Welcome to another Grave Spotlight of the Month.  This time we are taking a look at the life of Lyman Skinner Ayres, founder of the fabulous L.S. Ayres department store.

Lyman Skinner Ayres was born on September 4, 1824 in Oswego, New York to parents Thomas Floyd Ayres (?-?) and Marian Jones Ayres (?-?).  He had five siblings, though the names of those are not known.

His parents were owners of a farm in Oswego, New York, but Lyman disliked this career and left home in his teen years to take on the life of a peddler, eventually establishing a general store in Chardon, Ohio with partner John Murray in 1843.  He owned and operated this store for 15 years along with a dry goods store in New York for 7 years.  

During this time, he married for the first time to Almira G. Harned/Hamel  Ayres (1829-1857) on December 12, 1851 in Geauga, Ohio.  Unfortunately, she passed from consumption on April 28, 1857 on Montville, Ohio.  She is buried in the Ayres Cemetery in Montville, Ohio, her heading being located behind the old schoolhouse in the woods.  They had no children from their union.  

His second wife, who would eventually bear him three children and move with him to Indianapolis, was Maria Helen Murray Ayres (1837-1911), the sister of his former business partner's sister. They were married in 1862.  Their children were Frederick/Frederic Murray Ayres (1872-1940), Katherine Ayres Smitheram (1880-1949) and Robert Ayres (died in infancy).  They also adopted a child named Emma Murray, who was their niece, when she was just an infant.  

In 1864, Lyman sold his interest in the general store in Chardon, Ohio and moved to Geneva, New York, where he started his new business with partner James G. Thomas.  This new venture was called Ayres and Thomas.  This last until 1872, when he sold his interest and purchased controlling interest in a leading dry goods store called the Trade Palace located on 26 West Washington Street in Indianapolis in "Ray's Stone Front Building".  This was in partnership with N.R. Smith and the business was renamed N.R. Smith and Ayres. His wife and family joined him in Indianapolis just two years later, right before his full success was recognized.

Indiana Historical Society

His business was such a success that his company grew and expanded and in 1875 he moved his business to 33 Washington Street and named it after himself - L.S. Ayres and Company.  

Ayres known for his generosity and careful business practices.  He held great concern and care for his employees, which showed in that his staff grew from 30 to 175 from 1874-1896.  His employees were paid a higher wage than most and he was the first in the city to hold an annual employees' picnic on the Fourth of July.

In 1895, James G. Thomas retired, leaving the entire company in Lyman's hands, making him the sole proprietor.  By this time, the business had grown so much that it was needing an expansion.  Ayres purchased the land at the southwest corner of Washington and Meridian Streets for this grand new location.  But, unfortunately, he would never see his dream come to fruition.  Lyman Skinner Ayres passed away on May 7, 1896 in Indianapolis, Indiana of chronic nephritis.  He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.  I was lucky enough to be able to stop by his grave and take a few photos.

This, however, may be the end of Lyman's story, but it is not the end of the legacy of L.S. Ayres and Company.  His son, Frederic M. took over the business and built the new store on the property that his father had purchased.   It began construction some time in 1905 and officially opened its doors on October 2, 1905.  

This building was 8 stories tall, the top floor dedicated to the administration of the building.  But these department stores were not what we would be accustomed to today.  Whereas now goods are imported from overseas or other areas, that was a very expensive prospect during this time.  Instead, floors were dedicated to the construction of goods to sell.  On floor was for picture frame and cabinet construction, while another was accommodating dressmakers who made both custom orders and the ready-to-wear items that would be for sale on the lower levels.  The rest of the floors were the actual sales floors where a variety of items would be available for purchase - clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, accessories and
the like.  There was at one time, even a floor with fabric and millinery.

The basement of the store was an economy area, with items of lower cost and quality as well as marked down items and a large soda fountain, coffee and snack room.  But, the highlight of the downtown store was the Tea Room.  This room, which operated in this store from 1905 until the year before the store officially closed in 1991.  While there was a sofa fountain and a coffee shop in the basement, the Tea

Room was a formal setting that catered to the female shopper.  Several models would roam the gathering spot, showing off the current fashions available for purchase.  The menu boasted consistent fare such as chicken pot pie, chicken velvet soup and special desserts for the children.  The Tea Room was eventually re-created in the Indianapolis State Museum and is open seasonally. 

Ayres also became somewhat of a destination store for its holiday displays.  If you have ever seen the PBS/BBC production of "Selfridge", then you would have seen a glimpse into the life of L.S. Ayres.  They would have been very much the same in the displays and the sales floor and the like.  

On the corner of Washington and Meridian Streets there was a massive clock that hung out into the

road.  On the night before Thanksgiving 1947, a three foot tall bronze cherub appeared on top of the clock.  This stayed in place until Christmas, starting a tradition that lasted for years.  They had elaborate Christmas window displays that people would travel to see.  There even added a Santa's Workshop at one point.  

After World War II, they offered a phone call with Santa and live television broadcasts.  From 1958-1961, they offered children a ride through the Christmas displays on a miniature electric train called the Santa Claus Express.  In the early 1940s, they offered visits with the Easter Bunny and later in the late 1950s, there were barnyard animals included with your visit with the bunny.  

