USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati in 1841 : its early annals and future prospects > Part 10
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
The library has lately received some valuable additions from the contributions of Messrs. J. H. Perkins, D. B. Lawler, J. W. Blachly, P. S. Symmes and others, and is still increasing.
The terms of membership of the institute are the payment of three dollars per annum, or thirty dollars for life, which en- titles the members to the use of the library and all the other privileges. Apprentices and minors, sons of members, are entitled to the same privileges, upon payment of fifty cents per annum.
The hall of the institute is situated on Third street, east of . Broadway ; it is thirty-seven feet front by one hundred feet in depth. The basement contains apartments for the janitor and curator, with two class-rooms; the first floor contains the lceture-room, apparatus-room, library, directors'-room, and a room devoted to the use of the Western Academy of Natural Sciences ; the second floor contains the reading room and a large saloon, which was formerly a ball room. There is a rotunda over the portico in the rear, which was originally in- tended for the exhibition of paintings, but which is now occu- pied by the drawing class. At the annual fairs, the first and second floors are devoted exclusively to the purposes of the exhibition, as well as a vacant lot adjoining. The business of the institute is managed by a board of fifteen directors, which is divided into standing committees on finance, library, lec- tures, classes, building, &c.
133
FINE ARTS, FTC.
The present board consist of-
J. P. Foote, President. Geo. C. Miller, Vice President. Robert Lawson, Secretary. John L. Talbott, Treasurer. N. T. Horton, George Muscroft, R. C. Phillips, James Pearce, Geo. R. Hand, Marston Allen, Jabez Reynolds, J. C. Vaughan, E. T. Collins, D. Griffey, and J. D. Douglas, Directors. Meetings of the board on the first Thursday of every month.
Dr. John Locke is lecturer, and John Pickering curator, li- brarian, &c. to the institute.
FINE ARTS, &c.
The Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge,
WHOSE unpretending and simple name indicates but imper- fectly its peculiar character, is an association which originated in a desire to secure an extended education for its members by means of mutual instruction, and a wide sphere of usefulness by regular courses of popular lectures. The first meeting was held in March, 1840, when a constitution was adopted, officers elected, and the sections proposed in its plan of opera- tion organized as follows:
1. Practical Teaching. 2. Exact and Mixed Sciences. 3. Natural Science. 4. Practical Arts. 5. Fine Arts. 6. Medi- cine. 7. Law. S. Political Economy and Political Science. 9. Moral and Intellectual Philosophy. 10. History. 11. Language. 12. Commerce and Agriculture. 13. Polite Lit- erature. 14. Statistics.
", This division of subjects embraces so wide a range, that persons of every pursuit and taste can find a place where their powers may be employed beneficially both to themselves and the community; it being expected that each member will attach himself to one or more of the sections.
It will be at once seen that the mode of operation is as follows: The parent association is composed of all individu- als desirous of higher culture, and ready to work for the im- M
134
FINE ARTS, ETC.
provement of their fellow-citizens who choose to join it, and is organized and conducted in the usual forms. The mem- bers of this general association, then, divide themselves into a number of affiliated societies, called sections, for the purpose of pursuing, each section by itself, in its own way, and under its own officers, some particular branch of study. Every member of the parent association must attach himself to some one of these affiliated societies ; and is free to join as many as time and inclination may permit him to attend. Lastly, each section reports to the general association its proceedings, and supplies lectures on its own particular department. The purpose of the society is three-fold-
First : it proposes to aid and stimulate its members to the attainment of a high degree of moral, intellectual, and social culture, by arranging classes of those interested in any par- ticular study, who meet regularly for purposes of reading, conversation, and mutual instruction. It is hoped that in this way the labor of students, who would otherwise have worked alone and unencouraged, will be lightened, their aims elevated, and their progress hastened. Those who are known to be most competent to take the lead in instruction, from their acquaint- ance with a branch of science, will be chosen the officers of the section devoted to it. Correspondence will be opened with persons who, in other places, are most distinguished for proficiency in any department of knowledge, art, or action; and the latest information sought and communicated, of new books, discoveries, and inventions. Thus, it is thought, the spirit of inquiry will be roused to activity, the habit of study fixed, and the glow of conscious improvement kept fresh. All know how much enthusiasm is quickened by sympathy, and by the contagious power of example. The first aim, therefore, of the society, is to promote the spirit of observa- tion, study, and thought, by making its members mutual in- structors. This is its most peculiar characteristic.
