Wayne County, Indiana - Chapter 1: The City of Richmond, 1884

Chapter 1: The City of Richmond

ÅN Account OF THE OrIGIN AND GROWTH oF THE BEAUTIFUL AND Prosperous Ciry. - Inrropucrory. - SurRoUNDINGS. - Ranx. - Proeression. - Tue Orry Pratrep, 1816. - Incor- PORATION. - First Orricers. - Earty OrpinaNnces. - First Events. - Earty [NHABITANTS. - VILLAGE ImMPpRovEMENT. - TEMPERANCE. - LIBRARIES. - THE RICHMOND AND BrooxKFIELD Cana ProsecrepD. - Its FAILURE. - EARLY BUSINESS [NTERESTS IN DETAIL.

The city of Richmond, Ind., stands without a rival in the beauty of her location, the wealth cf her surroundings, the solidity of her growth, and in the refinement, culture and hospitality of her citizens. The rich agricultural country which lies all around her, the great productiveness of which finds a market at her door, the enterprise and energy of her business men, all combine to make her what she is - the Queen City of the State. Resting proudly upon the banks of the beautiful and winding Whitewater, looking upon its clear waters, and the valley itself a beautiful panorama of scenic magnificence, why indeed should not Richmond be proud and her people glory in the brightness of the present, and a future even more glowing in its promises ?

Richmond stands upon an oval crest on the east bank of the Whitewater River, or what is called its East Branch, and the beauty of its location is enhanced by its perfect drainage which all tends to the valley and the waters of the Whitewater a hundred feet below, thus making it in health- fulness without a peer in the State. Her death rate is wonderfully low, as stagnant pools and miasmatic bottom-lands form no part of her surroundings, and the pure air which is found here is not of an enervating nature, but gives energy to the man and elasticity to his steps. Her situation being a salubrious one has been one great cause of her rapid progress to material wealth. The soil is mostly loam, over a subsoil of gravel, and this rests upon the limestone rock which underlies the whole country. The channel of the Whitewater will average from 400 to 500 feet in width, and the bed of the stream is fully 100 feet below the site of Richmond. The stream is formed by three smaller branches which come from the north, the northeast and the east, called respectively the West Fork, Middle Fork and East Fork of the East Branch of the Whitewater, and in ages past has cut for itself a winding channel through the soil and the underlying nearly horizontal strata of limestone rock. Take the city thus altogether with its wealth, location, its climate of rare life-giving qualities, and it is a marvel in the history of the Séate. It is substantially built, and it has within its area a large number of massive brick and stone blocks that in architectural beauty, finish and solidity will vie with any city in the State. Its educational advantages are superior, and its societies, lodges, industrial homes, all show that charity is engrafted in the hearts of the people. Its business and manufacturing interests and its great freighting facilities give it a prominence as one of the leading commercial centers of the State, while its future in this regard is destined to place it ever in the front rank of commercial cities. Its wide and well-paved streets, its beautiful residences and cultivated surroundings, its fine churches and public-school buildings, give to it not only a home-like appearance, but metropolitan in its make-up, showing that its citizens have seen much of this world and profited by their opportunities.

Richmond is situated nearly due east of Indianapolis, the capital of the State, a distance of sixty-eight miles, north of Cincinnati about seventy-four miles, and on no less than three trunk lines of railway. Its local lines of travel and communication from every section of the county and in the adjoin- ing State is by well-graveled turnpikes, besides the railroads, which give every portion of the county railroad communication and turnpike with their capital city and the commercial emporium of Central Western Ohio and Eastern Indiana. The freedom of access to all parts of the country and the facilities thus given the people to find a large and healthy market for all articles brought within her limits, has caused Richmond to grow and prosper. There has been no period when speculative activity ran riot, followed by business stagnation, taking years to recover. Thus, if she has not grown as rapidly as some Western towns, neither has she suffered the depression which has caused not only the ill effect of too rapid growth, but has actually caused the death of many thus affected.

Richmond ranked the eighth city in population in the State and sixth in wealth in 1875, and while in that year her debt amounted to $186,972, it is now, Jan. 1, 1884, less than $40,- 000. This latter sum will be due in 1889, and will all be promptly paid at maturity, showing the healthy financial standing of the city. Now, with a population close on to 15,000, comparatively speaking free from debt, with schools, colleges and churches, with beautiful surroundings, handsome residences, massive business blocks and energetic, refined and cultivated people, there is nothing in the future of Richmond but what promises a rich fruition.

