Sullivan County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter IV 1884 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com June 12, 2006, 10:59 pm Book Title: History Of Greene And Sullivan Counties, Indiana CHAPTER IV. THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-ESTABLISHED AT CARLISLE-THE FAIR OF 1856-OTHER FAIRS-THE LOCATION AT SULLIVAN-THE OLD SETTLERS' MEETINGS-THE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY-POPULATION-THE COUNTY PAUPERS-PURCHASE OF A POOR FARM-MANAGEMENT OF THE ASYLUM-ERECTION OF THE POOR HOUSE-THE COUNTY AND OTHER LIBRARIES-THE SEMINARY-ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL FUNDS-THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE - ACADEMIES - RAILROADS - CATALOGUE OF COUNTY OFFICERS-FINANCES AND TAXES-POLITICS, ETC. IN the year 1852, the Sullivan County Agricultural Society was organized at Carlisle, and a fair was held there in October, as is shown by the following report to the State Board: TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE INDIANA STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE: In compliance with the law for the encouragement of agriculture in this State, the undersigned have the honor to submit the following report: The Sullivan County Agricultural Society was organized in the early part of last spring, 1852, according to the plan recommended by the State Board with William D. Blackburn, President; James H. Reid, Treasurer; J. H. Paxton, Secretary, with a Board of Directors. The first annual fair was held in Carlisle on the 15th day of October, and was numerously attended from all parts of the county and from adjoining counties. W. D. BLACKBURN, President. J. H. PAXTON, Secretary. A detailed account of this fair cannot be given. The second fair was held at Carlisle in 1853, of which neither no record was kept in the county nor report sent to the State Board. The third fair was also held at Carlisle in 1854, with a large attendance. The premiums were paid almost wholly in cash, but at subsequent fairs all over $2 were (usually) paid in silverware. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FAIR AT CARLISLE. At the fair of 1854, the county seat and Merom put in claims to have subsequent fairs held at those places; and here it was decided that the place raising the greatest sum of money to be used in fitting the grounds should have the fair for the succeeding five years. On the 9th of May, 1855, at the semi-annual meeting of the Directors, the offers of the competing points were examined, when it was found that Carlisle had bid $326, considerable more than any other place, whereupon it was announced that that town should have the fair for the next five years. Much of the money bid was used in preparing the grounds between the present town of Carlisle and the depot. The financial statement of the society for 1855, was as follows: Receipts from members, $128; from the county treasury, $73; from gate fees, $44.20; paid out for printing, silverware, etc., $99.70; premiums, $162.50; total receipts, $245.20; total expenses, $262.20; liabilities, $17. The officers for 1855 were: W. D. Blackburn, President; John Maxwell, Vice President; Frank Curry, Treasurer; Samuel R. Hamill, Secretary; William Alsop, Justus Davis, W. C. Griffith, Major Hawkins, Eli Dix, Willis Benefiel, John H. Wilson, H. R. Wallace and J. H. Harvey, Directors. THE FAIR OF 1856. Extensive preparations were made for a big fair in 1856. The officers of 1856 were as follows: John A. Garrett, President; Benjamin Gray, Vice President; Murray Briggs, Secretary; W. F. Curry, Treasurer; J. R. Fields, William Alsop, Judge McKee, H. R. Wallace, Samuel Myers, W. F. Dodds, David Usrey, Willis Benefiel and Jackson Hinkle, Directors. Gov. Wright was the speaker of the fair, a large crowd assembling to hear him. Much money was spent in advertising and in preparation, and the 11th and 12th of October were fixed upon as the time of holding the fair, but at that time, for some reason unknown, the date was postponed to October 24 and 25. The fair was held on the ground near the depot, around which was a high board fence. The first day was cold, raw weather, but the second was bright and beautiful. There were both a good display of products and a good crowd. There were at this time 120 members of the society. The gate receipts were $50 at 10 cents per person. There was offered in premiums $326; much of this coming from the donation of Carlisle for the fair. Miss Anna Blackburn, Mrs. Strong and Miss Sarah Owen competed in equestrianism, the former carrying off the red ribbon. Four little Misses- two Blackburns, one Paxton and one Owen, also gave exhibitions on horses, Miss Paxton taking the first (nominal) premium. The following other premiums were awarded: Best cultivated farm, John Calvert, silver cup worth $10; best stallion, John Garrett, silver cup worth $5: also on horses, D. Kimberlin, M. Nash, John Maxwell, Charles Dailey, Richard Pierce and F. Lemon; on mules and jacks, Dr. Paxton, Amos Glick, William Akin, William McConnell, J. Snyder and James Coulton; on matched, saddle and trotting horses. M. Hinkle, E. Milam, W. D. Blackburn, L. Eaton, J. M. Parvin, J. Vance, A. Curry and P. Workman; on cattle. John Pogue, S. Glick, Richard Pierce, John Sprott, E. Milam, D. Kimberlin, J. Snyder, E. Colton and W. Blackburn; hogs, A. Van Fossen, Thomas Davidson and C. B. Shepard; on sheep, E. Milam; on chickens, J. M. Parvin, S. B. Hamill. M. Bentlin, Hugh Wheeler, B. Sisson and J. Davis; on buggies and wagons, etc., T. McIntosh, Watson & Whitaker, J. L. Henderson and S. Greenfield; on fruits, C. B. Shepard, J. Hoke, A. Snapp and George Davidson; on vegetables, S. Greenfield, Hugh Wheeler, J. Hoke, B. Latshaw, E. Milam, A. Snapp and C. B. Shepard; on household wares, Mrs. H. Curry, Mrs. L. T. Garrett, Mrs. E. Collins, Mrs. Lilly, Mrs. Dooley, Mrs. John Maxwell, Miss Jacobs, Mrs. J. H. O'Boyle, Mrs. Dodds, Miss Mary Reed, Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Van Fossen; best acre of corn, W. D. Blackburn; second best, Hugh Wheeler; best barrel of flour, C. Cushman; second best, A. Van Fossen; best acre of buckwheat, Dr. O'Haver; best saddle, M. Kirkham: second best, Overstreet & Miller; best leather, M. Calloway and W. Ledgerwood; best plowing, James Garrett. The following is the financial statement for 1856: Receipts from County Treasury, $100; members' fees, $180; gate fees, $179; expenses, silverware, $82; fair expenses, $135: premium money, $136. Total receipts, $459; total expenses, $353; balance on hand, $106. The officers elected for 1857 were: James K. O'Haver, President; John Maxwell, Vice President; John Hinkle, Secretary; W. F. Curry, Treasurer. THE FAIR OF 1857. The fair of 1857 was held at Carlisle, and was a success. Premiums worth $305 were paid. The premium for the best cultivated farm was awarded James Snyder. Miss Cochran, of Turman Township, took first premium in equestrianism, and Miss Anna Briggs, second; also Misses Louisa Webb and Eliza Paxton (young girls) took premiums. Best five acres of corn, average 84 bushels to the acre, Frank Curry; best ten acres of wheat, average 32 bushels to the acre, John Alkire. In October, 1857, at the Indiana State Fair, Mr. Wilder, of Turman Township, took the first premium on five acres of corn growing on prairie soil, receiving a silver goblet worth $20. It was stated in print that the corn averaged 175 bushels to the acre, but this was surely a mistake; it probably averaged 75 bushels to the acre. THE FAIR OF 1858. The fair of 1858 was also increasingly successful. The fees from members were $210; gate fees, $283.40; from county treasury, $14.25; total receipts, $507.65. Paid for premiums, $325.75; and for other expenses, $176.05; total expense, $401.80, leaving on hand $105.85. The fair of 1859 was still more successful. There was on hand $105; receipts of