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LIBRARY  OF  CONGRESS. 


Chap..f.S^^  Copyright  No.. 
Shelf.iIl_^V1t.1 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


HISTORY 


AND 


AMY  3<BWMmmi 


OP 


Dubois  County. 


BY 

GEORGE  R.  WILSON. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


1896. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1896,  by  George  R.  Wilson,  in  the  office  of  the 
Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


U'\'A^  '^ 


ie^v/vi^. 


TO  THE  SONS  AND  DAUGHTERS 

IN  THE  COMMON  SCHOOLS  OF  DUBOIS  COUNTY 

THIS  BOOK 

IS  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED  BY 

THE  AUTHOR. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


t^*  ^*  ^* 


OF  tlie    is8nin|j;  of  educational   devices  there  will  be  no  end,  hence 
none  need  wonder  at  this.     The  writer  has  long  noticed  that  the 
children  of  Dubois  County  lack  a  knowledge  of  its  history.     It  is 
to  supply  this  knowledge,  in  a  measure  at  least,  that  this  monograph  has 
its  origin. 

There  is  no  lack  of  material  at  hand  for  such  work.  Tlie  labor  has 
not  been  in  getting  material,  but  in  discriminating,  in  taking  only  the 
most  important,  and  in  putting  it  in  such  form  most  likely  to  make  it  read- 
able, or  useful  for  reference.  Space  prevented  even  a  mention  of  many 
things  that  a  larger  work  could  take  up  and  use  to  advantage.  The  book 
has  been  compiled,  so  to  speak,  with  the  rubber  end  of  a  pencil  and  a  kodak. 
The  fact  that  we  have  examined  many  authorities,  private  and  public 
records  and  documents  at  Jasper,  Indianapolis  and  Washington;  consulted 
many  old  citizens,  and  been  upon  every  section  of  land  in  Dubois  County, 
gives  the  little  history  at  least  a  chance  of  being  somewhat  accurate. 

"That  wliich  strikes  the  eye  lives  h)ng  upon  the  mind  ; 
The  faithful  sight  engraves  the  knowledge  with  a  beam  of  light." 

Taking  this  as  a  guide,  the  little  book  is  fully  illustrated. 

By  far  the  most  interesting  part  of  this  monograph  is  the  pictures. 
Some  of  them  appear  through  the  kindness  of  friends  of  the  parties  or  insti- 
tutions represented.  They  rej)resent  the  enterprise  and  liberality  of  our 
citizens. 

If  we  succeed  in  gettiug  a  few  children  to  know  more  of  their  countv, 
to  think  more  of  her  institutions,  to  better  respect  the  old  citizens,  and  to 
help  advance  Dubois  county  along  the  road  to  continued  usefulness  and 
prosperity,  we  shall  feel  amply  repaid  for  our  labor. 

GEO.  R.  WILSON. 

County  Superintendent's  Office, 
Jaspee,  Ind.,  Nov.  2,  1896, 


HISTORY   OF   DUBOIS   COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

EARLY     SETTLEMENT. 

Dubois  County  as  known  in  1896,  and  as  it  has  been  for  half  a  century, 
is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Daviess  and  Martin  Counties ;  on  the  east  by 
Orange,  Crawford  and  Perry  Counties  ;  on  the  south  by  Perry,  Spencer  and 
Warrick  Counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Warrick  and  Pike  Counties.  At  its 
greatest  length  it  is  twenty-two  miles,  and  at  its  greatest  width  it  is  twenty- 
one  miles.  Its  greatest  length  is  north  and  south.  The  center  of  the  county 
is  about  two  miles  southeast  of  Jasper,  its  county  seat. 

When  Indiana  became  a  territory,  [1805]  what  is  now  known  as  Dubois 
County,  was  part  of  Knox  County.  About  eight  years  later  Gibson  County 
was  organized  and  it  embraced  a  part  of  what  is  now  Dubois.  In  1816,  this 
territory  became  a  part  of  Pike  County,  and  was  so  known  when  Indiana 
became  a  state,  that  is,  on  Dec.  11,  1816.  On  December  20,  1817,  an  act 
was  approved  creating  Dubois  County,  not  just  as  we  know  its  present  size 
and  shape,  but  as  an  individual  county.  That  act  was  passed  at  Corydon, 
then  the  capital  of  Indiana. 

Gen.  W.  Johnson,  of  Knox  County ;  Thomas  Polke,  of  Perry  County ; 
Thomas  Montgomery,  of  Gibson  County  ;  Richard  Palmer,  of  Daviess  County, 
and  Ephraim  Jordon,  of  Knox  County,  were  appointed  commissioners  to 
select  a  site  for  a  county  seat.  They  selected  the  place  where  Portersville 
now  stands.  The  same  act  that  empowered  these  men  to  select  a  place  for 
the  county  seat,  stated  that  ten  per  cent  of  the  net  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the 
lots  should  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  a  county  library  in  Dubois  countv. 
This  would  seem  to  indicate  that  Dubois  County  and  education  were  twin 
sisters.  The  commissioners  mentioned  above,  selected  Portersville,  on  Mon- 
day, February  9,  1818. 

Dubois  County  takes  its  name  from  Toussaint  Dubois,  a  Frenchman,  of 
Vincennes,  Indiana.  He  was  a  soldier  under  Gen.  William  Henry  Harrison, 
and  was  in  the  fight  at  Tippecanoe.  Harrison  also  employed  him  as  a  mes- 
senger to  various  Indian  tribes. 

It  is  generally  believed  that  Dubois  County  was  settled  in  1801,  along  a 
route  that  passed  through  the  county,  leading  from  Vincennes  to  Jefferson- 
ville.  This  route  is  also  known  as  the  "mud  hole  trace,"  and  passed  south 
of  Portersville  and  nearly  parallel  with  the  base-line.  It  passed  near  the 
Ludlow  school-house  in  Harbison  township,  and  south  of  Crystal  in  Colum- 
bia township.  Near  Crystal,  not  many  years  ago,  part  of  the'old  logs  cut  by 
General  Harrison's  men  and  used  in  making  the  road  passable,  were  dug  out 
of  the  ground  so  that  it  might  be  cultivated.  The  route  passed  near  the 
Union  Valley  school-house  in  Columbia  township,  and  up  Cane  Creek  into 
Orange  County„  Along  this  route,  or  road,  brave  pioneers  traveled  in  going 
between  Vincennes  and  the  falls  of  the  Ohio  River.  General  Harrison's 
forces  camped  two  days  at  the  Milburn  Spring,  near  the  Union  Valley  school- 
house.     He  also  camped  at  Fort  McDonald.      General  Harrison's    men  took 


6 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


the  liberty  to  change  the  route  in  some  places,  and  as  a  result,  it  is  sometimes 

called  the  "Governor's  Trace,"  for  he  was  a 
governor,  and  afterwards  a  president,  as  well 
as  a  general. 

We  are  indebted  to  Lieut.  Hiram  McDon- 
ald, for  the  following  account  of  the  first  set- 
tlement in  Dubois  County: 

"My  father,  Allen  McDonald,  was  the  first 
white  man  born  in  Dubois  County,  having  been 
born  about  ten  rods  east  of  Sherritt's  grave- 
yard, on  Sunday,  January  15,  1809.  He  was  a 
son  of  William  McDonald,  who  came  to  Du- 
bois County  in  1801,  and  cleared  six  acres, 
immediately  south  of  the  above  graveyard. 
Father  died  October  i,  1880.  My  grandfather, 
William  McDonald,  was  born  in  Scotland,  Oc- 
LIEUT.  HIRAM  Mcdonald,  Co.  D. 24th    tober    10,    1775,    and    came    to    Pennsylvania 

ind.  Voi.,son  of  Allen  McDonald,  and    when  but  three  years  of  age.      His  wife,    Jane 

grandson  of  the  pioneer,    William    Mc-      t-,  ,  •        tt  i  /-■«  -k  r         \ 

Donald*  Born  December  18, 1837.    En-    i3.,was   bom    ju   Hamburg,   Germany,  March 
Wafu'n"ti!DlcJ^^^^^^^^^^^  3^^  1775-    She  also  Came  to  Pennsylvania  when 

Orderly-Sergeant  of  Co. H, 24th  Indiana    she  was  three  years  of    age.       Thesc   two  peo- 

Volunteers.  i  ^      t\     i.     •      /-*  ^      ■  u  i^ 

pie  came  to  Dubois  County  m  looi,  but  owmg 

to  the  Indians,  who  were  troublesome,   my 

grandfather  took    my   grandmother   back  to 

the  Ohio  Falls  during  the  same  year,    and 

then  returned.      He  and  his  sons  Alexander 

and  David  looked  after  the  six  acres  before 

mentioned.      My  grandfather  walked  around 

the  land   keeping  guard   with   his  long  rifle 

while  Uncle  Alex  and  Uncle  David  cleared, 

and  burned  logs,   and   planted   corn.      They 

again  returned    to  the  Ohio    Falls,   and   the 

families  of  James  Tolly,  and   a   man   named 

Churchill    came   back    with    them.      It    was 

then   that  the    building   of   Fort   McDonald 

began.      The  old    fort  was   forty   feet  long, 

eighteen    feet  wide,    and   two   stories   high. 

It  had  a   stick  chimney    at  each   end,    two 

doors,  but  no  windows,  only  one  peep  hole 

about  one  foot  square.     The  fort  faced  the 

east    and 
stood    on 

the  northwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quar- 
ter of  section  34,  town  one,  north,  range 
five  west,  near  the  section  line,  and  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty  rods  north  of  the 
base  line.  I  knew  the  fort  well  when  I  was 
a  boy,  and  often  slept  in  it.  The  lower 
story  was  divided  into  two  rooms  for  the 
families  of  the  early  settlers.  The  second 
story  was  in  one  room.  From  its  walls  were 
port  holes  two   inches  wide  and   four  inches 

high.      Through  these  my  grandfather  and   his  companions  would  shoot  with 

their  long  flint-lock  rifles,  and  thus  keep  the  Indians  away. 


ALLEN  McDonald. 


FORT  Mcdonald. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


"My  grandfather  had  first  settled   at  what  is    now  the  Sherritt  graveyard 
and    there    built  the  first  cabin  in  Dubois  County.       In  it  my  father  was  bor  , 
and  he  now  lies  buried  but  a  few  rods  away  from  its  former  location. 

"This  cabin  was  about  one  half  of  a  mile  south  of  Fort  McDonald.  This 
settlement  was  the  only  one  between  Vincennes  and  Paoli.  Pioneers  came  in 
groups  of  five  or  six,  as  a  protection  against  an  Indian  attack.  They 
remained  over  night  and  then  proceeded  to  Vincennes  or  Paoli,  which  they 
forced  themselves  to  reach  in  one  da}.  There  was  a  small  "horse-mill"  at 
Vincennes,  and  there  they  went  for  meal;  on  sleds  in  winter;  on  horse-back 
in  summer. 

"The  first  white  person  to  be  buried   in  Dubois  County  was  a  sister  of 
William  McDonald,  my  grandfather.      She  was  put  to  rest  in  what  is  now 
Sherritt's  graveyard — and  made  its  first 
grave. 

"One  night  the  Indians  came  to  my 
grandfather's  cabin  and  stole  his  four 
horses.  They  were  followed  to  "Rock 
House  Shoals,"  (Buck  Shoals)  and 
there  all  tracks  of  Indians  and  horses 
were  lost. 

"Toussaint  Dubois  entered  the  land 
upon  which  my  grandfather  first  set- 
tled. My  father  was  once  offered  the 
330  acres  for  a  small  bay  mare  that  he 
afterwards  sold  for  $45.  Now  each 
acre  is  worth  more.  Six  months  after 
Dubois  entered  the  land  my  grand- 
father first  settled  on,  James  Tolly 
entered,  for  my  grandfather,  the  160 
acres  upon  which  Fort  McDonald 
stood. 

"Church  services  and  schools  were 
held  in  Fort  McDonald,  and  in  this 
respect,  like  in  many  others,  this  old 
fort  stands  first  in  the  history  of  Dubois 
County. 

"William  McDonald    died    July  19,         Mrs.  Coi.  B.  B.  edmonston,  born  January  27, 
181S,  and  his   wife,  Jane   B.,  in    1834.      i^'^-'^/^y'^'^t  ?°K""'J'•,^I«"^"^''X'  ^'t^  ^K^T 

'  •  .  o  •        /^  per,  Indiana,  October  5,  1S76.     A  daug^hter  of  the 

Both  are  buried  in  the  Sherritt  Grave-      pioneer,  wiiuam  McDonald.     Brought  to  Du. 

d,,  bois   County  in    1803,  and   was   for  sometime   the 

_,  •  first  and  only    little  white  girl  in  Dubois  County. 

Some    descendants    of    William    Mc-        Her  maiden  name  was  Miss   Joanna  H.   McDon- 

aid. 

Donald   live  in  this   county.       Here  is 

his  progeny:  His  children  were  David  B.,  Alexander,  James  F.,  Mary  F., 
Joanna  H.,  Napoleon  B.,John,  Allen,  William  and  Maria,  [lo].  Alexander 
McDonald's  children  were  William  A.,  Mary,  Marie,  Esther  and  Jane,  [5]. 
Jane  McDonald,  in  1841,  became  the  wife  of  Mr.  Jesse  Traylor.  She  died  in 
1861.  Her  children  are  Senator  Wm.  A.  Traylor,  Ex-Sheriff  Albert  H. 
Traylor,  Joel,  Lockhart,  Perry  G.,  Louis,  Ellis,  Edward  S.  and  Basil,  [9], 

William  McDonald's  daughter,  Joanna  H.,  became  the  wife  of  Col.  B. 
B.  Edmonston.  Allen  McDonald,  the  first  white  person  born  in  Dubois 
County,  is  the  father  of  Hiram  (the  narrator),  Louis  A.,  Mary  A.,  Sarah, 
Leander,  Alexander,  Frances,  Fletcher,  Eva,  and  Oscar, — and  so  the  de- 
scendants run    out  into  many  families." 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Here  at  the  Sherritt  Graveyard  is  a  place  where  those  who  love  to  dwell 
upon  the  past  history  of  Dubois  County  can  find  food  for  thought.  If  you  are 
like  Sir  Walter  Scott's  "Old  Mortalit}',"  you  can  brush  away  the  moss  from 
the  "French  Lick"  headstones,  and  read  beneath,  "Born,  1765,"  ''Born, 
1776;"  "Died,  1815,"  "Died,  1825,"  and  any  number  of  similar  dates, 
while  beneath  your  feet  lie  the  remains  of  many  hardy  pioneers  whose  graves 
are  unnumbered  and  unmarked,  save  by  the  ivy  that  the  blasts  of  nearly  a 
hundred  winters  have  not  eliminated.  The  dignity  and  eloquence  of  the 
names  on  the  "mossy  marbles"  justify  the  pride  of  the  living  who  loyally 
trace  the  most  valued  influences  of  their  lives  to  the  time  when  they  knew 
and  loved  those  now  beneath  the  sod. 

Here  lie  in  peaceful  slumber  the  early  McDonalds,  Niblacks,  Sherritts, 
Haddocks,   Kelsoes,    Traylors,  McCrilluses,  Tollys,  Churchills,    Cavenders, 

Harbisons,  Flints,  But- 
lers, Bixlers,  Breiden- 
baughs — soldiers,  judges, 
surveyors,  pioneers,  com- 
missioners— and  a  long 
line  of  others  whose 
names  have  been  obliter- 
ated from  the  headstones 
by  the  cruel  hand  of 
time. 

Touching  the  enclos- 
ure on  the  south  side  is 
t  h  e  first  field  cleared 
from  the  prmieval  forest ; 
touching  the  same  en- 
closure on  the  west  was 
built  the  first  rude  cabin 

SHERRITT    GRAVEYARD.  c  ..u      -x/f   r\         11  ui 

of  the  McDonalds,  while 

on  the  east  stood  their  first  double  log-cabin,  and  in  it  was  born  little  Allen 
McDonald,  the  first  white  native  of  the  soil  that  now  constitutes  Dubois 
County. 

A  few  rods  north  of  the  graveyard  runs  the  base  line,  at  about  38°  30'  north 
latitude,  and  in  its  "due  westerly  course"  through  Illinois  to  the  city  of  St. 
Louis,  while  almost  in  sight  is  the  location  of  old  Fort  McDonald,  the  pro- 
tector of  civilizing  influence  in  Dubois  County,  and  the  camp  of  Gen.  Wil- 
liam Henry  Harrison.     It  stood  about  9°  58^  west  of  the  city  of    Washington. 

Let  those  who  now  own  fine  farms  and  homes  in  Dubois  County  pause 
here  for  a  moment,  and  pay  their  respects  to  the  bodies  now  crumbling  in 
death,  who,  when  in  life  directed  the  axe  that  cleared  the  forest  and  held  the 
rifle  that  stayed  the  Indian,  or  felled  the  bear  and  panther. 

Their  labors  and  their  efforts  to  advance  civilization  on  the  frontier  in 
their  days  deserve  a  fitting  memorial  in  the  shape  of  a  large  substantial  rustic 
monument  of  native  stone.     Who  will  erect  it? 


CHAPTER  II. 

ODDS  AND  ENDS  OF  EARLY  DAYS. 

The  early  settlers  in  Dubois  County  had  many  trials  and  hardships.  The 
McDonalds  had  settled  on  the  south  bank  of  Mud  Hole  Creek  about  two 
hundred  yards  south  of  where  the  base  line  was  laid  out  two  years   later. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


The  site  is  on  a  beautiful  knoll  that  commands  the  little  creek,  which  is  well 
supplied  with  springs  and  has  never  been  known  to  "go  dry."  Mc- 
Donald was  a  ranger,  guide  and  fearless  hunter.  A  short  time  after  he  set- 
tled in  Dubois  County,  the  Indians  called  on  him,  and  insisted  that  the  pale 
face  should  be  initiated  into  the  mysteries  and  secrets  of  the  original  Redmen. 
He  consented,  whereupon  one  of  the  braves  killed  a  hawk;  its  head  was  cut 
off,  and  impaled  on  a  tall  pole,  when  all  proceeded  to  the  banks  of  Mud 
Hole  Creek.  Pale  Face  McDonald  was  given  the  pole  and  required  co  hold 
the  hawk's  head  above  his  own,  while  the  Indians  joined  hands  and  danced 
about  him  in  all  their  gruesome  style.  He  thus  became  the  first  adopted  Red 
Man  in  Dubois  County,  and  lived  to  tell  the  tale  to  his  future  neighbors. 

The  McDonald  fort  was  the  half-way  place  between  the  country  in  and 
about  Paoli  and  Vincennes.  Early  settlers  in  Orange  and  Washington 
Counties  had  to  go  to  Vincennes  to  enter  their  lands.  Fort  McDonald  was 
the  stopping  place  in  going  and  coming,  and  thus  became  of  some  import- 
ance. A  gunsmith  finally  came  along  and  was  induced  to  remain  and  repair 
the  guns  of  settlers,  explorers,  and  sometimes  of  the  Indians.  Some  few 
Indians  had  guns,  others  used  the  bow  and  arrows.  Many  of  them  were 
excellent  shots.  Some  could  hit  a  "bit"  with  an  arrow  at  a  distance  of  fifty 
feet. 

A  "bit"  in  those  days  was  one-half  of  a  silver  coin  that  in  its  original 
state  was  worth  twenty-five  cents.  Change  was  scarce,  and  silver  was  cut 
into  halves  and  quarters  and  passed  as  money.  As  late  as  the  fall  of  1896, 
the  half  of  a  silver  half  dollar  was  found  near  this  old  settlement.  Some 
years  ago  a  Spanish  coin  bearing  date  17 17,  vvas  found  where  McDonald  had 
built  his  residence. 

It  was  a  very  common  occurence  to  see  a  son  of  the  early  settler  walking 
by  the  side  of  his  father  carrying  his  long  trusty  flint-lock  rifle,  while  the 
father  held  the  plow.     Sometimes  a  daughter  carried  the  gun. 

The  graves  of  many  of  the  early  settlers  of  Dubois  County  have  been 
lost.  Many  were  buried  on  a  knoll  near  some  corner  of  their  land  and  thus 
their  exact  resting  places  cannot  be  found.  There  are  more  than  two 
hundred  of  such  burial   plots  in  Dubois  County. 

