by

Gordon S. Harmon

Indiana, Illinois and Oklahoma State Flags

I have had the fortunate experience of visiting several of the old homeplaces of our Harmons, Endicotts, and Cenottos. The Cenotto (Cinoto) Homestead ca. 1832 in Canischio, Italy and those visits appear elsewhere in the Family History.

From August 14-22, 1998, I visited sites in Indiana and Illinois. After a space A military flight(MAC)to Grissom AFB, Indiana, a 5 hour trip via automobile brought this writer to the banks of the Wabash River at New Harmony, IN. New Harmony is rich in history with the story of the Rappites from Harmony, PA ca. 1814 and later the Owenites ca. 1825. Both were experimental communal living arrangements with fascinating histories. It is interesting to note that the time of these communities coincides with the time of our ancestor migrations from Kentucky (ca. 1814...the 44 Pioneers of the Endicott lines). Is it possible that our ancestors were influenced with the innovations of the Rappites and Owenites? Possibly word had reached our Endicott and Harmon ancestors about the fertile land available on the banks of the Wabash where the Wabash River flows into the Ohio River. Research at New Harmony, IN revealed that the Harmons and Endicotts were not members of either community. Both the Rappite community and later the Owenite community were far advanced in their beliefs in education (a free educational system with equal opportunity for all regardless of social or economic status and here was the first free public school system in America and the first kindergarten); economic advancements not yet known in America; social achievements; and many other far reaching advances that had a major impact on a young country.



The history of New Harmony, IN can be found in a number of sources. Today, New Harmony remains a community deeply rooted in its historical heritage; thriving cultural and art events; preservation efforts; solid agricultural and economic base; sense of community involvement; positive outside influences; citizen pride and an evident atmosphere of friendliness towards the thousands who visit this community nestled on the Wabash River.

The Rappites, under the leadership of John Rappite and his "adopted" son Frederick Rappite, sold the community of New Harmony to the Owenites and moved to and founded Equality, PA, their third community since arriving to America from Germany.

New Harmony and Posey County, IN is the birth place of our Arthur Samuel Harmon; the place of residence of Joseph Harmon and Family; and the place of marriage of Wilson Harmon and Elizabeth Endicott. Joseph Harmon and Nevada Ann Hughes were united in marriage in White County, IL across the Wabash from New Harmony.

From documented evidence of our Harmons, they were truly "river rats" on the Wabash River as many vital events occurred in both Indiana and Illinois (births and marriages). Our Hughes line were early pioneers in White County living in the Carmi and Phillipstown areas. They had migrated to this area from southeastern Pennsylvania. More on the Hughes Family line can be found in the surnames index.

During the weekend of August 14-16, the stage was set for a Harmon Family Reunion. Janet Pritchett of Crossville, IL who this author had corresponded with for several years on matters pertaining to Harmon Genealogy, had told of this Harmon Family Reunion that was held every two (2) years. This clan gathering are the descendants of John Harmon b pre 1730 and d 1796/1797 and Elizabeth "Sally" Langston.

Two (2) other Harmons, Lois Harmon Poteet of Indianapolis, IN and Doris Harmon Manard of Houston, TX (sisters) and first cousin to Janet Pritchett had extended the invitation to attend. To date, we have not established connections to this Harmon line. However, it is believed that with additional work and another generation or two (2) of the Wilson Harmon heritage, we might possibly make connections through Harmon brothers.

On Saturday, August 15, 1998, this Harmon gathering occurred at the "Barn" in Historic New Harmony, IN. Of particular note was a Harmon talent show and story telling about remembrances of World War II. This Harmon talent show included remarkable talents from both the young and old alike. And the stories of WWII will be passed on for many generations to come.

For the next week, significant research was conducted on the Harmon and Endicott Families at the Workingmen’s Institute, New Harmony, IN; the Alexandrian Public Library, Mt. Vernon, IN; Phillipstown Cemetery, Phillipstown, IL; Willard Library, Evansville, IN; cemetery research in New Harmony IN, Poseyville, IN, Cynthiana, IN, and the surrounding areas. The Workingmen’s Institute originated as a world leader in educational pursuits and holds a collection of great value both in terms of financial value and in research value. The Willard Library has an excellent genealogy collection including 60 years of Posey County, IN research material conducted and collected by Carroll and Gloria Cox - The Cox Collection.

