USA > Indiana > An illustrated history of the state of Indiana: being a full and authentic civil and political history of the state from its first exploration down to 1875 > Part 12
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After repeated petitions the people of Indiana were empow- ered by Congress to elect the members of the legislative council by popular vote. This act was passed in 1809, and defined what was known as the property qualification of voters. These qualifications were abolished by an act of Congress in 1811, which extended the right of voting for members of the general assembly and for a territorial delegate to Congress to every free white male person who had attained the age of twenty-one years, and who, having paid a county or territorial
177
REVIEW OF CIVIL AND POLITICAL EVENTS.
tax, was a resident of the territory, and had resided in it for the period of one year. In 1814, the voting qualification in Indiana was defined by an act of Congress, "to every free white male person having a freehold in the territory, and being a resident of the same." The house of representatives of the Indiana territory was authorized, by an act of Congress of the fourth of March, 1814, to lay off the territory into five districts, in each of which the qualified voters were empowered to elect a member of the legislative council. The members of the house convened at Corydon, in the month of June, 1814, and divided the territory into districts. According to this division the counties of Washington and Knox constituted one district; the counties of Gibson and Warrick one district; the counties of Harrison and Clark one district; the counties of Jefferson and Dearborn one district; and the counties of Franklin and Wayne one district .*
At the session of the general assembly held at Corydon, in August, 1814, an act was passed dividing the territory into three judicial circuits, and making provisions for the holding of courts in these circuits, and defining the jurisdiction of such courts, and investing the governor with power to appoint a presiding judge in each circuit, and two associate judges of the circuit court in each county. The compensation of these judges was fixed at seven hundred dollars per annum.
In the same year the general assembly of Indiana granted charters to two banking institutions, viz., the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Madison, and the Bank of Vincennes. The former was authorized to raise a capital of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars; the latter the sum of five hundred thousand dollars. As we shall see, these banks, upon the organization of the State, were merged into the State Bank and its branches.
Our history of the INDIANA TERRITORY, which closes with this chapter, is not so full as it could have been with the
* Dillon's History of Indiana Territory.
12
178
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
materials at hand, but, as Mr. John B. Dillon has already edited a large volume concerning this period, which was pub- lished in 1859, we have thought proper to devote most of the space in this work to a history and description of the STATE OF INDIANA, which covers a period from 1816 to 1875. Thus we take up the work where Mr. Dillon laid it down, and to the best of our ability, carry out a literary enterprise which he so ably commenced. It will be proper, at this point, to state that in some of the preceding chapters we have quoted freely from Mr. Dillon's work, and that the completeness of this part of our history is due, in a considerable measure, to his compilations.
CHAPTER XVII.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE.
THE last regular session of the territorial legislature 01 Indiana was held at Corydon, convening in December 1815. Owing to the sickness of Governor Posey, who lived at Jeffersonville, he was unable to be present, but his regular message was delivered to both houses in joint session by his private secretary, Colonel Allen D. Thorn. In this message he congratulated the people of the territory upon the general success of the settlements, upon the great increase of immi- gration to the territory; recommended light taxes, and a careful attention to the promotion of education and the improvement of the State roads and highways. He also recommended a revision of the territorial laws, and an amend- ment of the militia system. During this session, which lasted only a month, several laws were passed, and measures adopted, most of which were calculated to promote the desired change from a territorial to a State government. On the fourteenth
179
ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE.
of December a memorial was adopted praying for the authority to adopt a constitution and State government. This was laid before Congress by the territorial delegate, Mr. Jennings, on the twenty-eighth of the same month, and on the nineteenth of April, 1816, the President approved the bill, enabling the
JUDGE WM. P. EDSON. See page 21.
people of Indiana territory to form a constitution and State government, and providing for the admission of such State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States. Agreeably to the provisions of this law an election for mem-
180
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
bers of a convention to form a State constitution, was held in the several counties of the territory on Monday, the thirteenth day of May, 1816, with the following result:
Wayne county: Jeremiah Cox, Patrick Baird, Joseph Hol- man, and Hugh Cull.
