Mt. Vernon was first known as McFaddin's Bluff. The McFaddins had been residents of North Carolina, later moving to Bowling Green, Ky. Andrew McFadden, on a hunting expedition, crossed over into Posey county at Diamond Island and, coming down the river, discovered the location of the present town of Mt. Vernon, a spot conspicuous for its highness and dryness, with settlers above and below on the river. Soon after returning to his home in Kentucky Mr. McFaddin moved his family here. This was about the year 1805. Soon after, his cousins, William and Andrew, came and settled near him, and the place soon came to be known as McFaddin's Bluff, and kept that name for some time after the town of Mt. Vernon was founded in 1816.

For a year after coming to this country the McFaddins lived on what is now known as the Hageman farm, which at that time was owned by Jesse Oatman. Trading boats landed at the rocks in front of this farm till about the year 1810, when they began to stop at the present wharf.

The McFaddins moved to the present town site in 1806 and built the first dwelling in Mt. Vernon, which was a log cabin, at the foot of Store street, intending to enter land as soon as convenient, unaware of the fact that Gen. William Henry Harrison had bought all of fractional section 8, township 7 south, range 13 west, comprising 371.82 acres. This caused them considerable inconvenience and expense before the lands were released from the claims of General Harrison. Others soon located here and engaged in various pursuits, although at that time the town site and all the surrounding country was an absolute wilderness, full of game and wild animals. William McFaddin was a noted and skillful hunter and trapper, and had at the time the town was founded two pet beavers, which he had captured when young. As late as 1824 deer were killed where Second street crosses Main, and the portion of the town which is now bounded by Fourth, Fifth, Main and Store streets was a pond. Nimrods of that day came hither in quest of wild geese and ducks.

The first store in Mt. Vernon was opened by Darius North and William P. Robinson with a stock of general merchandise amounting to about $500. In a few years North bought out his partner and continued alone. —

In 1817 there were about fifteen families living in and near Mt. Vernon. The principal business portion of the town was built on the wharf. The buildings were constructed of logs, the doors, floors, etc., being whipsawed at a great cost of time and labor.

Samuel Aldridge entered a tract of land on section 6 (north-west of town) in May, 1807 ; and on the same section Thomas Givens bought a tract June 4, 1807. William Weir bought a tract in section 7, west of town, in May, 1807 ; and Samuel Jones bought a tract in section 5, north of town, June 4, 1807; so there was quite a populous settlement in the vicinity at the time the town was started up. It is said that Thomas Givens started a tavern at Mt. Vernon before any town lots were laid out. Nathan Ashworth was the first justice of the peace in Mt. Vernon, elected in 1816.

In March, 1816, Aaron Williams laid out the present public square and thirty-two lots south and west of it to the river. The lots still bear their original numbers. About the same time John Wagoner laid out sixty-six lots and a public square of two acres and four poles on the west side of Mill creek. Williams sold a far greater number of lots than Wagoner. The majority of the buyers, however, bought for speculation. Wagoner's part of the town grew very slowly from the start, while Wil- liams's part immediately began a rapid growth.

Gen. William Henry Harrison still owned these lands, but some time within the next year he sold 185 acres at the junction of Mill creek with the Ohio river, east of the creek, to Aaron Williams for $500. Early in the year 1819 a stock company, consisting of Thomas E. Cas- selberry, Jesse Y. Welborn, Aaron Baker, William Crabtree, John Bur- lison, Matthew Williams, Aaron Burlison and Samuel Gill, bought of Aaron Williams seventy-two and one-half acres on the east bank of Mill creek, now in the heart of the town, for $3,500, resurveyed it and offered the lots for sale.

In November, 1822, Mr. Welborn laid out an addition from Walnut to Mulberry streets and from Sixth street on north to Water street on the south ; he also laid out an addition in June, 1826, extending from Walnut to Main and from Sixth to Eighth.

When the county seat was moved to Mt. Vernon, in 1825, the town commenced to grow rapidly and, for a time, was ahead of Evansville in commercial importance.

First merchants of Mt. Vernon were :
Shanklin & Moffit, Dunn & McFaddin, Jesse Y. Welborn, North & Stewart, Richard and James Barter, McFaddin were engaged in merchandising. Henry G. Luston, tavern.

From 1830 to 1840 the leading firms were, in addition to most of the above : Presley Pritchett, tavern ; R. Barter & Co., Aaron Baker, Bacon & James, H. S. Wilson, McFaddin & Nettleton, T. S. Veatch & Co., H. H. Richardson, Adam Moffit, Hector Craig, James & Lowery, Barter, Swift & Barter, Dunn & Harrison, Scarborough Pentecost, Aaron B. Gill, Craig & Pollard, John T. Gill & Co., T. J. Hindi, James F. Reeder and others were engaged in the mercantile business. The grocers were : John S. Dunn, John McMunn, Baldwin & Hogue, William Aldridge, J. B. Weir, David Spalding, H. B. Dean, Beniah Moss, John Carson, Daniel Arthur, A. W. Welborn and others.

The tavern keepers were : Presley Pritchett, Asa Bacon, Felix Mills. At an election held in November, 1832, the citizens of Mt. Vernon voted to incorporate the town. A plan for the division of the town was presented by Jesse Y. Welborn and formally accepted by vote. The following were elected trustees : E. R. James, Moses Welborn, Ebon D. Edson, Jesse Y. Welborn and Aaron Baker. The votes polled were: Henry Holland, Presley Pritchett, T. J. Duncan, William Hall, John Knight, E. R. James, Asa Bacon, H. G. Luston, Samuel Scott, Jesse Y. Welborn, Adam Moffit, J. N. Hatcher, L. J. Larkin, Moses Welborn, Zachariah Baker, George S. Baker, John C. Welborn, Francis De San- chet, John Carson, Jeremiah Spillman, Levi M. Ricksicker, Mason F. Green, Richard Barter, William Moss, Andrew S. Gamble, James Barton, James B. Finch, H. H. Richardson, George S. Green and T. S. Veatch.

The municipal wheels were soon rolling, but how long they continued cannot be stated, as all traces of corporate government are lost at the end of two years.

The Ohio river afforded the only means of transportation. Corn and pork were the most important articles shipped away. As early as 1820 North & Robinson bought hogs and corn for shipment to the Southern markets of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Dunn & McFaddin and Richard and James Barter were engaged in the same business.

The first steam saw mill in Mt. Vernon was constructed by Darius North, Virgil Soaper and Andrew McFadden in 1831. They afterward added machinery for grinding corn, and it finally became a grist mill and distillery. In 1838 it was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt the same year, and again burned down in 1853. It was rebuilt in 1855 by De Witt C. James and George Mugge, four stories high with a capacity equal to 225 barrels of flour and 1,300 gallons of whiskey. In 1865 it passed into the hands of Herman Munchoff and George Wolflin, and was again destroyed by fire, in 1873, for the third and last time. The building was located near the present site of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad depot. The huge smokestack remained standing until a few months ago. North & McFaddin, about the year 1834, erected a steam saw mill, and as soon as they could saw the lumber, built a three-story grist mill and a distillery all combined. They also owned a large store and bought pork and grain and carried on an extensive business. Their saw mill and grist mill both being crowded to their utmost capacity, as there was a constant demand for all the lumber they could saw for the frame houses going up in all directions, and for all the flour and meal they could grind for home consumption, and the distillery had all it could do to supply the demand for whiskey.

In 1837 the mills and the distillery were destroyed by fire, entailing a heavy loss on the proprietors. In 1840-41 Rogers & Moore rebuilt the saw mill and a two-story grist mill, but not the distillery. After a few years they sold out to John Baker and he sold to Mickey & Crowell, and while in their possession the mills again burned down.

John Wagner's plat, laid out March n, 1816, and bounded by Mill Wat- ter, Mulberry and Fourth streets. Aaron Williams's plat, laid out March 23, 1816, and bounded by Water, Store, Walnut and Third. Jesse Y. Welborn's addition, May 10, 1819, bounded by Mill creek, and Fifth, Walnut and Water streets. J. Y. Welborn's addition, November 26, 1822, bounded by Walnut, Mulberry, Water and Sixth streets. J. Y. Welborn's addition, June 29, 1826, bounded by Walnut, Mulberry, Sixth and Eighth streets; John Given's re-survey, in 1840, bounded by Water, Chestnut, Pearl and Second. M. F. Green's addition, July 4, 1841, enlarged May 10, 1851, bounded by Main, Store, Seventh and Ninth. D. T. Kimball's, 1849, addition to Belleville. Robert Dale Owen's addition, November 21, 1836, and also in 1874. James & Hovey's enlargement, March 9, 1851, between Sixth and Ninth and Mill and Store. W. C. Saunder's enlargement, March 15, 1851. W. J. Lowery's addition, May 25, 1851, from Mill to Store, and from Eighth to Ninth. E. T. Sullivan's addition, January 3, 1851, from Fourth to Fifth, and from Mulberry to Locust. W. J. Lowery's enlargement, December, 1852, from Mill to Main, and Eighth to Eleventh. W. W. Welborn's enlargement, June 7, 1853, from Second to Third, and from Pearl to Munchoff streets. Low- ery & Larkin's enlargement, April, 1860, from Third to Sixth and from Munchoff to Mill streets. Munchoff & Wolfin's enlargement, April 22, 1866, from Water to Second, and from Munchoff to Pearl. Company's enlargement, February and August, 1866, and February, 1868, east of Walnut street. William Nettleton's enlargement, 1868, bounded by Wolfin, Nettleton, Second and Fourth streets. J. M. Barter's enlargement, ment, April, 1868, on Walnut, between Eighth and Ninth. J. A. Mann's, May, 1869, First to Second, and from Wolfin to Barter. N. G. Nettle- ton's enlargement, August, 1869, Second to Fourth, and Pearl to Net- tleton. School enlargement, September, 1869, Fourth to Fifth, and Canal to Locust. Mann & Barter's enlargement, First to Second, Wolfin to Barter. Mann & Barter's enlargement, February, 1870, Eleventh to Lincoln, and Canal to Locust. W. P. Edson's subdivision, October, 1871, nine lots in Kimball's part. J. A. Mann's addition to William Nettle- ton's enlargement, Second to Third, and east of the line between sections 7 and 8, April 30, 1874. Charles Leunig's enlargement, August, 1871, four acres north of Eleventh, and west of Main. Benjamin Lowenhupt's enlargement, 1880, one acre between Fourth and Fifth, and Mulberry and Locust. J. F. Welborn's enlargement, Fifth to Sixth, and Canal to Mulberry.

