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 28
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378
Early Reminiscences.
JOSEPH W. DAVIS.
This jolly, good-natured gentleman, as his very appearance indicates, has been one of the successful business men of In- dianapolis for the last eighteen years.
Mr. Davis is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, but came to Cincinnati, Ohio, when a mere child, and there lived until 1852, when, with his family and but little else, he came to this city.
A short time after his arrival here he was preparing to erect a brass foundry in a densely populated part of the city, but was stopped by the Common Council, as they had made the discovery, or been informed, that brass foundries were explo- sive, and compelled Mr. D. to seek another location.
The present city authorities are not so fearful of a brass foundry, as he is erecting one at this time that fronts on two of our business streets.
Mr. Davis was the first engineer of our steam fire engines, and for many years managed them successfully and to the sat- isfaction of all who had property exposed to the devouring element.
He has represented different Wards in the Council, made a good and efficient member, ever watching the interest of his constituents, and ready to expose and put down corruption when and wherever found.
He has accumulated property, and now ranks as a first-class business man, and is universally respected for his urbanity of manners and strict honesty and integrity.
JAMES B. RYAN
Is a native of the Emerald Isle, having been born in Thurles, Tipperary County, and with his mother's family came to the United States in 1842 and settled near Washington, Daviess County, where they farmed for about five years.
379
James B. Ryan.
From the latter place he went to Edinburgh, in Johnson County, where he engaged in merchandising for three years ; from there he came to Indianapolis, in the year 1850, and en- gaged as a clerk in the store of the late P. B. L. Smith, then located on the northeast corner of Pennsylvania and Wash- ington streets, and continued with Mr. Smith until that estab- lishment was sold to C. C. Elliott & Bro. He remained with the latter firm until after the death of the senior partner.
He then, in connection with Calvin A. Elliott, continued the business under the Masonic Hall until they built their business house on the northwest corner of Meridian and Ma- ryland streets in 1854, and where Mr. Ryan yet carries on business.
He has been connected with this house in all its changes for twenty years, and to judge from his present health, energy and industry, bids fair to remain for twenty more.
Mr. Ryan is a nephew of the late P. M. Brett, of Daviess County, who was its first Auditor, a man of learning and cul- ture. Although having lived in Indianapolis twenty years, Mr. Ryan yet claims to be a citizen of the "Pocket," as that was his first home in the United States, and many of his rela- tives yet reside in that portion of the State.
His first wife was the daughter of the late Judge John Smiley, who was the first white man that settled in Johnson County, and its first sheriff ; he was, also, the first to repre- sent, in the Legislature, the district composed of the counties of Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew. The father and daugh- ter both sleep in the family burial ground at Edinburgh.
Mr. Ryan was nominated by the State Democratic Conven- tion three successive times as its candidate for Treasurer of State, i. e., 1866-68-70.
He is a business man in the full sense of the word, but al- ways finds time to keep himself well and correctly posted in political matters, and when before the people makes it a lively
380
Early Reminiscences.
and speech-making canvass, and like his lamented brother, the late Richard J. Ryan, possesses the happy faculty of hold- ing his audience spell-bound while he is speaking.
He is a man of sterling integrity, whose word is considered as good as his bond, and he possesses many other fine traits of character, which makes it necessary to be personally ac- quainted with him to be properly appreciated.
CHARLES BALS,
Who is one of our prosperous business men, came to this place in the year 1839. He is of Teutonic birth, and inher- its the peculiar traits of his countrymen.
Charlie was not only poor when he first came to this city, but he owed in the old country a debt of one hundred and thirty dollars, which he was in honor bound and must pay before he could lay by anything in this country.
He was first employed by one of our respectable citizens as a man of all work at five dollars per month, and then for a short time by West & Meeker delivering flour from their mills to their customers in this city.
In the fall of 1847 he was engaged in the wholesale liquor establishment of the late P. B. L. Smith, and there remained nine years, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the recti- fying and wholesale liquor business, which knowledge has proved to be of incalculable value to him since.
