Washington Township (part 1 of 9)

Washington Township

This township is bounded on the north by a part of Busseron and by Widner Townships, on the east by Vigo, on the south by Steen, Palmyra and Vincennes, on the west by the "Wabash River and Busseron Township. It was named in honor of "the father of his country." It was reduced to its present limits in 1847. The land is drained by Marie Creek (named in honor of a French family who lived in the county) and small tributaries into the Wabash. The places of market are Bruceville and Vincennes. The Danville <fc Vincennes Railroad passes through the township, which furnishes an outlet for its produce. The character of the soil makes it well suited for farming and stock raising. The township contains about 28,000 acres, and all, with the exception of a small portion, is laid off in donations. The assessor's books for 1884 show 6,051 acres of wheat, 4,259 of corn, 650 of oats, 1,494 of timothy, 2,683 of clover, and 3,436 of pasture lands, the largest area of any in the county.

The Pioneers

"On old tradition's scroll of fame no nobler life appears Than that which plays its simple part among our pioneers; Knights-errant of the new crusades, shrine builders for the years. Grand men of destiny, toil-crowned, are these our pioneers."

Thomas Baird moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and from Kentucky he moved to Indiana in 1801, and settled near Vincennes; in 1806 he moved on his farm near Bruceville, where he remained till his death. Joseph Baird, who is still living near Bruceville, is a son of the above. He was born in the county in 1803, and now has a silver medal given by the old settlers' reunion as the oldest native born of the county. From 1863 to 1872 he was engaged in merchandising in Bruceville. The remainder of his time has been spent on the farm. Bazil Parker came from Kentucky in 1818, and settled in the "Barrens;" later he lived near Bruceville. James Threlkeld (Tuccahoe) lived near Baird, where he remained till his death. Samuel Johnson came from Kentucky in 1826, and John Young from the Carolinas; they both lived on donations. Thomas Emison came from Kentucky about 1802 or 1803, and settled on Marie Creek. On that stream he built the first grist-mill and saw-mill in the community, at a much later date steam was added. Marks of the old mill are still visible, yet three-quarters of a century have rolled by since its first erection. James Kyle settled farther south in the township. It is probable he was from Ohio. He came while Indiana was yet a Territory. Samuel Thompson was from Kentucky. He bought the donation on which he lived from Gen. Harrison in 1804; for the 400 acres he was to pay §1, 000. The land was to be paid for in brick ; the deed was made and the land transferred to Thompson before a single brick was made, such was Harrison's confidence in Thompson. The bricks were made by Thompson on the farm where Mr. A. B. McKee now lives, and were used in build- ing the Harrison residence in Vincennes. John McKee came from Kentucky and settled near Emison's mill about 1807 or 1808. He was a farmer, a potter and associate judge for a time. John, Peter and David Hollingsworth were from South Carolina; they settled near McKee on Congress land. They had small stillhouses. Samuel Hollingsworth owned negroes, and on Indiana becoming a State he left his land and went South with his slaves. Nicholas Harper and "Washington Sartor lived near the Hollingsworths; the former was from Kentucky, the latter from South Carolina. He was also owner of a small still. Each came about 1810. Richard Posey settled a very short distance from Bruceville about 1805. He was a Methodist preacher and school teacher. He was the grandfather of Hon. F. B. Posey, of Petersburg. John Bolthus lived near lower part of the township. He came from Kentucky about 1807 or 1808. Daniel McClure came with the Thompsons from Kentucky not far from 1800. He was for a time justice of the peace and associate judge. A fort was built on his farm in 1812. Charles McClure was a member of the "Light Horse Company" in the war of 1812. Robert Elliott, from South Carolina, settled in Knox about 1802. He was a Baptist preacher and owner of a still-house - not an uncommon thing in those days.

A man named Chancellor bought a part of the land owned by Posey about 1806. He remained there till his death. Samuel Dunn settled near Bruceville about 1817, James McCord settled on the donation, where William Piety now lives. David McCord was another early settler. James Denny was from Kentucky. He lived near Posey; was a wagon-maker by trade. William D. Piety settled in Knox in 1815. He moved from Kentucky in a wagon. Shortly after settling in the township he had the misfortune to have his horses stolen. These he failed to recover. He was compelled to struggle against poverty and the un conquered forest. He was a man of sterling character. Maj. William Bruce came to Washington Township about 1804. He erected the house in which James Bruce now lives in 1811. He was the father of twenty-five children, all of whom lived beyond infancy except one.

Other Items

In the war troubles of 1812 forts were erected in every neighborhood. One of these was erected near Emison's mill, and owing to the fact that nearly all the men were away in the war, and the garrison consisted mainly of women, it was nicknamed "Fort Petticoat." The women of those days were not easily terrified by the sight or sound of fire-arms. During a holiday festivity on New Year's eve, in 1830, some parties went to the house of Peter Hollingsworth and began clamoring for admission, and becoming demonstrative were fired upon, and one of the party was killed.

This township occupies the point between the Wabash and White Rivers. It is bounded on the north by the river Du Chien and by Johnson Township. It embraces between forty and fifty square miles of land. It contains many swamps, bayous and ponds. Two of the largest ponds are Cypress and Claypole, situated near the White River, into which they empty their surplus waters. Cypress lies mostly on Sections 11 and 14, and is named from the growth around it. The latter lies in Section 6, and was named from one of the old settlers, who formerly owned the land around it. These ponds are a great resort for fishing parties. Less than half of the land of the township is under cultivation, owing to the marshes and swamps. In 1884, according to the assessor's report, there were 4,330 acres of wheat, 4,665 acres of corn, and about 2,000 acres in clover and meadow in the township. The lands that are sufficiently dry are extremely fertile, and yield rich harvests of wheat and corn. These articles find a ready market on either the Wabash or White Rivers, or other convenient points.

Settlement

The Decker family was one of the most prominent of the early settlers, and it was from this family that the township was named. Whether the name was given for Luke, one of the first territorial grand jurymen, or for John Decker, one of the first sheriffs, or for the family, is questionable. Luke Decker, the first of the family to come to this county, came from Virginia previous to the year 1783, while this was a part of the territorial limits of

Virginia. He brought with him his slaves, and among them was Dinah, a slave woman, who was the mother of Bob and Anthony. These were held as slaves by Luke Decker, son of Luke Decker, after the passage of the ordinance of 1787 and after Indiana became a State. In 1817 Bob and Anthony sued Luke Decker in the Orange County Court for their freedom, and after a period of five years in different courts they at last gained their freedom. John Decker, before mentioned, lived near White Biver, below Deckertown. He owned a body of land on which he lived. Isaac Decker, son-in-law of Kirkendall, was a relative of John and Luke Decker. He sometimes ran flat-boats to New Orleans, and, as was the custom of the time, he would have to walk home. Henry Crow was born in Gibson County in 1812, but has lived almost in sight of the township all the time. He has lived in Section 18 for the last forty years. John came to the township from Virginia, not far from 1800, where he remained until his death. Jacob Anthis was another old settler who opened a a farm on White Biver. Bobert Worth, or Warth, settled about three miles below Deckertown, on the edge of the hills, where he opened a small farm. He lived by cultivating his small tract of land and by hunting. He left two sons, who remained on or near the same spot till their deaths. Jacob Jacobus came from New England and settled on a donation. He opened up a good farm, and was a man of worth. He was the father of Bobert Jacobus, township trustee of Decker Township. David Jennings was another pioneer settler on White Biver. He also was from New England. Thomas Dick was another early settler. He was the owner of Donations 6 and 7. It was for him that the town of Dicksburg was named. David Crack, who settled about one mile and a half from Henry Crow's residence, was from Virginia. He left two sons and three daughters, who remained in the neighborhood until death. Other pioneers were Conrad Crum, John Bamsey, Aquilla Bamsey, Marshal Browning, Jeremiah McNeeley and Thomas Washburn.

Mills, Still-House And Ferries

a small horse-mill and still-house on his farm, which supplied the old settlers with food and drink for a time. In 1824 B. V. Decker was allowed the right to run a ferry across White River. The following were the rates charged: six-horse team and wagon, $1; four-horse, 75 cents; two-horse, 50 cents; one-horse, 37| cents; man and horse, 124 cents; footman, 6 J cents; neat cattle, 4 cents per head; hogs, 2 cents each.

This township occupies the middle of the eastern part of the county. It is bounded on the north by AVashington and Vigo, east by Daviess County, south by Harrison, and west by Palmyra and Harrison. The name Palmyra doubtless took its origin from Asiatic Palmyra, where the churches flourished at an early period. Steen was separated from Palmyra, March 5, 1857, on a petition to the commissioners presented by Andrew Berry and others. It was named in honor of Richard Steen, who may be said to have been its pioneer settler. The township consists of a fraction over 21,000 acres of land, wholly of donations. There is little, if any, land that can not be rendered fit for cultivation, a little over half of which is now in a high state of cultivation. In 1884 the assessor's report shows 4,330 acres in wheat, 4,665 in corn, 819 in timothy and 1,058 in clover. The old source of market was by long wagon routes, or by flat-boat down White River, thence to New Orleans. The Ohio & Mississippi Railroad now furnishes transportation for the produce of the township, which consists mainly of wheat, corn and live-stock.

