Connersville Times, Feb. 11, 1903

LIBERTY COURT

HOUSE DAMAGED

Narrow escape from total destruction by fire

A fire in the basement of the Union County's new courthouse, Monday night, damaged the building at least $3,000, with no insurance.

The fire originated in the closets, probably from a cigar stump. As the woodwork burned, the flames reached a 50-gallon kerosene can which exploded, carrying the fire to all the basement rooms.

The upstairs offices and courtroom are damaged by greasy smoke and soot. The building is supposed to be almost fireproof.

Note: Almost, but not quite.

Kerosene can just happened to be near where the cigar stump was accidentally left. No insurance, huh?

AN INCORRIGIBLE COW

The animal kicked Mrs. Peter Volz in the stomach

Mrs. Peter Volz was the victim of a vicious cow Wednesday afternoon at her home west of the city.

The lady had gone into the barnyard to do the evening's milking and was in the act of taking her seat under the cow, when the beast unexpectedly kicked her just over the stomach.

The blow was of such force that the woman was rendered unconscious for seven hours. Dr. J.R. Mountain was called and succeeded in restoring her to consciousness and today, reports her condition greatly improved. It will be some time, however, before she will be able to undertake her usual farm duties.

Note: Different cow next time?

Dating for dummies

Brookville Democrat, June 5, 1905

CONNERSVILLE WIDOW

Who inserted matrimonial ad

claims she was badly treated

Uniontown, Pa., May 26 -- Mrs. Mary Jones, a widow aged 30, of Connersville, has caused the arrest of Alexander I. Boyd of Cool Springs, near Uniontown. Mrs. Jones alleges she placed an advertisement in a Chicago matrimonial paper for a kind and loving husband.

Boyd visited Indiana in response to the ad and, it is said, promised to marry Mrs. Jones if she would accompany him to the Pennsylvania hills.

This she did two months ago, but Boyd, she alleges, did not carry out his agreement to marry her.

James Honeas, father of Mrs. Jones, arrived from Indiana and took his daughter home He said the authorities could do what they wished with Boyd.

Note: Beware of scammers.

HIGHLY ENTERTAINED

On last Friday, the Junior class of the Brookville High School entertained the Seniors with a very elaborate luncheon at Battle Point Fishing Camp.

Everyone enjoyed themselves hugely, especially Noah Foster and Chet Ludwig, as they are partial to boat-riding over riffles.

H. Lester Smith while out boating with three or four young ladies, refused to take a dare, as was his rules, and accidentally stepped out of the boat and the first thing he did was to "get wet." ten waded to the shore, finding the water rather chilly.

Both classes will certainly remember Friday, May 18, 1905.

Note: Not sure how much more fun could be had. Battle Point camp was between Brookville and Fairfield on the west side of the East Fork. 

Old-time cigarette ads

 

Erb

Connersville Daily News, Aug. 1894

Maynard Erb of Fairfield, today purchased the Central Pharmacy from S.O. McKennon, who came here from Illinois two years and a half ago.

The deal was pending yesterday but was not closed till today and although it was known to us, the transaction was not published until the deal was completed.

Mr. Erb is a graduate of pharmacy and comes highly recommended. He will take charge Monday. Mr. McKennan has made a host of friends in this city, who hope to see him remain with us. We wish both men success.

June 1895

Gus Hess retires tonight from the Central Pharmacy, and he will be succeeded by Will Greer, who is well and favorably known to all our citizens. Will has had several years' experience in the drug business in this city and Mr. Erb could not have made a more popular selection for a clerk. The Central Pharmacy will hold its own and we wish it success.

June 1895

S.O. McKennon purchases half-interest in the Central Pharmacy from M.M. Erb.

The stock was all invoiced yesterday. Mr. McKennon took possession this morning and will enter upon active duty in the store. McKennon also owns an interest in the City Pharmacy managed by Gus Hess, but the two drug stores will not be consolidated.

Fred Bowman has taken the position as soda water boy at Central Pharmacy.

November 1895

Scott Thomas sent Maynard Erb a half dozen live catfish yesterday and he has the on exhibition in his show-window aquarium.

November 1895

Mayor Frost and Maynard Erb got 14 quail down in the vicinity of Fairfield yesterday. There seems to be some question as to the exact number in the minds of their friends, but we have made the proper investigation, and he above is authentic.

July 1896

M. Holberg, Fred Doll, Will McNaughton and Maynard Erb left for Hurst's Grove today for two weeks life under canvas. Others will follow later.

Brookville Democrat, Nov. 1901

Maynard Erb, who travels throughout the South for the Eli Lilly Company of Indianapolis, is visiting his parents near Bentley.

The end

Fat for freedom

Brookville Democrat, March 22, 1945

LIST STORES

FOR FAT SALVAGE

Indiana must step up its fat salvage. In order to accomplish this in Franklin County, rural stores have been contacted over the county to determine which of these stores buy waste fat.

Increasing the number of collection points in the county should make t easier for the housewife to dispose of the used fat.

