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CITY HALL.
A HISTORY

OF THE

City of Vincennes,

INDIANA

FROM 1702 TO 1901

BY

HENRY S. CAUTHORN

OCTOBER 15, 1901.

PUBLISHED BY MARGARET C. CAUTHORN.

Copyright, 1902.
By MAKGAEET CLOTILDA CAUTHORN.

1902.
Mooee & Langen Feinting Co.,
TEEEE HAI'TE, iND.

PREFACE.

I propose to write a history nf A^iueemies, Indiana. Thi,^
idaee is the oldest town wiihin ihe limits of the State of In
diana. ^\'ith the exception of Detroit, Alichigan, whicli was
settled by the French in IfiTO, and of Kaskaskia, Hiinoi>,
which was also settled by the French iu 167:5, it is the oldest
town in that vast territorial expanse formerly known as ''The
Territory Xorthwcst of the Eiver Ohio," out of which the five
great States of Ohio, Indiana. Illinois, Micliigan and ^Yis-
consin have been formed.
In the preparation of the history I will gather material
from authentic and reliable sources. Of course some data
which I will use have already found their way into print and
are now part of the general history of the country. In addi
tion thereto I will consult and be aided by many manuscript
diicuments by learned and truthful men which have nevt-r a.^
yet been published. I will also obtain valuable information
from the writings of Bishop Brute, the first Catholic Bishop
of A'incennes, from the files of the Western Sun newspaper
embracing the vears 1807 to 184.5, the records of St. Francis
Xavier Cathedral, reaching from April, 171:9, to the present,
and will trust reliable and well authenticated traditions, and
also matters \\'itJiin my own personal knowledge with a re
ceptive and retentive memory covering a period of at least
sixty-six years.
I will endeavor to make the recital both pleasing and inter
esting to the reader, and hope to contribute some historic
matter concerning the place and its antecedents which have
never yet been accessiljle to the general reader. And above ail
will endeavor to make the presentation of facts and incidents
both truthful and reliable.
HFNRY S. CAUTHORX.
VixcEN'XEs. October 1-"), 1001.

CHAPTERS.

3.
4. '').
6. 7.8.!l.
10.11. 12.
13. 14.15.
16. 17. 18.
19.
20.
21.
22. 23. 24,25.

Location ....
Topography .
Environments -
Landmarks . . .
The Old Fort . .
Creole Customs
Courts . .
Municipal . . .
Police . . .
Newspapers . .
Antiquities . . .
Clark's Kaskaskia Campaign .
Clark's St. Vincents Campaign
Fire Protection ....
Religion .

FinanceCorporationsAgricultureCommerce .
Fraternities
Education 
Manufactures
Material Progress
Personal Mention
Distinguished Personnel
Partial List of Prominent Citizens Subsequent to 1800 .
Conclusion ... . ....

11
15 19
24
32 40 46
51 ."S4
57 f.3 79
90
110114131 135139
144148 152157 161
167 170
215219

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ILLUSTRATIONS.

City Hall ... .... Frontispiece
Harrison House . ... In Chapter IV
Old Fort  - • In Chapter V
Court House ... - In Chapter VII
Old Catholic Church . • In Chapter XI
Churches  . . In Notices in Chapter XV
Individual Pictures . • . . In Notices in Chapter XXV

A HISTORY OF VINCENNES.

CHAPTER I.
LOCATIOX.

Vincennes is situated on the east bank of the Wabash River
IdO miles above its junction with the Ohio. It is distant 192
miles -west of Cincinnati, Ohio; 151 miles east of St. Louis,
ilissouri : 2.36 miles south of Chicago, Illinois ; 51 miles north
of the Ohio Eiver at Evansville, and 117 miles southwest of
Indianapolis, the capital of thc State of Indiana.
The United States Government in 1883 made an accurate
geodetic survey of the United States. Vincennes was se
lected as one of the stations for observation. The station hert
was located near the g-eographical centre of the town in the
Court House yard off the northeast side of the Court House
and is marked by three stones set in concrete, the centre one
nearly flush with the surface and Ijearing an ''X" mark. Lat
itude of the station point, 38° 40' 39". Longitude west of
(ireenwich, 5 h, 50 min, .08S8 sec, or 87° 31' 28".
It is situated on high grounds beyond the possible reach of
inundation and is bounded on the northeast and southwest
l)y beautiful and fertile prairies, and on the southeast by a
picturesc|ue range of hills covered in part by forest trees and
presenting from the city an attractive and pleasing landscape
view. The location is peculiarly fortunate and safe, occupying as
it does a level depression surronnded on most sides ljy elevated
grounds ancl hills which jtrotect it from the chilly blasts of
winter and the destructive storms of summer so prevalent and

12 A History of Vincennes.
desolating in portions of the west. The surrounding hills
operate as a bulwark to divert and elevate the course of pass
ing winds and thus shield and protect it from their fury, so
that during the long period of time the site has been the home
of civilization no occasion for alarm has been furnished and
not the least da.mage has been done to life or property within
its limits on this account. It has numbered among its struc
tures, steeples and towers insecurely anchored, but which
stood for years unharmed and until removed by design.
Vincennes in early times was a fine field for sportsmen. As
late as 1852 the quail in the fall of the year invaded the town
and as many as desired could be killed without leaving its
corporate limits. And during the same time prairie chicken:^
were so numerous that as many as sufficient to satisfy the
most grasping sportsman could be killed in its immediate
vicinity. There are on the southeast side of the city three beautiful
mounds, the most noted and picturesque evidences of the
work of the mound builders to be found anywhere. These
mounds overlook and arc in full view from the city. The}
add much to the physical appearance and beauty of the loca
tion, and are in fact a handsome background, and from their
summits the best view of the city can be obtained. And when
viewed from their heights, the cit}', located as it is npon a
level plain, and the streets on either side ornamented with
shade trees, appears to advantage ancl seems as if located in
one large, unljroken forest.
There is a fiction connected with these mounds that Gen.
Clark, when he approached the place in February, 17 7!1,
marched his troops around one of them in a circle many times
to impress the inliabitants ^v[i]\ the magnitude of his force.
Xo such performance ever took place. Gen. Clark says in his
account that he did not wish to surprise the people. He met
two Frenchmen of the village -wlien he was at Warrior's Is-

Locality. 13
land, two miles below the place, and by them sent a message
to the inhabitants of the town to the effect that he did not
wish to surprise them, and warning all who were friendly to
the "hair buyer'' general, as he called Hamilton, to join him
in the fort. Warrior's Island in the prairie two miles below
A'incennes was in full view of the town and his force could
be seen and numbered there, and any such performance as
marching around one of the mounds to create a false impres
sion of his force would have been detected and inspired merit
ed contempt and disgust. This alleged performance may be
credited to many others designed to magnify the exploits of
Clark and invest them with colors of romance akin to the
deeds of chivalry. Gen. Clark himself says in his report
that when he sent his message to the inhabitants of the town
].)}¦ the two Frenchmen from Warrior's Island that he knew
that the French inhabitants were friendly to him, as was also
"Tobacco's Son," the most powerful Indian chief in the coun
try. It seems cruel to spoil this romantic story, but regard
for truth compels it to be done.
The streets of the city are all level and graded with gravel
containing a co-hesive substance which when first taken from
its bed is of a dull red color, bnt upon exposure to the air soon
cements and makes a hard and substantial road bed, and also
Itleaches and presents a bright and shining appearance, and
gives the city streets the appeara,ncc of threads of silver wind
ing through shaded avenues.
The sidewalks are as level as a sheet of paper, and when
improved with granitoid, of whicli many miles have already
been constructed, and many more miles are being added each
year, gives the city sidewalks that cannot be surpassed any
where, and but rarely equaled.
The site of Vincennes has ahvays been admired and praised
1 ly all travellers, who ever visited the place. Count Volney in
his account of his travels refers to it as a garden spot remind-

14 A History op Vincennes.
ing him of some of the vine-clad provinces of France. It was
in 1796 tha.t he visited the place, and he says the village on
all sides Avas surrounded by the most luxurious vineyards from
which abundance of the purest -wines were made by the
villagers, and that the prairies adjoining the village were cov
ered with the finest fruit orchards he ever saw. This condi
tion as to the fruit orchards continued in the lower prairies
until within the memory of men still living. But the vine
yards and orchards have now disappeared and their places
have been given up to the cultivation of wheat and corn. ^Ir.
Scott, in a gazetteer, published in 1793, says that a pleasant
wine was made here of old.
In 1765 Col. Croghan came here to treat with the Miami.
and Illinois tribes. In his report he praised Post Vincennes
as "one of the finest situations that can be fovLacl." He praised
the soil as very rich, "producing wheat and tobacco, and that
the tobacco raised here is preferable and superior to that of
Ma.r}dand and Virginia, and that Post Vincennes is a place
of great importance for trade."
William H. English, when he first visited the place in 1S91,
thus speaks of it in his history of the Xorthwest :
"In addition to its early settlement and the multitude of
interesting incidents connected with its history, its locatioii
and surroundings are so attractive that one can readilj' under
stand -ivhy it was a favorite of the Indians in the earliest
times, and subsequentl}' of the French and others of the white
race. There are few places where life at all periods has been
more thoroughly and philosophically enjoyed than at the
'Old Post' St. A'incents, the modern city of Vincennes."

Topography. 15
CHAPTEE II.
Topography.
The topographical situation and site upon which the city
of Vincennes stands is remarkal)le and worthy of attention.
The area it oteupics may be called a gravel bank extending
from the surface to the water line below. Xo point in tliis
area has been pierced and penetrated where this gravel form
ation has not "iDeen exposed. In 1880 the city authorities ex
cavated on Busseron street between Second and Third streets,
for a cistern for the use of the fire department. It was exca
vated to the water line below and gravel and sand were only
found in the progress of the work. At a considerable depth
below the surface a large isolated lump of coal was found im
bedded in gravel both above and below.
The conformation of the surrottnding hills indicate that in
the remote past they were the restraining- barriers of volumes
of water either in a flowing stream or confined lake. Every
thing around the site of a natural formation indicates the
former presence and active agency of water which has been
expelled from the surface and the site of the city elevated by
some mighty upheaval. A similar but gradual and quiet
firocess has been observable since the adA'cnt of civilized men.
In 1804, and for many }ears after the village Avas annually
surrounded by water and the pivogu'.-i, as they were called,
used by the early French settlers, circttmnavigated the village
at flood seasons and unloaded their cargoes in the rear of the
high ground upon which the Court House stands.
As late as 1836 the topographical appearance of th,' pla_e
was unique. The river front at Hart street was called the
stone landing. From that point abruptly rose and extended

16 A History- op Vincennes.
along the entire river front to the prairie below, a pure gravel
hill flfteen or twenty-flve feet in height alaove the present level
of the city streets. It presented an abrupt face to the river
1>ut gradually sloped in the direction of I'irst street. This
gravel hill has been removed by the city authorities to grade
streets and fill depressions in other parts of the city. Between
this gravel hill and the elevated ground upon which the
Court House stands the village was originally located and
mostly below Broadway street. This space in many places was
unfit for occupation owing to the presence of ponds and sur
face water. F''rom a point near the intersection of Perr}- and
Fifth streets, running diagonalh- through the town in the
direction of the public cemetery, the ground was low and
little better than a pond, and was covered by water most of
the year. Immediately beyond the high ground upon which
the Court House stands was an immense pond called ""Dinah's
pond," having a depth of several feet, and which was sus
tained to a consideraljle depth throughout the year.
The first road leading from Vincennes to the east in the
direction of Louisville, Kentucky, was )jy way of Petersburg
over what was called the ""Buffalo trace." so-called as stated
l)y old residents who had travelled over it from the fact that
it had been originally traced through the intervening forest
i)y the immense herds of buffalo that passed over it in their
annual migrations l)ack and forth from the blue grass re
gions of Kentuelcy. They crossed the Kentucky River at the
""great crossings" in Scott coitnty, the Ohio River at the falls
at Louisville, and the 'W'aba.sh at the ford just below this
place, and thence to the rich prairie lands of Illinois beyond.
This "buffalo trace" was the only and usual route of travel
from Vincennes to the cast for many ycars aftcr 1804.
As late as 1846 the road to Lotiis\ille ]iassed out of town
on the southeast and thence to what is now called "Burnet
heights,"' and over what was then in its course an impassible

Topography. 17
swamp the road itself being an artificial construction called
"Corduroy," and animals running at large would mire any
where outside the roadway itself.
The land on the southeast side of the town as far as the
high land beyond was covered with scrub oak bushes that
never attained a height greater than ten feet.
The town at first huddled and centered around the present
locality of the Catholic Church. The old fort built Ijy Fran
cois Morgan de Vincenne in 1702, was located on the river
l^etween what is now the Catholic Church square and the
river, and between Barnet and Vigo streets. The main en
trance to the fort was on what is now Church street. The
following- diagram will give a better idea of the location of the
¦old fort than any mere description.

•'.¦..'¦..'¦j>'.V.''.',*

AVabash Eiver.

OLD FORT

Gate

Calvery Street

Catholic Cemetery and
Catholic Church Square

o

Around these two places, the church and thc fort as .i
nucleus, the town gathered and sprung up. The hotel of
31ark Barnet, long the principal one. was on the river below

18 A History op Vincennes.
Barnet street, and that of Peter Jones, of a much later date,
was also on the river below Broadway street where Jordan's
elevator now stands. The space between these points, and
extending a short distance back from the river, was all the
space occupied by the town. On the northeast side of the
town above Broadway street was located the Piankeshaw vil
lage and fields, attd their (^'otincil House stood on the high
gravel hill where the B, & 0. S. AV. R. E. freight depot now
stands. This high hill was for many years, and as late as
1850, selected for raising the liberty pole and firing the can
non on the Fourth of July, which A\-as always observed willi
the antiual return ol: that day until Philander F'cllows was
killed there by a premature explosion.
There has been expressed by some of late years a doubt as
to the location of the old fort. But the doubt thus expressed
is not founded upon any authentic or reliable information.
The location of the fort as given above is sustained by all
authentic evidence and was always called l3y the old residento
of the place "The Old Block IIoilso Lot.' Thc plot of ground
was only subdivided and sold in parcels as now held as late as
1830. Its location, as stated above, is consistent with all his
toric references to it, ami the happening- of known events con
nected with it, and there is no evidence of its location el>c-
where. According to the report of the State Geologist. A^ncennes
is situated in one of the richest coal districts in the west. The
town itsclf is liuilt upon coal deposits. The surface within
the limits of tlu- city has been pierced in several place- and
veins of coal have always been found, one layer below the flrst,
and of a superior quality, which will in the future be worked
with profit. A coal ^haft has been sunk on the east outskirts
i)f the city and superior coal is taken out and has lieen suc
cessfully and iirofltabl)- operated fen- several vears. and fur
nishes the chca]iost coal used in thc cit\-.

Environments. 19

CHAPTER ill.
ExVlltOXilENTS.
The country surrounding A^incennes gives the town a loca
tion unsurpassed for beauty. It was originally situated be
tween two handsome jn-airies one above and the other below.
The upper prairie extended about two miles from the limits
of the town to Prairie Creek on the north. Bnt this beautiful
prairie has been encroached upon by the expansion of the city.
Within the past two }"ears it has been covered with manufact
uring plants, business houses and dwellings and with the
same process continued for a year or two longer it AA'ill pre
sent a city appearance. But the two prairies below the town
remain as they were when the town \vas settled. They are
beautiful and fertile pirairies extending from the lower limits
of the city some six miles below. The land was originall}-
granted to the early French settlers by the commandants of
the fort. These prairie lands as Avell as the lots granted in
the village were designated upon small slips of paper ancl no
record kept or made of any of the grants so far as known.
The titles of the French settlers and claimants rested wholly
upon actual possession and occupancy. And the transfer of
lots in the village and prairie lands from one to another was
made without documentary or Avritten evidence of transfer,
but simply by changing possession and occupancy in the same
way personal property changed hands. This custom and
transfer of real property without any written evidence of
transfer gavc the commissioners appointed by the United
States to examine and report upon the claims of the French to
lots and lands much trouble and compelled them to rely upon

20 A History op Vincennes.
verbal testimony in such cases. Thc lots in the village were
not numbered, bnt only identified as adjoining lots of other
persons. The same disposition of lands was made in the
lower and Cathlinette prairies, which adjoin each other in
the same imperfect manner and evidenced by descriptions on
small slips of paper of which no record Avas made. The grants
in the two prairies below Vincennes except the first granted
the church, Avhich contains four arpents, all contain two
arpents in front by forty arpents in depth, French measure.
A French arpent is a little less than an English acre. The
grants in the lov.er prairie Avere thus divided in small slips
so that each proprietor could have a frontage on the Wabash
river. The grants in the prairies Avere not numljcred and in
transferring them long after deeds Avere in use, Avere simply
described as bonded liy lands of different owners. These
prairie lands were afterwards surveyed by the United States
government, after it acquired the territory, and numljered. The
loAver prairie containing by the survey 52 tracts and the Cath
linette prairie 18 tracts. But for years after the survey and
numbering of the lands in the Iavo prairies in all deeds, the
same defective mode of conveyance Avas continued, causing
much confusion. The lands in the two prairies below A'in-
cennes Avere never enclosed by the French. They were culti
vated by tlie owners in a common field. They all lived in the
town, French fashion, and went out to the fields each day to
cultivate the lands. .\. turning roAv Avas alloAved for between
each grant to enable the adjoining owners to cultiA'ate their
respective portions without trespassing on his neighbor in
turning his team. These prairie lands and lots in the tOAvn
in that part called '"French Town," Avere originally, and as
late as 1850, OAvned by the French people. But since that
time they have changed hands and passetl into the possession
of other proprietors and but fcAv lots or lands are uoav OAnied
l)y the descendants of the original French proprietors.

ENVIRONMEnTS. 21
The lots in the village and the lands in the neighborhood
Avere all granted b}- the commandants of the Post commenc
ing Avith Francois Alorganne de A^incennc, the builder of the
fort and first commandant, and all his successors. This is
shown by the official report of the judges of the court, dated
July 3d, 1790, to Winthrop Sargeant, the secretary of the
Territory, in Avhich they expressly state that Francois Mor-
ganne de A'incenne AA-as the builder of the fort and its first
commandant. Tliis report can be found in the American
state papers and is authentic, and settles beyond question Avho
built thc fort.
On the Illinois side of the AVabash adjoining A^incennes is
the large and fertile ""Allison" prairie extending from the
river back about eight miles and up and down the river about
fifteen miles. This prairie is very rich and produces abund
ant crops of all kinds and throws upon the Vincennes market
as large a volume of produce almost as the County of Knox.
It is thickly settled Avith an industrious population and adds
much to the business and prosperity of Vincennes.
By an act of Congress passed March 5, 1791, there Avas
appropriated a large tract of land adjoining Vincennes con
taining about 5,000 acres for a commons, for the use of all
the inhabitants of A'incennes. This tract of land was not
enclosed but was used by all tlie inhabitants of the town for
purposes of pasturing their stock of all kinds. This use of
the commons continued until the commons lands were sold by
the borough trustees from and after 1825. The inhabitants
of the toAvn in 1816 joined in a iDetition to Congress for au
thority to sell the commons lands. In accordance with this
petition Congress on April 20, 1818, passed an act transferring
the commons lands to the trustees of the borough of A^in-
cennes in trust, howeA"er, for the purpose of selling the same,
and Avith the proceeds of sales to drain a pond on the east of
the toAvn and to pay any balance remaining to the A^incennes

22 A History of A'incennes.
University. The trustees of the borough by an ordinance
passed September 28, 1818, accepted the trust and proceeded
to execute the same. The commons lands Avere surveyed and
divided in three divisions, A, B and C divisions. A Avas di
vided into 138 lots of 5 acres each, diA'ision B Avas divided
into 204 lots of 10 acres each and diAision C' was divided into
96 lots of tAventy acres each. The lots in these three diAisions
AA'ere sold by the trustees of the borough at different times
from and after 1825, and are uoav held by individual proprie
tors under the sales made by the trustees. But the pond ad
joining the city Avas not drained by the borough trustees and
no part of the proceeds were paid to the A'incennes Univer
sity. On the Illinois side of the Wabash River a chain of hills
rise near the river and extend along its bank about three miles
above and wdiich add much to the scenery surrounding A'in
cennes. On the Indiana side of the river the picturescpte hills
on Avhich Fort Knox Avas erected, rise from the water's edge
and add much to the scenery in that locality. And tliese hills
commencing at Fort Knox Avith slight interruptions extend
continuously in a circle around A'incennes, terminating with
Bitnker Hill beloAV the limits of the city. Upon these hills
thus surrounding the city, on the east and south, beautiful
sites for suburban residences are afforded which are being
rapidly taken up by Avcalth}' citizens and fine private resi
dences erected thereon. Aud on these hills on the east is
erected the Knox County Poor Asylum, a fine brick structure.
On AA'hat is usually called the "Highlands," a splendid struct
ure has been built, somc three miles from the city, but in full
vicAv from all parts of it, for St. A'incent's Orphan Asylum.
A'incennes has four magnificent parks in close proximity
to the cit}'. ".Harrison Park' is situated in the city limits in
Xorth A'incennes and is finely shaded and provided Avith AA'alks
and seats for the convcniciiee of \'isitors. ""FairvicAv Park,"

Environments. 23
also well shaded and improved, near the limits of the city on
the northeast. "Fairground Park," a little farther out, is also
Avell shaded and has numerous buildings for the use and con
venience of visitors. "Harmonic Park," a half mile still
farther out, is also well shaded and improved. All tliese
parks can be reached by the cars of the electric railroad. In
the summer they are daily resorted to by all parties for pic
nics, recreation or pleasure and no better places can be found
in the vicinity of any city for the purpose of amusement and
pleasure and escaping from the heat of the city.
A'incennes is blessed with driveAvays in all directions around
the city. And these afford any variety of route and scenery
that may be desired. On one route the driver can pass over
picturesque hills on a road Avell impiroved. On another he
can pass over a road well gTaded and improved and as level
as a floor. And on another he can pass over the most beauti
ful undulating country to be found anywhere. And on an
other, along a shaded road running by a running stream,
AA'hich tends to moisten and cool the air. And on the other
side of the AVabash he can drive either up or doAvn the river
on its banks, well shaded, and on a road as smooth as possible.
And on any of the routes he may take he can drive for an
evening airing a distance of ten miles through beautiful rural
scenery and return to the city without passing twice over the
same roadwav.

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24 A History op Vincennes.
CHAPTER IV.
LaND-AIAEKS.
The first houses erected in Vincennes by the
French settlers as Avell as those erected by their
Creole descendants, Avere of timbers set upon end,
thatched with straAV and plastered with adobe.
They were durable and lasting structures. Some »uch hoasec
were knoAvn to have stood for upAvards of a hundred 3'eavs,
and were still in good preservation Avhen torn down to give
place to more modern structures. They even resisted much
longer the destroying ravages of flre than frame houses. One
of them caug'nt fire in the early part of the night between the
years 1840 and 1850, and after burning all night, with the aid
of the volunteer fire department, Avas consumed as the sun
Avas casting its first rays over the eastern horizon. They Avert
comfortable residences, being Avarni in winter and cool in
summer. The first church erected in this way for St. Francis
Xavier was used for church purposes for about eighty year^,
and then for a pastoral residence many years afterwardb.
Xone of the structures now remain in Vincennes.
The building occupied by the Territorial Government dur
ing the time Vincennes Avas the capitol of the Territor}'. Avas
situated on the soutliAA'cst side of Alain street about midAvay
between Second and Third streets. It was a tAVO story frame
building which about flfty years ago Avas removed to the
southeast side of Upper Third street and located just below
"Harrison" Park, where it yet stands in a good state of pret-
ervation. The upper prairie survey, now in part occupied by "Harri
son" Park, Avas covered OA'cr on the river front by many hand-

Landmakks. ¦2i'\
some brick residences. These remained as late as 1814, but
have siiiee entirely disappeared. The Itrick in these build
ings Avas used in the construction of lirick buildings in var
ious parts of the city, and may lie said ti.i lie the beginning of
the erection of lirick buildiitgs itt the city. The survey upon
AA'hich these buildiiio's stood on the failure of the Steam Altli
Company was mortgaged to the United States for $100,000,
and tlte title suliject to the mortgage jtassed to Hall Xeilsnn,

FIRST CAPITOL OF INDIANA TERRITORY.
of Washingtoti City. The United States Avas sulijccted to a
long litigation to establish its claim, whieli was not flnaliy
settled until 1880, Avhen the governiiient claim Avas finally
qttited. Tlte Government then had tlie sur\ey subdivided
into lots and sold all thc lots except that portion fronting on
the riA'er AAdiich Avas donated to the eity for a public park, and
is noAV knoAAii as "Harrison" Park.
The Harrison mansion is tlte oldest building in Vincennes,
and is truly an ancient landmark. Alany fictitious stones

26 A Hist(.)RY (IF \'incenxes.
connected Avith the old mansion have been circulated. One
to the effect that thcrc was a subterraneous passage leading
from the mansion to the river as a means of escape in case of
any hostile attack. Xo such passageway ever had any exist
ence. The mansion itself was the best protection in case oi
danger of any place in the vicinity. Another to the effect
that in the liasement there Avas a dungeon in AAdiich slaves and

HARRISON MANSION.
others Avere confined. Xo dttn,ixeon Avas CA'er in the basement.
These stoi-ies are akin to another that the Itttge boulder in the
A'ard of the Ralili residence on Sixtli street Avas the trystriug
place AAdicre Jeft'erson Uavis and Jessie Ta}'lor often met.
Jessie Ta}'lor left the ]ilace Avhen au infant and never return
ed to it, and .Jefferson Davis Avas nevev in A^incennes.
The mansioti AA^as the centre of attraction during its oecu-
piation by Gen. Harrison, and long afterAv.-irds. Wheit the

L.\Nn.M.-\RKs. 27
general left in 1811, it Avas occupied by his son, John Cleves
Symmes Harrison, who was as popular and as great a favorite
Avith the people as his father. He Avas a cultured man. He
married the daughter and only child of General Pike, who
was equally cultured. The Vincennes Library Avas kept in the
mansion during the time it Avas occupied by Symmes Harri
son, and it continued to be tlie resort of the elite and cultured
of the place. When he left, a public banquet was tendered
him by the citizens of the place, at which he delivered an ad
dress. In part, he said: "I had fondly hoped to spend my
life here, but cruel fate has decreed otherwise. But rest as
sured I can never forget the place or the nianj^ friends I leave
behind me." He died at his father's home in North Bend on
the Ohio Eiver, October 30, 1830, of typhoid fever. A fine
obituary notice of his death was published in the Western
Sun. After Symmes Harrison left, the mansion was occupied by
Gen. James P. Drake, who was the receiver of public monies
at this place, and kept his office there. Gen. Drake was one
of the leading men of the State, and Avas afterwards elected
Treasurer of State and removed to Indianajjolis, where he
died after 1850.
After Gen. Drake left the mansion was greatly neglected
and fell into the hands of men who appropriated it to im
proper use. Gen. John Myers, who lived near on Second
street, used it for storing his wheat and com. And after the
completion of the railroad to St. Louis it was occupied by
James Gattan as a hotel. But thanks to its durable construc
tion it exhibits no signs of misuse and is now as well pre
served and substantial as any building in Vincennes.
It was at the Harrison mansion that the celebrated inter
view took place between Gen. Flarrison and Chief Tecumseh.
This interview is often referred to as a treaty. But it was no
treaty and was not intended as such. It Avas called by Gen.

28 A History of Vincennes.
Harrison for the sole purpose of a friendly exchange of greet
ings. Gen. Harrison aAvare of the intrigues and machination
of that celebrated chief requested him to come and visit him
and that he would assure him of the friendly good Avill of the
government toAvards the Indian tribes. He Avas requested to
come unarmed and assured he Avould receive kind and courte
ous tratment. He agreed to come and did come. But in
stead of coming unarmed he came Avith 70 armed warriors,
who encamped for the night on Prairie creek, near the present
residence of Air. Kelso. Gen. Harrison, aAvare of his thus
coming with an armed force, prepareil to meet him in an in
terview on the following day, August 15, 1810. For precau
tion in case of necessity Gen. Harrison summoned a numbei
of his friends, Avho Avere well armed and occupied places in
the halhvay and circular parlor of the mansion This inter
view Avas held on the soutliAVcst front of the mansion in a
groA^e of trees that surrounded it on that side Some conflict
ing statements have been made as to AA'here this interview took
place. But there should lie no doubt a.bout it. Eobert G.
McClure and Elihu Stout and many others who were part of
Gen. Harrison's guard at the time all stated that this inter
view Avas held in the grove in front of the porch on the south
west side of the mansion. Gen. Harrison never left the porch
and Tecumseh refused to take a seat on it, but stood in the
grove. Gen. Harrison proceeded to address Tecumseh and
his warriors and to assure them of the friendly feeling and
good wishes of the government toAvards the Indians, and was
willing to do all possible to promote their comfort and happi
ness and preserve peace. Tecumseh, Avho understood English
imperfectly, here interrupted the general and told the inter
preter to tell him he lied. The interpreter fearing if thc ex
act language Avas given it Avouhl produce trouble modified it.
But Tecumseh interrupted hira and told him to state his exact
language and to tell Gen. Harrison he lied Avlten he said the

Landm.arks. 29
government Avas friendly to the Indians, but had cheated
them and stolen their lands. When this was communicated
to the general he terminated the interview and Tecumseh and
his warriors withdrew. This porch and the grove of trees
that surrounded it where this interview was held remained
until 1840. It was here the great mass meeting and barbecue
Avas held during the exciting political campaign of "Tippe
canoe and Tyler too" in 1840. The meeting was composed of
such numbers that four speakers of national reputation ad
dressed it at the same time. The names of these four speak
ers were George G. Dunn of Bedford, Eichard W. Thompson
of Terre Haute, George H. Proffit of Petersburg and John
EAving of Vincennes.
The grounds around the Harrison mansion, extending to
the river, were artistically laid out and filled with the choicest
fruits and flowers. It Avas in fact a thing of beauty and a joy
and remained in good preservation as late as 1855. The river
front and for some distance back was enclosed with a picket
fence of locust timbers firmly planted in the ground. The
square in front of the mansion, on laying out Harrison's addi
tion, Avas reserved for a park. The brick used in the construc
tion of the mansion were manufactured by Samuel Thomp
son, who received for this work 400 acres of land about three
miles above the city on the Terre Haute road.
The second brick building erected in Vincennes was the old
seminary, which occupied four of the present city squares,
bounded by Fourth and Sixth streets and Perry and Hart
streets. This seminary Avas built in 1807 and was intended
for use of common schools. It was sold by the school author
ities in 1839 to Bishop Hailandiere, who started St. Gabriel's
College there under the managment of the Udist fathers,
AA'ho conducted the college until 1844, when they left the
diocese and Avent to New Orleans. It Avas then converted into
an orphan asylum and so continued until the orphans were

30 A History of A'incennes.
removed to Terre Haute. The Seminary was then turned
over to the Sisters of Providence who established there St.
Rose Academy. Francis Silas Chatard, the present bishop of
the diocese, subdivided the square and opened Fifth and
Seminary streets through it. The old Seminary was torn
down in 1883 and the lots of the subdivision have all been
sold except the part reserved for St. Rose Seminary, and are
noAv held by private persons, and for the most part covered by
fine residences.
As late as 1850 the survey out of which has been carved iu
part Judah's addition, Avas enclosed with a rail fence and used
for farming purposes. The part of the town back of the
Court House was unoccupied and used for a race track. That
portion extending back from Sixth street Avas Marachall's
field, and extended to the limits of the town and was culti
vated in corn. This Avas divided into lots by Alvin W. Tracy,
his executor, in 1855, ancl the lots sold. All that part of the
city above Hart street Avas vacant except the Harrison man
sion, the former residence of Judge Parke and that of Judge
Law between them and the Judah square, afterAvards called
"the Baty place." In 1857 the Lutheran Church on Eighth
street Avas built and Avas then the sole and solitary structure
of any kind in that quarter.
So late as 1850 the buildings of the Steam Alill Company
on the river front on Avhat is iioav "Harrison" Park remained
in a good state of preservation. The main structure of bricic
was 700 feet in length and tAvo stories high. It Avas painted
white. From the second story extended a log carriage-Avay
to the river upon Avhich logs floated down the river were car
ried by steam poAver into the mill. The Terre Haute State
Eoad passed beneath this log-Avay. Immediately above the
mill Avas a tall, brick malt house, and still farther up a large
distillery. Around this mill as late as 1850 there were sttll
standing many large tAvo-story brick buildings for business

Landm.arks. 31
and residence purposes. The surroundings indicated that
regular streets and paved sideAvalks had been constructed.
The houses Avere all finely finished. The Alasonic Hall was in
one of them and the Avails Avere beautifully frescoed Avith the
symbolical emblems of the order.
The building occupied by the Bank of Vincennes, and sub
sequently by act of the State Legislature in 1816 adopted as
the State Bank of Indiana, and which bank gave rise to the
celebrated quo warranto proceedings in the Circuit and Su
preme Courts of the State, was located in a brick building ou
the east corner of First and BroadAvay streets.
The flrst building used for court purposes was of logs, sit
uated on the north corner of Second and Broadway streets,
and which after it Avas abandoned for such purposes Avas,
while Fort Knox, was occupied by Federal troops used for
hospital purposes for sick, wounded and disabled soldiers.
The second building used for court purposes was purchased
from Robert Bnntin, and Avas located on the Avest corner of
Fourth and Buntin streets, and the county jail and estray pen
were on the north corner of the same streets.
The present court square was purchased from Jacob Ku}-
kendall, September 20, 1830, and has ever since been used for
court and county purposes.
The old fort built by Francois Alorgan de Vincenne in 1702
was built of logs and remained until 1820, when it was torn
down and the logs used in its construction were used in build
ing private houses in various parts of the city, and Avhich
houses were durable and remained until torn down. One of
the houses built of logs from the old fort was situated on
Lower Sixth street near the Catholic cemetery, and was only
torn down a few j'ears ago.

32 A History' op Vincennes.

CHAPTER V.

THE OLD PORT.