Secondly : this association seeks to open its moral, intellec- tual, and social resources to the whole community, by means
-
135
FINE ARTS, ETC.
of lectures. The defect in popular lectures has usually been, that they are desultory, disconnected, and superficial. Cour- ses of lectures have, on the whole, proved more useful and more interesting than single addresses. It is hoped, by this association, to combine at once variety and thorough acquain- tance with separate branches. Each section, by the faithful pursuit of its own appropriate department of science, will be able, each winter, to offer one or more lectures to the public, of real worth; and instruction may thus be carried on, with a considerable degree of system, from year to year. Tickets for the courses of lectures will be offered at the lowest prices necessary for hiring and lighting a room, as the society adopts the two principles : first, that lecturers should give their ser- vices gratuitously ; and, second, that the lectures should be open to all who have leisure or desire to attend. A few words on these two points may not be out of place. Every individual in a community is bound to contribute his best and highest spiritual treasures to his fellow-men. A. miser of mind is more contemptible than a miser of money. The highest charity and the plainest justice is to share with others, especially with all who have few advantages, what gives most light, strength, and joy to our own souls. Again, free institutions are based on the conviction, that every individual, without regard to class and condition, has a right, limited only by his degree of capacity, to all the virtue and intelligence which the community possesses, and is entitled to the best opportunities for growth and usefulness which the community can give. Only by the acknowledgment of this right, in pro- fession and practice, can free institutions be preserved. By acting on these two disinterested principles, this society hopes to realize greater success than by engaging the services of hired lecturers.
.
Thirdly : this association purposes, in proportion as its means and opportunities permit, to promote a general taste for moral, intellectual, and social progress-through the founda- tion of a public library-the collection of interesting objects
136
FINE ARTS, ETC.
in science-the opening a gallery of art-and publishing lec- tures or works which promise to excrt a good influence.
From this brief description, it will be understood that the " Society for the Promotion of Useful Knowledge" has formed the worthy, even if bold, project, of seeking to realize for Cin- cinnati some of those benefits which seem peculiarly to belong to cities. Interest is the first basis of communities in the pre- sent state of society; and municipal regulations principally provide for the security of each man's property, health, com- fort, and reputation. But unless the higher feelings are sti- fled, nobler relations meanwhile spring up between fellow- citizens. For they find themselves mutually dependent for the moral, intellectual, and social influences which combine to make the spiritual atmosphere of this community. Thus, finally, are they led to see that the grand end for which men are congregated in masses, is to circulate quickly from heart to heart the spiritual goodness, truth, beauty, and happiness, which are the life-blood of society.
'The success which has thus far attended the operations of the society, the interest with which the lectures have been re- ceived by the public, and the spirit shown in the proceedings of some of the sections, give evidence of future general use- fulness.
The officers are-John P. Foote, President; E. P. Lang- don, Vice President; M. G. Williams, Recording Secretary ; E. D. Mansfield, Corresponding Secretary ; 'J. H. Perkins, Treasurer ; N. Holley, Librarian.
MUSICAL SOCIETIES.
The Eclectic Academy of Music.
THIS institution was organized in the spring of 1834, and received its charter from the Ohio legislature in 1835.
The object of the academy, as set forth in the constitution, is " to promote knowledge and correct taste in music-espe- cially such as are adapted to moral and religious purposes."
137
FINE ARTS, ETC.
The institution has been progressing steadily since its for- mation, and now takes a stand which will bear comparison with societies of a similar character in the eastern cities.
The academy consists at the present time of about one hun- dred members ; has a good library of music, vocal and orches- tral ; and has also attached to it an amateur orchestra of twen- ty-four instruments.
