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 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58
Those bells regularly pealed forth their solemn tones, invit- ing the worshipers who were always led by Father Rapp. Later they built a huge hall in the form of a cross, the plan of which, according to Father Rapp, was given to him three different times in a dream. This building was 123 feet in length and was twenty- six feet to the ceiling of the first floor, and was two stories in
Ilm. M. Lockwood
1.
1
385
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
height. The upper story was, however, not of the full size of the lower story. The building was of brick and was entered at the ends of the wings. The building stood almost on the same ground on which now stands the institute building. The old building having fallen into decay by neglect and abuse was torn down a few years ago and the institute erected in its stead. The stone facing surrounding the main entrance of the old hall has been preserved and now fills the same place in the institute building. Overhead is a rude bas-relief of a rose surrounded by a wreath, at the sides of which is the date, 1822, and beneath is the inscrip- tion, "Micha 4, &. 8." This was the work of Frederick Rapp. In the side of the building is a tablet on which is inscribed "In memoriam of the Harmony Society founded by George Rapp, 1805." Near Rapp's residence stands the old granary which was built of stone, the walls being two feet thick and the roof of tile, thus making the building fire proof. In the walls of the granary were cut loop-holes, thus rendering the granary a good fortress, and it is usually known as the "old fort." This was connected with Rapp's residence by a subterranean passage, which is now closed up, but the old fort stands almost as perfect as the day it was finished. About the only changes that have been made are, the port holes have been enlarged to windows, and some slight changes have been made to accomodate the machinery that has been placed in it. It is now used as a grist-mill.
The Rappites erected four other large brick buildings, each about 40x80 feet, except one, which was 45x90. Of these one has been torn down; one is used as a public hall, ball room and the- ater; another, where the Veets House now stands, was partially destroyed by fire, and the fourth is occupied by Fretageot & Co. as a business house. These buildings were used as common lodging rooms or boarding halls. William Herbert, who visited the place in September, 1823, thus describes it: "The place is char- acteristic of the society and the people settled there. This singu- lar community consists of about 700 individuals, chiefly from Wurtemburg and neighboring places, and have been here seven years. They have relinquished a similar society in Pennsylva- nia because it was too thickly settled to suit their peculiar tenets, or the peculiarities of their society. These good people have lit- erally made the barren wilderness to smile, The town is regular-
9
386
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
ly laid out into squares, the streets crossing each other at right angles. The log-cabins are giving way as fast as possible to commodious brick and frame buildings. The brick thouses, from their bright red color, afford a very pleasing contrast when com- pared with the houses of London. The house of Rapp has large parlors, a fine garden and out-buildings attached. The streets were planted with Lombardy poplars, but from a peculiarity of the subsoil they soon died and were replaced by mulberry, the effect of which is very pleasing to the eye. Being such rigid econ- omists they doubtless planted the mulberry to afford leaves for their silk-worms. They have mills, public ovens, granaries, factories, barns and a church with a tall steeple.
CUSTOMS OF THESE PEOPLE.
The members encourage celibacy, but do not compel it. They think the celibates stand higher in morals than the married. When a superintendent was asked how long since they had had a marriage he replied that it had been three years, although there were then 100 in the community of marriagable age. They pun- ish by verbal reproof or withholding social intercourse. They observe order and decorum, and are industrious and sober. They work from sun to sun, and those in the brewery and distillery work till late at night. The sounds of conviviality are rare, and there is little talk or mirth, unless while trading with their neighbors. They are adverse to communicate or explain their tenets. They discourage the learning of the English language. They have a superintendent over each department, a general store, their own doctor, saddler, blacksmith, and keep a house of private entertainment (tavern). Each superintendent receives the money in his own department, and each individual is credited with what he does, and is charged for what he receives.
