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W ,^jf .. 1 *<£*<£* J&J4 The INDIANA GAZETTEER or TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY 1826 by John Scott UBRAhY Of T Nov (a •€25^ «^gg^ i^—*, ^gg^ ^ m«^ ^wg^ ^ < -gag^r igggpv ^igg^ »^^b ^^ * amm± ^ *<£*4*J*J*J + *<£*<£* J, & *£& I <8S^ ^gg^, «^gg^ ^gpfe, *@lg» ^gg^ ^mrn^ . ^ £p THE NEW 2- « tfS4 YORK TIMES, OLD INDIANA BOOK LAUDS THE PRESS Gazetteer of 1826 Reprinted First Newspaper in Area Was Established in 1804 The Price Members < one copy of ea ThePublil 408 State Li] most interesting reading imag- inable is a file of old newspapers.' The quotation added that sucr a file brought back "the very ag< with all its bustle and every daj affairs, and marks its genius an( its spirit more than the mos labored description of the his torian." Topographical descriptions, emi grants guides and gazetteers, de signed to acquaint prospectiv settlers with the "western" cour try had been published in th East from the latter part of th eighteenth century. Other Early Gazetteers A gazetteer of Ohio was put lished in that state by John Ki bourn in 1816. John M. I published a gazetteer of 111 in 1834. John T. Blish issu gazetteer of Michigan in 18; The map with John Scott book of 1826 shows Michigan te ritory and Northwest Territor The route of the present Nor' ern Indiana Turnpike is Special to The New York Times. INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 25— One hundred and fifty years ago Elihu Scott brought the first printing press to Indiana. With the encouragement of the terri- torial Governor, William Henry Harrison, he established at Vin- cennes in the summer of 1804 Indiana's first newspaper, The Indiana Gazette. In 1826 one of the earliest books produced in Indiana was issued. It was published by an editor-printer, John Scott, as a testimonial to the free press in the Hoosier State. Today, the Indiana Historical Society, the second oldest state historical society, reprinted this book, "The Indiana Gazetteer or Topographical Dictionary." The book had an acompanying map, which has also been reproduced by the historical society. The map was engraved by William Woodruff of Cincinnati and sold for 50 cents. Miss Gayle Thornbrough, edi- tor of the Indiana Historical So- ciety publications, in an intro- duction to the republication of the 1826 gazetteer, notes that John Scott's "contribution to i n . Logansportma diana's history appears signifi- cant." She cited "his important gazetteer and maps and the other books from his presses" and offered a quotation from The Potawattimie Times, which he established in 1829. The quotation said: "Many people take newspapers, but few preserve them, yet the ret Illino sued 1838. across the map's designation "Indiana Lands". The Calm River is traced to Lake Michigi on the map, but there is no Q cago. . John Scott was born in On berland County in 1793 a ' worked in Carlisle, Pa., as printer. He arrived in Brookvi in Indiana in 1816 and by 1 was publishing The Brookvi Enquirer and Indiana Telegra; He moved to Centreville and 1824 published The Western E porium. He moved on to Loga port and established The Po wattimie Times and The Mi: Times in 1829. He died 977.2 Indiana Historical Society In2 Publications - The Indiana Gazetteer or v.l8 Topographical Dictionary. 1826. John Scott, no.l cop.U Map of Indiana detached and filed in map case. INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS VOLUME 18 NUMBER 1 THE INDIANA GAZETTEER, OB TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, INTHJ fUBLISHED AND % SETTLEMENTS, J RIVERS, X ROADS, | CREEKS, J LAKES, | SPRINGS, &c. S STATE Or INDIANA, ILFHABETTCALLY ARRANGED BY JOHN SVOTT. CENTREVILLE: 80LD BY JOHN SCOTT & WM. M. DOVGHTY. John Scott, Printer. 1826. THE INDIANA GAZETTEER OR TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY * * * by John Scott Reprinted from the Original Edition 1826 INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1954 INTRODUCTION John Scott and The Indiana Gazetteer One hundred and fifty years ago Elihu Stout brought the first printing press into Indiana. With the encouragement of the territorial governor, William Henry Harrison, he estab- lished the first newspaper in Indiana, the Indiana Gazette, in the summer of 1804. (Presumably the first issue, which has not survived, appeared on July 31. Number 2, volume 1, bears the date, August 7, 1804.) In reprinting Indiana's first gazetteer, one of the earliest books produced in the state, prepared by the pioneer editor-printer John Scott, the Indiana Historical Society pays its respects to our free press on its one hundred fiftieth anniversary. Topographical descriptions, emigrants' guides, and gazet- teers, designed to acquaint the prospective settler with the western country, had been published in the East and in Great Britain and Europe since the latter part of the eighteenth cen- tury. As new states were formed out of the Old Northwest, some enterprising local citizen would assume the task of pre- paring a guide for his own commonwealth. John Kilbourn led the way with his Ohio Gazetteer in 1816. Scott's Indiana Gazetteer came out in 1826. John M. Peck published his Gazetteer of Illinois in 1834. John T. Blois issued the Gazet- teer of the State of Michigan in 1838. John Scott was born in 1793 in Cumberland County, Penn- sylvania. He became a printer and formed the firm of Magee & Scott with Alexander Magee at Carlisle. In 1814 he mar- ried Jane Hoon, and two years later they moved, with their young son James to Brookville, Indiana. Scott had his full share of the wanderlust which was typical of the itinerant typesetter and moved from settlement to settlement with the (7) 8 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY advance of the frontier. He exhibited the pioneer characteris- tics of industry, energy, courage, and ambition. He became one of Indiana's foremost printers. But frontier publishing was a discouraging business at best, and he, like most of his fellow craftsmen, never reaped financial rewards commensurate with his service. The pioneer press was an important cultural influence in the raw West. The weekly journals were a significant medium of education and information. With their heavy emphasis on things political, they stimulated discussion and civic conscious- ness. Other publications from western presses gradually diminished the provincial dependence of the section on the Atlantic seaboard. The early printers in conjunction with the work of the clergy and the schoolmasters saved the new West from cultural sterility. At Brookville it may be supposed Scott immediately took up his printer's trade. A weekly newspaper was just getting under way in the Whitewater Valley town ; the first issue may have appeared on October 22, 1816, since the earliest one located, November 5, 1816, was volume 1, number 3. This paper carried the note that it was printed by Benjamin Ogle, Jr., for Bethuel F. Morris. Its title was The Plain Dealer. Some- time before 1819 this was changed to Plain Dealer and White Water Gazette. John Scott was probably associated with this sheet. In a Franklin County history one C. F. Clarkson is reported as saying that The Plain Dealer was established by Bethuel F. Morris and John Scott in 1816. At any rate, in January, 1819, the publication of the paper was discontinued and it was succeeded by the Brookville En- quirer. The latter was commenced February 5, 1819, by John Scott & Co., under the title of Brookville Enquirer and Indiana Telegraph. The prospectus in the first issue stated that since the publication of The Plain Dealer had ceased by the dissolu- tion of the co-partnership of its late proprietors (Morris & Scott?), the subscribers proposed publishing a new paper. This was signed by Miles C. Eggleston, Daniel J. Caswell, INTRODUCTION 9 William C. Drew, and John Scott. This firm soon dissolved, and beginning with the issue of October 1, 1819, the paper was published by B. F. Morris & Co. (Bethuel F. Morris, Daniel C. Caswell, and William Drew). With the issue of March 2, 1820, the title was shortened to Brookville Enquirer. This constant shift in management probably indicates the paper was not doing very well financially. It was about this time that Scott pulled up his stakes in Franklin County and moved north into Wayne. The Richmond Weekly Intelligencer began publication late in 1821 (volume 1, number 5 bears the date February 2, 1822), with Elijah Lacey listed as printer and publisher. Scott was associated with Lacey in this enter- prise, but just how or for how long is not known. Scott's next move was some nine miles westward to the seat of justice of Wayne County, Center ville. Here, perhaps for the first time, he had his own establishment and published the Western Emporium. The earliest copy of this paper ex- amined by the writer was volume 1, number 11, which appeared on May 29, 1824. The printing office was located on "Main- Cross-Street Two Doors South of the Court House/' The paper was published on Saturdays, and appeared with unusual regularity for that time. The first volume was completed (52 issues) on April 2, 1825. Scott lived in Centerville for perhaps five years, and from this press issued his most im- portant work. Soon after his newspaper was established the young man announced in its columns that he proposed to publish, by sub- scription, Joel Barlow's Vision of Columbus, to which was appended a dissertation on Manco Capac, founder of the Peruvian empire. He added that he was publishing this "with the hope of gratifying the curiosity, of improving the taste, and of increasing the knowledge of his fellow citizens." The nine books of the poems were to sell for seventy-five cents, 8 1/2 cents per book, to prepublication subscribers; one dollar for the whole after publication. Wheat, sugar, ginseng, bees- wax, and feathers would be received in payment, at market 10 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY prices, if delivered at the Emporium office before publication of the fifth number. The project was quite an ambitious undertaking for so small and young an establishment, but it was accomplished. How many copies were subscribed or how many printed is not known. The title page reads : "The Vision of Columbus: A Poem, in Nine Books. With Explanatory Notes. By Joel Barlow, Esq. From a Revised Edition of the Author. Centre- ville, la. : Printed and published by John Scott. 1824." A complete sets of the nine books (269 pages) are in the Brown University Library, Providence, Rhode Island, and Miami University Library, Oxford, Ohio. The Wayne County pioneer, David Hoover, in his Memoirs, reports another literary product of Scott's Centerville press, a reprint of the Reverend George Burder's Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress Versified (1804). No copy of this has been located, and no advertisement for it has been found in the papers of that day. There may be some question as to whether it was really printed by Scott. But according to Hoover, it was, and he tells a delightful story about it, related to him by Dr. [Daniel?] Stratton who worked in Scott's shop at the time. By Stratton's account the task was undertaken at the instance of Jonathan Platts of Hagerstown, who had a copy of the Burder version. From this the type was set. However, the corners of the last several leaves were torn off and Judge Platts undertook to supply the missing verses "to make them jingle, at least." Thus the new edition contained, besides Bunyan and Burder, a little of Jonathan Platts ! In the fall of 1825 Scott inserted in the papers over the state an announcement that he was preparing "an improved map of the state of Indiana," which would "contain the principal Lakes, rivers, Indian reservations, range and township lines, taken from the latest surveys. Also, the county boundaries, as established by the legislature at their session of 1825 — county seats, and all principal towns — state roads, &c. — Also a part of the states of Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois, and Michigan INTRODUCTION 11 territory." It was to be printed on copperplate, hand colored, and to sell for fifty cents. This map, engraved by William Woodruff of Cincinnati, appeared the following year. The Indiana Historical Society Library has one of them. County boundaries and other lines are set off by hand in water colors of now-faded pastels. The most important book from Scott's press, his Indiana Gazetteer, which is reprinted here, appeared late in 1826. Scott was not the first Indianan to contemplate such a volume. William D. M. Wickham of Vevay advertised in the news- papers in the state in 1824-25 that he was compiling a gazetteer of Indiana which would be published when enough subscrip- tions were received. Apparently a sufficient number was not forthcoming for his volume did not appear. During the summer of 1826 announcements of Scott's proposed volume ran in the papers in the state. It was adver- tised as a joint publishing project of John Scott and William M. Doughty, later Wayne County coroner. The advertisement carried testimonials as to the value of the work to the emigrant and those concerned with the "topography" of the state, by Miles C. Eggleston, James Noble, and John Test, eminent men of the Whitewater Valley. These testimonials, with others, were appended to the published volume. It sold for twenty-five cents a copy or a dozen for two dollars. It would be interesting to know how many subscriptions Scott received for his book and how many copies were printed. Several survive today. Isaiah Osborn, of Economy, Indiana, son of the Reverend Charles Osborn, abolitionist, helped set the type. A more detailed discussion of this little book will be given below. Another item from Scott's Centerville press, a volume by Richard L. Leeson, has the intriguing title, A School Book for Militia, in Which Tackticks Are Explained by the Shape of Hitman Feet, with Notes and Explanation (Centreville, la. Printed by John Scott, for the author, 1826). A copy of this is in the Indiana State Library. Leeson, a Wayne County citizen, stated in his introduction, "The sages of North America 12 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY agree that the militia are the bulwark of our republic, and that they should be taught in all the arts of war. Therefore I have laid down a number of plates, in the shape of human feet, and have selected the most suitable words of command, with notes of explanation, for the advantage of the officer; to improve his mind and increase the spirit of republicanism. ..." Mary Alden Walker in The Beginnings of Printing in . . . Indiana lists another book that may have been published by Scott in Centerville. This is "Introduction to politics for the use of the schools" [1828?]. No copy of this was located by Miss Walker, nor has any turned up since, to the author's knowledge. Miss Walker's source for this is "The Copyright Record for the District of Indiana," volume 1, October 7, 1822, to March 26, 1841, which is in manuscript form in the Library of Congress. In it the "Introduction to politics" is listed as having been copyrighted by John Scott in Indiana in 1828. It may or may not have been published. In December, 1828, Scott visited Indianapolis while the state legislature was in session. "The object of my visit," he wrote to a friend back in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, "was to get subscribers to a large Map of the State, which I am now pub- lishing. ... I had several counties examined, and corrected by the Members who represented them. ... I obtained 73 sub- scribers, and assurance that the legislature will authorize some person to subscribe for 70 for the use of the State. I have a prospect of doing well with it. I have obtained a Copy Right." All was not to go smoothly with this map, as will be seen. While in Indianapolis Scott met and talked with the Indian agent John Tipton. The agency headquarters had just been transferred from Fort Wayne to the recently platted town of Logansport on the Wabash at the mouth of Eel River. Tipton and Scott made "arrangements" for the latter to begin publish- ing a weekly paper in the new town. Doubtless Tipton backed Scott financially. Early in January, 1829, Scott left the Whitewater Valley to inspect his new home located amid the Miami and Pota- INTRODUCTION 13 watomi villages. He and his family of four sons and one daughter (James B., Presley, John H., Newton G., and Eliza) moved into their still unfinished log home early in the summer. The first task of the father and the older sons was to clear away the heavy underbrush that covered the site chosen for the printing office and shop. It was built on lot 24 of the original plat of Logansport, on the south side of Market Street. The building was finished about the first of August. Scott called his Logansport paper the Potawattimie & Miami Times. The first number probably appeared on August 15, 1829; the earliest examined by the author was volume 1, number 7, October 10, 1829. The paper sang the praise of the new town and its environs, and denied the country was un- healthy. It went "whole hog" for internal improvements. This was the first journalistic enterprise in northern Indiana and it met with discouraging difficulties. The paper supply ran short. The arrivals of the mail were irregular; sometimes weeks passed without the post rider making an appearance. Consequently the paper came out irregularly, and often the news it contained was old. The first volume was not completed until August 24, 1831, when the fifty-second number finally appeared. Scott must have worked around the clock getting out his paper. He had only the help of his two older sons, and as sole proprietor he acted as editor, reporter, copy writer, typesetter, advertising salesman, bookkeeper, and circulation manager. With the beginning of the second volume Scott changed the name of his paper to the Cass County Times, "Devoted to News, Politics, Internal Improvements, Literature, Morality & Amusements. Justice and Truth our Guide — The Public Good Our Aim — Willing to Praise, When Praise is Due, but Not Afraid to Blame." Its lofty aims did not save it. Its financial condition became increasingly precarious. Publishing in the wilderness was a tough job. In December, 1831, Scott wrote to Tipton, "Let me know what I had better do about the type and paper — I can get no money — not even to get provi- 14 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY sions — I am almost di scour aged.' ' In February, 1832, Joseph Hall became co-publisher; in August the paper carried the names of Scott and P. J. Van Derveer. In November Scott was carrying on alone. In July, 1833, he sold the paper to his son James and William J. Burns, and in September the name of the sheet was again changed, this time to The Logansport Republican and Indiana Herald. It ceased publication entirely at the end of 1833. On January 2, 1834, Stanislaus Lasselle began publishing the Logansport Canal Telegraph. So ended John Scott's last journalistic undertaking. It was noted above that in December, 1828, Scott was pre- paring to publish a new map of Indiana. He advertised it in the early issues of the Potawattimie & Miami Times, saying that it would be ready in December, 1829. Scott did not meet this deadline. In February he announced in his paper that the project was not abandoned and that Thomas J. Evans, Logans- port lawyer and later state legislator and judge of Iowa Ter- ritory, was joining in its publication. In July this partnership was dissolved. Finally on May 11, 1831, the Pottawattimie & Miami Times advertised as just published by Scott and Lodwick the long-awaited map. Lodwick has not been identified. The Library of Congress has a copy of this map which measures 35 1/2 by 25 1/2 inches. Besides county seats and other towns, county lines, Indian boundary lines, township and range lines, the map carries a description of the form of government in the state and a "statistical table" by counties. It was engraved by William Woodruff of Cincinnati, as was the 1826 map. This was Scott's last publication venture as far as can be determined. What he did for a livelihood after selling his paper has not been determined. He may have continued with the local paper in some capacity, perhaps as editor or typesetter. He had been active in community affairs wherever he had lived and usually held some public office. While in Brookville he served as a Franklin County commissioner. He was an INTRODUCTION 15 associate judge in Wayne County from 1823 until he moved to Cass County in 1829. He was appointed for a year's term as commissioner of the Wabash and Erie Canal on February 19, 1833, and served as first probate judge in Cass County. For several years he was chairman of the board of trustees of the town of Logansport. In 1825 he announced that he was a candidate for the office of state auditor. At that time this office was filled by election by the General Assembly, and Scott failed to win the votes he needed for election. In 1832 at the request of "many voters" he announced as a candidate for the legislature from Cass and Carroll counties. Running as a Jacksonian he was defeated by Walter Wilson who had served in the Indiana territorial assembly. Scott and his wife were devout Methodists and occasionally he exhorted from the pulpit. They w r ere among the first of the denomination in Brookville and were members of the first class out of which the Methodist church in Cass County has grown. Scott died July 15, 1838, at Logansport. He was only about forty-five. He had lived the hardy life of a frontier settler, and at the same time carried on a very time-consuming job. Cass County probate records show that he left "no money or effects of any kind." There are reports that he took his own life by hanging, but these have not been confirmed. The obituary notices in the Logansport papers say nothing of this. From the vantage point of the present day, Scott's contri- bution to Indiana's history appears significant. Besides his important Gazetteer and maps and the other books from his press, there are the pages of the papers with which he was associated. In an issue of the Potawattimie & Miami Times Scott wrote, "Many people take newspapers but few preserve them yet the most interesting reading imaginable is a file of old newspapers. It brings up the very age, with all its bustle and every day affairs and marks its genius and its spirit more than the most labored description of the historian. . . ." Scott kept in mind the historical value he placed on newspapers 16 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY while he was editing his own. His news articles and editorial comment are outstanding. The great regret today is that the files of the papers with which he was associated are so broken and meager. Scott also felt that it was important for a com- munity to have good reading matter, and strove within his limited resources, through his press and papers, to supply it. He undertook through his Vision of Columbus and his Pil- grim's Progress to "improve" his fellow citizens. James B. Scott carried on his father's journalistic interest. He left Logansport for Delphi, Indiana, in 1850. He purchased the Delphi Herald, changed its name to the Journal, and published the paper successfully for many years. He died in 1899. Turning to the Scott Gazetteer, one is immediately struck by what may be called its quaint charm, the "old-fashioned" dignity and felicity of its style. The air of optimism which permeates Scott's descriptions of features of his adopted state is typical of the gazetteers and guides of the day. But under- neath he has left a solid core of good history. An examination of this little volume makes one realize what a very difficult task confronted the author. He had to gather most of his information about the state first hand, either by personal interview or by correspondence, and at a time when travel was, to say the least, a fatiguing chore and the mails were slow and irregular. As he says in the Preface, he used material which he had collected while he was pre- paring the map which he published shortly before the Gazetteer. The state was changing constantly. Population was increas- ing ; new towns were being platted and new counties formed ; new roads were being marked; canals were being projected. Scott made some errors and left some omissions which stand out sharply in the retrospect of the present-day reader. But considering the task he set for himself, they are remarkably few. The reader today is rather more amazed at the ma- terial that he assembled, wrote, and printed than at the errors that were made. It is not the intention to point out in detail here mistakes in INTRODUCTION 17 the Gazetteer. However, the reader should be reminded to consider when the book was compiled and the inevitable limi- tations under which the author worked. The reader will note errors in locating places : Bono is in Lawrence County, not Orange; Clinton in Vermillion County, not Parke. Mont- gomery County, not Crawford, bounds Hendricks County on the west. Misspellings also occur: Pottersville, county seat of Dubois, should read Portersville which was the seat of justice until 1830. Miriam, in Sullivan County, should be Merom. New Albany, not Greenville, was the county seat of Floyd, and Petersburg, not Colombia, was the seat of Pike County. Cov- ington was selected as the seat of justice of Fountain County in July, 1826, a bit of information that had not yet reached Scott. Mount Vernon was chosen the seat of justice of Posey County in 1825, replacing Springfield. The Delaware County described by Scott is "Old Delaware" which included most of the New Purchase east of the second principal meridian. The "Unsettled Lands" comprise, roughly, present Brown County, organized in 1836. Some of the towns that Scott describes as flourishing or as having the brightest prospects, such as Birmingham in Tippecanoe County, have long since disappeared. Some have changed their names. The omission of Clarksville was undoubtedly an oversight. The founding of the French posts of Ouiatanon and Vincennes goes back beyond the dates given by Scott; the former was established in 1717; the latter in the early 1730's. Some of Scott's statistics are wrong or misleading ; at times this is due to his own faulty arithmetic. A few times the reader is referred to a further treatment of an item in his Addenda, and on turning back to the supplement he fails to find any additional matter on this particular subject. Such instances point up the difficulties under which Scott, a careful man, was working. In his discussion under "Theakiki, or Illinois River" Scott probably strays farthest from his field. The river he describes is the Illinois, only the eastern branch of which, the Kankakee, 18 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY touches Indiana. The trip described by Patrick Kennedy and cited by Scott under this heading went up the Illinois from its mouth to the point at which it forks into the Kankakee and Des Plaines — all of which lies in the state of Illinois. The inclusion of this as part of Indiana indicates the very hazy general knowledge and meagerness of information about northwestern Indiana. Scott's 1826 map points this up sharply. The use of Kennedy's journal raises an interesting point. Where did John Scott obtain it ? In his Gazetteer he does not reproduce the journal word for word, but gives his reader a selective paraphrasing done in a neat fashion for his purpose. The journal, which records an expedition from Kaskaskia up the Illinois in 1773, in search of some copper mines reported to be in the Upper Illinois country, was published as an Appendix to Thomas Hutchins, A Topographical Description of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina, Comprehending the Rivers Ohio, Kenhawa, Sioto, Cherokee, Wabash, Illinois, Missisippi, &c. . . . (London, 1778). The entire Hutchins volume was reprinted in Gilbert Imlay, A Topographical De- scription of the Western Territory of North America ... (3d ed. London, 1797). The Kennedy journal was also included in William Waring, Poor Will's Almanack for the Year of Our Lord, 1788 (Philadelphia [1787]). It would be interesting to know if Scott had one of these now rare volumes in his own library or if he borrowed it from a neighbor. It is possible that an earlier gazetteer or other volume on the western country had used Kennedy's journal and that Scott obtained his ma- terial from it. But such a volume has not come to the writer's attention. Mention was made above of John Kilbourn's Ohio volume, The Ohio Gazetteer or Topographical Dictionary ; Containing a Description of the Several Counties, Towns, Villages, Settle- ments, Roads, Rivers, Lakes, Springs Mines, &c. in the State of Ohio. ... It was first published in 1816. The sixth edi- tion, the earliest examined by the author, was published in Columbus, Ohio, in 1819, and printed by [John] Bailhache & INTRODUCTION 19 [John] Scott of Chillicothe. (This John Scott, too, came from Pennsylvania. He had worked for Mathew Carey in Phila- delphia before coming to Ohio.) It is clear that the John Scott of Indiana had a copy of Kilbourn's volume in hand when he was composing his own. He acknowledges Kilbourn as one of his sources. The wording of the two titles and the make-up of the title pages are too similar for mere coincidence. The page sizes are nearly the same, though the text of the Indiana volume is set in a larger type face. The organization of the two volumes follows the same pattern. And it must be observed that the author of the Indiana volume lifted almost word for word some of the paragraphs in his Preface and introductory "General Description" from the Ohio volume. For the section on "Antiquities" the Indiana author quotes from the Ohio volume and cites his source. However, the body of the Indiana volume is Scott's own, and it is the valu- able part. Kilbourn, in turn, may have relied on an earlier work of another to guide him when he was preparing his volume. In 1830 Douglass & Maguire, publishers of the Indianapolis Indiana Journal, bought the copyright to Scott's 1826 map and Gazetteer, and in 1833 issued a "Second Edition" of the latter, "carefully revised, corrected and enlarged." They likewise issued a map separate from the Gazetteer. In the present reprinting of the Scott edition, effort has been made to reproduce the original as nearly as possible. The copy used, from the library of the Indiana Historical Society, has the original paper cover, and is in good condition. The type is still quite clear. There are few typographical errors; but the ones that Scott made have been retained in the reprint. Only in one or two instances was the print illegible or the paper worn so that the type was lost or obscured. In these in- stances bracketted letters have been used to fill in those missing or undecipherable. The writer wishes to acknowledge information on John Scott received from Clarence S. Brigham, director, American 20 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Antiquarian Society, Luther M. Feeger, associate editor, Richmond (Indiana) Palladium-Item, and Will Ball, of Logansport, Indiana. Gayle Thornbrough Editor THE INDIANA GAZETTEER, OR TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL COUNTIES, t SETTLEMENTS, % RIVERS, TOWNS, t ROADS, t CREEKS, VILLAGES, t LAKES, J SPRINGS, &c. IN THE STATE OF INDIANA, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED BY JOHN SCOTT. CENTREVILLE: PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY JOHN SCOTT & WM. M. DOUGHTY. John Scott, Printer. 