USA > Indiana > Marion County > Indianapolis > Early reminiscences of Indianapolis, with short biographical sketches of its early citizens, and a few of the prominent business men of the present day > Part 15
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RILEY .B. HOGSIIIRE.
With Mr. Hogshire the writer was intimately acquainted for the full length of time he was a citizen of Marion County,
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Early Reminiscences.
thirty-three years, and during that time never heard a harsh or unkind word spoken of Riley B. Hogshire; and in writing of him our imagination wanders to the days of by-gone years, when the joyful gladness of youthful days shed its enlivening radiance on the hearts of the young.
" Pleased with the present, full of glorious hope,"
he lived to see his children grown up around him, and the fondest hope of his youthful days realized, in a great meas- ure. But he has gone from the hum of the busy world and solved the great problem of life.
He was born in Worcester County, Maryland, in the year 1798, and there remained until he had attained his eighteenth year, when he settled near Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, in the year 1826; he emigrated from the latter place to Ma- rion County, and settled in Pike township, seven miles north- west of Indianapolis, in the midst of his political friends ; his heart untainted by any desire to injure any one, he soon built up a host of personal friends.
Like most others who settled here at that time, he possessed but little of worldly goods, but he had that which was more valuable-integrity, industry and perseverance-and which always brings its reward.
The first spring he was in this county he helped twenty- eight families to roll logs, burn brush and clear a garden, or " truck patch," as it was commonly called, where cabbage, potatoes and other "garden sass," as old Mrs. Carter would say, was raised.
A garden spot was generally the first improvement made after the settler had raised his cabin, and many is the time we have have heard the housewife directing her liege lord where and how to prepare it.
He had an extensive acquaintance throughout this and the adjoining counties, and perhaps exercised as much influence,
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William R. Hogshire.
politically, as any person in his township. He served as jus- tice of the peace for about fifteen years, often officiating as peacemaker and settling difficulties between his neighbors without their resorting to law or litigation.
He was among the number of Pike township that in the year 1828 cast their ballot for the "Sage of the Hermitage," and, throughout his entire life, was a Democrat of the Jack- son school, and adhered strictly to its political faith.
He moved to Morgan County in the year 1837, and there died in the fifty-sixth year of his age. He had lived to see " the wilderness blossom as the rose," and transformed into happy homes for his many friends. He died with a full hope of a reunion hereafter with his kindred and friends.
" He is the happy man, whose life e'en now, Shows somewhat of the happier life to come."
WILLIAM R. HOGSHIRE.
Riley B. Hogshire is represented in this city in the person of his son, whose name heads this sketch, and who inherits a great many of the father's fine traits of character, and is con- sidered one of the true business men of the city.
William R. Hogshire was selected and appointed Steward of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum in the year 1858. This posi- tion he held for several years, and then, in connection with another of Pike township's good-looking young men, John F. Council, as a partner, bought out the retail grocery establish- ment of J. J. Bradshaw.
After keeping this store sometime they in turn sold out, and it was during the time that they were out of business that Mr. Hogshire received the nomination of the Democratic con- vention for County Auditor, and received the full strength of the party vote against General McGinnis, the candidate of the opposing party. After this he and his old partner, in connec- tion with another old citizen, J. B. E. Reid, commenced the
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Early Reminiscences.
wholesale and retail boot and shoe business, at their old stand, No. 25 West Washington street.
While writing of this locality, I am reminded of an inci- dent that occurred there over thirty years ago. At that time there stood on that ground a small one-story building, in one of the back rooms of which was a tiger's lair, kept by two en- terprising and well known citizens. At that time this animal many fought but few conquered.
A prominent Wabash merchant, en route to Cincinnati for the purchase of goods, stopped over night in the city. This merchant was fond of excitement of any kind, especially that kind that pertains to the feeding of this animal. He stepped into this place to pass an hour and meet old friends and ac- quaintances. The animal happened to be hungry and voracious, so much so that the gentleman found it unnecessary the next morning to pursue his journey farther east, and returned home.
