Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 1, Part 1

Author: Chadwick, Edward H
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1022


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Gc 977.201 Sh4ch v. 1 1585857


M. L.


REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION


L


J ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02308 4400


OH. Chadwick.


CHADWICK'S HISTORY


OF


SHELBY COUNTY


INDIANA


Val. 1


BY EDWARD H. CHADWICK. B. A. ASSISTED BY WELL KNOWN LOCAL TALENT


ILLUSTRATED


B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA


1909


1585857


PUBLISHER'S PREFACE


All life and achievement is evolution : present wisdom comes from past experience, and present commercial prosperity has come only from past exer- tion and suffering. The deeds and motives of the men that have gone before have been instrumental in shaping the destinies of later communities and states. The development of a new country was at once a task and a privilege. It re- quired great courage, sacrifice and privation. Compaire the present conditions of the residents of Shelby county. Indiana, with what they were one hundred years ago. From a trackless wilderness aud virgin prairie it has come to be a center of prosperity and civilization, with millions of wealth, systems of inter- secting railways, grand educational institutions, marvelous industries and im- mense agricultural productions. Can any thinking person be insensible to the fascination of the study which discloses the incentives. hopes, aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so strongly laid the foundation upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity of later days? To perpetrate the story of these people and to trace and record the social, political and industrial progress of the community from its first inception is the function of the local historian. A sincere purpose to preserve facts and personal memoirs thet are deserving of preservation, and which unite the present to the past, is the motive for the present publication. The work has been in the hands of able writers, who have, after much patient study and research, produced here the most com- plete biographical memoirs of Shelby county, Indiana, ever offered to the public. A specially valuable and interesting department is that ore devoted to the sketches of representative citizens of this county whose records deserve perpetuation because of their worth, effort and accomplishment. The pub- lishers desire to extend their thanks to these gentlemen who have so faithfully labored to this end. Thanks are also due to the citizens of Shelly county for the uniform kindness with which they have regarded this undertaking, and for their many services rendered in the gaining of necessary information.


In placing "Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana" before the cit- izens, the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the plan as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work has been submitted to the party interested. for correction, and therefore any error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch was pre- pared. Confident that our efforts to please will fully meet the approbation of the public. we are,


Respectfully,


THE PUBLISHERS.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER I .- Discovery-Indian Occupancy-Exploration-Vincennes-Missionary Work by Catholics-British Policy-American Policy-Exodus of the Indians -Indian Titles Extinguished-Land Sales-Great Ordinance of 1787 -- North- west Territory-Admission of Indiana Territory


CHAPTER II .- Territorial History of Indiana-Seat of Government at Vincennes- Slavery Practiced-First Territorial Legislature-First Newspaper-1:diana in 1810-First Bank Charters-Peace and Prosperity-Population in 1815. ... 29


CHAPTER III .- Indiana Organized as a State-Last Session of Territorial Legisla- ture-Constitutional Convention-First State Election-Rapid Increase of Population-Indiana and the Mexican War-Indiana's Part in the Civil War - Indiana After the Close of the Civil War-War Claims Allowed -- Divorce Laws -Financial Standing-Internal Improvements-State Forges to the Front .... 35


CHAPTER IV .- Pionecrs-Early Hardships-Topography of the County-Glacial Drift-Hot Wells -- Archeology-Indian Occupancy-Iniportant Treaty With the Delawares-Reminiscences by Isaac Wilson-Geology 11


CHAPTER V .- Early Settlement of Shelby County-Indian Traders -- First Cabin Home -- Land Office Opened-First Settlements-Land Entries- - Character of Early Settlers -- Churches and Schools Established-Eady Day Struggles- First Events-First Settlers in Town of Marion-First Settlers of Shelby- ville-The Pioneers of the County 51


CHAPTER VI .- Organization of Shelby County-Naming of the County --- Commis- sioners' Court-Locating a County Seat-County Winsky Bill-County Board Abolished and New Beard Established-Organization of Town moins -- Town- ships Re-organized-Additions to the Original Plat of Shelbyville -- Village and Town Plats-List of Town Plats with Population in 1s.5. f.1)


