The Life of Henry Bradley Plant / Founder and President of the Plant System of Railroads and Steamships and Also of the Southern Express Company

by G. Hutchinson Smyth

INDEX.

[A], [B], [C], [D], [E], [F], [N], [P], [R], [S], [T], [W].

Adams Express Company, organized March, 1853, and April, 1854;
list of shareholders, [52];
in 1861 this company sold and transferred its entire interests in the South to H. B. Plant, [54]
Atlanta Exposition of 1895, object of, [157];
Mr. Plant’s interest in, and exhibit at, said Exposition, [157], [158];
“Plant Day” at the Exposition;
Mr. Plant’s seventy-eighth birthday;
importance of “Plant Day,” [159];
Plant System described, [160];
opening up of Florida by this System, [161];
purchase of railroads;
extending the System;
Plant Investment Company, [161], [162];
purchase of railroads and establishment of steamboat lines, [161-163];
steamship line to Canada, [164];
Exposition described by the press;
various newspaper accounts, [221-263];
Atlanta Exposition’s recognition of Mr. Plant’s services to the Exposition, [253];
he is appreciated, feasted, and honored, [254];
Florida’s truest friend, [254]
Blackstone family: William Blaxton
only one in State of Massachusetts;
lived in wilderness among wild beasts and savage men;
Boston Common;
Blackstone’s beautiful character, [23];
Captain Blackstone was father of Mr. Plant’s first wife;
his son Timothy’s gift of a library (memorial to his father);
his education and successful career, [26], [27];
history of Blackstone family in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Branford, Connecticut, [29], [30];
five generations lived and died on the old family farm in Branford;
James a strong character in politics and patriotic service;
Timothy, his son, donor of library, [31-33];
Ellen Elizabeth, second daughter of James Blackstone, married Henry B. Plant;
Sir William Blackstone, author of Law Commentaries, was fifth cousin of James Blackstone, [34]
Board of Trade, Savannah, resolutions, [221];
Mr. Wiley’s address, [222];
Mr. Plant’s acknowledgment, [226]
Branford, Connecticut, purchased from Indians in 1638;
first settled, 1644, by people from New Haven, [15];
first church;
danger from Indians;
records of;
colony from, [16];
John Plum first town clerk;
resembles Harlem, N. Y., in customs, [2];
second church built, its architecture, seating, etc., [17];
its pulpit;
foot stoves, [18];
Rev. Timothy Gillett, its pastor, taught an academy also;
strained relations with his congregation, [19];
he and wife buried at Branford, [20];
this town rendered patriotic service in Revolution, [20], [21];
once shipbuilding flourished;
seaport town;
seat of colonial governor, [22]
Bullock, Ex-Governor: description of H. B. Plant, [99-101]
Canals: Erie;
Suez, [276]
Changes that have taken place in the configuration of the globe during Mr. Plant’s lifetime, [264-269]
Cotton States, development due largely to H. B. Plant, [165], [248-251]
Cuba: scenery;
architecture, Moorish, Saxon, and Doric;
Morro Castle;
Santa Catalina warehouses;
mail service by the Plant line of steamers, [114-116]
Duelling once legalized, [275]
Engineering skill, great achievements of, [279]
England’s bad laws;
favored the rich;
severe in punishing crime;
cruel treatment of prisoners, [271], [272];
war barbarities, inhuman treatment of soldiers, [272], [273];
educational progress, [275]
Frisbee family, sketch of;
Edward Ebenezer;
Elisha;
Professor Levi;
James;
Richard;
John;
Joseph;
President Edward S., of Wells College;
O. L. Frisbee, [4-7]
Nineteenth century: demonstration at its beginning, [269], [270];
political and social condition of France, [270];
Napoleon’s bad and good influence on Europe, [271]
Penny postage originated, [275]
Plant, A. P., his industry, religion, and success in life, [1-2]
Plant, David, [2];
education and career, [3]
Plant, Henry Bradley: birth and parentage, [1];
descended from J. Frisbee, a major in Washington’s army, [4];
right to join the “Sons of the American Revolution,” [13];
the Plants settled in Branford over two hundred years ago;