I hope my three friends that are there engaged in business may be as lucky as these two old sharks were in former days, and while they are fortunate, it does not necessarily follow that any should be the poorer, but, on the other hand, all who. give them a call will be benefited, for in
That establishment they will find Boots and shoes of every kind : Stocky boots for rainy weather, And lighter shoes of finer leather.
There they will also find those three native-born citizens of Marion County, whose genial countenances are as familiar to the eyes of the people of Indianapolis as the tune of "Old Hundred " is to the ears of our church-going people. In this sketch I have noticed the sons of three of this county's old and most respectable citizens, and may they, like their fathers, retain the good name they now enjoy.
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James B. Ray.
JOHN SMOCK.
Among the early and prominent farmers of the county was Mr. Smock. I remember seeing him early in the spring of 1821, when he was hunting a location preparatory to purehas- ing at the sale that was to come off at Brookville the ensuing summer.
At that time nothing but gold and silver coin was received by the government in payment for land. He had traveled all over the new purchase with a considerable amount of money, carried on a horse that was ridden by his eldest son, Peter. They never entertained any fear of being robbed.
I doubt very much if they were to start out of the city at this time, in a similar way, and it was known that they had such an amount with them, that they would travel five miles without being robbed, and perhaps murdered, such has been the progress in this branch of the industrial art as well as others.
Mr. Smock bought the land and made the farm west of Pleasant run, on the Madison State road (now owned by John Hofgen), and there died many years since.
His two only sons, Peter and Richard, are well known citi- zens of the city, and reside in the southeastern portion. Most of his daughters are dead.
JAMES B. RAY
Was one of the remarkable public men of his day. He held the office of chief executive of the State for seven years, one year by virtue of the office of lieutenant governor, which he held when Governor Hendricks was elected to the United States Senate, in 1825, and was twice elected for a full term of three years each.
At the time he first became Governor he was a widower, and quite a showy and dressy man, good-looking, with the
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Early Reminiscences.
exception that he had one cross eye. He was of a tall and commanding form, straight as an arrow, wore his hair plaited or wrapped, and hanging down his back in a cue. He walked with, or rather carried, a cane, which he flourished in a way that denoted he knew and felt the importance of his position and the authority vested in him.
In 1826 he was appointed, in connection with Generals Tip- ton and Cass, a commissioner to treat with the Pottawatamies and Miamis of the Wabash and Eel Rivers for certain of their lands on these rivers. It was through the influence of Gov- ernor Ray that a donation was obtained from the Indians to the State of a section of land for every mile of a road one hundred feet wide from Lake Michigan, via Indianapolis, to a point on the Ohio River, to be designated by the legislature.
The location of the southern terminus of this road was legislated upon for several years, and was finally located at Madison, via Greensburg, and is known as the Michigan road.
Governor Ray was considered a very visionary man, and some of his predictions were ridiculed that have since been verified, one of which is the present railroad facilities of the State and country.
Governor Ray was the owner of that tavern, known in its day as the " Travelers' Ray House Cheap," and " Travelers' Ray House Cash," and which sometimes brought his excel- jency into personal combats with his tenants.
At one time this house was kept by James Forsee, Esq., at- torney and counsellor at law, and who I have spoken of in another sketch. He and the Governor had an altercation ; Forsee got the Governor by the cue, and, for awhile, had him in a very disagreeable position ; but the Governor rallied his whole strength, got loose from his antagonist, and struck him a severe blow over the nose that made it bleed profusely ; just then a traveler rode up on horseback with the intention of "putting up." Mr. Forsee, anxious to secure a customer, left
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Noah Noble.
the Governor, and running toward the traveler with his face bloody, exclaimed, " d-n him, I'll kill him !" The traveler, thinking he was after him, put spurs to his horse, and Mr. Forsee lost his customer.
In the year 1840, at one of the Whig conventions, Isaac Naylor, who had been in the battle of Tippecanoe, made some allusions to Governor Ray which were distasteful to his excel- lency, and which he, at the next Democratic meeting, in speak- ing of the battle of Tippecanoe, said, where " Owen, Warren, Spencer and Davis fell," and after a pause of a minute or more, "and Isaac Naylor lived," which seemed to imply that Mr. Naylor had kept himself out of danger. The Governor's man- ner convulsed the house with laughter.
