USA > Indiana > Vigo County > History of Vigo county, Indiana, with biographical selections > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106
l.a
Gc 977.201 V68br 1281034
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00827 8928
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017
https://archive.org/details/historyofvigocou00brad_0
HISTORY C
OF
VIGO COUNTY, INDIANA.
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SELECTIONS.
" I hear the tread of pioneers *
* * * The first low wash of waves, where soon Shall roll a mighty sea." -Anonymous.
BY H. C. BRADSBY,
AUTHOR OF THE "HISTORY OF ARKANSAS," "BATTLE OF GETTYS- BURG," "HISTORY OF ILLINOIS," AND THE COMPILER OF DIVERS LOCAL HISTORIES IN ILLINOIS, MISSOURI, INDIANA AND PENNSYLVANIA.
ILLUSTRATED.
CHICAGO : S. B. NELSON & CO., PUBLISHERS, 1891.
JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, PRINTERS. 118 & 120 MONROE ST .. CHICAGO.
1281034
PREFACE.
TN all bookmaking it is the order to place the last words of the author conspicuously in the front as a " preface," and the most critical readers always open the new book at this particular page, and, after a hasty examination thereof, make up their conclusions as to whether they care to examine it further or not. If the author has apologies or explanations to make, this is his golden opportunity. And then sometimes, possibly from a feeling of guilt, which must more or less beset every writer of the glaring faults that riot along nearly every page, he endeavors to ward off the attacks of the critics, by the best defense that he can possibly make-if he is a mere tyro in the trade he is liable to commit the indiscretion of puffing his production. While in this he is speaking from his heart, the intelli- gent reader would prefer to wait and read the encomiums on his tombstone, by other and perhaps less skillful panegyrists.
In this case there is not much to explain, and criticism is cor- dially invited. Imperfect as it is, it is the best that we could do, and we disclaim all intention of insisting that it is the best that could have been done. We have attempted to make what ought to be an invaluable book-one that should grow in value with the lapse of the years and centuries. And the most unfriendly criticism it can possibly receive will only tend to correct its errors, drag to light facts that escaped the compiler, and add to the future value of the simple annals of those who came and of those who are living in Vigo county. There is little or nothing of the philosophy of his- tory essayed in this volume, but simply the chronology carefully collected and selected, content to leave it as the invaluable material perpetuated for the future historian, when he may tell the philo- sophical story of great communities in their influences upon the com-
SURNAME FILE
to/11/2/
in Bookshop- $40,00
IV
PREFACE.
mon mind that create the moving powers in the advances of the human race. Simply to relate occurrences in their order, it matters not how eloquently, is not history, but is the material for the man great and wise enough to connect causes and effects together, and point out with certainty the influences of the past upon the present, as well as the interchanging influences now operating with such controlling power.
So the annals of communities and families close up, and no carping can destroy the fact that these pages will illumine by their story the memorial of the dead and the living. To have done even this little is something that has been well worth the venture. Its facts will be examined, and will continue to make impressions upon the mind long after every living breathing thing now upon the earth shall have moldered into dust. One generation goeth and another cometh-whirling, whirring, ceaseless change-and the universe lives forever. Trifling as is this little contribution to his- tory, it is as the barque launched upon the vast seas of time, carry- ing to remotest generations some signs of this little spot upon the earth's surface, some tokens of the past and present of the people and their work, who were and are a part of Vigo county, Indiana.
