Thomas Dowling

        This distinguished resident of Vigo County was born in Ireland in 1810, and came to America in 1818. At the age of eight years his parents died, and he was thrown upon his own resources for a livelihood. But in this extremity young Dowling was not wanting in courage and energy. His first move was to enter the printing office of the National Intelligence, at Washington, D.C., where he was then living. He remained in this office fourteen years, or until he was twenty-two years of age. During this time he had become thoroughly self-educated, and had gained a practical knowledge of the political events of the country. In 1832 he removed to Terre Haute, where he started the Wabash Courier. In 1842 he became the editor and proprietor of the Express, which he conducted with energy and ability as a Whig paper until 1845. Previous to this date he had served eight years as a member of the State legislature, in which he became a prominent and useful legislator.

     In 1864 he erected Dowling Hall, at Terre Haute, at a cost of $60,000. In all the leading enterprises of his adopted city, he has been active, always productive of the general good of the county and city. In June, 1873, he was placed, by the unanimous voice of the people of Vigo county, at the head of the affairs of the county in the board of county commissioners. Grave difficulties had arisen concerning certain alleged extravagant schemes, which were calculated to burden the people with useless and enormous taxation for proposed public improvements. The county was carried through this political storm safely, chiefly through his energy and honesty of purpose. He is now an old and respected citizen of Terre Haute.

Source: An Illustrated History of the State of Indiana by DeWitt C. Goodrich and Charles R. Tuttle, 1875, page 648.