USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > Nashville > Nashville Business Directory, 1860-61 > Part 2
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In the summer of 1780, Robert Gilkie sickened and died, and was the first man of the settlers that died a natural death. Philip Conrad was killed by a tree falling on him, near the present junction of Cherry and Demumbrane streets.
Captain Leiper was the first man married in the settlement, and his was the first wedding west of the Cumberland Mountains, and the cere- mony was performed by Col. Robertson, who was at the head of the government of Notables, in the summer of 1780. There was a feast and dancing, at this wedding. Roasting-ears were the great delicacy for the ladies on the interesting occasion, while the men had dried meat, buffalo tongue and venison. No liquor or spirits was used.
John Rains is entitled to the credit of introducing neat cattle and hor- ses upon the west side of Cumberland river, and into this section of the State, and his example has not been lost upon his posterity. Rains was a "mighty hunter," and in one winter killed 32 bears within seven miles of the fort, mostly in Harpeth Knobs, south of Nashville.
On the 2d of April, 1781, occurred the "Battle of the Bluff," which took place in the cane-brake along the branch just south of Broad street It was a "hard fight," although the whites lost but few men.
The first male child born in Nashville, was Dr. Felix Robertson, the sixth child of Col. James Robertson, whose birth occurred on the 11th January 1781. Dr. Robertson is still with us, living on Cherry street, "ripe in years and full of honors," esteemed and beloved by more than thirty thousand of his immediate fellow-citizens.
Until 1783, Andrew Ewin was the clerk of the Notables, and was
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again chosen in that capacity, (under the authority of North Carolina, who assumed authority over the settlement,) on the 7th of January of that year, and he remained clerk of the Sessions Court till the day of his death. His hand-writing was peculiar, and similar to that of Hons. Edwin H. and Andrew Ewing, and of Orville Ewing, Esq., as well as the Ewing family generally-all of whom, it has been said, were "born writers and lawyers."
A treaty was held here in June, 1783, between Commissioners from Virginia, Gen. Robertson and the settlers on one side, and the Indians on the other ; which resulted in a better understanding between the whites and Indians, and after which, comparative peace was obtained for a short time. The American Revolution had closed, and general good-feeling prevailed, as life and property seemed to be more secure. North Caro- lina sent out Commissioners to look into the pre-emption rights of the settlers, and also to lay off 25,000 acres of land which the General Assembly of that State proposed to give to Gen. Greene, for his extraor- dinary services in the war of the Revolution. These Commissioners were accompanied by a guard of 100 soldiers, and several families of emigranta, and valuable additions were made to the infant settlement. It is proper to remark, however, that at different times, from 1780 to 1790, a portion of those who came here, removed to Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and other points. So that the number of permanent settlers was not very large, at any time, and some of these were scattered over the surrounding country.
John Montgomery was the first Sheriff, under the Notables, but being suspected of belonging to "Colbert's Gang," in piratical or filibustering operations, he left the settlement, and Thomas Fletcher was elected and sworn in by the Committee as Sheriff. All the proceedings were dated " North Carolina, Cumberland District."
But the government of Notables passed away, in 1783, and North Car- olina spread her motherly wings over the settlers, by issuing Commis- sions to Isaac Bledsoe, Samuel Barton, Francis Prince and Isaac Linsay, to organize an Inferior Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions at Nashboro'. "This Inferior Court," says Putnam, "was invested with extraordinary pow- ers-not unlike or much inferior to those which the Committee Govern- ment or Notables had exercised for years previous. This newly created State Tribunal was, indeed, clothed with legislative, military and judicial powers, as may be seen by an examination of the Acts of Assembly. And to men so well skilled and accustomed to the exercise of such high pre- rogatives, the continuance of powers and functions under a new name caused no inconvenience."
On the 6th Oct. the members of the Court were qualified and of course elected Andrew Ewin, clerk, and as he had to give a bond in the sum of two thousand pounds for the faithful performance of his duties, he added & G to his name, and ever after spells his name Ewing.
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A Court-house and prison were ordered to be erected-the former to be eighteen feet square ! with benches, bar and table for the use of the Court-Court-house and prison to be of hewed logs ! The contract for these buildings was let at public vendue, October 14th, to the lowest bidder.
