Vigo County, Indiana - Chapter 26: Terre Haute, 1891 (part 2 of 2)

An issue of this paper dated February 18, 1830, bears the mark of Vol. YI, No. 44; published by A. Kinney. It is a five-column folio and has in all thirty-nine advertisements, about one-half of these are foreign and the others local. The first column on the first page is headed with a three inch " ad" of Harrison & Allen, which starts out giving a general warning that "all notes and accounts will be placed in the hands of an officer on the first day of March next," and offers for sale "Pork, Whisky, Rye, Wheat, Deer skins, Feath¬ ers and Wheat Flour," and a " general assortment of dry goods and groceries." John F. Cruft advertises salt, and offers in exchange to take " pork and whiskey." Rose & Warren advertise 200 bar¬ rels salt, just received per steamboat "Highland." Also 1,500 pounds of lead ; hat store, by Henry Shepherd, "all sorts and sizes of hats for sale, wholesale or retail at Pittsburg prices, which the sub¬ scriber warrants to be waterproof - beaver, otter, muskrat and mink furs taken in exchange." Card of Thomas H. Blake & E. M. Huntington, lawyers, in which they give notice of dissolution of the firm. " They will continue to practice law separately, and may be consulted in Terre Haute except when absent on the circuit." The publisher, A. Kinney, will receive for debts due the printing office, " good flour, whiskey, corn, wheat, tallow, beeswax and clean linen rags." The "regular packet 'Tippecanoe,' Defrees, master, was built expressly for the Terre Haute trade, able to run all the season, will leave Terre Haute on the 15th of March. For freight or passage apply to John F. Cruft, agent." Also by the same, the regular packet " Highlander," Rogers, master, " will commence run¬ ning soon after the river opens and continue in the trade during the whole season." Alexander H. Miller and Noah Beymer formed a partnership in the tin and sheet-iron manufacture. Tom Bucket, of Honey Creek, posted before Squire J. Burnham " two colts, the sorrel appraised eighteen dollars and the bay at fourteen dollars;" William Bedford, posted before A. Kinney "a bay mare; appraised at $27, three years old and sound." William Nichols, of Harrison township, posted a bay colt. Wanted, 100 bushels of stove coal by A. Kinney. Public sale by William Coltrin and Leonard Crawford, administrators of Caleb Crawford, deceased. R. Hopkins, admin¬ istrator of the estate of William M. Collins, gives notice to present accounts. David Clark gives notice not to trade with or give credit to his wife "as she is an insane person." Phillip Hedges adver- tises that two cows have "strayed to my camp on the National road in the east edge of Vigo county." A legal notice entitled Otis Brandon vs. Samuel Coleman and Mary his wife. John E. Hubbs and Hannah his wife, Sylvia Winter, William Winter, John Win¬ ter, William A. Brown, Daniel E. Brown, Nancy Ann Brown, James Hall and Mahala his wife, Ariel Harman and Elizabeth his wife, heirs of William Winter, petition to sell rea] estate.

Under the head "Obituary" is a notice of the death of Miss Nancy Linton, aged seventeen, and following this is a notice of the death of Rebecca, consort of Dr. C. B. Modesitt, in the forty-second year of her age. From the wording of the notice, we infer the death was not only unexpected, but that the Doctor was not at home when the great summons came to his beloved companion.

The entire first page of the paper, after the one column of adver¬ tisements, is occupied with news of congress; the conclusion of a speech by Mr. Test, arguing about the distribution of the public lands.

On the third page are the short editorials - less than one-third of a column. The first is a notice, and comments thereon, of the removal of John F. Cruft as postmaster, and the appointment to the place of Francis Cunningham. The editor deprecates this change, but concludes his article by saying that Mr. Cunningham "is a respectable citizen, and we hope the public will not suffer by the change."

