USA > Indiana > Posey County > History and directory of Posey County [Indiana] : containing an account of the early settlement and organization of the county : also a complete list of the tax-payers, their post-office addresses and places of residence, together with a business directory of Mt. Vernon and New Harmony also biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the county > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00828 2490
ARTER
-DEALERS IN-
HARDWARE
FURNITURE, STOVES, TINWARE, -AND
Builders' Materials, Tin Roofing and Buttering a Specialty. No. 23 Main Street, MT. VERNON, IND.
EUGENE A. WILSON,
PROPRIETOR POST OFFICE NEWS STAND, DEALER IN
Fruits, Nuts, Candies, Tobacco AND CIGARS,
Stationery, News, Periodicals, Etc., MT. VERNON, IND.
C. Isaacs,
Printed and Bound this Work, at his
--- First-class Book Establishment EVANSVILLE, IND,
ANTON RABEN.
GEORGE NAAS.
RABEN
NAAS,
DEA
Wittemberg - Sorber
-DEALERS IN-
DRY
ODS
MEN'S & BOYS'-
CLOTHING, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Notions, ge., Nos. 26 & 28 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, Ind.
THE
Att. Vernon Democrat,
( Established in 1867, ) ALBERT A. SPARKS, EDITOR & PROPRIETOR, MT. VERNON, INDIANA,
THE OFFICIAL PAPER OF POSEY CO.
. The Democrat is an Eight-Page Quarto, is Democratic in Politics, at all times and under all circumstances, and is fearless in its expressions. of opinions on all current topics!
The EMOGRA r has the largest circula= tion of any paper in the County, and is conse= quently the Best and most Reliable ad= vertising medium.
All kinds of Job Work, Neatly and Promptly
executed.9.
JOHN PFEFFER.
PHILLIP. TRAUDT.
Pfeffer raudt
PROPRIETORS OF
Favorite Mills,
And Dealers in
Flour, Corn-Meal,&c.
Corner Third & Mill Sts.,
Mt. Vernon, Indiana,
Highest Price Paid For Wheat.
*
Philipp Allann,
49 MAIN STREET, MT. VERNON, IND.,
Who is a Merchant Tailer,
Is the Largest Dealer in this Line here and carries one of the Largest
and best assorted stocks of PIECE G in the City.
As a cutter of clothing, Mr. Mann has no superior in the county, and by making faultless fits and turning out a superb grade of work, his reputation as a fashionable tailor has spread throughout this section of country and many who formerly had their fashionable work made in Evansville, now get it here. Mr. Mann, keeps always on hand a full and complete line of Piece Goods, ranging in quality from the richest and most costly to the cheaper grades, to suit every taste and condition of purse. They are all brand new, fresh and of the best quality of the most fashionable shades and colors, and made up to order in any style as cheaply as the same can be bought for in this market from the fact that Mr. Mann pays cash and gets the benefit of all discounts, which advantage he extends to his customers in the way of low prices. Both as a Merchant and Tailor; Mr. Mann understands his business thoroughly, is a clever, liberal and affable gentleman, and parties entrusting work to his care may rest assured that it will receive his per- sonal attention, and that satisfaction will be guaranteed in every case.
Vincent daleckesser,
-DEALER IN-
Family Groceries,
CHOICE LIQUORS,
CIGARS & TOBACCO,
No. 94, Corner Main & Fourth Sts.,
Mt. Vernon, Indiana.
Stock Accommodated at his Large Wagon and Stock Yard.
Storage Capacity, 300,000 Bushels. Grinding Capacity, 1,000 Barrels per Day.
Favorite City Mills.
-ESTABLISHED 1852 .-
THEODORE HUDNUT,
Manufacturer of
Hominy, Grits,
Pearl Meal, Feed, CORN FLOUR, CLEAN MEAL.
MILLS IN TERRE HAUTE, IND. MT. VERNON, IND., CLINTON LOCKS, IND. IT, S. A,
All our Goods are First Class and thoroughly - KILN DRIED, -
-
UGLAS
PHOTOGRAPHER,
EVANSVILLE
Makes a
Specialty of Fine
Satisfaction guaranteed or money Refunded.
