1876
History  of  Shelby  County, Indiana     (continued)


CIRCUIT JUDGES

Wm. W. Wick 1822 to 1826         Wm. M. McCarty 1853 to 1858
B. F. Morris 1826 to 1833         Rueben D. Logan 1858 to 1865
Jas. Morrison 1833 to 1840         Jerry M. Wilson 1865 to 1868
Wm. W. Wick 1840 to 1847         S. P. Oyler 1868 to 1870
Wm. J. Peaslee 1847 to 1853         D. D. Banta 1870 to 1876



ASSOCIATE JUDGES.

John Sleeth Jos Dawson 1829--1836         David Thatcher Calville Pierce--
John Sleeth A. Williams 1836--1843         office discontinued.  
Ira Bailey Thos. Cotton 1843--1850    



PROBATE JUDGES.

Erasmus Powell 1822 to 1836         Wm. H. Sleeth 1843 to 1850
Jacob Kennerley 1836 to 1843         Cyrus Wright 1850 to 1853



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COMMOM PLEAS.

James M. Sleeth 1853 to 1861         O. J. Glessner 1865 to 1869
George A. Buskirk 1861 to 1865         Richard L. Coffey 1869 to 1873



The Bar

IN 1822
Brackinridge, A.     Dolany, James   Test, Charles
Curry, Hiram W.     Fletcher, Calvin


IN 1876
Adams, E. K. Higgins, A. J. Mitchner, Louis T.
Adams, Thomas B.       Haymond, James W.       Morrison, C. W.
Berryman, N. B. Hord, Kendall M. Norris, Richard
Daugherty, H. H. Hockman, James T. Odell, Isaac
Conner, William Z. Love, Benjamin F. Ray, H. C.
Feibleman, L. Major, Alfred Ray, W. Scott
Fuget, I. W. Major, Stephen Wells, R. S.
Glessner, Oliver J. Mayhew, Elbridge G. Wilson, D. L.
Hart, James C. McFadden, James B. Wright, Geo. M.
Harrison, James McGuire, James E. Wright, J. T.



THE  MEDICAL  PROFESSION  OF  SHELBYBILLE  IN  1876.

Clayton, J. R. (dentist) Long, Henry Rice, J. S. (dentist)
Day, S. D. Leach, Ellet W. Robbins, Milton
Green, William F. McFadden, W. G. Robbins, James P.
Fleming, George W. Parrish, J. W. Slocum, John C.
Kennedy, Samuel A. Perry, J. W. Walker, John C.



MAYORS  OF  SHELBYVILLE.

George Caruthers, James Elliott, Fletcher Meredith
John Morrison, Sr., James E. Maguire, Stephen Allen,
Wm. Hacker, John S. Campbell George C. Morrison



THE  CLERGY  OF  SHELBYVILLE  IN  1876

Bassett, Miles--- Baptist Reece, John -- Baptist,
Eshmeyer, J. H. -- Presbyterian,       Roberts, John A. -- Christian,
Harrison, Thomas -- M.E. Roberts, Robert -- M.E.
Jolly, William T. -- Baptist Rudolph, Francis J.-- Catholic
Kent, Eliphalet--Presbyterian Sluter, George --Presbyterian
Morrison, Samuel --Methodist. Tucker, Daniel -- M. E.



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Official Directory---1876

COUNTY  OFFICERS.

Wm. Patterson, Representative, St. C. Ensminger, Com'r 1st District,
E. T. Keightley, Joint Representative,      Ithamar Davison, Com'r 2nd District,
B. S. Sutton, Clerk, Edumnd Cooper, Com'r 3rd District,
T. H. Lee, Sheriff, Chas. F. Webster, Surveyor,
Geo. W. Isley, Auditor, John Maholm, Coroner,
J. O. Parrish, Treasurer, S. L. Major, County Superintendent.
Alf. V. Robins, Recorder,  


Hon. David D. Banta, of Johnson County, Judge of the 16th Judical Circuit.

W.S. Ray, of Shelby County,Prosecuting Attorney of the 16th Jucical Circuit.
          Circuit Court convenes on the first Monday of March, fourth Monday in May, fifth Monday in September and third Monday in December, and continues seven weeks each term.

