History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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 95

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

life upon the altar of his county if her welfare had called. for the sacrifice. Her enemies were his enemies, her honor was his honor, and her cause was his cause.

" Her greatness and renown was the ruling aspiration of his heart and the chief inspiration of his life. There was not an un-American hair in his head or an un-American drop of blood in his veins. Such a man might make mistakes or commit errors, but could never be false to

· what he believed to be the best interest of his country. With this faith in the people and this love of country burning in his heart, he grasped the helm of State with a firm and unfaltering hand. What he encountered and what he achieved belongs to history. As his adminis- tration advanced it grew in favor with the people. At the end of his first term so firmly grounded was his popularity that he was re-elected by a largely increased majority. Out of two hundred and eighty-cight electoral votes, he received two hundred and nineteen. He had fought the battle of the people, and they were fighting his. He had stood by them, and they were standing by him. No administration in our history has encountered a more for- midable opposition than that which confronted the adminis- tration of President Jackson. The great triumvirate of Clay, Webster, and Calhoun had hurled their triple powers against it, but it stood the shock unmoved, for it was im- bedded in the confidence of the people, and presided over by a man whom no power could appal, no wealth corrupt, no titles seduce, and no threat intimidate. In his great battle with the bank it seemed at one time that he would be overborne. A resolution passed the Senate censuring him for the removal of the deposits. But he lived to see the day when the clerk of the Senate was ordered to bring the journal containing the resolution before that august body and draw black lines around it and write upon its face in a bold hand the word-EXPUNGED. Clad in these ha- biliments of mourning and wearing this scar upon its dis- honored face, it remains for the inspection of posterity. He was as near the master of every situation of danger and responsibility in which he was placed as any man who was ever called upon to face the one or assume the other. He never lost the courage of his convictions in any presence. The supreme hour, the crucial test, always found him self- posed, like the magnificent war horse on which the genius of the sculptor has mounted his martial form to ride through the future ages. The mingled blood of two races ran in his veins and imparted to his nature some of the best char- acteristics of both. When aroused he was as terrible as a tornado, but in the social circle with his friends as mild and gentle as a woman. His devotion and fidelity to his wife comes out as a rainbow, to span with its beauty and pro- mise every storm-cloud that rises on the horizon of his life. He was a man of strong passions, and when acting under their impulse not, perhaps, always just-no man is. But it was not in his nature to do conscious or intentional in- justice to any one. He was positive and imperious-all great leaders of men are. He was not learned in books; he never studied them ; he studied men, and no student ever more thoroughly mastered his subject. The slow and painful processes by which many men of books and culture reach their conclusions were unknown to him. His mind

acted with the rapidity of lightning, and an intuitive sa- gacity conducted him to conclusions with telegraphic speed. He had reached conclusions and stood ready to act on them before hesitating prudence had adjusted her spectacles to examine the subject, or timid conservatism had taken up her scales to weigh probabilities. Not that he was rash or inconsiderate in matters of moment ; far from it. No man ever looked at all the bearings of a subject with closer scrutiny, or balanced the chances of success or failure with keener discrimination. His chief object was to ascertain the path of duty; when he saw that he was ready to travel it, whatever dangers might environ it. No array of learn- ing or brilliancy of reputation in an opponent ever dwarfed or absorbed his individuality. He was born to lead, and he always led. Those who wished to join the expedition were welcome ; those who feared to embark might stay be- hind, and those who chose to face him might take the con- sequences. He never deserted friends or enemies until they first deserted him. For the one there was no sacri- fice he was not willing to make; in respect to the other there was no gage of battle he was not ready to take up. He never allowed his friends to go forward and assume re- sponsibilities for him in great emergencies, that he might, in the event of disaster, throw the burden of failure upon them. If risks were to be taken, if popularity was to be hazarded, if responsibility was to be assumed, if danger was to be met, he took his place at the front, and the word of command rolled down the line.

