Warrick and its prominent people : a history of Warrick County, Indiana from the time of its organization and settlement, with biographical sketches of some of its prominent people of the past and present, Part 3

Author: Fortune, William, 1863-1942
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Evansville, Ind. : Courier Co.
Number of Pages: 218


USA > Indiana > Warrick County > Warrick and its prominent people : a history of Warrick County, Indiana from the time of its organization and settlement, with biographical sketches of some of its prominent people of the past and present > Part 3


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In 1818 the county commissioners granted a license to Jacob Keel " to run a ferry across the Ohio river, opposite the foot of Monroe street, in Mount Prospect."


The first men engaging in mercantile business in this place were Abner Luce and Abraham M. Phelps. Also, among the early business men, were Chester Bethell, William Shelby, Al- bert Hazen and W. Fuquay.


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


On October 23, 1829, Abner Luce purchased the land lying east of State street, which is now known as Gray's Enlargement, and had the town of Newburgh laid out. Thus, two towns, Sprinklesburgh and Newburgh, were situated within a stone's throw of each other, yet the two consolidated, although called towns, literally speaking, would hardly have been entitled to the name. Lying between these two "towns" were about three acres of ground of a triangular shape, with the appearance of a wedge cutting in twain that which should be one. In 1837 the Legislature, passed an act consolidating the two under the name of Newburgh, the wedge included.


The growth of Newburgh up to 1830, when the first census was taken, was very slow. The population at that time num- bered only thirty-seven, and a few small houses scattered along the river bank constituted the town. However, during the next


The first church in the town was established by the Presby- thirty years, it improved and progressed far more rapidly. terians in 1837, and Chester Elliott is said to have taught the first school in an old log building in Sprinklesburgh.


Delany Academy, chartered by the State, was organized in 1844, under the supervision of the Presbyterian church, Rev. Berry Hall, Abraham M. Phelps and other influential members of that denomination having been instrumental in securing its es- tablishment. This Academy was conducted by learned and chor- ough instructors. Under their efficient management it attained a wide popularity, and was attended by a large number of pupils from abroad. Delany Academy was of great benefit to New- burgh, both pecuniarily and educationally; but after the estab- lishment of the Newburgh Graded School the Academy was sus- pended.


The first newspaper published in Warrick county was the Chronicle, established at Newburgh in 1848, R. S. Terry, editor


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Newburgh.


and publisher. Politically, the Chronicle was Whig. In 1850 it was succeeded by the Warrick Democrat, Calvin C. Frery, ed- itor and publisher. It was an advocate of Breckenridge-Demo- cratic principles. In 1857 the Democrat was removed to Boon- ville.


In 1850 the first coal mine, know as the "Phelp's Coal Bank," was opened on the banks of the Ohio river. The enter- prise proved profitable, and the opening of other mines soon fol- lowed, which were also remunerative to the proprietors. These mines now ship a large amount of coal to manufacturers and consumers along the river, besides supplying steamboats and the home demand. A large number of persons are employed in the mines, and Newburgh may appropriately be called a "mining town."


In 1854 the publication of the Newburgh Tribune was com- menced, with Isaac Falls as editor and publisher. It was Know- Nothing politically, and ceased publication at the end of one year.


The publication of the Warrick Democrat was again com- menced a few months after its suspension and continued until 1862, when it again suspended.


On May 9, 1867, the publication of the Warrick Herald, an " anti-Rebel-Ku-Klux-Democrat" paper, was commenced, with Jacob V. Admire as editor and publisher. The Herald was ably edited and flourished for a while, but was finally forced to sus- pend from want of sufficient patronage. Several other papers have appeared and disappeared in Newburgh during the last twelve years. The Newburgh Ledger was published successively by Wm. Corwin Root and Keith & Slaughter. The Newburgh Times was also published for a while by Geo. Swint. But, alas ! all have passed away, leaving not even an old " file " for the ed- ification of posterity. If the appreciation is to be measured by the support given a home paper Newburgh is best satisfied with her present condition in that particular.