The officers of the academy are-
Hon. Jacob Burnet, President ; Moses Lyon, Vice Presi- dent ; Charles D. Dana, Corresponding Secretary ; Charles R. Folger, Recording Secretary ; A. S. Merrell, Treasurer ; H. H. Lewis, J. Foster, jr. and Cyrus Powers, Trustees ; V. Williams, Instrumental Professor ; W. E. Norris, Librarian.
Musical Fund Society,
Established on a plan similar to those of Philadelphia and New York ; was organized April 29, 1835. It had, however, been suspended for some years past, but has recently been re- vived, and promises much for the cultivation of musical taste and science in our city.
Its objects, as stated in the constitution, are :- " First, the cultivation of the musical taste, by the encouragement and im- provement of professional and amateur talent.
" Second, the establishment of a musical academy, by means of which pupils may be instructed in the theory and practice of music.
" Third, the relief of distressed musicians, and, in case of death, of their widows; and providing for their orphan chil- dren education and employment."
Mr. J. Tosso is leader of the orchestra; no other officers have as yet been elected since the resuscitation of the society.
FINE ARTS AND ARTISTS.
A FEW general views must introduce the subject of the fine arts in Cincinnati.
1. The fine arts do not require great individual wealth or M 2
138
FINE ARTS, ETC.
power to support them or to bring them to perfection. That is a common error, not only false in itself, but discouraging to the efforts of native genius. The wealth that exists here is amply sufficient for the most favorable developments of what- ever grade of genius and industry, which can or ought to be brought into this department ; one generation, however, must pass before that wealth will be thus elegantly spent.
2. The fine arts do require great talent and industry in those who cultivate them, as well as a liberal basis of education, some travel, and personal respectability, to advance their first claims in a free community like this. The perfection of taste is the result of much happy association, much experimental trial, and much liberal study and accurate reflection. The fine arts do not spring at once into being in a new community.
3. The field of art in Cincinnati is perfectly unbounded, both for the arts of design and expression. It is only neces- sary to think of the freedom of man, the marked individuality resulting therefrom, the multifarious nations and characters here congregated, the endless variety of occupations here car- ried on, the romantic history of the aborigines and the pio- neers, the grand and beautiful features of western scenery, the unconscious and almost wild spontaneity with which the in- fant world of the great valley has been and is now in all things developing itself, and the deep moral and physical interest of the great social movements of the times-it is only necessary to reflect upon these things to be struck with the extent and richness of the practical field, upon which the true artist of the west may enter.
4. The men and women who first came out to people the west, must have been men and women of hope and resolution ; despair, indifference, and a stupid spirit of inactive dependence never could have cut the bands of home and braved the haz- ards of western life. Is it surprising, then, that the children of the west should be ardent, yet practical, plain, yet poetical, busy with the present, yet swelling with the future? Surely this is not a race to deny to man its share of poetry and art.
139
FINE ARTS, ETC.
Hence we see forming native talent, in some instances, rare and precious, but without cultivation, eagerly seeking for the perfect, but without patience to wait, without schools of art to chasten and direct its energies, yet by the force of genius alone, triumphing over these obstacles and producing works which force the conviction of future greatness.
From these premises, briefly as they are stated, Cincinnati must be regarded as one of the points where art in these latter times is one day to rear proud trophies and speak with a new power to the sense of the beautiful, the divine in man. Come when that day will, the statistics of art, few and feeble as they may appear in the following sketches, will then be read with interest as the first literary record of a germ of national character beginning to unfold, its dawning hour chilled by ne- cessity, but destined to flourish hereafter in the light of a bet- ter day.
The following is a statement of the artists and their works in Cincinnati, with the date at which they commenced their course, their present residences, with names of persons in whose parlors their pictures, statues, &c. may be found.
Portrait and Landscape Painters.
Edwin B. Smith, 1815, New Orleans. Portraits and his- torical pieces-D. Churchill, J. H. Cromwell.