          Commissioners Court convenes on the first Monday in March, June, September and December, and continues nine days each term.


JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Levi, Runshe, Joe W. Sandefur,.....................................Jackson Township.
Wm. M. Deiwert, Jno. Clark,..........................................Washington Township.
S. H. Gregory, M. L. Copeland, Thos. J. Jones,...............Noble Township.
J. L. Midkiff, Thad Lewis,...............................................Liberty Township.
A. J. Higgins, Michael Posz, L. Feibleman, R. Norris,......Addison Township.
Jesse Shaw, Wm. F. Higgins,........................................Hendricks, Township.
Wm. P. Holden, Jno. Fraser,..........................................Sugar Creek Township.
J. L. Monjar, T. B. Carey, I. D. Tull,................................Brandywine Township.
Sampson Meiks, Michael Rice,......................................Marion Township.
Thos. Moberly, E. W. Hester,.........................................Union Township.
Samuel Stiers, M. A. Sleeth,...........................................Hanover Township.
Samuel Martin, Jno. F. Room,.........................................Van Buren Township.
A. J. Smith,....................................................................Moral Township.

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

Thomas Stine,................................................................Jackson Township.
Wm. E. Deacon,.............................................................Washington Township.
F. W. Avery,....................................................................Noble Township.
Jasper Heck,...................................................................Liberty Township.
Conrad Schroeder,...........................................................Addison Township.
Henry L. Ross,................................................................Hendricks Township.
Ben. Farmerbough,..........................................................Sugar Creek, Township.
Wm. Goodwin,................................................................Brandywine Township.
Alfred Fox,......................................................................Marion Township.
L. H. Branson,.................................................................Union Township.
M. B. Chadwick,..............................................................Hanover Township.
Geo. W. Davis,................................................................Van Buren Township.
Dan B.Smith,...................................................................Moral Township.




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IV.

STATISTICAL.

The statistics of our County we give under the following head;


THE TOWNS.
NAMES OF TOWNS             Dates of Organization             Population in 1875.

Shelbyville,..........................................Sept. 23, 1822.................................
Morristown,..........................................May 3, 1828..................................225
Middletown,.........................................June 19, 1829................................150
Mt. Pleasant,.......................................June 2,1831.....................................
Brandywine,.........................................August 6, 1832...............................15
Gelletsburg,.........................................January 17,1833..............................
Savannah,............................................June 9, 1834...................................
Cynthianna,..........................................August 19,1835..............................100
Scottsville,............................................February 23, 1835............................
Freeport,...............................................March 7,1836..................................60
Pleasant View,......................................July 6, 1836.....................................50
Blackhawk, (now Mt. Auburn),................March 20, 1838.............................89
Dobletown,............................................June 10, 1839..................................10
New Holland,.........................................October 28, 1851..............................
Houghburg,........................................... July 21, 1838...................................
Vinton,..................................................March 20, 1838................................
Marietta,...............................................June 19, 1839................................175
Smithland,.............................................October 28, 1851............................50
London,.................................................July 21, 1852................................100
Fairland,................................................October 21, 1852..........................500
Brookfield,.............................................November 26, 1853.......................75
Geneva,................................................October 28, 1853............................40
Fountaintown,........................................December 23,1854........................260
Stroupville, (now Waldron).......................March 27, 1854...........................400
Flatrock,................................................May 2, 1855...................................30
St. Paul,................................................April 4, 1856.................................100
Prescott,................................................June 28, 1867................................25
Boggstown,.............................................February 17, 1869.........................75

POPULATION OF THE COUNTY.

1840..............................12,502
1850..............................15,671
1860..............................19,360
1870..............................21,981
          The increase in population has been more rapid during the past four or five years than any previous period of equal length, and the enumeration of school children 8399 indicates a population of at least 24,000.


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TAXABLE PROPERTY

The increase in valuation of taxable property has exceeded the increase in population, viz;

  Lands and Improvements Per. Property Total
1850................. $1,658,636........................ $753,845...................... $2,412,481
1860................... 5,237,200....................... 1,816,875....................... 7,054,075
1870................... 8,376,065....................... 2,941,585..................... 11,317.650
1875.................. 11,157,980....................... 3,115,495.................... 14,313,475



ACREAGE  OF  THE  TOWNSHIPS.