The other is a political leader, and sounds a good deal as though it were written and published yesterday, instead of over sixty years ago. He says:

" From the report of the committee on manufactures, we flat¬ tered ourselves that the present congress would permit our protect¬ ing laws to remain untouched until they were fairly tested. (The italics are the writer's of the editorial.) And instead of attempt¬ ing to do them away, they would provide for their rigorous enforce¬ ment. But we discover we were in error - that a high spirit of in¬ novation exists, and that a struggle will be made to modify, if not to repeal, our present tariff - notwithstanding President Jackson gave it as his opinion that it had not proved so injurious, as was anticipated by its enemies.

" But it is now declared by the acts of our public functionaries, that power gives right ; it may be that, in their wisdom, they may determine to relieve John Bull from the inconvenience of smuggling or contending with Brother Jonathan even handed; and aid him in trying one of Brother Jonathan's arms and open the way for him to direct all his energies to palzy the other. The protective laws of England amount to an almost prohibition of our agricultural prod¬ ucts, and if our protective system is done away, it will complete what the smuggling system - the auction system - and the want of energy in supporting the tariff, have in a degree commenced - the ruin of our manufactures and the annihilation of our home market. But we await the issue."

Wonder if, a century from now, the historian can again repro¬ duce Judge Kinney's editorial, and still truthfully say it continues to sound very much like yesterday's editorial?

Another page of the paper is filled with the acts of the Indiana legislature, approved January 28, 1830, entitled "An act providing means to construct that portion of the Wabash and Erie canal with¬ in the State of Indiana." The chief purposes of the act were to provide for the selection of a board of canal commissioners by the legislature and the sale of the canal lands given by congress in aid of the enterprise.

The first post-office here was kept in the fort, and it is probable before that was established chance couriers from Vincennes brought what little mail was passing in those days. Curtis Gilbert was the postmaster in the fort. It was brought down, and became the regular Terre Haute post-office in 1818, and John M. Coleman was the first postmaster. He kept the office in his hat for some time - weighted down by his old-style bandana. This made it very conven¬ ient, and was the first real free delivery in the country. Wherever you saw him he would take off his hat and hand you your mail out, if the postage, 25 cents, was prepaid; but otherwise you could look at it, and start out on a summer's campaign to find the quarter. It is said the angriest man ever in the world was a closefisted one who got a letter (not prepaid) that was simply a notice of one of his debtors taking benefit of the bankrupt law. This was worse than the swain who got a letter from his love in answer to his proposal, that had been written with the not uncommon ink of that day, the juice of the polk berry, and it had completely faded. He accepted the conditions imposed in the blank sheet, and got his license, and was happily marrieck

In May, 1820, the government established a land office at Terre Haute. President Monroe appointed Williamson Dunn register and Ambrose Whitlock receiver. William Polk did most of the land surveying in this section.

The Wabash Courier , dated June 27, 1833, has T. Dowling as publisher. It is printed in large type, and does not present a neat typographical appearance. In the reading matter the progress of the cholera is noted. Edward M. Livingston, " late secretary of State, now minister to France," is spoken of as a suitable candidate for the next presidency. The editor takes strong exceptions to the action of the National Temperance convention, which declared that the temperate use of ardent spirits was "a great moral wrong." Two marriages are recorded - the marriage service in one case be¬ ing performed by Charles T. Noble and the other by John Britton.

tor the August election we find the following announcements: Congress - William C. Linton, John Ewing, J. W. Davis, John Law, H. L. Livingston and George Boon.

The advertising column, always the most interesting portion of these old papers, show the following persons engaged in business at that date: General merchandise, J. C. and W. Early, Linton & Lindley, J. & S. Crawford, James Trabue, L. H. J. Scott,

L. G. Warren, Johnson & Wilson; groceries, Linton, Blake & Ball, Harrison (B. M.) & Wilson; iron and castings, A. McGregor; drugs and medicines, Blake & Groverman, William F. Pettit; boots and shoes, John R. Serrin; insurance agents, John F. Cruft, D. H. Johnson; attorneys, James Farrington, John D. Taylor, E.'

Cuitis Gilbert was clerk of the circuit court. He also adver¬ tises pasturage on "about forty acres near town, containing durable water and plenty of shade trees." There are quite a number of ad¬ vertisements of Louisville merchants, which city, at that time, was the principal market for Terre Haute.