Coming Of The Pioneers

Richard Steen came from South Carolina in a wagon in 1806, and settled where Wheatland now stands. The place was then as nature had finished it. With Mr. Steen came Mr. Maxident, his father-in-law, who died at the advanced age of one hundred and three. Richard Steen and son, James, were in the Indian war, neither of whom were injured. James lived on the farm now owned by Marion Dunn. John Steen lived near Wheatland; was a farmer and stock-dealer, and became quite wealthy. William Steen, another son of Richard, went to Oregon. James

Steen, son of John, kept a house of entertainment where Dunn now lives, and boarding a man sick of cholera was himself stricken by the dread disease, and died soon after. Mr. Robinson, sonin-law of Richard Steen, settled near where his son, Richard Robinson, now lives. James Jordan, who was prominent as a pioneer, settled, at a much later date, in the vicinity of Robinson. N. Burriss and James Burriss, who were from Kentucky, settled near Wheatland between 1816 and 1820. Simon Nicholson, from Pennsylvania, settled on the old State road, a short distance from town. James Young, D. W. Ballow, the Jackson family and Andrew Whitenack, all settled near the same neighborhood. The latter was for a time a justice of the peace. Merrill, another pioneer, lived east of the State road. He kept an "inn" for the public. He lived to be quite old. Andrew Berry lived east of Steen's, at what was known as Berryville. Here was the postoffice, and Berry was postmaster till Wheatland was laid out and the office moved to that place. Sim Harbin lived east of Wheatland; the railroad passes through the farm. Here he built a little horse-mill and a small still-house ; Jesse Harbin also lived near. A. Westfall was another old settler.

The principal food of the pioneer was wild meats, such as deer, turkey, bear and smaller game, or hogs that were raised in the woods and were considered common property. Bread stuff was, to a great extent, hominy. What little meal or flour was made was cracked on hand-mills, horse-mills or little water-mills, or beaten in a mortar. The process was about as follows: A block of wood or stump was hollowed out by cutting or burning, and a small mallet or hammer was used for a pestle. The corn was first soaked in lye to remove the bran. It was then placed in the mortar, and the work began. Stimulated by good digestion, strong muscles and sometimes hunger, the work was done. The indifferent meal or flour was bolted by hand ; at first by punching holes in a deer skin with the tines of a fork or other sharp instrument, and this was used as a kind of sieve. A box was sometimes made, and the bottom covered with some suitable cloth, and the meal or flour put in this and shaken over another box, which would receive the finer particles as they fell through the cloth. Some went to Maysville to mill, some to Harbin's horse-mill, some to Donaldson and others elsewhere.

This township was set off by the commissioners February 2, 1837, on the petition of Samuel Chambers and others. It was named in honor of Col. Francois Vigo. It embraces sixty-three square miles of area, or about 40,000 acres. The greater part of this township was formerly a part of Widner Township. The township is composed largely of rich farming land, particularly along White River and Black Creek bottoms. Some mining is done in different parts of the township, but farming and 6tock raising is the principal industry.

Squatters, Settlers, Etc

The first settlers in the northern part of the township lived mainly in the vicinity of Black Creek. One of the first in that section was Thomas Anderson, the father of Presley Anderson. He settled there in about 1820. He moved there in a two-horse wagon and settled on a land warrant of 160 acres of land. Anderson was a soldier at Tippecanoe. Samuel Scamp was from the East; he settled on Black Creek in 1819. He was a farmer, but occasionally took a flat-boat to New Orleans. John Johnson settled about one and a half miles southwest of Sandborn after the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier. Robinson Anderson was from Kentucky; he settled east of the railroad about two miles from Sandborn. Phillip Slaughter and Fred Slaughter were from Kentucky, but came at a later date. The last named built a water-mill on Black Creek about 1835. Mrs. Smith (granny) lived as a squatter on the river at Owl Prairie. She had a son, Jacob, who dressed as an Indian and did little but hunt. "Granny " Smith was supposed to possess the mysterious power of witchcraft, and woe unto the one that should come within her enchanted circle, the silver bullet being the only remedy, which was once tried by Phillip Slaughter. John McMurray and John McCombs also settled near Black Creek. Others were George Williamson, brother-in-law of Blan Ballard, the great Indian fighter. James Anderson, the great-grandfather of Presley Anderson and a Eevolutionary soldier, and Moses Slinkard, who was a son-in-law of Scamp. Slinkard lived between Black Creek and White Eiver, where he built a horse-mill between 1820 and 1830. William Keith settled on Section 30 about 1820. Hopkins lived near the present site of Edwardsport. Other settlers in the same vicinity were Comstock, Goodman, Azbell and Hulen. Near the southern part of the township were Bicknell and Buntin and later were the Medleys.

Deer, turkeys and smaller game were abundant. Wolves were so numerous as to make it difficult to raise sheep or hogs without great care. Wolves seem to be particular enemies to sheep and young pigs. Few bears were seen. Moses Williamson once killed a young bear in his potatoe patch with a hoe. Pelts Hooser once tracked two bears to a large hollow elm tree about three miles east of Edwardsport, smoked them out and killed them.

A portion of Knox County was known as Palmyra Township as early as 1801; however, it was not reduced to its present limits until 1851. It consists of fifty-two donations and one or two surveys and some fractional donations, embracing over 20,000 acres of land. Nearly all of the lands of the township are arable, the only exception being a small amount at the head of the Deshee and that along Pond Creek and about Montour's Pond.* The acreage in cultivation is the largest of any in the county in proportion to its size. In 1884 Palmyra had 3,001 acres in wheat and 4,571 acres in corn, with about 2,500 acres in timothy and clover. It is strictly a central township, being bounded on the north by Washington, on the east by Steen, on the south by Harrison and on the west by Vincennes Townships. In form it is almost square. It is divided into two almost equal divisions by the Ohio & Mississippi Eailroad. The township contains neither store, postoffice nor grist-mill, yet is one of the wealthiest in the county.

One of the first settlers in the southern part of the township -was William Williams. He came from Virginia and settled in the township about 1800. He was with Gen. Harrison at Tippecanoe and received a slight wound. He owned a small farm and, like many pioneers, he made shoes for his own family. The sons of William Williams were Thomas, Joseph, Eben and Jesse; the former was born in 1805 and is still living. He has resided nearly all his life on the northwest quarter of Donation 30. The sons all settled in the same vicinity. Joseph, brother of William, also lived in the same neighborhood. John McCoy, who lived about one mile south of Thomas Williams, was killed at Tippecanoe, but his family remained in the same neighborhood for many years. William Welton settled the farm and cleared a part of the land in Donation 30, previous to 1800. John Welton, Sr., settled that portion of 31 where John Welton now resides. There were two other brothers, Ebenezer and William. George McClure settled on Donation 29, where he built a horse-mill and also a small still-house. Isaac Pureed came to the county from Virginia about 1790. Louisville was then unknown. He settled on Location 28. Noah Pureed also settled the adjoining donation ; William, elsewhere mentioned, settled near Bruceville, and Andrew settled where PurceU's Station now is, on the Evansville & Terre Haute Eailroad. In Donation 28 Pureed formerly had a small water-mill and still-house, also for a time a tanyard. George W. Pureed was murdered on December 26, 1862, by four men on the farm where Daniel Fox now lives. Samuel Emison was one of the pioneer settlers of Palmyra; he lived in the vicinity of Pureed; he was a farmer and was surveyor for a time. David and John McCord were also among the early settlers of Palmyra. John Hogue opened a farm a little east of the Pureed neighborhood. David McClure lived near Emison's. Samuel Langdon bought the lands in Donations 68 and 53 in 1807.

Truman Marks, now eighty-five years of age, has lived in the county sixty-four years. Hs was born in New York; from there he went to Baltimore, thence to North Carolina, thence to what is now West Virginia. He made a "pirogue," and in this, with his wife and a small store of goods, he floated or rowed down the Big Sandy and the Ohio to Shawneetown. He then worked his way to Vincennes on a keel-boat. He bought 400 acres of land of Mcintosh for $1.25 per acre. Marks claims to have walked from Terre Haute to Vincennes in a single day. Daniel Wainpler, who lived about two miles from Marks, was a pioneer settler, a farmer and blacksmith, being the first in the township. L. C. Langdon is still using a fire shovel which is said to have been made by Wampler in 1816. John Parker, Jacob Ruble and Daniel Snyder all lived near Wampler. Martin Rose was one of the first settlers, he owned Donation 52, where H. R. Wise now lives. Rose and a son were in the Indian war. William Herrell, Samuel O. Johnson, Joseph and Abraham Stoffey, and Joseph Hogue were also old settlers. Hogue, son-in-law of Parker above mentioned, was a great bear hunter. Game consisting of turkeys and deer, was very abundant. Occasionally a bear was killed. - It was on wild meats that the pioneer depended largely for food.