Where nothing but kindness and friendly aid has been so freely extended to both the compiler and the biographical writers engaged on this work, it would seem nearly invidious to particularize persons. But where all have been so helpful, some have been able from cer- tain circumstances to do so much in the way of placing us under special obligations, that silence in their case would very nearly be downright ingratitude. This certainly would be true of Mr. Henry Warren, who so kindly placed in our hands his invaluable scrap- books. And nearly equally true would it be of Mr. John D. Bell, the living encyclopedia of the court-house records, as well as the fund of personal recollections during a life that has witnessed much of the growth and building of the city and county. And we would say much the same of Dr. B. F. Swafford, who has spent nearly his life in the county, and has practiced medicine in nearly every cabin, house and mansion as they have come to this genera- tion, and whose accurate memory has been always kept supplied with important historical facts of the early pioneers and to more modern inhabitants. To Mr. George W. Miller for war records
V
PREFACE.
and facts; to every county and city official, deputy and clerk, and to hundreds of others we are under profoundest obligations. To one and all thanks-a thousand times thanks, both sincere and hearty.
The work is divided into two parts. " Part I" is the gen- eral history, not only from the earliest times of its settlement or discovery, but back from the inconceivable geological ages. " Part II " contains the biographical sketches of the living and the recently dead, arranged in alphabetical order. In the whole there are more or less important accounts of several thousands of the people, cover- ing a period of eighty years-1810 to 1890-arrivals in the new Wabash ,country, births, marriages, deaths, as well as the social, industrial, educational, religious and political development of this part of the country ; somewhat of a mirror of the swift changes from the times when the night was disturbed by the yelp of the wolf and the war-whoop of the savage, to the ceaseless rataplan of the factory and the shrill scream of the rushing railroad train.
Without self-boasting, and equallyj without apologies for con- scious faults, the book, must speak for itself, for
" What is writ is writ-would it were worthier."
THE AUTHOR.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY. PAGE.
Vigo County Geology-Its Soils, Rocks and Waters-Most Ancient of all His- tory-Its Importance as an Educator-Hints or Studying Greek and Geology-Hopeful John Wesley's Experience-Civilization is based on Agriculture-The Rocks are the Leaves in Nature's History Book-The Old Education-Mammoth and Mastodon-Things Everyone Should Know of Their Own Locality-Great Earthquake-The Streams-First Boat. 19-42
CHAPTER II. PRE-HISTORIC RACES IN VIGO COUNTY.
The Mound Builders-The Toltecs-Mammoth and Mastodon-Glaciers-The Flora and Fauna-The Buffalo-The Prairies-Prairie Fires-Origin of the Prairies-The Indians. 42-62
CHAPTER III.
THE PIONEERS.
A Comparative Study-"The Simple Annals" of the World's Remarkable Men-The Hard Schools of Fate that Produced Them-The Silent Men of . the Wilderness-Their Work-The Splendid Results and the Paucity of Resources at Their Command-The Men Who Made Emigration a Science and Built an Empire Founded on the Bible-The Saxon and the Gaul- The Fur Trade-The Courieurs des Bois-Etc .62-70
CHAPTER IV.
EARLY EVENTS.
Who First Passed up the Wabash-Armies of the Revolution Were upon the Soil of Vigo County-The War Changes the Ownership of This Territory- Our First Regularly Organized Government Under the Military-Gen. George Rogers Clarke and His Important Achievements-This Territory Becomes Illinois County, Va .- Capt. Leonard Helm-Etc. .70-80
VIII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
COLONEL FRANCIS VIGO. PAGE.
His Nativity-Early Life-His Characteristics-Col. Vigo as a Soldier, Patriot and Citizen-His Last Will and Testament-His Death .81-89
CHAPTER VI.
VIGO COUNTY. ITS ANCIENT OWNERS AND CHANGES.
Introductory-Vigo County Under British Rule, and in the Revolution- Resume-Gov. Harrison's Treaty with the Indians-Vigo County Lands and Land Sales-Etc. .89-96
CHAPTER VII.
THE MARCH OF EMPIRE.
Virginia Extended Its Dominion Over the Northwest and Established Civil Government-Cession by the States and the Ordinance of 1787-Rapid Settlement of the Miami-Indiana Territory Formed-Harrison Appointed Governor-His Treatics and Wars-Fort Harrison-Battle of Tippecanoe- Capt. John Tipton-Tecumseh Attacks Fort Harrison-Zachary Taylor- Etc 97-104
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW VIGO COUNTY ONCE APPEARED.
