USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Bloomington > Historic treasures: true tales of deeds with interesting data in the life of Bloomington, Indiana University and Monroe County--written in simple language and about real people, with other important things and illustrations > Part 5
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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
Emigration Westward.
The emigration westward from the East- ern states is almost as great every year as from Europe. Last year, when we came in, we traveled with many going westward and it is thought another State will soon be added to the Union, for an appeal irct. the territory has already been made to Congress for admission. There will then he 26 states ; double the number when Independence was declared.
If the States go on increasing, in the next century as they have in the past, population will compare favorably with other countries. In 1776 there were but 3 millions; in 1830. when the last census was taken, there was found to be more than 13 millions. This
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Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
State, from the last returns, was found to be settling faster than any other in the Union ; it contains over 348 thousand inhabitants, and is divided into 52 counties.
Lands Increase in Value.
Chippewa Indians, and other tribes, who lately held reservations here and also in the more western part of the state, have sold out and are now removing west of the Mis- souri River. I have seen no Indians since we left the state of New York.
Good farms, of 160 acres, may be bought here for about $1000, half cleared. Land may be bought, a few miles from here at 4 dollars per acre and from that to 15 and 20. Lands are easily let to tenants for a third of the produce, or its value. The remedy for Rent in Arrears is by distraint and sale of pron- erty, much shorter work than in England ; 24 hours or less, a lawyer told me. Estates may be bought for about 7 or 3 years pur- chase of the yearly rent.
Many good speculations are often made in land ; from the influx of emigrants, it some- times doubles in value in a vear or two. A gentleman told me of some land offered to him not long ago for $800 that could not now be bought for $1600.
There is generally very good sale for pro- duce of lands, particularly near navigable streams. Vast quantities of produce are sent down the White and Wabash rivers in this state, and much is sold in Louisville, and other places on the Ohio. When the Wabash and Erie Canal is completed a great deal will find its way to New York.
Labor Situation.
Many who farm their own lands, hire a hand or two for four or five months, paying $7 a month, or a third of the produce, find ing horses and ploughs and boarding th cropper, as such person is called.
If the cropper boards himself and find horses and ploughs the farmer receives third, giving the man employed two-thirds. Most, who can afford it, find it more profit- able to pay the cropper in money, keeping all the produce. In some parts I believe $10 are given, but I do not know any who give more than $7. Sixty dollars a year are usually given to young men who hire them- selves out for that length of time; or $5 a month.
Ploughs may be bought at from 5 to 12 dollars; wagons 40 to 120; ox-carts 30 to 40 ; horses at about the same as in England but the breed is superior ; they are from $25 to $300. They take great pains in the breed of horses, and in some places also of cows and sheep.
Good Stock Raised.
Mr. Clay lately bought an imported bull, cow, calf and heifer for which he paid $900. The cow has yielded 16 lbs. of butter per week on an average. A General Scott, in Kentucky, has raised cows with mouths as small as a deer, that can drink out of a tea-cup.
The heavy black horse used in England would not do for this country; ox teams are universally used for heavy loads. Cows are from $5 to $20. (I have bought a very good cow and calf for $10.) Sheep from 50 cents to $2. Yoke of oxen $40 to $100.
The price of produce varies much in differ- ent places and according to the season; it is now very low here, in consequence of the abundant crops. There has not been such a plentiful season since the settlement of the state. Wheat is genrally about a dollar per bushel. Apples 25 cents per bu. or 3712 at Louisville. Oats generally 25 now 1216 cents. Barley 3712, Indian corn 50 cents per barrel of five bushels. Beans are 75, pota- toes 25, pears $1 and peaches 50cts, usually, but sometimes 3716. We have bought green peas at the door this season at 1216 per peck. Market Quotations.
Louisville has an excellent market for fish, flesh, fowl and all sorts of vegetables. Beef, mutton and pork are about 3 or 4 cts. per pound; turkeys 25 cts., and fowls $1 per dozen. Meat, here, is about 2 or 3 cts. per pound, and for fowls we have given but 75 cts. per dozon, and but 614 cts. per dozen for eggs.