The old fort on the Wabash at A'incennes owed its origin
to considerations of military necessity. The French Avero
aware as early as 1650 of the dangers that would in the future
imperil their possessions on this continent and prudently en
deavored to counteract them. Their colonies on the St. Law
rence river in the north, Avere Avidely separated from those on
the Gulf of Alexico in the south. It Avas necessary for firo-
tection in a military point of view to connect them by a direct
communication. This could not be done along the Atlantic
coast as the English, their menacing and hostile rivals, occu
pied the intervening space in that quarter. It was only feasi
ble by a line of forts through the unbroken and unexplored
Avilderness of the AA''est. This connection was determined on
as early as 1650 by the French ministry in control of affairs.
But to execute it Avas a Avork requiring time. A survey had to
be made and a practicable route adopted. It required years
to explore this vast expanse of country through which the pro
posed connection was to be made. I]xploring parties Avould
have to grope their Ava}- through this extended stretch of Avil
derness, not only presenting natural obstacles, but fllled Avith
savage and in many cases hostile Indian tribes. The entire
field stretching for thousands of miles had to be viewed in
order to select the most feasible route and locate the forts in
the proper places. The Alississippi river floAving almost di
rectly north and south, Avas a natural higltAvay affording easy
ingress to the north from the Gulf of Alexico. The St. Law
rence riA'cr and the great chain of lakes connected Avith it Avere
a natural highAvay opening the heart of the continent to ap-

The Old Fort. 33
roach from the Atlantic. It Avas deterntined to connect these
tAVO great natural highAvays. The St. LaAvrence route Avas
direct and eontinous from the Atlantic to Detroit river. But
here its direction Avas liroken and ottly sustained bv a lon,o' de
tour to the north and then an equal distance to the south. To
avoid this cirettit}' and Avaste of time, it Avas determined to
make the connection from Detroit to the Alississippi at tlte
junction of the Ohio. The site of Aincennes Avas selected as
the place to locate one of the forts. This route Avas practica
ble and att'drded a Avater comrauttication in a direct course

¦ir't^ife

THE OLD FORT.
iilmo,-t the entire distance. The Avntcrs of the Alaumce. the
St. Jiiscph, the St. Alarv and Waliaslt rivers, presented nat
ural facilities for communication only interrupted by a very
narroAV jiortage. This divide separating the Avaters of these
ri\'ers is so narroAV and contracted that the cr}'stal drops fall-
in,? on the earth from their home in the sky, are at first puz
zled to determine Avhiclt course to take, Avhether to seek the
cold and s]iarkling Avaters of the Atlantic through the gTeat
lakes and the St. LaAvrence ri\'er or the Avarm and rosy bosom
of the Gnlf of Alexico through the Wabash, Ohio and Alissis
sippi rivers. Tljis route had been selected and determined

34 A History op A'incennes.
upon by the French government before 1700. It was sup
posed for many years that the "Ouabasche" Avas the river that
emptied into the Alississippi River. Judge Law in his address
of February 22, 1838, says: "It is a singular fact that the
Wabash river Avas knoAvn and navigated by the whites long
before the Ohio was known to exist." But this is not a sin
gular fact and results as a natural sequence from the way the
country was settled. This continent was flrst settled by the
Europeans along the Atlantic coast, but the Allegheny
mountains and the Blue Eidge Avere barriers forbidding the
discovery ancl settlement of the Alississippi valley from that
direction. This could only be done by way of the St. Law
rence and its connecting lakes. And tliis is the way it was
explored and settled. The head Avaters of the Wabash river
being nearer this route of travel from the north was neces
sarily discoA'ered and navigated before the Ohio.
The old fort here Avas built in the fall of 1702. The first
of the military forts in the Xorth of the contemplated chain
built by the French, Avas at Detroit in 1701. The next year
Francois Alorgan de A'incenne, according to the Quebec an
nals, a trusted ofhcer in the service of the French, was sent
with a military force to build three forts on the route selected
for the chain of French forts to connect Canada and Louisi
ana. One at the junction of the St. Joseph and St. Alary
rivers Atdiere the cit}' of Fort Wayne now stands, two on the
Wabash river, one aliout seven miles beloAv the present city of
Lafayette called "Outanon." The third at the site of Vin
cennes. These forts AA'ere certainly built in the order named
as that Avould naturally foUoAV, considering the point Avhere
the force engaged in their construction started to do the Avork
AA'hich was Detroit.
It Avas tlie custom of the French in all their explorations
and settlements on this continent to operate Avith Iavo forces,
the SAvord and the cross. The one represented the civil, and

The Old Fort. 35
the other the spiritual poAver. Accordingly the force that
came here Avith de Vincenne in 1702 to build the fort, and
thus lay the foundation of civilization in these parts, Avas ac
companied by a French Jesuit missionary, AAdio iu the fall of
1702 celebrated the holy sacrifice of the mass at this place, in
the open air, before the troops, the villagers and thousands of
Indians. This mass was said near Avhere the fort Avas to be
built and near where the cathedral now stands. This act of
the Jesuit missionary is recited in the Quebec annals and may
be taken as the date when the site of Vincennes Avas conse
crated and dedicated to civilization and Christianity.
AVhen the French catnc here in 1703 to build the fort they
Avere welcomed and kindly received by the Indian tribes in
habiting the AVabash country about here. It is certain they
gave them no active opposition but made them concessions of
land in the village and surrounding country. It is stated in
documents still preserved in Quebec that the Indians assisted
the French in building both the church and the fort. And
this is reasonable to believe frora the known amicable rela
tions that ahvays existed between the French and the various
Indian tribes, with whom they came in contact. The French
and Indian tribes always lived in peace and concord. Judge
LaAV says in his adress of February, 1838 : "The French
have always succeeded in conciliating the Indians and gaining
their confidence and good Avill, Avhile the Anglo Saxon has
made but little progress in claiming their confidence and af
fection." The country around Vincennes has been subject to the sov
ereignty of several different nationalities. It was first
claimed, occupied and colonized by the F^rench. It remained
subject to this jurisdiction until the year 1763, AA'hen by the
treaty of Paris of that year, it was ceded to Great Britain.
It remained subject to that poAver until the capture of Kas
kaskia and other French posts on the Alississippi riA'er in

36 A History op Vincennes.
July, 1778, and the capture of the old fort here in February,
1779, by Virginia troops under command of George Eogers
Clark. It then became a part of tiie commonwealth of old
Virginia. It so remained until 1784, when that state ceded
to the general government the territory nortliAvest of the
river Ohio, only stipulating in the act of cession that the ter
ritory thus ceded, should be divided into nCAV states and ad
mitted into the Union Avithout slavery. And in accordance
Avith this stipulation in the grant of A'irglnia to the general
government, the five states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Alichi-
gan and AVisconsIn, have been carved out of the territory and
admitted into the Union as free states.
The old fort here Avas called by many different names but
never during all the time the l^rench continued in possession,
Avas it ever called liy the name of "Sackville." It was never so
called until the British acquired the Xorthwest Territory
after the close of the old French war by the treaty of Paris.
The British wishing to obliterate from the minds of the in
habitants all recollection of the F'rench regime named the
fort here "Sackville." This Avas intended as a compliment to
Sir Thomas Sackville, earl of Dorset, an English scholar and
statesman, Avho Avas a great favorite of the English govern
ment and Avho Avas employed in many important foreign mis
sions. On the death of Lord Burleigh he succeeded him as
Prime Alinister of England, in Avhich capacity he A\'as regarded
in sagacity and fidelity, as equal to his great predecessor, and
in his honor the English named the fort here. But the object
of the English in naming the fort failed of its purpose. The
French did not approve or accept the name and never as long
as the fort stood referred to it in any other Avav than the
"old fort," and Avould not have knoAA'ii Avhat fort Avas referred
to as "Sachville."
The town itself has been called by many different names.
I have seen it stated that the name of the original village that

The Old Fort. 37
occupied this site Avas ''Chippccoke." But I do not knoAV npon
Avhat authority the statement is made. Xo reliable document
calling the Indian village upon the Wabash at this place by
that name has yet come under my observation. As to the dif
ferent names the place has been called. Bishop Brute says:
"Few places have received so many different appellations in
the public documents either of old Virginia, of Congress or
even of the territory where it would seem it would be best pre-
serA'ed ; f eAV had their orthography more wonderfully diversi
fied. Beside the "Ancient Poste," "The Poste," "Au Poste,"
"Post Ouabache," "Post St. Francis Xavier," and finally
"Poste A^incents."
The town was never called A'incennes until after 1736. It
has been frequently stated that the place received its name
from a place so called in the vicinity of Paris in France. But
this is a mistake. The place derives its name from no city
in France or elsewhere, but from the French officer VA'ho came
here in 1702, and built the fort. And this name Avas given
the place to perpetuate the memory and heroism of its
founder. This was done in consequence of the tragic death
and self sacrifice of de A^incenne in a disastrous battle with
the Chickasaw Indians. In 1736 the French to force their
way and complete their chain of forts, Avere at Avar with these
Indians Avho inhabited the country midway betAveen here and
the fort at Vicksburg. It was determined by the French in
order to complete the chain of forts, to attack them both from
the north and south. Accordingly two armies were organized
for the purpose. The force from the south was under the
command of Bienville. The one from the nortii under the
command of D'Artegette and Fi-ancois Alorgan de Vincenne.
It was intended tbe forces should form a conjunction before
risking a decisive battle with the Chickasaws. But the forces
from the south under Bienville were delayed and failed to
form a junction. D'Artegette, unfortunately determined to

3S A History op Vincennes.
attack the Indians with the northern forces alone. He did
so and Avas successful in several minor engagements and capt
ured several of their smaller villages. When they approached
the stronghold of the ChickasaAvs in the vicinity of the present
city of Alemphis, they halted before it in hopes they would be
joined by the force from the south under BienA'ille. As long
as that officer remained in the vicinity in a threatening atti
tude, the Indians and French remained quietly confronting
each other. AA'hen BienviUe retreated with his force and re
turned to Louisiana, the savages became emboldened and at
tacked the French, and defeated them in a bloody engage
ment. In consequence of this defeat, AI. D'Artegette, de A'in
cenne and Father Antoninus Senat, then pastor of St. Fran
cis Xavier church here, aa'Iio accompanied the expedition as
spiritual adviser, Avere all taken prisoners by the Indians.
Father Senat and de A'^incenne could have easily escaped with
the remnant of the troops that retreated, and came back, and
AA-'ere entreated to do so. The retreat was conducted by AI.
A'oisin, a young French officer, but both Father Senat and de
A'incenne, Avith self sacrificing devotion of true heroes and
martyrs, refused to join the retreating forces and thus save
themselyes, but leave the Avounded and dying soldiers to the
fury of the savages. They remained with the wounded sold
iers and AA'ere both burned at the stake on Easter Sunday,
1736. This day has ahA'ays been obserA'ed as a holiday in all
Catholic churches throughout the Avorld and Avas a fitting day
for the introduction of Iavo martyr saints into the glories of
the church triumphant. And from the time the troops avIio
survived and returned to the fort here, this place has been
called A'incennes and Avill ever be called as long as the rec
ollection of heroism and noble deeds Avill be appreciated
among men. And thus it is clear A'incennes derives its name
from an honorable source in perpetuation and remembrance
of its founder. On this suliject. Bishop Brute, says: '"Al-

The Old Fort. 39
though we find no deliberation, no special act, no express
monument for attaching the name of de Vincenne to the Post,
Ave see how effectually that honorable gratitude gave his name
to it."
Of the three forts built by Francois Morgan de Vincenne
in 1 7 02, the one at this place Avas destined to endure the long
est and become of historic importance. The one built at the
junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's rivers was de
stroyed by tbe Indians and the remains seen and described by
Gen. Wayne in 1794. The one called Outanon, on the AVa
bash, was destroyed by the Indians in 1765. But the old fort
built bere remained until torn doAvn after 1816.

(4)

40 A History- op Vincennes.
CHAPTEE VI.
FRENCH CUSTOMS.
Vincennes was originally settled by the French, as already
stated. When they came here and settled they found the
country filled with various Indian tribes living together in
peace and amity. These tribes were Delawares, Kickapoos,
Mascontens, Miamis, Shawnees, Pottawatomies and Pianke-
shaAvs. This place, from its location on high ground when the
whole surrounding country was subject to overflow, made the
site of Vincennes a favorite place of resort and abode for the
Indian tribes. When the French came here they associated
and affiliated with them on terms of equality. The marriages
between the French and the Indian races were frequent. From
this admixture of blood a dual race was produced called
"Creoles." This race was for many years the dominant race
about here in both town and country, and could, as late as
1855, control all elections in Knox county. Tbe Creole
Fi-encb occupied almost exclusively all that part of town, be
low Main street, and the Lower and Cathilinette prairies.
Their Indian ancestry Avas easily discernible in their personal
appearance with high cheek bones and straight, black hair.
They stood erect and held their bead high and walked with
long strides, and carried their persons upright and as straight
as an arrow. Many of the Creoles AA'ere here until long after
1850. But very few specimens are left noAV surviving in the
town or country.
This mised stock embodied in combination the qualities of
the two races or sources of derivation. They inherited all the
virtues as well as the vices of the French and Indian in com
bination. From the French vivacity and good nature, and

French Customs. 4L
from the Indian Avild, roving and irascible traits of character.
The result was that the Creole population Avaa of rather a wJd
and intractable disposition, and mingled with it a love of
ease and pleasure. Labor was distasteful and only perform
ed as a matter of necessity to provide for the Avants of life
and not from any desire to accumulate worldly goods and
possessions. Hunting, fishing and dancing and all manner
of sports and amusements were practiced. The same social
state was observable here during the Creole supremacy as ex
ists today in the French Arcadian settlements of Lottsiana
back of the Alississippi Eiver. The dance was a favorite
pastime, and the sound of the fiddle and the tread of feet
to. its strains were more frequently heard than that of the
loom or the anvil. This has been so within the memory of
men still living who well remember the joyous, free and easy
times when Alitchel Eichardville Avas king of the ball room
and led the dance with tbe strains of his fiddle, and the stamp
of his right foot at one and the same time making as much
noise with tbe one as tbe other.
A favorite dance with the F'rench was tbe king ball on N cav
Year's night. On this occasion the young man chosen as king
for the ball had the privilege of selecting his queen for the
dance and during the evening. The king and queen were this
most important persons at the ball and enjoyed themselves to
their heart's content. The next day the king Avas expected,
by custom, to present his queen Avith a new dress.
Chicken fighting and horse racing were also resorted to,
and were favorite diversions among the Creole French, and
all manner of means devised by them to pass aAvay the time
and enjoy life without Avork.
Tbe Creoles were a very sociable and hospitable people. On
Easter Sunday it was an invariable custom among them to
visit their neighbors and acquaintances and make presents of
colored eggs. On Christmas day it was expected that all

42 A History op Vincennes.
among them, both young and old, male and female, sbould
exchange presents with their friends and acquaintances. On
Xew Year's day it was general for them to exchange visits
from house to house, and every one was welcome to any bouse
and was expected to partake of the many good things provided
for the occasion.
Fighting was common among them and all the Creole men
were boastful of their personal prowess. But these fights
were all in old fashioned style Avith such arms only as nature
provided. Up to 1844 the elections were attended in the town
by all the voters and they were not conflned to the townships
in whicb they resided. The great volume of the vote was cast
here at the county seat. Election day was a great event, and
tbe voters generally flocked to the county seat to vote and see
the sights usual on such occasions. It Avas the time set apart
by custom to settle personal disputes by trial, by battle and
many difficulties were adjusted that way on election day. The
result Avas that thousands flocked bere on election day to wit
ness these personal encounters. Persons yet living in A^m-
cennes can remember that on election day as many as a dozen
flghts AA'ould take place one after the otber, and w'nen one
would cry, "Hold, enough !" hostilities would instantly cease
and the difficulty was settled and at rest. The main battle
ground was tbe intersection of Alain and Third streets, aud
thousands there assembled to witness these pugilistic exercises,
ancl elevated places of observation Avere at a premium.
Tbe only vehicles to be seen on the streets of Vincennes as
late as 1845 were French carts called "calesche." One of them
would be a curiosity noAV. They Avere creations of necessity,
as the old Creole French in their isolated condition here were
cut off in a manner from tbe outside world. These French
carts Avere of home made manufacture. They Avere two-
Avheeled vehicles with shafts for only one borse. They Avere
entirely constructed of wood Avithout the use of anv metal

French Customs. 43
Avbatever. They Avere used for hauling wood and produce ol
every kind, and for every kind of farm work. They were the
only vehicle provided for tbe use of tbe family either male oi
female. In these carts, tbe body of which was in size and
shape very similar to a large dry goods box, an entire Creole
family, man, wife and children, would huddle together and
jostle along going to church or on a visit, the horse maintain
ing a brisk trot, and the heads of tbe household bobbing up
and down at a lively rate.
These Creole customs and practices were legitimate fruits
of tbe blending of the French ancl Indian races. They Avere
all professed Catholics in religion, but paid little attention to
the precepts of the church. They, as a general rule, only en
tered the church on three occasions during life. First, when
baptised; then Avhen married, and lastly wben carried there
to bave the last rites of the church performed over their dead
bodies. AVhen Father Flaget, afterwards flrst bishop of
Bardstown, Ky., came bere as resident pastor, December 21,
1792, be tried to curb the Creole population and reform their
habits and enforce conformity to church discipline. He con
demned their wild and roving habits and frivolous amuse
ments as being contrary to tbe teachings of the church. Ht
encouraged agriculture and tbe mechanic arts and started a
free industrial school to instill into their minds habits of in
dustry. He urged them to see that their children attended re
ligious schools where they Avould form habits of honor, piety
and virtue and become an honor to their name and a consola
tion to their grey hairs. He exhorted them to fence about
their homes so they would be structures of Christian virtue.
He exhorted them to be faithful Catholics and their country
would be proud of them as models of religious enlightenment
and patriotism. He accomplished much good, but was re
called before he had flnished his good work.
It is a singular fact that both Indians and negro slaves

44 A History of Vincennes.
were held bere among the Creoles, as Avell as otber settlers
from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky long
after tbe passage of the ordinance of 1787 and the state con
stitution of 1816. In 1830 the trustees of tbe Borough di
rected the Alarshal to take a census of the population. He
did so, and his official return to the Trustees shows the fol
lowing result: White males, 768; white females, 639; free
black males, 63 ; free black females, 63 ; slave males, 12 ; slave
females, 20 ; total population, 1,565.
Vincennes was for a long time after it was founded an out
post in the wilderness. It had no communication with the
colonies on the Atlantic and Avas to them a "terra incognita."
But the formation of the Territorial Government in 1800
changed all this. Wben the flrst coiners after that arrived
here they found a French settlement speaking that language
exclusively, and no more than a dozen English speaking peo
ple in the place. The Creole population never learned to
speak tbe English language. AA'hen the Territorial Govern
ment was formed and A^incennes named as the capital, the sea
board States poured their overfloAv population composed of ,j
restless, battling swarm of home seekers through the Alleghen
ies out npon tbe rich prairies of the west. All these adven
turous men directel their steps to Vincennes as a common
mecca. As tbe curtain rose upon the advancing Saxon and
Celt they beheld with aAve the mystery of a ucav civilization.
The native Indian and Latin races mingled in fraternal ac
cord on the banks of tbe AVabash. The town Avas a marvel, a
page torn from some book of enchantment. A fragment of
Europe suddenly dropped in his path could scarce bave aAvak
ened more astonishment. Fie beheld long lines of Avhitu
bouses thatched with straAV and covered Avith adobe, each Avilh
its arcade festooned with trailing vines and half hidden in
season under the bloom of peach, cherry and apple trees. In
the centre the f roAvning walls of a citadel overlooking a bel-
fried church, and a necropolis entombing a century's dead.

French Customs. 45
Its streets thronged with brightly dressed, dark-eyed women
and well-dressed men chatting in a strange tongue. These
people were all seekers after pleasure and social enjoyment,
and were not wedded to the acquisition of wealth. He min
gled with them in their balls and festive days. In tbe church
tbe altar blazing with lights before which robed priests chant
ed Latin prayers and intoned tbe music of tbe mass. With
such scenes were tbe flrst adventurers of tbe English speak
ing race confronted on their arrival among tbe ancient in
habitants of Vincennes. But what became of this civiliza
tion ? "Where are the lords of tbe forest who reigned with un
bounded sway over these fertile regions? Where the Dela-
AA'ares, tbe Kickapoos, tbe Miamis, the Shawees, the Potta-
Avatomies ; nay ! even the half civilized Piankeshaws who with
their village occupied one-half tbe town? Their bows are
broken, their council fires extinguished, tbe graves of their
fathers deserted. The wbite man came, civilization attended
him, and desolation and death followed in his train. And
AA'hat became of tbe patriarchs of the Post, the gay, tbe polite,
the lively and tbe hospitable French and Canadians who set
tled it? The dance bas ceased, the sound of the viol is no
longer beard. Tbe Anglo-Saxon has usurped tbe place of the
descendants of St. Louis. Hoav many French families whose
members were formerly almost as numerous as the leaves of
the forest are now represented by any living members ? Where
are the Busserons, tbe Lasselles, the Geueroms, the Andres,
the BurdaloAvs, tbe Cardinals, the Bazadous, tbe Amlins, the
Eichardvilles, the Laderouts, the Eacines? They are all
gone. This result is attributable in part to the frequent in
termarriage of blood relations, and the impoverishment of
the stock. In part from having come in contact with the
Anglo-Saxon, that strong and aggressive blood race that ab
sorbs, eliminates, appropriates, enslaves or extinguishes ah
races that come into its way, and the result is the stronger has
supplanted the weaker.

46 A History op \'incennes.
CHAPTEE Yll.
Courts.
As long as tbe French held possession of the NorthAvest
Territory there were no courts of justice at Vincennes or au}'-
Avhere else in tbe French settlements, so far as knoAA-n. All
matters of dispute AA'ere decided by tbe various commandants
of the Post, Avho Avere cle A'incennes, St. Auge, LeGrand and
Legras. All concessions of land to the inhabitants AA'ere made
by them on little slips of paper. Of all these transactions no
record was ever made so lar as knoAA'n, and tbe slips of paper
evidencing concessions of land Avere not recorded. The trans
fers of land were made by actual transfer of possession as per
sonal property was transferred. This was much the same as
tbe old livery of seizure in English practice. This manner of
transferring lands Avithout record or deed gave the United
States commissioners appointed to adjust French grants
much trouble, as these old French grants had to be ascer
tained and adjusted by parole testimony.
After tbe English acquired the territory in 1763 they only
held it until 1779, a period of nineteen years, and nothing Avas
done by them in the matter of establishing civil government
in tbe Northwest Territory.
AVhen Virginia acquired the territory in 1779 by her troops
under George Eogers Clark, in the spring of that year an act
was passed by tbe Virginia Legislature for the government
of the territory thus acquired. John Todd was appointed
"Lieutenant of tlie Country and Commnvdcr-iH-C/iicf." He im
mediately came to A'incennes and issued a proclamation an
nouncing his poAver and purposes. In June, 1779, he organ
ized "A Court for the District of Post Yiiicmncs." This

Cdl'RTS

,^,

.Tt*

COURT HOUSE.

48 A History of Vincennes.
court possessed both civil and criminal jurisdiction and was
composed of the folloAving judges: F. Bus.-eron, L. E. Do-
line, Pierre Gamelin and Pierre Queray. This court contin-
ned in existence until it Avas superseded by the courts of the
United States, appointed under the ordinance of 1787.
AVhen the United States acquired the territory steps were
taken by Congress to establish civil government for the terri
tory. On tbe 13th of July, 1787, an act of Congress was
passed organizing tbe "Territory Xortliwest of the River
Ohio." Gen. Arthur St. Clair Avas appointed the first gov
ernor of the territory. In January, 1790, he sent Wtlthrop
Sargeant, secretary of the territory, to Post A'incennes to or
ganize the county. Sargeant accordingly came to Vincpnuet
and did this in the summer of 1790, and named tbe county be
organized "Knox" after Gen. Henry Knox, the secretary of
Avar. The court established by him for Knox county was
called "Gmeral Quarter Sessions of the Peace." It held its
first session at the house of John Small, who was appointed
sheriff on July 4, 1790. Tliere were present at this session
as judges, Antoine Gamelin, Paul Gamelin, Francois Busser
on, James Johnson and Luke Decker. Samuel Baird was ap
pointed clerk of this court. It continued until Indiana Terri
tory AA'as organized in 1800.
There was a court of "Oyer and Terminer, and General Jail
Delivery and Nisi Prius" held at A'incennes in October, 1795,
before John Cleves Symmes. senior judge of the Territory
XorthAvest of the Ohio. But little business Avas done at this
session, and VA'as the only term of said court ever held bere
of which there is any record.
Wben Indiana 'T^Titory AA'as organized, Heuf}- A'ander-
burg, William Clark and John Grifiin Avere appointed the flrst
Federal judges of the Territory. Under the Federal GoA'ern
ment there AA'ere tAvo Courts that excTcised jurisdiction in this
county. One AA'as called the "General Court," and exercised

Courts. 49
jurisdiction throughout the territor}'. Tbe other was called
"Common Pleas," and its jurisdiction was limited to the sev
eral counties and possessed jurisdiction in probate matters.
Henry Hurst Avas clerk of both these courts from their organ
ization until they were superseded by the courts organized by
the State Government in 1816.
Since the organization of. the State Government probate
matters bave been transacted by different courts. Tbe flrst
one in point of time was the "Court of Probate.'' The fol
lowing judges presided in this court in the order named:
William Caruthers, William E. AlcCall, John EAving, John B.
Drennon, Henry Euble, Alark Barnett, William L. Coleman,
William Polke, John Moore and Eichard P. Price. This
court was adjourned sitie die Saturday, August 15, 1829.
Tbe above court was succeeded by the "Probate Court/'
whicb was organized September 7, 1829. Tbe foUoAving per
sons presided as jndges in this court in the order named:
William Polke, George AV. Ewing, Abner T. Ellis, Eobert N,
Carnan, George E. Gibson, Eobert P. AlcCoungbey, John H.
Harrison, James Thorne and Clark AVillis. This court was in
1852 abolished by act of the Legislature.
The Probate Court was succeeded by tbe "Court of Com
mon Pleas." This court was organized in this county Jaa-
nary 3, 1853. This was not strictly speaking a county court.
It was called a district court and embraced several counties,
presided over by tbe same judge. This district, in which
Knox county Avas " situated, Avas composed of the counties ol
Knox, Daviess, Alartin and Pike. This court had jurisdiction
•of all probate matters and civil cases when the amount in
controversy did not exceed one thousand dollars, but not in
cases of slander or where the title to real estate was involved,
and in criminal cases less than felony. The following per
sons presided as judges in this court in this county in the
¦order named: Eichard A. Clements, James C. Denny, Eich-

50 A History op A'incennes.
ard A. Clements, Jr., William E. Gardner and James T.
Pierce. This court AA-as abolished by an act of the Legisla
ture in 1873, and its jurisdiction aud business was transferred
to the Circuit Court.
The most important court in dignity and jurisdiction in the
county has ever been the Circuit Court. It has always pos
sessed general common laAv and equity poAvers in all cases,
both civil and cnminal. It Avas first created by an act of thc
Territorial I>egislature passed at Corydon in 1814. Tbe flrst
court met in this county Alay 9, 1814, but no business was
transacted, as onh' the clerk and sheriff were present, but no
president judge. The same thing occurred at the follo-wing
August term, as no president judge appeared. The first term
of this court at Avliich any business was transacted was beld
Alarcb 16, 1815, AAdien Isaac Blackford appeared as the pres
ident judge, and Daniel Sullivan and James B. McCall as
associate judges. It was for many years that in this court m
addition to the president judge, who Avas to be a laAV}'er, there
were tAVO associate judges who were not necessarily required
to be laAvyers. The president judges in this court have been
in the order named: Isaac Blackford, David Eaymond,
William Prince, Thomas H. Blake, General W. Johnson, Jon
athan Doty, Jacob Call, John E. Porter, John Law, General
W. Johnson, Amory Kinney, Elisha AI. Huntington, AA'illiam
P. Bryant, John LaAv, Samuel B. Gookins, Delano E. Eecles,
Alvin P. Hovey, AVilliam E. Xiblack, Ballard Smith, Alicbael
F. Burke, James C. Denny, John Baker, NeAvton F. Malott,
George W. ShaAV, and Orlando H. Cobb, the present incum
bent.

Municipal. 51

CHAPTEE A^Il.
Municipal.
A'incennes enjoys the unique distinction as haA'ing been
knoAA'n and recognized by name long before she Avas legally
liorn. .ft was frequently mentioned as ""'Borough of Vin
cennes" in many official documents and reports and acts of
legislatures before any specific act incorporating it was ever
pas-sed. It was referred to as the "Borough of A^incennes" in
the act of tbe Territorial Legislature incorporating tbe "Vin
cennes University," wbich was passed in 1806. The first act
incorporating Vincennes was passed by the Territorial Legis
lature in 1807. By this act the following persons were cre
ated its first board of trustees: Eobert Buntin, AVilliam Bul
litt, Charles Smith, Hyacinthe Lasselle, Joshua Bend, Henry
Hurst, Jacob Kuykendall, Touissant Dubois and Peter Jones.
The act declared tbe territory included Avithin the following
boundaries to be tbe limits of the borough : Hart street on
tbe northeast, the church lands on the southwest, the AVabash
river on the northwest and Eleventh street on the southeast.
These boundaries continued to be the limits of the old
borough until the act of tbe state legislature passed January
3, 1817, annexed to it "Harrison's Addition." The limits of
the borough thus extended, continued to be its limits during
the life of tbe borough organization. The subsequent annex
ations to include the present limits of the city have all been
tbe work of tbe eity organization.
A number of acts Avere afterwards passed by the state leg
islature amendatory in character, but the most important one
was tbe act passed February 14, 1838. This borough organi-

52 A History op Vincennes.
zation remained in operation until it was succeeded by the
present city organization in 1856.
The old Borough of Vincennes during its long continued
existence called into her service many trust-Avorthy men.
Among these I Avill name tbe following who filled various
positions of trust and honor under the old borough of A'in
cennes: Jacob D. Early, John Moore, General AV. Johnson,
Charles H. Tillinghast, Valentine I. Bradley, Andrew Gard
ner, Martin Eobinson, Abner T. Ellis, George E. C. Sullivan,
Owen Eeily, John EAving, John Collins, Elihu Stout, Sam
uel Hill, Henr}' D. AVheeler, J. C. S. Harrison and Jeremiah
Donovan. The last meeting of the board of trustees under the old
borough organization, Avas held on tbe 7th day of February,
1856. An election Avas beld on the 25th day of January, 1856, to
decide tbe question Avhether to abandon the old borough or
ganization and incorporate under the general law of the state
providing for the incorporation of cities. This election called
out but a light vote. The Avhole number of votes cast was
only 255 of Avhich 181 AA'ere in favor and 74 against tlie adop
tion, being an affirmative majority of 107 votes in favor of
the adoption of the general laAV of the state for the incorpora
tion of cities. This majority Avas sufficient, hoAvever, to de
stroy the borough organization and that historical old borough
ceased to exist and the ncAV born city of A'incennes succeeded
to its poAvers and franchises.
The folloAA'ing persons have filled the office of Alayor of
Vincennes in the order named : John Aloore, James Dick,
William A. Jones, Eichard J. AIcKenney, Henry A'. Somes,
George E. Greene, AV'illiam B. Eobinson, James S. Pritchett,
AVilliam II. Beeson, William B. Searight, James H. Shouse,
John Wilhelm, Francis ALurphy, Oliver G. Alillcr and George
J^'. Greene.

MUNICIP.AL. 53
The f olloAving persons have filled the office of clerk : James
S. Mayes, John EAving, Albert Alontgomery, Charles G.
Alatbesie, George G. Turney, Emil Grill, Charles W. East
ham, Charles A. Cripps, Cyrus AI. xA.llen, George E. Greene
and Charles Laugel.
The f oUoAving have been treasurer : AndrcAV Armstrong,
Isaac N. Eastham, Gerhard FI. Duesterberg, Joseph Bey,
Charles AV. Jones, Peter E. McCarthy, Henry B. Duesterberg,
Charles G. Alatbesie, Frank H. Hoffman and Thomas East
ham.

54 A HisTORA- OF Vincennes.
CHAPTEE IX.
Police.
For a century after tbe toAvn Avas founded it Avas without
any incorporation or police guardianship. During all that
time the inhabitants Avere honest and everybody attended lo
his OAvn business and suffered his neighbor to do tbe same.
The distinction betAveen meum and tuum Avas strictly ob
served. In fact the doors of the houses were Avithout locks or
bars of any kind. This was tbe condition of affairs during
the French supremacy. With tbe infiux of strangers from the
Atlantic States came tbe necessity for civil organization and
police protection. Accordingly, in 1807, the town was incor
porated for the first time as a borough. For many years after
this the police protection of the toAA'u was satisfactorily per
formed by the marshal alone. And for a long time after
Avards, with the assistance of a single deputy. This continued
to be tbe case during the life of the borough organization.
The following persons filled the oftice of marshal during this
period: Jeremiah Donovan, Thomas J. Beeler. Benjamin F.
Thorne and A. L. Cornoycr. After the organization of the
city government tbe common council, September 1, 1871,
passed an ordinance organizing a police force to assist the
marshal in keeping order and preserving the peace. The
members of the police force Avere to be elected by tbe cily
council and AA-cre subject to its control, and could be removed
ll}' the council. This police force Avas sufficient for the pur
pose intended. The foUoAving persons filled the office of city
marshal uncler the city organization : Emanuel Aleisenbelter,
John J. AA^orman, Jeremiah Donovan. Jacob Aletzger, Jolni
A. PuUiam, William Sachs, John T. AlcBride, Louis Hahn,
Frank Johnson, George AI. White and Thomas Eobertson.
The General Assemlilv at the session of 1901 amended the

Police. 55
act providing for a metropolitan police so as to include
Vincennes within the provisions of that law. This laAV batl
already been in force as to many cities of the State for many
years. But its provisions only included such cities as had a
larger population than Vincennes. The amendment of 1901
made the law applicable to cities having a population as large
as Vincennes. Under tbe metropolitan system the governor
of tbe State is authorized to appoint three police commis
sioners in cities witbin its operation, only requiring him to
select members so far as possible from the two leading politi
cal parties. This restriction on the appointing power of tbe
governor insures a non-partisan board of police commission
ers. Tbe governor under this act appointed as the first board
of police commissioners for Vincennes, Schuyler C. Beard,
Daniel L. Bonner and Dexter Gardner. These appointees are
all good and competent men and their appointment gave gen
eral satisfaction to the people of the city. These police com
missioners are empowered to make rules for tbe government
of tbe police force, to fix the number of the force ana their
compensation, and can remove tbe members for cause wiien
they see proper. The compensation of the commissioners is
not fixed by themselves, but by tbe governor. This police sys
tem -^ill in all probability give the city better police protec
tion than tbe old. This, for the reason that there is no di
vided responsibility in the appointment of the commissioners
or members of tbe force. Tbe responsibility for tbe character
and qualifications of tbe police commissioners rests indi
vidually with tbe governor, and bis reputation in the matter
is directly and solely at stake and will cause him on that ac
count to appoint qualifled and worthy men without bias or
prejudice. The same responsibility rests upon the commis
sioners in the appointment of memhers of the police force,
and will operate upon them in tbe appointments they make,
and thus a competent and trustworthy police force Avill al-

56 A History of Vincennes.
ways be assured. For these reasons, in all probability the
metropolitan police system will afford the city as good protec
tion as possible.
AVhen this system first' went into operation bere there was
manifested in some quarters opposition to it. But this oppo
sition and criticism was premature and not well founded.
Tbe system has not yet been given a fair trial, and its work
ings are not yet known. This opposition was in part due to
personal considerations, but mainly to partisan prejudice on
account of its being supposed to be a Eepublican measure.
But this view is erroneous. It is not a Eepublican measure,
but was originally introduced as a Democratic measure and
supported by such men as Thomas A. Hendricks, Joseph E.
McDonald, William H. English, Isaac P. Gray and Eichard
J. Bright. But this partisan view sbould not be entertained.
Tbe system should be given a fair trial, and it will be devel
oped that it is a better system than the old.

Neavsp.apers. 57
CHAPTEE X.
Xeavspapeks.
Vincennes almost from the organization of the territory,
has been liberally supplied Avith ncAvspapers. The establish
ment of a newspajDer in a jilace is an important era in its
bistory. The press is the great conduit through which intel
ligence is generally disseminated among the masses. It
brings communities in close contact with each other and
tends in an eminent degree to enlighten, refine and elevate
tbe character of the masses generally.
Tbe first newspaper established in Vincennes, and in fact
in the whole territory, now comprising the State of Indiana,
Avas the Western Sun, by Elihu Stout. The first number of
this paper was issued on July 4th, 1804. It required much
labor and endurance to establish this paper. The material for
the purpose had to be procured in Kentucky and transported
here on pack horses. There AA'ere no roads leading from Vin
cennes to tbe East at that time. Air. Stout was compelled to
take three horses on his trip to Kentucky to procure material
and travel through the wilderness. One of the horses was
for himself to ride and tbe other Iavo for the purpose of carry
ing tbe material. But he persevered and issued his first num
ber July 4, 1804. The publication was regularly continued
for nearly two years, when the office was destroyed by fire.
But not discouraged, he procured from Kentucky other ma
terial, and on the 4th of July, 1 807, issued the first number of
his resurrected paper. He continued its publication with
regularity until November, 1845, when be was appointed
Postmaster at Vincennes, and sold the paper to John E.

58 A History op Vincennes.
Jones. During tbe tiiiie ^Ir. Stout published the paper be
took in partnership many different persons who soon became
discouraged and fell by the wayside. The names of these
persons it is not necessary to state. After he sold the paper to
Jones, it was neglected and for a time its publication sus
pended. During this time attempts were made to start vari
ous papers under different names, but they were all short
lived, and soon passed away and were forgotten. Among the
number may be mentioned: "Jones' Vincennes Sentinel,"
"The Indiana Patriot," "The Vincennes Courant," "The
Patriot and Courant." Finally George E. Greene in 1856,
purchased tbe paper and re-issued it under its old name,
"Western Sun." From the time he took possession, the paper
has been a success, financially and politically, and bas become
a leading Democratic paper in Southern Indiana. Air. Greene
commenced tbe publication of a semi-weekly wben, be took
charge and Mr. Purcell, the present proprietor, in 1879 com
menced tbe publication of a daily. Mr. Greene died in 1870
and the paper was purchased by Gen. Eeuben C. Kise. He
soon died and the paper was purchased by Dr. Alfred Patton.
He subsequently sold tbe establishment to Andrew J. Thomas
& Co. It passed from tb-em to the possession of Eoyal E.
Purcell, the present proprietor.
In the early days of the territory many different news
papers were attempted to be started bere by Samuel Hill,
John EAving and Mr. Osborn, but all these ventures were fail
ures, and the papers they started soon passed out of existence.
Tn 1816 tbe Indiana Sentinel was started by X. Blackman,
for Willis FelloAvs, and was published in a brick building
opposite the Vincennes steam mill in the upper part of the
city, now occupied by ".Ha,rrison Park." This paper was
started in the interest of the steam mill company and to ad-

Neavspapers. 59
vance and advertise its business. The publication of the
paper was continued until the failure of tbe steam mill com
pany some four or five years after, when its publication
ceased. In 1808 a paper was started here in tbe interest of Jona
than Jennings, who Avas a candidate for Territorial Delegate
to Congress against Thomas Eandolph, who was tben District
Attorney of tire United States for the Indiana territory. Jen
nings was strongly opposed to the introduction of slavery in
the territory and he claimed that Eandolph was at heart in
favor of its introduction. To advance his political interests,
a paper was started bere which took strong ground against
tbe introduction of slavery in the territory and warmly advo
cated tbe election of Jennings. But this venture, like all its
predecessors, was short lived and ceased to exist with the
occasion that called it forth.
Tbe first paper that can be said to have been founded here
in opposition to the Sun Avas tbe Vincennes Gazette, started
by Eichard Y. Caddington in 1830. This paper was ably
edited and became tbe organ of tiie Whig party, and was a
success. Mr. Caddington continued its publication until
1855. Tbe paper was tben sold to Harvey Mason & Co., who
successfully continued its publication until Alay 28, 1859,
when it became the property of Dr. H. M. Smith &nd M. P.
Gee. In 1861 William Denny became proprietor and con
tinued its publication until 1862, when Cyrus M. Allen and
Dr. H. M. Smith became owners. In a few months Charles
I. Williams became proprietor and Cyrus M. Allen continued
as editor. In May, 1863, John M. Wilson became proprietor
Avith T. C. Shuber as editor. In January, 1864, William H.
Jackson succeeded Shuber as editor. In a few months it
passed into the hands of AVilliam H. Jackson and John M.
Griffin. On October 14, 1865, John AI. Griffin became sole

60 A History op Vincennes.
proprietor and the old Vincennes Gazette soon ceased to
exist. On the 24th February, 1854, AA^illiam H. Jackson and
James G. Hutchinson commenced the pulilication of the
"News of the Day." This was a paper devoted to the cause
of the Know Nothing party and being located in a community
hostile to that party, it soon expired a natural death for Avant
of patronage.
The "Old Post Union" Avas started by James G. Hutchinson,
March 7, 1862. This paper survived but a very short time,
and AA'as succeeeded by the "Vincennes Times," tbe publica
tion of -vvbich was commenced liy E. Y. Caddington and AVill
iam H. Jackson. Mr. Jackson retired from the paper and
was succeeded by Gen. Lazarus Xolile, December 6, 1873. The
paper Avas sold to Alalachi Krebs, October 17, 1875, but Krebs
failed to pay the purchase money and tbe paper passed to
James J. Mayes, John Mallet and A. V. Crotts. Air. Crotts
ceased his connection Avith tbe paper in 1879 and it soon
after ceased to exist.
The "A^incennes Commercial" Avas established by S. F.
Horrall, A. Horrall and X. Horrall, Alarcb 13, 1877, under
the firm name of S. F. Horrall & Sons. This paper Avas de
voted to the interests of tbe Eepublican party and was con
tinued by its founders until February 15, 1881, Avhen it passed
into the hands of the "Commercial Company,'' Avith T. H.
Adams as editor. The paper was subsequently purchased by
Mr. Adams, who became the sole proprietor and editor, and
bas continued its publication until the present time. In ad
dition to a weekly a daily edition has been successfully and
profltably issued. It is ably conducted and edited and claims
to be the organ of the Eepublican part}' in this coimty.
The ""A'incennes Xcavs'' Avas established by W. AV. Bailey &
Co. with Warren Worth Bailey as editor in 1877. This Avas ¦

Seavsp.apers. 61
a weekly paper and Avas edited with marked ability. It
claimed to be a Democratic paper, but Avas erratic in its course,
and was never recognized as tbe organ of tbe Democratic
party. It was generally thought to be a political guerilla. It
advocated the Henry George theory of a single tax and for
want of sufficient patronage ceased to exist about 1884.
I must not omit to notice the "Vincennes Joker and Jocu
lar Jingler," a small newspaper started bere in 1846, in the
interest of merriment and good feeling. It was a spicy little
sheet and was devoted to personal criticism of a harmless
nature. It was ably edited by D. C. Eobinson and William
H. Jackson, and was very popular as long as published, but
Avas short lived and soon disappeared.
The "National Era" was founded bere by D. W. and A. L.
Harbison, devoted to tbe principles of the Populist party.
But Avith tbe passing of that party it lost its prestige although
its publication is still continued.
The "Knox County Democrat" was started by Allen Camp
bell. It was originally started in Monroe City, but was sub
sequently removed to this place and its publication continued
bere for several years by Air. Campbell. It was a weekly
paper and strongly advocated the free coinage of silver. Mr.
Campbell sold tbe paper to Frank Signor and the paper was
published by bim for some time. He flnally sold it to its
present proprietors. Chancellor and Comfort. Its publication
is still continued and it is Democratic in politics.
The "Ladies' Home Ideal" is a monthly periodical pub
lished by Thomas II. Adams. It was started a few years ago
and its publication is still continued. It is especially de
signed to advertise and promote the sale of patent medicines,
of Avhich Air. Adams is iDroprietor.
The "Vincennes Capital" is the last newspaper venture in
A'incennes. It bas rapidly Avorked its Avay to the front and

62 A History op Vincennes.
although young in years, is uoav regarded as the peer of any
paper published in Vincennes. It is enterprising and strives
to give its patrons the latest news and in this is successful.
It is always alive to tbe best interests of Vincennes and is
ever planning and suggesting means to advance the city and
help build it up. It publishes both a weekly and daily edi
tion. It is ably edited and is strongly in tbe interest of Ee
publican principles and men.

