Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 4 of those read), 1889 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 4 of those read)

The City of Evansville - Col. Hugh McGary, the First Permanent Settler - The Warrick County Seat - Disastrous Legislation - The Renaissance of 1817-18, Under Evans, Jones and McGary - Seat of a New County - Evansville of 1820 - Hard Times and Sickness - The Town of 1831 - Disasters OF 1832 - Day Begins to Dawn - The Wabash and Erie Canal Phantom - Birth OF River Commerce - The Town of 1835-37 - Crisis of 1837 - The Boom IN the 'Forties - The First Railroads - The War Period - Depression AND Panic - The Railroad Era - The Present City - Its Boundless Energies and Limitless Resources.

®CCASIONALLY an individual attains distinction through circumstances which he has no hand in shaping, though more often he molds the events and creates the means by which prominence among his fellows is secured. He whose name is inseparably connected with the earl}- annals of the now extensive and prosperous city of Evansville was not the creation of adventitious surroundings. His iron will and dauntless courage were forced to overcome many serious obstacles. Had he yielded to adversity, a city might have grown up near where Evansville now is, forced into existence and fastened by the great natural advantages of the location, but with a different name and history. Speculations as to such a result do not lessen the importance of the achievements of Col. Hugh McGar}-, the founder and preserver of a village, which by a process of gradual development, has become a commercial and manufacturing metropolis, well known throughout the Mississippi valley - a city standing abreast of the age, in the possession of its varied improvements and enlightening influences, and holding in its hand the welfare and happiness of more than 50,000 souls.

Col. McGary, a sturdy pioneer, early emigrated from Kentucky to the new Indiana territory and settled in what is now Gibson count}-. Leaving his inland cabin he made his wav to the banks of the Ohio river and purchased from the government, on March 27, 181 2, the land now covered by the city of Evansville. He was not the first pioneer to visit this point. Others of the Anglo-Saxon race had preceded him into the trackless forest, not onlv as pursuers of the wild fur-bearing animals that infested the countrv, but as prospective settlers, seeking new homes for themselves and their descendants. Previous to McGarv's settlement and for some years afterward, an Indian village of the Shawnee tribe occupied the lands near the mouth of Pigeon creek. At times these aborigines were quite troublesome.

A temporary settlement had been made by some white adventurer before the coming of McGary, near the spot where he afterward built his home. In 1809, George Miller, with his family, came here from Kentucky. When the rude raft of this pioneer was landed on the northern shore of the river, his attention was attracted at once by a deserted cabin standing in the vicinity of the present corner of Vine and Water streets. The cabin, made of newh- cut timbers, appeared to have been built but recenll}-, and about it, in the unbroken forest, there was no apparent evidence of an}- other attempt at settlement. This cabin was a welcome sight to the adventurer. Beneath its roof his family found a shelter far more comfortable than the}- had anticipated. However, they were not allowed to remain unmolested, being visited by the Indians, whose demonstrations of hostility drove them back to the Kentucky shore more than once. With the courage and determination characteristic of pioneers, they returned persistently, and at length were allowed to occupy the cabin in comparative peace. Here they remained a few months, and then pushed forward, in search of a permanent home, to a point three or four miles west of the city, where, in what is now Perry township, they settled, and for many years were numbered among the most respectable members of the community.

In other parts of the county settlers' cabins had been erected previously, and in many places the woodman's ax was filling the wild forest with its resounding music of industry and progress.

The seeds of civilization had been scattered, though but thinl}-, and here and there in the wilderness the bright flowers, lifting their heads above the dead leaves of barbarism, were ripening a ri:h fruitage. Along the banks of the river opposite Henderson, or Red Banks, as it was then called, further eastward opposite the mouth of Green river, along the course of Pigeon creek, and in various other localities, the pioneers, drifting here singly and in small groups, had formed limited settlements. One of the first houses, and perhaps the first (for after the lapse of eighty years, in the absence ol any recorded evidence, it is impossible to determine with certainty the question of priority), raised in this immediate vicinity, was a log cabin, which stood on the west bank of Pigeon creek, on land long since swept away by the ever encroaching waters of the Ohio river. The names of the pioneers who felled the first trees on the site of the city and raised the first log cabins must forever remain in obscurity. While their acts were a part of the beginning of the great development whose culmination the citizen to-day enjoys, they had no thought of building a town, and took no steps in that direction.

Col. McGary was the first permanent settler; the first man whose mind grasped the unusual and almost immeasurable advantages of this location ; and to his good sense and unyielding determination were due more than to those of any other individual the successful early growth of the village. He belonged to the " rough and tumble element of the new West. The qualities that gained for him a prominence among men were not the accomplishments and pleasing manners that attract the attention of polite society, but rather the sterling traits of character that unflinchingly endured the hardships of frontier experience, and enabled their possessor to deal with his fellow-men fearlessly and with moderate fairness. He was without extraordinary ability: his equals could be found without difficulty among his neighbors, and before the town of his creation was far out upon the road of prosperity his intellectual superiors towered above him on all sides. His education was limited, though for some years he served acceptably as an associate judge of the Warrick county court. A man of great spirit, he was pugnacious enough to be known as "a fighter," and this was no discredit to him when manhood was often measured by one's ability to maintain his e(juilibrium against the unsteadying influ- ences of strong drinks, and by personal skill and valor in the lights resorted to by men of all classes to settle even the most trivial disputes. Morally, measured by the standards of to-day, he was not of a high order. He was aggressive, and by his strong will and keen foresight fitted for leadership. In personal appearance he was of medium height, stoutly built, brawny; and in his movements agile and athletic. His complexion was swarthy, his eyes dark and piercing, and his countenance broad. His wife was a daughter of Jonathan Anthony, an earlv settler on Pigeon creek, who built the old water mill, first known bv the owner's name and later as Negley's mill. She was a plain woman, with the simple, unaffected manners and industrious habits of her time. Her parents, at her christening, had called her Mary, but she was known by her associates only as " Polly " McGary. Of their several descendants none are left near the scenes of their early struggles and triumphs.

Whether Hugh McGary designed the founding of a town when he left Gibson count)- to locate on the banks of the river; or the advantages of his situation, at first selected for no other than the purposes of a home and a farm, forced upon him the thought, is a matter of speculation. In support of the latter view it may be said that when he came the vast measures of wealth hidden in the bosom of the earth were undiscovered, no attempts had been made to reckon the true value of the boundless forests; commerce, of rich meaning now, was then a word seldom passing the lips of the pioneer; the county of Warrick was not then organized, and existing conditions gave little favor to the entertainment of a design of founding a town. It is certain that he did not come with a colonv and the means requisite for forcing development and growth.

On the other hand the vast extent of Knox county, then having jurisdiction over this territory, and the constantly growing tide of immigration argued to a shrewd observer of the times that new counties must soon be formed and new towns estabhshed as their seats of government. Then and for many years later villages hung all their hopes for growth and greatness upon the one fact of possessing the court-house and having the public business transacted within their limits. The formation of a new county out of the southern portion of Knox, may have been talked of seriously before McGary left his home in Gibson county. As a matter of fact a new county was formed within a year after he entered the lands on which the town was subsequently laid out. How soon he took possession after making the entry, it is not possible to say.

Immigrants came in almost exclusively from Kentucky, and McGary's was soon recognized as a convenient place for crossing the river. He provided a ferry which gave to this point the name of McGarj-'s Ferr}'. At length the time arrived for Mc- Gary to take the first step in the prosecution of a work which later he pursued with great zeal and energy. The territorial legislature, in an act approved March 9th, 1813, authorized the organization of Gibson and Warrick counties, the latter to include all that territory lying west of Harrison county and south of " Rector's base line," embracing the present counties of Perry, Spencer, Warrick, Vanderburgh and Posey. A general law passed at the same session of the legislature prescribed methods b\' which seats of justice for new counties should be selected. It provided for the appointment by the legislature at the time of authorizing the formation of any new county, of five disinterested commissioners to perform this duty, but no such appointment was embraced in the act forming the two new counties, and the legislature adjourned without correcting the important defect. During the next session of tlie law-makers, on December 14, 1813, the matter received attention. Commissioners were appointed, directed to meet at the mill of Jonathan Anthony, and select a favorable site for the county town. No place in the extensive territory of the new county was especially convenient to the settlers scattered from Harrison county to the Wabash. McGary's place was far from being central, but the men in whose hands lay the power of selection were to conduct their deliberations at the mill of his father-in-law, and he was shrewd enough to seize upon this opportunity of placing before them the advantages of his location. By offering to donate 100 acres of land to the new county he secured a favorable report, and the choice of his lands for the location of the county town. The report was .submitted on June 13th, 1814, and was signed by the following commissioners, Wm. Prince, Daniel Putnam, Alexander Deven, John Milburn and Wm. Hargrove. With reference to the subject the records of the Warrick county court bear this entry: "Tuesday, Junk 14, 1S14. "Ordered by the courts that the donation of one hundred acres of land for the permanent seat of justice for Warrick county be called the town of Evansville and known in law b}- that name. The agent for Warrick county is ordered to proceed immediately to lay off Evansville into town lots making the streets on the bank of the river one hundred feet wide and all other streets sixty feet wide. * * *" soldier and citizen of Gibson county, who at that time was in no way identified with the place. Col. McGary and Gen. Evans had been neighbors in earlier times. Recognizing the General's worth and the advantages to be gained through the weight of his influence, McGary doubtless took this means of enlisting his interest in the welfare of the town. The belief has been current that the town was first called McGary ton, but instead of being supported by any trustworthy evidence this idea is positively refuted b}- the public records, as indicated above. From the outset, in all deeds of convej'ance and papers of a legal character the town was designated as Evansville. For obvious reasons, during the earl}- part of its career the village was very generally spoken of by settlers on both sides of the river as McGary's Ferry or McGary's town.