One of the farmer's most profitable employ- ments is rearing pigs, and this is done with the least possible trouble or inconvenience, as they live almost entirely in the woods three-fourths of their time. Towards winter they come to the house to be fed, when they can find no more acorns in the woods, and a few ears of Indian corn are thrown over the fence to them. Many farmers kill more than a hundred annually, the meat is well salted and after remaining in pickle a short
time, is hung up in a "Smoke-house" with which every farmer is provided, and when properly cured, it is put in barrels and sold at $5 per hundredweight.
Sun flowers are beginning to be much culti- vated, for the seed; which are excellent for food, when ground, for hogs, poultry, and horses; also from which an excellent vege- table oil is extracted. They yield from 80 to 100 bushels per acre. At Salem, in this state, a short time since, I saw a specimen brought into the Forsey's store by a man who had puzzled for months to construct a ma- chine for taking off the husk of the Sun- flower seed without hreaking or injuring it, and he had succeeded to admiration.
Clothing is dearer here than in England. but likely to be cheaner from modification of the Tariff and increasing manufactures. T see by the paner that a manufactury of Cloth, latey established at Cincinnati. is turning out as good an article as any in Europe.
Clothing High.
Good Broad-cloth is about $6 dollar a yard. Shoes are $11%, boots $5, to $7; hats are dear, 'from '$5 to $7. Tailors get a great deal for making a dress suit, (7 dollars a coat.) I think that is, every where, a very good trade. Honse rent varies much in different towns ; $150 is an average for a good house in a large place, Pittsburg, Louisville, or Lexington. I am renting a comfortable house here for $40, with large garden, stable and field for cow.
The taxes vary much in different states, they are considerably lower here than in Ohio, as that state is in debt yet for its canal.
Ohio Stock may be bought which pays 6 per cent. I was recommended to buy Ohio sixes, at New York, but did not. It is a very safe investment for those who would like a certain annual income, as the state is pledged and the interest paid from the taxes and profits of the canal. The state is settling very rapidly ; there was much wealth brought into it last year, it is said, by foreign emi- grants amounting to many millions of dollars. The Ohio canal enahles any one to travel from New York to New Orleans entirely by water.
Land holders here pay a tax of one cent an acre, (a cent and a half for first rate land,) and there is a poll tax of 3716 cts. on all persons over 21 years of age; every horse over 3 years old 3712 cts., every yoke of oxen 371% cts. and the same on watches.
Widows Not Taxed.
The property of widows is not taxed and my Mother pays but $1.60 per year, for land, instead of the oppressive demands to which she was liable in England. These taxes are the revenue of the state Government; no state paying any by the duties on imports and sale of public lands. I have received a variety of replies as to the relative advan- tages of purchasing land and living on the rents; or vesting money on security and living on the interest. A gentleman in Ohio, (Col. Barker,) at whose house we slept one night, and he was an exceedingly intelligent and well informed man, and a practical far- mer; assured me that there was not much profit in farming unless the owner attended to it personally.
Others say it pays very well to hire and give $60 a year for a cropper; and in the event of good crops and timing the market, no doubt considerable profit may be realized. It is most profitable to raise cattle, sheep, hogs and horses. I have seen droves of some hundreds cattle going East. Wool is now a good price; when carded it is 50 cts. per pound, and carding is usually done at 614 cts. per pound, or every 7, th' pound. That is the price here and I believe it is not higher elsewhere.
As yet I have preferred loaning money, to purchasing, but it is possible I may purchase land when any thing advantageous offers.
Describes Climate.
The climate of the United States, from Maine to Florida is, of course, unfortunately varied ; the Southern states produce every thing peculiar to tropical climates; snow is seldom seen and ice is rarely formed on the rivers. In Georgia the inhabitants are able to make a breakfast of figs, which grow be- fore their windows, and even load their table with oranges, lemons and other exquisite fruits that grow in their own gardens and groves.
In the North the winters are long and severe. In this state we have not found it much unlike England; the last winter was milder than the generality of English win- ters and the summer, with the exception of a few days, has not been much warmer and
many have said they have never known it so warm as it has been this season.
We have had a great deal of fine, clear weather, without that humid moisture and fog so peculiar to the English atmosphere. It is generally favorable to European constitutions and we hear of frequent instances of remark- able longevity.
It is said to be "unhealthy farther West" but that is a remark you may hear, go where you will. When a country is first settled up, nr opened, it is said to be less fovorable ind that the settlers are more subject to fever and ague, but it soon becomes salu- brious.