The Court was again convened in January 1784, and were assisted by. four Justices, appointed at the same time, but not previously presant, to- wit :- James Robertson, Thomas Mulloy, Anthony Bledsoe and David Smith.
By Acts of the Assembly of North Carolina, in April and May, 1784, a town was established at the Bluff, called Nashville, &c., and from July 1st, of that year, it is never known as Nashboro,' but Nashville. The Commissioners of the town were directed to lay off 200 acres of land, near to, but not to include the French Lick, in lots of one sore each, with convenient streets, lanes and alleys-reserving four acres for public build- ings. Those who subscribed to lots, should draw for choice, and were to receive deeds, with the condition that within three years thereafter they should build a " well-framed, log, brick or stone house, 16 feet square at least (!) and eight feet clear in the pitch !" S. Barton, Thos. Mulloy and James Shaw, were the Directors and Trustees appointed by North Carolina, and the deeds executed by them are among the first titles recor- ded in Davidson county.
A ferry was established by order of the Court, across the Cumberland at a point above the Sulphur Lick Branch, and rates of forrige fixed. Notwithstanding the appearance of these buds of civilization, the Indians soon after became troublesome, instigated by Spanish agents.
At the session of the Legislature, Col. Robertson obtained the passage of "An act for the promotion of learning in the county of Davidson," and named nine Trustees. This was the 29th of December 1785, and the school was called "Davidson Academy," and subsequently " Davidson College," and now the "University of Nashville."
Lardner Clark, " merchant and ordinary keeper," was the first man to open a dry-goods store in Nashville, which he did in 1786. His stock of goods was packed on ten horses, and came from Philadelphia, through the State of Virginia, East Tennessee and part of Kentucky. Mr. Clark's goods consisted of cheap calicoes, unbleached linens and coarse woolens ; and he combined liquor selling and tavern-keeping with his dry-goods operations. Wearing apparel, until then, was composed almost entirely of dressed skins. Mr. Clark took peltries in exchange for his goods-in fact there was very little money in circulation in those primitive times, aud skins and furs answered very well as a circulating medium.
We must not omit to mention that in 1785,the first physician made his appearance, in the person of JOHN SAPPINGTON, who compounded pills, covering them with mystery and a coat of sugar, and were extensively
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known as "Sappington's Pills." So long as he kept the secret as to their ingredients, the pills performed astonishing cures and enjoyed a wonder- ful reputation ; but when he was induced to make known the ingredients and proportions, they lost their charm, their virtue and their sale.
Edward Douglas and Thomas Mulloy announced that they would practice law in all the courts in Davidson County. They were men of sound practical sense and of good business talent, but had never studied law as a science. A few pamphlet laws of North Carolina were all the law-books which were in the county for several years. These gentlemen were good talkers, and soon had clients.
Another licensed tavern was soon opened, and in 1787, there were. about half a dozen framed and log houses, and twenty or thirty cabins. Tavern rates were established by law, as follows :- " One half pint of - whiskey, such as will sirk tallow, two shillings; bowl of toddy, made with loaf sugar and whiskey, three shillings and sixpence ; one quart bowl punch, with fruit, ten shillings ; dinner and grog, four shillings and sixpence." Corn was ordered to be received for taxes at two shillings and eight pence per bushel ; good fat bear meat, if delivered where troops are stationed, four pence per pound ; fine buffalo beef, three pence ; good venison, if delivered as aforesaid, nine, pence ; dried beef, six pence ; salt two shillings and four pence per pound.
In 1787, the twenty-six one acre lots, which had been sold for four. pounds each, North Carolina currency, were taxed at one dollar-total twenty-six dollars. The first assessment of real estate was in this year. . Among those who subscribed for town lots in Nashville, was one James C. Mountflorence, a French Spy, but to cover his operations, he- subscribed for town lots, bought and sold tracts of land, gave din- ners and wine parties generously, talked politics knowingly, gallanted ladies handsomely, circulated extensively, and flourished grandly. His residence in Europe, and the position he occupied near the American Commissioners, his connection with Gov. Davie, of South Carolina, and his extensive general information and fine conversational powers, made him a welcome guest at the houses of Robertson, Smith, Bledsoe, Menees, Prince, Montgomery and others. He was a decided character and attracted a good deal of attention in this "lodge in the wilderness."