In 1958, Ayres opened a store in Lafayette, Indiana and one in Glendale Shopping Center in Indianapolis' north side.  In the 1960s and 70s, they opened branches in Greenwood Park Mall and one in Fort Wayne.  In 1972. Ayres was acquired by Associated Dry Goods of New York City.  Additional stores were opened in Lafayette Square Mall, Washington Square Mall, South Bend, Muncie, Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Mishawaka, and Bloomington, Indiana.  

Things seemed great for the L.S. Ayres Company until the changing position of shoppers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  L.S. Ayres started to struggle in the economy.  The stores that they had opened in many locations in the American Midwest started to see a decline in sales and some had to close, being sold off to other companies such as JC Penney.  This change included the budget basement in the flagship location.  Needs changed and people began shopping at the separate budget store, Ayr-Way.  (I remember shopping at Ayr-Way when I was a kid!  Ayr-Way later became Target in many locations.)

The company was acquired in 1986 by the May Company.  This was around the time that there were some serious discussions within the upper echelons of the company.  Stores in Cincinnati were closed as well as stores in Louisville.  Indianapolis was working on a new mall location downtown called Circle Centre Mall.  This new mall was meant to be a destination mall with several levels, underground parking and lots of restaurants.  Unfortunately, it was decided that the mall would not include the flagship location.  And it was announced on October 25, 1991, that the flagship store would be closing.  That same year, Ayres Company merged with Famous-Barr, a May division location in Missouri.  In 1994, they were acquired by Federated Department Stores and were turned into Macy's.  

It was the end of an era.  The end of the elegance of shopping and the experience of a destination store.

My grandmother shopped at the original store in Indianapolis.  She bought her fabric there for making my mom's dance costumes and special occasion outfits.  She ate at the Tea Room.  She took my mom and my uncle to see the displays.  I never got to go the original store.  I never got to see the displays or the magnificence of the 8 stories.  I did, however, work at the Bloomington location for a few years when they were taken over by Famous-Barr.  I remember how strange it was because as L.S. Ayres, we still did the huge Christmas displays and set up the entire upstairs for the holiday.  We decorated the downstairs, especially the entrance with huge trees and lights and garlands.  And that all ended when it became Famous Barr.  I don't know if that was a thing on their part or just the shopping climate.  

Whatever the reasons, the loss of L.S. Ayres and Company was felt strongly.  The shopping experience was forever changed.

Rest In Peace, Lyman S. Ayres.  And know that you are not forgotten.  And your store will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

~~~~

RESOURCES:

Wikipedia - Lyman S. Ayres

Encyclopedia of Indianapolis - Lyman S. Ayres

Lost Indiana - Lyman A. Ayers

Indy Star - Remembering Ayres

Wikipedia - L.S. Ayres

Indy Today - The tale of the clock and the cherub

 Welcome to June's Grave Spotlight of the Month.  This time we are highlighting the AIDS Memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

My daughter and I made our first trip to Crown Hill Cemetery this spring and it was amazing.  The cemetery is huge and there was so much to see that we barely scratched the surface of the list that we had.  Out of all of the memorials that were were looking for, one of the ones that we had no idea was there was the AIDS Memorial.  

This memorial was originally dedicated in October of 2000 on the grounds of the older part of the cemetery, near section 90, and is dedicated to the thousands of people who had lost their lives to this deadly disease.  

It was re-dedicated in 2017 and was given improved access including a ramp for those needing easier access.  

The memorial has a huge sculpture at the forefront of two intertwined hands shaped into the form of the lapel ribbon, the international AIDS symbol.. This sculpture was designed by Indiana Artist Guy R. Grey and stands at 10-feet tall.

It is an impressive sight and really makes one think about the impact this disease has had on the the lives of people all over the world.

Behind the sculpture are three tall plinths with names carved into them.  Two of them have the names and lifespans of those who died from AIDS, including Indiana AIDS activist Ryan White.  The third tablet was added in 2003 and is inscribed with the names of donor companies and individuals.  But the monument does not include all the names of those that have passed from the disease.  There is a cost to have a name inscribed on the monument, a portion of which goes to the Indiana AIDS fund.

Between 1981 and 2016, there were just under 7,000 AIDS death in Indiana according to the Indiana State Department of Health.  This number could potentially be higher as AIDS deaths were not always coded correctly.  Unfortunately, this monument has not always been embraced by the community, including the LGBTQ+ community.  When it was erected in 2000, AIDS was still something that was considered a death knell and something to be shied away from, something to hide.  But over time, as people became aware of what the disease is and how it can be treated, acceptance came with that.  And now, this monument stands as a memory to all of those out there that have fought against, supported and passed from this disease.

Hundreds of names are carved into these stones, including, as noted above, Ryan White, a young man who died of AIDS in April of 1990.  He was 13 years old when he was diagnosed with the disease after receiving a blood transfusion in 1984.  He faced severe discrimination when he tried to return to school, not only from the school but the entire community.  He had his mother fought for his right to return to school.  He dedication to this fight brought him national attention and he became the face of public education about the disease.

You can also find at least one very famous name, that of Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen.  He was officially diagnosed with the disease in 1987, but was reported as having first sought treatment in 1982.  Regardless of his illness, he continued to perform, hiding his illness from those around him.  He gave his final performance in 1991 succumbing to bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS later that same year.

This monument is a beautiful and sobering reminder of the impact disease can have on individuals and a community.  

If you have a chance to stop by this memorial, take a moment to peruse the names.  All of these people lost their lives to what was an epidemic at one time, but now had treatments that are most effective.  Many have continued to live long lives from these treatments.  Let's not lose that hope that these lives have given us.

Thank you.  Rest In Peace.

