USA > Indiana > Posey County > History of Posey County, Indiana : from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 30
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344
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
vote was favorable, and at the June session, 1870, the county board ordered a tax of 80 cents on each $100 to be collected for that purpose. The company failed to complete the road on time, and in June, 1873, the commissioners extended the time to Sep- tember 1 of that year.
THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
Upon the same day the following record was made: "WHERE- AS, a new court house has, in the opinion of the people of this county become a necessity for the preservation of the public rec- ords, and, WHEREAS, the financial condition of the county is such that a levy for that purpose is feasable at this time. It is now here ordered that William Loundon, John Pfeffer, James Samp- son, Thomas Jaquess and George W. Thomas be and they are hereby appointed a committee to investigate and consider plans and specifications and costs of a court house, with authority to employ for the county an architect. Said court house not to cost less than $50,000, nor more than $80,000; said committee to re- port to this board at its next regular session. And for the pur- pose of raising funds for the erection of said proposed court house, it is now here ordered that a levy of $1 on each and every $100 of all the taxable property of Posey County be and the same is hereby made.
"It is further ordered that in the event of the non-forfeiture of the donation voted by Posey County to the Chicago & Illinois Southern Railway Company at the next regular session of this court, said levy shall at said session be remitted."
This was the beginning of the present court house of Posey County. At a special session held in October following this com- mittee reported that they had selected "a plan submitted to them by Messrs. Vrydale & Clarke, architects, and by employing the said Vrydale & Clarke to furnish the necessary drawings, specifi- cations and detailed estimates of the cost of said court house for the sum of $1,200." In addition to this the architects were to re- ceive $15 per day for their professional services when called upon. On the 4th of February, 1874, the board received bids for building the court house according to the plans of Vrydale & Clarke. They were as follows :
345
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
John McMannomy, Covington, Ind $74,400
Treibble, Kenneda & Brown, Henderson, Ky. 74,985
N. L. Wickweis, Cairo, Ill. 86,736
Norris & Heinkley, Indianapolis, Ind 77,300
Jacob Meyer & Bro., Evansville, Ind 76,500
D. M. McKennan, Evansville, Ind. 75,500
McCorkle & Sansom, Evansville, Ind 76,600
Layman & Yeost, Metropolis, Ill 91,480
R. G. Thomas, Mount Vernon, Ind. 77,993
The contract was awarded to John McMannomy, his bid being $43 less than the architects' estimate.
POPULATION.
In 1810 (estimated)
300
In 1820
4,061
In 1830
6,540
In 1840
9,583
In 1850. 12,549
In 1860
16,147
In 1870
19,185
Iņ 1880
22,057
In 1885 (estimated)
24,000
COUNTY OFFICERS.
A list of the county officers is here given:
Senators .- Thomas Givens, Williams Casey, Charles I. Bat- tell, Joseph Lane, John Pitcher, William H. Stockwell, Enoch R. James, William Greathouse, Cyrus K. Drew, Magnus T. Car- nahan, Thomas C. Jaquess, Thomas J. Hargrave, Jasper David- son, G. V. Menzies.
Representatives .- Dann Lynn, William Casey, Jesse R. Craig, John Schrader, Jesse Y. Welborn, Richard Daniel, George S. Green, Robert D. Owen, Charles I. Battell, Azra Lee, Samuel Annable, W. B. Southard, Eben D. Edson. James C. Endicott, John Hall, M. T. Carnahan, George W. Thomas, Adam Lichten- berger, Felix Mills, Horatio C. Cooper, Silas Cox, H. S. Cassel- berry, Joel Hume, Urbin Marrs, William P. Edson, William C. Pitts, Hazel Nelson, Joseph P. Edson, Edward T. Sullivan, Elijah M. Spencer, George Wofin, Wolfgang Hynes, James W. Whitworth, Joseph F. Welborn, Russel Blackley, John Walz and James W. French.
