From the Pages of History

Meet Mick Holloway, our resident expert on all things Randolph County. This lifelong resident of Randolph County is a veritable fount of knowledge with an incredible talent for storytelling, an amazing sense of humor, and a wit to match. You can usually find Mick in the back room at the museum searching through old newspapers for stories to add to his personal collection or doing research for a member of the Society. Mick will be the official blogger for the Society, sharing tales of old.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

243. Could You Be Related? Reunions, Divorces, Marriages, Bastardy!, Wills

RCHS Blog Post Number 243.

Could You Be Related?

Reunions, Divorces, Marriages, Bastardy!, Wills

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Winchester Class of 1910 Reunion

1947

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence HELTZ graciously welcomed fourteen members of the Winchester Class of 1910 and their guests into their lovely country home for the first reunion of the class.

The meeting was called to order by ringing the old school bell. Oscar PUCKETT, former teacher, led the singing of "America" and "In The Sweet Bye and Bye." Prayer was offered and roll call responses were "What I've Been Doing Since Graduation."

Interesting letters were read from Lee INMAN, chain store manager of Rice Lake, Wis.; Mabel EISENHOUR-HINSHAW, wife of a missionary of Riberalta, Bolivia; Sidney SMALL, consulting engineer of Los Angeles, Calif.; Golva DOOHER-HAMILTON of Saint Davids, Pa.; Lesta CURRY, teacher in New York City and Dr. Lee L. DRIVER of Cleveland, Ohio. Helen ENGLE-HART of Indianapolis, Leona BRIGHT-ROSE of Muncie and Clara CLIMER-JOHNSON of Lynn sent greetings.

Class members present were Clarence Heltz, Walter SIMMONS, Herman KEYS, Russell BALES, Lucile HAYNES-ABEL, Hazel CLIMER-MACY, May HOUK-WICKERSHAM, Ella KABEL-WILSON,, Eva CORTNER-DIGGS, Edna WASSON, Edna HIATT-MILLS, Zelma ADAMS, Ethel ROOSA-MACON, Iona HAWKINS-MOORE and Opha HITCHCOCK-LENKENSDOFER.

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Death of Little Garnet

1922

The eleven-months-old daughter, Garnet, of Mr. and Mrs. Seth SAYER, colored, died at her home northwest of Winchester. Funeral services were held at the Cabin Creek church near Modoc by a minister from Dunkirk.

(Notes from RCHS volunteer, Thursa Short: Research of Little Garnet revealed she is likely the daughter of Seth Thomas & Clara (Tate) Sawyer. Seth was a blacksmith who was noted on 1920 Census living in Monroe Township and owned his own shop and home. Her parents were noted to be 41 and 37, colored, a blacksmith and a housekeeper, living in Stoney Creek Township on Garnet's birth certificate. She was a female, single birth, legitimate birth, third in birth order, on April 14, 1921. On her death certificate, it was noted as Monroe Township, Garnet Rozelle Sawyer, colored female born on April 14, 1921, died on March 12, 1922 at 7am. She was attended to by by John Nixon, MD from March 9 to March 12, 1922 and cause of death was noted as Broncho Pneumonia. Her age was noted as 10 months, 28 days. Her mother provided the information for the death certificate. The undertaker was C. L. Thornburg, she was embalmed and she was buried at "Cabin Creek near (illegible)" on March 14, 1922.) Her marker can be found in the cemetery where her parents and sister are laid to rest: Scott Cemetery, also called African Methodist Cemetery about five miles south of Farmland on Indiana Highway 1. It appears as a small wooded area in a niche of the grounds commonly seen as the county landfill on the east side of the road, just south of Randolph County Road 500 South.)

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Thompson's Golden Wedding Anniversary

1934

Mr. and Mrs. Lonzo THOMPSON will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, Feb. 4 at their home 3 miles north of Lynn. Two of their children are living, Mrs Viola ARVIN and Mrs. Clara REESE of Lynn and one grandchild, Alice Louise Arvin.

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Fishing the stream that inspired the Hoosier Poet

1940

While working in the capacity as a mail clerk on the Big Four railroad in 1916, Charles RAYMERT, of Union City and Yours Truly (Gail FIELDER) had occasion on a hot July day to fish a small stream in Hancock county. Our luck along this line was nothing to brag about and meeting a farmer in a nearby field, we gave vent to our feelings as to the merits of the stream, to which he said: "Fish or no fish, you ought to consider it an honor to cast your lines in a stream made famous by James Whitcomb Riley when he wrote that poem--"Up and Down Old Brandywine."

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Citizens of Randolph County to Easthaven Asylum

1907

There are at present six persons in Randolph county awaiting commitment to Easthaven asylum at Richmond. They are Cora C. PHILIPS, Elliott THORNBURG, C. A. PARSONS, Charles L. GINN, William DEMORY and Matilda KETRING.

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Civil War Soldiers Living in Randolph County

1913

Confederate veterans living in Randolph county in 1913: R. H. HUTCHENS of Losantville, David E. REITENOUR of Winchester and Abraham KETTERMAN of Parker.

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Will of William C. Wood

1933

The will of William C. WOOD, deceased, has been filed for probate in the Randolph County Circuit Court. $100 to the New Pittsburgh Cemetery Assn., the interest from which is to be used for the upkeep of his cemetery lot; $100 to a niece Laura GERSON; to the wife, Mary E. Wood, all the balance of the estate, real and personal, during her lifetime.

After her death the real estate is bequeathed to Orlie PRATT; and all bonds, notes, mortgages, money and such personal property to Kenneth Pratt. This will was written March 1, 1929.

