USA > Indiana > Vermillion County > The people's guide; a business, political and religious directory of Vermillion Co., Ind., together with a collection of very important documents and statistics connected with our moral, political and scientific history; also, A historical sketch of Vermillion County > Part 17
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Owens, James; farmer; 12 m n Summit Grove.
Osborn, J. H .; farmer; I m s e St. Bernice.
249
HELT TOWNSHIP.
OSBORN, HENRY ; grain dealer; Highland P. O .; Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1836.
Pierce, Jacob ; farmer ; 3 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ind. 1842; settled in V. C. 1869. Dem. Protestant.
Porter, J. R .; farmer; 2 m n e Dana. Born in Mass. 1824; sct- tled in V. C. 1837. Rep. Protestant.
Peer, John; farmer; 2 m w Dana. Born in Va. 1803; settled in V. C. 1823.
Peer, David; farmer; 2 m w Dana. Born in V. C. 1851. Dem. Protestant.
Peer, Robert; farmer ; } m s Illiana. Born in V. C. 1849. Dem. Protestant.
Peer, John ; farmer ; 214 m s w Dana. Born in V. C. 1834. Dem. Protestant.
Powers, J. L .; retired physician ; 3 m w Dana. Born in Va. 1803; settled in V. C. 1840. Rep. Christian.
Pearman, Benjamin; farmer; 2 m s e Dana. Born in Ky. 1823; settled in V. C. 1823. Rep. United Brethren.
PUFFER, REUBEN; farmer; 4 m s Dana P. O. Born in Mass. 1826; settled in V. C. 1839. Dem. M. Baptist.
PUFFER, MORGAN; farmer; 4 m s Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1846. Dem. M. Baptist.
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VERMILLION COUNTY.
Pauley, Walter; farmer; 13 m n w St. Bernice P. O. Born in Ind. 1834; settled in V. C. 1844.
Payton, James M .; farmer; I m n St. Bernice P. O. Born in Ky. 1800; settled in V. C. 1830. Rep. U. Brethren.
Price, William M .; farmer; 14 m n St. Bernice. Born in Md. ISII; settled in V. C. 1838. Dem.
Price, William H .; farmer; 1} m n St. Bernice. Born in V. C. 1849. Dem.
Ponton, S .; retired farmer; 1} m s w Montezuma. Born in Va. 1787; settled in V. C. 1835. Methodist.
PEARMAN, JOHN; carpenter and joiner; Hillsdale. Born in Ky. 1818; settled in V. C. 1829. Dem. Christian.
Parman, Samuel; carpenter; Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1849. Dem. Christian.
Parman, Adam; carpenter and joiner; Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1854. Christian.
Pearman, W. R .; farmer; 7 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1849. Indpt. Protestant.
Pearman, Cobert; farmer; 6 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1847. Rep. United Brethren.
Pearman, L. D .; farmer; 2 m n w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1848. Rep. United Brethren.
Prichard, Elias; general merchant; Bono; 3 mn s Dana. Born in V. C. 1838. Rep. Methodist.
25 1
HELT TOWNSHIP.
Peet, J. L .; merchant; Toronto; 13 m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1840. Dem. Protestant.
Potter, Lewis; farmer; 234 m s e Dana. Born in Ohio 1834; settled in V. C. 1861. Rep. U. Brethren.
Pyle, Samuel; farmer; 33 in s w Hillsdale. Born in Ohio 1824; settled in V. C. 1826. Dem. Protestant.
Pearman, William; farmer; } m s Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1835. Rep. United Brethren.
Pluffs, M. C., firm of Pluffs & Van Bantin; general merchandise; Summit Grove. Born in Ky. 1835; settled in V. C. 1874. Rep. Protestant.
Panton, J. S .; farmer; 112 m s w Montezuma. Born in Ohio 1831; settled in V. C. 1835. Rep. Methodist.
Payton, Marion; farmer; 6 m s e Dana. Born in V. C. 1837.
Rep. Protestant.
Payton, John S .; farmer; 5 m n w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1846. Rep. Protestant.
Payton, A. M .; farmer; 3 m n e Saint Bernice. Born in Ky. 1823; settled in V. C. 1830. Rep. United Brethren.
Pearman, S. D .; farmer; 1} m s w Dana P. O. Born in Ky. 1825; settled in V. C. 1828. Rep. United Brethren.