As directed by the court, the agent for the county, Nathaniel Claypool, proceeded without delay to lav out the town, and before the month of June was passed his work was finished. The town as then platted does not appear upon any of the maps to-day. Indeed, by subsequent legislative enactments that town was virtually blotted out of existence, and after a lapse of time another or second Evansville rose on its site. In this first town the public square was the second block from the river in the extreme eastern portion of the town. Including this square there were 100 lots. From memoranda on the records it is learned that owners of lots in the place were Hugh McGar\', Nathaniel Claypool, R. M. Evans, J. Talbot, Wm. Wagnon, R. Fitzgarratt, J. B. Stinson, E. Stinson, T. E. Alsop, George Linxweiler, J. « Wheatstone, F. Wheatstone, Ashbel Anderson, Daniel Miller, R. McGary, M. McClain, L. Tacketl, J. Miller, W. M. Gilligen, E. Hill, James Marrs, Henry Webster, and Wm. G. Buckler. Manv of these lot owners were non-residents. The town then consisted of less than half a dozen small log cabins, rudely constructed and located to suit the convenience of settlers, with little or no regard to the arrangement of streets.

In compliance with his offer made to the commissioners to secure the location of the county town on his lands, Hugh McGary joined by Polly, his wife, on Jul}- 15, 1814, executed a deed of conveyance by which 100 acres of land were conveyed to Nathaniel Claypool as the agent of Warrick county.

Notwithstanding the evident insignilicance of the place the objects of McGary's ambition seemed destined to be achieved. Thoroughly absorbed in the prospects of handsome realizations, he little suspected that his hopes even then rested on a bending reed, soon to be broken. But he and those whom he had induced to take an interest in his town were soon made to taste the bitterness of disappointment. Before the town was three months old the legislature apparently had fixed its doom. The formation of Posey county in the southwestern corner of the territory so altered the boundaries of Warrick county as to place Evansville at one extremity of the river border, still more than fifty miles in length. Because of this a law was enacted, providing for the removal of the seat of justice of Warrick county from Evansville to a point some thirteen miles eastward, on fractional section No. 7, in township 7 south, of range 8 west, which was referred to in the act directing the change as "the place at first selected bj- the commissioners appointed for the purpose by an act of the legislature at its previous session." There is no ready explanation in the public records of these significant words. They indicate bej'ond doubt that McGary's town was not first choice with the locating commissioners, and was decided upon only after some effort on the part of McGary.

The act was approved by Thomas Posey, governor, September i, 1814. The new town, established by its provisions, was called Darlington, and after a brief and uneventful career passed out of existence, its decadence beintr due to the removal of the scat of justice for Warrick count}' to the town of Boonville. This legislation seemed disastrous to Evansville. As if anticipating an entire abandonment of the place, the legislature provided a means of escape to those who had risked money on its future growth by investing in its lots, by authorizing a return of all purchase moneys and a cancellation of deeds, etc. Thus Evansville was practically legislated out of existence ; the town, as the work of a surveyor was left, but its soul was taken away.

McGary, fearful lest he might be unable to stem the tide setting in against him, and seekins to save himself to some extent, became a purchaser of lots in the new town of Darlington. This was but the placing of an anchor, not a removal from a sinking ship to one ttiat seemed starting with favorable winds upon a promising mission. Instead of surrendering and abandoning hope, he busied his brain to discover some means of avoiding disaster.

In the summer of 1815, Hugh McGary & Co. were granted a license to vend merchandise, by the board of commissioners of Warrick county, and at that time opened the first store in the village of Evansville. Near the mouth of Pigeon creek, at an early day, probably as early as iSii, a Frenchman, whose name is unknown, established a trading post where he exchanged trinkets and ammunition for the furs collected by the Indians. But the hostilities incident upon the war of 181 2 drove him from these parts, and when McGary commenced merchandising he had no competitors near at hand. In the following year Indiana was admitted to the Union; immigration, receiving fresh impulses from this fact, was largely increased; good health generally prevailed, and an era of prosperity was begun. Nevertheless, Evansville continued to go down. Town lots decreased in value until they were worth little more than neighboring wild lands. The late William Linxweiler said, "as an evidence of the value of real estate in the infancy days of Evansville, I may mention the fact that Hugh McGary offered my father an acre of ground on the corner of the block where the First National Bank now stands, for thirty hogs which had been fatted on masf. At the time dressed pork was selling for one dollar and a quarter per hundred weight, pajable in trade or labor. This was just before McGary sold the whole of that part of the town site lying above Main street to James W. Jones and Gen. Evans."

In the meantime McGary was not idle. He retained his residence in Evansville, and made his hospitable home a favorite resort for all classes of citizens. Two years had elapsed since what seemed to be the death warrant of his town had been signed, and it still kept up at least the appearance of life. During this time McGary was on the bench as an associate judge, and made himself and his house so popular with the president judge and attorneys, that regardless of the law's directions, courts were frequently held at his home instead of at that of Daniel Rhoads, or in the court-house at Darlington. Indeed, the validity of judgments rendered under these circumstances was afterward questioned, and it became necessary to have the legislature pass a special act confirming and legalizing them.

from the deplorable condition into which the town was rapidly sinking, and from the death which was visibly near at hand. This McGary set about to accomplish with characteristic determination. Had the choice of a town been left to a popular vote, or had it been possible for the court, as was done in much earlier times, to establish the lines of a new county, his designs in that respect might have been readily gratified. To have the plan favorably acted on by the legislature was not so free from difficulty. A reformation in the world's affairs, or an important step in the advancement or civiHzation of mankind, is seldom the result solely of individual effort. Conditions slowly ripen, circumstances gradually associate themselves into proper relations, when, at the right juncture, some sagacious agent of the times enlists the aid of others, perhaps more able than himself in many respects, and, by shaping forces and directing events, accomplishes a good for the world and a name for himself. But he who sets this train in motion, and then so governs its movements as to reap a reward, is not so much a mere "creature of circumstances " as a skilled workman knowing the art of moulding the frangible and stubborn clay of events. The county had within its borders some discreet politicians, who were not wiUing to permit their welfare, political as well as financial, to be put in jeopardy. To carry out his plan the necessity for influential coworkers became immediatelv evident. The active interest of Gen. Robert M. Evans and James W. Jones was obtained by a transfer to them, from Hugh McGary and Polly, his wife, for $1,300, on June 20, 181 7, of all that part of the fractional section on which Evansville was laid out lying above Main street, except thirty acres previously conveyed to Carter Beaman, containing about 130 acres.

The City Of Evansville

On the 17th of July following, Evansville, it may be said, was born again. On that da}' Evans, Jones and McGary prepared a plan for a town ignoring the streets and lots as previously laid out. What they then platted is known on the maps of to-dav as the " original plan," and reaches, north and south, from Third to Water streets, and east and west, from Chestnut to Division streets. One-half of the public square as shown in the plat lav above Third street. There were 144 lots, eight of which constitute a block, and the following statement as to the plan of the town was signed by the proprietors.

"This town is laid out in squares of eighteen poles by eighteen poles and eighteen links: there is an alley of twenty feet wide through the center of each s(|uare, and at the rear of each lot; the lots contain onefourth of an acre and one-half pole; Water street is about 100 feet wide. Main street is seventv-six feet wide, all other streets are sixty feet wide throughout ; the block through which Main street and Third passes is reserved as a public square."

The men whom McGary associated with him in his final effort to put new life and vigor into his town were able, by reason of their large accj^uaintance and influence, and their knowledge of men and affairs, to render him valuable aid. Gen. Robert Moro-an Evans, whose name was perpetuated in christening the town, was born in 1783, in Frederick county, V^a. ; and at Paris, Kv., in 1803, was married to Miss Jane Trimble, a sister of Judge Robert Trimble of the supreme court of the United States. When twenty-two 3'ears of age he -came to Indiana territory, his richest possessions being youth, health and intellect. He settled in the wilderness about two miles north of where Princeton now is, and at the first sale of public lands, in 1S07, bought the place which his fancv had selected for a home. After four years of pioneer life in the woods he went to \"incennes, where he kept a tavern for two years, returning at the end of this time to his home in the woods. When the war of 181 2 with Great Britain was begun, he offered his services to his country, and in the campaigns of that period gained distinction, serving with such gallantry and signal abilit}' that he rose to the rank of brigadier general. At the close of the war he returned to Gibson county and resumed the arduous work of improving his homestead. His fellow citizens soon elected him to the oflice of count}' clerk, in which capacity he rendered satisfactory service. It was not until 1S24 that he moved to Evansville, and there remained but one year, during which time he resided on his farm near the struggling village. Moving then to New Harmonv, at that time a prosperous village under the control of German socialists, he occupied himself as the landlord of a hotel, at the same time engaging in agricultural pursuits on lands near that place. After an absence of about four 3'ears he returned to Evansville, where he remained until his death in 1S44, living an honorable life and holding a high place in the esteem of the people. In personal appearance he was tall and commanding, of dignified bearing, with a smooth face and open countenance, always attracting attention and admiration. On all occasions he was agreeable and entertaining, and in business transactions a man of sterling integrity. In the combination between himself, McGar}' and Jones for the betterment of their fortunes and the building up of the town of Evansville, he was the man of power and influence.