Franklin county: William H. Eads, James Brownlee, Enoch McCarty, Robert Hanna, Jr., and James Noble.
Dearborn county: James Dill, Solomon Manwaring, and Ezra Ferris.
Switzerland county: William Cotton.
Jefferson county: David H. Maxwell, Samuel Smock, and Nathaniel Hunt.
Clark county: Jonathan Jennings, James Scott, Thomas Carr, Jno. K. Graham, and James Lemon.
Harrison county : Dennis Pennington, Davis Floyd, Daniel C. Lane, John Boone, and Patrick Shields.
Washington county : John DePauw, Samuel Milroy, Robert McIntire, William Lowe, and William Graham.
Knox county; John Johnson, John Badollet, William Polke, Benjamin Polke, and John Benefiel.
Gibson county: David Robb, James Smith, Alexander Devin, and Frederick Rappe.
Warrick county : Daniel Grass
Perry county: Charles Polke.
Posey county: Dann. Lynn.
The population of the territory of Indiana, as given in the official returns, certified by the clerks of the various counties and transmitted to the territorial legislature of 1815, was as follows:
Counties.
White males of 21 and over.
Total.
Wayne .
1,225
6,407
Franklin
1,430
7,370
Dearborn
902
4,424
Switzerland
377
1,832
Jefferson
874
4,270
Clark
1,387
7,150
Washington
1,420
7,317
Harrison
1,056
6,975
181
ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE.
Counties.
White males of 21 and over.
Total.
Knox
1,391
8,068
Gibson
1,100
5,330
Posey .
320
16,19
Warrick
280
1,415
Perry
350
1,720
Total
63,897
The first constitutional convention convened at Corydon on the tenth of June, 1816, and continued its session until the twenty-ninth, when, having ably completed the important work assigned to it, it adjourned. Jonathan Jennings pre- sided over the deliberations of the convention, and William Hendricks acted as secretary.
In reference to the first State constitution, and the honorable gentlemen who constituted the convention that framed it, Mr. Dillon, in his history of the Indiana territory, says: "The convention that formed the first constitution of the State of Indiana was composed, mainly, of clear-minded, unpretending men of common sense, whose patriotism was unquestionable, and whose morals were fair. Their familiarity with the theo- ries of the Declaration of American Independence, their ter- ritorial experience under the provisions of the ordinance of 1787, and their knowledge of the principles of the constitu- tion of the United States, were sufficient, when combined, to lighten, materially, their labors in the great work of forming a constitution for a new State. With such landmarks in view, the labors of similar conventions in other States and territories have been rendered comparatively light. In the clearness and conciseness of its style, in the comprehensive and just provis- ions which it made for the maintenance of civil and religious liberty, in its mandates, which were designed to protect the rights of the people, collectively and individually, and to pro- vide for the public welfare, the constitution that was formed for Indiana in 1816, was not inferior to any of the State con- stitutions which were in existence at that time."
The first State election took place on the first Monday of August, 1816, and Jonathan Jennings was elected Governor,
182
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
Christopher Harrison, Lieutenant-Governor, and William Hendricks was elected to represent the new State in the House of Representatives of the United States.
