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.

News from Ohio -- and, wow!

Hamilton Telegraph, March 1899

EXCITEMENT IN CHURCH

Venice Congregation Disturbed

During Communion

A Mild sensation occurred at the Presbyterian church at Venice Sunday morning. Rev. Faye Walker of Oxford, was present to conduct the service and administer holy communion.

The wine cup was passed and as it was handed to one of the communicants, Martin Epp, who is somewhat unsound mentally, he grasped it tightly in his hand, and instead of taking a sip of wine from the cup, he dashed the contents into the air, remarking loudly as he did so, "This is the way to get rid of the devil!"

The congregation was thrown into great excitement by the unusual occurrence and it was some time before the usual quiet could be restored.

AN IMMENSE PORKER

Raised by John W. Kyle of Liberty Township weights 1,275 pounds.

(From S.K. Hughes)

I herewith send an account of a big hog and in the outset will say that this is no fake or foolish snake story, but a true statement of facts.

John W. Kyle of Liberty Twp. had a 3-year-old hog -- Poland China breed -- that is the wonder of the community. Thursday, Mr. Kyle and I took his measure, which is as follows:

From tip to tip, 7 feet, 4 inches, around flank, 7 feet, 8 inches; around heart, 7 feet, 7 inches; weight (gross) 1,275 pounds; height, 3 feet. This immense pig is fine in form, good proportion, good style.

We think Mr. Kyle should be complimented for his great success for in the past he has had hogs to weigh over 1,000 pounds. Hundreds of people came to view his porkship.

The hog on Thanksgiving Day weighed 835 pounds, a gain of an average of 1 pound a day.

Note: Must have been the extra butter roll, huh?

Cows going to school

Democrat, November 1918

(week the war ended)

TESTER

Secured for Franklin County

Cow Testing Association --

Work to Begin This Week.

The Franklin County Cow Testing Association which has been organized for some time, but delayed for lack of an available tester, will probably start operation the last of this week.

Miss Bruce of Aurora, Indiana, has been obtained by the State Dairy Department to do the work for this association. (Her name was Irma.)

Miss Bruce comes from a dairy farm where she has made a hand with her father's herd, not only helping to feed and milk, but testing and keeping record on each cow just as she will do in this association. She is probably as well equipped for a tester as any girl in this kind of work.

She will start with Mr. J.A. Driscol's herd, northeast of Fairfield, and proceed from one herd to the next according to a schedule arranged by the Board of Directors at the last meeting. This schedule is being mailed to each member. 

Note: John A. Driscol lived in Union County, since his daughter Mary attended College Corner school. He raised Jersey cows. He also owned land in Bath. (Yes, we found that information.)

No Further Celebration

After careful consideration, the County Council of Defense decided not to arrange for a Peace Celebration Saturday evening as had been contemplated. The celebration Monday was as largely attended and so hearty that it was judged unnecessary to hold another at this time.

A Card

The triangular contest for Township Trustee of Fairfield township was decided by the ballots of the voters.

The undersigned is under obligation to the Democrats and the Republicans who gave him their support.

In the management of the office, I shall endeavor to conduct it as non-partisan as Hezzie Rose, my Republican predecessor.

--Gus Glidewell

Drink Grain-O, then go see the King

Democrat, June 1897

There is a class of people

Who are injured by the use of coffee. Recently there has been placed in all the grocery stores a new preparation called Grain-O, made of pure grains, that takes the place of coffee. 

The most delicate stomach receives it without distress, and but few can tell it from coffee. It does not cost over 1/4 as much. Children may drink it with great benefit. 15 cts. and 25 cts. per package. Try it. Ask for Grain-O.

The True Remedy

W.M. Repine, editor Tiskilwa, Ill., "Chief," says: "We won't keep house without Dr. King's New Discovery for consumption, coughs and colds. Experimented with many others but never got the true remedy until we used Dr. King's New Discovery. No other remedy can take its place in our house, as in it we have a certain and sure cure for coughs, colds, whooping cough, etc."

It is idle to experiment with other remedies if they are urged on you as just as good as Dr. King's New Discovery.

They are not as good, because this remedy has a record of cures and besides is guaranteed. It never fails to satisfy. Trial bottles free at King's Pharmacy.

