Henry County, Indiana
Genealogy and History
History of Henry County, Indiana : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens : also a condensed history of Indiana, embodying accounts of pre-historic races, aborigines, Winnebago and Black Hawk wars, and a brief review of its civil and political history. Chicago: Inter-State Pub. Co., 1884, 944 pgs.
Continuous change in all things earthly is one of the immutable laws of progress. Geologists prove that the earth was brought from a chaotic state to its present physical condition, fitted for human inhabitants by successive evolutions. So in the history of mankind, tribes, nations and kingdoms have flourished and passed imperceptibly from barbarism to civilization. The mightiest empires of antiquity have fallen into ruin, and above the buried ashes of their once magnificent cities another people, nobler and freer, now holds sway, governing by new laws, guided by new maxims, actuated by new motives. Only God and his laws are unchangeable, and change is one of His laws. It is the law of nature, of man, and of the works of man. In civilized life advancement and not retrogression attends the operation of this law.
Long after advancing civilizations had begun the work of transforming the West, and even after the Territory of Indiana had been erected into a State, the wily Indian still hunted the deer in the deep forests bordering upon the Blue River, paddled his canoe up and down the placid water of the tortuous stream, sought the otter along its shady margin, or enticed the fish from the deepest pools. Stealthy beasts of prey roamed at will over the wooded plains and only their cries at intervals awoke echoes in the wilderness of solitude.
But with the advent of the white man an era of change began; and though for some years improvements were made but slowly, yet in the period of a lifetime, magnificent results were achieved. To-day the beautiful town of New Castle crowns a gentle elevation east of Blue River, upon which, prior to 1819, the white man, perhaps, had never set his foot.
Among the pioneers of 1819 was Asahel Woodward, a native of Ohio. He came early in the spring of the year mentioned, and chose for his farm land which is at present included within the limits of the corporation. His cabin was the first dwelling built by a white man within the present town limits, though for some years his land was not a part of the town. Other early settlers located on the river bottom, and thence, after the town site had been selected, moved their cabins to it.
When the legislative commission, referred to in a previous chapter, were seeking a site for the seat of justice of the newly erected county of Henry, about 100 acres of land was offered to them for the use of the county, on condition that the county seat should be located upon it. The commission accepted the offer, and thus New Castle was founded. By whom the name of the town was bestowed there is no record to inform us. Of the land donated twenty-eight acres were given by Absalom Harvey; twenty-eight, less two lots, by John Brumfield; fourteen by A. Lewis; ten by Alan Shepherd, and twenty-four acres, less five lots, by Rue and Holman, of Wayne County.
The land donated was surveyed by William McKimmy and John Dorrah, to whom the commissioners of the county subsequently granted $25 each for their services, and in July, 1822, lots were first offered for sale. The lots appear to have been a drug in the market. They were taken slowly, and yielded but a small price, although the commissioners tried their best to dispose of them, by ordering advertisements of the date of the sales to be inserted in the newspapers of Richmond and Connersville. Ezekiel Leavell, agent of the county, was ordered to make sales of town lots in May and August, 1823, in May and September, 1824, and many times subsequently. At their May term, 1824, the commissioners settled with Mr. Leavell, and found that the whole amount arising from the sale of lots up to that time was $522.12_. At the same term the agent was ordered "to offer for sale to the lowest bidder the clearing of the public square in New Castle."
Charles Jamison, whose house was the election place and the court-room until other accommodations were provided, was perhaps the first to occupy a town lot in the new village. He erected a cabin on what is now the Davis lot, on the west side of Main street, near the site of Judge Mellett's residence, and at once engaged in the business of tavern keeping, without going through the formality of obtaining a license to sell liquor. For this offense he was duly indicted by the first grand jury of the county, and subsequently found guilty and fined $3. The next year, however, he was granted a tavern license, and probably no allusion was made to his former offense by the commissioners, who appear to have taxed the liquor traffic for revenue only.
Among the first to locate in the infant town was an enterprising young man by the name of Isaac Bedsaul (afterward son-in-law of Jamison). Foreseeing the importance of the county-seat as a trading point, he made haste to establish a store. Having procured a small stock of goods, in the year 1823 he began business in a shanty, constructed of logs and poles, 12 x 16 feet in size. The commissioners' record shows that on the 12th of May, 1824, "Isaac Bedsaul, merchant of New Castle, made an application to the board to assess rates of license to vend foreign merchandise, and having proved to the satisfaction of the board" that his capital was less than $1,000, the board assessed his rates at $10 per year agreeable to statute. According to the statement of an old resident, Bedsaul had about $200 worth of goods when he began to "vend foreign merchandise," and the greater part of them had been brought on his back from Cincinnati. His primitive mercantile establishment, the first in New Castle, was situated on the lot on which Judge Mellett's residence now stands. Bedsaul afterward removed his goods to another log building on East Broadway, and there continued business. The first frame building in the town was erected by Bedsaul about 1827, on or near the lot now occupied by the store of J.C. Hudelson, Jr., & Co. Part of the frame of this store of Bedsaul's was used in the residence now owned by Mrs. Edmund Johnson.
John Smith built a cabin about 1824, near Bedsaul's store, on the Mellett lot, and began keeping tavern. He remained but a short time, and was succeeded by Anthony Boggs. Nathan Crawford, blacksmith, was the first mechanic to locate in the town. A man named Mitchell started a tannery near where the Union Depot now is. A few years later he sold out to John Powell, who carried on the business for a number of years.
May 26, 1825, Matthew Williams & Co. were granted, by the county commissioners, the privilege of "vending foreign merchandise" in New Castle for one year, on payment of $10.
William Silver was one of the early merchants of the town. He sold out to Miles Murphey about 1830. Colonel Murphey, with whom for several years was associated his brother William, was on of the foremost business men of the town for nearly forty years.
New Castle was unfavorably situated for rapid growth. It had no water-power, and as the age of steam had not then dawned, it could look for no increase of prosperity from any except the usual small industries of country villages. The densest population of the county was in the Southern part, and Wayne County received considerable of the trade. The fact that it was the county seat was the chief recommendation of New Castle. By the year 1826, the town contained about twenty families, two stores, a postoffice, tavern-keepers, lawyers, doctors, etc. The buildings were chiefly clustered about Broad street. A log court-house adorned the public square.
"Forty years ago New Castle consisted of two taverns, kept for the double purpose of entertaining travelers and supplying the country with whisky. There were two dry-goods stores, which did considerable business in the exchange of goods for ginseng, deer hams, deer skins, and furs of various kinds, which constituted their principal business operations. The Clerk of the Circuit Court lived in the place; one lawyer, one doctor; the rest of the citizens were in the main hunters, trappers, and 'seng-diggers.' The buildings consisted mainly of rude cabins of round logs; some had floors and some had none. There were, however, three or four hewed-log houses, which constituted the attraction and style of the town."