Retrospective-French Settlements and Colonists-Orchard Planting-The Old Indian Orchard-" Nemo " and "Lena"-Legend of the Apple Trees- Lost Creek-"Johnny Appleseed "-Etc .. 105-112
CHAPTER IX.
FORT HARRISON.
Capt. Zachary Taylor in Command-Indian Attack and Repulsc-Maj. John T. Chunn-Drummer Davis-How He Guarded the Graves of His Com- rades-The Historical Curve of the Road-Maj. Sturgis the Last in Com- mand of the Fort-Etc 115-123
CHAPTER X.
F. F. V.
First Fellow in Vigo-First Family in Vigo-First Few in Vigo-First Furrow in Vigo-First Five Years-1810-1815-Uncle Jo. Liston-The Shannon Massacre-Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, the First White Fcmale Settler in Vigo County-Etc. 124-134 .
CHAPTER XI.
1815.
The Second Wave of Pionecrs-Jacob Newcomer-Curtis Gilbert-Joseph Richardson, Abraham Markle and Others-Gcorgc B. Richardson-Dr. Edward V. Ball and Mrs. Sarah E. Ball-D. C. Allen-Etc. 134-144
IX
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
THE LOG CABIN. . PAGE.
Its Power in the Van of Civilization-Its Pioneer Occupants-Their Ex- periences and Primitive Mode of Living-The Improved Log Cabin and Its Corresponding Comforts. 144-153
CHAPTER XIII.
1816.
Vigo County at the Close of the Last War with England-Arrivals in the year 1816-Some Personal Sketches-The Markles and Other Contemporary Settlers-Dr. Modesitt-Judge Jenckes-The Pound Family-" Old Tom Pucket-Etc. . .154-169
CHAPTER XIV. 1817.
A Partial List of Many Who Came That Year-Judge Wedding-George Jor- dan-Lucius H. Scott-John Britton-Malcom McFadden-The Durkee and Barbour Families-Settlers in that Ycar on Honey Creek-Some Who Came to Fayette, Prairieton and Otter Creek Townships-Etc 169-174
CHAPTER XV. 1818.
Something of Those Who Came This Year-The Sibleys-Demas Deming-The Paddocks-James Lee-The Official Record for "Marks and Brands" for Stock-Complete Record from 1818 to 1823. 175-184
CHAPTER XVI. LAND ENTRIES.
Harrison's Purchase-Land Sales-" Squatters" and Buyers-First Land Pur- chases-Record of Real Estate Dealings from 1816 to 1830. 184-232
CHAPTER XVII.
LOOKING BACKWARD.
Particulars of Many of the Pioneers-Mrs. Sophia Ramsdell Fuller-Old Set- tlers' Society-Capt. Earle's Recollections-Etc. .233-285
CHAPTER XVIII.
VIGO COUNTY FORMED.
Became a County February 15, 1818-Copy of the Act for the Formation of Vigo County-Its Boundary Lines-Change of Shape at Various Subse- quent Periods-Act of January 8, 1821 -- Miscellaneous. 285-289
CHAPTER XIX.
TRANSACTIONS OF COMMISSIONERS.
Board of Commissioners of Vigo County-First Mcetings-Transactions of the Commissioners-Appointments to County Offices-Roads and Ferry- Grand and Petit Jurors, etc .- Lost Creek-Public Offices-Election Pre- cincts-Etc. 289- 35
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XX.
. BENCH AND BAR. PAGE.
First Circuit Court-Early Judges and Lawyers-" Circuit Riders"-Some First Cases-Practicing Attorneys in Vigo County Circuit from 1849 to 1863-Re- capitulation of Judges-Superior Court-Sketches of Judges and Lawyers- Vigo Law Library Association-Etc. .316-343
CHAPTER XXI.
PROBATE COURT-COMMON PLEAS-ETC.
