Horse stories

 Oct. 12, 1855 -- Brookville American

Ladies' Riding Match

The inclement day, allotted to this performance, unfortunately detained many of the fair expectants within the county from competing for the beautiful Silver Goblet, which was justly awarded to Miss Lavinia Hannah, daughter of Hon. David G. Hannah, of Fairfield township, for her admirable display of Equestrianism, performed on a horse she had never before rode.

The judges regarded her riding as highly meritorious, and unanimously awarded her the premium, although uncontested. She rode a beautiful Roan, single-footed Racker, belonging to Wm. Arnold of Harrison, Ohio. She was greeted by unmistakable evidence of approbation, as she rode around the ring and displayed her prize -- an elegant $10 Silver Cup.

In the Sweepstakes Premium, of a magnificent silver pitcher, worth $20 for the best Lady rider, there were three fair contestants, and notwithstanding the almost incessant falling rain throughout the whole day, the manifest interest of the public to witness the contest for this prize was evidenced by the large and enthusiastic audience assembled around the exhibition ring, as each fair contestant was greeted by the smile and encouragement of the numerous friends and admirers they passed.

Notwithstanding the drenching rain throughout the fore part of the day, there seemed to be a sufficient cessation for the exhibition, favorably allotted and the performance was in view of all of the unfavorable circumstances of a muddy track and lowering day, all that could be desired.

The contestants were Miss Nancy Williams of Rush County, who rode Co. Farquhar's beautiful bay horse "Winfield," a single-footed Racker, Miss Lavinia Hannah of Franklin County, who rode the roan horse of William Arnold; and Miss Oceanica Stone of Fayette County, who rode a large fine bay, a single-footed Racking Horse.

We are frank to say that such exhibitions of female equestrianism have none of the disgusting objections of that exhibited two years ago and we are glad to render what influence we can to encourage it further. 

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Notes: David Graem Hanna(h), son of Robert Hanna and Mary Parks. Married Agnes Taylor and Mary McKinney. Hanna, born in Laurens County, S.C., January 26, 1789. Served in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812; member of Indiana House of Representatives, 1844-45. Died February 19, 1869 (age 80 years, 24 days).

Lavinia Hannah does not show up in cursory searches. It's possible this reference is to Mary Malvina Hanna. The story presents few options for research. House of Hanna, a documentary history by Sarah Hanna, David's youngest daughter, does not mention Lavinia. David's Find-A-Grave page does not link to Lavinia.