Muddy streets, at times almost impassable; stumps and trees standing upon vacant lots, and woods on all sides Š such were some of the prominent features of the village. Yet the people were mostly happy and well-contented. Their wants were few and simple. The utmost freedom and sociability characterized their habits. Everybody knew everybody's business, yet there was little mischievous gossip; much good-natured fun, many a harmless prank and practical joke relieved existence of monotony. The stores and taverns were the chief resorts, and, we may say, the chief places of amusement.
In the year 1828 New Castle had one frame building - Bedsaul's store - and one brick house. The latter was a small, one-story structure, which stood about where NixonÕs drug store now is. It was erected by Thomas Ginn, who was once Recorder and Sheriff of the county. The oldest brick house now standing in the town is that occupied by Mrs. Charles Powell. It was erected by John Powell in 1838.
"On the 31st of March, 1833," says Rev. George B. Rogers, in a published reminiscence, "myself and family landed in New Castle, then a little village of 150 inhabitants." Among the prominent citizens of the town at that date Mr. Rogers mentions Judge Abraham Elliott, who had his law office in the village, but lived south of it on the Elliott farm; Major Asahel Woodward, a worthy man, who lived west of the town; Colonel Miles Murphey, then, as afterward, a leading business man; Dr. Joel Reed, the village physician; John Powell, a quiet, unassuming citizen of intelligence and Christian character; Isaac Bedsaul, the Postmaster and pioneer merchant, who began life by peddling, and trading with the Indians; Judge Jacob Thornburgh, a quiet, modest, worthy citizen; L.D. Meek, one of the first who began business in the town, a tailor by trade, quick-witted, quick-tempered and honest; Evan B. Hobson, the landlord; Dr. John Elliott, then the County Clerk; John R. Coleman, one of the first settlers, who helped to organize the Methodist church; Judge Samuel Hoover, Samuel Hawn, Thomas Ginn, James Carr, and Father Coleman, were then also citizens of the town, according to Mr. Rogers. To this we might add that Mr. Rogers himself became prominent in the little village. He set up a shop, and began the manufacture of chairs, the first article of the kind ever made in New Castle. Some of them are still in use in the town.
A few months later a dread calamity had fallen like a thunderbolt upon the little village, whose pastoral simplicity is described by the writer above quoted, and there was mourning and gloom in many a household. What citizen of Henry County has not heard of the cholera epidemic of 1833 in New Castle? Or who that was then living fails to remember the consternation, the grief and the suffering which it brought?
There is an old-fashioned country grave-yard in Henry county, known as the Batson Cemetery. In it one of the headstones is marked with the name of Samuel Batson, Esq., who died Aug. 11, 1833, of cholera. Mr. Rogers states as a historical fact that this was the first case, and the first death from that terrible disease in the State. The cause and results of Mr. BatsonÕs decease he also gives, substantially as follows:
"Squire Batson visited Cincinnati some time in July, 1833, and soon after returning to his home he fell ill. His sister, Mrs. Laboyteaux, who lived near, visited him during his sickness, and was with him when he died. After he was buried she returned home, and soon afterward was taken sick. Mrs. Laboyteaux's daughter, Mrs. John Ross, of New Castle, visited her mother and remained with her until she died. The funeral of Mrs. Laboyteaux was on Sunday; on the same evening Mrs. Ross returned home. So far no one knew the nature of the disease, but there was talk that it might be cholera. Other persons in the Batson neighborhood took the disease and died.
Mrs. Ross, after reaching New Castle, was taken violently ill on Monday morning, and died in the afternoon of the same day. Three of her children died, two before midnight and one the next day. Mrs. Webster, a young widow, who attended the Ross family, died on Tuesday. Mrs. Abraham Elliott was the next victim. Among the others who died wee Mrs. Jesse Bedsaul, Mrs. Samuel Hawn and the wife of Dr. Penny. The names of all the victims of the disease are not recollected, but there was a total of fifteen deaths out of a population of 150.
Another name bay be added to the foregoing list given by Mr. Rogers, for an old resident informs the writer that Dr. John Elliott died of the cholera during the epidemic. He was one of the first settlers, and probably the first physician in the town. He was Clerk of Courts from 1828 - 1833."
By an act of Legislature approved Feb. 6, 1839, the town of New Castle was incorporated, and the control of said corporation vested in a president and Board of Trustees. A subsequent act, approved Jan. 1, 1849, substituted a mayor and four councilmen for the president and trustees. At a regular meeting of the mayor and town council, March 30, 1867, it was resolved to surrender the charter. And it war further agreed that steps should at once be taken to incorporate the town of New Castle in accordance with the general law of the State for the incorporation of towns, which law was approved June 11, 1852. The following officers were elected for the year 1867: Trustees Š Michael Swigart, First Ward; Daniel Murphey, Second Ward; Jacob Mowrer, Third Ward; Jehu T. Elliott, Jr., Fourth Ward; Samuel Hoover, Fifth Ward. Marshal and Assessor, William N. Clift. Clerk and Treasurer, Robert M. Nixon.
No complete records of the town are to be found. In 1873 a Sixth Ward was formed. The officers of the 1884-85 are as follows: Trustees - W.A. Brown, First Ward; John F. Luellen, Second Ward; J.S. Hedges, Third Ward; Ed Kahn, Fourth Ward; T.B. Loer, Fifth Ward; S.P. Jennings (President of the Board), Sixth Ward; C.F. Sudwarth, Clerk; A.W. Lennard, Treasurer; J.J. Watkins, Assessor; Daniel Harvey, Marshal.
Quite early in the existence of the town Jacob Brenneman started a cabinet-maker's shop. He followed his trade here for over forty years, most of the time in partnership with Adam Beam.
About 1835 John Davis started a hardware store and tin shop. After numerous changes Martin L. Powell become proprietor of the establishment and for nearly twenty years carried on a large business. The hardware store of John C. Livezey was established in 1866, and S.P. JenningsÕs store a little later.
Among the principal merchants of New Castle in 1843 were Miles and William Murphey, Rogers & Meek, opposite Hazzard's hotel; and Wells & Goodwin, east of the court-house. In 1848 Wilson Clift and Woods & Holland were among the leading merchants.
In 1847 Shirk & Johnson began the manufacture of grain cradles in New Castle. Numerous changes in the management of the business took place. In July, 1871, the firm Shirk, Johnson & Fisher was organized and a flouring mill added to the establishment. Besides manufacturing thousands of cradles annually, the firm do a large business in the milling line.