First Meeting of Vigo Probate Court, and Business Transacted-Subscquent Meetings-Special Courts-Probate Court Changed to Court of Common Pleas, in 1853. .343-347
CHAPTER XXII.
MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE.
Marriage Licenses Procured in Vincennes and Sullivan, Prior to Creation of the County-Licenses Issued from 1818 to 1832, Inclusive. .348-358
CHAPTER XXIII. EARLY LAW-MAKING.
Introductory-General W. Johnston's "Compend of the Acts of Indiana "-Its Preface-Some of its Contents-Crimes and Punishments-Circuit Courts Established in 1844-Rate of Taxes, 1813-Early Day Financial Affairs- Slavery and Man-Stealing-Etc. .359-365
CHAPTER XXIV.
REMINISCENT.
Capt. William Earle and His Reminiscences-Terre Haute in 1823-First Brick Houses in the City-First Burial Ground There-Streets, Roads, etc .- Pioneer Schools-Old Document-Old Families-Etc. . . . .366-388
CHAPTER XXV.
POLITICAL,
Jackson and Clay-Harrison-Osborn-The Know-nothing Party- Whigs and Democrats-Republicans and Democrats-Nominations in 1824-Politics During and After the Civil War-Police Board, Its Origin-Conventions and Elections-Horace Greeley-Terre Haute Elcctions-Judicial Contest of 1878-Miscellaneous Elections .. . 388-415
CHAPTER XXVI.
TERRE HAUTE.
Commencement of the City-Extracts from Land Office Records-Original Plat of Teric Haute-Town Surveyed -- William Hoggatt-Growth of the Place-Some First Things-Census in 1929-Dr. Hitchcock's Reminis-
XI
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
cences-Census in 1835 -- Public Buildings-Fifty Years Ago-Incorpora- tion-Elections-Fire Department and Fircs-Retrospective-The Wabash Trade-The Canal-The Age of Fire and Steam-National Road, Bridges, etc .- General Business. Manufacturing Industries, Newspapers, Street Railway, Banks, etc. .415-475
CHAPTER XXVII.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
Smyrna-Greenfield-Brownsville-Atherton - Centerville-Soonover -- Hazel Green-Harrison-Lockport-Middletown-Pimento-Macksville- Bloom- town-New Goshen-Secly ville-Otterville-Prairieton - Urbana- Glen- dale-Winston-Youngstown-Tecumseh- St. Mary's - Ellsworth-Otter Crcek Junction-Heckland-Markle's Station-Grand Station-Coal Bluff -Fontanet-Malcom-Sandford-List of Post-offices in Vigo County . . 475-481
CHAPTER XXVIII.
MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
Early Mills, etc .- Iron and Steel Industries-Terre Haute Car and Manu- facturing Company-Foundries and Machine Shops-Vandalia Railroad Shops-Stone Works Company-Electric Light and Power Company- Boiler Works-Wagon and Carriage Factories-Breweries-Miscellaneous Industries-Citizens' Gas & Fuel Company-Telegraph-Water Works- Gas Works-Business Men's Association-Coal-Oil and Natural Gas-
482-516 Artesian or Medicinal Waters-Etc.
CHAPTER XXIX.
SCHOOLS.
Prefatory-School Lands-"Increment of Wealth "-Subscription Schools- Public Schools-The First Graded Free School-School Buildings-Sta- tistics-The Rosc Polytechnic Institute-Coates College-State Normal School-Burning of the Building-St. Mary's of the Woods, Academic Institute-St. Joseph's Parochial Catholic School, and Other Institu- 517-544 tions of Learning.
CHAPTER XXX.
WAR.
Vigo County in War-Taken Part in Every War since the Revolution -- War of 1812-Black Hawk War-Prophet's War-Mexican War-Civil War.547-560
CHAPTER XXXI.
NOTABLE CRIMES.