Pearman, David; farmer; 52 m s e Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1843. Rep. United Brethren.
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Payton, James; farmer; 512 m s e Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1835. Rep.
Russell, David; farmer; 2} m e Dana. Born in V. C. 1830. Dem. Protestant.
ROGERS, JOHN ; farmer; 214 m n e Dana. Born in V. C. 1827. Rep. Methodist.
Redman, J. W .; farmer; 112 m n w Dana. Born in V. C. 1855. Dem. Protestant.
Roshstan, H. W .; farmer; 33 m s w Dana. Born in Ohio 1816; settled in V. C. 1833. Rep. Presbyterian.
Ritchey, Stephen; farmer; 4 m s w Dana. Born in Ind. 1846; settled in V. C. 1867. Dem. Protestant.
RHODES, WILLIAM; clerk; HỆ m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1851. Dem. Protestant.
Richards, John; farmer and saw milling; firm of Koonce & Rich- ards; 1/2 m s e Dana. Born in Ind. 1839; settled in V. C. 1856. Dem. Protestant.
Russell, Richard R .; farmer; 11/2 m n Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1839. Dem. Protestant.
Randall, W. C .; farmer; 3 m n w Hillsdale. Born in Ohio 1828; settled in V. C. 1838. Rep. Christian.
Ralstan, John R .; farmer; 2 m s Dana. Born in Ohio 1822; settled in V. C. 1844. Rep. Presbyterian.
253
HELT TOWNSHIP.
Russell, Samuel; farmer; 3 m n w Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1850. Dem. Protestant.
Russell, Mahlon; farmer; 32 m s w Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1833. Dem. Protestant.
Rhodes, Richman; farmer; 7 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1837. Rep. Protestant.
Russell, William, Sr .; farmer; 3 m n w Hillsdale. Born in Va. 1797; settled in V. C. 1829. Dem. Protestant
Russell, William; farmer; 3 m n w Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1848. Dem. Protestant.
Ryland, David; farmer; 134 m e Dana. Born in Ind. 1842; settled in V. C. 1871. Rep. Protestant.
Russell, M. C .; farmer; 52 m n w Clinton. Born in Ky. 1835; settled in V. C. 1871. Dem. Presbyterian.
RUSH, JAMES ; farmer ; 73 m n w Clinton. Born in Ohio 1817; settled in V. C. 1819. Rep. Protestant.
Rush, Fred .; farmer ; 73 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1858. Rep. Protestant.
Rhodes, Stephen ; wagon maker; Saint Bernice P. O. Born in Ky. 1822; settled in V. C. 1826. Rep.
RUSSELL, RICHARD R .; farmer ; } m n Hillsdale P. O. Born in V. C. 1839. Dem.
REED, JOHN J .; farmer; 13 m n w Saint Bernice. Born in V. C. 1852. Rep.
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REED, DAVID; farmer; 134 m n w Saint Bernice P. O. Born in N. C. 1825; settled in V. C. 1832. Rep. Methodist.
REED, JOHN W .; farmer; I m n w Saint Bernice P. O. Born in N. C. 1822; settled in V. C. 1832. Rep. Methodist.
REED, L. H .; school teacher; I m n w Saint Bernice P. O. Born in V. C. 1849. Rep. Methodist.
REED, A. M .; farmer; I m n w Saint Bernice P. O. Born in V. C. 1852. Rep.
Reed, Jacob; farmer; 1 14 m s Saint Bernice P. O. Born in V. C.
SOUTHARD, WESLEY; farmer : 3 m n Clinton. Born in Va. ISII; settled in V. C. 1829. Rep. Protestant.
Southard, H. R .; farmer and school teacher; 3 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1853. Rep. Protestant.
Southard, E .; farmer ; 3 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1856. Rep. Protestant.
Strain, D. E., Jr .; farmer; 214 m s w Summit Grove. Born in Ind. 1837; settled in V. C. 1837. Rep. Methodist.
STRAIN, DANIEL; farmer; 212 m s w Summit Grove. Born in Ohio 1821; settled in V. C. 1848. Rep. Methodist.
STRAIN, J. H .; student at State Normal School, Terre Haute; 212 ms w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1853. Rep. Protestant.
255
HELT TOWNSHIP.