While Governor of the State he registered his name at ho- tels and on steamboats as "J. Brown Ray, Governor of the State of Indiana, and commander-in-chief of the army and navy thereof."
A short time before his death he advertised for sale a farm near Augusta, in this county, his tavern stand in the city, and a proposition to build a railroad from Charleston, South Car- olina, through this place to the northern lakes, all in one ar- ticle. The farm and tavern have been sold, and the railroad built, although the latter is not exactly on the plan he pro- posed. Governor Ray was a man of ability, but, like every one else, had some weak points, which would sometimes in- trude themselves upon the public to his injury, and cause him to be ridiculed. Such was Indiana's third State Gover- nor. He died about the year 1850.
NOAH NOBLE,
The fourth Governor of Indiana, was born on the banks of the Shenandoah River, in Frederick County, Virginia. When his father removed to Kentucky he sold his plantation to a Mr. Swearengin, who was afterward the father-in-law of his son.
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Early Reminiscenses.
Noah Noble returned to Virginia in the year 1819, and was married in the same house in which he was born. At an early day he removed to Brookville, thence to Indianapolis in the year 1826. Governor Noble's father-in-law visited him sev- eral times at this place. We remember him as a fine speci- men of the " Old Virginia gentleman."
Lazarus Noble, brother of Noah, had been receiver of pub- lic moneys at Brookville, and when the land offices were or- dered to be removed to this place, started to remove with his family, and ere he had reached the Franklin county line was taken sick and died at the house of his friend Judge Mount.
Noah was then appointed the successor of his brother, and immediately entered upon the duties of the office, and removed his family to this place.
In 1829 he was among the first removals made by General Jackson, and James P. Drake appointed in his stead. After this he engaged in farming near the city; a portion of his farm now forms an important part of the eastern portion of the city north of Washington street.
In 1831 he was selected as the Clay candidate, and ran against James G. Reed for Governor, and although the Jack- son party was largely in the majority his great popularity with people not only crowned him with success, but also Mil- ton Stapp, who was on the ticket for lieutenant-governor. The office of chief magistrate of the State he held for two terms of three years each, and although he had attained the highest office in the gift of the people directly, his ambition was not yet satisfied ; he aspired to the United States Senate, a place so long and ably filled by his elder brother, General James Noble. In this he was doomed to disappointment, in- triguing and less serupulous politicians outmanaging him.
He held several other important offices, and came out of the political arena with an unsullied reputation as a public
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Henry P. Coburn.
man, never yielding to anything that might be construed into selfishness, or bring reproach upon him as a public officer.
In his friendship he was warm and devoted, and confiding to a fault. He had a mild and benevolent countenance, and a smile for all that either business or circumstances brought him in contact with. He died in the winter of 1844.
Governor Noble left a widow and two children, a son and daughter. The daughter was the wife of the late A. H. Da- vidson ; she died in the summer of 1851, leaving several chil- dren who yet live in or near the city. The son, W. P. Noble, and his mother, yet reside on a portion of the old farm, and near the city.
" When by a good man's grave I muse alone, Methinks an angel sits upon the stone."
HENRY P. COBURN
Was one of the estimable citizens Indianapolis gained when the capital was removed to it. He, with his family, came to this place in December, 1824, only a few weeks previous to the time the first legislature convened.
He had been a citizen of the State since its first admission into the Union in 1816, and was clerk of the Supreme Court, and as such came to this city and remained in office for sev- eral years.
Mr. Coburn was a native of Massachusetts, born and raised in the village of Dracut, but as an adventurer in search of a home and a fortune, he first settled in this State, at Corydon, at the time above stated.
Mr. Coburn was one of the most conscientious men we have ever known, honest in his dealings with his neighbors, and punctual in everything he undertook.
He ever took an active part in the cause of education in the city and throughout the State, and did, perhaps, more than any other person toward bringing into existence the
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Early Reminiscences.
present free school system which is such a blessing, especially to the poorer classes and laborers of the country, and is educa- ting their children along with those of the wealthy and more favored citizens.