No amount is too small to save, even if you only have one or two pounds a year, save it. The fat does not need to be strained and can be saved in any type container that will hold the fat and should be taken to the store in a container that the housewife does not wish to have returned.

Glycerin is extracted from these used fats, this glycerin and fat is then used in the manufacture of explosives, antiseptics, vaccines, surgical jellies, lubricants, nylon for parachutes, insecticides, soaps and many other products vital in carrying on the war.

IT IS YOUR PATRIOTIC DUTY TO SAVE WATE FAT!

Note: Luker's store in Fairfield and Fritz in Blooming Grove were designated collection points.

OTHER WAR LINKS ON THIS BLOG

Funny money 1935

Brookville Democrat, Sept. 19, 1935

LAUREL MAN IN

COUNTERFEIT MOB

Quantify of Spurious Dimes

And Quarters Found

In House Raid

SEVERAL PASSED HERE

Clayton Bowles, 25, farmer, of Laurel and his brother Charles, 20, Stanley Lehman, 35 and Theodore Snyder, all of Cincinnati, were arrested by U.S. Secret Service Operator Harry H. Buck of Cincinnati Friday night.

With the arrest of the four, Buck believes he has uncovered a source of counterfeit money which has been prevalent in and around Cincinnati for several months.

Three molds together with quantities of the coins, babbitt metal and other apparatus used in the making of the money were confiscated.

At the home of Charles Bowles, Buck found two molds, one for the making of dimes, the other for 25-cent pieces, a can of plaster of Paris, a skillet in which the metal was melted and several counterfeit dimes.

Bowles was named by Buck as the leader of the gang, and stated that he had made the coins since last January.

Bad dimes and quarters have at times made their appearance in Brookville and it is believed that these spurious coins were the work of this gang of counterfeiters.

Note: Charles Bowles and Snyder pleaded guilty in federal court. Clayton Bowles and Lehman pleaded innocent. In October, 1935, the indictments were "nolled" for lack of proof. 

1939, suds, sounds

A variety of entertainment ads in the 1939 Brookville Democrat.

Times would be good for a minute until Pearl Harbor. After the war ended, these joints started up again, though the free-and-easy life was more about being parents and getting actual jobs. You did get police security at Oak Forest. Nixie's! (Only juvenile delinquents went there!) The Old Quaker Orchestra, winners of several Granny awards.

The Revolution ends here

 From a 1939 Brookville Democrat, listing all the Revolutionary war soldiers buried in Franklin County. The blog doesn't do much with that event, though we did mention it some places.

It is worth noting, should you happen upon this item someday, that not all the graves listed here are in their original location, as some of them were moved ot the Sims-Brier patch east of New Fairfield. 

War news, 1917

Democrat, Sept. 20, 1917

Ladies, Read This

As many ladies have signified a desire to assist in making Army shirts, we have endeavored to organize Franklin County into a unit with the Commercial Club as sponsor. The following letter will explain why we are not able to secure this work at the present time:

"Replying to your communication of the 10th, you are informed that this office is not able to entertain your proposition of establishing a sub-manufacturing plant at Brookville for the reason that there is a shortage of flannel at this time which will not permit further extending our facilities for the manufacture of O.D. shirts. Your proposition will be filed for future consideration."

W.S. Wood, Colonel, Q.M. Corps D.Q.M.

Alice Bridgman, Sec. County Council of Defense

Dec. 20, 1917

Lighted Candles For Xmas Affairs Banned

"Use no lighted candles to illuminate service flags during the Christmas even celebrations this year."

This order has gone out from Arthur F. Bentley, assistant manager of the Lake division of the Red Cross, after first warning was received from headquarters of the Red Cross association.

The national board of Fire Underwriters issued the first warning against the use of lighted candles, saying the war risk is too great this year.

"Remove all curtains from windows on Christmas eve so decorations may be illuminated by the ordinary light of the room," was the warning issued.

Several more World War I items

Farcical life in Brookville -- 1895

Indianapolis News, 1895

Dual Time

This quaint old town, along with other unique features, provides its citizens with a dual time -- standard and sun time; or, as they call the latter, "God's time," the difference being 22 minutes.

The country people observe sun time, as the court house clock is under the authority of the commissioners, who represent the county at large, it still keeps to the old order, which the factory whistles and bells have accepted the innovation of standard time.

Citizens who are not too violent advocates for one or the other keep both by having their watches provided with two minute-hands, set 22 minutes apart. A facetious advocate of "God's time" has called attention to the fact that when Gabriel blows the final blast, the standard people will be just 22 minutes late.

Pills a-Plenty

An agent peddling pills tossed samples into the various dooryards at Brookville, a package of which was found by a man named Swan, who swallowed a lot of the pills. Peritonitis developed on the following day and the man is now in a dying condition.

Matchless Moments

A bunch of matches accidentally went into the rag cutter of the Stewart paper mill at Brookville yesterday afternoon; the rags were ignited and wee carried by the elevator to the second floor. The building was badly damaged but the story in the rotary and rag-room was saved. The mill is operated by a receiver.

