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HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

THE HISTORY

OP THE

CITY OF MEMPHIS,
BEING A COMPILATION OP THE
Most Important Documents and Historical Events Connected with the Purchase
of its Territory, laying olF of the City and early Settlement.
ALSO,
THE "OLD TIMES PAPERS,"

Seiifs of reminiscences and local stories written by the author, and published
in the Daily Appeal over the signature of '• Old Times," corrected,
revised and enlarged, with other important matters pertaining
to the same, never heretofore published, and, beyond
the anthor, but partially known .

By .T^VjVCBS X). UAA'IS,
A RE5IDEXT OP THIS BLUFF FOR OVER PORTT-FIVE YEARS.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE:
HITE, CnUMPTON & KELLY, PRINTERS.

1873.

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year A. D. 1873,
By JAMES D. DAVIS,
in the office ofthe Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

PREFACE.

The piincipal object of this work is to preserve, as far
as Lt now remains practicable, that portion of the His-
"fBry of Memphis liable to be lost by time and culpable
neglect. JIoi:e_tliajiJialf a,„centui-y Jiaa.^assed since the
territory- ..oii—wliich "it -8-tifnida.,^was laid o3^into lots,
streets, squares and alleys, preparatory to the building
of a -town. Incidents" and anecdotes of Tare interest
have died with those who alone knew them. Even
individuals of standing and influence in their day, have
been so completely forgotten, that in some instances
where their names have slipped my memorj' I have been
whollj' unable to recover them from others. Take, for
instance, the name of Judge Benjamin Foy, who lived
immediately opposite, on the Arkansas shore. A few
years ago, or before the publication of the " Old Times"
stories, there were perhaps not twenty men on this blulT,
who had ever heard of such a man, and yet he was
once the most important personage within hundreds of
miles distant — the man whora "S'^olnej^, and other writers,
statesmen and tourists sought for valuable information
and social intercourse; the last Sp.anish Alcalda this
side of Texas, whose official duties glided from one
ijovernment to another, with perhaps as Uttle confusion
as is now experienced by some of our country magis-

4 PREFACE.
trates after the sitting of a new legislature. To save
from oblivion such names, will be my greatest effort.
Eeminiscences, prior to 1840, I will endeavor to give
as full and accurate as possible. After that date I shall
be less particular, from the fact that there are many
living whose leisure and opportunities enable them to do
the subject far greater justice than myself. I shall now
have broken the ice, awakened an interest, and opened a
field which will doubtless prove remunerative and inter
esting to future efforts in the same direction. In refer
ence to our late unfortunate civil war, I shall have as
little to say as possible ; far rather would I obliterate
than revive its memories; and were they even pleasant,
would be out of place here. In my " Old Times Papers,"
numerous errors appeared, which, through the aid of
Judge Lea, and others, I have been in a great measure
able to correct. There are some who have made them
selves quite noisy about errors. I have called to see
some of these, and have been astonished to find how
very defective their memories were, and when brought
to a point, the difference would prove nothing more than
what might occur between two conscientious witnesses
in reference to a recent affray; and with rare exceptions,
I was more confirmed in my opinions. (One singular
feature, though, and which I am told by an old pro
fessional writer is a very common one, was, that I never
gave offense where I anticipated or feared doing so, but
invariably where 1 least dreamed of it. ) Others, again,
have expressed alarm lest their sacred names may be
desecrated through these pages. To such I would say,
make yourselves easy; I would not injure you for the
world. I have offended some in my stories, as heretofore
published, by failing to name them, and in some instances
have done them injustice by such omissions: while others

PREFACE. .5
have been terribly incensed at finding their names, even
in complimentary terms, alluded to. These latter, how
ever, were but few, and remarkable only for ignorance.
All such names have since been omitted.
I have a large amount of manuscript, giving biograph
ical sketches of important individuals, most of which
would be well worthy a place, but I do not propose
making this an advertising medium.
Upon the whole, however, I suppose I have gotten
along fully as well as any one could, occupying as humble
a position as mj'self. As to critics — a class of beings
whom amateur authors are generally so desperately afraid
of — T will say, go ahead and say just what you please.
The Author.

HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

A complete history of Memphis might require me to
go back, if not to the discovery of the Mississippi river
by DeSoto — which many believe to have occurred at this
point — at least to give an account of its occupation b^'
Governor Gayoso and the different other powers which
alternately held it prior to its falling into the possession
of the United States government, and more particularly
the Indian wars, which have occurred within the memory
of persons still living, and the names of the different
forts erected on it. But these are all matters of history,
'a,hd I should be able to add very little to what has
already been written. I shall, therefore, select as my
starting point the John Rice and John Ramsey grants,
covering the territory on which the city of Memphis is
situated; and as these grants have, from time to time,
furnished subjects of controversy and litigation, I have
-thought proper to devote considerable space to them.
THE JOHN RICE GRANT.
State op North Carolina. No. 283.
To all to whom these presents shall come — Greeting :
Know ye, that we, for and in consideration of the sum of
ten pounds for every hundred acres hereby granted, paid
into our Treasury by John Rice, have given and granted,

» HISTORY, OF MEMPHIS.
and by these presents do give and grant unto the said
John Rice, a tract of land containing five thousand acres,
lying and being in the Western DistricU lying on the
Chickasaw Bluff. Beginning about one mile below the
mouth of Wolf river, at a whiteoak tree, marked J E,
running north twenty degrees, -east two hundred and
twent3r-six poles; thence due north one hundred and
thirty- three poles; thence north twenty-seA'en degrees,
west three hundred and ten poles to a cotton wood tree ;
thence due east one thousand three hundred and seventy-
seven and nine-tenth poles to a mulberry tree; thence
south six hundred and twenty-flve poles to a stake;
thence west one thousand three hundred and four and
nine-tenths poles to the beginning, as by the plat* here
unto annexed doth appear, together with all woods,
waters, mines, minerals, hereditaments and appurte
nances to the said land belonging or appertaining: To
hold to the said John Rice, his heirs and assigns forever —
yielding and paying to us such sums of money yearly,
or otherwise as our General Assembly from time to time
shall cause. This grant to be Registered in the Register's
OflSce of our said Western District within twelve months
from the date hereof; otherwise the same shall be void
and of no effect.
In testimony whereof, we have caused these our letters
to be made patent, and our great seal to be hereunto
affixed. Witness Samuel Johnson, Esquire, our Govenor,
Captain General and Commander in Chief, at Halifax,
the twenty-fifth day of April, in the XIII year of our
Independence, and of our Lord, one thousand seven
hundred and eighty-nine.
By his Excellency's command.
SAM. JOHNSON.
J. Glasgow, Secretary.
Scale of two hundred poles to the inch.
* Unavoidab?y omitted.

the john rice grant. 9
State of North Carolina,)
Western District, f
By virture of a warrant from the State Entry Taker,
No. 382, dated the twenty-fourth day of June, one
thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, I have surveyed
for John Rice five thousand acres of land, lying on the
Chickasaw Bluff; beginning about one mile below the
mouth of Wolf river, at a whiteoak tree, marked J R,
running north twenty degrees, east two hundred and
twenty-six poles; thence due north one hundred and
thirty-three poles; thence north twenty-seven degrees,
west three hundred and ten poles to a cotton wood tree;
thence due east one thousand three hundred and sev
enty-seven and nine-tenths poles to a mulberry tree;
thence south six hundred and twenty-five poles to a
stake ; thence west one thousand three hundred and four
and nine-tenths poles to the beginning.
Surveyed December 1st, 1786.
ISAAC ROBERTS, D. S.
John Scott, I s C C
Thos. Jamison,) Orange County, Register's Office,)
August 14th, 1789. [
The within Grant is registered in book M, folio 117.
By JOHN ALLISON, P. R.
State of Tennessee,)
County of Shelbj^ f
Received five dollars, being the amount of the State
tax on the within Grant." This 4th May, 1820.
WILLIAM LAWRENCE, Clerk.
State of Tennessee, Shelby County,]
Register's Oflace, 14th May, 1820. [
The foregoing Grant is duly registered in my oflSce.
This .5th ilay, 1820. THOS. TAYLOR, R. S. C.

10 history. OF MEMPHIS.
A true copy from Record Book A., page 149. Mem
phis, Tonn., June 9th, 1873. JOHN BROWN, Register.

THE JOHN RAMSEY GRANT.
No. 19,060. Recorded May 10th, 1823.
The State of Tennessee.
To all to whom these presents shall come — Greeting :
Know ye, that in consideration of Warrant No. 383,
dated the 24th day of June, 1784, issued by John Arm
strong, Entry Officer of Claims for the North Carolina
western lands, to John Ramsey, for five thousand acres,
and entered on the 25th day of October, 1783 : by No. 383,
there is granted by the said State of Tennessee, unto
the said John Ramsey and John Overton, assignee, &c.,
a certain tract or parcel of land. Containing five thousand
acres by survey, bearing date the first day of March,
1822, lying in Shelby county, eleventh district, ranges
eight and nine, sections one and two, on the Mississippi
river, of which to said Ramsey four thousand two hundred
eighty-five and five-seventh acres, and to said Overton
seven hundred and fourteen and two-seventh acres, and
bounded as follows, to-wit: Beginning at a stake on the
bank of said river — the southwest corner of John Rice's
five thousand acre grant, as processioned by William Law
rence in the year 1820 — running thence south eighty-five
degrees, east with said Rice's south boundary line, as
processioned aforesaid, one hundred and seventy-five
chains to a poplar marked R; thence south two hundred
chains to an elm marked F R; thence west, at sixty-two
chains, crossing a branch bearmg south, at seventy chains
crossing a branch bearing southeast, at one hundred and

IHE .lOHX RAMSEY GRANT. 11
nineteen chains crossing a branch bearing south, and at
one hundred and sixtj^ chains a branch bearing south —
in all two hundred and seventy-three chains to a cotton-
wood marked F R, on the bank of the Mississippi river;
thence up the margin of said river, with its meanders,
north seven degrees, east eleven chains, north one degree,
east five chains and thirty-five links, north ten and a-half
chains, north eight degrees, east fourteen chains, north
twenty-two degrees, east eleven chains and sixty-three
links, north eighty-six degrees, east four chains and sixty-
three links, north twenty-nine degrees, east seven chains
and ten link^ north four degrees, west three chains and
twentj'-seven links, north five degrees, east six chains,
north ten degrees, east three chains, north thirty-one,
east sixteen chains, north nineteen degrees, east six
chains, north four degrees, east thirteen chains and sev
enty links, north fourteen degrees, east thirteen chains
and nineteen links, north twenty-six, east thirteen chains
and eight links, north fortj^-three, east seven and one-
half chains, north thirty, oast twenty-two chains and
thirtj'-eight links, north fortj', east one chain and eight
links, north fifty-three, east one chain and twenty-four
links, north forty-nine, east three chains, north thirty-
three, east five chains and eighty links, north fortv-seven
east seventeen chains, north thirtj'-six, east four chains
and thirtj'-four links, north forty-nine degrees, east six
chains and fifty-seven links, north thirtj'-nine degrees,
east thirty-three and one-half chains; thence north thirty-
six degrees, east twelve and one-half chains to the
beginning; with the hereditaments and appurtenances:
To have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land, with
its appurtenances, to the said John Ramsej" and John
Overton and their heirs forever.
In witness whereof, William Carroll, Governor of the

12 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
State of Tennessee, hath hereunto set his hand and caused
the great seal of the State to be aflftxed, at Murfreesbo-
rough, on the thirtieth day of April, in the year of our
Lord 1823, and of the independence of the United States
the forty-seventh. By the Governor. WILLIA:M CARROLL.
Daniel Graham, Secretary.
I, Alexander Kocsis, Register of the Land Office for
the District of Middle Tennessee, do hereby certify that
the foregoing is a true copy of Grant No. 19,060 of the
State of Tennessee, to John Ramaey and John Overton,
as the same stands recorded in my office, in book V, page
415. Given under my hand, at office, this 15th day of
June, 1867.
ALEXANDER KOCSIS,
Register Land Office.
By A. Gattinger, Deputj-. State of Tennessee, )
Shelby County. j
The foregoing instrument, with Clerk's certificate, was
filed in my office for registration on the sixth day of
March, 1872, at 10:40 o'clock, a. m., and noted in Note
Book No. 7, page 120, and was recorded on the seventh
day of March, 1872. JOHN BROWN, Register.
By J. C. Bustek, D. R. State of Tennessee, )
^ Shelby County. [
I, John Brown, Register of said county, certify that
the foregoing is a true copy of the Ramsey Grant, as
recorded in my office, in Book No. 86, pages 89 and 90.
This June 9th, A. D. 1873. JOHN BROWN, Register.

HISTORY OF THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS.

The five thousand acre entrj-, upon which a large
portion of the city of Memphis is situated, was entered
by John Rice, on the 23d daj^ of October, 1783, in the
Land Office, known to lawyers as John Armstrong's
Office, in Hillsboro, North Carolina. The time fixed by
law for the reception of entries for " western lands," was
the 20th day of October, 1783, and in three days thereaf
ter the locality about the mouth of Wolf was deemed
of such importance as to cause an investment of " ten
pounds in specie for every hundred acres of land en
tered." A warrant duly issued, and the land, the eiitiy
"beginning about one mile below the mouth of Wolf
river," was surveyed the 1st day of December, 1786.
The certificate of survey was returned and a grant
regularly' issued, which was registered both at Hillsboro
and at Raleigh, as required by law. The original grant,
with plat and certificate of survey, are in the possession
of John M. Lea, of Nashville. John Eice, the enterer
and grantee, was the owner of large bodies of land in
Middle and West Tennessee. He must have been a
very enterprising, energetic man. He removed from
North Carolina to Nashville soon after the entries of
those lands, aud engaged in the trade of merchandise.
During one of his trading expeditions, whilst bringing

14 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
goods up the Cumberland river, he and his party, at a
point about where Clarksville is situated, were attacked
by the Indians, and Eice and several others were unfor
tunately killed. This event happened in 1791, and is
alluded to by Haywood, in his History of Tennessee.
In 1794 Judge Overton bought, for the consideration of
five hundred dollars,the Chickasaw Bluff tract from Elisha
Eice, to whom (the said Elisha being his brother) the
same was devised by said John. .So particular was
Judge Overton about the title, that, in consequence of
the will (though in the handwriting of, and signed by
John' Eice) not being attested, he doubly and indis-
putablj'' fortified the title by also taking a conveyance
from all the four brothers (including Elisha, the devisee,)
who would inherit as heirs in case of intestacj-. At
that time, or prior to 1796, brothers inherited, to the
exclusion of sisters. The next day after the purchase
an undivided half interest in the land was convej^ed to
General Andrew Jackson.
I presume the purchase was made on joint account.
They were bosom friends and partners m many land
purchases. Many men who have been successful in life are in
debted to what is called luck, but thej' all feel as if their
good judgment ought to be entitled to the credit. Often
times riches grow, and sometimes, like greatness, are
thrust upon a man. A fortunate speculation, as desper
ate and foolhardy in inception as fortunate in result,
achieves more in a day than the labor of a lifetime can
accumulate. Very rare are the instances where plans
are formed, steadily adhered to, and vigorously carried
out, which are not expected to work out a great result
in a less time than half a century. A perfect confidence
in one's own judgment (a very rare faculty) and great

THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS. 15
patience, are necessary for such undertakings. In 1794,
the Indian title had not been extinguished to any land
west of the Tennessee river, nor was there any prospect
of an early removal of that claim. The northwest,
except a small settlement at St. Louis, was unpeopled
west of the Ohio. The southwest, this side of Georgia,
was unsettled, except at Natchez, Mobile, and New
Orleans. Extraordinary foresight must have been
requisite to select the mouth of Wolf, as the site for a
futur.e city, in the face of all these discouragements.
If the mind had been directed to the question, any
judgment would have said that in the long lapse of time
there was prospect of a town at that localitj- ; but few,
very few, would have looked so far ahead, and waited so
patientl}' for the results. Eemarkable sagacity was cer
tainly displayed in the purchase. Gen. Jackson, at
various times, sold three-eights of his one-half interest,
and, finally, the interest settled down as follows : Judge
Overton, one-half; William Winchester, one-eighth; Gen
eral Jackson, one-eighth; and General James Winchester,
legally, one-fourth — one-half of which he held as his own
propertj', and the other half of which he held as trustee
for a deceased brother. Settlements began to advance
toward the west and south, and the people of Tennessee
expressed a desire that the Indian title should be extin
guished to the lands between the Tennessee and Mis
sissippi rivers. The soil was claimed by the Chickasaws,
but for some reason or other it was used rather as a
hunting ground than as a place for settled habitations.
During the Administration of Presdient Madison,
Isaac Shelby and General Jackson were appointed to
negotiate a treaty with several Indian tribes. On the 19th
of October, 1818, the treaty was signed " at the treaty
ground, east of Old Town," and b^^ its stipulations the

16- HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Chickasaws surrendered all claim to lands lying north of
the Tennessee boundary. Tennessee acquired jurisdic
tion, and the next year, 1819, a law was passed to lay off
the lands into ranges, townships and sections, for the
purpose of sale. The law directed that the surveyor
*ihould lay down on the map the boundary of every North
Carolina grant, and he was required to mark, survey and
reserve such from sale. The law further declared, that
after the surveying and marking, the State and the
grantee should be estopped from disturbing the bounda
ries as laid down upon the new map.
/^In the meantime the proprietors of the Chickasaw
Bluff were not idle and inactive. In 1819, the year after
the treaty. Front, Main, Second and Third streets were
laid off from Bayou Gayoso to Union street. Judge
Overton and General Winchester were at Memphis.
General Jackson was in Florida, but Judge Overton held
his power of attorney, authorizing him to do any and
everything that he' (Judge Overton) thought proper to do
concerning the land. There was considerable trouble in
laying down the Rice entry upon the map. The Missis
sippi river, as laid down upon the old plat, did not pre
sent the same outline that the stream showed in 1819
and 1820. The only reason, I suppose, that these streets
were not extended to the south line of the entry was that
the proprietors did not know exactly where the surveyor
would locate the south line. The river flowed at the base
of the bluff, and there was then no batture. Wolf river
flowed into the Mississippi at a point opposite to where
the county jail now stands. The old plat represented
Wolf as flowing into the Mississippi much lower down-
and the land or bank of the Mississippi, north of Wolf as
running away out to the worthwest, instead of runnino-
nearly north, as the bank indicated in 1819. The owners

THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS. 17
of the Eice Grant wished to get as far south as possible,
and the owners of the Eamsey Grant were equally anx
ious to get north. The Surveyor-General was authorized
to take the depositions of old settlers to determine the
boundaries. The only one of which I have been able to
find is that of Judge Benjamin Foj-, of Arkansas, which
is on file in the County Court of Stewart. I have heard
that Paddy Maghar's deposition was also taken, but he
¦came here too late to know much about it. Even the
Judge appears to h^ve been less definite than most of his
family, with whom I have conversed, were. His nephew,
Spillman Foj', and others, have repeatedlj' told me that
the mouth of Wolf, at the time alluded to, was opposite
a pond on the bluff, known afterward as Lake Walker,
which was immediately below Jefferson street, and that
the river struck the bluff below Union street. .Judge
Lea is evidently mistaken in saying, as he does, that the
.Surveyor-General was governed by the deposition of
Judge Foy, for a correct survej- will show that the foot
of Beal street is very little, if at all, over a mile from
whore the mouth of Wolf was in 1820, and not more than
half the distance from the foot of Jefferson street, where
it was in Foy's earlj' days, and where it was when Eice
stood, some eighteen years before, with his land grant in
hand, and the word eureka, or the English of it, on his
lips. It is not at all likely that a man of his undoubted
shrewdness, unrestricted as he was, would have left out
the level and beautiful land below Beal street and taken
in the uglj' spurs at the mouth of Wolf, as proved to be
fortj' years later. _^^x^
If I was a preacher I might here find a theme to prove
the instability of all sublunary matter. When John had
determined in his mind to locate his grant here, which
was no doubt without hesitation, and perhaps with a

18 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
vivid imagination of its future grandeur and importance,
his first object was to fix on the most stable landmark as
his processional point. He selected the mouth of Wolf
river, which, instead of going down, like everything else,
had just gone" up the Mississippi full half a mile, and
lost to his successors the handsomest and most valuable
part of the bluff. [For a more full account of this
change in the river I refer the reader to my history, in
another place, ofthe Memphis Batture. J
There is another point I wish to make here. I pub
lished a commury.cation addressed to the Board of Maj'or
and Aldermen, previous to my "Old Times Papers," in
reference to the washing away of the batture, in which
I said that the bluff might prove no barrier to the inroads
of the Mississippi, as large portions of it had fallen in
at the washing away of the previous batture. This was
denied, so far as that part of it above Union street was
concerned. One old citizen, who has since died, made
himself very offensive about it, and it has since been
alluded to as an evidence of the unreliability of my
information. I now find that the original plat of the
John Eice Grant shows that the bluff, from about Jeffer
son street up, ran in a northwestern direction, instead of
nearly due north, as at present; and Judge Foy, in his
deposition, says that such was the case when he first
knew it, but that large portions of the bluff at the north
ern end had caved off, and thereby changed its line.
Some singular features, or defects, appear in the Eice
Grant, which has since led to much litigation. No allusion
is made to .the Mississippi riVsi:. except on the plat, and
there simply by a single curved line ofthe pen, without the
slightest regard to its true shape, while the western line
of the Grant is in something like three parts of -an octa
gon, leaving an apparent space between it and the river.

THE RICE AND RASISEY GRANTS. 19
' It may also appear strange that after John Eice had
paid out five hundred pounds in specie for the Grant,
with other necessary expenses,.that his brother, Elisha,
sold it to Judge Overton for five hundred dollars, or
about one-fifth of its original cost; but such was, never
theless, true.
I will here state that the first of this, the history of the
John Eice Grant up to its allusion to Judge Foy, is taken
from the handwriting, literally, of Judge John M. Lea,
one of the ablest lawyers in the country, who, as the son-
in-law and attorney of Judge Overton and his estate for
some forty years, is undoubtedly the best informed man
living in reference to the John Eice Grant, its assignees,
and general historj', and I have waived my opinions gen
erally where they differed from his. He has been very
kind in furnishing me a large amount of valuable informa
tion, enabling me to correct many important errors, and
for which I feel under great obligations.
In criticising the Grant and convej^ance to Overton, I
do so without the slightest design of questioning its fair
ness or legitimacy, if I were capable of doing so. Where
discrepancies appear between the statements herein con
tained and those of the " Old Times Papers," I wish the
errors charged to the latter. Among others, I have done
the original proprietors some injustice. In one instance
I alluded to the fact that they had made liberal donations
of lots to old settlers for the purpose of appeasing them
for h.aving been disturbed in what they considered occu
pant or pre-emption rights.
Judge Lea seems hurt at this, and says: "These
donations wfere acts of pure kindness." I am now satis
fied that such was the case, but the error, nevertheless,
existed, and whether the donations were or not intended
to appease, it had that effect, and was none the less an act

20 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
of kindness. But the most common error was the laying
on, or locating of the Grant which was supposed to have
taken place after the treaty commonly known as the
" Jackson Purchase " of 1818, by which the Indian titles
were extinguished. This idea was certainly a very
natural one. The John Eamsey Grant was not located
until 1822, and even then the southern line of the Eice
Grant was undetermined. This error or misunderstand
ing led to to the laying of the warrant by McAlpin and
others, which succeeded so far as securing a compromise,
though I think very unjustly; but even as late as 1846
E. K. Turnage and others contended that there
was still a space between the McAlpin and Eice lines,
based upon the supposed original survey of the Eice
Grant in 1819 or 1820. By this time it seems to have
been discovered that the angling lines were intended for
the bluff, and the wriggling of the pen was simply an
addition of some copying clerk. So it was the Turnage
speculation failed. There was a feature in this trial
which goes to show how unreliable some old folks' mem
ories prove to be at times. Turnage's main witness swore .
that when the processional survey was made Judge
Overton told the Surveyor-General to place the ;ine well
back, that he wanted a large space in front, and that
some of the bluff might fall in. Now the Eecords show
that the procession was made on the 28th daj^ of July,
1820, while the Eecords of Knox county show that
Judge John Overton was, on that self same day,
married in the town of Knoxville. Judge Lea, in his
extreme liberalitj', thinks this old man did not design to
commit perjury, though I take it as a greater proof of
good heart than good judgment. It, however, amounted
to nothing, and the court informed Judge Lea that
he might admit not only this witness, but everything .

THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS. 21
else that Turnage proposed to prove, without endanger
ing his case. This Turnage scheme is alluded to in my
history of the Memphis Batture.
There are other features in the Eamsey Grant that
may appear strange. No consideration is shown for its
issuance, and appears never to have been spread on the
Eecords of Shelby county until within the past year.
Its genuineness, however, never seems to have been
called into question, though I cannot resist the idea that
North Carolina was rather loose and reckless in the dis
position of her western possessions; her title to which
was based on the most flimsey of pretexts.
I have a large amount ot documents bearing on this
subject; also important discussions of the Supreme Court
in reference to the titles, etc. Also, the agreement
in relation to the matter of arbitration, involving the
right of the city to the alluvial lands on the margin of
the Misssissippi river, to erect wharfs, collect wharfage,
etc., about which there is much history. Governor
Ousley, of Kentucky, was called upon to select the
arbitrators, and selected the Hon's Wm. B. Turley,
Wm. B. Reese and Nathan Green, Judges of the
Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee, to determine
the matter, and were their opinions and awards less
lengthy I would publish them.
The following record, however, never before having
been in print, settling finally the respective interests,
of the original proprietors and confirming the state
ments of Judge Lea, are, I think, of sufficient importance
to merit an insertion here:
"At a Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, begun and
held for the county of Shelby, State of Tennessee, at the
courthouse, in the town of Ealeigh, on the third Monday,
being the 20th day of April, 1829 — Present: James

22 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Warren, James Ealston, S. Henderson, F. M. Weather-"
head, Thomas Powers and John Ealston, gent. Justices—
the following entry appears of record upon the
Minutes of said court, to-wit : 'A majority of the acting
Justices being present, William Lawrence presented to
the court the following petition, viz :
' To the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, for the County of
Shelby, in the State of Tennessee, sitting at their April Session,
1829;
_^ ' We, the undersigned, respectfully represent to your
Worships that we hold different undivided interests in
sundry unsold lots in the town of Memphis, and in a
tract of twelve hundred acres. We pray the court to
appoint the lawful number of Commissioners to divide
the said town lots, and the said land, between us agree
ably to a plat of the same that will be exhibited to the
Commissioners by our agents, according to law — our
b-espective interests in said property being as follows,
viz: John Overton owns one-half; John C. McLemore
owns one-eighth ; the heirs of General James Winches
ter own one-fourth, and the devisees of Wm. Winchester,
of Baltimore, own one-eighth; and your petitioners, as in
duty bound, will ever pray, etc. April 20th, 1829.
(Signed), JOHN OVERTON,
JOHN C. McLEMOEE,
By their Attorney in fact, Wm. Lawrence.
GEOEGE WINCHESTER,
WILLIAM WINCHESTER,
By their Attorney in fact, M. B. Winchester.'
Whereupon, it appearing to the satisfaction of the
court that the requisitions of the law have been com
plied with by the said petitioners, b}^ giving notice to
the other parties concerned, by publication in the
Memphis Advocate, it is ordered bj^ the court that

THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS. 23
Anderson B. Carr, Nathaniel Anderson, John Ealston,
David Dunn, Tilman Bettis, Jas. H. Lawrence, and
William Lawrence, them, or any five of them be, and
are appointed Commissioners, to examine, divide and set
apart to the parties petitioning their several parts or
portions iu severalty of said town lots and land, agree
ably to the prayer of the petition, and make the report
thereof to our next court.
And at a subsequent term of said court, to-wit : At a
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, begun and held
for the county of Shelbj', at the courthouse, in the town
of Ealeigh, on Monday, the 20th day of July, 1829—
Present: the Worshipful John Ralston, James Ralston,
Francis M. Weatherhead and James Warren, Esquires,
Justices of the Court — the following entiy appears of
record upon the Minutes of said court, to-wit :
' The Commissioners appomted by a former orcier of
this court, to divide and set apart, in severalty, to John
Overton and others, their parts and portions of the
unsold lots in the town of Memphis, and the tract of
land adjoining thereto, returned to court their report in
the words and figures following, to-wit:
'We, the undersigned. Commissioners appointed bj^ an
order of the Countj^ Court of Shelby county, in the
State of Tennessee, made at their April sessions 1829,
to divide and set apart, in severalty, to John Overton
and others, their respective shares or portions of all
unsold lots in the town of Memphis, and also their
shares and portions of a tract of land lying north,
«ast and south of said town, usually called and known
as the town reserve, do report and say, (being first
sworn as the law directs,) that we proceeded to make a
particular examination of the various unsold lots, frac
tions and country lots, agreeably to the plan of the same

24 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
furnished to us by M. B. Winchester and William Law
rence, agents for the said John Overton and others,
proprietors of Memphis, and after said examination
parcelled the said lots, etc., into eight divisions, as
equal in value as we could make them. And it being
shown to us that the said John Overton, was entitled to
one half of the unsold lots, etc., or in other words to
four of the said eight divisions ; that John C. McLemore,
is entitled to one of said eight divisions ; that William
Winchester and George Winchester, together, as the
devisees of William Winchester, deceased, are entitled
also to one of said eight divisions, and that the remain
ing two divisions belong to the estate of the late General
James Winchester, we proceeded to ascertain by
balloting, which one of said eight divisions should
constitute the share or portion of the said John C
McLdhiore, when division No. 2 was drawn in his name,
whereupon we assigned and alloted to the said McLe
more, said division No. 2, which is made up and com
posed of these town lots, fractions and country lots, viz :
[Here follows a list of the lots, descriptions, bounds^
plat of the town, etc.. Covering some twenty five pages
of legal cap paper.]
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands
as commissioners, as aforesaid.
TILMAN BETTIS,
JOHN RALSTON,
WM. LAWRENCE,
A. B. CARR,
J. H. LAWRENCE,
Commissioners.'
Whereupon, it is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the
court here, that the said John C. McLemore, the said
William and George Winchester, and the said John

THE RICE AND RAMSEY GRANTS. 25
Overton, do have and hold, in severalty, the shares, parts
and portions assigned to them, respectively, by the fore
going report of division. And that the heirs of the
late General James Winchester, also have and hold in
severalty the divisions or shares left for them, and speci
fied in said report.
And it is further ordered, that, imasmuch as the plan
accompanying said report is on too large a scale to be
copied on the pages of the Record Book of this court,
said plan shall be posted flrmly to, and on the 437th
page of this, the said Record Book, and be a part of
said report." State of Tennessee, )
Shelby County. f
I, John P. Trezevant, Clerk of the County Court of
said county, do certify the foregoing twenty-nine pages
to be a full, true and perfect transcript, from the Min
utes of the Court of Pleas and Quarterly Sessions of
said county, of the petition of John Overton, and others,
for the division of real estate therein mentioned.
Witness my hand at office, the 22d day of March, A.D.
1858. JOHN P. TREZEVANT, Clerk.

DESCRIPTION OP MEMPHIS IN 1820.

We find in the Portfolio, published in Philadelphia
in 1820, the following communication, the authorship of
which was at the time attributed to General Jackson.
In relation to the laying out of Memphis, the writer saj's :
— •-" A town of the above name has been laid off on the
east bank of the Mississippi river, at the lower Chicka
saw Bluffs, in the county of Shelby, State of Tennessee.
It is also within the Western District, latelj^ acquired by
treaty from the Chickasaw Indians.
V" The plan and local situation of Memphis is such as
authorize the expectation that it is destined to become
a populous cit}^ It is laid off parallel with the Missis -
sippi, the course of which at this place is nearly due
south, with Wolf river emptying into it at the northern
extremity of the town. Three hundred and sixty -two
lots are designated upon its present plat; and there is
any quantity of elevated level land adjoining, suited to
the purpose of enlarging it at pleasure. The streets run
to the cardinal points. They are wide and spacious, and,
together with a number of alleys, afford a free and abund
ant circulation of air. There is, besides, four public
squares, in different parts of the town, and between the
front lots and the river an ample vacant place reserved
as a promenade; all of which must contribute very much

28 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
to the health and comfort of the place, as well as to its
»s6<jurity and ornament.
" The bluff on which Memphis is situated is remarka
bly high and level, as it is a large tract of country which
extends for many miles at right angles from the Missis
sippi. Being from twenty to thirty feet above the high
est fiood, it is always dry, and commands a complete
view of the river, which, at this place, is rather more
..than three-quarters- of a mile wide. The scenery from
the town is quite picturesque and delightful, presenting
a rich and extensive plain in the rear, with improvements
skirting the opposite shore, as well as a vast expanse of
water, chequered by islands which are covered bj'' fhe
heaviest and tallest timber. In casting the eye up the
river,' a water view is obtained for several miles, inter
rupted and varied by a cluster of islands about three-
quarters of a mile distant, commonly known by the name
of Paddy's Hen and Chickens, through which the Mis
sissippi is seen discharging its immense column of water
in two or three different channels. Upon directing the
attention down the river the eye enjoys an equally exten
sive range, where is presented, within the space of three
miles. President's Island, which contains several
thousand acres of land, a considerable portion of which
is very fertile, and entirely free from inundation. In
addition to^this, the frequent passage of steamboats and
crafts of every description, up and down the Mississippi,
give a grandeur even to the prospect, and an active and
commercial appearance to the place, which is only one
remove from a position on the sea-board.
" This is the only site for a town of any magnitude on
the Mississippi, between the mouth of the Ohio and
Natchez. The western bank is uniformly too low and
subject to inundation, and the eastern affords no other

description of MEMPHIS IN 1820. 29
situation sufficiently high, dry, level and extensive,
together with a rich surrounding countrj^, competent to
support it. Neither can an eligible position be selected,
for this purpose, on any of the rivers which emptj^ them
selves into the Mississippi, between the Tennessee river
and the Bluff, in consequence of their being greatlj-
incommoded by swamps as high as thej"^ are navigable.
It is consequently the only desirable site, and is consid
ered by man J' superior to any upon the Mississippi river.
Natchez cannot vie with it, and it even excels Baton
Rouge, inasmuch as the banks are higher and more uni
formly level and commanding, the surrounding prospects
more beautiful and interesting, and, from its situation,
necessarily more healthy. Thus, b}^ nature, it is so situ
ated that much competition cannot arise by the erection
of other towns between the mouth of thc Ohio and
Natchez. " The general advantages of Memphis .ire owing to its
being founded on the Mississippi, one of the largest and
most important rivers on the globe, and the high road
for all the commerce of the vast and fertile valley through
which it flows. This noble river, which may with pro-
prietj"- be denominated the American Nile, is about two
thousand five hundred and eighty miles from its head to
its mouth, and, with its branches, waters two-thirds of
the territory of the United States.
" Memphis lies thirty-five degrees six minutes of north
latitude, and thirteen degrees west longitude from Wash
ington. The adjacent and surrounding country, which
is to be relied on t(5 support it, is one of the most exten
sive and beautiful bodies of land, contiguous to the Mis
sissippi river, between the mouth of the Ohio and New
Orleans. It is clev.ated, dry and level, possessing a fer
tile and productive soil, and extending east northeast,

30 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
south and southeast, for nearly one hundred miles.
" No tract of country can be better accommodated to
the principal staples of the western world. Corn, cotton,
wheat and tobacco may be cultivated to great advantage.
It is also well adapted to the growth of blue and herd
grass, clover, etc., and must consequently be happily
suited to the rearing of stock.
"The climate is certainly a desirable one, in conse
quence of its uniformity and being free from those ex
tremes of heat and cold to which the country, either
father north or south, is generally subjected. Such a
climate must be very congenial to the constitution, and
to the vigorous maturity of most of the vegetable pro
ductions of the temperate regions. From the locality of
Memphis, the largest portion of the produce hereafter to
be raised for market, in the extreme tract of country
lying between the Tennessee river and Bluff, must
necessarily be concentrated at that point for exportation,
as the rivers by which it is watered are not uniformly
navigable. " The superiority of the Bluff on which Memphis
stands over the few situations of - high ground ou the •
Mississippi river, is evinced by its having been first
selected by the French, as early as the year 1736, as a
suitable position for a garrison. Whilst Louisiana was
in the possession of Spain, this Bluff was again
chosen as a healthy and commanding site for a similar
establishment. A fort and garrison had been built and
occupied, and the adjacent land cleared and cultivated
for many years anterior to their bein"^ surrendered to the
United States, agreeably to the treaty of St. lldefonso."

MEMPHIS RAILROADS IN EARLY DAYS.

The first Railroad terminating at this point was the
Memphis andLaGrange, commenced in 1838. She only
succeeded in laying six miles of track with bar iron, and
putting a locomotive and some old fashioned English
cars on, done a sort of pleasure business for several
months. Some ten years later the Memphis and Charles
ton Railroad purchased the charter, etc., and the latter
road was built toLaGrange on the line staked out for the
former. Mention is made of this road in my story of the
Memphis Batture.
The following communication appears in the Eailroad
Eecord (Cincinnati) of 1854, which contains foresight
and suggestions which have by no means lost their force,
and are therefore deemed worthy of reproduction :
" Memphis. — We begin with Memphis, because it is
the most promising town in the southeast. Memphis
iij*es on one of only three bluffs on the Lower Mississippi,
' where it is possible, without unnecessary expense for
artificial work, to build a great town. It is almost 280
miles from the mouth, of the Ohio, and 730 miles, by
water, from Cincinnati. It is, however, only 430 miles
on an air line, and a railroad to Louisville and Cincinnati
will reduce the distance run to less than 500 miles, and
the time to twenty hours. From Memphis, also, a rail
road is partially completed, aud doubtless will be finished,
to Charleston, S. C, connecting it with the Central South.
Memphis being also precisely east of Little Eock, it may
be, and will be, connected with it by a line of railroad,
which shall bring within its commercial infiuence' the

32 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
great valleys of White river and the Arkansas. Thus it
has great commercial advantages, and its admirable
situation on a beautiful and healthy bluff secures them.
' " We visited it in 1850, and were struck with the supe
riority of its position over any other place in the south
west. It js destinej^ in our opinion, to be the largest
cTty inthe,southwesfe4iet-4i;XJceptiii.g^3?Sw Orleans. Mem
phis will probably contain more than 25,000 people at the
census of 1856. Its high position has secured its health
¦56 far that neither cholera nor yellow fever have visited
it in the several forms in which they have prevailed in
almost all the southern cities. This immunity is likely
to continue, for it lies on both high and dry ground, and
has purer and better air than any other place in that
region. Nearlj^ one-fourth the population of Memphis
are slaves, and the country back of it is a cotton planting
section. Hence, Memphis, as the pprt of that region,
will be chiefly a commercial town. But if it would grow
to be a really large place, it must seek to manufacture,
and this it may. By railroads through Tennessee and
Kentucky it may be supplied with coal and iron, and
there iron factories, and steam machineiy, and cotton-
mills may be readily carried on. If Memphis would be
great she must make railways and build factories."
DISTINGUISHED EAILEOAD MEN.
Among the most energetic railroad men of both the
past and present, I might name Major General Edmund
Pendleton Gaines, Ex-Governor James C. Tones, Colonel
Nat. Anderson, Colonel Sam Tate, Judge J. T. Swayne,
Colonel John T. Trezevant, E. H. Porter, F. M. White,
E. C. Brinkley, E. Topp, W. B. Greenlaw, W. B. Waldran,
A. L. Mitchell, N. B. Forrest, W. J. Sykes, Amos Wood
ruff, M. J. Wicks, David C. Cross and John Donovan.

LIST OF MAYORS AND ALDERMEN.

[ In order to do justice to all, we have deemed it best
to extend the list of Mayors and Aldermen down to the
present date.]
1st Corporate Year^-March, 1827, to March, 1828. —
Mayor : M. B. Winchester. Aldermen : Joseph L. Davis,
John Hook, N. B. Attwood, Geo. F. Graham, (died),
John E. Dougherty, (died), Wm. A. Hardy, Nathaniel
Anderson, and Littleton Henderson.
2d Corporate Year— March, 1828, to March, 1829.—
Mayor: M. B. Winchester. Aldermen: Samuel Doug
lass, Wm. A. Hardy, John D. Graham, Augustus L.
Humphrey, Joseph L. Davis, and Eobert Fearn.
3d Corporate Year— March, 1829, to March, 1830.—
Mayor: Isaac Eawlings. Aldermen: M. B. Winchester,
(resigned), A. L. Humphrey, J. L. Davis, J. F. Schabell,
James L. Vaughn, J. D. Graham, and Wyatt Christian.
4th Corporate Year — March, 1830, to March, 1831. —
Mayor : Isaac Eawlings. Aldermen : John Kitchell, A.
L. Humphrey, D. King, E. Young, (resigned), J. L. Da
vis, (resigned), H. W. Mosely, (resigned), John Cole*
man, David W. Wood, Geo. •Aldred,and J. F. Schabell.
5th Corporate Year — March, 1831, to March, 1832. —
Mayor: Seth Wheatley. Aldermen: Geo. Aldred, Mar-

34 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
tin Swope, Ulysses Spalding, A. L. Humphrey, L. Hen
derson, and Thos. Phoebus. •
6th Corporate Year— March, 1832, to March, 1833.—
Mayor: Eobert Lawrence. Aldermen: John Kitchell,
E. Coffee, C. C. Locke, Jas. B. Walker, L. Henderson, and
J. A. H. Cleveland.
7th Corporate Year — March, 1833, to March, 1834.—
Mayor: Isaac Eawlings. Aldermen: Littleton Hender
son, John F. Schabell, Samuel Eunkle, (died), Hezekiah
Cobb, John W. Fowler, Elijah Coffee, and Joseph Cooper.
8th Corporate Year— March, 1834, to March, 1835.—
Mayor : Isaac Eawlings. Aldermen : Jedediah Prescott,
H. Cobb, M. B. Winchester, John W. Fowler, Littleton
Henderson, and John F. Schabell.
9th Corporate l'"ear— March, 1835, to March, 1836.—
Mayor : Isaac Eawlings. Aldermen: John F. Schabell,
(died), James Eose, Joseph Cooper, H. Cobb, Silas T.
Toncray, Steth M. Nelson, and Hugh Wheatley.
10th Corporate Year— March, 1836, to March, 1837.—
Mayor: Enoch Banks. Aldermen: Silas T. Toncray,
Hannibal Harris, (resigned), Seth Wheatley, (resigned),
M. B. Winchester, Hugh Wheatley, James Eose, (re
signed), John Hare, S, M. Nelson, and E. G. Hart, Jos.
Cooper, (resigned.)
llth Corporate Year— March, 1837, to March, 1838. —
Mayor : John H. Morgan. Aldermen : Frank McMahan,
S. T. Toncray, (resigned), A. H. Bowman, L. C. Treze
vant, Charles Stuart, Zachariah Edmunds, (resigned),
Joseph Cooper, (resigned), Barnett Graham, H. Cobb,
and Jas. D. Currin.

LIST OP MAYOR AND ALDERMEN. 35
12th Corporate Year— March, 1838, to March, 1839.—
Mayor: Enoch Banks. Aldermen: Jedediah Prescott,
James D. Currin, Lewis C. Trezevant, Lewis Shanks, A.
H. Bowman (resigned), Edwin Hickman ahd Gray Skip-
with. 13th Corporate Year— March, 1839, to March, 1840.—
Mayor : Thomas Dixon. Aldermen : Jedediah Prescott,
Joseph Wright, Samuel Hayter, E. Hickman, C. Stewart,
(resigned), C. B. Murray, and William Spickernagle.
14th Corporate Year— March, 1840, to March, 1841. —
Mayor: Thomas Dixon. Aldermen: Michael Leonard,
Joseph Wright, C. B. Muriw, (died), Jacob M. Moon,
T. C. McMakin, (resigned), E. Hickman, L. C. Treze-
yant, andW. B. Garrison.
15th Corporate Year — March, 1841, to March, 1842. —
Mayor: William Spickernagle. Aldei-men: Joseph
Wsight, (resigned), Michael Leonard, (resigned), L. C.
Trezevant, (resigned), J. N. Moon, Charles Stewart, F.
P. Stanton, J. Prescott, H. Cobb and John Trigg.
16th Corporate Year — March, 1842, to March, 1843. —
Mayor: Edwin Hickman. Aldermen: C. C. Mahan, (re
signed), V. Furguson, (died), C. Bias, C. Lofiand, (re
signed), E. H. Porter, Wm. Chase, A. Walker, (resigned), '
J. C. Davenport, (resigned), M. Gabbert, (resigned), W.
B. Waldran, H. Cobb, L. Shanks, W. A. Bickford, (resign
ed), W. Test, J. Prescott, John Woods, and Eugene Ma-
geveney. 17th CorporaiB Year — March, 1843, to March, 1844. —
Mayor: Edwin Hickman. Aldermen: J. Prescott, H.
Cobb, William Spickernagle, C. Bias, (resigned) Wm.
Chase, E. H. Porter, John Woods, (resigned), E. Magev-

36 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
eney, W. B. Waldran, Calvin Goodman, (resigned), L.
Shanks, Thomas Whitelaw, and L. E. Eichards.
18th Corporate Year— March, 1844, to March, 1845.—
Mayor: Edwin Hickman. Aldermen: Wm. Spickerna
gle, J. D. Allen, Lewis Shanks, (resigned), Jos. Wright,.
Wm. Connell, Charles A. Leath, (resigned), E. Mageve-
ney, (resigned), J. B. Outlaw, (resigned), J. T. N..
Bridges, (resigned), M. B. Sappington, Wm. F. Allen,
(resigned), John A. Allen, (resigned), Calvin Goodman,
(resigned), W. B. Waldran, Dr. Jeptha Fowlkes, John
Trigg, (resigned), David Looney, and L. Shanks.
19th Corporate Year — March, 1845, to March, 1846. —
Mayor: J. J. Finley. Aldermen: Jos. D. Allen, William
Goodman, (resigned), Jos. Wright, Daniel Hughes, Jep
tha Fowlkes, Wm. Chase, David Looney, J. E. Maltbie,.
E, F. Watkins, (resigned,) Calvin Goodman, Gardner
B. Locke, D. S. Greer, (resigned), E. M. Appcrson, Lewis
Shanks, Miles Owen, and J. Delafield.
20th Corporate Year- March, 1846, to March, 1847.—
Mayor : Edwin Hickman. Aldermen : Joseph D. Allen,
Michael Leonard, Jeptha Fowlkes, Daniel Hughes, D. O.
Dooley, (resigned), E. H. Porter, (resigned), E. Mageve-
ney, Wm. Carter, Wiley B. Miller, Samuel Mosby, (re
signed,) E. Banks, A. O. Harris, and V. D. Barry.
21st Corporate Year— March, 1847, to March, 1848. —
Mayor: Enoch Banks. Aldermen: Jos. D. Allen, J. W.
A. Pettit, J. Fowlkes, Daniel Hughes, Wm. Connell, V.
D. Barry, S. A. Norton, Joseph I. Andrews, Samuel
Mosby, and W. B. Miller.
22d Corporate Year— March, 1848, to March, 1849.—

LIST OP MAYORS AND ALDERMEN. 37
Mayor: Gardner B. Locke. Aldermen: Benj, Wright,
J. W. A. Pettit, Jeptha Fowlkes, Daniel Hughes, James
Wright, V. D. Barry, E. L. Kay, E. Mageveney, J. M.
Patrick, and S. B. Williamson.
23d Corporate Year— March, 1849, to July, 1850.—
Mayor: E. Hickman. Aldermen: H. Cobb, T. James, L.
Shanks, J. Weller, E. H. Porter, H. B. Joyner, V. Ehodes,
E. McDavitt, E. A. Parker, (resigned), H. G. Smith, D.
Looney, A-. 0. Harris, (resigned), N. B. Holt, S. W. Jef
ferson, A. B. Taylor, (resigned), G. W. Murphj^, (re
signed), W. Carr, J. L. Webb, and W. L. Guion.
24th Corporate Year— July, .1850, to July, 1851.—
Mayor : E. Hickman. Aldermen : Thomas Conway, John
KehOe, E. McDavitt, E. H. Porter, S. W. Jefferson, A. D.
Henkle, S. P. Walker, D. Looney, A. B. Shaw, J. Wal
dran, G. W. Smith, and A. B. Taylor.
25th Corporate Year— July,' 1851, to July, 1852.—
Mayor : E. Hickman. Aldermen : F. Titus, T. Conway,
E. H. Porter, E. McDavitt, (resigned), S. W. Jefferson,
A. D. Henkle, David Looney (resigned), S. P. Walker, J.
M. Patrick (resigned), A. B. Shaw, Wm. Euffln, G. W.
Smith, W. S. Cockrell. (resigned), A. Woodruff, and J.
D. Danbury.
26th Corporate Year— July, 1852, to July, 1853.—
Mayor: A. B. Taylor. Aldermen: J. Kehoe, B. Wright,
A. Woodruff, E. W. Thompson, A. D. Henkle, M. Eagan,
S. P. Walker, (resigned), J. D. Danbury; A. B. Shaw,
(resigned), T. W. Hunt, A. N. Edmonds, M. Jones, A.
P. Merrill, F. Lane, (resigned), J. M. - Patrick and A.
G. Underwood.
27th Corporate Year— July, 1853, to July, 1854.—

38 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Mayor: A. B. Taylor. Aldermen: Thos. Conway, Dr.
L. Shanks, E. McDavitt, (resigned), W. M. Maddox, E.
Mageveney, S. W. Jefferson, (resigned), S. P. Walker,
A. Whipple, T. W. Hunt, J. M. Patrick, Marcus Jones,.
John Wiley, E. W. Thompson, (resigned), John Park,
(resigned), and Charles Jones.
28th Corporate Year— July, 1854, to July 1855.—
Mayor: A. B. Taylor, Aldermen: John L. Saffarrans,
Dan'l Hughes, S. B. Curtis, John Neal, A. Street, (re
signed), A. M. Hopkins, A. A. Smithwick, (resigned),,
J. L. Morgan, (resigned), J. M. Patrick, Jas. Jenkins,
W. E. Milton, A. H. Douglass, A. Woodruff, W. Houston.
and J. D. Danbury.
29th Corporate Year— July, 1855, to July, 1856.—
Mayor : A. H. Douglass. Aldermen : Jno. L. Saffarans,.
Dan'l Hughes, S. B. Curtis, Jno. Neal, A. Woodruff, Jas.
Elder, W. E. Chandler, J.. D. Danbury, James Jenkins,
Jno. L. Morgan, (resigned), W. E. Milton, F. M. Cope
land and A. B. Shaw,
30th Corporate Year— July, 1856, to July, 1857.—
Mayor: T. B. Carroll. Aldermen: John L. Saffarrans,.
Dan'l Hughes, S. B. Curtis, L. J. Dupre, W. F. Barry,.
James Elder, C. M. Fackler, T. J. Finnic, Jno. Smoot,.
(resigned), A. B. Shaw, D. Bogart, F. M. Copeland, A.
H. Douglass, (resigned), and E. Wormeley.
31st Corporate Year— July, 1857, to July, 1858.—
Mayor: E. D. Baugh. Aldermen: Dan'l Hughes, J. S.
Irwin, A. Street, W. O. Lofland, A. Woodruff, E. S. Jones,
Thos. J. Finnic, I. M. Hill, F. M, E. Falkner, T. A..
Hamilton, John Martin and F. M. Copeland.
32d Corporate Year— July, 1858, to July, 1859.—

LIST OP MAYORS AND ALDERMEN. 39
Mayor: E. D. Baugh, Aldermen: J. O. Drew, Daniel
Hughes, A. Street, E. H. Norris, (resigned), Chas. Kor- ^
trecht, N. B. Forrest, Jas. Elder, T. J. Finnie, T. A.
Hamilton, A. H. Douglass, G. P. Foute, D. H. Townsend,
Jno. B. Eobinson, F. M. Copeland, Jno. Neal, S. W. Jef
ferson and S. T. Morgan.
33d Corporate Year— July, 1859, to July, I860.—
Mayor: E. D. Baugh. Aldermen: Jno. 0. Drew, Sam'l
Tighe, A. Street, (resigned), N. B. Forrest, James Elder,
C, Potter, T. A. Hamilton, A. H. Douglass, W. E. Milton,
(resigned), Marcus Jones, J. N. Barnett, Wm. Farris, J.
C. Grifflng, W. M. Perkins, D. H. Townsend, S. T. Mor- ^
gan, W. 0. Lofland, and C. Kortrecht.
34th Corporate Year— July, 1860, to July, 1861.—
Mayor: E. D. Baugh. Aldermen: Dan'l Hughes, P. T.
O'Mahoney, S. T. Morgan, E. S. Joyner, J. J. Worsham,
(resigned), N. B. Forrest, J. M. Crews, A. P. Merrill,
D, B. Malloy, E. M. Kirby, John Martin, C. W. Frasier,
J. B. Eobinson, D. H. Feger, H. Volentine, W. C. Ander
son and W. S. Pickett.
35th Corporate Year— July, 1861, to July, 1862.—
Mayor : John Park. , Aldermen : Samuel Tighe, G. M.
Grant, M. E. Cochran, S. T. Morgan, L. Amis, jr., C.
Kortrecht, A. P. Merrill, L. J. Dupre, (resigned), J. O.
Greenlaw, E. M. Kirby, D. H. Townsend, C. M. Farmer,
John B. Eobinson, J. M. Patrick, H. Volentine, F. M.
Gaylor and T. S. Ayres.
36th Corporote Year— July, 1862, to July, 1863.—
Mayor : John Park. Aldermen : S. Tighe, J. C. Powers,
(resigned), Paul Schuster, (resigned), G. D. Johnson,
L. Wunderman, B. F. C. Brooks, H. B. Henghold, M.

40 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Mul^olland, Wna. Harvey, Jas. Hall, S. Ogden, John
Gager, (resigned), B. Fenton, (resigned), S. T. Morgan,
M. McEncroe, A. P. Merrill, (resigned), C. M. Farmer,
J. 0. Drew, H. T. Hulbert; S. A. Moore and C. Deloach.
37th Corporate Year— July, 1863, to July, 1864.—
Mayor: John Park. Aldermen: J. Donovan, J. Glancy,
G. D. Johnson, S. T. Morgan, L. Amis, L. Wunderman,
A. P. Merrill, C. A. Stillman, M. Mulholland, W. W.
Jones, G. W. Harver, M. McEncroe, (died), M. Kelly, W.
P. Evans; H. T. Hulbert and H. Volentine.
38th Corporate Year— July, 1864, to July, 1865.—
Mayors: Lieut. Colonel Thomas H. Harris and Captain
C. Eichards — the former from Julj^ to November, the
latter the remainder of the term. ( * ) Aldermen : J. P.
Foster, (appointed Chief of Police), A. Eenkert, G. D.
Johnson, S. T. Morgan, B. F. C. Brooks, A. J. Miller,
(died), L M. Hill, J. G.-Qwen, W. S. Bruce, (resigned,)
W. W. Jones, J. E. Merriman, C. C. Smith, G. P. Ware,
Jos. Tagg, Patrick Sherry, H. T. Hulbert, J. B.Wetherill,
H. G. Smith, (resigned), W. E. Moore and W. M. Far
rington. 39th Corporate Year— July, 1865, to July, 1866.—
Mayor: John Park. Aldermen: John Glancy, E. V.
0'Mahone3% S. T. Morgan, J. H. Eeany, (died), Louis
Wunderman, Thomas Leonard, I. M. Hill, A. P. Burdett,
(resigned), A. Hitzfleld,(resigned), M.Burke, E. K. Beck -
tell, (died), Wm. M. Harvey,- John S. Toof, M. Kelly,
J. F. Green, G. D. Johnson, D. E. Grace, Thomas
O'Donnell, S. P. Walker and E. W. Creighton.

(*) See after page in relation to Martial Law.