~~~~

RESOURCES

Encyclopedia of Indianapolis - Indiana AIDS Memorial

Indiana History - AIDS Memorial Dedication, Crown Hill Cemetery

IndyStar - Indy AIDS Memorial gets a makeover, but remains incomplete 17 years later

WRTV - AIDS Memorial dedication honors man who dedicated much of his life to the cause

Health Resources & Services Administration - Who Was Ryan White?

History.com - Freddie Mercury Succumbs to AIDS

 It's racing month and you would be hard pressed to find someone that hadn't heard of the Indianapolis 500.  But finding someone that knew how this 2.5 mile oval racetrack came to be, is a different story.  So, today, we are taking a look at the four men that became responsible for the home of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing - Carl G. Fisher, James Allison, Arthur Newby, and Frank Wheeler.

We will begin with Carl G. Fisher as he was the visionary behind the Speedway.  Carl Graham Fisher was born in Greensburg, Decatur County, Indiana on January 12, 1874 to parents Albert Harvey Fisher (1847-1921) and Ida M. Graham Fisher (1848-1925).  He had two brothers, but I don't have any information on their names, but he opened a bicycle shop with them when he was about seventeen. This led to his love of bicycle racing as well as the emerging automotive industry.  He was said to have purchased the first car, a De Dion Bouton, in Indianapolis in 1898.  His love of bicycle racing shifted to auto racing and early in 1904, he set a world's record racing on a dirt track, driving two miles in just over two minutes.

His love of cars and racing innovations led him to open an automobile showroom in 1902 at 330 North Illinois Street.  It was here that he sold and serviced cars manufactured in Indianapolis - Premier and Winton.  A few years later, he moved this operation to 400 North Capitol Avenue. Here he sold Stoddard-Dayton, Maxwell and Nationals.  This building, unfortunately, is no longer there.  

In 1904, he and his friend James Allison bought an interest in a US patent to manufacture acetylene headlights.  These headlights used a compressed acetylene system to light these headlamps.  Unfortunately, the testing that happened to make these headlights lead to some explosions at the facility where they were being manufactured, so they moved their operations to some farmland south of Crawfordsville Road.  This new location for the manufacturing of the headlights was located across the road to the track where they were testing automobiles.  

The first event that was held at the newly founded Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a balloon race.  Fisher participated in this event, but he did not win, losing to John Berry and Paul McCullough in the University City Balloon.  But the true purpose of this track was to serve as a testing facility for the rapidly growing local auto industry.  Indianapolis ranked fourth in the nation around this time for the production of automobiles.  By 1913, it would rank second.

The need for this track was in part because the availability of automobiles and the technology used to create them was rapidly outpacing the conditions of the roads that they were being driven on. So Fisher and Allison, along with their two friends Arthur Newby and Frank Wheeler built the huge "motor parkway" that would eventually become the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Carl Fisher married Jane Watt (also spelled Watts) (1887-1968) in 1909 when she was only 15 years old, breaking off his previous engagement to an unnamed woman.  She became the hostess of their estate, Blossom Heath, which was located on Cold Spring Road.  In 1922, he sold the estate, but it still stands, sitting on land as part of Marian University.  They were married until 1926 when they divorced after he disapproved of her adopting a young child.  Their union only produced one natural child, Carl Graham Fisher, Jr (1921-1921) who is buried in the Fisher vault in Crown Hill Cemetery along with his father.

Fisher was married a second time, this time to Margaret Eleanor Collier Fisher Lyon (1894-1963), his secretary.  They were married until his death.

In the early 1910s, the motor club that Fisher helped found in 1902, the Hoosier Motor Club, joined with him in forming the Lincoln Highway Association.  This group set out to create a transcontinental highway more suited for automobiles.  After the success of this project, he then helped with the formation of the Dixie Highway.

In 1912, Allison and Fisher platted the town of Speedway on the land west of the track and the Prest-O-Lite factory.  The following year, the two partners sold their company to Union Carbide for a whopping $9 million dollars.

After Fisher sold his estate in 1922, he made the move to Florida, using his knowledge and fortune to buy up a plot of swampland.  This land eventually became what we now know as Miami Beach.

Carl Fisher died on July 15, 1939 in a Miami Beach Hospital of a stomach hemorrhage, brought on by
an prolonged illness, likely compounded by his alcoholism. He brought back to Indianapolis and interred in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Indiana Historical Society

Fisher's friend, James Asbury Allison is next on our list.  He was born on August 11, 1872 in Marcellus, Cass County, Michigan to Noah Samuel Allison (1871-1914) and Myra Jane Black Allison (1847-1931).  Both of his parents are buried nearby in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana.  James had three siblings that I have been able to find, all buried in Crown Hill Cemetery: Wallace Samuel Allison (1871-1914), Delmore C. Allison (1874-1916) and Herbert Cleland Allison Sr. (1878-1918).

