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PUBLIC LIBRARY RT WAYNE & ALLEN CO., INC 33
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02138 8076
Gc 977.202 Ev17w White, Edward. Evansville and its men of mark.
FEB 2 9 1941
EVANSVILLE
AND
ITS MEN OF MARK.
" LABOR OMNIA VINCIT."
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA : HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, PUBLISHERS.
-- 1873.
EVANSVILLE JOURNAL COMPANY, STEAM PRINTERS, BINDERS AND STATIONERS, EVANSVILLE, INDIANA.
Ohio Presad story 3.00
466376 To Mrs. Saleta Evans,
Whose sympathy and assistance have ever cheered me in the prosecution of this work, THIS VOLUME is respectfully dedicated.
By the Editor.
EVANSVILLE, IND., 1873.
EDWARD WHITE.
SALETA EVANS.
Prefaće.
-
T is with the greatest solicitude that the Editor offers this volume to the public ; as he fears he may not be able to do adequate justice to the subjects - the sketches of whom appear in this work. But since he has devoted much time and labor to the prosecution of this enterprise, he presents it to the citizens, as the best he was able, under the circumstances, to compile, trusting that a general allowance will be made for all its blemishes and imperfections.
The History contains several sketches of parties, who, not residing in Evansville, live in this section of the State, and whose interest in the Crescent City has been such as to materi- ally advance it as an educational and business center.
Our thanks are tendered to the old citizens of Evansville and Southern Indiana, for much valuable information ; and we trust that future generations will not forget the men, to whom Evansville is indebted for its rapid rise from a frontier settle- ment to a prosperous and wealthy city.
EVANSVILLE, IND., 1873.
THE EDITOR.
-
Contents.
PAGE.
ALLIS, H. D.
95
ARCHER, DAVID
400
BAKER, WM
16
BAYARD, SAMUEL,
84
BEADLE, J. H.
126
BOWLES, J. B.
166
BLOUNT, H. F
80
BUCHANAN. J. S.
91
BUTTERFIELD, CHAS. H
100
CALDWELL, WM
29
CHANDLER, W. H.
31
CJIANDLER, J. J
35
COOK, F. W.
46
CARPENTER, WILLARD
326
COMPTON, J. W
192
CLOUD, H. W
137
COMMUNITY LIFE.
215 and 236
DECKER, C.
77
DIXON, ARCHIBALD
154
DEBRUL'ER, J. P 300
DEXTER, H. T
63
DYER, AZRO
101
DONALD, A. C.
82
DEVIN, JOSEPH
407
DODGE, J. V
112
EVANSVILLE-HISTORY.
9
EVANS. R. M ...
12
EVANSVILLE JOURNAL
351
EVANSVILLE COURIER
363
ESTES, B. B
40I
ELLES, AUGUST.
48
EHRMAN, E. J
51
EMBREE, ELISHA
369
EVANSVILLE HOME FOR THE
FRIENDLESS
379
ELSAS, JACOB
306
FOSTER, M. W 72
FOGG, F B ..
259
FRICK, J. K.
185
FRENCH, W. E.
416
GOW, A. M
PAGE.
GLOVER, J. F
58
GOODING. H. C.
120
HISTORICAL.
HORNBROOK, P
78
HOWE, W
103
HAAS I
73
HAMILTON, ALLEN
143
HEIDELBACH, P.
303
HEILMAN, WM
25
HERR, L. S.
61
HARGRAVE, W. P.
123
HYNES, BLYTHE
206
HAZEN, A ...
199
HALL SAMUEL
130
INGLE, J. JR.
203
IGLEHART, ANA
54
JONES, J. G
45
JOHNSON, M. S.
29
JOHNSON, A.
94
JOHNSON, E. E
379
JAQUESS, J
-102
KLEINER, J. J
119
KRATZ, C.
418
LOCKHART, J
83
LAW, JOHN
88
LANE, JOSEPH
Sf
LOCKWOOD, J. M
97
LAIRD, D. T.
193
L'HOMMIDIEU, S. S.
312
LEWIS, DR. ANDREW
383
LOWRY, W. J.
358
LINDENSCHMIDT BROTHERS ..
129
LINDLEY BROTHERS
405
MCNEELY, JAMES H
140
MT. VERNON REPUBLICAN
374
MATTISON, H. A
182
MARCONNIER, A.
396
MARSH, C. E.
.114
MORGAN, D
7
8
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
PAGE
NORTON, G. W. 153 NEW HARMONY-SOCIAL
EXPERIMENT 215 and 236
O'RILEY. P. G. 90
OWEN, ROBERT ..
