the 2:30 o'clock
meeting in the high school auditorium.
"Before the time for the meeting I had to go over to the Oliver hotel to
meet Senator Robinson, who was to be the speaker on this occasion. I found him
in the parlors of the hotel surrounded by scores of his own party friends. The
afternoon meeting closed at some time between 4 and 5 o'clock. That evening, I
spoke in the Trinity Methodist Church of South Bend.
"The next morning I addressed the Mishawaka High School at 10 o'clock, and
went from there to the ministers' meeting in South Bend, arriving shortly before
the close of the address by General Superintendent McBride. After dinner I was
with Dr. McBride until he left for Chicago. Then, I called upon certain old
friends and acquaintances, including Fred Miller of the South Bend Tribune, and
left on the 4:40 train for Indianapolis, where on Tuesday, the 19th, occurred
the general meeting of the trusteees of the Indiana Anti-Saloon league.
"Of course, after this lapse of time it is impossible to remember everyone
that I saw, or averyone with whom I may have conversed or who may have called to
see me when he could catch me for a few moments during this very busy period of
time.
"In conclusion, I will say that I am not now, and never have been, neither
has the Anti-Saloon league in Indiana ever been, directly or indirectly
connected in any way, whatever with the ku klux klan. We have simply held aloof
from the battle which they have fought, believing that our one sole task lay in
securing a better enforcement of the law, the retention of the prohibition law,
and such a correlation of the forces opposed to the beverage liquor traffic
found in our churches as would prevent the return of this traffic."
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, February 25, 1928]
H. "PAT" EMMONS FORMER KLAN CYCLOPS RE-JAILED
Regina, Sask., Canada, May 9 - Hugh "Pat" Emmons, at one time
organizer and later exalted cyclops of the ku klux klan in South Bend, Ind., was
in difficulties with Canadian authorities again today, less than 24 hours after
he had been found not guilty Monday, on a charge of misappropriating $1,313 in
Canadian klan funds.
Shortly after his release from custody late Monday when he was found not guilty
of misappropriating the $1,313, Emmons was re-arrested charged with obtaining
$6.50 under false pretenses.
Mrs. Margaret Wilkinson signed the warrant which caused Emmons' second arrest.
Emmons was released under bond and will appear tomorrow at Moose Jaw for trial.
Emmons produced evidence in court Monday to satisfy the judge that no overt act
had been committed and that all the money he had collected had been accounted
for. The money had been collected from Canadians who joined the klan, paying the
same initiation fee of $10 which had been required in the United States.
He was arrested in South Bend several months ago after he had left here. It was
charged in affidavits that he had neglected to turn over to the organization the
money he had collected.
Released On Bond
Emmons was then brought to Regina but was released on bond to appear and was
able to prove his innocence of the charge, by communications which had passed
between him and klan officials of Saskatchewan.
Emmons was arrested several months ago in South Bend on warrants charging him
with the embezzlement, and he did not fight extradition to Canada.
While he was awaiting his transfer to Canada, Emmons appeared in Indianapolis
before Attorney-General Arthur L. Gilliom, and gave sensational depositions
regarding klan activities in Indiana, for the use of Gilliom in his suit to oust
the klan from that state.
Organized Here
The Ku Klux Klan of Canada was organized along lines very similar to those of
the sister order in the United States. Emmons was here for several weeks last
summer, organizing the order.
Shortly after Emmons returned to the United States, charges were preferred
against him by Regina authorities. Warrants were sent to South Bend, asking the
detention of Emmons as a fugitive from justice, but it was some time before his
arrest was effected.
Emmons posted bond, and was released on the state warrants. While he was in
Indianapolis, giving his testimony before Gillion, federal warrants were issued
which were to be non-bailable. Emmons, however, agreed to return to Canada for
trial.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, May 9, 1928]
PAT EMMONS SUED FOR DIVORCE BY HIS WIFE
South Bend, Ind., Aug. 29. - Hugh Finley Emmons, generally known as
"Pat" Emmons, former evangelist, exalted cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan
in Northern Indiana and a witness before the Reed senatorial investigating
committee in 1924, was named defendant in a suit for separate maintenance filed
in Superior Court No. 1, Wednesday, by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Emmons.
Mrs. Emmons also sought a restraining order to prevent her husband from
disposing of cash or property until the case is heard. As a consequence Mr.
Emmons' business, the Radio Sales and Service Co., 3000 Mishawaka avenue, was
closed Wednesday.
Withdraws $2,000
The sheriff's office was unable to find Mr. Emmons and his wife's complaint said
that he had threatened to remove himself from jurisdiction of the St. Joseph
county courts. She said her husband had just drawn $2,000 from a bank account
and her petition sought to restrain him from withdrawing $2,000 more due him
from a radio financing company.
Her complaint charged that Mr. Emmons threatened the life of his wife and
children. She declared that she is in ill health. She sets forth that her
husband's total assets, including cash and equity in real estate, are more than
$10,000.
Varied Career
"Pat" Emmons was the "grand old man" of the Klan in the
South Bend territory during the heyday of that social and political
organization. Since the breaking of the Klan he has had a varied career. He
revealed many secrets of the Klan's political workings especially as they
involved high Republican politicians in Indiana when he appeared before the Reed
committee which was probing election expenditures.
Later he went to Canada where he engaged in fraternal organization work. Falling
into difficulties with the Canadian government he returned to South Bend where
he was arrested and returned to Canada for trial. However, he was vindicated in
the Canadian courts.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, August 29, 1929]
MRS EMMONS WITHDRAWS HER SUIT FOR A DIVORCE
South Bend, Ind., Aug. 30. - Hugh F. (Pat) Emmons, former exalted cyclops of the
Ku Klux Klan, has not left South Bend; his business, the Radio Sales and Service
Co., 3000 Mishawaka avenue, is still in operation; and his wife, Mrs. Ethel
Emmons, has instructed her attorney, Prosecutor Harry S. Taylor, to withdraw the
suit for separate maintenance which she filed Wednesday.
Moreover Mr. Emmons is highly indignant at those he calls his former klan
brothers in the sheriff's office. Sheriff Thomas A. Goodrick, for giving out
information Wednesday which he declares was highly misleading and intended to
injure him.
"I made no attempt to escape service of papers in my wife's suit,"
said Mr. Emmons. "A deputy sheriff came to my home five minutes after I
left it Wednesday morning. He saw me leave. Later he saw me at my place of
business and again at the telephone office in Mishawaka.
Exhibits Signed Checks
"If Sheriff Goodrick was too yellow or too klannish to have me picked up, I
will come to his office at any time. If he is afraid of me, one of his
ex-deputies, -- what would he feel towards rum runners or bandits?"
Deputy Fishburn was former treasurer of the Valley klan and Emmons showed checks
signed by Fishburn as treasurer and countersigned by Emmons as president. The
checks were issued in 1925 and 1926.
Family Dispute
'The one point of friction between Goodrick, Fishburn and me was when they came
to me, while Ed Jackson was governor of Indiana, and asked me to go to the
governor and urge that D. C. Stephenson be pardoned," said Emmons.
Mr. Emmons declared that his wife's suit was just "a little family
dispute," which started with Mr. Emmons' dealings with an employe who he
says came to his store under the influence of liquor.
Mr. Emmons declared that he had been privately "tipped" by Mr.
Fishburn of the filing in the suit and the issuance of papers to serve on him
two hours before an attempt was made to serve them and that Mr. Fishburn advised
him to leave town for a few days. "I think this was a trap," said
Emmons. "I happen to be Floyd Fishburn's uncle but I don't want any special
favors from the sheriff's office on account of the relationship."
All At Store
Mr. Emmons, his wife and children were all at the store Thursday night and his
wife concurred in the statement that the suit would be withdrawn. Mrs. Emmons
admitted that he had drawn more than $2,000 from the bank Wednesday, as charged
by his wife in her suit in which she sought to restrain him from withdrawing
funds until the suit should be settled.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, August 30, 1929]
PAT EMMONS ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT, BATTERY
Pat Emmons, of South Bend, former evangelist and Ku Klux organizer and resident
of this city, will go on trial in city court there Saturday on a charge of
assault and battery preferred by Attorney Harold J. Robinson. Robinson complains
that when he went to Emmons' radio shop Tuesday to examine a lease on the room
which Emmons held under a contract at the request of the owner of the room
Emmons became angry and attacked him. Robinson says that Emmons struck whim
while he was wearing his eyeglasses.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, November 29, 1929]
CASE AGAINST P. EMMONS FILED IN CIRCUIT COURT
Prosecutor Harry Taylor of South Bend, in city court there Friday, dismissed a
criminal case against Pat Emmons, former resident of this city, and indicated
that he would file the suit in the St. Joseph county circuit court. Emmons was
charged with assault and battery after he had attacked a South Bend lawyer who
had been sent by the owner of building in which Emmons operates a radio shop in
South Bend to examine the lease to the building which Emmons had in his
possession. The lawyer's request to examine the lease enraged Emmons who struck
the lawyer several times in the face. The lawyer it is said was wearing glasses,
Emmons not giving him an opportunity to remove them before he hit him.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, December 7, 1929]
PAT EMMONS FILES SUIT AGAINST SO. BEND BANK
South Bend, Ind., Dec. 19. - Hugh F. (Pat) Emmons, formerly of Rochester,
one-time power in the Ku Klux Klan, Wednesday filed a counter action in Superior
Court No. 2, South Bend, asking $10,000 damages from the Union Trust company and
dismissal of the latter's suit designed to eject him from his place of business
at 3000 Mishawaka Ave. in South Bend.
Mr. Emmons set forth in his lengthy cross-complaint and suit for damages that
his radio business has been badly injured and that he has received considerable
unfavorable notoriety as a result of the bank's ejection suit and his arrest on
a charge of assault and battery on a warrant sworn out by an agent of the bank.
The former klan leader declared in his cross-complaint that on Nov. 1, 1928,
Nava Bros., real estate brokers gave him a three year lease on the store
building at 3000 Mishawaka avenue and that the rent has been paid until Jan. 1,
1930. The Union Trust company ratified the lease when it was drawn up, Mr.
Emmons said, and has acknowledged it on several subsequent occasions.
Last month, the cross-complaint alleges, Harold J. Robertson, an employe of the
bank, came to the premises and demanded that Mr. Emmons accept a substitute
lease. Mr. Emmons refused and three weeks ago Mr. Robertson returned and
threatened to throw him out of the building if he refused to accept the new
lease, Mr. Emmons said. The bank representative then obtained a warrant and had
him arrested on a "trumped up" charge of assault and battery, it was
said.
When the criminal charge was brought to trial the bank and Mr. Robertson refused
to prosecute and asked dismissal of the charge, Mr. Emmons said in his suit.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, December 19, 1929]
EMMONS, ORLANDO [Richland Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Orlando Emmons, born April 2, 1849, in Fulton County, Ind.; was married to Miss
Harriet Hayes April 2, 1878, born in Allen County, Ind., July 22, 1854. Their
children are Charles E., born January 25, 1879; Naomi, born February 7, 1881.
Mr. Emmons is a dealer in dry goods and groceries at Richland Center, and is
highly respected by his many customers.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 52]
EMMONS MEAT MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
The Emmons meat market which has been conducted in the B. Noftsger room has been
closed owing to insufficient business. Mr. Dan Emmons and wife departed Tuesday
evening for Kansas. Ike Emmons the junior partner of the firm has not decided
what he will do.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 4, 1909]
EMMONS POOL ROOM [Rochester, Indiana]
BUYS THE IZZARD POOL ROOM
A deal was made Thursday whereby Ike Emmons becomes owner of the pool hall owned
by Charley Izzard. Mr. Emmons has already taken possession and will continue the
business just as it has been run. Mr. Izzard did not dispose of his cigar
factory and will move it to a new location at an early date.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 5, 1919]
EMPIRE FLOURING MILL [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW MILLER
I hereby give notice to the farmers and all others that having purchased the
Empire Flouring Mill and employed one of the best millers in the State, I am
prepared to make flour of extra quality and ask a trial grist from the farmers
of this county. I will grind your grist or give you in exchange 27 pounds of
good flour and 13 pounds of offal for every bushel of wheat. I am satisfied that
if you call once, you will come again, for the Empire Mill, since being refitted
is making the best flour in the market. ELI LAWRENCE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 17, 1880]
EMPIRE ROLLER MILL
We desire to inform the public that the Empire Mill, that for several months has
been undergoing a thorough reconstruction, by which new and improved machinery
has been put in position, is now in complete running order, and is now turning
out a better quality of flour than can be obtained at any other mill in this
part of the country. We are prepared to do CUSTOM WORK quickly, and in a most
satisfactory manner. - - - We ask all to give us a trial, and be convinced that
the Roller process is the only correct way of making pure white flour, that
gives universal satisfaction. - - - COOPER & LOWE.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 19, 1884]
EMRICK, BESS [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Quite a surprise was in store for the visitors at the Star theater Saturday
evening when the picture of Miss Bess Emrick, daughter of Mrs. Alice Emrick of
this city, was thrown upon the screen in the play of "Phantom Lovers."
Miss Emrick, who is known by many Rochester people, is now located in New York
city and is now engaged by a moving picture firm, appearing in most of their
productions. It is more than likely that the picture of Miss Emrick will now
appear often in this city as she only recently became engaged with the company.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, May 20, 1912]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Living likenesses of Miss Bess Emrick will be shown at the Star theater this
evening when the great scenario, "Tiger Claws," will be the special
feature of a big bill. Miss Emrick is a well-known Rochester girl, who is now
located in the East and is one of the prominent members of a moving picture
company and her many Rochester friends will be enabled in this manner to get a
glimpse of her in action.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 7, 1912]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Visitors at the Kai Gee theater Thursday evening were surprised to see the
likeness of Miss Bess Emrick of this city in the role of a nurse in the reel
entitled "Jimmy's Mistake."
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 21, 1912]
SHORT NEWS
The feature part in the play "A Wife's Investment" will be taken and
played by Bess Emrick. See it at the K.G. tonight.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, January 27, 1913]
SOME TALENTED, BUT FORGOTTEN, WOMEN OF OURS
Considered Comment
Jack K. Overmyer
This week and next I introduce you to some talented women, five from Rochester
another from Kewanna. Forgotten by everyone today, they deserve to be remembered
among our most celebrated citizens for their attainments in literature, music,
motion pictures and social service.