Lost lost and lost

COIN PURSE LOST

LOST on Friday last, the 20th instant, in the town of Brookville, and it is supposed near the Court House, a long velvet purse, containing one 10-dollar note on the bank of Philadelphia, wrapped in a piece of blank paper, and about eight dollars in silver all in small change, there was a also in in the purse part of a broken counterfeit dollar. Whoever may have found said purse with its contents, and will deposit it with the Editor, or return it to e shall bee reasonably rewarded.

JAMES ARMSTRONG

October 31, 1926

HUMANITY -- HONESTY

The person who advertises a lost pure in this day's paper, being blind, we cannot but home that humanity will join issue with honesty, in pleading for its return to the owner, whoever may have found it.

If heaven has pronounced a curse upon him "who leads the blind out of the way," what must he expect who retains, knowingly, the lost property of the blind, and especially of the blind poor -- Think seriously of the case, and whoever may have found his purse and money, suppose yourselves to be in the same condition, and do by him as you would another in that case should do by you.

Philip Meyer

 Brookville Democrat

(for no good reason)

Feb. 17, 1898

Philip Meyer and W.J. Zacharias are each having bowling alleys erected. Brookville will soon be strictly up to the latest fad.

1902

Given away.

Philip Meyer will give away a gallon keg of Hudson Rye whiskey to the man guessing nearest the correct gallons in the "monster cask" of Hudson Rye whiskey now on display at his place of business, Brookville. Contest closes Nov. 1, 1902

1903

Young men wanted to learn bar-keeping. Philip Meyer, Brookville

Girl wanted to do general housekeeping. Philip Meyer, Brookville

1904

Four-year-old bourbon whiskey from this date to the holidays for$3 per gallon -- Philip Meyer.

1906

Philip Meyer fined

Philip Meyer, the saloonkeeper, was arrested about 5 o'clock Tuesday morning by Marshal Sottong and placed in the calaboose. Later that day he was taken before Judge McCammon and upon entering a fee of guilty, was fined and costed the tune of $9.80 for drunkenness. The case against him for selling liquor on Thanksgiving is set for trial before Justice McCammon for Thursday. 

1907

Adam Fehlinger has moved his family here from Batesville. He is now head beer slinger at Philip Meyer's saloon while Philip is away on a short trip. 

December -- Last Wednesday week, Mrs. Jacob Meyer was called to New York City on account of the serious illness of her son Philip. She arrived there Thursday morning at 9 o'clock and said death by typhoid fever claimed his spirit at 6:30 the same evening.

The remains of Philip Meyer, age 38, that were shipped from New York City to Cedar Grove arrived there Saturday. Undertaker Klotz took the remains to the home of Mrs. Jacob Meyer, the mother of the deceased.

Brookville American, June 1852

Connersville

On Friday last we visited our neighbors on the canal above us. Connersville is decidedly a pleasant place, and by a judicious use of some of their spare capital might make it decidedly more so.

They have the means. There is not probably a town in the state of the population with as much real capital. Yet they have not made a single turnpike, nor any other improvement, except the large amount they invested in the canal.

And they may make as many canals and railroads as they please, they will never be truly independent, and suited for the enjoyment of home and domestic life, until they have good common roads.

Railroads will not add to the business of the place, as much as it would for them to run turnpikes west to Fairview, northwest to Benton, north to Milton, east to Brownsville, and south to West Union. These roads they need, and they will have them as soon as they can be cured of leaping too high and too far.

The prospect was favorable on Saturday last for the speedy completion of the railroad from Hamilton, Ohio, through Oxford, Liberty, Connersville, to Rushville.

Arrangements by which this is to be effected have been entered late with the Cincinnati and Hamilton Company.

Notes: West Union was also known as Everton.

Connersville did invest large sums of money in the Whitewater Canal, which helped boost a large furniture industry -- dominated by oligarch William Newkirk -- by providing hydraulic power.

Link to the Newkirk mansion (beware of eventual link rot).

Joaquin's comments

Dillsboro News, 1909

(pointless but interesting)

CRYING NEED, AS HE SEES IT

Companies of Irritated Divines Came to the Front with Order to the Waiter

Joaquin Miller is to establish a colony of poets in Fruitville, Cal. Mr. Miller, discussing this colony recently said:

"We poets will, of course, argue and squabble. That will be delightful. Arguments and squabble. over Matthew Arnold, Swinburne, Tennyson and Keats are pleasant and sensible things, you know. They are not like political or religious arguments, which in their bitter rancor always makes me thing of three Maine divines.

"While three Maine divines were supping together, two of them began to argue about the comparative religious merit of the royal houses of Stuart and Orange. The argument became heated. The divines grew excited and angry.

" 'William III, was a great rascal,' " roared the first, as he struck the table with his fist. A great rascal, and I spit on his memory!'

"The second divine, turning very red, shouted:

"No, it is James II that was the rascal. I spit upon his memory!'

"At this point the third divine rang the bell, and said gently to the waiter:

" 'Spittoons for two, please.'"

