USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > History of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, from the earliest times to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, etc. > Part 74
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the few at the cost of the many, its friendly aid is extended to every effort designed to advance the public good. Progressive, and always advocating improvement, it has been for some time a most influential instrument in building up the city.
The Public, an afternoon daily, was es- tablished March 18, 1885. It is owned and published by the Courier company, and is marked by the enterprising spirit which characterizes the Courier.
The Evansville Demokrat .- The leading German democratic paper in the lower Ohio valley, and the only German democratic daily paper in the state of Indiana, is the Evansville Demokrat. It was established in 1864, by Peter Maier, Esq., now a prominent and well-known attorney at law, who conducted it successfully until 1866, when he sold out to Peter Gfrærer. In March, 1867, Messrs. C. & F. Lauenstein purchased the Demo- krat, and for six years conducted it with spirit and ability, placing it on a firm and paying basis, and commanding a broad influence with the large German population of this section, numbering many of its most intelligent citizens among their firm and un- flinching adherents. In October, 1873, Dr. Charles Lauenstein disposed of his interest to his brother, Mr. Frederick Lauenstein, and left the city of Evansville for a three years' sojourn in Germany, the land of his birth. Mr. F. Lauenstein, by strict energy and an eye to business, determined to en- large and improve his journal; and having secured neat and convenient quarters at No. 306 Upper Second street, increased his facilities and re-entered the lists for popular favor. In the month of October, 1876, Dr. Charles Lauenstein returned from Europe, and re-entered into co-partnership with his brother, taking charge of the editorial col- umns, and both continuing the publication of the Demokrat until the demise of Dr.
Charles Lauenstein, which occurred on the 16th day of July, 1879, at the age of forty- two years. Mr. Fred Lauenstein then resumed the publication of the Demokrat alone, having bought out the interest of his late brother. From January, 1883, to July, 1884, Herman Determan and Hans Scheller possessed interests in the paper, which were disposed of to Mr. F. Lauenstein, who has since conducted the paper under the firm name of F. Lauenstein & Co. The Demo- krat is published daily and weekly. The weekly, containing fifty-six columns, claims to be one of the best German family news- papers printed in the west. Mr. Lorenz Rohr, an editor of acknowledged ability and sagacity, is now the chief editor of the Demokrat. The staff is further composed of the following able gentlemen: Mr. Hans Scheller, assistant editor; Mr. Gustav Schauer, city editor; Mr. Wilhelm Keilman, telegraphic editor, and Mr. F. A. Grunder, solicitor and traveling agent. Mr. Lauen- stein, the proprietor, came from Hanover, Germany, his native place, in 1866, and for a time traveled in the interests of the Dem- okrat. His first newspaper connection was with this paper. His abilities have been proved by the wonderful success, which, under his management, the paper has achieved.
The Evening Tribune .- On the 11th day of October, 1873, W. T. King established the Evening Herald, the first afternoon daily newspaper published in Evansville. Its publication was commenced at a most in- auspicious time, and its existence was of short duration. Its successor as a vender of afternoon news was the Tribune, estab- lished October 15, 1877, by Frank J. Ryan and Jacob Covert. By wise management this new venture soon won its way into popular favor and obtained a good circula- tion. Reverses, however, came and for a
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time it appeared that the paper would be unable to survive disaster. In October, 188I, its financial condition was somewhat strengthened by the accession to the part- nership of Percy P. Jones. Pleasant rela- tions between the members of the new firm were not long preserved. Messrs. Ryan and Covert soon withdrew and began in April, 1883, the publication of a paper which they called The News. The rivalry between these two evening papers was spirited, and for a time the News threatened the existence of the Tribune. This state of affairs persuaded Mr. Jones to purchase the News, which he did, merging the two papers and continuing the publication of the Tribune.