Aside from the usual minor industries usually carried on in small places, New Castle had no manufactures until within recent years. The railroad shops of the New Castle & Richmond Railroad were established in the town in 1854. This was the first industry of importance, and unfortunately the shops were removed before the town received much benefit from them. The first grist-mill in the town was built about 1855 by Daniel Mowrer and Hiram Bundy. This establishment was quite an extensive one. It stood north of the Union depot on the east side of the railroad. The mill, however, was not a paying property, and after passing through several changes of ownership, it became known as Strickland's mill. It was destroyed by fire in 1874. A good mill, on Main street, erected by Shirk, Johnson & Fisher, was finished in 1871, and is still in operation.
The New Castle Flouring Mills, of which Rhine, Miller are the proprietors, were built by John Rhine in 1881. These mills are provided with the latest improved machinery and have a capacity of 100 barrels per day.
J.M. Gough & Co., carriage manufacturers, etc., have one of the most extensive industries of the kind in the town. This firm was established in 1868. L.A. Jennings came to New Castle in 1867 and in 1868 started a saw-mill, planing-mill and lumber yard. He has since added to his business the manufacture and sale of furniture, and a hardware store. Under wise management his business has grown to vast proportions. In 1883 he erected a large factory for the manufacture of furniture. This manufactory is the largest building in the county and is a model establishment of its kind. It is 40 x 100 feet, four stories high, with a basement, and is well and substantially constructed of brick. When run at its full capacity 150 hands can be employed.
After sundry meeting and much discussion of the project of building a foundry and machine shop in New Castle, at a meeting held Feb. 3, 1871, definite action was taken, by accepting the proposition of George Keiser, of Anderson. Mr. Keiser agreed to build the works, and have them ready for operation in the spring of 1871, provided the citizens would donate $3,000 and land worth $300. The required amount was soon raised by subscriptions, and the works were started in March. Mr. Keiser failed before the end of the year, and in 1872 the shops were sold by his assignee to Barber & Harris. They were subsequently managed by Martin L. Powell an others, and finally ceased to operate, involving almost total loss to the investors.
Shroyer & Co., dry-goods merchants of New Castle, established a flax factory in 1871 for the manufacturing of flax straw into lint.
In 1882 Waldron & Maxim erected a factory near the I. B. & W. depot, at a cost of $4,500, and engaged in the manufacture of shovel handles, which business they are still carrying on quite extensively.
The New Castle Building, Loan and Savings Association was organized Aug. 4, 1882. A Board of Directors was chosen, as follows: W.W. Cotteral, President; E.T. Mendenhall, P.J. Conley, W.H. Busser, George H. Cain, W.E. Livezey, J.T.J. Hazelrigg, S.M. King, W.H. Elliott. The following officers were elected Aug. 14, 1883: W.H. Elliott, President; Thad. Coffin, Vice-President; J.W. Foutz, Secretary; R.B. Carson, Treasurer; Appraisement Committee: R.B. Carson, George T. Melle, W.E. Livezey, D.A. Tawney.
A business college was started in New Castle by Herrold & Isaacs in 1881. It was afterward conducted by T.M. Herrold and I.W. Pearson. In 1883 the proprietors removed to another location.
The New Castle Foundry and Pump Company was organized April 28, 1883. The organization is a stock company having the following Directors: G.W. Burke, President; J.S. Hedges, Treasurer; W.W. Cotteral, Secretary; Hugh Mullen and E.H. Bundy. The works are located in the northwest part of the town on the I., B. & W. Railroad. A general foundry and repairing business is carried on; also the manufacture of the Anti-Freezing Force and Lifting Pump - an invention which is fast coming into general use.
A business which has already grown to magnificent proportions, and brought millions of dollars to the pockets of Henry County farmers, was started in 1873, by Smith, Shaffer & Co., the firm being composed of the following members: James M. Smith, Jacob Clapper, Henry Shaffer, and John R. Millikan. The operations of this firm, though not extensive, were successful.
J.R. Millikan and B.F. Shaffer soon sold out their interests, and the remainder of the company continued business under the firm name of J.M. Smith & Co. In 1874 the firm secured grounds on the outskirts of the town, and erected a packing establishment at a cost of about $12,000. In 1876 this firm made an assignment; assets, $33,000; liabilities, $88,300. This failure was a serious misfortune to many. In the fall of 1876 Baldwin, Roberts & Co., of Boston, bought the property at assignee's sale. This firm have since carried on the business on a large and successful scale. They enlarged and renovated the establishment, making it the largest of the kind in Indiana, outside of Indianapolis. Its appliances and machinery are perfect, and when the establishment is run at its full capacity more than a thousand hogs per day can be disposed of.
The First National Bank of New Castle was organized in February, 1864, with a capital stock of $100,000. This was the first national bank established in Henry County. Martin L. Bundy was its first President, and Daniel Murphey the first Cashier. Hon. Jehu T. Elliott served several years as President. William Murphey, S.T. Powell, Clement Murphey, C.C. Powell, and others have served upon the Board of Directors. The bank has been judiciously managed and steadily prosperous. To-day it ranks among the soundest financial institutions of Eastern Indiana. The present officers are William Murphey, President; R.M. Nixon, Cashier. Directors William Murphey, W.F. Boor, Waterman Clift, Robert H. Cooper, Robert M. Nixon, George B. Morris, and M.A. Pickering.
The Bundy National Bank went into operation Nov., 9, 1874, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers were: M.L. Bundy, President; L.E. Bundy, Cashier; Directors, M.L. Bundy, J.S. Elliott, T.B. Redding, A.R.A. Thompson, N.E. Black. The Bundy National Bank was the successor of a private bank started a short time previous by M.L. Bundy. It went out of operation in 1881.
The Citizens' State Bank was organized July 1, 1873, with a cash capital of $130,000. The first officers were: John R. Millikan, President; George Hazzard, Vice-President; and W.C. Murphey, Cashier. The bank has been conducting a steady and prosperous business from the first. The present officers are: John R. Millikan, President; D.W. Kinsey, Cashier; Benj. Shirk, Vice-President; T.B. Millikan, Assistant Cashier. The capital and surplus now amounts to $140,000.
If we may judge by the number of hotels, the "traveling public" (if there was any) could find abundant accommodation in New Castle while yet the town was in its infancy. On the commissioners' records the names of the following persons who were granted tavern licenses appear in the years mentioned: Chas Jamison and Anthony Boggs, 1824; Samuel Stinson, 1824; Jeremiah Meek, 1825; William Meek and John Smith (one license), 1825; Charles Jamison, 1825; Matthew William and Jacob Thornburgh (one license), 1825; Brazil Meek, 1826; Anthony Boggs, 1826; Jacob Thornburgh, 1827; Thomas Ginn and Charles Jamison (one license), 1827. Ginn also got a mercantile license for the same date.
