USA > Indiana > History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916 > Part 115
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In 1860 Lincoln received 734 votes, while Doug- las, representing the northern wing of the Democ- racy, received 476; Breckinridge, Southern Dem- ocrat, 499, and Bell of the Union party 510. Thus it will be seen that the vote was pretty evenly dis- tributed among the four candidates.
In 1864, however, the county became strongly Republican, and it was twenty years later before the Democrats again carried the county in a pres- idential campaign.
In 1864 Lincoln's vote was 1,440 against 855 for McClellan. In 1868 General Grant received 1,466, against 1,209 for Pendleton. In 1872 there was no Democratic improvement, Grant receiving 1,444 to 1,116 for Greeley.
In 1876, when Hayes and Tilden appeared as the contending candidates, the Democrats received 1,396 votes and the Republicans 1,495, the Repub- licans' lead having been reduced to but 99.
In 1880 the Democratic vote for presidential electors, with W. S. Hancock as candidate, was 1,430, as against 1,549 for James A. Garfield, the Republican nominee.
In 1884 came the change, and for the first time in twenty years the Democrats had a majority in the county, although their lead was only 10 votes. The Democratic vote for Grover Cleveland was 1,576, against 1,566 for James G. Blaine.
In 1888 Benjamin Harrison of Indiana was chosen to head the Republican ticket, but Grover Cleveland increased his lead in Switzerland county over that of 1884, polling 1,637, to 1,560 for Ben- jamin Harrison. The Democratic lead has never been lost since that year, and in 1892, when Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison were
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
again the candidates, Harrison received 1,497, to 1,589 for Cleveland.
The presidential vote in the years following and to 1912 has been as follows:
1896-Bryan (D.), 1,742; Mckinley (R.), 1,637.
1900-Bryan (D.), 1,713; Mckinley, (R.), 1,631. 1904-Parker (D.), 1,554; Roosevelt (R.), 1,461. 1908-Bryan (D.), 1,537; Taft (R.), 1,444.
1912-Wilson and Marshall (D.), 1,342; Taft (R.), 882; Roosevelt (Progressive), 322.
This is one of the counties in which the Pro- gressive party did not make a very large impres- sion.
Switzerland .county is in the fourth congres- sional district. Only occasionally since the county was organized has a Republican ever succeeded in representing the district, and less seldom has a Republican congressional candidate secured a ma- jority of the votes in Switzerland county.
The Democrats who have represented the dis- trict of which Switzerland county is a part are as follows: Amos Lane, Thomas Smith, John L. Robinson, James H. Lane, Cyrus L. Dunham, James Hughes, Henry W. Harrington, William S. Holman, Jeptha D. New, Leonidas Sexon, William S. Holman, Francis Marion Griffith and Lincoln Dixon.
Lincoln Dixon was first elected in 1904, and each two years thereafter in his re-election his majority increased as the people recognized his special qualifications. Always during his term Washington recognized him as one of the big- gest men in the Congress.
These Democrats have served in public office since the organization of Switzerland county:
Territorial officials named by Governor Thomas Posey in September, 1814.
Associate judges, William Cotton and James McClure.
Sheriff, John Francis Siebenthal.
Coroner, Ralph Cotton.
Clerk, John Francis Dufour.
Recorder, John Francis Dufour.
Surveyor, Elisha Golay.
Prior to 1830 more thought was given to men than to politics, there being fewer from whom to choose. The government then was mixed politi- cally. Since that date, so far as can be de- termined at time of publication, this list is in- tended to contain the names of none but Demo- crats who have served in office since the county was formed.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
1817-James Ro"s, 1 year; Isaac Stanley, 2 years; Caleb Mount, 3 years.
1818-Thomas Gilliland.
1818-George Craig (vice Stanley, resigned).
1818-Dr. John Mendenhal.
1819-William Campbell.
1820-William Ross.
1821-Henry Banta.
1822-Thomas Gilliland.
1823-William Gard.
1824-Commissioners were abolished and justi- ces of the peace assumed the duties, organizing as a board with this membership:
1824-William C. Keen, president; John Smith, Samuel Jack, Caleb Mount, Joseph Pugh, Joseph McHenry, Thomas Wiles.