" His fame is in the custody of his country. There it will remain secure forever. No friend of his need fear or doubt the verdict of posterity or the judgment of history upon his greatness as a soldier or .his wisdom as a states- man. Full of years and full of honors, he closed his eyes in peace among the people who took him by the hand in his youth and loved him to the last. When Tennesseeans cease to honor his name and revere his memory, they will be unworthy descendants of those whom he led to victory. A few of the old soldiers who followed him through the storm of battle still linger with us upon this side the river. May the hand of time deal gently with their declining years, and the evening of their days be as full of peace and happiness as their morning was of storms and dangers.

"'Oh, honored be each silvered hair, Each furrow trenched by toil and care; And sacred each old bending form That braved with him the battle-storm.'

" Here, where tree and rock and rivulet and river are vocal with the traditions of his past, we inaugurate his statue to-day. I rejoice that the venerable sculptor who has given to us this life-like image of the man has been spared to be present on this occasion, to receive the tribute this day paid to his genius by the descendants of those who knew and loved and honored his illustrious subject while he moved amid the walks of men. .

" Tennesseeans, the honor of the State, upon whose name Andrew Jackson has shed such imperishable renown, is in your keeping. As we gaze upon his storied form to-day, let us swear that no act of dishonor shall ever stain her proud escutcheon or sully her spotless name.

" Since he closed his eyes upon a peaceful and happy

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country, our land has been drenched in fraternal blood. The earthquake shock of contending armies was felt around the very tomb where he sleeps. But these unhappy days are passed, and it is to the interest of all that the

He came forward and was greeted with loud applause. The band then played the 'Star-Spangled Banner.'

" Ex-Governor Neill S. Brown said it was a source of great gratification to be present and witness the grand

FICHE SHCOSTL

EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF GEN. ANDREW JACKSON.

passions and animosities that marked them should also pass away.

" Tennessee has no future, no aspirations, no hopes save in a restored Union, and to-day within the shadow of Jack- son's statue, without mental reservation or purpose of eva- sion, but in sincerity and truth, she can repeat to her sister States the immortal words of her immortal son, 'THE FEDERAL UNION,-IT MUST BE PRESERVED.'

" At the conclusion of Col. House's oration the assem- blage insisted on his coming to the east side of the stand.

spectacle presented before them. He alluded to the efforts that had been made to procure a statue of ' Old Hickory,' and the failure of the State to do anything toward that end.

THE UNVEILING OF THE STATUE.

Clark Mills, the artist, from whose cunning hand came the Jackson statue, was now introduced, and was received with immense applause. He said,-

" LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Having been requested to make some remarks on this occasion before the distinguished

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

people of Nashville, I will state that the statue before you is a triplicate of the one now standing in front of the Pres- ident's house in Washington, which was not only the first equestrian statue ever self-poised on the hind feet in the world, but was also the first ever modeled and cast in the United States.

"The incident selected for representation in this statue occurred at the battle of New Orleans, on the 8th of Janu- ary, 1815. The commander-in-chief has advanced to the centre of the lines in the act of review. The lines have come to present arms as a salute to their commander, who acknowledges it by raising his chapeau four inches from his head, according to the military etiquette of that period. But his restive horse, anticipating the next evolution, rears and attempts to dash down the line, while his open mouth and curved neck show that he is being controlled by the hand of his noble rider.

" I have deemed this explanation important to answer a criticism upon the fact that the horse is rearing and Jack- son has his hat off. Critics should reflect that a spirited war-horse, although brought to a halt, will not long remain 80.

" The city of Nashville has just cause for pride from the fact that of the three statues cast from the same model the one before you is the most perfect of them all."

Mr. Mills was again greeted with applause at the con- clusion of his remarks.

William Lovelady, Henry Holt, Enoch Jones, James Baxter, and Thomas Reed, the veterans of the battle of New Orleans, were then called to the stand and were heartily received. Most of them had previously taken position around the statue. Mr. Jones was deputized to pull the rope by which the statue was to be unveiled. Governor Marks accompanied him to the statue, and saw that this part of the programme was well carried out.

The following ode to Jackson, written by Rev. F. W. Peschau, was now sung in admirable style by the Harmonic Society, accompanied by the Columbia Helicon Band:

We sing of thee, Jackson of old, As we unveil this statue grand, And tell again the story told Of thy great fame, spread o'er the land.

11.