County Clerks .- William E. Stewart from the organization of the county, in January, 1816, to June, 1817; David Love to 1819, James P. Drake to 1829, W. E. Stewart to 1839, Turner Nelson
346
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
to 1861, William P. Edson to 1865, Turner Nelson to 1867, William Nelson to 1875, George W. Curtis to 1883, Oliver N. F. Fretageot to present time.
Sheriffs .- John Carson to 1817, William Boyle (one year), James Robb (one year), Aaron Bacon (four years), John Carson (four years), Felix Mills (four years), William James (four years), John Cox (two years), Felix Mills (four years), Aaron C. Moore (two years), John Patterson (two years), Joseph Showers (two years), Felix Mills (six years), Joseph Showers (two years), Aaron Lichtenberger (two years), Alexander Crunk (four years), John S. Wheeler (four years), Alexander Crunk (four years), Edward S. Hays (present incumbent. )
Recorders .- Prior to 1851, the county clerk performed the duties that now devolve upon the recorder. In May, of that year, Thomas B. Holt was elected recorder and served to 1855, his suc- cessors have been George R. Latham, 1855, serving but two months; John D. Hinch to 1863, George W. Thomas to 1867, F. A. Pentecost to 1875, Philo A. Hutcheson to 1879, Aaron Lich- tenberger to 1883, Vincent M. Cartright (present incumbent).
Auditors .- Thomas F. Prosser 1844 to 1863, John B. Gardi- ner to 1871, F. D. Bolton to 1875, Alfred D. Owen to 1883, George S. Green (present incumbent).
Treasurers .- It is probable that Samuel R. Marrs, the county agent, acted as county treasurer up to 1817, when Samuel Jones was appointed and served until 1822; John Schnee to 1826, J. W. Swift to 1829, James Robb to 1830, Felix Mills to 1832, Felix Mills to 1833, George S. Green to 1837, Eben D. Edson to 1839, John Pitcher to 1840, William J. Lowry to 1844, John Cox to 1847, John M. Sanders to 1853, Felix Mills to 1857, John M. Sanders to 1859, John B. Gardiner to 1861, Joseph F. Welborn to 1863, William B. Smith to 1867, Thomas Stephens to 1869, Joseph Showers to 1873, John G. Young to 1875, George Naas to 1879, Nicholas Joest to 1883, Andrew Wasem (present incum- bent.
Surveyors .- John Talbert, Matthew Williams, Ebenezer Phillips, William F. Phillips, J. W. Whitworth, Aaron Baker, Moses Johnson and T. J. Johnson.
FINANCES.
The receipts into the county treasury for 1818 were $912.41.
1
347
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
The receipts for 1818 were $1,951, and the expenses $2,067. The receipts for 1819 were $1,827.82, and the expenses $1,827.82. The receipts for 1831 were $1,361.44 and the expenses $1,405.28, and the county revenue was $735.41, and licenses brought $255.97. In 1833 the receipts were $1,787.84. the county revenue being $1,147.25 and licenses bringing $293.41. The total expenses were $1,787.84. In 1838 the receipts were $2,166.47 and the expenses $2,167.89. In 1840-41 (fiscal year) the receipts were $1,537.68; expenses $1,537.68; the county revenue being $1,192.69. In 1845- 46 the county revenue was $5,367.01; total receipts, $5,992.07; total expenses, $5,992.07; license receipts, $526.37. In 1850-51 there was on hand $92.27; licenses brought $668; county revenue $5,478.38; total receipts, $7,710.74; total expenses, $7,548.26; leaving on hand $162.48. In 1855-56 the county revenue was $8,720.25; total receipts, $13,100.61; total expenses, $16,379.66; county officers cost $681.67 and poor, $1,093. In 1859-60 there was on hand $7,154.24; broker's license was $100; county reve- nue, $7,167.30; total receipts, $21,454.53: total expenses, $14,- 128.16; poor, $1,059.27; agricultural society, $100; county offices, $1,009.99, leaving on hand $7,326.37. In 1864-65 there was on hand $7,373.81; county revenue was $17,828.36; total receipts, $34,976.84; total expenses, $32,091.25, leaving on hand $2,885.59; the poor cost $2,204.45 and county officers, $1,946.05. In 1869- 70 there was on hand $13.111.58; county revenue, $22,446.78; total receipts, $59,533.64; poor cost $2,662.95; county officers, $2,573.70; total expenses, $45,987.66, leaving on hand $13,545.98. In 1874-75 there was on hand $49,158.14; county revenue was $49,773.98; total receipts, $171,688.69; poor expenses, $5,000.56; county officers, $6,065.29. In 1879-80 there was on hand $58,- 370.40; county revenue was $12,322.30; delinquent tax col- lected, $15,725.90; total receipts, $92,353.22; county officers cost $5,916.73; poor, $6,456.35; iron fence around court yard $2,405.50; total expenses, $45,041.88, leaving on hand $39,260.28. In 1884- 85 there was on hand $84,869.33; county revenue was $41,414.89; railroad tax receipts, $17,614.06; total receipts, $173,527.29; rail- road expenses, $46,131.98; county officers, $3,343.14; poor, $5,391.12; total expenses, $190,770.23, leaving on hand $67,- 626,39. The contract price of the new construction was $74,400; extras on the building cost $1,011; total cost of building proper,
343
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
$75,411; architect's and superintendent's fees, furniture. heating, plumbing, etc., cost $12,865.48; total cost ready for occupancy $88.276.48.
ELECTIONS.
The election returns, like the remainder of the records of Posey County are well preserved. The following exhibit of the vote at Presidential elections will illustrate the political aspect of the county :
NOVEMBER, 1836.
TOWNSHIPS,
WHIG. DEMOCRATIC. Harrison and Van Buren and Johnson.
Granger.
Marrs.
6
22
Black.
134
305
Robinson
7
49
Smith
56
119
Harmony
121
250
Lynn.
6
6
Totals.
330
751
NOVEMBER, 1840.
TOWNSHIPS.
WHIG. DEMOCRATIC. Harrison and Van Buren and
Tyler. 354
345
Robb.
9
59
Harmony
253
294
Point
4
21
Smith.
41
94
Marrs.
18
16
Robinson
27
136
Totals.
706
965
NOVEMBER, 1844.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRATIC. Polk and Dallas.
WHIG. Clay and Fre- linghnysen. 283
Black.
467
Point.
2
14
Lynn.
-
Marrs
46
34
Harmony
232
208
Robb
153
42
Robinson.
183
38
Smith
72
54
Bethel
Totals.
1155
678
Johnson.
Black.
yours
Truly Hall Gastonight
351
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
NOVEMBER, 1848.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRATIC. Cass and Butler.
FREE SOIL. Taylor and VanBuren and Fillmore.
Black
318
231
13
Point.
57
32
-
Marrs
125
49
3
Lynn
69
134
Robinson
173
39
2
Robb.
148
60
Harmony
214
134
1
Bethel
30
40
Smith
92
44
Totals
1226
763
19
NOVEMBER, 1852.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRATIC. Pierce and King.
WHIG. Scott and Graham.
FREE SOIL. Fillmore and Donelson.
Black
367
265
21
Marrs
177
74
Robinson
234
26
Smith.
86
41
Robb
184
51
2
Bethel
36
37
Harmony
212
143
3
Lynn
68
113
Point
60
35
-
Totals
1433
784
26
NOVEMBER, 1856.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRATIC. REPUBLICAN. Buchanan and Fremont and Breckinridge. Dayton.
FREE SOIL. Fillmore and Donelson.
Black.
502
131
199
Marrs.
206
24
62
Robinson
290
49
18
Smith
116
·
7
31
Robb
217
38
30
Bethel
48
7
16
Harmony
275
37
104
Lynn
104
11
113
Point
61
2
52
Totals
1819
306
625
-
The returns of 1860 could not be found.
7
.
WHIG.
Adams.
352
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
NOVEMBER, 1864.
DEMOCRAT.
