Ephraim Jordan was a Private in the Illinois Regment of Virginia Militia under the command of Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at "Post Vincennes" in 1778-1779. Ephraim Jordan came to Vincennes with Colonel Clark when he captured Post Vincennes. He was present at the time when British General Henry Hamilton and his garrison surrendered to Colonel George Rogers Clark.
After his service with Clark, Thomas Jordan, brother of Ephraim, came to the Indiana Territory and settled in the Vincennes area in 1784. It would seem that his brother, Ephraim Jordan settled in the same area in or about 1785.
Ephraim Jordan received a "Military Donation" of 100 acres for his service with Clark Reference: "American State Papers, Public Lands", Volume 1, page 524.
Additional References: "Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana" 1966, page 59.
Reference: Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution Patriot Graves Registry, National Society of S. A. R. ID Number 1104
Also: Family Bible Records of Knox Co. Indiana Volume 4, page 9, Archives Division Indiana State Library.
At a meeting in Vincennes about the Indian Confederacy a very considerable number of the citizens of the County of Knox at the seminary in Vincennes, on Wednesday the 31st of July 1811; where Colonel Ephraim Jordan was appointed President, and Captain James Smith, Secretary. Thereupon General W. Johnston, addressed the meeting, in which he informed them of the present situation of the inhabitants of not only the town, but country, in regard to the Shawnee Indian, called the Prophet, an his Brother Tecumseh, and their confederacy of Indians, and advised, that for the safety of the citizens, some resolution should be fallen into.
During the Battle of Tippicanoe on 7 Nov. l8ll, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel as a Scout for Captain Toussaint Dubois' Company of Spies and Guides of the Indiana Militia. The Shawnee Indian "Tenskwatawa", known as "The Prophet" was the leader of the Shawnee Indians at the "Battle of Tippicanoe" Reference: "History of Knox & Daviess Counties, Indiana" by Goodspeed, 1886, page 209
He was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia during the War of 1812 called Brigadier General John Gibson's Brigade. Reference: Copies of Muster, Pay and Receipt Rolls of Indiana Territory Volunteers of Militia of the period of War of 1812, Volume 4, page 184 & 630.
Notes on Colonel Ephraim Jordan: He was an early American settler of Knox Co., Indiana Territory, coming there with Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at “Post Vincennes” during the Rev. War 1778-1779. He came to Vincennes circa 1784-1785, with his brother, Thomas Jordan 1765-1835, who also served with Clark, after the Revolutionary War from Jefferson Co. Virginia/Kentucky. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes" by George E. Greene, Volume 2, page 234
Following the Revolution, many men who served with Colonel Clark returned and brought friends and relatives. Two such men were brothers, Ephraim and Thomas Jordan, who settled in Knox County Indiana Territory around 1784-1785.
He married Mary Gilmore November 2, 1791 by the Reverend John Whitaker at Louisville, Jefferson Co. Va/Ky. Reference: Marriage Register, Clerk's Office, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Book, 1, page 14.
In 1786, Secretary of War, Henry Knox ordered Colonel Josiah Harmar to the outpost village of Post Vincennes. Colonel Josiah Harmar, commander of the First Regiment of U. S. Army to take command at Vincennes. During his command, Ephraim Jordan served on expeditions against the Wabash Indians. He held the rank of Corporal and was promoted to Sergeant sometime between 1791-97.
In January, 1790, General St. Clair sent Winthrop Sargent to Vincennes to take military command and to lay off a county which became Knox County. During that period of General St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, Ephraim Jordan served under the command of Colonel Armstrong as an Scout with the rank of Sergeant. On Oct. 27, 1797, Ephraim Jordan was appointed Lieutenant. Reference: "Territorial Papers of the United States, Northwest Territory" Volume 3, Page 490.
While serving under Colonel Armstrong he brought Acts of Congress as well as looking into Indian activities starting at Presque Isle in Pennsylvania, down the Ohio River to the Wabash and Mississippi Rivers, then to Vincennes. He was a member of the Vincennes Militia on 1 August 1790 under the command of General Arthur St. Clair.
During the War of 1812 he was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia appointed 1 June 1812 by Governor William Henry Harrison. Reference: Indiana Historical Collections, Messages & Letters of William Henry Harrison, Volume 1, page 386.
