USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 2 > Part 27
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In 1809 Andrew Lewis killed one of the largest deer ever seen in this section. Its horns were enormous, and old hunters pronounced them the largest they had ever seen. Game abounded here between 1800 and 1820. Mr. Lewis says he could have killed fourteen deer one morning going from his home to Millville-all broadside shots. "I have caught hundreds of wild turkeys in turkey-pens, and have seen this country fairly alive with squirrels, ground-hogs, opossums, raccoons, foxes, wolves, and deer." He also says, "I have often caught as many as a dozen turkeys in a single day, and I re- member once that I took out of my pen twenty-seven large gobblers at one time ; the smallest would not weigh less than fifteen pounds."
MILLVILLE.
Millville was laid out May 23, 1815, by Joseph Van Horne, who previously had taken up his residence in this community. There soon gathered around him and his grist-mill, erected in 1805, by Joel Williams, a large and busy class of people, all intent upon making money and buying land. The first roads, therefore, naturally led in the direction of Van Horne's mill. From Hamilton to Reily and on to the State line, the first read, part of the time, followed the dividing line of the townships to Milt- ville, but zigzagged through the woods in a very irregular course. From Millville it took the same direction pretty much as the Reily pike How does, and ended, as far as Butler County is concerned, near where Walker Chapel stands. This highway was one of the roads which tapped the bordering counties, and, forming a janetion with the Oxford road near Millville, poured a constant stream of produce into Cincinnati, by the way of Venice. In 1810
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Obadiah Welliver kept a tavern-stand on this road above Bunker Hill, on the bank of Indian Creek, east side, where, until his death, he fed many a hungry hog-driver and teamster. Another road, but of less importance, ran from Darrtown to Hamilton. The Oxford road, per- haps the most important highway in the township, was located about where the present pike runs. It was here as early as 1820, and at that time was used by a large traveling public. These roads named are now the most important, as they were then, in the county.
David Doner, on Section 27, on a little branch of - Indian Creek, known as Kumler's Run, had a still-house at an early day. William Salmon had another here on Section 19, on Salmon's Run, early in 1808. This still-house was in operation for twenty-five years. Alex- ander Moore, on Section 22, was here in early times. Philip McGonigle and Richard Martindale had distilleries in 1830, on Section 7. Robert Beckett had a very large whisky manufactory in Section 14. Michael Yeakle had another on the north-west corner of Seetion 8. John Morse had one on Section 22, and James Willis another on Section 23. J. Heitzman was also in the same branch of business on Seetion 26. Philip Shafer was also a dis- tiller where Alexander Emrick now lives. Near the toll- gate, on the Riley and Oxford pike, Michael Hawk had a large steam distillery in 1827. George Shafer had a still-house as early as 1820, on Section 33. From 1820- 1850, Andrew Lewis, Sen., had a large still-house on Indian Creek, on Section 30. Most of these establish- nients were in operation from 1810 to 1830. Many had grist-mills connected with them, or at least the necessary machinery to grind corn for meal.
Matthew Hueston, who owned all of Seetions 1 and 2, and a quarter each out of 11 and 12, had a grist-mill, built by Joel Williams in 1809, on Four-Mile, in the south-west corner of Section 1. Williams was a mill- wright by trade, who came from the East about 1803, and built six mills in the Miami Valley, near Hamilton. Mr. Hneston afterwards added a very extensive still- honse to the grinding department. These he continued to run, adding a saw-mill in the mean time, for many years, though the property passed through several mem- bers of his family as to ownership. The grist depart- ment was propelled by a large undershot water-wheel. It is yet standing, but used for a stable, and is seareely recognizable.
Andrew Lewis, Jr., and brother built an undershot saw-mill on Indian Creek, Seetion 30, in the south-west corner, in 1827. One of the shares was soon sold to James Lewis. In 1830, or thereabouts, the still-house was added. These establishments went down in eight or ten years. There are a few remnants still to be seen. Andrew Lewis's, Jr., still-house was on the same site as his son's. One of the remarkable features connected with these establishments was a stream of water from a one and a quarter inch iron pipe driven into the ground to
the depth of twenty feet, from which water still runs with undiminished regularity. When the pipe was first put down the water rose to the height of ten feet. It is strongly tinctured with iron.