After  the  Indians  had  left  Dubois  County  as  a  tribe,  a  few  returned  on 
a  hunting  trip.  Of  these  few  one  was 
killed  near  the  Sherritt  graveyard  where 
they  had  built  a  wigwam  of  the  bark  of  a 
poplar  tree.  He  was  killed  by  a  white 
man,  and  is  said  to  have  been  the  last  one 
killed  in  this  county.  The  killingtook  place 
on  the  land  that  Toussaint  Dubois  bought 
from  the  United  States  in  1807.  Dubois 
entered  320  acres.  It  is  well  watered. 
Mill  Creek  and  Mud  Hole  Creek  flow 
through  it,  and  on  the  north  side  about 
fifty  feet  south  of  the  base  line,  and  about 
the  same  distance  from  Mill  Creek  is 
"Toussaint  Dubois  Spring."  This 
spring  is  one  of  the  very  best  in  the  entire 
county.  It  flows  a  strong  stream,  and  its  waters  are  excellent.  An  analysis 
of  its  waters  shows  its  ingredients  to  be   (according   to   State   Chemist  John 


TOUSSAINT    DUBOIS   SPRING,  or.  the   farm   of 
Mr.  Fritz  Mann,  in  Boone  township. 


10 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Hurty)  as  follows:  Thirty-two  orrains  of  chalk,  and  the  slightest  trace  of 
iron  in  one  gallon.  It  is  said  there  is  no  purer  water  in  the  state  of  Indiana. 
This  man  Dubois  entered  land  in  various  parts  of  Southern  Indiana,  and 
after  his  death  much  of  i  ,  including  his  possessions  in  Dubois  County,  was 
sold  for  taxes.  His  daughter  Susan,  married  a  Mr.  Jones,  and  he  permitted 
the  land  to  sell  for  taxes. 

Col.  Simon  Morgan  was  the  first  clerk  and  recorder  in  Dubois  County. 
He  served  in  this  double  capacity  for  twenty-three   years,   from  the  establish- 
^  ment  of  the  county  seat  at 

^?^G:^/*7^__t-^:^^'«^  Po''teisville,  until  his  death, 
'^  '    in    1S41 


^. 


His  remains  lie  buried 
about  a  mile  south  of  Hays- 
ville  in  the  Reed  Graveyard 
near  the  Jasper  and  Hays- 
ville  road. 


In  the  center  of  the  court 
house  at  Portersville  a  small 
space  was  railed  off,  and 
within  the  rails  sat  Judge 
Goodlet  and  Clerk  Morgan, 
in  all  their  original  dignity, 
while  court  was  in  session. 
After  court  adjourned  dig- 
nity was  laid  aside  and  each 
was  himself  again. 


Many  of  the  early  settlers 
came  from  Tennessee,  Ken- 
tucky, Virginia  and  the 
They     brought 


The  above  is  an  exact  renresentation  of  the  penmanship  of 
Col.  Simon  Morgan,  the  first  clerk  and  recorder  of  Dubois 
County.  Colonel  Morgan,  was  born  in  Virginia,  February  3,  Vi'^'A, 
and  came  to  Dubois  County  in  1816.  He  died  at  Jaspet,  in  Jan- 
uary, la41.  He  was  elected  clerk  and  recorder  when  Dubois 
County  was  organized,  181S,  and  served  as  such  until  his  death. 
The  above  shows  his  penmanship,  as  executed  with  a  goose-quill  Carolinas. 
pen  in  1831.  •1.1.    ...u  ..^  1         •       J 

With  them  cotton,  and  raised 
this  product  on  the  land  about  Portersville.  A  cotton  gin  was  in  operation 
at  Portersville.  The  lassies  learned  to  spin  and  weave,  and  presented  a  neat 
and  clean  appearance  in  their  homemade  cotton  gowns.  One  native,  Elijah 
Lemmon,  lost  an  arm  at  the  cotton  gin  at  Portersville.  Later,  sheep  were 
brought  and  wool  soon  took  the  place  of  cotton,  and  cotton  fell  back  to  its 
natural  soil,  the  red  hills  of  Southern  Tennessee. 

The  Indians  that  lingered  in  the  county  during  its  early  settlement  were 
fond  of  milk,  and  would  frequently  carry  a  ham  of  a  deer  or  a  bear  to  the  cabin 
of  a  white  man  and  deliver  it  to  the  Pale  Face.  Then  by  grunts  and  signs  they 
would  indicate  that  they  wanted  milk  in  return.  They  drank  all  they  could,  then 
filled  their  Indian  jugs,  or  pouches  made  of  coon  skins  to  take  -with  them. 
They  never  left  any  milk.  Often  they  would  give  many  times  its  worth  in 
wild  meat. 

Deer  was  the  most  numerous  of  the  wild  animals.  Thousands  roamed 
through  the  woods  in  Dubois  County.  A  pair  of  venison  hams  sold  for 
about  twenty  cents.  The  hides  were  also  an  article  of  trade  worth  from  six 
to  twelve  cents.  The  deer  hams  were  shipped  south  on  flat  boats  with  pork, 
corn,  beans,  etc.  In  this  way  the  settlers  bought  their  powder,  flint  and  lead, 
and  such  groceries  and  medicines  as  they  needed. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA,  11 

To-day  if  an  enemy's  ship  should  fire  a  cannon  ball  into  the  city  of  Bos- 
ton or  San  Francisco,  in  an  hour  every  town  in  Dubois  County  could  know 
it,  and  its  citizens  would  begin  to  talk  of  defensive  measures.  Fifty  years 
ago  it  took  six  or  seven  weeks  before  it  was  known  that  Polk  was  elected 
president.  The  race  between  Clay  and  Polk  for  president  was  an  exciting  one, 
yet  news  in  Southern  Indiana  traveled  slowly,  and  the  result  was  not  known 
for  weeks.  ,^ 

In  1835,  people  in  j^ubois  County  were  very  sociable.  The  clothes 
they  wore  made  no  false  imstinctions  as  now-a-days.  At  that  time  the  wear- 
ing apparel  of  the  entire  people,  men,  women  and  children  was  manufac- 
tured at  home.  The  loom — the  big  and  little  wheels  and  reel — was  indis- 
pensable, and  found  in  every  house.  The  women  did  the  weaving.  They 
made  jeans,  blue  and  butternut  flannels:  linseys,  both  plain  and  striped,  flax 
and  tow  linen.  Dresses  wei-e  made  of  linsey.  They  frequently  had  turkey 
red  stripes — the  brighter,  the  prouder  the  girl  was  that  wore  it. 

In  1840,  the  way  of  traveling  was  on  horse-back.  Everybody  rode  well. 
Ladies  were  excellent  riders  and  seemed  at  home  on  the  horse.  Races  were 
frequent  along  the  level  roads  of  Boone  township.  Old  people  tell 
us  that  frequently  at  a  marriage  there  was  a  custom  of  "riding  for  the  bottle. ''' 
The  wedding  party  would  start  at  the  groom's  home,  while  the  bottle  was 
buried  at  some  place  near  the  bride's  home,  well  known  to  all  the  party. 
The  race  was  a  helter-skelter-ride  across  the  country  for  the  bottle.  The 
lady  who  won,  was  entitled  to  select  her  partners  for  the  dances  at  the 
wedding.  There  were  also  many  other  plans  of  testing  the  speed  of  the 
horse  and  the  skill  of  his  rider. 

The  first  court  held  in  Dubois  County  was  held  at  the  house  of  William 
McDonald,  in  August,  i8rS.  Jonathan  Doty  was  presiding  judge,  Arthur 
Harbison  was  associate  judge,  Adam  Hope  was  sheriff,  and  Col.  Simon 
Morgan  was  clerk.  From  McDonald's  house  court  adjourned  to  meet  at 
Portersville.  This  village  had  but  one  hotel,  then  called  a  tavern.  The 
judges  and  lawyers  took  possession  of  the  tavern,  while  witnesses  and  jurors 
had  to  go  elsewhere.  Accommodations  were  not  to  be  had  ;  so  when  men 
were  summoned  as  jurors  they  knew  that  they  were  to  go  prepared.  It  was  be- 
fore the  days  of  matches,  so  they  took  with  them  steel,  flint,  punk;  powder, 
balls,  gun,  salt,  bread,  dog,  horse,  and  blanket.  The  blanket  frequently 
consisted  of  a  bear's  hide,  such  as  are  now  called  robes. 

The  jurors  spent  the  night  at  "Jury  Spring,"  about  one-fourth  mile 
south  of  Portersville,  with  no  shelter  save  their  bear  robes  and  the  blue 
canopy  of  heaven.  They  told  jokes  and  played  games  until  sleep  overcame 
them.  Early  in  the  morning  they  were  out  for  wild  game  which  was  plenti- 
ful and  furnished  good  meat.  When  court  opened  they  were  ready  to  serve 
as  jurors  and  decide  the  "weighty  case  according  to   law  and   evidence." 

A  few  of  the  very  first  settlers  in  Dubois  County  brought  slaves  with 
them,  but  soon  let  them  serve  as  free  men.  The  idea  of  slavery  was  re- 
pulsive to  frontiersmen.  Now  there  are  not  fifty  colored  people  in  Dubois 
County.  There  was  at  one  time  a  settlement  of  Negroes,  and  a  colored 
school  on  the  line  dividing  Cass  and  Ferdinand  townships.  Now,  many  of 
the  colored  people  He  buried  in  their  little  cemetery  on  a  high  hill  about  half 
way  between  Ferdinand  and  Huntingburg. 


12 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


13 


CHAPTER  III. 


EARLY    LAND    TITLES    AND    SETTLERS. 

Some  confusion  appears  to  exist  in  the  minds  of  land  owners  as  to  the 
source  of  title  to  lands  within  Dubois  County.  At  one  time  this  was  a  part 
of  Canada.  England  however,  claimed  this  part  of  North  America  by  virtue 
of  the  discoveries  of  the  Cabots,  and  her  subsequent  successes.  A  charter 
was  granted  to  Virginia  which  included  lands  in  Indiana.  Virginia  gave  her 
rights  to  the  United  States,  March  i,  1784.  When  the  Indians'  title 
was  obtained,  the  land  was  surveyed,  and  sold  to  settlers,  or  donated  to 
parties  or  corporations  that  eventually  sold  to  settlers. 

The  Indians'  title  to  the  lands  was  obtained  by  a  treaty  with  them,  held 
at  Fort  Wayne,  June  7,  1803,  except  for  a  small  part  lying  southwest  of  Hol- 
land, which  was  obtained  by  the  treaty  at  Vincennes,  August  i8th  and  27th, 
1804. 

The  surveys  in  Dubois  County,  after  the  base  line  was  surveyed,  began 
as  follows:  Range  3,  west,  September  10,  1804,  by  Levi  Barber.  (This  is 
all  the  land  in  Columbia,  Hall  and  Jefferson  townships)  ;  range  4,  west, 
September,  1804,  by  Nahum  Bewl ;  range 
5,  west,  October  17,  1804,  by  David 
Landford ;  range  6,  west,  October  24, 
1804,  by  Stubbs  and  Fowler,  and  south 
of  the  Fort  Wayne  treaty  line  by  A. 
Stone,  August  2q,  1805. 

The  Indians  that  lived  in  Dubois  County 
are  said  to  have  belonged  to  the  Fainke- 
shaw  Tribe  of  the  Great  Miami  Confed- 
eracy of  Indians.  Many  scattered  mem- 
bers of  the  tribe  remained  in  th'i  county 
until  long  after  the  white  people  had 
made  their  homes  here.  About  all  that 
remains  of  them  now  are  their  crumbling 
bones  in  the  various  Indian  graveyards 
on  the  brows  of  many  of  our  hills. 

For  various  purposes  the  United  States 
ceded  large  tracts  of  land  in  the  state  of 
Indiana  to  the  state  of  Indiana,  and  it  in 
turn  to  different  parties.  Among  the 
lands  granted  was  a  part  of  Dubois 
County.  The  great  Wabash  and  Erie 
Canal,  leading  from  Lake  Erie  to  Evans- 
ville,  Indiana,  was  under  construction  in 
1840.  It  passed  near  Petersburg,  Ind- 
iana, and  approached  Evansville,  along 
what  is  now  the  Evansville  and  Jasper 
branch  of  the  L.,  E.  &  St.  L.  Railroad. 

County  were  given  to  this  canal  company  to  help  it  in  the  construction  of  the 
canal,  while  other  parts  of  the  land  were  donated  to  the  stale  seminary,  state 
university  and  common  schools.  Many  parts  of  the  county  were  low,  and 
such  land  was  called  "swamp  land." 

In  these  swamp  lands  the  state  of  Indiana  had  large  ditches  dug,  drained 
off  the  water,  and  then  sold  the  land.  Dr.  E.  Stephenson,  of  Jasper,  was 
swamp   land  commissioner,  and  sold  many  tracts  for  the  state  of  Indiana. 


ALOIS  SPRAUER,  Artist,  Jasper,  Ind.,  who  made 
the  photographs  from  which  the  larger  per 
cent  of  the  engravings  in  this  book  were  made. 

106,675^  acres  of  land  in  Dubois 


14 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Some  of  these  ditches  may  be  seen  to-day,  for  example,  the  one  I'ust  west  of 
Ireland,  the  one  just  west  of  the  Mahin  school  house  in  Madison  township, 
part  of  Birch  Creek  in  Boone  township,  one  at  the  corner  of  Boone,  Madison 
and  Bainbridge  townships,  one  draining  part  of  Jasper,  one  draining  Buffalo 
Pond,  one  mile  north  of  Jasper,  one  near  the  corner  of  Harbison,  Bainbridge 
and  Marion  townships,  and  many  others.  The  land  drained  by  these  ditches 
is  now  the  most  fertile  and  valuable,  for  farming  purposes,  in  Dubois  County. 
But  we  must  go  back  to  other  lands.  For  the  convenience  of  settlers, 
and  those  desiring  to  purchase  the  public  lands  of  the  United  States  in  Dubois 
County,  a  land  office  was  opened  at  Vincennes,  in  1804;  and  for  awhile  at 
Washington,  Daviess  County,  Indiana,  for  the  canal  land.  To  these  land 
offices  pioneers  wended  their  weary  way,  purchased  their  homesteads,  and  in 


PROSPERITY    ON  A    BAINBRIDGE    TOWNSHIP    FARM. 


time  obtained  their  first  deeds,  called  patents,  from  the  United  States  govern- 
ment, or  from  the  Wabash  and  Erie  Canal.  The  patents  from  the  govern- 
ment were  usually  on  a  yellow  parchment,  that  in  substance  resembled  the 
head  of  a  drum.  They  bear  the  name  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
and  are  rather  dignified  and  ancient  looking  documents.  The  patents  issued 
by  the  Wabash  and  Erie  Canal  are  more  modern  looking,  and  printed  on  a 
sky-blue  paper.  Much  of  this  land  was  bought  for  twelve  and  one-half  cents 
an  acre. 

The  trip  to  Vincennes  to  enter  land  (as  purchasing  it  was  called)  was 
often  made  on  foot,  the  pioneer  trusting  to  his  rugged  constitution  to  stand 
the  swimming  of  the  bridgeless  streams,  and  to  his  very  long  flint-lock  rifle 
for  his  venison  and  bear  meat.  He  ate  none  but  the  best  of  wild  meats,  such 
as  would  be  relished  by  the  most  fastidious  epicure  of  to-day. 

Here  was  a  grand  illustration  of  true  manhood.  This  hardy,  honest 
pioneer  left  the  scenes  of  civilization,  in  Virginia,  Kentucky  and  the  Caro- 
linas  as  "if  moved  by  an  over-ruling  divinity,"  and  came  on  to  Dubois 
County  guided  only  by  the  familiar  blaze  of  the  surveyor's  axe,  until  his  eye 
fell  on  the  spot  of  his  choice.  Here  he  built  his  ''block-house,"  with  some 
stream  or  sprmg  near  by.   He  got  his  patent,  cleared  away  the  forest  about  his 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA.  15 

cabin,  and  protected  his  wife  and  babies  from  the  wily  Indian  ;  from  the  sulky 
bear,  the  enraged  wounded  deer,  the  vicious  catamount,  the  ferocious  pan- 
ther, the  hungry  wolf,  the  shrill  howling  coyote,  the  sharp  eyed  lynx,  the 
grunting  wild  boar  and  many  other  wild   animals. 

Or,  if  he  came  not  of  Southern  Cavalier  parentage,  he  came  from  the  busy 
scenes  of  central  Europe,  and  landed  in  Dubois  County  a  few  years  after 
the  pioneer  from  the  states  named  above.  The  chances  are  that  he  had  a 
strong  constitution,  a  firm  determination  to  remain  settled,  a  pouch  filled 
with  gold  about  his  body,  a  kind  heart  and  a  willing  hand  that  knew  no  fear 
of  work.  He  bought  out  the  "squatter"  or  more  roaming  disposed  Ameri- 
can and  settled  down  to  hard  work. 

Toussaint  Dubois,  after  whom  this  county  was  named,  came  after  the 
McDonalds,  and  bought  their  lands  of  the  government.  May  7,  1807.  The 
McDonalds  were  not  the  owners  in  fee  simple,  but  were  generally 
known  as  rangers.  The  government  deeds  to  Toussaint  Dubois,  properly 
called  patents,  were  written  upon  the  prepared  skins  of  an  animal,  and  call 
for  160  acres  each,  being  the  north  half  of  section  3,  township  i,  south, 
range  5,  west.  It  is  not  known  that  Toussaint  Dubois  ever  lived  on  the  land. 
When  the  McDonalds  settled  in  Dubois  County  the  land  had  not  been  sur- 
veyed. The  base  line  mentioned  above  was  surveyed  in  1804,  by  Ebenezer 
Buckingham,  Jr.  On  October  17th,  of  the  same  year,  David  Sanford,  a  gov- 
ernment surveyor,  sub-divided  range  5,  west,  into  sections,  thus  Toussaint 
Dubois  saw  his  opportunity  of  entering  the  land  upon  which  the  McDonalds 
had  settled.  The  patent  was  issued  after  the  entry  and  not  until  purchase 
money  had  been  paid.  The  patents  have  not  been  recorded  in  Du- 
bois County.  These  were  nine  inches  wide  and  twelve  inches  long,  and  for 
the  benefit  of  such  readers  who  may  never  have  read  one,  below  is  presented 
a  copy  of  one  of  the  patents  issued  to  Toussaint  Dubois,  and  now  in 
possession  of  Mr.  Fritz  Mann,  who  is  the  owner  of  part  of  the  real  estate. 
This  is  the  first  patent  issued  for  land  in  Dubois  County: 

COPY    OF    ONE    OF    THE    PATENTS    ISSUED    TO    TOUSSAINT    DUBOIS. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON,  President  of  the  United  States  of  America: 
To  all  to  vkom  these  presetits  shall  come,  g-reeting: 

Know  Ye,  That  Toussaint  Dubois,  of  Vincennes,  having  deposited  in  the  Treasury 
a  certificate  of  the  Register  of  the  Land  Office,  at  Vincennes,  whereby  it  appears  that 
he  has  made  full  payment  for  the  North-East  quarter  of  Section  number  three,  of  town- 
ship number  one  (South  of  the  Basis  line)  in  range  number  five  (West  of  the  second 
meridian)  of  the  lands  directed  to  be  sold  at  Vincennes  by  the  act  of  Congress,  entitled 
"An  act  providing  for  the  sale  of  Lands  of  the  United  States  in  the  Territory  north-west 
of  the  Ohio,  and  above  the  mouth  of  Kentucky  river,"  and  of  the  acts  amendatory  of  the 
same.  There  is  granted,  by  the  United  States,  unto  the  said  Toussaint  Dubois,  the 
quarter  lot  or  section  of  land  above  described:  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  quar- 
ter lot  or  section  of  land,  with  the  appurtenances,  unto  the  said  Toussaint  Dubois,  his 
heirs  and  assigns  forever. 

In  Testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused  these  letters  to   be    made   patent, 
and  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  hereunto  affixed. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  the  City  of   Washington,    the  sixteenth  day 
Seal  of  the  °^  February,  in  the  year   of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hnndred  and 

nine,  and  of   the   Independence  of   the  United   States  of  America,   the 
thirty-third. 

By  the  President,  THS.  JEFFERSON. 

James  Madison,  Secretary  of  State. 


United 
States. 


As  the  civil  townships  of  Dubois  County  are  bounded  at  the  present  day, 
the  following  are  the  first  entries  of  land  in  each  respective  township.  That 
these  tracts  mentioned  below  were  the  first  entries  in  the  township  in  which 
they  lie  is  not  always  an  indication  that  there  the  first  settlements  were  made: 


id 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Columbia  Township.  The  first  land  entered  was  the  south  half  of  the 
northeast  quarter  of  section  34,  township  i  north,  range  3  west,  80  acres. 
Thomas  Pinchens  entered  it  on  April  30,  1816.  This  land  is  in  Union  Valley, 
about  the  "Milburn  Spring, "and  near  where  General  Harrison  camped, when 
on  his  way  to  fight  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe. 

Harbison  Township.  Samuel  McConnell  entered  the  southwest  quar- 
ter of  Section  36,  township  i  north,  range  5  west,  on  May  29,  1807.  This 
joins  the  tract  mentioned  in  the  next  township.  "Taussaint  Dubois  Springs" 
are  in  sight  of  this  land. 

