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 25
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"A long life is beautiful because of the opportunity it
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Early Reminiscences.
gives of usefulness, and the great influence which may be exerted by it. Here is one who has been for more than fifty years a follower of Christ. His life has not been a striking or brilliant one, but during all this time, as day has followed day and year has followed year, the influence of this christian life has been felt, and the whole sum is wonderful. We may not see the whole result of this influence, but God notes it all, and it will be felt for many years to come. To you, as you noticed his last suffering, with all his peaceful submis- sion, came up afresh all the intercourse of your lives with him, and the recollection of the times when you sat on his knee and listened to his counsel. When we fall in middle age we can have had no chance to exert an influence so per- fect and complete.
"It is said by some that death in childhood is beautiful- when the infant is taken from all the trials and difficulties of a long life in this world; but to me it does not seem so. Some may think it beautiful to be stricken down in the har- ness, in the very midst of activity and usefulness; but to me there is nothing more beautiful than old age, after a life of usefulness and good influence, sitting quietly down and wait- ing for the Master to open the door and bid them 'come.' It is a blessed thing, at whatever time of life it may come, to find one looking back over well spent days and ready alike for active usefulness, if the time for that has not passed, or for the summons of the Master if the time for the reaper has come.
"The Scriptures liken the perfect christian growth to that of the palm tree. At first it is weak and feeble, but in time it becomes a stately tree, while from year to year the leaves and projections of the early growth, representing sin and deformity, drop off as the love of Christ is strengthened, and in time it stands the perfect trunk, with its perfect crest of beautiful leaves.
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John H. Wright.
"Death at old age, as in this case, reminds us of our grati- tude to God. I remember, at an early period of my ministry here, I was called upon to attend a golden wedding, the first one occurring in my congregation. These children of the old couple will all remember that fiftieth anniversary of their parents' marriage. I remember a large picture that was pre- sented to them, containing portraits of all their children and their grandchildren. There was but one space left vacant, and I remember asking who it was for. The answer was, that it was left vacant in memory of one who had died in early life. And this was the only link in the long chain that was missing. How many families of our community have such cause for thankfulness that their home ties have not been broken. Very many there are who have never known a mother's love or a father's guidance. In this case, the father lived to see all his children come to the strength of manhood and womanhood. It was his privilege to welcome home, but a short time before his death, one who had come from a dis- tant shore, and around his bed all were gathered before he breathed his last."
JOHN H. WRIGHT
Was the first merchant of Indianapolis to inaugurate the sys- tem of selling goods for cash only, which he did in the fall of 1838, at which time he first made this city his residence ; but he soon discovered that the Hoosiers were not willing to give up the credit system, by which they had done business from the first settlement of the place, so he gradually fell into the prevailing custom of the times.
He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, but when a boy, with his father's family, removed to Philadelphia, from Philadelphia to Richmond, Indiana, where he was principally raised, and was engaged in business previous to his removal to this place.
15
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Early Reminiscences.
He was a fine business man, and during his eight years resi- dence in this city did a large business in the sale of dry goods and purchase of produce. He was the first person to pur- chase and pack pork in this place for a foreign market. He died in the summer of 1846, leaving a wife and two sons, all of whom yet reside in the city. His wife was afterwards mar- ried to Dr. Charles Parry and yet resides in her elegant man- sion on the northeast corner of Ohio and Meridian streets.
His eldest son, Frank, is engaged largely in the brewing and manufacture of ale, which is well known in this and other markets as "Frank Wright's Cream Ale."
The second son, Dr. Mansur Wright, is one of the practic- ing physicians of the city. The two sons inherit to a con- siderable degree the liberality and companionable qualities for which their father was justly celebrated.
DR. CHARLES PARRY
Was a native of the Key Stone State, having been born in Berks County, but was raised and educated in Philadelphia, and was a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of that city.
I remember having traveled with the Doctor from Philadel- phia to Cincinnati, when he, in company with his relative, the late Hon. O. H. Smith, was coming to the West in search of a location, in the spring of 1837.
