USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169
JEN
L
J ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 02395 2051
Gc 977.101 H18h 1136109
!
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyofcincinn00nels
1
C O
BUTLE
haker Society
Measanth
Dunlap
STATE
Preston
CROSBY
New Bainmot
New Bufling
Horison
Bevis
Sater
10
LE
RA
N
OF
Barnesburgh
Groesbeck
is 18
katr
Taylors
Creed ville
-
Sheartown
St Jacobs
CI
An
Matai
Mt. Airy
Wesenburg
1
1
Dent
G
FR
E
EN
Cleves
Westwood
North Bend
V
Home City
Covedate
Warsaw
E
Delhi
H
West Riverside
R
R
M
OUNTY
HAMILTON Ohio.
Luth of G S. Mendenhall Cin.O.
STAT
OR
V
Cremor
.S
M
Dry Ridge
fidgetown
INDIANA
1
Mianutown
Mt. Ne
Z
-
.
MA
C
R
New Haven
T
Y
WARREN
C O
Sycamore Church
Preser
220
SharonviNe
Hazlewood
16 Mile Stand
Glendale
Loveland
-
1
-
Symmes
RINGF
E
SYCAMORE
1
A,
Brough
yoming
E
S
Mockla
Reading
A. Sycamore)
N
HartwellE
lamp
Dennison
30
-
Sil. ertony
-
Codage
Carwrage
Plevisant
R
Einwood Place
Montauk
on.
A Bond HMI
M
CREEK
0 Terrace Punk
M
BI
A
Quellow Gx
oakley
Plainville
1
R
-
R
Z
Mt Lookout
Ban
Good.
Newtown
LinwoodSu
Laf
N
Mt. Washington
Colar Pormell
P.
C. G.
D
Forestville
A
Cherry Grave
Fruit Hill
alifornia
Syret Wine
O O CLERMONT
NEWPORT
COVINGTON
OF KENTUCKY
&
M
C
P
1
rood
5
12Madisonville
0
R. R.
& bhntgomery
-
+ -
R
Witz
iminskille
Camden City
O
Rep
M
LEvendale
LURIVer
Springfield
Ruff
Z
HISTORY
OF
CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY,
OHIO;
THEIR PAST AND PRESENT,
- INCLUDING
EARLY SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT; ANTIQUARIAN RESEARCHES: THEIR ABORIGINAL HISTORY; PIONEER HISTORY; POLITICAL ORGAN- IZATION ; AGRICULTURAL, MINING AND MANUFACTURING INTERESTS; A HISTORY OF THE CITY, VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS ; RELIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL, MILITARY AND POLITICAL HISTORY; STAT- ISTICS; BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF PIONEERS AND REPRESENT- ATIVE CITIZENS, ETC.
ILLUSTRATED.
CINCINNATI, OHIO: S. B. NELSON & CO., PUBLISHERS ; S. B. NELSON. J. M. RUNK. 1894.
PREFACE.
1136109
N submitting the History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to its patrons, the publishers acknowledge their indebtedness to a number of local writers of high standing, whose kind services have made it possible to surmount many obstacles and difficulties, and present a work of interest as well as value. Whatever merit, therefore, may attach to the work is largely due to the efforts of the several accom- plished and able contributors who have given their time and labor toward making the book what it is, and to invest it with that variety and interest expected in a local history of this kind. Many histories of Cincinnati have been written, because the field is prolific of data for book making; but no work like this has ever been attempted before. In its chapters are concentrated the thought, style and finish of a variety of cultured minds, which can not fail to produce a whole that is not only possessed of great interest, viewed from a historical standpoint, but should be ac- cepted as a reliable and standard production.
To Mr. John B. Jewett they are indebted for the exceedingly interesting chap- ter on the pre-historic conditions of the country, which is written in his most graceful and inimitable style.
W. H. Venable, LL. D., a writer and author of high standing in Cincinnati and elsewhere, contributes the chapters on the early history of the Miami region, Cin- cinnati past and present, and the progress made in education, literature and art in the Queen City. From his thorough knowledge of these topics, and experience in the field of letters, few men could have been found better qualified for the task.