Free Pills

Send your address to H.E. Bucklen & Co., Chicago, and get a free sample box of Dr. King's New Life Pills. A trial will convince you of their merits. 

These pills are easy in action and are particularly effective in the cure of consumption and sick headache. 

For malaria and liver troubles, they have proved invaluable. They are guaranteed to be perfectly free from every deleterious substance and to be purely vegetable. They do not weaken by their action but, by giving tone to stomach and bowels, greatly invigorate the system. Regular size 25c.per box. Sold at King's Pharmacy. 

Never a dull moment in Fairfield

September, 1917, Brookville Democrat

Notice to Hunters and Campers

No hunting or trespassing with dog or dogs, day or night, or digging of any kind on our farms:

Wilbur Logan, L.J. Logan, G.W. Groce, W.J Logan, O.H. Logan, D.M. Hanna, Albert Naylor, J.A. Berg, John Miller, A.B. Hanna, Matthew Weber, Mollie Hockenberry, Anna M. Harlowe, A. Sandmeier, Sarah A. Hanna, John Sherwood, H.C. Hanna, R.E. Grimes.

Body Found in East Fork

The body of Joseph Klipple, 45, was found by a searching party in the East Fork of the Whitewater River, one mile south of Quakertown, Sunday forenoon.

Mr. Klipple, wife and one child, lived on a farm on Eli's Creek, between Fairfield and Everton. 

Saturday afternoon, he hitched a team of horses to a wagon and drove to a gravel pit. Not returning when night came, neighbors were notified. Going to the gravel pit, the wagon was found, the horse having had been unhitched. They were found a short distance away.

Farm For Sale

76 acres, 6 miles south of Liberty on Liberty and Brookville Pike. 10 acres of locust trees, plenty running water the year round, young orchard and all kinds of fruit. Splendid stock farm. If sold at once, I will take $60 per acre.

Arthur Sheplar, RFD 4, Liberty, Ind. 

A Birthday Surprise.

Thursday, Sept. 30, being the birthday of Mrs. Omer Himelick, the Young Ladies Sunday School class at Fairfield went to her home and surprised her.

Although the weather was threatening, three auto loads, 18 in all, made the crowd that went. Each girl took a dish of something good to eat. One special feature being the angel food cake baked by Mrs. Mills.

Mrs. Himelick was canning peaches but soon appeared and welcomed us and turned the house over to the class. Soon a bountiful dinner was spread, consisting of fried chicken, salads and everything good of the season.

S.S. Convention

The Bath and Fairfield Township Sunday school convention will be held at the Franklin U.B. Church, east of Fairfield, on Saturday, Oct. 20 beginning promptly at 10 o'clock. An interesting and instructive program has been prepared. 

A Close Call

On Saturday, while Allison Bockover and his brother, Joe, were sawing stove wood in the forest near Old Franklin Church, the high wind dislodged a limb that fell across their heads and shoulders, knocking both men out of commission, but fortunately, they sustained no broken bones, but both were badly bruised. 

Taxi!

If some gentleman who has the willpower, would inaugurate a tri-weekly taxicab route via Fairfield and Liberty to Richmond, it would afford a long felt want by our citizens, who are handicapped when they have business in Union and Wayne counties or be detained nearly three hours in Connersville enroute.

-- T.L.D. (Theo Dickerson)

 

In like Flint

Liberty Herald, July, 1915

Mrs. Peter Flint Fined for Swearing

ALSO PLACED UNDER PEACE BOND

Mrs. Peter Flint was the central figure in a trial in Justice Court Wednesday afternoon, brought by affidavits signed by Mrs. Eliza Woodworth. The first was for swearing and raising a disturbance, both Mrs. Woodworth and her sister, Mrs. Sanders, testifying that Mrs. Flint was guilty of swearing during the past two years and that on Tuesday night she had a poker in her hand and was threatening her husband, swearing at him and that her children were begging her not to hurt their father.

The disturbance has been such that the neighbors were awakened and besides the testimony of the two complaining witnesses, Mrs. Peter Flint's son Elijah, testified that the defendant swore in the presence of her family. Jack Johnson has also heard his neighbor swear, but his wife, Mrs. Blanche Johnson, had not, and neither had Mrs. Elnettie Ables.