Parke's enlargement, October 7, 1885, consisting of four lots on west side of Locust street between Fourth and Fifth streets, and four lots on each side of Fifth street between Locust and Canal streets and fourteen lots on the east side of Canal street between Fourth and Sixth streets. Highbank addition, October 8, 1885, bounded on the north by Second street and Water street; east by Barter street and Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway Company's grounds, south by the Ohio river, west by Park street. V. M. Cartwright's addition, consisting of eight lots between Third and Fourth streets, and Owendale addition and William Nettleton's enlargement, August 9, 1886.

Wasem's substituted enlargement, seventeen lots bounded on the north by Acuff's enlargement, on the east by Wolflin, on south by Fourth street, on the west by Venus avenue and the corporation line. April 29, 1887; Charles W. Fuhrer's enlargement, bounded on the north by the corporation line, on the east by Venus avenue, on the south by Owen- dale addition, on the west by Barter street and the corporation line, April 21, 1888; Gardner's Part, bounded on the north by Seventh street, on the east by Main street, south by Sixth street, on the west by Store street, April 23, 1889; William Acuff's enlargement, four lots, March 22, 1890 ; School Hill enlargement, bounded on the north by Central school grounds, east by Canal street, south by Sixth street, west by Locust street, March 23, 1891.

Cartwright's subdivision, lot No. 7 in Charles Leunig's enlargement, January 27, 1893 ; Helleman's addition, bounded on the north by Sixth street and William Mann's addition, east by Mill street, south by some out-lots and Mill creek, west by Mill creek and James street, February 21, 1893 ; Northwestern enlargement, bounded on the north by Sixth street and Model enlargement, east by alley between Pearl and Munchoff streets, south by Fourth street, west by Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway Company's grounds, February 14, 1893 ; Raben & Fuelling's enlargement, ment, bounded on the north by Sixth street, east by Jones's enlargement, south by alley between Fourth and Fifth streets, west by Parkes enlargement, April 24, 1899; Harper's addition, bounded on the north by the Louisville & Nashville Railway Company's grounds, east by Walnut street, south by out-lots, west by Main street, April 21, 1902; William Mann's addition, bounded on the north by an alley between Sixth and Seventh streets and James and Hovey's enlargement, east by James 6 Hovey's enlargement and Mill street, south by Sixth street, west by out-lots, January 23, 1905 ; Owendale addition, bounded on the north by Fourth street, east by Cartwright's and William Nettleton's enlargement and Mann's addition to William Nettleton's enlargement, south by West Second street, west by Parke street ; Model addition, bounded on the north by unplatted land, east by Pearl street, south by Sixth street, west by Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway Company's grounds, June 25, 1906; Jones's addition, bounded on the north by an alley between Fifth and Sixth streets, east by tile factory road, south by Fourth street, west by Raben & Fuelling's enlargement, July 16, 1906; Sarlls's subdivision, April 16, 1906, bounded on the North by Ninth street, east by Canal street, south by Eighth street, west by Locust street ; Henry Schnuer's enlargement, December, 1907, bounded on the north by Black- grove, east by the lower New Harmony road, south by out-lots, west by land owned by Grant Dixon ; Lorenz Hempfling's subdivision of lots 7 and 8 of Kimball's additional enlargement, August 7, 1908, bounded on the north by Fourth street, east by Lorenz alley, south by Third street, west by Hempfling's alley ; Pfeffer's addition, April 14, 1910, bounded on the north by an alley between Fifth and Sixth streets, east by an alley between Store and Mill streets, south by Fifth street, west by Mill street; Brown's addition, September I, 1911, bounded on the north by Grant street, east by Leunig's enlargement, Cartwright's subdivision and Louisville & Nashville Railway Company's grounds, south by Louisville & Nashville Railway Company's grounds, west by land of William Ford and others; Rosa Raben's subdivision, November 30, 1911, bounded on the north by Sixth street, on the east by Wood street, south by an alley between Fifth and Sixth streets, west by Canal street.

The second incorporation of the town took place in 1846, the election to decide the question being held October i. The first trustees at this time were Thomas F. Prosser, Noble Graig, F. N. Mills, Walter F. Lar- kin and Thomas Newman. Seventy-two votes were polled, probably not over three-fourths of these in town, indicating a population of about 500. T. F. Prosser was first clerk ; Seth M. Leavenworth, treasurer, and Whipple \Vhite, marshal. As the records from that date up to 1859 are missing, nothing of the acts of the board can be stated. In October, 1859, the trustees elected were Enoch R. James, T. F. Prosser, Charles Haas, W. D. Covington, and Turner Nelson ; Joseph P. Edson, clerk ; E. R. James, treasurer ; Harrison Carter, marshal ; George W. Thomas, wharf master. The receipts from October 30, 1858, to October 19, 1859, were $7,385.82, and the expenses $6,978.82, leaving a balance on hand of $407. About one-half of this expense was in payment of principal, the interest of the wharf debt, which had been contracted in 1851, the total amount of the debt at first being, it is said, $20,000. In October, 1859, the debt was $5,164.05. At this time, and for the succeeding two or three years, Main, Store and other streets of the town were macadamized at a large expense, and the greater portion of which was paid at the time from special tax levies. F. and E. Schenk, A. B. Galliger, Jean Febre and others were contractors. The officers elected in October, 1860, were as follows : Noble Craig, G. W. Thomas, Otto Schaeffer, S. M. Leaven- worth and John D. Hinch, trustees; Leavenworth, treasurer; Hinch, clerk, and Harrison Carter, marshal. The receipts for the year ending October 16, 1860, were $11,390.57, and the expenses, $10,652.18. This heavy expense was on the streets and the wharf debt. The receipts for the year ending October, 1861, were $4,533.41, and the expenses, $3,924.72. The officers elected, October, 1861, were: John A. Mann, Charles Haas, Charles Leunig, Otto Schaeffer and Leonidas Cralle, trustees ; Otto Schaeffer, clerk ; Charles Leunig, treasurer ; Isaac P. Lamb, marshal. The receipts for the year ending October, 1862, were, $5,544.66, and the expenses, $5,399.07. At this time the wharf debt was $4,500. The officers of 1862-63 were: B. F. Server, Charles Haas, J. M. Monroe, F. Schenk and W. P. Daniel, trustees ; W. P. Daniel, clerk ; F. Schenk, treasurer, J. M. Monroe, marshal. In April, 1863, the board donated $1,000 toward a new school house. The officers of 1863-64 were : B. F. Server, W. P. Daniel, J. M. Monroe, Charles Haas and F. Schenk, trustees ; Schenk, treasurer; Daniel, clerk, and H. Carter, marshal. In 1864-65 the officers were : Josiah Forth, M. S. Blunt, Aaron Galliger, John Pfeffer and Charles Haas, trustees; Otto Schaefer, clerk; W. Forth, marshal; Noble Craig, treasurer; James Ferguson, assessor. In August, 1864, upon petition, corporate bonds to the amount of $4,000 were sold to pay the wharf debt of $4,500, with what was in the treasury. They were all taken by the First National Bank, then just founded. The receipts of 1864-65 were, $5,783.85, and the expenses, $5,909.60. The officers of 1865-66 were : Anton Haas, W. P. Edson, Samuel S. Dryden, John Pfeffer, John B. Gardner and A. B. Galliger, trustees; J. F. Welborn, clerk; C. F. Leonard, treasurer; Thomas Stevens, marshal; W. H. Larkin, assessor. A pest house was built in 1865.

In 1851, a stock company consisting of John Pitcher, president; Robert D. Owen, secretary and treasurer; with N. G. Nettleton, John Sweeney, Enoch R. James, Charles F. Leonard, Richard Barter, Pitcher and Owen as directors, built a plank road from New Harmony to Mt. Vernon. Upon its completion, the event was celebrated by an elaborate public dinner al Mt. Vernon, and a grand ball at New Harmony in the evening of the same day. Toll gates were established and business of the two towns increased rapidly. The population of Mt. Vernon soon increased fifty per cent., a phenomenal growth, largely attributable to the plank road. But, at that, the travel was not sufficient to warrant the outlay, and in a few years the road was abandoned. Within the last decade this public thoroughfare has been covered with crushed rock and gravel.

The most dreadful epidemic to which a community was ever subjected was the visitation of the cholera in Posey county in 1873. This was one of the darkest and most sorrowful periods in the history of the county. For two long months, the relentless disease spread sorrow and death in all directions. People generally fled from it, but many instances of heroism and martydom are on record as our oldest citizens can attest. For five long weary weeks coal was publicly burned in great quantities on many street corners in Mt. Vernon, and lime and other disinfectants were scattered profusely in the streets and gutters. Everything possible was done to eradicate the disease while it was stubbornly and relentlessly performing its awful mission.