James W.Jones, as an adventurous pioneer, had pushed his way into the forests of Indiana territory' soon after the organization of a territorial government, and settled near the town of Princeton, where, as a neighbor, he enjoyed the acijuaintance of Gen. Evans and Col. McGary. He was a man of pleasing address, a clever talker, and possessed some means. He, however, lacked that enterprising, persisting spirit and sharp business abilitv essential to a successful competition with the men who came upon the stage of action in the business life of Evansville before his career was ended. For a time he succeeded in business and public life. His popularity and his hold upon the contidence of the people' were shown by the fact that for several years he was selected to perform the duties of clerk of the circuit court. At the same time he prosecuted his business interests with profit, but in the latter part of his career he sustained losses and at length returned to Gibson county, where he died. He was eminently respectable, always, and his sons became in their day prominent and useful citizens.

Having thus glanced at the characters of the men who were endea\oring to save the | young town from abandonment, it may be of interest to know somethin<r of those who made up the opposition. These were chiefly Col. Ratliff Boon and Judge Daniel Grass, men of large attainments and influence. Some facts as to their personality and the manner in which those interested in the success of Evansville at length obtained the formation of a new countv so bounded as to make Evans\ille a central point are recited elsewhere in these pages, in the chapter concerning the organization of the countv.

A short time before his death, in i8Si, Gen. Joseph Lane, whose name occupies an honorable place in the annals of this county and in the history of the nation, wrote a letter concerning the formation of Vanderburgh county from which the following quotations are made :

(to the steam saw-mill of J. J. Audubon at Red Banks in 1816) and rowing back in our skiff that I got acquainted with every one living on the bank of the river, and especially did I get well acquainted with Col. Hugh McGary, and was rather pleased with him. He talked well on the subject of his town site and of the ultimate greatness of his prospective city. With him I walked over a portion of the land. A portion of it I had walked over the year before, solitary and alone. I found him quite in earnest about his town. Not long after this he put up his hewed log house, not far from Mitchell's corner; I think near the spot where, some time after, James Lewis built his dwelling house. Upon tiiis occasion we camped near his house, and he spent most of the night with us, and talked much and complained bitterly of Col. Ratliff Boon, who was, as he held, the only obstacle to his success; that he. Boon, was opposed to the formation of a new county out of Warrick, Posey and Gibson, and so arranging the boundaries as to make his town site central. I was fond of Boon and did not like to hear him abused, but said nothing until after I had obtained employment in theclerk's office (at Darlington). Then the first time I saw Boon I took the liberty of savnng to him that, perhaps he had it in his power, or if he wished he could have a new county formed out of the counties above named and still have them large enough, and by so doing he would make many friends. A few months after I happened to be present at a conversation held in the clerk's office while our circuit court was in session, between Boon, McGary, Gen. Evans and Judge Daniel Grass, all leading men, in which the whole programme of a new county was fullv discussed. Boon mentioned that such chipping of Warrick county would necessitate the re-location of the county seat, and the probable point would be at or near Settee Down's village, where he, a Shawnee chief, had lived with his little band until rSii, and who, before he left to join his nation, had killed some white people in the French Island neighborhood. He was followed and killed by a partv of citizens, among whom Boon figured conspicuously.

" The count}- seat was re-located and located as above mentioned, or suggested, and Boon's name is, and rightly should be, perpetuated. Boonville is still the C(junty seat of Warrick county. The boundaries of Spencer countv were so fixed as to insure the location of the county seat at Rockport, a good location. Vanderburgh count\' was formed so as to make McGary's town site fit in exactly. Gen. Evans had now become part owner. The count}- seat was located and the name of the new proprietor was perpetuated in the now famous city of Evansville. * -* * * * I have endea^-ored to give the little I know of the influence of the men who shaped and formed boundaries of counties and location of county seats, all of which was understood by the actors a year or two before the great work was accomplished, all of them more or less interested; and still all they did resulted in great public good. Ratliff Boon, Daniel Grass and Gen. Robert M. Evans were more than ordinarv men in their day, and deserve a place in the history of Indiana."

Confidence in the ultimate ratification by the legislature of the plan agreed upon in this conference at Darlington had a salutary effect upon the town of Evansville. Though this legal ratification was not made until January, i8iS, the town in the previous summer had been replatted and a large portion of the contiguous territory had passed into the possession of Gen. Evans and Mr. Jones. In the meantime, in 1816, J. Vigus had been licensed to vend foreign merchandise in the place, and others found here a favorable place for permanent location. The enthusiasm of McGar\' and his great confidence in the future greatness of his town, no doubt, had much influence in causing settlers to locate in the place. He evinced his determination to achie\e success by makingsuch improvements as the facilities of the times afforded. At length the whole plan received legislative approval. The bill providinir fir the organization of Vanderburgh countv and carrying out other features of the scheme became a law on January 7, 1818, and McGary was permitted to enjoy a triumph and a gratification of his ambition, such as seldom comes to the pioneer. That his hopes had been almost crushed when the tide of prosperity seemed turned from his doors to those of Darlington, appears in the fact that, while the legislature had provided means for his recovery of title to the 100 acres of his town site previouslj- conveyed to Warrick county, he had neglected to repossess himself of these lands. When the new county of Vanderburgh was formed, it was found that the title to a great portion of the lands on which the new Evansville stood was vested in Warrick count}', and there seemed to be some doubt as to the existence of a lawful warrant for their transfer to McGary. To correct this condition of affairs the legislature passed an act to authorize the agent of Warrick county to reconvey to Hugh McGary, the lands which he had previously- conveyed to Warrick county through its agent. The act was approved by Jonathan Jennings, governor, Januar}' 28, 181S.

About this time Col. McGary succeeded in having a post-office established at Evansville with himself as postmaster. His commission was dated February 20, 1818. The mails came b}- land from Vincennes at widel}'

Offjcja L Reports

As commissioners to determine the location of the seat of government for the new county the legislature appointed Wm. Margrove, Archibald Scott, Arthur Harbison, John Stephens, and John x-Mlen. Of tiiese, only the two first named appeared at the time and place designated for their meeting. To till the \'acancies occasioned by the failure of the other members of the commission to be present, Thomas E. Casselberry, Wilson BuUett, and Elias Barker were appointed. When these men were readv for the transaction of business the following proposition was submitted for their consideration :

Gentlemen: - The undersigned proprietors of the town of Evansville beg leave to present to your consideration the following proposition, to-wit ; Provided you shall feel disposed to tix the seat of justice for the countN' of \'anderburgh in the town of Evansville and have the square which has been designated as the public square on the plat of said town located as the public S(]uare for the said seat of justice on which the public building shall be erected, we propose to give as a donation to and for the use of said county, lOO lots including said public square, that is, the lots included in said square with the streets and alle3's appertaining thereto, according to the plan of said town, as a donation for the use and benefit of said county of Vanderburgh, which we will convey on the terms aforesaid to such persons as may be autliorized to receive a conveyance for the same, for tile purpose aforesaid. In addition to the aforesaid donation we are authorized by Mr. John Gwathne}-, of Louisville, Ky., to give a donation to the use of said county of $500 in cash or such materials as will suit in the erection of the said public buildings, to be paid by the said John Gwathney as the said buildings progress on order from the county commissioners, for which donation we make ourselves personally and individually responsible. On that part of the land proposed as a donation there is a grave\ard, which is on the land belonging to Hugh McGary, one of the proprietors; at this place the said Hugh Mc- Gary reserves one acre of ground to include said graveyard in such manner as to do the least possible injury to said town, which he reserves as a graveyard, the title of which he will not di\est himself of in any wav. These proposals are respectfully submitted to 3'our consideration. Bv

Notwithstanding the pre-arranged plan by which Evansville was to be chosen as the seat of government for the county, tradition says that another aspirant at the proper time entered the lists as a competitor for the honor and advantage. This was Mechanicsville, then an insignificant collection of cabins, whose claims were pressed because of its more central location. The inducements and arguments offered by the promoters of this town were insufiicient to secure for it the coveted prize. The report of the commissioners is as follows:

