USA > Indiana > Knox County > Vincennes > History of Old Vincennes and Knox County, Indiana, Volume I > Part 48
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EDWARDSPORT.
Edwardsport is the oldest town in Vigo township, and the first settler of the place was John Hopkins, a native of Kentucky, who took up his abode there as a "squatter," locating at a point which subsequently became the in- tersection of Water street and Carlisle avenue. A few years later he sold out to Edward Wilkes, who virtually became the first settler, and in whose honor the town was named, the last part of the name referring to the gate- way (port) of White river, on which Edwardsport is located. Wilkes was a surveyor and came to the settlement in 1832, and did some surveying, although it was not until 1839 that the place was formally laid out by George Calhoun. In 1869 the town was incorporated, but after a few years the in- habitants, which numbered at that time 342, allowed the charter to lapse. Edwardsport is on the line of the Indianapolis & Vincennes railroad; and several years ago, before the discovery of coal at Bicknell, was quite a busy place. There is much wealth among its staid villagers and in the farm- ing communities adjacent to the town. William Keith was the first mer- chant in Edwardsport. He also engaged in farming and flat-boating, sup- plying his neighbors with farm products and supplies secured on his trips
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to New Orleans. Chambers & Roberson, who built the first steam and grist mill near the river, engaged also in merchandising. The earlier merchants, none of whom were successful, were James Goodman, Joseph Freeland, John Carwood, Jesse L. Davis and James P. Creiger. John R. Hadden was in business in 1845, making a success of his venture, which was launched on a capital not exceeding $500. Alfred Simonson began business in 1846 and accumulated wealth. In 1857 he was conducting a mercantile establishment in the first brick house built in Edwardsport. In 1833, on the site of the present building, a log school house was constructed. In 1835 it was razed by a cyclone, and several years later Alfred Simonson, John B. Irving, Dr. Hilburn, Thomas Curry, David Killian and others were instrumental in hav- ing a frame building erected, which has since been supplanted by a hand- some brick structure. The Christian church, builded in 1839, was the first church erected in the village. Rev. Dimmitt Jarvis was the minister, and John R. Hadden, Jackson Azbell, Thomas Curry, John Azbell and Simpson Hulen were among its prominent members. In 1850 the Baptists built the first church of that denomination; Murdock McRaye, John and Benjamin Hargis being instrumental in its erection. The Methodists built their house of worship at a much later date. Rev. Hogan is the present pastor of the M. E. church. Rev. Burdick and Rev. Buchanan, respectively, have charge of the Baptist and Christian congregations.
The Edwardsport Bank, with a capital of $10,000, has individual de- posits amounting to $59.403.56. Samuel DeMoss is president and Chas. M. Wright, cashier of the institution. The present business interests are rep- resented by DeMoss & Boyer, flouring mill and grain dealers; Steve Ander- son, poultry ; J. H. Crim, Carroll & Naugle, Chas. Ruby, Herman Trau- bandt, Butcher, Wallace & Corell, S. T. DeMoss, general merchandise ; Sam- uel M. Reeve, hardware; John Hollingsworth, restaurant; J. F. Scudder, drugs ; Wm. Lucking, meat market ; W. V. Barr, livery. Physicians-Dr. J. L. Reeve, Dr. J. A. Scudder.
Edwardsport Lodge, No. 429, F. & A. M., was organized May 23, 1871. Its present officers are S. M. Reeve, W. M .; Chas. Cochran, S. W .; Oscar Lee, J. W. White Rose Lodge, No. 280, I. O. O. F., was chartered June 27, 1867, on application of Chas. Scudder, David Reeve, George Barber, M. B. Slawson and John Hargis. At present Harry Morris is Noble Grand and Dr. J. L. Reeve, secretary of the order. The Ben Hur and Modern Wood- man lodges have quite a number of active members who kept alive the fraternal interest of Edwardsport.
WESTPIIALIA.
In December, 1881. this peaceful little village, which has a population of about 180 souls, was laid out by Frederick Pohlmeire, Surveyor Robert P. Mayfield supplying the plat. As originally mapped out the lots were 75x150 feet, and the streets seventy-five feet wide. The settlement is com- posed largely of Germans, who form the most industrious community in the
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county. The place was named after Westphalia in Germany, but whether in recognition of a superior quality of cheese it manufactures, or for other motives of pride, is not known. It lies in town 5 north, range 7 west, Vigo township, on the Indianapolis & Vincennes railroad, a short distance south of the former site of Wagner Station. In its vicinity are two churches- Presbyterian and Lutheran. Rev. J. B. Miller, of Vincennes, was instru- mental in awakening interest among the faithful of the former church, whose spiritual welfare is now looked after by Rev. Mckinney. Rev. J. Bruce is the officiating minister of the Lutheran church. The mercantile and industrious classes of the community are represented by W. W. Dow- den, who is postmaster and dealer in hardware; John Kroggle, general merchant; H. B. Martindale, general merchandise and confections ; Starland Hudson, dry goods and shoes ; J. F. D. Berry, M. B. Robling, millers ; Robt. Traubant, Chas. Schultz, blacksmiths and wagon makers; Frank Stoelting, hotel keeper ; Fred. Wagner, poultry dealer; Otto Viehe, barber.
