USA > Indiana > Vigo County > Terre Haute > The history of early Terre Haute from 1816 to 1840 > Part 6
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" A chiel amang them Taking notes, and faith He would prent 'em."
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And so it was when the family returned to England, they published their book. And singularly enough, though in their travels they had visited some of our prominent cities, and most remarkable localities ; yet our village and locality so attracted their attention that they named their book THE WABASH.
The Prairie House with its worthy host, Mr. T. C. Buntin, and its numerous guests together with quite a number of our leading citizens came in for a double share of honorable men- tion. It may not be generally known, but I am told that there are several copies of this book in the hands of our citizens. One copy, at least, is cared for by Mr. Arthur Cunningham, the obliging Librarian of the State Normal School.
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CHAPTER XIII
CHURCHES AND MINISTERS
BAPTISTS
THE First Baptist Church was organized in the old brick school house on the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, in July, 1836, with nine members, as follows: Rev. Samuel Sparks and wife, Joseph Cooper and wife, Henry Thomas and wife, William Stark and wife, and Mrs. Massa Pound. Father Sparks served the church for about eight years, preaching one Sabbath in each month, sometimes in private houses, and sometimes either in the Court House, or in the old brick school house. Rev. George C. Chandler for a time was engaged as an assistant pastor. In 1847 Rev. Joseph A. Dickson was settled over the church giving his whole time to the work. The Universalist church building was leased as a place of worship, and the church began to take on new life. Many influential members about this time moved into the town.
The first church building erected by this people was begun in 1847. The location was on the west side of Fourth street, between Mulberry and Eagle. At the first, the house was inclosed and only the basement finished. On Sept. 10th, 1861, this building was destroyed by a wind storm. This was an unlooked for calamity, but in due time a chapel was built on the west end of the lot located on the northwest corner of Cherry and Sixth streets. Some years afterwards the commodious building now occupied by this congregation was built. One can understand that there must have been some staunch men and women to build up so successfully from such small beginnings.
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As intimated this people look back to the pastorate of Rev. Joseph A. Dickson as the beginning of their strength. Since then the church has had some strong and devoted pastors. Among these and deserving of mention are such names as Reverends David Taylor, Joseph Brown, S. M. Stimson, Charles R. Henderson, - Wheeler, Lycurgus Kirtley, John S. Holmes, and the present pastor, Rev. George H. Simmons, D.D., who, after resisting the repeated invitations of a sister church at Peoria, Illinois, at last yielded and the Baptist pulpit is now temporarily vacant.
One of the earliest pioneer churches of Vigo county was that of the Union Baptist, which was organized in Pierson township in 1822 by Rev. - Pierson, after whom Pierson township was named. He came into the county in 1820. A log house was first put up, afterwards one of brick was built. Old Joseph Liston, of pioneer memory, was not only a mem- ber of this church, but clerk of the session from 1824 to 1855. Good brethren of the Baptist church, as you have an honest pride in the heroism of these noble pioneers, look up these old records, and have them placed in a fire-proof safe. It is recorded of Liston that as an Indian scout employed by Gen. Harrison, he did more for the protection of the cabin-homes of the early settlers than any other one man.
CATIIOLICS
The first Catholic church erected in Vigo county was located at St. Mary's on the west side of the river, about three miles from Terre Haute, in 1837. It was a small frame structure, and put up by Father Bateaux, who was the first resident priest. This parish became the center of influence, not only as the home of the Sisters of Charity, but the nucleus of the St. Mary's Academic Institute, an account of which will be found in the chapter below on Schools and School Teachers
The frame building was burned in 1842, when a brick house took its place. Father Bateaux was the active pastor
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of this church till 1842, when he moved to Boston, Mass. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Parrett, who remained till 1844. The missionary work of Father Bateaux doubtless began some years before 1837, as I learn from another source, that he commenced his work " in a log cabin ten feet square in which he officiated with a board placed on logs for an altar."
St. Joseph's was the first Catholic church built in Terre Haute, on the west side of Fifth, between Ohio and Walnut streets, and is said to have been erected through the efforts of Father Bateaux of St. Mary's parish, in 1837. Previous to this date he had done missionary work in this region. Evidently Terre Haute was a missionary station till 1842, when Rev. G. P. Lalumiere took charge. He says: "I found in Terre Haute a real edifice, well furnished." And again he records the fact, "that the few families, who as- sembled, lived long distances apart ; but little to encourage and much to discourage." His field covered a wide territory, extending from Vincennes to Lafayette, and from Clay county on the east to the town of Mattoon, in Illinois, on the west. Father Lalumiere became the first resident priest of the St. Joseph's parish. He was a pioneer missionary, and was born in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1804. He lived here and ministered to the parish till he removed to Vincennes. He died in 1857. He was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, and was greatly revered by his parishioners.