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Land for Morton Elementary School Purchased

1914

The city school board has purchased the John BARTHOLOMEW and Mrs. H. T. SEMANS properties on North Residence street and will remove the dwelling houses and erect a modern school building (Morton) to replace the North Ward and Central buildings which have been condemned. The frontage comprises more than 200 front feet and in length runs to Union street with all of the creek bottom to Short street.

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Marriages: Chamness, Moore, Stevenson, Wickersham

August 1933

Marriage licenses: Charles Clifford CHAMNESS, Jr. 18, farmer of Lynn, Rural Route 3, and Martha La Vaughn MOORE, 17, housekeeper of Lynn. James Henry STEVENSON, 28, farmer of Carlos and Frances Pauline WICKERSHAM, 29, teacher at Carlos.

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Bastardy Charge Against C. Daum

1922

Charles DAUM, arrested on a bastardy charge two months ago, and who has languished in jail since that time, finally concluded the best way out of his trouble was to make good by marrying the girl, so he and Miss Minnie May ALEXANDER were married in the Clerk's office by Squire Coats.

Charles Daum, 1893-1947.
Burial at Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, Indiana.
Photo taken November 2021.

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Coats Log House of 1820 Torn Down

1894

George PRICE is tearing down what is believed to be the oldest building in Randolph county. It is a round log house built by John COATS when he first settled here in 1820, a short distance from Winchester. In this house, which is only 18 x 20 feet, Mr. Coats and his wife raised 12 children to man and womanhood. These children were all married and settled so close to their parents that they could be in time for breakfast any morning they desired to do so until the Civil War broke out, since which time they have become scattered. Mr. Price is going to have a basswood log from the home sawn and he will make canes as momentos of this pioneer family and their historic residence.

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West River Township Schools Sold

1911

Trustee Smith LEE of West River township sold the following schools; College Corner School #8 (ground and building) for $247. to C. R. FARQUAR; School #10, building only for $96. to Bales PUGH; Julian EDWARDS bought the wood house, but the ground was not sold. The Huntsville school and ground did not sell.

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Photographers of Ridgeville & Winchester Partnership

1904

J. F. WENTZ, who has been a photographer at Ridgeville for the past sixteen years has purchased a half interest in the E. R. HIATT photograph gallery in Winchester. Patronage was so strong that Mr. Hiatt was compelled to take a partner to assist in getting out the work.

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Stoney Creek Township School Teacher

1914

The schools of Stoney Creek twp. will begin on the 7th day of September, 1914 with the following teachers in charge; #3, Garver WRIGHT, principal, Melva HARRIS primary; #1, Leon STRAHAN; #4, Florence PEARSON; #6, Ancil FRENCH; #7, Jay HAMMERS; #8, Grace DUDLEY. The pupils of #5, which was abandoned for lack of pupils under the state law, will be taken care of in the other schools.

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Will of Sarah Jane Retter

1934

The last will of Sarah Jane RETTER has been filed for probate in the Randolph circuit court. After payment of just debts, it first provides that one iron bed and bedding for same shall go to a grandson, Donald Retter, another iron bed and bedding for same is bequeathed to another grandson, Kenner Retter. To a granddaughter, Maude Retter, a white bed and bedding is left; while all the remaining beds in her home at Lynn is bequeathed to another granddaughter, Mabel MARQUIS. All remaining house goods, furniture, dishes, utensils and poultry at Lynn goes to the two granddaughters, to be divided by two disinterested women.

To a son, Otho, is left one of two $100 United States bonds. All the residue of the estate is bequeathed to three sons, Otis, Arnold and William, to be divided equally.

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White River Township One Room School No. 7

1886

School #7, White River Twp. Report. 30 pupils enrolled. General average in studies, 89 1/2. Not absent during the term, C. T. SNYDER, Omer Snyder, George MOORMAN, John and Lafe WOLFE. School closed 12th of March unexpectedly. L. W. GREENE, teacher.

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Marriages: Brown, Mock, Baker, Benson, Martz, Huffer, Hall, Chenoweth, Moodt, Zimmerman, Life

1922

Marriage Licenses.

Harold Elroy BROWN, age 23, teacher, Montpelier, to Pearl May MOCK, age 20, student, Ridgeville.

Charles Jennings MOCK, age 24, farmer, Ridgeville to Irene BAKER, age 23, housekeeper, Union City.

Floyd Donald BENSON, age 22, farmer, Lynn to Anna Marie MARTZ, age 22, housekeeper, Winchester.

Forrest Noble HUFFER, age 20, farmer, Farmland to Mardell Georgiana HALL, age 19, housekeeper, Parker.

James Harvey CHENOWETH, age 21, farmer, Lynn to Eva Nancy MOODT, age 22, seamstress, Lynn.

Forrest John ZIMMERMAN, age 24, farmer, Ridgeville to Mildred Ruth LIFE, age 21, housekeeper, Parker.

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Winchester Library Located On Southside Courthouse Square

1913

The Winchester library is located in the two front rooms above the A. D. HINSHAW grocery in the W. E. MILLER building on the south side of the square.

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Horse Thief Association

1908

The Spartanburg Detective Co. filed a petition last week before the county board of commissioners, requesting the appointment of a number of their members as constables and officers of the horse thief association. The petition reads as follows; "The undersigned Spartanburg Detective Company hereby designates the following named members of said company to be appointed as constables as provided by the Statutes of 1907, of the State of Indiana; Willie WISE, Thomas DONAHUE, William HART, Albert JACKSON, Thomas STACK, George ARMSTRONG, James Jackson, John CRIST, Thomas MORGAN, Albert Morgan, Bert WIGGS, George COMER, John HOUGH, Sanford Crist, John BEVERLY and John C. BUNCH.