McClellan and Pendleton.
REPUBLICAN. Lincoln and Johnson.
TOWNSHIPS.
Black (Eastern Precinct).
184
221
Black (Western Precinct).
186
258
Point.
73
58
Marrs
174
150
Robinson
182
124
Lynn .
222
169
Bethel.
61
28
Robb (Stewartsville Precinct).
135
27
Robb (Poseyville Precinct).
77
64
Centre
84
72
Smith.
124
48
Totals
1585
1357
NOVEMBER, 1868.
DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN.
TOWNSHIPS.
Seymour and Blair.
Grant and Colfax.
Harmony
270
254
Lynn
122
195
Point
95
110
Marrs
239
221
Bethel
72
40
Robb (1)
171+
74
Robb (2)
95
88
Smith
141
65
Robinson
209
157
Centre
121
85
Black (1)
256
347
Black (2).
263
342
Totals
2054
1938
NOVEMBER, 1872.
DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN.
Greeley
Grant
and Brown. and Wilson.
Harmony
366
215
Lynn
120
167
Point
95
65
Marrs
208
177
Bethel
70
24
Robb (1)
143
39
Robb (2).
91
88
Smith ..
137
64
Robinson
168
122
Centre.
124
73
Black (1)
288
324
Black (2)
293
340
Totals
1993
1698
.
83
138
Harmony .
TOWNSHIPS.
353
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
NOVEMBER, 1876.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. INDEPENDENT. Tilden and Hayes and Wheeler. Hendricks.
Black (1).
311
303
Black (2)
380
296
1
Point
116
72
Lynn
155
169
Harmony
303
240
-
Robb (1).
119
75
3
Robb (2).
169
51
4
Robinson
184
145
Marrs.
238
157
8
Bethel
84
33
-
Smith.
177
63
3
Centre
147
81
-
1
Totals
2383
1685
19
NOVEMBER, 1880.
TOWNSHIPS.
REPUBLICAN. Hancock and Garfield and English.
Black
720
781
Lynn
186
175
Point.
145
123
Harmony
385
309
Robb
303
132
Marrs
239
220
Robinson
203
181
Smith
182
77
Bethel.
87
46
Centre
165
83
Totals
2615
2121
NOVEMBER, 1884.
TOWNSHIPS.
DEMOCRAT. REPUBLICAN. Cleveland and Blaine and Hendricks.
Logan.
Black
838
836
Marrs.
245
205
Point.
110
90
Robinson
191
184
Robb.
363
173
Smith
185
89
Centre.
166
97
Bethel
111
46
Lynn.
205
171
Harmony
359
266
Totals
2773
2157
-
DEMOCRAT.
Arthur.
.
Cooper and Carey.
354
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
RAILROAD PROJECTS.
In 1869 the county board was petitioned by 100 freeholders to order an election to decide whether the county should appro- priate $100,000 to aid in the construction of the Mount Vernon & Graysville Railroad. July 27, 1869, the election was held with the following result:
1
Black (1).
500
9
509
Black (2).
473
-
473
Lynn
125
29
154
Point ..
118
13
131
Harmony
277
37
314
Robb (1).
30
101
131
Robb (2)
48
51
99
Marrs.
18
162
180
Robinson
4
231
235
Smith
4
165
169
Bethel
54
1
55
Centre.
35
123
158
Totals.
1686
922
2608
For.
Against.
Totals.
The board thereupon ordered a levy of 80 cents on each $100 worth of property, all of which was collected. The above company soon consolidated with another and became known as the Chicago & Southern Illinois Railway Company. After the completion of five miles of the road $20,000 was paid the company, but further payments were stopped by an injunction sued out by contractors to secure their claims. The company could not proceed and passed into the hands of a receiver, who sold the iron and one locomotive in 1875, to satisfy a mortgage held by New Jersey parties. Mount Vernon had also paid to the company $30,000 in corporate bonds, and stood pledged to pay $170,000 more, but the failure to complete the road rendered void the contract.
