Troy Township

Troy Township

To the Wabash " the Sa.von has come." His conquering foot has trodden the vast domain from the Atlantic shore to the " AVau-bashkau-sepe," - yea, hv beyond. " The weaker race lias witb.ered from his jircsence and sword. "P>y the majestic rivers and in the depths of the solitary woods the feeble sons of the bow and arrow will be seen no more. Only their names remain on hill and stream and mountain. The red man sinks and fails. His eyes are to the west. To the prairies and forests, the hunting grounds of his ancestors, he says firewell. He is gone. The cypress and the hemlock sing his requiem.""

Hard behind the sword, and almost within sound of the aggressive musket, pressed the feet of the pioneer settler. Virginia sent lier kings, and Ohio pushed them still farther to the front; Kentucky perpetuated the Boone character; North Carolinians, who " would not j.ay tribute even to Ca'sar," sought freer homes, and New York sent her cncyclopa-dia she had bought somewhere near the -'hub" of the literarv universe. A combination of such mind and muscle proved a jiowertiic most untoward circnmstanccs in the wildest country could not resist, and he wh.) dared to open a way into this wilderness and implant a never-dying mark of civilization and progress in this, an enemv's, country, was a hero, and for bravery deserves equal mention with him who risked life in the heat of battle.

Troy township annals are not without .^uch heroes. The tield of conquest needs description. It lies in towns l'.> and 20 north, and ranges 8 and 9 west. The surroundings are Shawnee townihip and Wabash river on the north, Shawnee and Van Puren townships on the east, Wabash township on the sontli, while the "Wabash river washes the whole western side, on whose opposite side are Vermilion and Warren counties, Indiana. The "Wabash river encounters the township about forty rods cast of the northwest corner of Sec. 5, T. L'O N., 11. 8 "W., and cuts through Sec. G, same town and range, then Sees. 1,11, 10, 15, 21, 27, 20, S.-S, T. 20 N., U. 9 "W., and Sees. 2 and 11,T.19 N., Iv. 9 W., making twelve partial sections in Troy township. Tiiere are also thirty-six complete sections. Tlio eurface is generally undulating, yet there are large les-el tracts. The soil varies from a dark, black loam to a yellowish clay, and in other places much gravel is mi.xed with the soil, forming natural drainage. Underneath lies a bed of coal, but not in so rich abundance as farther south, hence it is as yet undeveloped. This section of Fountain county was mostly timbered land, yet in the northern part is Osborn's Prairie, so named from Jesse Osborn, who settled part of it in a very early day. The Wabash river, as it winds to the west, south and east, forms a large bend as though having at some time been foi'ced from its natural channel to its present tortuous route. Within this bend the soil is very rich, and seems to have been especially inviting to early land-seekers.

It was as early as 1822 that Andrew Lopp obtained a patent for the E. i of the K'.E. i of Sec. 7, T. 20 N., R. 8 W. ; also the W. i of the S.E. -i of Sec. 27. Thomas Patton the W. ^- of the S.E. i of Sec. 27, and William Alexander the E.+ of the S.W. ^ of Sec. 27, but did not settle till later. In 1823 John Hawkins entered the E. i of the N.W. ^ of Sec. 34. Enoch Woodbridge also located considerable land. In this year also Archibald Johnson obtained the S.E. ^ of Sec. 7, T. 19 N., R. 8 W., the date of entry being July 28. Whether he settled at this time or not the writer cannot say, but he was permanently settled here in 1824, when Joshua AValker made his way hither. In T. 20 N., R. 9 W., in 1822, Rezin Shelby entered the E. \ of the N.W. J-, also the W. -^ of the X.W. i of Sec. 14. In the following year, August 4, David Rawles entered the E. I- of tlie X.E. i of Sec. 13 ; Rezin Shelby the W. i of the jST.W. J of Sec. 13 ; William Sa.xon the E. ^ of the S.W.i of Sec. 13, and William Miller and Frederick C. Paine theW.^ of the S.W. 1 of Sec. 13. Joseph Shelby secured the E. ^ of the N.E. i of Sec. 14 ; Isaac Shelby the W. + of the N.E. i of Sec. 14 ; George Steeley the S.E. ^ and E. i of the S.W. ^ of Sec. 14, and Lucas Nebeker the W. i of the S.W. i of Sec. 14 ; also the E. i of the S.E. i of Sec. 15. Peter Low obtained the W. -J- of the N.W. f of Sec. 24. Lucas Nebeker returned to his family, and in the following year became a permanent settler of Troy township. There accompanied him John and William Bilsland. 1824 witnessed the arrival of quite a number of pioneers, and much land was purchased of the government. John Bilsland entered the W. ^ of the S.E. J of Sec. 15, and William Bilsland the E. i of the N.E. J of Sec. 23. Lucas Nebeker added more land to his first entry. Mr. Nebeker became one of the first men of the county and figured largely in the county organization. He was also prominent in the early church. In this year, 1824, Ignatius Morris entered the W. ^ of the S.W. \ of Sec. 12; George Steeley the S.E. fraction of ninety-three acres of the N. i of Sec. 15 ; David Rawles

In this same year (1824) Joshua "Walker made the acquaintance of Archibald Johnson, wliom lie found in the southern part of the townsjjip, or T. 19 N., R. 8 W. ' Mr. Walker was born in Kentucky in 1T9S, and emigrated with his parents, James and Catharine Walker, to Fianklin county, Indiana, in 1811, and in the following winter to Wayne county. Joshua, at the age of twenty-six years, having accumulated some money, set out to seek an addition to his little fortune. lie was induced by Mr. Johnson to invest in cighty-Hve acres of land, being the W. fi-action of the S.W. ^ of Sec. 7, now occupied by Henry La Tourette, Mr. Walker then puslied on to the lead mines of Illinois, where he spent about three years without much success. He, in 182S, returned to Fountain county, and improved his fai-m and added more land. He is now (1880) one of Fountain county's oldest citizens. He claims to have built the first log cabin on the spot where the city of Indianapolis has reared her spires, built her stately edifices and immense business structui-es, and transformed a forest into a city of palaces. James Driggs also entered land in 1824, his patents calling for the E. i of the X.E. i ami the E. i_ of the S.W. i of Sec. 9. AVilliain Blue must have made his advent not far from this time. lie was a Virginian. He improved different farms in Fountain cuiinty. At his death, in 1S73, he owned 900 acres of land. Jesse (J.-born came in 1S24, and entered 4S0 acres of prairie land in the northern part of Troy township, giving bis name to the whole jmiirie. He moved to Mis.souri in 1839, and d'ic.l in 184.o,and Margaret, his wife, died in 1847. W. M. Osborn, liis son, ntiiiiied to Fountain county, and makes his home here.