Mills, Tanyards, Forts

David Welton built an ox tread-mill on his farm in the southern part of the township. Robert McClure built a horse-mill, as did Noah Purcell a small water-mill. Col. Jordan also owned a water-mill at the head waters of the Deshee. Grists that were not ground at these mills were ground by hand-mills, beaten in a mortar or taken elsewhere. The only tanyard remembered was the one owned by Isaac Purcell. During the Indian troubles of 1812-14 every neighborhood had its forts or block-houses, sufficient for the accommodation of the settlers. The most convenient and commanding place was usually chosen. There were two such defenses in Palmyra, one at Isaac Purcell' s, the other at Martin Rose's, usually known as Rose's fort. These were built in 1812, but neither was ever attacked.

The works seen in Kuox County, consist of mounds of habitation, sepulchral and temple mounds, and number over 200, with probably as many more not yet explored. Mounds of habitation are found in the north and southwest parts of Vincennes, along the summit of the high river bluff south of Edwardsport, on the wagon road between the latter town and Sandborn, and on the top and sides of the Dicksburg hills. A group of fifty-two mounds on the Vaulting farm six miles southeast from Purcell, showed more attention to regularity than is elsewhere seen, being arranged somewhat in regular lines from north to south, and from east to west. Sepulchral mounds are rare. The only one certainly identified was situated centrally in the last mentioned group. Explored by Samuel Jordan, it was found to contain human skeletons, and round-bottomed pottery. Plumb-bobs, stone shuttles, spinerets and numerous fragments of pottery have been found on S. Catt's land (Surrey 22) adjoining. Other tumuli of this character will reward the future explorer. This region was well to the center of the Mound Builders Nation. Remote from the dangers incident to a more exposed situation and encircled by a bulwark of loving hearts - forts, walled exclosures, and citadels were unnecessary, and not erected as at exposed points on their frontier. Perhaps the seat of a royal priesthood, their efforts essayed to build a series of temples which constituted at once capital and holy city - the Heliopolis of the AVest. Three sacred mounds thrown upon, or against the sides of the second terrace or bluff east and southeast of Vincenues are the result; and in size, symmetry and grandeur of aspect, rival if not excel any prehistoric remains in the United States. All three are truncated cones or pyramidal, and without doubt erected designedly for sacred purposes ; the flat area on the summit was reserved for an oratory and altar, as in the Teocalli of Mexico. The Pyramid Mound (on the Miller farm, common Lot 83, Division B. ), one mile south of Vincennes, is placed on a slightly elevated terrace surrounded by a cluster of small mounds. It is oblong, with extreme diameter from east to west, at the base of 300 feet, 150 feet wide, and is 47 feet high. The level area on the summit, 15x50 feet, is crowded with intrusive burials of a later race. The Sugar Loaf Mound, on Mr. Fay's land, just east of the city line, is built against and upon the side of the bluff, but stands out in bold relief with sharply inclined sides. Diameter from east to west, 216 feet; from north to south, 180 feet, and towering aloft 140 feet above Vincennes Plain, it commands by 27 feet the high plateau to the east. Area on top 10x25 feet. The following section was developed by sinking a shaft centrally from the top:

This shaft closely approached or actually reached the former surface of the hill. It settles decisively the artificial origin of the mound, and indicates a temple three stories high. The Terraced Mound, on Burnett's land, one mile east northeast of Vincennes court house, has an east and west diameter of 366 feet; from north to south, 282 feet, and rises to an elevation of 67 feet above the plain, with a level area on top, 10x50 feet. A winding roadway from the east furnished the votaries of the sun easy access to the summit.

The Dicksburg hills, towering like a pyramid 150 feet above the surrounding plains, required no additional elevation to secure ample outlook to greet the sunrise, the coming of their deity. The tops of these hills are molded into shape and covered with sacred and other mounds. Implements of wrought stone so often found elsewhere, are rare. Those seen in private collections exhibited symmetrical forms and a perfection of finish, which could scarcely be equaled by our mechanics if deprived of steel implements, the emery wheel and diamond dust. They consisted of hoes, spades, awls, knives, saws, and spear and arrow points of flint and quartz ; axes, chisels, hammers and pestles of drift granite ; pipes, beads and ornamental gorgets of greenstone, jasper and cornelian; and plumb-bobs (pendants), made from the specular ores of Missouri ; all the last are harder than steel, and indicate a maturity of skill that is never possessed by a "ferocious brute," but is the result of stable society and a considerable degree of civilization.

All titles to real estate have their origin in the right acquired by the first discovery. The title to land in the State of Indiana comes, first, by discoveries and colonization under grants, author- izations and charters from England and France, and treaties and concessions thereafter; second, by the Revolution in 1776, and confirmations through and by the definitive treaty at Paris with Great Britain, September 3, 17S3, whereby the Crown of Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States; third, by cession from the State of Virginia.

At the time of the confederation of the thirteen original States into what is now known as the United States, seven of the States held large possessions of unimproved lands or territories, and six of them did not hold any. The six States not holding any western lands insisted that they should be ceded by those holding them to the United States as public property, and this was finally agreed to. The State of Virginia, by act of her Legislature or General Assembly, January 2, 1781, submitted a proposition for the cession of her western lands which the Congress of the Confederation, by act of September 13, 1783, agreed to receive and accept, and the State, by law of October 20, 1783, authorized her delegates in the Congress to consummate the transfer by deed. Virginia at this time embraced within her limits the present States of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota east of the Mississippi River. Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Hardy, Arthur Lee and James Monroe, as the representatives of Virginia, executed the deed March 1, 1781, and thereby conveyed to the United States "all right, title and claim, as well of soil as jurisdiction, which the said commonwealth hath to the territory or tract of country within the limits of the Virginian charter, situate, lying and being to the northwest of the river Ohio." The French and British had, prior to this time, been in possession of this territory, and grants or concessions of lands, farms, town lots, etc., had been made to the French and British citizens and others by the military commandants representing their respective Governments prior to the year 1783.

During the British government of the Northwestern Territory, numbers of persons organized themselves into companies for colonization and trading, holding lands, etc. They were organized under different names, such as the Ohio, the Wabash, the Illinois, the Mississippi and Vandalia Companies. The Illi- nois and Wabash Companies claimed 1,000,000 acres on these rivers on titles derived solely from Indian purchases made in 1773 to 1775. Such purchases were especially forbidden by the King of England in his proclamation of 17(33, and very few of the claims were ever confirmed. All these concessions or grants were made upon loose pieces of paper and deposited with the public notary (who then filled a position similar to recorder of the present day). The papers were not actually recorded, but simply filed in the office of the notary, and soon became lost or destroyed. In one instance, about 1775, the notary ran off and carried all the papers with him. In 1779 John Todd took charge of the government of the Northwest Territory, under authority of the State of Virginia. After making numerous grants of land as commandant at Post St. Vincent, he appointed Mr. Legras his deputy and successor, who also made grants, and he in turn conferred his authority upon a court of civil and criminal jurisdiction at Vincennes. The grants made by this court before 1783 amounted to 20,000 acres, and by 1787 to 48,000 acres, in parcels of 400 acres to heads of families, besides many town lots. This court, on the 3d of July, 1790, in reply to an inquiry by Winthrop Sargent, secretary of the Territory, as to their authority for making these grants, said: "Mr. Legras, who was the commandant assumed that he had, in quality of commandant, authority to give lands according to the ancient usages of other commanders, and he verbally informed the court of Post Vincennes that, when they should judge it proper to give lands or lots to those who should come into the country to settle, or otherwise, they might do it, and that he gave the permission so to do." The Virginia deed of cession expressly provided: "That the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskias, St. Vincent and the neighboring villages, who have professed themselves citizens of Virginia, shall have their possessions and titles confirmed to them, and be protected in the enjoyment of their rights and liberties." For the purpose of adjusting all these claims, as well as making additional grants to those who had done military duty and rendered other services to the United States, "An act for granting lands to the inhabitants and settlers at Vincennes and the Illinois country, in the territory

By this act it was provided, first, that 400 acres of land should be given to the head of each family residing at Vincennes or in the Illinois country in the year 1783; second, that a tract of land containing 5,400 acres near Vincennes, which had been under fence and used as a pasture for thirty years, should be given to the inhabitants of Vincennes to be used by them as a common until otherwise disposed of by laws ; third, that the governor of the Territory be authorized to donate a tract of land of 100 acres to each man who on the 1st of August, 1790, was enrolled in the militia at Vincennes, had done militia duty and not received a donation ; fourth, that the governor, upon application, should confirm to heads of families the lands which they may have possessed, and which may have been alloted to them according to the usages of the Government under which they had respectively settled; fifth, that where lands had been actually improved and cultivated at Vincennes or in the Illinois country, under a supposed grant of the same by any commandant or court claiming authority to make such grant, the governor might confirm such claim not exceeding 400 acres to each person. By an act of Congress, passed March 26, 1804, land offices were established at Vincennes, Kaskaskia, Detroit and other places. By this act it was also provided that the register and receivers of each land office were appointed commissioners to examine and confirm claims to real estate. By act of Congress, passed March 3, 1807, all the decisions made by the governors and commissioners under the above acts were confirmed. Other acts of similar character and for the same purpose were passed from time to time until as late as 1856.