He headed an expedition against the Indians during the Battle of Fort Harrison on 12 September 1812. For his service at Fort Harrison, Colonel Ephraim Jordan was granted a Bounty Land Warrant No. 94251 by the United States claimed by his widow, Mary Gilmore Jordan on 12 February 1851. Reference: “Colonel Ephraim Jordan, Battle of Fort Harrison, War of 1812” by Walter C. Burgner, Volume I, 2001, page 45. Indiana State Library Indianapolis, Indiana.
On January 28, 1814, Colonel Jordan submitted his resignation, but served until July 7, 1814, when Lieut. Colonel Scott succeeded him. In his resignation he stated "his health is such that he could not attend to the discharge of the duties of an officer being subject to frequent and violent attacks of rheumatic pains". Reference: "Indiana Territorial Military Records" letter to Thomas Posey Governor, January 28, 1814. Archives Division, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.
He also was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions in Knox Co., Indiana 1800-1802. Ephraim Jordan an "Esquire Justice", along with James Johnson and Antoine Marechall laid out two townships. The first composed the village of Vincennes and was called "Vincennes Township" and the second was called "Harrison Township" in honor of General William Henry Harrison. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes by George E. Greene" Volume 2, page 339.
On February 11, 1818 he was appointed Knox County Commissioner and served in that capacity until his death on January 14, 1820. Reference: "Early Knox County Commissioner Records, Wednesday, February 11, 1818" Clerk's Office, Knox County Courthouse, Vincennes, Indiana.
He also owned and operated a watermill at the headwaters of the Deshee River. He was an active member of the Vincennes Subscription Library, which later became the Vincennes Public Library.
He was a Mason of the Vincennes Lodge No. 15. He was a Junior Warden in 1814 and was an active Mason up to his death. It has been stated that he was buried in his Masonic attire?
Vincennes Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M.,was given the honor of being the oldest Masonic Lodge in continual existance in the Indiana Territory. As early as 1807, local Masons wanted to form a Lodge in Vincennes and did petition the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for a Dispensation. In January 1808 the requested dispensation was granted,
He served as a Tax Collector, a Coroner and a Letter Carrier between Vincennes and Louisville from 1807 to 1810. He also held many minor offices, such as Overseer of the Poor, Overseer of the Roads, Appraiser of Houses and Supervisor of Palmyra Township.
Ephraim Jordan and Mary Gilmore children
1. Jane Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1795 and died 1865 in Knox Co. Indiana and married Isreal Mead on 9 March 1819 in Knox Co. Indiana Isreal Mead was deceased May 1833.
2. James Calvin Jordan born Knox Co., Indiana on 25 December 1800, died 11 October 1842, buried Van der Hoof Cemetery, Wade Twp., Jasper Co., Illinois, married Malinda Scott on 3 August 1825, Knox Co., Indiana. He lost his life trying to put out a grass fire in Wade Twp. Jasper Co. Illinois. His surname sometimes is spelled "Jourdan"
3. John Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 8 October 1803, died 1870, Knox Co., Indiana, married Jane Gamble on 14 October 1826. He is probably buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana.
4. William M. Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1805, died 7 April 1872, Knox Co., Indiana, married (1) Jane Hunter 6 November 1828 (2) Mary Ramsey 13 March 1839.
5. Malinda Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 15 September 1806 and died 27 March 1890, Knox Co., Indiana, married Absolom Reel on 27 March 1824. They are buried in Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
6. Ephraim Jordan, Jr. born in Knox Co., Indiana on 6 December 1812, died in 1877, Knox Co., Indiana, married Elizabeth Hunter on 6 March 1834. He is buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
7. Thomas Ephraim Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 1 June 1816, died 8 March 1887, married Jemima Westfall (1818-1902) on 4 October 1840, buried Jordan-Gilmore Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
OBITUARY OF COLONEL EPHRAIM JORDAN
“Died at his residence in this county yesterday morning under the sudden affliction of a paralytic attack, Colonel Ephraim Jordan, and old and respectable inhabitant. The deceased had left a disconsolate consort and a large family to lament his sudden removal and possessing as he did, a heart warm and benevolent, a mind and understanding always actuated by condor, uprightness and manly fortitude, His memory will be embalmed without a solitary objection. Never perhaps has any man passed through life occupying active public stations, so universally beloved….his character will be a legacy to his children and it is to be hoped the will emulate his virtues” (Appeared in the Vincennes Western Sun, Saturday, January 15, 1820)
After his service with Clark, Thomas Jordan, brother of Ephraim, came to the Indiana Territory and settled in the Vincennes area in 1784. It would seem that his brother, Ephraim Jordan settled in the same area in or about 1785.
