Hi all. While working on the old newspaper clippings tonight, I came accross the
following article about Powers (an old Jay Co. town), and thought it worthy of posting to
the list. This was printed in the Democrat newspaper in Portland, IN, 7 Aug. 1873. I
hope everyone enjoys it, and hope some find useful information.
Powers, Ind., Aug. 4th, 1873 - Powers derives its name from Abraham Powers, upon whose
land the most of the town is built. Mr. Powers came to this place with his father from
near Dayton, Ohio, thirty-five years ago. At that time there were only two or three
houses in the settlement, stationed apart from each other. There were plenty of turkies
and deer - many a turkey and deer could be seen passing the houses by. The woods were
also infested with wolves and bears. For the first few years game furnished one of the
principal dishes. Hunting formed the chief amusement. Markets and mills were not much
closer than Richmond, Indiana, or Piqua, Ohio. Farmers could haul their wheat to these
places and sell it and buy their groceries and clothing. Wolves often howled around with
almost deafening and hideous yells. These animals were not only annoying but dangerous.
Two young men (whose names I'll not mention) went to see their girls one night, about
four miles distant. Af!
ter spending four or five hours pleasantly they began making their home trip. They had
gone about half they way through the woods when the howling of the wolves was heard not
far distant, and in no small numbers. By the yelping of the animals the boys knew they
were pursued. There seemed to be about thirty in the gang. What to do was the question.
At first they thought they would run and gain home; but they found that would not do, as
they would soon be overtaken. They could now hear the cracking of the brush and terrific
yells - the woods seemed alive with them; life or death was the main thought. Climb a
tree shouted they both at the same instant, no sooner said than each sprang for a tree,
and scarcely escaped their threatened danger. These hungry curs kept up a growling and
yelping until daylight, when they left much to the pleasure of their supposed victims.
There are many incidents that might be related, but space forbids. There was
a man by the name of Joe Enox who lived mostly by hunting. He would often remained in the
woods weeks at a time all alone.
Little did Mr. Power, thirty-five years ago, dream, of seeing a town and
hearing the whistle of the iron horse. But times have changed. The country then almost
without houses is now thickly dotted with good substantial buildings. The town is of
recent origin. It sprang up simultaneous with the coming of the railroad. There were
only two houses to begin with, that of Powers and Jake Miller. The first house was built
by George Miller and Barger kept their store, and did a thriving business. In the
meantime other hosues were steadily growing up. Miller & Barger sold their store to
John Woods, who in turn sold to Jones & Orr. Jones sold his share to Jenkins, Jenkins
& Orr are the present owners. The second store was introduced by Arch. McFarland who
sold to Cunningham & Hudson; Hudson sold to Mitchell, and Mitchell to another Mitchel,
and they to Levi James, who transferred the goods to Ridgeville. The third store was
brought by Aleck Guilbert who sold to !
J. B. Swheir, and he to Manor, the present owner. The fourth store was introduced by Sam
Orr the present owner. There is a grocery, a drug store, a shoe shop, a saw-mill, a black
smith shop, and wagon shop. Powers is located halfway between Ridgeville and Redkey on
the railroad. It is a good place for shipping produce. A live business is carried on in
grain, merchandise and live stock. The inhabitants are quite, law-abiding citizens. The
town is free from wrecked manhood; and loafers are scarce. Come and visit, the town will
recommend itself.
P. S. Homo's compliment is duly received. Success to you, Homo, and your
patrons.
Cincinnatus extends his thanks to the Democrat for its courtesy, for opening
its columns for the benefit of Powers and vicinity. He is necessarily compelled to
suspend his correspondence. Sabbath school is still flourishing.
Rex Bertram
PO Box 651
Redkey, IN 47373
Jay County Indiana Webpage co-ordinator
http://www.rootsweb.com/~injay/
Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, or Michigan research help
http://home.insightbb.com/~rexwb/index.htm
I do Free Genealogy Look-ups from many sources.
Check out my web page.
http://www.angelfire.com/in4/genealogyhelp/lookup.html