He also took a lively interest in agriculture and horticul- ture, and State and county fairs, and was always, from the time they were first introduced in the State and county, among the exhibitors of fruits, flowers, etc., that had been cultivated by his personal labor.
Although a lawyer of fine attainments he did but little in the practice of his profession after he came to this place, but contented himself with attending to the duties of his office and his large and splendid garden of four acres, which he took great pains in cultivating. This garden spot is now al- most in the center of the city, and a large portion of it is yet owned by his son, the Hon. John Coburn, member of Con- gress from the Capital District.
Mr. Coburn was a very unobtrusive and retiring man, never trying to force his opinions, either religious or political, upon others, though firm and decided in them himself. His man- ner had in it the affability and social qualities calculated to make all feel easy and at home in his society; was ever ready to contribute anything in his power to promote the hap- piness of his friends. He was for many years one of the lead- ing members of the Second Presbyterian Church, and died in 1854, regretted by all who knew him.
Mr. Coburn's eldest son, Augustus, was drowned in Lake Superior a few years since. His second son, Hon. John Co- burn, raised and commanded the 33d Indiana Regiment in the war for the preservation of the Union. He has since been twice elected to Congress, and it is to his exertions and influ- ence the people of this city are mostly indebted for the pres- ent free delivery system, by which they receive their mail matter at their doors.
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Samuel Goldsberry.
A third son, Henry, is engaged in the lumber business in connection with his father-in-law, Mr. William H. Jones, an- other old citizen.
In the death of Mr. Coburn Indianapolis lost one of its best citizens, the church one of its most active members, and the poor a sympathizing friend.
" The dead are like the stars by day, Withdrawn from mortal eye; But not extinct ; they hold their sway In glory through the sky."
SAMUEL GOLDSBERRY
Was from Berkley County, Virginia, and came to this place a young man in 1824. He was a carpenter, and followed his business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1847. He had accumulated considerable city property, and left his young family in good circumstances.
Soon after he came to this place he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter and only child of George Smith, Esq., one of the proprietors and editors of the "Indianapolis Ga- zette."
He left a family of ten children-six sons and four daugh- ters-nearly all of whom are still living in the city. His second daughter is the wife of Thomas Cottrell, Esq., Coun- cilman from the Seventh Ward, and one of the enterprising business men of the city.
His widow was married several years after his death to Mr. William Martin, one of the respectable farmers of the county, but now a citizen of the town.
Mr. Goldsberry was esteemed as an honest, upright and industrious man ; he was for many years a member of the Methodist Church, and died lamented by all who knew him.
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Early Reminiscences.
JOSEPH WINGATE
Became a resident of this city early in January, 1826. He was from Falmouth, Kentucky, and inherited that liberal, kind and obliging disposition peculiar to that generous-hearted people.
The second year after Mr. Wingate became a citizen of this place, he was induced by the Rev. Edwin Ray (then the trav- eling preacher who visited the place every four weeks) to go with him one evening to the old log church on Maryland strect. The next evening the reverend gentleman was sur- prised to find his new-made acquaintance and friend as one of his hearers, and yet more astonished when he invited per- sons who wished to become members of the church, to see Mr. Wingate come up and give them his hand as such. He lived for seven years afterwards, and died an exemplary mem- ber of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Wingate was a bricklayer by trade, but did not follow the business long. He was elected a justice of the peace, and the fact that there were but very few appeals from his docket, was evidence that he generally gave satisfaction in his decisions. He died in December, 1834.
His wife survived him several years, and became the wife of Joshua Black, another old and respectable citizen.
Mr. Wingate has several children yet living in the city. His eldest son living, William, studied law, but never prac- ticed to any great extent. J. F. Wingate is one of the live business men of the city. The youngest, Edwin, named in honor of, and for the gentleman under whose ministration Mr. Wingate joined the church, is also a citizen.
Mr. Wingate's sons, like their father, enjoy the confidence and esteem of all who know them.
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Joshua Sterens.
JOSHUA STEVENS.
Of Judge Stevens I am somewhat at a loss how and what. to say, that the reader may get anything like a definite idea of the character and peculiarities of the man.