4


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


In a business point of view Newburgh is now in a lethargic condition, from which the more enterprising and energetic citi- zens are endeavoring to arouse it. Fifteen years ago Newburgh reached her greatest prosperity, since when it has gradually been retrograding. Its present condition is attributed to the indiffer- ence of the citizens in not taking advantage of the opportunities for securing a railroad commercial outlet and several extensive manufacturing establishments. The town is admirably situated on the Ohio river, nine miles above Evansville, and is the best shipping point on the river, thus offering extraordinary induce- ments for the location of manufacturing establishments. Her supply of coal is inexhaustible and is sold at a low rate. The town is surrounded by rich farming land. At present it con- tains about seventy places of business, professional, mechanical and mercantile, a population of 1,282, according to the last cen- sus, five churches, one lodge of F. & A. M., one I. O. O. F., one I. O. G. T., one K. of P., one D. O. H., a Graded School, with a High School commission from the State, and, besides, contains more fine residences than any other town of the same size in this part of the State. In her natural resources alone Newburgh will find her greatest wealth, and the " open sesame " to the development of these is a little enterprise and "Yankee pluck."


VILLAGES IN WARRICK.


DARLINGTON.


DARLINGTON-MILLERSBURGH-LYNNVILLE-FOLSOMVILLE -- SEL-


WIN-YANKEETOWN, AND OTHER VILLAGES.


DARLINGTON .- This once promising village was situated about four miles above Newburgh, and less than one mile from the Ohio river. In 1814 the county seat was removed from Evansville to Darlington, which gave to the latter considerable importance in county affairs. The property owners in the place donated a large tract of land to the county, and on July 15, 1814, Wm. Briscoe, the county agent, sold the first " town lot," Jno. Sprinkle purchas- ing it for $30. On July 26, 1816, the official plat of Darlington was recorded. Being the capital of a county covering a large area of rich land, and as a commercial point admirably situated, Darlington was then regarded as a town of great promise, and pioneer speculators were eager to own land there. Town lots sold readily, and it is recorded that Hon. Ratliff Boon, on November 15, 1816, paid $42 for lot No. 42.


One of the first churches in the county was built at Darlington. Rev. Hobbs, of the Baptist denomination, the pioneer preacher of Warrick, located first at Darlington. Rev. John Youngblood erected a church near Darlington in 1825, which is now used as a stock pen.


In 1815 Daniel Deckrow, the lowest responsible bidder, was awarded the contract for building a court house in Darlington, which is described as follow: "Twenty by twenty-five feet square of well hewn logs, not less than one foot square, to be one story and a half high, the upper half story to be six feet high,


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


three windows large enough to receive eighteen lights of sash, two floors, one staircase, bar, jury box and judge's bench, two doors, shingle roof, and one partition above, with a door through the same, two windows above of the same size as the window be- low, completing the same with locks, bolts and hinges, etc." The cost of this court house was $290.


In 1818 the seat of justice of Warrick was removed from Dar- lington to Boonville, by enactment of the Legislature, and the owners of land in the former place were granted the privilege of taking in lieu thereof lots in the latter. To Darlington this was a death warrant. The "town," consisting of a court house and about a dozen houses, soon disappeared, and the ground on which the capitol of Warrick county once stood is now a prolific farnı, all evidences of a town having long since passed away.


MILLERSBURGH.


Millersburgh, a village situated in Campbell township, about nine and a half miles northeast of Boonville, was laid out for the heirs of Phillip Miller, who was one of the earliest settlers of the township. The village is chiefly notable for its early enterprise and what it once was. In 1824 Phillip Miller built a small mill at this point, but in those days it was regarded as a great enter- prise. It is claimed that Luke Grant also built a mill here at about the same time, hence, the appropriateness of the village's name is susceptible of more reasons than one. It was truly a Miller's-burgh. The first merchant of whom anything is remem- bered was John Rasor. Samuel Parker and Moses Condit were the first to teach school in this vicinity. In 1859 the M. E. church was erected, and in 1873 the present school house. The old Wabash and Erie canal passed by this place, and at the time of its operation Millersburgh was most prosperous. The aban- donment of the canal and remote situation of the village from any commercial outlet, have been impediments to its growth.


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Villages in Warrick.


However, it is a prosperous village, contains about thirty houses, two churches, a school house and a Masonic hall. The enumer- ation of the business pursuits is, viz .: Two dry goods stores, one tobacco warehouse, one blacksmith shop, one bar-room, a grist mill, a coal mine, and three physicians. Population, 105.


LYNNVILLE.