They raise everything they use, except groceries, and they get these by exchange. Frederick Rapp is general business man- ager, and he has agents in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Every- thing is entered in the name of Frederick Rapp, or George Rapp and associates. Seeing that celibacy was reducing their num- bers a head of one of the departments was asked if they did not desire an increase of their number, he replied: 'Not by strangers.' The question was again asked if they would not like
1
387
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
an increase from their own countrymen, and again the answer was given that they did not desire an increase by 'strangers,' evi- dently considering all strangers who were not of their own faith. When asked about their old home, he said: 'We are happier here.'" The same eye-witness further describes the appearance of the church with its tall white steeple, and the sound of its bell calling together the worshipers, and the band of music which furnished music for worship and pastime. He further says he saw men, women and children march to the harvest field to the sound of music to gather in their ripened grain, their numbers being so great that a field of a hundred acres would be gathered in a single day. The women dressed in long, close fitting jack- ets and gipsy bonnets, all of uniform make. From their sallow skin they did not seem to be very healthful. In March, 1822, the community was increased by the arrival of about 123 immigrants from Wurtemburg, the old home of most of the members. These were soon assigned their places in the community, and all things moved on smoothly again.
It is mentioned here as coincident of the time that the visitor mentioned above speaks of millions of wild pigeons flying over New Harmony and filling the air as far as the eye could reach, and many settling down to roost in the neighboring forest; so thick were they that the inhabitants killed many with sticks or clubs.
OTHER INCIDENTS OF INTEREST.
The Harmony Society, viewed from whatever standpoint, were a peculiar people. They have existed for nearly 100 years, and their numbers are gradually diminishing, and but a few years more they will be known only in history, yet perhaps no other people have lived lives more consistent with their doctrines, or have been more uniformly successful in business. It is stated on good authority that in 1807 these people were worth on an average $25 per head, and in 1825 they had $2,500 for every man, woman or child in the community. The community was sorely vexed by an impostor called "Count Leon," who caused dissensions among them and robbed them of about one-third of their wealth; but happily, his true character was found out, and he was placed on a keel-boat and set afloat on the Ohio River. He went down the Mississippi to Alexandria, La., where, in 1833, he
388
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
died of cholera. Rapp has been criticised for not encouraging popular education more, and for living such exclusive lives. It is questionable if the community could have succeeded in any other way. The society was moved by one sentiment, guided by one mind, and that mind was Father Rapp's. There was some- times bitter feeling toward the Rappites by their neighbors, whether from jealousy at their greater prosperity or otherwise, is not known. From some cause they became dissatisfied, and con- cluded to make another move. Several theories are given for this change: Difficulty with their neighbors, sickness in the community and a preference for isolation. To the first it might be said that the bitterness was not likely to lead to danger; the second might seem reasonable from the amount of malaria that is known to have existed there at that time, yet the extravagant statement was published shortly after their departure that the death rate was only one and one-half per cent annually. The third cause doubtless had something to do with their intended change. Mr. Richard Flower, of Albion, Ill., acting as agent, found a purchaser for the property at New Harmony in the per- son of Robert Owen, of New Lanark, Scotland. Mr. Owen was a man of talent, wealth and a philanthropist by nature. He was manager of a large manufacturing establishment that he had run successfully on the community plan, and he desired to try the ex- periment on an enlarged scale. Pending the negotiation of sale, on the 2d of March, 1825, the community, individually and severally, made Frederick Rapp "their true and lawful at- torney in fact " for the sale of their property. The article was signed by George Rapp, Christina Rapp, Rosina Rapp, Johana Rapp and 497 others, all of whom except thirty-nine were able to make their own signature. The sale was finally consummated on December 25, 1825, by which Mr. Owen came in possession of 19,997.87 acres of land, 800 of which were in White County, Ill. The consideration of said sale was $125,000 "in hand, paid of lawful money, the receipt, etc." This, however, did not embrace all the lands owned by the Rapps. Before dismissing the subject of Rapp it is thought proper to append the following memoradum of Rapp's doctrine: 1 .- He believed in the doctrine of future punishments and rewards. 2 .- He did not teach everlasting punishment. 3 .- He taught that the end was nigh-could not be
389
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
later than 1837. 4 .- He believed there should be no carnal in- tercourse between the married or unmarried. 5 .- He thought only those who had abstained could occupy the highest places. 6 .- He believed in a literal coming of Christ. In the infirmity of George Rapp, Frederick frequently officiated at worship, and before the death of George Rapp he was duly installed their spiritual head. Rapp was their priest and king. The only au- thority wanted on any question was "Father Rapp says it." The remnant of these people live at Economy, Penn, the most of whom are growing old. Messrs. Leutz and Henrico are now their teachers. It is said that when their numbers are reduced to less than three their vast wealth is to revert to the State of Pennsyl- vania.