membership fees, $294; gate fees, $216.04; from county treasury, $64.25; from stands, etc., $33; total, $712.29. There was paid as premiums, $410.50; other expenses, $126.94; total expense, $537.44; unclaimed premiums, $25; on hand, $199.85. A foot race of colored men was a laughable feature at this fair. The prize was $2.50. The year 1859 closed the term for which Carlisle had secured the fair, and at this time the question of relocation came up, and excited much controversy. Sullivan claimed the fair, but could not or did not bring sufficient influence to bear at the meeting held to decide the question, and Carlisle secured the privilege for another five years. The ninth annual fair (1860) was better than any held before. A four-year-old trotting nag, owned by W. M. Akin, made a mile in 2:54, which was considered good time for country stock. The fine art department was a noticeable feature at this fair. The fair of 1861 was almost a total failure, the receipts being so small that only 50 per centum of the premiums were paid, and that by dint of the utmost economy. The fair of 1862 was no better. The war was the cause. That of 1863 was poor, but better than the two former years. In 1864, the effort was no better than a failure. THE LOCATION AT SULLIVAN. With the fair of 1864, the five years for which Carlisle was to have the benefit and honor of the location expired, and in August, 1865, a meeting was held at the court house to decide upon a re-location. Sullivan, this time, was determined to get what it had coveted so long. Capt. C. B. White was President of the meeting, and F. Basler, Secretary. Resolutions were formally adopted that the next fair be held October 26 and 27, 1865, at Sullivan. The following committee was appointed to select the grounds: Matt McCammon, John Benefiel, W. H. Bolinger, J. M. Gilkinson, J. T. Gunn, L. Hartley, C. B. White and J. R. Hinkle. At a later meeting, the following: officers of the fair were elected: John T. Gunn, President; Benjamin Gray, Vice President; Lafayette Stewart, Treasurer; Daniel Langdon, Secretary; William N. Patten, James T. Spencer, Lewis Fordyce, Alexander Shields, C. B. White, Ed Maxwell, Levi Woodward, C. B. Shepard and William F. Dodds, Directors. Twenty-seven new members joined the society at this time. It was decided, owing to the prevailing sickness and the short time to prepare, not to hold a fair in 1865. The first fair at Sullivan was held in 1866, a large crowd being present. A statement of the details will not be attempted. In December, 1868, John Giles leased to the society for ten years, in consideration of $100 to him paid annually at the beginning of each year, "so much of the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 28, Township 8 north. Range 9 west, as was south and west of the Sullivan and Fairbanks road, and at that time inclosed by a fence." The society at this time seems to have re-organized, and if so no fairs were held in 1866 or 1867. After 1868, fairs were held quite regularly. That of 1871 was attended, it is said, by 15,000 people during the three days. There were 564 entries made, 170 more than any previous year. The art department was very beautiful. Five pacing horses competed for prizes. Excellent fairs were held on most of the succeeding years. In 1877, the year the lease of the land of John Giles expired, the society was in debt, but managed to pay all this, besides about 30 per centum of its premiums-$400. Prairie Grange took the premium for the best display of orchard and garden products. Under the ten years' lease of the grounds of Mr. Giles, the society paid but one or two dividends. The people did not take proper interest. For the last few years, the society has been as bad as though it were wholly non est. THE OLD SETTLERS'MEETINGS. As near as can be learned, no regular organization of the old settlers of the county has been effected. A large meeting was held in 1859 for the first. Isaac Stewart was President of the Day, and Murray Briggs, Secretary. Sewell Coulson read the Declaration of Independence, and Dr. E. Bowyer delivered the oration. Other speakers called out were Hugh S. Orr, James S. Reed, Shields, Ridge, Chase, and John T. Gunn. Other meetings have since been held, but no association has been formed. In 1871, many assembled, John Maxwell being President of the Day. A dozen or more of old settlers of the county related incidents of early time to a large crowd. No record seems to have been kept of what was told, though of the greatest value to the history of the county. THE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. In pursuance of a previous notice, the physicians of the county seat met at the courthouse May 19, 1858, for the purpose of organizing a County Medical Society. Dr. Eli Bowyer was called to the chair, and John J. Thompson was appointed Secretary. The Chairman appointed the following committee to draft a constitution and by-laws: W. R. Miller, S. B. Youngman and J. M. Hinkle. Arrangement seems to have been made beforehand, for the laws were almost immediately reported, and were adopted by articles. It was to be called the "Sullivan County Medical Society," and meetings were to be held semi-annually. The object of the society, as stated in the constitution, was an " association of the profession for the purpose of mutual recognition and fellowship: the maintenance of union and good government among its members: the promotion of the interest, honor and usefulness of the profession: and the cultivation and advancement of medical science and literature, and tli8 elevation of the standard of medical education. The membership consisted of regular practitioners of medicine and surgery, and any physician exhibiting these qualifications, and who was of good moral character, could, by paying $1 to the Treasurer, and signing the constitution, become a member. The officers consisted of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three Censors, all of whom were elected annually by ballot. The first permanent officers were: H. N. Helms, President: S. R. Youngman, Vice President: John J. Thompson, Secretary; and John M. Hinkle, Treasurer. The code of ethics of the National Medical Society was adopted as the guide of the society. Eli Bowyer, W. R. Miller and J. M. Hinkle were elected Censors. On motion, each member was required to report a case for discussion at the next meeting. Eli Bowyer was appointed to deliver the first semi-annual address. The members thus far were H. N. Helms, S. R. Youngman, Eli Bowyer, John J. Thompson, W. R. Miller and J. M. Hinkle. THE SECOND SESSION. The second meeting seems to have been held June 15, 1859, on which occasion Dr. Youngman, Vice President, presided. There were present J. M. Hinkle, W. R. Miller, Eli Bowyer, A. J. Miller, Z. Foote, A. N. Wier, J. K. O'Haver, Harvey Brown and W. G. Stout. After preliminary action, the society adjourned to re-assemble again in the evening, to listen to the address of Dr. Bowyer. He spoke for an hour and a half, and his address was considered of unusual power and learning. Drs. J. S. Dupate and E. D. Denison became members the following day, the session continuing. The permanent officers elected were: James K. O'Haver, President; A. J. Miller, Vice President; J. J. Thompson, Secretary; J. M. Hinkle, Treasurer; E. Bowyer, J. M. Hinkle and Ziba Foote, Censors. The reports of the committees on a bill of prices and on by-laws were received and adopted. The following appointments for lectures were then made: Eli Bowyer, on Menorrhagia; J. J. Thompson, on Typhoid Fever; Ziba Foote, on Diabetes Militis; J. M. Hinkle, on the best Prophylactic Treatment for Chronic Intermittents; W. R. Miller, on Therapeutical Effects of Chlorate of Potassa; A. J. Miller, on the Therapeutical Effects of Hyd. chlorate of Ammonia; S. R. Youngman, on the Use of Ergot as a Hemostatic Agent; Henry Brown, on the Pathology of