Shaffer, Henry ; farmer ; 5 m n w Clinton. Born in Germany, 1837; settled in V. C. 1852. Rep. Protestant.
Saxton, George W .; farmer; 23 m s w Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1838. Rep. Protestant.
Staats, Samuel; farmer; 4 m s e Dana. Born in V. C. 1849. Rep. Protestant.
Staats, J. O .; farmer; 4 m s e Dana. Born in V. C. 1847. Rep. Protestant.
Staats, Joseph; farmer and dealer in short horn cattle and Berk- shire hogs; 4 m s e Dana. Born in Va. 1801; settled in V. C. 1830. Rep. Methodist.
Shelly, John B .; farmer and cooper; 3 m s e Dana. Born in Va. 1826; settled in V. C. 1862. Indp. U. Brethren.
Shepard, Hiram; physician and surgeon; Dana. Born in V. C. 1836. Dem. Protestant.
Skidmore, George; farmer; 34 m n w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1824. Rep. Methodist.
Stewart, J. F .; farmer ; 31/2 m n e Dana. Born in Va. 1825; settled in V. C. 1857. Rep. Protestant.
Sturm, John ; farmer ; 2 m n e Dana. Born in Wertemburg, Germany, 1838; settled in V. C. 1864. Dem. Protestant.
Santhard, H .; farmer ; 1} m n w Dana. Born in V. C. 1851. Rep. Protestant.
Sturm, Henry; farmer; I m s w Dana. Born in Germany 18 -; settled in V. C. 1864.
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VERMILLION COUNTY.
Smith, N. R .; farmer ; 312 m s e Dana. Born in N. Y. 1832; settled in V. C. 1842. Dem. Protestant.
Short, R .; farmer; 4 m n w Summit Grove.
Short, E .; farmer; 4 m n w Summit Grove.
Short, Richard; farmer; 4 m n w Summit Grove.
Strain, John; farmer and stock trader; I m s w Summit Grove. Born in Ohio 1806; settled in V. C. 1849. Rep. Prot.
Skidmore, Josiah; farmer; } m from Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1831. Rep. Methodist.
Sturgin, John F .; farmer; 5 m s e Dana. Born in Ky. 1822; settled in V. C. 1865. Dem. Protestant.
SMITH, GEORGE W .; farmer; 42 m s e Dana. Born in Ill. 1847; settled in V. C. 1848. Rep. United Brethren.
SMITH, JOHN; farmer; 5 m se Dana. Born in Ohio 1820; settled in V. C. 1848. Rep.
Staats, John H .; farmer; 5 m s e Dana. Born in Ohio 1806; settled in V. C. 1829. Rep. Methodist.
Shecly, G. W .; farmer; 3 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ohio 1817; settled in V. C. 1841. Rep. Protestant.
Sheely, B. H .; farmer; 3 m n w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1847. Rep. United Brethren.
STOKESBERRY, M. H .; farmer; 5 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1840. Rep. Methodist.
257
HELT TOWNSHIP.
STOKESBERRY, P. M .; farmer ; 412 m n w Clinton. Born in Ohio 1808; settled in V. C. 1832. Rep. Methodist.
Stokesberry, A .; farmer; 4} m w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1844. Rep. Methodist.
Seely, Charles; telegraph operator; Hillsdale. Born in Ind. 1847; settled in V. C. 1872. Rep. Protestant.
STAATS, JOSEPH & SONS; BREEDERS OF AND DEAL- ERS IN SHORT HORN CATTLE AND BERKSHIRE HOGS; farm and residence 4 m s e Dana.
SKIDMORE, WILLIAM; farmer; Toronto P. O .; residence 6 m s w Dana. Born in V. C. 1819. Rep. Protestant.
Skidmore, Andrew; farmer; 512 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1846. Rep.
Skidmore, Edwin; farmer; 512 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1853.
Skidmore, Sarah J .; farmer; 512 m s w Dana P. O. Born in Ohio 1827; settled in V. C. 1834. Methodist.
Skidmore, W. H .; farmer; 6 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1853. Rep.
Skidmore. G. F .; farmer; 6 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1855. Rep. Methodist.
Skidmore, J. F .; farmer; 6 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1857. Rep. 17
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Skidmore, T. J .; farmer ; 5 m s w Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1849. Rep. Methodist.
