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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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