CHAPTER VIE-County Government-Clerks of the Court-County Auditors -- County Treasurers-County Recorders-Sheriffs-County Surveyors -- Coro- neis-County Commissioners-Jail-Court House History-First and Second Court-Houses-Poor Farm-Expense Statistics -- Public Highways-Indian Trails- Stare Roads-Plank and Gravel Roads-Bridges -- Property Valuations in Shelby County-Finances of the County -- Population of the County, and by Townships and Wards


CHAPTER VIII .- Presidential Vote in Shelby Comity-National. State and County Representations -- Congressmen- State Senators-Members of the Legislature


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER IX .- History of Townships-Hanover Township-Van Buren Township- Union Township-Ray's Crossing-Marion Township-Sugar Creek Township -Moral Township-Brandywine Township-Addison Township-Hendricks Township-Jackson Township-Washington Township-Shelby Township- Liberty Township-Noble Township.


SG


CHAPTER X .- Military History-Shelby County's Part in the Great Wars of Our Country-War With Mexico-The Civil War-Political Excitement of 1860-61 -The Famous Boggstown Resolutions-Quick Response to Call For Troops- Second Company Organized-Sword Presentation-The Morgan Raiders- Guerillas-Mayor McGuire's Proclamation-Public Opinion in 1863-64 -- Knights of the Golden Circle-The Indiana Legion -- Bounty and Relief-Soldiers Fur- nished-Civil War Roll of Honor-Spanish-American War-Grand Army of the Republic-Woman's Relief Corps-Sons of Veterans.


CHAPTER X1 .- Church History-Methodist Pioneer Preachers of the Gospel -- The Presbyterian Church-Second Presbyterian Church, German-Disciples of Christ, Christians-Shelbyville Christian Church-Mit. Aubarn Christian Church - Morristown Christian Church-Cave Hill Christian Church --- Fonn- taintown Christian Church-Christian Center -- Christian Church of Shelby- ville-German Evangelical Protestant-Shelbyville Evangelical Protestant- Catholic Church in Shelby County -- St. Vincent's Church -- Shelbyville Catholic Church-Christian Union Church-United Brethren-Methodist Protestant Church-Seventh Day Adventist Church-Lewis Creek Baptist Church-Epis- copal Church-St. Vincent's Church-Methodist in Shelby Cormy-First Methodist Episcopal Church-Church Buildings-West Street Methodist Egis- copal Church -- Church Finances -- Other Methodia Chur. Des-Baptist Die- nomination in Shelby County-First Baptist Church of Shelbyville -- Separate Baptists-New Lights -- Lutherans -- Christian Science -- African Churches. .. ISS


CHAPTER XII .- Freemasonry in Shelly County --- Higher Degree Masoary-Odd Fellows-Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks -- Knights of Pythias. .. .... 161


CHAPTER XIII .- Bench and Bar-Circuit Riders -- First Sessions of Shelby Chtenit Court-Lawyers Last to Abandon Dueling-First Case --- Character of Early Judges-Courts Under the New Constitution -- The Judges Who Have Presided -Common Pleas Court-Circuit Judges -- Associate Judges-Probate Judges- Common Pleas Judges-The Bar of Shelby County-The Shelby County Bar Association-Tenth Annual Banquet-Memorial Resolutions on the Death of Stephen Major, Jemies Harrison, Oliver J. Geszaer ard Benjamin F. Love -- Prosecuting Attorneys-Roll of Attorneys-Present Attorneys of Shelby County Bar 180


CHAPTER XIV .- Physicians of the First Decade in Shelby County's History-De- ceased Physicians Who Have Practiced in Shelly; County -- Physicians of the Present Day in Shelbyville and Shelby County-Physicians Who Have Prac- ticed in Shelby County, But Now Reside Elsewhere -- Shelby County Medical Society-Fee Bill of 1856-Protective Resolutions . . .