LIST OF MAYORS AND ALDERMEN. 41
40th Corpora:te Year— July, 1866, to January, 1868.(*)
Mayor: Wm. O. Lofland. Aldermen: J. J. Powers, Jno..
Glancy, G. D. Johnson, M. E. Cochran,^ E. W. Wicker
sham, L. Amis, JR. P. Boiling, H. J. Lynn, T. W. O'Don
nell, J. C. Hoist, A. T. Shaw, D. H. Townsend, H. Lemon^
T. O. Smith, W. H. Passmore and H. T. Hulbert.
42d Corporate Year, 1869. — Mayor: John W. Leftwich.
Aldermen : Thos. Foley, E. Marshall, Jas. 0. Durff, L.
E. Dyer, Thos. W. O'Donnell, James Gallager, S. Ogden,
L. M. Wolcott, L. D. Vincent, and J. E. Williams.
43d Corporate Year, 1870. — Mayor: John Johnson. —
Aldermen: Owen Dwyer, Phil. J. Mallon, J. O. Durff,'I.
T. Cartwright, J. C. Hoist, Thos. B. Norment, A. J.
Eoach, Thos. Moffatt, J. P. Prescott, and James Eounds.
Councilmen ; John Glancey, Patrick J. Kelly, William
Chase, J. M. Graves, O. F. Prescott, Jas. Birmington, E.
P. Duncan, M. Pepper, Owen Smith, M. Cohen, E. A.
Parker, H. M. James, J. B. Signaigo, Patrick Twohig,
John Hallum, Wm. Hewitt, Wm. Miller, M. Doyle, Geo.
Dixon, B. F. Boon.
44th Corporate Year, 1871. — Mayor: John Johnson.
Aldermen : Owen Dwyer, Phil. J. Mallon, T. F. Mackall,
I. T. Cartwright, J. C. Hoist, P. A. Cicalla, H. G. Dent,
Thos. Moffatt, A. C. Bettis, M. J. Pendergrast. Counbil-
men: John Zent, John Walsh, Wm. Chase, E. W. Light-
(*) By default of an election, John Park, elected for the 39th
Corporate Year, served to October 15th, 1866, when W. 0. Lof
land, elected 13th October, 1866, was qualified and served until
January, 1838. By the same act one-half of the Aldermen elected
for the 40th Corporate Year served till January, 1869, which
having been determined by lot, fell upon Aldermen Powers, Jolm-
Bon, Wickersham, Boiling, O'Donnell, Townsend, Lemon and
Passmore.

42 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS. '¦
burne, Lewis Amis, Jr., Henry Eschman, E. P. Duncan,
J. M. Pettigrew, N. Malatesta, James Bachman, J. B.
Signaigo, Patrick Twohig, J. D. Euffln, W. M. Harvey,
J. Genette, J. E. Grehan, Gus. Eeder, J. F. Schabell, J.
H. Smith, M. Boland.
45th Corporate Year, 1872. — Mayor: John Johnson.
Aldermen: John Walsh, Phil. J. Mallon, T. F. Mackall,
J. M. Pettigrew, N. Malatesta, P. A. Cicalla, H. G. Dent,
M. Burke, B. F. White, Jr., M. J. Pendergrast. Council-
men : John Zent, Thos. Foley, S. B. Eobbins, Wm. Schade,
Jacob Steinkuhl, A. D. Gibson, C. A. Beehn, J. L. Nor
ton. James Bachman, W. P. Martin, J. Halstead, W. M.
Harvey, A. J. White, A. H. Dickerson, J. Genette, H.
Marks, J. F. Schabell, Gus. Eeder, J. H. Smith, P. CoUi-
gan. 46th Corporate Year, 1873. — Mayor: John Johnson.
Aldermen : John Walsh, S. B. Bobbins, Andrew Davis,
J. M. Pettigrew, N. Malatesta, P. A. Cicalla, J. J. Busby,
M.Burke, B.F.White, Jr., P. Colligan. Councilmen:
John Zent, M. V. Holbrook, Wm. Hewitt, Wm. J. Chase,
C. A. Beehn, J. L. Norton, A. E. Droescher, Jno. A.
Roush, Edward Shaw, 'Joseph Clouston, Jr., Benj. Bing
ham, C. E. Clarke, S. C. Toof, Turner Hunt, A. J. White,
John P. Hughes, Geo. M. Grant, P. S. Simons, J. H.
Smith, Turner Mason.

MARTIAL LAW.
The municipal government of this city haying been
administered during the 38th Corporate Year by ap
pointees of Major General Washburn, commanding the
United States millitary forces in the city at that time, it

MAETIAX lAW. 43
is thought advisable to present the several orders under
which the civil government was, for the time being, set
aside. Headquarters District of West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., July 2, 1864. \
Special Orders No. 70.]
I. The utter failure of the municipal government of
Memphis for the past two years to discharge its proper
functions, the disloyal character of that government, its
want of sympathy for the Government of the United
States, and its indisposition ta co-operate with the mil
itary authorities, have long been felt as evils which the
public welfare required to be abated. They have grown
from bad to worse, until a further toleration of them will
not comport with the sense of duty of the Commanding
General. The city of Mempis is under martial law, and
the municipal government existing since the armed trai
tors were driven from the city has been only by suffer
ance of the military authorities of the United States.
Therefore, under the authority of General Orders No.
100, dated War Department, Adjutant General's office,
April 24, 1863,
It is ordered. That the funcions of the municipal
government of Memj)his be and they are hereby sus
pended until further orders.
The present incumbents are forbiden to perform any
official acts or exercise any authority whatever; and per
sons supposed to be elected officers of the city at an elec
tion held on June 30, 1864, will not qualify. That the
interests and business ofthe city may not be interrupted,
the following appointments of officers are made :
Acting Mayor — Lieut. Col. Thomas H. Harris, Ass't
Adj't General U. S. Volunteers.
Recorder — F. W. Buttinghaus.

44 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Treasurer — James D. Davis.
Comptroller — W. O. Lofland.
Tax Collector — F. L. Warner.
Tax Collector on Privileges — John League.
Chief of Police— P. M. Winters,
Wharfmaster — J. J. Butler.
Who will be fully respected in the exercise of the du
ties assigned them ; and all records, papers moneys and
property in any manner pertaining to the offices, govern
ment and interests of the city of Memphis, will be im
mediately turned over by the present holders thereof to
the officers above appointed to succeed them. Said offi
cers will be duly sworn to the faithful discharge of their
duties, and will be required to give bonds to the United
States in the sums at present prescribed by law and the
city ordinances for such officers respectively.
The officers herein named and apponited will consti
tute a Board, which shall discharge the duties heretofore
devolving upon the Board of Aldermen, and the Acting
Mayor shall be Chairman thereof; and their acts, reso
lutions and ordinances shall be valid and of full force and
effect until revoked by the Commanding General of the
Distrct of West Tennessee, or superior military author
ity. By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
W. H. MORGAN, Maj. and Ass't Adj't Gen'l
Official: W. H. Morgan, Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
Headquarters District op West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., July 2, 1864. j
Special Order No. 70.] [Extract.]
XIII. L. R. Eichards is hereby appointed Register
of the City of Memphis and a member of the Board,

martial LAW. 45
constituted by Special Order No. 70, Part I, of this date,
from these Headquarters.
By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
W. H. MORGAN, Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
To Lieut. Col Harris, A. A. Gen. and Acting Mayor.
Headquarters District op West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., July 16, 1864, f
Special Orders No. 83.] [Extract.]
I. Paragraph I of Special Orders No. 70, from these
Headquarters, dated July 2, 1864, is hereby so modified
as to constitute the persons hereinafter named a Council
to discharge the duties heretofore devolving upon the
Board of Mayor and !A.lderman of the City of Memphis,
and they, with the Acting Mayor are hereby invested
with all the powers heretofore exercised by the said
Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and shall receive the
usual . compensation, and be known as the Provisional
Mayor and Council of the City of Memphis.
1st Ward — J. P. Foster, Andrew Eenkert.
2d Ward— G. D. Johnson, S. T. Morgan.
3d Ward— B. F. C. Brooks, A. J. Miller.
4th Ward— L M. Hill, J. G. Owen.
5th Ward— W. S. Bruce, Wm. W. Jones.
6th Ward— J. E. Merriman, C. C. Smith.
7th Ward — G. P. Ware, Joseph Tagg.
8th Ward— Patrick Sherry, H. T. Hulbert.
By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
W. H. MOEGAN, Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
Official: Chas. H. Townsend,
Lieut, and Act'g Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
Headquarters District of West Tennessee, )
Memphis, Tenn., July 28, 1864. j
E. T. Morgan is hereby appointed City Attorney for
the City of Memphis.
By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.

46 history op MEMPHIS.
Headquarters District op West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., August 12, 1864. j
Special Orders No. 113]
IX. 1. P. M. Winters is hereby relieved from duty
from this date as Chief of Police of theCi ty of Memphis.
2. J. P. Foster is relieved from duty as Councilman
for the First Ward, and is appointed Chief of Police of
the City of Memphis from this date.
3. Henry G. Smith, Esq., is appointed Councilman
for the First Ward, vice J. P. Foster, appointed Chief of
I'olice. 4. J. B. Wetherill is appointed Councilman for the
Fifth Ward, vice Wm. S. Bruce, resigned.
By order of Major General C. ©. Washburn.
Headquarters District of West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1864. j
Special Orders No. 184.]
Wm. M. Farrington, Esq., is hereby appointed Alde!i--
man of the Third Ward, in the city of Memphis, in the
place of A. J. Miller, deceased.
By order of Major General C. C. Washburn.
Headquarters District of West Tennesssee,)
Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 4, 1864. - j
Special Orders No. 159.]
W. E. Moore, Esq., is hereby appointed Councilman,
for the First Ward, ^ity of Memphis, vice H. G. Smith,
Esq., resigned.
By order of Brigadier General M. L. Smith.
W. H. MOEGAN, Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
To Lieut. Col. T. H. Harris, Milt'y Mayor Memphis.
Headquarters District of West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 19, 1864. j
[Extract II.]
Special Orders No. 173.]
In obedience to orders from the Headquarters 16th

martial law 47
Army Corps, Lieut. Col. T. H. Harris, Assistant Adju
tant General, is hereby relieved from duty as Acting
Mayor of the City of Memphis, and will report in person
to Major Gen. Dana, at headquarters of the corps at
Vicksburg, Miss.
Capt. Channing Eichards, 22d Ohio Volunteers, is
hereby relieved from duty at the Headquarters District
of Memphis, and is appointed Acting Ma5^or of the City
of Memphis. He will enter upon his duties immediately,
and will carry out the general policy and measures
initiated by Lieutenant Colonel Harris, reporting to
these Headquarters.
By order of Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith.
.W. H. MORGAN, Maj. and Ass't Adj't Gen'l.
Official: W. H. Morgan, Ass't Ad'j Gen'l.
Headquarters District of West Tennessee,)
Memphis, Tenn., July 3, 1865. [
[Extract III.J
General Orders, No. 170.]
Extract I, Special Orders No. 70, and Extract I,
Special Orders No. 83, series of 1364, from these Head
quarters, are hereby revoked, and the officers appointed
by them will cease to exercise their functions after this
date. They will also turn over to the officers elect all books
and papers pertaining to their several offices.
By order of Major General Jno. E. Smith.
W. H. MORGAN, Brev't Brig. Gen'l and A. A. G.

LIST OF CITY OFFICERS AT PRESENT DATK

Mayor,
Comptroller, Register,Attorney,
Treasurer, Engineer, Tax Collector,
Wharfmaster,
Inspector,
Lumber Inspector,
S ERGE ANT-AT-ArMS,
Mayor's Clerk,
License Inspector,

John Johnson.
Fred. C. Schaper.
- Lewis R. Richards.
W. M. Randolph.
John Newsom.
J. H. Humphreys.
Felix W. Robertson.
R. W. Lightburne.
Edward Barinds.
- T. W. Rice.
A. C. Bettis.
J. H. Freligh.
W. B. Allen.

CITY SCHOOLS.
OFFICERS OP THE BOARD.
R. B. Mauby, M.D., President. J. Q. Caikns, Secretary.
W. S. Brtjcb, Vice-President. H. E. Garth, Treasurer.
H. C. Slaughter, Superintendent.
members OF the BOARD.
1st. Ward — M. Garvin, Henry Seessel, Jr.,
3d. Ward— H. D. Connell, Dr. C. E. Miner.
3d. Ward— Dr. R. W. Mitchell, D. P. Hadden.
4th Ward— Noland Fontaine, N-. J. Wiggin.
5th Ward— G. P. Cook, H. G. Harrington.
6th Ward- H. E. Andrews, C. Kortrecht.
7th Ward— J. H. Barnum, Wm. D. Beard.
8th Ward— A. E. Frankland, Wm. Farris.
Oth Ward— George E. Irwin, W. Z. Mitchell.
10th Ward— Jas. O. Pierce, A. H. Merrill.

50

history OF MEMPHIS.
POLICEMEN.

OFFICERS.

P. R. Atht,
G. R. Wbatherford,
C. T. Smith,
C. H. Braun,
M. Dea,
R. F. Abatta, -
P.McElkot,S. L. Babinds,
W. Fbatheebtone.
E. G. FOBBBST,
A. G. TUCKEB,
W. G. McIlvainb, •
Jab. a. Tobey,
, Thomas Garvey,

Chief.
- Captain. Captain.
Sergeant.Sergeant. Sergeant.Sergeant. Clerk.
Station-House Keeper.
Assistant Station-House Keeper.
Assistant Station-House Keeper.
Assistant Station-House Keeper.
Turnkey.Turnkey.

Allison, M. M.
Alt, C. W.
Baker, T. N.
Birmingham, F.
Boyd, A. M.
Brown, H.
Brownj W. P.
Campen, J.
Carmichael, T.
Clancey, John.
Clements, H.
Cogbm,.T. C.
Costillo, William.
Couch, F.
Cullen, H. D.
Cusick, P.
Davis, W. C.
Dougherty, .T.
Elliot, Robert,

pbivatbs.
Farrel, Thomas.
Fitzpatrick, J.
Getzendanner, J.
Hackett, P.
Hagerty, P.
Homan, William.
Hope, Tim.
Huber, J. J.
Jenny, F. W.
Kroker, F.
McAuIiffe, E.
McCormick, T.
McDonnel, C. E.
McDonough, J.
McElroy, F. R.
McKenna, James.
McNulty, M.
McPartland, J.

Malowney, M.
Malowney, P.
Manuel, R. C.
Morrison, C. L.
O'Mahoney, T.
Pickett, O. B.
PUtz, Louis.
Richards, J.
Rogers, W. S.
Scanland, W. S.
Schlick, Charles.
Scott, Jas.
Servatus, L.
Sheehan, P.
Shepperd, R D.
Sommers, T. M.
Walsh, John.
Wilson, H.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

J. ,D. DANBURY — NO. 1.
James Madden, Captain. Thomas Quinn, Pipeman.
Joseph Hickey, Engineer. James Finn, Assistaiit Pipeman.
Arthur Dwyer, Firenfan. Patrick Connel, Hoseman.
Timothy Ryan, Engine Driver. Michael Ragan, Hoseman.
Jamea Ryan, Hose Driver. VOLBNTINB — HO. 3.
W. J. Raja, Captain. W. F. Carroll, Pipeman.
J. R. Clark, Engineer. Geo. Saxon, Assistant Pipeman.
Charles Piaggio, Fireman. A. B. Weaver, Hoseman.
Patrick Scott, Engine Driver. John Mahrans, Hoseman.
L. D. Young, Hose Driver. DESOTO — NO. 3.
James Cleary, Captain. John Schirmaster, Pipeman.
P. G. Kennett, Engineer. Edw. Cunny, Assistant Pipeman.
C. H. M. Smith, Fireman. P. H. Dufiy, Hoseman.
Wm. J. Crosby, Engine Driver. Michael Cleary, Hoseman.
Antone McCarty, Hose Driver.
WASHINGTON — NO. 4.
M. McFadden, Captain. John Hackett, Pipeman.
James Dolan, Engineer. John McMahon, Assis't Pipeman.
John Sullivan, Fireman. Timothy Foley, Hoseman.
Jno. Cunningham, Eng'e Driver. George Cox, Hoseman.
James Stokes, Hose Driver.
PIONKBE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY, NO. 1.
Patrick Haley, Captain. J. Shaughnessy, Truckman.
Barney Lynch, Driver. Clinte Klinke, Truckman.
Frank Egan, Truckman.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

I am indebted to many gentlemen for material aid in
obtaining documents and information, without which
this work would have been quite deficient, if not a failure;
and to whom I take this method of returning my sincere
thanks — among whom I will name :
Judge John M. Lea, of Nashville.
Hon. John Overton, Jr., the grandson of Judge John
Overton, the founder and original proprietor of Mem
phis. Joseph J. EAvyLiNGs, the oldest resident in the city.
Col. Wm. T. Avery, Clerk of the Criminal Court.
Judge T. S. Ayres, one of our oldest Attorneys.
Col. Geo. W. Winchester, son of General James Win
chester, a distinguished officer of the war of 1812, and
one of the original proprietors of Memphis.
George Gillham, one of our most promising lawyers,
who has aided me greatly in getting up the history of
Fanny Wright.
John Brown, the Eegister of Shelbj' county.
Wm. B. Waldran, one of our oldest and most enter
prising citizens.
Squire E. L. Eichards, City Eegister for half a life
time, and who first walked this bluff in 1818.
James S. and M. J. Andrews, sons of Mr. Joseph L

54 history of MEMPHIS.
Andrews, one of our oldest and most substantial mer
chants. Geo. W. Gift, Secretary of the Memphis Gas Works,
and son of one of our oldest citizens.
Richard C. Hite, the publisher, whom as boy and
man I have known on this bluff for forty-five years, and
son of my old friend, Capt. Zachariah Hite.
The Appeal, and most particularly to Col. L. J.
DuPree, to whom, if this work contains any merit, the
reader is more indebted, than to any one else; in fact,
had it not been for his advice and encouragement, I
should never have undertaken it. I am also indebted
to Cols. M. C. Galloway and J. M. Keating, of the
Appeal, for many favors and general kindness.
The Author.

OUE ENGEA VINGS.

We preseint our readers with the pbrtraits of Judge
John Overton and General James Winchester, two of
the three original proprietors of Memphis — the other
being General Andrew Jackson.
We may safely say that no other citj' in the United
States can boast of such distinguished and historic
names as its original founders. Hon. John Overton is
the grandson of Judge Overton, and Major George W.
Winchester the son of General James Winchester — both
being our fellow-citizens.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS.

The series of stories of early days, on this bluff and
vicinity, which appeared in the columns of the Appeal,
at intervals during the past four years, over the signature
of " OLD TIMES," were brought out in the following
manner. Col. L. J. DuPree, of the Appeal, appeared to
toe about the only man in the city who evinced much
¦desire for old reminiscences, and although naturally
a very friendly man, I have attributed much of his
apparent attachment for me to this cause. " Tell us about
old times" was his common exclamation on meeting, and
he finally applied that appellation to me. Through his
importunities I commenced their publication, and soon
awakened a lively interest in their perusal, and their
reproduction in book form has been urgently demanded.
Several other old citizens also contributed liberally,
some of whose contributions, by permission, is herein re
published. Others I would have treated in like manner,
but was unable to procure them. Several stories, though
written for the Appeal, were, through neglect on my part,
not published, and will now appear for the first time.
Some changes will also be observed, both in addition
and omission, which were made with a view to correction
and improvement. With the hope that they will meet
the approbation of the reader,
I remain, as heretofere, the same
OLD TIMES.

56 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.

EAWLINGS AND WINCHESTER

/^T Persons at the present day passing along Commerce
'street, in the northern part of the city, and witnessing
its neglected and filthy condition, might be slow to
believe that it was once the principal thoroughfare
leading into what is now known as the City of Memphis.
Such was, however, the case. A glance at the map will
show that the streets on both sides of the bayou diverge
from what was once known as Anderson's bridge, and if
a map of the town had been drawn forty years ago, it-
would show a divergence of roads up, down and across
the bluff to the river, at the foot of said street; and even as-
late as 1837, when a wharf or bridge was built across the
bar in front of the town,one of its two branches terminated
at the foot of Commerce street; but the great importance
of this street resulted from natural causes. Any one
who will examine the eastern bank of the bayou at
Anderson's bridge will yet perceive that it was once the
ihost accessible point, while on -the west there were two
deep ravines, one between Front and Main, and the
, other about Second street, running in a northeast di-
\ rection and heading about Commerce street, making it
\thc most northern route by which these ravines could be
crossed by teams, which, after reaching Front street,.
Would then pass up to Auction and thence down to the
river. Anderson's bridge, as it was afterwards called, was
once one of the most important localities within what ia
now the city limits.
It was the general camping ground, especially for
Indians, who in early times constituted the principal'

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 57
traders. The bayou was then supplied by numerous
springs, which furnished more than ten times the pres
ent current, and the bed being entirely free from any
impurity, and running through a dense forest, the stream
was as fresh and sparkling at the bridge as at any point
above, and it was a most beautiful place.
OLD IKE RAWLINGS.
The jJrincipal merchant at the bridge, and the only
one worthy the name, was "'Squire "Isaac Eawlings, or
afterward more familliarly known as ' Old Ike Eawlings.'
He came here originally as sutler with Jackson's army,
about 1813. He also held the position of Indian agent
up to the time I think of their removal. As late as 1825
he had a large supply of Indian and army stores in the
block houses at Fort Pickering. This part of the State
then being in the possession of the Indians, no civil
offices existed, and he first held the office of Magistrate
by a sort of popular appointment, without any election
or commission, as was common throughout the "Western
District." It is questionable whether justice was not more
equally administered then than it has ever been since,
for when- that functionary said, " Take him out and
give him thirty-nine or some less number of lashes on
the bare back," it was done. There was no appeal nor
any costs or fees. In cases of debt there were no
exemption or stay laws. Yet Ike gave such time or
exempted such property as he thought proper, and rarely
failed to give satisfaction. Marriage ceremonies were
generally performed by Judge Foy, on the other side of
the river. In reference to the Foys, of whom there
were three brother's, there is considerable history, which •
may be given hereafter. [Eefer to the history of Foy's
Point.]

58 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
After the extinction of the Indian titles, the Legisla
ture appointed magistrates. Ike was made one of them,
but he did not give the satisfaction when administering
justice by a written 'system, as when governed by the
dictates of his honest heart. He then devoted himself
closely to the study of law, particularly to the decisions of
the most distinguished judges, and loved to refer io them
in any decision, however trivial. Nothing pleased him
more than to correct a lawyer in his quotations, or to
argue legal points with the ablest of them. Young
lawyers feared him; some of the older ones, E. C.
McAlpin, for instance, knew exactlj^ how to take him,
by pajung the greatest deference to what he termed,
" Your honor's superior knowledge." »The Squire thus
became most inordinately vain, and if he were not one
of the most learned men of his day, he certainly was
greatly mistaken in himself.
MAJOR MARCUS B. WINCHESTER.
I think it was about the year 1815 that Marcus B.
Winchester established himself here. He was then
quite a young man, of very pleasing address, and was the
first formidable competitor in the mercantile line that
Ike had ever encountered. Peddlers came along fre
quently and took off some of Ike's trade, and there were
several little whisky-shop concerns, with a few remnants
of " all sorts," but they were very little in his way, and
generally played out in a short time; but Winchester's
stock laid anything of the kind that Eawlings had ever
produced perfectly in the shade.
Ike, however, was determined to pursue the even tenor
of his way, not doubting but that the "young fop"
would soon run his race and be anxious to sell out at any
price. But in this he was mistaken, and no doubt deeply

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 59
chagrined, to think that anj'one should prosper in defi
ance of his fixed rules and grave predictions. Ike was
considered an oracle, and consulted on all subjects.
A year passed, and instead of prbposing to sell, new
supplies were being received every month or two, and
everybody, except the squire, believed that Winchester
was getting rich. AN EPISODE.
The purchase of this territory from the Indians was
from some cause delayed, and it might be doing injus
tice to the Original proprietors of Memphis to give the
current opinions and charges entertained and made
against them, particularly Generals Jackson and Win
chester, and especially against Jackson, by the settlers,
many of whom had served under him during the war,
and looked upon him as their particular friend. They
expected that as soon as the purchase was made their
rights as settlers, acquired by peaceable purchase from
Indians, would be respected, or at least, that the " occu
pant laws" would be extended to them. It was also
thought that the old North Carolina revolutionary land
grants had all been located, and if not, this territory
would not be subject to them. Whether these opinions
were well founded or not, it is too late to inquire.
JOHN c. m''lemore.
The town oi Memphis was laid off on what was known
as the " John Eice Grant." General Jackson being im
pressed with some high asperations about this time, and
perhaps anxious to relieve himself of the ill-feeling en
gendered by this purchase, sold his interest to Colonel
John C. McLemore, who thus became one of the proprie
tors, and proved the most active and liberal friend the
town had. Through his exertions the largest number of

60 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
settlers were induced to make this bluff their home, andl
in less than a year the population had increased from-
about two hundred to six hundred inhabitants.
THE RIVALS.
Winchester had established himself on Front street,
immediately south of Jackson, where he built a house
far surpassing any other on the bluff at that day. In
front of the spot on which the commandant's house now
stands there was a handsome grove of locust and plum.
trees. From this grove he made a corduroy road, leading
down the side of the bluff, from the foot of Commerce-
street, and terminating at the lower point of the batture,
opposite the foot of Jackson street, making a shorter-
and better road to the landing than by way of Auction
street. He also cut a road, or rather footpath, . down the
ravine at the foot of Market street to a large spring that
bubbled up at that point. Many of the country people
thought the river water unfit to drink. These improve
ments, with the view of the river and the occasion a
sight of a steamboat, made this grove the wagoners'
most popular camping ground.
Eawlings, who still retained his position at the bridge,
saw with sorrow his trade drooping daily. His old cus
tomers would drive by his door, and occasionally one, who-
had not been to town for a long time, would stop to in
quire the way to. Winchester's. Others still stuck to Ike
and the old camping ground, particularly the Indians,.
who cared no more for the sight of a steamboat than the
old dray horse does of the present day. The fact, how
ever, that the trade was leaving the bridge and going to the
bluff, was too glaring, and Ike determined to rally. He
had wealth, and felt certain of his popularity. All he
lacked, as he thought, was the position. This he deter
mined to possess.

THE OLD' TIMES PAPERS. 61
He selected a lot on the west side of second street,
tietween Jackson and Winchester streets, which, through
^n agent, he purchased for some ten or fifteen dollars, and
was perhaps the first property he ever owned on the bluff.
Most persons prefer building on the corner of two streets,
particularly a business house, but Ike preferred the rear
-on the corner of two allays. This was not owing to any
peculiar whim. .He considered it a strategic point, as
military men would say, being high and overlooking the
•camping ground at the bridge, and also that on the bluff,
and being about an equal distance from each would enable
him to retain the full trade ofthe former and at the same
time secure part of the latter.
A great difficulty intervened. The surveyor had made
this great thoroughfare an alley instead of a street. This
he perceived could still be remedied, but not without
some sacrifice. He would be obliged to go to Winches
ter, who represented the proprietors, and ask to have
this alley widened. After some hesitation he put on a
bold front and made the request. This was fortunate.
Although it made no difference on the part of Winchester,
it softened the haughty and defiant bearing of Eawlings.
The readiness with which the request was granted, the
importance and necessity of the change admitted, and
the conduct of Winchester throughout, could not fail to
iiave a beneficial effect on his competitor; and when the
latter asked permission to suggest a name, " with pleas
ure" was the affable reply; so Ike pronounced it
" COMMERCE STREET."
Ike was an enemy to progress, and his predictions of
¦evil was not so much through enmity to Winchester as
his natural disposition to discourage public undertakings.
He went ahead, however, and put up a good house, be-

62 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
cause he did not wish to be too far behind his rival.
The old building is still there, ' but the hill has been
graded down and a basement added, making the house a
story higher than formerly. He brought on quite a large
stock of goods, a portion of which remained on hand at
the time of his death, some eighteen years later. The
reason was that he marked his goods according to
his former rates, and the fact that every body was un
derselling him was no reason in his mind that he should
change his prices. Although he was so ready to advise
economy, he did not like to have a customer tell him
that he would go elsewhere unless he would sell as low
as others. Occasionally a citizen, after canvassing the
town and failing to find a certain article, would go to
Eawlings' and find it there. The 'Squire would take it
down and examine the mark and price, which neither
time nor decay could alter.
The store finally became a mere magistrate's office.
He had his regular daily programme, which nothing but
legal business could induce him to deviate from.
He would sit for hours arguing legal questions without
regard to other pressing matters. He loved to be called
on for advice, whether on law, commerce or agriculture.
It was his boast that he asked advice of no one. In the
meantime the town had not been improved as had been
expected. In fact, it is questionable whether Memphis
did not retrograde, for which there were several reasons,
to be enumerated hereafter. Ike, however, claimed it
as an evidence of his foresight. Had he claimed the
, credit of contributing largely to ' this result he would
have been nearer the truth.
e MEMPHIS ASTONISHED.
n 1826 the citizens were taken by surprise, on read-
the Nashville papers, to learn that Memphis was an

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 63
Incorporated town. Some were very mad, others in-
diflTerent, and others, again thought that it would be a
good thing. They very generally abhorred the idea
»Qf taxes, and the fear was that we were to be
terribly taxed. A public meeting was called, at which
Ike presided. Speakers denounced the thing as a trick .
of the .proprietors. Those living on the outskirts — some
half a dozen poor devils who never were known to pay
a cent of taxes in their lives, but who make the best
evidences of the iniquitous system — looked as though
they never could survive the shock. But Ike rushed to
their rescue and surpassed himself in eloquence in their
behalf, bringing forth a weight of authority sufficient
to crush any one-horse corporation on earth, and smack
ing his lips at the conclusion of each sentence, as much
as to say, " that 's unanswerable." Winchester was not
there, but others were, who showed clearly the great
necessity for a corporation, and wound up by proposing
to leave these unfortunates out, and as Ike had devoted
himself exclusively to them he was obliged to look sat-
i sfied, though really he was not, for he designed killing
the whole thing. A long, narrow area of land was
therefore cut off the east side, and another off the south
ern. True, there was no one living at the south, but
they did not know how soon some one might be. The
change was agreed to unanimously, and the meeting
adjourned with the best feeling; especially were they
delighted who escaped the clutches of the new corpora
tion. They crowded around their benefactor, and were
eloquent of gratitude. The amendment was forwarded
and readily passed, signed and approved, and when too
late it was discovered that forty-nine fiftieths of the
territory cut off belonged to the proprietors, and that
they were the only real beneficiaries of the change. , In

64 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
March following an election was held for Mayor and
Aldermen. Seven persons were elected. Eawlings
refused the use of his name, or he would have been the
first, instead of the second Mayor. Major Winchester
was chosen. At that time the Mayor was elected by the
Board from their own number. Old Ike still wielded a
powerful influence over the minds of the people. They
looked up and almost reverenced him, while his stern
and repulsive manners rather added than detracted from
his influence. He was the general referee, and law-suits
were thus avoided. The man who refused to submit to his
decrees was voted a knave. Some said that if it was the
Eawlings of fifteen or twer ty years ago, who acted on
his own brains, they would have no hesitation, but the
present was a different man, who borrowed ideas of jus
tice from law books. Much as some might dislike his
peculiarities and self-important airs, none will ever say
that Isaac Eawlings was any other than a man of the
strictest integrity. I always looked upon him as vain,
and ever seeking to be considered great by honorable
means. There can be no doubt that a greater misfortune
could never befall a new and rising town than the settle
ment of such a man in it ; but the great wonder is, that
he was not a more violent and out-spoken enemy to the
town than he was ; for he certainly had a great deal to
oontend with, in the way of wounded pride and humbled
importance, to see a mere boj"^, with comparatively little
means, settle under his nose, take away his trade, weak
en Ms influence, excel him in foresight, shun his advice
and counsel, trample all his unwavering theories under
foot, give the lie to all his cherished principles, and still
prosper; and this, too, in so gentlemanly and legitimate
a manner as to leave him no pretext for an open rupture,
if such had been desired.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 65
FORTUNES OP THE CITY AND OF WINCHESTER.
After Memphis had passed two yeara of charterd life,
during which time she had prospered considerable in
population, trade, wealth and improvements, the legis
lature being again in session, our charter was amended,
giving Memphis all the powers of Nashville, and likewise
subjecting us to all the restrictions, one of which was,
that thc Mayor was debarred from holding a government
office. This left Winchester out, uiiless he choose to
resign the office of post-master, which it was well known
he would not do, as the office of Mayor paid nothing, and
was no little trouble. Eawlings could have beaten him
easily, but he was not so certain about that, and he was
too stiff to consult, much less to electioneer, with any
one. His rival being out of the way, he was elected.
Winchester, however, consented to serve on the Board.
Ike made no objection, so far as I ever heard; and thus
these two leading spirits and great lights of Memphis were
at last brought together, and each no doubt sought to
equal the other in politeness, if not in formal style.
A MODEL MAYOR.
To say that Isaac Eawlings made a good Mayor would
be but an indifferent compliment. He superintended all
the work, paid out the money as though it were coming
from his own pocket. He improved the streets, partic
ularly Commerce street; not from selfishness, for his
commercial days had gone by. In fact he began to
show quite an interest in the welfare and prosperity of
Memphis, and could hear it favorably spoken of without
shaking his head. He held the office some five or six
years. Although beaten two or three times, he was
always re-elected after being out one year. In the spring
of 1834 he thought he would try his strength beyond the

66 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
town, and became a candidate to represent the county in
the Constitutional Convention which met that year, but
was beaten. A 'WONDERFUL ELECTION AND RARE OLD MEN.
This was a very remarkable canvass, not only in the
ability of the candidates, but froin the fact that they
were all abolitionists, pr what would have been termed -
the worst of abolitionists, a few years after. One was
Colonel Ward, who afterward was killed by his nephews ;
Adam E. Alexander, former member of Congress, Mr.
Charles Stuart, and " The Squire." They made speeches
in front of Johnson's Tavern, defining their positions.
The two first declared themselves literally opposed to
slavery, and they hoped the day would soon come when
Tennessee would be rid of the curse, but were not pre
pared to advocate its abolition until a more speedy and
efficient system of colonization was adopted. Eawlings
hoped that some feasible plan would be brought before
the Convention for removing the curse, for no one could
look upon it with greater abhoi rence than himself, while
Stuart pledged himself to bring forward a plan, if none
others did, and urged that emancipation should precede,
and colonization would readily follow. He secured
decidedly the advantage of his competitors by showing
that they all acknowledged it a curse, prayed for its
extinction, and yet lacked the moral courage to combat it.
THE FIRST ME.MPHIS BANK.
. Ike, from one of the most retired, became one of the
most public men of the town, at least in a financial way.
He took an active part in getting up the Farmers and
Merchants Bank, and while under his direction, there was
riot a better managed or more solvent institution in the
country, and the same may be said of it while under

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 67
Winchester's administration. I will here add an incident
in connection with the organization of this bank, the
establishment of which formed a new and important
epoch in the history of our town. Everybody who could,
took stock in it, and little else was talked of in commercial
circles. An informal meeting of some of the stock
holders was held, at which a list of suitable persons for
Directors was prepared, in which, as a matter of course,
the names of niy heroes figured. This was carried to
Eawlings, who read it over, frowned, and after smacking
his lips, said: "Gentlemen, that, with one exception, will
suit me." This was what the parties dreaded. It was
their desire that the best of feeling should exist in the
board; especially between its most prominent mem
bers. Their fears, however, were soon relieved by Ike's dash
ing the pen across his own name, instead of that of
Winchester's, as had been feared. "There," said he, with
another smack of the lips, " with that omission the board
>vill suit me." When the election came off the ticket, with
Ike's name restored, went through with but little scatter
ing opposition, though it appeared that Winchester was
smartly ahead of Eawlings, and some of the less discreet
undertook to jeer the old man about it. "Yes," said he,
he has beaten me to the extent of my own vote. Had I
voted for myself, as he did, I should not have been behind
him." Which, on examination, was found to be the case.
Eawlings was never elected president, but frequently
acted as such, and I think the first bills issued bore his
name as president pro tem. After Eawlings' death
Winchester was elected president. Eawlings also started
the first insurance office in Memphis. I have endeavored
to be very brief, and therefore omitted many incidents
in the narrative of this singular man that might have

Q8 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
|>roved interesting; also some amusing anecdotes,
another of which I will venture to give.
A HARD STOKY.
Passing Johnson's tavern once, in his very erect and
«apid manner, he was stopped by Gus Young and Bob
fyawrence, two pretty fast young men, but not more so
than was common at that day, who asked him to settle a
iegal question between them. The "Squire" did not
like to be stopped in the street, but legal questions had
precedence over everything else, so he smacked his lips,
indicating that he was ready. Gus explained that he
had sold Bob a lot, with a stable on it, in the loft of
which there was a quantity of corn, while outside, on
the lot, there was a pile of manure. After the sale and
transfer, he sent to haul away this corn and manure,
but Lawrence forbade the removal, claiming them as his
property, by virtue of the purchase of the lot. Ike
smacked his lips again, and decided that the corn could
be removed, as it was personal property, but the manure
was a part of the realty', as much so as if it was spread
over or plowed into the ground. He quoted several
standard authorities in support of his decision, and
again smacked his lips. " Well," said Gus, with an
apparently perplexed air, "can you now tell us, 'Squire,
how a mule can eat personal property and discharge
real estate?" Ike saw the sell at once, and after bestow
ing a withering look on the offenders, turned on his heel
and walked off, grasping his cane in a manner that
clearly said that he would like to use it on somebody,
while the crowd engaged in a general and boisterous
laugh. HOW SAD THE END OP SUCH A LIFE.
The Squire became afflicted with a cancer in his spine,
¦which terminated his life. The last time he appeared

THE OLD time's PAPERS. 69
on the streets was at the Presidental election in 1840.
He was carried to the polls in an easy chair, by two
negro men, for he was a strong Whig, while Winchester
was an equally strong Democrat. When he offered his
vote with his trembling hand, he had the mortification
to have it challenged, and that, too, on the ground that
he was a dead man. Hje had been given up by his
physician, and had made all his arangements for death
sometime before. Such was the bitterness of party
feeling at that time. The judges, however, paid no
attention to the challenge, but took the proffered vote,
and he was carried home never to leave the house again.
When the illumination for the election of Harrison and
Tyler came off, a number of us went to greet him. We
found him in his easy chair, and rolled him to the door,
as we did not want the crowd to enter, when the old
man raised his palsied hands and added his dying voice
to the general cheering. He said — " Now my friends I
can die happy," and in a short time thereafter Issac
Eawlings was at rest forever.
WINCHESTER AGAIN.
Major Winchester made a good Mayor, but he had
too much other business to attend to. If he became not
popular he at least won much of public confidence. Raw-
lings still divided with him the labors of banker, and
was the equal of any one in integrity, but he had not
the Major's bland and pleasing manners, and was
wholly deficient in financial skill. Winchester on the
other band, was a perfect expert. Our currency wa,9
mostly State, local and individual bank notes, which
were invariably at a greater or less discount. Besides,
we had some spurious banks, with no small amount of
counterfeits, with all. of which the Mayor seemed per-

70 HISTORY* OF MEMPHIS.
fectly familiar; and in proportion to the population, I
might say his store was crowded daily with gratuitous
custom, mostly to test money, while many others came
to deposit or draw out money. There were a number of
old settlers in the neighborhood, wholly unlettered, yet
men of considerable property. These could not be
induced to touch anything i^ the way of paper money
until Winchester had passed judgment on it, and
strange to say, a large portion of the money here then
belonged to negroes, generally in small savings, but
almost all boasted of having money in " massa Win
chester's hands," and not unfrequently enough to buy
themselves. Slavery was then very different from what
it was ten or twenty years afterward, when abolitionism
rose up. Almost every master gave his slaves an oppor
tunity to earn money for themselves.
Winchester's peculiarities.
I have heard that Winchester opened a regular ac
count with all his slaves, charging them with their
purchase money, food, clothing, etc., and crediting them
with all their services, with a view to their ultimate
emancipation. Another class that had the greatest con
fidence in the Major, was the women, who never doubted
his honor. I allude to widows and such as had estates
jto manage, and I will venture to say that not one of
them had ever cause to regret it. Eeference to these
facts reminds me of one remarkable case.
FANNY WRIGHT  A FUNNY STORY.
I allude to Miss Fanny Wright, she was of large
masculine figure, strong voice, and most remarkable
oratorical powers. She had traveled over the United
'States during Mr. Adams' administration, lecturing
against the conflicting forms of .religion and the holy

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 71
marriage ties. The latter, she contended, was a mere
•civil contract, to be entered into or dissolved at the will
of the parties to it. She then favored the abolition of
slavery, and, it was said, amalgamation, which I am
satisfied was not true. However obnoxious her doctrines
may seem, they took for a time remarkably well. Her
audiences were very large and orderly. Societies, em
bracing her creed, were formed in numerous cities, com
posed of the most wealthy and influential, if not moral,
inhabitants. Whether Winchester had anything to do
with her settlement in this neighborhood, or, embraced
her doctrines, I do not know, but she certainly had
unbounded confidence in him as her agent and adviser.
She purchased a large tract of land, known yet as
the Nashobah lands, about twelve miles from the city,
on which she designed establishing a colony, and ex
pended considerable money on it; but she fell in love
and violated her own principles by getting married,
acccording to usual forms, to the disgust of her adhe
rents. There was also a Mrs. Trollope, who took a tour
through this country about 1829, and on her return to
England, published a book, abusing and ridiculing the
Americans in every possible manner. She paid our
infant town a visit, and one of the very tew exceptions
to her general abuse was Major Marcus B. Win
chester, whom she pronounced a perfect man. We
were also visited by a notorious old hag, who fiourished
about that time, and gloried in the name of Mrs. Ann
Eoyal. She published a scurrilous paper in Washington
-City, called the Paul Pry, and extorted a vast amount of
money, in the shape of blackmail, from members of Con
gress and others, in order to escape her foul abuse; bjit
never tired in her praise of Major Winchester and his

72 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
interesting familj', which, instead of being a reproach,
she held to be an evidence of his nobleness of soul, rising
above cast and prejudice. These were all English wo
men, and it is possible had some previous knowledge of
Winchester. It will be remembered that he served on the staff of his
father, General James Winchester, with the rank of Major,.
and was captured at the disastrous defeat of the river
Eaisin and carried to Quebec, where he attracted a great
deal of attention, for the remarkable beauty of his fea
tures and flgure, his gentlemanly and soldierlike bear
ing, and, above all, his astonishing intelligence, though
a beardless boy. He met with many English tourists
there, who conceived for him a strong attachment, par
ticularly the female portion of them; and in their letters
home, some of which were published, ridiculing and
scandalizing the American people generally, and her mil
itary men particularly, were lavish in their praise of the
"little Yankee Major;" and it maybe that the Trollopes,.
Eoyals and others might have been attracted here bj^
having seen some of these letters.
But it was not by such as these that Winchester was
most esteemed. It was said and believed that he could
have obtained any position from President Jackson that
he desired; and had he been placed in the cabinet, would
certainly have proved a great credit to his administra
tion, compared with some that were of that body.
DAVID CROCKETT.
The name of David Crockett might be brought in
here, and greatly to Winchester's credit; but I am anx
ious to get through. It might seem that Winchester
should have been "a happy man, instead of which he was,.
perhaps, the most miserable; and this part of my story

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 73
I had intended to omit, but I have been compelled to
make some allusions to it, which, unexplained, might
make things look worse than they really were.
COLONEL THOMAS H. BENTON,
• who afterward distinguished himself as the veteran
United States Senator from Missouri, and who com
manded a regiment under Jackson at New Orleans,
brought with him on his return a beautiful French quad
roon girl, with whom he lived some two or three years,
when, in view, perhaps, of his future greatness, he con
cluded to turn her adrift and get married. He did so,
but not without providing liberally for her, giving her
property and money, which was placed in Winchester's
hands for safe-keeping. This brought those attractive
persons together, and the consequence was a great error;
but Winchester could not think of remedying it in the
way Benton had done. He concluded to pursue the op
posite course, and therefore took " Mary " to Louisiana,
where the laws permitted intermarriage of the races, and
there formally married her. If Winchester thought that
this act would modify the asperity of popular feeling
ragainst him he was greatly mistaken, for it increased in
virulency ten-fold. White men living with colored wo
men was, I am sorry to say, quite common at that day.
s^y old friend, 'Squire Isaac Eawlings, was not faultness,
and it never set him back in the least with the very set
who were most bitter against Winchester; but there was
a difference — Eawlings' housekeeper was slave-born, and
remained so, while Winchester's was born free, well
raised, and accomplished. Besides, Eawlings did not
marry. Poor Mary tried, by acts of charity, liberal do
nations to religious purposes, exemplary and unobtrusive
deportment, and all other conceivable means, to allay the

74 illSXOKY OV MEMPHIS.
intense hatred, but it only had the effect to increase, if
possible, its vindictiveness. THE GAMBLERS.
The feeling against Winchester first originated with a
set of vicious persons, or more directly speaking, thieves
and gamblers, whose headquarters were at the Bell Tav
ern, and who virtually ruled the country up to July, 1835,
when five of them were hung by the outraged citizens of
Vicksburg. After this they were driven from every town
in the Mississippi valley. But prior to that date they
were permitted to obtrude themselves into some of the
best families, simply because it was dangerous to slight
them. By deep-laid and ingenious devices they managed
to swindle the poor country people, who came to town,
out of their money. The most efficient means that the
country people had of guarding against those sharpers
was to deposit their money with Winchester or Eawlings,
both of whom took particular pains to defeat the gentry
by frustrating their schemes for making a living. Eaw
lings, who prided himself on his fearlessness, did not
hesitate to tell them that they ought to be tied up and
flogged, and with all his love of law, no doubt often
wished for the good old days when he ordered such to
receive thirty -nine on their bare backs for offenses which,
at that later day, they practiced with impunity. But
Winchester was such a mild, pleasant man that he would
not hurt the feelings even of a thief by a harsh word.
They attributed his mildness to timidity, or, as they
would express it, cowardice, which always invites attack.
Winchester's family relations being his only assailable
point, they readily availed themselves of it, and only with
too much success. MUKKELL'S REIGN. - .
There was also a band of thieves and desperadoes e:x;-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 7t)
tending over several of the Southern States, known
afterwards as the " Murrell clan." Their general ren
dezvous was a short distance above here in Arkansas, but
several prominent members lived here. One charac
teristic of this gang was their frequent absence from
home without any one, even their families, being able to
tell where they had gone, or how long they would be ab
sent. The full history of this clan has been published
by Virgil A. Stewart, and although, I might add a few in
cidents, I shall content myself with sajdng that I believe
they would have made this point one of their bases of
operation had it not been for Winchester, whose readj-
capacity for detecting counterfeit money, in which thej'
dealt extensively, rendered it venturable for that purpose.
They were too shrewd to attack him on that point, but
their virtuous indignation knew no bounds at the out
rage he was perpetrating on societj"-, hoping no doubt
to destroy his influence or cause him to leave Memphis.
GENERAL GAINES AND WINCHESTER.
From this source the slanders spread, until the whole
community seemed, with a few exceptions, infected, a«id
Winchester found himself shunned and avoided by men
indebted to him for various favors. About this time
Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines established the headquarters of
the Western Division of the United States Army at this
place, and never was there a greater accession to any
town, for had he been properly aided, he would have set
Memphis full twenty years ahead, and given her a start
over any other city of the Mississippi Valley. He secured
the location of the military road across Arkansas, the
establishment of the arsenal, and was the first to sug
gest this point for a naval depot and dock-yard; and also
a system of railroads very similar to that now almost per-

76 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
fected. He was one of the few who disregarded the
prejudice advanced against Winchester, which was
very unfortunate for his plans. He visited him every
day, carrying his maps and papers, remaining for hours,
and giving color to the report that Winchester was the
real planner, and Gaines the instrument to carry them
out, which of course was not true ; but had these men
been let alone, everything asked for of the Government
would have been granted. Winchester's infiuence with
the administration was a power in itself, and when urged
as a military necessity by Gen. Gaines, to say nothing
of Jackson's individual interest and State pride, their
success was beyond a doubt. But the rabble willed it
otherwise, ahd Gaines, finding himself a butt for ridicule,
even with those who should have had better sense, be
came disgusted and abandoned his schemes of public
good. STUPID PEOPLE.
The enemies of Winchester, having gained further
triumphs, instead of abating in their enmity seemed to
have become more bitter. It became dangerous for him
t© venture into public, which he rarely did without
pressing occasion. He was several times wantonly in
sulted. Demagogues vied with each other in vindictive
epithets, with the hope of extorting the louder shouts' of
the mob, and when a few years later the great difficulty
arose which brought about the fatal duel between Gholson
and Jackson, and a regulating company was organized, it
was all a few of us could do to prevent them from
notifying Winchester, among others, to leave. But his
greatest source of trouble, no doubt, was the future of his
children. I never knew any of them except Owen, his
oldest son, who was certainly the sprightliest boy I ever
sstw. At the age of ten years, being very much

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 77
attached to me, he would frequently come, sit and read
the newspaper and make his comments in a manner that
would have been creditable to a man of mature years.
At twelve he was acknowledged to be the most expert
cotton weigher and marker on the bluff, and was withal
very handsome and witty, and seemed to have fully
inherited all the remarkable talents of his father. In
curable and irremediable prejudices against these
children existed, north and south. There was a slight
copper tinge that embrowned the brow of the fairest,
and this was, socially fatal. Can it be wondered then,
that the unhappy father rushed into intemperance to
drown the horrid thought, or perhaps hope that by the
association of the most degraded to familiarize himself
and children with that condition in life to which they
seemed inevitably destined. It had one good effect,
however, which led to others. It proved the first pop
ular step he had ever taken with the mob, who now
became his greatest admirers. He next took a step
which was thought by many to be a very great impru
dence, but which proved, in the end, to his advantage.
He became a candidate for the Legislature and was
triumphantly elected, though his party was in the
minority, and to the credit of his opponents, be it said,
no allusion was ever made to his family or anything else
personally offensive; but, on the contrary, they treated
him with the greatest kindness, while quite a number
voted for him. His opponents were old Whigs, and
gentlemen. Thus having brought my story within the recollection
of many better acquainted with the subject, and far more
able to complete it, if they think proper to do so, — in their
hands I leave it, with the sincere hope that posterity
will render to the memory of Major Macus B. Winches-

78 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
ter that justice which, during his life, he was so shame
fully denied. The one great error of life, for which he
suffered so intensely, it should be remembered, was
committed at a time when there was virtually no society
here, and should, therefore, be looked upon with all due
allowance and charity.

The following flattering notices appeared in the
columns of the Appeal. The first during the progress
of the preceding story, and the other at its conclusion :
" We publish this morning a series of sketches written
by a gray-haired old man, whose form and face and voice
have been familiar to the citizens of Memphis through
forty years past. He appears as a chronicler of events
forgotten by nearly all the living, and unrecorded by
those who have died. Interesting beyond measure is
the simple recital of facts, and let us say that even
Sterne, the divinest master of pure English, never wrote
a more admirable and touching recital in more faultless
language than that employed in telling of the death of
Isaac Eawlings. It is a masterpiece of simple elegance.
Eead and improve it who can. It is matchless because
it rises superior to all art."

" In another place we publish an inimitable story,
written by one of the oldest citizens of Memphis. The
narrative is distinguished by its naive simplicity ahd
truthfulness. It tells of facts of which every old citizen

THK OLD TIMES PAPERS. 79
was cognizant, and of prejudices that lost their force
long before Major Winchester died. He came here
before a social system existed, and when people's prej
udices against Creoles were incorrigible. It was in
1851 or '52 that Major Winchester, for the last time,
appeared before the people. A staunch Democrat, he
defeated for the Legislature in this county, in which the
Whig party was dominaint, a gentleman as courtly and
polished, and as worthy a citizen as himself. This
competitor of Major Winchester was Col. John Pope.
There was never a member of any community more
esteemed while he lived, or more honored at his death,
than Major Marcus B. Winchester, the most graceful,
courtlj', elegant gentleman that ever appeared upon
Main street, and the ' dress proclaimed the man.' "

80 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.

AN ADDITIONAL STOEY OF EAWLINGS AND
WINCHESTEE.

[ The following contribution to the Memphis Appeal,
written by my old friend Mr. Jos. J. Eawlings, a near
relative of old Ike's, by special request I am permitted
to insert in this work:]
" Editors Appeal. — I have noticed in your valuable
paper a contribution from a correspondent signing him
self " Old Times." I am gratified to know that there
are still living some who have such a vivid recollection
of times gone by. Some can recollect one thing and
some another. Perhaps many incidents have come under
my observation that have escaped that of " Old Times."
However, we agree in making Isaac Eawlings and
Marcus B. Winchester the heroes of early days, very
justly so, too. They were both talented business men,
high minded in all their dealings, and it would not be
amiss to say that, in all the combinations of a business
character, they were not surpassed, if equaled, by any
business men on the Bluff at the present day. They had
their faults, as other men have, but when the condition
of society here, in their time, is taken into consideration,
they will be entitled to a good deal of charity from a
generous public. A unique election.
Your correspondent alluded to the election of delegates
to the Convention for a change in the State Constitution
in 1836. He omitted the name of one very important
candidate, that of Major Hannum. The candidates were

the old TIMES PAPERS. 81
Colonel Ward, Isaac Eawlings, Adam E. Alexander,
Charles Stewart and IVRijor Hannum. Charles Stewart
was the Abolition candidate, and received but a few
votes. Colonel Ward and Isaac Eawlings were both
very able men, and made logical and instructive speeches.
They attracted large audiences that followed them about
from one appointment to another. I partook of the
excitement and rode round with them to hear their mag
nificent arguments. Alexander was not much of a
speaker, but an indefatigable electioneerer. While Col.
Ward and Isaac Eawlings were entertaining large crowds
with their matchless eloquence, Adam was slipping
through the throng shaking hands with the men, saying
a soft word to the women and tickling the children with
candy. It had its effect, and Adam E. Alexander was
elected by a small majority. It chagrined Colonel Ward
very much, and he threq,tened to contest the election, but
old Ike bitterly opposed it.
Major Hannum made speeches too'. He canvassed the
county with the other candidates whenever he could get
a horse to ride. He always expressed great confidence
in his own election. The encouragement he met with in
every section was beyond doubt. The promises of influ
ential men were secured, and he did not see how it was
possible he could be beaten. But, alas, for human cal
culation, when the votes were counted out, to his great
astonishment, he had not received a single vote. It was
thought at that time to be an unprecedented thing in
elections — an occurrence of the kind had never been
known before — for a man to canvass the county over and
not get a vote. The other candidates laughed mightily
at the circumstance. By way of retort, Hannum told
them that he had undoubted evidence that he did not
vote for himself, which they had not.

82 history of MEMPHIS.
HARD CASES.
Your correspondent alluded to certain wild young men
that were here at an early day, who were given much to
practicing jokes whenever an opportunity offered, and
instances a joke played off on old man Ike. I was well
acquainted with half a dozen such boys, (useless to men
tion names), who thought it a crying shame to miss a
good joke when an opportunity offered, it mattered not
to them at whose cost — whether General Jackson, Judge
Overton or Isaac Eawlings. (The two former used to
visit us occasion all J^)
Old man Ike had, among his valuables, a large liquor
case that he used to prize very highly. He kept it well
stored with the best of brandy, gin, whisky, and all
kinds of wine. On one occasion he had it replenished
with the best of liquors from New Orleans. A few days
after he left for Baltimore. The facts were soon noised
about among the boys, who thought it a very imprudent
act for him to flll up his liquor case and then leave, and
that he ought to be taught better. The opportunitj' was
too good to be lost. A delegation was sent to inspect
the liquor case. The village was scraped for all sorts,
sizes and descriptions of keys. None would unlock the
magic case. Finally, says one mechanical genius : " I
can draw that hasp." A chisel was soon brought into
requisition; the hasp was drawn; the lid raised, and the
voluptuous bottles, with their contents, perfectly devel
oped. It was the means of several first-class frolics.
The boys were all sworn to secrecy, and the joke was too
good, of course, ever to be mentioned. When the bottles
were emptied, they were all put back in their places, and
the hasp carefully replaced by the same mechanical
genius.

the old times pap£q«. 83
When old man Ike cams back, he was several days
inspecting his goods, books and accounts, cash, etc. He
finally got round to the liquor case. He put his hand in
his pocket, took out the key and unlocked it. With a
mournful looking countenance, he exclaimed, "How
egregiously a man can be mistaken in his own mind. I"
would have sworn that when I left. every bottle was full;
how mistaken 1 was, for there is not a drop in one of
them." He was heard to ask several friends privately,
on two or three occasions during the following week,
whether they had observed any evidence in his conduct
that his memory, or other faculties, were failing? It was
only the bottles, and not his head, that were empty.
PANNY VTRIGHT AND ROBERT DALE OWEN.
In 1826 or '27, Fannie Wright and Eobert Dale Owen
came down here to remodel society. They found a
strong ally in Winchester, who was always ready to
catch at passing " isms." From his popularity, they
felt confident of success, but their ideas were novel, and
did not take with the barbarians. They were both
abolitionists, and thought freeing a few negroes would
be a great accomplishment. Their plan was to buy a
piece of land, then huj a few negroes, and, when the
negroes paid for themselves by their labor, to set them
free and buy more. They bought land on Wolf river,
near Germantown, and called the place Nashobah, which
in the Chickasaw language means wolf The first
purchase of negroes never paid for themselves, so that
scheme fell to the ground.
Fannie had some peculiar notions. She was opposed
to matrimony. She objected to people getting married;
she thought, like the Woodhull-Chaflin sort, that men
and women should be allowed to take up with each

84 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Other, live together as long as they pleased, and quit
when they pleased.
Camille Wright, Fannie' s sister, and a much prettier
woman, was loth to believe in any such doctrine. She
thought it best to marry, should an opportunity offer.
She accepted the first chance, and married, in spite of
Fannie's opposition. • She reported favorably upon the
situation; advised Fannie to go and do likewise; she
knew she would like it. Fannie was finally over-per
suaded, and she married too, much to her own grat
ification and Owen's disgust.
Fannie Wright was a tall, masculine-looking woman,
with a coarse voice like a man. I once heard her lecture
against the Bible, which no man would have undertaken
in those days. She was quite fiuent and eloquent. She
selected (as she thought) very strong points, and
enforced them with great zeal, as if it came from the
bottom of her heart. She thought she had demolished
the Book, and torn it all to jjieces.
PEN PORTRAITS.
When I first became acquainted with Winchester, I
thought him the handsomest man I ever saw. In ad-
tion to his fine appearance, his manners were those of a
Chesterfield. He was preposessing and popular. In
politics he was a strong Democrat; in religion he was
skeptical, and might be called a non-believer — he never
attended church. Isaac JJawlings was low in statue —
nothing prepossessing about him. He had an imped
iment in his speech, but a flne head and a very intel
lectual countenance. He was as strong an old line
Whig as Winchester was a Democrat. They were good
friends; had frequent political controversies, but it
never interrupted their kind personal relations. Unlike

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 85
Winchester, the old man was very piously inclined — a
thorough Episcopalian in sentiment. Old Parson Wright
preached the first Episcopal sermon ever delivered in
Memphis, and established the first Episcopalian church.
Isaac Eawlings took a great interest in it, contributed
liberally to its support, and attended divine service at his.
church whenever his rheumatics would admit. His
funeral sermon was preached by the Eev. Philip Alston,
and this was the last of Isaac Eawlings.

