Friday, June 20, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
AQUA-PALOOZA
Over 1,000 adults and children took advantage of yesterday’s free Community Day at the Meridian Park Family Aquatic Center. Lower right: Parks employees Chevelle Prather, Boston Sadler and Jenna Meyer supervise the fun. | photos by JACK BOYCE
Forest Hill Mausoleum Families Remembered
Attendees at this week’s program hear from Donna Dennison about those entombed in the Forest Hill Mausoleum section. | submitted
by DONNA DENNISON, Head of Genealogy & History, Shelby County Public Library
On Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of leading a group of 30 people through the Forest Hill mausoleum area and sharing stories of the people eternally resting there. From farmers to doctors, mothers and their children, to accomplished artists, the 71 individuals entombed in the mausoleums all have a story. Here are just some of them.
The first of the mausoleums was built for the Fleming family in 1886. George Fleming Sr. and George Jr. were both early doctors in Shelby County. George Sr., born in 1802, studied under his father, who was also a physician. When he was 61 years old, he scratched his own hand while cleaning a patient’s wound. The scratch became infected, gangrene set in, and though his arm was amputated, he died 10 days later.
George Jr. traveled the world, studying under renowned physicians. He served the people of Shelby County for 53 years before dying of sepsis in 1922. Two years later, the invention of penicillin might have saved both these gifted doctors. George Jr.’s wife, Laura, was an accomplished artist who sold several of her paintings for more than $1,000.
The Elliott Mausoleum holds John Elliott, founder of the Elliott & Major Bank, which later became First National Bank. His first wife, Margaret, and their children—3-year-old daughter Martha, five-year-old son John, and one-year-old son Charles—all died in the cholera outbreak of 1850 and were buried in City Cemetery.
In January 1893, when John Elliott died, his mausoleum was not yet completed. His body was stored in the Fleming vault until May. On May 19, 1893, Margaret and the three children were moved from City Cemetery to join John in the newly completed mausoleum. Also moved from City Cemetery was five-year-old Jimmy, John’s son by his second wife, Ruth. Jimmy died in 1860. His tomb sits in the center of the Elliott Mausoleum, topped by a marble carving of an angel. It was not unusual at that time to have likenesses of the deceased carved, and we can only wonder if this angel resembles Jimmy himself.
From the first burial to the most recent—Stella Wray in 1987, who died in California and was brought back here for her final resting place—each person has a story. The McConnell Mausoleum, built in 1894, holds farmers, livestock dealers, farm equipment salesmen, and schoolteachers, all from the Boggstown area.
Charles Morrison and William DePrez, owners of the Morrison & DePrez Drug Store, grew up together, attended school here, and went to the Pennsylvania School of Pharmacy together. Both rest at Forest Hill in their own family vaults. We also see names like Kennedy, Hord, Wray, Toner and others who helped shape early Shelby County.
It was my honor to share all of their stories Tuesday evening. Thank you to Linda and Kelley at the library, Anna, Steven, and the Forest Hill Board, and everyone who came to listen and learn some Shelby County history and the lives of these amazing people. If you would like more information, come see me at the library.
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NOTEBOOK:
Jennifer Huesman has been named new Chief Executive Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Shelby County. Huesman has been part of the local organization for 20 years, serving at every level, from Youth Development Professional to Unit Director, to Director of Operations, and now CEO. Her father served as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Clinton County, and her brother, Ryon Wheeler, currently serves as CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Seymour, Jennings County, and Brownstown.
Events This Weekend (Friday): Sip on the Square (formerly Wine Walk) and St. Paul’s Blast From the Past Festival (Friday and Saturday); Saturday: Farmers Market on Public Square, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; and Juneteenth, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunset Park;
The Shelby County Public Library announced the beginning of Novel Notions Book Club, a new adult book discussion group beginning June 25. The first book selection is “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune. Books are available to check out at the Circulation Desk. All adults are welcome to join. The group will meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Adult Services Study Room.
HOOSIER NEWS: The luxurious and popular Hotel Carmichael in Carmel is expanding. Pedcor Companies and the city of Carmel are working together to add 60 new guest rooms, a new boardroom and a new ballroom to the hotel. The two entities worked together to build the $58 million hotel, which opened in 2020. This time around, Pedcor is taking on all of the expenses. No new city dollars will be used to expand the hotel, according to the city. The expansion increases the value of the hotel by $16 million and is expected to result in at least $1.2 million more per year in net operating income. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: Chuck E. Cheese will soon release a Christmas Special. As it stands, Chuck E. Cheese has over 30 licensed partners in retail and over 600 “fun centers” around the world. (QSR/Numlock)
The Addison Times is pleased to offer free milestone announcements. Forms are available here: Engagement Announcement, Wedding Announcement and Anniversary Announcement.
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Thank you to every donor for your continued support of The Addison Times. Donors of $75 or more receive the three remaining 2025 quarterly print publications in the mail. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
Oct. 3, 1957, Part I
School improvements had been made over the summer on both the junior and senior high school wings. The home economics room had been equipped with six new kitchen units, each complete with cooking ranges, garbage disposal devices and water heaters. Half of the units were gas and half were electric. Also, tile had been installed on the second floor of the junior and senior high school and the assembly. The tile covered the hardwood flooring which was still in use elsewhere. Fluorescent lights had been installed. And, the free throw lane in the gym had been sanded and resealed.
Of SHS freshmen, 84 had come from a school other than the junior high. Addison Township had the largest number with 47 students. The senior class had three new students: Stephen Watkins, Greg Steele and Ronald Thomas. “S-c-r-e-e-c-h! If anyone heard that squealing of tires of a new car, it was probably the new senior, Greg Steele from St. Paul, who came sliding in town to enroll at SHS this fall.” One of his favorite hobbies was ham radio.