Beauchamp's Crime-First Hanging in Vigo County -- Second Hanging- Crimes and Criminals-The Young Bandit of the Wabash-Newspaper Editors Shot -- Etc. 561-565
XII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXII.
RAILROADS. PAGE.
The Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad Company-The Terre Haute & Alton Railroad-The Vandalia Line-The Evansville & Crawfordsville Road- The Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago Railroad-The Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad -- The Logansport, Crawfordsville & Southwestern Line -- The Illinois Midland-Railroads Striking the County 566-570
CHAPTER XXXIII.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Court-house-Jail-County Fair - Poor Asylum - Horticultural Society -- Trotting Horse Association-Pest House, ete. 571-583
CHAPTER XXXIV.
HOME FOR AGED WOMEN, AND LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
A Visit to the Home-" Aunty " Baldy-Board of Managers-Conditions of Admission-Donations and Subseriptions-Ladies' Aid Society-Anniver- sary Meeting of the Society in 1887-The Original Organization of the Society and Its First Meeting-Festivals, Bazaars, etc-Income and Officers .583-588.
CHAPTER XXXV.
CHURCHES, ETC.
Presbyterian-Moffatt Street Church-Episcopal-Lutheran-Congregational- Methodist Episcopal-Baptist-Catholics-Zion's Church of the Evangeli- cal Association-German Reformed Church-Christian Church-Universa- list Church -St. Anthony's Hospital-St. Ann's Providence Orphan Asyl- lum-The Rose Orphan Home-Friendly Inn-Churches in the County Outside Terre Haute.
.588-605
CHAPTER XXXVI.
SOCIETIES.
Masonry-Knights of Pythias-Royal Arcanum-Terre Haute Oratorio So- ciety-Terre Haute Scientific Club-Knights of the Golden Rule -- Ancient Order of United Workmen-Knights and Ladies of Honor-Railroad So- cieties-Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Order of Rebekah-Veter- ans Odd Fellows Association-Patriarchs Militant-Societies Outside of Terre Haute . . . 606- 620 .
CHAPTER XXXVII.
MEDICAL.
State Medical Society of Indiana-Medical Treatment in Pioneer Days-Recol- lections of Dr. B. F. Swafford-Dr. J. W. Hitchcock's Experiences and Reminiscences-Vigo County Medical Society-Dr. Jolın W. Davis, Dr.
CONTENTS.
XIII
.
PAGE. Lawrence S. Shuler, Dr. Charles B. Modesitt and other Early Physicians- List of. Later Physicians and of Those at Present Practicing in Vigo County .620-632
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE PRESS.
The First Newspaper Published in Vigo County- Western Register and General Advertiser- Wabash Courier-Union, Daily and Weekly-Daily and Weekly Express-Terre Haute Journal-Gazette and Other more Recent Journals- Locomotive Firemen's Magazine-David S. Danaldson-James Bratt Ed- munds-Col. R. N. Hudson. 632-639
CHAPTER XXXIX.
CHAUNCEY ROSE.
Introductory-Mr. Rose's Birth, Parcntage, Education and Death-His Arrival in the Wabash Valley and Final Settlement in Terre Haute-His Public Spirit and Liberality-Chauncey Rose as a Benefactor and as a Business Man-His Connection with Railroad Enterprises, and His Many Munificent Endowments to Charitable Institutions. .640-646
CHAPTER XL.
CIVIL TOWNSHIPS.
Original Townships-Honey Creek and Wabash Townships-Harrison, Inde- pendence, Prairie Creek, Otter Creek, Raccoon, Paris (afterward Fayette), Sugar Creek, Nevins, Riley, Lost Crcek, Pierson, Linton and Prairieton Townships .647-649
CHAPTER XLI.
CONCLUSION.
Census Statistics of Vigo County-Population-Acreage-Valuation of Land, and Improvements-Value of Town Lots and Total Assessment in the City of Terre Haute-Census Statistics by Townships, in 1889-Totals in the County. 650-652
XIV
CONTENTS.
