Vermillion Township

Vermillion Township

ONCERNING some of the earliest dates in tlie owing compilation, there is, as is always the ease in such sketches, some doubt, as it is iinpofe'iible for tlie historian to reconcile contradictory accounts, to \erify all the guesses or to fill out the blanks desired.

1819. - Alexander and Elizabeth Morehead, natives of Ohio, settled in Vermillion Township either this year or in 1822 (authorities vai-y). They died in 184i and 1849 respectively. Their son Samuel is now a resident of ISTewiJort. Jacob A. Morehead, who died many years ago, and Joseph A. Morehead, still living, were both born in this county in 1826.

1820. - Richard and Susan (Henderson) Ilaworth, said also to be the first settlers of Vermillion Township, came from Tennessee in the fall of 1820. Mr. Haworth died in 1850, aged fifty- seven years, and his wife died in 1854, also at the age of fifty-seven. (See biography of George F. Ilaworth.) John Hopkins, who died in 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years, was a lad of fifteen years when in 1820 he became a resident of this couhty. His mother is yet living.

1821. - Joel Dicken came from Prairie Creek, Kentucky, settling where Newport now stands. His son, Benjamin K., long a resident in the vicinity, was born in 1818, and died recently in Michigan or AVisconsin. Daniel V. Dicken, born in this county in 1822, find Simeon Dicken, both died in this township. M-irtha E., widow of the latter, \ was born in North Carolina, September 1, 1821, brought to this county in 1826 or 1827, and died December 30, 1881. Another Martha Dicken was born in Kentucky in 1804, and emigrated to this county in 1822, and died February 18, 1882. Joseph Eggleston, father of William the lawyer, came to this county in 1821, and died many years ago. John L. Eggleston, boru in 1827, is a resident of Newport.

is still a resident. Jacob Ciistar settled this year on the Vermillion about a mile and a half above Newport. Philemon Thomas came this year and remained a resident until his death in 1860. His wife, n4e Catharine Custar, came in 1828, and is still living. (See sketch of Jacob Thomas.) Nathan Thomas was five years old when in 1827 he was brought to tliis county.

1823. - Carter and Catharine Ilollingsworth, from North Carolina. Mrs. Ilollingsworth died in 1880, aged eighty-eight years. Eber IloUingsworth, born in Union County, Indiana, in 1822, was brouglit to this county the next year. He is a well known farmer and stock-trader two miles west of Newport. Henry Hollingsworth, born in this State in 1830, recently died in Newport.

1826. - Adam Zener, born in Kentucky in 1803, came to Clark County, this State in 1812, and in 1826 to this county, where he remained until his death, March 14, 1877, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Either this year or next came Philip W. Osmon, who was born in Kentucky in 1803. His son, Archibald W., born in 1829, is a farmer ten miles southwest of Newport, and Jabez B., born in 1836, resides at Newport. (See sketch.) Jeremiah and Mary (Taylor) Highfill, from Maryland: he died about 1867, aged eighty-five years, and she in 1852, at the age of about sixty years. See sketch of their son John, who was born here in 1828.

1827. - Richard Potts, who was sheriff two terms, and died in 1875. His widow died in 1883, at the old homestead two and a half miles south of Newport. Of their two childi-en, Thomas died a number of years ago, and Charles P. survives.

1828. - Robert Wallace, a native of Virginia, became a resident of Vermillion Township this year, and died at Newport, May 27, 1881, at the age of ninety-one years. Hu was a man of line physical appearance, and was never sick to exceed a week during hi> life. William Wallace, who was born in Ohio in 1817, and was ten or eleven years of age when brought to this county, died several years ago. Joshua Nixon, born in Ohio in 1813, came to Newport this year, and resided here until his death. May 23, 1875, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. James Asbury, born in Virginia in 1815, is still residing on section 21. (Sec sketch.) Aaron Jones, from New Jersey, and William Jones, from Union County, Indiana, both came this year; the former is dead (see sketch), and the latter is still living in this township. Samuel Jones, born in Ohio, came in 1830, and died about 1881. George Brindley, born in Kentucky in 1800, died in 1878; and his wife Sarah, born in 1806, died in 1867. (See sketch of John Brindley, a son.) Benjamin Shepherd, born in Kentucky in 1808, and David Brown, born in Indiana in 1823, are still living in this township.

1829. - Robert Stokes settled in this township in 1829, and is still an active man, residing in Newport. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Wallace, was born June 8, 1809, in Virginia, and died November 25, 1884. They were married January 31, 1833. Of their five children, none are living except Finley. Samuel Davis, born in Ohio in 1811, is also still living in Newport. Elizabeth Frazer, widow of William, who died in 1873, aged fifty-seven, was born in this State in 1822, and is still living.

1830. - Jacob Sears came from North Carolina, and died in 1859, aged eighty-five. His wife, nee Mary Hofstetter, died in 1856, aged eighty. (See sketch of Daniel Sears.) E.

Jackson, Sr., born in Ohio in 1807, lives in Dana. Thomas J. Brown, born in Kentucky in 1801, died in this township. Iloss Clark, born in Ohio in 1797, died in this township in the fall of 1878; the farm is still occupied by his son, G. W. Jacob and Mary (Harlin) Groves, from East Tennessee; he was born in 1794, and died in 1843; she died in 1873. (See sketch of William C. Groves who was born in Tennessee in 1817, and has been a resident here since 1830.) William L. Tincher,born in Kentucky in 1814, was living in Montezuma a short time ago. William W. Doss, born in Kentucky in 1817, is living in Montezuma; his sou Winchester still resides in this township. Eobert S. JSTorris, from South Carolina, died in 1877, seventythree years old. See sketch of his son John, who was born here in 1834. Other life-long residents of this township, who came this year when children, are Richard and John W. Clearwater, John L. White, James H. Hutson, George Weller, etc.