Posey County Court House-Erected A. D. 1876.
history and Directory Posey County
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by W. P. LEONARD, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
HISTORY
-AND
DIRECTORY
-OF-
POSEY COUNTY, Ind.
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ORGANI- ZATION OF THE COUNTY OF POSEY, IND., WITH REFERENCES TO THE FORMATION OF THE NORTH WEST TERRITORY, INDIANA TERRITORY, AND THE STATE OF INDIANA; ALSO NUMEROUS INCI- DENTS, TRAGICAL AND OTHERWISE, WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE COUNTY; ALSO A COMPLETE LIST OF THE TAX-PAYERS, THEIR POST-OFFICE ADDRESSES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE, TOGETHER WITH A BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF MT. VERNON AND NEW HAR- MONY, BESIDES LOCAL & GENERAL INFORMATION OF PECULIAR INTEREST : ALSO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY.
BY W. P. LEONARD.
EVANSVILLE: A. C. ISAACS, BOOK PRINTER & BINDER 1882.
INDEX TO CONTENTS.
PAGE
Bethel Twp, (sketch of) . .
5I
Blackford (sketch of) .
86
Black Twp, (sketch of) .
50
Blairsville, (sketch of) . 88 Business Directory Mt. Ver-
non and New Harmony . . 245
Caborn, (sketch of)
88
Calvin (sketch of) .
88
Center Twp, (sketch of )
52
Chainville (sketch of)
88
Courts of the County
24
Cynthiana (sketch of)
88
Farmersville (sketch of)
89
Governors of Indiana
II7
Governors ofIndiana Territory 1 1 7
Grafton (sketch of) .
89
Harmony Twp (sketch of) .
51
History Early settlement and
organization
of
Posey
County
3
"Hoop-Pole" Twp (sketch of) 53 Incidents-Tragical and other- wise . . 92
Judges Supreme Court of In-
diana .
II6
Lynn Twp (sketch of)
50
Mt. Vernon (sketch of) .
54
Manufacturing facilities and
results . .
16
Marrs Twp (sketch of)
49
New Baltimore (sketch of) . .
89
New Harmony (sketch of) ..
75
PAGE
Officers of Posey County . . 112
Point Twp (sketch of) .
.
52
Posey County Court House
Frontispiece
Posey County Directory I3I
Posey's War Record . .
36
Price's Station (sketch of)
90
Robb Twp (sketch of) .
49
Robinson Twp (sketch of) 5I
Saint Phillip
90
St. Wendel .
90
Smith Twp (sketch of)
49
Springfield .
90
Stewartsville
91
Wadesville .
91
Wagnon Twp (sketch of)
51
West Franklin
92
Winfield (sketch of)
89
Woodville .
92
BIOGRAPHICAL-
Alexander Mrs M . 118
Brinkman Henry .
119
Brown Edward .
120
Crunk Alexander
I2I
Edson Judge Wm P . 123
Hayes Edward S .
124
Hutcheson Philo A
I26
Milner Sylvanus. . I27
Rowe George D .
I27
Schnurr Henry
I28
Welborn Joseph .
129
1480982 INDEX TO ADVERTISEMENTS.
PAGE
Artes Chas F .
I42
Blount Henry F
262
Edson W. P .
196
Finch V. C. & Co.
164
Gentry Bros .
212
Green & Hutcheson
212
Gronemeier S. H .
212
Heilman William
I44
Henrich George .
148
Herrmann & Bro .
261
Isaacs A C . .
212
Kilbinger John .
Louisville & Nashville Ry. (Evansville Route) 156
I64
Magill Jas. & Robt.
146
Maier Conrad . .
I72
McCallister A. C. & Son
146
Miller George & Co.
. 212
Miller John W. .
212
Oregon Mill Co.
208
Schiela J. F. & Bro
180
Schneider & Co.
