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 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
"On one occasion, at a love-feast, the old man said "his sun had been behind a cloud for some days, and that he had not been in close communion with the Savior, but thanked God that this morning his sky was once more clear, and he could read 'his title clear to mansions in the skies,' and that he was able to raise his Ebenezer, and that the cloud had passed away, and that he was beyond the reach of the devil and all his cattle." On another occasion the old gentleman got very happy in class-meeting. He looked toward the roof of the house, extended his arms in an imploring manner, and said, "Do, Lord, come right down! Come right through the roof, right now! Do, Lord! Never mind the shingles, but come right down, Lord!" At this point the old man began flapping his arms up and down as wings, as if starting to meet the Savior. When he got in one of these ways the only
87
Billy Bay.
remedy was to sing him down, and Sister Haws contributed a good portion, which generally elicited from the old man, after he became quieted, a "God bless Sister Haws."
In the sincerity and earnestness of Brother Kittleman there was none to doubt, but the old gentleman's zeal was some- times greater than his common sense. He left this place many years since and removed to the far West, and no doubt is prepared to meet Sister Haws "in the morning," and "on the other side of Jordan."
BILLY BAY
Was the counterpart of Jimmy Kittleman, and his associate and brother in the first Methodist Church organized in Indi- anapolis. He was equally zealous in the good work, and never let anything keep him from the "Divine sanctuary." He too, like Brother Kittleman, had been very much tempted by the "old cloven-foot sarpent," and several times came very near yielding. Brother Bay was a man about five feet ten inches in height, rather spare made, a bald head, and about fifty years of age. He wore the old-style Methodist dress, round breasted or shad-belly coat. He was full of sighs on all occasions, and in church would add an amen to everything said, frequently out of place.
His main forte was in prayer. He had two stereotoyped upon his mind, and ever ready for use on any and all occasions ; his morning prayer and his evening prayer. He sometimes (as Tom Harvey would say) "got the right prayer in the wrong place; " i. e., he would use the morning prayer in the evening, and vice versa. I well remember his evening prayer, having heard it nearly every Thursday night for ten years. It ran thus :
"We desire to thank thee, O Lord, that we are once more permitted to assemble together under the roof of thy divine sanctuary, and that while many of our feller-critters, that are
88
Early Reminiscences.
as good by nater and far better by practice, have sickened and died during the week that has passed and gone, and left these mundane shores, and gone to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, we are still permitted to remain here as the spared monuments of thy amazing grace. And now, O Lord, in the close of our evening devotions draw feelingly and sensibly nigh unto us. Manifest thyself unto us as thou dost not unto the world, and grant that we may live as we shall wish we had when we come to die. And, finally, when we are called upon to put off this mortal and put on immortality, bring us to enjoy thyself and service; and all the glory we will ascribe to a triune God, world without end. Amen."
Brother Bay, too, sought a home on the distant prairies, and from his advanced age when he left has, no doubt, ere this, "put off this mortal and put on immortality," and has met his old classmate, Brother Kittleman, on the other side of the river, "where congregations ne'er break up, and Sab- baths never end."
DANIEL STEPHENS AND RICHARD GOOD.
In the character of Mr. Stephens there is very little to commend. He was more generally known by the name of "Sheep Stephens," than any other. An Irishman, named Richard Good, that had worked for him, charged him with being a " shape thafe," and that he had stolen Van Blaricum's ram, and when fearful of detection threw it into the well to hide it. He was, outside of the charges made by Mr. Good, considered the meanest man in the neighborhood, except " Buffalo Cale."
Mr. Stephens lost his wife. She was buried on Sunday, which fact brought out the entire population to the funeral. On his return from the grave he called at my mother's to ask her advice in regard to a suit of clothes for mourning. He wished to economize, and get such as would do to be married
89
James M. Ray.
in, should he take a notion to; though he thought it very doubtful whether he would marry again, as he had looked around at the grave, and had seen none that he thought would fill Betsy's (his wife's) place. In justice to Mr. Stephen's judg- ment I must say, the variety of marriageable women was very small at that time.
Soon after his wife's death he returned to Kentucky, and soon found one he thought worthy to fill Betsy's place. He never returned to Indiana. The loss to Indianapolis in a citizen, it is to be hoped, was Mr. Stephens' gain.
