^'='^. ,d^ "-■^ % .**^ >-_ _\ "o .1 aV : nO^ ^ .^ ■^^. ^\ y' /'* 'ao^ , > * (» ^ "\/^ ^^..^' '^'•".^^^^ "^^ c^^ ^ ' •^ ,<^ : % ^^ ^ .4' :- ^. c^- ,■1 -=i. .iV -^•,^v _ -^^^-^ -'t-- ■J- .^N- ^% ■'^- -<^' ^ V % A^W.^%.% ^ cT.^ ^^•^ -"*. y^ ■^^. V^^^ .< ,0 c- . C' ^. > ■->- , o it , ^.o' -/- •3 /^ c ^ /' " * J' % c>- V ^^ ■'>.r.\ r '-^_.. v-*^ .0 0^ i"\ /-I •\ xO^-. "•>";/\-- **'^% /^. ■*bo^ ^*^ *, o 0' .*- V ''^ V? ^ • ■I' V t. \ 'Z'^^. A. °- •>^. .<■ \ ' "^ ^ '^ ' ■ , -y. V ^ K^ A > aV o^ -r. . " .0 %<^ '^c..^^' %^'^- ^^c-^ . : ^^^-^^ x\^' •^.■/■. ': .s'^^ ■"*, . ^v^ < • f- -« ■ i °o c.-^v , .^ , '. ' •*b 0^ Gen Robt.M. Evans. HISTORY OF TANDERBURGH COUNTY INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRESENT, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, ETC. ILLUSTRATED. BRJVNX e- KULLBR, 18S9. \ £)EMOCRAT PRINTING CO., . . . PRINTERS AND ELECTROTYPERS, MADISON, WIS. P(^ ^ S'G PREFACE. After more than a j'ear of almost ceaseless labor on the part of a large force of skilled employes, the publishers are enabled to present their patrons with the History of Vander- burgh County. The compilation of the matter which is contained in this volume has been conducted with more than the usual care, and not only the publishers, but all those engaged in the work, have been animated by a desire to have this historj' excel all local histories heretofore issued in the state. Neither time nor expense have been spared which gave promise of enhancing in any way the value of the book as a work of reference on all sub- jects treated. In many fields that were explored during the progress of this work, there had been but little, if any, former effort to rescue the fast fading facts of early times. The city of Evansville, it is true, had been previously treated of in several smaller publications, but in each instance the commercial, rather than the historical, interest was the main theme of the writers. It has been a constant care to have the historical matter divested of any bias or par- tiality that might depreciate its value. Official records, newspapers, public documents, miscellaneous publications, private correspondence, personal recollections, the records of the Historical Society, and other sources of information have been drawn upon freely. Not only facts, but liberal quotations have been incorporated in this volume. The leading desire has been to obtain accuracy, and no pretension is made to originality of expression, nor to ornate stjle. In the chapter on militarj- matters the Adjutant General's report for the state has been abundantly quoted as the best authority attainable on such subjects, but as that is known to contain many errors, there can be no doubt that some of them have found their way into this work. Perhaps the most notable feature of the book is the portion which contains biograph- ical sketches of leading citizens, both dead and living. The practice of publishing biog- raphies of living men has been condemned by some, but to question it seems like preferring doubtful information and the uncertainties of memory to positive personal knowledge. The neglect of personal and family history in the United States has become a matter of public comment. A recent call for a meeting at Indianapolis of descendants of Revolutionary sires met not a single response. This alone is a significant witness that family genealogy has been neglected, and that few people can trace their ancestry more than two genera tions. If biographies of living men were more frequently published, true modesty would not exceed the bounds of truth, and the eulogistic exaggerations that so often find apology in death, would be avoided. Should an excessive self-applause unduly proclaim its own achievements it will be best judged by a contemporaneous public. Grateful acknowledgments are due the county and city officers, the newspaper men, he officers of the Historical Society, and many citizens, for valuable assistance. THE PUBLISHERS. Madison, Wis., April, 1889. INDEX. CHAPTERS. Page. I. Geology and Topography. . 17 u. Indian History '*7 III. County Organization 41 IV. The City of Evansvillb 94 V. City- Governmen-t 1S4 VI. Banks 207 VII. The Medical Profession. . . 223 Vlil. Religious History 269 IX. Schools S07 X. Libraries j^ 315 XT. Bench and Bar 3*7 XII. Secret and Benevolent Or 381 XIIT. Personal History 400 XIV. Military History 4B8 XV. Newspapers 558 XVI. Early Settlement 572 GENERAL INDEX. Agents, county AKrieultural societies . Altitude above the sea. Amusements Ancient Order United Workmen . 52 82 17 577 390 Animals, native 575 Artesian well 25 Attorneys, list of 353-355 Auditors, county 51 Avondale section 25 Banks — Canal 207 Citizens' National 210 First National 209 German National 210 Merchants' National 21 1 Old National 207 Peoples' Savings 211 State, branch of 207 Bar, the 351-355 Benevolent Institutions 397 Boundary of county 17 Brotherhood of St. Andrew 396 Building and loan 212 Cathohc Knights 302 Cemeteries 305 Cholera in 1832 119,225 Churches — Baptist. First 289 Baiitist, German 291 Baptist. General 291 Baptist, Liberty 291 Baptist. JIcFarland Chapel 292 Baptist. Missionary 292 Baptist . New Bethel 292 Baptist, Old '291 Catholic 293-299 Disciples of Christ. 303 Episcopal Chapel 2S9 Episcopal. Holy Innocents 289 Episcopal, St. 'Paul's 2&> Free Methodist 284 German EvangeUcal 300-303 German Lutheran 299 German Reformed 30;^ Jewisli 304 Metli.«li-it Episcopal 270 Metlio.iist Episcopal. African. ... 284 Methodist Episcopal. African Zion 2H1 Methodist Epi.scopal, First Ger- man 283 Methodist Episcopal, Fifth 284 Methodist Episcopal. Second Ger- man 284 Methodist Episcopal, Ingle Street. 282 Metliodist Episcopal, Kingsley 28* Mel h. .(list Episcopal, Trinity 281 Methodist Episcopal, Simpson Chapel 283 Presbj-terian, Cumberlaii<} 275 Churches— Page. Presbyterian, First Avenue 274 Presbyterian, Grace ' 272 Presbyterian, Walnut Street 269 Unitarian 303 CniL War-^ Bounty and relief 555 Colored t roops 541 Drafts 554 Flag presentation 480 First company in 477 Militia companies 55t> Morgan raid 552 Legii »n 549 Public sentiment during 472-477 Sumter, fall of 474 Clerks, county 52 CotTRT, Circuit — Districts 348 Fu-st terms of 327,328 Seal of 348 Trials, important 330, 331,335,336,340,341,314,345 Coal 22-25 Code of 1852 343 College, Evansville Medical 229 College, Hospital Medical 231 Commissioners, county 48 Common pleas court 348 Coroners, county 52 Court of conciliation 349 Court-houses 54-57 County agents 52 County seat, location of 42,47,97,103 Criminal circuit court 3.50 Darlmgton, town of 98 Dentistry 266 Detective association ; 85 Diseases, early 224 Druids 392 Election statistics 67-69 Election, corruption of 337 Election, first 574 Evansville — Adversity, period of 113 Amusement, places of 193 Brick house, first 114 Business review 130-146 Capital of Vanderburgh county. . . 103 Capital of Warrick county 42.97 Census in 18;38 127 Censusin 1S50 i:30 Census in IStW 134 Census in 1870 1:35 Census in 1880 135 Census in 1888 (estimated) 145 City charter 129 City government 188 Cla'rk, Amos, letters ot 126.137 Condition in 1820 107 Electric light 193 Fire department 189 Firein 1842 138 Gas works 193 Halls, public 193 Incorporation of ItXj Laying out of 100-104 McGary, Hugh, influence on, 42-45,94-96 Manufactures 142-143 Meivh,auts in 18.38 127 Naming of 97 Opera-houses 194 Police 188 Public building 191 Public improvements 192 Residents in 1831 116 Store, fii-st. in 98 Valuation of property 114, V&, 181, 137, 140, 144 View of, in 1836 123-i:H Water works 190 Wharf, building of 129 Finances 59 Page. Flood of 1832 119 Fraternal Legion 392 Free Masonry 381-:185 Gaming, era of 339 Glacial deposits 20 Grand .\rmy Republic 657 Grass, Daniel 44, 101 Hanigari 3B5 Hebrew orders 395 Home for the Friendless 399 Homeopathy. 263 Hospital for insane 629 Hospital, St. Mary's 398 Hospital, U. S. marine 399 Indian treaty 30 Indian tribes , 29 Iron Hall 395 Jails 67-69 Judges, Associate — Dunham, John M 331 LilHston, John W 331 McCrary, John 329 Olmstead, William 331 Shook, Wilham 343 Staser, Conrad 342 Stephens, Silas 943 Judges. Circuit Court — Battell. Chas. 1 338 Burke. M. F 346 Daniel, Richard 329 Embree, Elisha 338 Goodlett, J. R. E 330 Hall, Samuel 337 Hart, David 329 Hovey, Alvin P 342 Jones, James G 347 Laird, D. T 347 Lockhart, James 341 Niblack, William E .345 Parrett, William F 346 Richardson. R. D 347 Smith, Ballard ... 345 Judges, common pleas 349 Judges, probate C48 Jury, Grand, action of 337 Jury, Grand, first 328 Jury, petit, first 328 Knight, Isaac, capture of 31 Knights of the Golden Rule 396 Knights ot Honor 391 Knights and Ladies of Honor 392 Knights of Pj-thias 388-390 Lania-sco 131 Lands, public 573 Library, Catholic 3^ Library, city 321 Library, county 324 Library, Willard S21 McGaryton 97 Medical journals 231 Medical societies 206 Merom .sandstone 19 Mexican veterans 472 Mexican war 470 Militia, early 469 Mound builders 27-29 Newspapers — Advance 571 A. O. U. W. Recorder 571 Bulletin 570 Call 570 Courier 562 Demokrat 567 Gazette, Evansville 113, SS'i Indiana Post 570 Journal 120,558 Pilot 571 Public 567 Tribune 607 Odd Fellowship 886-388 Parks 195 Pensions, reTolutionary 337 u HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY. Page. Physicians, early 233 Physicians of note 231-233 Physicians, roster of 234 Pioneers, character of 5T2 Pioneers, dress of 5TG Poor, expenses of 63-67 Port of entry 187 PostofBce, establishment of 184 Practice, medical, hardships of... . 224 Probate court 348 Pubhc square 53 Railroads 77to82,]30 Recorder, county 52 Regiments — Fourteenth 482 Twenty-fourth 485 Eleventh 481 First battery 491 Twenfy-flfth 496 First cavalry (28th) 603 Thirty-second 507 Thirty-fifth 512 Sixth battery 513 Forty-second 516 Sixtieth 530 Eighth battery 53:3 Sixty-fifth 535 Fourth cavalry C77th) 528 Ninety-first 633 One hundred and twentieth 534 Tenth cavalry C135th) 535 One himdred and thirty -sixth 537 One hundred and forty-third 539 Miscellaneous 544 Representatives, state 53 River commerce, early 75-77 Roads 70-74 Royal Arcaniun 391 Salt well 25 School Fund 307 Schools — Armstrong township 308 Center township 308 Evansville 310 Free, first ... 309 German township 309 Knight township 309 Perrv township 307 Scott township 308 Pigeon township 310 Union township 310 Section, geological 21 Senators, state 53 Sheriffs, county 53 Steamboat construction 133 Surface features 18 Superior court 350 Surgery 235 Surveyors, county 53 Townships, creation of 63 Township History — Armstrong 668 Center 599 German 659 Knight U26 Perry . . 650 Scott 678 Union 639 Treasurers, county 51 United Brothers of Friendship 396 United Order of Honor 393 Vanderburgh county, creation of. . . 4(j Voters, first in Evansville 575 Wabash & Erie canal 121, 128 War of 1813 4i;8 Warrick county, jurisdiction 42 Willard library .331 Young Men's Chj'istian Association. 304 BIOGRAPHICAL. Alexander, WiUiam 263 Alleon, John 604 Archer, Samuel M 217 Arnold, Jacob 459 Artes, Charles F 4:13 Ashbv. J. W 421 Audubon. John J 44,101 Augermeier, A. J 663 Bacon. C. P 2.59 Bahr, William 4.19 Baird, L.M I.i6 Baker, Conrad 364 Barker, Samuel 64;! Bamett, Henry H 629 Page. Baumann, G. W 605 Bawden, Manuel 440 Becker, Michael 170 Beierlein, George C 583 Beierlein, Herman 58.3 Bernardin, A 41.3 Binklev, John T 260 Bittrote, GeorgeA 460 Blakey, William M 380 Blemker, H. E 435 Boehne, J. W 415 Boetticher, Edward 458 Bohannon, W. S 584 Boon, Ratliff 43.101 Bowen. George D 6:W Bower. William 5S4 Bowles. Edward 417 Brandenberger, Fred 605 Brandenberger, .lohn .*. 606 Brandenberger, Henry 606 Brandis. Joseph H 655 Bra.y, Madison J 2.37 Breiitano, August 173 Bridwell, T. C 433 Bromm, Adam 442 Browning, George B 585 Browning. Richard 585 Brose, Louis D 8.58 Brose, George 444 Buchanan, J. S 366 Buclianan, Cicero 367 Bullen, Thomas 417 Bultniann, Joseph 606 Burggrabe, Henry 586 Burnes, W. E 433 Burtis.J.T 463 Butterfield, O.H 374 Butts, Henry 449 Byrnes, T. B 402 Byrne, J. J 630 Calvert, Leroy 678 Capelle, William 463 Carpenter, Willard 315 Carson, F. P 435 Casey, John J 4.36 Casselberry, Isaac 242 Chandler, John J 363 Chandler, W. H 559 Clark, G. W 6.30 Compton, John W 2;39 Conlen, F. J 413 Cook, Fred W 170 Cooke, E. B , 407 Corlew, R. M 261 Cox, J. B 197 Crane, James F 607 Crisp, Daniel 587 Crisp,R.F 586 Crisp, Wilham 586 Croft, Benjamin F 164 Curnick. S. M 430 Culler, James H 221 Dannettelle, John H 199 Darby, W. J 276 Daussman, George M 171 Davis, F. L 365 Da.y, Benjamin J 352 Da.V. Robert 456 Dean. William 439 DeBruler, James P 344 Denby, Charles 370 Denby, G. F 371 Diehle, John G 4.50 Di.xon, H. T 363 Dow, J. L 363 Dinsnioor, J. W 444 Dyer, Azro 370 Edmond, John F . . - 646 Edmond, Michael 616 Edmond, Sophie 646 Ehrman, E. J 364 Ehrman. F. J 419 Ehret. Joseph 4:11 Eissler. Henry 607 Ellert. C. H .". 454 Elliott. Thomas 587 Ellis, Nichola-s 182 Emery, Frank B 4:10 Enz. Stephen 435 Erskine, Levi 607 Euler, Jacob, jr 6'IS Evans, Robert M 43,100 Evans.S. G 4.53 Ewing, F. M 6.33 Ewiug, William D 406 Fare.s, J. V 663 Page. Farrar. J J. 414 Fendrich, Herman 466 Ficka-s. S. R 634 Fink, John H 451 Fischer, Jacob 414 Foster Family, The 149 French, William E 178 Frey, Philip W 379 Fritsch, L 457 Froelich, Henry F 172 Gantner, Charles 663 Garvin, Thomas E 361 Gerard, R.J 646 Gilbert, John 215 Gilbert. F. M 568 Gilliland, L. M 272 Goeke, Adolph 202 Goldsmith, D. W 664 Goldsmith, M. R 609 Goldsmith, Oliver 608 Goodge, George W 443 Goodwin, J. J 448 Gould, Charles F 570 Graf, J. P 634 Grainger, Samuel., 635 Grammer, G. J.. . .. 404 Graves, R. E 410 Gra.v. Robert 588 Grese, Herman 438 Grill, Edward 410 Grimwood, James G 688 Grimvvood, John F 689 Grimwood. S. N 589 Grote, Fred 441 Guerich, Louis 466 Gumberts, Henry, sr 664 Haas; 1 266 Hacker, William . ... 436 Hallock, A. C 407 Happe, Andrew 647 Harden, R. W 410 Harrison, Ed 412 Harrison, J. B 412 Hartig. Simon . . . 667 Hartloff, Richard 246 Harwood, A. W 423 Hawkins, Anthony C 91 Hayden. A. M 249 Haynie, George W 434 Haynie, Henry 456 Ha.vs, JohnJ 91 HeUman, William . . . 146 Heldt, Henry 439 Helfrieh, Adam 167 Henry, James 609 Henry, Robert R . . .610 Henze, Charles 667 Herr, L. S 26« Hess, Peter 439 Heubner, Peter 610 Hinkle, W. B 162 Hodge.F.T 451 Hodson, George P 252 Hoefling, George, sr 673 Hoffman, Christot 6T4 Hooker, Henry 589 Hopkins, John S 212 Hornby, C. K 611 Hanning, Theodore 609 Hornby, Dr, William SS5 Hornby, William 610 Howell, Lee 405 Hulvershom, Emil 434 Hulvershorn, F. W 424 Hulvershom, H. E . . . 485 Hurst, W. S 3:9 Huston. E.P 402 Ichenhauser, Louis 1..5 Iglehart, Asa 3c6 Ingle, John 164 Jack, Alexander 169 Jacobi, Otto F 174 James, John 635 Jenkins, Charles T 87 Johann, Albert 205 Johnson, M. S 365 Jones, James W 43,100 Kaiser, Philip 611 Kamp, A. C 647 Kamp, B. A 647 Kamp, Leopold 645 Karges, A. F 440 Keene, S. W •. 442 Kellogg, Charles H 458 Kellogg, K. H 459 Kevekordes, Leo 409 INDEX. 16 Page. Kiechl, PYed 4115 King, James L Mj KiUK, R. W... .^ 648 Kirkpatrick. W. H o'-f Klamer, Herman 65b Klee, J.ihn 450 Knapp. Charles fcT Knapp. Emil fjs KniKbt, Joliu H 6ia Knoll, Otto 43i Knowles. J. W 5»'J Kolb, Micnael 6*8 Kratz, C. W 61-J Kratz, John R 61; Kreipke, Henry 65b Kreipke, John H 449 Kimz. Jacob 620 Lahr A. P 1 Lane', Joseph.'.'.'.'.'.'."... ..'. 