Ephraim Jordan received a "Military Donation" of 100 acres for his service with Clark Reference: "American State Papers, Public Lands", Volume 1, page 524.
Additional References: "Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana" 1966, page 59.
Reference: Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution Patriot Graves Registry, National Society of S. A. R. ID Number 1104
Also: Family Bible Records of Knox Co. Indiana Volume 4, page 9, Archives Division Indiana State Library.
At a meeting in Vincennes about the Indian Confederacy a very considerable number of the citizens of the County of Knox at the seminary in Vincennes, on Wednesday the 31st of July 1811; where Colonel Ephraim Jordan was appointed President, and Captain James Smith, Secretary. Thereupon General W. Johnston, addressed the meeting, in which he informed them of the present situation of the inhabitants of not only the town, but country, in regard to the Shawnee Indian, called the Prophet, an his Brother Tecumseh, and their confederacy of Indians, and advised, that for the safety of the citizens, some resolution should be fallen into.
During the Battle of Tippicanoe on 7 Nov. l8ll, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel as a Scout for Captain Toussaint Dubois' Company of Spies and Guides of the Indiana Militia. The Shawnee Indian "Tenskwatawa", known as "The Prophet" was the leader of the Shawnee Indians at the "Battle of Tippicanoe" Reference: "History of Knox & Daviess Counties, Indiana" by Goodspeed, 1886, page 209
He was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia during the War of 1812 called Brigadier General John Gibson's Brigade. Reference: Copies of Muster, Pay and Receipt Rolls of Indiana Territory Volunteers of Militia of the period of War of 1812, Volume 4, page 184 & 630.
Notes on Colonel Ephraim Jordan: He was an early American settler of Knox Co., Indiana Territory, coming there with Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at “Post Vincennes” during the Rev. War 1778-1779. He came to Vincennes circa 1784-1785, with his brother, Thomas Jordan 1765-1835, who also served with Clark, after the Revolutionary War from Jefferson Co. Virginia/Kentucky. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes" by George E. Greene, Volume 2, page 234
Following the Revolution, many men who served with Colonel Clark returned and brought friends and relatives. Two such men were brothers, Ephraim and Thomas Jordan, who settled in Knox County Indiana Territory around 1784-1785.
He married Mary Gilmore November 2, 1791 by the Reverend John Whitaker at Louisville, Jefferson Co. Va/Ky. Reference: Marriage Register, Clerk's Office, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Book, 1, page 14.
In 1786, Secretary of War, Henry Knox ordered Colonel Josiah Harmar to the outpost village of Post Vincennes. Colonel Josiah Harmar, commander of the First Regiment of U. S. Army to take command at Vincennes. During his command, Ephraim Jordan served on expeditions against the Wabash Indians. He held the rank of Corporal and was promoted to Sergeant sometime between 1791-97.
In January, 1790, General St. Clair sent Winthrop Sargent to Vincennes to take military command and to lay off a county which became Knox County. During that period of General St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, Ephraim Jordan served under the command of Colonel Armstrong as an Scout with the rank of Sergeant. On Oct. 27, 1797, Ephraim Jordan was appointed Lieutenant. Reference: "Territorial Papers of the United States, Northwest Territory" Volume 3, Page 490.
While serving under Colonel Armstrong he brought Acts of Congress as well as looking into Indian activities starting at Presque Isle in Pennsylvania, down the Ohio River to the Wabash and Mississippi Rivers, then to Vincennes. He was a member of the Vincennes Militia on 1 August 1790 under the command of General Arthur St. Clair.
During the War of 1812 he was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia appointed 1 June 1812 by Governor William Henry Harrison. Reference: Indiana Historical Collections, Messages & Letters of William Henry Harrison, Volume 1, page 386.
He headed an expedition against the Indians during the Battle of Fort Harrison on 12 September 1812. For his service at Fort Harrison, Colonel Ephraim Jordan was granted a Bounty Land Warrant No. 94251 by the United States claimed by his widow, Mary Gilmore Jordan on 12 February 1851. Reference: “Colonel Ephraim Jordan, Battle of Fort Harrison, War of 1812” by Walter C. Burgner, Volume I, 2001, page 45. Indiana State Library Indianapolis, Indiana.