The progress of Richmond from 1816 to 1884, in general terms, has thus been given, but her growth in detail requires more space, and it will be given here, and also the names of those who contributed to her prosperity, by engaging in business, and by such. acts as have shown them public-spirited citizens. Richmond's advancement has been due to the energy and far-sighted people of every generation that have found a home within her limits, and this has placed her in the proud position she holds among the cities of the country.

When Platted

Richmond was the third village platted in Wayne County, Salisbury being first, in 1811, Centerville second, in 1814, and Richmond third, in 1816. Nearly a decade had passed since the county had been first settled. Fully three-fourths of that time the ground upon which Richmond stood had been cultivated as a farm, and corn and other productions had been annually raised where now stand massive blocks of brick buildings and other evidences of a progressive age and an energetic people.

The ground was owned by Jokn Smith and Jeremiah Cox, and the former proposed to Mr. Cox to lay out a town. This Mr. Cox at first declined, saying, ''I would rather see a buck's tail than a tavern-sign." Notwithstanding this refusal Mr. Smith went ahead and employed David Hoover to lay off a portion of his land for a town, who did so, along Front and Pearl streets, which was the extent of the town plat at that time. In Dr. Plummer's history he says: "That it is well to look into the early history of Richmond, for recent as the facts comparatively are (this was in 1857) it is already said that Richmond was begun in 1818. The truth appears to be that that part of the town lying south of Main street (then a section line and dividing the lands of John Smith and Jeremiah Cox) was laid out in 1816, and, as it appears from the form of the lots, without regard to the variation of the magnetic needle. Two years afterward Jeremiah Cox made his addition on the north side of Main street. This was in 1818."

The explanation given why North Front street was run along the brow of the hill at an acute angle of 47° with Main street is thus stated: " At the time the town was platted by David Hoover, there ran along the brow of the hill," says Dr. Plummer, ''a country road, the first, perhaps, in Wayne County. Asno splendid anticipations of future greatness were entertained for the new town by its proprietors, no provisions were made for coming necessities, the present alone being considered. To continue South Front street directly north would run it into wet ground unsuitable for a street, or for building lots; besides, the street would ultimately run into the river. On the hill a road was already established; no ground would again have to be relinquished for a street, forty feet being probably the width of this road, and the corners of Main and Front streets became important points."

From the MSS. of David Hoover we find that the town was first called "Smithville," after the proprietor, but the name not giving satisfaction, Thos. Roberts. James Pegg and himself were chosen to select another. Roberts proposed " Waterford;" Pegg, '* Plainfield," and Mr. Hoover, the writer, Richmond, and the last was approved by the lot owners. Richmond seemed to grow, but it was slow. It seemed to hold all it received, and continued to grasp the future with a steady hand and progress, the population being 453 in 1824; in 1826, 648, of which 16 were colored; and in 1828, 824, of which 427 were white males, 347 white females, and 50 colored persons.

Incorporation

In an ancient-looking pamphlet printed by Elijah Lacey, at Richmond, in 1823, and containing the ordinances enacted by the trustees of the town of Richmond in the preceding years, we find the following record:

" Agreeably to the provisions of an act of assembly passed Jan. 1, 1817, the citizens of the town of Richmond convened on the 7th of the 9th month (September), 1818, at the house of Thomas and Justice, for the purpose of ascertaining whether they wished said tuwn to be incorporated; and pursuant thereto made choice of Thomas Swain, President, and Ezra Boswell, Clerk, who, after being legally qualified, entered upon theduties of their offices; and on taking the state of the polls, it appeared that there were twentyfour votes in favor of incorporating, and against it, none.

"< At a meeting of the citizens of the town of Richmond, for the election of trustees, held at the house of Thomas and Justice on the 14th of the 9th month (September), 1818, it appeared on comparing the polls that Ezra Boswell, Thomas Swain, Robert Morrisson, John McClain and Peter Johnson were duly elected.

The '"' house of Thomas and Justice" thus brought into notice by the foregoing was a new frame building erected on the northeast corner of Main and Front streets, and was designed for a store, though then unoccupied. In speaking of the owners of this building and the first trustees elected Dr. Plummer said Thomas and Justice were both carpenters, and were both dead at the time of his writing, 1857, and three of the five trustees had also crossed the dark river. Robert Morrisson, whose memory is treasured now, and Peter Johnson were then living; Ezra Boswell, the brewer, with his mutilated eye; John McClain, the blacksmith, with his ample physical frame, were well remembered by the citizens of later date. Thos. Swain, the President, was a dark-skinned, stoopshouldered man, and one of solid sense. Such was the beginning of Richmond.

