Fountain County IN Archives History - Books .....Covington 1881 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com August 25, 2006, 4:14 am Book Title: History Of Fountain County COVINGTON. The pioneers of what was the western portion of Montgomery county, prior to 1825, did not wait long for a trading point conveniently at hand. As will be seen by referring to the general county history, the Indiana state legislature, in session assembled, in the winter of 1825—6, by special act, set off that part of Montgomery county, now known as Fountain county, for a new county, and commissioners were appointed whose duty it was to select a site for the county seat. Numerous were the points favorable, and of course each section of the county had its solicitors. Isaac Coleman, a Virginian by birth, and a man of fine parts, who had made his advent in Indiana very early, and had settled where Attica is, secured the northeast fraction, 82.7 acres, and the southeast fraction, 73.7 acres, of the north half of Sec. 35, T. 20 N., E. 9 W.; this land being situated close to the Wabash river, the only outlet for trade, and about midway of the county, north and south. Mr. Coleman conceived it to be a convenient point for a county seat of justice. In those early days, when railroads were unheard of and the country so densely wooded that roads were obliged to be chopped from place to place, it was natural that a place near a stream, even though it were known to be navigable for boats alone, should be chosen upon which to build the principal city of the county. Mr. Coleman immediately exerted his influence toward securing the location of the county seat on his land. Lucas Nebeker and others also worked for its location somewhere about its present site. Mr. Coleman employed old Mr. Johnson, of Crawfordsvilie, a surveyor, to lay off a town. Mr. Johnson this same year, 1826, laid off Attica and La Fayette. Mr. Coleman's site was chosen as the proper place for the county seat, and the town was called Covington. Dating almost from that moment, efforts have always been in order to re-locate the seat of justice of Fountain county. Other early entries made in this immediate vicinity were as follows: John Wilson and David Vance secured the northeast fraction of the south half of Sec. 35, comprising 78 acres, the entry dating May 6, 1826. John Miller became owner of the southeast fraction, 82 acres, of Sec. 35, in 1830. Daniel Landers entered the E. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 36, in 1826. John Wilson and David Vance, in the same year, the W. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 36. Andrew Shankland, in 1827, entered the E. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 36. James A. Thompson the W. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 36, in 1826; also William Ray the S.W. 1/4 Sec. 36. William B. Evans entered the E. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 26, in 1826; also William Miller the E. 1/2 of S.E. 1/4 Sec. 26, and Samuel Maxwell the W. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 25. A year previous to 1826 William Vandorn entered the W. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 26. In 1828 Elijah Smith secured the E. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 25, Benedict Morris the E. 1/2 of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 25, Levi J. Reynolds the W. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 25, and James C. Denton entered the W. 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 36. In 1829 Jonas Baum obtained the north fraction of S.W. 1/4 Sec. 26. In 1831 John Miller bought the E. £ of N.W. i Sec. 26, and Robert Hetfield laid claim to the E. 1/2 of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 36. A part of these lots of land in after years became additions to Covington, and the rest lies immediately around the town. In laying out the town Mr. Coleman had an eye to its future welfare and permanency. His plat is on part of Sees. 35 and 36, T. 20 N., R. 9 W. of the Indiana P. M. The streets running up and down the river bluffs were run at 18° 20' west of north by the compass, and all the cross streets at right angles to this. The streets are all sixty-six feet wide, except Water street, which is eighty feet wide, and Liberty street, sixty feet wide. A rock is buried at the southwest corner of the public square, and the southwest corner of this rock is the point from which the measurement was takeu. The lots are all 66 feet in front by 132 feet deep, except lots from 45 to 66, inclusive, which are 76x132, and lots adjoining the south side of Liberty street, which are 72x132. except lots 72, 73,74, 75, which are 66x138. As a benefit for the town