Boone  Township.  The  north  half  of  section  3,  township  i  south, 
range  5  west,  was  entered  by  Toussaint  Dubois,  May  7,  1807.  This  is  also 
the  first  land  entered  in  the  county. 

Madison  Township.  One  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  the  southwest 
quarter  of  section  35,  township  i  south,  range  6  west,  was  entered  by  John 
Walker,  June  15,  18 14.  This  is  now  the  "Sweeney  Farm,"  east  of  Hills- 
boro  Church. 

Bainbridge  Township.  On  March  4,  1S16,  Nelson  Harris  entered  the 
southwest  quarter  of  section  28,  township  i  south,  range  5  west.     This  is  now 

the  Fritz  Geiger  farm,  and  lies  im- 
mediately east  of  Shiloh  Cemetery. 
On  this  land  lie  the  remains  of  Sheriff 
Thomas  Woolridge,  who  wa's  shot  and 
killed  on  West  Sixth  street,  in  the  town 
of  Jasper,  about  1842. 

Marion  Township.  The  south- 
east quarter  of  section  11,  township  2 
south,  range  4  west,  was  the  first  land 
entered  in  this  township.  The  entry 
was  made  by  John  Hall,  December  2, 
1818.  It  is  now  the  "Warsing  Farm," 
and  lies  south  of  the  Fitter  School- 
house. 

Hall    Township.     On    August    it 

1817,  Edward   Hall    entered   the    west 

half  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  section 

9,    township    2    south,    range    3   west. 

This    is    now   the     "Frechtel    Farm," 

about  one  mile   north    of    Schnellville. 

This  man  leaves  his  name    on    "Hall's 

Creek"  and  Hall  township. 

Jefferson    Township.     James  Newton,  on    Ai\gust    5th,     1834,    entered 

the  southeast  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  section  i,  township  3   south, 

range   3  west.     This    land  is  on  Anderson  Creek  and  nearly  two  miles  south 

of  Birdseye. 

Jackson  Tozvnship.  In  this  township  the  first  entry  was  made  by 
Philip  Kimmel.  On  November  27,  1819,  he  entered  the  west  half  of  the 
southwest  quarter  of  section  26.  township  3  south,  range  4  west.  This  is 
part  of  the  land  that  lies  immediately  south  of  St.  Anthony,  and  north  of  the 
railroad . 

Patoka  Township.  The  northeast  quarter  of  section  9,  township  3 
south,  range  5  west,  comes  first.  It  was  entered  June  2,  i8i8,byEli  Thomas. 
It  lies  immediately  south  of  Fairmount  Cemetery.  [On  November  17,  of  the 
same  year  William  Gibson,  of  Virginia,  entered  section  21,  township  2  south, 
range  5  west,   and  the  entire  section  to    this  day   remains    unbroken    in    his 


HON.  JOHN  L.  BRETZ,  of  Jasper,  Indiana,  Prose- 
cutor of  Eleventh  Judicial  Circuit,  from  1884 
to  1890.  Congressman  ot  Second  Indiana  Con- 
gressional District  from  ISltl   to  18'.t3. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


17 


name.  The  "Brierfield  Bridge,"  on  the  Jasper  and  Huntingburg  road  is 
on  this  Gibson   section.] 

Cass  Township.  James  Gentry,  on  April  i6,  [8i8,  entered  the  south- 
west qnarter  of  section  15,  township  3  south,  range  5  west.  The  new  Cast- 
rup  School-house  No.  4,  now  stands  on  the  southeast  corner  of  this  land. 

Ferdinattd  Township.  Abner  Hobbs,  on  August  5,  1834,  entered  the 
north  half  of  the  south  east  quarter  section  22,  township  3  south,  range  4 
west.  This  tract  lies  nearly  two  miles  northeast  of  Ferdinand.  Notice  the 
date  when  Jefferson  township's  first  entry  was  made.  In  this  respect  the  two 
townships  divide  honors,  both  equally  last  in  the  entry  of  land,  in  Dubois 
County.  

All  land  in  Dubois  County  has  been  entered  and,  no  doubt,  paid  for, 
but  there  are  one  hundred  twenty  acres  of  swamp  lands,  and  one  hun- 
dred nineteen  acres  of  university  lands  in  this  county  for  which  patents 
have  never  been  issued.  The  owners  of  the  land  have  neglected  to  call  for 
the  patents. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


EARLY    PUBLIC    AND    PRIVATE    BUILDINGS. 

The  first  settlers,  after  providing  for  their  most  urgent  wants,  built  what 
were  called  block-houses.  These  houses  were  constructed  of  blocks  of  wood 
ten  or  twelve  inches  square  and  of  any  desirable  length ;  about  fifteen  or 
tw^enty  feet.  The  ends  were  dove-tailed  or  double  wedged,  so  that  they 
could  not  be  forced  apart.  The  logs  or 
blocks  were  placed  one  above  the  other 
as  ordinary  log  houses  are  constructed, 
each  block  wedging  down  to  one  beneath 
it,  so  that  when  completed  a  solid  wall 
of  wood  ten  or  twelve  inches  thick  pre- 
sented itself  to  the  Indians,  or  enemy. 
The  chimney  was  built  in  the  center,  so 
that  it  could  not  be  torn  down.  Port  holes 
were  cut  in  the  logs ;  that  is,  small  holes, 
large  enough  to  permit  a  rifle  being  put 
through  from  the  inside,  aimed  and  dis- 
charged. These  holes  spread  toward  the 
outside  so  that  a  rifle  could  be  raised,  low 
ered  or  aimed  by  one  within  the  house  with- 
out much  danger  from  an  enemy  outside. 
In  this  way  the  pioneer  shot  plenty  of 
deer,  bears,  turkeys  and  other  wild  game  without  even  going  out  of  his 
house.  The  roof  was  built  of  logs  pinned  down  with  wooden  pins, 
nails  being  a  luxury,  too  costly  for  such  use.  The  door  usually  consisted  of 
two  boards,  each  cut  from  a  log.  They  were  placed  on  end  and  securely 
barred  and  braced  from  within.  Fort  McDonald  was  similarly  constructed, 
but  much  larger,  for  it  held  several  families  when  the  Indians  were  trouble- 
some.     It  was  considered  much  as  common  property  by  the  settlers. 

As  previously  stated  William  McDonald  had  built  a  house  near  the  base 
line  on  the  banks  of  Mud  Hole  Creek,  a  branch  of  Mill  Creek,  or  perhaps 
between  these  two  streams.  At  this  place  the  commissioners,  who  were  to 
locate  a  county  seat  for  Dubois  County,   met  and   selected  the  land  upon' 

z 


The  first  Court  House  in  Dubois  County,  at 
Portersville,  1818,  is  shown  on  the  left.  It  has 
recently  been  torn  down.  The  J  ail  stood  north 
of  the  Court  House.  It  was  torn  down  many 
years  ago. 


18 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


which  Portersville  now  stands,  perhaps  because  it  is  on  the  banks  of  White 
River,  streams  in  those  days  being  valuable  as  means  of  transportation. 
Court  was  also  to  be  held  at  the  McDonald  house  until  the  fllrst  court  house 
could  be  erected. 

Part  of  the  first  court  house  to-day  (1896)  remains,  and  a  cut  of  the  same 
may  be  seen  in  this  book.  At  the  time  it  was  built,  giant  trees  stood 
guard  as  silent  sentinels  in  the  surrounding  forest,  and  on  the  banks  of 
White  River.  Parties  having  suits  in  court  would  camp  under  these  "mon- 
archs  of  the  forest"  until  their  suits  were  disposed  of.  The  court  house 
was  two  stories  high  :  so  was  the  jail.  The  jad  has  long  since  disappeared. 
It  stood  north  and  somewhat  between  the  old  court  house  and  clerk's  office, 
which  stood  east  of  the  court  house,  and  was  a  one  story  log  structure.  The 
upper  story  of  the  jail  was  used  as  a  "debror's  prison,"  for  it  was  occupied 
under  the  old  constitution  of  Indiana,  which  permitted  imprisonment  for 
debt.  (Prior  to  1853.)  The  lower  story  was  more  secure  and  used  for  the 
incarceration  of  criminals. 

Portersville  was  laid  out  by  Hosea  Smith,  a  surveyor  of  Pike  County, 
and  the  lots  in  Portersville  were  offered  for  sale  in  July,  1818.  However, 
nearly  the  entire  county  of  Dubois  was  south  of  its  county-seat,  and  when  it 
became  somewhat  settled,  a  demand  was  made  for  the  re-location  of  a  seat 

of  justice.  Thus  Portersville  lost  the 
county  seat  to  Jasper,  in  1830.  The 
land  on  which  a  small  part  of  Jasper  is 
now  situated  was  donated  for  a  county- 
seat,  in  1S30,  by  Jacob  and  Benjamin  En- 
low. 

When  Enlows'  donations  were  made 
twelve  citizens  of  the  neighborhood 
bound  themselves  to  build  a  court  house 
and  jail  at  Jasper  as  good  as  those 
at  Portersville,  free  of  cost  to  the  county. 
The  buildings  were  of  log,  somewhat  like 
those  at  Portersville.  The  court  house 
was  a  two-story-log  building.  It  had 
a  large  stone  chimney  at  each  end.  It 
faced  the  south.  The  building  was  used  for  holding  courts  and  other  pub- 
lic meetings,  for  school  purposes,  and  as  the  clerk's  and  the  recorder's  offices. 
These  were  about  the  only  officials  that  really  had  any  need  of  an  office 
room.  Simon  Morgan  was  the  both  clerk  and  recorder,  and  devoted  his 
spare  time,  which  was  about  five  days  out  a  week,  to  teaching  school  in  the 
court  house. 

This  court  house,  with  all  of  its  valuable  records,  was  destroyed  by  fire 
on  Saturday  night,  August  17,  1839,  while  Col.  Simon  Morgan  was  clerk 
and  recorder.  It  stood  where  the  present  brick  structure  stands.  North 
of  the  court  house  stood  an  old  jail  building.  It  was  also  constructed  of  logs, 
the  lower  story  partly  in  the  ground,  with  steps  on  the  east  side  leading  up 
to  the  second  floor.  This  was  torn  down  before  1848.  A  few  yards  north- 
west of  the  jail  stood  a  majestic  oak,  and  under  its  spreading  branches,  early 
citizens  would  congregate  during  court  sessions,  and  "fist-fights"  were  com- 
mon. 

After  the  destruction  of  the  court  house  1839,  court  was  held  at  the  resi- 
dence of  James  H.  Condict,  of  Jasper,  and  at  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
Church  that  stood  one  square  east  of  the  public  square  in  Jasper.  These 
buildings  served  as  court  rooms  for  about  six  years, 


DUBOIS  COUNTY  COURT  HOUSE,  JASPER,  1831. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


19 


20 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


A  new  court  house  was  to  be  built.  Finally  the  east  three-fifths  of  the 
present  one  were  erected,  and  received  as  such  in  1S47.  Rev.  Joseph  Kun- 
deck,  was  the  contractor.  In  1875,  the  remaining  two-fifths  were  built. 
The  court  house  cost  about  $11,000.00. 

In  1S49,  a  brick  jail  was  built  just  north  of  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
present  court  house.  It  was  torn  down  about  1875,  after  having  been  used 
as  an  annex  to  the  county  auditor's  office. 

The  brick  part  of  the  present  jail,  now  used  as  the  sheriff's  residence,  was 

built  in  1869.  The  stone 
part,  or  jail  proper,  was 
built  in  1893,  the  old 
cell-room  having  first 
been  torn  down. 

A  poor  farm  was  pur- 
chased in  1 86 1.  It  was 
near  the  geographical 
center  of  the  county.  An 
asylum  was  erected  on 
the  farm,  but  it  was  also 
destroyed  by  fire  on  a 
Sunday  afternoon  in  the 
fall  of  188 1. 


DUBOIS  COUNTY  JAIL,  SHOWING  THAT  PART  ERECTED  IN  1893. 


A  new  farm  was  pur- 
chased in  Madison  town- 
ship, on  March  8,  1882. 
It  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  county  and  contains  350  acres.  The  buildings 
on  it  are  frame.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  more  modern  buildings  will  soon  be 
erected.  Buildings  in  keeping  with  the  dignity  of  the  county,  and  in  har- 
mony with  the  kind  feelings  Dubois  County  has  foi  the  poor,  should  displace 
the  present  houses. 


CHAPTER  V. 


CHURCHES    AND    RELIGIONS. 

The  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church  was  the  first  to  appear  upon  the 
frontiers  in  Dubois  County,  Im  1818,  that  denomination  began  holding 
services  in  this  county.  Perhaps  the  first  was  at  Shiloh  Camp  Meeting 
ground,  said  by  some  to  have  been  in  the  Josiah  Risley  settlement  in  section 
35,  southwest  of  Ireland.  At  any  rate,  it  was  the  fore-runner  of  the  present 
Shiloh  in  Madison  township.  This  is  considered  the  second  church  organiza- 
tion of  the  C.  P.  denomination  in  the  state  of  Indiana.  One  thing  is  sure, 
and  that  is,  that  the  Presbytery  for  Indiana  was  organized  at  Portersville, 
Tuesday,  April  18,  1S26,  and  its  fourth  meeting  was  held  at  Shiloh  Church, 
October  2,  1S27. 

However,  the  first  preaching  in  Dubois  County  was  in  Fort  McDonald, 
so  often  mentioned  in   this  little  history. 

When  Jasper  became  the  county-seat  a  C.  P.  church  was  built  of  logs, 
later  a  frame  one  was  built,  which  was  torn  down,  in  18S6,  and  the  timbers 
became  a  part  of  i>  dwelling  house  on  "Little  Round  Top"  at  Jasper. 

A  class  of   Methodists  was  organized  at  Jasper  about  1832. 

Methodists  and  Baptists  soon  became  stronger  and  now  have  good  build- 
ings in  the  county. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


21 


German  Methodist    missionaries  came  to  Dubios   County  in    1843,  from 
Evansville,  and  began  work  four  miles  southwest  of  Huntingburg.      German 


SHILOH  CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH,  MADISON  TOWNSHIP. 

Methodism  is  strong  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Dubois  County  to-day,  and  its 

people  constitute  part  of  the  best  citizens  of  the  county. 

"The  Diocese  of  Vincennes,"  a 
history  by  Rev.  H.  Alerding,  says  that  in 
1834,  only  two  or  three  Catholics  were 
found  at  Jasper.  Rev.  St.  Palais  visited 
the  congregation.  Services  were  held 
on  the  banks  of  Patoka  River,  later  on 
lot  No.  118,  in  the  town  of  Jasper.  In 
1840  and  184 1,  the  first  brick  church  was 
built  in  Jasper.  It  is  now  used  as  a  pa- 
rochial school  and  for  music  and  lecture 


HILLSBORO  C.  P.  CHURCH. 

MADISON   TOWNSHIP. 

rooms.  It  was  built  be- 
fore the  court  house,  and 
by  the  same  man,  Rev. 
Joseph  Kundeck,  men- 
tion of  whom  is  often 
made  in  our  little  book. 
At  Huntingburg  Catholic 
services  were  first  held 
October  20,  1859;  at 
Ferdinand,  April  33, 
1840;  at  Celestine,  in 
1842  ;  at  St.  Anthony 
about  i860;  at  St.  Henry, 


BETHEL  M.  E.  CHURCH,  Madisoa  Township. 


99 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


GERMAN  EVANGELICAL  SALEMS  CHURCH,  HUNTINGBURG. 

Cost  $2.i,C00.  Erected,  1890.  A  handsome  building. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


23 


in  1862  ;  at  Schnellville,  November  10,  1S73,  and  at  Ireland,  February 
15,    1891. 

The  Reformed  Methodist  Church  was  founded  at  Bh-dseye.  Rev. Peter  New- 
ton, of  that  town  was  one  of  its   founders  and  is  one  of  its  bishops. 

The  Lutheran 
Church  has  some  of 
the  finest  buildings 
in  Dubois  County. 
For  the  number  of 
church  buildings  in 
the  county,  Hunting- 
burg  comes  first. 
For  large  congrega- 
tions Jasper  and  Fer- 
dinand lead. 

In  the  early  days, 
1S30,  church  houses 
were    very    few,  and 

services  were  often  held  at  the  residence  of  some  settler.  The  minister  came 
once  in  four  weeks.  He  began  services  at  4  p.  m.  on  Thursday  in  summer, 
and  at  night,  during  winter.  The  sermons  were  noted  for  being  "lengthy 
and  powerful."  The  entire  Bible  constituted  the  text.  The  male  members 
of  the  congregation  always  took  their  dogs  and  guns  with  them.  The  guns 
were  stacked,  and  while  the  minister    preached,  the  dogs  fought,    sometimes 


M.  E.  CHURCH  AND  HIGH  SCHOOL.  JASPER. 


JASPER  PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS,  LECTURE  HALL,  AND  SCHOOLS  OF  MUSIC,  PAINTING  AND  FINE  ARTS. 

Originally,  (1840)  St.  Joseph's  Church.     Here  Jasper  College  was  also  founded  in  1889.     The   building 
leading  out  to  the  right  is  the  parsonage  of  St.  Joseph's  Church. 

indoors;  at  other  times  about  the  grounds  surrounding  the  "meeting  house  " 
If  the  fight  became  too  general,  the  preacher  would  stop  until  the  men  re- 
stored order,  and  each  man  returned  and  held  his  dog  until  the  close  of  the 
sermon.     No  more  of  this  is  seen  now. 


24 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


®  ^  L.  fed  C3  ^  M 

§f ogggo 

o  a;  ci  t.  o^ti 
i  «  t-  g 


stew  i,  J-  _  o 


c  c_£<;:;  ;;^ 


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O  O  K^^  t-      . 

a>  -C  o  O  cS  -c  -S^ 

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>~  J  !-  a>  .-  ^ 

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tc— —  o  c"r  — •- 

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S  ?r  S  =!  S  ° 

^  03  f^s  oi  P. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


25 


Dubois  County  has  many  fine  churches  and  church  properties  whose  to- 
tal value  is  estimated  at  $1,000,000.  x\t  present  there  are  fifty  churches  in 
the  county.  

CHAPTER  VI. 

SCHOOLS    AND    EDUCATION. 

A  school-house  is  a  sign  of  civilization,  of  advancement  and  of  educa- 
tion. There  is  no  official  record  in  Dubois  County  of  its  schools  prior  to 
September  12,  1866,  except  such  as  appears  in  the  form  of  reports  scattered 
about  the  various  offices  to  whose  incumbent  such  reports  were  made. 

The  fii-st  schools  in  Dubois  County,  like  in  other  counties  of  the  state, 
were  of  the  subscription  kind.      The  school  houses  were  of  the  same  style  as 


COUNTY  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION,  MAY  1,  1896,  AT  COURT  HOUSE. 

From  left  to  right  the  members  are  William  Schiiler,  N.  B.  CoflTriian  (Johu  Herr,  school  supplies), 
Levi  L.  Jacobs,  John  Wibbels,  Johu  E.  Norman,  Nick  Senninger,  Fred  AUes,  John  Seitz.  In  fronton 
the  steps  are  R.  C.  Smith,  John  H.  Eehrens,  John  E.  Steinkamp,  George  R.  Wilson  and  Alois  J.  Schaaf. 

the  dwellings  of  those  days;  of  log,  with  a  large  fireplace  at  one  end,  and  a 
shelf  used  for  a  writing  desk  on  one  side.  The  school  house  often  served  as  a 
church  house  and  the  teacher  often  served  as  a  preacher. 

Beginning  with  1S24,  and  for  many  years,  there  were  three  school  trus- 
tees for  each  township.  These  three  trustees  examined  teachers  in  regard  to 
their  abilty  to  teach  reading,  writing  and  arithmetic.  School  houses  were 
built  by  the  able-bodied  men  in  the  district.  The  rooms  were  to  be  eight 
feet  high,  and  the  floors  had  to  be  at  least  one  foot  above  the  ground.  Such 
was  the  beginning  of  the  present  district  schools.  Terms  seldom  exceeded 
sixty  days,  and  the  wages  paid   teachers  were  very  low. 

The  first  school  houses  in  Dubois  County  were  usually  of  logs  and  about 
twenty  feet  by  twenty-four.  The  roof  was  of  boards  pinned  down  with  wooden 
pins.  The  floor  was  made  of  puncheons.  A  puncheon  was  a  combination 
between  a  log  and  a  board.  It  was  generally  between  three  and  six  inches 
thick  and  was  laid  down  loose.  The  seats  in  the  school  room  were  generally 
made  of  one-half  of  a  small  log,  supported  by  four  or  six  wooden  pins,  for  legs. 
The  books  were  Webster's  Blue-back  Speller,  DeBald's  or  Pike's  Arithme- 
tic, and  Olney's  Geography  and  Atlas. 


