USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. I, Pt. 2 > Part 23
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 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
DRAKE'S "BUCKEYE CLUB."
No better account of the social life of the city in the best circles can be given than that of Mr. Mansfield in his descriptions of the social and lit- erary reunions at the house of Dr. Drake. These reunions were instituted about the year 1833 and possessed to those who frequented them all the charms of information, genius, wit and kindness. These were formed primarily for the benefit of Dr. Drake's two daughters but must have consti- tuted a very important element in the social life of the community. Dr. Drake at this time was living on Vine street at the corner of Baker and the reunions were held in the parlor of the house. Here gathered at regular intervals some of the most interesting people of the city. The plan of entertainment and instruction was peculiar. It was to avoid the rigidity and awkwardness of a mere literary party, and yet to keep the mind of the company occupied with questions for dis- cussion, or topics for reading and composition. Thus the conversation never degenerated into mere gossip, nor was it ever forced into an un- pleasant and unwilling gravity. We used to as- semble carly-about half-past seven-and when fully collected, the Doctor, who was the acknowl- edged chairman, rung his little bell for general at- tention. This caused no constraint, but simply brought us to a common point, which was to be the topic of the evening. Sometimes this was appointed beforehand, sometimes it arose out of what was said or proposed on the occasion. Some evenings compositions were read, on topics se- lected at the last meeting. On other evenings nothing was read, and the time was passed in a general discussion of some interesting question. Occasionally a piece of poetry or a story came in, to diversify and enliven the conversation. These. however, were rather interludes, than parts of the general plan, whose main object was the dis- cussion of interesting questions belonging to so- ciety, literature, education and religion.
"The subjects were always of the suggestive or problematical kind, so that the ideas were fresh, the debate animated, and the utterance of opinions frank and spontaneons. There, in that
646
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
little circle of ladies and gentlemen, I have heard many of the questions which have since occupied the public mind, talked over with an ability and a fullness of information which is seldom pos- sessed by larger and more authoritative bodies. To the member of that circle, these meetings and discussions were invaluable. They were excited to think deeply of what the many think but super- ficially. They heard the ring of the Doctor's bell with the pleasure of those who delight in the communion of spirits, and revel in intellectual wealth. Nor was that meeting an unimportant affair ; for nothing can be unimportant which di- rects minds whose influence spreads over a coun- try ; and such were here. I do not say what im- pressions they received ; but I know that persons were assembled there, in pleasant converse, such as seldom meet in one place, and who since, go- ing out into the world, have signalized their names in the annals of letters, science, and benev- olence. I shall violate no propriety by naming some of them, for those whom I shall name have been long known to the public. Dr. Drake was himself the head of the circle, whose suggestive mind furnished topics for others, and was ever ready to incite their energies and enliven the flag- ging conversation. General Edward King was another, who, in spirit, manners, and elocution, was a superior man, having the dignity of the old school, with the life of the new. * * He * was a son of Rufus King, one of the early and able statesmen of our country who did much to form our constitutions, and whose name will live in the annals of history. Gen. King was bred a lawyer, and came out to Ohio, as many aspiring young men did, to found his fortunes in what was then the New West. He married a daugh- ter of Governor Worthington, practiced law at Chillicothe, and became Speaker of the Ohio Legislature. Removing to Cincinnati, he be- came a member of our literary circle-both witty and entertaining. His wife, since known as Mrs. Peter, has become more widely known than her husband, for her great and active benevolence, and as the founder of institutions, and a leader in society. She .had read a great deal, had a strong memory, and was remarkable for the full- ness of her information. She wrote several es- says for our circle, and was a most instructive member. The activity, energy, and benevolence of her mind accomplished in the next forty years probably more of real work for the benefit of society, than any one person, and that work has made her widely known both at home and abroad. * = Judge James Hall, then ed-
itor of the Western Monthly Magasine, whose name is known in both Europe and America, was also there. Professor Stowe, unsurpased in Bib- lical learning, contributed his share to the con- versation. Aliss Harriet Beecher, now Mrs. Stowe, was just beginning to be known for her literary articles, and about that time contributed several of her best stories to the press. She was not a ready talker, but when she spoke or wrote showed both the strength and the power of her mind. Her sister, Miss Catharine Beecher, so well known for her labors and usefulness in the cause of female education, was a more easy and fluent conversationalist. Indeed, few people have more talent to entertain a company or keep the ball of conversation going, than Miss Beech- er ; and she was as willing as she was able. Con- spicuous, in both person and manners, was Mrs. Caroline Lee Hentz, whom none saw without ad- miring. She was what the world calls charming, and, though since better known as an authoress, was personally quite remarkable. She and her highly educated husband-a man on some sub- jects quite learned, but of such retiring habits as hid him from the public view-were then keep- ing a popular female seminary in Cincinnati. They were among the most active and interesting members of our coterie.
