RER
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Post by RER on Sept 14, 2007 7:56:27 GMT -5
" Kitzinger Bakery Since 1862 On Washington Street "Picture From the 1924 Columbus High School Log (re-posted)
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 15, 2007 11:55:38 GMT -5
German Immigrants Arrival 1834 In Bartholomew County Indiana & Writes Letters Back To Germany During 1834 Through 1876Bartholomew County became an Indiana County in 1821 This is a typical settlers home (it isn't the Heinrich family)Notworthy Comment: Broken English is used throughout the pharses below, which require somewhat of a concentration to reveal the intent in todays English language. Translations from German to English at times becomes less understanding. Brief About The Letters: This "obligation" gave the letters of the farmer son Johann Heinrich to us to the Oeveste (1801-1878). It went to 1834 out of Rieste in the Kirchspiel Bram, Kingdom of Hanover, Europe, to America, around itself first of all "the world to weiterzubesehen", how it writes in the first letter immediately after the arrival in Baltimore. And it remained in America. Regularly it wrote the relatives in Germany, over the life in America generally, over family, over its progress as worker and a settler. And these letters of the emigrant were carefully guarded within the family, in Rieste, in Fladderlohausen, in addition, in Columbus/Indiana. ( per Antonius Holtmann, Germany) Quotes:In March 1834, Johann Heinrich zur Oeveste left his father's farm in the Osnabrueck region Germany, and joined some friends who were seeking their fortune in the New World. They sailed on the "Magdalene" from Bremerhaven Germany, to Baltimore Maryland. After a number of odd jobs and putting savings aside, zur Oeveste carved his dream out of Indiana wilderness in Bartholomew County to his own farm. The present German-language edition of a find of 31 letters to family members at the old homestead and in Indiana provides a vivid picture of zur Oeveste's experiences and thoughts in and about his "New World." Even though the answers from the folks back home have not survived, the letters from America give a fascinating insight into the life of the first and second immigrant generation. They are augmented by carefully researched annotations and brief essays that provide familial and socio-political/historical context for the experience of a typical North German emigrant/immigrant around the middle of the 19th century. These letters will be published in English by the Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis/Indiana. (They may have already been published) Here is one of the actual envelopes from Bartholomew County to Germany during that period: This is 173 years ago from 2007Adresse der Eltern; Rückseite des Faltbriefes vom (translates to address of parents) 30. September 1834 (Bartholomew County Historical Society. Columbus/Indiana)I can't read the German language but if you go here you can read more about the letters from Bartholomew County during the early years of 1834 and forward:www.uni-oldenburg.de/nausa/zuroeve.htmI would like to read the actual letters that have been translated into English. They would be interesting I am sure. You can have the words and pharses translated at the web site which I did to two items: www.arabictab.com/free_translation.phpUPDATE: One letter says this after finding a internet translation (caution it is not the best English): QUOTE: "The settler J. H. to the Oeveste did not act carelessly. Only he makes money, around itself "into shrubs to in-chop", then he buys with Columbus in Indiana country, afterwards he requests the American nationality, and two weeks later he marries a Osnabrueckerin, which he became acquainted with in the "Osnabruecker church". It draws gerodete clearing in the jungles with its wife on its with neighbourhood assistance trebled by Indiana, in 15 years its possession. The Rodung does not take end, garden and agriculture and an aminal husbandry has its borders in the available worker, as long as machines are not available yet. A farmhand in the summer must be sufficient. The daughter Sophia (born 1845) can help only end of the 50's, the son Heinrich (born 1852) only in the middle of the 60's: From seven children two die. The work is hard and always too much, and it writes nevertheless on 25 February 1847: "the dear God is with me in America", and: "me nobody has to instruct". He is its own gentleman on own reason and soil. He married the daughter of this year people, which would have provided in Germany no yard and which could not have offered he in the Osnabruecker country a yard for him. Here, in the Osnabruecker settlement at the White Creek, he lives "perhaps better, as if" he would have married one in the Kirchspiel Bram "from the most substantial families".END QUOTEBrief About Johann Heinrich ( per Antonius Holtmann, Germany): The worker Johann Heinrich to the Oeveste went on 13 March 1834 as Arbeitsmigrant to America. It had lived not in the misery and it would not have had not to become impoverished, if it not gone or if it had returned. The parental Colonat in Rieste with Bram in the Landdrostei Osnabrueck, which