1825-Edward Patton, president; members in addition to those attending 1824 meeting were: Johnson Brown, John Elam, Samuel Beal, Edward Patton, William J. Stewart.
In 1826 the legislature substituted a board of supervisors in place of a board of justices, but nevertheless composed of justices of the peace. This board was composed as follows:
1826-Samuel Beal, Amos A. Brown, Joseph Pugh, John Elam, Johnson Brown.
During the years until 1831, while this law last- ed, these citizens served as supervisors: Samuel Jack, John Gibbons, Aribert Gazley, Pruit Harvey, George E. Pleasants, Joseph McHenry.
The legislature of 1831 changed the law, return- ing to the board of three commissioners, this law remaining in force since. Switzerland county has since been served by these commissioners:
1831-34-Lyman W. Mix, William Scudder. Enos Littlefield.
1834-37-Eden Edwards.
1835-38-Philip Bettens, Jr.
1836-39-Colin McNutt.
1837-40-Eden Edwards.
1838-41-Philip Bettens, Jr.
1839-42-Andrew Stewart.
1840-43-David Henry.
1841-44- John J. P. Schenck.
1841-David Henry, chosen president of the board, and the duties of clerk placed upon John M. King, the county auditor, as provided under new law.
1842-45-Andrew Stewart.
1842-43-William Flynn, succeeding David Henry, resigned, and John J. P. Schenck was chos- en president.
1843-46-David Shull.
1844-47-Lewis W. Beal.
1845-48-Arthur Humphrey.
1846-49-Harvey Littlefield.
1847-50-Daniel Ramseyer.
1848-51-William Howe.
1849-52-Jacob Shull.
1850-53-John Weaver.
1851-54-James S. Ferguson.
1852-55-Jacob Shull.
1853-56-John Weaver.
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HISTORY INDIANA
DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
1854-57-Charles A. Gary.
1856-71-William Anderson.
1872-75-William M. Patton.
1854-75- Philip Bettens, William Stewart.
1857-75-Benjamin L. Simmons, Harvey Little- field,
1876-79-Philander Morrison.
1878-84-William Stewart.
1879-82-Dilliard R. Drake.
1882-84-William Brindley and Luther C. Buck.
1884-John F. Houze and David Armstrong.
SHERIFFS.
1814-John F. Siebenthal, appointed by Ter- ritorial Governor Posey.
1816-20- John F. Siebenthal.
1820-22-Israel R. Whitehead.
1822-26-John F. Siebenthal.
1829-33-Henry Banta.
1837-41-Henry McMakin.
1843-45-Henry McMakin.
1845-47- John R. Morerod.
1851-53- John W. Gray.
1853-55-Samuel W. Howard.
1859-63-William Mead.
1878-80- John P. White.
1888-92-Oscar Williamson.
1892-96-David Dyer.
1896-1900-Ira N. Banta.
1900-04-Edward C. Shull.
1904-08-Thomas Pickett.
1912-16- John C. Heady.
1916-Thomas Pickett.
CLERKS.
1814-John Francis Dufour, appointed by Terri- torial Governor Thomas Posey.
1816-24-John Francis Dufour.
1824-30-Israel R. Whitehead.
1830-49-Edward Patton, serving until time of death and succeeded by William Patton, by ap- pointment to fill temporary vacancy.
1849-52-Charles T. Jones, elected to unexpired term.
1871-79- Joseph H. Netherland.
1879-87-Robert T. F. Abbott.
1891-95-Walter C. Benedict.
1903-11-Clarence R. Drake.
1915-19-Jesse P. Curry.
TREASURERS.
From 1817 to 1841, when the office was made elective, the following men served the county as treasurer by appointment from the county com- missioners:
1817-21-Samuel Fallis.
1821-25-Joseph Malin. 1825-30-Ira Mendenhall.
1830-41-George G. Knox.
1841-43-Frederick L. Grisard, first treasurer elected, resigned; James S. Carter, appointed and declined; William Hall, named and accepted.
1843-49-William Hall.
1849-53-John F. Doan.
1853-55-George H. Kyle.
1855-59- John R. Morerod.
1859-61-Ira N. Malin.
1871-73 -- Joshua D. Griffith.