26 


IITRTORV    AND    ART    ftOTTVENIR 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


27 


The  New  Testament  served  as  a  reader.  The  spelling  lesson  caused  the 
greatest  interest.  To  stand  at  the  head  of  a  spelling  class  was  the  highest  am- 
bition. Many  pupils  could  spell  every  word  in  the  book,  even  though  they 
did  not  know  its  meaning,  and  perhaps  never  used  the  word  again.  To  walk 
five  or  six  miles  to  school  was  a  very  common  occurence. 

Pupils  were  permitted  to  study  as  loud  as  they  pleased,  and,  many  thought 
that  the  more  noise  the  pupils  made  in  studying  their  lessons,  the  better  they 
would  know  them.  There  would  be  bits  of  "a-(5,  ads,"  i-b,  ibsf  "•12 
times  12  are  144,'-  '■'cancel  and  divide,'"  '•'•In  the  beginning,  God  said  let 
there  be  light,  and  there  was  light,"  and  various  other  sounds  mixed  up  at 
the  same  time;  all  while  school  was  in  session,  and  while  the  teacher  was 
explaining  long  division  to  the  big  boys  and  girls. 

Pupils  wrote  with  goose-quill  pens,  shapened  by  the  teacher.  The  pupil 
always  "run  down'' 
his  own  goose,  and 
brought  the  feather 
to  his  teacher  to  be 
dexterously  converted 
into  a  quill  pen.  Sand 
served  instead  of  a 
blotting-pad.  School 
began  at  "sun  up" 
and  closed  at  "sun 
down,"  and  he  who 
got  to  the  school 
house  first  recited 
first,  and  so  on  one  at 
a  time.  There  was  no 
recess  except  at  noon. 
One  of  the  very  first 
teachers  was  Simon 
Morgan.  His  pen- 
manship is  shown 
elsewhere  in  this  little 
history.  He  taught  school  in  Fort  McDonald,  in  the  court  house  at  Porters- 
ville,  and  also  in  the  log  court  house  at  Jasper.  About  1S20,  a  school  was 
taught  near  Haysville,  and  also  at  Shiloh,  west  of  Jasper.  Before  this 
county  was  organized  a  school  was  taught  near  where  Ireland  now  stands. 
One  was  taught  in  Jefferson  township,  north  of  Schnellville,  about  1820. 

Under  the  constitution  of  1816,  and  from  1843  to  the  year  1853, 
John  McCausland  served  in  the  capacity  of  county  school  examiner.  From 
1S53  to  1857,  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeck,  Rev,  A.  J.  Strain,  and  George  W. 
Fallon  served  as  school  examiners.  S.  J.  Cramer  succeeded  Mr.  Fallon; 
the  others  continued.  For  the  year  1858,  Rev.  A,  J,  Strain,  Stephen  Jerger, 
and  S.  J.  Cramer  served  ;  for  1859,  Rev.  A,  J.  Strain,  William  Hayes,  and 
John  B.  Beckwerment,  served,  and  for  1861,  Henrv  A.  Holthaus  succeeded 
Rev.   A.  J.   Strain. 

In  1861,  the  law  was  changed,  and  only  one  school  examiner  was  re- 
quired. On  June  5,  iS6i,  Rev.  A.  J.  Strain  was  appointed  and  he  served 
until  his  death,  February  2,  1873.  On  the  seventh  day  of  the  following 
March,  Mr.  E.  R.  Brundick  was  appointed. 

A  law  was  passed  and  went  into  effect  March  8,  1873,  calling  for  the 
appointment  of  the  first  county  superintendent,  on  the  first  Monday    of  June, 


LUEKEN  SCHOOL  HOUSE,  No.  3,  FERDINAND  TOWNSHIP. 

The  only  log  school  house  in   Dubois  county.    Erected  in    1854.    Mr. 
Clement  Lueken,  Sr.,  has  taught  here  without  interruption  since  1861. 


28 


ITISTORV    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


29 


1873,  and  bi-ennially  thereafter.  Mr.  Brundick  was  appointed,  and  held 
until  June  3,  1879,  when  Rev.  Geo.C.  Cooper  became  his  successor.  On 
June  6,  1881,  the  Hon.  A.  M.  Sweeney  was  appointed  and  served  with 
eminent  success,  until  June,  1889,  when  George  R.  Wilson,  the  present  incum- 
bent, was  appointed. 


WILLIAM  HAYES. 


William  Hayes.  Examiner  of  Common  School 
Teachers  for  theCouuty  of  Dubois  for  the  term  of 
two  years  from  the  first  Monday  in  March,  1800. 
Appointed  by  the  board  of  county  commissioners. 
Died  at  JHsper,  Indiana,  November  '■'>,  1874.  Mr. 
Hayes  was  born  at  Haysville,  Indiana,  October  4, 
1834,  He  was  an  attache  of  the  Courier  office,  at  Jas- 
per for  fourteen  years. 


REV.  JOSEPH  KUNDECK. 

Kev.  Joseph  Kuudeck  was  born  iu  Johannicli, 
Croatias.  Aug.  '24,  1810.  In  1837,  he  emigrated 
to  Indiana,  and  in  1838,  was  installed  asjCatholic 
pastor  at  Jasper.  The  congregation  at  Jasper 
theu  numbered  fifteen  families.  During  1840 
and  1841  he  built  the  first  brick  church  at  Jasper. 
He  ofteu  went  to  Madison,  Ind.,  and  over  into 
Illinois  to  preach.  He  also  visited  the  congre- 
gations at  Ferdinand,  Troy,  Celestine,  Fulda  and 
McLoughlin,  as  their  pastor.  To  restore  his 
health  he  took  a  trip  to  New  Orleans  in  1843,  and 
while  there  built  its  first  German  Catholic 
Church.  He  then  returned  to  Jasper  and  built 
the  Court  House.  About  the  same  time  he  built 
the  present  brick  church  at  Troy.  He  laid  out 
the  town  of  Ferdinand  in  1840,  having  purchased 
the  land  of  the  United  States  in  1839.  In  1843  he 
laid  out  tlie  town  of  Celestine.  In  18.51  he  built 
the  first  Germau  Catholic  Church  at  Madison, 
Ind.,  and  then  made  a  trip  to  Europe.  About 
this  time  he  was  appointed  Vicar  General  of  Vin- 
cennes,  having  previously  been  Missionary  Gen- 
eraL  In  1844  he  introduced  the  Sisters  of  Provi- 
dence in  the  schools  of  .Jasper.  They  now  have 
a  flourishing  academy.  On  Nov.  29,  18.5.5  he  laid 
out  the  first  addition  to  Jasper.  He  bought  a 
great  amount  of  land  from  the  government. 
His  services  and  work  iu  Southern  Indiana  have 
resulted  in  much  good.  Perhaps  no  man  in  the 
early  days  of  Southern  Indiana  was  more  gener- 
ally and  favorably  known.  In  the  spring  of  1857 
began  an  illness  that  caused  his  death  on 
December  4th,  1857.  A  handsome  monument 
marks  his  last  resting  place  in  St.  Joseph's  Ceme- 
tery at  Jasper.  No  photograph  of  this  man  could 
be  found.    See  copy  of  autograph  elsewhere. 


REV.  A.  J.  STRAIN, 

Born  Jan.  IS,  1821,  died  Feb.  2.  1873.  Pastor  of 
Shiloh  congregation  for  twenty-six  years;  County 
School  Examiner  for  nearly  twenty  years.  He 
died  while  holding  the  above  position.  Shiloh, 
Lemmons.Hillsboro  and  Lebanoit  churches  Avere 
erected  during  his  ministration.  Ordained  Oc- 
tober 10,  1847. 


Before  1S73,  the  examination  passed 
by  the  applicant  for  a  teacher's  license 
was  not  difficult.  The  difficulty  was 
in  getting  the  teachers.  The  appli- 
cant usually  called  on  the  county  ex- 
aminer, who  asked  a  few  questions, 
which  were  answered  orally,  wrote  a 
few  lines  as  a  sample  of  his  chirography, 
and  remained  for  dinner.  After  dinner 
if  the  examiner  was  satisfied  with  the 
applicant's  knowledge,  he  wrote  out 
a  license  and  handed  it  to  him.  It 
was  generally  written  upon  a  piece  of 
fools-cap  paper  about  eight  inches 
square. 

Here  is  a  sample  of  a  license,  from 
the  original,  still  in  possession  of  its  owner,  Lieut.  William  Wesley  Ken- 
dall, of  Jasper: 

"This  Certifies  that^I  have   examined    Wesley    Kendall,  Relative    to  his   qualifica- 
tions, to  teach  a  Common  schoolas  required  by  the  School  law  of  Indiana  and  find  him 


30 


HISTORY   AND   ART   SOUVENIR 


REV.  GEO.  C.  COOPER, 

County  Su|iiTintfiiileiit,  lS7!t 


GEO.  R.  WILSON, 

County  Superintendent,  1889. 


HON.  A.  M.  SWEENEY, 

County  Superintenrlent  from  1R81  to  18S9.     Clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Indiana  from 
l.sno  to  1894;  now  I'rvsideiH  o(  tht;  state  Life  Insurance  to. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


31 


qualified  to    teacli  Orthography,   Spelling,    Reading,  Writing    and    Arithmetic  as  far  as 
Interest,  And    he    supporting  a  good    Moral  Character  I  therefore  license  him  to    teach 
the  branches  above  named  for  the  term  of  three  months. 
July  29—  1856.  <'A.  j.  Strain,  S.  E." 

[The  language  and  capitals  areas  they  appear  in  the  original.]  Un- 
der this  license  Mr.  Kendall  taught  in  the  old  Beatty  school  house  in 
Columbia  township,  near  the  "Beatty  Spring,"  and  on  the  last  day  of  school 
had    a    drill    or    muster   of  old   soldiers,    who   formed   a   hollow  square,  and 


WORLD'S  FAIR  DIPLOMA. 

World's  Fair  Diploma  and  Medal  awarded  to  the  Dubois  County  Schools  in  1893,  at  Chicago.  The 
medal  and  its  aluminum  case  weigh  eleven  ounces. 

listened  to  addresses.  To  show  that  such  was  the  usual  grade  in  those 
days  in  Southern  Indiana,  below  may  be  found  a  copy  of  a  Crawford  County 
license,  with   original  capitals,  language  and  punctuation: 

"Leavenworth  Indiana  Nov  10th  1858. 
"This    certifies    that    Wesley  Kendall  was    this  day  by    me   examined    in   the  fol- 
lowing branches  Orthography    Reading  Writing   Arithmetic    Geography    and    English 
Grammar  and  find  him  qualified    to    teach    the  Same  he    is  therefore  licensed   a  com- 
mon School  teacher  two  years.  Thomas  J.  Dobyns,  Examiner" 

There  are  in  Dubois  County  at  the  present  time  one  hundred  thirty- 
three  public  schools  that  are  taught  and  furnished  at  an  annual  cost  of  over 
$40,000,  besides  many  private    schools,  an    academy  and   a    good    college. 


32 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOrVEXIR 


There  were  in  1S96,  seven  thousand  two  hundred  seventy-nine  children  of 
school  age.  More  than  $300,000  is  invested  for  educational  advancement  in 
the  different  educational  institutions  of  the  county.  Education  took  a  new 
lease  of  life  in  this  county  in  1S73,  under  the  new  laws  and  it   has   never   for 


^^         ,.                     iP?i-r-r 

— ^ 

— — -i 

-       -  -*m 

^- **,,#,  #  t  t  i  ^a"^*  ^ 

1  ij^ 
Ijt  ^^  jH 

JACOB'S  SCHOOL  No.  5. 

Jacob's  School  No.  5,  Hall  Towuship,  iu  ISiKi— a  District  School  iu  Eastern  Dubois. 

a  moment  looked  backward,  nor  stood  still.  Three  large  medals  were  awarded 
to  the  different  educational  institutions  in  Dubois  County  for  exhibits  at  the 
World's  Fair,  at  Chicago.  Jasper  College,  Ferdinand  Acadeiny,  and  the 
district  schools  of  Dubois  County  were  recognized  in  this  substantial  manner. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


MILITARY    HISTORY. 

The  military  history  of  Dubois  County  is  as  long  as  the  history  of  the 
county,  and,  without  a  blemish.  The  county  bears  the  name  of  an  old  In- 
dian fighter.  The  first  settler  was  a  ranger,  and  a  faithful  guide  to  General 
Harrison.  General  Harrison's  army  camped  in  Dubois  County  when  he 
was  on  his  way  to  fight  the  Indians,  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  on  Novem- 
ber 7,  i8n.      Indiana  was  admitted   as  a  state  December  ii,  i8i6. 

The  first  constitution  of  the  state  of  Indiana  was  ordained  and  estab- 
lished at  Corydon,  Indiana,  on  Monday,  June  lO,  i8i6.  It  remained  the 
constitution  until  November  i,  1851.  Under  this  first  constitution  it  was 
provided  that  all  free,  white,  able-bodied  male  persons,  resident  in  the  state 
of  Indiana,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  and  forty-five,  with  few  exceptions, 
shall  constitute  the  state  militia.  On  certain  davs  during  the  year  men 
were  required  to  muster,  (now  called  drill.)  They  elected  their  own  officers; 
captains  and  subalterns  were  elected  by  their  respective  companies  ;  majors 
were  elected  by  those  persons  within  their  respective  battalion  districts  sub- 
ject to  perform  militia  duty  ;  colonels  were  elected  by  those  persons  within 
the  bounds  of  their  respective  regimental  district  subject  to  perform  militia 
duty;  brigadier-generals  were  elected  by  the  commissioned  officers  within  the 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


33 


bounds  of  their  respective  brigade;  and,  major-generals  were  elected  by  the 
commissioned  officers  within  the  bounds  of  their  respective  divisions. 

The  organizations  were  squads,  companies,  battalions,  regiments,  etc. 
Dubois  County  had  her  share  of  pioneer  soldiers,  The  annual  muster  was 
held  on  the  first  Saturday  in  May.  This  was  called  brigade  or  battalion  mus- 
ter, and  was  held  a  mile  southwest  of  the  court  house,  between  the  Hunting- 
burg  road  and  the  railroad.  Here  met  all  able-bodied  men  and  drilled,  and 
went  through  all  the  evolutions  of  soldiers.  The  four  days  following  such 
an  annual  muster,  or  county  muster,  were  given  up  to  sports,  such  as  shoot- 
ing-matches, foot-races,  wrestling,  jumping,  and  frequently  a  few  genuine 
fist-fights. 

These  embryo  soldiers  camped  in  the  woods  near  by,  killed  game  for 
meat  and  brought  their  "corn-dodgers"  with   them,   or  they  would  go  to    the 


LIEUT.  W.  W.  KENDALL, 

Co.  A.  49th  Ind.,  Vet,  Vol.,  as  a  military  con- 
ductor on  the  L.,  F.  &  L.  railroad.  Congress 
presented  to  him  a  medal  of  honor  in  1894,  for 
bravery  at  Black  River  Bridge,  Miss.,  May  17, 
1863.  He  is  now  custodian  of  the  Dubois  County 
Soldiers'  Monument. 


COL.  B.  B.  EDMONSTON, 

Born  in  Buncom  County.  N.  C,  Nov  6,  1802; 
clerk  of  Dubois  County  for  twenty-eight  years; 
served  also  as  Auditor,  Recorder.  Sheriff,  Repre- 
sentative, and  in  many  other  positions  of  trust 
and  honor.  He  was  a  Brig.  General  under  the 
muster  laws  of  the  constitution  of  1816;  died 
blind,  at  Jasper,  Ind.,  July  23,  1888. 

"Enlow  Mill,"  (which  stood  where  Eckerts'  Mill  now  stands)  and  get  corn- 
meal  and  bake  their  own  "hoe-cakes."  They  enjoyed  these  cakes  and  wild 
meats. 

The  company  musters  were  semi-annual,  and  lasted  for  one  day  each. 
There  were  many  "company-muster-grounds"  throughout  the  county.  At 
the  crossing  of  the  Jasper  and  Schnellville  road  with  the  St.  Anthony  and 
Celestine  road,  at  Portersville,  at  Colonel  Haddock's  farm,  near  the  corner 
of  Bainbridge,  Boone,  and  Harbison  townships,  and  many  other  places  com- 
pany musters  (or  drills)  were  held.  Squad  musters  were  local  and  convened 
at  the  call  of  their  captains  in  that  vicinity. 

Captains  and  lieutenants  drilled  squads  of  twenty-five,   or  more  ;   majors 

3 


34 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUV^ENIR 


drilled  companies  of  one  hundred  men,  or  more;  lieutenant-colonels  drilled 
battalions  of  two  hundred,  or  more  ;  colonels  drilled  regiments  of  one  thou- 
sand, or  more;    and,  generals,  brigades  of  two  thousand,  or  more. 

When  these  muster  days,  or  drill  days  occurred,  and  the  native  was  the 
possessor  of  a  rifle,  he  was  required  to  bring  it  to  the  muster-ground.  If  he 
had  no  gun  he  practiced  the  drill  with  a  stick  the  size  of  a  rifle.  The  guns 
used  in  those  days  were  of  the  style  known  as  "long-barrel,  full-stock,  single- 
trigger,  flint-lock  or  scrape-fire." 

The  manual  of  arms  is  too  lengthy  to  describe,  and  the  evolutions  of 
the  soldier  can  be  imagined  better  than  told.     Under  this  old  military  system, 


,^|^Hv 

L     -^ite 

^Bk 

WSmi^M 

V  JH^^H^^HMik. 

CAPT.  PHILIP  P.  GUCKES, 

Of  Co.  E.  14:Uiid.  Vols.,  also  first  lieuteuant  of 
Co.  K.  6.5th,  lud.  Vol.  luf.  Died  at  Jasper  April 
1-1,  1871.  Guckes-Welman  Post  No  44S,  G.  A.  R., 
Jasper,  named  in  honor  of  him  and  Capt.  R.  M. 
Welman. 


CAPT.  R.  M.  WELMAN, 

Co.  K.  27th  lud..  Vols  Brevett-d  Major  at  close 
of  Civil  War.  Died  at  Jasper,  Fehruarv  14,  1884. 
Guckes-Welman  Post  No.  448,  G.  A.  R.," bears  his 
name. 


among  many  others,  the  following  citizens  rose  to  at  least  local  distinction: 
Brig.-Gen.  B.  B.  Edmonston,  Col.  Thos.  Shoulders,  Lieut. -Col.  Elijah  Ken- 
dall, Major  John  Sherritt,  Capt.  Elisha  Jacobs,  Capt.  Cox,  and  many  others. 
Strange  as  this  may  seem  in  the  light  of  military  regulations  of  the  present 
day,  these  musters  created  the  spirit  of  patriotism  that  made  itself  felt  in  the 
Mexican  and  Civil  Wars.     These  musters  were  before  1853. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeck,  of  Jasper,  also  had  a  company  of  one  hundred 
men.  These  he  frequently  commanded  personally.  They  drilled  on  the 
public  square,  or  in  the  church  lot  at  St.  Joseph's  Church.  These  men  were 
uniformed  and  supplied  with  arms.  William  Burkhart  was  captain,  and  Mich- 
ael Reis  was  lieutenant.      This  was  early  in  the  fifties,  before  the  Civil  War. 

With  the  Mexican  War  came  actual  services.  Co.  E.  4th  Reg.  Ind. 
Vol.  was  partly  raised  in  Dubois  County  in  1847.  Several  were  killed 
in  the  battles  with  Mexico.  Military  spirits  slept  then  until  1861.  On  April 
30,    1S61,    one  week    after  the    firing  on    Fort  Sumpter,  citizens  of  Jasper 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


35 


began  to  organize.  The  first  volunteers  from  Dubois  County  for  the 
Civil  War  were  mustered  June  7,  1861,  for  three  years.  They  were  from 
Haysville  and  vicinity.  A  company  was  organized  at  Jasper,  and  went  into 
camp  south  of  the  Jasper  College,  at  what  is  known  in  military  history  as 
Camp  Edmonston.  On  August  15,  1861,  it  elected  John  Mehringer,  captain  ; 
R.  M.  Welman,  first  lieutenant,  and  Stephen  Jerger,  second  Lieutenant.   Be- 


CAPT.  iWORMAN  FISHER, 

Co.  M.  10th  Ind..  Cav.  He  organized  Co.  M.  in 
1863.  and  served  as  its  captain  from  date  of  its 
organization  to  the  close  of  the  Civil  War.  Was 
also  state  representative  and  mayor  of  Hunting- 
burg. 


BRIG.-GEN.  JOHN  MEHRINGER. 

