1820 – Indiana Governor Jonathan Jennings signed a bill that led to the founding of Indiana University. Baynard Rush Hall was hired as the first professor. Andrew Wylie was named as first president. This year, IU is celebrating its bicentennial with a series of events, including the dedication of the school’s newest super-computer, Big Red 200.
1859 – At a joint meeting of the Indiana General Assembly, Mary Thomas spoke in favor of a petition signed by more than a thousand men and women from Wayne County. She urged lawmakers “to grant to women the same rights in property as men, and also the right of suffrage.”
1867 – Indiana ratified the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which provided citizenship to former slaves and granted all citizens equal protection under the law. State Legislator Stephen Neal of Boone County is thought to have helped write the original draft of the document.
1924 – James Louis “JJ” Johnson was born in Indianapolis. With a huge musical talent, he began a professional career while still attending Crispus Attucks High School. He became a legendary trombonist who played with such stars as Count Basie, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. He was also a composer and arranger and a major influence in the development of jazz.
1937 – Eleven days of rain caused heavy flooding in the Ohio River Valley. Over 16 inches of rainfall had brought the Ohio River up to a crest of 54 feet. Nearly 90 percent of Jeffersonville was flooded and martial law was declared in Evansville.
1940 – Otis Harlan died in Martinsville, having retired there after a long career as an actor. After years of success on the Broadway stage, he moved to Hollywood where he appeared in over 130 films. He played a variety of roles, including that of Captain Andy in “Show Boat” and Squire Hawkins in “The Hoosier Schoolmaster.” His voice is immortalized in his portrayal of “Happy” in Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”