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In 1788, the Constitution of the United States, which had been adopted by ten States, was voted upon by this settlement, and almost unanimous- ly rejected.
We have no space to record the organization of Sumner county, taken off of Davidson, the establishment of Tennessee county, the District of Mero, the Indian depredations in the neighborhood, the opening of roads, or the plots and counterplots of various kinds, as to what was best for the settlers in a political point of view.
Black Bobb (a negro, of course,) opened a tavern, and for several years
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kept the most aristocratic hotel in the place. Several others opened ordinances, or houses of entertainment.
Andrew Jackson was admitted as an Attorney at Law, January 12th 1789.
In 1789, North Carolina adopted the Constitution. The State of Franklin arose in East Tennessee, and then expired-and all hands wheeled into line as members of the confederacy of States. But in 1790, North Carolina ceded to the United States all their claims to lands west of the line beginning on the extreme height of Stone Mountain, where Virginia intersects it, &c. And the country goes into a territorial form of government, with the express provision, however, that Congress should not intermeddle with the institution of slavery. President Wash- ington appointed William Blount governor of the Territory, and he took up his residence near Washington Court-house, between the Holston and French Broad rivers, in East Tennessee. He entered on his duties with energy, and made excellent appointments, and among them John Donelson as Justice of the Peace for Davidson county. Mero District extended up and down the Cumberland, from east to west, about 85 miles, and the extreme width from north to south, did not exceed 25 miles. And the population of the entire District, at this period, was about seven thou- sand, all told, men, women and children, white and black. The number of men able to bear arms, numbered only 1,000 or 1,200.
In 1790, President Washington signed the commission appointing Donelson a Major-general of the U. S. for the District of Mero, in the territory south of the Ohio. The office of District Attorney was intrus- ted to Andrew Jackson, Esq.
1791-92-93, were noted for Indian murders, horse-stealing, &c., and the retaliation on the part of the whites. A good crop of corn was raised in '92, especially by the McGavocks, at Freeland's Station, north of the city, and it sold for a handsome price. About 50 whites were killed in the settlement in '93, among whom were some of the best settlers. In 1794, the Territorial Legislature convened at Knoxville, and the State of Tennessee went into operation two years after, having its head-quarters at the same place, its admittance into the Union occurring in June 1796 ..
In 1796, the first church was erected in Nashville, on the Public Square, near the Court-house, jail and stocks. It was known as the Methodist Church, but was torn down or removed in 1807 or 1808. A few busi- ness houses, and one small one of brick went up in 1796 and the first fire occurred in this year, and the flames destroyed Capt. Williams' and Black's store, in which were many papers, public and private.
In 1796 or '97, Thomas Bailey, an Englishman, reached Nashville trom Natchez, passing through these western wilds on a tour of observation, as we learn from the first volume of Parton's Life of Jackson, just pub-
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lished. Mr. Bailey became an astronomer of note, and was the ounder and first President of the Royal Astronomical Society at London.
In May, 1797, three young Frenchmen arrived in Nashville, who attracted a good deal of attention, and afforded the greatest joy to old Mons. De Monbreun. They were brothers, and sons of the Duke of Orleans, and the eldest was subsequently known as Louis Philippe, king of France. They left here in a canoe, proceeding down the Cumberland.
In 1801, the town was placed under the government of an Intendent and six Commissioners, and a law was passed by the General Assembly to authorize them to levy a tax to build a market house. Water street was laid off and opened in this year. In 1804, the population was 400, and the legislature authorized the authorities to sink a well on the Public Square, and also to draw a lottery for the extension of the north-eastern boundary of the lots on Water street to the Cumberland river. The Legislature authorized the Commissioners to make certain deeds, &c., and specified land taxes were to be levied, collected, &c.
Aaron Burr arrived in Nashville on the 29th of May, 1805, and was the guest of Gen. Jackson. A public dinner was given him, and he was caressed and toasted by every one. He came again on the 16th of August of the same year, and had great honor and attention paid him, and was again the guest of Gen. Jackson. But when his schemes began to be developed, his name became odious, and he was burnt in effigy by the citizens, in the fall of 1806.
In 1806, the town was incorporated, with a Mayor and six Aldermen, and Joseph Coleman was elected the first Mayor. A newspaper was printed here called the "Impartial Review and Cumberland Repository," which we believe was the first paper printed at this place. The Legisla- ture passed an act of incorporation, specifying what the town might do, and repealing all acts heretofore passed in relation to Commissioners, &c.