In 1824 and 1825 the price of a tavern license for one year was $4. Probably the cheapness of the article accounts for the number of licenses taken - four in one year in a village having perhaps 100 inhabitants! But in 1826 the commissioners raised the price $5 and only two licenses were granted.
Charles Jamison died in 1835. He had numerous successors in the hotel business, but no hotel had very ample accommodations until within later years.
The Exchange Hotel on Main street, south of the court-house, was kept by J. Chapel in 1840. The "New Castle Hall Hotel," corner of Main street and Broadway, was kept for some years by Samuel Hazzard. His card appears in the Courier in 1842.
In 1848 Anthony Livezey announces that he has "just finished a new and commodious house of entertainment in the south part of New Castle, on the Cambridge Road."
The principal hotel of New Castle is a large three-story brick building situated in the central portion of the town. It is now known as the Bundy House and is conducted by Bundy & Sons - Josiah Bundy, Proprietor, and Frank Bundy, Manger. The building was commenced in 1856 by Jeremiah Page and George Goodwin. Before it was completed it was transferred to Wesley Goodwin, and by him to E.B. Martindale. Finally John Taylor became the owner, and in October, 1857, opened it to thee public under the name of the Taylor House, by which designation it was known until recently. In 1869 Taylor sold out to T.B. French who managed the hotel until 1870. He then sold to Oliver H. Welborn, of Knightstown, who leased the house to Cunningham a year later. In October, 1871, George Hazzard bought the property, and in 1872 sold out to Colonel John S. Hoover.
A postoffice was established at New Castle soon after the town was laid out. Rene Julian, County Clerk, was Postmaster in 1823. Isaac Bedsaul, the merchant and County Treasurer, was the next Postmaster, and held the office until 1839. His successors have been: Samuel Hazzard, 1839-45; B.W. Scott, 1846-49; James Calvert, 1849, Samuel Hazzard, 1850-53; Jacob Mowrer, W.H. Elliott, Thad. Coffin, Cornelius M. Moore, Thad. Coffin and L.S. Denius. By courtesy of Mr. Thad. Coffin, ex-Postmaster, we are enabled to give the following summary of postoffice business for four years*:
*Table image does not show
Summary of four years' business: Registered letters dispatched, 1,679; registered letters delivered, 2,014. Money orders issued, 6,159, amount, $53,643.82; money orders paid, 2,731, amount, $33,409.57. Total receipts for four years, $16,602.84.
In 1841, states one who first visited the town then, New Castle consisted of from eighty to one hundred buildings, chiefly small frame structures. Broad street was the chief street and the business thoroughfare. There were but two brick buildings in the town - John Powell's on Broad street, and Samuel Hazzard's, a one-story brick house, situated about where Cummins's bakery now is.
Improvements progressed slowly for many years. The three-story brick building on the southeast corner of Main and Broad streets, known to everybody in the county as the Murphey building, was the first substantial business building in the town, and in its day was a veritable wonder. It was built by Colonel Miles Murphey in 1848. The next important building was the Taylor House, now the Bundy House. Thenceforth, until after the war, although there were gradual improvements, there was nothing so important as to require special mention.
That part of the town known as Christian Ridge has been built chiefly since 1850. To enumerate the various additions made to the town would require a more lengthy chapter than our space allows. Suffice it to say that New Castle has grown gradually but steadily, thus securing a substantial and permanent prosperity.
Pennsylvania avenue and other streets on "Christian Ridge," which are now in good condition and ornamented with fine buildings and comfortable homes, are included in Powell's addition. The avenue was laid out through an old cow pasture in 1868, by Martin L. Powell. Since that time he has laid out and sold a large number of fine lots, at advantageous rates, thereby adding much to the prosperity of the town.
There are few towns in Indiana, or indeed in any part of the country, of the size of New Castle, with so many substantial and beautiful buildings as this town now has. Broad street, from Main eastward to the next corner, is lined with brick blocks such as would be an ornament to a city of 50,000 inhabitants. The year 1869 (in which the court-house was completed) marks the beginning of improved architecture in the town. Since that date more good buildings for business purposes have been erected than in all the years before. There have also been built many neat, tasty and costly residences. The Shroyer building, northwest corner of Main and Broad streets, was the first improvement of the new era. This is a large three-story brick edifice, erected in 1869. With the exception of the Murphey building, all the best part of Broadway has been built up since. In many cases fire prepared the way for new buildings, as will be seen elsewhere.
A handsome block on West Broadway was erected by N.E. Black in 1869, to replace his store destroyed by fire. Mr. Black began business in 1861, as a clerk for Joshua Holland. In 1863 he and L.L. Burr bought out Holland, but afterward resold to him the store. Mr. Black next engaged in the clothing business, which he continued until 1879, when he retired from business. Dick Goodwin & Co., now occupy the Black stand.
The year 1872 was marked for the large number of fine buildings erected in the town. During this year was undertaken William Peed's livery stable, of brick; the Cummins building, two stories, brick, 17 x 60 feet; Nixon's block, adjoining Cummins's, two stories, 132 feet long - all on Broadway; a two-story brick block, by Dr. Boor; a brick block, 22 x 100 feet, two stories and basement, by M.L. Powell; L.L. Burr's building, and L.A. Jennings's residence.
The three-story Jennings block, on Broadway, the finest business house in town, was erected by L.A. Jennings, in 1877-81. In 1883 the large furniture manufactory situated opposite the Union depot was erected by Mr. Jennings. This gentleman is deserving of honorable mention for the part he has taken in adding to the architectural as well as to the industrial improvement of New Castle, in which work he has taken the lead of all the others.
The completion of a through line of railroad to Louisville in 1881, and of Indiana, Bloomington & Western extension, from Indianapolis to Springfield, Ohio, in 1882, has given such an impetus to the growth and business prosperity of New Castle that these events seem to mark an epoch of advancement unprecedented in the history of the town.
In this connection a few estimates made by the New Castle Courier are interesting: Aug. 26, 1881, that paper enumerates sixty-two buildings completed, being completed or improved, the total cost of the same amounting to $84,000 - all the growth of one year. The next year was still more eventful. The I., B. & W. Railroad was completed, new streets were laid out, others graded and improved, sewers laid, and substantial evidences of prosperity appeared on every hand. The number of improvements for the year ending with December, 1882, was 126; cost of individual improvements, $124,545; street improvements, $13,746.78; general expenditures by town, $2,000; total, $140,291.78. Total number of improvements for 1883, 82; total value of improvements $107,950.
Among the improvements of 1883 were Jennings' furniture manufactory, cost $30,000; Bouslog & Ice's saw-mill, between the Ft W., C. & L., and the C., St. L. & P. railroads, $1,000; From Bond's bent-wood factory, $600; New Castle Foundry and Pump Company, buildings and machinery, $5,000.
