In 1820 the Methodists had an organization at Troy. About the same year the Baptists had an organization. A Lutheran church was founded in 1860, erecting a small frame building in 1861, which still serves. Although the Catholics had no regular church edifice until 1849, when a brick structure 33 x 48 feet was erected, services were conducted by occasional missionary priests for many years before. Following the erection of the church a cemetery was purchased and later a parsonage erected. Father Bessonies was the first priest to attend Troy regularly and many Troy baptisms will be found recorded at Leopold, the Father’s home station in 1843. Father J. Contin erected the first brick church in 1849. As early as 1834, the stations on the Ohio River, Troy included, were visited by Fathers Elisha Durbin and Charles Coomes of Kentucky. In 1881-82 the present brick church was built, with Father Ackerman in charge. He also built the rectory. Since 1898, under Pastor William Wack, a new two-story brick schoolhouse was erected, the interior of the church frescoed and other improvements made. Rev. J. H. Scheefers, who also has added many improvements, is the present rector. At present Troy has well-kept church houses, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Christian and Lutheran.
Troy Lodge No. 256, F.A.M., was organized August 20, 1859, with the following officers: Renus T. Tong, W.M., W. T. Washer, S. W., S. S. Amos, J. W., J.G. Heinzli, Treasurer, William Basye, Secretary, Charles McNutt, J. D., Henry Jordan, Tyler. All have died. They have their own lodge home on Market street. Troy Lodge, K. of P. was organized about 27 years ago. The Castle was destroyed by fire two years ago, St. Pius Branch, C. K. of A., with a membership of ten, is in existence since 1906.
Mines, Factories, Etc.
The Troy coal mines, operated by Bergenroth Bros., were for years a source of great help to Troy, but now coal is imported by rail. The Troy Chair Co., organized 27 years ago, is Troy’s most valuable plant now. They make and ship an abundance of chairs to the South. Troy has had brickyards to come and go, distilleries by John M. Howard and Jacob Clemens, breweries by John Voelke and others, but all are things of the past. Troy had the first paper published in the state, namely, “The Gazette”. The history writers of late have tried to rob us of that honor, but a few selections from Troy correspondents would prove we have had men here ready to write papers.
Railroads
The railroad — Southern — although a necessary convenience, had reduced Troy’s trade by the many new trading stations established. Still we would not be without the railroad, for sometimes we want to get into the world in a hurry.
The Fifty Years Since The Centennial
Troy has seen many changes in the last 50 years. Some landmarks identified in the earlier history have been razed. The railroad no longer carries passengers. The depot which Trojans were afraid would move to Tell City no longer exists. Losses in factories, commercial and retail establishments have made Trojans more intent on improving what remains today.
In the late 1930’s Troy lost the locally owned chair factory, but we now have a subsidiary of the Jasper Chair Factory operating in the building which housed the Gaesser Drug Store and Dry Goods Store. Houses now beautify the property on which Backer’s Grain Elevator and Flour Mill stood. Many Trojans will recall the proud legend on the tallest structure in Troy, “Capacity 90,000 bushels.”
Others will remember the frame Post Office at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets which replaced Captain Daniel’s River Front Post Office which had been swept away in the flood of 1881. The new brick Post Office and Community Building has proved an asset to Troy.
The old Nester Hotel building, with its beautiful, hand-cut stone, remains in sad disrepair. Isaac Dunn and Captain Boone, who managed that hotel until the 1937 flood ravaged it, are gone. The Masterson’s Hotel was razed after river commerce failed to support it. Older Trojans still speak avidly of the time Troy’s Volunteer Fire Department fought the blaze in the Livery Stable beside the old Nester Hotel. What a sight it was to see eight men drawing the pumper to the fire, chased by dogs, children and adult spectators! How the red-coated firemen worked the handles of the pumper in fast rhythm to build up pressure! How the thirsty men appreciated a draught of good Troy Beer or Sarsaparilla after the last spark was extinguished!
