USA > Indiana > Indiana miscellany : consisting of sketches of Indian life, the early settlement, customs, and hardships of the people, and the introduction of the gospel and of schools ; together with biographical notices of the pioneer Methodist preachers of the state > Part 1
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Gc 977.2 Sm68 473468
M. L.,
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02413 0517
APR 2 & 1941
INDIANA MISCELLANY:
CONSISTING OF
SKETCHES OF INDIAN LIFE, THE
EARLY SETTLEMENT, CUSTOMS, AND HARDSHIPS OF THE PEOPLE,
AND THE
INTRODUCTION OF THE GOSPEL AND OF SCHOOLS.
TOGETHER WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OF THE PIONEER METHODIST PREACHERS OF THE STATE,
BY
REV. WILLIAM C. SMITH, OF THE INDIANA CONFERENCE.
-
CINCINNATI: PUBLISHED BY POE & HITCHCOCK, FOR THE AUTHOR.
R. P. THOMPSON, PRINTER. 1867.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867,
BY WILLIAM C. SMITH,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
MAY 19 1941
473468
TO
THE DESCENDANTS OF
THE EARLY SETTLERS OF INDIANA,
I'his Volume
IS
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
BY
THE AUTHOR.
FL -91 -2
PREFACE.
IN the following pages I have not presumed to write a history, but simply sketches and inci- dents of the early settlement of Indiana, and of some of the noble men and women who first emigrated to her territory. Much of what I have written has been from memory and per- sonal knowledge.
I have desired to rescue from oblivion some incidents in the history of my native State, and perpetuate the memory of some of the worthy pioneers who endured all the hardships and privations of a frontier life.
I have presented a brief sketch of the intro- duction of Methodism into Indiana. I would, with pleasure, have given some account of the introduction of other Christian denominations into the State if I had been in possession of the proper data to enable me to do so. Some of them have acted a noble part in spreading the " savor of a Redeemer's name" in Indiana.
I have not attempted to give a sketch of any
6
PREFACE.
living man-only those who have passed away. There are others who are worthy to be had in remembrance. Perhaps an abler pen will per- petuate their memory.
Doubtless imperfections and inaccuracies will be discovered if the following pages are sub- jected to a critical examination ; nevertheless, I hope the reader will find some entertainment. Each chapter is designed to be complete of itself, and may be perused to suit the con- venience of the reader. Hoping to find some favor, I send this volume to the public.
.WM. C. SMITH.
MARTINSVILLE, IND., 1867.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
First Settling of Indiana-Vincennes-The Indians-Early Hard- ships and Privations-Structure of the Cabins-How Fortified- Indian Traits-Incidents-Killbuck Pages 14-22
CHAPTER II.
Eastern Indiana-The Pigeon-Roost Massacre of 1812-Persons Killed-A Sugar-Camp Massacre-The Hudson Family-Horrible Atrocities-An Incident-The Settlers Subject to Perpetual Fears- An Indian Monster-Sources of Enjoyment. 24-34
CHAPTER III.
Introduction of Schools-School-Houses; how made-Rules for Punishments-Playing-Spells and Kinds of Sports-New Testament a Text-Book-Difficulties in Obtaining Teachers 35-38
CHAPTER IV.
Morals of the People-The First Murder in all the Eastern Part of the State-Criss the Murderer-The Execution-Throngs of People. 39-42
CHAPTER V. .
The Introduction of the Gospel among the First Settlers-The Sabbath ; how spent-What Methodist Itinerancy has done for the State-The Preachers and their Qualifications-A "Son of Thun- der " at a Camp Meeting-The Women Gifted in Prayer. ........ 43-48
CHAPTER VI.
Introduction of Methodism-Whitewater the name of the First Circuit-Its Extent-Joseph Williams and John Sell-Church Sta-
8
CONTENTS.
tistics-Various Preachers and their Fields of Labor-Vincennes- Anecdote of General Harrison-Additional Circuits Formed-Mr. Axley and Bishop Morris-Old Western Conference Divided- Further Statistics Pages 49-61
CHAPTER VII.
