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NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 08181994 2
فهما
حكم بيض
Knot. Co.
GREENE
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HISTORY
OF
OLD VINCENNES
AND
KNOX COUNTY
INDIANA
By GEORGE E. GREENE
VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO,
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY.
1911
S.J
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R 1912 1
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
The historical relation of Vincennes and Knox County to the Northwest Territory and the Nation-Gen. George Rogers Clark's adventure- some nature and patriotic zeal lead to the acquisition for the common country of a scope of land as vast as an empire. 5
CHAPTER II.
THE PRESENT REMINDERS OF A FORGOTTEN PAST.
The Mound Builders-The memorials they left in Knox County-Orna- ments and implements of stone-The pipe a fine specimen of their mechanical skill-Had knowledge of pottery and were tillers of the soil-Wabash Indians-The Miamis-Shawnees-Pottawatomies- Weas, or Quiatenons-Kickapoos-Indian treaties-Glacial deposits and remains of prehistoric mammals 8
CHAPTER III.
THE FIRST BLACK ROBED PRIESI TO VISIT VINCENNES. .
Early communications between the peoples of Canada and the Old Post -Fate of these missionaries brought by Champlain from France to America-Routes of voyagers to western country-Fame forgets some good actors in military drama presented at Vincennes a century and a third since-The village of Chippecoke-The Wabash Country
iii
iv
CONTENTS
supposed to contain gold and silver deposits-Illinois Indians mould bullets on Bunker Hill-Marquette's exploration of the Mississippi river and his supposed visit to Vincennes.
22
CHAPTER IV.
SPECULATIONS OF HISTORIANS ON FIRST SETTLEMENT OF VINCENNES.
The Indians' hospitable treatment of French voyageurs-Random data relating to early settlement of Vincennes, which introduces General Gage and his demand on the inhabitants at the post to show land titles-Extent of fur trade in the northwest and how viewed by Louis XIV-La Salle in the Wabash Country-The Vincennes anti- quarian and historical society placed the founding of Philadelphia and Vincennes about the same time.
33
CHAPTER V.
THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF VINCENNES.
A tribute to the missionaries and their labors-National acts of Euro- pean nations make local history-Important results growing out of Clark's conquest-How foreign powers acquired territory in North 'America-Vincennes an historic spot-The mad rush for land and its baleful effects on Burr and Clark-Cross and sword implanted in new soil-"Key to the Northwest Territory" dedicated to religion and civilization-First church west of the Alleghany mountains ..... 46
CHAPTER VI.
THE SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL LIFE OF FIRST SETTLERS.
Homes of the people-Functions of society's votaries in the eighteenth century-The diffierikties of travel -- Policies of French insure unity among themselves and secure good wall of Indians-Land allotments for agricultural purposes-Natives not annoyed by lawyers or courts -How many of the inhabitants viewed education and religion- Father Marest and Father Mermet teach and preach-Father Mer- met and the Mascoutins-Father Rivet and the first public school west of the Alleghanies-Racial suicide not in vogue in early times- Adventures of voyageurs celebrated with balls-The Earl of Selkirk entertained by Vincennes' four hundred. 57
V
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VII.
THE ARRIVAL OF MORGANE DE VINSENNE AT THE OLD POST.
Peace and quietude of the ancient village-Historians find the problem of De Vinsenne's origin difficult of solution-Battle with the Chicka- saw Indians-De Vinsenne and Father Senat burned at the stake- De Vinsenne's military career-Three brothers of the Richardville family killed by the Chickasaws-The fourth brother, wounded, taken prisoner-Escapes after nearly two years' captivity. 69
CHAPTER VIII.
THE ADVENT OF THE OLD POST'S FOURTH COMMANDANT.
Arrival of St. Ange Belle Rive from Fort Chartres-His faithful and beneficent administration-Improves the fort, church and village- Specimen of land grants issued by him-Wabash Indians show a streak of hostility-Pontiac interviews St. Ange-Brief biography 77
of the old commandant-His death in St. Louis.