"I might name others whose wit or informa- tion contributed to the charms of our intercourse ; but I should want the apology which public fame has given to the mention of these. In the cur- rent of private life, it often happens that those unknown to the public are the most genial and in- spiring spirits of the social circle. Like the lit- tle stream which flows among the lofty hills, they sparkle as they flow, and shine in the shade. We had more than one such ; and while memory sees first the fame covered hill, it dwells longest and closest with those who cast sunshine on our pathe and made life happy as it was bright." ( Mans- field's Drake, p. 225; Memories, p. 224.)
Although this gathering had no regular organ- ization, it was called familiarly the "Buckeye Club" from the name of the house where it met, which Dr. Drake delighted to call "Buckeye Hall." (Col. G. B. Nicholson.)
Mr. Mansfield also tells us of a party at Mar- tin Baum's house on Pike street the only one hie gave there which was given on a summer's after- noon in 1825. Another party that he attended in the same house was a very large one given a few years later by Mr. Longworth. At that time he says there was not in Cincinnati the means to make a party as rich and ornamental
647
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
as now. "Even oysters were not seen at a party until 1827. Nor could the beau- tiful array of cut flowers be exhibited then as they are now." There was an excess of good things to cat and drink and with them a large share of good humor and good con- versation. There was no distinction of old and young, fashionable or unfashionable, married or unmarried ; but while the party like a family was mixed in different proportions it was always composed of the well-to-do, the respectable and the intellectual. The distinctive marks of pio- neer hospitality had not yet wholly departed. The frank manners, the warm reception, the bon ami . and the recognition of the pioneer favorites had not yet gone.
"I remember one party, which was a fair type of parties in general at this time. It was at the house of Col. C., on Third street, near Main street, where many good families then lived, and a large square house, the best rooms of which were on the second floor, and the whole suite were thrown open for the reception and supper rooms. Col. C. had been rather profuse in his invitations. I think there were more than two hundred persons present, and the house crowded. In the front room the ladies and gentlemen were engaged in conversation, as usual, and the gen- tlemen paying no more attention to young than to old ladies, but mingling in general conversa- tion, and all making themselves agreeable. There was no regular set supper-table. But, as was customary at that day, there were in the back rooms tables for gentlemen, covered with the most solid dishes of meat and game, while the waiters carried to the ladies the best of cakes and confections, with whatever else they desired. With them remained the young gentlemen, who had then even more gallantry than they have now in commending themselves to the graces of the ladies. But with the old, sedate, and un- fashionable gentlemen the back room was the charm. There stood the tables, with ham and beef, and venison, turkey, and quails, with bottles of brandy and wine, and there were cards for those who wanted to kill time. Nevertheless, in those rooms were many a charming woman and many an intellectual man." ( Mansfield's Memno- ries, pp. 187, 188.)
Mr. Mansfield particularly mentions the wed- ding of Miss Graham and Dr. Ridgely who were married at a two-story frame house on Third street, that of Mr. Graham the paper manufactu- rer whose mill was at the foot of John street. Among the young ladies just entering society
who were at that wedding he mentions Miss Mary Longworth "at that time quite a belle, handsome and interesting" who afterwards mar- ried Dr. Stettinins. Another was Miss Mary Ann Burnet who married Vachel Worthington, and a third Miss Elizabeth A. Lytle, the daugh- ter of General Lytle, and sister of William and Robert Lytle. She had been quite a belle and to her "Horace in Cincinnati" addressed one of his odes. Mr. Mansfield also gives an account of the notorious General Ross whose, failure to make his appearance at a great party given by Judge Este at his residence on Ninth near Main led to the discovery that he was an impostor.
INVITATIONS.
