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 22
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295
Samuel H. Patterson.
until he was married, which took place on the 19th of Feb- ruary, 1832.
In the spring of the year 1833, he, in connection with Jas. Beard (one of his former peddlers), commenced in this city the wholesale grocery and liquor busineess, the first whole- sale establishment of any kind in Indianapolis ; this they con- tinued but a short time, as the town and country would not support such an establishment.
In May, 1836, in connection with Benjamin Hensley, of Frankfort, Kentucky, leased the Indiana State Prison, at about three thousand dollars per year; this did not prove very lucrative, as there were only about sixty convicts in it at that time.
In June, 1841, he was superseded as lessee of the prison by Joseph R. Pratt and John McDougall; the intervening time between 1841 and 1846 he spent in farming and trading.
The session of the Legislature of 1845-46 was Demoeratie by a small majority. Pratt, then the lessee, and Simon Bott- rorff, of Jeffersonville, another Democrat, procured the pas- sage of a bill through the Legislature leasing the State Prison at eight thousand dollars per year for a term of ten years, having the bill framed to suit themselves, the lessee to be elected by the present (then) Legislature, not dreaming of, or fearing, opposition in the election.
Mr. Patterson had spent the winter in Indianapolis, seem- ingly taking but little interest in what was going on, occa- sionally entertaining his friends with a champaign party or an oyster supper. The election for lessee came off a few even- ings before the final adjournment of the Legislature. Pratt and his partner were sanguine of success, as there was not known to be any opposition to them. When the balloting commenced, to the surprise of Pratt the Whigs were voting for Patterson. He yet did not apprehend any danger of the final result, until the roll-call reached the name of David
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Early Reminiscences.
Herriman, of Noble County (a leading Democrat), who cried out "Samuel H. Patterson." Pratt afterwards said, he " saw in a moment that he had been out-flanked by the adroit wire- worker, for he had never dreamed before the balloting com- menved that he was a candidate." As this incident will prove, he never lets his plans be known until they are well matured, and often nearly accomplished.
After his second lease of the prison expired, in 1856, he was the principal stockholder in a line of steamers between Cairo and New Orleans. This was one of the finest as well as largest line of boats ever established on the Mississippi River, a steamer leaving each port daily.
During the fifteen years he was lessee of the State Prison he purchased twelve or fifteen hundred acres of land, lying between Jeffersonville and New Albany, principally for the wood, which he used in burning brick. This land he yet holds, and I understand has been offered one thousand dollars per acre for some of it that lies near the northern terminus of the bridge over the Ohio River.
He is now considered one of the wealthy men of the State. Although in his sixty-fifth year, he is as energetic and indus- trious and as willing to turn an honest penny as when we first knew him forty years ago, when the price of a " wall sweeper " was fifty dollars. His house has been the hotel of his friends and acquaintance from all parts of the Union since his resi- dence in Jeffersonville, now thirty-four years.
He was a member of the old "National Whig" party from its first organization in 1832 until it was disbanded in 1852; although a Southerner by birth, and the owner of slaves, he was, during the war, a warm Union man, but with no very high opinion of the party in power at the present time.
Mrs. Patterson is the only surviving member (save the wri- ter) of her father's family of nine that came to Indianapolis fifty years ago.
297
William N. Jackson.
WILLIAM N. JACKSON.
Billy Jackson came to Indianapolis, in the year 1833, quite a young man, and has remained such, in many respects, ever since.
He was the first iron merchant of this city, or the first that dealt in that article exclusively. His store was the second door west from the northwest corner of Washington and Me- ridian streets. The place at that time would not support an establishment of that kind, hence he continued the business but a short time.
There are few persons throughout the State better known to the public than is Mr. Jackson, nor has any enjoyed the confidence of the citizence of Indianapolis to a greater extent during the thirty-seven years he has called it his home.
He has been identified with the railroads that center in In- dianapolis from the start; indeed, he was engaged in the office of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad sometime before it reached this place, and when the business of the road was transacted at Madison.
He is now, and has been for several years, the General Ticket Agent at the Union Depot, where his genial counte- nance is very nearly always seen on the arrival or departure of the trains on the various routes that there center.