Hon. D. Thew Wright, a gentleman of ripe experience in the legal profession, contributes an exhaustive chapter on the Bench and Bar, which contains many interesting reminiscences of the early days of practice, together with biographical sketches of men who adorned the Bench and were eminent at the Bar. The writer of this chapter desires to return his acknowledgments, for valuable assistance, to the following individuals: A. W. Whelpley, Librarian of the Public Library; John M. Newton, Librarian of the Young Men's Mercantile Library; Catherine W. Lord, Librarian of the Historical Society; Hon. William H. Taft; Mortimer Matthews; William L. Dickson; Mrs. Josephine Lytle Foster; A. H. McGuffey; Thornton M. Hinkle; Hon. William Worthington; Hon. Judson Harmon; R. W. Carroll, Esq .; Hon. George Hoadly; William Henry Smith, and Mrs. Rufus King.
Rev. Dudley Ward Rhodes, D.D., eminent as a theologian, furnishes a history of the churches and religious organizations of the city, which contains statistical matter of great value to those seeking information of a religious character.
Col. D. W. McClung is the author of the chapters on Indian Warfare, War of 1812, and Cincinnati in the Rebellion. They are full, thorough and exhaustive, and bring vividly to view the thrilling events of early military operations, as well as the exciting scenes of the late war.
The Medical profession is learnedly and ably treated by P. S. Conner, M. D., long a resident of Cincinnati, and eminent as a practitioner. His associations with medical institutions, and thorough knowledge of their workings and status, pecu- liarly fitted him for the task.
iv
PREFACE.
4
Rev. A. S. Dudley, who is well and favorably known in Cincinnati as an able and versatile writer, is the author of the chapter relating to the Scientific Record.
The chapter on Dentistry and the Ohio College of Dental Surgery is from the pen of H. T. Smith, D. D. S., who is the present efficient secretary of this widely- known and second-oldest Dental College in the world.
Lida Bickham Lair, of Dayton, Ohio, who was an active participant in the Cin- cinnati Sanitary Fair, contributes the chapter concerning that patriotic cause.
John F. Meginness, for many years editor of several large and influential newspapers, the author of many valuable histories, and whose thoroughness and accuracy in historical research and narrative have been acquired by a long and va- ried experience in this department of literary effort, is the author of the following chapters: Introductory; Story of the Log Cabin; Parks; Societies, etc .; Cemete- ries; Civil Administration; Press; Germans in Cincinnati; River Transportation; Cincinnati Railroads; Great Floods; Manufactures, and Military and Civil Execu- tion and Riots.
Herbert C. Bell, who is the author of several valuable local histories in Penn- sylvania and other States, compiled the history of the townships.
Acknowledgments are also due Edward P. Budge, manager of the Western Biographical Publishing Company, Cincinnati, for favors shown.
In the biographical department, which was exclusively under the direction and supervision of the publishers, will be found a large number of sketches of families and individuals. This feature is one that never fails to command attention, because it is a means of preserving ancestral and personal history that sooner or later will become valuable, and be cherished as a duty well done, especially by those who interested themselves in furnishing material. On this subject Daniel Webster said: " It is wise for us to recur to the history of our ancestors. Those who are regardless of their ancestors, and of their posterity, who do not look upon themselves as a link connecting the past with the future, in the transmission of life from their ancestors to their posterity, do not perform their duty to the world. To be faithful to ourselves we must keep both our ancestors and their posterity within reach and grasp of our thoughts and our affections; living in the memory and retrospect of the past, and hoping with affection and care for those who are to come after us. We are true to ourselves only when we act with becoming pride for the blood we inherit, and which we are to transmit to those who shall fill our places." In order to secure accuracy in names and dates, the sketches were sub- mitted to the subjects, or their friends, for correction and approval. If errors are detected, the fault must rest with those who revised the sketches.
We take pride in the knowledge that we have redeemed our promises, and fur- nished our patrons a work which every intelligent citizen can justly appreciate. Neither time nor money nor labor has been spared to make the present volume an- authentic and reliable source of information, wherein are perpetuated the trials and achievements of the heroic pioneers, and the subsequent growth and development. of one of the most important cities and counties in the United States.
S. B. NELSON & CO.
S. B. NELSON.
J. M. RUNK.
-
CONTENTS.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
When Hamilton County was Erected, and by Whom-Its Boundaries, Area and Population -Why Cincinnati was so Named-St. Clair, the First Territorial Governor-Who He Was, What He Did and How He Died. 17- 23
CHAPTER II. THE MOUND-BUILDERS.
