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 34
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January 11, 1828, the first number of the Disseminator was issued. It was begun by the New Harmony School of Industry, under the direction of William McClure and Samuel Bolton. In 1828 Mr. Owen leased to Taylor, Fauntlesay & Co., for the period of 10,000 years, the cut off and lands to the amount of 3,000 acres. The conditions were that the children should be sent to school for a certain time, the place should remain as community property and they should pay all taxes on the land, and should pay a nominal sum to Mr. Owen, if called upon, and should manufacture only certain articles of commerce, and the company should have an interest in the general store. Taylor proved to be a rascal, and set up a distillery in opposition to Mr. Owen, and it was only by great sacrifice that he was got rid of. In 1828 the educational society reconveyed certain of these lands to Rob- ert Owen, who transferred it to Oliver Evans for a period of 10,000 years, "to be completed and used" for the purpose of es- tablishing an iron foundry. The establishment was started but did not prove successful.
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
CURIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST.
In the year 1828, the New Harmony Gazette and Nashoba Gazette were consolidated and called the Free Enquirer, with R. D. Owen and Frances Wright as editors. The paper was soon moved to New York. The persons who had served on the edito- rial staff of the New Harmony Gazette up to this time were Rob- ert L. Jennings, William Owen, William Pelham, Thomas Palm- er, Frances Wright and R. D. Owen. About this time this curious advertisement appeared in the Gazette: "One hundred dollars reward for a human soul. Proof by the Bible. George W. Brock, Salina, Ill." In the same year the New Harmony Thespian Society presented their first play, the "Poor Gentle- man."
New Harmony has to this day been favorably known for her dramatic talent, and has always kept in the front rank for enter- tainments by home talent. In 1835 the first agricultural society was formed. It was duly incorporated and had the following officers: Jacob Schnee, president; William Casey, vice-president; John Cooper, treasurer; R. D. Owen, recording secretary, and Louis Gex, corresponding secretary. Curators were appointed for the various townships. The society was called the Agricultural Society of Posey County. It was intended for the improvement of stock and to provide for their sale. To encourage improve- ment in produce private premiums were offered by different indi- viduals. Owen & Fauntlesay offered $25 for the best bushel of castor beans.
In the same year was made an attempt to establish the New Harmony College of Manual Labor. President, vice-president, bursar and other necessary officers were duly elected, and the most prominent men of the town were enlisted in the cause but it did not prove a success.
THE TIME STORE.
In 1842 Josiah Warren, who had been a member of the com- munity of 1825, and a somewhat eccentric character, started his celebrated time-store. He was a man of some ability and was the author of what was known as "Equitable Commerce." He considered one man's time worth as much as another's, and endeavored to prove the correctness of his theory by experiment.
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
The following extended description of his store is given: "A portion of a room was divided off by lattice work, in which were many racks and shelves containing a variety of small articles. In the center of this lattice an opening was left through which the storekeeper could hand goods and take pay. At the back of the storekeeper against the wall was a time-piece, and underneath this was a dial. In other parts of this room were such articles as are usually kept in a general store. There was a board hanging on the wall conspicuous enough for all to see, on which was placed the bill that had been paid to the wholesale merchant and the price intended for them, to which was added a small per cent for risks. I entered the store one day and walked up to the wicket and asked the storekeeper for some glue. I was immediately asked if I had a "labor note?" On my saying no, I was told I must get one. I then traded in the following manner: I made or presented a written labor note promising so many .. hours labor at so much an hour, to Mr. Warren. I went to the time-store with my note and cash and informed the keeper that I wanted a few yards of Kentucky jeans. As he commenced busi- ness with me he set the dial which was underneath the clock and marked the time. He then attended to me, giving me what I wanted and taking from me as much cash as was paid the whole- sale merchant including expressage, and taking out of my labor note as much time as he had spent with me. If we had been twenty minutes in trading I received forty minutes in change." Mr. Warren was sometimes imposed upon by unprincipled persons who overcharged for their own labor. The notes of such persons soon depreciated in value at the time-store. Mr. Warren contin- ued his store about two years, and demonstrated to his satisfac- tion its practicability.
In 1844 the town contained twelve stores, two steam-mills and two tanneries, the streets were raised and the sidewalks graveled and enclosed by hand-rails. A high levee was built to the river so as to make a passable road to it at any season, and at the sides of this levee were canals sufficiently large to admit keel-boats and flat-boats into the city during high water.
INCORPORATION.