Mr. Coleman donated to the county one whole block for a public square, four lots to religions purposes, and four lots for schools, a piece of ground for a cemetery, and also donated four lots out of five of all the remaining lots. The town he laid out, and the donations he made for a "permanent" seat of justice. It would be well if all re-locationists would note this word "permanent," as it is held that should the county seat be removed, then the will of Coleman to the county would be broken, and his heirs would be able to seize upon the property formerly donated, with all its fixtures. At a meeting of the authorities, held July 25, 1826, the county agent was ordered to cause the town site to be re-surveyed and corrected, and to present a plat of the same to the "Board." At that meeting the town was formally appellated "Covington." The county agent was also ordered to offer for sale on the first Monday in October of that year, the lots belonging to the county. It is needless to say all this was done, and that Covington began to germinate. A very few squatters were already on the ground. John Gillam lived in a very small log cabin, which stood on the ground now occupied by the jail. He had a large family and was poor. He worked at clearing, or any job work that could be obtained. Joseph Griffith and his son Barton were the first to actually settle anywhere on this spot. Joseph Griffith moved to Illinois and there died. His son Barton remained and became clerk for Joseph Sloan, whose business he largely managed. Making the trip to New Orleans, carrying produce on flat-boats, he incurred a severe attack of dysentery, which proved fatal on his return. His death was a loss to the community, as he was a bright, energetic spirit. Daniel Landers was at that time a rising merchant of the "log town" of Indianapolis. Mr. Landers concluded to start a branch store at Covington, and for that purpose sent out Joseph L. Sloan. Mr. Sloan made the trip in October, 1826, across the country, bringing a load of goods with him, and chopping a large part of his way through the dense woods. Having arrived, it was necessary to build as soon as possible, so as to shield his merchandise from the weather. John Gillam, Joseph and Barton Griffith, lent helping hands. Anderson White came from Coal creek, seven miles, with his ox team. Joseph Baum, James Bilsland, Lucas Kebeker, James Whitley, Joseph Shelby, John Steeley, and perhaps others, who lived in the "Bend," came hurrying to the spot to take part in the erection of the first "business house" of the county seat. The building, about 14x18, one-story, of unhewn logs, daubed and plastered, was soon ready for occupancy. The shelves were riven boards, and nails brought by Mr. Sloan were used, but were not common. The store immediately became the center of attraction, and the surrounding farmers were happier. About the same time that Mr. Sloan came Mr. Rawles made his way from the prairie, north of Terre Haute, up the Wabash river in a keel-boat, or barge. He brought his family and household goods. Mr. Rawles, or as he is known, David Rawles, immediately began the construction of a hotel, assisted by about the same men who aided Sloan. His building was about 16x24, one-story, round logs, clapboard roof puncheon floor. He purchased some nails of Sloan, "the merchant," and some boards of White, with which he made some "extra good doors." On the rear of the "hotel" he built a rail pen which he battened and covered with clapboards, and in this Mrs. Rawles did the cooking. Joseph Sloan and his clerk were the first boarders. 1826, the heralder of the first store, and first hotel or "tavern" of Covington soon rolled away, giving place to 1827. This year witnessed the arrival of Andrew Ingram and Daniel Rogers, both attorneys-at-law; hardly an inviting place, it would seem, to that profession, yet there was considerable real-estate business to transact; John McKinney, who started a tannery, Frank Merrill, who opened the second store, and Dr. Hamilton. Most of these men were patrons of the "Hotel de Rawles," and one could scarcely conceive of a company composed of lawyers, a doctor, merchants, tradesmen and farmers without concluding as to the fun of that early day. For amusement, the above named persons and others to the number of twelve, organized themselves into a body for the purpose of holding moot court. Their organization was christened with the beautiful and appropriate name "Callisumpkin Society," intensely classical, showing that in that primitive age Covington had her sages as well as Greece. David Rawles presided as "Dispenser of Justice," and listened to the pleadings of Ingram and Rogers, attorneys composing the Covington bar. James Whitley was constable. The