History of the Life of Francis Vigo
Francis Vigo’s Life
Researched by John Biel
1747
Francis Vigo is born in Mondovi in the Kingdom of Sardinia.
(Cauthorn, A HIST. OF VINCENNES. p. 176)
1769
Fernando de Leyba accompanies Governor Unzaga from Spain to New Orleans.
(James, CLARK PAPERS, p. 68n.)
March 23, 1770
Elizabeth Shannon is born in Vincennes. She became the wife of Francis Vigo but
died early in life.
(Smith, HIST. SKETCHES OF OLD VINCENNES, p. l60)
July 10, 1778
Fernando de Layba arrives at St. Louis after a trip from
New Orleans of 93 days.
(James, CLARK PAPERS, p. 50)
January 29, 1779
"…but in the height of our anxiety, on the evening of the
29th of January, 1779, Mr. Vague (Vigo) a Spanish Mercht. arrived from St.
Vincents and was there the time of its being taken and gave me every
intelligence that I could wish to have...”
(Clarke to George Mason, Nov 19th, 1779. Judge Pirtle's MSS L.S.)
(Also see Clark to John Brown, 1791. Draper MSS 47, I et seq. for same date and
same account)
December 18, 1778
"At the time he (Vigo) left Kaskaskia, neither Clearkmnor
Vigo knew that Hamilton was in possession of Fort Sackville and Vincennes.
Hamilton had only taken Fort Sackville on December 17th, 1778 and the news could
not have reached Kaskaskia the next day.
(English, pg. 275)
February 2, 1779
"Yesterday, I fortunately got every piece of intelligence
that I could wish for, by a Spanish Gentl. that made his escape from Mr.
Hamilton...".
(Clark to Patrick Henry, Feb 3rd, 1779 Clark MSS, Va. State Archives.)
This report never arrived at its destination; William Meyers, the messenger
was killed by the Indians; see April 29th, 1779.
April 29, 1779
Clark writes to Patrick Henry: "But in the height of a
hurry, a Spanish Merchant who had been at St. Vincennes arrived and gave the
following intelligence…"
(This report was prepared because of the loss of the first when the messenger,
William Myers, was killed by the Indians. See February 3rd, 1779)
Jefferson, Works (Wash. ed.) I., 222 et seq.)
May, 1779
Col. John Todd is sent out by Virginia immediately
following Clark's conquest to organize the country northwest of the Ohio into
Illinois County. He goes to Kaskaskia and appoints J.M.P. Legras, commandant at
Vincennes and Francis Bosseron, President of the Court.
September 7, 1779
The wife of Fernando de Leyba, Governor of Spanish
Illinois at St. Louis, dies. Buried in the Catholic Church in St. Louis.
(James, CLARK PAPERS, p. 52)
November 19, 1779
"An intimacy had commenced between Do Leybrau (De Leyba)
Lieut. Governor of Western Illinois and myself. He omitted nothing in his power
to prove his attachment to the Americans with such openness as left no room for
a doubt …".
(Clark to Mason: James, CLARK PAPERS, p. 129)
May 26, 1780
Indians silently glided across the Mississippi River and
landed where Bremen Avenue now joins the river. 40 inhabitants killed before
they reached the village … cannon scared them away and they retreated taking 12
to 14 prisoners … De Leyba had locked himself in his house...
(Spencer, THE STORY OF OLD ST. LOUIS, p. 54)
May 26, 1780
St. Louis is attacked. Governor de Leyba was ill of a
fatal malady of which he died within a month; successfully repelled.
(James, CLARK PAPERS, 52.)
June 29, 1780
Fernando de Leyba dies; buried in the Catholic Church in
St. Louis.
(James, CLARK PAPERS, p. 52)
1783
Vigo a resident of Vincennes
(See 1790, July 13th)
March 3, 1783
John Dodge writes to George R. Clark: "... of Course
Expect if the Comm’ner Dispute the Account that you will Receipt & Settle with
then as well as what Ben’ly Paid Conneye and Virgue (Vigo) on Mr. Lebo’s
Account..."
(Kaskaskia Records Alvord, p. 345)
1786
Pierre Menard, one of three brothers (Pierre Hypolite and
Francis) came to Kaskaskia from Canada born in 1767 fairly well educated.
Reached Vincennes in 1786 and worked for Francis Vigo. Went with Vigo in 1789 to
meet Washington… was the first lieut governor of Illinois.
(Har. letters Vol. I., p. 214n.)
