1896 -- all the important stuff

 

Brookville Democrat, March/April 1896

Another Railroad Coming

Friday night's Indianapolis News contained the following: Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State today, announce that a new railroad will immediately be built from Union City, Randolph County, to Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County. 

The road will be 81 miles long and will cross the counties of Randolph, Wayne, Union, Franklin and Dearborn. The road is to be called the Union City, Richmond and Lawrenceburg railroad (how convenient!) 

The capital stock is fixed at $200,000. In incorporators are Mackey, Page, Evans, Rowland, Shoemaker, Zeigler, Howe, Palmer and Tewksbury.

Asylum News

Richmond -- The Eastern Indiana Hospital  for the Insane, located here, has had a remarkable showing in the small number of deaths that have occurred within the past few months. Up to the first of this month, there had not been a death since the middle of August -- eight months.

The Enumeration Law

This year's enumeration of school children will be conducted according to the provisions of a new state law, which requires that the name and age of each child be recorded. The following are points of the law:

1. The enumeration has to be taken and all transfers have to be made between April 10 and April 30.

2. Not only are the names of the parents of guardians to be taken, but also the name and age of each child, giving the street and number of the residence.

3. The signature of parent or guardian is required, certifying to the correctness of the enumeration.

It will be seen that this will require much more work than under the old law.

NOTES: Keeping track of students was difficult, but somehow considered necessary.

They built a railroad somewhere once a month, and this one was to be built immediately! It never was, but hey ... they thought about it.

Having no deaths at the madhouse -- what a concept.

Watch what you say!

 Brookville Democrat, April 12, 1918 (verbatim content)

A WARNING

It is generally believed that there are in Franklin County men and women whose words and acts verge on disloyalty, if indeed, they do not cross the line

As a government body we hereby warn all such persons that they are under observation and subject to investigation.

You are either for your country or against it; there is no middle ground.

Many things which might be tolerated in times of peace cannot -- will not -- be permitted now when the interests of our country are at stake.

If you refuse to do your reasonable share of war work -- giving or service -- regardless of the sacrifices of your countrymen; if you "eat what you please", regardless of food regulations, you are disloyal and a menace to your country's cause.

We are under obligation to report all such cases to the State Council of Defense for investigation. This will be disagreeable but war imposes many disagreeable duties and we shall not hesitate when we get the facts.

-- Council of Defense

NOTES: Sedition acts in this country in 1918 forbade the teaching of "European" languages in U.S. schools. This was mainly aimed at German-heritage people.

All of this stuff was unconstitutional and fueled by fear that became the post-war emergence of various anti-semitic and racist organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan. Main targets were Catholics, or specifically Orthodox sects of the Christian faith.

No idea if anyone was ever prosecuted for "eating what they pleased" but many of these "Germans" were shunned or ridiculed for having an accent.

We never learned from hate, only became better at enforcing it.

It was never clear how many actual "enemy agents" were in this country and what they intended to achieve in a war that had no political agenda -- just one that strove to annihilate the enemy in a trench campaign that lasted 3 years. Espionage acts passed in 1917 essentially were sufficient, but the hate was never satisfied. Punishing people was the next illogical step.

THE SEDITION ACT 

It imposes a prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of $10,000 (a huge sum!) or both on any person who writes, prints or utters anything tending to obstruct a Liberty loan campaign, recruiting for the Army or Navy, or saying or doing anything vilifying the government or officials or tending to incite resistance to them, or who by word or deed favors the cause of Germany or her allies.

It takes away mail privileges from persons convicted of violating it. if a man violates the act no mail addressed to him and none sent out by him will be delivered (men = women as well). 

 

Hens for peace

Brookville Democrat, April 4, 1918

Hens Work For Red Cross

Everybody in town or county who owns hens is earnestly requested to devote one day's egg production to the Red Cross. Bring the eggs to the Stenger Building on Main Street on Saturday, April 6. The room will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and some of the Tri Kappa girls will be there to receive the eggs.

If individual or community finds it more convenient to sell the eggs at home and bring the money, that will be quite as acceptable. Let's see who has the most patriotic hens.

April 11, 1918

Patriotic Hens Bring Good Sum To Red Cross

Red Cross Egg Day was a decided success. Two hundred and fifty dozen eggs were brought in and those were sold for $75. Cash donations amounting to $69.39 were received making the day's total proceeds $144.39. Ninety-seven persons contributed eggs and 57 gave cash. We would like to publish the names of all donors, but that would take up too much space. The largest contribution of eggs from one person was 11 1/2 dozen from Mrs. F. R. Petty. 

The executive committee extends the thanks of the Red Cross to all who answered the call for eggs and also to Misses Armstrong, Bossert, Frye and Popper who were on duty at the room to receive the eggs.

NOTES: Rationing of agricultural products was a national phenomenon during wartime and individual contributions during World War I were decidedly amazing.

Most likely the money raised for this project had little impact on the wartime operation, but the symbolism was enormous. 

Be somebody, be a nurse

 Brookville Democrat, April 5, 1917

For Girl Graduates

To girls about to graduate from high school comes the suggestion of great opportunities for service and for financial independence in the field of public health nursing work.

The Indiana Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis points out that, with the increasing success of the efforts to get the health of all the communities under supervision, the demand for public health nurses far exceeds the supply.

The compensation for this steady work is from $70 to $100 a month which far exceeds the returns from most sorts of effort for which women are so peculiarly adapted.

The demand from other states had taken several of the Indiana public health nurses and to keep up the supply and meet the foreseen demands of the future, the State Tuberculosis Society issues this notice to high school girls who may be interested in the subject of nursing.

NOTE: America had also just gone to war that month, so it's likely the Red Cross absorbed many of these would-be Florence Nightingales. The peculiar adaptation for women's work was otherwise ... pretty standard stuff.

Amen to that

Aurora Farm & Mechanic, Dec 20, 1873

Sacred history teaches us that the earth was made for man to cultivate. The all-wise Creator so constituted man that his most pleasant occupation should be in beautifying his home -- in planting, nurturing and keeping perpetually fresh and blooming the productions of the soil.

By the sweat of his brow, man was to prolong his existence and make the world better for his having lived in it. Here his mind was to develop, as the seed which he deposited in the earth, to mature and perfect itself in useful knowledge.

Many of the eminent men of the Bible followed the avocation of the first man; and even to this day, some of the brightest intellects are engaged in the novel avocation of farming. 

Our own country too has had its Cincinnatus. In the peaceful and healthy pursuit of tilling the earth, Washington spent his happiest moments.