Lynnville, situated about ten miles north of Boonville, in Hart township, was laid out by John Lynn, after whom it was named. Lynn opened a saddle and harness shop in the place in 1839, and Daniel Zimmerman opened a store in 1840. Among the early business men were the Kirkpatrick brothers, Vanada broth- ers, James McGill, and Hubbard Taylor. The first church was erected by the Methodists. The village, which is one of the largest in the county, contains two churches, Methodist and Bap- tist, I. O. O. F. and Masonic hall, together with a good repre- sentation of the various business pursuits. Population, 304.


FOLSOMVILLE.


Folsomville, lying in the southeastern part of Owen township, about eight miles northwest of Boonville, was laid out on land owned by Riley Rhoads and Benjamin Folsom, on the 27th day of January, 1859. In honor of its principal owner the village was named Folsomville. The first to engage in business here was Daniel Rhoads, who was soon succeeded by a man named Duncan. Among the early business men were Folsom & Crow, George Colman, Bright & Dimmit, Isaac Houghland, J. G. Shryock, Brown & Wright, and Houghland & Fisher. A mill and carding machine was erected in 1866 by Pemberton & Lee, and in 1868 Folsom & Carnahan also built a flouring mill. A lodge of the I. O. O. F. was organized here in 1876. Religion in this locality, until recently, was at a low ebb, and the only church the village ever had was built by the Baptists about the year 1860, which has long since disappeared. Folsomville contains


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


a graded school, two dry goods stores, one drug store, two sa- loons, one mill, a blacksmith shop, two carpenter shops, and five physicians. Population, 194.


SELVIN.


Taylorsville, lying in the northeast part of Pigeon township, fif- teen miles northeast of Boonville, was laid out on land owned by Geo. Taylor, on the 13th day of July, 1839, by Hansel Ingram, Isham Hale and V. L. Morris. The village was called Taylorsville in honor to George Taylor, and even now is best known by that name; but there being another post office in Indiana bearing the same name, the former was changed to Polk Patch, which was also changed to Selvin in 1881. Among those who first engaged in business here were George Taylor, Mark Reavis, Joseph De- vin, Green Lasefield, Henry Evans and Joshua Whitney. A Methodist church was founded here at an early day, and its first pastors were Rev. Wm. Webb and Rev. Isham West. Near the site of the present M. E. church the first school house was built, in which Joseph Hungate was the first to teach. The Catholics erected a church here in 1865. A flouring mill was established at an early day by Messrs. Oatley & Day, which is now owned by J. F. Katterjohn. The village contains four stores, two drug stores, a Graded School, two blacksmith shops, two cooper shops, one steam flouring mill, two hotels and four physicians. Popu- lation, 222.


YANKEETOWN AND OTHER VILLAGES.


Yankeetown, situated in Anderson township, ten miles south of Boonville, was laid out by Thomas Day on April 9, 1858. The early inhabitants were principally Yankees, hence the name. The place has a church, Masonic hall, school house, several places of business, mechanical, mercantile and professional, and its general prosperity is parallel with that of other villages in the county. Population, 178.


Elberfield and Chandler are both embryo villages, but are at present only known as post offices.


EARLY ENTERPRISES.


FIRST MAIL ROUTE-DISCOVERY OF SALT IN 1814-FIRST COAL MINE-MODES OF GRINDING CORN IN EARLY DAYS-MILLS- FIRST FLOUR BROUGHT TO COUNTY-FIRST CHURCH IN COUNTY- WABASH AND ERIE CANAL-WARRICK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS.


Surrounded by the fruits of modern invention and discovery, with a convenient hitch to everything, the present generation of readers are unable to obtain anything like a real idea of the early privations and disadvantages of their pioneer ancestors, and are inclined to treat the accounts or such either with incredulity or indifference. Seventy years ago and less, when the territory which now comprises Warrick county was not inhabited by a dozen families, the main implements of defense and support were the rifle, axe and plow. Machinery of any kind was unknown, and all work was performed by manual labor.


In 1812 the first mail route through this section of country was established, which was from New Harmony to Louisville via. where Boonville now stands. The mail was carried on horse- back by John Williams, two weeks being required to make the round trip. The carrier was frequently delayed by severe weather, high water, etc., and would often have to swim streams of water, the result being wet and badly soiled mail, which it re- quired great care to preserve. The name of the postmaster is now unknown. However, it is said that he could read " writin'." There was really no post office, but the mail was either carried in the postmaster's pocket or kept at his home until called for. On Evansville being made the county seat the mail route was changed, so that it was from New Harmony to Evansville via


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


Boonville to Louisville. Soon after a new route was established between Evansville and Corydon.