Shepherd, Thomas; boot and shoemaker; St. Bernice. Born in Ky. 1828; settled in V. C. 1873. Dem.
Shaw, C. W .; farmer; 3} m s w Dana P. O. Born in Va. 1823; settled in V. C. 1864. Indpt.
Smith, C. H .; farmer and mechanic; 32 m s Dana P. O. Born in N. Y. 1836.
TWEEDY, WAKEFIELD; physician and surgeon; Saint Ber- nice. Born in Illinois 1836; settled in V. C. 1871. Rep. Christian.
TILLOTSON, GEORGE B .; MERCHANT; FIRM OF PRICHARD AND TILLOTSON, GENERAL MER- CHANDISING; Bono P. O .; 3 m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1850. Rep. M. Baptist.
TILLOTSON, DANIEL G .; farmer; 4} m s Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1825. Rep. M. Baptist.
Tillotson, William T .; farmer; 412 m s Dana P. O. Born in V. C. 1854. Rep. M. Baptist.
Temple, George W .; farmer; 114 m s Dana. Born in N. H. 1820; settled in V. C. 1841. Rep. Methodist.
TAYLOR, W. M .; general merchandise; firm of Taylor & Bro .; Bono and Dana. Born in V. C. 1844. Dem. Presb.
259
HELT TOWNSHIP.
Thompson, M .; farmer; 2 m s Hillsdale. Born in V. C. 1826. Rep. Methodist.
Thompson, Walles; 212 m s Hillsdale. Born in Ky. 1819. Protestant.
Thomas, T. J .; farmer ; I m n Hillsdale. Born in Ky. 1840. Dem. Protestant.
Thomas, John ; farmer ; . 12 m n Hillsdale. Born in Ind. 1833; settled in V. C. 1863. Rep. Protestant.
Terry, L. M .; farmer ; 214 m s e Dana. Born in V. C. 1845. Rep. Protestant.
Thomas, M. Henry ; farmer; 34 m n Dana. Born in Germany IS32; settled in V. C. 1855. Rep. Protestant.
Thompson, H. M .; blacksmith; Bono; 3 m s Dana. Born in Ind. 1840; settled in V. C. 1873. Rep. Methodist.
Tullis, Samuel; farmer; Bono; 3 m s Dana. Born in Va. 1794 ;: settled in V. C. 1835. Rep. Christian.
Thorn, J. J .; farmer; 32 m e Dana. Born in Ky. 1816; settled: in V. C. 1864. Dem. Protestant.
Thorn, F. P .; farmer ; 32 m s e Dana. Born in Ky. 1853; set -- tled in V. C. 1864. M. Baptist.
Taylor, Sanford ; farmer ; 6 m s e Dana. Born in V. C. 1847 .. Dem. Protestant.
Taylor, J. W .; farmer ; 6 m n e Dana. Born in V. C. 1835 .. Rep. Protestant.
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TILLATSON, G. B .; farmer ; 412 m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1825. Rep. M. Baptist.
Tillatson, Wm. T .; farmer ; 432 m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1854. Rep. M. Baptist.
Thompson, Charles; farmer; 3 m s Dana. Born in Ind. 1854; settled in V. C. 1856. Dem. M. Baptist.
Thompson, David; farmer; 13 m n w Dana. Born in Ind. 1849; settled in V. C. 1856. Dem. Protestant.
Thompson, Mrs. Lucinda; farmer; 2 m s w Dana. Born in Md. 1813; settled in V. C. 1856. M. Baptist.
Thompson, Wm .; boot and shoemaker; 12 m s Dana. Born in Ky. 1818; settled in V. C. 1839. Dem. Protestant.
Thompson, David D .; farmer; 112 m s Dana. Born in Ky. 1827; settled in V. C. 1839. Dem. Protestant.
TAYLOR, J. M .; MERCHANT; firm of W. M. Taylor & Bro .; Bono and Dana; 3 m s Dana. Born in V. C. 1849. Dem. Protestant.
TAYLOR, N. E .; farmer; Bono; 3 m s Dana. Born in Ky. 1823; settled in V. C. 1839. Dem. Protestant.
Underwood, Jacob; farmer ; 3 m w Hillsdale P. O. Born in Pa. 1818; settled in V. C. 1852. Rep. United Brethren.