This place is considered the most healthy in the state; which was the reason of the State College being located here. I have made you a little drawing of this edifice and a few other scenes which I thought would amuse and interest you.
Describes Indiana College.
The New College is the centre picture, which is not yet finished in the interior, the building on the left is the one at present occupied. It will remind you more of Mr. Rister's factory than the princely halls of Oxford and Cambridge, but I have no doubt as good scholars will be turned out from that humble edifice as from the more cele- brated seats of learning in England.
The President and Professors are men of great talent and would do honor to any Uni- versity in the world. The President, (Dr. Wylie,) is one of the most eminent scholars in the United States ; he occupies the chair of Moral Philosophy. There are several young men who will graduate this session.
The students are from various states; we have some from Louisiana, Tennessee. Vir- ginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Illinois, besides those of this state. They board in the town at from a dollar and a quarter to two dollars per week. The admission fees are only $15 a year, which it is expected. will be soon altogether dispensed with, as the College is richly endowed by the State.
The President's salary is $1000 a year and a third of the tuition fees; each of the Pro- fessors $800 and a third of the fees.
Refers to Picture.
You will observe that the land has been recently cleared, and that the stumps of the trees are not yet entirely rotten. Trees are always cut down with the axe a foot or two from the ground and the stumps left to rot, which they do in 8 or 10 years. Some per- sons in clearing merely cut away the low brush-wood, where it exists, and deaden the tree by cutting a circle 'round them, with the axe, 2 or 3 inches deep; in a year or two the trees are quite dead and the first high wind blows them down, when they are rolled into a pile and burnt.
The upper view is in the centre of this town, the middle building is the Court House, where all judicial business is transacted. On the left of it is the jail; on the right the Clerk's office and County Library. The white weather-boarded house on the right forms the angle of the street. A Court House exists in every County Town, and all that I have seen have been built in precisely the same manner .- a square hrick building with three windows above and one on each side below ; a cupalo and spire as high above the roof as that is from the ground. A parapet brick wall surrounds these buildings.
Near the house, which is occupied as a store, is a rack, as it is called, to which per- sons coming in from the country, fasten their horses. You will see a log or two lying about the street, which is not unusual in a country town. Sixteen years ago, a gentleman told me, he could scarcely ride through Louisville for logs and mudholes, which was then an inconsiderable place ; it has now fine, wide, paved streets ; shops as gay as any in Bristol ; splendid hotels, public gardens, hackney coaches and cabs in abundance.
On the left of the upper picture is a view on the Hudson, with the Catskill mountains in the distance and on the right bank a country seat, many of which are to be seen, continually peeping through the trees, in sailing from New York to Albany.
The view on the right is a scene on the Ohio with its beautiful islands. You will observe that the land rises in ridges, or knobs they are called, and as yet completely covered with wood. There are deep ravines between them and here and there a few cot- tages may be seen and a clearing going cn ; but as mosquitoes are sometimes troublesome on the banks, settlers prefer the interior of the country.
Log House Shown.
Below this view and on the right of that of the College, is a specimen of the poorest
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21
CHARLOTTE
MRS. STORING
ETTER WAS
ALFRED H. PERING
BLOOMINGTON
MISS
CORNELIUS PERING AUTHOR OF LETTER,
PERING.
CORNELIUS
DAUGHTER OF
PORTION OF A PAGE OF THE LETTER, SHOWING CRISS-CROSS STYLE OF WRITING BOTH WAYS ON SAME PAGE TO ECONOMIZE SPACEL THE AUTHOR'S PAINTINGS ARE ON THIS SHEETAL.
Part of old letter, its writer and his descendants-Early scenes recalled.
sort of a log house, with mud plastering be- tween the logs, with clap-board roof and logs laid across to confine them. The chimney is constructed of split pieces of wood laid at right angles and daubed inside and out with mud. Opposite the door is a sign, but the space was too small to print "Whiskey, Gin, Brandy and Rum For Sale." This is a Grog Shop, or "Doggery," where a man can get "drunk as a Chloe" for a twopence. It is of course disreputable and where no respectable man would be seen. Such places were neces- sary appendages to every village in the country not long ago and persons might be often seen lying about outside, unable to stand or sit, the objects of pity and com- passion, exciting the regret and disgust of the more temperate and reflecting part of the community. But Temperance Societies have effected astonishing, (and as happy as surprising,) revolution in public opinion. Thousands of confirmed drunkards have been reclaimed and thousands have ceased to vend the intoxicating draught.