VINCENNES TOWNSHIP.
In the chapters preceding this one, and in those which are to follow, rela- tive to Old Vincennes, appears the history of Vincennes township. While mention of its beauty and fertility has been made, and the contour of the land it comprises dwelt upon, its area has not been considered. The town- ship including the city, comprises about sixty square miles. It varies in width from seven to fourteen miles. Its greatest length is about twenty- two miles along the Wabash river, which it follows from Washington town- ship, its northwestern boundary line, to River Duchee, on the south, which stream divides it from Decker township. Its northeastern boundary is Palmyra, eastern Harrison, and southeastern Johnson township. Its proxi- mity to Vincennes, the gravel and steel highways which traverse it, and the Wabash river, provide unsurpassed shipping faculties for the fruits of its soil and the large quantities of live stock raised by its progressive farmers. Some of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of the county own beautiful homes and extensive farms in Vincennes township.
WIDNER TOWNSHIP.
This township was named in honor of John Widner, who was the first settler, locating within its present confines in 1804. During the same year Andrew Wilkins, L. Ernest, William Taylor, Charles Carrico, Joseph Rams- ford, Isaac McCoy and Thomas Quick took up their residence therein, and in 1808 William Polk, Edward Polk, John Lemmon, Alexander Chambers and Peter Hansborough located in the township. Two years later Levi Hol- lingsworth, Chas. Johnson, Jesse Hollingsworth and Wm. Drake became residents. Nathan Adams and Michael Starner went there to reside in 1812;
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Thomas Piety became a resident in 1815, and Samuel and Abraham Miller in 1818.
OLDEST BAPTIST CHURCHI IN COUNTY.
WVidner township has the pioneer Baptist church of the county, if not in the state, in the Maria Creek Baptist church, which was established May 20, 1809. The organization was perfected on the date named at the home of John Lemmon, and was composed of the following members : Samuel and Phoebe Allison, Chas. Polk, Sr., Chas. Polk, Jr., Margaret Polk, Achsah Polk, Wm. Polk, Sally Polk, John Lemmon, Polly Lemmon, Wm. Bruce, Sally Bruce, and John Morris. Of the above named persons Samuel and Phoebe Allison and John Morris lived in Illinois, and the latter was a man of color. The first meeting house of the congregation was built in 1810, being a log structure, twenty-four feet square. In 1837 the old log church was supplanted with a brick building, and in 1859 a more modern structure was erected near the site of the first church, bearing the date of its found- ing, 1809, and is still standing on location 238.
FREELANDSVILLE.
Freelandsville, which was named in honor of Dr. John T. Freeland, a practicing physician, and for many years a prominent citizen of the place, was laid out July 31, 1866, by John Ritterskamp, and is the only town in Widner township. In 1867 Dr. Freeland's addition was added; in January, 1870, Christian Baker's; Henry Heithecker's, in March, 1870; Chamber's addition in 1871 ; sub division of Christian church property, being an ad- dition to the town, in 1871; Ritterskamp's addition, 1871; Baker's second addition, 1872. The late Edward Bierhaus, of Vincennes, began his busi- ness career in Freelandsville in 1857, and was associated with Christian Baker until 1868, the style of the firm being C. E. Baker & Co. John Rit- terskamp, was a merchant in the village in 1860. The first grist mill ope- rated there was owned by Ritterskamp & Baker, and was erected in 1864. It afterward became the property of Jonas Nolting. The Freelandsville Milling Co., a corporation of which Simon Kixmiller is president, Wm. Finke, treasurer, and Alex Berry, business manager, now controls it. The tile and brick manufacturers are Ben Hummerich and Chas. Meyer. G. F. Osterhage conducts a lumber and planing mill and manufactures lawn and porch swings and settees. The hardwood saw mill men are Ed. Mengedoth. Alf. Brocksmith. Blacksmiths-John Kahre, Roy Hurst, John Brandt. Harness-Chas. Heidenreich. General stores-Simon Kixmiller, Schaffer Bros. & Stoeling. Drugs-H. F. Albert, A. M. Berry & Co. Hardware- Herman Buchthal & Son, Henry Pielmeire, Chas. Volle. Butchers-Robt. Schlusler, Fred Pepmeire. Restaurants-John Wolfe, H. H. Osterhage. Merchant Tailor-Rudolph Weber. Florist-John Hummerich. Livery- Chester Stoten. Pool and billiards-Aug. Baker. Barbers-Harry Locum,
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Chas. Smith. Millinery-Mrs. Minnie Rousch, Miss Lotta Albert. Chande- liers and fixtures-John M. Coffman. Picture frames-C. F. Volle. Den- tist-Ralph Shepard. Physicians-Drs. L. C. McDowell, R. H. Fox. H. J. Schroeder is justice of the peace, and the sole owner and proprietor of the telephone system.