He  organized  Co.  K.  27th  Ind.  Vols,  at  Jasper, 
and  was  its  captain,  July  ISfU.  While  with  his 
company  at  Indianapolis  he  was  promoted  to 
Major  of  the  27th,  on  account  of  his  knowledge 
of  the  manual  of  arms  which  he  acquired  while 
a  soldier  in  the  Mexican  War.  After  five  months 
he  resigned  and  rettirned  to  Jasper  and  organ- 
ized the  91st  regiment  of  Ind.  Inf.  Vols,  of  which 
regiment  he  was  colonel.  He,  also,  for  a  long 
time  commanded  a  brigade  in  the  2.3rd  Army 
Corps,  under  General  Schofield.  At  the  close  of 
the  war,  Colonel  Mehringer,  became  a  brevet 
brigadier-general.  Previous  to  the  Civil  War 
he  served  Dubois  County  as  sheriff  and  also  as 
auditor,  which  latter  position  he  resigned  to 
become  colonel  of  the  91st  regiment.  He  is  now 
a  citizen  of  Louisville,  Kentucky. 


fore  the  war  was  over  these  men  had 
won  their  promotions  on  the  field  of 
battle.  Captain  Mehringer  became 
General  Mehringer,  Lieutenant  Wel- 
man became  Major  Welman,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Jerger  became  Captain  Jerger. 
The  spirit  of  patriotism  spread 
over  the  entire  county.  It  was  not  long 
until  Capt.  R.  M.  Welman,  Ciipt.  Stephen  Jerger.  Capt.  Casper  Blume, 
Capt.  Morman  Fisher,  Capt.  John  M.  Lemmon,  Capt.  P.  P.  Guckes, 
Capt.  J.  J.  Alles,  Capt.  J.  C.  McConahay,  Captain  Haberle,  Capt.  D.  J. 
Banta,  Capt.  Geo.  W.  Hill,  Capt.  A.  J.  Beckett,  Capt.  J.  W.  Hammond, 
Capt.  L.  B.  Shively,  Lieut.  W.  W.  Kendall,  Lieut.  Leander  Jerger,  Lieut. 
Arthur  Berry,  Lieut.  Wm.  A.  Kemp,  Lieut.  Hiram  McDonald,  Lieut.  Jer- 
emiah Crook,  Lieut. W.  R.  McMahan,  Lieut.  Arthur  Mouser,  Lieut.  Marion 
Martin,  Lieut.  Ed.  Buchart,  Lieut.  Harter,  Lieut.  Geo.  Friedman,  Lieut. 
J.  F.  B.  Widmer,  and  2,000  other  young  men  were  in  their  country's 
army.  The  Civil  War  cost  Dubois  county  more  than  $So,ooo  in  cash  dur- 
ing the  war  and  the  lives  of  many  of  her  young  men.     At  that  time  our  pop- 


36 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


FLAG    OF    COMPANY     K.,     27tli     INDIANA  VOLUNTEERS. 

This  flag  was  madf  and  presented  to  Co.  K.  l)y  tlie  ladies  of  Jasper,  in  I8(ii.  It  was  used  part  of 
the  time  by  the  27th  reginieut.  The  flag  was  carried  upou  the  hloodv.  Imttle-field  of  Aiitietani.  and 
several  Dubois  County  soldiers  viewed  it  there  for  the  last  lime,  as  their  lil"e-l)lood  Howeii  from  their 
wounds.  It  was  so  toru  and  bullet-ridden  at  this  battle,  September  17,  18()2,  that  it  was  returned  home 
by  Captain  Welitian.  and  a  new  one  purchiisod.  It  is  now  preserved  in  the  archive  of  the  Soldiers' 
Monument  at  .fasper.  The  guard  about  the  flag  in  the  engraving  are  a  few  of  the  survivors  of  Co.  K., 
now  living  at  Jasper.  The  members  shown  in  the  picture  are  Conrad  Eckert.  Josejih  Schroeder.  Mathias 
Schmidt,  George  Mehringer,  Joseph  Koelle,  and  Anton  Berger.  from  left  to  right  in  the  order  named. 

ulation  was  io,ooo  men,  women  anil 
children.  It  was  to  commemorate  the 
patriotism  of  these  men  that  the  hand- 
some soldiers'  monument  was  erected 
in  the  public  square  at  Jasper,  upon 
the  spot  where  the  young  ladies  of 
Jasper  had  presented  to  the  soldiers  of 
iS6i  a  fine  flag  to  follow  on  the 
southern  field  of  battle.  The  arrange- 
ments for  building  the  monument  were 
made  on  the  evening  of  January  ii, 
1893,  at  the  court-house,  at  Jasper, 
where  the  following  organization  was 
effected  at  a  public  meeting:  Perma- 
nent organization:  Chairman,  John 
S.  Barnett ;  Secretary,  John  Gramels- 
pacher ;  Assistant  Secretary,  George 
R.  Wilson ;  Ti'easurer,  George  Meh- 
ringer; Executive  Committee,  John 
S.  Barnett,  John  P.  Salb,  W.  S. 
Hunter,  Com  ad  Eckert,  and  William  A.  Traylor. 

Articles  of  voluntary  association  were  filed  with  the  secretary  of  state, 
February  17,  1893.  The  work  began  September  19,  1S93.  The  monu- 
ment cost  $5,000.     Prof.  Michael  F.  Durlauf,  was  the  architect  and  builder. 


CAPT.  JOHN  J.  ALLES, 

Co.  I,  49th  Ind.  Vols.  Elected  captain  Nov.  -1,  isni, 
at  Jasper,  Ind.,  and  served  during  the  war.  Mus- 
tered into  service  Nov.  21,  18(il.  Capt.  Alles  .served 
many  years  as  trustee  of  Hall  townshij)  and  as 
county  commissioner  of  Dubois  Countv. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


37 


The  monument  had  its  origin  through  a  visit  paid  to  the  battlefield  of  Gettys- 
burg, September,  1S92,  by  some  members  of  the  organization. 

The  monument  was  unveiled  and  dedicated  on  Wednesday,  October  17, 
1894.      Addresses  were  made    by   Hon.   Claude  Matthews,    governor    of  In- 


THE  DUBOIS;COUNTY  SOLDIERS'  AND  SAILORS'    MONUMENT. 

The  engraving  is  the  work  of  Dr.  Mat  Kempt",  a  native  of  Ferdinand,  Dubois  County,  Indiana,  now 
an  artist  on  the  New  Vork  World. 

diana  ;  Col.  I.  N.  Walker,  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Re- 
public ;  Hon.  A.  M.  Sweeney,  clerk  of  the  supreme  court;  Gen.  John  Meh- 
ringer,  ex-auditor  of  Dubois  County,  and  others.  It  was  a  day  long  to  be  re- 
membered, for  its  music,  parades,  soldiers  and  addresses. 


;]<s 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


THE    DUBOIS    COUNTY    SOLDIERS'     MONUHENT. 


When  the  tocsin  of  war  soundorl  the  alarm, 
Over  tlie  hill-top,  valley,  villaRe  and  farm; 
From  the  green  hills  of  Dnl)ois  County  they  came 
To    march,   to  fight,   to  defend  their  country's 

name. 
Quietly  tliey  quartered  at  Camp  Edmon.ston 
And  (hilled  from  morn  until  set  of  sun. 
On  Reider's  Ifill  they  liid  farewell  to  mother, 
Si.ster,   sweetheart,  father  and  younger  brother. 
Right-about-face!  Forward!    Our  two  thousand 

strong 
Went  to  fight  for  this  nation;  to  right  a  wrong. 
Did  they  do  their  duty'.'  Ask  the  generals 
Who  guided  the  armies  of  the  Federals; 
Round  the  banners  of  our  country  and  our  might 
They  taught  the  South    ell  the  beauties  of  the 

right. 
All  were  true  boys-in-blue,   full  of  pride  and 

hope, 
For  they  fought  under  McClellan,   Grant  and 

Pope; 
Also    with    Burnsides,    Hooker,    Rosecrans  and 

Meade, 
Sherman,  2<Iorgan,  Thomas,  nearly  all  indeed. 
If  this  generation  thinks  they  went  for  fun? 
Ask  the  boys  who  fought  at  the  second  Bull  Run; 
At  Cold  Harbor,  Antietam.  and  Malvern  Hill, 
Resacca,  Seven  Pines  and  Chaneellorsville. 
They  fought  at  Black  River  and  Chattanooga, 
Also,  at   Lookout  Mountain  and  Chickanniuga, 
And,  at  this  distant  day  it  makes  one  shiver, 
To  read  of  fights  at  ShilOh  and  Stone  River, 
At  New  Hope  Church,  Mission  Ridge  and  Cham- 
pion Hill. 
At<'edar  Mountain,   Franklin   Pike  and   Nash- 
ville, 
Viek^sburg,  Fredericksburg  and  Fort  Donaldson 
They  did   their  duty   with  cannon,   sword  and 

gun. 
Thev  went  out  as  bovs.     We  read  of  them  as  men 


Prom  Gettysburg  down  to  'Island  Number  Ten;' 
Kenesaw  Mountain  or  wherever  it  may  be, 
Yes.  in  the  march  "from  Athinta  to  the  Sea." 
Down  from  the  mountains  of  the  Alleghany 
They  drove  Lee  to  stand  at  Spottsylvania, 
Then  bade  farewell  to  Old  Virginia's  rocks. 
After  his  surrender  at  .Vppomattox. 
If  you  lived  here  long,  no  d<)u))t  you  have  heard 
Of  the  twenty-seventh  and  twenty-third, 
And  all  the  otlu-rs  as  on  the  list  they  run, 
From  one  hundred  forty-three  to  number  one. 
You  heard  of  "Company  B"  and  all  of  them 
From  "Comj)any  A''  down  tf)  "Company  M" 
Of  the  calvary  three,  nine,  ten,  thirteen! 
And  all  the  men  that  <lrank  from  the  same  can- 
teen, 
There  were  privates.  oflBeers;  all  volunteers; 
They  went  as  footmen,  marines,  cavaliers: 
And   while  they  over  the  fighting  .South    did 

roam. 
Their  wives,  sistersand  mothers  stayed  at  home. 
Stayed  at  home'?  Yes,  indee<l!   but  not  in  vain; 
They  worked  as  best  they  could  with  might  and 

main, 
And  every  letter  was  re-read  in  tears, 
For  fear  it  re-told  sad  news  of  fighting  dears. 
There  were  women   who  worked   with  weeping 

eye. 
For  "their    thoughts  went   south    as    each    day 

passed  by. 
To  distant  husbands,  fathers  brothers,  and  sons 
Marching  through   the  South,   with  knap.sacks, 

swords  and  guns. 
Yes.  I  stand  for  all  the  soil,  on  which  I  rest. 
For    mv    countrv's    women  who  worked   their 

best 
For  heaven  above,  and  for  my  own  boys  so  true. 
Who  fought  for  their  old  flag— The  fed,  white 

and  blue. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


TRANSPORTATION,      PRODUCTS,      MANUFACTURED      GOODS,      POPULATION      AND 

WEALTH. 

In  the  early  days  of  the  settlement  of  almost  any  territory,  the  means  of 
transportation  was  water,  either  ocean,  bay,  lake  or  river.  Nearly  all  the 
older,  larger  cities  in  the  United  States  have  water  communication,  not  now 
exclusively  used,  but  such  communication  had  much  to  do  with  their  settle- 
ment and  prosperity. 

So  with  the  settlement  of  Dubois  County.  Portersville  and  Jasper,  each 
in  its  turn,  becaiije  the  county  seat,  because  a  river  was  at  hand.  White  and 
Patoka  Rivers  served  for  many  years  as  a  means  of  transporting  products  of 
the  county  to  Memphis,  New  Orleans,  and  other  cities  in  the  lower  country. 
Flat  boats  —  long,  narrow,  low  crafts— propelled  by  hand-power,  and  the 
natural  flow  of  the  over-flowed  rivers  carried  staves,  hoop-poles,  bacon, 
beans,  corn,  flour,  dried  fruits  and  various  other  products.  They  usually 
left  Jasper  or  Portersville  during  the  high  waters  incident  to  the  spring 
rains.  They  were  a  means  of  giving  strong  young  men  an  opportunity  of 
seeing  something  of  the  world. 

In  1819,  Col.  Simon  Morgan  and  Jacob  Harbison  took  a  flat-boat  load 
of  pork  from  Portersville  to  New  Orleans,  and  returned  on  foot,  a  distance 
of  more  than  seven  hundred  miles.  In  those  days  there  were  but  few 
steamboats  on  the  Mississippi  River. 

After  i860,  small  steamboats  occasionally  carried  products  from  Porters- 
ville.    These   two  styles   of   boats  carried  products  out  of  the  county.     The 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


39 


manufactured     articles    and    groceries   were    carried  by  wagon  to  the  county 
from  Troy  and  Loogootee  ;  or,  Louisville,  by  way  of  the  pike  at  Paoli. 

A  railroad  was  finally  built  from  Rockport  to  Jasper,  and  the  first  loco- 
motive and  train  came  to  the  county  seat  on  February  14.  1879.  It  was  a 
great  day  for  Jasper,  schools  dismissed  and  the  children  headed  by  their 
teachers  and  a  brass  band,  went  down  to  the  track  to  see  the  train  arrive  and 
wonder  at  its  dignity.  The  band  played  "Hail  Columbia!  Happy  Land" 
until  one  of  the  pupils  fell  into  the  big  drum.  All  voted  the  locomotive  the 
biggest  and  best  valentine  ever  received  at  Jasper.  Toward  the  construction 
of  this  road  Bainbridge  township,  and  her  citizens  gave  $37,800.  They  had 
been  agitating  the  question  of  railroad  communication  since  the  close  of  the 
Civil  War. 

A  few  years  later  the  main  line  of  the  Louisville,  Evansville  &  St. 
Louis  Railroad  was  built  through  the  county,  thus  giving  a  better  means  of 
transportation. 

The  county  was  originally  covered  with  a  dense  forest  of  walnut,  oak, 
poplar,  beech,  ash,  gum,  hickory,  and  many  other  hard  wood  trees.  Its 
timber  was  excellent,  and  more  than  $3,000,000  worth  was  disposed  of. 
The  forests  gradually  fell  under  the  swing  of  the  woodman's  axe.  Thou- 
sands of  trees  were  cut  down  and  destroyed  by  fire  to  clear  the  land  for  culti- 
vation. Many  were  cut  into  saw-logs  and  floated  down  the  rivers  to  the  tim- 
ber markets  of  the  south.     After  the  construction  of  the  railroads,  train-loads 

after  train-loads  of  staves,  cross-ties,  and 
lumber  were  shipped  east;  much  of  it  to 
Europe. 

That  part  of  Dubois  county  lying  west 
of  a  straight  Ime  drawn  from  Haysville,  on 
White  river,  and  passing  the  Ackerman, 
Hopkins  and  Alexander  school-houses, 
down  to  Patoka  river,  is  the  garden 
spot  of  the  county.  Here  lie  its  valua- 
ble farm  lands.  The  middle  portion 
of  the  country  contains  its  factories,  and 
the  eastern  part  its  timber  interest. 

On  the  north,  Wh'te  river  passes 
along  the  county,  over  a  meri'dional  dis- 
tance of  about  twelve  miles.  Patoka 
river  flows  through  the  county  from  east  to  west.  It  is  a  very  sluggish  stream, 
and  when  its  banks  are  half  full  its  fall  is  less  than  one  foot  in  a  mile.  It 
flows  for  nearly  one  hundred  miles  through  Dubois  County. 

The  county  has  many  coal  beds.  All  that  are  worked  are  operated  by 
slopes,  except  at  Huntingburg  where  a  shaft  has  been  dug.  Some  of  the 
coal  is  excellent. 

At  St.  Anthony  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best  brown  stone  quarries  in 
the  state.  A  layer  of  this  stone  begins  near  the  Tretter  school  house  in 
Ferdinand  township  and  extends  north  to  near  Dubois. 

In  the  various  factories  of  the  county  are  manufactured  organs,  sucker- 
rods,  handsome  colored  pressed  brick,  shmgles,  veneers,  secretaries  or  desks, 
engines,  boilers,  bicycles,  spokes,  headings,  staves,  hoops,  furniture,  and 
many  other  things  that  are  shipped  to  many  parts  of  the  world. 

The  Dubois  County  telephone  puts  the  different  towns  of  the  county  in 
dnect  vocal  communication.      It  was  erected  in  1896. 

The  population  of  Dubois  County  is  now  about  25,000.  Its  wealth  is 
estimated  at    $10,000,000.00. 


A  Boone  Township  Home.  Residence  of 
Ex-Sheriff  Albert  H.  Traylor,  four  miles 
west  of  where  his  great  grandfather  built  the 
first  log  cabin  in  Dubois  County. 


40 


HISTORY    AND    ART    ftOUVENTR 

CHAPTER  IX. 


TOWNSHIPS    AND    TOWNS. 

Toivnships.  About  1841,  Dubois  County  was  divided  into  five  town- 
ships. They  were  called  Harbison,  Bainbridge,  Columbia,  Hall  and  Patoka. 
In  1S44,  Ferdinand  township  was  created  out  of  parts  of  Hall    and  Patoka. 


ECKERTS'  MILL,  JASPER,  IND. 

This  mill  stands  where  Eiilow's  Mill  stood  when  Jasiier  heeaiiie  the  eoniily  seat.  At  the  mill  end  of 
the  bridge  stood  an  old  house  in  which  the  liaptists  held  their  first  church  services  at  Jasper.  Not  fur 
down  the  river  from  the  other  end  of  the  bridge  stood  the  cabin  in  which  the  tirst  Catholic  services  at 
Jasper  were  held.  The  bridge  shown  in  the  picture  is  the  first  iron  one  erected  in  the  connly.  On  the 
river  below  tlie  mill  f^at-boats  were  loaded  with  flour,  bacon,  beans,  hoop-poles,  etc.,  and  floated  down 
to  Memphis  or  New  Orleans  as  late  as  1870.  The  water  in  the  picture  is  123  feet  below  Lake  Erie,  and  -150 
feet  above  sea  level. 

These  six,  with  but 
minor  changes,  consti- 
tuted the  sub-divisions 
of  the  county,  until  1874, 
when  the  county  board 
of  the  commissioners 
re-organized  the  county 
into  twelve  townships 
as  follows:  Columbia, 
Harbison,  Boone,  Mad- 
ison, Bainl>ridge,  Ma- 
rion, Hall,  Jefferson, 
Jackson,  Patoka,  Cass, 
and  Ferdinand.  These 
are  bounded  as  shown 
on  the  county  map 
found  elsewhere  in  thi- 
little  volume. 

Jasper.  The  location 
of  Jasper  was  selected 
for  the  express  purpose 
of  a  county  seat.  Enlow 
donated    a    part    of   the       ,         ...     ,„„,•,,,.         .   ,^.o -nn 

*  Jasper  Artesian  Well,  drilled  at  a  cost  of  S2,o00. 

ground  in  the  very    year     dieiual  purposes,    original  depth  1,009  feet. 


Water  used  for  uie- 


D  A  Y  I  E  S  S 


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OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


41 


42 


HISTORY    AND   ART   SOUVENIR 


p    o     a> 


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OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


43 


he  entered  it.  It  was  surveyed  and  platted  by  County  Surveyor  Hosea 
Smith,  of  Pike  County,  in  September,  1830.  This  was  the  same  surveyor 
that  laid  out  the  first  county  seat — Portersville,  in  181S. 

People    who  owned  lots  in  Portersville  exchanged  for  Jasper  lots.     The 


PROF.  MATTHEW  KEHPF,  M.  D. 

Member  of  the  Indiana  State  Legislature  for  Dubois  County  in  IS^g.  Died  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  1880. 
while  professor  of  surgery  in  the  Kentucky  School  of  Medicine.  The  above  engraviug  was  executed 
by  his  son,  Dr.  Matthew  Kempf. 

law  permitted  this.  In  1818,  a  grist  mill  is  said  to  have  been  built,  where 
the  present  one  now  stands,  at  the  steel  bridge  across  Patoka  River.  Many 
additions  have  been  added  to  Jasper,  and  the   original    103  acres  form     but  a 


44 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


small  portion  of  the  town.  The  town  was  incorporated  in  March,  iS66.  In 
1872  and  1S91  the  public  school  building  now  used  was  erected.  In  1S93,  a 
high  school  department  was  established.  Jasper  is  on  the  Patoka  River,  (a 
slow,  sluggish  stream)  but  its  death  rate  stands  among  the  very  lowest  in'the 
state  of  Indiana,      The  town  has  many   manufacturing   establishments,    many 


fine  residences,  one  of  the  largest  stone  churches  in  the  state,  water  works, 
electric  lights,  college,  academy,  etc.  Jasper  was  re-surveyed,  and  a  grade 
plan  was  established  in  1S75,  by  August  Pfafflin,   civil  engineer. 