Squire Smelser found her guilty, assessing a fine of $3 and costs of $6.25. which was promptly paid.

An affidavit was then read stating that Mrs. Woodworth was in fear of Mrs. Flint and asking that she be placed under bond to keep the peace. The court asked for a bond of $50 and allowed defendant until Thursday evening to provide the names of two freeholders who would be willing to affix their names. It is hoped the action of the court will be salutary and will be the means of placing the north end in a safe and sane condition. The trial was well attended.

Note: Evidently that same week, William Honeas was bound over for trial for taking a shot at Peter Finch. Honeas claimed the two bullets that hit the wall over Finch's head were fired accidentally. The old I-was-cleaning-it-and-it-went-off line. He was of course lying.

He was tried in Connersville in December and fined 50 bucks and court costs. (Surprised we could find that, huh?)

Wellness -- take our word for it

 Brookville American, Dec. 26, 1834

ELIXIR OF HEALTH

In passing through towns lately where it has been sold, I have found in every place, gentlemen and ladies who would have been in a low state of health from some chronic disease of the above description, some for a long time, and reduced very low, despairing of ever again enjoying health, who have been fully restored by this medicine alone. 

It has to my knowledge cured several of the dropsy. It is eminently qualified to restore health after attacks of fevers or every kind. For weakly and delicate children, it is an invaluable medicine. It will entirely prevent children from being troubled with worms.

It removes all bilious complaints, and all obstructions of every kind, promoting a healthy action in all the secretions and excretions on a due performance of which health materially depends. 

Its action is upon the stomach, liver and bowels, the prime regulators of the whole system; a diseased state of which causes most diseases.

It is entirely Botanical in its composition and is highly approved by many scientific and eminent physicians who have been acquainted with its great restorative powers -- so much so that some have administered more than a hundred bottles to their patients in a year. There is no deception in the medicine; references can be given to respectable citizens in this town who have experienced its benefits. It ay be taken by all ages and both sexes with perfect safety.

-- H. EASTMAN

For sale at W.B. & S.M. Davis Store, 

Brookville Indiana

November 25, 2934

Note: They were still selling this stuff 25 years later, at least. You can probably get it now online with a doctor's prescription.

Letter from Lincoln

From a long letter to the nation, Sept. 1863

Published in Brookville Franklin Democrat

Peace does not appear so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon and come to stay; and so come as to be worth keeping in all future time.

It will then have proved that among freemen there can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet, and that they who take such appeal are sure to lose their case and pay the cost.

And then there will be some black men who can remember that with silent tongue, and clenched teeth, and steady eye and well-poised bayonet, they have helped mankind on to this great consummation; while I fear that there will be some white men unable to forget that with malignant heart and deceitful speech they have striven to hinder it.

Still let us not be over-sanguine of a speedy final triumph. Let us be quite sober. Let us diligently apply the means, never doubting that a just God in His own good time will give us the rightful result.

Yours, very truly

A. Lincoln

Even more 1863 shenanigans

 Brookville Democrat, Aug. 28, 1863

Arrest and Forcible Escape

We learn that a young man named Hollowell, living in Whitewater Township, in this county, was arrested by order of Provost Marshal Morrow on Monday night, and while the deputy marshal was on his way to the railroad station with his prisoner, he was met by eight or ten persons on horseback, who demanded his release.

The order was complied with, and the prisoner made his escape. We have not learned the charges which were preferred against him.

Democratic Meetings!

Henry Berry, Jr. will address the Democratic Club of Fairfield Township at Fairfield this evening (Friday, Aug. 38th). Speaking will commence at early candle lighting.

There will be a meeting of the Democracy at St. Peters on Saturday, Sept. 12, 1863. at 1 o'clock. N.T. Carr, W.P. Quick, James R. Jones and others will be present and address the meeting. A general attendance of the Democracy is expected.

Brookville College

The first term of the Institution will begin next Monday morning, August 31st. The teachers are all on hand, ad are ready for their work. The prospects are flattering, and the Trustees are determined to make it pay to all who may patronize the institution.

The terms are as low as those of any other institution of the same grade. Let the students fill up the rooms on Monday next. The friends of the college are invited to attend the opening exercises in the College Chapel on Monday at 9 a.m.