"Gentlemen: - Having been appointed agreeable to law to fix the permanent seat of justice in and for the said county of Wanderburgh, being first duly sworn, we therefore report as follows, to wit: We have satisfactoril}- examined the situation of said county and having taken into consideration the local advantages of said county have determined on fixing the permanent seat of justice for the said county of Vanderburgh on the square designated as the public square in the plan of the town of Evansville. In making this selection we have paid respect to what we consider the local advantages of said county, although the town of Evansville is not precisely the center of said county, yet we find that although the town of Evansville is on the bank of the Ohio river, yei from the bend of said river extending into said county much farther than the general course of said river is wont to do, that this site is the most eligible situation which can be procured equall}^ near the center. The proprietors of the said town of Evansville have proposed to give as a donation to the use of said county lOO lots, including the lots contained in the public square agreeably to the plan of said town, or in other words, land sufficient to make lOO lots as aforesaid, and also the sum of $500 in cash or material suitable for the use of the public building, as the)' progress, which proposition is herewith delivered to the honorable, the commissioners for the said county of Vanderburgh. The persons interested in the establishment of the said seat of justice at Evansville, have also delivered over to your commissioners a subscription list amounting to $100, for the purpose of defraying the expense of the commissioners appointed to fix the seat of justice aforesaid; your commissioners therefore beg leave to report that they have accepted of, and fixed and established, the permanent seat of justice for the county of Vanderburgh, in the said town of Evansville aforesaid, agreeably to the terms aforesaid, pursuant to the said proposition and donation aforesaid, by the said proprietors and others aforesaid made. The foregoing report is most respectfully submitted by William Hargrove, Archibald i this report and established the permanent seat of justice at Evansville, were James Anthony, David Brumfield and George Sirkle. In order to comply with the terms of the proposition to convey 100 lots to Vanderburgh count)' an enlargement to the city was necessary. This was called "Donation Enlargement," and appears under that name upon the maps of to-da\ . It embraced that part of the city lying between Third and Fifth streets and with eastern and western boundaries that coincided with those of the original plan. Donation enlargement then also contained thirty-three out-lots lying on the lands of Evans and Jones above Main street, which were afterward vacated, and at a later day covered by the Eastern

! enty-six feet wide, all other streets sixty feet wide, and alleys twelve feet wide. All streets, including those passing through 'the public square, were given to the people as public highways. The proprietors' explanation of

! the plat of the Donation enlargement contained these words: "Lots beginning at 145 and extending to 217 in arithmetical progression, are the lots given by the undersigned proprietors to the use of Vanderburgh county, together with the whole of the public S(|uare located in this enlargement, and on the original plan of said town, as a donation for the use of said county." Thus it appears, counting the public square as eight lots, that being the number in other blocks of the same size, the actual donation fell ten lots short of the proprietors' promise.

First Incorporation

once offered for sale by the county agent, and by November following the sales had reached $4,142.00. The public square had been cleared, but at that time the lots sold were in the possession of the primeval forests. In May, 1819, and again in August of the same year, efforts were made to dispose of more of this property, to enable the new county to construct its public buildings. The lots were sold on a credit of six and twelve months, and notices of the sales were made at Princeton, Vincennes, Harmony, Springfield, Evansville, Boonville and Henderson, Ky. The art of " booming " towns and selling lots at prices fixed by a confidence in future growth, so extensively practiced in late years, was not then unknown. Though purchases were freely made, considering the newness of the country and the meagreness of the population, some of the lots donated to the county in 1818 remained in its possession unsold as late as 1840.

Thus far McGary had guided his boat with safety over the rocks and through the shoals of adversity. On every side there were evidences of improvement, and the future held out in her extended hand the richest of promises. An era of general prosperity throughout the new state was at hand. Immigrants, industrious and intelligent, were coming in great numbers from the south and the east, and from beyond the ocean, to take possession of this land of promise. Throughout the country above and below the little village, sturdy pioneers of strong character were planting their homes. These were drifting from Kentucky, whither they had previously come from Virginia, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Back in the forests north of the town, along the road leading to Princeton and Vincennes, men of equal worth were establishing themselves. Some of them had left the homes of their fathers across the sea, ?nd reaching, after months of trial and hardship, the town of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, had there embarked in flat-boats destined for this country, bringing with them such implements as might be of use in taming the wild forests and cultivating the soil. Buoyant with hope, yet ready to meet and remove any difficulty, and to adapt themselves to any combination of circumstances, they proved by their conduct that they possessed heroic mettle. In the village, houses were being erected, and men of tact and energy were coming to stay. Hugh McGary's warehouse was officially declared a public warehouse, inspectors of produce were appointed, roads were opened for the convenience of the public, ferries were established, and every effort to encourage and advance the growth of the town was being made.

But in 1819 and 1820 influences were in operation which soon thereafter produced a period of business depression everywhere throughout the land, but the waves of distress did not reach this village until sometime during the second year named. The population of Indiana in 1800 was 4,875; 1810, 24,500 and in 1820, 147,178. The greater part of this rapid increase was along the southern border, and Evansville and the surroundings country received a fair proportion of it.

In 1 819 the question of incorporating the village was submitted to a popular vote for decision. The ancient poll book and certificate of election, though yellow with age, are still well preserved, being at this time in the archives of the county clerk's office at the court-house. That the reader may have before him the names of the voters of that day, many of historic sound and some familiar to the present generation, these papers are here presented: "At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Evansville in the county of Vanderburgh and state of Indiana,on

The City Of Evaxsville

Monday, the first day of March, 1819, at the house of Alfred O. Warner, in said town, for the purpose of incorporating said town agreeable to the provisions of an act of the general assembly of the state of Indiana, entitled, 'An act providing for the incorporation of towns in the state of Indiana," approved January I, 1817, Hugh McGary was elected president of said meeting and Amos Clark, clerk, who, after having both taken the oath required of them agreeable to the provisions of said act, proceeded to secure the votes for and against the incorporation of said town, which votes were as follows, to-wit: Votes in favor: Daniel McDonald, Isaac Fairchild, John Melvin, Sylvester Bordman, John G. Chandler, John M. Dunham. Porter Fuller, Willard Clark, Hernon Barrows, Alanson Warner, George W. Jacobs, Hazael Putnam, Simeon Lewis, Wilbur Hoag, James Russell, Harley B. Chandler, Alfred O. Warner, William Trafton, William Johnson, Elisha Harrison, James A. Boise, Seth Fairchild, Alpheus Fairchild, John Baldwin, John Conner, Richard Irvin, James Stinson, Thomas Johnson, Julius Gibson - 29. Votes against, none.

" We, the undersigned, do certify the above to be a correct statement of the proceedings of said meeting, and of the voters present as they voted on the cpestion of incorporating the said town.

March, 1819, for the purpose of electing five trustees for said town agreeable to the provisions of an act of the general assembly of the state of Indiana, entitled 'An act providing for the incorporation of towns in the state of Indiana,' approved January i, 1817. The follosving is a statement of the, proceedings of said election:

"Voters' names. - William Trafton, Harley B. Chandler, Isaac Fairchild, Alpheus Fairchild, George W. Jacobs, Elisha Harrison, D. A. Richardson, D. F. Goldsmith, Thomas Johnson, John G. Chandler, Hugh McGary, John Baldwin, Daniel McDonald, Seth Fairchild, Flam Fairchild; John M. Dunham, Alanson Warner, Hazael Putnam, Wilbur Hoag, Raphael Van Horn, Loring Root, James Russell, Simeon Lewis. Total, 23. " Hugh McGary received 23 votes. " Elisha Harrison received 23 votes. " Isaac Fairchild received 24 votes. " Everton Kennerly received 24 votes. " Francis J. Bentley received 24 votes. " Alfred O. Warner received i vote. "We, the undersigned, do certify the abo\e to be a true statement of the proceedings of said election, but Elisha Harrison having declined serving or acting as a trustee for said town, we do therefore certify HughMc- Gary, Isaac Fairchild, Everton Kennerly, Francis J. Bentley, and Alfred O. Warner to be duly elected according to the true intent and meaning of said act. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the 1 2th day of March, 18 19.

At the first meeting of the board of trustees, w-hich was held on the 20th of March, 1819, Hugh McGary was chosen president, Elisha Harrison, secretar}^ and lister of taxable property, John Conner, treasurer, and Alpheus Fairchild, collector and marshal. The first tax lexy was twenty cents on the oiiL- hundred dollars worth of real property and a specific tax on several kinds of personal property, the total taxes for the year amountins'' to $191.28 ){.

At that time there were about lOO inhabitants in the town, and it was now yrowin^ fast enough to have a place of public entertainment. The hospitable house of Hugh McGary had been the favorite stopping place for all travelers, but in the spring of 1819 Alfred O. Warner and James Skidmore were granted permission to keep taverns at their houses. In those days licenses were not only necessary before conducting a business of this kind, but rates chargeable for all sorts of entertainmen^t and refreshment were fixed by the authorities. Thus, in 1S19 the rates were, for each diet, 3714 cents; horse keeping, 50 cents; lodging, 121^ cents; yi pint rum, brandy, or wine, 50 cents; y, pint gin, peach or apple brandy, or bounce, 25 cents; and ji pint whiskey, 12 Yz cents. In this year J. \"irgus opened a country store near the river bank. He was succeeded by Robert Armstrong and the Lewis Brothers. Their stocks were not extensive, being intended to supply onl}' such necessaries as were absolutely demanded by their pioneer customers. Professional men, skilled and able, also came to the village about this time. More appropriate mention of them is made in other connections.