1831. - William Nichols, born in Virginia in 1804, died October 11, 1876. Isaac and Henry Nichols, boys when brought here in early day, lived here many years and are both now deceased. Isaac and Mary Carraack, from Tennessee, settled in the Lebanon neighborhood, he died in 1863. Alfred, a son, born in Tennessee January 8, 1814, died May 18, 1817; and Andrew, another son, lives in Dana. Henry Wiltermood, born in this State in 1821. Charles Herbert, from Kentucky; his son, William J., born in 1819, is still living here, on eection 27. (See sketch.) John Henderson, from Ohio, still living, on section 7. (See sketch.) Archibald B. and Melissa Edmoiiston; the latter died, a widow, at the age of seventy-three, in 1865. Samuel Deheaben lives near Newport, Charles S. Little is deceased.

1832. - H. F. Jackson, born in Ohio in 1798, died in Missouri. John Jackson and wife Lydia, from Ohio; the latter died December 21, 1880, at the age of seventy-four years. Joseph Jackson, from England, deceased. Ezra Clark, born in Ohio in 1811, lives in Highland. John G. Gibbon, born in Oliio, 1819, remained here till his decease, Julius Bogart, born in Tennessee in 1811, still living here. William B. Hall, who died here in 1863, aged forty-two; his wife died in 1872. (See sketch of Samuel J. Hall.) James A. Elder, born in Brown County, Ohio; deceased. James Reniley, born in Ohio in 1823, who finally committed suicide.

1833. - Eli Newlin came from North Carolina to Montezuma, Indiana, in 1828, and to this county in 1833, where he died in 1872, aged seventy years. His wife, nee Mary Edwards, died in 1886, at the age of eighty years. (See sketch of Alfred R. Newlin.) Alexander Dunlap, born in Maryland in 1813, is still living in this township.

1834. - John C. Johnson, born May 16, 1807, in Belmont County, Ohio, married February 24, 1833, Miss Elizabeth Shaver, a lady of superior education, and the next year located in this county, arriving at the mouth of the Little Vermillion, April 8. Here he entered a small tract of land, built a cabin and began life on what is known as the " first bottom." In 1854 he built a new liouse, which he occupied until 1880, when he moved to Newport, where he died February 22, 1883, after having brought up an exemplary family of children. In 1834 came also Benjamin Davis, who died in 1854, at thj age of sixty-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Rusha Sears, died in 1869, at the age of sixty-two years.

1836. - David Aldridge, born in North Carolina in 1790, and died September 11, 1877, being at the time about the oldest citizen in the county. lie was a soldier in the war of 1812.

1838. - Hiram Hastey, born in Indiana in 1818, was a harness-maker at Newport, where he died. J. F. Weller, merchant at Newport, now at Petersburg, Indiana, was born in Kentucky in 1818.

Mr. Dillow came some time prior to 1810, from Virginia. Abel Sexton, still one of the most prominent citizens of Newport, was born in New York in 1820, and settled in tliis county in 1813. (See sketch.) Other prominent citizens of Vermillion Township, who either settled here or were born here in pioneer times, are Alvah Arrasmith, living; Tiionias G. Arrasmith, wagon-maker at Newport, now in Terre Haute; Samuel and G. W. Clark, living; David Fry, living; James Kaufman, who now lives in Dana; Leonard Sanders, deceased; his sons, Samuel, Daniel and William, are living; John Rice, who died in 1880, at the age of seventy years; his son, William Z., is sketched in the biographical department of this work: Daniel E. Jones, who became a wealthy citizen of Chicago and died there; Major John Gardner, IFenry Betson, etc.

McPiierson, Philip Sheridan and Schofield; crossed the western plains in 1854 as Lieutenant and Aid-de-Carap on General Garland's staff; served in the regular army ten years, being one of the best Indian fighters, ami greatly admired by Kit Carson and others; and finally died in the Southwest, in 1880.

The above are the initials of one of tlie most prominent citizens of Vermillion County; namely, Oliver P. Davis, and have also become the name of the 1,300 acre farm which he owns tliree to four miles below Newport, and of the railroad station at that point, when it is generally spelled Opedee.

Hon. O. P. Davis was born in New Hampshire in 1814; learned the art of papermaking; came to Indiana in 1838, traveling by coach, steamboat, canal and horseback, througli the States of New York, Ohio, Michigan and the province of Canada. In New York he rode behind the first locomotive built in that State, then running out of Albany. At Toronto, Canada, he was employed in a book bindery and mill, doing the work more rapidly and efiiciently than any of the native hands. In Ohio he fell in with a jolly dentist, of whom he began to learn the art of dentistry, afterward practicing his new trade at Fort Wayne. After residing at Logansport and Delphi, this State, for a time, he went to Greencastle and commenced the study of law in the oflice of Edward W. McGoughey, read two years, and then in 1840, moved to this county and began the practice of his profession, continuing for five years. Since then he has been a tradesman and agriculturist. At first he purchased forty acres, to which he has since made additions until he has 1,300 acres of rich Wabash bottom, whereon he sometimes raises immense crops of corn, occasionally 50,000 bushels or more, and sometimes, by flood or frost, he also loses immense crops. The sediment deposited by the Wabash floods keeps the soil very rich. During the year of the famine in Ireland, Mr. Davis took to New Orleans by llat-boat 25,000 bushels of corn, some of which he bought at 18 cents a bushel, and sold it at 45 cents to §1 per bushel. He is said to have sold in one season §18,000 worth of corn raised by his own hands.