44, 101, 627 Lant, George 454 Lauer, James W 1"8 Laubseher, Jacob 613 Laubsc-her, John W 614 Lauer. H. W ^3 L,aw, John 361 Lawton, John 4I5S Legler, Louis 9- Leich, August 8« Lennert, George 41b Lewis, S. B 267 Liidley.H. M 45' Lewis, Walter J 445 Limlley, James F 45< Linthieum, Edward 259 Liuxwiler, George OId Linxwiler, Isaac W 615 Little, Samuel W 163 Lockwood, C, S 4»4 Lockwood, JohnM 119 Loewenstein. F 567 Longbine. S. C 610 Lorenz, George 447 MacClenient, David 420 McCorkle. Johns 168 McCoy, John N 419 McCoy, P. Y 256 McCutchan. M. C 201 McGarv, Hugh 42,45,94,95,96,116 Mc Johnston, Charles F 616 McLean, William 465 McNecly, James H 561 Mackey, D.J 400 Maddux, Alexander 636 Maghee, WiUiam H 265 Maidlow Family 690 Marke"-, Peter 418 Marlett, John J 200 Martin, William 674 Masters, G. L 421 Mattison, H. A 368 Menke, Herman G 409 Metcalfe, J. G. 4.36 MiUer.A.J 569 Miller, Emil G 450 Miller, Jacob 177 Miller, W. D 591 Miller,W.H 441 Minnis, J. S 464 MolTett, John F 6h Morgan, Daniel 245 Morgan. Emerson B 156 Moore, John H 204 Morris, C. J 454 Morris, Frank 4:35 Muhlhausen, Matthias 247 Muiphy. C. J *2 Myerhoff, Charles H 15" Myers. Jacob 164 Myers, Michael 164 Neale, John A 648 Newitt, George W 205 Nonweiler, Philip 437 Nugent, John 445 Nurre, Joseph A. 166 Orr, Samuel 150 Ortmeyer, John H 408 Osborn, John H 175 Oslage. E. F 443 Otte, Charles H. W 443 Owen, A. M 241 Owen, John E 255 Page. Page, William A 92 Pan-ett, Robert ■ 277,279 Parrett, William F 363 Parvin, James D 86 Patrick, E.W 404 Peck. William 692 Ptaftlin, August 89 Pittman, Charles 267 Poggemeir, William 657 Pollock, Robert A 636 Pollard, William S 248 Potts, John G 592 Powell, T, E 261 Pritchett, Frank 89 Pruitt, John F..'. 674 Puder, Philip P 172 Purdue, Rachel H 617 Puster, Louis 408 Rahm, Emil 417 Rahm, Ernst 417 Rahm, William, jr 176 Ralston, William G 216 Read. Hiram E 159 Reavis, William 374 Reid, J. W 429 Reid, M. J 429 Reiman, William 665 Reitmau, Henry 163 Reitz, John A., .S: Sons 163 Rheinlander, John 216, 497 Rice. Laban M 161 Richardson, R. D 371 Ritchey, James S 593 Ritchey, Simpson 593 Ritchey, William 593 Ritter, Charles H , -1'' Robertson, John 649 Rose, Conrad 657 Rosencranz, A. 165 Roth, Anna B 649 Ruark, Dr. S 619 Ruff, F. W 451 Runck, Rev. C. L. C 302 Ruston. George 594 Ruston, John 594 Ruston, Richard 593 Ruston, Robert 619 Ruston, Walter 424 Ruston, William H 438 Sample, Joseph R 409 Sansom, John 594 Sansom, S. B 455 Saunders, James D 204 Saunders, James F 6i9 Scantlin, James 181 Scantlm. Thomas 180 Scott, GrandviUe 693 Scott, Richard 595 Scott, Samuel 693 Scott, W. J 595 Schaeffer, Michael 218 Schlag, C. F 620 Schmidt, Andrew 667 Schmidt, Conrad 621 Schmidt, J. H. P 622 Schmitt, Anton 621 Schmitt, August 464 Schmitt, Charles 622 Schnelle, H. William 620 Schomburg, William 69b Schor, R. F 218 Schrader, Charles 415 Schroeter. Ulrich 622 Schulte, Charles 16b Schuttler, Bernard 16^ Schultze. Henry A 169 Schwartz, C. F. W 623 Schwartz, E. H 62:1 Seitz, Lewis 162 Shackelford, J. M 376 Shanklin, G. W 566 Shanklin, John 147 Shanklin, John G 666 Sherwood, Marcus 180 Slierwood, William B 180 Sihler, Louis 88 Sirkle, A. J 649 Slayback, C. A 416 Smyth, H. B 637 Spiegel, Philip 414 Staser, Clinton 378 Page. Staser, Conrad 596 Staser, J. C., jr 696 Staser, John C 695 Steiner, John N 65T Steinmetz, Fred 634 Stinchfield, Washington 658 Stinson, Harry... 420 Stoltz, Henry 440 Stone, Jesse 31 637 Stroud, Calvin H 6W Sweetser, H. M 403 Swormstedt, William L 221 Tardy, Frank 451 Taylor, T.H 265 Thiele, I. A 448 Thompson. James L 658 Thuman, Charles H 169 Thuman. John H 169 Tratton, William 235 Uhl, August 467 Uhl, Louis 467 UUmer, Charles William 17.1 Ulrich, John 624 Vanderburgh, Judge Henry 45 Vann, William R 638 Venemann, T. W 433 Verwavne, A 463 Viele, Charles 213 Viele, George B 183 Yolkmaun, Carl 634 Walker, Edwin 251 Walker, E. F 273 Walker, George B 343 Walker, James T 375 Walker, Joseph B 426 Wartman, J. W 198 Weaver, C. A 426 Weber, Michael 625 Wedding, C. L 372 Wedding, C. V 258 Weever, John B 2.50 Wells, George N 200 Werkuianu, Fred 668 Wheeler, Joseph ... 280 Wills, JamesS 659 Wilton, Isaiah 261 Wiltshire, J. W 453 Wollenberger, Andrew 172 Woods, Charles E 44« Woods, J. S 281 Woods, William H 446 Wunderlich, Christian 90 Young, B. S 625 ILLUSTRATIONS. Baird, L. 31.. facing 202 Barker, Samuel, facing 648 Bray, Madison J., tac«g 2.37 Buchanan, Cicero 393 Buchanan, J. S.. facing 66 Carpenter, Willard 313 Carpenter, Homestead 319 Compton, J. W., facing 410 Cook, Fred W., facing 168 Cox,J B 185 Davis, F. L 461 Evans, Robert M Frontispiece Heilman, William 1.51 Herr, L. S., facing 270 Iglehart, Asa 359 Jenkins, Charles T 83 Leich, August 597 Mackav, D. J 401 Mattison, H. A 376 Jlverhoff, C. H., facing 478 Oir. Samuel 631 Parrett, William F , facing 342 Parvin, James D 49 Rheinlaniler. John 49S Roseiicran/.. A. C 629 Shackelford, J, M 28? Shanklin, John 117 Ullmer, C. W 427 Viele, Charles 219 Wedding, C.L 683 Weever, J. B 253 Willard Library 325 Wunderliea, Christian 605 HISTORY OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, CHAPTER I.* ToPCXiRAPHY AND GeOLOIJV CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES FORMATION AND ErOSION OF THE Surface — Glacial Remains — Connected Geological Section — The Coal Measures — Actual Sections. rANDERBURGH, except one, is the German extreme southwestern count\' of the state of Indiana, and is bounded on the west by Posey, north by Gibson, east by Warrick. The southern boundary is the Ohio, the " belle riviere" of the early French ad\enturers, the " beautiful river " of our own poets, the "great commercial artery" of our economic writers. Its picturesque beauty and its fleets of busy steamers are e(|ually deserving subjects of admiration. Evansville, the city of the county, and one of the principal cities of the state, lies i8o miles distant from Indianapolis. To be geo- graphically precise, its latitude is 38" 8' north, its longitude 10^ 30' west from Wash- ington. The altitude of the Ohio at low water at Evansville, is 320 feet above sea level. The elevation of Main street is 50 feet above low water, and consequenth', tlie average altitude of the city above tide water is 370 feet. Though the northern line of the county is but thirteen miles from that re-entrant curve of the Ohio which approaches the geographical center of the county, the drain- aire of its territory is not wholly into the great river. Running from the northern part of Scott and along the northern line of •Adapted for this volume from the Geoloyic.il Report on Vanderburgh county, by John CoUett, A. M., in " Geolog- ical Survey of Indiana, 1875." township, is a high ridge with a spur of lower land running down through Perry, which di\id'j; the county into two systems, the northwestern being drained through Big creek and its forks into the Wabash river. The eastern and central parts of the county have their water-shed by Bluegrass, Locust and Little creeks through Big Pigeon into the Ohio. The topography of the county is delight- fully \aried. The characteristic features of a river countr\-, the river bottoms, are here from two to six miles wide. Composed of a light, sandy loam, they are very fertile, and produce profitable crops of corn, wheat, potatoes, tobacco, and meadow grass. In the forests upjn this soil we tind black and white walnuts, red, white and burr oaks, red and white elms, white and black gums, Cottonwood, hickory, maple, willow, syca- iTiore, cypress, pecan, etc., with many shrubs and vines. The small brooks flowing across the county, from northeast to south and south- west, of no great capacity, and often nearly dry in summer droughts, run through val- leys one to three miles wide. These "bottoms" are le\el, and characteristically argillaceous, or hard and compact, and de- mand underground drainage for successful tillage long continued. Good crops of hay are grown upon them. The timber here comprises white, burr, water and jack oaks, 18 GEOLOGY. .^aim. e-liii, niaplf and sycamore, with beach, sugar tree, poplar and walnut on sand}- loams. From the creek and river valleys the ascent is sometimes gentle, often bv abrupt bluffs, to the table lands. In the central and northern parts, these attain an elevation of from 150 to 350 feet, and aver- age a height of 225 feet above low water in the Ohio: and being formed as a whole. from fine sands or loam, the soil is compact, and to a degree impervious to air or moist- ure unless drained or well mixed with vege- table matter. The Hat areas are wet and have characteristic openings, or prairies, but the shghtly une\en surfaces are clothed with a thick growth of timber, in which post-oak, persimmon and sweet gum are characteristic. White, red and Spanish oaks, black gum, maple, white and black hickories are connnon. The rolling up- lands are richer on account of an admixture of red calcareous soil, and adds to the for- ests poplars, sugar trees, black walnut and ash. Roth varieties of upland vield good crops of corn, wheat, oats, and meadow grass. The hills and hi<>h rid 26. Fire-clay, with pyrite balls .1 ^ 27. Siliceous shale n 9 28. Arjfillaceous sandstone. 5 o 29. Gray siiale and soaji stone 64 5 30. Soapstone, with plant re- mains o 3 31. C().\i-J>: impure canncl coal, I ft. 6 in.; pyrit- ous argillite, i ft. 4 in.; I to 6 to to to 1 to 23- o[ 24. 3 o o nEOLOGY. Ft. Ft. In. slaty cannel, i ft. 2 in.: free burning coal, i ft. 3 in 5 3 32. Fire-clay 2 6 (Extra-limital.) 34. Siliceous shales and coarse massive ferru- ginous sandstone .... 90 to 120 o 35. Best limestone and black slate 2 to 8 o 36. Co.\i- K, caking, pyrit- ous o to I 6 37. Laminated fire-cla\'. ... 2 to 14 38. Siliceous and black alu- minous shales, with rich bands and pockets of nodular iron ore. . . 10 to 30 o 39. Conglomerate sandrock no to 180 o 40. Coal A 3 to o o 41. Dark or black shale, with iron ore 30 to 5 O 42. Chester sandstone and sub-carboniferous lime- stone o to o o Total 837 8 The beds Nos. 3 to 14 of the above sec- tion, including two or three thin seams of rash coal, and two strata of limestone, each of two to eight feet thick, occupy the hill-tops in the northeastern parts, and thence dipping to the southwest are found at or near the level of the streams in that part of the county. These beds are a notable geologic horizon. Besides the advantage of the stone, which is burned for the lime, they form an unmis- takable directrix from which to measure down to the probable level of the lower workable coals. The limestones Nos. 5 ;ind II, at their northeastern outcrop, are hard and clinky, and are frequentl}' brought close together or found in contact. Thev are found in such contact in the sides of the bold bluff on the north of the Pigeon valley. In Perry township there are several limekilns, at which the stone has been quarried and burned. On the West Franklin road there is outcrop of flinty limerock, which has been a noted curiosity with geologists who have made this region famous b}' their labors. It seems here that the whole thickness of the lime- stone had been transformed into clinky horn- stone or Hint. Near there are three sink- holes, such as are common in the region of sub-carboniferous limestone, ten to thn^ty feet in diameter, the onl\- sinks seen in our coal measures. A large spring discharges the water collected by them. Near Baby- town hill, crinoid stems, and many other fos- sils, mostly compressed and broken, are found in profusion. This double limestone forms the elevated foundation of the beautiful site of Mechanicsville, which, 150 feet above the cit}', has an unbroken view of the rich broad valley, the i-olling river, and the dis- tant hills of Kentucky. It outcrops in the ra\'ines a little east of there, and the stone is used for curbing and stoning the streets of the city. This stratum rises at the rate of fifteen feet per mile to the northeast, and is a surface rock two miles east of the x'illage. In Section 20, Center township, it shows a face of seven or eight feet, and in cavities beneath its disturbed edges, rattlesnakes and other serpents were accustomed to gather for miles around to hibernate. The lime- stone caps a bald peak on the McCutcheon farm in the northeast corner of the county, which commands one of the finest outlooks in the state, embracing the hills and knobs round about at a distance of fifteen to twent\' miles. In all adjoining regions, these lime- stones contain a multitude of fossils in great variety, the assignment of which to the proper geological period has given rise to bitter personal quarrels between eminent scientists. The dispute is as to whether G ESKUA h FK. 1 TURKS. 23 tht'\' ai\' IVTiiiian or Cirboiiiferems. and e(|ui\alL'iit beds in the West liax'i' been named Permo-earboniferous as a sorl of coinproniise. In this count\' these limestones, lhoUL;h often crowded and ahnost wholly composed of fossils, as Athvris, Spirifer Ini- eatus and Lophophyllum proliferum, do not afford good cabinet specimens. The coals, Nos. ,^, S, 12, are L;enerall\- ali- sent and never persistent o\'er considerable areas. Thev are impure, thin, and of no importance. The tiiin lire-cla\s, Xos. 9, 13, are of much ^^reater \Ldue, as ihev are unctuous and plastic, and work well for pottery and terra cotta. No. 14 is a soft sandstone fotind in the upper part of Ingleside shaft, in the beds and bluffs of Pigeon creek, and thence northeast along the brooks and creeks. It is some- what quarried for rough masonrw The yellow and gray sandstone. No. 15, is ex- posed only in the east and northeast and is well down the Ewmsville shafts. There is an extensive bed in the northeast corner of Knight township, from which excellent stone is taken. Coal N, No. 19 of the section, is the next stratum of commercial importance, and it is a choice, gassy coal, of excellent quality. This is equal to the best western coal for gas and coking, and though the seam will a\er- age but little over two feet, yet its purity and richness in \-olatile matter will justifx mining it. The seam is uniformh- persistent throughout this region, and is locally known as " Little Newburg coal."' The chemical analysis of this coal shows 53 per cent, of fixed carbon, gas 41.5, water 3. ash 2.5. Coke, 55-5- Meat units, S090. Specific gravity, 1.242. Weight of one cubit- foot, 77.62 pounds. No. 20, a limestone, is not exposed in the county, but along tiie count\- line in Warrick it outcrops, and is remarkable for the won- derful size of the fossil Lophophyllum pro- liferum and the great profusion of the coral, Chcvteles. The siliceous shale and sand- stone. No. 22, is not seen at the surface, but is important along Green river. No. 23 carries a large number of beautiful and well preser\e(l fossils, a list of which W(.)uld be too lengtliN' for space liere. No. 24 is tin' Ingleside coal AT, or •' Main Newburg," the chief mineral resource of this region. This seam has been pierced at mati\- places, and at almost every station it has shown a thickness of not less than four feet. It is a .strong coking coal, burns to gra\- or red ash, and is an excellent fuel for steam or grate use, and commands a ready market. It drives the wheels of commerce, pulls the mighty railroad trains, and gives energv to the thousand arms and fingers of iron which manufacture, with the strength of a million giants, the wealth of this favored city and county. It underlies two-thirds, if not the whole count\-. Such a mine of wealth will endure for ages, and assures for this county an enviable prosperity and progress. From it can be produced a c(jke of great value. An analvsis of a specimen from the middle of the Ingleside seam shows: fixed carbon 48.5 per cent., gas 42. water 3.5, ash 6. Coke 54.50. Heat units, 7772. Specific cravitv 1-275. Weight of one cubic foot, 79. 