History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 4

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104

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"I recommend to your consideration the propriety of providing by law, to prevent more effectually any unlawful attempts to seize and carry into bondage persons of color, legally entitled to their freedom; and, at the same time, as far as practica- ble, to prevent those who rightfully owe service to the citizens of any other State or territory from seeking within the lim- its of this State a refuge from the posses- sion of their lawful owners. Such a meas- ure will tend to secure those who are free from any unlawful attempts (to enslave them) and secure the rights of the citizens of the other States and territories as far as ought reasonably be respected."

In a speech delivered by Governor Jen- nings in the month of August, 1817, atten- tion was directed to the need of greater educational facilities in the State, the ne- cessity for a revision of the statutes, the need for the organization of the judiciary and of a law to prevent the carrying into bondage of persons of color residing in the State and legally entitled to their freedom. He also urged the necessity of raising the State's revenue to a sufficient amount to meet the expenses of the year and to pay the debt consequent upon holding the con- stitutional convention of the previous year.

FOR GOVERNOR.

Jonathan Jennings 9,168

Christopher Harrison 2,007

Samuel Carr

Peter Allen 1

FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.

Ratliff Boon

7,150

John DePauw . 3,422

James McKnight 5

Dennis Pennington 2

Christopher Harrison 2

Abraham Markle 2

The question of internal improvements also occupied the attention of the Legis- lature during the administration of Gov- ernor Jennings. The State was rapidly filling up with population, but the lack of means to transport the surplus products to market was delaying immigration. No roads had been built anywhere in the State, except a few that had only been cleared of the trees, and the settlements were still largely confined to the neighbor- hood of water courses. In August, 1822, before the expiration of his second term, Governor Jennings was elected to Con- gress from the Second district, and the unexpired portion of his term as Governor

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

was filled by Lieutenant-Governor Ratliff Boon. Governor Jennings's resignation was dated September 12, 1822.

It is worthy of note that the first Con- gressman from the newly-admitted State of Indiana was William Hendricks, an older brother of the father of Thomas A. Hendricks, who in a later year (1860) be- came the chosen leader of the Indiana Democracy and remained such beyond cavil to the end of his life, the latter part of 1885. So satisfactorily did William Hendricks represent his constituency that he was twice re-elected to Congress, serv- ing three terms in all. As a further evi- dence of appreciation Mr. Hendricks was elected Governor in 1822, but before com- pleting his term he was again sent to Con- gress, this time as Senator. A second term as United States Senator was accorded him, thus extending his congressional service to eighteen years in all. Historic- ally we are informed that "during his term as Governor the people were struggling under the load of business depression fol- lowing 1820, and that but little of moment was done by the Legislature except advanc- ing the cause of education."

SOME OF THE FIRST STATE LEGIS- LATURE'S DOINGS.

November 15, 1816, a resolution was in- troduced in the House that a committee be appointed for the purpose of taking into consideration the expediency of providing for the election of President and Vice- President of the United States. The com- mittee was composed of Amos Lane, Dear- born county; John Dumont, Switzerland; Ratliff Boon, Warrick; Thomas Carr, Clark, and Edward Hogan, Gibson, to meet with a joint committee of the Senate.

In joint session the Senate and House elected as presidential electors: Jesse L. Holman, General Joseph Bartholomew, and Thomas H. Blake. They voted for Monroe.

The vote for United States Senator was : James Noble, 26; Waller Taylor, 20; James Scott, 16; Jesse L. Holman, 3; Ezra Fer- ris, 2; Davis Floyd, 2; Walter Wilson, 2; Elias McNamee, 1.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS CHOSEN BY LEGISLATURE.

In 1820 the Legislature in joint session elected as presidential electors: Daniel I. Caswell, John H. Thompson, and Nathan- iel Ewing. The Vincennes Sun stated after these gentlemen had discharged their official duty : "It is said the electors voted for James Monroe for President and Dan- iel D. Tompkins for Vice-President."