1826. United States of America,) ' c * District of Indiana, ( c ' BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the fifteenth day of June, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, and the fiftieth year of the Independence of the United States of America, John Scott deposited in this office the title of a book the right whereof he claims as author and proprietor, in the words and figures following, to wit : "The Indiana Gazetteer, or Topographical Dictionary; containing a description of the Counties, Towns, Villages, Settlements, Roads, Lakes, Rivers, Creeks, Springs, &c. in the State of Indiana, alphabetically arranged. By John Scott." In con- formity to an act of Congress of the United States, entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors during the time therein mentioned," and also an act entitled, "An act supplementary to an act entitled an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books to the authors and proprietors thereof, during the times therein mentioned, and to extend the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical and other prints." H. HURST, Clerk [seal.] Indiana District. (22) PREFACE. AS it is usual to preface works of every description, with something explanatory of their object and design, it may not be improper to preface the present work with an explication of the motives and designs of its author. In doing this it is not his intention to spend time in pointing out the utility of this, and similar productions, as it is deemed superfluous, because their advantages are well known and appreciated by the public. Publications of a similar character have been patronized by the citizens of New- York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and most of the states in the Union ; by which the citizens of each have been enabled to obtain a correct knowledge of the natural advantages, and the acquired resources of their respective states. Indiana, although young, comparatively speaking, is not surpassed, in point of natural advantages, by many of the older states; she is rapidly advancing in the great work of internal improvement, in literature, the arts and sciences ; and is destined to an important post in the ranks of the Republic. To facilitate her march, and to give, not only to her own citizens, but to those of the neighboring states, and emigrants generally, some idea of her Soil, Climate, Population, and advantages of various kinds, are the primary objects of this work. [4] Several attempts have been made, by different gentlemen, to present the people of this state, with a work of this de- scription; but, until now, nothing of the kind has appeared. The author, believing that some concise and correct topo- graphical sketches of the state would be of advantage to emigrants, and having been frequently solicited by a number of respectable gentlemen, he was induced to undertake the publication. It is now presented to the public, who may deter- mine how far justice has been done to the subject. It cannot, however, be expected that errors have been avoided in every case : the state is large, and the internal changes and improve- ments are extensive and multifarious; and such is the rapid growth of this state, that descriptions of towns, which are (23) 24 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY correct one year, are far different the next; still, however, the following pages will be found, generally, substantially correct. The sources from whence the materials of the following work were drawn, are, 1st. Personal observation and research of the author, during the last ten years, a part of which time he was engaged in the publication of a Map of this State, (which is now before the public,) and to which he is indebted for the most important part of this work. 2d. Gen. Hannah Plat of the Indianapolis Land District; and a similar Plat of the Fort Wayne [5] Land District, furnished by Joseph Holman, Esq. receiver of public moneys in said district; from Cramer's Navigator, and Kilbourn's Gazetteer. And 3d. Written communications from the following Counties : Fayette, Ripley, Decatur, Dearborn, Switzerland, Jefferson, Monroe, Warrick, Jackson, Greene, Clark, Bartholomew, Hendricks, Vanderburgh, Putnam, Mar- tin, Marion, Sullivan, Scott, Floyd, Orange, Gibson, Parke, Washington, Shelby, Owen, Posey, Perry, Jennings, Tippe- canoe and Knox; and verbal information from intelligent gentlemen in different parts of the state. The reader will observe that the longitudes of places are given for the meridian of Washington City, which is computed at 77 degrees West from London, so that by adding 77 degrees to the given longitudes, we have the distance from the latter place. The estimation of the number of inhabitants in the several counties, has been made from the official returns of the voters in 1825, by multiplying those numbers by five; which, however, is deemed, by some, too small a ratio. JOHN SCOTT. Centreville, July, 1826. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF INDIANA. NAME. The name of the State of Indiana is derived from the Territory out of which it was formed ; and, probably, from the Abor- igines of the country. BOUNDARIES. The state of Indiana is bounded on the North by Michigan and North- western Territories; East by the state of O hio; South by the Ohio river, and on the West by the state of Illinois. SITUATION & EXTENT. It is situated between 38 degrees apd 20 minutes, and 42 degrees of North latiiude; and between 7 de- grees-47 minutes, and 10 degrees 42 minutes Of longitude West from Washington City; or between 84 degrees 47 rririutes, and 87 de- grees 42 minutes of longitude West from Lon- don. It is 150 miles in extent fr6m East to West, 282 from North to South on the Wes- tern, and but 196 on the Eastern boundary; the Ohio river cuts off so much of its South- eastern quarter, that the state contains an area of but about 190 miles square, which is equal to 36,000 square miles, or 21.040,00P acres, -.„ '** GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF INDIANA. NAME. The name of the State of Indiana is derived from the Territory out of which it was formed; and, probably, from the Aborigines of the country. BOUNDARIES. The state of Indiana is bounded on the North by Michigan and Northwestern Territories ; East by the state of Ohio; South by the Ohio river, and on the West by the state of Illinois. SITUATION & EXTENT. It is situated between 38 degrees and 20 minutes, and 42 degrees of North latitude; and between 7 degrees 47 minutes, and 10 degrees 42 minutes of longitude West from Washington City ; or between 84 degrees 47 minutes, and 87 degrees 42 minutes of longitude West from London. It is 150 miles in extent from East to West, 282 from North to South on the Western, and but 196 on the Eastern boundary; the Ohio river cuts off so much of its South-eastern quarter, that the state contains an area of but about 190 miles square, which is equal to 36,000 square miles, or 21,040,000 acres. [8] DIVISIONS. 1st. Civil Divisions. For civil purposes the state is divided into the fifty-six following counties, to wit : Allen, Henry, Putnam, Bartholomew, Jackson, Randolph, Clark, Jefferson, Ripley, Crawford, Jennings, Rush, Clay, Johnson, Scott, Davies, Knox, Shelby, (27) 28 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dearborn, Lawrence, Spencer, Decatur, Marion, Sullivan, Dubois, Madison, Switzerland, Delaware,* Martin, Tippecanoe,f Fayette, Monroe, Union, Floyd, Montgomery, Vanderburgh, Franklin, Morgan, Vermillion, Fountain,! Orange, Vigo, Gibson, Owen, Warrick, Greene, Parke, Washington, Hamilton, Perry, Wayne, Hendricks, Pike, Wabash.* Harrison, Posey, The counties marked thus (*) are not organized, but are attached to the adjacent counties, each of which have concurrent jurisdiction. Those marked thus (t) were formed by the legislature in 1826. 2c?. Political Divisions. For judicial purposes the several counties are arranged into five Circuits, as follow: FIRST CIRCUIT. Orange, Sullivan, Fountain, Greene, Martin, Vigo, Montgomery Owen, Davies, Knox, Parke, Putnam, Vermillion. The county of Tippecanoe is attached to Montgomery, for judicial purposes, until otherwise provided by law. [9] SECOND CIRCUIT. Scott, Monroe, Floyd, Allen, Fayette, Switzerland. Jefferson, Lawrence, Clark. Jennings, Washington, THIRD CIRCUIT. Randolph, Franklin, Wayne, Dearborn, Jackson, Harrison, Union, Ripley, INDIANA GAZETTEER 2 'J FOURTH CIRCUIT. Dubois, Warrick, Crawford. Pike, Gibson, Vanderburg, Spencer, FIFTH CIRCUIT. Posey, Perry, Morgan, Decatur, Marion Johnson, Shelby, Rush, Henry, Hamilton, Hendricks. Bartholomew Madison, For the purpose of a due representation of the people, in the Senatorial and Popular branches of the state legislature, the several counties, and their several amounts of representa- tion, are apportioned as follow : Counties. Senators. Counties. Senators Posey Gibson, Vanderburgh, 1 Pike, 1 Warrick, Dubois, Knox, Monroe, Davies, 1 Owen, 1 Martin, Greene, Vigo, Parke, Sullivan, 1 Putnam, Clay, Montgomery, 1 Spencer, Fountain, > J. Perry, 1 Vermillion, & Crawford, country north [10] Scott, Washington, 1 Bartholomew, 1 Clark, 1 Jackson, Floyd, ' Switzerland, 1 Jefferson, ■ 1 Ripley, Jennings, Fayette, : i Wayne, 1 Union, ' 30 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Decatur, Rush, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan Dearborn , i 1 Henry, Randolph, Allen, Marion, Franklin, 1 Hendricks, Harrison, 1 Hamilton Orange, Lawrence, i ■ Madison, All the coun try North, 1 The whole number of Senators is 21. REPRESENTATIVES. Counties. Representatives >. Counties. Representatives Wayne, Dearborn, Clark, 4 4 3 Knox, Fayette,* Union, 2 Washington, Harrison, 3 3 Rush, Decatur, Franklin, Switzerland, Jefferson, 2 2 2 Ripley, Jennings, Marion, Orange, 2 Jackson, * Fayette and Union have an additional representative, to be elected each year alternately. [ii] Counties. Representatives. Counties. Scott, Floyd, Crawford, 1 Vigo, 1 Parke, ) 1 Vermillion, \ Lawrence, Monroe, 1 Montgomery, 1 Fountain, and Gibson, 1 Country north INDIANA GAZETTEER 31 Posey, 1 Morgan, Sullivan, 1 Hendricks, and Vanderburgh, Warrick, 1 Country north, i Shelby, Spencer, 1 Johnson, Perry, ' Randolph, Pike, ] 1 Allen, and the Dubois, ' Country north, Davies, , Martin, 1 Henry, Madison, Greene, , Owen, ' 1 Hamilton, Bartholomew, Putnam, . And the Clay, country East of Monroe The whole number of representatives is 57. The foregoing apportionment of representation was made by the Legislature in January, 1826, and will continue five years ; when another enumeration will take place, upon which to base the next apportionment. The county of Tippecanoe was not formed until after the ratio of representation had been [12] fixed, and is now attached to the district composed of Mont- gomery and Fountain. For the election of representatives to Congress, the state is divided into three districts, which arrangement is to continue until 1830; and is as follows: 1st District. Orange, Perry, Spencer, Warrick, Vander- burgh, Posey, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Knox, Davies, Martin, Sullivan, Vigo, Parke, Monroe, Lawrence, Wabash, Greene, Owen, Morgan, Putnam, Vermillion, Hendricks and Mont- gomery. 2d. Jefferson, Clark, Jackson, Washington, Harrison, 32 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Crawford, Floyd, Scott, Bartholomew, Jennings, Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Shelby, Madison and Delaware. 3d. Henry, Rush, Decatur, Randolph, Wayne, Franklin, Fayette, Dearborn, Union, Switzerland, Ripley and Allen. Each district is entitled to one representative, to be elected biennially. The state is also divided into five Medical Districts ; in each of which a board of Censors are annually appointed from among the practising physicians living within the district, for which they are appointed. These Censors examine and license all Physicians who practice in the state. The districts are com- posed of the several counties, as follow : [13] The first district is composed of the counties comprised in the first Judicial Circuit; the second, third, fourth, and fifth in like manner. The State Medical Society is composed of delegates from each of the district societies, which elects at least one, and not exceeding five; these delegates are elected for the term of three years : they are divided into three classes ; the seats of the first class to be vacated at the expiration of the first year ; of the second at the expiration of the second year, and the third in like manner; so that one third may be chosen annually by the district societies respectively. The society, when so or- ganized, has power to choose its own officers, to form new districts, to establish a uniform system of study, to form a constitution and bye-laws, to expel members, and levy a tax, if necessary. PRINCIPAL TOWNS. Among the chief towns are In- dianapolis, Vincennes, New-Albany, Salem, Madison, Law- renceburgh, and Richmond. Besides these there are numerous others which are rapidly increasing; among which are Charles- town, Jeffersonville, Bloomington, Brookville, Connersville, Centreville and Fort Wayne, for a more particular description of each, see the proper heads. INDIANA GAZETTEER 33 POPULATION. In 1820 Indiana contained 149,000 in- habitants, of which 1230 were blacks, but all free. By a census taken in [14] 1825, under the state authority, as a data for apportioning the state representation, it appears that the total number of quali- fied voters was 37,000; and allowing these to compose one fifth of the whole, the actual population of the state, in 1825, was 185,000; however, it was computed, by competent judges, at the commencement of the present year, at about 250,000; making the increase in five years 100,000. RELIGION. In religious opinions, the people are much divided; but the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist are the prevailing denominations. In the south-western part of the state there are some Shakers ; and in Randolph, Wayne, Union, Washington, Henry, Orange and Hendricks counties there are large and respectable societies of Friends, or Quakers. There are a few of almost every denomination, and some of none at all. CHARACTER & MANNERS. The general character and manners of the people, are as various as their religious senti- ments ; which is owing, principally, to the circumstance of their having recently emigrated from different sections of the Union. It may not be improper, however, to remark, that the inhabitants are affable, generous, and hospitable. The distinctions in rank, &c. which are observed in the Atlantic and Southern States, are not known here ; the people are on an e- [15] quality; for which they are much indebted to the wise policy of the general government, in the sale of the public lands. These lands are divided into small tracts, and offered at moder- ate prices, which enables the poor to possess them. Hence, the rich, who are disposed to tyrannize over the poor, are prevented from monopolizing the wealth of the country; and the evils, 34 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY which necessarily grow out of such monopolies, are not to be found. LITERATURE. This, like other new settled states has not made great advances in literature. Charters, however, for several Seminaries have been granted by the legislature ; some of which are in a flourishing condition. These Seminaries are located in the following counties : Clark, Union, Knox, Monroe, Gibson, and Orange; and the Cambridge Academy in Dearborn county. Common schools are also encouraged, in a greater or less degree, throughout the state. TRADE AND MANUFACTURES. Considerable quantities of Cotton Yarn and Cloth, and some Woollen Goods are beginning to be made at the several Factories ; and manufactures, of a domestic kind, are made, in great abundance, throughout the state. Of trade, horses, cattle, swine, whiskey, flour, sugar, &c. compose the principal domestic articles of exchange for foreign commodities. — [16] These articles are taken, in great abundance, every year, to the Southern and Eastern markets. As yet, but little is taken to the North, but in a few years, when the communication is opened between the Wabash river and lake Erie, we may calculate that large quantities will pass in that way, at least, Farmers and others will have an opportunity of passing with ease, either to the North, the South, the East, or the West, as the different markets may invite. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The legislative authority is vested in a Senate and House of Representatives; both of which, collectively, are styled the General Assembly of Indiana. The members of both branches are elected by counties, or districts composed of counties, ac- cording to population; which may seen by a reference to the table of apportionment in pages 9, 10 and 11. The representa- INDIANA GAZETTEER 35 tives are chosen for one year : and for eligibility a man must be, at least, 21 years of age, have resided in the state one year, and paid a tax. The whole number of representatives must never exceed 100, nor be less than 36; the present number is 78. The Senate is composed of members elected for 3 years, who must not exceed one half, nor fall short of one third of the number in the house of representatives. A senator must be, at least 25 years of age, and have resided two years [17] in the state, one of which within the county, or district, in which he may be elected, if the county or district may have been so long erected; but if not, within the territory from which it may have been taken. The General Assembly has the sole power of enacting all the state laws, but no act can take effect unless approved by the Governor. The Judiciary system comprises four several grades of courts, to wit : the Supreme, the Circuit, the Probate, and the Justices' courts. The Justices of the Peace are chosen for five years, by the people, in each township respectively. They are conservators of the peace throughout the county; and hold six courts a year, at the seat of justice, for the purpose of transact- ing county business. The state is divided into five circuits, in each of which there is a Presiding Judge. The President Judges are elected for seven years, by a joint ballot of both branches of the Gen- eral Assembly. In each county in the circuit, there are also two Associate Judges, who are chosen by the people for 7 years. These courts are held twice a year, in each county. The Supreme court consists of three Judges who hold a court twice a year, at the seat of government. They are like- wise chosen by the legislature, for seven years. The supreme executive authority of this state is vested in a governor, who is chosen 36 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY [18] triennially by the people. For eligibility he must be 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States ten years, and of the state five years. He may be eligible to office 6 years out of 9; is commander in chief of the militia, commissions all officers in the state, civil and military, has power to remit fines and forfeitures, and to grant reprieves and pardons, except in cases of impeachments. A lieutenant governor is chosen by the people at every election for governor, who holds his office for three years, is president of the senate, and fills the place of governor when vacancies occur. The secretary, treasurer and auditor of state are elected for 3 years by the legislature. The Clerks of the circuit courts are chosen by the people, of the respective counties in the circuit, and serve 7 years. Re- corders are elected in like manner, and hold their offices the same length of time. Sheriffs and Coroners are chosen by the people biennially. The governor's salary is $1000 per annum; Supreme and Circuit Judge's $700 each; Associate Judge's $2 per day; and the secretary's, treasurer's and auditor's of state $400. SETTLEMENT. The first settlements, in this section of country, was made by a few French emigrants, at Post Vincent, now Vincennes, in 1775. "When the French first visited this country, it was settled by various [19] tribes of Indians, who, being divided among themselves, by party annimosities, were unable, if they were willing, to oppose the settlement of the new comers. The principal tribes were the Kickapoos, the Painkeshaws, the Mosquitos, and Ouitanous, whose warriors amounted to upwards of 2000. It is said that the country lying between the Mississippi and the Wabash, being claimed by the Indians on both these rivers, it was mutual- INDIANA GAZETTEER 37 ly agreed that it should become the prize of the victors in a pitched battle. The ground on which Fort Harrison now stands, (in Sullivan county,) was chosen as the theatre of the combat: upwards of 1000 warriors entered the lists on each side. They fought from the rising to the setting sun — when the indians of the Wabash were declared conquerors, having 7 surviving, while the warriors of the Mississippi were reduced to 5. The bodies of the slain were collected and interred in the neighboring mounds. Such is the traditionary account of the engagement, which resulted in the destruction of many human beings." In 1816 this state was admitted into the Federal Government as an independent state. RIVERS. The principal rivers are the Maumee, St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, St. Joseph's, (of the Lake,) Eel, Tippe- canoe, Plein, Calamet, Theakiki, Kankakee, Wabash, Sala- mania, and Mississinaway, of the North; White [20] water, Driftwood, Patoka, Vermillion, Ohio, Blue and White rivers, of the South. For a particular description of each, see the articles respectively. CANALS. Although Indiana cannot boast with Ohio and New York, of having effected much in improvements of this description ; yet her enterprising citizens appear to have caught the spirit, and are resolved to engage in the great work of internal improvement. The legislature, at their last session, incorporated the White-water canal company, with a capital stock of 40,000 shares, of 25 dollars each; and the general government appears willing to afford its aid in effecting [t]his desirable object. The best information respecting the several proposed canal routes, will be found in the following letter from Gen. Bernard, chief of the United States Engineer Department, to Mr. Shriver, dated : "Washington, May 24th, 1826 SIR; — We are ordered by the Engineer Department, to 38 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY forward to you the following instructions relative to the sur- veys of Canals to be performed, under your direction, in the State of Indiana. A resolution of the Senate under date of January 10 1826, and two communications to the Hon. the Secretary at War, specify the surveys which are to be executed : copies of those documents are herewith annexed. [21] You will have not only to perform the survey but also, to make the plans and estimates of the Canals : two copies must be made, one for the President of the United States, one for the Governor of the State of Indiana. Both must be forwarded to the Engineer Department. The object contemplated by the resolution of the Senate, are comprehended in the following items : 1st. To ascertain the practicability of uniting, by a canal, the waters of Lake Michigan with the Wabash river. Two routes must be examined and reported. The first would ascend the valley of St. Joseph river, (of the lake,) to leave it at a con- venient point near to the Kankakee river ; then it would cross to this stream, to descend its valley down to the mouth of Yellow river, thence up the same to a point from which a cross canal could be run to Tippecanoe river. From thence the rout descends this stream, and then the Wabash to the head of steam boat navigation. The other rout would ascend the valley of St. Joseph, (of the lake,) up to one of its head branches, from thence to the fork formed by St. Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers, then from that point through the valley of Little river to the Wabash, as far down as the head of steam boat navigation. When in the vicinity of Kankakee pond, enquiries ought to be made as to the practicability of connecting, in that [22] direction, the waters of lake Michigan with the Tippecanoe and Wabash. INDIANA GAZETTEER 39 2d. To ascertain the practicability of uniting, by a canal, the Wabash with White river. Two routes must be examined to that effect : one through the valley of Mississinewa river, the other through the valley of Pouceanpicheax river, both tribu- taries of the Wabash. The canal, by either route, having entered White river should then descend its valley down to the head of steam boat navigation. — When on the summit ground between the Mississinnewa and the head branches of White river, it is desirable that enquiries should be made with a view to ascertain whether a route of a canal might be practicable in a northeast direction from the sources of White river, inter- secting successively the upper branches of the Mississinewa, Salamania, and Wabash rivers. 3d. To ascertain the practicability of uniting, by canals, the waters of the rivers St. Mary's, St. Joseph and the Wabash, with the Ohio river through the valley of White water. — To fulfil these several objects, a route of a canal must be sur- veyed from the Mississinewa to the sources of the White- waters ; a second from St. Mary's river, crossing in succession the Wabash, Salamania and Mississinewa rivers. Both routes should descend afterwards the valley of White-water as far down as the head of steam boat navigation. [23] 4th. To ascertain the practicability of a canal, having for its object, to turn the Falls of the Ohio, near Jef fersonville ; the canal running on the Indiana side of the Ohio river. A careful and minute survey of this canal route must be performed next fall : The instructions of the Engineer Department are positive on this point." The Engineers commenced their examinations on the White-water route on the 8th of July, 1826. FACE OF THE COUNTRY, SOIL & PRODUCTIONS. The interior, and the Northern parts of the state, generally, are level, and in some places marshy. A considerable portion 40 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY of the Southern section, bordering on the Ohio river, is very hilly and broken. The hills, however, differ much from those of the Eastern and Southern states ; they are fertile, and not so large as properly to be termed mountains, the greater part of which may be cultivated with ease. The lands between the Wabash and White rivers, and in the New Purchase generally, are not surpassed by any in the western country. Extensive Prairies are found on most of the rivers, particularly on the Wabash and Tippecanoe. The Grand Prairie, perhaps, the largest in the western country, commences a short distance north of the Wabash, near the source of Eel river, and [24] extends, in a south-western direction, into the state of Illinois. It is supposed to be about 300 miles in length, and 100 in breadth. There are many others to be found on Sugar creek, White, Blue, Mississinnewa and Salamania rivers, though far inferior, in point of size, to the Grand Prairie. On these prairies no timber grows, excepting a few scattering trees; sometimes, however, they are found in groves. Many of these prairies are high and dry, and others low and marshy; they are fertile and yield an abundance of grass, from two to three feet in height. Some of this grass is of a good quality, and is cut by the inhabitants for hay. Among the forest trees are oak of various kinds, hickory, maple of different species, poplar, beach, birch, sycamore, hackberry, cottonwood, ash of several kinds, cherry, spice, pawpaw, buckeye, and various other kinds, whose beautiful foliage and flowers, present a delightful prospect. No soil produces a greater abundance than that of Indiana; from 80 to 100 bushels of corn have been raised, in a year, on a single acre of ground. The animals of the forest are similar to those of Ohio and the other western states. Of mines which have been discovered, Indiana, may boast with any of the states: copper, iron, coal, &c. are found on the Wabash and Tippecanoe. INDIANA GAZETTEER 41 A large body of Zinc has been discovered near the mouth of sugar creek, in Johnson county. — [25] Saltpetre has been found near Corydon, in Harrison county : when this cave was first discovered, several hogsheads of this mineral were taken in its pure state, without the labor of puri- fying it ; that which is now taken, however, requires some labor. Salt springs have been also found in different parts of the state, and have been wrought, though not extensively, on Salt creek, in Franklin county, and at several other places. CLIMATE. The summers are generally warm, and pretty regular : the winters mild, and all the seasons healthy. In some parts fever and ague frequently prevail, but this is owing more to the manner of living, than to the climate. The climate, in general, may be ranked among the healthiest in the world. ANTIQUITIES. In this state, as well as in Ohio, and the western country generally, Mounds and Forts of earth, are found in great numbers. To give a description of all would far exceed the limits of this work ; and as there is a great similarity in their construction, wherever they are found; the following general description, from the Ohio Gazetteer, is thought suf- ficient on the subject : "The fortifications throughout the western country, gen- erally, consist of a circular wall composed of earth, and usually, as steep, on the sides, as the dirt could conveniently be made to lie. Sometimes, though rarely, their [26] form is eliptical or oval, and a few of them are square. Their height is almost infinitely various. Some of them are so low as to be scarcely perceived : some are from 20 to 30 feet in per- pendicular height; while others again are of an intermediate elevation. But the wall of the same fort, is pretty uniformly of the same height all around. They are likewise equally various in the contents of ground which they enclose; some 42 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY containing but a few perches of land ; others again, containing nearly 100 acres. The number of their entrances, or gate-ways, varies, in different forts, from one to eight or more, in propor- tion to the plan of construction, and magnitude of the enclosure. The walls are, mostly, single ; but in a few instances, the forts have been found consisting of two walls parallel, and adjacent to each other. As to their local situation, it may, perhaps, suffice to observe, that they are, generally, situated on a com- paratively elevated site of ground, adjoining a river or stream of water. Some, even among the most learned men have con- troverted the idea of their having been designed for forts; but a strong argument in favor of the idea is, that they seem, in a majority of instances, to have been constructed on such advantageous and commanding ground, as a skilful military engineer and tactician would have selected for military posi- tions ; still, numbers of them [27] seem to have been erected without any regard to the choice of situation, as it respects eligibility for offence or defence. "The mounds vary, in magnitude, vastly from each other, and somewhat so in shape ; some are of a conical figure, ending on the top in a point, and as steep on the sides as the earth could be made to lie : others are of the same form, except that they present a flat area on the top, like a cone cut off at some distance from its vertex, in a plane coincidence with its base, or with the horizon : others again are of a semi-globular shape. These Mounds are, pretty generally, supposed to have been cemeteries for the dead. One principal reason for this supposition, is the circumstances of human bones having been discovered in most of those which have been examined. "Various have been the conjectures of the learned concern- ing the time when, by what people, and even for what purpose, these stupendous monuments of human ingenuity were erected. Their origin is so deeply involved in the obscurity of remote INDIANA GAZETTEER 43 antiquity, without any light of history, or even authentic tradi- tion, to conduct our enquiries concerning them to the desired result, that no certainty upon the subject, will, probably, ever be attained." THE INDIANA GAZETTEER. — ^o^— ALL ABINGTON, a small post village situated on the west bank of the East fork of White-water, in Wayne county, 5 miles north of Brownsville, 8 south-west from Richmond, and 65 east of Indianapolis. It contains about 30 or 40 inhabitants, two inns, a blacksmith shop, a fulling mill and carding machine. ALLEN, a large county in the north-eastern corner of the state. It is bounded on the south by Delaware county, on the west and north by the Indian boundary line, and on the east by the state of Ohio. It is 24 by 30 miles in extent, containing about 720 square miles. The land is generally good, and of an excellent quality for farming. Its waters are the St. Mary's river, which passes in a north-western direction ; the St. Joseph's which bears a south-western course and intersects the St. Mary's at Fort Wayne, they then form the Maumee, or Miami of the lake, which runs a 30 AND north-east direction ; it also has Little river on the west which empties into the Wabash. There is not, perhaps, a better watered district of country west of the mountains, nor one which presents more advantages to the emigrant. This county was organized in 1823, and contained, in 1825, 150 voters; the number, at the present time, may be fairly estimated at 200, and allowing these to constitute one fifth of the whole, Allen county contains a population of 1000 inhabitants. The seat of justice Fort Wayne. (45) 46 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ALLENSVILLE, a small post town in Switzerland county. ANDERSONTOWN. The following description of this place is given by John Suman, esq. agent of Madison county : "Andersontown is situated on the south-east bank of White river, on a bluff of more than 76 feet above low water mark. The lots contain about one-third of an acre each, the streets are from 4 to 5 rods wide — each lot has the advantage of a street and an alley sixteen feet wide — every lot is laid off in the form of an oblong square, and presents to the eye a beautiful appearance. The site of this town was, but a few years ago, one of the most populous villages inhabited by the Delaware Indians — it contained more than 1000 inhabitants — it was the residence of Anderson the principal chief of that AND 31 nation, and was reduced to ashes by order of gen. Harrison at the time its founder was on his way to head-quarters for the purpose of avowing himself and nation firmly attached to the American cause. It was surrounded by Bucktown, Nanticoke, Greentown and other Indian villages of less importance. This statement is made in order to introduce the fact, that the natives in locating their towns, always select the most eligible situations, particularly such as are elevated, bordering on creeks or rivers, contiguous to living springs, and celebrated for health — All these advantages has the seat of justice of Madison county, and to these may be added the abundance of rural scenery that will ever command the attention of the connoisseur. But there are others necessary to be enumerated which are of primary importance — in the vicinity of the town there are several excellent mill seats both on the river and its tributary streams — the springs, which are as cold as the "icicle which hangs from Diana's temple," are common to all, and are so numerous and so convenient, that the purchaser of any lot can appropriate one exclusively to his own use. Adjacent to the town are quarries of stone that not only INDIANA GAZETTEER 47 resist the action of fire, but of a quality admirably calculated for the foundations of private buildings and for the erection of public edifices. 32 AND The surrounding country is remarkably fertile, and as well adapted to the growth of wheat, rye, corn, and other produc- tions of the soil as any within the state. White river is declared, by law, a navigable stream, and will, no doubt, ever remain so. — Boats of considerable tonnage have ascended and descended a considerable distance above this place ; and the time is not very distant when the commerce of White river will be regarded by our neighbors in the east and the west, as vieing with that of the Wabash and the Miami of the lake. From the public spirit evinced by the last legislative body of this state convened at Indianapolis, every assurance is afforded that the Wabash and White rivers will be connected by canals with the Miami of the lake. When this great work is completed, Andersontown will be enabled through the diversi- fied channels that will present themselves, to dispose of her surplus produce, either in the north or in the south, and from New- York and New-Orleans, she can obtain such commodities as may best suit her situation. No place has more road advantages than Andersontown. The state road from Winchester to Indianapolis, passes by it. The old road from Connersville and Centreville through New Castle, (the best in the New Purchase) passes through it. The county roads AUR 33 to Strawtown are excellent. The new state road from Indian- apolis through Noblesville to Fort Wayne passes within about eight miles, and the principal emigration to Crawfordsville and the Wabash north thereof, passes through Andersontown. Andersontown is 40 miles from Winchester, 20 from New Castle, 30 from Indianapolis, 8 from the falls of Fall Creek, 48 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 18 from Noblesville, by the state road from Andersontown to Crawfordsville, which latter place is 66 miles distant — Straw- town is about 16 miles west." At the time the foregoing article was written, Anderson- town was the seat of justice of Madison county; but at the last session of the Legislature, an act was passed, appointing com- missioners to re-locate the seat of justice of said county ; and, as yet, it is uncertain where they have located it. ANDERSON, a considerable stream which rises in the south-western part of Orange county, and after passing through Perry county, in a southern direction, empties into the Ohio river immediately below Troy. ATTICA, a small town, so called, in Fountain county, situated nearly opposite the mouth of Pine creek. AURORA, a post town in Dearborn county, situated on the bank of the Ohio river, four miles from Lawrenceburgh, in a beautiful bend of the river, which affords one of the best har- 34 BET bours for steam boats, for taking in wood, &c. It contains 60 or 70 dwelling houses, chiefly brick and frame, 200 inhabitants, 6 stores, 3 taverns, one lawyer, and mechanics of various pro- fessions. There are also a grist and saw mill, and an extensive distillery adjoining the town. B. BARTHOLOMEW, an interior county bounded on the south by Jackson county, on the east by Decatur, on the north by Johnson, and on the west by a district of unsettled land lying east of Monroe. It is 22 miles from north to south, and 24 from east to west, and contains 480 square miles. In 1825 it contained 2,700 inhabitants. The soil is generally rich and fertile. Flat Rock, Blue River and Driftwood are the principal streams. Columbus is the seat of justice. BEANBLOSSOM, a small creek, which takes its rise in INDIANA GAZETTEER 49 Monroe county, and runs in a northwestern direction, and empties into the west fork of White river, near the old Indian boundary line. BETHLEHEM, a small village, situated in the southern part of Wayne county, on the line between Union and Wayne counties, 5 miles north of Brownsville, 3 west of Abington, 6 south of Centreville, and 6 east of Waterloo. It contains 15 or 20 inhabitants. B I R 35 BETHLEHEM, a post town in Clark county. BIG BLUE, a valuable mill stream which takes its rise in Washington county, and passes, in a southern direction, through Harrison county, and empties into the Ohio river. BIG CREEK, an inconsiderable stream in Posey county, running south-westwardly into the Wabash river, 5 miles below the mouth of the Little Wabash. BLACKFORD, a small village in Posey county, situated near the south bank of Big creek, 6 miles from the Ohio river. BIRMINGHAM. The following description of this town is given by the proprietors, which may be viewed as substantially correct : "It is situate on a beautiful bluff, on the southeast side of the Wabash river, one mile above the mouth of Wild-cat- creek, and four below the mouth of Tippecanoe river. No town in the state of Indiana, can anticipate greater prospects, considering its local situation and natural advantages. Lying at the head of steam boat navigation, or as near that point as any eligible situation for a town can be had— no other pre- sents itself between that and the mouth of Tippecanoe; it lies nearly in a direct line from Detroit, via Fort Wayne to St. Louis, and nearly so, between the south end of lake Michigan and Indianapolis. There is no doubt but a great intercourse will soon be opened 36 B I R between those two places, and this will be the point of inter- section. The surrounding country is rapidly settling, having its 50 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY fertile lands watered by the Wea and Wild-cat on the south, the numerous branches of which afford many excellent seats for mills and other machinery. The Tippecanoe, coming from the north, will no doubt afford extensive settlements. "By referring to the report of a select committee of congress on that subject last winter, it will be observed that they consider the connecting of the Wabash with lake Erie by a canal, to be not only practical, but of great utility to the public. In as much as it will be nearer from the mouth of the Ohio river to New York by 600 miles, than the route by way of the Illinois River, and 150 miles nearer than by way of the proposed canal through the state of Ohio: they have recommended a grant of a strip of land to the state of Indiana of two miles in width, the whole length of the canal, on each side, to enable the state to raise a fund from the sale thereof ; which they think will be amply sufficient for its completion : the mouth of the Tippecanoe is now considered the head of steam boat navigation on the Wabash. When advantages like the foregoing shall be realized, (and that they will be, at no very distant day, there is no BLO 37 doubt,) this must become one of the most flourishing towns in the state of Indiana."* This town is situated in Tippecanoe county, near its North- ern boundary. BLOOMFIELD, the seat of justice of Greene county, is situated near the centre of said county, on the east bank of the west fork of White river, 35 miles east of Miriam, 18 south of Spencer, 25 south-west of Bloomington, 40 north- east of Vincennes, and 65 south west of Indianapolis. N. lat. 39 1, W. Ion. 9 38. It contains about 100 inhabitants, 2 stores, 1 tavern, 2 carpenters, 2 cabinet-makers, 1 physician, &c. It also has the advantage of pure air and good water. There are from 10 to 15 boats built at this place every year, which carry off large quantities of produce to New Orleans, and the INDIANA GAZETTEER 51 lower markets. BLOOMINGTON, the seat of justice of Monroe county, is situated on the south bank of Beanblossom creek, 34 miles west of Columbus, 24 south of Bedford, 16 south-east of Spencer, and 45 south-west of Indianapolis. * The reader will observe, that in giving the descriptions of new towns, where the information is obtained from the proprietors themselves, many things are inserted which might appear improper in a work of this descrip- tion ; but they are given for the purpose of showing, not only what towns now are, but what their future prospects, probably, may be ; which will not be unacceptable to the emigrant. 38 BOO N. lat. 39, 10, W. Ion. 9, 18. For a further description see Addenda. BLUE RIVER, a very handsome stream which takes its rise in Delaware county, passes nearly through the centre of Henry county, and continues its course in a south-western direction through Johnson county, and intersects Flat Rock at Columbus, the seat of justice of Bartholomew county; they then form what is called the Driftwood fork of White river. It is an excellent mill stream, and passes through as fertile a body of land as is to be found in what is termed the "New Purchase." BLUE CREEK. This is a small stream of Franklin county; it rises in the south-western corner of said county and empties into Whitewater one mile below Brookville : the country through which it passes is very hilly and broken. BONO, a small post town of Orange county; it is situated in the north-eastern section of said county. BOONSVILLE, the seat of justice of Warrick county, is situated near the centre of said county, on the head waters of Cypress creek, 24 miles south of Columbus, 18 north-west of Rockport, the same distance north-east of Evansville, and 130 south-west of Indianapolis. N. lat. 38 2, W. Ion. 9 58. It is a flourishing village, and contains several stores UNIVERSITY 1 52 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY BRO 39 and inns, and mechanics of various professions. BRANDY WINE, a small stream which takes its rise in Madison county, and empties into Sugar creek, a branch of Blue river. BROOKVILLE. This town is pleasantly situated in the forks of Whitewater, 25 miles west of Hamilton, 40 north- west from Cincinnati, and 70 south-east of Indianapolis. It is the seat of justice of Franklin county, and contains about 500 inhabitants. There are now 6 dry-goods stores, 1 drug store, 4 taverns, 2 groceries, 2 tan-yards, 3 blacksmiths, 3 cabinet- makers, 2 hatters, 1 baker, shoemakers, tailors, saddlers, car- penters, physicians and lawyers in abundance : a printing office, a masonic lodge, a post office and a large merchant mill, four stories high. Adjoining the town and in its vicinity, are two Cotton Factories, two carding machines, and several extensive distilleries. The land office for the Brookville district was formerly located in this town, but has recently been removed to Indian- apolis. The situation of Brookville is quite a singular one; part of the town is located on a bluff nearly 70 feet high, and the balance on low ground or bottom. The bluff forms a complete semicircle; on the north end of which is erected a large brick Methodist meeting-house, and the south extreme is used as a burying ground. — 40 BUS This town was laid out just before the last war, which impeded its progress very much, as it was then situated immediately on the Indian frontier. Much damage was done by the Indians, and the town was nearly evacuated; however, it now ranks amongst the foremost towns of the state. BROWNSTOWN, a large flourishing town, situated on the south bank of the Driftwood fork of White river, 17 miles north of Salem, 25 west of Vernon, 25 south of Columbus, the same distance east of Bedford, and 63 south of the seat of INDIANA GAZETTEER 53 government. N. lat. 38, 48, W. long. 8, 52. It is the seat of justice of Jackson county. For a more particular description of which, see addenda. BROWNSVILLE. This is a considerable post town of Union county. It is situated in the north-western part of said county, on the east bank of the east fork of Whitewater ; 5 miles west of Liberty, 18 north of Brookville, 9 east of Connersville, and 10 south of Centreville. It contains about 200 inhabitants, 2 taverns, and mechanics of different descriptions. BRUCEVILLE, a small post town in Knox county. BUCK CREEK is a small stream which takes its rise near Corydon, in Harrison county, and empties into the Ohio river, a short distance above the mouth of Indian creek. BUSSEROW CREEK, a large mill stream CEN 41 rising near Eel creek, in Sullivan county, and emptying itself into the Wabash river immediately above Shakertown, in Knox county. C CALAMET. A large river which takes its rise in the Indian country, near the head waters of the Theakiki river. It passes in a north-western direction about 50 miles ; it then bears an eastern direction, for about 20 miles, when it takes a north course and empties into Lake Michigan at its most southern point. CARLISLE. This is a small post town of Sullivan county. CEDARGROVE. A small creek, so called, which empties into Whitewater 5 miles below Brookville, in Franklin county. On this creek there is a large settlement of Baptists. CENTREVILLE, the seat of justice for Wayne county, is situated nearly in the centre of said county, on the great lead- ing road from Wheeling, Virginia, to St. Charles, on the Missouri river, 46 miles west of Dayton, 30 north of Brook- ville, 65 north-west from Cincinnati, and 63 east of Indian- 54 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY apolis. It is generally believed that the Cumberland road will pass this place, as it is but about half a mile south of a direct line from Columbus, Ohio, to Indianapolis. The site is level, affording good water, and is as healthy as most places in the 42 CL A Western country. It is surrounded with a large body of first rate farming land, a number of grist and saw mills, and ma- chinery of various descriptions. This town was laid out but a few years ago. It now contains between 40 and 50 families, and upwards of 200 inhabitants. There are 2 stores, 3 taverns, 1 grocery, 1 wagon-maker, 1 wheelwright, 2 plasters, 1 tinner, 1 saddler, 2 blacksmiths, 2 cabinet-makers, 2 shoemakers, 1 millwright, 5 carpenters, 2 bricklayers, 1 tailor, 2 tanners, 3 physicians, 3 lawyers, a printing office, a masonic lodge, a post office, and a large school. CHARLESTOWN, a large flourishing town and seat of justice of Clarke county is situated on an elevated piece of ground a short distance north of the Ohio river, 12 miles above the falls, 30 below Madison, and 100 south-east of Indianapolis. N. lat. 38, 35, W. long. 8, 26. For a more particular descrip- tion see addenda. CICERO, a small creek which rises in the Miami Indian Reserve, passes in a southern direction through Hamilton county, and empties into White river just below Noblesville. CLARK. A southern county bordering on the Ohio river. It is one of the oldest counties in the state, and contains that tract of country ceded to Gen. Clark, called Clark's Grant, from which it took its name. It is bounded on the west by Floyd county, on the CL I 43 north by Scott and Jefferson counties, and on the east and south by the Ohio river. It contains about 284 square miles, or 161,760 acres. The land is generally good but somewhat INDIANA GAZETTEER 55 rolling. Its population in 1825 was about 8,500 souls. The county seat is Charlestown. CLAY. A new county formed out of Owen, Sullivan, Vigo and Putnam counties. It was organized in 1825 ; and is bounded on the east by Owen, on the north by Putnam, on the west by Vigo and Sullivan, and on the south by Greene county. It contains about 300 square miles, or 194,560 acres. Its length from north to south is 30 miles, and its greatest breadth from east to west about 15. It contained in 1825, from 600 to 700 inhabitants. The county seat is situated near the centre and is called Bowlingreen. CLEAR. A small creek which passes near Salisbury, in Wayne county, and empties into the east fork of Whitewater. Excellent quarries of limestone are found on this stream. CLEAR, a creek of Monroe county, which runs a south course, and empties into Salt creek, near the southern boundary of said county. CLIFTY, a very considerable stream which takes its rise in Decatur county, and passes in a south-west direction, and empties into the Driftwood fork of White river in Jackson county. CLINTON, a post town in Parke county. 