68 pounds. Nos. 25 and 26, are fire-clays, and will be extensivelv used for terra cotta. Below coal M we find the noted phenomenon of massive limestones in the coal measures. Thev are highlv argillaceous, little more than" clay shale, even the tough blue sand- stone leadily yields to air and moisture. No. 30 is the " fern bed," a deposit rich in leaves and stems of the plants of the coal ace. Here are found kidnev ironstones, en- closing plants and fruits. GEOLOGY. Coal L, No. 31, is a characteristic Indiana coal. It is a laminated, semi-caking or free burning coal, rich in carbon, and yielding a gray or white ash, with little or no cinder. It is the most persistent coal of the Wabash basin in thickness, regularity and good ([uali- ties. Here it is found when pierced to be of an average thickness of only two feet, which will hardly justify mining at present. It is admirably suited for rolling mill, loco- motive and stove use. Below Coal L a hard, ferruginous sand- stone has been pierced by bores, tills a con- siderable space, and below it is the limestone superimposing Coal K, sometimes flint}-, but on the Kentucky side carrying the usual fos- sils. Coal K, magnificently exhibited in Pike county, is not seen here. In bores along the Ohio river it never de\elops a thickness of two feet, and is generally thinner. Below K are beds of black shale often called coal in the reports of bores, but no thick or worka- ble seams may be expected at this depth. No. 39, a coarse, red sandstone conglomer- ate, forms the bottom rock or bed of the Coal measures. It is only pierced bv the Crescent City Park bore, llie sub-con- glomerate coal A, is onl\' known by report, and its existence here is (juite doubtful. It is certain that the deepest bores report beds of sandstone and limestone which are re- ferred to the Chester beds of the sub-car- boniferous period. This closes a connected view of the surface phenomena and rock\- structure of the county. Near Evansville the surface rocks are the soft blue, buff and gray sandstones passing into argillaceous shales. No 14 of general section. In this bed the Ingleside shaft in the west suburb of Evansville was begun, piercing in its depth the lower rash coal and shales, and N, M and L, in succession. The following is the section in detail: S, 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 16, 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26. SECTION' IN INGLESIDK SHAFT. Ft. In. Chw and alluvial sand 29 o Clay and shale 61 o Slatv coal and flre-clay 3 o Sandrock 4 6 Siliceous clay shales 12 9 vShale and iron stones 5 S Fire-cla\- 10 Ferriferous sandstone 7 9 Fire-cla}' with sand and iron. . . 12 3 Sandstone (ferriferous ) 12 i I o Shale Sandstone Coal N, (Little Newburg 1 . . Fire-cla V with iron balls .... Limestone Fire-clay parting Limestone 4 6 Gray shale, black at bottom .... 8310 Coal M, (Main Newburg ) .... 4 2 Fire-clay 4 o Fire-clav with p\ rite 3 8 Siliceous shale 11 9 Argillaceous sandstone 5 o Gray shale (soapstone) 64 5 Soapstone ( fern bed) 3 Coal L: Impure cannel, i ft. 6 in. : p\ritous argillite, i ft. 4 in.: slaty cannel, i ft. -2 in.; semi-caking coal, i ft. 3 in. . Fire-cla}- 2 II 5 « 5 o 2 6 5 3 362 8 In the l^lack shale which forms the roof ! of this mine, are tine fossils including Pro- ' ductus, three species, Bellerophon, two species, Aviculopecten, two species, Pleuro- tomaria, two species, Macrocheilus, two species, and a Goniatite. The coal in the mine and accompan\ing rocks is as follows: I Argillaceous limestone, ]nritous. i ft. 4 in. I Black slate (shale j i ft. 4 in. GENERAL FEATURES. Laminated coal i ft. 3 in. I'artini;- 2 in. Solid cakino- coal. ... 2 ft. 11 in. 4 ft. 2 in. 6 ft. 10 in. This coal ranges from three feet eight in- ches to four feet four inches, and averages nearl}- four feet at this mine. It is remark- ably uniform in thickness and persistence. In other regions of the Indiana basin, the coals are not so regular, or the seams nar- row and unworkable. One uninterrupted seam is equal in avails to several unreliable coals, and gives more certain returns. When coals become scarce, as in England, the upper seam (N) ma\- and will be worked. The dip of lower coals, L, M, N, from New- burg via Evansville, along the center of the trough which gives direction to the lower Ohio valley, is eighteen feet nine inches a mile, with many irregularities. Dip to south, from northern line of the county, is about twent}' feet per mile, decreasing to eight or ten feet, until it passes the central synclinal, where the dip is reversed, ascending to the south. THE SAI>T WELL. In December, 1S68, the boring of a well was begun in what is now called "Artesian Springs Park," in the Fourth ward, and in view of the recent gas-well developments it is interesting to recall that there was a strong flow of burning gas from the upper part of the well. This continued until salt water was struck at less than three hundred feet, and it is now a flowing, artesian well. Tlie section of this well is as follows: SECTION OE ARTESL>\N WliLL. Soapstone 31 Gray sand stone 2}^ Soapstone and shale 37 Hard graj- sandstone i Slaty coal ly^ Shale 6 Gray 44 J^ Soft shale 11 Soft gray sandstone 18 Hard gray sandstone 5 Gray flint? 2 Dark gray sandstone 62 Saltwater Hard black shale (coal?) 73 Gray sandstone 65 Flint 6 Hard gray shale 5 Hard argillaceous sandstone 34 Gray shales (soapstone) 55 Coal (L?) 1% Gray shale and sandstone 134 Dark sandstone, with salt water flowing seven gallons per minute . 5 Hard pure sandstone conglomerate.. 50 Coal and slate y^ Soapstone 10 Coal (A?) and slate ii^^ Fire-clay J^ 682 Surface 17 Total 699 At Avondale, the preliminary bore, be- fore the sinking of the shaft, showed the following section: SECTION IN AVOND.-\LE BORE. Ft. In. Surface 9 6 Blue clay 30 6 Gray sand 2 6 Blue mud, ij^uicksand 22 3 Gravel, sand and shells 6 o Fire-clay and sand 28 3 Gravel and sand i o Sandstone 2 o Fire-cla}' 2 9 Sandstone 11 o S6 GEOLOGY. Fire-clay 7 9 Sandstone 7 o Fire-clay with pebbles 2 8 Siliceous clay i o Sandstone with iron balls 72 o Concretion i 10 Sandstone 36 10 Rock slate 6 o Black slate 2 10 Coal 4 o 256 9 Clay for bricks is found abundantly throughout the count}', and the tjuality is good. The modified clays of the valley lands, and the under clay of the coals furnish an article suitable for crockery, terra cotta and stone-ware. Iron ores are found throughout the coal measures. Nodular iron of good qualitj' occurs just above and below the horizon of coal N. But it will not pay to work. The largest deposit is at Priest's bluff, where several car loads are exposed at low water. Very minute scales of gold and nuggets of copper are sometimes found, but they are importations of the glacial drift. Sand of an excellent kind is pro- duced by the disintegration of the Merom sandstone. There are no gravel beds like those of Northern Indiana here, but in the bed of the Ohio, and below low water generally, are extensive deposits of ferruginous chert, brought down from further up the river, and this material is one of the best known for metaling pikes and streets. It forms a compact, smooth and slightly elastic surface. CHAPTER II. Indian History — The Mound Builders — Their Earthworks and Mounds — The Indian Tribes — Wabash Land Company — The Treaty ok 1805 — Captivity AND Adventures of Isaac Knight. ' NTIQUITIES 01- ancient earthworks exist in this county — isolated or clustered mounds and pits, which re- quired for their building the persistent labor of a people with a combined purpose under intellij^ent direction. Their locations are healthy and picturesque stations, convenient to water, generally close to river transporta- tion, in fertile lands, and with a wide out- look to the east; characteristics so constant as to indicate a design, and indistinctly to reveal something of the religion, govern- ment and habits of a mysterious and unknown race. Of these remains the Indians with whom the earliest explorers communicated had no apparent knowledge, and the noma- dic habits of the red men seem to prove the distinct nature of the Mound-builders. The opinions of scientitic men vary greatly in re- :e."' in consideration of the above named mer- chandise and mone}- two several tracts or parcels of land were granted and transferred to said Wabash Land Company. The tract in which the land now comprising Vander- burgh count}', was included, was described as follows : That tract or parcel of land situ- ated, lying, and being on both sides of the Ouabache river (Wabash) beginning at the mouth of White river, where it empties into the Ouabache river (about twelve leagues below Post St. Vincent), thence down Ouabache river, bv several courses thereof, until it empties into the Ohio river, being from the said White river to the Ohio fifty-three leagues in length, with forty leagues in length or breadth on east side, and thirty leagues in width or breadth on the west side of the Ouabache river afore- said. The two tracts of which the forecoinor is the larger comprised m all 37,497,600 acres, and these lands were so far as the Indians had any right to sell to a company or individuals, in possession of this company for many years ; but congress after numerous petitions from the company, the last of which was made in iSio, refused to confirm the claim. The Piankeshaws held possession of the southwest part of the state until 1768, when the}- gave to the Delawares that portion now included in the counties of Gibson, Posey, \'anderburgh. Pike, Warrick, Spen- cer and a part of Perry, and the right of the Delawares to sell this land was ac- knowledged bv the Pottawatomie, Miami, Eel river and Wea tribes by the 5th article of the treaty concluded at Vincennes, Au- gust 18, 1804. If, however, the Piankeshaw tribe had any just claim to the territory it was relinquished in treaty between said tribe and the United States, proclaimed Feb- ruary 5, 1S05: Article i. The Piankeshaw tribe relinquishes and cedes to the United States forever all the tract of country which WABASH LAXD COMPAXY. SI lies between the Ohio and Wabash rivers, and below Clark's grant, and tlie tract called the Vincennes tract, which was ceded b_y the treaty of Ft. Wa3'ne, and a line con- necting said tract and grant, to be drawn parallel to the general course of the road leading from Vincennes to the Falls of the Ohio, so as not to pass more than a half a mile to the northward of the most northerly bend of said road. Article 3 provides for an additional annu- ity of $2,000 to be paid by the United States for ten years. On the 14th of the same month a treaty was proclaimed with the Delaware tribe by Gen. W. H. Harrison, governor of Indiana territory, on the part of the United States. B}- this treaty the tract described in Article I, of the treaty above mentioned, the tract above described was ceded by the Dela- wares to the United States, with the provi- sion that an additional annuity of $3,000 be paid by the United States to said Delaware tribe, and additional sum of $500 was ap- propriated for the purpose of teaching them to cultivate the soil, etc., besides delivering to them a large supply of agricultural imple- ments and domestic animals. By these treaties with the Piankeshaw and Delaware tribes, conducted at Vincennes, August iSth and 27th, 1804, and proclaimed February of the following 3ear, the last claim to the ter- ritor}' of which \'anderburgh county is a part, was forever relinquished by the red man. The land was soon placed on the market at the land office at Post Vincennes and entries and settlement soon followed. Wandering bands of Indians, however, mostly of the Shawanec tribe, continued to wander about the country, and until the close of the war of 181 2, would, at intervals re- turn and camp along the streams, for the purpose of hunting and fishing. These In- dians caused the settlers considerable anxiet\', and were constantly pilfering and stealing. The onl\- incident of more than passing interest which occurred within what IS now the territorv of ^'anderburgh county, was the killing by a band of Pottawatomie and Kickapoo Indians of Peter Sprinkle and Jacob Upp, and the capture of Isaac Knight, George Sprinkle and John Upp. This oc- curred on the banks of the Ohio, in what is now Union township, about the year 1793. The victims, who at the time were all bo\-s, were residents of Kentucky, but as one of the captives, Isaac Knight, became a resi- dent of Vanderburgh county, and as he is re- membered as one of her most prominent early settlers and most respected citizens, the incident will be read with additional in- terest. The following is taken from an ac- count of the capture, suffering and escape, published in 1839, '^^ narrated bv Isaac Knight himself, and written by Iliram A. Hunter: Isaac Knight, the subject of the follow- ing narrative, was born in what was then called Washington county, in Pennsvlvania; the record of his age being lost, the exact time of his birth cannot be ascertained. His father's name was John Knight, who married Ann Rolison, by whom he had seven sons, of whom Isaac was the eldest. When the subject of this narrative was a child, his father removed, by water, in com- pany with his father-in-law, Mr. Lawrence Rolison, and Norod Franceway, who had married in the same family. These all set- tled at or near the place, now known by the name of Vienna, on Green river, about eighty^ miles above its mouth, where, with much difficulty, they lived some years, grind- ing their corn on hand mills or pounding it in a mortar; and at one time such was the difficulty with which bread stuff was had, that Isaac's father bought corn at the mouth of Green River, at one dollar and twenty- S2 INDIAN HISTORY five cents per bushel, and con\'eved it to his family in a peiogue or canoe. Indeed, the ditiiculties under which the first settlers of that part of Kentucky labored, were almost insupportable. For the security of the whites and their families, they were impelled to build and re- sort to forts in as large bodies as their thinly settled population would permit. Uniting their energies, they labored b}- turn in each man's field, one or more, as necessity re- quired, standing as sentinel. During the season in which corn was making, they remained in their forts; but re- turned to their lonesome and dangerous re- treats for the remainder of the year. Seldom would anything short of abundant sign of Indian hostilities, drive them in the spring of the year, from their homely huts. It is, however, perfectly within the recollec- tion of the author of this narrative, that, when a boy, he heard the report of a gun, which killed dead, one of the finest men in the settlement, and one, too, who lived with- in a few steps of his father's door. Mr. Downs, who was thus shot by the Indians, left a wife and seven children to lament his untimely death. He was most cruelly used by the savage butchers, and left scalped on the ground. About this time the country about the Red Banks, on the Ohio river, now known as Henderson, in Henderson count}', Ken- tucky, began to be spoken of as a most de- sirable section, and Isaac's father, with the rest of the connection, moved to that place, where they found a few families residing. But one house was yet erected — the rest of the families lived in camps. In removing to this place, their property being conveyed by water, e.vcept the stock, Isaac, then a boy about nine or ten years of age, assisted in driving them. They at length arri\ed all in safety, at the Red Banks, where even greater difficulties were undergone bv settlers, than had been endured by them at Vienna. Here, too, as at the former place, they cultivated the soil in safety, only by means of