It is known that our Endicotts migrated from Cynthiana, KY and Nicholas County, KY areas ca. 1814 to Cynthiana, IN. Research of the cemeteries did not locate our direct Harmon or Endicott ancestors. However, the Endicott Farm was located approximately 3/4 mile east of Poseyville, IN on highway 68.

The Endicott Farm, now owned by Joe Siebert, contains the Endicott Cemetery approximately 200 yards north of highway 68. The cemetery is well maintained. Information on this cemetery is shown in the Endicott Legacy of Place Names and Events on the Endicott Family History Web site at: www.angelfire.com/ky/Endicott.

Joe Siebert invited me into his home. He did not know a lot about the Endicotts. He did say that quite often people stop by doing research on the Endicott Family History. He was aware of the Endicott Cemetery Flag Dedication by the General Posey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Joe Siebert indicated to me that he had torn down the old farmhouse in the early 1940s. He did save the mantel from the old fireplace and it is used today in his home. It is believed that the old barn standing on the Siebert farm is of original character dating back to the original Endicott Farm. Joe Siebert believed that the old farm house that he tore down was the original homestead of the Endicotts. He plans to research his land at the Posey County Courthouse deed records. It is known from old deed maps, that the Endicotts owned a lot of ground in and around this area of Posey County, IN.

In Poseyville, IN lives John Endicott, age 74. I spoke with his wife. I was informed that John is a direct descendant of Governor John Endecott. I also met James Endicott who lives in Crossville, IL, another direct descendant of Governor John Endecott.

Research of cemeteries 3/4 miles east of Cynthania, IN and 1 1/2 miles south of Cynthiana did not locate our direct Endicott ancestors - Joseph Endicott or his brother Thomas, ancestor of Ted Sanford of Radcliff, KY and J.D. Endicott of Moore, OK and other Endicott cousins.

There are approximately 146 cemeteries located in Posey County, IN. They have been researched and documented and published by Darleen McConnell with excellent map locators. Additional research of Posey County cemeteries has been conducted by Paul Edwards of Cynthiana, IN. Both research efforts have noted many unmarked sites and many grave markers that have become considerably worn over time and are no longer legible.

I visited the homeplace of Arthur Samuel Harmon in Leflore, OK. (That story appears as "A Visit to Leflore, Oklahoma"). I also visited the homeplace of Joseph Harmon in Shady Point, OK (that story appears as "The Joseph Harmon Homeplace").

A visit was made to the site of Lorenzo Cinotto’s(Lawrence Cenotto) home in Poteau. OK. They only thing at that site is a vacant lot on the corner of Reynolds and Coal Streets in Poteau.

Prior to this and at about 1900, Lawrence Cenotto lived in Witteville, OK where he worked for the Witteville Mine Company. The exact location of his residence in Witteville is unknown. Witteville, today, is basically a coal mining "ghost town". It was learned where the Witteville school house, the Witteville Mines, and the company store were located.

And as a final note, it is important to understand some about the early days of pre-Oklahoma statehood since a great majority of our ancestors (Arthur Samuel Harmon; Joseph Harmon; and Wilson Harmon.....3 generatons) were in this general area. Significant of this area of southeastern Oklahoma is that during the era of the Choctaw Nation, I.T. (1833-1907), now Leflore County was Skullyville County, Sugar Loaf Mountain County and Wade County, I.T. The Wade Family History and our Harmon Choctaw Connections are shown elsewhere in this family history amd cam be found in the surname index . Also it is known that the infamous "Hanging" Judge Parker’s Court as the Federal Court, Western District Arkansas was organized in 1876 and had jurisdiction over the Indian Territory until 1894. At this time, the Federal Court was organized in Muskogee, I. T. ca. 1889. Later, this court system for handling white citizens affairs was divided into districts; McAlester I. T. Southern District (1895) and the Muskogee Central District I. T. (1895). Many of the important Harmon family records are believe to be contained in the archives of these two courts and are now located in either the Oklahoma State Historical Society or the Federal Archives regional branch in Ft. Worth, TX (or may be in the National Archives, Washington, DC). These records cover the period 1893-1907 (Oklahoma Statehood).