215, 236 and 371
OWEN, DAVID DALE ..
318
OWEN, ROBERT DALE .. 215 and :36
OWEN, RICHARD
319
PRINCETON CLARION
373
PARRETT, W. F.
65
PHELPS, A. M
207
PATTEN, II. II
112
PITCHER, JOHN
106
PLUMER, HORACE
317
ROWLEY, NATHAN
37
RÆLKER, J. H 52
REAVIS, WM.
324
REIS, A.
200
SHERWOOD, MARCUS
14
SHERWOOD, PRUDENTE
138
SHANKLIN, JOHN
19
STEPHENS, SILAS
PAGE.
SCANTLIN, THOMAS.
69
STOCKWELL, ROBERT
11I
SMITH, E. Q
49
SAUNDERS. J D
125
SHARPE PETER
201
STINSON. J. B
377
SHACKELFORD. J. M
104
SORENSON, SOREN
70
CHREEDER. C. C
408
STANAGE, J. L.
398
SILVER THORN. J. N
393
SWERISER, H. M
189
SOUTHERN INDIANA IN THE
274
VAN RIPER, E. G.
387
VENEMANN. F
WALKER, G. B
196
WALKER. W. H
198
WALKER .I. W.
307
WAP'VAN. J. W
56
WHEE. ER. H Q
75
YOUNGBLOOD, J. W
211
Historical.
-
N 1812, HUGH McGARY, of Kentucky, came to the Ter- ritory of Indiana, and built a log-house on the present site of the original plat of Evansville. This primitive structure was the first dwelling erected by a white man in this section of the Territory. Previous to this settlement, and for some years afterward, an Indian village, of the Shawnee tribe, occasionally occupied the vicinity of Pigeon Creek, in dangerous proximity, but, on the whole, were not troublesome neighbors. In 1816, Gen. ROBT. M. EVANS and JAMES W. JONES purchased that portion of the land, situated north of what is now known as Main street. McGary entered the land soon after his arrival, and had attempted to make a survey - and in fact had sold some portion of the tract to various parties ; Gen. Evans, how- ever, made another survey and had the premises platted, in order that there might be no trouble in the future. The town in embryo was called Evansville, at the earnest solicitation of the friends of that distinguished pioneer. The history of the village till 1818 is unknown ; but in that year Vanderburgh County was separated from Warrick, (to which it had previously been attached, for judicial and other purposes), and Evansville was designated as the County-seat. The ceremonies attending this event were not of the most imposing character, but yet the " original inhabitants " plumed themselves highly upon residing at the County-seat.
The first election was held in August, 1818, when twenty- five votes were polled. In 1819 there were one hundred inhab- itants; and the village boasted of a tavern, kept by Ansel Wood, Esq. This was situated on Main street, (then called State Road), on the rear of the present site of Armstrong's
2
10
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
furniture salesroom. It was in 1819, a Frenchman opened a country store on the river bank. He was soon succeeded by a Mr. Armstrong and the Lewis Brothers. Their stock was scant, but amply sufficient for the pioneers, to whom hard cash was a great rarity. 'Coon-skins, etc., formed the medium of exchange -- not only with themselves, but also with the outside world. In this same year Amos Clark took up his abode at the County seat, as a lawyer, and was soon appointed prosecuting attorney -for the criminal portion of the community (and it was very large) had peculiar views in regard to horses, cattle, and hogs. President Monroe, in 1819, appointed Daniel Warner as post- master, and the village for the first time gained national recog- nition and had regular postal facilities, even though the mails arrived only once a week.
In 1821, Rev. D. C. Banks, of Ohio, came to Evansville and endeavored to establish a Presbyterian organization ; after some delay, a society was formed and an effort was made to build a church. A lot on the corner of Main and Second streets was purchased for one hundred dollars, and a small frame building was erected upon it. Luke Wood and William Olmstead were among the most prominent in securing the nec- essary aid, and this was mainly conditional that the church should be occupied in common by other religious denominations. In 1824, Mr. Banks was succeeded by Rev John Phillips, of
Vermont. Upon his arrival, the building was put in better order ; benches were placed along the sides and the farther end of the room was adorned with a pulpit that is said to have resembled a " settlers' stockade." Mr. Phillips was diligent in doing good ; spent little or no time in discussing dogmas, and was ever a watchful shepherd in his care over the morality of his flock, rather than their sectarian bias.
The first justice of the peace was Prestly Pritchett, who was elected in 1822. He was a successful magistrate, and looked diligently after the pecuniary and criminal difficulties of the times.