Art, science and mechanism have blended to enhance the labor of the farmer and thus we have indubitable evidence that the interests of the farmer are co-equal with the march of improvement -- that man lives not to himself, but each and all, in their several spheres of labor, swell the immensity of commerce and give life, energy and vitality to the earth.

Amen.

 

How sick were we?

December 1912

Diphtheria

Owing to the appearance of diphtheria, the schools at Fairfield were closed Monday and will remain closed until all danger is past.

Harry, the 13-year-old son of Mrs. and Mrs. Emmett Crawley, died Monday of the dread disease and two more of their children and three of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Omer Hudson are ill and it is feared may have contracted the disease. There have been two cases in Brookville, both patients having recovered.

May 1916

Measles

Up to Thursday noon, Dr. Squier, town health officer, informs us that exactly 50 cases of measles have been reported to him. The Connersville papers report that there have been mover 500 cases in that city this spring.

April 1925

Reily School Closed

The centralized school at Reily, Ohio, has been ordered to be closed bythe Board of Education (Butler Co.) of that township in an effort to check the spread of smallpox. There are 250 pupils in the school, and it is intended to have it remain closed for a week.

October 1918

Schools will reopen

The public and parochial schools of Brookville will reopen next Monday, Nov. 4, the influenza epidemic having subsided to such an extent as to make it safe for the schools to resume work, after being closed four weeks.

November 1921

Tuberculosis

It was pointed out here today that Indiana is woefully behind many other states in facilities to care for tuberculosis patients. Thee are but 500 beds for the care of the tuberculosis in the entire state, whereas at least 30,000 active cases of the disease exist in the state, causing more than 3,000 deaths annually.

December 1927

Scarlet fever

During the last month there were scarlet fever cases in four schools in this county -- Peppertown in Salt Creek Twp., Gap School in Laurel Twp., Little Cedar in Brookville Twp. and the Springfield Consolidated School. Wee it not for the control methods used, the disease might have become a serious menace for weeks to come.

February 1941

Measles, mumps reach epidemic proportion here

The Brookville public schools and schools in other communities of Franklin County, are being effected to a large extent by the epidemic of measures and mumps prevalent at this time. As of Wednesday, Porter Nesbit of the Lew Wallace school reported 93 pupils absent out of an enrollment of 145. He said the absences were directly contributed to the measles and mumps either directly or indirectly.

October 1941

Scarlet fever checked

No new cases of scarlet fever were reported in the county this week. There were three new cases of diphtheria reported in Laurel Township, but none in Salt Creek or Posey townships.

Some of those stricken with previously reported cases of both diseases are now being taken out of quarantine.

February 1943

Chicken pox, measles

Dr. E.M. Glaser, county health officer, stated this week that measles and chicken pox are prevalent in the county and warned parents to keep children out of school when the presence of either disease is suspected.

The period of isolation is from 10 to 14 days. Measles isolation is not less than seven days, scarlet fever not less than 21 days. 

October 1955

Second polio shots will be given here

Dr. Herbert N. Smith, Franklin County health officer, announces that the children who received their first polio shots last spring can receive their second shots now. 

March 1956

Health nurse warns

about diphtheria

Mrs. Marie Cooper, Franklin County health nurse, has issued the following warning to parents: 

"There have been cases of diphtheria reported in the northern part of Indiana. The State Board of Health has brought this to the attention of the physicians and urges immunization of all children with diphtheria toxoid. No child is safe until he (she) has been successfully immunized."

February 1901

How to cure the Grip

Remain quietly at home and take Chamberlain's Cough Remedy as diected and a quick recovery is sure to follow. That remedy counteracts any tendency of the grip to result in pneumonia, which is really the only serious danger. Among the tens of thousands who have use it for the grip not one case has ever reported that it did not recover. For sale at King's drug store.

NOTE: It's a wonder we lived long enough to realize that most of this stuff was preventable thanks to actual science.

News about Joe Brookley

 The Brookville Democrat

April 6, 1911

Dastardly deed

Joseph Brookley's splendid start in the poultry business has met a sad reverse.

A week ago Sunday he found his hens lying about the yard, suffering greatly. A veterinarian was called but could do nothing and the fowls died.

Some of the grain in their craws was sent to the state chemist for examination and the report just received states that the grain had been soaked in nitric and carbolic acids.

Brookley's loss is near a hundred dollars.

The utter, horrible heartlessness of the wretch who did the dastardly deed, the cruelty and depravity of a heart that could conceive such an act indicates a creature in human form too vile for language to picture.

March 18, 1909

See the new L.C.  Smith typewriter No. 2, sold by Jos. L. Brookley.

July 10, 1902

Joe Brookley of Connersville visited relatives here from Friday until Monday. Joe seems to have attractions at Cedar Grove also. Joe also visited relatives in Brookville on May 8.

July 19, 1900

Joe Brookley had his hand badly lacerated on a meat hook Tuesday evening at Stoll's slaughterhouse.

April 27, 1899

Ben Gardner, Joe Brookley and Henry Schneider wheeled to Connersville last Sunday.

June 3, 1897

Joe Brookley went to Indianapolis Monday on his bicycle.

Sept. 23, 1897

Joe Brookley left Friday evening for Indianapolis where he has secured employment.

Sept. 10, 1896

Frank Biltz, Will Fries, Geo. Geis and Joe Brookley broke camp near the home of S.B. Templeton last Monday after a delightful week's sojourn angling for the finny tribe. The boys claim to have had their hearts lacerated by the handsome young ladies in Fairfield and will angle on dry land in the near future.

May 12, 1917

Joseph Brookley, who has been a resident of Brookville all his life, died Saturday evening, May 12, at the Poor Asylum at the age of 42 years. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery.

NOTE: Joe did not live his entire life in Brookville. We have proof of it. He was also the first president of the Brookville Eagles lodge in 1905. 

Base Ball

 September 28, 1870 Aurora Independent

Base Ball

The Actives club of this city, and the Mixed Stockings of Dillsborough played a match game of ball Saturday on the Hoosier grounds. The "Socks" met a Waterloo, scoring only 19 to 52 for the Actives. 

The conduct of the Dillsborough lads on this occasion is deserving of severe censure. They should learn that it takes skill and science, and not bullying, to gain a victory in base ball. 

The Actives are entitled to honor for taking no notice of the ungentlemanly conduct of their opponents, and their forbearance met with the approval of the ladies present especially.

Thomas Moran won the silver mounted prize bat offered to the member making the best score. Tommie is said to be one of the best ball tossers we have.