The first of the ordinances in the pamphlet above mentioned defines the duties of the corporation officers. The second, " For restraining immoral and pernicious practices," is hee given entire:

'Sec. 1. Beit ordained by the President and Ti pustees of the Town of Richmond, That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons, who shall have attained the age of fourteen years or upward, to engage on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, in sporting, rioting, quarrelling, or common labor, works of necessity and charity excepted, within this' corporation ; every person so offending shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of two dollars.

" Sec. 2. Beit further ordained, That it shall be unlawful for any tavern-keeper, or other person, to sell or barter spirituous liquors within this corporation, on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, except to travelers, or to persons who may want it for medical purposes; every person so offending shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of two dollars.

'Seo. 3. Beit further ordained, That if any person who shall have attained to the age of fourteen years, or upward, shall profanely curse, damn, or swear, within this corporation, such person, on conviction thereof, shall be fined one dollar

"Sno. 4. Beit further ordained, That if any person or persons shall, on any occasion, or under any pretext whatsoever, discharge any gun, pistol, fuzee, or any other kind of fire-arms within this corporation, such person or persons, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in the sum of fifty cents, for each and every such discharge.

"Src. 5. Be it further ordained, That should any person or persons unnecessarily run or gallop any horse, mare or gelding within the limits of this corporation; or should any person or persons play at long-bullets along any street or alley within this corporation, such person or persons shall be deemed guilty of disorderly conduct, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in the sum of one dollar for either or each of the offenses enumerated in this section.

'Sec. 6. Be it further ordained, That if any person or persons shall be guilty of an assault, or an assault and battery, of ariot, rout, or affray, within the bounds of this corporation, such person or persons shall, on conviction thereof, be fined in the,sum of two dollars for each and every such offense.

" Sec. 7. Beit further ordained, Thatif any person shall drink ardent spirits to excess, so as to become drunk, within this corporation, such person shall be deemed guilty of an offense, and shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in the sum of one dollar for every such act of drunkenness.

cense of "wax-figure and puppet show exhibitions" at from $2 to $3. Market days were fixed as the third and seventh day in each week, to continue until nine o'clock in the morning, during which time it was unlawful for any person to trade "in any other place in this town, except the Market House," under a penalty of 50 cents for each offense.

In 1834 a special charter was granted by the Legislature and John Sailor was elected First Burgess; Basil Brightwell, Second Burgess; John Finley, Daniel P. Wiggins, Benjamin Fulghum, Samuel Stokes, William S. Addleman, John Suffrins, William Dulin, Edmund Crover, Albert C. Blanchard, Caleb Shearon, John Hughes, Joseph Parry and Joseph P. Osborn, Councilmen; Jacob Sanders, Assessor; Eli Brown, Treasurer, and Isaac Barmes, High Constable. These officers only held until the regular spring election in May, when a new election took place, which resulted as follows:

Richmond was governed under this borough charter until 1840, when it was incorporated as a city, under a charter adopted by the citizens, and on the 4th of May the following officers were elected:

Early Events

John Smith opened the first store in 1810. Robert Morrisson started another in 1814; then these two formed a partnership under the firm name of Smith & Morrisson, and a few years later were succeeded by the firm of Smith & Frost. This store was on lot 45, Pearl street. Edward Frost afterward kept a store on lot 33, Front street, in 18238.

The first brick house was built in Richmond by Jno. Smith, in 1811, and was considered the finest building of the kind in Indiana Territory.

The first tavern erected was on lot No. 6, South Pearl street, in 1816, by Philip Harter, who kept it for several years. It was burned down in 1827. The first church was a log one, and was warmed by large fires made of charcoal in sugar kettles.

The first postoftice in Richmond was established in 1818, and Robert Morrisson was commissioned as Postmaster, the office being opened in a frame building at the southwest corner of{Main and Front streets. It was next kept in a frame building on the northwest corner of Main and Pearl streets.

The first regular arrivals of mail in 1818 was once every two weeks; but as it had to be carried on horseback, and high water was frequent and bad roads a drawback, the mail frequently failed to get in oftener than once a month. The yearly receipts amounted to from $10 to $12, which at this time, January, 1884, would not be ove day's receipts of the present Richmond postotiice.