On petition of the requisite number of citizens, eighty-two in
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all, the town was duly incorporated in August, 1850. The board was organized by electing James Sampson president, and proceed- ed to pass the customary ordinances and by-laws regulating saloons, pedlars, the rate of taxation, etc. The tax duplicate for the town for 1865, shows a total value of $225,353 of property. April 11, 1867, the town board 'at their meeting adjourned sine die, and their charter was allowed to lapse. In 1881 the town was reincorporated. J. W. Miller was elected trustee of the First Ward; O. N. Fretageot of the Second; Henry Hunsdon of the Third; John Walz of the Fourth, and W. M. Ford of the Fifth. John Walz was chosen president of the board. W. S. Boren is the present clerk. The school trustees chosen were Richard Owen, John Corbin and Thomas Munford. June 13, 1882, the city was provided with a fire engine and a hook and ladder company. It is but justice to say that New Harmony has practically never been in debt.
ENLARGEMENTS.
The first enlargement added to the town was Robert Owens' September 6, 1832; McClure's enlargement was added in 1841, and an additional part was added in 1844; Victor C. Du- clos' enlargement was added October 9, 1857; Samuel Arthur's March 15, 1858; John Wiley's March 2, 1871, and Richard Owen's additional enlargement September 12, 1871.
WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTE.
This well known organization was founded by William Mc- Clure. He believed "Ignorance was a fruitful cause of human misery " and he intended to devote his fortune to the improve- ment of mankind. January 29, 1837, at the American consulate at the City of Mexico, in the presence of W. D. Jones, the Ameri- can consul, and other witnesses, he made a will giving certain of his property at New Harmony to Alexander, Anna and Mar- garet McClure, some to Miss McClure of Galway, and some to Mrs. Thomas Say. After the death of those the remainder should be devoted to founding libraries for persons who work at "manual labor." He gave all his property in Spain to George W. Ewing, John Wilbard and John Speakman for libraries for workingmen of Pennsylvania. In a codicil added he made Alexander, Anna
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and Margaret McClure his sole executors, but gave them power to appoint new trustees, but added, that they should hold no connec- tion with law, church, or State. As soon as any number of work- ingmen should organize themselves into a body and collect 100 vol- umes they should be entitled to $500 to increase their library. " Unless the millions have some idea of the value of instruction · and useful knowledge, it is labor lost to attempt giving them needful information. Should any dispute arise by any one as to the meaning and intent of this will, then the power of that one shall cease." In a second codicil he says: "But on reconsider- ing the melancholy state of morals which prevent dead men's wills from being fulfilled, I discharge George W. Ewing, John Hilbank and John Speakman and appoint my brother, Alexander McClure," etc. It is rather a melancholy fact that the very thing he tried to guard against occurred, and a large portion of the estate was squandered in litigation. Mr. McClure intended to endow the Workingmen's Institute at New Harmony very liberally, but died before it was done. As it was, only one wing of the hall and an order for £200 on a book dealer of London were received. The library was duly incorporated April 2, 1838, and a constitu- tion drawn up and signed by thirty members. Mr. McClure took great interest in the infant institution till his death, which oc- curred March 22, 1840, at St. Angel near the City of Mexico. On receipt of the news, addresses and eulogies were made in honor of his worth. The first officers elected were Thomas Braun, presi- dent; A. E. Fretageot, treasurer; C. H. White, secretary; John Beal, William Cox, John Cooper, Sr., and James Samson, trustees. The catalog contains a list of 3,400 volumes, this with miscel- laneous articles, papers, magazines. etc., is thought would make a total of 6,000 volumes. William Michaux, an Frenchman who resided at New Harmony for a time, left by will, $1,000 for the library, and an additional $200, the interest of which was to go to the librarian. Alexander McClure also left a number of books for the library and various other parties have, at different times, left books and papers. The subscription price has always been so low that any one can have access to the library. The library is. open every Thursday and Sunday evenings, and all day Saturday. A person can be accommodated at any time by calling on the li- brarian. One thing struck the writer as a peculiar characteristic
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of New Harmony, and that was the great number of boys and girls of tender age who patronized the library, and read such books as would hardly be expected of persons of their years.
BUSINESS.