CAUCUSING IN THE WILDERNESS.

The history of party organization in In- diana may be said to date from the first Jackson campaign of 1824, incited by the United States Bank issue, which had been raised by "Old Hickory." This extended back even to the Madison administration, for the Western Sun, published at Vin- cennes, reporting the legislative elections of August, 1820, says: "Election reports show that majorities had been given over the 'Banking, or Federal ticket.'"

The same publication furnished an in- sight into methods of candidate making, for a later issue makes this announcement : "A register has been opened at the grocery store of Mr. William Micure, where the friends of the different candidates may record their names under their respective favorites."

In the 1824 campaign originally David Robb, of Gibson county; Hiram Aldridge, of Shelby; Jonathan McCarty, of Fayette; John Milroy, of Lawrence, and John Carr, of Clark, were chosen as Jackson electors, but some dissatisfaction arose because cer- tain ones would not withdraw, while oth- ers were held to be ineligible. In conse- quence of the state of feeling thus aroused, a call was issued for a convention to be held September 16 at the Court House in

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

Salem "for the purpose of forming an elec- toral ticket in favor of Andrew Jackson for President of the United States."

Thirteen counties were represented at the convention by delegates who selected Samuel Milroy, of Washington county, as chairman, and Jacob Call, of Knox county, as secretary. A new electoral ticket was named, composed of David Robb, of Gib- son county; Samuel Milroy, of Washing- ton; Elias McNamee, of Knox county; Jonathan McCarty, of Fayette, and John Carr, of Clark.

Dr. J. T. Canby, of Madison; Samuel Beach, of Jeffersonville, and Jesse B. Der- ham, of Jackson county, were appointed "a general corresponding committee with full power, and whose duty was to fill any va- cancies that might occur on the electoral ticket, and to take such measures as may be necessary to insure success."

The Henry Clay electoral ticket was composed of William W. Wick, of Marion county; Marson G. Clark, of Washington county ; James Rariden, of Wayne county ; Walter Wilson, of Gibson county, and Moses Tabbs, of Knox county.

The electors for John Quincy Adams were: Isaac Blackford, of Knox county ; Jesse L. Holman, of Dearborn county; Da- vid H. Maxwell, of Monroe county; James Scott, of Clark county, and Christopher Harrison, of Washington county. (Jesse L. Holman was the father of William S. Holman, who served a longer period in Congress than any other Indianian, and who achieved a national reputation as the relentless objector to every extravagance in the expenditure of public moneys. Mil- lions upon millions of dollars were thus, through his vigilance and steadfastness, saved the nation during his long and use- ful congressional service.)

TRIBUTE TO "OLD HICKORY."

The second and final convention called to appoint Jackson electors, Dr. J. T. Can- by, of Madison, Samuel Beach of Jeffer-

sonville, and Jesse B. Derham of Jackson county, were appointed a general corre- spondence committee having full power, and whose duty was to fill any vacancies on the electoral ticket "and take such meas- ures as may be necessary to insure its suc- cess."

Samuel Judah, Dr. Israel T. Canby, Henry S. Handy, of Jefferson; Samuel Carr, of Clark, and William Kelsey, of Lawrence, were named to prepare an ad- dress to the people of Indiana on the ap- proaching election, same being published October 16, 1824, by the Western Sun and General Advertiser, of Vincennes, in part as follows :

"The history of Andrew Jackson pre- sents every pledge deeds can give of his ability for all his country can require of him.

"His political principles undoubted, his integrity without a stain, and above sus- picion ; his greatness of intellect proved by the ever-successful result of all his enter- prises, we confide in him and we deem him most worthy the Presidency of the na- tion.

"The history of philosophy, the legisla- tion of Solon and genius of her sons have immortalized Athens. The time was when the spirit of Minerva inspired her coun- cils. Neptune bowed his trident before her, and the commerce of the world poured the wealth of nations at her feet. But corruption sealed the destiny of the Athen- ians- Pericles had expended the spoils of the public treasury in bribing his fellow citizens-virtue had ceased to exist at Athens, etc.

