USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Indianapolis illustrated : the capital city of Indiana : its growth, resources, commerce, manufacturing interests, financial institutions, and prospects, also sketches of the leading business concerns which contribute to the city's progress and prosperity > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
BLISSIRIED
1893
PUBLIC LIBRARY FORT WAYNE & ALLEN CO., IND.
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01715 4029
Gc 977.202 In3ii Indianapolis illustrated
6
J
SEP 2 0 1940
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017
https://archive.org/details/indianapolisillu00unse
INDIANAPOLIS 1893
ILLUSTRATED
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne IN 46801-2270
JAN 2 8 1941
435521
GENERAL INDEX.
20-450
PAGE
Adams, C. F. Company, Household Goods. 161
Adams, L. F. & Co., Fruits and Produce. 180
Aetna Saving and Loan Association, The 149
Allison, W. D. Company, Physicians' Specialties. . 107
American Boiler Works. 157 American Installment Co., The, Household Goods 141 American Investment Company . 181
American Lounge Company. 133
Anderson, S., Groceries, Meats, etc. 162
Androvette Art Glass Company, The 99
Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association. 116
Archdeacon, Wm., Pickles, Vinegars, etc. 141
Art Embossing Machine Company. 96
Ayres, L. S. & Co., Dry and Fancy Goods. 141
Baber, A. & Co., Live Stock Commission 131
Baker, Thornton, Blank Books, etc. 154
Balke & Krauss, Lumber, Lime, Cement, etc. 105
Ballard, W. H., Ice Cream ..
167
Bamberger's New York Hat Company. 164 Bannon & Co., Glassware, Queensware, etc. 153 Baron Brothers, Pharmacists. 101
Barmm, C. E., Pharmacist 157
Barr, W. H., Footwear 164
Baughman, H. R. A., Publisher
144
Bedford, C. T., Druggist and Physicians' Supply House 89
Binzer, S., Dry Goods, Clothing, etc. 163 Black Mfg. Co., The C. H., Carriages, Buggies, etc 116 Blumberg, John, Produce Commission. 145
Boeckling, G. A., Capitalist 75
Bogert, James, Trunks and Traveling Bags, etc. 172
Boicourt, Tyner & Co., Granite, Marble, etc. 103 Booth's Stables. 117
Borinstein, A., Scrap Metals, Rags, etc. 158
Bos, Jacob, Wines, Liquors, etc .... 119
Bradley, Holton & Co., (Incorporated) Agricultural Machinery 146
PAGE
Brandt, F. W., Boxes and Cooperage 118
Brink & Hohl, Merchant Tailors. 139
Brown, F. E., Boots and Shoes 156
Browning & Son, Pharmacists. 126
Bullock & Bolton, Real Estate. 176
Buschmann, Wm. & Co., Groceries, Teas, Dry and Fancy Goods, etc. 162
Camplin, R .. S., Footwear 147
Canfie'd, W. S., Printer 170
Capital Machine Works. 145
Catt, L. A., Flour, Feed, etc. 102
Catterson, R. F. & Son, Real Estate.
168
Central Chair Company 176
Chance-Matthews Printing Company 145
Chandler & Taylor Company, Boiler and Engine Manufacturers 82
Chief Manufacturing Company, Saws and Saw Mill Supplies
131
Ciener, I., Liquors 125
Clary, L. E., Drugs 171
Clune, John, House Furnishing Goods
66
Commercial Electric Company 87
Compton & Rice, Food Products. 129
Connor Hardware Company .
126
Coulter, C. W., Groceries, Meats, etc. 124
Cox & Gossom, Confectioners.
144
Coy, Simeon, Sample Room 71
Crane, S. D , Jeweler
157
Cummings, M. F., Type Boxes and Builders'
Wood Work 174
Day's Aurora Tea Store. 150
Deschler, Louis G., Smokers' Articles 140
Dewald & Gall, Plumbing, etc. 178
Diener, Aug., Monuments.
169
Downey, C. E , Confectioncry Company.