He was a shoemacer by trade, and followed the business for several years after taking up his residence in this place, which was about the year 1824.
He was elected, and for several years served, as associate judge of the county. In this field of public service there was but little opportunity for the exercise of his legal ability. Wishing for a more extended field, he sought for and was elected a justice of the peace, and served as such until or about the time of his death.
That he understood his own docket, and particularly the amount of costs due him, no one will pretend to deny ; but I have never scen any one else that pretended to understand it. He was prompt in making his decisions, and they were gen- erally in accordance to the law and evidence in the case.
Judge Stevens, like his old and personal friend, Humphrey Griffith, of whom I have already written, early acquired the happy faculty of making a little money go a great ways, and as his costs accumulated on his hands he laid the money out in real estate that was then near the city, and has sinee be- come a part of it.
A great portion of this property lay between Virginia ave- nue and New Jersey street, and extended to the southern boundary of the donation, and now forms a very important part of the city, which made his heirs quite wealthy.
He also owned some fine Washington street property. On one of those lots, the northwest corner of Washington and Delaware strects, he built a three-story brick house, the win- dows of which were fifteen light eight by ten glass ; the doors
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Early Reminiscences.
were plain batton. The house is still standing, but the win- dows and doors have been modernized.
His turnout, in which he took his Sunday morning airing, was a natural, or rather an unnatural, curiosity ; the whole rig and horse would not to-day, if put up at auction in Wash- ington street, bring fifteen dollars. The writer was once so unfortunate as to have a similar one, and passing one of the back streets was beckoned by a waggish gentleman on the side- walk to stop; coming up he congratulated me, and said that he had not until that moment known that I was one of the heirs of Judge Stevens. Upon my asking why he should make such a mistake, he pointed to the horse and vehicle and said, " that certainly once was Judge Stevens' family car- riage."
Judge Stevens was a native of Vermont, and brother of Thaddeus Stevens, of Pennsylvania, that figured so conspicu- ously in national politics during the rebellion.
He was a man of more than ordinary ability, and possessed a great fund of humor and wit, and was, at times, very sar- castic and bitter toward those whose opinions did not run in the same channel with his. His speech was short but gen- erally to the point, and told upon those it was intended for. Out of a large family of children but two survive him, his son, Doctor Thaddeus M. Stevens, and a daughter, the wife of Mr. Coffman, who occupies the old homestead near the southern terminus of New Jersey street.
Judge Stevens was always kind to the poor, and ever shared his sympathy with them as well as his means. He died in 1858, regretted by a large circle of acquaintances.
CAPTAIN JOHN CAIN
Was a native of the "Old Dominion," born in Culpepper County in the year 1805. He there learned the book-binding business, but ere he had attained his majority came West, and
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Captain John Cain.
for a short time worked at his trade in Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio.
In the year 1826 he came to Indianapolis, when its whole population did not exceed eight hundred souls. He immedi- ately commenced, and opened the first book-bindery in the place. In 1832 he published a book of miscellaneous poems the first book of any kind, with the exception of the laws of the State, published in the place; he also opened the first bookstore about that time.
Shortly after his arrival here he wooed and won the hand of Miss Eliza Jenison, the only daughter of the late Rufus Jenison, one of the prominent farmers of the county ; she at that time, although a child in years, was one of the reigning belles of the city.
At the time Mr. C. first came to this place there were very few men that supported the claims of General Jackson to the Presidency. Of the two newspapers then here both opposed the Old Hero, and supported Henry Clay He immediately became known as a warm Jackson man, and was ever found in any assemblage of that kind.
After the election of General Jackson, and in the spring of 1829, he was appointed Postmaster, which position he held through his eight years administration, and four years of Mr. Van Buren's, always taking an active part in political meet- ings and elections, and he was so violent a partisan that in that ever memorable year, 1840, brought down upon himself the displeasure of some of our best and leading citizens, for whatsoever his hand found to do in a political way he did with all his might. Shortly after the inauguration of General Harrison, in 1841, he resigned, but after the disaffection of President Tyler, from the Whig party, he was replaced in the post office, but held it a short time only.
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