Introductory-The Turner Group-The Newtown Group-The Madisonville Remains- Mound-Builders at Red Bank-The Cincinnati Works-Fort Miami-Other Works in the County-The Mound-Builders and the Ancient Nations of Mexico. 23- 28
.
CHAPTER III.
FIRST PIONEER SETTLEMENTS-THE FRONTIER PERIOD.
The United States in 1786-The Northwest Territory-Visit to the Miami Country-Stites and Symmes-Organization of the First Colonies-Settlement of Columbia, Losantiville, and North Bend-Covalt Station-Beginning of Indian Hostilities-Fort Washing- ton Built-Hamilton County Formed-New Settlements-Indians Attack Dunlap's Station-Indian Warfare Continued-First Townships Formed-Mercersburg-White's Station-Runyan's Station-White's Station Attacked-Increase of Settlements and 29- 43 Townships-Close of the Frontier Period.
CHAPTER IV. STORY OF THE LOG CABIN.
The Pioneer in Search of a Home and Religious Liberty-How He Appeared-The In- dian Reads the Destiny of His Race in the Curling Smoke-The Brush Habitation and the Real Log Cabin-How it Appeared-Mighty Changes Wrought in a Hundred .43- 50 Years
CHAPTER V.
CINCINNATI, PAST AND PRESENT.
Introductory Outline-First Accounts of the Miami Country-Ohio Under French Rule- Under English Rule-The Ordinance of 1784-The Ordinance of 1787-The Old North- west-The Ohio Land Company of Massachusetts-Settlement of Marietta-The Miami Purchase-Settlement of Columbia-Losantiville-Location of Cincinnati-Primitive Cincinnati-Agriculture Creates Cincinnati-Development of Commerce-Manufactur- ing in Cincinnati-Statistical View of Cincinnati in 1825-Then and Now-A Rich City -A Cosmopolitan City-A. Center of Education-A Unique and Picturesque City-The Suburbs-The Streets and Buildings-The People of Cincinnati; Their Number, Char- acteristics and Amusements-Conclusion. 50- 79
vi
CONTENTS.
4
CHAPTER VI.
PARKS, SOCIETIES AND OBJECTS OF INTEREST.
Picturesque Scenery and Lovely Parks-The Garden of Eden-Secret Societies and Social Clubs-Public Buildings and Institutions-The Post Office and its Business-Police and Fire Departments-Zoological Garden-Banks and Banking .. 79- 93
CHAPTER VII. SCIENTIFIC RECORD.
Early Tendencies-Prominent Names-Dr. Daniel Drake-Astronomical Survey of Public Lands-Col. Jared Mansfield-Prof. Ormsby Mitchell. 94- 96
CHAPTER VIII.
EDUCATION IN CINCINNATI.
The First Schools-Other Early Schools, Seminaries, Colleges, Etc .- Public Schools, their Organization, Superintendents, Etc .- History of the High Schools-Normal School- University - Observatory - Ohio Mechanics' Institute -Technical School - Private Schools since the Public Schools were Organized-Other Schools, Institutes and Col- leges-Law School-Medical Education-Lane Theological Seminary-St. Xavier Col- lege-Other Roman Catholic Schools-Hebrew Union College-Music-Art Academy- Society of Natural History-Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio-Clubs and
96-155 Societies-Educational Journals-Libraries ..
CHAPTER IX.
BENCH AND BAR.
Early Courts and Lawyers-Criminal Court-The New Constitution-Courthouses-Cin- cinnati Law Library-Superior Court and Other Courts-Biographies of Eminent and Prominent Jurists 156-195
CHAPTER X. CHURCHES.
Introductory - Presbyterian Church - Presbyterian Reformed - Methodist Episcopal Church-Other Methodist Churches-New Jerusalem Church-The Friends-Baptist Church-Protestant Episcopal Church-Congregational Churches-Unitarian Church -Judaism-Lutheran Churches-Disciples of Christ-German Evangelical Protestant Church-Roman Catholic Church-Miscellaneous Churches-Statistics. 195-218
CHAPTER XI. CEMETERIES.