No Draft in Indiana

For the relief of all able-bodied male citizens under the age of 45 and over 21 who haven't $300 in loose change by them, we can say that it is now pretty well determined that there will be no draft in this state. Canada will lose a large number of inhabitants and the government a great many dollars by this. 

 

Civil War tales as they were reported

Brookville Democrat, July 17, 1863

The John Morgan Raid

The knowledge that John Morgan with his band of marauders was demonstrating in this direction, created the wildest excitement among our citizens from one extent of the White Water Valley to the other.

From Sunday until Wednesday, our town was in a perfect uproar and preparations for defense were to be seen in every direction.

On Monday, learning that the rebels were in the vicinity of Sunman's Station, 14 miles southwest of this place, every conceivable mode of conveyance was procured to convey our armed citizens to the locality where it was supposed a collision would take place.

Before their arrival, however, Morgan had commenced his march in the direction of Harrison, Ohio, which place he reached on that day at 11 o'clock and remained until 4 o'clock. His depredations at Harrison were pretty extensive in the way of horses, goods and such other valuables as he could carry away. In his march he is making wholesale work in the way of stealing horses and his men are mounted on the finest stock of the country.

Several of the citizens of this county who happened to be in Harrison and vicinity on the day Morgan passed through, were relieved of their horses by the freebooter and his men.

Mr. Albert Loper of this county who had a considerable amount of money with him, escaped by laying down unperceived in an open field near at hand. 

Morgan burned the bridge across the Miami at New Baltimore after crossing over it.

Note: It's not known if Morgan came as far north as New Trenton, but it's likely some of his soldiers did.

Connersville Weekly Times, July 20, 1863

Doing the Clever Thing

During the Morgan raid in this state, some 40 or 50 citizens of Posey Township, this county (Fayette) responded to the call of Governor Morton, by volunteering to assist in driving the invaders from our soil, a number of them actually abandoning their harvest field, leaving their grain uncut.

These "citizen soldiers" assembled at Dublin, the nearest station on the Central Railway, to take passage for Indianapolis. While waiting for the train, the people of Dublin who are unanimously for the Union, treated them with the utmost courtesy and kindness, supplying them with the best refreshments and insisting on their taking a supply along for future use.

And one or two persons in the village learning the condition in which our volunteers had left their ripe grain, word was passed around among the farmers of the neighborhood, and arrangements were soon made for a general turnout to complete the work of harvesting thus abandoned. 

It was performed in good style; and the Posey Township folks returned from the pursuit of Morgan to find their grain harvested and saved from damage or waste, and no expenses to pay.

The Quakers generally are opposed to war but well know how to do the clever thing, at the right time, in behalf of those who will fight in defense of their country.

Note: Bentonville is the "capital" of Posey Township.

Connersville Weekly Times, March 26, 1863

Morgan Whipped

The great horse thief, John Morgan, was thrashed in splendid style near Milton, Tenn., on Friday. This is, we believe, the first fight Morgan has been in. His business, heretofore, has been to make raids, steal horses, burn railroad bridges and gobble up small garrisons. On Friday he had an opportunity to distinguish himself as a fighting man, if he had any qualities in that line.

He came across Col. Hall, who was out on a reconnoitering expedition, with 1,400 men. Morgan had nearly 4,000. He made an attack and was most disgracefully defeated. Thus has the bloated reputation of one of the greatest braggards in the rebel service, been effectually punctured. Ohio, Illinois and Indiana boys won the victory.

Note: It appears this story was somewhat premature by about 3 months. Facts were optional in those days. 

Another link on this blog to Morgan's Raid

Drunk, if you believe this yarn

Brookville Franklin-Democrat, December 1827

INTOXICATED

A Coroner's inquest was held over the body of Samuel Davies, who formerly lived in the neighborhood of McCormick's Mill, in this county on Saturday last, about 7 miles east of this place on the Brookville Road.

His body was found on Friday by some travelers by the roadside. He is supposed to have died on Monday evening during the snow, as he was seen on that day, in a state of intoxication.

He was returning from Ohio, where he has left a wife. 