Jackson,................21,066       Hendricks,............22,774       Hanover,............17,092
Washington,...........21,352 Sugar Creek,........14,777 Van Buren,.........17,597
Noble,....................22,484 Brandywine,.........13,500 Moral,.................22,957
Liberty,..................14,611 Marion,................15,278  
Addison,................34,965 Union,..................16,606  



ACRES  IN  CULTIVATION

Wheat,..................50,000       Oats,......................2,300       Pastures,..........36,000
Corn,.....................53,000 Meadow..................9,000  



LIVE STOCK,

Horses,....................8,100       Cattle,...................1,600       Hogs,................50,000
Mules,......................1,000 Sheep,..................6,000  



PRODUCE

Wheat, bu................58,000       Potatoes,............19,000       Hay,tons,.............6,000
Corn,...................2,100,000 Barley,................16,000 Lime,bu.,............46,000
Rye,.............................300 Grass & Clev'd..........600 Tobacco,lbs........ 70,000
Oats,.......................17,000 Fruit,...................22,000  



MISCELLANEOUS

Pianos,...........................65       Mel. & Organs,.........133       Sewing Mach's.....1,285



V.

PUBLIC  IMPROVEMENTS.

The principal Public Public Improvements of Shelby County are the following:


THE  OLD  STATE  ROAD

          This was made as early as 1821.  It began at Lawrenceburg, ran thence to Napoleon and Greensburg, and passed through our bounds from south-east to


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north-west.  This was for many years an exceedingly important thoroughfare, as affording communication with the Ohio River.


THE  MICHIGAN  ROAD

          The Michigan Road originally ran from Michigan City to Indianapolis, thence to Madison by way of Shelby County.  It passes through our limits in a west-north-west course.  It was constructed in accordance with an Act of Legislature, dated January 13th, 1830, and was paid for by a donation of land from the "Chiefs and Warriors of the Potawatamie tribe of Indians."


TURNPIKES

          The projector of our turnpikes system was the late  Mr. Alexander Cory;  Mr. James E. Maguire, then a Justice of the Peace, drafted the first articles of organization for a company; and  Mr. Jerry Weakley  was the first contractor, and threw the first shovel of earth, upon the first gravel road in the county--the one leading from Shelbyville to Morristown.  This was in 1860.  At present we have the following:

NAME MILES
Shelbyville and Morristown---------------------- 10
Edinburg, Flat Rock and Norristown......... 11 1/2
Mt. Auburn and Lewis Creek.................... 9 1/2
Jackson Gravel Road Co.......................... 5
Hope and Norristown............................... 1 1/2
Shelbyville, Flat Rock and Norristown....... 12
St. Paul and Norristown........................... 9 1/2
Flat Rock and Waldron............................ 5 1/2
Shelbyville and Cynthiana........................ 4
Shelbyville and Chapel............................. 7
County Line and Chapel........................... 5
Waldron and Middletown.......................... 1
Shelbyville and Columbus........................ 4 1/2
Shelbyville and Rushville.......................... 4
Shelbyville and Marietta........................... 10
Lewis Creek and Shelbyville...................... 3
Shelbyville, Smithland & Marietta............... 7 1/2
Michigan Road......................................... 6
Shelbyville and Brandywine....................... 2 1/2
Brandywine, Boggstown and Sugar Creek.. 4
Fairland Company.................................... 4 1/2
Shelbyville and Indianapolis......................... 4
Fairland and Shelbyville Co........................ 2
Fairland and Brandywine Co...................... 1 1/4
Northern Co............................................. 1
Brandywine Junction................................. 1
Morristown and Hanover............................ 5 3/4
Blue River and Chapel............................... 4
Marion Township....................................... 5 1/2
Morrison Turnpike Co................................ 4 1/2
  ---------
Total miles 154



RAILROADS.