their descendants still own the lands of the first settlers;
Anderson Plant, father of Henry B., [35];
died when Henry was six years old, [36];
death of father’s sister, and also Henry’s sister;
Henry’s first recollections of his mother, [36];
enduring and tender impressions of an hour;
poem, [37];
poet’s mother, [38];
the boy Henry’s first day at school, [38];
his courage fails him, [39];
diffident all his life, [39];
his mother’s second marriage, [40];
moved from Branford to Martinsburg;
lived part of the time there with mother and stepfather, and part with grandmother Plant at Branford, [40];
here he was thrown from a plow horse and badly injured, [40], [41];
testimony of A. P. B., “one of the noblest and best of men,” [41];
parents moved to New Haven, [41];
declined grandmother’s offer of a course in Yale College, [41];
studies under Rev. Gillett and John E. Lovell, [42];
his first attempts at business did not succeed, [42];
in 1837 began as captain’s boy on New York and New Haven line of steamers, [42];
manly boy, [42], [43];
first experiences in express business, [43];
it was hard at first, but improved after a time, [44];
his development of Southern Express, [44];
enlargement of responsibility by addition of railroads, steamship lines, and hotels, [45];
Captain Stone’s fondness for young Plant, [45];
marries Miss Blackstone in 1842;
first child died, aged eighteen months;
second son, Morton Freeman, now associated with his father, [45];
removes from New Haven to New York;
is employed by Beecher Express Co., [46];
next by Adams Express Co., [46];
his mother banked his savings, [46];
bought some New Haven bank stock, which he still owns, [46];
buys a pew in a new church, [46];
stepfather died at New Haven in 1862 or 1863;
failure of his wife’s health takes him to Florida in 1853;
the journey took eight days by three different steamers, [47];
Mrs. Plant’s improved health and return to New York, [47];
landing at Jacksonville, and romantic experiences while in Florida, [48];
lost their way in the woods five miles from boarding-house;
sail in a “dug-out,” [48];
drive in a buggy;
Indian girl, [49];
boarding at the Judson Hotel, New York;
Captain Stone leaves his son in Mr. Plant’s care;
Plant returns South on account of wife’s failing health;
appointed superintendent of Harnden’s Express, at Savannah, [51];
appointed superintendent of Adams Express Company, 1854, [52];
large development of the company under his superintendence;
difficulty of the work, [53];
extent of business of the Southern and Texas Express Companies, of which Mr. Plant is president, [54];
formed, and became president of, Southern Express Co. in 1861, [55];
death of wife at Augusta, Ga., February [28], 1861;
remains afterward removed to Branford, Conn., [55];
buys a slave, who proves a good nurse to Mr. Plant, [58];
impaired health, and change of climate ordered by doctor;
pass from President Davis to pass through Confederate lines at any point, [59];
goes to Bermuda, Halifax, and Montreal;
son Morton brought to him;
visits his mother at New Haven, Conn.;
in fall sails for Liverpool;
a stranger in a strange land, [59];
goes to Paris;
courtesy of French officials in passport;
visits Rome, Naples, Leghorn, Barcelona, Milan, and Venice, [60];
travelled in Switzerland, [60], [61];
returned by way of Canada, and was in New York when President Lincoln was assassinated, [61];
his second marriage and trip to Europe in 1873, accompanied by his wife, mother, and son, [61];
his third visit to Europe, 1889;
represented the United States as juror in Class Six, at the Paris Exposition, [61];
medals for Plant System, diploma to Mr. Plant, and many courtesies extended, [61];
his busy life in Augusta;
difficulties of express work caused by the war;
bravely met and adjusted, [62];
hotel life in Augusta; letter of a friend, [63];
his health fails, [64];
rewards a kindness done to his wife and child thirty-six years ago [65];
his second wife Miss Loughman;
her ancestors;
her interest and impress on some achievements of the System, [67];
