Boonville Courthouse Markers

Location: These markers are located around the courthouse on the square in Boonville, Indiana.

Boonville Courthouse

Two of the plaques can be seen flanking the north entrance to the courthouse.

James A. Hemenway Plaque

This plaque is on the left side of the north entrance to the courthouse and is dedicated to James A. Hemenway.

The plaque reads:
U. S. House of Representatives 1895-1905. United States Senate 1905-1909. James A. Hemenway 1860 - 1923. Who through hard work, practical genius, and American opportunity, rose to positions of high honor and responsibility in both houses of congress. His distinguished service to the State of Indiana was an important contribution to American ideals of good government. In appreciation of his qualities and service this memorial is erected by his many friends and a grateful community. Erected by The Warrick County Historical Society 1938.

Honig's Name on James A. Hemenway Plaque

Close-up of Honig's name.

William Fortune Plaque

This plaque is on the right side of the north entrance to the courthouse and is dedicated to William Fortune.

The plaque reads:
William Fortune, Born in Boonville, May 27, 1863. Here began a life, endowed with rare ability, courage and resourcefulness. Dedicated to intelligent, unselfish and far-reaching service to mankind--a life that has brought honor to his birthplace, leadership to his contemporaries and a heritage of inspiration to future generations. Erected by The Warrick County Historical Society, 1938.

Abraham Lincoln Plaque

This plaque is on the northeast corner of the courthouse and is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.

The plaque reads:
Abraham Lincoln. While living with his father on a farm about seventeen miles from here came often to Boonville to hear court trials and to borrow books from John A. Brackenridge. From this corner Abraham Lincoln traveled north by ox-team on the old Boonville-Petersburg-Vincennes road when emigrating to Illinois in 1830. Sponsored by The Warrick County Historical Society, 1932.

Abraham Lincoln Plaque

Close-up of his name.

William L. Barker Plaque

This plaque is on the southeast corner of the courthouse and is dedicated to William L. Barker.

The plaque reads:
William L. Barker 1857 - 1937. President of Warrick County Historical Society 1922-1927. President of Southwestern Indiana Historical Society 1929-31. Who performed important service in establishing by verified statements from pioneers the historical record of Abraham Lincoln's early visits to Boonville while living in this region. Sponsored by The Warrick County Historical Society, 1932.

Ratliff Boon Marker

This stone bust is on the southwest corner of the courthouse and is dedicated to Ratliff Boon. As of 2005, there has been NO proof that this is a George Honig sculpture.

According to The Indianapolis News, May 19, 1949, the sculpture was one of 31 that were sculpted by Henry Saunders for the English Opera House and Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. When the hotel was torn down, the sculptures were sold. Warren W. Martin purchased the Ratcliff Brown (Boon) sculpture for $50.

The marker reads:
Ratliff Boon, The faithful among the faithfullest. Born 1781 - Died 1844. First Indiana State Legislator, Lt. Governor State of Ind. 1819, Governor State of Ind., Sept. 12, 1822 to Dec. 5, 1822. U.S. Congressman 8 terms, 1823 - 1839. Donated by Veterans of Foreigh Wars, Post 3418, Warrick Post 200 American Legion.