In  1830,  while  Jasper  was  being  surveyed  it  was  called  Eleanor,  in  honor 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


45 


JACOB    QEIGER, 

Bom  August  14,  1779,  in  Washingtou  County, 
Maryland.  Founded  the  city  of  Hunting- 
burg  in  the  year  1837,  where  he  died,  January 
2,  1857.  Hisremains  are  at  re.st  in  Fairmount 
Cemetery,  southwest  of  Huutiugburg. 


of  the  wife  of  Joseph  Enlow.  Mrs.  Enlow  objected  to  the  name,  and  requested 
that  the  new  town  be  called  Jasper — the  name  of  a  precious  stone,  noticed  by 
her  while  reading  in  her  Bible.  Her  wishes  were  complied  with,  and  all  the 
records,  maps  and  documents  of  the  town  bear  the  name  of  Jasper. 

Huntingburg.     Huntingburg  is  the  only  city  in  the  county.    The   land  upon 
which  it  is  situated  was  entered  by  Jacob  Geiger,  on  Saturday,  November  ii, 

1837.  Previously  he  had  entered  the  re- 
maining part  of  sec.  34,  township  2  south, 
range  5  west.  He  then  lived  in  Louis- 
ville, Ky.  He  came  to  Dubois  County 
about  1840.  He  gave  lots  for  schools, 
churches  and  for  the  cemetery  at  the 
southeast  end  of  the  city.  Huntingburg 
like  all  other  towns  or  cities,  has  a  large 
number  of  additions.  As  a  town  it  was 
incorporated  in  March,  1S66.  It  is  at  the 
junction  of  a  branch  with  the  main  line 
of  the  Louisville,  Evansville  &  St.  Louis 
Railroad.  It  has  many  churches,  some 
handsome,  and  a  full  quota  of  fine  resi- 
dences, water-works,  improved  streets, 
etc.  The  Dubois  County  fair  grounds 
lie  southeast  of  the  city.  The  fair  was 
established  in  1SS7. 

Huntingburg  was  laid  out  and  platted  in 
1837.  It  is  said  to  be  so  named  because 
Mr.  Geiger  was  fond  of  hunting  there.  A  re-survey  of  the  town  was 
made  November  26,  1S54,  by  Jacob  Marendt,  county  surveyor;  in  August 
1866,  by  Surveyor  Sandusky  Williams, 
and  in  1874,  by  August  Pfafflin,  a  civil 
engineer. 

Ferdinand.  The  plat  of  this  town  has 
the  following  in  the  German  language 
neatly  written  upon  it: 

"Plan  of  the  town  of  Ferdinand,  in 
the  North  American  free  state  of  Indiana, 
Dubois  County,  established  January  8, 
1840, 'in  honor  of  His  Majesty,  Ferdi- 
nand I,  Emperor  of  Austria,  and  ded- 
icated to  His  Highness,  by  Joseph  Kun- 
deck.  Missionary  General,  Vicar  of  Vin- 
cennes,  Indiana." 

This  missionary  general  is  a  man  well 
identified  with  the  early  history  of  Du- 
bois County.  Perhaps  no  man  has  ever 
lived  in  Dubois  County  whose  influence 
and  life-work  have  gone  farther  than  his 
for  the  welfare  of  this  county.  He  was 
the  pastor  of  the  Catholic  churches  at 
Troy  and  at  Jasper,  in  the  "forties." 
In  those  days  all  shipping  to  and  from 
Jasper,  was  by  way  of  Troy,  on  the 
Ohio  River.  It  was  a  long  way,  and 
Ferdinand  was    established   as    a  resting 


REV.  EBERHARD  STADLER,  Pastor  of  St. 
Ferdinand's  congregation— the  largest  in  the 
county. 


46 


rri8T()RV    AM)    AKT    S()(tvEMR 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


47 


place  for  man  and  beast.  He  bought  the  land  of  the  United  States  in  January 
and  December,  1S39,  ^"d  had  it  platted,  and  then  went  to  Louisville,  Cin- 
cinnati, and  Pittsburg,  and  urged  settlers  to  come  to  his  newly  established 
town. 

Ferdinand  is  one  of  the  substantial  towns  of  Dubois  County.      Its  build- 
ings are  of  a  high  grade,  and  its  citizens  need  no  peace  officers.      It  is  the  best 


ST.     FERDINAND'S    CHURCH,  FERDINAND,  IND. 

tobacco  market  in  the  county.  Its  church  has  the  finest  interior  in  the 
county  ''St.  Joseph's  Home  for  the  Poor"  shows  its  charity.  Ferdinand 
has  a  foundry  and  machine-shops  that  give  employment  to  many  men 

The  Convent  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  at  Ferdinand,  was  founded 
in  1867  At  first,  the  Sisters  of  the  Order  of  St.  Benedict,  lived  in  a  house 
not  far  from  the  church  of  St.  Ferdinand.       In  the  year  186S,  Rev.  Chrvsos- 


48 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


torn  Foffa,  O.  S.  B.,  laid  the  coiner  stone  to  a  larger  adjoining  building, 
which  was  completed  two  years  later.  However,  after  several  years,  the 
community  increasing  so  rapidly,  the  erection  of  a  new  building  was  contem- 
plated.     Accordingly,  the  work  was  begun  in  1883.      In  18S7  the  main  build- 


ing was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $80,000.  The  work  was  directed  by  the  Rev, 
Eberhard  Stadler,  O.  S.  B.,  who,  with  a  never-wearying  solicitude  has 
a  special  interest  in  the  spiritual  as  well  as  temporal  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity. The  building  rests  on  a  gentle  eminence,  over-looking  the 
town  of  Ferdinand,  and  is  built  in  the  form  of  a  rectangle,  186  by  160  feet. 
The  grounds  inside  are  divided  by  the  chapel,  which  is  located  in  the  center. 
The  community,  at    present,  consists  of  ninety-one  Sisters.     The  majority  of 


OF    DUBOIS   COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


49 


these  at  this  time,  labor  at  nineteen  mission-places  in  the  diocese  of  Vin- 
cennes,  conducting  in  all,  fifteen  public  and  twenty-nine  parochial  schools, 
besides  an  academy,  which  is  in  connection  with  the  convent.  On  account  of 
its  retirement  and  salubrity,  the  site  is  well  adapted  for  an  institution  of  learn- 


FERDINAND    CONVENT    AND    CAHPUS.      Cost  $80,000. 


Recess  at  tbe  Academy  for  Young  Ladies,  Ferdinand. 

ing.  The  course  of  instruction  in  the  academy  includes  every  useful  and 
ornamental  branch  of  female  education,  while  the  most  untiring  attention  is 
paid  to  the  moral  and  polite  deportment  of  the  pupils.  Another  acad- 
emy, under  the  direction  of  these  Sisters  will  soon  be  opened  at  West  In- 
dianapolis. 
4 


oO 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


Holland.  Henry  Kunz  was  the  founder  of  Holland.   The  plat  bears  date  of 
May  20,    1S39,  and  is  signed  "Henry  Kunz,  Proprietor."     Mr.    Kunz    was 

the  leading  merchant  of 
the  town  he  established, 
for  thirty  years.  He  set- 
tled at  this  place  when 
it  was  a  primeval  forest, 
and  was  for  years  its  fore- 


Birdseye  View  of  Convent,  Ferdinand. 


HON.  BENJ.  R.  KEMP, 

Korii  in  Diiliois  County  Oot.  :U,  1830,  (iied  Dec.  11, 
18(54.  Taught  school  in  Dubois  County  fourteen 
years,  served  the  county  six  years  as  county  sur- 
veyor, and  represented  the  county  in  the  General 
As.sembly  of  18G3.  He  was  a  good  surveyor  and 
matliematician. 

most  citizen.  It  is  now  a  good  town, 
located  in  a  rich  township,  has 
many  well  kept  homes,  churches^ 
and  good  schools.  Holland  is  in  Cass 
township.  This  township  has  many 
substantial  farmers,  whose  houses  and 
immense  barns  are  characteristics.  The 
town  of  Holland  was  surveyed  and 
platted  by  Benj.  R.  Kemp,  county  sur- 
veyor, on  May  5  and  6,   1S59. 

Ireland.  This  town  is  situated  four 
miles  northwest  of  Jasper.  It  was  first 
called  American  City,  and  its  settlers 
were  proud  of  its  name  and  location. 
The  name  American  City  was  borne  by 
another  village  and  to  prevent  loss  of 
mail,  the  name  was  changed  to  Ireland, 
in  honor  of  the  nativity  of  John  Stewart,  who  bought  the  land  of 
the  United  States,  on  December  33,  1816,  a  short  time  after 
Indiana  became  a  state.  John  Stewart  died  in  the  fall  of  1S43. 
His  son  James,  and  four  others  laid  out  the  town.  The  map  bears  date  of 
May  20,  1S65,  but  the  place  was  a  small  sized  village  many  years  be- 
fore that.  Ireland  has  parochial,  common,  and  high  schools,  three 
churches,     and    many  lodges.      The  Masons,    Odd  Fellows,   and    Red  Men 


HENRY  KUNZ, 

The  founder  of  Holland,  born  in  Rhinish, 
Bavaria,  Germany,  Oct.  12,  1824.  Died  at 
Holland,  January  22,  1885. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


51 


52 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


own    more  improved  real  estate    at    Ireland  than  at  any    other   place  in  the 
county. 

Birdseye.     The   map  of  this  town  bears  date  of 
Jan.  24,    iSSo,  but   it    was    a    trading    point  for 


JAMES  G.   STEWART. 

One  of  the  founders  of  Ireland.  Born  Get.  4, 
1814.  Died  Nov.  12,  1874.  His  fatlier,  .lohn 
Stewart,  entered  the  land  upon  whieh  Ire- 
land stands. 


IRELAND  M.  E.  CHURCH. 


Scenes  in  Birdseye.    Koeroer  &  Zimmers'  Store.    Erected,  1893. 


OP   DUBOIS   COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


53 


many  years  before.  Its  present  growth 
is  due  to  the  construction  of  the  Air 
Line  railroad.  It  is  in  the  timber 
belt  of  Dubois  County,  and  is  a  good 
shipping  point  for  cross-ties,  hoop-poles, 
staves  and  lumber.  Birdseye  was  the 
name  of  the  postoffice  which  was  estab- 
lished in  1846.  The  town  was  in- 
corporated on  Dec.  3,  1883.  Its  corporate 
limits  cover  four  hundred  acres.  About 
nine  o'clock  on  Sunday  night,  August 
20,  1893,  the  town  was  almost  totally 
destroyed  by  fire.  Previous  to  this  fire  the 
town  saw  much  fighting  and  litigation.  It 
now  has  some  of  the  best  equipped  store- 
rooms and  offices,  and  some  of  the  finest 
residences  in  the  county.  The  town  has 
two  churches  and  three  schools.  Topo- 
graphically, the  town  stands  the  highest  in 
the  county. 

Schnellville.  This  town  is  situated  on 
land  sold  for  school  purposes  by  the  state 
on  March  11,  1846.  In  1864,  Henry 
Schnell  began  a  store  there,  and  on  No- 
vember 27,  1865,  he  laid  out  and  platted 
the  town  of  Schnellville.  He  now  (  1896) 
lives  in  the  town  he  established,  and  saw 


Commissioner  Henry  Schnell. 

Boru  in  Germany,  October  22,  1821.  Served 
in  Co.  I,  49th  Ind.  Vols.,  for  four  years.  Took 
part  in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  the  battle 
of  Port  Gibson.  Champion  Hill  and  others. 
Laid  out  the  towu  of  Schnellville  in  1865,  and 
served  thirteen  years  as  county  commissioner 
and  trustee. 


Residence  of  Mr.  Jos.  E.  Buctiart,  Merchant,  Schnellville,  Ind. 


IITftTORV    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


grow  from  one  or  two  houses  to  a  nice  little  village.  It  has  a  flourmill, 
sawmill,  tobacco  warehouse,  furniture  shops,  church,  schools,  and  other 
evidences  of  prosperity. 


Bretzville.  The  map  of  this  town  bears  date  February  8,  1866,  but  it 
was  settled  about  1850,  by  William  Bretz,  father  of  the  man  who  laid  out 
the  town.  The  map  shows  its  original  name  to  have  been  the  "Town  of  New 
Town,"  but  its  similarity  to  Newton  caused  the  goverment  to  request  a  r^ew 
name    when    a     postoffice    was    wanted,  hence  it    now  bears  the    name  of 


OP    DUBOIS    COTJNTY,    INDIANA. 


55 


its     founder.     The    name    was  changed    on    record    in   June,  1S73.     It  is  a 
hamlet  on  the  Louisville,  Evansville  &  St.  Louis  Railroad.      It  has  a    church 

and  school.  Sandusky 
Williams  was  the  sur- 
veyor. 

Haysville.  On  April 
30,  and  oil  October  i, 
1816,  and  again  on  No- 
vember 28,  1817, Joseph 
Kelso  entered  land 
where  Haysville  now 
stands.  The  original 
plat  of  Haysville  is  not 
known  to  be  in  ex- 
istence. It  is  said  to 
have  been  laid  out  in 
1835  by  Moses  Kelso, 
and  named  after  Willis 
Hays,  its  first  mer- 
chant. On  January  3,  1S93,  Henry  Berger,  then  'the  surveyor  of  Dubois 
County,  made  a  plat  of  the  town  from  a  survey  he  had  previously  made. 
The  town  is  prosperous,  and  is  surrounded  by  many  fertile  farms.  It  lies  in 
section  35,  township  i  north,  range  5  west,   andone-half  mile  south  of  the  east 


Liithera  Church  and  Parsonage  at  Bretzville. 


HAYSVILLE  CHURCH. 

fork  of  White  River.  Toussaint  Dubois  Springs  lie  two  miles  southwest  of 
this  place.  Buck  Shoals  silver  mines  lie  on  the  banks  of  White  River,  a 
short  distance  above  the  town.  The  discovery  of  a  trace  of  silver  there  about 
ten  years  ago  caused  much  excitement  and  speculation.  A  new  addition 
was  then  laid  out  to  the  town. 

The  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  St.  Paul's  Church  at  Haysville,  was 


56 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Started  more  than  fifty  years  ago ;  its  constitution  was  framed  by  Rev.  John 
Herrmann,  and  adopted  on  October  15,  1848.  From  1853  to  1882,  Rev. 
Christian  Nix  served  the  church.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Adolphus  Baur, 
who  served  two  years,  Rev.  John  Lautenschlager  succeeding.  In  1890,  Rev. 
Henry  Grabau  was  called,  succeeded  on  July  6,  1893,  by  the  present  pastor. 
Rev.  Julius  J.  Keerl,  who  had  been  minister  of  the  German  Lutheran  Eman- 
uel's Church  near  Kellerville,  this  county,  from  1889  to  1893.  The  corner 
stone  of  the  present  church  was  laid  December  15,  1867,  and  the  edifice  dedi- 
cated September  13,  1868.  In  1894,  a  new  constitution  was  adopted,  the 
church  house  enlarged  and  its  interior  remodeled  ;  a  large  pipe  organ  was 
dedicated  December  33,  1894.  The  congregation  is  in  a  flourishing  condi- 
tion, numbers  190  voting  members,  has  a  property  valued  at  about  $6,000, 
and  a  parochial  school  with  an  average  attendance  of  fifty  children.  The 
present    pastor,    Rev.    Julius    J.  Keerl,    Ph.D.,  was  born,  1855,  in  Bavaria, 


Haysville  Church.    Interior  View. 

Germany,  and  came  to  America  in  188S,  after  having  studied  theology  and 
philology  at  the  universities  of  Erlangen,  Tubingen,  and  Munich.  He  then 
taught  as  private  instructor  in  Germany,  and  made  extensive  voyages  in  Aus- 
tria, Italy,  Greece,  Turkey,  and  for  over  two  years  was  teacher  in  Egypt, 
Africa.  From  there  he  traveled  through  the  Holy  Land,  Syria,  and  Asia 
Minor.  After  his  arrival  in  the  United  States  he  served  a  German  congrega- 
tion in  the  state  of  New  York,  and  came  to  Indiana  in  October,  1889. 

Hillham.  On  November  18,  1836,  George  Wineinger  purchased  one 
hundred  twenty  acres,  where  Hillham  now  stands,  of  the  United  States. 
John  A.  Wineinger  began  a  store  there  in  1850.  A  post  office  was  established 
in  i860.  The  town  is  situated  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Dubois  County, 
being  but  one-half  mile  from  Martin  County,  and  the  same  distance  from 
Orange  County.  Hillham  has  not  been  established  as  a  town  ;  no  survey 
and  plat  have  been  made.    It  has  a  church  and  several  stores  and  mills. 

Crystal.     This  is  a  hamlet,  situated  on  the    line    of  sections  21   and    28, 


OF    DUBOIS   COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


57 


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58 


HISTORY    ANT)    AKT   SOUVENIR 


OF    DUP.OTS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


59 


township  I  north,  range  3  west,  in  Columbia  township.  It  has  a  school, 
store,  church,  and  post  office,  and  from  present  indications  is  destined  to 
grow,  and  remained  established.  The  post  office  of  Crystal  was  established 
October  9,  1SS9. 

Portersville.  On  September  19,  1814,  Jacob  Lemmon's  money  paid  for 
the  land  on  which  Portersville  now  stands,  and  he  received  from  the  govern- 
ment a  large  parchment  bearing  the  name  of  James  Madison,  President  of 
the  United  States.  It  called  for  445  acres.  A  part  of  this  land  was  selected 
for  the  first  county  seat  of  Dubois  County  (1S18.)  Surveyor  Smith  of  Pike 
County  laid  out  the  town,  but  the  map  he  made  has  been  lost.  In  October, 
1879,      Henry      Berger,    county     surveyor,     re-surveyed,      re-platted,      and 

re-established  the  corners 
of  the  town.  In  its  early 
davs  Portersville  was  a 
properous  little  village, 
court  was  held  there, 
and  soldiers  frequently 
mustered  there.  From 
the  foot  of  one  of  its 
streets  barges,  flatboats, 
and  small  steamboats 
carried  away  the  products 
of  the  surrounding  farms. 
Kellerville.  Kellerville 
is  a  hamlet  that  lies 
at  the  southwest  cor- 
ner of  section  36,  town- 
ship I  north,  range  4 
„  west.      It    has    no    map. 

Emanuel's  Lutheran  Church,  Kellerville,  1878.  t       ■        1  1  1 

It  IS  located  near  the 
"Governor's  Trace,"  and  about  half  way  between  Haysville  and  Crystal. 
One  mile  east  of  the  Kellerville  post  office  stands  a  fine  Lutheran  church 
and  parsonage.  In  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  sec- 
tion 2,  south  of  Kel- 
lerville stands  the  Eman- 
uel Lutheran  church.  It 
was  organized  under 
Rev.  C.  Risch,  in  1853. 
The  present  church  was 
erected  in  1863,  under 
Rev.  C.  Trauth.  The 
tower  was  added  in  1S78, 
under  Rev.  A.  Sterger. 
The  congregation  con- 
sists of  about  two  hun- 
dred communicant  mem- 
bers. Rev.  H.  Heese- 
mann  is  the  present  min- 
ister. A  picture  of  the 
church  is  shown  above. 

Dubois.     This  town    is 
frequently  called    Knox- 
ville.    Its  legal  name  and  post  office  is  Dubois.      Shiloh  Poison,  in    1836,   and 
his    son,  Robert    S.    Poison,  in  1S37,    entered  most  of  the  land    upon    which 


The  Town  of  Dubois.  Marion  'I'ow'nsliip  on  the  lel'i;  Harbison 
Township  ou  the  right.  Hon.  Frank  Piunick  and  Capt.  J.  J.  Alles 
stand  in  the  center'of  the  street  in  the  distance. 


62 


PIISTORV    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


the  town  is  situated.  This  place  has  been  called  Knoxville  for  many  years 
and  the  name  seems  attached.  The  town  lies  in  two  townships;  the  line  be- 
tween Harbison  and  Marion  townships  is  the  center  line  of  the  principal 
street,  and  if  the  town  continues  to  g^row  east  it  will  not  be  long  until  part  of 
it  will  be  in  Columbia  township.  This  is  one  of  the  youngest  and  most 
prosperous  towns  in  the  county.  If  it  secures  a  railroad  it  will  be  one  of 
the  most  important  points  in  the  county.  It  is  on  the  left  hand  bank  of 
Patoka  River.     It  has  had  a  saw  and  gristmill  for  many  years.   It  was  surveyed 


SlCELESTIflE  OfiUflCH.    JS9a 


and  platted  as  a  town  by  George  R.  Wilson,  county  surveyor,  on  November 
5  and  6,  1SS5.  Dubois  is  a  business  town  ;  has  a  Methodist  Episcopal  church, 
and  is  an  educational  center  for  the  surrounding  territory. 

