USA > Ohio > History of the Ohio falls cities and their counties : with illustrations and bibliographical sketches, Vol. I > Part 113
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the young James passed his childhood, enjoying such educational advantages as the neighbor- hood afforded, increased by what, at that early day, was a good private library, being directed in its use by the culture of parents familiar with letters ; for his parents had brought to our rough Western world the culture and refinement of an ancient civilization, and found books their most congenial companions.
Later James attended school in Pittsburgh, and afterwards engaged in business there as a clerk in the general commission house of his oldest brother, Colonel William Anderson.
Life in America was so different from the life of comfort this family had left behind them, that the parents regarded their removal as a sacrifice, and so referred to it. This doubtless made a profound impression upon the mind of their son James; for at an unusually early age he was thinking of the responsibilities and aims of life, and impatient to press on to advance the inter- ests of his family. Reaching the age of seven- teen years, a critical age in the character of a youth, James's plans and ambition were seem- Ingly blighted by a violent attack of rheumatism of two years' duration. A part of this time was spent in most excruciating suffering; but the protracted inactivity was a greater trial to this brave, ambitious, independent spirit than all the torture of pain. He felt that such helplessness rendered him a burden to his loved ones. The sense of kindness then shown him in tender nursing was never effaced from his memory, as has been attested by a life of beneficence toward them. Indeed, later, in the privacy of his own home, in calmly reviewing his long life, Mr. James Anderson, Jr., asserted he had never forgotten an obligation, great or small. Through life he has been wont to call those years from seventeen to nineteen "lost years;" but who, in the light of his subsequent life of benediction to many, will echo this dictum? In that pause in his active life those principles of right, honesty, and benevolence, early instilled by pious teach- ing, which have characterized his life, probably attained their maturity. No doubt in the quiet, darkened sick-room the young mind sought deeper channels of thought and interest, and youthful illusions gave place to noble purposes. The youth eagerly returned to business, win- ning confidence and esteem for his many ex-
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cellent qualities of mind and character and his aptitude for business, from all who observed him. After several years he determined to go further west ; and so with a stock of goods costing $20,000 he embarked in February, 1822, on the steamer Henry Baldwin for Cincinnati. So valuable a stock of goods he was able to com- mand through the influence of Oliver & Bell, of Philadelphia, and Gormley, Bell & Co., of Pitts- burg, Mr. Samuel Bell, of Philadelphia, and Mr. William Bell, of Pittsburg, being his uncles.
James Anderson, Jr., remained in Cincinnati six weeks, when, the Baldwin again coming down the Ohio river, he re-embarked and was brought as far as Louisville en route to Nashville. Not finding here boat or wagon transportation for his goods, and learning the roads to Nashville were impassable, he was apparently compelled to re- main in Louisville. In coming down the river he had made the acquaintance of Mr. Benjamin Lawrence, a prominent, influential citizen of Louisville, who, conceiving a warm friendship for the young stranger, urged him to locate perman- ently in the place. This urgent solicitation probably influenced his decision to remain.
The following autumn, having sold the greater part of the stock he had brought West, Mr. An- derson determined to go on horseback to the East to replenish it. His horse failed him at Wheeling, compelling him to complete the journey by stage. In returning he came from Pittsburg on a keel-boat, the descent of the river occupying twenty-nine days. He passed the winter of 1822-23 in Louisville, going again to the East the next summer, and returning on horseback. These details of tedious travel are cited to give some hint of the difficulties of con- ducting a successful business then, as compared with the facilities of the present time of railroads, bank exchange, telegraphs, and telephones.
A year later, in 1824, Mr. Anderson formed a business copartnership with Mr. Benjamin Law- rence and Mr. E. T. Bainbridge, under the name of Benjamin Lawrence & Co. Their business comprised dry goods, hardware, and general com- mission business. To facilitate the commission branch of their business, to transport sugars and other bulky products, they, in common with a firm at Nashville, purchased successively two steamboats to ply between New Orleans and Louisville.
Mr. Bainbridge retiring, the firm of Benjamin Lawrence & Co. was succeeded in 1830 by the firm of Lawrence & Anderson.