Wabash Courier , dated April 17, 1841. The paper is in mourn - ing, as was the custom in those days, for the death of President Harrison, and a public meeting is called at the court-house to pay appropriate honor to his memory. An editorial announcing John Tyler as the acting President says: "The country contains no purer or better man. He is a Democrat of the old school, and will conduct the government on the principles chalked out by the la¬ mented Harrison." [ Which he didn't. J

To show the great change from that day to this in the transmis¬ sion of news, we mention that the President died on the morning of April 14, this paper was issued on the 17th, and up to that date no eastern paper had been received giving an account of the death.

The intelligence was received by a letter from Maj. Donalio. The arrival of the British Queen, bringing news to March 10 is an¬ nounced. Hon. Richard W. Thompson, of Lawrence, Whig candi¬ date for congress, has a lengthy address to the people of the Second Congressional district. At the head of the paper he is styled the "Democratic Harrison candidate." Nathaniel Cunningham and Edwin Gartrell are announced as candidates for county treasurer. " J. O. Jones, P. M.," is attached to the public list of letters. The mails then arrived by stage and on horseback from the east daily; Springfield three times a week, Northern twice a week, Columbus the same, Yandalia three times a week, Southern and Crawfordsville the same, Springfield and Ono once a week.

Groceries, etc., Richard Blake, G. W. Patrick & Co., Groverman & Bourne, Henry Brasher, Blake & Ball, Thomas E. Sangster; general merchandise, Baily & Elkin, Schultz & Porterfield, Smith & Button, Lindley, Brown & Early, Jacob D. Early, Thomas Davis, W. & H. D. Williams, and H. Rose; drugs, John E. King; tinware, Smith & Graff; auctioneers, Joseph A. Hayden and James Haynes; foundry, Stratton, Wallace & Co. ; iron and hard¬ ware, A. McGregor and James Grover; livery stable, Holden Y Dole; house and sign painting, M. J. Reed and R. N. Hudson sad¬ dlery, A. M. Boatright and James Buzom; merchant tailors, Ryman & Baird, Jesse Lee and Gurnsey & Storm ; coffee house, Miles Oglesby; physicians, Daniels & Holmes and E. Y. Ball; cooper, Jabez Casto; boots and shoes, James Morrison and Woodruff & Co.; wagon-makers, Seeley and Bishop; chairs, East & Buckingham; watcli-making, H. Stark ; house carpenters, Madison & Chamberlain. The National Hotel was kept by William McEadden, the Pavillion by John Scott, the WTabasli Hotel by William P. Dole. The disso¬ lution of Drs. Septer Patrick and William Maxwell Wood is an¬ nounced. Samuel Cochran advertises a barber shop "next door to Gen. Scott's Hotel (late John Burton's)." The efficacy of Dr. Hitchcock's "medicamentum" is attested in long cards signed by M. Augustus Jewitt, Salmon Wright, James Earrington and George Hager.

In the Wabash Courier, Yol. YII, No. 1, Saturday, Septem¬ ber 9, 1838, we find the following among the advertisements : " There was a special election for mayor Saturday, September 9, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Tillotson, and Dr. Marcus Hitchcock was elected mayor. Stolen from Mrs. Jones, of Honey Creek, a dark bay mare. A card of Dr. William Barbee, and Drs. Ball & Graff. Dr. E. Daniels removed from Patrick's drug store. A. H. Hitchcock, attorney, office next door to the post-office. C.