Notes: Joaquin Miller was a notable poet/novelist from the late 1860s forward into the early years of the 20th century. He was allegedly born in Liberty but also claimed to be from Cincinnati.

He left Indiana with his father in the 1850s and ended up in Oregon, where he worked several professions until he became prominent as a poet.

Poets in those years were celebrities. Miller's life also included a divorce after he abandoned his wife and children in around 1870, spending his time becoming famous in Europe and maintaining several affairs with prominent women. His wife exposed him in a letter that appeared in many U.S. newspapers. Oddly, toward the end of his life, 30 years after his divorce, he reunited with Amanda. They had 3 children. 

Miller's first name was Cincinnatus Heine (Hiner, Homer) and at least one story said he was born in the "Wabash" district of Indiana in 1841. His Find-a-Grave page says he was born in Union County, Indiana.

His opinions were highly respected by newspaper and magazine editors of the day.

If such a poets colony was created, it's not important enough to research. Miller died in 1913.

I have another blog item on him. HERE

Base Ball, 1904

 Brookville Democrat, 1904

The base ball game on Sunday at Fairfield between Blooming Grove and Bentley Batters vs. Fairfield Fans, resulted in favor of the former. The score was 12 to 18. Jonah Swift of Blooming Grove pitched swift balls.

The Rumbler Base Ball Club will give its first ball in the Town Hall, Brookville, on Thursday evening Oct. 6. The Brookville Orchestra will furnish the music. Everybody is invited. Tickets, 50 cents.

The Brookville baseball club went to Liberty last Friday, where in one of the best games of the season, they defeated the Liberty club by a score of 6 to 5. This makes two out of three for Brookville with Liberty this season. The boys were well treated and report a fine time.

Harrison News -- Frank Riddinger, one of our base ball players, has left the Vincennes cub and joined the Greensburg aggregation. He plays first base and has an excellent record. He enjoys the reputation of being one among the few ball players who does not drink intoxicants of any kind, and is always in excellent condition when "play ball!" is wafted to the breeze by the umpire.

A very large crowd of enthusiastic citizens and baseball "fans" and "rooters" went to the ballpark at this place last Sunday afternoon to see the game between Brookville and Oxford, which was a one-sided affair. The weather was everything that could be asked for and the boys played ball for all that was in it. The Oxford team brought a few "rooters" along but when the Brookville team got to work, they did not have a chance to "root." It was a good-natured crowd, and everybody wanted to see the Brookville boys win. And they did win. The score was 18 to 0. The Fairfield team will play here next Sunday.

The Fairfield Base Ball Club defeated the Brookville club Sunday afternoon on the grounds of the latter, the score being 17 to 14.

Grocery ads from 1930

 

The American Dream

 Appliance ads from the Brookville Democrat, summer 1949

College Corner

Liberty Express, Feb. 12, 1915

COLLEGE CORNER

Complains of the Disadvantages of a "Border Town"

College Corner is in a situation with many disadvantages.

As to the quarantine: The depot and stock yard being located in Indiana, livestock from that state alone may be shipped out and then only to an Indiana market; while Cincinnati is a preferred market. Thus the interstate quarantine regulation works a hardship on local livestock interests.

Again, in interstate fares, the railroad is charging one-sixth to one-fifth more fare from here (Indiana side) east-bound, on account of passing over the state line. Because of this, people who make long trips east go to Oxford to board the train; while Oxford people going west for the same reason come here to buy tickets.

It thus seems the railroad is in many cases not gaining in the interstate transaction as regards this town. Likely a more remunerative condition would exist if passenger rates were figured on a flat rate basis without considering the state line, for travelers are getting "wise" and save money buying tickets as stated above. The present schedule of rates, though legal, is a discrimination.

-- College Corner News

Note: The "quarantine" was generally in effect all over the country as the government attempted to slow the spread of hoof-and-mouth disease among cattle. Regulations varied from state to state. 

 

The Ice Man

Democrat

Sept. 3, 1903

Ice sickness -- Prof. Bujwid found 21,000 disease-producing germs in a melted hailstone. Prof. Prudden of New York has shown that the natural ice supplied in most cities contains multitudes of disease-producing microbes, including typhoid fever, bacteria and other equally deadly germs. Thousands are made sick by the use of ice water, not only because the germs which the ice contains, but because of the gastric debility induced by large quantities of cold water. 

The gastric juice destroys germs; but when the stomach is deluged with ice water, the gastric glands cease to secrete hydrochloric acid to the presence of which the gastric juice owes its germicidal properties. -- Good Health

April 11, 1907

Delivering -- Commencing April 10th, the Brookville Ice Delivery began the delivery of ice to customers here and will continue the same throughout the summer, having it shipped from elsewhere until the completion of the plant here. 

The delivery will be made entirely on the coupon system and drivers will not be allowed to sell any ice from the wagon. Parties wishing ice much have books. The ice will be the same price as last summer, $3.25 or $3 cash. Telephone your orders to Robert Cook, Union House.

July 1, 1913

Ice supply -- We are now ready to supply ice in any quantity to the farmers of the surrounding territory. Call at factory and we will quickly supply you with pure ice.

