History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 91

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013

USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 91

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St. Mary's Free School, on Vine Street, consists of four hundred pupils, in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. A German school in North Nashville numbers one hundred and twenty pupils, and is managed by the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.

St. Bernard's Academy, a select day-school of one hun- dred pupils, is in charge of the Sisters of Mercy.

St. Cecilia's Academy was founded in 1860 for the edu- cation of young ladies, under the auspices of the Dominican Sisters, of whom Mother Ann is the present superior. The place stands upon an eminence north of the city, overlook- ing the Cumberland River Valley, and comprises ten acres of land, with fine buildings, valued at forty thousand dol- lars. The present attendance is about one hundred. Much of the patronage is from the best families of the surround- ing counties who are not Catholics. The administration of the present bishop has been remarkable for its prosperity.

JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS.

Among the first Jewish families to settle in Nashville were Aaron Lande, Elias Wolf, David Elsbach, Isaac Ger- shon, Myer Sulzbacher, Henry Harris, E. Franklin, 'Z. Levi, and several young men who came as clerks and book- keepers.

In October, 1851, the Israelites residing in the city called a meeting in the house of Isaac Gershon, and organized the first Jewish benevolent society in Davidson County. Henry Harris was elected president and Isaac Gershon vice-president. A committee was appointed, who purchased seven acres of land a mile and a half from the public square, on the Buena Vista pike, for a burial-ground. A room was rented for a synagogue on North Market Street, near the Louisville depot, and occasional divine worship was held on Sabbath* and holidays, Mr. Henry Harris officiating as reader.

In 1853, Mr. Alexander Iser, a native of Polish Russia, then located in New York, was engaged as the first rabbi,

· Saturday.

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CITY OF NASHVILLE.

at an annual salary of about six hundred dollars, with per- quisites. Mr. Iser served as rubbi for five years. Shortly after his arrival here the organization of the society was dissolved, and the first Hebrew congregation formed, under the name and title of Magen David,* at the suggestion of Isaac Gershon, as a compliment to the county. The same officers were re-elected, and a committee was appointed to apply to the State Legislature for a charter. This was granted in 1854. When the congregation increased in numbers they rented Douglass Hall, corner of Market Street and the square.

In 1862 the First Reform Congregation, in opposition to the orthodox, was organized by the election of M. Fishel president and M. Shyer vice-president. Rev. Mr. Lab- shiner, from Albany, N. Y., was their first rabbi. They assumed the name of Benij Jioshren.t Another piece of land near the first burial-ground was purchased for their separate use.

After an existence of about six years the two congrega- tions united in 1868 as one organization, with the name and title of K. K. Ahvaah Schoelem.] A short time after, they elected Rev. Dr. Isedor Kaleish as rabbi, while still worshiping in the same hall. He remained in his office for three years. His successor was Dr. Alexander Rosen- spitz, who served them for nearly three years. In his time the foundation of the present temple was commenced, on Vine Street between Church and Broad Streets. The laying of the corner-stone was effected by the celebrated rabbi, Isaac M. Wise, of Cincinnati, Ohio, assisted by. the Freemasons of this district. The temple was finished in 1877 through the exertions of Mr. G. Blumenstein and other Jewish citizens, who contributed liberally for its building. It is of the Byzantine style of architecture. Its massive bulb-like dome, towering above the surrounding buildings, forms an attractive feature in a distant view of the city, while a nearer approach shows it to be an orna- ment to the locality. It was designed by W. Dobson, Esq., architect, and cost about forty thousand dollars in building. It was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Rosenspitz. On his depar- ture Rev. Dr. G. S. Goldamer, an eminent and much- esteemed Hebrew scholar,-a graduate rabbi of Germany, and late rabbi at Cincinnati, Ohio,-became leader and rabbi of the congregation. When the temple was finished worship was conducted, with the introduction of a choir, an organ, and family pews.

Since 1879 the old Polandish mode of worship was abolished and substituted by the reformed mode of worship called Minhag America,§ which was introduced by all con- gregations, in conformity with the free institutions of this country. Many who belonged to the former congregation took offense at this, and separating organized anew, under the name of K. K. Adath Israel, by electing I. B. Cohon president and L. Rosenheim vice-president. Their place of worship is in a hall in Mr. Rosenheim's house, 118 North College Street. They style themselves the Orthodox Congregation. They have no rabbi, but a citizen named M. Muscovitch is their temporary leader. They are very

strict in their religious observances, and do not wish to de- part an iota from the ancient institutions which the rabbis of old established.