Bess Emrick
A familiar performer in early silent movies, Bess was the daughter of Levi and
Alice Emrick of Rochester and the sister of Paul Spotts Emrick, famed longtime
director of Purdue University bands.
She broke into the movie business in 1909 under contract with the Pathe Company.
There she met Leo Wharton, a director and producer for Pathe, and the couple
married in 1913. Within the next two years she became one of the silent movies'
most prominent character actresses in one six-year span playing 25 different
parts. She worked with many early stars of the silents such as Lionel Barrymore
and Pearl White, appearing often in the latter's popular serial episodes of
"Perils of Pauline." Bess also wrote occasional screenplays
Bess and her husband, together with his brother and brother-in-law, operated one
of that day's largest film production companies that employed leading actors at
Salaries of $1,000 to $5.000 a week. Located on 43 acres near Cayuga Lake in
Ithaca, New York, the plant included two immense film studios plus carpenter
shop, dressing rooms, work rooms and offices. The film industry began in the
East and for many years all the studios were located there.
In Rochester, folks could see the work of Bess at the Paramount theatre on the
west side of the 800 block of Main Stree, a room where the north half of the
B&B Store is today. The Paramount had exclusive rights to the Wharton
studio's films.
Next: Margaret McConnell, Louise Metzler and Marjorie Williams.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 12, 1999]
EMRICK, LEVI S. [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
__________
[Adv] The ROCHESTER CIGAR FACTORY, the ONLY place in the county were cigars
are manufactured, is the BEST place in Northern Indiana to buy choice Brands of
Tobacco at bargains. The Famous "BEAUTY" and "EAGLE" Cigars
are made here, also the popular "HAND MADE." These well known brands
are for sale at nearly all Cigar stands in this locality. - - - LEVI S. EMRICK,
Factory and Store, 1st Door South of P.O.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, January 18, 1879]
EMRICK, PAUL SPOTTS [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Old Helicon
See: Rannells, William W.
See: Rochester Bands
See: Rochester Citizens Band
Also See Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard, pp. 235-242.
Also See Rochester Republican, July 16, 1888, obit Levi S. Emrick;
Also See Rochester Republican, July 4, 1907, obit Elizabeth Emrick Levi's
mother.
__________
ROCHESTER BOY MAKING GOOD
A special from Lafayette to the Indianapolis Star says: " The Purdue
University band is the largest college band in the middle west. The organization
has increased in numbers from year to year until at present it is composed of
forty-five select musicians of the student body. The band takes an active part
in all athletic and military functions and is a prominent feature in all these
occasions.
"Under the direction of Paul S. Emrick it has not only won a place in the
hearts of the Purdue students, but has won a reputation throughout the state. A
series of concerts will be given in the near future, the first one to be given
at Lafayette on March 22, and it is probable that Indianapolis will be included
in this concert tour."
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 23, 1906]
PAUL EMRICK TO PURDUE
Paul Emrick, who has been employed in the power house of the Union Traction Co.,
at South Bend, will be home this week. Paul has accepted a position as
instructor in the electrical department at Purdue for the coming year, and is to
be congratulated on his success in being honored with this position.
Speaking of Mr. Emrick the Lafayette Star says: "It is said that Paul
Emrick, leader of the Purdue band, who was graduated last June with high honors
will return to Purdue again in the fall and will accept an appointment as one of
the instructors in the electrical department. Mr. Emrick will also continue to
direct the Purdue Military band, the finest organization of its character in the
country. Mr. Emrick is not only a student of rare attainment, but is a band
director of splendid ability. This will be good news to the whole student body
at Purdue."
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, August 10, 1908]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Paul Emrick and Miss Mattie Brady, with violin and piano, are now furnishing the
music at the Earle theater. Tonight the picture is "Younger Brothers,"
the notorious Missouri outlaws.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 18, 1908]
PROF. EMRICK TO REALIZE CHIEF AMBITION
IN HOME-TOWN CONCERT
By E. F. Kueck
On Friday evening, May 8th, when the Purdue Symphonic Band sounds the opening
notes of its concert here in Rochester, Prof. Paul S. Emrick will have realized
an ambition of many year's standing. As a small boy in Rochester, he played in
the Citizens' Band, long since forgotten by the public. It was here that he
received his first musical training.
Now after his many years building up the famous Purdue Band, known over the
entire middle-west as the outstanding collegiate musical organization, in both
the fields of marching and symphonic band work, he has been yearning to return
with his band to Rochester. Although over a hundred thousand people applauded
the Purdue Military Band as it marched down the streets of Louisville to win a
championship cup last week, and band members hope to repeat the performance in
Benton Harbor tomorrow, Friday's audience may rest assured that Prof. Emrick has
never before presented any unit of his organization with greater pride than that
with which he brings the Symphonic band to his home town next Friday evening.
Varied Program
The program will consist of five numbers. First will be Von Weber's lively
overture to "Euryaathe," followed by Strauss' eternally famous waltz,
"On the Beautiful Blue Danube." The first part of the concert will be
concluded with the overture to "Rienzi," a bombastic, stirring,
war-like composition by Richard Wagoner.
After a brief intrmission the concert will be resumed with Principal Musician F.
C. Baaze's solo work on the Xylophone. Mr. Baaze is reputed to possess a
surprising amount of ability, and reports from Lafayette indicate that his work
will be enthusiastically received. The last number on the program will be Von
Suppe's popular "Poet and Peasant" Overture.
Rare Instruments
The concert will be played by Purdue's entire Symphonic band of nearly ninety
pieces. This band has one of the best instrumentations of any band in the
country, including many rare and expensive instruments usually found only in
symphony orchestra. Among some of the unusual instruments the band will use
Friday evening are the Cathedral Chimes, four tympani, an English Horn, two
string basses, four alto clarinets, three bass clarinets, a contra-bass
clarinet, two oboes, three bassoons, and a large assortment of traps on which
the drummers produce special effects.
It is interesting to note that thre is not a music student in the band, inasmuch
as there is no school of music at Purdue. Band members are enrolled in either
the school of Engineering, Science, Agriculture, or Pharmacy.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, May 5, 1936]
EMRICK AND BAND RECEIVES PLAUDITS OF 500 LISTENERS
By Don Carlson
An ivory-uniformed figure braced himself on the conductor's stand at Whitmer
auditorium Friday evening, flanked himself with 70 military musicians and
received an ovation that only a home-town could accord a favorite son.
As Paul S. Emrick, a former Rochester lad and now director of the famous Purdue
University military band, batonned his way through a bevy of symphonic
arrangements, approximately 5000 [sic] persons lended attentive ears and
applauded so extravagantly as to demand seven encores and numerous bows.
Musical Highlight
The event Friday night was one of importance for both participants and the
audience. Important not only from the standpoint that the concert was the first
of its kind to be presented in this city since the days of the Chautauqua, but
it climaxed a period of long waiting during which Rochester music patrons had
hoped that "Spotts" Emrick might bring his Purdue musical organization
to this city.
Viv Essick, Peter Stingley and Albert Bitters also shared a portion of the
evening's honors as Director Emrick presented each with a bouquet of flowers
from the John Phillip Sousa cup as a token of appreciation, and led his band
through the scores of "Mountain Echoes," a selection well remembered
by the veteran musicians of this city.
Where once Paul S. Emrick had blown furiously on a B flat clarinet in the old
Rochester Citizens Band, Paul Emrick last night led his organization through
such classical and operatic selections as the overture to Von Weber's operatic
highlight, "Euryanthe," and Wagner's overture to his first rejected
and later accepted opera, "Rienzi."
The original overture to "Euryanthe," as scored by the distinguished
pianist and composer Von Weber, was presented by Prof. Emrick and his band. The
band played this vigorous operatic selection with an elaborate counterpoint of
basses with charming melody. As an encore to this rendition, the Purdue Band
presented "Minuet in G."
"Rienzi" Received Ovation
The entrancing strains of Johann Strtauss' "On the Beautiful Blue
Danube," brought forth insistent applause from the audience, and as an
encore, Prof. Emrick and his band presented, "In a Persian Market." As
his fifth selection, Emrick offered overture to "Rienzi." This
overture portrays a vivid picture of the opera itself. Rienzi's prayer was
presented in a beautiful melody by the clarinets, followed by the call to battle
by the French horns after which the prayer bursts forth in the basses with the
rapid figurations in the flutes and clarinets. Vigorous rolls on field drums
were followed again by the Call to Battle. Leading on through the composition
with battle humns, war marches, prayer melodies and trumpet calls, the band
reached a stirring conclusion in using the theme of the battle hymn.
The concert moved to a composition somewhat more American in the following
number by presenting "On the Banks of the Wabash," as an encore to
"Rienzi." During the intermission that followed, Professor Emrick
deserted the conductor's stand to talk informally with the audience and present
Mr. Essick, Mr. Stingley and Mr. Bitters with bouquets.
Possibly the highlight of individual performances during the evening was F. C.
Baase's xylophone solo, "Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna," by Von
Suppe. The audience demanded three encores, for which Baase, a member of the
freshman class, played "Flight of the Bumble Bee," a Russian
composition, "Frolic of the Keys," and Victor Herbert's, "Gypsy
Love Song."
The popular overture to "Poet and Peasant," was presented as the final
number on the program. This composition by Suppe, which was re-written twice by
him before acceptance as an opera, was received by the audience with
commendation. Prof. Emrick led his band through the patriotic strains of the
"Star Spangled Banner," and the closing number of the evening.
Won Derby Cup
The return of Paul Emrick to Rochester brought back fond memories to many
residents of Rochester who knew either Paul or his father, Levi Emrick. Levi
Emrick, a cigar maker, was one of the principals in the Citizens Band, and at
the age of 10, his son was playing a clarinet in the organization. Paul later
graduated from Rochester high school, entered the school of engineering at
Purdue and in his sophomore year was made director of the Purdue military band.
Emrick graduated in 1904. Since that time he has maintained leadership of the
organization and has brought it to the ranks of being one of the best university
bands in the United Staters today.
Last Saturday, the Purdue band was awarded the Derby cup as a first prize award
at the Kentucky Derby. The concert played at Rochester was made while enroute to
Benton Harbor, Michigan, where they will play for the Blossom Festival.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, May 9, 1936]
PAUL SPOTTS EMRICK
Paul Spotts Emrick was the son of Levi and Sarah Alice Spotts Emrick.
Upon his death the following "Memorial Resolution on the life of Professor
Paul Spootts Emrick" was proclaimed by Purdue University. It was written by
Gerald W. Isaacs, George M. Palmer, and J. Holmes Martin.
"Professor Paul Spotts Emrick was born at Rochester, Ind., Mar. 30, 1884.
He passed away at Woodlawn Hospital in the town of his birth on July 28, 1965.
Surviving are his wife Adeline, a son Lt. Gen. Paul Stanley Emrick, U.S. Air
Force, and a daughter, Mrs. John Christensen, San Diego, Calif.
"Professor Emrick received his early education in the Rochester schools and
entered Purdue University in 1904. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Electrical Engineering in 1908 and received the professional degree
of Electrical Engineer in 1912. Upon graduating he worked for the summer as an
electrical engineer for a traction company in South Bend, but he returned to the
campus the following fall as an Instructor in Electrical Engineering.
"In the forthcoming years he was to earn national acclaim as Director of
the Purdue Band, a position to which he was first elected as a sophomore student
in 1905. Many innovations in band performances were attributed to his
creativity. In 1907 the 50-piece Purdue Band suddenly broke ranks on the
football field and formed the block letter 'P'. So far as is known, this was the
first letter formation executed by a band. Other innovations by Professor Emrick
included the gyrating letter formation, the carrying of all Big Ten colors, and
the use of mobile illumination for accenting night formations. The illuminated
night formations were first used at Dyche Stadium at Northwestern University in
1935. Seeing this performance, radio announcer Ted Husing called the band the
All-American Band, a name it carries to this day.
"Prof. Emrick was well known not only as a conductor, but as a composer of
band music. In 1925 when John Phillip Sousa brought his famous band to
Lafayette, he presented a silver cup to Prof. Emrick and the Purdue Band as the
outstanding collegiate band in the country at that time. After Prof. Emrick
conducted the 'Indiana State March' which he had composed, Mr. Sousa asked him
to conduct the combined Purdue and Sousa bands in the 'Stars and Stripes
Forever', an occasion Prof. Emrick and the Purdue Band members of that day never
forgot.
"Prof. Emrick was active in both campus activities as a stucdent and
community activities as a permanent citizen of the community. He was a member of
Scabbard and Blade military honorary. He was a member of Rotary International
and served a term as president of the Lafayette club in 1943-44.
"Prof. Emrick returned to Rochester and his home on Lake Manitou soon after
his retirement from the University June 30, 1954. He had served as Director of
Purdue Bands for 49 years. His final concert as director was presented on
Mother's Day May 9, 1954, but he was to return as guest conductor at several
performances of the band during his retirement.
"Under Prof. Emrick's directorship, the Purdue Band operated as a strict
military unit. He considered the purpose of the Band to be not only for music
but for character building. Many alumni of the Purdue Band have gone on to
highly successful careers in both military and civilian pursuits. Prof. Emrick
never tired of reminiscing to his students regarding the musical prowess and
post-graduation accomplishents of his 'band boys'. He fostered a feeling of
pride among his bandsmen that kept them ever in the pursuit of their best
performances."
According to Purdue football program for Nov. 12, 1949, the Purdue band was also
"the first to play the opponents' school song, the first to display the
Western Conference school colors on its guidons, the first to use a symphonic
entree, and the first to use as many as 16 glockenspiels. That double rank of
bell-like instruments that you hear pealing out the melody constitutes the
largest 'glock' section in the country.
Paul was the son of Levi and Sarah Alice Spotts Emrick. His mother's maiden name
was given to him as a middle name, and he was known as Spotts all his life.
Alice Spotts had three sisters: Martha "Mattie" Metcalf, Matilda
"Tillie" Agnes Osgood, and Janny Haines. Their father,David Spotts,
was probably a brother of George Spotts.