Scenic Valley Ice Delivery Co.

John Weber, Prop. 

July 22, 1926

Siedling -- "How would you like to be the ice man is an old adage," said Grandpa, "but how would you like to be without ice in this community is another and more serious proposition."

You don't have to be, and Jos. Siedling, proprietor of the Brookville Ice and Bottling Works, sees to that. He manufactures the very purest of crystal ice and delivers in any quantity."

Demon rum -- the end is near

Brookville American, July 1856

Let's Take A Drink

"Let's go and take a drink, boys," said a well-dressed young man as the cars stopped at the Waukegan station. And so the boys did, re-entering the cars with their language and persons marked by the bar room color.

Take a drink! The young men were well-dressed fools. They have taken a step which will bring a fearful retribution. Years hence, a thousand woes will blossom in the footprints now made in young life. A false light gilds the deadly miasma which dogs their footsteps.

They see not the smoking altar towards which they are tending. A host of shadowy phantoms of vice and crime are flitting on before.

Red-handed murder laughs at their folly, and death is waiting at the fresh-opened grave. There are tears to shed by those who at this hour dream not of the sorrow which these false steps shall bring upon them.

Take a drink! All the uncounted host of drunkards whose graves in every land mark the pathway of intemperance, took a drink. They took drinks and died. Three out of four of the murderers of 1855 took a drink.

They wither like the grass under the sirocco breath of the plague they nourish.

Another day, and the storm of their life is told by a rude, stoneless grave in the Potter's Field.

We involuntarily shudder when we see young men crowding the deeply-beaten path to the dram shop. They are all confident in their own strength. With the glass in hand where coils the deadly adder, they ha-ha, about the fools that drink themselves to death!

Don't take a drink! Shun the Dead Sea fruits which bloom on the shore where millions have died. The bondage of iron galls but the limbs. That of the dram fetters the soul.

-- Cayuga Chief

Note: Editor T.A. Goodwin was also a minister and he was constantly railing about the evils of alcohol.

Mad cows

 

Liberty Herald, 1902ish

BOVINES WILL RUN

And Kick Up Their Heels in

Vevay Streets, According 

to the Verdict of the People

VEVAY, Dec. 4 -- At a special election held here last Saturday to decide as to whether or not cows should be allowed to run at large in the streets, the bovines were victorious.

The question has been agitated for some time and the city  council agreed to let the citizens vote on the matter.

There were only 280 votes cast and 180 of them were in favor of the cows.

Visitors to Vevay should not blame the town authorities for the presence of cattle on the courthouse steps and in other public places for it is aa privilege the cattle family  enjoys.

Note: Vevay is in Switzerland County, which favors its milk, cheese and chocolate history. Frivolous "referenda" are never legal when the public health is in question.

Shocking if true

Brookville American, Sept.  6, 1900

A young student of electricity near Eaton, O., has just secured a patent on a form of primary battery that looks as if it were destined to wipe out every power house and electric light plant in the country.

He has succeeded in producing a battery which will give a steady current of 12 volts per quart cell at about 50 amperes. Unlike any other primary cell, it keeps up a constant current until exhausted.

Eight quart cells will run a two-horsepower motor 10 hours at an expense of only 10 cents. Ten cells will burn 12, 32-candle power lamps 10 hours. The cells differ from any other form in that the exciting fluid is dropped into the cell at the rate of one drop a minute while the battery remains in use.

Its cheapness of maintenance and great power will cause its universal adoption on traction lines. Almost every house and business place will have its own lighting plant and power for running sewing machines, fans, etc.

The highest voltage now obtained from the best form of primary battery is nearly 2 volts to a gallon cell, and then only for a few minutes as the current rapidly runs down.

Note: Obviously this did not become a part of our world, so it's  likely the inventor didn't have the capital to develop it, or more likely, his patent rights were bought out.

Franklin Repository Sep. 6, 1828

Administrator's Sale

WILL be sold on the ninth day of September next, at the late residence of Samuel Miller, deceased, in the town of Greensborough, in the county of Franklin, all the personal estate of the said deceased-- consisting of the following articles --

One Horse, one small Wagon, one Wooden Clock, a Crop of Corn growing on the ground, Feather Beds and Furniture, Household and Kitchen Furniture, with many other articles too tedious to mention. 

A credit of nine months will be given.

The sale to commence at 10 o'clock on said day. Further terms made known on the day of sale.

MARGARET MILLER, Adm'rx

BENJAMIN NORVELL, Adm'r

August 22d, 1828

Note: Greensborough? Greensborough?

Blooming Grove

20 DOLLARS

REWARD

WILL be given for the apprehension and delivery to the subscriber of

THOMAS GARY, 

Who broke jail on the night of the 19th instant. Said Gary is about thirty years of age, six feet or upwards in height -- slender made -- sandy complexion and blue eyes. The above reward will be given immediately on the delivery of said Gary.

JOHN ROOP, Sheriff. F.C.

Brookville, 29TH Aug. 1828

Hat pictures from 1915 because, why not?

