USA > Indiana > Switzerland County > Brief history of Switzerland County, Ind. > Part 2
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CHAPTER V .
Famous. Men and Women of Switzer- land County.
No history of Switzerland county would be complete without mention- ing some of her distinguished sons and daughters. Since it would be an end- less task to mention all of her worthy men and women, we will take only the deserving ones who have passed away into the home of everlasting tribute.
(Notes of Hon. B. S. Barker.)
Mrs. Julia L. Dumount ranks among the first of Indiana's early educators because of her never failing ability as a schoolmistress. While yet in her youth she established the first school in Vevay, and this proving a success, she found time to wield a graceful pen, and her poems and essays were widely published at the time. "She is entitled to be called the mother of Indiana's educational advance as well as of Indiana's literature," says Mr. Parker. Her first home and school- house are still standing and may be seen by sightseers who visit our little city. One of the most prominent literary clubs in Vevay has honored this "Mother of Literature" by namn- ing their society the "Julia L. Dumont Club."
(Jane E. Zimmerman, a sister of Edward Eggleston.)
Perhaps Vevay's most boasted writ- er is Edward Eggleston, whose Main street home still remains a place of
interest to visitors. His "Hoosier Schoolboy," "The Circuit Rider" and others of his works are well known all over the country, and although some of the characters have passed away, a number of them live in and near Vevay. His first school days were not creditable but after he reached the age of ten years he was unexcelled in his studies. He spent some time in Minnesota where he was obliged to go for his health and was much benefitted by "roughing it."
(Reveille 1893-Notes of Vevay.)
Upon his return he traveled in Indi- ana as a junior preacher. He was a great Sunday School worker and never lost interest in his church-the Methodist. Besides his Indiana stor- ies he published a "History of the United States," The Transit of Civi- lization," Tales of his life in New York, and others of interest.
(Home Monthly '98 Waldo F. Brown)
"Aunt Lucy Detraz," as she was called by our townspeople, was one of the earliest inhabitants of Vevay, and perhaps the longest lived. She obtained the best of her education in Louisville, Ky., where she attended school for a period of eight months. She was interesting and cheerful, a great worker in the Presbyterian church of which she was a devoted member. The author can remember her telling of how she and her parents were obliged to hide from the Indians many times, and how, when the red- skins found that the family could speak French, they pledged them- selves to be lifelong friends. "Aunt Lucy" figures prominently in Eggles- ton's "Roxy" and nowhere else is her character so truly depicted.
She lived to be ninety years old and retained all of hier faculties to the
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
last, although her hearing was slight- ly defective.
Space does not permit even the slightest reference to the many men and women who have gone out from our peaceful little city and made some valuable contribution to society. We shall have to satisfy ourselves in bringing this chapter to a close with the thought that Switzerland County is yearly turning over to so- ciety at large men and women who are helping to solve the great prob- lems of the day in all fields of endeavor.
CHAPTER VI. CITY OF VEVAY.
The history of the County Seat of Switzerland County is connected with many legends and stories concerning the beauty of its environment. Situ- ated as it is among the vine clad hills on the banks of the beautiful Ohio, whose waters flow serenely from the Allegheny mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, it has a location envied by many towns and cities in the United States. Its scenery is excelled by only a few places in this country. To us it is common; we who live here do not appreciate its beauties, while the visitors are struck by the picturesque- ness of the country surrounding us.
One hundred years ago the pioneers from Switzerland, that sturdy little re- public across the sea, came here and founded what was to be a new Vevay in a new Switzerland. This year we celebrate the anniversary of this founding, and remember with pride swelling our hearts, the hardships these people endured that they might find a home beneath the clear heavens where they could cultivate their vine- yards and make from the grapes the wine for which they are justly famous.
When the question of a county seat for Switzerland County came up, there were four applicants; namely, Vevay, Little York (Florence), Troy (Pat- riot), and Center Square. The last named being nearer the center of the county, was seriously considered for a time, the people of that place going so far as to lay it out as such and to get the ground in shape. Finally, it was decided to make Vevay the capi- tol of the County. As we do not know the minds of our forefathers, we cannot say why Vevay was selected, but if we were to hazard a guess we would say because of the geographic- al location and consequently better fa- cilities for transportation and better opportunities for people to come and go. So much for the beginning of Ve- vay. Now let us look for a short time upon her progress, both material and social.
