Demon rum

Indiana American, Aug. 1854

SAD AND MOURNFUL PROCESSION

A short time since, a touching spectacle was seen in the streets of our neighboring city, Richmond. An orphan boy who had stemmed the world's destructive tide without the counsel of a father or the prayers of a mother, murdered by rum and rum seller was conveyed to his last and resting place, a drunkard's grave, attended by one solitary mourner, an orphan sister.

His last hours were spent in the ravings of a soul-killing delirium, which haunted his dying couch with all the unearthly phantoms and bloody demons which that loathsome disease brings up to torment men before their time.

-- Ladies' Temperance Wreath

ANOTHER VICTIM

We are fully aware that our liquor sellers, their attorneys, candidates and organ, do not thank us for parading before the public their victims, but in truth, we do not want their thanks.

If we can place before the citizens of Indiana, such facts as will show that the liquor traffic is a work of death, and the slain are in our midst, we expect they will act promptly to remove the destroyer. The rummies and their allies so believe, also and hence they rage.

Let them rage. They hay even charge us with cruelty in alluding to the dead but such a charge comes with a poor grace from men that will take the last dime from a poor drunkard, regardless of wife's sufferings or feelings, or will take a fee against a poor woman, who sues for damages.

Last week, a man living on Blue Creek, once an affable citizen, a kind husband and affectionate father  -- but the liquor made him a demon and his wife applied for a divorce. The man has died, and present desolation of his once happy family is clearly attributable to the liquor traffic.

ANOTHER -- Mr. Cuppy, who ahs been confined in our jail for many months, was sent this week to the penitentiary for two years, ostensibly for passing counterfeit money, but really on account of drinking whisky.

The county has been taxed heavily in his imprisonment trial, and now he goes to spent two years laboring in solitary confinement for the state that has licensed men to make him what he is.

And yet the Democratic party says it would be worse to search doggeries, for mean whisky, than to send men to the penitentiary for drinking it. 

Note: T.A. Goodwin, the paper's editor, was a Methodist minister and strong prohibitionist. He never let up and was ruthless in his editorial comments. "Doggery" was another word for saloon or ginmill. Goodwin was a Republican (or, Whig in those years.)

Oil and water -- a mixture

College Corner News, Oct. 1910

Streets Oiled

Liberty's streets in the business section with the exception of a portion around the courthouse, which is controlled by the county, have been treated to a coat of oil.

The work has been done by C.E. Davis of Connersville and is paid for by the firms having frontage on the streets benefited.

The dust and loose dirt is first swept to the side of the street and the crude oil is applied by a large sprinkler. An amount of the dirt is then swept back to cover the oil and the street rolled by the steam roller.

This treatment is no longer an experiment, as least in many other places and the good effect is already evident. The odor is not very bad and the streets are a little unsightly for a time and a little inconvenience by the oil being tracked into the stores and houses, the road soon hardens and the dust is kept down.

It is believed that two or three treatments a year will demonstrate the superiority of this method of road preserving and dust prevention and that it will be used extensively, if not altogether on the streets next year.

In College Corner, the dust laying qualities have been demonstrated and a movement is now being agitated by our progressive merchants who will arrange to oil our streets next summer.

Democrat, Dec. 1914

Novel Water Supply

On the farm of Andrew Kelley in Fairfield Township can be seen in operation what one might call a novel method pf supplying water where needed. Mr. Kelley has experienced much difficulty in obtaining water, having dug and blasted a number of wells which were failures as the earth is underlaid with continuous ledges of heavy limestone.

At the suggestion of friends, he was persuaded to try his luck on a high elevation back on the farm far above the line of limestone.

This he did during the dry season just past, and at a depth of 23 feet, succeeded in finding a good supply of water raising to near 14 feet.

Then with one and one-quarter inch galvanized pipe he had same piped to his barn and uses instead of a pump, an inch and a quarter hydrant lever, a full flow is had in an instant.

It required about 600 feet of pipe and as the well is at an elevation of some 60 feet, the water is syphoned and will flow continuously when hydrant is open.

This work was planned and installed by J.T. Buckley of Fairfield Township.

 

Death and taxes

American, Feb. 1850

Obituary

Died in Fairfield on Friday, Feb. 8, Rev. E. Rutledge, pastor of the Fairfield Circuit, and a member of the Indiana annual Conference.