 

Cows can eat it, so can we

Liberty Star-Banner, June 1836

There is nothing better than a decoction of tobacco for destroying insects that infest either animals or plants. We have frequently with safety and success, dipped young lambs in it, for the purpose of destroying ticks; but when applied to animals, care should be taken that it not be made so strong as to injure the animals, especially young ones; when given internally, any degree of strength is always dangerous -- on plants it cannot be made too strong.

In support of this theory, we give the following cases -- Mr. Renick of Pickaway County applied a strong decoction of tobacco to a young and valuable calf, with the intention of killing some lice with which the calf was infected.

On making the application, the calf was immediately paralyzed and was with difficulty recovered. The insects were, however, destroyed and the calf eventually benefitted.

Last fall a distinguished Kentucky cattle breeder, Mr. G.N. Sanders, attended the fair of the Hamilton County Agricultural Society with a choice lot of blooded cattle; after the fair he turned them into the orchard in which the ground was covered with fallen apples; they having been kept in a lot without food for the principal part of a day, very naturally gorged themselves with the fruit and in consequence, were seized with a violent cholic; in this dilemma, being advised by a physician to administer a strong decoction of tobacco in a full-blooded short-horn cow, he took the advice, and did administer the decoction as strong as it could be made, both into the stomach and by injection. The result was, the cow expired in a few minutes.

Farm & Mechanic

Note: So, what lessons have we learned?

Pork bellies

Fayette Observer, 1827

GRAND EXHIBITIION OF

Living Animals

At the Connersville Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday, 7th and 8th of November.

Tippo Sultan, male elephant; mammoth lion, Tiger Cat, of South America; llama of Peru; Lion-tail money; Ringtail money; Rib-nosed baboon, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ELEPHANT

This elephant is superior in size to any in the country, being about 9 feet high and weighing between 6 and 7 thousand pounds and has tusks about 4 feet long.

DESCRIPTION OF THE LION

This lion is full grown, much superior in size to any ever in America. He is secured in a strong iron cage and devours from 13 to 20 pounds of meat per day.

GOOD MUSIC

CONNERSVILLE HOTEL

The subscriber respectfully informs hi former customers and the public in general that he has removed to that large and commodious house former occupied by Martin M. Ray, Esq.

Opposite the Court House

He has been particularly careful in having his BAR furnished with the choicest liquors and his stable with the best of provender. So that those who may call upon him may expect the best accommodation

JOHN SAMPLE

TO OUR SUBCRIBERS

To avoid the inconvenience and loss to which the above heretofore been subjected, by receiving pork irregularly, we have fixed upon the date of this inst., and the 10th of January next, for the reception of PORK in payment for the Observer. Those who wish to pay their subscription in pork, are informed that the article will not be received at any other time for the present year, unless by special request.

Those who intend to pay in pork are requested to notify us without delay.

Oh, Carry me home ....

Laurel Review, Sept. 9, 1903

Still in Business

Having severed all connections with other firms, I am now in the Undertaking business for myself. I have my office in the Patterson building, and have new hearses and everything that an up-to-date business requires.

I am still managing the Franklin County Mutual Interment Association and can report it in better condition than ever before.

In the three years it has been running, we have had 33 assessments in Class A, 27 in Class B. We have never had a word of complaint from any of the members and still hope to retain their confidence by looking well to their interest.

Chas Bishop

Brookville, Ind.

Note: One assumes only the living cared about this story, since the customers seldom complained. 

Nifty appliances from 1915

 

Farm Hill, where the fun was

 

Brookville Democrat, July 8, 1915

Celebration Held 

at Old Franklin

Was Well Attended

We learn that the Homecoming and Old Settlers celebration at Franklin U.B. Church, Fairfield Township, on Sunday, July 4, was a splendid affair.

The attendance was beyond expectations, the exercises good, dinner immense and visitors from Huntington, Greensfork, Brookville, Whitcomb, Liberty, Oxford, Mixersville, Colter's Corner, Fairfield, College Corner and Greensburg were in evidence, and several "breezy" talks were given.

From a brief (!) paper read of the history of this church organization dating back 95 years, it appears that over 50 ministers have held forth at Old Franklin and that 130 persons are buried in the cemetery.

The presence of mumps and whooping cough among the "kids" in this neighborhood prevented the attendance of many last Sunday.

T.L.D. had a fine history from 1830 to the present time. We extend many thanks to him. 

Notes: T.L.D. was Theo Dickerson, a colloquial historian for the Fairfield area for many years.

Old Franklin is still in business and is much older than 95 now. 

Buick -- the only way to go

Brookville Democrat, May 13, 1909

Accident Narrowly Averted

Roy Personett, the 14-year-old son of George Personett of Fairfield proved himself an apt scholar as chauffeur of his father's fine touring car one day recently.

Roy had taken a party to Brookville in the automobile and when returning home going up the hill opposite the McClure residence a hog suddenly ran from roadside in front of the machine, which killed the porker instantly. The concussion caused the auto to start down the steep embankment towards the river.