“Teenagers and adults alike were no doubt taken by surprise when they drove into the Chicken and Steak Inn earlier this month to find Judy Moorehead, SHS sophomore and a car-hop there, wading around barefoot. It seems it had been raining all evening, and Judy, donned in her striking yellow raincoat and cap, had removed her saddles and bobby-sox to avoid getting them drenched. When questioned about her odd behavior, she simply remarked, ‘Oh well, it’s more fun this way.’”
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This Day in Shelby County History
News around Shelbyville and the surrounding area as reported on or about this date in history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: Three Sisters Books & Gifts, 7 Public Square, observed its third anniversary with a magic show for kids, live music and refreshments. Three Sisters had supported over 50 fundraisers for local organizations, and the three sisters - Dr. Carolyn Statler, Mary Kay Pitts and Barbara Rogers - were involved in multiple community organizations. (Editor’s note: In 2021, the Sisters made another local contribution, one that would last forever. The Three Sisters Books Fund, a community fund, was established by Dr. Carolyn Statler, Barbara Rogers, and Lynn Pitts - husband of Mary Kay. The family provided the following statement about the establishment of their fund: Three Sisters Books & Gifts opened in 2002 with the mission to promote the value of reading and lifelong learning, to provide customers with superior service and a comfortable, inviting, friendly place to select books, and to be a vital part of the community in encouraging and providing educational resources and programs. Starting the Three Sisters Books fund at the Blue River Community Foundation is one more way for Three Sisters to benefit the local community.)
1995: The 10th annual Moscow Covered Bridge Festival was held in Rush County, featuring a large flea market, Amish baked goods, stagecoach rides and a parade.
1985: “Parents can bring their children to Becom’s downtown on the Public Square Saturday to be videoprinted on a video cassette for reference in the case of a child abduction,” The Shelbyville News reported. Parents could bring in a video cassette or purchase one for $3.75. Each child would be taped for two minutes. The purpose was to obtain a child’s movements and voice. In the event of a kidnapping, the video could be provided to police to aid the investigation.
1975: The Shelby County Arts Theater presented a Graffiti Dance at the Roller Palace, 940 W. Washington St., from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
A new local club for distance runners was meeting six evenings a week at Morrison Park. Tom Zachary, Shelbyville cross country coach, had organized the group.
1965: Work continued on the new Fairland National Bank branch at Pleasant View. Special artificially weathered Bedford limestone had been secured by the Tucker Stone Co. of Fairland. The building would be the first local structure to have such an exterior.
1955: Students who had received the first round of the Salk polio vaccine would get the second round after school re-opened in the fall, Shelby County Medical Society officials said. They said carrying out mass inoculation would be too difficult over the summer.
1945: Plans were announced for the annual homecoming and reunion in the town of Tailholt on State Road 52. It would be the 22nd reunion for the community to honor the memory of James Whitcomb Riley, who made the little village famous with his poem, “The Little Town of Tailholt.” The homecoming would be held on the lawn of the community building, with a basket dinner and program at noon.
1935: A few local residents went to a conference in Winona Lake to vote on whether instrumental music would be allowed in Free Methodist churches. “Older members contend that instrumental music detracts from the singing, and that the soul is put more into vocal numbers,” The Republican said.
1925: Members of the local Red Men lodge held a “pow-wow” at Alley’s Park, three miles southwest of St. Paul.
1915: An Indianapolis woman was injured and several locals suffered minor injuries when two cars on the I & C traction line sideswiped each other at the switch near New Bethel. The woman had been on her way to Fairland to spend the day picking cherries with her parents, who lived there.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Frances Coleen Fouts, 81, of Greenwood, passed away on June 18, 2025, at her home with family at her bedside. She was born November 10, 1943, in Dione, Ky., the daughter of Dave and Susie (King) Ray. On March 1, 1963, she married her husband of 62 years, William “Perry” Fouts, and he survives.
In addition to Perry, Frances is survived by her children, Timothy Fouts and wife, Michelle, of Lola, Kentucky. Colleen Fouts of Greenwood, and brother, David Ray and wife, Dixie, of Tennessee; grandchildren, Jessica Hillen and husband, Jake, of Ohio, and Rachelle Presley and husband Jeron of Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Ellie and Jenna Hillen; and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Frances was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Nathan Fouts; sisters, Jewel Hartsock, Alene Dixon, Sally Sergent, Mildred Harless, Mary Sue Snodgrass and Vivian Morris; and brothers, Wilburn Ray, Jack Ray, Robert Ray, Kenneth Ray and Darrel Ray.
In 1961, Frances graduated from Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Kentucky. She was a member of Faith Trinity Pentecostal Church in which her husband, Perry is Pastor. They recently celebrated 40 years of service. She was an active member of the Church choir, the Ladies auxiliary, the Silly Saints Clown Ministry and served in many areas as the need arose. She enjoyed arts and crafts. She loved learning and performing different Creative Arts Ministry styles which included drama, puppets, songs, skits, God Rods, signing, clown ministry, playing music and more. She used these “arts” to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many souls were touched by her gentle smile and the way she served the Lord with gladness, joy, and humility.
The love of God within her magnified her love for her church, her friends and especially her family. She LOVED her family!
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Faith Trinity Pentecostal Church, 505 W. Pennsylvania St., in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at noon on Tuesday, at the church, with Pastor Perry Fouts officiating, assisted by Rev. Wayne Grace. Interment will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Hayden Cemetery in North Vernon. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Creative Arts Ministry at Faith Trinity Pentecostal Church. Online condolences may be shared with Frances’ family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.