161
Dunlap & Volkening, General Commission Mer- chants 124
PAGI
Dunn, John C., Plumber and Gas Fitter. 125
Duvall, Charles E., Draperies, Curtains, etc 140
Dyer & Rassmann, Real Estate. 111
Eads, R. I., Pharmacist . 167
Efroymson & Wolf, Dry Goods. 143
Ehrisman, S., Miller. 170
Eitel, C. A., Pharmacist.
185
Empire Theatre
137
Emrich, Paulini & Co., Wood Workers 141
Enterprise Foundry and Fence Company 163 Evans Linseed Oil Works. 132
Evans, V. P., Proprictor Fulton Fish Market 123
Everroad & Prunk, Builders' Hardware, etc. 146
Fahnley & McCrea, Millinery 104
Famous Stove Company.
104
Famous Eagle Clothing
158
Farrell, J. S. & Co., Plumbers, etc .. 148
Fashion, The, Ladies' and Children's Shoes
137
Fatout, M. K. & Sons, Contractors and Builders.
142
Fidelity Building and Savings Union
136
Fisk, H. C. & Son, Vehicles, Harness and Horse Goods . 98
Flanner & Buchanan, Undertakers 165
Foley, Bros. & Co., Plumbers and Gas Fitters 183
Fort, Johnston & Co., Live Stock Commission.
109
Foster & Bennett Lumber Company
110
Fox, H S., Meats
174
Frank, F. W., Furniture. 98
Freiberg, J. & Co., Saddlery, Harness and Horse
Goods .. 154
Fuller Cloak and Suit Company, The F. E. 104
Fulmer, L. A , Contractor. 77
Gage, Thos. H., Electrical Appliances 122
Galloway, S. F., Furs.
88
Gauld, John D., Pharmacist
134
Geisendorff, C. E. & Co., Woolen Textile Fabrics. 159
Gem Steam Laundry
143
GENERAL INDEX.
PAGE
Gill, Mrs. B., Groceries and Meats. 162
Globe Accident Insurance Company. 72 Indianapolis Art Stained Glass Works. 159
Gold, S. N. & Co., Fruit and Produce 102 Indianapolis Box Factory 169
Gordon & Harmon, Engines, Boilers, etc. 165
Gorsuch, C. W., Real Estate and Loans 127
Grand Hotel. 130
"Granger Drug Store, The. 168
Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, The 142
Groenwoldt & Behringer, Wines and Liquors 145 Indianapolis Paint and Color Company 180
Guedelhoefer, John, Carriages and Wagons.
106
Haerle, Wm., Dry Goods .. 160
Harseim, R. G., Overalls, Jeans, Pants, etc .. 152
Heeb & Osborn, Proprs. of Indianapolis Business University . 106
Heims, I. N., Pharmacist 175
Helfer, A. A. Sons, Carriages, Wagons, etc 165
Hendricks & Cooper, Boots and Shoes. 108
Hendrickson, Lefler & Co., Hats, Caps, etc. 129
Henley, Eaton & Co., Hats, Caps, Gloves, etc 129
Herancourt Brewing Company, The. 148
Hereth, Ad., Harness and Trunk Mfr. 175
Holtzman, Lee, Livery and Boarding Stables. 120
Home Lumber Company. 99
Home Liquor Store, Tre 147
Hough, L. G , Leaf Tobacco. 155
Howard's Carpet Cleaning Works. 150
"Howe" The, Sample Room and Cafe.
76
Howland & Johnson, Agricultural Implements, etc. 115 Huber Manufacturing Company, The, Farm En- gines and Threshers 140
Hunter, Franklin, Dry Goods 174 Hunter, Mrs. J. M., Grocer 105
Huntington, F. C., & Co., Seeds, Bulbs, etc. 116
Hussey & Russeil, Lumber. 152
Igoe, T. K., & Co., Cigars, Tobacco, etc .. . 142
Indiana Dental College 142
Indiana Farmers' Savings and Loan Association. 139
Kutsch, Jno. A., Harness Maker 174
Laing, Samuel, Sheet Metal and Copper Works 125
Lambur Pharmacy. 111
Landers & Donnelly, Hardwood Lumber. 179
Langenskamp, Wm., Mfr. of Brew Kettles, Scda
Fountains, etc
103
PAGE.