The young man used great presence of mind by stopping the machine after going only eight feet, otherwise had it not been checked in season it would have plunged over a 30-foot bank into deep water.

The occupants of the auto were Prof DeFore and two Fairfield ladies, who were greatly excited and consider it almost a miracle that all were not injured.

The only injury was to the front axle which was slightly sprung and one of the lamps was broken. Roy says give me a Buick auto when you are in a tight place.

The 1830s -- important years

 Lawrenceburg Palladium, December 1830

MAIL STAGE

From Lawrenceburgh to Harrison

The subscriber respectfully informs the public that the mail stage on the above named route is now in operation. It leaves Harrison on Mondays and Fridays, after the Richmond and Cincinnati line arrives there, and returns to Harrison on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, one hour before the Richmond and Cincinnati line passes that place, at which point passengers can take the Stage and go to Brookville, Connersville, Milton and Centreville, or from Brookville to Fairfield, Bath Springs, Liberty, Brownsville and Richmond, or any other place.

The accommodations on the above lines are good and the charges very moderate. For passage from Lawrenceburgh, apply at E.D. John's.

Daniel Mason

November 1, 1830

Brookville American, April 1833

FASHIONABLE TAILORING

THE undersigned respectfully inform the citizens of Fairfield and vicinity, that they have commenced the above business in Fairfield, in all its branches (shop on Main Street) where they will be happy to receive orders for coats, pantaloons, vest, pelisses &c, all of which they hope to furnish in the nearest and most fashionable style. Having received the New York and Boston Spring Fashions, they hope to be able to furnish work at the shortest notice, and in a manner superior to any done in this section of country. All kinds of country produce will be received in exchange for work at the highest cash price.

B.N. CALVERT, & Co.

April 5, 1833

American, June 1833 

6-1/2 CENTS

And a basket of Charcoal REWARD!

Ran away from the subscriber, living in Fairfield, on the 14th instant, an indented apprentice to the blacksmith business, named DANIEL MOORE; between 14 and 15 years of age; dark complexion; and heavy built. All persons are forbid harboring or trusting said boy on my account. Whoever will return said boy shall receive the above reward, but no thanks.

WILLIAM OSBORN

July 15, 1833

Brookville American, January 1836

PUBLIC MEETING

Fairfield, Dec. 30, 1835

Agreeably to previous notice, a number of the citizens of the town of Fairfield and vicinity, impressed with a belief that the Excessive Retailing and use of ardent spirits are productive to many pernicious, deplorable consequences calculated to destroy the peace, happiness  and prosperity, not only of individuals and Families, but of the community in General, met in the town of Fairfield at the school house, therein on the evening of the 30th of December, 1835, for the purpose of devising some means calculated to suppress the same by forming themselves into a society and by example and persuasive admonitions, to use their influence in arresting the awful consequences which must inevitably follow from excessive retailing and excessive use of ardent spirits.

Whereupon, Redin Osborn, Esq. was called to the chair and N. Kerrick was appointed secretary. The object of the meeting having been stated from the chair, the meeting proceeded to business.

American, March 1839

Fairfield -- We are pleased to see that the spirited citizens of Fairfield have taken the preparatory steps to incorporate their town. The late Board of Commissioners ordered an election of trustees of Fairfield on the 23rd next.

1897 -- Fairfield Fragments

Brookville Democrat, July 1897

News from Fairfield

Miss Rose Tyner has been honored by the appointment to (Fairfield) Postmaster by Thomas Irwin, who forwarded his resignation several weeks ago to the Post Office Department. Miss Tyner will receive the congratulations of her many friends as she is a favorite with all parties. Should a matrimonial cyclone pass this way, she will be protected by commission if she does change her name. (She married Arthur Alexander. She eventually moved to Franklin, Ind., and died in February 1933 at age 62.)

The first wheat harvested on the East Fork was on the Robert Cain farm, tilled by D.W. Alvey and sons, on Saturday afternoon, and the work done by the reaper is about perfection if it is one of the old style machines. Mr. A. is a progressive farmer.

Dr. T.L. Cooksey, finding that his practice is increasing, has contracted for a new operating chair. Hence, when a tooth needs extracting or your jaw sawed off, he will put you to sleep while performing the operation.

Two handsome and vivacious young damsels on bikes, from "Fox Creek" or some other romantic locality south of Brookville, passed through our swell (?) village Sunday afternoon.

Jesse Montgomery of Warsaw but late of Moore's Hill College, is the guest of Rev. Scull and family. His good looks may captivate some one of our many belles who have palpitating hearts.

A select fishing party from this place held a delightful social and fashionable soiree at the historic old elm tree south of town Saturday evening.

Friday, July 2 -- Hot! 95 deg.

Saturday, July 3 -- Hotter! 97 deg.

Sunday, July 4 -- Hottest! 99 deg.

Our lady friends will please pardon ye reporter for declining to write all about what they wore (and what they didn't wear) during the torrid wave, who made fashionable calls, prospective new baby crop, how many hens hatched their eggs, the prevalence of bed bugs, chicken lice, and pestiferous ants, and who had been prostrated dreadfully and awfully when mercury was sizzling at one hundred degrees.