In August, 1831, Mr. Lawrence died, univer- sally lamented, and Mr. Anderson continued their joint business until the close of the year, when he settled their accounts. In 1832 Mr. Ander- son arranged a copartnership with his brother, John W. Anderson, who had just came to reside in Louisville, and Mr. William Bell, of this city, the style of the firm being Anderson, Bell & Co. This arrangement continued five years, during which period their business gradually developed into an exclusively wholesale dry-goods business. This firm was followed by that of J. & J. W. Anderson.
Through all these years and several changes of firm, the house had steadily grown in popu- larity and trade and, under the wise, prudent management of its head, had "lengthened its cords and strengthened its stakes."
In 1828 Mr. Anderson's brother, Colonel William Anderson, of Pittsburg, already alluded to, died, confiding to his young brother James his widow and helpless family of six young chil- dren. Colonel Anderson's health had been fail- ing for several years prior to his demise, and consequently his estate was much involved. By paying his deceased brother's debts, Mr. Ander- son was enabled to save a single piece of prop- erty for his brother's heirs. On this farm, be- lieving in country nurture for boys, he made a home for his nephews until they were of suitable age to engage in business, when he provided them situations in this city.
January 15, 1833, Mr. Anderson married Car- oline, a brilliant, handsome daughter of Mr. James Brown and Mrs. Urath Owings Brown, nee Lawrence, of "Dutch Station," Jefferson county, Kentucky. For nearly eighteen years this bright, vivacious companion, with her lovely smile, quick intelligence, sparkling wit, rare mu- sical talent, and fervent piety made noonday sun- shine in his heart and home. Social in disposi- tion and mindful of the Scripture injunction, she united with her husband in dispensing a graceful, elegant hospitality. December 30, 1850, this light and joy of his home was called to a heav- enly sphere, leaving husband and young children to mourn their irreparable loss. These children are Edmonia Pope, Louisa Alexander (Mrs. A.
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C. Kemper, of Cincinnati), Caroline Brown (Mrs. Wilkins G. Anderson, of this city), Eliza Jane Longworth, Brown, and Mary Lawrence (Mrs. Thomas Sutton, of Allegheny City, Penn- sylvania).
During the life of Mrs. Anderson Mr. Ander- son became a communicant of St. Paul's Prot- estant Episcopal church, of which she was a devoted and active member. He recognized in the Protestant Episcopal Church the pure, sound "faith which was once delivered to the saints" in happy union with an elegant ritual, whose beau- tiful order and reverent spirit harmonized with his own inherent love of law, order, and propriety. His appreciation of these features of that histor- ical church is clearly illustrated by his reiterated assertion, "The Episcopal Church is the best manners school in the world." To St. Paul's church he was a liberal contributor from its foun- dation, and served it as a member of the vestry.
Reverting to Mr. Anderson's mercantile life --- prosperity attended all his efforts the next four years, and his means increased in spite of the many demands upon his private purse, and not- withstanding his generous contributions to every measure looking to the welfare and prosperity of Louisville ; for he was always a public-spirited citizen, helping forward every public interest, without respect to selfish ends.
He was as systematic and benevolent as he was public-spirited. Indeed, it may be affirmed he has always had a passion for helping others- helping those who have been needy, and those who have been struggling. Instances might be adduced where he has furnished young men with means to launch into business.
This habit of assisting others has been free from all alloy of policy or desire to patronize. It has sprung from pure benevolence and has been exercised in the most delicate, unostenta- tious way: he has comprehended the essence of the divine teaching, "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."
Mr. Anderson was prudent and wise in con- ducting his business, but his strong sympathy in- clined him to encourage and assist relatives and friends by endorsing for them, and, in conse- quence, when the critical, stringent year of 1842 came, his firm having endorsed for two firms which had failed, he was embarrassed in having to meet the obligations of these films.
In January, 1845, Mr. Anderson formed a copartnership with Colonel William McLane, of Bedford, Indiana, who, with slight personal ac- quaintance with Mr. Anderson, in a compli- mentary letter had proffered him the use of a considerable amount of capital. Mr. Anderson accepting his proposal, and Mr. John Barbee joining them, the style of firm became Anderson, McLane & Barbee. Some time during the five prosperous years succeeding, Mr. John W. Anderson was admitted. In 1850 Mr. Bar- bee withdrew. During the interval between that date and 1855, when the firm was re-organ- ized, Mr. George W. Anderson was admitted to an interest.
