Warrick County, Indiana - The whole text, 1881 (part 1 of 4)

The whole text

A History of Warrick County, Indiana, from the time of its organization and settlement, with Biographical Sketches of some of iis Prominent People of the past and present

Reface

No history extant is free from errors. They are generally the result either of indifference on the part of those acquainted with the facts or the lack of information of the historian. This volume is doubtless one with many faults ; but it is offered to the patrons as the best that could be produced under the numerous disadvantages besetting its prosecution, and without entailing an unjustifiable expense upon tJu publisher. Care has been taken to make the historical part of the work correct, and, although it is doubtless incomplete, it is of extraordinary length and detail for a work of its character.

The biographical part is chiefly a record of living men. These are represented from all classes, professional, business and agricultural. To write the biography of a living person is a work of appalling delicacy. Speak well of him and his enemies call it servile flattery. Speak ill of him and his friends call it the grossest injustice. Thus, it is impossible for the biographer to escape censure from one of the two sources. The different biographical subjects of this work are not unlike all ?nankind. They all have faults, but it is not our province to hold those faults up to the public gaze for the gratification of a certain class that delight in the depreciation of their fellow-men. The sole endeavor has been to do the subjects justice as near as possible in the short space allotted. If the biographical part is incomplete, the fault can not be justly attributed to the editor. Trusting that the work will be given a just consideration and that it may be of some value or interest to the posterity of the prominent people of Warrick county of the present it is submitted to the public.

Will Fortune Topography, Soil And Productions Of

Warrick county is situated in the southwestern part of Indiana, and is bounded on the east by Little Pigeon creek and Spencer county, on the west by Vanderburgh, on the north by Pike and Gibson, on the south by the Ohio river. Its area is about 388 square miles, or 248,320 acres This land is valued at about $3,000,000, and the improvements on it nearly $7,000,000.

The surface of the country is mostly rolling or undulating, although there is a range of hills along the northern boundary. Along the course of Pigeon, Cypress and other streams with which the country is watered, are large tracts of flat, wet land. The soil of the bottoms, many of which are large, is very rich, and corn is cultivated on it with marked success. Most of the upland is perfectly arable and of good quality, annually yielding bountiful crops In the northern portion of the county is a fertile fruit-growing soil, though the farmers of that section have not given the cultivation of it much attention, producing only enough for home use Their neglect of this product is attributed mainly to the present ^inaccessibility to the markets, but if the railroad projects now pending are carried into effect, this disadvantage will be obviated. In the southern part of the county corn, wheat and hay are the staple products. The annual yields are large, for which the Ohio river affords convenient access to the markets Principally in the central part, but to a more or less extent over the entire county, tobacco is the chief product. The soil is peculiarly adapted to its cultivation, and it is a remunerative commodity. More tobacco is raised in this county than any other in the State, and the yield some years has been as high as eight million pounds. The farmers mostly sell their tobacco to the tobacco establishments in Boonville, where it is stemmed and packed previous to its shipment to the eastern markets. To do this new a large number of people of both sexes and all ages are employed from six to nine months in the year, many of whom depend wholly upon it for a livelihood From the sale of his tobacco the farmer realizes from one to ten cents per pound, according to quality ; the shipper from fifteen to twenty cents ; the manufacturer, who pays a duty of seventy-five cents per pound, from $1.20 to $1 40, and the retail dealer from $1.75 to $2.00.

Cattle and sheep raising can be followed with impunnity, and is, though not extensively. Those who have engaged in it generally find it the most remunerative investment of capital and labor.

A seam of good coal underlies all of Warrick county to a more or less extent, which can be reached by shafts of moderate depth It belongs to the class of bituminous coals, and possesses valuable properties as a fuel, both for manufacturing and domestic purposes. It kindles very readily and produces a strong heat. Experiment has demonstrated its high value as a steam-producing fuel. The low price at which this coal is sold and the almost inexhaustible supply, together with numerous other inducements, renders this a desirable place for the location of manufactories. Warrick county's greatest wealth lies in her coal fields. In the language of Col. Mullberry Sellers, " There's millions in it." At present the only place in the county where coal is mined to any great extent is at Newburgh, where, on an average, about 3,000 bushels are produced daily. Smaller mines are located at Boonville, Chandler, Millersburgh and other places in the county, but their shipments, compared with those of the Newburgh dealers, are not large.

During the past few years several mineral springs have been discovered in this county, and a thorough analysis and test of their waters has shown them to possess medicinal properties that are highly salubrious. These springs have become quite popular as summer resorts, and are annually visited by large numbers of people seeking health and rest.

Geologists deem it quite probable that both salt and oil can be found in large quantities along the meanderings of Cypress and other small creeks in this section. In 1814 several men commenced digging salt wells near Cypress creek, about three miles from the river, but owing to the lack of proper facilities for the prosecution of the enterprise it was abandoned. It is also asserted that another party, after going to the depth of 349 feet, near the mouth of Cypress creek, in quest of oil, came to water which was highlv impregnated with salt

In short, Warrick county is rich in its mineral possessions and the fertility of its soil, and holds out excellent inducements to both capital and labor.

Incidents Of The Primitive Inhabitants Removal Of Indians From Southern Indiana

Less than seventy-five years ago the territory which now comprises Warrick county was a dense forest, and the only inhabitants were Indians and wild animals. The land which is now dotted over with peaceful and happy homes was then but a boundless field of trees, with here and there only a little path, beaten by wild animals, wending its way through the thick forest to some small stream or watering place. This whole section of country was then a wilderness, in which the red man reigned supreme, and his wild game was doubtless often chased through what are now the streets of the capitol of Warrick county. Seventy-five years ago the rays of civilization had not penetrated our forest and the advent of the white man was in the future.

Scattered along the banks of the Ohio river and in the interior of what is now Warrick county were the rustic, artless wigwams of savages. These Indians were principally Shawnees. The abundance of game in this section of country made it a favorite home with the Indians. Situated near the mouth of Cypress creek, on the banks of the Ohio river, was an Indian village, which, for many miles surrounding, was their central point. This village numbered about one hundred wigwams, but it disappeared soon after the settlement of white men and very little is known regarding it.

Other localities in Warrick also bear indubitable evidences of having at some time been the abiding place of the aborigines. It is evident that the southwestern part of the county was at one time a haunt of the race known as Mound Builders. In the neighborhood of Newburgh, skeletons, with tomahawks, pipes, and such personal property as was customarily interred with the dead bodies of Indians, have been exhumed.

Among some people there was a fancy prevalent several years ago that much of the wealth of the Indians was secreted near the river in the neighborhood of the mouth of Cypress creek, which attained verisimilitude through a circumstance occurring at the time. A representative of the Shawnee Indians visited Warrick county in quest of gold and silver, which, according to an Indian tradition, had been buried by their ancestors near Cypress creek. The place described was found, but the efforts to find the hidden treasure were unsuccessful. The story created a little excitement at the time and obtained credence among the more credulous class of people, but the matter still remains a mystery.

The Indians that inhabited this section of country were generally friendly and peaceable. While they had a few disturbances, the only white man known to have been murdered by them in this county was a farmer named Athe Meeks

Meeks was an old man and lived near where the iron bridge now crosses Pigeon creek. On the banks of the creek a short distance below stood an Indian wigwam, in which Setteedown, Chief of the Shawnee Indians, lived with his squaw and only son.