On January 28, 1814, Colonel Jordan submitted his resignation, but served until July 7, 1814, when Lieut. Colonel Scott succeeded him. In his resignation he stated "his health is such that he could not attend to the discharge of the duties of an officer being subject to frequent and violent attacks of rheumatic pains". Reference: "Indiana Territorial Military Records" letter to Thomas Posey Governor, January 28, 1814. Archives Division, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.
He also was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions in Knox Co., Indiana 1800-1802. Ephraim Jordan an "Esquire Justice", along with James Johnson and Antoine Marechall laid out two townships. The first composed the village of Vincennes and was called "Vincennes Township" and the second was called "Harrison Township" in honor of General William Henry Harrison. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes by George E. Greene" Volume 2, page 339.
On February 11, 1818 he was appointed Knox County Commissioner and served in that capacity until his death on January 14, 1820. Reference: "Early Knox County Commissioner Records, Wednesday, February 11, 1818" Clerk's Office, Knox County Courthouse, Vincennes, Indiana.
He also owned and operated a watermill at the headwaters of the Deshee River. He was an active member of the Vincennes Subscription Library, which later became the Vincennes Public Library.
He was a Mason of the Vincennes Lodge No. 15. He was a Junior Warden in 1814 and was an active Mason up to his death. It has been stated that he was buried in his Masonic attire?
Vincennes Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M.,was given the honor of being the oldest Masonic Lodge in continual existance in the Indiana Territory. As early as 1807, local Masons wanted to form a Lodge in Vincennes and did petition the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for a Dispensation. In January 1808 the requested dispensation was granted,
He served as a Tax Collector, a Coroner and a Letter Carrier between Vincennes and Louisville from 1807 to 1810. He also held many minor offices, such as Overseer of the Poor, Overseer of the Roads, Appraiser of Houses and Supervisor of Palmyra Township.
Ephraim Jordan and Mary Gilmore children
1. Jane Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1795 and died 1865 in Knox Co. Indiana and married Isreal Mead on 9 March 1819 in Knox Co. Indiana Isreal Mead was deceased May 1833.
2. James Calvin Jordan born Knox Co., Indiana on 25 December 1800, died 11 October 1842, buried Van der Hoof Cemetery, Wade Twp., Jasper Co., Illinois, married Malinda Scott on 3 August 1825, Knox Co., Indiana. He lost his life trying to put out a grass fire in Wade Twp. Jasper Co. Illinois. His surname sometimes is spelled "Jourdan"
3. John Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 8 October 1803, died 1870, Knox Co., Indiana, married Jane Gamble on 14 October 1826. He is probably buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana.
4. William M. Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1805, died 7 April 1872, Knox Co., Indiana, married (1) Jane Hunter 6 November 1828 (2) Mary Ramsey 13 March 1839.
5. Malinda Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 15 September 1806 and died 27 March 1890, Knox Co., Indiana, married Absolom Reel on 27 March 1824. They are buried in Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
6. Ephraim Jordan, Jr. born in Knox Co., Indiana on 6 December 1812, died in 1877, Knox Co., Indiana, married Elizabeth Hunter on 6 March 1834. He is buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
7. Thomas Ephraim Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 1 June 1816, died 8 March 1887, married Jemima Westfall (1818-1902) on 4 October 1840, buried Jordan-Gilmore Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
OBITUARY OF COLONEL EPHRAIM JORDAN
“Died at his residence in this county yesterday morning under the sudden affliction of a paralytic attack, Colonel Ephraim Jordan, and old and respectable inhabitant. The deceased had left a disconsolate consort and a large family to lament his sudden removal and possessing as he did, a heart warm and benevolent, a mind and understanding always actuated by condor, uprightness and manly fortitude, His memory will be embalmed without a solitary objection. Never perhaps has any man passed through life occupying active public stations, so universally beloved….his character will be a legacy to his children and it is to be hoped the will emulate his virtues” (Appeared in the Vincennes Western Sun, Saturday, January 15, 1820)
Ephraim Jordan was a Private in the Illinois Regment of Virginia Militia under the command of Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at "Post Vincennes" in 1778-1779. Ephraim Jordan came to Vincennes with Colonel Clark when he captured Post Vincennes. He was present at the time when British General Henry Hamilton and his garrison surrendered to Colonel George Rogers Clark.