A list of the deaths with the dates, from cholera, in and around Mt. Vernon, which we believe to be correct, is given below : Joseph Pickles, June 7; a daughter of George Muncey and Mrs. William Miller, the fifteenth ; a child of Mr. Roberts, the twentieth ; Mrs. Joseph Sloat, the twenty-second ; John Caldwell (colored), the twenty-seventh ; Lucy Kirk, a child, a daughter of Mrs. John Snyder and Mrs. Collins, the twenty- eighth ; a daughter of Mrs. John Snyder, the thirtieth ; Mrs. Grant, July i; Thomas Caldwell (colored), the eighth; unknown negro woman, and an unknown pauper the ninth; Miss Sheldon, Miss Gordon, Mrs. George Weilbrenner, a daughter of John Reichert, Mrs. Barker, and James Weeks, the eleventh; Samuel K. Bell, his mother and sister, Mrs. Helen Gordon, Larkin Duncan and Alvin Hovey, the twelfth ; Augustus Gordon and a daughter of Robert Lyon the thirteenth ; Mrs. Conrad Shertz, William King and child of James McClain, the fourteenth ; Robert Peters and Mrs. S. Huff, the fifteenth ; Taylor Woody, Orrin Johnson, a child of J. C. Woody, Henry Osborne and wife, the sixteenth ; an unknown pauper, Lewis Barton, Mrs. J. C. Woody and child, the seventeenth ; Joseph Harris. Mary Shertz and Mrs. Barton, the eighteenth ; a son of Mrs. Bonenberger, Katie Shertz and Mrs. Grace Craw, the nineteenth; Lettie Watkins (colored), Mrs. Timmons and Dr. A. Matzdorf, the twen- tieh ; Mrs. Robert Lyon, Mrs. McLaughlin and Miss Eva Hovey, the twenty-first; Lizzie Haas and a son of Mrs. Cook, the twenty-second; a son of James C. Dixon, an unknown negro, and Mrs. McDowell, the twenty- third ; son of James Davenport, the twenty-fourth ; Antone Haas, John Quick, wife and child, the twenty-fifth; Mrs. John D. Hinch and Mrs. Musselman, the twenty-sixth ; an unknown pauper the twentyeighth eighth ; Mrs. Latham, the twenty-ninth ; Jeff Hopkins, the thirtieth ; a child of Isaac Newton the thirty-first ; John Tier, August i ; Charles Kreie, the second ; Robert Moore, the third ; Mattie Stein and Henry Washington (colored), the fourth; Joseph Clemmens and an unknown pauper, the fifth.

An election was held on the seventh of December, 1865, to decide the question of incorporating Mt. Vernon as a city. The vote was 219 for, and 130 against the proposition. The city was divided into three wards, as follows : The first ward embraced all that part of the city lying east of Main and south of Fourth streets ; second ward, all lying north of Fourth street; third ward, all lying west of Main and south of Fourth streets. A city seal was adopted in February, 1865. The pest house was sold the same year.

William Harrow, at the first meeting of the council, was appointed city attorney, but he refused for private reasons to serve, and William P. Ed- son was elected to fill the position.

The city ordinances were revised and new ones adopted. In May, 1867, the city's debts, including the wharf debt of $4,500, amounted to $14,449.32. In 1868 a high school building was erected at a cost of $17,000, and the next year the central and western school buildings were erected at a cost of $5,500 each, and the same year the council issued and sold $10,000 worth of school house bonds, realizing ninety- six cents on the dollar. For the fiscal year 1868-69 the receipts were $24,291.81, and the expenses $15,921.55 ; the debt was reduced to $3,543.07. In 1871 bonds to the amount of $3,000 were issued to build a school house west of Mill creek. They sold for $2,820, and the house cost $4,501.80. '

William Nettleton from January, 1866, to May, 1866; Otto Schaeffer, May, 1866, to May, 1867; Jonathan H. Burlison, May, 1867, to May, 1868 ( elected to fill vacancy caused by death of Otto Schaeffer) ; William P. Edson, from May, 1868, to October, 1869 (resigned) ; Jonathan Burlison, from October, 1868, to May, 1872; U. G. Damron, from May, 1872, to May, 1874; J. H. Burlison, May, 1874, to May, 1878; Oliver C. Terry, 1886, to May, 1888; E. E. Thomas. May, 1888, to May, 1892; Fred P. Leonard, May, 1892, to 1894; L. J. Larkin, 1894, to September, 1898; Alfred D. Owen, September, 1898, to September, 1902; Samuel J. Miller, September, 1902, to September, 1904; Herdis F. Clements, September, 1904, to September, 1906; Edwin Page, September, 1906, to January i, 1910; J. H. Moeller, January i, 1910, present incumbent.

The city of Mt. Vernon is situated on a beautifully elevated spot on the Ohio river, surrounded by a fertile and picturesque country. Its natural drainage makes its sanitary condition excellent. The elevation, according to the United States Navigation Engineering Corps, is forty feet above that of Evansville, and several feet above that of any other place on the Ohio river below Cincinnati.

The city is the shipping point for a rich farming territory of approximately one hundred square miles. Thousands of barrels of hominy and flour leave this place annually, and many tons of hay and corn find their way to the markets of the world from Mt. Vernon. The city has a good water system, a splendid electric lightning system, an excellent sewerage and drainage and several blocks of substantial business houses. Mt. Vernon is pre-eminently a city of homes and the well-kept streets, the handsome residences, surrounded by beautiful lawns, the numerous shade trees never fail to awaken the admiration of visitors.

The city has ninety-five blocks of macadamized and thirty-three blocks of asphalt paving. At present there are fifteen rural mail routes running out of the city.

One of the beautiful and valuable acquisitions, acquired recently by the city, is Sherburne Park, located on the water front at the foot of Main street. The grounds were donated by the city and the park was laid out and equipped by Jacob Cronbach, at great expense, and named Sherburne in perpetuation of the memory of his beloved son, Sherburne. A concrete walk surrounds the park, and on the lower side is a succession of concrete steps descending to the wharf. The interior is elaborately fitted up with various equipment for the innocent amusement of children, such as teeters, gymnasium racks, merry-go-rounds, chute-the-chutes and stationary swings ; also seats where young and old may sit and rest on a summer's evening and enjoy the cool breezes of the river. At the center of the park is a fountain of ice cold water and beautiful and substantial rest room and comfort station, built of vitrified brick, with tile roof.

One of the early buildings of Mt. Vernon, which has disappeared with time, was the public market. It was situated upon the northeast corner of the court house grounds and was erected in the late '503. It was a monument to the generosity of Dan Rice, the most famous clown of his day, and later the owner of a circus which bore his name. The funds with which this building was built were donated by Dan Rice and his generosity was due to the fact that he wished to attract to his show all of the people of Mt. Vernon and vicinity, another circus having arranged to exhibit on the same day as the Rice show. He had many friends and acquaintances in the city, having visited Mt. Vernon on numerous occasions, and on learning of the billing of the rival show, he went out among the citizens and offered the entire receipts of his afternoon performance for some public enterprise, suggesting that a public market building would benefit the town. His offer was accepted and his tent filled, the rival attraction playing to empty seats. During the performance he remarked to his audience that "the evening performance would occur as usual," and that the proceeds were needed by himself. That night the citizens responded to his invitation in such numbers that the side walls of the tents were taken down to permit the crowd a view of the entertainment, the rival show still playing to empty benches, and Dan Rice was happy. With the funds secured from Rice a building about 120x50 feet was built. A large sign was placed over the entrance and bore the name of Dan Rice. During the first months of 1861 the building was used by the newly enlisted volunteers as an armory. The citizens purchased many of their supplies here, farmers bringing in produce from the country and butcher stalls were run by John Pfeffer, John Dieteile and John Schisler. When the present court house was under construction the old market was torn down.

THE ALEXANDRIAN FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
October n, 1892, the Alexandrian Literary Society was organized at the residence of Mrs. Matilda Alexander. The purpose and aim of this society was to found a library for the citizens of Mt. Vernon. On September 28, 1895, the Alexandrian Library was opened to the public, and was located in one of the rooms of the city hall. Much benefit was derived from the use of the library and there was a demand for a better and a larger one. Some of the citizens became enthused to the extent of soliciting Mr. Carnegie for sufficient funds, and a committee, consisting of Jacob Cronbach, Prof. Edwin S. Monroe and Prof. E. G. Bau- man, began a correspondence with him. At first .they were unsuccessful, but after many efforts obtained promise of the desired amount. He gave $12,500 for building, and later an additional $1,400 to equip the building. The south half of the city lot was chosen for the site of the building, and the erection of same began in July, 1904.

In May, 1902, Mrs. Matilda Alexander tendered to the city the Alexandrian Library, which consisted of 1,200 volumes. The new building was completed during the summer of 1905, and October 16, 1905, the Alexandrian Free Public Library was dedicated. Nine hundred new volumes were added and Mrs. Olive McGregor Smith, the librarian, with the aid of Miss Dodd, classified and catalogued books ready for the shelves and circulation. The library has steadily grown and now has more than 5,000 volumes and there are 55 different periodicals on reading

tables each month. In the basement of the building is a club room.

NEW HARMONY:
By far the most ^interesting of the early settlements in Posey county is that of New Harmony, on account of its early settlers, the Rappites and the Owens.

The Rappites, under the leadership of George Rapp, came from Wur- tenberg, Germany, to Butler county, Pennsylvania. This was in the days of religious intolerance in Germany and George Rapp became a dissenter from the doctrines and practices as taught by the Lutherans of Wurtenberg. George Rapp was a vine dresser and farmer and a man of great strength of character. He was born in 1757. He began to speak, in his own house, when he was about thirty years of age, and it was not long till his congregation was quite large, coming from miles around. He was a great Bible student and taught certain doctrines that were peculiarly his own. He taught that Adam was of a dual nature, containing within his own person both the sexual elements, and quoted in support of this Genesis i :2(3-27 : "And God said, let us make man in our own image, after our own likeness, and let them have dominion. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him : male and female created he them." Rapp taught that this meant that both the creator and the created had this dual nature, and if Adam had been allowed to remain in his original state he would have begotten offspring without the aid of a female. But Adam became discontented and God separated from his body the female part. This was Rapp's interpretation of the fall of man. From this he evolved the doctrine of celibacy, declaring that the celibate state is more pleasing to God, and that in the "renewed" world man would be restored to the Adamic condition.

