Shelby County Indiana
Newspaper Articles
Major
Newspaper Articles
Major
The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Lifestyles Section
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Ron Hamilton wrote an article about Charles Major's novel, When Knighthood Was in Flower. The article should be available online
(in the search engine, use the date and section information above) as well as on microfilm. Due to copyright laws, we cannot republish the article on this website.Wednesday, March 5, 2003
Lifestyles Section
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The Shelbyville Republican
April 14, 1926
Page 1
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MAJOR PROPERTY SOLD.
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The Shelbyville Trust
Company, executor of the estate of Mrs. Alice S. Major, has sold
the Major residence in North Harrison street, to Enos Porter
[the article continues but my copy stops here.]April 14, 1926
Page 1
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MAJOR PROPERTY SOLD.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
Saturday Afternoon, March 20, 1926
Page 1
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ALFRED MAJOR STILL MISSING
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Search Made About Danville And In
Indianapolis By Friends and Police.
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MRS. MAJOR BROUGHT HERE
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No word had been received today of Alfred Major, former resident of Shelbyville, who disapeared[sic] Thursday from his home near Danville, Indiana. Mr. Major left Danville for Indianapolis to order supplies for his drug store. He was in Indianapolis for the order was placed by him for the supplies. No trace of him has been found since he left the order for the goods.Saturday Afternoon, March 20, 1926
Page 1
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ALFRED MAJOR STILL MISSING
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Search Made About Danville And In
Indianapolis By Friends and Police.
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MRS. MAJOR BROUGHT HERE
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Mrs. Major was brought here today by her niece, Miss Helen Reid, of Chicago, and was taken to the home of her brother and sister, James Neighbors, and Mrs. Ollie Morrison, in West Hendricks street. Mrs. Major is in ill health.
A search of territory near Danville has been made by residents of the town. Indianapolis police have been asked to watch for Mr. Major.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, August 5, 1924
Page 8 column 1
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Miss Ethel Major has resumed her duties at the Security Trust & Savings Co., after a two weeks' vacation.Tuesday, August 5, 1924
Page 8 column 1
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Indianapolis Star
October 24, 1915
Page 51 Column 7
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Major are at
Terre Haute, visiting the Rev. L. O. Richmond and family.October 24, 1915
Page 51 Column 7
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Contributed by Virginia Latta Curulla
The Indianapolis Star
September 26, 1915
Page 54 Column 4
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Mrs. Frances Seiler
and daughter, Miss Mary, of New York are guests of Mrs.
Charles Major here.September 26, 1915
Page 54 Column 4
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Contributed by Virginia Latta Curulla
The Indianapolis Star
May 2, 1915
Page 24, Column 7
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Mr. and Mrs. S. L.
Major, W. A. Major and Harry Major have returned
from their trip in the South and West. They visited the expositions at San
Francisco and San Diego, Cal.May 2, 1915
Page 24, Column 7
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SHELBYVILLE.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday Afternoon, February 15, 1913
Page 1
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CHARLES MAJOR'S FUNERAL TODAY
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CONDUCTED BY REV. L. O. RICHMOND
OF TERRE HAUTE ---- ONLY RELATIVES
AND A FEW INTIMATE FRIENDS
PRESENT ---- BODY TO BE CREMATED
AT CINCINNATI.
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The funeral services of Charles Major were held this afternoon and were private, only his relatives and very closest friends of the family being in attendance. The services were in charge of the Rev. L. O. Richmond, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Terre Haute, the minister being a former resident of this city and in charge of the Presbyterian church here. He was closely associated with the deceased. ollowing the services the body was taken to the New York Central depot where it was taken to Cincinnati for cremation.Saturday Afternoon, February 15, 1913
Page 1
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CHARLES MAJOR'S FUNERAL TODAY
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CONDUCTED BY REV. L. O. RICHMOND
OF TERRE HAUTE ---- ONLY RELATIVES
AND A FEW INTIMATE FRIENDS
PRESENT ---- BODY TO BE CREMATED
AT CINCINNATI.
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The pall bearers were Harry Teal, Dr. Sam Kennedy, Charles Tatman, Dr. H. C. Sexton, Henry S. Cory and Harry S. Downey. The pall bearers went to Cincinnati with the remains.