The first general assembly elected under the authority of the State constitution, commenced its session at Corydon on the fourth of November, 1816. John Paul was called to the chair of the Senate pro tem., and Isaac Blackford was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. On the seventh of November the oath of office was administered to Governor Jennings and Lieutenant-Governor Harrison, in the presence of both houses On this occasion Governor Jennings delivered his first message to the general assembly, in which, among other things, he remarked: "The result of your deliberation will be considered as indicative of its future character, as well as of the future happiness and prosperity of its citizens. The reputation of the State, as well as its highest interest, will require that a just and generous policy toward the general government, and a due regard to the rights of its members respectively, should invariably have their proper influence. In the commencement of the State government the shackles of the colonial should be forgotten in our united exertions to prove, by happy experience, that a uniform adherence to the first principles of our government, and a virtuous exercise of its powers, will best secure efficiency to its measures and stability to its character. Without a frequent recurrence to those principles, the administration of the government will imper- ceptibly become more and more arduous, until the simplicity of our republican institutions may eventually be lost in dan- gerous expedients and political design. Under every free gov- ernment the happiness of the citizens must be identified with their morals; and while a constitutional exercise of their rights shall continue to have its due weight in the discharge of the duties required of the constituted authorities of the State, too much attention can not be bestowed to the encouragement and promotion of every moral virtue, and to the enactment of laws calculated to restrain the vicious, and prescribe punishment for every crime commensurate to its enormity. In measuring, however, to each crime its adequate punishment, it will be
183
ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE.
well to recollect that the certainty of punishment has generally the surest effect to prevent crime; while punishments unneces- sarily severe, too often produce the acquittal of the guilty, and
See page 21.
disappoint one of the greatest objects of legislation and good government. * * * The dissemination of useful knowledge will be indispensably necessary as a support to morals, and as
184
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
a restraint to vice; and, on this subject, it will only be neces- sary to direct your attention to the plan of education as pre- scribed by the constitution. * *
* I recommend to your consideration the propriety of providing by law, to prevent more effectually any unlawful attempts to seize and carry into bondage persons of color legally entitled to their freedom; and, at the same time, as far as practicable, to prevent those who rightfully own service to the citizens of any other State or territory from seeking within the limits of this State. a refuge from the possession of their lawful owners. Such a measure will tend to secure those who are free from any unlawful attempts (to enslave them) and secures the rights of the citizens of the other States and territories as far as ought resonably to be expected."
Thus was the territorial government of Indiana exchanged for a State government on the seventh of November, 1816. During the session of the legislature, James Noble and Walter Taylor were elected to represent the State of Indiana in the Senate of the United States. Robert A. New was elected Sec- retary of State; W. H. Lilley, Auditor of State; and Daniel C. Lane, Treasurer of State. The session was adjourned sine die on the third of January, 1817.
If, in their progress from one event to another, along the current of the civil and political history of the State, readers should wish to learn more of the incidents of pioneer life, the progress of the settlements, the social condition of the people, and the like, it will only be necessary to remind them that these things are treated in detail in the SECOND PART of this volume, under the head of "County Histories," to relieve them of their impatience.
CHAPTER XVIII.
GOVERNOR JENNINGS' ADMINISTRATION.
W E now come to a consideration of the history of the State of Indiana, which extends over a period from 1816 to 1875. The contemplation of events within this period is a source of pleasure to every Indianian. There are only the fresh memories of the civil war to mar this pleasure. All else is calculated to awaken the highest enthusiasm and the loftiest patriotism. Amazing progress! are the only words that seem to convey the idea which this contemplation brings most vividly to the mind. To what quarter of the globe can we point, where, in the short space of fifty years, material progress has been greater? Certainly there is no place on the broad earth to which the Indianian can emigrate with a hope of bettering his present condition and prospects.
Within the short space of fifty years the population of Indiana has increased from sixty thousand to over two mil- lions! Within the same period the valuation of personal and real property within the State has increased beyond all possibility of computation; great and prosperous commercial industries have been established, and the educational and benevolent institutions have become useful in shaping the des- tiny of other countries. It now becomes our pleasant duty to note this wonderful progress step by step.
The inhabitants of the new State first turned their attention to farming - to agricultural pursuits, which are still the lead- ing industry of Indiana. New farms were opened, new settlements were founded, orchards were planted, log and frame school houses were erected, churches were built, towns and cities began to flourish, and battle for the leading position.