44 COR COLUMBUS. The county seat of Bartholomew county. It is situated on the east bank of the Driftwood fork of White river, near the junction of Blue river and Flat-rock, 35 miles east of Bloomington, 25 north of Brownstown, 24 west of Greensburgh, and 45 south-east of Indianapolis. N. lat. 39, 12, W. long. 8, 48. It contains several stores, taverns, and mechanics of various professions. CONNERSVILLE. This place is the county seat of Fayette county. It was laid out by John Conner, (about the close of the last war,) from whom it took its name. It is situated on the west bank of the west fork of Whitewater; 19 miles north-west from Brookville and 60 from Cincinnati, 55 56 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY south of east from Indianapolis, and 15 south-west from Centreville. It contains 70 or 80 families, and about 400 or 500 inhabitants. There are 4 public houses, 7 stores, 1 grocery, cabinet makers, hatters, tailors, shoemakers, bricklayers, plas- terers, saddlers and carpenters in abundance, 2 physicians, 4 lawyers, a printing office, a masonic lodge, and a post office. It is surrounded by a fine body of good farming land, and bids fair to become a place of importance. Its advantages of water power are considerable. There are a grist mill, saw mill, fulling mill, carding machines, &c. immediately in its vicinity. CORYDON, the seat of justice of Harrison county and the former seat of government of CR A 45 the state, is situated in the centre of said county, on the east bank of Indian creek, 18 miles west of the falls of the Ohio river, 24 south of Salem, and the same distance south-east from Paoli. It contains about 30 or 40 families, and between 250 and 300 inhabitants. CRAWFORD. A new county, bordering on the Ohio river, taken out of Harrison, Perry, Pike and Orange counties. It is bounded on the east by Harrison county, on the north by Washington and Orange, and on the west by Perry and the Ohio river. It contains 360 square miles, or about 230,400 acres. In 1825 it contained 2180 inhabitants. CRAWFORDSVILLE, the seat of justice of Montgomery county, is situated on the south bank of Sugar creek, 20 miles south of La Fayette, 24 north of Greencastle, 48 west of Noblesville, and 50 north-west of Indianapolis. N. lat. 40, 1, W. long, 9, 48. It contains about 200 inhabitants, 3 stores, 3 taverns, 1 grocery, 1 physician, and several mechanics. The situation is a delightful one, possessing many advantages, among which is a large spring, affording sufficient water to supply the whole town and a large grist mill, which is erected one fourth of a mile from its source. CRAWFORDSVILLE, Land District of, a district for INDIANA GAZETTEER 57 the sale of the United States' lands. It includes all of that part of Delaware county lying west of the line dividing ranges 46 D A V one and two, east of the second principal meridian line ; also, all of Wabash, Tippecanoe, Fountain, Montgomery, Vermillion, Parke, Putnam, Hendricks, Morgan, Vigo, Clay, and a part of Owen and Monroe counties. This district embraces a large body of superior fertile land. The principal streams are Wild cat, Wea, Coal, Sugar and Eel creeks, and the Wabash river, which is navigable for steam boats to its northern boundary line. The lands in this district offer as many advantages to the industrious and enterprising, as any other section of the western country. CYNTHIANA, a small post town in Posey county, in the south-west corner of the state. CYPRUS, a small creek which takes its rise in Warrick county, and empties into the Ohio river, one mile below the mouth of little Pigeon creek. DANVILLE, the seat of justice of Hendricks county, is situated in the centre of said county, on the west branch of White lick, 18 miles west of Indianapolis, 24 north of Martins- burgh, and 32 south-east of Crawfordsville. N. lat. 39, 42, W. long, 9, 12. For particulars see addenda. DAVIES, a south-western county, bounded on the east by Martin and Lawrence counties, DEC 47 on the north by Greene, on the west by White river and Knox county, and on the south by Pike and Dubois counties. It is 27 miles long from north to south and 16 broad from east to west. It contains 360 square miles, or 230,400 acres. In 1825 it contained 3335 inhabitants; which now may be estimated at 4000. The land is somewhat rolling being situated in the forks of White river, which are its principal waters. DEARBORN, a south-eastern county, and one of the old- 58 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY est in the state : while it was under the Territorial government, its extent from north to south was upwards of 100 miles, bordering on the state of Ohio as far north as Fort Recovery, embracing all that section of country now contained in Ran- dolph, Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties. Its greatest length at present is 28 miles from north to south, and 15 from east to west, and contains 432 square miles or 277,480 acres. It is bounded on the east by the Ohio and Miami rivers, north by Franklin, west by Ripley, and south by Switzerland counties. Its principal streams are the Miami, Whitewater and Ohio rivers, and Hogan, Laughery and Logan creeks. In 1825 it contained about 11,270 inhabitants. Lawrenceburgh the seat of justice. DECATUR. A new county in the south east corner of what is termed the New Pur- 48 DEL chase : it is bounded on the east by Franklin, north by Rush, west by Bartholomew, and south by Ripley counties. Its great- est length from north to south is 22 miles, and its breadth 20, containing 440 square miles, or 281,600 acres. The land is generally of the first quality, and well watered by Sand creek and Clifty, both excellent mill streams. It contains a popula- tion, at the present time, of about 3500. Greensburgh the seat of justice. DELAWARE. A county embracing all that part of the New Purchase lately acquired from the Indians, lying east of the second principal meridian line, and not included within the limits of any organized county. It is not, as yet, organized, but the counties contiguous thereto, and east of the said meridian, have concurrent jurisdiction throughout the same. It is bounded east by the state of Ohio, north by Allen county and the Wabash river, west by Wabash county, and south by Hamil- ton, Madison, Henry and Randolph counties. Its greatest length is 90 miles from east to west, and its breadth 54, con- taining 3096 square miles, or 1,981,440 acres. The land is INDIANA GAZETTEER 59 generally good, particularly that which borders on the Sala- mania and Wabash rivers. Its principal waters are the Mis- sissinawa, Salamania and Wabash rivers, which pass through it in a north-western direction. There are several extensive prairies in this county, DUN 49 and the Indians have a number of reserves, for a description of which see Miami reserves. DRY FORK, A large creek which takes its rise in the state of Ohio, runs a south-western course, and empties into Whitewater in Dearborn county. It has, probably, taken its name from the circumstance of the water disappearing at cer- tain seasons of the year. DUCK CREEK, a small stream in Franklin county; its general course is south-west, and empties into the west fork of Whitewater 10 miles above Brookville. DUBOIS. A southern county, formed out of Pike county. It is bounded on the east by Crawford and Orange counties, north by Martin and Davies, west by Pike, and south by War- rick, Spencer and Perry. Its extent from north to south is 20 miles, and from east to west about the same distance, con- taining about 400 square miles, or 256,000 acres. Its principal waters are Anderson creek and Patoka river. The population of this county, at the present time, may be estimated at about 1800. Pottersville is the seat of justice. DUNLAPSVILLE. A small post town in Union county, situated on the west bank of the east fork of Whitewater, on a beautiful, level bluff, 50 feet, at least, above low water mark. It is 13 miles north of Brookville, 10 east of Connersville, 5 south of Brownsville, 7 south-west of Liberty and 65 east of Indian- 50 ECO apolis. N. lat. 39, 30, W. Ion. 7, 40. It contains 1 store, 1 tavern, a post-office, a commodious Presbyterian church, and about 50 inhabitants. 60 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY E. EAGLE. A large creek which takes its rise in Wabash county, runs a southern course and empties into White river, 3 miles below Indianapolis. The land on this stream is fertile and well timbered with black walnut, ash, &c. ECONOMY. The description of this town is given by the proprietor, Charles Osborn : "Economy is located in Perry township, Wayne county, on a public road, within 1-4 of a mile of Springfield meeting house. This situation is known to be dry and healthy, being on a handsome eminence, having the advantages of pure air and good water. There is a saw-mill within a half a mile of the place in operation, and a grist-mill is begun, about a mile from the site, which will be put in operation shortly. As the situation is remote from any county seat or other towns, and the lands of the neighborhood productive, it is reasonable to expect that the merchant and mechanic will here meet with liberal encouragement." The first sale of lots in this town took place in July, 1825, it now contains a- ELK 51 bout 50 inhabitants, 1 store, 1 hatter and several other me- chanics : the inhabitants, principally, are Friends, or Quakers. This town is 15 miles north of Centreville, and about the same distance from Richmond. Edenburgh, a small post town in Johnson county : it con- tains 1 store, 1 tavern, and about 40 inhabitants. EEL RIVER, a beautiful stream which takes its rise near Little river, in the Indian country, runs a south-west course and empties into the Wabash just below an Indian village of the same name. Ore of different kinds are found on this stream. EEL, a large, valuable mill stream which passes through Clay county, and empties into the west branch of White river in Greene county. ELI'S CREEK, a small stream which took its name from INDIANA GAZETTEER 61 one of the first settlers ; it rises in Fayette county, runs an eastern course, and empties into the east fork of Whitewater 2 miles below Dunlapsville. ELK-HORN, a large beautiful creek which rises in Preble county, Ohio, and meanders through the south-eastern part of Wayne county, and empties into the East Fork of Whitewater 2 miles above Abington. This stream affords a number of valuable mill seats, most of which are improved. The land on its borders is fertile, and settled, principally, by the 52 F AL Friends, Methodists, and Baptists, the latter have a com- modious church known by the name of "Elk-horn." EVANSVILLE, the seat of justice of Vanderburgh county, is situated on the bank of the Ohio river, at the mouth of Great Pigeon creek, 10 miles above the Red Banks, 15 east of Springfield, 20 west of Boonville, and 150 south-west of Indianapolis. N. lat. 37,55 W. Ion. 10, 18. It is a flourishing town containing about 300 inhabitants, several stores, inns, and mechanics. FAIRFIELD, a handsome post village in Franklin county, situated on the east bank of the East Fork of Whitewater, 7 miles north of Brookville, and 77 south-east of Indianapolis. It contains about 200 inhabitants, a public house, 3 stores, 1 wagon-maker, 1 blacksmith, and various other mechanics. The site of this town is beautiful, and the surrounding country delightful. FALL CREEK. This creek takes its rise in Henry county, meanders through Madison and Marion, and empties into White river at Indianapolis. Near the centre of Madison county it passes over a ledge of rocks, which causes a fall of several feet, from which, no doubt, it took its name. There is a grist mill 62 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY FLO 53 erected at those falls, and there is water power sufficient for extensive establishments of various descriptions. FAYETTE. A new county taken out of Franklin and Wayne counties. It is bounded on the East by Union, on the North by Wayne and Henry, on the west by Rush, and on the south by Decatur and Franklin counties. It contains about 210 square miles, or 134,400 acres. Its length from north to south is 18 miles, and 13 miles from east to west. It contained in 1825, 1015 voters; its population at this time may be fairly estimated at 5 or 6000 souls. — The county seat is Connersville. The principal streams are the west branch of Whitewater, Williams' creek, and Village creek. FIRST CREEK, a small stream which takes its rise near the southern boundary of Greene county, and empties into the west fork of White river in Martin county. It probably took its name from the circumstance of its being the first stream of any note above the junction of the east and west branches of White river. FLAT ROCK. This creek rises near the northern bound- ary of Henry county, and passes in a south-west direction through Rush and Bartholomew counties, and intersects Blue river at Columbus. The lands on this stream are very fertile. FLOYD. A new county taken out of Har- 54 FOR rison and Clark counties. It is bounded on the east by Clark, north by Scott, west by Harrison, and East by the Ohio river. It contains about 220 square miles; or 140,800 acres; its length from north to south is 24 miles, and its breadth 15, from east to west. It contained 635 voters in 1825, and the whole popula- tion, at this time, may be estimated at 3500 souls. The county seat, Greenville. FORT WAYNE. This town is the seat of justice of Allen county. It was laid out in 1825, at the site of the old Fort of INDIANA GAZETTEER 63 the same name. It is situated at the head of the Miami of the Lake, near the old Miami villages, at the confluence of the St. Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers. The ground upon which this town was located includes the old fort; it is built in a square form, with bastions at each angle, with a ditch and parapet; it is large enough to contain 500 men. The In- dians ceded to the United States a tract of land six miles square, where this town and fort stands, at the treaty of peace at Greenville. Since that time a large tract of country, adjoin- ing the first ceded tract, has been sold to the United States. Those lands have been surveyed into eighty acre tracts, and are now offered for sale at the land office in this place. This place is 150 miles north by west from Cincinnati. N. lat. 40, 5, W. long. 7, 40, from Washington city. A great trade is carried on between this FOR 55 place and Detroit, in fur &c. by the French and Indian traders, which is passed on from the latter place to New-York, Mon- treal, and Quebec. If the rapids in the Miami of the Lake were removed, (which will be, no doubt, in time,) there would be a complete water communication between Fort Wayne and Detroit, New-York and the eastern cities. Suffice it to say that this place bids fair to become one of the first places of trade in the state. FORT WAYNE, Land District of, a district for the sale of the United States' lands. It includes all of Allen and the greater part of Delaware counties. The range line dividing ranges one and two, east of the second principal meridian line, is its western boundary; the line dividing townships 20 and 21 is its southern boundary, from which it extends north to the Indian lands, and east to the state of Ohio. The following description of the lands in this district is given by an intelligent gentleman of Wayne county, who has explored them fre- quently : Of all the lands acquired by the last treaty, in point of soil and situation, none hold out more alluring prospects 64 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY to the industrious, than does this point : it seems to have been designed by nature as the grand link to connect the commerce of the whole continent, uniting with great advantage to its inhabitants, all the necessary facilities 56 FOX of water communications, with an unexampled healthiness of climate, and fertility of soil, surpassed by none in the govern- ment. The country is just opening its eyes upon this delightful prospect, and if the tide of emigration should not be checked by some unforseen and unexpected disaster, a few years will hail the now unbroken and fertile bottoms of the Wabash, the Salamania, the Mississinaway, the St. Mary's, the St. Joseph's, and the Maumee, all navigable rivers of this district, the abode of splendor, happiness, and independence." — See United States' Lands. FOUNTAIN. A new county formed by the Legislature at its session of 1825-6; it is bounded on the east by Montgomery county, on the north and west by the Wabash river and Vermil- lion county, and on the south by Parke county. It is 32 miles from north to south, and 15 from east to west ; it contains 400 square miles, or 256,000 acres. It is supposed to contain about 10 or 1200 inhabitants. The principal stream which passes through the county is Sugar creek. The commissioners ap- pointed to locate the seat of justice in this county, were to meet, for that purpose, on the first Monday in May last; it is not certain where they have located it. FOX. A river of some importance, which rises in the north-western corner of the state, in the lands now owned by the Indians, its FRE 57 course is south, and empties into the Illinois river, 8 or 10 miles east of the state line. FRANKLIN. A flourishing town in the centre of Johnson county, and the seat of justice of said county. It is situated INDIANA GAZETTEER 65 on a small tributary stream of Sugar creek, which empties into the same, five miles above the junction of Sugar creek and Blue river: it is 18 miles south of Indianapolis. N. lat. 39, 30, W. long. 8, 50. FRANKLIN. An eastern county bounded on the east by the state of Ohio, on the north by Union and Fayette counties, on the west by Rush and Decatur, and on the south by Ripley and Dearborn counties. It is 17 miles from north to south, and 27 from east to west. It contains about 400 square miles. The lands on the water courses are considerably broken, yet the county contains a fine body of first rate land. Whitewater, Blue, Salt, and Duck creeks, are its principal streams. Lime- stone, of an excellent quality, is found in abundance on all the water courses. It contains a population of about 8000 souls. FREDONIA. The county seat of Crawford county. It is situated on the bank of the Ohio river, 10 miles above the mouth of Little Blue creek, and 108 miles, in a direct line, south of Indianapolis. N. lat. 38, 10, W. long. 9, 6. FREDERICKSBURGH. A small post town 58 GR A in the southern part of Washington county 105 miles south of Indianapolis. N. lat. 38, 30, W. long. 8, 48. GENEVA. A flourishing post town in Jennings county, situated on Sand creek, 6 or 8 miles from its mouth. It was laid out in 1818, by J. La Torrette. It is 12 miles north-west from Vernon, and about the same distance south-east of Columbus, 20 north-east of Brownstown, and 43 nearly south- east of Indianapolis. N. lat. 39, 6, W. Ion. 8, 30. GEORGETOWN, a small post town of Dearborn county. GIBSON. A Wabash county, in the south-west corner of the state. It is bounded on the east by Pike and Warrick, on the north by Knox, on the west by the Wabash river and the state of Illinois, and on the south by Posey and Vanderburgh counties. It contains about 400 square miles, or 236,000 acres. Its population in 1825 was about 4000 inhabitants. The prin- 66 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY cipal water courses are the Patoka and White rivers, which empty into the Wabash in the north-western corner of the county. The seat of justice, Princeton. GRAHAM'S FORK. A large stream which rises near Versailles, in Ripley county, passes in a south-western direc- tion through GRE 59 Jennings county, and intersects the North Fork of the Miscacki- tuck river in the south-east corner of Jackson county. The lands on its margin are rather rolling, though fertile. This stream affords a number of excellent mill seats, some of which are improved. GREAT PIGEON. A creek, so called, which takes its rise in Gibson and Pike counties. Its course is south and south- west, and empties into the Ohio river, immediately below Evans- ville, in Vanderburgh county. GREENE. A south-western county, bounded on the east by Lawrence and Monroe, on the north by Owen and Clay, on the west by Sullivan, and on the south by Knox, Davies, and Lawrence counties. Its length from east to west is 30 miles, and its breadth from north to south 28. It contains 540 square miles, or 345,600 acres: the land is generally good, and well watered by White river, which meanders through it in a south- western direction, and Richland and Eel creeks. It is supposed that, at least, one half of the county is prairie land. It con- tains about 2500 inhabitants, 5 grist mills, 5 horse mills, and 3 cotton gins. Bloomfield is the seat of justice. GREEN CASTLE. The seat of justice of Putnam county, is situated near the centre of said county, on the east bank of Eel creek, 30 miles north-east of Terre Haute, 25 south 60 GRE of Crawfordsville, 18 south-west of Danville, and 37 from Indianapolis. N. lat. 39, 40, W. Ion. 9. 30. GREENSBURGH, the county seat of Decatur county, is INDIANA GAZETTEER 67 situated on the west bank of Sand creek, near the centre of said county, 30 miles west from Brookville, 18 north-west of Ver- sailles, 24 east of Columbus, and 45 south-east of Indianapolis. N. lat. 39, 23, W. Ion. 8, 48. It contains 4 stores, 2 taverns, 2 lawyers, 2 physicians, a number of industrious mechanics of various professions, and about 150 inhabitants. The site of this town is handsome, and the surrounding country delightful. GREENVILLE, the seat of justice of Floyd county, is situated on the south bank of Indian creek, 12 miles north-west of New Albany, about the same distance north-east of Corydon, and 96 south of Indianapolis. It contains about 150 inhabi- tants, 2 stores, 2 taverns, and several mechanics. GREEN'S FORK. A considerable mill stream which rises in Randolph county, and passes through Wayne, in a south- western direction, and empties into the west fork of White- water near the northern boundary of Fayette. The lands on this stream are of an excellent quality, and the farms delightful. Grist mills, saw-mills, carding machines, fulling mills, &c. are erected on this stream at various places. HAN 61 GUTHRIE'S CREEK. This stream rises in Jackson county, and meanders in a south western direction, and empties into the East Fork of White river, five miles above Bedford, the seat of justice of Lawrence county. H HAMILTON. A new, interior county, bounded on the north and west by Delaware county, on the south by Marion and Madison, and on the east by Madison and Delaware; it is 19 miles from north to south and 21 from east to west, con- taining about 400 square miles, or 256,000 acres. The land is generally of the best quality. Its principal streams are Cicero, Duck, Pike and Fall Creeks which empty into White river, which passes across the north east corner of said county. It contains a population of about 850 souls. The county seat, Noblesville. 68 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY HANNA'S CREEK. A considerable mill stream which rises in Union county, and passes, in a south western direction through this county, and empties into the east branch of White- water 3 miles north of Fairfield in Franklin county. On the head waters of this stream there is a large settlement of Friends. The land, on the borders of this stream is fertile, and produces wheat, rye and corn in 62 H AR abundance. Limestone of a superior quality is found on this stream. HANOVER. A small post town of Shelby county. HARDENSBURGH. A handsome post town of Dearborn county, situated on a beautiful, high, level piece of ground on the west side of the Big Miami river, two miles north from Lawrenceburgh, on the road leading to Harrison, Brookville, &c. HARMONY. A large flourishing post town in Posey county. It is situated on the east bank of the Wabash river, in the north-western part of said county, 12 miles north-west from Springfield, and 23 south-west from Princeton. N. Lat. 38 6, W. Lon. 10 40. It was first settled by the Harmony society, from which it took its name, and by which it was occupied for several years. This society carried on the manu- facture of cotton and woollen goods to a considerable extent. Their flannels and other description of goods, were considered to be of an excellent quality, and were purchased in Cincinnati, and other places in preference to British manufacture. They disposed of their possessions, some time since to Mr. Owen, who has established quite a different society, which has in- creased to a very considerable number. The following extracts, copied from the New Harmony Gazette, will give the reader H A R 63 some idea of the plan and progress of this society : "A year has passed since the first proprietors and settlers of this place removed and left it to be possessed by strangers, who were desirous of adopt- INDIANA GAZETTEER 69 ing a new mode of life founded on principles altogether different from the motives which had previously governed mankind. When this change com- menced, no one knew who would support it, or how many would be willing to try the experiment. Knowing that the principles on which the proposed change was founded were supported by all known facts, I felt a conviction of their truth equal to certainty itself; and an assurance, that when they should be fairly and openly explained to the public, they would be generally received and acted upon. But my most sanguine anticipations did not permit me to expect, that the town left by the original colony would be filled, at the soonest in less than eighteen months. On leaving Europe, in the autumn of the year before last, I made arrangements to return there in the spring of last year ; in consequence, after opening, in Feb. last, the subject of my mission to this country before the authorities of the Union in Washington, after completing the purchase of this property in April, and forming the preliminary society here in May, I was obliged to set out on my journey to Europe early in June, intending to return before the end of the year. I left the new settlement under the direc- tion of a committee chosen by a majority of the then adult population, and in my absence I did not expect they could do more than receive and keep the new members together. As soon, however as the formation of the preliminary society, was publicly announced, persons from all quarters crowded into the colony to offer themselves for members; the dwelling houses were filled in two months, and the press for admission was such, that it became necessary to put advertisements in the newspapers of the neighboring states to prevent others coming, who could not be accept- 64 H A R ed for want of accommodations : and on my arrival here in January last I found every room fully occupied. About a thousand individuals, including families and single persons, of all characters and descriptions, had come together from far and near, and from every point of the compass; and, without any previous knowledge of each other, were associated together in this new world at the verge of civili- zation, and on a site which, ten years before, had been the haunt of bears, wolves and rattlesnakes. The manners, habits, sentiments, views and ex- pectations of this heterogeneous mass, were as various as the circumstances by which their respective characters had been formed. Many of the children were extremely rude, wild and uncultivated, and strangers, who came to see what was going forward, could perceive only a Babel-like confusion. My sole object in coming to this country, was to remove the cause of these evils from its population; and experience has convinced me, that it might be attained in a much shorter time than my most sanguine anticipa- tions had led me to expect. For, in one short year, this mass of confusion, and in many instances, of bad and irregular habits, has been formed into a community of mutual cooperation and equality, now proceeding rapidly to- 70 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY wards a state of regular organization; and out of it two other communities have been formed, and are located in the immediate neighborhood. Both are in close union with this community and with each other ; both are founded on the true community principle, removing far from them, by their respec- tive constitutions, the most obvious causes of evil, and substituting in place of them, other causes directly calculated to promote temperance, economy, industry, and intelligence, with kind and good feelings among all the