Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 25

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 25

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St. Mary's orphan asylum has been in existence a great number of years and is under the excellent management of the Sisters of Charity, an order whose glorions services amid the horrors of the battlefield and among the sickening scenes of the dreadful epidemic are indelibly inscribed upon the heart of hearts of the people of the South. This establish- ment maintains at present sixty-six orphan girls at a yearly cost of about $4,500. The income of the asylum is derived in part from the following: From proceeds annual Catholic fair, $2,000; from bequest late Dr. O' Riley, of Canton, Miss., $250; from Christmas and other collections, $608; total, $2,858.

The needles of the girls assist somewhat toward their maintenance. The receipts from this source, however, consequent on. the extensive and increasing employment of the sewing- machine, lessen every year. The asylum occupies a substantial and commodious brick building on the corner of Rankin and Jefferson streets, with vegetable and flower gardens attached, the former of which, worked by the orphans, supplies the table with excellent vegetables the year round. The children are comfortably clothed, receive a good English education, and in all the domestic duties are thoroughly qualified, and so excellently trained they are eagerly sought for for adoption and service, and many a girl whose career has started in the chilling shadows of the most distressing auspices has, thanks to the beneficence of St. Mary's, been nshered into a womanhood surrounded with all the comforts and refine- ment of independence. The house is presided over by Sister Tatiana, who is assisted by a community of sisters and a board of trustees composed of Catholic gentlemen. After look- ing over the books of both these Catholic orphan asylums it is found that fully one-third of the children for whom they provide are either of Protestant or non-Catholic parentage.

The Protestant orphan asylum dates back to March 12, 1816, when a few ladies of

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Natchez met together and organized an association for providing a home for the friendless children of the state, the result of which was the establishment of the Protestant orphan asylum, an institution which, through all these years, a period marked with the calamities of plague, bankruptcy, devastations by storm and ravage of war, has offered a roof for the roofless, meat for the hungry and friendship for the friendless. The history of this estab- lishment is a relation of everything pleasant to remember of the former and present genera- tion of amiable Protestant ladies of Natchez, a recital of which, I regret, is not within the province of the present undertaking. The asylum occupies a substantial and roomy building on Union street, in the northern outskirts of the city and in the midst of a delightful grove. At present there are some forty inmates, principally female, though the asylum admits chil- dren of both sexes, the support of which cost last year $2,559.95. The receipts from various sources, principally from voluntary subscription of the citizens of Natchez, and a donation by the grand lodge of Masons amounted to $3,055.35, leaving a balance in the treasury of $445. For some time past the citizens of Natchez have experienced a burden in the chief support of this institution, and one too, unfairly imposed upon them, when it is considered that the city furnishes but one-tenth of the children here provided for, while nine tenths are waifs from all quarters of the state. Considering it the duty of the state at large to contribute to the support of the establishment the lady managers a short time ago called in the advice of a committee composed of members of all the Protestant churches and Hebrews, the latter of whom, though they have derived no benefit from the asylum, have both by their purse and influence done much in assisting it. They called in the aid of this committee, as I have stated, to advise as to the most effective means to arouse the Protest- ants of the state to a sense of their duty in the premises. The result of this was the issuing of an appeal to the churches, Masonic and other bodies, Protestant, Christian and Hebrew, for contributions. The response exceeded expectation.

Harmony lodge No. 33 (now Harmony lodge No. 1), A. F. & A. M. was chartered by the grand lodge of Kentucky in 1801. On August 25, 1818, it was rechartered by the grand lodge of Mississippi as Harmony No. 1. The first officers were: Seth Lewis, W. M. ; James Farrell, S. W .; William Brooks, J. W .; David Lattermer, treasurer; John Girault, secretary; St. James Beauvis, S. D. ; Israel E. Trask, J. D .. Joseph Newman, S .; William Mitchell, Tyler. This lodge is now in a flourishing condition, with E. G. De Lap, W. M.

Jackson lodge No. 15 (now Andrew Jackson lodge No. 2), was chartered under the grand lodge of Tennessee, October 8, 1816. This lodge was rechartered by the grand lodge of Mississippi in 1818. It now has a large membership, and J. Peeples is W. M.