In 1820, John M. Dunham, Daniel F. Goldsmith, Presley Pritchett, William Mills, Jr., and John A. Chandler were elected trustees; James A. Boise was appointed secretarv, and Alanson Warner, treasurer. At this time, with the advent of liard times, due in part to causes which produced general and wide-spread distress in the east as well as the west, and in part to other causes wholly of a local nature, the growth of the \illage was checked. Several years elapsed before it again took up the march of progress. This is, therefore, a convenient point in the story of its career to view the physical aspect of the little village, now grown to such magnificent proportions.

The name of John S. Hopkins must be familiar to all who have given the histor}' of Evansville even a passing thought. From his young manhood until the da}' of his death, which occurred in 1882, he was conspicuously identified with the progress of the place. Possessing a sj'mpathetic nature, ready wit, brilliant talents, and unswerving integrit}', he was well equipped to lead a useful and honorable life. Holding at the will of the people, many offices of trust and honor, occupving a high place in business and social circles, and watching the development of the city from very early times, it is not strange that in later years he took a proud interest in its early history and attempted to preserve such facts concerning the pioneer era as might be of interest and value. With this end in view, assisted bj' a skilled artist, he reproduced upon canvas, from the tablets of his memorv, a view of Evansville as it appeared to him in 1S20, when he came with his father to make this his permanent home. A description of the town as it was at that date is here presented. The use of the names of streets, the numbers of lots, and familiar locations, gives the reader a correct idea, it being only necessary to keep in mind the general plan of the original town as platted upon the maps to be found in almost every home.

This re\'iew will begin at the upper part of the town and run down the river, going outward from the river as occasion seems to require. On the river side of Water street, at the corner of Oak street, stood a pretentious two-story frame house, which was the residence of Elisha Harrison, one of the early residents and men of enterprise and spirit, of the town of Evansville. The house still remains, a good deal changed in its general outlines and appearance, and is well known as the old frame residence of Robe'-t Barnes. On lot 33, of the Upper enlargement, stood a two-stor}- frame dwelling, where resided J. Morehouse, also a spirited citizen of his time. On the opposite side of First street, upon lot 40, of the Upper enlargement, stood a commodious one-story frame house, which was the residence of Dr. Richardson. In the same house William Caldwell, " Old Partner," as he was familiarly called, afterward resided. On lot i, of the Upper enlargement, at the upper corner of Water and Chestnut streets, there was a two-story frame house, which was the dwelling of A. Chandler, the father of the well remembered citizens, William J. and John J. Chandler. Passingout Chestnut street, on lot 97 of the old plan, at the north corner of Chestnut and Second streets, opposite the Cumberland Presbyterian church, stood a comfortable two-stor}- frame house which was the property, and perhaps the residence, of the grandfather of Col. Jackson McClain, of Henderson, Ky. On lot 40, old plan, fronting First street, where the Hon. Thomas E. Garvin now resides, was a one-story frame house occupied, and perhaps built, by Flam Fairchild.

On lot 4, old plan, just above Walnut street, was a one-storj- frame house which is still standing, and was for a number of years known as the ferry house. Here hung a fair sized bell which was rung for the purpose of calling the ferryman across the river. The rear part of the house was built on piles driven in a ravine or natural water course which put into the river immediately below the Sunset park. This house was erected by Benjamin Jeffer}-, on lot 6, old plan, fronting on Water street. Between Walnut and Locust streets was the residence of John Zimmerman, who served as one of the early postmasters of Evansville, and as clerk of Vanderburgh count)'. Adjoining Mr. Zimmerman's residence was a diminutive one-storv frame house in which a Mr. Crockwell kept a bakery. On lot 7, old plan, stood a one-story frame house in which James W. Jones, one of the original proprietors of the town site, had the office of countv clerk, which official po.sition he then held. On lot 8 at the upper corner of Locust and Water streets, EHsha Harrison had erected a low two-story frame house, which in 1820, was occupied as a store and tavern. When Edward Hopkins and family arrived in Evansville from the east, that gentlemen became in due time the proprietor of this establishment. He removed first to Saundersville and embarked in business there ; but returned to Evansville after the experiirent of building a town at Saundersville had failed, and took charge of the tavernstand at the corner of Water and Locust streets. After Mr. Hopkins removed from the house, it was continued as a tavern by John Conner. On lot 31, old plan, the site of the St. George hotel, stood a one-story frame house, with porches on both the side streets, which was the residence of Amos Clark. Lot 54, old plan, fronting on First street, where the Chandler block now is, was occupied by the residence of Dr. John Shaw, which was a commodious two-story frame dwelling. Adjoining the residence of Dr. Shaw was the residence of Dr. William Trafton, who was a skillful ph3sician and one of the best known citizens of his time. Dr. Trafton subsequently became the owner of the Shaw property, and made it his permanent residence. On lot 89, old plan, at the corner of Locust and Second streets, William Warner, the father of Alfred O. Warner and Major Alanson Warner, and who was the fourth postmaster at Evansville, had a two- story frame dwelling, where Alexander Johnson afterward kept a boarding house. The lot passed into the possession of Dr. Trafton, thence to Marcus Sherwood, and was by him sold to Major B. F. Dupuy. Here Maj. Dupu\- resided till the time of his death.

The foregoing were all the houses above Locust street in 1820, which portion of the city embraces most of the fashionable and costly residences of the present day.

On lot 9, old plan, at the lower corner of Locust and Water streets, where White & Dunkerson's tobacco ware-house now stands, was a one-story log house, which was occupied as a store by Jones & Harrison, until this firm gave way to Shanklin & Moffatt. In the rear of Mr. Shanklin's store was a small log house, which was, in 1820, the residence of William Stinson. On lot 40, old plan, now occupied by the Opera-house, stood a twostorj' log house with a frame addition in the rear toward the river, where Alfred O. Warner kept tavern. He was succeeded by his brother, Maj. Alanson Warner, who built the Mansion House, the first brick hotel in Evansville. This house was subsequently the residence of Mr. Francis Linck, and was torn down when the Opera-house was built. On lot 58, old plan, fronting on First street, where the residence of Dr. M. J. Bray now stands, was a frame house in which Presle}- Pritchett carried on the business of making hats. Mr. Pritchett, who was a justice of the peace, also kept his office on the premises. Returning to the river front, on lot 10, old plan, now occupied by the American hotel buildinii, there stood a two-story frame house, which was occupied by a Mr. Vernon, and by Alexander Price as a boarding house. Subsequently Edward Hopkins and his son, John. S. Hopkins, kept grocery in the same building. The next lot toward Main street, 11, contained a small frame house, painted red, and in its day ,kno\vn far and wide as "The Little Red," in which a store was kept for years, first by Lister & Wheeler, next by Joseph M. Caldwell, and afterward by the Rev. Robert Parrett and his son, John Parrett. On the rear part of the same lot Nathan Rowley had a double one-story log house, in one end of which he conducted a shoemaker's shop, employing two or three journeymen. Mr. Rowley was also a justice of the peace, and had his magistrate's office in the other end of the building. Lot 12, old plan, at the upper corner of Main and Water streets, contained a two-stor)- frame house, which was occupied by Robert Barnes when he first came to Evansville. The house, however, was built and in use long before Mr. Barnes ever saw the town. There was also another two-story frame house, at the rear or alle}' part of lot 12. It was sometimes used as a dwelling house, and occasionally as a place of business.

At the corner of Main and First streets, on lot 38, old plan, where the Kazar House was afterward built, and which is now occupied by the banking house of the First National Bank, was a two-story frame dwelling, the residence of Dr. Seaman. On lot 39, adjoining the Warner tavern, was a two-story frame known as" Warner's Den." It was here that the fast 3'oung men of the village congregated nightly to take a hand in cards and other games of chance, and from the carousals they had there the place took its name. It was a noted (juarter in the early days of the town.

Going out Main street, at the east corner of Main and First, on lot 59, old plan, there was a one-story frame house in which John M. Lockw'ood kept a grocerj-. On the same lot, fronting on First street, stood a tall one- story log house, entered at the front door by a flight of wooden steps, which was the residence and office of John Conner, then a justice of the peace. On lot 60, the next above on Main street, there was a twostor}- frame house, which was the property of one of the McClain fanriily, of Henderson county, Ky. Next to the alley, on lot 60, a Mr. Avery had a cabinet shop. On lot 85, across the allev, was a large two-story frame, the propert}' of Samuel Mansel. On the next blockbetween Secondand Third streets, upon lot 108, and adjoining the allev, stood a t\vo-stor\- log house, where x'Ynsel Wood kept a tavern. On a part of the same lot, but a few feet down the street from the tavern, was a small frame house, which afterward became the property of James Scantlin, Sr., and was occupied by him for a series of years as a tin shop. On lot 234 of the Donation enlargement, being on Fifth street between Locust and Walnut, where Thomas Bullen's liver}- stable now stands, was a two-storv frame dwelling, the residence of Judge John M. Dunham. His brother, Horace Dunham, occupied the same house for man}- years afterward.

On the " Evans homestead," which embraced the entire block bounded by Main, Fifth, Locust and Sixth streets, occupying a gentle rise of the ground, stood a prettv onestory cottage, surrounded by trees and shrubbery, which ivas much admired.