David .\n,lersou entered the E.'-i of S.E. i of Sec. 27. Each year swelled the ranks of the army of toilers seeking western fields of labor. Reenforcements were always welcomed by those already at the front. No sooner was it known that "John Smith" had arrived, than the hearty yeomanry turned out in force, and with o.\ anil merriment soon riareil tiic visual dwelling of the forest for the newcomer, and Smith in turn assisted, perhaps the next day, in a similar pleasure. 1825 broiigiit James C. Denton, and made him jiMssessor of the E. ^ of the N.W. i of Sec. 32 ; also the W. ^ of the N.W. i, T. 20 N., R. S W. In T. 19 N., R.8W., Samuel DoUinger obtained the W. .J of the S.W. i of Sec. 4 ; Jacob Oooke, the E. i of the S.E. i of Sec. 5 ; James Carwile, the E. A of tiie N.W. i of Sec. 7. Solomon Clarke entered the W. i of tiio S.E. i of Sec. 9 ; and Archibald Johnson also Louglit more land. 182P) witnessed the arrival of Samuel Wilson, Richard Hardisty. Francis Hardisty, Thomas Moore, William Osborn, Isaac De Haven, Joseph and Forgas Graham, John Long and John Ward, all settlers of T. 20 N., E. 8 W. John and Sarah LaTourette made tlieir advent in 1826, and were highly respected citizens. Their son, Henry La Tonrette, an ex-oflicer of the county, and whose portrait appears in this history, is one of the best farmers of Troy township. William Franklin Ward and Sarah E. Ward entered the E. -^ of the S.W. i of Sec. 2, T. 19, ~R. 8, and spent the rest of their days in Fountain county. Samuel Campbell, Isaac Clark. Jonahan Cunningham, Christopher Heath, David Sewell, Jeremiah Heath, William Johnson and Samuel Vansickle made land entries in Troy township in 1827, and in the following year Robert Caldwell, William Robe, Matthew Berkley, Arthur Clelland, Jesse Martin and William S. Crain arrived. In this year came Jacob De Haven and the parents of W. C. B. Sewell. Many others, no doubt, became residents of Troy township, but not having entered land, or having moved to other parts, are forgotten. The space allotted to these notes debars the writer from following year by year the arrivals. Those already mentioned comprise, perhaps, the greater number of those who may be considered among the first settlers. Could we picture to the reader of to-day the limited circumstances, the hardships and inconveniences, experienced Ijy those whom we specially term pioneers, scarcely would he believe the picture to be a true one, so great has been the change. Witness the jiioneer fare : Corn was eaten in various ways. The earliest mode of preparation was to bake the dough on a smooth board about two feet long and six or eight inches wide, placed on the hearth, slanting toward the fire. When one side was baked the bread was turned over for b.aking the other side. When lard was plentiful the dough was shortened. When thus prepared it was called " Johnny cake." Sometimes the dough was made into lumps, baked, and called "corn dodger." At other times the dough was raised with yeast, then baked in a Dutch oven, and called "pone," - a decided improvement over its antecedents. The cake of that primitive age was usually " pound cake." In making this the good cook used corn meal instead of flour, as used in the present day. The other ingredients were nearly the same as used to-day. Mush and milk was a common dish for supper. An old settler remarked that when eating this one should have one foot in bed and the other ready, so that as soon as supper was over he might sleep. Before mills for grinding were built, green corn was boiled and roasted, and frequently constituted the meal in Mo. Hominy, known as " lye hominy," was prepared by soaking corn in lye till the husk would readily leave tlie s;ri\'m, when it was pounded in a inortiir and tliorouglily broken. Tiie niortar was formed by hollowing a dry, solid stiunp or loi,', either with axe or fire. The pestle was of wood. Tiie cracked corn was of two grades, large hominy and small liominy. Then, to large hominy and small hominy, large pone and small pone, Johnnycake, hoe-cake and dodgers, we may add boiled dumplings and friedcakes, all made from corn. "Was there scarcity of meats? Kot at all. The table was bountifully supplied with venison, opossum, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit and pork, wild turkey, plicasants, pigeons, ducks, quails, etc., cooked in divers ways, to suit the taste or times. For drink the pioneer supped his bread coftee, crust coffee, meal coffee, potato coffee, wheat and flour coffee, sassafras tea,spieewood tea, beachleaf and sycamore chips tea. Their vegetables were potatoes, pumpkins, turnips, and for early use "greens," or weeds. For delicacies at weddings, log rollings, etc., frumities and custards were in order. Did the women play any important part? How could it be otherwise? WitucEs thoin as they contrive to prepare the daily meals at the fireplace, about eight feet in the clear. The kettles were hung over the fire to a strong pole, raised so liigh above the fire as not to be likely to iirnite from heat and sj.arks, and whose ends are fastened in the sides of the chimney. The kettles were suspended on trammels, which were j.ieces of iruu r.uls with a liook at each end. The uppermost one extended from the pole nearly down to the fire, and witli one or more short ones the kettles were brought to their proper height above the coals. AVooden hooks were used till iron was obtained. A longhandled frying-pan was used, in which to fry meat. The poor woman held the frying-pan while the meat cooked, and while she cooked, also. A more convenient utensil was a cast-iron, short-handled, three-legged spider, or skillet, which was set upon the coals on the hearth. Turkovs and spareribs were sometimes roasted before the fire, suspended liyastring, a dish being placed underneath to receive the drippings, r.ut the poor women always suffered, their hair being singed, their hands blistered, and their dresses scorched. Thus progressed the culinary art. the hardy and hearty pioneer always ready for the repast. But this was not woman's only work. Flax was raised, and women pulled it, rolled it, broke it, scutched it, swingled it, and hatcheled it, and then came the spinning. The spinning wlieel was a stringed instrument, which furnished the principal music of the liousehold, as qierated by our mothers and grandmothers witli great skill, obtained witiiout c.v- ])en.se. The loom, too, had its j)lace, almost every house becoming a woolen factory. While all was ind\istry within, so it was also without. The wooden' mould-board plow was busy. The iron part was a bar, two feet long, with a broad share of iron welded to it. At the extreme point was a coulter, that passed through a beam six or seven feet long, to which there were attached handles of corresponding length. The mould-board was of wood, split from a winding piece of timber, or hewed into a winding shape in order to turn the soil over. The idea of a cast-iron plow had not yet entered the brain of the inventor, Jethro Wood, of Cayuga county, New York, and many years passed ere the first " Cincinnati plow " made its appearance. The triangular harrow, or drag, was also an early implement. It consisted of two pieces of timbei- about six feet long and tive inches square, hewed before the day of mills, then frequently sawed. The end of one was framed into the end of the other, forming an acute angle, the two sides kept apart by a cross-piece of timber framed into the others near their centers, all forming the letter " A." Before iron came wooden teeth were used, but the prevalence of roots destroyed them rapidly, so that iron teeth, twice as heavy as those now used, were obtained as soon as possible. The farming went on slowly and arduously till the improvements of modern times entirely changed the mode of procedure and results.

The pioneers of what was the western portion of Montgomery county, prior to 1825, did not wait long for a trading point conveniently at Iiand. As will be seen by referring to the general county history, the Indiana state legislature, in session assembled, in the winter of 1825-6, by special act, set off that part of Montgomery county, now known as Fountain county, for a new county, and commissioners were appointed whose duty it was to select a site for the county seat. jSTumerous were the points fovorable, and of course each section of the county had its solicitors.

Isaac Coleman, a Virginian by birth, and a man of fine parts, who had made his advent in Indiana very early, and had settled where Attica is, secured tlie northeast fraction, 82.7 acres, and the southeast fraction, 73.7 acres, of the north half of Sec. 35, T. 2U K., E. 9 W. ; this land being situated close to the Wabash river, the only outlet for trade, and about midway of the county, nortli and south. Mr. Coleman conceived it to be a convenient point for a county seat of justice. In those early days, when railroads were unheard of and the country so densely wooded that roads were obliged to be chopped froiu place to place, it was natural that a place near a stream, even though it were known to be navigable for boats alone, should be chosen upon which to build the principal city of the county. Mr. Coleman inunediately e.xerted his influence toward securing the location of the countv seat on liis laud. L)icas Nebeker and otliers also wurked for its location somcwliere about its present site. Mr. Coleman employed old Mr. Johnson, of Crawfordsville, a surveyor, to lay off a town. Mr. Johnson this same year, 1S2C, laid off Attica and La Fayette. Mr. Coleman's site was chosen as the proper place for the county seat, and the town was called Covington. Dating almost from that moment, efforts have always been in order to re-locate the scat of justice of Fountain county. Other early entries made in this immediate vicinity wei-e as follows: John Wilson and David Vance secured the northeast fraction of the south half of Sec. 35, comprising 78 acres, tlie entry dating Mav 6, 1S2*!. John Miller became owner of the southeast fraction, 82 acres, of Sec. 35, in 1S30. Daniel J.,anders entered the E. ^ of ;N."\V. ^ Sec. 3G, in 182ti. John Wilson and David Vance, in the same year, the W. i of N.W. ^ Sec. 3G. Andrew Sliankland, in 1827, entered the E. i of N.E. 1 Sec. 36. James A. Thompson the W. of S.E. i- Sec. 30, in 182G ; also Wiiliam Ray the S.W. i See. 3C. " William v.. Evans entered the E. l of S'.E. i Sec. 20, in 1820; also William Miller the E. -\ of S.E. } Sec. 20, and Samuel Maxwell the W. A of iS'.W. 1 Sec. 25. A year previous to 1820 William Vandorn entered tln> W. }. of N.E. i Sec. 20. In 1828 Elijah Smith secured the E. A of S.E. i Sec. 25, Benedict Morris the E. i of K.W. J Sec. 25, Levi J. Eeynolds the W. -\ of N.E. i Sec. 25, and James C. Denton entered the W. i of X.E. 1 Sec. 36. In 1820 Jonas Baum obtained the north fraction of S.W. i Sec. 26. In 1831 John Miller bought the E. -i of K.W. i Sec. 26, and Robert Ilettield laid claim to the !-;. A of S.E. \ Sec. 30. A part of these lots of land in after years lircamc additions to Covington, and tlie rest lies immediately around the town.

In laying out the town Mr. Coleman had an eye to its futuro welfare and ]>ermanency. His ))lat is on part of Sees. 35 and 30, T. 20 jS'., R. 0 W. of the Indiana P.^[. The streets running up and down the river blufl's were run at 18° 20' west of north by the compass, and all the cross streets at right angles to this. The streets are all si.xtysi.\ feet wide, except Water street, which is eiglity feet wide, and Liberty street, sixty feet wide. A rock is buried at tlio southwest corner of tlic public square, and the southwest corner of this rock" is the point from wiiicli tiie measurement was taken. The lots are all 60 feet in front by 132 feet deep, except lots from 45 to 00, inclusive, which are 70x132, and lots adjoining tlie soutli side of Liberty street, which are 72x132, except lots 72, 73, 74, 75, whicii are 60x138. As a benefit for the town Mr. C'oleinan donated to the county one wliolc block for a public square, four lots to religious purposes, and four lots for schools, a piece of ground for a cemetery, and also donated four lots out of five of all the remaining lots. The town he laid out, and the donations he made for a "permanent" seat of justice. It would be well if all re-locationists would note this word " permanent," as it is held that should the county seat be removed, then the will of Coleman to the county would be broken, and his heirs would be able to seize upon the property formerly donated, with all its fixtures.