James' father, Noah, was originally from Indianapolis and was involved in various enterprises before establishing the Allison Coupon Company.  James left school at the age of 12 to help with this business, eventually taking over the reins with his two brothers after the death of his father in 1890.

In 1909, he formed his partnership with Carl Fisher and and inventor Perry Avery to form the Concentrated Acetylene Company.  The company worked creating acetylene headlamps, an extremely dangerous occupation.  After a little while, Fisher and Allison bought out Avery's shares and renamed it Pres-O-Lite.  

Operations moved from the city limits out to its final location near what would become the Motor Speedway.  After the creation of the Speedway in 1909, Allison established the Allison Speedway Team Company, which was a machine shop on the grounds of the Prest-O-Lite factory.  After the company was purchased by Union Carbide, Allison moved his business to a new building and renamed it the Allison Engineering Company.  (My grandfather worked at Allison Engine for many years after WWII until his retirement).

During WWI, Allison's company provided tools  and such used in the production of Liberty Aircraft engines.  Because of his work, he received additional contracts to build British Whippet Tanks and tracks.  

After the war, he turned his attention back to his work at the Speedway.  Regardless of this work, he only entered a car in the race once, in 1919.  His car was driven by Howard "Howdy" Wilcox, who drive it to victory.

But not only did Allison create one of the largest employers in Indianapolis, he also had interests in Miami, Florida, where he built a hospital and an aquarium.  

Allison became the sole owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

James Asbury Allison was married twice, his first wife was Sara Willis Cornelius Allison (1875-1938). They were divorced just a few weeks before his death in 1928.  But, it seems that just after their divorce and just before his death, he was married again, this time to Lucille Musset Allison Orr (1896-1942), his secretary.  He became ill with pneumonia while they were on their honeymoon in Port Washington, NY and died a few weeks later in 1928.  He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery as well.

Indiana University

Our next important name is that of Arthur Calvin Newby born on December 29, 1865 in Monrovia, Morgan County, Indiana.  He was the son of John Newby (1840-1910) and Cornelia York Newby (1845-1920).  They are both buried near him in Crown Hill Cemetery.  

Little is known of his younger life, but we do know that he made his way to Indianapolis in 1881 looking for work and finding it as office boy at Nordyke and Marmon.  This company originally started out as a flour milling company, but changed in 1926 to focus on motor cars, changing its name to the Marmon Motor Car Company.

Not long after coming to Indianapolis, he succumbed to the bicycle craze that swept the country and he helped found the Zig Zag Cycling Club in 1890.  His success led him to create, along with Charles E. Test and Edward Fletcher, the Indianapolis Chain and Stamping Company, later the Diamond Chain Company.  His business supplied over half of the bicycle chains in America.  He also found himself part of the Willits Manufacturing Company from 1894-1899.

His love of bicycles led him to create the Newby Oval, a quarter mile wooden track on 15 acres near Central Avenue and 30th Street.  The course featured banked curves, a grandstand, two amphitheaters and could hold more than 8000 spectators.  It was considered one of the best velodromes in the country.  It was this venture that led him to work with Carl Fisher and James Allison.  

His attention turned from bicycles to automobiles with his work on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and with National Motor Vehicle Company..  

Newby never married and gave most of his money, without fanfare, to hospitals and higher education, most notable Riley Children's Hospital, Butler University and Earlham College.  He passed away on September 11, 1933 in Indianapolis, Indiana and was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Our final name in this work is Frank H. Wheeler, born on October 24, 1863 in Manchester, Delaware County, Iowa to Sylvanus T. Wheeler (1834-1867) and Ursula M. Davis Wheeler Ball (1837-1926).  They are both buried in Oakland Cemetery, Manchester, Delaware County, Iowa.  

Frank made his way to Indianapolis from California after losing two fortunes.  After arriving, he met George Schebler, the inventor of one of the first successful carburetors.  Together they formed the Wheeler-Schebler Company to manufacturer these parts, find a small room on Alabama Street in downtown Indianapolis.  Wheeler provided the backing and office skills, while Schebler took care of the production.  

It didn't take long before their company became one of the best in the world, expanding its products to include magnetos and small electric motors.  In 1915, Wheeler purchased his partners interest in the business, paying him a reported $1 million.  But Wheeler didn't just keep his fingers in one pot, extending himself to serve as president of the Langenskamp-Wheeler Brass Works and as director for the Stutz Fire Engine Company.

Because of his work with the automotive industry, he met and made friends with Carl Fisher and subsequently James Allison, becoming an original investor in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  But he wasn't just involved with the Speedway, he also has involvement with the Columbia Club and Scottish Rite.  He was known to grow fruits and vegetables that he gave to children all throughout the city.  The Indianapolis School Corporation named an elementary school after him.

Frank was married to Harriet Estelle Githens Wheeler (1859-1924) and they had one child, Douglas Francis Wheeler (1891-1965).  She is buried near her husband in Crown Hill Cemetery, while their son is listed as being buried in Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

He passed away on May 27, 1921 and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.