Real estate, unless it lies within the limits of a city or town, is usually described by what is commonly called the congressional section system, adopted by Congress May 20, 1785, upon the recommendation of a committee of which Thomas Jefferson was chairman. By the congressional system a piece of land one mile square, containing 040 acres, called a section, is laid off, and then divided equally into sixteen smaller squares, containing forty acres each. The section itself is then numbered according to the

"town" and "range" it is in. A congressional " town" is six miles square, and contains six sections. The number of the town depends upon the distance from the " base line," and the number of the " range" depends upon the distance from the "meridian Line." In other words, "Section 15, Town 5 north, Range 8 west," would be the 640 acres lying five towns north of the " base line," and eight ranges west of the second meridian line. Again, as a town and range are each six miles in length, this land would lie thirty miles north of the " base line" and forty-eight miles west of the meridian line. A "base line" is a definitely located line from which all distances north and south are counted. A meridian line is a definitely located line from which all distances east or west are counted. The second principal meridian line coincides with SO degrees. 28 minutes of longitude west from Greenwich, starts from the confluence of the Little Blue River with the Ohio, runs north to the northern boundary of Indiana, and governs the surveys in Indiana and a portion of those in Illinois. Base lines are not numbered. The one in this State and Illinois runs due east from the Mississippi River, and crosses the Ohio River near Jeffersonville. It passes through the southern part of Knox County, and governs the number of the " town" of each section in Indiana.

The lands held in possession by claimants, under the acts of Congress referred to above, were of so many different sizes and shapes that as to them no one system of description could be used. To provide for the first class of claims, under the act of March 3, 1791, a large, square tract of land, consisting of 64,000 acres, divided into 160 lots containing 400 each, and called donation lots, was first laid out, and these proving insufficient, eightysix more, or 34,400 acres, were laid off. They are called "donations" because they were donated. The tract of land consisting of 5,400 acres, given by the same act to the inhabitants of Vincennes for a " common," has since been divided into square lots of three different sizes, containing respectively five, ten and twenty acres each, and called Divisions "A," " B" and "C." They are called "commons lots," because they were originally used for a " common." The 100-aore tracts, authorized by this act to be donated to persons for militia service, were laid off south of

"White River, in that portion of Knox County now embraced within the limits of Gibson County, and, like the others, took their name from their character, and are called militia donations, and are laid off in the shape of a parallelogram. In laying off the donations and militia donations other private claims were interfered with and disregarded. But the claimants were allowed the privilege of -' locating" their claims in other places, and these were therefore called " locations." They are irregular in shape, and contain from a small quantity to 400 acres each. The last two classes of claims mentioned in the act of March 3, 1791, were ordered to be surveyed for the claimants, and are therefore called " surveys." These are of irregular shape, and their boundary lines run at almost all angles of the compass. There are several different classes, called Upper Prairie surveys, Lower Prairie surveys, Cathlinette Prairie surveys and surveys in different towns and ranges. The " prairie surveys" take their name from the prairie they are situated in. The Upper and Lower Prairie surveys are narrow strips of land fronting on the Wabash River, usually two arpents in width and forty in depth. An arpent is 15 per cent less than an acre. The donations, locations and surveys are always described by metes and bounds where a quantity less than the whole is conveyed. The commons lots are described as Lot No. - , in Division "A," "B" or " C," of the Vincennes commons lands. The first survey of Knox County was made in 1807, by Daniel Sullivan and Robert Buntin. Less than one-third of the lands in the county are section lands. When the congressional survey was made, wherever the section lines conflicted with the above classes of descriptions the old descriptions prevailed. But the small pieces of land between the old tracts, that were not included within the limits of the old tracts, became and were described as fractional sections of such a town and range as they were in. The section lands have all been disposed of by more recent acts of Congress, which are so generally understood that they do not possess any historical interest or demand any special notice.

Land Claims

grants by the Indians ; grants by the French and British Governments; grants from the courts; grants of 400-acre donations, as heads of families on or before 1783, and given by Congress August 29, 1788, and March 5, 1791 ; and donations of 100 acres for militia service, performed by those enrolled August 1, 1790. The following tracts of 400 acres each were allowed by John Badollet and Nathaniel Ewing, land commissioners in 1806, and confirmed by Congress in 1807. The name at the left of the number indicates the original owners, and the one to the right the present (1806) claimants:

History Of Knox Countv

The following, in addition to those found in the military chapter enrolled as militia in August, 1790, were also allowed 100 acres of land by the law granting that amount of land to each militiaman ; John Culbert, Hugh Dempsey, Mathew Dobbins, Francois Forzy, Rene Gorder, Ephraim Jordan, Samuel Moore, Robert Mays, Francis Pacquin, Aham Pea, John Savage, John Small, Alexander Sampson and James Watt. Congress also confirmed 362 claims through the commissioner. These claims varied in size from 4 acres to 408 and had been previously confirmed by different governors, "in virtue of French and British grants and of the court and commandant deeds." Nearly all the old families held land under these claims. There were also confirmed 222 claims which had been previously confirmed by the different governors in virtue of the militia rights. There were also 32 claims confirmed by Congress through the commissioners in virtue of French and British grants and of court and commandant deeds. Many claims were also granted by right of improvement. It is worthy of note that nearly every body of land, whether by grant or what not, lay on some stream of water, as "Bosseron," "Du Chien," Marie Creek, Mill Creek or other body.

" It appearing by the report of the Secretary of the Government northwest of the Ohio that there are certain cases respecting grants of land, within that territory, which require the interference of the Legislature of the United States, I have directed a copy of said report, and the papers therein referred to, to be laid before you, together with a copy of the report of the Secretary of State upon the same subject.

"Vincennes, County of Knox, ) July 31, 1790. \ 11 Sir: The absence of the Governor having made it my duty to carry into effect, as far as possible, the resolution of Congress of the 29th of August, 1788, respecting the inhabitants of Post Vincennes, I beg leave to report not only my proceedings under that resolution, but some circumstances which, in my opinion, ought at this time to be communicated, as very materially concerning the interests of the United States as well as individual settlers. The claims and pretensions of the people have very generally been exhibited ; but, notwithstanding they were early advertised upon this business, by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, given at Kaskaskias in March last, and have since been repeatedly called upon by me, yet I have no doubt there are a few instances of inattention and neglect. For all the possessions which appear to have been made by French or British concessions, I have issued warrants of survey, as by the last page of Nos: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, of the land records for the county of Knox, copies of all which accompany this report. I have also directed that the four hundred acre lots to be given to every head of a family, should be laid off for the persons named, and allotted, excepting those that might fall to the absentees mentioned, until the pleasure of Government is known. I beg leave, sir, to observe that there are a few instances where the ancient inhabitants (by removing from Vincennes to the Illinois country, or from tbat country to this place) cannot be included under the description of persons entitled to donation lands, and they humbly solicit that Congress would be graciously pleased to consider their situation, and permit them to participate in the general bounty. I think it necessary here to remark, sir, that, although the lands and lots which have been ordered to be surveyed, appear, from very good oral testimony, to belong to those persons under whose names they are respectively entered, either by original grants to them made, purchase or inheritance, yet there is scarcely one case in twenty where the title is complete, owing to the desultory manner in which public business has been transacted, and some other unfortunate causes.

dants were generally made upon a small scrap of paper, which it has been customary to lodge in the notary's office, who has seldom kept any book of record, but committed the most important land concerns to loose sheets, which, in process of time, have come into the possession of persons that have fraudulently destroyed them, or, unacquainted with their consequence, innocently lost or trifled them away; for, by the French usage, they are considered as family inheritance, and often descend to women and children. In one instance, and during the government of Mr. St. Ange here, a royal notary ran off with all the public papers in his possession, as by a certificate produced to me; and I am very sorry further to observe that, in the office of Mr. Le Grand, which continued from the year 1777 to 1788, and where should have been the vouchers for important land transactions, the records have been so falsified, and there is such gross fraud and forgery, as to invalidate all evidence and information which I might otherwise have acquired from his papers.