The transfer of Colonel William McLane's interest in 1855 to his son-in-law, Mr. Alexander Dunihue, of Bedford, Indiana, led to this re- organization. At this juncture Mr. Walter G. Anderson was admitted as special partner. This constituted the firm of Anderson, Dumihue & Company.
The house increased its business, extending its trade into Mississippi and Arkansas, in addi- tion to the territory long tributary to Louisville ; and fully sustained the reputation for prompti- tude, exactness, and integrity, which had marked its senior partner's entire career.
Mr. Anderson, from the beginning of his bus- iness life, insisted upon exactness and system in all the methods and habits of his house. He was, indeed. a martinet in his daily routine of business ; but also kind and liberal in all his re- lations to employees and customers. Such a course, while it commanded the respect of all thus dealt with, no less inspired cordial affection for the house.
The copartnership of Anderson, Dunihue & Co expired, by limitation, in the spring of 1860, at which time Mr. James Anderson, Jr., having amassed a handsome fortune, sufficiently large to satisfy a reasonable ambition, realizing his increas- ing feeble health, and in view of advancing years, desired to retire from business ; but being aware the withdrawal of his means would sacri- fice the interests of his brothers, with that un- selfishness that was a dominant rule of his life, both public and private, decided to renew the copartnership and lend the firm a considerable amount of money.
Scarcely was the step taken when omens of
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the evil that soon convulsed and rent our country began to appear.
The following summer (1860) Mr. Anderson, seeking health, visited the principal cities and several of the leading watering places of the East. Observation in the East and conversation with many of its business men and prominent politicians, combined with his knowledge of the Southern character, convinced him that neither section of the country would submit to the ad- ministration of the government by a President chosen by the other section. He felt confident that either section would resist unto blood, and that war was inevitable and imminent.
However, the business of Anderson, Dunihue & Co., perforce of the agreement, must go on.
The success of Mr. Anderson up to this period of his history seems wonderful, when we con- sider his frail health and his distaste for mercan- tile life. His preference was for farm life. Neither Thomson nor Wordsworth loved the country, in all its variation of aspect, with more ardent enthusiasm than Mr. Anderson, whom cir- cumstances sentenced to a counting-room life. Added to feeble health and disrelish for mercan- tile life, is the fact that his fortune was acquired in the legitimate pursuit of his business. Specu- lation he has always condemned as pernicious, and refusing to engage in it, none of its brilliant strokes ever added to his coffers.
Mr. Anderson served the public interest as di- rector successively in the Bank of the United States and Bank of Louisville; and also served the public in the Board of Common Council, having been nominated and elected without his knowledge, when he was absent from the city.
It is not our purpose, in what is designed as a memorial of one of the first wholesale business men of Louisville, one whose energy, sagacity, probity, and public spirit have been exercised for the welfare of the city, and have contributed in full measure to the high tone of its business at home and to its fair name abroad, to discourse of politics and war. A few allusions to their baleful influence will suffice.
When the war began, prohibition was laid upon the trade of Louisville. Mr. James Anderson and his brother John, originally "Old-line Whigs," in the Presidential canvass of 1860 were firm supporters of the Union candidate, and when after the election war was declared,
they remained loyal to the Union. Mr. Duni- hue, a resident of Indiana, was in full sympathy with his section.
With such loyalty and established reputa- tion for integrity of character and fair dealing, it seemed very strange at the time, and seems equally strange after a lapse of more than a score of years, that the application of these gen- tlemen to the United States officials here for permits enabling them to supply their Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana trade from their large stock should have been denied, while permission was granted to other houses of less standing in the community.
Meanwhile the South was closed, and no part of the outstanding debt of Anderson, Dunihue & Co. could be collected. After waiting some months in the faint hope that the political issues might be adjusted, collections made, obligations met, and business resumed, they decided to ar- range for the settlement of their business by ob- taining the consent of Eastern creditors to re- ceive the stock on hand toward the payment of their indebtedness.