202


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER XV .- Shelby County Newspapers-The First Newspapers-The Re- corder-Numerous Changes in Owners and Titles-The First Daily Paper- The Daily Democrat-Republican-The News-Liberal- Chronological List of Newspapers 245


CHAPTER XVI .- Agricultural Societies-First Fair in 1848-Stock Company Formed, 1876 - Livestock Association Organized-Sid Conger and His Chickens


253


CHAPTER XVII .- Educational-Statistics-Beechwood Manual Training Academy. 257


CHAPTER XVIII .- Railroads-Early Conditions-Railroads of the County -- Electric Interurban Lines 259


CHAPTER XIX .- History of Towns and Villages -- Boggstown-Mount Auburn- Waldron-Brookfield - Cynthiana-Doblestown - Brandywine -- Fairland-Gel- lettsburg-Middletown-Flatrock-Smithland-Pleasant View - Norristown --- Marietta-Fountaintown-Gwynneville-Freeport-Vinton-Geneva-London --- St.Paul-Prescott-Marion-Morristown 263


CHAPTER XX .-- City of Shelbyville -- Beginning in 1\22 -- Facts of Early History- Business Men of 1856-Incorporated as Town Then as a Chy-Present City Officers-Population-City Hall-Fire Department -- Postoffice History-City Illuminated by Gas-Lighted by Electricity-Streets First Paved-Police D .- partment-Waterworks-Natural Gas -- County Children's Home-First Ser- tiers-Lodges, Associations and Unions-Public Schools -- Cemeteries --- Manu- facturing Industries-Newspapers-Hospital and Sanitarium. 278


CHAPTER. XXI .- Miscellaneous-Origin of "Log-Rolling"-Old Settleis' Association -Reminiscences of Elephlet Kent -- Danking Business-Gas Explosion -- Ex :- plosion at Waldron -- Missouri Harmony Singing Class-Woman's Club- Wihub Cirele-Public Libraries-Carnegie Library-Shelbyville Distillery -- Patrons of Husbandry ( The Grange)-Milling in Shelby County-Reminis- cences of Captain Haymond- First Fourth of July Celebration-Early Day Snakes-Native Animals-Pioneer Dress and Early Fashions-Interesting Narrative-Early Day Trade and Commerce -- The Log Cabin-Prices Then and Now 300


Biographical Sketches 333


BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX


A


Adams, Edmund K. 361


Alley, Joshua S ... 665


Alsman, Oliver D.


494


Alyea, Albert 60S


Amos, James W S29


Armstrong. B. B.


754


Arnold, Alfred N.


727


Arnold, James H.


649


Auman, Christian F. H. 416


Avery, William 655


B


Baker, Mrs. Hannah E. 404


Baker. Samuel R .. 405


Ballard, Alonzo B. 507


Barger. Jefferson 694


Bass, Frank 408


Bassett, Elmer 573


Bassett, William SSO


Bassett, William N. 528


Bennett, James C .. 393


Bennett, Thomas B. 789


Benson, Julius L 703


Berg, Jolin SSC


Billman, Mrs. Elizabeth G. 403


Billman, Joseph W'


Billman, Leander


370


Birely, Charles


493


Bishop, Orville L 435


Blessing, John 852


Boals. John MI ..


571


Bodine, William A S97


Boles, Harmon W 733


Bone, Thomas, Jr. 772


Booher, Henry 937


Bowlby, Andrew C.


450


Bowman, Leonidas 847


Bradley, Daniel 933


Briggeman, Henry 679


Drown, Scott A ..


958


Brown, William W. 566


Bryson, Ira F .. $21


Burgess, Greenbury F. 6TG


Burkholzer, Balser 664


Burkholzer. Mrs. Anna 663


Buxton, William J.


601


C


Callahan. Daniel


675


Campbell. Charles II


382


Campbell. Thomas H.


426


Campbell, William H. Fl. 537


Carey, Thomas B ..


Chadwick, Edward 864


Cheney, John C. 182


Cherry, Martin .1 59.


Cherry, Mrs. Sophi 537


423


Clark, Harry J.


421


Clarke, J. Harlan


01:


Clarke, John H ..


599


Cochran. Daniel E.