Between 1825 and 1830 the business was carried on at the New Harmony Store, or by Taylor, Fauntlesay & Co., and by the community in general. The steam-boats on the river were the " William Tell," "Robert Macon," "General Nevill" and "Highland Laddie." The ferry was owned by Mr. McClure. In the decade of the thirties were Owen & Fauntlesay, L. Gex & Co., E. J. Rogers, N. G. Nettleton and Lichtenberger. In the forties were N. G. Nettleton, general store; E. J. Rogers, Elliott & Cox, the same; A. McDonald, book binder; Owen Bros., mil- lers, John Thactcroft, stone cutter; C. Gobble, groceries; Drs. Arza Lee and Carr, physicians, and Lyman D. Stickney, attorney. In the fifties were E. J. Rogers, Dransfield & Swift, and William Baldwin, and A. H. Fretageot, dry goods and general store; taverns, Nelson, Welch, John O'Neal, Lunber, Lichtenberger & Co .; physicians, Ruark, William M. Stephen, and E. V. Mitchell; drug store, Ruark & Miller; tailor, Mr. Robinson; pork packers, A. Lichtenberger & Co., Elliott & Viets; and Munford, Rogers & Samson; artist, A. N. Thrall; millers, Lyon & Elliott; ferry-boat, John R. Hugo. In the decade of sixty were: dry goods and gen- eral stores, Ford & Fitton, Thrall & Munford, Boren & Lichten- berger, A. E. & A. H. Fretageot; drug store, J. B. Cuyler; woolen factory, Lichtenberger & Co .; painter, R. A. Twigg; shoe- maker, John Walz; wagons and buggies, Ducles & Son and William M. Bennett; jeweler, W. F. Gray. The present business is about as follows: dry goods and general stores, A. H. Fretageot & Co., Henry Hunsdon, Ford & Bro., and Lichtenberger & Sons; gro- cery stores, Ford & Bennett, Wilhelm & Co., and D. M. Schnee; bakeries and confectioneries, F. Heberheldt and J. C. Miller; ag- ricultural implements, E. F. Owen & Co., and William Richards; saddlers, James Husbands, D. M. Schnee; drug stores, Thrall & Munford, and Breith; clothing store, H. Brown; stoves and tin- ware, John Hardemann, and W. F. Lichtenberger; hardware, guns, etc., C. A. F. Pretzsch; flouring-mill, Rebeyer & Son; shoe store, John Walz; merchant tailor, Weber; saw-mill, Ducles & Sons;
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
washboard factory, Henry Mann & Co .; dentists, Drs: Ford and O. W. Willis; physicians, Drs. J. W. Rawlings, G. W. Bucklin, Holton, Neal and McDonald. The New Harmony Banking Com- pany was organized in 1877 with paid in capital $18,000, and individual responsibility, $150,000. The officers are E. S. Thrall, president; H. P. Owen, cashier; William H. Owen, assistant; Eugene F. Owen, A. D. Owen, Thomas Munford, Jr., and Charles A. Parke, directors. The following is a list of postmasters of New Harmony in order of succession; Romelia Baker, A. Roppeti, John Schnee, Louis Gex, Oboussier, Thomas Brown, N. G. Net- tleton, William Cox, William Twigg, Nelson Felch, J. C. Miller, William Twigg, William S. Allen, J. C. Miller and Frank Bolton.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
The first church built in the town was the old frame church built by the Rappites. This was soon replaced by the hall, built in 1822. This was followed, at a much later date, by St. Stephens, an Episcopal Church, built about 1842. The church for many years was in a flourishing condition, having a large membership, supporting an able minister, and sustaining a flour- ishing Sabbath-school. The church does not now maintain a minister. The first preaching by the Methodists was by the Revs. Meek and Burkitt, who were in New Harmony in the time of the community. The first Methodist class was organized at the house of Mrs. Anderson, in 1846. Among the members were Mrs. Anderson, son and daughter, Mrs. Hope, Mr. Hope, John R. Hugo, Josiah Whitlock, John Beal and H. Dalrymple. A Sabbath-school was organized in November, 1846, with J. R. Hugo, superintendent, and Mrs. Heaton, assistant. The class numbered fifty scholars, and had a library of 246 volumes. The church is now in a healthful condition, with a membership of about seventy.
The schools in 1826 were under the management of the edu- cational society, at the head of which was Joseph Neef. Many prominent teachers were connected with this school.
The instruction in this department was of a very high grade. After the dissolution of the community, schools were mainly of a private character, till the adopting of the free school system in general. Prominent among the private schools was one taught
10
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
by Mr. Fauntlesay. Many others gave private instructions. among whom were R. D. Owen, Richard Owen, E. T. Cox. Mr. John Copellsmith contributed many valuable papers on educa- tional subjects. Early in the fifties the schools were placed under the town board, and they have been managed with varying success till the present time. They are now under the manage- ment of an intelligent school board, and superintended by Prof. C. H. Wood. Miss Grace Woodburn has charge of the high school; Emma Armstrong, the grammar grade; Bruce Lawrence, the intermediate, and Miss May Hugo and Mrs. Eliza R. Thomas have the primary grades. The school enrolls between 350 and 400. Four persons will graduate from the high school in the school year of 1885-86.