Those present from a distance attending the funeral were Thomas A. Swain and wife, of Indianapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Saylor and their son, John Saylor, Dr. and Mrs. J G. Reid, of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Philip Shaw and Mrs. Ed Major, of Indianapolis; George Major, a nephew, from the state of Washington; Mr. and Mrs. Warren Bigler, of Wabash; Dr. Chas. Hodell, of Baltimore, Md.; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Reid, of Anderson; Judge and Mrs. L. J. Hackney of Cincinnati, and Dr. W. E. Stone, President of Purdue University.
The funeral services were especially appropriate. No pomp, no showy ceremonies, just a quiet, unostentatious gathering of his relatives and close friends. Everything was just as Mr. Jamor himself would have wished it. As it was in life, so it was in death. He was surrounded by those who knew him, those who loved him for himself. These relatives and friends have no fear, all is well with Charles Major. As Pope so well says:
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming"Peace to thy gentle shade and endless rest!
Blest is thy genius, in thy love too, blest."
And with Longfellow we can say:
"There is no death! what seems so is transition;
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suberb of the life elysian,
whose portals we call Death."
The Shelbyville Republican
Friday Afternoon, February 14, 1913
Page 1
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REPORT IS UNTRUE
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Statement That Mrs. Charles Major Is Very Ill, Unfounded.
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The report has been sent out and has been published that Mrs. Charles Major, since th death of Mr. Major, has become very ill and that her condition is considered somewhat serious. Information comes from Dr. T. G. Green denying that this statement is in the least true.Friday Afternoon, February 14, 1913
Page 1
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REPORT IS UNTRUE
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Statement That Mrs. Charles Major Is Very Ill, Unfounded.
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Mr. Major was a member of the first class that graduated from the Shelbyville high school, and the Shelbyville Alumni Association has held a meeting and a committee composed of Mrs. Samuel P. McCrea, Harry Morrison and Herbert Jones was selected to draft resolutions of condolence and place them in the hands of Mrs. Major. The widow of Mr. Major is also a member of the association, but not of the same class that Mr. Major belonged to.
Mr. Major was a member of the Elks, the Masons and the Modern Woodmen, but was not an active lodge man.
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PHYSICIAN'S NAME OMITTED
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Dr. Samuel Kennedy Also Attended at Illness of Late Author.
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The Republican in its article of Thursday in regard to the death of our greatly beloved citizen, Charles Major, failed to mention the name of Dr. Samuel Kennedy, who had the case under his charge beginning early.PHYSICIAN'S NAME OMITTED
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Dr. Samuel Kennedy Also Attended at Illness of Late Author.
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Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Thomas G. Green were both faithful attendants of Mr. Major during his illness. The Republican regrets very much that Dr. Kennedy's name failed to appear in the account of the illness of the deceased, and we take this opportunity of making this announcement.
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
====================
CHARLES MAJOR; AN APPRECIATION
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SOMETHING OF WHAT A BIG, BROAD MINDED,
GENEROUS, SYMPATHIZING MAN
WAS TO OTHERS.
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In the death of Charles Major, Indiana loses one of her greatest citizen and Shelbyville her greatest. His achievements spread throughout the English speaking world the fame of Indiana literature and added another star to the galaxy of noted American men of letters. He placed Shelbyville upon a pinnacle she had never occupied before and which in all probability she will never occupy again. Such a loss is irreparable.CHARLES MAJOR; AN APPRECIATION
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SOMETHING OF WHAT A BIG, BROAD MINDED,
GENEROUS, SYMPATHIZING MAN
WAS TO OTHERS.
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But great as is the loss to Shelbyville and to Indiana it is as nothing compared to the loss of those who had the good fortune to be associated with him in such intimacy that they learned to know the man that lived beneath that intellect, the heart that beat beneath that brain. We may respect and be awed by the mighty intellect, but it is only the heart that calleth forth love; and only the heart that feels love can inspire it. Charles Major was "Uncle Charley" to many children who loved him because they knew themselves beloved -- in that even the smallest child cannot be deceived. Never was he happier than when surrounded by little ones.
We all know of Charles Major's life, that is, the outward life, we all know the sincerity and friendliness that marked his way. But there was another life --- for he led a double one --- that was known to only a few, and in all its richness it could be known only to himself. Riches are properly measured not by external but by internal possessions. True wealth is carried in a man's heart and brain and soul, not in his pocketbook. 'Tis he who thinks the most and feels the most that lives the most, not he who most successfully digs and deives. Our actions, our passions, all the impulses that go to make up a material life, we share with the rest of the animal creation. In our thoughts alone are we godlike.