A headless man was seen coming up the pike from Brookville one evening last week in a buggy, will not describe his (female) companion.

Detectives have unearthed a mystery in Fairfield after three months of shadowing, the nature of which cannot now be told.

Notes: It's likely these weekly reports were compiled by T. L. Dickerson.

This here is some weird stuff

Brookville American, Oct. 9, 1868

Mount Carmel Items

Mr. Editor -- Our village being noted as a moral, quiet place, and this being a truth, there is no news of general interest worth reporting. We have no doggery to aid in stirring up the vile passions of our nature, therefore we have no drunken brawls or street fights to blot the pages of a newspaper or the docket of magistrate.

We have three churches, and each have a resident pastor in the village and good congregations, yet we have one row after another in our quiet village.

The very heart of our city was disturbed on Wednesday evening last, when an announcement was made that another of these serious incidents was about to occur. 

The place was in the Presbyterian Church. Yes, a row in the church! It was at the time of the regular prayer meeting; the faithful ones and some other persons of both sexes being present, were engaged in their humble devotion before God, when at 8 o'clock precisely the worshipers were disturbed by some eight or ten persons entering the church headed by the leaders in this great sensation, who walked in with boldness and advanced near the altar, as if about to attack Rev. T B. Atkins, who was conducting the prayer meeting.

The reverend gentleman stood his ground ready to repel an assault, if one should be made, and after a few well-timed remarks by way of explanation, he pronounced James Rowe and Lizzie Bodenhoffer husband and wife. Although there is another Row(e) in Carmel, we hope soon to have peace and quiet.

The Fish Law

The Indianapolis Journal says that the Supreme Court has not rendered a decision on the constitutionality of the Fish Law. There have been several decisions on the question in inferior courts, some of which sustain the statute and others hold it unconstitutional, but the Journal thinks a majority of the decisions thus far have affirmed its constitutionality.

Note: You can make this stuff up if you want but it will never be this good in real life. Protection for fish was a really big deal. 

Politics in 1868 -- very local

Brookville American, Oct. 9, 1868

The Presidential election, eventually won by Grant & Colfax, or the national Republican ticket

Blooming Grove Meeting

W.H. Jones, Esq. addressed the Grant & Colfax Club of Blooming Grove Twp. on Wednesday evening in a telling and convincing manner. A goodly number was present, although the evening was rainy. Blooming Grove Township is wide awake and will give a good account of herself next Tuesday. (Election was on Oct. 13.)

Meeting at Cambridge on Tuesday

Was one of the grandest outpourings of Republicans ever witnessed in Eastern Indiana. A correct estimate of the number present would place it at 25,000 at the very lowest calculation. (Hyperbole, and easily a lie.)

The procession must have been fully five miles in length, and such a display of large and splendidly ornamented wagons was never before witnessed.

Hon. Schuyler Colfax, the next Vice President, was escorted from the depot in an open carriage, the Milton Boys in Blue (dismounted) surrounding him in hollow square, preceded and followed by larger companies of Boys in Blue, in which order, to the sound of music, amid the welcoming cheers of vast crowds, they marched to the Fair Grounds where he spoke to acres of ladies and gentlemen in his usual able and most eloquent manner.

"The Democratic Ship -- One sea more will sink her"

Fairfield -- The announcement for several days that Gen. Thomas W. Bennett was to address the people of this vicinity on last evening, had the effect of bringing out a large crowd, which gathered at the School House.

At an early hour, every seat was occupied, and soon no standing room was left.  Many ladies were present and also a few of Brick Pomeroy's unterrified disciples.

For two hours, General Bennett held his hearers spell-bound by his eloquence, making one of his best speeches, which abounded with many of his peculiar and happy hits.

He told of the record of the Democrats during the rebellion that they were anxious to let go as "by-gones." 

He said he was like Patrick Henry. "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience; I know of no way of judging the future but by the past."

Trivia

John H. Updike. Co. C, 13th Ind., was one of the first men in this county (Franklin) to enlist and served three years and then enlisted as a veteran and served to the close of the rebellion. He will cast his vote in favor of his country, God and the Right without a scratch.

Notes: The acrimonious discussions of the political parties in 1868 still centered around Reconstruction and how the Republicans planned to punish the Democrats for the Civil War. Much rhetoric was based on uninformed hate.

Gen. T.W. Bennett was born in Union County and served with U.S. Grant in the war. He was a loyalist and strong supporter of Grant's candidacy.

No idea who Brick Pomeroy was.

John H. Updike is one of my ancestors. The family owned land in eastern Franklin County. Updike's name was falsely connected to a Democratic organization in 1868, which pissed him off.

Reports of "Ku Klux" activity began to surface in Mt. Carmel (Springfield Twp.) without verification. "Kangaroo Democracy" was a term first used. Democrats were also called Copperheads.

Horatio Seymour was the Democratic candidate who lost to Grant. 

The American was a Republican newspaper. C.B. Bentley published the opposing Franklin Democrat. I do not have access to that paper from 1868.