"In addition, sir, to the ancient possessions of the people of Vincennes, under French and British concessions here, is about one hundred and fifty acres of land, constituting a part of the village, and extending a mile up the Wabash River, in front of their improved claims, which was granted by Mr. St. Ange to some of the Piankeshaw Indians, allotted into small divisions for their wigwams, and by them occupied and improved until the year 1786, when the last of them moved off, selling, individually, as they took themselves away, their several parts and proportions. The inhabitants now hold this land, parceled out amongst them in small lots, some of which are highly improved, and have been built upon before and since 1783. But, imagining, that a confirmation of any Indian purchase whatever might virtually involve some future questions of magnitude in this territory, I have postponed all order upon the subject until the pleasure of Congress can be known ; in the meantime giving to the claimants my private opinion that they would be permitted to retain them, either by free gift or for some small consideration.

"A court of civil and criminal jurisdiction, established at this place by J. Todd, Esq., under the authority of Virginia, in June, 1779, and who eked out their existence to the summer of 1787, have, during that long period, continued to make large grants of lands, even by their own acknowledgments, and without more authority for so doing than is set forth. Many of the concessions which have been exhibited to me, in their name, they deny to have had any knowledge of; and, indeed, there are some reasons to conclude they may have been forged in the office of Mr. Ls Grand, before mentioned, who was a servant of the court, and in whose handwriting the deeds have all been made out.

"I cannot find, from any information I have been able to acquire, that Mr. Todd ever delegated any power of granting land in this country, or, in fact, that he was endowed with it himself. On the contrary, I find by the acts of Virginia of 1779, that the lands northwest of the Eiver Ohio were expressly excepted from location, and that it was declared no person should be allowed pre-emption, or any benefit whatever, from settling this side the said river ; and the Governor was desired to issue his proclamation requiring all persons to remove themselves, and, in case of disobedience, to make use of an armed force. This is not to extend to French and other old inhabitants actually settled on, or before that time, in the villages of Post Vincennes and upon the Mississippi. It appears, however, by a proclamation of Mr. Todd's, given at Kaskaskias, the 15th day of June, 1779, that a kind of authority was meant to be implied somewhere in the country, to grant lands, not only upon the river bottoms and prairies under the French restrictions, but in large quantities, and with more latitude at a distance therefrom; and twenty-six thousand acres have been granted away from that time to 1783, inclusive; and to the year 1787 (when Gen. Harmar checked the abuse) twenty-two thousand more, though generally in parcels of four hundred acres, though some are much smaller, and do not exceed the size of house lots. The court has also granted to individuals, in some instances, tracts of many leagues square; but a sense of the impropriety of such measures has prevented the bringing forward those claims. Notwithstanding that some of the four hundred acres and small lots, on or before 1783, yet the authority whence they were derived has been such, that I could not consider them as "rightful claims." They are, however, sir, in a few instances, under considerable cultivation and improvement, and some of the plantations, and many of the small lots, which have been granted by the court since that time, are now cultivated in tillage, and have been possessed by the present claimants, at much expense; but by far the greatest number of them were obtained at the cost of office fees only, and remain to this hour in a state of nature, or with no other alteration than has been necessary to convert them into sugar camps.

"Upon the subject of those lands, sir, a petition has been presented to me by, and in behalf of, eighty Americans, setting forth that they were induced to come into this country by the court of Post Vincennes, with every assurance of their authority to make grants. That, in good faith of this, they have formed their establishments at considerable expense, and must be involved in ruin, unless the generosity of Congress shall permit their holding them. The French inhabitants have also petitioned me upon the subject of court grants; some of which are now under cultivation, at no small expanse and labor. I beg leave, sir, to lay the situation of those people before Government, most respectfully representing that the welfare and prosperity of a number of industrious and good citizens in this Territory must depend very much upon their order. A petition has also been presented by the inhabitants of Vincennes, praying a confirmation of their commons, comprehending about two thousand four hundred acres of good, and three thousand acres of sunken lands. They have been, it appears, thirty years under a fence, which is intended to confine their cattle within its boundaries, and keep them out of their wheat fields; for, contrary to the usage of farmers generally, the cattle are enclosed, and the cultivated lands are left at large, except those parts which immediately approach the commons. But this fence, and quiet possession under the French and British Governments, they seem to imagine entitles them to a good prescriptive right. It has been the usage of the commandants to make all their grants in writing ; and, as this has not been produced, or any evidence of it, I think it my duty to refer the matter to Congress, as I am not authorized to decide upon it. One other petition, sir, I am constrained to introduce. It has been signed by one hundred and thirty-one Canadian, French and American inhabitants, all enrolled in the militia, setting forth that many of them were heads of families soon after the year 1783. That, from their situation, they are liable to, and willing to perform, an extraordinary proportion of military duty, and soliciting that Congress would be pleased to make them a donation of lands. In justice to the petitioners, I think it incumbent on me to observe, that the commanding officer of the regular troops here has been obliged, in some instances, to demand their services for convoys of provisions up the Wabash River; and, from the weakness of the garrison, and the present difficulties of communication with other posts and the Ohio, that he may have frequent occasion for their aid, which I have no doubt will be yielded at all times with the greatest cheerfulness.

" Before I close this letter, sir, I must take the liberty of representing to Congress, by desire of the citizens of this country, and as a matter which I humbly conceive they should be informed of, that there are, not only at this place, but in the several villages upon the Mississippi, considerable claims for supplies furnished the troops of Virginia, before and since 1783, which no person yet has been authorized to attend to, and which is very injurious to the interest and feelings of men who seem to have been exposed to a variety of distresses and impositions by characters pretending to have acted under the orders of that government. The people of Vincennes have requested me to make known their sentiments of fidelity and attachment to the sovereignty of the United States, and the satisfaction they feel in being received into their protection, whioh I beg leave to communicate in their own words, by the copy of an address presented me on the 23d instant. If, in this long letter of report and representation, I may appear to have tediously dwelt upon the claims and pretensions of the people of this country, I request, sir, that it may be attributed to that desire which I feel at all times, faithfully to execute the attentions necessary to individual interests, and the great duty I owe to government. With every sentiment of respect to your excellency and Congress, I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient humble servant.

" Town at Post Vincennes, July 31, 1790. "Sir: From the best information I have been able to acquire, confirmed by the testimony of the gentlemen of the courts of quarter sessions of the peace and common pleas, as well as judge of probate, given me in the presence of yourself, Maj. Hamtramck, and Maj. Vigo, I believe the following to be an accurate list of the heads of families settled at Post Vincennes, on and before the year 1783, and residents here at this time; consequently they are entitled to the donation lands promised them by Congress; and you will please to consider this as your sufficient warrant for surveying and allotting them agreeably to the commission given you for that purpose. Patents will issue as soon as your returns are

" You are also to survey, lay off and bound the several tracts and parcels of land hereafter specified, for, and at the expense of, the proper claimants, and return plats thereof, as soon as may be, into the office of the secretary of the Territory. And you will please to observe that the measurements of all ancient rights must be by the French acre or arpent, wbich has heretofore been the standard of land measure in this as well as the Illinois country. Winthrop Sargent.

"For Frederic Berger, a lot in Post Vincennes, of twenty-five toises, one side to the church lands, another to Andrez Montplesir and two others to streets. John St. Aubin, a piece of land two acres in front and the usual depth, one side to Nicholas Chasseau and another side to Dayneaux ; a lot of one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Levron and the three others to streets; another lot, fifty-one feet by thirty, one side to Regis, another to the common and two sides to streets; another, seventy-two feet by one hundred and fifty, one side to Brisard, another to unlocated lands and two sides to streets. The widow Denorgon, a piece of land three acres in front and usual depth, one side to Barr and the other to Lappamboise. Michael Neau, a lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Peter Coder and another to Louis Mallet. Charles Bonneau, a lot one hundred and seventyfour by one hundred and fourteen feet, one side to Bene Coder, one to Charles Bonneau, one to Landeroule and Lafleur and one to Main Street. Francis Mallet, a piece of land two acres in front and usual depth, by the meadow of the Big Marsh ; a lot one hundred and fifty by one hundred and twenty feet, situated above the fort. Nicholas Chapart, a lot two hundred and four by one hundred and eighty feet, one side to a street running to the water, another side to a street running to lands not granted. Louis Edeline, a piece of land two acres in front and customary' depth, one side to Dainaux, another to Sanschagrin, and by the Big Marsh meadow; one lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Chabot and three sides to streets; a piece of land four acres in front by the usual depth, one side to J. L. Denorgon and other side church land. John Baptiste Ducheme, a lot one hundred and twenty feet, facing three streets. Michael Bordeleau, a piece of land two acres front by the usual depth, one side to Proux and the other to Buelle; a lot one hundred and fifty by one hundred and thirty-eight feet, facing four streets ; another lot in the town, on which stood a barn ; the quantity and boundaries are not expressed in the original concession, and it must be so laid off as not to interfere with the streets of the village or lot of any other person. Laurent Bazadonne, a lot thirty-eight feet wide, from a street to a lane, one side to Louis Boyer. John Binet, a lot one hundred and fifty by one hundred and thirty -two feet, one side to Arpin, another to Charles Lachin and two sides to streets. Antony Caty, a piece of land two acres front by the usual depth, one side to Louis Edeline and the other to Joseph Leveron, near the Big Marsh.

