Vigo County, Indiana - Chapter 5: The Birthday of Indl\na and the City - the Beautiful \ Illage and Fertile Prairies, 1908

Chapter 5: The Birthday of Indl\na and the City - the Beautiful \ Illage and Fertile Prairies

The most interesting and detailed account of the country along the Wabash and about Fort Harrison as it was at the close of the war of 1812 and when settlement was just beginning to change the wilderness is afforded in an old book, entitled "Travels through the Western Country in the Summer of 1816," by David Thomas. The book was printed in 1819, and some of the facts have been brought up to 18 19, though in general the diary kept by this industrious and observing traveler describes things as they were during the summer of 1816. This early account of the region about Fort Harrison is here published for the first time in a history of this county. The author had journeyed down the Ohio and up to Vincennes, and it is after setting out from the old capital that we will join the traveler as he passes over the country from Vincennes to the northern edge of the settlement.

"Eight miles above Vincennes we passed from the woodland flats into the south end of the prairie that extends up to Shakertown. * * * Shakertown, the residence of the Shakers, consists of eight or ten houses of hewn logs, situated on a ridge west of the bayou, eighteen miles above Vincennes. The site is moderately elevated. As we approached, the blackness of the soil, and the luxuriance of vegetation, was peculiarly attractive, but much water was standing on the low ground to the east; and a mill pond on Busseon creek must suffuse the whole village with unwholesome exhalations. * The number of inhabitants is estimated at 200, who live in four families. * * Marriage is prohibited. From dancing, as an act of devotion, their name is derived. Like several other sects, they con- form to great plainness in apparel, but their garb is peculiar. In language they are also very distinguishable. * * In their dealings they are esteemed as very honest and exemplary. Until within a few months they entertained travelers without compensation ; but the influx has become so great that they found it necessary to depart from this practice. * The estate of this place consists of about 1,300 acres. The mills" which they have erected are a great accommodation to this part of the country, and to these they have adtlcd carding machines. * * * These people settled here before the late war [1812-1815] ; but after their estate was ravaged by the troops who went with Hopkins on his expedition, they sought refuge amongst their own sect in Ohio and Kentucky, and only returned last summer.* * * =^ *

".After procuring some refreshment [at Shakertown], we resumed our journey - turning eastward, and nearlv at right angles to the river, intending to visit AI. Hoggatt, to whom we had been directed by our friends at Lick creek. He resides on a farm belonging to Shakers, at the distance of seven miles. * * Our friend has resided between two and three years on this farm. On his first removal from North Carolina, he fixed his abode at Blue river ; but came hither to explore the lands of the New- Purchase previous to the sale. These lands have excited much attention, but various circumstances have conspired to prevent the surveys from being completed. * '^

"To satisfy the claims of the old French settlers, the United States directed to be set apart all the lands bounded on the west by the Wabash river ; on the south by the White river ; on the east by the West branch ; and on the north by the north bounds of the Old Purchase. Four hundred acres was assigned to each person entitled to a donation. The land has never been surveyed by order of the government, consequently it has never been regularl\' performed ; and the maps of this territory within these boundaries are generally blank. * * * All lands held in this quarter are therefore under French grants (except some militia claims). In locating it was necessary to begin at the general boundary, or at some corner of lands, the lines of which would lead thither ; but no course was given, and the claimant settled the point with his surveyor as he deemed most to his interest. * * *

"Accompanied by our kind friend AI. H. [Hoggatt] we commenced our journey for Fort Harrison. Our road led northwesterly through prairies principally composed of clay, though very fertile and interspersed with fine farms. * * At the end of seven miles we crossed [Busseron creek] at a mill. * * We then passed through barrens (so-called). which produced corn of uncommon luxuriance. * * At the distance of three miles we came out into the Gill prairie, where the extent and beauty of the scene and the luxuriance of the corn excited our admiration ; but the driftwood was deposited in lines above the level of no inconsiderable part of this fine tract. Indeed, we have seen none except the Vincennes prairie that is free from bayous. * * This bayou, ten miles in length, receives its waters from Turtle creek.

"We were now within the limits of the New Purchase, and conseqnentl}-. none of the few inhabitants who have fixed here can have titles to the land except through the intervention of Canadian claimants.

"At Turtle creek the woodland commences. * * Our route still led through woodlands. We have five rhiles further to travel, and the approach of evening induced us to mend our pace. But it became dark before we arrived at Tarman's [Turman's] where we lodged. * * This person with his family resided here before the late war. A small prairie of 200 or 300 acres, known by his name, and bordered by thick woods, except toward the river, chiefly contains the improvements. Last spring they removed from the prairie to a new cabin in the woodlands, near the road. The upper story of this building projects for the purpose of defense ; and may serve as a memorial of the apprehensions which overspread the white settlers before the late treaty with the Indians at Fort Harrison. A short time before the approach of those persons who came with Hopkins, this family, fearful of the Indians, abandoned their dwelling and retired down the river. In the hurry of removal many articles were necessarily left behind. When the band arrived they wasted every- , thing that could be found ; and the sons told me that their hogs and neat cattle were wantonly shot down and left untouched where they fell.* * *