About the first public buildings erected here were the taverns, kept by Thomas Armstrong, Phillip Averil, William Cooper, Samuel Fallis and others. Under the law of the time anyone desiring to sell liquor in small quantities had to sign a contract guar- anteeing to have so much stable room and so many beds-a queer law judged by present standards.
In 1814 Bazilla Clark came to Ve- vay and established a nail factory at the northwest corner of Main and Walnut Streets. The machinery was run by the then modern method of horse power. The nails when made sold for 25 cents per pound.
The first brick building put up in Vevay was the Court House. Begun in 1815 and finished for the October term of court in 1816.
The present Court House was com- pleted in October, 1864. The bids for its construction were as follows: Tem- perly and Woodfield, $31,000; Haw
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
thorne, Melcher & Eblin, $28,000; Jos- eph Peelman, $28,000; Samuel Coplin- ger $28,952; John Haly, 26,132.40. The contract was given to Haly by J. R. Harris, William Anderson and Luther Hotchkiss, who were commissioners and was entered by H. . W Gordon who was Auditor, September 22, 1862. The old Court House was sold to Haly for $200. The total cost of the construction was $29,724.90. The pres- ent County Jail was begun in 1853 and finished in 1855. Joseph Peelman was awarded the contract by Jacob Shull, J. S. Ferguson and John Weav- er, commissioners at the time. It cost $8,675 and is 20 x 37 feet, built of good brick.
The early settlers did not forget the educational side of life. As early as 1810 Lucien Gex had a school near Vevay where he taught French only. In 1814-15 Mrs. Julia L. Dumont taught here. By her essays, editorials and poems she became the pioneer champion of better education in this county and state. She not only taught what could be found in books, but also helped her pupils in the up- building of character.
After Vevay was laid out, two sec- tions belonged to the "Vevay Semi- nary" which stood where the National Bank now stands. In 1811-12 a man named Buchute came here and taught a grammar school. Being of a poetic turn of mind, he wrote the "Empire of Bacchus" in Latin. This was the first poem ever written in this coun- ty.
In 1873 the Legislature of Indiana passed a law requiring the trustees to appoint a County Superintendent, whose duty it was to care for the schools and see to their improvement. Many able minded men have filled this office. Since its establishment it has
changed from an appointive to an el- ective office.
In early times teachers were good and the enrollment was large, as is shown by the report of the State Su- perintendent for years 1883-84:
"There are 77 buildings pertaining to education and valued at $69,543, having an enrollment of 4,467 with an average daily attendance of 2,115 and only 26 per cent of all the children of the county are enrolled.
This record is one to be proud of, because, taking into consideration the hardships the pioneer children had to endure, it is remarkable that such a large percentage attended.
Today we have better buildings and books. Teachers now are more effic- ient than those years ago, but they could not be more willing to help edu- cate the coming generation than those early forerunners who braved the dangers of a frontier life to give the boys and girls an education. Since that time Indiana has made wonderful strides in education and today we are proud to say she ranks among the first in the United States.
The zeal for religion was never al- lowed to flag by our Swiss ancestors. Before the church was established, Daniel Dufour read a chapter from the Bible and preached a short ser- mon to them each Sunday. The first Sunday School, which was the pre- lude to the religious sects here, was started in 1817 and kept up until all the different churches had separate Schools.
The Presbyterian was the first or- ganized church in Vevay. On Janu- ary 28, 1828, the people favorable to this sect founded a church here by popular subscription-the amount be- ing $270. Daniel V. Dufour gave them the lot on which the present church stannds. They worshipped in their
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
old building until 1837 when the struc- ture was considered unsafe and torn down. From this time until 1844, they had no church. In 1844 they re- organized and the present building was erected.
The Methodist church was organ- ized in 1816 by Rev. Allen Wiley and Russel Bigelow-these ministers be- longing to the Lawrenceburg circuit. In 1823-25 it was reorganized and or- dained as a station. In 1837 a brick church was erected where the present Ruter Chapel stands. Previous to this their meetings were held in the old Presbyterian church. In 1858 the present building was erected and dedi- cated by the Rev. Thomas Bowman.