AY. Barbour on the school committee. M. M. Hitchcock gives notice that he is appointed tax collector. C. AY. Barbour, insurance office. Blake A Groverman offer for sale goods just received by steamer ' Rover.' Four days' horse fair held in this place. Ryman & Baird, merchant tailors. Samuel Lord offers for sale feathers, etc., corner of National road and Market street. Murphy & Tiernan advertise their new store, etc., on west side of square. AYilliam Fenimore, proprietor of Terre Haute boot and shoe factory. John Strain, sheriff, gives notice. Proposals for building Market House are given by T. A. Madison, C. Gilbert, S. AY. Edmunds. C. Gil¬ bert. circuit, clerk, gives notice. R. S. McCabe, forwarding and commission merchant. Juniata Iron Store (McGregor & Rea), on the National road. Notice is given of the reopening of the Mansion House by Malcom McFadden. Leather and shoe store, AYilliam McMurran. J. D. Early offers for sale salt, cigars, nails, etc. Re¬ moval of J. D. Custer, the watch-maker. Blake & Ball offer new goods, corner of AY abash and Market. A. H. AVoodruff advertises ' for rags. James Hook advertises himself as carpentering ' on his own hook.' Alex. Surrell & Son, tailors, removed to Second street two doors south of Field & Chapman's coffee house. Stoves, wrap¬ ping paper, etc., J. & S. Crawford. Bakery, Henry Brasher & Co. Notice is given of an estray having been taken up by Isiah Donham before Nathaniel Lee, justice of the peace. Public sale of lots in Fountain's addition by A. B. Fountain. Administrator's sale at David Sasseen's, four miles north of Terre Haute, by E. Genung, administrator. New carpentering, Albert Longe & Co. R. A. Steel offers new goods. L. O. Schultz advertises clothing. New goods, Groverman & Co. blank books, A. H. AYoodruff. Jacob D. Early advertises his superior tallow candles. AY. B. Dexter, Fay¬ ette township, offers public sale of property. Flax seed oil-mill is announced for rent, A. McGregor & Co. John McKennon and John Burton give notice against note given to B. Lucker. E. Genung, administrator of Thomas Harper. New goods, B. Bailey & Co. Fresh goods, Lewis O. Schultz. Blythe & Babbit, hats and shoes. Amanda Haskins vs. Silas H. Haskins, for divorce. Nathan J. Hodges, administrator of John Scott, Nevins township. AV. Corry, tailor, removed. J. D. Custer offers clocks, etc., for sale. P. B. Praigg, and James Hook dissolve partnership."

In 1825 a Presbyterian missionary visited Terre Haute. He preached here, and says: "The last night I preached in Terre Haute but few of the villagers attended." He proceeds to de¬ scribe the place, as follows: "A very singular place; it had a population of about 200 people and much mercantile business; had no religious society of any order, but that there was at this time a great disposition to hear preaching; several gentlemen had formed a Sunday reading meeting at the court-house. At these meetings they took turns in reading printed sermons." In another place he describes the place: "The town of Terre Haute is a beautiful vil¬ lage, composed of white houses, situated on the left bank of the Wabash river, but is no place for preaching.'1'' When the gentleman said it was a great place for mercantile business, he hit the strong characteristic that has always remained to it, but the fact is, it changed in respect to being " no place for preaching," because it really has been, for many years, nearly as noted, in this respect, as for the strong and healthy growth of its trade and manufactories.

From 1832 to 1854, was a period of twenty-two years of nearly complete stagnation as to the increase of population. May 30, 1852, was held the first city election. The whole number of votes cast was 752. This was the temporary organization of the city, wherein William K. Edwards was elected mayor. The following councilmen: Noah Beymer, George F. Lyon, Henry Fairbanks, Thomas

L. Bourne, James S. Wyeth, James H. Hudson, S. B. Franklin, Bobert N. Hudson, Henry Boss and Zenas Smith. Clerk, James B. Edmunds; assessor, S. H. Taylor; treasurer, Thomas Houghten; civil engineer, James Oakey; street commissioner, James T. Moffatt; marshal, Thomas Bobbins; city attorney, B. B. Moffatt. The officers were elected for one year.

The election next year showed an increase of twenty-nine votes. Edwards was re-elected. The council: Chauncey Bose, Henry Boss, T. A. Madison, B. L. Thompson, Samuel Crawford, W. B. McKeen, S. B. Franklin, H. B. Smith, Henry Fairbanks, Noah Beymer. Clerk, I. N. Coltrin; treasurer, Thomas Houghten; asses¬ sor, J. E. Jones; civil engineer, J. B. Hager; street commissioner, H. D. Milns ; marshal, Samuel Dodson ; attorney, B. B. Moffatt.