"After breakfast we continued our journey. Several families have fixed their abode one or two miles further north ; and so much confidence has been felt in the right of possession that a sawmill has been erected in the present season [1816] on a small creek. We should be gratified hereafter to learn that such industry and enterprise have been respected. In this neighborhood we have passed a coal mine, which has been recently opened, though the work has been but partially performed. * * As tlie excavation is made in the channel of a small brook, the torrent, by removing loose earth, doubtless led to this discovery. All the strata of this fossil that we have seen in the western country has appeared near the surface; and it would not surprise me, if it should be brought forth in

Greater Terre Haute Axd Vigo Couxty

"On entering the prairie we found it a low strip of land - and like the south end of the Shakertown prairie, entirely within the reach of common floods. * * This tract, five miles long and averaging about one mile in width, is bounded on the north by the narrows, where the woodlands from the river and from the hills approach within ten rods. * * This prairie is considered to be of small value from its being so subject to inundation : and no inhabitants are found near its borders. Its name is derived from Prairie, creek, a light stream which flows through it from the eastward. * (Xir friend in leading us towards the woods near the northeast corner, directed our attention to the dry ground on which we were riding. In a few minutes we came to a fine brook which had its sources in the hills, but which on reaching the plain is inunediately lost in the sands over which we had passed. We found several cases of this kind. * *

"Leaving that stream we traveled to the north along the hill side, through the woods, and soon came out in Honey Creek prairie. We were delighted with the prospect. As we traversed this extensive tract, we contrasted the granite hills in the east with this soil which requires no manure, and nothing but moderate culture to produce an overwhelming plenty. * *

"It having become necessary to procure some refreshment, our experienced guide led us into the. woodland on the east ; and after ascending the hill, directed our course to a new cabin, which was occupied by two families. On entering we were furnished with seats, but the beds were all spread on the floor. In one corner a woman la}- in a burning fever. She complained of . much pain in her side, and many involuntary moans escaped while her husband supported her head. They were strangers - young - probably indigent ; and no physician could be found nearer than Fort Harrison. It was a case of real distress, and the circumstances were discouraging. However, we left medicine with directions. This family were lately from the state of Ohio. They had arrived in a boat, fixed their residence on the prairie, and drank the warm water from a brook. Apprehensive of disease, they had only left the border of the prairie within a few days past, and were received into this cabin as tenants. (We were much gratified to learn in three or four days that she was likely to recover. Unquestionably many of these emigrants suffer from want of suitable food, and of medicine and from the want of comfortable lodgings and of proper attendance.) * * *

"We now directed our course to the westward ; and at the distance of two or three miles, passed into the woods that shelter Honey creek. * * Honey creek is a considerable mill stream. The prairie to which it gives a name is computed to be eight miles long, and from one to five wide ; but I suspect the latter estimate is large. It was a beautiful tract of land. r>\ the creek it is separated on the north from the Terre Haute ( i. e. high land) prairie; ana on the west or northwest, from the Little prairie. [The author's note mentions that Terre Haute is 'vulgarly pronounced Tar Holt.'] * '^ On crossing this creek we passed ten or fifteen rods through a thrifty wood of beech, sugar maple, white and blue oak, black walnut, honey locust, and nettle tree; and then came out into the Little prairie. This contains about eight hundred acres. On it our friend [Hoggatt] had made some improvements; and this was our chief motive in departing from the direct road to Fort Harrison. It is separated from the Terre Haute prairie by woodland which extends from the river to Honey creek, joining it some distance above where we forded. * * *

"AVe now passed along the western part of the Terre Haute prairie ; and in the calm evening of one of the finest days in summer saw the shadows of the oaks lengthening over the plain. Novelty still lent its charuT ; and even after we arrived at our lodgings, four miles south of the fort, we were delighted with the prospect of lawns and distant woods.

"This establishment is not a tavern, but travelers are occasionally entertained. The house was erected in the present season. A few acres of corn are enclosed ; but the proprietor of these improvements has no claim to the soil but the right of possession. This site, which is about fifty feet above the prairie to the eastward, commands one of the most extensive prospects that we have seen in the country. " *

"7 mo. 13 [July]. Early this morning we resumed our journey. A few families live near our landlord, but two miles to the north there is a very considerable encampment [site of Terre Haute city]. Many of these emigrants are from the state of New York. It is said that fevers are prevalent among them ; and last night a man from the neighborhood of Genesee river died. We stopped a few minutes to visit N. Kirk, lately from the state of Ohio, with whom our companion D. S. was acquainted. His wife has an intermittent fever, * *

"Beyond this encampment to the north, we passed a field containing two hundred acres of corn, which made a very fine appearance, and is the principal crop. The enclosing of this tract with oak rails was the labor of a company ; and each man occupies land in proportion to the length of fence he erected. The whole has lately been covered by a Canadian claim ; and though in strictness these occupants might be considered as intruders, their case has excited sympathy and called forth some expressions of dissatisfaction with the claimant.

"The cabins along the road, from these improvements to the fort, are numerous: the immediate vicinity of this station has assumed the aspect of a considerable village, and once more we were surrounded by the 'busy hum of men'.