The above is another awful warning to the intemperate, to beware of the intoxicating bowl. It is not strange indeed that while this hideous monster is destroying its thousands, or blasting forever their prospect in life, men will be so infatuated as to cling to this damning vice with such eagerness that nothing short of the judgments of offended Heaven can stop them in their mad career.

Long Yarn

Mrs. ---, upwards of 60 years old, and two young women in the same family, not two furlongs from our office, on the 10th inst., spun 28 skeins of woolen yarn, each skein containing 15 knots.

Of this respectable day's work, Mrs. ---- did 8 skeins, and the young women 10 skeins apiece.

In performing her task, (as a man of arithmetic assures me) the aged matron had to walk 43,200 steps which on calculations are found to about twelve and a half miles.

Here, then we have no small degree of industry in the fingers -- especially if it's considered that in spinning a step, is to be made at every third step, and that half the steps are to be taken backwards.

Where, we ask, is the young man who would undertake to travel 12 and a half miles in a day, one half the distance backwards, and stop on the way 14,400 times?

The young women, of course had to travel a greater distance but they are doubtless some 40 years younger and find it a mere pastime.

We will be better when we are able

Brookville Inquirer, 1833

BROOKVILLE

We know that our village is in low repute abroad and we are aware that it has been on the retrograde for a number of years past, and we also know the issues. 

Whoever is versant with its history however are not surprised at the temporary suspension in growth. The town was built principally with ambitious capital -- it outgrew itself and the countryside dwindled to what you see it.

We despair not, however, it must inevitably again flourish. The water privileges in its immediate vicinity are too valuable -- too inviting to capitalists -- long to remain idle -- they must, they will be improved.

Millions of dollars might be advantageously invested here in various kinds of machinery. The surrounding country is rapidly improving-- the farmers are growing rich on the products of their labor.

In a few words -- Brookville is the seat of justice for Franklin County; its situation is beautifully romantic; between the East and West branches of the far-famed Whitewater -- that derived its name from the crystalline appearance of its waters a few hundred feet from their junction.

The town is beginning to become what it is destined to be -- a place of importance.

Note: It took the Whitewater Canal to make this happen 4 years later. Brookville's economy was in ruins from 1825-1835.

Link to another economy story on this blog.

Another link to another economy story on this blog.

The forest, for a fence

Brookville Inquirer, January 4, 1833

FOREST TREES

A practical agricultural writer has observed that "most of our farms contain gullies and other spots inaccessible to the plough; these, transplanted with a few yellow locusts, would in a few years, afford an invaluable supply of good fencing timber. The tree may likewise be set in every other length of crooked fence, round the farm, and will in a few years furnish a plentiful supply of this invaluable timber and would add greatly to the beauty of our rural scenery.

It is of rapid growth, and easily propagated and spread, and I think should be more generally attended to."

He also suggests the propriety of planting these gullies with the Jerusalem artichoke and says, "if they are suffered to remain unmolested for three years, they will furnish for many years after, a good range for store hogs in the winter. The rooting of the hogs will serve to spread and not eradicate them as the smallest piece will grow, and the summer season will recruit them for many years."

Note: Evidently a boring insect ravaged most of the yellow locust from most New England states in the 1820s. Much ado was afoot in the 1830s about how to grow the trees from seed. 

$75 REWARD!

Stolen from the subscriber on Saturday the 17th, a small bay mare with a star in her forehead, 3 years old last spring. The mare was taken by a person calling himself Joseph D. Neal, who also took with him at the same time a gold watch, 60 dollars in cash and a camblet cloak. The mare when taken had on an old saddle, a buffalo robe and bridle. The above reward with reasonable charges will be paid on the detection and delivery of the above-named person to A.F. Neal, Lebanon O, Nov. 20, 1832.

The above person had on when he left Lebanon a suit of Kentucky jeans, drab fur had and generally wears a ruffled shirt. He is a round, chunky, short-necked, shouldered fellow and talks quick, but not very loud. He is likewise a great brag and a great liar. 

Publishers of papers throughout the U.S., but particularly in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Illinois will favor society at large by copying this notice as said Nead is an accomplished scoundrel and will doubtless commit other depredations the first opportunity.

Berries, birds, business and sadness -- 1867

American, June 1867

Strawberry Festival at Mt. Carmel

The Strawberry Festival last Friday evening proved to be a complete success. There were about as many on hand as the house could comfortably accommodate, and all present seemed to enjoy themselves very much; in fact, it was a very pleasant social evening. (Fun, by the bushel!)