          There are at present four railroads in our county.    1.  The Indianapolis, Cincinnati and LaFayette, passes through diagonally from northwest to southeast.     2.  The Columbus and Rushville (a branch of the Pennsylvania Central) from south to northwest.     3.  The Martinsville and Cincinnati, from Fairland south west, and     4.  The Hamilton and Cincinnati, through the northeastern corner of the county. In all 60 miles of railroad.
          In former days there existed here an intense prejudice against railroads.  To overcome this the late Judge  William J. Peaseley  had on exhibition in one of the


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stores on the Public Square a miniature model of a track and cars, with which he used to enforce his arguments concerning their feasibility and advantage.  At last a wooden railroad, on and a fourth miles in length was built and at a grand celebration of the 4th of July, 1834, put in operation.  This is supposed to have been the first railroad of any kind west of the Allegheny Mountains. Prejudice has vanished before experiment, and now no county in the State excels ours in railroad facilities.  The history of their construction we give int he language of Mr. Jasper H. Sprague, of our city:
          "The Shelbyville Lateral Branch, connecting Shelbyville with the Madison and Indianapolis Road at Edinburg, was located in the year 1846 and completed in 1849-50. Length 16 miles. Major John Hendricks was the first President. This was the second railroad constructed in the State of Indiana, and the third one in the United States west of Cincinnati--Madison and Indianapolis being the first and Louisville and Portland the second.
          The next in order of time located in Shelby County, was Lawrenceburg & Upper Mississippi Road, now known as the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Madison and Indianapolis being the first and the Louisville and Portland the second.
          The second railroad, the Rushville and Shelbyville, 19 miles in length, and also the Knightstown and Shelbyville, 25 miles in length, were located in 1847 and completed at about the same time as the lateral branch. The first President and projector of the Knightstown Road was Henry B. Hill, of Carthage. Dr. Helm was first President of R. & S. Road.
          The next in order of time, located in Shelby County, was the Lawrenceburgh in the fall of 1849, and completed to Indianapolis in 1853--length 90 miles.  The projector and first President of this important road was Hon. Geo. H. Dunn, of Lawrenceburg, from whose indefatiagable industry and perseverance Shelby County has derived more substantial benefit in her material interests than from the labor of any other single individual in our State.  To those who will succeed the present generation, and especially the farmers of Shelby County, it may be interesting to know that before the construction of railroads, corn was a drug at 10 cents per bushel; wheat 35 to 40 cents; pork $1.50 to $2.00 per 100 lbs net; good beef steak 2 1/2 to 3 cents per pound, and other products in proportion."



BRIDGES.

          A few years ago the County Commissioners commenced a systematic plan of bridging the rivers and streams at the principal crossings. Thus far ten substantial and elegant iron bridges, with stone abutments and piers have been put up, and each year one or more are added. They are erected in the most substantial and durable manner, and if properly looked after will last for a generation or more. In addition to these numerous wood bridges span the smaller streams.


COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE

          Our present Court House was built in 1852, Messrs. John Kern,  James F.


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Rule  and  Thomas Clayton, being commissioner.  Its size is 75 x 100 feet, dimensions of court-room 60 x 75; its cost was $47, 000.  It is located on grounds donated to the County by Messrs.  Jeremiah Bennett  and  Edward Toner.


JAIL

          The first County Jail stood upon the Public Square, it was built of logs and cost probably $200. It was erected in 1823.
          The second Jail stood upon the corner of Harrison and Broadway. It was also a log structure; cost about $300, built in 1826.
          The third Jail stood upon the square adjoining the present Court House; cost about $1,000, built of stone, in 1841.
          The Jail Building now in use, was erected in the years 1872-74, Messrs. Edmund Cooper,  St. Clair Ensminger,  and  Louis Fessenbeck, being Commissioners.  Its size 50 x 95.  It contains 18 cells and two Hospital Rooms in the prison department, and nine rooms in the Sheriff's residence.  Its cost was $52,000.


CITY  HALL

          The City Hall of Shelbyville, situated on the North side of West Washington Street, is a handsome brick edifice 30 X 60 feet in size. It is surrounded by a cupolo for the fire alarm bell. The first floor contains the engine room and city prison, the second floor, the Mayor's office and Council Chambers, which are conformably arranged. Its original cost was $2,800; about $300 has since been spent upon it in improvements.