Richard Good was the first Hibernian that ever made Indi- anapolis his home. He lived with Messrs. Henderson & Blake for several years, as ostler at Washington Hall, accumu- lated enough to buy him a quarter-section of land, which he improved and made a fine farm. He lived about two miles east of Greenwood, and there died a few years since, highly respected by his neighbors.
JAMES M. RAY
Was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, in the year 1800. Early in life he emigrated to the West. His first residence in Indiana was at Lawrenceburgh, in the year 1818, and after- wards at Connersville ; in each of which places he was en- gaged as deputy clerk. He came to where Indianapolis now is early in the year 1821, and was clerk at the first sale of lots in October, of that year. At the first election, in 1822, he was elected Clerk of Marion County. Morris Morris was the principal opposing candidate, and it was a warmly con- tested election, Madison and Hamilton Counties being at- tached to Marion County for voting purposes. He was af- terwards re-elected as clerk and elected as recorder, and held those offices until he resigned them at the time of the organ- ization of the State Bank of Indiana, when he was elected cashier, which position he held during the existence of the
4H
90
Early Reminisecenes.
bank. He was then appointed cashier of the "Bank of the State," which position he held until he was elected presi- dent of the same, which office he still holds.
Mr. Ray was active in the first Bible society, and helped to organize the first Sunday school; and has been the Treasurer of the Indianapolis Benevolent Society since its organization in the year 1836. He was secretary of the first temperance society, also of the Colonization Society ; secretary of the first fire company, that of the Marion, organized in 1835, and one of the principal stockholders in the first steam-mill. He has ever been liberal in contributing to the erection of churches of all denominations. There has been but very few, if any, public enterprises undertaken in Indianapolis that he has not aided by money and countenance since the first settlement of the place. And even now, at his advanced age, he does not seem to have lost any of the zeal of his younger years for the public good. His public positions and private successes were well calculated to bring down upon him the envy and jealousy of those less fortunate, but the tongue of slander and vituper- ation has never been hurled at James M. Ray, or the defama- tion of his character ever attempted.
His great simplicity of character and manner; his well- known and unostentatious piety, with a pleasant word and a smile for all that business or circumstances have brought him in contact with, have endeared him to all who know him. The duties of time and the reward of eternity seem to be his greatest pleasure on earth. In his family circle,
" Ilis ready smile a parent's love expressed, Their welfare pleased him, and their cares distressed, To them his heart, his love, his griefs were given, But all his serious thoughts had rest in heaven."
Mr. Ray is a small man, who would not weigh over one hundred and thirty pounds, but has prominent features, a mild black eye, and his whole contour at once denotes intelli- gence and an active mind. He was always very neat in his
91
George Smith.
person and dress, even when engaged in the common avoca- tions of life, but would never be taken for a fop.
In the late war he took an active interest in the cause of the Union, and was treasurer of the Indiana Branch of the Christian Commission, of the Indiana Freedman's Aid Com- mission, and also of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors' Home. He also aided in selling the State bonds to procure means to arm and support our troops. He yet resides at the north- west corner of Meridian and Ohio streets, where has been his homestead for over thirty years. That antique, large and comfortable mansion, and beautifully laid out grounds, are the admiration of all who see them; and their whole appear- ance at once stamp the owner as a gentleman of culture, taste, and refinement. With one exception, this is the largest piece of very valuable property in the city, and long may the worthy proprietor and his estimable lady live to enjoy the comforts of such a home.
GEORGE SMITH
Was one of the proprietors of the Indianapolis "Gazette," the first newspaper and the first printing establishment of any kind in Indianapolis.