First Public Burial Ground in Cincinnati-Later Cemeteries-Spring Grove Cemetery Company and Cemetery-The Cincinnati Cremation Company-The Crematory . .. . 219-221
CHAPTER XII. MEDICAL.
Pioneer Physicians-The First Faculty of Cincinnati-Daniel Drake and Others-Later Arrivals-Sanitary Ordinances-Boards of Health-Medical Colleges-Dental Schools -Hospitals-Asylums-Cincinnati Training School for Nurses-Medical Societies- Medical Journals-Medical Libraries-Brief Sketches of some Eminent Physicians, 221-239.
vii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
DENTAL SURGERY.
The Ohio College of Dental Surgery 240-242
CHAPTER XIV. CIVIL ADMINISTRATION.
Incorporation of the Village and City of Cincinnati-Civil Officers from the Beginning- Roster of County Officials-State Senators and Representatives of Hamilton County- United States Senators and Representatives-Incidents and Contests-Political Con-
243-254 ventions ..
CHAPTER XV. THIE PRESS OF CINCINNATI.
When the First Paper was Founded and by Whom-Its Numerous Successors-A Long Line of Political, Literary and Religious Publications-An Office Mobbed and De- stroyed-Cincinnati Directories-Names of All Publications in 1893. .254-268
CHAPTER XVI.
THE GERMANS IN CINCINNATI.
Early and Distinguished Settlers-First History of the Town Written by Heckewelder- The First Executive Officer of the Town a German-Long Line of Men Eminent in Literature and the Professions-Great Results. 268-277
CHAPTER XVII. RIVER TRANSPORTATION AND TRADE.
From the Canoe to the Steamboat-How Early Emigrants Descended the River-The Flat and Keel Boats-Currency in Use Among the First Settlers-The Mail Carried by Canoe-First Line of Packets-Appearance of the Steamboat-Its Rise and Decline- Seagoing Vessels-Vast Commerce by River. 277-287
CHAPTER XVIII.
CINCINNATI RAILROADS.
The Little Miami, the First Railroad Built into Cincinnati-Its Early History and Struggles-The Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, and the "Big Four " Systems-Other Early and Important Lines-The "Queen & Crescent"-Suburban Steam Railways --
Street Railway Service of Cincinnati
287-300
CHAPTER XIX.
GREAT FLOODS IN THE OHIO.
Earliest Great Flood Known to White Men-Table showing the Stage of High Water for Sixty Years-The Freshets of 1847 and 1883-Great Flood of 1884-Table Showing the Rise and Fall of the Water During February-Work of Relief Committees-Physical History of the Flood. 301-313
1
viii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XX.
MANUFACTURES.
Statistics and Facts Bearing on the Productive Industries of Cincinnati-Eligible Location for Manufacturing-Millions of Dollars Invested and Thousands of Hands Employed- Enormous Extent of the Brewing Business-Capital Employed. .313-332
CHAPTER XXI. INDIAN WARFARE-WAR OF 1812.
The "Miami Slaughter House"-Indian Warfare and Treaties-Cincinnati a Strategic Point in War, Commerce and Trade-Fort Washington-Expeditions Against the Indians-Final Destruction of the Indian Confederacy-Cincinnati in the Indian Wars -War of 1812-13-Warlike Feeling in Cincinnati-Recruiting-Military Sent to the Front-Conclusion 332-343
CHAPTER XXII.
CINCINNATI IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Anti-Slavery Versus Pro-Slavery Sentiments-Intensity of Popular Feeling-The First Gun Fired - Cincinnati's Noble Response to the First Call for Troops -- Later Enlist- ments-Her Southern Neighbors-The Burnet Rifles-Members of the Literary Club in the Service-The United States Sanitary Commission-The Cincinnati Branch of Same-Western Sanitary Fair-The Cincinnati Christian Commission-Exciting Alarms-Conclusion 344-361
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE CINCINNATI SANITARY FAIR.
The Sanitary Commission-The Sanitary Fair-Sanitary Bazaar. 361-363
CHAPTER XXIV.
MILITARY AND CIVIL EXECUTIONS-RIOTS.