Emrick was from a musical family. Home Folks Vol. 2, 1911, by Marguerite Miller,
contains a history of brass bands in Rochester by William Rannells. The very
first band in Rochester was organized in 1858 and was called the Rochester
Cornet Band. The director was Ovid P. Osgood, Paul's uncle. When the Civil War
broke out, Osgood joined the 87th Regiment as a musician, accompanied Sherman's
march to the sea, and played before President Lincoln when he reviewed the Union
troops at the close of the war the grand muster-out at Washington City.
Upon his return home, Osgood became leader of the Rochester band again, playing
Eb cornet. The band was split into two factions, one calling itself the
Democratic Band, and the other calling itself the Union Band. Much furious
competition finally caused the bands to lose membership and become inactive. By
1874 Professor J. G. Pearson organized a new band, and Levi S. Emrick is listed
as a member. Ovid Osgood was director again in 1875, Pearson having moved away.
Again the band retrograded. In 1876 William Rannells, Carlos Edison, and Levi S.
Emrick organized the band with the following members: Carlos "Tom"
Edison, director, Eb cornet; J. S. Chapin, Bb cornet; Ovid Osgood, Eb cornet;
Will Rannells, solo alto; Ed Zook, 1st alto; W. H. Shelton, 2nd alto; Mox
Samuels trombone; L. S. Emrick, baritone; George Van Skike, tuba; F. M. Ashton,
bass drum; Tommy Shaffer, tenor drum. In about 1888 Emrick was chosen manager,
which position he held for many years. "No man was better fitted for the
position. Of a kind, lovable personality, good executive ability and respected
by the members. To him more honor is due for the splendid band organization of
Rochester than any other man. He decided that the band should be uniformed and
secured the first uniforms any band ever had in Rochester, consisting of blue
flannel pants with gold braid on the seams. The pants were so thin they had to
be lined with muslin. We all had black coats so we turned the collars up and
pinned them around the neck. The only thing we had to send for was the gold
braid and little flat navy blue caps with a small bunch of feathers, called
pom-pons in front of the cap. That was certainly one of the proud days for the
boys when we marched down the street. We had tried to keep it a secret until we
marched out in our new uniforms. Emrick commenced to agitate the necessity of
having new instruments. We gave balls, shows, Emrick's minstrels, etc., until we
got enough money to get a set of Straton instruments. They were all helicon
shape and very cheap. I remember marching down the street one day, playing on
the old board sidewalk. Billy Shelton's bell fell off his horn and he nearly
fell over it."
In 1882 the band gave a show called "Emrick's Minstrels," which raised
$80 to benefit the band. During the 1880's two bands again competed for
Rochester's affections: Rannells' G.A.R. Band (Grand Army of the Republic or
G.A.R. referred to Union Army veterans) and Emrick's K. of P. Band (Knights of
Pythias Lodge). In the fall of 1887 the two bands were consolidated. This
organization lasted only two or three weeks. Due to petty jealousies existing
among the members, the band separated and members went back to their respective
band rooms.
On July 4, 1886 L. S. Emrick engaged the band to accompany an excursion to
Chicago. Will Rannells was playing "Old Helicon" for the band. Several
of the band boys' wives accompanied them. Emrick engaged lodging at the Kune
Hotel on Clark Street. At four o'clock in the morning someone aroused Rannels
and his wife by pounding on their door. On inquiring what was wanted, they found
Ed Zook frightened nearly to death trying to find all the band boys, saying the
house was on fire. There was a general rush to get out, some carrying their
clothes, some without any. Stilla Bailey went out with one pants leg on and one
over his shoulder. Lee Emrick, when awakened, turned over and put his hand on
the wall, said, "Oh, it ain't hot yet," then turned over and tried to
go to sleep. When they reached the balcony in front over the street, they found
the fire was on the opposite side of the street in a four-story building used as
a restaurant and rooming house. Smoke was thick, heavy, greasy-looking rolls and
clouds was seen pouring out from every window. The whole neighborhood was thick
with a dense fog of smoke. The first alarm reported that it was their hotel,
which caused the first excitement, but when it was reported that some of the
band boys were in the burning restaurant, Sam Hefley and Changler were missing,
then there was more excitement, but it too proved to be a mistake. (from Home
Folks, p. 46)
The Rochester Union Spy, Feb. 28, 1879, reported about the Kewanna Band Festival
held at the Christian Church on the evening of Feb. 13. "Emrick's Cornet
Band of Rochester was present in full force and a large table was filled with
all that a hungry stomach could desire in the gallery of the church for the
Rochester band exclusively. Some, if not all the band, regretted very much that
their band suits were cut to fit so tight. No damage was done; however, when
playing the first tune after eating, in some of the higher notes brass buttons
could be heard flying off against the wall. The music was all that could be
desired and everyone present enjoyed themselves to the best advantage. The net
proceeds amounted to $60 and enough food was left to sell at public auction and
supply another festival."
Levi Emrick died July 14, 1888, having suffered for several months from
consumption. He was 40 years old. He left a widow and two children. His obituary
in the Rochester Sentinel mentions that he had once been the Republican nominee
for county clerk but did not succeed. Levi or "Lee" as he was called,
had lived in Rochester about 20 years. The funeral took place in the family home
on Jefferson Street and interment in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
During Levi Emrick's sickness and death, times were hard for the widow and her
small children. Then Mrs. Emrick went into business with her sister, Martha
Metcalf, operating the Emrick & Metcalf Millinery Shop at 612 Main Street,
where Tobey's Antiques is today. Evidently the hat business was a thriving one
because it enabled both Mrs. Emrick and Mrs. Metcalf to purchase cottages at
Lake Manitou as well as support their families.
Paul and his mother lived in rooms back of the millinery shop, while Mrs.
Metcalf lived above the shop.
Even as a little boy Paul was eager to play a musical instrument, and, of
course, the Rochester Citizens Band took him under its wing. Viv Essick got a
little chair for Paul to sit on during rehearsals when he was still a toddler
and accompanied his father to band practice. Essick's daughter, Zella Wagoner,
still has one of the band chairs. The band room was on the second story of the
I.O.O.F. building (now called Knapp building) on the northwest corner of Main
and Ninth. After his father's death, Stilla Bailey used to take Paul with him to
band practice. At that time the band used a room above C. C. Wolf's jewelry
store for their practice room. (Wolf's jewelry was where Truitt's Shoes is now,
726 Main.) It is not known who taught Paul to play but probably several of the
band fellows had a hand in it. There was no high school band in those days
(Rochester High School band was organized in 1930) so Paul played with the
Citizens Band while he was in high school. He also directed musical groups that
played for dances and dramatic productions at the Academy of Music, the opera
house at the southwest corner of Main and Fifth. Summer band concerts were given
on a portable bandstand parked in front of the courthouse flagpole. The
bandstand was a platform built on wagon wheels and was stored back of the
firestation and brought out only on Wednesday nights for the band concerts. The
July 3, 1907 Rochester Sentinel has a notice of a band concert with Paul Emrick,
director.
Paul entered Purdue University in the fall of 1904 and majored in electrical
engineering; and, of course, he joined the Purdue band. The first Purdue band,
organized in 1896, contained 15 musicians. When Paul (always known as Spotts at
Purdue) was a sophomore in the fall of 1905, he was elected director of the band
by vote of the members. It was during the fall of his senior year in 1907, that
the 50-piece Purdue band drew much comment when it suddenly broke ranks while
playing on the football field and formed a letter "P". So far as is
known, this was the beginning of the letter formations which soon became popular
over the nation.
Spotts continued to direct the Purdue band until he graduated in 1908. On the
day after his graduation, he took a job as an electrical engineer at a traction
company in South Bend, but in the fall he returned to the campus as an
instructor in electrical engineering. He combined teaching with band directing
for the next 34 years, also taking time to study and earn his E.E. degree in
1912. The last 12 years of his band directing career he did not teach but
directed band full time.
The idea of a giant bass drum, the world's largest drum, was conceived by Spotts
in 1919. He contacted U. G. Leedy, president of Leedy Drum Company of
Indianapolis, and asked how large a drum he could make. Mr. Leedy's reply was
that he could make one as large as the skins available since cow hides were then
used as drum heads. A search was made throughtout the cattle regions of the West
in order to find skins large enough to cover an eight foot circle. Two years
passed before two huge steer hides were acquired from Kingan & Company and
the first bass drum constructed at a cost of $1000, according to an article in
the Purdue Exponent Dec. 11, 1921. The money was proviced by the Lafayette Elks
and by the bandsmen themselves. When first unveiled at a press gathering, the
much-publicized drum was tested. The volume was so deep that housewives in
nearby houses thought they heard thunder and rushed outside to remove clothes
from the lines. The drum has appeared with the All-American band almost every
year since, always bearing the slogan, "World's Largest Drum."
An article appeared in the Purdue Exponent Oct 1, 1979: "A 'friendly
controversy' has arisen between Purdue and the University of Texas where the
'Show Band of the Southwest' claims that their bass drum, Big Bertha, is the
world's largest.
Lyle Harris, owner of Harris Drugs of Akron, was a member of Emrick's Purdue
band 1947-51 and was supply officer. He took the big drum to Elkhart in 1951 for
a new drumhead and stopped at Akron overnight. He put the drum in Whit Gast's
storage house overnight. The drum on top of a truck could not go through most
doors. Emrick told Harris that they couldn't get a drum head during World War
II. It took a very large steer and they finally found one in Argentina.
One of the members of Emrick's Purdue band was Orville Redenbacher, now famous
for his gourmet popping corn. Redenbacher writes: "I had a lot of
admiration for Professor Emrick. I played a sousaphone during my freshman and
sophomore years which would have been '24-'25 and '25-'26. In high school I had
played a trumpet."
[Paul Spotts Emrick, Shirley Willard, Fulton Co Folks, Vol. 2, Willard]
EMRICK & METCALF [Rochester, Indiana]
Located at 612 Main, where Tobey's Antiques was in 1981.
Millinery shop operated by Alice Spotts Emrick, mother of Paul Spotts Emrick,
and her sister, Martha Metcalf.
__________
[Adv] Sweeping Slash in Prices of all Fall and Winter MILLINERY Friday and
Saturday only. Last Call - Come. EMRICK & METCALF, 612 Main Street.
[The News- Sentinel, Thursday, January 12, 1928]
EMRICK BAND [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rannells, William W.
EMRICK ORCHESTRA [Rochester, Indiana]
The Emrick orchestra will play for the millinery opening at Emrick &
Metcalf's, Tuesday evening.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 8, 1901]
ENGLES' GROCERY & FRUIT MARKET [Rochester, Indiana]
See Vernon's Grocery
__________
LOGANSPORT MAN BUYS THE CORNELL GROCERY
Through a business deal consummated Tuesday, the Cornell grocery and fruit
market located on the west side of the public square was purchased by Oscar
Engles, of Logansport. P. O. Cornell, former owner of the grocery, has not
announced his plans for the future.
Mrs. Engles arrived from Logansport early Wednesday morning and took over the
operation of this popular store. Both Mr. and Mrs. Engles have had considerable
experience in the grocery business in Logansport and they plan to move to this
city as soon as they are able to procure a suitable residence, it was stated.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, November 17, 1937]
ENSEL, CAROLYN [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Carolyn Ensel announces the opening of a SCHOOL OF DANCING. Teaching class
and private lessons in Ballet-toe Tap, Acrobatics, Ballroom. Call in person Wed.
May 25th, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., K. of P. Hall and join a class.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, May 23, 1932]
ENSIGN, RICHARD BARR
See: Dawson, George V.
ENTERPRISE RESTAURANT [Rochester, Indiana]
Melvin and Fred True opened their restaurant south of the court house, yesterday
morning. They have put in a good stock of goods and the men have enough
experience to make their restaurant a first class eating house.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, August 22, 1901]
[Adv] THE ENTERPRISE RESTAURANT, Fred True, Magr. A New Outfit The Best Service
Satisfaction. Open Night and Day. Give us a trial and we will do the rest. Lunch
at all hours day and week board our specialty. Remember our location, in the old
Robbins stand, on south side of Court House.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, August 28, 1901]
LOCAL NEWS
True Bros have purchased LeRoy Smith's restaurant stock at Tiosa and are making
improvements on their Enterprise restaurant here. They will do a lunch counter
business almost exclusively.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, October 16, 1901]
LOCAL NEWS - FRIDAY
Fred True has sold his Enterprise restaurant, on the south side, to Ola Owens.
The new proprietor has had considerable experience in the restaurant business.
Mr. True enjoyed a very liberal patronage, and will now probably be employed by
an Indianapolis firm.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, June 6, 1902]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Harley McCarter has purchased the Enterprise restaurant and will take charge
immediately. The former proprietor, Oley Owens, will stay in Rochester this
winter but will leave for the West in the spring, for the benefit of his wife's
health.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, December 16, 1903]
[Adv] The Enterprise Restaurant, South Side Court House - - - - Warm Meals
25c, Warm Lunch, 15c. Short Orders at all Hours. - - - ENTERPRISE RESTAURANT,
SEVERNS & ADAMSON, PROPS.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, April 19, 1904]
ENTSMINGER, A. {Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Bargains in Farms. Look at this list of Cheap Farms: - - - - Also Town
Lots, Houses and Lots, and small tracts of Land at prices and terms to suit
everybody. A. ENTSMINGER, office with Milo R. Smith.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, August 3, 1892]
ENTSMINGER & HENDERSON [Rochester, Indiana]
LOCAL NEWS
The real estate firm of Entsminger & Henderson has been dissolved by mutual
consent. Mr. Entsminger will remain in the old quarters and Mr. Henderson will
be just across the hall. Both gentlemen expect to continue in the real estate
business in Rochester right along.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, June 2, 1903]
ENYART, M. LEW [Macy, Allen Township, Miami County]
BIOGRAPHY
M. Lew Enyart, editor and proprietor of the Macy Monitor, is a native of Cass
County, this State, and was born June 22, 1840. He was the youngest son in a
family of six children born to Benjamin and Mary (McColla) Enyart, the former a
native of Hamilton County, Ohio, of French descent, and the latter a native of
Clark County, West Virginia. At the tender age of three years our subject was
left without a mother. Owing to a physical disability he was unable to help his
father upon the farm and was in consequence kept in school. At the age of
seventeen he was apprenticed to Thomas Bringhurst, of Logansport, with the view
of learning the printer's trade. During the winter of 1856-7 he taught school in
Fulton County. In the spring of 1857 he went to Waterloo, Iowa, wher he entered
the office of the Cedar Valley Register. Here he remained about six months. In
the following fall he returned to Fulton County and taught another term of
school. In the spring of 1858 he again returned to Watrloo, Iowa, and began the
study of law under Judge L. D. Rannalls. In the spring of 1861 he again returned
to the home of his father in Fulton County, and, feeling a desire to enter the
army, he made three unsuccessful attempts to join the Union army but was refused
admission on account of the deficiency in his leg. He then went to Logansport
and read law under Judge Chamberlain one year. August 2, 1862, he again made an
attempt to enter the military service, and this time was successful. He entered
Company K., 5th Cavalry, 90th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, from which, owing to
his physical weakness, he received an honorable discharge in December following.