the father could redeem already soon, would have granted it, also over the extensive rural relationship, at least shelter and work. Much points on the fact that he wanted to have a farm. But it took much on itself: Work on a farm and in a Whiskey whiskey-Brennerei, with the channel and building of railways, in the steel plant and in a farbenfabrik, partially as migratory workers in the south on the Mississippi, and this frequently with "bad food and Schlaeferei". It could not inherit the parental yard in Rieste. With acquaintance, probably with friends, he is on the ship, other one receives him in Baltimore. They go together over the mountains to Ohio, the luggage on a rented car. In Cincinnati they find with a restaurant operator/barkeeper from Bram accomodation. They pull in far into the state Ohio, where a son of the this year people of the parental Colonats helps them. J. H. to the Oeveste remains among compatriots and under Lutheranern. It participates, when they create the "north German Lutheri church" in Cincinnati, its "Osnabruecker church", the "flat-German church". Sources and quotes: From the web site shown above Indiana Historical Society On-Line Said This:GUIDE TO ETHNIC HISTORY COLLECTIONSZUR OEVESTE, JOHANN HEINRICH. Papers, 1834–1939. SC 2042, OM 0188. Photocopies. 2 folders, 2 oversize folders. No collection guide available. ... indianahistory.org/library/manuscripts/collection_guides/Ethnic_mss.html - 91k - Cached - Similar pages
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RER
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Post by RER on Sept 20, 2007 18:19:45 GMT -5
Who Was John V. Storey of Columbus Indiana?Well, not much to my knowledge has been written about John V. Storey. He apparently was established in Columbus sometime before 1844, about the time of the Madison to Columbus railroad. Now he could have been local before then, but research doesn't reveal much. John V. Storey owned several businesses during the middle 1800s. He owned a Medicine and Drugs store on Washington Street before the year of 1867 and continued that business to an unknown date. He also owned the two grist mills on the corner of 5th and Franklin before the railroad arrived in 1844. He later sold these two mills to Gaff, Gent and Thomas that started Cerealine. His most famous thing he built I suppose was the brick, marble, Indiana limestone and wood house on the corner of 5th and Franklin. Today, the Columbus Area Visitors Center is housed in the old Storey home. This building was built during the Civil War era in 1864 and was John V. Storey's home. The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865. After Mr. Storey vacated the house it became several things; such as the Columbus Boys Club, a dentist office, a lodge hall of some type, local newspaper accounting office and finally the Columbus Visitors Center in 1973. The building was renovated in 1973 and expanded in 1995. During the years it was used as a Boys Club (1940s and 1950s), it had a small gym on the second floor. The lower areas had a pool table among other things for kids. During Mr. Storey's tenure in the house and the area, he witnessed the arrival of the Madison railroad connection, and it almost crossed his homes yard. The track was located across Franklin Street, and to the rear of the Old City Hall (Bed & Breakfast today) and further North East toward Jackson Street. UPDATE: He was a very remarkable man after reading the update. He was a very successful leader and businessman in Columbus during the 1800s. A comprehensive summary of John V. Storey can be read here:searches.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/in/bartholomew/bios/storey853gbs.txtPicture: Thanks to Richard a current picture of the old Storey home.
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Post by RER on Oct 1, 2007 17:58:21 GMT -5
Garden City Bartholomew County IndianaAcross White River from County CourthouseGarden City Name: Residents heavily invested in vegetable farming, giving the community its name.Source: Indiana State History and Interstate
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Post by RER on Oct 1, 2007 18:59:33 GMT -5
Azalia of Sand Creek Township in Bartholomew County (Temporary Indiana State Capital for One Night 1825) Located 8 miles South East of Columbus Azalia flower Sand Creek Township includes Azalia and Elizabethtown (E-Town)Noteworthy Historical Comments About Azalia:(1) Azalia Name Came From: Local citzens named this community after a flowering shrub belonging to the rhododendron family. Human hybridization projects dating back hundreds of years have produced more than 10,000 azalia bush types. (2) The Underground Railroad ran through the Sand Creek Township town of Azalia. Azalia was a Quaker or "Friends" community. (3) When the State Capital was moved from Corydon Indiana to Indianapolis Indiana, the State Records stayed for the night (during 1825), north of Azalia making that location a temporary State Capital for one day. The Corydon town served as the first state capital of Indiana from 1816 to 1825, then the capital moved to Indianapolis Sources: Indiana history research & Azalia photo copyright free.
