Page 45 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

Oliver Timeline 3

1885 Jan. 12 The great Strike and Riot started this morning or afternoon at one
o’clock, when rioters entered the plant and forced men to quit working.

1885 Jan. 13 At 7:00 a.m. nearly 200 men armed with clubs and bars of iron
assembled about the front of the works and refused admittance to
everybody. Captain Nicar, an old Civil War soldier, forced his way into
the office after receiving wounds about the head, hands, and arms. He
drew a revolver and held the crowd at bay. A policeman who came to
his assistance was badly beaten. The rioters then entered the factory
gates, and about 100 men went through the buildings breaking windows
and plow bases. Nicar called out the Veteran Guards. They arrived
some 50 strong at 10:30 a.m. with fixed bayonets. Quiet was soon
restored and the crowds dispersed without bloodshed. A detail of 12
Deputy Sheriffs were sworn in to guard the Plow Works with guns, and
many of the Veteran Guards remained on duty. All firearms were
removed from the local gun shops and locked up in the Court House.
By night all was peaceful at the Works. Ten men were arrested on
charges of rioting, assault, and battery.

1885 Jan. 31 Oliver Plow Works is still closed on account of strike. Moving to another
city being seriously considered.

1885 Feb. 9 LaPorte, Indiana makes a bid for the Oliver Works.

1885 Feb. 17 Local committee called on the Olivers to protest against their possible
leaving of South Bend. James Oliver told them he had decided to move
and they departed much dejected. Indianapolis, Logansport, LaPorte,
Louisville, and Chattanooga, Tennessee were all making serious bids
trying to entice the Oliver Plow Works to move.

1885 Feb. 21 Mass meeting of South Bend citizens held at the Court House, called by
the Mayor, to try and induce the Olivers to remain in South Bend.
Resolutions were adopted and presented to the Olivers, who said the
pledges made would be considered.

1885 Mar. 3 James Oliver wrote in his journal: “Have determined to start the factory
tomorrow.” Promised protection in the future the Olivers had reluctantly
decided to remain in South Bend, if there were no further troubles.
Several of the rioters were fined $100 and given 3 to 60 days in jail,
which had an effect on future troublemakers.

1885 Oct. 24 The Oliver Opera House was opened to the public for the first time.

1885 Nov. 3 James Oliver II born at No. 1 Oliver Row, where Mr. and Mrs. J.D.
Oliver made their home for several years before building Copshaholm.