March 5, 1886, the Tribune passed into the hands of its present owner and manag- ing editor, Mr. Frank M. Gilbert, who about the same time discontinued the publi- cation of the Saturday Evening Argus, a weekly paper, which had rapidly worked its way into popular favor. The Argus was started by Thomas Collins, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., in November, 1879, and early in the next year was purchased by Mr. Gilbert and Hon. J. J. Kleiner. Mr. Gilbert was then a newspaper man of long experience, and had gained a wide-spread reputation as a humorous writer. The paper was con- ducted as a society journal, independent in all things, strikingly original and full of bright and interesting matter. Unfor- tunately Mr. Gilbert was stricken down with pneumonia on the very day he took charge of the Tribune, and for ten weeks was unable to give it any personal attention. During his convalescence he was absent on a trip of recreation, which extended through the summer. Mr. A. J. Miller had been chosen as chief editor of the paper. The selection proved to be a good one. He pos- sessed no experience in journalism, but his
efforts gave to the paper a phenomena growth, by which, in a short time, it reached a standard of subscription which closely ap- proached that of the present time. His racy pen attracted much attention to its col- umns and it soon wielded an enviable influ- ence. The efficient management and able work of the proprietor, the chief editor and their assistants, have continued the growth of the paper in public favor, until now its cir- culation is exceeded by that of no paper in the city. It has been ably edited in all its departments, and has deserved the high degree of success attained. It is a progres- sive, wide awake journal, and keeps its readers well informed on all topics of gen- eral and local news. It deals boldly and fearlessly with all public measures, and allows itself to be influenced by no unworthy motives. In religion and politics it has gen- erally stood on neutral ground, but through- out the campaign of 1888 it worked with great ability for the re-election of President Cleveland. It now occupies commodious quarters on First street, above Main. Its present staff is composed of the following gentlemen: F. M. Gilbert, proprietor and manager; A. J. Miller, editor; Charles G. Covert, city editor, and G. W. Dannettell, river editor and solicitor.
FRANK M. GILBERT was born at Mobile, Ala., July 1, 1846. With his parents, Samuel E. and Cordelia (Manson) Gilbert, he came to Evansville in 1852. He has resided in this city most of the time since that date, and consequently enjoys an extensive ac- quaintance. His education was obtained in the public schools, where he was graduated when sixteen years of age. He then be- came a traveling salesman and gave nine years of his life to that vocation. While "on the road" the natural vein of humor with which he was endowed was a constant source of entertainment to his friends and
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associates. Its development, no doubt, was largely due to his associations, for the "drummer," the world over, is recognized as the personification of wit. He began writing humor for the Saturday Herald, of this city, in 1874, and three years later was employed as river editor on the Courier. Following the advice of Greely, he went west in 1877, during the excitement attend- ing the rich mineral discoveries in Colorado, and did city work on the Leadville Chron- iele, Denver Tribune and Rocky Mountain News. Returning to the east in the next year, he established the Evansville Argus, and soon had his paper in high repute. His varied accomplishments gave it a wide cir- culation, but it was chiefly as a humorist that his work was admired and appreciated. He had entered a new field in this part of the state, and occupied it well. Everywhere the bright paragraphs in his paper were quoted and commented upon until his reputation was widely extended. His genius was acknowledged ANDREW JAMES MILLER was born at La Grange, Troup county, Ga., September 4, 1854, of Scotch-Irish parents, his father being one of the pioneer settlers of his na- tive country, and prominently identified with its development. He received a common school education in his native city, complet- ing a collegiate course at the University of Georgia, at Athens, in 1874. The follow- ing year he was appointed clerk of the court of ordinary (probate) of his native county, serving in that capacity about two years, when he was selected by a company of At- lanta gentlemen to go upon a mission to Central and South America. From Febru- ary, 1877, to July, 1878, he was employed upon this task, visiting, in the meantime, the capitals of the five republics of Central America, also Panama, Colombia, Equador, Peru and Chili. The result of his observa- by the famous humorists of the country. They recognized him as belonging to their species of the genus homo. They wel- comed him among them, and he became one of the " club of 13", with Bill Nye, George Peck, Bob Burdette, George Salisbury and others. Besides his work on the Argus, he wrote a humorous book and composed many poems, which exhibited the brilliancy of his intellect and the richness of his wit. March 3, 1885, he purchased the Evening Tribune, and since that time has been its proprietor and managing editor, and displayed unusual abil- ity as a business manager. The social qual- ities of Mr. Gilbert have been such as might be expected in one who has gained so envi- able a position as a literary worker. He has been a delightful companion always, inter- esting in conversation, quick in thought, droll in expression, generous-hearted and |tions in these equatorial countries was sub-
sympathetic. Fond of his gun and his dogs, he has spent much time in the woods and on the prairies, and is a recognized leader in all manly sports and exercises. Scarcely an organization for the advancement of social, dramatic, ath- letic or humane interests, has been formed without seeking his aid, and finding in him a cheerful and ever-ready assistant. He is a member of Ben Hur lodge, and a major in the uniform rank, K. of P. He is past master of the A. O. U. W., and a Knight of Honor. He is now game warden First district of Indiana; was the first president of the Southern Indiana Poultry association; first president of the Evansville gun club, and first president of the humane society, and has had numberless connections with social, operatic, base-ball and other organ- izations. In October, 1880, he was married to Miss Annie Hudspeth, an accomplished and estimable lady, daughter of J. M. Hud- speth, formerly of Boonville, Ind.