Setteedown was a middle-aged man, of large frame, and he possessed great muscular strength. Like most savages, he preferred to live in solitude, and had erected his wigwam remote from the village of his tribe. However, he is said to have been of a sociable disposition at times, always treating his pale-faced friends kindly and often participating in their amusements. If a shooting match was given, Setteedown was sure to be present, and as a participant he displayed remarkable skill. It is said he was very wealthy, and at the time of the settlement of the white men he owned a large herd of cattle and horses, and an extensive farm, the eastern boundary of which was along what is now Second street in Boonville.

Setteedown's neighbor, Athe Meeks, was an honest old man, who supported a large family by farming, fishing and hunting. The white man regarded the indolent savage as a nuisance, and the Indian looked upon the white man as a trespasser. The two grew to disliking each other. Meeks was accused of molesting Setteedown's traps and nets. Meeks' pigs would disappear and Setteedown was charged with stealing them. Thus the hatred became bitter and the Indian plotted vengeance on his enemy. * Early one morning in 1811 several of Setteedown's warriors, armed with rifles, stealthily crept to the skirts of the woods surrounding Meeks' house. While making preparations to attack the house one of the Indians met in the woods, Athe Meeks, Jr., a strong, athletic son of the senior Athe. Fearing he would give the alarm and thus thwart their purpose, the Indian attacked him with his tomahawk and endeavored to kill him. In the encounter young Meeks succeeded in throwing his antagonist to the ground and making his escape, although his arm had been broken and badly mutilated while endeavoring to defend himself from the blows of the savage's tomahawk. Hastening on to the house the Indians were now determined to finish their bloody work. An unusual disturbance among the swine was heard and Meeks hastily dressed and started to learn the cause, but as he

*There have been various stories told regarding this tragedy, but we have adopted the version of Gen. James C. Veatch principally, believing it to be the most reliable. His information was all obtained from parti- 3ipants in the tragedy.

stepped out of his door he was shot through the brain. With a frightful yell the Indians made a rush for the body of the dead man for the purpose of scalping him, but Mrs. Meeks succeeded in getting it in the house before they reached it. The report of the rifle had aroused William, the eldest son of Meeks, who lived near by, and he now came to the rescue of his mother. The Indians fled and young Meeks followed them, killing one of the number, who was carried a short distance by his comrades and then deposited in a hollow tree, where he was found several weeks afterwards. The young man, who was dressed only in his "night clothes," without hat or boots, started with all speed he possessed to the nearest settlement, to spread the news of his father's murder and procure assistance in capturing the hostile Indians. Almost completely exhausted he reached French Island, on the Ohio river, ten miles distant. Sam Perkins, the commander of a keel-boat managed by seventeen men, was at the Island when Meeks arrived with the news of the murder. Perkins called his men together, told them about the outrage and urged all to go at once in pursuit of the Indians. The men all promptly volunteered, a few farmers joined them, and Captain Young, a farmer who lived near by, was made their commander. Eight hours or more having elapsed from the time of the murder before it was possible for the men to start in search of the Indians the latter had sufficient time to get safely beyond the reach of their pursuers. When the men arrived at the Indian camp it had been deserted, and Setteedown and his followers were many miles away. However, a party of armed men secreted themselves in the ambush surrounding the deserted camp to watch for the return of any of the Indians. At nightfall an Indian, who had been out hunting for two or three days, returned to the camp. He was not aware of what had been done in his absence and upon beholding the lonely and deserted camp he stood motionless with astonishment for a moment. Stooping over the dying embers of the camp-fire he stirred the ashes with a stick for the purpose of learning about how long his band had been gone. As he arose he heard the clicking of rifles around him arid found himself a prisoner. He was placed under guard in a log cabin, near where Grandview now stands, to await the time for a preliminary trial. The settlers began gathering around the cabin at night, and William Meeks was noticed among the number. The Indian suspected his fate and he determined to die bravely. He sang the Indian song of death preparatory to his journey to the "happy hunting ground." As he took his last look at the setting-sun, he said, "Indian see no more suns; In-, dian die to-night." When the sun rose the next day he was a corpse- Sometime during the night a rifle had been thrust through one of the cracks in the log cabin and a bullet was sent through the heart of the innocent savage, whose life was the penalty of his band's crime. There are various stories as to the manner and by whom this Indian was murdered. At the time it was generally believed he was killed by William Meeks, but it is also asserted that a man named Thomas Ewing committed the deed. Further, it is claimed by a descendant of Bailey Anderson that while the guards were absent getting water the Indian was bled to death by Anderson ; that it was a family secret, which he has known since 1846.

After this tragedy the Indians soon disappeared entirely from this section of country. It is believed that Setteedown and his band joined the forces of old Tecumseh and the Prophet, and they were doubtless participants in the war of 181 2. From our forests the Indian has passed almost to extinction, but he has left among us the strange, monuments and exciting traditions of a barbaric race, which will perpetuate his memory. His restless

Organization And Settlement Of War

The rise and decline of Warrick county follow in quick succession. Scarcely had it risen as the pioneer county of Indiana Territory ere the decline of its dominions was marked by the organization of a county on the east, one on the west, and so on, reducing its territory on all sides, until Warrick, with its present limits, only remained.

At the session of the Territorial Legislature of Indiana in 1813 a law was enacted " organizing the county Warrick." The limits of this county, as described in the bill, were, " All that territory which lies south of a line commencing at a point on the Wabash river at the southwest corner of Gibson county, and running east to the western line of Harrison county, thence south to the Ohio river." This included all the territory which now comprises the counties of Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, Perry, and a portion of Crawford. Evansville, which was then a mere village, was made the county seat.

The county was named in honor of Captain Jacob Warrick, who was killed in the memorable battle at Tippecanoe. Little is known regarding the life of Warrick, except that he was one of the heroes at Tippecanoe, where he distinguished himself by his bravery, as an illustration of which we quote from an account of the battle, in Dillon's History of Indiana, the following: "Warrick was shot immediately through the body. Being taken to the surgery to be dressed, as soon as it was over (being a man of great bodily vigor and able to walk) he insisted on going back to head his company, although it was evident he had but a few hours to live."

The county, as organized under the act of 1813 embraced too much territory, and as the population increased the geographical greatness of Warrick was reduced. In 1814 the Legislature passed an act creating out of its territory the county of Posey on the west, and Perry on the east. This limited Warrick to what are now Vanderburgh, Warrick and Spencer counties. The capitol was located at Darlington, then a promising settlement near the Ohio river, four miles above Newburgh.

On December 4, 1815, the first census of Warrick county was forwarded to the House of Representatives of the Territory of Indiana. The population was enumerated: "White males over 21 years of age, 285; total, 1,415."

As the population was large enough the citizens of Indiana Territory were now clamoring for its admission to the Union as a State, and a memorial was prepared and forwarded to Jonathan Jennings, who was Indiana's delegate in Congress, praying that the boundaries might be fixed and the Territory admited to the Union as a State. Mr. Jennings presented the memorial and had no difficulty in getting a bill passed in conformity with its requests. In compliance with this law an election was held on the 13th day of May, 181 6, and the people of Warrick county chose Daniel Grass to represent them in the constitutional convention which convened at Cory don on the 10th of June following, for the purpose of framing a constitution for the new State. The residence of Mr. Grass was in what is now Grass township (named in honor of him), Spencer county. He was distinguished in the convention as an active and valuable member, and was on three of the most important committees.

On the first Monday in August, 1816, occurred the first county and State election under the new form of government. This election resulted in Daniel Grass being elected State Senator from the counties of Posey, Perry and Warrick. RatlirT Boon was elected Representative from Warrick in the State Legislature. This was the debut of RatlirT Boon in public life. It was marked by no gushes of oratory, but by sound judgment and honest policy. He was afterwards elected to various offices of honor, among them that of Representative in Congress for several terms and Lieutenant-Governor of the State.