attorneys, ever anxious for practice, carefully watched the actions of men, and no misdemeanor escaped punishment. The judge, ever proud of his position, issued writs promptly, and the constable, desirous of showing his authority, unhesitatingly served all summonses and made arrests even if his best friends suffered. A common misdemeanor, against which a law of that body positively asserted itself, was the brushing of flies from one's face when there were fewer than one dozen of these pests endeavoring simultaneously to deprive him of all appetite or comfort. Could such an act be proven against any one, a heavy fine was the inevitable result; the trial often lasting till late in the hours of the night. At that time the site of Covington was covered largely by brush and stumps. A common fine was to require the "law-breaker to dig up one of those stumps." In this way much of the land was cleared. Dr. Hamilton relates how, when having returned from a professional call, the constable immediately served a process on him, accusing him of brushing the flies from his face when fewer than a dozen were bothering him. The doctor secured the services of lawyer Rogers and went into trial before Judge Rawles. The trial over, the usual judgment was rendered, but this time the penalty called for the uprooting of the largest stnmp of all. The doctor, loath to exert his muscular ability to so great an extent, readily paid a man $5 to remove the stump. Four gallons of whisky, too, was consumed at his expense. The Callisumpkin Society was instrumental in doing much toward the development of the town, and its name is worthy of perpetuity. Dr. Hamilton was born in Saratoga, New York, January 7, 1800; studied medicine in Malone, New York; then attended three courses of medical lectures in 1823, 1824 and 1825, at Vermont Medical College. After graduation he located, May 10, 1826, at La Fayette, Indiana, and engaged in the practice of his profession. La Fayette, then considered the head-waters of navigation on the Wabash river, attracted men of all classes, and in large numbers, to settle. Lawyers and doctors were very numerous, and Dr. Hamilton, thinking his chances for success better elsewhere, located at Covington, a single man, March 31, 1827. He was Covington's first physician, and boarded for some time with David Rawles. In 1828 he built a frame office 12 x 17, the first frame building erected in this vicinity. It was lathed and plastered. Dr. Hamilton kept a small stock of drugs, mostly for his own practice. William B., or as he was familiarly known, Bloomer White, the second clerk of Fountain county, and an eminent officer, kept his office with Dr. Hamilton, who was county land agent at that time. Mr. White preserved all his papers, etc., in a small secretary. In 1828 he brought his family of wife and four children. After fourteen years' clerkship he moved to Vermilion county, where he died. Dr. Hamilton continued county land agent eighteen years. It was about 1828 when Dr. Jesse Bowen came from La Fayette to make Covington his home. He became one of the most worthy citizens, living here many years. Old gentleman Boston also kept a hattery, and did something also at ferrying over the Wabash river. His death occurred at Covington. His son, Washington Boston, lived with him and here married. After many years he moved westward. A few others came in about this year, but, like the Arab, they folded their tents — if they owned any — "and as silently stole away." It was about this time, or the year before, that for the first time a steamboat approached the Covington wharf. Notice had been given previously of the intended voyage, which would be made providing the river should be sufficiently high. On the day designated the people for many miles around gathered at Covington, some having ridden, but many having walked. All was unrest, each person anxious to catch the first glimpse of the expected "monster." At last the scream of the whistle startled them, terrifying many for the moment; then there was a rush for the river bank. It is impossible to paint the picture of the crowd, as, with eyes and mouths open, the steamer was taken in by the surprised people. The kindness of the captain gratified the curiosity of the lookers-on by allowing them to board the boat and examine the works, these calling forth many ludicrous, and at times ridiculous, expressions. All at last retired, satisfied at having seen the "wonder of the age." William S. Crain made his advent in the spring of 1829, bringing with him his wife and five children —Mary, Margaret, Martha, William and Charles. He came on a steamboat during a freshet of the Wabash river. At that time there stood two small log cabins near the river, and