212
Shearer & Briggs
164
Thomas & Topper
180
Tischendorf Emma
233
Walz John .
180
Wardelmann John
196
Wasem Andrew
212
Weber Peter
148
Weir C. P. .
164
Weisinger Henry
Ichaud
Smith Elwood .
180
Owen Ernest D. .
I42
McArthur Wm. M. & Co.
172
204
L. EISENBURG & CO.,
CDEALERS IN
Fashionable CLOTHING Ready Made -AND-
Gent's Furnishing Goods,
NO. 119 MAIN STREET, EVANSVILLE, IND.
JACOB BISCHOFF &CO., Corner Store and Second Streets, MT. VERNON, IND.
DEALERS IN GROCERIES, LIQUORS Crockery, Glassware & Country Produce.
A. W. NEUMANN, FUNERAL DIRECTOR
Manufacturer and Dealer in Burial Cases, Caskets, Robings, Shrouds And General Funeral Outfits. Furniture and Store Outfits to Order. Fourth Street, bet. Main & Store Sts., MT. VERNON, IND.
J. H. SCHRICHTE, TAILOR,
NO. 124 MAIN STREET, Evansville, Ind. The finest work done and fits guaranteed.
ESTABLISHED IN 1854.
Rosenbaum & Bro.
The Largest, Best Appointed and Cheapest Dry Goods House IN THE STATE OF INDIANA.
We keep full and complete assortments of every grade, style and quality, from the Cheapest to the Finest Goods made.
Carpets, Oil Cloths, Mattings & Rugs a Specialty. LACE CURTAINS, WINDOW SHADES & LAMBREQUINS. 76 and 78 Main Street, MT. VERNON, IND. New York Office: 500 BROADWAY.
Samples and prices sent everywhere on application.
August Schieber,
Water Street, Mt. Vernon, Ind.
DEALER IN
FANCY & STAPLE GROCERIES And all kinds of Country Produce.
Everything kept in a First-Class Establishment can be found at
SCHIEBER'S STORE,
1)The bar is always supplied with the choicest Liquors and Cigars. If you want to be treated courteously and fairly give Gus a call.
PREFATORY.
WRITTEN history perpetuates glorious achievements, keeps alive epochs of the ages, revives events of the past, and by this means is made a valuable medium of information of an interesting and instructive nature. to the living and to their remote descendants. The art of writing, therefore, is the grandest of the long list of valuable discoveries, while that of reading takes second rank. These two accomplishments have contributed more towards the advancement and enjoyment of the races than all others combined. By writing, the beautiful fruits of fertile, energetic minds have been handed down from distant periods in the past and will be preserved for the far-reaching future, and which refined ambition, the gem of qualities possessed by man, will endeavor to surpass. By reading, the mental capacities are enlarged, thought is encouraged and memo- ry cultivated. The combination of both produces oratory, learning and morality. They destroy the germ of dissension and thus prevent wicked conflict. They create admiration, they destroy contention. They ennoble human character; they drive home with eloquent force the wedge of truth, and fasten everlasting disgrace and pun- ishment upon the brutal acts of the evil-doer. They bring and hold principle at the front and make infamy repulsive.
The art of writing is an impress of thought, A glorious thing, however dearly bought.
Deeds of devotion, of patriotism and of heroism are recorded in the pages of history by means of this knowledge, and they are en- graven as permanently there as if fixed upon steel or stone. Through this splendid medium we are enabled to transmit to future genera- tions, that may come and go with the tide of life, a recital of scenes and incidents which have come to pass within the limits of Posey County since the date of its early settlement and organization.
That our book is not free from errors we do not deny-all things originating from human action have been and always shall be vulner- able to the attacks of criticism. But we hope that our foibles may be dealt with in that spirit of charity which leaveneth the burden of weakness and aids the power of endurance.
To our many kind friends who have assisted us in the prosecution of our labors of compilation, to our patrons on whom the publication of our work largely depended, we offer our grateful thanks,
2
PREFATORY.
The work of research alone has been attended with a trial of per- severance that cannot be approximated, while the arduous task of arrangement cannot be comprehended by any save those who are familiar in detail with a work of like character.