In 1 81 8 the Legislature of Indiana passed a bill organizing the counties of Vanderburgh on the west, and Spencer on the east, of Warrick, thus reducing the latter to its present limits. However, Warrick still remains one of the largest counties in the State.

First Settlements

The first white man said to have settled in Warrick county was John Sprinkle, a native of Pennsylvania, who founded the town of Sprinklesburg, which was superseded by Newburgh. Mr. Sprinkle removed from his native State to Henderson county, Kentucky, in the year 1772, where he lived until 1803, when he removed to where Newburgh now stands, and settled with a large family of children. During his residence in Kentucky he had received the title of Major of the State Militia, and was a man of honor and high social standing in his community. He died in 182 1. Felty Hay and James Lynn also settled in this vicinity shortly after Mr. Sprinkle.

river. His entire baggage consisted of an axe, gun, and supply of ammunition : limited, though useful. This man was Bailey- Anderson, the first among prominent settlers of what now comprises Warrick county. The surroundings pleased him and here he determined to make his home. He selected a place near the mouth of Cypress creek as a suitable site, and commenced the erection of a log cabin. At this time the country was very sparcely settled. There were intervals of miles between the little homes of the pioneers, and Bailey Anderson's cabin was far from those of his neighbors. The hardships of pioneer life were many and to the rising generation appear incredible. It is told of Bailey Anderson that while building his cabin, he lodged at night in a tree, which long afterwards was known as " Bailey's Roost." This novel couch was made by fastening pieces of timber across two substantial branches of the tree, and over it were spread the skins of wild animals to make it comfortable, and it was thus that Bailey Anderson is said to have first sought repose in his pioneer home*

Following Anderson four other families arrived in a few months and settled not far from him. These were the Briscoes, Sheltons, Vannadas and Arnolds. They, too, were soon followed by others, whose names are more or less familiar to the people of the county, and since that time immigration has not ceased. The resources of the county have rapidly developed, the population gradually increased, and its progress in all matters relative to the welfare of its citizens has been steadily onward. All this stands as a memorial to the brave, industrious and sturdy men who first cut roads through the almost impenetrable forests, cleared the land, tilled the soil, and gave to our

Organization And Settlement Of The

. Anderson township is situated in the southern part of the county, on highly elevated, though arable land, and borders on the Ohio river. The first settlement was made in this township in the year 1805 by Bailey Anderson, in honor of whom it was named. Among the early settlers were Solomon Vannada, William Briscoe, Joseph Arnold, Daniel Rhoades, Daniel Bates, John W. Youngblood and the Sheltons.

Boon, the central and largest township in the county, was one of the earliest settled. Its first resident was Ratliff Boon, first Representative of Warrick county in the State Legislature, and subsequently Congressman during sixteen years, and twice elected Lieutenant-Governor, serving a part of one term as acting Governor. In honor of Mr. Boon the township was given his name. Among those settling shortly after Boon were Hudson Hargrave, Joseph De Forest, John Couts, Joseph Lawrence, Jacob Harpole, Joseph English, John B. Kelley, Joseph Adams, William Webb, Jacob Richardson, Edward Baker and Jacob Johnson.

man much esteemed by his fellow-citizens, and on whom was bestowed various offices of trust and honor. However, by some it is claimed that John Luce was the first settler of this township. Soon after Mr. Campbell's settlement, Isham West, Joseph Mc- Donald and Phillip Miller, whose names are frequently associated with the history of the county, arrived and located in the same vicinity.

Greer township, which lies in the northwest corner of the county, west of Hart and north of Campbell, is named in honor of Richard Greer. Mr. Greer was an early citizen of the township, and resided in it until his death, which occurred in 1866. Larkin Birchfield, a Baptist minister, was one of the original settlers of the township, having located in it in 1827, two years after Mr. Greer. John Hornet, John Barton, William Taylor, George Taylor, James Kell and Joseph Fields were also among the early settlers of the township.

Hart township, in the northwestern part of the county, was given the name of Hon. John Hart, an early settler, and who was once Associate Judge of the Circuit Court. James Hinman settled in this township in 18 14. Among those who settled here early were Tubby Bloyd, Lane W. Posey, John McMurtry, Elijah Boyd, Charles Morgan, John Taylor, Henry Hopkins, Clem. Nutter, Isaac McSwane and the McCord family.

Lane, adjoining Hart, Owen and Pigeon townships, in the northwestern portion of the county, was named in honor of Gen. Joseph Lane, who once represented this county in the State Senate, and has a national reputation as the Mexican war veteran, and was once Governor of Oregon, and a candidate for Vice- President of the United States on the Breckenridge ticket in i860.

Its first settlers were Captain James Ashby, Stephen Hanby, William Scales, David Whittinghill, Daniel Cook, Jasper Hanby and a Mr. Powers. On account of its smallness this township is sometimes called "Little Lane."

Owen township, which lies adjoining Lane, Boon, Hart and Pigeon townships, was organized in 1848 out of the territory of Skelton. In honor of Robert Dale Owen it was given his name. The first residents of the township were the families of Phillips and Gentry, which, by the way, have not failed to " multiply and increase " in accordance with the scriptural injunction. Matthew Gentry, ex-county commissioner, settled in this locality in 1822.

Ohio township, lying in the southwestern part of the county and bordering on the Ohio river, was first settled by John Sprinkle in the year 1803. Felty Hay and James Lynn came into the township shortly after Mr. Sprinkle. Among others who settled here early were Gaines Roberts, John V. Darby, John Alexander, Daniel Frame, Isham West, and a family named Gay.

Pigeon township lies in the northeastern corner of the county, and is indebted to Little Pigeon creek, on which it borders, for its name. The first settlement in this township was made by George Taylor in 182 1, and his brother, John Taylor, came in 1823. Nicholas Taylor also settled in this vicinity in 182 1. Other early settlers were John Greenaway, Samuel Ingram, Jesse Spradlin, the Skelton family, B. A. Ward, A. M. Jones, Jessie Isaacs, Morgan Chinn, P. N. Whittinghill, Hiram Brooner, John Beardsley and C. B. Allen.

county, but it has been reduced by the organization of Lane, Owen and Pigeon townships on the north of its dominions. As an honor to Judge Zachariah Skeiton, a highly esteemed pioneer, and who was Associate and Probate Judge successively during a period of twenty-one years, the township was given his name. The earliest settlers of the township were John Phillips, Judge Skelton, Samuel Brashears, Isham Kelly, Isaac Powers and Thomas Herston.

Sale Of Town Lots Removal Of Capitol From Darlington

ENQUIRER EDUCATIONAL-BURGLARIZING THE COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE - NORTH AND SOUTH R. R. BOONVILLE REPUBLICAN - L. E. E. & S. W. R. R. NATIONAL BANK BOONVILLE

On May 15, 1818, the official plat of Boonville was recorded by Chester Elliott, county surveyor. The town was given the name of " Boonsville," in honor of Jesse Boon,* father of Ratliff Boon, in acknowledgment of liberal donations of land which he had offered the commissioners when they were prospecting for a site on which to locate the town. The land which Mr. Boon proffered was situated one mile west of where Boonville now

* It has been asserted and is generally believed by the people that Boonville was named after Ratlitf Boon This is a mistake. The story has obtained credence upon mere supposition, and is wholly unreliable, while, 011 the other hand, we have plausible reasons from the best authority for the belief that it was named alter Jesse Boon.