Erysipelas; A. N. Wier, on the Treatment of Scarlatina; J. Harper, on Chronic Splenitis; H. N. Helms, on the Therapeutical Effects of Veratrum Viride; E. D. Davidson, on the Treatment of Erysipelas; W. G. Stout, on the Safest and Best Substitute for Sulphate of Quinine in the Treatment of Intermittents. A vote of thanks was extended to Murray Briggs for publishing notices of the meeting. A meeting of the society was held in November, but no record was kept. The society kept up its sessions quite regularly until about the beginning of the war, when all attempts to continue it were abandoned. On the 30th of June, 1864, Drs. S. S. Coffman, J. J. Thompson, J. M. Hinkle, A. M. Murphy and Ziba Foote, all of Sullivan, sent and adopted a schedule of prices for all diseases flesh is heir to in this climate, but no attempt was made to re-organize the society. A few years later, however, the physicians of the county re-organized at Sullivan, and became a branch of the State Medical Society. Many interesting meetings were held, but the details cannot be given, owing to the non-preservation of the records. History cannot be written without fact-not even county history. Meetings were abandoned some time ago. POPULATION OF SULLIVAN COUNTY. In 1820 3,498 In 1830 4,630 In 1840 8,315 In 1850 10,141 In 1860 15,064 In 1870 18,453 In 1880 20,336 THE PAUPERS OF THE COUNTY. The county poor were first cared for wholly by the townships, under the supervision of the Overseers of the Poor, three of whom were appointed in each precinct. After a few years, however, the county began to foot these bills, and has continued so to do until the present day. The helpless were "farmed out" to some one for so much per week by the year, and from time to time bills signed by the Overseers of the Poor were presented to the County Board, and audited and paid as any other county expense. This mode of procedure has prevailed until the present, and is principally applied toward the care of "temporary paupers." It was found necessary, however; to make provision for some more permanent place than shifting yearly locations for those whose care fell wholly upon the county, and in many cases whose remaining life was to be preserved at the county's expense. THE FIRST POOR RECORDS. No records exist prior to 1850. The first that appears upon the existing county records regarding the care of the poor was made in June, 1850, whereby the care of all permanent paupers was let to Jacob B. Miller, at $45.50 each person per year, Mr. Miller to provide them with suitable clothing, food, washing, lodging, and care generally, except medical attendance, which was to be borne by the county. Mr. Miller had been preceded as Poor Superintendent by Thomas Dudley, who at this time was directed to turn over all paupers to him. In 1851, John Draper succeeded Miller, having bid the paupers off at $34.95 each per annum. The permanent and temporary paupers in 1851 cost $305.94. In 1852, William P. Plew succeeded Draper, receiving $35 for the care of each pauper. In the spring of 1853, there were but four paupers in his care. The county poor, for the fiscal year 1852-53, cost $481.75. George Malone became Superintendent in 1853. The pauper expense in 1854-55 was $754.04. THE POOR FARM BOUGHT. In June, 1855, the County Board determined to buy a poor farm, and accordingly advertised for such, stating about what was wanted, and requesting that all bids be handed in by the 16th of July, at which time they would be considered and acted upon. A farm was called for within three or four miles of Sullivan. On the day specified, after considering several farms offered, the board purchased of Henry K. Wilson the north-east quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 35, and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 26, in Township 8 north, Range 9 west, a total of eighty acres more or less, for 81,825, of which $1,000 was to be paid in county orders in September, 1855, and the remainder in county orders in September, 1856. Upon this farm was a small dwelling which was formerly declared to be the poor asylum of Sullivan County. Some improvement was immediately made to the dwelling and outhouses, and by autumn the asylum was ready for the reception of the paupers. William Chase bid off the care of the poor, but, as he failed to get bond, he was replaced with Thomas Hale, who contracted to care for all paupers, in all things except medical atttendance, for $20 each per annum, and the use of the farm and the benefit of all pauper labor that he could utilize. This was the first poor farm. MANAGEMENT OF THE ASYLUM. The expense of the paupers in 1855-56 was $469.32, and in 1856-57 was $428.92, and in 1857-58 was $409.28. In 1858, Hale was superseded as Superintendent by John Headley, who was paid $50 for each pauper, and received the use of the farm in addition. The expense this year was $561.85. In 1859, Richard C. Riggs succeeded Headley, receiving $47.50 for each pauper, and the use and benefits of the farm. He continued to serve as such until 1862. The pauper expense in 1859-60 was $1,046.25. The next Superintendent was Stephen A. Dooley, who was paid $70 for each pauper, and received additional the benefits of the farm, he to furnish everything except medical attendance. A physician was hired by the year to doctor the county poor. For some reason, Dooley was succeeded within about a month by Richard C. Riggs, upon the same terms. In June, 1862, the first Board of Inspectors to the poor farm was appointed. The members were Thomas Mahan, W. A. Flood, David Crawley, Stephen Carrithers, James L. Griffin, Elias Newkirk, William Alsop and Jesse Bicknell. Their report of September stated that there were but one woman and one child in the asylum. They advised that the buildings be repaired, and that a new house be built for the Superintendent. The pauper expense of 1862-63 was $806.35. It must not be understood that this sum was spent upon the one woman and the one child. The Greatest portion of the expense was incurred in the townships in temporary assistance Sometimes families were unfortunate in having an unusual amount of sickness, and required assistance, or would suffer for the necessaries of life. Such persons were helped through, and this was called "temporary relief." THE BUILDING OF THE POOR HOUSE. In March, 1864, sealed proposals were called for to build a poor house, and specifications of the plan proposed were placed on exhibition and July 27 was fixed as the date when all bids must be in for examination. The building was to be a frame structure, and was to consist of two distinct parts-a two-storied front, 18x45 feet, and a one-storied rear, 25x48 feet. On the day fixed, the sealed proposals were opened and read, and the contract was awarded to Greenlee & Kimble, $4,480, the building to be ready by September 1, 1865. On that day, the house was reported finished, and four days later was formally accepted by the County Board, and the balance due the contractors was paid. The county was forced to sell its bonds for $2,000 to meet this expense. About this time, there were seven inmates of the asylum. THE NEW MANAGEMENT. At the close of the war, a change was made in the superintendency of the poor farm and asylum. Lafayette Stewart was appointed Superintendent, and a man was employed to cultivate the farm, and the county sold to him the care of the paupers at so much per day. Matthew McCammon first took the farm, but was soon succeeded by Selburn Kirkham, who was paid 32 1/2 cents per day for each pauper. There were eight inmates in 1866, and four in 1867. Mr. Riggs took care of paupers at his own house; he had three there in 1868. The poor expense of 1867-68 was $3,245.84. Peter Secrest also kept one or more. Both he and Mr. Riggs were paid at the rate of $100 a year for each pauper. In 1868, there were ten inmates of the asylum, each costing the county 32 1/4 