CHRISTIANS
This denomination was late in laying its foundations, even in the county, and yet we are assured that the first church founded in Fayette township, was by the Christians, or Disciples, as some prefer to be called. Unfortunately there are no particulars recorded, not even dates. The Central Christian church was organized in Terre Haute in June 28th, 1841, by Rev. John O'Kane. A permanent place of worship was secured in 1846 on South Fourth street, opposite the City
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Hall. In 1852 a reorganization was effected with nineteen members, and " such good men as William Begg, A. P. Law, and Benjamin Cooper, were called in turn to take charge of the little flock." Rev. L. H. Jamison was chosen pastor in 1854. He was succeeded in turn by Reverends J. P. New, A. D. Fillmore, and W. F. Black. During the labors of these three evangelists, " some men since prominent in the business world, became members." In 1865 Rev. James H. McCul- lough was called to the pastorate. About this time the con- gregation resolved to build, and accordingly a new church building was erected on Mulberry street between Sixth and Seventh. When Rev. McCullough retired, the membership amounted to about two hundred, and from this date the suc- cess of the church was assured. While not financially strong, the church has been able to command the services of strong men, who have been successful, and made their pres- ence felt not only in the church, but in the community as well. Following Rev. Mccullough the list comprises such well known names as Reverends H. W. Cure, B. B. Tyler, G. P. Peale, J. H. Mccullough (recalled), Geo. W. Sweeney, H. O. Breedon, Benjamin L. Smith. J. L. Brandt, A. J. Frank, F. A. Morgan, W. W. Witmer, William Mullendore, and L. E. Sellers, the pastor now in charge.
CONGREGATIONALISTS
The Pilgrim churches of Connecticut held a State conven- tion as early as 1798, and declared their purpose to christian- ize the new settlements of the United States. Accordingly a tour of exploration was made by Samuel J. Mills and J. T. Schermerhorn in 1812, through Indiana territory, under the auspices of the churches of Connecticut and Massachu- setts. These were followed by other missionaries, among whom was Rev. Nathan B. Derrow; but no church of this denomination was organized in Terre Haute till Dec. 30, 1834, when Rev. Merrick A. Jewett organized the First Congregational church, with the following members :
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Amory Kinney, Joab Corwin, Thos. Desart, Robert Brasher, Alexander Ross, Thos. L. Bishop, Mrs. Nancy Warren, Mrs. Mary C. Gilbert, Mrs. Elizabeth Cruft, Mrs. Julia McCabe, Mrs. Mary Wasson. This list was furnished me on request, by Mr. L. F. Perdue as found by him in an old record book.
In 1837 a lot was purchased on the southeast corner of Cherry and Sixth streets, where a brick building was erected which was dedicated on July 2, 1837. This house was dis- mantled by a wind storm on the evening of Wednesday, April 23, 1853. In 1857 a new structure was built at a cost of some $20,000. In 1871 this building was enlarged or rather rebuilt at nearly double the cost of the first house. The funds were raised in part at least by the sale of pews, which sold as high as from $160 to $440 each. On the roll of buyers stood such names as " Hager, Hite, Dowling, Thompson, McKeen, Warren, Crawford, Tuller, Deming, Farrington, Gookins, W. K. Edwards, Ryce, Bement, Potter, Cook, Ross, and so on ad infinitum."
Rev. Dr. Jewett was a remarkable man and in many re- spects adapted to the people among whom he was called to labor. In 1842 this church took upon itself new life in that it experienced a genuine revival of religion. In this work the pastor was aided by Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, who was at the time a pastor of a Presbyterian church at Indianapolis. As the result of this revival an hundred members were brought into the church.
In 1848 for the sake of organizing a Presbyterian church, by request a joint letter of dismission was granted to John F. Cruft, Elizabeth Cruft, Joseph Miller, Margaret Miller, E. V. Ball, Sarah E. Ball, A. C. Potwin, Helen Potwin, F. R. Whipple, Mary P. Whipple, Zenas Smith, Hannah Smith, James Cook, J. B. L. Soule, Jordan Smith, and Mary E. Cruft, who, as will be seen below, were organized into a Presbyterian church by Rev. William M. Cheever.