1875-77 -- Francis M. Griffith.
1879-81-Americus Benedict.
1889-93-William Tait.
1893-97-Joseph D. Froman.
1897-1901-James P. Orem.
1901-05-Albert B. Douglass.
1905-09-Napoleon Miller.
1913-17-John L. Cunningham.
1917-19-Charles Panghorn.
RECORDERS.
1814-John Francis Dufour, appointed by Ter- ritorial Governor Posey.
1816-24-Thomas Armstrong.
1824-31-Abraham B. Dumont.
1831-45-Ira Mendenhall.
1845-52-Ira N. Malin.
1853-55-James H. Titus.
1855-59-William H. H. Kelso.
1867-71-John T. Schroder.
1871-79-John P. White.
1879-87-James P. Orem.
1891-95-Daniel V. Seavers.
1895-1901- John W. Barnes.
1901-09-James D. Miller.
1913-17-Oliver P. Courtney.
AUDITORS.
1841-45-John M. King.
1875-83-John Gill.
1883-87-Philip C. Holland.
1891-99-Joseph E. Hart.
1899-1901-John F. Houze.
1901-09-Levin J. Woollen.
1913-19-John W. Smith.
- 1918-Joseph D. Froman, appointed to fill un- expired term of John W. Smith.
COLLECTORS.
Prior to 1841, collectors of taxes were appointed by the county boards, the collection since 1840 be- ing part of the duties of the treasurers.
These men served as collectors:
1814-20- John F. Siebenthal.
1820-22-Israel R. Whitehead.
1823-Garrett Perkins.
1824-27-John F. Siebenthal.
1828-Henry Banta.
1829-William McCullough.
1830-Henry Banta.
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
1831-Pruit Harvey. 1832-33-Henry Banta. 1834-Ralph B. Cotton. 1840-Henry MeMakin.
STATE SENATORS
Switzerland and Jefferson Counties, Joint Senators Switzerland and Ripley Counties.
1822-24-George Craig.
1828-30-Stephen C. Stevens.
Switzerland County, a District by Itself.
1837-39-Martin Green. 1840-41-Joseph C. Eggleston.
1842-Daniel Kelso.
1843-45-David Henry.
Switzerland and Ohio, One District.
1846-48-Martin R. Green.
1849-51-John Woods.
1852-53-William H. Powell.
New Constitution Adopted.
1859-61-Benjamin L. Robinson.
1863-65-Alexander C. Downey.
Switzerland and Ripley, One District.
1871-73-Moses K. Rosebrough.
1875-77-William Culbertson.
Switzerland, Dearborn and Ohio Counties, One District.
1879-81-Dr. L. J. Woollen.
1883-85-Columbus R. Johnson.
1887-95-Francis Marion Griffith.
1895-97-Columbus R. Johnson.
Switzerland, Jefferson and Ripley, One District. 1901-05-James M. Singer.
1911-17-Rowland H. Jackson.
REPRESENTATIVES.
1819-Samuel Merrill.
1824-Stephen C. Stevens and William Gard.
1825-William Gard and William C. Keen.
1826-Stephen C. Stevens and William Cham- berlain.
1828-John Dumont and John F. Dufour.
1829-Samuel Jack.
1830-John Dumont.
1832-William Bradley.
1833-34-Daniel Kelso.
1835-36-Joseph C. Eggleston,
1837-38-James M. Cotton.
1839-Elwood Fisher.
1840-Hosier J. Durbin.
1842-Perret Dufour.
1845-Edward Burns.
Switzerland and Ohio Counties
1846- John Tait, Jr.
1847-Samuel F. Covington and Charles T. Jones.
1848-Daniel Kelso.
1850-Thomas Armstrong.
1851-Samuel Porter.
1853-Oliver Dufour and Hazlett E. Dodd.
1855-George W. Harryman.
1858-59-William H. Gregory, the 1858 session being special.
1861-Hugh T. Williams.
1871-William G. Holland.
1875-William T. Pate.
1885-87-George S. Pleasants.
Switzerland, Ohio and Dearborn Counties.
1889-George S. Pleasants.
1891-Thomas M. Kyle.
1893-H. D. McMullen.
1895-97-Andrew J. Bowers.