Soon after leaving Mr. Smith's establishment he engaged in business on his own account, since which time he has been successful, and is now a partner in the house of Hahn & Bals, one of the large and popular wholesale houses of the city.
Charlie arrived at the conclusion that many others had, i. e., that he lost a large amount of money by not having a greater amount of whisky on hand at the time the tax of two dollars per gallon was ordered to be levied on that afterwards manu- factured.
381
Aquilla Joncs.
The senior partner of this establishment, Mr. Charles F. Hahn, is also from the old country, but a citizen of this city since 1849, and has been engaged in active business since that time. Mr. Hahn is now engaged in building, on South Me- ridian street, a fine business house, to be occupied by them as a store. This building will rank with any other house of that kind in the city.
AQUILLA JONES.
Prominent among the active business men of Indianapolis is the gentleman whose name stands above. Mr. Jones is a native of North Carolina, came to Indiana in the year 1831, and resided in Columbus, Bartholomew County, until he was elected Treasurer of State in 1857 and removed to this city.
Since Mr. J. has been a citizen of this place he has engaged in many public as well as private enterprises.
He was for sometime a leading wholesale grocer on South Meridian street, but has now retired from that business.
As a State officer he was efficient, never jeopardizing the public money in private speculation, like most officials (how- ever honest in their private transactions) are inclined to do.
He is at this time the Treasurer of the Rolling Mill Com- pany, and also the Gatling Gun Company, positions that he is peculiarly fitted for, as he is well known to possess (as his success in life will prove) financial abilities of the first order.
He married the daughter of John W. Cox, who was for many years a leading politician of Morgan County. We re- member seeing him in the Senate from that county during the Presidency of General Jackson, and the old hero had not a warmer or more steadfast friend in that body.
Mr. Jones' only daughter is the wife of H. C. Holloway (a brother to the present Postmaster of this city), and is the Chief Clerk in the Money Order Department of the Post Office.
382
Early Reminiscences.
. His oldest son, bearing the name of the father, is in active business, and inherits, to some extent, the business qualifica- tions of his father.
DR. W. CLINTON THOMPSON
Is a native of the Key Stone State, having been born in the town of Zeallia Nople, Butler County. His parents died when he was quite young, and he was thrown entirely upon his own resources to procure an education ; but with an en- ergy and earnestness that generally is rewarded with success, he received an education that qualified him for the study of the profession to which he is now an honor.
. He is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College. He came to Indiana about the year 1836, and has been a citizen of the State since that time, except six years that he practiced his profession in St. Charles, Missouri.
He has resided in this city during the last twenty-three years, actively engaged in the duties of his profession.
He was appointed Brigade Surgeon, at the commencement of the war, by President Lincoln, at the instance of Governor Morton, and was attached to the armies of McClelland and Pope in their campaign through Virginia.
He resigned this position, by reason of failing health, soon after the battle of Antietam.
Since his residence in Indianapolis Doctor Thompson has held several offices of honor and responsibility, if not of emol- ument.
He was chosen Councilman of the Third Ward, and, after serving several years as such, he resigned, and without solici- tation on his part, was nominated by the Republican party for, and triumphantly elected to represent the county in the State Senate. This office he filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constitutents of all parties.
Since his long residence in this city Doctor Thompson has
383
Hon. David Macy.
ever sustained an unblemished character for honesty and in- tegrity, and a high reputation as a skillful and successful phy- sician.
He is a decided character, whose instincts and impulses are all with the right. He has enjoyed the confidence and friend- ship of all the Governors of the State from Joseph A. Wright to His Excellency Governor Baker, and has been their family physician.
He has, from his earliest years, had no parents to demand his regard, further than his respect for their memory and re- grets for their loss, and no one but strangers to supply their place ; with his genial manners he gained many friends, and he has a way of mixing his good feelings with his many jokes, which interests his auditors.
He is still actively engaged in the practice of medicine. and. has by economy, industry and honesty acquired a considera- ble fortune for himself and family, and the sineere wish of the writer is that he may live long to enjoy the fruits of his labor, the society of his family and friends, and be, as he ever has been, of usefulness to the public.