In time of war no sword more keen, No man more strong in battle's storm, 'Mid heroes all was ever seen Than Jackson's sword, than Jackson's form.

CHORUS.

O Jackson brave! O Jackson bold ! We raise to thy dear memory This statue grand, great man of old, And shout once more, Hurrah for thee !

III.

In time of peace, when ebb and tide Of war's wild chase had come to rest,

He did our land with wisdom guide, And Jackson's rule our country blest.

IV.

In war and peace he was the same,- A leader true of strength and nerve; Nor cared he aught for name or fame If he could but his country save.

v. When near him drew the shades of death, When he must sleep beneath the sod, He gave-till e'en his latest breath- His life to us, his soul to God.

VI.

Thy name, thy deeds, thy home, thy grave, Shall to each heart most sacred be Long as the winds the grass shall wave In our, in thine, own Tennessee.

When the ode had been sung Mr. Jones drew the cord, and the canvas fell on either side, displaying the statue and a member from each military company present, who added, with their bright uniforms, greatly to the beauty of the scene presented. The great mass of people then gave a long, loud shout, which was renewed and continued by the rapid discharge of cannon by the Burns Tennessee Light Artillery. The military companies then moved out from the piazza, around which they had taken position, when a dense throng collected about the statue to give it a closer inspection. All were enthusiastic in praise of the great work of art. The multitude was fully an hour leaving the Capitol grounds.

The temporary pedestal of the statue, although made of wood, is of unique pattern, and does credit to the good taste of Gen. G. P. Thruston, who drew the design and saw it executed. It is painted a stone color, and is water-proof. On the western and eastern sides appears the word " Jack- son." The statue fronts to the northward, with the head of the horse turned towards the Capitol.

THE EXPOSITION. CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION BUILDING.

The handsome illustration on the opposite page, from a photograph by Armstrong, represents the Nashville Ceuten- nial Exposition Building .* It is located at the intersection of Broad and Spruce Streets, opposite the custom-house, and diagonally opposite the Fogg high school. The Broad Street front is one hundred and eighty-nine feet long, while the Spruce Street front is one hundred and fifty-nine feet. In plan the building is a parallelogram, with projections at the corners and at the centre of each side. Above the second floor, however, it assumes the form of a Greek cross sur- rounded by a dome at the intersection. The dome and the roof of the projections, at the four principal corners of the building, are the chief architectural features. The dome is supported by twenty-four columns, framed together in clas- ters of three each, and secured, at intervals, along their length, with bolts and bands of wrought iron. The top of each cluster of columns has a cast-iron bed-plate, bolted to the horizontal trusses, thus connecting the columns, and also giving partial support to the dome. On the top of the horizontal trusses is another cast-iron plate to secure

* Cut furnished by Wheeler Brothers, Nashville.

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the ends of trusses at the angles of the polygon, and de- signed, also, to serve as a shoe to receive the lower ends of the ribs of the dome to which it is bolted. The sixteen ribs of the dome are constructed on the Howe truss plan, the upper and lower chords being curved and concentric. The chords are four thicknesses of two-inch plank, bolted together, the space between the upper and lower chords being filled with diagonal braces. At the top the ribs of the dome are bolted to a ring or octagonal abutment eight feet in diameter. To resist the thrust of the ribs at the base of the dome, each angle of the polygon is connected on the exterior by a two-inch bolt, thus securing a continu- ous tie all around it.

The building is two stories high, the centre of the second floor immediately under the dome being left open, thus making a wide and commodious gallery all around the space under the dome. The system of construction is a series of posts placed at intervals of twenty fect, and con-

want of space. Manufacturers, mechanics, inventors, ar- tists, scientists, teachers, and antiquarians vied with each other in filling the departments allotted to them to the best advantage. In reference to the arrangement of the various exhibits, Mr. Carl C. Brenner, of Louisville, the celebrated painter of some of the finest pictures ever shown in Nash- ville, remarked that it seemed to be the case here that when committees had duties assigned them they all went to work in earnest. This accounted for the rapidity with which the building had been completed and filled. The arrangement of the articles on exhibition he pronounced per- fect, everything in the right place, and in the best place which could have been selected for it. This seemed to be the general impression of visitors. No one who attended could fail to, notice the excellent judgment shown by the various committees in locating the exhibitors, and the order and harmony which scemed to pervade all their pro- ceedings from the beginning to the close.

