TERRE HAUTE —
Many people wonder when their particular nationality or ethnic group first came to North America and first settled in what is now the United States. I’ll be covering some of these “firsts” over the next weeks, in no particular order.
Swiss: The first known person of Swiss origin to come to what is now the United States arrived in Florida in August 1564 with a group of 200 French soldiers, settlers, and artisans. This man was Theobald/Diebold von Erlach, the son of Rudolph von Erlach and Barbara von Praroman. He was the third officer of the expedition. Their goals were to establish a stronghold in the area, to seek gold and silver, and to create a refuge where French Huguenots could safely practice their religion. They arrived at Ft. Caroline, which had been erected two years before by the French, near the mouth of the St. Johns River.
However, the group was in conflict with the Spanish, which claimed the area for its own. After a year of failure and starvation, most of the colonists were in the process of returning home when ships with 600 reinforcements and supplies arrived from France in August 1565. The French ships set out to attack the Spanish strongholds, but were caught in a hurricane in September 1565 and shipwrecked. Those who did not drown, about 350 persons, were captured by the Spanish and killed for being heretics and enemies of Spain. The place was later named “Matanzas,” meaning “Slaughter.” It is unknown whether Theobald/Diebold von Erlach drowned or was killed by the Spanish, but his life was ended.
Back on land, Spanish soldiers marched on the rest of the French settlement and attached. Forty to 50 of the French escaped and made it back to France. Out of the 200 remaining settlers, only 60 women and children were spared by the Spanish. Thus ended the French colony in Florida.
Hungarian: In 1840, Agoston Haraszthy was the first Hungarian to permanently settle in the United States (along with his cousin, Károly Fischer, with whom he was traveling). Haraszthy initially came to America to gather information for a book he was writing. He returned to Hungary in 1842 to arrange its publication and at that time brought his parents, wife, and children back to live in the U.S. and become citizens.
Haraszthy and his cousin first lived in Wisconsin, where he founded the oldest incorporated town in Wisconsin. First called Széptaj (“Beautiful Place” in Hungarian), then Haraszthyville, later renamed Westfield, it finally became known as Sauk City. His family was brought there in 1842. While in Wisconsin, he started a winery, managed a brickyard, owned a ferry on the Wisconsin River, and operated a passenger steamship on the Mississippi River, among other endeavors.
Haraszthy moved to California in 1849, settling first in San Diego. There, he planted vineyards and became known as the “father of California wine making.” He introduced more than 300 varieties of European grapes to America. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 1851, where he led a movement to divide the state of California into two separate states. He later lived in San Francisco and Sonoma. In 1854, a branch of the U.S. mint opened in San Francisco and Haraszthy became the first assayer in the United States.
He was known as Mokcsai Haraszthy Ágoston in Hungary (Hungarian names list the last name first and the given name last). He was an exception to the pattern of Hungarian immigration. Before 1848, there were actually few people of Hungarian descent who settled in the United States.
History
GENEALOGY: A look at the United States arrival ‘firsts’
- History
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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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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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