The old court-house, yet standing, but hemmed in b}' other buildings, occupied the south corner of what was known as the " public square," at the intersection of Main and Third streets. On the opposite diagonal corner of the public square where the present court-house and jail stand, and occupying the precise location of the present jail, was a log structure twelve feet square in the clear, inside, but with walls three feet thick, made of hewed white oak timbers.

which was the first jail of Vanderburgh county. It was from this structure that John Harvey was taken to suffer execution June 27, 1S23. A considerable knoll arose in the rear of the court-house, and on its crest at the back end of lot 135, stood a two-stoi;y building originally a log structure, which was afterward framed over. This house stood until within a very few years past. It was built by William R. McGary, a brother of Col. Hugh McGary, and was for some }-ears the home of Capt. James Newman, and while he lived there was a fashionable residence. On lot 136, old plan, at the west corner of Third and Locust streets, stood the blacksmith shop of Col. Seth Fairchild, where the augers were made with which to bore salt wells. Near by, on the same block, ornamenting the crest of a small knoll or hill, stood the twostory house built by Wm. R. McGary, and which for a time was the fashionable residence of Capt. James Newman.

On lot 13, old plan, at the lower corner of Main and Water streets, stood a twostory frame building, the property of William and James Lewis, wherein these gentlemen kept a miscellaneous store, dealing in most all kinds of wares sold in the market. It was the principal store of the town for a considerable time. On the same lot adjoining Lewis' store, Robert Armstrong also kept a store.

Fronting on Main street adjacent to the alley that runs at the rear end of lot 13, stood the warehouse of Col. Hugh McGary in which the first court was held in Vanderburgh county. The courts continued to be held in McGar}-"s warehouse until the first courthouse had sufficiently progressed to be used for court purposes. During all this time the warehouse continued to be used for commercial purposes. In later years Bement & Viele opened a wholesale grocery in this same warehouse, presenting to their customers the largest stock of goods that had ever been brought to Evansville. The tirm continued to do business in - the premises until they finally erected their own -storehouse. Subsequently this celebrated warehouse was removed to Sycamore street, between Fourth and Fifth, where it was utilized by John Gavisk and others for packing pork. It is still standing, now in use as a livery stable, and may be regarded as a relic of former days closely identified with the history of Evansville.

Where the Evansville National Bank building now stands, there was a one-story log house in which J. V. Robinson kept store. It was afterward occupied b\- Garrett Jones, a brother of James W. Jones. Two or three years later, J. V. Robinson built a frame warehouse on the corner of First and Main, lot 36, old plan, which was afterward occupied at various times as a store by Charles Stewart, John S. Hopkins, and probably others. In this building W. & C. Bell opened their drug store in later years. On lot 83, old plan, where the Lahr-Hopkins dry goods house now is, Mr. Posey had a two-story frame house. At the corner of Main and Fifth streets there was an odd kind of a rookery somewhat resembling a huge chicken coop.

Returning to Water street, on lot 14, old plan, the second lot below Main street, stood the historical hewed log house of Col. Hugh McGary. It was one story and a half high. 36 feet long by 18 feet wide, with an L running back and connecting at the rear with the warehouse which fronted on Main street, as above described. This house of Col. McGary was a marked feature of tlie pioneer era. Before the plan of Evansville had an existence, there was a small store kept there, and it was the hostelry for persons passing through the wilderness who sought temporary- accommodations. In that house the first post-office was opened in 181 8, and there the county commissioners held their early meetings.

Fronting on First street, on the rear part of lot 61, old plan, Daniel Tool had a small frame tailor shop. Tool was an Irishman and a Catholic. One of his failings was that he would occasionally get drunk and have a light. On such occasions, there being no Catholic priest at hand, as soon as he got over his little spree he would mount his horse, ride to Vincennes, visit the prie.st stationed there, and confessing his error ask for absolution.

Next to Tool's shop there was a two-stor}' frame house occupied by William Kelly as a residence. On lot ill, old plan, near the corner of Sycamore and Second streets, was the two-stor}' frame residence of Andrew Graham, who was a son-in-law of Mr. King, a long time resident of the farm on the opposite side of the river from Evansville. After several transfers, the Graham property was purchased by the Reverend Father Devdier for the use of the Catholic church, and upon the ruins of the old frame house of 1820 arose the walls of the first Church of the Assumption, some twenty years later. The church building, later known as Viele hall, has been torn down within the present year and on its site the building of the Business Men's association is being erected.

On lot 65, old plan, at the corner of First and Sycamore streets, where Sweetser & Caldwell now have their wholesale notion store, there stood a two-stor\- log dwelling house, and one of similar size and material stood on the adjacen t corner across First street, being lot 32 of the old plan.

Farther down First street, on lot 30, old plan, stood the finest brick residence of the cit}'. This was a large, double front, twostor}' brick dwelling, built by Nicholas Thompson, and occupied at different times by various old residents. Mr. Edward Hopkins resided there for a while after returning from Saundersville, and partially put the finishing touches upon its construction. In after years a large public hall was attached in the rear and the premises converted into a restaurant and theater. It was first called the Apollo, and subsequently the Mozart hall. On the opposite side of First street from this building, on lot 67, old plan, stood a one-storv loc hut in which dwelt a man named Paxton.

On lot 1 20, old plan, where the city hospital now stands, stood a commodious twostory frame dwelling, erected by Varner Satterlee. On lot 3, Douglas addition, at the north corner of Division and First streets, was a large two-story log house, occupied by the Sullivan girls. On lots i, 3, and 4 of the Lower or McGary's enlargement there stood three two-story log houses.

The fore coin c were all the houses of the embr3-o city in 1820, except two which were far removed from the center of the village. One of these was a good sized two-story frame dwelling, which stood below Goodsell street, and the other a two-story log house in the Upper enlargement, occupying a part of the site of the present water works, which was for a considerable time the residence of William Stinson, the father of Thomas J. Stinson, the well known river pilot.

The drive down the rugged river bank at that time was protected from caving b}- interlaced wooden buttresses. Some old citizens have believed that this work was constructed nearly a generation after the time here mentioned. In support of their belief they assert that they saw the laborers preparing and putting the timbers together. This is possibly true, but the work then being done was probabl_v repairing and not original construction. Taken altogether the description of the town as outlined above is very nearly perfect. The picture from which it is taken stood the severe test of a critical examipation by man}- old residents, now gone forever, who pronounced it accurate in all its details.

In viewing Evansville's condition during the 'period of adversity following 1820, it may be well to examine briefly the causes of that condition. During the war of 1S12, manufactories had grown up in the eastern and middle states, which emplo}'ed much of the capital and industry that had previously been engaged in commerce. This created a demand for western produce, which continued active until the change of times soon after the peace was effected, when large importations of foreign goods induced many of the manufacturers to relinquish the business for a time and engage in commerce or emigrate west. Prices of produce were, however, kept near the previous rates until after 1819. In this year the banking system of the west began to be seriously convulsed. Specie payments were suspended in all the states south of New England. The government paid its soldiery in the west and bought provisions for them in money issued by the banks of Ohio. A large circulation was required, and banks were estabished on fictitious capital, and, as a naturall consequence, the country soon became flooded with a depreciated and often worthless currenc}-. By 1822 the western banks had failed, and there was no longer any circulating medium. Even cut silver (which has been facetiously described as an attempted division of a dollar into five quarters) disappeared, and the coonskin became the basis for all financial transactions of lim- itod dimensions. Tlie Bank of Vincennes had been established in 1S14, and was prudently managed at first, but its failure was one of the most discreditable occurring in the country. Its paper became entirely worthless, and the go\ernment received onh' a small proportion of some $200,000 which, as the proceeds of public land sales, had been deposited with the bank.

The commercial disasters and the widespread want among the people are a part of i the nation's histor\'. The village of Evans- I ville shared the general distress pre\alent throughout the states of the nation, and iiad additional woes of a local nature to endure. The years 1820, 1821 and 1822 were attended with more general and fatal sickness than ever before had been experienced. Bilious and intermitting fe\'ers were pre\'alent in all parts of the state. Not a neigh- ; borhood, and, indeed, hardly an individual, escaped the ravages of some form of malarial poison. The larger towns in the state | lost from one-fourth to one-half of their population, and some villages were entirely depopulated. All business was, in a measure, suspended, not because of any general seriousness produced b\' so much sickness, for even in the chambers of death and at the grave there was much apparent levitv, but I more on account of a carelessness respecting all kinds of business, that seemed to possess all alike. As a direct result of the hard times and the general sickness, immigration almost wholly ceased. The price of lands i went down rapidlv, and there seemed no limit to the decline in values. There was absolutely no mone\- to be had, and it was one of the pioneer's misfortunes that the government would not accept produce or coonskins for land, but insisted on receiving cash. The county of Vanderburgh was suing, or threatening to sue, all who had bought lots m the Donation enlargement and had failed to pay for them. Property to large amounts was sacrificed for costs merely, and even creditors got no benefit. The details of many cases are almost beyond behef. In one instance, the purchaser of certain lands had paid three-fourths of the purchase money, and had mortgaged the property to secure the payment of the remaining one-fourth; on a foreclosure of the mortgage, the propert}- was sold for onehalf the amount due - that is, for one-eighth of the original purchase money: and the mortgagee, after the return of better times, collected the one-half remaining unpaid from the debtor out of other resources. Relief laws, the fruits of wrong principles and wrong feelings, were enacted, and efforts were made to prevent the collection of debts. These but added to the business stagnation. Congress lowered the price of public lands, extended the time of payment on lands already entered by settlers, attempted to afford relief against forfeitures, and in various ways sought to relieve the general distress, but with little success.