All having partaken bountifully of the good things, at 11 o'clock they quietly returned to their homes, feeling satisfied with the evening's entertainment. The proceeds amounted to something over $80.

Died.

June 8th, 1867, of cholera infantum, at Fairfield, little May, infant daughter of Mr. C.R. Cory, Representative of Franklin County. The funeral sermon was preached on Sabbath, June 9th at Fairfield by Rev. C. Tinley of Brookville.

May and Maud were lovely twins of one year, but brighter and lovelier was taken to the Edge of Love by the Great Lover of Children.

Maud Cory/Smolley 

Sewing Machines.

Mr. R. J. Stoops is principal agent for the sale of Singer and Florence Sewing Machines in the counties of Franklin, Union, Fayette, Dearborn and Decatur. He delivers them anywhere in those five counties and is doing a thriving business.

Who Seconds the Motion?

Why cannot there be a woolen mill established at Brookville. We have the hydraulic power and the capital, and the enterprise would certainly pay well. Will not some one undertake the experiment before the adjoining towns get ahead of us?

The Game Law

Our sportsmen must bear in mind that quails are protected until the first of October. The game law, in brief, is as follows:

It is unlawful to shoot deer from January 1st to October 1st; quails and pheasants from February 1st to October 1st; chickens from February 1st to October 1st; turkeys from March 1st to September 1st.

There is no law in this state against the killing of ducks. (quack???)

Fish must not be netted, trapped, seined or shot for two years from last May.

Ads from Laurel Review 1882

 

1926 -- Killer cows

Democrat, June 3, 1926

Fright Cause of Death

of Mrs. Frank Redman

Mrs. Eliza Redman, age 61, wife of F.T. Redman, living four miles south of Brookville, expired suddenly around 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon after being chased by several cattle in a field near her home.

Mrs. Redman was enroute to the home of her son nearby and while crossing a field attracted the attention of the cattle who followed her.

She started to run and collapsed after running a short distance.

The cattle made no attempt to harm her, it is said, turning back when she fell. 

Mrs. Redman was dead when relative reached her. She was pronounced dead due to heart disease cause by fright.

R.R. Ambrose

At Chautauqua

Electrical Wizard to Come Here

R.R. Ambrose, the electrical wizard, will give at the coming Redpath Chautauqua a thrilling interesting demonstration - entertainment.

Mr. Ambrose calls this "The Science Story," preferring not to have it considered under the broad title of a lecture.

He explains in clear-cut language free of technical terms, the many scientific experiments he conducts before his audiences. His demonstrations are both educational and entertaining, lightened with laughter and pungent witticisms.

His experiments with electrical apparatus of various kinds combined with his knowledge of radio, led to his engaging in platform lecture demonstrations which he has conducted with great success all over the country.

1858 -- big news

 Brookville American, June 25, 1858

Daring Outrage

Some miscreant burglariously entered the Hall of the Sons Temperance in Blooming Grove last Friday night and deposited therein a bottle of whiskey and filled the tumblers on the stations with the same.

It was doubtless done for the purpose of diverting suspicion from a member of the order whose trial was pending under charges of converting the ante-room into a tippling shop in which he kept liquors stored, under lock and key, for the accommodation of himself and friends.

Said charges were proven to be true, we are sorry to say, afterward upon trial. 

The individual who committed the burglary is marked and will doubtless give employment for our prosecuting attorney.

Independence

A grand celebration of the events of American independence will come off at the junction of Eli's Creek with the east fork of the Whitewater -- midway between Fairfield and Dunlapsville -- on Saturday, the 3rd of July next.

The people of Union, Franklin and Fayette counties have determined to make a grand rally and celebrate the glorious Fourth in an old fashioned patriotic way, with music and banners and joyful demonstrations. All that can are requested to bring their baskets well supplied that there will be a bountiful repast for all present.

Committees have been appointed to arrange and carry out the celebration corresponding with the greatness and gloriousness of the occasion. Among them is an efficient vigilante committee, and no liquor will be permitted on the ground.