These four men came together because of their love of racing, either bicycle or automobile.  It didn't really matter to them.  They loved it all.  And because of them Indianapolis Motor Speedway, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing", came to life and is now one of the most important sporting events in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of people a year to the city.

The founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Henry Ford.

 

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RESOURCES:

Wikipedia - Carl Graham Fisher

Historic Indianapolis - Indianapolis Early Automotive Roots

IndySpeedway - 1909 National Balloon Race

Indiana Historical Bureau - Lincoln & Dixie Highways

Encyclopedia of Indianapolis - James A. Allison

Encyclopedia of Indianapolis - Arthur C. Newby

 This month's grave spotlight focuses in on a very controversial and somewhat outlandish figure in Morgan, Brown and Monroe counties history - Reverend William N. Crabb, founder of the Crabbite religion.

William N. Crabb was born in 1856 in Barren County, Kentucky to Abraham J. Crabb (1834-1915) and Mahala P. Tanner Crabb (1837-1887).  He had a few siblings that I have found names of: Jemima "Mima" E. Crabb Osborne (1855-1939), Eliza Frances Crabbe Followell (1859-1898) and Martha Ann Crabb Petro (1862-1934).  There is a discrepancy in the names of his children, however.  I did find mention of a Martha Crabb Skaggs in various articles as well.

His father, Abraham, was one of the earliest settlers of Nashville, Brown County, Indiana, though I have not found much information as to what his occupation was.  He did, however, serve in the Civil War in Company G of the 79th Indiana Infantry.

On October 19, 1879, he married Miss Mary Ann Petro (though her headstone says Nancy Ann Petro Harrington) (1858-1957).  They had thirteen children, though little is known of them other than their names: Mary Ann Crabb Satter (1891-1959), Minnie Catherine Crabb Pentecost (1895-1958), Jemima Crabb (?-?), Martha Crabb (?-?), Anna Crabb (?-?), Liza Crabb (?-?), Lillie Crabb (?-?) Tuchulia Crabb (?-?), Idela Crabb (?-?) and his only son, Frank Crabb (?-?).

Not much is known about William's life before he organized his religion.  What we do know is that he had little formal education, but was a forceful speaker with a convincing voice, which was a draw for the locals.  He was noted as having been a farm laborer and also a mail carrier for the post offices father out from Nashville. 

The early formation of the Church of the First Born was from two visiting men from Indianapolis.  They arrived on Gose Creek in Morgan County, Indiana.  This was a hard one to figure out, because when searching for the location, I was repeatedly taken to a Goose Creek in Morgan County.  But after a little more looking, I did indeed find a Gose Creek, which has a nearby cemetery.  There are no Crabbs buried there.

These men from the metropolis in Marion County, Indiana, brought with them their marvelous teachings.  They declared all other doctrines to be false and also that they "were possessed of miraculous powers". The locals began to flock to their church, which was in a small, old log cabin. Their teachings became so popular that the log cabin could barely hold the numbers of believers.

This new faith, which as noted before stated that all other doctrine was false, preached that the earth was square, using the first verse of the Book of Revelations as their proof:

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor the sea, nor any tree."

Their teachings also denied that Jesus was born in a manger, but instead under an apple tree.  Where that idea came from, is not noted anywhere, mostly because, even though they preached the Bible to prove their beliefs that the earth is square, they do not quote the Bible.  Instead, these men claimed divine inspiration and forcing all that followed them to believe without questions.  They also believed that all sickness was banished by laying on hands and devils were cast out by them and them alone.

But, not all those in the area were as fanatical about the new religion and the small, log cabin meetinghouse was destroyed by dynamite, scattering the believers to instead become devout followers of the Reverend William Crabb, residing in Brown County.  He preached in an open air church, using a tree stump to deliver his wild teachings.  He claimed that he could handle poisonous snakes without danger to himself, which he should free to his audience.  

But this wasn't all he did while preaching.  He introduced something called the "Holy Kiss", which, from what I can tell, was him talking in tongues during his sermons.  He also added foot-washing to his litany of practices, with what intentions, I am unsure.  

According to an article in the Indianapolis News, dated May 23, 1908:

"On May 14, the converts of this Moses of the Brown county wilderness were repulsed by nonbelievers in a sensational fight when the attempted to restore the dead of life." 

This was shown to be one of their beliefs when one the members of the group passed away from consumption.  The family set out for her burial at Goose Creek Cemetery (actually Gose Creek Cemetery as I found a listing for her burial).  They stopped the family from proceeding with the burial and instead attempted to resurrect her by praying and laying on hands.  

It would seem that not only did William Crabb believe that he was immune to the bite of snakes, but that these same snakes could use their venom to bring back the dead.  They also believed that "those of the faith will instantly know it if sin, sickness or accident befalls a brother or a sister of the faith, and when this impression comes to them even though miles be between, they pray and overcome the untoward condition that threatens".  This belief also extended to disarming their enemies, which they were using said power against the man, or men, that destroyed their original meeting place.