His disease was small pox. For some weeks before his decease, Mr. R. had been indisposed, which perhaps tendered him ore susceptible of the dreadful disease of which he died.

How he was exposed or from whom he received the contagion, we believe is not certainly known. The fact that he was exposed, however, and its consequences are now known to his family and Charge.

Mr. R. united with the Indiana Conference at its session in Indianapolis in 1837, in company with 26 others, several of whom have also ceased their labors and entered into rest.

Mr.  R., though not a brilliant preacher, was a man of very respectable preaching abilities, to which he added personal and ministerial dignity and deep solid piety.

He remained two years in charge of several circuits, and had entered upon his second on Fairfield circuit, when the summons came for him to lay down the cross and take up the crown.

Amen

Liberty Herald, Dec. 1863

Turnpike to Liberty

There is a good turnpike from Fairfield to Brookville, while Liberty and Fairfield are connected only by a common dirt road. 

At present the farmers of Fairfield and vicinity bring their grain to Liberty on account of her railroad facilities, but when Brookville becomes a railroad market, the Fairfield trade will certainly leave us, unless a good road is built to that place.

Such a road, we understand, could be made at very little expense, gravel being easily obtained all along the route, and it certainly would be a great advantage to our businessmen.

Xmas = common even in 1914

 

More fun Fairfield fragments

American, 1844

S. SCHWARTZ

BOOK BINDER, FAIRFIELD

The subscriber respectfully informs the public that he has located himself in the town of Fairfield, Franklin County, where he is prepared to bind books neatly, and substantially on the shortest notice. His terms will be low and produce will be taken at the market prices.

Books to be bound, if left at the Indiana American office, Brookville, with directions will be received there, bound and returned here as soon as possible.

Democrat, 1898

PUBLIC LECTURE

A free lecture will be given at the Fairfield M.E. Church on Friday evening, Oct. 21, by Rev. H.D. Sterrett of Brookville on the subject of "Fraternities."

The fact that Bro. Sterrett is a member of the leading popular secret orders enables him to speak advisedly on the advantages of brotherhood.

Let there be a good house as the speaker is a magnetic and popular talker.

Democrat, 1905

Joseph Baney, who was convicted of petit larceny at the November term of the court, was taken to the state prison at Michigan City Monday by Sheriff Stinger. Abe Bossert, Frank Geis, Charles Cooley and John Bruns accompanied Mr. Stinger. From Michigan City, they elected to go to Chicago on Monday where they visited the Deering Harvester works and the Armour packing and fertilizer plants. (Well, since we're in the area, why not?)

Democrat, 1923

The Methodist churches of Franklin County will hold a rally on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Fairfield. This is a statewide movement.

The morning program will be given by the young people and will consist of amusements of all sorts, singing and recitations. The afternoon program will be given by the adults. Three state speakers will be there.

Fairfield is putting forth every effort to make this day a success. Two prizes will be given, one for the largest delegation of the church membership; the other for the best float.

This should be a banner day for Methodism in the county. Bring well filled baskets. People of other churches are invited to take part in the festivities.

News from the 1870s

Connersville News, 1876-78

FAIRFIELD NEWS

There are four blacksmith shops in Fairfield and all liberally patronized.

The Teachers Institute to be held in this place Saturday next, the 9th instant, will be of more than usual interest, as an excellent program has been prepared.

George Loper took some horses to the city last week, but being unwilling to give them away and pay something to get someone to take them away, he brought them back.

It is said that the Universalists contemplate holding a protracted meeting at Ireland Church sometime in December.

D.P. Ernst announces it as his intention to remove from this place to Liberty sometime this winter, where he will start a carriage repair shop. Fark is one of the best carriage painters in the state.

Dr. Shepard has moved from Everton to our little village.

River has been on a "bender" several times quite recently.

Three horses and a mule to a break wagon ran off one day last week. Some damage done.

Peter Updike, formerly of this place, is out as a candidate for Recorder, subject to the Democratic County Convention.

A young gentleman from Harrison, Ohio, was in town yesterday, seeking a location for carrying on tailoring. A good tailor would be well patronized.

A young gentleman of this place of considerable talent and plenty of learning has been offered the position of local editor on the Muncie Times, but he does not know whether to accept or not.