Layman & Carey Company, Hardware, etc. 83
Lee, H. H .. 177
Lemon, D. A., Insura· ce. 170
Lilly, Eli & Co., Pharmacist. 138
Lion Clothing Manufacturing Company, The. 88
Long, W. T., Pharmacist. 146
Madison Brewing Company . 106
Maguire, Charles, Granger Store. 160
Maine, W. P., Hardware, etc 158
Mann Brothers, Stables 144
Mannfeld, Geo., Clothier and Gents' Furnisher. 134
Marceau & Power, Photographers 81
Marcy, W. T., Jeweler. 126
Marott, Geo. J., Footwear.
138
Mascari Brothers, F., & Co., Fruits. 182
Mattill Brothers, Pharmacists 167
Mayer, Chas., & Co., Druggists and Stationers, 79 Sundries and Fancy Goods, Toys and Notions Mayhew, Jas. N., Optician. 156
.
McCleary, C. A., Coffee Broker
184
McGauly, Jas., Plumbing, Gas and Steam Fitting. 185
McKonkle, J. P., Boarding and Livery Stab'e. 172
Kimberlin Mfg. Co., Harrows, Cultivators, etc. 70 McMillin, W. E , Pharmacist. 134
Kingan & Co., Pork Packers 80
Kingston, The, Wm. Tron, Propr.
97
Meier, Louis, & Co., Shirts, Pants and Overalls, etc. 183 Merritt, Geo., & Co., Woolen Manufacturers and Wool Dealers. 78
Meridian National Bank. 108
Messenger, W. H., Furniture, etc. 170
Metzger, Jacob & Co., Bottlers .. 111
Miessen, Julius, Confectioner and Caterer. 107
Miner & Elbreg, Physicians' Specialties. 94
Minneapolis Esterly Harvester Company 168
Mode & Kaile, Proprietors of Pioneer Shoe House. 123
Model Fence Company, The ... 160
Moore, N. A., & Co., Grocery and Meat Market. 182
Moore Packing Company. 155
Morrison, G. C., Pharmacist 174
Mueller, Ferd A., Pharmacist. 182
Muhl, S., Pharmacist
132
Mullen-Blackledge Company, The, Relishes and
Table Delicacies. 151
Jenney Electric Motor Company 101
Johnston, John F., Druggist 169
Keach, Jos. L., Fruit and Produce Commission 166
Keely, O. A., Fire Places. 136
Keller, Robert, Dry Goods, etc. 132
Kern, W. H., Pharmacist. 170
Keyless Lock Company, The. 86
Killinger, Geo. W , Store, Office and Bar Fixtures 136
Kinzly, H., Hair Goods. 146
Kipp Bros Company, Fancy and Sporting Goods, etc .. 112
Klee & Coleman, Aerated Beverages 154
Knickerbocker Regulator Co., The Gas, Steam and
Water Regulators 89
Kotteman, Wm., Furniture 127
Krause & Dewenter, Heating and Ventilating 154
Kregelo, D. Son & Irvin, Undertakers 130
Kuhn, C. J., Grocer. 143
Kunz, Joseph F., Tailor. 162
Indiana Illustrating Company 186 Indiana National Bank. 130
Indiana Real Estate Exchange 184
Indiana Suspender Company.
134
Indiana Trust Company, The 177
PAGE
Indiana Veterinary Infirmary, The. 119
Indianapolis Brewing Company . 94
Indianapolis Brush Works. 166
Indianapolis Coffin Company 84
Indianapolis Grille and Novelty Company 161
Indianapolis National Bank, The .. 112
Indianapolis Polishing Wheel Works. 147
Indianapolis Steel Roofing and Corrugating Co 128
Indianapolis Warehouse Company, The 152
Jay, Jas. E., Proprietor of the Stag 85
Jeffery, Powell & Co., Live Stock Commission 147
McWorkman, W., Cornices, etc. 172
GENERAL INDEX.