For eighteen months he lived in the eastern part of Indi- ana and there practiced medicine. He came to this city in September, 1838, and here he remained up to the time of his death in the summer of 1861.
During his twenty-three years' residence in this city no man was more respected than was Dr. Parry ; his genial man- ners, kind and obliging disposition, and his great liberality, endeared him to all with whom he was acquainted.
As a physician he ranked high, as a surgeon pre-eminently
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Frank Mansur.
so, and had a reputation as a skillful and successful operator throughout the State. He had the confidence and respect of the other physicians of the city with scarcely an exception, and was often called by them in consultation.
FRANK MANSUR
Says that he made his first appearance upon the stage of ac- tion at Richmond, Indiana, in the year 1828, and that he knows it to be true, for he was there in person ; and also, that he is the son of his father, the old gentleman, and that he has ever tried to be a good and dutiful son, as he is.
He first came to Indianapolis in 1840, a boy twelve years of age; just as he alighted from the stage-coach his attention was attracted to a dog fight that was in progress on the cor- her of Washington and Meridian streets; this he witnessed before he reported to his friends who were expecting him.
He has engaged in various avocations since he has been a resident of this city. No inconsiderable portion of the time has been devoted to fishing and hunting, and when not directly engaged in he was preparing for it; indeed no fishing or hunt- ng party would be considered made up without Frank Man- sur. Although he is on the shady side of forty, and a great admirer of the ladies, he still seems unwilling to raise a bar- ier between himself and his untrammeled liberty in the shape of matrimony, and would rather be "a jolly fellow," than, ike Rip Van Winkle, subject to have his hair yanked for any delinquency pertaining to conjugal felicity. He has many warm friends in this city who
" Lo'ed him like a vera britber."
Although Mr. Mansur has done considerable in the fishing ine, I would not have the reader think that he neglects his other business. He is engaged in a first-class livery and sale stable on West Pearl street.
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Early Reminiscences.
He resides with his venerable father, Jeremiah Mansur, who has been a citizen of this city for several years.
Zachariah and William Mansur, his brothers, are also resi- dents of this city, and prominent among the business men. They are now engaged in banking, Zachariah on his own ac- count, and William a large stockholder in the Citizens' Bank.
AARON GROVER
Was a Yankee in every sense of the word. He was from Bennington, Vermont. In height he was about five feet four inches, broad, stoop shoulders, large aquiline nose, and head entirely bald, except a little hair above the ears ; the baldness ran to the back of his head. His eye was as keen and as quick in its motion as that of an eagle. In talking he drawled his words out in true Yankee style. In religion he was a forty-gallon Baptist, and in politics a Democrat of the old school.
He kept a stove store on the southeast corner of Washing- ton and Meridian streets, but liked to talk religion and poli- tics rather better than he did about the sale of his stoves.
On one occasion an old Methodist man, named McCarty, came in to purchase a stove. Mr. Grover was engaged in blacking some second-hand ones and preparing them for sale. The stove dealer, after showing his assortment to Mr. McCarty, sounded him on religion, and found him to be a believer in the doctrine of free agency. "I believe," said the dealer, " that God fore-knew all things from the beginning, and fore- knowledge is fore-ordination, and what will free agency amount to when God willed our destiny ?" "Don't insult me," said McCarty, " with your h-llish doctrine of Calvin, that would consign infants not a span long to perdition ; your heart is as hard as your stoves, and as black as your face ; I'll not trade with such a man." He then turned to leave the store in quite a rage. "Friend," said Grover, " don't get excited, let's talk
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James B. Mann.
matters over. What might be your name ?" "McCarty," was the answer. " Ah, McCarty, MeCarty," said the stove dealer ; "are you akin to Nicholas MeCarty ?" " No;" said McCarty, " thank God, I am not, nor to any other Whig." "My friend," said Grover, "give us your hand ; we differ on minor questions, but we agree on the main one, and friend you're a Dimakrat; we'll merge those minor questions for the sake of the main one, Dimocracy."
In consideration of Mr. McCarty's political faith Mr. Gro- ver sold him the stove for two dollars less than the usual price.