Rapp taught that the coming of Christ and the "renovation" of the world were near at hand. He believed that he would live to see the reappearance of Christ and that he would be permitted to present his followers to the Savior. He taught that Christ was, like Adam, a dual being and that he enjoined upon his followers a community of goods. In support of this, Rapp referred to Acts iv.32: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one mind and one soul, neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common."

Before leaving Germany he and a number of his adherents had been brought before the king for the teaching of his doctrines, and their refusal to attend the services of the established church.

The king, however, was lenient with them upon learning that they had been accustomed to obey the laws of the country, and allowed them to go unpunished. But persecution did not cease with this display of royal clemency, and, finally, after securing quite a large number of fol- lowers and not being willing to submit to the persecution necessary in carrying out his ideas of economy, George Rapp conceived the idea of seeking a home in the New World for himself and followers, where they could promulgate the tenets of their peculiar belief without restriction. Accordingly, in the year 1803, he with his adopted son, Frederick, and several associates set out for the United States for the purpose of locating a colony in the New World.

They selected and bought an estate of 5,000 acres of unimproved land in Butler county, Pennsylvania. They set to work under the direction of George Rapp with great zeal and earnestness, and soon made comfortable homes for the entire population. But they did not all come at this time. In 1804 the "Aurora" sailed from Amsterdam to Philadelphia with 300 immigrants ; six weeks later the "Atlantic" sailed with 300 more, and in the fall of the same year the "Marquette" brought the remainder. In 1805 the "community of equality" was established among them and they began life according to the manner they had planned while in Germany. They threw their entire possessions into a community stock, as they had resolved to have all things in common. They adopted a uniform style of dress and built all their houses nearly alike. With their characteristic zeal, energy and earnestness, they began clearing their lands. The wilderness was soon made to blossom as the rose. One hundred and fifty acres of land were cleared the first year. At the end of the next year four hundred acres had been cleared, a saw mill, tannery, store house and distillery erected, and a vineyard of several acres had been planted. Music, painting, sculpture and other liberal arts flourished among them. Their museums and gardens were the wonder and delight of those who saw them.

They adopted celibacy in 1807. Those who had been married, of whom there was a large number, were separated and placed in different establishments. Their strict observance of this rule indicates the supreme power and authority of George Rapp, whom they revered as a prophet and a saint.

The remarkable prosperity of the community is readily seen, when it is stated on good authority that in 1807 these people were worth on an average of $25 per head, and in 1825 they had $2,500 for every man, woman and child in the community. In the year 1809 they raised 6,000 bushels of Indian corn, 4,000 bushels of wheat, the same of rye, 5,000 bushels of oats, 10,000 bushels of potatoes, and 4,000 pounds of flax and hemp, besides other less important products.

This same year they made their first woolen cloth, spun by hand from yarn, and the next year a woolen factory was erected. They had 2,000 acres of land under cultivation and large tracts of surplus land for sale. But the Rappites soon realized the disadvantages of their location, being twelve miles from navigation, the inadaptability of their lands for fruit culture in which they desired to engage, and the severity of the climate.

Frederick Rapp was commissioned to go in search of a new home farther west. He set out in 1812 and visited six of the western States and territories, and finally decided upon moving the colony to a beautiful tract of land on the Wabash river, a few miles above its mouth.

Frederick Reichert, who is known as Frederick Rapp, was really no kin to George Rapp. He was a stone cutter by trade, and when on a visit to the neighborhood of George Rapp became acquainted with him and was soon a zealous and earnest follower. George Rapp soon saw in Reichert the mechanical skill and business qualifications necessary for carrying out the scheme he then had under consideration, and made him his business manager and confidential agent, and adopted him as his son, and Reichert was always called Frederick Rapp, and so signed his name to legal documents.

They accordingly sold their possessions in Pennsylvania, consisting of about 6,000 acres of land, with great flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, and their factories, mills, etc., at a great sacrifice for $100,000, and in 1814 a part of them arrived at New Harmony and began the requisite clearing and founded the town of "Harmonic." Early in 1815 the remainder came, the whole colony consisting of about 700 persons.

Here they bought vast tracts of land, most of which was in Harmony township, but some in Bethel and some in Point. They also had lands in Knox county, and some in Illinois. All these lands were entered in the name of George Rapp and associates, or Frederick Rapp individually. Their home in Pennsylvania had been called "Harmonic" and for this reason they called their new home Harmonic, or New Harmony. They began the work of erecting homes and clearing the land with the same zeal and earnestness that had characterized their efforts in Pennsylvania.

Taking advantage of the fall in the river at the cut-off, about two miles below the town, they erected a water mill at that point. This mill not only did the work for the community but made meal and flour for the entire surrounding country for several years.

A large vineyard of eighteen acres was planted on the hills south of town, which furnished an abundance of the finest grapes. The vineyard was in charge of one Strock, the vine dresser, who carefully economized the fruits of his labors. He is said to have remained after the Rappites took their departure and is remembered by many of the old settlers.

The wine press, which was situated near the vineyard, consisted of a circular tank in which the grapes were placed, and a large circular stone, which was rolled upon them to bruise them in order to extract the juice.. The remains of the old press are still to be seen.

There was also a distillery and a brewery. Inconsistent as it may seem in view of the fact that Father Rapp rigidly prohibited intemperance, yet he encouraged the manufacture of wine, beer and whiskey as articles of commerce.

They had little or no communication with the outside world except through the miller, the store keeper, the tavern keeper and Frederick Rapp. Old Straheli, the herdsman, tended the large flocks and herds. He rode to the pastures in a wagon which resembled a small house on wheels, drawn by cattle. Individual settlers near the community christened it "Noah's Ark." He drove the herds and flocks to the fields, to the hills south of town, and to the island for pasturage in the daytime, and at night drove them into the barns and sheds for protection.

They had men of all trades, professions and occupations. They raised all kinds of produce, from the garden and orchard to the extensive fields of grain. They cleared and ditched the land, built houses and barns, and fenced their fields. They raised everything they used except groceries, and they got those by exchange. Frederick Rapp was the general business manager and had agents in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

They discouraged the learning of the English language and were adverse to explain their tenets. They were severely criticised by their neighbors for living such exclusive lives and not encouraging popular education more, but it is doubtful if the community could have succeeded in any other way. At times there was bitter feeling toward the Rappites by their neighbors. But, on the whole, the colony was useful to the community. They set a good example in neatness, industry and orderly conduct. Their reputation for honesty was one of the secrets of their commercial prosperity. Flour, woolen goods or distillery products bearing the New Harmony brand were known to be of the best, quality. They were a kind-hearted, temperate and industrious people, sincere, upright and honest in their dealings.

They built a steam grist mill about the year 1820 and later added to it a cotton and woolen factory for spinning, weaving, dyeing and coloring cloth. For a time a cocoonery and silk factory was in operation, and some very fine articles of silk were manufactured. An oil mill for the manufacture of castor oil was located on a small creek about two and one-half miles from town. There was a brickyard in the south part of town.

They built a granary of stone, the walls being two feet thick and the roof of tile, making the building fireproof. In the walls were loopholes, making the building serviceable also as a fortress. In fact, in later years, it came to be known as the "old fort." This building was connected with Rapp's residence by a subterranean passage which has long since been closed up, but the old fort is still standing. About the only changes that have been fnade in it are the portholes, which have been enlarged to windows and some slight changes have been made to accommodate the mill machinery that was placed in it, the building having been used as a grist mill.

After a residence of ten years at New Harmony the Rapps opened negotiations for the sale of their vast estate with Richard Flower, who had established an English settlement in Edwards county, Illinois, in 1818. Mr. Flower and his associates had made frequent visits to the Harmony colony and had established intimate business relations with them. Father Rapp commissioned him to sell the Harmonist property for $125,000, agreeing to pay him a commission of $5,000. He found a purchaser in the person of Robert Owen, of New Lanark, Scotland. Mr. Owen was a philanthropist by nature and a 'man of talent and wealth. Mr. Flower visited New Lanark and laid before Mr. Owen the advantages of Harmony as a site for a communistic establishment in the New World, where he might work into practice theories which he had promulgated long before. He was manager of a large establishment that he had run successfully on the community plan and was anxious to try out the experiment on a larger scale.

Frederick Rapp was made their "true and lawful attorney in fact" for the sale of their property. The article was signed by George Rapp, Christina Rapp, Rosina Rapp, Johana Rapp and 497 others, all of whom, except thirty-nine, were able to make their own signatures.

On the consummation of the sale, December 25, 1825, Mr. Owen came into possession of 19,997.87 acres of land, 800 acres of which were in White county, Illinois. The consideration was $125,000. Double this amount would have been a very modest estimate of the value of the large estate and well built town. The Rapps must have had good reasons for desiring to sell the property, for the sale was made at a great sacrifice, not only in the intrinsic value of the estate alone, but in their extensive trade in adjacent States and down the Mississippi to New Orleans.

With the proceeds of the sale the Rappites purchased an estate in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, below Pittsburgh, on the Ohio river, not far from the site of their first settlement. Here they built a village and called it Economy.

In 1874 the Rappites sent Jonathan Lentz to New Harmony and he purchased the immense church of the Rappites and the lot on which it stood, and tore down all but the east wing, using the brick to construct the wall which protects the Rappite cemetery. This wall is one foot thick, five feet high, covered with a heavy limestone coping, and guarded by iron gates. The Harmonists gave the church lot, together with the remaining material and the wing standing, to the town of New Harmony.

