Gerbrick - Mike
Source: Crawfordsville Sunday Star 27 Feb 1899
The man who held the throttle of the little coffee-pot wood-burning locomotive which hauled the first train that ever came to Crawfordsville that being on the railroad running between here and Lafayette died at the poor farm on Friday night. He was 84 years old. A month ago a stranger came here and bought a lot at Oak Hill Cemetery and paid funeral director D.C. Barnhill for a first class casket and hearse attendance for the old man. He ordered Mr. Barnhill as soon as the old man was dead to take immediate charge of the body and give it a respectable burial. The old man was then dying. He did so and the poor old fellow sleeps in Oak Hill tonight. The unknown man is supposed to be a distant relative of Gerbrick. When Mike brought the first train to Crawfordsville he was the hero of a big public reception given at the home of the honored Col. I.C. Elston, Sr. then the leading man of the town, and it was honor for the fair ones for the day to dance with him. Whisky was his curse. He neglected his family and they died off or disappeared. A half-witted son still lives at the farm, an object of charity - typed by kbz.
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Source: Crawfordsville Sunday Star 2 January 1899
Late last night, Michael Gerbric was lying low at the poor farm and with no hope of recovery. He has been an inmate of the farm for some time. He is a well known character about the city and has seen better days He was the engineer on the first railroad train into Crawfordsville, back in '55 and the night of its arrival he was the beau-ideal at the reception given in one of the swellest homes in Crawfordsville. Drink lowered him and poverty came so that he is only a reminiscence of what was once on a time a dapper man with a future that never ripened. - thanks to Kim H
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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Montgomery County Indiana 3 March 1899
Last Friday night at 12 o'clock Mike Gerbrick died at the county poor house where he had been for some time in declining health. Gerbrick was one of the well known characters of Crawfordsville and was the father of a large family of children, no one knows just how many. They are scattered everywhere and not one of them visited the old man during his last illness. Gerbrick was supposed to be over 80 years old and had resided in Crawfordsville for many years, being engaged in various livelihoods.
The funeral occurred last Saturday and th eold man wa snot buried in the paupers' field by any means, but in Oak HIll. There is quite a little mystery connected with this departure from the ordinary pauper burial. Some months ago a stranger who positively refused to give his name walked into the undertaking establishment of DC Barnhill and contracted and paid for all the funeral expenses of Gerbrick including a lot in Oak Hill. The paraphernalia provided was all first class and Mike was buried like a gentleman. Who the man was who took such a kindly interest in him can only be surmised. He did not stop in Crawfordsville except for a few hours and did not even visit Gerbrick at the poor farm. - kbz
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Source: Crawfordsville Review 7 January 1899 p 1
The death of Michael Gerbrick once a noted citizen of Crawfordsville, but for 3 years past an inmate of the asylum, is expected to occur now daily as he has for months past been in helpless condition. He is about 84 years of age and is known as the first engineer to move a railroad train through Crawfordsville, which event occurred in 1852.
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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Crawfordsville, 13 January 1859
Actions of the Regulators Confirmed - NO MORE Doggeries to be Allowed!
The citizens of Crawfordsville met pusuant to previous notice at the Court House on Wednesday evening last, to congratulate each other on freedom of our town from the existence of a single grocery (sic - doggery and what is a doggery?) and to express their determination that in future none should be established.
Dr. SB Morgan was called to chair and Dr. WL May appointed secretary. Dr. Fry being called for, addressed the meeting in his usual thrilling and impressive manner. After which, he offered the following resolutions which were adopted without a dissenting voice.
Resolved, that the citizens of Crawfordsville do most heartily approve and sanction the efforts of the Crawfordsville Regulators in moving the doggeries on the night of 4 January 1859.
Resolved, that they will continue to sustain the Regulators in all laudable efforts of a smiliar character for the entire supression of liquor traffic in the town of Crawfordsville. The following resoution, presented by Dr. Harter was unamnimously adopted:
Resolved, that the citizens of this town hereby express their highest appreciation of the able services just rendered by the Hon. Lew Wallace, in vindicating the rights of the people in his successful prosecution of the DOggery keepersi n our place.
A committee, consisting of TW Fry, OP Jennison and RH Craig was appointed to raise funds to compensate Messrs. Wallace & White for their services. A greater portion of the money necessary was raised on the spot.
The following resolution was offered by Dr. Fry which after speeches by Messrs Fry, Benefiel, Taylor, Wood, James McCollough, Harter and Jennison was unanimously adopted then and three hearty cheers given for Gerbrick.
Resolved, that the citizens of Crawfordsville return their most heartfelt thanks to Michael Gerbrick, for his manly course in ceasing the retail of intoxicating liquors in obedience to the wishes of the people and that should he engage in business in this place they will extend to him a liberal patronage.