About 1820 a two-story brick building was erected on the northeast corner of Pearl and Main streets, and was kept as a tavern by Jonathan Bayles; and another frame building on the southwest corner of Main, kept by Ephraim Lacey. The latter was discontinued in 1828.

According to an old manuscript in the hands of the late Charles F. Coffin, the following families were living in the county in 1807 - '8- - men mostly citizens of Richmond a few years later. The number in each family is also given. It was published by Dr. Plummer in his history of Richmond:

Names. No, In Family. Names. No. In Family

NAMES. NO, IN FAMILY. NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY. Jeremiah OOX... oh 0100 secre sie 101 John Addington. 2620.20.00. 2 ae DOM sac os. ccs ener asin: AMAT AAC COMMONS. oaie esas ss ee 1 Elijah Wright........2-.0+s-e. Be Andrew Hooveri Amiss esma sls 7 Frederic Hoovers.. nse ery enis AE REDECCA COS. ada nae KES E il SECO POUT 6 na rere Ea EES Ao Aas DLOPTISON canis a wate coe ss SAS 1 Join Poth ele Seo eerie Perk ie Ox) Joun Hawking; Jihan 4 Banj HIL irr Enaz cinta p25 EEA 6 i Dayid OW Lasers as 5 anrang a 4 Robe Hill. Serer aes s «ase AU JORYMLOWNECDOs. as, fears ss 2 11 Ephraim Overman............. Dilla e ELAN a A TE ETEEN 2 Benj. Bmall.....secsoosssesseso 9 | Jesse Bond... 6... E NT 6

Names. No. In Family, Names. No. In Family

NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY, NAMES. NO. IN FAMILY. Ralph Wright......... n O: Gh I Benj. COX aese iesnas eea a il Jacob Jessup... .e.eseserere. ss: TO Wins Bond eee tern aes Tenes 9 John Hawkins, Sr......-... < 6 | Jos Thornburg. enaa ease Amos Hawkins.. etima. ese aeae 6aobn OCHaries aae ae en a eieae Aeee 3 James Townsend. ......... 2 | lerael ENIO ea a ea ee eS 3 Jos. Comer and mother.. 2 | Benj. Morgan: dse eNe eaa arean 5 Robt. COMOL- eeaeee eae e aese a DMG WISWELOSIET Aeneae e aa 1 Stephen Comer... sse seresse. AW osier on Sr on e E a ae 1 Rachel BPike-se sees orerar en 1 | Benjamin Mandlin..........:.-. 6 Joshua Pickett.. ..... Brine sine 6 | David Bailey BSE.. «se selec T Isaac Barper. e e edeak ee y Sarai Burgess aoi aee aene nesa 1 JONN OLIE ea s e e AAA i) Jasper Koons. 6. 6 cecdercomcongocen 7 Rico Erico seme e AER e tere NA 10 | William Hastings..... ........ 4 Nathan Feirsona- ienee css ae e: 5 | Nathan Overman............... 1 pel: SAIRA mother and sis- Christopher HISE eN 1

2055 Meee | NGI as) HUES AE era eye eter re 6 cee "Andrews sHefoveduetete ASE WW Cornelius) RAH Sts enaena 8 Benj Fivekimacdoo top oane e 10 Samuel Charles -neee Henne ree ts Jane Massey......-2..-2.ccess: die Johny Pool (810) ire abere ele ee 6

Richmond was slowly progressing. Every year served to add something to her population and to the solidity of her standing as a growing village. Streets had been made, but little improved, and the general progress had been in other directions. In 1826, a decade after coming into existence, an effort was made to improve the streets and in other ways show a more progressive spirit on the part of the citizens. Where the village streets and sidewalks had all been one and cattle roamed freely, sidewalks were attempted, some gutters made ; a few even went so far as to plant trees in front of their residence lots, horse racks were set back from the street, and a general air of progress was manifested. In this respect the following editorial from the Public Ledger, in 1827, shows that the editor was fully abreast, if not in advance, of the times. Certainly his remark would not be out of place at this day:

" Village Improvements. - -The streets of our village, though considerably improved last year, yet require much labor to render them complete. In a number of places, after rain, water stands until evaporation carries it off. This is not only disgusting to the sight, but injurious to the health. Such things ought not to bein a village improving as this is. It belongs to the appropriate officers to take the lead, and then ndividuals no doubt wili contribute their exertions. Besides improvement of the streets, there are other subjects worthy the attention of the citizens. Shade trees form so delightful a prospect, so much enhance the beauty and interest of a place, and are withal so wholesome, that every owner of a lot should set them out in front of it. The labor and expense would be trifling.