(185)
186
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
Thus was inaugurated that great era of prosperity which can only terminate in future greatness. Withal, a sense of secur- ity pervaded the minds of the people. The hostile Indians, as we have seen, had been humbled. Their power and pride had been broken, and the tomahawk no longer excited the fears of the pioneer settler of Indiana. The settlers dwelt in safety in their little, plain log cabins, and, actuated by a faith ' in that future prosperity which they have lived to enjoy, they cultivated their small fields without the aid of armed senti- nels. The numerous forts and block houses which had once been made desolate by merciless slaughters, were now con- verted into storehouses, dwellings, or in some way made to serve the purpose of trade.
But it must not be supposed that this great prosperity has been attained without difficulty. Indiana has had her internal improvement troubles; her financial embarrassment; a cur- rency panic; a commercial depression; her dark days; but these have all passed. They were unequal to the persistent energies of a free people.
In 1816-17, when the State was in its infancy, and the citi- zens were not wealthy, and when the number and value of the objects of taxation were miserably small, and the inexhaust- able resources undeveloped, it was difficult to raise the revenue necessary for the support of the government. The burden upon landholders was indeed heavy; the funds for county purposes were derived mostly from a poll-tax, taxes on lands, town lots, horses, carriages, clocks, watches, and license venders of merchandise.
For State revenue purposes the taxable lands were divided into three classes, and taxed per hundred acres, as follows, for several years :
Years.
First Rate.
Second Rate.
Third Rate.
1817
$1.00
$0.87₺
$0.50
1818
1.00
0.872
0.623
1821
1.50
1.25
0.75
1824
1.50
1.00
0.75
1831
0.80
0.60
1.40
187
GOVERNOR JENNINGS' ADMINISTRATION.
In his first annual message, Governor Jennings called attention to the need of greater educational facilities, the revision of the statutes, the organization of the judiciary, and the need of a law to prevent the carrying into bondage per- sons of color residing in the State and legally entitled to their
CROSSCUP & WEST.PHILA.
See page 21.
freedom. He also urged the necessity of raising a revenue sufficient to meet the expenses of that year, and to liquidate the debt consequent upon the constitutional convention of the previous year. In this undertaking the government met with many difficulties. The objects of taxation were not
188
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
numerous, and the great scarcity of money within the State, made it difficult for the collector to realize on the demands of the State upon the property assessed. This difficulty was urged upon the attention of the legislature, in 1818, when Governor Jennings remarked that in order to "enforce the payments of the revenue of the State, on the part of those charged with collections, it is recommended that all suits con- nected therewith be instituted in the Harrison Circuit Court, and that the appointment of an Attorney General be author- ized by law, whose duty it shall be to prosecute thereon, and in the Supreme Court when the State may be a party."
During Governor Jennings' administration the subject of internal improvements was agitated. As early as 1818, in his message to the legislature, he used these words: " The internal improvement of the State forms a subject of the greatest importance and deserves the most serious attention. Roads and canals are calculated to afford facilities to the commercial transactions connected with the exports and imports of the country, by lessening the expenses and time attendant, as well on the transportation of the bulky articles which compose our exports as on the importation of articles the growth and man- ufacture of foreign countries, which luxury and habit have rendered too common and almost indispensable to our con- sumption. They enhance the value of the soil, by affording the agriculturalist the means of deriving greater gain from its cultivation, with an equal proportion of labor, thereby pre- senting stronger inducements to industry and enterprise, and at the same time, by various excitements, invite to a more general intercourse between the citizens. *
* The success which has attended the exertions of the Jeffersonville and Ohio Canal Company affords the flattering prospect of a speedy commencement upon the great object for which the corporation was created, and presents still stronger claims upon the general assembly to aid its ultimate execution."