On leaving the army he returned home and again took up teaching. In 1865 he
again began the study of law; was admitted to the Rochester bar in 1867. At that
place he formed a partnership with Col. K. G. Shryock, with whom he practiced
law two years. In 1869 our subject entered upon the practice of law at North
Manchester, Wabash County. A year later he came to this county and located at
Lincoln (now Macy). In 1875 he located at Twelve Mile, Cass County. He went to
Wolcott, White County, in the spring of 1876, and in the following fall he
returned to Logansport and engaged in the real estate business. In 1879 he
engaged in the same business in Peru. To promote his interests in this he
published for a time The Real Estate Review, and it is worthy of note that Mr.
Enyart became the most successful agent of that kind that has ever done business
in the county. In March, 1885, he returned to Macy, and on the 16th day of May,
following, the first issue of the Macy Monitor went forth with the name of M.
Lew Enyart as editor and proprietor. He took into his employ Mr. David O.
Huffman, who has acted in the capacity of publisher ever since. June 14, 1868,
he was married to Sophia M. Knight, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, born Aug.
6, 1840. She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Jones) Knight, the former
a native of New York and the latter a native of Piqua County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Enyart have had four children. The first was an infant son that died in infancy
unnamed. The others are Ora M., Orpha E. and Edwin K., all living. Mr. Enyart is
a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and an ardent Republican in politics. He
was honored with the office of Justice of the Peace in Allen Township one term,
at the close of which he declined the nomination of both political parties. Mr.
Enyart is a pleasant, intelligent gentleman and a good citizen.
[History of Miami County, Indiana, 1887, Brant & Fuller. pp. 516-517]
ENYART, O. M. [Macy, Indiana]
FULTON CREAMERY HAS BEEN SOLD
The creamery at Fulton has been sold by the stockholders to M. O. Enyart, the
price being $800, it is said. It is also reported that the business will be
abandoned there and the building used for a garage.
There are many reports concerning the institution to be heard, but from reliable
authority it is learned that the building and equipment cost the promoters and
stockholders $5,000. The industry was completed last year and has been in
operation about one year. During the time it is said to have lost the
stockholders something in the neighborhood of $2,400, which leaves them a net
loss of about $6,600.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 15, 1912]
ENYART-McMAHAN CREAMERY
It has been rumored that O. M. Enyart had purchased the Fulton creamery and
would discontinue the business and turn the building into an up-to-date garage.
This report is wholly unfounded. Mr. Enyart purchased the creamery and in turn
sold a half interest in the business to Ott McMahan and the firm will continue
the business. In fact, the wagons are now on the road and every effort will be
made to build up a profitable business. The creamery was started by an
association of farmers a couple of years ago and never proved a profitable
investment. Both Messrs. Enyart and McMahan are alert business men and expect to
put steam enough back of the business to make it a success.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 21, 1912]
ENYART, ORA M. [Macy, Miami County]
MACY MAN IN LUCK
The following news item in the Washington D. C. Times will be of interest to
SENTINEL readers as the favored young author referred to is a son of M. Lew
Enyart, of Macy, and the husband of Miss Grace Johnson formerly of this city.
"Congressional Register," a book which has been compiled by O M.
Enyart, assistant librarian of the house. The volume contains biographies of
every member of the house and every senator who has ever served in congress, and
gives, in addition, a number of tables and statistics as to the terms of
service, apportionment, majorities in elections, etc. The main portion of the
book is made up of 7,315 biographies. Part are compiled from the
"Congressional Directory," which had been published as a public
document since 1864 and was printed privately from 1884 to 1864. The others have
been written after long researching among original documents. Altogether, the
book will be of great value for reference, as it will contain a complete
personal history of the federal legislative body since its beginning.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 23, 1901]
LOCAL NEWS - TUESDAY
Peru Chronicle: Ora Enyart returned Saturday from a two weeks' stay in
Washington. His congressional directory which he is publishing will soon be
ready for distribution and is said to be the complete record of congressmen ever
issued.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 4, 1902]
LOCAL NEWS - FRIDAY
Peru Republican: Ora M. Enyart, the popular and efficient secretary of the Miami
County Republican Central Committee, will shortly go to Washington, where he
will act as secretary to Congressman Steele, and will at the same time look
after the interests of a book compiled by him, and which has been authorized for
publication by act of the House, only the 000000action of the Senate being
awaited. The book is called "Congressional Biographies," and contains
brief sketches of all those who have ever served in either branch of Congress
since the establishment of the government.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 21, 1902]
A SUSPICIOUS FIND
Ora Enyart, of Peru, formerly secretary to Congressman George W. Steele, who is
well known in this city, made a find while walking at Washington which has
started the detective department of the government on an investigation which, it
is believed, will result in unearthing one of the biggest thefts of recent
years.
He found a government envelope, bearing the seal of the Chicago sub treasury. A
corner that had been ripped off contained the fragments of numerous treasury
notes, which had been torn in two in opening the envelope. The envelope was
addressed to the division of loans and discounts, treasury department. A dollar
bill was laying near the envelope.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, December 14, 1903]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Peru Sentinel: Ora Enyart of the firm of Enyart & Sons, has purchased the
Sharpsville Record and will take possession of the plant in February. The Record
is an independent sheet and the only one in the town. Mr. Enyart will not alter
its policy. The new proprietor has had considerable newspaper experience on the
Macy Monitor and is an able young man.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, January 13, 1904]
ENYART GENERAL STORE, M. O. [Fulton, Indiana]
Operating in 1901.
ENYART & SHOWLEY HARDWARE [Kewanna, Indiana]
HARDWARE SOLD
Mrs. Luella Zartman of Kewanna has sold her hardware store in that town to Oscar
Enyart and Arthur Showley. Mr. Enyart has been employed at the store for years.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 27, 1916]
ENYART & SON [Kewanna, Indiana]
KEWANNA
E. B. Cook and son, of Grass Creek, traded for the merchandise stock of Enyart
& Son, and took possession Friday of last week.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, September 1, 1904]
ENYEART, OSCAR [Kewanna, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
Oscar Enyeart, a substantial citizen and well known hardware dealer of Kewanna,
was born in Fulton county, Indiana, August 29, 1880, the son of Joseph R. and
Elizabeth (Grupp) Enyeart, early residents of Fulton county. They were the
parents of three children: Milo, Plauda, and Oscar. Plauda Enyeart taught school
for eighteen years in Pulaski and Fulton counties following her graduation from
Valparaiso University. Oscar Enyeart was educated in the graded and high schools
of his home community, and in 1900, he accepted employment in a hardware store.
He found the work suited to his tastes, and some time later he went into a
similar business with his brother, Milo, as partner. Their success in the
enterprise has been marked, and no business in Kewanna is on a more secure
financial footing than is that of the Enyeart brothers. In 1907, Oscar Enyeart
married Exia [Bernice] Slick, and to this union was born one daughter, Roene B.
Mrs. Enyeart died on October 16, 1913, and on November 28, 1919, he married
again, choosing for his second wife, Ida May Sparks. By this second marriage, he
has one child, Robert M. Fraternally, Mr. Enyeart is a member of the Masonic
Lodge No. 546, and he and his wife profess the tenets of the Baptist creed.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 185-186, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
ENYEART BROTHERS HARDWARE [Kewanna, Indiana]
WILL CLOSE OUT BUSINESS
Enyeart Brothers, proprietors of one of the old reliable hardware stores of
Kewanna, have determined to dispose of their large stock of hardware and
implements and quit the business. Their going out of business will be a distinct
loss to the business world of Kewanna, as they have established an enviable
reputation of square dealing and good goods and the public will keenly feel the
loss of this store. -- Kewanna Herald.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Monday, September 20, 1926]
EPIDEMIC [Fulton County]
See Flu Epidemic - 1918
EPSTEEN, JEAN (JOHNSTON) [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
ERDMANN, REID [Rochester, Indiana]
MICHIGAN MAN PURCHASES DRUG STORE AND FIXTURES
Reid Erdmann of Grand Rapids, Mich., purchased the entire stock of drugs,
accessories and fixtures of the Brownie drug store of this city at a receiver's
sale, held here Friday. Mr. Erdmann, a registered pharmacist who has been
associated with the Muir Drug Company stores for a numer of years plans to
reopen and restock the drug store which is located in the Times Theatre building
of this city. The new proprietor stated he planned to have his business in
operation by Tuesday or Wednesday of coming week.
Mr. and Mrs. Erdmann and their three children will take up permanent residence
in this city as soon as a suitable house is available. Erdmann's family will
come here from Reynolds, Ind. The sale was conducted by Harold C. McClain of
Fort Wayne, who was named receiver for the Brownie drug store several weeks ago.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, July 3, 1943]
REID ERDMANN PARTNER IN REXALL DRUG STORE
David Shafer, junior partner in the local Coplen and Shafer drug store,
announced today that he has sold his interest in the concern to Reid Erdmann,
Rochester pharmacist. The new change in management is the fifth since the
building was first opened by Jonathan Dawson in 1870.
Dave Shafer entered partnership with Gene Coplen in July, 1938 when George
Dawson retired from the firm. His exact plans for the future are indefinite
pending information on his exact military status.
During Mr. Shafer's five and one-half years as partner in the firm the store was
completely remodeled and many new features were added to the modern interior of
the store.
The new partner, Reid Erdmann, moved to Rochester from Richmond, Ind., last
July, to operate the drug store in the Times Theatre building, formerly owned by
Floyd Brown.
Stock from Mr. Erdmann's drug store has been moved to his new location and he
plans to sell the fixtures in the old store.
The present pharmacy was established by Jonathan Dawson in 1870. In 1887 his
son, George Dawson, entered partnership with his father. Jonathan Dawson retired
in 1898 and a partnership between Nels Richter and the younger Dawson was
formerd under the name of Dawson and Richter. In 1904 George Dawson purchased
Richter's share in the store and in 1909 Gene Coplen began his duties there as a
clerk.
Mr. Coplen went to Colorado in 1909 to work and returned to Rochester the
following year and bought part interest in the store. The Dawson-Coplen
partnership was dissolved in 1938 when Dave Shafer purchased Mr. Dawson's
interest.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, February 21, 1944]
ERIE ELEVATOR [Athens, Indiana]
The old Erie elevator at Athens, long in disuse, went up in smoke Monday morning
shortly after four o'clock from fire believed to have originated in a Ford coupe
owned by Rev. Robert Moonshower, who lives near to the elevator.
The car had been left parked in a covered driveway up to the elevator for the
night and it is presumed that a short circuited wire started the blaze in the
car, which was discovered at about 4:30 o'clock by Virgil Baker and Joseph
McIntyre.
They summoned help but before anybody arrived the gasoline tank in the
automobile had exploded throwing the burning fuel onto the building, which
burned rapidly, once it was started.
Efforts to quench the big blaze were unavailing and in a short time the elevator
had burned to the ground and with it a smaller building adjacent, which had been
used in the past to store flour.
Several nearby roofs caught fire and a strong wind from the south kept the
firefighters busy saving the whole northern section of the town. The home of
William Burns was on fire, but extinguished before any material damage was done
as was also the case with the Moonshower barn and granary.
Moonshower's loss was fully covered by insurance. It was estimated that the loss
of the elevator fire amounted to around $1,000.
The structure was built by Benjamin Noftsger, of Rochester, 21 years ago. He
operated it successfully until a few years ago when the Erie double tracked
through this section.
At that time Erie agents claimed that the elevator encroached a foot on railroad
property, and made an effort to have it moved, but Noftsger refused after
determining that the agents were mistaken. Rather than make the one foot
deviation in the course of the tracks, the railroad purchased the elevator from
Noftsger, moved it over at an expense of $2,000 and it is understood sold it
recently after it had gone from bad to worse, and in fact had not been operated
for several years.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, January 28, 1924]
ERIE ELEVATOR [Rochester, Indiana]
Located SE corner, intersection Main street and Erie Railroad.
[See LAKE MANITOU, LAKE MANITOU'S EARLY HISTORY - Rochester Sentinel, Saturday,
March 11, 1922]
__________
[Adv] ERIE ELEVATOR, Rochester, Indiana, where you can also sell your grain
at the highest market price. Clover and Timothy Seed and Flour for sale. Wheat
and Oats, as well as Corn dumped with the latest improvised dumper. W. J. LEITER,
Prop.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, March 11, 1903]
SONS OF W. J. LEITER TO TAKE OVER ERIE ELEVATOR
With the intention of soon turning the business over to his two sons, now at
home, W. J. Leiter, owner of the Erie elevator, Monday gave his son William
Leiter the position formerly held by Frank Sheward who resigned Saturday.
William Leiter returned recently from California, where he had been for the last
nine years. Fred Leiter, who has been employed at the elevator for a number of
years, will, with his brother, take over the business in the near future.
W. J. Leiter, who is in his 77th year, has been in the elevator business in
Rochester for 40 years first buying a mill in 1876 from the Taber heirs, who had
erected it on the present site of the Erie elevator in 1856, building at that
time a canal from the lake to get water power. The firm name in 1876 was Elliot,
Leiter and Hickman, later, Leiter and Hickman, later, Leiter and Peterson and
when the mill burned in 1895, Mr. Leiter rebuilt in 1900, taking over entire
ownership of the present elevator.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, August 29, 1916]
William Jefferson LEITER, pioneer resident of Fulton county, who came here
with his parents in a covered wagon in 1854, died at his home on West Eighth
street Saturday evening following a long illness, which had confined him to his
home for a number of weeks. Death was caused by old age and complications. He
was 83 years of age.