sentinels. About this time the small pox prevailed at the Red Banks, and little Isaac \\as vac- cinated with it. He was, however, still under the necessity of gi\ing more or less attention to his father's cattle, in cutting cane, providing food for them. Accord- ingl}', in company with others, he went fre- quentty across the Ohio river in a canoe to cut cane. In one of those routes, accom- panied by Peter Sprinkle, and George, his brother, John Upp, and Jacob, his brother, having arrived on the bank opposite to Henderson (as boj'S are naturall}' inclined to do), they commenced their sport, running and jumping along the bank, all alike ignor- ant of their danger, until from behind a blind, which was made of cane, cut and stuck in the ground, for the purpose of con- cealment, eight Indians, six of whom were found to be Pottawatomies, and two Kicka- poos, came rushing upon them. In confu- sion and astonishment the boys all attempted to escape. The eldest, Peter Sprinkle, a j'oung man of about seventeen or eighteen years of age, ran nearly to the river' and was shot down, three guns being fired at him at once. Little Jacob Upp, a small boy of about seven j-ears of age, finding escape impossible, stood still and begged for his life, crying "Don't kill me, don't kill me:" but it was to no purpose — the cruel savages buried the tomahawk in his skull, and put an end to his cries and his existence. George Sprinkle and John Upp, the for- mer a little larger and the latter a little smaller than Isaac, were taken almost on the spot where the Indians were discovered. When the author of this narrative first saw the Indians, he ran, without saying a word; ADVEXTUKES OF J,SJAr KXIUIIT. .?J and on hearing the report of the guns that killed Peter Sprinkle, he looked back, and seeing one Indian in pursuit of him, he con- tinued his race, until, in a short time, he felt a blow upon each shoulder, which he after- ward found came from two Indians, instead of one, that had pursued him. Tiiese blows stunned him so that he fell, and in falling he lost his hat. He had no sooner touched the ground than his savage pursuers had each hold of an arm, lifting him up. Even in this predicament he attempted twice to reach for his hat, but failed to get it. He afterward learned from one of the Indians who took him, that if he had made a third attempt to get his hat, he would have killed him. These led the affrighted Isaac to the rest of the company, and, as he thought, to the place of execution : but to his surprise, when he came there, he found his associates, George Sprinkle and John Upp, in the cus- tody of the savage red men, yet alive. Here, in full view of the Red Banks, the savages, holding up the yet warm scalps of Peter Sprinkle and Jacob Upp, raised the war whoop and started with their \oung prisoners, holding fast to Isaac's hand, as the}' compelled him to run after them. Such was their fearfulness that he would }-et escape, that in swimming the bayou, a short distance from the river, one still held him bv the hand. On reaching the camp where these savages had lain the preceding night, they put moccasins on the bo3's,and compel- ling them to follow them or keep up with them, running all day and traveling all night. In the evening of the first day, one of the bovs, John Upp, became so much ex- hausted that he could run no longer. The Indians, with a view to compel him forward, threatened him with their tomahawks; but finding that he could not go, two of them assisted him. The morning of ihc se^;ond day they came i upon three bears, which the Indians had killed, and in great haste took each a small portion along with him, until they crossed the Pattoka river, and on the bank they stopped for the first time to cook atid eat. The boys b)- this time were much fatigued, and well nigh worn out bv means of constant and hard trav- eling. Nothing worthy of note trans- pired until the evening of the third dav, when, after making a small lire of sticks, the\- produced the scalps of the murdered boys, and after cutting the meat out of one of them, carefully put it on sticks before the (ire, and cooked it; then, in the presence of the bo3'S, ate it, shaking the remaining scalp at them. This they did, not because they were hungrj-, but each, that he might thereby say, "I have killed a while man, and eat him." And thus they aci|uired no little reputation as warriors. The remaining scalps thev then stretched on hoops, made for that purpose. That night they danced the war-dance, and made their young prisoners walk round with them, and would have had them dance, had they not been too much exhausted. This was afterward their regular employment, every other night. In their route they attempted to cross a stream in a small canoe, which was not more than large enough to carry two men in it; however, one of the Indians conve\'ed the boys across the creek, and, on striking the opposite bank, George Sprinkle being a lit- tle fearful, and knowing that he could not swim, leaped from the canoe to the bank — on doing which the Indian gave him a blow with his paddle across the back, which in- jured him so seriously that it was with dif- ficulty he ascended the bank. The reader will remember that Isaac was vaccinated, with the small pox. This was done just the da\' before lie was taken by H IXDIAX HISTORY these cruel savages, on the 8th day of April, 1793, according to his best recollection ; and in something like a week he therefore became very sick with that disease; but was never- theless impelled to tra\el every day, even when scarcely able to hold up his head, or help himself in the smallest. The knowledge which his friends at home had of the fact that, if alive, he would be thus afflicted, aug- mented their uneasiness and anxietv about him. Their fears could but be great that the cruel wretches would kill him; and if not, both he and they expected he would die of the small pox, exposed as he was in an Indian famp. Their manner of crossing ponds, creeks and rivers was to wade or swim; and, sick as Isaac was, such was the manner in which he was compelled to pass them. After the disease above named had appeared on him, he was under the necessity of swimming a small river, which was the means of driving it in, so as to render him very sick. Then, for the first time, the sav- ages discovered some humanity, and after kindling a fire, with a view to encamp for the night, thev placed Isaac near the fire, wrapped in two blankets, in which situation he spent the night. In the morning the pox appeared again and he was some better, but still unable to travel. Nevertheless it was his fate to go, and he endeavored to do so, until, faint and sick, he fell to the ground. His Indian drivers, however, soon raised him and compelled him to go forward. Fatigued with traveling and afflicted with fever, he suffered much for water, which the}- frequently refused him. When in cross- ing water he would lift up some in his hand and put it to his mouth, the}- would push him down in the water. At night, encamp- ing near a small branch, he asked leave to go for water; they granted it — but an In- dian followed him to the bank and tlien kicked him down a steep, where he fell among the rocks, and was not a little hurt by the fall. At another time, passing a small branch, he asked permission to drink, which was granted ; but as he put his mouth to the water, an Indian with his foot, crushed his mouth into the sand. With this most brutal treatment, and swelled till shapeless, with sores which were constantl}- suppurating, and not unfrequently, especiall}' of a morn- ing, discharging blood, he was forced to' march. Provisions growing scarce, they spent one da}- in hunting. In the afternoon, having killed two deer, they stopped to cook; Isaac being in the way of one of the Kicka- poos, he took the liberty to kick him down a descending ground, some twelve or fifteen feet. This kicking was no pleasant thing to Isaac: and here he found in one of the In- dians a friend, who claimed him as his, and was much offended at the conduct of the other. In a few days they passed the Kickapoo towns, where the two Indians of that nation left the company for home, and the prison- ers saw them no more so as to recognize them. They soon arrived at another town of some note, on the Illinois river. As they entered the town, on the fifteenth day after they were taken, it being the twentv-third day of the month, on passing a few wigwams, some of the warriors gave a signal, which brought out several squaws, who relieved them all of their packs. At this place the prisoners were conducted into the presence of, and exposed to the view of, a vast crowd of Indians, many of whom came up with apparent friendship, and gave them a hearty shake of the hand. From this place they were conducted across the river to a wigwam, where some- thing was provided for them to eat, which \ery much pleased their palates, as it some- what resembl(;;d small hominy, ^nd they had ADVENTURES OF ISAAC KNIGHT. 35 seen a S(]ua\v put a handful or two of sugar in it, after striking a dog over the head and driving him out of the wigwam with the ladle with which she stirred the mess. As the evening came on, the Indians began to collect, and as the other two bo\s had been painted and trimmed by the Indians, previous to their arrival in town, and Isaac was not (though none of them could ac- count for it), it was the opinion both of him and them that it was their intention to burn him; however, when they were all collected, the young prisoners were ordered out, and the Indians, in one vast body, around a small fire, danced a war dance, the prisoners and the warriors that took them being next to the fire, and opposite to, or facing them as they danced round, were two squaws, bear- ing on canes from the Ohio Bottoms, the scalps of the little boy and the voung man who had been killed when the other bo3S were taken. Next morning, as Isaac thoutjht, almost all the Indians in the world collected on the opposite bank of the river for a ball play, where they spent the greater part of the day in that exercise, both men and women shar- ing its pleasures; the sexes engaging apart from each other, and seemintf to delioht greatly in the employment. In the evening, a company of some two or three hundred elderly Indians came march- ing down to the wigwam where the prison- ers were kept, bearing two large kettles of hominy, beating their drums, rattling the deer's hoofs and making music of different kinds. They marched several times around the hut, and then with great apparent sol- emnity, placed ihe kettles on a handsome green, and when they were all seated around them, two men waiting on the rest, divided the contents of the kettles, putting a small portion in every man's bowl (for they all had bowls, and, as was their custom, ladles). A prophet then, as was supposed, repeated as he sat, a lengthy ceremony; after which they enjoyed their repast in good order, and dispersed. On the morning of the fourth day Isaac w as presented with his moccasins bv a squaw, who also gave them something to eat. Soon afterwards an Indian of the company that had taken the boys, came in and beckoned to Isaac to follow him, and without a thought that he and his associates were now to be separated until they should meet at home, he followed his guide that whole day up the Illinois river, wading many small swift-run- ning streams, which, as Isaac expressed him- self, washed off man}' a scab. By this Indian he was piloted to a wigwam where lived, as he afterward found, the mother of the two warriors that had taken him, and who were detained at the village by sick- ness, of which one of them died. Here, being delivered to this old mother and seated by her, she immediatel}' gave him a new blanket and provided him something to eat. This day's travel had again freshened Isaac's sores, and so fatigued him that allhougii he was wrapped in a new blanket and kindly treated, he had no rest, but felt in the morn- ing almost as bad as formerh'. The squaw in whose care Isaac was left, with a view to cure him, made preparation for it, and with a sharp flint scarified him, and rubbed the sores with a piece of rough bark to make them bleed; then caused him to jump in the Illinois river. This was all done through kindness, although it was harsh treatment. From this place Isaac, together with man\- Indians, started up the river to an Indian town situated upon a small island in a lake through which the Illinois river passes, now called Illinois lake: this place they gained in five days, nothing very important transpiring on the route, It was Isaac's fate, however. ■It: IXDTJX HISTORY. ccording to the direction of the squaw to whose care he was committed, to jump in the river everv morning. Soon after this time the small-pox made its appearance among tlie Indians on this ishind, and the kind old squaw who had given so much attention to Isaac, and thereby en- deared herself to him, was one of the first subjects and victims of that destructive dis- ease. He had for a long time feared that if this disease broke out among them, they would kill him, as he had been the means of bringing it among them: and although he sometimes hoped that some of the most cruel and barbarous of them would die with it, yet he more frequently desired the}' might all escape it, as he feared the consequences. Their manner of treating the disease proved fatal in many instances: They invariably at first, in that, as in other cases of complaint, took a severe sweat and then jumped into the river; and so terminated the existence of manv. The death of this humane and moth- erlv old squaw gave the author of this nar- rative most unpleasant feelings, and was the cause of much distressing exercise of mind. He had found in her a true and tender friend, and one who was willing to do for him all she could, but when he saw her taken from him, he found himself far from home, without a friend, among strangers, in the midst of foes, and surrounded with sickness produc- ing deatli in every direction. His spirits sunk and all hope was well nigh gone. No cheering thought checked his distress — no gleam of hope could light up his counten- ance, or buoy up his disconsolate spirit. The death and burial of the squaw, whom Isaac recognized almost as a mother, were extremely solemn and impressive. Appear- ing sensible of her approaching dissolution, she gave Isaac to her daughter, who lived along wifh her. She was buried after their manner, with great solemnity, and many of the Indians painted themselves black and mourned for her ten days, fasting every day until evening; but all this was not expres- sive of Isaac's grief for the death of her who had nursed him with so much tenderness, and friendless now left alone, he found no one to whom he could unbosom his sorrows. A number of Indians died of the disease on the island before they left it. Necessity seemed to compel them to leave the island, and, supposing that a change of situation would improve their health, they started, moving a short distance at a time and spend- ing but little time at an\^ one place. They had moved, however, but seldom, until the squaw in whose care Isaac had been left, followed her mother, by means of the same disease. Indeed, they lost some at every place where they stopped. This squaw left a young child, some twelve months old, which it fell to Isaac's lot to nurse, and be- sides the attention which he was compelled to give that infant, it devolved on him to nurse the sick, help to bury the dead, and frequently to do all alone. Worn down with