The Baptist church of Switzerland county was organized in 1833. Mr. Dufour gave them a lot and a build- ing was erected. Here the Baptists worshipped until 1873 when they occu- pied the imposing edifice which stands on the corner of Main Cross and Pike streets.
The Universalist church was found- ed January 1, 1852. In 1862 they built a building next to the Odd Fel- lows Hall. The church now belong- ing to this sect is of comparatively recent construction.
The Christian church was organized in 1842 by Rev. John M. Holton. Their first meeting was held in the Court House. In 1882 the old Bap- tist church building was bought and furnished for them by J. W. Wright.
The Catholic church dates back to 1854. The first member was Mrs. S. Pleasants, Father Shaw being the priest. Frank Dufour and wife unit- ed with the church in 1857 and a chapel was erected at his house. In 1862 they rented a room in Perret Du- four's building and worshipped here
until their present church was built in 1875.
Many old fashioned revivals were held in the early history of our town, but space permits only a slight men- tion. The principal evangelist, Loren- zo Dow, came here many times and exciting incidents are recorded. He preached where the old chair factory stood. One day while preaching he heard whispering among his congre- gation and desired to know who the offender was. He was told that it was some one translating the sermon to a young Swiss who did not under- stand his English. This appeared to him to be sufficient excuse for whis- pering so he went on with his sermon which was only two hours long-at that time considered short. How the times have changed.
The newspapers of the county from the first issue of the "Indiana Regis- ter" in 1816 down to the present time, have played an important part in shaping the destinies of the county. William C. Keen came here in 1815 and one year later started the publica- tion of the "Indiana Register". It was published by various editors un- til 1832, when Thomas Berryman bought the shop and started the "Weekly Messenger" which he con- tinued until 1836. In this year Isaac Stevens commenced the "Village Times" which ran until 1840. Charles Horton bought him out and changed the name to the "Ohio Valley Gaz- ette." Four years later he sold out to Waldo who again changed its name to the "Vevay Reveille." All of its editors have been high minded men who have kept its morals above those of the average newspaper. In 1869 the "Vevay Democrat" was es- tablished and has been published ever since under the name of the "Switzer- land Democrat." It has a large circu-
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
lation and has had a successful career.
One of the early taverns was erect- ed by William T. Huff on the site now occupied by the LeClerc House. One of the earliest blacksmith shops start- ed was that of T. J. Siebenthal in 1814. For early shoemakers we had Blaney, Kelly, Chaudet and Johnston. About 1825 Charles Thiebaud came to Vevay and started a shoe business which, upon his death was continued by his sons. In the harness business the first was Joseph Malin. Others who followed the trade were, Miles Men- denhall, J. W. Cole, J. N. Malin, J. Kern and George Kessler & Son. Tanning was begun in 1815 by T. S. Lindley.
The first silversmith and watch mak- er was William Paxton who came in 1816-17. Later William Norisez estab- lished a shop here. These were not permanent and in 1857 Frederick Boerner opened a jewelry store. He was succeeded by Sieglitz and Roben- stein in 1881.
In 1819 Dr. J. Welsh started a drug store. J. L. Thiebaud opened a store in 1847. Later Golay & Stevens start- ed a partnership which was later dis- solved and each started separate busi- nesses.
In 1817 the Branch Bank of Vevay was organized and continued until 1820, when owing to a fraud the bank and all equipment was handed over to J. Blackford the receiver, by J. L. Du- four, the President.
The First National Bank was or- ganized in 1864 with a capital of $100,000, which was later increased to $150,000 and then reduced to $50,000, with a surplus of $20,000.
We have been unable to find the ex- act date of the founders of the dry goods business here, but in 1840 U. P. Schenck Sr. ran a large store of this nature on the corner of Pike and Fer-
ry streets. The taverns named above were the first hotels as nearly as we can learn, and the LeClerc House, which stands at the corner of Main and Ferry streets, was the first large hotel. About 1840-70 it was consid- ered one of the best hotels between Cincinnati and Louisville.
Many historical buildings are still standing. On lower Main street stands the white brick school house immortalized by Edward Eggleston in his "Hoosier Schoolmaster" and "Hoo- sier School-boy." Some three blocks above it on the same street stands the house where Eggleston was born. The first hotel is still standing on its original site, but the houses erected by the first settlers have all been stricken down by time and only the hallowed ground on which they stood remains to tell the tale of the hard- ships of the occupants. Not until af- ter the close of the Civil War did the manufacturies of Vevay get a start. In 1865 the Vevay Furniture Company, with a capital stock of $38,000, was organized. The annual output was about $50,000.