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Post by RER on Oct 3, 2007 14:37:05 GMT -5
Columbus Birdseye View Drawing From A Map Dated 1871 (50 Years After It Was Bartholomew County)Population of Bartholomew County was 4,500 Historical Comments: (1) The upper line across the picture is the M&I Railroad tracks before and during 1871. The tracks ran across Lafayette, Franklin, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Streets and Washington enroute to Jackson Street. Looking close a train & cars is approaching Lafayette St. headed toward 5th Street crossing (not yellowed). (2) The first mill related to Cerealine is shown in yellow above the railroad tracks. The first one is the yellow building on the corner of 5th and Franklin Streets, with a smokestack smoking. During the year of 1868 (maybe earlier) the corner land where old City Hall sits was a Mill owned by Gent, Thomas and Lowell, then the Mill in 1893 was owned by Gent, Thomas and Gaff. The Mill burned down in 1893 and the lot was vacant until 1895. Then in 1895 the City Hall building was constructed. To it's right, across Franklin St. is another yellowed building which was the Lowell, Gent and Thomas Mill, also related to the Gaff, Lowell, Gent Thomas Cerealine beginnings. (3) The John V. Storey house is hardly shown in the smoke stake of the mill building. Mr. Storey sold these two mentioned building to the Cerealine owners. Go to Cerealine within the historical pages within the Industry Section. This is the present day Columbus Reception building. (4) Please take notice that the future First Christian Church land was not used much. However, their was a small church shown on the same land. (5) Also, take note that there wasn't a Columbus Library on the corner of 5th and Lafayette. (6) The Old White Star Meat Market building on the corner of 4th & Franklin Street is shown. (7) A church is next to the present Crump Theater on 3rd Street. (8) The A Tross building is pictured on Washington Street. (9) The First National Bank is shown on the corner of 4th & Washington. (10) The Bartholomew County Court House is shown in yellow. (11) The primary merchants, stores and office are shown all along Washington Street, 3rd, 4th and 5th Streets. (12) Below the picture drawing is a summary of most of the businesses in around Columbus during 1871.Summary of 1871 Merchants, Offices, Business Stores, Etc:Farm Implements - 1 Lawyers/Attorneys - 12 Bakers - 2 (one was Kitzinger) Banks - 2 Barbers - 2 Pool Halls/Billiards - 3 Blacksmiths -5 Book Store & Paper -2 Shoes/Boots - 8 Beer Brewery - 1 Butchers - 4 Cabinet/Carpentries -5 Wagons/Carriages - 1 Glass & Fine China -2 Tobacco/Cigars -3 Clothing Stores - 3 Candy/Confectionery - 2 (one was Kitzinger) Wooden Barrel Makers - 2 Dentists/Tooth Doc - 2 Drug/Medicines Stores 4 (One was John V. Storey's Drugs) Dry Goods - 14 Fish Market -1 Machine & Foundry - 1 Furniture - 1 Grain Dealers - 2 Provisions/Groceries (Mom & Pop) -16 Guns/Weapons/Gunsmith 1 Hardware -3 Saddles/Harness - 4 Hotels - 3 (Jones House, Elm House & Columbus Hotel ) Stables Livery - 4 Tailors of Clothing - 6 Millinery - 2 Grain Mills - 4 Newspapers -2 (Columbus Bulletin & Columbus Weekly Union) Sewing Center (Notions) - 1 Painters - 3 Photo Gallery - 1 (Mangrum C.W.) Medical Doctors/Physicians - 5 Packing House Pork 1 Railroad Station/Agent - 1 Restaurants - 1 (Corner of Washington & 3rd Street) Bars/Saloons -12 Tanners - 3 (Mooney & two Dillion Emig) Tinner's - 2 Jewelry/Watches - 2 Mill for Wool - 1Sources: Ref. David Sechrest posted map , Bartholomew County History, Book H. C. Chandler Indiana History, Observation of Map and Discussions
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Post by RER on Oct 8, 2007 14:06:20 GMT -5
Toll Road Into Columbus Over Wooden Wagon Bridge (First White River Bridge) During 1879 & Before Progressive Changes Until 2007 A Toll House 1884 Bridge 2nd St. Today 3rd St. Today A toll gate to cross the "Wooden Wagon Bridge" across White River was in effect. The toll booth was placed some distance from the Garden City side of the river. There was an Ice House owned by Mr. J. Rowley next to the bridge before crossing into Columbus' 2nd Street area. This bridge was parallel to the JM & I Railroad bridge, that ran from about 4th Street across White River down toward Garden City. The bridge was replaced with an iron bridge in 1884, but was no longer a toll bridge. Horse and wagons utilized the first two bridges and cars later. The iron bridge of 1884 was used until 1951. It was replaced with a concrete bridge that crossed 3rd Street. Well, today 2nd and 3rd Bridges are newer and beautiful, colorful steel bridges; that has to attract all eyes as residents and tourists drive into Columbus. Note: Mr J. C. Rowley owned a very large lumber yard near the railroad tracks at the corner of 4th and Lafayette during that period (probably before & after 1879). This was near the backside of the present First Christian Church property. Who knows, maybe he built the wooden bridge. Sources:(1) Note: Pictures taken in 1999 and permission to show here is for your education and knowledge details at this web site: www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/bridge.html(2) David Sechrest's Post: (3) Columbus Indiana History Comment: I could not find a picture of the first wooden bridge. The Toll House pictured is an actual Bridge Toll House but not Columbus.