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sequently published in a pamphlet entitled " Life in the Tropics," and again revised and published, in serial form, in the United States Magazine. Mr. Miller returned to the states and entered the employ of the mercantile agency of R. G. Dun & Co., at Atlanta, and in May, 1880, was appointed to the management of the branch of that company in Evansville. He resigned this post in 1882, to go into the manufacturing business, but the follow- ing year was induced to accept again the management of one of Dun & Co.'s branches at Minneapolis, Minn. In March, 1886, when the Evening Tribune passed into the hands of its present management, he was tendered and accepted the editorship, which position he has since occupied. Mr. Miller's parents were Thomas C. and Elizabeth B. (Ashford) Miller, natives of Belfast, Ireland, and Ayr, Scotland, respectively, the father born in 1814 and the mother in 1828. Both died at La Grange, Ga., the former when sixty-two years of age, the latter at the age of fifty-seven years. October 5, ISSI, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ella Stephens, a native of Evansville, born June 27, 1860, and daughter of Robert E. and Mary (Trible) Stephens. Her grand- father was Judge Silas Stephens, and her great grandfather, Gen. Robert M. Evans, both historical characters in southwestern Indiana.
The Evansville Bulletin was established as a weekly newspaper in ISSo, by Charles F. Gould, who, in its management, has shown himself an energetic and accomplished journalist. In 1884 it began to be issued daily, and has since maintained a creditable position among the afternoon dailies of the city. In the political campaign of the latter year, the Bulletin gave a cordial support to Blaine and Logan, and has since been a valu- able exponent of republican principles. Its
circulation is particularly large among the working people, of whose interests it is a sturdy and notable champion. It is a ready and influential defender of the working classes against the oppressions of monopo- lies, trusts, and all wrongful combinations. On the liquor question it has always taken liberal grounds and has opposed unreason- able measures. Charles F. Gould, editor and publisher of the Bulletin, was born in the city of London, in 1847, and came to Evansville from his native country in 1871. He fitted himself for the practice of the law, and a few years later was admitted to the bar. During his residence here he has been occupied both as a lawyer and as an editor.
The Indiana Post, a German weekly in- dependent republican newspaper, was estab- lished April 27, 1879, by Ernst Wilkom, its present editor and proprietor. The paper is the official organ of the Saengerbund glee clubs of the state of Indiana. Its circulation verified is 1,600. It goes to the homes and business houses of all classes of citizens, being in political, scientific, social and re- ligious matters, liberal and progressive, clinging blindly to no party, school or sect. During its existence five papers have been started in opposition to this journal, but one by one they have gone down. Mr. Wilkom, the sole proprietor and editor, was born at Prague, Bohemia, in 1832, and came to America when twenty years old. Stopping for a time in New York, he at length re- moved to St. Louis, where he acted as editor of the Westliche Post and Volksblatt of that city. Coming to Evansville he did editorial work on the Union until his own paper was established. In politics he has always been a republican, and as an editor and orator has rendered that party efficient aid.