A. W. Corwine,# 1821. Portraits-Capt. Jos. Pierce, P. S. Symmes, N. Guilford, Timothy Walker, &c., and at West- ern Museum.
Joseph Mason, 1822, Michigan. Portraits-Geo. Selves, Mrs. Mason, D. Churchill.
Sam'l M. Lee, 1826, Opelousas, Louisiana, Landscapes- P. S. Symmes, Joseph Graham, D. B. Lawler, J. G. Wor- thington, T. H. Yeatman, J. S. Armstrong, &c. His best works are at Louisville, Ky.
Alonzo Douglass, 1828, Cincinnati. Portraits-Andrew Burt, and James Douglass.
* Deceased.
140
FINE ARTS, ETC.
C. Harding, 1828, Cincinnati. Portraits-S. S. L'Hom- medieu, Philip Young.
Miner K. Kellogg, 1828, Florence, Italy. Portraits, fancy pieces, &c .- William Manser, Charles F. Kellogg, Joseph S. Bates, Sheldon J. Kellogg.
Tuttle,* 1830, was a pupil of West. Portraits-J. H. Cromwell, T. H. Yeatman, Jacob Burnet.
Daniel Steele, 1830.
J. H. Beard, 1830, Cincinnati. Portraits, fancy heads, and groups-Charles Stetson, Thomas Carter, R. R. Springer, S. S. L'Hommedieu, J. S. Armstrong, J. P. Foote, Griffin Taylor, S. E. Foote, G. K. Shoenberger, Wm. R. Morris, also at studio.
J. P. Frankenstein, 1831, Philadelphia. Portraits-Capt. Pierce, Aaron Bowen, Mrs. R. T. Lytle. W. P. Resor.
G. N. Frankenstein, 1831, Cincinnati. Portraits and land- scapes-Moses Burt, Hallowell's store, Wagener, Griffin Tay- lor, George Selves, and studio.
John J. Tucker, 1834, Texas. Portraits-Dr. Shotwell, George Selves.
W. H. Powell, 1836, New York. Portraits-N. Long- worth, Nathaniel C. McLean, Mrs. Powell, Dr. Smith.
Thomas B. Reed, 1836, New York. Portraits-W. R. Morton, I. G. Burnet, John J. Wright, Dr. Drake, George Selves.
Wm. P. Brannan, 1837, Cincinnati. Portraits-Andrew Donogh and studio.
A. Baldwin, 1838, Cincinnati. Portraits and landscapes- Andrew Burt and Hallowell's store.
T. W. Whittredge, 1838, Cincinnati. Landscapes-Hal- lowell and studio.
Sidney S. Lyon, 1839, Cincinnati. Portraits and land. scapes-M. M. Carll, studio, Hallowell.
John Cranch, 1839, Cincinnati. Portraits and fancy- pieces-Judge Miller, S. W. Davies, Mrs. A. Wood, E.
* Deceased.
141
FINE ARTS, ETC.
Dexter, J. Longworth, John W. Coleman, Dr. Rives, J. C. Vaughan, studio.
J. P. Flagg, 1840, Cincinnati. Portraits-James C. Hall, David Gwynne, Dr. Trimble, &c. studio.
Miniature Painters.
Thomas Dawson, 1825, Cincinnati. G. K. Shoenberger and studio.
T. V. Peticolas, 1825, Cincinnati .- Studio.
J. O. Gorman, 1838, Cincinnati .- Studio.
Mrs. R. Hosea, jr., 1838, Cincinnati .- Studio.
Thomas Campbell, 1840, Cincinnati .- Wm. Yorke, J. H. Beard, J. D. Jones, J. P. Broadwell, and studio.
Modelers and Sculptors.
Hiram Powers, 1828, Florence, Italy. Busts-N. Long- worth, Mrs. A. Wood, J. P. Foote, Western Museum; most of his best works are in the Atlantic cities and Italy.