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Post by RER on Nov 9, 2007 10:59:53 GMT -5
An Interesting Buildings History at Present Day Washington StreetResearch and previous posts allow this continued storyPART ONE: Interesting Question & Minimum Information Available Unexplained Question: My research discovers in the first half of the 1800s a Dry Goods/Grocery & Provisions Store located on Washington Street. The store was owned by J. F. Snyder. In 1846 Mr. Joesph I. Irwin (before success) started working at the Snyder & Alden Store, as a sales clerk. He departed this employment January 1, 1850. Question: Was this Mr. Snyder related to two Snyder's of present day Columbus residents? (I know more than two Snyder folks) In 1868 (and maybe before) there may have been an ownership name change, because my research only shows J. F. Snyder Company. However, the same products were being sold. A Brief Story: Joseph I. Irwin worked 3 years as a sales clerk in the Snyder & Alden Store, and later in 1850 went into his own business with Wester W. Jones. His store was on the corner of 3rd and Washington Streets. Then much later Joseph I. Irwin founded the Irwin Union Bank & Trust Company in 1871. His first location was a general store (dry goods store) at 94 Washington Street, during the year of 1850. He seemed to have learned business first hand at the Snyder & Alden store. Closing: Who was the J. F. Snyder that helped Mr. Irwin get his feet on the ground? PART TWO:Below in color is the first Joseph I. Irwin Dry Goods Store he opened at 301 Washington Street, during the year 1851. 2nd Store Location1924 1st Store1850/Bank 1871 Corner 3rd St. First, I missed the connection of the Washington Street building store (I posted in the 1920s), because I hadn't researched enough about Joseph I. Irwin. So, with that in mind I will complete this picture. Joseph I. Irwin started working dry goods as his first Columbus job for "Snyder & Alden Store" as I stated before, in 1846. Then January 1, 1850 he opened his own store which is pictured in color above (301 Washington). To continue, during 1889 he sold his store to Fred. J. Meyer whom was a clerk in Irwin's store. The CHS 1920 Log said Mr. Meyer acquired his experience in dry goods from Mr. Irwin. Mr. Meyer had advanced rapidly in the business. Note: Mr. Irwin started his business on the corner of 3rd and Washington Street. When he sold the store he may have left F. J. Meyers in the building for a time period. But, if you study the window designs above it is apparent Fred. J. Meyer relocated his operation in a different store, at 435 (East side) of Washington Street. This allowed Joseph I. Irwin to open his bank in 1871 in the same building space at 301 Washington. This is where the bank idea started because citizens wanted Mr. Irwin to protect their money in the large safe inside the building. Confirmation Comment: Ref. Images of America Columbus booklet, by Patricia M. Mote on page 17 shows a picture of the F. J Meyers Dry Goods store that Mr. Irwin sold. They are operating in the picture at the corner of 3rd and Washington Street. The decorative support beams match the present 2007 beams. So, this reinforces the suggestion that F.J. Meyers moved his store on an unknown date to 435 Washington. Sources: Indiana and Bartholomew County History, CHS Log, and Re: Recollections of the Twenties « Reply #11 on Oct 16, 2007, posted herein at this web site, and "The 1953 City Directory".