Efforts are being made to have this delightful little village incorporated, and we trust it will be done, as that is what should be done, and only those who have been accustomed to converting some of the streets and alleys into barn yards and feeding places for their stock, are opposed to it.

The dramatic entertainment at Quakertown a few nights since, was a success, financially at least, and the rendition of "Saved," was quite good. They play at Blooming Grove soon.

 

Will Will run?

Indiana papers, July 1919

HAYS WILL DECLARE 

HIS INTENTIONS NEXT 

WEEK AT BROOKVILLE

Will H. Hays will deliver an address to the midsummer meeting of the Indiana Republican Editorial association at Magnesia Springs near Brookville on Aug. 1.

In his address, he will make a definite announcement in regard to his intentions as to the governorship. He has not thus far said positively that he would or would not become a candidate for the nomination, but the general expectation is that he will tell the editors that he proposes to go after the nomination.

The fact that Hays will make this speech and outline his intentions has just become known, and already it has added interest in the meeting, which will attract a large crowd of Republicans from all the state.

Magnesia Springs, where the meeting will be held is on of the most beautiful spots in Indiana. It is situated two miles south of Brookville in of the pretty sections of the scenic section of Indiana. 

It is a park with a large assembly hall to which a chicken dinner will be served. Plans have been made to run a special train from Cambridge City to Brookville in the morning to take the crowd to the place. (Train ran very near M.S.)

ON THE OTHER HAND ...

Will H. Hays, chairman of the Republican national committee, will not be a candidate for the nomination for governor of Indiana. 

He will continue to give his undivided attention to the national chairmanship. Mr. Hays, in a brief statement, announced his decision at the mid-summer meeting of the Indiana Republican Editorial association.

"I am very sensible of the privilege incident to the opportunity for service and distinguished honor in the governorship, but I cannot, however, further consider being a candidate."

Note: (Some AI research here) William Harrison Hays Sr. was chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1918 to 1921, and he managed the successful 1920 presidential campaign of Warren G. Harding. (It's most likely he knew he'd be doing that when he decided not to run for governor.)

Harding then appointed Hays to Postmaster General. 

Hays resigned in 1922 to become the first chairman of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. As chairman, Hays oversaw the promulgation of the Motion Picture Production Code (informally known as the Hays Code), which spelled out a set of moral guidelines for the self-censorship of content in American cinema.

Hays was also somewhat involved in the infamous Teapot Dome scandal in the 1920s when rich Republicans were paid off for various reasons.

Harding died in office in 1923. 

Templeton -- to the Sealess Shore and back

Note: Plenty of content in the 2015 blog on the original settlers. Feel free to look around for it. This is the obit of one of the first children on that group.

JOHN F. TEMPLETON DEAD

A pioneer of the Whitewater Valley gone to join the innumerable caravan in that Land Where Sealess Shore mingles with Shoreless Sea.

The air was freighted with sadness on the old Templeton homestead in Harmony Township, Union County, Ind., Thursday morning, June 18, 1891 (about 2 miles south of old Quakertown settlement).

The sweet June sunshine had hardly climbed the shoulder of the eastern hills that summer morning when the heart of Uncle Jack, as he was familiarly called, ceased to beat, and death claimed its own from the arms of a quiet sleep into which he had fallen about 5 o'clock. His life went out like a tune set to pleasant words; like a murmuring brook over pebbly bottom whose sounds is forever lost among the dark marshes of some green meadowland.

"Uncle Jack" was born on the homestead where he died. Nov. 29, 1807, and was aged 83 years, 6 moths and 19 days. He was the first white male child born in the Whitewater Valley. His sister, Mrs. Katy Newland, who was born July 15, 1805, was the first white female child born in the Whitewater Valley.  

His father John Templeton was born in the county of Astrum, Ireland, Jan. 28, 1776 and was married to Mary J. Janna, which home he went to South Carolina in 1801 and came to the Whitewater Valley with the Carolina colony, passing through Cincinnati which then had but one store, and settled on the Templeton homestead in Nov. 1807, where his son John F. was born.

The Carolina colony was composed of the following prominent families: John and Joseph Hanna, Templeton, William and John Logan, Geo. Leviston, John Hanna Jr., Robert Templeton, John Ewing and Robert Swann. 