Mr. Smith was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and learned his trade in the office of the Lexington "Observer," in Lex- ington, Kentucky. After his apprenticeship was out he went to Cincinnati and worked with Charlie Hammond, in the office of the Liberty Hall and Cincinnati "Gazette." He lived at several different places in Ohio as well as Indiana before he came to this place in December, 1821. In January, 1822, he, in connection with his step-son, Nathaniel Bolton, issued the first number of the "Gazette." Their office was in one corner of the cabin in which his family lived. This cabin was situated near by a row of cabins built by Wilmot, called Smoky Row, west of the Canal, and near Maryland
92
Early Reminiscences.
street. From this cabin the "Gazette" was issued for the first year, then taken to a cabin on the northeast corner of the State House Square. This paper, after changing pro- prietors and editors, and name and location several times, we now have in the shape and name of the Indianapolis "Sentinel." Mr. Smith was the first to start a real estate agency in Indianapolis, as will be seen by his advertisement in the "Gazette" of 1827. He was afterwards elected asso- ciate judge and served two terms. He and Governor Ray were the only persons that wore their hair plaited and hang- ing down their back, in a cue. .
The Judge had some difficulty with a lawyer named Gabriel J. Johnson. The lawyer got the Judge by the cue and for a while had him in chancery, but the Judge rallied his "strength" and administered to the lawyer a sound thresh- ing. He was a man of warm feeling and devotion to his friends, and would go any length to serve and accommodate one. He cared nothing for money or property, further than to make himself and family comfortable. He had but one child, to which he was devotedly attached. She is now the wife of my nearest neighbor, Mr. William Martin. Her first husband, Samuel Goldsberry, is spoken of in another place.
After Mr. Smith had sold his interest in the "Gazette" and had quit the printing business, he bought the farm where the Insane Asylum now stands, and named it "Mount Jack- son." He continued to live there with his wife until the time of his death, which was in April, 1836, at the age of fifty-two years. His numerous friends regretted his death. His loss was deeply felt by the poor, to whom he was ever lib- eral and kind, treating them with the greatest respect.
93
Nathaniel Bolton.
NATHANIEL BOLTON.
Reference has been made to Mr. Bolton's connection with the Indianapolis "Gazette," in the preceding sketch. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and came to this place with his step-father and partner, George Smith, in December, 1821, when quite a young man. After Mr. Smith had retired from the "Gazette," Mr. Bolton continued the paper alone, and then with different partners for some time. In the meantime he was married to Miss Sarah T. Barrett, of Madison, now well known as one of Indiana's most gifted daughters. Al- though a very talented lady, she lost nothing in that way by her connection with Mr. B., but had a great deal to gain. For several of the first years of Mr. Bolton's residence in this place he was very much afflicted, so much so, that he was scarcely expected to live from one day to another; but for some years before his death his health had improved. He was a ready writer, and wrote most of the articles for the " Gazette," over fictitious signatures, beside writing the lead- ing editorials. Several of the early articles I shall copy in this work, to show the style of writing in those days as well as the subject-matter.
About the second year of the administration of President Pierce he was appointed "Consul " to Geneva, and remained there until President Buchanan's administration, when he was compelled on account of his health to resign and return home. £
He arrived at home in May, and died the next November. In his social relations he was thought a great deal of. He possessed fine conversational powers and was ever entertaining to his auditors. He was a warm partizan, and expressed his views upon all and every occasion without stint or reserve, which may have made him some political enemies, but he had none personal. He left but two chil- dren, a son and daughter; his daughter, the wife of Mr. Frank Smith, of this city, has since deceased. She possessed,
94
Early Reminiscences.
in addition to a large share of the native talent of her father and mother, fine accomplishments, and was one of the finest musicians of this city that abounds with talent of that particu- lar kind.
ALEXANDER RALSTON.
In the Indiana "Journal" of January 9, 1827, I find the obituary notice of Mr. Ralston, the surveyor that laid out Indianapolis.
"Died in this place on Friday, the 5th instant, Alexander Ralston, Esq., aged fifty-six years." Mr. R. was a native of Scotland, but emigrated early in life to America. He lived many years at the city of Washington, then at Louisville, Kentucky, afterwards near Salem, in this State, and for the last five years in this place. His earliest and latest occupa- tion in the United States was surveying, in which he was long employed by the Government at Washington, and his removal to this place was occasioned by his appointment to make the original survey of it. During the intervening period merchandise and agriculture engaged his attention.