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Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

Read page 129-140 to read "Death Records And Cemetery History." Page 131article titled "Franklin Township Cemeteries: 1. Race Street" has a very brief description.

Read page 446 to read the family history of Joab Addington which was submitted by Joanne Moulton.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

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Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

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Thursday, November 11, 2021

244. Veterans Day 1999 - Reflections of Civil War to WW2 - Men & Women Serving

RCHS Blog Post Number 244.

Veterans Day 1999 - Reflections of Civil War to WW2 - Men & Women Serving

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Don't Forget The Women Veterans

November 11, 1999

Winchester News-Gazette

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Local Veteran Paul Thompson Vividly Remembers D-Day

November 11, 1999

Cynthia Aukerman, Winchester News-Gazette

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

242. Civil War Letter From Museum Files, Puckett, Huffman, Mincer.

RCHS Blog Post Number 242.

Civil War Letter From Museum Files, Puckett, Huffman, Mincer.

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Editorial by Mick Holloway

October 17, 2021.

This letter was written by Francis M. Puckett who enlisted in the Union Army, first with the 8th Indiana Volunteer Infantry for 3 months service on April 18, 1861. This regiment was the first one organizes containing a Company of Randolph County soldiers and served until Aug. 6, 1861. During this time they took part in the battle of Rich Mountain, Virginia on July 11, 1861, one of the first battles of the Civil War.

After 3 months were up, nearly the entire regiment re-enlisted in the 8th I.V.I. for 3 years on Sept. 5, 1861.

They served most of their time along the Mississippi river and then back to Virginia in late 1864. The regiment was finally mustered out at Savannah, Ga. on Aug. 28, 1865, some 4 months after the war had ended.

The letter was written to George D. Huffman, who was probably still at home in Randolph county. Puckett eventually joined Co B, 119th I.V.I. which contained the 7th Ind. Cavalry. This regiment was mustered in on Oct. 1, 1863 and mustered out at Austin, Texas on Feb. 18, 1866 after serving under Gen. George Armstrong Custer.

George D. Huffman was the blacksmith for Co B and was captured by the Confederate forces at Okolona, Miss. on Feb. 22, 1864.

The Anthony Mincer mentioned in the letter also belonged to Co B and was killed in battle at Vicksburg shortly after this letter was written.

Shirleys house during siege of Vicksburg during American Civil War. Photo via <a href="https://www.goodfreephotos.com/">Good Free Photos</a> (2001)

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Puckett's Letter

April 31, 1863.

Puckett's letter as written: Vicksburg Aprile the 31 1863

i am well and i hope that these few lines may find you the same george i reseved a letter from you the first day of this month i reseved it at Magnoly hills on the battle field where we made a clean sweepe of the rebbles george i am a righting this letter in the rear of vicksburg about a quarter of a mile from thare brest-work we have bin her thirtteen dais and we have bin fighting every day but mostly with they artilery. on the 22 of this month they infantry made a grand charge on the rebble brest-work at vicksburg with our brigade in the lead We lost a grate menny men We lost a hundred and fifteen out of our regment and seven out of our Company and then had to fall back but we had the pleasure of planting our flag on thare brest work before we fell back wod a charged on thru vicksburg if we culd a clymd the dam brest work but it was too steep fur us they brest work was a bout tenn feet thick and they was on one side and we was on the outher side and narry one could rase a bove the brest work to shoot and so we thout that it wod not pay and so we got to Lighting bum (bomb) shells and throwing them over the brest work by hand and they soon lernt the sam trick and we made the fur fli on boath sides fur a while but the rebbles soon run out of bums and then we gave them hell agane fur a while till we got in a place wher we could yuse our guns and then we went to Shooting and then we kept it up till dark and then we fell back too our brest work We never entend to charge on Vicksburg agane fur we can take it without fur we hav it surroned and they cant get out nor nuthen in george i hav bin in to fore fights cince the first day of May and i never gave back a foot and dont entend to fur it is Di or go thru me george you wanted me to write and tell you if Anteny Mincer (Anthony Mincer) had got back he has and he is as Brave a solder as ever left indina (Indiana) we hav grubed the rebbles every battle wher we hav fout them and we ar a looking fur a surrender her every day george i must close fur this time Wright soon Derect yore letter to Vicksburg regment and company From F. M. Puckett G. D. Huffman yourse truly this is rebble Paper

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Saturday, October 9, 2021

241. Wayne Twp. No. 9 School, Lots Of Names,

RCHS Blog Post Number 241.

Wayne Twp. No. 9 Schools, Lots Of Names.

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An 'Old Timer' Reminisces.

By. S. F. Harter, Winchester Journal Herald.

September 1, 1938.

I had just finished breakfast when the lusty blowing of an automobile horn called me to the front door. It was S. Fremont HARTER waiting to take me out to the site of Old No. 9 school house. Notice I say "Old No. 9." That is to prevent us from confusing it with the New No. 9 which was erected much later. So it was Old No. 9 that Fremont Harter began his education in the late 1860's. This takes us back almost to the Civil War period and to us youngsters that was a long time ago.

We drove south of Union City on state road 227 toward Richmond until we came to the bridge which spans Greenville Creek, near the George Harter gravel pits. There we dismounted from the car and walked west, up a lane on the north side of the creek, then into an open field. Approximately a quarter of a mile from the road, Harter found the exact spot, on the west side of a knoll and about 20 yards from the old creek bed, where old No. 9 once stood.

Wayne Township as it now stands had been laid out in 1838. Some of the early settlers who had moved into the vicinity were Amos PEACOCK, Abraham Peacock, a Hill family and William CHENOWETH. It was William Chenoweth who entered the land from the government where "Old No. 9" was later to be built. This entry was made about 1817 or 1818, soon after Indiana was admitted to statehood. Chenoweth had come to America from England in 1772.