---

The Mixed Stockings

The game of base ball Saturday was one, on the part of the Mixed Stockings, that detracts powerfully from the genuine amusement of the game. Whisky was freely imbibed by some of the members of the visiting club and upon the whole of their conduct, together with that of their friends, was very rude and unbecoming.

Allow us to say, by authority, that the Actives who have gained a good reputation, decline to deal further with this or any other club who bring whisky upon the grounds to keep up their grit. The Actives deserve well of Cincinnati, a week ago last Saturday was the best game of the season and afforded more enjoyment to the spectators than any other because of the mutuality evinced by both clubs.

Let us encourage our home and our neighbor clubs in the right, but denounce the degradation to which we have alluded, and to which if permitted, we will ere long be indebted for some serious difficulty.

---

NOTES: Dillsboro and Aurora are in the same general vicinity. The game of baseball was popular for many years before this game.  The 1869 Red Stockings of Cincinnati were the first all-professional team in baseball history.

Baseball was originally designed to be a gentleman's sport, played on cricket or polo grounds. It caught on during the Civil War and became a much cruder game in the late 1860s.

Pitchers threw a ball underhand in those days and nobody wore a glove. Scores in the 50s were common.

 

Your bad bridge story

 Lawrenceburg Press, July 14, 1870

THE FALL OF THE WHITE WATER BRIDGE

---

The long iron bridge over White Water River, about a quarter of a mile below Harrison, fell on Monday with a terrific crash, carrying with it Mr. Jerome Johnson, who was crushed to death.

Mrs. Johnson as hauling an enormous saw log of green sycamore about four feet in diameter, and was accompanied by four other men -- named Essex, Dow Pelton, Hatfield and Geo. Bartlet. Of these only Mr. Bartlet was injured and he not seriously.

When the bridge fell, Mr. Johnson who was walking alongside of his wagon, was thrown down and partly under the wagon, being entirely under water when taken out of the wreck. He lived only about 30 minutes. 

The bridge has for a long time been deemed unfit for travel and only a short time ago, some of the Commissioners by request of the citizens, visited and inspected it and pronounced it unsafe. They at the time and since until the accident of Monday that resulted so disastrously, neglected to put up any warning or close the bridge from public travel and -- we hope we have been falsely  informed -- one of the commissioners at the time of viewing the bridge, said that they would not spend any money upon it until after the election, as it would be used  against them as an electioneering hobby!

Certain it is, however, the bridge being unfit for travel, should have been closed against all vehicles and repaired. It has been a bad job from the beginning and the commissioners who received it from the contractors had no more brains nor honesty than the builders, or they would never have received so rickety a structure as the property of the county. 

The other two spans are racked until they are more than three feet out of a straight line and are liable to fall the first time the wind strikes it. 

NOTE: Try not to blame the guy who thought taking a 4-ton sycamore log across a rickety bridge was a good idea. 

Sure, blame the tractor

 Connersville News, 1907

MANY SCHOOLS WILL

BE ABOLISHED, NOW

As Law Requires that Trustees Must

Close When Less Than 12 Pupils Attend

---

Four district schools in Wayne Township (Wayne County) under the new law, which requires trustees to abolish all schools whose attendance is not 12 or more are about to be abandoned.

It is said that the law will require the closing of several schools in this county. Pupils are then conveyed daily by hack to the next nearest school, where the facilities are usually better and the total expense much less.

There are some gloomy souls who look at this depopulation of the country districts as an evidence of race decadence but perhaps the most potent factor in reducing the number of people in the country districts is highly improved farm machinery.

Now one man can do, with the aid of farm machinery, what four or five did before. The result is larger farms and fewer farm dwellers. People are not given to staying in a community where their labor is not in demand, when the town offers opportunities in abundance for the labor of both men and women.

NOTES: No idea if a school with 13 students could stay open for long. So, folks who were sharecroppers were moving to the towns. Interesting analysis, given that not very many people owned any mechanical farm implements. The machines they did have were powered by mules or horses.

Many one-room schools continued to exist until the early 1920s despite a law forcing the smallest ones to close. They were replaced by township schools. If they wanted to stay open, I wonder if they could have lied about their enrollment. Who'd bother asking? 

The drive to abolish the country school was nationwide. A school administrator from New Paltz, NY, said at a conference: "Fifty percent of the children of the nation are in the country districts and 35 percent of that 50 percent are in one-room country schools where they are being taught by immature girls who are not much more than giggling children."

Indianapolis Star story in 1907: "It is the rule for the rural schools to have the poorest buildings, the worst equipment, the shortest terms, the poorest paid teachers and only a few high school students. The higher institutions of learning, cities and towns, are served first."

Reality: The rural students were stuck in perpetual intellectual poverty. They didn't get enough education to leave and, as a result, sent their kids to the same schools that didn't educate them. 

Another Star story in 1907 said several one-room schools around the state were introducing mechanical arts to their curriculum. Assuming the teacher stuck around a year or so, it's likely a few students learned a trick or two about woodworking or cross-stitch.

1897 clothing, shoe ads

 

1897 -- sinnin' and grinnin'

 

Brookville Democrat, April 1, 1897

It is a fineable offense to drive faster than a walk over the bridges of Franklin County, yet a lot of young hoodlums run horses through the Fairfield bridge at night.

A little paint used judiciously on many of the residences of our village would add greatly to the comfort and appearance of many homes.

James R. Johnson is again on his pins after a severe tussle with throat trouble. He can talk McCormick Harvester now equal to Bill Nye, Jr.

It is hinted that a certain egg buyer has not made a "square deal" with some of his lady customers who sell hen fruit. This is only a rumor.

The side ditches on the Brookville and Fairfield new gravel road are not cleared of debris sufficient to carry the water off. A few days work done in season will be a great protection to the highway.

We are authorized to say that farm tools, implements, vehicles, harness or property borrowed of the late Douglas F. Dickerson should be returned at once. Parties, please remember this timely notice and save trouble.

Owing to business calls requiring our time and attention out of town for two weeks past, your unworthy reporter has not been able to capture many news items. The newest live specimen of mankind is the new baby girl at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cary east of town. From rumors afloat there are other parties sleeping with a lantern burning ready for an emergency call.

We must compliment our friend Mrs. Martha May (Butler) Shaw for her quiet plunge into the matrimonial sea which is full of bubbles and breakers, but she done so with her glasses on and eyes open, and never even hinted to us of her intention of passing through the ordeal from single to wedded felicity. If congratulations are still in order we add our kindest wishes by hoping she may have a "stick" full of happiness with an abundance of "clean proof." May she never "slug" the fortunate husband of her choice, but in the future, as in the past, may she "distribute" her smiles on "Jack," who should rejoice at his "fat take."