cents per day; by December of the same year, the number had increased to eighteen, and all but two were at the poor farm. In 1869, James Dixon took charge of the farm. He was to keep, at his own expense, two paupers for the entire year, and was to receive 34 3/4 cents per day for all others, and was to have what he could make on the farm. In June, 1869 five paupers were with Kirkham, one with Black, two with Riggs, and seven in the asylum. Lafayette Stewart continued to be Superintendent of the farm. The expense of 1869-70 was $5,245.15. In December, 1870, there were eighteen paupers. Jesse G. Moore took the farm in 1871. He was to care for three paupers, free of charge, and was to receive pay for the others and the use of the farm. J. B. Gambill took the farm in 1872, at about the same terms. In 1873, John J. Houck took the place for two years. He contracted to maintain eight paupers the entire year for $962.50; was to be paid extra for others, but in case there were less than eight paupers no reduction could be made in the $962.50. The paupers of 1872-73 cost $5,164.14. There were twelve inmates in 1873. Thomas C. Simons succeeded Houck in 1875, and was paid $699 upon the same terms as the last. J. B. Gambill succeeded Simons in 1876 for $349, and the same terms as the last. Mr. Stewart yet continued to be Superintendent. In April, 1877, Robertson & Co. contracted to erect a frame building on the poor farm, to be used as an infirmary, for $1,490. The contract was complied with. J. L. P. Rusher took the farm in 1878. He was paid $170 per year, received the use of the farm and the pauper labor, and cared for all inmates. The poor of 1875-76 cost $4,417.64; and of 1877-78 cost $6,102.67; and of 1879-80 cost $3,654.28. Mr. Rusher continued in charge of the farm in 1881, and received $200, the use of the farm and all pauper labor; continued in 1883 upon the same terms, except that he was paid in money $300. Many of the paupers were kept in the townships, but in June, 1883, all were ordered taken to the asylum. There were thirteen inmates in June. The paupers of 1882-83 cost $5,404.24, and $2,253.58 was spent on the farm. The total number of paupers admitted to the asylum in 1883 was twenty-two. THE COUNTY LIBRARY. In the month of September, 1821, there were elected in Sullivan County one President and seven Trustees of the County Library, pursuant to an act of the Legislature, approved January 2, 1817, which act made provisions for the founding of libraries in the counties of Pike, Daviess and Jennings. The officers elected were as follows: Samuel Judah, David Harber, James Wason, Abraham McClelland, David Wilkins, Josiah Mann, James Drake and Charles Fullerton. This election was ratified by the Legislature. Changes were often made by rotation in office and otherwise, in this corporate body. In 1822, Robert Gill, County Agent, seems to have been ex officio or otherwise the Treasurer of County Library. For some reason, the details of which cannot be given, the funds in his hands became lost to the county; and as he appears to have been insolvent, suit was brought in the Circuit Court on his bond, William Carrithers, Thomas Turman and Isaac Brocaw being his sureties, and a judgment was obtained for an amount not known. In January, 1823, the Legislature ordered a stay of execution for one year to give the Sheriff an opportunity of levying, if possible, upon the supposed or probable property of Mr. Gill. How the matter terminated cannot be stated. THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS. Ten per centum of the proceeds arising from the sale of town lots was, by the act creating the county, reserved to be used in founding and maintaining a county library. What was done prior to 1850 cannot be definitely stated, though books were purchased from time to time until quite a collection of miscellany had accumulated. On June 11, 1853, the County Board "Ordered, That there he [sic] appropriated from the County Treasury the sum of $500 for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a public library in the county of Sullivan, out of the ten per cent reserved of the net proceeds of all lots within the town, where the county seat is situated, and ten per cent on the donations made to procure the location of the county seat of said county. Under the new law, the library tax of 1852 was $611.22, but this tax was used in the purchase of township libraries, which were distributed in 1854-55. By December, 1854. about $600 had been expended for books for the county library. The office was established in the court house, with the County Clerk as custodian. A large book case was made in 1855. The county library fund had been merged in with the county fund. There was due the library in 1856, about $1,200. In 1857, the Democrat boasted that there were fourteen libraries in the county—one for each township, one for the county, and four from the McClure fund. The county library continued to grow, and was very useful. It is still in existence, though it has fallen into disrepute, owing to the cheapness and variety of books, and the remarkable circulation of newspapers. Capt. Joseph W. Briggs was for many years county librarian. THE DISTRIBUTION OF TOWNSHIP LIBRARIES, The township libraries were given to the counties throughout the State, under the law of 1852, which provided that the proceeds from the sale of certain school lands should be used for that purpose. Counties having a population of over 15,000, were entitled to ten libraries of 325 volumes each; with less than 15,000 and greater than 10,000, eight libraries; with less than 10,000, six libraries. Under this law, Sullivan County was entitled to eight libraries. The first distribution was made by W. C. Larrabee, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, in December, 1S54, as follows: Haddon Township, 108 books; Hamilton, 108 books; Gill, 103 books; Turman, 100 books; Fairbanks, 98 books; Jackson, 93 books: Curry, 87 books; Jefferson, 85 books; Cass, 82 books; besides a number of pamphlets on various subjects were distributed. In 1S55, the remainder of the distribution took place. Jackson, Fairbanks, Turman, Hamilton, Haddon and Gill each received a full library of 325 volumes. The other townships—Curry, Cass and Jefferson—each received two-thirds of a library. This flooded the county with a valuable collection of reading matter, and had an excellent effect in the diffusion of knowledge. The books were used extensively at first, until the contents were mostly absorbed by active minds, and even yet are read, though the cheap newspapers and periodicals of to-day have usurped +heir functions. THE M'CLURE LIBRARY. Early in the fifties, Mr. McClure, of Southern Indiana, a benevolent gentleman of great wealth, died, leaving a bequest to be distributed in the form of libraries to any associations of citizens "who earned their bread by the sweat of their brows," that should be organized. Four of these associations, or as they were called "McClure Institutes," were established in Sullivan County—one at the county seat, one at Merom and two elsewhere. The first books were received at Sullivan, in July, 1855, and consisted of 120 volumes of miscellany. A lecture course was established by the Sullivan Institute, Dr. Bowyer being the first lecturer on the subject—"Advantages of a Mechanic's Library and Institute." The second lecture was delivered by Rev. J. W. Jackson, on the subject—"The Hero." Thus the institute was conducted during the colder months until the war engrossed all attention. THE COUNTY SEMINARY. An early law of the State provided that certain fines before Justices of the Peace and Circuit and other courts, and certain penalties, forfeitures, delinquencies, etc., should be appropriated by the counties to be used in founding and maintaining a County Seminary of Learning. This fund began to accumulate soon after the formation of