Boonville in embryo was a town of great promise. Being centrally situated the citizens of the county were not slow to perceive its advantages. Darlington was no convenient point for the seat of justice, where it was then located, and, therefore, after the organization of the counties of Spencer on the east and Vanderburgh on the west of the territory of Warrick, the Legislature passed an act in 1818 removing the capitol of the latter county from Darlington to Boonville. This change was more satisfactory to the people and gave to Boonville an impetus which was not likely to result favorably to the progress of other villages in the county. Darlington, the former capitol, which had risen like Aladdin's palace, now as rapidly declined, and the once

On the 4th, 5th and 6th of June, 181 8, John Hargrave, county agent, made the first sale of town lots at public auction. There was a lively demand for property in the new capital, and consequently the value of it was greatly enhanced. A large number were present at this sale, some from abroad, and, it is said, there was close competition by the purchasers, and a lively interest manifested, though no ill-feeling prevailed. Fifty-six lots were sold at prices ranging from $25 to $141, and the aggregate amount of the sale was $3,057.75. The prices paid for these lots are indicative of the flattering view the purchasers took of the future of Boonville, and notwithstanding its youthfulness, then assumed rank as the leading town in the county.

promiscuously on a hill, the summit of which the court house . now stands on. The oldest of these cabins stood near what is now the northeast corner of the Public Square. It is said that ' ' the citizens were frequently annoyed at night by the wolves that barked and growled around their residences."

The earliest residents of Boonville were Nathaniel Hart, Adam Young, John Upham, James McCulla, Samuel Steele, Dr. Alva Pasco, and the Graham family, some of whom are familiarly known to the older citizens and have descendants still residing in the county. Dr. Alva Pasco was the first physician to locate in Boonville. He is said to have been one of the best of pioneer doctors, a good man, and to have enjoyed an extensive practice. He died in 1824.

near the center of the Public Square, in which the county courts were held, but after court convened in it a few times the building was found to be very incommodious, and the erection of a brick court house, to be thirty-five feet square, was ordered by the county commissioners. However, the brick court house was never built. The enterprise was abandoned by general consent, and instead a frame building was erected, the architecture of which was, to say the least, very novel. A ditch two feet deep and two feet wide was filled with smoothly hewn logs to a level with the surface of the earth, on which was built a stone wall eighteen inches in height. This constituted the foundation and on it was built the the frame proper. However, this building was never completed. It was weather-boarded and roofed, but was neither lathed nor plastered, and thus it remained until 1836. While it was capable of holding more people than the log cabin it could only be used during the summer months.

On the first Monday in October, 1818, the county agent awarded to John Upham, the lowest bidder, the contract for building a jail in Boonville, of which the following are the specified dimensions : " The jail is to be eighteen feet square, from outside to outside, to be built with a double wall of well-hewn timber twelve inches square, and to be raised in that manner so as to bring the joints of the outside wall opposite the face of the logs of the inside wall, leaving a space between the two walls of six inches, to be filled up with rock and gravel. The first story is to be seven feet high, and the second to be eight," etc. This jail, which was constructed on the foregoing plan, was situated on the southeast corner of the Public Square, but, becoming incommodious, a new one was built of brick, on Sycamore, between Third and Fourth Streets. It, too, was soon removed, and a third one erected in its place. This jail was two stories in height, built of brick, and was much larger and stronger than the previous one, although prisoners frequently escaped from it. It still stands, though in a very dilapidated condition, and is used as a

Benjamin Knapp "a license to retail spirituous liquors and keep a tavern in Boonville ; provided, he would limit his rates to \2x/2 cents per pint for whiskey ; 50 cents per pint for rum and French brandy; 50 cents for feeding and lodging a horse; meals, 25 cents, and lodging, 12^2 cents." This tavern is described as having all the characteristics of the old time " country inn." It was a nucleus for travellers, idlers and lovers of the social glass, and a jolly, gossiping crowd could generally be found at " the tavern." At the April term of the county commissioners' court, 181 9, John Upham and Adam Young were granted license to retail population numbered eighty-seven, while that of its rival - Newburgh - was only thirty-seven. At this time the town contained about thirty houses, scattered over considerable ground, and with a partially completed court house squatting on the hill, which the town surrounded, Boonville had begun to assume the aspects of a progressive settlement.

The first church in Boonville was erected by the Congregationalists, and was situated just north of where the Cumberland Presbyterian church now stands. It was a small frame structure, and after its desuetude as a place of worship was used for a

In 1836 the unfinished court house was removed, and a new brick building, forty feet square and two stories high, was erected in its place. The offices of the county clerk and treasurer were in the second story. Compared with more modern edifices of the kind this court house would have a somewhat antiquated appearance.

In a few years this building also became too small to accommodate its litigant patrons and the present court house was erected in its place in 1851.

feasibility of building a railroad from Boonville to Evansville. At the appointed time a large crowd assembled at the court house. Speeches were made by several citizens, all favoring the immediate erection of a railroad, and the audience was becoming very enthusiastic for the proposition, when " Uncle Chester " Elliott, one of the early settlers of the county, was called out to give his views on the matter. He commenced his remarks by stating very emphatically, " I am heartily in favor of it." The audience applauded. He then proceeded to speak at some length on the superiorr esources of the county, and concluded by settling the railroad problem as follows: " If this railroad is built it must be with the strictest economy, and, therefore, I think I can submit a proposition which would prove the most profitable. (Cries of 'What is it?' and ' Hear him!') The most economical railroad connection at this time would be a single track and a wheel-barrow." Laughter and applause followed, and the meeting unceremoniously adjourned, without any further appointments for railroad meetings.

The first newspaper published in Boonville was the Boonville Tribune, the printing material of which was removed from Newburgh to Boonville in 1857. The Tribune was owned by astock company composed of Dr. W. L. Barker and others. Edward White was its editor for a while, but he was soon succeeded in that capacity by Chas. Dalrymple, who, after a short time, sold the Tribune to John Fleming, a printer, and Judge J. W. B. Moore. The name of the paper was changed to the Boonville Enquirer, and Judge Moore assumed editorial control. Politically the Enquirer advocated the principles of the Democratic party, and, being the only paper published in the county, was very prosperous. In December, 1865, John Fleming was succeeded in its publication by E. L. Crawford, the paper being then conducted under the firm name of Moore & Crawford. In January, 1868, Judge Moore, being aged and in feeble health, retired from the editorial management of the Enquirer and sold his interest in it to Thomas H. Martin. Crawford & Martin continued its publication, with Martin as editor. In March, 1870, William Swint purchased the Enquirer from them, and assumed full control as editor and publisher. The paper has continued under his management and is one of the most prosperous

Up to 1 866 educational matters received little attention in Boonville. The only schools known were the subscription schools taught about three months in each year, to which parents would subscribe a stipulated amount as tuition for the instruction of their children in arithmetic, spelling, reading and writing. The youth that knew the ' ' single rule of three " and obtained a smattering of the English language was considered educated. In 1866 the Boonville Graded School was instituted, and the present school house erected, which, however, has since been greatly improved by additions and alterations. Professor Forrest, an efficient in- structor, was chosen principal of the school, and under his management it was very successful. The school consists of six grades - one German - in which are taught all the primary and common branches, and a few of the higher. The attendance at present is between four and five hundred pupils, and through the efficient services of a good corps of instructors it has attained the rank of a first-class public school.

Monday night, April i, 1867, the County Treasurer's office, in the court house, was forcibly entered and robbed of $8,000 - $6,000 in greenbacks, and $2,000 in county orders. When the robbery was discovered and made known the town was thrown into the most intense excitement. Groups of astonished men would gather on the streets and discuss it, and the news of the daring outrage was a shock to the entire county. James H. Masters, County Treasurer, offered a reward of $500 for the re- . coveryof the money, and $500 for the apprehension of the robbers - $1,000 for both - but no clue to the thieves or money was obtained. Following this event came a series of similar occurrences. Several houses fell prey to the incendiary and stores were burglarized. The town seemed infested by a band of daring villains, and the people were now thoroughly aroused to vigilance. Watchmen patroled the streets night after night for several weeks, and every person was on the alert. However, beyond the hanging of a supposed incendiary until almost dead in trying to extort a confession of guilt from him, this detective force failed to bring to justice any of the criminals, but their vigilance had the effect of preventing further depredations.