The grand lodge of Mississippi, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Natchez July 27, 1818, when Henry Tooley was elected M. W. grand master.

Lock lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 52, of Natchez, was chartered by the grand lodge of Mis- sissippi February 9, 1842, with John M. Duffield, W. M. The charter of this lodge was surrendered November 29, 1849, the members joining other lodges in Natchez.

Natchez R. A. chapter No. 1 is in flourishing existence here, with Dr. J. C. French high priest.

Rosalie commandery No. 5, K. T. of Natchez, is at present presided over by W. G. Benbrook, E. C. The other officers of the commandery are: J. C. French, M. D., general; J. Peebles, C. G .; E. G. De Lap, prelate; C. T. Chamberlin, S. W .; F. S. Shaw, J. W .; Geo. W. Kuntz, treasurer; John R. Bledsoe, recorder; E. J. Guice, standard-bearer; W. B. Irwin, sword bearer; C. H. Keirn, warder; C. M. Sawyer, captain-general.

The cornerstone of the old Masonic temple was laid June 25, 1827. It was quite an impos-

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ing stone edifice, and was used till 1889, when it was torn down and its site utilized for the erection of a new Masonic temple and operahouse now in course of erection. It will be a most imposing structure, five stories in hight, built with brick and stone trimmings. The ground plan is 119x60 feet, with a sixteen-foot L architectural design, modern and stately; interior decorations artistic. The building would be a pride to any city.

Mississippi lodge No. 1, Odd Fellows, was established in Natchez in 1836. Marion Ruffner was the first noble grand.

The grand lodge of Odd Fellows was established here in 1838, and Marion Ruffner was the first grand master. Thomas Reed, of Natchez, is now the oldest surviving grand master.

Natchez lodge No. 3, Knights of Pythias, was organized October 7, 1873, with Allison H. Foster past commander.

Knights of Honor lodge No. 1145, was organized a few years ago and won to its ban- ner a large membership.

The Catholic Knights is a new and widespread order, similar in its plan to the Knights of Honor. Though not a secret order, it is well established here, in St. Martin's branch No. 88, and includes in its membership many of the influential and prominent Catholic citizens.

Ezra lodge No. 134, I. O. B. B., includes in its membership the majority of the Hebrews of Natchez.

St. Joseph's Total Abstinence and Benevolent society aud many literary and benevolent associations are doing effective work.

In the thirties, Natchez, Vicksburg and Woodville began railroad building. The first two towns reached out to connect with Jackson, the state capital-the town of Woodville desiring to reach the Mississippi at Bayou Sara. The financial crisis of 1836-40 put a damper upon railroad interests and checked operations in that line almost entirely. After building only thirty-five miles of their road the Natchez company sold out to parties who, in turn, abandoned the project and disposed of the locomotives, iron, etc. Unfortunate mistake was this, and one that cost the town a large portion of the traffic that had hitherto been her own, but which now went to Vicksburg and Jackson. Again, the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern (now the Illinois Central) might have been induced by proper efforts to run their line through Natchez, and much valuable business territory might have thus been saved to her merchants. Yet a third time Natchez slept upon her opportunity and permitted the Louisville, New Orleans & Texas road to pass to the east of her when it was in her power to secure the important connections offered by this great railway.

But, these mistakes aside, Natchez is to-day one of the most promising cities of the South. Always conservative, her merchants are doing business with their own capital and upon a solid financial basis. The railroad to Jackson has been constructed by her own means and its final completion to Columbus is one of the certainties of the near future. Another improvement in this road will be the broadening of the gauge to the standard width. At last awakened to the importance of railroads and finally realizing their great value, the busi- ness men of the town are working with energy and perseverance to secure the New Orleans, Natchez & Fort Scott railroad, which will doubtless prove one of the most important rail- ways ever built upon American soil. From present indications the running of this line through Natchez seems a matter of fact.