Anticu'ities. 63
CHAPTER XI.
Antiquities.
Vincennes is rich in material of historic interest. There
centre around her memories of a past extending beyond thc
recollections of the living, and reaching farther and farther
backward till they gradually fade aAvay and are lost and
shrouded in the mists of conjecture. The date when the site
of Vincennes was flrst visited by civilized man cannot be de
termined Avith precision at this time, and probably never can
be. But it Avas in all probability as early as the year 1660.
This is not mere speculation, but can be reasoned out as a
necessary sequitur by comparison Avith the happening of Avell
known and authentic occurrences. Bancroft, in bis history
of the United States, says, "That no bay, no lake, no river, no
mountain in all the vast expanse of this continent bas ever
yet been visited by any explorer but that a Jesuit missionary
bad been there before bim." It is a well known and admitted
fact that the early Jesuit missionaries in the Northwest Avere
actuated by no love of gain, but for the sole purpose of dis
covery and the conversion of the Indian tribes to Christianity.
To accomplish this they traversed the vast wilderness of the
Northwest, visiting the Indians in their villages thrO'Ughout
the vast country bordering on tbe great lakes, the Mississippi,
the Illinois and the AA^abash Rivers. Jacques Marquette Avas
one of the most celebrated and intrepid of these missionaries.
He visited all parts of tbe Northwest. He circumnavigated
Lake Superior, the largest and most Avesterly of the great
lakes, and with Joliet sailed down tbe Alississippi river and is
well known to have been in tbe Wabash country. Bishop
Brute in bis writings, says, "That tbe St. Joseph portage Avas

64

A History' of Vincennes.

used by Father Alarquette long before La Salle and Hennepin
passed througb that portage." He further says that "Father
Alarquette and AUonez passed through that portage on their
way to the 'Ouacbasche' country soon after 1660. While
there is no positive evidence that Feather Alarquette was ever
at the site of Vincennes, yet reasoning by the inductive pro
cess we are bound to conclude he Avas here as early as 1660.
It Avould be unreasonable to suppose that this indefatigable
Avorker for the conversion of the Indians would fail to visit
so important a point in the AVabash Valley as this when he

OLD CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Avas known to be in its Aicinit}'. This site Avas a favorite re
sort for all the Indian tribes on both sides of the Wabash
River. It Avas a safe place of abode for them in consequence
of its high situation and thc conditions then existing' in this
part of the surrounding country. From the earliest times
until in very recent years the entire country on both sides of
the AVabash River Avere coyercd Avith Avator many feet deep
twice during each year during the January and June freshets.
During these flood seasons the country for hundreds of miles
in all directions front the site of A^incennes Avas covered Avith

Antiquities. 05
water many feet deep and offered no suitable abiding place
for the Indians. As late as 1846 the AVabash and Embarras
Rivers annually overfloAved their banks and united their
waters, covering the intervening space of eight miles to a
depth of seven or eight feet. And in the same Avay b}-
overflow the AVliite Eiver united its waters with tbe Wabash
to tbe east to a like depth. In 1846 tbe steamboat Daniel
Boone was carried by the force of the overflow current a short
distance above Vincennes from the channel of the Wabash
River out into tbe prairie for over a mile, and was only re
turned to tbe river with difficulty. And in tbe same year tbe
United States mail was carried from A^'incennes over the over
flowed prairies on the Illinois side to the high ground on tbe
Embarras River at LawrencevUle. And this was not an un
usual or singular occurrence, but happened frequently,
until the country was protected by levies. These conditions
made the site of A^incennes a resort and place of abode for tbe
Indians, as it was always on high ground above the reach of
any flood. It was here they had their permanent village and
flelds whicb were still visible when the wbite settlers came to
tbe place. It Avas here they had their council houses and
where all tbe surrounding tribes assembled many times dur
ing tbe year when they returned from tbe chase or forage.
And such a place, where so many of the Indians could be
easily found, it is contrar}- to reason to suppose that such a
zealous missionary as Father Alarquette would fail to visit
when be was in the Wabash country.
I wish to locate F'ather Marquette at the site of A^mcenncs,
as it will flx the probable date of his visit. It is well knowu
that be left the Jesuit mission at Kaskaskia a sick and worn-
out man in consequence of his labors and exposure, to return
to St. Ignace, a 'few days after Easter, 1675. On this, his
final trip, be travelled by way of the St. Joseph portage. He
died May 18, 1675, ascending the eastern shore of Lake Mich-

66 A History' op Vincennes.
igan, and Avas buried in the sands of tbe lake shore before he
reached bis destination. Therefore be must have visited the
site of Vincennes, if at all, prior to 1675, and in all proba
bility about 1660. I have endeavored to locate Father Mar
quette bere, as he is a Avell-knoAvn historic character.
However it may be whether Feather Marquette was ever at
the site of Vincennes, it is certain beyond a reasonable
doubt that some Jesuit missionary bad been bere prior to
1700. They bad accomplished wonderful results in convert
ing the Indians that inhabited the countrj' about tbe present
site of Vincennes. Tbe records of St. Francis Xavier Church,
as preserved (I use the words "as presen'ed" as Bishop Brute
used them whenever be referred to these records) show from
April, 1749, for half a century after tbe greater part of the
entries of baptisms, marriages and funerals were of Indian
converts. This vast number of Indian converts to the faith
as evidenced by these records as preserved show that the work
of the missionaries, AA'hile fruitful of good, was not the work
of a day or month, but of many years. Tbe untamed savages
of the forest could not be converted to Christianity at short
notice. The labors of tbe missionaries Avere not only sIoav,
but dangerous. In this connection Judge Law in bis address
delivered on February 22, 1838, says:
"It was not only toil of hunger and cold that the Jesuit
missionaries of the cross were called upon to endure, but
many, very many were tomahawked, or what was far worse,
burned at tbe stake. No sooner was it known that their pre
decessors had perished at the stake or by tbe scalping knife
than new recruits offered their services to fill their places.
In fact a mission among the Indians was a labor of love to
these heralds of the cross."
From tbe statements already made it seems clear that the
site of Vincennes had been visited by wbite men long before
1700, and probably as carly as 1660. But these visits of civ-

Antiquities. 67
ilized men AA'ere made in some cases for purposes of trade and
traffic Avith the Indians, or by Jesuit missionaries for the pmr-
pose of spreading tbe true faith among the Indian tribes.
And these early visits cannot be referred to as the date of tbe
actual founding and permanent settlement of Vincennes.
But there are other evidences more tangible and reliable thai
will throw much light on the subject to which I shall now
refer, and which fixes the true date of its founding about
1700. "Wben the Ind"'ana Territory was organized in 1800 and the
capital of the Territory fixed at Vincennes, it at once became
a centre of interest and attracted the cream of the energetic,
aspiring and cultivated men from all the older States of the
'Union. Vincennes was a prominent point in the west before
1800, and many eminent men came and settled here as early
as 1780. But the organization of the territory gave fresh im
pulse and prominence to the place and greatly accelerated its
increase in population and wealth. John LaAV, Elihu Stout,
John Ewing and Samuel Ju.dab and other prominent citizens
who came and located here between 1800 and 1820 asserted
that the population of the place by 1820 was as great as it is
today. But the loss of the capital and the dreadful epidemic
of 1820 that visited the place that year discouraged and terri
fied the citizens and depopulated the place, and for years re
tarded its growth.
The many educated and distinguished men who came and
located at Vincennes when the territory was organized, took
a deep interest in everything calculated to promote and ad
vance tbe prosperity of tbe place. In the early days of the
territorial government, and before 1809, they procured the
passage by the territorial legislature of many incorporations
Avith this object in vicAV. Among these incorporations I Avill
enumerate tbe following three: Tbe Vincennes University,
The Vincennes Library, and The Vincennes Historical and

68 A History op Vincennes.
Antiquarian Society. The object of the last named corpora
tion, as its name implies, Avas to investige and establish au
thentic evidence concerning the early history of the place.
Among tbe many distinguished men who were members of the
Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society I will enumer
ate tbe following : AVilliam Henry Harrison, John Gibson,
Waller Taylor, Nathaniel EAving, John BadoUet, ElUiu
Stout, Moses Tabbs, Isaac Blackford, Thomas Randolph,
John Law, John EAving, Benjamin Parke, George Rodgers
Clark Sullivan, Samuel Judah and many others equally dis
tinguished. Nearly all of these distinguished men came here
about the year 1800. They found when they came old set
tlers who had been connected Avith the place for periods rang
ing from twenty-five to seventy-fiA'c years before 1800. And
these old people had knowledge of tbe place from those who
had been living here before them extending back to a period
prior to 1700. Among these old people I avUI enumerate
Francis A'igo Laurent Bazadone, Angeline Burdalow, Paul
Gamelin, John Rice Jones and General AV. Johnson.
One of the first subjects that occupied tbe attention of the
Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society was fixing the
date when Vincennes AA'as settled by the F^rencb. Before 1820
the date of the settlement of Vincennes by the French was
fixed by tbe Vincennes Historical and Antiquarian Society
at the year 1680. Here the matter quietly rested until the ad
vent of Bishop Brute in 1834. He foimd in tbe church li
brary connected Avith St. Francis Xavier church registers
and many manuscript documents AA'hich had been neglected,
as no one had before him been inclined to burn the midnight
oil in looking them over, page by page, tbe only way to ob
tain tbe valuable historic information they contained, as they
were not indexed, but a confused mass. But Bishop Brute
did this. He furnished tbe public, from time to time,
through tbe columns of the Western Sun neAvspaper tbe re-

Antiquities. (iO
suits of this investigation. He was a studious, careful and
truthful man, and made no statement unless fnlly sustained
by authority in making it, and which can be relied on as cor
rect. He stated that he bad found evidence in the church
records here and in the records of tbe Mission of St. Louis of
Peoria, and the Church of the Immaculate Conception of
tbe Virgin Alary at Kaskaskia, Illinois, and the recorder's
office there, that both the town of Vincennes (not then known
by that name), and the Church of St. Francis Xavier bere
Avere both in existence as early as 1708, and perhaps earlier.
And in one of his last communications published in the
Western Sun he says he avIU continue the search, and if any
thing additional is found indicating an earlier date be will
communicate it to the public. But his investigations Averet
unfortunately terminated by his death in June, 1839. In
this connection I will remark that in 1835 Bishop Brute, to
familiarize himself with the wants of his immense diocese,
embracing all of Indiana and Illinois, made a pastoral visit
in person, travelling on horseback, to all tbe missionary sta
tions in that vast territory and carefuUy examined the church
records they contained. He made a detailed report of this
pastoral visit througb his diocese in his own happy manner
to tbe Leopoldine Association in France in return for assist
ance lent him to build up bis diocese, a great part of which
report is inserted in Father AUerding's (now bishop of Fort
Wayne, Indiana) History of the Diocese of Vincennes.
The communications of Bishop Brute on -the subject of the-
early settlement of Vincennes published in the Western Sun
revived interest in the question and tbe A'incennes Historical
and Antiquarian Society again considered it. John Law, at
the request of this society, delivered bis celebrated address on
F'^ebruary 22, 1839, wben the question was under discussion
by this society for the second^ time. Upon this reconsidera
tion that society before 1840, settled upon 1683 as the dale-

70 A History- op Vincennes.
of the settlement of Vincennes by the French. This decision
of that society Avas generally accepted by the citizens of Vin
cennes as conclusive of the question, and it became a common
saying, as I Avell remember, and as many old citizens of Vin
cennes now living also remember, that Vuicen.nes was settled
the y,ar after Philadelphia. It is Avell knoAvn as a historic
fact that Philadelphia was settled in 1682.
AVere these men qualified and competent to examine, adju
dicate and determine this question ? It is sure they were far
better qualified than persons living at a distance who have
Avritten upon and expressed opinions as to the true date of
the settlement of Vincennes. To illustrate this I will only
refer to three members of the Vincennes Historical and An
tiquarian Societ}', and tbe peculiar opportunities they pos
sessed of examining and passing a reliable judgment upon the
question. These three members are Nathaniel Ewing, Johu
BadoUet and Elihu Stout. The two first came to Vincennes
almost with tbe advent of the territorial government in 1800.
The first as receiver of public monies, and tbe second as the
register of the United States land office in this land district.
The third came a little later in the spring of 1804. They
Avere all members of that society and took an active part in
the discussion of the question. Alessrs. Ewing and BadoUet
Avere tbe equals intellectually of any of the able men who
came to Vincennes in territorial days. They all located bere
permanently and died and were buried bere. They all pos
sessed superior advantages for examining and determining
this question above others from the very nature of their sev
eral employments. Elihu Stout published the first ncAA'spapcr
in the Northwest Territory at this place, commencing on July
4, 1804, and continuing its publication until the fall of 1845,
and from the nature of his business came in contact Avith the
people generally and ascertained their vicAvs upon all public
questions. Alessrs. Ewing and BadoUet constituted the board

Antiquities. 71
of commissioners appointed by the Federal Government to
examine and adjust land titles founded upon the grants of
land to tbe early French settlers from tbe different com
mandants of the post while tbe country was under the juris
diction of Prance, and which grants had been secured to the
several grantees by treaty stipulations and acts of Congress.
These commissioners held their sessions at Vincennes from
1804 to 1810, and examined and passed upon these old French
land grants reaching back to the first settlement of Vincennes
by tbe F^rench. And as there was no record or documentary
CAidence of these old French grants, the commissioners were
compelled to hear oral testimony to estabUsh them. This nec
essarily brought them in close contact in their official capacity
with the old French settlers who could give testimony con
cerning these French land grants extending back in many
cases to tbe flrst settlement of Vincennes by tbe French.
These were tbe men who took an active part in the discus
sion of tbe question as to the date of tbe settlement of Vin
cennes by the French, and who finally flxed -the date of settle
ment at 1683. Messrs Ewing and BadoUet were perhaps bet
ter qualified to determine this question than any other per
sons from the very nature of their employment in tracing
back matters to tbe very beginning. Is not more reliance and
confldence due and sbould be given in determining this ques
tion to the opinions and conclusions of men who lived and
died in Vincennes and were actually a part of its history tban
upon tbe mere dicta and opinions of men who never lived
here, nor visited the place, or who were here only for a few
days, and with these crude and imperfect impressions thus
obtained in hasty visits went off and published books purport
ing to give facts? Count Volney, the celebrated traveller,
who was bere in 1796 for a few days only, states in the history
•of his travels that the place was settled by tbe French in 1735.
David Thomas, who was here at a much later date, and for a
(6)

72 .A History of Vincennes.
few days only, follows in his wake and gives the erroneous
date given by Count Volney. Monette, Flint and Scott, who
have all given an opinion on the subject of the date of the
settlement of Vincennes by the French were never here so far
as I know, and derived their information from second-hand
sources upon which they based their opinions and conclusions.
John B. Dillon, who published a book purporting to be a his
tory of Indiana, on the question of the date of tbe settlement
of Vincennes by tbe French, cannot be regarded as any au
thority on the subject against the combined opinions of such
men as I have referred to.
It is matter of sincere regret that the Vincennes Historical
and Antiquarian Society was permitted to perish for want of
appreciation and support. The valuable collection of im
portant physical specimens contained in its museum, and its
documents and records were suffered to be carried off and
scattered, and are not now for tbe greater part in existence,
or at least are not accessible to the public.
But there are otber evidences bearing on the subject of the
date of tbe settlement of Vincennes by tbe French to which I
will now refer. It is recorded in tbe Quebec annals that
Francois Morganne de Vincenne, an officer in tbe service of
tbe King of France, was commissioned for the purpose and
started from Detroit in tbe early spring of 1702 with'French
troops to build three forts. One was to be built at the junc
tion of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph rivers, where they form
tbe Alaumee river, where tbe city of Fort Wayne now stands.
The second was to be built on the AA^abash river on the AVeeo
plains, about seven miles below the site of the present city of
Lafayette. The third was to be built on the "CoUine gravois.''
on the Wabash river, the site of tbe present city of Vincennes.
The Quebec annals also state that be came to this place on
that mission and actually built a fort in the fall of 1702. He
was accompanied according to the annals bv a Jesuit mission-

Antiquities. 73
ai7, who offered up tbe Holy Sacriflce of the mass on the bank
of tbe Wabash river in tbe open air near where the fort was to
be built in tbe presence of tbe troops who came to build the
fort and many Indians. If tbe Quebec annals are reliable
and satisfactory authority then tbe evidence of the actual
founding of Vincennes may be regarded as conclusive.
But it bas been claimed by some, on what authority I do
not knoAA', that tbe Quebec annals are not in all cases accurate
and reliable in flxing the dates of the happening of events.
This may be true in some cases, especially concerning some of
tbe Jesuit missions in tbe wilderness of the West. This in
accuracy in some instances results from the fact that many of
these missions were 2,500 miles distant from tbe place where
the annals were compiled and published. This inaccuracy
results also, if there is found any inaccuracy which I do not
admit from the great distance of so^me of the missions from
Quebec where they were publisbed, the uncertain and difficult
mode of communication between them and the lapse of time
after the happening of the events related and their communi
cation to the mother house of tbe Jesuit order and before tbe
information was received and the record made and pubUshed.
But in no instance can it be shown that the events related did
not actitally happen and the date assigned, if inaccurate in any
ease which I deny, is more apt to be too recent rather tban too
remote. Tbe Quebec annals state that the French came here
in 1702 and built a fort, which actually remained standing to
a period within tbe recollection of persons living in Vinceimes
at tbe present time. If it cannot be shoAvn that this fact re
cited in the Quebec annals is not correct tben I bold the Que
bec annals should definitely settle tbe question if there is any
question about the matter.
The Avriter bas not personally inspected the Quebec annals
and makes tbe above statement of their contents on the au
thority of Bishop Brute, Bishop Hailandiere, Father AUer-

74 A History' op Vincennes.
ding in bis history and Edmund Mallet of the Carroll Insti
tute at Washington City, D. C.
AAT.iat are the Quebec annals ? They comprise 72 volumes,
printed by the Jesuit Fathers at Quebec, containing the rela
tions and transactions of tbe Jesuit missionaries in the dif
ferent missions of tbe Jesuit order in the Northwest. They
commence in the year 1610 and continue to the year 1780,
AA'hen the Jesuit order was suppressed. They are either in the
French, Latin or Italian languages according to tbe national- ¦
ity of tbe missionary who wrote them. Twenty of these vol
umes are now in the library connected with St. Francis
Xavier Church of this city. But unfortunately they do not
go back to tbe date of the settlement of Vincennes. These
annals were not until very recently witbin reach of tbe gen
eral student. It is certain these annals contain the most re
liable historic information concerning discoveries and settle
ments in the Northwest Territory. So important is tbe his
torical knowledge contained in these annals that the Histor
ical Society of Wisconsin which has done so much to deter
mine historic events in the west when the celebrated historian,
Lyman 0. Draper, was secretary of that society determined in
1894 to have the Quebec annals translated and published in
tbe English language. This herculean task was immediately
commenced by a competent force of translators and prose
cuted until tbe work was completed, and the important his
toric information contained in the annals brought within
reach of the general student. The writer endeavored to pro
cure a copy of this translation covering the period of the
early settlement of Vincennes, but could not procure them, as
no broken volumes would be sold, but the entire set must be
taken. An effort was then made to have those important vol
umes purchased and placed in tbe city library, but the effort
failed and these important works were not secured for the
city library, but their places have been filled with useless

Antiquities. 75
Avorks of fiction of no real value. This action was akin to
that want of foresight which permitted the Harrison mansion
to pass into private hands instead of being purchased for a
public museum and library for tbe use of the city, as it was
from 1812 to 1832, when occupied by John Cleves Symmes
Harrison, a son of General Harrison.
The work of translating and publishing in the English lan
guage has just been completed. The English edition was
publisbed by Burrows Bros., publishers of Cleveland, 0., un
der tbe title of "Tbe Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents
Containing tbe Travels and Explorations of the Jesuit Mis
sionaries in New France from 1610 to 1791." The work is
edited by Reuben Gold Thwaites, the present secretary of the
AVisconsIn Historical Society. In the conclusion of tbe 72nd
and last volume he writes as follows :
"Tbe editors decided to go to tbe sources never depending
on a printed version when ever the original manuscript could
be obtained, thereby elminating so far as might be the changes
introduced by such earlier copyists and reprinters as bad
taken more or less liberties with the text. Approaching the
task with no conscious prejudices of race or religion, it has
been tiie sole desire of the editor impartially to collect, pre
serve and annotate tbe great body of documents having so im
portant a bearing upon tbe foundations of American bistory."
The 72nd and last volume of these relations has just been
issued from tbe press of BurrOAVs Bros., of Cleveland, 0., the
present year.
But there are other and abundant evidence of equal au
thenticity and credibility upon the subject of the settlement
of Vincennes by tbe French to whicb I Avill now refer. There
is abundant and conclusive evidence in the writings of Bishop
Brute that tbe French built a fort and made a permanent set
tlement here about the beginning of the year 1700. In a

76 A History of Vincennes.
communication publisbed in the Western Sun neAvspaper of
Saturday, April 27, 1839, he states:
"We find that Father John Mermet came from Quebec to
St. Louis of Peoria in 1708 on his way to the post on the
'Ouabasche.' "
The Mission of St. Louis of Peoria referred to by the
Bishop was situated on what was tben called Lake Peoria,
but whicb in fact was only an expansion of tbe Illinois Eiver
where the city of Peoria in Illinois, is now located. This was
one of tbe Jesuit missionary stations which Bishop Brute vis
ited and examined its church records on bis pastoral visit in
1835. This Father Mermet is no m3d;h, but on tbe contrary a
well-known historic character. He remained at this place as
a missionary priest from the time be came in 1708 until the
latter part of November, 1712, wben be returned to Kas-
kaskai, where he remained until his death in 1728, and was
buried there in tbe church of the Immaculate Conception.
He left writings whicb Bishop Brute personally inspected on
his visit to Kaskaskia in 1835, and wbich conclusively show
that Father Mermet was here in 1708. From his writings
Bishop Brute made au extract Avhich hc published in the
Western Sun of Saturday, April 27, 1839, as foUoAVs:
"An epidemic desolated the village in 1708, and tbe In
dians died in great numbers. The jugglers kept up their de
lusions. They ordered a great sacrifice of their dogs. Forty
of these poor animals, innocent as they were of the cause of
the epidemic, to satisfy their manitoes, were immolated and
carried on poles in a solemn procession around the fort.
Eealize, if you can in mind, the Avretched procession on one
side led on by these fanatical jugglers, and tbe gaze of the
soldiers and their officers, of the traders and the whole popu
lation of the village at that time listening to tiie loud appeals
of the Indians."
This unquestioned evidence of Father Alermet shows con-

Antiquities. 77
elusively that the fort and village were here in 1708. It
shows also that he was the resident priest or missionary here
in 1708.
But there is otber and very sufficient evidence to corrob
orate the statement of Father Mermet. Father Gabriel
Alarest, missionary of the Society of Jesus, stationed at Kas-
kaskai, from a date as early as 1700, until long after 1725,
conclusively corroborates tbe fact that Father Mermet was
sent bere as a missionary some time before 1712, but the pre
cise date when he was sent is not given. The Mission of tbe
Immaculate Conception of tbe Blessed Virgin at Kaskaskia,
111., was the principal mission and headquarters of the Jesuits
in the Northwest Territory. From a letter Avritten by him,
dated at Kaskaskia, November 9, 1712, and addressed to
Father German General of the Jesuit Order in Paris, France
we quote as follows :
"The French having lately established a fort on tbe river
"'Onabasche," demanded a priest or missionary, and Father
J ohn Mermet was sent to them."
This latter is inserted in a historic work of undoubted re
liability publisbed in Paris, France, in the year 1761. It is
inserted in that historic work on page 325 thereof. It will be
observed that tbe letter does not give the precise date when
the French built or established a fort on tbe "Ouabasche," but
it must have been some years before November 9, 1712, the
date of tbe letter, for the French inhabitants to have so in
creased in numbers at that early date to have merited and
demanded the services of a missionary.
In the year 1837 an old oak tree standing on the west bank
of the Wabash Eiver in Vermillion county, Indiana, near the
toAvn of Eugene, was felled. An axe of French manufacture
Avas found embedded in the tree. Tbe annual growths around
tbe a.ie were counted by persons skilled in matter of that kind
and it was found that tbe annual groAvths around the axe in-

78 A History op Vincennes.
dicated that it had been inserted in tbe tree at a period pos
sibly as early as 1700, and certainly not later than 1705. The
difficulty in fixing tbe exact date when tbe axe was inserted
was in consequence of tbe blending of the grovrths around the
axe where the wound was infiicted on the tree. On this ac
count the blending and confusion of growths the exact date
of its insertion coiUd not be determined with greater precis
ion than between the year 1700 and 1705. One hundred and
twenty-seven growths were distinct, and a number immediate
ly around the axe confused. It was stated at the time the axe
was found that it had been inserted in the tree by some Jesuit
missionarj' on his lonely journey through the wilderness.
But this could not be in the nature of things as it is well
known that tbe Jesuit missionaries among the Indians of the
NortliAvest never carried axes or weapons of any kind. They
only carried crosses on their lonely pilgrimage througb the
wilderness. Neither could it bave been inserted by one of a
small party who carried few axes, as its loss would have been
noticed ancl the implement recovered. It was inserted by one
of a large party, and its loss was not noticed on account of the
large number they carried. It is reasonable to suppose this
axe was inserted in that oak tree by one of the men accom
panying de Vincenne on his wa}- doAvn thc Wabash Eiver to
this place in the fall of 1702 to build tbe fort bere. And I
claim, with reason, that this is a natural record aiding and
contributing by its silent and unimpeachable testimony in
fixing the date of the building of the fort here, and the actual
founding of Vincennes about the year 1700.

Clark's Kaskaskia Campaign. 79
CHAPTEE XII.
claek's kaskaskia campaign.
The inhabitants in the XorthAvest at the time of its acqui
sition by Great Britain in 1763, were almost, if not exclu
sively, French people or the descendants of French, and were
all animated by that common race prejudice that then ex
isted and still exists betAveen the English and French people.
They were not reconciled to the change of ruler and always
regretted that by the terms of the treaty of Paris this promis
ing and rich country bad been Avrested from their beloved
France. This race prejudice is well Icnown to exist among all
peoples of different nationalities and can never be oblit
erated, and is still active and potent after the lapse of
centuries. As an illustration, take the Irish race,
and it is Avell Imown that a bitter hatred exists
betAveen tbe Celt and the Anglo Saxon. ShoAV me an Irish
Catholic in any quarter of the habitable globe, whether be
neath tbe burning rays of a tropical sun, or the frozen regions
of the Xorth, and I will at the same time show you a bitter
and determined foe of the British government. This hatred
bas been engendered by the centuries of injustice and oppres
sion that relentless power has infiicted upon their native
isle. They are ever ready to seize upon any occasion to raise
their hand against the oppressor. During the Eevolutionary
AA^ar it filled tbe roster of officers and the ranks of tbe revo
lutionary soldiery with Irishmen. Among the forces under
George Eogers Clark, that took part in the capture of Kaskas
kia, there were many Irishmen, and found there in conse
quence of this race prejudice. Of the 150 men that are said
to have composed his force when he started upon bis Kaskas-

80 A History op Vincennes.
kia campaign, the following were Irishmen, either by birth
or descent: Lieutenant- Colonel John Montgomery, Major
Thomas Quick, Captain Eichard McCarty, John Rodgers,
John Williams, Lieutenant Valentine Dalton, James Alont
gomery, James Eobertson, Lawrence Slaughter, John SAvann,
Sergeants John Brand, James Brown, Michael Miles, John
Moore, Jolm O'Eear, Eobert Patterson, John Vaughan, John
AVilliams, Privates John Ash, Thomas Batten, William Bell,
James Bigger, John Bayle, James Bryant, Edward Bulger,
Nicholas Burke, John Campbell, Andrew Conore, Thomas
Clifton, Dennis Chohem, Cornelius Copeland, John Cowan,
James Curry, Eobert Davis, Frederick Doherty, Neal Doh-
erty, Patrick Dorn, John Duff, Edward Fear, Samuel Finley,
James Finley, James Finn, John AIcFlanagan, Michael Glass,
David Glenn, Francis Godfrey, John Green, John Grimes,
William Gwin, Silas Harland, Hugh Henry, Barney Higgins,
John Hughes, Edward Johnson, Alathew Jones, John Javmes,
AViUiam Learne, Eichard Lutterell, John Lyons, Joseph
Lyons, Isaac McBride, Francis McDermott, David AIcDonald,
John McGann, Alexander Mclntyre, George McManus, John
McManus, John McManus, Jr., Samuel McAIillen, James
McNutt, Francis Mahoney, Patrick Marr, Charles Alartin,
John Montgomery, John Moore, Thomas Aloore, John
Murphy, Edward Alurray, Peter NeAvton, Alicbael O'Hara,
Daniel O'Bear, Peter Preist, William Parcell, William Slack,
Francis Spellman, John TaUey, Joseph Thornton, Daniel
Tiger, Barney A^Tiallen and Dominique Welch.
-And what, was it that induced Alarquie de La Fayette
Count de Grasse and Count de Rochambeau to come and take
part in our revolution ? It was not for any love of liberty, as
Ave understand, and use that Avord. The two latter were offi
cers in the service of the King of France, long before and long
afterwards. It was a desire to aid their own country. It was
a military stratagem to attack tbe English as it were in the

Clark's Kaskaskia Campaign. 81
rear by aiding her revolted colonies, and thus effect her dis
memberment and weakening of that power. And all this was
brought about by race prejudice. By this, I do not wish to
detract in the least, from tbe debt of gratitude we owe these
men, and all others who rendered our country assistance in
time of need. I only go beneath the outward surface of things
and indicate tbe controlling motives that prompted their
action. Tbe idea that originated the military movement against
Kaskaskia was based upon tbe race prejudice, known to exist
between tbe French and English. It was known to the au
thorities of Virginia that all the inhabitants of Kaskaskia
were Frenchmen, either by birth or descent. It was also
equally known that they all chafed imder Britsh domination
and would be Avilling at any favorable opportunity to throw it
off. This knowledge justified tbe authorities of Virginia in
making the attempt. It could not be supposed that any force
A^irginia could send at that time against Kaskaskia, if met
with active opposition, would be crowned with success. The
condition of affairs at Kaskaskia may have been obtained from
some of the French officers in tiie American army. There can
be no doubt in tbe mind of an intelligent man that tbe Vir
ginia authorities obtained it from some source before they
countenanced and authorized tbe expedition against Kaskas
kia. Otherwise the project in view of tbe fact that the state was
involved in a death struggle at home, would bave been fool
hardy and ridiculous. And this debt of gratitude or moral
obligation which the American people were under to tbe
"French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of the
EashasJcia, St. Yincents and the nnghioring villages" of the
territory northwest of the Ohio Eiver for their throwing off
the allegiance of Great Britain and acknowledging themselves
citizens of Virginia at tbe bare request of Col. Clarke, with
out offering any resistance, was tacitly acknowledged by the

82 A History of Vincennes.
Federal Government upon acquiring the territory from A'ir
ginia in 1783.
It Avill be remembered that tbe territory northwest of the
Ohio River Avas acquired by the State of Virginia by her
troops under Col. Clarke, acting under the commission of
Patiick Henry, the Governor of Virginia, Kaskaskia in July,
1778, and St. A^incents in February, 1779. This was during
the Revolutionary AVar and before tbe independence of the
American colonies had been acknoAvledged by Great Britain.
The United States by their act of September 6tb, 1780, rec
ommended to the several states haA'ing claims to waste and
unappropriated lands in the Avestern country, "to make a lib
eral cession of such lands to the United States for tbe com
mon benefit of the Union." The State of A'irginia in ac
cordance Avith said recommendation of Congress, did by her
act passed on the 2d day of January, 1781, agree to the rec
ommendation of Congress subject to the following conditions,
viz: 1st, that tbe territory so ceded sbould be divided into
states and admitted into the Union on the same footing as the
original states ; 2d, that tbe expenses of Virginia in acquiring
said territory should be paid to her liy the United States ; 3d,
"that the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers
of the Kaskaskia, St. Vincents and neighboring villages,
wlio professed themsilvcs citizens of Virginia, should have
their possessions and titles confirmed to them."
It is further knoAvn that the United States liy the act of
September, 1783, acceded to these conditions. It is further
known that the State of A'irginia subsequently by an act of
her legislature in 178.3, authorized her delegates in Congress
to cede and transfer to the United Sta.tes her landed posses
sions nortliA\'est of the Ohio Eiver, and that by the authority
of said act, Thomas Jeff'erson, Sainuel .Hardy, Arthur Lee
and James Alonroe, the delegates in Congress from the State

Clark's K.askaskia Campaign. 83
of A'irginia, on the 1st day of March, 1784, conveyed said ter
ritory to the United States by deed of that date.
It is thus apparent by the mere recital of legislative and
historical facts that the only obligation resting upon the
United States in consideration of said cession, was that ^'tlie
French and Canadian inliabitants and other settlers of the
Kaskaskia , St. Vincents and the neighboring villages who
had professed themselves citizens of Virginia, should have
their possessions and titlis confirmed to them." There was
no condition or obligation whatever that the United States
should make such inhabitants any additional grants of land,
but simply to confirm to them such lands and titles as they
already possessed. In discharge of the obligation thus im
posed upon tbe United States a commission was appointed by
the United States to investigate and determine what lands
and titles said inhabitants possessed and when ascertained by
said commission which sat and beld session at Vincennes from
1804 to 1810, the said lands were confirmed to them by Con
gi-ess. But it is well known the United States did more than
the condition and obligation imposed by the act of Virginia
required to be done. By resolution of Congress, passed Aug.
29, 1788, and the act of Congress of March 3d, 1791, it was
provided that 400 acres of land should be donated to every
head of a family at Post Vincennes and Kaskaskia, at and
prior to 1783, the date of the acquisition of tbe territory by
tbe United States from Virginia. And this grant of 400
acres of land applied to every head of a family AA'ho had ever
been at Post Vincennes or tbe Kaskaskias at any time prior to
17S3, whether they remained such inhabitants or had left tbe
territory. To provide for filling this voluntary grant, a tract
of land in Knox County, Indiana, ten miles square, was sur
veyed and divided into 400 acre lots for this purpose. And
such original tract not being sufficient to supply all such in
habitants as was subsequently ascertained, two additional do-

84 A History op Vincennes.
nation tracts Avere surveyed and set apart for such purpose
so that all of such inhabitants as aforesaid, should receive a
400 acre tract of land or their heirs or assigns. This grant
of 400 acres of land Avas in addition to any obligation resting
upon the United States by virtue of the cession from Virgina,
and was a voluntary offering or gift to such inhabitants and
Avas given them, as a free will offering to reward them for
their promptly espousing the cause of the American colonies
and discarding all allegiance to Great Britain, upon the sim
ple request of Col. Clarke, without firing a gun or showing the
slightest resistance.
The town of Kaskaskia was the oldest of tbe settlements of
tbe French in the northwest. It was the most populous set
tlement containing probably 3,500 population, was weU forti
fied and supplied with cannon, small arms and munitions of
Avar and defended by a strong garrison. But without excep
tion they were all French people. Governor John Eeynolds
in bis pioneer histor}' of Illinois, referring to Kaskaskia at
the date of Clarke's arrival there in July, 1778, says :
'"Kaskaskia was to Ilinois then what Paris is at this day
to France. Both were in their respective days tbe great em
poriums of fashion, gaiety and happiness. Kaskaskia was for
many years the largest toAvn Avest of the Allegheny mountains.
It Avas a tolerable place before Pittsburg or Cincinnati had
any existence."
But Kaskaskia since that period has gone back until it is
not now a station for a postotfice. For many years afterwards
Kaskaskia continued to be the most populous and important
toAvn in Illinois. It was the first capital of the territory and
state and remained such until 1820, when it was removed to
A^andalia. But it still maintained its prominence and all the
printing of the state, even for years after the removal of the
capital to A^'andalia in 1820, was done at. Kaskaskia. Tbe first
term of the Supreme Court of lUinois was beld at Vandalia

Clark's Kaskaskia Campaign. 85
in December, 1820, but the first volume of its reports, by Sid
ney Breese, Avas published in November, 1831, at Kaskaskia.
Yet it was such a toAvn and fortress that Col. George Rogers
Clarke, with only 150 men, captured in the short space of a
few hours, before Eocbblave, the British commander, had
risen from his bed, without firing a gun or losing a man.
AA^'ben Col. Clarke's force arrived before Kaskaskia they bad
been since leaving tbe falls of tbe Ohio, on the go for eleven
days, seven of whicb bad been spent marching througb a
desert country. They were vrithout cannon, horses or any
provisions, except what they carried. They were hungry and
footsore. Would it not seem incredible that such a force
could capture such a place as Kaskaskia is represented to have
been at that time, without some cause, except brute force,
operating in their favor, that made it possible. Such a cause
did operate in his favor and Col. Clarke knew it would oper
ate. He knew from two men from Kaskaslda, he met on his
overland march to that place, that tbe race prejudice between
the French and English, would operate in bis favor. He knew
tbe inhabitants of Kaskaskia were all French people and bos-
tile to the British and ready to throw oft' tbe yoke at any fa
vorable opportunity.
It is a well Imown fact from the journal of Major BoAvman,
an officer in Clarke's command, that tbe. supplies and men
authorized to be furnished him by Virginia, were owing to
many causes and difficulties never actually furnished. On ac
count of this failure the prospects of a successful issue of the
campaign before starting from the falls of the Ohio', were
anything but encouraging. It was thought for a time it
would be abandoned altogether. But Gen. Clarke was a man
of undoubted courage and determination and relying upon the
race prejudice that was knoAvn to exist he determined to make
the attempt with the small force he had gathered.
Fie started from the falls of tbe Ohio Eiver on bis way to

86 A History op Vincennes.
Kaskaskia on June 28th, 1778. That Kaskaskia was tbe ob
jective point of his expedition is clear from tbe commission of
Gov. Henry from which we extract as follows :
"You are to proceed with all convenient speed to raise seven
companies of soldiers to consist of fifty men each, officered in
the usual manner and armed most properly for the enterprise,
and with this force attack tbe British post at Kaskaskia. It
is conjectured there are many pieces of cannon and military
stores in considerable amount at that place, tbe taking and
preservation of which, would be a valuable acquisition to tbe
state. * * * jf ^g inhabitants at the post wUl give evi
dence of their attachment to this state, let them be treated as
felloAV citizens and their persons and property duly secured.
Assistance and protection against all enemies, whatever shall
be afforded them, and the Commonwealth of Virginia is
pledged to accomplish it."
This objective point of the expedition is also manifest from
the journal of Alajor BoAvman, who does not mention or bint
any other ulterior point being in contemplation. Tbe force
of Col. Clarke proceeded down the Ohio Eiver in boats to a
point a feAV miles below the mouth of the Tennessee Eiver.
There the boats were abandoned and a march overland to Kas
kaskia was begun. The route of this march was over a desert
country with no road and no convenience to cheer them on
the way. They only carried muskets and such provisions as
they could carry on their back. After a tedious march of
seven days through this Avilderness, they arrived weary and
worn out before Kaskaskia, on the 3rd of July, 1778. Kaskas
kia was situated on tbe opposite bank of the river and the
journal of Major BoAvman says their advance was discovered
from the toAvn. Gen. Clarke crossed tbe river tbe next day,
July 4th, 1778, and appeared before tiie fortified toAvn of
Kaskaskia. In accounts originating from Gen. Clarke and bis com-

Clark's Kaskaskia Campaign. 87
mand, it is stated that AAdien bis small force a.ppeared before
the Avails of the toAvn of Kaskaskia, from indications ob
served, they feared they Avotild meet with resistance, but a
Catholic priest opened the gates of the fort and approached
Gen. Clarke and had an intervieAV Avith him. This priest w.s
undoubtedly Pierre Gibault, the patriot priest of tbe West.
It was quite natural that seeing an armed force of strangers
approaching tbe place that the inhabitants should wish to be
c-dvised of the cause and object of their coming. It is also
stated that this priest and Gen. Ciarke had an interview. It
is fair to presume that in this IntervieAV Gen. Clarke informed
this priest of their object and intentions, and that they Avould
be protected in their persons, property and religion. This
priest, if tbe surmise is correct, was already enlisted against
the English cause, returned to the fort Lud advised the achnit-
tance of the strangers, and soon after the gates were opened
and Gen. Clarke entered the fortified toAvn and the bloodless
capture of Kaskaskia Avas accomplished without firing a gun
or loosing a man, even before the British commander was
aware of the fact.
It is fair to conclude that it all happened as stated and that
the above is a true account of tbe case. In after yet.rs it be
came necessary to magnify the achievement for tbe purpose
of self aggrandizement and to stimulate rewards and land
grants. In reading some accounts of this remarkable achieve
ment, tbe intelligent reader is led to recall tbe wonderful and
Don Quixotic performances of Sir John Falstaff, as related by
that master and thorough probe of human nature, and espec
ially of Anglo-Saxon braggadocio, AVilliam Shakespeare.
Hon. AA'illiam H. English in vol. 1 on page 171 of bis work,
quotes Alajor Bowman, an officer in Clarke's command, who
was Avriting concerning Kaskaskia at the time of its capture
by Clark, as using this strong and forcible language :
(7)

88, A History of Vincennes.
"Kaskaskia Avas so fortified that it might have resisted a
thousand men."
And Governor Reynolds in his bistory of the capture of
Kaskaskia by Gen. Clarke in 1778, says: "Clarke htid no
cannon or means of assaulting the fort and therefore was
compelled to use strategem."
This language by learned men concerning tbe capture of
Kaskaskia sounds strange in the ears of men acquainted Avith
the facts in the case. Hoav could Gen. Clark use strategem
wben his own account states their advance was detected a dA\
before tbe surrender. And how could a bloodless issue bave
been achieved against such a fortified fort? There is no
question but that Kaskaskia Avas Avell fortified at the time and
supplied with cannon and ammunition. One blast from these
heavy guns would have scattered the weak and Aveary forces
of Gen. Clarke as autumn winds scatter faded leaves from the
forest trees.
After gaining possession of Kasktiskia as above stated. Gen.
Clark sent small detachments from bis own small force and
in succession obtained peaceable possession of Cahokia, Prai
rie du Rocher and all the French villages on the Alississippi
River in the same bloodless manner. And it is reasonable to
conclude, and we do conclude, that all these bloodless tri
umphs were the result of sonie influence other tha.n military
necessity. They all fell into the hands of Gen. Clark as the
ripe apple falls to tbe ground from tbe parent stem. It is
fair and just we think to attribute these bloodless results to
the influence of Gibault from the necessary operation of well
knoAvn causes. He had been laboring at all these French set
tlements for more than ten years. He Avas unquestionably the
ablest man in the entire nortliAA-est territory. He labored day
and night, teaching tbe children and adults, not only on Sun
day but on Aveek days. He Avas so successful that in about
six months after his arrival there in September, 1768, be

Clark's Kaskaskia Cajipaign. 89
brought them all back within the fold of the church, and al
most the entire population received communion on Easter
Sunday, 1769. The same thing be accomplished at Cahokia
and Prairie du Eocher and all the missions on both sides of
the Alississippi River. He built and blessed the first chapel
on the site of the present city of St. Louis, Avhen Col. Francis
A'igo resided there.
AA^ben Gen. Clark bad thus obtained possession of Kaskas
kia and all the F^rench villages on the Alississippi River, he
bad fully accomplished the objects embraced in bis commis
sion from Gov. Henry. But he Avas not to receive his dis
charge. His invaluable services and his undoubted courage,
were not to be dispensed with. He Avas to receive a new com
mission, not from Gov. Henry, but in all probability from
Pierre Gibault. It Avas then for the first time it was heard
mentioned that tbe capture of the fort on the AVabash River
at this place, was to be undertaken. It was represented to
Gen. Clark that the fort bere Avas the real key to the posses
sion of tbe northwest territory. That the capture of Kaskas
kia was not so important, as the capture of the fort on the
AA'abash would be, Avhich was in the heart of the northwest
Avliile Kaskaskia was only an outpost on the frontier and ad
joining a foreign, if not a hostile state. He therefore urged
upon Gen. Clark to undertake tiie capture of the fort on the
AVabash here. He represented to bim how easy it was of ac-
¦complishment and how the same conditions on the part of the
inhabitants in the post here Avould operate in his fa.A-or, as
they had operated at Kaskaskia. He promised and agreed to
furnish him additional men and means to render tbe expedi
tion successful. Gen. Clark was convinced and agreed to com
mand tbe expedition and thus was organized at Kaskaskia the
¦expedition to capture the fort at A^incennes. The intelligent
reader of tbe transaction will come to the conclusion that ii
-all happened as stated aboA'e.