In 1868 the proposed North and South railroad, which was to pass through Boonville, was voted assistance in the sum solicited. However, the project was abandoned and tax refunded. Finale of Boonville's R. R. No. 2.

In July, 1873, the publication of the Boonville Republican, D. D. Doughty, editor and publisher, was commenced. The paper was a six column folio, advocated Republican principles, and enjoyed an average circulation. After a laborious existence of a little over two years the Republican " succumbed to a natural fate."

After much talk and a mature " boom " the Lake Erie, Evansvilie & Southwestern railway was completed to Boonvilie, a distance of seventeen miles, on Monday, August 4, 1873. The last rail was laid at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and at 3 o'clock the first locomotive - the wonder of the town - arrived in Boonvilie with a large delegation from Evansville. There was rejoicing, in which all classes participated alike, with a grand dance and feast, prepared especially for the occasion, and bumpers were drank freely to the success of Boonville's new railroad. The road was originally intended to run from Evansville to Bellefontaine, Ohio, but until the year 1880 was not extended beyond Boonvilie. In 1879 the name was changed to the Evansville & Eastern R. R. In the fall of 1880 the Local Trade railroad was built from Boonvilie to Gentryville, where it connects with the Rockport & Jasper road, and the Evansville & Eastern and Local Trade railroad companies were consolidated on November 15, 1880. This railroad has been very beneficial to Boonvilie in more fully developing her resources, and it is at present in a very prosperous condition.

In November, 1875, appeared the first number of the Boonvilie Standard, M. B. Crawford, editor, and the Boonvilie Standard Publishing Company, publishers. The Standard is the organ of the Republican party in this county, and was originally owned by a stock company* During a period of three years - from 1876 to 1879 - it was owned and edited successively by Crawford & Berkshire, J. B. Berkshire, Wertz & Wagstaff, Wertz & Stinson, and C. F. Wertz. In July, 1879, C. F. Wertz sold the paper to I. E. Youngblood. During the first nine months of the latter' s proprietorship it was edited by W. W. Admire, who was succeeded in that capacity by Mr. Youngblood himself. In establishing the Standard many difficulties, to which all new enterprises are subject, were encountered, and for a time it was in an unhealthy state, but it has run the gauntlet of these trials, and is now on a sound financial foundation. In July, 1881, Mr. Youngblood was succeeded in the management of the Standard by R. M. Graham.

In 1876 the General Baptist Herald, the organ of the General Baptist denomination in the United States, was removed from Oakland City, Indiana, to Boonville. The Herald was published weekly by the General Baptist Board of Publication, and edited by Jesse G. Lane. In 1878 Mr. Lane was succeeded in the editorial management of the paper by Dr. T. J. Hargan. The Herald suspended publication in 1878.

In March, ol the same year, W. W. Admire commenced the publication of a five-column folio newspaper named the Warrick Chronicle. After an existence of three months it was consolidated with the Boonville Standard, Admire becoming editor and I. E. Youngblood, proprietor.

We have endeavored to chronologically trace down to the present some of the most important events and enterprises in the history of Boonville, and thereby can best be judged the progress of the town.

Socially and educationally Boonville has, of course, materially improved during the last decade. Religiously, it has deteriorated, but the numerous organizations and societies instituted have all been more or less successful in the development of the people socially and intellectually. Thus far in the history of Boonville religion was at its zenith ten years ago. There are at present six churches in town. Of these six two are German - the Evangelical Lutheran and Methodist - one Catholic, one Baptist (colored,) Cumberland Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal The Catholic church is not yet completed, and is without a pastor.

Among the many prominent societies and organizations are three lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, two of Free and Accepted Masons, one Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workingmen, the Boonville Building and Loan Fund Association, the Warrick Building and Loan Association, etc. The latter are saving institutions, and in that way have been the means of some benefit to the citizens and the upbuilding of the town.

During the last ten years the growth of Boonville has been rapid for an interior town. New business establishments have sprung up here and there, dwelling houses have been erected on all hands, and the population has increased nearly double what it was twenty years ago. Boonville is the central business point of the county and surrounding neighborhood, and its shipments of produce are becoming larger each year. In short, Boonville is a prosperous town, and the indications are that it will continue to be such.

- THE CHRONICLE AND WARRICK DEMOCRAT - FIRST COAL MINE NEWBURGHL TRIBUNE - WARRICK HERALD NEWBURGH LEDGER AND OTHER NEWSPAPERS COMMERCIALLY, EDUCATIONALLY, RELIGIOUSLY AND SOCIALLY.

Newburgh. - In 1803 John Sprinkle purchased land along the bank of the Ohio river, where the principal portion of Newburgh is now situated, and settled on it soon after. In 181 7 Chester Elliott laid out for him the town of Sprinklesburgh, which composed the territory within the following limits in what is now Newburgh : Posey street on the north, Monroe street on the east, Ohio river south, and Washington street on the west. Although officially recorded as "Sprinklesburgh,'- for several years the town was called "Mount Prospect," and in a few legal documents this name is used. Sprinklesburgh, or Mount Prospect, was a town of some promise at the time of its incipiency, and transacted considerable business compared with neighboring pioneer towns.

In 1 81 8 the county commissioners granted a license to Jacob Keel " to run a ferry across the Ohio river, opposite the foot of Monroe street, in Mount Prospect."

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

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

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

The first church in the town was established by the Presbythirty years, it improved and progressed far more rapidly, terians in 1837, and Chester Elliott is said to have taught the

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

and publisher. Politically, the Chronicle was Whig. In 1850 it was succeeded by the Warrick Democrat, Calvin C. Frery, editor and publisher. It was an advocate of Breckenridge-Democratic principles. In 1857 the Democrat was removed to Boonville.

Bank," was opened on the banks of the Ohio river. The enterprise proved profitable, and the opening of other mines soon followed, which were also remunerative to the proprietors. These mines now ship a large amount of coal to manufacturers and consumers along the river, besides supplying steamboats and the home demand. A large number of persons are employed in the

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

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

u anti-Rebel-Ku-Klux-Democrat" paper, was commenced, with Jacob V. Admire as editor and publisher. The Herald was ably edited and flourished for a while, but was finally forced to suspend from want of sufficient patronage. Several other papers have appeared and disappeared in Newburgh during the last twelve years. The Newburgh Ledger was published successively by Wm. Corwin Root and Keith & Slaughter. The Newburgh Times was also published for a while by Geo. Swint. But, alas ! all have passed away, leaving not even an old ' ' file " for the edification of posterity. If the appreciation is to be measured by

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

Villages In Warrick Win Yankeetown, And Other Villages

Darlington. - This once promising village was situated about four miles above Newburgh, and less than one mile from the Ohio river. In 18 14 the county seat was removed from Evansville to Darlington, which gave to the latter considerable importance in county affairs. The property owners in the place donated a large tract of land to the county, and on July 15, 1814, Wm. Briscoe, the county agent, sold the first " town lot," Jno. Sprinkle purchasing it for $30. On July 26, 18 16, the official plat of Darlington was recorded. Being the capital of a county covering a large area of rich land, and as a commercial point admirably situated , Darlington was then regarded as a town of great promise, and pioneer speculators were eager to own land there. Town lots sold readily, and it is recorded that Hon. Ratliff Boon, on November 15, 1816, paid $42 for lot No. 42.