GAS  WORKS

          The Shelbyville Gas Works were built in the spring of 1874 by Messrs. Luce & Bros., of Ashtabula, Ohio.  The city was first lighted on the evening of April 26th, 1874.  The works passed into the hands of the present company, July 1st, 1874.  The amount of capital stock is $20,000; and it is held at par.  The present officers are Mr. John H. Leefers, President, and  Mr. G. W. F. Kirk, Secretary.


STEAM  FIRE  ENGINE

          In 1874 a first class steam fire engine was purchased together with reel and 1,000 feet of hose, at a cost of $6,000, and it has already more than paid for itself by valuable services. Mr. William Morgan is the engineer.


CEMETERY.

          In 1824, at the second sale of the lots comprising the donation of Major John Hendricks, Hon. John Walker and Mrs. James Davison, four acres of the extreme north-east corner were purchased by Mr. Arthur Major, and donated


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to the city as a Burial Place.  He paid the price, but did not call for a deed.  In the settlement of his estate, after his death, these facts were elicited and duly recorded; and then the county made a deed direct to the city.  Since that time several acres more have been added.  This spot has of course, in the lapse of these long years, become the centre of a deep and touching interest and sentiment, as holding the precious remains of so many of the Loved and Gone Before.  Here lie numbers of the First Settlers in their often plain and unmarked graves.  Of late years some beautiful monuments of marble and Scotch granite have been erected.  It is the cherished intention to place here a Soldier's Monument, inscribed with the names of our fallen heroes of war of the Rebellion.  The grounds are kept in good order, and surrounded by a graceful iron fence.


VI.

 INDUSTRIES.

          As in the physical constitution of man a variety of organs have each their appropriate and indispensable function, so the actual necessities of the body-politic give rise to the several branches of industry---each augmenting the wealth-producing power of the other, with agriculture as the basis of them all.


NEWSPAPERS.

          The first place among industries in our age is occupied by Journalism.  The overwhelming influence of the Press is that which pre-eminently distinguishes the civilization of the 19th century.  The Orator of the Athenian Assembly and the Roman Forum influenced mainly those his voice could reach; but with us a Speaker has scarcely uttered the last sentence before his exordium is in print.  The universal address, which the Press affords, makes the people's heart to vibrate to the skillful touch of the editor; for many a man will read a newspaper article, who would never open the ponderous and recondite quarto.  Forty-four years ago, in 1832, the first enterprise in Journalism was begun here, by Mr. W. H. Heslip, under the classic and significant title of "The Argus," the hundred-eyed myth of the ancients.  After many changes and business reverses the Press of 1876 in our midst is represented by the following journals:  THE SHELBY REPUBLICAN,  Mr. Sim. J. Thompson editor and proprietor.  THE INDEPENDENT,  Mr. Reuben Spicer, editor and proprietor.


BANKING

          Previous to 1851, all money transactions with the great cities was done by carrying the amount, usually in saddle-bags, to Indianapolis or Cincinnati.  In


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that year the banking business had its origin here in the establishment of a private bank by Messrs. Elliott, Hill & Co. (John Elliott, James Hill, Samuel Hamilton and Alfred Major.)  Out of this in 1858 grew two enterprise, the Shelby Bank of Mr. Samuel Hamilton, which still exists, and the bank of Messrs. Elliott & Major rose to above $300,000 per annum, and the First National has even exceeded that.  Of the Shelby Bank Mr. Sam'l Hamilton is Manager and Proprietor, and  Mr. Thomas W. Fleming, Cashier; and of the First National,  Mr. John Elliott, President;  Mr. Alfred Major, Vice President, and  Mr. John H. Young, Cashier.


MANUFACTURES.