For a time after this period of adversity was begun, some imagining it to be only temporar\-, continued to invest their means in business ventures. In 1S21 the publication of a newspaper was commenced in the village. This was the Eiausvillc Gazette, established, and for a time conducted, by Gen. Elisha Harrison, a prominent man of his day, self-taught, energetic and able, and William Monroe, a practical printer, under the firm name of Harrison & Monroe. Later it passed into the individual ownership of Mr. Monroe and after a brief struggle for life passed out of existence about the latter part of 1824. William and James Lewis, Robert Barnes and John Mitchell were then ensfaired in mercantile pursuits here, and during this period of depression, probablv about 1823, the firm of ^hanklin & Moffatt was estab- lished. The first-named member of this firm, the late Jolin Shanklin, on account of his probity, integrity, and intelHgence in business, drew about his name a kistre which time has not yet dimmed.

Among the impro\emenis in the town which evidenced the faith that some had in its abilit}' to withstand tlie storm and come out safely in the future, were the first brick houses erected. The old courthouse still standing at the southeast corner of Third and Main streets, was the first structure of this kind erected in the village. Various make-shifts were resorted to b\' the county officials to meet the demands of the contractors. Lots in Donation enlargement, the notes of purchasers of other lots, judgments secured by the county against individuals, and other credits of a like nature, in the absence of read}- money, were used to keep up the work on this public building. The bricks for its construction were burned on the northwest (Quarter of the public square, on the site of the court house now in use, the wood for the purpose being cut from the forests in the immediate vicinity. The first brick residence was quite a pretentious two-storj- dwelling built by Nicholas Thompson, on First street, between Vine and Sycamore. The next brick house was erected on Main street just below the corner of First, by J. V. Robinson, about 1S25. This building was one of the most pretentious habitations in ihe town in its day, and stood for nearly a generation. It was afterward occupied for several 3-earsby Mr. John Walsh as a residence, and was finally torn down by Judge M. W. Foster, when he erected the storehouses now standing on that corner.

It may be of interest to know that in 1824, for the first time, the assessed value of real estate appears upon the public records, as follows :

At this time the following persons were the trustees of the town : Amos Clark, president; Charles I. Battell, Harley B. Chandler, Nathan Rowley, and Josluia V. Robinson.

Like a pall, hard times settled down upon the village. Taxes were unpaid and the collector was without a remedy. He might levy upon property and expose it to sale, but he found no purchasers. There was plenty of produce, and the spectre Famine was not in\-ading the homes of the poor, but business was paralyzed and motionless. Men ceased to make efforts to enhven trade, their apparently sole aim being to exist and, Micawber-like, wait for something to turn up. The maintenance of civil government in the village received no thought or care. From March 14, 1825, to January 28, 1828, there appears to have been no meeting of the town trustees, and E\ansville almost ceased to maintain its existence as a corporate body. There were few accjuisitions to business circles, and some who had established themselves in a period of brighter hopes, were forced to retire and resort to other means of gaining a support.

It is a pleasure to turn from this dark picture and look upon a can\'as illumined with brighter tints. Congress, by legislative enactments, guaranteed a degree of protection to home industries against disastrous foreign competition, and in the larger cities of the land, and in the country generally, the beneficial effects of the polic}' adopted were soon apparent. Here, in the immediate vicinity of Evansville, about 182S, steady industry and economy had paid off most of the individual debt of the countn-; the people had accustomed themselves' to hard times, and bv the tireless work of their own hands brought back prosperity. Tlie commencement of the national road to the slate capitol, which in 1825 had been removed from Cor\-don to hidianapolis, turned the j attention of emi<^rrants towards the state: [ the interior counties of the state were tilling ; with a class of good citizens, progressive : and industrious; congress had made its first grant of lands- to the Wabash & Erie canal, j and the subject of internal impro\'ements had begun to wield its exciting influence [ upon the minds of men. The great west, with its apparently boundless stores of j wealth, with the revival of prosperity throughout the country, began to attract the capitalist seeking profitable in\-estment for his means, as well as the impoverished pioneer who came seeking a home and a lield for the display of his energy and native shrewdness, his onlv talents.

On the 2Sth of March, 1828, a board ot trustees was again organized, and Evansville revived. John Shanklin, president, John Conner, Alanson Warner, Jay Morehouse and William Lewis, all men of more than t)rdinary abilit\-, whose names were subsequently conspicuous in public affairs in the town and county, were chosen as trustees. The tax duplicate for that ^ear shows that the assessment of taxes amounted to $107.28 Vi, a sum considerably less than that which appeared upon the duplicate nine years earlier, when the town was more populous and flourishing. But from that time onward the pulsations of new life were felt, and these grew in strength as the rears advanced. l^p to this time Evanss'ille had not e\en boasted of a blacksmith's shop, one of the earliest conveniences demanded by an agricultural communitv. To supply the demand for a smith}-, Gen.

Evans brought a negro, by the name of Worsham, from Kentucky, for the purpose of ojierating his trade. In the course of a year or two Jonathan Fairchild and his sons emigrated from New York, and established a smithv in the village of Mechanicsville, wliich became quite an institution in its da}'. For several }-ears all the livery horses in Evansville were taken to Fairchild's shop to be shod. All kinds of iron work was executed there, the smithy running live forges a good deal of the time.

Other mechanical industries began to be represented, and the list of merchants grew in length. Stocks carried were enlarged in (juantity and improved in variety to satisfy the growing demands of a diversified population. Concerning this period, Judge William F. Parrett, in an address delivered in 1880, used these words: " You ma}- readily imagine those who were engaged in business here as merchants closely scanning the natural advantages of this locality. They saw, 200 miles above us, the falls of the Ohio, and about the same distance to the northwest the old cit}- of St. Louis, which had been established a little more than a half century before by a trader by the name of Laclede, the navigable condition of the Wabash river for the greater part of each year, the elegant and almost continuous fitness for navigation the year round of the Ohio river to the Mississippi river, and thence to the Gulf: they saw Green river and other tributaries aboxe, and the Wabash, Cumberland and Tennessee below, not only supplving the Ohio \\ilh water, but these were themselves destined, at an early day, to be made to contribute largely to the trade and commerce of this city and locality. They also saw the feasibilit}- of good roads by the way of Princeton and Vincennes to the prairies of Indiana and Illinois, and also by the way of Petersburgh to the rich lands bordering on the Patoka and White rivers; nor did they forget that unsurpassed and almost unequalled body of land near by, lying in the counties of Spencer, Warrick, Gibson and Posey. These merchants were soon joined by others, both German and American, of whom the late Asa B. Bement, Samuel Orr and others were true types. Ships began to run from New York and the Atlantic coast to New Orleans, and a superior class of steamboats began to move like ' things of life ' upon the Ohio and Mississippi rivers; and there are men here who well remember the trains of large wagons heavily loaded going out to, and coming in from as far out as, Rockville, Terre Haute, Vincennes and many interior towns both in Illinois and Indiana. It is needless to say that under such men and conditions all the diversifications of commercial business prospered, and the citizens generally hailed a bright prospect in the near future, and yet it may well be said of these men that the}- builded wiser than they knew."