He is ever ready to assist any unprotected female, whether acquaintance or stranger, on and off the cars, and is assiduous in all the duties that pertain to his position.
Mr. Jackson is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church (generally known by the old settlers as Beecher's); has been one of the elders for several years, and exercises a cousider- able influence in the government and management of its af- fairs. He is a very benevolent and charitable man, and I un- derstand from one of his associates and particular friends that the larger part of his salary for several years has been devo . ted to such purposes. In the meantime he has defrayed the
298
Early Reminiscences.
expense in the education of several young ladies whose par- ents' circumstances precluded the possibility of their doing it. He has also educated some young men, who are now en- gaged in the ministry.
As intimated in the beginning of this sketch, Mr. Jackson is yet without the pale of matrimony, but is as much of a gal- lant as was his wont to be thirty years ago, and it is consid- ered a compliment to any lady, young or old, to receive his attention ; he seems.to be blessed with perpetual youth.
GEORGE PAUL.
There lives within twenty miles of the capital of Indiana, a worthy farmer that counts his 7-30s. and 5-20s., United States Bonds, by thousands, his broad acres by hundreds, his fat bullocks, that graze upon his green pastures, by scores, his barns and graineries well filled with the products of his several farms.
He came to the valley of White River a boy near half a century ago, since which time we have enjoyed his acquaint- ance and friendship. George is a plain, off-hand, common- sense man, a stranger to the tom-fooleries and fashions of the present day. By industry and economy he was enabled to purchase from the Government eighty acres of land, for which he paid one hundred dollars ; on this land he built himself a cabin, and in due time invited the daughter of one of his neighbors, a "well-to-do farmer," to be his partner in life's rugged journey, and share his pleasures as well as toils, which she accepted, and there grew up around them several daugh- ters that were fair to look upon, and at the time of which I am writing were just blooming into womanhood.
George was successful, and when his neighbor, who owned an adjoining farm, wished to sell and emigrate farther West, George was the man that had the means and was willing to buy him out, which he did.
299
George Paul.
On this farm, in addition to the original cabin, was a one- story frame house of small dimensions.
After this purchase his daughters, who had been from home at school, and had learned something of city life, and the fashions of the day had rapidly gained upon their youthful minds, induced their father to give up their old homestead and cabin where they were born, and around which were en- twined in their hearts many pleasing recollections and remi- niscences of their childish days.
After he was fairly ensconced in his new domicil, he one day returned from the field, where he had been plowing, with the fresh earth which he had been turning up sticking to his shoes in a considerable quantity. One of the daughters met him at the front door : " Pap," said she, " will you please come in at the back door ?" " Why, what is all this?" said George. " This is the parlor," replied the daughter. "Parlor, what is that, daughter ?" " A parlor," said she, "is a room where young ladies see their beaux when they come 'sparking,' as you call it."
A few days after this occurrence the worthy farmer visited his old friend and neighbor. After some common-place con- versation, said he, "Cyrus what on earth is the world coming to ; the other day I had been plowing, and when I went to the house one of the gals met me at the door and asked if I would please walk around to the back door. They had run a table out onto the floor and put a kiver on it, then they laid the Bible and hime-book, and some other books crossways ; the dagetypes they spread open on the mantel piece, where were also dishes filled with roses and other flowers. On the walls of the room they had hung up the picters of our Savior on the Cross and the Virgin Mary; the fire-place they had filled with sparry-grass bushes ; on one side of the fire-place they had placed a bowl they said was to spit in, and when this was all done they called it a parlor. I don't think much of
300
Early Reminiscences.
parlors any how, but if they want a parlor without a bed and chest of drawers in it, why, let them have it. How times have changed since we were young. When the parlor was all fixed the old woman wanted another 'eend put on the house for a kitchen,' to gratify the gals."
The sequel has proved that the improvements suggested by the young ladies were a success, for truly it is a nice, comfort- able-looking place, with many vines creeping over the house and its surrounding lattice work, its walk leading from the outer gate to the parlor door, with the beds of choice flowers on either side. Such is the homestead of George Paul of Morgan County.