86 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

UNCLE BILLY YATES.

HOW A VERY PERT YOUNG WOMAN GOT HER FIGUREHEAD
PAINTED  FEARFUL REVENGE  ADMINISTERING THE
CONDIGN  GETTING RELIGION AND ITS EFFECTS.
Among the early settlers of this bluff was a Mr. Wil
liam Yates, a peculiar but much better man than he had
general credit for being. He was very unpopular, espe
cially with those most indebted to him for favors. No
body cursed him louder than those who owed him
borrowed money, though he was less exacting and his
rates generally more liberal than others engaged in
the same business. He never was known to get out of
humor with any one, no matter how badly they treated
him. He was large and portly, weighing upwards of two
f hundred and forty pounds, and of extraordinary strength.
When the early sale of lots took place, all south of Win
chester street was considered residence property. The
bluff was then cut up with deep gullies and hollows..
Lots lying on these were thought worthless, and Yates
bought them at his own price, which you may guess was
low enough. In after years, when the streets came to
be graded, the elevated portions, which had commanded
the highest prices, had to be cut down to the grade of
the street on which they fronted, and their owners were
glad to find convenient places to deposit surplus earth.
Yates' gullies, therefore, were in great demand; and to
his credit be it said, he never charged for the privilege
of filling them, provided it was done in a proper manner.
The difficulty was he did not have gullies enough to fill.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 87
"Old Billy," as we always called him, like Mrs. Toodles,
was a great hand at buying cheap things; and when he
died, which wag at the age of upward of eighty years,
had several wagon loads of worthless rubbish, which he
had purchased in that way, still on hand.
UNCLE billy's WORST ENEMY.
Among those that cursed him long and loud were his
tenantry. He built such miserable shanties that no per
son able to pay rent would occupy them. The conse
quence was he collected none. But this was not all;
those who became his tenants were so wretchedly poor
that he was obliged to feed them. This, however, was
like filling his gullies — more a tavor to the giver than
the receiver-^ for he purchased large quantities of dam
aged provisions, and but for the aid of these creatures
two-thirds of it might have spoiled on his hands. His
impecunious tenants, however, always considered them
selves outrageously treated because he did not build
better houses and furnish better food.
SOMEWHAT PERSONAL.
Quite a number of amusing anecdotes might be told
of Old Billy Yates, but one or two will suffice for the
present. Among his tenantry was a worthless old fellow
by the name of Brown, who had recently married a young
wife, rather a fast woman, and not more prudent and
circumspect than she should have been. Yates had also
married a young wife, and a most estimable woman she
was. Mrs. Yates, soon after she was brought home, was
taken ill, or so reported. Mrs. Brown communicated the
fact to several of the more respectable ladies of the
neighborhood with whom she was desirous of ingratiating
herself. They readily agreed to call on Mrs. Yates. On
arriving they found that lady better than she had been

88 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
represented. They also found Old Billy in a fine humor.
Mrs. Brown, considering herself the leader, of the delega
tion, put on many pert airs, particularly with Billj^ which
she might have seen did not take well. He brought out
a handful of flour, as a sample of a lot he had just bought,
remarkably good, as he contended, for the price, and
after exhibiting it to the ladies, was in the act of treating
himself to a smell, when Mrs. B., striking up his hand,
threw the flour full in his face, to which a large portion
adhered. Yates immediately threw his left arm around
her body, pinioning her arms fast to her sides. Holding
her in this manner, he lifted her up to the dinner table,
on which stood a dish of pure grease. Into this he ran his
hand and thoroughly smeared it with the contents. From
the table he "toted" her to the fire-place, where he
thrust his hand, reeking with grease, up the chimney,
and collected as much soot as he could scrape together
or would adhere to his fingers. Thus prepared, he pro
ceeded to blacken Mrs. B.'s face. She kicked and
squealed powerfully, but was as helpless as an infant.
The ladies interceded and begged hard for her, but old
Billy was inexorable, and holding her in his vice-like
grasp, he applied a coat of soot and grease, not only to
her face, but to her neck and bosom, making quite a
comely negress.
When turned loose, she cried, stamped and showed
fight, but Yates caught her hands and held her.
" You would not have served these ladies so," she said.
" No, indeed," said he, " nor would they have acted as
you have. I hope this will be a lesson to you, and teach
you not to play such tricks on a man old enough to be
your father."
Mrs. Yates ordered soap and water, but Yates coun
termanded it, saying he was not particular about wash-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 89
ing his face, which was certainly true, and such a pair
of spectacles was perhaps never before witnessed as the
two .who stood facing each other; he, with the flour a
quarter of an inch thick on his face, in places, while she,
having endeavored to scratch the black off hers, only
made it look the worse. She poured forth streams of
abuse, which it is not necessary to repeat. He proposed
to make friends, but she only spat at him. He tried to
reason the case, but she was lost to reason. He flnally
released her and she cut for home, a distance of two
hundred and flfty yards, as fast as her legs could carry
her — failing to make a single call on her way.
Then Yates, perhaps for the first time in his life,
indulged in a hearty laugh, in which the ladies, despite
their fright, found it impossible to avoid joining. He
made a becoming apology, telling them that that woman
was no fit associate for them, a fact that they were al
ready aware of, and that his reason for not suffering her
to wash was only to get rid of her. The ladies left, and
no sooner were in one of their own rooms than they
laughed until their sides ached.
TERRIBLE VENGEANCE.
Mrs. Brown, however, was determined on revenge.
Next day she went to a man by the name of Guthridge,
who lived hard by on Exchange street, and told him a
lot of stuff that Yates said about him. Guthridge, a
credulous fellow, who did not have more sense than the
law allowed, believed it all, and hurrying home, armed
himself with a heavy ax-helve and went down to the
bayou, on Poplai: street, where Yates was engaged with
some twenty negroes, ¦ building his peculiar kind of
houses. He was standidg close on the bank issuing his
orders at the top of his voice, as usual. " Harry," he

90 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Shouted, " you are not setting that post straight," " Jane,
you and Ellen go and help Sam pile up them boards."
"John, you lazy rascal,. if you don't go to work I'll take
the cowhide." Here he was suddenly interrupted by a
heavy blow from behind, across the side of his head,
turning him heels uppermost into the bayou. It hap
pened to be a deep hole, and Billy was completely sub
merged. Guthridge dropped his ax-helve and ran for
life; but Yates got his head above water in time to see him
and order his capture by the negroes. They seized and
took him back, and there held him until the other
negroes got their master out of the bayou, which proved
no easy job. The old fellow then sat down and rested,
while " Guth.," as he was called for short, having found
escape hopeless, betook himself to hard begging, a kind
of argument which Yates was strong proof against.
When sufficiently rested, Yates seized Guth, by the nape
of the neck and threw him across his knee, and taking
his cowhide he everlastingly scored him; at least, Guth.
thought he never was going to stop. He yelled murder
loud enough for everybody in town to hear him, and
many of them did, but they thought that Yates was
only whipping one of his negroes, a very common thingi
and paid no attention to it. Yates had Poplar street
fenced in at that time, from hill to hill, so that there
was no one passing, and no danger bf being interrupted.
But all things have to have and end, and so did poor
<xuth.'s flogging. At last it took a respite, for Yates was
fortunately short winded, during which he questioned
the culprit as to the reason of his rash act, and learned
that Mrs. Brown had told him that he (Yates) had
accused him (Guth.) as a liar, thief, rascal, etc., and had
threatened to cowhide him.
"Why," said Yates, " it's strange she came so near

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 91
the truth in one particular, and I must make her words
good in that at least; " so, chucking poor Guth's. head
down again, he reapplied the lash, and Guth. renewed the
cry of murder, but with no better effect. When, how
ever, his cries became faint, his kicks feeble, and Yates
again fatigued, the whipping cam'e flnally to an end.
Yates after another rest, during which Guth., according
to promise, kept quiet, said —
" Come, sir, we will now pay our respects to our
mutual friend, Mrs. Brown," so picking up the ax-
helve, and still holding on to " Guths'. arm, walked
him up to that lady's domicil, and on calling her she
came to the door, and there beheld an awful sight —
Yates covered with mud, blood and filth, no hat (that
article being planted so fast at the bottom of the bayou
{hat it has never been recovered to this day), and Guth
ridge quivering in every muscle and trembling in every
limb, his countenance indicating the intense agony to
which he had so lately been subjected.
"Well," said. Yates, addressing Mrs B., "you have
done it. A bad woman can always set men to fighting.
You tried to make this poor fool kill me, did you? But
I whipped him for jt until he was satisfied, didn't I? "
he shouted to Guth., giving him a shake at the same
time. " I was satisfied before you struck me at all, and I
told you so," said Guth., giving his nose a wipe and
drawing his sleeve across his upper lip.
"Yes, but I wasn't," said Yates; "and I always like
to have both parties satisfied^"
By this time Mrs. Brown, having recovered from her
shock, for she had not supposed her dupe would have
acted so hastily, let her tongue run upon Mr. Yates, who

92 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
feeling that he was already suflaciently besmeared, did
not wait to hear it.
" Come," said he to his prisoner, " I'll take you to
your wife now."
" I wish he had killed you, so I do! " screamed Mrs.
Brown. " No doubt of it," answered Yates.
By this time the whole neighborhood was aroused, and
quite a crowd collected. On arriving at his house they/
found Mrs. G. at the door.
" Well, Mrs. Guthridge," said Yates, " don't you think
that devilish woman," pointing with the ax-helve to Mrs.
B., whose tongue was still running, " tried to make your
husband kill me with this ax-helve? and he nearly did it,
and I had to whip him for it good, did n't I?" addressing
Guth., and giving him another shake.
" You whipped me mighty bad, so you did," whined
Guth. ; " you whipped me worse than a nigger, and you
know it, curse you ! " he added, giving his head a side
nod and his nose another wipe, at the same time endeav
oring to show something of courage and resentment be
fore the crowd, knowing that Yates did not mind curses.
" Yes," shouted Yates, " and if you ever do the like
again I'll whip you worse," flourishing the ax-helve to the
horror of all.
The women screamed, while poor Guth., in terror, ex
claimed :
" Oh, I'll never do it again ! I'll never do it again ! "
(and he never did).
"Now, Mrs. Guthridge, take him," said Yates, releas
ing Guth.'s arm for the first time in about two hours —
Yates never was in a hurry about anything, and always
spoke very slowly, but terribly loud — "and take good

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 93
care of him; he is not much hurt. It will do him a sight
of good, and teach him better sense next time. As for
this ax-handle, I have won it in a fair fight, and I will
take it home with me. It has done me right smart harm,
and I'll see if I can't make it do me some good; though
I don't think Guthridge would hurt anybody with it
again soon."
Guth. slunk into the house as quickly as possible,
while Yates strode off with his prize, to meet his young
wife, in that terrible plight, leaving Mrs. Guthridge, who
was a very nice woman, perfectly dumbfounded, having
evinced only signs of fear and terror during the inter
view. Mrs. Brown now found herself cut by all her neigh
bors ; the most humble refused to receive, much less to
return, her visits. This was a severe blow to her, as she
was a great gad-about, and she immediately commenced
looking around in hopes of discovering some means of
recovering her lost position. She fancied she saw a
chance in a great revival of religion, which was then at
its hight, and immediately became a convert — making
more powerful demonstrations than all others, both in
yelling and jumping. She proclaimed herself the chief
of sinners. This she repeated so often that it seemed to
be generally believed — at least, no one disputed it.
Between twelve o'clock and daylight she was carried
home, still screaming and shouting to Such an extent
that she alarmed the whole country around. Even old
Yates, whom thunderstorms and tornadoes seldom dis
turbed — from the fact that he outsnored third-rate thun
der — was awakened from his slumbers, and, on going to
the window, bellowed out to know what was the matter.
When told that Mrs. Brown had got religion, he ex
claimed :

94 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
" Let her die! let her die quick, or she will lose it all
in a week's time, and the devil will get her yet."
This was thought very heartless, particularly as the
poor woman screamed herself into a high fever and well
nigh died.
Guth. got religion, also, but as he had not recovered
his voice sufficiently to shout, and was too sore to jump,
he therefore stood it flrstrate. He declared that he not
only forgave all his enemies, but actually loved them;
and in proof of which he hugged Mrs. Brown. But it
seemed that he made a reservation in regard to Yates, or
at least, his money, as bright visions of wealth loomed
up in his mind, in the shape of damages, which for a
time, if not forever, eclipsed all his religion. He con
sulted a lawyer, who was as anxious as Guth. to handle
some of Yates' surplus cash, (for report said he had it
by bushels), who, upon examining his subject from neck
to heels, pronounced it one of the most thoroughly
MARKED cases of assault and battery, with cruel intent,
he had ever taken hold of On further investigation the
idea occurred to him that Yates might possibly be mean
enough to bring in a broken head, a bloody and murderous
ax -helve, a mud ducking and a lost hat, as an offset, and
spoil their amiable speculations, — which caused the law
yer first to ponder, next to think better of it, and finally
to recommend its total abandonment, and poor Guth. was
under the painful necessity of going to work as usual.
What finally became of him the writer cannot say.
Old Billy Yates lived some twenty-two years after
this, but he carried Guthridge's mark to his grave. I
helped to lay him out, and observed the scar on the head
of the corpse while doing so.
But this was not the only scar that disfigured the
corpse of Uncle Billy Yates. He had an ugly one in the

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 95
left cheek, that he received in this way: Some two or
three years after the Brown and Guthridge affair, he
was met in the street by old Billy Persons, who lived
down on Nonconnah creek, who informed him, in an
angry manner, that his cattle were on his land, and that
he was going to shoot them.
" Don't do that," said Yates, " and I will senr] ^wn
and have them driven home."
" No," said Persons, " if you send your d  d thiev
ing niggers on my land I'll shoot them !" (Yates' ne
groes were under a bad character for honesty, but no
worse than Persons') " and if you come yourself," con
tinued Persons, " I'll shoot you !"
"What will that be for?" calmly asked Yates.
"Because you are a rascal! " said Persons, and at the
same time plunged a large butcher's knife, which he had
concealed in his sleeve, into Yates' cheek.
The knife passed between the jaws and almost cut the
old fellow's tongue off. Yates threw his left arm back -
in an underhanded manner, caught Persons around the
body, swung him off his feet, and threw him across his
left knee, belly upward, dropping at the same time on
his right, and there held him powerless while he care
fully drew the knife from his cheek and raised it in the
air. But his motions were too slow. Mr. Henry McAl-
len, one of our earliest merchants, rushed up behind and
caught the uplifted arm, and with the aid of others,
wrenched the knife from Yates' grip, and thereby rescued
Persons from what otherwise would have been certain,
and, perhaps, merited death.

96 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

THE FIEST SEA FIGHT AT MEMPHIS— THE
FLATBOAT WAE.

TERRIBLE RETRIBUTION.
In early times most of the products of the Western
and Southern States was brought down the river in flat-
boats, which frequently came in fleets, particularly from
the smaller rivers, which were only navigable during a
freshet. These boats were generally built, freighted and
manned by the same persons who raised the crops with
which they were loaded, and who, at home, were good,
moral citizens, and not unfrequently strict church mem
bers, some of them deacons, class-leaders, exhorters, and
even rough preachers, who, perhaps, thought religion too
sacred a thing to take on board a flatboat, particularly
as they were going among a set of barbarians, as they
considered the settlers on the Mississippi to be; and it
was by no means uncommon for those who displayed
the most religion at home to be the greatest rowdies
abroad. The trip was looked upon as a frolic, and that
it was their privilege, and perhaps their duty, to clean
out and regulate the little towns along the river, particu
larly those that had the audacity to charge wharfage,
which they held to be not only a great outrage; but, as
they expressed it, "on constitutional," and therefore de
termined to resist it to the last extremity. The conse
quence was that all attempts to raise a revenue from
that source at any point above New Orlearns proved a
failure, so far as flatboats were concerned. Memphis
tried it for some eight or ten years, but the amount ob-

^ THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 97
tained would not pay the trouble of its collection. One
great difficulty seemed to be to get the right kind of a .
man to undertake it. I have seen the wharfmaster
streaking it up the hill, with a dozen or more fellows
after him, lashing the ground at his heels with long cane
polls, and from the way he wriggled, occasionally, it was
evident that some of the licks-took effect. Similar scenes
occurred frequently. Sometimes they would get him
in the cabin, under pretense of paying him ; then shove
off and land him on President's Island. But it ¦was not
the wharfmaster alone who fared badly. Some of our
best citizens were shamefully assaulted and abused by
brutal boatmen. Finally, in 1841, a reform board of
Mayor and Aldermen, as they were termed, were elected,
with Wm. Spickernagle as Maj'or. One of his first re
formations was to get the right kind of men for officers,
and when such did not present theniselves they were
hunted up, and large salaries offered them, with a 'veiw
of making the offices respectable and securing -their
faithful administration. It was not the wharfmaster
alone, however, who failed in his duties, for there was
not an officer, from Mayor down, who had not become
almost contemptible in the eyes of the people; and as
for the laws, they received but little attention. " Old
Speck," as he was commonly called, swore that such
things had to stop or somebody would get hurt, and the
determined manner in which he went about it, proved
that he meant what he said. Two volunteer military
companies, known as the Guards and the Blues, vrereN
encouraged to organize and equip, which was no sooner
done than they tendered their services to the Mayor, to
aid in the enforcement of the laws. They were composed
of ardent young men — only a little too anxious to prove
their courage.

"° HISTORY OF MEkPHIS.
THE THREE TOWNS.
it may be proper to give some history of this Bluff at
that time. It 'was divided into three corporations, or
rival towns, known as Memphis, South Memphis, and
Fort Pickering. The two latter seemed to think that
their only hope of success was in the overthrow of Mem
phis, or at least the northern part of it. Unfortunately
for MeTTTphjs^.'^hf' wnn rlividc(j_a£-aia«t-her.cielj^f'rOTn Pop
lar stegfit^own. The flatboat landing extemJed from
miouth of'Wolf river to the foot of Adams street,
and was the general market, not only for the bluff, ^ut
for all the surrounding country, and a great pity it had
^^ot so continued, for then provisions could be purchased
at a fair prince. Combinations succeeded in breaking
up that market and rendering Memphis the dearest
market place in the United States for a poor man to live
and support a family. The removal of the flatboat land
ing below Union street became a great object with the
two lower towns, believing that whenever that was effect
ed all other kinds of business would center there.
Emissaries went among the fiatboat men daily, urging
them to drop down to where they should have a free
landing forever, and perhaps more bitter and vindictive
feeling never existed between two sections than was
witnessed on this bluff at that time.
A FATAL BLUNDER.
./^'^ut the South committed one of her peculiar blunders,
and set her pegs too far south, declaring that "Pinch"
extended to Adams street, and refusing to affiliate with
anything nofth of that line. The consequence was that
"Pinch" triumphed; but, as 1 intend writing the hi'Story
of that classic region, with all its varying fortunes, I
must not encroach upon it here, particularly as I find '

THE oiD TIMES PAPERS.. 99
myself running into one of my peculiar errors, and
making my story too long.
Such was the state of affairs, and such the relations of
boatmen and citizens, when this " reform board " went
into office — and I will venture to say that no board,
before or since, has done as much for the welfare of
Memphis — to say nothing of the trying circumstances
under which they were placed. Any one familiar with
the history of Memphis for the last t}iirfaMrvT>-<yeg.rH
mint Irnnw thnt '1841 wgg t.ho r\atp ah ¦mh^c^h lipr real
Pl^appri^.y commenced.- In their selection of wharf
master, they were impressed with the idea that hard
fighting would be required, and having settled upon a
-man whom they thought possessed that qualifiication,
they went to him and offered him twenty-five per cent.
on all collections, promising to stand up to him. He went
in and made a good thing of it, not only for himself but
for the town ; "but not without some pretty severe blows.
Since then, wharfage has constituted a big item in the
city's revenue. The followiilg year. Mayor Hickman
having been elected, the other officers being generally
retained, he encouraged them to continue, as under his
predecesor, promising all necessary aid and protection.
The previous year proved to have been one of the most
productive ever known. In the month of May, 1842, aU
the rivers being up, upward of 500 flatboats were lying
at the Memphis landing at one time, quite a number of
which were out of the Wabash. Among others, there
was a man by the name of Trester, a very desperate
character. He had not been down the previous year,
but had heard from others that they had a Wharfinaster
at Mernphis, -whoin there was no getting around or
dodging. I'rester swore thai he would show them that
he could do it, arid provided himself with a hig haw stick,

100 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
thickly set with limbs, which he cut off at a projection
of about half an inch from the stem. This he proposed
to comb the Memphis Wharfmaster' s head with; and
when that functionary called upon him, he exclaimed,
" Who are you? " " The Wharfmaster," was the reply,
Trester stepped back to the hatch, and called for his
stick. "Do you see this?" he asked, addressing the
officer and flourishing his cudjel; "I cut this on purpose
for you, and I am going to use it on you if you ever
show your face here while I remain, and if you don't
leave quickly, I will give it to you now. I am the mas
ter of this landing." By this time a crowd had collectefl,
who were cheering him on, and the Wharfmaster thought
it prudent to withdraw. AN IMMORTAL CONSTABLE.
He went to the Mayor and obtained a warrant and got
the town Constable, Col. G. B. Locke, to s^rve it, which
he attempted to do. But again the ugly club was waved.
" I have a warrant for you," said the Constable. " And
I have one for you," replied Trester, advancing with his
stick. Locke stood his ground, however, but seeing the
crowd of boatmen gathering, the two officials thought it
best to obey orders and leave. In less than an hour
they returned with Capt. E. F. Euth, of the Guards, and
ten or a dozen of his men armed and equipped. The
sight of the glistening bayonets had the effect of dis
persing the crowd, and Trester hastily shoved his boats
back some twenty feet from shore. Feeling himself
beyond their jurisdiction he let loose upon them with
his tongue, denouncing , them as cowards and daring
them to fire. The ferry fiat came rowing by. " There,"
said he, " take that flat and come out here if you want to
fight," and, to his surprise, no doubt, they took him at

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 101
his word. He and his men immediately resorted to their '
oars, and succeeded in reaching the current before the
flat with the soldiers overtook them. Seeing that there
was no escape by flight, for there were two heavily loaded
boats lashed together, with some eight or ten men in all on
them, Trester prepared for fight. With an ax he cut poles
in convenient lengths for clubs, with which all his men
were immediately armed. Their first effort was to shove
off the flat with poles, but failing in this, they seized
their clubs and stood ready to strike any one who at
tempted to board them, and the barges being flve feet
higher than the flat placed the latter perfectly in their
power. The Wharfmaster went forward to have a parley.
TERRIBLE TEAGEGY.
No sooner did he come within reach than Trester,
without waiting to hear a word, brought his club down
on the officer's head, who threw up his arm to save his
skull, but not soon enough to prevent being laid sprawl
ing on the flat. Captain Euth, Col. Locke, and another
gentleman, whom I do not now remember, attempted,
simultaneously, to board, but were each knocked down.
Euth, however, had succeeded in gaining the deck,
when Trester having, as he supposed, dispached the
wharfmaster, was aiming a final blow at the head of the
prostrate captain, when several citizens who had accom
panied the squad, cried out — " Fire ! J'ire ! " Four of the
soldiers obfeyed ; yet, strange to say, but one ball took
effect, and proved fatal. Trester leaped in the air, uttered
a piercing shriek, and fell dead on the deck. The balance
of the crew took refuge in their cabins, while Capt,
Euth took charge of the boat, manned the oars, and
landed them at the foot of Beale street. The difficulty
was not over. In fact it appeared to have barely com-

102 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
menced. Full two thousand excited boatmen were seen
pressing hastily down to meet the captured boats.
Quite a number of them were armed with guns. While
on the bluff the citizens rushed en masse to the fray.
Our male adult population did not then exceed one-
half that of the boatmen, yet a far larger number of them
were armed. Euth ordered his men to load and form in
a line, notwithstanding which the boatmen made a bel
ligerent demonstration. Just at that time several of the
Blues went rushing down the bluff, to whom Captain
Euth cried —
" Arrest those men."
Immediately the bayonets of the Blues were at the
breasts of some half dozen of the most demonstrative,
who were marched into the ferry-flat as prisoners. One
of the citizens attempted to address the boatmen, but
Euth forbade it. Both companies were soon .fuU and in
line, as were also the armed citizens. For a few minutes
breathless suspense reigned, and the slightest hostile
demonstration on the part of the boatmen would have
emptied one hundred flre locks into their midst. Gradu
ally the boatmen gave way and returned to their boats,
while the military quietly marched their prisoners, soon
after released, up town. The Mayor forbade the slightest
display of triumph. A strong guard was deemed neces
sary for two or three days. During the time most of the
boats left. A Board of Magistrates from the country
were requested to investigate the matter. The boatmen
were invited to be present and bring forward such wit
nesses as they desired; but they declined to take any
part in it. The court fully justified everything done on
the part of the city and citizens in the matter. Among
the boatmen was an uncle of Trester's, who stated that
he had done everything in his power to persuade his

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 103
nephew to obey the law, but to no purpose. The wharf
master continued his duties without rnolestation, al
though threats were said to have been made against his
life. But no more of whipping the town or resisting the
payment of wharfage. The newspapers throughout the
country, as has happened since, represen*ted the afiair in
a manner terribly prejudicial to Memphis. They alleged
that the man was pursued and shot down for simply tct
• fusing to pay one dollar unjustly demanded of hirii. The
Legislature of Indiana passed some terribly warlike reso
lutions, and poor little P'ort Pickering thought she saw
the certain downfall of Memphis and herself going up.
After keeping up a ferment for about a month, she com
menced moving up, and never stopped until everything
in the way of business, worth moving, had " gone up."
Memphis rose with fiying colors, gni;^ frnyn that. t.imf>
nrvH] tlip prvmTinp.ncf.Tnent of the War her growth and
pros^efitg were 'tmeggaleiLby any other city in the South.

ANECDOTE OF TOM. HAEALDSON.

The following anecdote shows the folly of saving up
property for our children, who often make it fiy faster
than their poor old ancesters, tay hard work.and privation,
could possibly accumulate it. Thomas Haraldson, who
once owned the beautiful plantation known afterward as
Capt. Hultaert's, about twenty-five miles below Memphis,
was noted for his penurious habits and close dealings.
It is now near forty years si,nce the transaction above

104 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
alluded to. I think Captain Hulbert paid some twenty-
five or thirty thousand dollars for the place, including
stock, farming implements, etc., which was one of the
largest purchases of that day. When Hulbert arrived,
as per agreement, he found every old scrap of iron, or
other article of any conceivable value, carefully gathered
up; and in this way Tom, no doubt, gouged him terribly.
Still, it did not break the trade. All things were finally
arranged, and the parties took the first steamer for this
city to close the trade by payment of the money — one
taking the deck, the other the cabin. The boat had
well nigh made the trip, when Tom entered the cabin in
haste, calling for Captain Hulbert. That individual
responded with the exclamation —
"What's the matter!"
"Why," said Tom, "one of them cows has a bell on.
I had liked to forgot it. It cost me a dollar, and is as
. good as new."
Hurlbert drew out the money, paid him, and all was
again satisfactory.
Haraldson invested his money in vacant Memphis
property. He happened to strike the market, and real -
estate increased so rapidly that when his es'tate came to
be wound up it left his infant grand-son, Thomas H.
Cocke, the only surviving heir, worth half a million of
dollars. Captain Hulbert was the father of Mr. Henry T. Hul-
'bert.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 105

DAMON AND PYTHIAS.

AN EXCITING ELECTION.  THE TWO TOPPS AND A MODEL
VOTER.
Among the oldest residents of Memphis is Colonel
Eobertson Topp, who, in early days, figured extensively
as a politician, and was the acknowledged leader of the
Whig party in this end of the State, always taking an ac
tive part in elections. He and his brother, Colonel Dixon
Top'p, may be said to look as much alike as two black-
eyed peas. It sometimes happens that two persons have
faces such perfect blanks that it is difficult to distinguish
them, particularly when met separately; but the two
Topps were men of the most strongly marked and ex- _
pressive features, and yet so strikingly alike in everj^
particular that, when standing side by side, many of
their most intimate friends were unable to tell one from
the other.
A few days prior to the State election in 1841 Eobert
son Topp, in passing, overheard a boisterous Irishman,
named Michael Brady, telling how he should vote, and,
recognizing the fellow, stepped up to him and asked if
he designed voting at the coming election, and was an
swered that he did.
"Now," said Topp, "you are not entitled to vote;'I
know when you came here to a day, as you have been in
my employment ever since, and I will see that you don't
vote'" Mike slunk away, muttering, " Bedad, I'd like to see
you kape me from voting."

106 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
When the election day came, all the Whigs in the
southern portion of the town gathered at the Gayoso
House, some two hundred or upward in number, formed
in a line, and, with Eobertson Topp at their head, marched
up to the City Hotel, on Winchester street, to vote. The
Irishman above alluded to had secretly watched the
movement, and as soon as the procession was fairly under
way, started to Fort Pickering, which was the only other
voting place then on the bluff. Now it happened that
Dixon Topp was here on a visit at that time, and, at the
solicitation of his brother, had gone down to Fort Pick
ering to watch the voting; so when our Irishman arrived
and was hastening up to deposit his vote, he came to a
sudden stop, seeing, as he thought; Eobertson Topp
standing near the polls.
" How the divil did he git here ahid of me?" he men
tally asked, " but I'll bate him yit, and, while he is watchr
ing for me here, I'll be up to the City Hotel voting."
Knowing that Topp had not seen him, he slily crept
back, and soon found himself at the City Hotel, whictk
place was very much crowded. Mike had nearly suc
ceeded in making his way to the ballot-box, when a heavy
hand was laid on his shoulder, and he was hastily jerked
back. "Aha," said the real Eobertson Topp, "I have caught
you now." Jerking him out of the line, and shaking
his.finger in Brady's face, he added, "Don't attempt to
vote again, or you will fare worse."
" Mickie," as he was familiarly called by his country
men, walked off with a disgusted air, muttering aloud:
"Ah, to h — 1 with the voting; it's little I care who's
elected," tearing up his ticket at the same time.
But this was all done for a blind. Sauntering around
and watching Topp until he saw him otherwise deeply

THE OLD TIMES PAiPERS. 107
engaged,, he obtained a horse, which, under whip
and spur, soon landed him in Fort Pickering. Again he
made a rush for the polls, and again came to a sudden
halt, for there again stood the tall form, as he thought,.
of Eobertson Topp, looking as calm and composed as
though he had undergone no rapid transition, or experi
enced or anticipated any excitement.
" Blazes to his soul," muttered Mike, between hi^.
teeth. It now became evident to his mind that there was no
possible chance of his voting on the Bluff —
"But," thought he, "there's another place of voting,.
and I'll defy him and the divvill together to bate me to
that. He has not seen me yit, and I'll jist lave him
watching for me."
So, leading his horse secretly into the thicket, and
satisfying himself that Topp was not aware of his pres
ence, he mounted, and, taking a circuitous, route to avoid
passing through Memphis, struck the Ealeigh road about
the old Fair Grounds, when, putting his horse to his-
utmost speed, he never broke the lope until he reached the
courthouse in Ealeigh. But it so happened that Eobert
son Topp and others had made up their minds to visit
the county seat and see how the election was progressing
there. So, immediately after his rudeness to Mr. Brady,
he and two or three friends stepped into a hack, and were
rapidly driven to that, then, important place. The party
had barely alighted at Coleman's tavern, and before they
had time to patronize the bar — which, of course, was the
first thing in order — when their attention was attracted
by the loud clattering of horse feet, and looking in the
direction of Memphis, they beheld a horseman covered
with dust, and his beast with foam, charging up the hill
as though he thought the devil was behind instead of

108 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
before him. Throwing his reigns over the rackj he rolled
off, and with ticket in hand, struck a bee-line for the
place of voting; but while doing so Topp recognized in
the furious rider the man whom he had prevented from
¦voting two hours before in Memphis — hastened after
him, and just as Mickie was about offering his vote the
heavy hand was again on his shoulder; his body suddenly
whirled around, and his eyes met the stern features of
Eobertson Topp.
It is useless for me to attempt an adequate description
of the wi'etched man at this trying moment. I will
simply say that his hair stood on end, his eyes threatened
to leap from their sockets, the color fied from his face,
his under jaw fell on his breast, his chest swelled as
though it would burst, and sank as though it would col
lapse, and a general tremor shook his entire person.
Topp, in alarm, dropped his hold as soon as possible.
The horrified creature staggered back a few paces, then,
turning partly round, with one eye behind, he made his
way back to his horse. Finding he was not pursued he
threiiv his arm over the jaded beast's neck for support,
and, while gasping for breath, took a long, steady look
at the object of his terror, who had, no doubt, assumed
collossal dimensions in his eyes. Topp returned the
stare until satisfied that no fatal consequences were
likely to result from his rashness, hurried off to fill his
engagement at the bar; and poor Mickie, as soon as he
could gather sufficient strength, clambered on his horse
and started off, but not to hunt another voting place. He
had already seen too many of them. On arriving at his
home, with a palpitating heart, he recounted to his friends
his adventures of the day in the pursuit of a vote, wind
ing up with the declaration that ¦' Eobertson Topp was
shurely the divvill."

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 109

HISTOEY OF PINCH— OEIGIN OF THE WOED.

SECTIONAL FEUDS AND THEIR RESULTS.
Immediately north of the Memphis and Ohio railroad
depot there is a bend in the bayou, which once constitu
ted a considerable lake. Its original beauty has been
destroyed, and ^the bed to some extent filled up by the
building of the heavy enbankment on Second street
through it. This lake was once known by the name of
^•Catfish Bay, and bade fair to become a place of no small
rtnportance. The landing was then quite contracted
and not very safe for fiatboats. Those, therefore, who
wished to close out and break up — as, also, family
boats — found it very convenient to haul up into Catfish
Bay, which, as its name indicates, was noted for its
' abundance of fish. This fact and the cheapness of old
rubbish lumber with which to build shanties, induced a
number of poor families to settle upon its banks. One
group of mean houses, noted for the apparent destitu
tion of its occupants — and whose masters were in con
stant attendance at the Old Bell Tavern, rendering im
portant service to that institution, by assisting to swell
the bills when liquor for all hands was ordered — was
dubbed, by old Craven Peyton, with the classic name of
" Pinch Gut," but whether this name was suggested by
the hungry appearance of the wives and children, or
by the dullness of the trade at the tavern, which some
times subjected the husbands to the disagreeable neces
sity of going home sober, I am unable to say. As might
be expected, the topers did not like the name, and to re-

110 HIST<JKY OP MEMPHIS.
move it from the locality; thej insisted that it belonged to
the opposite side of the bay, whose residents in turn took
umbrage, and a feud was the consequence, which was
greatly enjoyed by those who fancied themselves beyond
th6 bounds of either; but this proved a mistake. More
distant neighbors settled the dispute by lumping the
whole surroundings of Catfish Bay under the general
¦appellation of " Tinch Gut," or " Pinch Bay." It did
not stop here, but continued to expand until it not only
took in Smoky Eow, but threatened to invade the aris
tocratic circles of Auction Square. All efforts to stay
its march had the contrary effect, and a wide district
became known as Pinch. >The name did good. It united
the people of that end of town to an extent that it made
them felt, and " Pinch " became a power in the land.
DAVID CROCKETT.
As I said before, Pinch was not without her triumphs
at electioms, of which candidates, at least, seemed well
aware. When the famous David Crocket visited Mem
phis in 1829, he paid marked respect to Pinch and made
a speech from the deck of a flatboat in Catfish Bay,
which was better received, though not so lengthy or well
attended as the one he made an the Bluff. The latter
consisted mainly of anecdotes, in the recital of which
he excelled all men. The coon in his stories cut a con
siderable figure; they were generally fresh and wholly
original, and created a great deal of boisterous mirth.
1 have seen most of them published since. His closing
action in Memphis may be worthy of mention.
CiBoCKBTT AIJD EiPPY WHITE.
He prbposed to bet a gallon of whisky that he could
jump fiitther iiStb the bay, make a bigger splash and wet
ihitaiself less thsiri ian^ otkeir man iii tile cro'wd. To his

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. Ill
surprise Col. Eppy White, who weighed about three
hundred pounds, proposed to take the bet. Considerable
merriment was created and a rich scene expected. But
Crockett, after taking a survey of old Eppy's dimensions,
spoiled it all by backing out, acknowledging the corn
and proposing to pay the whisky, which he did a hundred
times over. The " biggest drunk " ever known on this
bluff was the result. LOW DOWN SCULDUGGERY.
I am happy to say that national politics were not
then brought into our local elections ; but I am sorry to
admit that other subjects, even less creditable, were —
one of which, " The poor man," was carried to a most
disgusting extent. The rivalry between opposite can-
didsttes developed itself in absurd promises to that inter
esting but desperately wronged class, the poor. To hear
those philanthropists talk, one would have thought it
the duty of the State to legislate every man into a com
petency without requiring the slightest effort on his part,
and if you only elected them the thing would certainly
be , brought about. It is, perhaps, needless to say that
Pinch was sound on the poor man question, and if any
supposed the old boats of Catfish Bay wielded no
Irifluence, they were very much mistaken.
But it was not to Pinch, or even to the State of Ten -
nessee, that this ridiculous conduct was confined. It
pervaded several, if not all, of the surrounding States, and
that, too, from the high position of Governor down. One
man, at least, who has since filled the Presidential chair,
was wholly indebted to the Poor Man twaddle for his
start in political life. IKE EAWLINGS,
But let us get back in Pinch, where a more direct
local triumph was effected by the defeat of old Ike

112 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Eawlings for Mayor in 1831. Ike was considered invin
cible, and was the special favorite of the upper end and
" upper ten." It was charged that he had turned against
Pinch. His opposition to the Bell Tavern and other sinks of
iniquity was well enough; but when he attempted to
enforce some of his laws about nuisances in and about
Catfish Bay, the thing was insufferable. It seemed that
the old fellow did not like the smell of fish, especially
after they had sweltered several days on the bank, or
drifted around the bay, belly upward. This nuisance
ordinance was denounced by the Pinch orators as cruel,
tyrannical, an infraction of the poor man's rights, and a
violation of the Constitution. This last charge, I think,
was pretty well founded; for the law was certainly very
partial in its operation. A lim'b op the law.
Seth Wheatley, a young lawyer, thirsting for knowl
edge and honors, was selected for their champion.
Being a full head and shoulders taller than Ike, he was
thought to breathe a purer atmosphere and to be entirely
above vulgar scents. But this triumph over Eawlings
was the last of Pinch, at least for several years. In a
few short months after, not a shanty adorned the banks
of Catfish Bay, not a boat lay in her muddy bed or
fioated on her filthy waters. The place had become an
intolerable nuisance to the neighborhood, but how to
abate it was the question. True, it was private property,
and none were more anxious to see it cleaned out than
the owners, and although no forcible resistance was
anticipated, yet the " poor man " cry carried a power
that the most heroic and daring cared not to face. The

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 113
object, however, was effected in a sort of Ku-Klux man
ner. DROWNING OUT THE PEOPLE.
The denizens of the bay, to free themselves from the
charge ol creating a nuisance, laid it to Car's tannery,
a short distance above, which it was said emptied its .
¦vats sometimes into the bayou, rendering the water
wholly unflt to drink and killing the flsh. This was no
doubt the truth. About two nights after Wheatley' s
election as Mayor, a perfect sluice of tan-ooze and filth
was let down upon the people of Catfish Bay. Of course
nobody knew who did it; it ¦veas evidently not done by
any one connected with the tannery. Everybody disap
proved of the act, or pretended to, and no doubt many
of them were sincere. Providence, however, came to
their relief A large eddy had formed in front of the
town, covering all that space since occupied by the bat
ture, making it perfectly safe for family boats, as also a
great resort for fish. Some of the boats were fioated out,
the others were sold and broken up, the shanties taken
down and moved to other localities. Merchants and cit
izens generally were very liberal, and the whole was
accomplished in a short time and with the best of feel
ing. The old topers were kept full for several days;
after which all quieted down, and the name of Catfish
Bay, or Pinch Gut, was never mentioned and was almost
forgotten. What a pity it had not remained so !
J. D. CURRIN.
It was in'the spring of 1837, I think, that James D.
Currin, of the flrm of Currin & Strange, a young merchant
of the free and easy order, was elected an Alderman from
the First Ward. By that time the town had extended
considerably south, generally in little groups of houses, to
s

114 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
which names were given, such as Lake Walker, Yatesville,
Lewisburg, Andersonville, etc., and it became a habit in
the Board to pleasantly apply the name of the locality,
instead of ward, in speaking of a member. Currin being
among the flrst to adopt this course, and rather unsparing
in his witty sallies, his immediate locality having no dis
tinct appellation, and although he lived far remote from
any bound to which the original Pinch had ever ex
tended, still it was a part of his ward, and therefore he
was addressed as the gentleman from Pinch; and thus
the name was again revived, and in a short time was
used with the most vindictive bitterness. Were I to
attempt anything like a full account of the sectional
strife between North and South Memphis, or, as the
districts were disignated, Pinch and Sodom, I would be
under the necessity of doubling the length of this story.
Its most remarkable feature would be how such intense
hatred could exist, and yet so little comparative blood
shed. FAMOUS LEADERS.
The leaders on each side were desperate and deter
mined men, of which Dr. Jeptha Fowlkes and General
Levin H. Coe were the niost prominent. But as no
good could come of reviewing these feuds, and probably
some harm, I shall make no further allusions to them,
but confine myself to the causes and results.
The town was, prior to 1842, divided into three wards,
the two flrst extending to Market street, and the Third
Ward from that to Union, and although this ward was
but thinly settled it was certainly entitled to rights of
which it was deprived by the combination of the other
two — one of 'frhich was to cut down a xoad to the land
ing more convenient, and not be obliged to go up to Mar
ket street and back, under the bluff as low as Madison,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 115
although the citizens proposed to do> it at their own ex
pense. Yet NO was the peremptory answer; and while
she paid a large portion of the taxes, her appropriations
were very limited. Of course these things were well
calculated to produce bad feeling. Finding it very dan
gerous and almost impossible to keep up a road under
the bluff, a large wooden wliarf was, in 1837, built across
the bar,' opposite the foot of Winchester street, which at
flrst promised to do well, but owing to a great extension
of the bar the following year, it became too shoal at low
water for steamboats to land at; in consequence of which
Captain William W. Hart, the owner of the wharfboat
Orleans, dropped her down temporarily some three or
four hundred yards below the wharf, where the bar was
more bluff, when the Board of Mayor and Aldermen,
with more arrogance than decency, ordered him to bring
Iter back. SQUIRE RICHARDS
says that if be wished to turn a man of common sense
into a jackass, the first thing he would do would be to
have him elected an Alderman. I would like, for the
credit of our city fathers, to differ with my old friend,
but, unfortunately, I have seen incidents tending to
establish its truth. They are liable to be taken with the
big-head and think they know it all; that outsiders have
no right or capacity to know anything about legislative
matters, or the interests of th^city, arid treat advice
with contempt. OUTRAGE UPON STEAMBOATS.
Such was the case at least in this instaince; and water
•or no water, steamboats must land right there. The
consequence was Hart had to drop his boat' below the
¦oorporation line.- It happened that trade and travel had

116 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
increased SO rapidly that steamboats were unable to ac
commodate all, and it was a matter of favor to be per
mitted to ship anything. The idea of coercing steam
boats at such a time was the hight of absurdity. Hart
was the general mail agent, and a very popular and influ
ential man, but the Board could not be made to see it.
So, after fretting, foaming and passing blood and thun
der resolutions, and even threatening to get up a mob
and cut his boat loose, they finally subsided, but not
uirtHj they had got up a very warlike feeling on the other
gide, Tai^ng advantage of this, the denizens of South
Memphis conceived tlie idea, of laying^olT auoLher town.
,^!^J-.  SODOM OVERREACHES THE MARK.
They had already got the steamboats, and with a little
effort it was supposed they could draw off the merchants
and better class of citizens. They were, however, going
to be choice as to those they permitted to come among
them, particularly from that detested region known as
»Einch ; and to aid them in the scheme they fanned the
flames of sectional hate. It was thought that the lower
ii«l#~«£_Memphis would secede, unite-jacith their friends
and beget an embrio Southern Confederacy.
PORT PICKERING COMES TO THE SURFACE.
f But a more hasty movement was commenced at a point
lower down. A number of broken speculators, whose
only remaining stock in trade was gas, bought the Fort
Pickering tract on space, and proceeded to lay off a town,
w]>iebr-a6eerdteg~tD-fcbeic_£rediction, was to be the town.
,They immediately joined the crusade against poor
jRinch. They uttered the word as though it carried with
it a sickening stench, and repeated it so often that their
noses and upper lips acquired a set sneer, which, added
to their natural repulsive looks, rendered their presence

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 117
offensive even to each other. Th'ey, however, cut a small
figure in this affair, and soon played out, leaving their
unfortunate dupes to settle the question of title with the
original proprietors as best they could, and opening a
rich field for a host of hungrj' lawyers.
A NEW PHILOSOPHY.
^In the meantime the Pinchites learned sense, pursued
a more liberal course, divided the Third Ward into4;hree,
making five in all, and allowed their southern brethren
t'^J^^^^^jf^^^g f'^f"^ "'"'" V"r who, trrlTmT; -irrmctt-
'^bo have lost what sense they had. Concessions are gen
erally looked upon as triumphs, and, so far from satisfy
ing, only increased the demands of the adverse party.
Sodom thought . she had Pinch by the throat, and pro-
i^eeded to the pious work of strangling her, but over
reached the mark. Not content in crushing Pinch pro
per, to-wit: from Market street, north, and relying confi
dently on the potency of the name, while modestly
claiming the right to alter and fix it bounds at pleasure,
their first extension of it was to Poplar street; but
wishing to include the whole business part of the town,
they finally determined on Adams street — thus not only
weakening themselves, but giving strength and respect
ability to Pinch, and at the same time disgusting those
living below that line. These people, seeing the ob
ject, refused to act with them further, and when, too
(•late, the Sodomites tried to retrace their steps. It was
soon discovered that the steamboat landing was more
^f an jtfBajnentaL-than a^^pTOfitaljle accession. The
flatboats attracted all the country trade. They lay
above Adams 'Street, and the best stands were found
to be in that vicinity. The consequence was that busi
ness, which had strung along Front Eow, began to con-

118 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
ceritrate in that locality. About this time (1841) a
number of capitalists came quietly among us, making
large investments, and strange to say, many of them,
regardless of the odious name, preferred^ Pinch property.
FrraOr-tMa^time the prosperity of Memphis may properly
te. One •vjarTaterTand she assumed the"tttle of
rrgm ctty nv TVTTCivrPHTS,
and oig>vj;_j^gqj-° lii^PT t->iP tf\wn nf Smith Mm-npbs was
.'hrnn£fit$rithin her co'-pprnt" ii"^^*g- SectionaT^gtrife
and feuds, however, continued to a degree by no means
creditable to the parties engaged in them, long after the
union of the two corporations, and I am sorry to say,
have not entirely passed away yet; and, although poor
Pinch seems to be wholly friendless, there still appears to
besome who fear she may rise in her new strength and
outshine her adversaries in splendor; and, in my opinion,
they are doing far mOre than her property holders to
bring that thing about. Another influx of capitalists
will take place before Memphis will advance materially.
When they come their investments will be made where
the iriost liberal inducements are Offered, and no empty,
senseless epithets will have any weight in controlling
their purchases.
The greatest difficulty I have encountered in writing
the foregoing story, as also some that preceded it, was
how to condense the incidents connected with it, within
the scope of a newspaper article. Some that properly
belonged to it were omitted entirely, while others were
passed over with a degree of haste that failed to do Irhe
subject justice or myself credit.
" Old Times " has not only done himself credit, but
has conferred a great favor upon the public. His stories,
simply told, has been written with admirable good taste,
and we hope the history will be continued. — Ed. Appeal.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 119

EAlfLY EEMINISCENCES.

[The following we cut from the Appeal, of August 29,
1871, by permission of our friend, Doctor J. B. Mallory,
the author. It speaks for itself:]
A CHAPTER POR THE OLD FOLKS.
Some years subsequent — we will not say how many —
to the memorable flrst sermon preached in Memphis by
Elijah Coffee, we arrived in town, and considered our
mortal tenement located. It was not much of a place at
that time, limited, as well as we remember, to the physical
boundaries of what is now known tay the euphonious title
of Pinch, where so many of the sons of Erin do love to
congregate. If any corroborating evidence is wanting
to conflrm our antiquity, we can only say, that we
remember distinctly when Johnson gave hospitable enter
tainments to the weary traveler; when Finnie and White
smiled benignantly on the- bibulous; when the Blue
Euin flourished like a green bay tree; when the Missis
sippi burst the base of Young's old storehouse; when
our venerated friend, John Lawrence, mounted on a
diminutive steed, aroused the citizens to arms, in the
affair of the flatboatmen, on which occasion a belligerent
,jiwner of a boat received a mortal wound.
Yes, we remember when Fort Pickering threatened to
extinguish Memphis, on account ofthe unaccommodating
spirit of her merchants. To which end a railroad was
resolved upon, and a costly tavern erected by the inde
fatigable Yates, of adipose notoriety. It was a solemn

120 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
time in the affairs of Memphis. Her destiny swung on
an attenuated thread. The gods favored her, however,
and she now proudly points to the innumerable trophies
of her success.
In the comparatively brief period bf time, since we
landed on this bluff, almost an entire generation has dis
appeared, and, in the language of a former editor of the
Appeal, on a melancholy occasion, ' we feel almost alone.'
A new generation has taken the places of those who
have passed the Lethean stream. And thus it will be
until the end of time. It may be interesting, at least to
some who are left, if we make mention of a few of the
prominent citizens who lived in Memphis during the
early period of which we write. There are some, we
doubt not, who will remember Silas Toncray — a man of
universal genius and various callings. The last time
we saw him he was alone in his little back room, giving
the flnishing touches to a mechanism of brass, by which
(to use his own language) he was able to measure dis
tances, irrespective of the inequalities of surface. He
informed us he had applied for a patent, but as he died
shortly after, and as our youthful comprehension failed
to catch the idea he wished 'to convey, the world doubt
less lost, in his .death, a valuable invention. Near the
northern extremity of Main street, he erected a brick
church for the beneflt of the colored population, which
still remains as a monument of his benevolence and
Christian charity.
About the same time lived Joseph Cooper, a thrifty
merchant, who, by great patience, frugality and well
directed energy amassed a considerable fortune. There
was a method inall he did, which many of his cotempo
raries might have profltably imitated. Deprived of sight
in the latter part of life, the social enjoyment of pleasant

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 121
company afforded him a peculiar gratification. It was
a bad omen for Pinch when he emigrated to the corner
of Monroe and Front streets. He was fond of listening
to -the church bells. Their music reminded him, he said,
of frail mortality, and in one of his prodigal moods he
contributed fifty dollars to purchase the bell that every
Sunday morning rings its solemn warning from the
steeple of Wesley Chapel.
Prominent among the medical men of that day was
Dr. Wyatt Christian, an excellent physician, a high-tbried
gentleman, sincere in his attachments, and ever usefully
employed in relieving the ailments of suffering humanity.
He was highly respected and esteemed tay a large circle
of friends, professionally and socially. Joseph Bohan
non is still remembered by a few. To the skill of the
druggist he combined the most desirable qualifications
of the merchant. He was, perhaps, the best business
man on the bluff. Humanum est errare. We should
remember only his good qualities. His younger brother,
familiarly called Dick — renhirkable for occasional er
ratic manifestations — was a popular individual with
all classes, and constituted an important integral con
stituent in the early society of Memphis. Like a true
patriot, he fell at Cerro Gordo, fighting for his country's
flag. Among the early inhabitants of Memphis was Captain
William H. Seawall. He still lives, and cultivates a
small farm near Yorktown, Va. In the hard fought
battles between Vera Cruz and the City of Mexico, he
was the only commissioned officer in the United States
army who represented Memphis. He was a gallant and
efficient officer. At Cherubusco his company was almost
annihilated by a Mexican battery. After the termina
tion of the war, he returned to Memphis, but remained

122 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
only a few months. He is favorably remembered by hia
few surviving friends.
There are a few still living who may have in their
recollection an old druggist named Justus Smith, who
lived on the corner of Winch.ester and Main streets. If
Diogenes had passed that way with his lantern, he might
have terminated his peregrinations with the old Doctor.
In him he would have found that rare species of the
genius "homo:" an honest man. Like a true philoso
pher, he bore the infiictions of outrageous fortune, and
divided his affections between his Bible and the National
Intelligencer. He was ever ruminant or fumant.
The memory of Jesse Williamson is pleasantly
cherished by a few surviving friends. He was, with a
little eccentricity of manner, a pleasing companion, and
ready at all times, with an amusing anecdote, to regale a
select crowd. It was a peculiarity with him to speak tn
broken French, or English, I forget which;
In this panoramic view many familiar names might be
enumerated, which were ' associated with the early
development of Memphis, if we were not restricted by
the prescribed limits of this communication. It may be
a senile imbecility, but it is pleasant to contemplate the
past, notwithstanding many dark clouds overshadow the
view, and the melancholy fact is remembered that so
many of those who lived and moved among us at that
early day, have acted their brief part in the drama of
life, and disappeared forever. It is delightful to think
of those good old times — " the best in the world " — when
the bottom rail was content to lie on the ground ; when
but few signets could have been found with the inscrip
tion, " Qucerenda pecunia primum est, virtus post num-
, mos;" when a large amount of social feeling existed — the
usual characteristic of small towns. With an amusing

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 123-
illustration ofthe latter, we will tenninate, for the present,.
our early reminiscences :
In thp summer of 1838 the monotony of Memphis was
, elieved tay the sudden appearance of Monsieur Dukay,.
an individual of foreign aspect, peculiarly French in his
accent and the color of his cuticle. He came in pursuit
of health, and to escape the heat and malaria of a more
southern climate. Agreeable in - conversation and pre
possessing in manners, he was not long in making him
self the center of a social circle. The ladies smiled
delightfully in his presence, and through the long sum
mer months no party or fashionable assemblage was
complete without Monsieur Dukay. He sang charmingly
in French. But his greatest attraction was the posses
sion of two sugar plantations in Louisiana. On the
upper plantation he claimed an annual production of
four hundred hogsheads, and six hundred hogsheads on
the lower plantation. This was enough to sweeten his
society, and give a saccharine tinge to his general con
versation. The merchants, too, were happy to make his
acquaintance. He talked eloquently of finances. But
all things have an end, and it became necessary, in the
course of events, for Monsieur Dukay to depart, and on
the event of this interesting occasion he deplored with.
tearful eyes the necessity that compelled him to return
to his plantations. He was consoled, however, with the
refiection that he would shortly return. From a friend
in the grocery line he purchased a bill of supplies for
the upper plantation, giving in payment a draft on his
Orleans merchant. From a " dear old friend " he ob
tained, in a similar manner, a fine riding horse, saddle-
and bridle ; and from a bosom friead and companion he
reluctantly consented to receive a diamond ring for his-
" only sister."