NEW HARMONY UNDER THE OWENSES.
Mr. Owen believed with Mr. Rapp in the community system of property, but differed widely in policy of management; instead of absolute control himself and keeping his own council, as did Mr. Rapp, he seems to have allowed every one a share in the delibera- tion. From every State in the Union, except one or two of the most southern, and from every civilized State of Europe flocked the people to Mr. Owen's community. Such a conglomeration of people, and such a variety of ideas could hardly be conceived. That such a community could succeed seemed hardly possible. That Mr. Owen was in earnest is evident from the fact that he spent such a vast sum of money in the enterprise. That he was honest, was evident from his opening his heart to every one and taking every one into his confidence. That he was en- thusiastic is evident from his first lecture to the community, in which he said, " I am come to introduce an entirely new state of society; to change it from the ignorant and selfish system to an enlightened social system which shall remove all causes of com- plaint and reconcile all differences between individuals." That he had charity, is evident from the New Harmony Gazette, his organ, the motto of which was " If we cannot reconcile all opinions, let us endeavor to unite all hearts." On the 4th of July, 1826, Mr. Owen pronounced the death knell to the "Trinity of evils," irrational religions, individual property and inconsistent mar- riages. He certainly felt that he had accomplished the work, for there appeared ever afterward for a year or two, at least, on the
390
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
title page of the Gazette, in italics, "The first year of Mental In- dependence, and of American Independence the fifty-first," and so on through the second year of " Mental Independence," and fifty- second of " American Independence."
The first form of government was the " Preliminary Society," which was established May 1, 1825. This invited people of every nature and tongue to share the benefits of the society, except persons of color, and these might be admitted on certain condi- tions. The preliminary society provided for the admission of members, the general duties of members, general privilege of members and the dismission of members. February 25, 1826, the new constitution for the government was adopted. . It was called the "Constitution of the New Harmony Community of Equality." Its object was stated to be happiness; its princi- ples equality of rights, union in business, community of prop- erty; and demanded freedom, sincerity, kindness, courtesy, order, obedience and economy. The committee on constitution consisted of Phillip M. Price, president; Thomas Pearce, secretary; W. W. Lewis, James O. Wattles, John Whitley, William Owen, Donald McDonald, R. L. Jennings and R. D. Owen. The community was divided into six departments, viz .: Agriculture; manufacture and mechanics; literature, science and education; domestic economy ; general economy and commerce. The superintendents of the departments were Thomas Pearce, agriculture; J. K. Colidge, manufactures and mechanics; Thomas Say, literature, science and education; Richardson Whitby, domestic economy; Feldman Whitwell, general economy, and William Owen, com- merce. The property embraced at this time, 8,000 acres of im- proved lands adjacent to the town, and nineteen detached farms embracing about 300 acres more. In 1826 Mr. Owen sold to William McClure, about one-third of the town, 490 acres in all, for $40,000. Although the constitution seemed liberal and good, it was soon found necessary to modify it to suit the clamors of the community. In January, 1826, there was a modification; in April it was allowed that twenty-five persons might move out and form a separate community. In May there were made three dis- tinct divisions. The first, or New Harmony proper, was Community No. 1, called Ipba Veinul; the second was McCluria, or Com- munity No. 2, called Ipad Evinle; the third was Community
391
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
No. 3, called Feiba Peveli. These terms were invented by Sted- man Whitwell, who endeavored to establish a new nomenclature to indicate latitude and longitude. There seemed to be a grow- ing disposition on the part of the community to acquire individ- ual property and everything seemed drifting that way. In a short time there was the fourth community established. Many began to acquire individual property and the "beginning of the end" was nigh. An individual store had been established in opposition to the general store, and the courts had established its rights to sell goods within the community. McCluria was not governed in the same manner as No. 1. The continuance of the community, as a community, was found impossible and was soon abandoned, not by any formal declaration, but rather by common consent.