Bridges were needed, he said

 Brookville American 1856

Bridges, Bridges, Bridges

Franklin County is peculiarly situated. From the line above Laurel, to the line below New Trenton, the river runs a course of about 30 miles. From the line above Fairfield, to the same point below Trenton, over 20 miles. Bridges over these streams at suitable points have become a necessity to accommodate the wants of her citizens. Difficulties, dangers, accidents and deaths are constantly occurring for the want of these erections.

The people are abundantly able to build them, and the only question which presents itself is, as to the manner of building them. The fords across these streams are annually becoming more dangerous, and therefore the erection of bridges more imperative.

The County Commissioners under the Act of 1855 are clothed with ample power to meet these wants and demands, and in my opinion ought to exercise these powers.

We will at once be met by the objector who says that our taxes will be increased and that the people are already burdened enough in that way. I know that taxation sometimes becomes onerous and ought never to be exercised but with propriety, discretion and good judgment.

All the bridges necessary in the county can be erected within the next two years, without increasing the taxes one cent -- without seriously affecting the most humble citizen, with great advantage to our entire population, and cannot be done in any other way.

Efforts have been made at various points within the last few years to accommodate these wants, and the result invariably has been, pecuniary loss to the very persons who are least interested but who have generously come forward and hazarded their time, means and property to advance the public interest, while the very men who are really interested stand back and shirk responsibilities, but enjoy all the advantages. 

Look at Laurel, Metamora, Brookville, etc. -- the truly equitable method of accomplishing these objects of a general nature is by general taxation.

My plan is to build five bridges across White Water river within the next two years, to be paid for, say in one, two and three years, out of the county treasury. It can be done, as I have already stated, without increasing taxation, and no man will seriously feel the expense.

Build one at Laurel, one near Fairfield, two at Brookville, one over the east and the other over the west fork, and one near New Trenton. These will accommodate our entire population and will be a good investment of means. 

The bridges can then be free for all, under the entire control of our county authorities.. And when finished, with our numerous turnpikes and other good roads, public and private buildings, and improvements, will make Franklin County one of the most desirable places of residence in the West.

The County Commissioners have concluded to receive proposals for the construction of these five bridges up to the meeting of the board in June. I hope our good generous and high minded citizens will look at the matter in a proper light -- talk about it with the neighbors and urge forward our Commissioners in the laudable enterprise.

Our people will never complain of such an expenditure of their money.

GEO HOLLAND

March 6, '56

NOTES: Holland was a Brookville lawyer with some interest in Republican Party politics. He was involved in many social and civic organizations, including Brookville College. 

The bridge at Fairfield was most likely the covered bridge, built about 10 years later in 1866. Most useful bridges were washed out during the 1913 flood. This blog covers much of that.

Turnpikes were roads that were kept up by tolls. They were badly managed. 

Weird little story from 1923

 Brookville Democrat March 15, 1923

Former Fairfield girl

a Grandmother at 36

The following from the Los Angeles Evening Herald of March 3, will be of interest to many Fairfield and Brookville friends of Mrs. Gertrude Masters Buckley:

Like mother like son.

At 16, Mrs. Gertrude S. Buckley, 36, now living at 2704 Hyde Park Blvd., Hyde Park, made a Gretna Green marriage.

A little over a year ago, Buckley family history repeated itself when her son Melvin Masters Buckley, also 16, made a runaway marriage with pretty Phyllis Irene Sells, who was born in London, but who has since lived with her parents near the Buckleys in Hyde Park.

On the morning of March 1, Mrs. Buckley, who scarcely looks old enough to be a mother, became a grandmother, probably the youngest one in Southern California.

In addition to having a grandmother who, all but age, is the satisfying old fashioned kind, Baby James Melvin Buckley, temporarily residing in the Inglewood Maternity Hospial, has black hair, dark blue eyes, nearly eight pounds of weight and a whole flock of doting great-grandparents, both here and abroad.

Notes: This story is pretty clunky, but some bits.

Hyde Park is a suburb of Los Angeles. I assume London is in California.

The reference to Gretna Green is based on a legendary town in Scotland, where young people defied the national law and married before they where 21 years old. Essentially the Scots ignored the law and let people elope and Gretna Green was the choice spot for them to be wed.

Gretna Green remains one of the most popular places for weddings and thousands of couples from all around the world flock to this Scottish village to be married each year.

Gertrude Masters Buckley was the daughter of Mary Gertrude Harris Masters, who died in 1924. Melvin Buckley was born in 1906. His bride was 20 at the time.

Names in this story don't necessarily jibe with the obits. No idea how Fairfielders ended up in southern California in 1923.

Gertrude Masters Buckley is also referred to as Gertrude F. Masters Lavigne. 

Dang-near 200 years ago

Or, if the internet survives, just yesterday.

Some snips of ads or news from
the 1830s (Brookville papers).

Fairfield was incorporated until the 1880s, when it was deemed unnecessary as township and county government began to assume authority over roads and schools. Ah, melancholy.

Indentured (white) servants were another form of unpaid employment,  though in the case of apprentices, youths were trained in a craft or business. Most were poor. 

Some of them got tired of that and ran away. They were worth a penny or more. 

Estray animals, usually horses, were those found wandering.  The person who found the animal assumed temporary ownership and was obligated to report having "taken up" the animal. The owner had a specific time to claim said estray, and if failing that, the person who found it, kept it. Horses were considering major currency for virtually everyone. If you lost a horse, you tried to find it. Greensborough was the original name for the town of Blooming Grove. 

LINK HERE 

No idea where Washington Hall was located or what replaced it. 

Bath Springs was notable for being a place to relax and cure the 'maladies.' 

The Poor Farm was located north of the Bentley area between Everton, Blooming Grove  and Fairfield and lasted for several years until each county got its own asylum. 

LINK HERE 

 

The first PTA -- 1839

 Brookville, 1839

AT A MEETING

Of several citizens of Franklin and Union counties, by special agreement in the school house in Fairfield March 10, 1839, to take into consideration the propriety of forming an association for the purpose of Literary improvement and the elevation of common school education, Daniel Ogden, Esq. was called to the chair and Wm. M. Herrick was appointed secretary. After a few remarks explanatory of the intention of the meeting, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Resolved, That we associate with a view to mutual improvement in science and the elevation of common school education.

Resolved, That the teachers of common schools in Franklin and Union counties and all other persons who feel interested in Literary improvement, and willing to lend a helping hand to the measure, be invited to unite with us.