The first district school held in the township was probably organized and conducted in the Friends' church at Jericho at a very early date. The first building was made of logs with one log left out for a window, with a puncheon floor and an enormous fireplace in one end of the room. The second was built on the John Hartman farm, back in the woods north of his home. It was called "Round Top" school because of its octagonal shape. Then Old No. 9 made its appearance in the year of 1856.

As we stood on the spot hallowed by memories of the past, Harter relived some of those days of the "sixties," when the school and grounds furnished a focal point of interest of the whole community. Beyond the building and on west, a large grove of "sugar" trees used to stand, and there Abraham Chenoweth, grandson of the man who entered the land, had established a camp. The old fashioned camp meetings were held there and literally thousands of people turned out to hear the preaching of the Gospel. In the spring of the year Chenoweth tapped as many as a thousand trees to make large quantities of maple molasses. What a treat it was for the students when this gentleman appeared at the door of the school house and said, "School dismissed. Come down to the camp for your treat. There was no hesitation about accepting that invitation. Readin', ritin' and rithmatic were forgotten as the whole school scampered down to the little shed which contained the boiling kettles. The genial Chenoweth stirred off a kettle of delicious wax and rotated about until had collected thereon, then dipped in a bucket of sugar water to cool. Oh boy, what a lollypop!

On beyond the sugar camp, beside Greenville Creek and a good quarter of a mile from the school building was a spring of clear, cool water. A sycamore gum was placed in this spring and it supplied Old No. 9 with drinking water. When we think of the drinking fountains at the elbows of the students today, seems unbelievable that the pupils of that school carried drinking water in a bucket for a quarter of a mile. And when the teacher sent them after water, they went after water and no monkey business. Harter recalled that some boys received a good "hidin" for tossing a ball back and forth as they went to the spring to get a bucket of water.

Strange as it might seem, a little exploration on our part disclosed the fact that the old spring was still flowing and that the old gum from the sycamore was still in place doing duty today as it did in the days when the boys came home from the Civil War. Now, said Harter, some of you mathematicians please tell me how many gallons of water have passed through the walls of that sycamore gum since I first knelt there to get my first drink, sixty-nine years ago.

Perhaps you are wondering as I why they did not locate the buildings out on the roads. Roads did not mean as much then as they do now. Everybody walked to school and went as the crow flies. The Harters came south from their home following foot paths through the woods. Some came straight across from as far east as the state line, and the students from around Bartonia came east to Greenville Creek and followed its banks to Old No. 9.

Who were the school examiners and trustees, the teachers and the students? Many of them have been forgotten in the accumulation of years, and some of the records have been lost, but other old timers will remember some of the school examiners such as Jeremiah SMITH, George W. MONKS, Samuel D. WOODWORTH, Moorman WAY, Carey S. GOODRICH, Isaac F. WOOD, William A. PEELE, J. J. CHENEY, Pleasant HIATT, J. G. BRICE and A. J. STAKEBAKE.

During the term of A. J. Stakebake the office of examiner was changed and converted into that of county superintendent, thus he was the first superintendent of Randolph County. Other superintendents have been Charles W. PARIS, Daniel LASLEY, V. H. BOWERS, John W. DENNY, Lee L. DRIVER, O. H. GREIST, Russell WARRENS and the present incumbent, Glen O. Chenoweth.

The first township trustee of Wayne was Robert MURPHY, a quiet, unassuming man of sterling character. Names of others are Aleck GULLETT, Jacob MACY, John M. TURNER, Robert B. McKEE, Effie SHOCKNEY and Louis O. STUMP, present trustee.

Summer and winter terms were taught in the early days . Teachers who taught at Old No. 9 were J. H. CAMMACK, Jacob Macy, Emma WIGGS, Solomon Hartman, P. H. CLEAR, George Clear, Fannie MOIST CHAMNESS and Dock BARNES.

Some of the scholars still living who went to Old No. 9 are as follows; John W. MORTON, Ida Harter, Lefa ANDERSON, George Harter, William EBLING, Charles Ebling, Riley JONES, Henry Macy, S. F. Harter, and Leander FOULTS, all of Union City and vicinity. Those living away are Perry LEAVELL, Red Key, William JORDAN, Richmond, Emma WHELLEN, Richmond, E. E. Macy, Versailles, Ohio, Laura FLEMING COVOLT, Dayton, Ohio,Mattie EARHART, Eaton, Ohio, Maggie BLAIR, Hamilton, Ohio, John DUNN, Bluffton, Ind., Clyde W. HARTMAN, Cincinnati, Zelma Hartman, Whipany, N. J., Charles MILLER, Greenville, and Harry Jacobs, Grayesville Tennessee.

At the very close of the Civil War in 1865, the scholars from Old No. 9 took up a collection to buy some supplies for Union soldiers who were at the front. Before the donations could be sent in, the war had closed, so the money was used to purchase a bell for the school building. On Sunday, September 4, in the John Harter grove, four miles south and one-half mile west of Union City, that same bell will ring out to call the scholars of the school reunion and it is planned to consolidate with the other reunions of the other school districts after this year. The memories which the tones of this historic bell will revive in the minds and hearts of the old timers will bring tears to their eyes, for after all, these are the memories from a long time ago. Old No. 9 represents a pioneer work nobly done.

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

240. Winchester Jaycees Organized, Dwiggins, Kabel, Leonard Drugs, Etc.

RCHS Blog Post Number 240.

Winchester Jaycees Organized, Dwiggins, Kabel, Leonard Drugs, Etc.

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Winchester Jaycees

Published in 1949.