The year 1868 saw the establishment of the Vevay Woolen Mills by a Mr. Schofield. Capital $30,000. Annual product $40,000.
A steam carriage factory began in 1873, capital $5,000; yearly product, $8,000.
A chair factory was established in 1872 with a capital of $12,000; annual product $45,000.
The Union Furniture Company was established in 1874, capital $40,000; an- nual product $53,000.
Mayer's Cigar Factory commenced in 1867, capital $8,000; product $35,000.
At the end of the year 1876, Vevay was a prosperous and peaceful little city, carrying on an extensive busi-
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
ness with other places and lending all possible aid to enterprises which would bring prosperity to the com- munity.
LATER HISTORY.
After speaking of the Early History of Vevay, let us glance for a short time at the present places of religion, education and business. On the cor- ner of Main Cross and Pike streets stands the imposing Baptist church, rearing its steeple Heavenward in the midst of Godfearing men. It has a large membership and attendance and the Sunday School is doing excellent work under the leadership of Mr Wal- ter Cotton. The pastor, Rev. Bow- man, is an excellent talker and a man beloved by all.
The Christian church, one square below on Pike street is also worthy of consideration. Among its mem- bers are some of Vevay's most promi- nent citizens. Although the pastor- ship is now vacant the outlook for a minister at an early date is good.
On Main street stands the Methodist church. Its pastor, Rev. Asher, is a man liked by all people. He takes a lively interest in all movements per- taining to the welfare of his members and the city at large.
At the intersection of Main and Market streets stands the Presbyterian church. The pastor, Rev. Barrett, is especially liked for the interest he takes in the young people and their work. Having been here but a short time, his reputation among the towns- men is an enviable one.
Two blocks below stands the Uni- versalist church. The edifice is a model of architectural beauty. Al- though the membership is not large, it includes Vevay's best citizens. At
present no services are held by this denomination, but the United Breth- ren, under the leadership of Rev. Todd hold weekly services here. Rev. Todd is an earnest and zealous work- er for the cause of religion and the church has at present a large and act- ive membership.
O11 upper Ferry street stands the Catholic church. Its membership is also small, but the people are re- vered by all in the city. The present priest is Father Guerdon, of Madison.
Now let us notice the Public School System. We have a common school building containing eight grades with a most efficient corps of teachers. Taken from one to eight, inclusive, they are: Misses Fannie Shadday, Citha Gordon, Hazel Richards, Mary Hall, Laura Lamson and Mr. Ernest Gray. The building is situated in the midst of a large playground equipped with the modern apparatus for the healthy amusement of the pupils. It has an enrollment of 205. The High School building stands about sixty feet to the northeast and has four grades. Mr. R. N. Tirey is at present Super- intendent of the schools, and he and the other instructors are both willing and able to help the students in every way possible. Not only is the learning of sums in Arithmetic, propositions in geometry, etc., looked carefully into by them, but also the proper shaping of the characters of those intrusted in their care. The assistants of Prof. Tirey are Miss Julia Knox, Principal; Miss Grace Stepleton, Miss Frances Culbertson, Mr. Clayton E. Tanke and Mrs. Loubelle Gougar. The building is large, well lighted, and ventilated. The equipment is good with an enroll- ment of 120. We have a High School of which all are justly proud.
The schools of Vevay have about 600 alumni, many of whom have gained
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
almost world wide reputation in their chosen line of work.
Through the untiring energy of the school trustees, Wm. O. Protsman, W. D. Cotton and P. D. Pleasants, the coming generation is to be benefited by a large and spacious assembly hall which is being erected adjoining our present High School Building, and by a complete overhauling of the old school plant. We have felt the need of these improvements and are happy that we are to get them.
Today we have six groceries, four dry goods stores, two clothing stores, four shoe shops, two drug stores, two confectioneries, one jewelry store, four hotels, three livery barns, two hardware stores, two furniture stores, three blacksmith shops, two large automobile garages, two meat mark- ets and two tin shops. These are all owned by wide-awake business men, who are courteous and accommodating in every respect.
In a professional line we have five lawyers and seven physicians, all men of high ability.