The population of Freelandsville, which is largely German, and embraces about eight hundred souls, is musically inclined, and about the only traveling shows which appear at the opera house are concert troops and musical or- ganizations. The place is well supplied with fraternal societies all of which have large memberships. Widner Lodge, No. 328, I. O. O. F., is the older of the secret orders, and is officered by the following persons : John Deppe, N. G .; Rudolph Koch, V. G .; H. S. Pielmeire, Recording Secretary ; Jos. V. Moffett, Financial Secretary; A. M. Berry, Treasurer. The officers of Re- bekah Lodge, No. 663, are Miss Hulda Telligman, N. G .; Mrs. Martha Strate, V. G .; Mrs. Anna Heithecker, Secy. The officers of the Ben Hur order are: Chas. Bolle, Chief; Minard Bartlett, Judge; A. M. Robbins, Keeper of Tribute. The Modern Woodmen officials are Ed. Dellinger, Venerable Counsel; William Schulte, Worthy Advisor; Harry Locum, Clerk.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Washington township was so named in honor of George Washington, and was among the first townships in the county to be laid out. Its first settler is supposed to have been John McGowan, who came from Pennsyl- vania, but at what date is not authentically known. His first stopping place, however, after leaving his native state, was Vincennes, where he established himself as a gunsmith. He remained at the Old Post but a short while before removing to Washington township, where he located on what is known as the old Clark Willis farm. Subsequently he removed to Marein County, near Shoals, where in 1812 he was killed by the Indians. As early as 1790 George Balthus, a Virginian, was a resident of the township. Samuel Thompson, who came to Knox County from Kentucky in 1800, first took up his residence at Vincennes, removing to Washington township in 1802, on a tract of land he received from Governor Harrison in considera- tion of manufacturing brick to go into the construction of the Harrison mansion at Vincennes. Among the earlier settlers, who came to the town- ship prior to the admission of Indiana to statehood were Robert Elliott, Daniel McClure, James McDonald, William Carothers, James Scott, Thomas Truman, Samuel Carothers, Thomas Baird, Thomas Emison, William Bruce and James McCord. In 1804, Thomas Emison built a horse mill on Maria creek, on the site where James Emison subsequently operated a inill before removing to Vincennes to engage in the milling business. Among other prominent pioncer citizens of the township were Noah Rob- erts, Dr. Robert Mayfield, Hugh Barr, Bradway Thompson, John W. Emi-
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son, Hugh Ash Emison, John T. Simpson, Joseph H. Steffy, Jacob Bruce and John Karns.
BRUCEVILLE.
Bruceville was named for William Bruce, and was laid out by him on December 10, 1829, when he platted thirty-six lots. There was a settlement there, however, before the beginning of the nineteenth century. Fort Bruce, a palisaded fortification, around which clustered several houses, was built near the present site of the town in 1812. It was established for the preven- tion of incursions from Indians, who the year before had taken captive the grandmother of Dr. Geo. Mayfield, carrying her into Kentucky, where her release was soon after secured. The town is a part of donation 184 in Washington township, and is built on the line of the Indianapolis & Vin- cennes railroad. In 1870 John Bruce's addition of seventeen lots was added to the village, which is the home of progressive and intelligent people who enjoy the distinction of being residents of the "Boston of Knox County." John T. Simpson, grandfather of Assessor John T. Simpson, was Bruce- ville's first merchant, Thomas Alton the first tanner, Jacob Harper, the first blacksmith, William Hummer, the first wagon maker, Obediah Macy, the first physician, and John Green, the first tavern keeper. In 1820, Henry Wheeler built there the first wool carding mill in Knox County. About the same period an oil mill, for extracting the fluid from castor beans, a distillery, and an ox tread mill were in operation. Abraham Lincoln in 1844 spoke in a brick school house at Bruceville, in advocacy of the claims of Henry Clay, who aspired to the presidency of the United States.