PART IL.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Biographical Sketches in Alphabetical Order.
PAGE. 655-1010
MISCELLANENOUS.
PORTRAITS.
Bement, G. W .311
Condit, Rev. Blackford. .511
Cruft, Gen. Charles. .477
Dunlap, Andrew .377
Gilbert, Curtis. 245
Mack, Judge William .545
Nelson, Col. Thomas H.
443
Rose, Chauncey. 179
Vigo, Col. Francis.
113
Map of Vigo County .. 14 and 15 Index, Part I, History. 1011-1014
Index, Part II, Biographies
1014-1018
(MAP OF VIGO COUNT
INDIANA.
RIOW. VERMILLION ROW. CO ..
PARKE
R 8W.
C O. R7W.
ATHERTON
C
6
3
2
80
HECKLAND
12
7
12
0 7
8
R
CUALBLUFF
W.
16
13
15
13
78
S'
JMILTON
STA.
TECUMSEHO
24
19
24
19
20
23
24
Cr.
SANDFORD
OTTER CREEK J'C
GRANT STA
27
26
25
29
28
26
Wabash
32
ELLSWORTH STA 35
31
32
33
34
36
37
32
i
-
-
3
2
5
5
4
3
St Marys Inst :
ST. MARYS SIM
Creak
--
7
8
9
70
POOR HOUSE
R.
BLOOMTOWN
ISON
INDIANAPOLIS GLENN POCIT
16
Cr
TERRE HAUTEDO 18+ +
FAIR GROUND
R 12N.
KOST
20
34
19
3
Bridge
MACKSVILLE
3130
2.9
5
2.5
-
30
29
28
27
26 cr.
25
28
27
26
2.5
SULG
REEK
-$3
AR INDIANAPOLIS
Til Sugar
ST LOUIS
NEast Let Sugar
8
RIVER
THESEELYVILLE
15
14
18
MALCOM Nelson Porta 21 YAMBALLATE Vedder P.o. 22
Ogthan Hont
----.
20
21
CREE 22
Vi
O.
T. 13N.
Coc
20
2
ST. LOUIS
C & E . I.
BRANCH 29
HARRISON
Birnett P.O.
31
32
:33
33
Edward's PO
R . R.
FONTANET
15
14
1.3
N
TER
torle
Canul
11
12
Salt
NEW GOSHEN
Z
25
Lost
INDIANAPOLIS
12
PARK!
15
24
Super
4
5
24
2.7
30
29
20 55
TERRE HAUTE GilbertoPo, 1
33
36
31
32
$5
31
32
23
31
35
W
2
1
5
6
5
4
2
Pe
20
10
11
12.
8
9
0
.
15.
15
14
13
R
21
23
20
22N
23
24
119
2.6.
PRAIRIE
3
H'1 8
27
26
25
4
00
Moore Pondes
YOUNGSTOWN
20
33
31.
33
34
37
35
36
R
Canal
2
5
4
3
1
Goose Pordet
Prairie
10
12
5
12
17
16
15
14
18
-13
-18
13
PIMENTO
P
R S
N
TION. 0
22
23
Grissy Pond
Soonover
25
25
30
2
26
30
29
28
25
30
29
28
27
20
25
ARWIN,
Vigo POL
MIDDLETOWN
Horse Shoe Fond
Prairin Cr.PO.
32
33
34
135
31
32
33
2.4
36,
31
R2
(33
04
35
36
....
FRII W.
S
I
V
A
N
C
N
·
23
24
19
20
N 21
O 231
22
24
20
24.
19
-
Prairie
Creek
17
-
E
K
Astona Pond
withitton P.O.
7!
10
7
111
13
18/1
R
E
E
!I
NF
R
LOCKPORT
Kiley F.TO
R
PRAIRIETON
RIVER
12
y Greenfield Boru
WABASH
16
14
15
17
16
Lit
NWABM
ySH6
1/
RY
36
CENTERVILLE LewisPO ...