Switzerland and Ohio Counties.
1899-Cornelius D. Green.
1903-William M. Green.
1905-Benjamin S. Potter.
1907-Henry B. Steele.
1909-D. E. Douglass.
1911-George H. Keeney.
1913-15-Stephen J. Dibble.
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HISTORY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY
T HE history of the county of Tippecanoe is the 26th of January, 1826, at which time, by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, there was passed "An act for the formation of a new county out of the county of Wabash, and for es- tablishing the county seat thereof." This act also specified that the new county bear the name "Tip- pecanoe." Since that period there has been no alteration in county boundaries then established, the act going into formal effect in May of 1826, whilst in the following month of July what may be said to have been the first important act rela- tive to county government occurred. William Bash, Levi Thornton, Stephen Kennedy and John Russell, provided with commissions from the Governor of the State, who, at that time, was J. Brown Ray, after subscribing to certain oaths, assumed their titles as members of a board of jus- tices and chose William Bush as their president. Under the supervision of this board returns were received which chose Lafayette as the county seat, so rich in historical association that it be- comes almost a matter of impossibility to render any account of its various political phases without touching, though briefly, upon some of the main facts having to do with its existence as a county. That Tippecanoe county is a portion of that great northwestern tract of land opened up by the company of Captain Clark and his pioneers is a matter too generally known to permit the indulgence of repetition in this work. That the Battle of Tippecanoe, occurring on the 7th day of November, 1811, when the American forces, commanded by Gen. William H. Harrison, at a point adjoining the present town of Battle Ground, struck the final blow which forever quelled the power of the Indians in this territory, is also a fact that is, or should be, familiar to every school child as well as to the older people who have pride in the advancement of the State, and particularly . and tracts of lands given over by patriotic indi- that portion thereof which forms the subject of viduals were platted, and the beginning of a city as well as a county was made. In the year 1829 a court house was built, the two-story structure serving as the county seat of the government un- til 1845. A more commodious structure then placed upon the same site did duty until in 1881- 84 the present pretentious structure took its place --- a building which cost almost twice the amount of the original contract before completed. this sketch. On that date the precipitancy of "The Prophet," the brother of the great Indian chief, Tecumseh, permitted the waging of the bat- tle that wrecked the plans of Tecumseh, laid low the hopes of the Indian tribes, and gave into the hands of the whites the undisputed ascendancy and control of the most fertile portion of this fer- tile State. It marked the last great contest on Indiana soil as between the white man and the red, and settlement and civilization continued their onward progress even to the present day.
The county of Tippecanoe embraces territory on both sides of the Wabash river and in area is com- posed of 504 square miles. To the north lie the counties of Carroll and White; to the south, Mont- gomery; on the west, Warren, Fountain and Ben- ton, and to the east, Clinton and Carroll. It is one of the most productive agricultural counties of the ninety-two in the State, and at this writing in population approximates 40,000 souls. Its county seat is Lafayette, now embracing a population of 25,000.
As nearly as can be ascertained by research, the first settler in Tippecanoe county proper bore the name of Peter Weaver, and he at a period vari- ously given as 1822 or 1823 established a home on what is now known as the Wea plains. Around him gathered the intrepid spirits-the real pio- neers of the locality-forming the nucleus of the present population. The separation of the ter- ritory comprising Tippecanoe county from its early amalgamation with other lands occurred on
From the beginning in a political way Tippe- canoe seems to have assumed great interest in events. With the organization of the Republican party came the intense feeling that has charac- terized each separate campaign-in most of which, it may be said, the government of county affairs has remained largely in the hands of the Repub- licans, though on exceptional occasions the cus- tomary majority has been disposed of and given partial Democratic successes. As far back as 1836 the future of the county was indicated, though probably not then realized, by the vote for Presi- dent, wherein William H. Harrison received 1,244 votes and Martin VanBuren 1,044 votes in Tippe- canoe.