" Protection against fire is much needed. Built as the houses principally are, of wood, a single fire might sweep at once the promising village into ruins. All these subjects are worthy of attention, and ought to be acted upon."

It is supposed that these suggestions were acted upon, for shade trees were soon found along the streets, and no serious fire had for years made the village its victim.

The Richmond Temperance Society was formed in the winter of 1832-3. It progressed very well the following year. E. Grover was its Secretary, and March 30, 1834, Jno. D. Vaughan, at the request of the society, delivered a temperance address which was attended by nearly all the citizens. The society did not last many years. Intemperance was not a habit among the citizens, though a good deal of liquor of one kind and another was consumed. Common whisky was the leading article. .

The Richmond Library was incorporated and establishe in 1826. Its collection of books for a year or two was very small and a family book-case would have held them all. There was no library building, and the books were moved from place to place, as the trustees could find a librarian to take charge of them. In 1834 the '' Young Men's Library" was incorporated and the books of the Richmond Library were ordered sold by a majority of the shareholders. The reason given by some was that they wished to patronize the Young Men's Library. This was on June 18, 1834. They were sold, but that is the last record found of either of the associations.

The coldest day Richmond had experienced up to date was on Saturday, the 12th of March, 1836. Snow had fallen to the depth of eight inches the night before, and on that morning the thermometer stood seventeen degrees below zero.

the amount of $50,000. This was in 1838. The distance was thirty-four miles. A big freshet nearly ruined the work and it was finally abandoned. This was the only attempt ever made to build a canal to Richmond.

Early Business Interests

How Richmond progressed as a business point may be gathered from the number of business houses in operation in 1824. There were then eight dry-goods and grocery store or general stores, keeping a little of everything called for in the mercantile line; seven blacksmith-shops, four hatters, four cabinet-makers, six shoemakers, three tailors, three coopers, three potteries, one gunsmith, one saddler, one pumpmaker, one bakeshop and a steam distillery, besides carpenters, stone-masons, plasterers, ete. The Public Ledger, which gave this list, wound up with the statement ''that of professional men there were but two physicians, and of lawyers we have Nor ong! "

To give these more in detail would perhaps be best, thus showing who it was that conducted the business interests of Richmond in its infancy. As the village became known, new arrivals came and located, many of them entering into some kind of mercantile business, thus causing those who had laid the foundation of a future city to divide the trade of the village with them. Among the first to arrive was Edward L. Frost, from Long Island, N. Y., with whom John Smith was for a short time associated in trade. He was the first merchant in town after Robert Morrisson, and afterward traded alone on Front street, south of Main, and removed to the southeast corner of Main and Pearl streets. Philemon H. Cross was a clerk for his brother Edward, and subsequently became a partner.

John Suffrins, a native of Virginia, came to Richmond and commenced business in August, 1818, on the east side o North Front street, near Main, and soon after bought the Thomas and Justice building, on the northeast corner of Main and Front streets. James McGuire, after Suffrins, traded a short time at the latter place. Atticus Siddall, who had taught school in the village, succeeded Frost at Ham's cor- ner. He was for some time alone, afterward with Dr. Cook. About the year 1822 John Wright, a native of Maryland, commenced business on Main street, between Front and Pearl streets, where he remained a few years. He sold his business to his son-in-law, Basil Brightwell, who also built a flouring mill on the site of Jackson, Swayne & Dunn's woolen mill, below the national bridge. He afterward became embarrassed, and fearing bankruptcy, committed suicide.

Joseph P. Plummer, from Baltimore, came to Richmond in 1823, and commenced business on South Front street, from whence he removed to his new frame store, corner of Main and South Front, since known as Plummer's corner.

Joseph P. Strattan, a native of Virginia, came here in 1824 or 1825; was first a clerk for Edward L. Frost, and afterward for Robert Morrisson. Strattan, then in partnership with Morrisson, commenced trade at the corner first occupied by Morrisson, a building having been removed to that place - firm, J. P. Strattan & Co. Strattan having formed a partnership with Daniel Reid,a clerk of Morrisson (firm, Strattan & Reid), Morrisson sold them his remaining stock of goods, and retired finally trom the mercantile business. After about three years Strattan bought out Reid,-and a year or two after sold out to his brother, Benjamin Strattan, and bought a farm four miles north of town about the year 1833.