mem- bers. The new associations are called community No. II or Macluria; community No. Ill or Feiba Peveli. The members of the former have already built themselves comfortable temporary cabins, and occupy them; they have cultivated more land than will supply them with grain, vegetables, and materials for their next H AR 65 year's consumption, and the young persons are spinning and weaving more cloth than will be required to clothe them during the same period. With the exception of two of their members, who do not appear yet to understand the principles and practices of the new system, and who are therefore soon likely to withdraw, they are proceeding in great harmony together, and in a manner that promises the most satisfactory results. The members of No. Ill, or Feiba Peveli, have also been very industrious. They have a garden in great forwardness, and a large farm well cultivated, the crops on which have already a very promising appearance. It is indeed most gratifying to see such extensive improvements in this district, so lately occupied by the aborigenes of the country, when one vast forest covered the land for more than a thousand miles in every direction. This community has also every prospect of supplying its own wants the next year, and of having a considerable surplus with which to discharge the interest of the price of the property which they have purchased, and in addition pay off some of the capital. Macluria and Feiba are founded on an agricultural base, which in most cases will be the easiest and the best mode of commencing similar associa- tions ; and they have already gone far to prove with how much facility like communities may be established almost any where in the United States — but particularly in the western country, where land can be so easily obtained for a small sum in large quantities. Macluria has a population of about 120, and Feiba-Peveli, of between 60 and 70, composed of families known to each other, having the same general habits, sentiments and views. They could increase their number to any amount, but they prudently refrain from adding to their members until their arrangements and organization shall be further advanced, and become habitual to them, and until they can prepare accom- modations to lodge, feed and clothe the new members and educate the children. Communities No. 2 and 3 now form an example by which the well disposed farmers, and those engaged in useful trades, may, without loss of time, unite in small as- INDIANA GAZETTEER 71 66 H AR sociations, render themselves independent of the risks of common society, and relieve themselves from its deceptions, incincerity and irrationality. In addition to the actual formation of communities No. 1, 2, and 3 on the lands of Harmony, applications have been made from associations of farmers and persons engaged in the most useful occupations, who wish to form other communities on these lands in union with, and on the same principles that No. 2 and 3 have been located, and as soon as temporary buildings to accommodate them can be erected, they will be received and established in like manner. I have now given a hasty sketch of the general progress of the new system during the first year of its introduction into the United States, and perhaps no system of equal magnitude, involving such extensive changes in the direction of human affairs, ever made a progress in any degree approach- ing to it in so short a period. Hereafter, no one who comes here and visits No. 2 and 3 communities, will doubt the practicability of forming similar associations over all the states in the union, and by the same easy process of superseding the individual system ; but the great experiment in New Harmony is still going on to ascertain whether a large heterogeneous mass of persons, collected by chance, can be amalgamated into one community, and induced to acquire the genuine feelings of kindness and benevolence, which belong solely to the principles on which the new social system is founded, and which no other principles can produce. ROBERT OWEN. New Harmony, May 9, 1826." HARRISON. A large, wealthy and populous county, bordering on the Ohio river. It is bounded on the east by Floyd, on the north by Washington, on the west by Crawford counties, and on the south by the Ohio river. It is 35 miles from north to south and from 12 H AR 67 to 18 broad, containing 400 square miles. Its population in 1825 was 9050 and may now be fairly estimated at 10,000. The principal streams are Big Blue, Indian and Buck creeks; the land is generally rolling and hilly yet fertile. The county seat, Corydon. HARRISON. A large flourishing post village, situated on the line dividing this state from the state of Ohio, and imme- 72 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY diately on the east bank of Whitewater river. One half of this town is located in Dearborn county in this state, and the other in Hamilton county, Ohio. The main street runs north and south immediately on the state line. It contains about 25 or 30 families and 150 inhabitants; 2 inns, 2 stores, 1 blacksmith, 1 wagonmaker, 1 tobacconist, 1 cabinet-maker, several shoe- makers, tailors, Carpenters, &c. It also contains two physi- cians, but no lawyers. The site upon which this town stands is beautiful, and the surrounding country delightful. It also has the advantages of pure air and good water. It is 12 miles north of Lawrenceburg, and 18 south of Brookville. HARTFORD. A small post town in Dearborn county, situated on Laughery creek, 12 miles from Lawrenceburgh. It contains 40 dwelling houses, 100 inhabitants, 1 store, 1 tavern, one physician, and mechanics of various professions. There are also adjoining this place, a tan yard, and carding machine, 68 HIN together with a commodious grist and sawmill. HENDRICKS. A new interior county, bounded on the east by Marion, on the north by Wabash and Delaware, on the west by Crawford, Putnam, and on the south by Morgan county. It is 22 miles long from north to south, and 19 from east to west, containing 418 square miles, or 267,520 acres, the land is first quality, especially that bordering on White Lick creek, which is principally settled by the Friends. This county in 1825, con- tained a population of 910, and it now contains about 1200. The county seat is Danville. HENRY. An eastern county, bounded on the east by Wayne and Randolph, on the north by Delaware, on the west by Madison, and on the south by Rush and Fayette. It is 21 miles square, containing 441 square miles, or 282,240 acres. Its principal waters are Blue river and Flat Rock. The soil is first rate, producing wheat, rye and corn in abundance. The Friends have a large settlement in the north-west corner of this of Burlington, 15 west of Paoli, and 85 south- west from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 30, W. Lon. 9 40. HOGAN. A valuable mill 'stream which takes its rise in Dearborn county, and empties into the Ohio river at the town of Aurora, 4 miles below Lawrenceburgh. I INDIANAPOLIS. This town was laid out under the authority of the state of IndU ana, on the site located for its permanent seat of government by commissioners appointed for that purpose, on the east bank of the west fork of White River, in the centre of the state. It is situated on a high, dry, uninterrupted plain of several miles extent, perfectly free from inundation, marshes and ponds. The site of the town and the surrounding country is in an eminent degree beautiful and fertile, and is probably the best body of land in tlfe state. The plan of the town is calculated to insure the health, comfort and convenience of its in- habitants, and occupies an area of one square mile. The streets are wide and ctf&fcs each other at right angles, with the exception of four, which commence at each corner, and run in a diagonal direction to the centre; square, which is laid pff in a circular forrtt, arid is set apart for the governor's house. INDIANA GAZETTEER 75 county. In 1825 it contained a population of 2500. The county seat is New Castle. HINDOSTAN. The county seat of Martin county, is situated on the east bank of the East Fork of White river, 11 miles north of Pottersville, 18 east of Washington, 35 south I N D 69 of Burlington, 15 west of Paoli, and 85 south-west from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 30, W. Long. 9 40. HOGAN. A valuable mill stream which takes its rise in Dearborn county, and empties into the Ohio river at the town of Aurora, 4 miles below Lawrenceburgh. INDIANAPOLIS. This town was laid out under the authority of the state of Indiana, on the site located for its permanent seat of government by commissioners appointed for that purpose, on the east bank of the west fork of White River, in the centre of the state. It is situated on a high, dry, uninterrupted plain of several miles extent, perfectly free from inundation, marshes and ponds. The site of the town and the surrounding country is in an eminent degree beautiful and fertile, and is probably the best body of land in the state. The plan of the town is calculated to insure the health, comfort and convenience of its inhabitants, and occupies an area of one square mile. The streets are wide and cross each other at right angles, with the exception of four, which commence at each corner, and run in a diagonal direction to the centre square, which is laid off in a circular form, and is set apart for the governor's house. 70 I N D There is one square which lies a short distance east of the centre, appropriated for the use of the county, upon which there is now erected a large elegant brick house, which is used as a court house and state house; several of the public offices are 76 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY also kept in it. The state house square is situated west of the centre, and is not yet improved. Several squares in different parts of the town, have been set apart for the use of religious societies; some of which have been improved by the Presby- terian, Methodist and Baptist societies. It is supposed this place now contains about 800 inhabitants, 7 stores, 4 taverns, 1 clock and watch-maker, several cabinet-makers, carpenters, saddlers, hatters, shoe-makers, tailors, brick and stone masons, plasterers, chair-makers, wheel-wrights, &c. It also contains 2 printing offices, a post office, a library, a sundy school, a bible society, and a masonic lodge — 3 clergymen, 3 physicians, and several lawyers. INDIANAPOLIS, Land District of. A district for the sale of the United States' lands. It includes all of Hamilton, Madison, Henry, Rush, Shelby, Johnson, Marion, Bartholomew and Decatur counties. The land in this district, generally, is very fertile, well timbered, and watered by Flat Rock, Blue River, White River, and many other valuable mill streams. This district also abounds with excellent J AC 71 springs both fresh and salt. For a further description, see United States' Lands. INDIAN CREEK. A stream which passes through the eastern part of Franklin county and empties into the Big Miami river. INDIAN CREEK. This stream takes its rise in Monroe county, and passes through Green and Lawrence counties and empties into the east branch of White River 12 miles below the mouth of Salt Creek. INDIAN CREEK. A considerable stream which rises in Floyd county and meanders through Harrison in a south- western direction and empties into the Ohio river 8 miles above Fredonia. INDIAN RESERVES. See Miami Reserve. INDIANA GAZETTEER 77 J JACKSON. An old interior county, bounded on the east by Jennings county, on the north by Bartholomew, on the west by Lawrence, and on the south by Washington. It is nearly square and contains about 400 square miles. The principal streams are Driftwood and Miscachituck. The soil is fertile and well improved. In 1825 it contained a population of about 3000. The seat of justice is Brownstown. JACKSON. A small post town in Jackson county. 72 J EF JACKSONBURGH. A post town of Wayne county, situ- ated 7 miles west of Centreville, 18 east of New Castle. N. Lat. 39 40. W. Lon. 7 55. It is surrounded with as fine a body of land as the state affords, called the Walnut Level. JEFFERSON. A large, wealthy and populous county bordering on the Ohio river. It is bounded on the east by Switzerland, on the north by Ripley and Jennings, on the west by Scott and Clark and on the south by the Ohio river. It contains about 400 square miles, and in 1825, a population of 7,800. The seat of justice is Madison. JEFFERSONVILLE. This town is situated on the north- west bank of the Ohio, nearly opposite to Louisville, and a little above the commencement of the great falls — the town was laid out in the year 1802, since which time it has grown in proportion to the surrounding country. It now contains about 500 inhabitants, several stores, inns, a post office, a land office, and mechanics of various professions. The state prison, which is a large building, enclosed by a brick wall 12 or 15 feet in height, is located at this place. In point of natural advantages and beauty, there are few or no situations on the Ohio more eligible for a town. The bank is very high, and surrounded with a rich, level and fertile country. The current and channel of 78 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY JEN 73 the Ohio for several miles above, are on the N. W. shore, and the depth of water being sufficiently great at any season of the year for boats or vessels of any burden, afford at all times an easy landing place, and good harbour for boats descending the Ohio. In the vicinity of Jeffersonville, about half a mile to the north, is a medical spring, whose waters are supposed to be strongly impregnated with sulphur and iron. It has been much resorted to for several years, and thought to be beneficial in fevers that prevail in this country. There are several mills in the neighborhood, only one, however, of considerable con- sequence, that is built on a small stream called Mill Run, which empties into the Ohio at the foot of the falls : this is a very considerable merchant mill, and from the resources of the stream, although not more than two or three miles in length, continues to go during the whole year, except when stopped by back water from the Ohio. She is built about 100 yards from the river. JEFFERSONVILLE, Land District of. A District for the sale of the United States' Lands. It includes all of Ripley, Jennings, Jefferson, Clark, Scott, Jackson, Washington, Floyd and Harrison counties. The land in this district is generally taken up. See U. States' Lands. JENNINGS. An interior county, bounded 74 KNO on the north by Decatur, on the west by Bartholomew and Jackson, on the south by Jefferson and Scott, and on the east by Ripley. It contains about 400 square miles, and in 1825 it contained 2500 inhabitants. The principal streams are Graham's fork and the North fork of the Miscackatock river, and Sand creek. On this stream an excellent quarry of stone has been discovered out of which mill stones, of a quality not inferior to the French bur, has been made. The soil is gen- INDIANA GAZETTEER 79 erally fertile and produces corn and small grain in abundance. Vernon the county seat. JOHNSON. A new interior county, containing about 300 square miles, or 192,000 acres, and a population of about 1500. It is bounded on the east by Shelby county, on the north by Marion, on the west by Morgan, and on the south by Bartholomew. Its principal stream is Sugar creek, which empties into Blue river at its south-east corner. The lands are not inferior to any, in what is called the New Purchase. The seat of justice, Franklin. K KNOX. A western county, and one of the oldest in the State. It is bounded on the east by Daviess, north by Sullivan, west by the Wabash river and the State of Illinois, KNO 75 and south by Gibson and Pike counties. White river and the Wabash are the principal streams. It contained, in 1825 about 6000 inhabitants. The land is fertile and well cultivated. Vincennes the county seat. The following article is copied from the Western Sun, of June, 1826; it will not only furnish some data by which to ascertain the immense trade carried on in this county, but in the Wabash country generally : "No person, except a resident on the Wabash, could have a correct idea of the immense quantity of produce which is shipped from this river every spring. I have taken the pains to obtain as correctly as possible, the number of flat boats which have passed this place, and which have gone from this county, during the spring freshets, and with all the care, no doubt many passed unnoticed. The number of flat boats reported, 152; of these, the load- ing is known only of 24 ; 22 of which were from this county, and two from Vigo. In these 24 the loading consisted of 57,250 bushels corn, 20,550 lbs bulk pork, 2,273 bacon hams, 80 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1,501 barrels pork, 280 barrels corn meal, 41 live cattle, 780 chickens, 160 bushels oats, 5,013 lbs. bees-wax, 3 barrels beans, 47 live hogs, 410 venison hams. Besides those which went from this county, and which have been reported, there is no doubt that a number have gone from other 76 KNO parts of the county below this place, and out of White river, which bounds this county on the east and south. The loading of those boats whose cargoes are not known, will probably be in the ratio of those which we have given a list above, making in round numbers, and at a low calculation, about 250,000 bushels of corn, 100,000 lbs. blk. pork, 10,000 bacon hams, 4,000 barrels pork, 800 barrels corn meal, 2,000 live cattle, 2,000 chickens, 1,000 bushels of oats, 10,000 lbs. bees-wax, 20 barrels beans, 3,600 venison hams, 250 live hogs, which have been shipped from the counties on the Wabash above, and including this ; besides the immense amount shipped from below this place to the mouth of the river, and out of White river, all destined for the southern market. What wonder then, that the market at New Orleans should be glutted. Most of the boats arrive about the same time. And when it is considered, that New Orleans is the deposit of most of the produce of part of Pennsylvania and Virginia ; a great part of Ohio; all Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansaw, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, can any one be astonished that the sales at some seasons are dull, and the prices low. The fact is, a new vent for our produce must be found out, and he who looks at the map of the country, must be satisfied that Pensaco- L A F 77 la will be the place, a canal will be the means from the Mississippi ; and thus two markets afforded instead of one. I was rejoiced to see the attention of congress called to this INDIANA GAZETTEER 81 subject. With the obstruction of the rapids removed, the Wabash may be made navigable from this place to its mouth, at almost any season, for boats not too heavily laden." LACONIA. A small post town in Harrison county. LA FAYETTE. The following description of this town is copied from an article published in the Indiana Journal of May, 1826. The commissioners appointed by act of the legislature to fix the seat of justice of Tippecanoe county, met, agreeably to law on the first Monday of this instant, and have established it at the town of Lafayette, situated on the south-east bank of the Wabash river, six miles below the mouth of Tippecanoe, and 3 miles below the mouth of Wild Cat, a creek so called. Few places on the Wabash offer a more advantageous situation for commerce than Lafayette. It is completely within the range of steam boat navigation, (steam boats having de- livered and received freight there this season,) it is the most convenient deposit for the 78 L AK produce of a large and fertile district of country, situated in the great north-western bend of this noble river, now populat- ing with unparalleled rapidity, and will be in the neighborhood of the outlet of the grand canal that will, at no distant day, form the most convenient connecting link between the great north-western lakes and the lower Mississippi. At this point too must in all probability, cross the road that will connect our portion of lake Michigan with Indianapolis. This town is 25 miles north of Crawfordsville, 8 south of the Tippecanoe battle ground, and about 60 miles north-west of Indianapolis. North Lat. 40 25, W. Lon. 9 42. LAKE DUPAGE. This lake is situated in the north- western part of this state, on the river Plein, 8 miles south of Mount Juliet, and 3 north of Theakiki river. N. Lat. 41 36, 82 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY W. Lon. 9 53. It is about 8 miles long from north to south, and 3 broad from east to west. LAKE MICHIGAN. This is the largest lake wholly within the United States, and lies between N. Lat. 42 10, and 46 4, and West Lon. 7 30, and 10 30. Its length is computed at 280 miles from north to south, its breadth from 60 to 70 miles, and its circumference nearly 600 miles. It is navigable for shipping of any burden, and communicates with lake Huron, at the north-eastern part, through the straits of Michillimacanac. The strait is six LAW 79 miles broad, and the fort of its name stands on an island at the mouth of the strait. Its southern point enters this state on the north, and extends in about 25 or 30 miles. LAWRENCE. A southern interior county, bounded east by Jackson, north by Monroe and Greene, west by Daviess and Martin, and south by Orange counties. It embraces an extent of territory of about 500 square miles, and a population of about 4500 souls. The principal streams are Indian, Salt, and Leatherwood creeks and the East branch of White river, which passes through it nearly in the centre. The seat of justice is, at present located at Bedford. LAWRENCEBURGH. This town is the seat of justice of Dearborn county, situated immediately below the mouth of the Big Miami, on the bank of the Ohio river, 20 miles below Cincinnati, N. Lat. 39 6, W. Lon. 7 38. It contains about 150 handsome brick and frame dwelling houses, 700 inhabitants, 9 stores, 5 taverns, 6 lawyers, 3 physicians, and a vast number of mechanics of various professions. There is a very large store house, 5 stories high, erected in this place, which is con- sidered to be the best on the river from Cincinnati to the Falls ; at which a very considerable business is done; proprietor Mr. Gibson. There is also an extensive silk lace-factory estab- lished in this town, which supplies a INDIANA GAZETTEER 83 80 LAW large district of country with this article. This is the only establishment of the kind west of the mountains. This place also contains a printing office and masonic lodge. "Some idea can be formed of the commerce and growing importance of this town and county, by the following state- ment of produce shipped at the river, for the Mississippi or lower country market, from the 1st of January to the 1st of May, 1826. In giving this statement, we have confined our- selves, almost exclusively to the product of the neighborhood of the town : not having it in our power to give the whole amount of produce exported from the county, which would, it is believed, if taken into the account, swell the sum to 80 or 100,000 dollars. 14,140 bush's, corn, 50 cts. per bush, $7,070 00 51 horses, at $75 each, 3,825 00 136 tons hay, at $20 per ton, 2,720 00 45 head cattle, $25 each, 1,125 00 2131 bbls. pork, at $6 per bbl. 12,786 00 1393 kegs lard, at $3 per keg, 4,179 00 493 live hogs, at $5 each, 2,465 00 66 hhds. ham, at $32 pr hhd. 2,112 00 10 tons do. at $5 per cwt. 1,000 00 1 1 bbls. do. at $8 per bbl. 88 00 80 bush's potatoes, at 50 cts. per bush. 40 00 186 bbls. flour at $3 per bbl. 558 00 500 gal's whiskey, 25 cts per gal. 125 00 453 kegs tobacco, $10 50 per keg, 4,756 50 LEA 81 74 dozen chickens, at $2 per dozen, 148 00 12,250 lbs. pork, in bulk, at 4 cts. lb. 490 00 $41,467 50 In making out the above, a number of articles, forming small sums, such as oats, flax-seed, hoop poles, &c. were 84 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY omitted, but which in the aggregate, would amount to six or seven thousand dollars. The price set to each article, it will be observed, is what is supposed the average price received for it, when taken to market; some of which are probably put at under prices : none, we believe, too high. To carry this produce to market, something like twenty flat boats were employed, at an average price of one hundred dollars each. — These boats were generally built by our own citizens; and the hands employed to navigate them, resided principally in the county: so that the greater part of the money expended for the exportation, was put in circulation in the county, among our industrious and enterprising citizens." LAUGH ERY. A large creek which takes its rise in Ripley county, and empties into the Ohio river, three or 4 miles below Lawrenceburgh. LEATHER WOOD. A small creek in Lawrence county, which empties into the East branch of Whiteriver, immedi- ately above the mouth of Salt creek. 82 LIT LEAVENWORTH. A post town in Crawford county. LEESVILLE. A small post town in Lawrence county. LEXINGTON. The seat of justice of Scott county. This town is 15 miles west from Madison, 16 north of Charlestown, 24 east of Salem, and 72 south-east from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 35, W. Lon. 8 30. See Addenda. LIBERTY. The county seat of Union county. It is situated near the centre of said county, 18 miles north of Brookville, 13 south of Richmond, 14 east of Connersville, and 66 east of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 40, W. Lon. 7 48. It contains about 25 or 30 families and from one hundred and fifty to two hundred inhabitants. There are 2 stores, 2 taverns, and mechanics of different descriptions. LICK CREEK. A small stream in Madison county, which empties into Fall creek. It was on this creek that Bridge and Sawyer murdered a family of Shawnee Indians, in the spring INDIANA GAZETTEER 85 of 1824. LITTLE BLUE. A small creek which passes through Crawford county and empties into the Ohio river 12 miles below Fredonia. LITTLE PIGEON. A large stream which meanders be- tween Spencer and Warrick counties, and empties into the Ohio river 2 miles above the mouth of Cyprus creek. MAD 83 LITTLE ROCK. A small stream which takes its rise in the Indian Lands and empties into the Wabash river, 12 or 15 miles below the mouth of Eel river. LITTLE RIVER. This stream rises in Allen county, and passes within 8 miles of Fort Wayne, and empties into the Wabash river in Delaware county. It is expected that a canal to connect the Wabash river and Lake Erie will pass down the valley of this river. M MADISON. A new interior county, bounded east by Henry, north by Delaware, west by Hamilton and Marion and south by Shelby counties. It contains about four hundred square miles. The principal streams are Sugar and Fall creeks. The land on these streams is well timbered and fertile. The population of this county amounts, at this time to about one thousand. The county seat was located at Andersontown, but commissioners were appointed by the last legislature to re-locate it ; and it is not yet known where or what place they have selected. MADISON. A large and flourishing town on the bank of the Ohio river, and the seat of justice of Jefferson county. It is 15 miles below Vevay, 15 east of New Lexington and 84 MAR about seventy miles south-east of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 39, W. Lon. 8 10. For further particulars see Addenda. 