The first pioneer cabins on the East Whitewater Valley were erected in 1804.

When his family located here, his first night was spend under a tree, near Fairfield, with a root for a pillow.

The funeral services were conducted in the Presbyterian church in Liberty by Rev. J.S. Revenaugh. Burial at West Point cemetery. 

He was taken ill on Monday, his case assuming a dangerous form on Tuesday, he grew worse until the leadened winged messenger came Thursday morning. 

Those who were nearest and dearest to him can know and feel that he has only drifted a little while before them i=on the sunbeams of that early summer morn, out into that land where sealess shore mingles with shoreless sea, and God rule eternal.

-- Will H.

Liberty, Ind., June 20, 1891

From 1884 Atlas showing J. and Benjamin F. Templeton land just south of old Quakertown settlement in Union County. As an aside, the land just south, owned by Elmira Koerner. She was the wife of Daniel Koerner, whose sister was Susan Koener Wright, the mother of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Most of the Koerners are buried in Old Franklin Cemetery east of New Fairfield. 

Eloped! Oh, the shock of it!

Connersville Examiner, March 20, 1894

WELL, WELL!

A Marriage Quite Romantic

The following dispatch taken from the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette, will surprise many of our people:

DAYTON, O, March 19 -- Mr. Harry Feicht, of this city, and Miss Noree Lea Cory of Fairfield, Indiana, were united in marriage at Covington, Kentucky, on the eighth day of January last. This is seemingly a tardy announcement of the marriage of two well-known and popular young people, but until today it was a secret securely locked within the bosoms of the confiding pair.

Mr. Feicht is the manager of the Grand Opera House and Park Theater. (Those were Dayton theaters.) He was born and reared in this city, and has a host of friends and associates little suspect that he quit their ranks over two weeks ago, and will probably remain in blissful ignorance of the matrimonial event until the announcement appears in the papers today.

Miss Cory, or Mrs. Feicht, more properly speaking, is the daughter of Hon. and Mrs. C.R. Cory, well known residents of Fairfield. She is a charming and cultured young woman, and is a favorite among a wide circle of acquaintances in Indiana, who will be as surprised as Mr. Feicht's friends when they read this announcement.

Still greater, doubtless, will be the surprise of the parents of both parties concerned, for even from them did the bride and groom conceal the secret marriage. 

The ceremony was performed by Rev. George Darsie, at the latter's residence, 408 Russell Street, Covington. Those who doubt it, if their curiosity is sufficiently strong, can examine the records. The marriage was properly recorded, but not until this afternoon. 

There is a tinge of romance running through the courtship and marriage. The occasion for the secrecy has not yet been disclosed. It may have been simply a whim, but whatever the cause, the secret was well guarded.

The acquaintance was formed about three years ago, at which time Miss Cory was a student at the Oxford Female College. It was a formal introduction, like many which are given every day. With Mr. Feicht and Miss Cory, however, it was a case of love at first sight, and since that time, it was noted by the friends of the former that he took many trips to Indiana.

During the holidays, Miss Cory visited Dayton, was introduced among Mr. Feicht's acquaintances and much admired by them. Upon leaving Dayton, she went to Aurora, Indiana, to pay a visit among friends.

On the 8th day of January, a date which will long be remembered by her, she started for home via Cincinnati. 

By a preconcerted arrangement she met Mr. Feicht at the Grand Central depot and inasmuch as they had several hours to wait before the train to Fairfield, a stroll was taken around the Queen City.

It seems that it was during this walk that Harry "popped" the question and was accepted. Next came the question: Why not get married at once?

"Why not?" echoed both. It was agreed and a half-hour later, the event described took place.

Mrs. Feicht caught the train and returned to her home at Fairfield. Mr. Feicht came to Dayton and for aught the parents and friends knew, they were yet enjoying single blessedness.

Feight has made several visits to Fairfield, but he posed in the light of a lover, and not a husband. Today they again met in Cincinnati, went to Covington, had the marriage recorded, and tomorrow they start on a brief honeymoon.

Mr. Feicht has engaged and handsomely furnished a suite of rooms at the Phillips House (in Dayton) , where they will be at home to their friends after March 28. They will receive many congratulations upon their return. As already stated, the bride is a cultured and attractive lady.