David Holloway, who had removed in 1813 from Waynesville, Ohio, to Cincinnati, came in 1823 to Wayne Township, and bought the homestead of Judge Peter Fleming, near the State line, and, in 1825, removed to Richmond, and commenced business on the northeast corner of Main and Front streets. After a few years of successful business he retired, and was succeeded by William Hill, son of Robert Hill, an early settler.

Jeremy Mansur, an early settler, and for several years a skillful edged-tool maker at Salisbury, and for many years a farmer about three miles west from Richmond, commenced the mercantile business in the city in 1831, on the southwest corner of Main and Pearl streets, known as Plummer's corner, and continued the business about eight years.

more with a grown-up family about the year 1831, and bought a farm a short distance southeast from town, started, some years after, a wholesale and retail leather store, to which he finally added dry-goods. His store was on Plummer's cor- _ ner, and had been previously occupied by Jeremy Mansur.

Isaac Gray, from Virginia, came to Richmond in the fall of 1827, and was in the mercantile business about two years. His store was on the ground now occupied by T. J. Bargis's stove store, on Main street, north side, between Pearl and Front streets.

Oren Huntington, from Massachusetts, came to Richmond in September, 1831, and went the next year to Anderson. He returned in 1838, engaged the next year as clerk for Samuel Fleming, a son of Judge Peter Fleming, and in 1840, in company with Nathan Wilson, bought Fleming's stock in trade, which a year or two afterward they sold to Cook and Siddall. In or about the year 1844 he resumed trade, andin 1845 sold his goods to Joseph P. Strattan for a farm a few miles north of Richmond. After a few years of farming, exchanged his farm with Benj. Fulghum for his brick house, corner of Main and Franklin streets, which had been fitted up for a public house. He soon remodeled the house, and established a first-class hotel, known as the Huntington House.

Benjamin Strattan came whena youth and served several years as clerk for J. P. Strattan & Co., and afterward for Strattan & Reid. Afterward he bought the goods of his brother, Joseph P., then sole proprietor, and subsequently the building of Morrisson. -He continued business, alone and in partnership, many years.

Joseph W. Gilbert, from Pennsylvania, came to Richmond in 1835, and commenced the mercantile business on Main street, between Marion and Pearl, and discontinued the business in or about 1852. In 1855 he built the brick block on what is known as Gilbert's corner. Duringa part of the time he was in trade, he also kept a public house. He was also for twenty-eight years a mail-contractor and large stage proprietor, having lines running to Dayton, Indianapolis, Wabash and other places.

As early as 1825 Warner & Morrisson (Dr. Warner and Robert Morrisson) advertised *'drugs and medicines, oils, paints, dye-stuffs, patent medicines, etc." The first store confined to a separate branch of trade, and comprising a considerable stock of goods, was a drug store, established by Irvin Reid, in 1833, embracing, besides drugs and medicines, those articles usually accompanying, as paints, oils, dye-stuffs, etc., and an assortment of books and stationery. After a few years he dropped the book business and continued the drug business until 1852. In 1859 he engaged in the hardware trade, which is still continued under the firm of Irvin Reid & Son.

In 1836 or 1837 Jesse Stanley established a bookstore, which he continued but a short time. After Stanley, William R. Smith and Swain kept a bookstore. Benjamin Dugdale established a bookstore, which was continued by him for many years until his death, and by his sons for some years after.

The firstindependent grocery store, says Dr. Plummer, was commenced in 1838, by Haines & Farquhar. In 1846 Benton & Fletcher established a hardware store. They dissulved partnership and divided the stock, Benton continuing at the stand of the firm, now Citizens' Bank corner, and Fletcher removing to the west side of Main street, between Pearl and Marion.

Philip Harter, the first tavern keeper, had a sign swinging near a log building on lot 6, South Peari street. Another early tavern was kept at the northeast corner of Main and Pearl, sign of a "green tree," by Jonathan Bayles, and another, of later date, on Front street, near the southwest corner of Main, by Ephraim Lacey. Harter soon afterward kept a tavern at the corner of North Pearl and Main, where the Citizens' Bank now stands. Another tavern was kept on Gilbert's, corner northwest corner of Main and Marion first by Abraham Jeffries, afterward by several different persons.