90 A History op Vincennes.
CHAPTER XIII.
Clark's st. a'incent campaign.
In 1770 there came to A^incennes as the parish priest here
the Eev. Pierre Gibault. Fle came to the Northwest from
Quebec, as the vicar general of the Archbishop of that place.
He remained bere as tiie parish priest Avitli the exception of
an interregnum in 1778, Avben he Avas expelled by Governor
Hamilton, until 1789. He Avas without question the most
learned and influential man in the North Ave st at that early
day. He had almost unbounded influence over tbe inhabit
ants bere who were all French by birth or descent. In the
winter of 1778 he received information of tbe pending strug
gle of the American colonies against Great Britain for inde
pendence. This information had been studiously concealed
from the inhabitants of the Northwest by the British author
ities in Canada. The struggle had been actively in progress
for upwards of Iavo years before it was knoAvn here. There
were no roads or means of communication with the Atlantic
from this place at that early day. All information came by
way of the lake region of the north. AA'hen Eev. Pierre
Gibault beard of this struggle Avith the natural instincts ani
mating every cultured Frenchman he at once decided to join
tbe rebellious colonies and cast bis lot and influence in tiieir
favor. In the latter part of the Avinter of 1778 he announced
at mass to his parishoners that he Avished them to meet him
at a stated time as be had important information to commun
icate to them. That meeting so announced Avas accordingly
beld. It bas been frequently stated this meeting Avas beld in
the old church here. But it Avas not held there. All accounts
we have of this remarkable man and his a.ustere church dis-

Clark's St. Vincent Camp.aign. 91
cipline indicate be Avould have considered it a desecration to
bold such a meeting in the church. Besides tbe church was
not a suitable place for such a meeting. It was a small struc
ture Ayith no Avindows or openings except a door. It bad no
pews or any floor except the eath. This meeting was held in
the old fort, Avbich was large and a better place, and was
then unoccupied. AVhen tbe meeting so called was assembled
tbe Eev. Father Gibault addressed them in French to this
purport :
"My Beloved Brethren and Fellow Citizens:
"I bave received authentic ancl reliable information that
the American colonies on the Atlantic Ocean have revolted
and are now at war with England in a struggle for independ
ence. This war has now been going on for upwards of Iavo years
AA'ith varying success. AA'e bave just received tbe flrst account
of its being -waged. The English authorities in Canada bave
studiously kept us in ignorance of the fact, fearing we Avould
follow tbe example of so many of our French brethren and
join the colonists and throw off our allegiance to them. This
is a just struggle of tbe AA'eak against the strong. It is our
duty as Frenchmen and lovers of our native land to render all
the assistance we can to the struggling colonies. Everything
we do in this way will in reality be done in the interest of our
French brethren. Therefore I propose that we throAV off all
allegiance to tbe English nation and declare ourselves citizens
of the revolted colonies. I propose that you manifest this
declaration and intention by taking tbe oath of allegiance to
the American cause, and if you are agreed I will noAv admin
ister the oath of allegiance to you and will assist in hauling
doAA'u the English emblem of its sovereignty over this fort."
At the conclusion of this address tbe entire population of
the place with one accord agreed to take the oath of allegiance
to tbe American cause and asknoAvledged themselves citizens

92 A History op Vincennes.
thereof. The oath of allegiance was thereupon administered
to them by Father Gibault, and the English flag was hauled
down over the old fort on the "Onabasche."
AATien tbe British authorities in Canada became aware cf
these proceedings Governor Henry Hamilton was sent here
to re-take possession of the old fort. He came a.nd the fort
being practically unguarded, only Lieutenant Helm and one
other person with bim being in tbe fort, he bad no difficulty
in gaining possession of it. Father Gibault, in consequence
of his connection with this affair, incurred the displeasure of
the English. They could not brook the idea of letting the
key to the possession of the NortliAvest pass from their grasp.
Father Gibault Avas arrested by Gov. Hamilton and held as
a prisoner for some time. Finally it was agreed by Gov.
Hamilton to liberate him if he would leaA-e the place. Father
Gibault agreed to this and left, and returned to Kaskaskia.
This expulsion of Gibault Avas a year before Gen. Clark came
in February, 1779, and was providential and ultimately
proved a great advantage to the American cause in the Eevo
lutionary AVar. It placed this able and influential man where
he could assist in wresting the great Northwest Territory
from the English. It placed bim very fortunately at Kas
kaskia, Avhen Gen. Clark approached that place in July, 1778.
After he bad fully accomplished the task outlined by tbe
commission of Governor Henry of A'irginia, and secured
peaceable possession of all the French villages on tbe Alis
sissippi Eiver tbe project was for the first time broached to
organize another expedition to capture the old fort here.
This scheme was suggested, it is safe to assert., by Pierre
Gibault. No other character of Avhom any account has reach
ed us, was to be found in the entire Northwest possessed of
the necessary knoAvledge, influence and ability to plan and
hope to successfully carry out such an expedition.
To show that the capture of the fort on tbe "On^ibasche,"

Clark's St. A'incent Campaign. 93
was not AAithin tbe scope of Clarlr's original program, it is
sufficient to remark it Avas not named in bis commission from
Governor Henry. It was not named by any one in bis com
mand until after the bloodless capture of Kaskaskia. And in
addition it may be said that the fort here was not known to
Gen. Clark or his command until after bis capture of Kas
kaskia. There Avas no road or other communications between
this place and even Kentucky at that early date. If it had
been within tbe scope of Gen. Clarke's objective point be could
bave reached this place by a march of only fifty miles from
tbe Ohio Eiver, and from here be could have proceeded to
Kaskaskai by a shorter, better and well known route, tiian the
one he took from the Ohio Eiver.
But upon this point there is no room for doubt or question.
Tbe capture of the fort here was not in the original plan of
Clark's campaign. It was suggested and originated at Kas
kaskia by Father Gibault, the only man at the time having tbe
ability to plan or carry out such a scheme. He represented to
Gen. Clark the importance of the fort bere, the general feel
ing of the French inhabitants, and the defenseless condition
of the fort at tbe time. He proposed to furnisli him addi
tional troops from Kaskaskai, and means to carry it forAvard,
and also guides to lead the force to this place. He did all
this. He furnished Gen. Clark tAvo companies of troops, all
Catholics and all members of his congregation. One of these
companies under the command of AIcKa.y, and the other under
tbe command of Francois Charleville. These two companies
from Kaskaskai came with Gen. Clark and assisted in tbe
capture of the fort, and many permanently settled bere. He
enlisted F'rancis Vigo, a trader at an Indian village upon the
site of tbe present city of St. Louis in the enterprise, and in
duced him to furnish means to carry it on. Vigo was at tbe
time a zealous and devoted Catholic and a member of Father
Gibault's congregation.

94 A History op Vincennes.
AA'ithout Avishing to detract in the least from the deserved
honor due to tbe men that actively took part in the cap lure
of the fort here, it is due to truth and justice to give honor to
whom honor is due. There Avas no man in the country, except
Pierre Gibault, Avho could accomplish tbe above enumerated
results. Gen. Clark AA-as an entire stranger in the country,
and could not be expected to liaAC sufficient influence over a
strange people speaking a different language from his oaa'u to
induce them to enlist Aoluntarily in a hazardous enterprise
through his exertions alone. A^igo Avas an illiterate, but suc
cessful trader among the untutored Indians. He could not at
that time write his OAvn name, ancl never could do it, except
mechanically as the parrot learns to say "Pretty Poll.'' But
all these plans, purjioscs ancl details Avere Avithin the range of
accomplishment of Pierre Gibaull, and to him the merit of
success is primarily and principally due.
In August, 17 78, it Avas determined to send a message to
Vincennes to apprise the inhabitants of the intended expedi
tion. Father Gibault selected as this messenger his confiden
tial and trusted friend, John Baptiste Laffont. This messen
ger Avas AA'cU knoAvn to Father Gibault and a member of his
congregation. Father Gibault solemnized the marriage of his
daughter Marie Laffont to Eobert AIcKay, one of tbe captains
appointed to command one of the companies raised at Kaskas
kia for the St. A'inccnt's compaign. Air. Laffont accordingly
went to A'incennes on this mission and carried A\itb him a
commission signed by Gen. Clark, dated at Kaskaskia, Augitst
15, 1778, appointing Francois Busseron captain of a company
to be raised at A^incennes. This Francois Busseron Avas a
valued friend of Father Gibault and Avas one of his principal
advisers and associates AA'hile hc Avas at A'incennes, from 1770
to the date of his expulsion. He Avas a man of great promi
nence and influence in the place and was appointed one of the
judges of the court by John Todd Avhen he came bv authority

Clark's St. A'incent Cajipaign. 95
of A'irginia to organize civil government in tbe Territor}' in
1779, and Avas also appointed one of tbe judges of the court
by AA'inthrop Sargeant, secretary of the Territory, AA'hen he
came to organize the territory by authority of the United
States in 1790. He AA'as a distinguished pioneer citizen AA'ho
bad been prcAiously appointed captain of a company raised
when Father Gibault administered the oaith of allegiance to
the French inhabitants in tbe Avinter of 1778 and Avas tbe man
AA'ho hauled doAvn the British flag over the fort and raised in
its stead the red and green serge flag. One of the streets in
Vincennes is named in memory of this man. He died in
1791 and Avas buried in tbe Catholic cemetery bere.
AA'hen tbe force was organized at Kaskaskia to come and
capture the fort bere it Avas Pierre Gibault Avho insisted it
should be undertaken at an inclement season of the year Avhen
the Avbole intervening country betAveen Kaskaskia and Vin
cennes was covered Avith ice and water. He did this because
he ImeAV of the existing condition of the fort bere. It Avas
practically unguarded and in total want of supplies of all
kinds. These Avere expected from Canada in the early spring
time. Success, therefore, depended upon speedy action before
tbe expected supplies arrived. These matters Avere all within
the knoAvledge of Pierre Gibault, Avho Avas Avell acquainted
with tbe French inhabitants here, and communication bet^veen
this place and Kaskaskia Avas frequent. But these important
facts were not known to Gen. Clark or any of the command
that accompanied bim from the falls of the Ohio to Kaskaskin.
And wben tbe force was fully armed and equipped, ready to
proceed to come and capture the fort here, it AA'as Pierre Gi
bault Avho gave them cheer and encouragement. Gen. Clark
in bis report of this expedition, says that when tiie force was
ready to depart from Kaskaskai for the Wabash on February
5, 1779, that Father Gibault appeared before the Iavo Illinois
-companies he had been instrumental in raising and addressed

96 A History of A'incennes.
them and gave them his blessing. Gen. Clark does not give
the substance of the address of Father Gibault to tbe Iavo Illi
nois companies on that interesting and momentous occasion.
AA'e will supply this omission. The address was delivered in
French, but Ave give the substance of it in English for the beu-
eflt of the reader :
"My Dear Brethren and Follow Citizens :
"You are about to start on a glorious mission, the succe^.-s
of wbich will cover you with everlasting glory. And of the
entire success of it there can be no doubt. * The French people
residing in tbe village on the AVabash are animated by the
same feelings and impulses as you are. I am well acquainted
with them, having resided among them as their pastor from
1770 until I was driven away by tbe English in the spring of
last year. These French people are no friends of the English-,
and are ready at any favorable opportunity to strike them a
deadly blow. They unanimously, at my request, in tbe wint ir
of 1778, manifested this by renouncing allegiance to the Eng
lish and taking an oath to support the American cause in the
revolution now in progress against the English. You are now
going forAvard to furnish them this opportunity, as you rep
resent the same cause that is now at A\'ar with tbe Engiioh.
Go then Avith stout hearts and fearless souls knowing in ad
yance that your efforts Avill be crowned Avith complete success.
And I specially charge that you do not forget that what you
do in this glorious cause is really done in the interest of }'Our
beloved France, for AA'hich you all feel a deep and abiding af
fection, as it is your fatherland. And that you may be sus
tained and clieered on your journey during the Avintry weather
through snow, Avaler and ice and various hardships and priva
tions you will have to undergo, I Avill noAV give you the bless
ing of a poor CathoUc priest for your safety and protection.
I now implore our Common Father, Avithout whose knowledge
not a sparroAv falls to the ground, and who feeds the young
ravens when they cry, that He may sustain you, preserve you
and crown your mission Avith success iu the name of th(^
Farther, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Clark's St. A^incent Campaign. 97
A representation of this imposing and dramatic scene can
be seen in AA'. H. English's history of the conquest of the
Northwest, Vol 1, on page 2S7.
The expedition started from Kaskaskia on February 5,
1779. How was it that the force made its Avay through the
intervening overfloAved and icy ground on the Avay to Vin
cennes? Gen. Clark nor any of the men who came Avith hirn
from the falls of tbe Ohio Eiver to Kaskaskia had ever been
in tbe country before, and knew nothing of the route to be
passed over. This was known, bowever, to many of the men
in the two French companies furnished tbe expedition at Kas
kaskia. Alany of them, no doubt, bad frequently passed over
tbe route ancl were familiar with it. AVithout the aid ol these
men as guides the force of Gen. Clark could never bave suc
cessfully threaded its Avay to the fort here. It is stated in
tbe journal of Major Bowman that AA'hen Clark arrived at
the AA'^abash Eiver on bis way, with its banks all overfloAved,
he gave orders to his men to look out for boats and supplies.
He was tben nine miles below Vincennes at an inclement sea
son of the year, and surrounded on all sides by a miniature sea
of water. AVhy should such an order have been given if there
had not been a pre-arrangement that boats and supplies Avould
be furnished bim ? AVhy, under all tbe circumstances, shoaid
any sane man expect boats and supplies at that point? Tlie
only reason that can be assigned for Clark's order is that boats
and suppUes had been promised him, and therefore he ei-
pected them. AA'ho was it that had promised tbe boats and
supplies? AVho could have given such a promise with any
reasonable hope of fulfllment ? It was not Gen. Clark or any
of his command that be brought Avith him from the falls of
the Ohio Eiver. They were all entire strangers in the coun
try and wholly unknown to tbe inhabitants of Vincennes who
were expected to furnish the boats and supplies. It was un
questionably Father Gibault, the only man at that time pos-

•98 A History of Vincennes.
sessing the necessary influence to make such a promise Avith
any hope of its fulflUment.
After the force bad secured Iavo boats and crossed the Wa
bash Eiver to the "Mamelle Eill" they were nine miles from
Vincennes. Behveen them and thc toAvn AA'ere the overflowed
waters of the AA'abash Eiver in places fifteen and even twenty-
five feet deep. The intervening space Avas filled with coulees,
ravines, marshes, SAA'amps and morasses. Xo man unacquaint
ed Avith the topography of the country could have attempted
to pass safely over that space. He AA'ould have been drowned
in making the attempt. Yet the French inhabitants acquaint
ed with the country could do it safely by wending their way
through tbe waters on the ridges of high ground and reach
Vincennes on their little French ponies AA'ithout wetting their
feet. The journal kept by Alajor BoAvman says they met duck
hunters Avho conducted them from t]ie'"Mamell'; Hill" to the
sugar camp, and from thence to "Warriors Island," and then
by a detour to the south to the high grounds on wbich A'in
cennes is situated. This Avas a very tortuous and circuitous
route to take to reach A^incennes from the "Mamelle Hill."
But it Avas tbe only one that could be taken with any chance
of reaching A^incennes. AA^ho Averc the duck hunters spokeu
of by the writer of tbe journal? It is not reasonable to sup
pose that they Avere reall}- duck hunters from A'incennes in
mid-Avinter Avith the Avhole country covered Avith ice and water,
when they could capture all the ducks they Avanted without
leaving tbe high grounds upon AA'hich the village was situated
No ; they were not duck hunters, but they AVore guides that had
been provided through thc influence of Father Gibault to con
duct Gen. Clark and his force 1;o the village. And AA'hen th^y
flnally reached the village half famished, as they had not
taken, according to the journal of Alajor Bowman, any food
for three days, and Avorc Avet and tired and foot-sore, what
caused the inhabitants of the villatie to receive an armed force

Clark's St. Vincent Campaign. 99-
of strangers with kindness and hospitality and to furnish
them needed refreshments? It Avas unquestionably the infiu
ence of their old pastor, Pierre Gibault.
It is Avell knoAA'u that the inhabitants acquainted Gen. Clark
with the condition of things at the fort, its Avant of supplies
and munitions of war, and that these were daily expected to
arrive from Canada. They urged Gen. Clark to commence
operations the night of his arrival before the supplies and ro
inforcements could arrive. Three-fourths of the men who
took part in the attack on the old fort Avere Catholics. It is
both reasonable and just to cla.im that all this was accom
plished througb the influence of Pierre Gabault. He sug
gested and planned the expedition, its execution in mid-winter
before supplies and reinforcements could arrive, and thus
crowned it with success.
After the oath of allegiance to tbe American cause had been
administered to tbe French inhabitants, Father Gibault suc
ceeded in organizing tAvo companies of French men, one under
the comniand of Francois Busseron, and tbe other under the
command of Capt. Nicholas. Capt. Helm Avas appointed tc
take possession of the old fort, Avbich tbe English had naiited
"SackA'ille." Its name, when Clark captured it in February,
1779, was again changed to "Fort Patrick Henry." Captain
Busseron hauled down the English fiag and hoisted in its
stead a two-colored flag made of green and red colored serge.
For tbe expense occasioned by the flag, Capt. Busseron pre
sented an account against Capt. Helm which was paid bim, of
whicb the foUowing is a copy : "1778 Paid to St. Marie tor
5 ells of red serge for the flag, 45c. Paid to Air. Defonet for
3 3-4 eUs of green serge for flag, 371/20. Paid to Airs. Godare
for making tbe flag, 25c." Tbe facts connected AA'ith the haul
ing doAvn the British flag and hoisting the two-colored flag
are proven by papers connected with the estate of Capt. Bus
seron, now in possession of Hon. Charles B. Lasselle, of Lo-

100 A History- op Vincennes.
gansport, Indiana. Capt. Busseron died in 1791, and Anloin
Alarachall administered on his estate. Upon his death, Hy-
cinthe Lasselle administered on bis estate and came into pos
session of the papers of the estate of Capt. Busseron, and upon
his death Charles B. Lasselle came in possession of bis father's
papers and bas them noAV. After the capture of tbe Fort in
1779 by George Eogers Clark, he changed tbe name of the
fort to Fort Patrick Henrj', and many accounts and docu
ments concerning the fort after Clark got possession are all
dated at "Fort Patrick Henry."
For the part taken by Father Gibault in this transaction,
AA'hen Hamilton afterAvards came with bis eighty soldiers aud
400 Indian allies and retook tbe fort he arrested Father Gi
bault and held him a prisoner for some time, but flnally re
leased bim on promise that he Avould leave the place. For th's
release Gov. Hamilton Avas censured by the British authori
ties in Canada on the ground that as Father Gibault was a
British subject at tbe time, living in the territory of that
country, he should bave been held and tried for treason.
Col. Clark, in a commission dated by him at "Fort Clark,''
Kaskaskia, August 15, 1778, appointed Francois Busseron
captain of a militia company at Post Vincenne, which con-
mission is also in possession of Hon. Charles B. Lasselle, of
Logansport, Indiana.
AA'hy was the fort actually captured by Gen. Clark on the
25tb of February, 1779 ? It Avas not on account of the violence
of the attack or any deadly effect produced by it. Tbe firi.ng
on the fort began at 5 o'clock, February 24, 17 79, and Avas
kept up without intermission until 10 o'clock the next day,
and not the least impression had been made on the walls of
the fortress, and not a man Avithin its protecting Avails had
been either killed or Avounded. They might have kept up the
fusilade Avith their flint-lock muskets until all their ammuni
tion Avas exhausted Avith the same fruitless result. If the fort

Clark's St. A'incent Campaic;n. 101
had been supplied with ammunition one blast from one of tbe
large cannon witbin the fortress Avould have scattered the as
saulting force like tbe early spring flowers are scattered and
perish before sheets of desolating Avintry storm. It cannot le
denied that if Governor Hamilton had possessed ammunition
he could have driven off the assailants as easy as tbe tempest
shakes tbe rain drops from the bending forest. This attack
on the old fort with flint-lock muskets without producing- any
damaging result has always reminded the intelligent reader
of the silly attempt of the Chinese to scare off the allied forces
under tbe command of Lord Elgin wben they approached
Pekin in 1860. They assembled innumerable hordes of Chi
nese armed Avith gongs, and by the noise they could make
AA'ere expected to scare off the allied forces. But tbe allies
Avere not frightened away. To use the language of Lord
Elgin, in his report, "I gave tbe order to sack and destroy the
favorite residence of tbe emperor, and it would tben become
a solemn act of retribution. The palaces were cleared of
every valuable and their walls destroyed by flre and sword."
How, then, was the capture of the old fort actually accom
plished by Gen. Clark on February 25, 1779 ? It Avas tbe want
of provisions and ammunition, and the fact that starvation
confronted its inmates. It is well known that Gov. Hamilton
tried to temporize and seek delay in the hope in tbe mean
time bis expected supplies and re-inforcements would arrive.
But Gen. Clark prudently refused to give any time. Gov.
Hamilton knew be could get no supplies or provisions from
the French inhabitants of the village, who were all hostile to
his cause. This entire want of provisions and ammunition
induced bim to bold tbe conference with Gen. Clark in the old
church near tbe fort, when he signed the following articles
of capitulation, February 25, 1779 :
"Agreed to for tbe following reasons : The remoteness from
succor, the state and quantity of provisions, etc., tbe unan-

102 A History op A'incennes.
imity of officers and men in its expediency, the honorable
terms allowed, ancl lastly, the confldence in a generous enemy.
Henry Hamilton,
Lieut.-Governor and Superintendent.
And in consequence of this surrender the flag of Great
Britain was lowered and possession of the fort surrendered to
A^irginia. In this connection the trutii of bistory requires a
fanciful incident to be spoiled Avhich has been circulated in
this place for many years. It has been said that the American
fiag was hoisted over the fort after the surrender. If any flag
Avas hoisted it was the fiag of Virginia, as Col. Clark was in
command of Virginia troops, acting under a commission of
the governor of that State. Various French women bave been
named as having made the Star Spangled Banner that was
hoisted. But the Star Spangled Banner had no existence at
that date, Avliicb was Februar}', 1779. The Star Spangled
Banner is a growth rather tban a creation. The flags used
during the Eevolutionary AA'ar were the various flags of the
several revolted colonies before ancl after the Declaration of
Independence. The Stars and Stripes then had no existence,
and after it Avas adopted underAvent many changes before fat
ing the shape at present established. During the revolution
each of the colonies had its OAvn flag. That of A'irginia was of
silk with a heroic figure standing erect and armed, with occ
foot upon tbe neck of a prostrate form Avith the motto, "Si",
Semper Tyrannis." If any flag Avas hoisted at the time over
the old fort when it Avas surrendered to Col. Clark in Febra-
ary, 1779, it Avas the flag of Virginia. No person in A'in
cennes, male or female, at that early period, could have made
a flag of A'irginia. It is probable no flag Avas raised unless
one that Col. Clark brought Avitli bim. But it is more rea
sonable to conclude no flag was raised, tbe victors beiug con
tent to haul doAvn the British flag, the emblem of its sover
eignty. The date of surrender was before the flag raising

Clark's St. A'incent Campaign. 103
craze had arrived. And Avlty has not the important share
borne by Father ({ibault in this important affair been prop
erly acknoAA'ledged and compensated? This neglect and Avant
of recognition of valuable services rendered by the missionary
fathers in the XorthAvest is in tbe main due to their oavu Avant
of desiring any such recognition. A celebrated historian in
alluding to this, says :
"The priests on the missions in the XortliAvest AA'ere con
tent to labor and suffer and to leaA'c the record of their deeds
lo God."
Eev. Pierre Gibault Avas one of these missionaries and acted
upon the principle laid doAvn in the parable as recorded m
Luke, chapter 18, verse 14: '"I tell }ou this man Avent doAvn
to bis house justified rather than the other : for every one that
exalteth himself shall be abased : and he that bumbleth him
self shall be exalted."
He did make a modest request that a small lot in the village
of Cahokia should be given him. In reference to this reque.r,
GoA'ernor St. Clair in his report, dated in I'l 91, to Air. Jeffei-
son, secretary of state, says :
""Xo. 24 is the rcc]uest of Air. Gibault for a small lot that
has long been in tbe occupation of the priests at Cahokia, hav
ing been assigned them by the French. It is true he was veiy
useful to Gen. Clark upon many occasions, ancl has suffered
very heavy losses. I believe no injury would be done to any
one by his request being granted."
This French grant Avas Avithin the stipulations that all the
grants of the French should be respected and confirmed. But
this modest and just request of Father Gibault AA'as never
granted, and the last }'cars of this distinguished and able riian
Avere passed in suffering and poverty. After an active hie
spent by bim for tbe benefit ol his fellow men and his country
he had nothing to shoAV for it, not even a house he could call
(8)

104 A History of Vincennes.
his OAvn. He could truly say "the birds of the air have nests,
and tbe foxes holes, but I have no place to lay my bead."
Judge Law in his address to the Vincennes Historical and
Antiquarian Sociot}', delivered on February 22, 1839, bas this
to say of Father Gibault :
"Next to Clark and A'^igo, the United States are indebted
to Father Gibault for the accession of the States comprised
within what was the original XorthAvest Territory more than
to any other man."
This address Ave note Avas delivered three years, lacking a
month, after the death of Col. Vigo, and after he had made a
remarkable will and in it confirmed the contract and employ
ment of tbe judge to prosecute bis claim for the suppUes he
had furnished Gen. Clark against the government, and to take
his compensation for his services from the amount allowed oy
Congress. Why, it may be reasonably asked, did Judge Law
thus prefer the sympathetic, sociable but unlettered Sardinian
to the magnetic, eloquent and learned Arcadian ? Was it the
hope that it would hasten and stimulate the passage of the
claim before Congress, and thus enable bim to get bis fee.j
that be felt called upon to magnify the services and claims of
Vigo above those of Gibault ?

¦'S^

"Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,
The eternal years of God are bers ;
But error AAOuuded, Avrithes Avith pain.
And dies among ber worshippers."
These missionary priests who labored on the missions in the
Northwest were in the Avorld but not of the world. Thcy
labored not for the transitory things of earth, but for the
nobler and better things pertaining to eternity. They passed
quietly through the turbulent scenes of this unfriendly world
and found a final resting place in unknown and unmarked
graves. But in the flnal dav the great "I am" avUI call them

Clark's St. A'incent Campaign. 105
forth from their solitude clothed in robes of immortality to
receive golden harps and croAvns of glory.
"Softly and noiselessly some feet tread.
Lone ways on earth without leaving- a mark ;
They move 'mid the living, they pass to the dead
As still as the gleam of a star thro tbe dark.
Lonely and biddenly in the world
Tho in the world 'tis their lot to stay
The tremulous wings of their hearts are furled
Until they fly from the Avorld aAvay
And find their rest
On our Father's breast
AA^bere earths unknown shall be ImoAvn the best.
And tbe bidden heart shall be brightest, best."
It bas been frequently said that Eepubllcs are ungrateful.
The truth of this trite saying is forcibly illustrated by the
treatment of tbe Federal Government towards three men,
Avbo, aboA'e all others, were the main instruments in wresting
from England the territory nortbAA'est of tbe Eiver Ohio, and
thereby paving tbe way for its ultimate acc[uisition through
A^irginia of that vast and fertile country out of which the five
rich ancl populous States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Alicbigan
and Wisconsin bave been carved and added to tbe sisterhood of
States. The three men alluded to are Pierre Gibault, George
Eogers Clark and Francis Vigo. They all went to their graves
in a very similar condition, and all present a parallel of gov
ernment neglect in consideration of patriotic and valuable
services rendered the government without a counterpart in
the annals of history.
Eev. Pierre Gibault was a French missionary Catholic
)Driest that spent his entire life after completing his educa
tion in laboring incessantly for the good of his fellow men in
the wilderness of the northwest. He was finely educated, of
commanding presence, superior oratorical powers and pos
sessed magnetic qualities. He exercised unbounded influence

106 A History op Vincennes.
ever the inhabitants of the entire countr}', as be had visited
and ministered at all thc mission stations in the cottntry.
The inhabitants AA'ere almost exclusively French or of French
descent, and Catholics. From 1770 to 1790 his influence over
the inhabitants was unlimited. He Avas the ablest man in the
country at that time. He did more to have tbe Xorthwest
Territory severed from England than any other man. It may
be claimed Avith much reason that the expeditions that cul
minated in the conquest of the nortlnyest AA'as inspired by hita
in consequence ol information furnished by him to some of
the many distinguished French officers Avho came over and as
sisted the colonies in the AA'ar for independence. The British
authorities in Canada in an official report made in 17 78, make
special reference to him as being the most learned, influential
and dangerous enemy of British interests of any man that had
appeared in the nortliAvest. And all be did was done at great
personal risk, as he was claimed by the English to be a British
subjeet, and also at heavy pecuniary loss. His great services
Avere often acknoAvledged in official reports of various kinds
and never questioned. Compensations for his loss and val
uable services Avere promised, but the promises AA'ere never f til-
fiUed. After a life of toil and privation in the Avilderness iie
contracted bodily infirmities incident to his arduous labors.
But he Avas permitted by the Government to spend the las'
da}'s of his life in suft'ering and want Avithout even a hou.-e
he could call his owir, and his remains, after death, were
buried in a countr}' grave-yard aud his grave remains to this
day unmarked and he slce]is his last
"Sleep unmarked
Eacu liy such slight memento as the hind
Carves on his own coarse tomlistone."
George Eogt-rs Clark, thc hero and patroit and active mj-
chanical instrument in the acquisition of the territor','.

Clark's St. A'incent Campaign. 107
through Avhose courage, indomitable Avill and stubborn deter
mination to accomplish his purpose regardless of opposition
or danger surviA'ed his brilliant achieA'ements in the north
Avest thirty-nine years. He died at Locust Grove, near Louis-
A'ille, Kentucky, February 13, 1818. He Avas buried in a coun
try grave-yard February 18, 1818. The last years of tbe
life of this hero and patroit Averc also spent in penury ana
pain. He depended upon the charity of friends for even tb"?
necessaries of life. He suffered before his death a paralytic
stroke, and to saA'e his life his left leg was amiDutated aboA'e
the knee. In this distressed and disabled physical condition
he lingered many years before his death. He petitioned Con
gress for a small appropriation of money to sustain him ti
his declining years. The appropriation was never made in
his lifetime, and never, so far as I knoAV, but Avhich if ever
granted did him no benefit, and AA'ent to collateral relatives
Avbo had not come to bis relief in his hour of distress. He
Avas ncA'er married and left no issue. His remains, after his
death, remained neglected for over fifty ycars in tbe country
grave-yard AA'here be was buried among many others. Xo
mark was placed over his grave to indicate the place of inter
ment. Here they remained until private persons, in 1869,
determined to disinter them and give them proper sepulture,
in Cave Hill cemetery, adjoining Louisville, Ky. Great diffi
culty was experienced in finding his remains. Seven or eight
bodies were dug up in the quest, and finally they were found
and identified, by the Avant of his left leg, which had been
amputated above the knee. And thus over fifty years after
the death of this hero and patroit his remains were transferred
from the lonely country graA'c-yard and buried on October 29,
1869, in Cave Hill cemetery, that beautiful city of the dead,
and a suitable monument erected over his grave.
I Avill conclude this brief rcvicAv of the last days and burial

108 A History op A'incennes.
of Gen. Clark by slightly changing and then adopting the
poetic sentiment of Shakespeare, viz :
0, my country ! my countr}' !
Had I served my God with half the zeal
I haA'e served thee, be Avould not in mine age
Have left me naked, like a shattered
Bark on tbe stream of time.
Francis A'igo, a Sardinian by birth and a successful Indian
trader, Avas located in 1778 at the site on the Alississippi Eiver
Avhere the present city of St. Louis noAv stands. He was a
zealous Catholic at the time and Avas a member of the congre
gation of .Father Gibault. He was induced by the request and
infiuence of his pastor to furnish the necessary means to ac
complish the conquest of the fort at St. Vincent, where the
present city of A'incennes uoav stands. He survived the suc
cessful capture of the fort, for the accomplishment of which
he had contributed so much, for over sixty years. Tbe fact
years of his life AA'ere spent in Vincennes. He died Alarcb 22,
1836, after a long and lingering illness, and for many years
before his death was in actiial want of even the necessaries of
life and Avas in reality a pensioner on the charity of the pubhc.
He petitioned Congress to alloAv him in his destitute condition
the money advanced by bim to aid the expedition to capture
the fort at this place. But this just claim, although its pay
ment Avas made a part of the consideration to be paid by Con
gress for the cession by Virginia to the Federal Government,
Avas never paid by the Government during the life of Col.
A'igo. He died without issue or any knoAvn relatives by blood,
and the amount alloAved by the GoA'ernment forty years after
his death went to relatives of his childless Avife avIio did not
come to his relief during his life and in tbe hour of his dis
tress. He Avas buried in the public cemetery of A'incennes by
charity at public ex]iense, so far as any expense attending his
funeral Avas concerned. The only expense of his funeral ever

Clark's St. Vincent Campaign. 109
paid was tAventy doUars for his plain coffin, which was not
paid until forty years after bis death. He was awarded a mil
itary funeral with the honors of Avar, and the evening of hit
funeral, wbich tbe author attended, was spent in firing cannon
over bis grave. But this military display did no good for tbe
hero and patroit, as his spirit bad taken its flight and bis body
bad been buried to return to dust from whence it came. He
was buried in the public cemetery, as already stated, and no
mark or monument was erected over bis grave to mark his
last resting place for many years after his death. After thc
lapse of many years some unknoAvn person caused a plain,
small slab of stone to be laid on the top of his grave, but so
long after his death that the date thereof had been forgottsn
and an erroneous date of bis death carved on the small stone
lying flat on the grave. And there be yet lies in a neglected
grave except when the Grand Army of the Eepublic on Me
morial day scatters flowers over the graves of the heroic dead.
"Sic transit gloria mundi."