The Eastern creditors acquiesced in the judg- ment of the firm; and accordingly, in January, 1862, this old and honorable house closed out its stock, and with it ended the forty years' busi- ness career of Mr. James Anderson, Jr., in the city of Louisville.
As assiduously as in early days Mr, Anderson had applied himself to business, so assiduously, with the same intensity of interest and diligence, did he now address himself to the task of meet- ing the Eastern obligations, resolved to strain every nerve to preserve that credit which had been a lifelong subject of principle and pride. Rather than sacrifice that unsullied name, rather than prove faithless to his lofty standard of right, he was prepared to supplement the practical as- sets of Anderson, Dunihue & Co. with his pri- vate fortune.
In the fall of 1862 the firm sent a junior partner South to raise as much of their debt as possible, authorized to receive such products offered, in lieu of money, as might be rendered available. A considerable quantity of cotton was thus received, and stored at several points to await a propitious moment for shipment. One of these lots at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was fired and destroy- ed by the army of General Hindman; another at
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James Brown
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Jackson, Arkansas, shared a similar fate at the hands of General Curtis; while a third lot, un- fortunately stored with cotton belonging to other parties, was lost in the confusion and reckless- ness of rights that often prevail in time of war. Had these lots of cotton, received in the South at fair valuation, been brought to any of the cot- ton markets and sold at the rates then obtaining, their proceeds would have amounted to more than sufficient to settle the liabilities of Ander- son, Dunihue & Co.
The peace, which came at length, found an impoverished South, and depressed business elsewhere. After a few months the United States Government enacted a bankrupt law. Mr. Anderson, from his study of political econ- omy and mercantile law, and from his pure be- nevolence, looked favorably upon the passage of this law, declaring it was "an act of simple jus- tice on the part of a Government in a time of business depression ;" but he accepted it as a fatal blow to any further collection of the South- ern debt. And so the sequel proved ; for when the law went into effect, the few in the South, and others elsewhere, who might have settled their indebtedness, deemed themselves thereby absolved from all moral as well as legal obligations. In the interim Mr. Anderson has liquidated the Eastern debt, retaining through the entire negotiation the confidence and friendship of his creditors.
Mr. George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia, and his brothers, Messrs. J. & J. Stuart, of New York, were the largest creditors; and in closing their ac- counts they wrote Mr. Anderson, most compli- mentary letters, and continued the firm, fast friends of the gentlemen who had composed the firm of Anderson, Dunihue & Company.
The Eastern debt settled, the settlement with partners followed, and here, as in every transaction of his life, Mr. Anderson exhibited rare gener- osity. Feeling that they who had been in the harness of business so long should not be left without the comforts of life in declining years, he was liberal with them, and made provision for his brothers, and then retired upon the remnant of the fortune earned by long years of industry and close attention to business.
The honored name of the business house of which Mr. James Anderson, Jr., was so long the head and ruling spirit, still survives; and many
of the friends and patrons of those active days have sought him in his retirement, some of the latter coming to Louisville for the sole purpose of again meeting the veteran merchant.
The steel portrait accompanying this sketch, represents Mr. Anderson at the age of eighty- four years, and indicates his keen intellect, spirit, and almost military erectness of former years, while it expresses the dignity and fearless cour- age that have ever marked his mien. This stately exterior is tempered by a gentle courtesy, extended to all with whom he comes in contact. In conversation he has always been forcible, sententious; his close observation, habits of thought, and large information enabling him al- ways to utter mature opinions.
His old age is spent in his domestic circle, as the head of a pleasant home. His time is given to reading, and thus increasing the rich store of knowledge gathered in earlier years by his habit of reading and travel in our own and foreign lands.
In the summer of 1854, while making what was then called "the tour of Europe," he visited his birthplace, the homestead of his fathers, on Cool-collet Hill. Always of tenacious memory, he retains vivid recollections of scenes then visited. With such resources of happiness and a blessed hope for the future," at eventide there is "light." "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." And-"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the per- fect day."
March 29, 1882.
JAMES BROWN.