In 1814 a party of men undertook an enterprise which, accor- ding to the theory of eminent scientists, would have proved pro- fitable if vigorously prosecuted. Between two and three miles from the Ohio river, on the bank of Cypress creek, they made a bore for salt, their attention having been attracted to the enterprise by the indubitable evidences of the exis- tence in that region of salt-the lickings of deer and other ani- mals. After boring to a considerable depth without any satis- factory results the men engaged in the work became discouraged and abandoned the enterprise.


Up to 1818 the great mineral wealth underlying Warrick county had not been discovered, and in that year the first coal mine was opened on the bank of Pigeon creek, two miles from the Ohio river. However, coal was taken from it only in very small quantities, and the mine being of no pecuniary benefit to the proprietors it was abandoned. Soon after a second was opened on the same tract of land, which, although more profitable than the first, was abandoned because of its distance from the river. In 1850 the first coal shaft was sunk on the bank of the Ohio river in Newburgh, and was known as "Phelp's Coal Bank." Numerous large mines have since been opened and operated in the county with profit.


The early settlers were not afforded the advantages of such a thing as a flouring mill, and even if they had their corn ground at all they would have to go to a Mr. Vannada's, the owner of a rude, old fashioned " hand-mill" in Kentucky. Sometimes they were compelled to go to Panther Creek, Kentucky, to " have a little grinding done." In 1816 a small " horse-mill" was built in Spencer county, and even it was hailed with joy by the farm- ers throughout this part of the State. About the year 1820 a


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Villages in Warrick.


flouring mill was erected at Henderson, Kentucky, and the farmers in the neighborhood of Darlington having raised some wheat, clubbed together and carried about seventy-five bushels in canoes to Henderson, and had it ground for their own use.


Bread made of flour was almost unknown and seldom used in those days. The first bread of the kind now known to have been used in the county was about the year 1819, when a trader came down the river with thirty or forty barrels of flour, among other merchandise, and after trying in vain to exchange it for anything the settlers possessed, except corn or corn-meal, finally offered to trade one barrel of flour for three dozen chickens. The news of this offer being circulated among the settlers, they would hasten to make the trade, and soon nearly all the chickens in the county had been exchanged for flour. Eight or ten families near Boonville sent six dozen chickens to the trader and received in return two barrels of flour, which was equally divided, and it is said that the flour lasted over two years, being used only on rare occasions, and then sparingly.


As the county, developed mills became more numerous and convenient. Among the first in Warrick county was a small one in Campbell township, erected in 1824 by Phillip Miller.


Christianity has had its adherents in Warrick county from the time of the first settlements. In the earlier days services- " meetin' " it was then called --- were conducted in winter at the homes of the church members by the itinerant preacher or cir- cuit rider; in warm weather, generally under the foliage of the forest. In those days the devotion of the people to their religion was not controled by the weather or circumstances. As the county became more thickly settled the people were enabled to erect churches and permanently secure the services of pastors. In 1824 the first church was built. It was constructed of logs, and was situated west of Boonville, near where the fair ground 5


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


now is. It was never completed and could be used only during the summer months. The first preacher of the gospel in Warrick was a Baptist, whose name is not now known. In 1825 John Youngblood erected a Methodist church near Darlington, and he was also the first to preach that doctrine in Warrick.


The Wabash and Erie canal, which passed through Warrick, was one of the most important enterprises and for several years the principal means of travel and freight transportation in the county, but the railroad has superseded it, and all that now re- mains of the canal is its bed.


In 1856 the Warrick County Agricultural Association was or- ganized and incorporated. Suitable ground, one mile west of Boonville, was purchased and inclosed. A large amphitheatre, capable of seating 3,000 persons, with several other necessary buildings, were erected, and a good half mile race track was made. The success of this association from the time of its or- ganization has been something remarkable, and to the commer- cial interests of the county it has been worth thousands of dollars. It is in a perfectly sound condition financially, and gives promise of continuing a source of pleasure and profit to the farmers of Warrick.


The preceding brief narrative of some of the first enterprises of Warrick county is indicative of its progress in that direction, and also of a few of the disadvantages and hardships endured by the pioneer settlers. However, Warrick has not escaped the con- tagious progressiveness of the age, and being now liberally sup- piied with the fruits of Yankee ingenuity we live with more ease.