The Natchez, Jackson & Columbus railroad, or the Little J, as it is called, has done a world of good to the town of Natchez, and its value is appreciated. General Martin, the

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brainy and energetic president of this line, is indefatigable in his efforts to secure the exten- siou and broadening of his road and its equipment as a first-class highway. A recent visit to New York in the interest of the road was highly satisfactory and the General was able to say to the directory upon his return that the future of the road would be all that could be wished. The management of the Little J road has been exceptionally good. The offi- cers of the company are capable, courteous officials, and take pleasure in consulting the public weal while faithfully performing the duties of their several departments. Major Williams, the general superintendent (a New Orleans gentleman), is an official whose fitness for the important office he holds is a matter of record, while his urbanity is known to all business men, rendering him a general favorite both in railroad and business circles. In 1882-3 the growth of the business interests of the city was so great that it became necessary to connect the wharves, the railroad depots and the mills by rail; so the Bluff City railway was organized for the purpose. Right of way was obtained from the city, the track was laid and an incline was constructed from the general level of the town to the water's edge. This railway has proved a valuable institution and more than justifies the expenditure necessary to its construction. The street railway was built in 1885-6 to connect the business part of the city with the ferryboat that plies between the city and Vidalia, La. The city is supplied with an excellent quality of gas from the city gas works, located in the northern part of the town. As the demand for extra supply is created it is promptly met by the company.

The cotton exchange was commenced early in 1886, and on the 20th of May, 1886, a charter was obtained from the legislature. The organization started out under the most auspicious conditions and has been steadily maintained, while daily growing in popular favor. The objects and purposes of the exchange, as set forth in the charter, are the same as those of similar institutions in the cities throughout the country. Cotton has met with a ready sale here at remunerative prices, which have been satisfactory to all parties concerned. There is a large and efficient corps of buyers in the town, who will compare favorably in all respects with those of any town in the South. A large portion of the cotton bought in Natchez has been bought for export. The river or bend cotton is not surpassed by any section on the Mississippi, and has always been in excellent demand at good prices. The sales of staple cotton have also been large at prices equal to the best markets in the South. As a cotton market Natchez has taken a prominent stand, and it is confidently predicted by those com- petent to judge that she will handle about fifty thousand bales per annum.

A new cotton compress was erected in 1886 at a cost of about $75,000. With improved machinery and in the hands of live, go-ahead business men, this important adjunct to the business of the town has proved a valuable factor in the increase of trade. Perhaps no single institution of the city speaks more unerringly of her future.

No city of its size in the Southwest has built as many manufacturing establishments as Natchez. The first of these was the Natchez cottonmills, a factory occupying a space of fifty feet front by a depth running the entire square, three stories high and fitted with the most improved machinery for the manufacture of cotton in the various grades of yarn, bat- ting, cloth, etc. This mill employs over three hundred looms, ten thousand spindles and three hundred people, whose wages aggregate about $4,000 monthly. Between three and four thousand bales of cotton are consumed annually in producing the sheetings, shirtings, drills and brown cottons that the factory turns out.

Another important institution of the kind is the Rosalie mills, the products of which are similar to the other, and the capacity of which is almost as great. Both of these mills are being operated profitably, and find markets for all the goods they can manufacture.

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Two cotton-seed oilmills, the Carpenter-Dickens company (Lee oilworks) and the Adams manufacturing company, are engaged in the manufacture of cotton seed oil, cake, meal, cot- ton batting and fertilizers. These companies employ a number of operatives and are import- ant institutions of the town. They were under the control of the Oil Trust company, as are most of the similar institutions in the South. An iron and brass foundry meets an important demand in this direction and employs skilled workmen. The work executed at these foundries is said to be very superior, while the charges are very reasonable. The ice factory, public cottongins and lumbermills are all large industrial concerns.

The press of the city has played an important part in the whole drama of progress. The Daily Democrat and The Banner have always inculcated the opinions and ideas of progressists.

In the northern portion of the city is the National cemetery, under the sod of which are interred the remains of the Federal dead who fell in the conflicts in which they were engaged on the soil of Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as those who died in the service at the various hospitals and upon the tented fields. The number of graves in this beautiful cemetery is very large. From a central mound, all carpeted with greensward, a tall flagstaff rises heavenward. This spot, sacred to the memory of the Union soldiers, is one of the loveliest in the state, which abounds in attractive locations. The National cemetery is justly a favorite resort for equestrians and drivers in equipages.