86 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MANCHESTER. A small post town in Dearborn county. MARION. This county is situated in the centre of the state and is bounded east by Madison and Shelby, north by Hamilton, West by Hendricks, and south by Morgan and Johnson counties. It is 22 miles long from north to south, and twenty from east to west, containing about four hundred and forty square miles. The land in this county may be ranked as first rate and the timber of the best quality. The principal streams are Whiteriver, Fall and Eagle creeks, tributaries of the former streams, for a description of which see the proper heads. This county though organized but a few years since, now contains about four thousand inhabitants. The seat of justice, Indianapolis, which is also the seat of government of the state. MARION. A flourishing village in Shelby county, situated on the bank of Blue river, six miles above Shelbyville, the seat of justice of said county. It contains about twenty families, eighty inhabitants, several mechanics, a tavern, a tan yard and a saw mill. MARTINDALES CREEK. This stream takes its rise in Randolph county, meanders through the western part of Wayne county M AU 85 and empties into the west branch of Whitewater, near Milton. This is a never failing stream, on which there is several grist and saw mills. MARTIN. A small southern county, bounded north by Lawrence, west by Daviess, south by Dubois, and east by Lawrence and Orange. It is 21 from north to south, and 13 from east to west, containing 273 square miles, and about 1800 inhabitants. The east branch of Whiteriver, which angles through it, is the principal stream. The land, and particularly on this river, is hilly and broken, though fertile and well cal- culated for farming. The seat of justice, Hindostan. MARTINSBURGH. The seat of justice of Morgan coun- INDIANA GAZETTEER 87 ty, it is situated on the west bank of the West branch of Whiteriver, thirty miles south-west from Indianapolis, twenty- one west from Franklin, eighteen north of Bloomington and twenty-five south of Danville. N. Lat. 39 30, W. Lon. 9 12. This is quite a flourishing town and bids fair, from its ad- vantageous situation, to become one of considerable importance. MAUMEE. The following description of this river is copied from the Ohio Gazetteer, published by Mr. Kilburn : "Maumee is a considerable river, rising in the north- eastern quarter of the state of Indiana and flowing northwest- wardly across the 86 MIA northwestern borders of the state of Ohio, into the western extremity of lake Erie. Within 33 miles of the mouth, com- mence a course of shoals and rapids extending 15 miles below, to within 18 miles of the lake, and which, for that distance, obstruct the navigation. It is generally from 150 to 200 yards wide. The principal tributary streams are the St. Josephs, St. Mary's and Great and Little Au Glaze. This river has had a variety of names given it by travellers and others, which circum- stance has caused much confusion and perplexity to people abroad, concerning the rivers in this quarter of the western country. By some, it has been called the St. Maurice, but most generally, on modern maps it is called "the Miami of the lake," the words "of the lake" being added, to distinguish it from the great Miami, which runs southerly into the Ohio river. But, as the original Indian pronunciation of the name of this river is maumee, and as this mode of writing it had, partially ob- tained, when this work was first compiled, and as this manner of spelling, and pronouncing it would likewise preclude the necessity, of the frequent circumlocution of the words 'of the lake,' in writing and conversation, it is deemed proper to en- deavor to establish this mode for its writing and pronuncia- tion." 88 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MIAMI RESERVE. A large district of country reserved by the Miami nation of Indi- M I A 87 ans, at the treaty held at St. Mary's, in 1818. This tract of country is bounded on the north by the Wabash river, and on the west, south and east by Delaware county. The western boundary line of this reserve, commences at the mouth of Eel river, and runs due south 36 miles, to the centre of township 21 in Range 1, east of the 2d principal meridian line, from which point the southern boundary line bears north of east, and ex- tends to the centre of township 22, in range 7 east, and from thence due north to the mouth of the Salamania river. It is about 36 miles square, containing 1,296 square miles, or 829,440 acres. This Reserve is said to contain the largest body of good land in the state. It is well watered by the Messissinaway river, Wild Cat and several other fine creeks. This tribe of Indians, and the other neighboring tribes, have many reserves, in different sections of the state, though not so large as the one just described. The next, worthy of notice, is situated on the east bank of Little river, near the Portage. It is about ten miles square, and contains sixty-four thousand acres of first rate lands. There are six other small Reserves. The first at the mouth of the Salamaniae river; the 2d at the confluence of the Wabash and Little rivers; the 3d on Little river five miles above the mouth; the 4th on the Salamaniae river near the centse of Dela- 88 MIL ware county: the 5th on Whiteriver, 18 miles west from Win- chester ; and the 6th on the head waters of Sugar creek, in Wabash county, east of Crawfordsville. The Indians have not the right to sell these lands to individuals; they can only be purchased by the United States. A treaty for that purpose, is to be held ten miles above the mouth of the Mississineway river, in September next. A person by the name of Richardsville has a small reserve INDIANA GAZETTEER 89 on the St. Mary's river near Fort Wayne, in Allen county. MILTON. This town is situated in Wayne county, on the county road leading from Centreville to Indianapolis, on the west bank of the West Fork of White-water, ten miles north of Connersville, eight and a half west of Centreville, and six and a half south of Jacksonsburgh. The site is high, dry and beautiful, and in addition to these advantages, it is surrounded with an extensive body of first rate farming land, the improve- ments on which are inferior to none in the state. There are 4 stores, 2 blacksmith's shops, 1 tavern, 1 hatter, a potter, a shoemaker, a saddler, 1 physician, a tan-yard and a post office, &c. in this town, there is a saw mill immediately adjoining it, a merchant mill within one mile, and water power sufficient for machinery of any description; in short there are but few places which have greater or better ad- M I S 89 vantages, or, at least, a stronger claim on the attention of mechanics. MILLERSBURG. A small post town in Ripley county. MILLCREEK. A small tributary stream of Eel creek. MILLPORT. A flourishing post town in Perry county. MIRIAM. This town is the seat of justice of Sullivan county, and is situated on the east bank of the Wabash river, thirty miles north of Vincennes, 24 south of Terre Haute, and 95 south-west from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 5, W. Lon. 10 18. MUSCACKITUCK. A river so called, and one of the branches of the East Fork of Whiteriver. It is formed by the junction of the North and Graham's forks which take their rise in Ripley and Jennings counties. The Muscackituck runs a westerly direction to the northwestern corner of Washington county, and joins the Driftwood fork of Whiteriver, 18 miles south-west of Brownstown. In its channel are numerous rapids which furnish valuable mill seats. MISSISSINAWAY. A very considerable stream which rises in Randolph county near the line dividing this state from 90 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY the state of Ohio, and after running in a northwestern direction through Randolph and Delaware counties, empties into the Wabash river, i[n] 90 MON the Miami Indian Reserve, 12 miles below the mouth of the Salamanise r[iv]er. Along the borders of this river are con- siderable bodies of handsome, level, fertile land which belong to the United States, and which may be had at $1.25 per acre. MONTAZUMA. A small village of Parke county, situated on a beautiful bluff on the east bank of the Wabash river, 7 miles west of Rockville, about the same distance from New Port, and 66 miles west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 48, W. Lon. 10 6. The site is beautiful and the surrounding country de- lightful. This place has the advantage of steam boat navigation, and bids fair to become a place of importance. It contains about 40 inhabitants, one tavern and several mechanics. MONROE. An interior county, bounded north by Morgan, west by Owen and Green, south by Lawrence, and east by a dis- trict of unsettled lands lying west of Bartholomew county. It is 24 miles from north to south, and 21 from east to west, containing 504 square miles. The face of the country presents an uneven appearance, yet the land is fertile, and well watered by Bean Blossom, Salt and Clear creeks, which are the principal streams. It contains about 4000 inhabitants. Near Blooming- ton, which is the seat of justice of this county, there is a large settlement of the Friends. M O U 91 MONTGOMERY. A large new county in the western part of the state bounded east by Wabash county, north by Tippecanoe, west by Fountain, and south by Putnam counties. It is 24 miles long from north to south and 21 broad from east to west, containing 504 square miles, the land is generally well timbered and may be called first and second rate. Sugar creek and its tributaries are the principal streams, which afford INDIANA GAZETTEER 91 excellent mill seats. In 1825 this county, though very new, contained about 1500 inhabitants, and at this time (1826) they may be estimated at about 2500. There is no section of the state settling more rapidly. Craw fords vi lie the seat of Justice. MORGAN. A new interior county, bounded west by Put- nam and Owen counties, south by Monroe, east by Johnson, and north by Hendricks and marion. It is nearly in a square form containing about 400 square miles. The west branch of Whiteriver passes through nearly in the centre of the county, which is the principal stream, and on the borders of which are very extensive bodies of fertile bottom land. The upland, in the general may be considered second rate. It contains about 2000 inhabitants. Martinsburgh the seat of justice. MOUNTPLEASANT. A flourishing post town in Mar- tin county. MOUNTSTERLING. A small, thriving 92 NEW village in Switzerland county, in which there is a post office established. MOUNT VERNON. A considerable post town in Posey county. N NANCEVILLE. A small post town in Harrison county. NAPOLEON. A flourishing village in the northwestern part of Ripley county, 12 miles north-west from Versailles, 30 south-west from Brookville, and 50 south-east from Indianapo- lis. N. Lat. 39 12, W. Lon. 8 9. This town contains about 10 or 12 dwelling houses and 50 or 60 inhabitants, 2 taverns, 1 store, a tan-yard, and mechanics of various professions." NEW ALBANY. One of the principal towns in this state ; it is situated immediately below the Falls of the Ohio river, 100 miles south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 18, W. Lon. 8 38. See Addenda. NEW CASTLE. The seat of justice of Henry county, is 92 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY situated in the centre of said county, on the road leading from Centreville to Crawfordsville, 25 miles north-west of the former, 84 east of the latter, and 50 north-east of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 55, W. Lon. 8 2. This place contains about 20 families and 150 inhabitants, 2 stores, 2 taverns, several car- NEW 93 penters, shoemakers, tailors, tanners, physicians, lawyers, a post office &c. NEW GARDEN. A small post town in New Garden township, in the northeast corner of Wayne county, 8 miles north of Richmond. It is principally settled by the Friends as well as the country around it. NEW LAWRENCEBURGH. A flourishing village situ- ated on the south bank of Tanners creek, in Dearborn county. It is separated from old Lawrenceburgh by a narrow strip of low ground which is frequently inundated by the back water from the Ohio river. The site of this town is, however, several feet above high water mark. It contains about 25 handsome brick and frame buildings, elegantly painted, 100 inhabitants, 2 stores, 1 tavern, and several mechanics. NEW LONDON. A small post town in Jefferson county. NEWPORT. This place is the seat of justice of Vermillion county, it is situated on the west bank of the Wabash river, 8 miles east of the western boundary line of the state, 30 south- west from Crawfordsville, 12 north-west of Rockville, and 66 west of Indianapolis. The site is beautiful, the country fertile, the air pure, and water good. It has many advantages, among others, that of steam-boat navigation which will render it a commercial place. N. Lat. 39 50, W. Lon. 10 6. 94 NOL NEW TRENTON. A small post town in Franklin county, situated on a high bluff on the east bank of Whitewater, 12 miles south of Brookville, 20 north of Lawrenceburgh, and 80 south-east of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 20, W. Lon. 7 40. INDIANA GAZETTEER 93 It contains about 50 or 60 inhabitants, one store, a public house, a blacksmith and several other mechanics. NEW WASHINGTON. A flourishing post town in Clark county. NOBLESVILLE. The seat of justice of Hamilton county. It is situated on the road leading from Centreville to Craw- fordsville, 48 miles east of the latter place, 25 north of In- dianapolis and 35 west of New Castle, on the west bank of Whiteriver immediately above the mouth of Cicero creek. N. Lat. 39 40. W. Lon. 8 50. This section of country was selected by the Indians for their residence, and but a few years ago contained a number of villages, among which were Ander- sontown, Strawtown, Bucktown, Greentown, Nanticoke, &c. From this circumstance we may fairly infer that this section of country must be celebrated for health and other advantages. NOLANDS FORK. A considerable stream which took its name from a gentleman of that name who was one of the first settlers. It is a branch of Whitewater, and takes its rise in Randolph county, passes through Wayne and empties into the west fork of OUI 95 Whitewater, near the northern boundary line of Fayette county. This stream affords a number of excellent mill seats, and the land on its borders is first rate, settled principally by the Friends. NORTH FORK. A large mill stream and a branch of the Muscackituck river. It takes its rise in Jennings county and empties into the above named river on the northern boundary line of Washington county. The land is fertile though rather rolling. O ORANGE. A southern county, bounded east by Washing- ton, north by Lawrence, west by Martin and Dubois, and south by Crawford counties. It is nearly square and contains about 400 square miles. In 1825 it contained 5500 inhabitants. Its 94 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY principal stream is Patoki river, which takes its rise in this county. The land is generally level and includes first, second and third rates. Paoli is the seat of justice. ORLEANS. A considerable post town situated in the north-east corner of Orange county, 10 miles north of Paoli and 72 south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 35, W. Lon. 9 12. OUIATANON FORT. This post is situated on the north bank of the Wabash river a short distance below the mouth of Eel river, 96 P AO and 262 miles from the mouth of the Wabash. It was estab- lished, according to Cramer's account, in 1775, it is a small stockaded fort. A silver mine has been discovered a short distance from this fort. OWEN. A western county bounded east by Monroe and Morgan, north by Putnam, west by Clay, and south by Green counties. It contains about 400 square miles, and a population of 2000. The principal stream is the west branch of White river, which passes through it in a south-western direction. On this river the bottoms are extensive and fertile, and produce corn in great abundance, the upland is better calculated to produce small grain, grass, &c. Spencer the seat of justice. OWENSVILLE. A flourishing post town in Gibson county. PALESTINE. A flourishing post town in Lawrence county, and formerly the seat of justice of said county. It is situated 3 miles south of Bedford, the present county seat, and 66 miles south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 46, W. Lon. 9 12. PAOLI. This town is the seat of justice of Orange county, and is situated near the centre of said county on the head waters of the Patoki river, 25 miles north of Fredonia, 15 INDIANA GAZETTEER 95 PER 97 east of Hindostan, 25 west of Salem, and 85 south of Indian- apolis. N. Lat. 38 25, W. Lon. 9 13. PARIS. A small post town in Jefferson county. PARKE. A large new county bordering on the Wabash river, bounded east by Putnam and Montgomery counties, north by Fountain, west by Vermillion, and south by Clay and Vigo counties. It contains 432 square miles and 3000 in- habitants. The land on this county bordering on the Wabash and Sugar creek, is not surpassed in fertility by any in the state. Rockville the seat of justice. PATOKI. A southwestern river, rising within the eastern limits of Orange county, whence it runs in a westerly direction about 100 miles across Orange, Dubois, Pike and Gibson counties, into the Wabash river, one mile below the mouth of Whiteriver, with which stream it runs nearly parallel for 50 miles approaching each other, at some places, within a mile's distance. Extensive bodies of valuable land are situated ad- jacent either immediately upon, or in the neighborhood of this river. PERRY. A river county, bounded on the north and east by Crawford county, south by the Ohio river, and west by Spencer county. It is 27 by 18 miles in extent, and contains an 98 PIN area of about 400 square miles, containing about 3000 in- habitants. The lands are generally hilly and rough, although a part is even and fertile. Anderson creek is its principal stream, which runs into the Ohio river, which washes its eastern and southern boundaries. Troy is the seat of justice. PETERSBURGH. A small post town in Pike county. PIKE. A southwestern county bordering on Whiteriver, bounded east by Dubois, north by Daviesse and Knox, west by Gibson and south by Warrick counties. It contains about 400 square miles, and 2000 inhabitants. The principal streams are 96 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Whiteriver, which passes along the northern boundary, and Patoki river which meanders nearly through the centre of said county. The lands on these streams are very fertile. Colombia the county seat. PINE. A large creek which rises in Wabash county and empties into the Wabash river immediately opposite the town of Attica in Fountain county. On the head of this creek there are several large ponds, in which muskrats are found in abund- ance. Hundreds were caught in the winter of 1825 by two trapping companies from Centreville. The land on the borders of this stream is fertile and well timbered. Stone coal is also found on this creek in great abundance. POS 99 PIPE CREEK. A stream which rises in the western part of Franklin county, runs an eastern direction and empties into the west branch of Whitewater 5 miles above Brookville. The land on this stream is very hilly and rough, though heavily timbered. Salt springs have been found at different places on this creek, but as yet, little has been done in the manufacture of salt. PIPE. A small creek which rises in the southern part of Delaware county and runs into Whiteriver 4 miles above the mouth of Duck creek. PLEIN RIVER. A considerable stream which rises in the North West Territory, meanders in a southwestern direction, and empties into Lake Dupage, in N. Lat. 41 36, W. Lon. 9 50. POINTPLEASANT. A flourishing post town in Martin county. PORTERSVILLE. The seat of justice of Dubois county. It is situated on the south bank of the Patoki river, 18 miles southwest from Paoli, 30 north of Troy, 18 east of Columbia, 12 south of Hindostan and 84 southwest from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 36, W. Lon. 9 33. PORT ROYAL. A small post town in Morgan county. INDIANA GAZETTEER 97 POSEY. The most southern county in the state. It is bounded on the east by Vander- 100 RAN burgh, north by Gibson county, west by the Wabash river, and south by the Ohio river, which washes its southern border. It contains 400 square miles and about 5000 inhabitants. The land in this county, especially on the Wabash, is low, even and fertile. The northwestern part of this county is settled principally by the Owenites, for a description of whom, see Harmony. Springfield is the seat of justice. PRINCETON. This town is the seat of justice of Gibson county. It is situated near the centre of said county, 18 miles south of Vincennes, 21 west of Columbia, 30 northeast of Harmony, and 120 southwest of Indianapolis. N Lat 38 24 W. Lon. 10 18. ' PUTNAM. A new western county bounded east by Hend- ricks and Morgan, north by Montgomery, west by Parke and Clay, and south by Owen counties. It is 27 miles long from north to south and 18 broad, containing 486 square miles and about 2500 inhabitants. The principal streams are Eel creek and its tributaries. The land is not surpassed by any in the New Purchase. Green Castle is the seat of justice. R RANDOLPH. An eastern county bounded on the east by the line dividing this state RIC 101 from the state of Ohio, north and west by Delaware, and south by Wayne counties. It is 21 miles square, containing 441 square miles and about 2500 inhabitants. The land is generally level and in some parts wet. The timber is beech interspersed with ash, poplar, sugar, &c. Whiteriver and the Mississinaway are the principal streams, on which the land is fertile. Win- chester the county seat. 98 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY RICHLAND. A small creek which rises in Monroe county and empties into the west branch of Whiteriver, 4 miles below Burlington, in Greene county. RICHMOND. The following description of this town is copied from the Public Leger, of April, 1826: "At the commencement of a new volume, it may not be improper to give a brief view of our flourishing village. The ground on which it stands was settled in the year 1806, at which time there were no settlements west of the east fork of Whitewater, and but few east of it within the limits of Indiana. The first sale of lots was on the 15th August, 1806. After flourishing a year or two, the town seemed rather in a languishing condition until within four or five years, when it became renovated, and has since steadily improved; and the prospect is flattering that this career will be no more interrupted. Situate in the best improved part of the state, and possess- ing solidity of capital, we think that no probable reverse can reduce us to the dull, deteriorating condition of many towns in this country, which flourished for a time with mushroom rapidity. Perhaps, however, the surest pledge of prosperity is the general industry of the inhabitants — which renders the situation of individuals comfortable, and gives a smiling ap- pearance to the village. Many dwellings have 102 RIP been erected within the last two years — and preparations are making for many more. Last [yea]r nearly four hundred thousand bricks were manu- factured, and made us of, in this place. In March, 1824, the village contained 453 inhabitants — now it contains 632 white and 16 colored persons, total 648, being an increase of 43 per cent, in two years. There are now 8 dry good stores, 2 drug stores, 3 inns, 2 gorceries, 3 tan-yards, 5 blacksmiths, 3 cabinet makers, one carding machine maker, 4 hatters, 3 shoemakers, 3 tailors, 3 saddlers, one tinner, one gunsmith, one coverlet and diaper weaver, 2 coopers, one potter, one pump maker, 3 car- riage and wagon makers, one plough maker, 2 chair makers, one brewery, 3 painters, 2 butchers, one bricklayer, 11 carpenters, 3 physicians, one lawyer, a school house, market house, post office and printing office. Adjoining the town are, a large woollen factory, grist mill, and two carding machines. In this list the master mechanics only are enumerated. Our market is regularly supplied, twice a week, with excellent meat — and, at the proper seasons, with the vegetable productions of the country." A short distance north of this place the Society of Friends have erected a large commodious brick Meeting House, 60 by 100 feet, two stories high, with a large gallery. This house is occupied by said society as their Yearly Meeting House. It is INDIANA GAZETTEER 99 supposed to contain seats sufficient to accommodate 5000 per- sons. This meeting is held in October, commencing on the first Sunday in the month; it is attended by Friends from various parts of the Union. RIPLEY. A southern county, bounded east by Dearborn, north by Franklin and De- ll O C 103 catur, west by Jenings and south by Jefferson. It contains about 400 square miles and 3500 inhabitants. The principal stream is Laughery creek which passes in a southeastern direc- tion. The land is high and level and may be considered as third rate. It is heavily timbered with beech, ash, hickory, sugar, &c. Versailles the seat of justice. RISING SUN. A post town in Dearborn county, situated on a beautiful eminence on the bank of the Ohio river, 13 miles below Lawrenceburgh. It contains from 80 to 90 handsome dwelling houses, chiefly brick and frame; 4 stores, 2 inns, 2 physicians and a vast number of mechanics of various profes- sions. The land around this town is broken, yet fertile. This place has the advantage of pure air, good water and the in- estimable advantage of steam boat navigation : in short, but few villages on this noble river, offer greater inducements to the industrious and enterprising, than this place. ROCKPORT. The seat of justice of Spencer county. It is pleasantly situated on the bank of the Ohio river, just below the mouth of Blackfords creek, 8 miles above the Yellow Banks, 12 south-west of Troy, 15 south-east of Boonville, and 130 miles soute-west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 37 55, W. Lon. 9 48. ROCKVILLE. A handsome village situated nearly in the centre of Parke county, 30 104 R U S miles southwest of Crawfordsville, 15 south-east of New Port, 27 north-east of Terre Haute, and 57 due west of Indianapolis. 