After his service with Clark, Thomas Jordan, brother of Ephraim, came to the Indiana Territory and settled in the Vincennes area in 1784. It would seem that his brother, Ephraim Jordan settled in the same area in or about 1785.
Ephraim Jordan received a "Military Donation" of 100 acres for his service with Clark Reference: "American State Papers, Public Lands", Volume 1, page 524.
Additional References: "Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana" 1966, page 59.
Reference: Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution Patriot Graves Registry, National Society of S. A. R. ID Number 1104
Also: Family Bible Records of Knox Co. Indiana Volume 4, page 9, Archives Division Indiana State Library.
At a meeting in Vincennes about the Indian Confederacy a very considerable number of the citizens of the County of Knox at the seminary in Vincennes, on Wednesday the 31st of July 1811; where Colonel Ephraim Jordan was appointed President, and Captain James Smith, Secretary. Thereupon General W. Johnston, addressed the meeting, in which he informed them of the present situation of the inhabitants of not only the town, but country, in regard to the Shawnee Indian, called the Prophet, an his Brother Tecumseh, and their confederacy of Indians, and advised, that for the safety of the citizens, some resolution should be fallen into.
During the Battle of Tippicanoe on 7 Nov. l8ll, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel as a Scout for Captain Toussaint Dubois' Company of Spies and Guides of the Indiana Militia. The Shawnee Indian "Tenskwatawa", known as "The Prophet" was the leader of the Shawnee Indians at the "Battle of Tippicanoe" Reference: "History of Knox & Daviess Counties, Indiana" by Goodspeed, 1886, page 209
He was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia during the War of 1812 called Brigadier General John Gibson's Brigade. Reference: Copies of Muster, Pay and Receipt Rolls of Indiana Territory Volunteers of Militia of the period of War of 1812, Volume 4, page 184 & 630.
Notes on Colonel Ephraim Jordan: He was an early American settler of Knox Co., Indiana Territory, coming there with Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at “Post Vincennes” during the Rev. War 1778-1779. He came to Vincennes circa 1784-1785, with his brother, Thomas Jordan 1765-1835, who also served with Clark, after the Revolutionary War from Jefferson Co. Virginia/Kentucky. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes" by George E. Greene, Volume 2, page 234
Following the Revolution, many men who served with Colonel Clark returned and brought friends and relatives. Two such men were brothers, Ephraim and Thomas Jordan, who settled in Knox County Indiana Territory around 1784-1785.
He married Mary Gilmore November 2, 1791 by the Reverend John Whitaker at Louisville, Jefferson Co. Va/Ky. Reference: Marriage Register, Clerk's Office, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Book, 1, page 14.
In 1786, Secretary of War, Henry Knox ordered Colonel Josiah Harmar to the outpost village of Post Vincennes. Colonel Josiah Harmar, commander of the First Regiment of U. S. Army to take command at Vincennes. During his command, Ephraim Jordan served on expeditions against the Wabash Indians. He held the rank of Corporal and was promoted to Sergeant sometime between 1791-97.
In January, 1790, General St. Clair sent Winthrop Sargent to Vincennes to take military command and to lay off a county which became Knox County. During that period of General St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, Ephraim Jordan served under the command of Colonel Armstrong as an Scout with the rank of Sergeant. On Oct. 27, 1797, Ephraim Jordan was appointed Lieutenant. Reference: "Territorial Papers of the United States, Northwest Territory" Volume 3, Page 490.
While serving under Colonel Armstrong he brought Acts of Congress as well as looking into Indian activities starting at Presque Isle in Pennsylvania, down the Ohio River to the Wabash and Mississippi Rivers, then to Vincennes. He was a member of the Vincennes Militia on 1 August 1790 under the command of General Arthur St. Clair.
During the War of 1812 he was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia appointed 1 June 1812 by Governor William Henry Harrison. Reference: Indiana Historical Collections, Messages & Letters of William Henry Harrison, Volume 1, page 386.
He headed an expedition against the Indians during the Battle of Fort Harrison on 12 September 1812. For his service at Fort Harrison, Colonel Ephraim Jordan was granted a Bounty Land Warrant No. 94251 by the United States claimed by his widow, Mary Gilmore Jordan on 12 February 1851. Reference: “Colonel Ephraim Jordan, Battle of Fort Harrison, War of 1812” by Walter C. Burgner, Volume I, 2001, page 45. Indiana State Library Indianapolis, Indiana.