Underwood, William; wagon maker; 22 m s w Hillsdale.
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HELT TOWNSHIP.
UNDERWOOD, OBADIAH; farmer; I m s w Hillsdale P. O. Born in Pa. 1822; settled in V. C. 1854. Rep.
Underwood, Joseph; farmer; 22 m s w Hillsdale.
Vonhoutin, Emmit; merchant; Summit Grove. Born in Ill. 1852; settled in V. C. 1870. Rep.
Vanduyn, J. H .; farmer; 4 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1851.
Republican.
VANDUYN, JOHN; farmer; 4 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in N. J. 1803; settled in V. C. 1826. Rep. Methodist.
VONHUSS, B. H .; farmer; 4 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Tenn. 1839; settled in V. C. 1863. Dem.
VANDUYN, FRANK B .; farmer; 4 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1854. Rep.
VANDUYN, MARION; farmer; 4 m n w Clinton. Born in V. C. 1856.
Vanduyn, Charles J .; farmer; 4 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in V. C. 1852. Rep.
Wilson, John ; farmer ; 4 m n w Summit Grove P. O. Born in V. C. 1845. Dem.
Watson, James ; farmer ; 54 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in Ind. 1849; settled in V. C. 1874. Dem.
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VERMILLION COUNTY.
Wells, A. E .; farmer ; 8 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in Ind. 1841; settled in V. C. 1871.
WISHARD, JAMES L .; FARMER ; 6 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in Ky. 1794; settled in V. C. 1830. Rep. Meth.
WISHARD, J. H .; FARMER ; 6 m n w Clinton P. O. Born in V. C. 1830. Rep. Methodist.
Whetsel, Andrew; harness maker; I m e St. Bernice P. O. Born in Ohio 1816; settled in V. C. 1847. Rep.
Wells, J. R .; farmer ; 3 m s w Dana. Born in Ky. 1839; set- tled in V. C. 1873. Dem. Protestant.
Wishard, Stewart; farmer ; 3} m's Dana. Born in V. C. 1854. Rep. Protestant.
WISHARD, JOHN R .; 2} m s Dana. Born in Ky. 1808; set- tled in V. C. 1853. Rep. Methodist.
Wishard, James A .; farmer; 2} m s Dana. Born in Ind. 1850; settled in V. C. 1853. Rep. Protestant.
Wishard, John A .; farmer ; 21/2 m s Dana. Born in Ind. 1846; settled in V. C. 1853. Rep. Protestant.
Wellman, Elijah ; farmer ; 4 m s e Dana. Born in Ohio 1809; settled in V. C. 1854. Dem. Methodist.
Wilson, J. C .; 2 m s w Montezuma. Born in Pa. 1827; settled in V. C. 1857. Rep. Methodist.
Wellman, W. B .; farmer; 4 m s e Dana. Born in Ohio 1846; settled in V. C. 1854. Dem. Methodist.
263
HELT TOWNSHIP.
White, J. H., Jr .; farmer; 312 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1843. Rep. Protestant.
White, R. M .; farmer; 32 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1840. Rep. Protestant.
WHITE, JAMES H .; farmer; 3 m n Clinton. Born in Tenn. 1805; settled in V. C. 1832. Rep. Protestant.
White, Warren ; farmer; 3 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1848. Rep. Protestant.
White, F. P .; farmer; 3 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1836. Rep. Protestant.
White, C. M .; medical student; 3 m n Clinton. Born in V. C. 1853. Rep. Methodist.
WALKER, GEORGE; farmer; Highland. Born in Ind. 1848; settled in V. C. 1872. Rep. Christian.
Wishard, R. T .; undertaker, and dealer in furniture; Bono; 3 m s Dana. Born in Ind. 1848; settled in V. C. 1854. Rep. Methodist.
White, Enoch; farmer and grazier ; 12 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ky. 1814; settled in V. C. 1821. Rep. Meth.
WHITE, S. R .; farmer and grazier; 1/2 m n w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1838. Rep. Methodist.
WHITE, O. J .; farmer and grazier ; I m s w Summit Grove. Born in V. C. 1833. Rep. Protestant.
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Wood, M. B .; minister M. E. Church; Born in Ind. 1840; set- tled in V. C. 1873.