A very efficient Sabbath-school was organized in connec- tion with the Ahavah Schoelem by Rev. Dr. Kaleish when he was first engaged here as rabbi, and has progressed until the present time. Over eighty boys and girls come together there three times a week, and are taught by volun- tary teachers, of whom the rabbi is superintendent, in Hebrew, Biblical history, and the catechism of their re- ligion. At the holidays of Pentecost the rabbi confirms those pupils who are prepared. Twelve girls and eight boys were confirmed at this feast in 1879. Divine worship is held Friday evenings in English, and Sabbath (Saturday) mornings in German, at the temple. Seats are free.

The present officers are, K. K. Ahavah Schoelem : J. S. Goldamer, Rabbi ; Max Sax, President ; S. Shyer, Vice- President; B. Bissenger, Warden ; H. Loventhal, Treas- urer ; S. Weil, Secretary ; M. Fishel, Financial Secretary.

K. K. Adath Israel .- I. B. Cohon, President ; P. Blu- menthal, Vice-President; J. Rosenzweig, Secretary; J. Greenstein, Treasurer ; M. Schwartz, Warden.

THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NASH- VILLE AND EDGEFIELD.

A Young Men's Christian Association, for the moral, mental, and social improvement of young men, was or- ganized in January, 1855, incorporated March 2, 1858, and continued until the unsettlement of society by the dis- asters of war. In 1861 it numbered one hundred and seventy-five members, and had a circulating library of about four hundred volumes. The reading-rooms were at No. 35 College Street, up stairs, where the leading newspapers and periodicals were daily open to the public. H. Hill McAlister was President ; P. L. Nichol, Recording Secre- tary ; N. D. Cross, Corresponding Secretary ; W. H. Mor- row, Treasurer; and W. Bryce Thompson, Librarian. It was reorganized May 1, 1867, and continued for some months, but soon suspended by reason of the unsettled state of society consequent upon the late war.

The Nashville Tract Society, organized Nov. 16, 1868, maintained a mission work on Crawford Street for several years. In November, 1873, they resolved themselves into a Young Men's Christian Association, in order to avail themselves of the old charter and enlarge their field of labors. John Lellyctt was elected President of the new organization ; Willis Bonner, Vice-President; Frank Hume, Recording Secretary ; William Cassetty, Corresponding Sec- retary ; and II. W. Forde, Treasurer. The society ceased active work the following spring, but reorganized May 15, 1875, and elected delegates to the National Young Men's Christian Association Convention, to be held at Richmond, Va. The Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Episcopal, Pres- byterian, Cumberland Presbyterian, and Baptist Churches were all united in this work, which succeeded close upon a series of revival meetings conducted by the evangelists, Revs. Whittle and Bliss. M. L. Blanton was elected Presi- dent ; A. D. Wharton, Vice-President; J. E. Goodwin, Treasurer ; and R. S. Cowan, Recording Secretary. Frank P. Hume was General Secretary and Librarian of the asso-

. Shield of David. # Lovers of peace.

t Sons of Jeshuren. ¿ The custom of America.

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

ciation until June 19, 1879, when he was succeeded by the present General Secretary, John H. Elliott.

The library connected with the association was formerly the property of the Nashville Library Association, but has been largely increased in numbers since it became a part of the Young Men's Christian Association attractions.

The building which occupies the corner of Union and Cherry Streets, and is nearly opposite Gen. Andrew Jack- son's old law-office, is familiarly known as " the Old Bank of Tennessee." It is one of the historic buildings of Nash- ville. Its massive proportions, so different from the more modern surroundings, at once arrest the eye of the stranger. The rooms, which are open daily from eight A.M. till ten P.M., and on Sunday from three till six P.M., offer free to every young man a reading-room, with sixty-two newspapers and periodicals on file, writing materials, etc., directory of good boarding-houses, aid in obtaining employment, etc.

The association offers to its members the following among othes additional privileges : chess- and conversation-room, popular lecture course, social and musical entertainments, and (for full ticket) circulating library of six thousand eight hundred volumes, etc.

Any person of good moral character may obtain an an- nual ticket, entitling him to all the above privileges (except to take books from the library), for two dollars.