PAGE
Mummenhoff & Co., Commission Merchants. 181
Murphy, J. A., & Co., Fruit and Produce. 128
National Building, Loan and Savings Association .. 100
New York Underwriters' Ag ncy. . 175
Nicolai, Henry, Meats. 109
Noel Bros ' Flour and Feed Company. 156
Nordyke & Marmon Company, Flour Mill Machinery .93
Nutz & Grosskopf, Boot and Shoe Uppers. 155
Off, C., & Co., Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron Workers 166 Olsen, O. R., Propr. Indianapolis Bolt and Ma- chine Works .. 135
Original Eagle Clothing Company. 180
Original Misfit Clothing Parlors. 134
Ott Manufacturing Company, L. W. Lounges. 154
Papadopeuris, J. A., Confectionery 172
Patterson & Busby, Hoops. 184
Pearson's Music House. 150
Perry, J. C., & Co., Wholesale Grocers. 178
Pioneer Brass Works .. 102
Plummer, Hiram, Real Estate. 159
Poindexter Manufacturing Company, Corn Splitting Machinery and Horse Powers. 114
Port Huron Engine and Thresher Company. 114 Potter, Thos. E., Straw Goods 118
Potts, C. and A., & Co , Brick Machinery 95
Power. J. T., Propr. of Washington Market. 171
P. P. Electric Repair Company 159 Prange, F., Miller 170
Prudential Insurance Company. The. 151
Provident Life and Trust Co. of Philadelphia 174
Raffensperger, H. C , Pharmacist. 137
Rahke & Bech, Meats .. 158
Railway Officials and Employes Accident Associa- tion 69
Ralston & Robertson, Real Estate 179
Rathert. W. H , Pharmacist .. 173
Rauch, John, Cigars and Tobaccos 128
Rees, R. H Fruits and Vegetables. 150
Reese, E. E , Dentist .. 157
Rehling, W. C., Brick Manufacturer 145 Reick, Edward C., Pharmacist. 171
Ridgley, H. D . Pharmacist
123
Rink, J. A., Dry Goods, etc. 90
Rockwood Manufacturing Company, Machinists and Founders.
121
Stockman, L. S., Pharmacist 133
PAGE Sturtevant, A. H., & Co., Agricultural Implements 102 Styer, M. R., Aerated Beverages. 152 Sullivan Cloak and Suit Company, The. 149 Syerup, Henry, & Sons, Produce Commission 158 Tanner & Sullivan, Tin Plate, Sheet Iron, etc. 177
Taylor, Major, Men's Furnishings. 169
Techentin, H., & Co., Harness, Saddles, etc. 166
Thompson, L. C., Furniture Work, Moul ings.etc. 133
Thornsburgh, Thomas R., Pharmacist. 173
Thurman, J. S., & Co., Drawings, Patterns, Models 103 161
Tomlinson, H., Flour, Feed, etc
Tompkins, E. W., Druggist. 173
Truemper, C. J., Society and Theatrical Goods, etc. 137 Tucker's Glove Store .. 126
Turpin & Mathews, House Furnishing, Dry and Fancy Goods 183
Tutewiler, Comrade H. W., Undertaker 122
Udell Woodenware Works 92
Union Stock Yards .. 94
Vanier, B. H., Builders' Hardware, etc 153
Vinch, Sanzeri & Co., Commission Merchants 181
Volz Bros., Harness, Saddles, Collars, etc 166
Vonnegut, Clemens, Hardware. 149
Wachs & Gerlach, Wood Turning & Scroll Sawing 105
Waddy & Son, Groceries, etc 165