H. K. Brown, 1833, New York. Busts-D. Corwin, Dr. Israel Wilson.
Shubael Clevenger, 1837, Florence, Italy. " Busts-N. Longworth, Wm. Greene, Judge Burnet, M. T. Williams, Dr. Eberle.
Edward C. Brackett, 1839, New York. Busts-Henry Ives ; statue of Nydia the blind girl at the Cincinnati Acade- my of Fine Arts.
John King, 1838, New York. Busts, cameos-Mrs. Ne- ville.
John S. Whetstone, 1837, Cincinnati. Busts- Western Museum, J. Whetstone.
: A. Rostaing, 1835, Cincinnati. Cameo likenesses, and fan- cy heads in shell-N. Longworth, James C. Hall and studio.
Societies of the Fine Arts.
THE CINCINNATI ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS was formed on the 18th of October, 1838, by a few young men of Cincinnati, in order that by their union they might obtain greater facilities for improvement in the various branches of the fine arts. God-
142
FINE ARTS, ETC.
frey N. Frankenstein is President, and John L. Whetstone, Secretary, both of whom are named in the above table. They held an exhibition of one hundred and fifty pieces at the Me- chanics' Institute, in 1839, comprehending both foreign and native works; but the exhibition was unsuccessful in a pecu- niary way, and did not enable them to accomplish their laud- able design of procuring a collection of casts. This they were, however, in the summer of 1840, enabled to do, through the liberality of several gentlemen ; and it was the first collec- tion of the kind ever brought to the West. In the spring of 1841 they intend giving another exhibition, open to all west- ern artists ; and these exhibitions will probably be continued annually hereafter. They have recently obtained a charter.
The great body of the Cincinnati artists are united in the SECTION OF THE FINE ARTS, which is one of the fourteen gen- eral sections of the Hamilton county Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, founded in 1840. They meet regular- ly for study, reading, and practice; and a series of lectures upon the fine arts is now in preparation to be delivered before them. They interchange books, drawings and models, and will receive the benefit of the county society's library, when formed. They contemplate no separate exhibitions, but will contribute their resources to the general annual exhibition of fine arts. It is probable, indeed, that both societies will be united in name, as they are now in object. The corps of ar- tists residing in Cincinnati is small, composed of young men of limited resources, and their aid from without will depend much upon their concentration of strength within. They will all probably, therefore, unite in one society, and that will be a working society. The president of the Section of the Fine Arts is John Cranch, who is named in the foregoing table, and the secretary is Wm. Piatt, a student of the arts. It numbers about twenty acting members, most of whom are artists.
143
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
CINCINNATI FIRE ASSOCIATION,
INSTITUTED for the purpose of regulating the fire department, providing for sick and disabled members of the fire compa- nies, and settling disputes that may arise between one compa- ny and another. It is composed of seven members from each company, and five of the fire wardens.
Officers.
Josiah J. Stratton, President. Fenton Lawson, Treasurer. John D. Lovell, Secretary.
Delegates from the different Companies.
No. 1. Washington. Mark P. Taylor, A. W. Patterson, Joseph McDougal, H. H. Martin, Andrew J. Downs, Charles Chapman, Jacob Starr.
No. 2. Relief. J. J. Stratton, J. G. Rust, Thomas" G. Shaeffer, John Young, William Q. Hodgson, James Pearce, Samuel King.
No. 3. Independence. Miles Greenwood, William Disney, jr., Thomas Spooner, Charles R. Folger, Thomas Brooks, George Leonard, J. J. Tranchant.
No. 4. Franklin. Samuel H. Taft, John A. Main, John C. Maggini, Thomas Bateman, Robert Waterman, William Humble, Jacob Jacobs.
No. 5. Fame. A. Trowbridge, Charles C. Sackett, D. T. Snellbaker, Warren Finch, C. W. Smith, Enoch B. Scott, Benjamin Jenifer.
No. 6. Fulton. D. H. Morton, William Clark, William C. Hardy, Thomas Carey, Sam'l M. Tomkins, Samuel Startz- man, Thomas Jones.
