Upper Canal in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
James Overall
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018
1. Damaged James Overall Marker, side one
In March 1836, Overall shot a white gang member while defending his home and family from attack; white allies came to his aid. Despite an 1831 Indiana law that barred black testimony against whites in court, he sought legal protection from further attack. Though blacks had few legal rights, a judge affirmed Overall’s “natural” right to defend his family and property.
Erected 2016 by Indiana Historical Bureau and the Society of Indiana Pioneers. (Marker Number 49-2016-1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1836.
Location. 39° 46.519′ N, 86° 10.017′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Indianapolis
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Indiana Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Madame C.J. Walker Timeline (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sigma Theta Tau International (about 400 feet away); Talking Wall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mary Cable / School No. 4 Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); USS Indianapolis CA-35 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . . Indiana Historical Bureau entry for this marker. This page contains annotations for the text used on the marker snd a drawing of his home on West Washington Street. Excerpt:
Calvin Fletcher corroborated Overall’s testimony. In his diary on March 18, 1836, Fletcher wrote “Mr. Blake in great trouble with Burkhart. Negro Overhall [sic] called on me for aid to prevent the lawless aggressions of Burkhart and party.” On the next day, Fletcher wrote “About light in the morning 1 of Overhauls’ sons (a colored man) came and informed me that his father had shot a man who with Burkhart was trying to
Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2018
2. Damaged James Overall Marker, side two
Violence was not unusual in the new state capital. Early Indianapolis historian Ignatius Brown described the growing town and David Burkhart and friends in Indianapolis in the 1830s: “The work on the National Road . . . had attracted many men of bad character and habits to this point. These, banded together under a leader of great size and strength, were long known as ‘the chain gang,’ and kept the town in a half subjugated state. Assaults were often committed, citizens threatened and insulted, and petty outrages perpetrated. . . . ”
Fletcher retrieved his rifle and got Andrew Smith, the constable, to go with him to Washington St. “He took one side & I the other & every man we met was ready on relation of the acts of the outrageous mob headed by Burkhart to turn out & see that the law should be executed.” (Submitted on December 30, 2018.)
Additional keywords. African Methodist Episcopal church Black Methodism
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 235 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