Walker, Harry A., Sample Room 186
Walker, A. L., Druggist .. 171
Ward Brothers, Drugs and Druggists Sundries 151 Wasson, H. P., & Co., Dry Goods. 12,
Watson. Chas. C., Druggist. 164
Welch & McCloskey, Real Estate 175
· Wessling, L. A , Boots and Shoes 156
164
West Side Planing Mill Company Whelden, J. E , Gents' Furnishing Goods. 174
Whiteley Clay & Co , Agricultural Machinery 175 Wilgus, O. C., Groceries, Provisions, etc 167
Wilmot, F. L., & Co., Confectioners 126
Wilson, E. H., Pharmacist 172
Wolcott, F. E., Pharmacist. 136
Wood Ornament Company, The 162
Stevens, A. W., & Son, Agricultural Implements .. 113 World's Fair, House Furnishing Goods. 66
Wright, H. A , Mince Meat, Cakes Pies, etc .. 162
160 Stevenson, John & Co., Dry Goods and Notions ... Stocker, W. H , Pharmacist. 157 Wysong. G. R , & Co . Wholesale Confectioners ... 98
Young, Dildine & McMurray, Merchant Tailors ... 156
Rosenberg, John, Merchant Tailor. 146 Stockton, Gillespie & Co., Live Stock Commission 113
PAGE
Ross, Jas. R., & Co., Whiskies. 185
Rottler, F. M., Harness and Turf Goods 163
Rouse Bros. & Co., Wholesale Commission. 150
Rumely, M. Company, Agricultural Implements, etc. 100
Rupert, F. H., Furniture . 135
Rupp. W. F., Merchant Tailor. 176
Russe Henry, Grain, Seeds, etc 167
Ryder, J. M., Wines, Liquors and Cigars. 129
Samuels, R , Food Supplies. 163
Schafer, Wm., Groceries, Meats, etc. 118
Schergens, Henry C., Watchmaker and Jeweler. 173
Schmalholz, Casper, Wines and Liquors 186
Schmidt, Otto, Wines, Liquors, etc. 163
Schuller, Julius A., Wines, Brandies, etc. 119
Schwartz's Pharmacy. . 165
Scibird, H. W., Photographer. 128
Scofield, Shurmer & Tegle, Oil Refiners. 169
Scott, J. M., Pharmacist .. 173
Sells, M., & Co., Live Stock Commission 113
Severin, Ostermeyer & Co., Groceries, etc 153
Share, Geo. K., & Co., Saddlery Hardware and Carriage Goods, etc .. 118
Shaw & Lang, Real Estate and Pensions. 168
Shea, John & Bro., Groceries, Meats, etc. 122
Sherman, Paul & Co., Harness, Saddles, etc. 161
160
Shiel, R. R., & Co., Live Stock Purchasing Agents Simminds, F. M., Propr. of Victor Buggy Works. 179 Sindlinger, Peter, Pork and Beef Packer. 74
Sloan, Geo. W., Pharmacist. 108
Smith, F. H , Printer 157
Smith, Day & Co., (Limited) Chairs, Cots, etc. 168
Smither, T. J . Roofing.
127
Smock, W. C., Real Estate.
171
Snavely, Charles, Jeweler.
173
Solliday, H. F., & Co., Teas, Baking Powder, etc .. 178
Spier, John F., Groceries, Meats and Produce. 150 Williams, W. M , Washing-Tea. 1 15
Stag, The, Jas. E. Jay, Proprietor .. 85
Standard Manufacturing Company, Bicycles. 124
State Bank of Indiana, The. 133 161
Staub, J. W., Merchant Tailor.
Zimmerman, C., & Son, Slate and Gravel Roofers 148
-
BENJ. HARRISON, EX-PRESIDENT UNITED STATES.
.