Mr. Owen, like Mr. Rapp, believed in the community system of property, erty, but differed very materially in policy of management. Instead of assuming the entire control and management himself, he allowed every one to have a part in it.

Early in the year 1825 Mr. Owen delivered two addresses in the Hall of Representatives at Washington, having for his audiences distinguished men from all over the United States. In these addresses he explained his plans for the redemption of the human race from the evils of the existing state of society, going into details very minutely, and declaring his intention to carry his purposes into immediate execution to the full extent of his means. These addresses were published in 1825 and a manifesto was issued announcing that "a new society is about to be formed at Harmony in Indiana," and inviting to its membership all who were in sympathy with the founder in his desire for a new state of society.

On April 27, 1825, Robert Owen addressed the community membership and a number of visitors from the surrounding country in the old Rappite church. He-said: "I am come to this country to introduce an entirley new state of society; to change it from the ignorant and selfish system to an enlightened social system which shall remove all causes of complaint and reconcile all differences between individuals." He laid before his followers the proposed constitution for the Preliminary Society, carefully explaining the document in all of its details.

Mr. Owen made addresses in other cities and soon the attention of the whole country had been drawn to the project, and many of the most distinguished men of the time gave at least partial approval to his plans. The previous success of the Rappites on the same site furnished an object lesson in communism and there seemed to be no apparent reason why even greater success should not come to the new community, which eliminated all the disagreeable features of the Rappite community and contemplated the practice of theories in local government and education.

Under the Rappites ignorance and superstition had been the prominent characteristics of their membership, while the members of the new community were to be persons of liberal and progressive ideas and a high ideal of social life.

Mr. Owen enlisted the interest of William Maclure, of Philadelphia, a wealthy scientist and a man of broad views, varied experience and a truly philanthropic spirit. He was born in Scotland in 1763 and came to America at the age of thirty-three to make a geological survey of the United States. In prosecuting this work he crossed and recrossed the Alleghanies several times and traveled on foot through every State and Territory within the limits of the United States at that time. The results of his labors were published in 1809.

Mr. Maclure was deeply interested in education. It was his avowed intention to make New Harmony the center of American education through the introduction of the Pestalozzian system of instruction and he brought to New Harmony a most distinguished coterie of scientists and educators, among them being Thomas Say, Thomas Pearce, J. K. Colidge, Richardson Whitby, Feldman Witwell and others. Mrs. Mary D. Fretageot, a lady of great learning, came to New Harmony at the request of William Maclure in 1825. She was the mother of A. E. Fretageot, a former county commissioner and prominent merchant of New Harmony.

In 1826 Mr. Maclure bought 490 acres of land, or about one-third of the town, from Mr. Owen for $40,000. There was a tendency on the part of the community toward the acquisition of individual property.

Although the constitution seemed liberal and good, it soon became necessary to modify it to meet the demands and suit the clamors of the community. In April, 1826, it was allowed that twenty-five persons might move out and form a separate community, and in May following three separate divisions were made. The first, or New Harmony proper, was Community No. i ; the second was Macluria, or Community No. 2 ; the third was Community No. 3, called Feiba Peveli. A fourth community was soon established. In a short time an individual store was established in opposition to the general store, and the courts established its right to sell goods within the community. Soon the continuance of the community, as a community, was found to be impossible and in a short time it was abandoned by common consent.

On Sunday, May 26, 1827, Robert Owen made his "farewell address to the citizens of New Harmony and the members of the neighboring communities." Mr. Owen left New Harmony for England on June i, 1827, stopping en route to New York in the principal cities to deliver lectures on the social system.

He returned to New Harmony April i, 1828, and delivered an address at New Harmony Hall a few days later. He said in closing: "I can only feel regret instead of anger. My intention now is to form such arrangements on the estate as will enable those who desire to promote the practice of the social system to live in separate families on the individual system and yet to unite their general labor ; or to exchange labor for labor on the most beneficial terms for all ; all to do both or neither, as their feelings or apparent interest may influence them ; while the children shall be educated with a view to the establishment of the social system in the future. I will not be discouraged by any obstable, but will persevere to the end.

In 1827 he leased lands to small communistic societies, some of which were sincere and industrious workers, while others cared nothing for Mr. Owen or his scheme and regarded the matter as a chance for speculation and through these speculations he lost a large amount of personal property. To those who acted in good faith he finally sold at a low figure the lands they occupied. In later years he conveyed the balance of his estate at New Harmony to his four sons on condition that they execute a deed of trust for $30,000 worth of land, yielding an annual income of $1,500, which was his sole support for many years.

THE WORKINGMEN'S INSTITUTE.
By Joel Willis Hiatt, A. M.
One cannot properly understand the genesis and development of the library of the Workingmen's Institute unless he knows something of the men who builded New Harmony and of the spirit which moved them. New Harmony stands alone among the towns of the country in the character of the men who lived within its borders and who gave it renown throughout the world.

William Maclure was associated with Robert Owen in the purchase of the village and the lands surrounding the Rapp town of Harmonic, on the lower Wabash in Indiana. Mr. Maclure had visited the manufacturing town of New Lanark, Scotland, where Robert Owen conducted a model cotton factory ; had witnessed the schools which Mr. Owen conducted for the benefit of his operatives' children ; had been profoundly impressed with the work which they were doing for the people, and he had seen the order and industry and happiness which prevailed there. Therefore, when Mr. Owen came to this country to establish a community in which to work out his ideas for the betterment of the people, he was personallly known to Mr. Maclure as a philanthropist who had achieved a notable success in Scotland. \Vhen Mr. Owen proposed to Mr. Maclure that he assist in the formation of a community at Harmonic he consented to do so, not because he accepted all of Mr. Owens's theories as being correct, but because, from what he had seen at New Lanark, he thought that he could do a great good in an educational way in this new undertaking.

Inasmuch as Mr. Maclure was the founder of the Workingmen's Institute it would be well to know something about his career.

William Maclure was born at Ayr, Scotland, in 1763. He received a primary education under Mr. Douglas, "an intelligent teacher, who was especially reputed for classical and mathematical attainments." At nineteen years of age he came to this county, and having established the necessary connections, returned to London and entered the mercantile business, as a partner in the firm of Miller, Hart & Company. He was very successful in business and soon amassed a fortune. He seems to have laid aside the cares of a commercial life at an early age, for we find him, at the age of forty years, acting for our Government as a commissioner in adjusting the damages arising to American citizens from spoliation of France.

He then traveled over Europe, making natural history observations, particularly in geology. He thus laid the foundations for making a geological survey of the United States, a thing which he had greatly desired to do for years. He entered upon that work and in 1809 he published the first geological map of the United States, at Philadelphia.

He was "Father of American Geology." In 1817 he was elected president of the Academy of Sciences, in Philadelphia, and continued to reside there until 1826. At that time he joined Mr. Owen in making the New Harmony experiment. Mr. Maclure induced a number of scientific gentlemen to accompany him to New Harmony and assist in the work of establishing schools there. He introduced the Pestalozzian method of teaching through Madam Fretageot, of Paris, France, and Joseph Neef, a coadjutor of Pestalozzi's in Switzerland, also taught in New Harmony. True to his respect for labor, he embraced manual training as a branch of instruction in his school and some works of great scientific value were issued from the press of this school. Thomas Say, Mr. Lesueur, Dr. Troost and others were in the assemblage of talent which he brought to carry on the work of his school. They have always been known in New Harmony history as the "boat load of knowledge" because they came down the Ohio and up the Wabash in a keelboat. In a year the community project failed, but Mr. Maclure continued to reside in New Harmony until some time in 1827. After that time he resided almost continuously in Mexico, because of its milder climate. He died in 1840. In his absence from New Harmony he committed the management of his philanthropic enterprises to his friend, Thomas Say, the great chonchologist and entomologist. In 1838 he established and endowed the Workingmen's Institute. He gave to it an order on a debtor publisher in London for $1,000, which was partially honored, and he gave books and philosophical instruments from his own collection. Upon the order given on Mr. Rich by Mr. Maclure the institute obtained 360 volumes. Subsequently the brother and sister of Mr. Maclure conveyed to it by deed a house and lot and it became an institution with a home. Mr. Maclure was not alone a devotee of science. He was full of plans for the ameloriation of the condition of those who toil with their hands. He despised the affectations of the wealthy and loved the poor, in their affliction. It was at his suggestion that the membership of the institute was limited to those who "get their living by the work of their hands."

The Institute took advantage of a provision in his will that gave $500 to any community that would give that amount of money, or books of that value, towards the establishment of a library. By this provision $80,000 was distributed to found 160 libraries throughout the country. We have a catalogue of the library issued in 1847, nine years after it was founded. It shows that they possessed 1,092 volumes. They were not trifling works, but they were works of seriousness and merit. There were 95 volumes of high-class fiction, 12 of poetry, 17 of philosophy, 7 of religion (four of these opposed to Christianity), 60 of sociology, 105 of science, 250 of history (including biography and travels), the remainder treating of miscellaneous subjects.

In 1870 another catalogue was issued. It shows that they then possessed 3,207 volumes. The institute had now become the home of the township and school library, I have not made an analysis of the books in this catalogue, but, generally speaking, they were of the same character as those of the first catalogue. The same men were at the head of the Institute then who were connected with it in is infancy. Advanced thought in science, sociology, philosophy and comparative religion found a welcome home on its shelves.

The library was maintained during these years, and for some years after, by dues assessed on members, by gifts of books and by benefits given for the library by local theatrical talent. The dues were $1.50 per year for each member. It held its own and grew slowly until 1894.