The City cemetery is likewise a most attractive spot of this unusually attractive city on the bluff. Massive structures of marble and granite commemorate the virtues of many of the honored dead of the town, while the graves of others are traced by less pretentious tombs and slabs - all combining to indicate in one solemnly beautiful segregation, within the city of the living, this sacred and honored city of the dead.

The churches, public buildings and residences of Natchez point out the spirit of the Renaissance, which took possession of her people long before it dawned on the inhabitants of the North Atlantic states. The Doric and Ionic orders, with entablatures in Greek and Roman form, prevail here. The Gothic cathedral speaks of thirteenth century glories and the colonial style is not wanting in the architectural panorama. The streets of Natchez are well drained and kept clean. The residences in the city and throughout its suburbs are many of them palatial. The drives about the town are among the most delightful to be found in the county. Fragrant blossoms greet the senses at every turn, while in many gar- dens is seen a wealth of floral productions that is simply intoxicating. Natchez is especially noted for its picturesque landscapes, its luxurious homes and its delightful climate. Here the Northerner may find health and comfort in the winter months, and almost perfect free- dom from the severity and harsh frigidity of his ice-clad home. The grand old hill, selected first by the Roman missioners and secondly by the French officer, Bienville, commands a view of the Mississippi. While wanting in the primitive grandeur of 1698, it has raised np a beautiful civilization which breathes harmony around and renders it what Maryland was in early years. It is a typical Southern city, where much of the old manners and social forms still obtain and one where the educated citizen of the Republic finds much to admire and lit- tle to condemn.

Washington, in Adams county, was important in the earlier history of Mississippi. "The town of Washington, six miles east of Natchez, in a rich, elevated and picturesque country, was then the seat of government," wrote Colonel Claiborne. "The land office, the surveyor- general's office, the office of the commissioner of claims, and the courts of the United States,

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were all there. In theimmediate vicinity was Fort Dearborn, and a permanent cantonment of United States troops. The high officials of the territory made it their residence, and many gentlemen of fortune, attracted by its advantages, went there to reside. There were three large hotels, and the academical department of Jefferson college, established during the administration of Governor Claiborne, was in successful operation. The society was highly cultivated and refined. The conflicting land titles had drawn there a large crowd of lawyers, generally young men of fine attainments and brilliant talents. The medical profession was equally well represented, at the head of which was Dr. Daniel Rawlings, a native of Calvert county, Md., a man of high moral character and exalted patriotism, eminent in his profession and who, as a vigorous writer and acute reasoner, had no superior and few equals. The emigration from Maryland, chiefly from Calvert, Prince George and Montgomery counties, consisted, for the most part, of educated and wealthy planters, the Covingtons, Chews, Cal- vits, Wilkinsons, Graysons, Freelands, Wailes, Bowies and Magruders; and the Winstons, Dangerfields and others from Virginia, who for a long time gave tone to the society of the territorial capital. It was a gay and fashionable place, compactly built for a mile or more from east to west, every hill in the neighborhood occupied by some gentleman's chateau. The presence of the military had its influence on society; punctilio and ceremony, parades and public entertainments were the features of the place. It was, of course, the haunt of politicians and office hunters; the center of political intrigue; the point to which all persons in the pursuit of land or occupation first came. It was famous for its wine parties and its dinners, not unfrequently enlivened by one or more duels directly afterward. Such was this now deserted and forlorn looking little village during the territorial organization. In its forums there was more oratory, in the salons more wit and beauty than we have ever wit- nessed since, all now moldering, neglected and forgotten in the desolate graveyard of the ancient capital of Mississippi."

Greenville is the courthouse town of the county, as well as the capital of the levee dis- trict. Its population is six thousand six hundred and fifty-five. In 1880 it was twenty-five hundred. Old Greenville was burned during the war by the Federal naval authorities. A postoffice was established there September 10, 1803, with John Shaw as postmaster. The present town was laid off in 1865, though it was not incorporated until 1870. K. R. Wilson, a young man of New Jersey birth, who had come to Mississippi in 1858, and had served in company D of the Twenty-eighth Mississippi cavalry, returned from the war, and in May built a crude warehouse at Greenville, which was used for shipping and receiving purposes. This was on Blantonia plantation, and was the first thing in the way of a busi- ness house at Greenville. L. L. Alexander and M. Weiss built the first store, and were the first merchants. Following them were B. Cohn, Selig & Co., A. B. Finlay & Co., Cox & Everman. B. Hanway was an early merchant.