In 1824, a small brick school-house was erected on the south-west corner of Third and Main streets. Mr. Shute, an elderly gentleman, was appointed teacher. He, as early as 1818, had occasionally received pupils at his cabin ; but now
11
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
for the first time, a school was held, to which all could send children, hitherto, for the most part, unprotected with regular educational privileges. The school-house was regularly used for religious purposes ; Rev. Mr. Wood, a Presbyterian minis- · ter, often preached there, as well as clergymen of other denom- inations.
For several years various buildings had been used as a jail by Lansing Warner, the first sheriff, who also acted as jailor. Finally, after some considerable difficulty, a jail was erected on the south-east corner of Third and Main streets, and for many years the building was used for that purpose The first public execution took place in 1821. A man by the name of Harvey was executed for killing Robinson. The criminal was buried in the rear of the north-west corner of Third and Main streets.
In the Spring of 1825, Dr. Wm. Trafton arrived, and soon was engaged in fighting the " fever and ager," ever prevalent to an alarming degree in the village. Dr. Lane visited the village in the Fall, and a partnership was formed with Dr. Trafton, which the settlers called the " Ager Board." The progress of the town was slow; for in 1830 the population had only increased to five hundred, and the total tax levied was one hundred and fifty-five dollars-thirty-six dollars less than the
first assessment in 1819.
On the 27th of January, 1847, the
city, having a population of four thousand, was incorporated and received a special charter from the Legislature. The entire property was valued at about nine hundred thousand dollars, and the total taxes levied amounted to about three thousand three hundred and twenty dollars - about the salary of the mayor, at the present time. From this period may be dated the rapid advancement of Evansville in population and wealth.
Having thus only prefaced the early history of Evansville, we will call attention to the men who made their " mark " while important events were transpiring; outlining the various stages of her progress, from a village of three cabins to the position it occupies to-day - as the leading commercial city of Indiana.
3 1833 02138 8076
General Robert M. Evans,
FOUNDER OF EVANSVILLE.
(N a few years the men who were personally acquainted with General Evans will all have passed away. It is known to most of our citizens that General Evans was the pio- neer who began a settlement in the woods on the banks of the Ohio River; but beyond that, little is known to the world at large of the life of one, around whose name cluster so many glorious recollections and memorable associations.
GENERAL ROBERT MORGAN EVANS was born in 1783, in Frederick County, Virginia. . While a small boy, his family removed to Botetourt County, where he remained till 1790. From thence, removed to Tazewell County, where, though only a lad of some seventeen years of age, he acted as deputy clerk. In 1803 he moved to Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky ; and here his union with Jane Trimble, a sister of Judge Robert Trimble, of the Supreme Court of the United States, took place. In 1805 he moved, with his family, to the Indiana Ter- ritory and settled in the woods, on a tract of land two miles north of where the town of Princeton now stands. At the first sale of Government lands, in 1807, he purchased the tract he had settled upon, and there continued to reside till 1809, when he moved to Vincennes and kept a hotel in a frame house on Market street. This was the favorite stopping-place of all the old citizens of Indiana. He remained in Vincennes two years, and then removed back to his first location in Gibson County.
In the war of 1812, the surrender of Hull left the north- western frontier exposed to the incursions of the British and Indians, and occasioned considerable alarm in the adjoining State. Nearly ten thousand volunteers immediately offered their services to the Government, and being placed under the
MRS. EVANS.
GEN. EVANS.
13
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
command of Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, were marched toward the Territory of Michigan. Our subject had joined Harrison im- mediately on his taking command of the army and was appointed by the General as one of his aids. He proved such an efficient officer that he was appointed by Gen. Harrison as a Brigadier General and placed in command of a large body of militia, both from Indiana and other territories. General Evans partic- ipated in the battles of the Thames, Tippecanoe, and other less important engagements, and had the reputation of being one of the best officers in the army-not only on account of his bravery, but also his sagacity and ability as a leader. He had the mis- fortune to lose his brother William, who was killed by the Indians in one of the skirmishes which preceded Tippecanoe.
Little else is known of our subject on that campaign. We note that on his return to Gibson County he was elected county clerk, the duties of which he continued to fill till October, 1819, when he resigned. While living in Gibson County, he was instrumental in forming the County of Vanderburgh, named after Gen. Vanderburgh, a celebrated Indian-fighter. He also purchased, in connection with James W. Jones, the land upon which all Evansville north or the State Road, (Main street,) is situated, and founded the city which bears his name ; was the means of Evansville being the seat of justice, and to him and his copartners we owe the Court-house Square.
In 1824, Gen. Evans removed to Evansville and remained only one year. He watched over his namesake carefully, and though the following year he removed to Princeton, he yet retained his love for the city whose inhabitants regarded him as the father of the " Crescent Village."