July 29, 1789
Major John Hamtramck, from Vincennes, writes to General
Josiah Harmer: "I am at this moment informed that the people of Kentucky are
going on an expedition against the Wabash Indians; from every circumstance I
believe it, but Mr. Vigo (who conveys this to you) who will pass the Falls, will
be able to inform you better..."
(Kaskaskia Records Alvord, p. 508)
October 14, 1789
John F. Hamtramck writes to Mr. Ledru and John Edgar from
Vincennes (they at Kaskaskia had sent a petition asking for soldiers)
"I suppose Mr. Vigo, whom I expect in December, will bring you an answer,
perhaps with the troops you want".
(Kaskaskto Records Alvord, p. 51l)
June 20, 1790
Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory
lays off Knox County around Vincennes and proceeds to appoint local officers.
June 28, 1790
Winthrop Sargent appoints Francis Vigo a Major (with Henry
Vanderburg) for the County of Knox and orders him to command the Militia of Post
Vincent & in its vicinity "and is to be obeyed and respected accordingly".
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 314)
July 13, 1790
Winthrop Sargent certifies list of heads of families
settled at Post Vincent on and before 1783 and resident at this time …Francois
Vigo.
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 285)
July 18, 1790
Winthrop Sargent publishes notice that all person who have
exhibited papers on land claims are to call and receive their papers "at Major
Vigo's between the Hours of twelve & two this Morning or from Four to Six in the
Eveg."
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 322)
July 23, 1790
Francis Vigo with others as citizens of the town of
Vincennes sign an address to Winthrop Sargent assuring him of their fidelity and
attachment and complimenting Major Hamtramck.
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 291)
August 17, 1790
Winthrop Sargent writes Gov St. Clair from Fort Steuben:
"… I have been under the necessity of borrowing Indian goods from the
Contractors and of Mr. (Francis) Vigo to make some presents to the Ouiatenons,
the circumstances of whom you are acquainted with – Mr. Bunting (Robert Buntin)
promises me to replace those articles by some opportunity and hope my conduct
may meet your Excellency's approbation...
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 300)
September 19, 1790
Gov. St Clair writes Sec. of War from Marietta: "… The
depredations on the Ohio and the Wabash still continue … not long ago a boat
belonging to Mr. Vigo, a gentleman of Post Vincennes was fired upon near the
mouth of blue river – This person the United States has been very much obliged
to on many occasions and is in the truth the most disinterested person t have
almost ever seen he had three men killed and was obliged in consequence to fall
down the river … in descending the river Mr. Vigo's boat fell in with Mr.
Melchor returning from Tennessee and attempted in company with him to ascend the
Wabash here they were attacked again … the savages possessed themselves of
Vigo's boat which they plundered of all his and the crew’s personal baggage and
arms but as she was navigated by Frenchmen, they suffered them to depart with
the peltries telling them that if they had not been in company with Americans
they would not have inured them and that if they found them in such again they
would put them to death …
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 307)
February 10, 1791
In Gov St Clair's report to the Secy of State he says;
"...the is no doubt that the furs of that country might be brought up the Ohio
River at as little, or even less, expense as attends the carriage of them to
Canada - it has been tried by one person, a Mr. Vigo and found to answer
although the goods he transported out were transported by land from Philadelphia
to Pittsburgh and loaded with an impost the competitors were free from, they
came to market on better terms than those from Canada – could those be also
subjected to it, a decided advantage would be given to the American trader.
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 331)
January 23, 1792
Bishop Carroll writes to Father Gibault that he had not heard from him in answer to the "letters which I gave to M. Vigo for you and for other persons in. the month of December, 1790. I was informed, a short time ago, that the bearer of these different letters, was captured by the Indians. It is a misfortune for me...".
(Kaskaskia Records - Alvord, p. 597)
July 6, 1792
Sargent writes to the President from Cincinnati: "I do myself the honor to transmit by Major Vigo a copy from the public records of the Territory of the United States north west of the river Ohio to the 30th of June inclusive...”
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 405)
August 13, 1792
Francis Vigo is appointed, (along with Henry Vanderburg) Commissioners for the licensing of Merchants, Traders and Tavernkeepers for the County of Knox.
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 383)
July 22, 1793
Sargent authorizes Francis Vigo and Henry Vanderburgh and Robert Buntin, jointly, to furnish to the Indians coming to Vincennes such quantity of ardent spirits as to them shall seem meet - profits to be ½ theirs and ½ to benefit of County of Knox.