110 A History op Vincennes.
CHAPTEE XIA'.
EIRE PROTECTION.
.For many years after A'incennes AA'as settled there was no
provision made of any kind for the extinguishment of fires.
If a fire broke out in au}- part of the town it was left
to be fought liy its inmates and their neighbors, with such
appliances as could be readily procured for use. This condi
tion of affairs and AA-ant of preparation in case of emergency,
continued to exist long after municipal organization had
taken place in 1807. The old Borough of A'incennes took no
immediate step in the direction of aiding in the extinguish
ment of fires or providing any appliances for that pur]30se.
This total neglect of fire protection on the part of the
borough authorities, Avas in part due to the fact, that no neces
sity Avas felt, as the place had never been visited by any de
structive fire. But Avith the increase of population this could
not long continue. In 1819, the borough trustees passed an
ordinance to proA'ide six fire hooks and six ladders thirty feet
long, and required CA'ery family to nrovide itself with two two
gallon leather buckets. These buckets were to be kept by the
inhabitants at their homes and brought by them to any fire
that might occur. But many families failed to provide the
buckets, many Avere lost or destroyed and many failed to bring
their buckets to a fire. In case of a fire Avhere these buckets
Avere to be used, two lines Avere formed reaching to some
water suppl}-. Along one the empty buckets Avere passed to
be filled Avith Avater and along thc other the buckets when
filled AA'ere passed to be used at the flre. This arrangement
was very imperfect. If the fire was not near a water supply,
it was practically useless. In consc(|uence of a destructive fire
which lirok-e out in the store of George Cruikshank & Co., sit
uated midway on the northeast side of Alain street between

Fire Protection. Ill
First and Second streets. Avhich entirely consumed all the
buildings on the square except the storeroom of AA^illiam
Burtch on the corner of First street and tbe storeroom of
Thomas Bishop on the corner of Second street, the borough
authorities AA'cre aroused to the necessity of providing better
protection for the toAA-n. A hand fire engine Avas purchased
from Philadelphia and a volunteer fire company Avas organ
ized to use it. A building Avas erected on the alley adjoining
the Citv Hall fronting on Alain street. This company existed
for many }'ears and Avas the only fire company organized for
the extinguishment of fires. Frederick A. Eeiley AA'as em
ployed to take care of this engine, and keep it in order. As
this company could not afford satisfactory fire protection,
another hand engine Avas purchased, and a house erected for it
about midway on the southwest side of Broadway between
Third and Fourth streets, and another volunteer fire com
pany Avas organized for its use. James A. Plummer was em
ployed to take charge of this engine and keep it in order.
There existed betAA'een these Iavo volunteer companies great
rivalry as they each Avished to be useful and to be the first
at a fire and throAv thc first water on any fire. On this account
many skirmishes took place betAveen the members of the Iavo
volunteer companies as to Avhich one should have possession
of the cistern or other A\'ater supply and during the struggle
between them, tbe burning building Avas entirely lost sight
of. But these Iavo volunteer fire companies, altiiough the
members used their utmost exertions to extinguish all fires
that occurred, did but ver}' little good. The members being
scattered at their homes or places of business in case of a fire
alarm, took some time for a sufficient number to arrive at the
engine house, locate the place of the fire and to be in suffi
cient force to enable them to move the engine and other ap
paratus to the fire. The result AA'as that AA'hen they arrived at
the fire, it had p^ogTCssed so far as to be beyond relief and all

¦^-^.2 A History op Vincennes.
tbe fire companies could do was to endeavor to save adjoining
property. And although as stated, the two fire companies used
their best endeavors to exting-uish a fire, it is not recorded that
they ever succeeded in saving any buUding that took fire, but
it must be said to their credit they always succeeded in saving
the lot upon which the house stood.
In vicAv of the imperfect protection in case of fires provided
by the hand engines and tbe volunteer fire companies, tbe city
councU on the 17th January, 1870, passed an ordinance for
the employment of a paid fire department. A steam fire en
gine was purchased and it Avas thought that there was nothing
in tbe way of fire protection that was not tben provided. It
Avas in fact claimed that ne plus ultra" could be devised.
This steam fire engine Avas certainly a great advance over aU
previous attempts to provide means for the extinguishment of
fires. But in view of the admirable system that bas since
been provided and uoav in existence, this steam engine was as
much behind the times in comparison with tbe present system
as the different systems that had preceded it.
In 1886 the city council authorized the construction of
water Avorks for tbe city. Under this ordinance a complete
water supply has been obtained for the use of the citizens and
of the fire department. The Avater Avorks plant erected has
no superior in any city in the state. Tbe water tower is over
two hundred feet high and affords ample pressure to enable
the fire companies to throAv several streams of water at the'
same time over the highest buildings in tbe city, no matter
where they may be located. And in connection with a perfect
system of electric fire alarms, that has been also provided, the
city is as adequately and perfectly provided with fire protec
tion as possible. ITnder the present fire system three compan
ies have been formed and houses erected for tbe reception of
the apparatus. These houses are situated in different quar
ters of the city so that one company Avill be near the location
of any fire that may take place in any part of tbe city. Fire

Fire Protection. 113
Company Xo. 1 is located in a brick building on Fourth street,
midAvay between Alain and A'igo streets, of Avhich company
J. J. Anderson is captain. This conipany is also provided with
a Babcock fire extinguisher and the most improved and per
fect book and ladder appliances manufactured. Company
Xo. 2 is located in a brick building on, the comer of Sixth
and Harrison streets and James J. Hedden is tbe captain.
Company Xo. 3 is located in a brick building on tbe corner of
Second street and Eailroad avenue and Henry H. Aliller is
captain. The chief engineer of the entire fire department of
tbe city is George Fendrich, Avho has been retained in that
position for many years, until he has become perfectly famil
iar with all the details of his position. And tbe fire depart
ment as now organized is ready at a moment's warning to com
mence operations on any fire that may break out in any quar
ter of the city and as often happens, the fire department will
be on band to fight the fire before the immediate neighbors
are aAvare of its existence and in some cases before the inmates
of the house know it is on fire.
It is not probable that any fire that may occur in any part
of the city will have any shoAV or chance of success wben con
fronted by our efficient and faithful firemen. The alarm of
fire now occasions no confusion or misgiving in tbe minds of
our citizens, ancl very few go to it, only asking where it is
located. They all feel that tbe fire department Avill pay its
respects to the destroying element and prevent any serious re
sult. In vicAV of this the citizens of A'incennes noAv feel perfectly
secure and think their residences and business houses are pier-
fectly secure from destruction by flre so far as it is possible
for human agencies to secure them. This security acts as a
stimulant to encourage and promote the building up of the
city in full confldence that what they build will sustain no
loss by flre.

114 A History of A'incennes.
CHAPTEE XV.
Eeligion.
The first mention must be made to St. Francis Xavier
church because it Avas first in point of time. It was founded
in 1702. It is stated in the Quebec annals that many Indian
converts assisted in its erection. It Avas built of timbers set
on end and the interstices filled Avith adobe. It bad a dirt
fioor, benches and a rude altar. It had no AvindoAvs or open
ing except the door in the nortliAvest end facing the fort. The
second log church Avas built at the request of Father Gibault.
In a letter to the Bishop of Quebec, dated Alay 1785, he
AA'rites: "A ncAv log church 90 by 42 feet has been built and
the old church has been fitted up for my use as a pastoral res
idence." This second church remained standing until the
present brick church Avas roofed over. It Avas then torn down
about 1830. The present brick church Avas projected bv Eev.
J. B. Champomier in 1825. He succeeded in raising funds
for its erection and on Alarch 4th. 1826. published notice in
the AA'estern Sun that the corner stone Avould be laid on Alareh
30, 1826. The AA'alls of the church and the roof AA'ere com
pleted by thc time Bishop Brute came in 1834. The church
has been finished liy different bishops, but Avas not fully com
pleted until 1850. There have been five bishops connected
Avith this church. Bisbojis Brute. Hailandiere, Bazin, St.
Palais and Chatard. The four first are dead and their re
mains are dejiosited in the basement chapel of the cathedral.
Bishop Chatard is the present bisho]i. ITis residence and the
name of the diocese has been changed to that of "Indiana
polis." The foUoAving persons have been jiastors of this church:

liELIliKlC^

1 I .>

CATHEDRAL CHURCH.

116

A History of A'incennes.

METHODIST CHURCH.

Religious. 117
John Alermet, Antoninus Senat, Alercurin Conic, Sebastian
Louis Aleurin, Pierre Du Jaunay, Louis A'ivier, Julian Duver-
nay, Pierre Gibault, Louis Pa}'et, Benedict J. Flaget, Alicbael
Levadoux, John F. Rivet, Donatieu Oliver, G. J. Chabrat, Jo
seph Rosati, John B. Ac[uironi, Anthony Blanc, Augustus
Jean Jeans, A. Ferrari, AI. Dolimen, John B. Champomier,
S. P. Lalumiere, liOuis X. Petit, Anthony Parret, L. Picot,
John Corbe, Celestine Hailandiere, August Alartin, Michael
E. Sliawe, Ernest Andrau, John Contin, Bede O'Connor, John
Gueguen, Hugh Peytbieu, James Stremler and Louis Gue-
guen. Of the above pastors seven have reached high positions in
tbe church. Benedict J. Flaget, Bishop of Bardstown; An
thony Blanc, Archbishop of Xew Orleans ; G. J. Chabrat,
Bishop of Louisville ; August Alartin, Bishop of Xachitoches ;
Joseph Rosati, Bishop of St. Louis; Celestine Hailandiere
Bishop of Vincennes.
Tbe congregation now comprises five hundred families Avith
a membership of over fifteen hunderd members.
The Alethodist church Avas founded here April 18, 1828.
Before that time itinerant ministers of that denomination,
occasionally Aisited the place and held services. The first of
these was Rev. Air. AA^inans, Avho Avas here in 1808. The next
AA'as John AL Baker in 1810, then Thomas StilhA'eU in 1811,
James Turner in 1812, Richard Richardson in 1813, Zacha
riah Chilton in 1814, John Shrader in 1815', Thomas Davis in
1816, James JlcCord in 1817, Charies Slocitm in 1817, John
McCord in 1818. But all tbe above came of their oaa'u voli
tion Atitbout the appointment of any authority of the church
and made only passing at sits of short duration. During the
time of tbe visits of the above ministers there Avas no congre
gation bere and no church builcling. On April 18, 1828,
steps Avere taken to form a congregation and a lot on the cor
ner of Third and Buntin streets Avas purchased and a brick

118 A History op Vincennes.
church erected on the lot. This church Avas enlarged and im
proved from time to time and Avas used by the congregation
until the present ucav stone church Avas ready for use in 1900.
ScA'cral years prcvious to this a fine lot in one of the choicest
locations in the city on the corner of Fourth and Perry streets,
Avas purchased. Upon this lot the congregation erected a fine
durable stone church AA'hich AA'ill last for centuries, and it is
noAv used by the congregation. The corner stone of this stone
church Avas laid by Bishop FoAAder, April 17, 1899, and it was
dedicated by Bishop AlcCabe. April 1, 1!)00. I give from rec
ollection the names of the foUoAving pastors of the church:
Elijah AAliitten, Aaron AA'ood, John AA'. Jackson, AA'iUiam
AlcK. Hester, AA^ H. Grim, Air. AA'alker, Air. Clippinger and
Mr. AA'illis, the present incumbent.
The Presliyterian church Avas founded here in 1833. Before
that date the Presbyterians had services at the Iavo Indiana
churches in the country abottt four miles east of the toAvn. In
1806 Samuel B. Robertson of Kentucky, came here and or
ganized the church in the country. He was succeeded by
Samuel T. Scott in 1807. He Avas succeeded by Samuel E.
.Alexander, AA'ho continued to preach for many years. Before
1833 the Presbyterians of A'incennes held religious services
either in private houses or the Court House and occasionally
attended the upper or lotver Indiana churches in the country.
But on January 5, 1833. Avhich date is the real founding of
the church, the foUoAving persons organized a church m toAvn.
John Bruner, Samuel Harris, Lidia Harris, Samuel Smith,
James Kuykendall, Sarah Flay, Patsy Hill, Elizabeth Decker,
Airs. Shadduck, John A[c(tifiin, Elizabeth AAh'ant, AEinerva
Eoseman, AndrcAV Graham, Airs. Graham, Elizabeth Graham.
Jane Shuler, Air. Driatt, Francis Bruner, Joseph Aladdox,
Alary Small, Elizabeth Smith, Catharine Kuykendall, J. D.
Hay, E. Dooley, Elizabeth AlcCall, William E. AlcCall, John
C. Holland, F^lias Beedle, Hannah AVise, Airs. Lucree and Airs.

Keliokhs,

119

(il)

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

120

A Hif-TDKA' nF A'incennes

CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

, Religious. 121
XyceAA'anger. A lot on the corner of F''iftb and Busseron
streets AA'as donated by Air. Bruner and a brick church AA'as
erected on it. This church Avas remodelled from time to time
and continued to be uscd by tbe congregation until 1862, when
a division took place and a portion ceceded and built a brick
church on tiie corner of Alain ancl Sixth streets. This divis
ion was subsequently harmonized and the Iavo congregations
united. A fine new church Avas erected on the old location in
1884. but Avas not completed according to plans until 1898.
The, church as it stands today is in appearance tbe finest
church building in A'incennes. The pastors of tbe Presby
terian church have been: AA'. AA'. Alartin, John AlcXair,
Thomas Alexander, Samuel E. Alexander, John F. Smith,
John W. Blythe, J. F. Jennison, Eli B. Smith, John F.
Flendy, Joseph Vance, E. P. AA^hallen, George Knox and Dr.
Hunter, the present pastor.
The Christian church Avas organized in 1833. The first
members of tbe church Avere: Henry D. Wheeler and Avife,
Airs. Harriet Judah, Dr. John R. Alantle and Stephen Bur
net. Tbe congregation Avorsbipped in private bouses and in
the Town Hall until 1846, when a lot Avas purchased on Sec
ond street and a brick church erected. The first trustees of
the church were Henry D. AA'heeler, John R. Alantle and Al
pheus Draper. In 1878, the church building Avas improved
by an addition in front and a toAver and subsequently a
baptistry and pastoral residence AA'ere erected. In 1901, Clar
ence B. Kessinger, one of tbe members, donated to tbe congre
gation a lot on the corner of Third and Broadway streets,
upon which it is intended to erect a fine church at an early
day. The fund's for this purpose are being rapidly gathered.
The following persons have been pastors of this church : Eli-
jab Goodwin, P. K. Dibble, I. AI. Alatbews, AV. W. Eecles, 0.
A. Bartholomew, T. T. Holton, W. H. Tiller, Thomas J.

122 A History of Vincennes.
Clark, AV. Corter and W. Oestricher. It has a membership of
500. The parish of St. James of the Episcopal church Avas organ
ized by Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, October 27, 1839. The fol
loAving members Avere elected vestry men: George DaAis,
George Cruikshank, John Cruikshank, James AA'. GreenboAv,
Samuel Langdon, Abner T. Ellis and Joseph Somes. George
Davis and James AV. Greenhow Avere chosen wardens. Joseph
Somes, treasurer and (reorge AA'. Rathbone, clerk of the vestry.
The use of the Toaa'ii Hall AA'as obtained and fitted up as a
place of Avorship. Services Avere commenced to be held in the
ToAvn Hall on the 5th February. 1840, and were continued to
be held there until August, 1843. A lot was purchased on the
corner of Fourth and Busseron streets and on tliis lot a brick
church was erected in 1843, and has been improved from time
to time by additions and improvements until it is at present
a very imposing church edifice. This church Avas founded in
1841 and dedicated in August, 1843, by Rev. B. B. KUlikeUy,
D. D., who was the first rector. The following otber persons
have been jiastors of the church: F^oster Thayer, Air. Carter.
Mr. Roberts, Dr. Austin and De Lou Burke.
The African Alethodist Episcopal church was organized
about 1845 by Rev. W. F. Quinn. The first members of the
church were : Samuel Clark, Cornelius Sims, A. AIcGill,
James BrunsAvick, AA'iUiam Johnson, Alary Johnson, Henry
Eider, Anna Eider, T. Paryear and H. H. StoAvart. Services
were first held at the residences of tbe members. But in
1850 a frame church was erected on tbe corner of Tentli and
Buntin streets. This Avas succeeded in 1875 by a brick church
on tbe same lot. The following persons have been pastors of
this church : Daniel AA'insloAv, G. AA'. Johnson, Eobert Johnson,
James Curtis, Eobert Jones, AA'. E. Eevels. Benjamin Hill,
Emanuel AA'illiamson, John Turner, B. L. Brook, Levi AA'.
Bass, Thomas Slrotter, H. C. Xelson, Aladison Pattison, G.

KEi.Kiiors,

123

EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

124

A History' op Vincennes.

ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Religious. 125
AV. Black. AViUiam Jackson, H. B. Smith, J. H. Alexander,
J. S. LoAvis, Jesse Bass, H. FI. AA'ilson, J. E. Ferguson and
Jason Bitiidy.
The African Baptist church Avas organized here about 1860.
A frame church Avas erected for thc congregation on Tentli
street and has been occupied by the congregation until the
present time.
St. John's Catholic church Avas organized in 1851. Prior
to that time the German Catholics of A'incennes worshipped
at the cathedral. They AA'ere served by Charles Opperman in
1846 and afterwards by Conrad Sneider jeans. In 1851 Xicho-
las Strauber built the first church of brick on Main street be
tAveen Eighth and Xinth streets. He Avas succeeded by Leon
ard Brandt, and he by AA'iUiam F^ngeln, Avho remained until
1863. Eev. Aegidius Alerz took charge in September, 1863,
and remained until his death in 1897. He made many addi
tions and improvements to the church and also built a pastoral
residence ancl a large school building- all of brick. The
church property of this congregation, considering its fine lo
cation and surroundings, is unquestionably the finest church
property in the city. The con,gregatioii is also the largest in
the city. The present rector is Eev. Aleinrad Fleischmann.
St. John's Lutheran church for a number of years held
serAices in the Town Flail. A brick church Avas built on the
corner of Eighth and Scott streets and Avas used for some
years by the Lutheran and Evangelical churches jointly. But
in 1859 a division of the congregations took place and the
Lutherans remained in possession of the church property pay
ing the Evangelical branch a consideration agreed upon for
their interest. The present congregation Avas organized Au
gust 29, 1859, by Rev. Peter Send. He Avas succeeded by J.
D. F. Alayer and he by J. AA'. Alueller. Carl Kretzma.n is the
present pastor. The first brick church Avas torn down in 1876
and the present substantial edifice erected in its stead. This

126 A History op A'incennes.
congregation has a large school building and maintains a
flourishing school for boys and girls, and the church is in a
flourishing condition.
St. John's Evangelical church Avas organized on tbe separa
tion of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church in August,
1839, by Rev. C. Hoffmeister. The leading members of the
church at the time of organization Avere: John Hamm, Fred
erick, Peter and AA'iUiam Ritterskamp. Jacob Breuhans, Louis
Bonsil and August Kircher. A frame church Avas erected in
1862 on the corner of Fifth and Scott streets and occupied bv
the congregation until the erection of tlte splendid brick struc
ture on the corner of Fifth and Shelby streets Avhicli is
an architectural ornament to the cit}-. This congregation
has a large and commodious pastoral residence and a fine
school building and maintains schools for both bovs and girls.
This congregation is in a flourishing condition. The foUoAv-
ing haA'e been pastors of this church: C Hoffmeister, F. Dar-
litz. AVilliam Jung, X. Burkhart, P. AA'eber. Albert Schorev
and Henry Alehl.
The Baptist church Avas organized in 1860. Aleetings were
first held in the City Hall and in private residences. The
church Avas formaUy organized Alay 1, 1862, Avith the follow
ing membership : Airs. Alary S. Heberd, Airs. Buck, Airs.
Flora, Airs. An,-ustus J. AVise, Aliss L. Duree, Aliss AI. Gilles
pie, Airs. L. Gillespie, Eev. J. S. Gillespie and Christian Eal-
len. A lot Avas purchased on the corner of Fifth and Broad
Avay streets, and a frame church erected on it AA'hich bas been
uscd ever since by the congregation. The foUoAving jiersons
haA'e been iiasloi-s of this church: J. S. Gillespie, L. D. Eob
inson, B. F. Gavins, Dr. Stinson, A. Brandenburg. I. H. But
ler, T. J. Keith, James E. AVolford and G. AV. Law.
St. Rose Chajiel in conncttion Avith St. Rose Female Acad
emy has a fine place of worship on the corner of Fifth and
Seminar}' streels. This chapel is regularly attended every day

RELiornus,

127

LUTHERAN CHURCH,

12S

A History of \'ixcexnes

EVANGELICAL CHURCH.

Religious.

129

130 A History of A'incennes.
by the clergy attached to St. Francis Xavier church.
The Baptist congregation divided a feAV years ago and a
portion separated from the main body and formed a new con-
gTCgation called the Immanuel Holiness Baptist church. Rev.
Thomas J. Keith is pastor of this congregation and regular
services are held in the old Presbyterian church on Alain
street. The Free Alethodist church has a frame building on the cor
ner of Fourth and Sycamore streets and regular services are
held there on Sundays. Enos C. Robbins is the pastor.
The B'nai Israel congregation of the HebrcAvs have a con
gregation and hold regular services on the corner of Seventh
and BroadAvay streets, on the second Snnday of each month.
The congregation is wealthy and avIU erect a synagogue in a
short time. AI. Rindskopf and A'ictor Schoenfeld are trustees
and B. Kuhn. treasurer of the congregation.

Finance 131
CHAPTER XVL
Finance.
A'incennes has ahvays lieeii supplied with a sufficient num
ber of banking institutions. The Bank of A'incennes Avas in
corporated by the Territorial Legislature. This bank Avas or
ganized by Xathaniel Ewing, Charles Smith ancl others. It
continued to do business until the state government Avas or
ganized. B}' an act of the state legislature it was adopted as
the State Bank of Indiana. This bank failed in 1824.
The AA'abash Insurance Company Avas organized bere and
Avas invested with banking privileges and issued notes to cir
culate as money. Joseph Somes was secretary of this institu
tion. A branch of the State Bank of Indiana Avas located here in
1834 on tbe organization of the State Bank of Indiana. John
Ross was cashier of this branch from its organization until it
ceased to exist upon the expiration of the charter of the
State Bank of Indiana. This branch and all tbe branches of
the State Bank of Indiana AA'ere honestly and prudently man
aged and were a source of profit to the stockholders.
Tbe XeAV York Stock Bank AA-as organized here in 1855
under the law passed by tbe legislature of Indiana, proAiding
for the formation of Stock Banks. These banks were required
by tbe laAV to deposit Avitli the Auditor of State the stocks of
any state in tbe Union and receiA'e circulating notes to the
face value of the securities less ten pier cent. Tbe defect in
this laAV was that the bonds of some of the states Avere not of
equal value and some only Avortli fifty cents on the dollar.
This bank, as its name implies, Avas supposed to be founded
on the bonds of New York state Avhich were above par. In

132 A History op Vincennes.
fact, it Avas founded on the stock of tbe State of Alississippi,
Avhich Avere Avorth only about fifty cents on the dollar. The
capital of this bank Avas .$500,000. It was soon forced out of
existence. On the expiration of the charter of the State Bank of In
diana, the legislature passed a laAV in 1855, creating the Bank
of the State of Indiana Avith lirancbes. A branch of this bank
Avas located here and John Ross Avas elected cashier and pru
dently managed this branch until it Avent out of existence.
This bank secured a large line of business and bad the entire
confidence of the community and Avottld have successfully
continued in business, but Avas taxed out of existence by the
I'nited States laAvs, passed in the interest and for the benefit
of the Xational Bank system.
The A'incennes Xational Bank Avas organized as tiie suc
cessor and principally Avith the capital of tbe Vincennes
branch of the Bank of the State of Indiana. Tbe capital of
this branch when first organized, Avas $250,000, but Avas sub
sequently reduced to $100,000. This branch for a number of
}'ears AA'hile it Avas under the mana.gement and control of John
Eoss and AA'^ilson J. AA^illiams. did a fine and legitimate busi
ness. But it passed from their control by reason of their
death and failed in July, 1893. It passed into tbe hands of
Thomas R. Paxton of Princeton, Avho Avas appointed by the
Controller of the Currency Receiver of the defunct bank. It
Avas found to be a very liad failure. The stockholders were
compelled to pay in addition to the loss of their stock, an
amount equal thereto to pay the debts and liabilities of the
bank. The officers at tbe time of its failure AA'ere Wilson AI.
Tyler, president : and Hiram A. Foulk. cashier.
Tbe first private bank organized here Avas the A'incennes
Deposit Bank of R. J. AtcKcimey i,V Co. It AA'as organized in
September. 1867 by Richard J. AfcKciine.A', Peter E. LaPlante,
Hiram A. Foulk, AVilliam Fleber-d, Ulysses Heberd and

Finance. 133
Henry S. Cauthorn, on a capital of $25,001-), Avhich Avas sub
sequently increased to $50,000. This Avas simply a private
partnership for banking purposes and did a very large and
lucrative business until 1879, Avbeii it AA'ent into voluntary
liquidation. Richard J. AlcKcnney Avas the business manager
of this partnership from its opening to its close.
The Gernian Banking Company Avas organized bere in 1871
by Henry Knirihm, Louis L. AA'atson, Joseph L. Bayard,
Alarcelle D. Lacroix and others AAitli a capital of $50,000.
This was simply a partnership for banking purposes and did
a large and profltable business. Joseph L. Bayard Avas cash
ier and manager of this business from its organization and
during its existence. This banking company went out of busi
ness and the partners interested organized in its stead, the
First Xational Bank of Aancennes Avith its capital. John H.
Eabb was elected president of this bank and Joseph L. Bay
ard, cashier.
The banks uoav doing business in the City of A^incennes are
three. The First Xational Bank, the Second Xational Bank
and the German Xational Bank. The First Xational Bank
with a capital of $100,000 and a large surplus, Avas organized
in 1871, as the successor of the German Banking Company,
and succeeded to its business bouse and business. On the ex
piration of its first charter the bank Avas re-organized as it ex
ists today. Tbe present officers of this bank are Joseph L.
Bayard, president; P. AI. O'DonneU, cashier; and Henry
Somes, Jr., assistant cashier.
The Second Xational Bank was organized in 1893, with a
capital of $100,000, and has been doing a safe and profitable
business ever since its organization. The officers of this bank
are George W. Donaldson, president; AA'illiam J. Freeman,
cashier; J. T. Boyd, assistant cashier.
The German Xational Bank was organized in 1888 Avith a
capital of $100,000 and immediately secured a large line of

134 A History of Vincennes.
deposits and has from the start done a lucrative and prosper
ous business. The officers of this bank are AA'iUiam Baker,
president; Gerard Eeiter, vice-president; George E. Alsop,
cashier : Henry J. Boechman, assistant cashier.
All three of the above Xational Banks are prudently and
honestly managed and have the confidence of the entire com
munity. In consequence they are all doing a heaA'y and pros
perous business.
I here insert tlte consolidated condition of tbe First Xa
tional Bank, the Second Xational Bank and the Gennan Xa
tional Bank as indicated by their reports under the call of the
comptroller of the currency at the close of business on Feb
ruary 25, 1902:
Loans and Discounts  $1,574,870 49
Deposits  2.684.183 41
Eesonrces  3,873,632 94
AA'e doubt AA'hether there is another city of the population
of A'incennes that can sIioav as strong banking facilities as
these.

Corporations. 135
CHAPTEE XVII.
Corporations.
A'incennes bas originated many corporations in tbe past.
The Vincennes Steam Alill Conipany organized August 6,
1817, for tbe manufacture of flour, lumber and spirits, was
started on a grand scale on the survey now occupied in part
by Harrison Park. This company erected extensive and sub
stantial buildings and for many years did a large and pros
perous business. Xathaniel EAAing, John D. Hay, Willis Fel
lows and Benjamin Parke, were members of this corporation.
Tbe Wabash Insurance Company possessing also banking
privileges in addition to general insurance. The Knox In-
.surance Company organized about 1850, for a time, did a
large business and would have continued except for extending
its business to marine risks on the Gulf of Mexico and tbe At
lantic Ocean, which so increased its losses as to compel it to
go into liquidation. The American Live Stock Insurance
Company, tbe flrst one of the kind ever organized anywhere
for tbe insurance of live stock. These corporations bave all
passed away.
The corporations yet in existence in tbe city are the follow
ing: The Vincennes University, organized in 1806, under an act
of the territorial legislature, is now in a floririsbing condition
and doing as good educational work as any similar institution
in tbe state. It originally possessed a large donation of lands
granted by the United States for the purpose of endowment.
It started out Avith bright prospects, but its advance was re
tarded by tbe unjust attempt of the state legislaure to rob it
of its donation of land and divert the same to the use of the
(10)

136 A History of Vincennes.
Indiana University at Bloomington. This legislation is con
sistent with all state legislation which bas never been favora
ble, but inimical to A^incennes. But this unlaAvful misappro
priation of its lands Avas partially prevented by tbe Supreme
court of tbe United States Avhicli declared this action of the
state legislature to be unlaAvful and void. But tbe univer
sity was crippled in its operations for A'ears. But it weathered
this storm of unfriendly legislation and is yet as successfully
performing its work as any university in the state, not ex
cepting the State University, supported as it is by large ap
propriations and endowment funds from the state treasury.
Tbe Vincennes Board of Trade, organized for the purpose
of aiding and building up the city in every way, is doing
good service. If such an organization had been in existence
years before, it would have been of great advantage to this
city. The Home Building and Loan Association, incorporated in
1893 with a capital of $200,000.
Tbe Knox Building Loan Fund and Savings Association,
incorporated in 1883 with a capUal of $1,000,000.
Tbe Peoples' Savings Loan and Building Association, in
corporated in 1889 with a capital of $1,000,000.
The Vincennes and Knox County Building and Loan Fund
Association, incorporated in 1890 Avith a capital of $1,000,000.
Tbe Wabash Building and Loan Fund Association, incor
porated in 1898 with a capital of $500,000.
Tbe Prospect Hill Coal Alining Company, operating niines
adjoining the city.
Tbe Prospect HUl Brick Yard Company, operating works
in tbe immediate vicinity of the city.
The Vincennes Alutual Fire Insurance Company, organized
for the purpose of insuring such property only as is situated
within tbe city limits.
The Wabash Mutual Benefit Association, The Knox County

Corporations. 137
Agricultural and Alechanical iAssociation, organized in 1870,
and whicb has already held thirty-one successful fairs, almost
equalling the state fairs of Indiana.
The Aincennes Gas Light Compan}', originally organized
in 1859 by Charles P. McGrady, Nathaniel Usher, W. H. H.
Terrell, under a twenty years' franchise. This company and
its property was merged in the Citizens' Gas Light Company
Avbich is yet in existence and doing a fine business.
Tbe Vincennes Electric Light and Power company, organ
ized in 1891, and Avhich bas a fine plant and is doing a fine
business. Tbe City Electric Lighting Company, organized in
1899, and which has erected a fine plant and under a
contract with tbe city, is now lighting it in all its parts, all
night and every night.
The Central Foundry Company, for the manufacture of
soil pipe, is tbe second largest establishment of tbe kind in
tbe United States and has very extensive works and employs
a large force of men.
The Central Union Telephone Company has a complete
plant making connections witii all parts of the city, and in
connection with the long distance telephone company with all
parts of tbe United States.
The A'incennes Citizens' Street Eailway Company AA'hich
manufactures its own electric power and operates a railway
extending from tbe principal business portions of the city,
and to tbe adjoining suburbs.
The Vincennes AVater Supply Company, with a splendid
plant and the highest water toAver in tbe Avest (except one at
Cleveland) being 210 feet high and of a capacity sufficient to
throw several streams of water at the same time over tbe high
est buildings in the city.
The Citizens' Gas Light Company with a fine plant and
doing a successful business.

138 A History op Vincennes.
The Vincennes Egg Case Company doing a large and in
creasing business.
Tbe Vincennes Paper Mill Company with the most im
proved machinery and with a large capacity for tbe manu
facture of paper, and running both day and night to supply
the demand for its product.
Tbe John Ebner Ice Company having a large plant and
capable of manufacting 200 tons of ice each day.
Tbe Eagle Brewing Company of Hack & Simon, manufact
uring tbe flnest beer of any establishment in the state and
furnishing its product to tbe city and surrounding towns.

Agriculture. 139
CHAPTEE XVIII.
Agriculture.
Xo city can expect to attract and retain a dense population
without adequate resources. They must have a sure base upon
¦n'bich to depend to supply the wants of the citizens. Vin
cennes in this regard is highly favored by its location and sur
roundings. Situated in one of the flnest agricultural locali
ties in the West, it has in its favor that paramount interest
whicb is tbe corner-stone npon whicb rests all enterprizes.
Tbe county of Knox in Indiana, and Lawrence in Illinois, are
directly tributary to this city, and several otber counties in
both States to a great extent. Tbe report of tbe state geologist
gives the first place to Knox county as possessing soil suitable
for the production of all kinds of fruit, grain and otber pro-
duets that go to make up the general volume of agricultural
resources. This great interest bas been in tbe past what has
sustained and built up Vincennes. The citizens of Vincennes
for many years paid no attention to manufacturing interest-^,
and consequently until witbin a fcAV years past there were no
manufacturing establishments in tbe city. It bas been sus
tained solely by its unrivalled agricultural resources. There
are yet in Knox and Ijawrence counties rich and pro
ductive lands that can be purchased for less money than many
less valuable lands in portions of tbe far west where there are
no school bouses, churches, roads and otber accompaniments
of civilization. The reason the lands in this vicinity have
been overlooked by the ceaseless flow of emigration is because
they bave not been advertised by railroad and otber companies
as otber lands in less favored regions have been. Besides ag
riculture in tbe vicinity of Vincennes is yet in its infancy.
Although an old settled region, for many years but little at
tention was paid to developing and improving the agricultural

140

A History of A'incennes.

resources of which it is capable. Large tracts of fertile and
productive lands in Knox county were suffered to remain until
witbin a few years past uncleared and unproductive. Oth'cr
tracts were covered Avith swamps and marshes. And other
lands on both the AVabash and White Rivers bottoms were
practically valueless on account of tbe overfloAV of these river^.
But enterprise and industry in tbe last twenty years bas ran-
edied this. The rivers have been levied and tbe wet lands
drained and rendered flt for cultivation. This good work is
still in progress and the time not far distant when aU the
lands surrounding Vincennes will be a veritable garden. The
roads of the country bave been greatly unproved and others
are now in progress which will make Vincennes accessible al
all seasons from all parts of the surrounding country over fine
and durable roads.
The following tables extracted from tbe official statistical
report of the State of Indiana for 1898, the latest report ac
cessible, shows a gratifying result for Knox county, in which
Vincennes is situated, in comparison with eleven otber of the
largest and most prosperous counties in the State for the pro
duction of the principal sources of the farmers' wealth :
AVHEAT.

Knox . . . .
Green . . . .
Sullivan . .
Davies . . .
Pike , . . .
Gibson . . .
Allen . . . .
Elkhart . . .
St. Joseph ,
Laporte . .
MontgomeryTippecanoe .

67,72023,54633,68011,816
40,761 73,245
40,232 52,57455,98148,177 55,71558,855

BUSHELS

1,015,800 353,100538,880 153,608
652,176
1,098,675 804,640 893,758839,715867,186891,140
1,000,718

AA'ERAGE PER ACRE

45 15 1613161520 17151816 17

Agriculture. HOGS.

141

Knox .
Greene
SullivanDavies Pike .
Gibson

27,310 23,07229,528 27,90516,62122,987

Allen . . .
Elkhart . .
St. Joseph .
LaPorte . .
MontgomeryTippecanoe

30,73117,17412,337 9,628
48,590 28,905

CORX.

Knox . .
Greene . . .
Sullivan . .
Davies • . ¦
Pike . . . .
Gibson . .
Allen . . . .
Elkhart . . .
St. Joseph
La Porte ¦ •
MontgomeryTippecanoe .

6455
5147 325152 36:
38
49 73
102

,052 295583
,738 586 183 130
226 079
,292 ,640 ,065

2,818.2881,990,6202,063,3201,628,092 1,288,2681,647,8561,876,0001,376,588 1,237,728
1,528,052
3,008,300 3,776,415

AVERAGE
PER ACRE

44 36
40 34
38 32
36 3832 31
49 37

And the above is only a partial showing of the ricb agricul
tural country tributary to A^incennes, and whose products flnd
a market bere. Tbe ricb Allison prairie in Lawrence county,
Illinois, extending from the Wabash River backAvards aboui,
eight miles and up and doAN'n the river ten miles produce-i
abundant crops of all kinds of grain whicb comes to tbe Vin
cennes market and equals almost the amount that comes from
Knox county itself. This prairie is noted for tbe fertility of
its soil. For many years this ricb prairie was mostly unflt lor
-cultivation, being twice in the year overfloAved by the united

143 A History of 'a'incennes.
waters of tbe Wabash and Embarras Rivers. Througb the
centre of it extended a vast swamp called "Purgatory Swamp"
which was difficult and dangerous to pass over at any season
of tbe year. But this has all been remedied by the building of
levees to conflne the waters of these rivers, and by drainage
and this prairie is today as rich and productive as any landi
in the west.
The immense quantities of wheat, com, oats, hay and all
agricultural products that are thrown on tbe Vincennes mar
ket at proper seasons put the transportation companies to es-
traordinai-y exertions to send it to eastern and foreign mar
kets. It is stated by agents in this city buying wheat for easi;-
em parties, and by the city millers and owners of differeui
elevators in the city, that the wheat crop of Knox county alone
the present year will reach two million bushels, and some give
a still higher figure. To this Lawrence county, in Illinois,
will add at least one million bushels more.
As already stated, the country around Vincennes on both
sides of the Wabash River is adapted to the production of ail
kinds of produce. Within the last decade tbe production of
watermelons and nutmegs has reached such vast proportious
that it is difficult in season AA'hen ready for market to procure
cars for their transportation. The points in Knox county
suitable and devoted to the cultivation of melons are Decker,
Purcell, Vincennes, Emison and Oaktown, and Sandridge in
Lawrence county, Illinois. From these various places im
mense shipments are made and tbe product is highly prized
and talces rank in tbe markets of tbe north and east with the
produce of any otber section. The returns to tbe producer
amount to more in proportion to tbe time, labor and acreage
cultivated than the production of AA'heat, corn or otber grain
crops. And this industry has only commenced witbin a fcAV
years past and is as it Avere in its infancy.
The county of Knox in Indiana and the county of LaAV-

Agriculture. 143
rence in Illinois have all kinds of soil. The high lands are
rich and productive and adapted to any kind of farm use.
The immense bottom lands on tbe Wabash and AVhite Rivers
are especially adapted to the production of corn and hay, and
average crops can be raised on these lands without the custom
ary rains in seasons of most severe drought. There is no kind
of produce that is required for tbe use of man or beast but
what can be profitably raised in abundance in the country
around Vincennes. It is, therefore, no idle boast to claim thar
Vincennes is situated in tbe midst of the garden spot o£ thi
world.