124 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Months passed away, and no tidings came of the ele
gant Frenchman. The drafts were duly returned for
' non-acceptance, and many a hearty laugh was enjoyed at
the expense bf those who were victimized, in considerai
tion of four hundred hogsheads on the upper plantation
and six hundred hogsheads on the lower plantation.
During the ensuing winter a gentleman, with whom he
had been intimate, and who had suffered a little from his
saccharine expedition, happened in a shop in New Or
leans and found " mon cher Dukay " manipulating in the
capacity of a quadroon bartaer. The tonsorial planter
manifested surprise, and was quite overcome with grief.
" It grieves me," he exclaimed, "to have imposed myself
upon the kindness of my friends in Memphis," and tears
of large dimensions confirmed the genuineness of his
pretence. If still living, it is more than probable his distin
guished abilities have been rewarded by a lucrative office
under the government. Civis.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 125

THE OLD BELL TAVEEN.

GENERAL JACKSON AND PADDY MEAGHER.
Some hundred yards or more south of the jail, on the
east side of Front or Chickashaw street, stands a low,
broad building, with its gable to the street. There is
nothing in its present appearance calculated to arrest the
attention of the passer-by, more than the most cheaply
constructed of the houses, the old cedar posts having
been often re-planked. These old posts yet bear the
marks, and no doubt contain the leaden balls fired to
avenge the wrongs or prove the courage of early chivalry,
and if they could tell tales, what vice, crime and debauch
ery they have witnessed, it would startle any but the most-
hardened of the present day. There are some errors
about the antiquity of this house. I think it was built in
1822, though Dr. Frame — pretty good authority — thinks
it of still more recent date. It was not the first tavern
on the Bluff. Old Squire McMahon, father of Frank and
the Doctor, built a much finer one on Auction street
some two years earlier, and although the Squire was a
man of considerable ability he could not " keep a tav
ern," at least not to suit the habits of the guests of that
day. Col. Sam. E. Brown was the first tavern-keeper.
When Paddy Meagher bought out the house, afterwards
known as the Bell Tavern, in 1823, it had been kept as a
,store, containing a little of all sorts, and nothing in partic
ular, except whisky and tobacco. Paddy had previously
established a similar house near the foot of Jefferson
street, which being too far from business, he found it
necessary to move further up ; and as this man and h l

126 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
family cut a considerable figure in the early history of
Memphis, I deem it proper to give what I ha^v'e learned of
his antecedents. It will be remembered that General
Jackson came within an ace of having been born an Irish
man, which perhaps accounted for his attachment for the
people of that country. He generally had several of
them about him. Where he picked up Paddy Meagher,
or when Paddy became a. canap follower, I don't know; but
when Fort Pickering was established, the General
became anxious to have a quiet retreat, where he could
be free from military cares and the annoyance of visitors.
He purchased a small improvement on the head of Island
46, where he settled Paddy, liis wife, and little daughter
Sally. president's island.
With Paddy the General spent a goodly portion of his
time. Some pretended to believe the General sincere in
his anxiety for quietude; others that he was anxious to
secure the squatter's right to the Island, and it was
known for several years by the name of Jackson's Island.
But after the whole territory became known as the
Jackson Purchase, and his name spoken of in connec
tion with the Presidency, the name was again changed
to President's Island, and was perhaps the flrst compli
ment of the kind paid him. Whether he ever perfected
a title to the island I do not know.
There were others, however, who -attributed a very
¦different motive to the General's frequent visits to the
island, and some went- so far as to hint that little Sally's
paternity was a matter of coBsiderable doubt. This was
evidently very unjust, for if ever a child was the type of
its father in feature^ form, temperament, Sally was of
Paddy Meagher. These charges coming to Jackson's
ears were traced up by him, and the .result was that one

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 127
poor fellow got a terrible caning. This had a tendency
to stop all such talk, or at least for the time being, The
account published of this caning by his enemies, some
fifteen years later, was very prejudicial to Jackson. It
was even stated that several of his friends stood by with
•cocked pistols, threatening to kill the fellow if he moved.
The General gave some grounds for this charge by his
•excessive fondness for Sally, and the common opinion
was that he would either adopt her or do something
handsome for her. She never grew too large to sit on
his knee or hang round his . neck, but this was no sign,
for Sally was in nowise particular whose knee she sat
upon. paddy's hen and chickens.
After the removal of the army, Paddy moved, and,
seeming to have an attachment for islands, settled on
what is now known as Frame's Island. He also estab
lished a woodyard on what is known as the Old Hen, and
made some slight improvements in others, evidently with
the design of setting up the squatter's or occupant's
right. Whether he ever succeeded I do not know. The
Islands, however, acquired the name of Paddy's Hen
and Chickens, by which they are still known. Two of
these islands have since washed away. Paddy, by some
unaccountable means, became possessed of considerable
money. He had always been looked upon as a mere
dependent of General Jackson. He purchased sev
eral negroes, among them old Uncle Lymas, who died
only a few years since, and his wife. Aunt Cillar, to
whom I am indebted for many reminiscences of early
times. Paddy did not remain long on the island, but
l)ought Henry Foy's place, the handsomest on the bluff,
near the foot of Jefferson street. The prioieipal part of
Foy's farm was under the bluff, which, having washed

1^8 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,
away, as the present batture is now doing, caused him
to sell his right to Paddy, who, in a few years, found he
had no title whatever. I think a couple of lots were
given him tay the original proprietors, after which he
moved up to the Old Bell Tavern, the sutaject of our
story. THE OLD TAVERN.
As heretofore stated, it was not Paddy's design to
start a tavern, but it was necessary to have accommoda
tions for such as became too top-heavy on his bar-room
to keep their feet under them. Beside, Paddy had a
great many friends, who would insist on staying with
him; so it was, he soon made additions to the house, and
opened out with no other sign than a flfty pound bell
swung to a post in front of the door. In this he beat
McMahon, who, having nothing of the kind, and not
being able to compete with the new "establishment, dis
continued the tavern business.
Paddy was a jolly old soul, full of fun, and generally
pretty full of liquor. Everybody liked him, and he ought
to have done well.
But the principal attraction of the house was Sally,
who was now blooming into womanhood. I cannot make
her the heroine of my story, in view of the wretched end
to which she came at last. She was short, rather thick,
well put up, of brown complexion, and would have been
considered homely but for a head of hair and pair of eyes
that would have made an ogress beautiful. Her chief
quality was wit, in which she surpassed her father. She
could say more funny things, play more tricks, laugh
louder, and make everybody else laugh more, than any
half dozen girls in the country. Of course she drew a
great deal of custom, particularly to the bar, where a free.-
and easy manner reigned.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 129
And here I would like to give an account of the young
ladies that flourished here at that time. It is due to
them to say that they did not generally partake of the
rude spirit of the men, though the few who did were not
for that reason excluded from society. They could not
be spared, as all of them made but a small sized party,
and Sally Meagher's talents did not lay exclusively in
her tongue, for she could take the socks off ^y of her fair
competitors in the dance, so that Sally, instead of taking
a hack- seat, was generally the star, if not the beUe of
each festive occasion. I might tell of the pretty Kate
Fletcher, the late Mrs. Catherine Whittier, and others.
Sally married the handsome and dashing Tom Huling.
Tom was a gambler, but that did not set him back. He
wore fine clothes and was possessed of much money,
though it was questionable whether it was all genuine ;
still he was then called a gentleman. It was supposed
that Huling believed the current story that Sally would
secure wealth from General Jackson.
^ JACKSON AND BENTON.
^ During old Paddy Meagher's time the tavern was far
more decently, conducted than ever afterward. True,
there were almost daily fights and drunken rowdyism,
but nothing worthy of particular note, except, perhaps,
a fight between General Jackson and Jesse Benton.
This grew out of an old feud, and the parties had had
several brushes before in Nashville. Benton moved to
Tipton county, and on a visit to Memphis, happening to
meet the General at Paddy's, they renewed it. Two ac
counts of this fight were published during the Presiden
tial canvass of 1828, differing in every respect, except
that Benton .got 'the worst of it. We heard old Jesse
Benton tell the tale sorufi ten years later. He was a
9

130 HISTORY or MEMPHIS.
bitter, vindictive old man, and never tired of abusing
Jackson ; but he was worse, if possible, on his brother, Tom
Benton, who was then making himself conspicuous with
-his Expunging Eesolutions.
THE PROPRIETORS OF THE OLD BELL TAVERN.
Old Paddy killed a vast quantity of whisky in his
time, but, as is generally the case, whisky triumphed in
the end, and •fter about two years' proprietorship of the
Bell Tavern, he pegged out, and his son in-law, Tom
Huling, succeeded him. Tom immediately put the house
in repair, for Paddy had but little taste. The bar was
enlarged and handsomely fitted up, extensive additions
were made to the house — one of which was for the especial
benefit of the gamblers, having all necessary tables and
other fixtures. Tom also had a sign put up, with the
rude representation of a bell painted on it. The house
had been generally known as "Paddy's," tay which
name it had acquired all its popularity. It was also
known in the country as the Bell Tavern, owing to the
bell in front of it, which Sam Stogdon, the bar-keeper,
was as fond of ringing as ever a child was o.f shaking a
rattle. For a time the house seemed to prosper; but
Huling got other ideas in his head, took to speculating,
and was absent frequently, without Sally or anyone else
knowing where he had gone, or how long he would
remain away; in fact, SaUy knew less, and cared as
little, ataout him as she well could. Although he often
started in an opposite direction, he was known to visit at
Shawnee Village, a short distance ataove here, in Arkan
sas, afterward known as the headquarters of the Murrel
Clan. Tom soon discovered that keeping tavern was a failure.
Sally took to hard drink and hard sweal-ing, particularly
when referring ^ to her husbanjj. Her tongue became as

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 131
foul as it had previously been witty, apd, instead of
attracting, drove away custom. Huling felt compeUed
to sell ont and abandon her.
THE OLD STORY.
The house then passed into the hands of Mike Davis,
an Irishman. Davis had formerly lived in North Ala
bama, where he had married into a good family. He
was thought to be doing well; but he took to drink, and
would lay drunk for a week at a time, leaving his young
wife exposed to the grandest set of villians on earth..
The consequence was, she feU; her father came and took
her home. Davis had now some excuse to drink, and
in a short time fiUed a drunkard's grave. Previous to
the death of Da'vis he had some dealings with a man by
the name of John Hook, also from North Alabama, where
he had maintained a good character, though it was gen
erally thought that his claim against Davis was a dis
honest transaction. He, however, administered upon the
estate and took charge of the tavern. An appendage
that this man affixed to his name gave him some noto-
Viety. I was absent at New Orleans when the change of
proprietors took place, and Hook, being in a great hurry
to have his name on the sign, employed a blacksmith to
paint it, who availed himself of an old custom of using
an " I " for a " J." Before the sign was put up Hook
determined to stop crediting, and advertised the fact on
his sign, which, when finished, read —
I HOOK FOR CASH ONLY.
This, instead of relieving the old man, gave him more
trouble, and it was amusing to see his bald head popping
out of the bar-room window to correct some ignorant
fellow who failed to separate the sentences, and how very
mad he would get when some mischievous loafer would

132 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
explain that th'e house had become more circumspect,
and would in future steal nothing but money.
Hook kept the house until 1830, when, getting into
some troutale, he made a hasty sale to Sam Stogden and
left. A MODEL BARKEEPER.
Sam's heaven was behind a bar, dealing out whisky by
the mouthful. He was about as cowardly a scoundrel as
ever lived, and as is common with such knaves, he coveted
the fame of a tauUy. To estatalish this he never let a soft
fight pass him. He, however, once made a mistake and
whipped a drunken feUow that happened to have some
friends among the young taloods, who took Sam out on
the taluff, and gave him a terrible cowhiding. After this
he became very careful who he pitched into, and while
some could curse him to their heart's content, others
dared not cheap. He professed a very high sense of honor,
but there was one species of crime he boasted of. He
delighted in intrigues with women ; but how could he
help it. They all loved him, "not wisely, but too well."
Such was his vain talk, and he prided himself upon being
the hero of Mrs. D's ruin. The old bloats knew his weak
points, and made frequent drinks by practicing on them.
Sam had managed to hold his position as barkeeper
through the various changes of the house, and had now
risen to the highest position, in his eyes, in the country.
How he contained himself is a matter of wonder. He,
however, only held the house a few months, when an
enterprising individual of his sort established the first
house of ill-fame on the bluff, and took Samuel in as a
partner. This was a kick above tavern-keeping, and
Sam jumped at it, when Seaborn Bickerstaff succeeded
him as proprietor of the Bell Tavern. Of this man I
shall say but little, because of the respectability of bis

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 133
family. His wife was considered a good and shamefully
abused woman, and refused to leave him until long
after he had shamefully abandoned or failed to provide
for her. A few miserable loafers still hung about the
house sometime after the more respectable swindlers and
thieves had left. The winter of 1831-'32 was remarkable,
not only for its long duration, but for its severity. The
poor suffered, especially for fuel, and none were pporer
than the hangers-op of the tavern. They burned first
the fences, after which the different >addi tions and out
houses, leaving the building as it now appears, except
that the old boards, with which it was walled in, began
to fall off, when the hogs made a raid upon it, and
although they were often successfully repulsed, flnally
captured it and routed the last of their taipedal adver
saries. DECADENCE OF THE GLORY OP THE OLD BELL TAVERN.
From the time that Huling took charge of the
old Bell Tavern, gamtalers or swindlers — for very
little legitimate gambling was relied upon — constituted
the principal class. Confldence games were their chief
dependence. These were conducted in a manner as far
ahead of anything of the kind of the present day as it
is possible to conceive. Now, seldom more than two
rascals are engaged in them ; then there were from ten to
t^vventy. All had their separate and distinct parts to
perform, ¦which were brought in as so many casua,lties.
Had I space I should like to give a fe^w specimens of
these in order to show their remarkable depth and ingen
uity. Several instances of old men might be related
who came here to recover money and property that theiy
sons had been swindled out of, and went home more
jDompletely cleaned out, if possible, than their boys.

134 I HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Another class of dead-beats was composed of six or
eight old sots, some of whom li-fed on Catfish Bay.
These had all been in Jackson's army, and some had
iheld official positions. Notwithstanding they had wholly
given themselves up to hard drink, they were still treated
with a degree of respect. On account of their former
positions. They had a clever and ingenious way of
making and telling jokes which generally secured a treat
for all hands. They were looked upon as a sort of
whisky pensioners, and but few that patronized the taar
failed to call the old fellows up to join them, and then
the happy smile that played upon their bloated faces,
while viewing the amber liquor, would amply repay the
liberal donors. They had a happy nack of telling
anecdotes and incidents of the war and of early times
on this bluff. To these, among others, am I indebted for
what I know of it prior to my location here. One who
had ranked as major, and but for whisky might have
occupied a much higher position, had been connected
with the Burr and Blannerhasset expedition, and, in the
capacity of a secret messenger, had visited this point
several times as early as 1803, and this was designed, he
said, as the place of rendesvous for Burr's forces.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
There were, perhaps, few taverns, in as small a place
as Memphis was at the time of our story, that could
boast of as many distinguished guests. Among them I
might name General Andrew Jackson, Colonel Thomas
H. Benton, Colonel David Crockett, General Sam Hous
ton, Governor Poiridexter, Honorable John Bell, Felix
Grundy, and others of less note, and with the exception
of the two first, I have myself met them all there.
In my drinking days, and when I sometimes got on a

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 135
bender, it was afterward some consolation to think that I
had been " elevated " in good company. So, in order to
relieve my young friends, if not myself, I will say that I
have met at the Bell Tavern such men as Major Edwin
Hickman, Dr. Wyatt Christian, Eobert Fearn, John K.
Balch, Nathaniel Anderson, William D. Ferguson, Til-
man Bettis, Eobert Lawrence and others, whose names
are above reproach. I also have an indistinct recollec
tion of having met one Colonel C. D. McLain, and, not
withstanding the bitter opposition of Uncle Ike, I think
I have met a Mr. J. J. E  there., [By the way, I was
much pleased with his communication in your issue of
the i9th, and have filed it with my own, and hope he will
come again. ]_ If I am not very much mistaken, the
sedate Samuel Mosby and Hezekiah Cobb dropped in
sometimes,ewhen passing, and took a place at the hospi
table board of the Old Bell Tavern. It is proper to say
that after Hook's time I never was in the house, nor do I
believe that any person claiming respectability then vis
ited it. I went there ataout as long as any of that sort.
As to the young, frolicsome class, of which I made a
fair half-hand, I would name such as Gus Young, Torn
Collins, Green Davis, John Grist, West Toncray, Frank
McMahon, Tom Phoebus and others, and if they were a
little too gay at times, I, as the last living representa
tive, do conscientiously say that a more high-minded,
generous and honorable set of young men will rarely be
found at the preS^nt day. REFRESHING.
I might further add, as an excuse for visiting this den,
that long after the establishment of Wilson's, John An
derson's, Henry James' and Tom Johnson's taverns,
• although they did all the tausiness, aside from that of the

136 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
gamblers, they were certainly the dullest places one ever
saw, and in order to enjoy a little excitement, we were
compeUed to go to. the Old Bell Tavern.

SHAKEEAG.

^c

'< some six miles southeast of Memphis, on the romantic
banks of Nonconnah creek, lies the interesting suburtaan
viUage of Shakerag, which lays claim to an antiquity
equal, if not superior, to that of Memphis. Among its
early settlers was one noted for his skiU, industry, and
moral worth generally, though not a Chesterfieldian in
dress. He was a blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade,
and many were the Memphians who went to him in order
to get their work done faithfully and promptly. In honor
to this individual, the town was named Mechanicsville,
and I believe is yet known on the records by that name.
Most likely it would never have been known tay any
other, but for the following incident :
A number of aristocratic ladies from Mississippi were
visiting Memphis on a tour of pleasure, and in passing
through Mechanicsville, found the honest smith, as did
everybody else, hard at work. He was in the act of put
ting a hot tyre on a new wagon -wheel, and vigorously
wielding a heavy hand-hammer. From a rent in his
pants a portion of dilapidated dry goods projected a foot
or more. The rapid action of bis body, alternating oe-
tweeii the perpendicular and horizontal, caused this piece
of drapery to be territaly agitated. The ladies, perhaps
unaware that the place already had a name, took it upon
themselves to supply the deficiency, and it has gone by
the one applied by them ever since. Our worthy friend,
however, had the honor of suggesting both names.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 137

TWO. WONDEEFUL MEN.— CHAELES LOFLAND
AND DAVY CEOCKETT.-

Editors Appeal. — The Historical .Committee of the
" Old Folks," perchance, may find in the foUowing in
cidents something worth putting along with their other
EEiemories of Memphis thirty -five years ago. I hope I will
not be considered egotistical because I speak of myself
sometimes ; but I cannot well pen these notes without it.
The otajects and purposes of the organization of " Old
Folks " I am attached to, for I was one of the few who
founded it — ^but one or two of whom now remain.
The period of which I speak was about the year 1835 or
'36. Market street was then the southern taoundary of the
business of the town, the old and long established house
ef Nelson & Titus being on the corner of Market and
Front Eow. The postoffice was then on the corner of
Jackson and Front Eow, and was about the center of
business. The first bank was then established, with
Eobert Lawrence, President, and Charles Lofiand, Cash
ier. The old building still stands on the corner of
Winchester and Main, with the large figures 303 painted
prominently upon the wall. Let me say, too, that par
ticularly do I desire the memory of Charles Lofiand
embalmed in the traditional history of the Old Folfes at
Home. It was in the summer time of 1836. There were no
coal merchants then, as now; taut those who could do so,
laid in their supply for winter, from flattaoats, in the
summer season. Mr. Lofland had bought one hundred
barrels for the bank. The writer, a stripling of sixteen

138 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
being in the " hauling business," stepped into the bank
to get the job of hauling-; it was the flrst time he had
ever seen that grand old man — grand in statue, intellect
and in heart. In a few moments the contract for haul
ing was closed, not without some apparent misgiving
on the part of Mr. Lofland of the ability of the youth
tb perform it. It was done, however, in due time. I
went into the bank to get my pay; he handed me pen
and paper across the counter, and asked me to make out
my bill. I did so, and never will I forget the look of
approbation that beamed from his noble face, and the
words of encouragement that came warm from his great
heart — the flrst that had ever greeted me in this the
beginning of my rough journey of life.
Some five years thereafter, I had studied my profession,
obtained a license to practice law, and, like all poor' young
lawyers, was struggling hard for a bare living. Mr.
Lofiand saw this, and one day said to me : " Billy " (he
always called me Billy), " I know how it is with most
young lawyers; sometimes they need money. .When
ever you want a little just come to the bank and quietly
see me, and you shall have it. Pay me when you get
able." I availed myself of his kind offer (for it was a
God-send,) and frequently received from him smaU
sums of ten, fifteen, and twenty dollars, until the aggre
gated amount reached an hundred or two dollars ; and,
I think to-day, that the happiest moment of my life was
when, with grateful heart, I was able to hand himj all at
pne time, the money he had voluntarily loaned me.
He would have no" interest, and barely seemed to want
to take the principal. That man was theri at the head
of a great banking institution. He wielded the monied
power of this end of the State. Men who led in com
merce and in trade paid him coUrt, because he was lib-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 139
eral, in the extreme, of his financial favors. Many an
one had he saved from ruin by propping up their totter
ing fortunes in the hour of peril. His heart was bigger
than his taank, and it broke, and so did his heart; and
Charles Lofland died, There are one or two now living
who, together with your humble correspondent and a
few devoted friends, followed him to his grave, whilst
manj;- whose fortunes he had founded were too busy to
give a moment's thought to the man, now dead, who
had made them. Had he died in the plenitude of his
power the business houses of these men would have
been draped 'in mourning. But, alas! he lost his power,
and they forgot him. I never shall — God bless his
memory. In the days of which I speak there were no steam
ferry-boats, there was simply a ferry-flat, propelled by
" snatch oars," with a noted old negro, named Limus, as
Captain. The ferry landing was then in the mouth of
Wolf river. This landing, this flat, these boatmen, are
all made the more vivid in my recollection by their asso
ciation with the time when the immortal Crockett crossed
the Mississippi, for the last time, on his way to Texas.
My recollection of how he looked is as vivid as if it
were yesterday. He had then closed his career in Ten
nessee. Mortifled at the mark of disapprobation, man
ifested by his recent defeat for his old seat in Congress,
he had bid a final farewell to that constituency, and to
that State that he had served so faithfully, to drown his
disappointment and defeat in the flerce war for inde
pendence waged by the infant Texas. The day I saw
him he had taeen the guest of a few personal friends,
Edwin Hickman, C. D. McLean, M. B. Winchester,
Eotaert Lawrence, Gus Young, and others, at the City
Hotel. He had left the hotel, accompanied tay these

140 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
gentlemen on foot, for the ferry landing. I followed in
silent admiration to the river. He wore that .same ver
itable coon-skin cap and hunting shirt, bearing upon his
shoulder his ever faithful rifle. No other equipments,
save his shot-pouch and powder-horn, do I remember
seeing. I witnessed the last parting salutations taetween
him and those few devoted friends. He stepped into the
boat. The chain untied from the stob, and thrown with
a rattle by Old Limus into the bow of the boat, it pushed
away from the shore, and floating lazily down the little
Wolf, out into the big river, and rowed across to the
other side, bearing that remarkable man away from his
State and his kindred forever. Of his sad fate let the
story of the Alamo tell.
By permission of my young friend, Col. W. T. Avery —
although he is now on the dark side of fifty, my mind
naturally recurs to the days of his boyhood, which to
m.e appears but a short time — I make some additions
to his admirable story, in reference to Col. David Crock
ett's last visit to Memphis. It seems that he (the writer)
¦was not a witness to the big bender that occurred the
night before the Colonel left, which is easily accounted
for by his morality; but more likely the rigid piety of his
father, and probably if he had been there he would now
tae ashamed to acknowledge, much less voluntarily ex
pose it. But I haye none of these sensitive scruples, be
sides some of the fellows of that day occasionaUy made
me mad, and I intend to tell all I know ataout their doings.
Crockett arrived here early in the day, knocked around
the streets, sometimes alone, but most generally in
company, seeming to attract but little attention, untU
after night. I was of the opinion that there ¦was some
thing in the wind, and hurried up town at an early hour.
J found the Coionel with some dozen or less friends at a

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 141
house known as the Union Hotel; the name was perhaps
suggested tay its being built half brick and half frame.
It was built tay old Henry James, in 1830, away down
town, Winchester street taeing theri its southern business
boundary ; at the time of our story, it was kept by a man
named Jeffries, who afterward flourished at Little Eock.
The question of liquor readily suggested itself, as it
would yet, and Jeffries kept a bar of course, which was
then considered as necessary an appendage to a tavern
as a tender is now to a locomotive. But a tavern bar was
then very different from what they are now, and as Jef-
ries' was a fair specimen, I wiU describe it : It was a kind
of corner cupboard from the counter down ; planked up
tight, except a one-and-a-half by a three feet door,
through which the barkeeper crept when entering;.
from the counter up it was latticed with an eight-by-ten
inch aperture, through which a bottle and glass could
be chucked. This kind of bar, however, would not do for
a dozen gentlemen to stand up to and enjoy a social glass,
so while the barkeeper was getting down, preparatory to
crawling into his tl-ap, it was proposed that we should
go to Hart's Saloon, which was on Market street.' I will
state that the old Union Hotel, the brick part of which
is still standing, or rather falling, is in a most dilapida
ted condition. It can now be seen a few doors above
the Exchange Building, on Front street.
Hart's was a bakery and confectionery, and, also, a
drinking estatalishriient, and tay far the finest fitted up
concern of the kind in the town. Here decanters and
glasses were soon out, with ample counter-room for all
hands. Everybody drank and seemed iri the finest
humor, until Gus. Young, who had ordered the ' liquor,
called out to Hart that he would pay him for thait to
morrow, when Hart called his attention to a large card,

142 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
tacked on the wall at the farther end of the counter.
Eoyal G. Hart, who generally represented his name with
a figure of that vital organ, had some very foolish ways.
He considered himself very talented, particularly in the
way of making rhymes, (poetry, as he called it). His
last, and, perhaps, master-piece, was represented on this
card, which had very recently been printed and stuck
up, and which read :
" Since man to man is so unjust,
'Tis hard to tell what man to trust.
I've trusted many — ^to my sorrow —
So pay to-day, and I'll trust to-morrow."
Gus, instead of taeing carried away, as was ex2iected,
with admiration at the grandeur of the sentiment, got
mad, and was ataout to haul Hart over the counter and
whip him, when Crockett and others interfered.
" There must be no fighting," shouted Davy. " I'll
pay for this liquor."
" No," responded several others in chorus, " I'll pay
for it."
" No," cried Gus, " none of you shall pay for it. Toddy,
lend me five dollars."
This was addressed to Colonel Dixon, (nick-named
Toddy) afterwards Mayor, who sheUed out a " V."
" Here," said Gus, " take your pay out of that."
While Hart was making the change. Toddy, who had
became very liberal, called for another round.
" No," shouted Gus, "let's go to McCool's."
This met with general approbation. Hart, who loved
money better, if possible, than his own poetical effusions,
began to apologize :
" Mr. Young," said he, " I assure you I meant no
offense." " Well, what the devil did you call my attention to that
d — d feolery for, then?" said Gus.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 143
This was too crushing, and poor Eoyal let down, and
the crowd commenced leaving. Hart appeared deeply
chagrined to see gentlemen quitting his splendid saloon
and going to a common grocery, and, doutatless, distressed
to think that one of the leading men of Memphis should
be entirely devoid of " music in his soul," when, turning
to the offending card, he discovered that other lines had
been added, with a pencil, on the lower margin, which
read; " Tlien, go to h — ^1, you d — d fool ;
We'll go and drink with Neil McCool."
¦ The barkeeper told me afterward that he had never seen
Hart so mad before; that he snatched the card down
and tore it into fifty pieces, and that he accused me^
among others, of perpetrating the outrage; in fact, he
charged me, to my face, with it. I replied that he had
better tae careful or he would give me credit for taeing a
greater poet than himself.
On going to McCool's, which was only ataout twenty
steps distant, (the old tauilding stands there yet, on the
southeast corner of Market street and First alley)
several of the crowd, which had greatly increased, gath
ered old Davy up, and carried him, on their shoulders,
into the house, stood, him upon the counter and called
for a speech. He made one, and I think I can give it
verbatum :
" My friends," said he, " I suppose you are all aware
that I was recently a candidate for Congress in an ad
joining Distriqt. I told the voters that if they would
elect me I would serve them to the best of my ataility;
but if they did not, they might go to h — 1, and I would
go to Texas. I am on my way now," he exclaimed, and
jumped off the counter, and af general shout followed.
But the crowd was doomed to have more troutale. Neil

144 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
McCool was a fastidious taachelor, who had arrived at
that time of life when the appeUation of " old " taecomes
very offensive — at least such was his case. His was the
largest, and most general stock of groceries in to'wn.
Though his establishment was very plain, and not tO'
compare, in style, with Hart's, it was stiU remarkable
for neatness and order. He was scrupulously tidy in
his dress, and his hair, of a dark sandy color, was always
as smooth and glossy as brush and oil could make it.
Neil had that day newly covered his counter with a fine
oil cloth, which he would not have allowed anyone to set
their hat upon for fear of soiling; and now to see a
huge pair of stogy boots, with the extremities of a two
hundred pounder in them, stamping over it, was too
much for him to put up with quietly, and the more he
thought of it, the more angry he became. He was in the
act of crushing a very hard lump of sugar, in the taottom
of a tumtaler, with a stick made for the purpose. Sway
ing his body back and forth over the counter, as he bore
his weight on the crusher, and at the same time venting
his displeasure, without raising his eyes, he addressed
Gus (who was standing opposite him, and whom he con
sidered the leader ofthe crowd,) in the following words:
" I would have you know, Mr. Young, that such treat
ment is intolerable."
Gus, who had not recovered from his first affront, was
in no condition to submit to further, made a snatch at
Neil's head and jerked the whole scalp off, revealing a
fact unknown, at least to any in that crowd, that the old
fellow's head was perhaps the baldest part of iis body,
I have seen mad men before and since, but I think
McCool surpassed them all. He first sent the crusher, and
then the tumbler, at Gus' fiead, but he aimed high, and
the latter went smashing through the transom ; he then

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 145
leaped the counter, where he was caught tay a half dozen
stout fellows and held. The taalance of us had enough to
do to hold our sides, for I think the most laughatale
scene I ever witnessed was old Mack's naked head, red
as scarlet with rage, bobbing and swaying in all direc
tions, trying to get loose from his captors ; and it was
certain that he wanted to fight. He never was known to
swear before, but he swore awfully that night, and wound
up tay ordering us all out of the house, and that, too,
without getting paid for his liquor, and all, save a few
who took sugar, had drank. Gus, after a short inspec
tion of the wig, gave it a toss and threw it up on a high
rack, among a lot of wood and willow ware. After which
we all retired to the street, where the question of whether
we should go further or break up and go home was de
bated. Crockett advocated going home, on the ground that it
was a bad night for a frolic, unless we wanted a flght,
and although he was in hunt of a flght, he did not want
it on this side of the Mississippi river; that we had been
virtually ordered out of one, and actually out of the other,
of the only two decent dririkeries of the place. But he
was in a small minority. Others swore he should not
leave Memphis under such unfavorable impressions.
We, however, to get rid of the rabble portion of the crowd,
which was now about an hundred strong, started off in
small squads and different directions, but soon came to
gether at old Jo. Cooper's, on Main, above Winchester
street. Bob Lawrence went to the door, and after giving
it several thumps, called out— " Freight ! Freight!!" At
that time we had no packets or agencies, and our mer
chants were under the necessity of going to the landing
at any hour to receive their frequent shipments. Old
Jo. soon got up and opened the door, when in rushed
10

146 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
about twenty-flve, and the door was shut. Cooper looked
surprised, but soon recognized all the crowd, even to
Crockett. He was also an old bachelor, and many of the
peculiarities of McCool would apply to him. He was
by no means liberal, as a general thing; but on this
occasion brought out liquors in quantities. He had
the largest supply and the best quality on the bluff, taut
only sold tay the barrel or cask. It is needless to say we
all got tight — I might say, yes, very tight. Men who
never were tight before, and never have been tight since,
were certainly very tight then. I can prove this by my
•old friend, Neil B. Holt, that is, if he did not fall too soon
to observe how others came out, and I have an indistinct
recollection that one Judge H. G. S  , was on a high
horse that night. I might give the names of many
others, taut, with three or four exceptions, they are all
dead. It was a gay crowd. Crockett made several of
his peculiar speeches, as did several others, and the taest
of feeling prevailed to a late hour, when we broke up.
Crockett's first visit.
Having said this much in reference to the last visit of
Colonel Crockett to the Bluff City, I now propose to go
back and give a brief sketch of his first advent. It ap
pears that in the fall and winter of 1823 he and some of
his neighbors put their labor and capital together, cut
and split staves sufficient to load an ordinary sized flat-
boat, which they built, launched and loaded, in readiness
for the spring rise. When that occurred, they kissed their
wives and children, and, amid tears and prayers, took a
farewell — which might reasonably tae feared was their
last — ^loosened their catale and suffered themselves taorne
down the then turbulent waters of the Obion. What
adventures they met with, if any, prior to their entrance

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 147
into the Mississippi, I have never heard. I am inclined
to the taelief that all was favorable until they came
within sight of Memphis.
Their boat was an open one, with the exception of a
small cabin at the stern, which, although of a democratic
appearance, was close and comfortable. To enter this
cabin it was necessary to descend through a two-by-three-
foot hatchway down a ladder. This apartment, as, per
haps, all are aware, was used for eating and sleeping.
The head of the Old Hen has always been considered
dangerous, and particularly at that time, as the river ap
peared undetermined on which side of it she should
make her main channel, and a number of huge snags
stood out as though contesting the right of way on either.
It was certainly very imprudent in our adventurers to
undertake to run that part of the river at night, and that
the ej'es of Captain Crockett should be closed in sleep at
the very time that their vigUance was most required;
but so it was. Although the Otaion was putting on Mis
sissippi airs, the Mississippi herself was at her calmest
stage, midway taetween high and low water. In view of
which he may not have acted so culpatale, after all.
Having stood the flrst watch, and the morn of a new day
having set in, he resigned his place to the next in com
mand, and, to use a sea phrase, went taelow, doused his
duds and turned in, and was soon in the emtarace of mor-
pheus. I am inclined to believe that those on watch
were, ere long, in the same flx. ' If so, they were brought
to their waking senses very suddenly, yet too late to
avert the catastrophe. Some two hundred yards above
the head of the Old Hen island, hung one of those ter
rors to early navigation known as " sawyers," a kind of
snag, being originally trees of the tallest and heaviest
character, which having been uprooted by the under-

148 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
mining current, drift down in an upright position until
their roots come in contact with a bar, where, after drag
ging for some distance, become secured by the sand and
gravel settling around them ; — the trunk, in a more or
less inclined position, is soon stripped of its limbs, and,
by the force of the current, acquires an evolution unsur
passed for regularity tay any invention of man — its head
at one minute settling taeneath the surface, and at the
next rising eight or ten feet ataove it, with a force that
would crush through the strongest vessel or lift it taodily
in the air — for a few seconds calming the waters by yiled-
ing to its current, again dashing them back into huge
waves; and, in this particular case, forming diverging
lines, visible for miles below, assigning each line, as also
everything else, to that side of the island to which it was
tumed tay this otastruction. It appeared like some raging
monster endeavoring to break its fettering chains, or a
subdued, wingless dragon, doing perpetual penance or
paying devout homage to some overpowering but invisible
deity, seated on the head of the island, and to appease
whose wrath would occasionally sacrifloe the lives or
property of hapless mortals — among whom I am sorry to
include that of my hero and friend. Colonel D avid Crock
ett and his unfortunate associates.
Notwithstanding the danger was loud, and no doubt
visitale, the Otaion specin^en of marine architecture was
allowed to drift, taroadside, upon the sawyer, which
seemed to yield to the pressure until it was fairly over
its vitarating points, when, rising in its might, it severed
the boat in twain and divided the spoils taetween the con
tending currents. Fortunately the load was of sufficient
tauoyancy to keep its top above the surface, and thus the
lives of the crew were saved, but not without extraordi
nary efforts on the part of at least one of them. Crock-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 149
ett, whose snore had for a few minutes kept time to the
varying sound of the disturbed waters, midway one of
his highest notes, finding that water had taken the place
of air in supplying his lungs, sprang from his bunk up
to his middle in water, reached the ladder, and got his
head above deck before the waves had closed the hatch
upon him, and thus saved himself from a watery grave,
though in rather an unsightly plight. It seems that the
half of the boat on which he found himself took the near
est schute or strongest current, as it arrived in advance
of her detatched part in front of the taluff just as the
first rays of the sun were cast on the tops of the lofty
trees of the opposite shore. By loud cries and signals
of distress their situation was observed, and skiffs were
sent to their relief Crockett proved to be the most
pitiatale object of the cast aways, as all the others had at
least breeches on. There he sat, shivering with cold,
under the eyes of all the citizens, who had assembled on
the taluff on hearing of the disaster. Winchester taeing
among the first to witness his condition, taking an ocu
lar measurement of his person, procured the necessary
raiment, hastened down and soon after returned, sup
porting the unfortunate adventurer, whom he conducted
to his residence. An hour or two later, tay the aid ofthe
kind-hearted Maiy, with a good fire, stimulants, etc., he
appeared at the store door in the finest suit of clothes, it
was supposed, he had then ever worn. [Some allusion is
made to this event in my story of Eawlings and Win
chester.] Other persons were also liberal to the unfor
tunates in this affair, for those were liberal days, and
Crockett and his friends were toasted around to consid
erable extent; when, warmed up by a few imtaibings, he
became eloquent, told jokes and laughable stories, audit
is said that Winchester became so pleased with him that

150 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
he not only suggested, but urged him to become a candi
date for Congress and it may tae that the misfortune at
the head of the Old Hen was the starting point of his
future importance and notoriety.
The following anecdotes, never before published, will
serve to show that if our public men were then more con
scientious after election, they were not more scrupulous
in the irieans resorted to for securing office than the pol
iticians of the present day. In one of his early canvas-
ings Crockett had for a competitor a Colonel Cook, ivho
concluded to take Crockett on what he supposed his most
vulnerable point, to-wit, decency, and endeavored to show
to the voters the great necessity of elevating that dis
trict to something like an average degree of respectatail-
ity in the councils of the nation. Crockett, seeing that
his competitor was likely to get him in this way, manu
factured a story to show that he was the last man that
ought to assume such a position. Cook now thought he
had him certain, and sent off in different directions for
witnesses to prove that Crockett had lied on him. At
the place selected for this grand expose Crockett had the
opening speech, and although aware of what was coming,
appeared to be entirely ignorant of it until he reached a
point where, showing up his opponent on the decency
question, he added, " and now, fellow-citizens, he has sent
off and procured about a dozen witnesses to prove that I
have told a lie on him." [Here followed a hearty laugh
by the crowd.] "Why," he continued, "if he had asked
me I would have acknowledged it and saved him all that
trouble and expense. [Another burst of laughter and
applause.] I have as good a right to lie on him as he
has on me, and we have been lying on each other ever
since we started out." Tremendous applause and laugh
ter. Here, Colonel Cook, greatly excited, arose and ex-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 151
claimed, " I withdraw from this canvass. I will never
consent to represent a people who applaud a man that
acknowledges himself a liar." Here the hurrahs for
Crockett drowned his further efforts to make himself
heard, when he left the stand in utter disgust.
THE WAY CROCKETT BEAT HUNTSMAN.
Adam Huntsman opposed Crockett in his two last can
vasses for Congress. In the first he failed, but succeeded
in the second, and it is thought would have triumphed
in the former, but for the following trick of Crockett's :
They stopped one night on their rounds at a well-to-do
farmer's, who was a great Jackson man, and of course
for Huntsman, though he did not admire his rakish pro
pensities. Crockett and Peg-leg, as Huntsman was called,
in consequence of having a wooden leg, were put in the
same room to sleep. The house was of the ordinajy
country kind of that day — two log-cabins, with a passage
taetween, and a porch extending the whole length in the
rear, with shed-rooms at each end, in one of which the
two candidates were placed, while the farmer's daughter
occupied the other. After all had retired Huntsman
went to sleep and Crockett to planning. An idea oc
curred to him which he carried out in this way. Getting
up quietly, he opened the door, taking a chair, and walk
ing stealthily across to the young lady's room, made an
apparent effort to force her door, which awoke the girl,
who uttered a scream, when Crockett, hastily catching
the chair by the back, and placing his foot on the lower
round, using it as a leg, hurried back to his room,
dropped the chair, hopped into taed and went to hard
snoring. The next moment the farmer rushed in, and
was ataout to kill Huntsman, whose protestations of in
nocence he paid no attention to. " Oh you can't fool

152 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
me," he exclaimed, " I know you too well, and heard that
darned old peg leg of yourn too plain." The consequence
was that the farmer, with numbers of others, changed
their votes, and Crockett was triumphantly elected.
Huntsman would never have ventured to stand another
canvass had not Crockett considered the joke too good to
keep. This mode of conducting a political canvass, although
inaugurated by Crockett, became pretty general, and was
considered legitimate. I heard of two opposing candi
dates for Legislative honors, who tried it on in this wise :
One of them a rough, free and easy sort of a fellow, had
had the misfortune to lose a finger, which his opponent
determined to take advantage of, and get a hitch on him,
as such tricks were termed. So, after the canvas had
progressed to near its termination, in a speech he brought
ought the following story : " In a district," said he, " in
which my competitor once lived, he had a neightaor who
possessed a very flne crib of corn which he discovered
was being depredated on by some unknown person, and
concluded to set ia trap for the thief. The next morning
after doing so he went to the crib and found the trap
closed, with considerable blood sprinkled over and around
it. On closer examination he found a part of a man's
finger, taken off at the middle joint. The owner of the
corn, considering the offender sufficiently punished, made
no effort to discover him, nor will I make any charges,
but I would like to have my competitor come forward
and show his right hand." He then stepped aside to
allow his opponent to come forward, who advanced to the
front, holding up his right hand, and turning it so that
all the crowd might have an opportunity of seeing it,
when lo and behold the forefinger was gone, from the
middle joint. After all had had an opportunity ot see-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 153
ing, he calmly turned and, without a word, took his seat.
Considerable sensation prevailed; the friends of the
speaker were in high glee, nudging their adversaries and
adding, amid great rejoicing, "The Major's got him, got
him sure," while the others looked rather blank. The
Major again advanced with a triumphant smUe; yet the
thing had not come up to his expectations. The cool
indifference of his opponent disappointed him, yet the
effect on the crowd augured well. "FeUow-citizens," he
continued, "you must judge for yourselves; I make no
charges, but," turning to his adversary, "I hope my
friend may be able to explain the very singular coinci
dence." [Great and prolonged applause.] He soon after
closed his speech, when the stump-fingered candidate
took the stand with apparently more than usual vivacity,
flourishing his defective hand as though he were proud
of its omission. When he came to the proper place he
remarked, as though it had nearly escaped his mind, " I
must say a few words about my competitor's story ofthe
CORN-CRIB, the STEEL-TRAP and the bloody finger. He
hopes I will explain. I shall do no such thing; but I
will tell you another story, which I think will lay his
perfectly in the shade. My competitor once lived in
another district, and had a near neightaor ; whether this
neightaor had or had not a fine crib of corn, I cannot say;
but he certainly had a fine stock of hogs. Every few
days, or rather nights, one of his hogs would be missing.
He determined to watch for the nocturnal visitor and give
him a warm reception. Loading his gun with fine taird-
shot, he took his position. After waiting until a late
hour, he observed a man coming along stealthily with an
axe on his shoulder." [I must here explain that the
Major had a limping gait, which the narrator imitated to
perfection as he went dodging and squatting along the

154 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
stand, showing the advance of the party in quest of hog
meat.] " Having come upon one that seemed to answer
his demand he let fly the axe, then squatted, and awaited
the result. Everything appeared favorable, when, stoop
ing to pick up the hog, hie presented a broad mark, which
the owner of the hog taking advantage of, let fly the
contents of his gun and everlastingly peppered the limp
ing adventurer, who, with a sudden jerk, brought himi-
self to an upright position. Slapping his hand on the
damaged part, and uttering a half stifled yell, he hounded
off with a halting taound and skip," [which was imitated
to life by the narrator, causing peal after peal of laugh
ter.] "Now, fellow-citizens, I do not charge that my
competitor was connected with this affair, but I must
insist that he come forward, take down his pants and
show his — back." Stepping aside, he motioned the Ma
jor to advance, who, with a ghastly smile, shook his head.
"Come, come," continued stumpy, "I showed my
hand, now show your back." But the same ghastly smile
and ominous shake was all the answer given. Again the
nudge went through the crowd, but this time by the
other party, who returned the annoying words, slightly
changed — " He's got the Major, got him bad;" to which
" d  d if he hasn't," was the common but sorrowful
response. It is needless to add that Stump-flnger had business
in Nashville the following fall — while the limping disci
ple, having become disgusted with Crockettism and
hitches, retired to the shades.
I also indorse all my friend has said in reference to the
noble qualities of my old friend Mr. Chai les Lofland.
The following letter taken from a Nashville paper,
written during the Colonel's last term in Congress,
shows his opposition to President Jackson's administra-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 15!5
tion, and expresses great anxiety to get away from the
capital, yet lie clearly evinced an equal desire during the
next canvass to go back, but Jacksonism proved too
strong. Washington City, 15th June, 1834.
Dear Sir : Your favor of the llth inst. came safe to
hand by this morning's mail, and t hasten to answer it.
I am well — and I hope these few lines may find you in the
alike. I am beginning to think the time long that we are
to remain in session, as I have not the least hope of doing
any act to relieve the country. On the day before yes
terday the house rejected Mr. Clay's resolutions by lay
ing them on the table, and I consider the last hope gone
of retaining the laws and Constitution.
I now look forward to our adjournment, with as much
interest as ever did a poor convict in the penitentiary to
see his last day come. We have done but one act, and
that is that the will of Andrew, the first king, is to be the
law of the land. He has tools and slaves enough in Con
gress to sustain him in anything that he may wish to
effect. I thank God I am not one of them. I do consider
him a greater tyrant than Cromwell, Caesar or Bonaparte,
I hope his day of glory is near at an end! If it were
not for the Senate God only knows what would become
of the country. I still have hopes that all is not lost
while we have such a guard as the Senate. The people
will sustain the Senate, and if sp, they will have the
laws and Constitution. I must close. With great respect
your friend and obedient servant,
Wm. T. Yeatman. DAVID CEOCKETT.
The letter is written on a regular size letter sheet, was
foldetl and sealed with a wafer, after the style of that

156 bistort of MEMPHIS.
day, bore the post-mark " City of Washington, June 17,"
and the follo^wing superscription :
Free, D. Crockett, Wm T. Yeatman, FishkUl Landing,
N. York." The handwriting is easy and shows an un
embarrassed use of the pen.
I am indebted to my friend DuPre for the appended
story of David Crockett :
In his day no man was more famous in the annalls of
American politics than David Crockett, the eccentric
representative from this District.
Early in the spring of 1836, there appeared at Nacog
doches, Texas, eleven stalwart men who proposed to
enlist for six months in the army of the republic, and
assist in driving the Mexicans out of the borders and
gain the independence of Texas.
Col. John Forbes, formerly of Ohio, but now living at
Nacogdoches, who was at the first " alcalde " of Texas,
afterwards commissary-general of the army at the battle
San Jacinto, and who has filled many important posi
tions of honor and trust in the State of his adoption,
swore in the eleven recruits referred to; but when he
came to that portion of the oath which contained the
promised allegiance " to the Eepublic of Texas, or any
other government that might be established," one of
them advanced a pace forward and declined to subscribe
to it, for, said he, " I am a republican, and believe in a
reputalican form of government, and if any other kind
of government results from this revolution, I will
never support nor defend it. Col. Fortaes, seeing that
the point was well taken, immediately erased the otaject-
ionable portion and substituted in its stead, "or any
other reputalican government that might tae established,"
which was satisfactory to all concerned, and they were
forthwith mustered into service.

THE OLD times PAPERS. 157
The spokesman, who would not swear aUegiance to any
government save that it was " republican," was David
Crockett, who, together with Bowie and that brave and
noble band, was so foully and brutally murdered by the
Mexicans at the Alamo at San Antonio, Texas, in April,
1836, and the beautiful monument made of stones from
the Alamo on the portico of the State-house at Austin,
attests the love and affection in which Crockett and the
ill-fated garrison at the Alamo are held tay the people of
Texas. The sentiment uttered tay David Crockett on his
entrance into the "Army of Texas " does honor to his
patriotism and should be cherished and prized by every
true American.

SINGULAE— A EEMAEKABLE MEETING.

Thirty-odd years ago, when Memphis contained less
than two thousand inhataitants, two strange ladies,
among others, met in a store in the city of Londondery,
Ireland, when one, overhearing the other remark that
she was about to sail for America, advanced, and the fol
lowing colloquy ensued:
First lady — Did I understand you to say, ma'm that
you were going to America?
Second lady — Yes, ma'm.
First lady — I am also going to America.
Second lady — To what part of America?
First lady — To the States.
Second lady — I am also going to the States. To what
State are you going, if you please, ma'm?

1S8 HISTORY OP MEMPfilS.
First lady — To the State of Tennessee.
Second lady — Ah! indeed: I am also going to the
State of Tennessee. To what part of Terinessee, may I
ask, are you going?
First lady — To the town of Memphis.
Second lady — Is it possible? Why, I, too, am going to
the town of Memphis. Are you acquainted in Memphis,
ma'm? First lady — Ihave a friend there. Are you acquainted
in Memphis?
Second lady — I have a friend there.
Of course the ladies traveled together and soon found
their adventures to be of .a similar character, viz : the
closing of matrimonial engagements. They arrived
safely, and soon after married to the gentlemen aUuded
to as friends.
Both of these ladies are still here. One, however,
is a widow, while the other is the wife of one of our
most prominent citizens.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 159

FIEST COUETHOUSE IN SHELBY COUNTY.

^ It appears that many of our citizens, even of the Old
Folks, were not aware that Memphis was the original
county seat of Shelby county, until after hearing or
reading the able address of Col. Winchester, at the Old
Folks' Barbecue ; and as the tauilding in which the first
judicial body convened is still standing, and as there are
other historical events connected with it, I have thought
it of sufficient importance to fill a place in the Appeal.
Immediately in the rear of a large brick building on
the northeast corner of Main and Winchester streets, on
which, in large figures, 303 appears, and in connection
with which there is also some history which might not
prove uninteresting, there stands an old two story
wooden house ; it was originally taut one-story and tauilt
of logs, but as the logs were handsomely hewed and put
up in neat style, it presented a more tidy appearance
than most of the neighboring structures ; besides, taeing
more than ordinarily large, it was used for public and
religious meetings, balls, shows etc. It was the first
building on the bluff that acquired the appellation of the
Meeting House. The word church was not common at
that time. I do not wish to be understood as saying that
the first sermon was preached in this house. As to
who preached the first sermon, that is a question I un
dertook to solve over forty years ago, not because I was
particularly interested in it, but taecause there were three
claimants for the honor, neither worthy of any praise for
their morality, or public or private virtues. One of these
I will venture to mention, as he no doubt will be remem-

160 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
bered by some of the Old Folks. His name was Spur-
lock, a blacksmith by trade, and everything that was
bad by profession — at least such was his general char
acter. He lived at Greenock, the original county-seat
of Crittenden county, Arkansas. There were quite a
number of itinerant preachers passing around, who gen
erally made up in zeal what they lacked in knowledge,
and occasionally a fiatboatman would " play upon a harp
of a thousand strings " to the amusement, if not to the
edification, of a motly crowd at the landing. I believe
that a Methodist circuit-rider took this point in his
rounds at a very early day. To the colored population
taelongs the honor of having the first resident preacher,,
in the person of Uncle Harry Lawrence, whose location
here preceded that of Eeverend Elijah Coffey.
I have thus digressed taecause I have been repeatedly
called upon for information in reference to the church
here in early times, which, I am sorry to say, I know very
little ataout. But to get back to court, which, with due
deference to Colonel Winchester, I don't think knew
itself, or it never would have perpetrated that outrage
on my old friend, Paddy Meagher, and were it not too
late I might take an appeal. I do not think that more
than one session was ever held in the " meeting-house,"
as an idea prevailed that a lawful court could not be
held other than on Court-square, or at least, that the
square would revert to the proprietors if not used for
the purposes indicated by its name — and the Colonel
ought to have known that the one hundred and seventy-
five dollar appropriation was only for a temporary build
ing, which was erected on the square, sufficiently remote
from the center to admit of a proper and becoming.
edifice. If the men of Memphis were few in number
they were not entirely without public spirit. This old

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 161
building remained until a comparatively recent date,
and was used as a church and school-house.
But while our leading men were providing the means
and discussing the plans for the erection of a permanent
court house, a secret movement was at work in a neigh
boring and rival town to strip us of the ornament — and
I would remind our Ealeigh friends, who thought them
selves so unjustly dealt with in the late Courthouse
removal, that they were, at most, only repaid in their own
coin, as the first notice that the people of Memphis had,
forty -five years ago, that such an act was in contempla
tion, was that the bill had already passed, declaring
Ealeigh the County Seat of Shelby county.
But if Memphis had cause of sorrow for the loss of her
court, she had, ataout the same time, cause of. joy in the
estatalishment of the first newspaper, the " Western Ad
vocate," edited and pulished Tjy Thos. Phoebus, and in
the same room where convened the first court of justice,
and in which sinners had alternately been called to the
dance and to repentance, that resounded at one time to
the eloquence of our early orators and statesmen, and
again to the boisterous laugh of the rabble at the an
tics of a buffoon, was set up the first press that made
its impression in the District. For this purpose the
house was used for several years. It appears to have
taeen for some time in litigation. After its discontin
uance as a printing office it taecame the property of Seth
Wheatly, who added another story to it, weathertaoarded
the whole and converted it into a dwelling. Wm. E.
Smith, afterwards purchased it, since which time I have
lost its run.

162 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.

EEMINISCENCES OF FOY'S POINT.