In December, 1946. the Winchester Jaycees was organized with Don Ridgway as president, Bill Huddelston first vice-president, Dick Price second vice-president, Bob Wallace secretary and J. H. Ditslear treasurer.

The charter directors were Bill Hunter, Frank Billiter, John Irish,H. F. Lepley, Cecil Bolinger and Karl B. Wood.

The charter banquet was held at the Friends church on December 16, 1946. There were 36 charter members against a present membership of 86. (1949)

The second administration inaugurated the now famous Turtle Derby in Winchester. Harley Mutzfeld was the first chief turtler.

Under the capable chairmanship of Ivan Thompson, the first Mardi Gras and pumpkin auction started. (1947) From this growing activity comes the Randolph county Rheumatic fever fund.

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Buena Vista Church bell

Published in 1886.

A five hundred pound brass bell of the best quality, has been ordered through the C. E. Magee Hardware store of Winchester from Cincinnati and will be, soon as it comes, put up on the Buena Vista church.

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Jackson - Lincoln Basketball Game

Published in 1933.

Financial report of the Jackson - Lincoln basketball game Nov. 18, 1933; Receipts $6.35, referee $5.00, net proceeds $1.35; division of proceeds, Jackson 65 cents, Lincoln the home team, 70 cents.

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Philip Kabel's collection

Published in 1913.

Philip Kabel has added the first brick burned in Randolph county to his collection of curious items. The brick was given to him by Calvin Edwards whose grandfather bought it from the maker, David Heaston, in 1825. While the brick was drying and being made ready for the kiln a pack of wild wolves ran across it and the footprint of one of them can be seen on the brick.

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Dwiggins Trio

Published in 1933.

The Dwiggins Trio of Winchester will play a concert at the Methodist Episcopal church in Winchester next Sunday evening at 7 o'clock.

Robert, Thelma and Donald Dwiggins, children of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Dwiggins of near Winchester, make up the trio. They are pupils at the McKinley school and are members of the Jack Karowski Xylophone band of Richmond.

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Leonard Drugs

Published in 1947.

Leonard Drugs. Forrest Leonard came from Elkhart to Winchester in 1940 and started in the drug business by buying the Lewis and Elliott store located at 114 West Washington street. In February, 1942 the store was almost completely destroyed by fire and he moved to 107 South Main into the rooms formerly occupied by the Miller-Jones Shoe Store.

Employees in 1947 were Mrs. Edith Magner, Miss Mary Norris and Keith White.

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Cora and Ella Day Graves

Published in 1886.

The remains of the late Miss Cora Day, which were interred at the Friends Cemetery east of Winchester in December of last year, were taken up and buried in the same grave with her sister, Miss Ella, at Fountain Park Cemetery, April 27.

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New Township of Union.

Published in 1950.

Trustees Paul Cates and Casey Strickler conferred with school Superintendent Paul Beck on the school budget for the new township of Union. The trio was combining brain work to figure out how much money it was going to take next year to run the Modoc, Losantville and Huntsville schools, all three of which will be in Union township. There will be no Nettle Creek or West River townships after December 31, 1950.

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Sunday, October 3, 2021

239. Harry Lewis Remembers, "Wicks" Opens (1950s)

RCHS Blog Post Number 239.

Harry Lewis Remembers, "Wicks" Opens (1950s)

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Harry Lewis Remembers

Published in the Journal Herald on January 21, 1954.

The name 'Harry (H. Kay) Lewis' undoubtedly brings back memories to a number of Randolph countians. A vaudeville entertainer for a great many years, Mr. Lewis was born and reared in the old "Mull" (Lickskillet) community northwest of Winchester. For the past several years he has lived in the west and with his wife still travels the showman's circuit around the country.

In a recent letter to Mrs. Grace Fisher of Winchester, written in answer to one from her, Mr. Lewis tells of his family, recollections of old friends in Randolph county and his current activities in show business. The letter follows;

"Dear old time friend Grace- Your very nice and welcome letter read, glad to hear from you with such an informative batch of news all at one time.

You pardon me please for being so neglectful in my old days to not write to you more often.

I presume when one is getting up around three score and ten years, we are not so thoughtful as we once were.

Don't expect such a fine long letter as you are able to write about the old home news.

We are about as when you last saw us, just Berdie and I left to do our show, but we sure been doing it the past two years with our own personal business agent to make dates for us to play. And we have been very busy and successful for which we are very thankful. In fact, there very few of the oldtimers left in our business with a record of over fifty years on the road. This is forty-six years Berdie and I have been together in our profession. Suppose we may die on the road somewhere if not lucky enough to make it to a home port.

As I see it the good Lord has been very good to us, for which we are very thankful again,and to whom we give all praise and credit. You realize all of us do not see alike, the same as the different religions of the many peoples.

We are now spending the holidays with the daughter and family. She has the one girl, four years old. Our son, Thayer and family, live in Fort Sill, Okla. He is at the air base there doing his job of entertaining the servicemen with his radio and television work. He has one boy 10 years old and an adopted boy 15 years.

It sure has been lovely here this fall, just like Indiana in June but we may get it colder later on in the winter.

We just completed a year tour of 30 states, 21,000 miles. Leaving about January 10 for an eastern and southern tour this year. We hope to see all our good friends and relatives once again as we go through Indiana.

The oldtimers of our generation are getting very few so I see by the papers and what you wrote.

The papers from Farmland I just got from May Williams, who used to be May McGuire, John McGuire's girl. We went to school together at old No. 7. May is 73 years. She lives here, also Mary Borther's nephew. Delmas Dull is here only a few blocks away.