A glance at the two communities will be of interest. The Rappites were of one nationality, one tongue, and all of nearly the same rank in society, the common walks of life, and all looked upon Father Rapp as an oracle. Few, if any, had more than a passable education. Of the latter community, many of the high- est talents were attracted to it by Mr. Owen's influence. Under the Rappites there was little gayety or mirth; there was little at- tention given to education; no assemblies or town meetings, ex- cept when called to worship by the solemn peals of the church bells. Under Mr. Owen there were frequent assemblies; one every week to discuss the interests of the community; balls or concerts or lectures were held almost every evening in the week. Sunday was usually given to the discussion of some scientific subject, but no provision was made for religious worship, yet such was not forbidden. Instead of celibacy was taught that marriage was a simple rite and facility of divorce should follow from in- compatibility or inconsistency of make up-but not free lovism. In religion Mr. Owen held great freedom, he regarded charity in all things as the foundation of the purest morals. In these mat- ters he has been more " sinned against than sinning." The busi- ness condition of the town at this time was about as follows: There were four streets running from north to south, six from east to west, three dividing the town into six wards. There were 35 brick houses, 45 frame buildings and 100 log-cabins. The boarding school contained 160 children, the machinery of
392
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
the factory was moved by a fine sixty horse-power engine; the woolen factory was not doing much for want of good hands; the fulling and dressing departments were suffering from the same cause; the dye house was of brick and had copper vessels capa- ble of holding 1,500 to 2,000 yards of cloth; the cotton spinning department was employing three or four good hands. Soap, candles and glue were manufactured in excess of the demand by tlie community ; these employed eight men. There were 17 good boot and shoe-makers, 36 farmers, 4 tanners, 2 gardeners, 2 butchers, 2 bakers, 2 distillers, 1 brewer, 2 watch-makers, + black and white smiths, 2 turners, 1 machine-maker, 4 coopers, 3 printers, 1 stocking weaver, 3 sawyers, 7 tailors, 12 seamstresses and mantua-makers, 9 carpenters, 4 bricklayers, 2 stone-cutters, 4 wheelwrights, 1 cabinet- maker, 3 cloth weavers, 3 tobacconists and 2 paper-makers; the remaining trades were not represented. From this time on the history of New Harmony has not differed greatly from other towns of its size with this exception, there is a certain freedom and ease in the social relation of New Harmony that is peculiar to it, and something that strikes the stranger very forcibly. The name and fame of Mr. Owen drew together a class of talented men and women that, perhaps, have never been equaled in a place of its size. It would be unpardonable not to mention some at least of these.
DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS.
Mr. Owen was himself the central figure at first. He was known as an author, a lecturer and philanthropist. Robert Dale Owen* was for a time member of the State Legislature, to whose influence to a great extent does Indiana owe her school fund. He was also trustee of the State University, member of Congress, regent of the Smithsonian Institute, and American Minister to Naples. Dr. David Dale Owen was United States geologist for six or seven years, also State geologist of three different States. He frequently gave free lectures to the inhab- itants of his native town. . William Owen was for a time one of the editors of the New Harmony Gazette. Richard Owen was at one time State geologist, and until recently held a chair in the
*Pending the struggle between the United States and Mexico over the annexation of Texas, Gen. Santa Anna, who was then Dictator of Mexico, offered the whole State of Texas to Mr. Owen to be used by his community, provided he would prevent the annexation and exclude all religions except the Catholic. The last proviso was the rock on which they spilt.