"As Americans, as citizens of the West, as Republicans, and as men only actuated by a sincere love of our common country, of its love, prosperity and happiness, we most earnestly recommend to you, fellow citizens, to support the man of the people, Andrew Jackson."

At the presidential election in 1824 the people of Indiana, for the first time since her admission into the Union, were per- mitted to name the electors by popular vote. Prior thereto the electors were chosen by the Legislature. The electors named in 1816 were chosen before Indiana

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

had been admitted into the Union. There was some objection to this procedure, but in the absence of serious opposition, In- diana's three votes were included in the count for Monroe.

JACKSON STATE CONVENTION IN 1828.

At this gathering, held on the 8th of January, Israel T. Canby presided. Ben- jamin V. Becker was named as vice-presi- dent, and Paris C. Dunning and William Marshall officiated as secretaries.

Jackson electors chosen were: Benja- min V. Becker, Knox; Jesse B. Derham, Jackson; Ross Smiley, Union; Ratliff Boon, Warrick; William Lowe, Monroe.

A committee was appointed to prepare an address to the people of Indiana in favor of Andrew Jackson. This commit- tee was made to consist of Samuel Judah, Knox; Paris C. Dunning, Monroe; John Cain, Marion; Marcus Willitt, Rush; Thomas Fitzgerald, Warrick.

A general superintendence committee was named as follows: R. C. Newland, Eli W. Malott, John McMahan, Henry S. Handy, of Washington county; General John Carr, of Clark; William Hoggatt, Orange; William Marshall, Jackson; A. S. Burnett, Floyd; John Milroy, Lawrence; Nelson Lodge, Jefferson; Elihu Stout, Knox; William C. Keen, Switzerland; Thomas Posey, Harrison; Jacob B. Lowe, Monroe; David V. Culley, Dearborn.

FRIENDS OF ADAMS AND CLAY.

The supporters of the Adams adminis- tration held their convention January 12, 1828, and named for presidential electors General Joseph Orr, of Putnam county; John Watts, of Dearborn; General Joseph Bartholomew, Gibson; Rev. James Arm- strong, Monroe. Mr. Armstrong subse- quently declined, and General Amaziah Morgan was substituted. John Watts pre- sided over the convention that named these electors. A protective tariff and internal

improvements were presented as the main issues of the campaign. Opposition to Jackson was pronounced.

JACKSON STATE CONVENTION OF 1831.

For the 1832 campaign the Jacksonites met in State convention at the State House December 12, 1831. Benjamin V. Becker, of Knox county, presided. Arthur Patter- son, of Parke, and David Robb served as vice-presidents, and Wm. J. Brown of Rush and Nathaniel Field of Clark offi- ciated as secretaries. Thirty-nine coun- ties were represented.

A committee consisting of Messrs. Mor- rison, Feeney, Culley, Reid and Davis re- ported a series of resolutions which were published in the Cass County Times of De- cember 30, 1831. They dwell on the de- pressed condition of the country when President Jackson entered upon office and point with satisfaction to the improvement wrought by his administration; foreign treaties made by the Jackson administra- tion come in for laudation.

Electors named were: George Boon, Sullivan county; James Blake, Marion; Arthur Patterson, Parke; Nathan B. Pal- mer, Jefferson, and Marks Crume, Fayette.

Contingent electors: Thomas Givens, Posey county ; Alexander S. Burnet; Floyd; Walter Armstrong, Dearborn, and John Ketcham, Monroe.

Resolutions adopted were to this effect: "That we approve the measures of the present administration, and especially the late change in the cabinet, the payment of the national debt, the removal of the In- dians, and the right system of economy and accountability effected and recom- mended by our present 'revered' President, Andrew Jackson."