The Louisville & Nashville Railway, built as the St. Louis & Southeastern Railway, was constructed through the county in 1869-70, and received from the board $102,000. This was the first railroad in the county, and to Mount Vernon, as well as the whole county, has been of the greatest advantage. Its length in the county is about twenty-three miles, including side tracks. In 1880 the Louisville & Nashville Company leased the road and is yet operating it.
In 1881 Smith Township voted a 2 per cent aid for the Evans- ville & Terre Haute Railroad extension from Owensville to
355
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
Cynthiana, the tax being $8,468.30. The road was immediately built and the tax paid. In October, 1881, Black Township voted 2 per cent aid to have the road extended to Mount Vernon, the amount being $48,102.20, as did also Centre Township, whose tax was $7,191.60. The road was immediately built and these amounts were paid. In 1880 Robb Township voted $13,199 aid to the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railway, and the following year $16,000 was voted by Harmony Township to aid the exten- sion from Poseyville to New Harmony. Few, if any, counties in the State are better supplied with shipping facilities than Posey.
November 19, 1872, the county voted as follows on the prop- osition to aid the Cincinnati, Rockport & Southwestern Railway, with an appropriation of $125,000:
For.
Against.
Totals.
Black (1)
382
55
437
Black (2)
306
99
40
Lynn
48
99
142
Point.
13
21
34
Harmony
50
288
338
Robb (1).
162
3
16
Robb (2)
35
70
105
Marrs
5
214
219
Robinso
16
240
256
Smith.
172
24
196
Bethel
3
40
43
Centre
34
104
138
Totals
1221
1257
2478
The tax failed to carry and December 31, 1872, another on the same proposition was held with the following result:
For.
Against.
Totals.
Black (1).
651
42
693
Black (2).
626
68
694
Lynn
59
118
177
Point
86
13
99
Harmony.
44
357
401
Robb (1).
173
3
176
Robb (2)
35
108
143
Marrs
7
284
291
Robinson
36
288
324
Smith
200
27
227
Bethel
2
49
51
Centre
126
59
185
Totals
2045
1416
3461
356
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
The failure to construct the road released the county from all obligations resulting from this election.
POSEY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
The first steps toward a medical society in the county were taken in 1857. This society consisted of Drs. Winings, Weever, Farrell, Conyngton, Blunt and Spencer. In a short time after Dr. John B. Weever became a member. The object was more for the establishment of a uniform system of fee bills than for mental improvement. The present society of the county was temporarily organized November 15, 1877, and completed December 20, 1877. There were present E. V. Spencer, A. W. Spain, J. B. Williams, W. J. Cole, R. S. Moore, S. H. Pearse, E. Murphy and C. Elliott. Officers chosen were E. Murphy, president; E. V. Spencer, treasurer; S. H. Pearse, secretary; A. W. Spain, vice-president. Present officers: S. H. Pearse, president: O. T. Schultz, vice-president; J. B. Weever, secretary; G. R. Peckinpaugh, treasurer; D. Kransgrill, D. C. Ramsey and G. W. Welborn, censors. Members: S. H. Ballard, L. B. Bitz, G. W. Bucklin, C. Elliott, E. Hensler, C. Hicks, W. M. Holton, F. H. Kelley, D. Kransgrill, D. B. Montgomery, Daniel Neal, Richard Owen (honorary), S. H. Pearse, G. W. Peckinpaugh, D. C. Ramsey, S. O. Rawlings, J. C. Rutledge, E. V. Spencer, O. T. Schultz, J. B. Weever, G. W. Welborn, J. B. Welborn and T. B. Young. The meetings of the society are in April and October of each year.
357
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
CHAPTER IV.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY-A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN, GROWTH AND PRESENT CONDITION OF ALL THE TOWNS, SHOWING, IN COMPREHENSIVE FORM, THEIR INDUSTRIES, MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENTS, SECRET SOCIETIES, BANKS, NEWSPAPERS, PLATS, INCORPORATIONS, AND GIVING A SKETCH OF THEIR PROMINENT RESI- DENTS AND IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS.