CHAPTER IX.
A PEN PICTURE OF VINCENNES' POPULATION AT AN EARLY DAY.
Missionaries pave the way for the pioneers-The French always allies of America-The effect of the savage and the wilderness on refined natures-Glimpses of the Wabash Country by early travelers- Spaniards said to have occupied the post for a very brief season, and sold land in this vicinity-Except Colonel Vigo, no Spaniard ever became a permanent resident of Vincennes .. 82
CHAPTER X.
THE BEAUTIES AND BOUNTIES OF NATURE.
The early settlers avocations-The forests yield abundantly of fruit and nuts-Superior quality of grapes-Primitive implements and modes of agriculture-Peculiar harness for beasts of burden-The bee hunter-How the French viewed the British-Descendants of dis- tinguished French families-Messieurs. Poullet and Richardville- The Wabash Creole an interesting character 88
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XI.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY BECOMES DOMAINS OF THE BRITISHI.
France and England's first decisive clash of arms on the American con- tinent-Defeat of General Braddock-The fall of Quebec, and death of General Wolfe and the Marquis De Montcalm-The treaty be- tween France and England-Pontiac, and the wily chief's conspiracy -Old Fort Chartres and its commanders-The Piankeshaws and other tribes at Vincennes convey more than thirty-seven million acres of land-St. Marie and the happy inhabitants at the Old Post. .. ... 97
CHAPTER XII.
THE FIRST ENGLISH AND AMERICAN COMMANDANTS AT VINCENNES.
Lieutenant Ramsey's brief visit-Lieutenant-Governor Abbott, of De- troit, assumes charge as superintendent of Post St. Vincennes-A kind and considerate English officer-The old fort rechristened "Sackville"-Its site determined after years of controversy, and a marker placed to designate the spot-The location of Fort Knox a mooted question-Fruit trees and vegetable gardens features of the premises of early inhabitants-"Forts" as defenses of settlements against Indians built in several sections of Knox County-Descrip- tion and legends of beautiful Fort Knox. .110
CHAPTER XIII.
A PATRIOT WHO DESERVES THE NATION'S PRAISE.
Father Pierre Gibault proves himself a worthy ally of America-His great love for liberty and humanity endear him to all loyal citizens -His inestimable services to General Clark in the conquest of the Northwest Territory-How the patriotic man won the British sub- jects at Kaskaskia and Vincennes to the American cause-Colonel Francis Busseron a valuable aid to Gibault in perfecting his patriotic plans-Captain Busseron, prominent in civil and military affairs --- Foster father of Alice of old Vincennes-Burning of the old La . Salle house 123
CHAPTER XIV.
THE LOYALTY OF A SPANISH SOLDIER TO AMERICA.
Colonel Francis Vigo shows his sympathy for an oppressed people- Spends money to aid the cause of liberty and dies in poverty-Cap-
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CONTENTS
tured by Indians and taken before Hamilton-Vigo's substantial aid to Colonel Clark-His sad death and neglected grave-Short sketch of John Badollet, a colleague of Vigo-First registrar of public lands and his successors-Alleged uprising at Vincennes against Spain- Seizure of Vincennes merchant by Spaniards.
134
CHAPTER XV.
THE CONCEPTION OF CLARK'S NORTHWESTERN CAMPAIGN.
George Rogers Clark leaves Virginia to become a citizen of Kentucky- A tower of strength with people of adopted state-Elected to legis- lature-Urges needs of his constituents before Governor Henry and legislature-Procures gunpowder from Virginia for protection of Kentucky settlements-The voyage with the ammunition-Reveals to Governor Patrick Henry plans of his proposed campaign against British in Northwest Territory-Expedition leaves Corn Island un- der distressing conditions-The voyage down the Ohio-The march from Fort Massac to Kaskaskia -- The bewildered guide-Arrival of Clark and his men at Kaskaskia-The surprised natives-Capture of the Fort-Rocliblave, commandant, taken prisoner to Virginia- Councils with the Indians. .150
CHAPTER XVI.