Hon. John Tipton, Hon. Ratliff Boon, Hon. Jonathan McCarty, Hon. John Carr and Gen. Samuel Milroy were named dele- gates to the Baltimore convention.

2-History

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

Central Committee: A. F. Morrison, D. L. McFarland, Abraham W. Harrison, George L. Kinnard and Henry Brady, Ma- rion county; Nathaniel Bolton, Jefferson ; Jacob Shank, Shelby ; John C. Julien, Hen- dricks ; John P. Dunn and William Lanius, Dearborn; Enos Lowe, Putnam; Aaron Finch, Jefferson; Edward A. Hannegan, Fountain; John Spencer, John Irwin and Daniel Reid, Wayne; John C. Huckleberry, Clark; John W. Cox, Morgan; William P. Kiser, Bartholomew; John Wood, Rush; John Berry, Madison; Jeremiah Smith, Randolph; R. C. Newland, Washington; John Gardner, Vermillion.

Governor Ray seems to have experienced some difficulty in balancing himself polit- ically. Ostensibly a Jacksonian, he con- sidered it an affront to be asked to commit himself one way or another.

"THE FORLORN HOPE."

The opponents of Jackson styled them- selves National Republicans. They held their State convention at Indianapolis, No- vember 7, 1831. Nineteen counties were represented by thirty-one delegates. Twelve others were given seats. Charles Dewey, of Clark county, presided; Doufan Maguire, of Marion county, acted as sec- retary. The resolutions adopted start out with these declarations :

"The friends of the American system composing this convention warmly partici- pate with their fellow citizens of Indiana and the adjacent States in the general de- sire to see the vital interests of domestic industry and internal improvements res- cued from their present state of jeopardy, and fostered and maintained with un- abated zeal. They are especially desirous to witness a correct, honorable and suc- cessful administration of the general gov- ernment. The captivating promises of re- trenchment and reform in which the friends of General Jackson so copiously indulged previous to the last election have not been realized. The alleged abuses of the former administration have been cop- ied and re-copied so often by the present, that, if their number and magnitude had

not destroyed the resemblance, we should be led to imagine that the defects of the administration of Mr. Adams had been selected as the models for that of General Jackson."

The resolutions declared for a tariff of duties for the protection of American in- dustry, for internal improvement, and en- dorsed Henry Clay for President.

Delegates to the Baltimore convention selected were: John I. Neely, Isaac Howk, and George H. Dunn.

The Indiana Democrat said this conven- tion "numbered several who had lately been invited into retirement by the peo- ple," mentioning Messrs. Test, Oliver H. Smith, John H. Thompson, Isaac Howk, Law and W. W. Wick. The paper called it "A Forlorn Hope."

THE VAN BUREN CAMPAIGN OF 1836

A preliminary meeting was held at Brookville, Franklin county, March 14, 1834, to pave the way for nominating a successor to President Jackson. Dr. John Bradburn presided and Ben Sed Noble acted as secretary. Col. C. W. Hutchens, Jonathan Eads and Dr. George Berry were the committee on resolutions which re- ported an endorsement of Martin Van Buren for President and Richard M. John- son of Kentucky for Vice-President. No further action was taken at this gathering, but a convention was called to be held at Indianapolis, December 9, 1834, at which General Samuel Milroy presided. Robert McIntyre of Fountain county and David V. Culley of Dearborn county were named as vice-presidents, and William B. White of Fountain county and A. F. Morrison of Marion officiated as secretaries.

Three delegates to the national conven- tion which was subsequently called to be held at Baltimore, May 20, 1835, were named from each of the seven districts, as follows:

First-John B. Moyer, Orange county ; Joseph Lane, Vanderburg; John Pitcher, Gibson.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

Second-Lewis H. Sands, Putnam; Ralph Wilson, Vigo; Hiram Decker, Knox. Third-Dr. Jesse Jackson, Scott; Gen- eral William Marshall, and Isaac Stewart. Fourth-Andrew Davidson, Decatur; John P. Dunn, Dearborn; William J. Brown, Rush.