Mr. Davis is familiar with legislation, being a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1850, a member of the General Assembly three terms, a delegate to various important conventions, etc. In his politics he has been a Democrat, Republican, National, etc., and in his religion he is a " freethinker." He is a man of firm principles and a high sense of justice.

Miscellaneous Items

One night some years ago, Mr. H. F. Jackson, residing about three and a half miles south of Newport, heard his dog making a terrible noise. About midnight he arose, went out, and discovering the smoke-house dour open, concluded it had been inadvertently left open by the family, closed it, and returned to bed, thinking all was safe. But by closing the smoke-house door he unawares locked up a thief within. Next morning Mr. Jackson reconnoitering around to see what he could discover, noticed a hole in the ground dug out under the wall of the smoke-house. The thief had to work his way through a large puddle of water in order to get out, thinking doubtless that he was lucky to get off as well as he did.

In September, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, living a mile west of Newport, received a visit from their daughter, whom they thought they had lost twenty-one years previously, when they left her temporarily in the care of some one at New Orleans during a fearful siege of cholera. She had been found during the preceding summer by a relative in Ohio, advertising in the Irish Republic, a Boston newspaper. She was then a resident of New Orleans and the mother of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, on learning their daughter was still alive and residing in New Orleans, immediately concluded to visit her; but before starting they received a letter from her stating that she was coming to see them. Accordingly she soon arrived at Newport, late at night, on her way; and such was her an.xiety to see her parents that night, although it was dark and raining, that she engaged a team and was immediately taken out to the desired goal, where a meeting occurred too exciting to describe. The daughter remained until spring. Her mother died a few weeks after the visit.

Of anecdotes of the chase, perhaps the latest is the account of the " fox drive " had February 26, 1886, in this township, when 200 men, women and children succeeded in catching one fox.

A great human curiosity exists in Vermillion Township. Ludia J. Clark, about three and a half miles southwest of Newport, was born in March, 1882, and at the age of five years weighed 105 pounds, and was apparently as mature in her intellect and physical development as a girl in her 'teens. At the date of writing, July, 1887, she is still gaining in weight as rapidly as ever. Her parents do not seem to be characterized by anything abnormal.

Quaker Hill, sometimes called Quaker Point, is the name of a fine neighborhood in a romantic section of country on Jonathan Creek near the western boundary of Vermillion Township. The place takes its name from the fact that an unusual proportion of the settlement consists of " Quakers." The

Dr. Joseph C. Cooke, of the Willow Brook farm near Quaker Hill, was an influential physician here for a number of years. He was born in Piqua County, Ohio, in 1819, emigrated to this county in 1845, died January 22, 1875, and was buried under the honors of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, his funeral being attended by probably a thousand persons.

The Hopewell FrleniVs Chiirch was organized many years ago, and is of the same "monthly meeting" with Friends' Chapel and Pilot Grove in Hlinois. The present membership here is 230. Ministers, James P. Haworth, William F. Henderson and Kuth R. Ellis. The minister at Friend's Chapel is Noah Dixon, and at Pilot Grove, John Folger, and meetings are held at each of these places in turn. The overseers at Hopewell (or Quaker Hill) are Jonathan E. and Kate E. Ellis, and Albert and Jane Henderson. Dinah T. Henderson is recorder. The church building, a frame, was erected in 1873, at a cost of $1,250.

The Lehanon Methodist Exjhcopal Church, east of Quaker Hill, was organized in pioneer days. The present membership is about thirty_ Class-leader, Robert Holliday; stewards, R. P. Little, J. L. Thomas, Frank Carmack and Samuel R. AVhite. Pastor, Rev. R. S. Martin, of Newport. The church building, a frame, 30 X 36 feet in dimensions, was built over thirty years ago. Sunday-school is maintained all the year, with an average attendance

Vermillioii Chajjel, Methodist Ejpiscoj'il Church, three and a half miles south and a little west of Newport, has a membership of about twenty. Class-leader, W. P. Carmack ; steward, Allen Clearwaters; Pastor, Rev. R. S. Martin, of Newport. The Sunday-schuil was recently organized. The old churcli building, erected about forty years ago, has recently been sold, to give place to a flue brick church, costing $1,500 or $1,800,

Bethel Church, United Brethren, two miles southwest of Newport, was organize! many years ago. Present number of members, forty-seven or forty-eight. Class-leadtT, Levi Erindley; steward, Thomas White. Nn Sunday-school at present. The house c!' worship, about 28 x 36 feet in ground arcvi, was built twenty-four or twenty-five years ago.

0_pedee Church, United Brethren, organized about 1880, has increased in membership from eight to sixteen. No class-leader at present. Steward, Miss Ella Wimsett. A good Sunday-school has recently been established, of which E.D.Brown is superintendent. Meetings are held in a school-house.

A few United Brethren are meeting at the Eggleston school-house, preparatory to organization. They have a Sunday-school, of whii-li Mr. Dixon is superintendent.

Newport

in an arni-fiiU or two. He obtained his start thus: He was shipping some hogs, a part of which died. These were rendered into soap, which was sold for the goods. Mr. Jones afterward became wealthy, and went to Chicago, where he became a millionaire and finally died.

The first good residence built at jS^ewport was the building nortli of the present Methodist Episcopal church, recently occupied by Mrs. Hiram Hasty and now by Frank Turner- Conspicuous in this town are several very old, large planted trees. A number of locust trees were planted here in 1832, which are now over two feet in diameter, and one apple tree, near the soTithwest corner of the public square, appears to be over three feet in diameter four feet from the ground, though at this point the tree bifurcates and is hollow. Decay will soon overtake the growth and bring the venerable old tree down.