On entering a tavern, however humble, the spirit decanters were always first put before the traveler, (and in this country every one makes for himself,) and all were accustomed to drink, in greater or less pro- portion, now they are never produced unless especially called for and many have alto- gether relinquished the traffic.
I cannot detail a liundreth part of the beneficial effects produced by the change in public sentiment.
Almost the first thing that struck me on landing in this country was the prevalence of this vice amongst the lowest class and the reflection involuntarily arose in my mind, that to have ardent spirits cheap is a curse to any nation.
Shows "Temperance Inn."
The view opposite this is a "Temperance Inn" in this place, situated a little way below it. It is too confined to admit the Sign Post, which is on the right of the little Acacia tree. It is a log house weather boarded.
The view below it is a tidy log building and will give you an idea of three-fourths of the country farm houses in this state. Near it ought to be a small harn, or stable, and smoke house which I could not get in. You will see a small specimen of fence, most in use, at the sides and in front near the road. The chimney is of brick and always put up out-
side. When the house is built the logs are cut away the size of the fire-place and the chimney constructed.
The lower view is a residence of a Mr. Scott near Paris, Ky. It is a one story brick house and introduced principally to acquaint you with the antipathy many Americans have to rooms upstairs; "it is so fatiguing to go up and down," they say, "and what is the use when there is plenty of space for rooms below." That house contains nearly as splendid a Drawing Room as I have ever seen ; it is tastefully and handsomely fur- nished. The back buildings are occupied by Negro tenants.
There is a very marked difference between the manners of the Southern, or Slave-hold- ing states, and the Free states; they are more aristocratic. Their ancestors were chiefly English emigrants, a large portion of them belonging to the higher classes in Eng- land, who brought with them many of their native habits. These have been transmitted, and in all the southern states, the planters resemble the English country gentlemen ; liv- ing in like manner on large Estates.
Compares North and South.
They have their race course, their packs of hounds, their deer chase and their fox- hunting with their same liberal and hospi- table habits towards those who become their guests. Depending upon Slaves to perform their labor, they differ from those who labor for themselves. Possessing large estates and abundant fortunes they differ from those, who living where wealth is much distributed, have each a little, and depend upon their ingenuity and industry to obtain ›nore.
I do not at all regret not bringing a farmer with me as I at first intended, as I should have found it exceedingly inconvenient, and perhaps made some hasty purchase withcut due reflection ; and being entirely ignorant of the advantages or inconveniences of any par- ticular situation.
I should not like the responsibility of advis- ing any one who is living in comfort in Eng- land to come to this country ; a food deal of his pleasure or disgust would depend on his habits and tastes, and his capabilities of accommodating himself to circumstances that cannot be foreseen.
Favors America.
It was remarked by the late John Randolph, of Roanoke, Virginia, the late charg d'affairs
to the Court of Russia, that "England is a Heaven for the Rich and a Hell for the Poor," and there is great truth in the obser- vation, but as far as I am acquainted I should say, that neither of these is the case in this country.
Mrs. Trollope has told you that the reverse is true of this country, but she was writing for the support of a husband and eight children and shrewdly guessed what would be most likely to refund the dollars she lost in mad speculation. She was a woman of very loose and immoral character and was never admitted into good society at Cincinnati. She described only the manners, customs and speech of the lowest classes and repre- sented them as the best She has made them speak much worse English than heard at third rate Hotels and confines her descrip- tions to persons who usually are to be found there, we cannot but wonder at any false impressions conveyed in her writings.
Awed By Wonders.
As we came through we traveled down the Ohio with a Captain Stewart of the British Army, who was going across the country, hoping to see the Columbia River, (and the Pacific Ocean.) He was exceedingly pleased with all he had seen and assured me he had never before traveled so far with as little inconvenience. He was a perfect gentleman in manners and conversation, and informed me that he, in all his travels; which included the greater part of England as well as much of Continental Europe he had visited, in com- pany with the Duke of St. Albans and others ; he had never before seen anything that would equally excite the astonishment and awe pro- duced by the Niagara Falls, which he pro- nounced the grandest and most sublime sight in the world, especially when seen in the moon-light, when, I am told by many English speaking people, they look especially beautiful.