THE CAPTURE OF VINCENNES FROM THE BRITISHI.
Colonel Clark casts a longing look at Vincennes from Kaskaskia-Father Gibault visits the old post to convert its inhabitants to Americanism -Capt. Helm takes charge of Fort Sackville-Clark wins the "Grand door of the Wabash"-Trouble with the Troops-Clark makes friends with Spaniards-His speech to the Indians-Virginia estab- lishes Illinois County-Hamilton's march from Detroit to Vincennes -Helm's alarming letter to Clark-Hamilton takes Fort Sackville from Helm-Clark's ignorance of Hamilton's presence at Vincennes -Vigo gives Clark valuable information-Clark decides to move against Hamilton-The dreadful march from Kaskaskia to Vincennes -Clark's message to the inhabitants of Vincennes-Firing on the fort-The battle between the contending forces-Clark demands Hamilton to surrender-The fight resumed-Hamilton surrenders- Articles of capitulation-Capture of British boat on the Wabash- Hamilton taken in irons with other British prisoners to Williamsburg -His blood-stained record.
173
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XVII.
VIRGINIA EXTENDS CIVIL GOVERNMENT TO TIIE NORTIIWEST TERRITORY.
A fight with the Delawares-Clark's reinforcements arrive-Death of Labalme-Arrival of Col. Todd as lieutenant-governor of Illinois County-Appoints Mr. Le Gras to act for him at Vincennes-Queer conduct of court in issuing land grants-Governor Harrison's letter on the subject-High cost of living at the old post-Indian hostili- ties-Death of Col. Todd-Treaty of peace between England and America-Indians make war on American settlers-Clark's position in the Spain affair and treatment of Spanish merchants-Last days and death of General Clark-Virginia cedes the Northwest Territory to the United States .. . 215
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE ORGANIZATION OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Arthur St. Clair appointed first governor-Preceded to the territory by General Harmar and Major Hamtramck-First laws promulgated -Indian hostilities on the frontiers-Killing of troops on the Wabash -Joel Tougard sends Indian to happy hunting grounds-Tougard's flatboat experiences-Col. Vigo and other traders encounter band of Indian pirates on Wabash-Antoine Gamelin holds conferences with warriors of several nations-Views of Washington, Knox, St. Clair and Hamtramck on the Indian situation-Famine-stricken in- habitants-Father Gibault to the rescue-Judge Henry Vanderburg -Early customs-Typical French dwelling-Count Volney's views of the people and country-Capt. Toussaint Dubois-His tragic death-John Jackson and Judge Bowman-Bowman's suicide-Dr. Capman and his pupils-Legend of Dark Hollow 236
CHAPTER XIX.
OLD VINCENNES BECOMES FIRST CAPITAL OF TERRITORY OF INDIANA.
William Henry Harrison appointed first governor-Officers, laws and population of territory-The sentiment on slavery-First general assembly-Old legislature building-Benjamin Parke-Harrison treats with Indians-Value of manufactured products in 1810-Ar- rival of Harrison at Vincennes-The Harrison mansion-Efforts to preserve it-Indian complaints not without justification-The prophet
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CONTENTS
and Tecumseh-Tecumseh and Harrison in council-The celebrated pow-wow -- Harrison addresses a speech to the prophet and Tecum- seh-Seat of government changed to Corydon-Governor Posey ar- rives-The battle of Tippecanoe-Names of Vincennes men who took part in it-General Harrison bullet proof-Pen picture of Te- cumseh-The battle of the Thames-Death of Tecumseh-Harrison elected president of the United States-His inauguration and sad death-His tomb at North Bend. 276
CHAPTER XX.
A FEW OF VINCENNES' NOTABLE CITIZENS IN EARLY DAYS.