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Post by RER on Nov 9, 2007 22:26:39 GMT -5
Interesting Enlargement of 1899 & 1900 Partial "Birds Eye View" of 4th and Washington Toward Present 7th StreetViewing Comments:-Lower right 4th Street and First National Bank (one of the 1st two banks in Columbus)
-Upper right large red brick building is the old City Hall
-Next to City Hall left red brick Fire Station #1
-Cornered on Franklin & City Hall is the Storey House (now reception center)
-Upper left is Mooney Tannery & Cerealine Company
-Notice the railroad tracks to the right are full of train cars (Jackson Street)
-First Presbyterian Church on 7th and Franklin Streets. past the Storey House
-Wagon Shop left extreme on 4th Street ( owned by the famed P.F. Schwartzkopf)
-Lumber yard next to Wagon Shop on 4th (looks like open field)
-Unpaved Washington Street with trolley rails (Interurban came later)Advertisement On Wall Of 1st National Bank Area: I enlarged it 400 percent and it appears to say "Dierce"s which is a French or Canadian Quebec French word. I couldn't make out the remaining words. Source: One of George's postcards enlarged and partial view
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Post by RER on Nov 10, 2007 14:47:06 GMT -5
First Presbyterian Church (1899 & 1900) & Still Standing Today7th and Franklin Street, Columbus Indiana This clip shows Old City Hall at lower right and the church in question with the steeple high in the air.Comment: George indicated to me that it was the Presbyterian Church.
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Post by RER on Nov 11, 2007 11:57:49 GMT -5
Joseph I. Irwin Sold His Dry Goods Store at 301 Washington Street to Fred J. Meyer as I Stated Previously In Other Posts HereinThis 1800s partial card picture reveals and confirms that Fred J. Meyer of "F. J Meyers & Sons" occupied that address for some time period; before Mr. Irwin refurbished the building to open his bank in 1871. Mr. Meyer was a store clerk (as I said before) for Mr. Irwin and he sold his inventory and business to Mr. Meyer. Mr. Meyer moved from this 301 Washington St. address at an unknown date to 435 Washington Street and was still operating his store during 1953. Interesting Visual: Many signs are erected on the building and one says: Fred J. Meyer, Removal Salt and front large sign says SALE. The corner building space in 2007 is used for the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation. Source: This is a partial enlarged card that George posted herein. This colored card picture suggests that the picture was produced maybe before 1871 and then placed on post cards in the late 1800s and early 1900s. No light poles and Mr. Meyer being in the bank building before Mr. Irwin opened bank there. History, goes into many directions and hard to pin down at times.
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Post by RER on Nov 11, 2007 20:13:19 GMT -5
Joseph I. Irwin's First Bank 1871Located at present 301 Washington StreetComment: Mr. Irwin appears in the picture on the left by the decorative support poles that are still in place today at that corner address at 3rd & Washington. The other individual is not recognized. It may be his son William Glanton Irwin.Another Historical Comment: Joseph I. Irwin started Union Starch and Refining Company, Columbus Indiana in 1904. Son William Glanton Irwin joined his father in business in 1889. In a very short time he assumed management responsibilities for many companies and investments. Joining his father they entered into the Union Starch and Refining Company in 1904. They also started Union Sales Corporation related to the Columbus Pennant food products. There was also a Union Starch plant in Edinburg Indiana. Joseph I. Irwin died in 1910. Cummins Engine Company Starts: Cummins was founded in 1919 by William Glanton Irwin and Clessie Lyle Cummins. They manufactured diesel engines. In the early days they were marketed to farmers, through Sears catalogs. The company's original financier, William Glanton Irwin, was the Columbus Indiana banker. The first plant was the old Cerealine building of Jackson Street. The plant expanded in the early days and built the super large plants at the end of East 5th Street. The company is now worldwide as we all know. Most cities nationwide have Cummins service centers. Sources: Indiana University history files, Irwin Union Bank history, Cummins Engine Company brief, and comments and support from Richard.