Mr. Leiter was born in Seneca county, Ohio, April 17, 1840. Five years later his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. John LEITER, Jr., started westward and took up a homestead
on the south bank of the Tippecanoe river near where Leiters now stands. The
ford at the river here was given its name by Mr. Leiter's parents who built a
rude shanty there shortly after arriving. They simply placed four posts in the
ground and nailed the boards on them.
Later they constructed a second and more permanent home, building it of Tamarack
logs. For many years it was known as the Tamarack Hotel and here Mr. Leiter as a
young man worked on the farm helping to clear the land and make it tillable. He
attended the district school and later went to Valparaiso College and upon
returning spent several years teaching school in this vicinity. He was married
on December 27, 1805, to Ellen A. HICKMAN, who was born in 1841 in Fulton
county.
On January 21, 1877, along with Clark HICKMAN he took over the Potawatomie Mills
in Rochester, which stood where the Erie Elevator is now located. Water power
from the old canal was used and the mill soon became one of the best and largest
in Northern Indiana. Frederick PETERSON later on bought out Mr. Hickman and the
mill then went under the firm name of LEITER and PETERSON. In 1896 the building
burned to the ground and for some time afterwards Mr. Leiter was interested in
the bank which grew into the U. S. Bank and Trust Co. In 1898 he erected another
elevator on the site of the old one and since that time has been active in
charge until a few months previous to his death. Altogether he was in the grain
business 46 years. . . . . . .
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, May 21, 1923]
WM. LEITER SELLS INTEREST
William Leiter has traded his interest in the Erie Elevator to his brothers and
sisters. The elevator in the future will be managed by Fred Leiter. William
Leiter will move to Des Moines, Ia., about November 1. He has accepted a
position with an elevator in that city.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Monday, August 16, 1926]
[Photo] William J. Leiter.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Thursday, December 6, 1934, p. 15]
__________
A Pioneer Mill Name
As we turn back the pages of commercial history in Rochester, the name of
William J. Leiter stands out in a sharp sillouette against a background of the
milling industry of early days.
Mr. Leiter, whose picture accompanies this sketch will be remembered by a host
of Fulton county people as the proprietor of the Erie Elevator at Main street
and the Erie Railroad, but his history dates back to 1845, when he came with his
parents to Fulton county from Ohio.
He spent his younger life on the farm, but in 1877, in partnership with Hickman
& Peterson, purchased the Pottawattomie Mills on the site of the present
elevator. The old mill burned several years ago, making way for the new, modern
structure.
Mr. Leiter conducted the business until failing health rendered him incompetent,
at which time the property was managed by his sons Clyde, William, Jr., and
Fred. In more recent years, or since Mr. Leiter's death in 1922, Fred Leiter,
assisted by his sister, Mae, have conducted the business.
The Leiter name always stood for honest and honorable dealings and the Elevator
continues today, as in the past, to serve a large list of patrons. In recent
years, due to changing business conditions, new lines have been added, coal
being the outstanding new commodity. But feed and grain continue to be
fundamentals of the business, most of which are purchased and sold in the
community.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Thursday, December 6, 1934, p. 15]
ERIE MARKET AND GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] Erie Market and Grocery - Where your dollar goes Farthest - - - - All the
fruits and vegatables of the season. Our line of smoked cured and cooked meats
is complete. We Deliver. 196 North Main St., Phone 228.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, October 13, 1922]
[adv. - Where your dollar goes the farthest - Extends Easter Greetings . . .
. . J. W. Darr., phone 228.]
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, March 30, 1923]
[Adv - First and Last chance store of the North End. ' ' ' ' J. W. Darr,
Phone 228]
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, November 9, 1923]
GROCERY SOLD
Announcement was made today that Fred Perschbacher, Sr., has purchased the Erie
Grocery at 196 North Main street of Mrs. William Struckman. The purchaser has
taken possession and will continue to operate the store. Mr. Perschbacher has
had considerable experience in the grocery business. It also was announced that
Mr. Perschbacher has sold his residence at 815 South Monroe street to George
Deamer, Jr.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, May 21, 1937]
ERIE & MICHIGAN CANAL [Fulton County]
See: Toledo, Fort Wayne & Chicago Barge Canal
__________
ROCHESTER ONCE CONSIDERED IN PROPOSED STATE CANAL ROUTE
Recently Harry O. Garman, a consulting engineer of Indianapolis, published a
booklet in which he wrote a very interesting history of the canals which were
constructed and used in Indiana. These were built in the years between 1830 and
1870, and at one time they formed the backbone of commerce in the Hoosier State.
The coming of the railroads marked the end of the canals and by 1870 all of them
had gone out of use.
Since that time, the majority of the canals in the state have been filled in or
returned to farm land. There is one exception, and that is the Whitewater Canal,
which runs northwest from Brookville, Ind., thru the villages of Metamora and
Laurel. Water still flows through this canal, and there is now an act in the
Legislature which provides for an appropriation and the acquisition of this
canal, so it can be restored and maintained as a state memorial.
Project Never Started
Of interest to people of Rochester and Fulton county is the fact that it was
once planned to build a canal connecting with Lake Michigan at Gary and coming
down through Valparaiso, Knox, Rochester, and then connecting with the famous
[Wabash &] Erie Canal at Huntington. However, this canal never got beyond
the planning stages as the railroads had already begun to take over the freight
business. Mr. Garman, in his book, has a map showing this proposed canal.
The author was recently asked by The News-Sentinel to write a sketch of the
Gary, Huntington branch and his story follows. Mr. Garman makes the prediction
that some day this canal will be built so as to provide an inland water route
connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Anyone desiring to read Mr. Garman's
interesting booklet on the canals in Indiana, can secure one by writing the
Department of Conservation, Room 406, State Library Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind.
Mr. Garman's story follows:
The Proposed Route
This proposed canal, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Michigan has been in mind for
some fifty years, and was surveyed by the U. S. Engineers and reported in the U.
S. Congressional records.
It will be built at some time in the future when the freight traffic on the
Great Lakes becomes heavy enough to make the project economically feasible.
The traffic through the canal at Sault Ste. Marie in northern Michigan is
greater in tonnage than the traffic through the Panama Canal. This is caused
mostly by the great tonnages of iron ore that come out of the Lake Superior
region. Lake Michigan is the only one of the five Great Lakes that rests
entirely within the boundary of the United States.
The Wabash and Erie Canal was completed across Indiana from Toledo, Ohio to
Evansville, Indiana in 1853, and was abandoned about 1870, because of the
competition of the railroads.
Now In State Park System
The State of Ohio is making a State Park of the right of way of this canal from
Toledo to the Indiana state line east of Fort Wayne. They would like to have the
State of Indiana join them in completing this historic memorial project to the
Indiana city of Fort Wayne, which is at the "top of the hill" in the
east-west "continental divide."
The proposed canal through Rochester, Ind. is on one of two proposed routes
connecting the Wabash river with Lake Michigan.
Proposed Route (a) connecting Ft. Wayne, Albion, Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend and
Michigan City is located most of the length on top of the continental divide.
Proposed route (b) connecting Huntington, Rochester, Knox, Valparaiso and Gary
is located on a lower level and approximately parallel to the continental divide
and 30 to 40 miles south of it.
The plan is to bring ocean going vessels across northern Ohio and northern
Indiana from the west end of Lake Erie to the south end of Lake Michigan.
(aa) The traffic will reach Lake Erie via the British-Canadian route up the St.
Lawrence river and around the Niagara Falls through the Wellend canal to Lake
Erie.
(bb) By the all U. S. route, the traffic will reach Lake Erie at Buffalo, via
the Hudson river and the Erie canal in the Mohawk valley.
When the time comes to build this canal across Northern Indiana, there will be a
battle among Indiana people as to which route to build first. It is conceivable
that traffic might grow to such proportions that both routes might be used.
Wide, Deep Canals Necessary
It is proposed to build this canal deep and wide so as to save cost in time and
money in handling freight at ports and terminals.
It will look incongruous until the Hoosiers get used to it, to see ocean going
vessels and ships going by Rochester, Indiana and with farm lands on each side
of the canal.
These boats will be screw propelled, probably using Diesel engines, something
like we see every day on the Ohio river at the southern edge of Indiana. This
canal will be built because the freight traffic is getting heavier and because
the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan freeze over solid every winter and
stop all navigation.
A canal through Rochester, Ind. could be kept open all winter because the
ice-breaker ships built today will break thicker ice than would ever be formed
on this Indiana route. If there should occur an unusual freeze, a closed season
on account of ice would be much shorter than the closed season in the straits in
northern Michigan.
When the soldiers come home, they should have useful employment and this
proposed Erie and Michigan canal through Rochester, Indiana is it.
[The News-Sentinel, Saturday, January 27, 1945]
ERIE RAILROAD
E and W railroad.
Originally called Atlantic & Chicago. Last name, Erie-Lackawanna.
Went through Disko, Akron, Athens, Rochester and Leiters Ford.
The railroad was double tracked in 1912-14.
See: Railroads
ERNSPERGER, F. M. [Rochester Township]
BIOGRAPHY
F. M. Ernsperger. - The gentleman whose name introduces this biography was born
in Sandusky county, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1836. His father, Christopher Ernsperger, was
born in Maryland Dec. 12, 1812, and died in Rochester, Ind., in 1877. By
occupation he was a farmer. The mother of F. M. Ernsperger is Julia Ann (Ensminger)
Ernsperger, who was born in Pennsylvania, and now (1896), at eighty-six years of
age, resides in Rochester. The Ernsperger family came to Fulton county in 1858.
Mr. Ernsperger is the third eldest in a family of ten children, of whom nine are
living. He obtained a good common school education and at twenty-one years of
age began teaching school in his native Ohio county, and upon coming to Fulton
county, he continued teaching during the winter season until he had closed his
thirteenth school term, counting the time taught in Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in
Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served
until the close of the war. He was mustered out of the service at Camden, Del.,
and is now a member of McClung post, No. 95, of Rochester. Since the war he has
been engaged in farming and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres two miles
northwest of Rochester. Politically Mr. Ernsperger has always supported the
policy and principles of the democratic party. His views upon finance are for
bimetallism, and upon the tariff he believes in a revenue sufficient to meet the
present and increasing legitimate expenses of the government. Mr. Ernsperger
served five yers as assessor of Rochester townsip, and in 1891 was elected
trustee of this township and served for five years. Although the township is
about one hundred republican, he was elected by a majority of twelve, thus
attesting his popularity. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida A.
Wiley, a native of Fulton county. To this union are the following living
children: Della, Bell and Fred. Mr. Ernsperger is a successful farmer and man of
affairs.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 67-68]
ERNSPERGER, FRANK [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Academy of Music
ERNSPERGER, MARGARET
SOME TALENTED, BUT FORGOTTEN, WOMEN OF OURS
Considered Comment
Jack K. Overmyer
This week and next I introduce you to some talented women, five from Rochester
another from Kewanna. Forgotten by everyone today, they deserve to be remembered
among our most celebrated citizens for their attainments in literature, music,
motion pictures and social service.
Margaret Ernsperger
She was a novelist and poet. Born in Rochester in 1840, just four years after
the city's founding, she was the daughter of Christopher and Julia Ann
Ernsperger. Margaret was educated in local schools and was a teacher here for
awhile before moving to Indianapolis. where she began to write stories for
Indianapolis newspapers.
Using the name Margaret Holmes she published her first book in 1876 and It is
one of particular interest here. An historical romance novel entitled
"Manitou," the book is a fanciful tale about members of a noble family
who flee the terrors 'of the French Revolution, settle in Rochester on the
shores of Lake Manitou and are befriended by the Potawatomi Indians. Love,
rejection, vengeance and murder ensue and the story ends in tragedy. Four
Indianapolis newspapers reviewed the book and recommended it their readers. A
copy, exists today in the Fulton County Historical Society library.
Becoming a local celebrity with the book's publication, Margaret was invited to
return to Rochester and on July 4; 1876, read a lengthy patriotic poem that she
had composed for the occasion. Several thousand local folk were on hand to hear
it.
Thereafter, she published numerous books and collections of poems under the pen
name Margaret Holmes. In 1902 she moved to New York City, where she married and
lived until her death at age 87 in 1927.
A son, Charles Bates, became an author and advertising executive in New York
City.
Next: Margaret McConnell, Louise Metzler and Marjorie Williams.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 12, 1999]
ERNSPERGER GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
Marion Ernsperger announces his new grocery store, dealing in groceries, fruits,
fish, crackers, coffee, tea, sugar, candies & cinnamon, spices etc. Also,
boots & shoes. Three doors south of Mansion House.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday June 24, 1864]
ERNSPERGER, F. M. [Rochester, Indiana]
F. M. ERNSPERGER (Biography)
F. M. (Marion) ERNSPERGER, who has just stepped down and out of a five years
term as township trustee succeding a like term of five years as a township
assessor. Mr. Ernsperger came to Rochester with his parents nearly fifty years
ago when a boy and was raised on a farm. Excepting two years in the grocery and
bakery business and a year's service in the rebellion, he has always been a
farmer and a successful one, as he now owns a fine country home of 120 acres, a
mile and a half northeast of the city. He married Ida WYLIE in 1859 and they
have three children, Dell, Bell and Fred [ERNSPERGER]. He is an active member of
McClung Post G.A.R., a conscientious, cheerful gentleman and an honorable
citizen.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
HOME TOWN TALES
By "Pioneer"
When it is home grown watermelon time memory carries us back thru the years to a
large brick house on a hill, two and one-half miles northwest of Rochester,
where Marion Ernsperger once lived.
No farmer in Fulton county cultivated a larger melon patch and there was not a
boy in the old "north end" who would enter that patch uninvited.
"Always come to the house, boys, you'll find plenty of melons for
everybody. If you sneak into the patch, you'll trample and ruin vines, then
nobody can have melons," was Mr. Ernsperger's invitation and order.