the county. The law provided that when the fund should amount to $400. the County Board, at their option might erect a suitable seminary at the county seat. In about the year 1845 and 1846, the board with the funds then in hand, which was probably $1,000 -or more, erected at the new county seat— Sullivan—a brick building, to be used as a County Seminary. Unfortunately the details of the work, and of the management of the institution cannot be given. An excellent school was began and held in this house about nine months of each year. In 1851, the Seminary Trustees were Alexander Shields, William M. Crowder and James H. Paxton, the first to serve one year, the second two years, and the third three years. The seminary receipts for the fiscal year 1854 and 1855 were $422.27, and the expenses $393.39, but the following year the receipts were only $170.88. The school law of 1853 provided for the sale of the seminary property, and the merging of the proceeds with the common school fund. Accordingly the property was sold for $1,153.87, but the contract was not complied with by the purchaser, and the property reverted to the county. The building continued to be used as the schoolhouse of Sullivan. On March 2, 1861, the County Board sold the property at auction, to Daniel Brickley, one of the School Trustees of the town, for $675. Bonds were entered into in September, 1865, to make out a deed, and full payment was made for the lot by Lafayette Stewart, School Trustee; the amount with interest being $788.04. But no deed was made by the County Board to the School Trustees until September, 1872, when the latter party sold the property to the Masonic Lodge, and required the Commissioners to comply with their deferred agreement, and make a deed to the Masons, which was done February 14, 1873. The Masons paid $2,210 for the property. ORIGIN OF THE CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL FUND. Section 16, Township 9 north, Range 8 west, $800 00 Section 16, Township 9 north, Range 9 west, 750 00 Section 16, Township 9 north, Range 10 west, 1,054 00 Section 16, Township 9 north, Range 11 west, 720 00 Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 8 west, 650 00 Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 9 west, 800 00 Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 10 west, 1,040 00 Section 16, Township 8 north, Range 11 west, 900 00 Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 8 west, 800 00 Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 9 west, 800 00 Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 10 west, 1,112 80 Section 16, Township 7 north, Range 11 west, 645 36 Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 8 west, 750 00 Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 9 west, 3,016 83 Section 16, Township 6 north, Range 10 west, 3,403 25 Total $17,242 24 From land sold in Montgomery County 600 00 Total $17,842 24 Reduction by bad investments 2,379 98 Actual Congressional Fund 15,462 26 ORIGIN OF THE COMMON SCHOOL FUND. Surplus revenue $6,674 40 Saline fund 472 84 Bank tax fund 553 82 Sinking fund to 1860 6,783 18 From County Seminary 788 04 From other sources prior to 1860 1,274 03 From sinking fund of 1872-73 7,012 14 From other sources from 1860 to 1883 10,703 99 Total $34,262 44 EDUCATIONAL STATISTICS. In 1858, the number of children of school age in the county was as follows: Jackson, 507; Curry. 451; Fairbanks, 452; Turman, 632; Hamilton, 854; Cass, 332; Jefferson, 475; Haddon, 609; Gill, 610; town of Sullivan, 306; town of Carlisle, 186; total, 5,414. In 1859, there was $9,650.45 of school fund distributed to the townships. The following shows the fund distributed in and the enumeration of 1861. Townships. Enumeration. Fund. Jackson 540 $727 24 Curry 575 774 37 Fairbanks 470 632 97 Turman 667 898 20 Hamilton 870 1,171 66 Cass 373 502 32 Jefferson 542 728 93 Haddon 651 904 02 Gill 657 941 24 Sullivan 294 390 51 Carlisle 197 265 42 Totals 5,836 $7,936 88 The number of children of school age in the county in 1863 was 6,254; in 1865, 6,303. The school fund distributed at this time was $10,375.17. The enumeration of 1866 was 6,303; fund, $14,632.86. The enumeration of 1867 was 6,806; fund, $15,424.71. Number of children in 1868 was 6,993. Number in 1870, 7,049; fund, $14,980.25. Children in 1871, 7,312, Children in 1875, 7,734; fund, $16,962.55. Children in 1880, 7,349; fund, $15,790.82. THE COUNTY TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. On August 13, 1857, the first teacher's association of the county, pursuant to notice, convened at New Lebanon. E. W. Humphreys delivered a lecture on " Popular Education," and Prof. A. P. Allen read a paper on "School Government." The active members at this first session were A. P. Allen, Principal of the New Lebanon Academy; Prof. E. W. Humphreys, of the Merom Academy; Dr. E. Bowyer, Dr. Youngman, Dr. Nebringer, Morris Miles, E. A. McGrew, W. W. Russell, Elder Mc-Intire, Rev. Heath, S. M. Reed, J. W. Hinkie, County Examiner, John W. Spencer, Levi Springer, Mrs. Jane Booth of the Sullivan Academy, and Miss S. Watson; much interest was manifested. On December 25, 1857, the teachers met and fully organized under the name "Teachers' Institute," and adopted a constitution and by-laws. Each male member was required to pay $1 into the treasury; seven members constituted a quorum; the object was "To advance the educational interests of Sullivan County." The first permanent officers were Joseph W. Briggs, President; Prof. H. S. Deardorf, of Carlisle Academy, Vice President; Mrs. E. W. Humphreys, Vice President; Samuel M. Reed, Recording Secretary; James W. Hinkle, Correspondent Secretary; A. P. Allen, Treasurer; Eli Bowyer, E. W. Humphreys and Michael Malott, Executive Committee. OTHER SESSIONS. During the holidays of 1857-58, the first Teachers' Institute convened at Sullivan, with Prof. Allen in the chair. Sewell Coulson lectured on "Teachers' Ethics." Exercises were then as follows: Prof. Allen on English Grammer; Prof. Deardorf on Arithmetic; John W. Spencer on Phonetics ; I. W. Booth lectured on "The Bible." The question of corporal punishment was debated John T. Gunn lectured on "Reading," Capt. Briggs on "American History and Literature," and Dr. Hinkle on "Physiology." Rev. Mr. Hobbs lectured on "A Plea for Teachers," and Prof. Fletcher, State Superintendent, on "History." This session was extremely interesting and was continued several days with a large attendance; sessions were held regularly after this. The lecturers in September, 1858, were Prof. Fletcher, of Greencastle, and Dr. Daily, President of the State University. The lecturers of 1859 were Rev. William McKee, John T. Gunn, Rev. J. Wilson, Prof. Alonzo Wood (Author of Wood's Botany), J. B. Chapman and Murray Briggs. The lecture, of the latter was much praised for its literary beauty and general merit. The subject was "The Press." During the war, the institute languished; meetings were held, however, with more or less interest and success. At the close of the war, they were fully revived under the supervision of the County Examiner, who assumed ex officio full control. The Legislature provided that S50 annually should be paid out of the county treasury to support the institute. This has enabled it to live until the present. In about 1868, under the parent County Institute, branch organizations were effected in the townships, which have since been important auxiliaries of the older body. THE NEW LEBANON CONFERENCE ACADEMY. The New Lebanon Academy was founded in 1853, with Prof. A. P. Allen, Principal, and Miss Talbot and one or two other lady assistants. The institution was under the management of the Methodist Church, and school was at first taught in the church building. During the winter of 1854-55, eighty-five students were in attendance. At this time work had been commenced on the academy building. By the autumn of 