Meeting-Houses-Meetings in the Cabins and Groves-Process of Building the Primitive Churches-Carr's Meeting-House-Meth- odist Church in Wayne County-Men who Preached in it-Fine Churches-The First Methodist Meeting-House in Indiana-Salem the Third Meeting-House-First Frame Church Erected-Labors of Rev. James Havens in Securing Subscriptions. 62-70
CHAPTER VIII.
Camp Meetings-Character of the Worship and Services-The Closing Exercises-The First Camp Meeting held-Rev. Hugh Cull, 71-75
CHAPTER IX.
Further Sketches and Incidents-The War of 1812-13-Block Houses-Hazards of Hunting-The Women of Those Days-Their Skill with the Rifle-An Incident-Miss Patsey Odell and her Night Adventure 76-83
CHAPTER X.
Christopher Roddy-His Frightful Wickedness-Challenged to Fight-A Ridiculous End-Pitt, a Colored Man, and Roddy's Promise to him. 84-88
CHAPTER XI.
Three Friends-Death of the youngest-Death of a second one- His Disturbance in Mind-Lingering Illness and Death of the third-Solemn Warnings .89-93
CHAPTER XII.
George Julian-Early Training-Love of Adventure-His Quali- ties as a Singer, Class-Leador, eto .- A Sorrowful Experience-His Death 94-97
9
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Methodist Exhorters and their Services-Scarcity of Preachers- Hardy Cain-James Honley-Spencer-John Doddridge. Pages 98-103
CHAPTER XIV.
Moral Heroines-The Women Not Ashamed or Afraid to Pray- Their Attendance at Quarterly and Protracted Meetings-Nearly All Passed Away 104-106
CHAPTER XV.
Progress of Methodism in the State-1819-Placing of the Cir- cuits-Calvin Ruter and other preachers-Number of Circuits in 1823-Increase of Members and general aspect of Method- ism 107-117
CHAPTER XVI.
Politics-Caucuses and Conventions unknown things-No Dem- ocrats, Whigs, or Republicans-Election Days-Stump Speeches- The Raccoon and the Rooster as insignia-When and Why Adopted-Joseph Chapman and Thomas Walpole-The " Ruffled- Shirt Gentry "-A Shrewd Trick of Walpole's .. 117-124
CHAPTER XVII.
Mrs. Sarah Smith-Early Left an Orphan-Her Nobility of Char- acter-Unites with the Methodist Episcopal Church-The Inoree River Valley Camp Meeting-Gifted in Prayer-Blessing of Perfect Love-The War of 1812-13-Construction of Forts-Mrs. Smith's Death 125-134
CHAPTER XVIII.
George Smith-Birthplace-Death of Both his Parents-Mar- riage-Conversion-Emigrates to the West-A Faithful Reader of the Holy Scriptures-Last Days and Death-His Children .... 135-144
CHAPTER XIX.
Rev. Moses Crume-His Awakening and Conversion-His Appoint- ments-Personal Appearance-His Piety-Death 145-147
10
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XX.
Rev. John Strange-Admitted on Trial 1811-A Virginian by birth-First Appointment-Indian Troubles-A Characteristic Inci- dent-Formation of the Illinois Conference-Personal Appearance- Eccentricities-Power as a Preacher-Death .Pages 148-156
CHAPTER XXI.
Rev. Hugh Cull-Roman Catholic Parentage-Comes to Indiana- His Physical Frame-His Preaching Abilities-Last Days ..... 157-161
CHAPTER XXII.
Rev. John Gibson-Early Education-A Terror to Evil-Doers-His Zeal and Piety-An Incident. 162-164
CHAPTER XXIII.