As the Point, on the Arkansas shore, opposite Mem
phis, has again beco^ne a place of importance, and is
bound so to continue, I thought a sketch of its early
history might be interesting to the readers of the Appeal,
and I regret that a more full and perfect account of the
incidents connected with it, and names of its first set
tlers cannot possibly now be obtained.
At what time Judge Benjamin Foy settled on the Point
I do not remember to have heard, taut it certainly must
have been about the commencement of the present cen
tury. Foy's Point, as it was called, held a high charac
ter, not only as a very iriiportant landing, but as the
center of the most healthy, intelligent, and moral com
munity between Cape Girardeau and Natchez, which was
owing most likely to the example of the Judge, who,
although he held his court at the Post of Arkansas, ex
erted his more direct influence at home, being one of that
class of men whose very presence is a terror to evil-doers,
so the Tennessee shore was then considered by far their
safest refuge.
I think his was an old Spanish grant, but in this I
may be mistaken. At all events it was considered safer
than most others at that time, which, perhaps, induced
the more prudent settlers to purchase of him. He also
appears to have possessed a far more extensive and cor
rect knowledge of the country than any other man in it,
and his statements were held by the government as the
most reliable, which caused the point to be visited, not
only by many of our most able statesmen of that day,

THE OLD TIMES , PAPERS. 163
but also by distinguished tourists from foreign countries.
Among the latter I might name the great philosopher,
historian, poet, deist, etc., Volney, who spent the winter
of 1805 with the Judge, in quest of knowledge. It is
said that his visit to this part of the country was to see
and examine the mounds. It is believed by soihe that
these mounds were built by an antediluvian race. It
seems that the race inhabiting this country at the time
of its discovery by Europeans had no traditional knowl
edge of them. There are now at the Appeal office many
most remarkable relics of vessels, vases and ornaments,
taken from these mounds. Whether the great antiqua
rian found anything to further his purposes may be
inferred from the fact that a large portion of his Euins
were written in the then splendid red mansion of Judge
Benjamin Foy. The old escritoire belonging to the
Judge, on which Volney wrote, remained in the family
until the old man's death. Judge Overton, M. B. Win
chester, John M. Lea and others, made efforts to obtain
it, but it seemed neither of those succeeded.
The notorious Aaron Burr also made frequent visits to
the Point about the same time, though I have not heard
that the Judge, or any of the settlers, were suspected Of
being connected with his supposed schemes or expedi
tions. Judge Foy had two brothers, Isaac and Henry, who,
although good, industrious men, fell behind old Ben in
talent and weight of character. Isaac's farm centered
about opposite Adams street, and contained some thirty
or forty acres in cultivation. I was well acquainted with
the old man, and particularly so with his son Spillman,
a youngman about my own age, born and buried on the
place. We spent many happy days together, hunting
.and fishing. I have listened for hours to his tales of

164 history of MEMPHIS.
early days. The Judge's farm lay up at the point, which
has fallen in considerably since. It was much more ex
tensive, and better improved than Isaac's. Henry first
settled above the Judge, in the bend, and his heart
was set on the Chickasaw Bluff, and he seemed to
have anticipated its future greatness. He first pur
chased an Indian hut, about the foot of Court street,
which was one way of acquiring a color of title, and
which some thought would be treated as a pre-emption
right, though no such law existed at the time. His farm
was, I think, unusually large for that day, extending
from Jefferson, if not Adams, taelow Union, to a skirt of
woods, and taack to or taeyond Third, besides an exten
sive fleld on the batture, which he had also in cultivation.
There were, however, some spots of woodland left stand
ing, one of which was at Court Square, He built a house
on the bluff, below the foot of Jefferson street, which
took the shine off brother Ben's big red house at the
Point; paled in a handsome graveyard, in which some of
our prominent citizens were buried. He also made a
handsome little lake, known long after as Lake Walker,
and planted a fine orchard, from which I and others still
living gathered fruit as late as 1834. I would like to
continue this subject further, but my story is on the other
side of the river. THE POYS.
The Foys, I think, were of German descent, so were sev
eral other families at or near the Point. There were also
some old Spanish families still remaining, one of which
was named Grandy, who married a Miss Spillman, sister-
in-law of Isaac Foy, but most of this nationality seemed
to prefer matrying among the Indians and have now
wholly disappeared. From one of these I received an

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 165
old Spanish tradition of this taluff, which, in the hands
of a Marryatt, might furnish material for a first-class
novel, and although out of place, yet as I may never
have another opportunity, and as you, Mr. Editor, have
assumed the responsibility of saying in reference to this
story, that I would go back to the days of Governor
Gayoso, I will try to make your words good, at least to a
slight extent, though under no obligation to do so.
THE FIRST MEMPHIS LOVE STOEY.
The original Spanish fort, which stood where the
county jail now stands, was first commanded tay Don
Gallosso, who had a taeautiful daughter named Mareha,
beloved by all, and especially by a young Don, who
sought her hand in marriage, and being in every way
worthy, was accepted. Although a great favorite, the
young man had an inplacable enemy, who was no less a
personage than the priest and father confessor of the
young lady, who after haying failed to predjudice her
against her lover, finally refused most positively to sol
emnize the nuptials. This preyed so heavily on the
mind of the young girl, that she sickened and died, and
was buried under an elm tree which stood on the slope
of the bluff, below the foot of Jackson street. The old
Don took the death of his daughter greatly to heart, and
requested to be relieved. During the pendency of
which, he built a vessel at the mouth of wolf river, in
which it was said he and his family, with others, made the
voyage to Europe, This vessel he named " Mareha Gal
losso," That a craft bearing that name was built, as
indicated, there is no doubt in my mind, but as to her
rig amd capacity, which was represented as quite large,
there is doutat, and particularly her trip to Europe,
though I taelieve such was the original intention. I

166 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
have heard that she was sold at New Orleans, and went
into the coasting trade, which I think more likely. The
original map of Memphis, published in 1820, has a cut
representing the Mareha Gallosso as a light " fore-and-
aft schooner." THE burial PLACE.
The place represented as the taurial spot of Donna
Mareha showed no symptoms of a grave on the surface,
taut when the bluff was graded to flll the navy-yard, two-
graves were found near the place. The old fort, whose
name was too hard for me to call, much less remember,
stood, as I have before stated, on the ground now occu
pied by the county jail. When Knickerbocker and
Wright tauilt their storehouse, the first" tarick-buUdlng
ever erected on this taluff, and which occupied the same-
place, remains of the old fort were found in digging the
foundation; among others, a vault tauilt of tarick was
found, broken up and used in building the warehouse,
and now in all probability, occupy a place in the walls of
the prison. It was thought by some, at the time, that
these might tae the ruins of Fort L'Assomcion, tauilt tay
the French, under the celetarated Bienville, who, for a
short time, held possession of the -country; taut that
could not have taeen the case, I think, as it was too'
far from the river, being full double what it is now, for
which this latter fort was designed, in part, as a protec
tion; nor could it have taeen the remains of Fort Pike,.
which, though near, were definitely known.
EARTHQUAKES.
Of other families who lived at or near the point, I
might name the Fletchers. Old Peter came down the
river in 1811, and encountered the earthquakes near
New Madrid during their heaviest shocks. His account

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 167
of it was, I think, the fullest and most reliable I ever
heard, if I except that of his daughter, the late Mrs.
Catharine Whittier, who was about sixteen years old at ~
the time, and who could paint the thing up in livelier
colors, and throw more feeling into it than her father.
She was very fond of relating incidents and anecdotes
of early times, most of which would tae well worthy of
publication. Peter settled in the bend near the foot of
President's Island. His two brothers, Joshua and Tom,
preceded him several years, but I think Joshua settled
on this side of the river; he married a half-breed, of
whom his son Thomas, well known to many of the old
citizens, was born on this bluff in 1806. Of Old Tom
I know taut little, or where he settled. There were, also,
the Moores, Graces, Matthews, Beans, Aliens, Atwoods,
and others, who lived near the Point. The Fields who
Uved at Mound City ; Fogleman a short distance ataove ;
W. D. Furgason at Wopanocha, or Bradley's Landing, as
since called; Spaw's at Greenoch; and others, that I
could name, taut shall not; also, some that I cannot now
locate During the lifetime of Judge Foy, and particularly
before the purchase, when no civil government existed
on this shore, and none, save self-ordained ministers of
questionable character, visited it, it was common for
wedding parties to cross to the Point in order that His
Honor could perform the ceremony; which custom was
continued long after we were blessed with what was
called civil government. There was something roman
tic in crossing the river for this purpose, and we were,
generaUy speaking, a very romantic people. Long since
my early days, and since the death of the Judge, I have
seen the ferry flat, with all the skiffs and dugouts that
could be procured, with music, of which we had an ample

168 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
supply, illuminated with torches, going to and from the
Arkansas shore, at night, on such an occasion. We
also had an old, long nine-pounder, which some of us had
feloniously carried off from Fort Pickering, and planted
on the taluff, about where the Commandant's house now
stands. With this we would generally give the party a
leaving salute and a return greeting. Bob Gift and
others, including myself, finally overloaded the thing
and burst it all to smash, and the wonder is that it had
not smashed some of us. General Gaines was very angry
about it, talked of prosecuting, and had us considerably
scared, taut our friends persuaded him out of it.
THE DEATH OP THE JUDGE
left a vacancy that was felt on taoth sides of the river, and
the Point taecame the resort of the most vicious and des-
plcatale class; though It is but justice to say that the cit
izens were in no way responsible for their conduct, except
in a lack of proper effort to suppress it. This deficiency
Jack James, a young man of considerable enterprise, but
wanting in moral courage, undertook to supply. He pro
cured a territorial appointment as magistrate, purchased
or leased land, and put up a pretty good house; married
Becky Ann Berry, the belle of the Point, and seemed to
have started in earnest, but he let down at the flrst test
of his authority, and never regained it. The Point, how
ever, soon after loomed up into a great city in prospect
ive. A number ol enterprising men of Memphis, though
apparently inimical to her interest, conceived the grand
scheme of building a rival town on the opposite side of
the river, which, according to their prediction, was to lay
the one-horse concern on the bluff perfectly in the shade.
Glowing notices of it were putalished in numerous papers.
A splendid map was drawn, - surroudded tay cuts of nu-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 169
merous churches, hotels, and other putalic buildings, soon
to be erected, with the Goddess of Plenty shaking all
manner of good things out of a " cornu-copise," and
other representations, designed to attract such as had
more money than brains, and dignified it with the name
of Pedraza. Gus Young and Major E. Hickman were
the leading spirits, though I think that one Eobertson
Topp, and, perhaps, others still living, took their first les
sons in town -buUding in this affair. There was nothing,
however, discreditable ataout it, excepting that the story
of the lataoring mountain might seem too strikingly sim
Uar. The sale of the lots was put off from time to time on
account of the shyness of the crowd, which grew taeauti-
fuUy less until it feU through entirely. They did, how
ever, seU some lots to a fellow, a saddler tay trade, whose
name I have forgotten, and would not rememtaer it if I
could, for to him, perhaps justly, was attritauted the fail
ure of the to^wn. He bought a number of old flatboats,
ran them across, broke them up, and from the debris
erected an executive shanty, which he named the
'i PEDRAZA HOTEL."
But he undertook to shove too much of the " queer," and,
some stolen horses having been found in his possession,
he felt it advisable to emigrate, leaving his wife in charge
of the concern, in whose name everything was purchased.
She proved herself equal to the occasion, and the house
was soon filled with lewd women and black-legs, and for
some three years they had everything their own way.
'Squire James kept a grocery, and his general patronage
was from that class. The ferry was reaping a rich har
vest, as were some others, who were not very particular
about disturbances while their pockets were benefited.
The revelers were therefore at liberty to fight, shoot and

170 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
yell as much as they pleased, without the fear of being
interfered with, until the hanging of the gamblers at
Vicksburg, in July, 1835, took place; after which that
class found themselves driven from almost all the towns
on the river. Memphis being rather slow, as usual, soon
found herself overrun with them, when a meeting of the
citizens was called, and all gamblers were notified to
leave, or fare as their fellowcrafts had done in Vicksburg.
This produced quite a flutter. Some pretended to ap
prove of the proceedings, taecame suddenly reformed, and
were going to work ; others kept very scarce and quiet for
some days, after which their mutterings began to tae
heard, which, gradually growing louder, became soon
defiant, when the reformed threw off the mask, and the
absentees, with new recruits, came pouring in.
THE GAMBLERS.
Their triumph for a time appeared complete, but an
other meeting, larger than the first, was held, and more
determined resolutions were passed. A list of all the
known gamblers was made out, who were warned, on
their peril, to leave, and they did leave ; but they only
went over the river, where, feeling that they were on
their own territory, pretended to organize, made out a
list of the most active participants of the meeting, and
notified them of the consequences of their taeing met with
in Arkansas. They even threatened to come over and
burn the town. This was looked upon as mere bombast,
and perhaps was ; still it was very imprudent to leave the
place so completely exposed to their attacks, which soon
after occurred, in this wise:
THE CAMP-MEETING AND GAMBLERS.
A big camp-meeting was being held ataout midway
between Memphis and Ealeigh, and as there may be some

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS-. 171
who do not fully understand these meetings, I will state
that they constituted the largest gatherings that met in
early days. Eaces, fairs and monkey-shows were com
paratively small concerns, as these only drew the wicked,
and were suspended on Sundays, while camp-meetings
drew all sorts, particularly the women, who, of course,
drew the men, especially when they found themselves in
a triumphant minority, as was the case in this country
at that time. Why, sir, the very homeliest woman
in the country could get as many beaux as she wanted,
while the beauties wielded a sway that was truly distress
ing. Your humtale servant can speak on that point ex
perimentally. The meetings always held a week, com
mencing on Thursday and ending the following Wednes
day. Sunday was the taig day of the occasion, when all
the great guns were brought out, and the grand rally for
mourners came off. On the present occasion, the whole
country for twenty miles around was in a manner depop
ulated, and Memphis, on Sunday, virtually deserted..
The preaching at the campground had taeen gotten
through with and the cry for mourners raised, which was-
responded to by about one hundred, followed by the
faithful, when a scene ensued that will certainly never
be forgotten tay any who witnessed it. There were twO'
spaces in front of the stage, each about twenty-flve feet
square, inclosed by side-railings, and filled to the depth
of a foot or more with straw. What the proper names of
those inclosures were I do not know, but sinners called
them "bull-pens," and I was told that the straw was put'
there to prevent the ground-and-lofty tumblers from
hurting themselves, for it appears that religion is unlike
some other stimulants, and does not suspend the neryous
system. These pens were soon filled with the seekers..
The faithful, who seemed over-anxious to participate in

172 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
the great work of saving souls, with the exception
of a favored and protaably trained band, were driven
back with the cry of " don't crowd the mourners," which
appeared to cast a momentary damper on the rising
flame, from which it, however, soon recovered and broke
forth with renewed fury. The thing seemed weU got
ten up. Each of the workers appeared to know and
have studied his or her part. They distributed them
selves through the wailing crowd in about equal num
bers, and immediately engaged in exhorting, praying,
singing, clapping of hands, and other demonstrations,
no two of which were in harmony, but an evidently-
designed discord pervaded the whole, except that a
rivalry seemed to exist as to who could make the most
noise, or create the greatest confusion, while the exclu
ded laborers had to content themselves with exclaiming,-
" Amen ! " " Hallelujah ! " " God grant it ! " and other like
expressions, which, mingled with lunatic screams, pit
eous groans and dismal howls, to say nothing of the
violent gesticulations of the converts, was certainly cal
culated to upset any ordinary brain.
OPPOSITION,
The negroes, who were there in large numbers, being
excluded from participation with their white brethren,
set up an independent, or, I might say, opposition meet
ing of their own, and, while they drew off none of the
white bosses, jours or apprentices, they certainly did
draw heavily on the rabble. The whites could not be
surpassed in antics, but the darkies could beat them in
strength of lungs, agility, and originality of exclama
tion. To be outshouted by negroes was something the
more favored class would not submit to; so a delegation
waited on the coloreds, informing them that they must

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 173
either dry up or move farther off, and I believe they
chose the latter.
Another feature of this assembly was that there were
some dozen or more booths, in different directions, a quar
ter of a mile or less from the main shed, composed of
bushes, cut and piled up, beneath which was concealed a
barrel of whisky. The proprietors were supplied with
an ample number of junk bottles and runners to attend
customers at the shed, where the bottles would be passed
around, sometimes within a few yards of the speakers.'
stand, until their contents were exhausted, when they
would be despatched taack, with the necessary fee, for re
filling; and its effects may be readily conceived.
There may tae some who think that a camp-meeting is
no place for love-making; if so, they are very much mis
taken. When the mind becomes bewildered and con^
fused, the moral restraints give way, and the passions
are quickened and less controUable. For a mile or more
around a camp-ground the woods seem alive with people;
every tree or bush has its group or couple, while hundr
reds of others in pairs are seen prowling around in search
of some cozy spot. These gatherings have ceased in all-
intelligent communities, and in a short time will only tae
rememtaered as one of the errors of the past. It is also
to be hoped that religious Fairs will soon cease, in which
the laws of God and man are openly ignored, the sworn
duties of grand juries set at defiance, and the most per
nicious species of gambling engaged in, while young
ladies of the best families are put forward and induced
to go among the men canvassing for chances in some
article to tae raffled for — requiring a degree of boldness
and indelicacy that is morally shocking. It is useless to
say that other societies engage in the same practices. If
religious societies wiU stop it the others will readily be

174 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
put down. But I must get back to the camp-ground,
where the excitement still reigned, though soon doomed
to undergo a sudden and violent change.
When the thing had reached its zenith and was work
ing most admirably to the minds of its planners, a horse
man dashed up and at the top of his voice cried out : " The
gamblers have come over, and are ataout to taurn Mem
phis ! " Then a change took place, and such a change !
The yell was immediately raised by the outsiders, and
as readily suspended by the ins ; the latter not knowing
what was the matter, supposed that some terrible danger
threatened them and fied in all direction. In less than
a minute the mammoth shed was cleared of its vast
assemblage, including the pens. It is strange how quick
some people, under peculiar circumstances, can recover
their senses. The general impression seemed to be that
safety in this world was of more importance than that
in the world to come, and although the Lord of Hosts
might be present, as had been declared, this particular
host had better be anywhere else.
As soon as the cause of alarm was understood, those
who had not previously taken to the woods took the road
to Memphis. The pedestrians got the start, but the
equestrians soon went dashing through them with ter
rific fury, followed first by the light and then by the
¦heavier vehicles. It was then that the vastness of the
multitude was most apparent; and although Shelby county
contains at present ten times the population she then did,
if such a body of people were now to congregate, the gen
eral question would tae, " Oh, where did they come from?"
THE DISAPPOINTMENT.
On arriving in Memphis, it was found that the torch
had not been applied, but that the gamblers had been

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 175
over in large force, and had paraded the streets in a
swaggering and threatening manner, which was too
aggravating to be passed over quietly; so a body of well-
armed and determined men pressed all the water-crafts
that could be propelled by hand into service, and went
across, but could find nothing over a ten-year-old in
breeches. Even the quiet, inO'ffensive citizens thought
it best to be out of the way. Within a few hundred
yards of the shore there was then a dense and almost
impenetrable cane-brake. In which It was thought the
gamtalers had taken refuge, and from which it was deemed
foolish to attempt to rout them. The women, however,
were more heroic. They not only stood their ground,
but opened their batteries on the common enemy, and
such a thorough tongue-lashing no poor fellows, perhaps,
ever received. Some of the more indiscreet of the inva
ders attempted to bandy epithets, but their calibre
proved wholly deficient. Chapfallen and mortified at
their supposed failure, the expedition returned, taut it
had in reality proved a great success, for the gamblers
found that even Arkansas, or at least that portion of it,
was to them not only an unprofitable field for operation,
but a very unhealthy locality.
About a week after the last named occurrence, the
citizens of Memphis were aroused from their slumbers
at the dead of night by the ringing of the alarm taells.
Upon reaching their doors they found the heavens lit up
with a dazzling glare. Their first impression was that
the threat of the gamtalers was being accomplished, but
they were soon relieved by discovering that the light
came from the opposite shore, and, on closer view, that
the Pedraza Hotel was in fiames. The whole population
was soon assembled on the taluff, and never was a fire
looked upon with more general pleasure. Many jokes

176 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
were told and heartily enjoyed. In fact some men were
present, taut partially dressed, with their guns in their
hands. Thus ended the gamtalers' embroilment, and, at
the same time, the embryo city of Pedraza.
WAPPANOCHA.
/» It is due to the importance of Foy's Point and the
/truth of history, to say that, like this taluff, there were
'three rival or opposition towns in contemplation at the
same time, adjoining each other, on her shores. Charles
B. Murry, one of our oldest citizens, of whom much
might be told, purchased the tract below and laid off a
town, to which he gave the more modest name pf Hope-
ville. The Pedraza company showed a very bad feeling
•4^ their neighbor, closed up their streets on that side,
and even fell out with old John D. Graham, the surveyor,
for having made them to conform to their own, discharged
him from their service, and employed Wappanocha Fur
gason in his stead. To their chagrin they soon after
learned that Furgason and others had actually succeeded
in persuading old Mrs. Foy, (relict of the Judge,) to lay
off her farm into a to^wn, which they wisely determined
should retain the name of Foy's Point; she was, however,
persuaded^ not out of it, but to wait until the success of
the others should be known, which amounted to the
same. The feuds growing out of these were very dis
creditable, and I think considerable injustice was done
both to Graham and Furgason, particularly the latter,
who was a much better man than some people gave him
credit for. He has told me many incidents and anecdotes of
early times, but failed to write them out, and as I never
dreamed of turning historian, I have now taut an imperfect
recollection of them, one of which I will, however, relate:
A CURIOUS STORY.
It was in the summer of 1831 that a steamer, on her

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 177
upward-bound trip, stopped at Wapj)anocha to wood,
when a young man went ashore and solicited emploj'ment
from Furgason, telling him that he had been to New Or
leans on a flatboat, and while returning on the deck of the
steamboat, had the misfortune to be robbed of all his
money. Furgason gave him a job of cutting cord-wood,
at which he worked until he had earned a sufficient sum
to carry him to his home in Illinois. During this time
he was an inmate of the Colonel's house. This young
man's name was Abraham Lincoln, since President of
the United States. THE PROPHETS.
I neglected to insert in its proper place quite an im
portant event in the history of Foy's Point, which
inspired the idea of town-building, and which was the
building of the great National or Military road from the
Mississippi river to Little Eock, and ultimately to the
frontier, which at that time was looked upon as a greater
undertaking than half a dozen railroads would be at
present, and in fact, what Gaines was urging, and prob
ably would have succeeded in turning into a railroad.
But government undertakings move slowly, and partic
ularly was it the case in that instance. It dragged
heavily along for some six or eight years; detached por
tions of it were finished while the intervening parts
were wholly impassable. It was however, progressing,
and in a short time would have been finished. If the
government was slow Arkansas was fast, or at least
some of her citizens who wished seats in Congress were,
and she was fastened to the Union ataout thirty years
taefore her time. The prevailing theory then was that
the Government could make no internal improvements
within the States, and thus this important undertaking,
ij

178 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
and Other interest of the people fell a sacrifice to the
selfish ambition of a few heartless politicians.
THE DUELS.
You are anxious to know something about the duels
which have at different times been fought on the Arkan
sas shore, opposite Memphis. This I flnd the most
difficult part of my task, never having witnessed any of
them, and although I am familiar with the causes that
led to the most of them, yet they are generally of such
a nature that their reviewal might be very improper.
Still, I will endeavor to gratify you as fair as may seem
consistent with propriety :
PHILIP S. WHITE AND GUS YOUNG.
The first that I rememtaer, though I have an indistinct
recollection of a previous one, was between Gus Young
and Philip S. White. They took two pops at each other.
The first proved a clear miss ; at the second each received
•clothes wounds, when their seconds and other friends,
fearing the theory that " practice makes perfect " might
prove true in their case, and that the next shot might
¦spoil the hide, interposed and settled the matter. Fran
cis Augustus Young was the eldest of four tarothers, sons
of Captain Emanuel Young, one of the first, oldest and
most enterprising merchants of the Bluff City. He com
manded the old steamer " United States " that fiourished
just fifty years ago, the Leviathan of her day, taeing more
ithan doutale the tonnage of any other taoat on the river.
After his death his sons continued the tausiness
binder the firm style of F. A. & T. Young & Co. Gus
was a handsome, notale, whole-souled fellow, and the
leading spirit of the fast young men of his day. He had
his weakness, though, which brought him to an early
grave. Philip S. White was a tall, portly and

S THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 179
remarkataly fine-looking man; a Kentuckian tay birth, a
lawyer by profession, and a great wit and brilliant
orator. Although quite dissipated at the time of the
duel, he reformed and distinguished himself as a temper
ance lecturer and Most Worthy Patriarch of the Sons of
Temperance of the United States. But he ultimately
fell, and finally died a drunkard.
Dr. D. J. Auld, White's second, who, unlike his princi
pal, was a very small man, feeling aggrieved at something
that transpired, challenged, successively, some half-
dozen, all of whom declined. It was thought that the
size of the target, and the fact of the Doctor being con
sidered a dead shot, had something to do with their ob
jections. Finding that he could kill no one else, he
concluded to kill himself Abandoning his practice, he
devoted himself wholly to hard drink and low company;
and thus was lost to the world one of the most gifted
and accomplished young men I have ever known.
[I am glad to learn, through the Appeal, of March 16,
1873, that I was mistaken in reference to Dr. Auld's loss
to the world; that he not only reformed, but taecame a
distinguished minister of the Gospel in South Carolina,
where he lived many years, highly esteemed, though his
biographer represents his depravity while in Memphis in
a much worse light than I had done.]
ANOTHER AFFAIR OF HONOR.
Fielding Lucas and Joseph Henderson, having ran
athwart each other in a love matter, devoted a whole day
in Arkansas trying to get up a fight, while their friends
were even more earnestly engaged in trying to prevent
it, which they finally did. Mr. Lucas is still living, and
one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Mis
sissippi,

180 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS,
There were some other duels of small importance,
which I have in a measure forgotten, and which it is
perhaps taetter that all others should forget. Besides, I
have determined to relate no circumstance that has oc
curred within the past quarter century,however important.
I shall, therefore, after giving a short sketch of the fatal
duel between Gholston and Jackson, which happened
several years prior to the one last mentioned, proceed to
close my story. This is one that I should tae the most
anxious to avoid, as it was the consequence of .one of the
most disgraceful feuds that ever scandalized any corh-
munity: A most notoriously abandoned woman having
heard that a highly respectable widowed lady had
expressed the opinion that her negro girl was being har
bored by her, she armed herself with a cowhide and
commenced a tarutal assault on the lady, in the most
putalic part of the town, and in the presence of numerous
persons. That such an outrage should tae palliated,
much less justified, tay any having the slightest claim to
common sense and decency, may seem wholly incredit-
able, yet, nevertheless, it is true, and for which more
than one man paid the direful penalty of his life. But
I shall not go into details further than I can well avoid.
At a public table Gholston, in speaking of the affair, ex
pressed his opinion that there was little or no difference
in point of character between the two women, which
Jackson resented there, and an altercation was with some
difficulty prevented. Jackson immediately challenged
Gholston. The latter first threw himself on his dignity,
claiming to be of better family. These grounds being
generally considered untenable, even by some of Ghol-
eon's own friends, and urged on tay others, the challenge
was finally accepted.
The parties met on the opposite shore, and the fight

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 181
was witnessed tay a large concourse. At the flrst flre,
which was simultaneous, Gholston leaped in the air, ut
tered a piercing shriek and fell lifeless on the spot,
having been shot through the heart. Jackson was also
severely, though not dangerously, wounded. Colonel
Wm. T. Gholston was a Virginian, I believe; had been
bred a lawyer, though I don't think he ever practiced.
He was engaged in mercantile pursuits, being one of the
flrm of Bayless, Gholston & Co. He was a man of re
spectable talents, but inordinate vanity. His over
anxiety to fill a seat in the American Congress led him
to seek political strength in a very improper direction.
TERRIBLE INCIDENT.
On the morning of the duel he sent word to his
mother-in-law that he would have friends home with hira
to dinner. A sumptuous repast was prepared, and
several lady friends were present when the corpse was
brought in, and one of the most heartrending scenes
ensued ever witnessed, Captain Jackson, was a Ten,-
nesseean, born, I believe, in Murray county, a lawyer by
profession, and of more than ordinary talents. He was,
I think, in some way related to the lady whose wrongs
he so dreadfully avenged. He is now living in Missouri,
where he is said to be much esteemed, and enjoying a
good practice, and recently promoted to the bench.
I might tell of the cruel lynchings and desperate acts
performed, mostly by parties from this shore; I might
also tell of the gangs of horse-thieves and coun
terfeiters that infested that region from the days of
John A. Murrel to the expulsion of Joe Able; also the
doings of the regulators; but I shall not do so at present,
I have no apology, Mr. Editor, to make for this story,
except tbe zigzag manner in which it is gotten up; and

182 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
had I a character as a writer to lose, I should certainly
re-arrange and re-write the whole; as it is I shall let it
pass for what it is worth. I have, however, one request
to make of my friends on the opposite shore in which
I hope the Old Folks and yourself will join, which is,
that they will revive and continue that once so deserv
edly popular name of Foy's Point,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 183

THE EECEPTION OF COLONEL EICHAED M.
JOHNSON IN MEMPHIS, IN 1844.

Some of my readers are aware that in early times
Memphis contained a wild, frolicsome set of young men,
and I am strongly inclined to believe she has some speci
mens of that kind on hand yet. She certainly had as
late as twenty-nine years ago, which an incident I propose
to relate, will, I think, clearly establish.
The Presidential canvass of 1844 commenced, I may
say, with that year, if not before. The Whigs had settled
on Henry Clay as their candidate, without any division ;
while the Democrats were very riiuch divided, and some
six or more prominent men of that party were struggling
for the honor, as it was thought tay their opponents, of
being slaughtered by Clay — among the number was Col.
Eichard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, who had filled the
office of Vice-President, under Van Buren, and who now
was determined on forcing himself on the party, though,
to their credit be it said, the intelligent portion were
heartily ashamed of him, and well they might be, for,
considering his opportunities, he certainly was the poor
est apology for a statesman that has ever yet been brought
forward by any partj^, and I think that both the leading
parties might blush for some they have not only brought
forward, but actually elected. Dick, as he was commonly
called, determined, if possible, to secure the nomination,
and for that purpose planned an electioneering tour
through the southern and western States in the spring
of that year. Memphis, of course, was one of the points
selected for a display of his talents, and due notice of

184 HISTORY OF SIEMPHIS.
the time of his proposed visit was published. The
Whigs, knowing the estimate their leading opponents
held poor Dick in was highly elated, and promised them
selves some rich fun, but came nigh being disappointed,
for up to the very day taefore h-s arrival not one thing
had been done by his party friends to give him a recep
tion, when a meeting was held by the Whigs and resolu-^
tions passed that the gallant Colonel should be properlj-
honored. All necessary steps were taken-— committees
appointed, speakers selected and funds provided. When
the steamer hove in view, with her colors flying and
cannon booming, all was in readiness. The " Blues," to
a limited number, turned out, escorted tay a tarass band,
and followed tay a dilapidated carriage, stood in readiness
to receive the immortal slayer of Tecumseh. As soon as
the planks were launched the band struck up " Hail to
the Chief," the military filed right and left, t!ie proper
parties boarded the boat and soon returned with an ad
dition to their number, in the person of a short, portly
and quite good looking man, whose iriost noted feature
was a flaming rest vest, said to be the same worn when
the big Indian fell. The crowd greeted him with a shout,
in response to which he made a very low bow. I might
he're add that it was no trouble at that season of the year
to get up a crowd, owing to the large number of flatboats
lying at the landing. The Colonel, in great style, soon
landed at the Exchange Hotel, then kept by Major E.
Hickman and Benjamin Sappington. The committee
hastened their distinguished charge upon the upper gal
lery — a large, old-fashioned country porch, furnished
with seats, the front ones reserved for the ladies — taut
nary a lady. The orator selected for the occasion was a
tall, young lawyer by the name of Henr^^ 6. Smith. I
reckon the Judge will hardly thank me for mixing his

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 185
name in this mess, but I have pretty much quit working
for thanks, beside they put me in a rather ridiculous po
sition, which I suppose I shall be obliged to acknowl
edge ; if so, I shall tell on everybody else. Among the
committees was one, perhaps not generally known, called
the Enthuse Committee, whose duty it was to keep up a
systematic excitement, on which they appointed me
chairman, or as some styled me, " Hallomaster-General,"
which was certainly due me, on account of my remarka
ble ataility in that way. Mj^ men were well drilled, and at
a certain signal were to display themselves according to
programme. Smith's speech was a rare specimen, and to serve him
right I would give it in full. He soft-soaped the Colonel
from head to foot, and rubbed it in; called him the hero
of the Thames, and spoke glowingly of his famous charge
at that battle ; as the confidential friend and adviser of
old Hickory Jackson ; of the services he had rendered
the nation as one of its ablest counsellors; of the digni-
fled manner in which he had presided over that most
august body the Senate of the United States, and par
ticularly that master piece of statesmanship, his Sundy
Mail Eeport. How he came to omit' the killing of Te
cumseh I never could see. He need not have been
ashamed of it, for the Colonel had certainly as much to
do with that as be had with the Sunday Mail Eeport; but
perhaps the Judge did not think so; yet, how he could look
old Dick in the face and say what he did was a mystery
to me.
My committee hadbeen sparing during Smith's speech,
reserving their heavy metal for the Colonel. When that
individual's turn came a grand shout rent the air, and
the red vest was gracefully bowed across the rail. " Fel
low-citizens," said he, throwing himself into a military

186 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
attitude and substituting his cane for a sword, " when
the battle of the Thames hung in the scales of uncer
tainty I determined on a decisive movement. I called to
my brother James, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson! who
responded, presenting his sword. After acknowledging
the salutation — Go, said I, and turn the left wing of the
enemy ; I give you thirty minutes to do it in. He bowed
and put spurs to his horse. I drew my watch from my
pocket, [suiting the action to the word] and ere the
minute hand had passed half way round the dial my
brother James returned, and, giving me the salutation,
exclaimed: 'Colonel Johnson, your order has been'
obeyed! ' and in less than thirty minutes more the fate of
the day was decided. Fellow-citizens, you know the
result. Since that time, fellow-citizens, thirty minutes
has been a flxed time with me, and if you will now give
me your attention I propose to make you a thirty minute
speech." Here my committee came in beautifully, but it
was about their last display, for the Colonel failed in
almost every effort he made afterward. He would fre
quently strike an eloquent strain and run it for a few
moments, giving hope of a well finished sentiment — while
I held myself in readiness to give the signal — when he
would come to a sudden pause, and after a confused look,
would add, in a silly tone, " for my further views on this
subject, fellow-citizens, I will refer you to my Sunday
Mail Eeport;" and thus he got out of a half dozen or
more bogs during his harangue, and at each time spoiled
a display of enthuse. Members of the committee would
nudge me. " Colonel," they would say — they had dubbed
me Colonel for the occasion — " why don't you give the
signal." " There is no place for it," I would answer.
" Oh, let us have it anyhow, we are ready to burst," they
would reply. Finally the thirty minutes were drawing to

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 18'7
a close, and it would not do to give it up so. Taking a
portion of the committee, I descended, and we took our
places in the crowd of boatmen, where a number of my
committee had already been stationed, and kept Up a sort
of indiscriminate cheer. There were, however, ari irre
sponsible set who annojred the old man with cries tff
"louder," and his efforts to accommodate them brought
on fits of coughing, which threatened to spoil the sport.
When he showed signs of closing we would call out,
" Tell us ataout killing Tecumseh," and immediately T*e-
cumseh would ring through the crowd, for the ratatale
thought it sincere. This was too fat a subject to be
passed over, so he had to give us the opinion of brother
James and numerous others to sustain his claim to that
important act. Then the cry " Tell us about General
Jackson," was rung. This was another of his strong
points, and he went on to show wherein Old Hickory had
shown unbounded confldence in him, &c. After which,
" Tell us ataout your Sunday Mail Eeport." Some would
have thought we had had enough of that, but the Col
onel did not think so, and so he went on tb prove his au
thorship of that document, which had been attritauted to
Amos Kendall and others.
Thus poor Dick was worried, and his Democratic
friends, who had joined in the movement for appearance
sake, were, with a few exceptions, very angry — promi
nent among whom was Major Hickman, the Mayor, who
had been to the old hero several times, telling him that
dinner was ready, that he was injuring himself, &c., but
to no purpose, when, calling to Lem. Austin, and point
ing to me, said, " Go and tell that d— d fool that I say
stop it." The Major always thought that he had the
right to say what he pleased to anybody, and particularly
to me. Lem, however, did not think it prudent to carry

188 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
such a message, but passed along by me looking angry,
-and, without turning his head, he said, "I would be
ashamed of myself." Casting an eye on the crowd
around ihe, I found he had hit me on the softest point.
I hurriedly slouched my hat over my eyes and made for
the tavern, and my subordinates Immediately followed,
when the old soldier, being taken with another flt of
coughing, suffered himself to tae led away without a part
ing cheer. He was then tarought down to the bar-room
to tae introduced to the crowd, taut the crowd had disap
peared, Austin and others having told them that it was
a Whig trick, induced them to disperse. This rather got
lis for a little while, taut we soon commenced repeating.
I received three introductions, under as many different
names and titles, while some others doubled me, and thus
made a pretty fair show of numbers. We then, tired and
hungry, made our way to the dining-room, and here poor
Dick had to undergo another pressure, tay introduction
to the distinguished persons present.
Seth Wheatley now took charge of the Colonel, and
made him a lengthy speech. While this was going on
many of us were plying our knives and forks. Wheatley
made ample amends for the omission of Smith on the
Tecumseh point, and welcomed the distinguished visitor
to our Bluff city. Of course there was a reply and many
thanks tendered for the honors conferred. Hardly had
the hungry Colonel taken his seat and turned his atten
tion to the inner man than the toasts commenced — aU
voluntary, and, as a general thing, remarkable only for
their surpassing flatness — most of which were pretended
-compliments to Mr. Johnson, which never failed to caU
forth an acknowledgment and response.
The Colonel was a remarkably hearty eater, and fre-
(fuently, while thus engaged, found too large a grist in his

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 189"
mill to be disposed of in the usual way, at short notice,
and if the agony produced by such efforts were fairly
portrayed by the accompanying grimaces and popping of
eyes, it certainly must have been intense.
There were also some side-shows connected with this
menagerie worthy of notice. Dr. Jno. S. Williams would
call out to Holy Parker, who sat some distance from him,.
particularly when anything ridiculous was said, "Eich,"
to which Parker, in a grave tone, would respond —
" Very." John Park said, in a low voice to those
near him, " I am going to get the old fellow for thirty
minutes," and, of course, was soon called out, when he
gave — " Colonel Eichard M. Johnson, ' first in war, first
in peace, and first in the hearts of the American peo
ple.' " The Colonel arose, but his hopper beirg unusu
ally full, he was under the necessity of throwing his head
well back to prevent the contents escaping in the wrong
way, blutabered out, " Thank you, my dear friend," set
tled down and went on with his mastication, when sev
eral sang out "watered," and John wilted. Next, Colo
nel Eppy Wh,ite was called on for a sentiment, when that
individual, who could outgirt a sugar hogsheadj arose
and said, in his deep, bass tone, "I'm for Henry Clay for
President, that's my sentiment." This was a damper, it
being understood that we were all Johnson men for the
time taeing. Dr. Geo. A. Smith arose and nominated
Colonel Eppy White for Vice-President on the same
ticket. Eotaertson Topp aro^e, seconded the nomination,
declaring that no man could be found who would
better pill the chair. This was considered so good that
all joined in a hearty laugh. Old Dick, whose mouth
happened to tae nearly empty at the time, laughed im
moderately. After which the toasts and witticisms were
confined to the antic portion of the collection," and the

190 'HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
ilon was permitted to lay in stores for some ten minutes
,undisturtaed, and to witness his industry, one would have
^supposed that he was providihg against a famine; taut a
.cruel interruption awaited him. Colonel C. D. McLain,
itaeing called upon, arose and gave " Kentucky, like the
mother of the Gracci, when called upon to produce here
rarest jewel, points to her son," and, giving his hand a
grand fiourish, tarought the index finger, with the con
cluding words, to hear in line with the red vest. This
was the master toast of the occasion.
The idea of placing such a specimen in advance of the
tOlays, Crittendens, Marshals, Wickliffs, &c., may look
Ridiculous to some ; the Colonel, however, did not see it
in that light. Springing to his feet he made a powerful
.effort to send an overcharge of half-masticated food
ibelow, but the mass gorged at the narrows, and for a few
moments seemed to baffle all efforts to displace it. Some
of the material worked itself under the glottis, when the
windpipe came in play, and, with a terrible snort, sent
the obstructing matter in all directions, and such a shower
,of provisions had, perhaps, never before occurred since
the days of Moses as was then witnessed. The snort
.seemed contagious, for one after another was taken, until
the whole crowd were engaged, and coughing, sneezing
;and laughing became universal, and actually broke up
the meeting, though all, with perhaps one exception, had
.ate, if not drank, as much as they desired.
The music. Blues and dilapidated carriage were again
brought into requisition, and the Colonel, seated taeside
-the Mayor, with the two orators of the day on the front
seat, were hauled through some of the principal streets,
.and, finally, down to the river and placed on board the
boat, which immediately shoved out. The Colonel was
;§oon on the upper deck, where his red bandana and vest

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 191
glittered in the setting sun until they rounded the point
below, and their owner was, no doutat, fully satisfled that
the men of Memphis were almost a unit for Colonel Dick
Johnson for President of the United States.
I might also give some sketches of the visit of Hon.
Henry Clay the year taefore. He was received with great
enthusiasm, and Memphis never has had another such
favorite for the Presidency,
I might tell of Colonel Eppy White's bringing his wife
to town and making Clay kiss her, ("there," said old
Eppy to his wife, after the performance, "now go home,
and don't wash your face for a week"); the frolic they
had on the boat when they went down to meet him; also,
a pretty good story on Doctor Wyatt Christian, in the
same connection ; but I'll pass them all, at least for the
present, Ex-President Van Buren also visited us the same year,
1843, on his way to the Hermitage, to once more shake
the hand of his old friend and patron. General Andrew
Jackson, There is one 'thing I might say to the credit of old
Dick Johnson, he did not disguise the object of his tour,
while the others, I think, rather played off, and, like
Andy's visit to the grave of Douglass, were swinging
around the Presidential circle.
I failed to see Mr. Van Buren, as he landed in the
night and remained on the boat, though many friends
and idlers did. Although I was not present myself, yet
'I am strongly inclined to publish what Tom Green saw,
or, at least, claimed to have seen, and Tom could tell the
truth when — I was going to say, sober, but upon reflec
tion I believe it was when drunk that he more frequently
stumbled in that direction. But some one may wish to
know who Tom Green was. All I know about him is

192 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
that he lived some where in Mississippi; came here in
company with Bill Yerger, Kemp Hurst, and others of
the sort, on a spree; that he could talk more incessantly,
say more smart things without a moment's reflection, sing
more songs, tell more jokes and drink more whisky, with
out getting drunk, than any man I ever knew, He was
a fine-looking man, had plenty of money, and spent it as
though it were valueless. He was here on a sight-seeing
expedition, and, being up at the time, could not let the
Fox of Kinderhook, as he called Van, pass without see
ing him, and I shall let him tell his own story :
" The first I saw of Van Buren, an Irishman had hold
of his hand, exclaiming:
'Arrah, Mr. Van Buren, it's glad I am to see ye! I'm
a Jackson man, no matther who the divvil else is running.
Have you a we bit o' the 'removed deposits' about ye,
jist?' ' Oh, no,' said Mr. Van Buren, pretending not to under
stand him, ' that law has been repealed,'
' Eepailed!' exclaimed Mick,, ' and are ye's repailing in
this counthry, too? I thought it was that taroth of a boy,
Dan O'Conner, in the auld counthry, that was doing all
tlie repailing.'
"At this juncture a little crappo Frenchman, who looked
like he was on the dark side of eighty, seizing his left
hand, for Pat still held ou to the other, commenced :
' Ah, Monsieur Van Buren, me so very mooch glad to
see you; me glad to shake your hand; me no been so
mooch glad since me shake de hand of de Grand Napo
leon.' " Just then a huge giant appeared in front, who meas
ured four feet between the shoulders, and six inches
between the eyes. He looked as though he could, at an
hour's notice, subdue a forest, tunnel the AUeghanies,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 193
or taridge the Mississippi. In his bosom was a partly
concealed broad-axe, while on his shoulders sat two full
grown, well fed coons. Speaking very slow and loud, and
principally through his nose, he addressed Mr. Van Buren
as follows:
'Mr. Van Buren, my name is Alf Bowen; I'm from
Kentucky, and a Jackson man, by — ; and I want to
shake your hand.'
' Well,' said Van, ' if I had another hand, you should
have it; and if you can induce either of my friends here
to relinquish their hold on one of them, you are at liberty
to shake it; taut I pass them coons and that broad-axe.'
The Kentuckian took a hurried glance at each of the
hand-holders. The Frenchman appeared the softest case,
but his was the left hand, and Bowen was no left-handed
man ; so, taking Mick gently tay the arm, which caused
an exclamation of pain, that individual relinquished the
hand of Van Buren immediately, and was sent off about
six feet."
Tom says he left at this time, but, on looking back,,
judged, by the wrigglings of the ex-President, that he.
had made a very had exchange.

194 ¦ HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,

LOCAL HISTOEY— THE BATTUEE.

In a communication some years ago, published in the
Appeal, I gave a condensed history of the taatture in
front of the city, but as that notice was mostly devoted
to another subject, which had ceased to have any im
portance, perhaps few if any copies of it could now be
had. At all events, I consider it worthy of a more ex
tended notice, and shall proceed to give it.
^The first settlers found a much more extensive bat
ture in front of the bluff than the present one ever was,
on which there was an Indian village; and for years
afterward the only semblance of a town, a few cabins,
-or shanties, were erected at the mouth of Wolf river,
which was then about opposite the foot of Jefferson
street. There were also some three or four corn-fields,
worked by the Indians, and a quarter race-track on
which the speed of their ponies was daily tried. Henry
Foy purchased the right of the Indians, and cultivated
Jihe fields more extensively. At what time this batture
washed away I do not rememtaer to have heard, but
think it shortly after the earthquakes at New Madrid,
which caused numerous changes in the river. At this
time, however, and for more than thirty years after, the
river was thickly studded with snags, which would col
lect large quantities of driftwood, causing the current to
set with powerful force against the shore in many places,
and I have seen whole acres
CAVE IN IN a BODY,
carrying with it the tallest and heaviest trees, main
taining their upright position unti they would disap-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 195
pear, leaving a whirlpool into which the water would
rush for near a minute after, showing clearly that the
body of earth was still sinking. In a few minutes more
the tops of the trees would reappear above water, but
the weights of the roots would still continue them in
their upright position and thus drift down until coming
to the shallow water, the roots resting on the bottom,
the quicksands depositing around them, and in a short
time the tree would tae found more firmly planted in the
taed of the river than ever it had taeen on its native soil,
the drift would soon strip it of its limbs leaving its
sturdy trunk to deal destruction to every hapless craft
that came in contact with it.
Congress passed a bill for the removal of obstructions
from the Mississippi river, and snag boats were built
with sufficient power to have lifted any tree in this
county out by the roots, yet they wholly failed to raise
many of the snags alluded to, and it was found neces
sary to invent machinery to cut them off at the depth of
thirty or forty feet under water. Congress, I wiU ven
ture to say, never passed a more beneficial measure, or
one that met with a more bitter and determined opposi
tion. One of the glories of the Mississippi at or prior to
that time was its dangers, and that to remove these ob
structions was, in the opinion of aU those engaged in its
navigation, to open the river to the prudent, timid,
and unskilled, thereby reducing the monopoly, if not
destroying the trade. To show the means the [reckr
less men of that day resorted to would require too much
space, but I feel warranted in saying that many boats
were wantonly wrecked for the purpose of proving that
the danger, instead of being lessened, was increased by
the removal of the snags, while all the clap-trap pol-

196 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,
iticians contended that the Constitution was violated
every time a snag was disturbed. They finally suc
ceeded in stopping the " outrage " but not until nearly all
their pets were ousted.
There are now fewer accidents on the river, from all
sources combined, than formerly from snags alone, while
the instability of the shores proved a loss, perhaps but
little short of that to navigation, and in this way the
batture of which I speak may have washed away in a
single season. THE NEXT BIG DODGE.
After the washing away of this batture, the Mississippi
crossed the mouth of Wolf just above Cochran's saw-mill,
(its course can stiUbe clearly seen,) and struck the bluff
at the foot of Jackson street, and washed its base from
that to Fort Pickering. For twenty years this little
skirt of the original batture above Jackson street con
stituted the only landing at this point. The high water
of 1828 is still spoken of by old boatmen, not only as
being higher than since known, but for its long duration
and the many changes wrought in the course of the river.
It opened the Tennessee chute, washed away two small
islands, and threatened for a time to make it the main
channel of the river, and converting the space since oc
cupied by the batture into a tremendous eddy. This was
some advantage to Memphis, or rather to the trading
boats, on which her people were, in a great measure, de
pendent; but to steamboats it proved rather an annoy
ance, while flattaoats that intended giving Memphis the
go-by not unfrequently found themselves forcibly drawn
into the eddy, and made to rotate for hours, to the great
delight of the boys on the bluff, who loved to hear boat
men swear, and many an awful cursing did our town re
ceive in this way. The date of this eddy may be set

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 197
down as the day on which this important and historical
batture commenced its rise, though it did not show its
head above water until four years afterward.
THE FEARFUL WINTER.
The winter of 1831-2 was remarkable for its severity
and duration. The eddy was covered with a solid body
of ice, a foot in thickness, for near three months together.
The upper rivers were virtually frozen dry. The Mis
sissippi fell full four feet lower than was ever taefore or
sinc€! known, and in many places the body of running
water was not one hundred yards wide. Wolf river cut
a channel taelow its ordinary bed four or more feet, and
so narrow that an active man might leap it in many
places. I observed, during this extreme low water, that
there were large quantities of stone along the base of
the bluff. Below Fort Pickering three rocks, larger thau
coach-bodies, made their appearance above water. On
Wolf river, near the old cotton factory, there is a ledge
of rock extending acijpss the river, over which there was
then a foot or more fall of water, and across which I
have passed without wetting my feet. About the same
time I one day took a walk across the ice about opposite
Market street, and when out perhaps a hundred yards
farther than the present shore I was surprised to see the
ice bulged up and cracked, and that mud was being
forced up through the crack. I took a stick and pushed
it down in several places along the crack, and satisfled
myself that the ice was resting on a bank of mud. I re
turned and went to old Henry James's grocery, where I
found Gus Young, Frank McMahon and several others,
to whom I related the circumstance. Not one of them
would believe it, maintaining as they did that there was
from fifty to one hundred feet of water at the place in-

198 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
dicated, and my proposition to bet a treat for all hands
on the truth of my assertion was readily accepted. It is
needless to say that I won. The news soon spread that
a bar was forming in front of the town, and crowds
visited the place to witness the unpleasant phenomenon.
Knowing ones declared that the bar was produced by
extreme low water, which forced the mud out ofthe chan
nel, and that the first flood would readily wash it away.
Those more familiar with the freaks of the Mississippi
doubted it. The next year, although there had been
very high water, the bar, so far from taeing washed away,
proved to have increased some six feet in hight, and tae
fore the river had reached ordinary low water was lying
bare. A numtaer of flatboats caught upon it, and a stiU
larger number found themselves pocketed, for, as is usual
with that character of bars, it rose most rapidly on its
outer line, while steamboat pilots seemed slow to leam
its whereabouts, and at certain stages of the water, for
several years, nothing was more common than to see a
steamer belching away, struggling to escape from the
clutches of the hideous hidden bar.
DAVID CROCBCETT, SOCRATES AND THE BEST.
Scientiflc gentlemen advanced learned and elaborate
opinions as to how it might be successfully removed,
which contained about as much sense as is generally
found from that source on similar matters. Old Davy
Crockett's plan I think ataout as sensitale as any, and as
philosophical. He proposed to send up to New Madrid.
and procure a boatload of earthquake and sink the d — d
thing. But while the citizens were grievously distressed
at the prospect of its ruining the town, enterprising indi
viduals were planning how they could turn it to their
advantage. A company with E. C. McAlpin at its head.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 199
laid a United States warrant upoil it; the original pro
prietors of Memphis rushed to the rescue, claiming it as
their individual property, while the corporation told
them to " hands off," that the thing belonged wholly to
the town. My title, by right of discovery, being at
least equal to the two first named, might have been set
up, A triangular lawsuit was commenced and contin
ued for upward of ten years, and was only compromised
to secure the location of the navy-yard, A very impor
tant suit had previously been pending between the
original proprietors and the corporation. It seemed that
the former had deeply regretted their liberality in do
nating the promenade, and determined to repossess it by
indirect means.
In a former communication I did the ancient Board of
Mayor and Aldermen some irijustice by stating that
they had refused to allow the cutting of roads to the
river below Market street. The fact that they had been
notified by the proprietors that such acts would tae a
diversion of the property from the purposes for which it
was donated, and annul the same, had escaped my
memory at the time. They even forbade the Board or
citizens to run a road under the bluff. Their plan was
to shut the town off from the river by a far greater than
mud-bar obstruction, and compel the restoration of the
promenade for the mere privilege of extending the
streets across it. The report of this interesting and
important suit can be found in Sixth Yerger, a singular
feature of which was that the decision seems to have
turned on a single clause in the original charter of
Memphis, which, strange to say, has been omitted in
every succeeding one. I might also add that the pro
prietors claimed all the ferriage, wharfage and raparian
rights. The first of these they obtained, and, perhaps,

200 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
would have succeeded in the others but for the decision
in the Wright case alluded to. McAlpin, who was at
torney for the corporation, contended, and perhaps truly,
that the John Eice grant extended no further than the
bluff, and hence the laying of the warrant.
One E. K. Turnage, some fifteen years later, found he
had made a far greater discovery, which was, that there
was still a space between the McAlpin line and the west
ern line of the Eice grant which did not call for the
river, as will be be seen. Some copying clerk seemed to
think the bank of a river not sufficiently definite, taut
that it was necessary to show the river, and supplied the
supposed defect tay a wriggling line of the pen, making
some twenty curves in two miles, as represented tay the
plat. He also fell into a common error, and one which,
perhaps, I ought to say nothing about, as I labored under
the same, namely, that the Eice grant was never laid
until 1820. The difference taetween Turnage and myself
is, that he was a lawyer, with several miUions pending,
and I with nothing. Some, however, think there was
more rogue than fool in Turnage, for he made considera
ble money out of the operation. He contended that the
southern line of the Eice grant was ataout Third street,
and laid a U. S. warrant on all twixt that and the bluff;
notified every tenant on it not to pay rent, and bobbed
round like a flea in a mitten. Wherever he found a ten
der-footed case, he would relinquish his property for just
what he could get, and in that way got a considerable
amount. He was, however, very liberal, and relinquished
all Church property. He even sent the Board of Mayor
and Aldermen a relinquishment to the streets and alleys,
but omitted the promenade and public squares. The
Board informed him that, as they were short of station
ery, they would have much preferred the blank on which

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 201
it was written. His claim, of course, amounted to
nothing, except so far as his impudent or villianous pecu
lations were concerned. There was, however, a rather
singular and, to him, damaging circumstance connected
with this trial, Turnage's principal witness swore that
Judge Overton was present when the processional sur
vey was made, and directed the Surveyor-General to
commence well back from the river; that he wanted a
large space in front, as some of the- taluff might fall off.
Now it so happened that on the day said survey was
made, as the records show. Judge Overton was married,
in KnoxviUe, to Mrs. Mary May, widow of the distin
guished Colonel James May, and sister of the illustrious
Hugh L. White, and the grand-mother of our fellow-citi
zen John Overton, Jr. It was further clearly shown that
Judge Overton had not taeen to Memphis for several
months prior to, or after, said processioning. But the
most remarkatale feature in this proceeding was that the
citizens of Memphis were victimized to the amount of
many thousands of dollars by the senseless, unauthorized
and irresponsible act of a mere wriggle of the pen, which
evidently was the origin of the error.
The triangular fight over the mud bar was held in
check by another triangular flght of greater extent, if
not importance, between the States of Mississippi, Ten
nessee and the Chickasaw nation, as to which owned
this bluff. THE INDIANS
maintained that they had conveyed by geographical
lines which, if properly run, would have left this bluff
in their reserve. Mississippi's claim was also based on
false showings, while Tennessee, or rather NashviUe,
who considered herself the State at that time, and even

202 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,
then seemed to fear that the star of empire might seek
a location farther West, was perfectly willing that Mem
phis should be hid behind a mud bar, fall into the river
or the hands of the Indians, taut not into the State of
Mississippi, which instead of checking, would do every
thing to advance her growth and importance. The
people of Memphis were perfectly calm so far as the
Indian claim was concerned, knowing that however just
it might be there was no danger of it passing back into
their hands. They were, however, not only willing but
anxious to change their allegiance to Mississippi,
Among other reasons the cotton of that State rated
higher than that from States further north. But
this has but very little to do with my story, except,
as I taefore said, it delayed the question as to the
ownership of the bar. It had the good effect of draw
ing the minds of the people from the ugly object on their
river front, but, on the other hand, it worried the poor
politicians mightily, I wiU simply add that when the
line was finally re-run, instead of putting us in the
State of Mississippi, it put us three miles farther off,
NEW STATE,
There was another question that I might allude to
here, which was the formation of a new State out of that
portion of Kentucky bounded by the Ohio, Tennessee
and Mississippi rivers, all of West Tennessee, and that
part of Mississippi known as the " Indian Eeserve," Had
this scheme been pressed at the time there would have
been but little doutat of its success. It was said that
President Jackson favored it, which was all it needed.
The people of West Tennessee were then not only
shamefully neglected by the other divisions, but a
degree of illitaerality was extended to us that was any-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 203
thing but just, even as late as Andy Johnson's Governor
ship, when he urged his " white basis theory, which, had
it succeeded, would have transferred one member of Con
gress from this to another part of the State, and had a
similar effect on the Legislature, But the feeling was
even worse at the time the new State scheme was flrst
agitated. Since the war, however; East Tennessee, flnd
ing she could not rule the State, has clamored for a sep
arate existence, and would, perhaps, be the more willing
to let us slide. But had the thing taken place when flrst
suggested, Memphis would have secured a start which,
I believe, would have placed her beyond the reach of
successful competition; in fact, Memphis was one
of the names suggested for the State, and if not the
most popular, was the least objectionable. Jackson
was another, name suggested, taut Jackson's popu
larity was somewhat on the wane, and he had many
hitter enemies, while Chickasaw, which was the only
other name I remember to have heard of in this connec
tion, had but few advocates. The fact that neither
of the two last mentioned would have given her any com
mercial character, and that Memphis would be a city
long after Jackson and the Indians were no more, and,
like New York, the State would derive more importance
from the city than she would confer, were considera-
of weight with many. The scheming politicians,
however, did not see any personal beneflts, or were jeal
ous of each other, and the scheme died for want of
moderate nourishment. The sutaject is again taroached,
but I fear that little good would result from its accom
plishment. While these questions were agitating the people the
bar was growing in hight and flrmness; large quantities
of drift, old flat boats and other unsightly objects were