A copy of the Western Register , dated July 28, 1827, has a notice of J. F. & W. S. Cruft: Bec.eived by steamer "Wabash," big stock of new goods: Whisky, beeswax, corn-fed pork, flax and tow linen taken in exchange.

E. S. McCabe will sell all kinds of hats for cash, fur skins and whisky. Country linen taken for debts due this (printing) office. At this office (printing) wanted, 2,000 rails. L. H. Scott, insur- - ance office, Hartford Company. O. Eose, by J. F. King, edves notice of the removal of his store from the house of Judge Deming, on First street, to his new building on the prairie, near his resi¬ dence and directly north of Mr. Fuller's. On hand a general assortment of dry goods, dry groceries, glass and queensware. Elizabeth Ciow wains all persons against employing or trusting John Wilson, " as he has been illegally from the care and protection of his mother." She threatens the law upon the meddlers.

The following are some of the contents of the old 1867 court¬ house corner-stone, that were taken out in the spring of 1890, in remodeling the old building: An old-style collar on which is written: " This style of paper collar is fashionable and much worn.

It is called the garote. Furnished by D. W. Minsliall, 81 Wabash street." An envelope marked: "Presented by Eufus H. Simpson, county clerk, May 29, 1865." A copy of the Western Register , of Terre Hrute, of elate of August 6, 1829. A copy of the Western Register and Terre Haute Advertiser of July 28, 1827. A copy of the Weekly Union Democrat , of Terre Haute, of date of November 10, 1864, marked: "Deposited by Eufus H. Simpson, county clerk, May 29, 1865." A copy of the Wabash Courier of September 6^ 1832. A copy of the W abash Courier of August 9, 1832. Editor Thomas Dowling. A $2 old Watson bank note; it read: "State of Indiana. I promise to pay Two Dollars to B. Franklin or bearer on demand in Indiana, Illinois or Ohio bank notes at my office in Terre Haute, January 6, 1841 - John H. Watson." On the back of the note was written the following: "This note presented by John H. Watson, July 28, 1843. Since 1841 these notes have passed currently as a local circulating medium. The vignette is a correct and striking representation of the court-house and square." Goudy's Illinois Farmers' Almanac for the year 1843. A business card of J. H. Moore, attorney at law, office in the Minshall build¬ ing, Main street, between Third and Fourth. On the card is writ¬ ten the following: " Died August, 1864, at Bridgeport, Ala., as a membei of 133 Eegiment, Indiana A olunteers." A business card of J. F. Gulick & Co., successors to Dr. G. W. Patrick, druggists and chemists, corner of AYabash and Sixth streets. A circular let¬ ter from Thomas B. McCarthy, auditor of State of Indiana, to county auditors, of date of April 17, 1865, making explanations of the act for the relief of soldiers' families. Capt. Hook had written under the circular: "This law was not very popular."

Pork Packing. - The " old times " now refer to the days when this was the great and important industry of the place. Raising stock and especially hogs was one of the first profitable industries of Yigo county, and Terre Haute led the procession in pork pack¬ ing. Like nearly all the things noticed in the preceding portions of this chapter, it rose to great importance, flourished and has passed away. The end of the story came with the burning of the old Early pork-liouse in the forenoon of May 28, 1890.

The heaviest trade of Terre Haute at one time, so far as the capital invested was concerned, was in the article of pork. The pioneer establishment in this branch of business, both in this city and in the valley of the Wabash, was erected in the year 1824, by B. I. Gilman, of Cincinnati, on the site once occupied by the porkhouse of William J. Rieman & Co. Mr. Gilman disposed of his house to Joseph Miller, almost immediately, who continued the business for many years. Miller sold out to J. L. Humaston and P. H. Griswold, who, after a time were succeeded by L. Ryce and James Ross, who, in their turn, were succeeded by William J. Rie¬ man & Co. The next establishment was that erected by John F. and William S. Cruft, on the river bank, immediately above the premises of Paddock & Co.