Introduction of Methodism into Richmond-The "Friends " not friendly to the New Religion-A Two Days' Meeting-A Time of Power-An Incident-Mr. Henry-A New Church-Rev. Mr. Baugh- man Warned-Happy Termination 165-176
CHAPTER XXIV.
Steadfastness of a Pious Wife-Rev. S. R. Beggs-Mrs. H .- Her Husband and His Wickedness-The Wife's Perplexities and Troubles-A Love-Feast-Conversion of Mr. H. 177-184
CHAPTER XXV.
Rev. Russel Bigelow-His Early Life-Admission into the Trav- eling Connection-Personal Knowledge of the Scriptures-An Anecdote-His Eloquence-His Manners and Habits-His Mighty Faith 185-195
CHAPTER XXVI.
Rev. Allen Wiley-A Virginian by birth-Early Opportunities- His Studies-A Hater of Pedantry-His Personal Appearance-As a Pastor and Preacher-Extent of his Labors 196-205
CHAPTER XXVII.
Rev. Nehemiah B. Griffith-His Conversion-Various Appoint- ments-His Death-His Faithfulness-Ability as a Preacher .. 206-209
11
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The Young Lawyer-His First Effort at Early Culture-His Mar- riage-His Death-bed Experience and Confessions ...... Pages 210-223
CHAPTER XXIX.
James Epperson-A Bit of the Author's Experience-A Sad Story-A Consultation-Weariness of Body and Gloom of Mind-A Happy Dissipation-Rare Nobility of Character Displayed-An In- cident-Epperson's Early Life-His Gifts 224-235
CHAPTER XXX.
Hon. James Rariden-Early Life-Intellectual Powers-An Active Politician and Jurist-His Large-Heartedness-A Story for Stingy People 236-241
CHAPTER XXXI.
An Eccentric Circuit Steward-Neglecting Class Meeting-A Reason Assigned-Quarterage-Paying Up 242-245
CHAPTER XXXII.
Rev. L. W. Berry, D. D .- Born in Vermont-W. B. Christie- Berry as a Student-A Camp Meeting Incident-First Sermon- Marriage-A Debate-Universalism-Different Appointments-Pres- ident of Indiana Asbury University-His Term of Service-Resig- nation-Goes to Iowa-Thence to Missouri-Death-His Character- istics-Tribute to his Memory 246-263
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Rev. James Havens-Early Life-Marriage-Conversion-Enters the Ministry-Various Appointments-His Labors-An Incident of Early Life-One of his Ministry-A Third-Peculiarities-Power in Prayer-As a Conductor of Camp Meetings-Modes of Fighting Satan-His Mental Powers-Ability as a Preacher-Illness and Death 264-285
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Rev. Isaac Owen-Born in Vermont-Death of his Father-Early Educational Opportunities Limited-As a Preacher-One of the En-
12
CONTENTS.
dowment Agents of Indiana Asbury University-Goes to California- Personal Appearance-His Illness and Death. Pages 286-292
CHAPTER XXXV.
Edward Brown-Marriage-Conversion-As a Church Officer-A Request concerning his own Funeral-Sickness and Death ..... 293-298
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Rev. Calvin W. Ruter-Early Life in Obscurity-Received on Trial in Ohio Conference 1818-Samuel Hamilton-A Pentecostal Camp Meeting-Frail Health-Member of the General Conference of 1844-Personal Appearance-Preaching Abilities-His Pathos- His Death. 299-304
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
CHAPTER I.
1
FIRST SETTLING OF INDIANA.
SIXTY-SIX years ago what is now the great State of Indiana was almost one unbroken wilderness. Here and there, in the southern and south- eastern portions, a settler had broken the forest and erected his rude log cabin, and a few towns had been laid out.