204 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,
being lodged upon it, and finally a most luxuriant growth
of young Cottonwood sprang up, • threatening to shut
Pinch out from a view of the river,
THE FIRST ELEVATOR.
In 1837, a company was formed, who tauilt a wooden
wharf, extending from the foot of Winchester street,
across the taar to the river, a distance of some three hund
red yards. This taade fair to tae a perfect success ; but,
owing to a change in the river the next year it failed to
be a safe landing and proved a failure. The Memphis and
Lagrange railroad then proposed to build an embank
ment from the foot of Washington street to the river,
on condition that the right of way through the town
was given. The work was commenced, but the com
pany failed, and so did the embankment. The next
undertaking was to build a road from the foot of Market
street, running diagonally down, so as to have struck the
river about opposite the foot of Poplar street, — the work
of which had been progressing several days, when some
of the proprietors, finding it out, ordered it stopped,
very properly, though it would undoubtedly have proved
a success, if finished. They then ran it directly out.
Their great error was in not going two or three streets
lower down. But PINCH HELD THE SWAY
at the time, and determined that Market should be the
southern point leading to the landing. What a pity
that all her energy should have oozed out ! This proved
a failure from the same causes that the wooden wharf
had. It was, 'however, a success in other respects. It
established the feasibility of building a permanent road
across the taar tay merely throwing up the ground, a fact
that was doubted by many, and by none more than your
correspondent, who, being Wharfmaster at the time, and

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 205
the highest functionary known to the bar, had, of course,
considerable to say about what should be done for its
benefit. It proved to be the best material of which a
dirt road was ever made, it neither washes »or wears,
cuts up, becomes muddy or even dusty; there it stands
after a lapse of thirty years, with little or no repairs.
The firmness of this embankment, went perhaps,
further than any thing else to recommend the bar to the
commissioners 'of the government sent on to examine
the place in reference to a navy yard, but so far as its
objects were concerned, as I said before, it proved a
failure, and failure seemed to be the order of the day,
for not only had the wharf and railroad coiripanies
failed, as already stated, taut the government works,
such as the arsenal and armory. The military road in
Arkansas and other grand schemes set on foot by Gen.
Gaines were hopelessly abandoned. Never before, since
Memphis had a corporate existence, had she been
entirely without some scheme of national advance
ment. The bank suspended. The corporation credit
became so low that she could not have tauilt another
road if she had taeen ever so much disposed. Several of
our merchants failed,
COTTON REACHED ITS LOWEST KNO-ft'N POINT,
and a general despondency was the result. But the darkest
hour is said to tae just taefore day, and such was the case
with Memphis. Three years from that time she had
doubled herself in wealth, population and importance;
but I must stick to my subject. A crowd one day
gathered at " Eounders Eetreat," which was an every-day
occurence, but at this time they had a new sutaject,
being neither politics nor scandal. The oracle hastily
entered with the news that a letter was putalished in the

206 HISTOKT OP MEMPHIS.
National Inteligencek over the name of " Union Jack,"
written by one of the highest officers of the United
States Navy, and addressed to Henry Clay, recommend
ing and 'urging the establishment of a Navy Yard at
Memphis. The sutaject was treated as a mere joke, but
the narrator assured the crowd that it was an absolute
fact, that the paper containing it, h© said, was at the
Enquirer office, and would appear in its next issue.
"What!" says one, "a navy-yard at M6mphis, a thou
sand miles from sea. Fudge." The expression ap
peared to be generally concurred in. There was one,
at least, who thought so then, and has never been able
to think otherwise, " Why, where will they put it ? "
asked another, "Down on Jim's mud Bank," replied a
third. This brought me and my dominion into notice,
only to be laughed at, A fourth suggestion that some
place up the bayou might be found to answer the pur
pose, while one Pinchite, with astonishing liberality
proposed to give twenty feet square in the rear of his
lot for its location. But the Jiart in which I figured
seemed to tae looked upon as the most ridiculous.
The next issue of the Enquirer tarought out the letter,
which proved to tae a most remarkable piece of compo
sition of the highfalutin order; full of sea phrases
and scientific technicalities; long lines of figures, and
a heavy sprinkling of foreign languages. No effort was
made at the plausible, but if the writer designed to show
how handsome nonsense can be made to appear when
dressed in fancy language, his was certainly a splendid
effort. It, however attracted but little attention, as did
the succeeding ones over
"THE NAME OP HARRY BLUFF,"
until we learned that they were being favorably consid-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 207
ered at Washington and in Eastern cities. Perhaps the
novelty of the idea had considerable to do with it, or
perhaps, as was afterward charged, it was only a tub
thrown out to the whale. The southern members of
Congress had raised considerable outcry about the heavy
appropriations made to the North, while so little ¦was
done for their section, that the former was willing to give
them the shadow, but not the substance of a beneficial
institution. My opinion is that the ignorance of the
Northern members in reference to the general depth
of the Missisippi led them to do what, if better informed,
they would not have done. So it was that our first en
couragement came from Northern politicians, who proved
very clever and posted us as to how to proceed. First,
said they, get the Legislature of Tennessee to petition
Congress in your behalf This was thought a very easy
matter, but proved to be a rather difficult one, at least
so far as Memphis was concerned; and no less than six
other points were urged as substitutes, all in the interior.
One was on Duck river, another at the Smoky Fork of
Piney, if anybody knows where that is. Some may
suppose that this was mere pleasantry, but not a bit of
it, and gave offense when so charged. It was flnally
compromised by putting in all seven, and leaving it to
Congress to select the one she thought most suitable, and
Memphis went through like a knife, subject, however, to
favorable inspection.
In the spring of 1843 our city was honored by the
presence of three handsome young men — at least, our
ladies said they were handsome — whose insignia indi
cated that one was a First, and the other two Second-
Lieutenants of the United States Navy. Their papers
from the Department charged them to make a thorough
examination of this point, in reference to its suitability

208 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
for a naval depot and dock-yard. They were immedi
ately taken in charge by our dignitaries, toasted, feasted
and lionized for three days and nights, when it was
thought they were in a proper condition for tausiness. I
was then summoned taefore the Mayor, who issued his
orders with all the pomp of a British Admiral, which was
to have the flnest pleasure-taoat at the landing for an ex
cursion at a certain hour. The idea of the highest civil
officer of the most interesting spot of ground on earth
coming down to the position of a taoatswain did not agree
with my notions of propriety. But as I did not Intend
to otaey — for the reason that I thought the less anytaody
saw of that taar the taetter they would like it — I taowed
submissively, with an " Aye, aye, sir," that would have
done credit to the oldest tar in the service. At the ap
pointed time I returned in haste with a disappointed air,
assuring his honor that there was nothing over the size
of a frail skiff at the landing, wholly unfit for the pur
pose — giving him a wink at the same time; but, I added,
I think a walk out to the new road or the old wharf will
furnish a better -view than passing around it in a boat
at this stage of water. After a moment's hesitation, the
Mayor turned to the senior officer and asked if he thought
that would answer? He replied that he thought it would ;
to which the two juniors nodded assent. The party then
repaired to the river, which happened to be at a very
high stage, and the road, never quite high enough, was
nearly submerged. We were enataled, however, to pass
out dry-footed, the trees having taeen cut away to the
distance of some thirty feet on each side to procure dirt
for the emtaankment. I call them trees for they were in
hight, being an average of thirty feet, though not larger
than corn-stalks — owing to their standing so thick — being
equal to one to every square foot of ground. This road

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 209
presented decidedly the nost favoratale view of the bar,
and I should have been glad to have terminated the
inspection there, taut the proposition was made, and
accepted, to take a walk out to the old wharf or taridge
as it was commonly called. This was found to tae in a
miserably dilapidated condition, while the surroundings
were not only unsightly, but in many instances sicken-
ening. The Mayor, aside, whispered : " It would have
taeen much better to have gotten a taoat and not tarought
them through thi§ assassin-looking place," which on ac
count of the trees could hardly tae taeen from the taluff.
At the outer end of the bridge there was a shed which
had become the headquarters for a set of vagabonds
and boatmen, who happened to be there in large force.
Here the senior, thinking it a good place to display his
oratory, in a voice indicating one of double his years —
he appeared to be ataout twenty-five — addressed the
Mayor, as near as I rememtaer, in the following words :
Maj^or Hickman, sir, I am delighted at the prospect
taefore me. When the duties of this mission was im
posed upon me tay my government I had no idea that
so favoratale a location, sir, could have been found on the
Mississippah rivah, sir, for a Naviil Depot and Dockyard
as I here find in front of your beautiful city, sir; and I
shall consider it my duty, and also my pleasure, sir, not
only to report favorably, but to urge its establishment as
a matter of the greatest national importance." Here the
loafers gave a yell, and I am told that the Mayor and
the two subs, nodded, but I did not see them. I did not
see anybody during the delivery of that speech. Next
day some person, finding the naval gentlemen so easUy
pleased, got them in a skiff and rowed them round, when
they went through the form of taking soundings, obser
vations, etc. They also visited South Memphis and

210 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Fort pickering, taut as neither of these places had mud
bars, they were pronounced unsuitatale.
PINCH TRIUMPHED
over all her competitors, for the thing was now looked
upon, as it afterward proved to tae, fixed. It was sur
prising to see how suddenly the mud-bar rose in public
estimation. Those who but a short time before looked
upon it with a loathing and distress were now seen
viewing it with smiles of delight. The old bridge, des
pite of dead dogs and ragged vagrants, became a fash
ionable resort. The ignorant asked questions which
were readily answered, and the whole thing was ex
plained by the still more ignorant. Many were found to
tell of the persecutions they endured in the form of
gibes and gears for its early advocacy. Prominent
among these was the oracle of the Eounders Eetreat,
who never tired telling of the cruel rebuffs he had met
with in its defense.
But the trouble was not yet over. The proprietors
and warrant holders, whose claims were considered
worthless, though still pending, were determined to force
the corporation to a recognition of them or defeat the
location of the Navy Yard, and to buy them off, she was
obliged to give them two-thirds or one-third each of the
residue of the batture, taeing from Market to Adams
street. Nor was this all. A portion of the people
denied the right of the corporation to donate the puta
lic property; that the government was able to purchase;
and that if we had anything to give away we had poor
people enough among us that needed all our charities.
But the " poor-man" cry had pretty well played out and
the philanthropists failed in making the capital they
anticipated. A public meeting was called, which almost

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 211
unanimously authorized the donation. Our old friend
Wardlow Howard insisted upon recording his name
against It. The passage of the bill through Congress
was an easy matter. John B. Ashe was the member
from this district at the time. I mention this because
it is thought by many to have taeen the work of
p. p. STANTON,
who, however, was its great advocate, and labored assid
uously for it for ten years. As to the erection of
the buildings, and the other work within the yard, I shall
have but little to say, for one reason, that I know perhaps
less about it than almost any other citizen. There were
too many fool regulations, as I considered them, and it
was a lucky man that went in and out without receiving
some specimen of satrap Insolence; besides I have
plenty of outside incidents to make this story indecently
long, and my principal otaject is to revive such matters
as might be overlooked or forgotten.
For several years the appropriations were moderately
liberal; after which they became grudgingly and grad
ually less; and what may seem strange, the great
troutale was from the Southern members, who began to
look upon the Memphis Navy Yard as a great humbug;
and well they might, for no sooner would one of them
speak of the neglect of the South than they were re
minded of the greatest novelty of earth, a Navy- Yard a
thousand miles from sea. Stanton says that for several
terms his hands were completely tied. It required all
the log-rolling and wire-pulling that he was master of,
to keep it up as long as he did. It was with difficulty he
could command even the aid of the members from
adjoining districts, or those of Arkansas and Mississippi,
who were almost as much interested as himself It

212 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
was known in Congress as Stanton's pet, and threat
ened to be killed daily if he did not act as they desired.
There was also another cause for its abandonment, and
perhaps the most effectual — the opposition of the naval
officers placed in charge of it. It is a well-known pecu
liarity of seafaring persons, from a Eear Admiral down,
that they are greatly attached to the sea, and a month
on shore, even in a seaport city, is almost unendurable —
how much more so to be compelled to remain for twelve
months in a small interior town, where the sight of a
ship, or the association of comrades never greeted them.
Beside, our citizens stopped lionizing \them, and they
became soured; and, in some instances, uncivil — they
cursed the place, refiected on the government for bury
ing them in such a hole, and very soon discovered that
this was the last place on earth for the estatalishment of
a Navy Yard. The absurdity of having a board of
naval officers — some of them mere boys, so ignorant
that they did not know oak from poplar, or lime from
cement — to superintend the erection of buildings and
the construction of machinery, and lord it over qualified
architects and master mechanics, can only be explained
by saying " England does it." As
A SPECIMEN
of their capacity for such positions, I will cite an
instance related to me by the master painter. He was
one day summoned before a young lieutenant, viho ad
dressed him: " Sir, I know what a painter can dol A
painter can paint three of those windows in a day, sir;
and if you have any men who fail to paint three
windows in a day, send them to me, sir, and I will dis
charge them. Do you hear, sir." "Yes, sir." "Then,
see that you do it." After which he was dismissed

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 213
with an authoritative wave of the hand. Now, the paint
ing of such a window was hardly a good hour's work,
and to tae compelled to put ten mortal hours on three
such windows was perhaps as difficult a task as could
have taeen imposed upon them, but such were the im
perative orders. All the windows in the yard were of
uniform size, and more than a thousand of them. I
could, and might give numerous other instances, but
this will suffice. I do hope that the day will soon come
when the working men will compel the government to
put proper persor s in their proper places, even though it
be an innovation on the estatalished rules of the mother
country. I might also tell how the most costly liquors,
cigars, etc., were purchased and charged to the govern
ment under false names; fine horses were entered as
draught horses, and servants as teamsters. But I sup
pose such things are common even at the White House,
and shall, therefore, say nothing further on that point.
HOW THE NAVY YARD WAS KNOCKED INTO " PI."
The disaffected naval officers wrote numerous letters
to the Department, deprecating the continuance of the
Navy Yard at this place, and the consequence was the
sending of a Commission, of which Congress had no
knowledge, to examine and report. This Commission
was composed of some of the ablest officers of the navy, /
who came and returned without the knowledge of our
citizens until their report was published, which was, in
substance, that so far as a rope-walk and some other mat
ters were concerned, it would do very well, but in every
thing else it would not do at all. From that time appro
priations were limited or confined to the objects men
tioned in the reportof the last Commission. Ex-Governor
James C. Jones was then in the Senate, and labored to

214 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
secure the completion of the Navy Yard according to the
original design, in a much bolder and dignified
spirit than Stanton. When the appropriations for 1853
were reported to the Senate, with only thirteen thou
sand to the Memphis Navy Yard, Jones was grievously
incensed, and demanded that the property should tae re
turned to the city. The Senate jumped at the proposi
tion, and Memphis owes the property to Governor Jones'
earnest action.
But I did not intend to taring my story down to so
recent a point. Were I to recount the agitation engaged
in tay the people of Memphis on the question of receiving
the Navy Yard, with all its appurtenances, or compelling
the Government to continue it, there is no knowing where
it would end. A DOUBLE-BARRELED EDITOR.
But I must tell, just here, a story upon an editor, who
still fiourishes in this city. There was never greater local
excitement than that which grew out of this infernal
Navy Yard tausiness. Half the people were in favor of
accepting the property, while the other half were opposed
to it; the latter thinking the Government might tae in
duced, even yet, to make liberal appropriations, and per
fect the Navy Yard, and build ships and steamers here.
There were two newspapers published here at the time —
one a morning publication, edited by a gentleman of no
ordinary ability, named Bankhead, who was tragically
and mysteriously assassinated some years since,-^ There
was another, an afternoon paper, called the News, (I
believe that was its name), edited by a gentleman named
Yancey, These editors opposed one another on the
Navy Yard question, and their discussions had begotten
a good deal of excitement, when taoth went away for the

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 215
summer, and each, without the other's knowledge, em
ployed the same man (this young lawyer) to conduct his
paper in his absence. The young limb of the law
naturally enough took to both sides of the question. He
made the controversy taetween the two papers hotter and
hotter on each successive day. Crowds gathered each
afternoon ataout the News office, and everybody expected .
that the two furious editors would shed blood. The
coming duel in Arkansas was confidently anticipated, and
the ferocity of the two papers was marvelous. Popular .
excitement was intense when Bankhead came hurrying;
home from Virginia, and Yancey from Alabama, each .
thinking that the other was about to murder his own
substitute. Such was the fervor of popular feeling and
exasperation, that the story was necessarily kept quiet. .
If the mischievous fraud upon public passion had been
exposed at the time, the con amore editor would have
fared badly, to say the least. The vote, at an informal
election, was slightly against receiving the Navy Yard,
but as the Board of Mayor and Aldermen had never au
thorized or recognized the election, they accepted the
donation despite of the vote.
I am constrained just here to give a short account of
THE GREAT IRON STEAMSHIP
of war, Alleghany, which, with the exception of her hull,
was built and equipped at this bar, as there may tae
some not aware that an enterprise Of that magnitude
formed a part of her history — and would that I could
say that she proved a success; taut unfortunately the
contrary was the case. She was tauilt of iron, and
mounted three pivot guns of greater caUtaer than any of,
her day. Her propelling power was sutamarine', which, i
with her machinery generally, was of an entire new

216 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
invention, and it was confidently expected that her
speed would surpass anything propelled by steam on
water. So fearful was her builder that emissaries from
foreign governments would steal her secret powers taefore
she was atale to play smash among their navies, that she
was anchored out in the stream, where she gave
evidence of her destructive capacity by sinking
some half dozen flatboats, which, with their cargoes, the
government had to pay for. When completed, a trial
trip was made, and the bon ton of the city and country
were invited to partake of her feast, and enjoy her flight.
So far as the feast was concerned, the thing was complete,
particularly in the liquor line, but when it came to flight,
it proved a mistake ; scarcely was she able to stem the
current of the Mississippi, which was then at an ordinary
stage. She went up to the foot of
THE OLD HEN,
then down to near the head of President's Island, and
then back to her mooring at the bar, firing heavy guns
every five minutes. On her way up she was greatly an-
no.yed by a set of boys, in skiffs and dug-outs, paddling
around and around her, while the black smoke was rolling
out of her in dense and heavy bodies. But if she did
look to persons on shore as hardly moving, those on
board evidently thought that she was making a perfect
blue streak, and from the quantity of empty baskets they
left, it is likely that everything flew around in their eyes.
After getting thoroughly stuffed and soaked, they or
ganized into a meeting, with the Mayor in the chair, and
Fred. Stanton orator in chief, who presented a set of
resolutions extolling the Alleghany, Captain Hunter and
the gallant crew to the skies. One of the resolutions
declared that the speed of the Alleghany was equal to

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 217
the first-class steamers of the Mississippi. An im
promptu meeting of the taoatmen voted that she could
hardly run at all. Some, who had pretended to time her,
reported that her speed was four miles to the hour down
stream, and four hours to the mile up stream. These
were, however, an ignorant set of fellows, who had no
right to know anything about war ships. A great many,
however, were strongly inclined to agree with them, my
self among the number, until we read Stanton's resolu
tions. But Stanton's part of the job did not end with
the resolutions. The Alleghany was bound to live in
song, 60 Fred, summoned the Muses and set to work —
and such a song ! JOLLY.
The Alleghany was represented as walking as a thing
of life; plowing the briny main; bidding defiance to
wind and tide; striking terror to the enemies of her
country, and frightening poor old Neptune out of his
wits. The thing was said to have been set to music, but
no one was ever found to make music out of it. So,
after banging half the pianos in town out of tune, and
ruining some of our flnest voices, it was discarded as a
nuisance. The Alleghany, in a few days after her trial trip, put
quietly out and took her course down the river. Her
design was to go to New York, but after a tedious trip,
she put into Norfolk, when an inspection resulted in the
removal of the submarine propellers and the sutastitution
of side wheels, after which she put to sea again, taut was
soon after towed taack, in consequence of some breakage
in her machinery, when another inspection took place,
which resulted in her total condemnation, after having
cost the Government near half a million of dollars.

218 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
which was small, perhaps, compared with the crushed
hopes of her projectors.
1 The history of this mud bar I have merely touched,
and it is questionable whether another spot of ground on
earth, for the same length of time, has been the subject
of so much controversy, and, alternately, inspired the
fears and hopes, the brilliant expectations and the
crushing disappointments, that have attended its varying
career. Whether the location of a Navy Yard upon it
was the result of wisdom or folly is perhaps a debatable
question ; but it is certain that it gave Memphis an im
petus to which she is wholly indebted for her present
prosperous condition, the force of which the most trying
ordeal has failed to break, and, with prudent manage
ment, will not cease until — but I am no prophet.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 219

THE CHUECHES OF MEMPHIS IN EAELY DAYS

Editors Appeal — It seems that when a man turns
historian he is supposed to know everything that occurred
in the time and place of which he writes, and as religion
is the subject most interesting to the largest portion of
all communities, it is not strange that some should look
upon it as very unnatural that a person could be observ
ant of minor matters and overlook the more important*
In pleading ignorance, as I have done heretofore, I would
not have it understood that I have been indifferent, but
have simply failed to give the Church, in early days, that
attention which would enable me to do the subject jus
tice; beside, there are older citizens here than myself,
and some of them not only church members, taut minis
ters. It is, therefore, a delicate undertaking. But I
shall be very careful not to toilch on sectarian or doc
trinal points. As to who preached the first sermon on
this bluff, .or, perhaps, many succeeding ones, is a ques
tion which I do not think could now be answered, with
any degree of certainty. My observation was that
preachers were far more numerous, in proportion to the
population, in early times than at present. No commu
nity, of a dozen or less families, was without one, such
as they were, who thought, or tried to make others tae
lieve, they were called to the ministry ; and, strange tb
say, the call generally fell on the most ignorant in mat
ters pertaining to this world, taut most astonishingly
knowing in reference to the " world to come."
THEIR MARVELLOUS WISDOM.
They could descritae the Kingdom of Heaven more

'220 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
minutely than most men of the present day could des
critae their wives' bedroom ; they could give a full bill of
fare of all the pleasures indulged in there; also, a pro
gramme, necessary to tae followed, to the letter, in order
to otatain admittance; but when they reached Pluto's
regions they became omniscient — could dwell for Jhours
on that horritale lake of fire and tarlmstone in which all
sinners, particularly those who lived within five miles of
their ministrations and failed to attend, were doomed to
wriggle through all eternity. It is more than likely that
this taluff was talessed with one or more preachers of this
kind even taefore the Jackson Purchase, in 1818, as speci
mens continued to appear for many years, and in some
of the rural districts they fiourish even yet.
I do not think that the Methodist Conference extended
their circuits over the Indian Territory before the Pur
chase, but did so immediately after. I do not remember
who rode this circuit before Eev. Thomas Davidson. He
is still living. He rode ii;> 1826-7, if I am not mistaken.
I think, however, that Eev. Mr. Glenn, father of the late
General P. B. Glenn, was one of his predecessors. He
-was a good and pious man, but had his weaknesses, one
of which would protaataly come under the head of nepo
tism, at least so far as his children were concerned, par
ticularly Phil, whom he looked upon as the greatest
specimen of human wisdom that had ever come forth,
.and when he saw him elected to the Legislature he seemed
to think the next step would tae the Presidency.
PAY AND PERQUISITES.
The circuit-rider received the enormous salary of one
hundred dollars a year, out of which to pay ell his ex
penses, beside furnishing a horse. But his expenses
were comparatively small; the meanest man in the coun-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 221
try would not think of charging a preacher for staying
all night. They also received many presents in clothing.
I knew a circuit-ridej* to ren,eive a present of a pair of
boots on one occasion, said to be the first he had ever
worn. The sisters were generally very litaeral, and half
the wQmen in the country taxed themselves one pair of
socks a year, which, ataove his necessities, no doubt,
tarought him in a handsome little sum annually. He alsO'
had perquisites, such as marrying people, funeral ser
mons, and christening taabies — the latter two did not pay
much, being looked upon generally as gratuitous, taut the
first paid from one to five dollars per match. Eev. Sam
uel Cowan, a pious and truly good man, was once sent for
to marry a couple. It proved to tae a dark, cold, sleety
night, and he had to ford a rapid and dangerous stream,.
while the distance was about ten miles. Arriving at the
house he saw that the prospects of a liberal fee were slim ;
the people appeared quite poor and the entertainment un
inviting. The morning after the ceremony had taeen per
formed, and Sam ready to leave, the old lady took him tO'
one side and said : " Brother Cowan, I know you have
come a long way on a bad road, through a miserable
night, and you ought to be well paid, taut we are very
poor and have no money, but here," she added, with a
tremulous voice and hand, as she drew from beneath her
apron two large baUs of shoe-thread, " is something which
may be of some use to you, and which I hope you will
accept until we are more able to pay you." The old
man says he was never more profoundly affected. That
old woman in addition to her ordinary work, had not
only raised and picked the cotton, but had seeded it
with her own fingers, as was commonly done at that time.
Her labor, properly estimated, was certainly the equiv
alent of a large fee for a similar service at this time.

•222 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
THE JOCKEYS.
There were other means resorted to tay some ministers
for raising money, which were not only discreditable,
but criminal. Perhaps the most general, innocent and
legitimate one practised was horse-trading. Preachers,
and particularly circuit-riders, were good judges of
horses and very hard to suit. Their objections to those
they wished to dispose of were such as were most likely
to recommend them to others. They were very fre
quently In need of small sums of money for some
charitable or other commendable purpose, varying from
ten to twenty-five, according to the amount they thought
they could chouse from the man they proposed to swap
with as boot, and at the same time, perhaps, get a better
horse. These things were easily practised in those days.
There was a very general reverence for preachers, and
most people were willing to give them advantages in
horse and other trades, which, I am sorry to say, few of
them were too pious to take advantage of Most persons
looked upon a preacher as a sort of superior taeing, and
appellations of "chicken-devourer," or "journeyman soul-
saver," were not known to the most wicked.
woman's ESTATE.
The old women of the country claimed the tautter,
chickens and eggs as their private property, not liatale
for the husband's debts, or subject to his necessities.
These women were stingy, even to meanness, and would
give you nothing but hog and hominy from one week's
end to another, except on special occasions, one of which
was the visit of the preacher, and then a half a dozen
or more chicken's heads would come off at a time.
Butter was set out by pounds, and eggs by the dozens,
cooked and aone up in all manner of ways, together with

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 223
" flour-doings," sweetmeats and extra fixings in profu
sion. No matter at what time the preacher arrived, or
how much the "crap" was in the grass, all hands in
cluding the negroes, knocked off and had holiday until
after prayers next morning. During the evening they
would hold a family prayer-meeting, in which the ne
groes would participate, for the theory of Ariel, that
negroes had no souls, and were more nearly allied to the
brute than the human species, did not prevail at that
time. They were, however, placed under restrictions,
and their demonstrations confined to grunts and groans,
with such expressions as "Glory, bless de Lord," and a
moderate clapping of hands. Possessed as they are with
strong lungs and a peculiar impressiveness, calculated to
produce alternately a titter and a blush, this precaution
was necessary. When, however, they got in the woods,
under the preaching of one of their own color, they
went in with a perfect looseness. Everybody was glad
to see the preacher come, even the mistress, who had
to shell out her marketatale goods, but more partic
ularly those who were fond of the good things of this life.
A LOVE STORY.
I am here tempted to relate a love story. Your readers
are, however, advised not to be too inquisitive as to dates,
localities, etc., or even whether the names are, or are not
genuine. There was a circuit-rider who answered to the
rather unpoetic name of Hodge, whose build, intellect
and education seemed to have designed him originaUy
for a rail splitter, but to do him justice, a very fair
specimen of manly beauty. I think, however, that he
mistook his calling, though what Hodge lacked in talents
he made up in zeal, and he dealt out flre and brimstone
with a lavish hand. It is questionable whether that

224 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
class of preachers were not calculated to do more good
in the backwoods than those of better education. I
have even heard it argued that talents and devotion did
not go well together; that like a pair of scales, as the
formerrises the latter naturally descends. But, however
numerous the instances adduced in support of this
theory, I am not prepared to admit it. Whatever may
have been thought of Hodge's intellectual atailities, all
acknowledged his piety. In the neighborhood where he
most" officiated, there dwelt a maiden lady in reference
to whose age she and the public differed — a Miss Jane
Strickland, more generally known among the young folks
as " Jinny Strichnine." Jenny was moderately good.
looking, and more intelligent than most women in these
parts. She sang like a nightingale, leaped like an ante
lope, bleated like a fawn, and talked like a book; in fact,
she talked too much, and said things that injured her
self more than those of whom she spoke. Jenny had
other peculiarities, among which were fear of the Lord,
love of cats, and hatred of children, which latter, most
likely, had something to do with the slight perversion of
the name above mentioned. She was particularly
anxious to get to heaven after quitting this " vale of
tears," as she called this much abused world of ours
Why she was so desirous of getting to where there were
no cats, and lots of children, I am unable to explain,
as, also, why she was so over-anxious to marry, a thing
that generally tarings children after it — but there is
no use to inquire into an old maid's inconsistencies.
Jenny, as you are by this time aware, was an active
member of the church, and played a star engagement
at prayer and camp meetings. She seemed, in fact, to be
a sort of circuit-rider herself For although Hodge
and Jenny met frequently, they rarely ever met at the

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 225
same appointed and loved spot. Unintentionally of
course, on Jenny's part, though on the occasion of which
I am about to speak, it would seem, she had anticipated
meeting him. It was at a well-to-do farmers, where
Hodge had often stopped taefore, and was always greeted
with hearty welcome and treated to sumptuous repasts.
He was not only met with all former warmth, but had
the agreeable surprise of meeting with his favorite
supporter. The devotions were marked with the usual
fervor, while everything else with more good taste and
vivacity, for Jenny could make herself useful from the
parlor to the kitchen, and, when out of the dumps was
the taest of company. THE DENOUEMENT.
It was at a late hour when the party broke up for the
night, Hodge occupying the bed in the parlor, which, of
course, was the best in the house, while Jenny was
doomed to put up, not only with the same room, but act
ually with the bed of the children. She was, however,
prepared for all this, as she had a momentous object to
accomplish, and was willing to meet even greater trials
than the one we mention. Hodge, on retiring, was re
quested not to secure the door, as the servants would re
quire to enter, in order to make a morning fire. Although
it was the month of May, the mornings were yet unpleas
antly cool. Whether either my hero or heroine slept
well, I am not prepared to say, taut certainly the former
slept late, or rather would have slept late, as is too com
mon with great men, had it not taeen for the clear, shrill
voice of Jenny, as she sang his favorite hymn, with a
force and fascination calculated to charm the birds to
silence, and cause the rats to leave their holes. Hodge
not only awoke, but found himself, involuntarily, joining
15

226 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
in the song. Jenny finding herself supplied with an ex
cuse for a becoming apology, at the proper time, hastily
fled, while he arose, and met a surprise; an otaject lay
before him on a chair, which he picked up and examined
all over. THE SHIRT !
Would you taelieve me? It was one of the finest shirts
that Hodge had ever seen ; the nicest standing collar,
plaited bosom — no frill, of course ; that would not have
become a preacher, though then the style of the " world
lings;" beautiful pearl buttons, a profusion of the finest
stitching, and, to cap the whole, it was starched from col
lar to tail, and ironted until it was stiff as vellum, smooth
as polished steel, and white as alabaster. After exam
ining and admiring it for some time, he proceeded to get
into it, which, owing to its stiffness, was no easy jota; taut
he made the trip. Hodge was not a vain man, yet it was
thought that he consulted the glass more closely that
morning than a proper degree of meekness would seem
to have justified. When fully dressed, face washed, hair
comtaed, clothes tarushed, and a final look in' the glass, he
sallied forth to the passage, where another surprise
awaited him. Jenny met him with a most winning smile,
advancing with hands extended, across which laid a taeau
tiful white cravat, starched and ironed, then folded' and
re-ironed, which she proceeded to place around his neck
with her own delicate hands, and tied it in one of the neat
est and most taecoming doutale bow-knots ever seen. It
was not, however, accomplished until after several unsat
isfactory attempts, during which she would catch Hodge
by the chin and throw his head back, re-arrange and jerk
it forward, with a degree of force seemingly unnecessary,
taut purely sisterly. " To the pure all things are pure,"
though poor Hodge's heart thumped during the operation

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 227
loud enough to have been heard a hundred yards. When
she finally succeeded, and the smile of triumph displaced
the pout of vexation on her lip, and she, uninten
tionally, brought it too close to some others, he yielded
to temptation. Now, I ought not to tell this on Hodge,
but I suppose I must — he actually snatched a kiss. Jenny
did not do as many cruel girls would have done under
similar circumstances. She did not slap Hodge in the
face. She simply uttered a half-suppressed scream,
leaped from the passage, fiew to the arbor, and hid her
blushes among the roses. I never talamed Hodge for
that. Why, sir, if it had'been me — taut never mind ataout
me. Poor Hodge thought he had committed a most ter
rible sin, and to the thumping of his heart was added the
shaking of his whole body. What to do he did not
know. After some hesitation he wisely determined to
make a confidant of the head of the family, who, very
generously, undertook the noble task of mediator, and
most admirably did he succeed. Jenny ¦was induced to
return, when Hodge made every apology. He should, I
think, have taeen made to return that kiss, taut Jenny was
too modest to demand, and Hodge too bashful to propose
it; so, to use duelists' language, the " explanaftion was
satisfactory, the apology sufficient, and the difficulty ad
justed in a manner alike honorable to both parties."
Hodge went through his devotional duties with a palpi
tating heart and tremulous accents; in fact, he was
hardly audible ; taut due allowance, and no remarks, "were
made. At tareakfast, however, a degree of hilarity was
indulged in, rather unusual among sedate people, and
many playful remarks about stiff shirts and stolen
kisses were so pointedly applied, that Jenny tried to
blush, taut it was said to tae the only thing she ever was
known to fail in. Hodge, however, talushed enough for

228 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
both, and although he was highly complimented on his
gallantry and usual fine looks, he was miserataly at ease,
the starched shirt was so stiff that it kept him constantly
annoyed; for every time he moved it rattled, and every
time it rattled everytaody laughed, except Jenny, who,
to do her justice, did not intend it should act in that
way. Hodge could not eat, and had to plead sickness;
in fact, he was sick. jenny's love.
Jenny was very attentive to him ; gave him hot tea,
and hot water to bathe his feet; advised a walk in the
cool air, as he had a slight fever; and for fear he might
grow worse, she felt it her duty to accompany him. Now,
if anybody expects me to tell what passed between the
lovers during this Walk, they will tae disappointed. I
¦ am not the man to divulge private and confidential in
terviews. It is enough for others to know that when
they did return, the matter was settled. The vows were
uttered, their hearts united and the marriage-day fixed.
The gossips were taken tay surprise. Half a dozen
country belles, some of whom could boast of solid
charms, had set their caps, stocked the cards and spread
their net to catch the handsome minister, with fair pros
pects of success. To think the despised " Jenny Strick-
nine '' should enter the ring at a late hour, distance the
field on the first heat, and triumphantly bear off the
prize, was distressingly humiliating. But what could
they do? Hodge was an honoratale man. His pledge
was given, and the die cast. About two weeks after the
events at the farmhouse, the special aid of another
minister was required, Hodge redeemed his pledge, and
the fair donor of the stiff shirt became his happy bride.
It is said that preachers generally marry rich; if so,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 229
Hodge was an exception. Jenny was poor. After the
marriage, it was said Hodge's shirts were not starched
so heavily. It was also said that she, to use. the vulgar
expression, " wore the breeches." The way she yelled at
Hodge, and the way Hodge jumped when she shouted,
did make it look a little that way. But she made him a
very good wife. I might add that preachers' wives are
said to be very fruitful vines, as they^ call them, but
Jenny was ever childless. Hodge was very much dis
tressed about it, and I think her objections to children
had undergone a change for the taetter. But I am, finally,
through with this stor}', and glad of it.
OLD BROTHER DAVIDSON.
I taelieve I was speaking of Tom Davidsori when I
commenced meandering, and I am sorry to acknowledge
that I know so little of his history. I simply know that
he had the name not only of taeing a pretty good man,
buti a tolerably fair, rough country preacher. He lives
down in the neightaorhood of Shakerag, and I think comes
to town but seldom ; at least, I have not met with him for
twelve months or more. I suppose that our friend Jno,
W — n might have posted me, as he was once old Tom's
right hand man, occupied a prominent position in the
" amen corner," and- "raised the hymns," I am sorry to
say that Thomas has slightly blackslidden since then;
taut I hope he will retrace his wayward steps, and come
out all right yet, " BROTHER COFFEY,"
I must go taack of Davidson- a little to notice Eev.
Elijah Coffey, a shoemaker tay trade, who came here in
1825, I wish I could pass him unnoticed, as he sank to
very degrading depths ; but of his private character I
shall have nothing to say further than that the wife he

230 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS,
had when he came here, and which I understand was his
second wife, was a most estimable" woman, and although
some bad tales were told of Coffey in Illinois, where he
came from, his deportment here during her lifetime
was not materially objectionable. I will tae under the
necessity of taking, in connection with a tarief history
of Coffey, also one of Eev. Silas T. Toncray. I ought,
in fact to go still further back, and give old Uncle Harry
Lawrence a passing notice, who came here before either
the two last alluded to. He certainly cut a considerable
figure among his own color, and often preached to mixed
congregations. I might also speak of some straggling
preachers and others of the class alluded to in the early
part of my story, but of most of these the less said the
better. BROTHER COFFEY AND PHILIP S. WHITE.
Toncray was a very good, and I might say a moral
man. He certainly was a very ingenious and useful man.
He was a silversmith, watchmaker, engraver, sign painter,
druggist and dentist; also, a doctor aud preacher. The
last two .-trades he had better never have undertaken.
In the others he was moderately proficient. He and
Coffey both belonged to the Baptist Church, though I
think the former was of the " Hard-Shell " and the latter
of the " Free-WiU " persuasion. I don't think they ever
got along well together. Coffey felt himself the superior
of Toncray, and in fact could preach a tolerable fair ser
mon for the times. In the delivery of his sermons he
usually held his left hand to his ear and slashed around
with his right in a frightful manner, taxing his lungs to
their fullest capacity, and going It throughout on the
principal that Branch kept tavern. I remember to have
heard him preach one^night in a large, open house, illu-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 231
minated by a solitary tallow candle. Among the
audience was a huge Kentucky lawyer by the name of
Phillip S. White, of whom I have before spoken as being
engaged in a duel with Gus Young, also as a great tem
perance-lecturer at a later day. He was at that time,
however, a great rowdj^, and I think the most natural
comedian I ever saw. White devoutly took his seat
close in front of the pulpit, and no sooner did Coffey
commence vaporing than White set to dodging, as though
every pass of the hand was a blow aimed at his head.
He was loud and frequent with the "Amen," but invari
ably put it in the wrong place. He also took a promi
nent part in singing, but was wofijUy out of tune ; during
all of which he maintained the utmost gravity, while
most all others were ready to burst their sides with
laughter. Coffey changed his religion frequently, and was alter
nately taken in and turned out by the Baptists and
Methodists. Finally all the churches conspired against
him, except the Catholics, whom he joined, but they
would not allow him to preach. He soon quit them, and,
I am sorry to say, the Methodists not only reinstated him,
but licensed him to preach, taut confined his ministra
tions to a portion of Arkansas where it was thought good
character in a minister was not required.
S. T. TOfifCRAY.
Toncray was a very inconsistent man, ignorant in
everything except mechanism, and it was a pity he had
not confined himself exclusively to it. He was slow and
remarkataly patient. I have known him to devote weeks
to the construction of a miniature ship in the inside of
a large show feottle, complete in all its parts, and when
finished was a most wonderful, piece of work. But he

232 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
was not so patient in some other things. He was petu
lant with those he considered beneath him, and addicted
to too frequent use of the cowhide in his own family. He
performed the service of baptism as though it were an
ordinary business transaction. His voice was naturally
weak, and he overtaxed it to such an extent that he
sometimes broke down in the middle of his sermon, and
but for the Old Harry that was in him, would have made
frequent failures. His congregations were mostly black.
The presence of whites seemed to annoy him, owing, per
haps, to the fact that his efforts at eloquence overstepped
the sublime, and provoked laughter. He furnished the
ground and tauilt, on the corner of Main and Overton
streets, wholly at his own expense, what is now kno-wn
as the African Church, but during his lifetime as Ton-
cray's Church. When finished according to his plans
and supervision, with its well proportioned steeple and
other parts, it proved the best specimen of architecture
on the bluff.
I am sorry to devote so much space to these men, but
really, they cut a consideratale figure in their time, and
the history not only of the Church, but of Memphis, .
would be very defective if their names were omitted.
Both served for several terms as Aldermen, while Coffey,
for a short time, discharged the duties of Mayor, but
whether any old dumb clock " struck one " at their de
mise,- or whether their spirits have ever been interviewed,
I am not prepared to say.
A RARE OLD MAN.
In 1826 Eev. Lorenzo Dow, one of the most noted
and remarkatale men of the time, not only in this country,
taut in Europe, preached here in the fulfiUment of an
appointment made two years before, which, strange to

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 233
say, was generaUy remememtaered and drew the largest
congregations. He preached several times on this bluff,
was very eccentric in his manners, and by some consid-
, ered deranged. He was below the medium height,
awkwardly built, with a swaggering walk and jesture
which, added to his natural drollery and peculiar mode
of expressing himself, produced laughter when least
intended. He was a thorough physiognomist; could read every
man's character in his face; would point them out and
reprove them for their vicious habits as though he had
kno'wn them all their lives, and rather seemed to court
the ill, than the good will of the people generally.
There was nothing peculiar in his dress, except that he
wore his beard full, which was then considered shock-'
ingly indecent; and twice he had been arrested, by the
authorities of towns through which he had passed, and
forcibly shaved. The only beard wore at that time was
a narrow strip of whiskers extending from the temple,
foUowing the line of the jaw, and terminating near the
point of the chin, and sometimes tarought with a curve
to the corners of the mouth, , A dandy would devote
more time tarushing his whiskers over his finger, so as to
give them a fancy curl, than is generally devoted to such
purposes now, LUCK OP THE CHURCHES,
Memphis fared badly for a church. The proprietors
had never given a lot, or other material aid, toward
building one, I know it is said that they gave the lots
on which the first Prestayterian church is tauilt; but I
happen to know that that is not so. Those lots were and
had been, to some extent, used as a graveyard even be
fore the city was laid off. The proprietors tried for

234 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
several years, without avail, (for they were none too
popular), to stop It. They then applied to the Mayor
and Aldermen, offering to give the town the two lots if
they would stop their further use as a burying-ground.
One of the Aldermen inquired,
" If they are worthless to you, what value would they
be to the town?"
To which they*replied :
" They will answer for church purposes," which was
the only time the word was used, and on this fiimsy pre
text the church based her adverse right.
In the deed no such word as " church " appeared, but
the consideration was set forth as above stated. The
Board refused the prefer; but while it was an open ques
tion, and the proprietors were actively log-rolling to have
it accepted, A MEMORABLE DISASTER OCCURRED.
The explosion of the steamer Helen McGregor — an
account of which, with other similar disasters that have
occurred here, I may furnish some day for publication —
by which such a vast number was killed that the citizens
who had opposed the removal of the burying-ground
now became its advocates ; so the Winchester Cemetery
was partly purchased and partly donated, and the first
interments were the victims of that dreadful calamity.
Previous to 1826, the house which stands opposite the
northwest corner of Market Square, and which I spoke
of in a former communication as taeing the place in which
the first court was held, and also as having taeen kno^wn
as the Meeting House, answered very well; taut when it
was turned into a printing office the congregations were
turned out, and for some three years the people were
dependent for rooms in private families to hold meetings

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 235
in. It is true that the temfiorary court-house on Court
Square, afterward used by Mr. Mageveney and others as
a school-house, did very well for Sunday preaching; but
our people were then quite romantic, and preferred
spending their Sunday's in the country and performing
their devotions at night, and after doing a hard day's
work they did not feel Uke walking a half mUe below
town, to this Square, for such purposes.
A ROW BETWEEN THE CHUECHES.
In 1828, Mr. Charles C. Locke, uncle of Charley and
Joe Locke, commenced the erection of a very handsome
two-story house on Front street, then known as Chicka
saw, between Concord and Overton streets, fronting some
forty-five feet, designed for a hall, with rooms on each
side, and some eighteen or twenty feet deep. He had
succeeded in getting it enclosed, fioors laid, etc., when he
was overtaken tay a financial misfortune, and was unatale
to complete it. He applied to old Ike Eawlings for a
loan, offering to pledge the house and lot as security for
its payment. Ike was the only money-lender we had —
who, tay-the-way, was very litaeral, provided you got on
the right side of him, and to do that you had to conform
to his whims, which, unfortunately, Locke had not done.
His plan of a house was a story and a half high, which
he contended would answer every purpose of a two-story,
and cost far less. Locke had, also, put a cornice to his
house, involving another useless waste of money in Ike's
mind. He had further given it a coat of white paint;
Ike's favorite color was Spanish tarown, both, perhaps,
from economy and his'long association with the Indians.
But the most outrageous expense was a pair of orna
mental spout-heads, with gold eagles, dates and other
ridiculous flummery on them.

236 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
"No, sir," said Ike sternly; "you have spent more
money on that house than was necessary to have com
pleted a better one," smacking his lips at the same time,
and looking remarkably wise and self-important. Locke,
in disgust, turned from him, and for some three years
that house remained in that unflnished condition. There
are those ever ready to proflt by the misfortunes of
others, and the church had its share of them, who, in
stead of proffering aid for the completion of the house,
applied for its gratuitous use as a church, which was
readily granted, and soon one of those instances of lib
erality which not unfrequently occur between the differ
ent denominations took place. Locke was a Methodist,
on which account the members of that church claimed a
preference to the use of the house whenever a collision
occurred, and urged Locke so to rule, but he refused to
interfere, and the church and its possessions became
questions never settled by factious partisans.
There is other history in connection with this house
which, though not pertaining to this subject, may not be
improper to relate. The Thespian Society was organ
ized in 1829, and being unable to find another room so
well adapted in the town, compromised with the religious
societies, to whom Locke referred them, and took the
upper fioor, forming a sort of rotary concern. Whether
they played into each other's hands, or vice versa, I shaU
not undertake tb say, though it seemed that they got
along more amicably than the religionists did among
themselves, and I must here slightly correct my friend
Tom Young, who, in naming the members of the Thes
pian Society, omitted, unintentionally, no doubt, the
name of my brother George, who was somewhat hurt
about it, as he was one of its most active members, and
generally took a leading character.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 237
It is also due to the history of Memphis, in this con
nection, to mention a man of extensive notoriety, Sol
Smith, who was possessed of more tarilliant and varying
talents, perhaps, than any other man of lis day, but woe
fully deficient as a financier. No matter how much
money old Sol made, and he made much, he was always
hard run — being greatly under the weather. In 1830 he
came to Memphis, reorganized the Thespians, and as
new names, like new brooms, work well, he adopted the
name of the " Garrick Club," and for a time appeared to
succeed well; but he was a rolling stone, and seldom
stayed long in one place, or stuck to the same pursuit.
The Presbyterians taeing unpleasantly situated, deter
mined to look them out another place of meeting, and
were fortunate enough to find one even better than the
Locke building, which had several disadvantages. It
was' situated on the same street, and nearly opposite — in
fact there was no other street in town, if we except the
roads that led out — was a large two-story frame building,
the property of Mr. John F. Schataell, father of Mr. Jas.
F. Schataell, and occupied by the late Mrs. Agnes Haw
thorn, who died a few years since at the advanced age of
ninety-four, and shortly after occupied by Mrs. Under
wood, the mother of Q. K. Underwood, of Arkansas. I
feel that a tritaute to these good women is due from me,
and while on this sutaject I must mention another old
¦ lady who lived within a few doors — the late Mrs. Eachael
Tarleton, who also died a short time since. I knew her
when in the enjoyment of peace and plenty, taut, like too
many others, neglected her in her infirm and trying ad
versity, for at her death she must have been very old,
and, I am told, perfectly helpless. For many years she
had been wholly dependent on an old negress, who was
formerly her slave, but who since has attended her old

238 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
mistress with a kindness, affection and unfaltering devo
tion that would have done credit to a daughter.
A few days ago I met in the street an old and esteemed
lady — Mrs. Kesterson, formerly Miss Ann Hardaway.
:She did not otaserve me, and as she appeared to be in a
hurry I did not stop her, but her taowed form and un
steady step (like my own) clearly proved that the hand
of Time rested heavily upon her. Her's has taeen a
chequered life ; blessed at one time with abundance of
worldly goods, and again reduced to abject povert}^, the
lastof a' arge family — five brothers and two sisters — five
of whom lie buried in the Winchester Cemetery. During
all her trials she has, with a true Christian spirit, devoted
hsr entire energies to the good of others.
THE PRESBYTERIAN.
The upper fioor of the Schabell House the Presbyte
rians secured, and when the partitions were removed it
presented a room of some twenty-five by thirty-six feet
square. This they fitted up, in what was then considered
.great style, and, no doutat, with a design of plaguing
soi^etaody. Having secured a lease on the premises, they
felt warranted in advertising themselves as taeing "per
manently located." The walls were thoroughly white
washed, a neat, plain pulpit was erected, and regularly
constructed seats placed in proper order. A sutastantial
stairway led up from the outside, while the interior pre
sented a handsome and more church-like appearance
than anything ever taefore erected on this taluff. Their
neighbor's tenure of occupation could hardly be said to
extend from one Sabbath to another, and whose fixtures
were of the most'simple and temporary character, though
not without some cost, and who, if required to move,
could not have found .another suitable room without

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 239
tauilding it; nor, after their artaitraiy conduct, could they
ask fbr a joint occupation. The consequence was, they
were completely taken down, and obliged to endure the
mortifying spectacle of seeing the fioating part of the
church-goers attending the Presbyterian meetings. In
justice to the Methodists I must say that less than one-
fifth of the members engaged in the illiberal deportment
alluded to, and it would ill become me, who had a father,-
mother, grandmother and elder sister members of that
church — while my affinities were decidedly in the same
-direction — to say aught against them. But the pretty
girls were of the other congregation, which, of course,
attracted the young men, and I am strongly inclined to
taelievethere was a mutual attraction.
'moral EFFECT OF WOMAN'S PRESENCE
Another reason for my avoiding the Methodist meet
ings was that my old grandmother had a very annoying
way of watching me, and if I chanced to glance or cast
a smile or nod to some beauty across the aisle, or was
guilty of other peccadillos, she was sure to take me to
account for it. On the score of respectability I do not
think the Methodists had anything to lose tay a compar
ison with their more aristocratic neightaors. In ev
idence of which I propose to give the names of such as
I can now remember of either denomination. Metho
dists: Solomon Eoselle, Jesse A. Strange, father of J.
P. Strange, John Brown, Hezekiah Cotata, recently died,
John and Edward Manning, Eobert Fearne, Henry
James, John A. Frayser, James Eotab, Zachariah Hite,
farther of E. C. Hite, Wiley Kimbrough, WiUis and
William Wilder, and a number of others, whose names
I cannot now remember.
Of the Presbyterians, I might mention Littleton Hen
derson, Samuel Merry, Enoch Banks, WUliam Cowan,

240 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
Justyn Smith, William and James Lawrence, John
Trigg, Tilman Bettis, Cizario By as, Samuel Brown and
Others. There were some of the best citizens whose
church connections I cannot now determine, and pos
sibly have made some mistakes in those I have named.
There were others whose denominations had no organ
ization here. Others again, who seemed to filiate in-
' discriminately, and quite a large number of our most
influential citizens, who made no profession of religion,
at least did not unite with any church, but whose wives
and families were strict church-memtaers, whose names
ought to tae preserved. THE CUMBERLANDS,
In 1829, I think the Eev, WiUiam Whitsett, of the
Cumberland Church, came here and established a church
of that denomination. Owing to the smaUness of the
membership he was rather unsuccessful for a time. His
widow; at the extreme age of eighty-eight, stiU survives,
with a strength of body, mind, hearing and voice that is
truly remarkable. , Of the large family they raised,
but one daughter is now living — Mrs. Eliza Whitsett,
wife and cousin of Wiley W. Whitsett, of whom few men
of bis day were more generally known and respected..
Of their large family of children not one now survives.
PROPOUND PHILOSOPHY.
I have heretofore conflned myself to matters which oc
curred up to 1830, except where necessary to trace individ
uals or incidents to later dates. It was my first intention
not to venture any further, for the reason that a new
epoch may be said to have occurred in the Church of
Memphis worthy of commendation, being the advent of
several of the ablest divines that ever filled her pulpits.
I feel that my mode of dealing with persons generally

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 241
will tae wholly out of place in reference to them, partic
ularly as two of them are still living, and that, too, in
this city. It is easy enough " for us historians " to show
off our subjects that have passed away forty or fifty
years since, in such a Ught as taest suits us, and
draw, to some little extent, on fancy, taut while the
originals are still here we have to tae more particular
ataout facts. UNPALATABLE TALK.
I am an outsider in church matters, narrating inci
dents according to my taest recollections, and have, in
some instances perhaps, indulged in too much pleasantry.
But so far, I have found notaody of good sense that has
taken exceptions; though, perhaps, some have. I did not
start out to flatter or wantonly offend. But the fact of a
man's taeing a preacher or a professor of religion is no
reason, in my mind, that his deportment should not be
criticised, and I shall take the liberty of doing it, let the
consequences be what they may. But I will venture to
say that those who know me taest will not charge me with
being an enemy to the church or to preachers generally.
There are some ministers, I am sorry to say, who.
sometimes fail to " do unto others as they would have
others do unto them." I could tell of an ex-minister
who refused shelter to a lady, with a young babe, during
a storm, in this county, although the possessor of a full
competency of this world's goods. He was, however,
kind enough to give her the gratuitous information that
there was a public house only a few miles distant, at
which she would be admitted, — and she was admitted
and kindly cared for without charge. It is due his Eev- -
erence to say that he was unaware that the lady was the
daughter of a Methodist minister. I am pleased to say
16

242 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
that no fatal consequences resulted, as the lady and child,
now married, are still liying.
REV. SAMUEL 'WILLIAMSON,
of the Presbyterian Church, came here, I think, in 1829.
The flrst time I heard him was at the opening of what
might be called the Schabell or Hawthorn Chapel. It
was a proud occasion. He was quite young and appeared
anxious to make a flne display; and did so, as far as
learning was concerned. At least it was a vast improve
ment on what we had taeen accustomed to here. But his
delivery was indifferent. In order to make his words
more effective, he would drawl them out to an unpleas
ant length, and at times displayed a painful contortion
of the mouth. He remained here several years, was con
sidered very devout, and was very popular with his con
gregation. The two ministers I alluded to as still being here, are
P. A. OWEN AND P. T. SCRUGGS.
They were both from North Alabama, where they had
made the acquaintance of my father, and they preached
their first sermons here in his house. I think Mr. Owen
came here first, but in this I may tae mistaken.
As to their capacity I have nothing to say, except that
if every one else has as high an opinion of them as I
have, they must be very popular. But I am sorry to say
they proved failures. They came taefore their time — not
like Shakspeare's man, " scarce half made up;" taut, on
the contrary, they were too well made up for the Intelli
gence of the community at that time. The change from
noise and bluster to sense and reason was what we were
not prepared for — at least, so suddenljr. It was like of
fering cold water to an old toper : It did him no good.
These gentlemen, however, got along very well with the

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 243
intelligent ; yet, I think, if they could only have split the
difference it would have taeen much taetter, for we cer
tainly needed a higher order of talent than we formerly
had. There is, I think, even yet, notwithstanding the
great improvement in church deportment, a set of igno
rant blatherskites (who set themselves up as competent
critics and judges) in some of the churches that must be
a great nuisance to their societies, and particularly to
intelligent ministers. FATHER MOODY.
I must tell something about Eev. Samuel Moody, if it
is of a private nature. He arrived here on the fifteenth
of Decemtaer, 1834. I rememiber the day well, for in
about three hours after his arrival he performed a very
interesting little ceremony, which constituted the most
important event of my life. The other party to that
transaction is still here, and looks like she might live to
celebrate her golden wedding; and if I should be equally
fortunate, we will have a taig blow-out. I want you,
Messrs. Editors, to consider yourselves especially invited;
and be sure to come, for, aside from friendship, I have
another use for you. You may not be able to say any
thing clever about me, but I want you to giv(^ the old
woman a puff. She has borne me seven children, and
raised them all, and I think I may justly feel proud of
them. The youngest one exercises his citzenship at the
polls; and if there are those who think the stock is
likely to run out, I can inform them that three of my
daughters have presented their husbands with fine, fat
bataies within the last few months, making just fourteen
in all of the third generation. If I have not a right to
be jolly, and have some claim upon my country, I would
like to know who has. As we are the oldest resident

244 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
wedded couple in the city, I don't think this notice en
tirely out of place. I believe it is customary for novelists
to wind up their stories with a wedding, but I do not
know that it is so with historians, and I am particularly
anxious to conform with the latter, lest they refuse to
recognize me, and play smash with my aspirations.

CHAELES D. McLEAN.

