The reason for Rody’s selection of this spot was another proof of his profound selfishness.
In his reckless, generous days, he had, on the occasion of a visit to Columbus, been the means of saving from insult and outrage a Seminole chief, who had visited the capital upon some business connected with the State Government.
This act of generosity had been impulsive; but, to the Indian, it assumed the proportion of a life-long debt.
In the fulness of his gratitude, the chief caused papers and titles to be drawn up in Rody’s favour, giving a grant of a portion of his own property lying on the shores of Tampa Bay.
The Indian chief was named Oluski.
The grant of land was the settlement we have spoken of.
Rody, at the time, made light of Oluski’s gratitude, and thrust the title into his desk without bestowing a second thought on the matter.
Now, in his days of worldly wisdom, these papers with the Seminole’s emblematic signature, were brought to light with a very different appreciation.
He saw that they represented value.
Elias Rody accordingly determined to make use of them.