The building in which the speech was made was torn down only a few years ago. The grove in which it stood has been preserved with jealous care, and is known as Lincoln Park. Prominent among the merchants of the last decade were Barr & Wills, Joseph Steffy, Willis & Roberts. The medical profession of the same period was represented by Drs. Fairhurst, Dinwiddie and Macy. Present representatives of the commercial, industrial and professional life of Bruceville are Townsley Elevator Co .; Thomas Trout, general merchandise; J. C. Stephens, Jacob Harper, blacksmiths ; W. S. Root, livery ; Wampler Bros., restaurant ; C. M. Hill, general mer- chandise, hardware and implements; J. S. McClure & Son, furniture and undertakers; T. J. Trout, groceries and dry goods ; D. G. Hill, shoes ; Jacob Flint, contractor. Robt. Barr, who is postmaster is also a dealer in drugs and groceries. Physicians-Dr. Geo. Mayfield, Dr. Jas. McDowell.
The spiritual affairs of the community are looked after by Rev. Man- waring of the Methodist church and Rev. W. L. Dalton of the Christian church. Fraternal societies-Odd Fellows Lodge and Encampment. Ben Hur. Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Knights of Pythias.
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The total acreage of Knox County, not included in cities and towns, is 316,982.69 divided as follows among the several townships: Busseron, 31,230.32; Decker, 27,910.90; Harrison, 49.506.35; Johnson, 31,970.90; Palmyra, 22,900.62 ; Steen, 22,820.40; Vigo, 39,974.10; Vincennes, 35,261.20; Washington, 30,180.60; Widner 25,226.80.
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THE VINCENNES UNIVERSITY tEstablished by Net of Congress in 1804)
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES OF CITY AND COUNTY.
THE VINCENNES UNIVERSITY-BRIEF HISTORY OF ITS TRIALS AND TRIBULA- TIONS FOR NEARLY A CENTURY-FIRST AND PRESENT TRUSTEES OF THE IN- STITUTION-AFTER A LAPSE OF YEARS THEIR EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH A JUST CLAIM ARE REWARDED-TIIE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF VINCENNES-PIONEER AND PRESENT SCHOOLS OF THE RURAL DISTRICTS, TOWNS AND HAMLETS- GRADED SCIIOOLS OF OAKTOWN, EMISON, MONROE CITY, DECKER, FRICH- TON, WHEATLAND, BICKNELL, EDWARDSPORT, SANDBORN, BRUCEVILLE AND FREELANDSVILLE.
Old Vincennes was the seat of learning of Indiana Territory very early in the nineteenth century-when the Vincennes University, the second in- stitution of its character west of the Alleghany mountains, came into exist- ence. Its establishment was really made a possibility by the Ordinance of 1787 for the government of the territory northwest of the Ohio river. Em- bodied in the wise provisions of that document was the following signifi- cant paragraph: "Religion, morality and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." It was this expression of congress that set the tone for the future management of this territory, and the act passed March 26, 1804, governing the disposal of public lands thereon, provided that section numbered sixteen "shall be reserved in each town- ship for the support of schools within the same." The same act provided that in each of the land districts (Detroit, Kaskaskia and Vincennes) an entire township was "to be located by the secretary of the treasury for the use of a seminary of learning." In obedience to this act Albert Gallatin, secretary of the treasury, chose township number two south, range eleven west, as the seminary township in the Vincennes district; i.e., in the Terri- tory of Indiana. This land comprises now Patoka township in Gibson County, on a portion of which the town of Princeton is located. The leg- islature of Ohio, on January 9, 1802, had previously laid the basis of the first college in the northwest-the university at Athens. With this ex- ample before it, and following out the same policy, the Indiana Territorial Legislature at its first session passed "An act to incorporate a university in Indiana Territory to be called and known by the name and style of
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Vincennes University." This act was approved by Governor William Henry Harrison, November 29, 1806, whereupon a board of trustees com- posed of the following members-with Mr. Harrison as president-was chosen: John Gibson, John T. Davis, Henry Vanderburg, Waller Tay- lor, Benjamin Parke, Peter Jones, James Johnson, John Badolette, John Rice Jones, George Wallace, William R. Bullit, Elias McNamee, Henry Hurst, General W. Johnson, Francis Vigo, Jacob Kuykendall, Samuel Mc- Kee, Nathaniel Ewing, George Leach, Luke Decker, Samuel Gwathney and Geo. Johnson. The trustees were authorized to found a university "within the borough of Vincennes and to appoint to preside over and gov- ern it a president and not exceeding four professors for the instruction of youth in Latin, Greek, French and English languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and the law of nature and of nations." Pro- vision was also made for the granting of degrees to students and eminent scholars-a power which in the whole history of the institution has only been exercised in favor of a few persons. It was also made incumbent on the trustees to use their best endeavors to induce the attendance at school of Indian children, who