HON. DAVID MACY,
Now one of the prominent men of Indianapolis, is a native of North Carolina, but when a boy came with his parents to Wayne County, Indiana, thence to Newcastle, Henry County, where he successfully practiced law for several years, and rep- resented that county three years in the State Legislature.
From Newcastle he removed to Lawreneeburgh and became the law partner of Judge Major ; this (Dearborn) County he also represented one year in the State Legislature.
Mr. Macy was induced to leave Lawrenceburgh in conse- quence of the too great water privileges of that city, he, not being amphibious, preferred a dry land residence.
He became a resident of this city in 1852; in 1854 he was
384
Early Reminiscences.
chosen President of the Indianapolis and Peru Railroad, and under his supervision that road has become one of the popu- lar as well as paying roads of the State, and is considered a first-class road. .
While a member of the Legislature he made the acquaint- ance of and married the eldest daughter of Robert Patterson, who was one of the pioneers of this city, and for many years one of its most respected citizens.
Mr. Macy built and owns the hotel that bears his name ; he is, also, the owner of other valuable city property, and owns and lives in one of the fine residences in the north part of the city.
DR. DANDRIDGE H. OLIVER
Was born in Henry County, Kentucky, and with his father and family he became a resident of Perry Township, in this county, in 1835.
In 1848 his father, John H. Oliver, removed to Montgom- ery County, and there died in 1859.
Dr. Oliver is a graduate of the Louisville Medical College, and is now one of the practicing physicians of this city.
His first wife was the daughter and only child of Judge Elikem Harding, one of the pioneers who came to this place in the spring of 1820, and was an associate judge in the first court held in this city.
Dr. Oliver is a man of fine personal appearance, courteous . and gentlemanly in his intercourse with his friends and those he has business with, and never fails to make a favorable im- pression upon the minds of those he becomes acquainted with.
WILLIAM H. ENGLISH.
I have digressed from my original design of writing remi- niscences and sketches only of the first and old inhabitants of Indianapolis, and have selected a few of the most promi-
385
William H. English.
nent and enterprising business men of the present day whose career is worthy of emulation.
Prominent among this class is William H. English, Presi- dent of and principal stockholder in the First National Bank of this city.
He came to this city and organized this bank sometime pre- vious to the removal of his family to this place and making it their permanent home, which was not until 1864.
Being a native of the State and favorably known to our citizens, he immediately took rank as a first-class business man, and identified himself with several enterprises which have proved beneficial to the city and redound to his credit as a man and public spirited citizen.
His career in the southern part of the State, where he was born and raised, was eminently successful. His father was one of the pioneers of that section and a member of the In -. diana Legislature for nearly twenty years, and we remember him as one of the leading men of his party in that body.
The son entered political life at an early age. He was principal clerk of the House of Representatives in 1843, and an active participant in the Presidential canvass of 1844 that resulted in the election of Mr. Polk over Henry Clay.
He was an officer in the Treasury Department at Washing- ton during the whole of Mr. Polk's administration, and a clerk in the United States Senate during that ever-memorable ses- sion of 1850, when the compromise was effected.
Mr. English was principal Secretary of the Convention that framed the present Constitution of Indiana, a member of the House of Representatives (Scott) in 1851, and was elected its Speaker at that session.
He was a member of Congress during the whole of Mr. Pierce's and Mr. Buchanan's administrations, from the Second Congressional District of Indiana, and Regent of the Smith- sonian Institute at Washington the entire eight years.
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386
Early Reminiscences.
During his long service in Congress he took a prominent and active part in several important national questions. He was the author of a bill which passed Congress, known as the " English Bill," long a subject of bitter controversy between the political parties of the day.
This bill was a compromise, removing an angry issue be- tween the Senate and House of Representatives, placing it in the power of the people of Kansas, by a vote, to either pre- vent or secure the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution as they might determine.
His thoughts and logic were clear, and he depicted facts with a fresh reflection of youth, and with a ready pen he fitted his thoughts to circumstances.
On the breaking out of the war Mr. English retired from Congress, and, comparatively, from an active political life, and without ever having sustained a defeat before the people.