144 A History op Vincennes.
CHAPTER XIX.
Commerce.
Vincennes has ahvays been favorably located for commerce.
The Wabash Eiver has been a natural bighAvay ready for use.
AA^hen there Avere no roads or other means of inter-commimi-
cation in the Northwest, the AVabash Eiver was the great
artery of commerce for all the inhabitants along its course.
When the red men of the forest Avere here in their glory, the
lords of all they surveyed, the Wabash Eiver was his delight.
His bark canoe Avas all that disturbed its crystal waters. And
Avhen the white men came and settled along its banks and
built up a profitable trade with tbe Indians, tbe Wabash
Eiver afforded the only means of communication with tiie out
side world. The "pirogues" of the "Courier der bois," as the
advance guard of commercial men Avere called, navigated its
waters, bringing goods and merchandize from Canada for tbe
inhabitants and carrying back to Canada the peltries and
goods purchased from tbe Indians. AA'hen the country in
creased in wealth and population and better means of com
munication Avere demanded to ansAver the increased demands
of commerce, the steamboat came to supply tbe demand. And
tbe Wabash Eiver was again the great artery of commerce.
From tbe introduction of steamboats until the advent of
railroads the Wabash Eiver was in its glory. Steamboats from
New Orleans, St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati and Pittsbui-g
Avere daily visitors to the A^incennes port during tbe boating
season, lasting about five inonths in tbe }'ear, and after the
building of the lock and clam at tiie grand rapids much
larger, it Avas then no uncommon sight to see three and four
steamboats from the Ohio and Alississippi Eivers at the A'in-

Commerce. 145
cennes wharf at the same time, and fiatboats called ''broad-
horns'' to cart-}' the produce of the country to tbe southern
markets could be seen at all times passing tbe toAvn, Avending
their sluggish Avay Avith the fioAving current to their southern
destination. In 1836 as many as 800 of these boats passed by
A^incennes liy actual count. To show tbe immense business
transacted on the AA'abash Eiver by steamboats, we will insert
a partial list of tbe boats that regularly traded Avith A^ineen-
nes from tbe various ports on the Alississippi and Ohio Eivers
from 1840 to 1845 : Argus, Alpha, Aid, Adelaide, Arabian,
Banner, Citizen, Caledonia, Conveyance, Companion, C'eres,
Concord, Cuba, Coquette, Camden, Corsair, Cecelia, Cumber
land A^alley, Caslcet, Comanche, Canton, Daniel Boone,
Dayton, Envoy, Emigrant, Exchange, Elk, F^xperiment, Fairy
Queen, Fox, Fame, Florida, Gazelle, Gen. AA'arner, Gen.
Alarion, Gleaner, Gen. Hanna, Helen Alar, Herald, Hero,
Hunter, Home, Herschel, Harriet, Hudson, Hilander, Indian,
Juniata, Java, Julia, Gratiot, Jim Brown, Kentucky, Lady
Boon, Lady Byron, Lady Aladison, L'Orient, Lilly Lancaster,
Little Ben Franklin, Logansport, Aliiior, Alonroe, Alotto, Alt.
A'ernon, Alinstrel, Alartba, Alarquette, Alinerva, Alaryland,
Nile, Ximrod, X'ew Haven, Xick of the AA'oods, Nathan Hale,
Niagara, Newark, Osage, Orion, Otsego, Ohio, Othello, Para
gon, Penn, Portsmouth, Putnam, Pittsburg, Pekin, Philadel
phia, Pearl, Planet, Eapids, .Rover, Eochester, Eoanoke, Ee-
serve. Sylph, Science, Shoal AA^ater, Spy, Signal, Shylock,
Sciota Belle, Spartan, Salem, Sabine, Tecumseh, Tuscumbia,
Tide, Texas, Thames, Tippecanoe, Temiessee, Tray, U. S.
Alail, V^ictor, A?'igilant, Visitor, Virginia, AVaterloo, AA'yoming,
AViUiam Penn, AA'm. Halbert, AA'acauster.
In 1843 a company AA-as formed to provide slack Avater nav
igation at the grand rapids of the AVabash Eiver. This com
pany built a lock and clam that overcame that obstacle to the

146 A History of Vincennes.
river navigation. But the lock and dam was constructed of
wood and in the coarse of time rotted and became an obstacle
to navigation instead of an aid. Tbe stockholders fortunately
sold their shares to the ITnited States and the Federal author
ities constructed durable and expensive Avorks of stone in their
place at a cost of near a million dollars. But this expendi
ture of money was useless as the splendid works are not used
for the purposes originally intended and never will be of any
use except for the valuable water power they can furnish.
The Wabash River as an artery of commerce to transport
the produce of the AA'abash valley to market bas lost its pres
tige. The advent of railroads, that Avonderful creative power
that bas built up cities in localities where nature never de
signed they should be located, has robbed the AA'abash River
of its glory as a waterway of commerce for general purposes.
But it is yet and ever Avill be an aid and feeder for the A'in
cennes market. Several steamboats navigate its waters both
above and below Vincennes at all stages of AA'ater and gather
up and bring to tbe Vincennes market the abundant crops of
tbe farms along its bank Avbere they are re-shipped to the
markets of tbe Avorld by rail. This now makes, and in future
will increase tbe volume, A^incennes one of the largest and
best points for the purchase and shipment of produce in the
AA^est. The profitable and remunerative business of A^'incen-
nes, noAV very heavy, is constantly on the increase, and from
the nature of things, avUI continue to increase Avith acceler
ated force Avith tbe improvement and development of the
country. There is no point in the West that offers better ad
vantages in all departments of active life than A'inceimes.
While tbe AA^abash River has ceased to be the artery of trade
and commerce as it was in the past, A'incennes is now supplied
with railroad facilities that more than compensate this loss.
Railroads are the great arteries of commerce Avhich have been
contrived b}' the ingenuit}' of man and Avhich have relegated

Commerce. 14T
to the rear in many cases rivers, canals, and macadamized
roads. Vincennes is noAV connected by the railroad to Terre
Haute and thence by direct connection with Chicago, the
greatest railroad center in the world, with the entire northern
country. The railroad to Indianapolis, the capital of the
state, and the second railroad center in the West, gives it
connection with all points in tbe East. The railroad to Cin
cinnati and its Louisville branch, opens up the entire East and
Southeast. The railroad to Evansville and its southern con
nections, opens up the South. The railroad to Cairo at the-
junction of tbe Ohio and Mississippi Eivers, opens up the en
tire Southwest. And the railroad to St. Louis opens up tbe
entire AA'est. These various railroads and their close connec
tions open up a direct communication Avith all points of the
compass and make Vincennes a railroad center of no small
importance.

148 A History of Vincennes.

CHAPTER XX.
Fraternities.
A'incennes has been noted for the number of its fraternal
societies. This is evidence of the mutual regard and friend
ship of its citizens for each other.
Among these fraternities tbe first place is due to the Ala
sonic Order. Tbe first lodge of Alasons was organized beie
March 31, 1809, under the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, anc;
was Xo. 8 under that jurisdiction. AA'^hen tbe Grand Lodge
of Indiana was formed it surrendered that charter, and on the
13tb of January, 1818, received one from tbe Grand Lodge
of Indiana being No. 1, whicb primitive rank it has ever since
maintained. The lodge meets the first Alonday in each
month. Tbe A'inc-ennes Royal Arch Chapter Xo. 7 meets tbe second
Monday in each month.
The Vincennes Council No. 9 meets the third Alonda}- m
each month.
The A'^incennes Commandery Xo. 20, Knights Templar,
meets the fourth Alonday in each month.
The above are all Alasonic fraternities and meet at the Ala
sonic Temple on the comer of Alain and Third streets.
AA'abash Lodge No. 20 of the Independent Order of Odd
FelloAvs meets at Odd F'elloAV Hall on the corner of Second
and Broadway streels every Tuesday evening. The Pride of
tbe AA'abash No. 458, Daughters of Rebecca, meets every Alon
da}' evening.
Dioscuri Lodge No. 47, Knights of Pythias, meets every
Tuesday eA'ening.
A'inceimes DiAision No. 42, Uniform Rank of thc Knights
of Pythias, meets CA-ery Friday eA'ening.

Fraternities. 149
Jefferson C. Davis Post No. 16 of the Grand Army of the
Eepublic meets the first and fourth Fridays in each month.
Piankeshaw Lodge No. 108 of the Improved Order of lied
Alen meets every AA^ednesda}- on tbe corner of Second and
Broadway streets.
Tbe Home Forum, No. 590, of the Home Forum Benefit
Order, meets every Tuesday on tbe corner of Seventh and
Broadway streets.
St. Francis Xavier Branch No. 256 of the Catholic Knigiits
of America meets on tbe second and fourth Sundays in each
month at St. Francis Xavier Hall.
St. John's Branch X^o. 533 of the Catholic Knights of ¦
America meets every second ancl fourth Thursdays in each
month at St. John's Hall.
St. Paul Commandery of the Uniform Eank of the Catholic
Knights of America meets tbe second and fourth Thursdays of
each month at St. John's Hall.
Vincennes Lodge No. 29 of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen meets every Thursday at the corner of Main and
Fifth streets.
A'incennes Lodge No. 291, of tbe Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks meets every Thursday in their hall on the corner
of Fourth ancl Alain streets. --
Tbe Vincennes Council No. 674 of the National Union
meets the second and fourth Alondays of each month on cor
ner of Main and Fifth streets.
Plato Council No. 492 of the Eoyal Arcanum meets every
Thursday at 3101/2 Main street.
AloUuch Court No. 45 of the Tribe of Ben Hur meets tbe
second and fourth Fridays of each month at Odd Fellows
HaU. Tecumseh Camp No. 3945 of the Alodern Woodmen of
America meets first and third Thursdays of each month at
Odd FeUoAvs Hall.

150 A History op Vincennes.
Elmwood Camp Xo. 31 of the AVoodmen of tbe World meetf
last Saturday of each month at the corner of Main and Fifth
streets. The Fortnightly Literary Club meets the second and fourtb
Wednesdays of each month at the City Hall at 2 :30 p. m.
The Independent Order of B'nai B'rith Etz Chain Lodge
No. 205 meets first and third Sundays in each month at cor
ner of Seventh and Broadway streets.
Bethlehem Senate No. 150 of tbe Knights of tbe Ancient
Essenic Order meets first and third Tuesdays of each month at
3101/2 Main street
Vincennes Lodge No. 936 of the Knights of Honor meats
first and third AVednesdays of each month at 3101/2 Main
street. Eeview Lodge No. 362 of the Knights and Ladies of Honor
meets on the first and third Alondays of each month at 3101,2
Main street.
The Columbian Eeading Circle meets on tbe second and
fourtb Wednesdays of each month at tbe residences of the
members. St. John's Benevolent Society meets every Sunday at St
John's School Hall.
Aaron Mitchener Lodge No. 33 of the United Brothers of
Friendship (colored) meets first and third Thursdays of each
month at 1021^ East Alain street.
Lillies of tbe A^alley Temple No. 36, Auxilliary to the
United Brothers of Friendship, meets second and fourtb
Thursdays of each month at 1021/) East Alain street.
Tbe Harmonic Verein meets on the corner of Third and
Busseron streets.
Tbe Palace Club meets at 526 North Second street
The Pastime Club meets on Nortli Second street.
The Tecumseh Boat Club meets at their boat house on the
river, foot of Alain street.

Fraternities. 151
Tbe Teutonia Club meets at St. John's Hall.
The order of "Americano'' Avas recently initiated in this
city. A wandering herd of Xoble and Exalted Buffaloes while
passing through tbe city last spring were captured, domiciled
and incorporated Avitli tbe other fraternal orders of the city.
Although it comes late it bas made rapid strides and it is
stated by those avIio claim to be advised that its membership
equals any other fraternal order in the eity. We are not ad
vised of tbe purposes of this order, but from representations
of its members we wish it well. It is to be hoped it avUI exict
longer and do more good than either of its illustrious prede
cessors, the "Thousand and One" or tbe "Eclampus Vitus."
Tbe first and present grand exalted ranchman is Orestes C.
Phillips.

(nt

152 A History op Vincennes.
CHAPTEE XXI.
Educational.
A'incennes has been favored since 1834 Avith educational
faciliites. Ea'CU before that time AA'hen Benedict Joseph
Flaget came in December, 1792, as pastor of the church here,
he directed his first attention to establishing schools. Out of
his OAVU scanty means be commenced free schools for the edu
cation of the youth. But he Avas too soon recalled to make any
permanent headway. AA'hen Bishop Brute came here in 1834
he called to his aid and assistance tbe Sisters of Charity
from BardstoAA'n, Kentucky, and opened a free school for the
education of young ladies. Hc also opened another free
school for men and bo}'s. These schools were maintained by
funds supplied by the bishop himself. He is therefore enti
tled to be called the father of the free school system of In
diana. He also established St. Gabriel's College here in 1838,
for higher education which Avas not free, and whicb during its
existence bad a large attendance from all parts of the AA'est
and the South.
A'et notAvithstanding these evidences given by the Catholic
church of its patronage of learning, it has been claimed and
believed by the ignorant, that the Catholic church is un
friendly to learning. This in the face of the fact that all the
great universities in Europe Avcre established by tbe Papacy.
Some of these universities have passed from the control o f
Catholic influence since thc period of the reformation, but
honor has compelled some of them to give honor to Avhom
honor is due.
On this subject. Lord AlcCauley, on being inaugurated rec
tor of the University of GlasgOAA', uses this language :

Eiirc-\TKi-\Ar,.

1.53

"¦-At a conjuncture ol unrivalled interest in the liistor\' of
letlers. a man ne\er to be nieiitioned withotit reverence by
ever}' lover of letters, held tlte highest place in Kurojie. Our
attat^ltnient to the Protestant religion must not piVA'citt us
from paying the tribute Avhich on this occasion and in this
place justice and gratitude demand to the founder ot the I'ni-
ver-ity of GlasgoAv, the .greatest of Hie re\'i\-ors of lea-rning.
Pope Xicholas the Fifth."

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HIGH SCHOOL.
-And tlte facult}' of this ttni\'ersity during the present year
on tlte (•elebration ol its .""yOOth anni\ersar\', sent compliment
ary resolutions to I'ope Leo XIIL ai-kito\\'k'dging the debt
of ur;ititude tlte uniA'ersit}' oA\'ed to tbe jiapacy, to Avltich the
Pope appropriatel}' re|ilii'il. But general jmblicity has not
been given to it. This charge against tbe Catholic church is
of a kin to that similar chara'e that the church docs not eit-
cotira,<;'e the reading ol the scri]itttfes. The fact is that all the
154 A History op Vincennes.
prophesies of the Old Testament and aU tbe episfes and gos
pels of the Xew are read and explained during the course of
each ecclesiastical year. But these false charges were to be
expected and were all foretold by tbe Savior as recorded in
AlathcAV, chapter v. verse 11, or more positively in John, chap
ter 16, verse 2. These charges are signs of premonition.
In addition to these schools, at a later date, private schools
Avere started by Samuel E. Crosby, Mr. Ennis and Mr. Wil-
kerson. These latter schools were not free but tuition was
charged for attendance.
The school facilities of Vincennes at the present time are
equal to those of any place in tbe AA'est, and far superior to
many. The A'incennes LTniversity is Avhat its name implies, and
affords opportunity for a higher education equal to any uni
versity in the AVest. It has an active a- d energetic board of
trustees who are fully alive to the interests of the university.
It is numerously attended by students from tbe city and
county and embraces in its curriculum many from otber states.
Xo institution of learning offers better facilities for a com
plete and fimished education tban tbe Vincennes UniA'ersity.
Tbe public schools of the city are of a high order. The
High School partakes in a great measure of university feat
ures. All branches of learning are there taught. In connec
tion with the High School and subordinate thereto, there are
1st a central school in the heart of the city, 2d tbe North Vin
cennes School, 3d the South AA''est School in the lower part of
the city, 4tb the East Public School in the east part of the
city, 6tb tbe Southeast Public School for colored children,
and 6th the school in Oklahoma, a suberb of the city. All
these schools through the watchful care and vigilance of the
city trustees are supplied Avith competent teachers and are
well attended. These public schools are under tbe manage
ment of the following able and efficient board of tiitstees:

Educatioxal.

155

Eitg-ene Hack, president ; Alasoii J. Xiblack, secretary ; aud T.
H. AA'illis, treasurer.
In addition to these public schools the foUoAAing other paro
chial Schools are maintained and are all numei-ously attended:
St. Francis Xavier, parochial school for boys and St. Rose
Academy for girls, under the direction of the Sisters of Provi-

CENTRAL SCHOOL.

dence. These schools are practically free as no tuition is
char.o'ed and only those Avbo feel themselves able are expected
or required to pay for the tuition of their children.
The St. John's Gennan Catholic Schools for boys and girls
are also under the care of the Sisters of Providence and are
numerously attended.
The St. John's Lutheran School for lioys and girls under

156 A History of Vincennes.
the direction of St. .John's Lutheran church, and supported
by the congregation of that church.
The Evangelical School for boys ancl girls under the con
trol of the Evangelical church and sustained by that congre
gation. All these parochial schools are liberally patronized by their
respective congregations. In the aggregate the}' have almost
as large an attendance as at the public schools.
Tbe Vincennes Shorthand Institute for teaching shorthand
and AA'hich is Avell patronized and has sent out many pupils
AA'ho have found ready and renumerative employment, both in
the city and in other states, in all branches of business.
It will be observed that A'incennes is Avell supplied Avith
school facilities, affording all persons a Avide range to select
from. It is therefore evident that A-'incennes aff'ords as good
if not superior advantages over any point in tbe AA'est for the
education of children.

IALanupactures. 157

CHAPTER XXII.
ALANl'l--ACTt;HES.
Alanufacturing imlustries AAcre not encouraged for many
}'ears in A^incennes. AA'ithin the last tAventy years the atten
tion of ber citizens has been called to their importance and
strenuous exertions have been put forth to secure them. This
change is due in a great measure to the Board of Trade and
the encouragement it has shoAvn for all manufacturing indus
tries and to secure their locatioii in this city.
Alany years ago David S. Bonner, a A-ery Avealthy man,
began the manufacture of cotton yarn. He built a large mill
and employed many men and Avomen. But his venture was
uot successful and invoh'ed him in financial ruin.
Some time after 1848 Christian Kratz and AVilliam Heil-
man came here for tbe purpose of locating and establishing
an iron foundr}'. They Avished a location on the river front
but none of the propert}' owners on the river front would sell
to them. They remained here some time and failing to secure
a suitable location, they AA'ent to Evansville and there located
and established an iron foundry Avhicli Avas very succcssful.
At a later date Alessrs. Aliller & Cannon came here for the
imrpose of establishing an iron foundry. They selected an
old brick stable on tbe Avest corner ol: Second and Buntin
streets ancl fitted it up and had their furnace ready toi begin
Avork. They had expended all their means in baying patterns
made and other necessary articles connected Avith their busi
ness and Avere unable to pay their rent. Suit Avas brought and
on the judgment recovered their entire plant was sold and
this infant industry destroyed. The old brick building was
never used for any purpose and the fine patterns were only
used for AA'bittling purposes.
In view of these discouraging facts an enterprising citizen

158 A History op A'incennes.
remarked that Vincennes Avould never advance until there
were twenty or twenty-five funerals among the wealthy classes
in tbe city. AA^ell, that time has come. The times have
changed and an aggressive spirit has taken hold of the citi
zens here. They are now striving Avitli united action for the
location of all kinds of manufacturing industries. These
efforts have already been satisfactory and tbe movement is
gaining accelerated force with the passing inonths. Among
the principal establishments already secured we notice the
following :
The A''incennes Bridge Conipany for tbe manufacture and
building of iron bridges, arches and structural work Avhich is
successfully competing Avith older establishments in other
places. The Vincennes Glass Factory uoav in course of construction
and nearing completion, for the manufacture of glass. This
will be one of the largest factories of the kind in tbe West.
The Inter-State Distilling Company is one of the largest
distilleries in the country and is running at its utmost capac
ity day and night.
The Central Foundry Company for tbe manufacture of
iron scAA'er pipe. This is the second largest plant of the kind
in the United States.
The Eagle Brewery of Hack & Simon, whose product is
equal to any in the state and is being supplied not only to
the city, but to all the surrounding cities and toAvns.
The John Ebner Ice Compaii}- for the manufacture of ice
and having a capacity of 200 tons a day.
The Steam Saw Alill of thc Alessrs. Glover Avbich employs
a large force and is doing a large and profitable business.
The Vincennes AA''ater Supply Company Avitlt a plant equal
to any in the AA''est and having a water toAver 210 feet high
and of sufficient capacity to supply the Avaiits of a city of
50,000 population.

Manufactures. 159
The A^incennes Egg Case Company for tbe manufacture of
egg cases and is run day and night to supply the increasing
demand for its product.
The Vincennes Paper Company for the manufacture of
paper with a splendid plant of tbe latest and most improved
machinery and running day and night to enable it to fill its
orders. The Vincennes Electric Light and Power Company is in
successful operation.
The Wabash A^alley Foundry for the manufacture of steam
boilers and all kinds of mill machinery is doing- a fine busi
ness. The BroadAvay Alills now being enlarged and furnished
Avith new and improved machinery and AA'hen completed will
have a capacity of 200 barrels of flour a day.
The Vincennes Elevator Company for the pu.rchase and
storage of all kinds of grain.
Tbe Atlas Elevator for the purchase and storage of wheat
and com, with a storage capacity of a quarter million bushels
of grain.
Tbe Atlas Mills for the manufacture of flour and running
day and night and turning out 200 barrels of flour per day.
Tbe Baltic Alills for the manufacture of corn meal, and
running at its utmost capacity day and night to enable it to
supply its customers.
The Citizens' Gas Light Company Avitli a fine plant and
doing a profitable and successful business.
Tbe City Electric Light Conipany erected in 1899 and with
the latest and improved machinery, is noAV lighting the entire
city under a contract.
The A^incennes Citizens' Street Railroad with a poAver bouse
of its own and running its cars through the business portion
of the city and to many points in tbe vicinity.
The A^'incennes Galvanized Iron AA''orks for the manufacture

160 A History op Vincennes.
of slate, tin and iron roofing and galvanized iron cornice and
doing an extensive business and filling large contracts at
home and in many other states in the Xorth and South.
The A'incennes Xovelty Alanufacturing Company for the
manufacture of all kinds of jcAvelry and brie a brae and being
tbe only establishment of thc kind in this country, and is
being run all the time to enable it to supply the increasing de
mand for its products.
The A'igo Alills for the manufacture of flour and com meal.
The Union Elevator Company for the purchase and stor
age of all kinds of grain.
The machine and repair shops of Convery & Recker for the
repair and manufactureing of all kinds of mill and agricult
ural machinery.
The AA'agon AA'orks of J. F. Aliller ct Sons for the manu
facture of AA'agons and buggies and doing a large business,
filling orders not only at home but in many foreign states.
The AA'agon and Buggy AA^orks of Salter & Snyder, doing a
large and profitable business.
The HartAvell Bros. Company for tbe manufactitre of
hickory handles ami carriage stock generally and running
constantly to keep up with the demand for its product.
The Flartman Alanufacturing Company for the manufact
ure of all kinds of agricultural machinery.
The Alarion Hard AVood Alanufacturing Company.
The Enterprise Stove Company for the inanufactu.re of
stoves and iron Avork generally in connection thercAvitb.
The Dr. Knapp Sanitarium for the treatment of all dis
eases of tbe eye, ear and nose.
The Grand Hotel, one of the finest hostelries in the AA'est,
and lately enlarged and improved.
The Union Depot Hotel has ahvays commanded a large
share of the patronage of the traA'cling public and still main
tains its rank and business.

Material Progress. 161

CHAPTER XXIII.
AIATERIAL PROGRESS.
The progress of A'incennes has been very sIoaa', but sure
ancl steady. It has not been of a mushroom character, stim
ulated by fictitious booms and destined to retrograde Avlteit
the cause hastening the advance has spent its force. There
has been no retrograde movement in its history. The United
States census returns show a healthy advance. A^incennes
occupied a prominent place in the Xorthwest AA'hen the only
other places Avere Detroit ancl Kaskaskia. Alany other cities
have since sprung up and attained prominence AA'hich bad no
existence when A'incennes Avas an important point. In this
connection I avIU notice an incident in connection Avith Chi
cago, now the second city in the Union in Avealtb ancl popu
lation. Alany years ago the citizens of the then village of
Chicago, sent a deputation of its citizens to confer with the
citizens of the city of A'inceimes and lay before them the rich
country around their village and that the only thing they
lacked was an outlet to the markets of the Avorld for the pro
ducts of their land. They came and suggested it would be
a benefit to tbe city to aid in building a gravel road from this
city to their Aillage. A public meeting Avas called and held
at Clark's Hotel to consider the proposition. This meeting
Avas addressed by John LaAV, Samuel Judah, John EAving and
others of the leading citizens of A'incennes at that time. They
all took strong- ground in favor of the project and urged
immediate action, as A'incennes to advance must reach out for
trade. The meeting passed resolutions in its favor and so
far as resolutions Avent. determined that tbe road should be
built AAitbout delay. But nothing AA'as ever done farther than
adopting resolutions. This Avas in 1828.

162 A History of Vincennes.
There are man}' causes that can be assigned fqr tiie sIoav
advance of Aincennes. Some of these are external and have
operated Avithout any fault of ber citizens. But many can
be laid directly at the door of her oavu people, AA'ho by their in
difference and non-action, permitted golden opportunities to
pass Avithout taking advantage of them. It is an old saying
that lightning seldom strikes tAvice in the same place.
The capital of tbe Territory Avas foolishly removed from
A'incennes to Corydon in 1814, on account of an imaginary
fear of an Indian uprising that never bad any real foundation.
This movement Avas not only unopposed but in fact sanc
tioned by her citizens on the ground that the records of the
Territorial Government might be destroyed. These records
of any value at the time might have been put in a small box
ancl hidden in a hoUoAV tree as the charter of Connecticut was
bidden in the celebrated Charter Oak. But the reinoval took
place to the great detriment of A'incennes.
A'incennes, although the first seat of civilization and relig
ion in tlie AA'est, bas never been favored by legislation. Xo
act of Congress Avas ever passed giving it material aid. The
same neglect has also been observed by the State Legislation.
AA'hen the Internal Improvement S}'stem Avas determined on
this discrimination against Vincennes Avas clearly manifested.
Xone ofthe various improvements entered upon and carried
on by state aid, ever benefited this place in the least. Take
the Vincennes and Ncav Albany macadamized road as one
instance. That road Avas to be built by funds raised by taxa
tion. A'incennes Avas the most populous and Avealthy place
along its route and furnished in taxation more than any three
counties on the line. But not a dollar of the money thus fur
nished, Avas expended at this end of the road, but all was
spent on the eastern end and a fine road from NeAV Albany
Avas built to Paoli and no farther.
Take again the AA'abash and Erie Canal. AA'hen the exten-

Material Progress. 163
sion of that improvement to the Ohio River Avas determined
on from Lafayette south, an immense sum of money Avonld
necessarily be spent along its course and this expenditure
would be a great advantage in building up the localities AA'here
it Avould be expended. For some cause unknoAvn, Vincenne:^
was left off the line of this canal, and it AA'as diverted eastAvard
from Terre Haute and thus left A incennes off its course This
diversion made the length of the canal longer and added
gTeatly to the cost of construction. AA'ater to supply it bad to
be supplied by artificial reservoirs and large tracts of rich and
valuable land overfioAved for the purpose Avhich could have
been supplied by the Waliasb River at less cost and Avithout
damage. The immense amount of money required to make
the extension to Evansville Avas all expended, but A^incennes
received no benefit from this immense expenditure which all
Avent to build up rival towns along its route. This immense
output of money was a great benefit and ricb harvest for the
towns and counties through which it passed during the time
it was being spent, but that Avas all tbe benefit they ever re
ceived as tbe canal was a practical failure and Avith the advent
of railroads, was abandoned. These causes operated against
Vincennes but were matters over Avbich her people bad no
exclusive control.
But there Avere other causes operating against Vincennes
for which they Avere solely responsible. It is situated in one
of the richest agricultiiral districts in the West. These rich
lands tributary to A^incennes on both sides of the Wabash
River, in Illinois and Indiana, threw upon her market an
nually, tbe ricb and valuable products of their soil. These
were marketed here and bought up and paid for by the deal
ers and merchants of A^in cennes and the farmer paid for them
in high priced goods purchased in the eistem cities. This
process resulted in a golden harvest for the merchants and
traders. But the profit they realized from resources tributary

164 A History of Vincennes.
to the place Avere not invested in industries and manufactu-
ries calculated to build up and advance the place, but AA'ere
unAvisely loaned out to enterjDiising men in Terre Haute,
Evansville, Cincinnati and CA-en Philadelphia. The money
thus loaned Avas used by the borroAvcrs in establishing nianu-
facturics in these cities to the detriment of A'inceimes, where
the golden egg that enabled them lo do these things Avas laid.
And it is a avcU knoAvn fact to man}- citizens now living in
A'incennes. that for many years the old merchants and busi
ness men of the place, discouraged the location of nianu-
facturies here for fear that these goods manufactured here
Avould come in competition A^'itll their wares purchased in
eastern cities and thus diminish their profits.
But all these draAvbacks have spent their force. In spite of
them the city has maintained a steady ad\-ance, only stimu
lated liy its OAvn natural resources. It is evident to the most
casual observer that a better feeling has dawned upon the
place. XeAV men of enterprise ancl push liaAc come and inau-
,i;urated a ucav programme. In the past fifteen years all the
improveincnts Avliich are uoav the pride of the city have come.
And these improvements received no aid or encouragement
littt the actiA'c opposition of the AA'calthy citizens of the place.
The magnificent s}'slem of Avater AVorks AA'hich bave been con
structed, ha\'ing no superior and but fcAV equals in any city,
Avas violentl}' opposed and only secured by a small majority
at a piopular election. The street railroad system Avas not
favored or encouraged by man}- and Avas secured bv the enter
prise of a fcAv indiA'idual citizens. The splendid electric light
plant Avliich Avas creeled last year, lighting the city in all its
])arts eA'ery night and all night, AA'as secured after a long and
lioA\erful opposition had spent its force. These and many
other aids to the upbuilding of a modern city have already
been secured. They are noAV operating as poAA'crful factors in
hastening the ouAvard march of imiiroA'emertt. Xo such

AIaterial Progress. 165
efforts Avill be required to be put forth in future to secure
additional aids as Avere required to obtain the ones aa'c uoav
have. These are as it Avere, levers that have lifted the city
out of the mire of perdition, stripped it of its sAvaddling
clothes and put on it tbe garments of a rising giant.
The material structures of the city are being changed.
There is not in the cit}' a solitary landmark reaching back
beyond 1800. The oldest house in the city is tbe Harrison
mansion, erected in 1804, and that substantial structure is a
half century older than the one erected just after it. All the
old time houses have disappeared and their places have been
taken by modem houses of architectural designs, and present
a UCAV and beautiful appearance. The real property of the
city has to a considerable extent changed owners ancl this
change is continuously going on. It may be said that in the
past tAventy years the realty of the city has passed out of the
hands of the original proprietors into tbe possession of enter
prising men. 'The material structures of tbe city are up to
date and present as attractiA'e appearance as any city in In
diana. The hotel interest has caught the improvement fever and
Avitbin tbe past year the Grand Hotel has been enlarged and
improved at a great outlay of money so that A'incennes iioav
pos.scsses AA'hat has been so long Avaiited, a first class hotel. This
hotel is really an adA'ertisenient of the city as strangers pass
ing througb a place see more of its hotels than any other of
its buildings and fonn their impressions of tlte place from the
character of its hotels.
AA'ithin three years past more substtrntial buildings have
been erected in A'incennes than in any lAA'cntv years previous
thereto. This building boom is constantly on the increase
since it started three years ago. Each succeeding year sur-
jiasscs the number of buildings erected the previous year.
During the present A'ear all previous records haA'e been broken

166 A History op Vincennes.
and tbe largest and most costly business bouses and residences
have been erected.
Some of the Avholesale business houses now in course of
erection are constructed on a mammoth scale and of as large
dimensions as can be found in any city in Indiana. They are
also located with an eye to business and economy in receiv
ing and shipping goods Avith a private spur to them from the
main railroad track so that in the reception and distribution
of goods all drayage will be avoided. This mode of building
is original here and will be imitated in this city and else
where as its advantages are apparent and will make Vincennes
an exceptional point for tbe rapid and cheap distribution of
goods of all kinds.
And the end is not yet. The improvement of the city is in
its infancy. This necessarily results from the natural and ac
quired resources of tbe city Avbich offers better inducements
than any other city in the state at this time for any one seek
ing a location for active business or wishing to enjoy life
"otium cum dignitate."
While A'incennes has a venerable past on one side, on tbe
other side it is on the verge of an opening future full of youth
and vitality. While it has a bistory reaching back to a time
"AA'hereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary,"
it is now like an old man AA'ho has laid off his old clothes and
put on ncAY ones.

Personal Mention. 167
CHAPTEE XXI V.
PERSONAL JIENTION.
The foUoAving is a list of the beads of families settled at
Post A'incennes on or before the 1st of August 1783, to each
of Avhom AA'ere donated 400 acres of land in the old_ Donation
tract. -Louis Alaire, Joseph Andrez, Francois Brouillet, Francois
Boraye, Jr., John Baptiste Binette, Charles Boneau, Vital
Bencher, Alarie, Avidow of Louis Bayer, Amable Boulon,
Cliarles Bugard, Alitchel BurdeloAv, Alitchel Brouillet, Fran
cois Bosseron, Francois Boraye, Sr., Antoine BurdaloAV, Sr.,
Louis Brouillet, Louis Bayer, John Baptiste Cardinal, Fran
cois Coder, Pierre tAirnoyer, Joseph Chabot, Antoine Cary,
Francois Compagniat, Jacques Cardinal, Joseph Chartier,
Xicholas Chapard, Joseph Charpontier, Picre Chartier, Sr.,
Aloses Carter, Antoine Dronette, John Baptiste Dubois, John
Baptiste Duchene, Charles Dielle, Charles Delisle, Pierre
Daigncau, Antoine .Dorr\'s, Louis De Ciauiicf, John Baptiste
Delovier, Flonore Dorrys, Charles Dudevoir, Amable Delisle,
Jacques Denze, Joseph Ducharme, Bonaventure Drogier,
Xicholas Ditart, Francois Desauve, Louis Edeline, Joseph
Flamelin, John Baptiste Javale, Paul Gamelin, Charles Gu-
sillc. Touissaint Goder, Antoine Gamelin, Paul Gamelin,
-Amable Gaurquipie, Alexis .A. Gallinois, Pierre Gilbert, John
Baptist Harpiii, Joseph Hunot, Sr., Etieune Jacques, EdAA-ard
Johnson, Jacques Latrimoille, Francois Lognon, Joseph Log-
non, Jacques Lacroix, Pierre Laforest, Anthony Luneford,
Ci'harlcs Languedoc, Jacques Lamolte, Andre Languedoc,
Pierre Langlois, Josc]jh Leveron, Louis Laderoute, Francois
Languedoc, Louis Lamere, John Baptiste Alangen, Pierre
(12)

168 A History of Vincennes.
Alallet, Antoine Mallet, Andre Alontplesir, Louis Aleteycr,
Francois Winie, John Baptiste Alallet, Xicholas Alayat Fran
cois Alallet, Joseph Michael, Antoine Alarier, Frederick Alahl,
Joseph Alallet, John Baptiste IVIoyes, Alicbael Xean, John
Baptiste Quillet, Joseph Perrdeau, Guillaume Payes, Pierre
Perret, Amable Perron, Pierre Quivez, Sr., John Baptiste St.
Alarie Eacine, Pierre Eegnez, Francois Eacine, Pierre Andre
Eacine, Louis Eavellette, Louis Raupiault, Joseph Raux, Jo
seph St. Alarie, Joseph Sabelle, John Baptiste, St. Aubin,
Fltienne St. Marie, Francois Turpin, Francois Tuidel, Joseph
Tongas, Francois Vacbette, John Baptiste A''audra}', John
Baptiste Vaudray, Jr., -Francis A'igo, Alexander Vallez, An
toine Vaudrez, John Baptiste Vilray, Angelique, widow of
Etienne Phillibert, Mary Louisa, widow of Xicholas Perrot,
Felicite, Avidow of Francois Peltier, Angelique, AvidoAV of
Francois Basinet, Marie, widoAv of Xicholas Cardinal, Su
sanna, Avidow of Pierre Coder, Marianne, Avidow of Louis
Denoyou, Marie, widow of Hyacinthe Denoyou, Veronique,
AvidoW of Guilleaume Daperon, Francois, widoAV of Ambrose
Dagenet, Genevieve, widow of Pierre Gremore, Ann, widow
of Aloses Henry, Catarine, widoAA' of Jolm Baptiste Lafon-
taine, Madeline, widoAv of St. Jean Legarde, A'eronique,
Avidow of Gabriel LaGrande, Marie Louis, AvidoAV of John
Philip Marie Lagras, Louise, widow of Antoine Lefevre, Cat
arine, widow of Amable Lardoise, Aladeline, AvidoAV of Joseph
Stone, Genevieve, Avife of Joseph Laboissier, the husband de
serted, Renez Godene de Pannah, Agate, Avidow of Amable
Rumay. The foUoAving were the effective men belonging to Capt.
Pierre Gamelin's company at Post A'incennes, July 4th, 1790:
(Jhristopher W'yant, ensign; Peter Thorn, sergeant; Frederick
Alabl, sergeant; Jeremiah Alayes, sergeant; Richard Johnson,
cadet; Robert Johnson, Joseph Cloud, David Pea, John Loc,
Godfrey Peters, John Alurphy, John Lafferty. Frederick Bar-

Person,\l Mention. 169
ger. George Barger. Peter Barger, Frederick Alidle, Benja
min Beckes, Robert Day, Edward Sherbrook, John AA'estfall,
EdAvard Johnson, Joshua Harbin, John Robbins, John Mar
tin, Abraham AVestfall, -James AVatts, Thomas Jordan, AA'ill
iam Smith, Daniel Smith, James Johnson, Ezekiel Holliday,
Alicbael Thorne, Solomon Thorne, Daniel Thorne, Charles
Thorne, Christian Barkman, Abraham Barkman, John Rice
Jones, Patrick Simpson, John WUmore, Frederick Lindsay,
Alatthew Dibbons, Hugh Demsey, John Culbert, Robert Gra-
vert and Isaac Carpenter.

