[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 96 (Thursday, July 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   VERMILLION COUNTY'S 175TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN E. BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 1999

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 175th birthday of 
Vermillion County, Indiana. Nearly two centuries of proud history and 
tradition encompass an area only seven miles wide and 37 miles long. 
The county's unusual shape was formed in order to better govern and 
patrol the area when it was still a frontier on the Wabash River.
  Vermillion County gained its name from a French translation of a 
Miami Indian word meaning ``red earth,'' or clay. For years, clay 
provided a major business for this county. Now businesses such as Eli 
Lilly, Inland Container, Public Service Indiana, Peabody Coal, and the 
Newport Army Ammunition Depot are the major employers that exist in 
this ''red earth'' county.
  Even though Vermillion County is small in size, many notable figures 
have called it home. Henry Washburn, a Newport lawyer, was appointed 
Lieutenant Colonel of the 18th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment 
during the Civil War. Washburn and his regiment served heroically in 
several battles such as Pea Ridge, Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg 
campaign, and Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign. After the Civil 
War, Washburn was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he 
contributed to the creation of Yellowstone National Park.
  Born on a farm near Dana was yet another historic figure, the famous 
World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle. Pyle accompanied American 
serivcemen in both the European and Pacific theaters. Pyle's work 
portrayed the grim aspects of war and also the lighter moments between 
the chaos. His writing was, and still is, seen as some of the best 
journalism of the twentieth century.
  Besides historical figures, Vermillion County has also been home to 
entertainment personalities as well. The actor Ken Kercheval was born 
in Wolcottville. One of his most notable acting jobs was on the hit 
television series ``Dallas.'' Kercheval has even had a guest appearance 
on ``ER.'' Another Vermillion native is Jill Marie Landis. Landis is a 
nationally best-selling author. She has written 13 award winning books. 
Landis claims that her childhood in Clinton, Indiana, helped to inspire 
her stories.
  I congratulate all of the residents of Vermillion County who are 
taking part in the 175th birthday celebrations.