I wanted to write you this letter while everything was fresh in my mind before getting busy on the job. Will try to keep in touch with you, for we enjoy your nice long letters.

Berdie joins with kind regards to all old friends and relatives and our best personal love and best wishes to you and yours.

As ever, your old friend, Sincerely Harry Lewis."

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis now live at 980 East Second Street, San Bernardino, Cal.

New Eating Establishment

Published in the Journal Herald in April 1957.

A new restaurant for Winchester is "Wicks," located at 209 South Main street.

It is owned by Duane and Ruby Wickersham, the latter being manager.

There are a special noon lunch, short orders, sandwiches, soups and soda fountain. A feature is the home made bakery department.

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Notes from RCHS Volunteer Thursa.

Wick’s Pies is a county destination for many folks for breakfast, lunch, and the discount pie area where you stock up for a gift of food or for holiday meals. 

Sugar Cream Pie is the official state pie of Indiana. And it’s thanks to the hard work of Wick’s. 

The couple behind the business are laid to rest facing north with a view of the historic sections of Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester,  Randolph County, Indiana. 

Where the factory offices are is what was the funeral slipper factory for the McCamish Family who have the large white column monument in the distance for the Kitselman-McCamish family if now tge offices of Wicks Pies. 
The Kitselman brothers are well known for working hard for their fortune manufacturing a woven fence business in Muncie. The family was born and raised in the Ridgeville area. Their parents are buried at the base of the columns. Their sister and her family are there also, The McCamish family. 

The two businesses are also tied in their product was an extremely profitable business from the women of the family.
Strong women with husbands who helped with the product and marketing to build empires in their market niche. In eras where women are often spoken of as being at home morally supporting their husbands, these women were the power couples. 

And as Wicks’s says… when you are in the area, ‘don’t forget to try the pie.’

Visit the website.
Here is a link to the website: https://rchsmuseum.org

Saturday, September 4, 2021

236. Randolph County People, Places & Things.

RCHS Blog Post Number 236.

Randolph County People, Place & Things.

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McProud

Published in December 1886.

James McProud, of Green Township, has determined to make his future home in Kansas and left for that state last Thursday the 7th. Mr. McProud is an old citizen of Randolph county and during the war was a good soldier, as he has always been a good citizen. We cheerfully commend him to the friends he is sure to make in his new home and wish him great prosperity.

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Camp Modoc

Published in 1968.

Work has started this fall on another private commercial recreational enterprise in Randolph county. Orris TAYLOR and Clyde NORTH are working cooperatively on the project located in Union township, two miles south of the junction of highway 1 and 36.

Construction of a nine and a half acre lake was started in late October. The depth of the lake will vary from 3 feet to 15 feet, with total storage capacity of 20 million gallons. Also, an additional 6 million gallons of temporary storage will exist, thus reducing floodwaters by this amount. The lake will provide fishing, boating and swimming when completed. The lake will be filled from surface runoff from a 165 acre watershed.

Campground and picnic facilities are also under construction. A well has been drilled and a pavilion and bathhouse have been started. Access roads will be installed after the lake has been completed.

The area involved consists of 44 acres and will be called "Camp Modoc." Target date for opening is June 1, 1968.

The soil Conservation Service is assisting in the design and installation of the lake with some cost-share through the 1967 ACP Special Report.

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Pole Raising

Published on September 10, 1884.

The Republicans of Green Township will have a meeting at Emmitsville. A 150 foot tall pole is to be raised by a traction engine. Gov. Porter, Gen. Browne and Major Gordon are the speakers advertised. The pole is an Ash tree cut from the farm Of George WISE Sr. which was formerly known as the David BOOTS farm.

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Hearse

Published in Lynn Herald in 1957.

By Lena WELCH

A striking contrast with our present automotive world is the hearse used by Joel PARKER of Arba when he was an "undertaker" there. The horses for the vehicle were supplied by Russell THOMAS, who was associated with Joel Parker prior to Thomas coming to Lynn in 1913.

Needless to say, this was never used as an ambulance, as an ambulance as ambulance service was as unknown then as the motor vehicles. Reason, no hospitals to go to. Finished in shiny black with black draperies, equipped with the very latest in rubber tires, black horses were usually supplied for transportation.

JOEL Parker was the son of Jesse Parker and the grandson of Thomas Parker who was one of the early settlers in Greensfork township, entering his land in the year 1814.

Frank Parker, who for many years owned and operated a store in Arba, is a son of Joel. He has three children, also in the community. Mrs. George Browne, Mrs. Henry Myers and Kenneth Parker. The hearse is at present located at the home of Kenneth.

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Adams

Adams Family genealogy file at RCHS.

This is from a hand written note in the Adams family file at the museum; Adams Genealogy Hester WATSON (mother of) Cathrin Watson of Sharpsburg Ky., Scotch Irish descent married Thomas Adams. Eleven children were born James, Soloman, John, Thomas, Aaron, Watson, Hiram, Marie, Easter, Nancy & Christina Adams. Aaron Adams Sr. was born near Sharpsburg, Bath Co. Ky. June 8-1807. He was married to Mary HART, daughter of John and Phoelyian (GODFREY) Hart. Ten children were born. John Thomas and Phoelyian were born in Ky. Aaron Adams and his family moved to High Land Co. Ohio and then moved to Spartansburg Randolph Co. Ind. The other children were born here Marthy, Godfrey, James, Catherin, Josiah, Aaron and Samuel.

They lived one mile and a half South east of Spartansburg.

Mary Hart Adams was buried in the south east corner of the Old Part Spartansburg Grave Yard. Aaron Adams died Sept. 8, 1868 at South Salem and was buried in the extreme north east corner of the Norwitch grave yard on the John RANEL farm one mile South east of Spartansburg, Randolph Co Ind.