1855, the house was nearly ready for occupancy. Three terms were taught yearly, the tuition was $3 and $4. There were three courses of study— one, the collegiate, embracing the following branches: Algebra, chemistry, composition and rhetoric, outlines of history, natural philosophy, natural theology, botany, trigonometry, logic, mental philosophy, moral science, surveying, astronomy, geology, elements of criticism, mechanical philosophy and history of English literature. At this time, New Lebanon was the educational center of the county. In July, 1855, Prof. Allen conducted the first normal school in the county at Sullivan. He was assisted by a Mr. Hargrave. The Academy was conducted until about war time. THE ACADEMIES AT MER0M AND SULLIVAN. Other important schools at this time were the Merom Academy and the Sullivan Female Academy. The former was founded in 1857-58. with Rev. E. W. Humphreys, Principal. It was an excellent institution, and, in 1859, was supplanted by the Union Christian College. The Sullivan Female Academy, an institution which had the utmost confidence of the citizens of the county seat, and justly so, was founded in 1856 by Mrs. Jane Booth, a lady of fine ability and finished scholarship. In June, 1857, at the close of the spring term, she gave a school exhibition in the court house. Declamations, essays, select readings, orations, and vocal and instrumental music were the exercises. An academy paper styled "The Young Ladies' Repository" was read by its editors, Misses Elizabeth Moore, Sarah Griffith and Belle Cox. The room could not contain the audience. The institution was conducted for several years. THE SULLIVAN JOINT-STOCK SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. In August, 1858, there was founded in the county seat the "Sullivan Joint-Stock School Association," based upon a subscribed capital of $5,000, which was divided into 500 shares of $10 each. At the time of the organization, eighty-seven shares were immediately taken by the citizens, and within a week later, the number subscribed was over two hundred. The institution was to be under the management of seven directors. Before the plans were carried into effect, the design was changed and the Sullivan Academy was founded. The latter institution was popular for several years. THE EVANSVILLE & CRAWFORDSVILLE RAILROAD. The first railroad built in Sullivan County was known by the above caption. It was begun in 1853 and completed in 1854, the first "through train" passing Sullivan Saturday, November 25, 1854. For several months during the fall, there had been a gap from Sullivan to Carlisle, over which passengers were conveyed by stage. The completion of the road was joyously celebrated. The railroad company refused to carry the mail at the prices of the stage line, and mail continued to reach the county on the old Terre Haute & Vincennes route, which extended along the valley of the Wabash, passing through Merom. Sullivan received the mail from Merom. How much assistance was given the company to complete the railroad cannot be definitely stated. The Democrat, of 1855, stated in one issue, that in 1S54, notwithstanding the almost total failure of crops, the county paid in subscriptions over $60,000. It is certain that Carlisle gave more than any other place. It is said that sixteen men of that town, rather than have the road located west about three miles as was threatened, subscribed $32,000. It is safe to say that the county gave over $100,000 to aid the company. This road floats the products of the county. For several years, it has been called the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. OTHER RAILROAD PROJECTS. In 1870, the county was required to vote on the question of aiding the Cincinnati & St. Louis Straight Line Railroad to the amount of $120,000. The following was the result of the election held April 2: Townships. For. Against. Jackson 2 227 Curry 7 283 Fairbanks 5 200 Turman 20 114 Hamilton 277 282 Cass 40 102 Jefferson 2 266 Haddon 3 277 Gill 173 121 Total 529 1872 And so the tax failed to carry. This road was projected east and west across the county, passing through Sullivan and Merom. Early in 1872, the county voted on the question of aiding the Terre Haute & Cincinnati Company to the amount of $73,000: —COUNTY TAX.- —TOWNSHIP TAX.- For. Against. For. Against. Jackson 9 233 Curry 41 327 Fairbanks 38 209 Turman 190 80 Hamilton 708 103 706 106 Cass 196 63 185 59 Jefferson 30 289 Haddon 59 539 Gill 308 96 233 164 Total 1579 1939 The vote for township tax was in aid of the Cincinnati & St. Louis Straight Line Railroad. In 1872, Fairbanks, on the question of aiding the T. H. & S. W. Railroad $10,000, polled 165 for the tax and 88 against it. To aid the C. & St. L. S. L. Railroad, Gill voted 304 for and 86 against; Hamilton 727 for and 94 against; Cass, 170 for and 30 against; and the whole county 1,590 for and 1,469 against. Hamilton voted $14,825 aid; Cass, $3,330 aid; and Gill, $8,470. A tax of 60 cents on the $100 was ordered levied in these three townships. THE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD. In 1874, Hamilton cast 562 votes for and 182 against aiding the Bloomfield Railway to the amount of $36,000. Cass, on the same question, cast 142 votes for and 61 against aid to the amount of $7,590. Gill, on the same, cast 61 for and 82 against aid to the amount of $17,700. In 1875, one per cent tax was ordered levied in Cass and Hamilton Townships, to aid this railroad. In 1875, Gill again voted on the question of aid, casting 173 votes for and 75 against. For some reason, these townships were required to vote again on this question, which they did. The road was completed, but the townships endeavored to escape the payment of the tax. Gill has thus far succeeded. Much litigation has grown out of the road. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS AND ORGANIZATIONS. Under the ditching laws of the State, one or two channels have, within the last few years, been excavated in the county: One, the French ditch in Gill Township, is one and one-fourth miles long, and cost about $1,600. One or two others are in course of construction. The Merom Petroleum & Mining Company was organized in 1866, with a membership of about sixteen and with a capital of $4,000. The object of the company was to bore or dig for oil, or other vegetable fluids, and for coal. The object was not realized. In 1866, numerous contracts were entered into by the citizens of the county, who leased their lands to be worked for coal. The Pioneer Coal Company was one of the first, if not the first, to commence work in the county. The Vigilance Volunteers of Sullivan County organized in 1868 to detect and capture horse-thieves and other criminals. The Busseron Levee Association was organized in 1869, with a membership of about twenty the object being to drain certain lands in the Wabash Valley. The next year the Island Levee Company was formed with seven members, to prevent certain lands in Turman and Fairbanks Townships from being overflowed. The Gill's Prairie Draining and Levee Company was organized in 1871, to build a ten-mile levee. In 1872, the American Fire-proof Tile Roofing Company was organized at Shelburn, with a capital of $100,000. In 1873, the Coal Hill Coal and Mining Company, was formed with a capital of $200,000. In 1874, the Ascension Coal Company was formed with a capital of $30,000. Various other associations and companies have been formed. The Patrons of Husbandry, a few years ago, had several lodges in the county. The Sullivan Building & Loan Association was formed in 1882-83 with a capital of $200,000. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Joseph W. Wolfe, Jesse Haddon and Levi Maxwell, February, 1850; William Beard, September, 1850, vice Haddon, time expired; Samuel Brodie, 1851, vice Wolfe, time expired; Jacob Hoke, March, 1S52, vice Brodie, deceased: Levi Maxweil, 1853; Josiah Wolfe, 1854; John A. Cummins, 1855; Hezekiah Riggs, 1856; John Sproatt, 1857; William H. Griffin, 1859; C. B. Shepard, 1860; John A. Cummins, 1861; W. H. Griffin, 1862; C. B. Shepard, 1863; Isham W. Allen, 1864: Eli Dix, 1865; Levi Woodward, 1866; Henry R. Wallace, 1867; Eli Dix, 1868; Levi Woodward, 1869; H. B. Wallace, 1870, Eli Dix, 1871; William Combs, 1872; William A. Thompson, 1873; Charles Scott, 1874; William Combs, 1875; Levi Woodward, 1876: Charles Scott. 1877, who held over in the place of Eli Dix, who after election and before qualification had died; James J. Snyder, 1878; John L. Kaufman, 1878; Phillip R. Jenkins, March, 1879, vice Woodward, resigned; Jackson Rich, 1879; James J. Snyder, 1881; Jacob Billman, 1882, and William Arnett. 1883. SCHOOL EXAMINERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS. Samuel R. Hamill, March, 1854; James W. Hinkle, March, 1854; Rev. McKinney, 1855; Michael Malott, 1855; Archer P. Allen, 1857. * * * Murray Briggs. 1861-67; Charles R. Allen, 1867-71; George W. Register, 1871-75 (was the first Superintendent, beginning 1873); James A Marlow, 1875, and to the present. EARLY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. John Creager, George Boon, E. W. Brown, Joseph Dickson, Abe Elliott, William Burnett, David Harber, Henry Anderson, John F. Johnson, William Winters, 1817: Joseph Liston,. Joseph Ransford, John Waydon, Anthony Bennett, 1818; James C. Black, Robert Preebles, Matthew Spurlock, George Shroyer, John Landers, James Wason, 1819; Joseph M. Miller, Samuel Whittlesey, Benjamin Stafford, Sr., William Eldridge, 1820; Samuel Broadett, John Creager, H. W. Ransford, 1821; Zadock Hunt, 1822; David Wilkins, Charles Norman, Jared Rundle. W. B. Matthews, John Wallace, Groves Ramey, 1823; (missing, 1824 and 1825); Samuel Whittlesey, John Benefiel, James Pogue, W. M. Purdy, 1826; Samuel Silvers, John Creager, 1827; Jared Rundle, William Carrithers, David Wilkins, Seth Cushman, Jacob Ernest, Hardy Hill, 1828; Joseph Evans, Asa Davis, Samuel Silvers, John Broadett, Samuel Osborn. James Floyd, John H. Eaton, W. H. Creager, Jonathan E. Batch, 1831: John Findley, Jordan Peters, Shadrack Sherman, Andrew Wilkins. Joseph Gray, 1832; James McCrary, Silas Osborn, Adam Wilson, Hezekiah Riggs, 1833; Robert Sherman, W. H. Creager, John Mills. 1834; Thomas Mahan, James D. Gardner, M E. Nash, Adam Grant, 1835; John Heaton, Francis S. Miller, W. R. Haddon, H. K. Wilson, John B. Huff, 1836; James Milligan, 1837; Milton Mayfield, Silas Osborn, William McKee, Robert Curry, Adam Wilson, Samuel Myers, 1838; David Wilkins, W. H. Creager, John Mills, Seth Cushman, 1839; M. E. Nash. J. D. Gardner, Benjamin Turman, Thomas Mahan, 1840. REPRESENTATIVES. George Rogers Clark Sullivan represented Knox County, before Sullivan County was organized, and until 1820; Robert Buntin was the first Representative of Sullivan County, 1817-20; Robert Sturgis and John McDonald were joint Representatives of Knox and Sullivan Counties from 1820 to 1822; Henry D. Palmer represented Sullivan alone, 1822-23; Josiah Mann, 1824; George Boon, 1825-30; John W. Davis, 1831-32; James Depauw, 1833; Joseph Latshaw, 1834; Seth Cushman. 1835; Joseph Briggs and Samuel Brown, 1836; Samuel Brown and William R. Haddon, 1837; Samuel Brown and George Boon, 1838; W. R. Haddon and Justus Davis, 1839; George Boon, 1840; John W. Davis and Justus Davis, 1841; John W. Davis, 1842; Thomas Turman, 1843; John H. Wilson and Silas Osborn, 1845; Benjamin Wolfe and Silas Osborn, 1846; Benjamin Wolfe, 1847; Benjamin Wolfe and Silas Osborn, 1848; James K. O'Haver and James H. Wier, 1849-50; John H. Wilson, 1850; J. W. Davis and Theophilus Chowning, 1851; "Squire" McDonald and William McKee, 1853. * * * John W. Davis and Michael Branson, 1857; David Usrey, 1858; * * * W. W. Owens, 1861; S. G. Burton, 1863; Benjamin Wolfe, 1867; N. D. Miles, 1869; S. S. Coffman, 1873; James L. Nash, 1875;. S. S. Coffman, 1877; John C. Briggs, 1879; Charles T. Akin, 1881; Charles T. Akin and James B. Patten (joint Rep.), 1883. SENATORS. William Polke, 1818; Thomas H. Blake, 1821; John Jenckes, 1822; John M. Coleman, 1825; William C. Linton, 1828; James Farrington, 1832; George Boon, 1834; James T. Moffatt, 1837; Ransom W. Akin, 1843; James H. Henry, 1846; James M. Hanna, 1849; * * Michael Combs, 1855; W. E. McLean, 1857; Henry K. Wilson, 1861; B. W. Hanna, 1865; James M. Hanna, 1869; Joshua Alsop, 1871; M. B. Riggs, 1872, Henry K. Wilson, 1875; F. W. Viehe, 1879; Joshua Ernest. AUDITORS. H. K. Wilson, 1841-52; Joseph W. Wolfe, 1852-54; H. K. Wilson, 1855-59; Ferdinand Basler, 1859; Murray Briggs, 1867; Robert M. Griffith, 1868; David Crawley, 1878. TREASURERS. John S. Davis, 1850; W. B. Ogle, 1854; Ed Price, 1858; John Giles, 1862; W. H. Griffin, 1866; David Crawley, 1870; Abe McClellan, 1874; C. P. Riggs, 1878; Charles L. Davis, 1882. RECORDERS. John Jones, March, 1817; Robert Buntin, 1817; Samuel Coleman. 1818; M. E. Nash. 1830; Benjamin Wolfe, 1836; H. K Wilson, 1846; James H. Reed, 1847; W. G. Neff, 1857; Robert K. Hamill, 1861; J. L. Griffin. 1865; John N. Fordyce, 1874; Joshua Beasley, 1882. CLERKS. Robert Buntin, Jr., March 28, 1817; Samuel Coleman, appointed 1817, vice Buntin, resigned; Benjamin Wolfe, 1830; H. K. Wilson, 1842; Joseph W. Wolfe, 1851; J. W. Hinkle, 1859; Ed Price, 1863: W. C. Griffith, 1867: Jesse Bicknell, 1871; Thomas J. Mann. 1879. SHERIFFS. Morgan Eaton, January 1, 1817 (John Benefiel received a writ of dedimus from the Governor, to take the bond of Mr. Eaton); Bailey Johnson, September. 1817; George Boon, 1821; Edward Wilks; 1825; Richard Dodd, 1827; Seth Cushman, 1831; Shadrack Sherman, 1835; Absalom Hurst, 1839; John H. Wilson, 1841; David H. Hancock, 1845; F. Garretson, 1846; Henry Dooley, 1849; Zachariah Burton, 1854; James W. Brodie, 1856; Matthew McCammon, 1860; Alexander Snow, 1863; W. H. Mayfield, 1866; Thomas J. Land, 1870; John F. Curry, 1872; Owen C. Hancock, 1874; John Dudley, 1876; James L. Berry, 1880. CORONERS. William Ledgerwood, January, 1817; John M. Peebles, September 8, 1817; William Ledgerwood, 1818; John Jones, 1819; George Mack, 1820; James Lisman, 1822; James Brooks, 1824; Seth Cushman, 1826; Shadrach Sherman, 1828; Absalom Hurst, 1830; William Hill, 1832; Landon Parks, 1836; Jesse J. Benefiel, 1838; Joseph B. Booker, 1840; George D. Clark, 1842; Samuel Wilson, 1846; Nimrod Walls, 1848; Charles W. Hanley, 1850; Benjamin Timmons, 1852; B. D. Walls, 1853; A. S. Anderson, 1854; Surrell Nichols, 1856; Daniel Case, 1858 ; John Turner, 1860; Thomas McIntosh, 1861; B. B. Neal, 1862; James W. Brodie, 1868; W. C. McBride, 1870; S. T. Trout, 1872; Caleb Snapp, 1874; Owen Davis, 1876; John Wagoner, 1878. SURVEYORS. John Wallace, May 13, 1818; * * * Enoch Walls, 1852; W. S. Hinkle, 1854; Samuel M. Reed, 1856; Thomas B. Silvers, 1858; Nathan Thomas, 1860; Alonzo F. Estabrook, 1870-1884. THE COUNTY FINANCES. The following is the report of the County Auditor for the fiscal year 1850-51: On hand, $548.47; from the County Agent, $420.90; from various licenses, $337.70; State revenue, $4,929.46; county revenue, $4,961.50; road fund, $699.14; total receipts, $11,897.17. County buildings cost $3,491.31; and county officers, $236.04; and the total expense was $11,908.63. For the fiscal year 1852-53, there was on hand $398.28, and the total receipts were $14,147.19; the expense of county buildings was $4,050.42; county officers cost $510.31; the total expense was $13,082.72, leaving in the treasury $1,064.47. In September, 1854, the county debt amounted to $4,425.12 1/2. For the fiscal year 1854-55, the receipts were $7,242.10, and the expenses $7,253.78; with outstanding orders, $3,073.92. In 1855-56, the county revenue receipts were $8,205.46, and the total receipts $9,421.61. The county officers cost $1,619.48, and the insane $100.07. Total expenses, $7,694.18. In 1856-57, there was