The Saturday Call was established March 17, 1888, by Isaac Herr, editor, and was first published at the printing house of Keller &
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Paine. The paper was designed to satisfy the demand for a local and society journal, devoting especial attention to matters of in- terest to the members of secret orders. Its literary contributions have been of a high order, the best writers in the city (partic- ularly among the ladies ) furnishing material for its columns. Its circulation grew rapidly . from the outset and is now quite extensive. The venture was shown to be profitable even sooner than was anticipated by its pro- jectors, clearing expenses and paying a profit in the third week of its existence. It has taken a high rank among papers of its kind and receives a cordial support from the public. Mr. Herr was formerly known to citizens of this city through his connection with the Daily fournal. After an absence of twelve or fifteen years in Chicago, Ill., where he was connected with the editorial department of the Journal of that city, he returned to this place for the purpose of establishing the Call. Because of ill health, he was forced to dispose of his interests and return to the north. The paper is now the property of W. C. Paine and C. V. Worth- ington, and is published weekly at the estab- lishment of the Keller Printing company, incorporated. Messrs. Paine & Worthing- ton are progressive, able and enterprising newspaper men. Of the Keller Printing Co., Capt. W. H. Keller, who came to this city from Wayne county about fifteen years ago, is the president, and Capt. C. H. McCarer, one of the most prominent and best known young men in the city, is secre- tary and treasurer.
The Advance, published by the Y. M. C. A. for the promotion of the association interests, has a circulation of 1,000 copies, and is now in the third volume of its publication. It is ably edited, and does valuable work.
Indiana A. O. U. W. Recorder, published monthly by George E. Clarke, editor and publisher, for the diffusion of the principles of the A. O. U. W., and the extension of the order, has a large circulation in fraternal circles. It was established in May, 1883, and has proved a successful venture. The Labor Advocate is also published by Mr. Clarke, and has a fair circulation.
The Pilot, a democratic journal, devoted to the interests of the colored people, was established October 11, 1888, by John H. Carter.
In the past many papers have come into existence to serve various purposes, and after a time have ceased publication. Most of these have been mentioned in connection with the papers still existing, while others of less importance are passed without a partic- ular notice. The population of Evansville is made up of such widely differing classes that a newspaper cannot have the extensive support which might be obtained under more favorable circumstances. The ex- penditures of a newspaper conducted on business principles must be governed by the amount of its patronage. For these reasons the triumphs achieved in journalism by the metropolitan dailies elsewhere can hardly be expected here. Therefore, while it is not intended to accord to any paper or enter- prise a higher standing than it has actually attained, nevertheless justice demands the statement that the newspapers of this city equal, in their enterprising spirit and skill of management, those of any other place of equal size and with like conditions. On the whole, the news offices are ably and intelli- gently conducted, and those connected with this class of work are among the most affa- ble and courteous gentlemen to be found in the city.
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CHAPTER XVI.
EARLY SETTLEMENT - CHARACTER OF THE PIONEERS - HARDSHIPS OF THE NEW COUNTRY - PUBLIC LANDS-FIRST ELECTION - WILD ANIMALS - HUNTING - PIONEER DRESS-AMUSEMENTS-SCOTT TOWNSHIP-CENTER TOWNSHIP - KNIGHT TOWNSHIP - UNION TOWNSHIP-PERRY TOWNSHIP-GERMAN TOWNSHIP-ARM- STRONG TOWNSHIP.
HE sturdy character of the pioneer attracts a peculiar interest; and a fascinating charm gathers about the manners and customs of his time. The sub- duers of a new and wild country have ever been accorded heroic rank. Such were the pioneers of the American west. They braved the terrors, suffered the privations and dangers of life in the woods on the out- skirts of civilization, with determined wills and brawny arms to clear and plant for them- selves and their children homes in the un- broken wilderness. They shrank not from hunger, exposure, disease, or broken at- tachments of old homes and ties of kindred, but with an unfaltering determin- ation launched forth to meet their destiny. It is difficult for one whose memory bears no trace of early days to rea- lize the severity of the hardships and trials endured by the pioneer, and to appreciate and measure the delights that came into his life from the modest triumph which his envir- onments permitted him to achieve.