One phase of the social life of the time is indi- cated by the cards of invitation several of which preserved by the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio are reproduced here :
CITY ASSEMBLIES.
The honor of
Company is requested for the SEASON
CINCINNATI 1826
MANAGERS.
Morgan Neville,
Archibald Irwin,
David Kilgour, Alfred Hayden,
William Greene, William R. Foster,
Bellamy Storer, Thomas M. Carman.
MILITARY BALL.
The honor of Miss Morris
company is requested, at the Cincinnati Hotel, on Monday Evening, 8th January, 1827. Colonel Francis Carr.
MANAGERS.
Colonel S. Borden, William Oliver,
Col. W. H. Harrison, Lewis Whiteman,
Major S. Scott, J. G. Worthington,
Capt. J. C. Morsell, William M. Walker,
S. Burrows, George Graham, Jun.
The pleasure of Miss Morris's
company is respectfully solicited to a Dancing Party on New Years Eve, at the Cincinnati Hotel.
MANAGERS.
John C. Spencer, Charles Duffield,
James Brown, R. Montgomery,
Thomas M. Page, R. H. Brice.
December 24, 1827.
Among the managers of the Buckeye Ball, held 011 April 6, 1838, at the Bazaar, appear the
648
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
names of S. W. Davies, Maj. Daniel Gano, Daniel Drake, R. Buchanan, James McCandless, Henry E. Spencer, Samuel Fosdick, S. H. Davies, W. M. Corry, George W. Burnet, N. Recder, Henry Wood, W. V. Barr, Joseph Longworth, B. T. Wright and D. A. Sanders.
TIIE SEMI-COLON CLUB.
Another organization which contributed large- ly to the intellectual and social life of the city was the famous Semi-Colon Club of which an account is given in John P. Foote's memoir of his brother Samuel E. Foote. This club met usually at the fine residence of Mr. Foote on the northeast corner of Third and Vine which is shown in one of the pictures of the period rc- produced in this volume. This until the fatal commercial crisis of 1837 was the center of a lib- eral hospitality. The Semi-Colon Club took its name from that of the great discoverer, Christo- pher Columbus or Colon. It was worked out on the theory that he who provides a new pleasure is entitled to half the praise accorded to a discov- erer of a new continent ; therefore this club, pro- viding the pleasure of social and intellectual life, was entitled to half of the praise of Colon, the discoverer of America. This may be a little involved, but it certainly is ingenious. The ses- sions of the club were held alternately in the three houses at the corner mentioned, the other two be- ing those of Charles Stetson and William Greenc. The incetings attracted a number of persons of both sexes of the highest order of intellect and cultivation, assembled for social relaxation and rational amusement. Literary contributions werc read which were followed by discussions ; music also formed a feature of entertainment. Among those who assisted in founding the club were Rev. E. B. Hall and wife, Judge Timothy Walk- er, James II. Perkins, Nathan' Guilford, Harriet Beecher ( who afterward as Mrs. Stowe collected her papers under the title "The Mayflower" and dedicated them to the club), Judge Hall, Cathar- ine , Beecher, Professor Hentz and wife, Pro- fessor Stowe, E. P. Cranch, U. T. Howe, Orms- by M. Mitchel, Charles W. Elliott the historian of New England, Dr. Drake, Edward D. and his brother Mansfield, Prof. James W. Ward, Davis B. Lawler, James F. Meline, Judge Charles B. James, Dr. Wolcott Richards, D. Thew Wright, Joseph Longworth, J. Newton Perkins, Edward King, Charles Stetson, T. D. Lincoln, William P. Steele, George C. Davis, William Greene, Dr. Drake's son Charles, C. B. Brush and the three Misses Blackwell. The reunions began and ter-
minated at early hours and the refreshments were very simple. Visitors to the city were frequent guests. Among them was that curious genius, Charles Fenno Hoffman. The club continued in existence for some years but the panic of 1837 which inflicted such serious loss upon many of its members practically ended its existence.