Independent Company. Fenton Lawson, Pollock Wilson, John Geyer, John D. Lovell, Wright Smith, jr., Charles A. Reeder. One vacancy.
144
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Independent Company, No. 2. Edward Shields, John H. Empson, Robert Alexander, Francis G. Miller, Joseph Phil- lips, Joseph Cartwright, Casper Castner.
Fire Guards. D. C. Wallace, William Orange, N. C. McLean, M. R. Taylor, Charles Barnes, M. P. Cassilly, Ben- jamin Tappan.
Hook and Ladder Company. J. S. Chamberlain, A. B. Shaw, William Murray, Charles B. Frank, W. G. Cham- berlain.
Protection Society, No. 1. Erastus Poor, Platt Evans, William Medary, Isaac C. Copelen, C. F. Hanselmann, Jas.
Saffin. One vacancy.
Fire Wardens, No. 1. Not represented.
Fire Companies. Jeffry Seymour, City Engineer.
Washington Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 1.
Pat Lyon-Engine 46 members
Ranger-Hose 26 members
Ohio-Engine · 32 members
Cincinnati Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 2.
Cincinnati-Engine 30 members
Reliance-Hose 32 members
Relief-Engine · 34 members Independence Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 3.
Constitution-Engine 33 members
Veteran-Hose 18 members
Liberty-Engine 37 members .Franklin Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 4.
Neptune-Engine · 23 members
Nymph-Hose . 25 members
Atlantic-Engine 26 members
Fire Engine and Hose Company, No. 5.
Fame-Engine 23 members
Canal-Hose
. 24 members
Jefferson-Engine 27 members
145
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Independent Fire Engine and Hose Company.
Pilot-Engine . . 41 members
Red Rover-Hose 53 members
Water Witch-Engine 35 members
Independent Fire Company, No. 2.
Cataract-Engine · 25 members
Pioneer-Hose 21 members
Deluge-Engine 35 members
Hook and Ladder Company, 42 members
Protection Society, 47 members
Cincinnati Fire Guards, 66 members
Fire Wardens, 32 members
Public Cisterns.
These are thirty-four in number, and are placed at the inter- sections of the following streets :-
No. 1, Butler and Congress ; 2, Pike and Symmes ; 3, Ludlow and Third; 4, McAlister and Fifth ; 5, Broadway and Sixth ; 6, Sycamore and Lower Market; 7, Sycamore and Fourth ; 8, Sycamore and Seventh; 9, Sycamore and Woodward; 10, Main and Second; 11, Main and Fourth ; 12, Main and Sixth; 13, Main and Eighth; 14, Main and Twelfth; 15, Walnut and Third; 16, Walnut and Fifth; 17, Walnut and Seventh; 18, Walnut and Ninth; 19, Vine and First, or Front; 20, Vine and Fourth; 21, Race and Third ; 22, Race and Fifth ; 23 Race and Sixth; 24, Race and Sev- enth; 25, Race and Ninth; 26, Elm and Fourth; 27, Elm and Sixth; 28, Elm and Eighth ; 29, Plum and Third ; 30, Plum and Fifth; 31, Western-row and Fourth; 32, Western- row and Sixth; 33, Western-row and Seventh ; 34, John and Fifth.
N
146
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Situations of Fire-Plugs.
No. 1. Near Rolling-mill, above Deer creek.
2. Opposite Brewery, above Deer creek.
3. Near Water-works, above Deer creek.
4. E. side of Pike, between Congress and Symmes.
5. S. side of Symmes, between Lawrence and Pike.
6. W. side of Lawrence, between Second and Congress. 7. S. side of Second, between Lawrence and Ludlow. 8. N. side of Second, between Broadway and Ludlow. 9. W. side of Broadway, between Second and L. Market. 10. E. side of Broadway, between Fourth and Fifth.
11. N. side of Third, between Sycamore and Broadway. 12. N. side of Fourth, between Sycamore and Broadway. 13. S. side of Sycamore, between Fifth and Sixth. 14. S. side of Fifth, between Sycamore and Broadway. 15. W. side of Main, between Front and Second.
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.