Resolved, That each person present be a committee to carry into effect the object of the foregoing resolution as far as practicable and that Mark H. Mullin and Joseph Daily be requested to send written invitations to teachers and others likely to second the views of this body.

Resolved, That William M. Herrick and Mark H. Mullin be requested to address this body at its next meeting on tyhe benefits likely to result from such associations.

Resolved, That Daniel Ogden, Joseph Daily, Mark H. Mullin, and Wm. M.  Herrick draft a constitution and present it at our next meeting for consideration.

Resolved, That the Editors of the Indiana American and Franklin Democrat be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.

Resolved, That the next meeting of this association be held in the school house in Fairfield on the 6th day of April next at 11 o'clock A.M. at which time a more regular organization will be attempted.

On motion, adjourned.

DANIEL OGDEN, Chairman

Wm. M. Herrick, Sec'y

NOTE: This appears to be a very early version of a Parent-Teacher Association. It's not clear what they achieved, but the plan was to improve the intelligence of the public by virtue of improving the schools. 

Popper was tops with oysters

 Brookville Democrat Jan 23, 1908

FAIRFIELD

Knight and Pythian Sisters

Enjoy Oyster Feast Prepared

by Brother Popper

Fairfield, Jan. 20 -- Popper came, he saw, he conquered!

Mr. Popper came to Fairfield to serve some of his real oysters to the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters.  He had served oysters before to several different parties, but he had never struck Fairfield.

No doubt he had heard of the eating propensities of our people and so he came prepared. He brought a whole barrel and other articles needed in his line.

The battle didn't open until late in the evening but Popper soon saw that he had no small task on his hands.  Every knight and lady, their grandmothers and grandchildren came, and Popper got busy.

While legions of brave knights cheered on by their ladies, under the leadership of such valiant soldiers of eating as Jim Johnston, Dick Logan and Clint Dare, made broadside attacks on Popper and his fortifications, but after about two hours of very severe fighting, the smoke of battle cleared away and there stood Popper, coatless and hatless, serene and calm, master of the situation, and with plenty more to serve all that should come. He had indeed conquered.

It was a great event and one of the best social occasions in lodge circles this winter. Come again Brother Popper and may your shadow never grow less, and "when the western hills obscure life's sun, may you rest secure in the promise of a never ending dawn."

NOTE: Ignatz Albert Popper was a Brookville businessman who had a propensity for taking part in a variety of social events around the county. He was called "an expert cook and entertainer." His clothing store was in business well into the 1990s. Lifespan 1848-1923. Wife's name was Laura. Popper's obit said he was the town's oldest businessman at the time of his death, a career spanning 43 years.

Pythias was one of several fraternal organizations in Fairfield. Not sure to what degree it was successful. People just joined secret clubs in those days. Most references above were clear to members, and it's obvious the news release was an "inside story."

 

News you needed in '67

 Brookville American, May-Sept. 1867

Crops

A recent trip through Blooming Grove, Fairfield and Bath townships revealed a promising state of things in regard to the crops. Everywhere the wheat looks finely, and all kinds of fruit is abundantly promised. The late cold, wet weather is not so favorable for grass or pasture and garden vegetables. As regards corn, most of the farmers are replanting.

Fairfield Mills

Richard Brown's Mills at Fairfield and also James Brown's Mill above Fairfield have expanded operations for repairs. The former is about ready, however, to commence again, and the latter will resume in a few weeks. His advertisement appears in another column. 

Select School

Mr. D.D. Blakeman is teaching a select school in Fairfield and being a good teacher, the school is quite large. The Fairfield folks are wise in securing his services. 

Hydrophobia

The Richmond Telegram says that hydrophobia exists to such an extent a few miles north of that place, that some of the schools have been suspended, it being dangerous for the children to go to and from school.

Brookville Bakery and Ice Cream Saloon

Attention is directed to the advertisement of Christian Koeber's Bakery and Ice Cream Saloon, which advertisement will be found in another column. He has fitted up an Ice Cream Saloon in connection with his Bakery, and is ready to furnish Ice Cream, Lemonade, Root Beer, etc. Give him your patronage.

Don't Shoot the Squirrels

Gentlemen who are fond of hunting should not shoot squirrels during this month, for at this time of the year none but old squirrels busy with the care of their young ones, can be found. Wait until June, when the young squirrels will be large enough to take care of themselves without their mammas' aid, and then it will pay to go hunting.

Installation of Officers

Magnolia Lodge No. 80, I.O.O.F. of Fairfield, installed the following persons as officers of the Lodge for the present term: Z. Ferguson, N.G; R. J. Cheney, V.G; A.T. Irwin, treasurer; T.W. Hayward, R. sec., and J.A. Crookshank, P. sec. Meetings every Saturday evening.

Dress-Making

Mrs. Ann Swan has recently commenced the business of Dress-Making in Fairfield. She is a most worthy woman and will give satisfaction with her work. The people of Fairfield and vicinity should give her a liberal patronage, and no doubt they will.

Accident

On Thursday night about midnight, while John M. Burt and Wm. Moore were returning in a buggy from Hamilton on business, and when within a mile and a half of Indian Creek, on the Oxford and Fairfield pike, having driven forty-two miles, the mare became frightened at something, furiously kicked and then ran off, instantly throwing Messrs Burt and Moore out of the buggy. The mare having got loose from them, ran with the buggy to Indian Creek, and up the creek some distance, when the lines became fastened round a broken wheel, and she stopped. Mare and buggy found next day and brought home. Mare badly hurt, buggy much damaged and both men slightly injured.

The 88's that Fairfield almost won

April 1910, the Brookville Democrat came up with an idea to see which church or lodge in Franklin County was the most popular. So, they managed to buy two Krell-French pianos that became the prizes to pursue.

Eventually, they added a third piano. Early on, Fairfield Methodist was holding its own against the stronger St. Michael's Catholic Church. 

Maynard Irwin, publisher of the paper, said that of the 20,000 people who lived in the county, most of them belonged to a church or civic club. "In presenting this contest, we believe we have selected a meritorious feature that will not only meet the approval of all concerned but will assist two worthy organizations in securing, absolutely free, a beautiful piano to  enhance the interior of their place of meeting and give to the members that spirit which refined music produces."

An "editor" named R.M. Gibson was put in charge of the contest. I can't find out who he was otherwise. The Democrat stood to gain financially as well, both by promoting the contest and inspiring readers to patronize advertisers.