"Alexander Valle, a lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Frangois Barois, another to Michael Neall and two sides to streets; two acres by the usual depth, one side to Toussaint Noyon and the other by St. Louis. Joseph Tougas, a lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Sansosy and another to Anoyon ; two arpents in front by usual depth, by the marsh of Cathilinette, one side to Tougas and the other to Louis Bergeron; three acres in front by usual depth, in Cathilinette, one side to Francois Barois and another to Joseph Raux. James Cardinal, a piece of land three acres in front and usual depth, on the other side the hog swamp and joining the lauds of Lachine; a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Languedoc and another to Carron. Peter Mallet, a lot twenty -five toises, one side to Lewis Mallet and the other three sides to streets. John Toulon, a lot one hundred and fifty feet square, one side to Bakus, another to Jacques Lamotte. Nicholaus Ballaidron, two acres in front and the usual depth, in the prairie of the Grand Marsh, one side to Peter Godere, the other to Vaudrye. Nicholaus Ballaidi-on, a lot three hundred feet by one hundred and fifty, one side to church, another to Moreau; a lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to St. Jean and to two streets, other boundary not mentioned. John Decker, a lot one hundred and fifty by one hundred and fourteen feet, in the common. Francois Languedoc, a lot eighteen toises by twenty-five, one side to a street and one side to Bedyente; a piece of land two acres in front by forty in depth, one side to Plifford and another to vacant lands. John Baptiste Millet, a lot in the village, one side to Peter Pecon and another to Francis Dagneau. Stephen St. Marie, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Cardinal, another to Raparault. and facing two streets. James Walls, a lot fifty by twenty-five toises, one side to Andres and three sides to the streets. Nicholaus Myot, a lot twenty-sis toises, one side to Peter Coder and the other to streets. Alexis Ouilette, a lot twenty-five toises by twelve and a half, one side to Bolon and another to Derozier. Vital Boucher, a lot twenty-eight toises, one side to Cardinal and another to Dubois. The widow of Joseph Leveson, a piece of land two acres in front by the usual depth, one side to Sanschagrin and another by Chaboute, near the big swamp; also a lot twenty-five toises, one side by Sanschagrin and others by streets, both supposed to belong to A. Languedoc. Andrew Languedoc, a piece of land nine acres in front by the usual depth, to begin at the common fence toward the Little

River. John Baptiste Frichette, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Hamilton and another to Vigo. Charles Lacoste, a piece of land two acres front by the usual depth, one side to Lacoste and another to Eiendo ; a lot twenty-eight toises square, and house thereon. The widow and children of Nicholas Cardinal, a lot twenty-six toises square, one side to Widow Tranbulle and another to Peter Queret; a lot in the village, twenty-five toises, one side to Bonneau and another to the domain ; a tract of . land two acres by forty, one side to Berthuit and the other to Godere. Peter Queret, a lot in the village, one side to his father and another to M. Vigo. The widow of Antoine Lefevre, a lot of eighteen toises, five feet by twenty-four toises, five feet, one side to Bonneau and another to Vaudrye ; a tract of two acres in front and the usual depth, in the Little Prairie, one side to Racine and the other to Crepeaux. Joseph Perredeau, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Trudel and another to Bonneau. Joseph Perredeau, the younger, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Johnston and three sides to streets. Andrez Monplesir, two acres in front and usual depth, near the Cathilinette, one side to Lamotte, fronting on the river ; a lot twenty-five toises by three streets, and a barn thereon, granted by St. Marie ; also a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Bergen, and fronting two streets, formerly belonging to Brouillette. The children of Andrew Pelliere, two acres in front by the ordinary depth, by lands of Diri ; a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Astringus and another to J. B. Richard. The widow of Charles Lefevre, two acres in front by the usual depth, in the prairie of Cathilinette, bounding on lands of Dubras, called the Italian ; a lot in the village, bounded by M. Vigo and three streets. James Latrimouille, two acres in front by the usual depth, at the Nut Point, one side to Vaudrye and the other to Coder; a lot of twenty-five by twenty-four toises, one side to Dagnet and another to Drouet.

" Charles Dudevoir, a lot twenty-two feet by ten toises, one side to Small and another to Connoyer; two lots fifty by twenty-five toises, to Binet and three streets; two acres in front, at the Nut Point, bounded by the ancient common fence and Baptiste Ducheane; two acres in front by forty in depth, at the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Mallet and another to Bordeleau.

For the church, four arpents front upon the Wabash, by the usual depth ; a lot where the church stands, about twenty toises, for the church or Mr. Antoine Gamelin. Louis Leneveu, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Read and another to Luntsford. Honore Danis, a lot of twenty-five toises, on which is his house ; two acres of land in front by the usual depth, near the little river, one side to St. Aubin and the other to Bourger. Francis Vachet, a lot of twelve toises square, one side to Cardinal and another to Dubois; Vachet also claims, by purchase from the Indians, land in addition sufficient to make the lot twenty-one by twenty -five toises, but I cannot warrant the survey of the latter part. Francis Baril, a lot of thirty toises, one side to churchyard and another to John Larue. The heirs of Moses Henry, a lot seventy feet by twenty-five toises, one side to Bordeleau and to three streets. Rene Langlois, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Monplaisir and two others to Charles Languedoc; two acres in front by the ordinary depth at the Cathilinette, one side to Barois and another to Bordeleau. Francis Vigo, the house where he now resides and two lots: one twenty-five toises square, bounding to Queret, and the other thirty toises by twenty-five, one side to Latippe; also, four lots adjoining each other and twenty-five toises square each, on one of the lots is a house belonging formerly to Saboulle; also, two acres in front by the ordinary depth, from the Elm Road, one side to Connoyer and the other to Michael Brouillette; a continuation to the river is also mentioned in the claim, but this is an Indian purchase and not now to be surveyed ; also, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Villeneuve and the three others to streets; also, a lot twelve toises in front, from St. Louis' to St. Honore's street, one side to Widow Legras; also, two tracts of two acres each in front by forty deep, north side of the Wabash and opposite the village, one side by a road leading to the prairies and the other side by the lands of Paquin; two lots twenty-five by fifty toises and a barn thereon, one side to J. B. Vaudrye, the younger, and Francois Barois and three sides to streets. The Widow Astargus, a lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Laforet and another to Boisverd and two sides to streets. Philip Chats, a lot seventy-five by one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Renez Langlois, another to the Widow Peltier and facing two i ; another lot one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Charles Berjon, another to Francis Bosseron and to two streets. Peter Kerre, Sr., a lot one hundred and seventy-four by one hundred and fifty feet, one side to Gaynolet, another to Harpin and two sides to streets. Robert Johnson, two house lots in town, on which his house now stands. Late widow of Joseph Brassard, a lot of twelve toises fronting St. Louis Street, one side to Barzadon and another to Connoyer. John Baptiste Richard, a lot in the village, one side to Boisverd and another to Lafuellarde. Stephen St. Marie, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Cardinal and another to Rapuault. John Baptiste Binet, two acres in front on the river Wabash, and to Dagneau and St. Pierre, near Cathilinette. John Dovritt, a lot twenty-five toises by twentythree, one side to Delorier and three sides to streets; also, two acres in front by usual depth, in the Nut Prairie, one side to Dennis and another to Connoyer. James Lamothe, two acres in front by the ordinary depth, one side to Joachin the other Montplesir. The heirs of Joseph Lafuillarde, a lot twenty by twentyfive toises, one side to Sucrot and the other to Richards ; two acres in front by the usual depth, at the Cathilinette, one side to Godere, another to Barada. Francis Bosseron, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Philip Chattes, another to Haslin. Francis Lognion, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Francis Brouillette and another to Corneau. Peter Laforest, a lot of twenty-four by twenty toises, one side to Nicholas and the other to Caty. Louis Seguin, a lot eleven toises by twenty-five, one side to the Widow Guinau and another to Mrs. Hunot. Anthony Marie, a lot twenty-five toises, or nearly that, bounded by four streets; also, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Marie. Allen Ramsay, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Cuntz and another to Bogle. Ursule Cointe, a lot thirty-six by twenty-five toises, one side to Keepler and another to church lands.