Many people truly believed that he was nothing more than a con man and that the supposed venomous snakes that he used in his circus sideshow preachings were nothing more than harmless black snakes that the illiterate followers would not recognize.  These followers were stated as being "ginseng diggers, blackberry pickers, bushmen and men and women who can not read or write".  Those with a modicum of education believe that this teachings were nothing more than "tom-foolery".  Even with that, they also believed that he was doing good by teaching these isolated people, regardless of his beliefs.  That seems some what backward.

William Crabb travelled all over Brown County, into the hollers and valleys to preach this bizarre religion.  These travelling priests were called Circuit Riders.  He did have a settled home on a farm between Morgantown and Cornelius, which  was an unincorporated town in Jackson Township, Brown County, Indiana.  

Their religion, however, seems to have not been just a local bit of oddness, but had farther reaching fingers.  An article in The Newton Enterprise from Newton, North Carolina, dated July 1, 1909, noted that the Crabbites believed voting to be one of the deadly sins.  

Regardless of what the beliefs were, William Crabb and his followers have woven their religion into the fabric of Brown and Morgan Counties.  Now, if you will remember, at the beginning, I listed Monroe County as well.  And that is because, for some reason, even though there is no written proof anywhere that I can find, many have said that these people performed strange rituals and orgies in the woods of the Morgan Monroe State Forest, particularly at Stepp Cemetery.  This cemetery is riddled with all kinds of ghosts stories and hauntings, which, in my opinion, as much as I love a good ghost story, is all hokum.  I have been to Stepp Cemetery and it is a lovely, calm little burial spot nestled amongst the trees.  Somewhere amongst the stories it is said that Reuben Stepp purchased the land in 1856 and he bequeathed and area for a church for the Crabbites to preach at.  This makes little sense since this is on the wrong side of the Morgan County area, closer, as noted to Monroe County, while William lived up on the Morgan/Brown border area nearer to Morgantown.  And since William was a circuit rider, he stuck in a small area and preached open air.  It seems to me that since people like to attached a variety of hauntings to Stepp Cemetery, they grabbed a hold of the Crabbites as well.  There doesn't appear to be any true association.

To sum up, William Crabb (middle name unknown, though the initials N., V. and W. all seem to be attached to him) was a fanatical preacher of an odd sect of Christianity with an odd following of believers and nonbelievers alike.

He is buried in Mount Zion Separate Baptist Cemetery in Morgantown, Indiana having passed away on December 3, 1927.  

As a note, the Separate Baptist beliefs do not align with the Crabbite belief in any way.

~~~~

RESOURCES

Brown County Journal - February 15, 2012

Countryfolk - Followers of the Reverend William Crabb

Genealogy Trails - Circuit Riders, Ministers & Pastors Biographies

Wikipedia - Cornelius, Indiana

Newspapers.com 

Newspapers.com 

 Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery in Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana.  It is also known as Lick Spring Cemetery. 

GPS Coordinates: 39.36465, -86.12760

This is an active cemetery with just under 500 interments.  The church itself seems to go by different names.  The sign, above, shows it as being Dayspring Baptist Church, while Google Maps calls it Nineveh Baptist Church.  This is extremely confusing as it is in Trafalgar, but the map lists it as Princes Lakes.  Regardless, we drove past it back in 2020 while exploring during lockdown.

There are many unphotographed headstones at this cemetery, so I may be going back to try to fulfill some needed photos.

~~~~

Our first stop is at the grave of James T. Kinnett/Kenneth.

Born: April 8, 1843, Ohio

Died: March 13, 1928, Jackson Township, Morgan County, Indiana

He was the son of Samuel Kinnett (1817-1906) and Sarah Lucinda Ellis Kinnett (1818-1906).  They were married in 1838 and are buried nearby in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

He had a few siblings:

Mary E. Kinnett Walker (1842-1913) - buried in Sprunica Church Cemetery, Hamblen Township, Brown County, Indiana

Emily Lear Kinnett Nichols (1849-1924) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

Rachel Arminda Kinnett Thompson (1854-1909) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

He served in the Civil War in Company H of the 25th Indiana Infantry.

He was married in 1885 to Sarah Elizabeth Kaserman Kinnett/Kenneth  (1865-1925).  She is buried near him in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

They had five children, though I only found names of two of them:

Alvin Kinnett (?-?) - burial unknown

Clarence Cleveland Kinnett (1892-1973) - buried in Rest Haven Cemetery, Edinburgh, Johnson County, Indiana

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Next we stop at the grave of Elizabeth Hodgkins Burgett.

Born: July 13, 1784, Virginia

Died: September 2, 1871, Indiana

She was the daughter of Samuel James Hodgkins (1757-1845) and an unnamed mother (?-?).  He was a Revolutionary War Soldier and was buried in Burget Cemetery, Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio.

She was married to Aaron Burgett, Sr. (1782-1865).  He is buried nearby in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

They had many children:

Samuel H. Burgett (1809-1891) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Hannah Hodgkins Burgett Hicks (1810-1884) - buried in Burget Cemetery, Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio

William Burgett (1812-1897) - buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Lucas County, Iowa

Aaron Burgett, Jr. (1816-1899) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

James Burgett (1825-1855) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

Oliver Perry Burgett, Sr (1827-1918) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana 

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This is the grave of Williamson Burget.