Monday, April 15, 1867, a block of frame buildings two and three stories in height, situated on Broad street, was destroyed by fire. The building was owned by Brown, Burton & Nicholson, and was occupied by several stores and offices. The losses amounted to nearly $6,000. On the 28th of April, in the same year, a large wooden building on East Broad street, owned by Dr. Boor, and occupied by Byer & Chambers as a grocery, was burned. There was no clue to the origin of these fires, although they were supposed to have been incendiary. Incendiary fires, robberies and petty crimes were very prevalent during the years immediately succeeding the war, and New Castle had her full share of them.
On the night of Oct. 29, 1869, burglars attempted to rob the First National Bank in New Castle. T.L. Campbell, a clerk in a store, slept near the bank, and was awakened by hearing them at work. He dressed hastily, went to the bank, and discovered two burglars inside. Summoning help, he returned, accompanied by about a dozen men. One of the robbers was wounded, but escaped; the other was captured. In assisting in the capture, Mr. Campbell was shot through the arm; James Mowrer was shot at twice, and J.A. Chambers received wounds. The safe was ruined, but the robbers secured only about $30, not being able to penetrate the "burglar box." The captured robber succeeded in effecting his escape from the county jail only a few days after he was taken.
There was a fire, supposed to have been incendiary, on Saturday, May 15, 1869, which destroyed $4,000 worth of property. It broke out in the loft of Charles Colburn's livery stable on North Main street and was rapidly spread by wind. The heaviest losers by this fire were Charles Colburn and Johnson & Fisher, about $1,000 each. The buildings were mainly old and not valuable.
On the night of Saturday, Oct. 8, 1871, the same date on which the great conflagration in Chicago began, about $6,000 worth of property was destroyed by fire in New Castle. The losses, partially covered by insurance, were estimated by the Courier as follows: William Peed, livery stable, $2,500; Dr. FerrisÕs buildings, $2,000; Johnson & Fisher, wagon shop, $1,000; Edward Johnson, $400. As yet the town had no fire department.
June 5, 1872, the building known as Burr's Corner was destroyed by fire, supposed to have been incendiary. It was occupied by Burr & Co., dry-goods merchants; Hoover & Ridgway, grocers, and J.M. MowrerÕs harness shop.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1881, nearly $12,000 worth of property was destroyed by a fire which broke out in Hernly's livery stable at eleven o'clock P.M. The heaviest losers were M. & J. Hipes, livery stable, $6,000; James Harvey, horse, $1,000; M.D. Harvey, billiard tables, liquors, etc., $1,000.
In spite of the great destruction of property by fire during recent years, the citizens of New Castle, enterprising though they be in all things else, are still living in the year of race 1884 without the protection of a well-organized fire department, and with no fire engine. So far as we can learn the first fire company in the town was not organized until March, 1878. This was New Castle Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, officered as follows: President, Geo. W. Burke; Vice-President, John Thornburgh; Secretary, L.A. Williams; Treasurer, Lon. Rodgers; Captain, A.W. Coffin; First Lieutenant, Charles Hatch; Second Lieutenant, John Thornburgh; First Sergeant, Mat. Grose; Second Sergeant, W.J. Stilley; Third Sergeant, Will Gary; Fourth Sergeant, William Albright; Axmen, Wesley Goodwin, B.F. Moore, David Fisher and Charles Jeffries.
Among the principal mercantile and industrial establishments of New Castle in the year 1884 are the following:
Bakeries: James Cummins, Ed. Mann, W.P. Sedam.
Boots & Shoes: T.C. Jordan, R.B. Carson, J.P. Bundy & Co., J.C. McBride, Murphey Bros., J.W. Firestine, Ephraim Clark.
Clothing: J.C. McBride, Dick Goodwin & Co., Max Weil, T.R. Vaughan & Co., J.C. Hudelson, Jr., & Co.
Carriage manufacturers: J.M. Gough, Lon Rogers, - Higby.
Dentists: I.W. Ellis, Jas J. Hamilton, Wm. Peper, W.F. Shelly.
Druggists: Nixon & Son, Smith & Shirk, W.M. Pence, J.M. Mowrer, Chas Needham.
Dry goods: Ed. Kahn, Campbell Bros. & Co., O. Rentzsch, Murphey Bros.
Furniture Dealers: L.A. Jennings, New Castle Furniture Company, Nathan Livezey.
Farm machinery dealers: W.W. Modlin, Wm. Newhouse & Co., Ice & Winnings, R.B. Smith.
Grocers: Murphey Bros., Samuel Arnold, A.R. Wayman, G.H. Barr, James Cummins, Fairfield & Moore, W.P. Sedam, John N. Watkins.
Grain merchants: Thomas B. Loer, Geo. W. Goodwin, Shirk, Johnson & Fisher.
Hotels: Bundy House, Junction House. Hardware: J.C. Livezey & Co., L.A. Jennings, S.P. Jennings.
Harness and saddlery: John M. Mowrer.
Jewelry: C.P. Murphey, H.T. Coffin, W.G. Hillock.
Livery stables: Chas. Bundy, Hernly & Gough, Chas. Colburn.
Lumber and saw-mills: L.A. Jennings, Bouslog & Co.
Mills (flouring): Shirk, Johnson & Fisher, Rhine, Miller & Co.
Millinery: Mrs. G.W. Bunch, Mrs. Lee Harvey, Mrs. Kate Zimmerman.
Music stores: R.B. Rudy, King & Co.
Physicians: John Rea, S. Ferris, Wm. F. & W.A. Boor, T.W. Gronendyke, G.W. Burke, E.T. Mendenhall, J.H. Millikan, allopathic; C. & W. Hubbard, eclectic; J.F. Thompson, homeopathic; John Needham, Physio-Medical.
Stoves and tinware: John O. Shriner. Tailors: James Armstrong, R.D. Goodwin, M.A. Heirich.
The several mills mentioned, Jennings's furniture factory, the works of the Foundry & Pump Company, and Waldron & Maxim's handle factory are the principal manufactories.
For further details regarding the business interests and business men of New Castle, past and present, the reader is referred to the biographical chapters.
The population of New Castle in 1830 is estimated at 125. In 1840 Henry Township had 1,318 inhabitants, of whom probably 400 lived in the town. In 1850 the population of the town was 666; in 1860 (estimated), 1,100; in 1870, 1,556; in 1880, 2,229; in 1884 (estimated), 3,300.