Watson, Dewitt C .; farmer; 314 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ohio 1831. Rep. Protestant.
Wilson, Able B .; farmer ; 412 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ky. 1816; settled in V. C. 1868. Dem. United Brethren.
Wilson, Able, Jr .; farmer ; 42 m n w Summit Grove. Born in Ind. 1853; settled in V. C. 1868. Dem. Protestant.
Wilman, R. A .; merchant; Saint Bernice. Born in Md. 1822; settled in V. C. 1869. Rep.
Wilson, H. M .; blacksmith; Saint Bernice. Born in N. Y. 1831; settled in V. C. 1873.
Wishard, John O .; farmer; I m n Saint Bernice. Born in Ky. 1805; settled in V. C. 1834. Rep. United Brethren.
Watson, D. C .; carpenter and contractor; 2} m n w Summit Grove P. O. Born in Ohio 1830; settled in V. C. 1836. Rep.
York, Mrs. Elizabeth; residence Bono; P. O. Dana. Born in Ky. 1815; settled in V. C. 1864. Christian.
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VERMILLION TOWNSHIP.
VERMILLION TOWNSHIP.
VERMILLION is a French word and should be spelled with only one 1, though one of the best scholars of this county ordered us to put in two, and as we have learned long since, "When in Rome to do as Rome does," of course we obeyed orders. Webster says it signifies "A bright-red sulphuret of mercury, consisting of sixteen parts of sulphur and one hun- dred parts of mercury. It is sometimes found native, of a red or brown color and is then called Cinnabar. It is used as a pigment." The early French who first explored this beautiful valley, doubtless found some minerals of this character, which led them to give the name of "Big Vermillion " and "Little Vermillion " to the two rivers flowing through the county.
Vermillion is the capital township of the county, Newport being the county seat. It is bounded on the north by Eugene and on the south by Helt townships, on the east by the Wabash river and on the west by the boundary line of Illinois. Like Eugene and other townships in the county, its surface consists of river bottoms, hill lands and prairie. The soil is rich and produces liberally all the usual grains and fruits of the climate. It is well timbered and healthy, and presents many rural scenes of marked beauty and attractiveness.
The county seat was laid out by Stephen S. Collett in the year 1824, and the county was organized in the same year.
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VERMILLION COUNTY.
The first court was held in the cabin of James Blair, in Eugene township, a few hundred yards from the present resi- dence of Hon. John Collett, and by order of the court changed the next day to the cabin of Mr. Josephus Collett, Sr.
The town of Newport is located on a plain which is lined on the south by a beautiful range of hills or river terraces, over- looking the village, and which give the surroundings the aspect of a romantic locality.
The Little Vermillion winds its modest way on the north, while the plain, on which the town is situated, stretches away to the east until it meets the waters of the Wabash.
Limited in population, and wholly unpretending in manufac- tories or enterprise, the county seat, though three-fourths of a mile from the depot of the E. T. H. & C. R. R., may still be set down as a lovely little rural village. Its population is about 500.
The first commissioners of the county were John Hain, Thos. Durham and Isaac Chambers, who appointed W. W. Kennedy Clerk of the Court.
The early history of the bar of this county, if written out, would make an interesting chapter in jurisprudence, as well as in forensic eloquence. But as most of these lawyers held their homes in other counties, the story of their lives does not belong here.
The bar of the present day, here, comprises R. E. & M. G. Rhoads, Joshua Jumps, Robert Seers, Charles W. Ward and - Whitmore. Of physicians they have Drs. M. L .. Hall, Clark Leavette and L. Sheperd.
The present county officers are, W. M. Gibson, Clerk; Thos. Cushman, Auditor; James A. Foland, Treasurer; R. E. Ste-
·
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VERMILLION TOWNSHIP.
vens, Recorder; Lewis H. Beekman, Sheriff. Of the first dis- trict Wm. F. Bales is County Commissioner; Abel Sexton of the second, and B. M. Riggs of the third. Stephen B. Gard- ner was one of the early Clerks of the county and served for many years. He was followed by John M. Rush, A. B. Florer and James A. Bell.
Of the early settlers of the township many are gone the way of the earth. Their high respectability and moral worth would commend them to favorable notices in this connection, but un- fortunately we have but very limited data to go upon, and, therefore, can do but little more than to merely insert their names.