At this time an event occurred which entirely changed its condition. Dr. Edward Murphy had been an active member of the Institute all of its life. He came to New Harmony just after the failure of the Owen community, a ragged, barefoot, friendless Irish boy. He learned the tailor's trade and worked at it for some time, but studied medicine and successfully practiced his profession for many years. By frugality and prudence he was able to accumulate a competency. He retired from the practice of medicine and spent the last twenty-five years of his life in travel and study. Dr. and Mrs. Murphy, when they were of middle age, had the misfortune to lose all of their children. 'They were compelled to struggle on through old age, childless and alone. In 1894 Dr. Murphy gave to the Institute $42,000 in first mortgage notes. This sum represented that portion of his fortune which gave him care in handling. When he had completed the transfer he expressed himself as feeling greatly relieved and very happy.

Subsequently, on the death of Dr. and Mrs. Murphy (Mrs. Murphy died a few days after the doctor), the Institute came into possession of the greater portion of their fortune, the whole of their gifts amounting to $140,000. During Mr. Murphy's lifetime he built the home which the Institute now occupies. It cost $24,000 and all of that amount except $4,000 was contributed by Dr. and Mrs. Murphy. The Institute sold the home which the Maclures had given it and invested the amount so realized ($4,000) in its new home.

It now possesses a working capital of $100,000, which is invested in first mortgage real estate loans and bonds. Its total assets are estimated at $170,000. Its income at present is about $6,000 per year. This is divided among the following funds: The lecture, museum, book, insurance and repair, and the expense funds.

About $1,200 is spent in lectures each year. Season tickets to these are sold at 50 cents. Dr. Murphy wished they should be absolutely free.

He said in a meeting which was considering the matter, "I wish the lectures to be absolutely free. When I was a boy in this place, I could attend any lecture that was given without paying anything. I wish these lectures to be free." He was, however, overruled by the members and a nominal admission charge, as given above, was fixed. The Institute has now (1913) bought a lot adjoining the library site, at a cost of $3,000 and is erecting an auditorium at an approximate cost, when completed, of $25,000.00.

The income of $10,000 is set aside for the maintenance of the Museum. This consists of the geological and mineralogical collection of the late Edward T. Cox, one time Indiana State geologist ; of a part of the collection of Prof. Richard Owen, for many years professor of natural science at Indiana State University ; the collection of James Sampson, a local scientist, and with the two aforementioned persons, among the founders of the Institute. It also contains other objects of scientific value or local interest. It occupies one-half of the second story of the library building.

The other half of the second story of the library building is occupied by a collection of oil paintings which Dr. Murphy bought in Europe and gave to the Institute. In this gallery is a portrait of William Mac- lure, painted by Northcote, which is regarded as a fine work of art. There are also portraits of Dr. and Mrs. Murphy as they appeared in their latter life.

For several years the Institute conducted a free school of art during the summer months. Its purpose was to inculcate the principles of art and enable the young to appreciate the works in the gallery and all works of art. The library building was decorated by a young man, Harry Hawkins, who obtained his first instruction in art in this school. He has painted in the hall of the library a notable representation of George Rapp deeding the site of Harmonic to Robert Owen.

In 1908 the writer of this article arranged and classified the books of the library according to the Dewey system of classification. At that time the library contained 17,474 volumes, divided as follows : General works, 1,624; philosophy, 236; religion, 694; sociology, 890; philology, 288; science, 1,367; useful arts, 469; fine arts, 235; literature, 2,226; history, 4,004; children's books, 1,220; popular fiction, 1,414; public documents, 1,977; duplicates (mostly public documents), 830; total, 17,474.

The two classes — popular fiction and children's books — were made because the books had been roughly grouped into these two classes for a long time and it was thought best not to disturb an arrangement which had been in existence so long.

The notable features of the collection are, first, the works relating to local history and those produced by former residents of this place. The influence which New Harmony exerted on the sociological and scientific thought of the early part of last century was both profund and wide spread. No pains have been spared or will be spared to obtain all of the information which can be procured on these matters.

The division of sociology is well represented both in the number and character of the works which we possess.

In general works it possesses complete sets of Harper's Monthly, Century, Scribner's, Popular Science and others and has the best cyclopedias. In philosophy the library is rich in works which are fundamental and important.

In religion it has outgrown the bitterness and meagerness of 1847, although the number of doctrinal works is small. Works treating of practical religion are more numerous and it has some works on the great world religions that are important. The influence of the fathers, who annually celebrated the birthday of Thomas Paine with a ball, is still manifest in the small number of sectarian publications and in the selection of works which take a world-wide view of religion.

The science class contains all of the library of Dr. Richard Owen, which Dr. Murphy bought during his lifetime, and it was enriched by contributions from other men of scientific attainments who have lived" here. The collection in this class, which is full enough and rich enough to meet the requirements of the village, at present, is not such as satisfy the requirements of the advanced student of today.

A special effort was being made to bring the library up to what its founder wished in the useful arts class. Mr. Maclure had adopted as the principal motto of his "school of industry," "Utility shall be the scale by which we shall endeavor to measure the value of everything." This has not been the controlling principle in the library management, but it ought to exercise a strong influence.

In literature the library is rich in its collection and in history it is, as has been the case from the beginning, especially rich. Old works and reprints of old works abound. It has the "Annual Register" in unbroken series from 1758 to the present time. Some years ago those who were investigating the question of the boundary lines of Venezuela found here data that they could not obtain elsewhere.

The library, against stubborn opposition of some of the members, was card indexed by Miss Rena Reese in 1908. She was an accomplished librarian and was vouched for by the secretary of the ( Public Library Commission of Indiana. Miss Reese was instructed by the writer of this to pay particular attentinon to instructing Mrs. Nora C. Fretageot, who was then employed in the library and is now de facto librarian. In addition to the instruction in library work given by Miss Reese Mrs. Fretageot has profited by attendance at the library school conducted by the State Commission and is extending the sphere of usefulness of the library.

Given form and sustenance in its infancy by William Maclure, "who loved his fellow men," endowed in later years with the rich, golden sheaves which were the harvest of the lifetime of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Murphy, it is to be hoped that the institution will broaden and deepen in a benign influence in the community.
JOEL WILLIS HIATT, A. M.

In 1844 the town contained twelve stores, two steam mills and two tanneries. The streets were raised and the sidewalks graveled. A high levee was built to the river in order to make a passable road to it at all seasons, and at the sides of the levee were canals to admit keel-boats and flat-boats into the city when the water was high.

The town of New Harmony was incorporated in August, 1850. The board was organized by electing James Sampson president and proceeding to pass the customary ordinances and by-laws regulating saloons, peddlers, the rate of taxation, etc. The board adjourned their meeting April u, 1867, sine die, and their charter was allowed to lapse. The town was not reincorporated until 1881.

When the town was reincorporated the following men were elected trustees : J. W. Miller, first ward ; O. N. Fretageot, second ; Henry Hunsden, third ; John Walz, fourth, and W. M. Ford, fifth. John Walz was chosen president of the board. The following were chosen as school trustees: Richard Owen, John Corbin and Thomas Mumford. June 13, 1882, the city was provided with a fire engine and a hook and ladder company.

New Harmony has perhaps the finest parks of any town of its size in Indiana or elsewhere. Murphy park, consisting of six acres, and situated in the southern part of town, east of Main street, is a beautiful, well kept city park, of which the town may be justly proud. The ground was donated to the town by Dr. Edward Murphy in 1890, during his lifetime, and he also donated a fund of $10,000. the income of which was to be used to maintain this park. The fund, however, consisted of municipal bonds in a western city and the value thereof depreciated to some extent so that the actual amount which finally reached the park fund was a little less than $7,000. This amount is now held in trust and the income from it is used to defray the park expense. The direction of the park is in the hands of a committee of three, composed of two members of the town council and one citizen member. The grounds are well laid out, having been surveyed and designed by Mr. Elliott, a landscape gardener of Pittsburgh, Pa. The trees, shrubs and flowers are artistically arranged and present a very pleasing appearance.

McClure park is also a very pretty park, but not so large as Murphy park. It consists of one city block and is located north of Church street. It was originally a part of a common kept by William McClure in the city plat. J. W. Hiatt, the present citizen member of the park commission, designed the landscape plan of this park and, while the trees and shrubs are yet young, the place bids fair to be very attractive.

Thoroughly in keeping with the educational spirit of the town, New Harmony built a new school building during 1913 which is one of the most complete and modern structures in the United States. Practically consisting of three floors, for the basement serves a number of material purposes, it is the last word in school architecture and in it is expressed every influence that will conduce to the physical and mental welfare of the pupil.

The building is a beautiful two-story brick, strong in outline and finished in every detail. Thoroughly modern, except in one instance when modernity gives way to the historic Rapp doorway that has been saved to posterity, and placed in the west side of the building where it causes the mind to hark back to Rappite times.

The system of heating is a low-pressure direct and indirect radiation, using two-thirds direct and one-third indirect radiation gravity system, all water of condensation being returned to the boiler by gravity without the aid of pumps. The boiler is a ten-section sectional boiler with a capacity one-third larger than the radiation required to heat the building. The indirect radiation is connected to fresh air ducts leading from the outside of the building in the basement, and fresh air is carried over an aspirating coil placed in each fresh air duct, and is warmed and carried into each room at a point eight feet above the floor line. In each room there are two or more foul air ducts placed at the floor level, into which is placed a radiator which forms a draft and carries the foul air into the attic, and from thence it is carried through the roof ventilators.

The system is guaranteed to maintain a temperature of seventy degrees when the temperature is ten degrees below zero.

There are two drinking fountains in the hallway on the first floor, and one in the hallway on the second floor.

The entire building is supplied with water from a composition tank in the basement with a capacity of 1,500 gallons. The water is pumped into the compression tank by a Kewanee electric deep well pump with automatic starting and stopping device.

The basement extends under the entire building and will serve a multitude of purposes. The boiler room is located in the northeast corner and the other sections are as follows : Agricultural science room, manual training room, domestic science, boys' toilet room, boys' locker room, gymnasium, girls' toilet room, girls' locker room.