Vincennes, on the Wabash River, was an old French post which had been settled sometime be- tween 1700 and 1735. Those who have written on the subject differ as to the time. The probabilities are it was settled as early as 1710. None fix the period later than 1735. Those who desire more particular information upon this subject will find it in "Western Annals," by James H. Perkins. For many years this was the solitary spot in the vast wilderness inhabited by civilized man. The French who had fixed their habitation here, so far from , civilization, by their intercourse with the Indians,
14
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
soon became very much assimilated into the manners and customs of their savage life. It could not for Inany years, therefore, hardly be called any thing more than a town of half-savages. All middle and northern Indiana was one wild wilderness, where the red man roamed over hills and valleys free; none to dispute his right save the wild beasts which sometimes contended with him for the mastery-for a habitation with him in their native forests. The Indian felt himself to be Lord of the soil. He looked upon the vast herds of deer and buffalo, and the numerous flocks of turkies, pheasants, and prai- rie-hens as all his own, given to him by the Great Spirit for the sustenance of himself, his squaw, and his pappooses; and the bear, wolf, otter, beaver, and raccoon as so many instrumentalities furnished to his hand in order that he might have raiment with which to keep warm during the long months of dreary Winter.
Hunting and trapping were his delight. In taking his game he felt that he was taking his own as much as the inhabitants of the State do now when they go into their fields and meadows to slaughter their fat cattle, or into their barnyards to obtain poultry for their tables. It is not much to be wondered at, then, that when the white man came and began to take of his flocks and herds, and clear away the forest, and thereby spoil his hunting- ground, that the red man should feel that he was being seriously wronged, and that the spirit of
15
FIRST SETTLING.
revenge should arise in his bosom. Savage though he was, a native of the wild-woods, having no knowledge of civilization, he had, nevertheless, some idea of justice-of right. To see what he believed to be his own taken from him by another not of his kindred, tongue, or people, made him feel that the wrong was too great to be submitted to-an out- rage not to be borne without resistance and strug- gle; hence the bloody wars between the white and the red man-the unnumbered massacres of men, women, and children. Would white men, with all their boasted civilization, have submitted to such a flagrant violation of what they considered their rights ?- such an appropriation of their lands and personal property to the benefit of another-a peo- ple of another race ?
But the Indian has gone-gone further toward the setting sun. Though once they roamed through every forest in Indiana, and their camp-fires were burning on every hill-top and in every valley, and their wild whoop heard to ring in all the forest, they have all disappeared, save a few who still cling to the graves of their fathers. Instead of the wild, unbroken forests which stood in all their majestic grandeur sixty-six years ago, now, in every part of Indiana, fields of golden grain are seen; instead of the wigwam, the stately farm-house shows its pro- portions; instead of nature's orchards where grew the wild plum, cherry, and grape, now may be seen cultivated orchards, producing all the varieties of
16
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
the most delicious fruits; instead of the Indian village, composed of a few smoky huts, now rises the populous city with its paved or macadamized streets, its extensive business-houses, stately man- sions, and church edifices with their lofty spires pointing toward the clouds; instead of the narrow Indian trace the eye catches the track of the rail- way, along which dashes the iron-horse, hitched to the ponderous train containing its hundreds of human beings, or its many tuns of freight. How great the change sixty-six years have wrought !
The first settlers of Indiana were subjected to hardships, privations, and toils to which the present inhabitants are entire strangers. They were shut up to their own resources for the means of living and the necessaries of life. With all their energy, ingenuity, and skill these were few. They were inhabitants of the wilderness. Saw-mills, grist- mills, dry goods, and grocery stores were not in the country. Their cabins were built of unhewn logs covered with clapboards, stick and clay chimneys, with puncheon floors. Few of the cabins of the first settlers had a window in them. The reasons were two: first, there was no such thing as obtaining window-sash or window-glass; second, a window left an opening by which wild animals could enter, to the dismay of the family. Wolves, bears, panthers and wild-cats often prowled around their dwellings in the darkness of the night, to the great annoyance and terror of the family, particularly the little folks.
17
FIRST SETTLING.
