Early Years of Indiana’s Forestry Movement - John P. Brown and The First Indiana Forestry Association (Part 2)

By Bill Hoover and Robert Mayer

Indiana Forestry Association

Brown established IFA on March 17, 1899 in a meeting he called at Indianapolis Commercial Club. The officers elected were John P Brown, Connersville, President; William H Drapier, Indianapolis, First Vice President (VP), Amos W. Butler, Indianapolis, Second VP; John Holliday, Indianapolis, Third VP; Albert Lieber, Fourth VP; Joseph W. Bates, Broad Ripple, Fifth VP; William Watson Woollen, Indianapolis, Secretary, and Lewis Hoover, Indianapolis, Treasurer. Forest and park committees were formed. A congratulatory letter from Prof. C. A. Schenck, Biltmore School of Forestry, was read at the meeting. Membership was expected to be 300 to 500.

The first annual meeting was held in Indianapolis on January 13, 1900 with 30 members present. Its purpose was to encourage management of forests. Brown held that a significant cause of land clearing for crops was the taxation of both at the same rate. This argument was first made in 1874 by M. B. Kerr in the “Indiana Agricultural Report.” An example of the support behind this effort was the detailed resolution adopted by the Indiana Horticultural Society following Brown’s presentation in 1898.

An Act for the Encouragement of Forestry (S.L. Ch 256, p. 570) was enacted in 1899. It was repealed February 27, 1905 (S.L. Ch 49, sec 3, p. 64). Its provisions were too cumbersome to be effective and reflected a poor understanding of silviculture. It was, however, the first law in the nation providing tax relief for timberland owners. It authorized $1 per acre assessed value for qualified forest land. This was the precursor of Indiana’s Classified Forest Act of 1921.

At the second meeting on January 19, 1901 meeting of the Indianapolis’s Commercial Club, Brown reported a gratifying increase in interest regarding protection of forests. He presented the outline of a bill to be presented to the Legislature for the creation of a State Department of Forestry with a permanent forester in charge.

IFA’s first annual meeting was held on January 13, 1900 at the Commercial Club Building. The members agreed to focus their efforts on the establishment of forests on the states’ waste land. Brown read a paper followed by a discussion of the issue raised. Brown declined to stay as president. Albert Lieber, founder of Indiana’s first state park, assumed the position. General John Colburn became vice-president, and Brown secretary and treasurer. A requirement for frequent meetings was removed from the articles of formation because the large distance between Indianapolis and members’ homes made it necessary to rely on correspondence. Lacking staff, Brown and a few members handled this work. Annual membership fee was $1.00.

A special IFA meeting was held on September 20, 1900. Brown reported on the work over the last 6 months. It was decided to publish the report for distribution, and petition the Legislature to provide support for its work. IFA had 250 members, residing in 28 states, Mexico and Australia. Brown reported on his trip to the Pacific Coast to inspect forests. Presidents of most Western railroads supported his trip. He left in May 1900, traveled through 10 states, covered 10,850 miles by rail and stage. He gave addresses at many meetings, and got information from railway officials that they intend to plant trees and take care of forests under their control. He encouraged Indiana farmers to plant quick-growing trees as a patriotic duty, as well as a profitable investment. On his trip he was asked to investigate the cause of pine trees dying in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He identified the cause as bark beetles and recommended burning bark and leaves. He reported that the redwood forests were nearly exterminated by corporations, and recommended government protection of the remaining groves. Brown was a seer.

Editors of the Boonville, Indiana newspaper published in 1901 a lengthy article on the various “branches” of forestry. It focused exclusively on the status of Indiana’s forest land. Brown first cited statistics on forest area and timber volumes for the eastern U. S. and then for Indiana. Brown was cynical regarding what he considered overestimates of timber availability.

Indiana was formerly one of the best wooded regions in America. Thirty thousand square miles was our inheritance. The greater part has disappeared several years since. Thirty years ago Indianapolis was the center of the hardwood trade of the United states We now import almost our entire consumption of timber. We see from the car window a skirting of trees which would indicate a distant body of woodland, but if we should leave the car and go to any of these apparent groves it would be to find but a few worthless beech, left because of the labor in working them up said Hon. John P. Brown in a recent address, but just beyond would appear another grove, the same character of the first. Here and there have been left a tree, occasionally a bit of wood, but except for a few localities there are no forests. At some stations on the railways there are standing on the side track one or two flat cars, partially loaded with logs. “They are the last of the Mohicans,”

Gathered up from long distances, one here, another there, from some bluff or water course to be shipped to the city sawmills and veneer works. Our walnut, cherry, poplar, maple, ash and many other valuable trees are practically gone, while even our village streets have given up their venues of native trees, our people having gone wild over the most worthless tree ever introduced into a city – the cottonwood—as the only worthy of an Indiana street.