The old court-houses and jails are noticed in a previous chapter. The present tine court-house was built in 1866, at a cost of over §30,000. County ofiices below, large and neatly kept, court-room above. The old log jail was many years ago superseded by a brick building on the hill, which is now used as a residence. The present jail, and sheriflf's residence, built in 1868, is a good, substantial brick structure on East Market street.

Newport was incorporated as a town early in the spring of 1870. By the records of March 28, that year, we find that the first trustees were - AVilliam E. Liven good, President, Clark Leavitt, Benjamin K. Dicken and E. Y. Jackson; J. A. Souders, Clerk. The presidents and clerks serving since that time have been: Presidents - E. Y. Jackson, 1871; James A. Bell, 1872-'73; F. M. Bishop, 1874; S. H. Dallas, 1875; James A. Foland, 1876-'78; William P. Henson, 1879; Oliver Knight, 1880; James Hasty, 1881-'82;

Three attempts have been made to dissolve the corporation. The last one was made June 21, 1877, when the question was put to vote, and a majoi'ity of nineteen was given in favor of continuing the corjiorate capacity of the town.

The population of Newport is estimated at 600 to 700. The village is beautifully situated but retired, - rather more so than the citizens wish. Its only railroad passes nearly a mile distant.

There was for a long time a good gristmill at Newport, on Market street, named the " Eureka Mills," run by steam. It was built by James A. Bell, deceased, who sold to Curtis &, White; who in turn sold to B. J. Abbott; and while it was in the possession of the latter, January 26, 1882, it was burned down, by a careless act of some employee, and has never since been rebuilt. The loss was $3,500.

The First National Bank of Newport was organized in 1871, by Josephus and John Collett, Abel Sexton, Isaac Porter, R. H. Nixon and Clark Leavitt, and opened their place of business in a fine brick building, erected and fitted up for the purpose, at the northwest corner of the public square. Its " national " character was afterward surrendered, and the bank changed, by the same board of directors, into the "Vermillion County Bank," with a paid up capital of

$60,000 and a surplus of over $6,000, contiiiuiug to do a general banking business. In January, 1880, it was again changed, taking tiio name of » Collett & Co.'s Bank," and comprising Prof. John Collett, of Indianapolis, Stephen S. Collett, of Newport, Mrs. Mary H. Campbell, of Crawfordsville, and Joshua Jump of Newport. Since then Mrs. Campbell's stock has been transferred to Mrs. Lieutenant M. T. May, of Greencastle; and now S. S. Collett is general manager, and J. D. Collett, cashier. Capital, $27,000.

The Olive Branch

The predecessor of the Hoosier State was the Olive Branch, the iirst paper printed in Newport, and established by A. J. Adams, now of Danville, Illinois, and edited by A. D. Patten. The number for December 29, 1853, which we presume was the first number, sliows the motto of the organ to have been, " We hold the balance with an equal hand, And weigh whatever justice doth demand." The paper was AVhiggish in politics, becoming Kepublican on the organization of that party.

The number above referred to, like all the country papers of that day, has but little local news or original matter in it, the salutatory, a column in length, being about all the original matter in this number. The following gentlemen were advertised as contributors to the paper: Rev. David Taylor, Terre Haute; Eobert Eoss, Principal of the Terre Haute graded school; Samuel Taylor, Principal of the Newport Seminary; Dr. H. H. Patten, Princeton, Indiana; and Dr. J. S. Sawyer, Vincennes, Indiana.

The latest telegraph news in the paper was dated December 17, twelve days before the date of issue. A long letter from W. S. Turner, Bodega, California, dated October 31, 1853, is published. Charity Moss and Susannah Dyke give notice that they will apply at the next term of the common-pleas court for a divorce; "William Utter, the county treasurer^ gives notice that he will be at Perrysville the 5th, Eugene the 6th, Indiana Furnace the 10th, and Clinton the 11th, days of January. 1854, for the purpose of collecting taxes due for the year 1858; Joseph Eeeder, of Clinton Township, advertises an astray mare taken up liy him, and appraised at $55 before Esquirt' Ben Harrison; Eichard Potts, Sheriff, advertises a tract of land in Clinton Township for sale, belonging to Isaac Van Nest, and in favor of Benjamin E. and John Whitcomb. At that time James A. Bell was county clerk.

W. A. Henderson was the only merchant of Newport who had an advertisement in tlie paper. He occupied about one inch of space in notifying the people that he kept drugs, all kinds of patent medicines, groceries and flour. J. M. Hood gives notice that he is a notary public, and also keeps the telegraph office, on the east side of the public square, with ^Y. A. Henderson. Dr. J. E. AVillitts flings his card to the breeze as a physician and surgeou. T. C. W. Sale, H. D. Washburn, S. CI. Malone and D. M. Jones have cards in this number advertising themselves as attorneys at law.

Most of the advertisements are of Terre Haute business. There is an item of news stating that the Evansville & Terre Haute Eailroad was completed between those two points.

The Hoosier State

Clinton for a time, but brought back to Newport, where it has since remained. The proprietors and editors have been Pratt & Adams, James M. Hood, Samuel II. Huston (1855, at Clinton), Mr. Campbell, Mitchell, Vaul (1858), a company, William E. Livengood, George W. English (1862-'63), Colonel II. D. Washburn, S. B. Davis, Joseph B. Cheadle and S. B. Davis again. It is almost impossible now to give all the above names in exact chronological order.