The list of Tippecanoe Democrats who have achieved distinction is not so large, perhaps, as those in localities more given to the returning of Democratic majorities, yet in its compilation one finds names that have made their impress upon the history of the land as well as upon local. and state affairs. Of the notables in these lines John Pettit may be mentioned, he being chosen to Con- gress in 1843 from the district to which Tippe-
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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916
canoe then belonged, though it has since been al- tered as politicians dictated. Mr. Pettit was three times elected in the congressional capacity and later on advanced to the United States Senate, serving with distinction during 1853-55. Presi- dent James Buchanan in 1859 chose this distin- guished citizen to be chief justice for the district then known as the Territory of Kansas, he serving there for two years. The President's choice fell upon him by reason of the signal ability he had shown as district attorney in Indiana from 1839 to 1843. He was likewise a member of the Consti- tutional Convention in Indiana in 1852. Many local positions were his to command, his years of official life being unusually extended and varied in their nature.
Joseph E. McDonald, one of the most talented men in Indiana history, lived in Lafayette during his youth, mastering his trade as a saddler, and while his political honors came later in life, after he had left Tippecanoe, his legislative honors were ever admired by those who knew him long before he aspired to become a lawmaker, orator and dip- lomat.
Daniel Mace served in the Lower House of Con- gress during 1851-57. He also occupied the posi- tion of United States District Attorney for Indi- ana District in the years 1845-47 and occupied local positions, his career finally terminating by death, at his own hand, while postmaster at La- fayette.
Daniel Voorhees, "The Tall Sycamore of the Wabash," for some years a leading light in the Congress and Senate of the United States, was temporarily located in this county, his higher hon- ors coming later in life, during the Civil war period, but he always retained a kindly feeling for Tippecanoe and her people.
Thomas B. Ward, a favorite of the people, who held many local positions, being an attorney of ability, was in Congress during 1882-86, he being the last one to occupy that position until 1911 of Democratic persuasion, when John B. Peterson, of Crown Point, was chosen from the district to which Tippecanoe at present belongs- the Tenth. Mr. Ward was somewhat prominent in Washington and at this writing, though some years deceased, still has numerous admirers.
John S. Williams, mayor of Lafayette at one time, banker and newspaper man, was Third Auditor of the Treasury under President Cleve- land.
A unique figure in local politics is Furman E. D. McGinley, on seven different occasions chosen mayor of Lafayette, at times when the city was of Republican cast. Mr. McGinley celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday this year (1915). He never sought higher honors, but was never denied when
before the people for their suffrage for the mayor- alty.
Francis Johnson, a German-born citizen of more than ordinary ability, served as a Democrat in the State Senate from 1881 to 1885, and was by Presi- dent Cleveland offered a foreign post in France (now occupied by J. B. Milner, of this county, it is the writer's belief), but refused the same. He held also various minor offices.
John F. McHugh, State Senator and Democratic leader, 1893-95. Conceded to be one of the tal- ented men of the State. Held several local posi- tions.
George R. Durgan, three times mayor of La- fayette, 1904-14. Frequently spoken of for State offices, but never up to this time an aspirant for other positions.
Charles H. Ball, present postmaster, appointed by President Wilson.
John B. Ruger, postmaster during Cleveland's first term.
Michael H. Kennedy, postmaster during Cleve- land's second term.
David Turpie, circuit judge in 1855 and common pleas judge in 1854. Afterwards served with distinction in United States Senate. Highly re- spected and loved.
James Murdock, sheriff, warden prison north, banker, capitalist and member of Democratic Na- tional Central Committee. One of the most prom- inent men in the State during the Hearst-Parker campaign, and his advice sought by Democratic managers all over the country.