On motion, the proceedings were ordered to be publishe din the Review and Journal. Adjourned to meet next Monday evening, 10th inst at McClellands Hall. SB Morgan, President, WL May, Secretary
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Source: Crawfordsville Review, 1 Dec 1860 p 3
Notice is hereby given that I will apply to the board of Commissioners of Montgomery County, Indiana at their next term commencing on the first Monday in December 1860 for a license to sell Intoxicating Liquors in less quantities than a quart at atime for one year. My place of business and the premises where said liquors are to be drank are located on the East half of Lot Number 112 as the same is known and designated on the original plat of the town of Crawfordsville, Union Township, Montgomery County, Indiana - ad from Nov 10, 1860 for 4 weeks - Michael Gerbrick
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Source: Crawfordsville Review 23 August 1890 p4
At the Lahr House station, Lafayette, acting as flagman is an Irishman who has worked continuously for the Monon railway for 43 years in fact from its very first history and even before a rail was laid upon it. Talking with a representative of the Review one day this week, regarding this railway, he said: "The first grading on this line was between Crawfordsville and Durkee's Run, an insignificant stream of water in the south part of Lafayette, and it was under the management of Major IC Elston of Crawfordsville in 1847. I worked on that grade. Major Winn of Crawfordsville was also connected with it. Mr. Alexander Thompson, a mighty nice man was the first payments. He lives in your town yet, I believe. The two first engines were the "Montgomery " and the "Tippecanoe," which Major ELston had shipped by steamer to Toledo, O. From there they were brought by canal boat to Lafayette. I helped unload them and take them piece by piece to the road where they were set up on the track ready for use. We received 50 cents an hour for our work and that was big wages, I tell you, in those days. THe very first man to handle a throttle and run an engine on the road was Mike Gerbrick, and that old rat, I am told, is still alive in Crawfordsville. Brooks secured a charter to build that part of the road between New Albany and Salem, near the same time. He also obtained another charter to build it from Salem to Crawfordsville and the entire line form New Albany to Lafayette was finished and ready for business in 1852.
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Source: Crawfordsville Review, 1 Feb 1896
From his accustomed haunts, Mike Gerbrick has been missed for some months, and it was ascertained that poor old Mike had taken up his quarters at the poor farm, there to remain no doubt until he is called hence.
In former years Mike was a somewhat noted individual in this locality. Coming down the Ohio River about 1848 and landing at New Albany, he secured a job on a small line of proposed railway from that city to Salem, in Washington County as an engineer. After its completion to Salem, it was in the next four years extended to Crawfordsville and in '52 to Lafayette, Mike running the engine for the construction train. He was therefore the first engineer that ever ran an engine on the New Albany & Salem Road or what is now the Monon railway. No doubt in gazing from the window of his room at the poor asylum at fast flying trains which run within a few rods of the building old Mike sighs for the days long past and wishes he was young again and could resume his place at the throttle. Some years before the war, he abandone railroading and started a saloon in Crawfordsville. He was in frequent troubles with the law for illegal selling and was frequently fined. He abandoned the saloon business long since, and began to buy poultry, hay, wood, etc., seeking to make a livelihood through that source, but barely eaking out an existence. Mike has had a vast experience in matrimony, having had four or five wives, all of whom are dead but the last. He is the father, as he asserts, of 33 children, 11 of whom are dead, and many of the living of whom reside in distant localities. Mike was in town one day last week, taking a stroll over the streets. Asked as to his age, he said, "I am now in my 87th year, but I am not going to be here long," and he resumed his munching of crackers and cheese, which some benevolently-inclined grocer had given him. - kbz
Source: Crawfordsville Review, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana 15 January 1898
Sitting in his narrow room at the county poor asylum, his face buried in his hands, and seemingly in a condition ready almost for the grave, can be seen Mike Gerbrick, once one of the well known characters of Crawfordsville, noted also as the first man to run an engine over the Monon railway from new Albany to Lafayette. He is also distingueshed as having been the father of 33 children, and the husband of six wives, the last of whom is living in Crawfordsivlle, but ha snot resided with him for several years. Noticed the other day by a Review reporter at the poor farm, Mike's countenance presented much the appearance of idiocy and form his enfeabled condition and advancing years it is quite evident that his mind is nearly gone. He is now 83 years of age and has been an inmate of the asylum since March 1895.