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Clenny

Published in November 1886.

William Clenny and wife, of South Bend this state, are visiting relatives in Randolph county. They are both well known former citizens of Washington township, Mr. C. being a son of the late Curtis Clenny, one of the pioneers of that township and brother to John W. Clenny and Mrs. Clenney a sister of Strother BRUMFIELD's. We regretted to notice that Mr. Clenny seems quite feeble.

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There were 15 newspapers in Randolph county by 1899. 11 weeklies, 3 dailies and one was issued twice a month.

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Wilt

Published in 1886.

George Wilt's spring wagon was overturned on the way home from the Masonic banquet in Winchester Thanksgiving evening, caused by one of the horses shying at something at the side of the road. Fortunately none of the occupants of the wagon were hurt beyond a few slight bruises, and no damage was done. Mrs. Wilt is a large fleshy woman, and as the wagon started to go over she cried out, "We're going, George," and George says she did go hard enough to make a small sized earthquake.

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A.T. Engle & Sons closing.

Published Winchester News-Gazette.

May 14, 1988.

By Janet Fuller.

Back in an earlier time, before electronic musical instruments and rock videos, a youngster who loved music and who happened to live in Winchester soon found a home away from home at A. T. ENGLE & Sons music store located at the northeast corner of Main and Franklin streets.

You would walk into that store 40 years ago or so and be greeted by either Mrs. Clyde (Ethel) Engle or Mrs. Harry (Mary) LITTLE, who would offer to assist you. You would sometimes take them up on their offer, but most of the time you would browse through the records and musical accessories and sheet music by the hour.

Finally, if you really had something special in mind, you would ask one of the women if your "treasure" was in stock and if it wasn't, could they order it. The answer was often "yes it's here somewhere" and after a bit of hunting, either Ethel or Mary would emerge from the depths of the store clutching an RCA Victor recording by Mario Lanza or Patty Page or Bing Crosby. But if the sought-after recording (or sheet music or whatever) was nowhere to be found, Ethel or Mary would grab a notebook and a catalog. The item would be hunted up in the appropriate catalog and the proper identification numbers would be jotted along side your name.

"It should be here in a few days," the women would inform you.

Then, if you were lucky like I was, you would run into the store during your noon break from school on about the third day, and after school and every day there anxiously awaiting the arrival of the prize record or music.

If you were a musician, you would go to the store to purchase reeds, rosin, guitar picks, instrument straps, mutes, etc. The list of supplies was endless, and again, if it couldn't be found somewhere in the voluminous store (three stories and a basement), it would be ordered and, again, your name and the pertinent information about the item wanted would be noted in the lined order book.

Well, A. T. Engle & Sons, is in the process of "going out of business" and nearly all of the merchandise is gone, just a few items remain. The final day for the store will be May 27, when the building is slated to be sold.

How do the present owners-operators feel about the pending closing of the 100 year old business. For Gene and Martha Louise (Engle) ELLIOTT, who recently moved from Winchester to Muncie, the closing is a bittersweet occasion. They are looking forward to retirement and being able to travel and enjoy themselves. Yet, the closing of the store is also "the end of an era" and sad.

Martha Louise Elliott is the granddaughter of A. T. Engle and her father was one of the "sons", Clyde, mentioned in the store's name.

According to notes made by the Elliott's son, Tim, in 1968, A. T. Engle came to Winchester in 1888 and purchased a house at 227 W. Third Street. He started a small music store at his home, selling Story and Clark organs. He also gave music lessons.

A few years later, he moved his business downtown, to the middle of the block on the east side of the courthouse square. (Martha Louise believes it was about where Webb's Jewelry store is now located and then later moved to the present site of Stallion Sportswear Company (former G. C. Murphy Store site). Later he moved to the store's present location.

Martha Louise notes the third floor of the present building was built from bricks from the second Randolph County courthouse (the present courthouse is the third courthouse) which was demolished in 1866.

Clyde Engle, according to Tim's notes, joined his father in the business in 1912 and Clyde's brother, Clarence, joined in 1919. After the death of A. T. Engle, the two sons continued the business. Clarence died in 1960 and Clyde and Ethel continued as owners until their son-in-law, Gene Elliott, became a partner in 1965. Martha Louise became a partner in 1979.

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Would you like a book to learn more about local history?

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

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Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
Here is a link to the website: https://rchsmuseum.org

Saturday, August 28, 2021

238. Randolph County Civil War Era Trivia

RCHS Blog Post Number 238.

Randolph County Civil War Era Trivia

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Following President Lincoln's call, in April of 1861, for the northern states to start forming regiments of volunteer troops, Randolph County was among the first to respond. There were already several militia companies organized around the county and on June 8, they were invited to a war rally in Winchester. There were 2000 people gathered around the court house that heard rousing speeches by county politicians, several bands trying to outdo each other and a parade with all of the local fraternal organizations in their uniforms. The main attraction of that parade was to be the militia men, each with their fife and drum corps. The militias present included the following: The Spartanburg "Home Guards", Capt. Levi Kelly: The Farmland "Grays", Capt. George McGriff: The Buena Vista Home Guard, Capt. Masters: The Washington Home Guards, Captain James Kelly: The Bartonia Home Guards, Capt. Morton and The Randolph County "Dragoons", in command of Lieut. James Kelly in the absence of Capt. Heaston.

On the 4th of July there was another rally that was much larger than the first one. There were again speeches, bands, a parade with the militias from around the county and this time Captain R. W. Hamilton's company of volunteer soldiers from around the county was present.. This company had been accepted by Governor Oliver P. Morton and was to meet again in Winchester on July 14, 1861 and leave by train for Indianapolis the next day. For the 4th, the company marched out to what today is Goodrich Park and set up their tents and equipment and named it Camp Neff. At this July 4th celebration there were 10,000 people in Winchester. I'll have more on the county boys throughout this post.