During the day the door of the cabin was kept open to afford light, and at night, through the Winter season, light was emitted from the fireplace, where huge logs were kept burning. Candles and lamps were out of the question for a few years. When these came into use, they were purely domestic in their manufacture. Candles were pre- pared by taking a wooden rod some ten or twelve inches in length, wrapping a strip of cotton or linen cloth around it, then covering it with tallow pressed on with the hand. These "sluts," as they were sometimes called, answered the purpose of a very large candle, and afforded light for several nights. Lamps were prepared by dividing a large turnip in the middle, scraping out the inside quite down to the rind, then inserting a stick, say three inches in length in the center, so that it would stand upright. A strip of cotton or linen cloth was then wrapped around it, and melted lard or deer's tallow was poured in till the turnip rind was full, then the lamp was ready for use. By the light of these, during the long Winter evenings, the women spun and sewed, and the men read, when books could be obtained. When neither lard nor tallow could be obtained, the large blazing fire sup- plied the needed light. By these great fireplaces many cuts of thread have been spun, many a yard of linsey woven, many a frock and pair of buckskin pantaloons made.
For several years there were no physicians among
2
18
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
the settlers. Medicines from an apothecary shop were not to be had. The people gathered their remedies from the woods and prairies, and adminis- tered them to themselves, without the formula of a prescription. A death was a rare occurrence in those days. When one did occur it produced a sensation among the people for miles around. All turned out to a funeral, though it was that of a little child.
Usually one man in each neighborhood served the people in the way of drawing teeth and blood- letting. There were no post-offices or post routes. Letters were conveyed by private hand. When the friends left behind in the older portions of the country desired to send a letter to those who had emigrated to Indiana, they were forwarded by some emigrant going further west, and addressed in something like the following: "To Mr. A. B., Whitewater Settlement of Friends, Indiana Terri- tory." Instead of being directed to a post-office, letters were always directed to some particular set- tlement.
In addition to all the other hardships to which the first settlers were subjected, they had to contend with the hostile Indians. From the serious wrongs, as they considered, done them by the whites, wrongs they had been suffering for years, they became the sworn, inveterate foe of the "pale-faces." They had seen themselves driven back further and further toward the setting sun. Many of their
19
FIRST SETTLING.
tribes had become extinct. Around their camp- fires and in their wigwams they had talked over their grievances till, overborne by a sense of wrong, they had sworn eternal hatred and revenge against the white man.
Though sons of the forest, born and reared in the wild woods, they were keen, shrewd men, full of cunning, true to a friend, but deceitful and impla- cable toward an enemy. They were to the whites a dangerous and much-dreaded foe. The only thing that kept them from slaying the whites or carrying them off as prisoners when and wherever they came across them, was fear of being overpowered. The settlers never knew when to trust them. They were always in more or less dread day and night, hence it was necessary for them to be perpetually on their guard, well armed, and prepared for any emergency.
In this work of preparation for attacks the first settlers fortified their cabins as well as they could. The loft, as it was called, was constructed of split logs, so that an entrance could not be made from above. The doors were made of split timbers, from three to four inches in thickness, pinned firmly to battens, and hung upon strong wooden hinges run- ning the whole width of the door. The fastening was made by boring a large augur-hole through on either side of the door, near the door cheek. Then the crotch of a limb was obtained from a forest tree, one prong of which was cut to a length
20
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
of three or four inches, while the other was shaved to fit the augur hole. It was then driven in and wedged on the outside. When the door was shut a large wooden bar was dropped into the crotches; thus the door was fastened securely. The door- shutter was of such a thickness the Indians could not split it down with their tomahawks, and the bar in the inside held it so firmly it could not be forced open. The nights of the early boyhood of the writer were spent in a cabin thus secured.
There were some traits of character in the wild Indians peculiar to themselves. They always moved in single file, whether on foot or mounted; this habit gave rise to the phrase, "Indian file." We have seen hundreds of them thus traveling, stretch- ing along the trace for miles. They had a peculiar whoop by which they made communications along the line when desired. The whoop given by one would be caught up and repeated as it ran along the line, till the forest would ring with hundreds of voices at one time.