They were succeeded in this house by John Burson, who had been packing in a cheap wooden structure, which he had erected on the south side of Wabash street, below First. Alexander Mc- Cune packed at Burson's old house for a time. Daniel Johnson and Ralph Wilson did business for some time in a frame house they built on the north side of Wabash street, on the lot once oc¬ cupied by J. M. Davis' wagon yard. Hogs were packed also on the premises now occupied by Dr. Pence's residence. Jacob D. Early, after packing for some years with Joseph Miller, opened a house of his own in the cooper shop built by George Hamer on the south side of Mulberry street.

This house continued to be used as a pork-house for some years, when it was converted into a theater, where our old citizens were wont to be entertained by the performances of old Aleck Drage and wife, Sam Lathrop, Sam Burgess and others who wore the buckskin professionally, and also by the histrionic efforts of "na¬ tive talent."

Chauncy B. Miller erected a pork-house in the year 1841, on the lot on the corner of Canal and Water streets, where he did a commission packing business until 1845, when Jacob D. Early, who had been packing since 1836 with Joseph Miller, rented his estab¬ lishment. Mr. Early purchased the premises in 1848, and built his large pork-house the same year.

James Farrington, Israel Williams and John Boudinot, under the firm name of John Boudinot & Co., built the first pork-liouse on the ground afterward occupied by Linn & Reed, in 1842. They were succeeded by H. D. Williams & Co., who erected a larger es¬ tablishment in 1848.

The other pork-houses of Paddock & Co. and William B. Warren were erected, the former by Levi G. Warren and John Boudinot, in 1849, and the latter by George R. Wilson and William B. Warren, in 1850. Benjamin and Samuel McKeen packed for years at the former house, in which they were interested. John Duncan, father of Will Duncan, who was well known to the trade on the Wabash as a packer of English meats, commenced the business here in 1856, with H. D. Williams & Co. Later, he occu¬ pied a part of the establishment of Jacob D. Early & Son.

It was the custom in those days, before railroads had grown to their present prominence, to send the corn and pork to New Orleans and points along the Mississippi in flat-boats. These pioducts found ready sale there, while the lumber of which the boats were made was just as easily sold. The lives of these flatboatmen were full of hardships and suffering, but there was an element of romance in it that attracted the hardy spirits. The development of the railroad system of the land, gradually injured the business of the flat-boatmen.

After the close of the war the pork-packing industry was still an important one here in Terre Haute, but that peculiaritv of fi eight i ates by which a farmer had to pay more for a haul of two miles than he does for one the full length of the road, increased the disadvantages and decreased the profits of the business until it was finally discontinued. The last season that a house was in ope¬ ration here, was in 1878 to 1879, but the product was small as compared to that of former years. An effort was made later to organize a company to engage in the business here. The gentle¬ man at the head of the enterprise had been engaged for several years with one of the largest establishments of the kind in the West, and he thought that with the hogs raised in this section and with tbe coin for which this region is famous, an establishment could be maintained here all the year round.

But he soon discovered that the difference in freight rates pre¬ vented competition with Chicago, Kansas City and Cincinnati, and the pioject was abandoned. Terre Haute might once have been called " Hogopolis " and would be glad of that title now. We hear sneers at the cultivation of the hog center of the country, but the profits that come from the despised hogs are not to be sneered at.

Some of the most substantial fortunes in Terre Haute were made by pork, in the days when Terre Haute was yet a town. Those days are over, and the fortunes that are to be made here must seek some other channel.

The history of Terre Haute, from its founding, has been one of steady and regular growth and advancement, and most fortunately has never been disfigured with that modern invention called a "boom" - a species of advertising a place purely for purposes of real estate speculation. From Early's little first store, exchanging from his general assortment for fur skins, beeswax and whisky - the staples at one time - to the great wholesale house of Hulman, and many others nearly as important, is a long distance, but the ground has all been passed over step by step. No balloons have been used in the voyage. A vigorous but healthy growth is by far the best. It may seem slow to-day, but look to-morrow and the slow but sure has passed the boomer that lies collapsed and dead, strewn with broken fortunes and ruined hopes. The boom town is a modern growth, a liot-bed plant, as unsubstantial, often, as the night's mushroom.