755


Compton, David Comstock, Charles A 500


Conger, Josiah


Conser. Stiney


Conner. Benjamin F.


Conover. Saumiel B.


Copple, George 712


Cory. Henry S ...


Cossaint & Sons 459


Cossairt, Charles F. 451


Cossair:, Simon P ..


Cossaint, William H 451


621


Cox. Jacob D. 843


Cox, Oscar GS;


Coyle. Otto L. 431


Creel:, David 913


Crim, James T 653


Cropper, William


Crum. Joel 89I


Cutsinger, James


D


Dake, Benjamin


Dake. David E. 910


Dale. George W


Dake, John


Dake. Robert .A. 560


Deitzer, Jacob H.


DePrez. Daniel 387


DePrez. Jacob G. 524


DePrez. John D ... 412


Deupree. Daniel C.


Devering. John T.


Dils. Huch H 503


Dixon, John 459


Dixon. Mrs. Ensan 451


Doble. Frank


417


Downey, Alexander C.


510


Chueden. Frederick H.


Courtney, Sanders


INDEX.


Downey, Harry S .. . 510


Drake, Charles M.


Drake, Willis E .. 741


Dunn, Edmund H. G22


F


Earnest, Roland H.


659


Eason, Mrs. Ella 765


Eason. James A 76G


Eberhart, Jefferson 597


Edwards, Eli H. 951


Edwards, Franl: 941


Edwards, Leonidas J 963


962


Elliott, Frances MI.


385


Elliott, Vanison MI.


974


Elliott, William


905


Endsley. Henry M.


856


Ensminger. Elijah


907


Ensminger. St. Clair


371


Evans, Thomas 715


Everson, William 420


Ewing. William A.


518


F


Feitig, Frederich 810


Feitig. Jacob 699


Ferris, George W .. 835


Fessenbeck, Allen G .. 531


Fisher, Michael T 607


Fix, Claude F.


425


Fix. James V. B ..


619


Fleming, Thomas .11 337


Fortnor, Lee 730


Fox, John Reid


539


Frazier, E. L ..


805


Frazier. Otis O. 79


Fuchs. George


G


Gephart, Philip 515


Girion, Jacob TV


Glessner, Oliver Jay 509


Goodwin. Harry 532


Gordon, Joim W. 975


Graham, Perry A 893


Green, James $05


Green, Thomas G. M. D.


417


Greene, John WElian: 657


Griffes, Harry B ...


515


H


Haebl, George 445


Hamilton, Joseph B. 469


Ilamilton. Samuel


Hankins, William 192


Harrison, Robert W. 501


Harrod. Eli 760


Harrod, Mrs. Mary E. 759


Hartod, William 31 ..


Hawkins. Rev. Hiram T. 762


Hawkins, Rev. Samuel D. 778


Haymond, Joseph A. 691


Haymond, Thomas 1


915


Heck, Jasper


Heck, Marion


Henry, John W. 441


640


Hester, Jasper


939


Hey, Peter, Jr .. 624


Higgins, John T .. 673


Hildebrand, George Hinds, George W 799 753


664


Hoban, Thomas


662


Holbrook, George W


504


Holbrook, John .


632


Holtman, Louis


414


HIoop Family


4,0


Hoop, John


429


Hoop, Philip


461


Hoop, Philip E.


461


Hoover. Lonis 465


Hord, Kendall M. 316


Howard. Oscar 745


Howard, Stephen


746


Howe, Janies R ... 747


Huffman Jamies O ..


Huffman, William MI.


Israel. Dr. E. F. 744


Israel, Wilbar


J


Jackson. Charles M


Jackson. Ezckich A


Jackson, Dielvin


Jeffries. Albert C. 591


Jenkins, Martin 1. 625


Johnson. Norvan 462


Johnston. Thomas S ... 963


Jones, Amos L $17


Jones, Earl B. TẠO


Jones, John E. 634


Jones. Martin 422


Jones, Samuel


Judd, Alexander 900


Judd, Mrs. Frances


931


K


Kaelin. Rev. Adelrich. 343


Kamy, Feter G. $50


Karmire, Charles E .. 45,9


Keaton. James L .. 947


Keaton. John T. 650


Keaton, William D .. 651


Keeling, James E .. M. D.