SOCIETIES.
The New Harmony Lodge No. 87, I. O. O. F., was organized in January, 1851. The charter members were John R. Hugo, Horatio C. Cooper, Joshua H. Variel, George Grant and Aaron Lichtenberger. The officers were N. G. Nettleton, N. G .; H. C. Cooper, V. G. ; John Cooper, Jr., secretary ; John R. Hugo, treasurer. Others were Michael Craddock, George Grant, J. H. Variel, Aaron Lichtenberger, G. W. Saltzman, R. B. Neal and R. D. Owen. The present officers are Charles Wheatsift, N. G .; John Mott, V. G .; Thomas Peasley, S .; E. M. Schnee, P. S., and Henry Huston, treasurer. The membership of the lodge is sixty-three.
The first Masonic installations were the officers of the Phil- anthropic Lodge at New Harmony, November 7, 1825, at which time John Conrad, R. Southard and George Samson were on com- mittee of arrangement, and Col. Evans, of Princeton, was orator. The Arctic Lodge No. 394, A. F. & A. M., was instituted May 25, 1869, on application by James B. Cuyler, Richard Brooks, A. D. Owen, Richard Fitzgerald, William Cross, Albert Hill and George W. Engler. Of these A. D. Owen was W. M .; G. W. Engler, S. W., and J. B. Cuyler, J. W. The New Harmony En- campment No. 78, was instituted May 16, 1866.
The John K. Hindman Post of the G. A. R. was organized October 9, 1885, by Daniel S. Wilson. The officers are J. V. Mc- Kasson, Commander; M. B. Pote, Senior Vice-Commander; J. T. Eagle, Junior; J. P. Jackson, Adjt. ; William M. Ford, Q. M .; D. McDonald, Surgeon; E. R. Snelling, Chaplain. Other officers
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
are J. T. Truscott, John Moon, W. H. Schnee and C. D. Elliot. The post now numbers about thirty members.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first paper in New Harmony, and in Posey County, was the New Harmony Gazette. It was begun October 1, 1825, and continued till October 28, 1828. It was the organ of Mr. Owen, and was widely circulated, there being agents for it in every prominent city in the United States. It had able contributors. In October, 1828, it was consolidated with the Nashoba Gazette, Frances Wright's paper. It was then called the Free Enquirer, and continued at New Harmony till December, 31, 1828, when it was moved to New York. Its range of matter was very wide. The Disseminator was founded by William McClure, January 28, 1828. It was published by the School of Industry. It was an ably edited paper, and was devoted mainly to science and litera- ture. It was continued till May 7, 1840. The Indiana States- man was begun at Evansville by Alex Burns, May 13, 1842, but was moved to New Harmony October 22, 1842, and was continued till 1845. Burns said: "Be just, and fear not." The paper was spicy, Democratic in politics, and made war on Whiggery, and warned the people against "rag" money and "coons." In 1846 James Bennett started the Western Star, but it was discontinued the following year. In 1848 the same individual began the pub- lication of the Gleaner, but ceased its publication the following year. The first number of the New Harmony Register appeared Saturday, July 12, 1858. The paper was published by its present proprietor as an independent paper, with Democratic proclivities. The paper maintained a very consistent course, and Wednesday following the fall of Fort Sumpter the American flag was hoisted over the office of the Register. Owing to the "assistant" going to the army, the paper was suspended August 18, 1861. It was again revived by C. W. Slater and J. P. Bennet, February 3, 1867. It was again run as an independent paper for about one year, since which time it has advocated the doctrine of the Demo- cratic party.
POSEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The present fair association was temporarily organized July 17,
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
1858. Permanent officers were elected, and directors were ap- pointed soon after. The first permanent officers were M. T. Car- nahan, president; John Cooper, vice-president; Col. Richard Owen, secretary; J. C. Miller, corresponding secretary, and Sam- uel Arthur, treasurer. The first fair was held October 25, 26 and 27, 1859. The second fair was supposed to have had 5,000 visitors, and left a balance in the treasury of $1,500. Prominent among the attractions at that time was the "riding ring" for ladies and for boys, also orations on agricultural subjects. The receipts of the fair did not reach $3,000 until 1867. In 1881 they amounted to nearly $4,500, and dropped again to about $3,500, and again in 1883 and 1884 they were over $4,000. For the first decade the receipts were usually in excess of the expend- itures, but lately, owing to the much "greater cost of attractions and other expenses, the expenditures have exceeded the receipts. In 1881 the society donated $300 to aid the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad. Other improvements have been made in the grounds of the society. The Posey County Fair is considered one of the best. The officers in 1884 were E. V. Johnson, presi- dent; J. D. Owen, vice-president; J. W. Hiatt, secretary, and E. V. Thrall, treasurer.
