Monday, January 5, 2026
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
HOLIDAY REUNION
Photographer Jack Boyce captured a photo of the Wethington-Catania clan, who recently gathered for the holidays at the Catanias’ home off E. Old Rushville Road. From left, Olivia, Finn, Nikki (background), Nash and Noah (background) Wethington; Pete and Karen Wethington; Nolan Wethington; and Ben, Jesica (background), Anna and Matthew (background) Catania.
Shelby County History: Marietta Man Built a Phone Before Bell
Editor’s Note: The following typed article, found in files in the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy and History Department, was published in a Shelby County Historical Society newsletter. It was credited to Joan Rehme and dated Jan. 21, 1965.
The United States had its Alexander Graham Bell. Shelby County had its John W. Pile.
In 1872, four years before Bell produced his apparatus in Boston, embodying his studies in transmission of sound by electricity, John W. Pile made a non-electric “two-speaker” instrument which became the first telephone in Shelby County.
Eyes twinkling with enthusiasm as he tells of his father’s invention, W. Esta Pile, who lives east of Marietta, describes this Shelby County “first.” The two speaker-receivers were made of wood on a turn lathe with a foot treadle. Each instrument had a sheepskin backing, a single line to the mouthpiece and no batteries.
By 1887, John Pile, then operating the Pile Carriage Works in Marietta, strung his telephone line between his residence one-half mile east of Marietta and the factory itself. Further expansion came in 1890, when he ran a line to the elevator in Lewis Creek, which was owned by his brother-in-law, J.D. McFerran.
The newfangled contraption proved to be such a convenience that in 1896 Pile purchased a PBX 10 “drop” (subscriber) switchboard and installed it in the Carriage Works — thus the first rural telephone company in Shelby County was born.
The operation was daytime only, with workmen at the factory manning the board, until it was moved to the Davis residence across the street. Pile hired two men, James and Bert Cutsinger, as installers and trouble-shooters. In 1907 his son Esta left school to work with the Cutsingers.
The infant telephone company had grown to the extent of replacing the old PBX in 1908 with a 300-capacity switchboard. The board was served at various times by five operators, Miss Mabel Davis (Mrs. William Campbell), Miss Grace Krise (Mrs. Clethie Brant), Miss Flossie Snyder (Mrs. Harry Hatfield), Miss Mary Miley (the late Mrs. A. J. Deelow, Sr.) and Miss Mary Snapp (the late Mrs. Irwin Simpson). These young ladies remained at the switchboard day and night, ready for “any emergency,” and received a sum of $6 per week for their efforts.
Esta Pile had in his possession early telephone directories of the Mutual Telephone Company of Shelbyville, dated 1900 and 1902. They strongly resemble the Old Farmers’ Almanac. Listed is the Marietta-Bengal Exchange with John W. Pile as manager. It wasn’t until 1906 that Indiana Bell took over the company in Shelbyville.
The Marietta Exchange remained under the direction of John Pile until 1927, when it was sold to Pierce Goodrich. Goodrich later sold it to the United Telephone Company, the present owner.
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NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville High School girls basketball team (7-7) defeated Columbus East, 55-43, on Saturday. The Bears host Southport on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Editor’s Note: Thank you so much to each donor who has generously contributed to our campaign to expand countywide reporting. The following are among campaign donors: Carol Showers, Jill & Brent Montgomery, Mike & Kevin Prickett, Leigh Ann & Wildren Poland, Edna & Bruce Knecht, Diana & Gary Lemmons and Karen Stubbs. Reaching our fundraising goal for 2026 will allow us to expand high-quality coverage countywide. Donors of $100 or more receive a commemorative January print edition and donors of $500 or more will be recognized in that edition. Contributions can be made online through our donation form or by mailing a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, Ste. 13, Shelbyville, IN, 46176. Again, thank you so much for your loyal support of this endeavor. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Ph.D.