In the summer of 1848 a steamer from Pittsburg descended the Ohio River and having for a part of its freight a locomotive or engine, landed at New Albany. This engine was intended for an aid in the construction of a short line of railway form New Albany to Salem in Washington County. Mike Gerbrick was an engineer and came along with the engine to run the construction train. The line was completed to Salem, it is said within two years. From Salem to Bloomington, thence to Greencastle and Crawfordsville, the road was finished in 1852, Mike with his engine being in advance drawing the iron and ties for it. At Crawfordsville the road as built by Major IC Elston and others to Lafyaette was united under one management from New ALbany clear on to Michigan City. Mike remained as an engineer on the road for 10 years after its completion. Railroads then and now are two distinct affairs. The engines first in use were only a size or two larger than what are now termed "Traction" engines and run on flat rails or bars. A dozen loaded cars was a good big train load. No continuous rail nor atmospheric breaks in those days, no gaudily dressed conductors nor Pullman parlor cars. But Mike all the same, during his time, was emperor of the line, and commanded the respect of noble and plebian. Engineers were scarce and did pretty much as they pleased. It was difficult to surplant them with other men. It was Mr. Gerbrick in those days. He frequently ditche dhis train, but was reminded to be more cautious. From engineer down to breakman they drank and became dunk and did pretty much as they pleased. They don't do tha tnow. But Mike abandoned railroad long since He frequently only a few years ago use to express a desire to take a ride on an enginer of the presetn up-to-date style, but as no one offered to officiate fo rhim in securing the pleasure his wish was never gratified.
He ran a saloon in Crawfordsville for some years after abandoning railroading, but with no success in pecuniary line. Asked one day by a customer regarding the quality of his liquor, Mike quickly answered by saying, "That whiskey, sir, is as sweet as the flowers of May." The customer at once imbibed satisfied with Mike's guarantee. From liquor selling, Mike drifted into the business of huckstering, buying poultry, butter and eggs through the country, also buying wood, hay, etc and securing a commission of 15 to 25 cents from both buyer and seller. But while his progeny increased, his pocket book lessened in size and he had great difficulty in supporting himself and family. He made a gallant fight against fate. Consideirng his advanced age he di dmuch better htan many others much younger than he. He finally abandoned the contest and went "over the hills to the poor house," there to close his remaining days among those equally unfortunate as himself. The world must make his living for him while he remains. Of his numerous family of children a third of them are are dead, while the remaining ones are scattered. One of them is the wife of the marshal of Elwood, two or three are in the orphans' homes, others are living in western states, but Mike rarely sees any of them, and apparently is indifferent as to their past or future. From his window at th epoor asylum, Mike has a fine view of the Monon railway and its fast flying passenger trains, its strongly equipped. No doubt as they pass in view of him the old man longs for the days when he was a prominent man on that line of travel, when the public recognized him as a power, sighs for those halcyon days of youth, health and muscle but which to him can never come again.
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Source: Crawfordsville Review, 5 March 1898 p 1
Circuit Court - Rachel T. Gerbrick vs. Michael Gerbrick. Divorce. Dismissed.
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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 1 Oct 1897 p 4
Rachel T. Gerbrick vs. Michael Gerbrick. Divorce. Defendant makes default
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Source: Crawfordsville Review, Montgomery County, Indiana 19 December 1891
One of the most noted characters about Crawfordsville is Mike Gerbrick, and few have seen more of the vicissitudes of life than he. Mike is now 78 years old and expectes to be called hence in a few more years, yet in a small way he works every day buying butter, chickens, produce, etc in aiming to keep the wolf from the door. He was a railroad engineer over 50 years ago, running an enginer on a road at Reading, Penn. He came west over 40 years ago and ran the first engine on the New ALbany & Salem Road, now Monon, a short 36 mile line then from New Albany to Salem. He drew the first engine from Lafayette to Crawfordsville in 1851, and remained with the company a number of years the pay then for a passenger engineer being $2.25 per day. They now receive $3.50 per day for the same service. He dropped the work about 28 years ago has done nothing of the kind since, and is not certain that he could fill the bill now if called upon. In Matrimony Mike can answer that marriage is not a failure. He is now living with his 7th wife, the remaining six being dead. About four months ago his wife gave birth to a child, it being the 33d of which Mike claims to be the father. Of the 33 children, 11 of them have died, the remaining 22 being in various localities of the west and a half dozen of them living here. One of his children is the wife of Frank Hunter, marshal of Elwood, Ind. Mike at one time ran a saloon here and was always quite voluable in describing the superior quality of the "goods" retailed by him. On one occasion a customer came into the saloon for a drink of the ardent and interrogated Mike as to the quality of his liquor. "That liquor, sir is as pure and sweet as the flowers of May." The customer required no further recommendation. Mike has accumulated little or nothing and after his demise his numerous heirs will not fight over a great inheritance. - kbz
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Source: Crawfordsville Review, 14 August 1897 p 8
Three children of which Mike Gerbrick is the father, were taken to the Orphan's Home the other day the mother of them not being able to take care of them properly. Mike has been for three years an inmate of the county poor asylum.
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Source: Waveland Independent Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana March 2, 1899
Michael Gerbrick died at the County poor farm this week. He was the father of 32 children, but they seem to have been a rather bad lot to let the old man die a pauper. Gerbrick was the engineer that brought the first train into Crawfordsville, over the Monon. -- typed by kbz.