Richard Cheeseman was an early settler; lived on South Front street; kept a tavern several years. John Baldwin, an original Carolinian, early*kept a tavern and store at the Citi- zens' Bank corner. Next to Baldwin, Wm. H. Vaughan occupied the stand for several years, and the tavern was discontinued. Vaughan had previously kept for a time the Lacey stand on Front street. Patrick Justice early kept a tavern on North Front street, near Main, for several years. He afterward kept a public house which he built in 1827, near the extreme limits of the town, now the southeast corner of Main and Fifth streets.

Benj. Paige, a New Englander, father of Ralph Paige, later a merchant on Main street, kept a tavern previous 'to 1830, at the corner originally owned by John C. Kibbey, an early inn-keeper, and known as Meek's corner, northeast corner of Main and Marion. l

John Smith started a liquor store in 1825. John Hunt is said to have been tke first blacksmith in Richmond. He built a shop on South Front street, east side, in 1816. Lewis Burk cut in one day the logs for the building, including the ribs and weight poles, on Smith's land, about two squares east, for 75 cents, the job being considered about three days' work. John McLane was probably the next blacksmith (some think the first) in the town. He and his son John and Isaac Jackson were the principal smiths until after 1820. He was a member of the first Board of Trustees of the town, elected in 1818.

Archibald Wasson, an early settler near Ohio line, removed to town, in 1829, and carried on the blacksmithing business for many years. Jehiel, a son of his, came in 1831, and worked at the same business several years, on Main street, east side of the town. John H. Thomas came from Delaware with a young family and has worked at blacksmithing. George McCullough, about the same time, from the same place, carried on the business many years, on Franklin street, near Main; afterward became a partner in the firm of Horney & Co., in the manufacture of plows, near the railroad depot. He was for several years foreman in the iron department.

David Maulsby, from Maryland, about 1830, purchased on Pearl and Spring streets. He carried on his trade, of blacksmith, successfully for a number of years, and retired, leaving the business in the hands of his only son, John L.

The first carpenters in Richmond are supposed to have been Stephen Thomas and his partner, Wm. Justice, who were followed, within a few years, by Peter Jobnson, Joshua and Benjamin Albertson, Evan Chapin, Mark Reeves, father of Mark E. and James E. Reeves. Thomas Stafford, who lived on Middle Fork, built several houses in the town. Charles Cartwright came in early, and was an extensive housebuilder. John Hughes, from Pennsylvania, a carpenter, worked at his trade in Richmond many years. David Vore, also from Pennsylvania, a carpenter, worked at his trade until his death, in 1866.

Nathan Morgan, from New Jersey, was an early cabinetmaker, and for many years the principal undertaker in the town and vicinity. David Hook, an early cabinet-maker, carried on business a number of years. Jonas Gaar had a cabinet-shop at the south end of Front street. He is senior partner of the firm of Gaar, Scott & Co., of the Gaar Machine Works.

Abraham Phillips, from Pennsylvania, in 1838, established a shop in South Pearl street; afterward removed to west side of Main street, a few doors east from the corner of Marion, where he soon after (1840) erected the building owned by him, and occupied by James Elder, as a bookstore. In 1856 he and James M. Starr built the hall nearly opposite. Having leased his interest in the hall to Starr, it was called " Starr Hall," until January, 1865, when Phillips bought Starr's interest, since which it has been known as "' Phillip's Hall."

Among the early mechanics in Richmond was Henry Danham, a tailor, near the junction of Pearl and Front streets. He came in 1819. Robert Dilhorn, a tailor, early from the East to Cincinnati, where he was '' wagoned up" by the assistance of the Friends. He pursued his business until his decease many years ago. John Lowe came early ; worked a long time asa journeyman tailor, and married a daughter of Levi Johnson.

pany with Warner M. Leeds, his brother-in-law, built a sawmill and other machinery near where Nixon's paper-mill is- He was also the founder, though on a comparatively small scale, of the Spring Foundry, now the "Gaar Machine Works."

John H. Hutton was also one of the early tailors. Hermon B. Payne came from Ohio when a youth, and worked at tailoring. He afterward studied law, and now practices in Richmond. Abraham Earnest was a tailor and followed his trade for many years. He was from Ohio, also. Samuel E. Iredell worked successfully at the same business for many years.

Silversmith and watch repairing was carried on by Jno. M. Laws. He was from Philadelphia. James Ferguson carried on the same business, coming from New Paris, Ohio. He married here.

Chas. A. Dickinson, son of Solomon Dickinson, came from Philadelphia, and carried on the watch and jewelry business until the year 1867. His son, Henry C. Dickinson, succeeded to his father's business. A brother, Robt. B., is also in the same business.