RICHE S- CO. SC. ST LOUIS

CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION BUILDING.

nected with trussed beams, which serve to support the second floor and the main roof. Provision for light and ventilation is ample and admirable.

The general dimensions of the building are one hundred and eighty-nine by one hundred and fifty-nine feet ; height of stories, cach, sixteen feet ; height to spring-line of the dome from the ground floor, sixty-four fect ; height from the ground floor to the top of the dome, on the interior, one hundred fect; height of the lantern on top of the dome, twenty-five feet ; diameter of the dome, sixty feet ; area of first floor, twenty-five thousand two hundred and sixty-eight feet ; area of second floor, twenty thousand four hundred and sixty-eight fect ; wall space, not including windows, twenty-four thousand feet. Total area, sixty-nine thousand six hundred and thirty six feet. The cost of the building was eighteen thousand dollars; W. C. Smith, architect ; Simmons & Phillips, contractors.

During the continuance of the Centennial this building was filled with the products of industry and art,-so much so that some parties desiring to exhibit had to be denied for

On the night of the 20th of May the number of visitors at the Exposition reached its maximum. The attendance was what might have been expected. The immense num- ber of strangers in the city, who had spent the day at the Capitol, at the fair grounds, and at the fire-works, wound up with a visit to the Exposition, and created a jam, a crush, that could not be surpassed. Besides the many hundreds of soldiers, exhibitors, officials, etc., there were over twelve thousand seven hundred who paid admissions during the day.

The committees were at great expense in securing attrac- tions, not the least of which were the electric lights which rendered every part of the building and its environs as light as day. The Helicon Bund rendered an excellent programme each evening. The Tennessee kitchen was a great feature, presided over by Mrs. Charles Hillman, Mrs. Rebecca Goff, Mrs. John Ruhm, Mrs. Judge Lawrence, Mrs. Max Sax, Mrs. Julius Sax, Miss R. Webster, Miss Estelle, Mrs. A. S. Colyer, Mrs. A. H. Redford, Mrs. Irvine K. Chase, Mrs. D. F. Wilkin, and others.

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

REPORT ON THE JACKSON STATUE.

At a meeting of the Tennessee Historical Society held June 15, 1880, Hon. John M. Lea made the following re- port on the Jackson statue :

" The committee appointed at a meeting held the 29th day of January, 1880, for the purchase of Mills' equestrian statue of Gen. Andrew Jackson, respectfully report :

"That so long ago as the session of the General As- sembly of 1845-46 the idea was conceived of erecting at the Capitol in Nashville a statue in honor of Gen. Andrew Jackson, whose death took place the 8th day of June, 1845; and an act was passed the 2d day of February, 1846, ap- propriating the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ' when a sufficient sum shall be subscribed by the people in connection therewith to complete said monument.' Com- missioners were appointed in the sixth section of said act to receive any voluntary contributions, control the disburse- ment of all funds, contract with an American sculptor or artist, and superintend the erection of said statue. The passage of the act seemed a dismissal of its provisions from the public attention. The indifference to the performance of a duty so manifest and obvious was, however, more ap- parent than real, and the feeling that such an honor would some day be accorded to the name and fame of the illus- trious hero and statesman, though quiescent, was never- theless right in the breast of every Tennesseean. The times were not favorable for the inspiration of patriotism or any expression of it in works of art designed to com- memorate important events in our public history. The first ten years succeeding Gen. Jackson's death were marked by an interest in material development and a devotion to the accumulation of wealth so absorbing that there was scarcely time or opportunity for the entertainment or discussion of any other subject. The next decade witnessed an excite- ment on political subjects so fierce and violent that the apprehension of impending peril caused a temporary for- getfulness of all the recollections of the glorious past, cul- minating in war with all its attendant horrors. The next decade brought peace, but to a people with crippled for- tunes, who, with a courage as undaunted as that exhibited by them upon the field of battle, entered upon the noble task of repairing the evils, moral, political, and financial, wrought by the destructive energies of military force.