Kehrt, Philip P. 365


Keith, Jared M . 913


Kemper. James K.


Hensley. Andrew


Hoban, Theodore


Edwards, Thomas J.


742


INDEX.


Kennedy, George W 352


Kent, Rev. E.


384


Kent, Edward P. 386


Kent, George E .. 471


Kent, Joseph H .. 386


King, Abram St. Clair $23


Kinsley, George 948


Kuhn, Andrew W


575


Kuhn, George MI.


631


Kuhn. Jacob, Jr .. 583


Kuhn, Jacob, Sr.


636


L


Larrison, Charles E


Lee, David A. 593


Lewis, Edward W


457


Logan, Moses M ..


512


Lowe, William J ... 769


Lueas, John N., M. D.


390


Mc


MeCabe, James E. 616


McCain. George .11 748


McCartney, James 7$1


MeClain. Tilden 501


McCloskey. James 434


McCray, Robert S. M. D .. 736


McCrea, Samuel P., M. D. 361


McDaniel, Charles 673


MeDaniel, Erastus W.


521


McDuffee, Green Berry


672


MeFadden, James B ..


347


McFadden, Walter C., M. D ..


920


MeFadden, William G., M. D .. 925


MeFerran, Marion W 650


MeCuire, James 890


MeIntire, David H ..


637


Melane, Alexander I. 809


McNamara, Jeremiah 971


Major, Charles 338


Mann, Mrs. Laura 827


Mann, Richard


Maple. Ernest 740


Markland. Rev. William T. 505


Marsh, David C. 561


Martin. Samuel


838


May, Adam F.


806


Means, James R.


915


Means, James W.


768


Means, John L.


346


Means, Jolin


576


Means, Nehemiah 913


Meiks, George 972


Mellis, Adam 710


Mellis, Alexander G. 978


Meloy, Francis MI .. 618


Meloy, Thomas E. 938


Melizer, Andrew 496


Metzger, Peter 36S


Metzler, Fred 670


Miller, Albert C .. 812


Miller, E. B., M. D. 834


Miller, George H. 726


Miller, Jesse A 756


Miller, John H. 643


Miller, Nicholas A


837


Miller, Noah


8-10


Miller, Purley B


709


Miller. Simon


710


Mitchell, William A. 665


Moberly, James H. 350


Moberly, John M. 682


Mohr, John F. 916


Mobr, William H. 610


740


Monroe, William


773


Montgomery, Matthew R. 466


Morris, Herbort 352


Morris, Sylvan B. 333


935


Muck, Alfred


555


Mullendore, David


825


Mallendore, George


818


Murphy, Jefferson


757


Mutz, Philo 809


Myers. Rev. John P. 436


Nading, Harry J .. 944


Nading, Martin M. 544


Nading. William 901


Nail, James H. 39S


Nave, James 844


Neal, Herbert MI. 525


Nelson, Jesse A.


641


Newton. George W 766


Nigh, Jacob Stover 547


O


Oltman, Henry


849


Orebaugh Brothers 198


Orebaugh, Osear W. 49S


Orehaugh, William J. 499


Osborn, Daniel E. $47


P


Padrick, John W 391


Parrish, Edmond 696


Patten. Charles S 903


Patten Family


900


Patten, Hiram B. 904


Patten, John 901


Patten, Juliet 904


Patten, Rebecca Alice.


904


Patten, Vernon Cole.


905


Patten. William 900


Patten, William 902


Patterson, William $15


Patterson, William M. 878


Pangh, Michael


671


Monroe, Andrew 3


Morrison, Harry C.


INDEX.


Peutzer. John V ..


585


Smith. James H., Jr ..


Smith, John W. $31


Perry. Charles 11., M. D ..


Perry. James .1 ..


517


Smith, Mrs. Nancy A 721


Pettigrew, D. A., M. D .. 797


Pfendler. David


Phares. George W.


Phares, Henry E., M. D.