(NOTE: J.F.VIGO)
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 412)
August 3, 1795
Francis Vigo is a witness to the Treaty of Greenville negotiated by Anthony Wayne,
(Ter. Papers Vol. II, p. 525)
September 15, 1797
Sargent proclaims that all persons shall "state" their claims to land to Francis Vigo (also Henry Vanderburgh and James Johnson)
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 485)
October 24, 1797
Sargent appoints Francis Vigo Lieut Colonel of the Militia for the County of Knox.
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 490)
October 27, 1797
Francis Vigo (along with James Johnson, Henry Vanderburgh and Robert Buntin) was appointed by Sargent to receive and transmit all claims for lands in the County of Knox.
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 490)
March 30, 1800
Gov. St. Clair reports to Secy of State that "In the County of Knox, Francis Vigo Esq. commands (the Militia of Indiana Territory), He has been a very active officer and likewise firmly attached to the Government.
(Ter. Papers Vol. III, p. 81)
(Also Smith, THE ST. CLAIR PAPERS, II, p. 495)
April 3, 1801
William Henry Harrison writes to William McIntosh from Greenfield, Ky that he has learned that the land he bought from Francis Vigo was included in the Mortgage given his creditors at Detroit - asks him to secure its release on his promise to get the money to them in two payments - "as there is no chance of their getting the money from Vigo" - ask he got authority from this Company to release any other land he might buy from Vigo - payments to be made to them.
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 23)
December 31, 1801
Francis Vigo signs petition as one of the "Trustees to the Jefferson Academy at Vincennes" to Congress praying a donation of land for the establishing and founding of "Jefferson Academy".
(Ter. Papers VII, p. 44)
April 23, 1802
The Secretary of War writes to Governor Harrison suggesting Vigo be sent with Little Turtle and Mr. Wells to the Kickapoos and Pottawatamies to try to reconcile them.
(Ter. Papers VII, p. 51)
December 28, 1802
Francis Vigo signs recommendation of John Rice Jones as Territorial Judge to President Jefferson.
(Ter. Papers VII, p. 83)
January 21, 1804
John Rice Jones writes to Judge Thomas T. Davis at Harrodsburgh stating that he returned “on Sunday last fram the Illinois where Col. Vigo and myself had been for nearly seven weeks …"
(Ter, Papers Vol. VII, p. 168)
March 22, 1804
Oyer is given in court by John Rice Jones attorney for Francis Vigo on a note on which he was sued by Thomas Williams & Co of Detroit for One Thousand seven hundred and twenty one pounds and five shillings, dated Dec 31st, 1785.
(English, p. 275)
February 16, 1805
Vigo granted a license to keep a ferry from his land on the northwest side of Wabash River and opposite the town of Vincennes across said river.
(Ex. Journal of Territory, p. 126)
May 27, 1805
William Henry Harrison writes the Secretary of War: "… I have dispatched General (John) Gibson to the Delawares and Col (Francis) Vigo to the Miami and Potawatomies. Upon their return I shall be enabled to give you satisfactory information on every subject connected with their mission"
(Har. Letters Vol I., p. 133)
June 18, 1805
Governor Harrison writes to the President that he has "lately sent Col. Vigo to the Miamis & Putawatimies to enquire into the causes of their uneasiness & to discover the authors of the bad advice which has been given them,..".
(Ter. Papers VII, p. 294)
June 21, 1805
Francis Vigo and John Gibson hold a Council with the Delawares, Eel River and Miami Indians at "Fort Wayne — as agents of Governor Harrison.
(Har. Letters Vol. I, p. 137)
July 6, 1805
Vigo and John Gibson make a written report to Governor Harrison of their trip to the Indians on the Wabash.
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 141 et seq.)
October 8, 1806
Harrison writes to Bissell (St. Louis) and says "… I wrote to you hovere about six weeks ago by Co. (Francis) Vigo but as that gentleman did not visit your post as he intended when he set out from this place the letter was returned to me …”
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 198)
November 29, 1806
The Territorial Legislature approves an Act to Incorporate Vincennes University and appoints Francis Vigo as one of the Trustees.
(Laws of Ind. Ter, p. 178)
December 6, 1806
Board of Trustees of Vincennes University meets; elects
William Henry Harrison, president.
December 15, 1806
Francis Vigo is shown as one of the Trustees of Vincennes University when they adopt a resolution to sell "such portion of the 4000 acres under their control" for purposes set out.
(Ter. Papers Vol. VII, p. 405)
1807
Francis Vigo is elected one of the trustees of the Catholic Church; served until 1822 "and attended all meetings of the trustees”.
(Cauthorn, A HIST. OF VINCENNES, p. 178)
August 7, 1807
At a meeting of the Trustees of Vincennes University,
Harrison resigns Tooth as President and as a member of the Board; Vigo is a
Trustee.