At a meeting of the authorities, held July 25, 1S2G, the county -agent was ordered to cause the town site to be re-snrveyed and corrected, and to present a plat of the same to the "Board." At that meeting the town was formally appellated " Covington." The county agent was also ordered to ofier for sale on the first Monday in October of that year, the lots belonging to the county. It is needless to say all this was done, and that Covington began to germinate. A very few squatters were already on the ground. John Gillam lived in a very small log cabin, which stood on the ground now occupied by the jail. He had a large family and was poor. He worked at clearing, or any job work that could be obtained. Joseph Grifiith and his son Barton were the first to actually settle anywhere on this spot. Joseph Griffith moved to Illinois and there died. His son Barton remained and became clerk for Joseph -Sloan, whose business he largely managed. Llaking the trip to New Orleans, carrying produce on flat-boats, he incurred a severe attack of dysentery, which proved fatal on his return. His death was a loss to the community, as he was a bright, energetic spirit. Daniel Landers was at that time a rising merchant of the "log town" of Indianapolis. Mr. Landers concluded to start a branch store at Covington, and for that purpose sent out Joseph L. Sloan. Mr. Sloan made the trip in October, 1S26, across the country, bringing a load of goods with him, and chopping a large part of his way through the dense woods. Having arrived, it was necessary to build as soon as possible, so as to shield his merchandise from the weather. John Gillam, Joseph and Barton Griffith, lent helping hands. Anderson "White came from Coal creek, seven miles, with his o.x team. Joseph Baum, James Bilsland, Lucas Nebeker, James Whitley, Joseph Shelby, John Steeley, and perhaps others, who lived in the "Bend," came iiurrying to the spot to take part in the erection of the first ^'business house" of the county seat. The building, about 1-1x18, onestory, of unhewn logs, daubed and plastered, was soon ready for occupancy. The shelves were riven boards, and nails brought by Mr. Sloan were used, but were not common. The store immediately became the center of atti action, and the surrounding farmers were happier.

Troy Towkship

About the same time that Mr. Sloan came Mr. Eawles made liis way from the prairie, north of Terre Haute, up the Wabash river in a keel-boat, or barge. He brougiit his family and household goods. Mr. Rawles, or as he is known, David Kawles, immediately began the construction of a hotel, assisted by about the same men who aided Sloan. His building was about 16x24, one-story, round logs, clapboard roof^ puncheon floor. He purchased some nails of Sloan, '- the merchant," and some boards of "Wiiite, with which he made some " e.\tra good doors." On the rear of the " hotel " he built a rail pen which lie battened and covered with chipboards, and in this Mrs. Eawles did the cooking. Joseph Sloan and his clerk were the first boarders. 1S26, the heralder of the first store, and tirst hotel or " tavern '" of Covington soon rolled away, giving place to 1S27. This year witnessed the arrival of Andrew Ingram and Daniel Rogers, both attorneys-at-law ; hardly an inviting place, it would seem, to that profession, yet there was considerable real-estate business to transact ; John McKinney, who started a tannery, Frank Merrill, who opened the second store, and Dr. Hamilton. Most of these men were patrons of the " Hotel de Rawles,'" and one could scarcely conceive of a company composed of lawyers, a doctor, merchants, tradesmen and farmers witliont concluding as to the fun of that early day. For amusement, the above named persons and others to the number of twelve, organized themselves into a body for the purpose of holding moot court. Their organization was christened with the beautiful and appropriate name " Oallisumpkin Society," intensely classical, showing that in that primitive age Covington had her sages as well as Greece. David Rawles presided as "Dispenser of Justice," and listened to the pleadings of Ingram and Rogers, attorneys composing the Covington bar. James "Whitley was constable. The attorneys, ever anxious for practice, carefully watched the actions of men, and no misdemeanor escaped punishment. The judge, ever proud of his position, issued writs promptly, and the constable, desirous of showing his authority, unhesitatingly served all summonses and made arrests even if liis best friends suffered. A conimon misdemeanor, against which a law of that body positively asserted itself, was the brushiiii: of flies from one's face when tiiere were fewer than one dozen of these pests endeavoring sim\iltaneously to deprive him of all appetite or comfort. Could such an act be proven against any one, a heavy fine was the inevitable result; the trial often lasting tiiUate in the hours of the night. At that time the site of Covington was covered largely by brush and stumps. A common fine was to retpiire tlie " law-breaker to dig up one of those stumps." In this way much of the land was cleared. Dr. Hamilton relates how, when having returned from a professional call, the constable immediately served a process on him, accusing him of brushing the flies from his face when fewer than a dozen were bothering him. The doctor secured the services of lawyer Rogers and went into trial before Judge Eawles. The trial over, the iisual judgment was rendered, but this time the penalty called for the uprooting of the largest stninp of all. The doctor, loath to exert his muscular ability to so great an extent, readily paid a man $5 to remove the stump. Four gallons of whisky, too, was consumed at his expense. The Callisumpkin Society was instrumental in doing much toward the development of the town, and its name is worthy of perpetuity.

Dr. Hamilton was born in Saratoga, New York, January 7, ISOO; studied medicine in Malone, New York; then attended three courses of medical lectures in 1823, 182i and 1S25, at Yermont Medical College. After graduation he located. May 10, 1S26, at La Fayette, Indiana, and engaged in the practice of his profession. La Fayette, then considered the head-waters of navigation on the Wabash river, attracted men of all classes, and in large numbers, to settle. Lawyers and doctors were very numerous, and Dr. Hamilton, thinking his chances for success better elsewhere, located at Covington, a single man, March 31, 1827. He was Covington's first physician, and boarded for some time with David Eawles. In 1828 he built a frame office 12x17, the first frame building erected in this vicinity. It was lathed and plastered. Dr. Hamilton kept a small stock of drugs, mostly for his own practice. William B., or as he was familiarly known, Bloomer White, the second clerk of Fountain county, and an eminent officer, kept his office with Dr. Hamilton, who was county land agent at that time. Mr. White preserved all his papers, etc., in a small secretary. In 1828 he brought his family of wife and four children. After fourteen years' clerkship ho moved to Vermilion county, where he died. Dr. Hamilton continued county land agent eighteen years. It was about 1828 when Dr. Jesse Bowen came from La Fayette to make Covington his home. He became one of the most worthy citizens, living here many years. Old gentleman Boston also kept a battery, and did something also at ferrying over the Wabash river. His death occurred at Covington. His son, Washington Boston, lived with him and here married. After many years he moved westward. A few others came in about this year, but, like the Arab, they folded their tents - if they owned any - "and' as silently stole away." It was about this time, or the year before, that for the first time a steamboat approached the Covington wharf. Notice had been given previously of tlie intended voyage, which would be made providing the river should be sufficiently high. On the day designated ridden, but many having walked. All was unrest, each person anxious to catch the first glimpse of the expected "monster." At last the scream of the wliistlo startled them, terrifying many for the moment; . tlien there was a rush for the river bank. It is impassible to paint the picture of the crowd, as, with eyes and mouths o])en, the steamer was j taken in by the surprised people. The kindness of the captain gratified the curiosity of the lookers-on by allowing them to board the boat and examine the works, these calling forth many ludicrous, and at times ridiculous, expressions. All at last retired, satisfied at having seen the " wonder of the age."

In 1826 Mr. Walters built a two-story frame house, and kei>t hotel, or an eating-house. Joseph L. Sloan's storeroom proving too small for his trade, he erected a small frame building, which he used several years. In the fall of 1820 came Jacob Tieo, with his wife and one child, in company with David Ekier and family. David Elder rented a two-story log building which stood on the southwest corner point lot, where lie kept an eating-liousc. He was already in his wintry years, and soon died. His daughter Matilda married Andei>on White. Jacob Tice was born in Middlesex county. New Jersey, where he spent most of his early years. He then removed to New York city, where, in 1808, ho witnessed the Clermont steamboat. He learned the tailor's trade. After coming to Covington ho rented a small building for a

3'ear or two, then built a room, now occupied as a shoe-shop, near the Hardy & Eeid bank. He followed his trade till ready-made clothing so reduced the tailor's custom as to oblige him to seek a livelihood otherwise. He became the second justice of the peace, succeeding David Rawles. He filled this office for ten years. He was also postmaster many years. About 1S30 David and Frank "Wallace became goods merchants in Covington. Frank looked to the store, while David practiced law. David "Wallace was a resident of Covington when he was elected lieutenant-governor of Indiana in 1S.32, and in 1838 reached the governor's chair. He buried his wife and child in the Covington cemetery. He afterward made his home in Indianapolis. Other very early merchants were John Hawkins, David Sanders, Conover & Shaw, Roup and his partner.

In 1830 the population had reached about 150 or 200 inhabitants, yet these would make but few families. The town grew and improved slowly. The business men already named continued to do the business of the place. As yet there was no outlet for goods and -ti-avel except the river, unless by wagon or stage.