COUNTY COURTS.


FIRST COURT OF COMMON PLEAS-OFFICERS-FIRST GRAND JURY -INDICTMENTS-VARIOUS SESSIONS OF COURT-ADMISSIONS TO THE BAR-TOMMY HIGGINS' DRUNK-SALARIES OF OFFICERS OF COURT-FIRST CIRCUIT COURT-COURTS AND COURT HOUSE AT DARLINGTON-JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-'SQUIRE SHANE'S DE- CISION.


One month after the organization of Warrick county, April 9, 1813, the first term of the Court of Common Pleas of Warrick County was convened at the residence of Bailey Anderson, near the mouth of Cypress creek. There were no public buildings then, hence the courts were held in the cabins of the settlers, and, it seems, Bailey Anderson's cabin being centrally situated and the most commodious, was generally the place selected for holding such meetings.


The process of administering justice was quite different in those days from the present. The law at that time required three Judges-one Chief Justice and two Associate Judges-to preside over the court. The Associate Judges were generally men more remarkable for their honesty and desire to do justice than for their technical legal judgment or knowledge of the law. Their duties consisted principally in convening and adjourning court, hearing cases of minor importance in the absence of the Chief Justice, etc. Their awkwardness in the performance of these duties and ignor- ance of legal terms frequently led them into ludicrous blunders. As an instance, it is related that on one occasion while court was in session at Darlington, the two Associate Judges, in the absence of the Chief Justice, were compelled to occupy the bench and assume its grave responsibilities. The docket was being disposed


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Warrick and its Prominent People.


of with comparatively little trouble, and, with the exception of the customary awkwardness and slowness, business was moving smoothly, when a case was called up for hearing in which the at- torney for the defendant moved that " the case against his client be thrown out of court on account of some defect in the trial be- low." After hearing the argument on the proposition, the two Associates retired to a corner of the room. After a whispered consultation of several minutes they resumed their seats and the elder Associate, gathering up the papers filed in the case, threw them out-doors, and with much gravity announced that they " guessed the darned thing would have to go out!"


The officers of the first Court of Common Pleas of Warrick County were as follows : ÆEneas McAlister, Chief Justice ; Jas. Mars and Bailey Anderson, Associate Judges; Nicholas Clay- pool, Clerk; and Samuel Mars, Sheriff. Thus organized, the court proceeded to impanel a grand jury of "fourteen good and lawful men " to apply the thumbscrews of the law to evil do- ers in Warrick county, but failing to return any indictments they were discharged. At this session of court, and also the two fol- lowing terms, no criminal cases were tried. The business con- sisted principally in hearing petitions, allowing bills due from the county, and other matters, such as now are the duties of the board of commissioners. Criminal cases were very rare then.


Of the early sessions of court the most important was held on October 18th, 1813, at the residence of Bailey Anderson, when the first criminal case was tried-James Craw vs. Preston Ga- forth, for damages-by a jury of twelve men, who rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, allowing him, with extraordinary mathematical precision, the sum of $32.80. At thisterm William Prince, who afterwards became a judge and gentleman of some distinction, and G. R. C. Sullivan, were admitted to the bar as practitioners. At this term of court the grand jury returned


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County Courts.


their first indictment, which was against John May for passing counterfeit money. Joshua Elkins was also indicted for "'selling liquor, or strong water, without license." While investigating the latter case one of the jurors, Tommy Higgins, got beastly drunk and caused a disturbance in the jury room. He was brought before the court next day on the charge of " drunken- ness and disorderly conduct," and fined $5.00, after which the Judge lectured him on his disgraceful behavior and the hideous- ness of intemperance, and, it is said that Tommy Higgins was never afterwards known to drink intoxicating beverages. The penalty and judge's rebuke made a deep impression upon his mind, and it was a lesson that he never forgot.


At a special session of court held at Evansville on November 15, 1813, an allowance was made to Nicholas S. Claypool, of $30 for one year's service as Clerk of the court ; Samuel R. Mars, for one year's service as Sheriff, $50; Wm. Johnson, one year's service as Prosecuting Attorney, $25; while Æneas McAlister and James Mars were each allowed $22, and Bailey Anderson, $18, as Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Warrick for one year. Here is an item for the political economist to ponder over.




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