POSEYVILLE.
This thriving town was laid out by Talbott Sharp and Elison Cole February 18, 1840. The surveying was done by Maj. James Smith, of Gibson County, and must have been properly done, as he says:
I do certify this work to be correct, agreeably to the best of my skill and mathematical abilities. JAMES SMITH, Surveyor.
The place was called Palestine till 1852, when it was changed to Poseyville.
Enlargements .- Fletcher's enlargement, including two rows of lots numbering fourteen in all, was added by Thomas Fletcher May 12, 1852. Elison Cole's, enlargement was added on the same date as the' above. Leroy Williams' enlargement was made to the town June 11, 1875, T. B. Young's first : enlargement was laid off April 21, 1881, and his additional enlargement became a part of the town November 9, 1883. In 1849 a petition was presented to the commissioners to have
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HISTORY OF POSEY COUNTY.
the place incorporated. The following persons signed the peti- tion and said on their oath that they were more than two-thirds of the legal voters of the place: A. Lafferty, Thomas F. Davis, T. S. Jaquess, John J. -- , James F. Ferguson, William J. Davis, George R. Trainor, William L. Taylor, Daniel Williams, Leonard Bozeman, J. Darks, P. Talbott, F. B. Talbott, G. F. Jaquess and M. Trafton. The petition was presented by Jonathan S. Jaquess. It is not necessary to say that the petitioners were unsuccessful. Although Poseyville is surrounded by one of the finest agricultural districts found anywhere, its growth until within the last decade was quite slow. For a number of years the growth of the place has been rapid. The first house in the place was built by Dr. Alexander Church; it was a frame struc- ture, weather-boarded with clapboards. The first store was es- tablished by J. S. Jaquess in 1841. He had a successful career for eleven years, when, by the influence of a New York firm, he moved to Evansville and opened there a wholesale house. He was succeeded in business at Poseyville by his brother, T. C. Jaquess, who continued in business for more than twenty years. J. L. Walker opened a store in the place in 1851 and continued in business until his death in 1874. Other merchants have been G. F. Jaquess, A. Lafferty, Samuel Seaton, Wesley Weaver, James Ferguson, Wash Creek Gorman, Walker & Co., Pollard & Jaquess, Walker & Burk, S. D. McReynolds & Co., I. M. Weaver & Bro., James Goslee & Co. and Ester & Burk. The first mill was built by Dr. Alexander Church, and was what was known as a "stump- mill," the propelling power being horses.
The first steam-mill was built in 1853 by James Rosborough and Gillison Thomas. The mill was afterward sold to Walker & Jaquess. In 1863 Walker sold his interest to Jaquess, who ran the mill till 1874, when Walker became sole owner; he was succeeded in 1883 by Drake Bros. & Hall. The mill is now sup- plied with the modern style of machinery. The first tanyard was built by Preston Talbott; this was near the street crossing of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. There was also a carding ma- chine, run by tread-wheel, owned at first by W. C. Bozeman, who was succeeded by Leonard Bozeman. W. C. Bozeman, after the sale of his carding machine, began a private brokerage business in 1853. Although an invalid, a part of the time unable to walk or talk,
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in the course of twenty years he succeeded in accumulating about $40,000. The Methodist Church is the only one in the town; this was built on Lot 41, and was deeded by Thomas C. Jaquess, the record of which deed was made July 19, 1861. The house was built in the summer of 1859, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Battell in November of the same year. The first trustees of the church were Preston Talbott, Joseph Davis, As- bury C. Jaquess, John W. Jaquess and Thomas C. Jaquess. The Mission formerly had a church there, but the building is now used as a blacksmith shop. Near Poseyville is an old camp ground; the buildings were frame and arranged in a hollow square. To these grounds flocked the people from many miles; 5.000 have been assembled at one time.
The apostolic zeal of the minister, the mingled shouts of the worshiper whose emotions were worked to the highest pitch, all amid the flickering light of the camp fire at night, made a scene indescribable. The change in the name of the town was rendered necessary in order to secure a postoffice, and J. S. Jaquess was made the first postmaster. Thomas Malone built a blacksmith shop as early as 1855. The first schoolhouse' used by the citi- zens of the town was built about one-half mile north of Poseyville. In 1873 a good brick school building was erected near where the Evansville & Terre Haute depot now stands, a part of the funds for which was furnished by the trustees, and the remainder by private subscription. . This house burned down in the winter of 1884-85, and a new one was erected in the summer of 1885 at a cost of $6,000. The schools of the place are now under successful management.
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