Officers of the association : President, M. L. Blanton ; Vice-President, J. P. McGuire; Treasurer, R. S. Cowan ; Corresponding Secretary, J. S. Carles; Recording Secretary, R. A. Campbell ; Librarian, F. P. Hume; Assistant, C. A. Marlin ; General Secretary, J. H. Elliott.

Board of Directors : M. L. Blanton, A. Larcombe, James Thomas, Jr., M. B. Pilcher, R. S. Cowan, J. P. McGuire, A. D. Wharton, R. A. Campbell, J. H. Wilkes, Joseph S. Carles.

A periodical called the " Association Bulletin" is pub- lished semi-monthly. .

THE NASHVILLE BIBLE SOCIETY

was organized Aug. 25, 1823. Hon. Judge Haywood, of the Supreme Bench, at that time delivered before them an elo- quent address on the aims of the organization. Among the names of those who first gave it encouragement are those of Judge McNairy, Gen. Andrew Jackson, and Governor Car- roll. In the three general supplies of Bibles to families in the United States, this society rendered valuable assistance. Professor Nathaniel Cross was secretary from Oct. 14, 1829, to April 11, 1854, and then president until his death, Dec. 17, 1866. Dr. A. G. Goodlett was vice-president to his death, in September, 1866. In January, 1867, A. G. Adams, Esq., became President; J. S. Carles, Secretary ; and Anson Nelson, Treasurer. Present officers,-Dr. W. H. Morgan, President; A. D. Adams, Secretary ; Robert L. Morris, Treasurer. It is supported by the liberality of the churches.

CEMETERIES OF NASHVILLE. OLDEST BURIAL-PLACES.

In the early settlement of Nashville the dead were buried on the open grounds that overlook Sulphur Spring Bottom, and at two or three country burial-places in the neighbor-

hood. At the former place may be seen a number of mounds erroneously called " Indian graves." Joseph Hay, the first member of the little settlement killed by Indians, was buried a short distance to the east of the Sulphur Spring,-not where it now appears, but a hundred yards towards the Cap- itol, where it issues from the rock beneath the surface of the ground. Robert Gilkie, the first who died from sick- ness, is said to have been buried in this ground ..

The following reference to the early burying grounds was made by the late Nathaniel Cross, Esq., in a communication to the Tennessee Historical Society in 1850:

" Being on the Bluff immediately above the Sulphur Spring this afternoon, which, as is well known, was formerly a place of burial for our city, as we now consider it, . .. I observed that there is but one stone left with an inscrip- tion on it to tell who lies beneath. As this, which is a hor- izontal slab, and is already considerably defaced and other- wise impaired, and will probably be broken by rude hands, as the others have been, and disappear from the Bluff, and thus no monument be left to attest the place where rest the bones of a considerable number of the carly population of Nashville, . . . I was induced to copy the sole remaining inscription. The first words were defaced and partially ob- literated, but still sufficiently distinct to be read, as follows:

"ERECTED BY SUNDRY BROTHER OFFICERS AND COM- RADES

"' To the Memory of Richard Chandler, late 1st Lieut. and Paymas- ter, 4th Regiment of Infantry, In the Army of the United States, who deceased on the 20th day of December, 1801, aged 37 years, 7 months, and 16 days.

"'He lived esteemed an honest man and brave soldier ; He died regretted by all who knew him.

"'Exalted truth and manly firmness shone Conspicuous in him beneath this stone.'

" His remains were removed, under the auspices of the Historical Society, from the Sulphur Spring Bottom to Mount Olivot Cemetery, with impressive ceremonies, in which Hon. E. H. East participated as orator of the day. Many of the graves are lying deep beneath the yearly de- posits of the Tennessce, and their numbers or ncar location is only a point of conjecture."

Before using the Bluff as a burial-place, the dead were buried on the public square, between the court-house and the site of the old inn. The late Thomas Crutcher, who saw the last one buried there, was heard to say, years after, that the earth was so shallow it was difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity to cover the coffin. Two or three other and lesser burying.places were used for a while in the sur- rounding country.

The City Cemetery was first used in 1822, and many bodies were removed from their first resting-places for per- manent burial here. When located, it was thought to be beyond the reach of the city, but it was soon surrounded with the rapid growth of improvement. Two railroads now pass through its grounds. Just beyond its southern wall a cotton-oil mill and a flouring-mill keep up the constant roar and racket of business, and near by the immense warehouse and cotton-yards of the Decatur depot employ many busy workmen. The twenty-seven acres inclosed are regularly laid out in streets, named like those in a city of the living.