THE SOCIETY FOR INVESTIGATION,
Which apparently met regularly on Monday evenings during the summer of 1822 took very serious subjects for discussion. The first one mentioned is the old question "Is the Human Soul Immortal?" This was followed the next week by "Arc Ideas Innate or the Effect of Edu- cation ?" Thic discussion on the immortality of the soul called for a communication charging the society with being a club of atheists associated for the purpose of "retailing to each other Tom Paine's scurrility." The next subject was cqual- ly deep,-"Is Nature Self Existent or the Effect of a Cause?" Despite the charges of infidelity comes the question "Are Sunday Schools Calcu- lated to Benefit the Rising Generation?" which was followed by "Is There Any Such a Creature or Thing as a Devil-that is to say Separate From and Independent of Man?" a rather hot topic for August 5th. Another question for dis- cussion was "Is It Reasonable or Consistent with the Attributes of Deity that Faith Alone Should Secure to Man Immortal Happiness ?"
THE FRANKLIN SOCIETY,
Organized in 1825, had during its five years of existence a membership of over 100. Among the members were such men as William M. Corry the editor of the Commoner, Milo G. Will- iams, Charles D. Drake, W. D. Gallagher and Judge Woodruff. The exercises of this society consisted of debates, compositions and criticisms.
An important feature of the social as well as literary and educational life of the time was the Ohio Mechanics' Institute which as a result of a suggestion of Dr. John D. Craig, made in 1828, was founded during the following year. The association passed through many changes and vicissitudes during its early years, but the public lectures which formed an important part of its work were given by the most competent men of the city and were largely attended for a time.
THE CINCINNATI LYCEUM.
In October, 1830, the Cincinnati Lyceum was founded and it was incorporated during the win-
649
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
ter. This was a scientific and literary associa- tion for mutual improvement with one of its ob- jects the foundation of a public library. Dur- ing the winter a number of the members deliv- ered lectures in the hall of the Mechanics' Insti- tute. In 1831 its president was Morgan Neville and vice-presidents, Timothy Flint, William Greene and Henry Starr. Salmon P. Chase was the secretary, Timothy Walker, corresponding secretary and H. H. Goodman, treasurer. Other members of the executive committee were Na- than Guilford, J. W. Gazlay, John Locke, M. G. Williams and Calvin Fletcher. In 1834 Guilford appears to have been the president and William Greene, vice-president. The secretary was H. S. Edmunds; treasurer, L. V. Hubbard ; and li- brarian, E. P. Cranch. The managers were Sal- mon P. Chase and Elwood Fisher. Lectures were given every Thursday evening in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute on Walnut street. Chase delivered four of these lectures.
THIE INQUISITION.
Another literary organization existing in 1834 was the Inquisition, a society that discussed pub- licly questions and papers submitted by its mem- bers. Its meetings were held at the Institute once a week and the members presided in alphabetical succession. The officers were a secretary who also was treasurer and two others who with him constituted the committee on questions. The sec- retary was Elwood Fisher and the committee were Timothy Walker and W. M. Corry.
THE COLLEGE OF TEACHERS.
During this period, about the year 1833, was established one of the most remarkable institti- tions in the history of the city and one which lasting for 10 years was of great utility and wide in- fluence. This was known as the College of Teach- ers, an organization professional and popular in- tended to unite and improve teachers and com- mend the cause of education to the public mind. To accomplish this object not only were profes- sional teachers brought into its membership but men of science and reputation who had weight in the community were also connected with it. This organization which was for a time the nucleus of the intellectual life of the community grew out of an association of teachers organized in 1829 un- der the name of the Western Literary Institute and Board of Education. In its membership of 20 were such men as Albert Picket, Alexander Kinmont, C. B. McKee, Stephen Wheeler, Na- thaniel Holley, Caleb Kemper, Cyrus Davenport,
Thomas J. Matthews and the two Talbotts. The first president was Elijah Slack and correspond- ing secretary, Milo G. Williams. At one of the monthly meetings held in June, 1831, Mr. Will- iams suggested a convention of the teachers of the West and South. This suggestion was adopted and in October, 1832, the convention was held and was attended by professional teachers throughout the Mississippi Valley. The object of the convention was to organize the profession in the West and to promote the interest of educa- tion. A complete organization was effected un- der the name of the Western Literary Institute and College of Professional Teachers whose meetings were to be held annually in Cincinnati in the second week of October. The officers of the institute in 1834 were Albert Picket, presi- dent ; Thomas J. Matthews, corresponding secre -. tary; David L. Talbott, recording secretary ; and Timothy Hammond, treasurer. Thomas 1. Quinan was also a member of the local executive committee. The proceedings of this college for the years 1834 to 1840 have been published in six volumes but the college continued to meet for some years after it ceased to publish its proceed- ings. Its sessions of 1843 and 1844 were held at Louisville. Its meetings were attended by delegates from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and the Terri- tories of Iowa and Wisconsin. Its daily sessions, which were held in the largest churches, were crowded by the people of Cincinnati who listened with interest to the essays and lectures delivered before it.