At last a ray, as it were, from the headlight of a steam engine seemed to illuminate Covington, whose citizens alufost fiincied a railroad built and a train of cars doing their bidding. This was in 1837. The Great "Western railway appeared as a ghost, which the people thought reak This road was already partly graded from Springfield to Decatur, Illinois, and from Decatur to Danville, Illinois, the abutments being constructed in the Big Vermilion river, at Danville. This being au Illinois road and it being desirable to extend it in Indiana to the "Wabash river - a natural outlet - James Alexander, of Paris, Illinois, a member of the Illinois state legislature, was appointed by the Illinois assembly as a committee to visit the Indiana state legislature for the purpose of asking for a bill authorizing the continuance of the road as desired. He failed to present his request in time, but at the session of 1838-9 he succeeded. Dr. John Hamilton, who had been a member of the state senate from 1831 to 1837, made Alexander's acc[uaintaiice in 1837, and the two were fast friends. In 1839 Alexander wrote Hamilton of his success, stating that the commissioners would hold a meeting at a certain date in June at Springfield, for the purpose of locating the road ; also stating that La Fayette and Perrysville would be represented, and that he desired Covington to send her delegation. ]N'"o sooner had the letter been received than a meeting of the citizens was called, at which Dr. Hamilton, Isaac Coleman (then of Attica, but largely interested in Covington), Daniel Mace, and James P. Carleton, attorneys, were chosen delegates to Springfield. Money to defray expenses was inmie- diatulv solicited, but this \y.ut. of llie work iiicctin- witii but little success, Dr. Hamilton, putting 5^500 in his pocket, called for the boys to mount their liorscs, and alfstartcd for the capital of Illinois, where they arrived after a three-days journey. The conimissioiicrs lield a nine-days session, duriiii; which tin'ic the delegations from each of three comiietiiig points were hoard. The session over, Alexander announced to Hamilton, in secret, that the commissioners had decided to make know^n nothing as to their decision, at the same time advising the doctor to make luiste liome and to secure the piece of ground on the west side of the "Wabash river, opposite Covington, so as to deprive speculators from rerrysville of the chance to buy it, on which to lay out a town, and thusiinpede the growth of Covington. The hint from Alexander was sutlicient. Horses fed, the party made a forced ride to Danville, and there leaving the horses and the rest of the party, Dr. Hamiltun and Daniel Mace took the stage for home, arriving about two o'clock in the morning. The town was immediately aroused, and a meeting called, at whic^i a committee, consisting of Dr. P.owen, David Eawlcs, W. l;. White and Frank Merrill was appointed to go over the river and purchase the twenty acres opposite town before breakfast. The bargain for the land was consummated. By nine o'clock men from Terrysville swarmed down, and it was only by purchasing a half-section of land that the people of Covington could beat back their antagonists. So much of the battle was fought. Dr. Hamilton now set to work to secure the right of way for the new road from Danville to Covington. He also let the contracts for the construction of the road, with instructions not to commence operations till directed by the commissioners. Those interested then rested. Time rolled away. Payments on the land purchased became dne, and the signers were called upon to Ii>iuidate the debt. Kawlcs and Hetfield were lightly responsible, but the heavy burden fell upon Dr. Hamilton. Six thousand dollars was refjuircd from iiim, which he paid. The panic ensued, suspending, and virtuallv destroving, the " Internal Improvement System " of the states, and the (Meat Western railroad proved, indeed, a great western ghost, the destruction of men's fortunes, and a disappointment to all citizens of Fountain county. To remedy the panic cti'ects, the Indiana state Icislature pa.-sed the "Valuation and Appraisement" law, wiiich pn.ved valuable to the debtor, but operated seriously against the merchant and heavy creditors. These circum.stances generated influences collapsing to Covington, a town doomed still to do her business in the old, slow way, ere a few years her sun again appeared above the horizon to rise promising for a time, but long ere it reached its zenith clouds of misfortune shut out its light, leaving its zenith still to be reached. About 1842 excavation for the "Wabash & Erie canal began at La Fayette, and by 18i6 was tinished at Covington. Money being scarce, a large amount of canal script was issued, which the Covington merchants promised to accept at par for goods till the canal was finished to this point. This script depreciated till it was worth but forty cents on the dollar. AVhile it was worth and brought but this in other places, the business men of Covington fulfilled their promise. Those who had large sums of money loaned out were obliged to give a receipt in full, when, virtually, but two-fifths of the amount was received. Joseph L. Sloan weathered the gale, with destruction to his fortune from which he never recovered. Dr. Hamilton lost thousands of dollars, and others suffered in proportion. The town grew rapidly during the excavation, but the burden of debt was too heavy. The ultimate failure of the canal added disaster. When tlie civil war broke out, to hurl desolation and death over this fair land, Covington was nearly as large as now. The Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, built in 1869, gave value to property and an impetus to business, -which resulted in improvement in buildings. The writer must now retrograde a few years and notice the improvement in business houses. Mr. Sloan's log store, then his frame store, occupied a part of lot 93. In later years, about 1835, he erected a building occupying the full sixty-six feet front. The building was of brick, and two stories high. It was divided into a store-room and tavern. Mr. Sloan sold to Mc- Maunomy and McMahon, who let it to different parties. Tiie whole block burned in 1878. Eawles' hotel stood on lot 102. The log house he tore down, and built a frame with three rooms, one of which he sold to Henry Churchman, and the other two to other parties. The latter two have always been saloons. David Eawles died in 1879, leaving a wife and one daugliter, who are in Iowa. The first ouilding on lot 111, was a large frame, occupied by Harmon Webb as a tavern. Harmon Webb moved to Covington about 1831. He kept the ferry some time, and afterward came to be owner of part of the west side of the square. At his death the property passed to the children ; the house burned, and the lots were sold to J. G. Hardy and Alfred Heath. Hardy built a small brick store on his share, and Heath sold to John and Ben. Shatter^', who, in 1880, built a handsome brick structure, which they ocoipy as a saloon. Lot 120 is the site of the first courthouse of the county. It became the property of Webb, then of Hardy. Lot 129 was owned by a Virginian, who built on it a brick store-room, which was occupied by Roup & Morris, dry-goods merchants, and has changed hands frequently. In this Whitney Prescott sold goods and purified liquors. On lot 130 stood some small shanties, one of which lliiwkinsil- Sanders occiij)icd ascarly as 1835\vitli dry goods. William A. Sangster obtained the lot, and erected on it two large brick stores, ocenpied by Loeb with clothing and dry goods. Lot 131 had on it BOHie poor frame buildings. Dr. John S. Jones came to Covington in 1840, and kept drugs in one of tlieni. In about 1857 he built a twostory brick, now owned by Dr. Spinning as a drug store. Fauncy Lomp occupied part of this lot with his silver shop. On lot 132 was Dr. John S. Jones' office. Michael Mayer purchased thirty-six feet of this lot in 1840, with a frame building on it. Into this building he put a stock of groceries, confectionery, etc., and kept a bakery. In 1SG6 lie purchased si.\ty-six feet front, and erected three large brick business rooms, now occupied by James M. Duncan, Vale tt Kapir, and Isaac Deutsch. In 1877 Mr. Mayer destroyed the frame building before mentioned, building in its place two store-rooms 20x66, occupied by Jlock Brothers and Weldon. Mr. Mayer lias been one of Covington's most successful business men, and has contributed much to the development of the place. He is now retired from business.

The northeast point lot has been occupied since an early day, and is now tlic site of McGeorge's liardwarc cstablisliment. John Allen early bought lot 112, on which he built a two-story brick, which lie occujiied as a cabinet-shop; now rented by M. Boord ct Co. as a furniture store. The rest of tlie lot passed into the hands of widow Spin- !iing. On the east end of lot 04 was a dwelling, built by Joseph L. Sloan soon after his arrival. This lot came into the possession of W. C. B. Sewell. Lot 101 was once sold for §15 to William Meeke. It is now the projjcrty of W. C. B. Sewell. Lot 83, or the southeast point lot, was owned by George Snyder as far back as 1835. In a ^:i.:;ll frajijf build". i:g 1;l told for i;ia;'.\ y<..:r=. About 1845 lie tore down the frame and built a two-story brick, two rooms, now occujMod by Hardy it Itcid, bankers, in the cast room, and Thomas Detlifk, hardware, in the west room. On lot 75 a frame building was ]>ut tip l)V Frank Merrill as far back as 1830, in which lie sold dry goods till about 1846. Heal that time failed in business and went to Illinois; then to Indianapolis; then west, and died. The building stood till 1878, when it was displaced by a brick business liouse by Joseph Allen. Mr. Allen also erected largo brick buildings on the rc.-t of the lot. Anderson White first owned lot 74, and built a twostory frame about 1832. It came to be the property of Dr. Weldon, who has improved it. I>ot 73 was as early as 1827 secured by Wni. B. Wliite, who erected (for that day) a fine two-story frame dwelling, 18x30. In 1838 lie sold to Dr. John Hamilton, who lived in it si.x years. Dr. Hamilton sold part of it to Nicholas Kiger, who keeps a saloon in it. ]^jl

72 was pni'C'liased by Dr. John PLviiiilton in 1827. On this spot he built the office already mentioned, in 1S2S. In 1836 he sold twentytwo feet front to Dr. Clark, who built an addition to the office, and used il as a store. Peter H. Patterson and John Miller bought the rest of this lot. These large brick business houses give to the ]Miblicsqnai-e an appearance far different to that of even ten years ago.

