TERRE HAUTE —
This week is a continuation of the discussion of when various nationalities first immigrated to North America and the early roles they played in American history.
Polish: The first Polish immigrants to the shores of North America arrived in 1608 at the Jamestown settlement in Virginia. Capt. John Smith brought crucial skilled workers and artisans to the colony which included a Polish soap maker, a pitch and tar maker, a glass blower, and a lumberman.
Even though these workers were essential to the success of the settlement, the Polish community in the new colony was discriminated against in 1619 when the House of Burgesses met, excluding the Polish and limiting their rights in the new colony. In response, the Polish workers instigated the first strike ever recorded in the New World. They won their case and the House extended to them the same rights enjoyed by Englishmen.
They went on to establish the first bi-lingual schools in the colonies.
By the Revolutionary War two notable Poles fought on the side of the Americans. Kazimierz Pulaski, who is regarded as “the father of the American Cavalry,” led mounted troops as a general in the American Revolution and died at the battle of Savannah on Oct. 11, 1779. Pulaski recruited his troops from several foreign groups: the French, Polish, Irish, and Germans, as well as Americans. His large number of German troops were mainly Hessian mercenaries who deserted the British side.
Tadeusz Kos’ciuszko served as a colonel in the Continental Army. For his service at war’s end he was commissioned to the rank of brigadier general by the Continental Congress, was awarded a land grant, and was made a naturalized American citizen. Kos’ciuszko entrusted Thomas Jefferson with his last will and testament. In it, his back pay was to be spent on freeing and educating slaves. Jefferson did not carry out the terms of the will and the money eventually was sent to Kos’ciuszko’s heirs in Poland.
Queries
• Frank Johnson, my grandfather, died in June of 1954 and his obituary listed a half brother named James Johnson, then residing in Terre Haute. Grandpa lived with us until he died and I don’t recall this relative. My research shows a half brother James born in 1859. These Johnsons came from North Carolina to Hamilton and Boone counties in Indiana before making it to Vigo County. Nathan Johnson, my great-grandfather, was first married to Hannah Freeman and then to Nancy Kennedy, who was my great-grandmother. I have found a James Johnson in Terre Haute obituaries in June 1959 who could possibly be him, but I can’t prove it. If there are any relatives of his still here I would like to hear from them to see if he was the missing relative. He ran a jewelry and sporting goods business on Lafayette Avenue according to his obituary. Please contact Mary Alice Murphy at email jdmamurphy@frontier.com. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Mary Alice.
• Trying to find the burial place for Tabitha, the wife of William Allen. She died in Parke County, Indiana, on June 30, 1879. Also seeking the burial place of her sons, Robert L. Allen, who died Sept.14, 1866, and William E. Allen, who died April 30, 1879, both also in Parke County. The rest of the family later moved on to Missouri. If you have any information on this family, please contact Marilyn Walker at email marilynsue1945@yahoo.com.
History
GENEALOGY: Polish immigrants instigated first ever strike
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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