HOOSIER NEWS: New York City–based Sugar Foods LLC plans to invest $40 million in a 617,000-square-foot production and distribution facility in Whiteland, creating 105 jobs, according to filings with the town. The company expects to begin warehousing and distribution in early 2026, with manufacturing operations starting later that year, following approval of a five-year personal property tax abatement. (IBJ)
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This Week in Shelby County Archive
by GEORGE L. STUBBS
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: MAJOR HEALTH PARTNERS
This Day in Shelby County History
Local headlines reported on or around this date in Shelby County history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2006: More than 60 people attended a hearing to hear the pros and cons about wild-animal permits sought by Dennis Hill. Linnea Petercheff and Mike Crider of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources oversaw the meeting. Several community members shared their reasons why Hill should or should not be granted Class 3 permits to keep two tigers and a mountain lion on his Flat Rock property. Hill’s vocal supporters far outnumbered those who spoke against his obtaining the wild-animal permits, “and it was easy to see that some of those who wanted to make statements against the DNR granting the permits were intimidated by the large Hill camp,” The Shelbyville News reported.
Twin boys, Trever and Corbin, were the first babies of the year in Shelby County. Their parents were Amanda Henderson and Jay Haden.
1996: Shelbyville Central Schools had used all four built-in make-up days due to snow. The four days to be made up were March 29, May 3, May 31 and June 3. For any additional days missed, make-up days would have to be decided by the teachers union and school board.
1986: Shelby County’s first baby of the year was Nathan Smith. His parents, Rev. Joe and Sharon Smith, had two other children, Stephen and Stephanie. Rev. Smith was the pastor at the Bible Holiness Church on South Tompkins.
1976: Carl McNeely announced his candidacy to run in the Democratic primary for an at-large county council seat. Thomas J. Wheeler of Liberty Township announced plans to run as state senator on the Democratic ballot.
1966: River dragging operations were underway in a search for Minnie Richardson, who had been missing for a few days. Approximately 50 volunteers met at Sunset Park to search the area where Mrs. Richardson, 43, believed to be coatless and barefoot, was last seen.
New librarian Harriet Craven was in charge of organizing limited services in temporary headquarters at the Strand Alcazar while the new library addition was being constructed.
1956: Lt. Maurice Moberly, police detective since Jan. 1, was getting a real workout in his first week on the job, The Shelbyville News reported. Moberly was investigating the third break-in since the beginning of the year. The latest was at the Eagles Lodge, where thieves broke open six pinball machines and a cigarette machine, manager Earl Neu reported.
An article in The Shelbyville News quoted a poultry expert saying that turkey carving would become obsolete within 10 years. He predicted that “turkeys will be sold pre-sliced by 1966, probably out of a vending machine.”
1946: Thirty-one adults enrolled in trade classes at Shelbyville High School, to be taught by Melvin Davies and Wray Orem. Both classes would meet in the machine shop, located in the west side of the gymnasium.
1936: The state announced plans for the Works Progress Administration to sod the banks to prevent soil erosion and work on roadside beautification along State Road 9, between Greenfield and Shelbyville.
1926: Dr. Paul Tindall was appointed health commissioner for Shelby County, succeeding Dr. J. Willard Parrish. County Commissioners also appointed Ira Thayer as county drainage commissioner. He succeeded A.R. Keaton. Ward McKenney was appointed courthouse custodian. Commissioners asked county attorney George Meiks to review processes for appointing physicians to serve the children at Gordon Children’s Home and the inmates at the county infirmary.
1916: George Ogden of Shelbyville loaded 26 horses onto the New York Central railroad, to be sent to a market in Buffalo, New York.
Evangelist John Hamilton announced he would begin holding services at noon in factories throughout town. A small portable organ would be taken to the factories for the meetings.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Allen George Monhollen, 87, of Fairland, passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at his residence. He was born June 3, 1938, in Corbin, Ky., to Lake Monhollen and Eva (Nantz) Monhollen.