Joseph L. Sloan built the first saw-mill about 1834. It was large, and did the work for a large scope of country, giving employment tomany men. He also kept a distillery near it. Both were destroyed by lire. Nichols & Co.' built the first steam grist-mill, not far frouT 1836. This mill was large, and ran two sets of burrs. The canal was excavated near it. It burned, and was never rebuilt, but a brewery took its place, and this also was destroyed by fire. Abram Gish built the next mill ; this time a water-mill, built on the canal soon after the excavation. Mr. Gish sold this and built a steam-mill, still in running order. In 1855 the Covington mill was built by a millwright and a machinist. In 1860 the firm changed to Everly, Sangster & Co., and in 187-i to Everly, Marlatte & Co.

In 1868 J. M. Khodes established his carriage manufactory, which he has enlarged till he employs eight workmen. Other industries have been represented as the town has grown to importance.

Tlie Covington bridge over the Wabash river was begun in 1850 by George Neboker and three other gentlemen. It was constructed at a'cost of 820,000.

The last boat cleared at Covington through fi'om Lodi to Toledo on the canal was the '"Rocky Mountain," cleared by Dave Webb, "collector to toll," October 20, 1872. The last local traffic done at this point was the clearance of the boat "Goodman," November 18, 1875, bound from Lodi to Lafayette.

rOST-OFFICE. A post-office was secured about 1826. The stage ran Irom Terre Haute to La Fayette twice a week. Joseph L. Sloan was the first postmaster. He was succeeded in office by David Eawles. Jacob Tice next secured the position, which he held till ousted for political reasons, Charles Stafi'ord becoming the incumbent. In about seven months Jacob Tice was reinstalled postmaster, and filled the office till displaced by R. M. Nebeker, the ])resent postmaster.

Tlic first paper printed in tiie county staggered under the name of -" Western Constellation," issued first in 1S3G, by Henry Coinniigore iuid George W. Snyder. The paper was next conducted by J. P. Carleton, who was succeeded by J. Ti. Jones. Mr. Jones changed its name to the more simple " Pcoijle's Friend," as it is still known. John K. Jones was a native of Virginia. He located in Covington and took charge of this pajier about 18il. He brought a hand-press with him from Cincinnati, by boat, on the "Wabash river. He was the real foutidcr of the '- Peoj>le's Friend," as it was larger than the "Western Constellation," and entirely a different paper. It was democratic in politics, and has continued under the control of a long line of iJIustrious <iemucratic editors to the present time. In 1S40 Mr. Jones sold to Solon Turman, and bought the "A'^inccnnes Sun," changing its name lo "Jones' Sentinel," which he controlled till his death, a few years after. Solon Turman came from Perrysville, and published the Friend" till 1S53. In 1851 he was elected to the state ricnate to fill the unexpired term of Robert Lyons. In 1853 h.e sold to Edward Pullcn, moved to Greencastle. and began the practice of b'.w with his father-in-law, Henry Secrcst. In 1873 he was made iudge of the Greencastle circuit, by appointment, and in 1873 was to the same position. Fdward Pullen sold, in 1850, to Charles L. llansicker, and went south. He became major in the confederate army, but has not been heard from since a ])risoner at Johnston's Island. Charles L. llansicker was a lieutenant in the Mexi&in war, and became recorder of Fountain county. He sold the paper April 1, 1S5S. to II. K. Claypool, anil in a short time after died in Covington of consumption. II. K. Claypool was born in Fountain county, Indiana, February 24, 1828, and has had an unbroken residence ii\ this county. He studied law under Gen. Linder, and was admitted to the bar in 1852, at Charleston, Illinois. He lociited in C<)vington in April of that year, where, in 1858. he obtained control of the paper. Having been elected to the special session of the legislature, he sold his pajter to his foreman, M. V. U. Cowan. In the spring of 1851> Mr. Cowan sold to John II. Spcnee, who sold, in 1874, to Henjaniin Smith. T. D. Collins bought out Smith, and sold to Fdward llancs in 1877, who in tmii sold to the present proprietor, Charles Gninn. Spcnce's '- People's Paper" is the republican advocate of Fountain county. John H. Sjfence, its editor and one of its proprietors, - Albert Weber being the Co., -was born in Covington, Indiana, September 4, 18;{3. From 1850 to 1854 he resided in California, engaged on the j»ft|icr "The Daily Mining Exi>ress.'' On his return to tlie state* he worked at different times on the " Evening News," St. Louis, Missouri ; " The Flag," Bloomington, Illinois; "Cole's County Ledger," Charleston, Illinois; started the '' Gazette," the first paper published in Mattoon, Illinois. In 1859 he purcliased the "People's Friend," Covington, Indiana, which he published about fourteen years. Mr. Spence then started an independent paper in Veedersburg, called the " Fountain County Herald," but finding it unprofitable, moved his office to Attica, changing his paper's name to "Attica Herald." Meeting with little success, he removed to La Fayette, and published in the interest of the greenback party of Tippecanoe county. Not taking kindly to the principles of that party, he espoused republicanism, and aided materially with his paper, "The La Fayette Republican," in the election of the entire republican ticket in ISTi. After that election he removed his office to Covington, and began publishing " Spence's People's Paper," in the interests of republicanism, which enjoys a large circulation. The "Journal " is a paper published in the interest of the greenback labor party and temperance. It is yet young in years, but widely circulated.

Public Buildings

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The first building erected for court purposes was built about 1S2S, on lot 120, in the northwest part of the public square. It was a frame structure, about 16x30, two stories high. The second story was used as a court-room, while the lower story, divided by a partition, constituted the jury-rooms. Joseph L. Sloan was the contractor. Tlie first court was held at Robert Hetfield's, but was soon convened at Covington. The first jail was built about the same time on the northeast corner of the square. It was a low, log structure, about si.xteen feet square. It was warrantable against the escape of any prisoner when once lodged within its walls. The timber was cut from Dr. Hamilton's land. Robert Hetfield, the second sheriff of the county, - John Corse having preceded him, - had charge of these public works. It was in this jail that John Ricliardson was imprisoned to await trial for killing his wife, and in the court-house before mentioned that he was tried, found guilty, and condemned to die on the gallows. About one month before the bloody tragedy Richardson assumed a half-insane state. Upon inquiry, insanity was found to be slightly hereditary. He was treated by Dr. Hamilton, and appeared at times perfectly well and of sound mind, attending iiis business correctly. Whether meditation upon an intended crime produced derangement, or actual insanity was the cause, was not positively known ; but so atrocious was the crime, namely, the murder of his wife by chopping open her head with an axe, that the sentence of death was thought to me merited.

Jiidi^'O Porter sat on the bench, but the case was tried before a jury. This took place in 1829, or possibly as late as 1830. The trial over, the sentence rendered, a place for the execution was next necessary. The people, horritied at the idea of hanging ,i man, refused permission for the execution to take place on their premises until Dr. Hamilton, was visited, who consented. The spot chosen was below a declivity southeast of town. The gallows was erected by placing a forked piece of timber against a large tree, the stump of which has not yet been ujjrooted. Another fork was driven in the ground a short distance from the other, and across piece, a drop, and a platform, constituted tlie gallows. At the appointed time a largo number of lookers-on had gathered on the hill that overlooked the fatal drop. The moment arrived, sherilf Hetiield, sworn to do his duty, let fall the drop which let the murderer swing into eternity. The body was examined by Dis. Bowen and Hamilton, who pronounced life extinct, when the body was delivered to relatives and by them interred. This is the onl y execution that has ever taken jjlace in Fountain county.

The court-house mentioned was but temporai-y. The first permanent court building was erected about 1831 on its jiroper site. This was a brick building, but small. Another jail was also provided, but this burned about 1850. A brick jail was then built southwest of the euurt-house, wiiich was afterward displaced by the present stone jail and jailer's brick residence, constructed at a cost of about ^100,000, completed in 1874. About 1S5G or 1857 a new court-house was projected. A contract was let, but no further action taken. At a meeting of the commissioners, lield March 23, 1857, the contract was let to .1. (i. Hardy, calling for a good, substantial brick and stone structure, at a cost of $33,500. "Work was to be begun by June 1, 1857, and finished on or before September 20, 1859. The lower rooms for offices wire to be com])leted and furnished ready for occupancy by December ~'>. 1S5S. Isaac Hodgson, of Indiaiuipolis, was the architect engaged and superintendent of the construction. Some changes were subse- (luintly made from the original plan, necessitating additional expense, swelling the total cost of the court-house to nearly $40,000. Hon. William Furr, Octavius A. Crowley and William Trullinger were at tiiat time county commissioners. The new court-house iiad been occupied but a short time when, January 2, 1800, it was partially destroyed by tire, necessitating an expenditure for repairs of about $20,000. At a special 8es.sion of the board, held February 13, 14, etc., a contract was let to John II. Thomas &. Son requiring certain repairs to bo made at a cost of $14,800, but further damages, afterward discovered, increased the expense. The commissioners, "William Furr, William

Trnllingor and Jolin Nebeker, rented the third story of the brick building near the southeast corner of tlie square for court, county and political purposes. Different rooms were provided elsewhere for the various ofKces while the repairs progressed. The county can now boast of an honest court-house and a costly jail.

REiMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. At the outset there was opposition to the choice of sites for the county seat, and since its location many attempts have been made to relocate. About 1829 or 1830 most ludicrous schemes were indulged in in order to carry and also to defeat the project. Petitions had already been signed praying the legislature for a change, but no paper had as yet presented ,names sufficiently numerous to call the legislature to action. At last the relocationists, becoming desperate, after securing the names of all those living in the county favoring removal, it is said then resorted to the cemeteries, " the cities of the dead," and solicited their signatures, or rather wrote their names, on their petition paper. It is further alleged that these anxious persons visited the graveyards in Montgomery county in order to swell the number of signers, determined to beat this time those already satisfied with existing nature of things. However, Covingtonians became somewhat alarmed at the growing list of "petitioners for change," and at the suggestion of a prominent citizen, Capt. White, a hero of -'Horse Shoe Bend " in the war of 1S12, brought forth his muster-roll, and by copying the names of soldiers living and dead, obtained a list sufficient to overbalance their aiitagonists. The petitions were sent to the legislature bearing more signatures than there were at that time citizens 'of Fountain county. The joke was discovered by the legislators, and, after some mirth, it was decided to ajJpoint commissioners to relocate the county seat, and also a committee to appraise the Covington property, requiring that should the change be made the county should pay to owners of property in and around Covington the full value of their property, or make good the depreciation in value which would naturally follow the change. The commissioners met at Covington, and in company with a certain citizen made a tour of inspection through the county. Favorable points with their advantages were noted, and on the return a secret, session lield.- The citizen awaited anxiously. Soon, the meeting over, one of the commissioners, taking a stake and au axe in hand proceeded to the center of the old public square and drove the stake. Tiie citizen's hat came oft", the commissioners were treated to a banquet, -and departed, leaving Covington to be still the seat of justice of Fountair) county. Since that time many efforts have been made but frus- trated. Tlie question has taken political issue at dilTerent times, tickets being nominated placing in the contest relocation candidates ; but so great would be the expense of removal, and so detrimental to property owners, the change will not likely be made.

Additions To Covington

Several additions have from time to time been made to Covington. "William Piatt made a large addition, surveyed by county surveyor 0. 0. Cliadwick September 1, 182S, and recorded by W. B. White December 4, 1828. In 1830 Lsaac Coleman made a second addition. In 183C William Piatt, for himself and Laban Lodge, of Boone county, Kentucky, made a second addition. In the same year the town plat was etilarged by addition of the south part of tlie E. i of the S.E. -Jot Sec. 20, and the south ])art of the W. * of the S.W. i of Sec. 26, T. 20 N., K. 0 W., by Isaac B. A'ance, J. T. Canby, Isaac H. Alexander, John II. Murphcy, Ilezekiah Cunningliam and William Piatt.

In 1839 William Piatt added that part described, by running a line fiiiin the southwest corner of Liberty and Sixth streets, east to Seventh street, thence north to Jetferson street, thence west to Sixth street, and thence to commencement. In 18-11 David Rawles and Robert Hettield added 8.75 acres, bounded by a line running from northeast corner. Sec. 35, south between Sees. 35 and 30 for 13 chains and 73 links to a ])05t, thence west G.37i chains to a post, thence north 13.73 chains to a jKist on the line between Sees. 35 and 30, thence east 6.37+ chains with said line of beginning. In 1843 Richard Price enlarged the town plat. In 1847 Nicholas McCarty made an addition situated on the E.i of the X.W.i Sec. 36. In isi'^ William II. Mallory and James French each enlarged the plat, and in 1800 William D. Kerr made an addition situated on the south end of the E.-i of tlie -S.W.^ Sec. 36. He also made a second addition. Limited space forbids the description of each aildition.

INCOIil'OKATION. The town of Covington seems to have been free from any municipal government for more than half its life. No particular public improvements were made excepting those in which the county was concerned. At the legislative session of 1851, a bill passed that body entitled a bill "To incorporate the town of Covington in the county of I'^ountaiii "; the first section reading as follows: "'Be it enacted by the general assembly of the State of Indiana, that such part of Troy township in the county of Fountain as is situate within the town of Covington, and the additions thereto which may now exist or be herelOG HISTORY OF FOUXTAtX COUNTY.

after laid out and recorded, including all lots, streets, alleys and yjublic grounds therein, and also including the ontlots and canal and all that portion of Sec. 35 in T. 20 jS!'.,R. 9 ^Y. of said town of Covington, and its additions extending to the Wabash river and to the limit of the territorial jurisdiction of Fountain county, thereon be, and the same is hereby, erected into a town corporate, which shall be henceforth known and called by the name of Covington." Sec. 2 provided for the necessary officers ; these consisting of recorder, treasurer, and five trustees. The recorder was to be elected for three years and till his successor should be chosen ; the treasurer for two years, etc., and the trustees for one year. The marshall was to be appointed by the common council. Sec. 3 noted tlie conditions necessary to eligibility for office. Sec. 4 declared "That the first election under this act shall be held on the first Monday in March 1851," conducted as other elections. Sec. 5 made plain the duty of the inspector of elections. Sec. 6 christened the body, composed of the recorder and trustees, the common council, and set forth its powers. Another section set apart the first Tuesday in each month for the meeting of the council. Sec. 9 provided for the appointment of marshall, clerk, and street commissioner, each to serve two years. See. 14 gave to the recorder widespread and important authority, making hiin conservator of the peace within said town, and allowing him to " exercise all the power and authority, right, jurisdiction and inimxinities of a justice of the peace of Troy township, both civil and criminal," etc. Sec. 29 declared "the limits of said town shall be so extended as to embrace the common burying-gronnd of said town," etc. Sec. 31 provided for dividing the town into five wards, according to the order of the "common council." Sec. 32 made it unlawful to sell spirituous liquors without license. Sec. 35 gave the town power to build and maintain a wharf or public landing on the Wabash river, within the corporate limits of said town, and to regulate the landing of steam-boats or flat-boats, and other powers which had before been exercised by the county commissioners. This document was signed by Joseph A. Wright, governor of Indiana.

Common Council

COMMON COUNCIL. John M. Hall was elected the first recorder of Covington, and three of the councilmen were Henderson, Bilsland and Foster. The names of the other two do not appear in the records. Here it would seem necessary to say that so incomplete are the records, not oidy of the council, but of school and other town affairs, it is with difficulty that even this much has been saved for history. Many times being obliged to rely on men's memories, there will no doubt appear some errors.

At a meeting of the council Febnian- 20, 1852, an ordinance was passed dividing tlie town into five wards, described as follows: First ward, all west of Sixth and south of Washington streets; second ward, all, north of Washington, west of Sixth, and south of Crocket streets; third ward, all nortli of Crocket and west of Sixth streets; fourth ward, all cast of Sixth and south of Harrison streets; fifth ward, all north of Harrison and east of Sixth streets.

Tlie council of 1S54, consisting of Josepli H. Nelson, Wm. McLaughlin, Geurge Shanklin, Chester Clark and Charles Kelley, set aside the special act of the legislature, perhaps illegally, and the town passed under the general act of the Indiana assembly. This discontinued the office of recorder, and since that time the five councilmen have chosen one of their number president of the board.

At a meeting of August 20, 1855, the first regular police force was appointed, consisting of David Dwin, Isaiah R. Martin, Ewing Patterson, John W. Steward and Isaac N. McAllister.

June 24r, 1S55, an ordinance was passed reading as follows: "The use- of profane language is hereby declared to be disorderly conduct ; therefore, be it ordained by the board of trustees, that every person who shall ))rofanely curse, swear, imprecate, by or in the name of God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost, shall be deemed guilty of profanity, and on conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not less than $1 or more than §3, for each otl'ense, and stand committed till fine is paid." Tiie records from 1851 to 1854 are lost. The following are the ditferent boards, as nearly correct as the imperfect records and memory can render. The names of dtlier officers, aside fmm councilmen and clerk, cannot be given.

John Sayers. A few of the above have at times resigned their trusts, their places being filled by other good men, whose names we cannot record. The first two negroes who made their homes in Covington were Findley and Fry. After living here some time they emigrated with their families to Liberia, Africa. Findley, a mulatto, was a son of ex-Governor Findley, of Carolina, a good scholar, and is said to have attained to an honorable public position in Liberia.

SCHOOLS. " Education, that bright and glittering gem, the peer of prince or fortune," early received due consideration. The temporary frame court-house was also the early temple in whose halls the mitids of the pioneer children were stored with that knowledge required to make them good citizens. William Eobe was probably the first teacher. Ere many years a small brick school-house was built in the south edge of town. About 184:3 a larger frame structure was built. Benjamin Rankin taught about 18i5, and Rev. C. F. Smith soon after. Smith was badly beaten by tlie scliool-l)oys of tliat day. ^U: Ratterton was a very early scliool teacher. "Away far hack in bygone times" a certain teacher presented liiniself to Judge Rawles as an as])irant for the village schooL This pedagogue sported a ring and some otlier jewelry, yet wore very poor clothes and boots which did not entirely shield from the weather liis pedal digits. Although the youth might have seen better times, and have received a liberal education, the judge, coolly surveying the inconsistencies, as he thought the fellow to be engarbed, dismissed him. The young man went on his way, and when next heard from was president of an important railroad company. "Would that we could give his name, but it "is buried 'mid the rubbish of forgotten things." It is not the dress that makes the man. In ISGO the frame scliool building burned. School was then taught in churches, halls, etc., till a 7iow building was provided. In 1862 a brick edilicc, with six departments, was built. John J. Henderson was contractor, and the trustees were Dr. C. AV. Prathcr, Hiram Adler and George S. Shanklin. The first teacher was Mr. Crompton, now a rej)- rescntative from Yerinilion county, Indiana.