The venerable person whose name heads this article is
one of the very oldest and most prominent citizens of
West Tennessee. He was at one time a leading politician,.
having beaten Hon. C. H. Williams for a seat in the Legis
lature. " At the close of his term, which was, I think, in
1830, he removed to the neighborhood of Memphis, where
be still lives, and although his large and well-stocked farm
required his close attention, he found time to attend to all
matters of a public character, involving the interest of thi*
city or county, and most generally presided at such meet
ings. Men like C. D. McLean, Geo. L. Holmes and John
Pope have done more to advance the farming interest and
develope the resources of the country than can well be com
puted. The two latter have passed away, while old Char
ley, the senior of the thre€, though bowed down with the
weight of near four-score winters, still walks our streets'
with remarkable activity. He was elected President of
the Old Folks Association at its first organization, some-
twenty years ago, and has been retained in that positioir
until its last meeting, in August, 1873, when he was re
luctantly allowed to decline a re-election. Whether his-
active mind will allow him to pass the remainder of his
days in quietude is yet to be seen. Long may he live !!

-I'HE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 245

THE FIEST FIEE COMPANY.

The year of our Lord, 1830, being the flrst decade
after old Wappanocha Furgason, under the direction of
William Lawrence, drove his stakes, and the fourth of
our corporate existence, the census-taker found on this
bluff between seven hundred and one thousand inhabi
tants. Whether this did, or not, include the talacks, I
am not prepared to say, and had he extended his inqui
ries to the number of houses, would, doubtless, have
found one hundred or more, many of which were of a
better class than was generally found in towns of its
size. Although our losses tay fire were comparatively
small, yet they did sometimes occur, and a more effectual
way of quenching them than with buckets of water be
came evidently necessary. This subject had attracted
some attention even before the town was incorporated,
and still more afterward, but how to get an engine
was the question. The non-property holders contended
that it was the duty of the property-holders to furnish
that article. The latter, being mostly the proprietors,
who owned no houses or other property liable to burn,
were willing to submit to a tax for that purpose, which,
however, did not satisfy the " uons." Such was the case
up to the year above mentioned, when old George Al
dred, one of our Aldermen, taeing in Cincinnati, and see
ing a small second-hand engine offered for sale very
low, and thinking it would about suit us, made the pur
chase. I will here state that I do not find Aldred's
name among the menabers of the Board of that year, and
can only account for the omission on the supposition

246 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
that he was not elected at the regular March elections,
taut filled a vacancy. The continued feuds taetween the
rich and poor, and the fact that a property qualification
was required, reduced the numtaer of eligible persons
for Alderman to but few, and it was sometimes with
difficulty that a Board could be secured. I am, however,
very sure that Aldred was an Alderman that year. I am
thus particular from the faict that he will cut a consid
erable figure in this story, and from the further fact that
there are quite a number of critics who are ever ready
to assail my historic veracity. The Vigor, as this en
gine was named, or the " Little Vigor," as she was com
monly called, on account of her diminutiveness, not
being over three feet high, worked by two long cranks
extending from her sides, and capable of furnishing
room for eight men, by which power she could throw
water over the tallest house on the taluff, and, although
somewhat defaced, seemed very substantial, and made
quite a handsome appearance, while the general opinion
seemed to be that she was just the thing we needed.
But one of the peculiarities of the people, of Memphis is,
and perhaps alwaj's will be, never to allow themselves to
be pleased with anything, though this engine at first
promised to be an exception, and perhaps would have
proved so but for an unfortunate, and I might add dis
graceful, occurrence. When the machine was first
landed, everybody, old and j'oung, black and white,
fiocked to see it. Never were children more anxious to
engage in a sport than were the men of this town to get
hold of those cranks and make the thing squirt. Her
parade up the hill was a grand affair, and old George
Aldred seemed suddenly to have become the most pop
ular man on the bluff. The landing was then at the
foot of Auction street, coming up which street they

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 247
stopped at a mud hole in the rear of Auction square,
and rousing the hogs out, they proceeded to fill the taox
with the muddy water, when the word "play away" was
given, and such a scampering ! The pipesman mounted
the taox, swung his pipe around so as to throw the dirty
water on the crowd in all directions, and a numtaer of fine
taonnets and other rigging were ruined. This was consid
ered a smart trick and a good joke, though the sufi'erers
took quite a different view of it. Filling up again, they
let loose on the neighboring houses, breaking in the win
dows and drenching everything with mud and filth, to
tfie great grief and arnoyance of the occupants. Having-
exhaused the mud-hole, enjoyed a big laugh and taben a
hearty swig, or, rather, having repeated some half dozen
previously taken, they started out to where the road
crossed the bayou, putting old George in front. As they
ran down the hill at full speed, the old fellow, being unable
to keep out of their way, fell, and I suppose a dozen men
ran over him, and, taut for the exertions of a few, the en
gine would have passed over .and killed him. As it was,
he received injuries from which he never recovered. A
general row came near taking place. The Alderman was
picked up and carried home, and the engine was also
drawn taack and put in a vacant storehouse of his ad
joining .his dwelling. The next question to be settled
was, whether Alderman Aldred and his engine, or those
who had taken forcible possession of her, was most ti>
blame. As such differences are generally compromised,
they were held as about equal in the public estimation,
and the old man's popularity went down faster than it
had gone up. The reason was, that suits for damages
were seriously thought of, and Aldred was the only one
out of which such debts could likely be made. He be
longed to that, then, obnoxious class known as the rich,

248 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
and that, too, without possessing some of their redeem
ing qualities. For instance, he was a great drunkard —
always kept a barrel on tap, and yet rarely invited others
to " smile." When drunk he was a territale old brute,
particularly in his family; still he was not without friends
and strange to say, among the better class of citizens.
He was a man of pretty fair education and general in
formation. In fact, he was spoken of tay some as the
brains of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, and apart
from his intemperate habits, was respected by his fellow
members, especially Mayor Eawlings.
A CURIOUS STORY.
I am here tempted to tell a religious story, notwith
standing the unfavorable reception former ones of that
character have met with. I fancy I can hear you whis
per, " let that religious part pass," while something else
hints that it is as well to be hung for an old sheep as a
lamb, and as I never was noted for prudence, I have de
termined to bulge ahead and risk the consequences. The
extension of Main beyond Auction street being the point
where the original Pinch took its start, has, for some
reason or other, taeen considered a rich field for mission
ary labors. It will be remembered that old Nat. Howcott,
some twenty years later, established what he called the
"Eed Church," but what others called the "New Hiding
Place," after one of Nat's favorite rallying songs, with
which they made the welkin ring until near morning.
Fortunately for them, perhaps, old George Aldred was
dead, or he might have brought the little Vigor in play
and washed them out as a nuisance. As it was, Nat.
was allowed to continue in all his glory, and, by the way,
I see from a recent publication that his spirit is making
itself quite familiar in table-tipping circles. It was at

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 249
this point that a man by the name of Erwin, if I mis
take not, lived at the time our story commences. He
was a stout, able-bodied man, a sort of rough carpenter
or gin-builder by trade, seemed physically adapted to the
business, taut I think was constitutionally opposed to hard
work. Ataout this time, it wiU tae remembered, Eev. Al
exander Campbell made the discovery that the Scriptures
had never been rightly understood, and his theory
seemed to meet with considerable favor. By a strange
coincidence our man Erwin made a similar discovery,
but whether there was any similitude in the two discov
eries I am unable to say; so it was, that our poor fellow's
mind was completely carried away with the idea of
immortalizing himself as the founder of a great sect
that was destined to swallow up all others. Unfortu
nately, however, for him, his education had been wofuUy
neglected, and even nature seemed to have been very
sparing in her gifts of language, and delivery especially.
These, however, he hoped to overcome by close applica
tion, but that the cause might not suffer tay the neces
sary delay, he wisely determined to employ an assistant,
and was fortunate in securing the aid of the Eev. Elijah
Coffey. The latter, however, did not yield a full adhe
sion to Erwinism, but stated that there were many
strong jjoints favoring it; that he had not had time,
from his last and lapstone to give it that investigation
that its vast importance required, but should certainly do
so in due time, which meant as soon as he found out
whether it was likely to take, after which he would
either apply his awl or his end. Erwin's house consisted
of two rooms, which, when the partition was removed,
made one of about eighteen tay twenty-four feet, with
two front and two rear doors, and about as many
windows, being ataout the most roomy house in the town.

250 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
And he had been to some expense in fitting it up, having
removed his family to a shanty not far distant. The
novelty seemed to take; the meetings were frequent,
some three per week; the congregations were large,
though not very orderly; the disorderly part, however,
generally remained on the outside, where they could
enjoy a laugh at Coffey's vaporings, or Erwin's inordi
nate ignorance. They also could retire to the Bell tavern
and partake of an eye-opener at short intervals, without
disturbing the pious exercises, in doing which they were
obliged to pass old Aldred's door; and on one occa
sion, being instigated by the devil, bad whisky, or pos
sibly by bad preaching,- or, more likely, by all together,
and observing a number of loose brickbats lying around,
gathered them up and commenced pelting the Alder
man's domicile. The old fellow seized his double-bar
relled gun and sallied forth, when the assailants sought
safety in flight, for it was generally understood that he
would shoot, but tfiat he would go into a place of divine
worship to do so was never for a moment imagined.
And when they found themselves within the sacred
walls of Erwin chapel, they felt perfectly safe; but in
this they were mistaken. Aldred, though suffering from
injuries received by being run over, as taefore stated,
and which, by tt^e lack of skill, or, perhaps, his own in
difference, had rendered him not only very unsightly,
but very unwieldj'^, waddled along, his gun giving
him a free pass, until he found himselt among the
new reformers, cursing, threatening and flourishing his
gun. The doors and windows were immediately called
into requisition, and amid the screaming of women and
children, the house was cleared in a few seconds. The
general impression seemed to be that shooting was to be
done, and where the greatest crowd there the greatest

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 251
danger, the consequence was that each appeared desi
rous of being by himself and getting away as fast as-
possible. Erwin sought shelter in the bosom of his
family, while Coffe}"- was the only man that showed any
disposition to stand to his ground. Armed with gospel
grace he felt prepared to face old Aldred, if backed tay
Apolyon and all his tritae. He even commenced reproof,
taut when the double-barrels were tarought to hear upon
him, he considered discretion the better part of valor,
and fled pecipitately; after which Memphis never spent
a more quiet night. But the thing was not done with.-
The outrage on the part of Aldred was too heinous to be
overlooked. So next morning old Mason Smith, town
constable, district constable and deputy sheriff, waited
on old George with a State's warrant, and took him im
mediately taefore Squire Eawlings. The news had spread
all over town, and of course had lost nothing in its trav
els. The occurrence was looked upon by all as most
horrible, but the mode of punishment, made and provi
ded in such cases, was not so well understood. Whether
it was hanging, penitentiary or simply high fine and im
prisonment, was the question that required a legal mind
to answer, some of whom, though very reticent, looked
knowing; others intimated that if certain authorities, with
whicb they were acquainted, were brought forward, the
crime would be greatly extenuated, if not justified,.
while others boldly declared that nothing but culpable
mismanagement on the part of the prosecution could
fail to send him up for at least ten years. Despite of
aU this, Aldred maintained his surly indifference, and
it was through him that the fattest picking was ex
pected, while the others reUed on the strength of their
cause, and the trial progressed without the aid of law
yers, on either side. The parsons put their case in.

252 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
very feeling words, but with a look that bespoke the
agony of their souls at the thought of the impious out
rage. When through, his honor demanded of Aldred
what he had to say? Who replied:
"That the place is a nuisance, which it is the right
and duty of anyone to abate."
" Ho'w so?" asked Ike, in a less peremptory tone than
was his custom.
" Because," said George, " the persons who attacked
my house came thence, and, after committing the deed,
hastened back to where the preaching was going on, as
can be proven ; and I think if that is the result of such
labors, the quicker they are stopped the taetter."
Ike grunted, rubbed his nose, smacked hislips and
replied :
" I think so too."
The aspect of affairs irnmediately underwent a sud
den change; taking advantage of which the old squire
arose and delivered, I have no doubt, the best impromptu
lecture of his life, in which, as usual, he was very severe
on all parties, particularly the newly-enlightened Erwin,
"You are a pretty fellow to set yourself up as a teacher,
and the result is only what might have been expected."
To Aldred he was also very severe. "You," he said are
capable of making a good citizen, and yet are proving
yourself anything else." He finally dismissed the case
-with a warning to all parties never to appear before him
again under similar circumstances. The court was im
mediately adjourned. Aldred, who tried to get a word
with his honor, but was repulsed, was the last to get out,
though when he did, was received with a cheer. The
southern people, and perhaps all others, admire a bold,
fearless man, and our hero had put a host to flight.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 253
faced the frowning Hector, plead his own cause, and had
not only come out scathless, but turned the tide against
his accusers. It is needless to say that Aldred stock
went up. Being thus greeted he delivered himself of a
speech in which he said water was a great thing, not
only for navigation, agriculture, manufacturing and cu
linary purposes, but more particularly for cleanliness ;
that he was a hydropathist by profession, and had the
necessary apparatus to administer il, and if that dirty
congregation attempted to assemble again in his hearing
he would certainly wash them out. The idea was a
new one, and the ratatale, feeling licensed, promised them
selves much sport, which I am sorry to say was after
ward practiced to an improper extent, not on the Erwin-
ites, however, as Coffey, immediately after this affray,
made the discovery that there was nothing in it, while
its founder, disconsolataly wandered around for a short
time, then disappeared. A few creditors were desirous
of learning his whereataouts, taut like other meteors, he
- passed so rapidly away as not to leave even a momentary
glare to indicate his course.
Shortly after this Cotata's sawmill took flre. A numtaer
of persons ran in haste for the Vigor, expecting to en
counter the doutale-barrel shotgun, but were agreeably
surprised to flnd the door of the warehouse open and the
engine in readiness, with which the fire was soon extin
guished, although for a time the fate of the mill and
surrounding buildings and lumber was (Joubtful. After
this the Vigor was purchased, old SchabeU advancing
the money himself, and might be called her first captain.
Here I might tell a number of amusing incidents in
which the little Vigor flourished, but my story is already
too long. Whenever a house became disorderly, it had to
be washed out, which, of course, devolved on her. In 1832

;254 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
a free negro by the name of Alfred Eichardson, a talack-
smith by trade, and possessed of some property, (after
ward caught stealing cotton and sent to the penitentiary,)
started the flrst public hack. On her first trip she was
chartered by some lewd women and their gallants.
Chickasaw street and Front row, as they were then
-called, might be said to be the only streets in town, and
the hack went dashing back and forward through them
at short intervals. These women had been tolerated on
their promise of behaving themselves. Up to the time
of their location in Chelsea, which was then a perfect
wilderness, Memphis had taorne the name of the most
Virtuous town on the river. These women had com
menced acting badly, and would parade the streets in a
body, dressed in fantastic style, and now they were evi
dently drunk, yelling at the top of their voices. The
case was considered one that required the attention of
the Vigor, and she was hastily brought into requisition.
An old negro washerwoman, who lived near the corner
.of front and Jackson streets, had on hand at the time a
large supply of soap-suds, some of which had stood and
stunk insufferably; but the Vigor was filled with it.
They next procured several pounds of lampblack,
which was added, the soapsuds being sufficiently
strong to dissolve it. Hardly had everything been got
in readiness when here came the hack with renewed
glee. Two negroes came from the opposite side of the street,
and caught the horses, when the Vigor opened. She first
paid her respects to the outside passengers, whom she
soon disposed of I think I see Alf Eichardson now,
heels upward in the air. As to the women, I shall at
tempt no description. The stream that would knock one
,out of the carriage would catch her from beneath taefore

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 255
she struck the ground. In truth, it was cruel, and several
were badly hurt. The women were, of course, very abu
sive. After which they were quietly informed that the
sooner they left the better, as the Vigor could easily be
taken across the taayou. Eichardson was furious, but
cooled down when informed that there was a point not far
distant at which the law ended. '
The Vigor was overtaxed. Pitmans were attached to
her cranks, so as to enable double the number of men
originally intended to work upon her, by which she was
broken down. There are but two, old Tom Young and
myself, now living who belonged to her original organi
zation, and perhaps the only two that ever turned her
cranks. Old George Aldred died in 1835, and although
possessed of some good traits, I think the world was
better off without him. It was in 1838 that the Deluge
was bought, supposed by many to have been our first en
gine. I shall not attempt to give any of her history,
though much might tae given. There were also some
amusing incidents connected with her purchase, one of
which I will venture to give, although it may place one of
our city fathers in rather an undignified attitude. At
that time nothing could b.e obtained on 'the corporate
credit unless indorsed by the members of the Board, or
other responsible citizens. Toddy Dixon, as he was fa
miliarly caUed, who was Mayor at that time, taeing absent
in Baltimore, left old Charles B. Murray, of whom every
body has, or ought to have heard, as Mayor pro tem.
Charley had involved himself in one of his pet schemes
to build a markethouse on Market Square, with an upper
room for a town hall, etc. When the resolution to order
a new fire-engine, and the members to indorse or become
individually responsible for its payment, came up, and
notwithstanding his sub-exeeUency's opposition, showed

256 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
strong symptoms of passing, he refused to put the ques
tion. It may be necessary to explain that at that time
the Aldermen occupied seats on each side of a table^
three on a side, with the Mayor at one end and the Ee-
corder at the other. When the Mayor took part in the
debate, as at present, he would sometimes call on the Ee-
corder to take the vote — which he was requested to do-
in this case, but again refused. When, at the request of
a memtaer, the Eecorder was about to put the vote, old
Charley threw himself flat on his back on the table,
stamping with his feet, beating with his hands and yell
ing like a savage, until the Board and audience, which
was unusually large, made the yell general and quit the
house, leaving Charley triumphant, for he, and perhaps-
all others present, thought that a majority had the power
to involve the private funds of the minority against their
will. But our early legislators were very ignorant of
their powers, parliamentary rules, or individual rights.
Perhaps it is wrong to expose them. The Deluge,
despite old Charley's opposition, was purchased. I will
simply add, that I was a member of the Fire Department
up to the time the steam flre-engines were introduced.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 257

ANOTHEE HISTOEIAN.

Corinth, Miss., November 22, 1872.
Editors Appeal — Fortj^-five years have elapsed since
those days of which I wrote some time ago, and with
them the memory of many events; and it is hardly
possible that any one should remember correctly all the
names of members of a society. In reading Old Times'
very interesting article, I flnd he has not represented all
the persons he speaks of, at least from my recollection
of them, in their true characters. Parsons Toncray and
Coffey, are faithfully represented, according to my
knowledge of those "ancient brothers;" but in the
character of Harry Lawrence, Old Times, I think, to use
a common expression, is certainly " romancing." I pro
fess to know as much of Uncle Harry's character as any
one now living, from the fact of his having been for many
years a member of our family.
In early times he married one of my father's servant
women, with whom he lived happily up to the year 1842 —
the year I left Memphis. Up to that time, Uncle Harry's
character for piety was very faulty. I only knew him as
a notoriously wicked old sinner; and during the time 1
knew him, I never saw him exhibit the least outward
piety that would pass as coin, even in Memphis, in those
early days. In fact, I think that his belief was that a
negro had no soul, and he fully sustained his belief by
his practice.
I would like to hear Old Times' opinion as to the
character of one Parson Smith, who was a cotemporary
of Elders Toncray and Coffey. He came from " Down

258 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
East;" and, to use the vernacular of Scotty Briggs, " Eun
a Gospel-mill " in Memphis, in opposition to those well-
known characters.
There is an old tradition that a bet^was made, taetween
two of our (then) leading men, on the pulpit powers of
Coffey and Smith. The judges on this occasion I know
very well, taut cannot vouch for their competency to de
cide such important matters. The umpire decided in
favor of Parson Coffey. The winner of the wager, which
was a barrel of apples, presented it to the victor. Parson
Coffey, who, after a short lecture on the wickedness of
gambling, fell to and devoured the fruit with marvelous
voracity. Lang Syne.

ANSWEE TO "LANG SYNE."

Editors Appeal — I find in your columns a communi
cation from my old friend " Lang Syne," of date Novem
ber 22, 1872, who, by-the-way, could give you more of
the early history of Memphis, if he would, than any man
liying. I think he is older than I am; taut, perhaps, he
will not acknowledge that. He is certainly an older
resident, better educated, and had far taetter opportu
nities of observing the passing events of early days
on this bluff than I had; and yet a beggarly half column,
four or five times a year, is all that can tae gotten out of
him. Perhaps he is waiting until I am exhausted, and
then he will flood you with matter rich, rare and peculiar.
If so, he may commence immediately, for I am done.
The great pity is that I did not stop some time ago.
But, strange to say, he has the assurance to ask me to
tell one of his own stories for him. Now, as an evidence
that I did not go into bad companj'^ in my j'Oung days, I

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 259
can say positively, that I was not present when the taar-
rel of apples was prayed for, though I believe I did eat
some of the apples, and, if I am not mistaken, he was
the man that gave them to me and told me the whole
story afterward, and which I will endeavor to tell you in
as few words as possible.
A PRAYER GAUGE IN OLD TIMES.
Parson Smith, as "Lang Syne" calls him, ¦^^as what
was then known as a Flat-boat Preacher, one of a class
who had the faculty of leaving their religion taehind
whenever they took to the water, and reassumed it on
returning to shore. At that time Memphis, and in fact,
all the lower country, was in a measure dependent on
flatboats for supplies, and at some seasons of the year
their visits were rather unfrequent, and suffering was to
some extent the consequence. Such was the case on one
occasion when our people were delighted to see a flat-
boat rowing into our landing, which was then where the
upper part of the Navy-Yard is now, and soon quite a
number were on her deck, among them Parsons Coffey
and Smith. The latter, in order to introduce himself to
the boatmen as one of their sort, gave them some choice
specimens of fiatboat oaths, whereupon Coffey undertook
to reprove him.
" Mr. Smith," said he, advancing to that individual,
" you i^rofess to tae a Christian; you are a praying man,"
he addei, with a stern look.
" Yes," shouted Smith, " and I can beat you praying
any day."
" Tut, tut," said Coffey, as though that were out of the
question. After some sparring, made up of oaths and offers to
bet on the part of Smith, and indignant scoffs on the

260 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
part of Coffey, the citizens present divided and took
sides, some insisting that the reputation of our town
was at stake, for they refused to recognize Smith as a
citizen, and that Coffey must, by all means, stand up to
him. The matter was soon arranged, and a barrel of
apples staked on the result. Smith led off, and, it was
said, made a bully effort in the ordinary way, cheered
on by his side. When it came Coffey's turn, who, to do
him justice, tried to get out of the scrape, but such men
as Gus. Young, Major Hickman, Green Davis, Todd
Collins and others were there, including our friend, who
could have made him put his head into the fire, if they
had said so. Finding there was no alternative, he pitched
in and showed more wit and humor than he ever before
was thought capable of He devoted the whole of his prayer
to Smith, whom he represented as the most unmitigated
scamp, rascal and sinner generally, on earth, urging at
the same time that he was not an accountable being,
that he was so constituted as to be wholly incapable of
any moral, honorable, or decent deportment, too con
temptible to attract the notice of a human, much less
Divine being. But it appeared that Smith had more
spirit than he was supposed to have, and when all others
were taursting with laughter, he sprang suddenly forward,
struck Coffey in the tareast, and knocked him heels over
stomach into the river — not, however, without taeing
caught tay the arm, jerked along, and so the pair went in
together. A spontaneous yell greeted this event, which,
however, was' of short duration, as the parties remained
under water longer than human nature would seem to
warrant. They did, however, come to the surface, when
poles were handed them, after which the adjourned
laughter was resumed and continued for several min
utes, during which the poor parsons were shivering with

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 261
the cold and begging for relief Coffey was then taken
out, but Smith was told that in consequence of his das
tardly conduct he was to be left where he was. Some of
the more feeling soon after helped him along the side of
the boat until he could touch bottom, when he clambered
up the taank and made off, and soon quit the place.
Coffey was decided the victor unanimously. A fine lot -
of apples and other presents were given him, and he
went home rejoiceing. It proved to be the most popular
thing that Coffey ever did. They were mighty fine
apples, "Lang Syne,'' the first we had had for a month;
but, old fellow, you must tell your own tales hereafter,
and not be drawing on me; it ain't fair.
As for old Harry Lawrence, I knew, of course, that he
was a grand old rascal, but as he had been dead thirty
years, I did not think it necessary to tell it.

HEZEKIAH COBB.

It may be questionable whether laudatiohs of an in
dividual through the press on the occasion of his death
avail anything to the memory of the deceased. It . is
not always the truly good who receive the most laud-
itory obituary notices. Hezekiah Cobb, who died not
very long ago, deserves from the old citizens of Memphis
something more thsn a passing notice. I was never
very intimate with him, but can point out a few of his
peculiarities, and leave your readers to form their own
estimates of his worth. No man ever did himself jus
tice and worked as hard as Hezekiah Cobb, nor did any
man do himself justice and allow others to reap the
fruits of his labors to the extent that he did. He acted

262 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
as if he thought it his duty to plant that others might
reap. His trouble was in collecting money, not in earn
ing it, and when he fell in with hard cases, which was
very common, he ataandoned the debt rather than be
bothered with its collection. I once heard of an old
house being pulled down for the purpose of building a
new one in its stead, the same parties having been the
original builders. Calling on Mr. Cotata for the neces
sary lumtaer (he owned a saw mill), he modestly de^
clined rurnishing it; and on being questioned for his
reason', replied that they had never yet paid him for the
lumber in the old building. Two men went once to
purchase a large lot of lumber from him. Having
made the necessary agreement and left him to measure
the lumber, one of the partners, who did not know Mr.
Cobb, suggested to the other that it might tae better to
get some one not interested to measure the lumber, as
the old man might cheat. " Yes," said the other, " he
will be certain to cheat, but it will be to cheat himself.
No one," he continued, "that ever knew Hezekiah Cotata,
would suspect him of cheating anyone else."
He was always hard run, in consequence of the diffi
culty of collecting, until he took Csezario Bias in partner
ship, when, although he worked no harder and had to
devide the proceeds. Bias in a few years time had handed
him over some forty thousand dollars. He was induced
to go into a steamboat speculation, and bought or built
the steamer Monarch, which, tay bad management, never
cleared expenses on any trip she ever made. After
sinking all he had, and sinking him deeper in debt, she
finally sunk herself, which was the best thing the steamer
ever did for the owner. From that day until his death
he knew nothing taut hard work and terrible pecuniary
difficulties.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 263
Hezekiah Cotab was the flrst man that erected a steam-
engine on this bluff. He built the flr&t saw-miU and
sawed the first lumber. He served longer as Alderman
than perhaps any other man ever did, and that too
when J neither thanks, pay nor benefits accrued from it;
and I will venture to say, no one was more attentive or
faithful in the discharge of public duties, and should
justice ever be done the pioneers and benefactors of
Memphis, the name of Hezekiah Cobb will certainly oc
cupy a prominent position.

OLD SAM. BEOWN

ANECDOTES, PECULIARITIES, ETC.
Colonel Samnel E. Brown arrived on this bluff in 1819,
and opened the first tavern here — a double log house,
situated on the north side of Auction street, opposite the
square. His means at that time appears to have been
limited, as he was under the necessity of performing the
duties of landlord, barkeeper, hostler and general ser
vant, of whom, I think, an anecdote will not be out of
place here. It seems he had previously acquired the
title of Colonel, but whether legitimately or merely dub
bed, I am unable to say, except that military titles were
not so common in that day as after General T. C.
McMackin's coming, who made Colonels of us all. A
well dressed, gentlemanly looking person called at
the house on tausiness, and inquired for Colonel Brown.
Mrs. Brown informed him that he was not in, but protaa
bly would be in a few minutes. Soon after a man drove,
or, rather, rode up on a bare-backed, little, old, gray
pony, to which was attached a truck-cart, that creaked

264 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
SO loud you could have heard it a mile. The wheels
were sawed from an ordinary sized tree, and were at
tached by an anxle about four feet in length; the frame
being made of the fork of a small tree, or sappling, and
the crotch held to the hight of the axle by a strong
curved peg, or foot, as they were called, while the prongs
rested on the axle. In this fork or frame was secured a
barrel, with the bung sawed out, leaving an opening some
five or six inches square, into which a dove-tailed lid was
slightly driven, to prevent the sloshing out ofthe water;
and in this way all families were supplied, as cisterns
were then unkno'w'n. Thus the Colonel came up, his
shirt, which was then his outer garment, from the waist
np, appeared to have rendered a week's service since its
previous boiling. He had shoes, but no socks on ; his
breeches, according to the pattern of the day, had ample
but low seat, so that when riding they drew up full half
way of the calf It is but just to say that the Colonel
had a very fine pair of calves, and may have been proud
of showing them.
" There," said Mrs. B., " is Colonel Brown," pointing
to him of the water-cart.
The stranger looked from one to the other, in surprise,
several times before taeing satisfied that he was not
trified with.
The Colonel seemed to have acquired an early love for
office, and for more than twenty years, uninterruptedly,
held from one to three. All that was necessary was to
get on the good side of the Eepresentative in the Legis
lature, who then controlled all the appointments for local
or county offices. "Samuel" could make himself social
and jovial when he tried, and tell many good jokes on
himself, taut it did not come natural, and was only re
sorted to in cases of necessity. He was the first Sheriff'

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 265
of Sheltay county, and served, I think, two terms. After
which he concluded that the clerkship of the Court, or
rather of two Courts, would pay taetter, and put in for
them, known as the Circuit and Court of Pleas and Quar
ter Sessions — succeeding of course, as he had thoroughly
wormed in with the appointing power. Yet he was not
happy. The loffice of Magistrate taeing open he applied
for, and was also appointed to that office. This was quite
handy, as he could, as Magistrate, bind a fellow over, and
thus get two or more fees out of him. He could also, as
Clerk, issue a license to himself to marry a couple, and
then, by virtue of the power from himself to himself, sol
emnize the nuptials.
He used to tell a pretty good story in reference to his
first performance in that line, which, as well as I can re
memtaer, I will endeavor to repeat; and it is, perhaps,
necessary to say that although our country friends are
not now the most polished in the world, yet they are a
decided improvement on what they were fifty years ago;
so that such stories are no reflection on the present gen
eration. The Squire having empowered himself, pock
eted the document and arrived at the place in the dusk
of the evening. The old lady met him in fine spirits,
and an introduction followed:
" This is Squire Brown," she said.
" I pass for it," he answered, in the vernacular of the
day. " This is Mrs.  ."
" I pass for it," she responded.
They had just received an ample supply of whisky,
and aU had sampled it and unanimously voted it good.
After a hearty shake of hands he was led in and took a
seat. The old woman then went to a large goard, thrust
her hand in and withdrew it with a pretty fair handfuU

266 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
of dark tarown sugar, which she put into a tin-cup, then
some water, and with her fore-finger proceeded to stir.
The maternal head of a country family is not only a very
responsible, but laborious position.
"Mammy," sang out an urchin, "come here to Sam;
" he is running sticks into the 'lasses jug."
"I'll git arter Sam soon's I mixes the Squire a toddy,"
responded the old lady.
" Mammy," cried the bride elect, " come and help me
fix my harr."
" Oh hush, I shan't do it till I've done made the Squire
a toddy." Next came a gruff voice —
"Old woman, you had better look after these things,
if you don't want the children to eat them up."
And again the same reply; meanwhile the finger was
industriously plied, and the liquor added in broken doses,
between which she would withdraw the flnger from the
cup and apply it to her mouth, for the purpose of testing
its flavor. She was evidently an expert at the tausiness,
and determined to do the present potation up Brown.
The Colonel had seen too many flngers in his previous
messes to squeam at this ; taeside he was very dry, and
although the cup was full to the tarim, did not return it
until empty, not seeming to know that it was designed
for two, with that grand old sentiment —
" Here's luck, Mrs.  ."
But the old woman was under the necessity of making
another mess before she could return his compliments,
which was —
" Same to you. Squire."
After which she bustled and scolded around at a ter
rible rate until the ceremony was ready to proceed. The
parties taeing arrayed before him, he arose with great

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 26T
dignity — Sam was a very dignifled man — and, drawing
forth the document, commenced thus: "I hold in my
hand authority from Samuel E. Brown" — here he be
came confused and could not proceed. The more he
tried to "un-confuse the deeper he confused." But Sam
had been a pedagogue in his time, and had learned the
way of avoiding a burst of laughter at some ludicrous
scene — which was, to get terribly mad ; for which purpose
they always keep an unfortunate scapegoat, whom they
call up and flog, as a warning to others, and also to turn
the master's mind from the pleasant to the vindictive; it
likewise relieves the monotony; so whether "studious or
not, scapie is bound to catch it" — which, I am told is a
certain cure for laughter, and also answers as a relief
from embarrassment. Sam found that he was obliged to.
get mad or give up the job in disgrace, so, looking hastily
around for a " scapie," and seeing some of the men
rather close behind, turned round and ordered them, in
the most angry and authoritative tone, to stand back, or
he would be compelled to suspend the ceremony, and at
the same time driving them to the wall, by which move
ment he sufficiently recovered himself, and went through
without further interruption, in a most creditable man
ner. After which came the liquor, then the supper, then the
liquor again. It is due to Sam to say that his fret, hav
ing not only answered its purpose, taut estatalished his
importance, was readily abandoned, and he became one
of the joUiest of the crowd. The dance was opened by
Boon Schoat bolting up to Sally Swarringame, with—
" Now, Sal, you bantered me for a jig at t'other wed
ding, when you knowed I war too drunk to dance, taut
I'm your man now, and all right."
"And I'm your gal,' repUed Sally, as she bounced to

268 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
her feet, " Jist wait till I git my shoes and stockings off.
I never could dance worth a cent, with 'em on."
So, after tjdng a handkerchief around her waist and
setting her comb down in her hair — while Boon was
shucking his coat and girting himself — they went at it,
and the way they made the puncleons rattle for half an
hour was a terror to the rats beneath, cheered on tay their
friends. The men showed their gallantry tay siding with
Sally, while the women were equally magnanimous to
Boon, and "Hurraw, Boon," "Go it, Sally," "Now
you've got him," "Them's the licks," was alternately
exclaimed during the set-to. As to which taeat'was a
question never yielded tay the opposing side.
After the Constitution was changed, giving the election
to the people, the Colonel was twice elected Clerk of the
Circuit Court, making three terms of six years each, but
left him out of the County Court and Magistracy. Hav
ing so long been independent of the people, and having
acquired a tone and manner anj-thing but pleasing, he
found difficulty in changing it. At the end of his sec
ond term many thought he had held office long enough,
and made enough to quit. He, therefore, pledged himself
that if his friends would stand tay him once more he
would not tae a candidate again. They done so, but
no sooner was the election over, and he triumphant,
than he relapsed into his former mode. He seemed to
think he would have no further use for friends, became
sullen, unaccommodating and, in some instances, uncivil.
H6 could readily forget a friend, but riot an enemy, and
voting against him was a crime he rarely forgave, partic
ularly in one who had formerly supported him, — though
there was nothing unnatural in that. At the close of his
last term he moved from Ealeigh.to Memphis, where soon
the old desire for office returned. He sought, by jokes

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 269
and pleasantry to re-establish himself in public favor,
but it would not take; so, after several defeats, he be
came convinced that his chances for office here were
hopeless — a fact that was evident to everybody else long
before. Disgusted and soured, he quit the State and
moved to Desarc, Arkansas, where, to reward him for
the honor of his citizenship, they made him Mayor. I
might tell a good story of the difficulty between -him and
old Dr. Sledge, but shall pass it for the present. He
died only a few days ago, at a very advanced age.
I have spoken of Colonel Samuel E. Brown with, per
haps, more levity than was proper, and I think it taut
due to say that he was a good citizen, and possessed of
many good qualities. Colonel Brown was an only
tarother, but had, I think, nine sisters, who were remark
atale for their beauty, intelligence and general lady-like
bearing. The elder was Mrs. Minott, mother of our fel
low-citizen. Esquire Thomas B. Minott. Two of them
married Lawrences, William and James H., the former
still living, though I do not know that any of her child
ren are. Two of them married Tituses, Fearn and James.
One married Thomas Phoebus, the flrst Editor, of Mem
phis, — after whose death she married Mr. Wm. B. Means.
She was the mother of our lellow-citizen, Thomas Phoe
bus. I cannot now call to mind who the other married,
for I believe two of them never married at all. They
were, I think, somewhat choice, as the list ataove will go
to prove.
CHAELES B. MUEEAY.

I found the individual whose name heads this article
here when I flrst located in 1828. He was a taUor tay
trade. He prided himself in being unlike any other man

270 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
on earth ; desired to be looked upon as a great ladies'
man; dressed extravagantly. He joined the Thespians,
and would have made a pretty fair actor had he not put
on quite so many monkey airs. They, however, well-nigh
cured him of that, by hissing him whenever he at
tempted it. He secured the appointment of captain,
from the fact that nobody else wanted it; and, although
it might have been reasonably supposed that nothing
could have made a fool of Murray, this did, and still left
a margin. Ataout a year later he was appointed Magis
trate. This threw his head so far in the rear that the
wonder was how he succeeded in keeping his body
under it, and had he stumped his toe, he would certainly
have fallen backward. Being a pretty fair singer, he
would take his seat on the front bench of the Method
ist church, where he would throw in the thorough bass
with a depth of volume which seemed to come from the
bowels of the earth. When the prayers came in, and
everybody, professor or worldlyite knelt, the Squire would
throw himself taack, assume a taold, indifferent look, while
a sarcastic smile, or grin, played over his carniverous
features.- As a magistrate he tried to ape old Ike Eaw
lings, and so far as the ape was concerned, succeeded
admirably; but when he came to the sensible part,
was completely lost. He professed to tae a man of very
extensive reading, particularly in law. McAlpin soon
learned his weak points, and, instead of reading law,
would cite him to some authority, which he would say
" completely settles this question, as your honor well
knows." A graceful nod from his honor would virtually
say, "certainly! " He culled all the highfalutin he came
across, and wrung it into his conversations, without re
gard to its signiflcation, if it had any. He was heavy
on sublime, but unfortunately always went a few steps

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 271
beyond. Light was his great theme, and all his efforts
at original sentiment were based upon the celestial
blessing. At a public dinner, being called upon for a
toast, he rose and throwing himself into the attitude of
an Ajax defying lightning, thrusting his fist as far to
ward heaven as possible, exclaimed " Hail Holy Light."
Then, after a few seconds pause, during which he main
tained his attitude, casting his eye over the assembly,
and not being satisfied with the effect, raised his eyes
again, and, in a deep hollow tone, as if some departed
spirit were speaking through him, exclaimed, " My God,
what a sentiment."
In the summer of 1839, the men of Memphis were
thrown into the most intense excitement by a placard,
in manuscript, being found posted against a wall, per-
porting to be a list of books recently published, in which
the name of every man of prominence in the place was
shown up as an author, and their subjects were such as
were best calculated to hold their reputed authors up to
ridicule; for instance, the greatest drinker, of the gen
tlemanly class, for it alluded to no other, was writing on
Temperance. But, perhaps, old Charlie's case will be
about as fair a sample as I can give, and ran thus:
"Murry on Originality, with a portrait of the author,
bound in calf" Again, "Christian Piety and Fancy
Flights, by the author of Originality." The Squire,
like a number of others, was in a terrible rage, and
showed his originality by being- particularly offended by
the manner in which his work was bound. He spent
three days overhauling aU the documents he could find,
with the hope of detecting the handwriting. Coming
out in front of the Pinchite's Tavern, at the first of the
excitement, he exclaimed with furious oaths and violent
/gesticulations:

272 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
" Had the scoundrel heard what I said he would have
felt had."
"Ah ! what did you say ! " asked one.
" I said — I said tay  , that it came from an uneduca
ted mind, tay  . [Hearty laughter.]
The effect produced by this placard was generaUy
good on those therein named. It enabled them to
" see themselves as others saw them," for all admitted
the correctness of the hits, and caused some to correct
their hataits. Another peculiarity of this card was, that
it was evidently prepared tay some one well acquainted
with the hataits, weakness and short comings of the par
ties, and yet he was never discovered ; and I might go
farther and say never even suspected.
Charles B. Murray, died as he had lived, showing his
contempt for all things sacred to others, and often said
he thanked his God that he had no religion. He died
very suddenly from a rupture of an artery. When his
doctor told him that, with prudence, he might live two
or three weeks, he gasped out an oath, called the doctor
a  liar, and swore he would not live one week, which
proved true. He served as Alderman several times, I
have given an instance of one of his capers while acting as
Mayor pro tem., in my story ofthe " First Fire Company."
It is due to Squire Murray to say that he was an honest,
sober, industrious man, and apart from his foolish and
sacriligious whims, made a good citizen, as also a hus
band and father. He died in 1840, and was tauried in
Winchester Cemetery.
He was a man of consideratale study, and once de
tected an imposter who was passing himself off as a
Turk. I have tried to have my memory refreshed in
reference to this matter, as it would have proved the
richest part of this story, taut failed to do so. The

I'HE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 273
mock Turk slipped off as quietly as possible. On the
steamer on which he took passage he found a Memphis
man who knew of his exposure, and to whom he said,
" If it had been any body else taut a d  d cross-eyed
tailor that detected me I would not have felt so bad."
The same scamp played off in Washington and other
cities afterward successfuUj'.

A BEAVE ACT.

Some forty years ago, when our city was in its in
fancy, and consisted of but two streets, dotted here and
there with a few diminutive houses and stores : when the
streets, now bordered with magnificent business houses,
beautiful churches and lovely homesteads, were dense
woods, peopled only by the denizens of the forest, and
the music of the sad-voiced whippoorwill, the mournful
katydid, and the song of birds was all that broke the
stillness, a band of Indians was crossing the Mississippi
at this point. The Ferry privilege then belonged tO'
Captain Zachariah Hite, who was engaged, day and night,,
in transferring the sons and daughters of the " Great
Manito " across the " Father of Waters." Late one
afternoon, after leaving his landing on this side, the skies
suddenly became o'ercast, the winds howled and the rain
descended in torrents, and at the point just above the
mouth of Wolf river his flat became unmanageable, and
the boat and its passengers seemed doomed. But despair,
under any circumstances, was a thing unknown to him.
For himself and his faithful negro, Peter, he had no fear,
for from childhood they had faced dangers together.
The weather was bitter cold, but, nothing daunted, he
18

274 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
seized the taoat's cable, and jumping overboard, he called
unto his faithful serviteur (as One had called eighteen cen
turies before, to him who was to hold the " keys ofthe king
dom of Heaven") — "Peter, follow me," and they swam
till they could obtain a footing, where they stood, hold
ing the boat, in the midsl of the storm, the icy water
chilling them through and through, until the pitying
hand of Him, who had once, with His "Peace, be still,"
calmed the turbulent waters of Galilee, was raised in
their behalf, the tempest's fury was spent, and the fiat,
with its HUMAN freight, crossed safely to the Arkansas
shore. Forty years have passed since the incident ataove
related, and the little town of Memphis has become a
populous city, teeming with life. Who will say that the
man who risked his life — so precious to his wife and lit
tle ones — to save the lives of the hunted, despised and
mistreated red sons of the forest, was less riotale, less
brave than the hero of the battle-field. The Captain
died in 1840, and is now sleeping peacefully in the quiet
shades of Winchester.

FEANCES WRIGHT (D'AEUSMONT).

The short sketch I published of this most remarkatale
lady in my brief memoirs of Eawlings and Winchester
has caused many of my friends to urge upon me a more
extended notice, which I unwittingly promised tb do, but
find it requires more space and ability than I have con
trol of This history belongs to Memphis or its imme
diate locality. . It was here, it might tae said, that this
lady made her only permanent location, and here she at
tempted to carry into effect one of the grandest schemes

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 275
ever conceived by mortal man or woman, it being nothing
less than raising the negro race of the United States to
citizenship. However chimerical this may appear to some,
it was far more feasitale than the one since undertaken,
and now being carried out tay the United States Goverri-
ment. Hers, in fact, was and is the Southern theory of
to-day, to-wit : That the negro must tae thoroughly edu
cated up to its requirements before citizenship could be
safely entrusted to him. Of the negro families pur
chased she expected to accomplish nothing, except,
perhaps, the amelioration of their condition. It was with
the second generation she expected to apply hej test; to
raise the children from infancy, free from any scene of
degradation or inferiority, giving them fair educations,
and impressing upon them the necessity of self-reliance.
If successful, or reasonataly so, her idea was that it would
receive the necessary encouragement, and that in a cen
tury or more slavery would wear itself out, without
convulsion or producing any material derangement of
the social system. With the Northern or English Abo-
litionistsshe had no sympathy. She looked upon them as
a heartless, impracticable set, doing far more to retard
than advance the cause of emancipation. The failure of
the scheme she attributed wholly to the base conduct of
those she left in charge of her affairs here during her
necessary absence in Europe, in consequence of ill-health,
which continued some three years. The negro she averred
to have found far more tractatale than she had anticipated.
But«it was to the cause of true religion that she con
tributed most, tay stripping it of the atasurd dogmas that
weighed it down in all intelligent, thinking minds, and
only proved so many weapons in the hands of infidelity.
Let anyone who can look fifty years back, and remember
the doctrines taught at that time, (the very doutating of

276 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
which would have consigned the sceptic to eternal tor
ture), and ask himself how many of them have not only
become obsolete, but no intelligent minister can tae found
who will claim that they were ever worthy of belief
Miss Wright seems to have had an inordinate thirst
for knowledge and truth from infancy to death. On one
occasion, after being frequently checked by her tutor,
with the admonition that her questions were dangerous,
she asked him :
" Is truth dangerous?"
" It is thought to be, my child," was the answer.
From.this she learned that Truth had still to tae found,
and that men dared not investigate it, which, however,
did not deter her; and the further she traversed its for
bidden paths, the more she taecame enamored with its
taeauties and astounded at its wanton perversions. From
that time forth she dedicated her untiring energies to its
cause. As to her views of marriage, they are wholly misunder
stood, or designedly misrepresented. She contended
that marriage was a civil contract — and what else, ac
cording to the strict principles of the law, can be made
of it? If one man imposes upon another by false repre
sentations, the law makes it a penal offense, taeside an
nulling the contract; taut if he imposes on a poor, con
fiding girl, even tay baser falsehoods, the law not only
secures him in his fraudulent gains, but tells her she has
•no redress; that she is this man's wife, and must go with
him and execute her duties. Good, pious people -tell her
that these duties are to love and honor him, (as though
such were possible), while the thoughtless consider it a
good joke, and enjoy a hearty laugh over it; and the
hero, however base his character, is made a hero indeed,
while the poor victim is rendered wretched for life, — and

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 277
all through the beauties of la,w, made, we are told, to pro
tect the innocent and punish the guilty.
If a married couple find it impossible to live together
happily, and mutually desire a separation, the law says
NO. One of you must institute suit, make charges; the
other oppose and defend. You were competent to enter
into a contract when, perhaps, taoth were minors, taut in
competent to dissolve it in mature years. Suppose one of
my daughters were to come to me and say, " Pa, my hus-
taand and myself cannot live together; he is perfectly will
ing to a separation, and I want you to take me home." I
answer '• Yes, provided you get up a first-class scandal
case, bring it before the courts, for the special beneflt ofthe
debased rabble, and after I think you have disgraced your
selves, your relatives, and the community in which you
live, sufficiently, you may come home." Would not that
tae nice and fatherly? and yet It is what our parental
law substantially says, and to what it drives all to who
prefer separation to an ungenial union. My friend, Mr,
, Kerr's bill, ir^ the last Legislature, limiting divorces to
conjugal infldelity, would have only made the matter
worse. That crime, on the part of the male, is now, I
am sorry to say, too lightly passed over by both sexes.
Nine men out of ten would now confess to it rather than
to tarutal treatment or cruel neglect. Had Mr. Kerr's
taiU passed its effect would have taeen to have made the
exceptional crime less opprotarious, and in cases of ne-
cessitj^ justiflable. It is not long since perjury was jus-
tifled on that ground.
I claim to know something of the American people,
and particularly the Southern portion. They are very
jealous of what they consider their rights, which implies
everything that does not infringe on the rights of others;
an interference with which, instead of reconciUng, only

278 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS,
aggravates them to further .resistance. Had the South
ern States been permitted to have gone out of the Union
when they determined to do so, what sensible man does
not believe that every one of them would have returned,
and the Union been restored in far less time, without the
loss of blood and treasure, or the horrid wrongs and
hopeless ruin that followed, to say nothing of the thor
ough alienation, which an age will fail, I fear, to recon
cile. So with all other unions, attempted to tae held to
gether tay force or unnatural laws.
In cases where one of the parties would resist, which
I fancy would tae rare, if Miss Wright's theories pre
vailed, the law could settle the questions in dispute —
such as alimony, disposition of children, etc.^without
the disgusting expositions now so fluently dealt in. The
only sufferers would be the scandal mongers, a few heart
less, foul-mouthed lawyers, and some witty local editors.
When our law-makers and rulers study the natural pecu
liarities of these people, and restrain them only where
the public good evidently demands it, they will flnd less
ill feeling and a more strict and cheerful otaservanee of
social order; but where persons are compelled to violate
one law in order to escape the unnatural oppressions of
another, a contempt for all law is the inevitable conse
quence. Such, at least, is my observation.
It is due to Miss Wright to say that she never advo
cated the thing called "Free Love." She advocated
marriage, as she proved by her own act. It was only the
unnatural parts she opposed. DESCRIPTION.
I first met the subject of these remarks in Cincinnati,
in 1828, and heard her lecture in the Courthouse, which,.
although very large, was incapable of holding the num
ber who sought admittance on that occasion. Perfect

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 279
decorum was observed, and all seemed deeply interested.
After the conclusion, she passed out near where I stood,
accompanied by some half dozen ladies and gentiemen.'
A few steps beyond me she was met by others, and quite
a number of introductions followed. All appeared, and
I knew some of them to be, the taest citizens of the place.
The most marked respect was extended to her. She ac
cepted an invitation and rode home with one of the most
aristocratic families of the city. She seemed to me to
tae full six feet high, and more robust than in her later
days. Her dress was a dark brown bombazine; the only
remarkable thing about it was that she wore a bask,
which was not common in those days ; it was also higher
in the neck than usual. Her hair, of a dark auburn, she
wore in heavy ringlets, hanging down to her shoulders.
Her hat was Leghorn, about four inches wide in the rim,
which was narrower than then common. She wore no
ornaments, not even a ribtaand. Although her features
were heavily marked, I thought her handsome; but such
eyes, such hair and such a dignity of mien could not fail
to have made a beauty of any one.
In after years her form became bent, and age, from
sickness, perhaps, seemed to have set in early. In the
streets of Memphis she generally wore a man's hat, and
seemed rather indifferent about dress. Her mind ap
peared at all times deeply engaged; she passed through
the crowd without heading theln, talking to herself She
put up at my father's house several times, and if she met
a man at the table or elsewhere, who had traveled in any
remote parts, she engaged him in conversation; drew
her note book and took down everything she thouglit
worthy, particularly as to the manners and customs of
the people. I am fully satisfied she was the taest in
formed person I have ever met with, though I think she

280 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
lived fuU half a century before her time ; but perhaps
not, as she certainly conceived, and, at a heavy expense,
inaugurated schemes which she could never have hoped
to see consummated in her day.
The following biographical sketch is taken from the
New American Cyclopaedia :
Wright (D'Arusmont), Fanny, a social reformer and
philanthropist, taorn in Dundee, Scotland, ataout 1796,
died in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 13, 1853. She was left
an orphan at the age of nine, and was indoctrinated by
her guardian with ideas founded on the philosophy of
the French materialists. Upon taecoming of age she un
dertook a tour of travel in the United States, which
emtaraced a period of three years, from 1818 to 1820,
and of which she published an account entitled " Views
on Society and Manners in America." Soon after ap
peared her " Few Days in Athens," a defense of the
Epicurean philosophy. In 1825 she returned to America,
and purchased two thousand acres of land in Tennessee,
including part of the present site of Memphis, where
she established a colony of emancipated slaves, whose
social condition she endeavored to elevate for the purpose
of proving the equality of the white and black races.
The experiment eventually failed for reasons never sat
isfactorily explained, and the negroes were sent to Hayti.
She then appeared as a public lecturer in the eastern
States, where her attacks upon negro slavery and other
social institutions attracted large and enthusiastic audi
ences, and led to the estatalishment of what were called
" Fanny Wright societies." Her visits were frequently
extended to the principal cities of the Union, but the
enunciation of views similar to those contained in her
" Few Days in Athens " met with very decided opposi
tion, and her efforts for the reformation of society proved,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 281
on the whole, unsuccessful. Aborit 1838 she was married
in France to M. D'Arusmont, whose system of philos
ophy resembled her own ; taut they separated after a few
years, and Madame D'Arusmont, who continued to be
known by the name of Wright, established herself with
her daughter, the sole fruit of her marriage, in Cincin
nati, where she resided until her death. Ill health and
the embarrassment arising from a suit brought by her
hustaand to obtain possession of her property, interfered
with her putalic labors as a lecturer, and the latter years
of her life were passed in retirement.
The following local history of Madam D'Arusmont
is furnished by a much esteemed friend, and, doubtless,
will prove very Interesting :
Frances Wright came to this country for the second
time in the year 1824, in company with General La-
Fayette, and formed, with her sister Camilla, part of the
company from Europe, who accompanied this great pat
riot in this, his visit of triumph.
But upon the return of the Marquis to France, Frances
and Camilla removed to this country, and in 1825 she
purchased and settled a tract of land near Germantown,
in this county, ever since known as Nashobah.
This land she conveyed in trust to General Jackson,
General LaFayette and others, as trustees, for the purpose
of establishing a school for negro children. Here she
settled many famUies of slaves she had purchased for
the purpose, and opened the school. But this proved a
shortlived enterprise, and she carried the negroes to
Hayti, and settled them in comfortable houses, (as the
deed of reconveyance to Frances recites,) and which
was really the fact.
During the time she was employed in this philanthro
pic effort, she was frequently in Memphis, and is re-

282 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
membered tay many of our citizens, and up to within a
short time of her death paid occasional visits to Mem
phis and her estate at Nashotaah.
In 1829, she, in company with her sister Camilla, who
was then married and had one child, left this country
for Europe, to take possession of a large estate in Scot
land, coming to them tay inheritance, and while in Paris
in 1831, Cahiilla died, and was generally understood
childless, thus leaving the entire estate to fall to Frances.
About this time, or shortly after, Frances was married
to Count D'Arusmont, who came over to this country,
and was in company with Frances often in Memphis,
but resided most of the time at Cincinnati.
This proved an unfortunate marriage,, and in later
years a proceeding was filed' bj' her for divorce, in the
Circuit Court, then at Ealeigh, but the litigation was
transferred to the courts of Cincinnati, where, for a long
time, it was a celebrated case in the courts of that city.
There was a young lady, Frances Sylvo Piquefol
D'Arusmont, who will be remembered by some of the
early settlers here, who was held out to the world as the
daughter of Frances and the Count D'Arusmont, and
to whom all the property was eventually willed by
Frances, Over the birth, life and fate of this young lady there
hangs a romance and mystery which may be solved in
some of the legal investigations now taefore the courts
of our country, and to which we will not further refer,
that no prejudice may be worked parties in interest,
Frances was protaably the most accomplished and dis
tinguished woman of her time and country, and was in
constant association with the leading reformers of this
country and of Europe, and for a long time she and her
sister were the guests of General LaFayette, in Paris,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 283
and in his letters to CamUla, he addresses her as " his
daughter." Frances was for some time connected with, and fur
nished the greatest share of its funds, used in the vain
attempt to establish at New Harmony, Indiana, the
Social establishment so well remembered by early set
tlers in the South and West.
In this she was seconded by Eobert Dale Owen and
others of world-wide reputation.
Her works—" A Few Days in Athens," " Views of
American Society and Actions," were of considerable
celebrity at the time. Whatever may now be thought of
the views entertained, and life practiced, by this remarka
tale woman, it cannot be denied that she was a deep
thinker, bold speaker, and resolute in action.
She died in Cincinnati, Ohio, from the effect of a fall
from her carriage, in 1852. REMARKS.
Nowithstanding the great favor my friend has ren
dered me in the foregoing, I am almost tempted to fall
out with him for his brevity. Modesty and delicacy are
great virtues, but too much of a good thing, sometimes,
taecomes an evil. As to which of the two sisters Miss
Sylvia was the daughter of, is not a question involved, I
think, in the suits now pending. Could her fate or where-
taouts be known, she is, undoubtedly, the right and legal
heir to the estate. Should the mystery ever be unveiled,
I feel certain she will prove to have been the daughter of
Camilla, after whose death Frances conceived the idea
of putting the child in some obscure place, and reporting
it dead until, through a policy marriage, she could assume
its parentage.
There was no Criminality in the matter, so far as the
rights of the child were concerned. The desire that one

284 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
of the most distinguished families of Europe, who could
trace their lineage through the dark ages, should descend
to posterity through her, were doutatless the sole motives
to the scheme, and the otaject of her amtaition. Perhaps
the desire to relieve herself of the current charge of impo
tency may have had something to do with it.