Governors Gibson and Posey-Logan's speech-General Zachary Taylor -His daughter wooed by Jefferson Davis-The "Trysting Boulder" -General Robert Evans-Judge William Prince-His romantic courtship-Nathaniel Ewing-Judge John Law-The fading of forests and streams-Disappearance of beasts and birds-The buf- falo and the paroquet-Sporting items of the past and present- Horse racing and cock fighting-Old Man Black-Fishing resorts and big game fish-Athletic, sporting, hunting, fishing and outing clubs-The feats of William Lake, pedestrian-The Skinner-Murray prize fight-Pugilist Tom Allen trains at Vincennes-Camp Dexter, the Mohawk, and the much-named Wabash river 315
CHAPTER XXI.
TIIE ESTABLISHMENT OF KNOX COUNTY.
The products of the soil-First courts and judges-Formation of first townships-First jail and court house-Murder of the De Bussieres and Julius Kluck-Lynching of Canfield and Epps-Last legal hang- ing-Burning of county records-Building of second court house- The Beckes-Scull duel-Present court house-Orphans' home-Poor asylum-Highland orphan asylum-Good Samaritan hospital-Gravel roads and railways-Early agricultural and medical societies-Bril- liant lawyers and doctors of the past and present-Members of the bar today-Names of men who have held official positions in county from its organization to date. 335
x
CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXII.
THE BEAUTY AND BOUNTY OF LAND AROUND THE OLD POST.
Townships and towns of Knox County-Their earliest settlements- Old-time industries-Merchants of pioneer days and the present- The Shakers of Busseron Township-First Presbyterian church in Indiana built in Palmyra Township-The Old Maria Creek Baptist church-Brief mention of the commercial, social, religious and frater- nal life of Busseron, Bruceville, Bicknell, Deckers, Dicksburg, Emi- son, Edwardsport, Freelandsville, Frichton, Monroe City, Oaktown, Purcell's. Sandborn, Wheatland and Westphalia. 36
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES OF CITY AND COUNTY.
The Vincennes university-Brief history of its trials and tribulations for nearly a century-First and present trustees of the institution- After a lapse of years their efforts to establish a just claim are re- warded-The public schools of Vincennes-Pioneer and present schools of the rural districts, towns and hamlets-Graded schools of Oaktown, Emison, Monroe City, Decker, Frichton, Wheatland, Bicknell, Edwardsport, Sandborn, Bruceville and Freelandsville ... . 393
CHAPTER XXIV.
PROGRESS ALONG THE RELIGIOUS HIGHWAYS.
The relationship between the first church and first fort of the North- west Territory-The old St. Francis Xavier's church-Its first bish- ops and priests-Its present pastors-The rare and priceless collec- tion of ancient volumes in the Cathedral library-Brief sketches of the Catholic and Protestant churches of Vincennes, where the laity look with favor on all faiths-Pictures of St. Xavier's, St. John the Baptist, Sacred Heart, Methodist, Baptist, St. James, Christian, First and Bethany Presbyterian, St. John's Evangelical and St. John's Lutheran churches 411
CHAPTER XXV.
THE SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL SIDE OF VINCENNES.
Twentieth century society at the old post-Beautiful and hospitable liomes-Brief mention of some up-to-date clubs-The first Masonic
xi
CONTENTS
lodge in Indiana-Its distinguished members, and the important parts they played in the history of the Northwest Territory-An array of secret societies, fraternal and industrial organizations, historically and politically considered-Soldiers of city and county to be honored with a fifty thousand dollar monument-The university cadets in the Spanish war-Reminiscences of men and the orders they founded. . 433
CHAPTER XXVI
OLD AND NEW VINCENNES.
Incidents in the history of its shadowy past and events of the living pres- ent-Aaron Burr's visit to the Old Post, and the prominent men with whom he held audiences-Slavery in early days-Formation of the borough-Its first officers-The common lands-Banks and financial institutions of the past and present-Public libraries-The public press-Municipal matters of today-Early merchants-Old landmarks-Manufacturing industries and commercial enterprises of modern Vincennes-Their large volume of business-The city's present advantages and future possibilities-Public utilities. . . . . 464
١
1
GEORGE E. GREENE
HISTORY OF Old Vincennes . Knox County
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
THE HISTORICAL RELATION OF VINCENNES AND KNOX COUNTY TO THE NORTH- WEST TERRITORY AND THE NATION-GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK'S AD- VENTURESOME NATURE AND PATRIOTIC ZEAL LEAD TO THE ACQUISITION FOR THE COMMON COUNTRY OF A SCOPE OF LAND AS VAST AS AN EMPIRE.