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

In 1 81 5 Daniel Deckrow, the lowest responsible bidder, was awarded the contract for building a court house in Darlington, which is described as follow: "Twenty by twenty-five feet square of well hewn logs, not less than one foot square, to be one story and a half high, the upper half story to be six feet high, three windows large enough to receive eighteen lights of sash, two floors, one staircase, bar, jury box and judge's bench, two doors, shingle roof, and one partition above, with a door through the same, two windows above of the same size as the window below, completing the same with locks, bolts and hinges, etc." The cost of this court house was $290.

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

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

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

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

Folsomville, lying in the southeastern part of Owen township, about eight miles northwest of Boonville, was laid out on land owned by Riley Rhoads and Benjamin Folsom, on the 27th day of January, 1859. In honor of its principal owner the village was named Folsomville. The first to engage in business here was Daniel Rhoads, who was soon succeeded by a man named Duncan, Among the early business men were Folsom & Crow, George Colman, Bright & Dimmit, Isaac Houghland, J. G. Shryock, Brown & Wright, and Houghland & Fisher. A mill and carding machine was erected in 1866 by Pemberton & Lee, and in 1868 Folsom & Carnahan also built a flouring mill. A lodge of the I. O. O. F. was organized here in 1876. Religion in this locality, until recently, was at a low ebb, and the only church the village ever had was built by the Baptists about the year i860, which has long since disappeared. Folsomville contains a graded school, two dry goods stores, one drug store, two saloons, one mill, a blacksmith shop, two carpenter shops, and five physicians. Population, 194.

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

Yankeetown And Other Villages

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

Early Enterprises

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

In 1 81 2 the first mail route through this section of country was established, which was from New Harmony to Louisville via. where Boonville now stands. The mail was carried on horseback by John Williams, two weeks being required to make the round trip. The carrier was frequently delayed by severe weather, high water, etc., and would often have to swim streams of water, the result being wet and badly soiled mail, which it required great care to preserve. The name of the postmaster is now unknown. However, it is said that he could read " writin'." There was really no. post office, but the mail was either carried in the postmaster's pocket or kept at his home until called for. On Evansville being made the county seat the mail route was changed, so that it was from New Harmony to Evansville via

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

Up to 1 818 the great mineral wealth underlying Warrick county had not been discovered, and in that year the first coal mine was opened on the bank of Pigeon creek, two miles from the Ohio river. However, coal was taken from it only in very small quantities, and the mine being of no pecuniary benefit to the proprietors it was abandoned. Soon after a second was opened on the same tract of land, which, although more profitable than the first, was abandoned because of its distance from the river. In 1850 the first coal shaft was sunk on the bank of the Ohio river in Newburgh, and was known as "Phelp's Coal Bank." Numerous large mines have since been opened and operated in the county with profit.

The early settlers were not afforded the advantages of such a thing as a flouring mill, and even if they had their corn ground at all they would have to go to a Mr. Vannada's, the owner of a rude, old fashioned "hand-mill" in Kentucky. Sometimes they were compelled to go to Panther Creek, Kentucky, to "have a little grinding done." In 1816 a small fi horse-mill" was built in Spencer county, and even it was hailed with joy by the farmers throughout this part of the State. About the year 1820 a flouring mill was erected at Henderson, Kentucky, and the farmers in the neigh 1 orhood of Darlington having raised some wheat, clubbed together and carried about seventy-five bushels in canoes to Henderson, and had it ground for their own use.

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

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

Christianity has had its adherents in Warrick county from the time of the first settlements. In the earlier days services - " meetin' " it was then called - were conducted in winter at the homes of the church members by the itinerant preacher or circuit rider; in warm weather, generally under the foliage of the forest. In those days the devotion of the people to their religion was not controled by the weather or circumstances. As the county became more thickly settled the people were enabled to erect churches and permanently secure the services of pastors. In 1824 the first church was built. It was constructed of logs, now is. It was never completed and could be used only during the summer months. The first preacher of the gospel in Wjrrick was a Baptist, whose name is not now known. In 1825 John Youngblood erected a Methodist church near Darlington, and he was also the first to preach that doctrine in Warrick.

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

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

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

County Courts

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

The process of administering justice was quite different in those days from the present. The law at that time required three Judges - one Chief Justice and two Associate Judges - to preside over the court. The Associate Judges were generally men more remarkable for their honesty and desire to do justice than for their technical legal judgment or knowledge of the law. Their duties consisted principally in convening and adjourning court, hearing cases of minor importance in the absence of the Chief Justice, etc. Their awkwardness in the performance of these duties and ignorance of legal terms frequently led them into ludicrous blunders. As an instance, it is related that on one occasion while court was in session at Darlington, the two Associate Judges, in the absence of the Chief Justice, were compelled to occupy the bench and assume its grave responsibilities. The docket was being disposed of with comparatively little trouble, and, with the exception of the customary awkwardness and slowness, business was moving smoothly, when a case was called up for hearing in which the attorney for the defendant moved that ' ' the case against his client be thrown out of court on account of some defect in the trial below." After hearing the argument on the proposition, the two Associates retired to a corner of the room. After a whispered consultation of several minutes they resumed their seats and the elder Associate, gathering up the papers filed in the case, threw them out-doors, and with much gravity announced that they " guessed the darned thing would have to go out!"

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

Of the early sessions of court the most important was held on October 18th, 1813, at the residence of Bailey Anderson, when the first criminal case was tried - James Craw vs. Preston Gaforth, for damages - by a jury of twelve men, who rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, allowing him, with extraordinary mathematical precision, the sum of $3 2. 80. At this term William Prince, who afterwards became a judge and gentleman of some distinction, and G. R. C. Sullivan, were admitted to the bar as practitioners. At this term of court the grand jury returned their first indictment, which was against John May for passing counterfeit money. Joshua Elkins was also indicted tor 4 'sellingliquor, or strong water, without license." While investigating the latter case one of the jurors, Tommy Higgins, got beastly drunk and caused a disturbance in the jury room. He was brought before the court next day on the charge of " drunkenness and disorderly conduct," and lined $5.00, after which the Judge lectured him on his disgraceful behavior and the hideousness of intemperance, and, it is said that Tommy Higgins was never afterwards known to drink intoxicating beverages. The penalty and judge's rebuke made a deep impression upon his mind, and it was a lesson that he never forgot.

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

Tracing down the proceedings of the different sessions of court we find that on May 23, 1814, Daniel Grass was recommended to the Governor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Bailey Anderson as Associate Judge. Mr. Anderson's reasons for resigning are unknown. His successor was one of the most influential pioneer citizens, and afterwards figured quite prominently in local politics.

On the 27th day of March, 18x5, the first circuit court of Warrick county was convened at the residence of Daniel Rhoades, in Anderson township, with Judge Isaac Blackford on the bench. The session was uninteresting and very little business was trans-

For two years the different sessions of court had now been held alternatively at the cabins of a few of the settlers. These places were incommodious and attended by numerous disadvantages. The county needed a court house and the people began to demand one. Therefore, at the next term of court, August 15, 181 5, it was ordered that a court house be built at Darlington, and the following contract describing the plans and terms for the erection of the same was let to Daniel Deckrow, the lowest bidder: "Twenty by twenty feet square, of well hewn logs, not less than one foot thick, to be one story and a half high, the upper story to be six feet high. Three windows, large enough to receive eighteen lights sash, two floors, one staircase, bar, jury box and judges' bench, two doors, shingle roof, and one partition above, with a door through the same, two windows above of the same size as the windows below, completing the same with locks, bolts and hinges, and in a workman like manner on or before the first day of March, 181 6." This building cost the county $290.