The first floor will be devoted to the grades, beginning at the primary and including the eighth and the sewing room. Ascending by a wide and ample stairway, either in the front or west end of the building, one comes to the second floor, where the higher departments are conducted.

At the head of the front stairway is situated the superintendent's room and private office. Much of the south side is given to the large assembly room, capable of seating 300 pupils. Other rooms on the second floor are the music, English, botany and physics room, physical laboratory, supply room, dark room, teachers' retiring room and two toilet rooms. A system of electric bells leads throughout the building and the old- time bell in the tower is a thing of the past. The pupils will be called and dismissed by electric bells, the headquarters of which will be the superintendent's room.

The lighting is one of the important features of the new building and the pupils will be seated so that the light comes over their left shoulders. Each pupil is guaranteed an ample amount of light and fresh air by the law which governs the new school buildings erected in this State. The interior woodwork is of southern pine and the panels in the doors are made of a beautifully grained veneer.

When completed the new building will represent an expenditure of $35,000. It will give added glory to New Harmony as an educational center and show the centennial guests of next year that this town has not fallen behind in the march of progress that education has made in this State.

Here, within a radius of two city blocks are located the Working Men's Institute or library building, which was built at a cost of $24,000, the Auditorium, a magnificent structure now in course of erection, to cost about $25,000, and the new public school building. Truly the hope and ambition of Robert Owen and his illustrious contemporaries for the advancement of education and the diffusion of knowledge could not reach a more fitting climax, even though it was realized by means other than those of which he dreamed.

New Harmony is the second town in size in Posey county. The census of 1910 gives its population 1,229. It is situated in the heart of ont of the best agricultural districts in the State. It has many beautiful residences and several blocks of macadamized streets with concrete curbing and gutters. There are four churches, representing the Episcopal, Catholic, Methodist and German Evangelical denominations, all of which are well attended. The business interests of New Harmony are represented by two substantial banking institutions, one flour mill, three grain elevators, and several prosperous and extensive mercantile establishments, representing every branch of trade. The town has two weekly newspapers, the New Harmony "Times" and the New Harmony "Reg- ister." The city owns and operates its electric light plant, which has proven a success.

As a place of residence New Harmony has few equals and no superiors. It is situated on the banks of the Wabash in the most picturesque country in America. Its citizens are upright, the climate ideal, and its institutions unsurpassed.

POSEYVILLE.
The town of Poseyville was laid out by Ellison Cale and Talbott Sharp February 18, 1840. Until 1852 it was called Palestine, when, in order to secure a post office, the name was changed. It is situated twenty-four miles northeast of Mt. Vernon, in a fine agricultural section of the county, at the intersection of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the Illinois Central railroads. For a number of years after the town was laid out its growth was quite slow, but within the last decade it has grown quite rapidly.

The first house in the town was built by Dr. Alexander Church. It was a frame structure, weatherboarded with clapboards. The first store was established in 1841 by J. S. Jaquess. He continued in business for eleven years, then moved to Evansville, where he opened a wholesale house. T. C. Jaquess, his brother, was for twenty years his successor in business in Poseyville.

In 1851 J. L. Walker opened a store in the town and continued business until his death in 1874.

The first mill was built by Alexander Church. It was what was known as a "stump mill," the propelling power being horses. In 1853 James Rosborough and Gillison Thomas built the first steam mill. They sold it to Walker & Jaquess. In 1874 Walker became the sole owner and operated it till 1883, when he sold out to Drake Bros. & Hall, who later equipped the mill with modern machinery.

The first tanyard was built by Preston Talbot. W. C. Bozeman owned a carding machine which was operated by a tread mill. He sold this machine to Leonard Bozeman and in 1853 began a private brokerage business and in the course of twenty years he succeeded in building up a large business and was reputed to be worth $40,000.

The first blacksmith shop was built by Thomas Malone in 1855.

The first school house used by the people of Poseyville was built about one-half mile north of the town. In 1873 a good brick school house was built near the spot where the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad crosses Main street, a part of the money for which was furnished by private subscriptions. This building burned down in the winter of 1884-85 and a new building was erected in the summer of 1885 at a cost of $6,000.

Poseyville, at the present writing, is a progressive and up-to-date town. Located in one of the richest agricultural sections of the State, it enjoys a patronage from the surrounding country equaled by few towns of its size. The farming community is of the highest type. The farms, of black, sandy loam, are of inexhaustible fertility. The farm houses are modern in architecture and furnishings, and the surroundings are models of neatness and beauty. The latest improved machinery and implements are in common use and in contented luxury the farmer and his happy family dwell in a "Garden of Eden." From these farms come a prodigious amount of produce into the markets of Poseyville. Corn, wheat and stock are the principal products and these are purchased by the local buyers and shipped to distant markets. These products annually bring to Poseyville a great wealth in money, which has drawn to the town the most progressive business men. Under the stimulus of the wealth promoted in conservative channels by progressive citizens, Poseyville within the past decade has shown a wonderful development.

Several new additions have been platted and added to the corporate limits in recent years. The citizens take pride in the beauty of the little town and work in harmony for its advancement. The town has improved streets and sidewalks, well-kept lawns and beautiful modern houses adorn either side in the residence section. A new electric light plant furnishes light for the town, business houses and residences. The business houses are all excellent structures and are stocked with high- class goods. Among the trades represented are two drygoods stores, two drug stores, two banks, two implement houses, two blacksmiths, three confectioneries, two groceries, two millinery stores, one market shop, two hotels, one hardware store, one meat shop, one bakery, four barbers, one newspaper, one tin shop, two repair shops, one poultry market, one flouring mill, one harness shop, etc. Among the professional men are four doctors, two dentists and two lawyers.

The town has four modern church buildings, represented by the Methodist, Christian, Catholic and Baptist, each with a large membership.

The fraternities are represented by the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Ben Hur and Court of Honor. The educational status of the town ranks high. A Carnegie library is free to the citizenship. A modern school building is just completed and ranks with the best. The course of study measures up to the larger towns and graduates of the school are given credits in the State institutions, the school having been commissioned for a number of years.

The financial, business and other features of the town are covered under the proper head, but viewed from whatever point — financial, educational, moral — Poseyville measures up to its full scope as a home for the highest and best in citizenship. Its beauties and hospitality, enhanced by the sociability and moral and educational tone of its citizenship, make it a desirable residing place.

WEST FRANKLIN.
This place was laid out in January, 1837. It is situated twelve miles above Mt. Vernon on the Ohio river. It is claimed that Jacob Wine- miller settled there in 1807. Daniel Lynn ran a ferry there at that time, and in 1813 Elcana Williams ran the ferry. The place was then called Diamond Island Ferry. It was the favorite crossing place for immigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina into Posey county.

For a number of years the place was quite a promising village, but with the advent of the Louisville & Nashville railroad through Caborn it dwindled into a place of very limited extent. Daniel Lynn died here of cholera in 1833. Although no town site was laid out there were a great many settlers here as early as 1815. 'The first store was kept by John M. Hayne about 1835. The first physicians were F. H. Pease and Floyd Williams, about 1848. The first school house was built in 1850. The first school taught in it was by James B. Campbell. Mr. Campbell was elected county school superintendent in 1868. The first church was built by the Methodists in 1848. It was destroyed by the flood in 1883 and a new building was erected in the summer of 1885.

At present the town has a general merchandise store, a saloon, a blacksmith shop, a school and a church.

BLAIRSVILLE.
The town of Blairsville is located on Big creek in Robinson township. It was named in honor of Stephen Blair who, in company with Ebenezer Phillips, laid out the town on the Fourth of July, 1837. It soon grew into prominence as a half-way place on the Evansville and New Harmony stage road, besides it was fairly well located for the convenience of settlers in all directions from the town as a trading point.

Political speakings were held here quite often in the old days of the Whig and the Democrat. A joint discussion was held here during the campaign of 1842 between Robert Dale Owen, the Democratic candidate for Congress, and John W. Payne, the Whig candidate. Among the first residents of Blairsville were Stephen Blair, after whom the town was named, Ebenezer Phillips, who surveyed the town, Charles Kim- ball, a Dr. Owens and later a Dr. Mitchell, Henry Theuerkauf and Henry Weber, shoemakers. Henry Newman was one of the first blacksmiths. Charles Kimball ran a feed mill. John B. Gardner and John Becker were among the early successful merchants and business men.

The extension of the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad through Wades- ville in 1880 was a severe blow to Blairsville from which the town never recovered. For several years the population has been composed largely, if not entirely, of Germans. The importance of the town in 1842 may be judged by the fact that the following petitioned the "honorable board" for tavern licenses (which meant to sell whiskey also) : J. H. Owens, Daniel Cox, William Watson, David R. Downen, M. Duty, Robert Stevens, William Dodge, Nelson Doty, Daniel Elkins, Benjamin Garris, Soren Sorenson, M. Watson, H. W. Young, William F. Phillips and Richard Ramsey. At present there is one saloon in the town and the place is practically a mere settlement.

STEWARTSVILLE.
Stewartsville was laid out October 29, 1838, by James Stewart. The town was first, called Paris, but on the establishment of a post office in 1853 the name was changed to Stewartsville. John W. Robb was the first postmaster. The first store in the place was that of Perry & Schneider, established about 1844. Since then other merchants have been John Robb & Silas Cox, James Montgomery, Thomas Robb, John & Thomas Robb, Demberger & Paul. About the year 1842 George Gleichman built a horse mill. In 1845 Schneider & Wise started a still house. In 1853 David Knewler built a saw and grist mill. For a while a man named Montgomery ran a moonshine distillery, but was soon stopped by the government.

At present the town has one general merchandise store, one grocery store, one grain elevator, one church, a blacksmith shop and a livery stable.