Ezekiel and Maxwell Ross built a tub-wheel grist and saw mill on Indian Creek about twenty rods below the Bethel Church, in 1815. The Ross mill passed into possession of Jacob Zinn, and from him to Robert Moore and P. B. Shafer in 1847; in one year the former be- came owner, and in 1861 the mill ceased to run alto- gether. Nothing remains to mark the site but a race overgrown with willows and weeds.
STILLWELL'S CORNERS.
Jacob Stillwell's corner was known far and wide in Butler County fifty years ago. In the forks of the road, one of which takes the direction of the State line and the other toward Oxford, in Seetion 7, was a frame steam grist and saw mill and still-house. The still-house was built about 1830, and the mills in 1835 or 1836. The flour- ing department was three stories high. For many years this mill ground the grain for a large section of country. Mr. Stillwell was also engaged as a tavern and store- keeper, the former about 1854. Richard Martindale afterwards rented the property of Mrs. Thomas McCul- loch, and carried on the tavern-keeping business for twenty-five or thirty years. The old tavern stand is now occupied by Thomas Roll.
In 1837 Thomas and John Niehol had a horse-mill on Stony Run, which lasted for a considerable length of time.
Near the Zeigler grave-yard, in 1805, James Kay carried on blacksmithing. He is supposed to have been the first resident blacksmith in the township. By birth Ray was a Pennsylvanian.
About 1825, when Bethel Church was in her prime, William Calloway carried on blacksmithing near the mouth of Salmon's Run. Daniel Sortman and Michael Emrick were early blacksmi hs on Seetion 29, in the north-west quarter. John Reese, in 1815, was a black- smith on Seetion 21, in the south-west corner, where he owned twenty-eight acres of land. In the east end of the township, a Mr. Murphy carried on the same trade along in the twenties.
SCHOOLS.
Hanover Township is made up pre-eminently of farmers. These men, with their wives, were not long in establishing a system of education. The first school in the neighborhood of Bethel was a log-house which stood between the church and the mouth of Salmon's Run. An- drew Lewis, Jr. (the present old gentleman), was the teacher here in 1809 or 1810. After him came Alexan- der Martin, when the house burned down. The house was rebuilt half a mite below on the same road, near where the Oxford and Reily Pikes unite. This house was here in 1817. Some of the teachers were Griffith
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und Evan Morris, residents of Paddy's Run. Previous to 1817 a school was conducted in a little log-house where Mr. Lewis now lives, on the Oxford Pike. It was a hewed log-house in which the school was kept, standing here until 1830.
The first school-house in the central part of Hanover stood near the old voting precinct on the State road from Hamilton to Oxford, on the north-west quarter of Section 22, then owned by John Morse. The house was a hewed log, put up about 1825, before the township was districted; and at the time districts were created was made one of those subdivisions. This house lasted for twenty years, but is now gone. Among the teachers here were Andrew Lester, Joseph Douty, and Jasper Brauden, a Yankee, all inen who left a deep impression on the boys and girls who made up their schools.
On the north-east corner of Section 26 a school was taught in a log house, without a floor, in 1820. This house stood on the bank of Two-Mile Creek; the teacher was John Ducat. After one year the house was used for other purposes. Some of the scholars were Robert Moore, born in Hanover Township in 1815, and residing there all his life; the Wiekards, who were from Penn- sylvania ; the Doners, of Pennsylvania; the children of Henry Wanson and J. Heitzman. On the section lying north, No. 23, a school was kept by John W. Caldwell in 1825, on the farm now owned by J. H. Bell, on the old State road. This house burned down. The scholars here were those taught by Ducat, except some members of the Morrison, Pellam, and Vestry families.