History, authenticated and systematically compiled, that deals directly with pioneer life of the great northwest territory, is as charming as the most beautiful romance and as fascinating as any picture ever drawn with the facile pen of fiction. The historian, in the development of a field that invites his thought and inspires his pen, unearths facts that lie buried beneath the dust of ages, which shine forth as the light of truth reveals the story of their being with a delightful brilliancy that the recital of fanciful tales cannot impart.
The story of the growth and development of the boundless territory of which Vincennes was the capital will begin at a period when the land- scape was a gloomy and impenetrable wilderness, whose tranquility was broken only by the cries of savage men and still more savage beasts, when the dark and dense woods rang with the melody of feathered songsters and caught the rhythmic rippling of many waters, and end with the brilliant achievements of today, which the twentieth century has wrought, ever revering the memory of those men whose hearts of steel and muscles of iron, whose indomitable courage and nobility of purpose impelled them to invade that hostile land and blaze the way for the higher civilization and its attendant blessings which we now enjoy.
The historical relation Vincennes and Knox County bears, not only to the northwest territory, but to the nation at large, is so consequential
5
6
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
that every patriotic American, be he young or old, should be swayed by the lessons of patriotism to be learned from a recital of the incidents preceding and following their conquests of arms, which were precipitated by the revolution.
The capture of Vincennes from the British was an event of such moment that it subsequently contributed very largely to the greatness of the American nation. The Grecian and Roman conquests for supremacy, the gory fields of Trenton and Princeton, the exploits in every sanguinary conflict which marked the dark days of the revolution, including the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine and Concord, to recount which quickens the heart and heightens the pulse, furnished no loftier examples of valor, bravery, skill and devotion to country. And all the battles fought during the revolution did not result in the acquisition of as much territory as was acquired by this signal victory.
From that early day in the spring of 1775, when George Rogers Clark disdained the offer of Lord Dunmore as a commissioned officer in the royal service of Great Britain, Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana, was destined to play an important part in the history of this great republic. While the fires of revolt against the mother country were smouldering in the bosoms of the people of the thirteen original colonies, ready at any moment to burst forth into lurid flames of revolution, Clark forsook his native county of Albemarle, in the "Old Dominion," where he had distinguished himself as a warrior when just out of his teens, and made his first pilgrimage to the wilds of Kentucky. A mere youth, he was drawn at first from the Virginian hills to the habitat of Daniel Boone by a spirit of adventure, which grew with his growth. He made the trip alone and on foot, encoun- tering dangers innumerable and overcoming obstacles which would have been unsurmountable to the average man, fighting blood-thirsty Indians and savage beasts on hills and mountains, and in glens and deep ravines, armed only with a bowie-knife and flint-lock musket. The haunts of Boone, and Harrod, and Todd, and Logan, not only intensified his adven- turesome nature, but it awakened anew his patriotism, his love of liberty and devotion to country. He saw at a glance the resourcefulness of the new territory he had just invaded and that of the trackless wilderness that lay beyond the Ohio river which, at that time, had not been noted on the maps and was, comparatively, unknown. The spirit of revolution thrilled his heart, the fires of patriotism burned in his breast, and he returned shortly to his beloved Virginia, only to again go forth into the new world, as it were, to conquer an empire vaster in domain than the united king- doms of England, Ireland and Scotland-which was the ultimate result of Clark's capture of Vincennes from Hamilton.