At the time the last census of New Castle was taken, June 1, 1880, the population was 2,299. The places of birth of the persons living in New Castle at that time are as follows: Bavaria 1, Prussia 5, Hesse Darmstadt 2, Wurtemburg 5, Switzerland 3, Mecklenburg 1, Kur Hessen 2, Denmark 1, Saxony 1, Baden 2, Spain 1, France 2, Wales 1, England 6, Ireland 50, Jamaica 1, Tennessee 11, Illinois 20, Iowa 11, Michigan 8, South Carolina 1, Missouri 6, Massachusetts 6, Maine 3, Minnesota 3, Georgia 19, Utah 4, Mississippi 1, Delaware 3, West Virginia 17, New York 29, New Jersey 17, Maryland 11, Kentucky 47, Pennsylvania 131, Virginia 39, North Carolina 56, Ohio 248, Connecticut 1, Vermont 1, Kansas 4, Indiana 1,514.
Methodist Episcopal - The New Castle Methodist Episcopal church, the oldest religious organization in the town, was formed in 1827. Rev. James Havens, who traveled a circuit embracing about six counties, was the first who preached in the place. In December, 1827, he met the Methodists of New Castle and vicinity at a private house and organized a congregation. The original members were as follows: Revel Colburn, Margaret Colburn, John R. Colburn, Elizabeth Colburn, Hugh Carroll, Keturah Carroll, Hugh Carroll, Jr., Sarah Carroll, Mary F. Colburn, Frances A. Colburn, Allen Macklin, Arcsey Macklin, Conrad Slagle, Sarah Slagle, Jane Webster, James Rozzell, Susan Rozzell. John R. Colburn was appointed class-leader. The first church building was a small frame structure, erected on the lot on which the present church edifice now stands. It was built by W.P. Harman in 1831. The present brick church was erected in 1856-58. The church property is valued at $12,000 to $15,000. The congregation is large and flourishing.
Presbyterian - The New Castle Presbyterian church was organized on the 13th of January, 1844, by Rev. Robert Irwin, Rev. George S. Rea and Elder Templin. The following persons were admitted to membership, by certificate: Jane Swan, David C. Hazzard, Elizabeth M. Hazzard, Eli S. Messick and Hiram A. Bundy were elected Ruling Elders. A house of worship was begun soon afterward, and on the 21st of November, 1845, it was dedicated by the pastor, assisted by Rev. John Dale, of Knightstown. Among those who have officiated as pastors of this church have been Revs. Geo. S. Rea, A.R. Naylor, Henry Thomas, R.M. Overstreet, Armstrong, Haney, Stewart, Shockley, R.F. Drake, J.M. Lawbach, Alex. Telford, D.A. Tawney; Rev. C.F. Beach, supply, present pastor. Membership, about seventy. Present Elders: D.W. Chambers, T.R. Vaughan.
Lutheran - St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized by Rev. J. Geiger, Sept. 14, 1850. The original members were: Benjamin Shirk, Frances A. Shirk, Mary Over, Susan Mitchell, Henry F. Clunk, Catharine Clunk, Elizabeth Johnson, Catherine Mowrer, Jacob Mowrer, Elizabeth Clunk, Joanna F. Wood, Louisa Newcomer, John Heichart, Rebecca Heichart. The first officers were: John Heichart, Elder; Benjamin Shirk and Henry F. Clunk, Deacons. The pastors have been: Revs. S.P. Snider, S. McReynolds, H. Bickle, J. Keeler, P.G. Bell, Duncan Ross, J.H. Link, J.C. Myers, C.S. Sprecher, P.G. Bell, E.A. Wagner and J.B. Baltzley. The present house of worship was erected in 1857, under the pastorate of Rev. S. McReynolds, at a cost of $2,400. The present membership is thirty-four. Present officers: George Alsbaugh and Benjamin Shirk, Elders; D.W. Kinsey, George M. Byer, C. Sweigart and J.M. Fisher, Deacons.
United Brethren - The first class was organized by this denomination in 1853 and consisted of Jacob Byers, Martha Byers, Jacob Shupp and wife, Henry Shupp and Hershey Shupp. In 1854 Jacob Byer and Jacob Shupp purchased the brick schoolhouse for use of the congregation. The present house of worship was erected in 1863 and remodeled in 1883. The congregation is in a prosperous condition with about 100 members. The pastors have been as follows: First, Rev. William Nicholson, followed by Rev. C.W. Witt, Father Witt Floyd and James Wall. Present pastor, Rev. J.M. Kabrich.
Christian Church - "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
March 1, 1863, at New Castle, Henry County, about 100 persons, known as Disciples, or Christians, were organized into church relation, with Miles Murphey, Clement Murphey and Samuel Roof as Elders, and N.T. Clawson and James Loer, Deacons. Miles Murphey, James Loer, Clement Murphey, James Mullen, George Koons and William L. Boyd were elected Trustees, and, with the addition of Daniel Murphey, they were the Building Committee. The congregation met regularly every LordÕs day, in what was known as the Murphey Hall, until the following spring. During the year the present edifice, situated on South Main street, ninety feet long and forty-five feet wide, was erected, and basement rooms finished, the congregation and Sunday-school occupying them the spring of 1864.
In August of 1865 the audience room, seating 800, the gallery, library room, vestibules, etc., were all finished, and furnished at a cost of about $15,000, A.I. Hobbs, then of Cincinnati, preaching the dedication sermon. In 1873 a baptistery, with dressing rooms and a large cistern, were built in an unoccupied part of the basement. In 1880 a new roof of iron, with all the external wood repainted, added very much to the preservation and beauty of the building.
The women of the church superintended the remodeling of the audience room, decorating the walls and ceiling, and filling the windows with handsomely colored glass, and subsequently putting in two large coal stoves, the addition and repairs costing about $1,650. The exterior of the church building presents a massive and substantial appearance; the interior, harmonious, and beautiful, while its acoustic properties are pleasing to speaker and audience.
While twenty-one years have passed away, and the church building, seemingly able to stand the conflict of many scores of years yet to come, what of the congregation that first met within its walls? Of the 100 members at organization sad requiems have been sung over the lifeless remains of about one-half. Many elderly saints and young lambs of the fold have been gathered into the garner of God. Vividly do we recall that patriarch Elijah Martindale, whose faith never faltered amid persecutions or adversities; also, the three brothers, Miles, Clement and Eli Murphey; Asahel Woodward and wife, Elijah Stout and wife, Mark Modlin, Nancy Watkins, Dorothy Roof, Melvina Mullen, Sarah Murphey, Clarinda Lennard; "Mother" Goodwin, whose voice in prayer and exhortation so often cheered the younger members on to duty; Martha Branson, so devoted and enthusiastic in her Christian life; Elder A.S. Burr, who recently passed over Š kindred spirits, happy in associations, sacred in memory, the flitting years are but bringing us to thee! Oh, when will Death this moldering old partition wall throw down, and give to beings on in nature one abode?