#92


Snepo. George W .. Sr ..


Snepp, Josoph H.


Snider. Warren W. 3×1


Snodgrass. John N. 970


Snodgrass, Robert G.


Sorden. Harry C .. 855


Poliitt, Alexander


719


Pollitt. Mrs. Ann


715


Pond, William H ..


581


Posz. Valentine


591


R


Randall. Albert 184


Randall, Joseph R ..


474


Rpx. Franklin E .. M. D.


Ray. Martin M ..


950


Recep, Ernest G. 491


Reinecke, C. G .. . 397


Rembusch. Franl: J ... 460


Richmond. Rev. Louis O.


418


Robins, Milton B.


516


Robins. Morgan A 549


Hoger, Harry MI .. 501


Rohm, Frank E ..


769


Root. H lay


445


Ross. Henry L.


Ruschaupt, Homy C.


Rush. William 916


819


S


San:mons. Leslie C., M. D. · 141


Sanders, Harvey L. 602


Sanders, William T 556


Schnaitter, 720


Schwa !! , Henry 520


559


Sever, James B ..


714


Sexton, Horatio C .. D. D. S.


477


Sexton. Isaac 956


Shaver, George


Shaw. Anderviile


535


Shaw, Jesse


Shelton. David E.


Showalter, F. P.


Showalter Family


Showers. Julius L .. 5.10


Shrout. William T., M. D 692


Simpson, John 697


Sindlinger, Charles P. 579


Sindlinger, Philip F. 579


Slaple, Charles M. 542


Smith, James E ..


Smith, James H


Theobald, George 554


Theobald Jacch 643


Theobald. Julins E. 5.52


Theobald, Peter J .. 411


373


Tindall, Charles A., MI. D ..


Tindail. Charles H.


Tind:D. John A 453


527


Tindall, William: W., M. D. 443


Toner, John +,15


Totten William S.


Trees. Alonzo N. 803


Tucker. Joseph L. 59%


Tucker. Senvol H ...


Van Gorden. Elias D. 751


Van Soyce. Abei.


Vernon, John A 9×1


Wagoner. Hayden 11 ESA


Walker. James E. 615


Walker. John F. 4.9


Washburn. Stephen E


Weaver, Horace


Webb. James D. 350


Webb, Louis E .. 410


Weed. Adam Malarthon


Weingarth, Henry


550


Wells. Robert 375


Werner, Charles


Wertz. Edward, M. D.


Whaley, Benjamin F 431


Whitcomb. Harry H. +10


Spurlin, George W 596


Stanley, Charles A S41


Star Mills


Stewart, John B., M. D.


Stewart, Robert T. 427


Stirling. "Charles 11


Stohry. Peter


Strong. Norman 11.


Stroump, Samuel P.


37C


Sullivan, John W


Sullivan, Joseph L.


652


Pherigo, John W ..


Phillips. Edward N


715


Pitman. Silas A.


122


Pitts, Lindley II ..


646


Pollard, Alexander J


952


Smith. W. Il ... 723


592


Snoch, Thomas MI ..


100


Snepp. George W., Jr


Sparks. Hon. Will AL. 979


Pottenger, John D.


Russell, William H.


Scott, Robert F.


Rohm. Licretia A.


Tindall, Uins E


INDEX.


White, Charles A ..


Wrenick. Thomas C. 798


Wicker, William T.


Wright. Mbert W 666


Wilcoxon. W. W.


826


Wright, Cyrus 380


Williams. Allen


706


Wright, George


Williams, Alvernis S.


402


Wright, George MI ...


953


Williams. Amos


705


Wright. Mrs. Nancy H. 380


Williams, Charles T 731


Williams Family


701


Y


Williams, John A


752


Wilson, David L


514


Yarling, John W. 375


Wilson. Thomas D.


468


Yarling, Martin ×46


Wingate, John J ..


428


Yarling, Michael 353


Winter, Rev. Gustav G.


359


Yarling. William A. 472


Winterrowd. Harry S. 782


Young, Eden H. D .. 490


Wisker, Anton 695


Young, M. J.