170 A History op Vincennes.

CHAPTER XXV.
DISTINtiUISHED PERSONNEL.
A'incennes has been a common center in Avhich congregated
an array of able and determined men. Alost of these became
iiermanent residents. Alany after a short sojourn Avent in
every direction to lay the foundations of society in other
places, to frame constitutions ancl laws for the well being of
generations of civilized people, and to exercise power and
authority over countries of vast extent.
It is impossible in a proper limit to enumerate all. Only
chosen examples illustrative of the qualities of the men Avho
laid the foundations of our social structure Avill be presented.
FRANCOIS MORGAN DB VINCENNE.
This distinguished man Avas a Canadian liy birth. He wa*
a trusted officer in the service of the King of France. He
came here in command of the troops of the king to build the
old fort in 1702. lie came and built the fort near the jiresent
site of the Catholic church. He did not remain after per
forming that serAHce, bul returned to Canada. He Avas there
entrusted Avith an expedition against the Indians near De
troit, AA'hich AA'as successful. The last mention of him in the
C Canadian records is by Ta- Potheric, AA'ho says he Avas scnt to
command the fort on thc "Ouabasche.'' AA'hen he came, then
hc remained until his death. He married a daughter of
Philip Longpre, of Kaskaskia, Illinois. His father-in-laAV
died in 1732 and left a large estate Avhich Avas divided among-
his children. Thc records in the Recorder's office at Kaskas
kia shoAV that de A'incenne Avent there to look after his AAifo's
inter-est and that his Avife Avas then at the Post here. The
receipt for her to si,ifn lor her share Avas sent here and she-

Distinguished Personnel. 171
signed it before Avitnesses. This receipt is still presefA'ed in
the Recorder's office at Kaskaskia.
In 1736 the French Avere at Avar with tbe ChickasaAV In
dians, inhabiting the country to tbe south. De A'incenne
Avent Avith the troops of the fort here to attack them. An en
gagement Avith them near where Alemphis now stands Avas dis
astrous and be Avas taken prisoner. He could have escaped
Avitli the remnant of bis force that retreated under De Voi sin,
a French officer, and was entreated to do so. But he refused
to leave bis wounded soldiers ancl Avas burned at the stake on
Easter Sunday, 1736. This place had never been called A'in
cennes until after his death in 17'36. AA^len tbe remnant of
his troops returned bere the place was named in his honor.
.After his death his AA'idoAV returned to her relatives in Kas
kaskia. He left an only daughter named Alaria Louisa, Avbo
married liOuis De Lisle, and left a large f armily of children
at Kaskaskia. Some of his descendants Avere still residing
there in 1836, and they all prided themselves on their rela
tionship to bim and added to their signatures the charmed
AA'ords "De A^incenne."
This celebrated and gifted officer is generally referred to by
his title de A'incenne and not by his family name Francois
Alorganne. But this is very natural and is tbe general prac
tice in all countries that were under the infiuence and opera
tion of the feudal systein. This is evident from Robertson's
history of Charles the Fifth and Hallam's Aliddle Ages and
other writers concerning that system. We have instances of
it in our own political bistoi7. All our school children havc
heard of Count de Grass, who rendered such valuable serA'ice
to our fathers in the Revolutionary war. But this appella
tion is his title and not his family name, which was Francois
Joseph Paul. Again in the case of Count cle Rochambeau.
His family name was Jean Baptiste Donatien. Again in the
case of Alarquis de La Fayette, after A\'hom so many counties,

172 A History of A'incennes.
cities and toAvns in this country are named. His family name
Avas Marie Joseph Roch Gilbert. This custom among the
French, Avhich was one of tbe countries under the feudal sys
tem, is fully exemplified by that exhausting Avork con
cerning the French in America during the Eevolutionar}' war,
by Thomas Balch, in vol. 2 of bis AVork. And the same prac
tice obtains to this day in England whicb was also imder tbe
operation of the feudal system. To refer to a nobleman by his
title is the highest compliment that can be given bim. John
Churchill after the Battle of Blenheim, was enobled and given
the title of Duke of Alarlborougb. Arthur AVellesley, after
his victory' at Waterloo, was given the title of Duke of Wel
lington, and George X. Curzon on his appointment as Vice
roy of India, Avas given the title of Lord Kedleston, and by
their titles are ahvays addressed and referred to. This cus
tom is referred to by Sir AValter Scott in his AA^averly novel of
"The Antiquary." And such was the case Avith De A^incenne.
That his family name was Francois Morganne is stated by Ed
mond Alallet of the Carroll Institute of AA'ashington City,
Avho bas made a special study of French Canadian families.
and is the best authority on that subject. Also by Bishops
Brute and Bishop Hailandiere. PIERRE GIBAULT.
He Avas born at Alontreal, Canada, April 7th, 1737. He was
specially educated with reference to missionary work among
the Indians of the Northwest. He Avas ordained priest at
C^uebec, Alarch 19tb, 1768. Immediately after he was ap
pointed Vicar General of the Archbishop of C^ucbec for the
Illinois countrv'. Fie set out for tbe field of his life work and
spent the remainder of his days in missionary labors among
the Indians and French settlers in the Northwest. He ar
rived at Kaskaskia on the 8th of September, 1768, and on that
day his first official entrv in the Church of the Immaculati'

I iisTiNoeisrrED Personnel. ]7:i
Conception is made. He loutid church matters in great con
fusion, but by his eiierg\' and zeal itt all the French settle
ments on the Alississippi, he lirought order out of confusion.
In the spring of ll'^O. he came lo A'mcennes, and with slight
interruptions remained here as thc pastor of the churdi until
17.S9. He Avas unquestionabh' thc ablest man in the Xorth
Avest at that time. He had great influence oA'cr all the Fi-encb
inhabitants in the XortltAvest. lie Avas here as parish priest in
17;.'^. Avhen he heard of the American Eevolution, and A\ith
the instincts of all Frcm-ltnten, lie es[iouscd the cause of the

Pierre Gibault.

Ameticati colonies. He called a ptililtc meetiir,g to take place
in thc old fort here AA'hich Avas then unoccupied. He addresseil
the meeting and explained to them the nature of the sii-ttgglo
and their duty as Frenchmen and lovers of their iiattA'c land,
so as to indttec theirr to tinile Avitlt the strn,2gltng colonies, and
he adniinislered to them thi.' oath of allegiance to the Anieri-
caii cause. The symbol of the Eevolution, a red
and ,urcen flag. Avas then hoisted over tlte old
fort. This Avas in ll^'^. AVhen news of this reached
the (^anadian authorities, (-io\'. Henry Hamilton av;is

174 A History of Vincennes
sent here with an armed forcc to counteract the movement.
He came and retook the fort and arrested Father Gibault and
held him a prisoner for some time. He finally agTeed to re
lease him if hc aa'ouM leave the jilace. To this Father Gibault
agreed and he returned to Kaskaskia. This expulsion was a
providential happening and placed him in a position Avhere
his influence was equally great and Avhere be could render
Gen. Clark substantial aid Avlien he arrived Avith his small- and
tired army July 4th, 1778. It AA'as certainly through the in
fluence of this influential and magnetic man that the gates of
that fortified place AA'ere opened to receive bim without firing
a gun or losing a man. Tho same influence induced all the
French settlements on the Alississippi to do the same thing.
It Avas unquestionably Father Gibault that suggested and
planned the expedition to capture the old fort here. This was
not in the line of Gen. Clark's instructions and had never been
mentioned by him oi' any of his command until after tbe
bloodless capture of Kaskaskia. It Avas certainly his influence
that furnished Gen. Clark Avith t'\vo companies of Frenchmen
from Kaskaskia to aid him in his capture of the fort here. It
is AA'ell known that Father Gibault addressed the troops on
their departure from Kaskask'ia for the AA'abash and gave
them his blessing. He induced his friend and parishioner,
Francis A^go, an Indian trader, at the present site of St.
Louis, to furnish means to aid the expedition. He also fur
nished guides to conduct the force over the overfloAA'ed and icy
Avilderness to this place. Gen. Clark Avith his small and Avorii
out force arrived here on February 24, 1779, and on the next
day comirelled Gov. Hamilton to sttn-cnder the foi-t. for Avant
of munitions of Avar and necessary supplies. The flag of A'ir
ginia. perhaps, AA'as raised OA'cr the old fort here and the Eng
lish dominion Avas at an end forever.
Father Gibault died at Xcav Aladrid, Alissouri, in 1804, and
his body AA'as sent to Canada, and this grand historical char-

Distinguisiieii Pkusonnei.. 17.')
acter aaIio did so much for ciA'ilization and religion in the
Xorthwest. sleep-; his last sl >eii In a lonely and nnmarkeil
grave. GEN. GKORiiK ROGKKS ('L-ARIv.
tie Avas a (h-secndant of a A'irginia family, settled in All 1-
marle and C'aroliiie counties. Fle Avas eomttirssioticd by Pat-
I'iek Henry, (ioveriior of A'irginia, to organize a niilitar\'
force and jiroceed to cai>ture the English fort at Kaskaskia.
He undertook lite task but failed to si'ather the force or iiittni-

Gen. George Rogers Clark.
tions of v.'ar antliorizod li}" his eoinniission. He onlv siic^ceeded
by Itis i'i\vu ar^cottnt in raising 15(1 men and Avitli this force he
started front the Falls ofthe Ohio EiNer at Louisville, in open
lioats. on June 2S. IWs. and after a tedious voyage of five-
da}"s doAvn the Ohio I\i\'er, he kd't his boats a fcAV miles lieloAv
the nrotith of the 'tennessee Eiver and jiroceoded by land
Avithout a road and lltroit,gh a desert country to Kaskaskia.
He arrived there on the o]iposite bank ol the Kaskaskia Eiver

176 A History' op Vincennes.
on July 3d, 1778. The next day he crossed the river and ob
tained possession of Kaskaskia without firing a gun or losing
a man. The same thing be accomplished in the same blood
less manner in all the F'rench settlements of the Alississippi
Eiver. He tben formed an expedition to capture the old fort here,
the real key to the possession of the XortliAvest. AA'^ith a force
augmented by two companies furnished him at Kaskaskia, be
started February 5, 17 79, on his campaign against the Eng
lish fore here. He arrived here after many hardships incident
to the overfioAA'ed condition of the country on the 24tb of Feb
ruary, 1779, and on the next day compelled Gov. Hamilton,
the English commander, to surrender thc fort and hoisted tbe
flag of Virginia over it. This result Avas also accomplished
Avithout the loss of a single man. Tbe English lost the entire
Xorthwest territory out of Avhich the five great and populous
states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Alichigan and Wisconsin
have been formed.
Gen. Clark for this service Avas granted a large tract of land
in Clark county, Indiana, Avhich Avas divided among tbe troops
of his command. He died at a plantation called "Locust
Grove" near LouisA'ille, Kentucky, on the 12th of February,
1818. FRANCIS A'IGO.
He Avas a iiatiA'e of Alondovi in the Kingdom of Sardinia,
born about the year 1747. He left his native place and Avent
to Spain and enlisted as a Spanish soldier. AA'ith his cora
pany he eame to Xcav Orleans. He soon left the military
sei-Aice and AA'ent up the AIississip[)i Eiver and located at an
Indian village on the high lands on the site of the present
City of St Louis. He began to trade Avith the Indians and
although be Avas illiterate, Avas a successful trader. He be
came possessed of a large estate for that early day. He was at
that Indian village on the Alississippi Uiver AA-hen Gen. Clark

DlSTlNGlISHEl) Pkrsonnei,. 177
arrived at Kaskaskia. and Avithout (Irlliettlt}', obtained jios-
sessii.m of that I'rench village. After Oen. Clark had obtained
possession of Kaskaskia and the other French villages on thc
Alississi]ipi River, it Avas determined to undertake an exjiedi-
tion from Kaskaskia to capture the old lorl on the AA'aliash at
A'incennes. AA'hen that expedition Avas planned. Col. A'igo
Avas induced to furnish aid attd means lo carry it on. It is
-afc to claim that the influence that operated on (-'ol. A'igo
was Father Pierre Giliault. (-leu. ('lark Avas not knOAvn to
Col. A'igo. He Avas. lioAvever, a nicnilicf of Father Gibault's

Francis A/igo.

eongrcgatiott and he had great inllnenee over him. Father
CJibault at the request of Col. A'igo, had creeled the first C.lalh-
ollc church in thc Indian village Avhere Col. A^igo resided.
HoAvever this niaA' lie, it is certain that C-'ol. A'igo furnished
money and support, if Congress appropriations are lo be lie-
lieved, to aid thc expedition. Aftcr (ien. (?lafk captured thc
fort here, Col. A'igo came to A'incennes and located and con
tinued to reside here until his death in IS:!!;.
He Avas induced to corae and locate heri-' in consequem^e of
Ihe land grants of Congress to the French, and he began to
trade Avitlt the Indians and the French inhaliitants who had

178 A History op \'incennes.
been granted lands by Congress. He Avas again successful
and by the time tbe United Stales Commissioners came here
to adjust French land grants in 1804, he had become the
largest land proprittor here. Hc was successful Avlien trading
Avitli the red savage or the ignorant Frenchman, but when he
came in contact with tbe educated class that came here, AA'hen
the territory Avas organized, this vast estate disappeared as the
morning mist is dissipated by the rising sun and he died in
1836, an object of charity.
AA'hen Col. A^igo carae here be A\'as unmarried, liut be mar
ried a Aliss Shannon. She lived but a short time after the
marriage and bore him no children. At his death he left no
heirs of his body and no known blood kindred. The only re
latives he left Avere by affinity Avith his Avife.
AA'hen he came and long before, he Avas a devout Catholic.
It Avas through his exertions that many priests Avere sent here
liy Bishop John Carroll of Baltimore, before and after 1796.
He was a very zealous Catholic in all church functions and his
name appears on the church register as godfather at many
baptisms and as AA'itness to many marriages. This continued
tmtil he became too old to attend to such church matters.
AA-hen the church here Avas incorporated in 1807, he Avas
elected one of the trustees and so continued until 1822 and
attended all meetings of the trustees. Yet his body after his
death Avas buried in a Protestant cemeterv.
He was poor and Avanting the necessaries of life at the time
of bis death. AA'hen the branch of the State Bank of Indiana
Avas organized here in 1834, thc first five dollar bill issued by
the branch was made payable to Col. A'igo. He AA'ould not use
this raoney although in distress, but depositel the bill in the
archives of the A'incennes Historical aud .Antiquarian Society
as a relic. It remained there for many A'ears after tbe death
of Col. A'igo. It Avas abstracted from the archives of that
society by one Jolm Decker, and put in circulation. Efforts

Distinguished Personnel. 179
Avere made to secure its return, but Avitli Avliat success is not
knoAvn. Col. A^igo bad a claim before Congress for rerauneration on
account of the advances he had furnished Gen. Clark. It Avas
never paid until forty years after his death. At the time of
payment by Congress he had no blood relations to become ben
eficiaries of tbe appropriation. He had employed John La.Av,
Abner T. Ellis and Luther H. Eeed as attorneys to prosecute
this claim, avIio Avere to receive their compensation out of any
funds Congress might appropriate.
In relation to this claim be frequently stated that the gov
ernment Avas sloAv in alloAving it and that be bad becorae too
old for it to be of any use to him, and that if ever paid, tbe
Catholic church should have it. He made this statement to
Bishop Brute AA'hen on his death bed at the house of Betsy La
Plante. But the claim AA'as not paid until forty years after
his death and the church got nothing out of the appropriation
made by Con,n-rcss. In 1834 he executed what purported to be
his last Avill. But this document on account of remarkable
provisions in it, Avas thought by his friends to have been exe
cuted AA'hen be Avas "non compos." AA-hen Air. English AA'as
here looking up data for his history, be requested tbe author
to accorapan}' him to the Catholic cemetcr}' and shoAv bim the
grave of Col. A'igo. AA'hen informed Col. A^igo Avas not buried
in the Catholic but in the Protestant cemetery, he expressed
surprise. He Avas accompanied to the Protestant cemetery and
his neglected grave hunted up and after cutting aAvay the
briers and scraping aAA'ay the moss on the plain slab lying on
his grave, we found the date of bis death erroneously given.
This fact satisfied us that the plain slab had been placed there
by 'some good Samaritan not acquainted with the facts
connected with his death. In tbe remarkable Atill exe
cuted during bis declinging ycars it is provided that after
paAing the laAvycrs fees the balance of any money appro-

ISO A History of A'incennes.
priated by Congress on his claims, should be used in
buying a small bell for the Court House of A'igo County,
Indiana, wbich was named in his honor, and the
entire balance sbould be paid to Francis AIcKee and
Archibald McKee. The avIU appointed Albert BadoUet,
George AA'. EAving and Archibald AIcKee, one of his devisees,
his executors. Alessrs. BadoUet and Ewing never qualified,
but AIcKee did, and took upon himself the sole execution of
the trust. The will also contained the provis'ion that after
death his body should be disposed of in any manner his exec
utors might see proper. This clause particularly caused re
marks and his friends clou It ted bis sanity at the time of its
execution. He died at the house of Betsy LaPlante, who lived
in a rented frame house on the soutliAvest side of Alain street
inidAvay betAA'een Fourth aud Fifth streets. She was a poor
French Avoman and attended him in his last sickness and until
his death, March 33, 1836, and never received any compensa
tion for her services. Andrew Gardner Avas the undertaker
AA'ho buried his remains and for bis services charged the rea
sonable and modest sum of tAventy dollars. But this small
charge Avas not paid until forty years after his death and is
one of the few debts against bis estate that Avere ever paid.
His executor and devisee never filed any inventory of bis es
tate or raade any final report of the amount Congress alloAved
on the claim or the manner it was disbursed, and did not pay
the costs of the administration or the printing of the funeral
tickets. Senator A''oorhees stated the original claim of Col.
A^igo for supplies furnished Gen. Clark AA'as $8,016. But
this claim Avas not alloAved until 1875 wben it Avas allowed
AA'itit the addition of $41,382.60 for interest. This large sum
Avas allowed forty years after the death of Col. A'igo, Avho had
no blood relations to be benefited, and it all AA'ent to persons
Avho bad not ministered to bim in his hour of distress.

Distinguished Personnel. 181
He was buried in tbe Protestant cemetcr}- on the 22d of
Alarcb, 1836, Avith the honors of Avar.
GENERAL W. JOHNSON.
He AA'as a native of Culpepper, County of Virginia. He
came to A^incennes and permanently located in 1783. He Avas
a prominent member of the bar and was the first attorney ad
mitted to practice in the courts bere. He filled many offices
of trust under tbe borough organization and also under the
territorial government. He was twice elected to the bench
as President Judge of tbe Knox Circuit Court. Fle Avas fre
quently elected to represent tbe county in the legislature. He
Avas an enthusiastic Alason. He compiled tbe first code of
laAA's of tbe Indiana Territory. He resided on the Avest corner
of First and Hart streets in a bouse that was torn doAvn the
present year. He died (Dctober 26 lb, 1833, and Avas buried
with Alasonic honors. GENERAL HYACINTHE LASSELLE.
He Avas a Frenchman by birth and came to the AA'abash
country from Canada in 1797. He remained bere in business
until 1833, Avhen.be remoA'ed to Logansport, Indiana. He
was a practical Catholic and Avas one of the tiustees of the
church as long as he resided here. He Avas in the military
service of tbe gOA'ernment Avben Zachary Taylor was com
mandant of Fort Knox. AVhen Col. Taylor was promoted for
his gallant defense of Fort Harrison in 1813, Gen. Lasselle
was promoted and succeeded him as commandant of Fort
Knox. Hc erected a very large frame hotel on tbe Avest corner
of Second and Perry streets, Avbich AA'as the principal hotel
of tbe town as long as he remained here. It Avas destroyed by
fire in 1871. Gen. Las.selle Avas one of tbe most active and
influential citizens of tbe place and bis removal to Logansport
Avas generally regretted.

182

A History op A'incennks,
AVlt^LtAM HENRY HARRISON,

lie Avas born at iiurkcley. A'irginia, on tlte banks of the
.lames litA'cr. He descended from a revoltttionar}' ancestry.
His father, Benjamin Harrison, Avas one of the signers of the
Dc'claration of Independence. He Avas editeatt'd in A'irginia,

Gen. Harrison.
anil imlitbed tlie principles ol Ihe gri'af men of that state. He
lielon,ued to a Avealthy family Avho had ,u'reat inlliicnce in the
state and nation, and enabled bim to obtain honoralile and
remunerative employinenl. lie Avas a[ipointcd tlte tii'st Oov-
eriior ol Indiana Tei'ritoi'A and came to tins place in ISdL

Distinguished Personnel. 183
AA'hen he came he found Vincennes in reality a French vil
lage, as there Avere but few persons in the place who spoke or
understood an}' language except the French. AVhen be came
there Avas not a brick house in the place. He erected in 1804,
on his plantation called "Grouseland," adjoining the village,
a fine brick mansion AA'hich yet stands and will bear contrast
Avith any brick structure in the city. He Avas tbe patron of
learning ancl education and Avas instrumental in founding the
Vincennes Librar}' and' the Vincennes University. He com
manded tbe troops in tbe bloody battle of Tippecanoe, fought
Avith tbe Indians in Xovember, 1811. He was the candidate
of the AVhig party in tbe memorable political contest of 1840,
Avlien he Avas elected tbe ninth President of the United States
over Alartin Van Buren, by a large majority of the electoral
vote. He was inaugurated President on the 4tb of Alarch,
1841, and one month after on April 4th, 1841, he died in tbe
presidential mansion at AA^ashington City. His remains were
brought to Ohio ancl buried on his homestead estate at North
Bend on the Ohio .Eiver, a few niiles below Cincinnati. Gen.
Harrison had represented Ohio in tbe Senate of tbe United
States before he was elected President. He left Vincennes
tbe latter part of October, 1811, on bis way to fight the battle
of Tippecanoe, ancl never returned here to reside. He was
soon after the battle of Tippecanoe appointed a major-general
in the United States army and was engaged in military oper
ations in the North and fought the battle of the Thames in
AA'hich Tecumseh, the celebrated Indian chief, was killed.
Although he never returned to this place to reside, he was beld
in high esteem by tbe citizens. In tbe presidential election of
1840, on account of bis personal popularity, be received a
large vote in this city and county. He visited Vincennes in
1835, and was at tbe house of Elihu Stout, where the writer
saw him frequently.
(13 1

184 A History op Vincennes.
GENERAL JOHN GIBSON.
He Avas born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in Alay,
1740. He was appointed the first Secretary of tbe Indiana
Territory and came here Avith Gen. Harrison in 1801. He re
mained bere until April, 1814, Avhen as acting Governor of
the Territory, he removed with the capital to Corydon. He
Avas an honest man and capable official. During his long offi
cial life he was always above temptation or suspicion, and left
an off.cial record without a blemish. He bad Avent through
severe and trying service in various Indian wars before he
came here. He was tbe interpreter to whom Logan, the cele
brated Alingo chief, delivered tbe speech AA'hich has been im
mortalized by Jefferson in his notes on Virginia. He died at
"Braddocks Fields" near the City of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
at tbe residence of George Wallace, his son-in-law, on April
1 9tb, 1822, in tbe 82d year of his age.
JOHN BADOLLET.
He was bom in the City of Geneva, Switzerland, in the
vear 1758. He was tbe son of a Lutheran minister. A strono'
friendship and attachment sprung up between hira a,nd Albert
Gallatin. They came to the United States together and ar
rived here about 1776. He first settled in Pennsylvania and
during his residence there was entrusted with various state
offices. Through tbe influence of his friend Albert Gallatin,
he was appointed tbe first Eegistrar of the LTnited States land
office at this place, and came and permanently located bere
and remained until his death. He discharged the complicated
duties of the Registrar's office Avith such exactness that no er
rors have been detected in his work. He continued as Eegis
trar of the land office until 1S36, Avben be resigned and his
son, Albert BadoUet, was appointed in his place. Fle was one
of the commissioners appointed by the United States to adjust
land grants in the A^incennes District. He AA'as elected a mem-

Distinguished Personnel. 185
ber of the convention that framed the first Constitution of
Indiana in 1816. Fle served on many important committees
in that convention and Avas an influential and useful meraber.
He died universally regretted, July 39, 1837.
NATHANIEL EWING.
He Avas appointed the flrst Eeceiver of Public Monies of
the land office here. He came here to discbarge tbe duties of
that office and remained bere untilbis death. He was one of
the United States Commissioners to adjust land titles in the
A'incennes District. He was one of tbe many able men who
came bere during territorial days. He was full of resources
and was always ready to encourage any enterprise calculated
to beneflt tbe place. He died August 6, 1846, at his county
seat four miles east of A^incennes. His remains were brought
to this city and buried in tbe public cemetery and a flne mon-
lunent erected over his grave. He left six children, three
sons and three daughters. Caroline married Dr. George W.
Alears, of Indianapolis; Harriet married James Farrington,
of Terre Haute ; and Sarah married John Law. George W.
Ewing was elected Probate Judge and acquired tbe title of
the "Orphans' Friend." AVilliam L. Ewing went to St. Louis
and engaged in banking and accumulated a large fortune.
James Ewing remained here and was a successful business
man. ZACHARY .TAYLOR.
He was a Virginian bv' birth and was a descendant of Eev
olutionary ancestors. He eame to Vincennes a stranger to
fortune and fame, as a United States military officer, to take
command of Fort Knox. He began bis military career here
and gained his flrst distinction by his gallant defense of
Fort Harrison in 1811, whicb brilliant achievement, se-
(itred bis promotion. He resided in Vincennes with bis fam-
il}' and bere his daughter, Jessie Taylor, Avho afterwards mar-

LSH

A History op X'incennes.

ried .lett'erson Davis in a runaway nutlch, Avas liorn. He left
here Avith his familv after 1S12 and was stationed at Baton
riou.ti'e. Louisiana, in command of the Department of the
Gulf. He was in command here at the breaking out of the
Alc'.xican Avar and commanded the armv at the storming of

Zachary Taylor.
Alataiiioras and tlte battles of Saltillo and Buena A'ista. He
Avas elected the lAVclfth President of tho L'nited States in
]S4s. and Avas inau,guratcd Alarch 4, 1S49. He died in the
executive mansion at AA'ashingtoti (^'ity during his tcritt, on
July 4th, 1S50. GEORGE ROGKRS CLARK St'LLIYAN,
He Avas born on the fanit of his lather. General Henry
Snllivan, near Louisville, Kentucky. He studied hnv and Avas
ailmittcd to practii-e. Hc \Aas a lirotber-in-law of Elihu
Stout, and came here and jiracticed his profession for many
}'ear's. Hc Avas honored Avliile here Avith many marks of popu
lar favor. He Avas often elected lo office under the old
bor(iii,gh and Avas one of tlte first postmasters of A'incennes.
He A\'as several limes elected a member ol thc lA^gislalure and
also I'roseeiitin,^ .Altoriuv. He Avas very sttcci'sslul in his
practice and had the rejuitation of liein,i;' one of the most lio-
i|nent men al the bar ol his time. He Avas cm]ilo}-cd in the

Distinguished Personnel. 187
defense in grave criminal cases at home and abroad. In one
of such cases he received as a fee tbe portrait of his namesake,
George Eogers Clark. This was one of the only two that were
ever painted from life. He brought it to Vincennes and it is
now preserved in the A'incennes University. He married
Helen A^anderburg, one of tbe daughters of Judge Vander-
burg, and raised a large family of children. He removed from
here and Avent to Quincy, Illinois, where be died. Many of
his descendants iioav reside there and occupy prominent places
in society. ALEXANDER BUCKNER.
He was born in Kentucky and Avas a member of the cele
brated Buckner family of that state. He studied laAV and
Avas admitted to the bar. He came here to practice law. Wben
tbe capital was removed to Corydon, he left and located at
Charlestown, Indiana. He continued to practice law there.
AA'hen tbe Grand Lodge of Masons was organized he was
elected the first Grand Master. He removed to Missouri and
Avhen that state was admitted into the Union, he was elected
one of its Senators in the United States Senate. He died in
the prime of life of tbe cholera in 1833, and was buried at
night by negro servants in a lonely grave whicb remained un
marked until a few years ago. Tbe Grand Lodge of Alasons
of Indiana in 1897, took action in tbe matter and appointed
a committee to go and seek out his lonely grave and erect over
bis remains a suitable monument. This committee of whicb
Alason J. Xiblack of this city, was chairman, went in the dis
charge of their duty and found bis lonely grave and trans
ferred his remains to St. Gerard cemetery on tbe Mississippi
River and erected over this new made grave a suitable mon
ument properly inscribed to mark his final resting place. This
action of the Masonic Grand Lodge was creditable to the order
and negatives tbe oft repeated saying "Out of sight out of
mind."

188 A History of Vincennes.
BENJAMIN PARKE.
He AA'as born in New Jersey, September 29, 1777, and re
moved to this place in 1801. He filled many offices under the
territorial government. He was elected a delegate to Congress
from the Territory. He resided here in tbe bouse on the cor
ner of First and Hart streets, wbich was known as "Park
Place." On the organization of the state government he was
appointed the first Federal Judge for the District of Indiana.
On receiving this appointment in order to be nearer Corydon,
the capital of the state, he remoA'ed to Salem, where be con
tinued to reside until his death August 13, 1835. He was still
the District Judge of Indiana at the time of bis death.
IIOSES TABBS.
He Avas born in Maryland and was an accoraplished scholar
and lawyer, and very eloquent. He married into tbe family
of Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. He came to Vincennes with bis family when
the state government was organized and was admitted to the
bar bere in 1818, and commenced the practice of law bere.
He soon rose to the front rank of his profession. A brilliant
career was opening before bim wben a false report connected
him with the wife of Cleves Harrison. She AA'as a pure and
cultured woman and the daughter and only child of Gen.
Pike. Although tbe rumor had no foundation and Avas dis
credited by the people generally, and thought to have been
originated by jealous rivals, it so operated upon bis pure and
sensitive nature as to induce hint to terminate his connection
Avith the place and return to bis native state.
ISAAC BLACKFORD.
He Avas a native of Xcav Jersey and a graduate of Prince
ton College. He commenced the practice of law here and
became a popular favorite. He Avas elected a member of the

Distinguished Personnel. 189
Legislature and Avas made Speaker of the House. Fle was
the first President Judge of the Knox Circuit Court. He
Avas appointed September 10, 1817, one of tbe Judges of tbe
Supreme Court of Indiana, to fill a vacancy caused by the
death of John Johnson. Fle remained continuously on the
bench of the Supreme Court until January 3d, 1853. He
Avas afterAvards appointed one of tbe Judges of tbe United
States Court of Claims at Washington City. He was not a
spealvcr of any force and made few speeches, but was re
garded as a well read laAvyer and safe counsellor. He will be
remembered in Indiana on account of the many able decisions
be rendered while on the Supreme Bench and for the eight
volumes of the decisions of that court which bear his name.
He married a Miss Johnson of this county, but their marriage
relations were not pleasant and they separated many years
before his death ancl never lived together after the separa
tion. He had one son, George Blackford, by his marriage
Avith Miss Johnson, who Avas finely educated by his father
and gave indications of becoming a worthy successor of his
father but died before reaching manhood. Judge Blackford
at the time of his death was very wealthy and owned rauch
valuable real estate in the business center of Indianapolis.
JACOB CALL
This learned raan and able lawyer came to Vincennes soon
after the organization of the state government. He was
elected President Judge of tbe Knox Circuit Court and dur
ing bis term presided during tbe trial of Thomas McKinney
for the murder of Jaines Boyd, and during the trial of Will
iam Cox, a colored man, for committing a rape on a Miss
Smith. Both were convicted of tbe charges against them and
Avere sentenced to be hung and were accordingly executed,
AIcKinney on the 22d of October, 1822, and Cox on April 9,
1824. These were the only persons ever executed in Knox

190 A HiSTORA' op A'incennes.
county in accordance with the sentence of a court until the
execution of Syhester Grubb in April, 1889. Judge Call
was elected to Congress frora this district over Thoraas H.
Blake in 1824. He Avas never married, but at the time of his
death, was engaged to Aliss Ellen Egan, a lady residing in
Lexington, Kentucky. He Avent there for the purpose of
being married in 1825. He died veiy suddenly before the
ceremony was performed and it Avas generally supposed he
committed suicide. WALLER TAYLOR.
He was a natiA'e of Lunenberg County, A^irginia. He
studied laAV and came bere in territorial days to practice bis
profession. He rose rapidly in public estimation and was
elected Judge of the COmraon Pleas Court. AVTieii the state
Avas admitted into the LTnion in 1816, be was elected one of
the United States Senators as the colleague of Jaines Xoble.
He took his seat in the Senate of tbe United States, Decem
ber 13th, 1816, and drcAV tbe terra expiring Alarcb 4th, 1819.
He was the first and only United States Senator elected who
resided bere when elected. He died at his mother's house in
Lunenberg County, Virginia, August 36, 1826.
THOMAS RANDOLPH.
He was a native of A'irginia and a blood relation of the
celebrated John Eandolph of Eoanoke, ancl also of Thomas
Jefferson, tbe author of the Declaration of Independence. He
Avas a laAA'yer of superior ability, a fine scholar and forcible
speaker. He Avas the United States Attorney for the District
of Indiana. In 1809 he Avas a candidate for delegate in Con
gress against Jonathan Jennings. Being a A''irginian by
birth and an intimate friend of Gov. Harrison, Avho Avas
knoAvn to be favorable to the suspension of the operation of
the ordinance of 1787, forbidding slavery for a term of
years, be AA'as charged 1)A' the friends of Air. Jennings to be

Distinguished Personnel. 191
secretly in favor of slavery. Air. Eandolph denied this charge
and challenged Dr. AlcXamee, an ardent supporter of Jen
nings, Avhd circulated tbe charge, to fight a duel. But Alc
Xamee refused to accept the chaUenge. A paper was started
bere to oppose Randolph and assist in the election of Jen
nings. Tbe contest Avas very bitter and resulted in the defeat
of Air. Randolph by a majority of 43 votes.
EDAVARD A. HANNEGAN.
He was born in the State of Ohio. In early life he removed
to Lexington, Kentucky. He studied law and came bere and
commenced bis brilliant career. He was married bere by
Rev. Samuel R. Alexander, on April 4th, 1829, to Miss Mar
garet C. Duncan. After practicing his profession here for
several }'ears he reraoved to Covington, Indiana. He was
elected to the 23d and 24tb Congresses from bis district. In
1843 he was elected to tbe Senate of the United States to
succeed Oliver H. Smith, and served one full term of six years
in that body. Fle was regarded as tbe most eloquent member of
tbe Senate during his service. He delivered an extempore
eulogy on tbe death of Henry Clay, the "Great Commoner,"
wbich was regarded by the country as a master performance.
During the presidential election of 1844, tbe Democratic
party declared in faA'or of fixing tbe Oregon boundary Une at
54 degrees, 40 minutes or fight. But after the election
Air. Polk yielded to the demands of Great Britain and the
boundary line was fixed at 49 degrees. For this concession
Mr. Hannegan denounced the President in a speech of great
power on the floor of the Senate in the course of Avbich he
used tbe memorable expression, "by this act of perfldy the
President has sunk himself so low in popular estiination that
the band of resurrection would never reach him." After the
close of his senatorial career be left the state and located at
St. Louis to practice bis profession. But soon after be died

192

A History' of Vinc-ennes.

of a broken heart occasioned b}' the homicide of his friend
and brothcr-in-laAv, under an insane impulse.
SAMUEL Jl'DAH.
Fle Avas born in the City of Xcav York in V]dS. He came
to Indiana and first located at Alcrom m Sullivan County.
But he soon came here and located and remained here until
his death. He Avas regarded as one of the ablest laAvyers in
tlte state. His reputation Avas not confined to the limits of
the state. Fle AA-as frequently employed in important cases in

Samuel Judah.
other states. In the court here he Avas employed on one side
of ever}' important case that came before the court for trial.
He Avas tlte chief counsel employed liy the A'incennes Uni
versity in thc long and tedious litigation springing from the
unjust attempt of thc Indiana Legislature to deprive the A'in
cennes University of the grant of lands made to it by Con-
.gress. AAiien the case Avas in thc slate courts. Air. Judah
Avas liefore an unfriendly tribunal and the decisions Avere
alAva}'s against him. But not discouraged bv tlte adverse de
cisions of thc state court, ho pcrscA'cred and appealed to the
Suiiretne Court of the United States, and Avas there success-

Distinguished Personnel. 193
ful and finally prevented the state from diverting the land
grants for tbe benefit of the Indiana University. Air. Judah
married Harriet Brandon, a daughter of Alexander Brandon,
and three sons and three daughters were the fruit of this
marriage. Of the daughters, Airs. Alice Clark alone survives.
The three sons are living. John M. Judah is a leading at
torney of Indianapolis. Xoble Judah occupies a prominent
position at the bar and in political circles in Chicago. Sam
uel B. Judah resides in Vincennes and is the Deputy Revenue
Collector of this district and collects monthly about a quarter
million dollars of internal revenue. Air. Judah died at Vin
cennes, April 24, 1869, and was buried in the city cemetery.
ABNER T. ELLIS.
He was bom in Xew England. He came bere and com
menced the practice of law. He secured a large and lucrative
practice and accumulated a large estate. He was for many
years President of tbe Board of Trustees of the Borough of
Vincennes. He was an active promoter in organizing the
AA'abash Xavigation Company and in building the lock and
dam at the grand rapids of the AA'abash River. He was one
of the persons who advocated the building of tbe Ohio and
Alississippi Railroad connecting the Ohio and Mississppi
Rivers by a railroad extending from Cincinnati, Ohio,
through Vincennes to St. Louis. He was instrumental in
procuring a charter from tbe States of Ohio, Indiana and
Illinois, to authorize the building of the road. He Avas
elected tbe first president of the corporation formed to build
it and was re-elected several times. The road was finally
biult and in great part through bis active support. He was
elected Probate Judge of Knox County and also a State Sen
ator from Knox County. After an active life and tbe ac
cumulation of a large estate, be died in this city in October,
1864, in embarrassed circumstances.