Elijah H. Githen, a native of New Jersey, came to Richmond in 1833 and carried on the chair-making business for fourteen years. He then after a short absence entered the grocery trade. His brother, Griffith D. Githen, was also a chair-maker, and carried on the business till 1869, when he moved from the city. One other, Elisha Fulton, worked at the business a short time, then removed from the town.

The leading hatter was Eli Brown, who came from North Carolina in 1815. He monopolized the trade for several years. In 1828 he entered into a general mercantile trade which he continued until 1863, when he sold out and removed to a farm, and died in 1867, aged seventy-five years.

Not long after Mr. Brown, in 1820, came Caleb Shearon, from Maryland. He succeeded in accumulating a fine estate in the same line of business. His death occurred in 1850.

John Suffrins, as has been already stated, was an early merchant, and afterward went into the hat-making business. He was still a dealer in hats and caps on Main street, between Pearl and Marion, in 1872. He came in 1818.

Achilles Williams, from North Carolina, came to Richmond in the autumn of 1818, and established himself in business as a saddler and harness-maker, the first of that trade in the town. He continued the business many years. Nathaniel Lewis, between the years 1826 and 1830, occupied as a saddle shop a long one-story frame building on the southwest corner of Main and Marion streets - now Ralph Paige's corner.

John Brady, a young man from Ohio, a saddler by trade, carried on business in town, and held the office of Justice of the Peace. He removed to Marion, Ind. Wm. L. Brady, his brother, came when a youth, about the year 1826, and served an apprenticeship with his brother John, and carried on, successfully, the saddle, harness, and trunk trade.

Daniel P. Wiggins, from Long Island, N. Y., came to Richmond in 1823. Being a tanner, Morrisson employed him to take charge of his tannery, and, a few years after, admitted him as a partner. Walter Legg and John Wilcoxen worked in the yard. Wiggins and his sons afterward purchased the tannery built by Smith, and the Morrisson tannery was discontinued.

In July, 1857, Job Curme and.his son Arthur A. commenced a trade in leather and findings, at old No. 11 South Pearl street. The next year they commenced the tanning business near the Bush Mill, with one vat. In 1860 Job Curme sold his interest to Isaac D. Dunn, and the store was removed to 47 Main street, and the tannery to its location on Washington and Cliff streets. In 1865 Andrew J. Coffman and Dewitt ©. McWhinney became partners - firm name, Curme, Dunn & Co. - and their store was soon after removed to its present location. 297 Main street, with John J. Harrington as partner.

Among the early shoemakers in Richmond was Patrick Justice, elsewhere mentioned as a tavern-keeper. Jonathan Moore, quite a young man, from his father's home, two and a half miles southeast of town, as early as 1829 set up a shoeshop on the northeast corner of Main and Fifth streets, where the Tremont House now stands, then at the extreme border of the town. He continued in business without interruption for more than forty years.

Owen Edgerton, early from Carolina, worked many years at shoemaking. In 1866 he retired. Joseph Ogborr, also an early shoemaker in Richmond, retired after many years, and died in 1869.

One of the early mechanics of Richmond, and probably the first wagon-maker, was Adam Boyd, who came about the year of the incorporation of the town, 1818. He was also Justice of the Peace.

At a later date came Anthony Fulghum, from North Carolina, who had his shop at the northwest corner of Main and Marion streets, since known as Gilbert's corner. He lived but a few years, and the business was continued by his son Benjamin. Benj. Fulghum bought a lot on the southeast corner of Main and Franklin streets, now the Huntingdon House corner, where he built a frame shop and dwelling, and carried on business extensively, especially carriage making.

Potters were among the early mechanics of Richmond. A pottery was built on South Front street, and is said to have been occupied by Eleazar Hiatt, Isaac Beeson, Geo. Bell, a mulatto, and John Scott: The last died of cholera in 1833. Samuel and Edward Foulke, young men, settled early in Richmond, and carried on successfully the potter's trade. There has been no pottery in Richmond for many years.

Solomon Dickinson, a tinsmith, from Philadelphia, in 1821, settled on Front street, near Ezra Boswell's, where he resided until his death. His shop was on Main street, between Marion and Pearl. He was also a dealer in stoves. After his death the business was continued by Edmund Dickinson, a son, near the northwest corner of Main and Front streets.

Charles Newman, from Pennsylvania, early set up a turning shop on Franklin street, north of Main, where he continued the business, having improved his establishment.