Joel Dicken was one among the first residents of the town- ship. He came from Prairie Creek, Kentucky, in 1821, and settled where Newport now stands. His son, Ben. K. Dicken, now lives about a mile from the county seat.
Among old citizens of worth and respectability who are living or dead, we may mention Robert Stokes, Adam Zenor, Wm. Nichols, Major John Gardner, Alexander Moorehead, Daniel A. Jones, now a resident of Chicago; John C. Johnson, Richard Potts, Henry Bitson, &c. Most of these are still living, and make, among other reputable and prosperous families, leading citizens of the township and county.
Rev. John W. Parrott, whom we knew when a boy, was the son of Rev. Robert Parrott, of Evansville. He is a local elder in the Methodist Church, as his father also was. "Dick," now known as the Rev. Richard Parrott, lives in Gibson county, and Judge John F., another brother, lives in Evansville. Major Robert Parrott, of the One-hundredth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteers, was killed at Vicksburg. The fortunes of a farm
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VERMILLION COUNTY.
owned by the father, now covered by the city lots of Evans- ville, made this whole family rich for life. We are pleased to find John very highly esteemed among the citizens here.
O. P. Davis, lawyer and farmer, living below the county seat a few miles, came to the county thirty-four years ago, and after practicing law for a number of years, has turned his attention to farming as being a much happier, if not a more honorable calling, than that of the law. There are but few more intelli- gent men in the county than O. P. Davis
There is one very respectable newspaper published in New- port, which is called the Hoosier State, S. B. Davis, editor. It is Republican in politics and agrees with the prevailing senti- ment of the county.
The business houses of Newport are quite respectable for the size of the place. The Court House is well built and sub- stantial, and many of the dwellings look cozy and comfortable. They have one bank, chartered in 1871, with a capital of $60,000. Officers, Able Sexton, President, and S. S. Collett, Cashier.
Vermillion township is nearly eight miles square, and the tax estimates of its lands is placed at $24 per acre.
There is a fine merchant mill at Newport owned by Curtis & White.
The improved land of this township may be set down at 20,244 acres, and valued, including the farm implements, at $766,523. The live stock is estimated at $149,515. Value of all productions, $180, 456. Bushels of Indian corn raised, 138,630. Population of the township in 1870, 2, 134.
From Edward Y. Jackson, Township Trustee, we get the following statement of their schools:
269
VERMILLION TOWNSHIP.
Ten school houses in the country, value $6, 500; two in New- port, one house, value $1,200; scholars enrolled, 800; admitted to school, 560.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Newport ; Rev. Montgomery, pastor ; members, 60; value of church property, $1000. Con- nected with this church is a highly prosperous Sabbath school ; number of scholars, 100; superintendent, Lewis H. Beekman.
Lebanon Methodist Episcopal Church ; 6 miles southwest of Newport ; pastor in charge, Rev. Montgomery ; value of church property, $1000; number of members, 43. This church also has a small but interesting Sabbath school, conducted by Rufus P. Little, superintendent; number of scholars, 30.
United Brethren Church; 212 miles south of Newport; or- ganized 1832; Rev. James H. Anderson, pastor ; members, 44; value of church property, $800; number of Sabbath school scholars, 30; James M. Nichols, superintendent.
Vermillion Chapel; four miles southwest of Newport; Rev. E. Mason, pastor ; number of members, 25; value of church property, $1000 ; class-leader, R. Clearwater ; trustees, Richard Clearwater, John Highfill, W. Carmack and Henry Jackson.
Presbyterian Church, Newport; small in membership; no regular pastor ; a good church property, worth $1000.
Friends' Church, Quaker Hill ; small membership.
Bethel Chapel, United Brethren Church; two miles south of Newport ; Rev. James H. Anderson, pastor ; value of property, $800 ; number of members, 30. Has a small Sabbath school, with an average attendance of 15 scholars; James M. Nichols, superintendent ; Wm. Nichols, Jr., and James F. Wells, trus- tees ; Sabbath school was organized in 1874.
270
VERMILLION COUNTY.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Newport Lodge, No. 209, F. & A. M .; A. Sexton, W. M .; R. M. Sexton, S. W .; Seth Knight, J. W .; Joshua Jump, Sec .; members, 30; value of property, $2,500.
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