Note: Eli's Creek was named for Eli Pigman, whose father Adam Pigman owned the land where the grand fiesta was held.

Kidnapping -- oh, my!

Connersville Examiner, Nov3mber 17, 1881

The city was stirred last Tuesday morning by a sensational kidnapping. Sabina Williams, a young man, the father of two little girls aged four and six, has been making his home for some weeks with Auditor C.R. Williams, his uncle. 

It appears that his wife left him while they were living in Clermont County, Ohio, early in the fall, and went to her home in Kentucky, and that ever since that time he has been expecting that she would make an attempt to abduct the children and has been on his guard accordingly.

One of the parties to the transaction, claiming to be a lawyer from Madison, has been in town for several days, and on Monday night the rest arrived and registered at the Grand Hotel as "S. E. Lee" and "Mrs. G. E. Lee and daughter."

Tuesday morning about eight o'clock a carriage was driven with closed curtains within half a square of the Williams  residence on Western Avenue, a woman heavily veiled entered the house, seized the children, one of whom was in Miss Williams' lap, and with the assistance of a male companion who followed her, and in spite of the resistance of Miss Williams and the little ones, carried them to the carriage which was then driven out of town southwardly at a reckless speed.

They were pursued by both the father and by telegrams, and later in the day were caught by the authorities of Rushville.

The parties were brought to this city Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock and taken before Judge Bonner, who place them under bonds. The trial is set for Friday afternoon, the children being returned to the father's care until that time.

Note: Kidnapping not a federal crime. Legal beagle stuff happened after that, with Marianne Williams testing the system to see if she could get custody. Report out of Madison claimed the father took the children and didn't allow his wife to see them. No idea who won out. It's been a few years.

Niagara Falls?

Democrat, June 1, 1922

Hustlers Meeting

On Thursday afternoon, May 25, the Hustlers Class of the Fairfield Sunday School met at the home of Miss Bertha Younts, about one mile west of Fairfield.

We were first favored with music on the player piano, after which we had our prayer led by Miss Helen Younts. We then had our program, which everybody greatly enjoyed.

After our program, we cut quilt blocks to make a quilt for the orphans home in Greencastle. After we had pieced a few blocks, the hostess served us with delightful refreshments of lemonade and cake.

We then were taken over Niagara in a barrel. We parted hoping to meet at the home of Misses Dorothy and Mary Personett on June 21. The guests were misses Vivian Osborn and Dorothea Younts.

-- Secretary

Note: Niagara Falls?

Two Richmond Clubs

Buy Cory Camp Site

The joint committee of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Richmond one day last week closed the deal whereby they became the owner of the camp site just north of Fairfield owned by Miss Lenora Cory, Denver C. Harlan, chairman of the committee, and five other members of the club making their third visit on the day the deal was closed. 

They secure 23.27 acres, fronting on the East Fork of the Whitewater River. The place is an ideal one and will be used as a summer camp for boys. Some improvements and alterations are planned to be made at once to the bungalow on the place.

The two clubs are making extensive plans for the entertainment of the boys during the summer, and they will be well taken care of during their stay at the camp.

Note: Amen.

To be, or something else

Brookville Democrat, 1907

Fairfield thespians

The grand temperance drama, "The Turn of the Tide" will be produced by the D. of R. of Fairfield at Everton next Wednesday evening, March 27th, and at Fairfield on Saturday, March 30th.

The dramatic club of Ireland Church will present "Hazel Kirke," at Red Men's Hall, Fairfield, Saturday evening March 16th with special scenery and a strong cast.

The Ladies' Aid Society of the M.E. Church will give a Carnival of Nations in the church Saturday evening, March 23rd. Admission 10 and 15 cts.

The play "Better Than Gold" will be produced at Red Men's Hall, Fairfield, next Saturday evening, Feb. 2. See cast of characters and synopsis of play elsewhere in this paper. <------------

The Daughters of Pocahontas of Fairfield will give an oyster and ice cream social in the Red Men's Hall, Dec. 21st.

The country cousins who did not attend the Farmers' Institute at Fairfield missed a bush of fun, by not hearing the unique and laughable German recitation "Hans Sockery Setting a Hen," delivered by Mrs. E. L. Preston, who took the house by storm and elicited great applause. In a word the Farmers' Institute at Fairfield was a grand success from start to finish; gets better every year.