Now that the product of our industry is ready to launch upon the sea of inspection, where it must encounter the waves of fault, and finally, we fear, be stranded upon the beach of exacting critical judg- ment, we send it forth with that destiny which must shape its end.
We hope at some future time to publish a revision of our work, when we shall embody such additional interesting and valuable facts as have been necessarily ignored in this work. W. P. L.
ERRATA
On page 22, line 38, the word " land" should appear after the word "enter." On page 34, line 27, " are qualified " should read are well qualified. On page 34, line 35, " are employed " should be inserted after the word "teachers." On page 62, line 39, the words "between the parties" should be omitted. On page 85, line I, the word completed should be used instead of the word "built."" On page 126, line 26, " 1879" should read 1871.
HISTORICAL.
EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF POSEY COUNTY-FRENCH DOMINITION-TREATY BETWEEN FRANCE AND ENGLAND - THE " PALISAD(ED" FORT AT THE MOUTH OF THE WABASH-PREHIS- TORIC-THE IROQUOIS AND ALONQUIN INDIANS-BLACK HAWK'S DEATH - THE NATION'S BIRTH - VIRGINIA'S CESSION TO THE UNITED STATES-FORMATION OF INDIANA TERRITORY-APPOINT- MENT OF GOVERNOR HARRISON-INDIANA BECOMES A STATE- ELECTION OF JONATHAN JENNINGS, GOVERNOR - FIRST REPRE- SENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATURE-ORIGINAL COUNTIES OF THE TERRITORY AND STATE OF INDIANA-ORIGIN OF POSEY COUNTY'S NAME-THE REMOVAL OF THE CAPITAL-GENERAL NOTES.
IN the vicissitudes of human affairs we find the existence of a general law, that the genius of the world is continual change
" From life to death, from death to life again."
In the common events of life this invariable law of change separates friend from friend-relatives from those most dear to each other ; the fireside that is cheerful to-day in a short time may find some, if not all its members, scattered abroad in distant lands.
It is often interesting and useful to trace the leading events of the history of our country, not only from the first appearance of the white man, but back to prehistoric ages, the only proof of which we have exists in the scientific revelations of the scientists of the present day.
But we may note, as we pass, the immutable changes that are con- stantly being made within the scope of our historic knowledge, and trace the improvements of mankind-in the present age-to the uni- versal advancement in the arts and sciences, agriculture and religion,
In 1814, or a little more than sixty-seven years ago, the organiza- tion of Posey County became one of the historical events of the early settlement of the Northwest Territory-two years before the great State of Indiana was admitted to the Union to fulfill a glorious part of America's destiny. Just previous to that time, in 1813, Warrick County, under an act of the Territorial government, was formed, and embraced, according to the bill, "All that territory which lies south of a line commencing at a point on the Wabash River, at the southwest corner of Gibson County, and running east to the line of Harrison County ; thence south to the Ohio River," which included the exist-
4
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
ing counties of Posey, Vanderburgh, Perry, a part of Crawford, Warrick and Spencer ; and which, previous to that time, comprised the greater portion of Knox. The county seat of Warrick at that time was the unpretentious village of Evansville. In the month of Sep- tember, 1814, by an act of the Legislature, Posey County was formed from parts of Gibson and Warrick. Then, in December, 1818, Van- derburgh was formed from Gibson, Warrick and Posey, when the present boundaries of Posey County were permanently fixed. At the formation of Indiana Territory it was divided into four counties, viz : Knox, Harrison, Clark and Dearborn.
When we look back upon that age from this era of marvelous de- velopment and progression, when we draw a comparison of the condi- tion of affairs as they were then and as they are now, we find it hard to believe that such a change as has taken place could possibly be wrought.
It is hard, indeed, to credit the stories of the severe trials related to us by those who experienced them, and to believe that they are anything more than tales of fiction, emanating from minds full of love for sensation, and from persons courting distinction in connection with deeds of romance. But history is infallible, and for that reason we consult its musty, dust-begrimed pages, to find that their words are verified therein ; to find that it is a "twice-told tale."