Born: August 6, 1840

Died: October 12, 1859

He was the son of Valentine Burgett (1813-1885) and Nancy Keaton Burgett (1821-1899).  They are both buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

He had several siblings:

Elizabeth Burgett Gillaspy (1841-1899) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana 

Aaron V. Burget (1843-1900) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Hannah Burgett Nay (1851-1922) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Rebecca A. Burgett Slack (1853-1926) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

James Valentine Burgett (1856-1930) - buried in Nineveh Christian Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Perry A. Burgett (1862-1872) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana 

Infant Daughter Burgett (?-?) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana 

Miles Burgett (?-1851) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana 

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Next we have the grave of John G. Calvin.

Born: January 1, 1830, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: April 6, 1864, Johnson County, Indiana

He was married to Delilah Williams Calvin Trout Britton (1843-1906) on January 26, 1859.  She is buried with her third husband, Daniel Britton, in Hurricane Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

They had one child:

San Francisco Calvin (?-?) - burial unknown

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We now come to the grave of Sally Wilkinson.

Born: unknown

Died: July 28, 1858

She was the wife of Meriday Wilkinson (?-1862).  He is buried nearby in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

There are several Wilkinson's buried here, but I can't make connections.  

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This is the grave of Matilda Skidmore.

Born: October 15, 1845

Died: February 5, 1852

She was the daughter of John M. Skidmore (?-?) and Cynthia/Sinthy Skidmore (?-1856).  She is buried nearby in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, but I am not sure where he is buried.

There are several other Skidmore's buried here, but I am not sure of their relations.

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Here we are at the grave of Polly Stowers.

Born: unknown

Died: June 24, 1838

I believe that she was the daughter of Jeremiah Stowers (1791-1853) and Margaret Stowers (?-1851) as they are buried near her in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

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We now stop at the grave of Jeremiah Stowers.

Born: 1791

Died: November 3, 1853

I believe that he was married to Margaret Stowers (?-1851) as she is buried near him in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.

I believe that they one child:

Polly Stowers (?-1838) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Joseph N. Squires.

Born: February 28, 1850, Nineveh Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: August 14, 1851, Nineveh Township, Johnson County, Indiana

There is one other Squires buried next to him in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery named Harvey Squires (1818-1856).  I believe that he may have been Joseph's father.

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Our final stop is at the grave of Joseph Grose.

Born: March 11, 1841, Indiana

Died: September 13, 1850, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

There are only two other Grose's buried here, but neither have dates that align with Joseph's so I am not sure of any relations.

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Thanks for joining me at Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery.  

You can find out more at Find-A-Grave.

 Today's Walk Through the Tombstones is at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana.  We visited this cemetery back in 2020 while trying to keep ourselves saying during lockdown and I completely forgot about it until recently.  

GPS Coordinates: 39.36398, -86.13950

This cemetery has just over 100 burials and is located right next to a small church.  The church appeared to be restored, so I believe that it was a newer construction and is in use.  It is a current cemetery with some burials from the 2000s.  It is a very pretty area and was in good condition.  I have also seen it listed as Mt. Carmel Cemetery.  

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Our first stop is at the grave of George Kirk.

Born: unknown

Died: December 3, 1895

He was married to Martha "Patsey" Spry Kirk (1833-1924).  They were married in 1854 and she is buried with him at Mount Carmel Cemetery, her name carved on the other side of the monument.

They had at least one child:

Ulysses S. Grant Kirk (1867-1894) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

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Next is the grave of Martha "Patsey" Spry Kirk.

Born: January 11, 1833, Clark County, Indiana

Died: August 6, 1924, East Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

She was the daughter of Martin Spry (1803-1887) and Permelia "Milly" Ballard Spry (1804-1862).  They were married on May 5, 1826, Rowan County, North Carolina and are both buried in Donaldson Cemetery, Elizabethtown, Bartholomew County, Indiana

She had a few siblings:

Sarah Anna Spry Morgason (1826-1904) - buried in Friendship Methodist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

Unknown Spry (1828-?) - burial unknown

Daniel Spry (1832-1895) - burial is listed as unknown

John Spry (?-?) - burial unknown

Dudley Spry (1835-1918) - buried in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Malinda Spry Roberts (1845-1911) - buried in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Levi Spry (?-1892) - buried in Rock Creek Cemetery, Jennings County, Indiana (Civil War Veteran Company K, 13th Indiana Infantry)

Nancy Carolina Spry Kirby (1866-1938) - buried in Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

She was married to George W. Kirk (?-1895).  They were married in 1854 and he is buried with her in Mount Carmel Cemetery, his name on the idea side of the headstone.

They had at least one child:

Ulysses S. Grant Kirk (1867-1894) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

There are no dates carved on her headstone.

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Next is the grave of Ulysses S. Grant Kirk.

Born: January 5, 1867

Died: February 14, 1894

He is the son of George W. Kirk (?-1895) and Martha "Patsey" Spry Kirk (1833-1924). 

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This is the grave of the Infant Son Hensely.

Born: January 8, 1912, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: January 8, 1912, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the infant son of Robert Leonard "Len" Hensley (1882-1961) and Ruth Abby Utterback Hensley (1886-1950).  They are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

Had he lived, he would have had a few siblings:

Gladys S. Hensley Stine (1906-1962) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

James Loyd Hensley (1907-2003) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Lawrence Clore Hensley (1909-1996) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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We now come to the grave of Joseph Gillaspy.