On January 28, 1814, Colonel Jordan submitted his resignation, but served until July 7, 1814, when Lieut. Colonel Scott succeeded him. In his resignation he stated "his health is such that he could not attend to the discharge of the duties of an officer being subject to frequent and violent attacks of rheumatic pains". Reference: "Indiana Territorial Military Records" letter to Thomas Posey Governor, January 28, 1814. Archives Division, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.
He also was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions in Knox Co., Indiana 1800-1802. Ephraim Jordan an "Esquire Justice", along with James Johnson and Antoine Marechall laid out two townships. The first composed the village of Vincennes and was called "Vincennes Township" and the second was called "Harrison Township" in honor of General William Henry Harrison. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes by George E. Greene" Volume 2, page 339.
On February 11, 1818 he was appointed Knox County Commissioner and served in that capacity until his death on January 14, 1820. Reference: "Early Knox County Commissioner Records, Wednesday, February 11, 1818" Clerk's Office, Knox County Courthouse, Vincennes, Indiana.
He also owned and operated a watermill at the headwaters of the Deshee River. He was an active member of the Vincennes Subscription Library, which later became the Vincennes Public Library.
He was a Mason of the Vincennes Lodge No. 15. He was a Junior Warden in 1814 and was an active Mason up to his death. It has been stated that he was buried in his Masonic attire?
Vincennes Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M.,was given the honor of being the oldest Masonic Lodge in continual existance in the Indiana Territory. As early as 1807, local Masons wanted to form a Lodge in Vincennes and did petition the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for a Dispensation. In January 1808 the requested dispensation was granted,
He served as a Tax Collector, a Coroner and a Letter Carrier between Vincennes and Louisville from 1807 to 1810. He also held many minor offices, such as Overseer of the Poor, Overseer of the Roads, Appraiser of Houses and Supervisor of Palmyra Township.
Ephraim Jordan and Mary Gilmore children
1. Jane Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1795 and died 1865 in Knox Co. Indiana and married Isreal Mead on 9 March 1819 in Knox Co. Indiana Isreal Mead was deceased May 1833.
2. James Calvin Jordan born Knox Co., Indiana on 25 December 1800, died 11 October 1842, buried Van der Hoof Cemetery, Wade Twp., Jasper Co., Illinois, married Malinda Scott on 3 August 1825, Knox Co., Indiana. He lost his life trying to put out a grass fire in Wade Twp. Jasper Co. Illinois. His surname sometimes is spelled "Jourdan"
3. John Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 8 October 1803, died 1870, Knox Co., Indiana, married Jane Gamble on 14 October 1826. He is probably buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana.
4. William M. Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1805, died 7 April 1872, Knox Co., Indiana, married (1) Jane Hunter 6 November 1828 (2) Mary Ramsey 13 March 1839.
5. Malinda Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 15 September 1806 and died 27 March 1890, Knox Co., Indiana, married Absolom Reel on 27 March 1824. They are buried in Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
6. Ephraim Jordan, Jr. born in Knox Co., Indiana on 6 December 1812, died in 1877, Knox Co., Indiana, married Elizabeth Hunter on 6 March 1834. He is buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
7. Thomas Ephraim Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 1 June 1816, died 8 March 1887, married Jemima Westfall (1818-1902) on 4 October 1840, buried Jordan-Gilmore Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
OBITUARY OF COLONEL EPHRAIM JORDAN
“Died at his residence in this county yesterday morning under the sudden affliction of a paralytic attack, Colonel Ephraim Jordan, and old and respectable inhabitant. The deceased had left a disconsolate consort and a large family to lament his sudden removal and possessing as he did, a heart warm and benevolent, a mind and understanding always actuated by condor, uprightness and manly fortitude, His memory will be embalmed without a solitary objection. Never perhaps has any man passed through life occupying active public stations, so universally beloved….his character will be a legacy to his children and it is to be hoped the will emulate his virtues” (Appeared in the Vincennes Western Sun, Saturday, January 15, 1820)
After his service with Clark, Thomas Jordan, brother of Ephraim, came to the Indiana Territory and settled in the Vincennes area in 1784. It would seem that his brother, Ephraim Jordan settled in the same area in or about 1785.