Another farmer, that resides in the same neighborhood, had a son that had just arrived at that interesting period of life called manhood. This young man was named Jesse. He had up to this time seen but little outside the precincts of his father's barn yard. The old gentleman was anxious that his son should see some of the great improvements that were going on in the busy world around him, and in order that he might see the world, he proposed to Jesse to make a trip to "Sinsinnatty," in the stage coach.
This proposition met with a cheerful welcome from the obe- dient son, who was immediately provided with the necessary means to defray the traveling expenses, and set out for " Sin- sinnatty," in the four-horse mail coach.
The first night from home he stopped at the principal hotel in Greensburg, Decatur County. At the supper table the polite and attentive landlord, after helping Jesse to a piece of the fine, juicy beefsteak, asked him if he would be helped to some of the gravy. " Yes," said Jess. " I love sop."
Next morning, when the coaches drove up in front of the hotel to receive their passengers, Jesse inquired for and took the one for Indianapolis. When he arrived at home the in- dulgent father wished to know how far he went, and why he
301
Jacob Cox.
returned so soon. He said he had gone to Greensburg, De- catur County, and that the tavern-keeper called sop gravy, and he thought that he was far enough from home, for he did not know what they would call it by the time he reached "Sinsinnatty."
So Jesse was well satisfied with his traveling tour to learn the ways of the world, and content to take his sop under the paternal roof.
JACOB COX.
I have known this gentleman (more as a citizen and friend than as an artist) since he first set foot in this city, in the year 1833. The three brothers, Charles, Jacob and David, were engaged for several years as tinners, the two former as proprietors, the latter as a journeyman.
Mr. Cox had been married but a short time when, with his estimable lady, he selected Indianapolis as his permanent home, and has here continued to reside since the year above named. He has materially changed his business in this time, and is now esteemed as one of the most accomplished artists of the day. For his career in this profession I would refer the reader to an extract which I clip from the " Art Empo- rium," published by H. Lieber, of this city. I well remem- ber the Banner, spoken of in that article, which was carried at the head of the Indianapolis Delegation, known as the " Wild Oats of Indianapolis," that attended the convention at the Tippecanoe Battle Ground in the year 1840.
The design was "That same old coon," surrounded by her family of some four or five little coons. After the canvass of that year this banner was presented to the mother of the wri- ter, and is now in the possession of Mrs. Samuel H. Patter- son, of Jeffersonville. Although I make no professions as a connoisseur in the fine arts, I will say Mr. Cox's talent in that line cannot be too highly appreciated.
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Early Reminiscences.
I would not be doing the business I am engaged in, i. e., that of giving sketches of character, were I to omit speaking of Mr. Cox's worthy lady as an antiquarian, and is no less an artist in that line than is her husband with his brush and paints in his.
She has the most complete assortment of specimens of an- tiquity, and minerals, and very nearly everything that is odd and rare from all parts of the world, either civilized or unciv- ilized, "from Greenland's icy mountains to India's coral strand," and she takes great pleasure in showing them to her numerous friends when they may choose to call upon her.
The "Art Emporium," speaking of Mr. Cox, says : " His history affords an excellent illustration of the futility of at tempting to swerve a person from a strong natural taste or inclination. Born in Philadelphia in 1810, Jacob Cox mani- fested his taste for art when only thirteen years of years, and wished to study for an artist, but his friends, or family, thought they knew best what was a fit and profitable calling, and he became a tinner. In 1833 he came to Indianapolis and en- gaged in the business of a tin and coppersmith, and for the next seven years made no advances toward the adoption of the profession of his choice. In 1840 the Harrison campaign called into play his artistic talent, by the demand for trans- parency and banner painting. While others daubed through political excitement, he worked from love of his work, and painted the banner which was carried at the head of the pro- cession to the Tippecanoe Battle Ground celebration.