During the Fourier excitement, which resulted in the founding of New Harmony, he proceeded there, and was en- gaged in keeping a hotel in the village for one year, and the remaining portion of the time was engaged in farming, till the Fall of 1828, when he removed to Evansville ; continuing his residence here till the time of his death, in 1844. His estima- ble lady died four years before him. The distinguished pioneer was not permitted the proud privilege of witnessing the present growth, beauty, wealth, and dignity of the city that he, with wondrous sagacity, planted so many years ago.
14
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
He was a man of sterling integrity, and a radical advocate of the right. In stature, General Evans was above six feet ; and, with his smooth-shaved face, small hands and feet, and with an open expression of countenance, his personal appear- ance was such as to attract the attention and admiration of all. Kind and affable in his disposition ; possessed of rare conver- sational powers, in his declining years he enjoyed the friend- ship and veneration of all who knew him.
Marcus Sherwood, Esq.
EW, if any, of our citizens have struggled more per- sistently or successfully than MARCUS SHERWOOD, from the time of his arrival in Evansville up to the present day.
He was born in Munroe, Fairfield County, Connecticut, on the 28th of May, 1803. His father, David Sherwood, Esq., was a stone-mason by trade, and was, at one time, a member of the Legislature. Marcus, like most New England boys of that age, attended school in the Winter and assisted his father in the Summer. His father wished to apprentice him to a blacksmith ; but the young lad had no desire to learn that trade, but prefer- red to go West-as his uncle had just returned from a visit to Indiana, and Marcus was delighted with the accounts of his adventures in those distant regions.
After considerable pleading with his people, he started for his new home with his uncle, driving an ox-team for fifty-eight days; when they reached Pittsburgh, both men and animals were nearly worn out. His uncle and friends purchased a flat-boat, loaded it with all their effects, and, after a long voyage, arrived in Evansville on the 6th of June, 1819.
MARCUS SHERWOOD.
15
Evansville and its Men of Mark
Marcus was now thrown upon his own resources ; and hav- ing less than two dollars in his pockets, he went bravely to work, earning the reputation of a " first-class hand." From working as a day laborer for fifty cents a day, he gradually acquired means sufficient to enable him to buy a flat-boat with which he made twenty-eight trips to New Orleans, as deck-hand and proprietor. The business was profitable, and the capital thus earned was invested in real estate, thereby laying the foundation of his present wealth.
He was married in 1834, to Miss Prudence Johnson, the eldest daughter of Alexander Johnson, Esq. We regret to say that this estimable lady died in 1870, deeply regretted by all.
Mr. S. was one of the advocates and contractors of the Canal and the Levee; and to him great credit is due for the excellent public work so admirably performed by him. The Sherwood House was constructed by him, at a time when the people generally doubted the success of the undertaking. Mr. S., throughout his entire career-ever active and faithful- retained the confidence of the entire community. Now one of the wealthiest of our citizens, his time and means have been liberally given to forward the interests of the Cumberland Church and its colleges. Ever generous to the needy-either at home or abroad ; a kind friend, and an irreproachable citi- zen : such is Marcus Sherwood ; than whom Evansville has no better.
Hon. William Baker.
F all the leading men whose energy and ability have been potent in building up the Crescent City and advanding its interests, it is fair to say that none take rank before the Hon. WILLIAM BAKER.
He was born in Hamilton, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on the 11th of February, 1813 His father, Conrad Baker, was a farmer, and was noted for his enterprise and public spirit. The Bakers were of German origin ; and the inter-marriage of Conrad Baker with Mary Winterheimer infused, also, a com- mingling of the Scotch-Irish element with the German stock- her mother being of German and Scotch-Irish descent.
His early education was obtained at a little log school by the road-side, not far from the boundary of his father's farm. This, however, was only of short duration : as, in his thirteenth year, he entered the store of George Eyster, of Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, and served him for about three years. This experience in that establishment, no doubt, laid the foundation of his business character and his habits, so marked in after life. Before leaving the village, wishing to improve his mind and add to his limited education, he attended a Latin school, at Chambersburgh, for about six months : and this was the last instruction William received at school.
In his eighteenth year he went to the village of Bridge- port, in his native county, and was employed by Martin Hoover as a clerk in his store. He remained with Mr. Hoover nearly three years, during which time he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Beam, whom he married in 1833, a few months before he attained the age of twenty-one years.
While residing at Bridgeport, he studied surveying and civil engineering, under the instruction of Major James McDow-
HON. WILLIAM BAKER.