Owing to the political strength of Republican- ism in Tippecanoe county the government has on all save two occasions rested in Republican hands, but this condition does not at present prevail. In 1912 Peter J. Wall and Thomas J. Gwin, both Democrats, were elected county commissioners. Mr. Wall is serving now the third year of his term and Mr. Gwin has one year to serve after January 1, 1916. In November, 1914, John C. F. Redinbo was elected-a Democrat, who will go into office when Mr. Wall retires, January 1, 1916 -leaving the board still Democratic thereafter. The county also has a Democratic sheriff at the present time, Mel. Slayback, re-elected in 1914, and a Democratic surveyor, Henry Kessener, elected in 1914, and succeeding another Democrat, Clyde Richards. The joint representative in the Indiana House, Perry Davis (second election), is also a Democrat, representing this and Montgom- ery counties. There are also five Democrats in the thirteen trusteeships of the county. The pres- ent county road superintendent, D. M. Boyle, and present superintendent of the county farm, Steven Campbell, are Democrats. The rest of the county and township offices (with the exception of several
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township assessors) are Republicans. The city is normally Democratic, but change in sentiment from local causes led to the defeat of George R. Durgan at the time of his fourth race in 1913, and with his defeat the city for four years passed out of Democratic control. There seems no reason to doubt, however, Democratic city success in 1917, as with one exception every Democrat on the county ticket carried the city in the county elec- tion of 1914. An illustration of the vagaries of the Tippecanoe county vote, however, may be given in mentioning that in 1912 John B. Peter- son, Democratic candidate for Congress in this district, carried the county by a plurality of 1,073. As a candidate for re-election in 1914 Mr. Peter- son lost the county by 60 votes, while one Repub- lican county candidate was elected by 1,510.
In the elections of 1917 the city of Lafayette again became Democratic, George R. Durgan be- ing chosen as the chief executive by a stupendous majority. With the mayoralty Democratic so went every other city elective office-clerk, judge and all of the ten members of the common coun- cil. They found a bankrupt city in so far as the general fund was concerned, an inheritance from the previous administration, and are now (1918) striving to place the city of Lafayette once more in the solvent column.
The newspaper history of Tippecanoe county is an interesting one, and might be made the subject of an article of greater extent than permissible here. The oldest paper in Lafayette that sur- vives is the Lafayette Morning Journal, and next is the Evening Courier. The Sunday Leader is next in point of age and is the oldest exclusive Sunday publication in the State. Briefly para- graphed, they may be mentioned thus:
Lafayette Free Press and Commercial Adver- tiser, established September 29, 1829, by Major John Seamans. The oldest paper in the State ex- cept one, The Potawatomie Times, begun in 1828, in Logansport, long since deceased. Major Sea- mans ran this paper until 1841, when he consoli- dated his plant with the Tippecanoe Journal, which was started because Seamans was not suffi- ciently pronounced a Whig. John D. Smith & Co. were publishers. In 1849 the Journal became a daily paper, printed by Bausman & West, and hy them sold to James P. Luse & Bro. In 1853 it became the property of W. G. Terrell, and he took in as partners W. S. Lingle and C. M. Terrell, a brother. The Terrells conducted the paper until 1858, when James Luse and Alexander Wilson purchased the plant. Mr. Wilson sold his interest to W. H. Schuyler and J. C. Batchelder, who, with Mr. Luse, ran the paper for years. February 22, 1864, the plant, with all files, was destroyed by fire. Batchelder then sold his part to S. B. Woolworth.
In 1866 John Purdue, founder of Purdue Univer- sity, bought two-thirds of the plant from Luse, under the impression that it would aid him in a race for Congress. Schuyler and Woolworth had gone out of the firm and C. D. Emmons and D. A. James were given one-third interest. Purdue was beaten, and put Emmons and James in charge of the plant, later on taking in Joseph Odell. Pres- ently all of the others pulled out and left Purdue the white elephant again on hand. He sold to S. Vater and Benjamin Barron (both without money), the latter dying in a short time, leaving Vater in charge. In 1876 Mr. Vater and Albert B. White bought from Purdue's administrators and ran same for years, though Mr. White soon moved to Parkersburg, W. Va. In 1882 Harry L. Wilson, of Crawfordsville, bought the plant. He did not make a success of it, and sold to Florence, Bonnell & Gregory, but later dispossessed them and again took charge. In 1885 he sold to Walter Fraser. In 1887 James W. French and W. Bent Wilson bought the plant at sheriff's sale. It had been Re- publican until this time and the new firm made it Democratic. French withdrew in three years and was made warden of the prison north. He was killed in Texas in an automobile accident on the 15th of March, 1915. Wilson ran the paper alone until June of 1902, when Thomas Burt and Frank Terry combined their plant with his. Then the paper became Republican again, and is still so. Wilson sold to George P. Haywood. Mr. Terry sold out and Mr. Burt died. Mr. Haywood and his sons bought the plant and sold it eventually to Henry W. Marshall, present proprietor. It is the leading Republican paper in this part of the State.
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