In a few years the school building proved too small, and the Board decided to erect an edifice which would accommodate all, "a temple of learning and monument of enterprise." The work was accomplished at a cost of about $2G,000. Tiie contract was let to John McMannomy and E. H. Nebeker. There are eight departments already occulted and two other i-ooms are read}- when occasion requires. The ]irincipal's department is the seminary or high school, afl'ording a threeyeais course of study after the common studies have been completed. An able corps of teachers is provided. J.Warren Mcllroom is at ju'esent (18^1) principal. A. S. Taylor is teacher in room iS'o. 7, or the fourth graniiniir department; Miss Josie Webb, No. 6; Miss N. M. Strong, No. 5; Clemdora Ludlow, No. 4 ; !Melissa Nebeker, No. 3; Carrie Sloiigh, No. 2; and Ella Stewart No. 1. Earlier teachers of Covino-- ton schools were II. K. Claypool, W. F. W. 0. Ensminger, James McEwing, A. L. McKinncy, Wm. ^IcEall, Prof. Lovelan, noted for his avoirdupois. All of these instructors have left tracks in the sands of time, indestructive. Society is better for their having lived.

Wlicn weather jicrmitted, the groves were tiie pioneer temples of worship. No silver-tongued churcii bell bade the jilain christian heart to a church wiiose spire ])ierced the cloud. The home cabin or the log school-house, or, a little later, the log church, received the worshipers with a silent welcome. Away back in 1824 Lucas Nebeker, an ardent

Methodist, yet a liberal cliristian, became a resident of the " Bend," in Troy township, Fountain county. Mr. Nebeker opened his door to all i-eligious service. A "Xew Light brother" was the first to proclaim the Gospel in the Bend," holding service at Mr. Nebeker's house, the only house with a shingled roof then in Fountain county. Rev. Blackwell, a Cumberland Presbyterian, was the next to instruct the pioneers in religion. Kev. Vredenburg, the first Methodist preacher of this section, arraigned Mr. Nebeker for encouraging other denominations, accusing him of heresy. Vredenburg Methodism did not become popular, and its founder remained here but a short time. Judge Birch worked hand in hand with Judge Nebeker in the interests of the church, and both were class-leaders. A buckeye log schoolhouse was built which was also used as a place of worship in 182S or 1829. The services in Covington were early held in the " frame courthouse," then in the brick school-house for many years. In 1840, when Dr. C. V. Jones located at Covington, the Methodist people had already begun the construction of a church. The walls -had been weatherdamaged before the roof was finished. The building was under the supervision of George Shocky and Peter H. Patterson, prominent churchmen of that day. Peter A. Saul was also an officer in the church. The society had gathered together a flock of about fifty members. In 1839-40 Revs. James Thompson and "Walter Hoffman were on the circuit, followed in the fall of ISll by Enoch "Wood and James Afershon. Prior to this, Richard Ilargrave and Daniel De IVLotte were laborers here. The church building, of brick, was finished about 1842. In three or four years later this edifice was partly destroyed by a storm, the front wall being blown in. A frame front was then constructed. Tiie house had become so badly racked that it was deserted, services being held elsewhere. In 1852 the present church was built. In 1878 the church was remodeled at a cost of 8750. In 1874 a neat parsonage was erected. The church property altogether is valued at $6,500, the society numbers 111, and Sunday-school about 100. Dr. C. V. Jones, Dr. G. S. Jones, Adam Bunt, Lincoln Gardener and George Nebeker are stewards. Rev. II. N. Ogden is minister in charge, and Dr. G. S. Jones Sunday-school superintendent.

In 18G2 Rev. Stahl preached a few times to the German Methodists. In 1863 Rev. Conrad "Welzeman labored about six months. In the fall he organized a small class, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Jolm "Wirley, Mr. and Mrs. "Wenceker, Christina Vuthrich. Christian Vuthrich, although not a member of the churcli, took an active part and was made ciiKi-iiA.N 111; HHripi.Ks' rnrucu was organized about ISOo. The ehiireh cditice was built about 1S51, bv the Now Liglit branch of the cliri.?tian denomination, but that society having become defunct, tlie building fell to those wlio would use it. The Disciples numbered in 18G5 about fifteen members, prominent among whom was Dr. J. N. Spinning, who was trustee, and Mr. Heath, now of Meroni, Indiana. Other members were Mr. and Mrs. Levi r.eekelhymer, Mrs. Julia Munson, Joshua AValker, Helen Walker, Mrs. Ji)aiiua Fisher, Sarah ihown, Andrew Ainsworth and wife Margaret, and a few others. Khler II. W. McClure, Jacob Wright and James Cuiiner were earlv ministers. Tiic society lias increased till it numbers about iifty-tiv'o. Jo.-,lnKi Walker is elder, and Samuel Fhcbus and Benjamin Uaudall are deacons. T. F. Piercy, of f'rawf ,rd>ville. delivers one sermon i)er month at this place.

(ii:i;MAN r.Nni:i> r.i;i:i mi:kn i.v cnui-r miiuch was organized as a class in 1850, by licv. Garl Schneider, in the Christian church. Tho.sc constituting the class were John M.iyer and Mrs. flayer, Michael Albright and wife, George Ilagelly and wife, Jacob IJohinan and wife, and Elizabeth Wagoner. John Mayer was made clas.s-lcadcr and was a i)illar of the church. In 1802, under the ministry of the Rev. Fredrich Schwev, a house of worship, about 23x42, was built nt an expense of §1,400. The trustees were Ilagelly, Albri"ht and Mayer. The chnreli has not increased to any extent. Rev. John Miller, of Danville, preaches occasionally; lUnry Wagoner is class-leader; Jacob I'eter, Henry Wagoner and John Rnn.-ev are trustees.

Prior to building, (Vlhnlic .'services were held in the court-house, in halls, or in private rooms. Father Flaherty was early in charge of the circuit embracing Fountain, Montgomery and Warrcii counties; his labors being so extensive he could visit each point but occasionally. Prior to 1860 Dr. S. J. Weldon donated three lots, a beautiful site for a new church. Eftorts were made to build, and the corner-stone of the church was laid by Bishop Luers, of Fort Wayne. The war breakinoout staid ail further progress. In 1866 work was resumed, and in 1867 a Catholic church, 34x60, with 22-foot walls and a spire, well finished and furnished at a cost of 85,000, was consecrated by tlie bishop of Fort Wayne, assisted by Bishop Dwenger now of Fort Wayne. The cliurch property is neatly fenced and free from debt. The society have a school-building in the rear of tlicir church but are unable to support a Catiiolic scliool at present. Tlie society numbers, - men, women and children, - about 600. Since Father Flaherty labored here, Father Joseph Rademacher, a tine scholar and now of La Fayette, Fathers Blecknian, Cahill, and John Marck, and, of late. Father Plaster, have iiad charge of the Covington congregation.

The Presbyterian Church was organized in Covington, with fifteen members, by Rev. Edmund 0. Hovey and Rev. Enoch Kingsbury, June 9, 1832. James Long and Daniel McLain were the first elders.

E. O. Hovcy was born in East Hanover, iS^ew Hampshire, July 15, 1801, and died at Craufordsville, Lidiana, March 10, 1877. He came to Fountain county in 1831, and after a few months of pastoral work became one of the founders of Wabash College, and was connected with it until his death. His hiograjihy is an important part of the history of that institution.

E. Kingsbury was born in Langdon, jS'ew Hampshire, in 1800. Came to Danville, Illinois, in 1830, and died in that city in ISGS. For nearly forty years he was a most faithful minister and an influential meml)er of society. He says of his early labors: "I preached in all kinds of places; shops, sheds, barns, dwelling-houses, school-houses, court-houses, and in the woods, for three years before I preached in a meeting-house of any description, west of the Wabash. Xor was I kept in a corner, or limited in my field of labor. Few men have wandered over a wider field while residing in one place than I have. The best of houses have been open to me, and yet from the close of 1830 till the commencement of 1834 I preached in no house west of the Wabash, erected for the worsiiip of God. The first that I did preach in was the one I now occupy, built upon my own lot, mostly upon my own plan, and under my supervision, answering for jnany years the double purpose for schools and meetings."

On June 17, 1843, another Presbyterian church was organized in Covington, by Tiev. N. P. Charlote, witli eight members. Abram Gaberiel and I. G. Jones were the first ciders. This church was what is commonly called Old School.