About one-fifth of the charter members are yet living in this community, faithful in their attendance upon the services of the house of the Lord. Among them are: Samuel Roof, now past eighty-seven years of age. He and his wife, Dorothy, were the first persons immersed as Disciples in New Castle, Nov. 5, 1839. Mrs. Miles and Mrs. Eli Murphey, Mrs. Julia A. Shroyer, Arabella Goheen, Mrs. Maria L. Nay, James Mullen, N.T. Clawson, Ellen Murphey, William Murphey, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Goodwin, Belle Stanford, Maggie Shirk, Naomi Shively and Sarah A.R. Boor. The widows of Elijah Martindale and Clement Murphey, past ninety-one and seventy-four years of age, are no longer able to meet with the Disciples on the LordÕs day, but are patiently waiting to hear the summons: "It is enough! Come up higher."
The membership at this time is 175; men, 55; women, 120. The present Trustees are: Dr. W.F. Boor, James Mullen, Elias Nay, N.T. Clawson and H.L. Shopp.
The Elders are: Robert S. Lynn, James Harvey, Ephraim Clark and A.H. Moore, the resident preacher, together with a full corps of deacons and deaconesses, all of whom comprise the Official Board: H.L. Shopp, Clerk of the Board.
A large and interesting Sunday-school has always been sustained, and many of its members have united with the church. The women of the church have an auxiliary missionary society, sending out for foreign missions $100 per year; also a woman's working society, whose funds are used for home needs. The women are the janitors of the church building, attending to all that appertain thereunto. They believe with thee Psalmist, "That it is a good thing to be even a door-keeper in the house of the Lord."
The first regularly employed preacher was Alex. Johnston. His successors were: W.G. Irvin, D.H. Gary, J.B. Ludwig, J.A. Roberts, A.J. White, and A.H. Moore, who has now entered upon his sixth year's labor. The congregation has also enjoyed the preaching of Benj. Franklin, who was its organizer; Samuel K. Hoshour, Elijah Martindale, T.D. Garvin, O.A. Burgess, L.L. Carpenter, E.L. Frazier, Charles Blackman, Daniel and Joseph Franklin, O.A. Bartholomew, J.C. Tully, Robert and William Howe, J.L. Parsons, S.L. Conner, William Baxter, David Walk.
St. Anne's (Roman Catholic) Church - Catholics began to settle in New Castle about 1851, when railroad building commenced. There was occasional preaching for several years in private houses, by Rev. Willian Doyle, of Richmond, and other priests. In 1872 under Rev. Herman Alerding, stationed at Cambridge City, the building of a church was undertaken. The building was dedicated by the Bishop, Rev. Maurice de St. Palais, May 25, 1873. It cost $1,365.85, of which sum not less than $405 was contributed by non-Catholics. Rev. John Kelly, of Cambridge City, was pastor from 1872 till 1881, and under him the parsonage was built. The first resident pastor was Rev. John Ryves, 1881-83, succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. John B. Unversagt, Sept. 11, 1883. The congregation consists of about thirty-seven families.
African Methodist Episcopal Church - The colored population of New Castle have quite a flourishing congregation. Their house of worship is situated on Christian Ridge, and was completed in 1875. The church is of the Methodist denomination. The present pastor's name is Mitchell.
The New Castle Cemetery Association was organized Sept. 11, 1858, with a capital stock of $1,800 in shares of $25 each. This stock was immediately taken by citizens of New Castle vicinity. Sept. 30, 1858, the following gentlemen were chosen Directors of the association: Miles Murphey, John Powell, Jacob Mowrer, E.B. Martindale and John W. Grubbs. At the same date the capital stock of the association was increased to $3,000. The Board of Directors organized with the following officers: Miles Murphey, President; John W. Grubbs, Secretary; John Powell, Treasurer. In January, 1861, the following Directors were elected: James S. Ferris, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Wm. I. Haskett, Treasurer; Jacob Brenneman and James A. McMeans. From February, 1862, to March, 1866, the following Board of Directors served: Eli Murphey, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; James S. Ferris, Treasurer; Henry Shroyer, Elisha Clift. From 1866 to the present time the board has been as follows: Joshua Holland, President; Benjamin Shirk, Secretary; Elisha Clift, Treasurer: Henry Shroyer, Nathan Livezey. This board have managed the affairs of the association to the entire satisfaction of the stock-holders. The cemetery is kept in good condition and the association is financially sound, having a surplus in the treasury of about $1,500. The cemetery contains about ten acres of ground, surrounded by good fence. The lots are 15 x 25 feet, and so arranged as to be easily accessible by good graveled drives.
Odd Fellows - Fidelity Lodge, No. 59, I. O. O. F., is an old and prosperous organization. It was chartered July 13, 1848. The following were the charter members: John C. Beck, John Corr, James Comstock and James V. Wayman. The lodge has enjoyed great prosperity, and now has property valued at about $7,000. It owns a large two-story brick building, situated on Main street. The lower floor is occupied by Mowrer's drug store, and on the upper is a large hall, finely furnished, in which the lodge meets. This building was finished in 1875, and dedicated on the 27th of May. The membership in January, 1884 was seventy-five.
Henry Encampment, No. 69, was chartered Nov. 21, 1865. C. Markle, George Paul, Nathaniel Carey, A.R. Shroyer, Henry Hernly, Frank Wills and J.L. Peed were the charter members. The present membership is forty-five. The encampment is in a good condition financially and otherwise.
Masonic - New Castle Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., was instituted Feb 13, 1850, with the following charter members and first officers: Franklin Woodward, W.M.; Bushrod W. Scott, S.W.; J.H. Healey, J.W.; John C. Beck, S.D.; W.H. Beck, J.D.; Jesse Ice, Treasurer; W. Millikan, Secretary; John King, Tyler. The lodge has had the following Worshipful Masters, some of whom have served several terms: Franklin Woodward, Daniel Mowrer, John W. Grubbs, Elijah Holland, Geo. W. Lennard, James J. Hamilton, Robert M. Chambers, Wm. L. Brown, W.P. Goode, John Thornburgh, Owen Evans, Seth S. Bennett, Asa Hatch, L.L. Conner, T.W. Gronendyke and N.T. Clawson. The present officers are: N.T. Clawson, W.M.; John F. Thompson, S. W.; Geo. F. Mowrer, J.W.; John Rea, Treasurer; Newton F. Williams, Secretary; T.H. Hazelrigg, S.D.; Samuel Arnold, J.D.; Jacob Mowrer, Tyler. The present membership is ninety-four, and the value of the lodge property, $2,500.