The First National Bank of this city was a pioneer of the system in Indiana, and it has been very successful under his management as the chief executive officer of the institution. I see by the city papers its stock is worth fifty per cent. pre- mium, and holders refuse to sell at these figures; this cer- tainly speaks well for the financial ability of its head.
Mr. English is also one of the two sole proprietors of the various lines of Street Railways that run through the city, as he is also of that fashionable place of amusement and recre- ation, the Rink.
He is a man of fine native as well as acquired ability, a well-read lawyer, but not in practice for many years, and a man of large wealth.
It is but seldom we see a man who started with such pros- pects of a brilliant career in politics voluntarily relinquish them for that of an active business life. And it is still more remarkable that an only child as he is, reared in the lap of luxury and ease, and never knew what it was to have a rea-
387
Rev. William W. Hibben.
sonable wish ungratified by indulgent parents, that had never experienced the necessity of exertion of either body or mind, should make the energetic business man he has.
Mr. English is now just in the prime of life, a tall, finely framed and symmetrical figure, dignified and gentlemanly in his bearing, a fine address, his whole contour would at once commend to and attract attention in any intelligent assem- blage.
During the time he was engaged in the Treasury Depart- ment he met with a young lady of Virginia, then visiting the National Capital, and they were married ; she yet shares his great prosperity and the reward of his untiring energy and industry.
He purchased that beautiful property of W. S. Hubbard's, on Circle street, and directly in the center of the city, and there resides.
Mr. English's venerable father and mother, the Hon. Elisha G. English and lady, are citizens of the city and reside with their son.
REV. WILLIAM W. HIBBEN.
Mr. Hibben is, perhaps, as well known to the people of In- diana as any minister now living within its borders.
He was a native of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsyl- vania, but at an early age came to Ohio. He was licensed as a Methodist Minister at Hillsborough, Ohio, in 1832.
In March, 1835, he came to Indiana and was admitted into the Indiana Conference, at Lafayette, in October of that year ; after which he was the " preacher in charge " of some of the most important stations within the State.
In 1844, when we first made his acquaintance, he was sta- tioned in Indianapolis, and while located here he raised some seven or eight thousand dollars for the purpose of building Wesley Chapel, and succeeded in stirring up a determination
388
Early Reminiscences.
in the congregation to build the church, which they finished the next year.
This church is now owned by Richard J. Bright, and is oc- cupied as the office of the "Indianapolis Daily Sentinel," and Mr. Hibben is the able correspondent for the paper over the signature of "Jefferson."
After being a Methodist Minister for nearly thirty years, a portion of the time as presiding elder, for reasons satisfactory to himself, and believing that he could be more beneficial in another, he severed his connection with the Methodist minis- try and attached himself to the Protestant Episcopal Church, and is now one of its honored ministers.
Mr. Hibben is a ready writer, as has been attested by the able articles he has furnished for the columns of the "Daily Sentinel " upon the commercial and manufacturing interests of this city.
During the rebellion he furnished four sons to help fight the battles for the preservation of the Union. Although preachers, especially Methodist, were intensely loyal, I doubt if there are many who can show more substantial evidence of devotion to the " old flag " than Brother Hibben.
He is a man of good address, a pleasant and entertaining speaker, genial manners, and seems disposed to look upon the bright and sunny side of sublunary cares.
ISAAC DAVIS
Is one of the leading hatters of Indianapolis. He has been a citizen of this city since 1862. He was direct from New Albany to this place, and has acquired considerable notoriety in his business capacity.
He is a small, spare-made man, about forty years of age, with a quick and penetrating eye, and can measure at a glance the size of a customer's head, as well as the contents of his pocket-book, the moment he sets foot in his store, and has
389
Isaac Davis.
seldom been mistaken in his man, not even when he encoun- tered "Hoosier Bill," as the sequel proved that Bill was mis- taken, and succeeded in waking up the wrong passenger, for he got the worst of it all the way through, and will not wish to encounter another Isaac Davis as long as he lives.