Pratt returned to Ohio. Hood, who was brought up in this county, left here for the West. Vaul moved to La Fayette, continuing in the newspaper business. Washburn died in 1871 (see sketch of him in the history of Clinton). Cheadle, Congressman elect, is now editing the Frankfort Banner.

The number of the Hoosier for January 17, 1863, for an example ot the straightness of the times, had only four columns to the page, was but little larger than a sheet of foolscap, and was filled with war news. In the winter and spring of 1875, " Buffalo Bill" wrote for the Hoosier State a history entitled " Three Years in Utah," which was published serially. Samuel Brenton Davis, editor and proprietor of the Hoosier State, was born June 3, 1842, in Parke County, Indiana, and named after a Methodist minister, a favorite of his parents. The latter are Robert and Melvina (Taylor) Davis, natives of Virginia, who reside in Ilelt Township, this county, which was also the the home of Samuel Brenton from 1856 to 1861.

Mr. Davis was brought up on the farm, educated in the common schools and at Bloomingdale Academy. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, participated in the battle of Pea Ridge, and the siege of Vicksburg, besides a number of skirmishes, and, after a service of one and a half years, he sufi'ered an attack of the measles, when on a force march, and he took cold, whicli settled in his right arm and leg, crippling him for life. He is obliged to use crutches. After his return from the army, he was clerk for a time in a store at Clinton. In 1866 he was first elected county treasurer, and in 1868 reelected to the office. While he held the office the treasury was robbed of about $36,- 000 (see full account elsewhere), by experts who wedged the vault doors open during the night; over §21,000 of the money was recovered from the Wabash River, in which stream the robbers had dropped it when hard chased by citizens. In 1868, Mr. Davis purchased the office of the Hoosier State. On the close of his term as treasurer, October, 1870, he devoted his whole attention to this paper. In 1870, Joe B. Cheadle purchased it, but nine months subsequently Mr. Davis bought it again, and has ever since been the editor and proprietor. He raised the circulation from 216 on the credit system to 912 on the cash system.

As an editor, Davis is enterprising, fearless and witty. The file of the Hoosier State, exhibits to the historian an extraordinary amount of lively local correspondence, and of editorial patience and liberality. While Mr. Davis has ever been a staunch Republican, he can acknowledge a victory gained by the opposite party with better grace than any other editor known to the writer. Besides the office above referred to, Mr. Davis has also been chosen trustee of Vermillion Township, being elected in April, 1886, by ten majority in a Democratic township. Is a a member of the order of United Workmen.

The subject of our sketch married Sarah C. Canady, daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Canady, - parents now deceased. She is a native of this township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis are - Bird II., a well edu- cated young man; Ora DeLos, a lad exhibiting considerable talent as a draftsman and mechanic; Fred, Ren M., liobert Enoch, who died at the age of one and a half years, and Melvina.

About 1871-'72 an attempt was made to start an opposition paper in Newport, Democratic in politics, under the name of the VfrmilUon Transcn'j)t, by Harrison Jump, who ran it some fifteen months, sinking si, 900, an 1 sold the office to other parties, who took it away. Mr. Jump returned to Ohio, where he entered the grocery business.

But we are not yet done with the Iloonler State. It has been a remarkable paper for local correspondence and terse editorials, and we cannot refrain from giving two or three of the most innocent'but amusing specimens:

" We learn through the medium of a potbellied gander from the jungles of Brown town that G. "\V. Rodenbaugh intended to demand our name for cliarging him witli getting drunk and flogging his wife. We never made any such charge, and appeal to the columns of the Iloosier State to prove it. A lew meddlers are trying to make a fool of Rodenbaugh by telling him that every personal item in the Iloosier is directed at him. We will make him 'a present of a pair of heavy boots if he will agree to wear them out in kicking the - coat-tail of every meddling sneak who mentions such things to him including Mr. Brown[town], who will merit and receive onr sincere thanks by simply minding his own business."

"Somnambulism, or One Night in Walter Place's Bar Room. A young trump card from Clinton, named Jaqnes, came up to attend the big dance at tlie hotel Place; and after he had exercised nature about all she was able to bear, lie concluded to rest his weary bones on a bench in the bar-room. In a short time he was in the arms of Morpheus, and soon afterward he arose, as usual in his somnambulistic fits, walked around the room, then took a seat on the bench, and, in the presence of several persons divested himself of most of the clothing, preparatory to lying down again, supposing the bench was a bed. At this juncture he was aroused from his sleep by the deafening roars of laughter by those present. On coming to, he looked worse than a defeated candidate, and proposed to ' set up ' the cigars if the boys would keep 'mum.' Of course the boys accepted of the treat, ' pledging their sacred honor ' never to hint it to Bren Davis of the Iloosier State, or to any one else! "

Kemarkable Cases Of Robbery

On Monday night, April 18, 1870, over $35,000 was stolen from the county treasury vault, which had been faithfully closed and locked. The treasurer was S. B. Davis, then and now the editor of the Iloosier State. The doors were forced open by steel wedges, which were driven by a sledge. Neighbors heard the noise but not distinctly enough to have their suspicions aroused.