On April 10, 1817, Joseph Arnold, Isaac B. Wright and Jos. Robinson, the first board of commissioners of Warrick county, met at the court house in Darlington. Their first business was to order the election of justices of the peace in the different townships.

The writer has in his possession the docket of James McCulla, Justice of the Peace of Boon township, during 1822-3. The volume consists of about 150 sheets of old style paper, legal cap size, bound in deer skin. It has suffered severely from old age, yet most of the writing in it is perfectly legible. Among the many curious cases in this docket is one dated December 21, 1822, where John Welch brings suit against Ephraim Young- blood to recover twelve and one half cents., However, the most ludicrous feature of the case is that it was decided in favor of the defendant, and the court ordered the plaintiff to pay costs. Another noteworthy case recorded in the old docket is one dated September 13, 1823, which reads : " Ratliff Boon vs. Joseph De- Forest--debt 75 cents." The verdict was rendered in favor of the plaintiff.

Among the justices of the peace in Warrick county sixty years ago was a large corpulent man, called Squire Shane, who had gained considerable local notoriety as an adjuster of grievances. Illustrative of his ability to effectually convince the litigants in his court the following is related :

'-'A man named Rice lost a cow one spring, and discovered her several weeks afterwards in the enclosure of a neighbor named Bond, about eight miles distant. Rice demanded the animal, but Bond declared that he purchased the cow and would not give her up. Consulting an attorney m regard to the matter Rice was directed to procure a writ of replevin from Squire Shane and endeavor to recover his property through the processes of the law, which he did. Shane was somewhat illiterate, but extremely tenacious of his honor, and was egotistic enough to believe that he could mete out "equal and exact justice." In due time the constable returned the writ, and a trial followed. The plaintiff proved beyond cavil that the cow belonged to him, and the court rendered a decision accordingly. The defendant was ordered to surrender the property and pay costs. It would probably be proper to state just here that after the cow had left Rice's possession, and before legal proceedings were instituted for h ir recovery, she had given birth to a calf. After announcing his decision Justice Shane commenced entering judgment on his docket, and Bond complacently remarked to a friendly bystander, in hearing of His Honor, that "There was nothing said in the trial about the calf, and I'll be d - d if I give it up." Upon hearing this rebellious remark Squire Shane coolly dropped his pen, arose from his seat and walking deliberately up to Bond, fastened the iron grip of his left hand upon his throat, and said in a very determined manner, "Give up that calf or I'll choke h - 1 out of you." Bond, badly frightened, promptly, though rather incoherently replied., "I will! Squire, I will!" Squire Shane was a man not to be trifled with, and he would have either .choked those words or the life out of that man."

Warrick In The War

At the beginning of the war in 1861 Warrick county was one of the foremost in responding to the call for soldiers to put down the rebellion, and " being a border county, the danger and excitement were consequently great. Those who did not, or could not, in consequence of old age or other infirmities, participate in the trials and dangers of the camp and field, were unable to do more than to protect and subsist themselves and the wives and families of those who did." However, further than being badly frightened by Col. John Morgan's guerrillas, Warrick county suffered no serious intrusion from the enemy.

Many of the soldiers from Warrick county belonged to companies organized in other parts of the State, but of the volunteer companies composed almost wholly of soldiers from this county we are enabled to present the following accounts of their respective movements :

Company E, I20Th Indiana Volunteers

Company E went into camp at Vincennes in February and was mustered into the service about the first of March, 1864. The following named persons were elected the officers of the company : a short time and then went to Nashville about the first of April. As the regiment left the depot it became very dark, and by the time we reached a suitable place to camp a heavy rain was falling. Some put up no tents at all, but wrapped their blankets about them and laid down on the damp earth to rest their weary bodies. The company remained in camp but a short time until orders were received to go to Charleston, Tennessee, on the Hiwasa river. This march lasted several days and it almost wore " the boys " out. On the march through Tennessee the soldiers threw away considerable clothing and blankets to lessen their burdens. From Charleston the company went into the campaign which resulted in die taking of Atlanta, Georgia. They then went into camp at Decatur, Georgia, about ten miles from Atlanta, and from there they moved to Altoona, but were too late to participate in the heavy skirmish which took place at that point. The regiment next started in pursuit of General Hood, following to Dalton, Georgia, where it took the cars for Nashville and from Nashville went to Pulaski, Tennessee. There it took the back track to Lynnville, Tennessee; thence to Columbia, in the same State, where we stopped a few days, during which time details from our own company were engaged in some heavy skirmishing with the enemy. During a skirmish one morning, Jacob Rheinhart, of our company, was killed. We fell back to Spring Hill, Tennessee, where the right wing of our regiment, including our company, was engaged in a heavy skirmish. From there we moved to Franklin, Tennessee, after night, and were engaged in the battle at that place from 4:30 o'clock until 1 1 o'clock at night, after which we went to Nashville, this time with General Hood in our rear, where we were engaged in battle two days. We then went to Franklin again in pursuit of the enemy, and from there to Columbia, where we waited several days for orders. Orders came to move to Clifton, Tennessee, and there we embarked on board a steamer for Cincinnati, and from there we went to Washington, D. C, where we again awaited orders, which came at last. We then took passage for Morehead, N. C. , and from there we proceeded up the country to Newburn, thence to where we were engaged in considerable of- a battle near Kinston, N. C. From there we proceeded to Goldsboro, and on up the road to Raleigh, the capitol. Then we took up our line of march for Greensboro, where General Joe E. Johnson was in camp, and where he finally surrendere'd. We stayed here but a short time when orders came to proceed to Charlotte, which we did by rail. We were stationed there a month or so and were then ordered back to Greensboro, where we remained at least two months. Then we returned to Raleigh, where we staid nearly all winter, and it was here that we received orders to repair to the capitol of our State to be mustered out of the service.