Born: December 25, 1860

Died: December 20, 1941

He was married twice, first to Ida M. Shake Gillaspy (1862-1896). They were married on January 6, 1880 and she is buried nearby in Mount Carmel Cemetery

They had six children, but I can only find five of them:

Franklin Gillaspy (1882-1883) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Prudence "Pruda" Hazel Gillaspy Utterback (1890-1968) - buried in Harris Cemetery, Union Township, Johnson County, Indiana

Alice Esther Gillaspy Deaver (1894-1920) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Grover C. Gillaspy (?-?) - burial unknown

Dayton O. Gillaspy (?-?) - burial unknown

Second he was married to Thedocia "Docia" E. King Gillaspy (1862-1947).  It does not appear that
they had any children.

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Next is the grave of Mary Elizabeth Gillaspy Hensley.

Born: February 11, 1855, Johnson County, Indiana

Died: November 13, 1918, Johnson County, Indiana

She was married to James Hensley (1854-1929) in either 1870 or 1877.  He is buried near her in Mount Carmel Cemetery.  

They had four children:

Everett Hensley (1880-1883) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Robert Leonard "Len: Hensley (1882-1961) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Richard Emmett Hensley (1884-1931) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

Emma May Hensley Green (1887-1969) - buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

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Now we come to the grave of George Robert Hensley.

Born: October 2, 1910, Indiana

Died: November 13, 1910

He was the infant son of Richard Emmett Hensley (1884-1931) and Lillie Odessa Craft Hensley (1890-1969).  They are both buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana.

His obituary says that he died from pneumonia. 

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Here we are at the grave of James B. Bell.

Born: May 24, 1825

Died: March 11, 1915

He was married to Mary Levick Bell (1831-1899).  She is buried with him in Mount Carmel Cemetery, her name carved on the other side of the headstone.

They had a couple of children:

Mary Bell Tarlton (1859-1926) - buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana

George E. Bell (?-1871) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Ella C. Handy Wells.

Born: June 19, 1990, Indiana

Died: June 19, 1973, Arcadia, Hamilton County, Indiana

I am uncertain of any names of her family other than a son:

Frank Wells (?-?) - burial unknown

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Here we are at the grave of Mary A. Bell.

Born: August 8, 1835

Died: March 11, 1914

She was the wife of James B. Bell (1825-1915), who is buried near her in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

They had at a couple children:

Mary Bell Tarlton (1859-1926) - buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana

George E. Bell (?-1871) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

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We now take a stop at the grave George E. Bell.

Born: unknown

Died: February 7, 1871

He was the son of James B. Bell (1835-1914) and Mary A. Bell (1835-1914).  They are both buried nearby in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

He had at least one sibling:

Mary Bell Tarlton (1859-1926) - buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana

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This is the grave of Sarah A. Mathis.

Born: unknown

Died: 1873

She was the daughter of Unknown Mathis (?-?).  I have no information for the names of her parents other than this.

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Here is the grave of Linza David Thompson.

Born: April 6, 1844

Died: September 3, 1928

He was married twice, his first wife being Eliza Jane Thompson.  They were married in 1969 and her name is listed next to his on the headstone.

Born: 1851

Died: 1880

She was the daughter of William Tearman (1790-1877) and America Dennis Termin (1816-1895).  He is buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery in Trafalgar, Indiana with his second wife, Jane.  America is buried in Antelope Cemetery, Ragan, Harlan County, Nebraska

She had a few siblings:

George Washington Tearman (1844-1910) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

John Wilson Tearman (1822-1900) - buried in Rocklane Cemetery, Greenwood, Johnson County, Indiana

Mary Ann Tearman (1833-1860) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

Charles Terman (1836-1906) - buried in Mullikin Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

Lucinda Tearman (?-?) - buried in Lickspring Baptist Church Cemetery, Trafalgar, Johnson County, Indiana

She and Linza had one son that I have found:

Albert Ara Thompson (1878-1920) - buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana

His second wife, Margaret Ann Hargis Thompson (1846-1936) is buried in Rest Haven Cemetery, Edinburgh, Johnson County, Indiana.  They were married in 1889.

They had one child:

David Leroy Thompson (1890-1971) - buried in Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin

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Our final stop is at the grave of Henry Thicksten.

Born: November 20, 1852 Jennings County, Indiana

Died: February 14, 1912, Hensley Township, Johnson County, Indiana

He was the son of Isaac Thicksten (?-?) and Martha Thicksten (?-?).  I have no information on where they are buried or if he had any siblings.

He was married to Cynthia A. Thicksten, whose name is listed below him on the headstone.

Born: 1854

Died: 1933

According to his obituary, he was killed when he was struck by a falling limb which penetrated his side and stomach.  

I believe that they had one son:

George Thicksten (1880-1964) - buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Nineveh, Johnson County, Indiana

~~~~~

Thanks for taking a walk with me.  I hope that you have enjoyed walking through Mount Carmel Cemetery.

You can read more about it at Find-A-Grave.