New Castle Chapter, No. 50, R. A. M., was organized Feb. 22, 1864, under a dispensation from E.W. Ellis, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the state of Indiana. The following named companions officiated at the first meeting: Reuben Peden, E.H.P.; Milton Mahin, E.K.; C.P. Pence, E.S.; James Brown, C. of H.; Lewis Dale, P.S.; J.W. Heaton, R.A.C.; J.J. Hamilton, G.M., Third Vail: H.M. Crouse, G.M., Second Vail; J.H. Hart, G.M., First Vail; J.B. O'Harra, Guard; T.B. Redding, Secretary. The chapter was granted a charter May 19, 1864. The charter members were: Milton Mahin, C.P. Pence, J.J. Hamilton, David Millikan, Joseph Pearson, C.B. Morehouse, C.C. Connell and John B. OÕHarra.
The first officers were as follows: Milton Mahin, E.H.P.; Thos. B Redding, E.K.; John Minesinger, E.S.; John B. OÕHarra, C. of H.; C.C. Connell, P.S.; Levi Leakey, R.A.C.; C.B. Morehouse, G.M., Third Vail; Frank Wills, G.M., Second Vail: E. T. Ice, G.M., First Vail; J.J. Hamilton, Sec.; Jos. Pearson, Treas.; Lewis Dale, Chap.; J.Q. Minesinger, Guard. The following lowing have served as High Priests of this chapter: Milton Mahin, W.P. Goode, L.L. Dale, John R. Peed, G.W. Burke, James M. Mowrer, C.P. Pence, W.F. Walker, John Thornburgh, John Needham, L.L. Conner. The present officers are: T.W. Gronendyke, E.H.P.; John Needham, E.K.; R.H. Polk, E.S.; F.P. Ice, C. of H.; G.W. Burke, P.S.; R.M. Chambers, R.A.C.; Lewis Swindle, G.M., Third Vail; Lewis Smith, G.M., Second Vail; J.M. Harris, G.M., First Vail; S.H Elliott, Treas.; George F. Mowrer, Sec. Jacob Mowrer, Guard. The assets of the chapter amount to about $600; the membership is now fifty-six.
New Castle Council, No., 50, R. & S. M., was organized under a dispensation April 12, 1881, and chartered later. The petitioners for the dispensation were James M. Caffey, N.S. Hawkins, Levin Swiggett, T.E. Whetton, Hugh L. Mullen, James J. Hamilton, James M. Mowrer, Thomas L. Campbell and H.L. Shopp. The first Illustrious Master, J.J. Hamilton, has been succeeded by James M. Mowrer and John Needham. The council has twenty-eight members, and is in a good financial condition. The present officers are: John Needham, I.M.; Hugh L. Mullen, D.I.M.; R.H. Polk, Treas.: T.W. Gronendyke, Recorder.
Knights of Pythias - Crescens Lodge, No. 33, K. of P., was organized in 1872, with officers and charter members as follows: T.B. Loer, chancellor Commander: A.W. Coffin, Vice-Chancellor; H.L. Mullen, Prelate; George N. Rea, Keeper of Records and Seal; Eli B. Mooney, Master of Finance; D.W. Kinsey, Master of Exchequer: C.R. Scott, Master-at-Arms; W.G. Hillock, Inside Guard; R.H. Mellett, Outside Guard; A.M. Grose, Past chancellor; Ed. Kahn, J.F. Murphey, Lee Harvey, Frank Bowers, C.H. Cunningham, Henry Herliman, W.H. Albright, Lon Rogers, N.T. Nixon, Henry Denius. Total number of members since organization, 122; present membership, eighty-nine. The present officers are: P.C., Wentford Needham; C.C., W.A. Brown; V.C.C., W.O. Barnard; K. of R. and S., Charles Sudworth; M. of F., John R. Hernley; M. of E., W.W. Modlin; M.A., M. Peed; I.G., L. Moore; O.G., Wm. Kinsey; Trustees: Lon Rogers, A.W. Coffin, and Dr. J.F. Thompson. Present value of lodge property, $1,000.
Knights of Honor - New Castle Lodge, No. 121, K. of H., was organized June 11, 1875, with the following charter members and officers: George W. Burke, Past Dictator; H.L. Mullen, Dictator; W.S. Bedford, Vice-Dictator; W.M. Watkins, Assistant Dictator; C.M. Moore, Guide; Frank Bowers, Reporter; J.W. Ashdill, Financial Reporter; R.B. Carr, Treasurer; John S. Hedges, Sentinel; Milton Brown, W.N. Clift, George H. Cain, I.W. Ellis, I.W. Pitman, M.E. Anderson and M.D. Harvey. Since the organization thirty-seven have been admitted to membership. The lodge has the same number of members in good standing at present. The lodge is financially in a sound condition, meeting all obligations promptly without making demands upon members, except for the regular dues. The officers for the present term are: H.L. Hernly, P.D.; John F. Thompson, D.; W.H. Elliott, V.D.; Adolph Rogers, A.D.; George B. Robson, R.; George H. Cain, F.R.; W.N. Clift, T.; N.T. Clawson, C.; L.S. Denius, G.; A.F. Kramer, G.S.; Reporter to G.L., George B. Robson; Lodge Deputy, Lon Rogers.
At the annual session of the Grand Lodge in February, 1881, Past Dictator, W.N. Clift, of the New Castle Lodge, was elected Grand Dictator of the State, and at the session of 1882 he was elected Reporter to the Supreme Lodge for two years. He attended the sessions of that lodge at Baltimore, Md., in 1882, and at Galveston, Tex., in 1883.
Grand Army - George W. Lennard* Post, No. 148, G.A.R., was organized March 15, 1883, with officers and charter members as follows: George H. Cain, P.C.; W.H. Elliott, S.V.C.; H.C. Gordon, J.V.C.; E.T. Mendenhall, Adj.; Samuel Arnold, Q.M.; T.W. Gronendyke, Surg.; George W. Bunch, Chap.; A.W. Coffin, O.D.; G.W. Goodwin, Jr., O.G.; T.W. Gough, S.M.; M.E. Anderson, Q.M.S.; Patrick Sullivan, Miles Haguewood, P. Harvey, T. Burchett, Owen Evans, Isaac Grove, Thad. Coffin, Jacob Sweigart, George Robson, Wint Needham, J.I. Newby, William Thomas, A.F. Kranor, Louis Moore, W.H. Albright, D. Daniels, Milton Burk, John M. Goar, John Albertson.
Membership in January, 1884, sixty-seven. Present officers: Exum Saint, P.C.; Jos. M. Brown, S.V.C.; Lewis Moore, J.V.C.; Thad. Coffin, Adj.; Andrew F. Kramer, Q.M.; E.T. Mendenhall, Surg.; George W. Bunch, Chap.; W.F. Shelly, O.D.; Owen Evans, O.G.; Asa Hatch, S.M.; M.E. Anderson, Q.M.S.
*See biography in Bar Chapter.