There is no person that has read the city papers for the last seven years but must be familiar with the name of "Ike Davis;" he seems to think and act upon the principal that, next to keeping a fine assortment in his store, printer's ink is essential to success, hence his name in nearly all our daily papers. I believe his business motto is, small profits and quick returns.
On one occasion Mr. Davis was seated in his store rumina- ting on the uncertainty of sublunary affairs (except taxes), when his attention was attracted to a long, lean, lank, cadave- rous individual standing about the middle of his store taking a close survey of his surroundings. His coat sleeves were about six inches too short for his arms, or rather his arms were too long for his sleeves; the waist of his coat seemed to be making an effort to gain the top of his shoulders; one arm was run half-way down his pantaloons pocket, as though to secure his pocket-book ; he wore a pair of sunburnt bro- gans, something of the color of a red fox; his hat had evi- dently seen better days; his whole contour presented a rather singular appearance.
At the approach of the proprietor, he inquired if they sold hats there? Being answered in the affirmative, and asked what kind he wished to look at, "a nice Sunday hat," said he. Mr. Davis invited him to the back part of the store where the wool or cheap hats were kept.
After looking at and selecting one, he asked the price; one dollar, was the answer. " I shan't gin no such price," throw- ing the hat down with great earnestness and passion, and pick- ing up his old hat held it up to the view of Mr. Davis, and
390
Early Reminiscences.
exclaimed " thar is as nice a hat as wur ever worn by any man, and I only gin eighty cents for it !"
The Hoosier Bill referred to in the first of this sketch was a daring burglar that tried his hand on Mr. Davis' person as well as his premises, but he made a signal failure, as far as the accomplishment of his object was concerned.
Although he dealt Mr. D. a severe blow when he met him at the threshold, he was afterwards captured and sent to the State Prison for a term of years.
Since his incarceration there he was equally unsuccessful. In an attempt to escape from that institution he was shot by one of the guard, and although not killed he was severely injured. As a proper appreciation of the guard's good inten- tion Mr. Davis presented him with one of his "nice Sunday hats."
The extreme counterpart of Mr. Davis' fine store will be found in the sketch of the second hat shop in this place, i. e., of Nathan Davis, more generally known in his day as " Hon- est Nathan."
I understand Mr. Davis has made many friends since his residence in this place that wish him a long life and continued success in his business of selling "Sunday hats."
BENHAM BROTHERS.
This firm is composed of two young men, Azel M. and Hen- ry L. Benham, who came to this city about ten years since, and without money or friends, have, in the face of strong op- position and capital, succeeded by perseverance, patient in- dustry and upright dealing, built up and now maintain a hand- some trade in music and the musical instrument line.
They being connoisseurs in the science of music, as well as performers themselves, have enabled them to secure for the Indianapolis public the very best musical talent of the old as well as the new world.
391
Samuel W. Drew.
It has been mainly through their influence that those first- class Opera troops have been induced to visit this city, as the public are already aware through the city papers, that the engagement of those companies have generally been effected through their agency.
They are the editors and publishers of the " Western Mu- sical Review," a twenty page monthly quarto journal of mu- sic, art and literature, devoted to the diffusion of musical infor- mation, and furnishing their patrons with the latest and most popular pieces.
In their immense establishment may be found all kinds of instruments, from banjo of Cuffey to the finest seven-octave piano that graces the parlors of the upper tendum of the city. In their drawers may be found any piece of music from Billy Barlow, or Captain Jinks, to selections from the most fashion- able and standard operas of the day.
Messrs. Benham are natives of the western part of New York, were raised on a farm and used to farm labor, but with a perseverance and energy worthy of emulation, they set out early in life to seek their fortunes among strangers and in a strange land, and we find them to-day enjoying the reward of their indomitable industry, and destined to move in a sphere that at once commands the approbation of the public and the confidence of all who know them.
These gentlemen are endowed with an intellectual clever- ness that at once wins upon those they are brought in contact with, either in the ordinary business of the day or in their social relations.
SAMUEL W. DREW
Was born in Dover, New Hampshire, and learned the carriage making business in Exeter, in his native State. From the latter place he removed to Hollowell, Maine, and there car- ried on his business for several years with considerable suc-
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