So, during melon time each Sunday afternoon "our gang" hiked out to
Uncle Marion's. Down at the spring house we would find him waiting for us. He
had heared the gang coming up the road and there was to be no disappointment.
When he opened the spring house door, there they were, row on row of 'em, cooled
by a constant stream of spring water that flowed through the house. Mr.
Ernsperger would cut melons, red core and yellow core, until we were filled to
our necks. On leaving always came the words, "Come back again boys. I'm
always glad to have you."
Hiking back to town one Sunday afternoon, everyone of the gang with stomachs
bulging forward and upward, as though each one had been inflated at a "free
air" station, one of the gang remarked, "Gee, ain't Uncle Marion the
finest and biggest man that you know of? When I'm a man I wish that God would
make me just like him."
Following a spell of silence the gang's philosopher piped up, "I guess God
won't to that job. You'll have to do that all by yourself."
Everyone of the "old gang" have passed "Pier No. 90." Three
of them have made Uncle Marion's grade. As for the rest, please don't ask.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, February 22, 1935]
ERNSPERGER & CO., F. B. [Rochester, Indiana]
Dissolution. The partnership heretofore existing between F. B. Ernsperger &
Co., is this day dissolved by mutual consent.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, April 12, 1866]
New Goods! D. W. Lyons & Co., at F. B. Ernsperger's old stand. . . Dry
Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes &c. . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, September 13, 1866]
. . . from the St. Joseph Register: Among the most enterprising business men
of Rochester, Fulton County, is F. B. Ernsperger, formerly of this city. He has
a fine stock of Dry Goods in one store, and of Hardware in another. . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, September 19, 1867]
[Adv] - - - Buy Cheap of the old and reliable Dry Goods House, now conducted
by F. B. ERNSPERGER - - - - Call at the Mammoth Church Store for Bargains. F. B.
ERNSPERGER.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, August 3, 1878]
ERNSPERGER & JACKSON [Rochester, Indiana]
Dick Smith the gentlemanly express agent and book keeper for Ermsperger, Jackson
& Co., has been quite sick for the past week. . .
[Rochester Union-Spy, Thursday, November 26, 1874]
Express Office. Since the death of R. P. Smith, the former express agent,
considerbale figuring has been done by two or three parties to secure the office
in connection with their other business. Those in authority say that if
Ernsperger, Jackson & Co. desire it continued at their place of business it
shall be so, if not then the next best place shall be chosen, which of course
would be Ed. Chinn's grocery store, in the Beeber block.
[Rochester Union-Spy, Thursday, November 26, 1874]
From the Rochester Sentinel of Vol. XX, No. 27, issued Saturday, July 7, 1877, a
few items will interest local citizens who still remember and perhaps provide
names in this community's early history to the younger set.
Joe Lauer advertised men's suits at $6. Ernsperger and Jackson advertised
ladies' hose at 5 cents a pair. L. Heilbrun and Sons advertised good bleached
yard-wide muslin for 6-1/2 cents yard. The Merchant's Dining Hall charged $3 a
week for meals.
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Friday, September 11, 1959]
See Methodist Church.
ERNSPERGER & KEELY [Rochester, Indiana]
We learn that B. S. Lyon has sold his stock of goods to F. B. Ernsperger &
S. Keely, who will continue business at the old stand. Frank is a good fellow
and is a good judge of goods, and will no doubt do well by those who want
anything in his line.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, June 5, 1862]
Picture Gallery opened by "our young friend" Norton E. Alexander,
Mammoth Bldg., over Ernsperger & Keeley's store.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 18, 1863]
Frank Ernsperger having purchased the interest of his late partner, Mr. Samuel
Keely, in the mercantile business, has removed his goods to the room recently
occupied by Rannells & Elam, beneath our office . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, August 20, 1863]
F. M. Ernsperger Grocery Store, south door Farmer's Block. June 4, 1864.
---Dales & Lyon Hardware and Stove Store. First door south of F. B.
Ernsperger's Store in Farmer's Block.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, December 2, 1864]
ERNSPERGER & LYON HARDWARE STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
Dr. J. M. Miller, Physician and Surgeon, office Second Door south of Ernsperger
& Lyon's Hardware Store, upstairs, Rochester, Ind.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, June 27, 1867]
ERNSPERGER STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
New Firm! . . . Saddles, Harness, Bridles, Halters . . . Shop in Wallace's
Block, opposite Ernsperger's Store. . . Myers & Hanson. Rochester, Ind. Oct.
31st 1865.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, November 2, 1865]
Change of Base. John P. Myers has removed his Harness Shop from Wallace's
Block to D. R. Martin's room north of Wallace's store, and opposite Ernsperger's
store. . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, January 25, 1866]
Festival. There will be a festival held in the large hall over F. B.
Ernsperger's Store, on Tuesday evening, August 27th. . . benefit of the M.E.
Church in this place . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, August 22, 1867]
ERNST DRY GOODS STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
J. G. Ernst, Dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats, caps,
groceries, queensware, hardware, looking glasses, bonnets, umbrellas &c., at
the Ohio Store, Rochester.
[Rochester Gazette, Thursday, December 9, 1858]
ERNST STOVE & TIN STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
G W. Ernst, Manufacturers of and Dealer in Tin and Copper Ware . . . Shop first
door South of Wallace's Building, Main St., Rochester, Dec 7th, 1861.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, November 2, 1861]
G. W. Ernst has removed his Stove and Tin Store to the room adjoining Rannells
and McMahan's establishment.
[Rochester Mercury, Thursday, February 27, 1862]
ERTLE & WOLF [Rochester, Indiana]
ESTABLISH NEW OFFICES
Ertle and Wolf building contractors, who have done a great deal of construction
work in this community recently, has established offices in three rooms in the
corner of Main and Seventh streets in the former location of Dr. C. J. LORING.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, February 3, 1923]
ESHELMAN, ALBERT L. (LEROY) [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Letter From Leroy Eshelman]
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Second Letter From Albert Leroy
Eshelman)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Third Letter From Albert L. Eshelman)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Fourth Letter From Albert L. Eshelman)
See: Service Men, World War II, Letters (Fifth Letter From Albert L. Eshelman)
ESHELMAN, ALVIN J. [Henry Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Alvin J. Eshelman was born in Henry township in May, 1877, the son of George and
Susan (Dickerhoff) Eshelman, the former an Ohioan and she a native of Henry
county. His grandfather was John Eshelman and his grandmother Katherine (Waechter)
Eshelman, early settlers in this township who came from Ohio by train and wagon,
cleared land and made a farm. His maternal ancestors were Joseph and Emilia (Sauserman)
Dickerhoff also early township settlers who cleared land and built a home. The
father of our subject was educated in the local schools, became a farmer and
died March 22, 1921, on the farm where his son now lives. His wife died when
Alvin was a boy of nine. They had two children: Alvin, the subject of this
review, and Dolly, who married Albert Robinson and had one child who died in
infancy. Alvin Eshelman was educated at Akron and lived on his father's farm.
Later in life he turned to the ministry and for many years has been a preacher
in the Church of God. He has had three charges in the past eleven years:
Leesburg, Olive Branch and Franklin. He also operates his farm. He was married
December 21, 1898, to Miss Laura F. Gerard, daughter of John Gerard, who lives
northwest of Peru, Indiana. Their children are: Ralph, Glenn and George. The
father of Mrs. Eshelman was born in Ohio, son of William and Martha (Hall)
Gerard of Miami county, Indiana. He was a farmer and factory operative and lived
in Deedsville until his daughter Laura was fourteen years old. John Gerard's
wife was Amanda Eckman, of Miami county, the daughter of John and Martha (Keiffer)
Eckman, both of Ohio. They emigrated to Indiana in early years and occupied a
farm. Martha Keiffer's father was James Keiffer, a pioneer and Dunkard preacher
of great faith and fine life. William Gerrard and his two brothers, Frank and
Sam, served in the Civil war. Sam was killed in battle and William died of
injuries shortly after the war. Frank was disabled making manual work almost
impossible for him. This family deserves great credit for having contributed
three lives to the service of the nation.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 186-187, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
ESHELMAN, CLARENCE [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The new Maple leaf dairy, owned by Clarance Eshelman separates its milk for
purification. Give him a trial. Watch for the new wagon.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, March 6 1911]
NOT ENOUGH BUSINESS
Clarence Eshelman, north of this city, who opened up a dairy line last spring
and operated one of the neatest and up-to-date wagons ever used in that business
in this city, has gone out of business. Mr. Eshelman gives as his reason for
giving up his route is that the amount of business which he can transact in a
day, which extends from 4 o'clock in the morning till 9 o'clock at night, does
not justify him in keeping at the business. There is too much work for the money
received, due probably in the main to the presence of several other milk wagons
with whom he was compelled to compete.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 31, 1911]
ESKIMO PIE
PATENT INFRINGERS
Samuel Nelson, of Chicago, a brother of the inventor of "Eskimo Pie"
was in Rochester Thursday in the interest of his brother's patent. There have
been several attempts made to infringe on the patent and Mr. Nelson was making
an investigation in the community to see if it was being done here and to start
legal proceedings in case any infringes were found.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, February 17, 1922]
ESSICK, MICHAEL L. [Rochester, Indiana]
Attention is directed to the card of M. L. Essick, Esq., Attorney at Law. He
comes to this place with good recommendations as an attorney of five years
successful practice, a portion of which time he acted as public prosecutor . . .
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, November 3, 1864]
M. L. Essick, Esq., has established himself in his new Law Office, in Mammoth
Building, up stairs, over the store of Lyon & Kendrick . . . We understand
that he has been appointed Deputy Common Pleas Prosecutor for this county.
[Rochester Chronicle, Thursday, November 31, 1864]
MICHAEL L. ESSICK (Biography)
Michael L. ESSICK, a native of Ohio, came to Indiana when but 4 years old and
learned the tanner's trade at Gilead, Ind., with his father who was the first
abolitionist in Miami county. Mr. Essick has experienced life in all its many
forms. First a tanner, then a farmer, then a student at Wabash College, then as
statesman he is found taking an active part in the Kansas troubles and as State
Senator secures the passage of a bill through the Legislature locating an
Agricultural College at Manhattan, and a member of the court of Impeachment to
try the state officers for high crimes and misdemeanors. For two years he was in
the Union Army as private, Lieutenant and Captain and took part in the battles
of Prairie Grove, Maysville, Cane Hill and Honey Springs. At the close of the
war he came to Rochester and for three years edited the Rochester Chronicle when
he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for a district in Northern Indiana composed
of eight counties, and has ever since made Rochester his home and the practice
of law his profession. His thorough knowledge of the law and great eloquence
before a jury readily won him fame until today he is one of the most prominent
citizens of this section of the state.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 20, 1895]
BIOGRAPHY
Hon. Michael L. Essick, a lawyer and citizen of excellent reputation, was born
in Ohio, Feb. 20, 1834. His parents were Samuel and Grizella (Todd) Essick. They
were natives of Pennsylvania. He was of German and Scotch descent; while she was
of Scotch and Irish lineage. The name Essick is of German origin. Mr. Essick's
parents were married in their native state about the year 1830. Immediately
after their marriage they moved into Ohio, where they lived until 1839, in which
year they moved into Indiana, and settled in Miami county, where they continued
to reside till death ended their long and useful careers. The father died in the
year 1878, and thirteen years later the mother's death occurred. They had eight
children, of which only three are now (1896) living. The father was a tanner by
trade. Besides following his trade he was also a farmer and merchant. He was of
strong force of character, a man of strong brain power, and was universally
respected. Such distingyuished men as Colfax, Fitch, Jernegan and others were
his friends and admirers, and they were frequently his guests. He was the first
abolitionist in Miami county, and his house was a station for the historic
"underground railway" system, and conveyed many fugitive slaves on
horseback. Many were the nights that the subject of this sketch, though then a
small boy, led the fugitives on the path that conducted the slave further in his
flight for freedom. Samuel Essick and his good wife are still remembered in
Miami county, where they were hardy pioneers, leading most exemplary lives. They
were members of the Lutheran church for many years and contributed much to the
upbuilding of the church of their choice. Their son, whose name introduces this
review, was brought up on the farm. The labors of his youth consisted in farm
work and assisting his father in his tannery. After attending the country
schools, he spent four years in Wabash college at Crawfordsville. He then
studied law. In the year 1857 he went West, and on March 4 of that year landed
at Manhattan, Kan. There he purchased a yoke of oxen and began hauling rock for
the building of a school house. Later he was engaged in surveying. Then he
opened a law office in Manhattan, and soon afterward was elected state senator.
He was a member of the senate of the session of 1861-62, and gained an enviable
reputation as a legislator. He was the prime mover of the legislation that
located the present state industrial school at Manhattan. In August 1862, Mr.
Essick enlisted as a private in Company G of the Eleventh Kansas volunteers. In
1863 he was discharged for promotion. He was made first lieutenant in the Sixth
Kansas cavalry, and later was commissioned to raise the "Leavenworth Post
battery," of which he was commissioned first lieutenant. He refused the
commission, and with this act his war record ended. While in the service he
participated in the following engagements among others: Battles of Prairie
Grove, Cave Hill, Maysville and Van Buren. At the close of the civil war Mr.
Essick found himself a poor man and the prospects for money making in Kansas
were not encouraging, consequently he determined to return to Indiana. In 1865
he located in Rochester, and became the owner and editor of the Chronicle,
remaining as such for about three years. In 1867 he became circuit prosecutor
for a judicial circuit then consisting of eight counties. He held this position
for two years, performing the duties of the office with fitting ability. Since
then he has been actively engaged in practice of law at Rochester. While living
at Manhattan, Kan., he married (Oct. 31, 1858) Miss Ellen L. Rowley (a lineal
descendant of Hannah Dusten), then teaching school near Manhattan. She was born
in Ohio, but losing her parents when she was a small girl, she was brought up by
a brother at Angola, Ind. She had poor educational advantages, but her love of
books was strong and she educated herself by close application to her books, and
became a teacher early in life. She has always been a student, and today she is
well educated. She is of literary tastes, and has the reputation of being a good
writer, though she has never made special literary efforts. She is a zealous
member of the Presbyterian church, and a leader in social circles. To the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Essick there are two living children. The elder, Vivian, is
married and is farming in Fulton county. The younger, Samuel, is a young man of
good education, and a successful career is anticipated for him by his friends.