In after years we often saw the two old men sitting in the shade of the stove dealer's store, and we judged by their earn- est manner, and the frequent slaps of Mr. Grover's hand upon the side of the house, and hearing him use the name of Henry Clay in no very pleasant manner, that they were not convers- ing on the subject of free agency or fore-ordination.
Both of those worthy Democrats have passed away, and I hope neither have gone to that place assigned by Parson Brownlow to all of that political faith.
JAMES B. MANN
Was a native of Kentucky, born in Kenton County in the year 1826, and when in his tenth year came to Marion County and resided in Franklin township until he had attained an age suitable to be married.
He then selected the daughter of Mr. Purnel Coverdill, a well known and respectable farmer of that neighborhood, and was married.
Miss Coverdill having become a "Mann " they have not been blessed with any little Manns of their own to be the prop and stay of declining years, but he has raised three orphans and proved himself "a father to the fatherless," and that " Mann's a man for a' that."
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Early Reminiscences.
Mr. Mann has been engaged in the family grocery business on Virginia avenue for several years, and seems to think that a grocer should not be without profits in his own country.
He is a member of the First Baptist Church and a zealous worker in the Sunday School of the Mission Church, at the corner of Noble and South streets. There is no person more respected by his neighbors than James B. Mann.
SAMUEL CANBY
Came to his present residence, one and a half miles southeast of the city, from Boone County, Kentucky, in the year 1837. He is well known as one of our best and most frugal farmers, and the producer of the finest qualities and greatest varieties of fruits. His farm has been well known for its fine produc- tions of choice fruits since the first settlement of the county. On it was the first nursery of the late Aaron Aldridge.
Mr. Canby's familiar countenance may be seen upon our streets every few days ; although somewhat advanced in years he yet seems in full vigor of life.
JOHN P. PATTERSON,
One of the leading wholesale business men of South Merid- ian street, being connected with the house of Alford, Talbot & Co., was a native of Pennsylvania, born and raised in Alle- ghany County, near Pittsburg.
He came to Indianapolis quite a young man in 1836, and for about three years was a clerk in the store of Russell, Hol- land & Co., on the northeast corner of Washington and Penn- sylvania streets, where Odd Fellows' Hall now stands.
He then went to Noblesville and there engaged in the dry goods business, and remained until 1854, at which time he returned to and has continued in this city ever since.
ยท While at Noblesville he was married to a niece of the late William Conner of that place.
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Frederick Christian Hermining.
Mr. Patterson was one of the victims to that disastrous fire on the night of the 17th of January, 1870, the Morrison Op- era House, but on the next day their firm were again in busi- ness, with a good stock of goods, two squares from the scene of their misfortunes of the previous evening, which shows a great industry as well as enterprise.
CHRISTIAN FREDERICK RASENER.
This worthy German came from the City of Minden, Prus- sia, to this place in the year 1836. He had five children- two sons and three daughters. He brought with him, from the old country, four hundred dollars in coin, with which he purchased land in Hancock County, near Cumberland. This is now owned by his eldest son, bearing the name of the father, who is one of the most prosperous farmers in that German neighborhood. This worthy man I knew well, he having lived with me several years.
The other son, Frederick William, is a resident of this city, doing a mercantile business on East Washington street, near Liberty, and possesses the confidence of his German friends to a great degree, who manifest their confidence in him by bestowing upon him their patronage.
FREDERICK CHRISTIAN HARMENING
Is another German, that came to this place in the month of January, 1846. He was a tailor by trade, and for sev- eral years worked for the late Edward MeGuire. He has been successful, and is now the owner of some fine city prop- erty on South Delaware street, where he resides and keeps a well supplied family grocery. He is a remarkably kind man, and popular with his German friends.
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Early Reminiscences.
CHARLIE LAUER,
A native of Bavaria, came to the United States in the year 1852. He became a resident of this city a few years subse- quent, and has continued to reside here ever since. He is quite popular with all his acquaintances, both German and American. He married, some years since, a Miss Baldwin, the daughter of a respectable Morgan County farmer.