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Post by RER on Nov 13, 2007 7:58:37 GMT -5
Did The "Smell/Odor" In Columbus Help Put This Business, 'Down The Drain' Around 1890 or Before?Research indicated this business started around 1875New York Times (June 29, 1890 ) : "There has been only one failure in the business (starch) and that was precipitated by the municipality authorities of Columbus Indiana, refusing the American Starch Company permission to continue the operation of the works within the corporate limits of the town, on account of the offensive odors issuing from the works." Does anyone have any history of this place and what did local papers say about the American Starch Company? My research found very little written about this company that is buried within the "cob webs" of Columbus History. Did they produce clothing starch and food stuffs, because in the reference below it cites a cookbook in a university library in a Northern state. In other sources: The company published an almanac and cookbook in 1883. A copy of these books are located in the University of Delaware Library. The Delaware site says: Information On The Cook Book: American Starch Company, Columbus, Ind. Almanac and Cook Book Dedicated to the Lady Patrons of the American Starch Company. Columbus, Ind.: American Starch Company [ca. 1883]. Comment/Other Questions and Thoughts: Did George talk about a fire related to a starch company somewhere within these board pages (I can't find it)? Did other Indiana papers and business summaries provide an insight to this company's story? My, my isn't history interesting even with hidden cob webs!UPDATE: Became Insolvent: I have read that at some point the company became insolvent. In other words it was unable or insufficient to pay debts. This happened before 1890. The buildings were located at 16th and Washington Street and may have burned down in 1895. Based On The Company History This Card was Printed Before 1890References/Sources: New York Times 1890, Delaware Library, and
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Post by RER on Nov 13, 2007 12:02:35 GMT -5
Brilliancy Arrives In Columbus Around 1846 at 22 Years OldMoved from the farmlands of Bartholomew County to the City of Columbus with a burning desire to be successful, and was he ever!! Columbus was only recognized as a city 11 years before this very intelligent off-springs, took roots in the city. Well, of course this young man was a "penny pincher" but he had motivation, drive and a mental goal to succeed. It has been said that he once received 30 cents from his mother to ride the railways to Columbus, but kept the money and walked to town. This man had a creative and constructive mind and listened intently to fellow citizens. The county and city had a very deep respect for this man of integrity. Among the city at that time were a lot of merchants and business folks, and they were successful in their own ways, and contributed immensely to Columbus development. However, this unique, quick minded, alert individual had something different to offer during his lifetime. We all have our bumps in life, but when the bumps are so small, and the positives outweigh the pitfalls; then that is success. Oh, yes you have heard of him, but has the depth and the comprehensive story of his attributes been given the credit deserved. To a great credit he also had a splendid, smart son and families even took his name for birth children. In my opinion the "Brilliancy Award" should go to Joseph I. Irwin born in 1824 and died in 1910. Mr. Irwin was followed by his very bright son William G. Irwin. Sequence of Success (183 years of history)-1824 Joseph I. Irwin was born three years after Bartholomew County Indiana was recognized a county and prior to Columbus being named a town. -1846 Joseph I. Irwin learned business working in a Dry Goods Merchants store for Mr. Snyder and Mr. Alden of Columbus. -1850 he depart that employment and started his own Dry Goods store at 301 Washington Street. Citizens were asking him to secure their money in his big safe in this store. They trusted him and admired his integrity. -1871 he opened his first Bank called the Irwin Bank of Columbus after the failure of one of two banks in Columbus. -1875 he may have backed the American Starch Company which was not a success. It closed before 1890 after financial problems and the city didn’t want the odor throughout the town. -1889 he sold his Dry Goods inventory to Fred J. Meyer and thus left the dry goods business. -1889 his son William G. Irwin joined his father in the Irwin Banking as a clerk and learned the business and eventually took most of the management leadership. -1898 he and son, formed the ideas and coordinated the purchase and financing of the buildings, and opened the Union Starch and Refining Company in 1904 in Edinburg. These products were still being sold in the 1960s. The Corporate Office was in Columbus. -1899 Joseph and son William G. Irwin financed and started the Interurban Line that became the "Indianapolis, Columbus and Southern Traction Company." -1910 Joseph I. Irwin past away at the age of 86. -1919 William G. Irwin financed and teamed up with Clessie Cummins. They started building Cummins Diesel Engines in the Sweeney house garage, and the old Cerealine building on Jackson Street. Their first engines were sold in Sears catalogs. -1934 J. Irwin Miller after graduating from Oxford University started his career at Cummins Engine Company as the General Manager. His great uncle was William G. Irwin and his grandfather's chauffeur was none other than "Clessie Cummins." In 1941 J. Irwin Miller