In that godlike attribute of thinking and in that highest form of all thought --- the exercise of the imagination --- Charles Major was wealthy beyond anyone the writer has ever known. He lived only one life, really only a part of one, yet into those few years how many other lives were compressed. His creations were not to him the mere abstractions they are to some writers, they were flesh and blood and bone. Therein lay his power. No character was ever created in literature that did not first live in all its beauty, in all its force, in the imagination of the creator. Nay, it has to live in the author's brain in even greater beauty, in even greater force, for the human powers of expression are so feeble that much is inevitably lost in the telling.
Here are a few lines from a beautiful introduction to one of his books that tell more strongly than can I of the wealth of his inner life:
"While the cauldron boils, their cloud forms grow ever more distinct and definite, till at length I can trace their every feature. I see the color of their eyes. I discern the shades of their hair. Some heads are streaked with gray, others are glossy with the sheen of youth. As a climax to my conjurations I speak the word of all words magical, 'Dorothy,' and lo! as though god had said, 'Let there be light,' a fair radiant girl steps from the portals of Haddon Hall and illumines all my ancient company so that I may see even the workings of their hearts."
Those were not mere words to Charles Major, they were emotions of his own soul, emotions that in all their beauty, in all their virility, we can never feel. He lived them daily. He saw as he says even the workings of their hearts and therefrom came his great store of sympathy. No one who lacks imagination can truly sympathize. That he could and did anyone can attest who ever went to him in trouble. His strong, unswerving friendship made one think better of the whole human race.
The Bible says: "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country and among his own kin." I do not think that was true of Charles Major. He was honored and beloved by many in Shelbyville and the better he was known the more he was beloved. If ever a just man spoke harsh words of him, they were spoken in ignorance. To know the man, really to know the man, was but to love him, there could be no other feeling.
And yet that old Bible saying is true in one sense. We never appreciate the blessings of the present until Fate has banished them into the past. Many a night have I sat entranced by the glowing pictures conjured up by his brilliant mind or moved by emotions transposed from his own soul. He was the most interesting, the most entertaining, the most lovable man I have ever known. I have recognized those truths for years yet I think now in my great loss I never appreciated him as he deserved. And as I look forward to the years to come I know I shall never find one to replace him. Poor misguided human hearts, why are we not made better? Why, to feel the full force of love, must we first lose?
The closing words from one of his own books may well be quoted here in conclusion:
"The fire ceases to burn, the flames are sucked back into the earth; the doe's blood has boiled away; the cauldron cools, and my shadowy friends --- so real to me --- whom I love with a passionate tenderness beyond my power to express, have sunk into the dread black bank of the past, and my poor, weak wand is powerless to recall them for the space of even one fleeting moment. So I must say ---- farewell."
H. C. S.
---------------------
George Major, a nephew of the late Charles Major, who resides in Kentucky, is here to attend the funeral services of the late lawyer-author.===================
AUTHORS LAMENT DEATH OF MAJOR
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JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY, BOOTH TARKINGTON
AND MEREDITH NICHOLSON PAY TRIBUTE
TO LATE NOVELIST'S WORK.
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END WAS LITTLE EXPECTED
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Brother Writer Recalls Popularity Enjoyed by "When Knighthood Was in Flower."
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When the news of the death of Charles Major was conveyed to his friends and acquaintances in Indianapolis, and especially among his brother-writers in that city, they gave deepest expression of regret.AUTHORS LAMENT DEATH OF MAJOR
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JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY, BOOTH TARKINGTON
AND MEREDITH NICHOLSON PAY TRIBUTE
TO LATE NOVELIST'S WORK.
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END WAS LITTLE EXPECTED
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Brother Writer Recalls Popularity Enjoyed by "When Knighthood Was in Flower."
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"Charles Major was a man of rare affability --- cheery and wholesome and brave," said James Whitcomb Riley. "He deserved a great measure of his success in all particulars, and it is no wonder that he succeeded for the work found him. All his pleasure and inclination and will and zest bent to his literary task, and so it was that his chosen vocation --- the law --- was necessarily forced aside by his writing. And happily, too, for he has reflected credit on the state of his birth and left a lasting impression to his own honor and renown."
"I am greatly grieved to hear of Charles Major's death," said Booth Tarkington. "It seems only a little while ago that he was in robust health. I have been in his company but a few times. I have known him little, but have appreciated him much."