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CITY OF NASHVILLE.

The soft sunlight here falls through the delicate foliage of Southern evergreen and deciduous trees upon grand monu- ments, picturesque shrubbery, grassy mounds, and bright green carpets of trailing myrtle. A lasting palisade of cedar excludes the outside world, whose only approach is through the massive iron gates by which its sleeping tenants entered.

There were eleven thousand two hundred and fifty-nine buried in this ground from 1822 to 1859, and the inter- ments, extending through nearly sixty years, will number between fifteen and twenty thousand. Many prominent citizens of Nashville and of Tennessee are buried there, among them Gen. Robertson, the founder of Nashville, Governor William Carroll, Hon. Felix Grundy, Dr. John Shelby, Duncan Robertson, Esq., Dr. Robert Porter, Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, Gen. James E. Rains, and many others, citizens and soldiers, honored in life and cherished in memory since dead.

In this old burying-ground there stands a fine monument, erected by the State of Tennessee in commemoration of the character and services of Gen. William Carroll, who was for twelve successive ycars Governor of the State.

Another, erected by the city of Nashville to the memory of one of her noblest and most useful citizens, who came here in 1806, though strongly worded, is said to be no less true. It reads,-

" To the Memory of DUNCAN ROBERTSON, a native of Scotland and resident of the United States 43 years, who died at Nashville the 1st May, 1833, in the 63d year of his age, the citizens of Nashville have erected this Monument.

"This loss will be long and severely felt, and his place will not be soon or easily supplied. Always first and best in every work of philanthropy and beneficence, to do good to his fellow-men,-entirely forgetful of himself,-seemed to be the great object of his life. In the dungeon of the forsaken prisoner, at the bedside of the wretched and friendless, and in the abode of poverty and distress was he almost constantly found. In imitation of the example of his Divine Master, he literally ' went about doing good.' No personal sacrifice was too grent for him to make when the call of benevolence demanded it.

" He was not only willing but active and efficient in every good work of charity and disinterested beneficence. Such a man is among the wonders of the age,-a blessing to any community,-and his memory should be embalmed in the grateful recollections of his contempo- raries, and preserved for the gratitude and veneration of posterity."

Mount Olivet Cemetery .- Mount Olivet, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the South, is located two and a half miles from the city, contains one hundred and five acres, and has fronts on both the Lebanon and Stone's River turnpikes. It was established October, 1855, by a stock company organized under a charter from the Tennes- see Legislature. There are many beautiful mausoleums, obelisks, monuments, etc., so chaste and exquisite as to well repay a visit. Hon. John Bell, ex-Governor Aaron V. Brown, and many other distinguished men are buried therc.

The place was originally beautiful. To its undulating surface, clear running brook, and grand forest-trees are added the distant view of the Capitol and spires of Nashville. The whole tract has been laid out by a skillful artist in accordance with the suggestions of a refined taste and

the picturesque location of the grounds ; thousands of evergreens and other ornamental shrubbery, collected from the mountains and surrounding forests, have been planted. An Osage-orange hedge incloses the whole premises. The avenues are graded and partly macadamized, and the lots surveyed and marked. It is said that " the name, ' Mount Olivet,' was suggested by the name of the place whence our Saviour ascended from this earth ; and as He ascended thence to heaven, so we trust that the spirits of thousands whose bodies may find their last resting-place on our ' Mount Olivet' may ascend to Him in the same blessed home."

The directors have spared neither pains nor expense in its adornment.

If there is any one place in Nashville about which there is no difference of opinion, it is Mount Olivet. Its beauty is surpassing at any season, but in the spring it fairly glows with loveliness. Its grass and its trees, its birds and flowers, give it a charm that is unsurpassed, and the sacredness of the place makes it like holy ground, suggesting feelings of the deepest reverence. Such a place robs death of many of its terrors.

No one can visit there without feeling an awe at the thought that here lie those loved while living and cher- ished now that they are dead.