These two churches struggled along side by side, with various success, until the reunion of the O. S. and N. S. churches throughout the United States, in 1870. A great number of very excellent ministers resided in Covington and preaciicd to these churches. Over 400 persons liave been members of the Presbyterian church in Covington.

"When the reunion took place, the building which had been used by the N.S. branch was taken down and removed seven niilcssonthcast into Wabash township, where it was reerectcd and dedicated for the use of what is known as the Second Presbyterian church of Covington, but commonly called XVI. About 100 members are now cnrojled in these two cluirches. The writer of this article is at present pastor of these two Pi'csbytcriun chui-ches of (3(jvington, in connection with the Presiiytcrian clmrch of Vecder.'^burg.

LODGES. Covington Lodge, No. 31, 1. 0.0. P.: The charter of this Lodge, dated April 21, 1845, was granted to D. Rawles, John McMannomy, Jos. liistine, John Bodley and William R. Orr, duly authorized and signed by William Crap, G.M. ; attest, John G. Taylor, G.Sec, and other grand otticer.*. June 13, 1845, P.G. Geo. McLaughlin, of Friendshi]) Lodge, No. 22, of La Fayette, Lidiana, as special D.D.G.M., met with the charter nionibers at their hall in Covington, and duly instituted .-aid LodgL'. Klectiun and installation nuure 1). Pvawles, N.G. ; John MciManiiomy, V.G.; Joseph Ristinc, Sec, and John Bodley, Treas. Since it.< oi'ganization, about thirty-six years, the Lodge has never failed to iiold its regular weekly meeting. The hall in wliich it meets, neatly and comfortably furnished, is the property of the Lodge. The Lodge also coiitrols Blount Hope Cemetery, embracing six acres of grounil, beautifully laid out, which is intended as a burial ground for deceased OddFellows and their families ; yet lots arc for sale to the general public. The Lodge records show that since its origin there has been j)aid from its treasury, for relief of sick OddFellows, §4,500; fi)r relief of widows and orphans of deceased OddFellows, $2,000; for burial of deceased brothers and their wivc.^, §1,100; for educating or[)hans of deceased brothers, §250 ; for general charitable purposes, $2,500; and has on band and secured an orphan fund of $000; also enfficient to meet all contingencies. The contributing membcvship is seventy-five. The present officers arc: Thomas L. Stillwfll, N.G. ; John A. Duncan, V.G. ; John K. Thompson, Ilcc.Sec. ; F. A. Olds, Per. Sec. ; A JIarlatte, Trcas.

Fountain Lodge, No. GO, F. and A.M., was organized November G. lSi7. The cliartcr was granted to George Sangstcr, John A. Duncan, S. F. Latlirop, Julius Deitscli, Levi Adler, Solomon Detficld and Whitney Prescott, May 2G, 1S4S. Election of officers made George Sangstcr, W.M. ; John A. Duncan, S.W. ; S. F. Latlirop, J.W.; W. Prescott, Trcas., and Julius Deitsch, Sec. Since its organization many prominent men have held memberuliip. Joseph Kistine, for many years a pillar in the temple, died September 12, 1S79 ; E. A. nannegan, an earl}'" attorney of Covington, since United States senator, tlien minister to Prussia, died at St. Louis in 1859; Daniel W. Voorhecs, of national renown; General Lew. Wallace, governor of New Mexico; all worsiiipful masters in the pioneer days of the lodge. Otiiers iiaving filled the chair of W.M. arc O. s" Conklin, P.^B. Brown, E. C. Wilcox, George Pidge, Henry La Tourettc, James Long, Albert Marlatt, N. II. Foster and Dr. G. S. Jones. The Lodge numbers lUO. The present officers are: AVilliam Lamb, W.M. ; J. W. Mock, S.AV. ; William II. Miles, J.AV. ; Michael Mayer, Treas. ; Isaac Iloupt, Sec; Georo-c S. Jones, S.D. ; Lewis Ilanes, J.D. ; Albert Marl at t and Chas. Bcrgdahl, Stewards, and Henry Voltz, Tyler.

Covington Chapter, No. 93, Royal Arch Masons, was organized under a dispensation, January 25, 1875, by Lucien A. Foote, D.G.II.P. Companion S. G. Wcldon, named as King in the dispensation, eongreo-ated the companions. High Priest Henry La Tonrctte being absent, William Hacker was made II.P. pro tern.; S. J. AVeldon, K.; George Nebckor, S. ; Lucien A. Foote, C.IL; Eeuben D. Fish, P.S.; Albert Marlatt, P.A.C.; Thomas Moftett, M. 3d V.; Peuben Tiillcr, M. 2d v., and Ed. Rusing, M. 1st V. ; AVhitney Prescott, Treas. ; J. G. Hardy, Sec; P. B. Brown, Guard.

Covington Council, No. 47, R. and S.M., was organized November 17, 1875. The officers-elect were Daniel McDonald, III.M. ; L. A. Foote, Dep.Ill.M.; F. M. Symnes, P.C.AV. ; J. G. AV. Hardy, Rec; A. Marlatt, S. and S.

I'.ovil :ui(] (). Hoonl wito also member* IVcm tlic firsi. Tin's lodge has tor its object " Fricndsbip, Charity and Benevolence," and is the only secret organization, in tlic natnrc of lodges, strictly American, and completely in kecjiing with American principles of government. The society numbers fifty-five members, and occnpics a pleasant hall, which they have bcantifidly furnished. The lodge owns office furniture to the value of 8'iOO. During the past four years this lodge has paid benefits to the amount of about s2.000. The present officers arc: T. V. Kevera, P.O.; E. N. Eannon. C.C. ; W. J. Barber, V.C. ; Pierce .MeMurtrc.K.ofll.andS.; HcnryA''oltz, if. of F.; AV. II. Milcs,M.ofE.; J. W. Ilariis, P. ; J. W. McProotn, M.-at-A. ; F. P.oord, I.G. : Charles Pergdidil, 0.(t. In connection with the lodge is an endowment rank, organized about 1S77, and numbering thirty members. It is section 131), and has done much good by way of insurance.

Good Samaritan organization was organized by a party from Farmer ("ity, Illinois, in the fall of 1870. The charter members are: George S. Adolph, largely instrumental in securing the society ; A. II. Isabel, T. C. Rivera, i\Iichael Mayer, Charles P.ergdahl, John Brown, John Shannon, John ileitzler, Murpliey Lewis. Wm. Miles, Isaac Iloupt and James Allen. The officers-elect were: A. II. Isabel, King; Charles Bcrg- (luhl. Knight; W'illiam Miles, Bishop; John Shannon, A'assal, and George S. Adolph, Conductor. The lodge luis grown rapidly, nnmbcring nearly fifty members. The lodge meets cvory Friday night. The object of the society is to aid one another in sickness or trouble.

TK.MI'KHANCK. No temperance movement has f.uind long life in Covington. Saloons were always here. It is said that in an early day, after the erection of quite an extensive breweiT and distillery in Fountain county, one who made whisky his boon friend, or rather companion, earnestly remarked that " now whisky will be so cheap wc won't need to use water at all." So it would have seemed. Since the days of license, when the town became partners with the saloon-keepers, poruiits or licenses to sell liquors iiave cost from ft20 up to $100. In few in-tancps, if any, more than $100. In 1S77 the movement known as '- 'I'hc Rod Ribbon Movement" was inaugurated hy a poor, illiterate, shabbily dressed man, wearing a faded i)iece of red ribbon. This man, John King, hy rcjieatcd efforts, assisted by the Rev. Noal, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal cluirch, succeeded in gathering a small audience of thirty jiersons at the court-house. The meetings were continued each cveniifg, more largely attended and livelier interest awakened, until a great temperance revival ensued from the simple narra- tion by this John King of his sad experience with the wine cup. At first the few "red ribbon boys" on tlie street were the center of attraction, but soon were but a few among the many who displayed their colors. The interest widened till it reached all parts of the connty. June 20, 1S77, the club was duly organized, with John W. Copner as president. Mr. Copner presided eighteen months, when lie was succeeded by II. II. Doctorman. District organizations iiave been effected all over the county. The blue ribbon making its appearance, went with the red to do its mission of mercy. On February 5, 1878, Copner, Doctorman and others inaugurated a movement to consolidate all the various societies of the county, and a convention was called at Veedersburg for that purpose. Eeports showed that over 7,000 persons had signed the pledge. The work has been bravely pushed by Messrs. Copner and Doctorman, Mrs. C. ¥. Harter, Mrs. Emma Roos, Rev. Neal, and Mrs. Patterson, whose late death caused a void that can Bcarccly be filled. Since assuming county proportions, Wm. Com us, Mr. Tnrman, John Ilnrlcy, J. 0. Lebo, Mrs. L. E.-Reid, James Martin, and others, also worked for the cause. Tyler Mason, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Emma Malloy, have done much as lecturers. There should be sobriety in all the affairs of men.

Troy township and Covington have made grand strides in their progress from a wilderness of woods to a field of grain and a garden of roses, all proving the power of oven weak humanity when exerted steadily and continuously. Let the young reader set his mark as far ahead of the present as the present is this side where his parents began, and strive as industriously to win ; then will the future of our government be grand and glorious.