Praised by Nicholson
"I was greatly shocked to hear recently that Mr. Major's health was impaired, as he always seemed unusually vigorous and a man who enjoyed life to the full," said Meredith Nicholson. "My last meeting with him was at Mackinac Island, a year ago last summer. For many years he had been an annual visitor to the Island, where he was well known to all the summer colony. The last time I talked with him he expressed his wish to own a house on the island, and discussed a number of eligible sites with this in mind. He knew Mackinac and its lore thoroughly and was deeply interested in its romantic history.
"Mr. Major was a lifelong student of history. He had accumulated a large and valuable historical library, and it was through his devotion to English history that he became a writer of romance. I cannot recall that he had written for publication before the launching of "When Knighthood Was In Flower," which is one of the most popular tales ever written by an American author. This was not only a highly successful story, but it caused an immediate revival in the historical novel.
"The play made from the novel for Miss Marlowe was one of the most successful dramatizations, and after it had run its course as a drama, it saw service as an opera. Mr. Major wrote many other books and established himself in the regard of a large public. His live was singularly successful and happy one. He was handsomely rewarded for his literary labors, he enjoyed a wide acquaintance both among literary people and artists in other fields and he occupied himself with work and study in quite an ideal fashion. He was an agreeable gentleman, always cordial and friendly, whose personal qualities as well as his literary achievements did much to publish the good name of Indiana abroad."
Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Democrat
Shelbyville, Ind., November 3, 1911
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Dr. W. N. Wishard of Indianapolis
was in the city today to see Mrs. W. S. Major.Shelbyville, Ind., November 3, 1911
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Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, August 24, 1911.
Page 4 Column 3
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MANY REMEMBERED
ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS
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Big Dinners and Family Reunions
Make List of Enjoyable Social Events.
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THREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES
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(From Monday's Daily.)
Several of the members of the Major family held a reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thad Major, at Irvington, Sunday. An elegant dinner was enjoyed at the noon hour by the guests, who included Mr. and Mrs. William A. Major and daughter, Miss Ethel, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Major and son, Robert Allen, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Major, of this city; Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Major and daughter Miss Helen of Rush county; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Dyer, of Pittsboro, and Dr. and Mrs. Meier, of Irvington.Thursday, August 24, 1911.
Page 4 Column 3
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MANY REMEMBERED
ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS
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Big Dinners and Family Reunions
Make List of Enjoyable Social Events.
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THREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES
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(From Monday's Daily.)
Note: The article continues with Fred Meloy's birthday party.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Daily Democrat
Saturday, July 1, 1911
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Harry Major went to Anderson last night to remain till after the Fourth as the guest of relatives of his wife. Mrs. Major and son, Robert Allen, have been there for several days.Saturday, July 1, 1911
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Indianapolis Star
January 11, 1911
Page 3, Column 1
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[as part of a much longer article]January 11, 1911
Page 3, Column 1
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Officers of the Indiana State Federation of Clubs will preside at the sessions of this congress, although the meeting is not confined to members of the affiliated organizations. ...Officers of the Indiana State Federation are:... Mrs. W. S. Major of Shelbyville, grand federation secretary.
Contributed anonymously
The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, October, 22, 1909.
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Charles Majors' new book, "A Tenth Knight of Old Brandenburg," at Dunn & Sayler's.Friday, October, 22, 1909.
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Submitted by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Democrat
Saturday, October 5, 1907
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PERSONALS.
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Mr. and Mrs. Isaac East, of Anderson,
who have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Harry Major, of this city,
returned home today.Saturday, October 5, 1907
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PERSONALS.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
A Shelbyville Newspaper
April 4, 1907
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Thad L. Major, formerly of this county, but now residing in Irvington, was a welcome caller on the Democrat today. The many friends of Mr. Major will be glad to know that he is making good in the life insurance business.April 4, 1907
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Republican
Tuesday, February 20, 1906
Page 1
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GOLD MEDAL GIVEN SHELBYVILLE WOMAN
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Mrs. W. S. Major Awarded Medal for Services as Judge
at St. Louis Exposition -- Diploma Accompanies Medal.
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[My microfilm
copy did not include the article, just the title. - pmf]Tuesday, February 20, 1906
Page 1
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GOLD MEDAL GIVEN SHELBYVILLE WOMAN
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Mrs. W. S. Major Awarded Medal for Services as Judge
at St. Louis Exposition -- Diploma Accompanies Medal.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday, September 20, 1905
Page 1
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Invitations are out
announcing the wedding of Mr. Harry Moberly of Union
township, and Miss Mildred Major of Shelby township.