Such, in brief, is the early commercial history of this bright and attractive Mississippi city. In front of it the Father of Waters flows majestically, acting as the great regulator of freight rates by rail, and is of incalculable benefit to all classes doing business in this mar- ket. Of railways there are three; the Lake Washington and Bolivar loop lines of the Louis- ville, New Orleans & Texas railway, and the main line of the Georgia Pacific railway, and others will be built in the near future. That the Illinois Central will construct a line to Greenville during the next eighteen months is now an open secret; in fact, in order to protect its valuable carrying trade from and to the great delta region, that company sees and appreci- ates the necessity for paralleling the Georgia Pacific. Surveys have already been made and

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the favored route will doubtless be the one directly through that section, via Grenada. It will thus be noticed how complete and comprehensive Greenville's transportation facilities are, and that it must always retain a commanding position as a distributing center. That Greenville, therefore, reasonably may aspire to become a city of the magnitude of Memphis is by no means extravagant, particularly as, in connection with all the natural advantages, its citizens are imbued with such enterprise, push and progress that they do their utmost to advance its interests upon all occasions. The streets are wide, beautifully graded, well guttered and kept clean; consequently it is a healthy city, and free from all local diseases liable to become epidemic. The business streets present a fine and imposing appearance, the buildings being principally constructed of brick, having iron and plate-glass fronts, while some of their occupants transact fully $750,000 worth of business per annum. Good

sidewalks have also been laid in every portion, and a good street car line furnishes excellent transit facilities between the business and residence quarters. At night the city is illu- minated by means of electricity, the streets presenting a thoroughly metropolitan appear- ance. A system of waterworks is being constructed, calculated to supply a city of twenty- five thousand inhabitants, about the size Greenville fully, and with reason, expects to attain in less than a decade. A fine telephone exchange is also another modern feature enjoyed by this modern ideal community. Large and costly business houses, residences and cottages are being constructed in all portions of the city, and improvements of a sub- stantial character are being made in every direction, plainly indicating the prosperity and enterprise of the inhabitants who are widely known for their hospitality, kindness, cult- nre and refinement. Very creditable educational facilities also existing have a tendency to draw to Greenville a very superior citizenship. The city is provided with a good opera- house and a large number of churches, while the different leading civic societies are well represented. Real estate is steadily advancing in value, and heavy deals are being made almost every day, often involving large sums. Some very fine additions to the original site have been laid out, and the city seems to be visibly growing and becoming more of a cosmo- politan metropolis every day. It boasts of four banks, with a combined capital of $600,000, and a line of deposits averaging $750,000. There are also two large and first-class com- presses and two cottonseed-oil mills, representing a total investment of $495,000.

The cornerstone of the new Washington county courthouse was laid recently. N. Gold- stein was master of ceremonies, and delivered an address in opening the proceedings. Rev. Stevenson Archer invoked God's blessing. Mayor J. H. Winn delivered an address of welcome. Judge W. R. Trigg spoke as the orator of the occasion, in place of Capt. W. W. Stone, who could not possibly be present. Rev. William Cross directed the Masonic cer- emonies. The following is the record of the contents of the stone: Holy Bible, laws of Free Masonry and constitution of the grand lodge, proceedings of the grand commandery of 1891, names and officers of the grand lodge, names of acting officers of the grand lodge, order of procession, program of ceremonies, names of Washington county's officials, names of Greenville's municipal officials, copies of the Greenville Times and Democrat, copies of daily and weekly Clarion-Ledger, history of Greenville, United States coins. The inscrip- tions upon the stone are as follows: Dedicated to justice, October 20, 1891, A. L. 5891. John M. Ware, grand master. Laid by William Cross, D. D. G.

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 25

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314