"Charles Bergand, a lot twenty -five toises, one side to Philip Chat, another to vacant ground and two sides to streets; two acres in front, one side to Vallez and another to Languedoc, near the Big Swamp. Some of this land is sold to Page and the boundaries are not well expressed. Care must be taken not to exceed the ancient possession. Francis Campagnote, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side by Meteiller, another by Brirard and by two streets. The widow of Peter Grimare, a house and lot, the boundaries not expressed, but to be surveyed agreeable to possession, not interfering with the streets. Louis Coder, a lot of land twenty-five toises, one side to Danis and three others by streets; two acres in front the usual depth, in the Prairie des Cathilinette, one side to Laforest. Joseph St. Marie, a lot one side to Joseph Andrews, another to St. Louis Street and one side to the Wabash; also a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Joseph Charretiere, another to John Baptiste Harpin. Louis Aller, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Villeray and three sides to streets. Amable Bolon, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Antoine Richarville and another to Dubois. Joseph Hunot, a lot eighteen toises by twenty -five, one side to Peter Peret and another to Laderoute. F. P. A. and John Baptiste Bacine, heirs of J. B. Racine, a lot of thirty toises, from St. Honore Street to the next ensuing street, one side by Crely ; two acres in front by the usual depth, in the Little River Prairie, one side to Brouillette and the other to Madame Chapeau. Francis Boyer, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Lafraniere and the other to Richard Francis Turpin ; a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Dagneau and the three others to streets. James McNutty, a lot in the village, one side to Mr. Boyer, another by Charbonneau. Joseph Chartier, a lot in the village, one side to Small and another to Joseph St. Marie ; two acres in front by forty deep, at Nut Point, one side to Charbonneau and another to Yaudrye. Michael Brouillet, a lot eighteen toises in front, one side to Connoyer and fronting St. Louis and St. Honore Streets ; also a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Charpentier and two others by streets; also a tract two acres in front, in Nut Prairie, one side to St. Marie and another to Codere. Louis Mallet, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Peter Mallet and three others by streets ; two acres in front by the usual depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Nicholas and the other to Champagnotte. Antoine Bordelau, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Dagneau. Antoine Marie, a lot twenty-five toises, oue side by his own lot; three acres in front by forty deep, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Page" and the other to Hunot. John Baptiste Vaudrye, a lot twenty-six toises and two feet by seventeen and a half toises, one side to Gibbault, another to Madame Chapeau and another to Pierre Gamelin; also a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Mr. Cartier and to three streets; also two acres by the usual depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Lafranieu and the other by Baillargon; also two acres by the usual depth, in the prairie on the Little River, one side to Charretiere and the other to Latrimouille. Francis Miny, a lot twelve and a half toises by twenty-five, one side to Dubois and another to McNutty. John Baptiste Ouillette, three acres in front by the usual depth, on the mill creek at the Yellow Banks, where is a saw and a grist-mill. Thomas Dalton, a lot in St. Louis Street, thirty-one and a half feet front and extending to the river, one side to Joseph Andre. The widow of Lewis Bowyer, a lot thirteen toises by twenty-five, one side to McNutty and to Charbonneau. Part of this lot supposed to be claimed by McNutty. Jacob Pea, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Wyant and another to Sullivan. Peter Bonneau, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Antoine Lefevre and another to Peter Gamelin ; also one acre in front by forty deep, on the Elm Boad, one side to Honore Darris and the other to John Baptiste St. Aubin. Francis Dumais, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Bonneau and another to Lognon.

"Peter Connoyer, a lot where he now lives, one side to Michael Brouillette and three sides by streets; also another lot nearly opposite, one side by the late Widow Brassard, another to Lachine and in front by St. Louis Street ; also a lot sixteen toises in front, one side to Michael Brouillette and another to a cross street that leads to the river and St. Honore Street; also a lot fronting out on St. Louis Street and to the banks of the river, one side to Mr. Vigo and another to Widow Legrand; also a lot twenty-four toises, one side to Delisle, another to Madame Cardinal and two sides to the streets ; also a tract two acres in front by the usual depth, east of the village by the Elm Road, one side to Peter Querez and the other to Mr. Vigo; a small lot and house thereon, upon the bank of the river, formerly belonging to Peltier. Antoine Vaudrye, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Barois. Ursule Clermont, two acres in front by forty deep, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Peter Coder and another to Lachine.

Peter Perret, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Hunot, another to Denoyon and two streets. Louis St. Aubin, a lot about twenty, five toises square, one side to Toujas, in rear to church lands, and by two streets. Luke Decker, a lot twenty-five toises by fifty, one side to Sullivan and three sides to streets; a tract of two acres in front by forty in depth, on the river Du Chi, and one side to Martin. This tract is said to have been by a French concession, but none has yet been produced. His house is built thereon. Gennevieve Villeneuve, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Ranger, another to Mr. Bosseron and by two streets ; two acres in front by forty deep, in the prairie of the big marsh, one side to Charles Villeneuve and another to Charles Bonneau. Charles Villeneuve, a lot nineteen toises by twenty-nine, one side to Mr. Vigo and on three sides by streets; also a lot to Madame Cardinal, Delisle's lots, and Pierre Bonneau and fronting two streets ; also two acres in front by the usual depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Jean Lazarde and Chapart and the other Hapelin. John Francis Hamtramck, a lot thirty-three by thirty-four feet, one side to another lot of his and a side to Adamhar St. Martin; another lot bounding on the last and one side Mr. Barzadon, in front to a street and the rear to the river bank. Reverend Peter Gibbault, a lot about fourteen toises, one side to Mr. Millet, another to Mr. Vaudrye and to two streets. James Charbonneau, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to McNutty and on three sides by streets ; also two acres in front by forty in depth, in the Little River Prairie, one side to Beloup and another to Antoine Lefevre. Louis Ravelet, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Metier, another to Campagnote and by two streets. John Baptiste Villeraye, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Louis Allare and three sides to streets. William Page, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Baillargon, another side by next described lot and two sides to streets; another lot twenty-five toises, one side to last lot; a tract of land of two acres in front, which has been directed for survey under Bergand's name, and it seems is in dispute; also a tract of land of three acres in front by forty in depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Marie and another to Arpent. Nicholas Chapart, two acres in front by forty in depth, near the Big Swamp, one side to Villeneuve and the other to Dagneau; another tract two acres in front by forty in depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Mallet and another to Boi. Vitalle Boucher, two acres in front by forty in depth, in front by the Elm Boad, and one side to Cardinal, the other to Ducherne. Ann Springer, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Andre Languedoc and three others to streets. Peter Latour, a lot twenty-nine toises by nine, one side to Turdelle, another to Bonneau and two sides to streets. Toussaint Dubois, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Peter Gamelin, another to James Cardinal and two sides to streets ; two acres in front by forty in depth, one side to Andrez Boi and another to John Baptiste Boi. Charles Dielle, two acres by front and forty deep on the north side of the Wabash, one side to Paul Gamelin and another to Peter Latour. The original concession, or the best evidence of it, must be produced before this survey is made. Antoine Petit, a lot twenty -five toises, one side to John Baptiste St. Aubin, another to Francis Languedoc and by two streets. Susannah Bolon, a lot of twenty-five toises by twenty-four, one side to Nicholas Mayot, the other three to streets. William Park, a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Cotis, another to Guitar and two sides by streets; two acres in front by forty in depth, in the Big Swamp Prairie, one side to Bichardville and another by Peter Cartier; a lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Ganuchon, another to Bawthus and by two streets. Bobert Ficron, a lot twenty-five toises, one side by Stephen St. Marie and another to the next lot; a lot twenty-five toises, one side to last lot, another to Lafremiere and by two streets. Those lots are supposed to be old French concessions. " Widow of Gabriel Legrand, a lot about fourteen toises in front, one side to Connoyer, one side to the river and two sides to the streets. Amable Guarguepie, a lot of twenty by twenty-five toises, one side to Bosseron, another to Dubois ;. two acres in front by forty in depth, at the Nut Point, one side to Cardinal and another to Latrimouille. Watts, McNutty, and Simson, two acres in front by the ordinary depth in the Cathilinette Prairie, one side to Beaux and another to Dielle. John Baptiste Harpin, a lot twenty- five toises, one side to John Small, another to Joseph St. Marie and to two streets ; a tract of land two acres in front by forty deep, one side to Mr. Page and another to J. B. Vaudry ; also one acre in front by forty deep in the grand Marais Prairie, one side te Perocleau and another to Neau ; also a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Dockac aud another to Peter. Gerome Crely, a lot eight toises by nineteen, one side to St. Marie's heirs, another to Francois Barois and on two others by streets. Joseph Duchram, one acre and three quarters in front by forty in depth, north side the Wabash, one side to Paul Gamelin and another to Carron. Amable Delisle, a lot twelve and a half toises by twentyfive, one side to Nicholas Baillargon and another to Stephen Bowyer, and the rear to William Page, front a street. The widow of Peter Coder, a tract of land, two acres in front by forty in depth, in the Grand Marsh Prairie, one side to Baillargon and another to Chabot. Peter Gamelin, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Joseph Hamelin, another to Toussaint Dubois and by two streets ; another lot eighteen by twenty-five toises, one side to J. B. Milliet, another to Bonneau, near to Vaudrey; also two acres in front by forty in depth in the Cathilinette, one side to Barois and another to Peltier. John Small, a lot about fifty-two toises in front on St. Louis Street, running back to the river bank and on two side streets; also a lot twenty-five by eighteen toises, one side to Arpent, another to Shiskey and on two side streets. Louis Brouillette, a lot of thirteen toises, fronting on St. Honore Street and back to the beach, one side to Antoine Mallet and the other by a street; there seems to be some additional claim of a small part of a lot adjoining, which must be inquired into upon the survey; by the papers handed in it is very unintelligible. John Tougas, a lot of twelve toises in front on St. Honore Street, one side to J. M. Barois and three sides to streets. Paul Gamelin, a lot twelve and a half toises on St. Louis Street, and extending back to the beach, one side to Adamher St. Martin ami the other by Calvary Street; two acres in front by forty in depth, north side of Wabash ; this in two tracts, one bounded by Dacharm and Gueille, and the other to Detau and Connoyer. The heirs of Daniel Sullivan, a lot twenty-five toises by thirty-eight, one side to Chabot, and another to church lands and by two streets; also a tract eight acres in front and sixty in depth, fronting on the Wabash, originally granted to Chapart; four acres are to be on each side the Little River, whereon is built a mill; two acres in front by forty in depth in the Cathilinette Prairie, one side to Dominique Bergand and the other to Laforest; another tract, two acres in front, situated in the Cathilinette Prairie, behind the ancient lands, and extending back to Otter Pond, one side to Ballargon and old French improvement. John Martin, two acres in front by forty in depth in the Cathilinette Prairie, one side to Meteller and another to the lot of Sims, on McNutty and Watts. Benjamin Bawthus, a lot of thirty toises by twenty-five, one side to Ganuchon, and on the other by the next lot and by two streets ; a lot thirty toises by twenty -five, one side to the above lot, another Meldrum and Park and by two streets ; a tract two acres in front situated on the Grand Prairie, west of the village from the Wabash, to the Cathilinette swamp, one side to James Dony's, and the other to Alexander Vallez. James McNutty, a lot, south to Page - west by church lands and by two streets. Adamher St. Martin, a lot upon the Wabash, front to St. Louis Street, one side to Nicholas Perrot, and the other to Paul Gamelin; he claims this as a mortgagee. James Johnson, a lot twenty-five toises, one side to Joseph Lafleure and by three streets. Alexander Fowler, a house lot in the village, one side to Decker, another to Baptiste Commefaux. Louis Meteiller, a lot twenty-six toises by fifty, one side to Joseph Levron, another to Brizard and two sides by streets. Peter Cartier, a lot twenty-six toises by twenty-nine, one side to Francis Mallet, and on three others by streets ; another lot of twenty-five toises, one side to Mr. Vigo, and three sides to streets; a tract of two acres in front by forty, in the prairie below the village, one side to park, and another to John Baptiste Lafreniere. John Baptiste Tougas, a tract of land opposite to the village, two acres and a half front by the usual depth ; this was originally granted to Noveaux, with the addition of another half acre, which has been transferred. Mr. Tongas claims at this time three acres, half an acre of which having been granted by the court, cannot be confirmed by me at this time. Antoine Gamelin, a lot of about thirty toises, fronting on St. Honore Street and running to the Wabash ; this lot, it appears from certificates, was originally granted to the church, and has been by the church wardens, exchanged for the