Mr. Plant’s intuitive knowledge and keen insight illustrated, [68], [69];
after-dinner speeches, Tampa Board of Trade banquet, [70-72];
Florida Mr. Plant’s hobby;
banquet given him at Ocala, in 1896, at Ocala Hotel, [87], [88];
his reply to many addresses of welcome on the subject, “The Plant System,” [88-94];
reception, excursion, and banquet given Mr. Plant and friends by the mayor and leading citizens of Leesburg, [95];
reception next day at Eustis, [95];
his words of cheer to the people who had suffered great loss from the freeze of the previous winter destroying their orange groves, [96];
their grateful appreciation of his visit, [96];
honesty, importance of;
testimonies to this quality of his character, [97], [98];
his power and influence over employees and associates, [99];
Ex-Gov. Bullock’s description of Mr. Plant’s ability, fidelity, and gentlemanly character, [99], [100];
industry and power of endurance, [102-104];
character and manner of answering his large mail, [102-104];
missionary letter from Japan, [103];
his private car;
comfort, elegance of, [103];
old darkie “shining up [100],” [104];
keen intuition, and great power of self-control, [105];
calm, quiet spirit, kindly nature, and efficient performance of all he does, [105];
testimony of an employee, of respect and appreciation of Mr. Plant’s character and work for the South, [105], [106];
his calm and kindly spirit saved him the consuming force of friction which grinds some men, [106];
not a pessimist or recluse;
loves music and social life, [107];
medical benefactor, [107], [108];
much pain saved by medical progress, [108];
Mr. Plant’s share in alleviating suffering, [109];
testimony of physicians to healthfulness of Florida for invalids, [110];
Mr. Plant facilitates travel, and provides hotels healthful and luxurious, [111-113];
furnishes comfortable transit from Florida to Cuba and Jamaica;
press notices of Mr. Plant and his philanthropic work for the South in railroads, steamship lines, hotels, etc., [121], [122];
promoted orange-growing by the facilities afforded for getting the fruit soon and safe to market, [123];
railroads induced many people to settle in the South, [124];
various railroads bought, built, and combined in the Plant System, [126];
steamer Mascotte, elegant and comfortable, [127];
railroad topics;
notes, characteristics, and success of his life, [128];
largely a pioneer in his work of opening up the South, [131];
the Plant Investment Company’s president, [132];
his palatial residence in New York City, [132];
never speculates in Wall Street, [133];
analysis of his disposition, temper, spirit, and pleasant manner, [133], [134];
Home Journal;
Ocala Evening Star;
similar descriptions, [134-140];
his close and constant contact with the Plant System, [141];
notes of his voyage from New York to Key West, [142-146];
also from Port Tampa to Jamaica;
attentions of distinguished people, [146];
Lady Blake’s garden party at King’s House on February 1st, [146], [147];
entertainment and enjoyment at Jamaica, [147-149];
his economical management of the Plant System, [150];
riding in a baggage-car saw expressman handle carelessly a box marked “glass,” etc.;
gentle rebuke;
saved the man from discharge by superior officer, [152], [153];
generous treatment of an honored employee, [153];
horrors of strikes contrasted with “Plant Day” at Atlanta Exposition in 1896, [153];
spent over forty years of his life in developing the South, [166];
eulogies on his character and work, [166-168];
“Loving Cup” and other presentations, [169-178];
Mr. Plant’s response, [178-181];
programme of “Plant Day” at Atlanta Exposition, [204], [205];
ringing of the “Liberty Bell,” [206];
services at the Auditorium;
enthusiastic reception, [207];
music and speeches, [208-210];
Mayor King and others, [210-212];
Mr. Plant’s response, [212-217];
resolutions, complimentary, [217-220];
Judge Falligant’s speech, [220-221]
Profanity and drunkenness lessened, [275]
Railroads: waste of railroad strikes, [150];