750


Wolf. J. G., M. D. 657


Wood. John A


955


Z


Woods, Joseph


611


Woolley, Thomas H .. 793


Ziegler, Andrew


Wray. Albert F.


Zike, William


-


HISTORICAL


CHAPTER I.


DISCOVERY, INDIAN OCCUPANCY, ADMISSION AS A TERRITORY-THEN AS A STATE INTO THE UNION.


After Columbus discovered America in 1492, more than one hundred and fifty years elapsed before any portion of the territory now embraced within the limits of what is now known as the state of Indiana was explored by the Europeans. Colonies were established in Florida, Virginia and Nova Scotia, by the principal rivals in governmental affairs in European countries. but not until about 1670-72 did the first white travelers venture as far west and north- west as Indiana and Lake Michigan. These first daring explorers were French- men named Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon, who then visited what is now the eastern part of Wisconsin, the northern portion of Illinois and probably that portion of this state lying north of the Kankakee river. In the following year M. Joliet, an agent of the French colonial government and James Mar- quette, a good and simple-hearted missionary, who had his station at Mack- inaw. explored the country in the vicinity of Green Bay, and along the Fox and Wisconsin rivers as far westward as the Mississippi. the banks of which he reached June 17. 1673. They descended the river, but returned by the way of the Illinois river and the route they came led them back into the lake re- gion. At a village among the Illinois Indians, Marquette and his small band of adventurers were received in a friendly manner and treated hospitably. They were made the honored guest at a great feast. where hominy, fish, dog meat and roast buffalo meat were spread before them in great abundance.


In 1682 LaSalle explored the West, but it is not definitely known that he entered the territory now called Indiana. He took formal possession of all the Mississippi region in the name of the King of France. in whose honor he gave all the Mississippi region, including this state (Indiana) the name of "Louisiana." Spain, at the same time laid claim to all the region about the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two great nations were brought into collision. But the country was actually held and occupied by the great Miami confederacy of Indians, the Miamis proper (anciently the Twightwees) being the eastern and most powerful tribe. Their territory extended strictly from the Scioto river west to the Illinois river. Their villages were few and scattering, and their


2


IS


CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.


occupation was scarcely dense enough to maintain itself against invasion. Their settlements were occasionally visited by Christian missionaries, fur traders and adventurers, but no body of white men made settlement sufficient- ly permanent for a title to natural possession. Christian zeal animated France and England in missionary enterprises, the former in the interest of the Cath- olic church and the latter in the name of true Protestantism. Hence their haste to occupy the land and proselyte the aborigines. No doubt this ugly riv- alry was often seen by Indians, and they refused to be proselyted to either branch of Christianity.


Further to the east. the "Five Nations," comprised the Mohawks. Onei- das, Cayugus, Onondagas and Senecas. In 1677 the number of warriors in this confederacy was 2,150. About 1711 the Tuscaroras retired from the Carolinas and joined the Iroquois. or Five Nations, which, after that event, became known as the "Six Nations." It was in 1689 when open hostilities were had between the Five Nations and the colonists of Canada, and the al- most constant wars in which France was urged until the treaty of Ryswick in 1697 combined to check the grasping policy of Louis the XIV, and to retard the planting of French colonies in the Mississippi valley. Missionary efforts, however, continued with more failure than success, the Je-uits allying them- selves with the Indians in habits and customs, even encouraging intermarriage between them and their white followers.


VINCENNES.


Early in 1720 Francois Morgan de Vincennes served in Canada in the regiment of "De Carrigan." of the French service, and again on the lakes in the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie in the same service under M. de Vaudriel, in 1725. It is more than likely that his advent to Vincennes may have taken place in 1732, and in proof of this the only record is an act of sale under the joint names of himself and Madame Vincennes, the daughter of M. Philip Longprie. and dated January 5. 1735. This document gives his military position as com- mandant of the post of Quabache in the service of the French king. The will of Longprie, dated March roth, the same year. bequeathes him, among things. four hundred eight pounds of pork, which he ordered to be kept safe until Vin- cennes, who was then at Quabache. returned to Kaskaskia.




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