In November, 1821, Governor Jennings convened the legis- lature in extra session, to provide for the payment of the interest on the State debt, and a part of the principal, amount- ing to twenty thousand dollars. It was then believed that an
189
GOVERNOR JENNINGS' ADMINISTRATION.
amount sufficient for these purposes would be realized by the State treasurer, in the notes of the State bank and its branches, and it was urged upon the legislature, by the Governor, that the public debt could be conscientiously discharged with these depreciated notes. In support of this view he said: "It will be oppressive if the State, after the paper of this institution was authorized to be circulated in revenue, should be prevented by any assignment of the evidences of the existing debt, from discharging at least so much of that debt with the paper of the bank, as will absorb the collections of the present year; especially, when their notes, after being made receivable by the agents of the State, because greatly depreciated by great mismanagement on the part of the bank itself. It ought not to be expected that a public loss to the State should be avoided by resorting to any measures which would not comport with correct views of public justice; nor should it be anticipated that the treasury of the United States would ultimately adopt measures to secure an uncertain debt, which would interfere with arrangements calculated to adjust the demand against the State, without producing any additional embarrassment."
The condition of public affairs that called for these senti- ments from the Executive was not flattering. An assignment of the bonds executed in behalf of the State had been effected and the general credit of the State greatly embarrassed. The State bank -a history of which will be found further on --- owing to bad management had depreciated the bank paper of the State, and injured the public credit. The means employed to produce this result are said to have been designed by unprincipled speculators. The Governor, in reference to this painful phase of the question, held that " whatever disposition the principal bank may have made of the funds deposited by the United States, it must be admitted that the connection of interest between the steam mill company and the bank, and the extraordinary accommodations, on account of the manner in which they were obtained, as well as their amount, effected by arrangements of the steam mill agency and some of the officers of the bank have been among the principal causes which have prostrated the paper circulating medium of this
190
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
State, so far as it was dependent on the State bank and its branches. And from the direction which for a time past has been given to the funds as well as to the credit of the State bank, it would seem as if it had been an object to produce depreciation of her own credit, as well as that of her branches, producing thereby, among other mischievous consequences, the means of direct gain to a certain portion of the community, equal to the loss which the innocent and disinterested holder of the paper inevitably sustains."
It is undoubtedly true that the panic of 1821, which cast a gloom over the infant industries of the State of Indiana, was in a great measure the result of dishonest speculation, as well as of an unwise financial policy. At all events the public affairs were in a very unsettled condition when Governor Jen- nings, at the summons of the popular voice, handed the gov- ernment of the young State over to his successor, Hon. William Hendricks .*
CHAPTER XIX.
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM HENDRICKS.
TN 1822, in his first message to the legislature, Governor Hendricks, notwithstanding the discouraging state of the public affairs, was disposed to regard every prospect full of promise for the new State. He regretted the unsettled condi- tion of the pecuniary affairs of the State and citizens, but in a happy mood, congratulated the people upon "the agricultural and social happiness of the State." At no period in the previous history of the State had the productions of the soil been more abundant in the necessaries and comforts of life
* Governor Jennings having been elected to Congress, in 1822, Lieuten- ant-Governor Boone was acting Governor of the State of Indiana for several months previous to the election of Governor Hendricks.
1
191
ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR WILLIAM HENDRICKS.
than during the year 1822. At this time emigration was affording the State considerable accessions to her population, and despite the financial troubles which engaged the attention of the legislature, the people who for the most part depended wholly upon agricultural products, were enjoying moderate
CROSSCUP-WEST-PHILA
HON. WM. MITCHELL. See page 21.
prosperity. Nevertheless, the payment for the lands, the extensive consumption of European goods in Indiana, and the want of a market for the surplus produce, had placed the balance of trade largely against the people, and produced general and individual distress; but the subsequent develop-
192
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
ment of the resources of the State, the steady pursuit of agricul- ture, the resort to domestic fabrics to the exclusion of foreign merchandise, combined to produce the most favorable results.
On the question of internal improvements, Governor Hen- dricks, in his first message to the legislature, said: "We ought to leave free and unshackled, as far as we can, our resources for improvement and purposes which the interests of the State may hereafter require, if not at our hands, at the hands of those who succeed us. *
* * Let us not lose sight of those great objects to which the means of the State should, at some future day, be devoted-the navigation of the falls of the Ohio, the improvement of the Wabash, the White river, and other streams, and the construction of the National and other roads through the State."
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