Fifth-Daniel Reid, Wayne; John Spen- cer, Allen ; John D. Vaughan, Wayne.

Sixth-Alexander F. Morrison, John Cain and Livingston Dunlap, Marion.

Seventh-General Samuel Milroy, Car- roll; T. A. Howard, Parke; Thomas B. Brown, Tippecanoe. 1C68C42

VAN BUREN'S NOMINATION RATI- FIED BY INDIANA DEMOCRACY.

An enthusiastic ratification convention was held at Indianapolis, January 8, 1836. The convention was called to order by George Boon, of Sullivan county. General Samuel Milroy, of Carroll county, was made temporary chairman, and Thomas B. Brown of Tippecanoe and Jesse Jackson of Scott, secretaries. The permanent or- ganization was officered by the following named gentlemen :

President: Nathan B. Palmer, Marion county.

Vice-Presidents : William Casey, Posey ; George Boon, Sullivan; John Prather, Clark; Thomas Howard, Dearborn; Ross Smiley, Fayette; Elihu Stout, Knox; Wil- liam White, Vermillion.

Secretaries: Thomas B. Brown, Tippe- canoe; Jesse Jackson, Scott; William C. Foster, Monroe; James W. Borden, Wayne.

Upon taking the chair Mr. Palmer said:

"We have convened on the present occa- sion as the representatives of the people, clothed with the important trust of select- ing an electoral ticket from our Demo- cratic brethren, pledged to vote for the Hon. Martin Van Buren, of New York, for President of the United States, and for Col. Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, for Vice-President.

"These distinguished gentlemen stand pledged as the disciples of Jefferson and Jackson, to carry out and to preserve in their purity those great republican prin- ciples, which, from the earliest period of

our government, it has been the great ob- ject of the Democratic party to sustain."

In closing, Mr. Palmer said :

"Nor should we be regardless of the im- portance of union and harmony in our ranks. A spirit that asks not the aid nor interference of Congress to make for the people a president. Yea, more, a spirit of indignation of the de- moralizing tendency of that open and avowed object of so multiplying candidates for the Presidency, that the people may be induced, through local interests and local influences, to so cast their votes as to cheat themselves out of the choice of the chief magistrate of this Union. But I pursue this subject no farther. The out- rage contemplated in this attempt is too palpable to escape the notice of any intelli- gent citizens."

There were reasons for sounding this note of warning. Insidious efforts were made in various parts of the Union to bring out candidates for the presidency, with a view to complicating affairs and causing strife and contention among those who had steadfastly upheld the adminis- tration of President Jackson. Judge Mc- Lean was formally brought out for the presidency by a caucus of the Ohio Legis- lature. Thomas H. Benton was put in nomination at a meeting in Alabama. John Forsyth, the distinguished editor of the Mobile Register, was put in nomination by the Georgia Legislature.

The Western Sun published a letter Jan- uary 24, 1835, from Thomas H. Benton, in which he declined to stand as a candidate for the vice-presidency on the nomination given him by the Mississippi State conven- tion. He lauds Van Buren and declares harmony is necessary in order to preserve the party, and states his belief that schemes are afoot to disorganize the party by bringing out numerous candidates. The letter was issued in answer to one sent him by a committee composed of Robert T. Lytle, Ohio; Henry Hubbard, New Hamp- shire; Ratliff Boon, Indiana, and H. A. Muhlenberg, Pennsylvania, these gentle-

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

men urging reconsideration of his an- citizens of the United States, as follows: nounced declaration.

The committee on resolutions consisted of James Whitcomb, Monroe; A. C. Grif- fith, Jackson; V. P. Antwerp, Vigo; J. R. Craig, Posey; George Finch, Vander- burg; A. C. Reid, Marion; A. C. Pepper, Dearborn, and James Ritchey, Johnson.

Electors-at-large: John Myers, of Knox, and William Rockhill, of Allen county.

