The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1870-05-17
P. n. FROST,
Ono of the Early Settlers OF Richmond
Indiana.

One of the Early Settlers OF Richmond
Indiana.
On MONDAY last, we were gratifed at maxi
ing the acquaintance of P. II FRosT, Esq, who
was one of the early settlers of this city, and
in hearing him relate many interesting remi-
niscences that occurred in times gone by He
stated to US that he came here on the 10th day
of January, 1919, Gust three years after the
town was lail out } and that he went directly
to the residence of JOHN SMITH, one Of the or
igral projectors Of Richmond, with whom he
boarded Tor one year. Mr.. SMITH then lived
in the trc :.s.;,se, situated at the foot Of Mars
ket street. and now occupied by JEREMIAH
HsbLsY Mr. Frost informs us that he imme>
dsteIc embarked in the mercantile business,
with his brother EDWARD L. FaosT, who then
occupied store-room he had just built, now
known as No. -, South Front street, and now
occupied Is Gro. PAGE
In the Spring Of 1928, they built Store
room and dwelling on the corner of Main and
Pearl streets, where the Postofice is now To-
Gated and removed their goods therein and
commenced business; thence-forward every
thing went smoothly and prosperously with
them. In 1928, Mr. P. II. FROST, returned
back to the City of New York. which city he
had left in 1878, where he embarked in
wholesale Dry Goods Store, No. 278 Pearl
street, which business he continued up to
March, 1888. He then engaged in Dry Goods
Commission business with success, until 1876,
when he retired from mercantile pursuits In
1849. ard so ne invested all his money 10
Real Estate in the City Of New York near the
line of Broadway, Bowery and Canal streets,
and this property has become of great value.
| It is now more than forty years sin ce Mr.
Frost last saw Richmond, and more than fifty
years since his first visit to it, and since his
arrival, he has been looking around to ascsr>
tain how many persons there are now living in
Richmond, who were living here when he first
came to it ffty-one years ago, ard he tells us
that he finds only John Suffrins, Achilles Will
liams, and James L. Morrison. OF those now
living, who came soon after Mr. Frost did, he
mentioned Daniel P. Virgins, Nathan Morgan,
Lewis Burk, Jonas Gaar, Joseph Strattan
Matthew Rattray. Mark. e. and James e.
Reeves, aud Edward Potts. The town then
contained about three hundred inhabitants.
Just forty-nin years and six months ago,
our old friend, James P. Burgess, bought mus
lin from Frost Bros. Store. for his wedding
shirt, for which he paid them fifty cents per
yard, and calico for his wfe's dress, which cost
one dollar per yard! How is that for HIGH''
prices in Goods, compared with the present?
Mr.. Frost related to us a remarkable Incl
dent of a freak of lightning, that occurred
shortly after the removal oftheir Store to Main
street: Whilst standing in his Store door, look
ing at some movers, he noticed a woman in
front Of one of the wagons carrying an umbrella.
He noticed dark cloud Immediately over her,
/ from whence proceeded streak of lightning
and sharp clap of thunder-it struck the
brea, twisted it out Of her hand, and where il
went to, she or no one else could tell-the UNI
brella at least was missing and could no. be
| found.
Some ofthe old landmarks Mr.. Faosr says
he can locate, otherwise al things are greatly
changed He is in the enjoyment of most Wig
orous health and spirits, and he looks like a
man Of only 50 years Of age. He takes lives
ly interest in reviewing the town, where he
spent so many years with much enjoyment
and satisfaction, and is much pleased to take
by the hand, once more, those whom he knew
and esteemed in early life.