Butler-Stott-Crowe Branch
JCPL Vernon Branch
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PROGRAM BROCHURE
The Vernon Gym, has now been rebranded as the “Vawter Recreational Center”, this building serves as a multifunctional recreational facility that enhances the health, wellness and knowledge for citizens of all ages in Vernon and the surrounding community.
Vernon has a rich history of being a leader in education! This library and education center pays homage to three men who were cornerstones in Vernon education and Indiana Colleges and Universities. Ovid Butler from Butler University, William T. Stott from Franklin College, and John Finely Crowe from Hanover College. Find more information about them below.
Keep an eye out for programs on our events calendar. Most programs will be held in the Butler Stott Crowe education center! For more information or a list of upcoming programs, call 812-346-2091 or click the button below!
Back to its roots!
HISTORY IN THE NAME
Ovid Butler
In 1817, at the age of 16, Ovid Butler moved to Vernon to join his grandfather, Joel. In a one room cabin on Gaines Street, Ovid became Vernon’s second teacher. Between 1819 and 1825, he taught common school, attended Vernon Seminary, and lived with William Avery Bullock, a local lawyer who gave him legal instructions. He worked as a store clerk and continued to self study. In 1825, Ovid made his way north. From 1825 to 1836, Ovid practiced law in Shelbyville. Next, he moved to Indianapolis where he became increasingly active with the Disciples of Christ Movement and abolitionist. On January 15, 1850 the Indiana General Assembly approved a school for the Christian movement. Ovid raised the necessary $75,000 and North Western Christian University opened November 1, 1855. Butler served as the head of their board of directors for sixteen years and later made Chancellor. In honor of their founder, the University was renamed Butler University on February 28, 1877.
Butler University
William T. Stott was born in Vernon in 1836. Son of a Baptist preacher, he spent most of his boyhood on the farm. He studied common school in Vernon, but later attended Sardinia Academy. In 1856, Stott left for Franklin College. With their Baptist roots, this was the ideal place for William. He graduated From the classical course in June of 1861 and enlisted one month later. By 1863, Stott became Captain of Company I, Eighteenth Regiment Volunteer Infantry. In 1864, Stott left the Army and returned to Vernon. Stott graduated from Rochester (N.Y.) Theological Seminary in 1868. In 1869, William was called back to Franklin College to serve as their President. At the time, Franklin College was struggling financially and with attendance. Under Stott’s Leadership, the College was able to flourish and prosper. He left Franklin for one year in 1872, but immediately returned. William T. Stott remained the President of Franklin College until his retirement in 1905. He was elected president emeritus. He is Franklin College’s longest serving President. Upon retirement, Stott continued to be a leader in Indiana. He became the President of the Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Home and wrote the History of the Baptist Church in Indiana.
Franklin College
William T. Stott
John Finley Crowe was born in 1787 in Green County, Tennessee. He attended Transylvania University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and was ordained a Presbyterian Minister in 1815. Crowe served as a pastor in Kentucky for several years and was a leading activist for the Presbyterian Movement. In the early 1820’s, Crowe moved north to Indiana as was vital in the continued expansion, growth and organization of Presbyterians and abolitionist. In 1822, he taught Latin in the Vernon Seminary, coordinated The Vernon Presbyterian Church, while also living and ministering in Hanover. His work in the church and in education earned him the title, “twice the founder”. In 1827, Hanover College was established and is Indiana’s oldest private college. John Finley Crowe’s zeal for religion, his energy and devotion are depicted in the modest and prophetic beginnings of the College.
Hanover College