into one of these Mr. Crain housed his family for a time, although greatly crowded. He immediately purchased lot 119, on which he erected a two-story frame dwelling, into which he moved his family. At the rear of this he built a shop for a hattery, as he was a hatter by trade. In this building he lived till about 1868, when he purchased property in the north part of town, and rented his building on the square. In 1870 it was entirely destroyed by fire. Mr. Crain then sold twenty-two feet front on the corner to Mr. Harter, who erected on it the present brick store building. He sold twenty-two feet front to Mrs. H. R. Claypool, who leased it to Mortimer Steely, by whom a small frame building was built. Michael Port bought the other twenty-two feet, on which he built a large brick business house, now occupied by Samuel Boord as a meat-market. Mr. Crain died May 5, 1826. His three daughters, Mrs. Dr. Hamilton, Mrs. H. R. Claypool, and Mrs. Nelson, reside in Covington. In 1826 Mr. Walters built a two-story frame house, and kept hotel, or an eating-house. Joseph L. Sloan's storeroom proving too small for his trade, he erected a small frame building, which he used several years. In the fall of 1826 came Jacob Tice, with his wife and one child, in company with David Elder and family. David Elder rented a two-story log building which stood on the southwest corner point lot, where he kept an eating-house. He was already in his wintry years, and soon died. His daughter Matilda married Anderson White. Jacob Tice was born in Middlesex county, New Jersey, where he spent most of his early years. He then removed to New York city, where, in 1808, he witnessed the Clermont steamboat. He learned the tailor's trade. After coming to Covington he rented a small building for a year or two, then built a room, now occupied as a shoe-shop, near the Hardy & Reid bank. He followed his trade till ready-made clothing so reduced, the tailor's custom as to oblige him to seek a livelihood otherwise. He became the second justice of the peace, succeeding David Rawles. He filled this office for ten years. He was also postmaster many years. About 1830 David and Frank Wallace became goods merchants in Covington. Frank looked to the store, while David practiced law. David Wallace was a resident of Covington when he was elected lieutenant-governor of Indiana in 1832, and in 1838 reached the governor's chair. He buried his wife and child in the Covington cemetery. He afterward made his home in Indianapolis. Other very early merchants were John Hawkins, David Sanders, Conover & Shaw, Roup and his partner. In 1830 the population had reached about 150 or 200 inhabitants, yet these would make but few families. The town grew and improved slowly. The business men already named continued to do the business of the place. As yet there was no outlet for goods and travel except the river, unless by wagon or stage. At last a ray, as it were, from the headlight of a steam engine seemed to illuminate Covington, whose citizens almost fancied a railroad built and a train of cars doing their bidding. This was in 1837. The Great Western railway appeared as a ghost, which the people thought real. This road was already partly graded from Springfield to Decatur, Illinois, and from Decatur to Danville, Illinois, the abutments being constructed in the Big Vermilion river, at Danville. This being an Illinois road and it being desirable to extend it in Indiana to the Wabash river—a natural outlet —James Alexander, of Paris, Illinois, a member of the Illinois state legislature, was appointed by the Illinois assembly as a committee to visit the Indiana state legislature for the purpose of asking for a bill authorizing the continuance of the road as desired. He failed to present his request in time, but at the session of 1838-9 he succeeded. Dr. John Hamilton, who had been a member of the state senate from 1834 to 1837, made Alexander's acquaintance in 1837, and the two were fast friends. In 1839 Alexander wrote Hamilton of his success, stating that the commissioners would hold a meeting at a certain date in June at Springfield, for the purpose of locating the road; also stating that La Fayette and Perrysville would be represented, and that he desired Covington to send her delegation. No sooner had the letter been received than a meeting of the citizens was called, at which Dr. Hamilton, Isaac Coleman (then of Attica, but largely interested in Covington), Daniel Mace, and James P. Carleton, attorneys, were chosen delegates to Springfield. Money to defray expenses was immediately solicited, but this part of the work meeting with but little success, Dr. Hamilton, putting $500 in his pocket, called for the boys to mount their horses, and all