Brown reported on IFA’s accomplishments. Through its efforts 1.5 million trees were planted. Fifty railway companies had become interested in the cause; several having planted 65,000 to 100,000 each for cross ties. Five thousand packages of seeds for timber trees were distributed to several states, Australia and New Zealand. Two forestry related laws were enacted. He collected existing publications on forestry, mostly from US Bureau of Forestry. Thirty-eight thousand booklets and circulars on forestry were printed and distributed. Brown stated that “The literature sent out by the association has changed public opinion very materially in Indiana and other states. It is hoped that this good work may go on in the greatly increased proportion with the new organization.”

The Bedford newspaper published the part of the report dealing with the economic impact of forests and timber processing.

Fifty thousand citizens of Indiana are employed in wood industries and receive annually $15,000,000 in wages. The product of this labor brings $50,000,000 each year to Indiana manufacturers. This was the statement of John P Brown, Secretary of the Indiana Forestry Association in a recent address. He believes that the first century of Indiana’s history will measure the end of Indiana’s forests. When Indiana was organized as a state there were in her boundaries 28,000 square miles of valuable woods. There are now only 48,900 square miles in all the prairie states; 44,970 square miles in the lake states, and 80,000 square miles in the central or manufacturing states. Mr. Brown declared that the greatest part of Indiana forests has disappeared; that the state now imports almost all its entire consumption of timber; that walnut, cherry, poplar, maple, ash and other valuable trees are practically gone. He estimates that if the 6,500,000 acres of rough lands and swamps not suited for agriculture in Indiana could be afforested it would add to the State’s material wealth $500,000,000. It would double the value of Indiana’s land assessment; whereas if the rough lands are to remain as at present no income can be hoped for.

IFA ceased operations on May 25, 1901 by a vote of its members to accommodate formation of a new enlarged organization, the International Society of Arboriculture. It had 300 charter members, residing in thirty states and several foreign countries.

International Society of Arboriculture

Brown established the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to capture a broader audience. Arboriculture is now associated with urban forestry, but in the early 20th Century it referred to forest conservation in general. The articles of incorporation provided that “The purpose of the Association is to introduce judicious methods in dealing with forests and woodlands; to advance and advocate a public interest in the subject; to promote the afforestation of unproductive lands; to encourage the planting and care of shade trees in parks, public and private grounds, and along streets and highways; to inspire an interest in our remaining native forests, and groves of ancient trees, and to seek their preservation; to supply information to railway of officials in regard to timber culture for railway uses, and incite railway and other corporation to plant trees for economic purposes.”

The articles of incorporation defined arboriculture as “a science that teaches how great are the influences which forests or trees exert upon a community; not only from the economic uses for which wood is adapted for man’s benefit, but in their far-reaching effect upon climate and thus on the welfare and permanence of nations and peoples. ‘Arboriculture’ is full of interest and is of vast importance to mankind. Forestry, as usually understood, pertains to the management of forests. Arboriculture comprises forestry and also includes every subject relating to the growth of trees and their influences.”

Brown’s decision to transition from a state to an international association may have been a significant factor in the reduction of Brown’s reputation in the state. Albert Lieber, president at the time of the transition made his opinion public in a newspaper article based on an interview by a newspaper writer.

“I see,” said Albert Lieber, “that John P. Brown of Connersville, has held a meeting at that place and organized what he calls “the International Society of Arboriculture.” Mr. Brown does not tell us how many persons were present at this meeting to assist him in launching this society with the ponderous name. Mr. Brown was secretary of the Indiana Forestry Association, of which I was president. He was instrumental in having the forestry bill passed, and expected as his reward therefore to be made secretary of the forestry board, with a salary of $1,200 a year and $200 additional for expenses.

“He is very bitter now, as the Governor has seen fit to give that place to another. He wrote to me about disbanding the Indiana Forestry Association. I replied that there was no hurry; that we could keep the association together until we should see whether the State Forestry Board would replace it. I do not think there is much need of an international association, such as Mr. Brown alleges that he formed at Connersville. The State forestry law properly enforced will probably cover the ground.”

Mr. Brown who was here last night on his way to Michigan City, says he was authorized by a majority of the members of the State association to disband it. He says J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska, was elected president of the international society. Mr. Brown was made secretary. He says the new society has 300 charter members, representing twenty states.