First Military and First Civil Executions-Military Riot of 1792, the Pro-Slavery Riots of 1836, the Bank Riot of 1842, the Jail Riot of 1849, and the Bedini Riot of 1853-Memor- able and Bloody Riots of 1884-Destruction of the Courthouse 363-378
CHAPTER XXV.
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP.
Boundaries-Covalt's Station-Organization-First Purchasers-Villages-Churches. .. 378-380
CHAPTER XXVI. COLERAIN TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Pioneer History-Roads and Streams-Villages-Churches 381-386
CHAPTER XXVII. COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Boundaries-Pioneer History-Villages-Churches 386-396
ix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII. CROSBY TOWNSHIP.
Geography-Land Purchases-New Haven-New Baltimore-Whitewater-Churches. . 396-398
CHAPTER XXIX. DELHI TOWNSIIIP.
Extent and Topography-Villages-Religious Organizations. .398-404
CHAPTER XXX. GREEN TOWNSIIIP.
Topography - Principal Highways - Early History and Organization - Villages - Churches 404-411
CHAPTER XXXI.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
Erection and Boundaries-Founding, Growth, Business and Industrial Interests, and Municipal Government of Harrison-Churches. 411-415
CHAPTER XXXII.
MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
Interesting Historic Associations - North Bend - Cleves - Addyston-Fern Bank- 415-417 Churches
CHAPTER XXXIII. MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Location-Early Historic Associations-Carthage-Clifton-Avondale-College Hill-Win- ton Place - Mt. Airy - Elmwood Place - St. Bernard - Bond Hill - Idlewild- Churches 418-427
CHAPTER XXXIV. SPENCER TOWNSIIIP.
Geography-Early History-Linwood-Churches ...... 428
CHAPTER XXXV.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Geographical Position-Early History-Taxables in 1809-Mt. Healthy-Lockland-Glen- dale - Wyoming-Hartwell-Springdale-New Burlington-Woodlawn-Churches- Schools 429-446
CHAPTER XXXVI.
SYCAMORE TOWNSHIP.
Early History and Organization-Villages-Churches-Odd Fellows Home at Rossmoyne -Educational .447-456
CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. SYMMES TOWNSHIP.
Location-Villages-Churches. 457-458
CHAPTER XXXVIII. WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP.
;Political Development-The Whitewater and Miami Valley Pioneer Association-Pioneer History-Miamitown-Elizabethtown -- Churches. 458-463
CHAPTER XXXIX.
APPENDIX.
«Census of Cincinnati City and Hamilton County, 1890. ... 464-465
PART II.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Biographies Pertaining to Cincinnati 469- 923
Biographies of Hamilton County, outside of Cincinnati. 923-1042
MISCELLANEOUS.
Part I
17- 465
Part II
469-1042
Index .
1043
Map of Hamilton County
xii-xiii
PART I.
HISTORICAL.
.
1
عقـ
CINCINNATI
AND
HAMILTON COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
WIIEN HAMILTON COUNTY WAS ERECTED, AND BY WHOM-ITS BOUNDARIES, AREA AND POPULATION-WHY CINCINNATI WAS SO NAMED-ST. CLAIR THE FIRST TERRITORIAL GOVERNOR-WHO HE WAS, WHAT HE DID AND HOW HE DIED.
H AMILTON COUNTY, of which Cincinnati is the seat, was created by procla- mation issued by Gen. Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Terri- tory, January 4, 1790. The proclamation is dated January 2nd, but it was not promulgated until the 4th. The former date, however, is generally accepted as the official beginning of its existence. Hon. John Cleves Symmes, the original pur- chaser of a large tract of Miami lands, and who had reached the territory in advance of the governor, claimed that he was given the privilege of naming the county, and he chose the name of Hamilton, in honor of Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury. At the same time Governor St. Clair gave to the village the name of Cincinnati, in lieu of that pedantic compound, "L'Os-anti-ville," which had been invented by John Filson.
In the "Life and Public Services of Arthur St. Clair," his accomplished biog- rapher informs us that the governor, secretary and the judges were old Revolution- ary soldiers, and most of them were members of the Society of the Cincinnati. Washington, Hamilton and St. Clair were original and prominent members of that society, and personal friends. The name of Washington, therefore, was given to the first county formed in Ohio, and that of his distinguished aid to the second. And what is more natural, too, tban that the military, social and benevolent society which was organized after the war, in which they were conspicuous figures, for the purpose of perpetuating the memory of that struggle for freedom, and affording aid to the survivors, should also be remembered by St. Clair in naming what is now a great city ?