          The Planing Mill owned at present by Mr. Geo. W. Kennedy, originated in a small establishment of the same kind located near the river, and built by Mr. Joseph R. Stewart, in 1853.  This first manufacturing enterprise of Shelbyville being destroyed by fire, Mr. Stewart ventured again and this time upon a larger and more perfect scale, until after various viscisitudes, it is now in its machinery and arrangements a model of completeness in every respect.  The main building is 50 x 80 feet, two stories; attached to it is the engine-room, a two story brick 22 x 32, the second floor being a drying room.  The machinery is of the best patterns, and embraces all that can be used to advantage.
          The Blue River Furniture Factory, owned by Messrs. Conrey,  Wallar and  Deprez, occupies a large and commodious brick building for office, sales-room and packing.  The factory itself, 40 x 80, three-stories high, is one mile west of the city.  Its machinery is propelled by a never-failing water-power. This establishment does a wholesale and retail business of $100,000 per annum, and gives steady employment to a large number of mechanics.
          There are three Flouring and one Saw Mills in Shelbyville and many of both throughout the county.  A Mineral Water Factory has been established. One mile from town there is a Distillery, not in operation.  There are two Tanneries here and a number of them in the country.  Also Brick and Tile yards, Messrs. McGuire and Jennings; M. Carithers and James Smart.
          The "Pine Hill Nursery," of Mr. Noah Milleson,  The "Blue River Vegetable Garden" of  Jacob Buescher, three Dairies and the Hot House for ornamental flowers, of the late  Fountain G. Robertson, are in and around our city.


AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

          Many years ago the farmers of Shelby were deeply concerned in the objects of an Agricultural Society and had Fair Grounds, but the organization ceased


36

in 1863.  In 1872, the present "Shelby County Agricultural and Joint Stock Association" was founded. Forty-five acres of ground admirably located for the purpose, well shaded, with abundance of pure water accessible, one-half mile east of our city, was purchased and fenced.  Since then the necessary buildings and improvements have been made.  The track, one-half mile in length is one of the finest in the State.  Floral Hall, 50 x 80, is light, airy and graceful.  Agricultural and Mechanical Halls, each 30 x 50, are in good taste and well adapted to their purpose.  John Blessing is President and  Albert J. Gorgas, Secretary.


THE GRANGE.

          In 1873 the first lodge, Pioneer No 152, was organized. There are now 30 granges.  The increase of membership has been at the rate of 600 per annum.  Five Halls have been erected and more are in propress. The Shelbyville Pomona, or fifth degree grange is located in our city.  Its object is the highest elevation of Husbandry, and it has also the powers and functions of a High Court.  Total membership in the county 2,000, representing a capital of from three to five million dollars.


VII.


BENEVOLENT.

          Under this general classification, we propose a survey of our schools, churches, and other educational and humane institutions.


CHURCHES.

          In Shelbyville there are the following eight churches:  The Methodist Episcopal, The Second M. E., The First Baptist, The Second Baptist, The Catholic Church of St. Joseph, The Christian, The First Presbyterian, The Second Presbyterian German. Throughout the county in every school district, there are one or more ecclesiastical organizations.


SCHOOLS.

          Indiana has a larger invested school fund than any other State in the Union, and we have shared abundantly in its beneficent influences.  The first report from Shelby County to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is dated 1855.  The statistics since are as follows:


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Number of : 1855 1860 1865 1870 1875
           
School Days,.................... 60............. 65........... 69.......... 93........ 123
Teachers,.......................... 40............. 90......... 115......... 129....... 178
Scholars,....................... 1790......... 4440...... 5563....... 6398..... 6489
Dollars Expended......... 1933........ 7517.... 12290..... 23263... 37471



SCHOOL  HOUSES

  1865 1870 1875
Log,....................................... 6...................... 2......................  
Frame,................................. 98.................... 97.................... 94
Brick,.................................. 7................... 15.................. 36
Value,.............................. 5688............. 89500.............. 139905



          The total number of persons between 4 and 21 years during the year ending May 1st, 1876 was 8,399, and the amount distributed to the various school corporation, $14,147.10.
          For a complete and valuable history of the schools of Shelbyville, we refer to their Annual Report, by Prof. Wm. A. Boles, the Superintendent.  The first teacher here was  William Hawkins, and the first public school house a plain log cabin, on the south-east corner of the Public Square.  Our present Seminary is massive and commodious, and was erected at a cost of $35.000.  The school has both the Higher and English departments.  Upwards of 800 children are in attendance.
          The Sisters of St. Francis conduct a school under the auspices of the Catholic Church.
          We have also a Classical Academy for Youths and Misses, where the music of the Great Masters and the Ancient and Modern Languages are taught.  Prof. J. Martin is the Principal and Proprietor.


MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETIES


          The ancient and honorable fraternity of Masons that has enacted so distinguished a role in the History of the World, was established in our midst by some of the earliest settlers.  In the year 1820, the Hon. Abel Cole  came with his family and settled in the northern part of the county--- being the fourth family located here.  Shortly, after him followed  David Tracy, M.D. , Justice Ferris,  Joseph Adams,  Chandler Huntingdon,  Percy Kitchel,  John Walker  and  Nathan Johnson.  In June, 1825 -- these eight Honored Brethren joined in a petition to the then Grand Master of Masons of Indiana, His Excellency  Johnathan Jennings, for authoority to organize a lodge at Hanover, in Shelby County.  Their request was granted, June 17th, 1825--the day upon which the Corner Stone of Bunker Hill Monument was laid with the Masonic ceremonies by General Lafayette.  The lodge was then duly organized and worked regularly until the meeting of the Grand Lodge on the 5th of October, 1825 when their work was approved and a charter granted by which it has continued to the present time.


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          The strength of the order now may be judged by the large number of lodges in our own and adjoining counties that have sprung from this beginning.  In the county:  Farmer's Lodge No. 147, at Morristown; Morristown Lodge, No. 193 at Morristown; Waldron Lodge No. 217, at Waldron; St. Paul Lodge No. 218, at St. Paul, and Sugar Creek Lodge No. 279, at Boggstown.  In Shelbyville; Shelby Lodge No. 28, W. Hacker Lodge No. 360, Shelby Chapter No. 20 of Royal Arch Masons, Shelby Council No. 3 of Royal and Select Masters, Baldwin Commandery No. 2 of Knights Templars.
          These lodge are all in successful operation and faithfully at work in carrying out their moral and benevolent objects.  The venerable Brother  William Hacker, whose profound researches in the lore of Masonry have a national reputation, resides in our midst.
          ODD-FELLOWSHIP - was introduced into Shelby County, November 13, 1846, by the organization of Shelby Lodge No. 89, upon the petition of Brothers  John L. Robinson,  William Hacker,  John Cartmill,  John M. Woollen,  Joseph L. Silcox, and  Hiram Comstock.  Just 30 years ago today there were but three Odd-fellows in the entire county, and yet in all these years the regular weekly meeting required by their laws has only in one solitary instance been omitted, and that was in July, 1850, during the cholera, when this faithful little band were so engrossed in ministrations to the sick, that it was impossible to assemble a lawful quorom.  The funds accumulated and invested by them now amount to $10,000, augmented annually by 15 per cent, of the entir e revenues.  There are also lodges at Smithland, Hiawatha No. 193; at Waldron, Waldren No. 197; and at Fairland, Dove No. 258; all of which are earnestly at work in carrying out the humane objects of the Brotherhood.
          In addition to the above, there are in Shelbyville organizations of Young Men's Christian Association, Temperance, Red Men, and Harigardi.


THE  COUNTY  FARM


          The care of the unfortunate and the poor was attended to and provided for at an early day.  The present County Farm is five miles south of Shelbyville, upon the Norristown pike, on the banks of Lewis Creek.  It contains 160 acres, purchased of Mr. John Lemaster, July 3rd, 1847.  The present building was erected in 1851 at a cost of $25.000. It is 60 x 100 feet in size, of brick, two stories high, with a central part and two wings; and is well arranged and adapted to its objects.  There are 51 inmates now.


LIBRARIES.

          As early as the year 1824, a Public Library was begun in Shelbyville. It grew to considerable size and value; was long known as the "Mechanics Library," had connected with it a thriving Lyceum in which the citizens of that day expatiated upon the exciting topics of the time and some trained themselves for eminence in the Bar and Forum. In 1852 the Library was destroyed in the conflagration of the Seminary building. At present there are in Shelbyville the following Public Libraries: The Township, the Methodist Sunday School, The Presbyterian Congregational, Robbins Circulating and The Public School Library. Besides these, there are townships libraries in every township of the county.


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MUSICAL.


          In Shelbyville a Philharmonic Society, under the direction of  Edward Carlyle, is in successful operation.  Private Musical Instructors:  Miss Amanda Mayhew,  Miss Lizzie Maxwell,  Miss Ella Mayhew,  and  Mrs. Joseph H. Kent.