As with IFA, Brown recruited men of wealth and influence as officers. J. Sterling Morton, founder of the Arbor Day movement was president of the ISA on the date of his death, April 25, 1902. William J. Palmer, Colorado Springs, Colorado, succeeded him as president. James H. Bowditch, Boston, Massachusetts, was vice president, and Brown, Chicago, Illinois, was secretary-treasurer. ISA received verbal support from the Secretary of the Interior, General Noble, and the U. S. president at the time, Benjamin Harrison. Four thousand copies of the first edition of the “Arboriculture” magazine were printed to fill subscriptions. This magazine was somewhat unique in the large number of illustrations included in each issue. They were primarily photographs from which electrotypes were produced for printing.

ISA received hundreds of letters per week requesting information. Brown wanted responses to be based on “much thought and practical knowledge.” He responded to many inquiries, especially those of general interest, with articles in “Arboriculture.”

A special notice from Brown addressed to ISA members appeared in July-August 1905 “Arboriculture.” (p. 155) In it he clarified that he was the sole owner and publisher of “Arboriculture” and he alone was responsible for all its “utterances.” Also, that no officer or member of the ISA was morally or financially responsible for anything appearing in the magazine. The notice was apparently generated by readers objecting to the focus on catalpa.

ISA’s outreach was primarily through its magazine “Arboriculture.” Brown was the editor, primary author of articles, and photographer. It was published from September 1902 until October 1909. It was initially published in Chicago, IL, but later moved to Connersville, IN. Brown’s work with the railroad industry was obvious for the first several years of publication. Railroad companies were the primary advertisers. They promoted leisure travel to the west and hotels in major cities. Banks and industrial firms in Indiana also bought ads. In the later years the ads were from a broad range of companies, even ladies’ magazines. Farming equipment manufacturers advertised, as well as tree nurseries, including one in Connersville, IN run by Brown’s brother. The ads and donations from major supporters were not sufficient.

Conclusion

It is overtly apparent John Pickney Brown was unique. Mr. Brown possessed inimitable, mostly selfless interests pertaining to not only trees and forests, but also encompassing the myriad amenities they provide. He could see the utility of the forest. He recognized its potential benefits, simultaneously noting the costs of real and potential abuse. Mr. Brown was equally a forestry pacesetter and a seer. He recognized the ecological, hydrological, economic and climatic benefits forests provide to society at large. Indeed, Mr. Brown was a rare person possessing intellect, curiosity, compassion, and above all, stamina. Via his forum, The International Society of Arboriculture, millions of trees were planted, tens of thousands of educational booklets found their way to numerous states and foreign countries, and recognition of the importance, nay necessity, of trees became a popular topic. Mr. Brown truly was unique.

Perhaps Johann Wolfgang von Goethe envisioned John Brown when he forecast “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do”. Our overview is a tribute to a forestry pioneer. John Pickney Brown’s contributions remain very significant. Regardless of the species’ utility, his choice in selecting catalpa as a savior species remains valuable.  Based simply upon Mr. Brown’s overt interests and scope of personal activities, he should rank equally or greater than peers, many of whom were excellent facilitators, but lacked material participation.   One should not view any single person’s forestry accomplishments as symbolic points gained for infamy; all should be acknowledged and highlighted for their collaborative and cumulative contributions.

William L (Bill) Hoover, PhD Professor of Forestry, Emeritus, Purdue University. Robert W. Mayer, MS Mayer Forest Product Services. The first part of this story was published in Volume 31, number 1 (2023).

¹ The Indianapolis News, March 17, 1899, p. 7.

² Boonville Standard, Boonville, IN. March 31, 1899, p. 3.

³ American Forester. 1900, 6(1):41. American Forestry Association.

⁴ Indiana Agricultural Report. 1874, p. 281.

⁵ The Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, IN. January 20, 1901, p. 3

⁶ The Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, IN. January 13, 1900, p. 13.

⁷ The Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, IN. September 21, 1900, p. 3.

⁸ Boonville Standard, Boonville, Indiana. March 1, 1901. p. 2,

⁹ The Bedford Weekly Mail, Bedford, Indiana, 22 March, 1901, p. 4.

¹⁰ Bristol Banner, Bristol, Indiana, “Connersville special.” May 31, 1901, p. 3.

¹¹ ibid??

¹² The officers disagree over the breaking up of the Indiana Forestry Association. The Indianapolis News,

Indianapolis, Indiana, May28, 1901, p. 8.

¹³ “Arboriculture.” 1904. 3(11):699.

¹⁴ “Arboriculture.” 1909. 8(1):25.

¹⁵ “Arboriculture.” 1904. 3(11): 759