Nothing but a visit will give an idea of the place. To those who have only seen the burial-places in the country or at some village churchyard, no conception can be formed of Mount Olivet. It combines all the elegance of a land- scape garden, the grandeur of an artist's studio, and the freshness of a finely-kept lawn. The grass is kept closely shaved, the trees, while they seem to be directed by nature only, are the results of the most exact art, and flowers, both native and exotic, are everywhere in the most lavish pro- fusion. Scarcely a grave but is decorated at least once a week, and to the first visitor on a Sunday afternoon the effect is truly dazzling. The place is laid out in irregular plats, each unlike the other, and the entire place orna- mented, besides the flowers, with beautiful evergreens and costly statuary. Many fine works of monumental art point out the great men of Tennessee and their loved ones, who sleep within its bounds. There are some pieces of work that would do credit to the atelier of any sculptor, while there are many grand monumental shafts as elaborate as those upon the Nile or among the ruins of the Acropolis. All the different orders of architecture have here an expo- nent. The solid Doric stands side by side with the splen- did Corinthian or the mixed beauty and strength of the Composite. On the one hand an angel stretches forth its arms to the sky, pointing the way to the Celestial City, while at another the Man acquainted with grief shows to the passer-by the crown of thorns and the pierced side. Beings of celestial beauty are on every hand, so that a vis- itor may gaze in rapturous delight at each successive visit to these grounds.

Mr. Woodward, the gentlemanly superintendent, takes delight in showing visitors over the grounds, and to him is due much of the loveliness, it being through his good taste and judgment that it has attained such a degree of excellence.

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

Dr. A. V. S. Lindsley has been president, and C. W. Nance, Esq., secretary, of this corporation since it was formed, and much of its good management and beauty are the result of their efforts. Charles Callender, Esq., is treasurer of the company, which is under the management of a board of directors. All visitors are supplied by him with passes before their admission to these beautiful grounds.

Nashville National Cemetery .- This cemetery was es- tablished Jan. 28, 1867. It is situated on the west side of the Gallatin turnpike, six miles north of Nashville. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad runs through it north and south, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. Madi- son Station is about one mile north of the cemetery. The lot contains nearly sixty-four acres of undulating land, and is inclosed by a stone wall covered with a coping of sawed limestone slabs.

The main entrance is near the centre of the east side from the Gallatin pike. A handsome arched gateway, built of white marble, covers the carriage-way at the main entrance, closed by double iron gates. A main avenue ex- tends from this entrance through the grounds, having numerous branches, which wind around the various undu- lations in such a manner as to present the natural features of the lot to advantage. These avenues are covered with gravel and rolled hard. They divide the grounds into numerous sections of various sizes and shapes, most of which are occupied with graves.

On the east side of the railroad on the south side is a circular mound, on which is placed a thirty-two-pounder iron gun as a monument. Just north of it is the flag-staff. Four other large iron-gun monuments are placed in differ- ent parts of the grounds. A bronze shield is placed on the gun near the flag-staff, whereon is inscribed the date when the cemetery was established and the number of interments.

The superintendent's lodge is a stone building one and a half stories high, with French roof. It stands on high ground, and presents a fine appearance from the turn- pike.

A small natural water-course enters the cemetery near the northwest corner, and runs in a southeasterly direction through the grounds, passing out near the main entrance. Another little streamlet runs through the southeast portion of the cemetery, passing out near the main entrance. Many trees and shrubs have been transplanted into this cemetery. An Osage-orange hedge extends along the inside of the wall, excluding it from view from that side. The large forest-trees to the west of the railroad give character to the foliage and add greatly to the beauty of the ceme- tery.

The graves are arranged in parallel rows or in curves concentric with the avenues surrounding the respective sections, which are covered with a compact turf, with the grass kept constantly neatly cut.

The graves are marked by marble headstones, whereon are inscribed the number of the grave, the name, and the State to which the soldier belonged. The unknown graves are designated by marble blocks with the number inscribed thereon. The interments are classified as follows, viz. :

Known.

Unknown.

Total.

White Union soldiers.

10,388

3,508

13,896

Colored Union soldiers

1,447

463

1,910

Total Union soldiers.

11,835

3,971

15,806

Employees

703

732

Total interments ..

12,538

4,000

16,538

The bodies were removed from the place of original in- terment,-viz., from the burying-grounds around Nash- ville, wherein were buried the dead from the general hoe- pitals in that city, from the battle-fields near by and at Franklin, from. Gallatin, Bowling Green, Cave City, and many other places in Kentucky and Tennessee. In number of interments this is the second largest National cemetery in the country. Much labor and money has been expended in grading and laying off the grounds, planting choice trees and shrubbery, which, under the direction of a skillful engineer, has rendered the grounds very attractive, and which is enhanced every year by the growth and increase of the foliage.

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History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 91

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1013

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013