The history of Vincennes and Knox County is the history of Indiana and the northwest territory, and it is the purpose of this publication to give honorable mention to every patriot and pioneer, and to their descend- ants, who have contributed in any way towards the glory of the past, the
7
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
greatness of the present, or the grand possibilities the future has in store for this city, county, state or nation. Alongside the name of Clark, high up on the same scroll, we will write that of Pierre Gibault, Francis Vigo, Harrison, Johnston, Francois Morgan de Vinsenne, Marquette, La Salle, and a host of other names familiar throughout the length and breadth of the land, and which are identified with the history of the past as well as the affairs of the present. The civil, judicial, legislative, political, religious, social, educational, military, official, commercial, industrial and agricultural life of the city and county, from the first dawn of civilization up to the high noon of today, will be presented. The busy marts of every trade and industry will be reviewed, the atmosphere of every profession will be invaded, the history of every church and school house will be given, the products of every farm and the output of every mill and factory and shop described and estimated, the traffic and tonnage of railroads and common carriers, the volume of wholesale and retail business commuted, the value of lands, lots and buildings approximated, and the manifold advantages possessed by Knox County and Vincennes for the pursuit of commercialism. industrial farming, and the many comforts and conveniences both afford as places of residence, will be minutely noted as the story of progress is unfolded.
The antiquities of the locality will not be lost sight of in the compila- tion of the pages which comprise this volume. The savant, and all students of archæology, whether founded on sacred or profane history, romance or fiction, will find its perusal interesting. Its chapters will reveal that long before the ax of the sturdy pioneer resounded in the woodlands, ere the dusky children of the forest awakened its density with the echoes of their voices, while only the cry of the wild broke the stillness of wilderness solitudes extending from the gulf streams to the great lakes, when masto- dons roamed the earth and prehistoric man was monarch of these vast domains, Vincennes and Knox County was peopled by a race long since extinct, which has left imperishable monuments of its existence, but only fragmentary evidences of its modes and customs.
CHAPTER II.
THE PRESENT REMINDERS OF A FORGOTTEN PAST.
TIIE MOUND BUILDERS-THE MEMORIALS THEY LEFT IN KNOX COUNTY- ORNAMENTS AND IMPLEMENTS OF STONE-THE PIPE A FINE SPECIMEN OF THEIR MECHANICAL SKILL-HAD KNOWLEDGE OF POTTERY AND WERE TILLERS OF TIIE SOIL-WABASHI INDIANS-THE MIAMIS-SHAWNEES -- POTTAWATOMIES-WEAS, OR QUIATENONS-KICKAPOOS-INDIAN TREA- TIES-GLACIAL DEPOSITS AND REMAINS OF PREHISTORIC MAMMALS.
Old Vincennes ! within its modernized confines and views its immediate surroundings, or looks searchingly beyond the landscape that environs the ancient city, the shadowy light of far gone years, which wrought a magical influence and seemed to have lived with the invisible spirits of the mighty, breaks forth from the dark- ness of ages and enchants his vision with its mysterious beauty. The murmuring waters of the Wabash, "the venerable hills, rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun," proclaim that he is standing on hallowed ground- that he is within the precincts where the gods of the aborigines thundered their terrors; where heroes have bled in battle, and heroines of beauty and virtue have blossomed into girlhood and bloomed into womanhood amid scenes of wild and savage splendor ; where military genius has been immortalized in deeds of glory, and where the forests, with a gleam of their pristine beauty and grandeur still lingering, recall the abodes of brutality and cruelty. Looking out from the portals, as it were, of the old town, on either side the eye falls upon a great treasure-house of antiquity, which awakens awe and invites silent communion with the venerable forms of unseen and unknown beings and a steadfast contempla- tion of their imperishable works. The enchanting scene provokes an en- quiring mind to penetrate into the mysteries of nature and the handiwork of a forgotten race and search out the unchangeable beauties in remnants of a woodland world. Before the advent of the red man, and even before the Mound Builders peopled this locality, it is conjectured that a race designated as Fishermen were here, as evidenced by discoveries of bone heaps and tumuli of a character peculiar to that race. There is no doubt
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