The wedding will occur at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs.
William A. Major, on Thursday evening, October the fifth, at eight
o'clock. After the wedding the bride and groom will go to Ohio on a short
trip.Wednesday, September 20, 1905
Page 1
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The young couple will reside on a farm in Washington township and will carry to their new home the best wishes of a large circle of friends for a long and happy married life.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
July 27, 1905
Page 8
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Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Morrison, Wm. Major, Dr. George Fleming, Mrs. C. J. DeHeur, Mrs. T. J. Kennedy and the Misses Leifers, will hear Creator at Fair bank on Wednesday evening.July 27, 1905
Page 8
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
April 19, 1900
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Charles Major has purchased the old Michael Billman homestead of 140 acres in Marion township, paying $9,800 therefor. Mr. Major now owns 360 acres of land in one body.April 19, 1900
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Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Friday, September 22, 1899
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Found, by Wm. A.
Major near the Green school house, in Shelby township, one pair of
gold rimmed spectacles. Call at his residence and receive same.
Friday, September 22, 1899
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Lost, pocket book containing $2.40, having the name of Wallace Major
on inside, somewhere between the residence of Wm. A. Major in
Shelby township and this city. Finder will be rewarded for returning same
to this office or to Wm. A. Major.Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Friday, July 29, 1899
Page 4
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Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Major, accompanied by Miss Lucy Blanchard, have gone to Lake Chatauqua.Friday, July 29, 1899
Page 4
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Copied Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, July 18, 1899
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The success of "When Knighthood Was in Flower," continues unabated and it now ranks as one of the best selling books in every [the article continues-pmf]Tuesday, July 18, 1899
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Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelby Democrat
Thursday April 16, 1891
page 3 column 1
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Married, at the Presbyterian parsonage in Black Hawk, Colorado, April 1st, 1891, Mr. James R. Sams and Miss Grace Major, daughter of the late Allen Major, of this county, the Rev. W. M. Porter officiating. Both of Central City, Colorado.Thursday April 16, 1891
page 3 column 1
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Contributed by Barb Huff
The Shelbyvillenbsp; Daily Democrat
Monday, May 6, 1889
Page 1
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ADDITIONAL LOCAL.
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Col. Ed. Major is back among his friends.Monday, May 6, 1889
Page 1
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ADDITIONAL LOCAL.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Daily Republican
Friday Evening, July 6, 1888
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Mrs. W. S. Major is sick at her home on West Braodway street.Friday Evening, July 6, 1888
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Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday, July 18, 1887
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Will Major was overcome with the heat at ten o'clock this morning in L. C. Powell's grocery story, and would have fallen but for John Thrasher who caught him. He was taken home a few minutes later, and at last reports was better.
Monday, July 18, 1887
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday, January 25, 1886
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L O C A L N E W S.
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Mrs. W. S. Major is visiting
friends in Louisville, Ky.Monday, January 25, 1886
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L O C A L N E W S.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Daily Evening Democrat
Saturday, January 31, 1885
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L O C A L N E W S.
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Mr. Alfred Major, Sr.,
has presented Charles Fastlaben with a handsome $35 clock.Saturday, January 31, 1885
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L O C A L N E W S.
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Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Daily Evening Democrat
Thursday, July 13, 1882
Page 3, column 1
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The remains of Mrs. Stephen Major were taken to Indianapolis Monday morning, and was interred by the side of her husband at Crown Hill.Thursday, July 13, 1882
Page 3, column 1
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Submitted by Barb Huff
The Daily Evening Democrat
Thursday, April 13, 1882
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LOCAL NEWS
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The property now occupied by Capt. R. S. Collum on West Broadway, will be for rent after 1st. Apply to Charles Major.Thursday, April 13, 1882
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LOCAL NEWS
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Contributed by D. Darlene Palmer
The Shelbyville Volunteer
Thursday, January 3, 1878
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Mr. and Mrs. William Major celebrated their "wooden wedding" Monday night, at their residence in this city, a large number of invited guests being present to enjoy the happy occasion. The host and hostess were the recipients of quite an array of beautiful and appropriate presents, worth in the aggregate about three hundred dollars. We wish this couple a frequent recurrence of their wedding anniversary, until they arrive, after a happy and prosperous life, at the period for celebrating a "golden" and even a "diamond" wedding.Thursday, January 3, 1878
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Copied by Phyllis Miller Fleming