A fierce war was going on this year between Gen. Jackson and his friends, and Charles Dickinson and others ; which led to a duel between these two gentlemen, who went across the Kentucky line, beyond Red River to fight. Mr. Dickinson was killed, and Gen. Jackson wounded. Great excitement prevailed.
In 1810, the population was about 1,100. At the call of the War De- partment, thousands of people in this State volunteered for the war against Great Britain in 1812. The second session of the Legislature assembled here. Its previous sessions had been at Knoxville, where the Constitution was framed.
In 1813, the celebrated fight between Jackson and Hays and the Benton's (Thomas and Jesse,) took place, at the City Hotel, which was then on the same spot it now occupies. The Post-office was then a little south of the hotel, on the Square, and the Nashville Inn occupied the site now used by Evans & Co., and others as wholesale dry goods houses.
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Gen. James Robertson, the founder of Nashville, died on the 1st of September 1814, universally regretted.
A campaign against the Creek Indians had been going on, and of course Tennessee volunteers were numerous, and in fact, when soldiers were wanted, the Secretary of War had only say the word, and Tennesseans flocked to their country's standard in large numbers. Frequently one- third of her whole military force was in the field. The volunteers returned from a campaign in May 1814, and a dinner was given them at the Bell Tavern, and Felix Grundy delivered an address of welcome, which was responded to by Gen Jackson on behalf of the volunteers. The subsequent march to New Orleans, and its 8th of January battle, are matters of history well known to every reader.
The Nashville Female Academy was incorporated in 1816.
" Clark's Miscellany in prose and verse," was the first book printed in Nashville.
The General Assembly removed their sittings from Nashville to Knox- ville in 1816, and subsequently to Murfreesboro' in 1819.
In the spring of 1818, the people of Nashville hailed the arrival of the first steamboat at this port. She was 110 tons burthen, and was built st Pittsburgh for Gen. Wm. Carroll, and was named " Gen. Jackson." Gen. Carroll sold his boat for $83,000, to Messrs. Fletcher, Young Marr. Freight from here to New Orleans was then 5 cents.
In the course of two or three years, the steamboat business increased considerably, wharves were built, commission and forwarding houses opened, and the place began to put on "city sira." The pioneer boat "Gen. Jackson" was snagged and sunk in Harpeth Shoals, June 20th, 1821. The steamers "Gen. Robertson," " Rifleman," "James Ross," "Fayette," " Feliciana," and " Cumberland," were plying the river, but the latter boat exploded near Eddyville, May 3d, 1821, by which six or seven lives were lost.
President Monroe arrived in Nashville on Sunday evening, the 6th of June 1819, and was the guest of Gen. Jackson, as was also Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines, at that time. The President came to town on Wednesday following, in company with Jackson and Gaines, and a large company of citizens and military met them on College Hill, (now part of South Nash- ville,) where addresses of welcome were delivered by Wilkins Tannehill, Esq., on the part of the Masonic fraternity, and by Col. Williamson, on behalf of the military. He was escorted to the residence of Ephraim H. Foster, Esq., (then Mayor of the city,) where Hon. John H. Eaton, wel- comed the distinguished guest on behalf of the city of Nashville-to all of which Mr. Monroe replied. A public dinner was given, and a ball at night. The President took his departure on the 11th, through Kentucky, accompanied by Gen. Jackson, as far as the residence of Col. Richard M. Johnson, in that State
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The store of Thomas Deaderick (for whom Deaderick street is named,) was robbed of several thousand dollars worth of goods in May, 1820.
The financial panic of 1819-20 caused the Farmer's and Mechanic's Bank to suspend specie payments on the 18th of June, 1819, which example was followed by the Nashville Bank, on the 22d, and the Bank of the State of Tennessee on the 29th. The troubles continued, and to such an extent, that Gov. McMinn convened the Legislature at Murfrees- boro', then the seat of Government, in 1820, at which called session the Bank of the State of Tennessee was chartered with a capital of one million of dollars, with a branch at Knoxville. The Bank went into operation on the 14th of October 1820, but it met with considerable opposition, its opponents declaring that it was a swindling concern, and would make matters worse, instead of better. A twenty dollar note of the new Bank was put up at auction in the town of Carthage, to be sold for silver, and was knocked down at 5 per cent premium-some ardent friend of the Bank probably being the purchaser.