fatigue by means of his arduous labor, he devised means to be relieved of the burden of the child. Accordingly, as he carried it on his back wrapped in a blanket in Indian style, he drew the blanket tight around it, and so put an end to its cries, removed his own burden and terminated its life. After the death of an Indian of some note in these woods, whom they buried in as much splendor as their circumstances would per- mit, his squaw and four children, the eldest of whom was large enough to support the family by hunting, left the rest of the Indians and moved down the Illinois river in a canoe. Isaac's fears being great lest he should yet be killed for bringing the small-pox among them, he was halting whether to tell or not that he brought it, when he heard two squaws conversing on the subject, and ADVEXTUEES OF ISAAC K NIGHT. ■V learned from their conversation that the In- dians were of the opinion tliat the)', in and by means of goods sold them by the French, had taken the disease. This so relieved his mind that he told them nothing about it. Some weeks afterward the rest of the In- dians turned their course down the river, also taking Isaac along with them; still some of them were sick and dying all the time. After passing the island in the lake where the disease lirst appeared amongst them, they descended the river for some distance; but how far and how long time, is not within the recollection of the author. A short time now elapsed until tiiey started again up the river, passed the town on the island before mentioned, and Isaac, having been committed b\- some means to the care of another squaw, traveled up this river in the same canoe with her, and, pass- ing the place where her husband had been buried, she steered the canoe to shore, and taking out some venison in a bowl, had Isaac to accompany her to the grave. Here she kindled a small fire over the head of the grave, into which she threw some of the venison. Setting down the bowl she told Isaac to eat of it, which he did, while she walked to some distance and mourned with loud and sore lamentations for near an hour; then returned to the grave, wiped off the tears, threw some more meat in the tire and on the grave and bade Isaac to start. About this time Isaac betran to be threat- ened, as he learned from the Indian boys, by an old chief who said he had brouiiht the small-pox among them, and while this was in agitation, one of the Indians arrived who had taken Isaac and who had been left sick at the first town, the place where Isaac had been separated from his associates, his fel- low prisoners. This Indian Isaac met with much joy, and he claimed him as his prop- erty. A few Towa Indians now arrived among these Pottavyatomies, selling them goods, trading for furs, etc. These Indians were acting as agents for a merchant at Macki- naw, as is frequently the case. To one of those Towa Indians Isaac was sold for what he thought would amount to about ^500, and was delivered to his nevy master perfectly naked. 'He was then told to do so, and mounting the horse behind the man that bought him, rode oft across what he now thinks was Spoon river. They then traveled for some days north of the Ohio river, to the hunting ground of the Indians who had now purchased him. Here the "Big Buck" was killed and a feast prepared to have Isaac adopted into the family. Now being made an heir, Isaac was trimmed, his hair pulled out, as was the cus- tom of that nation, except the scalp, and a hole made through his nose. In his nose they put six silver rings; his hair being long, it was divided and plaited, one-half before and the other half behind; the hinder part ornamented with beads, and the fore part tilled with silver brooches. The season for making sugar being over, they moved to the mouth of Chicago river and commenced making arrangements to go to Mackinaw with their skins and furs. As the route which they had to go led them near the shore, they encamped every night on it, where, for the securit\- both of the canoe and its loading, they were under the necessity of unloading, drawing it out of the water and turning it upside down, made it answer the purpose of a wigwam. They continued this route for some days, and ar- rived at a small island, on which was a num- ber of Indians, where they landed and spent the night. Between that place and Macki- naw the\- landed on another small island, m- habited h\ Indians, with whom Isaac was 38 INDIAN HISTORt. left until his Indian father and mother re- turned from Mackinaw. Isaac's Indian father and family now started with liim and their fresh supply of goods to return to Chicago. Nothing of importance transpired on the route. Sailing along the shore of Lake Michigan they en- camped every night as before, and at length arrived at the mouth of the Chicago river, where they had embarked for Mackinaw. Here, having raised their canoe on forks and so secured it, they removed from place to place, principally up the river, trading with the Indians and making a living by fish- ing, they steered their course for the old hunting grounds on the Illinois river. Toward spring, but while the snow was yet on the ground, they turned their course again for Chicago, spending the time in hunting and trading, until in good time for sugar making they arrived at their old camp. Before they left the sugar camp they had many drunken sprees, in some of which Isaac's, life was greatly endangered, but by some means preserved. Arrangements were now made for another trip to Mackinaw; and, having collected all the skins they could, they thought of taking Isaac along with them; but fearing that he would get away, they called in an old prophet, in whom they placed great confi dence, who went into what they call a sweat house, to pow-wow, and inform them of such things as they wished to know, that would happen in the future. Accordingly, Isaac went to work to prepare the sweat house, within the wigwam, covering it with skins and blankets, rolling in a large hot stone, on which the prophet poured water, and leaving a place at the top for the steam to pass out. Into this house the old prophet entered, povv-wowing and singing, while Isaac and his little brothers danced around it, waiting on the prophet as he ordered. until the smaller boys, becoming sleepy, laid down and went to sleep. Some time elapsed, and the prophet came out. Isaac immedi- ately, as if worn out and overcome with sleep, threw himself down on some deer skins, and pretended to be asleep. The old prophet took a seat near his Indian mother, and commenced speaking. She asked him many questions, and he answered them; but none of them so much interested Isaac until she wished to know if she would keep him if she took him all the way to Mackinaw. The prophet, much to Isaac's gratification," told her she would, but she must be careful not to let him talk much to white people. Now, full of glee and in fine spirits, they loaded their bark canoe and started. After many days" toil and sailing, they all arrived in safety at Mackinaw. Here, unlading the canoe, and preparing to encamp under it, Isaac was conducted by his Indian mother, in compan}' with her two eldest boys, to the house of the merchant for whom the}' traded. After showing Isaac to them, and suffering him to talk but little with them, the merchant's lady gave each of the boys a slice of bread well buttered, which Isaac received very gratefully and ate it. It was the first bread he had tasted since he last ate at his father's table! Here Isaac was permitted to walk about in company with the Indian boys, but was generally accompanied by his Indian mother, and sometimes an uncle and aunt who had accompanied them to tiiat place in a small bark canoe. In company with these, as they walked along the beach, seeing a ship lying at the wharf, and a man convenient to it, whom Isaac supposed was the Captain, their attention was mutuall}' drawn to each other. The Captain perceiving that he was white, asked him where he was taken prisoner; he replied from the Red Banks, on the Ohio river. Isaac asked him, " are you the Cap- ADVENTURES OF ISAAC KNIGHT. S9 tain of this vessel?" He said he was. " Where are you bound?" said Isaac. " De- troit," was the reply. " When will you start?" " In the morning." " Can I," said Isaac, " run away from the Indians and get aboard of your vessel?" "Yes; but you must be careful how you come." Here Isaac was commanded to hush, and was taken away b}- his Indian friends. Toward evening, his Indian father being drunk, and some Indians being across an arm of the lake drinking and carousing, Isaac was called to convey him to them in the little bark canoe, belonsjino- to his uncle. Having done this, he returned late in the evening, and landing near their camp, drew his little bark partly on the shore, and went to the camp contented as usual. Here he found an English soldier, who seemed to feel much solicitude about him, whom Isaac told he would rather live with the Indians than the white people. Fearing that such interviews with the white men would lead Isaac off, his Indian mother made him lie down by her, for she had sione to bed. The Enirlishman went away. Isaac, however, did not sleep, but waiting until he thought the rest were- locked up in the (quietness of a pleasant nap, he caught his blanket in his teeth, and softly stole from behind his mother, drawing his blanket after him. He got out, straightened himself, and listened; he could hear no stir, except the quiet music of the lake before him, which invited him to liberty! He stepped softly to the little bark he had drawn to the shore, and seating himself in it, he moved as gently as possible around the picketing that enclosed the town and ex- tended into the lake, and again turned to the shore. Giving his bark a push into the lake, he steered his course for the vessel on which he had learned he could make his escape. When he reached the vessel, the Captain was walking about on the deck, and seeing Isaac approach, he met him and told him to follow iiim. They went together into the cabin. The Captain was much per- plexed to know what to do with Isaac, so as to secure him, and screen himself from the censure of the Indians, with whom his great- est success in trade was carried on. At length, however, he told him, "I have a little negro boy in the kitchen, who will find you out, let me do with you what I may. If you will go to him and tell him j'our situ- ation and your object, he can take care of you; but don't tell him that I know anything about you." Is.-ac went into the kitchen and awoke the negro, but he appeared un- willing to have anything to do with him. Fearing that, between them, he would have to go back to the Indians, Isaac told the lit- tle negro that his master knew he was there, and had told him to come to him. " Then," said the negro, still lying in his bunk, " get in here." Isaac tumbled in with him but not to sleep. His fate, as j'et, was too uncer- tain. By the side of the sleepy-headed negro he laid and watched for the day to dawn. Seeing, as he did, the first appear- ance of light in the morning, with much ditTiculty, he awoke the little negro, and told him, "You must do something with me — this is no place for me." The negro arose, unlocked the lower part of their cupboard, and told Isaac to get in there. He did so; and the bo}- locked him up and left him. He had been there but a short time, until lie heard the voice of his Indian mother and brother, as they came down the hatchway, in pursuit of him. Presently the Captain sprang out of his bed and began to rail out at the Indians for disturbing him in that way before he was out of his bed. The Indians being easih' cowed by a white man of some character, and especiallj- an ofiicer, Isaac's Indian mother soon left the vessel. Fortunatclv for this Captain, as well as for ^0 INDIAN HISTORY. Isaac, a barge which had lain at the wharf, started that same night about midnight, for Montreal, which circumstance afforded the Captain an opportunity of making the In- dians believe that Isaac had gone on board of it, and to convince them that he was in- nocent and knew nothing about him, he re- mained there until 8 o'clock in the morning. Eight o'clock in the morning, the wind being fair, the sails of the A^aucy were hoisted, Captain Mills commanding, Isaac started for the land of freedom! Isaac kept close to the negro's room until, in about five days, the vessel came safe to port at Detroit. Isaac bade Captain Mills adieu, and gave him his hearty thanks for his kindness and protection. He started, and soon found himself at the gate, and passing the pickets, the sentinel, a raw Irishman, cried, "Who goes there?" "A friend," said Isaac, and added in a hurry, " I am running away from the Indians, and want you to protect me." " Oh! be Jasus, my good fellow, come here " said he, " and damn the one of them shall hurt you." With this sentinel Isaac waited patiently for some minutes, when the relief cuard came round. The sentinel then in- formed the sergeant that he had a prisoner. Isaac being delivered to the guard, was taken to the guard house, where the curiosity of the soldiers kept him up all night, giving a history of his sufferings with the Indians. About this time Isaac learned that a Cap- tain and a company of soldiers were about to start to Fort Maumee, and having ob- tained permission of the Captain to accom- pany them, Isaac made ready, and early next morning, bidding his kind host adieu, and drawing rations in common with the soldiers, he went on board the boat, and sailed for Fort Maumee, which they made, having a favorable wind, in one day. Spending a few days at this place some wagons came to the fort, bringing goods and presents for the Indians, to Waj-ne's treaty, and as these wagons were said to be returning to Cincinnati, Isaac asked permis- sion of the wagon master to go with them, stating to him his situation; he gave consent, and drew rations for him accordingly-. At Cincinnati he presented himself to the officer commanding, and was told that he could draw provisions until he met with an opportunity to go on. Perfectly composed, he laid down to sleep, but was presentl}' aroused and informed by the soldiers that a man b}- the name of David Pea, who had carried an express from Vincennes, on the Wabash river, to the army at Detroit, and was then returning, was hunting for him. Isaac went immediately in pursuit of Mr. Pea; and, finding him, they drew provisions, and in a skiff, started for Louisville. After running some days, they landed at the mouth of Harden creek. Here Isaac met with a j'oung married woman, with whom he had gone to school before he was taken bj- the Indians. They recognized each other, and she informed him that his father and friends had removed from the Red Banks to what was then, and is now called. Knight's Falls, on Green river. He was here advised to land at the Yellow Banks, which he did. From this place he started alone and afoot along a path some twelve miles in length, to the house of an old acquaintance, Mr. Martin Vernado, with whom he had been often forted at Vienna, when but a child. Next morning the kindness of Mr. Ver- nado and one of his sons impelled them to accompany Isaac, in a canoe, down Green river, to his fathers house. After Isaac's arrival at home, he learned that his fellow prisoners, George Sprinkle and John Upp, had returned some three months before him. CHAPTER III. County Organization- — Early Jurisdiction of Other Counties — The Influence OF Hugh McGary — Rivalry of Ratliff Boon — A Conference of the Powers at Darlington — The Result — Creation of Vanderburgh County Judge Henry Vanderburgh — Location of the County Seat at Evansville Early and Later Methods of Doing County Business — County Officers AND THEIR DuTIES CoURT HoUSES JaILS FINANCES CrEATION OF CiVIL Townships — Elections — Care of the Poor — Avenues of Travei Rail- roads — Agricultural Societies, Etc. ff^WE vast territoiy l3'ing- northwest of the Ohio river, reaching from the state of Pennsylvania on the east to the Mis- sissippi river on the west, and northward to the British Possessions, was ceded to the United States by the state of Virginia in 1784. Its division into not less than three or more than five states, when the growth and development of the country should justi- f\' their organization and admission into the Union, was provided for in the celebrated ordinance of 1787- As soon as civil author- ity was established, in the following year, for the purposes of good government and the proper administration of justice, the ne- cessity of subdividing the territorv and forming counties became manifest. At first they were of great extent and thus rendered the efficient action of the courts impossible. As to a harbor of refuge came criminals of all classes to the new territoiy. Virtuous and law abiding people were deterred from immigration by the enforced association with outlaws. Citiz:'ns whose attendance on the courts as witnesses or jurors was necessary were sometimes compelled to travel unreasonably long distances through dangerous localities. These inconveniences and hardships continued for several years. Through the agency of Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, as a delegate in congress, the territor}' of Indiana was established, in 1800, with St. Vincennes as the seat of £rovern- ment. At that time the county of Knox embraced within its limits the greater por- tion of the present state of Indiana and ;i considerable part of Illinois. The hostilit}- of the Indians and some erroneous ideas as to the nature of the country made immigra- tion at first slow. Afterward, with its in- crease, new counties were of necessity rapidly organized. The territorial legislature, on March 9th, 1813, near the close of the session, author- ized the organization of Gibson and War- rick counties, as follows: An Act for the formation of two new .