In mentioning the period of depression in Evansville, from 1820 to 1828, it was noticed that the change from good to bad was not sudden but gradual. So the commencement of a better era was not sharply marked, and during the first few years the progress was not easily discernible. As description of the town and its inhabitants in 1831, the words of Hon. John M. Lockwood, of Posey count}', are here quoted: "In 1831 I located there (in Evansville), boarding with Robert M. Evans - price of board per week $1.25. His residence was on his farm over the canal outside of the corporation, on the state road. From the Ohio river to Evan's farm up Main street there were five buildings on the west side and seven on the east side, and some other streets were built in about the same proportion. I found the town small and dull; plenty of vacant lots and no sales mentioned; any number could be had for $20 or $25; dog-fennel and stumps in every direction. * . * * Of the early inhabitants, the men having families in 1S31, were: Gen. Robert M. E\ans, Dr. William Trafton, John Mitchell, Amos Clark, Thomas Johnson, Silas Stephens, John M. Dunham, Mr. Ruark, Capt. James Newman, Maj. Alanson Warner, William McNitt, William Lewis, Joseph Hughe\', Alpheus Fairchild, John W. Lilliston, William Scates, Camillus Evans, Edward Hopkins, Robert Barnes, Alex Johnson, William Dougherty, Daniel Tool, Alex McCallister, Henry Greek, Levi Price, L. J. Stinson, Dr. Phillips, James Lewis, Samuel Mansel, Abel Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan, Clark Lewis. The unmarried men in Evansville, in 1831, were: John Shanklin, John S. Hopkins, John M. Lockwood, William Caldwell, William Campbell, John Mansel, Horace Dunham, Henry Carrington, George Thompson, James Johnson, Joseph Leonard, John Young, Marcus Sherwood, Jolin Newman, William T. T. Jones, James Johnson, William Johnson, Capt. Barber, Nathan Rowley, David McArthur, John Ross, George Leonard, Richard Leonard, Stephen Woodrow. Allowing six for each family, the population of Evansville at that time was about 216. The following are the names of farmers living in the vicinity in 1831: Robert Parrett, Emanuel Hall, Charles Dunk, John Duncan, James Neal, George W. Lindsey, Luke Wood, John B. Stinson, Benoni Stinson and Daniel Miller." The absence of Hugh McGary's name from this list ma}- cause an inquiry as to the whereabouts at that time of the founder of the village. Up to this time he had remained a citizen of the village, engaged in merchandising and trading, and it was probably not earlier than 1832 that he took his final departure from this place. This man, whose energies were spent in fouiuling and fostering a village which has grown to be one of the largest and most magnificent cities of a great state, left the scene of his early struggles and triumph under a cloud. He went away in humiliation and disgrace, - a soldier drummed out of a camp which he had been most instrumental in erecting. About 1832 he was charged before Esquire Jacobs, of Scott township, with stealing a horse from Mark Wheeler. In those daws a charge of homicide was perhaps less disgraceful than that of horse stealinsj. A warrant was issued for his arrest. The constable, Samuel Hooker, anticipating resistance, look five men, Joshua \V. Stephens, Silas Stephens, Wilson Short, John C. Henson and Wm. Linxweiler, to assist him in making the arrest, and proceeding with this martial array against tlie accused culprit, found him astride the stolen horse. Surrendering without a murmur, McGary returned with his captors, and was arraigned at the bar of justice. When called upon to plead he claimed to have purchased the horse from a man named Wasson, and this account of the matter was generally believed by fair-minded men. Wasson had run off and could not be found ; the prosecution was not pushed: the horse was returned to its rightful owner, and the matter was dropped except by the enemies of McGary, who with busy tongues kept the evil story fresh in the minds of the people. For awhile he bore up braveh' against all taunts, but his rough exterior covered a tender heart, which bled under the piercing blows of slander. He continued apparently attentive to business, but at times was unable to conceal his discomfort and chagrin. At length he went south, ostensibly on business, and never returned. Concerning .some events of the times under consideration the followinir extracts are made from the reminiscences of Mr. Lockwood : " The most pernicious and deleterious events that occurred in 1S32 were the cold weather, the great flood, and the cholera. The ice froze to the thickness of twenty inches on the Ohio. There were no thermometers in the town, and the degree of coldness was not known, but to sav that it was cold, cold, bitter cold, iiitciisc/v cold, does not fully explain the extreme bitterness of the winter weather. The average citizen, thinly clad, suffered intensely; heavy cloaks and wraps were not the fashion; frosted feet, ears, and even noses caused much complaint. Dr. WiUiam Trafton crossed over on the ice and married his second wife, a Miss Butler, whose father was then living some distance above town. She was among the first of the Kentucky girls brought over on the ice.

" Finally spring weather came with a lush ; the rain poured down in torrents; the snow and ice melted; the Ohio rose and overflowed her banks, and Evansville lacked but about six inches of being on an island. The surging waters backed up Pigeon creek, rushed over the banks and up a deep ravine from the mouth of Pigeon and up northeast through the woods to the west side of Evans' farm, advancing until it was checked by a small ridge of land in the east part above town, lacking about six inches of connecting with water that came down through a ravine from the river near the Parrett and Lindsev farms, southeast of town. This great flood caused immense destruction of stock and property. Several farmers living opposite and above town moved over to escape being drowned. Houses, barns, fences, and dead animals floated down. A steamboat passed up through the cut-off above town (the Green river bayou) on the Indiana side, all in plain \ie\\ of a number of citizens on the river bank.

'- The beautiful Oliio river had no sand-bars visible at any season" of the year. Its delicious water was drawn up and stored in whiskey barrels at most of the dwelling houses and cabins in town. The probable cause of the cholera in September, 1S32, that proved so fatal, may be charged to the dailv use for drinking and culinary purposes of water standing in whiskey barrels. About twent\'-five or thirty died, which was a large fatality considering the population, which was only about 225. This great, calamity had a depressing tendency - so much so that no sales of real estate were reported, exx'ept lot number 60, old plan, for $200.

"The United States mail arrived once each week from Vincennes in a small two-horse stage, or on horseback when the roads were bad. Coal and cook-stoves were unheard of. Cooking on the liearth by the fire-place was the order of the day, using "Dutch ovens,'" skillets and lids, frying pans, etc. Not a newspaper was published nearer than Vincennes. Steamboats seldom passed or stopped. Once in a while a high pressure pU'ing between Cincinnati and New Orleans passed up or down.

"In 1833 times began to improve. A slight advance was made in the price of lots, but few sales were reported. A small increase was also made in population. Dr. Lane, Dr. A. P. Hutchinson and a few others came in. In the month of November in this year, on the morning of the 13th, before da\-light, the citizens were aroused to see the rain of meteors that were falling thick as hail. It looked as if the stars had all broken loose and were descending to the earth. The sight was sublime."

From 1831 to 1835 quite a number of deaths were reported in the village and vicinity from a disease called milk-sickness. There were shaking ague, chills and fever, but no disease called " snakes in the boots '" was heard of at that time. Evidences of prosperit\' became clearly visible in 1834. ^" the spring of that year William Town settled in the village and immediately made known his purpose of establishing a newspaper, which was accepted as joyful news b)' the citizens of the place. His means were limited, and while teaching school, he set up a printing press in the old Mansel House, a frame on Main street, and commenced the publication of the £!i'aiisz'ille 'foiinuil. In the same year upon the establishment of the first state bank, Evansville was designated as a point for the organization of one of its branches. These two institutions gave the town a metropolitan air and attracted toward it the favorable notice of other communities. The bank especially, by enlarging the financial facilities of the town gave an impetus to all departments of business. New energv and high hopes for the future sprang up in the village and encouraged the citizens to more than ordinar}^ effort. The news that Evansville was of suflicient importance to ha\e a branch of the state bank and a ne\vspaper, went abroad, and immigration was measurably increased. A steady demand for real estate grew up, and improvement and development were obser\able on all sides.

About this time the spirit of progress was thoroughly aroused throughout the state. It clamored for the development of Indiana's natural resources. The construction of railroads and canals became the allabsorbing theme, not only among legislators but also among the people, who, acting under the frenzy of excitement, asked for legislation authorizing a gigantic scheme of internal improvements far beyond the actual needs of the country and impossible of realization. In 1835-6 a bill providing for a general system of improvements throughout the state became a law. It might have been salutary and beneficial if prudence and common sense had confined it to proper limits, but instead of this it brou"-ht sufferint; to the state's character and resources, and in the general crash that followed destro\ed many pri\ate fortunes. The completion of the \arious works authorized would have cost thirt\' millions of dollars, and in the expenditure of this vast sum many individuals hoped for, and expected, large personal benefits of a legitimate character. The citizens of Evansville were to be favored with a railroad, but their brightest hopes were based upon the construction of the Wabash & Erie canal, for which liberal provisions had been made in the bill This great thoroughfare, commencing at Toledo, Ohio, was to strike the head waters of the Wabash river and, following the fertile valleys of that and White ri\er, was to terminate on the Ohio at Evansville. The Central canal was to form a part of the same great system, pouring the surplus wealth of a large territory into the world's markets through the town of Evansville. This canal was intended to pass from Muncie-town through Indianapolis to Point Commerce, on White river, where it would be united to the Wabash & Erie canal. Thus Evansville was to be placed in the most favorable position that could then be conceived of for a commercial center, commanding the outlet of two of the richest and most productive valleys on the hemisphere. An incident illustrating the customs of the times occurred in connection with the location of the southern terminus of the proposed canal, in the summer before the passage of the bill. The construction of its northern portion, based on the land grants of 1827, by the general government, was authorized by the legislature in 1 830-1, and during the following year its actual construction with pick and shoxel was commenced. The great e\ent in 1833 in Evans\'ille was the establishment here of the southern terminus of the thoroughfare. What was known as the canal dinner was one of the most interesting events of the important occasion. Strong drinks were freely indulged in, as was, customary at that time, and as a result, so remarkable was the occasion, nearly everv man in town, it has been asserted, was reel- : ing, staggering, whooping drunk in the i streets. The senators, representatives, and ' other in\ited guests, with reckless abandon, j gave themselves up to the most unbecoming ' indulgences. The event exceeded anv demonstration of popular joy that up to that time had been witnessed in the town. When the [ internal improvement bill had become a law, I business received an impetus such as it had never known before. The vast plan of public w'ork attracted the attention of the adventurous spirit of the east, and immigrants from bevond the seas. A tide of immigration swept into the state such as always follows the announcement of facts that appeal to man's cupidity. The public lands of Vanderburgh county had for a few years been passing into the possession of mdustrious ! and frugal settlers from Germany and other j parts of the old world. About this time the ! influx of settlers was at its height. The town of Evansville was rapidly growing in size and commercial importance. The immediate and large success of the place seemed assured.