100 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY N. Lat. 39 40. W. Lon. 9 58. This town is the seat of justice of Parke county, it contains about 20 families and 100 in- habitants, 1 store, 3 taverns, several industrious mechanics, one lawyer and 2 physicians. This town is within 8 miles of steam boat navigation, which, with many other advantages in its favor, will render it a place of considerable importance. It also has the advantage of pure air and good water, which will ensure the health of its inhabitants. ROME. A flourishing post town in Perry county. ROSEVILLE. A small post village in Parke county. RUSH. A new eastern county, bounded north by Henry, west by Shelby, south by Decatur, and east by Franklin and Fayette counties. It is 18 by 22 miles in extent, containing 400 square miles. Blue river and Flat Rock are the principal streams. The land in this county is generally of the first quality, heavily timbered with walnut, ash, sugar, poplar, beech, &c. This county was settled but a few years since, and now contains about 4000 inhabitants; which will justify the opinion that Rush will rank, in a few years among the most wealthy and populous counties in SAL 105 the state. Rushville is the seat of justice of this county. RUSHVILLE. This town is pleasantly situated on the west bank of Flat Rock, 16 miles west of Connersville, 24 south of New Castle, on the state road leading from Conners- ville to Indianapolis, 40 south-east of the latter place. This town is the seat of justice of Rush county, and contains 25 or 30 families, and about 100 inhabitants; 2 stores, 2 inns, 2 lawyers, one physician, and mechanics of different descriptions. SALAMANI^E. A considerable river, rising in the south- eastern part of Delaware county, in such a manner as to inter- lock with the head waters of the Mississinaway river, near the line dividing this state from the state of Ohio. It runs a north- INDIANA GAZETTEER 101 westerly direction above 80 miles and empties into the Wabash river, exactly at the northeastern corner of the Miami Indian Reserve. Its width at its mouth is as great as that of the Wabash. The lands on this stream generally belong to the United States, and are now offered for sale at the Land Office in Fort Wayne. For a description of which, see United States' Lands. SALEM. This town is situated on the head waters of Big Blue creek, 16 miles south 106 SAL of Brownstown, 25 west of New Lexington, 25 north of Cory- don, and 75 south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 40, W. Lon. 8 55. "Agreeably to a census taken the 7th of July, 1826, this town contained, within the corporation: Males under 10 years of age ---------- 97 Females under ten ------------ 100 Males between ten and twenty-one --------90 Females between ten and twenty-one --------65 Males 21 and upwards ------------ 148 Females twenty-one and upwards --------- 103 People of color ------------ 27 Total number of inhabitants 630 Making an increase of 120 since the 23d of Nov. 1824. There are 3 schools, 2 for males and one for females ; in one of the former are taught English grammar, geography and the dead languages ; one Presbyterian church, one reading room, containing 30 newspapers and periodical publications, a printing office from which issues a weekly paper, a public library, containing 280 vols. 9 stores, 3 groceries, 3 taverns, 2 cabinet makers, one cotton spinning factory, 3 wool carding machines, one fulling mill, one oil mill, one tin and copper manufactory, 3 blacksmiths, 3 saddlers, 2 wheelwrights, 3 wagon makers, 2 brass clock makers, 2 watch makers and silversmiths, 3 tan-yards, 2 shoemakers, 2 tailors, 2 chair makers, one painter, 2 carpenters, employing from 10 to 15 workmen, 3 brick makers and brick layers, 3 physicians, and 2 lawyers, 2 bake shops, one tobacco manu- factory, and 4 hatter shops. There have been exported during the last year, ending the 23d of May, by the merchants of this place, 1250 bbls. of flour, 285 do. whiskey, 614 do. pork, 18500 do. bacon and lard, 208,000 pipe staves, 15,000 yds. tow cloth, 5,000 lb. ginseng, 1,000 lb. of bees-wax, 3,000 feathers, 50 bbls. of linseed oil. In addition to the above there have been large quantities of butter, eggs, chickens, &c. &c. exported. 102 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY SAL 107 The imports during the same period amount to 65,000 dollars. There have also been taken off by our citizens several droves of horses and hogs for the southern market. Salem is the seat of justice of Washington county. The land in the neighborhood of the town is principally of the second rate quality; well watered, high and healthy, and capable of sustaining a dense population. The inhabitants are seldom afflicted with these bilious disorders to which those are exposed who are situated on the rivers and low lands. The soil may be viewed as well adapted to most kinds of fruit raised in the same latitude. It is considered good for wheat, and better for grass than is common in the western country. Farms may yet be called new, and no regular system of farming has been adopted. Meadows are much neglected. A view of our exports will give a good idea of what kinds of surplus produce are raised for market, with the exception of the article of wheat, which was principally destroyed last season by the weevil. The situation of Salem in regard to the surrounding country; its health; its rising importance in the manufacturing line; the sobriety and industry of the inhabitants, and the encouragement given to learning, must certainly give it, in a few years, a respectable rank among the inland towns of the west." SALT CREEK. A considerable stream which rises in Jackson county, runs a northwesterly direction above 30 miles, and then bears a southern course and empties into the east branch of Whiteriver, 2 miles below Bedford. It affords a vast number of mill seats, many of which are improved. SALT CREEK. A small stream which rises in the southern part of Rush county, runs an easterly course and empties into the west branch of Whitewater 10 miles above Brook- 108 SCO ville. Salt springs are found in abundance on this creek, and considerable sums of money have been expended in erecting works; salt has been manufactured, of the best quality, but the business has not been gone into on a large scale. These springs, however, will, in time, be a great advantage to this section of country, and a source of much profit. SALISBURY. This place was formerly the seat of justice of Wayne county, and one of the most flourishing towns in the state, but its days of prosperity are gone ; it now contains about 10 families, 2 taverns, one cabinet maker and one baker. It is INDIANA GAZETTEER 103 situated 3 miles west of Richmond and the same distance east of Centreville. SAND CREEK. A very considerable stream which rises in Decatur county, runs in a southwestern direction and empties into the Driftwood fork of Whiteriver, 5 miles below the mouth of Clifty. On this creek a large quarry of stone has been found; mill stones have been manufactured at this quarry, of a quality not inferior to the French bur. SAUNDERSVILLE. A flourishing post town in Vander- burgh county. SCOTT. A southern county, bounded east by Jefferson, north by Jennings and Jackson, west by Washington, and south by Floyd and Clark counties. It is 16 miles from east to west and 12 from north to south, containing S I L 109 150 square miles, and about 2500 inhabitants. The land is generally fertile and well timbered. New Lexington the seat of justice. SHELBY. A new interior county, bounded south by Bartholomew, west by Johnson, north by Madison, and east by Rush and Decatur counties. It is 18 by 24 miles in extent, containing 432 square miles, and about 3000 inhabitants. In the general the land is very fertile, well timbered and watered. The principal streams are Blue River, Flat Rock and Swamp creek ; all of which afford a number of excellent mill seats, some of which are improved. This county is settling rapidly, and will rank, in time, with the best counties in the state, in point of wealth and population. SHELBYVILLE. The seat of justice of Shelby county, is situated on the west bank of Blue river, 22 miles north of Columbus, 22 west of Rushville, and 27 south-east of Indian- apolis. N. Lat. 39 33, W. Lon. 8 30. SILVER CREEK. A considerable stream which takes its rise in Scott county, meanders through, or round the hills, in a southern direction and empties into the Ohio river just below 104 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY the falls. "In the bank of this creek about two miles from its mouth, is found large quantities of copperas, at a place well known by the name of the Copperas Banks. The copperas taken from this bank is found to be equal (although not so clear in its present 110 SPE state,) to any copperas brought to this country." SILVER CREEK. A small stream which rises in Union county, runs a south-west direction and empties into the east branch of Whitewater, in said county. On this creek there is a considerable settlement of the Friends, or Quakers. SMOCKVILLE. A small post town in Jefferson county. SOMERSETT. A flourishing post village situated on the west bank of the west branch of Whitewater 10 miles above Brookville, in Franklin county, in the northwestern corner of said county. It is situated on a beautiful high, level bottom, which affords a delightful site for a town. It contains 8 or 10 families, and about 50 inhabitants ; a store, an inn, and a grist and saw-mill immediately adjoining the plat of the town. The country around this place is delightful, the land fertile and well timbered, affording excellent springs. SPENCER. A large southern county bordering on the Ohio river, bounded east by Perry, north by Dubois, west by Warrick counties, and south by the Ohio river, which washes its whole southern boundary. This, like most of the river counties, is not laid out in a square form, but is made to suit the meanders of the water courses. It is 18 by 30 miles in extent, containing 400 square miles, and about SPR 111 2500 inhabitants. The land is generally rough and broken. The principal streams are Little Pigeon and Anderson creeks ; immediately below the mouth of the latter, we find what is called the "Hanging Rock." This rock is called by way of eminence, "The Lady Washington." It shews a bare perpendi- INDIANA GAZETTEER 105 cular front of solid rock of about 100 feet in height commenc- ing at the water s edge. It is the upper edge of a ridge of high ground, which ends here, extending half a mile on the river having a flat country above and below it. This rock would make a good site for a fort, having a fine command of the river above and below for several miles. At this place the river hills end, a bluff now and then excepted, and the flat country com- mences. ■ ' SPENCER. A handsome town and seat of justice of Owen county situated on the west bank of the west branch of White- nver 15 miles north of Hindostan, 24 south-west of Martins- burgh, 18 west of Bloomington, and about SO south-west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 18, W Lon 9 30 SPRINGFIELD. A nourishing post town and seat of justice of Posey county, situated on the south bank of Big 30 stth oT p eS - S °f" e ^ 0f Harm ° ny ' 15 WCSt 0f Evansvi "e 30 south o Princeton, 12 north of the mouth of the Wabash L 'l035 S ° Uth ' west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 37 58 W 112 StM ST. JOSEPH. A very considerable river called the "St Joseph s of the Lake" which takes its rise near the north- east corner of the state, in such a manner as nearly to inter- ock with the head waters of the "St. Joseph's of the^mee, L f J OS t Ph ' U rUnS a WeStern directi0 « ^out 50 miles, and then bears a north-western course for about the IZ M S T e thr ° U 5\ the India " co «"try and empties into InS u'^' m !^ Michiga " Territ0r y- There «e several Indian villages established on this river, with the inhabitants of nd BrhT S ; trade ^ fUr ' " Carrkd °" ^ the Fre ^ and British fur companies. This stream is navigable for several miles from the lake. ST. JOSEPH. This river takes its rise near the source of he last mentioned river, runs in a south-western direction and empties into the Maumee river at Fort Wayne. The lands on 106 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY this stream, which have been purchased by the United States, are of an excellent quality, inferior to none in the state ; thou- sands of acres, on this stream may now be purchased from the general government at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Emigrants and others would do well to visit this section of the country. ST. MARY'S. A considerable river rising in the state of Ohio, near the source of Loramie's creek, running thence north-westwardly SUL 113 40 miles, to the line dividing this state and the state of Ohio, and from thence 26 miles north-westwardly, into the Maumee river, at Fort Wayne, in Allen county. It is navigable with batteaus to Fort St. Mary's, which is situated near the source of this river, on the route from Greeneville to Fort Defiance, 12 miles north of Lorimie's station, and 12 south by west from fort Amanda. SUGAR CREEK. A large stream which rises in Wabash county near an Indian village called Thorntown, passes through Montgomery and Parke counties and empties into the Wabash river 3 miles below New Port. In the bed of this stream are many rapids which afford excellent mill seats, some of which are improved. The land on its borders is fertile and well timbered, offering many advantages to the industrious and enterprising farmer. SUGAR CREEK. A considerable mill stream which takes its rise in Henry county near the source of Fall creek, passes through Madison and Johnson counties and empties into Blue river near the southern boundary of the last named county. SULLIVAN. An old western county, bordering on the Wabash river, bounded east by Greene and Clay, north by Vigo, west by the Wabash river and the line dividing this state from the state of Illinois, and south by Knox county. It is 18 by 24 miles in extent, con- INDIANA GAZETTEER 107 114 TER taining 400 square miles and about 4000 inhabitants. Miriam is the seat of justice. The lands in this county are generally fertile and well improved, having been settled, at an early time by the French. SWAMP CREEK. A small stream which rises near the source of Sugar creek in Madison county, passes in a south- wardly direction through Shelby county and empties into Blue river near Shelbyville. SWITZERLAND. An old county bordering on the Ohio river, which forms its boundary on the east and south, Jeffer- son on the west and Dearborn county on the north. It contains about 250 square miles and 6000 inhabitants. The land is fertile and well watered by several small mill streams. There are several settlements of Swiss emigrants in this county, who have cultivated the vine with good success; wine of a superior quality, has been made, in large quantities, by these industrious citizens. Few counties in this state possess greater advantages than Switzerland. Vevay is the seat of justice. T TERRE HAUTE. The seat of justice of Vigo county. It is handsomely situated on a beautiful bluff on the east bank of the Wabash river, 20 miles west of Bowlingreen, 25 north THE 115 of Miriam, 30 south of New Port, 65 southwest of Indian- apolis, and 2 south of Fort Harrison. No. Lat. 39 3, W. Lon. 10 12. It contains 8 stores, 2 inns, and 500 inhabitants. This place combines many advantages, among others that of steam boat navigation. "Three years ago this place was for the first time visited by a steam boat, the Florence. She arrived once that year; two years ago the Ploughboy visited us: twice last spring we had two arrivals, and this season we have had five from below. To the citizens of large commercial cities, 108 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY this may appear to be a small business; but those who under- stand what we have been, will be much more surprised at what we are than at what we are not. When they consider that these boats are bearing rich cargoes more than four hundred miles up the Wabash, into a district of country where, three or four years ago there was not an inhabitant, they will with pleasure anticipate our destinies." — [Terre Haute paper. THEAKIKI, or ILLINOIS River. This river takes its rise in the Indian lands near the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, passes in a southwesterly direction, through a variagated and fertile country, about 450 or 500 miles, and empties into the Mississippi river 18 miles above the mouth of the Missouri, and 33 above St. Louis. The most correct account of this river, which falls within the reach of the 116 THE author is given by a Mr. Patrick Kennedy, who explored it in 1773: "About 18 miles up the Illinois, on the eastern side, is a river called by the natives Macepin or White Potato river ; it is 20 yards wide and navigable to the hills, (this is a chain of rocks and high hills which begin at the Piasas, about three miles above the Missouri, extend to the mouth of the Illinois, and continue on the south-eastern side of that river in an east- north-east course, up to the old Pioria fort, where they terminate on the eastern side of Illinois lake.) nine miles distant. The shore is low on both sides — land well timbered with fine meadows a little distance from the river, the banks of which do not crumble away as those of the Mississippi. Between this and the mouth of the Illinois there are a number of islands, some from 9 to 12 miles in length and three in breadth. Piorias wintering ground is about 48 miles from the Mississippi; here is a meadow on the eastern side, a quarter of a mile from the river, many miles long and six broad, in which are several small lakes communicating with each other and with the Illinois. The timber very small oaks. There are a number of beautiful islands in this part of the river, which is generally 400 yards broad. The Pierre island is some distance above the Piorias winter ground, near which, from a hill on the western side, the Indians procure a fleche or arrow-stone, with which they make their gun flints and point their arrows. Half a league above this island the meadows border on the river, and con- tinue several miles — banks of the river high — water clear, white marl and sand at the bottom ; land rich, well watered with small rivulets. INDIANA GAZETTEER 109 Mine river comes in from N. W. side, 120 miles from the Mississippi; it is a very rapid river, has a sandy bottom, green in some places and red in others and is 50 yards wide at its mouth. Land low on both sides of the Illinois, but rises gradually; the prairies on the eastern side are 20 miles wide, are good for tillage or grazing, and finely watered with springs -The Mine river is said THE 117 to have an alum hill on it, and is thought to be the nearest route to the copper mine. The river Sagamond, 135 miles from the Mississippi, is navigable for canoes 180 miles, and is 100 yards wide at its mouth The river Demi-Quian, 30 miles above Sagamond river, comes in from the western side, it is navigable 120 miles, and is 50 yards wide at its mouth Here is a large savanna, called the Demi-Quian swamp. The meadows here extend further than the eye can reach, affording a delightful prospect; the land on the eastern side high and thinly timbered. Lake Demi-Quian is 200 yards west and 6 miles above the river of the same name, and 171 from the Mississippi; it is circular, six miles across, and discharges itself by a passage four feet deep, into the Illinois; prairies or meadows increase in their extent. The general course of the Illinois varies very little, rather inclining to the eastward. A few miles above Demi-Quian lake, the Sesemi-Quian river comes in from the western side, it is 40 yards broad and navigable 60 miles Nine miles further up is the river De la March, on the western side also; it is 30 yards wide and navigable only 9 or 10 miles, but is a handsomer river than the Sesemi-Quian. Here the land begins to rise gradually on the western bank. The river Michilimackinac comes in on the south-eastern side, above Qo'rnlV^ "T 1 ^ a i I 95 m, * leS fr ° m thG M ™^ ^ is navigable 90 miles, 50 yards wide, and has at its mouth, 30 or 40 small islands, which at a distance look like a small village. Some distance up this river is a coal mine on the banks are red and white cedar, pine, maple, walnut &c L a P u rla f ° rt and VilIagC is ° n the WeStern shore of ^e Illinois, and at the southern end of Illinois lake, which is 19 and a half miles in length and three in breadth; this lake has no rocks, shoals or perceivable current The summit on which the fort stood, commands a fine prospect of the country to the eastward, and up the lake to the point where the river comes in at the north end ; to the westward 118 THE are large meadows. Here are plenty of cherry, plumb and other fruit trees The lake is well stored with fish, the sturgeon and picannau. On the eastern SKle of this lake about the middle of it, the chain of rocks that extend from the back of Kaskaskia, to Cahokia, thence to Piasa and the mouth of Illinois nver, &c. terminate. The Illinois lake is 210 miles from the Mississippi HO INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY At the time of Mr. Kennedy's visit, the stockades of the fort had been destroyed by fire, but the houses were standing. About 30 miles above Pioria fort, is Crow-meadow river on the eastern side; on the west side are the meadows just mentioned. This river is 90 yards wide, and navigable 15 or 18 miles, and is 240 miles from the Mis- sissippi. The land on both sides of the Illinois for 20 or 30 miles above the lake, is generally low and full of swamps, some for a mile wide, bordered with fine meadows, and in some places the high land comes to the river in points, or narrow necks. Fifteen miles further up is the Rivierre de Lisle de Pluge, or rainy island river, on the south-east side: it is navigable nine miles to the rock, 15 yards wide and 255 miles from the Mississippi. Grass fine, thick and tall ; timber birch, button and pecan— river shallow and difficult of ascent. Vermillion river is 12 miles further up, it is rocky and not navigable, 30 yards wide. A mile above the Vermillion are the Little Rocks.— Here the party took land and ascended to the forks, 61 miles above the Vermillion river and 328 from the Mississippi. About five miles above the Vermillion river, is a coal mine on the north-western side of the Illinois, for half a mile along the bank which is high. On the eastern side half a mile from the river and the same distance below the coal mine, are two salt ponds 100 yards in circumference; the water is of a yellowish color; but the French and natives make good salt from it; it is Salter than the saline near St. Genevieve. It is hereabout the French settlers used to cut the mill stones; on the high lands there is abundance of red and THE 119 white cedar, pine trees, &c. For 45 miles above the Vermillion river, the Illinois has a rapid current. The Fox river is about 30 miles above the Vermillion river, which comes in on the western side ; it is 25 yards wide and has five feet water in low times; it has many serpentine windings through extensive meadows or prairies. Mr. Kennedy and his party returned to his boats at the Little Rocks a mile above Vermillion river, and in his descent attempted to ascend the Mine river, which was too low for navigation, and finding it impossible to penetrate the country to the copper mine, on account of the rocky or sand mountains, weeds, briars, &c. he concluded to give up the search, and descend the river to Kaskaskia village again, which he accomplished by the 20th August following, having been gone one month and three days. From the Forks, the Kickapoo river, a principal head branch of the Illinois, winds to the north-westward, and in about 80 or 90 miles, taking its courses, it passes within four miles of a navigable branch of the Chicago river, which enters at the west side of the head of lake Michigan, close by the United States' fort Chicago; between these two branches is a portage of 4 miles, making a water communication, with this trifling exception, INDIANA GAZETTEER HI ir«>m the Mississippi to Michigan, thence clown the lakes, having but ten miles land carriage around the falls of Niagara, to the mouth of the St Laurence; or to the city of New York, by way of Oswego river and lake into Wood creek from which there is a canal of four miles into the Mohawk river, which ,s made navigable with several locks to Schenectady from whence there is 16 miles (and less by way of the Cohoo falls,) of a land carriage to the city of Albany on the Hudson or North river, thence to New York 160 miles, the Hudson affords the finest schooner navigation in the world. By this extraordinary route from New York to New Orleans there is afforded the most singular and interesting natural inland navigation if not the greatest in the universe. From the Forks, the Illinois river runs nearly a N. E. direction, making a bed which comes within four or five 120 TIP miles of San Joseph river, which empties into the east side of lake Michigan at its head. There is another communication from the Illinois to lake Michigan by way of a small lake on the Kickapoo branch to the Kennonimie river, which enters lake Michigan at its extreme southern point; by this route there is also a portage of 3 or 4 miles." TIPPECANOE RIVER. This river takes its rise in the Indian lands, runs in a southwestern direction and empties into the Wabash, near the Prophet's town. This place is now famous in the annals of our Indian wars, for a desperate battle fought here by the American troops under Gov. Harrison, and the Indians under Tecumseh, brother to the Prophet. ' The American troops were about 800 in number, their killed and wounded about 160. The number of the Indians was about 700 ; killed and wounded not known. This river is quite a rapid stream affording many valuable mill seats. The lands are fertile and well timbered, with the exception of some prairies, on which handsome groves of timber are found. TIPPECANOE. A new county formed by the legisla- ture in 1826. It is bounded on the east and north by Wabash county, west by Wabash and Fountain county, and on the south by Montgomery. It is 21 by 24 miles in extent, containing 504 square miles, and about 1500 inhabitants. The Wabash river passes through it in a south-west direction; the lands on which are fertile. The follow- 112 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY TIP 121 ing article is given by a citizen of this county : "As a matter interesting, the county of Tippecanoe contains the battle field, where slumbers the remains of an Owen, a Davis, a Spencer, and their deceased compatriots. On this field perhaps was set the example of heroism that gave impulse to bravery during the last war, to which it was the prelude, and which may have had an influence in the result of many a succeeding con- flict ; and Indiana, while she laments the premature fate of some of her bravest sons, in this sanguinary contest, can boast that some amongst the bravest that fought, yet remain to receive the plaudits of a grateful people. As the tide of population rolls westward, this section of country is destined at no distant day, to be inhabited by its hundreds of thousands, and shall the spot, where this battle was fought, be forgotten and lost by the successive generations that will follow each other? Will the American government, to whom the right of soil belongs, expose to sale, to be "riven by the plough," the graves of those fallen heroes, or will they not rather suffer the foliage of nature to remain an everlasting shade to the soil that was crimsoned by their blood, and a monument to their memory as durable as the plains of Saratoga or Yorktown? Tippecanoe county also contains what was called the Prophet's Town, and the old Wea towns, formerly inhabited by a numerous tribe of Indians, intermixed with French, which was destroyed by general Scott, of Ky. in 1792, the vestiges of which yet remain to be seen on the beautiful Wea plains." This county is interspersed with beautiful prairies, with most luxuriant soil, abounding with iron ore and stone coal, and never failing mill streams sufficient to propel machinery to any extent that may be wanted. La Fayette is the seat of justice. 