The Independent-News, Volume 102, Number 45, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 14 April 1977 — Page 7

HOOSIER HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS If you lived in Indianapolis in 1820 you had a long walk to the post office. Indiana University Bicentennial researchers note. In fact, the nearest U. S. post office was about 60 miles away in Connersville. Mail was sent to Indianapolis whenever someone passed through the small town on his way to the new Hoosier capital. When the mail arrived in Indianapolis, the letters were passed around until they reached their destination. It was not until 1822 that regular private mail service was established between Connersville and Indianapolis. Aaron Drake was hired to ride regularly to Connersville, pick up the mail, and return it to Indianapolis. Hawkins' Tavern was selected as the central point for mail pick up and delivery. A short time later President Monroe ordered extension of U. S. postal service to Indianapolis, and mail was delivered on a regular basis to the capital. W. J. “Uncle John" Merriman was one of the many colorful characters who reflect the diversity and richness of Indiana’s past. Indiana University Bicentennial researchers point out. Uncle John was one of the best known and most reliable gold hunters in Brown County at the turn of the 20th century . Born in 1833. he panned for gold most of his life. He lived near a branch of Lick Creek about six miles northwest of Georgetow n. He panned for gold along every stream in northern Brown and parts of Morgan Counties. The

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largest "nugget" he ever found was in Bear Creek. It was worth $5.50. With a trowel, pan, and small basin, he used to average $1.25 for a 10-hour day, during the panning season, which ran from March to November. Uncle John Merriman never got rich on Indiana gold. Indiana Seminary, now Indiana University, started classes in 1825. The teaching staff consisted of one man, the Rev. Baynard Rush Hall, a Presbyterian who had migrated to Indiana and was living in Gosport. The Seminary had a dozen students that first year, but the little institution grew and in 1828 became Indiana College. Ten years later it was Indiana University. I. U. has had a profound effect on the state and has produced a long list of great men. Today, the University is large, serves many interests. fulfills many demands, and creates an atmosphere that continues its long intellectual heritage. I. U. is one of the top universities in the country and is a tribute to the Hoosier state. The postmaster had a blast! The first postmaster of Lafayette — William Smith — was also the proprietor of the only store. Indiana University Bicentennial researchers tell us. When steamboats arrived at the Lafayette landing in the 1820’s, Smith would salute them by boring a hole in a stump, charging it heavily with gunpowder, plugging it — and setting it off with a slow match. One day, there was an especially loud bang. Curious people, expecting to see a steamboat, were amazed to see only Smith lying among several shelves of broken dishes.

Trade had been slow that day and Smith had decided to liven up things and promote business. But this time he goofed, and the blast sent the plug into the store like a cannon shot, smashing the door and merchandise — and rattling poor Smith himself. Smith was safe — but sorry. The Wabash River was once a major Hoosier highway for shipping goods. But in the early 1830's steamboats had still not gotten as far north as Logansport, Indiana University Bicentennial researchers note. Merchants there offered hundreds of dollars in prizes to the first steamboat captain to reach Logansport. in early June, 1834, the Republican — with a determined crew — left Lafayette and headed north. The steamboat hit one sandbar after another and finally got really stuck seven miles below Logansport. After four days of sitting high and dry. captain, crew and passengers jumped ship. But the town did not give up. Oxen were sent to haul the boat into Logansport. Upon its arrival — on the Fourth of July — the Republican sank. The steamboat docked at the bottom of the Wabash.

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THE INDEPENDENT-NEWS — APRIL 14, 1977

Indiana has had it share of American diplomats. One of these was John W. Foster, who was Secretary of State — and grandfather of another Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles. Born in Pike County in 1836, Foster was a lawyer, a soldier in the Civil War. a writer, an editor — and a diplomat. Young Foster graduated from Indiana University in 1855 and practiced law in Evansville. After serving in the Civil War, he was editor of the Evansville Daily Journal. As a diplomat he was United States minister, first to Mexico, then to Russia, and then to Spain. He served as Secretary of State in 1892-1893 for President Benjamin Harrison. His later years were spent writing books, including two important works on American diplomacy. CARDS THANKS I would like to thank my family and friends for their prayers and the many beautiful flowers and cards 1 received during my stay in

the hospital and since I have been home. May God bless you all. Vera Williams I would like to thank all those who remembered me while I was hospitalized and since I have been home. Stanley Hostetter Freezone is for corns that hurt. Absolutely pa>n ess No dimerous cutting, no ugty pads or p asters In days freeione eases the hurt safely helps ease off the corn Drop on Freezone - take off corns. IF MOVES 0-^-, ( CORNS ANO CALLUSES Even dog. from nice k fJßVfawnilies get worms . A Sergeant s ZheryY .rr'.'ifAY* 197 ’ V <•» Mcwtors C g A H Rott en Co H.hetMJexl V f - 4 M)