^ounties out of the county of Knox. Section I . Be it enacted b \ the leg-islativc council and house 0/ reprcscntatizes, and it is hcrebv enac- ted by the authority 0/ the same, that from and after the passage hereof, all that part of Knox county which is included in the follow- ing boundaries shall form and constitute two new counties that is to saj': beginning at the mouth of the Wabash; thence up the same witii the meanders thereof to the north of White river; thence up White river with ¥i COUXTY ORGANIZATION. the meanders thereof to the forks of White river; thence up the east fork of White river to where the hne between sections No. 20 and 29, in township No. i, north of range No. 4 west, strikes the same; thence with said line to the line of Harrison county; thence with said line dividing the counties of Knox and Harrison to the Ohio river; thence down the Ohio river to the begin- ning. Section 2. Be it further enacted. That the tract of country included within the aforesaid boundaries be, and the same is hereby divided into two separate and dis- tinct counties by a line beginning on the Wabash river, and known and designated by the name of Rector's base line, and with said line east until it intersects the line of Harrison county, and that from and after the first day of April, one thousand, eight hundred and thirteen, the tract of country falling within the southern division thereof shall be known and designated by the name and style of the count}- of Warrick. And the northern division thereof shall be known and designated by the name and stvle of the county of Gibson. As an incident to the foundation of new counties, the territorial laws provided means for the location of seats of justice. Com- missioners who were not land owners in the county or otherwise directly interested were appointed by the legislature and, at a pre- viously designated time and place, assem- bled to accept offers as inducements favoring the choice of different localities and to make the selection December 14th, 181 3, by legislative enactment. John Ochiltree, Abel Westfall, Wm. Polk, Robert Elliot and Wm. Prince, all of Knox county, were appointed commissioners for the purpose of fixing seats of justice in the counties of Warrick and Gibson. They were directed to convene on the first Monday in February of the next year, at the house of John Mc- Junkin and immediateh' after fixing the seat of justice in Gibson county to repair to the mill of Jonathan Anthony, in Warwick county and proceed to fix the seat of justice in Warwick county. At the time appointed for the meeting of these gentlemen none appeared except Wm. Prince. To fill the , vacancies thus occasioned, Daniel Putnam, Alexander Devin, John Milburn and Wm. Hargrove were appointed by the court of common pleas through authority conferred in the act first appointing the commissioners. The deliberations of this commission resulted in the choice of the present site of the cit}- of Evansville. Some j'ears previous to these transactions Hugh McGary, a Kentuckian and a sturdy- pioneer, had emigratedfrom his native state to the new territory and settled in what is now Gibson county. In 181 2 he pur- chased from the government the land on which the city of Evansville now stands, and leaving his inland cabin pushed his way to the bank of the river and there established his home. Though preceded b}- a few- other pioneers he was the first per- manent settler on the present site of Evans- ville; and to his sagacity and determination were due the founding and fostering of the town, and later, the organization of the county of Vanderburgh. An attempt to de- pict the characteristics and disposition of this man, and to recount the motives which urged him to action, and the obstacles whicli arose in his path, is made in another chapter. When the county of Warrick was organ- ized no place in its exterjive territory reach- ing along the river for more than fiftv miles was particularlv convenient to all of its in- habitants. McGary 's place was not central, but when the commissioners appointed to make the selection were assembled at the old Andiony mill, he presented the claims of RIVALRY OF RATLIFF BOOX. 4--i his location in the best light possible. It was not the first choice, but was finally selected. At the direction of the court of the newcoun- t}-, the town was laid out, and officially desig- nated as Evansville, in honor of General Robert M. Evans, a distinguished soldier and citizen of Gibson county. McGary had given lOO acres of land to the new county to induce the selection of his town as the coun- ty seat. The town, consisting of less than half a dozen small log cabins, rudeU" con- structed and located to suit the convenience of the settlers, with little regard to the ar- rangement of streets, attracted the attention of the adventurous spirits who were then be- ginning to come into the new territory, and in a very short time not less than twenty- three men were owners of lots in the town, though onl}' a small part of them were resi- dents of the place. McGary became very enthusiastic over his prospects and confident- ly felt that his town was destined to be a metropolis at no ver\' distant daj-. His hopes, ho\\'ever, rested on a weak foundation. By the formation of Posey county in the southwest corner of the territory the boundaries of Warrick county were so al- tered as to place E.vansville at one ex- tremitv of its river border, and before the town was three months old, the legislature enacted, September ist, 1814, that the seat of justice for the county should be moved to a place subsequently called Darlington, and situated some four miles above the present site of the neighboring town of Newburgh, and about one mile from the river. It was provided that the land conveyed by Col. McGary to the county should be re-conveved to him, and every provision was made for an abandonment of the place. For a time the prospect of building up a town seemed without any support, but instead of yielding, Col. McGary clung tenaciously to his hope, and set about to devise some means of put- ting new circumstances about the place, and new life in it. For two years, however, it continued to decline. At length the forma- tion of a new county, with his town as the central point, was the idea which suggested itself as a means of relief. In those days it mattered little what natural advantages a town possessed or what resources lay about it undeveloped, all its hope for prosperity was based upon its being the seat of justice for some county. The founder of the village set about with great zeal and industry to supply this desideratum. As the first step he enhsted the active interests of Gen. Robert M. Evans and James W. Jones, both of Gibson county, b}' conveying to them on June 20, 1817, for $1,300, 130 acres of land, being all that part of fractional section No. 30 which lies above the center of Main street in Evansville, except thirty acres previously conveyed to Carter Beaman. On the 17th of July following these three gentlemen, Evans, Jones and McGarj-, prepared a plan for a town, ignoring that previously laid out. What the}' platted appears on the maps of the present time as the "original plan " and is bounded by Water and Third, and Chest- nut and Division streets. The combined exertions of these three men were now set forth to accomplish the end already adverted to. The greatest obstacle to their success was the opposing influence of Col. Ratliff Boon, a man of more than ordinary ability, a courageous patriot and pioneer leader whose influence was not confined by the limits of his own county. He was a native of Georgia, but at an early age moved with his parents to Kentucky, and came to Indi- ana territory- about 1809, settling in War- rick county, and from that time forward, until he left the state, was identified with all public enterprises. He was the first representative of Warrick countv, was twice elected lieutenant-governor of the ■1-4 COUNTY ORGANIZATIOX. state and, when Go\. Wni. Hendricks was elected to the U. S. senate, he filled the un- expired term as governor. Personally interested in the town of Darlington, he did not look with favor on any plan which seemed likely to affect its prosperity. Enthusiastic and deeph* in earnest in the contemplation of his favorite theme, Col. McGarvdid not allow his courage to weaken, and his complaints of Col. Boon were full of bitterness. His address was not dis- pleasing, and his conversations on the subject of the ultimate greatness of his embryonic city, sparkling as they did with genuine ardor, were deeply interesting. About this time Gen. Joseph Lane, after- ward of national repute, known as a wise and upright representative in the state legis- latures, a hero of the Mexican war, a mem- ber of congress, and governor of Oregon, then a young man, figured in the drama be- ginning to be acted by becoming the means of bringing the weightier men together. Young Lane was engaged with others in rafting logs near Darlington, and floating them to Red Banks, where J. J. Audubon, later the foremost of American ornithologists, had erected, somewhat in advance of the times, a steam saw-mill which afterward failed. When rowing back to his home he stopped on the banks of the river near McGary's house to spend the night, and then fell a victim to the enthusiastic and pleasing manner of the sanguine Colonel, walking with him over the site of the hoped-for city, then wild with forest trees and under- brush, hearing without resentment the bit- ter speeches of his companion against Col. Boon, whom Lane admired and counted among his best friends. Lane was soon afterward employed in the clerk's office in Warrick county, and there suggested to Col. Boon the opportunity in his power of making valuable friends by assisting in the formation of a new county and yet lea^•ing Warrick county large enough to serve his own purposes. Whether or not this sug- gestion brought the chief actors together, ! it is true that during the next session of the circuit court at Darlington, an informal con- versation was held in the clerk's office, which led finally to the consummation of McGar\"s hopes. Judge Daniel Grass, a witty and able man, was at the time the senator from Warrick, Perry and Posev counties in the state legis- lature. In 1S07 he had entered the land on which the town of Rockport now stands and, emigrating from Bardstown, K}-., subse- quentlv became the possessor of much land within the present borders of Spencer county. He was a justice of the peace in 1813, and served for three years from 1814 on the bench, as an associate judge with Hugh McGarj' as his colleague. He was chosen to represent Warrick county at the constitu- tional convention held at Corydon in 1S16, and later was conspicuously identified with the public affairs of Spencer county. Judge Grass and Col. Boon had already become riv- als and competitors in the struggles for polit- ical honors. The pecuniary interests of the former were centered in the eastern part of the county, and the political prospects of each of the rivals could be made brighter by a division of the field of labor. This Spencer county man was too important a personage to be left out of the conference; there were present Col. Boon, Gen. Evans, Judge Grass, Col. McGary and Lane. The proposed plan was discussed at length. It was claimed, and with good reason, that the territory was too extensive for the jurisdic- tion of one court, and for good government, though at the time settlers were exceedingh' scarce; and further, that the organization of new counties must follow at no distant day; the time seemed ripe for its accomplishment CREATIOX OF VAXDERBURGH COCXrV. ->••> the pi"i\ate interests of all concerned might be enhanced without detriment to the public; if the opportuiiitv were allowed to pass it mi THEIR Dl'TfES. r,l pacity arc liere named in the order of ser- \iie : C. I). Bourne, Vicissimus K. Phar, J. J5. Stinson, Kdward Hopkins, Wm. R. Barker, Thos. F. Stockwell, Everton Ken- nerly, Simpson Ritchey, I). D. Grimes, Willard Carpenter, Edmund Maidlow, Ever- ton Kennerlv, Ezekiel Saunders, Ira P. Grainger, John Burtis, Michael P. Jones, Lero\- Calvert, Simeon T>ong, Jr., Aianson Warner, Edmund Maidlow, Alexander Mad- dux, Cassimer Schlamp (appointed in 1853 to lill the vacancy occasioned b\' the death of A. Warner), William Pruitt, John Rhein- lander, Michael Muentzer, James Neel (ap- pointed in 1855 to lill the vacancy caused by resitrnation of I. Rheinlander 1, Robert Par- rett, John Hogue (appointed in i860 to fill the vacancy occasioned by death of R. Par- rett), M. W. Foster, John Dumb, John Hogue, Bernard Nurre, Charles Knowles, Joseph B. Parrett, Philip Decker, Thomas 15o\ver, Henry W. Hawkins, Samuel Barker (appointed in 1869 to fill vacancy caused by resignation of H. W. Hawkins), James Erskine, James D. Fair, Clark Cody, Benja- min Young, George Peva, Christian Hod- derich, A. A. Svvope, Jacob Bennighof, Samuel Barker, John Laval, Wm. Dean (appointed in 1882 to lill \acancv caused by resignation of J. Laval), Ilenrv Brommel- house, Wm. E. Bauer, Henry Mesker, J. F. Saunders, Christian Wunderlicli, Wm. Bower, James L. King, and Henr\- H. Boeke. Count Y Trciisitrcr. —This officer is charged