And to carry out this idea, in a short time, the name of St. Clair was given to the third (now in Illinois) county, and that of Gen. Knox, who was concerned in the drafting of the charter of the society, to the fourth, by Secretary Sargent, who took good care to see that his own chief was not neglected in the records.
The original boundaries of Hamilton county were as follows: Beginning at the mouth of the Little Miami; thence down the Ohio river to the mouth of the Big Miami, and up said stream to the Standing Stone Forks; thence in a straight line due east to the Little Miami, then down that stream to the place of beginning.
2
18
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
This vast district comprised about one-eighth of the present State of Ohio. In a short time the following counties were created out of territory which originally belonged to Hamilton: Clermont, 1800; Montgomery, 1803; Warren, 1803; Greene, 1803; Butler, 1804; Champaign, 1805; Miami, 1807; Preble, 1808; Darke, 1809; Clinton, 1810. As now constituted, Hamilton is bounded on the east by Clermont, south by the Ohio river, the line being low-water mark on the north side, west by Dearborn county, Indiana, and north by Butler and Warren counties. The present area is about 3552 square miles, or 227,516 acres. The county has the largest city, and is the most populous and wealthy in the State.
The United States census gives the population by decades as follows: 1800, 14,692; 1810, 15,258; 1820, 31,076; 1830, 52,317; 1840, 80,145; 1850, 156,844; 1860, 216,410; 1870, 260,370; 1880, 313,374; 1890, 374,573. Value of farm lands in 1890, $19,547,920; of city and village real estate, $152,452, 720; chattels, $50,- 351,390; total, $222,352,670. Total taxes levied for all purposes in 1890, $1,392,- 904.78. The personal property duplicate for 1892 was $52,162,653; in 1893 it was $50,666,222, a decline of $1,496,431, caused by the workings of the Nichols law. The census of 1890 gave Cincinnati proper a population of 296,908; it exceeds 300,000 to-day. And if the suburbs could be counted, which are practically a part of the city, it would reach, if not exceed, 350,000.
Settlements within the present limits of the county-principally along the river -were made two years before its erection by Gen. St. Clair, and many thrilling adventures and narrow escapes occurred, which will be found fully described in the chapters to follow.
The county having been established by proclamation, the next step was the announcement by the governor of the appointment of court officers, in order that the wheels of justice might be set in motion. Officers were appointed and courts established at Cincinnati much in the same manner [St. Clair Papers, Vol. I, p. 162] they were at Marietta, Washington county, September 2, 1788. On that occa- sion an impressive ceremony was observed by the Territorial officials. At Cincinnati William Goforth, William Wells and William McMillan were appointed judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Justices of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace. Israel Ludlow was made clerk of the several courts, and Cincinnati was declared to be the county seat. In addition to the foregoing, the following appointments were also made: Jacob Topping, Benjamin Stites and John Stites Gano, Justices of the Peace; John Brown, gentleman, Sheriff. Military officers were also named.
Having performed this duty, the governor issued a proclamation on the 5th of January, 1790, directing that " the Justices of the Peace hold their courts of Gen- eral Quarter Sessions of the Peace at the town of Cincinnati, on the first Tuesdays in February, May, August and November; and the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas hold their courts at the same place on the first Thursdays of May and Novem- ber." Thus was the civil government of Hamilton county organized one hundred and four years ago.
The governor then hurried down the river to the Falls, where he arrived on the 8th, made some appointments for Clarksville, and then hastened on to Kaskaskia, where he arrived March 5, 1790. After some preliminary business, a proclamation was issued erecting the county of St. Clair April 27, 1790. Judicial officers were also appointed. This was the third county erected in the Northwest Territory. The hostile attitude of the savages of this great domain caused the governor much uneasiness, and how to appease them was the problem that perplexed him.
When Governor St. Clair arrived at Losantiville [Cincinnati] the settlement consisted of two small hewed log houses and several cabins. Maj. Doughty, under orders from Gen. Harmar, was engaged with a small military force in finishing the construction of Fort Washington. The population of the rude village, exclusive of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.