Celestine.  The  town  of  Celestine  is  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  section 
31,  township  I  south,  range  3  west,  and  it  is  the  principal  point  in  Hall  town- 
ship. Part  of  the  land  was  bought  of  the  United  States,  October  4,  1843,  by 
Rev.   Joseph    Kundeck,    its    founder.       He  was  also  its    only    pastor    from 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


63 


1844  until  1S53.  A  brick  church  was  erected  in  1864.  In  1896,  this  was 
torn  down  and  a  handsome  one  erected,  as  shown  in  the  engraving.  The 
town  was  surveyed  and  platted  by  Benjamin  R,  Kemp,  county  surveyor. 
The  plat  was  acknowledged  by  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeck  on  the  16th  day  of 
November,  1S43.  The  town  is  named  in  honor  of  Rt.  Rev.  Celestine  Rene 
Lawrence  De  La  Hailandiere,  second  bishop  of  the  Vincennes  diocese. 

Ellsworth.  The  little  town  of  Ellsworth  bears  date  of  June  i,  1885,  on 
which  day  it  was  surveyed  and  platted  by  George  R.  Wilson,  county  sur- 
veyor, at  the  request  of  James  M.  Ellis,  who  held  title  to  the  land.  A  post 
office  had  previously  been  established,  and  Mr.  Ellis  was  the  postmaster,  and 
principal  merchant.  It  is  in  part  of  the  west  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of 
section  14,  township  i  south,    range  3    west,    in    Hall    township.      Zachariah 


■ifi  St.  Anthony  Church  and  Parsonage. 

Nicholson  bought  the  land  of  the  United  States  on  May  4,  1837,   and  on    Oc- 
tober 12,  1 848. 

St.  Anthony.  This  town  was  first  called  St.  Joseph,  but  its  name  was 
changed  in  order  to  secure  a  post  office.  Its  plat  bears  date  of  April  10, 
i860,  and  calls  the  town  St.  Joseph.  The  original  town  covers  the  east  half 
southwest  quarter  of  northwest  quarter  of  section  36,  township  2  south,  range 
4  west.  Joseph  Reuber  entered  the  land  July  20,  1S39.  It  was  government 
land.  On  April  4  and  5,  i860.,  Benj.  F.  Kemp,  surveyed  the  town.  The 
land  was  donated  by  John  Riber,  and  deeded  to  the  trustees  of  the  St.  John's 
congregation  of  the  Catholic  Church.  A  Catholic  congregation  was  estab- 
lished at  St.  Anthony  in  1864.  A  log  church  and  a  log  parsonage  were 
built  in  that  year.  On  February  25,  1868,  while  trees  were  being  cut  down 
near  the  church  Father  Meister  was  struck  by  one  of  them,  and  died  in  a  few 


64 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


hours.  He  was  the  first  pastor.  A  handsome  stone  cliurch,  50  feet  by  106  ,has 
been  erected,  and  one  of  the  handsomest  and  best  equipped  dwellings  in  the 
county  is  the  parsonage.  A  half  mile  west  of  St.  Anthony  is  one  of  the  largest 
and  best  brown  stone  quarries  in  the  state  of  Indiana.  It  employs  many  men, 
and  its  out-put  adorns  the  fronts  of  many  of  the  handsomest  buildings  in  the 
Mississippi  valley.  A  spur  of  the  Louisville,  Evansville  &  St.  Louis  Rail- 
road conveys  the  large  stones  to  market.  One  stone  frequently  weighs  all  a 
railroad  flat  car  can  carry. 

iVlaltersville.  This  is  a  little  place  laid  out  by  Mrs.  Anna  Barbara  Mal- 
ter,  D-icember  17,  1867.  It  has  no  post  office,  and  is  little  more  than  the 
crossing  of  two  public  highways. 

Miliersport.  This  point  is  the  northwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter, 
section  14,  township  3  south,  range  6  west,  in  Madison  township.  It  was 
surveyed  on  February  3,  4  and  5,  1859,  by  Benj.  R.  Kemp,  county  sur- 
veyor. Forty  acres  were  divided  into  one  hundred  lots  and  suitable  streets, 
including  a  public  square  of  one  acre  in  the  center.     There  is  no   post  office 

and  really  no  town.  The  place  is  used 
for  a  farm.  Circumstances  combined 
to  prevent  it  becoming  a  town.  Stephen 
McDonald  Miller  was  the  founder. 

Duff.  This  place  is  situated  on  the 
Louisville,  Evansville  &  St.  Louis  Rail- 
road, in  Patoka  township.  Robert  Small 
is  jts  founder,  as  a  town.  The  post  office 
had  been  established  for  many  years 
before  town  lots  were  sold.  The  town 
plat  bears  date  of  April  9,  1883.     It    has 


KVANA  CHURCH,  1896. 

two  churches.  Duff  is  named  in  honor 
of  Col.  B.  B.  Edmonston,  who  when  a 
boy  was  called  "Col.  Duff,"  from  his 
military  inclinations  in  drilling  his  com- 
panions as  soldiers. 

Kyana.  This  town  is  an  out-growth 
of  the  construction  of  the  Louisville, 
Evansville  &  St.  Louis  Railroad.  It 
was  founded  by  the    Louisville  Mining  &  kyana  SCHOOL. 

Manufacturing  Company,   and   bears  the 

abbreviation  of  its  home  state,  and  the  termination  of  the  state  in  which  it  is 
located.    It  has  a  new  church  building  and  a  new  school  house.     It  is  a  good 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA, 


65 


shipping  point.  Its  original  plat  bears  date  August  ii,  1882.  It  was  re- 
surveyed  and  the  corners  established  in  1887,  by  George  R.  Wilson,  county 
surveyor.     Its  deeds  contain  a  clause  to  prevent  the  sale  of  intoxicants. 

St.  Marks.  M.  B.  Cox  was  the  founder  of  St.  Marks.  T.  P.  Parrent, 
an  Air  Line  civil  engineer,  first  surveyed  the  town  in  1872,  but  his  survey  was 
lost,  and  it  was  re-surveyed  and  establised  by  George  R.  Wilson,  December, 
1882.  Great  things  were  looked  for  of  this  town,  when  first  laid  out,  but  lots 
fell  in  price,  and  the  place  lay  dormant  until  the  final  construction  of  the  rail- 
road. It  has  no  church,  no  school,  and  no  post  office.  St.  Anthony  supplies 
these  and  St.  Marks  in  return  is  St.  Anthony's  railroad  station. 


CASS  TOWNSHIP. 
1  and  2— St.  Heury  Catholic  Church.  4— St.  Henry  Graded  School. 

3— Castrup  School  House,  No.  4.  Erected  1896.  5— Holland  Graded  School. 

6— Bruner  School  House,  No.  3.  Erected,  1894. 

St.  Heory.  The  plat  of  this  town  reads,  "The  Town  of  St.  Henry  or 
Henryville."  The  post  office  is  St.  Henry,  and  it  is  better  to  so  call  the  town 
to  distinguish  it  from  Henryville,  Clark  County,  Indiana.  Mr.  Fisher  is  its 
founder,  though  the  main  business  part  of  the  town  is  not  on  the  plat  of  the  town, 
which  is  dated  September  22,  1874.  A  Catholic  church  was  established  at 
St.  Henry  in  1862.  A  stone  church  was  built  that  year.  The  Evansville 
and  Jasper  branch  of  the  Louisville,  Evansville  &  St.  Louis  Railroad  passes 
one  mile    and    a   quarter  west    of  the  town.     Its  station  is  called  Ferdinand, 

5 


66 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


and  Ferdinand  station  is    Johnsburg  post  office.        Henry  Bruner  lived    near 
here.   He  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  Cass  township.  He  was  an  expert  with 

his  long  rifle  and  hundreds  of  deer, 
bears,  and  other  wild  game  fell  at  his 
shot.  Mr. Bruner  was  one  of  the  best  known 
hunters  that  ever  "drew  a  bead"  in 
the  early  days  in  Dubois  County. 

Mentor.  Francis  M.  Sanders  is  the 
founder  of  this  town.  He  was  a  great 
admirer  of  President  Garfield,  and 
named  the  town  in  his  honor.  Henry 
Berger  was  the  surveyor.  The  post 
office  for  this  place  is  Altoga.  It  means 
"high  and  dry,"  and  was  so  named  by 
the  late  John  M.  Deinderfer,  county  aud- 
itor. Mentor  is  the  main  shipping  sta- 
tion for  Schnellville,  Celestine,  Ells- 
worth, and  Dubois.  The  original  plat 
of  the  town  is  dated  September  29,  1881. 
Hickory  Grove.  This  is  a  hamlet 
in  the  extreme  northeast  corner  of  Har- 
bison township.  It  has  two  churches, 
a    school    house,    stores,    and     the   usual 


REV.  FIDELIS  MAUTE. 

Born  in  1837,  in  Inueriugen,  Province  Holaen- 
zollcrn,  (Sigmariugi'n,  Prussia).  He  received 
his  classical  education  in  Hedingen,  near 
Sigmaringeu  and  Maria  Eiusicdeln.  His 
theological  studies  he  finished  in  Mainz.  In 
1861,  he  left  for  America.  On  June  21,  he 
landed  at  New  York,  and  on  the  29ih  he  ar- 
rived at  St.  Meinrad,  Spencer  County,  In- 
diana. He  made  his  profession  at  St.  Mein- 
rad, September  8,  1863,  and  was  ordained  Jan- 
uary 2,  1864.  lit.  Rev.  Bishop  St.  Palais,  of  Vin- 
cennes.  Since  July  18,  186.5,  he  has  been  pas- 
tor of  St.  .Joseph's  congregation  at  Jasper.  Ry 
his  persistent  energy  the  present  large  St. 
Joseph's  church  was  btiilt  at  Jasper. 


number  of  dwellings  incident  to  such  set- 
tlements. For  many  years  the  post 
office  was  known  as  Hickory  Grove.  It  is 
known  as  Thales  P.O.  since  January  19, 
1895. 


COL.  B.  B.  EDMONSTON, 


CHAPTER   X. 

COUNTY    OFFICERS     AND     SOME    OF    THEIR 
DUTIES. 

Clerk  of  the   Circuit    Court.  —  The 
clerk's  term  of  office     is    four  years.       He     When  hejjrepresented  Dubois  Countyoin;  the 

can  not  serve  more    than    eight   years    in    state  Legislature  in  i867. 
any  twelve.     It  is  his  duty  to  keep  a  record  of    the  proceedings  of  the  court, 
and  issue    all   writs  of    the   court.      He  issues  marriage    licenses  and  records 
the  marriages   as   reported   to    him   by  the    ministers    and    other  parties    em- 
powered to  solemnize  marriages.      He  may  appoint  administrators,  receives 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


67 


and  records  various  bonds ;  is  trustee  of  the  county  library,  keeps  a  register 
of  physicians,  and  various  other  work.  At  one  time  he  also  served  as  clerk 
of  the  common  pleas  court,  and  probate  court. 

The  following  men  served  as  clerks  of  Dubois  County:  1818,  Simon 
Morgan;  1839,  B.  B.  Edmonston ;  i860,  Henry  Holthaus ;  1868,  B.  B.  Ed- 
monston ;  1876,  Peter  J.  Gosmann ;  1884,  Joseph  I.  Schuhmacuer;  1886, 
Ignatz  Eckert ;    1894,  Herman  Eckert. 

County  Recorder — The  county  recorder  is  eligible  but  eight  years  out 
of  a  period  of  twelve.      He  records  deeds,  mortgages,  indentures,  articles  of 


HON.  B.  L.  GREENE, 

Of  Jasper,  Ind..  born  Oct.  1,  1850,  died  Aug.  6, 
188.5.  Served  as  deputy  clerk  for  many  years; 
also  as  state  representative.  He)  was 
clerk-elect  of  Dubois  County  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  He  was  also  clerk  of  the  town  of  Jas- 
per for  many  years,  and  was  the  first  teacher 
in  the  brick  public  school  building  in  Jasper. 


HERMAN  ECKERT, 

Clerk,  1894. 


incorporation,  town  plats,  maps,  etc. 
He  also  releases  mortgages  and  may 
make  an  abstract  and  take  the  acknowl- 
edgement of  an  indenture.  This  office  and  that  of  clerk  were  formerly  held 
by  the  same  official. 

The  following  men  served  as  recorders  of  Dubois  County:  1818,  Simon 
Morgan;  1846,  B.  B.  Edmonston;  1852,  J.  B.  Pf  aff ;  1856,  Stephen  Jerger ; 
1862,  August  Litschgi :  1870,  Geo.  J.  Jutt;  1878,  John  G.  Leming;  1882, 
Nenian  Haskins  ;  1890,  Brittain  Leming  ;  1894,  Theodore  Stephenson,  1894, 
Phillip  DiUy. 

County  Treasurer — His  term  is  two  years.  He  may  serve  four  years 
out  of  a  period  of  six  years.  He  receives  and  has  charge  of  all  county  funds, 
and  pays  out  the  same  on  orders  issued  by  the  county  auditor.  The  county 
treasurer  collects  all  the  state,  county,  and  township  taxes,  and  may  collect 
taxes  for  an  incorporated  town.  Twice  in  each  year  he  makes  a  settlement 
with  the  state  treasurer  and  pays  to  him  the  taxes  due  the  state  from  this 
county.  The  county  treasurers  of  Dubois  County  have  for  many  years  been 
the  first  to  make  their  settlements  with  the  state. 


68 


HISTORY    AND   ART   SOUVENIR 


The  following  men  have  served  as  treasurers  of  Dubois  County:  1852, 
Dominick  Erny ;  1854,  Edward  Stephenson;  1858,  B.  R.  Niehaus;  i860, 
Theodore  Sonderman ;  1863;  Edward  Stephenson;  1867,  William  Bretz ; 
1872,  Edward  Stephenson;  1S74,  James  E.  Spurlock;  1878,  Ig^natz  Eckert ; 
1882,  Wm.  H.  Bretz;  1886,  Christ.  H.  Rudolph;  1890,  Jacob  Burger;  1894, 
Edward  A.  Bohnert. 

County  Surveyor — His  term  is  two  years,  but  he  may  be  re-elected  as 
often  as  suits  the  people.  His  duty  is  to  make  surveys,  and  establish  lines 
and  corners  for  persons  owning  land  in  the  county  who  may  call  on  him  for 
that  purpose.  His  surveys,  when  made  for  the  establishment  of  lines  and 
corners,  are  recorded  by  him. 

The  following  men  served  as  surveyors  of  Dubois  County:  1830,  Gam 
Garretson  ;    1852,    Jacob  Morendt ;    1856,  Benjamin   R.Kemp;    1862, JSan- 


GEOROE  J.  JUTT, 

A  pioneer  teacher  of  Ferdinand.  Clerk  of 
Jasper  many  years,  and  recorder  of  Dubois 
County  from  1S70  to  1878. 


PHILLIP  DILLY, 

Recorder,  1894. 


dusky  Williams ;  1868,  Arthur  Berry  ;  1872,  Wm.  R.  Osborn;  1874,  Wm. 
B.  Pirtle;  1876,  Francis  Quante ;  1878,  Henry  Berger;  18S2,  Michael  Wil- 
son ;  1884,  George  R.  Wilson;  1888,  EdPickhardt;  1890,  Henry  Berger; 
1894,  Wm.  T.  Young. 

County  Sheriff — Term,  two  years.  He  is  eligible  but  four  years  in 
any  six.  He  is  the  executive  officer  of  the  circuit  court.  He  has  charge  of 
the  county  jail,  and  is  responsible  for  the  safe  keeping  of  prisoners  held  by 
him.  He  publishes  the  clerk's  notices  of  elections,  and  is  the  peace  officer 
of  the  county.  He  is  also  the  executive  officer  of  the  county  commissioners' 
court.  He  sells  property  to  pay  debts  when  ordered  by  the  circuit  court.  He 
is  furnished  a  residence,  and  a  jail  in  which  to  keep  prisoners. 

The  following  men  served  as  sheriffs  of  Dubois  County:  18 18,  Adam 
Hope;  Thomas  Hope;  Joseph  Clarkson  ;  1824,   William  Ed- 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


69 


monston;  1828,  Daniel  Harris;  1832,  B.  B.  Edmonston  ;  1836,  John  Hurst ; 
1S37,  James  McDonald  ;  1841,  Thomas  Wooldridge,  (killed)  ;  1843,  H.  W. 
Baker;  1847,  Robert  Herr ;  1849,  William  Mahin  ;  1852,  John  Mehringer ; 
1856,    Jacob    Harmon;    i860,    John    Weikel  ;    1864,  Henry  Mauntel ;    1868, 

Tobias     Herbig ;      1872.     John      Weikel;      ,     B.    B.    L.    Edmonston; 

1876,  George  Cox;  1880,  Frank  Joseph;  i88|,  George  Cox;  1886,  Ferd 
Schneider;    1890,  Albert  H.  Traylor ;    1894,  Henry  Cassidy. 

County  Coroner  —  His  term  is  two  years  but  he  may  serve  for  many 
years.  His  duty  is  to  hold  inquests  on  bodies  of  persons  supposed  to  have  met 
death  by  violence  or  in  any  unnatural  manner.  He  files  his  verdict  with  the 
county  clerk  and  may  have  the  supposed  murderer  arrested.  In  cases  where 
the  sheriff  is  interested  he  acts  as  sheriff.  If  the  sheriff  is  to  be  arrested  the 
county  coroner  serves  the  warrant.  Tf  the  sheriff  should  be  confined  in  jail, 
the  coroner  has  charge   of  the  jail   and    its    prisoners.      Many   years    ago    the 


EDWARD  A.  BOHNERT, 

Treasurer,  1894. 


WILLIAM  T.  YOUNG, 

County  Surveyor,  1894. 


county  coroner  served  as  "fence  viewer,"  and  as  the  officer  for  the  care  of 
the  poor.  As  fence  viewer,  he  would  pass  upon  the  ability  of  a  fence  to 
keep  out  stock  and  assess  the  damages  done  by  stock. 

The  following  men  have  served  as  coroners  of  Dubois  County:  1824, 
D.  G.  Brown;  1830,  John  Brittain;  1832,  Elijah  Kendall;  1839,  Abraham 
Baker;  1845,  Joseph  Buggs ;  1846,  Willis  Niblack ;  1849,  Thomas  Hurst; 
1851,  Stephen  Stephenson;  1852,  Wm.  H.  Green, (fence  viewers  abolished); 
1856,  William  Schulterman ;  i860,  J.  W.  Taylor,  1861,  Charles  Kraus ; 
1863,  Harvey  Nicholson  ;  1864,  John  G.  Allen  ;*  1866,  Reinhart  Rich  ;  1868, 
Charles  Birkemeyer;    1870,  George  Cox  ;    1876,  Michael  Hochgesang  ;  1880, 

Anton  Krilein;    1884,  Moritz  Fritz;  ,  J.  C.  Deinderfer;    1888,  John    F. 

Meinker;      1894,  O.  A.  Bigham. 

County  Assessor —  This  official's  term  is  four  years.  He  is  not  eligi- 
ble for  re-election  more  than  once  in  any    term  of  eight  years.     He  is  super- 


70 


HrSTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


visor  of  the  work  of  township  assessors,  and  may  list  and  assess  any  omitted 
property.  The  county  assessor,  auditor,  and  treasurer,  constitute  the  county 
board  of  review,  or  equalization.  The  office  as  now  known  was  created  in 
189 1.  Lieut.  W.  W.  Kendall  was  appointed  by  the  county  commissioners 
to  serve  until  the  general  election  of  1892,  at  which  election  he  was  elected 
and  served  until  after  the  November  election,  1896,  when  he  was  succeded 
by  William  H.  Kuper. 

County  Superintendent — His  term  is  two  years,  with  no  time  limit  as 
to  re-eligibility.  He  has  charge  of  the  common  schools  of  the  county.  He 
examines  and  licenses  teachers,  and  may  revoke  a  license  for  cause.  It  is  his 
duty  to  visit  schools  and  to  encourage  education.  He  holds  county  and 
township  institutes.  Appeals  may  be  taken  to  him  from  the  decision  of  a 
township  trustee.     In  many  cases  his  decision  is  final ;   in  others,  an  appeal 


HENRY  CASSIDY, 

Sheriff,  1894. 


ALBERT  H.  TRAYLOR. 