ANKING among the most prosperous and enterprising commercial centers of our rapidly expanding country, stands the city of Indianapolis, capital of the State of Indiana, and the most populous city within the bounds of her broad domain. Singularly fortunate in her geographical advantages, being situated in the very heart of the State, surrounded by a territory, rich in agricultural, mineral and other natural resources, having unsurpassed transportation facilities, she stands to-day as the great center from which radiate many of the great manufacturing, educational and financial interests, which have so rapidly developed this great and noble State. Few cities in the country have such ample transportation facilities as has Indianapolis, and her communication with all parts of the country by rail is direct and rapid. The history of Indianapolis is one of
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED.
continuous struggle against great obstacles and strong competition, but hier growth in spite of adverse circumstances during the last decade has been rapid and permanent, and she is to-day financially in a strong and healthy condition, the educational center of the State, and soci- ally as well as in all other respects offers valuable inducements, both for business and residence that are fully demonstrated by her wonder- ful development and prosperity. Indianapolis was first settled in 1819 or 1820, and during the latter year was selected as the State Capital, and during the same year the present city site was platted by Alexander Ralston. It was also in December of this year that Marion County was organized, and in 1832 the town was duly incorporated, although it was not till 1836 that the action of citizens was duly legal- ized by special act of the legislature. An act re-incorporating the town was adopted February 17, 1838, and this act provided among other things the including within its corporate limits the four sections or "donations " of land made by Congress upon the admission of the State in 1816.
From this time on the city grew rapidly by reason of the fact that enterprising merchants and manufacturers quickly realized the many advantages offered by this infant city, and every branch of commercial enterprise began' springing up. Manufactories were established, weekly papers issued, school houses erected, and backed by ample capital, and the untiring energy of its citizens, the city has kept pace with the rapid strides of modern development, and it can truthfully be said that Indianapolis has before it a brilliant future.
The city is well laid out, its streets broad, the larger portion of them paved, and lighted by electricity. Its business and manufactur- ing structures are substantially built, and many of them are triumphs of modern architecture, while few cities have a better equipped street railway system.
The public buildings, of which the State Capitol Building is the most conspicuous feature, are among the most attractive points of interest to the visitor, and include the State House, Court House,
Union Depot, Masonic Hall, Commercial Club, Public Library, County Jail and other State institutions.
The great wholesale and jobbing interests of the city, together with its vast manufacturing industries will be treated at length in the following pages of this review in order that the reader may have a clearer conception of the prominent position which Indianapolis holds to-day in the commercial and financial circles of the country.
The State of Indiana ranks among the prominent agricultural sections of the country, and this owing to the fact of its having a rich soil, a temperate and equable climate, and unsurpassed facilities for natural and artificial drainage, offers substantial inducements for investment in farm lands and the pursuit of agriculture.
Indiana is bounded on the north by Michigan, east by Ohio, south by the Ohio river, and on the west by Illinois. She has a total area of 36,119 square miles, or 23,116,160 acres. To the east and northeast of the city of Indianapolis, there is an inexhaustible supply of volitic limestone, the most important mineral deposit in the State. In Washington County alone there are 200 square miles of this formation, much of which has an average thickness of forty feet, and many other counties have equally as good deposits. This stone, which is unexcelled for building purposes, and of which there is an unlimited supply, exists chiefly in Putnam, Monroe, Owen, Lawrence and Washington counties. In Lawrence and several other counties are found large deposits of kaoline, or white clay, and sand of a supe- rior quality is also found in Washington, Madison and several other counties. A large coal producing area, covering a tract of 7,000 miles, extends through Fountain, Vermillion, Vigo, Clay, Park, Owen, Knox, Green, Martin, Daviess, Posey, Pike, Dubois, Warrick, Van- derburg, Spencer and Perry counties, and coal mines have been suc- cessfully worked in all this territory since 1888. The entire State, especially the southern portion, has always been rich in the growth of hardwood lumber, with considerable amounts of oak, ash, sugar, beech, hickory, linn, sycamore, etc., in other sections, and large for- ests of oak and hickory in the eastern part of the State.
-
435521
3
-
STATE CAPITOL AT INDIANAPOLIS.