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Randolph County Journal:

A few Civil War weddings:

Married June 13, 1861, by Joseph Eltzroth, Esq., Henry Davis of Grant County and Margaret Clark of Spartanburg, Randolph County.

Married June 17, 1861, by Joseph Eltzroth, Esq., William Fields and Minerva Bartholomew, both of Ward Twp., Randolph County.

Married June 17, 1861 at the residence of R. A. Wilson, Union City, by Rev. H. Gregg, Jonas Votaw of Jay County and Lizzie K. Dresser of Union City, formerly of Massachusetts.

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August 1, 1861.

Eli Edwards of the "Randolph Guards" returns home bearing the reputation of the best marksman in the 8th Regiment, Ind. Vol. Inf. The time he spent in the west following the buffalo hunts proved to be a valuable experience to him when pursuing the rebels in Virginia.

Whenever he leveled his musket there was sure to be one less man in the rebel army.

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Court House, July, 1865.

The much needed protection to the shade trees around the Public Square has finally been made. The posts have been set for some time, but the chain that was to encircle the Square only arrived a few days ago. We are glad of it, for it has been an eyesore to see, the shade trees destroyed, after they gave evidence of thrift and had yielded to the pedestrian the delights of a good shade. The chain cost $191 and weighs 1,528 pounds. Horses can be hitched to the chain on the outside, but parties will be subject to a fine for hitching them on the inside.

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August 26, 1864.

Erastus Reed, aged about 19 years, son of Nathan and Ann Reed, died in the military hospital at Madison, Indiana on the 20th of this month of black jaundice after a very short illness. He was a soldier in the 134th Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 100 Days. He was brought home by train and interred in the local cemetery. Every time that we heard from the deceased, the news was that he was remarkably healthy and robust and a model soldier. Another sacrifice to this mean and unprovoked slave holding rebellion.

E. Reed headstone located in
Old Pioneer Cemetery (Heaston Cemetery),
Winchester, Indiana.
Photo taken October 2021.

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Mr. Putman sent this report to the Commissioners

After major battles during the Civil War, the Randolph County Commissioners would send a delegation of church officials, in this case just Mr. E. J. Putman, to the Union hospitals to inquire of the needs of wounded or sick county soldiers. The following report by Mr. Putman is from Corinth, Mississippi about 4 months after the battle at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, better known as Shiloh on April 4-6, 1862.

Mr. Putman sent this report to the Commissioners mid August, 1862:

The inmates of this Hospital had an abundance of clothing furnished by the Ladies' Aid Society. (The Ladies Aid Society in Winchester was first organized by the Methodist church in 1861.) The Surgeon in charge took me thro' the wards and explained in detail the management of the institution. The soldiers that were not expected to live were confined outside in two tents. In these were about fifty of the poorest, emaciated creatures I ever saw. Here and there I saw a father or a brother bending over a loved one, but not a single mother in those tents to wipe the death-sweat from their brow.

The Generals's orders are to allow no females to come over the Railroad without a pass from headquarters. This may be best, but it is hard for the sick and wounded boys. The graveyard nearby is kept in nice order. The graves are laid out in rows, each being marked with a board upon which is cut the name of the deceased, company, regiment and State, the time of death, etc. The Surgeon informed me that a great many had come after the bodies of their sons, but after seeing with what care they had been buried, went home without disturbing them. The deaths at present are about three per day--much less than it has been at times.

The boys need more chickens, vegetables and fruit than they get. They were very grateful for what I took them, though it was but a taste. I know it is easier to find fault than to remedy the defect, but I felt that the sick should not suffer these things. The Quartermaster informed me that he had plenty of money to buy with, but could not get such articles. I told him that Indiana had an abundance, and for him to put his money in the hands of the State Sanitary Committee and they would purchase all that was needed. But if I had the ear of the "powers that be," I would tell them to look at the large plantations north of Corinth--belonging to rebels-- well supplied with everything necessary to make our soldiers comfortable. There were about 200 Indianians in this hospital.

I also visited the Female College, one half mile south of Corinth, which is being used for a hospital, and here I found about 200 more sick and wounded. Most of them have been taken out of the building and put in tents in the front yard where it is cooler.

I would suggest to the women of our county that they raise plenty of chickens, and can up and dry as much fruit as possible, as such things are going to be needed by our brave boys before the year is ended. E. J. PUTMAN

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May 22, 1863.

Col. Silas Colgrove is now at home in Winchester, giving himself time to recover from the wound he received in the recent battle at Chancellorsville, Virginia, which took place from April 30 to May 6, 1863. With the exception of the lameness necessarily resulting from the wound and something of debility consequent on the loss of blood occasioned by it, the Colonel is in excellent health.

He received the wound a short time after sunrise but continued on horseback till after 3 p.m. When he found the blood running over the boot top, he drew a handkerchief tightly around the limb and in this way, to some extent, checked the flow. The rebel ball passed through the lower part of his thigh and lodged in the saddle tree. It is only since his return home that portions of his pants and drawers have been removed from the wound.

Some five bullets passed through his coat and another struck his sword near the hilt, bending the instrument out of shape.

His horse was badly wounded in the shoulder but also survived the fighting. This is the third time his horse has been shot in battle.

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Saturday, November 13, 2021

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Saturday, October 16, 2021

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Saturday, September 4, 2021

There were 15 newspapers in Randolph county by 1899. 11 weeklies, 3 dailies and one was issued twice a month.

Saturday, August 28, 2021