FARMERSVILLE.
Farmersville marks the location of one of the oldest settlements in Posey county. The first settlers were Samuel Black, Anson Andrews, Rufus Johnson, Elisha Ellis and Samuel Phillips. As they were mainly from the New England States, the settlement was for some time known as the Yankee settlement and sometimes called Yankeetown. On account of being at the corner of four farms the place was sometimes called the "Corners." Mr. Phillips settled on 100 acres lying to the northeast of town, Mr. Johnson to the southeast on 250 acres, Mr. Andrews on 120 acres to the northwest and Mr. Ellis on an eighty-acre farm to the southwest of town.

For some time the place gave promise of becoming a place of considerable importance, but other places having more advantageous sites have far outstripped it. The first store was conducted by Anson Andrews on the corner of his place where the store now stands. This store was burned down and a larger store was built on the same spot by E. Ellis, A. S. Osborn, D. F. Johnson and A. Andrews. This was called the, "Union Store." This store was also burned down and a second union store was built which was burned in 1863.

In all there have been nine other stores, nine blacksmith shops, one furniture store and one cooper shop. At present there is one store and one blacksmith shop. The first building in the place was a log school house. It stood where the old store now stands. The present school building is a brick structure of four rooms. It was built in 1875 at a cost of $6,000. At present only two of the rooms are in use. Sylvanus Johnson is principal and Vina K. Ellis is the primary teacher.

In the early days religious services were held in private dwellings or in the old school house, but later a building was erected by the Christians. Then, later, the Baptists built a church and this was followed by the Methodists, all of which are still in existence. At present the town has one general merchandise store, one blacksmith shop, a Baptist church and a school.

WADESVILLE.
The town of Wadesville was laid out by Daniel Leffel, James Pelt and William Moye in February, 1853. At that time the place belonged in Robinson township. Previously, the place had been called Cross Roads, but after it was laid out it was named Wadesville in honor of the Wade family. Daniel Leffel owned and operated the first business house in Wadesville. He kept a small stock of dry goods and groceries. The next was that of the Moye Bros., with whom Zachariah Wade afterward became associated, and later, for a time, Abner Wade. , This firm did an extensive business in clocks. Other business houses were those of James Gardner, William Haines, Nicholas Joest and Finley Allison, and Nicholas Joest and James Cross. The last named, under the firm name of Joest & Cross, did an extensive business in dry goods, groceries, etc., besides having an extensive warehouse for grain. Other lines of business were agricultural implements, blacksmith shops and hotel.

The first physician in the town was Richard Smyth. He settled there in 1852 and remained for several years and finally moved to Mt. Vernon. At present the town has two general merchandise stores, one implement store, one blacksmith shop and a grain elevator.

CYNTHIANA.
The town of Cynthiana was laid out March 6, 1817, by William Davis, who, with about forty others, came from the vicinity of Cynthiana, Ky. Almost the entire colony settled in the neighborhood. It was laid out with a public square which still remains unoccupied, as the conditions were that it shall remain to the public so long as kept for public purposes exclusively. The growth of the town was very slow, a great many of the original lots remaining unimproved sixty years later.

Andrew Moffat and John Shanklin kept the first store in the town in a small log house. George Jaquess and Thomas Blackhurst later did business in the same place. Goods were brought mainly from Henderson, Ky.

Clement Whiting did business on the corner on which the residence of D. B. Montgomery was built many years later.

Robert Long is believed to have built the first mill in the western part of the town. Other mill men in the early days of the town were: Tol Grigsby, George W. Lindsey and Jesse Kimball. About 1858 a steam saw mill and grist mill was built.

The first school house was located in the south part of town on the Evansville road. The first teachers were Ebenezer Phillips, John Grant, Elijah Goodwin and Thomas Barrett. The first physician is believed to be Enoch Jones.

The first enlargement to the town was made by Clement Whiting in June, 1819. This was known as the "Whiting enlargement," but the growth of the town was very slow until about the year 1876. In January of that year D. B. Montgomery's enlargement was added and James Redman's enlargement was added in February, 1885. James Redman owned a tile factory at that time.

The town gave liberally to the Evansville & Terre Haute railroad as an inducement to the building of a branch of that road through the town, and on its completion in 1880, and since that time, the town has had a healthful and substantial growth.

At present the town has two dry goods stores, one drug store, two hardware stores, one meat market, two grocery stores, three confectioneries, three blacksmith shops, a lighting system and a grain elevator.

Cynthiana has many beautiful and substantial residences. Many retired farmers have built comfortable homes in the town, contributing materially to the hospitality, sociability and moral tone of its citizenship.

GRIFFIN.
This place was laid out August n, 1881, by William Price. It is situated in section 6 in Bethel township, between the Black and Wa- bash rivers, on the Illinois Central railroad, and is an important shipping point. The post office is called Griffin, but the place is sometimes called Price's Station. The place is surrounded by rich farming lands.

The town has two general merchandise stores, two blacksmith shops, two grain elevators, two physicians and four churches. A new, up-to- date school building, modern in every detail, is now under construction and will cost approximately $5,000.

BLACKFORD.
The town of Blackford was laid out in 1815 for the county seat of Posey county. It was located in section 29 of Marrs township, about a mile northeast of the present town of Caborn. It was named in honor of Hon. Isaac Blackford, who was the first circuit judge. The last term of court held there was in May, 1817, when the county seat was moved to Springfield and Blackford became a mere settlement and the land on which it stood is now a part of a cultivated farm.

WINFIELD.
This town was laid out by John Cox in 1838. It is situated in section 26 in Harmony township. Previous to the year 1859 Joshua and John Cox kept a store there. At present the place is a mere settlement, sometimes called Bugtown.

HOVEY.
Hovey, Point township, has one general merchandise store and one blacksmith shop.

SOLITUDE.
Solitude is located on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad in Lynn township. It has a general merchandise store and a blacksmith shop.

NEW BALTIMORE.
This town site was laid out in 1837 by Wilson J. Johnson. The plat contained fifty-six lots. Mr. Johnson opened the first store and, for a time, did a good business. Later merchants were David Waller, James L. Jolly, Wash Wheeler and Isaac Williams. The town was located at the mouth of Black river. It was an important river landing and large quantities of produce found a ready market here and many flat boats were built here, but towns soon sprung up in more accessible localities and, with the opening of roads, business found outlets elsewhere and the town soon ceased to exist.

OLIVER.
Oliver is located on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad in Center township. This place has a general merchandise store, a blacksmith shop, an elevator and a saloon.

SAINT PHILIP.
This village is situated eleven miles east of Mt. Vernon in Marrs township, on the Louisville & Nashville railroad. It is in a rich agricultural settlement. One of the finest churches in the county was built here in 1870 at a cost of $10,000. On the completion of this church Elizabeth Deig, a lady noted for her liberality and Christian spirit, purchased an organ costing $2,000 and presented it to the church. The place is largely made up of German Catholics and the town has a Catholic school and a creamery.

CABORN STATION.
The town of Caborn was laid out in 1871 by Cornelius Caborn, the leading farmer in that locality, and was originally called Caborn Summit. It is located on the Louisville & Nashville railroad and the Evans- ville & Mt. Vernon electric railway, in Marrs township. Benjamin Crack was appointed postmaster in 1876 and opened the first store the following year. Cornelius Caborn began buying grain in 1871 at the station and John Fox started a blacksmith shop and wagon shop in 1877. H. C. Bradley conducted a saloon and grocery store. At present the place has one general merchandise store, one saloon, one blacksmith shop, one grain elevator, a Modern Woodman hall, a church and a school.

GRAFTON.
The town of Grafton was laid out in June, 1852, by George W. Thomas, who owned a steam flouring mill there at the time. It is located in section 14 of Black township, on Big creek. It is surrounded by a rich farming country. Grafton has one general merchandise store, one saloon, one blacksmith shop, an Odd Fellows' hall and a school.

UPTON.
The town of Upton, a short distance south of Grafton, is a station on the Louisville & Nashville railroad, important as a shipping point for grain. It was named in honor of a man living in the vicinity of the station, but no plat of the place has ever been made.

ST. WENDEL.
This village was never formally laid out. It is supposed that its name was ,derived from Wendel Wasem, who contributed liberally to the building of a large Catholic church, which cost about $10,000. The village is located in the northeastern part of Robinson township, on the Vanderburg county line, the line running through the center of the village. Raben & Naas for many years owned and operated a mill and a large mercantile house there.

The population is made up almost entirely of Germans. The town has two general merchandise stores, three saloons, three blacksmith shops, two implement stores, one Catholic church and school, and the residence of the sisters. The present population is about 300.

SPRINGFIELD.
The beginning of Springfield dates from the time it was selected for the location of the county seat of Posey county in the year 1817. George Rapp donated 100 acres of land to the county on which to locate the town, having entered these lands the same year.

The town was laid out in rectangular form and contained 189 lots and a public square. The surveying was done by Mathew Williams, assisted by Andrew Hindman, Thomas Wilson and William Alexander. Frederick Rapp was given the contract for the building of the court house March 2, 1817. The building was of brick, two stories high, with stone foundation. A well was dug in the public square by John Hinch for $25. James Campbell was given the contract for clearing the public square. The town immediately began to boom on account of its being the new county seat. Lots sold well for a time, but the people soon realized that the place did not have the elements to make a flourishing town, and real estate began to decline and the development of the town was very slow.

Finally, in 1825, the county seat was removed to Mt. Vernon. This was the death blow to Springfield. In May, 1827, the legislature passed an act for the relief of property owners in Springfield and a committee was appointed to assess the damage to property incident to the removal of the county seat, and damages amounting to $1,313 were paid to the owners of the lots. The court house was fitted up and used as a school house and continued to be used as such until very recently. At present the place has no business houses.

Source: http://books.google.com/, scanned image History of Posey County, Indiana By John C. Leffel Published by Standard Publ. Co., 1913

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