The next day Orville White, who had just learned of the burglary, saw two men carrying a sachel across the i'arms about three miles north of Clinton. Calling two railroad hands to his assistance, they gave chase, calling upon the suspected fugitives to halt. They struck for the river, and leaving a portion of their clothing upon the bank, began to swim across. Mr. White an.d his companions arriving, saw a farmer on the op- posite bank whom they knew, and halloed to him to kill the rascals as they came oi;t. The man approached, but the rascals, getting into shallow water, drew their revolvers and iired at him. Mr. White then requested his assistant to watch the thieves until lie could raise a posse to take them. Discovering a wallet in the river, Mr. White waded in and obtained it, and found it contained $16,354. He then went home, mounted a horse and started for Clinton to raise a posse; but in the meantime the scoundrels reached the opposite shore, about a mile below where they entered the stream, soon found two railroad hands, and drew their revolvers upon them, commanding them to give up their clothing in great haste, as they "had got into a row and had to swim the river to save their lives." Returning to the river they got into a skiff and floated down past Clinton under the cover of the night, and tlius succeeded in getting away.

The event created a great sensation throughout the country. It seems that, from the elaborate and systematic execution of the burglary, very skillful operators were engaged in it.

It turned out the very next day after Mr. White's discovery of the fugitive criminals, that one of the assistants, whom he hastily picked out from a company of railroad hands near by, was the receiver of a large amount of money at that time, in a mysterious manner, but was not present at the robbery.

May 13, §5,210 more of the money was found in a sachel lodged on the roots of a Cottonwood a mile and a half below, where the thieves commenced to swim the river; !?15,320 were never recovered.

During the latter part of the night of October 12, 1883, a most brutal outrage was committed by a band of robbers upon Elias Lamb and his family at their residence near

Newport. In the house were Mr. Lamb and wife and a married daughter from Wayne County visiting them. Between three and four o'clock the dog made considerable noise. Mrs. Lamb went to the window to see what was the matter, and hist the dog, which would only plunge out into the darkness and then retreat. Not discovering anything, she returned to bed. But the dog kept up a howling, and acted as if some one was encroaching upon the premises. In a few minutes Mr. Lamb went out to see whether he could discover anything wrong. Returning to his room he had scarcely lain down when the door to an adjoining room, against which stood a large bureau, was burst open, and the bureau fell to the floor with a terrible crash, breaking everything that was upon it. Before the two could get out of bed they were seized by two burglars and a demand made for their money. Mr. Lamb gave them all he had, $25. The demand being repeated to his wife she said she had §1.75 up stairs. The villiains made her get it without lighting a lamp, at the point of her life. They then declared that there was more money in the house, and that they would kill them if they did not give it up. Mr. Lamb answei-cd that they might kill them, l)ut could not get any more money, for there was no more in the house. Then they assaulted him and threatened to kill them both if tb.ey did not pay over more money. They first pommeled him awhile and then fired two shots, one of them grazing Mrs. Lamb's head, splitting open her ear. Mr. Lamb, although bodly bruised and one eye closed, managed to get out of doors, where he pulled the bellrope, which frightened the burglars away.

The daughter referred to, who was sleeping in another room, crawled under the feather bed and thus escaped discovery. Their son John, who was sleeping in a house a hundred yards distant, upon hearing the bell, ran over to his parents' house; and, finding that they were suffering for want of medical treatment, proposed to go immediately for a physician, but they, fearing the rascals might return and do further mischief, begged liim to remain with them until daylight.

During the morning the tracks of the robbers were traced both ways between their residence and town, but no further clew was ever obtained for their discovery.

May 5, 1884, the postoffice was robbed of >^350 during the night. The safe was blown open. The burglars were frigliteued away by the passing of a young man in tlie vicinity before they obtained all tliat tliey liad intended to. Tiie thieves were never caught.

Attorneys Of Newport

.Daniel M. Jones, a native of this county, attended AVabash College, not quite finishing the course, was admitted to the bar in 1852 or ~'o3, a member of the Legislature about 1861, as a Republican, was an active partisan, a natural orator, and a shrewd lawyer, and died in the fall of 1865, leaving a widow and three children. She is a sister of Stephen S. Collett, and resides in Newport. The son, Frank,' is studying medicine. Mr. Jones' father, Lewis Jones, was a prominent citizen of Eugene Township.

Henry D. Washburn, one of the most prominent men of Vermillion County, practiced law liere awhile before the war. See history of Clinton, on a previous page, for a full sketch.

L. C. Allen, born near Highland, this county, studied law under the preceptorship of M. G. Rhoads, Esq., of Newport, and was admitted to the bar; was justice of the peace 1868-'72, when he occasionally had a little case. He was a man of firm principles, but sometimes a little rough. At one time, when the attorneys in a suit before him got to wrangling and using profane language, ho "stood" it as long as he tliought he ought to, when he blurted out, " I'll be G - d d - d if you don't quit swearing I'll fine you!" Mr. Allen left Newport about ten years ago, and is now deputy clerk at Covington, Indiana. Nathan Harvey was born and raised in

I and scholarship. On coming to Newport, he taught school in the seminary during the war, a couple of years, and then married a daughter of John C. Johnson. In the practice of law he became a partner of William Eggleston, but did not practice more than two or three years when he died, during a session of court. His widow, with three children, lives near Newport. Mr. Harvey was an honorable man and would have become a solid practitioner had he lived.