( harlie is now engaged in business opposite Little's Hotel, on East Washington street, and keeps one of the neatest res- taurants in the city, where every delicacy calculated to cheer the inner man may be found, and he waits upon his customers in a kind and gentlemanly manner. We commend him to all as a clever man.
JOHN C. HERETH
Was born at Frankfort-upon-the-Main. When a boy he, with his parents, emigrated to the United States and settled in Jefferson County, near Madison, Indiana. When at the proper age, he engaged with William Taylor, a prominent saddler of that place, to learn the business.
In the year 1852, he came to this city and immediately engaged in the manufacture of saddles and harness, and everything that pertains to the wardrobe of a horse. Mr. Hereth is now one of the leading mechanics of this city.
At the State Fair of 1869, he offered a fine side-saddle as a present to the second best lady equestrian, which was won and received by a lady of Shelby County. The superior man- ufacture of the article and the fine quality of the material of which it was made, were highly creditable to the worthy mechanic, and proved his goodness of heart and his liberality in business. His shop, for the manufacture and sale of his fine harness, is on North Delaware street, opposite the Court House square.
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Paul B. L. Smith.
PAUL B. L. SMITH.
Two years ago we wrote the obituary notice of Mr. Smith, he having died at Marseilles, France, on the 2d of February, 1868.
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, but when a mere child he removed, with his father (the late Justin Smith), to Rochester, in his native State, where he lived until he came to Indianapolis, in the fall of 1838.
His father had purchased a large farm, with mills and dis- tillery, near Edinburg, in Johnson County. There he estab- lished a dry goods store, and the whole was managed by Adolphus H. Smith, a second son, while P. B. L. Smith was engaged in the mercantile business in this place.
In 1844, P. B. L. Smith determined to gratify a desire, he had long cherished, of visiting the Continent of Europe, and, in the fall of that year, sailed from New York. He spent the winter in Paris, and the summer of 1845 in traveling over the Continent, and returned home in the fall of that year, his business being carried on, in the meantime, by his brother.
Again, in the spring of 1851, he returned to Europe, having taken a partner in his business here that was interested only so far as the profits were concerned. About a year after he left, his partner sold out the establishment and a fine lucrative trade that Mr. Smith had been fourteen years in building up. His place of business will be remembered by most of the old citizens, as situated where Odd Fellows' Hall now stands, on the north-east corner of Washington and Pennsylvania streets.
When he returned from Europe, in the fall of 1852, and found his business closed, he became low-spirited and did not seem to care for business after that, although he had abundant means to engage in any kind he wished.
As there are dark hours in the history of every human being, when despondency and gloom reign supreme, and the future shrouded in melancholy; so it was with him, and he
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Early Reminiscences.
determined to again visit Europe until his mind became tran- quil and again prepared for business.
In accordance with this design, he again sailed from New York in April, 1856, taking with him his youngest sister, Justine. Little did either of them dream, as they took a last look at the many church spires of New York, as they receded from their view while the magnificent steamer was leaving the harbor, that he was bidding a long and last farewell to his native land, leaving behind nearly all that was near and dear to him on earth, to find a grave among strangers, and without the sympathetic tear of brother or sister to fall upon his coffin.
The two years his sister remained with him, were spent principally in Paris. After her return to the United States he traversed the Continent from one end to the other, spending the winter seasons in Algiers.
In the last letter one of his sisters received from him, he expressed a desire to once more see his native country ; but his health was so impaired as to render it almost impossible.
" The home of my childhood ; methinks I can see
Those forms that in youth were familiar to me ; And oft on the tablet of memory I trace The image enshrined of each dear loving face."
But he has solved the problem of life, and now sleeps in the Protestant Cemetery at Marseilles, France.
Previous to leaving this country the last time, he placed a large amount of money at interest, the income from which was considerably more than supported him.
There are some men now in business in this city, on the high road to wealth, who did business for Mr. Smith, and acquired much of their business knowledge while with him ; among whom are William E. Featherston, who came to him when a boy. Also Charles Bals, who is now a prominent wholesale liquor dealer, on Meridian street.