on hand $915.05; received county revenue and railroad tax, $7,854.08; total receipts $9,335.56; total expenses $7,672.46, leaving in the treasury $1,663.10. The county officers cost $1,507.23. In 1857-58, there was on hand $1,663.10; county revenue received, $9,519.86; total receipts, $12,173.05; total expenses, $6,710.64; receipt balance, $5,462.41; old orders redeemed, $3,169.24. on hand, $2,293.17. The county officers cost $1,780.62. In 1858-59, there was on hand $3,994.62; the county revenue was $6,729.93; total receipts, $12,678.87; county officers cost $1,484.90; total expenses, $11,724.09; outstanding orders, $937.67; on hand, $938.80; surplus, $1.13. In 1859, the road fund distributed was $152.02; township fund, $1,754.07. In 1860, there was on hand $938.80: county revenue receipts were $7,497.18; total receipts $9,359.70. The county officers cost $2,148.90; the total expenses were $13,520.55; county debt, $5,254. In 1862, there were 278,900.59 acres taxed in the county; value of lands and improvements, $2,812,895; value of lots and improvements, $216,365; value of personal property, $1,199,822; total valuation, $4,229,082; number of polls, 2,391; total tax levied, $37,951.42. For the fiscal year 1862-63, the county revenue receipts were $13,954.68; total receipts, $15,178.33. The county officers cost $2,493.93; total expenses $10,369.93. The county debt at this time was $4,808.40; outstanding orders, $2,957.97; amount due the county from the Treasurer, $3,762.87. At this time, $3,000 worth of county bonds were sold to raise means to pay off the indebtedness, so that no more county orders might be thrown upon the public. A surprising feature of the financial condition of the county was the enormous delinquent list outstanding. At this time there was due the county from accumulations for the preceding eight years a total of $28,000. It was found very difficult to make collections. The Treasurer was ordered to take extra means to have this delinquency collected, and five per cent in addition to his regular fees was given him. At the close of the war, or just before, the County Board ordered sold $83,600 worth of bonds to be used in paying bounty to volunteers and drafted men. Other bonds were sold within the next year, aggregating several thousand dollars. The conclusion of the war terminated the unusual closeness in money matters, and restored confidence in all business circles, and soon the heavy-taxation began to be seen in a full treasury and a decrease of the county debt. The county revenue in 1865-66 was $17,328.63; total receipts, $20,924.74; county officers cost $3,014.47; total expenses, $26,706.80; families of volunteers cost $2,965.69; total soldiers relief from 1861 to 1865 inclusive, $18,458.71. In 1867-68, the county revenue was $14,567.71, and the total receipts $16,616.62. County officers cost $7,440.56; total expenses, $27,113.63. In 1869-70, the county revenue receipts were $20,828.99; total receipts, $41,288.97; county receipts, $11,568.75; county officers cost $3,174.76; total expenses, $27,132.43; excess of receipts $14,156.54. In 1872-73, the county revenue receipts were $19,333.49; total receipts were $23,320.70; county officers cost $3,004.31; total expenses, $17,835.33; receipt surplus, $5,485.37. In 1873-74, the total receipts were $24,650.70, and the total expenses $22,714.72, the surplus being $1,935.98; county officers cost $3,917.10; county revenue, $11,842.08; on hand at the beginning of the year, $8,237.80. In 1875-76, the total expenses were $23,579.42; county officers cost $4,908.85. In 1877-78, there was on hand $5,633.03; county revenue receipts, $12,890.59; receipts on the delinquent list of 1866, $10,910.16; total receipts, $29,895.33; total expenses $25,160.64; surplus,$4,734.69; county officers cost $4,444.60. In 1879-80, there was on hand $5,212.27, and the total receipts were $27,067.78. In 1882-83, there was on hand $89.62; total receipts, $29,330.04; total expenses, $30,789.29; county officers cost $5,385.91. In July, 1883, twenty county bonds of $500 each were issued to take up about $8,000 worth of outstanding orders. The bonds bore 6 per cent interest and were bought by Indianapolis capitalists. RECAPITULATION OF TAXES, 1883. Value of land $3,165,545.00 Value of improvements 740,190.00 Value of lots 181,710.00 Value of improvements 419,435.00 Value of personal property 2,584,430.00 Total value of taxables 7,091,310.00 State tax 10,251.23 State house tax 1,418.29 State school tax 13,087.80 County tax 24,757.35 Township tax 4,763.71 Tuition tax 9,730.55 Special school tax 13,686.04 Road tax 6,189.20 Corporation tax 5,388.29 Bridge tax 7,091.44 University tax 354.59 Dog tax 2,638.00 Total tax 103,256.80 Delinquent tax 15,555.22 Interest and penalty 2,886.53 Grand total tax 121,698.55 Poor tax 3,900.31 Acres of land 281,216.87 Number of polls 3,483 COUNTY POLITICS. It is scarcely necessary to say that Sullivan County, since its creation in January, 1817, has been Democratic—that is, since Andrew Jackson was a candidate for the Presidency in 1828, for before that the Democrats were anti-Federalists or Republicans, and then the county was Republican. At times, the Democratic majority has exceeded 1,400. An account of the early elections cannot be given. The returns were all destroyed in 1850 when the court house was burned. The following tabular exhibit will illustrate the politics of the county since 1856. NOVEMBER, 1856. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. AMERICAN. Buchanan Fremont Fillmore TOWNSHIPS. and and and Breckinridge. Dayton. Donelson. Jackson 137 17 31 Curry 147 30 40 Fairbanks 108 44 30 Tiirman 190 28 40 Hamilton 355 72 64 Cass 126 - 2 Jefferson 146 4 29 Haddon 300 21 82 Gill 141 41 79 Totals 1,650 257 397 NOVEMBER, 1860. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. DEMOCRAT. UNION. Douglas Lincoln Breckinridge Bell TOWNSHIPS. and and and and Johnson. Hamlin. Lane. Everett. Jackson 136 42 1 13 Curry 201 95 4 8 Fairbanks 133 80 1 2 Turman 219 100 1 4 Hamilton 430 200 22 1 Cass. 144 25 3 4 Jefferson 165 43 20 4 Haddon 252 144 66 8 Gill 178 127 10 11 Totals 1,858 856 128 55 NOVEMBER, 1864. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. McClellan Lincoln TOWNSHIPS. and and Pendleton. Johnson. Jackson 150 78 Curry 205 70 Fairbanks 143 63 Turman 228 82 Hamilton 448 206 Cass 145 16 Jefferson 213 29 Haddon 353 113 Gill 164 54 Totals 2,059 711 NOVEMBER, 1868. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. Seymour Grant TOWNSHIPS. and and Blair. Colfax. Jackson 179 136 Curry 252 147 Fairbanks 195 82 Turman 267 141 Hamilton 511 291 Cass 176 46 Jefferson 246 68 Haddon 420 171 Gill 211 212 Totals 2,457 1,294 NOVEMBER, 1872. LIBERAL REPUBLICAN. REPUBLICAN. DEMOCRAT Greeley Grant O'Conor TOWNSHIPS. and and and Brown. Wilson. Julian Jackson 128 140 - Curry 252 167 - Fairbanks 148 69 1 Turman 211 136 - Hamilton 472 321 - Cass 193 44 - Jefferson 158 72 42 Haddon 374 209 23 Gill 181 221 5 Totals. 2,117 1,379 71 NOVEMBER, 1876. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. INDEPENDENT. Tilden Hayes Cooper TOWNSHIPS. and and and Hendricks. Wheeler. Gary. Jackson 224 151 3 Curry 326 162 — Fairbanks 220 87 1 Turman 284 149 — Hamilton 577 363 35 Cass 263 55 13 Jefferson 247 94 29 Haddon 483 233 15 Gill 264 242 — Totals 2,888 1,536 96 NOVEMBER, 1880. DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. INDEPENDENT Hancock Garfield Weaver TOWNSHIPS. and and and English. Arthur Chambers Jackson 261 162 45 Curry 326 179 20 Fairbanks 241 78 6 Turman 277 167 8 Hamilton 641 375 22 Cass 272 57 10 Jefferson 286 112 16 Haddon 496 236 6 Gill 249 241 7 Totals 3,049 1,607 140 Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC. ILLUSTRATED. CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/sullivan/history/1884/historyo/chapteri363gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/infiles/ File size: 69.3 Kb