August 17, 1807
Jonothan Jennings is appointed clerk, pro. tem. of the
Board of Trustees of Vincennes University; Vigo a member.
September 17, 1807
Vincennes University is again incorporated and Francis Vigo is named one of the Trustees by the Territorial Legislature. (see Nov 29, 1806)
(Laws of Ind. Ter. p. 533)
November 25, 1807
Francis Vigo signs recommendation to President Jefferson to appoint Benjamin Parke a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Territory to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Thomas T. Davis.
(Ter. Papers Vol VII, p. 495)
December, 1807
Jonothan Jennings takes the post of assistant editor of
the Vincennes WESTERN SUN under Elihu Stout as a partner - after two weeks
"dissolved by consent".
May 22, 1809
Jonathan Jennings is elected to Congress defeating Thomas
Randolph who was a Harrison man on the pro-slavery party.
September 30, 1809
By a Treaty at Ft. Wayne, Governor William Henry Harrison
acquires 2,900,000 acres of land in the Wabash and White River valleys.
October 28, 1809
Colonel (Francis) Vigo was appointed president and David Robb, secretary of a meeting of the officers of the Militia for the County of Knox which adopted a resolution praising Governor Harrison and praying that he be reappointed.
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 385)
October 30, 1809
Francis Vigo writes to the President sending him certain Resolutions adopted "on the 28th inst" by the Officers "of the Regiment of Militia which I have the honor to command". (recommends the reappointment of Governor Harrison).
(Ter. Papers VII, p. 678)
March 8, 1810
"Francis Vigo, Esq. Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the 1st Regiment of Knox County Militia, having on account of his age and infirmities requested leave to resign his commission; the Commander in Chief receives the same and requests the Colonel to accept his thanks for his long and disinterested (?) services to the .United States, from the moment of his being enrolled as one of their citizens. He wishes the Colonel a speedy restoration of his health and all that happiness in his retirement which ought to be the reward of an active and useful life.
By the Commander in Chief Waller Taylor, Aid de Camp
(The Vincennes WESTERN SUN April 7, 1810)
May 5, 1810
Vigo resigned as Colonel of the 1st Regiment in the Territorial Militia in the Territorial Militia.
(Smith, HIST. SKETCHES OF OLD VINCENNES, p. 160)
June 15, 1810
William Henry Harrison writes to the Secretary of War: "...Colonel (Francis) Vigo a French Gentleman who has resided in his country upwards of thirty years and whom I have before advantageously employed in missions of this kind will set out immediately for the Miami Village of Mississineawy where there will be a meeting of the three tribes which bear the general appellation of Miamis previous to their going to the Phrphet...
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 428)
June 28, 1810
Harrison writes to the Secretary of War: "...I have dispatched Col. (Francis) Vigo to the Miamis and a Mr. (Touissant) Dubois another French gentleman to the Prophet…
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 434)
June, 1810
James Johnson certifies that Mr. Ewing ask him to call at Mr. Vigo's and take the acknowledgement of a conveyance for a piece of land he had bought of him.
(Ter. Papers Vol. VIII, p. 29)
July 11, 1810
Harrison writes to The Secretary of War: " … I expect the return of Col. (Francis) Vigo in a few days and by him same important information…
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 445)
July 18, 1810
Harrison writes to Secretary of War: "Col. Vigo returned from his mission to the Miamis on the 14th inst. … They didn't give a final and positive answer … but the Col. … opinion that the council which they are about to hold upon it will result in a decision such as we could wish … the Miami Chiefs are supposed ... by Col. Vigo to have preserved their fidelity to the U.S….
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 446)
November 7, 1810
Harrison writes Secretary of War: “… The Miamis who are represented to be so dissatisfied with the Treaty of Fort Wayne as late as the month of July last, when Col. (Francis) Vigo was with them, had discovered no cause of complaint against it. The poison has since that time been infused into their minds….
(Har. Letters Vol. I., p. 483)
January 22, 1811
John Small makes a deposition that in November of 1801 he went in a boat from Vincennes to survey a tract of land at a place called the Rapids of the Wabash authorized by Gov Harrison to survey for William McIntosh; that he was accompanied by Gov. Harrison, Henry Vanderburgh, Col F. Vigo and Capt. Johnson of the United States Army survey was for the benefit of Harrison, Vanderburgh and McIntosh - included the best site for a mill seat…
(Ter. Papers Vol. VIII, p. 92]
July 31, 1811
Francis Vigo signs petition - along with other - to President Madison praising Harrison and enclosing resolutions in effect urging war - the breaking up of the combination formed by Tecumseh on the Wabash.
