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 

Walter, before he became infamous

 Liberty Express, 1915

WALTER F. BOSSERT

Choice of Many Republicans for District Chairman

---

Walter F. Bossert, a well-known local attorney and leading Republican Party worker, was the unanimous choice as candidate for the chairman of the Republican committee of the Sixth District, in a meeting of district and precinct committeemen, held here on Tuesday afternoon.

The Richmond Item in speaking of Mr. Bossert, says that "He represents no faction but from expressions from all persons here at the Republican rally at Liberty, he has the support of all wings of the party. He is a young man and has progressive ideas."

He was a candidate for Joint Senator from Wayne and Union counties in 1914 and made a good race. The Wayne County sentiment, which it is said here would decide this choice, is in support of Mr. Bossert, according to expressions of Wayne County men here Tuesday.

Notes: Bossert was from Brookville and is more known as the man who replaced D.C. Stephenson as Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan after Stephenson was convicted of murder in 1925. Bossert served in that capacity until late 1926 when he was ousted by national KKK Wizard Hiram Evans.

So it was clear he did indeed represent "factions" after all, none of them particularly progressive.

Bossert obtained a law degree from Indiana University in 1907. He practiced law in Brookville for two years and was appointed deputy prosecutor for Franklin, Union, and Fayette counties when they constituted a judicial district. He then practiced law in Terre Haute for two years before resettling to Liberty in 1912. 

Bossert unsuccessfully ran for the party's nomination for U.S. senator at the 1938 state convention. He tried again in 1940, but his name was not placed in nomination at that year's convention.

Not much love lost, 1864

Franklin Defender, Sept. 30, 1864

DEMOCRATIC MEETING IN LAUREL

Mr. Editor -- As was to be expected, after speeches made here last Saturday by a Mr. Applegate of Connersville, and Dr. Berry, Secesh candidate for Congress in the 4th District, their followers commenced shouting for Jeff Davis, for which one of their poor tools got a ball put through him at the hands of Col. James Smith.

It is thought the wound will prove fatal. So much for the teachings of such men as Dr. Berry. The burthen of his speech was the old song -- abuse of the Administration, and the Abolitionists bringing on the war, when the Dr. knows every time he utters it, he lies. 

But Applegate can outlie the Doctor, the Devil or Jeff Davis and in very bad grammar at that. 

His speech was nothing but a tissue of lies from beginning to end. And there sat and stood the gaping crowd for at least two solid hours, guzzling it down as good Democracy.

Oh Democracy, Democracy, how hast thou fallen! Thy noble name will soon become a hissing and a byword of shame and derision, detested and despised alive with traitors.

Yours, etc.

A Looker On

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE

Lawrenceburg, Oct. 12, 1864

Fourth District is redeemed -- thank God! Farquhar is elected to Congress. Treason has met with a stunning blow in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Our Union is safe. Let lovers of the Union everywhere rejoice! -- ED

NOTES: John Farquhar, a Union Republican, defeated George Berry for Congress. There is some probable validity to the claim that Southern sympathies existed in western Franklin County, mainly in Blooming Grove and Laurel townships. It's also likely it was political hate. That's Dr. Berry ---------------------->

William P. Applegate of Connersville was an active member of the Democratic (Jacksonian) Party in the 1860s and had sought a Congressional seat on a couple of occasions. 

Jeff Davis was, of course, Confederate president Jefferson Davis. 

Col. James Smith is harder to identify. He may have been from Springfield Township. If he killed somebody, he either went to prison or was told to leave the county. 

News of the day, more or less

 Brookville American, 1859

Briefs

-- Austin Webb will not remove from Blooming Grove, divers rumors to the contrary, notwithstanding, but will remain at the old stand, where he is ready at all times to do anything in his line from making nail up to repairing an 'ingine.'

-- Apropos of this subject, we will remark that the citizens of Blooming Grove and vicinity request us to state that a wagon maker is needed in their town, and from what we know of the location, etc., we no hesitancy tin saying that one would do well at that place.

-- The Democracy of Fairfield Township feel highly honored, no doubt, in the act of the Commissioners passing them by, and appointing as their appraiser of real estate, a whilom Main Liquor Law and renegade Know Nothing from Blooming Grove Township -- República is ungrateful!

-- Our friend, B.F. Webb, Esq., of Blooming Grove, has turned Dentist, and offers his professional services to the public. -- Success to him.

Rev. Mr. Iddings of Dunlapsville will preach at the Presbyterian Church in this place on next Sabbath (25th inst.) at 10 1/2 o'clock A.M. and 6 1/2 o'clock P.M. 

-- We are pleased to learn that Dr. Babb of Fairfield who has been seriously ill for a length of time, is improving and bids fair for a speedy recovery. This reminds us that the Dr. offers his property for sale.

State Tax

The vote in the House of Representatives indicates the defeat of the bill to levy a state tax to be collected on the present valuation of real estate. It is a truth long known by many taxpayers that great inequality exits in the appraised value of real estate, which should be first corrected, that taxes may be equitably levied. 

Forty counties south of the center of the state pay double the taxes that the same number of counties laying north of that line do. This inequality is outrageous and must be adjusted. 

It is declared practicable to borrow the money at reasonable rates to meet the deficiency for want of this tax levy, which should be done, and a fair and just appraisement made for the next year's duplicate.

Burglar Arrested

On Monday last the 13th, the store of Samuel Boutcher & Son of New Trenton was broken open and $80 (four $20 bills) stolen therefrom. 

Suspicion resting upon one George Baker, a resident of the place, he was arrested and taken before Esq. Barber, trial had and upon failure to execute bonds in the sum of $200, for his appearance at Court, was ordered to be committed to the jail of this county, where he remains at present, having arrived here late on Tuesday night. 

He will now have the pleasure of tasting the salubrious atmosphere of that "black hole of modern Calcutta" for a while. Whether it will have a tendency to commend his morals, time alone will tell.

Those who profess to be on terms of intimacy with him say that he is "defunct in the abstract." 

What, no bacon?

Brookville American, July 1836

CINCINNATI markets

FLOUR. There has been but little enquiry for this article in the past week, in consequence of which a decline has taken place; price from boats $4.50.

WHISKEY. The demand is brisk and readily obtains 28 cts.; the stock in market is quite light, and but a small quantity is coming in.

LARD. A very great dullness prevails in the market with regard to this article; holders insisting upon such high rates for all qualities, as presents but small inducements to shippers to purchase -- 12c. nominal.

BACON. The receipts are light that which arrives readily commands 8 cts. hog round.

PORK. No sales. $10 Prime $16 nominal.

FEATHERS. Are in great request though at reduced prices; for a prime article 37 1/2 cts. per lb. is offered.

TOBACCO, Kentucky man. In this article we observe no improvement, and probably there will be none until the shipping season arrives. Price 9 1/2 cts.

Link rot

 It's a term the internet people use to describe web links that either expired or became something else. That's less common when Wikipedia links are included or those that are generated by various government libraries. I try (tried) to stay up with that but somebody I won't.