Monhollen worked in the grocery industry until his retirement. He was a former member of Fairland Baptist Church and enjoyed coaching his sons’ baseball teams. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and enjoyed watching and listening to their games with his family.
He married Goldie Jean Eaton on May 5, 1962, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Rick (wife, Ginger) Monhollen of New Palestine and Roger (wife, Starr) Monhollen of Colleyville, Texas; his daughter, Marena Knuckles of Georgetown, Ky.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his daughter-in-law, Nicole Monhollen of Fairland; and his sister, Janice King. He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Monhollen; his granddaughter, Abby; his sister, Billie; his brothers, Homer and Arlis; and his sister, Wanda.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Corinth Cemetery in Corbin, Ky. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve the Monhollen family. In memory of his son, Rodney, memorial contributions may be made to The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209. Online condolences may be shared at murphyparks.com.
Jimmy Ray Spurlock, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at The Willows in Greensburg. He was born July 29, 1952, in Oneida, Ky., to Alec Spurlock and Daisy (Barger) Spurlock.
Spurlock served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1975 in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed at Mitsubishi until his retirement. He enjoyed working on cars in his spare time, and his favorite leisure activity was going on fishing outings with his children on their family boat.
He married Karen Henderson on Nov. 11, 1976, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Heidi Spurlock, Lisa James, Tamera Kreh and Jacqueline Spurlock; his sons, Richard Gahimer, Troy Gahimer and Joel Gahimer; 23 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; his stepmother, Judy Spurlock; and his brothers, James Spurlock, Joe Spurlock and Richard Spurlock. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Emma Fleener, Crystel Hazelwood and Amy Pate.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville, IN 46176. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery. Funeral directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve the Spurlock family. Online condolences may be shared at murphyparks.com.
Laura Kay Fisher, 71, passed away Dec. 25, 2025. She was born Nov. 17, 1954, in Shelbyville, Indiana. Fisher lived a full life as a well-loved bartender, always bringing happiness and a friendly smile to everyone who came to her bar. She was a loving mother, sister and daughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Lori Davis, and her son, John Fielder; several nieces and nephews; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Also surviving are her siblings, Janie Huxtable, William Eaton, Melissa Beckom and Kimberly Eaton. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jeanette Eaton; her father, Killis Eaton; and one brother, Robert Eaton.
Her passion for life was contagious, and she had a unique ability to turn everyday moments into cherished memories. Her sense of humor, love for storytelling and generous spirit were hallmarks of her personality. Friends and family knew they could count on her for a good laugh, sound advice or a shoulder to lean on. She will be deeply missed but will forever live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew her. The family extends special thanks to Shawna Dyer for helping care for Fisher in her final days.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of her life Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Pekin Eagles, 274 Derby St., Pekin, Illinois.
Beverly June Messer Ellis, 74, of Madison, Indiana, passed away Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at her residence. She was born Oct. 14, 1951, in Rushville, Indiana, the daughter of Clifford and Helen R. (Pence) Messer.
Ellis was a graduate of Milroy High School in Rushville and Corning College in Corning, New York. She worked as a private-duty caregiver and certified nursing assistant in nursing homes. She attended Faith Covenant Church and was formerly a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, both in Madison. She enjoyed playing bingo, games on her phone and Diamond Art.
Survivors include her husband, John J. Ellis, whom she married Aug. 18, 1982. They were the first couple married in front of the Fountain of Love at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. She is also survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Joey Cox of Madison; two sons, Dale DeWitt and Michael DeWitt and his wife, Leah, all of Shelbyville, Indiana; two stepsons, Johnny Ellis and Thomas Ellis, both of Kearney, Nebraska; one sister, Patricia Ray of Scipio, Indiana; three brothers, Clifford Messer and his wife, Brittany, Timothy Messer and his wife, Tyanna, and William Messer, all of Rushville; one sister-in-law, Peggy Messer of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Debra Anderson and Brenda Messer; and two brothers, Ronald Messer and Donald Messer.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at the funeral home.
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