The toll bridge was, when built, a great institution, always presenting a safe road across the river for the people and the trade desirous of coming to Terre Haute. But its days were passed, and it became imperative that the people should have a free bridge, and the county commissioners purchased the entire franchise of W. K. Edwards, paying therefor $75,000. An expensive new iron draw has been put in place of the old draw.

Under Mayor Cookerly's administration, August 3, 1867, the first street car was run over the Terre Haute street railroad. The entire line then was from First street to the Union depot. The Terre Haute Street Railway Company was organized as a stock company April 10, 1865. From the day of its opening two cars were kept continually running. The company now have eight miles of streets, and much of this is double tracked, and this part of the improvement is being constantly pushed. Officers: R. W. Rippetoe, president; William Kidder, vice-president; L. D. Thomas, sec¬ retary. Mr. Blake's street railway connects on east Wabash street with the Terre Haute street railway track, and runs west to the fair grounds, passing by the front gate, and continues east to Highland Lawn cemetery. The length of this street track is over two miles.

During the sixties the city realized that it wanted free access furnished the people in their coming and going. The bridge was purchased, and as the old plank road was about worn out, a system of graveled roads was commenced. And now the old dirt roads are graveled, and iron bridges have taken the places of the old wooden

Banks. The Terre Haute branch of the State iBank was estab¬ lished November 4, 1845, and most fortunately Mr. Curtis Gilbert was chosen president. This was, from a money standpoint, a great advance for the town. One of the regular old-fashioned State bank buildings now stands on the south of the public square, with its huge columns that extend to the gable* of the roof. It is an exact pattern of all the national bank buildings erected in many of the States in that day. They all looked alike when newly built, and they continue the same likeness in extreme old age. Mr. Gilbert was succeeded by Levi G. Warren, in 1853, having retired on account of ill health. The old bank was wound up by Mr. Gilbert at the expiration of its charter in 1856, and it was one of the fewthat was so managed that it paid every creditor in full.

The First National Bank was first chartered in 1863, for the period of nineteen years, and during the life of its charter grew and prospered with the ever- widening field presented by the growth in business and wealth of the city. Its present charter dates from 1882; capital, $200,000; surplus, $200,000; officers, D Demiug, president; B. McCormick, cashier; Frank Teel, assistant cashier. This was one of the first banks under our present national system, its charter bearing the number 47.

The Vigo County National Bank was established November 1, 1888; capital, $150,000; surplus $7,000. B. G. Hudnut, presi¬ dent; Charles W. Conn, cashier. Directors: Willard Kidder, M. Quinn, A. Z. Foster, J. P. Crawford, Wright L. Kidder, C. a! Busch, Elisha Havens, B. G. Hudnut and Max F. Hoberg.

National Slate Bank of Terre Haute. - The State Bank of Indi¬ ana, bianch at Terre Haute, was organized in 1836, chartered for a term of twenty years. Upon the expiration of its charter it was organized by the parties who had controled the first bank (the Bank of the State of Indiana) in 185b, also chartered for twenty years. This continued in business until 1865, when the new general sys¬ tem went into operation, when it gave up its old charter and was reorganized and became the present National State Bank, and contin¬ ued in business until the expiration of the twenty vears, when its charter was extended for twenty years. Its capital "stock is $200,- 000; surplus. $56,000. Officers: Preston 'Hussey, president; Charles M. WAnen, cashier. Board of directors: Preston Hussey, G. W. Bement, Theodore Hulman, A. J. Crawford and W. S. Rea!

and is the banking house of Mr. John S. Beach. It has long been one of the important and leading financial concerns of the city. A regular banking business is conducted, and under its careful man¬ agement it is widely known as a strong and reliable concern.

Savings Bank. - On the corner of Ohio and Sixth streets is one of the responsible and leading financial institutions of the city. It is under the same general control as the Prairie City Bank.