122 UNI TROY. A large flourishing town and seat of justice of Perry county. It is situated on a high bluff on the north bank of the Ohio river, 30 miles south of Portersville, 15 north-east of Rockport, and 120 south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 37 58, W. Lon. 9 30. It contained, in (Aug. 1826,) 19 families, 120 souls, 1 tavern, 1 store, 2 blacksmiths, 1 cabinet maker, two shoemakers, 1 physician, a tan-yard, a warehouse, and a post office. TUCKERSVILLE. A small post village in Crawford county. INDIANA GAZETTEER 113 U UNION. A small, wealthy, eastern county, bounded east by the line dividing this state from the state of Ohio, north by Wayne, west by Fayette, and south by Franklin counties. It is now, including the part attached by the legislature in 1826, from Franklin county, about 12 by 13 miles in extent, contain- ing 156 square miles. This county, although small, is very thickly settled, by industrious eastern and southern farmers, and now contains about 6000 inhabitants. It was originally taken out of the counties of Franklin and Wayne. Its prin- cipal streams are East branch of Whitewater, Hannah's and Silver creeks, tributaries of the former; all of which afford many valuable mill seats. The seat of justice is UNI 123 now established at Liberty, in the centre of the county. In its first organization the seat was located at Brownsville, by commissioners appointed for that purpose, but was removed by an act of the legislature. It may now be viewed as permanent. The land in this county is generally good, varying from 1st, 2d to 3d rate. The settlements are various. The north-eastern section is principally composed of Friends, who have a large meeting house. The south-east by Germans ; and the west by persons of different descriptions. UNITED STATES' LANDS. A general name given to those public lands of the general government, which either have been, or are yet to be sold at the public land offices, under the laws of Congress. The lands thus authorised to be sold in the state of Indiana, are divided into the land districts of Fort Wayne, Crawfordsville, Vincennes, Jeffersonville, and Indian- apolis. For a description of each, see Fort Wayne district, Crawfordsville, &c. They are so called from the names of the several towns in which the land offices are respectively located. All these lands northwest of the Ohio river, are surveyed into townships of six miles square each. The ranges east of the 2d 114 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY principal meridian, in this state, are numbered from west to east, and those west of this meridian are numbered from east to west. The range lines run north and south, 124 UNI and the township lines east and west. The townships are sub- divided into 36 sections, by lines parallel to the township and range lines. Each section is a mile square, and contains 640 acres. In establishing the townships and sectional corners, a post is first planted at the point of intersection; then on the tree nearest the post, and standing within the section intended to be designated, is numbered with the marking iron, the range, township and number of the section. The quarters at their corners are distinguished by S. W. N. W. N. E. & S.E. Section numbered 16 in every township, is perpetually reserved for the use of schools, and leased out under the authority of the state government. All the others may be taken up either in sections, fractions, halves or quarters ; and under a late act of congress they may be entered or purchased in half quarters, or 80 acre tracts, to be divided by a north and south line across the quarter. The prices are one dollar and twenty- five cents per acre, to be paid at the time of making the entry. Every applicant for land is required by law to produce a description of it in writing to the Register, signed by himself, before an entry can be made. The usual form is as follows : "North-west quarter (or any other as the case may be) of section No. in town No. in range No. in the name of A. B. U T I 125 of county." If the land is found to be vacant, he then receives from the register an application to the receiver, describ- ing the land, &c. which he presents to the receiver, and makes the payment required, upon which he receives his receipt, and must forthwith, produce it to the register, who, after ascertain- ing its correctness, makes an entry on his books ; and gives the INDIANA GAZETTEER 115 purchaser a printed certificate, describing the tract and the amount paid ; which is held by the purchaser, until he receives a patent from the commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington city; which is never less than a year from the time of the purchase, and some times even longer. The patents are all recorded in the general land office at Washington city, and returned by mail to the office at which the land was pur- chased, to be delivered over to the purchaser. This information is particularly designed for the use of emigrants. UNSETTLED LANDS. A district of country bounded east by Bartholomew, south by Jackson, west by Monroe, and north by Morgan and Johnson counties. It is 9 by 22 miles in extent, containing about 198 square miles. These lands are very hilly and broken, inhabited by but few families. UTICA. A flourishing little post village situated on the west bank of the Ohio river, in Clark county, 7 miles below Charlestown, 5 126 V E R above Jeffersonville, and 100 south of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 20, W. Lon. 8 30. VANDERBURGH. A small county in the south-western corner of the state, bordering on the Ohio river, it is bounded east by Warrick, north by Gibson, west by Posey and south by the Ohio river. It is 12 by 22 miles in extent, containing 222 square miles, and about 2000 inhabitants. Its principal stream is Great Pigeon creek. On this stream Messrs. Jones and Harrison have been successful in obtaining salt water. "They perforated a solid rock to the depth of 463 feet, when, (after having passed several small veins of salt water,) they struck a large vein very highly impregnated with salt; its strength is believed to be not inferior to any water heretofore obtained in the western country, and in such abundance that it is hoped there will be a sufficiency, from this single well, to supply two 116 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY furnaces of 50 kettles each." Evansville is the seat of justice of this county. VELONIA. A small post town in Jackson county. VERMILLION. A new western county, bounded east by the Wabash river, north by Wabash county, west by the state of Illinois, and south by Vigo county. It is six by 36 V E R 127 miles in extent, containing about 220 square miles, and 2000 inhabitants. Its principal stream is Vermillion, which is navigable for steam boats a considerable distance. The lands in this county are fertile and well timbered. New Port is the seat of justice. VERNON. This town is the seat of justice of Jennings county ; it is situated on the north bank of Graham's Fork, near the centre of said county, 24 miles south-east of Columbus, 20 south-west of Versailles, 25 east of Brownstown, 21 north- west of Madison, and 66 south-east of Indianapolis, N. Lat. 38 57, W. Lon. 8 20. It contained, in Aug. 1826: "26 householders in which is 161 souls, 1 store, 2 taverns, 2 physicians, 3 lawyers, 1 blacksmith, 1 gunsmith, 2 cabinet shops, 1 tanner and currier, 1 hatter, 1 saddler, 2 bricklayers, 1 brickmaker, 2 house joiners, 2 shoemakers, 1 tailor, 1 school master, 1 millstone-cutter, 1 wool-carding machine, a large two story brick court house, with clerk's office, and county library in the same, a large brick meeting house, 6 brick, 13 frame and 8 hewn log dwell- ings ; office of the U. S. marshall for the state of Indiana, and a post office, at which five different mails arrive and depart every week. Vernon was laid out by John Vawter and David McClure, Sept. 1815, and established the seat of justice of Jennings county, in Feb. 1817." VERNON. A small village in Randolph county containing several mechanics. VERSAILLES. A flourishing post town and seat of justice of Ripley county. It is situated on the head waters of Laughery creek, 24 miles west of Lawrenceburgh, 30 128 V I G south-west of Brookville, 20 south-east of Greensburgh, 20 north-east of Vernon, and 65 south-east of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 39 6, W. Lon. 8 2. INDIANA GAZETTEER 117 This town now contains from 30 to forty dwelling houses, and about 100 inhabitants, 1 physician, 1 lawyer, 1 store, 2 taverns, an extensive tan yard, and carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, and other mechanics in abundance. VEVAY. This town is the seat of justice of Switzerland county: it is situated on the north bank of the Ohio river, 100 miles by water below Cincinnati, 18 above Madison, and 95 south-east from Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 45, W. Lon. 7 50. It contains about 100 handsome brick and frame dwelling- houses, 400 inhabitants, 7 stores, 3 taverns, 3 lawyers, 3 physi- cians, and a printing office; there are also several extensive vineyards in its immediate vicinity, owned by Messrs. Du Fours, Mr. Bateau, Mr. Morod, and Mr. Galey. Great quantities of red and white wines are manufactured at these establishments, which meet with a ready market in the neigh- boring towns in this state and Kentucky. There is a large settlement of Swiss emigrants adjacent to this town, the greater part of whom are engaged in the cultivation of the vine, and extensive gardens. VIGO. A western county, bordering on the Wabash river. It is bounded east by Clay, V I N 129 north by Parke and Vermillion, west by the state of Illinois, and south by Sullivan county. It is 15 by 24 miles in extent, containing 400 square miles, and about 500 inhabitants. This county contains several valuable mill streams and a large body of fertile land. Fort Harrison, which was an important mili- tary post in the last war, is located within the bounds of this county, on the east bank of the Wabash river ; the country immediately around this fort was settled at an early day, and is now in a high state of cultivation. Terre Haute is the seat of justice. VILLAGE CREEK. A small creek which rises in the eastern part of Fayette county and empties into the West branch of Whitewater below Connersville. 118 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY VINCENNES. A large flourishing town, and the seat of justice of Knox county. It is situated on the east side of the Wabash river, 150 miles above its mouth, 13 north of Prince- ton, 30 south of Miriam, 24 west of Washington, and 110 south-west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 45, W. Lon. 10 16. A fort called St. Vincent was erected at this place, in the year 1787, in order to repel the incursions of the Wabash Indians and to secure the western lands from intruding settlers. Vin- cennes was settled at an early day, by French emigrants, and contained, in 1792, 1500 inhabitants, principally French. It now contains upwards 130 WAB of 2000, being the most populous town in the state ; it contains a number of dry good stores, a printing office, a post office, a masonic lodge, and mechanics of almost every description. VINCENNES, Land District of. A district for the sale of the United States' lands. It includes all of Sullivan, Greene, Monroe, Lawrence, Orange, Martin, Davies, Knox, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Crawford, Perry, Spencer, Warrick, Vander- burgh, Posey, and a small part of Clay and Owen counties. The lands in this district are generally taken up, having been settled a considerable time, except on the north part of the district, which can now be had at $1.25 per acre. W WABASH RIVER. This beautiful stream takes its rise in the state of Ohio, and enters this state about 30 miles south of Fort Wayne, bears a westwardly course about 120 miles, from thence it bears a southern course and empties into the Ohio river at the south-west corner of this state. It is about 270 yards wide at its mouth, and is navigable to the mouth of Tippe- canoe river, 400 miles, with steam boats. The land on the Wabash is remarkable fertile, abounding with extensive prairies, on many parts of it, affording fine ranges for immense herds of cattle. Almost every kind of timber grows here in abundance, large and fine. The Wabash abounds in salt springs, the hills with coal, silver and copper ore, and the river with fish. Limestone, blue, white and yellow clays are found in abundance. The principal branches of the Wabash are first, on the west side, the Little Wabash, Fox, INDIANA GAZETTEER 119 WAB 131 Vermillion, Tippecanoe, Eel, and Little Rivers. On the east, are the Patoka, White rivers, Sugar, Wea, Wild Cat, Mississinaway and Salamania rivers. The junction of the Wabash with the Ohio forms a handsome site for a town, and though subject more or less to inundation in high floods, we should not be surprised that ere long, it becomes a place of business, crowded with houses, and with "the busy hum of men." Leveeing would render it free from the waters, and perfectly safe to the inhabitants. The prospect of an easy communication to the Lakes, the vast and fertile country it com- mands, together with the advantage of the trade of the Ohio, tend to corroborate the opinion here suggested. WABASH. A large unorganized county, which in 1825, embraced all that section of country lying north of Hendricks, Montgomery, Parke and Vermillion counties, but by an act of the legislature in 1826, the counties of Fountain and Tippe- canoe were formed, the latter of which divided it into two parts. That part of said county bounded east by Delaware, south by Hendricks, west by Montgomery and Tippecanoe and north by the Indian boundary line, is attached, for civil purposes, to Hendricks, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties, each of which have concurrent jurisdiction : and that part of said county of Wabash bounded east and north by the Indian boundary line, west by the state of Illinois, and south by Ver- million, Fountain and Tippecanoe, is attached to these counties for civil purposes, each of which have concurrent jurisdiction. It contains in the whole about 132 . WAS 1476 square miles. The land generally is fertile, and yet be- longs to the United States. It embraces beautiful prairies, around which a number of persons have settled, and made considerable improvements. This county is well watered by Sugar, Wea, Wild Cat, and Pine creeks, and Tippecanoe and the Wabash rivers, all of which afford excellent mill seats. Large bodies of stone coal are found in different parts of this county, particularly on Pine creek. WARRICK. A new county in the south-western corner of the state. It is bounded east by Spencer, north by Pike, west 120 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY by Gibson and Vanderburgh counties, and south by the Ohio river. It contains about 400 square miles, and 2500 inhabitants. It has Great Pigeon creek on the west and Little Pigeon creek on the east, both of which afford excellent mill seats, and empty into the Ohio river. Booneville is the seat of justice. WASHINGTON. A large, wealthy and populous county, bounded north by Jackson, west by Orange, south by Harrison, and east by Clark and Scott counties. It contains 400 square miles, and about 10,000 inhabitants. The county seat Salem. The lands are of the best quality, and very thickly settled. There is a very large settlement of Friends in this county. WASHINGTON. This town is the seat WAY 133 of justice of Davies county, situated 22 miles east of Vincennes, 18 north of Columbia, 18 west of Hindostan, and 100 south- west of Indianapolis. N. Lat. 38 42, W. Lon. 9 55. WASHINGTON. A small village situated on the east bank of Green's fork at Whitewater, in Wayne county, 6 miles north of Centreville, and 10 west of Richmond. It contains about 50 inhabitants, 1 hatter, 3 shoemakers, 1 auger-maker, 1 black- smith, 1 tan-yard, 2 carding machines, 1 fulling mill, 2 saw- mills, and 1 grist mill. WAYNE. A large, wealthy and populous county, bounded east by the state of Ohio, north by Randolph, west by Henry, and south by Fayette and Union counties. It contains 400 square miles, and about 17,000 inhabitants. This county also contains the following towns : Centreville, which is the seat of justice, Richmond, New-Garden, Economy, Washington, Jack- sonburgh, Milton, Vandalia, Abington, Bethlehem, Lancaster and Salisbury. It is divided into the following townships, for county purposes : Centre, Perry, New-Garden, Wayne, Greene, Jackson, and Washington. It appears from the returns made by the Listors that this county contains 9,375 acres of first, 72,979 of second and 99,000 of third rate land; 2,5000 polls, INDIANA GAZETTEER 121 2,431 horses, 24 studs, and 248 oxen. The valuation of town lots is estimated at $15,175 134 WES (improvements excepted.) The principal streams are East fork, Noland's, Green's and West forks of Whitewater ; upon which are erected, 8 merchant mills, 23 grist mills, 40 saw-mills, 12 carding machines, 6 fulling mills, 2 oil mills, 1 woollen factory, 1 nail factory : this county also contains 2 printing offices, which issue upwards of 800 papers weekly; suffice it to say that Wayne surpasses any county in the state, in point of wealth, population and enterprise. The great national road will pass through this county. WATERLOO, a small post village in Fayette county, situ- ated on the east bank of the west branch of Whitewater, 5 miles north of Connersville, and 10 south-west of Centre-treville : it contains about 40 inhabitants. WEA CREEK, a valuable mill stream which takes its rise in Wabash county, and passes through Tippecanoe county and empties into the Wabash river near La Fayette. On this stream are to be seen the vestiges of the Wea towns, formerly inhabited by a numerous tribe of indians intermixed with French which were destroyed by general Scott, of Kentucky, in 1792. WEST LIBERTY, a small post town situated on the west bank of Blue river, in Henry county, on the state road leading from Centreville to Indianapolis, 31 miles west of the former and 32 east of the latter. WHI 135 WILD CAT, a large excellent mill stream which rises in the Miami indian reserve, meanders through a part of Delaware, Wabash, and Tippecanoe counties, and empties into the Wabash river, a short distance from the Tippecanoe battle ground. The land on this stream is fertile, well timbered, &c. WHITE LICK, a small mill stream which rises in Hen- dricks county, bears a southern course and empties into the 122 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY west branch of White river, 20 miles below Indianapolis : the lands on its borders are of an excellent quality, some of which can be had at $1 25 per acre. WHITE RIVER, is a beautiful stream which empties into the Wabash, 18 miles below Vincennes: it is about 150 yards wide at its mouth, and is navigable for some distance. It has two principal branches, the east and west, which meet at the south east corner of Knox county : the west branch takes its rise in Randolph county, near the Ohio state line, runs a westwardly course about 70 miles, through Randolph, Delaware and Madi- son counties, from thence it bears a southwestwardly direction, through Hamilton, Marion, Morgan, Owen, Greene and Davies counties, passing through a fertile body of land: its principal tributaries are Eel, White Lick, Eagle, Cicero, Duck and Pipe creeks on the west side ; Richland, Beanblossom and Fall creeks, 136 W H I on the east side, all of which are valuable mill streams. The East branch rises in Ripley county, runs a southwestwardly direction about 120 miles, passes through Ripley, Jennings, Washington, Lawrence, Martin and Davies counties, where it intersects the west branch: its principal tributaries, on the north side, are Indian, First, and Leathwood creeks, to which may be added the Driftwood fork and its tributaries, embracing Blue river, Flat Rock, Clifty, Swamp, Sugar and Sand creeks: and on the south side Miscackituc and its branches. White river and its branches spread over 24 counties, affording perhaps as many mill seats as any other river in the western country. WHITEWATER, is a beautiful river which empties into the Great Miami, 10 miles from its mouth ; it is about 100 yards wide, and is navigable for sixty miles, with flat boats carrying 100 barrels of flour: it has two principal branches, the East and West forks: the east fork takes its rise in Preble county, Ohio, and runs in a southern direction through Wayne Union and Franklin counties; its tributaries are Templeton's, Hannas Silver, Elk, Middle, West, Clear, Eli's, and Wolf creeks: The INDIANA GAZETTEER 123 west branch takes its rise in Randolph county, and passes in a southern direction, through Wayne, Fayette and Franklin counties, and joins the east branch WIN 137 at Brookville : its tributaries are Noland's, Green's, Martindale's, Simon's, Village, William's, Salt, Pipe and Duck creeks, all affording excellent mill seats many of which are improved. WILMINGTON, a flourishing post town in Dearborn county: it is handsomly situated on Hogan creek, 8 miles from Lawrenceburgh. It contains about 40 dwelling houses, 100 inhabitants, 1 physician, 2 taverns, 1 store, a valuable tan- yard, and a number of industrious mechanics. WINCHESTER. This town is the seat of justice of Ran- dolph county: it is situated in the centre of said county, 25 miles north of Centreville, 75 south of Fort Wayne and 85 north east of Indianapolis, N. lat. 40, 9, W. Ion. 7,48. It contains 50 or 60 inhabitants, 2 stores, 1 physician, and several mechanics. INDIANA GAZETTEER 125 138 APPENDIX Containing a list of several of the principal roads and distances in Indiana. From Dayton, O. to Crawfordsville. Eaton Richmond Centreville Vandal ia Hayden's West Liberty Jackson's Indianapolis Crawfordsville Total From Dayton to the same place by another route. Centreville Jacksonsburgh New Castle Andersontown Noblesville Crawfordsville Total From Indianapo- lis to New Albany. Franklin Columbus Brown stown Salem New Albany 24 16 6 10 10 11 12 20 53 162 46 7 18 25 18 48 162 18 22 28 17 28 113 From Cincinnati, O. to Indianapolis. Miamitown Harrison New Trenton Brookville Kline's Rushville Indianapolis Total From Dayton to Terre Haute. Indianapolis Danville Greencastle Terre Haute Total From Indianapo- lis to Liberty. Rushville Connersville Brownsville Liberty From Indianapo- lis to Corydon. Salem Corydon 15 7 7 11 11 18 45 114 109 18 20 37 184 45 18 9 5 77 85 27 112 From Lawrenceburg to Ft. Wayne. Harrison 12 New Trenton 7 Brookville 11 Fairfield 7 Dunlapsville 6 Brownsville 5 Centreville 12 Winchester 25 Fort Wayne 75 Total From Hamilton, Ohio, to Indanapo- lis. Brookville Indianapolis From Indianapo- lis to Fredonia. Bloomington Bedford Paoli Fredonia From Indianapo- lis to Troy Paoli Troy 160 25 74 99 43 25 21 23 112 89 41 130 126 INDIANA HISTORICAL BRO SOCIETY From Indianapo- lis to Lawrenceburg Shelbyville Greensburgh Lawrenceburg 25 20 40 85 From Indianapolis to Vevay. Greensburg Versailles Vevay 45 20 29 94 From Indianapo- lis to Madison. Franklin Columbus Vernon Madison From Indianapo- lis to Rockport From Indianapo- lis to Vincennes Bloomington Bloomfield Vincennes 43 22 43 108 Bloomington Hindostan Portersville Rockport From Indianapo- lis to La Fayette. Crawfordsville La Fayette 18 22 23 23 86 43 45 13 35 136 From Indianapo- lis to Fort Wayne. Andersontown Fort Wayne From Indianapo- lis to Evansville. Bloomington Washington Columbia Evansville 139 32 68 100 43 50 18 35 146 From Indianapo- lis to New Harmony. Washington Princeton New Harmony 73 93 30 21 144 ADDENDA, Consisting of several items of information received too late for a place under their proper heads. BROWNSTOWN. By the politeness of Walter Benton, Esq. the following additional information was received. 'This place contains 25 buildings, a brick court house 40 feet square, and a jail, 110 inhabitants, 1 tavern, 3 stores, 1 grocery, 1 black- smith, 1 hatter, one 140 CO V cabinet maker, 1 carpenter, 1 wagon maker, 2 shoemakers, 1 tan-yard, 2 attorneys and 3 physicians. This county [Jackson] contains 6 grist mills and one carding machine." INDIANA GAZETTEER 127 COVINGTON. The seat of justice of Fountain county, is situated on a commanding bluff, on the east bank of the Wabash river. "It is sufficiently elevated to command an extensive view of the Mound Prairie, which lies immediately opposite, and also of the river, for a very considerable distance, both above and below town. — At the base of the bluff upon two sides issue fine springs, which form a junction at the lower part of the town and produce a stream of sufficient force to operate machinery of any description, and this stream running off into the river forms at its entrance, a safe and commodious harbor for boats of the largest size. The town plat is a dry, gravelly white-oak ridge, but falling back in either direction we immediately enter upon a fine fertile country, susceptible of the highest state of cultivation. In an easterly direction within five or six miles of the town, stands the fine mills of Capt. Wm. White, upon Coal creek, and from the facility with which a road may be opened, he will shortly be enabled to furnish the town with lumber on the most reasonable terms — Other good mills are erecting, some of which are already in operation on Shawnee and other fine streams which are CHA 141 navigable to the river, so that no difficulty whatever will be experienced by the first settlers in procuring this indispensable article for building. The county of Fountain already contains upwards of two thousand inhabitants, and a more interesting, intelligent and respectable class of population cannot be found in Indiana." This town is situated 25 miles from Crawfordsville, 66 from Indianapolis and 40 from Terre Haute. N. Lat. 40 6, W. Lon. 10 6. CHARLESTOWN. By a letter dated 28th July, 1826, from J. Howk, Esq. who resides in that place, it appears "it contains 153 dwelling houses, 62 built of brick, 91 of wood. Public buildings — court house and jail, Methodist, Baptist, and 128 INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Presbyterian meeting houses, masonic hall and school house, all built of brick, 2 carding machines and 1 oil mill moved by horse power, 2 taverns, 8 stores, 4 groceries ; 6 carpenters, 3 cabinet makers, 2 coopers, 1 chair maker, 1 wheel-wright, one wagon-maker, 7 shoe-makers, 2 saddlers, one tanner, 5 brick- masons, 3 plasterers, 4 blacksmiths, 1 silver smith, 1 gunsmith, 1 tinner, 3 hatters, 3 tailors, 2 potters and a baker. There also resides in this place, 3 ministers of the gospel, 4 physicians and 6 lawyers. Whole number of inhabitants about 1000. The soil of Clark county is generally of superior quality, well watered, furnishing water 142 NET power for grist and saw mills, sufficient for the convenience of the inhabitants/' HINDOSTAN. "This town contains 18 dwelling houses, 100 inhabitants, 2 stores, two taverns, 1 blacksmith, 1 cabinet- maker, one saddler, 1 wagon maker, 1 mill wright, 2 shoe- mekers, 2 tailors, and one carpenter. This county (Martin,) contains 2 grist mills, propelled by water power, and 3 by horse power, it also contains 4 saw mills." NETTLE CREEK. A valuable mill stream which rises in Henry county and empties into the west fork of Whitewater, in Wayne county. The land on this stream is generally first rate, and well timbered. RECOMMENDATIONS. The following letters received from Governor Ray; Hon. James Noble, U. S. Senator; Hon. John Test, Rep. in Congress; and the Hon. M. U Eggleston, Pres't. Judge, 3d circuit, are subjoined, in recommendation ot this work: Indianapolis, la. Sept. 15th, 1826. Mr John Scott— Sir: I have examined your "Indiana Gazetteer," which you have been pleased to send me; and with pleasure seize upon this opportunity of assuring you, that I am much gratified with the general design and execution of the work; and feel free to express my humble opinion, that it will be a welcome INDIANA GAZETTEER 129 143 messenger to thousands. All publications of this kind, which necessarily tend to develope the topography of our young and rising state, or to aid and instruct the emigrant in his journey and location in the West, are eminently useful at this crisis, and deserve unqualified patronage. You have my best wishes for its speedy and extensive circulation. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Your most obedient servant, J. BROWN RAY. Brookville, June 24th, 1826. Mr. Scott: Sir— Judging from a cursory examination of the rough draft of your Gazetteer, I am inclined to think the plan of it a good one, and that the work will be of much public utility: and particularly to the Emigrant, and those interested in a topographical acquaintance with the several counties in the state. I am, dear sir, respectfully yours, &c. M. C. EGGLESTON. Brookville, June 24, 1826. Mr. John Scott. Dear Sir— Having examined the manuscript Gazetteer which has been in the hands of Judge Eggleston, I am of opinion that the work is well designed, and will be of much public utility to emigrants, and a source of information to all concerned in the topography of the country. Respectfully, yours, JAMES NOBLE. Brookville, June 24, 1826. Mr. John Scott : Sir— I have taken a cursory look through the manu- script Gazetteer you put into my hands, and am much inclined to think the work well designed, and if executed accordingly, will be eminently useful. Such a work is much wanted for Emigrants and others; and I hope you may meet with the success your labours merit. Yours, respectfully, JOHN TEST.