Robert A. Parrett, a native of this State, was young when his parents settled with him in Newport. Ilis father was a traveling Methodist minister. Robert was brought up here. Commencing a course at the Asbury University, he had reached a point in the freshman or sophomore year when, on account of delicate health, he had to desist. He then read law in the office of Judge Jump, was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession for a time. In the fall of 1875 he was admitted as a partner of C E. it M. G. Rhoads, in which relation lie remained until January, 1880. Since then he has been engaged in farming, near Newport. He was a good office lawyer, a good bookkeeper and attentive to business; but, on account of delicate health, his father and friends advised him to quit the practice of law and adopt

Professor B. E. Rhoads was born in Pennsylvania, May 1, 1834. In 1836 the family came to Richmond, Indiana, in a one-horse wagon ; next they came to Hancock County, near Indianapolis; in 1837, to Parke County; then to Waveland, Montgomery County, where the subject attended Waveland Academy (Presbyterian). Entering Wabash College in the junior year, he graduated there in 1859. Next, he came to Clmton, this county, and taught in the Farmers' College part of a year. Then he studied law In the office of Judge Maxwell, at Rockville, Parke County, was admitted to the bar, came to Newport in 1861, and commenced the practice of his profession. Was in partnership with his brother M. G., 1865-'79. In 1865-'66, he was a member of the Legislature. In 1878 he moved to Terre Haute, where he has since been a resident; but that year he crossed the ocean with his family, and spent thirteen months in England and on the continent of Europe.

Early in the spring of 1881 he was appointed judge of the Superior Court of Vigo Connty, serving until November, 1882. For live j-ears he was one of tlie trustees of the State University at Bloomington, where he was also professor of law for a time. In Terre Haute he owns a nice property. In his religion he is a Presbyterian, being for a time an elder in the Motfatt Street Church, in that city.

In 1876 Professor Rhoads married Miss Ida, daughter of Robert D. Moffatt, of Perrysville. Their children are Sarah, born in 1877, and Daniel Moffatt, born in 1880.

John D. Cushman was born and reared in Perrysville, this county. His father, Thomas Cushman, being elected county auditor in the fall of 1872, moved to Newport with his family, and here John D. studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began practice; was in partnership with Joshua Jump for a time; was in the office of Messrs. Rhoads, where he proved himself a good oflice hand, a fine penman, intelligent business man, etc. He was also a good public speaker, but he did not practice at the bar a great deal. In the fall of 1875 he went into the Southern States and traveled for six months. Returning, he resumed law practice, which he followed, sometimes by himself and sometimes in partnership, until his death six or seven years ago. lie was a young man of great promise.

Thomas C. W. Sale was a lawyer here many years ago, and before the last war went to Paris, Illinois, where he received an appointment as Indian agent, and he -was in the far West for a long period in the fulfillment ofthe duties of that office. He returned to Paris, where he is now living.

Samuel G. Malone, who also practiced law here before the war period, removed to Decatur, Illinois, where he accumulated a fortime of $75,000 or $100,000, but lost it all. He is now a farmer in Helt Township, this county.

AVilliara Eggleston was born in this county, in 1833, and educated here, attending the common schools and the county seminary at Newport, after he was a grown man. He was naturally indiistrious and persevering. Taking to the study of law, in due time he qualified himself for practice and was admitted to the bar about 1859. Of course he worked up considerable practice, by a hard struggle, making many errors, and in the course of fifteen years' practice acquired a handsome competence. He next entered upon a mercantile business with his brother, and they failed, losing all they had; during this mercantile experience, however, William proceeded with his law practice. lie was a successful attorney.

"While here he wrote and published three works: 1., Treatise on County Commissioners; 2., a legal work on Damages; and 3., a play entitled "The Broken-hearted Wife,"

About three or four years ago he moved to Terre Haute to assist his brother Ben, and from there he went to South Hutchinson, Kansas, where he is now engaged in realestate business.

Joseph B. Cheadle. present Congressman, elect from the Ninth District, was born in this county, read law in the office of Judge Maxwell at Eockville, admitted to the bar here about 1868, became deputy collector of internal revenue, was a candidate for nomination for a number of offices, gradually drifted out of the law into editorial work, had charge of the Hoosier State nine months in 1870, then the Ilockville Rejnihlican and Rockviile Tribune, and is now editor of the Frankfort Banner, Clinton County. Frank, courteous and polite, he is popular; clever and ambitious, he is a good business man; is a good storyteller, and a genial companion.

Joshua Jump, born in Ohio in 1843, studied law with R. N. Bishop, at Paris, Illinois, was admitted to the bar, and came to Newport in 1869, where his partnerships were in succession with "William Eggleston, Robert

C. Vf. "Ward. He was circuit judge from March, 1885, to November, 1886. In June, 1887, he removed to Terre Haute. He is a Democrat, and has participated in politics to some extent, being a delegate to a number of conventions and member of the State Central Committee.

Adam Littlepagc, from "West Virginia, was admitted to the bar here February 0' 1883, formed a partnership with John A. "Wiltermood for two or three years, married a daughter of Stephen S. Collett, and returned to "West Virginia.

Vermillion Towns Ei P.

John A. Wilterinoocl, Postmaster at Newport, was appointed to this position Septeinher 5, 1885, succeeding John Kichardson. lie was liorii in Vermillion Township, a son of Joseph W. AViltermood, and brought up at fanning, most of his early life being spent ill Eugene Township. He attended the State Normal at Indianapolis in 1878-'79, taught school three years, studied law in the office of Judge Jump, admitted to practice February 6, 1883, associated professionally with II. II. Conley two years, and with Adam Littlepage two or three years.

The present bar at NeM-port comprises M. G. Rhoads. B. S. Aikman (Rhoads & Aikman) C. AV. Ward, O. B. Gibson (Ward & Gibson), II. H. Conley and J. C. Sawyer. Sketches of most of tliese will be found in the regular biographical department of this volume.

B. S. Aikman is a young man born in this county, a son of Barton Aikman, an early settler, graduated at the State Normal School at Terre Haute, read law in the office of M. G. Rhoads, admitted to the bar in the fall of 1886, and has been a partner of Mr. Rhoads since January 1, 1887.