were to be "maintained, clothed and educated at the expense of the institution." The act further provided for the establish- ment of "an institution for the education of females," as soon as possible. The seminary township which Gallatin had located was conveyed to the trustees, who, by authority of an act of congress, offered 4,000 acres thereof for sale. And, as a further means for providing funds for the maintenance of the institution, the board established a lottery, with head- quarters at Indianapolis, and for which tickets were sold at Washington City and in the states of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Vincennes University Lottery, which had previously passed from under control of the trustees, flourished in Indianapolis until 1880, when it was put out of business by law. The date of the beginning of the school is fixed on the same date as the first meeting of the trustees, December, 1806, which makes it one hundred and five years old. The first university building was an unpretentious frame structure, erected on land purchased by the trustees in 1806 of Henry Vanderburg and Francis Vigo, two ad- joining parcels, bounded by Fourth, Sixth, Perry and Hart streets. In the center of this plot, in 1811, a commodious two-story brick building was constructed, and Rev. Samuel Scott, Presbyterian minister, who made pro- vision for the teaching of the elementary branches as well as those pre- scribed by the charter, was the first president. Revenue from sale of lands, and other sources, having been exhausted by buying lots and erecting build- ings, the trustees, on April 16, 1816, asked congress for permission to sell the remaining 19,000 acres in Gibson county. Congress having refused to grant the request, the board repetitioned the august body, in 1818, for the privilege of selling at not less than $10 per acre the said lands, which pe- tition was also denied. On January 20, 1820, the State University at Bloomington was chartered, and three days later the Legislature, assum-
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ing, no doubt, that the state owned the lands which had been donated by a special act of Congress to the Vincennes University, authorized a board of commissioners to take possession of and rent said lands, and turn the proceeds into the state treasury. The 19,000 acres of unsold lands belong- ing to Vincennes University were thus forcibly wrested from the hands of the trustees of that institution, and, subsequently, to give the nefarious act the semblance of having some legality, a legislative measure was adopted virtually ignoring the university's existence. This piece of legis- lation was followed in 1824 by another act, providing for the absorption of the university by the "Knox County Seminary." By this last feat of legislative juggling the Vincennes University was deprived of all its earthly possessions, including lands, lots, buildings, furniture, and even record books. There was no meeting of the new board of Knox County Seminary trustees until October 3, 1828, four years after the old board had been dis- possessed. During this interim the school building, which was not fully completed, became very much dilapidated. The state had diverted the funds for its maintenance to the Bloomington University, and the building "contained a pandemonium, where blue, black, gray and white spirits often held high carnival." The premises were used for grazing horses, hogs and cattle, and the basement was evidently utilized for sheltering these animals. because, on January 22, 1831, one of the trustees introduced a resolution that it would not be allowable "for any horse, cow or hog, or any other animal whatsoever, to run at large in said seminary lot, or be kept in any of the lower rooms, called the cellar, to the injury of the lot or cellar rooms."
During the administration of the first board of trustees of the Knox County Seminary little or no progress was made by the institution along educational lines. The board held no meetings from 1832 to 1835, and in the year last named only met once. The surviving members of the original board of trustees of the Vincennes University, encouraged by the inactivity of the trustees of the Knox County Seminary, who had usurped their pow- ers in 1824, and believing that the state had no legal right to confiscate property of the Vincennes University which had been bestowed by Con- gress, in 1838 reorganized by electing Rev. Thomas Alexander president and George R. Gibson secretary. The resuscitated board at once became assertive and demanded of the trustees of the borough of Vincennes to render an account of funds arising from the sale of commons lands ( which Congress had donated the university in 1818) less the amount required for expense of draining a pond adjacent thereto. This demand resulted in Judge Abner T. Ellis coming forward, in 1839, on behalf of the trustees of the Knox County Seminary, of whom he was one, and relinquish- ing all claim to the ground and buildings of said institution to the Vincennes University, thus acknowledging that his board had no legal right to the property. In the fifteen years of dispossession, an indebted- ness of $1,830.40 had accumulated against the university, the property was
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