Dr. Jewett continued pastor of the Congregational church in the faithful discharge of his duties till 1860, when
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on account of failing health he resigned. He died in Texas at the home of one of his sons, on April 3, 1874. As the years pass by the early members of the church if possible grow in their appreciation and loving remembrance of Dr. Jewett. His remains were brought here for interment. In the funeral discourse pronounced by the pastor, Frank E. Howe, he expressed not only his own appreciation, but that of others, when he said: "He (Dr. Jewett) stood promi- nent as a preacher in all this region As we met in the association, there was no man that was heard with better attention, and with marks of greater favor. And as one of his old friends said to me the other day: 'He could preach six times a week, and we were always proud of him.'"
After a pastorate of some twenty-six years, Dr. Jewett was succeeded by a long list of worthies, whose memories are fragrant in the minds and hearts of the members and friends of this church. The list begins with Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott and closes with Rev. Dr. W. A. Waterman, the present pastor.
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CHAPTER XIV
CHURCHES AND MINISTERS-CONTINUED
EPISCOPALIANS
ST. STEPHEN'S Protestant Episcopal church was organized in Terre Haute in April or May 15, 1840. The members so far as I can learn were: Mrs. David Danaldson, Mrs. William Krumbhaar, Mrs. William J. Ball, and Mrs. Dr. Blake. In the spring of 1840, the Right Rev. Bishop Kemper, who was on his way to St. Louis, stopped here and was induced to remain over the Sabbath, and hold public services. This is thought to have been the first Protestant Episcopal service celebrated in Terre Haute.
In the organization of the church, Col. Thomas H. Blake, and William F. Krumbhaar were elected wardens, and Dr. E. Daniels, Levi G. Warren, Jacob Bourne, and John Rout- ledge were elected vestrymen. By the good offices of Bishop Kemper, Rev. Charles Prindle was sent here, and by invita- tion became rector of the parish. We are told that the first regular services were held in the jury room of the old Court House. Rev. Mr. Prindle remained but a short time, yet he is pleasantly remembered by many who were not connected with the church. He was succeeded in 1842 probably (although dates given do not agree) by Rev. Robert B. Croes. Mr. Croes is well remembered as a pains-taking school master, as well as good preacher. He came in the fall of 1842. The corner room in the brick building known as the McCall block, which still stands on the southeast corner of Third and Ohio streets, was used both as a church and school house. During the rectorship of Mr. Croes the first church building was erected June 9, 1845, on the west side
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of Fifth between Main and Cherry streets. The new church building on the southeast corner of Seventh and Eagle streets, was erected at a cost, including the price of the lot, of $17,000. The house was completed and occupied in 1863. Since the times of Rectors Prindle and Croes, the church has enjoyed the services of Reverends Drs. Charles P. Clark, and D. D. Van Antwerp, W. G. Spencer, Chauncey Fitch, Thomas Mills Martin, Thomas R. Austin, S. Burford, S. N. Dunham, Drs. Delafield and Stanley, and the present incum- bent, the Rev. John E. Sulger, who took charge of the parish in 1896.
METHODISTS
The Methodist circuit rider was carly on the Indiana field. The hospitable cabins of the earliest pioneers were thrown open to their preachers and in fact to the preachers of every evangelical denomination. By appointments therefore, the people gathered gladly for public worship, whether in the private cabin, the school house or the shady grove. Rev. Jonathan Stamper, chaplain of the Kentucky volunteers preached in Fort Harrison in 1812. The list of early Metho- dist appointments, in this region comprised the following : Reverends James McCord in 1818; William Medford, 1819; McCord, again, 1820; John Shrader, 1821; James Scott, 1822; David Chamberlain, 1823; H. Vanderburg, 1824; Samuel Hull, 1825; Richard Hargrave, 1826; G. R. Beggs and S. C. Cooper, 1827; J. Hadley and B. Stevenson, 1829; W. H. Smith and B. Phelps, 1830. In 1831 Rev. Edward Ray was sent to Terre Haute " as an experiment," whether or not a station could be established, but " he was returned to the circuit." In 1833 the town was made a station with Rev. Smith Robinson as minister. It is recorded in this connec- tion. that " Mr. John Jackson and three others pledged, and paid $400 " towards his salary. Mr. Robinson died in 1836, and was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Bartlett. He in turn was succeeded by Reverends John Daniels in 1837 and E. Patrick in 1839-40.
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In 1833-4 a small brick chapel was erected on the corner of Fourth and Poplar streets. This served the congregation till 1841, when Asbury chapel was built on the same lot. A noble work was carried on in this chapel for half a century, when during the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Dale, a new location on the northwest corner of Seventh and Poplar streets was purchased, and a new building erected at the cost of $42,000. This was completed during the period of Dr. Hickman's in- cumbency, who, being called to the Vice Chancellorship of Depauw University, was succeeded by Rev. Demetrius Til- Iotson, the present pastor.
