Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1906 — BRAVE OLD OAK DOWN [ARTICLE]

BRAVE OLD OAK DOWN

Tree That Was Historic Hat Been Felled Because It Wae a Peril. OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS OLD Had Sheltered Gen. Wm. H. Harrison —Mayor Who Opposes “Gov. Manly’s Blue Laws.” Lafayette, Ind., Feb. B.—Lafayette’s famous “Big Tree,” one of the oldest and best-known landmarks In the county. is no more. The giant oak, under whose branches General William Henry Harrison slept while on his way to the battle of Tippecanoe, has been cut down, because the topmost boughs were continually falling off and menacing life and proeprty. The tree, which is supposed to be more than 200 years old. fully that number of rings of growth having been counted in a croessection of the monster trunk, stood directly in the middle of the Riverside road, midway between the city and Tecumseh trail and the State Soldiers’ Home.

Great Tree for Spooners. When the road was built in 1872 the tree’s history saved it from destruction, and the highway went around it on each side to prevent it being cut down. In years past there was a dense forest in the region of the tree, but civilization has made such inroads on the native woods that but few trees remain there, and the “Big Tree” towered far above all the rest. The tree for years has been known as a trysting place, and scores of lovers have plighted their troth beneath its branches. Hundreds of travelers have stopped to rest in its shade, and visitors to the city have been taken to the tree, which has long been regarded as one of the points of interest in the county. It stood 115 feet high, and on its scarred trunk could be seen traces of record-breaking high-water marks, the Wabash river running only a few feet away. Was an Ancient Landmark. The trunk was covered with hundreds of signs and posters, and the nails driven into it were largely responsible for its decay. For years the children of Lafayette have talked of the “Big Tree,” and used it to denote direction. It is supposed to have marked the site of an old Indian village, as many arrow heads and other aboriginal weapons have been dug up near it. The Indian chief Tecumseh is said to have stood beside the tree and delivered addresses to his braves and held numerous council fires beside it.

“GOV. HANLY’S BLUE LAWS’’ Mayor So Calls the Statutes the Governor Is Trying to Have Enforced. Richmond, Ind., Feb. 8. Mayor Zimmerman created a sensation at the session of the city council by his pronounced stand against the “blue laws of Governor Hanly,” which have been responsible for the closing up of Richmond. “As far as I am concerned,” said Mayor iZnimennan. “I would like to see thin city thrown wide open.” Councilman John Bayer, a prominent business man and two years ago the Democratic candidate for mayor against Mayor iZmmerman, took occasion to indorse the views of the latter, and declared “that this country is becoming worse than a foreign monarchy, and Americans will soon have to go to Germany for freedom.” Wedded in the Presenc*.-of Death. New Albany, Ind., Feb. 8. Shortly before the death of George H. Buss, a farmer near Galena, this county, which occurred at his home, the marriage of his daughter, Miss Edith Buss, to Edward Madlung took place in the presence of the father, who was then in a dying condition. Buss had expressed a desire to see his daughter married before the end came. Must Swear Offfbr Ninety Days. Princeton, Ind., Feb. 8. Mayor Charles Benton agrees to remit the fine of those brought before him charged with Intoxication, provided they take an oath that they will not enter a saloon nor take a drink of any Intoxicant for ninety days. If the oath is violated the offender is rearrested and made to serve his time or pay the old fine and costs. Gift to Presbyterians. Delphi. Ind., Feb. 8. Mrs. C. S. Bowen, widow of the late Abner H. Bowen, has purchased a piece of property, consideration $3,000. and presented It to the Presbyterian congregation Of this city. It Is also said that she will give SIO,OOO in cash toward building the finest house of worship in this part of Indiana. Blew Up the Kitchen Range. Evansville, Ind., Feb. 8. —As a result of the cold wave the water in the range at the home of Mrs. North Storms froze during the night, and when fire was started there was an explosion which wrecked the range and kitchen, the inmates escaping material barm. Tramp Who Stole Whisky. Richmond, Ind., Feb. 8. Edgar Wilson, tramp blacksmith, who broke into a saloon and stole six bottles of whisky, apd who received a prison sentence. has been granted a new trial, much sympathy being aroused in his behalf.

The Geo. E. Murray Co., has received its second car of flour.