(Har. Letters Vol. I, p. 540)
October 3, 1814
Vigo signs petition with others for further time to make locations of land.
(Ter, Papers Vol. VIII, p. 309)
January 21, 1818
The Act creating Vigo County is approved. Named for
Francis Vigo.
1818 – 1821
Vigo was a trustee of St Francis Xavier Church
(Smith - Hist. Sketches of Old Vincennes p. 164)
July 4, 1832
Francis Vigo visits Terre Haute, Indiana at the urgent invitation of prominent citizens of Vigo County - a great celebration was held.
(Condit, HIST. OF EARLY TERRE HAUTE, p. 68)
1834
When the Branch of the State Bank of Indiana was organized in Vincennes, the first five dollar bill issued "by the Branch was made payable to Col. Vigo...
(Cauthorn, A HIST. OF VINCEMNES, p. 178)
December 9, 1834
Francis Vigo signs his will with John Collins and John Badollet as witnesses.
Albert Badollet, George W. Ewing and Francis Vigo McKee were named executors.
Two nephews, Archibald B. McKee and Francis Vigo McKee
were residuary legatees.
February 24, 1835
Report on Memorial of Francis Vigo – adverse to payment of bill of exchange for supplies furnished continental troops in 1778.
(23rd Cong. 2nd Sess. Vol. I, #122)
December 16, 1835
Hon. John H. Smith, acting commissioner of the Commission of Revolutionary Claims for the State of Virginia, reported in favor of allowing Francis Vigo’s claims with interest at 5% amounting to a total of $32,654.85. In his report he says "It gives me pleasure to be able to make a favorable adjustment, and to ascertain the sum of money due from the State of Virginia to a man who has rendered the most important services to his adopted, country, and who, if his neighbors, who are among the most distinguished men in that part of the United States in which he resides, are to be believed, is one of the most upright and honorable of men.
(Beckwith, p. 14)
February 11, 1836
Report on Memorial of Francis Vigo – recommends refunding to memorialist of amount advanced to Virginia Troops during the Revolution.
(24th Cong. 1st Sess. Vol. I, #317)
March 22, 1836
Vigo died.
Inscription on gravestone is erroneous - says 1835.
April 5, 1836
The Will of Francis Vigo is admitted to Probate.
(see December 9th, 1834)
April 16, 1842
John Law from Vincennes writes to Richard W. Thompson, at Washington: "I do not intend to abandon the claim and, although just now amended 'pro falsa clamore (suo)' by Hale and a majority of the Committee, I will yet force Congress to acknowledge the justice of the most righteous claim and the great injustice done poor Vigo…"
(See Law letter in personal file)
June 17, 1850
John Law, from Cincinnati, writes to Richard W. Thompson at Washington "I want you to keep an eye on the Vigo claims..,"
(See Law letter in personal file)
November 10, 1850
John Law, from Vincennes writes to Richard W. Thompson at Washington: "Would it not be well to keep the Vigo claims going like Amy Dardin’s horse before Congress? Perhaps, by so doing and to get rid of it - they may, at last, do justice in spite of themselves and (just) to get rid of it. If you think so, have the papers presented to the Committee most likely to look at them … "
(See Law letter in personal file)
June 8, 1872
The claim of the Executors of Colonel Francis Vigo is
referred lay Congress to the Court of Claims "with full jurisdiction and power
to act".
1875
Court of Claims gives judgment in favor of the heirs of Francis Vigo for $8,616.00 on a bill of exchange drawn by George Rogers Clark in favor of Vigo for army supplies, with interest of $41,282,60, being the interest at 5% from March 20th,1779 to January 18th, 1875, making a total of $49,898.60.
(English p. 272 Acts 2nd Sess. 42nd Cong. p 49; Report of
Claims Vol.10.)
April 1876
Mr. Touisant C. Buntin, a distant relative of Francis
Vigo, paid $500 provided for in the will of Francis Vigo, to the County
Commissioners of Vigo County, Indiana for a bell for the Court House.
1887
The Vigo Bell in the Court House tower has the following inscription engraved on it:
"BY HIS WILL, $500 OF THE COST OF THIS BELL WERE PRESENTED BY FRANCIS VIGO TO VIGO COUNTY, IND., A.D. 1887”. The names of the county commissioners are inscribed on a metal plate and nailed to the framework Levi W. Dickerson, Asa M. Black, Sanford S. Henderson.