started for the capital of Illinois, where they arrived after a three-days journey. The commissioners held a nine-days session, during which time the delegations from each of three competing points were heard. The session over, Alexander announced to Hamilton, in secret, that the commissioners had decided to make known nothing as to their decision, at the same time advising the doctor to make haste home and to secure the piece of ground on the west side of the Wabash river, opposite Covington, so as to deprive speculators from Perrysville of the chance to bay it, on which to lay out a town, and thus impede the growth of Covington. The hint from Alexander was sufficient. Horses fed, the party made a forced ride to Danville, and there leaving the horses and the rest of the party, Dr. Hamilton and Daniel Mace took the stage for home, arriving about two o'clock in the morning. The town was immediately aroused, and a meeting called, at which a committee, consisting of Dr. Bowen, David Rawles, W. B. White and Frank Merrill was appointed to go over the river and purchase the twenty acres opposite town before breakfast. The bargain for the land was consummated. By nine o'clock men from Perrysville swarmed down, and it was only by purchasing a half-section of land that the people of Covington could beat back their antagonists. So much of the battle was fought. Dr. Hamilton now set to work to secure the right of way for the new road from Danville to Covington. He also let the contracts for the construction of the road, with instructions not to commence operations till directed by the commissioners. Those interested then rested. Time rolled away. Payments on the land purchased became due, and the signers were called upon to liquidate the debt. Rawles and Hetfield were lightly responsible, but the heavy burden fell upon Dr. Hamilton. Six thousand dollars was required from him, which he paid. The panic ensued, suspending, and virtually destroying, the "Internal Improvement System" of the states, and the Great Western railroad proved, indeed, a great western ghost, the destruction of men's fortunes, and a disappointment to all citizens of Fountain county. To remedy the panic effects, the Indiana state legislature passed the "Valuation and Appraisement" law, which proved valuable to the debtor, but operated seriously against the merchant and heavy creditors. These circumstances generated influences collapsing to Covington, a town doomed still to do her business in the old, slow way, ere a few years her sun again appeared above the horizon to rise promising for a time, but long ere it reached its zenith clouds of misfortune shut out its light, leaving its zenith still to be reached. About 1842 excavation for the Wabash & Erie canal began at La Fayette, and by 1846 was finished at Covington. Money being scarce, a large amount of canal script was issued, which the Covington merchants promised to accept at par for goods till the canal was finished to this point. This script depreciated till it was worth but forty cents on the dollar. While it was worth and brought but this in other places, the business men of Covington fulfilled their promise. Those who had large sums of money loaned out were obliged to give a receipt in full, when, virtually, but two-fifths of the amount was received. Joseph L. Sloan weathered the gale, with destruction to his fortune from which he never recovered. Dr. Hamilton lost thousands of dollars, and others suffered in proportion. The town grew rapidly during the excavation, but the burden of debt was too heavy. The ultimate failure of the canal added disaster. When the civil war broke out, to hurl desolation and death over this fair land, Covington was nearly as large as now. The Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western railroad, built in 1869, gave value to property and an impetus to business, which resulted in improvement in buildings. The writer must now retrograde a few years and notice the improvement in business houses. Mr. Sloan's log store, then his frame store, occupied a part of lot 93. In later years, about 1835, he erected a building occupying the full sixty-six feet front. The building was of brick, and two stories high. It was divided into a store-room and tavern. Mr. Sloan sold to McMaunomy and McMahon, who let it to different parties. The whole block burned in 1878. Rawles' hotel stood on lot 102. The log house he tore down, and built a frame with three rooms, one of which he sold to Henry Churchman, and the other two to other parties. The latter two have always been saloons. David Rawles died in 1879, leaving a wife and one daughter, who are in Iowa. The first building on lot 111, was a large frame, occupied by Harmon Webb as a