When the Indians, in large or small companies, met a white person in the way, every one of them would instantly place his gun behind him, as if to conceal it from view. When they visited the cab- ins of the white people they invariably came up in the rear. Usually the settler's cabin had but one door. An Indian approaching would leave the path which led up in front and seek the rear, then walk along as stealthily as possible till the cabin was
21
FIRST SETTLING.
reached, when, suddenly springing round to the door, he would give his salute, thus, if possible, taking the family by surprise. It often happened that the first thing the family would know, five, ten, twenty, or more Indians, with guns, toma- hawks, and scalping-knives were at the door. This habit of theirs kept the families of the settlers in almost perpetual dread.
The Indians had a great dislike to a coward. They admired a brave. It was unfortunate for the whites, if, when the Indians visited their cabins, they showed any signs of fear. If they did, they were very likely to have trouble before their visitors left. Seeing the fear of the white people they would menace them with their tomahawks and scalping-knives for the purpose of increasing their alarm. When the whites were well frightened they would take whatever they desired and appropriate it to their own use. It was necessary for the set- tlers, when the Indians came to their cabins or they met them in the way, to exhibit a bold and defiant spirit, however in mind and heart they might feel.
The writer recollects well, one night in midwinter, after the family had all retired to bed, that a very noted Indian, whose English name was Killbuck, came to the door of his father's cabin, and in broken English demanded admittance. The door being well barred, no answer was given. The demand was re- peated several times, and still no answer. Finally, Killbuck struck the door several severe blows with
22
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
his tomahawk, swearing he would split it down if it was not opened. My father then told him, in positive terms, if he did not leave immediately he would put a rifle-ball through him. Killbuck said he was cold and hungry, and wanted to warm and get something to eat. Fearing he was under the in- fluence of liquor, he having just come from a trading-house a few miles below where whisky was kept to sell to the Indians, and that it would not be safe to let him in, he was told to go up the branch a short distance to where Old Sal, an Indian squaw, was camped, then come back in the morning, when he should have something to eat. After a time he left, declaring he would have one white man's scalp before morning. Early the next morning Killbuck returned in a fine humor. Approaching the writer's father, he said: "White man heap much brave; he no coward."
We give another incident: One day a number of Indians visited a settler's cabin to purchase some provisions. The settler was from home. Among other things they desired some bacon. The settler's wife went into the smoke-house to procure it. Several squaws followed her in. One of them took a large piece of bacon and started out. She was told she could not have that piece. The squaw persisted in carrying it off. The white woman seized the piece of meat, wrested it from the squaw, and struck her a blow which came near prostrating her. This caused great merriment among the In-
23
FIRST SETTLING.
dians. The men gathered around the settler's wife, and patting her on the shoulder, said: "White squaw heap much brave; heap much fight."
In selling any thing to the Indians for money, it was difficult to obtain a fair price. In such a trade they were shrewd, but in bartering for their furs, peltries, baskets, moccasins, and broaches, they seemed to have little judgment. One so disposed could take great advantage of them. Mr. C., a white man, who had established a trading-house far out in the Indian country, having just received a supply of needles, told the Indians that the needle- maker was dead, and when what supply he had on hand was gone they would get no more. The result was he exchanged his needles each for a coonskin, when the skin was worth from fifty to seventy-five cents.
24
INDIANA MISCELLANY.
CHAPTER II.
FIRST SETTLING OF INDIANA, (CONTINUED.)
IN Eastern Indiana the first settlers did not suffer as much from depredations by the Indians as in the southern portion of the territory. A terrible slaughter of the whites occurred in what is now Scott county, at a place near where the Jefferson- ville & Indianapolis Railroad now passes, called the " Pigeon-Roost Massacre." I subjoin from "Dillon's History of Indiana" the following account of it:
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