"For the next two years he worked assiduously at his new- found and most congenial profession, when, in the autumn of 1842, he went to Cincinnati and opened a studio with John Dunn, a young man with artistic longings. Cox was fortu- nate in getting into a good run of business in Cincinnati, paint- ing the portraits of Miles Greenwood and several other prom- inent gentlemen, and remained about five months. Associating
303
John L. Ketcham.
with the prominent artists of the city he made great improve- ment in his art, and when he returned he painted portraits of Hon. Oliver H. Smith, Gover Bigger and Ex-Governor Wal- lace. Still he did not find painting sufficiently remunerative to justify his retiring from the prosaic business of tinning, and he continued an active partner with his brother, in that business, until about twelve years ago, when he withdrew his personal attention entirely from business, and, about five years later, sold out his interest exclusively. No artist was ever more devoted to his profession than he is, and his works bear evidence of his genius and industry. Among all who appre- ciate true artistic merit, Mr. Cox has a lasting reputation, and many of his pictures have found purchasers in distant cities."
JOHN L. KETCHAM.
In the short space I design in this work of sketching the characters of the old citizens of Indianapolis, I do not think I could add one word to, nor would I willingly take one from, the eulogy upon the character of Mr. Ketcham, which I find as his obituary notice in the "Evening Mirror," of this city, dated April 21st, 1869.
With Mr. Ketcham I was well acquainted for the entire thirty-six years that he was a resident of this city. I have transacted business with him as a lawyer, as a magistrate, and also as a private citizen, and will add my testimony to his worth in each capacity, and also to his many other noble qual- ities and christian virtues.
The cause of his sudden and unexpected death that gave such a shock to, and cast such a gloom over the entire city, was by falling through a hatchway in the store of Alford, Talbott & Co., in the Opera House building.
He had stepped into the store but a moment before the sad accident happened, to speak with one of the proprietors, and by a backward step he lost his balance and was precipitated
304
Early Reminiscences.
twelve feet into the cellar, and died of the injuries he received, the next morning.
I therefore cheerfully adopt the following, which I clip from the " Mirror :"
" The announcement this morning that the injuries received by Hon. John L. Ketcham, in the fall at the store of Alford, Talbott & Co., yesterday afternoon, had proven fatal, has thrown a saddening gloom over the city. So sudden has been the removal from the activity of life to the stillness of death, that it seems hard to fully realize the painful truth. From the full vigor of a life, unusually earnest and active, he has been taken by one of those terrible decrees of accident that are ever reminding man that his existence is brief, and uncer- tain in its termination.
"John L. Ketcham was born April 3, 1810, in Shelby County, Kentucky. His father, Colonel John Ketcham, removed to Indiana when he was an infant, but on account of Indian troubles was compelled to return to Kentucky. A few years later he again came to Indiana, and settled in Monroe County, near Bloomington. Colonel Ketcham was a man of strong character, with marked energy and resolute purpose. An early advocate of the Free Soil movement, he continued in that party through all its obloquy and feebleness. His wife was a woman equally marked. She had a quick perception into the right, and was ever ready to sacrifice to it. Her con- trolling spring seemed to be duty, and she never let pleasure lcad her from it.
" From such parentage John L. Ketcham came, and well represented in his life the familiar characteristics of each, more especially being a counterpart of his mother. Colonel Ketcham died two years since. His wife still survives. Mr. Ketcham was educated at the University at Bloomington, under Dr. Wiley, to whom he was much attached. He was graduated in the regular course when quite young. In 1833
305
John L. Ketcham.
he came to Indianapolis and began the study of law under Judge Blackford. Soon after admission to the bar he was elected Justice of the Peace, and held the office one term. This was the only office he was ever a candidate for, his sub- sequent life being strictly devoted to his profession. In 1836 he married Jane, eldest daughter of Samuel Merrill, Esq. He leaves his wife and a family of eight.
" In his profession he was associated in partnership from time to time with Napoleon B. Taylor, Lucian Barbour, D. W. Coffin and James L. Mitchell, his present partner.
"Such in brief is the history of one who yesterday, in the fullest vigor, was with us. There is, perhaps, no man in the city whose leading traits of character are more marked. For thirty-six years he was a citizen of Indianapolis, for the last twenty of which he has lived in the home he has been so sadly called from. It is a delicate thing to try to portray a char- acter so well known. It lives so in the memory of all that it is a part of the history of the place. But we can but say briefly a little of that that comes quickest to the hearts that are so suddenly called to grieve over a loss so irreparable.