And through this means, true as holy writ, We find no marks of a mischievous wit; By thorough and close investigation We learn the mighty truth of dissemination.
Yes, the ones who give us statements regarding the condition of things in the days of long-ago, do so with no hope of being made the heroes of a startling narrative, or with any desire to have their names inscribed upon the immortal pages of history, as prominent actors in dramas of tragical situations that never had existence in reality.
Inasmuch as the French claimed all that territory lying west of the Allegheny Mountains, and opposed all attempts made by the English to establish trading posts in that section, a clash of arms became one of the imminent and existing dangers from 1750 until the year 1763, when a definitive treaty between those countries was effected at the city of Paris, February roth. In the year 1753 the government of England, satisfied that the question of settlement and possession could be decided only by conflict, urged a union of the English colo- nies, and accordingly preparations in Virginia, for the protection of the frontiers, by raising a military force, were inaugurated. In 1754, George Washington, the first President of the United States, then a young army officer under the British Crown, made, upon the order of the Governor of Virginia, a reconnaissance of the territory lying in
5
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
the vicinity of the headwaters of the Ohio, for the purpose of locating military posts and subjugating the country under British rule. It was while Major Washington was at Fort DuQuesne, the present site of Pittsburgh, that he learned from the Frenchmen of the existence of a "small palisadœd fort" on the Ohio River, at the mouth of the Wa- bash, "where a large mound exists." The "mound" referred to was evidently the work of that peculiar race who inhabited America so many years ago. It is the opinion of those who have made a study of the mound builders, that the representatives of that extinct race of people inhabited Posey County a thousand or more years ago. Evi- dences of an extensive knowledge of the arts and mechanics are shown in the relics that they have left behind, a great many of which are in the possession of Mr. Charles J. Hovey and the estate of the late Dr. M. S. Blunt, of Mt. Vernon. The mound from which numerous implements of warfare, cooking utensils and various tools have been taken during the past half century (which was known for a great many years as "bone bank") has nearly all been washed away by the waters of the Wabash River, and which leaves the county nearly destitute of all traces of that industrious, ingenious and pecu- liar race of people. The early white inhabitants of the county sup- posed the mound was constructed by the Indians, as a "look-out," and as a protection from surprises by the enemy ; but excavations and research of the scientific men of the country, have forced the con- clusion that the theory regarding a prehistoric race is the most tangi- ble. They were beyond question much more civilized than the natives discovered by Columbus, and it is therefore to be deplored that their origin, history, progress and decay lie buried in obscurity. Many of their mounds are still in existence in the Mississippi Valley, as well as in Mexico and South America. from which Mr. Hovey has personally taken some rare specimens of their workmanship. Many theories have been advanced by the historian and naturalist regarding this race, but no positive determination has been reached ; and what became of them will probably never be known, as the names of their rulers have not been preserved, nor is there any record of the exploits of their chieftains.
When the European explorers visited this country, nearly four centuries ago, they found the natives wholly ignorant of arts or litera- ture, and without any knowledge of their origin. Nothing could be learned from them concerning their predecessors, either by tradition or otherwise. The origin of the Indian race, therefore, is merely speculative, though the supposition that they sprang from the Mongo- lians of Asia, crossing probably at Behring Straits and coming south, is not without some reason. ' The absence of tradition or recorded history makes it impossible to trace the exact source of this race,
6
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
though a strong physical resemblance between the immediate descend- ants of Shem and the American Indians is conclusive evidence that Eastern Asia was the place of their origin. The assumption of this theory being true, they met the descendants of Japheth on the Western Continent in the fifteenth century, after having passed half the dis- tance around the globe, in opposite directions from Mt. Ararat, the point where Noah and his sons took their departure from the ark, after their memorable confinement in that vessel. A few years after this meeting took place the descendants of Ham, the other branch of the family of Noah -- who occupied Ethiopia-were brought to the New World from Africa, which was a fulfillment of the prophetic words contained in the 9th chapter and 27th verse of the book of Genesis: "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem and Canaan shall be his servant."