Although a Protestant by birth and faith, she attended Oldenburg Convent for eight years and afterward attended the Female Seminary at Oxford for a number of years. (aka Western College for Women).

Miss Cory is well known in this city and is a sister of Mrs. Dr. Smolley and a favorite among our young people. Mr. Feicht is well known to many in this city and is an exceedingly clever gentleman. The Examiner extends congratulations.

***

Notes: The "this city" part refers to Dayton, not Connersville. Feicht was from Dayton but left there in 1901. His Find-A-Grave page does not show a wife, but that's only because there's no F-A-G entry. F-A-G is flawed in that respect. The two were still married in 1908, and Noree was still living in Franklin County. Sometime after 1911, she stopped being Mrs. Feicht and started being Miss Cory, which suggests she divorced him. There were apparently no children.

Feicht died in 1918 in New York (aged 56) and was known under the name of Harry Ellsworth. His obituary does not mention Noree at all. Harry was a theater organizer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur and lecturer. He was reportedly invited to Chicago in 1897 to produce a musical play about the city's history. He was connected to heavyweights in Midwestern industry. Feicht was not a nobody. 

In 1902, at the St. Louis World's Fair, he put together a mammoth version of "Passion Play," a religious spectacle for which he was famous. Feicht was not a nobody, though he may have been a philanderer.

I found no obituary information on Noree. I concluded that she is still living. -- 2026

Noree's sister was Dr. Maude Cory Smolley, who eventually married Carlton Andrews. Link to that here. 

You could not take a train to Fairfield. Photo of the Cory house in Fairfield is included here. Images are from the Franklin County Historical Society. The photo of Maude (in white) and Noree was taken in 1894 and it's clear Noree is dressed for travel. 

Asbestos -- not a new thing

Vevay, Ind., Jan. 14, 1825

ASBESTOS

The following article, copied from a Richmond paper, we think worthy of notice.

"A Newburyport (Mass.) paper states, that Mr. Bole has found, near Parker's river, in Newbury, a piece of mineral substance, which appears by experiment, to be the genuine Asbestos."

We well recollect in 1794 seeing several large pieces of Asbestos on an island in Parker's river, the filaments of some of which were nearly three inches in length. It was then said that the island contained large quantities. 

In 1800, about 15 miles from Baltimore, Asbestos was found, some which were near four inches in length.

It was used for the wick of a lamp in Baltimore, but though unconsumed, the flame was much more dim that that from a cotton wick.

Pliny says that cloth made of it was used by the ancients for a shroud to the ashes of the dead. A napkin, twenty-four inches square, costs in China, $170. 

The royal society in England has a piece of this cloth, 12 inches by 9 which has been washed by burning it red, but it lost in the burning, three grains each time.

{The editor recollects of having seen a piece of this mineral, exhibited by a farmer near Fishkill in the state of New York in the year 1805, who said he had obtained it on the side of the mountain, and that there was considerable quantity of it at that place. From recollection, no doubt is entertained of its being the genuine Asbestos.}

Note: Natural asbestos is formed through natural geological processes, not commercial processing; it poses a health risk when disturbed and fibers become airborne, potentially causing cancers like mesothelioma and asbestosis, but is generally safe when left alone in its rock formations. 

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1854 -- trains and such

Indiana American, August 1854

VALLEY ROAD

The Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago Road (being the road straight through to Cincinnati by the White Water Valley) promptly made their payment yesterday in cash on their excellent Depot grounds in this place.

The road is progressing surely and safely. They take good real estate for stock, and we hear that they have accepted 93,000 acres in the last 20 days.

The lands are in various parts of the country and are received by appraisement of three persons under oath.

With their safe and efficient President, E. M. Gregory, this road will be managed rightly but they will not begin before they are ready, consequently they will not swamp down. 

-- Ind. Journal

• The turnpike to Metamora is nearly completed. We are glad of this. We not expect to visit that thriving place more frequently. (This became U.S. 52.)
• The fourth quarterly meeting on Fairfield circuit will be a basket meeting in the grove east of Blooming Grove on the 2nd and 3rd of September.
• Geo. A. Chase will deliver a temperance lecture at Blooming Grove Sunday the 27th at 10:30 a.m. and at Fairfield at 3 p.m. the same day.
• John L. Robinson don't like the American. If we would steep it in whisky or lard oil, he would literally devour it.