"In the latter part of his life he was our county surveyor, and his leisure time was employed in attending to a neat garden, in which various useful and ornamental plants, fruit, etc., were carefully cultivated. Mr. Ralston was successful in his profession, honest in his dealings, gentlemanly in his deportment, a liberal and hospitable citizen, and a sincere and ardent friend. He had experienced much both of the pleasures and pains incident to human life. The respect and esteem of the generous and good were always awarded to him, and he found constant satisfaction in conferring favors, not only on his own species, but even on the humblest of the brute creation. He would not willingly set foot upon a worm. But his unsuspecting nature made him liable to imposition. His sanguine expectations were often disap-
95
Isaac Kinder.
pointed ; his independent spirit sometimes provoked opposi- sition, and his extreme sensibility was frequently put to the severest trials. Though he stood alone among us in respect to family, his loss will be long lamented."
As has been intimated by the "Journal," he was an old bachelor. He had a colored woman named Chany Lively, as a house-keeper. She was the second colored person to live in this place. The first was a boy, brought by Dr. Mitchell, named Ephraim Ensaw.
Some years after Mr. Ralston's death, Chany married a well-known colored barber named John Britton, who yet lives here, and is one of our most respectable colored citi- zens.
ISAAC KINDER.
Among the citizens of Marion County that were prominent in early years was Mr. Kinder. He had bought a half section of land at the sale in Brookville in the year 1821, and in March, 1822, moved to and improved a farm located three miles north of town, on the east bank of Fall Creek, known now as the property of John Sutherland. While living on this farm he was county surveyor, and as such ran out the lines of the first farms that were improved in the county. About the year 1831 he sold this farm to the present owner, John Sutherland, and removed to town and engaged in mer- ehandizing, and for about ten years successfully carried on that business.
Mr. Kinder's only son living at the time, Captain T. B. Kinder, raised a company of volunteers for the Second Indiana Regiment in the Mexican war, and fell at the head of his company during the battle of Buena Vista, on the 23d of February, 1847. In 1848 his father went to that distant and ill-fated battle-field and identified the body of his son, and
90
Early Reminiscences.
brought it to this place, where it rests in one of the city cemeteries.
Isaac Kinder was a native of Delaware, having been born in Sussex County in 1792. When quite young he emigrated to Pickaway County, Ohio, and was there married in the year 1819, and at the time above mentioned became a citizen of Indiana. The death of his son sat heavily upon his mind, and greatly impaired his health, and hastened his death, which occurred in December, 1849.
His widow yet resides in this city, and though advanced in age is quite active, and may be seen attending to the ordinary duties of life as she did twenty-five years ago.
His six daughters, four of whom are married, yet reside in the city and vicinity. One is the wife of Mr. Clark, another of Martin Igo, a third of Mr. MeLaughlin, and a fourth the wife of Mr. Trumbull. The two unmarried reside with their mother. The eldest daughter, now dead, was the wife of J. R. M. Bryant, of Williamsport, Warren County.
Mr. Kinder was an industrious and frugal man, and left his family in comfortable circumstances. They own some fine business property on East Washington Street, known as "Kinder's Block."
AMOS HANWAY, SEN.,
Came to this place early in the year 1821. He ascended White River in a flat-bottomed boat. He came directly from Vincennes to this place, and had come to Vincennes, in the year 1820, from Marietta, Ohio.
He was the first cooper, and made the first wash-tubs and and buckets, for which there was a demand from every new arrival of settlers. He brought the first barrel of whisky, although there had been large quantities brought here in smaller packages. He built a hewed log house on the north bank of the ravine, opposite to where Kingan's pork-house
97
Amos Hanway, Sen.
now stands. On this house he put a shingle roof (the shin- gles he made himself), the first roof the kind in the new pur- chase.
Mr. Hanway had several children, one of whom was then, and is yet, well known as a fisherman; then in pursuit of the finny tribe, now as a fisher of men. This was his eldest son, and took the name of his father.
Amos Hanway, Jun., although a great fisherman, would spend but seven days of the week in the profession, i. e., he would commence early on Monday morning (he was conscien- tious about beginning on Sunday), and would finish his week's work late Sunday evening. He knew the nest of nearly every bass between Lake's Ford and the high banks of the river below the graveyard. Some thought he was per- sonally acquainted with cach one of the fish. He had sev- eral ways of fishing, but his favorite was fire-fishing. He would build a platform on the bow of his eanoe; on this he would build a fire, the reflection of which would show him the fish at the bottom of the deepest water.