In my description of houses, I forgot to include frame houses, which are built by carpenters ; they are put up in much the same way as private ones in England, only much stronger; the outside is afterwards weather-boarded and the inside plastered and stained or papered ; the interior could not be known from brick or stone houses.
People Salted Stock.
In consequence of the great distance from the Sea, people are obliged to salt their stock as they call it; cows, horses, etc. will follow a person who has a handful of salt and will eat it, when given them as the greatest lux- ury. They require salting 2 or 3 times a week.
People are accustomed to assist each other gratuitously, (on invitation,) at corn-husk- ing, log-rolling and house-raising.
Newspapers in this country are abundant and cheap; one or more being published in almost every town, and all classes read them. We look generally, with most pleasure and interest at the "Latest from Europe."
I shall feel much pleasure in receiving a letter from you, informing me of all the poli- tical, local and personal news you can spare time to write. Be pleased to present best respects to Mr. Gunn and family and acquaint him with my address. It will gratify me much to hear from him.
If the few observations I have been able to crowd together in this sheet, should in any way amuse and interest you I shall be pleased in having had an opportunity of re- turning the kindness of one whom we highly respect, and whose intercourse with us, while at Chard, is often remembered with pleasure and spoken of with satisfaction.
Believe me ever yours most sincerely, with kind remembrances to Mrs. Edwards and our Chard acquaintances.
C. PERING.
P. S. I wrote to Wm. Treasure a few weeks since, hope the letter will be safely received. This place is about 3816 north latitude, and 86 west longitude; 50 miles south of Indiana- polis and 80 north of the Ohio river ; nearly 6000 miles from you.
Address On Same Sheet.
(Bloomington, Indiana,) (Paid 25 Cents) (September 8,)
(1833.)
S. Edwards Esq.
Chard,
Somerset, Great Britain,
Single Sheet.
Europe.
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
ORTAVILLE,
150 WHOM
RETURNED.
LOUISVILLE.
CORNELIA PERING,
ARTIST-
22
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
JAMES PARKS, SR., ONE OF FIRST COMMISSIONERS WHO LAID OUT BLOOMINGTON AS COUNTY SEAT-WROTE HISTORY OF HIS LIFE-DIED AT AGE OF 101
When Ninety-seven Years of Age, Old Pioneer Gave Realistic Account of Early Settlement and Organization of Monroe County-Served in State Legislature and Other Public Offices-Amusing Incidents Related.
Among the early settlers of Mon- roe county was a man named James Parks, Sr., who settled with others in Richland township, in 1817 near what is now the site of Ellettsville, Ind.
James Parks, Sr., then was about thirty-six years of age, and was con- sidered the leading man of the set- tlement. He lived to the remarkable age of 101 years, dying about 1882, having retained his energy with phe- nomenal constancy up to the very last years of his life.
During his ninety-seventh year, Mr. Parks demonstrated his wonder- ful fertileness of mentality and strength of physic by writing a run- ning account of his life, which we herewith print and trust will prove interesting to the present genera- tion:
"I was born in Wilkes county, North Carolina, near the Yadkin river, on the day of September 26, 1781. My grandfather, John Parks, moved from Virginia to this place before the Rev- olutionary war, but how long before, I do not know. My grandfather was of Irish decent, and my grandmother of Dutch. They reared to be men and
women, fourteen children; seven boys and seven girls.
My father, George Parks, was reared and married in the same set- tlement. My mother's maiden name was Milly Davis. They had six child- ren born; all lived to have families except one.
Left Neighborhood.
"I lived in that neighborhood until I was fifteen years of age, when my father, with his family, moved to Burk county, North Carolina. I lived with my father until I was twenty-five years of age.
"I married Nancy Moore November 30, 1826, and we settled and lived in Burk county for several years. We had ten children born to us, all of whom lived to become men and wom- en except two.
"Nancy, my wife, died June 26, 1828, and I married Frances Kend- rick, on August 27, 1830. By her I had one son born, James Parks, Jr.
"Now, for some of the incidents of my early life. Commence ninety years ago, just after the close of the Revolu- tionary war:
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