The Mail-Journal, Volume 14, Number 29, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 August 1977 — Page 10

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., August 10.1977

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Remembrances of Seth S. Ward remain in Syracuse

By SUE BENNETT When items of his law library and home were auctioned off this past Saturday, those tn Syracuse and Milford, who knew Seth Seaton Ward were filled with memories Ward was a retired Indianapolis lawyer, who made his home on Ogden Island. Lake Wawasee. for well over a decade. From 1950 on. he and wife Betty, whom he fondly referred to as "Betsy," lived in the Lakeland area. "His presence and his wife Betty 's presence were sought out in the most popular circles,” remembers Arch E. Baumgartner, publisher of The Mail-Journal, speaking of their early life in the lakes community. The well-known man was known as an eccentric and a recluse, as very few were admitted to his home. But be ventured out on the streets of Syracuse and Milford, where his "booming'’ voice would give warning of his approach. "His tall, imposing figure, decked in his stocking cap, gold shoes, Conservation club to meet The Turkey Creek Conservation Club will meet this Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m.. in the clubhouse on 13-A, south of Syracuse. There will be a business meeting and discussion on proposed environmental legislation, followed by the assembling of bluebird nesting boxes by the members The public is welcome to attend

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übiquitous cigar, was a common scene on the streets of Syracuse.” Baumgartner said. He himself would add to the stories told about him by making up more. And, he would sometimes tell an individual they were in his will, leaving them wondering why they were selected for such a reward, which was a game he played These individuals later contacted those in charge of the estate. A possession of great pride, which was sold; was his vintage Lincoln auto, in silver shade Being in no particular hurry to motor to say, Augsburger’s Coffeeshop. Ward would drive between 10 to 15 miles-per-hour, leaving a trail of backed-up traffic. His home was actually three

J R ok tL i ?'■ _!; HNIDIaA' x 1 ii iOU S>> j.. 11 sJ ' ( ' 11 // - ' llfr&KS s ’A ! I l-\ r.Wli JMI -1 II th■M I cl iKI 11. >- />•/ a; <3 fl Jn* llWr fyfl MbFi IL v ROCK OF AGES — Millions of years in forming, the "Rock of Ages” column dominate* the "Round* Cathedral" room in spectacular Squire Boone Caverns near historic Corydon and Louisville. The Caverns were discovered in 1794 by Daniel Boone** brother. Squire, who is buried in the cave.

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Lakeland Living

living quarters, the main house, the law library and a gazebo, which can be viewed for miles across the lake and has become a landmark. In the late 50's when the old Syracuse Elementary School was tom down. Ward retrieved some stone pillars and limestone beams, which were incorporated as the cornerstone of his law library. The late Charles Rock constructed the structure. Inside the library, above the mantel of the fireplace hung four by five foot paintings of himself and Betty. Also in the library were outsized pictures of his military heroes. General John J. Pershing. Dwight D. Eisenhower. George S. Patton. His home is a shaded, tranquil spot on the lake he called, “the

nearest to heaven one can ever hope to be." 'His tall, imposing figure, decked in his stocking cap, gold shoes, übiquitous cigar, was a common scene on the streets of Syracuse.' "He had a secret fear of being robbed,” recalls Baumgartner.

IndinnA

Boone's brother's love was a cave

While the heroic American pioneer Daniel Boone was busy blazing trails west, his younger brother was falling in love. Content with no ordinary relationship, he had fallen hard for a piece of land in southeastern Indiana, a noisy waterfall and, most important of all. a beautiful and intricate cave. THe cave gave him natural beauty, and the falls offered power to grind his neighbors’ grain. In this setting and with this force, he made his livelihood. In return, he gave the cave his name and, finally, his remains This is the story of Squire Boone, the only man ever to be buried in a cave by his own request. Today, almost two centuries later. Squire Boone Caverns is again inhabited, this time by thousands of seekers of natural beauty and tangible traces of American history. In the heart of Indiana’s Cave Country, Squire Boone Caverns is 10 miles south of Corydon. Indiana on State Road 135 and 40 minutes from Louisville via 1-64 west. Water still passes through the Caverns, roaring and gurgling over four underground waterfalls. each an attraction in itself. Formations of limestone, onyx and rimstone assume unusual shapes all along the cave’s ceilings, walls, floors and river courses Lighted concrete walkway’s with steel railings assure safe and comfortable tours through these natural features. Each guest is welcomed at the cave’s entrance by the hushed roar of flowing water below the landscape’s surface. At the tour’s onset, visitors become aware of the cave’s cool and constant temperature, offering a pleasant

retreat for summer’s frequent hot and humid atmosphere. Mindful all along of Squire Boone’s awesome presence, guests are led by trained guides through spectacular corridors and chambers, with stops at the “Pool of the Blind Fish,” "Curtains of Onyx” and the world’s largest rimstone formation. And sure enough, before the one-hour tour is finished, groups pass in review of the walnut coffin which contains the cave’s namesake. Above ground, the preserved foundation of Squire Boone’s grinding mill is a short walk from the heart of the complex. The waterfall that once drove the bygone mill wheel still spills from the hillside where Squire earned his living. An eight and one-half mile hiking trail winds by the site of Squire Boone’s church, the first Baptist Church in Indiana, and crosses the State’s only natural

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“He kept night lights on and an unloaded gun pointed at the door.” He suffered from arthritis and had nearly 50 cats, which he would name after local people he knew. Ward could quote the Bible, Shakespeare and his military heroes, famous poets, writers and others. He would give ecclesiastics fits with questions like “What were Christ’s last words when he was put on the cross?” Mrs. Robert Baugher said, “You know, Seth had many sides to him.” He had a terrible reputation she says, but his character was pure sterling. "He was always a gentleman." she added. He was an intellectual, gentlemanly person, who put on a show for company.

bridge. Wooded campsites with electrical hookups and full sanitary facilities await overnight visitors. Grills and picnic tables are on site. Cabins once inhabited by pioneer families house the park’s exhibits and shops. The Indian Relic Museum is comprised of the most extensive display of artifacts open to the public in the midwest. Each of the 2,000 relics exhibited was discovered within 50 miles of the Caverns. A craft shop featuring local craftspersons, a leather shop, a rock shop and an art gallery fill the remaining cabins. Nominal fees are charged to tour the cave, to visit the Indian Relic Museum and to secure a campsite. There is no park entrance cost. Squire Boone Caverns is open daily throughout the year. For additional details contact Travel Indiana, Inc., 11l N. Capitol Avenue. Indianapolis, IN 46204.

“He lived in constant pain and never wanted sympathy,” Mrs. Baugher said. He would go insult the local people and return with his tales which he told her. She commented she believes such antics were therapy for him. "Syracuse was like a big stage to trim,” she said. "And, he was always on.” Ward told visitors his temperature at the house was the same as in Miami and he would reset the thermostat to alter the temperature, according to weather reports he viewed on television. Besides television, he also kept up with current events, through the popular news magazines and several Indiana papers. The Princeton native made his career through cases concerning the midwest railroads. "Ward took great pride in having had a part in the capture of D. C. Stevenson, who was the Im-

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perial Potentate of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan,” Baumgartner said. He attended West Point Naval Academy, but dropped out after one year# due to ill health. He later went to the Indiana University law school, where he obtained his degree. Ward’s jvife rf ßetsy” preceded him in death in 1967. Seth, afflicted with stomach cancer, passed away in 1975. Muscular Dystrophy Association CARNIVAL Saturday, Aug. 13 1:00 To 4:00 P.M. 506 West First Street Mitford Games Arid Refreshments Proceeds Go To MDA Call MiHord 651-4373 For More Information