Company I, 25Th Indiana Volunteers

Campany I, of the 25th Indiana Volunteer Regiment, was organized in Newburgh, Indiana, on the 8th day of July, 1861, and went into Camp Vanderburgh the next day. It was mustered into the United States service by Major Wood, on the 9th day of August, 1861, and was transferred, with the regiment, to St. Louis, where we remained in camp for instruction about one month. While in St. Louis the captain resigned, and James S. Marks was elected to fill his place. We then moved to Jefferson City, Missouri, remaining there but a few days. We were then ordered to relieve the garrison at Lexington, Missouri, but on arriving at Georgetown we learned that the Fort had surrendered. We remained in camp about Georgetown and Otterville until the movement against Springfield, Missouri. We joined the main army at that place, and started upon the return march the next day. We participated in the capture of the Blackwater prison- ers, and were assigned the duty of guarding them to St. Louis. Here the first lieutenant of the company resigned and Robert Brodie was appointed to fill the vacancy. About the middle of January, 1862, we were transferred to Grant's army at Cairo, Illinois, and embarked up the Tennessee river to Fort Henry. We lead the first assault on the works at Fort Donaldson and after its fall marched to Shiloh and participated in the two days' fighting. In this battle three of our men, John Ingle, John Taylor and James Connell were killed, while three others, Jacob Rash, John Ranee and A. J. Goad, received fatal wounds. First Lieutenant Robertson was slightly wounded and Second Sergeant West, severely. After the battle the captain and first lieutenant resigned, and second lieutenant J. P. Johnson was promoted to the captaincy, J. S. Robertson, first lieutenant, and H. C. West, second lieutenant. We were in the seige of Corinth, Mississippi, and after its evacuation we marched to Holly Springs, Mississippi, thence to Lagrange and Memphis, Tennessee, where we were kept on provost duty for eight months. We joined General Grant's movement against Vicksburg by way of Canton and Jackson. Our regiment was left at Davis' Mills, twenty-five miles from Holly Springs, lo hold the railroad and keep open communication with the army. While here we were attacked by Van Dorn with 5,000 men, whom we repulsed with heavy loss, without losing a single man ourselves. We again marched to Bolivar, Tennessee. While at Bolivar the rebels, under Price and Van Dorn, attacked our forces at Corinth, and they were put to flight. The forces at Bolivar, under Generals Hulburt and Veatch, were sent in pursuit of the Confederates. They overtook and again routed them on the Hatchie river, about sixty miles from Bolivar, Tennessee. Being now cleared of Confederates we were ordered to Memphis, where we embarked on steamers for Vicksburg, Mississippi. Arriving at Vicksburg we started immediately on the march for Meridian, Mississippi. On our return the company re-enlisted at Canton, Mississippi, on the 1 8th of February, 1864, aQfl came home on a fifty days' furlough in March, 1 864, The regiment again re-organized below Evansville and embarked on the steamer Armada for Cairo, Illinois, where we were ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, from whence we were sent to Decatur, Alabama, and there we remained until the first of August, 1864, when we joined the army in front of Atlanta. After the capture of Atlanta, Captain Johnson resigned and First Lieutenant Robertson was appointed to fill the vacancy. We took part in the battle at Jonesboro, Georgia, and the chase after Hood, and fought at Snake Creek Gap, and we went with Sherman to the sea. At Bentonville, South Carolina, John Fritenberg was killed. Captain Robertson resigned and was succeeded by W. F. Martin, and Peter Sabercool was made first lieutenant. We marched through North and South Carolina, and Virginia to Washington, D. C, and were then sent to Louisville, Kentucky, were we were mustered out. The company lost during the service sixty-six men, killed, wounded and died of disease. - From Edivin Adams' History of Warrick County.

Company I, 53D Indiana Volunteer Infantry

The original organization of this company consisted of seven ty-two enlisted men, two musicians, eight corporals, five sergeants and three commissioned officers - a total of ninety men. During the term of service in the field one hundred and one additional recruits were assigned to the company to fill up the places in the ranks made vacant by death, discharge and desertion. The total number of men who were identified with the company during our term of service was one hundred and ninety one. The company was recruited in the fall and winter of 1861-2 for Col. Wm. Jones' 626. regiment, but owing to a failure to recruit

Our first camp was near Rockport, on a Mr. Jeff Snider's farm. It was known as "Camp Reynolds." The barracks were of our own build, made from logs, cut in an adjacent wood, put up, covered, chinked and daubed in old pioneer style by the members of the company. The winter up to the latter part of February, 1862, was spent in this camp .recruiting and drilling preparatory to entering the field. About the 20th of February, 1862, we were ordered aboard the steamer John T. McCombs for Camp Noble, near New Albany, for consolidation, final muster and completion of our regimental organization. Company B of the 62d was assigned the position of Company I, 53d. After leaving New Albany on the 24th we went to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, to guard the prisoners from Fort Donaldson, where we staid about one month. We went from there to St. Louis on the railroad, and from St. Louis to Savannah, Tennessee, on the Tennessee river, at which place we arrived about the last of March and remained about one month. We were at this point when the battle of Shiloh was fought - in hearing ol the battle all day Sunday and Monday. General Grant's headquarters were at this point, together with considerable government stores, which our regiment was left to guard. Wm. Horger died at this place June 20th. Nothing of special interest occurred during our stay at Savannah. Peter Collins was detailed as a clerk at General Grant's headquarters. Several of the boys took French leave, among the number some of our non-commissioned officers, and visited Pittsburgh Landing. The consequence was the noncommissioned officers were reduced to ranks and the privates put on extra duty from Savannah. We went to Pittsburgh Landing, arriving at night. Peter Earth, in stepping from our boat to another, missed his footing and fell between the boats. Having his knapsack and cartridge box on he sunk at once and was drowned. Our regiment was now assigned to General Veatch's brigade, in General Hulburt's division. We at once joined the army in the advance on Corinth. At a camp known as "Pea Ridge," Nathan Sutton died. All the month of May was spent in the advance on Corinth. Governor Morton visited the Indiana troops during the month, inquiring after the welfare and needs of the men. He was hailed everywhere with cheers that awoke the " sleeping Johnnies." On the night of May 29th Captain Langford came through the company and ordered every man to sleep with his clothing and cartridge box on and his gun by his side, as in the morning 5,000 Indians were going to charge our works and that we might expect bloody work when they came, but it seemed that the Captain was more alarmed than the men. The Indians did not come. Next morning, May 30th, our last advance was made, works thrown up and a general sharp skirmish kept up all day. Just as our works were finished a deer came bounding out of the rebel lines through our picket line, jumped the breast works and lit among the men in the line. Pie was soon killed and furnished a dainty morsel for a hungry soldier. At night the Confederates evacuated the stronghold, and on the 2d of June we marched through the town of Corinth and started in the direction of Memphis. James Sims died June 20th at Corinth. We camped a few days ten miles west of Corinth, where we received our first pay, in greenbacks, gold and silver. Our march was continued west to Grand Junction, where we went in camp one mile south of the town. At this camp William Marts died. From here we went to Holly Springs, and returning spent our Fourth of July in the town. We went from there to Lagrange and camped at a place called the Sand Hill, west of town on Wolf river. We made another march to Holly Springs, distant eighteen miles, in search of Chalmers, " the guerrilla chief." Our next march was to Memphis, where we arrived some time during the last of July, so ragged that it was almost a breach of common decency to march through the city in daylight. We camped first five miles below the city on the bluff opposite President Island. At this camp Lieutenant Ben Fuller left us on account of sickness, and he resigned soon after. Lieutenant David White had been transferred to General Veatch's staff; Captain Wm. S. Langford was the only officer in command. We drew clothing, changed our camp and started out on a scouting expedition to Noncomah creek, on the Hernando road. We made several other reconnoisances from Memphis. About the first of September we were ordered to Bolivar, Tenn. , at which place we remained until October 4th, when we were ordered to march in the direction of Corinth to intercept Price, who was retreating before General Grant. October 5th, we met the enemy and fought a battle at Davis' bridge, on the Hatchie river. Company I lost in this engagement two killed and five wounded. James Moore was struck in the legs by a grape shot and died in a few minutes. Solomon Severs was shot through the heart and killed instantly. Captain Langford, Nathan Matthews, John

Hotchkiss, Norman Taylor and Hiram Ellis were wounded, but all recovered. The Confederates were driven back with a loss of their wagon train, a battery of artillery and 1,000 stands of arms. On the 7th we started on our return for Bolivar, where we remained in camp until about the 1st of November, when we started south through Lagrange, Holly Springs, Waterford and Oxford to Coffeeville, Miss., where we remained but a short time until we returned to Waterford station, at which place we remained about two weeks. Our Christmas was spent at this place, and a dreary Christmas it was. Our supplies had been destroyed by Van Dorn and we were compelled to live off the country. Salt was not to be found in that part of Dixie, so we scraped up the snlt that had been in the salt-beef and pork barrels and thrown away on our trip down, to season the cow peas that now constituted the principal article of diet with us. We also got a little meal which was ground from corn obtained in the country. About the end of the first week in January, 1863, we again started north, passed through Holly Springs and Moscow. We made two or three trips between Moscow and Lafayette, and finally went to Collierville, where we guarded the railroad until the middle of March.