During the fifteen years residence of Mr. Smith in Europe,
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Joseph K. Sharpe.
he was proficient in acquiring a knowledge of the French, Italian and German languages, and spoke them with the ease and fluency of a native.
He was a man of fine address and agreeable manners, and was ever a welcome guest at the fireside of his friends and acquaintances.
During his eighteen years' residence in this city, he ranked as a first class business man, punctual with all he had deal- ings with and expected them to be so with him. His word he valued above money.
From 1838 to 1856 there was no name more familiar to the people of Indianapolis than that of P. B. L. Smith. It is the sincere hope of the writer that he sought and found his portion of that inheritance which fadeth not away.
JOSEPH K. SHARPE.
When I come to write of such men as the one whose name stands at the head of this sketch, and who have by perse- verance, industry and economy so successfully carved out their own fortune and standing in society, I am at a loss for language to convey to the reader a proper appreciation of their true worth and merit.
Mr. Sharpe is a man of fine personal appearance, above the ordinary size, and in the prime of life, a smiling and genial countenance, with manners pleasing and captivating, and meets his numerous friends with a welcome recognition and open hands ; a pleasant word for all that either circumstances or business brings him in contact with.
He was born in Windham County, Connecticut, raised on a farm, where he acquired the main-springs to success in life, i. c., industry and economy, without which but few succeed.
When quite young he sought a home in the great West, his only fortune a good constitution, temperate habits, sterling integrity and a good education ; with this capital he came to
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Early Reminiscences.
Indianapolis in the year 1845, although he had lived awhile in Illinois and a short time in Ohio.
Mr. S. came to this place for the purpose of settling up the business of a boot and shoe establishment belonging to other parties than those who were managing it. He was not slow in discovering that this was a good point for business ; he purchased the establishment, but soon sold it out to Jacob S. Pratt.
Shortly thereafter he commenced the leather and shoe-find- ing business, which he has successfully carried on without intermission for about twenty-five years, and is now the oldest established house in that line in the city.
In connection with his large commercial business in the city, he purchased a tannery and large tract of land in Mon- roe County, forty miles south of this place, hauling all his hides and leather from and to the city with his own teams, for at least ten years, and until railroads were made in that direc- tion, adding not a little to our home manufacture and the prosperity of the city.
At this point he also established a country store, which he has carried on for more than fifteen years. This would seem to be enough business to burthen one mind with, but the steady growth of his central business in the city demanded more facilities for supplying the demand and production of leather. To meet this demand he has added another tannery, which is sixty miles north in Grant County. This establish- ment he has carried on several years. Nor is this all ; having been raised on a farm and there labored in his boyhood days, gave him the knowledge and ability to direct, and a taste for agriculture.
He has farmed in this county as well as in several other counties in the State (some of his farms being over one hun- dred miles apart), raising grain, hogs and cattle in large quan- tities for this market.
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Jacob B. McChesney.
All this business he has managed in addition to his city business, without even apparently losing his equanimity, and its management and success are the natural consequence of great administrative talent and ability.
He owns some fine business property as well as one of the fine residences of the city, the home of his family.
It is a commonly received opinion that men who carve out their own fortunes become penurious, but it is the reverse in this case. He has ever been liberal to the poor, donating largely for the erection of churches and for all charitable or benevolent purposes.
Mr. Sharpe is a member of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, one of its trustees and principal supporters.
Nor has his good fortune and success been confined alone to business, he has been equally so in his domestic relations. He came to this place a single as well as a young man, but soon found one with whom he was willing to join in a lifetime partnership in the person of Miss Graydon, daughter of the late Alexander Graydon, one of our most estimable citizens. In this partnership I understand Mr. Sharpe found his coun- terpart in many respects.
He has for years been the leader of the choir, assisted by his wife, in the church of which they are both acceptable members.
I have noted this case more particularly than most others I have written of that it may be a stimulant to other young men "to go and do likewise." Verily "honesty and virtue hath its reward."
JACOB B. McCHESNEY.
Among the clever and unpretending gentlemen of Indian- apolis is Mr. McChesney, a native of the State of New Jer- sey, a State that has furnished this city with many of its best citizens. He came to this place in the year 1834.
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