was stationed on the Navy's Aircraft Carrier USS Langley for a period during WWII as a Lieutenant. -1941 William G. Irwin and Clessie Cummins on paper merged the Oil Engine Development Company with Cummins Engine Company, and that newer company ceased to exist. This company supposedly was a mental/paper company that was liquidated per Clessie Cummins' writings. -1943 William G. Irwin died (1866-1943) and J. Irwin Miller took over the businesses and Cummins Engine Company. William G. Irwin never married so the name passed away with his death. -2004 J. Irwin Miller (1909-2004) passed away and son continues the banking system. -2004 and today this year of 2007 William Miller son of J. Irwin Miller heads the Irwin Financial Bank system in Columbus. The rest of the story is still active today in Columbus Indiana. The Irwin Bank system has grown from the early 1900s million dollars to a multiple billion dollar operation in several states. The Cummins Engine Company plants have expanded into other states and countries. The sales of Diesel Engines worldwide are enormous. The headquarters still remains in Columbus Indiana downtown near old Jackson Street, which includes the old Cerealine building. Many merchants and business men of the past have been very successful, and helpful to the Bartholomew county community economy. There have been and are today many worldwide industries, based in Columbus. However, the large footprints of Joseph I. Irwin and William G. Irwin remain today in the great city of Columbus. So, in my opinion the “Brilliancy Award” goes to Joseph I. Irwin and son William G. Irwin. Many family members followed these two individuals and were highly successful; however these two gentlemen of the past had to take the biggest risks in the financial arena, dodged the great depression, and other road blocks of business. This challenge was more than anyone that followed their footprints. "The Supreme Brilliancy Award" goes to brilliant mechanical minded, and inventor Chessie Cummins.Left Joseph I. Irwin and right probably William G. IrwinVarious & Numerous Sources: Indiana University history files, Irwin Union Bank history, Cummins Engine Company History, Clessie Cummins writings, The Book is "My days with the Diesel." Printed in 1967 by Chiltom Company. Library of Congress card number 67-11846, Bartholomew County History, Indiana History, Articles from Newspapers, Eulogy delivered at J. Irwin Miller memorial service at North Christian Church 21 August 2004, Louisville Courier Journal, My interpretations of the facts/history, based upon my research. If something is left out, or additions are needed and even corrections, I would appreciate your constructive comments. Thank you for reading this time consuming research and composite review. This is a historic message board and comments are welcome to assist in conversations, changes or additions. Special Recognition: I want to thank Nanc, Richard George, Rickey for their help in posts and email conversations, in providing support and some details of the above. I understand that Rickey did graveyard research also. See George's post number 139 for details of Edinburg and Columbus information.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2007 15:02:10 GMT -5
Bob.... the Starch Co. fire that was in my post was the American Starch Company plant, it was at 16th and Washington St. My information shows that the fire was in 1895???.
George
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Post by RER on Nov 13, 2007 15:07:06 GMT -5
Thanks George!! I knew you would come up with the answer. So, after they closed it burned down maybe a few years later.
So, was S. Cutziner Company in Edinburg Indiana connected to the Columbus folks in business? Wasn't it a Food Stuffs and Starch company also?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2007 11:18:31 GMT -5
Bob......Samuel Cutsinger and two other mill men established the Blue River Starch Works in1868, it was the forerunner of the Union Starch and Refining Company. The factory was the largest of its kind in the state.The company was in operation as late as 1885, I don't have any information after that date on the company, I will see if I can find more.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2007 11:30:07 GMT -5
The Starch Factory - 1885
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2007 11:40:19 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2007 15:22:54 GMT -5
UNION STARCH AND REFINING COMP ANY One of the most important industries of Edinburgh in the early 1900's was the Union Starch and Refining Company, home of Pennant Syrup, owned by Joseph Irwin of Columbus. This was the successor to the Blue River Starch Works organized by Samuel Cutsinger in 1868 and was Edinburgh's largest place of employment in its day having 400 workers in the great days around 1913-1920 with offices in Columbus and plants at Edinburgh and Granite City, Illinois. Branigin's History of Johnson County states it was the largest manufacturing plant in the county. The Starch factory was opened here in 1903 but its history begins in 1898. How the starch factory came about, more or less as a second thought, how Pennant was chosen as the tradename for its table syrup, old names associated with the company are a fascinating story. The Union Starch had its