393
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
State University. He is now devoting his energies to investi- gations in electricity and the cosmic forces. William McClure, mentioned before, was a geologist, one of the principal founders of the Academy of Natural Science of Philadelphia. He made collections in geology and mineralogy in Europe and America, was the author of "McClure's Opinion," consisting of sixty-two different articles; "Essay on the Formation of Rocks," "Outlines of the Geology of the United States," and "Geology of the West India Islands." He was the founder of the McClure Libraries that are found scattered over the country. He died in Mexico after willing his property to charitable purposes. Thomas Say, who with three of the McClures, lies buried in Dr. Owen's yard, was the husband of Lucy Sistere, a lady of talent. He accom- panied the United States expedition to the Pacific Coast under Maj. Long, as naturalist. He was pronounced by Louis Agassis to be the best entomologist of his day and was the author of "Conchology of North America." C. A. Le Sueur accompanied as naturalist Le Perouse in his tour around the world. Le Sueur stopped off at Australia and the remainder of the crew were lost. He was compelled to reside in France to obtain a pension which the French Government gave him as the only survivor of that ex- pedition. R. H. Fauntley was one of the principal officers of the United States coast survey and a son-in-law of Robert Owen. Joseph Reef was a coadjutor of Pestalozzi, and for a time taught at the falls of Schuylkill. He was the teacher and friend of Admiral Farragut and the father-in-law of Dr. Richard Owen. Gerard Troost became State geologist of Tennessee. William Phiquefal D'Arnsmont, commonly known as William Phiquefal, an eccentric Frenchman, became the husband of Frances Wright. Madame Fretageot came to New Harmony at the request of Will- iam McClure. She was an educated French lady, and assisted Mr. McClure in his work and was for a time his financial agent. She was the grandmother of A. H. Fretageot of New Harmony. She died in Mexico in 1831. Frances Wright was a woman of extraordinary talent as a lecturer and author. She was a com- panion of Gen. Lafayette and the founder of Nashoba, a colony which she tried to establish on a body of 200 acres of land near Memphis, Tenn. The object of this society was the ameleora- tion of the condition of the poor and the freedom of the slave "on
.
894
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
a just and equitable basis." Her plan was something as follows: She would purchase the slave, say for $400. She would place him at work upon the farm and feed and clothe him. At the end of the year the product of his labor was sold and the cost of liv- ing taken out and the balance was given to his credit on the pur- chase price, which when paid he would become free. If the product of his labor was worth in the market $150 and the ex- pense of feeding and clothing him was $50 he would then get a credit of $100, and would then work out his own freedom in four years. It is not necessary to say that the enterprise was a failure.
On her leaving Nashoba she deeded her lands in trust to Gen. Lafayette, R. D. Owen, Camilla Wright Whitby, Richardson Whitby, husband of Camilla Wright, and some others. Frances Wright was editress of the Nashoba Gazette, which was soon after combined with the New Harmony Gazette. William Michaux, an Frenchman 'of means and talent, lived for a time in New Harmony. Prof. E. T. Cox, for many years State geologist, is a native of the town. Mr. James Samson, the father- in-law of Prof. Cox, and the intimate friend of William McClure, has been for many years collecting fresh water shells, fossils and of these he now has an extensive and well selected collection. Besides there were Mr. and Mrs. Chapellsmith, who were recluses and very abstemious vegetarians.
ITEMS AND INCIDENTS.
In 1826 New Harmony could boast of a fine military display, for she had one company of infantry, one of artillery and of rifle- men, one of veterans and one company of fusileers. In the same year the society was compelled to give notice through the Gazette that no more immigrants could be accommodated for the present.
Notice was given that on the night of December 1, a military ball would be given, to which the staff officers of Illinois and Indiana were invited and that the New Harmony Light Infantry would serve as an escort. March 26, 1826, the steamboat "High- land Laddie" arrived at the wharf bound from Louisville to Vincennes, under command of Capt. McCullum; owing to the storm prevailing the passengers were compelled to remain on board till next morning, among them were Joseph Neef and
ยท
395
HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
family who came to join the community, also Mr. Smith's family. But a short time before the "William Tell" had borne the last of the Rappites away. On Sunday Phillip M. Price of Philadelphia, and Matilda Greentree of Washington City, and Robert Robson and Eliza E. Parvin were married in the hall, according to the custom of the society. They were married by or in the pres- ence of the Rev. Burkitt. The usual questions were propounded and were answered by the father. They, however, stated that they did this not because they thought it was necessary, but because it was the law. May 13, the Duke of Saxe-Weimar arrived in New Harmony, where he remained some time on a visit. At a little later date Baron Bransfeld from a little prov- ince on the east bank of the Rhine, arrived in the place and re- mained a welcome guest of the citizens. May 31, 1827, during a storm the lightning struck the old frame church which was then used as a workshop. At the time there were sixty boys in the building and the wires supporting the stovepipe were melted and other damage done to the building, but no one was injured. The house containing the boarding school, in which were 100 children, was struck, but slight damage was done to the building and no one was seriously hurt, yet some narrowly escaped with their lives.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.