17
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
ell, and became a good practical surveyor. In 1834, he com- menced farming on the old homestead, as his parents were dead-the father having deceased in 1818, and the mother the year previous. During the Winter of 1834-5, he taught a country school in the neighborhood. not far from the farm. In the Fall of 1835, he sold the property and opened a general store at St. Thomas, in the same county. In 1837, he moved to Loudon, a village in the same county, and, in company with Daniel Mowrer, his brother-in-law, conducted a woolen mill and store for about four years. He then formed a partnership with John Beaver, in the manufacture of iron, and managed a fur- nace and forge, owned by Mr Beaver, for nearly two years. While engaged in the latter enterprise, he established the Lou - don Savings Fund Association, and was treasurer of the same till his removal to Evansville.
In the year 1839, while actively engaged in business, Mr. Baker devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. His practice soon became very large and lucrative. In 1847, '48, and '49, he was elected to represent his native county in the lower house of the Pennsyl- vania Legislature, and soon obtained a reputation as one of the leading and influential members of that body. He continued to practice law in his native village until 1853, when he removed to Evansville, where his brother Conrad had taken his residence, in 1841.
Soon after his arrival he was chiefly instrumental in organ - izing the Crescent City Bank, of which he was elected cashier. A considerable portion of the stock was taken by his old neigh- bors in Pennsylvania, on the strength of the assurance that he was to be cashier of the institution. Owing to the detective free-banking system, the affairs of the association were settled in 1858-9, without loss to the stockholders. In April, 1859, William Baker was elected Mayor of Evansville for three years, and held this position for three consecutive terms. In 1868, he was defeated for the same office by the late Hon. William H. Walker. Mr. Walker having died, Mr. Baker was, in Novem- ber, elected to fill the vacancy. In 1871 he was again elected, by a large majority, to a full term of three years-showing that his fidelity to the city's interests and business capacity were 3
18
Evansville and its Men of Mark.
appreciated by his fellow-citizens. His official career was ter- minated only by his death, which occurred on the 23d of May, 1872 : and thus died one of the brightest ornaments of that cluster of great men, whose histories are indissolubly linked with that of the Crescent City !
As husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Baker lived together nearly thirty-nine years; and while they have accomplished much good for the children of others, have never been blessed with any of their own. In 1837, he and his wife connected themselves with the Lutheran Church, of St. Thomas, of which his parents were members, During their residence in this city- they have been members of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church.
William Baker was noted, intellectually, for possessing.a logical mind and sound judgment. His mechanical genius was very great, as also his aptitude with tools; and it is said that he never failed in any effort to construct anything of either wood, leather, or iron.
William Baker was a great man, in the true sense of the term ; his motto was . " Anything that is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." The logical character of his mind would never permit him to sleight the least important detail ; and the conscientious fidelity to duty and the perfection of workmanship would force him to employ hour after hour, in the silent watches of the night to labors which, to many, seemed of minor impor- tance, but which he ever regarded as essential to the successful completion of the work in hand. His kindness to the poor was proverbial, and his feelings were easily aroused - either with pity for suffering, or indignation at injustice and wrong. He was an especial friend of the Public Schools, of which he, at one time, assumed the superintendency, in addition to his other arduous labors. William Baker's skill and energy have erected monuments which are enduring to his memory, in our system of sewers ; most of our paved streets; many of our school- houses, and other memorials of his faithfulness, prudence, and financial tact.
-
JOHN SHANKLIN.
John Shanklin,
RETIRED MERCHANT.
B UT few of our prominent citizens have acquired their wealth by inheritance. Those who have made their mark in law, commerce, or finance, here, commenced life's duties with only the capital of Energy and Industry to guarantee them success in the strife for fortune and happiness. Of this class was JOHN SHANKLIN, Esq., now one of our most influential citizens.
He was born near Derry, Donegal County, Ireland, on the 17th of February, 1796. His father, John Shanklin, Sr., was an Irish patriot, and perished in the Rebellion of '98, while fighting the oppressors of his beloved country. Our subject's education was such as farmers' boys usually receive in that country. In his thirteenth year he entered, as an apprentice, a general store at Donegal. He remained in this establishment till his eighteenth year, when he embarked for the United States, arriving at New York on the 5th of August, 1815. The voyage lasted six weeks, and although performed in a sailing vessel, was a rich treat for the young emigrant.
He immediately entered the wholesale hardware establish- ment of Samuel and James Lambert, No. 23 Pearl Street, New York. After continuing with the Lamberts three years, he met a Mr. Miles-a hardware dealer, of Frankfort, Kentucky-who invited him to become a salesman at his establishment. He accepted the invitation, and the engagement was consummated.
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