BAETON EICHMOND, THE MONEY-KING OF
THE SOUTH.

The removal of the deposits, during President Jack
son's term, caused an immense Increase of local Banks
to spring up in all parts of the country, particularly in
the States of Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama and Missis
sippi, especially in the two latter, and the country was
soon fiooded with these issues, which soon depreciated to
about an average of fifty cents on the dollar. It was,
however, very fiuctuating in current value, being wholly
subject to the caprices of the most unscrupulous set of
men on earth. The most perfectly organized ring of
that kind was formed here in Memphis, at whose head
was Barton Eichmond. For several years he regulated
the value of, perhaps, fifty millons of doliars, or what
was then called dollars. All the Banks of Alabama,
Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, were, for a time,
under his control, so far as their current value on the
Mississippi riyer was concerned. Flatboatmen, from
whom all our supplies were obtained, got the clue at
Cairo of the general currency, and what Eichmond's
figures were on thc same, which fixed their rates until
they arrived here, when they called upon him in person
and learned the variations, which lasted them to New

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 285
Orleans. When on their home trip, time would have to
be given them until they could run up and get Eich
mond's last quotations, which, although given verbally,
were fully noted down for the beneflt of such friends as
they might meet coming down, which shows the impor
tant position Memphis then held, and still might occupy.
This would have been very well, had there taeen any
stataility, or desired stability; but I have known Alataama
money to vary from forty to ninety cents on the dollar
four or five times a year, and generaUy at a single pop,
when there was no more reasons or necessity for it than
there would tae to-day of a similar change in the na
tional currency. Other States, however, with the excep
tion of Mississippi, were not so outrageously tauffetted;
but I doubt whether one-fifth of them ever expected to
redeem their issues from the first. Eichmond never had
any money of his own, but he always had a little of
somebody else's, which he was instructed and limited
to loan out on good collateral at one per cent, a day. At
least such was his tale. He could shave a thirty day
note, pocket the big half of it, and assure you that it
was a favor that he would not have done for any
other man on earth ; and the sympathising look he would
give his victim at the time was well calculated to prove
his sincerity; and, perhaps, truly his idea of an active
dollar was one that doubled itself at least twice a year.
Of course Eichmond got rich, but his career was
doomed to come to an end. Some undermining persons
came in and ruined the trade, tay offering money at the
pitiful rate of five per cent, a month, taesides advancing
ataout double on same deposits, and poor old Bart, had the
mortification of seeing the tight-ups, unmindful of past
favors, abandoning him and going over to the enemy.
Disgusted at such ingratitude, he gathered up his traps

286 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
and transferred his wealth to Little Eock, where it seems
his fortune was wrecked about the close of the war.
The defunct money-king reappeared on the streets of
Memphis, where he expected to flnd many old friends.
After hustling around among those he so kindly aided
at the liberal rates alluded to, he was astonished to flnd
that none of them could tae made to see wherein their
further indebtedness lay. Again in disgust he shook
the Memphis dust from his feet and went to NashviUe,
where he had lived prior to coming to Memphis. Per
haps Mr. Eichmond ought not to be talamed. I can flnd
in Memphis to-day, and no doubt in most other cities,
pious, psalm-singing Christians who would act fully as
bad if they had a chance ; and if they are not reduced to
want and penury, as he was, it will not be because they
don't deserve it. He died in Nashville a few years ago
in a state of destitution, over eighty years of age.

UNCLE LOUIS TEEZEVANT.

Among our earliest merchants was Louis C. Trezevant.
He might be called a good man, without any remarkable
stretch of the appellation, still you know people will
talk. He was a very prominent member of the church —
class-leader, I believe — and played a conspicuous part at
revivals, prayer-meetings, etc. It was customary in his
time to send canvassers among the congregation', to urge
the most susceptible to go forward to be prayed for.
Uncle Louis was very active in this way, but his fleld
was among the ladies. He, however, devoted too much
time to certain witty ones, and the way he hung over the
back of their seats, and seemed to enjoy their conversa-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 287
tion, attracted the attention, ana, possibly, the envy of
others. It was, however, observed that when his wife
was present he was much more circumspect and reserved.
Mrs. Trezevant was quite a domestic woman, and, al
though truly pious, rarely attended night meetings,
which were old Louis's special favorite.
They had one kind of meeting they called Love- feasts,
something, I suppose, like a Quaker meeting, where each
gets up, as the Spirit moves them, and tells how good
the Lord has been, and how very wicked they are.
They laid aside the usual reserve and frequently engaged
in a hearty laugh at the 'extravagant expressions ot some
ignorant devotee. In fact, it seemed to tae a sort of re
ligious free-and-easy, in which a little fun was admissi
ble. I once obtained a ticket of admission, and went
prepared for taking notes, but they closed the door just
as I was ataout entering and left me out. Old Louis took
the leading character at Love-feasts. To him it was a
feast of love indeed, provided always the old woman was
not about. The church used to get him up occasionally
on charges of violating their discipline. On one occa
sion he bought several hundred barrels of whisky, for
¦ which he was arraigned; but after a little fatherly admo
nition about the danger 'of whisky leading to dancing,
allowed to pass. They, however, got him on a far more
serious charge. The City Hotel was opened with a
grand ball. Old Louis was one of the Hotel Directors
who permitted it. He did not go into the room where
the dancing was going on, but looked in, and, some said,
patted his foot to the music. Dancing was then looked
upon as the unpardonable sin. SeUing whisky, by the
mouthful, taarrel, or hundred barrels, was nothing com
pared to the mere looking at a ball-room; and I think
his functions as class-leader was for a time suspended.

288 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Louis would not tell a lie. for the world,' but if facts
themselves created a false impression, that was another
thing. He dealt altogether in facts, and left impressions
to others. Owning a farm in the bend below Island
Forty, the front of which had fallen in so rapidly that
the old frame house which stood upon it had to be placed
on rollers, and forced back three or four times a year, to
prevent it falling in with the taank, he taecame very anx
ious to dispose of it. Taking a purchaser up to see it on
one occasion, he expatiated on its richness, showed the
corn and cotton stalks, and told of the almost increditale
quantity of pumpkins and turnips raised the year before
from a comparatively small portion of it, taut said not a
word about its caving propensities. They, however,
spoke for themselves, tay loud splashing in the water, as
slices three feet, more or less,, in tareadth would go in at
a time, which, drawing the buyer's attention, he asked:
" Mr. Trezevant, is this land not falling into the river
very fast?"
" Do you see that house?" asked Louis, pointing to the
frame building.
" I do," was the answer.
"Well, sir," said uncle Louis, "I assure you, most pos
itively, that that house is not six feet nearer the bank of
the river now than it was ten years ago."
This was satisfactory. The purchase of the place was-
closed; but two or three months later another removal of
the house became necessary.
I spoke of a large crop of pumpkins and turnips hay
ing been raised on the falling-in place the year before
selling it. Perhaps I had as well tell what became of
that remarkable crop. An idea struck Louis that they
would prove profltable. ( They had probably yielded well
the year before.) So it was, they were raised for ship-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 289
ment to New Orleans, and the yield was prodigious. An
arrangement with Josh. James was entered into to de
liver the aforesaid pumpkins and turnips to a certain
consignee in said city. A flatboat of sufficient size was
procured and towed up to the place; but here a scientiflc,
or horticultural question arose, which was, whether the
two products had better be stowed separately, or whether
one had bettei be put in flrst and brought to a level, and
flUed out with the other. This matter was thoroughly
weighed tay Louis and other wise and profound heads,
the books being silent on the subject. It was flnally
decided that the pumpkins should be put in flrst, and the
turnips on top, and thus the boat was loaded, shoved off,,
and in due time arrived at her destination. The con
signee wrote Louis that pumpkins and turnips were in.
pretty fair demand, taut that the prospect was that there -
would tae a rise soon. " Wait until pumpkins get to tae •
'some pumpkins,'" was the laconic answer tay return
mail. The rise was slow but steadj^, when one day Josh.-
cast his eye over the load, and was surprised to see that ¦
it had settled materially. A hurried examination showed
that a spontaneous rot had taken hold of the pumpkins,..
and that they had ceased to be ' some pumpkins.' The-
malady had extended itself to the upper layer, and the^
turnips were also faring bad. Josh, reported to the con--
signee, who told him to make the best disposition possi
ble of the load. The boat was hastily discharged, the
pumpkins consigned to the river, and a sale of the dam
aged turnips and empty boat effected, yielding about.
enough to pay off the men and expenses while there.
On returning to Memphis he reported to uncle Louis
verbally, and there was a pair of doleful looking coun
tenances. Some days after the pumpkin speculators met
in the street —
19

290 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
" Mr. James," said his patron, " had you not taetter
call round, at the store and pay over what taalance is due
me on that unfortunate expedition."
Josh, ran his hand in his pocket and took out a silver
half-dollar; handing it to the old man, he said:
" There is the taig half of all that was made."
Dr. J. B. Mallory tells an excellent story, which will
be -found under the head of "Early Eeminiscences,"
of a Monsieur Dukay, but neglected to say that my old
friend Louis Trezevant was a sufferer to the tune of near
seven hundred dollars, for goods furnished for the "upper
plantation;" One smart thing uncle Louis once done —
don't understand me to say the only one — was the ex
posure of a mesmerizer. It was common at that time for
fellows to travel around with a "subject," making him
do all manner of things, tay touching certain organs on
the head. This fellow had a negro boy, very ignorant,
which was to be taken as an evidence of undoubted hon-
-«sty. He could be made to laugh, cry, sing, dance, or
¦do anything else that the professor desired, or the audi
ence called for. Mr. Trezevant observed that the object
was always announced in advance of the operation on the
fhead, and thinking that though the eyes were shut the
•ears might not be, stepped on to the platform and asked
if he would tae allowed to propose a test.
" Certainly," said the polite operator.
" I want, then, to try him on the organ of digging po
tatoes," and immediately placed his own hand on the
head of the negro, who, supposing it to tae the hand of
his boss, commenced a vigorous use of the arms, as
though he was wielding a hoe. A tremendous laugh fol
lowed, and Professor Trezevant was awarded the honor
of having discovered a new orgdn, and producing the
most striking demonstrations; but the chagrined op.era-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 291
tor and his subject slunk away and was never more heard
of Old uncle Louis, I am told, is still living, in some part
of Texas. He was quite an energetic business man, and
if he did make some bad speculations, made enough good
ones to counterbalance and leave a handsome margin.
He was, for several terms, an Alderman, and the town
could boast of few better. He was prompt in his deal
ings and faithful to his obligations — which is saying a
great deal for a man at any time.

BAD BOYS OF EAELY DAYS

The following is written taj^ m}' old friend, J. J. Eaw-
Ilngs,who came here, a boy, in 1824. Joe, I am afraid, was
rather a bad boy — in fact. Uncle Ike gave him that char
acter; but Joe used to say that Ike was an old tyrant.
As to which was right, is a question I shall leave to my
readers; for, after making Ike the hero of one of my
best stories, and sub-hero of others, I cannot "go back" on
him. I would suggest, however, as a compromise, that
they admit taoth statements; or, do as jurors sometimes
have to do — split the difference. I fancy I see the
youngster skylarking around, and hear the loud stamp
of the old man's foot, with the exclamation: " Joseph! "
and see Joe spring behind the counter, as though he was
shot at. He seems half-way to plead guilty, and throws
the blame on the girls — or, rather, the absence of girls—
and if the reader is willing, I propose that we extend to
him the beneflt of a doubt. The store-boys of his day,
such as himself, old Bill Carter, Ike Moon, Sam Mosby
and Tom Young, (aU of whom are still living), had to go

292 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
through a new schooling, before being qualified as sales
men, and study the languages — not Latin or Greek, taut
Chickasaw and Chocktaw — which they seemed to speak
quite fiuently. I can say for the boys in Joe Eawling's
day, that, however bad they might have been as boys,
they made the most energetic, enterprising and success
ful tausiness men, and as good citizens as Memphis has
ever taeen able to boast of But read what Joseph has
to sa}':
The boys in the little village, as Memphis might tae
called at that early day, were a pretty wild set; their fun
and mischief had to tae attended to. They meant no real
harm, taut their nocturnal depredations were of frequent
annoyance to older ones, who would sometimes threaten
extermination to the whole posse. It availed taut little
to them, they would approach the one offended and say,
"We will get you into a good humor to night; we will
taring Bill Henderson around and get him to play you a
few tunes." (By the way, Bill Henderson played as sweet
a violin as mortal man ever listened to ; the strains were
sufficient to appease any one. ) Or, " We will bring Eus
sell Bean round, and get him to sing you a few songs."
Eussell Bean was an excellent singer, always carried his
song book in his pocket, and would sing it through if
requested. Well, 'the reply might tae, " You had taetter
go to church and learn to do taetter." The rejoinder
most protaataly was, "We went to hear Elijah Coffey,
last Sunday, and if God will forgive us for that we will
not go again."
I never heard Coffey but once, and that was in com
pany with some other boys on a beautiful Sabtaath day,
and the sermon was not very highly appreciated. On
retiring, we stood about the door a while, and presently
Coffey passed by, when one of the boys accosted him.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 293
saying — " Coffey, that was the darndest meanest sermon
I| ever heard." " Well," said Coffey, " I generally adopt
my sermons to suit the congregation."
Under the circumstances, I think great allowance
should be made for the mischievous propensities of the
boys. We had no societies, no ladies to visit, no church
to go to. Turn loose a set of young lads without the
salutary influence of ladies' society, and they have
nothing to restrain them. To our ladies the boys are
indebted for all that is gentlemanly and conservative in
their young days.
The country at that time was almost a complete
wilderness; had but few roads and bridges, and was but
sparsely settled. The largest settlement was north of
here, on Big Creek. There lived Jesse Benton, John
Ealston, Charles Bolton, John Bolton, Wm. Vaughan,
Kader Harrell, Wm. Bond, John Eeaves, Alexander
Snead and Starke Fleetwood. Of all my acquaintances
at that early day, I can now call to mind but one living —
Tewill Goldsby. In the absence of roads snd bridges,
that settlement did its trading by way of the rivers.
They came down Big Creek and Hatchie and Wolf rivers
in skiffs, or perogues, and carried back large quantities
of supplies at a trip. They were neighbors, a unit in
principle and feeling, and a more honorable set of men
I never knew. They were in a new country and ready
to defend themselves against all dishonest and thieving
interlopers. A horse-thief would, once in a while, dis-
turta their honest propensities. I heard of one taeing
caught, after committing many trying depredations.
The proof was positive against him. They, therefore,
came to the conclusion that it was useless to troutale the
law and courts with one that had evaded them so suc
cessfully heretofore; and that there was no jail in the

294 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
county secure enough for him, who had bid them deflance
in many instances; so they dbncluded they would use a
certain hollow-tree instead of the county jail. He was
securely fastened in it, and I never heard of his getting
out. However, it broke up all horse-stealing on Big
Creek. It is a common acceptation among some that the flrst
settlers of a new country are generally a rough, uncouth,
careless, dishonorable set — regardless of proper civilities
to their kind, and boast of any advantages they may be
atale to acquire. As respects the names of every indi
vidual here mentioned, I had everj^opportunity of know
ing them well, and can safely testify to the character of
each and every one, and can say with truth that they
would more than favorably compare with an equal num
ber of planters of the present day. Their dealings were
all honoratale, to the highest extent. Although it was
the custom at that time to buy goods on time, and to pay
but once a year, I never knew of a single debt to tae a
total loss. Should one of them be a little behind at the
end of the year, his neighbors were all ready to go his
security for eventual payment. Now compare that with
the present time; what is the difference? Let those who
have sustained the planters of this day answer, and I
will venture the reply will be in favor of the rough, un
couth flrst settlers of this country. A high degree of
civilization, the influence of churches, and the fear of
the law have not forced the present generation beyond
the natural honest qualities of their ancestors.
The settlers south of town were, Wm. Persons, Colonel
H. Person, Wm. Eoberts, Frederick Christian. Those on
the east were Joseph Graham, Nathaniel Anderson, Jno.
B. Holmes. The first merchants were Isaac Eawlings,
Winchester & Carr, and Henderson & Fearn.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 295

THE TUENING POINT OF LIFE.

Samuel M. Gates and Camillus Hart were two moral,
but romantic boys, much attached to each other. Itwas
their habit to spend their Sundays in the unbroken
forests — "A Stroll in the Woods for Me" seemed to be-
their motto. Gates, however, was quite religiously in
clined. One Sunday morning they had started, as
usual, for the woods — though Gates had proposed going
to church, his friend declining. On reaching the bayoa
bridge he again hesitated. " Camillus," said he, " 1
would much rather go to church. Let us turn back- and
hear a good sermon."
Hart now hesitated, but finally answered: "If yoia
wish to go back, do so, but I am bound for a roam through
the woodland wilds."
They parted, the one to commune with nature, the
other with nature's God. A very impressive sermon was
preached, young Gates became deeply affected, and
finally converted, joined the church and has ever since
been one of its most constant members. Time passed.
The boys became men and were thrown upon the world
to work out their destiny.
Mr. Gates went into tausiness in Memphis, while
Mr. Hart sought his fortune, and cast his lot iw the
then more wealthy regions of Louisiana, where he
engaged in tausiness, and taoth seems to have prospered.
Time passed, and however gentle he may act with the
moral and steady, yet leaves his indelible impress. Ead-
ical changes had taken place in all things; new associ
ations formed, and old ones, in a measure, forgotten, when

296 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
Colonel Hart visited the scenes of his boyhood, accom
panied by his taeautiful and accbmplished daughter, of
whom any father might well have taeen proud. When I
met him and he made himself known on the street, for
he had outgrown my recognition, I was struck with his
general appearance, for a more perfect model of human
framework I had rarely seen, — full six feet high, while
his dignified hearing and urtaane manners proclaimed
his true character. Among others he met his old friend
Gates, and a cordial greeting ensued, with a pressing
invitation to the Colonel and daughter to spend an
evening with Mr. Gates and family, which was, of course,
accepted, and at the appointed time the guests entered
the hospitatale mansion and was received with all tae
coming etiquette. The evening passed as might tae sup
posed with persons of refined tastes, and manners. At
the usual hour of retiring Mr. Gates arose, took, down
the family Bitale, informed his guests of his unvarying
custom and proceeded to read a chapter. After which
they were called upon to kneel, and a fervent prayer
was offered up, which was followed tay a hymn. The
ceremony taeing concluded, Mrs. Gates after the retiring
salutation, took the arm of her fair visitor and con
ducted her to the rooms prepared for her, and the friends
of early days were alone together. After a few moments
silence the Colonel, with tears on his cheeks, spoke :
" Mr. Gates," said he, " do you rememtaer that beauti
ful Sunday morning when we parted on the bridge, after
your fruitless efforts to persuade me to accompany you
to church."
" I do," said Gates excitedly.
" I have thought of it a thousand times, and well I
might, for it was to me the turning point of life."
"And to me, also," interrupted the Colonel; "ah," he

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 297
continued, " how often I have looked back upon that stub
born act, as one of my greatest errors ; how much trouble
and sorrow might I have escaped had I then complied
with your request, and to-day been a better and a hap
pier man."
The two friends here threw themselves into each
others arms and wept upon each others necks.
I have, perhaps, taken too much liberty with these
gentlemen's names. Few persons like to have their
weaknesses paraded before the public; and yet this was
no weakness, but the true outpourings of noble, manly
spirits. Tears thus shed would have done honor to the
most eminent and exalted, especially, I might say of
Colonel Hart, whose position had brought him, unavoida
bly, in contact with the rude, vicious and debased ; yet,
notwithstanding the trying ordeal through which he had
passed, his heart had lost none of its native purity and
his conscience remained unseared by scenes of carnage.

A EELIC OF EAELY GEANDEUE— DEATH OF
MISS MAEIA A. EATON.

There recently stood opposite the Overton Hotel, on
Main street, an old two-story frame ; in fact, it still stands
there, but has been moved back to make room for a more
stately edifice, by which it will soon be, no doutat, hid
from view. Few would have thought, forty years ago,
that such would have taeen its fate. I almost fancy I see
Dr. Wood Tucker, father of Mr. S. H." Tucker, a distin
guished citizen of Little Eock, Ark., strutting taack and
forth through its spacious hall, as with the conscious
pride of being the builder, owner and occupant of the

298 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
finest residence in Memphis. It was afterward occupied
by Eotaert Lawrence, Jessee M. Tait, Dr. Wyatt Chris
tian and other prominent men of that day.
Squire Eichards tells quite a number of amusing an
ecdotes in connection with this old building that would
be worth relating here, but I shall confine myself to one
incident, of a rather melancholy nature, and one that has
made a lasting impression on my mind :
Immediately after its completion, in 1832, a Miss
Maria A. Eaton, sister of Hon. John H. Eaton, a member
of President Jackson's Cabinet, who at that time was
kicking up a terrible dust in Washington, or rather, his
wife was, as she, for a time, it was believed, ruled all de
partments of the Government, distributed its favors, and
when some ofthe cabinet ministers rebelled, she bursted
the cabinet up ; but she finally came to a most pitiable end,
I have nothing to do with her. Miss Maria A. Eaton
possessed all the talents of her sister-in-law, while scorn
ing her unscrupulous and debasing schemes. Though
apparently bold and fearless — for she could have ad
dressed the combined dignitaries of the world with a
grace, ease and self-possession that would have done
credit to any — she yet possessed so amiable and affec
tionate a nature as to secure the love of all, while her
lofty and dignifled bearing proved a sufficient protection
in her extensive and, sometimes, venturesome travels,
I do not know whether any of her writings are extant,
but they were certainly worthy of preservation. Her
verses, but for their melancholy cast, would have been
rare specimens of beauty. She was a misanthropist, at
least so far as her relatives were concerned, and much
incensed at the conduct of her brother. On the com
pletion of the Tucker mansion she secured rooms in it,
for the double reason of' their superior accommodations

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 299
and that the convenience of a physician was necessary
to her impaired health. She was hardly located in her
new quarters before she was taken down, never to rise
again, and after about a week's lingering, died. To have
heard that dear lady talk one would almost have thought
themselves in the presence of an inspired person, and
their wonder would have taeen how any could wrong, or
how she could have erroneously conceived herself wronged
by any.
My wife, then a young lady, was an almost constant
attendant at her bed-side during her last illness, and re
ceived a letter from her aged mother, thanking her and
other young ladies for their care and kindness to her
unhappy daughter during her sickness. Her grave lies
in a secluded part of Winchester Cemetry, covered by
a large marble slab bearing the following inscription:
SACKED TO THE MEMORY OP
MARIA ALLEN BATON,
DAUGHTER OF WM. A. EATON, DECEASED,
OF HALIFAX CO., N. C.
BORN AUG. 5tH, 1797, AND DIED JULY 18TH, 1833.
" THEY THAT SLEEP IN JBSUS,
WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM."
Eev. Samuel Williamson preached her funeral sermon,
and displayed a degree of fervor that proved the depth
of that truly good man's heart.
My wife visits the grave of Miss Eaton as she does
that of a relative, never failing to leave a token of her
affection. A friend wrote some verses to her memory,
which were pubUshed at the time. The foUowing is the
only one that I now remember:
" Maria ! dear, departed shade ;
She sleeps beneath the sod.
Her body there entombed must rest.
And moulder with the silent dust;
Her spirit meets her God."

300 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

WILLIAM CAETEE.

I have just received an interesting communication
from my old friend, Billy Carter, as we used to call him.
He still runs his large and well stocked plantation near
Germantown, many oi his old, faithful servants adhering
to him. It still, however, lacks one very important
appendage, commonly called a wife. The old fellow,
though seemingly courageous enough in other matters,
has shrunk from popping the question. But, perhaps,
some pert beauty has told him " no," and it has " soured "
him against the whole fraternity. I had one to talk that
way to me once, and know how it hurts. I pouted
about it a good while, but finally recovered.
To look at old Billy, one would hardly suppose he had
ever seen the inside of a store, much less flourished tae
hind a counter. Still, his was always the heavy shipping
tausiness, and although raised taehind a dry goods coun
ter, yet he never put on much style.
His communication is a general " hash " of early inci
dents, and says he supposed I would prefer flxlng it up
to suit myself How very considerate !
It appears that his father moved here from Shawnee-
town, Illinois, in the winter or spring of 1826. The
family appear to have been in quite indigent circum
stances, and to make matters worse, the father died the
following year. Billy's first employment was driving a
pair of mules, in a circular manner, under Joe Davis'
cotton gin, it being the first thing of the kind in Sheltay
county. He gives a long and amusing account of this
gin ; and how the farmers in the Big Creek settlement

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 301
(which was, perhaps, the most wealthy in the District),
brought their seed cotton — sometimes in perogues — to
Davis' gin; also all other settlements. And when they
afterward got gins, they were for several years without
presses, and they would bring their lint cotton in bags for
pressing. He has a vivid recollection of the Indian
habits and trade. Sometimes the town would be literally
crowded with them — including squaws, pappooses and
ponies. Their sub or impromptu councils were generally
held on the bluff, about where the Commandant's house
now stands. Here they would form in a circle, some
times a hundred feet in diameter, with a small fire in the
center. Then the tomahawk-pipe would be filled with
kiUikinick, a mixture of tobacco and shomack, and it was
astonishing how much smoke it would yield. The more
moderate Indians would take from one to two puffs, taut
old hoggish fellows would frequently take as many as
three, and the last one would make you think his legs
were hollow, as there certainly could not tae room for
that much smoke in his pounch; taut wherever it found
quarters inwardly, it returned through his nostrils, from
which two columns of smoke would tae ejected that would
have done credit to a one-horse steam engine. The pipe
was refilled as readily as it gave out; taut they never
used taut one. The bottle would also take its course,
but not so frequent or regular. There was always one
Indian, who, although he would take an occasional whiff
at the pipe, never touched the bottle. This was the
lookout. No sooner, however, was he relieved than he
made the bottle gargle.
After the pipe had made its first rounds, an orator
would rise and bow, flrst to the oldest man in the ring,
then gracefully on either side; then rub his hands, cast
his eyes up, and appear for a few moments lost in medi-

302 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
tation, and would, perhaps, have taken a sip of water had
there taeen any present. He would first open in low and
measured words, but would gradually warm up until the
most powerful jesticulations would follow, while Ijis voice
would vary, alternately, from the highest to the lowest
key. At one time he seemed to threaten a pugilistic
attack on all; and at another, would apply the most
soothing and affectionate accents, with upturned eyes
and clasped hands, apparently appealing to the Great
Spirit to verify his statements. Then, of a sudden,
drawing down his visage and casting his eyes around
the circle, he would, in tone and manner, seem to chal
lenge their better sense and judgment. At the conclu
sion he would again bow to the old man, specifically, and
then to the others, generally uttering, as he did so, the
words, "mark skech," (I've spoken), and take his seat.
A low but general moan would be all the response;
no applause, no interruption, save the passage and puffing
of the pipe, while the strictest attention would seem
ingly be paid., After the speaker had been seated a
minute or more, another would arise and deliver himself
with a greater or less degree of force, conclude in the
same manner and receive the same response. I think if
our white orators have not learned their mode of delivery
from the Indian, they and their auditory might, at least,
learn something from him in the way of. politeness.
Their taall plays,, which' I have witnessed on the
level taluff below Beal street and in Fort Pickering, were
certainly the most athletic performances I have ever
seen. Billy devotes considerable space in his letter to the
-deseription of the fine fruit that grew on the old Indian
or Fort Pickering, place. He does not speak, though, of
hooking any of the fruit. If he did not, he was an excep-

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 303
tion to the boys, generally. But in my time, they had
some ugly dogs there. He does not say a word about
old Paddy Meagher's (formerly Henry Foy's) fine
orchard.. By-the-way, Billy used to live with old Paddy.
I wonder if he ever learned to milk goats. I'U bet he
drank goat milk and eat goat meat while he stayed with
Paddy, or done worse. I wish he had told us about that
bear fight in which Paddy got his two dogs killed. If I
recollect aright, the animal was quietly emigrating to
Arkansas, as they were generally permitted to do, except
when the boys wanted a little sport, then they would set
the dogs on them. But this was a huge feUow, and was
passing ataout where the Worsham House now stands, on
his way from the taayou, when Paddy was induced to set
his dogs on him; and in- ataout two minutes Paddy was
dogless. The old fellow was territaly distressed ataout
the loss of his orchard guardians; taut he did not gain
much sympathy from the boys. Joe Eawlings admits
that he was glad of it. While bruin was making his way
down the ravine, where Cochran's lumtaer yard is now,
old Henry James gave him a rifle taall fjiU in the face,
and he keeled over and died. Bears occasionally visited
the town as late as 1835, which was not to be wondered
at, as a better range or more dense thicket for all manner
of" varmints " could no where be found than along the
bayou from Adams street south. As for deer, they were
almost as common as cattle, though they were not so apt
to venture into town.
Another thing that my friend Billy speaks of, and
which I have myself noticed, was the 'number of old
fields, taoth on the bluff and for miles around, that apr
peared to have taeen turned out for an age. Some places
were nearly covered with grass, others with hushes, but
most commonly with blackberry vines^ the remains of an

304 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
old hearth, and, perhaps, a well might also be found.
Who cultivated these flelds is probably now wholly un
known, but if it were by Indians, they done it in a man
ner that would tae creditatale to any farmers at the
present day, for the rows were not only laid off reg
ularly, but the ridges thrown up higher than at present;
showing, as he says, that they must have been worked
with powerful turning plows.
Billy, after serving a time with old Paddy, and then
swinging round the circle, whipping up a couple of lazy
mules, was next placed behind the counter of Jos. L.
Davis, afterward Lawrence & Davis, Commission Mer
chants. Uncle Billy Carter, as he is called, seems to
have prospered in everything. What he is now worth I
don't know, taut it must be considerable. There is much
other matter connected with this communication that is
equally interesting with the foregoing cuUings, which I
shall be compelled to omit for the present.

TILMAN BETTIS AND SOLOMAN EOZZELL.

The gentlemen whose names head this article set
tled about three miles east of this place in 1820, on
adjoining farms. They were good farmers and good
citizens, and though different in temperament, were very
much attached to each other. Mr. Bettis was rather on
the free-and-easy order, fond of his glass, his friends and
a good joke; took the world easy and seemed to care taut
little about the opinion of others. Mr. Eozzell was
reserved, unsocial, and with the exception of neighbors
Anderson B. Carr and Tillman Bettis, generally uncon-
flding, though in monetary and commercial affairs he:

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 305
thought there was notaody like M. B. Winchester; but in
this he was not at all peculiar. But old Till, and Sol., as
they were commonly called, differed in almost all things
outside of farming. While the former was a strong whig,
the latter was an uncompromising Democrat. In re
ligion they appeared to have changed positions. The
former was a calm, but devout Presbyterian, while the
latter was one of the most demonstrative of Methodists.
There was one thing that may have had something to do
with uniting them. Neither could have recognized his
name in the plainest of print. This was a matter that
old Sol. was very sensitive about, while Till, did not
care who knew it, or what they said about it; and It
would have been much taetter for his neighbor had he
pursued a similar course. Numerous anecdotes might
be told of these worthy men, but I shall confine myself
at present to but one. At the first election for School
Commissioners in this county two very competent men
were named, and as no opposition ticket was suggested
their election seemed certain, and but little interest was
evinced until the day of election. On that day, how,
ever, a secret ticket was put forth and very indus
triously circulated, and when the vote was counted
out it was found that Solomon Eozzell and Tilman
Bettis were duly elected School Commissioners for Shelby
County. When Sol. heard it he got very angry, mounted
his horse and went immediately to see his brother Com
missioner. " Friend Tilman," he said, " have you heard what
these dirty fellows have done? — gone and elected you
and me School Commissioners, when they know we have
no larnin'. "
" Never mind," said Till., " don't say a word and we'll
-beat them yet"

O06 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
" But," replied Sol., " it's done through disrespect"
"Never mind," continued TiU., "you will make it
worse tay getting mad; keep quiet and let me work this
thing." Not long after a candidate for teacher presented him
self to old Sol. " Go to Mr. Bettis," said that worthy,
. " I'll have nothing to do with it."
Mr. Bettis told the applicant to meet him and the
other Commissioner at the office of Doctor Trezevant on
a certain day for examination. At the specified time the
two officials ' met — the one all confidence and self-pos
session, the other morose and sullen. Doctor Trezevant
had piled up the various taooks, commencing with the
higher and terminating with the primary.
" Now," said Till, to his associate, " all you have to do
is to keep quiet and look knowing."
This was easy enough for the person addressed, as he
had taeen ¦ practicing it from his childhood up. When
the candidate was admitted, and seated. Till, took from
the pile the upper book, presenting it with the request :
" Please explain this, sir."
" This," said the party under examination, " is Web
ster's Elementary Spelling Book," and proceeded elabor-
«,tely to explain, giving specimens of pronunciation, etc.
In like manner he was handed, in turn, and went through
all others. Occasionally Till, would interrupt him with,
" explain that over again, if you please." The poor feUow .
would repeat the sentence with the greatest precision,
lest he should commit an error, grammatical or otherwise,
and exhitaiting at the same time a nervous uneasiness;
and well he might, for there sat the modern Solomon,
whose ample brow bespoke a perfect storehouse of
scholastic lore, and whose features proclaimed him a fit
representative, if not an improvement, on his original

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 307
namesake, while the searching eye of his interrogator
was well calculated to unnerve almost an3'one. The man
was finally dismissed with the information that if he
would call on the morrow he would learn their decision,
No sooner was he fairly out of hearing than old Till, laid
back and laughed heartily, In which Dr. Trezevant
joined. Old Sol. rose with the exclamation, " shucks on
such foolishness !" and was making for the door, when
Till, called him taack to know what his decision was in
the matter.
"You and the Doctor fix that up to suit yourselves,"
answered Sol., and hurried off. It was finally decided
that Doctor Trezevant should make out a report accord
ing to his own judgment, and sign their names to it,
The result was that the man got the position, but was
badly plagued when he learned that the men who ex
amined and caused him such alarm was not collegian
graduates.

MAJOE EDWIN HICKMAN.

I think it was in the year 1820 that Major Hickman
came here. He first opened one of the most taeautiful
farms in this neightaorhood which, in 1830, he sold to
John B. Eodgers, investing his means in town property,
and some kind of stocks, which seemed to yield him a
handsome income; at least he always appeared to have
plenty of money, and was tay no means sparing of it
Anybody could borrow money from him that desired.
Fortunately for him we did not have as many borrowers
as at present. He was the controlling spirit among the
fast young men, not to the extent, however, of Gus, Young
and others; but exercised a moral and restraining in-

308 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
fluence over them, which was not without its beneficial
effect; and although he at times drank to great excess,
yet so systematic that I never saw him unfit for the best
ladies' society.
He, however, broke off, and for the last twenty-five
years of his life, was strictlj^ a temperate man. In
fact, he was one of the most perfect specimens of a true
gentleman in manners, dress, and general deportment I
ever knew. Although an incorrigible bachelor, he was
still a great favorite with the ladies, and well he might
be, for no woman wanted a friend, where he was, that
did not find one In Major Hickman.
His first business engagement, I believe, after farming,
was the firm of Hickman & Sappington, the latter his
cousin, Benjamin -E., still living, and now a citizen
of San Antonia, Texas. They established the first
wharfboat here, and kept it some three or four years)'
After which they established the old Exchange Hotel,
where the Overton now stands, except that it fronted on
the river, the Exchange Building having since been
erected. It was a decided improvement on anything of
the kind ever taefore attempted on this bluff. The
Major was in no wise a business man, yet he was one of
the greatest accessions to the hotel. His dignified,
though easy and graceful manner, done more to draw
custom than it was perhaps possible for bountiful tables
or other accomriiodations, had such been wanting, to have
done. When Hon. Henry Clay was here in 1843, he was
at the Exchange two days before he learned that the
lilajor was a Democrat, and expressed his surprise that
anyone, during such times, could extend such uibane
manners to a political opponent. As Mayor of the city,
which office he held several terms, the qualities he had
so fully displayed as landlord were even more admirably

'THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 309
exemplified, and while some refused to vote for him on
the grounds that he done nothing, a greater number
averred that his gentlemanly manner done more to ad
vance the interest of Memphis than the labor or atten
tion of any other man could accomplish. When the
family of Doctor M. B. Sappington moved to Texas it
was not the original design of the Major to have accom
panied them, but the separation was too much, and with
a view of an early return, he proposed to see them safe
there, and the separation was deferred until a score of
years had intervened, when death brought about what
moral courage, opposed tay affection, had so signaUy
failed in. My sister, Mis. B. E. Sappington, sent me
his photograph, with a view of having it lithographed
for this putalication, and although more than four score
years had passed over it, no nobler head could have
adorned these pages ; yet, for reasons not necessary to
mention, I am compelled to delay its production until
another addition.

SICKNESS IN MEMPHIS.

In 1827 this locality was first visited by the buffalo
knats, that came near killing all the cattle. This was
followed by what was known as the Dingue, or break-
bone fever, a kind of disease that makes one feel more
like committing suicide than any other, perhaps, that
flesh is heir to, though seldom fatal. This was followed
by a malignant character of billious fevor, and at one
time near half the citizens of town were down with it;
yet, in proportion to the number affected, there were
comparatively few deaths. It, however, gave the place

310 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
a bad name for health, which was the first heavy draw
back Memphis ever received, and from which it took
years to recover, and that, too, at a time when her pros
pects were brightest.
In the fall of 1832 the cholera flrst visited this country.
The old steamer Freedom distributed it all along the
river, from Louisville to New Orleans. Memphis escaped
better than almost any other place. We have since been
visited by it several times, but generally in a less malig
nant form. The yellow fever has visited here three
times, though never what might be called in a severe
form. I honestly believe Memphis to tae the healthiest place
on this river, from the mouth of the Missouri river down.
It will certainly compare favorataly with St. Louis.

THE LAWEENCE FAMILY.

One of the most prominent families of early days on
this bluff, was the Lawrences. There were five tarothers :
John B., William, James H., Eobert, and B., Levett.
William Lawrence came here in 1818. He was a man
of far more than ordinary scientific and commercial abil
ity, A Civil Engineer by profession, he layed off the
town of Memphis originaUy, from the bayou, north, to
Union street, and from the river to the alley east of Third
street. Take the map of Memphis, and compare any of
the additions with the original plat, and you will be sur
prised to see how far they fall behind it in regularity,
beauty, etc. He surveyed many large tracts of land in
the district, and, I think, was at one time Surveyor-Gen
eral. He was also the first Clerk of the Circuit Court,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 311
in 1828. He established the first Commission House on
the bluff, in connection with Eobert Fearn. He died in
1831. Had his life taeen spared he would, undoubtedly,
have proved one of the most prosperous merchants here.
His widow stiU survives, though his children, three in
number, are all dead. Dr. John S. Williams, of Arkan
sas, married one of his daughters.
Eobert Lawrence, with Joseph L. Davis, succeeded his
brother William in business. Bob, as -he was always
called, could play his part in any crowd, from the free-
and-easy up. His name appears in several of my stories,
which portrays his jovial disposition.
James H. Lawrence, the cleverest of the family, I
think — which is saying a great deal — left some three or
more children, Mrs. H. D. Connell taeing one, and James
H. Lawrence, Jr., another. Frdm this taranch, alone, the
family are likely to be perpetuated, at least the name.
Mrs. Connell has several children, and James has, I think,
as many as four sons.
Captain B. Levett Lawrence commanded several steam
boats, having followed the tausiness some fifteen or twenty
years. He died in 1849 — I think childless.

OUE FIEST BUSINESS MEN.

Jos. L. Davis, estabUshed the first cotton press ; Thos.
B. Carr, the first tannery; Nathaniel Eagland,-the first
drug store; Seth M. Nelson, the first bakery; John F.
Schabell, the first tailor shop; Samuel Eunkle, the first
tin-shop; Stith M. Nelson, the first taakery; Gordon Simp
son, the first butchery; C. C. Locke, the first saddlery;
Dick Hinds, the first tarickyard ; the late Hezekiah Cobb,

312 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
the first sawmill; W, 0. Lofland, the flrst flouring mill;
Isaac EawHngs, flrst insurance office. Dr. Frank Graham
was the flrst resident physician; E. C. McAlpin, first res
ident lawyer; John E. Kent, first resident carpenter; John
W. Fowler, first plasterer; Wm. B. Dare, first bricklayer;
Eev. Elijah Coffey, first shoemaker; Silas T. Toncray,
first silver smith and jeweler; the late Eachel Tarlton,
first Milliner; Eobert Quinly, first blacksmith.

NAMES OF OLD CITIZENS.

The following named persons, having failed to appear
in any of my stories or elsewhere in this work, from the
fact that they had no direct connection with any subject
matter treated, are not the less deserving of mention :
Wash H. Bolton, George Watson, Britton Duke, John C.
Davenport, Silas Buck, L. C. Adkinson, Architaald Wal
ker, John W. Haynes, Capt. Eufe Fritz, John Fritz, Eotab
& Atwood, Merchants; W. B. Dabney, Wm. B. Turley, V,
D, Barrey, Granville D, Searcey, Wm. H. Bayliss, John
L. Brown, E. D. Starr, G. W. Fisher, John Y. BayUss,
J. W. Todd, S. A. Norton, Jas. Banks, Andrew Gwynne,
James Penn, Wm. Underwood, W. K. Poston, James
Wickersham, Dr. Wm. V. Taylor, Squire Jesse Waldran,
J. W. A. Pettit, S B. Williamson, S. W. Jefferson,
Daniel Hughes, E. L. Kay, Ben. Wright, Zack Edmonds,
Jocob Bean, Joseph Withams, A. J. Wells, Barnett Gra
ham, Wash Eunkle, SUas Buck, Arch Walker, Boler
Cgcke, John and James Kimble, A. H. Davis, James
Hardaway, Lem. Hardaway, Charles and John Harda-
vjay, John B. Moseley, David O. Dooley, Wm. D. GUmore,
Dr. Hugh Wheatley, Calvin Goodman, John L. Sweeney,

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 313
George Flaherty, David Park, Sam. Park, Jesse D. Carr,
T. B. Smith, Sam AUen, Alex. Allen, Jno. W. FuUer,
Zach. Joiner, James and Wiley Kimbro, John and Ed
ward Manning, Starke Eedick, Moses IngersoU.

DE. MICHAEL GABBEET.

It does me good to write of such a man as old Mike
Gatataert — one that would get up at any hour of the night
— ^rain or shine — to visit a patient, without stopping to
inquire, if it was or not a paying case. He did more
free practice, I expect, than any other physician has
ever done on this bluff, and if one's good actions in this
world is any recommendation to him in the next, (and
who will say they are not !) old Mike Gabbert is certainly
in heaven, for he did freely " cast bread upon the waters."
He came nearer following the golden rule — " Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you" — than any
man we ever knew.

THE MOUTH OF WOLF EIVEE.

" The Mouth of Wolf" once shared with the " Chicka
saw Bluffs " as a designation for this point; and to read
some documents — the John Eice grant for instance — an
unsophisticated person might suppose that Wolf river
was greater than the Mississippi. It has certainly ex
ercised consideratale influence in locating the city land
ing, and indeed upon the wavering fortunes of the city
itself When John Eice laid his grant, in 1783, the
mouth of Wolf was lower down than the foot of Jefferson
street. This statement, for a number of years, was based

314 HISTORY OP MEMPHIS.
wholly upon my assertion, and doutated tay some; taut I
have since got ample documentary evidence for it.
Thirty-five years later, it was in the rear of where the
County Jail now stands. By this freak, John — or rather,
his assigns — lost just half a mile of the finest part of
their river front — for he had selected that as his starting
or processional point. The Eamsey grant, however,
gained what the former had lost, which, instead of taegin-
ning away down in Fort Pickering, found its northern
boundary up at Beal street. But all this has been pre
viously set forth, and I will simply add here that the
mouth of Wolf river is. to-day two hundred yards further
up than it was ten years ago.
"FRESH FISH."
The mouth of Wolf has ever been a great place for
fishing, and quite a number of fishing and family boats
are at all times huddled around it. Whether it is possi
ble to keep such a place decent or not, I am unable to
say, but it seems that it never is, and it is almost suffi
cient to turn one against fresh fish to smell the stench
and witness the filthy sights that surround the localities
where they are caught and prepared for market.
MOSQUITOES.
The mouth of Wolf river has always been noted for the
number and fierceness of its mosquitoes. There, in
spring, they first assemble, and " there they longest
tarry." Speaking of mosquitoes, they are nothing to
compare to what they used to be, and some species of
them seem to have disappeared entirely; and as the
taalance may follow soon, (God grant they may), it
probably will not be amiss to perpetuate their memory
here. The spring mosquito was a small, red one, very
hardy and of a powerful constitution, for they lataored

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS. 315
night and day. Their sting was not so severe, but in
number they made up for that deficiency. They swarmed
around one's head to such an extent that inhaling them
was of common occurrence. Their numtaer at the mouth
of Wolf was said to tae so great that if a man would
thrust his arm forward and jerk it hastily taack, he would
leave a momentary taut distinct vacuum through the
dense mass. These were succeeded by the " graybacks,"
much larger and more severe in their taite, but not so
incessant and otherwise annoying. Then came the galli-
nipper — (this is the species about to become extinct,
if it has not already done so, for I have not seen one in
over thirty years, though I am told a few still visit the
mouth of Wolf.) They were very large, the body and
thighs being covered with fur, and in sting I would
give the preference to the bumblebee. The graybacks
¦were succeeded by the specklebacks, being larger than
the former and possessed of some of the qualities of the
gallinipper. They squat down to their work and kick up
their long legs behind them. After the speckletaack
came a talack (the present) mosquito, who, if the weather
is not too severe, will stick tay you all winter, but will not
disturb you in day time. ANECDOTES.
A stranger once, coming down tay Frame's Island, with
a bush in hand, fighting the mosquitoes off as hard as he
could, saw a boy with his pole set out, fishing, while he
was stamping and flapping his hands In aU directions,
the great difficulty appearing to be that he wanted full a
dozen more hands for the same purpose.
"Well, my son," said the man, "the mosquitoes are
very bad here."
" No," said the boy, still slapping, " not much here,

316 HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.
but when you get down to the mouth of Wolf they'U give
you h— U."
A steamer in early days put into the mouth of Wolf.
She had taeen hailed a short distance ataove, and had
sent out and taken on a passenger, who turned out to
have no money. The captain was very mad ataout it,
and was going to put him ashore there. The poor fel
low taegged very hard, but to no purpose, when he turned
to the passengers and begged them to loan him the
money. One of them, a mischievous fellow, replied:
" If you will strip your back and lay down for five
minutes, so that the mosquitoes can have a fair swig at
you, I will pay your passage."
To his surprise the proposition was accepted, and the
poor fellow, shucking his shirt, lay flat upon the deck,
with his face on his arms. In a few seconds there was
not space for another mosquito on him, while a perfect
cloud was hovering over him, awaiting their turn. The
poor fellow's flesh would twitch and quiver, when his
employer would hallo at him, for, according to agreement,
he was to lay perfectly still — as though that were pbssi-.
ble; but he would nerve himself, determined to bear the
torture for the time specified. About two minutes had
elapsed, when the boss reached over and planted the fire
end of his cigar on the fellow's taack, who immediately
threw one of his hands taack, exclaiming —
"No mosquito — gallinipper, tay G  d !" when the
sufferer was relieved and his passage paid.

We cannot resist the desire to return our sincere ac
knowledgments to Mr. Tom Gale for material aid In the
publication of this book; and to Mr. Clem Ferguson, the
Binder, for the splendid manner in which he has bound it.

THE OLD TIMES PAPERS, 317
¦ OLD FOLKS OF SHELBY COUNTY."

We do not know of anything more appropriate with
which to close our book than the foUowing list of officers
and memtaers of the chartered organization of the " Old
Folks of Shelby County:" OFFICERS :
William B. "Waldran, President.
John T. Stratton, Vice-President.
Jesse P. Prescott, Recording Secretary...
Ben. Richmond, Financial Secretary.
Robert A. Parker, Treasurer.
BOARD OF MANAGERS :

William Chase,
J. RichWray,
T. W. Hoist,
A. 0. Bettis,
S. H. Dunscomb,

W. W. Ware,
J. Halstead,
Wm. Farris,
James M. White,
George Mellersh.

Ashford, W. J.
Avery, "W. T. •
Abernathy, J. R.
Baker, J. C.
Beamish, John
Bettis, W. T.
Bleckly, T. C.
Brown, Wm.
Boisseau, D.
Brinkley, Hugh L.
Bettis, A. 0.
Bowen, F. F.
Bruce, W. S.
Bayliss, B.
Bourne, James T.
Bruce, N. S.
Cayce, M. C.
Church, 0. B.
Chase, Wm,

MEMBERS.
Cheek, Greorge W.
Coleman, B. F.
Cubbins, Jno.
Cubbins, Thos.
Coleman, Jas.
Cochran, R. L.
Doebler, R. K.
Dooley, Felix G.
Duval, A. L.
Dunscomb, S. H.
DuPre, L. J.
Davis, James D.
Drew, A. W.
Drake, Jno.
Eckles, Simeon.
Eckles, G. F.
Bdmondson, J. H.
Elliott, Wm.
Elliott, John D.

Elliott, Joseph.
Flaherty, James.
Frankland, A. B.
Ford, Newton.
Frayser, J. D.
Ferguson, H. M.
Farris, Wm.
Goodwyn, W. A.
Goodlett, H. E.
Grifflng, W. L.
Gift, George W.
Goodlett, J. H.
Grider, W. H.
Greenlaw, W. B.,
Hargan, C. J.
Halstead, J.
Harder, H.
Hite, R. C.
Hills, T. E.

Jr.

318

HISTORY OF MEMPHIS.

Hill, John C.
Hall, Joseph.
Hardin, W. F.
Hills, Bart.
Hoist, T. W.
Hofifman, J. P.
Jones, Reuben S.
Jones, O. C.
Jones, J. R.
Jones, Felix M.
Kimbro, A. L.
Kney, Charles.
Lonsdale, J. G., Sr.
Lake, W. H.
Leonard, Thos.
Lamb, S. H.
Looney, R. P.
Lenow, Joseph.
Lofland, W. O.
Mason, B. M.
McLean, Charles D.
Molitor, F.
McCallum, W. D.
Moore, C. B.
Mallory, T. S. ]
Magevney, M.
Mellersh, George.

Adams, Nathan.
Bynum, B. C. D.
Chester, R. J.
Davidson, Rev. T.
Evans, Rev. R, R.
Bowen, John H.
Chandler, W. R.
Harris, E. R.
Bills, John H*

Mellersh, F.
Murphy, J. J.
Oliver, 0. B.
Phelon, B.
Parker, R. A.
jeatrick, J. M.
Prescott, Jesse P.
Prescott, Oscar F.
Park, Wm.
Padgett, 0.
Powell, George R.
Pollock, Julius A.
Robertson, George.
Richmond, B.
Robinson, John B.
Simpson, James A.
Snowdon, H. P.
Stratton, John T.
Stark, J. B.
Specht, Joseph
Swayne, J. T.
Speed, John H.
Smith, P. W.
Stewart, M. D. L.
Steinkuhl, Jacob.
Steinkuhl, C. D.
Saint, J . C.
HONORARY MEMBERS;

Fleming, J. M.
Latham, F. S.
Mullins, L. D.
P. McMackin, T. C.
McNeill, E. P.
DEATHS SINCE 1871.
Dunlap, W. C.
Hoist, J. 0.
Banks, James,
Edmonson, A. J.'

Sims, M. L.
Trader, D. C.
Taylor, Thomas T.
Trezevant, J. P.
Trousdale, Leon.
Tuiley, T. B.
Vaccaro, A.
Vance, W. L.
Wolf, Tobias.
"WTiite, J. M.
Weaver, J. 0.
Waldran, W. B.
Walton, E. J.
Ward, J. C.
Ware, W. W.
Wallace, A.
Watson, K. P.
Wray, J. R.
'Wormeley, Ralph.
Williams, J. D.
Williams, J. M.
Wilkins, J. S.
Winchester, Geo. W.
Winn, K. J. B. L.
Williams, Joseph R.
Woodruff, Amos.
Zent, John.
Parham, Rev. Thos.
Robertson, J. C. N.
Watson, Rev. S.
White, Rev. Geo.

Worsham, J. J.
Cochran, M. E.
Granger, George.
Starr, R. D.

Honorary Memljers.

li^DEX.

PAOB
PREFACE  3
HISTOEY OF MEMPHIS  7
THE JOHN EICE QEANT  7
¦THE JOHN EAMSEY GRANT  .'  01
BISTORT OF THE EICE AND EAMSEY GRANTS  13
DESCEIPTION OP MEMPHIS IN 1820  27
MEMPHIS EAILEOADS IN EAELY DAYS  31
DISTINGUISHED EAILEOAD MEN  32
LIST OP MATOKS AND ALDBEMBN  33
M AETIAL LAW  42
LIST OP CITT OFPICEES AT PRESENT DATE— CITY SCHOOLS. .. 49
POLICEMEN  60
PIKB DEPAETMENT  51
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS  53
EAWLINGS AND WINCHESTEE— An EpiBode-The Rivals- Memphis
Astonished— A Model Mayor— A Wonderfnl Election and Rare Old
Men— The First Memphis Bank— A Hard Story— The Gamblers— Mnr-
rel's Clan, etc., etc  56
AN ADDITIONAL STOET OP EAWLINGS AND WINCHESTEE- A
Unique Election— Hard Cases— Fandy Wright and Eobert Dale Owen . . 80
UNCLE BILLT TATES— Uncle Billy's Worst Enemy— Somewhat Per
sonal — Terrible "Vengeance  86
PIBST SEA FIGHT AT MEMPHIS- THE FLATBOAT WAS— The
Three Towns — A Fatal Blander— An Immortal Constable- A Terrible
Tragedy  96
ANECDOTE OP TOM HAEALDSON  103
DAMON AND PYTHIAS— An Exciting Election— The two Topps and a
Model Voter  105
HISTOET OP PINCH— ORIGIN OP THE WOED— Sectional Fends and
their Eesults- Crockett and Eppy White— Drowning out the People—
J. D. Currin— Famous Leaders— Squire Eichards— Outrage upon Steam
boats—A New PhUosophy  109
EARLY EEMINISCENCES- A CHAPTEE FOE THE OLD POLKS  119
THE OLD BELL TAVEEN— General Jackson and Paddy Meagher— Presi
dent's Island— Paddy's Hen and Chickens— Jackson and Benton  125

320 _ INDEX.
SHAKEEAG  136
TWO WONDEEFUL MEN— CHAELES LOFLAND AND DAVT
CEOCKET— The way Crockett beat Huntsman  137
SINGULAE-A EEMAEKABLE MEETING  157
REMINISCENCES OP FOT'S POINT— The Poys— The flrst Memnhis
Love Story— Earthquake's— The Pedraza Hotel— The Camp-Meeting and
Gamblers— Wappanocha— The Prophets— The Duels— Phillip S. White
and Gus Toung— Terrible Incident,  162
RECEPTION OP COLONEL EICHAED M. JOHNSON IN MEMPHIS
IN 1844  ,  183.
THE BATTUEE— The Indians— A New State— The First Elevator— P. P.
Stanton — How the Navy Tard was knocked into ''Pi" — A Double-
Barreled Editor — The Great Iron Steamship  19-1
THE CHUECHES OP MEMPHIS IN EAELT DATS— J. Love Story— Old
Brother Davidson— Brother Coffey- S. T, Toncray— A Memorable
Disaster— Eev. Samuel Williamson— P. A. Owen and P. T. Scruggs —
Father Moody  ;  219
CHAELES D. McLEAN  244
THE FIEST FIEE CO MPANT— A Curious Story,  245
ANOTHEE HISTOEIAN,  257
ANSWEE TO " LANG SYNE— A Prayer Guage in 0*d Times  258 ,
HEZEKIAH COBB  26L
OLD SAM BEOWN  263;
CHAELES B. MUERAT  26ft
A BEAVE ACT  273
FEANCES WEIGHT, (D'AEUSMONT),  274
BAETON EICHMOND, THE MONEY-KING OF THE SOUTH  284
UNCLE LOUIS TEEZEVANT  286
BAD BOTS OF EAELT DATS,  291
THE TUENING POINT OP LIFE,  295
RELIC OF EAELT GEANDEUE— DEATH OP MISS MAEIA A.EATON, 297.
¦WILLIAM CAETEE  :  300
TILMAN BETTIS AND SOLOMON EOZZELL  304
MAJOE EDWIN HICKMAN,  307
SICKNESS IN MEMPHIS  309
THE LAWEENCE PAMILT,  310.
OUE FIRST BUSINESS MEN,  311
NAMES OF OLD CITIZENS,  312
DE. MICHAEL GABBERT.- THE MOUTH OP WOLF EIVEE—" Fresh
Fish" — Mosquitoes  313
THS "OLD FOLKS OF SHELBT COUNTY,"  317

YALE UNIVERSITY

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