To the Honorable Winthrop Sargent, Esquire, Secretary in and for the territory of the united states, northwest of the river ohio, and vested with all the powers of Governor and Commander-in-chief. "Sir: As you have given verbal orders to the magistrates who formerly composed the court of the district of Post Vincennes, under the jurisdiction of the State of Virginia, to give you their reasons for having taken upon them to grant concessions for the lands within the district, in obedience thereto, we beg leave to inform you that their principal reason is, that, since the establishment of this country, the commandants have always appeared to be vested with the powers to give lands ; their founder, Mr. Vincennes, began to give concessions, and all his successors have given lands and lots. Mr. Legras was appointed commandant of Post Vincennes, by the lieutenant of the county, and Commander-inchief John Todd, who was, in the year 1799 [1769], sent by the State of Virginia, to regulate the Government of the country, and who substituted Mr. Legras with his powers. In his absence, Mr. Legras, who was then commandant, assumed that he had, in quality of commandant, authority to give lands according to the ancient usages of other commanders, and he verbally informed the court of Post Vincennes, that, when they would judge it proper to give lands or lots to those who should come into the country to settle or otherwise, they might do it, and that he gave them permission so to do. These are the reasons that we acted upon, and if we have done more than we ought, it was on account of the little knowledge which we had of public affairs. We are, with the greatest respect, your honor's most obedient and very humble servants,

Grants To Settlers In Vincennes

Vincennes, Knox County, October 23, 1797. "Sir: The governor, it seems, permitted, in his instructions to you, that actual improvements made before his visiting the country in 1795, might be covered by-militia rights; and I have further to add that, where parts or portions have been confirmed by me upon grants of the court since 1783 (in consequence of improvements) claimants may be permitted to cover by militia rights, not, however, to extend their plantations beyond 400 arpents; the residue must be laid in one tract, and the concern consulted as to the situation, but it must not be carried to such a distance as to alarm or render uneasy the Indians, and with due attention to this consideration, as it seems to be the wish of the concerned, it may be taken across the White Eiver, near to Derkus Station; and, although it is intended the militia should have good lands, yet such regard must be paid to the interests of the United States that this location shall not militate with further settlements that may be intended, the tract to be divided by lot among the claimants. I herewith furnish you with a list of the names of persons entitled to lands from being of the militia, as reported to me, also an additional number of names to my list of those entitled to the donation of 400 acres, which was made out in the year 1790, and for which lands must be surveyed adjoining the former tract, of good quality, and so as to continue said tract of as regular form as may be ; I add, also, a considerable list of lands to be surveyed by you for persons therein named, as appearing to me to have due claims. But, sir, you must consider it a part of your duty, as an officer of Government, to report to me, with the return of surveys, all errors of boundaries, and also of evidence to title, that shall come to your knowledge, for any tracts ordered to be surveyed, in consequence of deeds, on or before 1783, and which may happen to fall within the donation tract, you are to satisfy the persons upon whose lands they may fall, by surveys elsewhere. The term acres must be considered arpents, excepting where it applies to donations, or is especially signified to be English measure. You are authorized to administer the necessary oaths of qualifications for chain carriers, etc., as also where it may be necessary to give you information of lines and boundaries proper to be known in making your surveys. For your surveying fees, the establishment of Congress is a good general rule, but in going a distance to survey a single tract it cannot be sufficient, and for small town or out lots there must be some agreement between you and those concerned, as no one rule can apply. Messieurs Harlein and Dubois have asked permission to lay some militia rights upon the "White and Embarras Rivers, for the purpose of establishing ferries. A single right may be laid at each place, the public accommodation seeming to require it, a high road to be left in front of the same ; and security must be given for keeping up the ferries as long as the public convenience may require them.

"Pierre Kerre, the elder, a piece of land on the east side of the Little River, two arpents in front and forty deep, one side to Pierre Cartier, toward the northeast by Baptiste Voillette, before by the Wabash and behind by vacant land. Jean Baptiste du Cherne, a piece of land four arpents in front and forty deep, lying on the Wabash, and bounded one side by Voillette, on the other by the "Wabash, but to be diminished so far as it may interfere with the donation tract. Charles Bosseron, a lot in Vincennes thirteen and one-half toises in front, one side to a public road and joining Francis Vigo, on the other side a small piece of land belonging to said Bosseron and Mr. Vanderburgh facing the prolongation of St. Honore Street, and behind by a street not named. Another lot of eleven and one-half toises in front on St. Honore Street, extending back to the next street and on both sides by Bosseron's other lots. The heirs of Francis Bosseron, a piece of land four arpents in front and forty deep on the north side of the Wabash, bounded on one side by lands of the Le Grand to the northeast and on the other side by Jean Cardain, the river in front and lands not granted in rear. A piece of land four arpents by forty on the north side the river St. Jerome, with a house thereon of twenty feet, one side to Louis Le Moye and on the other to the sieur Privet, lying along the river to the great road and behind by vacant land. Another piece of land on the north side of the "Wabash, with a house thereon twenty feet square, one side to Charles Guebriants, the other to Hugh He-ward, in front by the river to the great road, and from the road to vacant lands. A piece of land four arpents in front and forty deep on the north side of the Wabash, one side to John Pott, and on the northeast by Gabriel Le Grand; the heirs know not of this, supposed a mistake. Luke Decker, a piece of land two arpents in front and forty deep, on the river Du Chien, one side to the lands of De Coteau, the other to Jean Baptiste Martin. A piece of land two arpents wide and forty deep upon the river Du Chien, twenty arpents of which lie upon the northwest, and twenty on the southeast side of the river, joining other lands of said Decker on two sides and vacant land behind and before. Four hundred acres of land in the prairie Du Chien ; at one corner of this land is a marked elm, and it runs from thence to the southward across the river, and is bounded on the west by Moses Henry, on the east by Harpain, and on the north and south by vacant land. A piece of land four arpents wide and forty deep in the prairie of the river Du Chien, on the west to the grand Millet, on the east by the forest, and on the north and south by vacant land.