The history of the Methodist churches in Terre Haute would be incomplete without a notice of the organization of Centenary church, and the erection of its building on the northeast corner of Seventh and Eagle streets. It looks upon Old Asbury as the mother church. The movement for a sepa- rate organization began in 1865. Its first membership con- sisted of some two hundred persons. We are told that too much credit cannot be bestowed upon the late Rev. William Graham, through whose efforts the separation was effected. The first pastor of Centenary church was Rev. Leander C. Buckles, by the appointment of conference in September, 1866. The church building was made ready for dedication Dec. 3d, 1866. The successors to Rev. Buckles have been numerous, including some noble men, who not only did good work for the church, but were an honor to the town. Rev. Worth M. Tippy is the present pastor.
PRESBYTERIANS
Rev. Nathan B. Derrow, a pioneer missionary, visited Terre Haute in 1816. He was sent out by the Connecticut Missionary society. Still another missionary, Rev. Orin Fowler, made a tour as far North as Fort Harrison in 1819. Rev. Charles C. Beatty made a missionary tour through this region under the auspices of the General Assembly in 1822. Dr. Beatty once gave the writer an account of this tour, es-
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pecially of his visit to Terre Haute. He preached in the ball room at the Eagle and Lion. He was entertained by Major Whitlock, who was the receiver of the United States Land office and who afterwards removed to Crawfords- ville.
Another missionary under date of 1820, describes a tour across the Wabash river by way of the Hopewell church. Our respected pioneer citizen, the late Harry Ross was ac- customed to tell of these Hopewell people holding big meet- ings in the Court House. On such occasions each villager in attendance brought a tallow candle as a contribution towards lighting the house.
The first permanent minister to settle here was Rev. David Monfort. He came in the fall of 1827, from the Presbytery of Cincinnati. The church was not organized till May 17, 1828, and was made up of the following members: Samuel Young and Margaret Young, his wife; Samuel Ewing, and Mary Ewing, his wife; John McCulloch, and Margaret, his wife ; Mr. James Beard and Jane, his wife; Mrs. Phoebe Monfort. Mr. O. Dibble. Mr. Samuel Young and Mr. James Beard were chosen and ordained as elders. Ten members in all. Messrs. William C. Linton, John Britton, and Capt. Tames Wasson were elected trustees.
Mr. Monfort remained but a short time owing to sickness in the family. and the death of his wife and daughter. After his resignation, Rev. Michael Hummer came, and was chosen pastor of the church, which then consisted of the following members. Amory Kinney, Ephraim Ross, Zenas Smith, Thomas Desart. Alexander Ross, William Young, Mrs. Elizabeth Desart, Mrs. Charlotte T. Condit, Mrs. Julia Mc- Call, Mrs. Hannah Smith, Miss Mary King. Miss Catherine Boudinot, Mrs. Mary Ross, and Mrs. Mary Young, together with the original elders, Messrs. Samuel Young and James Beard, making in all sixteen members. The record of this imeeting is dated May 16. 1833. Just how long Mr. Hummer remained we are not told; but there was a division in the church and a large proportion of the members withdrew un-
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der Mr. Hummer. They held services in the Old brick school house on the northwest corner of Fifth and Walnut streets. In 1834 the Congregational church was organized absorbing probably the most of Mr. Hummer's members.
In the meantime Rev. Matthew Wallace took charge of the old church. He was instrumental in the erection of a frame building on the northwest corner of Fifth and Poplar streets. He was succeeded by Reverends C. Allen, J. N. Shannon, Thomas P. Gordon. Under the pastorate of Dr. Gordon a new brick structure was erected on the southeast corner of Seventh and Mulberry streets. Mr. Gordon was succeeded by Reverends Geo. Morrison, J. E. Lapsley, and Alexander Sterrett. Mr. Sterrett continued his ministry till the union of this congregation with that of the Baldwin or Second Presbyterian church, which occurred Dec. 3rd, 1879.
The Baldwin church was organized by Rev. William M. Cheever, Dec. 31, 1848, and was composed of a colony from the Congregational church, of which there were sixteen mem- bers in all, whose names are as follows: Joseph Miller, Mar- garet Miller, his wife; E. V. Ball, M.D., Sarah E. Ball, his wife; John F. Cruft, Elizabeth Cruft, his wife ; A. C. Potwin, Helen Potwin, his wife; F. R. Whipple, Mary Whipple, his wife : Zenas Smith, Hannah Smith, his wife; Mary E. Cruft, James Cook, J. B. L. Soule and Jordon Smith. Messrs. Joseph Miller and J. B. L. Soule were elected elders and were ordained by Rev. W. M. Cheever. In the pastorate of this church Mr. Cheever was succeeded by the following ministers: Joseph G. Wilson. H. W. Ballantine, Daniel E. Bierce, Henry S. Little, Blackford Condit, and Edward W. Abbey.