with the safe-keeping and proper disburse- ment of all money belonging to the countv. At first he was appointed b}- the county commissioners, but later the office became elective, the term extending two vears. The lirst treasurer of the county was George W. Jacobs, appointed March 10, 1818. His bondsmen were Robert M. Evans and Luke Wood. So faithful was he'to the trust com- 3 mitted to him, that he was annuallv ap- pointed until his death. His successor was Maj. Aianson Warner, who assumed the duties of the office January i, 1829. Alexantler Johnston served during 1830, but in tiie following }'ear Maj. Warner was again appointed and served until 1841, ex- cept during the four years from 1833 to 1836, inclusive, when John M. Lockwood held the office. B. Royston, by election and appoint- ment, served from September, 1841, to March, 1845. Subsequenth-, the people have chosen from their number, to fill this important and responsible position, the fol- lowing citizens: Robert W. Dunbar, 1845 to 1854; Theodore Venemann, 1854 to 1858; Leroy Calvert, 1862 to 1864; John Rhein- lander, 1864 to 1866; F. Lunkenheimer, 1866 to 1871; WilHam Warren, Jr., 1871 to 1875; Emil Rahm, 1875 to 1879; Thos. P. Britton, 1879 to 1883; John J. Hays, 1883 to 1887; August Leich, 1SS7 to 1891. The death of Mr. Britton in July, 1883, caused a vacancy, which \\as filled by the appoint- ment of his deput\-, Martin INLinn, Jr., who served from August to October of the year named. Coil 11/ y Aiidilor. — The office of county auditor is of comparatively recent creation. It is elective, the term being four years. The auditor is the fiscal agent and book- keeper of the county. He is cx-officio clerk of the board of commissioners, and is entrusted with the management of the common school and congressional township funds. James M. Johnston was. the first to hold the office; he was appointed in August, 1S41, and resigned in January, 1S43. His successor was" H. C. Gwathney, who also resigned in June follow- ing his appointment. William II. Walker was appointed t(j the office in 1S43, and in the next year was chosen by the popular vote as his own successor, and continued in the office until March, 1862, since which 5'2 CO UNTY OR GA XIZA TIOX. time it has been lield by Victor Bisch, from 1862 to 1870; Philip Decker, 1870 to 1S74; Joseph J. Reitz, 1874 to 1878; William Warren, Jr., 1878 to 1882; Charles F. Yae- ger,.i8S2 to 18S6; James D. Parvin, the present incumbent, whose term will expire in 1S90. County Agent. — This officer, at present unknown, was in earl}' times an important public functionary. As the name implies he was an agent, his principal being the county personified in the board of commis- sionei'S. He sold property belonging to the county, executed papers in its behalf, made purchases for its use, and in a general way superintended its affairs. The first agent was Daniel Miller, appointed March 10, 1818. His bondsmen were William Wagnon, and William R. McGarv. Among those en- trusted with the discharge of duties per- taining to this office were Harley B. Chandler, Jacob Zimmerman, Amos Clark, Levi Price, James Lockhart, Jay More- house and many others. The last to hold the office was Hon. Thomas E. Garvin, who made his final report and surrendered the books and papers of the office in December, 1852, the legislature, in the preceding May, having abolished the office by trans- ferring its duties to the county auditor. Recorder. — This officer keeps the records of deeds, mortgages, etc., and is elected by the people for a term of four years. The incumbents of the office have been : Hugh McGary, 1818-1821; W. M. Lewis, 1S21- 1832; W. T. T. Jones, i832--i836; C. D. Bourne, 1836-1843; S. T. Jenkins, 1843- 1852; George H. Todd, May to November, 1852; Christian Bippus, 1852-1856; John Farrell, 1856-1860; F. Lunkenheimer, 1860-1864; C. Tomhemelt, 1864-1872; S. B. Sansom, 1872-1880; Charles T.Jenkins, 1880-1884; Louis Sihler, the present in- cumbent, whose term expires in 1892, Clerk. — Formerly the clerk of the circuit court was ex-qffic/o clerk of the board of commissioners. The duties of the office are now limited to the business of the cir- cuit and superior courts, the issue of mar- riage licenses, and some other transactions. The clerk is elected every four years. The office has been held by Hugh McGary, 1818-1821; James W.Jones, 1822-1S36; C. D. Bourne, 1 836-1843; Samuel T. Jenkins, 1S43-1852; Ben Stinson, Maj- to November, 1852; Jacob Lunkenheimer, 1852-1857; Louis Richter, 1857-1S64; Blythe Hynes, 1864-1868; Soren Sorenson, 186S-1876; Jesse W. Walker, 1876-1884; Charles T. Jenkins, 1884, term expires 1892. Sheriff. — John B. Stinson, 1818; Hazael Putnam, August 24, 181 8; Alanson Warner, 1822; James Newman, 1S24, Alanson War- ner, February, 1827; Daniel Miller, Sep- tember, 1827; Levi Price, 1^31; Edward Hopkins, 1834; Daniel Miller, 1835 ; Thomas F. Stockwell, 1839; William M. Walker, 1843; John Echols, 1847; John S. Terry, 1849; John S. Gavit, 1853: John B. Hall, 1857; John S. Gavit, 1859; George Wolflin,, 1861; George Wolffin, 1863; Robert Early, August, 1865; Alex Darling, October, 1865; Jacob H. Miller, 1867; Adolph Pfafflin, 1870; C. Wunderlich, 1874; J. A. Lemcke, 1878; Thomas Keith, 1880; Charles .Schaum, 18S4; Frank Pritchett, 1888. Surveyor. — Joseph M. McDowell, June 17, 1819; (The records in regard to this office are incomplete.) Charles G. Omsted, 1853; Azariah T. Whittlesey, 1855; James D. Saunders, 1856; J. R. Frick, i860; James D. Saunders, 1862; S. C. Rogers, 1864; Charles B. Bateman, 1870; August Pfafflin, 1S72; James D. Saunders, 1876; Robert S. Cowan, 1880; George W. Rank, 1882; George W. Saunders, 1884; Franklin Sours, 1886; August Pfafflin, 1888. Coroner. — Lewis Tackett, August 24, COUNTY OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES. 1818; Alanson Warner, September, 1819: Daniel Avery, 1822; Jesse C. Doom, 1S24; Alanson Warner, 1825; John Shaver, 1S27; David H. Stevens, 1829; Seth Fairchild, 1831; Z. B. Aydelott, 1836; Adrian Young, 1838; Seth Fairchild, 1842: Lewis Howes, 1844; John Clippies, 1847; Allen C. Ilallock, 1849; John Trible, 1851; James G. Hatch- ett, 1857; John Wayman, 1859: Ira A. Fairchild, 1S62; John Beschman, 1864: Sam- uel P. Havlin, 1866; George F. -Saner, 1868; Robert Smith, 1S72; George F. Sauer, 1874; Fred Woseger, 1878; John B. Hermeling, 1880; Elijah L. Carter, 1S82; Fred Wahn- seidler, 18S4: Alfred Andrews, 18S8. Bcprcsciitalizrs* — Doi:aghe,Hugh M.,'2 1 ; Lane, Joseph, '22; Evans, Robert M., '23; McCrarv, John, '25 ; Fitzgerald, Thomas, '25 ; Mcjohnston, Charles M., '27; Trafton, Wm., '28; Evans, Robert M., '29; Lane, Joseph, '30; Brackenridge, John A., '33; Graham, Christopher C, '35; Jones, Wm. T. T.,'36; Lane, Joseph, '38; Butler, Wm. B.,- '39; Clark, Amos, '41 ; Butler, W. B., '42; Miller, Daniel, "43; Walker, James T., '44; Baker, Conrad, "45: Battel!, Chas. I., '46; Blythe, James E., "47; James, Nathaniel J., '48; Greathouse, William R., '49; Ilutchins, Lsaac, '50; Carpenter, Willard, '51; Stock- well, John M., '53 ; Hardin, Grampee W., '55 ; Denby, Charles, '57; Stinson, Ben, '59; Bljthe, James E., '59; Edson, Joseph P., '61; Hopkins, John S., '61; Garvin, Thomas E., '63; Reitz, John A., '63: Sullivan, Ed- ward T., '65 ; Cook, Fred W., "65 ; Bischof, Emil, '67; Hopkins, John S., '67; Calvert, Leroy, ''6g; Welborn, Jos. F., '69; Hooker, Robert P., '71; Heilman, Wm., '71; Riggs, James D., '73; Wolflin, George, '73; Pfafflin, Adolph, '75; jMiller, Wm. IL, '75 ; White- head, John, '77; Dannettelle, John, '77; * The above list of senators and representatives was fur- nished by Hon. W. H. English, of Indianapolis, to whom the publishers are under obligations. Hopkins, John S., '79; Messick, Jacob W., '79; Roelker, John H., '81; Pruitt, John F., '83; Spain, James W., '83; Pruitt, John F., '85; Murphy, Christopher J., '85; Klein, Philip, '87; Mackey, Robert L., '87; Co- vert, Jacob, "87; Covert, Jacob, '89; Nolan, John}., '89; Nugent, John R., '89. Senators* — Boon, Ratliff, '18; Harrison, Elisha, '19; Given, Thomas, '25; Battell, Charles I., '33; Casey, William, '35; Lane, Joseph, '39; Roberts, Gaines H., '40; Pitcher, John, '41 ; Lane, Joseph, '44; Stock- well, Wm. li., '46; James, Enoch R., '47; Greathouse, Wm. R., '53; Drew, Cyrus K., '55; Carnahan, Mangus T., '59; Finch, George M., "63; Jacquess, Thos. C, '67; Morgan, Daniel, '69; Gooding, Henry C, '73; Heilman, WilHam, '77; Rahm, Wm., Jr., '81 ; Kerth, Thomas, 'S^. The Public Square. — The public square, comprising the four quarter-blocks corner- ing on Main and Third streets, running from the several corners on each of the streets named 150 feet, or to the alle3's, was in 1S18 in its natural state, except that the road from the north to the river passed through its limits. In June of that year the county agent was directed to have the square cleared. He immediately entered into con- tract with Chauncey Smith, who, during the summer cleared the land at a cost to the countv of $55.75- It \vas not until 1837 that the natural topography of the place was in any way altered. At that time the half along the east side of Main street, on which the court-house and jail stood, was graded and paved. In 1820 a public pound or stray pen was built W'here the court-house now is, by Julius Gibson, for $40.00. It was four rods square, was built of while oak posts and rails, and stood for many years. On the op- posite corner across Third street but near the alley, stood for many years the market house facing Maip street, the out-buildings 5h COUXTY ORGANTZA TIOX. around the main structure reaching to the street. Coiiii-Ilouscs. — At times antedating the formation of this county, the Warrick county courts were held at the house of Ilngh McGary. Even after the seat of justice had been removed to Darlington near the mouth of Little Pigeon creek, the hospitable home of McGary remained a favorite place with the judges. The new county of Vander- burgh during the first two years of its ex- istence continued the use of this house for its courts. Very naturally the need of a court-house was immediately recognized, but steps toward building it w'ere not taken until late in the summer of 1818, when the agent for the county was directed to contract for such material as might be used in its erec- tion. Little progress was made and definite plans were not adopted until February- 15, 1819. It was at first proposed to locate the building in the center of the streets so as to completely block Main and Third. The ground was broken and preparations were made to commence the actual construction, when the board of commissioners met and concluded to abandon the purpose of so ef- fectuallv inconveniencing the public as to place a barrier to all travel on its most pub- lic thoroughfare. The site finally chosen was the southeast quarter of the public square as it then existed — now the south- east corner of Third and Main streets. The building stood about ten feet from the streets on which it faced, and was probably the first brick house in the city, the bricks being burned on the corner where the court- house now stands. It was a heavy-looking, substantial building with thick walls and strong timbers. The foundation was of stone three feet thick. It was 34x46 feet in size, two stories high, the eaves being about twenty- five feet above the ground. The shingles were heavy and scalloped; and battlements at either end gave it somewhat of an im- posing aspect. The whole was painted a Spanish brown and penciled with white lead. In the upper story there were five windows j on each side and two in each end, and below there was the same arrangement except that a door took the place of a window in the end fronting on Main street. The first floor was of brick except about the bar in the end most distant from the street, where it was of heav}- timbers a foot wide, and four inches thick. The contract for the substantial part of the structure was let to Elisha Harrison and Daniel F. Goldsmith in April, 1S19, and in May, 1S20, the building was read}' for the examination and acceptance of the com- missioners. In prm'iding for the payment of these contractors the county was forced to devise \-arious makeshifts. Money was \ery scarce. The receipts at the treasury were small and loans could not be negotiated. Notes of hand issued by individuals in favor of the county for lots sold were assigned by the county agent to the contractors. The}' were authorized to collect the money prom- ised by the town proprietors as an induce- ment for the selection of Evansville as a permanent seat of justice, which, after much trouble, they succeeded in doing. Orders were issued to them — but they were orders on an empty treasury, and because of long deferred pavments were disposed of at hea\-y discounts. When received by the commis- sioners there had been paid in values of different kinds, $5,425.00, but this by no means ended the matter. On one order is- sued in 1820 for $528.06, interest amomit- ing to $358.83 was allowed in 1831. The order was still unpaid m 1836, and the inter- est was again compounded. From such facts the ultimate cost of this court-house may be approximately reckoned. David Negley entered into contract ,to make the doors, jury rooms, floors and dg COURT HOUSES. other carpenter work, for wliich he was to be paid in town lots, the value of which should be determined by disinterested parties should he and the commissioners fail to agree. While this work was progressing during the winter months the commissioners met at the court house and adjourned to some warmer place for the transaction of business, sometimes to the clerk's office and again to the houses of Everton Kennerly or I'resle}' Pritchett. In August, 1822, the count)- agent was directed to make a deed of conveyance to Jones and Walker for lots Nos. 167 and 16S, being lots given to the county of Vanderburgh by the town of Evansville. They were estimated at the value of $150.00, which sum was to be en- tered as a credit for work done by Mr. Negley on the court house; provided he should consent to the transaction in writing. These lots had been disposed of at the sale by the county to James Stinson and Presley Pritchett for $170.00. Daniel Miller as agent for the county had taken their notes in payment and had given a bond for a deed. When this triangular transaction between Jones and Walker, the count}-, and Negle}-, was made, the notes of Stinson and Pritchett were siu-rendered and they in turn gave up their bonds for deeds. The matter was not wholly settled until November of the next year, when at Negley's request a small al- lowance was made to Wm. Walker, in full jiayment for the former's work. Such were the expedients resorted to. Tiie county has never since found itself in just such straits. The times did not improve, however, and much needed repairs were from time to time neglected. In 1S37 the vestry of St. Paul's church expended a considerable sum in repairing the court-house, for which the church was permitted to use the building as a liouse of worsliip, not, however, so as to interfere with tlie iiolding of courts. In making this arrangement with the church the county reserved the privilege of refund- ing the amount used in repairs and taking exclusive possession. The walls of this old court-house are still well preserved. The building is used as a clothing store on Main street near Third. The records of the county had been kept at the house of Mr. James Newman. The treasurer and county agent were not provided with offices. The clerk of the courts, who was also