tavern. Harmon Webb moved to Covington about 1831. He kept the ferry some time, and afterward came to be owner of part of the west side of the square. At his death the property passed to the children; the house burned, and the lots were sold to J. G. Hardy and Alfred Heath. Hardy built a small brick store on his share, and Heath sold to John and Ben. Slattery, who, in 1880, built a handsome brick structure, which they occupy as a saloon. Lot 120 is the site of the first courthouse of the county. It became the property of Webb, then of Hardy. Lot 129 was owned by a Virginian, who built on it a brick store-room, which was occupied by Roup & Morris, dry-goods merchants, and has changed hands frequently. In this Whitney Prescott sold goods and purified liquors. On lot 130 stood some small shanties, one of which Hawkins & Sanders occupied as early as 1835 with dry goods. William A. Sangster obtained the lot, and erected on it two large brick stores, occupied by Loeb with clothing and dry goods. Lot 131 had on it some poor frame buildings. Dr. John S. Jones came to Codington in 1840, and kept drugs in one of them. In about 1857 he built a two-story brick, now owned by Dr. Spinning as a drug store. Fauncy Lemp occupied part of this lot with his silver shop. On lot 132 was Dr. John S. Jones' office. Michael Mayer purchased thirty-six feet of this lot in 1840, with a frame building on it. Into this building he put a stock of groceries, confectionery, etc., and kept a bakery. In 1866 he purchased sixty-six feet front, and erected three large brick business rooms, now occupied by James M. Duncan, Vale & Napir, and Isaac Deutsch. In 1877 Mr. Mayer destroyed the frame building before mentioned, building in its place two store-rooms 20x66, occupied by Mock Brothers and Weldon. Mr. Mayer has been one of Covington's most successful business men, and has contributed much to the development of the place. He is now retired from business. The northeast point lot has been occupied since an early day, and is now the site of McGeorge's hardware establishment. John Allen early bought lot 112, on which he built a two-story brick, which he occupied as a cabinet-shop; now rented by M. Boord & Co. as a furniture store. The rest of the lot passed into the hands of widow Spinning. On the east end of lot 94 was a dwelling, built by Joseph L. Sloan soon after his arrival. This lot came into the possession of W. C. B. Sewell. Lot 101 was once sold for $15 to William Meeke. It is now the property of W. C. B. Sewell. Lot 83, or the southeast point lot, was owned by George Snyder as far back as 1835. In a small frame building he sold whisky for many years. About 1845 he tore down the frame and built a two-story brick, two rooms, now occupied by Hardy & Reid, bankers, in the east room, and Thomas Detrick, hardware, in the west room. On lot 75 a frame building was put up by Frank Merrill as far back as 1830, in which he sold dry goods till about 1846. He at that time failed in business and went to Illinois; then to Indianapolis; then west, and died. The building stood till 1S78, when it was displaced by a brick business house by Joseph Allen. Mr. Allen also erected large brick buildings on the rest of the lot. Anderson White first owned lot 74, and built a two-story frame about 1832. It came to be the property of Dr. Weldon, who has improved it. Lot 73 was as early as 1827 secured by Wm. B. White, who erected (for that day) a fine two-story frame dwelling, 18x36. In 1838 he sold to Dr. John Hamilton, who lived in it six years. Dr. Hamilton sold part of it to Nicholas Kiger, who keeps a saloon in it. Lot 72 was purchased by Dr. John Hamilton in 1827. On this spot he built the office already mentioned, in 1828. In 1836 he sold twenty-two feet front to Dr. Clark, who built an addition to the office, and used it as a store. Peter H. Patterson and John Miller bought the rest of this lot. These large brick business houses give to the public square an appearance far different to that of even ten years ago. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF FOUNTAIN COUNTY, TOGETHER WITH HISTORIC NOTES ON THE WABASH VALLEY, GLEANED FROM EARLY AUTHORS, OLD MAPS AND MANUSCRIPTS PRIVATE AND OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE, AND OTHER AUTHENTIC, THOUGH, FOR THE MOST PART, OUT-OF-THE-WAY SOURCES. BY H. W. BECKWITH, OF THE DANVILLE BAR; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETIES OF WISCONSIN AND CHICAGO. WITH MAP AND ILLUSTRATIONS. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND N. IDDINGS, PUBLISHERS. 1881. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/fountain/history/1881/historyo/covingto64nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/infiles/ File size: 28.1 Kb