MOUNT VERNON.
D OUBTLESS, the first permanent settlers on the present site of Mount Vernon were the McFaddins, and the date of location was about the year 1805. The spot, owing to its highness and dryness, was a conspicuous one on the river, and was familiar to voyagers on flat-boats, etc., who had found homes both above and below. The McFaddins had been residents of North Carolina, but had come to near Bowling Green, Ky .; and, during the last decade of the last century, had examined the site of Mount Vernon, it is said, while on hunting excursions on this side of the river. The settlement was there made, as above stated, as soon after the land had been obtained, by cession, from the Indians and thrown into market, as was deemed safe and advisable. The McFaddins squatted on the land, intending to enter it as soon as convenient; but in this they were forestalled by Gen. William Henry Harri- son, who bought all of fractional Section 8, Township 7 south, Range 13 west, comprising at that time 371.82 acres, on the 25th of May, 1807. This occasioned them much inconvenience and additional expense ere they were released from the claims of Gen. Harrison. Andrew McFaddin was the first, but was soon followed by William and "Slim" Andrew, all of whom, from their pres- ence here, gave the name of McFaddin's Bluff to the locality, by which it was known to all who had occasion to pass this way, and continued to be thus known until after the town started about ten years later. It soon became a landing for flat-boats etc., for sup- plies of wood, and a small ferry and a small woodyard were es- tablished, but not for general use. The first landing was at the rocks, but about 1812 was removed to about the site of the pres-
358
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
ent wharf. The MeFaddins first located on the old Oatman farm, but in 1806 removed to the present town site, and built a log- cabin at the foot of Store Street. Soon after the arrival of the above families, others came and located in the vicinity, and during the war of 1812 built strong cabins as a defense against possible attacks of the Indians. At the time of first settlement, the town site and all the surrounding country was a literal wil- derness, filled with wild animals. It is safe to say that scores of deer were killed upon the town site, some as late as 1825. It is said that Daniel Boone visited the settlement very early. Will- iam McFaddin was a noted and skillful hunter and trapper. He is said to have killed bears in this county and across in Illinois. He had, at the time the town was founded, two pet beavers which he had captured when young. It was many years before any thought of a town entered the minds of the residents. About the year 1820, it is asserted a panther killed a young man named James Culbertson on the banks of a pond that was then on the present town site. It sprang upon him from a tree, so tearing him that he died in a few minutes.
EARLY INDUSTRIES AT MOUNT VERNON.
It is said that Thomas Givens established a tavern at Mount Vernon before any lots were laid out; but it could not have been long before, possibly a few months. About this time, also, Darius North and William P. Robinson, under the firm name of "North & Robinson," brought to the place a small assortment of general merchandise worth probably $500. This was the first store. After a few years Robinson sold out and North continued alone. Andrew McFaddin, about the year 1819, established a horse-mill in town where both flour and meal could be obtained. Before this the horse-mill west of town, owned and operated by James Black, was patronized, though the main supply came from the river. The McFaddins kept a small ferry. The principal crossings, however, were below at Dunn's Ferry, and above at Diamond Island, or what is now West Franklin. Samuel Ald- ridge was the first blacksmith at the Old Black Horse Mill. He made the iron door for the old jail. Samuel Jones, John Sewer, John B. Weir and Jesse Y. Welborn were early in the town. William Hatfield was the first cooper, and Andrew McFaddin kept
359
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
a woodyard and supplied boats on the river, for coal had not yet come into use. Solomon Nesler, a farmer, was an early resident ; Solomon Schnovel, a German shoe-maker, was another; John Moran was another early cobbler. Elijah Jordan started the first tanyard, sinking five vats. All the buildings at first were of logs, the doors, floors, etc., being whip-sawed at great time and labor. In 1817 about fifteen families lived in and near Mount Vernon. A Mr. McGonegal was the first tailor; C. I. Battell and Richard Daniel, the first lawyers, and Dr. Park the first physician; Jesse Y. Welborn was the second tavern keeper, and William Crabtree, the third. As a matter of course, each kept a bar; Mr. Welborn was also the first postmaster; Nathan Ashworth was the first jus- tice of the peace; J. B. Weir kept a small grocery, and later op- erated a ferry and still later a small steam-mill. James Dunn opened a store after a few years, John Schnell opened an early tavern; Adam Lichtenberger made the first saddle in Mount Vernon beginning about 1820, and continuing many years with a large trade. In about 1832 Thomas Judd began the manufacture of woolen hats, securing his stock from lambs owned on the neighboring farms. He continued several years, and probably made as high as 150 in a single season. In about 1826, Daniel McDaniel built, and started in operation a cotton gin which he owned and conducted two or three years. Cotton, which grew well on new land, was found to be unprofitable, and its culture was abandoned.