Ephraim Jordan received a "Military Donation" of 100 acres for his service with Clark Reference: "American State Papers, Public Lands", Volume 1, page 524.
Additional References: "Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Indiana" 1966, page 59.
Reference: Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution Patriot Graves Registry, National Society of S. A. R. ID Number 1104
Also: Family Bible Records of Knox Co. Indiana Volume 4, page 9, Archives Division Indiana State Library.
At a meeting in Vincennes about the Indian Confederacy a very considerable number of the citizens of the County of Knox at the seminary in Vincennes, on Wednesday the 31st of July 1811; where Colonel Ephraim Jordan was appointed President, and Captain James Smith, Secretary. Thereupon General W. Johnston, addressed the meeting, in which he informed them of the present situation of the inhabitants of not only the town, but country, in regard to the Shawnee Indian, called the Prophet, an his Brother Tecumseh, and their confederacy of Indians, and advised, that for the safety of the citizens, some resolution should be fallen into.
During the Battle of Tippicanoe on 7 Nov. l8ll, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel as a Scout for Captain Toussaint Dubois' Company of Spies and Guides of the Indiana Militia. The Shawnee Indian "Tenskwatawa", known as "The Prophet" was the leader of the Shawnee Indians at the "Battle of Tippicanoe" Reference: "History of Knox & Daviess Counties, Indiana" by Goodspeed, 1886, page 209
He was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia during the War of 1812 called Brigadier General John Gibson's Brigade. Reference: Copies of Muster, Pay and Receipt Rolls of Indiana Territory Volunteers of Militia of the period of War of 1812, Volume 4, page 184 & 630.
Notes on Colonel Ephraim Jordan: He was an early American settler of Knox Co., Indiana Territory, coming there with Colonel George Rogers Clark during his campaigns at “Post Vincennes” during the Rev. War 1778-1779. He came to Vincennes circa 1784-1785, with his brother, Thomas Jordan 1765-1835, who also served with Clark, after the Revolutionary War from Jefferson Co. Virginia/Kentucky. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes" by George E. Greene, Volume 2, page 234
Following the Revolution, many men who served with Colonel Clark returned and brought friends and relatives. Two such men were brothers, Ephraim and Thomas Jordan, who settled in Knox County Indiana Territory around 1784-1785.
He married Mary Gilmore November 2, 1791 by the Reverend John Whitaker at Louisville, Jefferson Co. Va/Ky. Reference: Marriage Register, Clerk's Office, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Book, 1, page 14.
In 1786, Secretary of War, Henry Knox ordered Colonel Josiah Harmar to the outpost village of Post Vincennes. Colonel Josiah Harmar, commander of the First Regiment of U. S. Army to take command at Vincennes. During his command, Ephraim Jordan served on expeditions against the Wabash Indians. He held the rank of Corporal and was promoted to Sergeant sometime between 1791-97.
In January, 1790, General St. Clair sent Winthrop Sargent to Vincennes to take military command and to lay off a county which became Knox County. During that period of General St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, Ephraim Jordan served under the command of Colonel Armstrong as an Scout with the rank of Sergeant. On Oct. 27, 1797, Ephraim Jordan was appointed Lieutenant. Reference: "Territorial Papers of the United States, Northwest Territory" Volume 3, Page 490.
While serving under Colonel Armstrong he brought Acts of Congress as well as looking into Indian activities starting at Presque Isle in Pennsylvania, down the Ohio River to the Wabash and Mississippi Rivers, then to Vincennes. He was a member of the Vincennes Militia on 1 August 1790 under the command of General Arthur St. Clair.
During the War of 1812 he was Colonel Commandant of the First Regiment of Indiana Militia appointed 1 June 1812 by Governor William Henry Harrison. Reference: Indiana Historical Collections, Messages & Letters of William Henry Harrison, Volume 1, page 386.
He headed an expedition against the Indians during the Battle of Fort Harrison on 12 September 1812. For his service at Fort Harrison, Colonel Ephraim Jordan was granted a Bounty Land Warrant No. 94251 by the United States claimed by his widow, Mary Gilmore Jordan on 12 February 1851. Reference: “Colonel Ephraim Jordan, Battle of Fort Harrison, War of 1812” by Walter C. Burgner, Volume I, 2001, page 45. Indiana State Library Indianapolis, Indiana.