It was not until 1804 that a treaty was made with the Indians by which the lands within the borders of what is now Vander- burgh county were made accessible to the white settler. Individual pioneers gradu- ally possessed the lands, and individual effort developed the country. No colonies were led here by peculiar religious, political or economic ideas, for a field of experiment; |
nor did the wealthy seek large grants of land to be improved as great estates, and peopled by a class willing to surrender a portion of their independence and manhood. Many settlers were driven back from the land of their choice by the unfriendliness of the Indians, but with undaunted zeal and characteristic courage, they returned repeat- edly until they were allowed to remain in peace.
The first concern of the pioneer, after finding a spot that pleased his fancy, and which he thought to be a good place for the establishment of his home, was the erection of a cabin. This was simple enough, for in its construction he used no tool save his ax, and no material save the rough timber fur- nished by the forests. Trees of a proper size were felled, notched at the ends and so laid, one upon the other, as to make a sub- stantial inclosure. The spaces between these logs were chinked with smaller sticks and chips and daubed with clay. A roof of boards held to their places by poles laid upon them as weights, was provided, a door was cut at one side, and a huge fire-place at one end, over which was raised, on the same principle that governed the building of the house, a stick chimney, and then, with its dirt floor, the cabin was ready for occu- pancy. The size and appearance of some of these early homes may be imagined when it is known that often they were raised by
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the unaided hands of the hardy pioneer and his faithful wife. As settlers became nu- merous there were friendly hands to assist in erecting more substantial and commodi- ous cabins, but the style of architecture was not changed until the double cabin with its two large rooms separated by a wide, open space or hall, extending through the centre, was brought into use by the more prosperous.
The earliest pioneers had great difficulty in securing those commodities which were essential to the satisfaction of their daily wants. But the rich soil needed but little cultivation, when once the timber was removed, to produce a bountiful harvest. As soon as a small clearing was made in the woods and a few domestic animals were possessed, it was an easy task to supply the demands of his own family. As the number of acres increased the surplus for disposal grew in like proportion, and the settler started out on the broad highway of pros- perity.
The Public Lands. - The lands in the state originally belonged to various Indian tribes from whom the title was procured by treaty with the general government. The treaty extinquishing the title of the abor- igines to lands in Vanderburgh and adjoin- ing counties was made at Vincennes, Au- gust 18 and 27, 1804. From the general government the title passed to individuals by purchase. To this rule there were but two exceptions in the state. The French grants near Vincennes were confirmed to the des- cendents of the early settlers there, and the grants near the falls of the Ohio river made by the state of Virginia to the regi- ment of Gen. George Rogers Clarke, for their valiant services in Indian campaigns during the revolutionary war. In all parts of the country, lands owned by the general government were surveyed and sold under one general system. In the surveys, me-
ridian lines were first established, running due north from arbitrarily fixed but un- changing points. Base lines intersecting these were made to run due east and west. The first principal meridian runs due north from the mouth of the Miami river and is, in fact, the east line of the state. The second meridian line, the one from which surveys were made in Vanderburgh county, is eighty-nine miles west of the first, and runs due north from Little Blue river. The only base line running through the state crosses it from east to west in latitude 38° and 30', leaving the Ohio river twenty- five miles above Louisville and striking the Wabash four miles above the mouth of White river. Congressional townships are six miles square, and are divided into thirty- six sections of 640 acres each. They are numbered north and south from the base line; and east and west from the meridian lines, in ranges. In Vanderburgh county, therefore, all congressional town- ships are south and all ranges are west. Fractional sections are those intersected by streams, or confirmed grants. A section sometimes contains more or less than the established number of acres -640. In every land district there was a land office, where all the public lands were sold. A register and receiver, appointed by the president, and confirmed by the senate, were the officers in charge. For the lands in this part of the state the office was at Vincennes. From 1816 to 1819 the price of land was $2.00 per acre, of which one-fourth was required to be paid in hand and the balance in three equal annual pay- ments, a year of grace after the last install- ment became due being allowed before a forfeiture was exacted. If paid at the end of four years, interest was required. About this time, owing to the increase of immigra- tion following the state's admission to the
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EARLY SETTLEMENT.
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