On Dec. 3rd, 1879, these two churches, viz., the First Presbyterian and the Baldwin, the name of the latter having been changed to the Second Presbyterian, were united under the name of the Central Presbyterian church of Terre Haute ; Rev. Thomas Parry was chosen pastor. During his pastorate the church building was remodeled. After his resignation,
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sixty-one members were given letters for the sake of organ- izing the Washington Ave. Presbyterian church. This church was organized in 1884, and at this writing has a sub- stantial brick building on the southeast corner of Washing- ton Avenue and Sixth street. Rev. William Torrance, D. D., is the present pastor of the Central, and Rev. Frank M. Fox, of the Washington Avenue church.
UNIVERSALISTS
The first Universalist church of Terre Haute was organ- ized May 8th, 1841, with twelve members. The first church building was erected on the corner of Fourth and Ohio streets ; Rev. John Kidwell officiated at the dedication. The membership increased to the number of thirty-nine. This building served the congregation for twenty-five years ; when in 1866, preparations were made for the erection of a new building. A handsome lot was secured on Eighth, between Cherry and Mulberry streets. The house was of brick and was completed in 1869, at a cost of some $10,000.00, the seat- ing capacity accommodating 350 persons. The membership at this time amounted to over one hundred. It is said that this organization originated in a debate between Rev. B. F. Foster and some other clergyman. The church enjoyed the services of quite a number of pastors. There are no dates, but the list below gives the names in the order of service: "Rev. B. F. Foster, John Kidwell, George Knapp, James G. Burt, Henry Jewell, S. G. Gibson, F. C. Brooks, - Man- ford, - Allen."
The church building was bought a few years since and fitted up for a Library building. While the house and its location were adapted to church purposes, there was much opposition to purchasing it for a City library. But possibly the city was wise in thus finding a resting place for its library, till the times should become ripe. or the way be opened, for a suitable location upon which should be erected a building worthy of our City. And just now our daily papers an-
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nounce a proposition from Mr. Demas Deming to donate delightful and ample grounds on Ohio street between Sixth and Seventh streets, also the sum of fifty thousand dollars in cash for the erection of a building to be known as the Deming Library Building. There are certain conditions at- tached to this proposal to which the city will doubtless accede.
EARLY TERRE HAUTE
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CHAPTER XV
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS
FROM the first, the school teacher was in demand. In 1817 a young man arrived at Fort Harrison from Vincennes, on . foot. There were among others at the fort a Mr. Dickson and his family. Induced by the Dicksons, and " for the want of something to do," he opened a school in Honey Creek township, the settlers building a small cabin for the purpose. This young man was Lucius H. Scott, who afterwards be- came so favorably known as a successful business man in our town. This enterprise failed on account of the illness of Mr. Scott ; but it goes to show the anxiety of our early settlers to plant schools for their children. The order was, first the home cabin, and then the log school house, both of which were used for church purposes, till a church building could be put up. It is a mooted question as to who was the first teacher in our village. An advertisement in the first news- paper published in Terre Haute is reliable so far as it goes to show that R. W. Gail taught school here in 1824. It an- nounces that he would receive " most kinds of produce in payment for tuition." Doubtless there were school teachers before Mr. Gail of whom we have no record. We have the testimony of Rev. Welton M. Modesitt that Joseph Thayer was the first teacher to open a school in Terre Haute. This we find confirmed in the reminiscences of Mr. William Earle, who is claimed to be the first male child born in the village of Terre Haute. These reminiscences are readable, not only for the cold facts, but for the warm style in which they are writ- ten. He was a land boy, but became by choice a man of the sea, as his language bears witness. In regard to Mr. Thayer, he says: "Joseph Thayer was my first school master. He
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was a man of very steady habits during vacations, that is steady at the whiskey bottle; but in term time he was never known to drink. We boys had to mind how we carried sail, or we would get our head sheets flattened on the wrong tack. Yet he was kind." Again he writes : " We once had a school master by the name of Rathbone. I remember nothing of him, except that the big boys locked him in one Christmas, and burnt brimstone beneath the floor. This was great sport." He tells of another teacher, a Mr. Brown, " who took the starch out of our sails." These all relate to what hap- pened previously to 1823 ; but no exact dates are given. So we are somewhat at sea as to really who was the first teacher. Very possibly there were teachers prior to Joseph Thayer, notwithstanding he was Mr. Earle's first teacher.
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