194 A History op A'incennes.
JONATHAN DOTY.
He Avas born in Somerville, Xew Jersc}', and Avas a gradu
ate of Princeton College. He came to A'incennes wben a very
young man but must have bad winning and attractive man
ners as be was elected soon after, and became President Judge
of tiie Knox Circuit Court. But he did not hold the position
A'ery long as he died during his term, February 22, 1822.
WILLIAM PRINCE.
He came to A'incennes during territorial days and com
menced his active business life here. He Avas a lawyer by
profession. He Avas elected President Judge of the Knox
Circuit Court in 1817. He Avas a young man when be came
here and married Theresa Ptmyea, a daughter of one of tlie
old resident French families of Vincennes. Tbe family re
sided on the corner of Alain and Sixth streets, where tbe
Presbyterian parsonage noAV stands. The father and mother
of his Avife lived to an advanced age, being over ninety' years
old at death. Judge Prince was elected to Congress from
this district in 1824, but died during his terra of office. AA^ien
Gibson County was organized in 1813, Judge Prince reraoved
there with bis family and "Princeton," tbe county seat was
named in his honor. He left surviving him, two daughters,
one of whom inarried Sarauel Hall, once Lieutenant-Gover
nor of Indiana, and afterwards President of tbe Evansville
and Terre Haute Railroad. Many of his descendants are
now living in Princeton. He died in 1824.
RT. REV. SIMON AVILLIAM GABRIEL BRUTE.
He was the first Eoraan Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of
A''incennes. He Avas born in Eennes, France, Alarcb 20, 1779,
of noble parentage. He was finely educated and prepared for
a medical profession and a bright field in his native country
Avas open before hira. But he turned his back upon it and

Distinguished Personnel. 195
determined to enter the ministry and fill up tbe ranks de
pleted by the fur}' of tbe French Eevolution. He arrived at
Baltimore, Aid., August 10, 1809. He was first engaged in
teaching in a seminary in Baltimore, but was soon transferred
to Alt. St. Alary 's College at Emmitsburg. He built up this
college and made it one of the principal seats of learning in
this country, a reputation it still enjoys. While quietly em
ployed at this college be was, against his wishes, appointed the
first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Vincennes, tben
in an impoverished and unorganized condition. He was con
secrated by Bishop Flaget of Louisville, at St. Louis, ancl in
conipany with Bishops Flaget and Purcell, came here and
took possession of bis pauper diocese, saying his first mass in
tbe unplastered cathedral on November 5, 1834. He soon
gained tbe esteem of tbe people generally and by bis charita
ble and virtuous deportment, acquired tbe reputation of sanc
tity. He died on tbe 26th of June, 1839, and bis remains
are entombed in the basement chapel of tbe cathedral.
RT. REV. CELESTINE EENE LAURENT GUINEMERE DE LA HAILANDIERE.
He was the second Bishop of the CathoUc Diocese of Vin
cennes. Fle was bom in the Toaati of Comborg, France,
Alay 2, 1798. The French Eevolution was still desolating
France and the Eeign of Terror was exterminating tbe priest
hood. Being of noble birth and assured of an honorable
career in civil life, he determined to join the ministry and fill
up its thinned ranks. He was ordained priest at Paris on
May 28, 1825. Wben Bishop Brute was in France seeking
priests for his diocese, be met him and determined to accom
pany him to this country and aid bim in the work of build
ing up his diocese. He arrived at Vincennes in tbe fall of
1836. He was assigned to work as parish priest at Vin
cennes and continued to labor in that position until tbe
death of Bishop Brute. At that time he was in Prance solic-

196 A History of A'incennes.
iting funds for the diocese. He Avas appointed tbe second
bishop Avhile in France and Avas consecrated at tbe Chapel of
the Sacred Heart in Paris, by Bishop Janson, assisted by the
Bishops of A^ersailles and Beauvais. Soon after his conse
cration, he started for Vincennes and arrived here November
14, 1839. He had succeeded in collecting a large sum of
money in France which he used in finishing tbe cathedral.
He was a man of liberal ideas and good judgment and fore
sight and prudently purchased real estate in all parts of tbe
diocese, wbich was of great value to tbe church. He contin
ued to preside over the diocese until 1848, when he resigned
tbe see and returned to his ancestral home in France. Here
he lived in retirement on his estate at Triandin, France, until
he died on May 1, 1882. He never forgot the diocese of A'in
cennes and every year sent from bis private raeans considera
ble sums of money to aid the diocese. He always expressed
a wish to be buried in A''incennes. In accordance with this
desire, his nephew, Ernest Andr an, went to F'rance and pro
cured his remains, and brought them to A^incennes, and on
the 22d of November, 1882, they AA'ere entombed with appro
priate religious services in tbe basement chapel of the cathe
dral. RT. REV. JAMES M. MAURICE DE LONG DE ST. PALAIS.
He was tbe fourtb Bishop of A^incennes. He was born at
La Salvetat in the Diocese of Montpelier, in tiie south of
France, November 15, 1811. He was descended frora an
ancient and noble family. He could trace his ancestry back
through centuries. His family was wealthy. But he decided
on a ministerial course and for this purpose Avas educated at
the celebrated Seminary of St. Sulpice at Paris. He finished
his theological stiidies at this seminary and was ordained
priest by Bishop Brute when he was on a visit to France. He
determined to devote bis life to missionary Avork in the AA^est
He came to Vincennes and AVas assigned to duty in various

Distinguished Personnel. 197
parts of the diocese. He Avas for some time at Chicago, Avhen
it Avas a mere village. He was afterwards at Logansport and
other small missionary stations in tbe state, undergoing all
tbe hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in tbe
wilderness. He Avas on the death of Bishop Bazin, appointed
the fourtb Bishop of A'incennes on October 3, 1848. On tbe
14tb of January, 1849, be Avas consecrated Bishop in St.
Francis Xavier Cathedral by Bishop Miles of Nashville, and
Bishop Spaulding of IjOuisville. He immediately entered on
the discharge of bis duties. He soon gained the good will of
all AA'ith' whom he eame in contact, and of all denominations.
He was tbe most unassuming and approachable man that was
ever known in A'^in cennes. He seemed to be as innocent as a
child and always bad a pleasant word for any one he met.
He was connected with the Diocese of Vincennes for 41 years,
13 of whicb be spent as a missionary priest in a wild and
sparsely settled country, and 28 as head ol the diocese. He
died very suddenly at St. Alary's Academy near Terre Haute,
June 28, 1877, and his remains were entombed in the base
ment chapel of the cathedral. REV. SAMUEL T. SCOTT.
He was the pastor of tiie Presbyterian church of this place,
who died December 30, 1827. This good and exemplary pas
tor was virtually the builder and organizer of the Presby
terian church and congregation in Vincennes. By his pure
holy and exemplary Ufe he endeared himself to all classes of
people and his death was universally regretted. We extract
from the Western Sun of January 12, 1828, from an obituary
notice of this truly good and pious pastor:
"In the death of this worthy and pious man society is
bereaved of one of its most useful and amiable members.
Tbe general gloom spread oyer tbe country! tbe number
larger than we have ever witnessed bere on a similar occasion

198 A History op Vincennes.
AA'ho assembled to pay the deceased the last solemn tribute of
their respect ; the tears of affection and friendship shed upon
his grave are evidences strong and clear of the worth of our
departed friend." HENRY M. SHAAV.*
He Avas the pastor of tbe Episcopal church bere for many
years. In addition to his pastoral duties he conducted a
seminary for the education of young ladies. He Avas one of
the most eloquent men who ever liA'ed in A^incennes. On the
occasion of Lafayette's visit to this country in 1825, be was
selected by the citizens here to go to Louisville and deliver a
Avelcome address on the occasion of his visit to that city. He
AA'ent and delivered tbe address of welcome Avhich was pro
nounced by Lafayette and the many who heard it, to have
been the finest address delivered on such occasions, among
the many which had been delivered in different parts of tbe
country. He was elected to represent this district in the
Senate of Indiana. After a long and brilliant career here, he
determined to go to Texas and locate. He started with bis
family but died on the Avay and his family returned to this
place. MICHAEL EDGAR SHAAVE.
He Avas born in England in the village of Oscott. He re
ceived a fine education and was appointed a captain in the
British army. During bis military service the battle of
AA'aterloo Avas fought and bis regiment was in the thickest of
tbe battle. He received a severe wound and was carried from
the field and it Avas thought he could not recover. But his
mother hastened to his side and nursed hira througb a sick
ness of many months. After his recovery, he determined /to
abandon a military career and become a minister of the gospel.
He resigned his commission in the British army and went to
the Seminary of St. Sulpice hi Paris, to study for the minis
try. He finished his ecclesiastical studies bere. But before

Distinguished Personnel. 199
his ordination Avas found by Bishop Britte, then in France,
seeking priests for his diocese. He agreed to accompany hira
and came bere with bim and was ordained priest by tbe
bishop, Alarcb 12, 1837. He AA'as among the most gifted and
eloquent men who ever resided here. He immediately com
menced his career as a Catholic priest. He accompanied
the bishop on his visitation throughout the diocese,
preaching everywhere to large congragations. He was first
stationed at Aladison and by his exertions, built up St.
Alichael's church. He was afterwards appointed Professor
of Belles Lettres in Notre Dame University and continued bis
connection with that university for several years, and left
it in a flourishing condition. He was appointed pastor of
the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul at Detroit. His
brilliant career was unfortunately terminated by an accident
AA'hen on bis Avay to consecrate a church in tbe vicinity of
Detroit, AA'hich resulted in bis death, May 10, 1853. His re
mains were interred in the family lot of E. E. EUiott, a
banker of Detroit, who erected a fine monument over bis
graA'e, Avitli the coat of arms of his family inscribed upon it.
ELIHU STOUT.
He Avas born in Xewark, New Jersey, and learned the
printers trade. He came West and obtained employment on
the Kentucky Gazette, published at Lexington, Kentucky, by
the Bradfords. He remained with them several years. Aft
erwards be went to Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained em
ployment there. He there made tbe acquaintance of Andrew
Jackson and contracted a friendship which continued during
their lives. AA-hen tbe Indiana Territory was organized he
determined to come to Vincennes, the capital of the terri
tory, and start a ncAvspaper. He made all tbe necessary prep
arations to start bis paper, surmounting many difficulties. He
finally surmounted them all and issued tbe first number of
C14)

200

A History of Vincennes.

his paper, July 4, 1804. This office Avas destroyed by fire in
1806. But he iramediately AA'ent to Kentucky and purchased
another outfit. And on tbe 4th of July, 1807, he issued a
nuraber of his paper. This Avas the first paper published
AAithin the limits of Indiana, and the first paper published
anyAvhere in the Northwest Territory save tbe "Liberty HaU"
and "Cincinnati Gazette," published at Cincinnati, Ohio, a
few months previous. This paper thus founded has with
slight interruptions, a continued existance to the present time.

Eliliu stout.

It is now and has ahvays been Democratic in politics. In
1845, Air. Stout was appointed postmaster at Vincennes, and
severed bis connection with the press. At the expiration of
his term as postmaster, he Avas elected by the voters of Knox
County, Eecorder of Deeds for two terras, although the
county was strongly opposed to bim in politics at tbe time.
He Avas a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was
also a very enthusiastic Fh-ee Alason and Avas the first Alaster

DistinCtUished Personnel.

201

of the Lodge bere. After the organization of tbe Grand
Lodge of Indiana, be Avas elected Grand Alaster of that lodge.
He often requested during life to be buried by tbe Masonic
fraternity. .His death was ver}' sudden and hastened by the
troubles in the Democratic party in 1860, wbich be believed
Avould result in the dissolution of the Union or a long and
bloody Avar. He died in April, 1860, and according to bis
wishes Avas buried with Alasonic orders in the city cemetery.
JOHN F. BAYARD.
He Avas born in Grenoble, France, September 11, 1786. He
enlisted in tbe French army and became an officer in the
Grand Army of the Empire under Bonaparte. He partici-

Jolin F. Bayard.
pated in tbe various campaigns and battles in which the
Grand Army took part. He fortunately passed through the
ordeal unhurt. When the Emperor abdicated in 1815, he re
signed bis commission in the army and received an honorable
discharge. He then determined to leave France and come to
the United States. He applied for and received permission
from the authorities to emigrate. He came to this country

202 A History of A'incennes.
and settled for brief periods in different places. He finally
came to A''incennes about 1820, and permanently located. He
raarried here. Alary Ann Boneau in 1823, and becarae the
father of a large faraily, six daughters and three sons. The
children all inarried. Susan married AI. A. Pilard, Mary
Louise married Prosper Eluere, Adelia raarried Alarcelle D.
Lacroix, Eleanor P. married Charles A. Weisert, Mar}' Eliza
beth married Henry V. Somes and Margaret Clotilda mar
ried Henry S. Cauthorn. The three sons all become promi
nent and infiuentlal bank men. Sainuel was president of the
largest bank in Evansville at the time of bis death. John
Francis was a prominent bank man here until his death and
Joseph L. Bayard is now president of tbe First Xational
Bank of Vincennes, Indiana.
Air. John F. Bayard Avas a successful business man and left
a large estate. He was an exemplary and practical Catholic.
He died February 13, 1853, and Avas buried in tbe Catholic
cemetery. JOHN MOORE.
Judge Aloore, as he Avas familiarly called, Avas born in tbe
City of Staunton, A^irginia, in the year 1788. He came to
A'incennes at a very early age in time to enlist in the army
Avhich Gen. Harrison raised for tbe Tippecanoe Campaign in
1811, and went with that amiy and took part in that bloody
battle. He afterwards returned to this place and enlisted in
a company and performed valuable services in the Black
HaAvk war. After that Avar was over he comraenced here as
a builder and contractor of public and private buildings. He
built the Knox County Court House, the ToAvn Hall and' St.
Jaraes Episcopal church, and in fact, all the principal pub
lic and private buildings erected in the toAvn for thirty years.
He also during that time filled raany places of trust and profit
under the .Borough Government, and was Trustee, Alarshal and
President of the Board of Trustees of the Borough. He was

DisTiNoi- ISHED Personnel.

2ti3

elected Judge of the Knox County Probate Court and formany
years discharged the duties of that important position Avith
fidelity and general satisfaction. He Avas a careful and pru
dent financier and on account of his peculiar fitness for the
position, Avas appointed agent of the A'incennes Branch of the
State Bank of Indiana, Avhich responsible position be filled
and held Avith marked ability until the charter of the bank
expired. AAHien the city government Avas organized in 1856,
he Avas elected first Aiayor of the city and Avas re-elected to

John Moore.
the same position. The city Avas organized soon aftcr the
state law Avas passed proAiding for the organization of
cities. It AA'as one of the first cities organized under that laAv
and was without a code of ordinances for its govenmicnt. The
first City Council by resolution required the city attorney to
prepare and report a code of ordinances for its government.
The writer was at the time city attorney and Avas engaged for
a period of tAVO years in drafting and reporting such a code
as the ordinances had to be drafted Avithout any guide to
resort to as no city in the state bad at the time any code. In

204 A History op Vincennes.
the preparation of tbe code of ordinances, Judge Moore by
his experience and acquaintance in dealing with such matters,
rendered the writer important and invaluable services. The
code of ordinances thus prepared was published by Harvey
Alason & Co., comprising according to recollection over 300
pages of printed matter. Before the expiration of his second
term as Alayor, he was appointed by President Buchanan,
postmaster at Vincennes, and during his four years term
discharged bis duties faithfully and satisfactorily to the citi
zens. At tbe end of his term as postmaster he retired from
active business having by prudence, industry and economy ac
quired a fortune sufficient for all his wants. He was a model
and upright citizen, a kind aud affectionate father. He was
a member of the Catholic church and a Democrat in politics.
He died December 33, 186-1, and was buried in tbe Catholic
cemetery on Christmas day. SAMUEL WISE.
He was born in BroAvnsville, Pennsylyania. He came to
Vincennes and permanently located. He Avas proceeded bere
by his brother, John, and later by his brother, William J.
These three brothers forraed the partnership of J. S. & W. J.
AA'ise, wbich has the distinction of a continued existence of
thirty-five years and was never settled until after the death
of all the partners. After the death of AA^illiain J. Wise, tbe
last survivor of the firm, the partnership affairs Avere adjusted
and the heirs of John and Samu.el received their portion
Avithout any trouble. But WiUiara J. AVise never inarried and
raade a will and after a long and expensive contest, the avUI
Avas sustained and his interest distributed among his devisees.
Air. Sarauel Wise possessed good judgment and his advice
Avas always sought. He Avas very unassuming and was kind
to all Avho approached hira. He Avas a very ardent Democrat
and took a deep interest in politics. He Avas a great admirer

Distinguished Personnel. 205
of Jolm C. Calhoun and Avarmly espoused bis vieAvs. He Avas
not an office seeker, but he Avas appointed by President Polk,
Receiver of Public Atonies at this place, which Avas the only
official position he ever held. Fle Avas not a member of any
secret society or of any church. But his family affiliated with
thc Presb}'terian church ancl be Avas always ready to furnish
aid to that church. Fle died suddenly Xovember 3, 1855.
ANDREW GARDNER
He was born in the State of Massachusetts. He came to
A'incennes and located permanently in 1816. He engaged in
the cabinet making and undertaking business Avliicb he con
tinued until bis death. He Avas tbe principal undertaker in
the place during his life. After bis death tbe business was
successfully carried on by bis son, E. Ct. Gardner, Avho is still
living at tbe advanced age of 82 years. He voluntarily re
tired from business and passed its good will to his son. Dexter
Gardner, Avho continued it alone for many years and last
year took bis son, George Gardner, as partner, and they are
still conducting tbe same business originally started in 1816
by AndrcAV (xardner. The business is now conducted by Dex
ter Gardner & Son, who are the principal undertakers in the
city. Andrew Gardner AA'as a model citizen. He was fre
quently called to fill important offices in tbe Borough of Vin
cennes. He was not an office seeker and the positions he
obtained AA'ere freely bestowed upon hint. He Avas on one oc
casion tbe Democratic candidate for Treasurer of Knox
County. The politics of the county was strongly AA'hig at
tbe time, and that party fearing the personal popularity of
Air. Gardner, nominated against bim, James Johnson, their
strongest man. The race was exciting but Air. Johnson was
elected by a very small majority. Air. Gardner was a faith
ful member of the Alethodist church. He died in the spring
of 1860.

200 A Histora- op A^incennes.
NICHOLAS SMITH.
Mr. Smith Avas one of the oldest successful and highly re
spected business raen Avho ever resided in Vincennes. He was
of Scotch descent He was born in the City of Newark, Nbav
Jersey, September 14, 1790. His father lost bis life in tbe
Passaic River wben he was only two years old. He was thus
throAvn upon his oaa-u resources, but he set out with an earn
est determination to raake his way through the world. In
1810 he carae to Cincinnati, Ohio, and opened a tin shop on
F'ourth street. Two years later he returned on foot to his
native city. In 1817 he again carae AVest intending to locate
in St. Louis. On bis way he passed though Vincennes. After
remaining in St. Louis a very short tirae be determined to
return to Vincemies and permanently locate here. He
opened a hardware store on the corner of Alain and Second
streets and afterwards removed to tbe large brick building
Avliich be erected on Alain street, where be continued to carry
on business until his death in conjtmction Avitli his two sons,
John A. and Edward H. Sraith. During seventeen years of
his life, be engaged in trading and boating to New Orleans.
He also engaged in land speculation in Indiana and Illinois,
travelling on horseback over the Wabash Valley in .both
states, and became widely knoAvn in the AA^abash A'alley as
far as Lafayette. His boating and trading operations to Xew
Orleans were conducted on an extensive scale, some years
sending as many as forty fiatboats doAvn tbe Mississppi River.
He Avas strictly attentive to bis oavu business affairs and was
never tempted to engage in politics or any other outside
matters. By bis sagacity and prudence he amassed a large
fortune Avhicli he left to his children. Two of his sons are
still in business in this city and Iavo others built up one of the
largest hardware establishments in Terre Haute. Air. Smith
AA-as not a member of auy religious society, but Avas partial to
the Presbyterian church and contributed largely to the sup-

Distinguished Personnel. 207
port of that church. He Avas up to the time of bis death very
vigorous and active and was an early riser and every day until
a fcAv days before bis death, was one of tbe first to be seen
on the streets of the city. Notwithstanding his extensive
business transactions, be did so without friction or incurring
the ill will of any one with whom be had dealings, and en
joyed tbe good will and friendship of all the citizens of the
city. He was probably tbe best known of any of the citizens
of Vincennes. He died on Tuesday, August 1, 1871, after
a brief illness of only four days. As a testimony of bis stand
ing and appreciation among bis friends and neighbors, his
remains were followed to the grave by an immense concourse
of citizens. BENJAMIN v. BECKES.
He was of Welch descent but was bom in A''incennes in
1786. He was raised in A^incennes and spoke French flu
ently. He was a farmer and stock raiser and was very suc
cessful and accumulated a large estate. His brother, Par-
nienas Beckes, was Sheriff of tbe county in 1813, and was
killed in a duel with Dr. EdAvard Skull. Benjamin Y.
Beckes was appointed to flll out the balance of his terra and
Avas twice re-elected to the same office. He was brave to a
fault and commanded troops in the Indian wars in this part
¦ of the country. He was captain of a company in tbe Black
Hawk war. He also commanded a company at tbe battle of
Tippecanoe. Fle was kind and generous to his friends. He
never forgot a friend or forgave an eneray. He served in the
State Legislature several terms. He was a Democrat in poli
tics and took a deep interest in all political matters. He Avas
a member of the Catholic church at bis death and was buried
in tbe Catholic cemetery. GEORGE E. GREENE.
He Avas born in Bardstown, Kentucky, July 13, 1826, of
Irish parentage. He learned tbe printers trade and in 1837

208 A History op Vincennes.
was eraployed in tbe office of the Louisville Journal, then
conducted by the celebrated George D. Prentice. He re
mained here until the fall of 1856, ayIicii he came here and
purchased tbe AA'estern Sun ncAvspaper. That paper Avhen
he purchased it Avas entirely run doAvn, and its publication
suspended. Air. Greene soon resurrected it and made it one
of the most influential papers in the state. AAUien be came
here the parties were about equally divided in politics. But
Air. (jreeiie took the lead and management of party affairs.
Fle attended all conA'entions and public meetings of the party
and planned all campaigns. He managed affairs so success
fully that the Democratic party soon had a majority of 1200
in tbe county. He was a magnetic man and attracted to bim
all persons Avith whom he came in contact. He Avas appointed
Registrar of the liand Office here and remained in office until
the records Avere destroyed by fire in April, 1860. He AA'as
elected by the Legislature one of the directors of the Indiana
State Prison at Jeffersonville, for a term of four years. In
1809 he Avas elected Alayor of the City of A'incennes. He Avas
a very social man and a Avelcome guest at all social functions.
He Avas a member of the Catholic church ancl Avas buried in
the Catholic cemetery. He died October 15, 1870.
LEWIS L. AVATSON.
Air. AA''atson is one of the oldest and most highly respected
citizens of Vincennes. He Avas born in Vincennes on the 13tb
day of April, 1809. His father, Robert G. AA'atson, Avas of
Scotch descent and was a prominent merchant and fur trader
of A^incennes. His mother, GenevicAe AA'atson, Avas descended
from one of tbe oldest French families, aa-Iio came here as
early as 1704. Air. AA^atson received but limited educational
advantages in his }'outh, but in after life by study and appli
cation, be acquired a fine business education AA'hich he uti
lized in his business affairs. In 1826 he Avent to St. Louis

Distinguished Personnel. 209
and learned the tailors trade. He soon returned to bis native
town to foUoAv his trade, but in 1833 be returned to St. Louis,
but in 1832 returned to Vincennes and has resided here ever
since. He worked at his trade in partnership Avitli tbe late
Samuel R. Dunn until 1849, wben be Avas appointed by Presi
dent Ta}'lor, postmaster at Vincennes. He continued in this
office until 1853. He tben was appointed Collector of Tolls
of the AA'abash Navigation Company at the lock and dara of
the Wabash River, at the grand rapids. He then served for
a short time as tbe conductor of a passenger train on the
Evansville and Crawfordsville Railroad, now known as the
Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad. Hc was soon pro
moted and appointed agent of the railroad at Vincennes. He
also at tbe same time carried on a lumber yard in partnership
with tbe late Charles Dawes. In 1859 he was appointed pay
master and supply agent of tbe Ohio and Mississippi Rail
road, which he resigned in 1871, to take an active part in tbe
hotel business in partnership with tbe late Isaac Mass and
Avith bim established tbe Union Depot Hotel wbich
business be still carries on in partnership with his
son, Edward AA^atson. Mr. Watson by an energetic
and prudent business career, has accumulated a large
fortune until he is now reputed as one of the
Avealtbiest men in Vincennes. Hs is a member of the
Eoman Catholic church and in politics is a Democrat. He
was married November 6, 1832, to Lydia Fellows, a daughter
of Captain AVillis FelloAVs. To this union twelve children
were bom, four sons and two daughters are yet living. Mr.
AA'atson at his advanced age still survives and continues to
act as a director of the First Xational Bank of Vincennes,
one of the largest banking institutions in tbe city.

210

A History of Vincennes

GEORGE WALLACE .lONES.
He Avas born in A'incennes on April 12, ]Sii4. He Avas the
son of John Rice .Tones, who Avas a native of AVales. Hc Avas
educated at Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky.
He left Vincennes and first Aveiit to Alissouri. liut in 182 7, he
moA'ed to Sissinewa AlounJ, AA'isconsin. In ls29 he raarried
Josephine Gregoire of St. Genevieve, Alissouri. He served in

John Rice Jones.
the Black Hawk Avar on (-lo\-. Dodge's staff'. In 1S35 he was
elected delegate to Congress from Alichigan. and re-elected in
1837. In 1840 he Avas ajipointed Surveyor General at Du
buque. In 1848 hc Avas elected to the United States Senate
from Iowa, holding the position eleven years. Itt 1859 he was
appointed Alinisler to Bogota. He died at Dubuque. Iowa.
July 22, 1896, and Avas buried in Alt. Olivet ceiiieterA".

JOHN KAVINO.

He was born in Ireland, but he ahvays claimed that he Avas
born on an American ship on the ocean ott his AvaA' to this
country. But after his death his naturalization papers taken
out in the Alarine Court of Baltimore, AA'ere found bv his

Distinguished Personnel. 211
administrator. His rich Irish brogue detected his ancestry.
In the heated political contest of 1844, his vote was chal
lenged and he was called upon to produce his natitralization
papers. This he refused to do claiming to be an American
citizen. This challenge came near producing a riot which
Avas only prevented by the challenge being withdrawn. He
came to Vincennes very rich and engaged in merchandizing.
But possessing a diamond mind and fine education, he soon
drifted into politics. He was a fiuent and versatile speaker.
He Avas elected to many positions under tbe borough. He
was also frequently elected a member of tbe Senate and
House of tbe Indiana Legislature. He was also elected to
Congress for two terms from this district. Being a ready
speaker his services were in constant demand during the
campaigns of 1840 and 1844, and be made a speech almost
every day in some part of Indiana or Illinois. He was of a
very excitable disposition whicb prevented bim accomplish
ing tbe good bis talents would otherwise have enabled hira to
do. Air. Ewing before his death bad gotten away with all his
estate and in bis last days was an object of charity. He
never married and lived a lonely life. He died April 6, 1858,
and Avas buried in the city cemetery in a lot by himself and
thus sleeps bis last sleep as solitary as be lived.
AVILLIAM E. NIBL.ACK.
He was bom in Dubois County, Indiana, May 19, 1823.
He studied law and commenced the practice at Mt. Pleasant,
then tbe county seat of Alartin County. He was elected from
Alartin County to the State Legislature and also to tbe Sen
ate of Indiana. He decUned a re-election to the Senate. In
1854 he was appointed Judge of the Judicial Circuit Court
in which Knox County Avas situated and came here to reside.
AVhile still on the bench of the Circuit Court be Avas nomi
nated by tbe Democrats for Congress and Avas elected without

212 A History op A'i.n-cennes.
opposition. He was re-elected a member of Congress by large
popular majorities until bis service in Congress was fourteen
A'ears. He Avas also elected in 1863 a meraber of the House
of Eepresentatives in tbe Indiana Legislature. -After bis
congressional career he AA'as nominated in 1876 as the Demo
cratic candidate for Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana
and was elected. On the expiration of bis first term he Avas
re-elected and thus served on that exalted tribunal twelve
years. He Avas a candidate for re-election in 1888 but went
doAvn Avith his party in the defeat of that year. This was tbe
first and only defeat at an election before the people he ever
sustained. All the official positions he occupied seemed to
come to him unasked for. He Avas the most successf til candi
date before the people the state bas ever produced. After his
defeat for Suprerae Judge in 1888, he reraoved to Indiana
polis, as it presented a Avider field for the practice of bis pro
fession. He soon came into a large practice whicb was
abruptly terminated by his death May 7, 1893. His remains
Avere buried in CroAvii Hill cemetery at Indiana.polis.
JOHN LAAV.
He Avas a native of Xew London, Connecticut, Avhere be
was bom October 34, 1796. He came to Vincennes and lo
cated for tbe practice of laAV in 1817. He rose rapidly at the
bar and in public estimation. Por more than a quarter of a
century be was the central figure in all enterprises and pro
jects calculated to advance A'incennes. He Avas its first his
torian and being a fine orator be held a high place in the
councils of his party and Avas generally alluded to as tbe
favorite son of Knox ( 'ounty. Fle Avas Prosecuting Attorney
and Judge of tbe Knox Circuit Court, Eeceiver of Public
Atonies for this district. United States Coraraissioner to ad
just land titles in this district and a meraber of CongTess for
tAVO terras. A short tirae before his death he removed toi

I > I ST I NO U I s ir K I) Pe K SONN E I

21:;

F]yansville to look after the landed interesls of a brother Avho
residt'd ill (i'onnectieut. But he ahvays cherished a love and
aft'eetioii lor A'incennes and wished to lie buried here. He

married Sarah EAA'ing. a dau,o-]iter of Xathaniel EA\"iiig. He
died (»i-|(.ib(.T 7, 1873, at E\'ansville, Indiana, and accord
ing to his recjuest his remains AVere lirought here and liuried
in the city cemetery. TH(>M.\S K, COBB.
tie Avas liorn in Ija.Avrencc County, Indiana, Julv 2. 1828.
He studied hiAV and eoittmenced the practice at Bedford, In
diana, in 185:1. In ls(',7 Ik., removed to A'incennes and in
partnersliip Avith XeA\ton F. Alalott eonimcnced the practice
here. This firm soon secured a large and profitable business. In
18:0 Air. Alalott Avas elected Judge of the Knox Circuit
Court. The business of thc late firm Avas successfully con
tinued liA' Air. (^'olib until is;i";, Avhen hc A\'as elected to Con
gress from this district. He Avas re-elected lo Congress by

214 A History' op A'incennes.
succcssIa'C elections for ten consecutive years. Before he came
here to reside be had been elected to tbe State Senate of In
diana and was a prominent and infiuentlal member of that
body. After he came here be was elected a raember of tbe
City Council of Vincennes. He was also the Democratic can
didate for presidential elector in 1868 and made a thorough
canvass of tbe district. As a member of Congress be was
chairnian of the Committee on Public Lands and througb his
exertions, "Harrison Park" tvas donated by Congress to Vin
cennes. Air. Cobb died in 1893 and was buried in tbe city
cemetery. The list of the number of distinguished men who have been
connected with Vincennes in the past could be extended, but
time and space forbid.

Pro.aiinent Citizens Subsequent to 1800. 215

CHAPTEE XXVI.
PARTIAL LIST OE PROMINENT CITIZENS SUBSEQUENT TO 1800.
A partial list of prominent citizens of Vincennes, subse
quent to tbe year 1800. LAAVYERS.
Cyrus AI. .Alien, Joseph G. Bowman, William W. Carr, Will
iam A. Jones, P. W. Viebe, John M. Boyle, E. N. Carnan,
Eobert P. AlcConahey, John Baker, NcAvton P. Malott, J.
C. Denny, John AI. Clark, Jonathan Keith, C. B. Kessinger,
AA^illoughby & House, W. H. & E. H. DeAVolf, AV. H. Penning
ton, L. A. Aleyer, AA'. C. Johnson, Samuel W. AA'illiaiiis, Cal-
verley & Judah, Johnson & Hill, E. V. Davis, AA'. HarroAV, Jo
seph Eandolph, A. L. Harbinson, A. AV. AlcClure, CtiUop &
Shaw, A. T. Cobb, Emison & Moff'et, AI. J. Niblack, W. S.
Hoover, Coulter & Beckes, Haughton & Emison, E. L. Buck
les, G. G. Eeily, Orestes Philipps, H. S. Cauthorn, Jr., B. M.
Thomas, James S. Pritchett, John T. Goodman, J. P. L.
AVeems, Harry Lewis, C. E. Dailey, Henry Fauntleroy, Cyr
PouUet, Robert G. Cauthorn, John AVilhelm, Charles G.
AlcCord. PHYSICI.VNS.
Dr. Offut, Daniel Stahl, Joseph BroAvne, John J. Baty, H.
AI. Smith, L. AI. Beckes, H. W. Held, Patrick Caney, S. C.
Beard, AL G. Aloore, Dr. Anderson, Norman E. Beckes, Jo
seph Somes, T. H. Maxedon, Georgge Knapp, J. R. Mante,
AV. AV. Hitt, J. S. Sawyer, O'ConneU Fairhurst, M. M. AIc-
DoweU, AA'. H. Davenport, Dr. Von Knappe, R. B. Jessup, Dr.
Troost, Dr. AlcCoy, Dr. Hall, Dr. Smadell, Dr. Branstop,
Hiram Decker, Dr. Harris, J. C. Bever, AV. AI. Hindman, AV.
B. Ridgway, Dr. StcAA-art, J. P. Ramsey, Solomon Rathbone.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Frederick Graeter, Elihu Stout, Sainuel Hill, Alartin Rob-
(15 1

216 A History of Vincennes.
insoii, John B. Martin, David AIcHenry, Alilton L. Edson,
Zachariah PuUiem, James S. Mayes, Thomas Reilly, Joseph
Woodman, George W. McCoy, E. A. Baecher, Edward AA^ei-
sert, Joseph Powee, John Collins.
REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
Benjamin P. Wheeler, Henry W. Alexander, H. J. Poulks,
AV. L. Tewalt, Haines & Simonson, John Stork, J. S. Spiker.
MINISTERS.
Thomas Alexander, Henry AI. Shaw, Alicbael E. Shawe,
John P. Smith, Eli B. Smith, Aaron AVoods, Elijah AA'hitten,
Thomas J. Clark, Aegedius Alerz, P. B. O'Connor, Thomas
AIcLaughlin, W. H. Carter, B. B. Killykelly.
LANDLORDS.
Peter Jones, Mark Barnett, Christian Graeter, John C.
Clark, Eoyal FL Gould, AA^illiam Busse, George Weisenberger,
Edward Lindner, Edward Watson, Charles W. Padgett, Par-
menas Beckes, Patrick Doran, Hyacinthe Lasselle, Thomas J.
Beeler, John Kuhn. BUSINESS MEN.
John D. Hay, William Meuire, Blum, Bemard & Co.,
George Davis, TomUnson & Eose, John K. Kuntz, H. D.
AVheeler, Burtch & Heberd, J. S. & W. J. AVise, Smith & Car
son, Eose & Harper, Bedford, Sbelmiere & Co., Samuel Bru
ner, David S. Bonner, Thorn & Tracy, G. Cruikshank & Co.,
Eobert Smith & Co., A. W. Morris, Luck & Landel, Adam
Gimbel, M. D. Lacroix, Charles Graeter, John Cakhvell, AA'Ul-
iara Hays, J. W. Maddox, Theodore Huslage, Isaac Joseph,
John B. & Peter E. LaPlante, Charles A. AVeisert, Gerhard
Eeiter, L. B. Smith, James T. Cox, Curry & Coons, E. G.
Gardner, Prank Horsting, Henry Soete, N. Smith & Sons, AA'il-
kins & Robinson, .Page & Orr, Thing & Potter, W. J. Heberd
& Sons, FI. P. BrokaAV, J. & H. Ostendorf, B. Kuhn & Co.,

Prominent Citizens Subsequent to 1800. 217
J. C. Cohen, W. E. BroAvne, & Co., H. T. Roseraan, George
Kerkboff & Co., Harvey Alason & Co., Emison & Green, John
A. Louis, AViUiam Huey, J. H. Shepard & Co., E. B. Rams-
deU,EdAA'ardBierhaus& Sons, Bierhaits Bros., Moore & Har
ris, P. AV. Tweitmeyer, Hall Bros., John Burke, J. W. Cassell,
H. J. Hellert, P. AV. Ritterskamp, John Hoffman, Christian
Hoffman, Bernard & Beckes, J. & T. Hayes, B. Knirihm,
G. AA^einstein & Co., L. A. Wise & Co., H. AVUlougbby & Son,
S. Blum & Co., Perry Tindolph, Fred Harsh, Charles S. MU
ler, Isaac Lazurus, H. J. Watjen, W. A. Markee, J. M.
Duesterberg, AI. Bauer, V. Schoenfield, William Davidson, J.
Bernstein, J. H. Dunn, J. A. Breivogel, Joseph Obnemus, H.
F. Tbuis, Sebastian Risch & Sons, Riscli & Heller, Henry
BadoUet, 0. C. Busse, AV. AV. Cassell, G. R. Alsop, WiUiam
Baker, John Turney, George AV. Donaldson, Robinson & Don
aldson, AV. J. Freeman, M. O'DonneU, Jolm Loten, Salyards
& Bums, John Hartigan, R. M. Glass, J. & S. Emison, T. H.
Adams, R. E. Purcell, W. W. Bailey & Bros., A. V. Crotts,
AA'. .J. Nicholson, A. Kapps, George Klein, C. H. Blase, C. J.
Lipe, A. Philipson, Eacey & Palfrey, Bratton & Eacey, L.
Aloyes, C. P. Schultz, C. Lane, J. S. Kitchell, Bumet & East
ham, William H. Glover & Co., James A. Plummer, Speigle
& Gardner, P. E. McCarthy, John Watson, S. R. Jackman,
Gimbel Haughten & Bond, Georgge Fendrich, Joseph Smith,
E. Youngbans, John Schwartz, Prank A. Hines, M. Tyler
Son & Co., Hiram A. Foulks, Miller & Shepard, H. M. Hack-
man, Geo. Harris, P. Eluere & Sons, J. B. Eamsdell, Prank
Krack, George Harris, P. Eluere & Sons, J. P. Sechler & Co.,
A. Alarone, John Kuhn, H. AI. Townsley, D. J. Philips, Nor
man, E. Beckes, J. W. Emison & Co., F\ J. Trengaw, A. J.
Taylor, John Murphy, Thomas Kilfoil, Thomas Borrowman,
E. L. Ryder, P. AI. Mail, W. Tromley, Merchant Bros., Peter
Alarcbino, P. A. Yocum, Planke Bros., E. E. Shores, J. C.
Haartze, Moses Wile, Auton Labr, John C. Holland, Charles

218 A History op Vincennes.
Dawes, Henry Schaffer, AI. Johnson & Co., AA^. H. AA^'eed, Al
bert AI. & Edward Shepard, Isaac N. Eastham, A. L. Corno-
yer, W. B. Eobinson, A. M. Yelton, Jaraes Ewing, Patrick
Aloore, Morgan Jones, 0. McCone, S. & J. Lyons, Lyttleton
Tiinms, Samuel Miller, Ben Fritch, Eugene Hack, Anton
Simon, Frank Liberman, 0. B. AVietzell, William AVUliara-
son, E. J. AIcKenney, WiU L. Tewalt, V. Geese, John B.
Brouillette, AA^. W. Berry, John AV. Carnan, Emanuel Meisen-
lielter, E. Y. Caddington, Isaac Lazarus, AVilliam Nugent,
John Vickery, Jacob Aletzger, F. M. Fay, Alexander Von
Smith, Martin Agnew, Jaraes AV. Greenhow, Jolm Myers,
Herman Brokhage, George AV. Eathbone, Samuel Bayard,
Major AA'. Gould, Xelson Sparrow.

Conclusion. 219

CHAPTER XXA^I.
CONCLUSION.
It must be admi+ted that A^incennes has a past histor}' that
is both venerable and honorable and that places her in the
front rank among the cities of tbe state. It is true that for
}'ears she was held in abeyance by a sort of Eip Van AA^inkle
sleep that paralyzed her energies and prevented her material
progress. But this condition of aff'airs on account of the in
fusion of new bloocl consequent upon tbe arrival of active
and enterprising citizens has been arrested and the ancient
city aroused from her long lethargy, bas entered upon a splen
did career of progress. The old order of things has been done
aAvay and a ncAv and active era has been evolved from this
change of population. The hard working and prudent Ger
man, the energetic and prolific Irishman and many other
races from Europe have come and infused new life in the mass
of our population. The infiuence is producing good results
in tbe many evidences of prosperity and accomplished results.
The money making Yankee and the discerning Jcav can be
seen on our streets. In fact everything toda.y is indicative of
a glorious future for tbe City of Vincennes.
But this bright prospect although long delayed might bave
been expected from the opinions of the place and its natural
advantages expressed by the missionary fathers who first vis
ited it before the advent of civilized men and wben it was in
tbe midst of a vast wilderness. These men were far seeing'
and almost with prophetic vision foretold tbe future of vari
ous places they visited in their wanderings. In no instance
have their prophetic utterances failed of fruition unless it
shall be in the solitary instance of Vincennes. They declared
that the site of this place wben they first beheld it Avas des-

220 A History of Vincennes.
fined on account of its surroundings to become in course of
time tbe seat of a great city, possessing an extensive commerce,
great wealth and a dense population. They made the same
prophetic utterances with reference to Pittsburg, Cincinnati,
Louisville, Detroit, Chicago, St. Paul, St. Louis, San Fran
cisco and raany otber cities, wbich have since, all verified
their predictions. And why should their opinions Avith regard
to Vincennes not be realized ? Its splendid location and im
mediate surroundings indicate that the city Avill in the future
go forward with gigantic strides. There is nothing in nature
or political conditions in the way of its accomplishment. If
the citizens avUI all take heart and put their shoulder to tbe
AA'heel of progress, it will roll forward with increasing speed
year by year. Everything at present indicates that we are on
tbe eve of the realization of golden dreams and that tbe dull
aud monotonous past will be swallowed up and obliterated
from memory in the brilliant achievement of tbe opening
future. That this will be an accomplished fact we bave no
more doubt tban we have when we see tbe sun sink behind the
Avestern horizon at nightfall, that it will rise again on the
morroAA', with undimnied brilliancy. All that is necessary is
for all the citizens to Avork together in harmony and with
united action for its accoraplishraent and it avUI be accom
plished.

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