In april, 1896, Mr. Essick was nominated by the republicans for judge of the
Forty-first judicial district, which is composed of the counties of Marshall and
Fultonh. Mr. Essick's career has been a varied experience, embracing almost
every phase of man, and yet, one of extended research and thirst for knowledge.
[Elia W. Peattie, Fulton County History, National Publishing Co,. Chicago 1896,
pp. 68-69]
PIONEER EDITOR'S STORY
By Michael L. Essick
Mr. Editor: In giving my reminiscences of this state, I will only write of that
period between 1838 and fall of 1856, when I left for that grand country whose
history can only be written in hyperbole and whose epilogue has not yet been
pronounced, Kansas.
In the fall of 1838 our family, with one horse and one ox and wagon, landed at
the log cabin of Jacob Myers, the father of our Jonas, two miles south of
Gilead, in Miami county, Indiana. That winter the families of Saygers, Myers and
Essick, twenty-one in number, all huddled in a one-room log cabin with a
passageway between, so we could stretch out a little until spring, and as soon
as the weather would permit, the men struck out and built log cabins on their
own claims. They made their own clapboards for roofing, hewed their puncheons
for the flooring. For the frames for the doors and windows they used wooden
pegs, there were no nails.
Let me here digress a little. Indiana was then a beautiful state. It is said
that when the angel of light first beheld this earth she was so delighted with
it, that she stooped down and kissed it, and from the dimple of the impress
sprang the State of Indiana, and she became the real mecca of the Indians. Hence
received her name.
Let us look at her as I have seen her, as well as other old settlers now living.
In 1838 the Pottawattomies were removed from their beloved home, but the Miamis,
who were friendly with them, were not removed until years afterwards and some of
the Pottawattomies returned and lived with the Miamis, so you see we still have
Indians in what is known as the Eel River Country. This was a dense timbered
country. It had neither little streams or rivers, but run water the whole year
round. All her lakes, rivers and small streams were alive with and filled with
fish. The woods were alive with bear, wolves, deer, antelope, gazelles, turkeys,
squirrels, beaver, otter and nearly every fur animal. You could stand on the
banks of the Tippecanoe, Eel or Wabash rivers and see the poplar, walnut, ash,
sugar, beech, sycamore, the monarchs of the forest, some bending over the water.
Could see the deer come down to the stream to drink. In the near distance you
could see the green sward, the smoking tepee of the Indians. If you visited
their camp you found the tepee covered with skins, robes of fur on the floor,
and clothes of fur to keep them warm. In this land of his, before he was
disturbed by white men, he was happy and independent. He had all he wanted to
eat and wear. Now he is gone with the timbered wood lands. Fine bridges,
beautiful collonades, magnificent palaces, towns and farms take their places,
but nature always has and always will excel art in grandeur. Don't you wish you
had lived then?
In 1845 my father moved from his little tanyard to Gilead, and we no longer had
to walk one and one-half miles to school, wearing tow breeches which mother had
woven from the flax we raised. No longer had we to drive the deer and wild
turkey from the wheat field, no longer to club droves of squirrels from our corn
fields. My father was the first Abolitionist in Miami county. He erected a very
large building for his tanyard, with long ells to it for stable, straw and
tanbark. Secreted in the straw were the runaway negroes, for he kept one of the
stations on what was known as the "underground railroad." It was at a
time when the fugitive slave law was in its full and severest operation. George
W. Julian and his Quaker friends, of the old burnt district, was at the head of
the route. Petit had a station at Wabash, Father at Gilead, and Mr. Sippy at
Akron. There was a trail from Gilead to Akron through the woods, and we would
start about eleven o'clock at night with the negroes, land them at Sippy's and
return before morning. There was another "underground" roue traversed
by the horse thieves, and at each station they had large stables dug under
ground, a log stable at the entrance, into which the horses were first taken,
floor cleaned off and then taken down the passage to the lower stable.
In those glorious days of this early people, at every crossroad there was a log
school house or church, all classes seemed to be worshipers. They had plenty of
whiskey, made ten years old in ten days, brewed with dog-leg tobacco, apple
cores, copperas and other filth, called forty-rod whiskey. They had horse
racing, dog and men fights. In every home and every school house there was a
bundle of hickory rods for immediate use. They all quoted that infamous doctrine
of "Spare the rod and spoil the child," and every horse thief and
sneak, when caught, would justify by quoting "Whosoever provideth not for
his own family is worse than an infidel," and the pulpit pounder, when
contributions were small, would indignantly exclaim, "The laborer is worthy
of his hire," when he knew that Christ meant the manual laborer and that
the gospel was to be given without money and without price. The fathers of that
day would quote to their wives the Pauline doctrine, "Keep silent, obey
your husband, learn from them, man was born of God, hence glorified, you were
born of man," and the blessed, meek mother would obey, never thinking that
those tachings of Paul had enslaved her sex for more than 1800 years.
The men of those days amused themselves grubbing, rolling logs, mowing hay in
the bogs, wearing tow breeches and sometimes the boys wore linsey-woolsey made
from their mother's petticoats. They would break colts and oxen to work, plow
amid the stumps and when a root would strike their shanks would use earnest
language, haul half loads through mud holes and over corduroy bridges. Truely
these were the golden years of youth. No wonder, when they left home, they never
got homesick.
The mothers of those days were slaves. They helped in the shops, and on the
farms. They would hackle the flax, weave it and also weave the wool, scrub and
do all the cooking in open fire places, attend to the children night and day. I
don't know how they got any sleep in the twenty-four hours. They were splendid
physicians. When a child was suffering from disease, and the father became
frightened and sent for the doctor, some of them, after the doctor had left,
would throw his nostrums out of the window, administer her teas to the child and
save its life. Some would give the medicine as prescribed by the docor and the
child would die. Take all the practitioners in the medical schools of Luxor, one
hundred thousand years before the birth of Christ, down through all the schools
of Aeseulapius to the present time, and you will not find one who excelled our
mothers in therapeutics, even if they did make us take nanny-berry tea.
I believe that the mothers of Indiana alone saved more lives than all the
doctors since Ezra wrote the old testament. The girls also helped at outdoor
work and the mother in her household duties. They would hire out and spin the
flax and wool, and when they would turn the wheel and run back on the floor to
twist he yarn, they would sing like birds. When they went to church they would
carry their shoes and stockings until they got to the church, then put them on.
Some of these girls broke away from the teachings of the cranky old bachelor
Paul, and contended that the part of his writing referring to women was not
inspired and asserted their will force. Fifteen hundred of them, in the United
States, have written their names on the pages of history. I know one lovely girl
who, by her will force, climbed the ladder of fame, and I expect, when she was
at the top in the lime-light (if she thought of me at all) looked down and said
to herself, -- "Poor Luther is at the bottom still, although he had equal
chances with me, if not better, because he was not hampered by the prejudice of
sex."
I will not write of the terrible struggle for freedom's cause between the years
1856 and 1865, when I returned to this country, because no Kansan ever was known
to blow his own horn. Modesty is a part of their nature. I will only say that
while in Kansas I contracted a marriage with as smart and pretty little girl as
ever lived, whose bright inteligence always overshadowed me, Ellen Rowley. After
reading some of the old Settlers' communicaions, it seems incredible to believe
there was a time when Fulton county did not exist. Her history is written in
capitals. It is punctuated with exclamation points, the common place and prosaic
are not defined in its lexicon. What a shame it is that a nation that erects
costly monuments to her heroes, does not place a statue in the rotunda at
Washingrton, and also erect a centotaph, compared with which all the monuments
of earth wil look common place, to the memory of the every-day, common early
mothers of this country.
They say it takes three things to make great men and women, the force of
heredity, the force of environment and the force of will. I do not know whether
this is true or not. I think that habit makes the man or woman; that is, you
must not follow habit, but make it follow you. Resolve to do a thing and do it.
Out of the material of which I have spoken came the heroes who saved our union.
Comforts and palaces never breed great men and women, it is the humble home. The
days of our youth are gone, and we have learned that on earth there is but
little joy between the two great dawns.
[Marguerite L. Miller, Home Folks, Vol. I, 1910, pp. 57-61]
ESSICK, SAMUEL [Rochester, Indiana]
POEM BY SAM ESSICK IN BOOK AT LIBRARY
The new book "Indiana Poetry" just received by the public library
contains a poem by Samuel Essick a former resident of Rochester. The title of
Mr. Essick's poem is "What Does Grandma Think?"
The collection of poems is compiled by Eletha Mae Taylor and is from one-hundred
and twenty-five contributors all of whom were born in Indiana, or are now living
in Indiana, or have lived in Indiana. Twenty-five or more of the contributors
are celebrities known all over the United States.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Tuesday, December 28, 1926]
ESSICK, VIV [Rochester, Indiana]
See: Hotels - Fairview
See: Rochester Bands
ESSICK & METZLER [Rochester, Indiana]
Lawyers, Notaries and Collectos. Office in Odd Fellows Block, south-west corner
of Public Square, Rochester, Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 1, 1897]
ESSICK & MONTGOMERY [Rochester, Indiana]
ESSICK & MONTGOMERY, Attorneys at Law, Notaries Public. Balcony Building,
Rochester, Ind.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, September 22, 1893]
[Adv] MONTGOMERY & EMMONS, O. F. Montgomery, C. E. Emmons. Lawyers and
Notary Public. Successors to Essick & Montgomery.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, May 2, 1908]
ESTEP GREENHOUSE [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Estep greenhouse formerly owned by Pletcher Bros. is being gone over by the
new management and a new stock put in so that it will rank among the best floral
stations of northern Indiana.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 15, 1907]
EUREKA PLANING MILL [Rochester, Indiana]
Located on N side of the street at 514 E 9th, present site of The Flagpole
drive-in.
Owned and operated by Jonas Myers.
Purchased in 1892 from Jonas Myers by Stilla Powell Bailey and his
brother-in-law, John Myers.
In 1908, Mr. Bailey bough
EUREKA PLUMBING SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
NEW PLUMBER IN THIS CITY
Arthur Freese, who has been one of the right hand men of the Rochester Gas
Company since the plant was opened in this city several years ago, has tendered
his resignation, which will become effective March 15. Mr. Freese has decided to
go into business for himself and has chosen the vocation of plumber as his
special line. He will open a shop in the room with H. H. Ward on the south side
of the public square within the next ten days and thereafter will give his full
attention to the development of his business. Mr. Freese has engaged the
services of a first class plumber in the person of James Darrah, who has had
twenty-three years of practical experience and is capable of caring for all
kinds of plumbing and steam fitting.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, March 2, 1912]
[Adv] Now Open and Ready for Business. EUREKA PLUMBING SHOP, A. C. Freese,
Prop. - - - - 107 9th St - With H. H. Ward.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, March 28, 1912]
NEWS OF THE DAY
The Eureka Plumbing Company was awarded the contract for the plumbing and gas
fitting in the new high school building. Their bid was $3,441.50 and Robbins
& Ritchey's bid was $3,567.50
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, August 5, 1912]
DARRAH BUYS OUT FREESE
A deal was completed late Thursday whereby James Darrah becomes proprietor of
the Eureka Plumbing shop, on N. Main St., formerly owned by Arthur C. Freese.
Mr. Darrah has been associated with Mr. Freese for some time, and will continue
the business as before, taking care of all kinds of plumbing, steam fitting,
etc. Mr. Freese plans to move to Akron and open a shop, as he has a contract to
take care of all that town's plumbing for a year.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, January 26, 1917]
EUTERPEAN FRATERNITY [Rochester, Indiana]
- - - - The new society starts with a full membership of 50 persons, divided
into three sections -- art, poetry and music. The general officers are D. T.
Powers, Grand Master; C. H. DeVoe, Vice Grand Master; W. A. Banta, Treasurer.
The Presidents of sections are Mrs. C. K. Plank, Music; C. L. Hunley, Poetry;
Mrs. A. J. Dillon, Art. - - - -
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, January 27, 1903]
EVANS, ELMER [Kewanna, Indiana]
See: Rochester Bands
EVANS, JAMES W. [Kewanna, Indiana]
BIOGRAPHY
James W. Evans is one of the very prominent and influential farmers of Fulton
county. He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 11, 1867. His father was S.
B. Evans, an Ohio farmer of Pickaway county, who not only served his country by
converting primeval forests into productive farming land, but also served for
over three years in the Northern armies during the Civil war. He died in his
seventy-ninth year, respected as a citizen and an industrious farmer. His widow,
C. A. (Shockley) Evans, survives as an aged woman of eighty-one years. They had
five children: Ida, James W., the subject of this biography, Altia May, Mary
Inez, and George Willard. Mr. James Evans early imbibed his father's interest in
farming. He began farming operations as a youth in the county of his birth, but
on September 17, 1907, he removed to Kewanna, Fulton county, and purchased a
highly productive farm in that vicinity. This farm he subsequently sold and took
possession of the one upon which he now resides. This farm is the realization of
Mr. Evans' early dreams. It consists of 400 acres of excellent soil, the
dwelling house upon it is modern and beautiful, the barns and sheds are will
built, the farm is stocked with fine cattle and horses and is operated by means
of the latest achievements in agricultural equipment. Mr. Evans, knowing well
the risks a farmer runs who specializes in one or two crops, devotes his
energies to general farming. Mr. Evans' wife, Clara Etta Arnold Evans, to whom
he was married on February 21, 1895, is the daughter of Henry H. and Mary
Frances (Barrett) Arnold of Perry township, Pickaway county, Ohio. Two children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Evans: Frances Willard, now Mrs. Don Nelson, of
Newcastle township, Fulton county, and Wilby Glenn who lives at home. Mrs.
Evans' father was the son of Henry and Effie (Hegler) Arnold, both of whom lived
the greater part of their lives in Ohio, though the places of their birth are
not definitely known. Mrs. Evans on her mother's side is descended from Emmanuel
and Elizabeth (Tanquary) Barrett. Emmanuel Barrett was born in England of good
Anglo-Saxon stock. When he was twenty years old he left England for Canada,
remained there for some time and then concluded to try his fortune in the United
States. He settled in Pickaway county, Ohio, and remained there until his death.