losses to employers and employed, [150], [151];
damage to commerce, demoralization of labor, inconvenience and losses to the public, [151];
no strikes on Plant System, [151];
due to President Plant, [152];
strikes contrasted with “Plant Day” at Atlanta Exposition, [153];
“Plant Day” as described by employees of the System, [154];
introduction to this description, [154-156];
railroads, introduction of in England, and United States, [277];
Edward Entwistle ran the first train in England, came to this country, [277];
railroad mileage in the United States increased from three miles to [173], 453 in Mr. Plant’s lifetime, [278];
first steamship that crossed the Atlantic;
first regular line established, [278]
Southern Express Company formed, 1861, [54], [55];
its relations to and services for the Southern Confederacy;
given the custody of all government funds, it collected tariffs, and had soldiers detailed for its service, [56];
President Davis’ proclamation for all non-citizens of Confederacy to leave its bounds;
permission given Mr. Plant to remain and conduct express business, 57:
generous service of the company to soldiers in the war, [65-66];
presentation of silver service by the company to its president, [66];
Southern development due largely to H. B. Plant, [165];
history of the company, [233-236];
the company’s building and exhibit on the fair grounds, [236];
reception in this building to Mr. Plant and friends, [237], [238];
thanks tendered the press, [239];
telegrams and congratulations, [239-241];
honors to Mr. Plant, [243];
list of employees present, [245];
sketch of Mr. Plant published in Atlanta Chronicle, [247-248];
slavery abolished, [273]
Tampa, progress of, [70-72];
speech of Mr. Plant, [73], [74];
growth of Tampa, Mr. Plant’s share in its growth, [74], [75];
cigar-making industry, [76];
phosphate mines, [76];
the town as Mr. Plant found it in 1885, [77];
description of the great hotel, [78];
grounds, [80];
description of Tampa, streets, buildings, water supply, brickmaking, [81];
population, character of;
Spaniards, Cubans, colored, Americans, [81-82];
Ybor City, its tobacco factories, [82-83];
rapid increase of population and wealth, [83];
colored people thrifty and well-to-do, [84];
own their homes, have schools, churches, and are respected by their white neighbors, [85];
Port Tampa, its inn, or hotel, open all the year, [85];
good fishing, bass, tarpon or silver king, [85];
Tampa’s boards of trade, health, and education, [86];
Tampa Bay Hotel,—described by W. C. Prime, [183-186];
also by Henry G. Parker, [187-192]
Tampa Bay, De Soto’s dream, Aladdin’s Lamp, [192-195];
description of the Palace Hotel, architecture, furniture, [196-203]
Tampa’s historical interest: De Soto landed here on May [25], 1539, discovers the Mississippi River afterwards, [191];
Navarez obtains grant of land from Charles V. of Spain, [191]
Temperance societies formed, [273-275]
Tunnels, [279], [280]

Varied progress: steel pens, steamships, iron, lucifer matches, kerosene oil used, machine sewing, agriculture, [280];
Mr. Plant on roof of office in New York noting progress, [283];
sanitary progress, life lengthened by it, [282];
territorial extension of our country, increase of wealth, rapid growth of cities, [283-284];
philanthropic and Christian progress;
higher education, better care of the insane, aged, orphans, sailors, neglected children, seamen, and others by societies, [285], [286];
conventions for mutual counsel in reform and charitable work, clubs multiplied, social, scientific, [286], [287];
female education, co-education, [287];
homes for all classes of dependent human beings, [288];
progress of medical science, lessening disease and suffering, [288-290]
World’s Fairs, International, [291];
arbitration;
better Christian spirit, among all who bear the name, [291];
Electrical Exposition, [292];
message round the world in 55 minutes, [292], [293]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] George Frisbie Hoar.

[2] Mr. Alfred Plant, of Webster Grove, Missouri, in a letter of December 11, 1897.