beginnings in 1903 with the purchase of the old starch plant no longer in operation. This was the Blue River Starch Works established by a stock compan y composed of Samuel Cutsinger, M.C. Tilford, E.K. Hosford, and Joseph Fisher. The plant itself was a mammoth enterprise. After a fire in 1885 the present main brick building two stories high was constructed besides a large warehouse, corn cribs, sheds, and an office separate from the factory. By 1888 Samuel Cutsinger, great-grandfather of Dale Mutz, was the only one of the original stockholders still living. To get back to Union Starch. In 1898 Joseph 1. Irwin and Will G. Irwin of Columbus had the idea of developing a traction line or interurban from the county seats to Indianapolis. By December 31, 1900, the line had been built from Greenwood to Indianapolis. Later it was extended to Franklin, and by 1903 through Edinburgh to Columbus. As the line was being built Mr. Irwin noticed that the old Starch plant in Edinburgh, which was not in operation, had a power plant and could be used to provide a part of the electric current for the traction line south. He arranged to purchase the old starch plant. Shortly after the purchase, Messrs. Irwin concluded they had a starch factory pretty much intact and began to look around to see what they could do about it. They contacted Clint Scholler. His father, Henry Scholler, had worked in the plant and knew how to make starch. A partnership was formed in 1903 by Joseph I. Irwin, William G. Irwin of Columbus, Harold Hughes, Edinburgh grocer, and Joseph E. Irwin of Irwin Bank of Columbus. How the company came upon, developed, and secured the trademark Pennant is a story in itself. Hugh Th. Miller, who later became president, secured the name. Several officers met to select a name for their syrup in the old frame building which later became the carpen ter shop. The 1903 World Series (the first baseball "World Series" ever) had started that day. Naturally the discussion turned to whether the winner of the Pennant for the National League or the American
League would win the Series. Mr. Miller suggested Pennant for the name, and Pennant syrup was born. In 1904 the first corn was ground. The daily average soon grew to 800 bushels. All the output was manufactured into starch. Edinburgh became a good corn market for farmers within a radius of 25 miles. The farmers not only sold their corn at the starch factory but hauled away the glucose for feed. Glutten Feeds was one of the company's biggest products. A short time later Louis P. Bauer had the knowledge to produce glucose and had a new idea for a water-white corn syrup. The company at Edinburgh produced and marketed table syrups soon after they began manufacturing glucose. In 1907 Raymond Daily became superintendent of the plant staying here until 1910 when he accepted a position with American Maize in Chicago. He introduced his friend, Philo King, whom he had known in a plant in Peoria and Mr. King became superintendent. January 5, 1912, the partnership was dissolved and the firm incorporated under the name Union Starch and Refining Company at Edinburg. The five incorporators were William G. Irwin, his sister, Mrs. Linnie Sweeney, Hugh Th. Miller, fa ther of Irwin Miller, Harold Hughes, and Joseph E. Irwin. Will Irwin was the first president. It is interesting to know this little plant in Edinburgh with P.R. King as superintendent helped to make contributions in the early days of the starch and syrup business. The main building was extended to four stories and other expansions made. General offices were at Edinburgh from the beginning until the main office was moved to Columbus in 1922. October 20, 1922, the company purchased a plant in Granite City, Illinois; later in 1922 Mr. King and Joe Irwin went to Granite City to prepare for operations there. Clint Scholler was left in charge at Edinburgh. In February, 1923, the grinding started at Granite City and the day before the grinding was discontinued at Edinburgh never to be resumed. It was a stunning blow to the town. Only a few families moved to Granite City, but soon those who had worked at Union Starch found employment elsewhere. At about the same time, Edinburgh's veneer mills were growing fast. For 24 years the plant did not operate. In 1947 the plant was reha bili ta ted and a portion of the factory used to produce packaged prod ucts Marshmal-O-Creme and Reddi Starch, and mixed syrups again giving employment for the town. Carl Allison came to Edinburgh as plant superintenden t. In September, 1964, the Union Starch and Refining Company made expansions of over one million dollars here to manufacture cyclamate, used in artificial sweetening such as diet colas. In 1966 the company was sold to Miles Laboratories Inc. Operations at the Edinburgh and Granite City plants continued the same until the plan ts were ordered by the governmen t not to manufacture cyclamates in 1969. The Edinburgh plant has been closed since then and in 1972 the Granite City plant was closed by Miles Laboratories thus bringing a close to the story of the Union Starch and Refining Company. In 1975 William Babbs of Columbus bought the Starch factory from Miles Laboratories and moved Bo-Witt to that location. A few names were men tioned as the material was gathered about the starch factory. Some of them were: Clint Scholler, superintendent; Orner Fulp of Taylorsville, night superintendent. Henry Pruitt was the chemist; Otis Freese, traffic and sales manager. Other names mentioned are: Andy Robertson, Gilford Freese, Arthur Patterson, and Joe Brown, engineers; Homer Hubbard, William Beever, Alf Mitchell, Mrs. Henry Pruitt, stenographer, Joseph Sconce, foreman, Mamie Cotton, Seward Hutchison, Mayher Rubush, Ben Sutton, Al Morgan, Frank Phillips, Roscoe Mosier, Ralph Sadler. All of them old Edinburgh names. Ray Gundrum and Hector Swinehart were employed 40 years.
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