In the winter of lS74:-'75 Mest^rs. Jump and M. G. Rhoads were attorneys for a fugitive from Illinois, charged with stealing horses, and succeeded in releasing hiin from the custody of an officer. This raised considerable excitement among the citizens of Newport, and indignation meetings were held here, and also in other parts of the county. The officer holding the fugitive had not the proper authority.

Of the past, we can mention only these: Dr. J. R. Willetts practiced here previous to the war period, and moved away. He was time in partnersltip witli Dr. Griffin, E. T. Collett, son of

Josephus Collett, Sr., was a graduate of the Louisville Medical College, practiced here and in Eugene Township, and in 1878 committed suicide in Kansas, at the age of fifty-eight years. Drs. Clark and P. H. Leavitt practiced here a number of years, a portion of the time in partnership. The former moved to Danville, Illinois, in 1875, where he is now living, and the other died in Newport. Dr. E. Thompson moved to Illinois and died there. He left Newport in the fall of 1874.

Yermillion County is comparatively a poor place for physicians to find much to do. As before stated, the country here is remarkable for a healthy and long-lived population. They have never been visited by epidemics, and even that singular disease, milk-sickness, which used to prevail here, is now entirely absent, the last case occurring ten or twelve years ago.

Education

Newport has .always had a good school. According to the provisions of tlie State" law, a county seminary was established here in pioneer times, and flourished until the later free-school system converted it into a o-raded school about 1852. The building was of brick. To it additions have been made, and it is still occupied. The location is on the bluff, overlooking the broad and romantic valley of the ^Little Vermillion River. The new portion, comprising two rooms was added by the town of Newport, at a cost ot about §1,000, and, the muncipality having bought the township's interest in the institution, all partnership between the two civil divisions was dissolved last year, 1886. The building now has four rooms, and correspondingly a full board of teachers comprises a principal and three assistants. Tlie departments are the high school, grammar, intermediate and primary. The enrollment last year was 156. The principal for the year 1887 -'88 is Edward Aikman. The school has two literally societies, - the Philadelpliians and the Sapplionians.

Ncioport Lodge, No. 209, F. ib A.M., was chartered May 25, 1857; and the first officers were James A. Bell, Worshipful Master; Eldridge M. Groves, Senior Warden; James Tarrance, Junior Warden; Andrew J. Adams, Treasurer; Joseph B. Cheadle, Secretary; Seth Knight, Senior Deacon; William Blackstone, Junior Deacon; J. L. Thomas and T. J. Arrasmith, Stewards; R. H. Nixon, Tyler. The munber of meni1)ers was twenty-three, who met in the same hall tliat is still used. The present membership is thirty-one, and the officers, R. C. Sears, Worsliipful Master; R. II. Nixon, Senior Warden ; E. D. Wheeler, Junior Warden; Abel Sexton, Senior Deacon; J. II. Kerdolff, Junior Deacon; A. R. Hopkins, Secretary; Charles Potts, Treasurer; Elias Pritchard and Gr. W. Clark, Stewards; and II. S. Cady, Tyler. Financially, the lodge is strong.

Verrnillion Lodge, No 59 i, L 0. 0. F., was organized in the room over the furniture store of David Hopkins, by Past Grand Hiram Shepard, of Dana Lodge, under a charter granted May 18, 1882, on the petition of Robert E. Stephens, Lewis Shepard, Thomas Cushman, F. Y. Wade, Julius Groves and J. M. Taylor. Tlie following members were elected officers and duly installed: Lewis Shepard, Noble Grand; Eobert E. Stephens, Vice-Grand; Thomas Cushman, Secretary; J. M. Taylor. Treasurer. At the time of this organization there were thirteen members. There are now thirty-seven members, and the present officers are, M. G. Rhoades, Noble Grand; H. A. Conley, Vice- Grand; Matthew Ly tie. Recording Secretary; Thomas Cushman, Permanent Secretary; W. P. Henderson, Treasurer. The society is now in a very prosperous condition. The furniture, equipments and regalia cost about $600, and the room is an unusually nice one, 38 x 50 feet in dimensions, exclusive of the vestibules.

Hope Lodge, No. 268, Daughters of Behekah, was chartered November 18, 1886, and the first officers elected January 22, 1887, with ten members. Thomas Cushman, Noble Grand; Mrs. D. S. Hopkins, Vice- Grand; Mrs. Dessie Johnson, Secretary; Mrs. Mary Henson, Treasurer. The membership is now (June, 1887) thirteen, who are zealous, with a good exchequer. They comprise the best talent in the conununity.

Shiloh Post, No. Ji.9, Q. A. B., was organized March 22, 1882, with R. J. Hasty, Post Commander; J. II. Kerdolff, Senior Vice- Commander; J. A. Darby, Junior Vice- Commander; R. H. Nixon, Surgeon; Z. Thornton, Chaplain; A. C. Brokaw, Officer of theDay;T. A. McKnight, Officerof the Guard : who were duly installed by Mustering Officer R. B. Sears. The appointed officers were J. W. Harlan, Adjutant; J. C. Bailey, Quarter- Tuaster Sergeant; William C. Myers, Sergeant-Major. The officers comprised the whole membership. The post has not been meeting lately, but the present officers are, Edward Brown, Post Commander; R. II. White, Junior Vice-Commander; John A. Darby, Officer of the Day; John Richardson, Quartermaster; William Bennett, Surgeon; II. II. Conlej', Chaplain; C. S. Davis, Adjutant; Vf. P. Henson, Sergeant-JMajor; J. C. Dillow, Quarterinaster-Sei-geant. There are about thirty members in good standing. The time of meeting is every second and