36
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
There are many mineral springs scattered throughout the State the waters of which are sought after far and wide by invalids for their medi- cinal properties; among the most noted of which are the Sulphur Springs at French Lake and Weis- baden in Orange County. But one feature which has made the State of Indiana noted throughout the country is its natural gas, which is found in seemingly inexhaustible quantities throughout a wide portion of its ter- ritory, and which has given to In- dianapolis an unlimited supply of fuel, the cheapest and most easily handled to be found in the world, and due reference of which will be made in future pages of this work.
From the brief description of the many and varid sources of wealth of this great State of Indiana previ- ously given, it will readily be seen that the city of Indianapolis, lying within the very center of this rich and fertile country, has advantages and opportunities for growth and development seldom accorded to any city, and how well she has availed herself of these advantages will be briefly depicted in the following pages of this review.
EARLY DATES AND DATA. Before entering upon a descriptive
1
-
BENJAMIN HARRISON, EX-PRESIDENT UNITED STATES.
narrative of the trade, commerce and industrial resources of Indianapolis, it is becoming to briefly recapitulate the early history of the settlement in order that the reader may justly appreciate the valor and invincible hardihood of the men and women, who, leaving behind them the ease and comfort of life as it then was in the East, forced their way through the wilderness,and despite the threats and often times the savage attacks of the hostile Indians, founded a home in this, the west central, and at that time, the most inhospitable part of Indiana. In the early part of this century, although sparse settlements were to be found in southern, eastern and western Indiana, the central por- tion of the state was as yet a terra incognito, in which no white man had penetrated, save perhaps a few hardy trappers in the pursuit of game, or a lone missionary on his way to carry the Gospel of Peace to the warlike nations. There were here no naviga- ble waters on which to launch the frail canoe, no beaten paths through the tangled brush and dense forests of hard woods over which could pass the wagon of the pioneer, and what is now the richest and most fertile part of this great state was then the most uninviting. And even when, some- where before 1820, the first set-
37
INDIANAPOLIS ILLUSTRATED, THE CAPITAL CITY OF INDIANA.
tler had here built his log cabin and had undertaken the huge task of converting this home of muskrat and beaver into fields of waving corn and blooming rye, the difficulties which instantly beset him were almost insuperable. The very richness and luxuriance of nature as here exemplified in miles upon miles of thickly growing trees, the fertility of the soil itself, and many other causes, combined to make life an incessant battle against malaria, chill and ague; the deprivation of communing with his fellow men, the appalling isolation in the great forests without any means of communication with the outside world, the constant dread of raids on the part of the natives, all made life unendurable. To those pioneers of civilization who braved all these and other dangers, therefore, it is due that brief mention of their deeds should be made in any work exultingly de- scriptive of Indianapolis, the "Railway City," the brighest gem in the coronet of one of the fairest of the United States of America.
As to who was the first white man to erect his cabin on the site of the city there is dispute. We know, however, that in 1819 George Pogue, John McCormick and James McCormick with some others came here to prospect, and in 1820 the McCormicks brought their families here. It is claimed by some, and denied by others, that in 1819 George Pogue built himself a hut, and this is corroborated by the evidence of his son, at that time a young man of 19 years. The amount of evidence on either side is about equal.
In February, 1820, the McCormick brothers erected a house on the banks of the White river. Soon after the population of the settlement was increased by the arrival of John Maxwell, John Cowan, Henry Davis, Samuel Davis, Corboby, Van Blaricum, Barnhill, Hard- ing, Isaac Wilson, and others. Later in the year they were joined by others, and the community had sprung into existence.
In 1821 the settlement received its baptism of blood, a never fail- ing occurrence in all frontier camps. George Pogue was murdered by a party of Shawnee Indians, who were running off his horses, near what has since been known as Pogue's creek. The population had by this time been augmented, and numbered in 1822 about five hundred souls. In 1821 two interesting events took place, viz .:
the first birth and the first marriage. A fact illustrative of the great difficulties that beset the inhabitants at every turn is that Jeremiah Johnson, the bridegroom, had to walk sixty miles to Con- nersville and sixty miles back in order to obtain the necessary mar- riage license.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.