Contingent electors-at-large: Robert McIntyre, of Fountain county, and Jona- than Lyon, of Washington county.

DISTRICT ELECTORS.

1. Thomas C. Stewart, Pike county.

2. George W. Moore, Owen.

3. Jesse Jackson, Scott.

4. Marinus Willet, Rush.

5. Gen. Elisha Long, Wayne.

6. Jonathan Williams, Morgan.

7. Capt. William White, Vermilion.

CONTINGENT ELECTORS.

1. Col. John Pinnick, Orange county.

2. John Thornburgh, Putnam.

3. Jonathan Lyon, Washington.

4. William Purcell, Dearborn.

5. James Leviston, Union.

6. Gen. John Milroy, Hancock.

7. James Strange, Parke.

State Central Committee named at this convention : Livingston Dunlap, Nathan B. Palmer, James Morrison, Arthur St. Clair, John Cain, A. F. Morrison, S. W. Norris, James B. Ray, Nathaniel West, Sr., Nathaniel Bolton, John Jamison, John Livingston, Archibald C. Reid, Demas L. McFarland and Henry Brady, all from near Marion county.

THE OPPONENTS OF VAN BUREN IN ACTION.

A meeting favorable to the elevation of General William Henry Harrison was held at the Franklin county court house in Brookville, February 5, 1835. Enoch Mc- Carty presided. Resolutions were adopted lauding the candidacy of General Harri- son for the presidency. A committee was appointed to prepare an address to the

David Mount, Dr. Samuel St. John, Major J. L. Andrew, John A. Matson, Robert John, Lemuel Snow, Bartholomew Fitz- patrick, James Samuels and Capt. John Shultz.

A public meeting was held in Franklin county, February 6, 1835. Fielding Jeter was chairman and Col. B. S. Noble secre- tary. Jeter left before the convention was over and Noble took the chair.

John A. Matson presented the following resolution :

"Resolved, That the evils of excited party spirit have become so great in the United States that the people are imperi- ously called upon to take some measures to allay the excitement.

It ended by declaring confidence in Gen- eral William Henry Harrison of Ohio.

C. W. Hutchens offered a motion to ad- journ for four weeks, which was lost. He then offered as a substitute:

"Whereas, Several hundred of the citi- zens of Franklin county united in inviting together their fellow citizens for a specific object, viz., to adopt measures, that in the opinion of this assemblage shall be best adapted to the work of allaying party strife or excitement-a consummation de- voutly to be wished; we have after mature reflection come to the conclusion that the object can be best attained by leaving the business of candidate-making to others who are better acquainted with the claims of prominent men than is possible in the nature of things than we can be. There- fore,

"Resolved, That we will, each of us, re- turn to our respective places of abode, and with the utmost composure, await the presentation of the candidates for the of- fice of President and Vice-President of the United States, and also impartially exam- ine, from the best opportunities offered, the qualifications, and make our selections accordingly.

"Resolved, That we deprecate all at- tempts to dictate to us, from whatever source, and that we prefer open dealing to blind innuendo.

"Resolved, That we think this course en- tirely characteristic of freemen, and con-

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

tradistinguished by that of calling together a select few for the advancement of party views to operate more abroad than at home."

These resolutions were adopted. C. W. Hutchen then moved to amend the resolu- tion of John A. Matson by striking out the name of Harrison and inserting the name of the person who may be nominated by the Democratic National Convention to be held on the 20th of May, 1835. This mo- tion failed, as did also that by Hutchens, to substitute the name of Martin Van Buren for that of Harrison.

Though the Democrats of Indiana did not succeed in securing the election of Van Buren electors, they felt highly elated over the victory won in the country-at-large. While averse to General Harrison being made President of the United States, they felt that the pioneers owed him a large debt of gratitude for the splendid military service he rendered in fighting the Indians and making it possible for white men to gain a habitation and enjoy the benefits thereof.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 4

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926 Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104