Behind this fire he would stand, and select and spear or gig any fish he would wish. He was unerring in his aim, and hardly ever let a fish escape him. He was equally sue- cessful with hook and line, and his favorite bait was a worm which he called helgramte, which he procured under old logs. He sometimes, when he wished to make it a pecuniary object, used a seine, when he would take the fish by wagon loads and although they were very cheap compared with the prices now given, he would realize a considerable amount from one day's work.
Amos happened up town one evening, and wandered into a wheelwright shop which stood on the northeast corner of Pennsylvania and Market streets, where there was an old- fashioned Methodist prayer-meeting being held. It was here he first began to refleet upon the sin and wickedness of fish-
5
98
Eurly Reminiscences.
ing on the Sabbath day, and resolved he would "go and sin no more" in that way, and joined the Methodist Church. After remaining in that church for some time he joined the "United Brethren," and is now a fisher of mnen in that most respectable religious organization, and if he is as successful in this kind of fishing as he was in the former, has no doubt caught many scaly fish as well as fat ones.
He was for years one of the presiding elders, and officiated for many years in different parts of the State in that capac- ity, and, I understand, is one of the best preachers of the denomination. His brother Samuel, well-known to our citi- zens, is also a member of the same church, and one of our reliable business men.
" There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough hew them as we will."
JAMES JOHNSON, ESQ.
There were, in early days, three Esquire Johnsons in Ma- rion County-Joseph, James W., and plain James. It is of the latter I write, who has, for over forty-five years, resided on the Crawfordsville State road, five miles west of the city.
He is a native of Grayson County, Virginia, and inherits many of the traits of character peculiar to the citizens of his native State. At an early age he came to Butler County, Ohio, and there lived until he came to this place in the year 1822. Since coming here he has held several offices of honor and emolument. For eleven years he was a justice of the peace in and for Wayne Township, at a time when the magis- trates of the several townships, as a board, transacted the business of the county.
While the Hon. Jesse D. Bright was United States Mar- shal of the State, Mr. J. was his principal deputy. He was elected to represent the county in the Legislature in the years 1838 and 1839, and served two sessions. He was a
99
Nathaniel Cox.
good and efficient member, and attentive to the interests of his constituents.
Near fifty years since he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, lying on the Noblesville State road, about eight miles north of the city. There has never been a stick of timber cut off this land, unless stolen or unauthorized by the owner. This land is very heavily timbered, the majestic oaks and poplars still standing with all their native dignity. This fact indicates that he has never been hard-pressed for money. He owns several pieces of valuable city property in addition to his several fine and productive farms.
NATHANIEL COX
Was a native of Maryland, and born in Talbott County, but at an early age emigrated with his parents to Chillicothe, Ohio. After living at several different places he came to Jeffersonville, in this State, where he remained a short time. From the latter place he came to Indianapolis in the fall of 1821. He was a great hunter and fisherman, and for some time did but little except in that line. He would often dress himself in Indian costume, and hunt for several days with- out returning, camping out as an Indian. He was very fond of frightening those who had just come to the settlement, and who had not seen much of the Indians.
He was a great wag, and fond of playing pranks on the un- suspecting, to many of which I have been the victim. One of his best practical jokes was upon himself. Before the days of soda fountains, he requested Mr. Hannaman to pre- pare him two glasses, one containing carbonate acid, the other soda, as he wished to try the effect of the effervescence in the stomach. He first drank one draught and then the other. The experiment was satisfactory, at least so much so that he never wished to try it again. The fluid came from his eyes ears, mouth and nose in such a way that it alarmed the
100
Early Reminiscences.
bystanders. I have often heard him say he thought the Falls of Niagara were running through and out of his head.
In the month of January, 1825, and while the Legislature was in session, he conceived the idea of serenading its mem- bers. There was a society, of which he was the head and master spirit. This organization Mr. Cox named the "Indi- anapolis Anarugian Society." They numbered about thirty persons, and their object was fun or amusement, in any shape whatever not injurious to the public.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.