Commercial word

A Testimonial

Cedar Grove, Ind.

To Whom it may concern:

For years I was bothered with dandruff, the result of a diseased scalp. After trying several remedies to no avail, I began treatment with Mr. Darlie Hanna of Fairfield and can say his Dandruff Remedy gave me immediate relief after using it but two months. I find great pleasure in recommending his Dandruff Remedy, hair Vigor and Shampoo to all those afflicted with such scalp diseases.

--Unsigned

1909 -- fun-fun-fun

 

June 17, 1909 Richmond Palladium-Item

3 events – your choice:

Railroad convention in Kokomo

Sunday school convention in Lafayette

Wright Brothers parade in Dayton

Guess which one drew the biggest crowd?

Old-time smoking ads

 

Gym rats in Liberty

Liberty Herald, May 1917

Much Interest Manifested in the

Public Gymnasium for Liberty

Residents of Liberty are awakening to the needs of the proposed public gymnasium, the movement for which has been quietly agitated for some weeks past.

One thousand dollars had already been definitely subscribed toward a fund for constructing the building, and a building site has been offered. Another of our public-spirited citizens, it is said, has offered one thousand dollars toward this institution, if certain provisions be complied with.

A gymnasium would undoubtedly be a great help in improving the physical and moral tone of this community. One of the best ways of making good boys out of bad boys is by giving them something to do, and it has never been found difficult to induce boys to take an interest in gymnastic sports.

1923 

If America is to be numbered among the red-blooded nations of the earth, the prevalent physical degeneracy must be done away with. Every community has need for strong, self-reliant young men and women and physical culture will be a great help toward making them become so.

By all means, let us have this proposed gymnasium. It will only take a small number of substantial subscriptions to make it possible, and Liberty can well afford the cost. In fact it cannot afford to be without it.

Note: Turns out, the world war got in the way and, by 1923, Liberty was still haggling over a school and a gymnasium. They eventually got one built but there's no telling how many boys were lost to sloth, bad breath and deviant behavior for want of a vaulting horse.

Red Cross ads from 1918

 

Not much going on but the corn

 American, June 1870

Blooming Grove

Mr. Editor--I wish to say that in this locality there is nothing of interest transpiring, which is the cause of the silence of your correspondent.

Farmers are complaining of the dry weather, and from appearances the crops of wheat, oats and grass will be short in consequence.

Occasionally we can see a field of wheat looking fair in this and Fayette County, but a large amount of the ground sown will not yield half a crop.

Corn was put in the ground in good order, but the cool dry weather is giving the cut-worm advantages, and they are using it to the destruction of corn fields, causing some to plant their fields over, and others to re-plant largely. We have a good prospect for fruit.

Small fruits and berries abundant. 

Temperance Mass Meeting 

Remember the Temperance mass meeting near Quakertown on Saturday next. A number of distinguished orators are posted for the occasion.

T.W. Cowey, Photographer, Brookville

Will visit the people of this county during the present summer for the purpose of soliciting orders to copy old pictures.

He has improved his copying facilities, so that he cannot be beat in copying old pictures by any photographer in the state.

Hunt up your old pictures of deceased friends and have them ready when he or his assistant, F.B. Holeman, calls, or send them to his gallery. Look out for him at Cedar Grove sometime during the next week.

 

Excitement, indeed!

American, April 1858

Sweet Potato Sprouts 

The undersigned residing one mile north of Brookville on the Fairfield Turnpike is at present engaged in Sprouting Sweet Potatoes from the choicest selection of seed to be obtained in the country, and will be ready to offer them for sale by the 5th of May, when he would invited persons in want of Sprouts to give him a call, as he promised satisfaction both in price and quality.

-- William B. Larue

Mr. James Powers, of this place, has sold out his store to Alexander Adams, formerly of the firm of Dubois & Adams of Fairfield. Mr. Adams is a gentleman and a correct businessman, and we welcome him among us.

Richard Clements Jr. has sold his interest in the property known as Null's Mills, and having located his family, temporarily, in Blooming Grove, started a few days since to Kansas on a prospecting tour.

The Society of Universalists held a very interesting two days meeting at Fairfield on Saturday and Sunday last.