Engaged in manufacturing we have two flour millls, one furniture factory, ice plant, creamery and planing mill.
The city boasts two weekly papers, the Vevay Reveille and the Switzer- land Democrat. The former is, and has been edited by Mr. W. O. Prots- man, a man of great energy and abili- ty, for twelve years. It is published in a building situated on Pike street and built in 1906. It is constructed along modern lines and contains ma- chinery for an up-to-date bindery and catalogue office. Some excellent work has been put out by the workmen here and we, as Vevayites, are very proud of this establishment. The latter is published by Mr. J. F. Patton, a man true to his principles and a friend
of all classes. Both papers have a large circulation and are well patron- ized at home and abroad.
The Vevay Deposit Bank has capi- tal of $50,000, with a $25,000 surplus and profits. It carries on business in one of the most beautiful and up-to- date buildings in Indiana. Mr. James M. Scott is President, with Mr. F. S. Stucy as Vice President, Mr. C. C. Shaw, Cashier, Mr. H. B. Shaw Asst. Cashier, and Misses Leila Thiebaud and Afra Brindley as Bookkeepers. It has a large business and has for its depositors, some of Vevay's and Switzerland County's best men.
The First National Bank has a capi- tal of $50,000 and a surplus of $30,000. Mr. C. S. Tandy is President, Mr. A. J. Porter Cashier, and Mrs. Isolene K. Mills bookkeeper. It has done business for many years and has gained the confidence of all classes of people.
Between Vevay and Ghent, the pretty little town that is situated just across the Ohio, runs the Ferryboat, "Eva Everett" owned and operated by the Graham brothers. It is large and comfortable. The owners are courteous and accommodating. It carries on a good business and is one of the most valuable assets to Vevay's material growth.
So much for the business side of Vevay, now the social side. We have two literary clubs, the "Julia L. Du- mont Club" and "Eggleston Club." Both have a large membership and are doing good work along their re- spective lines.
There are many beautiful residences in Vevay. The Schenck mansion on the hill back of Vevay is one of the most attractive for miles around. The homes of Mr. Wm. O. Protsman on upper Main street, Mr. A. B. Shaw,
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HISTORY OF SWITZERLAND COUNTY
Mr. W. W. Fry, Mr. Dudley Craig, Mr. C. S. Tandy and Mrs. Laura Craig on lower Market street, are ex- amples of modern architecture.
We have been exceedingly fortunate in the selection of city officers. At present the politics of the city are Republican and the officers are as follows: A. V. Danner, Mayor; Mr. James M. Scott, Mr. Hugh Cole, Mr. Warren Sullivan, Mr. Chas. Kincaid and Mr. Harry Seifert, Councilmen. Mr. Chester Kiesel and Dr. L. H. Bear are City Clerk and City Treasurer, re- spectively. The city is blessed with an electric light and water plant, mu- nicipally owned and operated. It is of modern structure and one of the most efficient in the state. Water under high pressure can be had at all times, thus making ample fire pro- tection. River water is used, it being pumped into a large reservoir situated upon one of the hills back of the city.
Such is the brief review of the his- tory of Vevay. We are all proud of
our little Swiss city and what it has done. The fair pages of its life have few dark blotches of political or social scandal to spot it. There have been times when there was more busi- ness here, but never since its found- ing has it been so clean morally and religiously. Other towns larger and more populous can offer more advan- tages to the laborer, but remember, as size and population increase the vice and corruptions likewise increase unless carefully watched and held in check. The gift of prophecy has been denied the human race and conse- quently we cannot accurately predict the future of the town, but, if we were to venture an opinion, we should say "give Vevay a railroad connecting with one of the great systems of the United States and in a few years she will offer to the workingmen of all professions and trades, places to work, homes to live in and a place to rear their children free from the con- taminating influences of an illegally and corruptly managed metropolis."
HIGH SCHOOL BLE VEVAY, IND.
1.
VEVAY HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING Undergoing Extensive Repairs At Present
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VEVAY DEPOSIT BANA
VEVAY DEPOSIT BANK
EARLY HOME OF EDWARD EGGLESTON
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
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LOUISVILLE
STEAMER CITY OF LOUISVILLE The Fastest and Largest Passenger Steamer On The Ohio River
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0 001 530 525 3
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