It will only be necessary, of the several tribes who inhabited this country at the time of the discovery of America, to refer to the Alon- quins and the Iroquois. The Alonquins occupied the seaboard of the Atlantic, while the Iroquois made their home in a section of country farther west. Various tribes sprang from the lineage of these two, each adopting customs and laws distinct from the others, between whom a warfare to determine a supremacy was continually carried on. The encroachments of the white man (in the seventeenth century) on their territory, resulted in the formation of a confederacy of the Indi- ans, allying all the tribes, from the lakes to the gulf, in one "common bond of brotherhood," whose mutual object was protection from inva- sion by the intruders. King Phillip, an Alonquin, assumed control of the forces thus allied, and through his incursions desolation and terror were spread through the British Colonies of New England, from 1675 to 1677, when that bold and invincible warrior died.
The Northwestern Confederacy was composed of the Kaskaskias, Peorias, Michigans, Cahokias, Tamaroas. Miamis and Illinois. From these tribes were descended the numerous other tribes which have figured in our later history, the most prominent of which were the Sacs and Foxes, who, after many hard fought and desperate battles, were forced to conclude a treaty of peace and retire to the country west of the Mississippi River. The chief of the Sacs in later days, (Black Hawk), who will be remembered alike for his bravery and eloquence, at the end of the memorable war which was known by his name, erected a home near the present site of DesMoines, Iowa, where he spent the remainder of his eventful life, engaging in agri- cultural pursuits, hunting and fishing. He died October 3, 1838, at the age of 71 years.
During the years of French dominition the Northwest Territory enjoyed an era of peace, plenty and happiness. The inhabitants
7
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
lived in Arcadian simplicity. Their wants were few and easily sup- plied from the bountiful soil and the spoils of the chase. The land "flowed with milk and honey;" the government was mild and paternal ; love of gain was almost unknown.
The Northwest Territory embraced all that country lying north of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi rivers, which, at the close of the desperate "Seven Years' War," became a possession of Great Britain, the country being formally transferred to that power in July, 1765, when Captain Sterling, of the English army, assumed command of it.
The Territory was under the control of the British thirteen years, when, on the 4th of July, 1778, (when the Revolutionary war was in progress), the red cross of St. George was taken from its heights and went down in blood, and the "glorious emblem of liberty," so dear to the thirteen colonies, was unfurled to the breeze ; and the Declara- tion of Independence, made on that day two years before, was grandly fulfilled, though not until the 19th of October, 1781, was it proclaimed that a new nation was born-a nation that was to achieve wonders and perhaps become foremost in everything pertaining to a high order of civilization before her "rise and fall" had been recorded in the book of time.
At the close of the Revolutionary war the Northwest Territory, under colonial rule, belonged to Virginia until 1784, when it was ceded by that State to the General Government of the United States. By appropriate acts of Congress the General Government established a territorial form of government, giving it the name of the North- western Territory, which continued until the passage of the ordinance of 1787. When the civil organization of the Territory was finished, despite critical Indian affairs, emigrants continued to come from the East in great numbers, until 1800, when it was deemed necessary to make another division of the Territory, and Indiana Territory was formed, of which General William H. Harrison, a native of Virginia, received the appointment of Governor, succeeding Arthur St. Clair, who was Governor of "the Territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio" from October 5, 1787, to July 4, 1800.
A memorial was adopted by the Legislature of Indiana Territory, which, on December 28, 1815, was laid before Congress by Jonathan Jennings, the Territorial delegate, and which petitioned that body to order an election in the several counties on the first Monday in May, (13th), 1816, for the purpose of electing representatives to determine the expediency of organizing a State government. The bill was approved and it became a law on April 19th, 1816. The member of the Con- stitutional Convention elected from Posey County was Dann Lynn, (his opponent being Peter Wilkerson), which completed its labors on June 29th, 1816; and. on August 16th, of that year, the first State
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