"Fort Harrison stands within a few rods of the river on a bank which, though not steep, is beyond the reach of floods. It is garrisoned bv a detachment from the army of the United States. It was built in the autunni of 181 1, by the late Governor Harrison and the troops under his command, who halted for that purpose on their march to Tippecanoe.

resumed our traverse of the country. Directing our course to the northeast through the prairies, we crossed over high broad ridges which might be laid into beautiful farms. The fertility of these lands has been noticed. Such elevations we would expect to be exempt from mud in- all seasons, nor do we believe that any unwholesome exhalation would approach. At the distance of one mile and a half we came to Otter creek, which is a fine mill stream. One mile above the ford is an excellent mill seat, which has just been located by R. [Abraham?] [Nlarkle and which he intended soon to occupy. This prairie is thirteen miles long. The surface declines to the eastward, and becomes so low near the creek that the water flows through in times of flood, forming a bayou which communicates with Honey creek. From the ford the course of Otter creek is nearly northwest, and just before its junction with the river, the Terre Haute prairie terminates. * * *

'Spring Creek prairie [along the north edge of A'igo county] lies to the north of this stream. It is about four miles from north to south and nearly two from east to west. \\'e have seen no tract of this extent equally delightful. '' * Along the south border of this tract. Spring creek, a light mill stream, meanders. Its sources are among the hills, and being fed by durable fountains, it suffers less diminution in summer than manv of the larger streams to the south. * * *

"On the north side of this stream [Spring creek] we traversed the open woods along the base of the hilL This, we were told, was the route of the army to Tippecanoe ; and we saw timothy of fine growth, probably from seed which was scattered at that time. On the banks of the small brook of pure water which flows from the hill, we took our noontide repast. We were then six or eight miles beyotid the limits of the civilized world: and no white settlers of any description are known above Fort Harrison. * * Bearing to the east side of Spring Creek prairie, we passed through groves and thickets that form its border in that direction. * * We had intended to visit Raccoon creek, the mouth of which forms one point in the north bounds of the New Purchase, being desirous to see the extensive forests of black walnut which are on the upper parts of that stream ; but there was a prospect of rain, and the day was too far advanced. It was therefore -determined to explore the lands adjacent to Spring creek. * * In the woods on the south bank of Spring creek we found the remains of wigwams, erected b)' the Indians on their hunting expeditions. Some were evidently designed as winter habitations. Of these, dry leaves interlaced with small poles formed the walls ; and the work displayed much skill and neatness. * In traversing such delightful regions, the mind acquires a degree of cheerfulness that rarely attends it in the deep gloom of the forest. But on reverting to the long toils and privations that beset the inhabitant of the wilderness, - and on contrasting the lightness of labor to possess these ancient abodes - a feeling more intense must pervade the patriot. The dark days of his country are past. In fancy, must he view the current of population breaking from the mountains, full, broad, resistless : and the vast and long deserted plains of the Mississippi, fill with life, with intellect, and with elegance."

Some additional notes, from information supplied after the author had returned east and just before he sent his book to press (about 1818- 19), tell some interesting details about the progress of the country, and are given herewith.

"A post office has lately been established at Honey Creek, two and a half miles south of the old ford on that stream, in range 9 [ 10] west, township II north, section 25. - Name, Hoggatt's - M. Hoggatt, post master."

woodland lying between it and the Wabash. This woodland is very fine, and on an inclined plane from the prairie to the bank of the river. The woodland on the east of this prairie is an elevated tract with a rich soil. This prairie is bounded on the north by Otter creek, on which Major Rd^arkle is building mills.' [The author adds that "these have since been completed. The construction, it is said, is uncommonly excellent ; and that the saw mills are capable of sawing 6,000 feet of boards in one day."] 'The soil of the prairie is excellent for both corn and wheat. Of the latter the crops vary from twenty to forty bushels an acre; and of the former, from fifty to one hundred bushels. Major Markle for rent alone, besides what he raised himself, has more than 3.700 bushels of corn.' 11

".A.11 the best lands near the Wabash river which had not been reserved by government, or located by Canadian claimants, were sold at auction in the 9 mo., 1816. ]\Iuch land of the second or third quality, (and no inconsiderable part of these kinds is very fertile), remained, however, for an entry of two dollars an acre payable within four years, by installments. One-fourth within two years, and the remainder in two equal annual payments. This condition is the rule ; and eight per cent, interest is added to all payments after such become due, and eight per cent, discount is allowed for prompt pay. Thus, lands paid for at the time of entry only cost one dollar and sixty-three cents [eighty-three cents?] an acre. To accommodate persons who may be unprepared to make a payment in full - or who may wish to secure a lot while they attempt further discoveries - lands are permitted to be entered for a certain number of days. This privilege, however, has been frequently abused. Entries have been made for the sum of sixteen dollars (onetwentieth of the purchase money), which confers the right to remove within forty days every valuable timber tree from the premises; and if no other purchaser appears, the term is even lengthened to 90 days. Last winter (1817-18) from five to ten dollars was the price of prairie lands, and from two to five the price of wood lands."