The principal work of organization and publi- cation fell upon the teachers of Cincinnati but the addresses were delivered by men in every voca- tion of life. Mr. Mansfield gives us a vivid ac- count of some of its members, among whom were included not only those mentioned but also Dr. Drake, Joshua 1 .. Wilson, James HI. Perkins, Pro- fessor Stowe, Lyman Beecher, Dr. Alexander Campbell, Hon. Thomas Smith Grimke, Bishop Purcell, President McGuffey, Dr. Aydelott, E. D. Mansfield, Mrs. Sigourney and Mrs. Hentz. His characterizations of several have already been quoted. Ile specially mentions James H. Per- kins a New England man of high education who came out to Cincinnati as a lawyer, edited the Chronicle for a year or two, and finally became a minister of the Unitarian Church where he made a strong impression. He was a graceful and easy writer and his principal work "West-
-
650
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
ern Annals," from which frequent quotations have been made in this volume, is of great value. Dr. Beecher at one time entered into a discussion on the question whether the excitement of emu- lation was an admissible means of education. He with a majority of the committee was against the admission ot emulation in any form. A counter report was made by Dr. Drake, Mr. Picket and President McGuffey.
Dr. Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Campbellite Baptist Church, was interesting in discussion and conversation. He was a man of learning, keen intellect and an instructive speaker.
A very remarkable man was Thomas Smith Grimke of South Carolina who had very decided theories about education. He was - a very religious man and held that the classics, being the literature of heathenism, inculcated false principles and should not be taught. The study of Homer he said had given the heroic character to the leading men of South Carolina so that they dwelt in the ideality of a false heroism rather than in the plain, prac- tical, Christian sentiment of America. Hence he said sprang the duel, dissatisfaction with the Union and the outbreak of nullification which seemed rather hard on Homer. He also op- posed mathematics, thinking it unnecessary to give so much time to the study of abstract sci- ence when it could be far better employed on the Bible, literature and political institutions. Another ultra idea, especially for that time, was that the language should be spelled according to the sound "after the example," says Mansfield, "of that monstrous barbarism called phonetic." Ac- cordingly when his discourse at Oxford was pub- lished it came disfigured in the most awful man- ner with capitals out of place and words mis- spelled so that the address which was a most beautiful one was read by few.
Another discussion that occupied the attention of the college concerned the teaching of the Bible in the common schools and was participated in by Dr. Wilson, Bishop Purcell, Dr. Alexander Campbell, Professor Stowe and Mr. Kinmont. This institution brought about many reforms in ideas of education and had a positive influence throughout the country. It gave birth in 1841 to the Cincinnati Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge from which survived the astronomical department under Professor
Mitchel.
THE CINCINNATI LITERARY SOCIETY
Held regular meetings every Friday evening in 1834 at their hall on Pearl street and two years later in the College Building. During the first mentioned year James F. Conover was president ; Isaac Baker, vice-president ; James C. Hall, pros- ecutor ; S. P. Hall, secretary ; G. B. Walker, treasurer ; and Samuel Yorke At Lee, librarian. Two years later 1. D. Wheeler was president ; W. Parry, vice-president; J. W. Yost, treasurer ; H. L. Reeder, secretary ; R. Whetstone, assistant secretary ; and A. S. Reeder, librarian and min- eralogist. The directors were W .. S. Groesbeck, H. S. Groesbeck, J. Trevor, G. B. Walker and L. M. Gwynne. The minute book of this club is in the possession of the Literary Club of Cincin- nati.
EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
The teachers had a number of organizations which although not primarily for social purposes added to the social life of the city. In 1831 was formed the Western Academic Institute and Board of Education intended to promote mutual improvement, harmony and energy among teachers, cooperation in parents and ambition and application amongst scholars. Its president was Elijah Slack and among the other officers were the most prominent teachers of the town. In 1834 its president was Thomas J. Matthews.
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.