Mr. Evans' influence in promoting and encouraging better agriculture and
particularly the example he has set as a successful and prosperous farmer should
do much to encourage the youth of the rural districts to remain on the farms
where life can be beautifully and beneficially lived.
[Henry A. Barnhart, Fulton County History, pp. 187-188, Dayton Historical
Publishing Co., 1923]
EVANS PIT [Richland Township]
Located NE corner of Old US-31 and 450N.
EVERARD, JOHN [Macy, Indiana]
See: Patents and Inventions
EVERGREEN CAFE [Rochester, Indiana]
Located NW corner 6th & Main [530 Main].
Operated by Walter Bowen and his wife, Mary (Wiley) Bowen, from 1939 to 1973.
Later owned and operated by Jim Tyler and his wife Jackie Tyler.
See: Bowen, Walter
See: Wile Department Store
__________
CECIL SCHIMMEL OPENS NEW HAMBURGER SHOP
Cecil Schimmel, manager of the Regal Market, today announced he would open a
hamburger stand at 828 Main street on Saturday. The new establishment will
feature short orders.
Extensive improvement is being made in the room recently vacated by Moore
Implement Company. Bright new fixtures are being installed and everything will
be spic and span for the opening.
Mr. Schimmel has had long experience in this kind of business having operated
similar shops in Kokomo and Frankfort. He will continue as managter of the Regal
Market and will be assisted in the new shop by Paul V. Fisher.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, March 1, 1939]
HAROLD DAY BECOMES MANAGER REGAL STORE
Harold Day, of Wabash, took over management of the Standard Packing Company's
Regal Store as Cecil Schimmel left the store to manage his new Evergreen
Sandwich Shop, so named by the Rebekah Lodge in a recent contest.
The Regal Market will be remodeled and the stock will be enlarged.
Mr. Day will move his family to Rochester in the spring when school is out.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, March 6, 1939]
NEW EVERGREEN CAFE
Walter Bowen announced the opening date for his new Evergreen Cafe in the
Robbins bilding at 623-625 Main street, on Decemver 14th. The rooms are now
undergoing extensive alterations and decorations. Mr. Bowen is the former
manager of the Evergreen Cafe at 828 Main street.
[The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, December 8, 1942]
EVERGREEN TO CLOSE JULY FIRST FOR TWO WEEK PERIOD
The Evergreen cafe, 625 Main street, will close July 1 to 16 because of the
scarcity of meat, potatoes, ration points and other essentials, Walter Bowen,
proprietor, announced today.
Other cafe operators in the city have announced their intention to operate
staggerd hours until the situation of food and supplies eases off, it was
learned today. The practice of closing a day or two a week has not been the
answer to operating problems, they state, and some other plan must be adopted
during present shortages.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, July 28, 1945]
CAFE TO CLOSE
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bowen have announced the closing this evening of the
Evergreen cafe at 625 Main street and at the same time set Dec. 15 as the
opening date for their new cafe at 530 Main street, when the building now under
repairs, is expected to be available. The prsent site of the Evergreen will be
occupied soon by Miller Bros. garage.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, November 21, 1945]
EVERYBODY'S OIL COMPANY [Rochester, Indiana]
J. G. COPPLE OPENS GAS STATION HERE
J. G. Copple, head of Everybody's Oil Company, announced today the grand opening
Saturday of the company's 24th station in this vicinity, at the station formerly
operated by Otis Kilmer on South Main street.
Clyde Ball will manage the new station. The company has stations in Logansport,
Bass Lake, Winamac, Kewanna, Knox and Monticello.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, August 8, 1940]
EWER, THOMAS G. [Allen Township, Miami County]
BIOGRAPHY
Thomas G. Ewer, one of the enterprising young farmers of Allen Township, is a
native of Fulton County, this State, and was born March 17, 1843. He was the
second son born to James and Hannah (Holcome) Ewer, natives of New York and
Virginia rspectively. Thomas grew up to manhood in his native county, working
upon a farm. At the age of twenty-three he began farming for himself upon the
home place. In March, 1869, he located where he now resides, in Allen township,
but in the following November he had the misfortune to lose his house by fire.
He then returned to the old homestead in Fulton County. In April, 1871, he
located upon a farm in that county, owned by William Hatch, but in the following
fall he returned again to his farm in Allen Township, having in the meantime
erected another house. March 6, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Burket, a native
of Wayne County, this State, and the latter a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ewer
have had eight children. Their names are Nancy J., Hannah M., Sarah L., James W.
A., Hiram M., Thomas J., Iona P. and Benjamin F., all of whom are living. Mr.
and Mrs. Ewer are members of the Christian Church. In politics the former is a
Republican. He owns 180 acres of land, eighty of which lie in Fulton County. He
is an industrious farmer and a good citizen.
[History of Miami County, Indiana, 1887, Brant & Fuller. pp. 517-518]
EWING, ANDREW J. [Newcastle Township]
BIOGRAPHY
Robert Ewing, a native of Monroe County, Va., was born in 1790. Upon arriving to
manhood, he was united in marriage to Margaret Cunningham, a native of the same
State and county, born in the year 1793. They aferward immigrated to Greene
County, Ohio, where, on the 23d of January, 1828, Andrew J. Ewing, the subject
of this sketch, was born to them. After this, they located in Clark County,
Ohio, where their son received a common school education. At the age of
twenty-one, he left the parental home, and began the battle of life in Miami
County, Ind., working with a zeal at the carpenter's trade, having previously
served an apprenticeship, and which trade he plied vigorously for thirty years.
Some years ago, he came from Miami County and located where he now resides, his
farm being then an unbroken forest; but with the same zeal for which he was
known as a mechanic, he felled the trees and made the wilderness blossom as the
rose. He owns 160 acres of land, the most of which, although new, is under a
fine state of cultivation. On the 7th of October, 1855, he was united in
marriage to Emma Wallick, in Miami County. She was born in Tuscarawas County,
Ohio, January 27, 1837, and with her parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Wallick,
natives of Pennsylvania, she removed to Miami County in 1847. Of this union were
born the following children: Margaret L., Benjamin F., Oliver S., Charles E.,
Harriet A., Andrew R., Wilber and Robert. Of these, Margaret is married, and
Benjamin is deceased; the others are yet at home.
[T. B. Helm, Fulton County Atlas, A. L. Kingman, 1883, p. 48]
EWING, DELBERT [Rochester, Indiana]
MODERN MINERAL BATHS OPERATED BY EWINGS
Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Ewing have completed remodeling the basement at their home
on Madison street and have arranged a modern mineral health bath. The Arnold
steam bath equipment is being used.
Mrs. Ewing and Jerry Eastburg, both practical nurses, will be in charge of the
baths. Facilities for giving heat treatment have been installed. Massage tables,
showers, dressing rooms and comfortable conveniences have been included.
Convalescent patients who plan to take a series of baths may stay at Ewings
during the course of the treatments.
[The News-Sentinel, Monday, July 22, 1940]
EWING, WILLIAM [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
William Ewing will erect a new shop at the corner of 9th and Monroe streets. It
will be occupied by the Herwick junk firm. He will also put a high fence around
the yard.
[Rochester Sentinel, Monday, June 24, 1907]
HASKETT AGENCY BUYS SWINDEMAN'S BUSINESS
The Haskett & Jones Insurance Agency in Rochester yesterday afternoon
purchased the Ewing Insurance Agency from R. L. Swindeman, present justice of
the peace. Swindeman has had the insurance agency since the death of his
father-in-law, William Ewing, who handled the business for 35 years.
Mr. Swindeman has not as yet announced his plans for the future.
[The News-Sentinel, Wednesday, January 20, 1943]
EWING BROS. [Rochester, Indiana]
EWING BROS. NEW STORE
In the Holeman room on north Main street, one door south of Brubaker's barber
shop, Joe and Delbert Ewing will open up within the next two weeks, a notion
store.
The Ewing brothers are two enterprising young men with considerable experience
in handling retail trade and will surely make a success in their new venture.
They intend to carry a fancy line of china, cut glass and general notions. A
store of this kind will be something new in this city and the proprietors are
expecting to accommodate a good trade.
[Rochester Sentinel, Friday, April 19, 1907]
SECURES CONTRACT
Albert McKee has been awarded the contract for the new Ewing Bros. grocery store
building, [SE] corner Monroe and Ninth streets and will commence work on the
structure the first of the week. It will be a two-story concrete block affair,
22x60 feet, very handsome in appearance, and will add much to Wall street. The
masonry work will take about 30 days time, but Ewing Bros will probably not be
able to move in before the middle of June.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 26, 1913]
Ewing Brothers, East 9th St., Phone 170. Groceries, Fruits, Vegetables,
Bakery Goods, Confectionery.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, June 17, 1914] [sic]
EWING BROTHERS WILL OPEN A NEW GROCERY
Ewing Brothers owners of a grocery store on East Ninth street Thursday announced
that they would within the near future open another store at 715 Main street in
the room formerly occupied by the Coffee Shop. The new store will be operated on
a cash and carry basis. Similar groceries are now being operated at Goshen,
Plymouth and Warsaw, and all have proved a success. The stores are fashioned
after the chain groceries. Extensive repairs are being made to the main street
room which will house the new grocery. It is planned to have the opening on June
25.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 9, 1927]
NEW GROCERY WILL OPEN ON MAIN ST. SATURDAY
A new cash and carry grocery will open up for business early Saturday morning in
the room formerly occupied by the Karn Coffee Shop, at 715 Main street. Ths new
enterprise which will be affiliated with Independent Grocers Alliance of the
United States is owned by the Ewing Bros., who for the past twenty years have
operated one of the city's leading groceries on the corner of 9th and Madison
street.
All new shelving and show cases have been installed and in the interior and
exterior of the room has received several attractive coats of cream and blue
colored enamel. The store will be in charge of Delbert Ewing assisted by Mrs.
Brandt McKee and other clerks.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, June 30, 1927]
[Adv] EWING BROS. GROCERY, 301 E. 9th St., Phone 704 - - - - - Goods
delivered any place in the City.
[The News-Sentinel, Friday, October 21, 1927]
OTTO CLOUD & SONS BUY EWING'S I.G.A. GROCERY
A business transaction of considerable import to the people of this community
was transacted late yesterday, whereby the firm of Cloud & Sons, well known
merchants of Macy, became the owner of the J. D. Ewing I.G.A. grocery store in
this city.
The Clouds, who have been in the mercantile business for the past 50 years, now
have stores in Macy, Fulton, Bourbon and Rochester, all of which are reported to
be dong a thriving business. When interviewed today, Otto Cloud, the elder
member of the firm, stated that either he or his son Richard would be in charge
of the local grocery and market and that their sole aim would be to give
courteous treatment and perfect satisfaction to every customer. Paul Cloud is
the other member of the Cloud and Sons firm.
Mr. Ewing, the retiring owner, has no definite plans for the immediate future.
The I.G.A. store which is the only one of its kind in this city was established
five years ago by the Ewing Bros.
An announcement advertisement of Cloud & Sons which explains the policies of
their new store appears elsewhere in this issue of the News-Sentinel.
[The News-Sentinel, Thursday, August 4, 1932]
EWING GROCERY [Rochester, Indiana]
Located 301 E 9th, SE corner 9th & Monroe.
__________
[photo] Ewing's Grocery.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Thursday, Dec. 6, 1934, p. 14]
AT THE HEAD OF "WALL STREET"
No resume of "Wall Street" business would be representative of
"the street" without a brief sketch of the Ewing Grocery, a name that
has been dramatically woven in the warp and woof of Rochester business life
since 1907, when Delbert and Joe, the Ewing Brothers, first set up shop in a
small frame building located on the present site of the Miller Brothers Garage.
Service, quality and courtesy, together with a natural flair for retail
operation was crowned with well earned success however, and in 1913 the building
since occupied by the store, was erected on the corner of Ninth and Monroe
streets - "At the head of Wall Street."
The store was conducted by the two brothers until 1930 when Delbert disposed of
his interests to his brother Joe, who has since carried on under the store name
of Joe Ewing.
The accompanying picture shows the store as it is today, one of the modern and
successful business enterprises of the city, where quality and service is the
rule and courtesy and honesty the watchwords.
Mr. Ewing has in addition to his business career given much time and effort to
civic welfare and is just now closing his fifth year as a city councilman, a
position he has served with honor to himself and credit to his community. He is
married and the father of two children.
[The News-Sentinel, Rochester, Indiana, Thursday, Dec. 6, 1934, p. 14]
EXCELSIOR FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOP [Rochester, Indiana]
TO THE PUBLIC
The "Excelsior" Foundry and machine shops have been overhauled and the
machinery put in first class order to do all kind of casting and machine work,
also boiler and sheet iron work. All work warranted and prices low. Will also
keep on hand all kind of engine fixtures, brass goods, etc. Parties wishing
belting, saws and piping of all kinds will save money by calling on me. I have a
good second hand Traction Engine, Ten H. P., for sale very cheap. Call and see
it. R. M. THOMSON, Proprietor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, September 8, 1886]
EXCELSIOR LITERARY SOCIETY [Rochester, Indiana]
The exercises of the Excelsior Literary Society, in connection with the
Rochester graded schools, on last Tuesday evening, were very interesting and
creditable . . . The following is the list of officers: President, Ed. Chinn;
Vice-President, O. D. Ross; Secretary, Millie Rannels; Critic, Ben. Gilman;
Editor and Editress paper, Chess Chinn and Lida Samuels; Marshal, F. Gould.
[Rochester Union-Spy, Thursday, January 8, 1874]
EXCELSIOR MARBLE & GRANITE WORKS [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] We handle none but the best grade of American Marbles and do first-class
work. Can give low estimates on foreign and native granites. Call and get prices
and inspect work before buying elsewhere. EXCELSIOR MARBLE & GRANITE WORKS,
Ehrenstein & Howland, proprietors, Two Blocks North of Academy of Music.
[Rochester Sentinel, Wednesday, May 8, 1889]
EXPRESS [Rochester, Indiana]
Mr. Hatch delivers express packages to the people of Rochester.
[Rochester Union-Spy, Thursday, December 24, 1868]