"We want to increase the welfare of the county to the highest possible degree -- that is what we are here for, and we realize that the best way to do it is by liberally and giving the people an efficient and newsy paper all the time, a paper reasonable in price and one that everybody can read and say, 'I saw it in the Democrat.' "

So the readers clipped the ballots from the paper and cast their votes. All of April and all of May -- the winners would be announced on the 12th of June, 1910.

After the first week, Keokuk Red Men of Fairfield was in 2nd place, behind Brookville High School. The Methodists hadn't organized their campaign yet.

Bath Methodists were lookin' good.

This was a $1,000 contest. Two pianos, OK.

After the next round of votes, Fairfield Methodist, beginning to creep up the list, with Keokuk still hangin' tough. Oak Forest Catholic took the lead. 

"Laurel Red Men need a new piano for the Opera House and are going to put up their best licks," the paper reveals.

Fairfield Red Men are a strong active lodge who are in the habit of accomplishing whatever they set out to do." 

By the end of April, the K of P Lodge of Brookville was nip and tuck ahead of St. Michael Church. Fairfield was gaining -- and gaining fast. This was a serious attempt to get that piano for the Sunday School. Blooming Grove Methodist was treading water.

By the first week of May, Fairfield was in fourth place, as the third piano was added to the contest. Keokuk Red Men, having set out to accomplish whatever they wanted, were losing ground. The paper urged the timid to get out the vote. This was a big deal.

By the middle of May, the contest had been defined by the Brookville vote and the rural vote. Fairfield was in good shape, ahead of Peppertown and Bath churches --and in third place overall behind Brookville High School. R.M. Gibson was doing the reporting. "If a fine piano is worth having, it is worth striving for. There is no excuse for any contestant waiting to start actively to work for the prize pianos."

The third piano boosted the voting and Fairfield Methodist clung to third place as May came to an end. Scipio Odd Fellows soared into the lead somehow, though it's not clear how they did that. Oak Forest Catholic held steady in 2nd place. Mixerville Odd Fellows found 625 votes.

By the time June rolled around, the Democrat was offering 1,000 free votes for every 5 new subscriptions attributed to a club. Fairfield Methodist had nudged its way into second place, but that was an omen. They'd probably run out of steam. Scipio Lodge was right behind. 

Odds began to lean in favor of Fairfield as the June tally began to soar. Only Scipio Odd Fellows were ahead of the Hotshots, but something strange was about to happen.

On the 9th of June, the Democrat said the heat of the election was at a fever pitch. "Bulletins will tell the wait crowd the result," the paper said. "No more information available."

K of P Brookville, Scipio and Fairfield were all 1-2-3 in the contest. Tuning up for a piano ... "Young people, staid married folks, prominent men -- scores of the best people of Brookville and Franklin County are working night an day for the sake of their organization."

On the 16th, St. Michael dumped all its tallies onto the table and blew everyone off the floor, with 350,000 votes, well more than the K of P Brookville, Scipio and Fairfield, which finished fourth with 111,415 votes. Nobody else was even close.

"Misses Ida Logan and Hazel Personette bore the brunt of the battle for Fairfield. It is their ambition to secure a piano for the Sunday school and we hope that this ambition will be realized shortly."

As it was, the contest allowed the church to collect $195 that it intended to "seed" the fund for a piano.

It's likely the piano we heard in church in the last days of Fairfield was that one.

KRELL-FRENCH PIANOS

The Krell-French Piano Company moved to New Castle from Tennessee in the early 1900s and would become one of the four largest in the United States. The plant itself contained over 5 acres of floor space and employed more than 400 skilled workers. Thousands of pianos were kept moving through the factory at all times in various stages of construction. An average weekly payroll of $4,500 was realized here, translating to an annual payroll of $250,000.  (Dollars from 1910).

This is also known as Jesse French & Sons, after Albert Krell left the firm in 1905. French also made the Lagonda piano, which was the third prize in the 1910 contest. Lagonda was already building pianos in New Castle when Krell-French came to town.

 

The canal -- always an adventure

Brookville American, October 1845

WHITE WATER CANAL -- "We have heard it whispered that the Canal Company have agreed to give to Lawrenceburgh that portion of the White Water Canal between Harrison and Lawrenceburgh, if they agree to take it and keep it in repair. It is also said that Lawrenceburgh will accept it on condition that the Company will keep up the dam at Harrison."

HINT -- Most likely a rotten bargain.

WHAT RASCALITY NEXT! -- The Brookville Democrat says that the White Water Canal Company have refused, or soon will refuse, to receive their own scrip in payment of tolls and water rents.

If they do venture such a reckless effort to pilfer from the public, they will have done nothing more than most other companies of the kind, that wee suffered to put out for circulation their own promises to fill the place of money; but we doubt if the Legislature of that state will tolerate them in the villainy of the act.

HINT -- The scrip was worthless anyway. 

Cincinnati Gazette, November 1847

WHITEWATER VALLEY -- The damage done in this valley by the recent flood has been very extensive-- the injuries sustained well nigh equaling those of January last. In addition to the damage done at Harrison, which has already been mentioned, we learn from the papers of that region that the dams at Case's,  Brookville and Laurel have been torn away besides immense losses in the destruction of flour, salt, corn, wood, coal, lumber, etc. 

At Aurora, likewise there was considerable loss -- the creek ran out with such violence that 12 to 15 flatboats, mostly laden, were broken loose and drifted off with the current of the Ohio. two coal boats were also lost.

Very many mills along the line are much injured -- some of them to such an extent that the owners most either sell their grain or supply themselves with steam engines; and many other heavy individual losses are recorded.

The points along the route at which injuries have resulted are so numerous, and the damage is so very great, that the papers along the line, express the belief that repairs can scarcely be effected the present season.

HINT -- Worse than January?

Brookville Democrat, December 1848

BREAK -- We have been informed that there has been a break in the Miami Canal between Brookville and Lockland, the bank having been washed away by the latest freshets for several hundred yards. A stop to navigation at the present time will cause a great inconvenience to those shipping and receiving on this line. We hope the damage is not as serious as it has been represented.

HINT -- It was always worse than that.

NOTES: The canals took a beating from the river and were more often than not shut down for repairs. The feeder dams were built to tolerate a calm stream. Rarely did a season pass that the waterway between Hagerstown and Cedar Grove not close for repairs. The canals did make a profit when they were functional, all the way up to about 1848.

Flooding was an annual event with each disaster being reviewed and determined to be the worst in memory. As the population grew and expanded its commerce in the river valleys, the losses exponentially grew.

This blog was designed to discuss a lot of that. So start at the beginning ------------> over here.