" The hospitality of Mr. Ketcham is well known. It was a part of the duty of life that he never forgot, but made it most pleasant to all who entered his family circle. The no- bleness of the man, indeed, was quickest seen in his home. An exceeding tenderness marked his whole intercourse with his family and family friends. Regularity of life was a part of his faith. An untiring worker, he never allowed one duty to overshadow another. His idea of life was to fulfill every duty as it came. The boundaries of duty were never crossed. All his life a Christian, he let his Christianity follow him wherever he went. It is said by those nearest him, that in all his long residence in the city, he never missed a religious meeting of the church to which he belonged, if in the city, or not unwell. A ready speaker at all times, he seemed 13H
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Early Reminiscences.
especially gifted in the prayer meeting, always having some- thing to add which was of value. The main-spring of his life was Christian duty. The influence he silently exerted in the regular observance of his daily devotions is past all expression. Those living near him have often spoken with the deepest feeling of the laborers, when passing his house in the morning, stopping to catch the hymns of praise that were the ushering in of the day to him and his family.
"Strong in his friendship, he never forgot a friend or failed him when needed. During the war his sympathetic patriotism was most marked. Two of his sons were in the army, and every battle was watched and prayed over as if they were there. A man of unostentatious benevolence, he literally did not let his right hand know what his left did. Many instances of his substantial kindness are now known, that before were buried in the hearts of giver and receiver.
"Mr. Ketcham was one of thirteen who left the Old School Church on the division, and founded the Second Presbyterian Church. Mr. Beecher, the first pastor of that church, was accustomed to rely upon him as confidently as he could upon himself. When the Second Church became too full for usc- fulness, Mr. Ketcham was one of the handful of brave men who founded the Fourth Church. He gave of his time and means without stint to bring that church to its present stand- ing. An elder in the Second Church, he was soon made an elder in the Fourth, in which position he worked faithfully to the last.
"John L. Ketcham died with his armor on. Working nobly for God and man, he was ready at the call. No preparation time was wanted. He stepped from life here to the Life beyond. Vain are our words to say to his family that he has done his work. Vainly can we tender sympathy-vainly speak to the crushed hearts. It is the work of the God he
307
Samuel Beck.
gave his life-service to, and humbly we look to him for com- fort for them.
"'Enoch walked with God and was not, for God took him.'"
SAMUEL BECK
Is one of the staid and substantial citizens of Indianapolis, and one that deserves to be, and is, respected by all who know him for his plain, unassuming manner, his strict integrity and upright walk in life.
He is a strict and consistent member of the Methodist Church and a Christian in the true sense of the word, being governed in his intercourse with his neighbors and fellow-men as near as he can by the Golden Rule.
I heard an incident of him the other day that illustrates his true character. A friend of his whose only fault had been that of drinking to excess, through the influence of Mr. Beck was induced to join the church, and for nearly a year had been an attentive member, and had lived up to its rules; but in an evil hour was induced to drink, and fell from grace in that respect. Mr. Beck, hearing of it, instead of informing the controlling powers of the church, sought out his friend and by his persuasive powers induced him to resume his duties to the church as though nothing had happened. Are not such acts more Christian like than to have him exposed and turned out of the church, and, perhaps, seal his fate forlife? Such, however, is the writer's view.
Mr. Beck has worked at the gunsmith business very near, if not quite, the entire thirty-seven years he has been a citizen of this city, and is yet as industrious and assiduous to his duties as when we first knew him, and at this writing has been longer in the same business than any other person in the city.
Mr. Beck is a native of Pennsylvania, but at an early day came to Connersville, Fayette County, and there resided
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Early Reminiscences.
until his removal this place in the year 1833. Although he has passed the meridian of life he bids fair to live many years, which, if he does, no doubt, as the past have been, will be devoted to doing good, and usefulness to the cause of humanity.
ADAM KNODLE.
Has by pre-emption right become one of the fixed institutions of Indianapolis, and like the worthy gunsmith, whose sketch precedes this, has been longer in his present business than any other person in the city, and next to Mr. Beck has been longer in the same business than any other in Indianapolis, and is the veteran boot and shoe maker and dealer.
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