7
27
13
Erie
Honey
-
PART I. HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY
INDIANA.
2
VIGO COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
VIGO COUNTY GEOLOGY-ITS SOILS, ROCKS AND WATERS-MOST ANCIENT OF ALL HISTORY - ITS IMPORTANCE AS AN EDUCATOR - HINTS ON STUDYING GREEK AND GEOLOGY- HOPEFUL JOIIN WESLEY'S EXPERI- ENCE-CIVILIZATION IS BASED ON AGRICULTURE-THE ROCKS ARE THE LEAVES IN NATURE'S HISTORY BOOK - THE OLD EDUCATION - MAM- MOTH AND MASTODON - THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW OF THEIR OWN LOCALITY-GREAT EARTHQUAKE-THE STREAMS-FIRST BOAT.
V IGO COUNTY and its geology is not only an interesting but the most valuable study in practical life that can have the attention of the people. The earliest of all history of any locality is found in the records kept by the rocks. Here are locked up and stored away secrets often so old, occurrences that took place in such long reaches of times past, that we can not reckon them by our usual mode of counting time in years, decades and centuries, but they are spoken of as eons by scientific investigators. The great leaves of the rocks, then, are Nature's history book, fashioned into our round, wheeling globe. In reading this account of the earth's formation and changes within the county's limits we can no more than go back to what is so very recent-the surface facts, as it were, that we finally end our investigation with the conviction that even the expression of the eras by eons is but little aid to the mind in attempting to grasp the reaches of time that are past and gone, or what or who has been here, lived their time, and then passed away. We pick up a fossil rock-in nearly all the rocks, except granite and its family, are more or less fossil remains-we can investigate by the remains we there find something of the original of which the fossil was once a part, and then from the rock and the surroundings we can estimate, though vaguely, the time when the rock enclosed within its keeping this memento of the past. But we can not tell by millions of years when the rock itself became a rock. We can only assign it to a certain geological age, with no fixed idea at all as to
20
HISTORY OF VIGO COUNTY.
time in years. Hence, in geological history we make no mention of centuries, but simply speak of geological periods, and in that easy way we make dates that are both satisfactory and relieve the mind from bothering itself about things impossible to know.
Geology is the most ancient of all history, and, therefore, the history of man is the most modern of all history, because man was the last to appear upon earth.
The time, or rather the order of the existence of the extinct ani- mal and vegetable forms is a part of the secrets of the past that we can trace no where else than in the rocks. Turning over, therefore, these pages of the book of Nature, we to-day read much of what was going on here so long ago that the mind can form no idea at all on that part of the subject.
The brain is so developed that we are strangely interested in the remains or marks of even a leaf, a bird's track or a crawling worm that we know is so ancient as to baffle thought. Almost any hour you can see in the coal you may use for fuel marks of some vege- table growth. . Even of the age of the coal you can form no idea. How young and fresh its formation must be compared to some of the rocks, and yet with what interest you look upon the outlines there seen of the leaf, and try to think of the time when on its stem it swayed and bent to the breezes and was kissed by the dew and the sunshine; decking the forest its brief summer life and dying of old age in the early fall, it sways and circles to the earth, the very expression of an ephemeral existence, and yet, all this vast time intervening, you have come into the world to look upon the traces left by this leaf-thus are standing face to face the inconceiva- ble dead past and the living present.
But you must not think that because this is the most ancient of all history that it therefore has no other importance. It is interesting because it is ancient, but in a practical point of view it is full of that knowledge beneficial to know.
From the rocks comes about all that we possess. Here at least are the foundations of material life. The soil comes of the decom- position of the rocks-it may be called the rocks' ashes, and the nature of the material fixes the quality of the vegetable and ani- mal life that will subsist thereon. The subjacent rocks then deter- mine the kind of civilization that will in time exist in the locality above them.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.