The steamboat Rifleman arrrived at this port on the 15th of May, from New Orleans, in the short space of thirty days ! !
The substantial and elegant Bridge across the river, from the south end of the Square to the Gallatin Turnpike, was built in 1822, at a cost of $85,000. It was taken down a few years since, but is said to have been the best bridge that ever spanned the Cumberland.
In 1823, the population of the place was 3,460, and in 1830, 5,566, of which 1108 were slaves, and 204 free negroes.
In 1825, there were from 15 to 20 steamboats running from Nashville to New Orleans, Louisville and Pittsburg. They were small boats, ranging from 35 to 200 tons burthen, and several keel boats were com- ing here, of almost the same carrying capacity.
Gen. Lafayette, son and suite, arrived here on the 4th of May, 1825 and were received with the greatest demonstrations of joy. An immense procession was formed, the streets were decorated with arches of ever- greens, and patriotic mottoes were inscribed upon them. The General landed on the grounds of Maj. Wm. B. Lewis, above the Water Works, where Gen. Jackson and a number of citizens received him, and Gov. Carroll addressed him in behalf of the State, tendering him a welcome to Tennessee. The procession, with the military, escorted him into the city, where Robert B. Currey, Esq., the Mayor, addressed him in behalf of the city, and tendered him its freedom and hospitality. The joy of the people knew no bounds, and Gen. Lafayette ever after spoke of his reception in Nashville as one of the most pleasant events in his life. He was taken to the residence of Dr. Boyd McNairy, who threw open his doors to the distinguished Frenchman and his suite. The next day, the General went to the Masonic Hall, where he received the ladies of Nash- ville in that polite and cordial manner for which he was remarkable. A
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public dinner was given him at the Nashville Inn, at which Gen. Jackson acted as President, assisted by George W. Campbell, Henry M. Rutledge, John Somerville, and Felix Grundy, as Vice Presidents. Our old friend Timothy De Monbreun was at this dinner, and was toasted by Col. Andrew Hynes, as the patriarch of Tennessee, and the first white man that settled in the country. Gen. L. visited the Grand Lodge of Tenn- essee, the Royal Arch Chapter, and the Masonic fraternity generally, and welcomed by Wilkins Tannehill, Esq., as a friend and a brother. A collation was furnished on the occasion, and all bands bad a " good time generally." Before his departure, the General called on Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Littlefield, (the daughter of his old companion and friend, Gen. Greene, of Revolutionary memory,) Gov. Wm. Carroll, Rev. Dr. Philip Lindaley, and others.
Over one million of dollars worth of cotton were exported from this port in 1825. The branch Bank of the United States was established in 1827.
In 1826, a great freshet occurred here, and the waters were higher around the city than at any period since 1808.
The city was divided off into six Wards in 1826.
The Episcopal (Christ) Church, located on the corner of Church and High streets, was built in 1831-2, at a cost of only $16,000. The Methodist (McKendree) Church was dedicated to the worship of God on the last Sunday in October, 1838, by the venerable Bishop McKendree, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Douglass, McMahon and Maddin. The Presbyterian Church had no regular pastor till 1821, although Dr. Blackburn organized a church in 1813. Dr. Campbell was pastor from 1821 to 1826, when the Rev. Dr. O. Jennings took charge. He died in 1831, and there was a vacancy until the 25th of December, 1833, when the Rev. Dr. John T. Edgar was installed as pastor, and continues as such to this day. A Baptist Association was formed here in 1820, but & division took place in 1825, those holding to the regular Baptist faith, giving up their house and worshipping in the Masonic Hall, until the Rev. Dr. Howell came as pastor, by whose efforts the present handsome edifice on Summer street was erected in 1837, and of which Dr. Howell is now the pastor. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was dedicated in May 1832, and was ready for the reception of their General Assembly which convened in that year. It is situated on Summer street. The old Catholic Church, formerly on the north side of Capitol Square, was built about the year 1830, if we mistake not. But we have neither time nor space to go into detail on the subject of Churches, merely remarking that the city can now boast of more than twenty church organizations, and accommodations for three times as many hearers of the gospel than at- tend its regular proclamation.
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