"The General Assembly soon after the re-establishment of civil authority, with laudable pride, vested commissions with authority to lay out and ornament the Capitol grounds, and in obedience to the general but passive sentiment, the space so long vacant-now, we are happy to say, adorned by the statue-was, we presume, designed for the reception and erection of this or some other imposing monument significant of men or events connected with Tennessee his- tory. The severe ordeal through which the people passed for a few years succeeding the declaration of peace forbade attention to this or any other subject not bearing directly upon the interests of the passing hour.

" Early in the month of January, 1879, Gen. Marcus J. Wright, of Washington City, addressed a letter to the vice-president of the society, suggesting that Clark Mills' equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson was on sale, expressing the hope that Tennessee could be induced to make the

purchase, and tendering his services to aid in the negotia- tion. A correspondence ensued between Gen. Wright and the vice-president, and those papers, with a letter from Mr. Mills stipulating the price, were laid before the society. There was a discussion of plans for obtaining the requisite funds to make the purchase, but nothing definite was agreed on, and the vice-president was instructed to communicate further with Gen. Wright, and also to confer with the Governor of the State as to the policy of applying to the General Assembly for an appropriation. There was a con- ference with the Governor, and also with some members of the General Assembly,-letters also passed between the Governor and Gen. Wright,-but, after due deliberation, the time was not deemed opportune to invoke the assist- ance of the State, and we did not care to have any future prospect clouded by a denial of favorable legislation. The facts were duly reported to the society, and, notwithstand- ing all obstacles in our path, so great was our earnestness that the subject was again brought up and discussed in connection with the celebration of the centenary, at a meeting held the 1st day of July, 1879. Various plans for raising the money were proposed, none of which, however, commanded that assurance of success which warranted immediate action, and the measure was in- definitely postponed, with a firm conviction that under more favorable auspices our cherished desire might some day be gratified.

"On the 14th day of March, 1878, resolutions were passed by the society contemplating the celebration of the centenary of Nashville. At subsequent meetings the proper committees were appointed, reports made, etc., the entire proceedings to be conducted under the supervision of the society. Further reflection induced a change of purpose, and it was determined at a meeting held the 4th day of November, 1879, to ask the people of the city to unite with the society and make a combined effort to mark the centenary of Nashville as an event in our local history. A committee with this view was appointed to wait upon the mayor and City Council, and, an affirmative answer being given, the mayor invited a general meeting of the citizens for consideration of the subject on the 16th day of December, 1879. The attendance was large, and from the incipient action of the meeting on that evening has resulted a success beyond anticipation in any and every department connected with the celebration of the centenary. A glow of enthusiasm at once seized the entire community. There was a pause in the pursuit of individual interests, and the moment given to unselfish and patriotic inspira- tion. Memories of the past seemed to rise spontaneously in the public mind, and it doubtless occurred to more than one that the conjuncture of circumstances was favorable for the acquisition of the Jackson statue. Such a thought did certainly occur to a venerable and patriotic citizen of Nashville, Maj. John Lucien Brown,* who, early after the meeting in December, expressed his intention to try to raise by voluntary subscriptions the money necessary for its purchase.

" He wrote to Senator Harris and Maj. Blair, of Wash-

* See special biography.

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John Luckan Brown

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ington City, to make inquiry of Mr. Mills as to the cost of the statue. Maj. Blair replied on the 23d of January, 1879, that the statue was for sale, but Mr. Mills declined to state the price, giving as his reason that Col. Bullock, of Ten- nessee, then sojourning in Washington City, was negotiat- ing for the purchase. Afterwards, ascertaining that the object of Col. Bullock and Maj. Brown was identical,- the procurement of the statue for Tennessee,-the figures were given at ' five thousand dollars as the lowest price.' About this time an admirable letter written by Col. Bullock on the subject of the purchase was printed in the American of this city, and from that moment, so forcibly were the facts put forth, the public mind was im- pressed with the idea that our celebration would be incom- plete if we could not present to the thousands of people who would throng our streets the grand spectacle of the unveiling of the statue.

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History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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