This week in Indiana’s history …
1837 – The Indiana Geological Survey was established by the General Assembly. The state’s first geologist, David Dale Owen, was appointed by Governor Noah Noble. The survey would enable the state to better develop its vast reserve of mineral resources.
1861 – On Feb. 12, Abraham Lincoln woke up on his 52nd birthday at the Bates House Hotel in Indianapolis. He had breakfast with Governor Oliver P. Morton. Lincoln’s wife, Mary, and son, Robert, joined him on the train as he continued his trip to Washington, D.C., to take the oath as the nation’s 16th President.
1896 – William H. English died at his home in Indianapolis. A prominent politician, he had served as the Speaker of the House in the Indiana House of Representatives. In 1880, he was the Democratic Party candidate for Vice President. He ran on the ballot headed by Major General Winfield Scott Hancock. A prominent businessman, English owned the local bank and built the lavish English Opera House and Hotel, once a landmark on Monument Circle.
1921 – William Herschell, a prominent newspaper man, author, and poet, was guest speaker at a meeting of the Sheridan High School Press Club. His topic was “The Byways of Indiana.” He interspersed his talk with readings from his own books. Herschell, from Owen County, was most famous for his poem, “Ain’t God Good To Indiana?”
1936 – Fred Jewell died in his hometown of Worthington, Ind. He was conductor of the famed Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey circus band. A prolific composer, he became known as “Indiana’s March King.”
1981 – Author and poet Maya Angelou spoke at the St. Peter Claver Center. She was part of the Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Month. She recited her own poetry and emphasized the value of artistic expression. She said, “If a writer tells the truth about his or her experiences, every human being in the world understands it.”