Samuel Aldridge entered a tract on Section 6 (northwest of town), May 22, 1807; and on the same section, Thomas Givens bought, June 4, 1807. On Section 7, west of town, William Weir bought a tract May 22, 1807; and on Section 5, north of town, Samuel Jones bought, June 4, 1807; so that at the time the town started up there was quite a populous settlement in this vicinity. The northwest quarter of Section 9, upon which a portion of East Mount Vernon stands, was entered by H. P. Coborn July 28, 1818; and the southeast quarter of Section 5, upon which a portion of North Mount Vernon stands was entered by Samuel Gregg, August 15, 1814.
THE FIRST PLAT.
The first land was laid out by John Wagoner on the west side
360
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
of Mill Creek, March 11, 1816, and comprised sixty-six lots of the ordinary size, and a public square of two acres and four poles. March 23, 1816, Aaron Williams laid out thirty-two lots south and west to the river from the present Public Square, and also laid out the present Public Square. These lots bear their original numbers, 1 to 32. As soon as the lots were laid out and a public sale could be advertised, both Wagoner and Williams . offered their lots to buyers. Wagoner made the following sales in 1816: David Greathouse, George Graham, Isaac Koonse, Phillip Koonse, Charles Adams, Eli Curtis, John Prather, E. Enceminger, J. Davis, William Carson, and a few others. These sales were all made May 18, 1816, and were the first. Aaron Williams held his sale July 10, 1817, and among the buyers on that day were the following men: Andrew McFaddin, Beniah Moss, Matthew Williams, W. C. Carson, Barrett Moore, Aaron Bacon, John Wagoner, Henry Aldridge, Stephen Pool, Nathan Ashworth, Samuel Kennedy, James Black, John French, Samuel French, William Stewart, William Thacher, John Bell, Andrew Wagoner, James Wilson, and others. Within the next few years the fol- lowing men became buyers of lots: Edmund Teafford, Hiram C. Bradley, Robert Castles, James Duckworth, Thomas Givens, James Moore, Robert Graham, James Piles, Heman Richardson, Darius North, William P. Robinson, David Love, Adam Moffitt, William Gardiner and others. Among those in 1819 and later, were Elias Rector, Thomas E. Castelberry, Thomas D. Heady, Sargent Moss, Samuel Erwin, Thomas Miller, Henry G. Luston, J. Y. Welborn, Barnet Halliman, Robert B. Smith, Richard and William Barter, T. C. Judd, James W. Swift, Augustine W. Welborn, Wilson Jones, John Webb, Adam Albright, Charles C. Givens, John Givens, William Downey, John Dunn, William Crabtree, John Shanklin and others. It must be observed, how- ever, that the majority of the men named above were at no time residents of the town, but bought the lots with a view to specu- lation. The town of Mr. Wagoner on the west side languished from the start; while that of Mr. Williams began to grow and flourish. Both these men had laid out the lots on land owned by Gen. Harrison, and it was not until 1817 that Mr. Williams, for $500, secured 185 acres at the junction of Mill Creek with the Ohio River, east of the creek. For some reason, now unknown,
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