On January 28, 1814, Colonel Jordan submitted his resignation, but served until July 7, 1814, when Lieut. Colonel Scott succeeded him. In his resignation he stated "his health is such that he could not attend to the discharge of the duties of an officer being subject to frequent and violent attacks of rheumatic pains". Reference: "Indiana Territorial Military Records" letter to Thomas Posey Governor, January 28, 1814. Archives Division, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, Indiana.
He also was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions in Knox Co., Indiana 1800-1802. Ephraim Jordan an "Esquire Justice", along with James Johnson and Antoine Marechall laid out two townships. The first composed the village of Vincennes and was called "Vincennes Township" and the second was called "Harrison Township" in honor of General William Henry Harrison. Reference: "History of Old Vincennes by George E. Greene" Volume 2, page 339.
On February 11, 1818 he was appointed Knox County Commissioner and served in that capacity until his death on January 14, 1820. Reference: "Early Knox County Commissioner Records, Wednesday, February 11, 1818" Clerk's Office, Knox County Courthouse, Vincennes, Indiana.
He also owned and operated a watermill at the headwaters of the Deshee River. He was an active member of the Vincennes Subscription Library, which later became the Vincennes Public Library.
He was a Mason of the Vincennes Lodge No. 15. He was a Junior Warden in 1814 and was an active Mason up to his death. It has been stated that he was buried in his Masonic attire?
Vincennes Lodge No. 1, F. & A.M.,was given the honor of being the oldest Masonic Lodge in continual existance in the Indiana Territory. As early as 1807, local Masons wanted to form a Lodge in Vincennes and did petition the Grand Lodge of Kentucky for a Dispensation. In January 1808 the requested dispensation was granted,
He served as a Tax Collector, a Coroner and a Letter Carrier between Vincennes and Louisville from 1807 to 1810. He also held many minor offices, such as Overseer of the Poor, Overseer of the Roads, Appraiser of Houses and Supervisor of Palmyra Township.
Ephraim Jordan and Mary Gilmore children
1. Jane Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1795 and died 1865 in Knox Co. Indiana and married Isreal Mead on 9 March 1819 in Knox Co. Indiana Isreal Mead was deceased May 1833.
2. James Calvin Jordan born Knox Co., Indiana on 25 December 1800, died 11 October 1842, buried Van der Hoof Cemetery, Wade Twp., Jasper Co., Illinois, married Malinda Scott on 3 August 1825, Knox Co., Indiana. He lost his life trying to put out a grass fire in Wade Twp. Jasper Co. Illinois. His surname sometimes is spelled "Jourdan"
3. John Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 8 October 1803, died 1870, Knox Co., Indiana, married Jane Gamble on 14 October 1826. He is probably buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana.
4. William M. Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana in 1805, died 7 April 1872, Knox Co., Indiana, married (1) Jane Hunter 6 November 1828 (2) Mary Ramsey 13 March 1839.
5. Malinda Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 15 September 1806 and died 27 March 1890, Knox Co., Indiana, married Absolom Reel on 27 March 1824. They are buried in Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
6. Ephraim Jordan, Jr. born in Knox Co., Indiana on 6 December 1812, died in 1877, Knox Co., Indiana, married Elizabeth Hunter on 6 March 1834. He is buried in the Lower Indiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
7. Thomas Ephraim Jordan born in Knox Co., Indiana on 1 June 1816, died 8 March 1887, married Jemima Westfall (1818-1902) on 4 October 1840, buried Jordan-Gilmore Cemetery, Harrison Twp. Knox Co. Indiana
OBITUARY OF COLONEL EPHRAIM JORDAN
“Died at his residence in this county yesterday morning under the sudden affliction of a paralytic attack, Colonel Ephraim Jordan, and old and respectable inhabitant. The deceased had left a disconsolate consort and a large family to lament his sudden removal and possessing as he did, a heart warm and benevolent, a mind and understanding always actuated by condor, uprightness and manly fortitude, His memory will be embalmed without a solitary objection. Never perhaps has any man passed through life occupying active public stations, so universally beloved….his character will be a legacy to his children and it is to be hoped the will emulate his virtues” (Appeared in the Vincennes Western Sun, Saturday, January 15, 1820)
Gravesite Details
Headstone is somewhat faded and difficult to read but otherwise in good condition
Family Members
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