Sheriff  of  Dubois  County,  from  1S90  to  1894. 
Mr.  Traylor  wa.s  born  in  Boone  township, 
April  5,  18,54. 


may  be  taken  to  the  state  superintendent.  The  county  superintendent  is 
president  of  the  county  board  of  education,  and  has  charge  of  the  enumeration 
of  the  school  children  of  the  county.  He  is  the  instrument  for  carrying  out 
the  orders  of  the  state  board  of  education  and  of  the  state  superintendent. 
He  orders,  receives  and  distributes  all  common  school  text  books  that  are 
needed  in  his  county.  The  pay  for  these  books  he  receives  from  the  trustees 
and  forwards  it  to  the  book  companies.  He  makes  many  reports  to  the  state 
superintendent  and  to  the  chief  of  the  bureau  of  statistics.  County  superin- 
tendents began  to  serve  in  1873.  Previous  to  that  time  many  of  their  duties 
were  performed  by  an  official  called  the  school  examiner. 

The  following  men  have  served  as  school  examiners  or  superintendents 
of  Dubois  County:  1843,  John  McCausland  ;  1853,  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeck, 
Rev.  A.  J.  Strain  and  George  W.  Fallon;  1857,  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeck, 
Rev.  A.  J.  Strain  atid  S.  J.  Kramer;  1858,  Rev.  A.  J.  Strain,  Stephen 
Jerger  and  S.  J.  Kramer;   1859,  Rev.  A.  J.  Strain,  William  Hays  and  John 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


71 


B.  Beckwerment ;  i860,  William  Hayes,  J.  B,  Beckwerment  and  Henry 
Holthaus;  1861,  Rev.  A.  J.  Strain;  1873,  E.  R.  Brundick.  (Here  the  law 
was  changed  and  the  county  superintendent  took  charge.)  The  county 
superintendents  were  as  follows:  1873,  E.  R.  Brundick;  1879,  Rev. 
George  C.  Cooper;  1881,  Hon.  A.  M.  Sweeney;  1889,  George  R. 
Wilson. 

County  Auditor — His  term  is  four  years  and  he  may  serve  eight  years 
in  any  twelve.  He  is  clerk  of  the  commissioners'  court.  He  makes  the  tax 
duplicates  and  delivers  them  to  the  county  treasurer.  The  county  auditor  has 
charge  of  the  school  funds  of  the  county  and  loans  them  upon  lands  in  the 
county.     He  transfers  real  estate  before  deeds  are  recorded.     Manv  reports 


HENRY  BERQER, 

Surveyor  from  1S78  to  1882,  and  from  1S90  to 
1894.  Born  in  the  towu  of  Sclden,  Baden, 
Europe,  July  9,  1845.  Educated  at  St.  Mein- 
rad.    Served  in  Co.  E.,  143  lud.  Vol.  Inf. 


MICHAEL    WILSON, 

Born  in  Northumberland  County,  England, 
Oct.  3,  1834.  The  pioneer  miner  of  Dubois 
County.  Assisted  in  the  geological  survey  of 
Dubois  county  under  State  Geologist  Cox. 
County  surveyor  in  1882  and  1883. 


are  made  by  the  county  auditor  to  the  state  auditor  and  other  state  officials. 
This  is  the  most  responsible  office  in  the  county,  and  the  good  record  Dubois 
County  has  made  in  not  being  in  debt  is  due  to  the  efficiency  of  her  county 
auditors. 

The  following  men  have  served  as  auditors  of  Dubois  County:  B.  B. 
Edmonston  ;  1852,  Dr.  Samuel  B.  McCrillus  ;  1856,  John  Mehringer;  1863, 
Theodore  Sonderman  ;  1867.  Martin  Friedman;  1870,  August  Litschgi ; 
•1874,  J.  Michael  Deinderfer;  1878,  I.  Schuhmacher;  1886,  John  Gramel- 
spacher;    1894,  August  H.  Koerner. 

Secretary  of  the  County  Board  of  Health — The  county  commission- 
ers are  ex-officio  the  county  board  of  health.  They  meet  annually  in  Decem- 
ber and  elect  a  secretary,  who  is  the  executive  officer  of  the  board,  and  who 
serves  for  one  year.     The  county  board  of  health  promulgates  and  enforces 


72 


HISTORY    AND    ART    SOUVENIR 


Dr.  0.  A.  BIGHAM, 

Coroner,   1894. 


LIEUT.   W.  W.  KENDALL, 

County  Assessor,  1892. 


AUGUST  LITSCHGI, 

County  Recorder  from  1862  to  1870. 
Auditor  from  1870  to  1874. 


County 


Dr.  SAMUEL  B.  McCRILLUS, 

County  Auditor,  1852-1856. 


OP    DUBOIS   COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


73 


JOHN  GRAMELSPACHER, 

Couutv  Auditor,  from  1886  to  1894. 


AUGUST  H.  KOERNER, 

Auditor,  1894. 


MARTIN  FRIEDMAN, 

Auditor  of  Dubois  County,  from  1867  to  1870. 


J.  MICHAEL  DEINDERPER, 

Countv  Auditor,  from  1874  to  1878 


74 


HISTORY    AND    ART   SOUVENIR 


all  rules  and  regulations  of  the  state  board  of  health.  All  births,  deaths, 
marriages,  etc.,  are  recorded  in  records  kept  tor  that  purpose  by  the  secretary. 
He  endeavors  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  such  contagious  diseases  as  diph- 
tharia,  sma)l-pox,  scarlet  fever,  and  performs  various  other  duties,  relative  to 
the  health  of  the  citizens  of  the  countv.  The  following  men  have  served  as 
secretaries:  1881,  Dr.  Toliver  Wertz ;  1884.  Dr.  H.  C.  Hobbs ;  1886,  Dr. 
W.H.Wells;  1887,  Dr.  E.  J.  Kempf;  1889,  Dr.  John  P.  Salb;  1891, 
Dr.  B.  B.  Brannock. 

Names  of  men  who  have  served  as  County  Commissioners:  Henry 
Enlow,  Robert  Oxley,  John  Donnell,  Abraham  Corn,  Lewis  B.  Woods, 
Arthur  L.  Blagrave,  Major  T,  Powers,  Joseph  Friedman  (1847),  R.  M. 
Davis,   Casper  John,  Anson  Cavender,  B.  R.  L.  Niehaus,  Henry  Long,  A. 


JOSEPH  FRITZ, 

Born  in  Uiibois  Countv,  Feb.  14,  1843.  En- 
rolled in  Co.  K  25th  lud.  Vols.  Inf.,  Sopt.  26, 
1864,  and  served  until  June  4,  186.5.  Mr.  Fritz 
has  served  as  trustee  of  Jackson  township 
several  terms,  and  is  now  serving  his  second 
term  as  countv  commissioner. 


JOSEPH  SCHROEDER. 

Commissioner,    1894. 


F.  Kelso,  Lewis  Greene,  Harvey 
Nicholson,  R.  L.  Kearby,  John  B. 
Bickwerment,  Wm.  H.  Greene,  Robert  M.  Davis,  Gerhard  Niehaus,  John 
Mehne,  John  G.  Stallman,  Samuel  Main,  Harrison  Morgan  (1874),  John  B. 
Gorman  (1875),  Joseph  Shuler  ( 1876),  Henry  Schnell,  John  L.Hoffman, 
Camden  Cox,  Wm.  C.  Brittain,  Eli  Abell,  Joseph  Heitz,  John  J.  Alles, 
Samuel  H.  Dillon,  August  H.  Koerner  (1887),  Joseph  Fritz,  (1893),  Con- 
rad Jackie  (1889),  Joseph  Schroeder  (1894). 

^\i^  ioWo'wm^  Justices  of  the  Peace ^  ^!i%o  served  as  a  board  of  county 
commissioners  in  1843-5:  Daniel  Harris,  Samuel  Postlethwait,  Jesse  Corn, 
Jr.,  John  Cave,  John  D.  Noble,  John  Hurst,  Elijah  Cox,  Giles  N.  Lansford, 
Elijah  Kendall,  A.  B.  Spradley,  John  Combs,  Joseph  Schneider,  and  Simon 
B.   Lewis. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


75 


The  following  officials,  more  or  less  county  officers,  served  in  the  posi- 
tions as  indicated  : 

Associate  Judges— ^.  B,  Edmonston,  Sr.,  Ashbury  Alexander,  1824; 
Edward  Wood,  1830;  John  Niblack,  1831;  Daniel  Harris,  1835;  Henry 
Bradley,  Willis  Hays;  1837;  Robert  Oxley,  1841  ;  William  Cavender,  1845, 
Thomas  Shoulders,  1845;   Conrad  Miller,  1850. 

Probate  Judges — B.  B.  Edmonston,  Sr.,  1829;  Daniel  Harris,  1840; 
Moses  Kelso,  1841  ;  A.  B.  Spicely,  1848. 

Common  Pleas  Judges — L.  C.  DeBruler,  1853;  John  J.  Key,  1861  ; 
Chas.  H.  Mason,  1862;  David  T.  Laird,  1863;  Chas.  H.  Mason,  1870; 
Milton  S.  Mavity,  1871.      (This  court  was  abolished  in  1873.) 

Circuit  Judges — Jonathan  Doty,  1818;  Richard  Daniel,  1819;  James 
R.  E.  Goodlett.  1820;  Samuel  Hall,  1832;  Charles  I.  Battell,  1835;  Elisha 
Embree,    1836;     James    Lockhart,    1846;     Alvin    P.   Hovey,    1853;  W.  E. 


r 


Or.  B.  B.  BRANNOCK, 

Secretary  County  Board'oflHealth,  1891. 


CONRAD  JACkLE, 

County  Commissioner. 


Niblack,  1854;  Ballard  Smith,  1858;  M.  F.  Burke,  1859;  Jas.  C.  Denny, 
1864;  John  Baker,  1865;  N.  F.  Malott,  1871  ;  O.  M.  Welborn,  1873; 
Wm.  J.  Zenor,  1893;   E.  A.  Ely,  1895, 

The  following  men  have  represented  Dubois  County  in  the  state  legisla- 
ture: Richard  Daniel,  John  Johnson,  William  McMahan,  John  Daniel,  John 
Johnson,  James  Ritchie,  Thomas  C.  Stewart,  Geo.  H.  Proffit,  Wm.  M. 
Wright,  Benjamin  Edmonston,  Aaron  B.  McCrillus,  John  Poison,  Silas 
Davis,  Geo.  W.  Lemonds,  B.  T.  Goodman,  H.  W.  Barker,  John  Abel,  John 
S.  Martin,  Col.  Thomas  Shoulders,  Dr.  Matthew  Kempf  (1859),  Benj.  R. 
Kemp,  B.  B.  Edmonston  (1867),  Leroy  Cave,  E.  C.  Stephenson,  H.  A. 
Reed,  A.  J.  Gosman, Hart,  Samuel  Hargrove,  James  E.  Walker, 


76  HISTORY   AND   ART   SOUVENIR 

Mortnan  Fisher,  Bazil  L.  Greene,  Thos.  M.  Clarke,  E.W.  Pickhadt  (1889-91), 
James  H.  Willard,  Eph  Inman,  John  L.  McGenty,  VVm.  A.  Wilson  (1S93,) 
Samuel  H.  Stewart,  A.  W.  Porter  (1895.) 

List  of  men  who  have  served  as  State  Senators:     Isaac  Montgomery, 
Daniel  Robb,  John  Daniels,  Daniel  Grass,  Daniel  Edwards,  Elisha  Embree, 


Facsimile  of  autograph  of  Rev.  Joseph  Kundeek,  School  Examiner,  1853. 
(See  iniges  27  aud  29.) 

Thos.  C.  Stewart,  John  Hargrave  (1838),  Smith  Miller,  Benj.  R.  Edmonston 
(1845),  Smith  Miller,  B.  T.  Goodman,  William  Hawthorn,  John  Hargrave, 
Col.  Thos.  Shoulders  (1861),  H.  A.  Reed,  Wm.  A.  Traylor  (thrice), 
James  H.  Willard,  O.  A.  Trippett,  John  Sweeney,  M.  A.  Sweeney 
(1895). 


(the  end) 


Copyright  No. 

60774  B^ 

November  5,  1896. 


OF    DUBOIS    COUNTY,    INDIANA. 


77 


NDEX    TO    ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page 

Artesian  Well,  at  Jasper 40 

Alles,  Capt.  John  J 36 

Bretz,  Hon.  John  L 16 

Birdseye,  Zimmer's  Store 52 

Buchart,  Joseph  E.,  Residence  of  53 

Bigham,  Dr.  O.  A 72 

Bohnert,  Ed  A 69 

Brannock,  Dr.  B.  B 75 

Bethel  Church,  Madison  township 21 

Bretzville  Church  and  Parsonage  55 

Board  of  Education 25 

Bruner  School  house, (view  6)  65 

Berger,  Henry 70 

Celestine  Catholic  Church 62 

Court  House  at  Portersville 17 

Court  House  at  Jasper  (first)  18 

Court  House  at  Jasper  (present) 19 

County  Map inset  between  pages  40-41 

Cassidy  Henry  71 

Convent  at  Ferdinand,  bird's-eye  view  .50 

Convent  at  Ferdinand,   recess  49 

Convent  and  Campus,  at  Ferdinand 49 

Campus  of  Jasper  College 28 

Co.  K.,  27th  Indiana  Volunteers 36 

Cooper,  Rev.  George  C 30 

Castrup  School  House (view  3)  65 

Diploma  and  Medal  of  County  Schools  ..31 

Dilly,  Phillip 68 

Deinderfer,  J.  Michael 73 

Dubois,  bird's-eye  view  61 

Dubois  Main  street  59 

Dubois  Springs  9 

Edmonston,  Col.  B.  B.  (in  1867)  66 

Edmonston,  Col.  B.  B.  (in  1887)  33 

Edmonston,  Mrs.  B.  B 7 

Eckerts'Mill 40 

Eckert,  Herman  67 

Fisher,  Capt.  Mormon  35 

Ferdinand,  bird's-eye  view '. 46 

Ferdinand  Church,   (exterior) 47 

Ferdinand  Church,  (interior)  48 

Friedman,  Martin 73 

Fritz,  Joseph 74 

Guckes,  Capt.  P.  P 34 

Greene,  Hon.  B.  L 67 

Geiger,  Jacob  45 

Gramelspacher,  John 73 

Haysville  Church  (exterior)  55 

Haysvi lie  Church  (interior)  56 

Hall  Township  School.  32 

Hayes,  William  29 

Huntingburg,  bird's-eye  view  44 

Hillsboro  Cumberland  Presby.  Church  ..  21 

High  School,  Jasper  .-23 

Holland  Graded  School (view  5)  65 

Ireland  Cumberland  Presby.  Church  51 
Ireland  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  ...  52 
Ireland  Catholic  Church 51 


Ireland  Catholic  Rectory  51 

Ireland  High  School 51 

Jasper,  bird's-eye  view  from  southeast... 42 
Jasper,  bird's-eye  view  from  northeast—  41 

Jasper  College .26 

Jail,  at  Jasper 20 

Jutt,  George  J.  68 

Jasper  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 23 

Jackie,  Conrad 75 

Kendall,  Lieut.  W.  W.  (in  1861) 33 

Kendall,  Lieut.  W.  W.  (in  1892) 72 

Kempf,  Dr.  Matthew 43 

Kundeck,  Rev.  Joseph  (biography) 29 

Kundeck,  Rev.  Joseph  (autograph).: 76 

Kyana  Church     64 

Kyana  School  House 64 

Kellerville  Church 59 

Kemp,  lion.  Benjamin  R 50 

Koerner,  August  H  73 

Kunz,  Henry    '. 50 

Litschgi,  August 72 

Lueken  School  House,  No.  3  27 

Lemmons'  Cumberland  Presby.  Church  57 

Morgan,  Col.  Simon  (penmanship) 10 

Monument,  Soldiers'  and  Sailors' 37 

McDonald,  Lieut  Hiram 6 

McDonald,  Allen 6 

McDonald,  Fort  6 

Mehringer,  Brig.  Gen.  John 35 

McCrillus,  Samuel  B 72 

Maute,  Rev.  Fideli's  66 

Patoka  River,  at  Frog  Island 12 

Prosperity  on  the  Farm 14 

Portersville  Union  Church  60 

St.  Henry  Catholic  Church  (views  1  &2)..65 

St.  Henry  Graded  School (view  4)  65 

St.  John  Evangelical  Church,  Boone  Tp  .58 

St.  Joseph's  Church,  Jasper,  (new)  24 

St.  Joseph's  Church,  Jasper,  (old)   23 

Sweeney,  Hon.  A.  M 30 

St.  Anthony  Church  and  Rectory 63 

Salems  Church,  at  Huntingburg 22 

Schnell,  Henry 53 

Stewart,  James  G -52 

Sprauer,  Alois 13 

Sherritt  Graveyard  8 

Shiloh  C.  P.  Church  and  Cemetery 21 

Schroeder,  Joseph  74 

Strain,  Rev.  A.  J 29 

Schnellville,  bird's-eye  view .54 

Stadler,  Rev.  Eberhard 45 

Traylor,  Albert  H.,  Residence  of 39 

Traylor.  Albert  H 71 

Welman,  Dr.  R.  M 34 

Wilson,    George  R  30 

Wilson,  Michael 70 

Young,  William  T 69 


INDEX 


TO  HISTORY  AND  ART  SOUVENIR. 


Page 

Act  Creating  Dubois  County   5 

Base  Line 8 

Burning  of  First  Court  House  at  Jasper  18 

Birdseye,  Town  of 52 

Bretzville,  Town  of 54 

County  Named 5 

County,  Survey  of 13 

Court  House  at  Portersville   18 

Court  House  at  Jasper 18-19 

County  Jail 20 

County  Poor  Asylum 20 

Churches  and  Religions 20 

County  Board  of  Education 25 

Copies  of  Early  Licenses  to  Teachers  29-31 

Convent  of  Immaculate  Conception  47 

Celestine,  Town  of 62 

County  Officers 66 

County  Auditors,  List  of  71 

County  Assessors,  List  of 69 

County  Clerks,  List  of 67 

County  Coroners,  List  of  69 

County  Commissioners,  List  of 74 

County  Health  Officers,  List  of  71 

County  Recorders,  List  of 67 

County  Surveyors,  List  of 68 

County  Sheriffs,  List  of 68 

County  Superintendents  of  Schools 70 

County  Treasurers,  List  of 67 

Dubois   Countv    Soldiers'   and    Sailors' 

Monument 36-37-38 

Dubois,  Town  of 59 

Duff,  Town  of 64 

Edmonston,  Col.  B.    B 33 

Early  Settlements 5 

Edmonston,  Mrs.  Col.  B.  B 7 

Early  Graves 9 

Early  Riders 11 

Early  Courts  11-18 

Early  Land  Titles 13 

Early  Land  Entries   16 

Early  Public  and  Private  Buildings 17 

Earlv  Churches 23 

Early  Text-Books  25 

Early  School-Houses  25 

Early  Sports 11-33 

Early  Military  Leaders 34 

Eckerts'  Mill 40 

Ellsworth,  Town  of 63 

Fort  McDonald  6-9-20 

Flag  of  Co.  "K." 36 

Ferdinand,  Town  of 45 

Governor's  Trace 5 

Garden  Spot  of  the  County 39 

Geiger    Jacob 45 

Huntingburg,  City  of 45 


Holland,  Town  of  50 

Haysville,  Town  of 55 

Hillham 56  . 

Hickory  Grove 66 

Initiating  McDonald  .  ..  9 

Indians  9-10-13 

Ireland,  Town  of  50 

Jacob's   School 32 

Jasper,  Town  of 40 

Judges,  (Associate)  List  of 75 

Judges,  (Common  Pleas)  List  of 75 

Judges,  (Circuit)   List  of 75 

Judges,  (Probate)  List  of 75 

Kendall,  Lieut.  W.  W 33 

Kundeck,  Rev.  Joseph  29 

Kellerville 59 

Kyana,  Town  of 64 

Land  Offices 14 

Lueken  School-House,  No.  3  27 

List  of  Civil  Townships 40 

McDonald  Family 6 

Military  History' 32 

Muster  Fields 33 

Maltersville  64 

Millersport 64 

Mentor,  Town  of 66 

Morgon,  Col.  Simon 10 

Portersville,  Town  of 5-59 

Patents 15 

Products 38 

Population 39 

Representatives,  List  of 75 

Senators,  List  of 76 

Size  of  Dubois  County 5 

Sherritt  Graveyard 8 

Sociability  of  Pioneers 11 

Slaves 11 

Swamp  Lands  13-14 

St.  Joseph's  Cross 24 

Schools  and  Education 25 

School  Examiners  27 

Stone  Quarries 39 

Schnellville,  Town  of 53 

St.  Anthony,  Town  of 63 

St.  Marks,  Town  of 65 

St.  Henry.  Town  of 65 

Trials  and  Hardships 8 

Toussaint  Dubois 5-9-10-15 

Traylor,  Albert  H.  (residence) 39 

Transportation 38-39-40 

Volunteers  35 

Wild   Animals 10-15 

Wabash  and  Erie  Canal 13-14 

World's  Fair  Diploma 31 

Wealth  of  the  County 39