pump. This raised the levy to 7 mills for the one year. There was some grumbling among the taxpayers; it wasn't until 1897 that the millage rate ever exceeded 5 mills again. J. J. Schmitz fashioned a cup from a coconut shell that was attached to pump.

Before leaving the decade of the seventies, we record a tale from an earlier year with an Ossian connection. The story was published in the Fayette County Union. Mr. Wm. Cleery and his mother were returning home from Ossian in a heavily loaded wagon when their horses were frightened and bolted. Mr. Cleery attempted to hold them back, but the traces became unhitched and the wagon overturned killing the driver and injuring his elderly mother. The Union's account continues as written: "Mrs. Jordan, the wife of the proprietor of the Hilton House at Ossian, was the sister of Wm. B. McCleery, who met the awful and unexpected death. Mr. McCleery and his mother left the Hilton House in good spirits. That night Mrs. Jordan awoke her husband and told him that she had dreamed a horrible drean. That she had seen her brother William killed. Mr. Jordan told his wife that it was impossible, and after much persuasion she laid down to sleep. About daylight the next morning, a messenger, who had been sent to convey the sad tidings, knocked at the door. Before answering the door, Mrs. Jordan sprang from her bed, crying: 'I knew it! I knew it! They have come to tell us.' Sure enough, the dream proved a terrible reality."

1880

The census of Military township in 1880 showed 1521 inhabitants, down from 1539 recorded in 1875, but an increase from the federal count of 1870. There were 159 farms and six factories listed the township.

Teacher certificates, in addition to Mr. Murphy and Miss Owens of Ossian Independent district, were held by Susie Everett, Emma Freeman, Emily Omlie, Helena Johnson and Elvie and Elmie Nicholson.

The newly elected township officials were; Ole Thompson--clerk; Robert Tinling--assessor; H. P. Nicholson--collector & trustee; James Malloy and M. J. Carter--justices; and D. D. Rosa and C. H. Schultz--marshals.

The federal census listed Ossian's population as only A44. This figure represented a loss of 31 citizens since the town's incorporation. The real estate assessment was raised 5% the valuation of horses lowered 12 1/2 % and cattle increased by 10%.

THE OSSIAN BANK

This institution was founded Feb. 9, 1880 by pioneers, L. A. Meyer and M. J. Carter. Its original quarters were over the brick store building of B. J. Bort.

The first banking customers were merchants, P. H. Mills and H. A. Baker. James Henry, a painter by trade, lettered a sign--"The Ossian Bank"—which was fastened over the door that gave access to the 23 steps leading to the new enterprise. It was reported that the sign was greeted with some skepticism by residents of the town. Their first reaction being: "What! A bank in Ossian!" But upon reflection: "Well, why not?"

About two years later, Jan. 1882, the firm purchased the adjoining building to the north from Kmond Amundsen. This frame structure was then a saloon and pool hall run byTheo. Folkedahl. It had previously housed the post office.

The building was remodeled and a substancial brick and stone vault constructed. New bank fixtures, consisting in the main of a homemade table covered with blue denin, were installed. It was to be the home of the Ossian Bank for the next 24 years.

A room to the rear of the hank became Mr. Garter's law office. In 1885, when he acquired an interest in the Ossian Bee, this enterprise was housed here as well.

Many years later, attorney E. R. Acres recalled his terrifying experience when he and Carter were locked in the new vault with its four foot thick stone walls and only a one inch pipe ventilator.

Acres had dropped in one day to visit his colleague attorney Carter. The hour was nearing bank closing time, and L. A. Meyer, who was keeping shop, asked his partner to take over for a while so he could tend to business down the street.