cx-ojfirio clerk of the board of commissioners, took care of the books and papers of his office at his residence or place of business. This condition of affairs remained for some years after the erection of the court-house, but in 1S37 '1 fire-proof brick office, 18x30 feet, for the offices of the clerk and recorder, was built on the public square, facing Main street, about twenty feet south of the court house, by Thomas F. Stockwell, at a cost of $818.50. The conveniences afforded by this small building and tlie court-house soon became entirely inade([uate. The volume of the public business was annually increasing. The population was growing; an era of pros- perity was begun; many causes had con- trived to gi\e an impetus to commercial and mercantile affairs which improved the ll- nancial condition of the individual and the communit}-. In June, 1852, after various plans had been submitted and discussed, an agreement was made with James Ro(|uet, a French architect and contractor, for build- ing a new court-house, jail and jailor's resi- dence. The design was substantially that of the present court house, convenient and sufficiently commodious for tlie times. The northeast quarter of the public square was selected as the site for the new building. The three remaining quarters were to be transferred by the count}- to Mr. Roquet as compensation in full for erecting the build- 56 COUNTY ORGANIZATION. ings required. The contracts for the work and amendments in the plans '.vere drawn by James G. Jones and Hon. Conrad Baker, then attorneys practicing in this count_v. The commissioners were Leroy Calvert, Alanson Warner and Simeon Long. Some changes were made in the plans when the work was in progress, by which a slate roof and a dome were provided at an additional cost of about $i,ooo. When the lot on which the old court-house stood was convej-ed, the consideration named was $14,000, from which fact by making allowance for the two buildings thereon, an estimate, fairly accur- ate, of the cost of the court-house and the value of the property used in payment for it, can be arrived at. The work was not finished within the time specified, and the commissioners were in every possible way uro-inor it forward. It was so far completed that the auditor, clerk and recorder, in June, 1855, moved into the offices prepared for them under its roof. In the following Sep- tember the contractor was urged to com- plete the building within thirty days. On his failure to do this, a suit on his contract was threatened. Unavoidable delays fol- lowed. On the day before Christmas, 1855, a fire, originating in a lumber-yard east of the court-house, burned its way unchecked toward the new building and soon enveloped it in flames. The records were nearly all removed in safety, but the building, except the fire-proof walls, was completely de- stroyed. The commissioners accepted $150 from the contractor as pa}-ment in full for the uncompleted portion of the building, thus showing how little remained to be done to perfect it when accidentally destroyed. The sympathy of the entire community was with Mr. Roiiuet. About 500 leading citi- zens and tax payers petitioned the commis- sioners to release him and his sureties from any liability which \hey might "be supposed to have incurred," and they were accord- ingh" released. Somewhat dejected, the recorder and treasurer, who were just be- ginning to appreciate their new quarters, on Christmas day moved back into the little office previousl}' vacated, and which had been occupied later by the town officers and its council. The Crescent City hall was rented for the use of the courts; rooms over the Crescent City Bank for the clerk; and an isolated office on the street for the auditor. After the unfortunate fire no time was lost. Plans were immediatel}- adopted for the re- pair of the damage done. They were pre- pared by a committee appointed for the pur- pose, consisting of Peter Sharpe, James G. Jones, J. S. Hopkins, W. Carpenter, J. T. Hugo, John Henson, James Lockhart, James D. Saunders, and Michael Muentzer. In March, 1856, Francis D. Allen agreed with the commissioners to rebuild the court- house and complete the other buildings for $14,300. Upon its completion in 1S57, dif- ferences arose between the contractor and commissioners as to extra work done and damages sustained bj' reason of defective work. A committee of citizens, composed of lohn S. Hopkins, Peter Sharpe, Michael Muentzer, James Rogers and James Steel, was appointed to settle the matter by arbi- tration. After thoroughly examining the premises, the committee awarded the county over $700 for damages and the contractor about $35 for extras. Its conclusions were satisfactory to the interested parties and a final settlement was made. This coiu't- house is still used, though somewhat dilapi- dated and of forbidding aspect. It is of brick, two stories high, surmounted b}- a dome. The main entrance, leading into a paved corridor along which are the offices of the auditor, clerk, sheriff, recorder and treasurer, is through a lofty portico sup- ported by massive columns, in the Grecian COURT HOUSES. style of architecture, so much admired in pubh'c edifices at the time when this build- ins was erected. On the second floor are the court-room, tlie commissioners' rooms, the jury-rooms and judge's oflice. For more than fifteen j-ears the inade- quacy of this court-house has been gener- all\- recognized and efforts to have it replaced by a suitable edifice have been frequently made. In 1884, the need of better facilities for the transaction of the public business and greater security for the valuable county records, was so pressingly felt that an at- tempt to remodel and reconstruct the old court-house was determined upon, the com- missioners being unwilling at that time to incur the expense of a new building. This led to a general discussion among the people, a part of whom advocated the erection of an edifice that would be an honor to a com- munity whose prosperity' was evidenced b}- an annual tax list of nearly half a million dollars. The contemplated reconstruction, however, was not undertaken, and two years elapsed before a final determination to abandon the old building and erect a new one was reached. Architects were invited to submit plans, which were examined b)' H. Mur- sinna, expert. From them the commissioners and a committee of citizens, consisting of Maj. Joseph I). Cox, Hon. William Heil- man and Dr. John Laval, selected as the most satisfactory and suitable, those pre- pared by Mr. II. Wolters, of Louis\ille, Ky., who fixed as the limit of its cost $400,000. In September, 1S87, the following proposals for its construction were received; Charles Pearce & Co., $379,450; Jacob Meyer & Bro., $398,000; McCormack & Redman, $384,900. The first named bid being the lowest, was accepted, and contracts were en- tered into. The building is to stand on what is commonly called Union Block — the old site of the Wabash & Erie canal basin ^- betvveen Fourth and Fifth and Vine and Division streets. This block was purchased in 1873 as a site for a new court-house, for about $54,000, upon the recommendation of a committee of citizens, consisting of such- representative men as Judge Asa Iglehart, Gen. J. M. Shackleford, Hon. Thomas E. Garvin, Col. J. S. Buchanan and Hon. Ciiarles Denby. These gentlemen had pre- viousl}- been commissioned by the Evans- ville bar to wait upon and urge the commis- sioners to erect a new court house, such as the public business of the county and the safety of its records re(juired, and in turn delegated by the commissioners to select a suitable place for the purpose. Recently the title of the county to this property was attacked in the courts by assigns of the Wabash & Erie canal trustees, but with- out success. Superior Court Boom. — When by law- new courts were established to aid the cir- cuit court in disposing of the annually in- creasin896 45 1885 36,822 82 1886 24,078 66 18S7 33,401 19 Elections. — In order to show the increase in the number of voters and the political com- plexion of the county from time to time, a statement of the vote polled in the several townships at the various presidential elec- 4 tions since 1824, so far as it is possible to obtain the same, is here made : 1824. Clay Adams Jackson Townships. and and and Sanfoid. Crawford. Calhoun. Pigeon 43 27 22 Scott 13 6 10 ArmstroniT* ... ... Union* ... ... Totals* 1828. Jackson ■ Adams Townshiiis. and and Calhoun. Rusk. Pigeon 87 79 Scott 14 9 Union 7 16 Armstrong* ... Totals* 108 104 1832. Dem. Whig. Jackson Clay Townships. and and VanBuren. Sergeant. Pigeon 130 57 Armstrong 22 29 Union 18 16 Scottf Totals* 170 102 1836.* 1840. Whig. Harrison Townships and Tyler. Pigeon 486 Armstrong 21 Union 63 Scott 51 Knight 7 Totals 628 370 * Official returns lost. t No vote returned by this township. Dem. VanBuren and . M. Johnson. 49 40 16 14 68 CO UXTY ORGAXIZA TJOX. 1844. Whig. Clay Townshiji.s, and Fielinghuysen. Pigeon 4S5 Armstrong. . 5 Union 48 Scott 65 Perry 8 Knight 19 Center 45 Totals 675 1848. Taylor Townships. and Fillmore. Pigeon 342 Armstrong .... 13 Union 88 Scott 90 Perry 34 Knight 55 Center 82 German 30 Totals 734 1852. T>en\. Pierce Townships. and King. Pigeon 695 Armstrong .... 143 Union 51 Scott 56 Perry 82 Knight 62 Center 71 German 162 Totals 1)322 Dem. Polk and Birney and Dallas. Morris 374 43 53 17 3 II . . . 55 I 556 Cass and Butler. 259 71 47 41 54 55 39 lOI 667 VanBuren and Adams. 8 10 I Whig. Free Soil Scott and Graham. Hale and Julian. 571 18 78 87 26 42 97 22 IS56. Dem. Free Sgil. Rep. Buchanan Fillmore Fremont Townships. and and and Breckenridge. Donelson. Dayton. Pigeon 1,153 468 252 Armstrong .... 175 12 5 Union 38 93 3 Scott 49 63 28 Perry 100 43 12 Knight 80 53 4 Center 92 98 38 German 193 10 30 Totals 1,880 840 372 Townships. Pigeon . . . Armstrong. Union . . Scott . . . Perry . . Knight . Center . German Rep. Lincoln and Hamlin. 1S60. Dem. Dem. Fnion. Douglas Breckenridge Bell I ,223 50 89 1.39 80 51 131 104 and Johnson. 939 120 41 67 59 66 82 168 941 Totals. . 1,867 Ij542 1864. Rep. Lincoln Townships. and Johnson. Pigeon 1,873 Armstrong 46 Union 146 Scott 159 Perry 150 Knight 82 Center 178 German 90 Totals 2,724 and Lane. 100 37 9 6 13 12 5 I I S3 and Everett. 219 19 15 6 26 17 302 Dem. McCIellan and Pendleton. 1,266 184 68 112 71 127 84 202 ,114 ELECTIONS. 69 1868. Kep. Dem. (Slant Seymour Townships. and anil Colfax. Blair. Pigeon 2,335 2,100 Armstrong 44 221 Union 141 77 -"^cott 193 139 Perry 206 117 Knight 75 173 Center 226 12S Cjorman ...;.... 170 188 Totals 3,390 3,143 1872. Kep. Grant Townsliips. and Wilson. Pigeon 2,919 Armstrong ... 33 Union 149 Scott 201 Perry 188 Knight 171 Center 223 German 130 Totals 4'0^^4 1876. Rep. Hayes Townships. and Wheeler Pigeon 2,996 Armstrong ... 49 Union no Scott 211 Perry 189 Knight 170 Center 217 German 127 Totals 4)069 Lib. Rep. r>em. Greeley O'Connor and and Brown. Julian. 2,454 204 66 ri7 109 159 iiS 3,381 Dem. hid. Tilden Cooper and and lendricks. Gary. 2,879 157 247 126 7 156 I 174 20 212 I 157 19 174 I 1880. Kep. Garfield Townships. and Arthur. Pigeon 3,627 Armstrong ... 62 Union 130 Scott 217 Perry 243 Knight 202 Center 259 German 165 Totals " 4,905 Dem. Hancock and Englisli. 3,153 252 116 180 202 230 166 1S5 4,484 Ind. Weaver and Chambers. 4 '> 17 4 14 235 Townships. Pigeon . . . Armstrong Union. . . . Scott .... Perry . . . . Knight . . . Center . . . German . . Totals . 4,125 206 To\\'nships. Evans\-ille Armstrong Union. . . . Scott Perry .... Knight . . . Center . . . German . . Totals . 1884. Kep. Blaine and Loi^an. 4,154 65 102 199 262 205 293 165 Dem. Cleveland and Hendricks. 4,089 251 102 182 246 239 208 182 Nat. Pro. Butler. St.John. 90 2 I 2 10 5 7 8 2 5,445 5,499 117 10 Kep. Harrison and Morton. 4,740 64 104 i«3 259 188 313 175 Dem. Cleveland and Thurman. 4,510 231 102 184 219 261 213 170 Union Lab. Pro. Streeter Fisk and 13 and Brooks. 52 I I I 4 4 6,026 5,890 14 65 10 COUXTY ORGANIZATION. Avenues of Travel. — The highway, as a means of bringinir men into social and busi- ness contact, is an educator and producer of wealth. The pioneers' blazed trail and ser- Brazelton farm — adjacent to the town of pentine road, winding their way through dense and wolf-infested forests from settle- ment to settlement, were the first fruits of that aggressive, enterprising public spirit which has built the highways of banded steel now traversing the land from ocean to ocean and from lake to gulf; that spirit which has brought into cultivation a rich but once un- appreciated territorv, and built busv towns and magnificent cities where less than a cen- tury ago were wild and pathless forests. Prior to the organization of Vanderburgh count)- several roads had been cut out across the territory embraced in its boundaries, for settlers' cabins were raised a dozen years be- fore the county was organized. There were roads from Evansville to Vincennes, to Dar- lington, to New Harmony and other neigh- boring towns, from Anthony's mill on Pigeon creek, to the mouth of Green river and else- where, some of which were inherited, as it were, from the count}- of Warrick. But be- fore the commencement of Warrick countv's existence, when the territory embraced in Vanderburgh county was a part of, and un- der the jurisdiction of, Knox county, there were few, if an)-, legall}- established roads. Settlers were extremely scarce. When they left their cabins for business or pleasure their movements were directed by the Indian trails or footpaths marked through the woods by blazes on the trees. George Linxweiler, the pioneer, assisted in blazing out one of the first roads in this section, which after- ward became an established thoroughfare, from the Wheatstone farm east to the Red Bank trail, and north nearlv along the line of the old Princeton road to the intersection of the Red Bank trail near the house of John Withrow, not far from the village of Warrenton. Of the settlements along this road Mr. William Linxweiler savs, "There were at that time but four houses along the entire route from the Ohio river to the Princeton, and these were rude cabins, such as the hardy pioneers erected hastily when- ever they found a site which their fancy suggested to be a good point for location." This was about 1811. The system of establishing hiijhwavs has remained substantially the same from the earliest times. The citizens of the locality desiring the outlet petitioned the board of commissioners, who, if granting the prayer of the petitioners, appointed three disinter- ested citizens or "viewers" to ^-iew, mark and lay out the proposed highway, if, in their judgment, it would be of public utility. The routes were not well defined as is now re- quired. Often only the desired termini were named, the object, as expressed, being to get from one to the other "b}' the nearest and best way," and this was left to the de- termination of the viewers. Among the earliest acts of the commissioners was the appointment of Matthias Whetstone, Patrick Calvert and James Patton to view a desired road "from the west boundary line of Van- derburgh county at or near where John McCrery and William Cater priz'' tobacco last season, from thence the nearest and best way through the settlements on the forks of the Big creek, thence the nearest and best way to intersect the road leading from Evansville to Princeton at or near Julius Gibson's." From that time like petitions have so abounded that a mere catalogue of the roads established with descriptions of the routes would fill a volume. Scarcely a re