James Brown, the American progenitor of Mr. James Brown, of Jefferson county, Kentucky, was born in the province of Maryland in the year 1686, and was the son of an early settler of the same name in that province. The American progenitor bestowed upon his son, born in Dor- chester county, Maryland, in 1710, the hereditary name of James. James Brown, of Dorchester county (later of Sussex county, Delaware), mar- ried Miss Priscilla White, daughter of Judge Thomas White, of Kent county, Delaware. Their son James, known in Maryland and Dela-
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ware as James Brown, Jr., married Miss Eliza- beth Clarkson, daughter of Richard Clarkson, "planter of Carolina, Maryland." James Brown, Jr., and Elizabeth Clarkson were the parents of Mr. James Brown, of Jefferson county, Ken- tucky, who was born in Sussex county, Delaware, October 10, 1780.
Records confirm the tradition that the families of Browns, Whites, and Clarksons were a race of notable men and women in their several genera- tions. They were a staunch, sterling, energetic, h rifty, prudent people, wielding much influence and possessing many servants and large landed estates in Maryland and Delaware. They lived in comfortable style ; and being handsome in appearance, refined and courteous in manner, and accomplished in the social graces of music and dancing, were people of distinction in their respective neighborhoods.
The family of Whites was eminent for piety. Judge Thomas White was the firm friend of Rev. Francis Asbury (afterwards Bishop Asbury), aid- ing him in establishing Methodism in Delaware and Maryland; and when persecution assailed him, received and protected him under his own roof. Mrs. Priscilla White Brown, daughter of Judge White, was converted to Methodism by the powerful preaching of the great George Whitefield. His glowing vords of life kindled in her soul a missionary zeal that burned brightly until her last expiring breath. She was unremit- ting in her efforts to disseminate the "good tidings of great joy" which she had received. She established worship in her house, and im- bued many of her children and descendants with the same ardent affection for Methodism. Her third son, White Brown, became a noted Meth- odist in Delaware, building a church there called for many years Brown's Chapel, which is still standing and marks the old estate near Seaford, Delaware. He afterwards became the great lay apostle and patriarch of his church in Ross county, Ohio, where he also built a church, con- ferring upon it the old Delaware name of "Brown's Chapel."
James Brown, Jr., of Sussex county, Delaware, served as a captain in the Revolutionary army, and after the close of the war removed to Snow Hill, or its vicinity, in Maryland, and engaged in mercantile business. Snow Hill was a place of importance at that date, and somewhat of a seat
of learning, boasting a fine academy. That vicinage produced in those early days men who were destined to win excellent names and exert influence in diverse pursuits in different parts of this broad land. It is probable the entire child- hood and early youth of Mr. James Brown, of Jefferson county, Kentucky, was passed in this place, surrounding by its stimulating, enterpris- ing influences ; for his attainments were evidence of his having enjoyed good early advantages. With other training-love of truth and honesty, and repugnance to boasting-he had received from his father a thorough training in self-re- liance.
Early in life he was bereaved of his devoted mother, and in time his father contracted a second marriage. After some years his father died, when he and his young brother, Richard, left their home to make their way in life. The brother died ; and in 1800 Mr. James Brown came to Kentucky. Being a minor, he had not then come into possession of the "Dwelling Plantation," the old homestead of the Brown family, in Sussex county, Delaware, which was entailed upon him as eldest son after the death of his father, by the will of his grandfather. Nor had he probably come into possession of his maternal inheritance from the Clarksons.
Mr. Brown made the journey to Kentucky on horseback, well equipped, bringing letters of in- troduction from influential persons in Maryland and Delaware to prominent persons in Scott and other counties in Kentucky. The letters se- cured for him prompt, cordial acquaintance and hospitality, while his handsome, stately figure, noble bearing, refined courtesy, intelligence, and elegance of attire, sustained the testimony of the letters; and better acquaintance proved the young guest was as noble and stalwart in mind and character as in outward form.
With characteristic prudence and energy Mr. Brown resolved to visit other portions of the State and make trial of such as pleased him, be- fore making choice of a home. After acquaint- ing himself thoroughly with Scott and other Blue Grass counties, he came to Jefferson county, presenting letters to Mr. Samuel Lawrence and others of this county.
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