Nashville History - 1786 to 1860

Nashville History-1786 to 1860

1786 - The first store or shop for the sale of merchandise was opened in Nashville in 1786 by Lardner Clark. Clark brought his goods from Philadelphia packed on ten horses. The store contained assorted items such as cheap calicoes, unbleached linens, and coarse woolens. He also operated a tavern out of the same establishment selling liquors to the local citizens. With little or no money in the early settlement, Clark took pelts in exchange for goods.

1785 - The first physician set up shop in Nashville, Dr. John Sappington, maker and vendor of "Sappington's Pills." Considered a "panacea for all the ills that flesh is heir to; but, the secret being discovered, the pills lost all reputation and Dr. Sappington his practice." History of Nashville. Pg. 89.

1787 - Nashville had approximately 6 "framed and hewn log houses and some twenty or thirty log cabins." Another tavern opened to accommodate the growing population. The court decided to regulate the business of tippling and grog-selling. "One-half a pint of whisky, such as will sink tallow, shall sell for 2s.; a bowl of toddy, made with loaf-sugar and whisky, 3s. 6d.; one quart bowl of punch, with fruit, 10s.; dinner and grog, 4s. 6d." Taxes of the same year were to be paid one-fourth in corn, one-half in beef, venison, or pork, one-eighth in money. Prices for these were: corn, 2s. 8d. per bushel; good, fat bear meat, 4d. per pound; fine buffalo beef, 3d.; good venison, 9d.; dried beef, 6d.; and salt, 2s. 4d. per pound. The 26 town lots had been sold in 1787 and were taxed one dollar each, revenue of $26. History of Nashville, pg. 90.

1788 - The most popular and aristocratic tavern in Nashville was kept by "Black Bob," a Negro who continued to do a flourishing business for many years, and at whose house, it is said, General Jackson, who arrived in Nashville in the fall of 1788, was a frequent guest. Jackson had been commissioned by the governor of N.C. as solicitor for the Mero District, which covered an area approximately 85 miles in length up and down the Cumberland River and 25 miles north and south. The population was around 7,000 at this time. History of Nashville, pg. 90.

1796 - Tennessee becomes a state.

1797 - Francis Bailey describes Nashville as a small, quaint settlement with about sixty or eighty families; the houses are of logs and frame, "scattered over the whole site of the town so it appears larger than it actually is." There were 2-4 taverns, the main one being kept by a Major Lewis. "There we met with good fare, but very poor accommodations for lodgings: three or four beds of the roughest construction in one room, which was open at all hours of the night for the reception of any rude rabble that had a mind to put up at the house; and if the other beds happen to be occupied, you might be surprised in the morning to find a bedfellow by your side whom you had never seen before and perhaps might never see again." The price of land in this area is from $1, $4, and $5, "according to its situation and neighborhood." The population had good carriages and many comforts. The 200-350 population consisted largely of Majors. History of Nashville. Pg. 95.

1802 - The following is a list of manufacturers in Nashville at this time: George Poyzer, cotton-spinning factory; James & Isaac W. Titler, coppersmiths; David C. Snow, tinsmith; Jesse Collins, cotton-gins; John & Thomas Detherage, cabinet furniture; William Sientz, boots and shoes; Robert Smiley and James Condon, tailors; William Y. Probart, readymade clothing; Peter Bass, tan-yard; William Sneed, E. W. Brookshire, and Temple, Gaines & Co., carpenters; Thomas Shackleford, Solomon Clark, and ------Lard, brick-masons; Ellis Maddox, blacksmith; William Carroll, nail-factory; John & Thomas Williamson, saddlers; Joseph T. Elliston and Egbert Raworth, silversmiths; Joseph Engelman, butcher; and Samuel Chapman, stone-mason.

1806 - Fisher & Gallatin were the copper and tinsmiths of the town. John L. Allen was at

1823 - Nashville was protected by two fire companies.

October 1, 1830 - The City Council appointed a Water Committee.

January 19, 1831 - Albert Stein was appointed Engineer, to direct and superintend the execution and completion of the water works for the city of Nashville.

Fall of 1833 - After changing contractors several times the water works were finally completed

October 1, 1833 - Inauguration of the water works occurred and the rejoicing of the people was very great. "The cannon was fired, and a procession was formed, composed of hundreds of citizens, a large number of ladies, members of the Legislature, and strangers.

November 23, 1836 - City Council pass an act which prohibited the erection of wooden buildings in the city without the consent of the Mayor and Aldermen.

Feb. 1847 - Fire companies increased to three.

January 22, 1852 - The "Nashville Fire Police" was established.

September 28, 1854 - A cistern was authorized to be built on the public square and was to hold one thousand barrels of water. Pg. 149

July 29, 1860 - The steam Fire Department was established.

"Deluge Fire Company, No. 3, was one of the most remarkable companies of ante bellum days. It was composed of fifty-two men, twenty-six to each side of the engine. It was made especially for the company, and