What not to do instead of being sober (1854)

  

Brookville American, March 3, 1854

A few commodities for this market.

When you go to Church and kneel in time of prayer, don't suppose your bonnet or posture hides from the congregation the fact that you are laughing with and talking to your simple simpering companion -- for verily such things are seen and known by many.

When you let the hair grow on your upper lip and stand before the glass and twist it round your finger, don't forget that it is a very strong indication of a fop and cox-comb, and of a very big head, with very little  brains, for very sensible folks so understand it.

When you are found chewing tobacco or smoking to the annoyance of the company or using vulgar or profane language, or frequent the doggeries, don't for a moment be so verdant as to suppose anybody suspects you of good breeding, intelligence or decency, for verily that would be an egregious blunder.

When some great question, involving morals and the cause of suffering humanity, is before the people, don't get astride the fence, and shake hands both ways, as the Politicians do, don't try to be popular at the expense of truth and righteousness, get down on one side or t'other, for verily your position is a ridiculous one, and fully understood. 

When you pray, don't bore your auditory with a fifteen-minute harangue, praying all over the world and back again, but after this manner, pray ye, (viz) imitating the example of Christ, be brief, the thoughts of your hearers are drawn from the skies to strained backs, and aching knees.

Make short prayers, quit when you are done and be not as the hypocrites are, do not as the heathens do, for ye shall not be heard for your much speaking.

When you would be thought a good temperance man, or woman, don't stand aloof from all temperance organizations crouch to the whiskey influence, and court the smiles of all engaged in the nefarious traffic, for so does the would-be codfish aristocracy.

When you do alms, do not get up an oyster supper and spend fifty dollars in gormandizing to raise as much more for the poor and then have the proceeds and distribution published in all the churches, but let your alms be in secret, then shall you have praise of God.

X

 

Bundle up, baby

Lawrenceburg Palladium, April 1827

From the Bloomington Gazette

Sparking -- At the March term of the Monroe circuit court at Bloomington (IN), a gentleman was fined $15 and a lady sentenced to 25 days imprisonment for BUNDLING three times.

It is to be hoped that this decision  will put a stop to this indecent manner of sparking, so common amongst the youngsters of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Carolina.

Query, why should the male be fined $15 only and a female [the weaker vessel] thrust within the four walls of a loathsome jai, there to be imprisoned for 25 days?

Note: Bundling was an old-time technique used by pioneer families to keep small children warm on long winter nights. Children would be wrapped together in bed, the boys separated from the girls by a wooden plank. The practice was supposed to end around puberty. Evidently, some folks had other ideas on it. The Amish were fond of the bundling board. 

As "contraception," it was an amazing concept. 

Bloomington was not much of a place in 1827. 

Liberia 1825

 

Indiana Palladium / Lawrenceburg August 5, 1825

The African Colony -- If this Colony shall prosper, as it probably will, though it is too distant to have much effect in reducing the number of free colored population in the United States, which was the original design of it, it may have a happy effect on the neighboring nations or tribes in that quarter of the world, and become highly valuable to us on account of the commerce which it will afford.

Coffee, cotton and rice grow here as natives, and may be cultivated to any extent. With these rich staples for exports, and a soil capable of producing abundant supplies of grain, what mighty results may be hoped for, when this colony of civilized blacks shall acquire power to command the adjacent inhabitants, forbid the slave trade and enter into treaties with the European and American nations? 

All these things may happen in less than fifty years, and possibly at an earlier period, and the hope of spreading light trough this dark land, should make us zealous for the success of the project, notwithstanding it may not materially affect he design for which the colony was established. 

The present colonists are healthy and appear to be prosperous -- and will be joined by others as fast, perhaps as the general good will admit of. A very rapid accession of population cannot be otherwise les injurious, as destructive of these fruits which experience has reared for the safety of persons and property.

NOTES: The colony was known as Liberia on the western coast of Africa. The proposal was accepted by most American politicians from 1816 forward until the Civil War that African Americans should want to return to their native homeland. Generally, black leaders opposed the plan, as did abolitionists and Southern slaveowners, who feared the loss of cheap labor.

Most states set up funds to help these people go back to Africa and in a couple of cases, actually mandated they leave the state in an effort to speed up the process.

Indiana, in 1851, wrote into its new Constitution that black people were prohibited from living or working in the state. The impact was theoretical; the law was repealed in 1866. 

Liberia still exists with some of its history rooted in American custom, but the country suffered a civil war in the last part of the 20th century. It's capital city is Monrovia, after James Monroe, the president when the plan to colonize the country was advanced.

A few white people were a part of this immigration, being either speculators or criminals in some cases.

As early as 1824, a similar program emerged to send some black people to the island of Haiti.

Colonization groups were founded essentially on racist agendas with no legitimate interest in helping freed slaves build a permanent government. Only a few thousand people actually took part in the colonization of Liberia and Haiti.

William Lloyd Garrison was author of Thoughts on African Colonization (1832), in which he proclaimed the society a fraud. According to Garrison and his many followers, the society was not a solution to the problem of American slavery — it actually was helping, and was intended to help, to preserve it. 

 

Stupid people stopped reading

 Indiana Palladium / Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Jan. 7, 1825

NEWSPAPERS

Newspapers are things that can be dispensed with -- as costing money that might be saved. So is the schooling of our children -- so, indeed, are nine-tenths of which it costs us to live. Almost any man might lay up money every year if he would live on bread and water, and clothe himself in the cheapest manner he could -- but what of that?

Who would live like a brute and die like a beggar, for the mere pleasure of saving money which he cannot carry hence with him -- though like a dead weight, it may hang upon his soul at the last moment of his mortal existence! There are few such -- five or ten in a million; and what wretched creatures are they? 

Most men, sensible that they must die, are disposed to enjoy a little of the fruits of their toils; and nothing is perhaps more necessary to the enjoyment of society, of self-satisfaction in retirement, than a well-informed and virtuous mind. It gives a zest to all things in prosperity, and is the best resource in adversity.

Newspapers though not always conducted with talents and respectability, are the best possible channels for obtaining an acquaintance with the affairs of the world, and to implant desires in the hearts of youth for more solid readings, as he goes on to maturity. 

In truth, they are the great engine that moves the moral and political world, and are infinitely powerful to establish the character of a people, as well as to preserve their liberties; and cannot be so easily disposed with as some persons believe -- unless, indeed, we think the trouble with self-government is too great, and agree to transfer the power of the state to the few that are ready to use it for their own advantage.

But this cannot be the will of the people of the United States; yet observing, however, the top general repugnance to reading, it is the duty of those who feel the pleasure and profit of it, to smooth the way to it and afford every facility that light and knowledge may be diffused. 