SCIENTIFIC.

          A Telescope of great size and power is in the possession of one of our citizens, Dr. Fitch, of Morristown.  The Shelbyville Graded Schools own a large amount of Chemical Apparatus, and in our Private Academy for the Youths and Misses, besides a large Microscope, there is a cabinet of 120,000 specimens of Coleoptera.


CONCLUSION.


          We have now completed this comprehensive view of the past and present of Shelby County, Indiana.  We have taken an historical retrospect of the beginnings of settlement here; and by accurate description of the physical features then, especially in its unbroken and trackless forests, as compared with the cultivation, verdure and beauty of to-day, we have exhibited the great and striking transformations and improvements, that the truly heroic industry of the farmers of Shelby County have wrought.  In the tabular portion of our report, we have carefully sought to embalm the  "Memory and Good Name of the Founders of this County, and those to whom its government and interests have since be en chiefly committed.  Let us cherish and venerate those who bore the heat and burden of those early days of privation, and lets us congratulate ourselves upon the pleasing recollection of such excellent and worthy predecessors.  In the Statistics we have shown our remarkable growth.  The census of two or three hundred in 1822, has grown to a population of at least 24,000 in 1876.  While in some portions of the Old World that have been populated for thousands of years, as for example in the parts of Turkey where war is now imminent, not more than one-tenth of the land is even yet in cultivation, in our County, out of 261,120 acres -- 150,000 were last year in actual cultivation.  The less than 100 horses of 1822 have increased to more than 10,000 in 1876.  Compare the six acres of corn raised by James Wilson in 1821, with the 2,100,00 bushels of last year!  As to prices and values -- the walnut trees that then were burned by scores and hundreds in order to get rid of them, would now bring on an average at least $50 each, and be in great demand at that.  The land that was then sold for $1.25 is now coveted and sought after at from $40 to $100 per acre.  Think of the day in 1822 when a few hundred dollars would have been a good price for


40


all improvements in the whole county, and compare it with the $15,000,000 of taxable property of to-day!  Our Statistics certainly prove  PROGRESS  AND  PROSPERITY.  Our Exhibit of Public Improvements, Industries and Intellectual and moral features, will, we have no hesitancy in claiming compare well with other counties.  We have thus demonstrated that we have within our bounds every element of Prosperity and Progress.  Shelby County is not a dead by a live community.  It is not a decaying but an improving place.  It is not going backwards but forwards.  As in the past so in the time that is to come our motto shall be:  Ne Plus Ultra!
          Let us ardently and sacredly remember this Glorious Day in order to observe it properly.
          A few weeks ago a great orator of France, in referring to our Nation Centennial Jubilee, uttered these remarkable words:  "To unfurl a banner to the wind, to beat the drum, to parade guns, infantry and cavalry, in order to frighten the peaceable citizens by this image of war--such is the fashion of celebrating great events in France; but it is not equal to the America idea, which consists in celebrating the festivals of peace by the pacific spectacle of universal industry."
          We are carrying out this grand American idea to-day. In compliance with the wise provisions of Congress and the Proclamation of our Chief Magistrate, we have recounted the annals and condition of the place we live in.
          Two years age the whole world stood by admiringly when Iceland celebrated her 1,000 year. To-day we celebrate our 100th.
          Truly our festival is superior. Our festival of Liberty is a festival of Industry, and of the achievements, improvements and progress that have been made during the fist Century of our Nation's life!
          In the constellation of States Indiana holds no mean position. While she is the 24th in area, she is first in her invested school fund, which amount to $8,799,191; fifth in population and in the number of her schools; sixth in churches; and the seventh in wealth!
          In the counties of this great commonwealth--SHELBY holds no unimportant position. She is THIRD in the average value of her lands and in every other respect  THE  PEER  AND  EQUAL  of all the rest!
          In such contemplation, would we recall the signing of the Declaration of American Independence, that ushered in this era of Liberty and civilization -- on this great National Holiday that we mean never to permit to be forgotten or slighted, as long as Time endures!



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The FARMERS NATIONAL BANK 1892-1976

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Submitted by Wanda R. Counsil.

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