"An armed people and an unarmed magistracy," said (John) Dickinson, "is the best guarantee of freedom."

And while the body of the people read, reason and reflect -- while the press is free and liberally supported, the sword of the magistracy is pointless, except it is directed to execute the will of the people.

How important then is it that will should result from an enlightened mind? 

 

Maps by Noble

 Indiana American Apr 04, 1856

The UNDERSIGNED proposes to furnish to all subscribers, a complete map of the County, on the plan of that of Marion County, Ind., got up by Condit, Wright & Hayden, and now in the Auditor's office in the Court House at Brookville.

It will show at one view the names of every person in the county owning land, the public roads, Canal, churches, schoolhouses, mills, etc. 

This map will be valuable to every resident and a guide to any wishing to find any point within the County. Subscriptions are earnestly solicited and as soon as a sufficient number shall subscribe, the work will be commenced and prosecuted with vigor. 

I can be found at the Valley House, Brookville, and will be pleased to furnish all information. I hope all my old friends, of days long past, will solicit and send me subscribers. The price will be Five Dollars, on delivery.

Subscription lists will be left at all the towns and public places.

March 14 -- JAMES NOBLE

*

Notes: No idea if this James Noble is related to the senator, the brother or some other Noble who might have come from Brookville. Valley House = elegant hotel in Brookville built around this time by a German immigrant named Peter Schaf. (NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW THIS.)

<----------- James Noble, the senator in the first years of statehood, lived 1785-1831. His brother Noah was governor and was in charge when the state went broke as part of the Panic of 1837. Noah married his cousin and his offspring were the product of that. I doubt this James is one of them.

James Noble in this piece was a merchant in Brookville in the 1850s, Sen. Noble's son, also James, was a longtime officer in the U.S. Navy and it's possible this is the same man. 

Rose

  

The Corner Stone/ College Corner IN-OH Feb. 1876

Another Pioneer Gone

Wm. S. Rose died last Wednesday at the residence of his only daughter in Union County, Mrs. John Freeman, at the age of 81 and was buried by the Masons of Fairfield, of which Order he was an honorary member, at the burying ground below Fairfield. (Brier).

The funeral was preached in the M.E. Church at Fairfield. Mr. Rose made a Master Mason in Sharptown, N.J, in the year 1816 and moved to Union County in 1817, since which time with the exception of one or two years, he has been a resident of Union and Franklin counties, and has been Coroner of Union County since the recollection of the oldest inhabitant. He sold the first goods ever sold over a counter in Fairfield.

His friends were many and his enemies few. He had served more than the allotted period of years in the battle of life and leaves behind him a record which any man might well be proud to say at the close of life, "such has been my life too."

An alternate obituary in the Liberty Herald:

Again our hearts have been touched by the saddening influence of the hand of bereavement, softening our thoughts, and impressing upon our minds the great lesson that we, too, are mortal, and bearing a rapid flight to the Ocean of Eternity. 

The Angel of death has again entered our Lodge and we heard not the rustling of his wings or the sound of his footsteps, neither spake he of the land beyond the horizon of time, but silently gathered in the harvest of death, our aged and much esteemed Brother, William S. Rose, bear him to that land where the spirit needs no guiding hand, but roams at will, not among but forever away from the shadows.

**

Rose, as in Roseburg, is one of the original families in Harmony ad Liberty townships. Allegedly, Rose built the first permanent house in Fairfield that was not a log cabin. Rose was a member of the Bath Springs Presbyterian church. He was one of the original founders in 1821. The church lasted until 1857. I don't have many details about that. It was near Bath Springs Cemetery. -- JU 

ANOTHER ROSE LINK

Daniel -- not happy in 1876

 College Corner/ Corner Stone, Aug, 9, 1876

FAIRFIELD ITEMS

Mr. Editor -- It is evident that this place has a little life, yet it is rapidly dying. Some think that we will ultimately be engulfed in a vortex made by the toiling hand of the sturdy Granger. We are in great despair. The humming wheels of industry seems to stand still, while indolence and the cry of "hard times," pervade the ranks of our community. 

Once we had the opportunity of having a railroad up our beautiful valley, if we would give a few thousand dollars. But no one made a move toward it; and we now sleep in silent bliss, without a rattling car to disturb our slumbers.

Unless some change overcomes the demented minds of a few of our citizens, we will never have any improvements. Melancholy as it may seem, we have those in our minds, who own property and yet they oppose railroads as a great detriment to our welfare. Such men are fit subjects for the Insane Asylum, and should be prohibited from the right to suffrage.

Months have elapsed since we have had half enough hitching posts to accommodate those who come to town. Recently a few new posts have been erected; and the enterprising merchants who engaged in this work deserve the highest encomiums the Grangers can pronounce upon them. 

Our millers, Brown and Best, deserve much credit for the enterprising spirit they have manifested in rebuilding their mill dam which has been so often removed by high water within the past year.

Ferguson and Barton will teach the schools here for the coming year.

Our young and efficient physician, Dr. Homsher, is gaining a reputation in his profession that time can only efface.. Success to you George, is our wish. Debates on the Grange question can occasionally be heard here on the street corners.

This place has long been noted for its pretty girls. They are so fascinating that they have induced a young man who lives near Liberty to come and drink no more at the sparkling fountain of intemperance. That young and officious attorney, Davis, of Liberty, paid Fairfield a visit last week. Matrimony in view.

Our barber drinks blood. He is to be feared, lest he may become blood-thirsty. 

The Centennial is ceasing to be the topic of conversation. But few from here anticipate visiting the Exposition. Why do so many spend more money and time indiscreetly every year than would pay their expenses to the Centennial? Yet they so do and remain at home in ignorance of those grand sights which can be seen with but little cost.

Civilized and uncivilized, go and extend to foreigners the hand of amity and your mingling together will do much to enlighten and ameliorate all mankind.

Respectfully, 

Daniel 

***

Notes: In 1871, Fairfield voted on whether to have a railroad that began in Dearborn County and was to cut north on its way to Richmond. No idea if the plan was legitimate or half-baked. The vote failed the first time and evidently failed a second time as well. Pffffffffffft. 

Grangers were men of agriculture and connected with the workings of Milton Trusler, who lived in the Bentley area. No idea what these comments refer to otherwise.

The Centennial was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. No idea where the Exposition was being held. Presumably, not on the railroad line that didn't come through Fairfield in 1876. 

Dr. George Homsher was a prominent Fairfield doctor. LINK HERE