Thomas Nichol, or " Uncle Tommy Nichol," as he is generally called, says he " attended five schools in the northi-eastern part of the township that had no floors, no loft, no window-glass, and none of your modern seats, desks, globes, and maps." These houses have all dis- appeared.
CHURCHES.
Bethel Chapel, or as it was called from 1815 to 1818, Indian Creek Church, is one of the most important relig- ions institutions in the western half of Butler County.
"Ou Sabbath Day," the Church record says, "June 24, 1815, Rev. Mr. Hayden preached and appointed a meeting of the congregation on the succeeding day for the purpose of organizing a Church. June 25th the congre- gation met agreeable to appointment. After the sermon was preached, the congregation proceeded to the election of members of the session. Rev. Mr. Hayden was chosen moderator; when Ezekiel Ross, Joseph Van Horne, Smith Williams, Daniel Baker, and William Mitchell were Jected, after which Joseph Van Horne was appointed clerk of the Church for the purpose of recording the pro- cerdings." The record goes ou and says, " Mrs. Juliet, G. Tumor had a child baptized. Sabbath, July 30th, was a day appointed for the administration of the Lord's- wupper. On Saturday preceding, the widow Margaret
Craven had two children baptized, as also did Mrs. Cath- arine Ross, wife of Aaron Ross. Two of the elders elected, Joseph Van Horne and Ezekiel Ross, formally ordained, proceeded to forin or constitute a session. Among the members were David Baker, his wife Fanny. and family, from Duck Creek Church, Ohio; Juliet G. Tumor, David Ross, Alexander Cragmile, John and Margaret Harper, Joseph and Martha Van Horne, Miss and Mrs. Rebecca Van Horne, Garrett Van Ausdall, Sen., William Mitchell, Matthias Roll and Mary, his wife, and Martha Dick, from the Hamilton Church; Margaret Craven, from Harmony Church, Pennsyl- vania ; Ann Hawkins, from Rahway Church, New Jersey; Ezekiel and Ruth Ross, Ames, Lydia, Mrs. Catharine, and Mrs. Maria Ross, from Westfield, New Jersey; Smith and Mary Williams, from Cincinnati Church ; Mrs. Charity Stineman. from a church in the forks of the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, and Hannah Martin, from Millintown Church, Pennsylvania. The elders first elected were Smith Williams, David Baker, and William Mitchell, but the latter declined to serve. The first ordinance was administered by the Rev. William Gray and the Rev. John Thompson. There were thirty-one communicants of the congregation, besides several from neighboring Churches. In May, 1816, at the invitation and request of the congregation of the Indian Creek Church, the Rev. John Boyd came and settled as stated pastor. Joseph Van Horne was ap- pointed to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery, May 28th." In April, 1817, there were forty-three members.
David Monfort, one of the most successful pastors which the Church ever bad, preached his first sermon to this people the 14th of September, 1817. He was chosen in the preceding August at a salary of three hun- dred and fifty dollars, which was made up by subscrip- tion. The first death in the Church occurred on the 13th of September, 1817. On the 21st of January, 1818, the Rev. Mr. Monfort preacher at the residence of Ne- hemiah Wade, and baptized his daughter, Letitia Cham- bers. who was born the 25th of November preceding. In 1818 there were reported to the Presbytery eighty- three members; and in October, 1819, ninety-one mem- bers. It is here we find the first mention of the name Bethel, which must have been changed from Indian Creek Church early in the year. Mr. Monfort was con- tinualiy preaching throughout the county and baptizing many. In 1820 there were one hundred and twenty- seven members; 1821, one hundred and fifty-four ; 1822, one hundred and seventy-seven; 1825, one hun- dred and eighty-four. Mr. Van Horne was an excellent penman and kept the proceedings of the Church in a full and handsome manner. The pastorship of Mr. Monfort was very successful. Under his preaching the Church prospered wonderfully, as evinced by the membership in 1825.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Bethel Church stands on the Reily pike, about two miles and a half above Millville, very nearly on the line which separates sections Nos. 31 and 32, equally distant from the east and west side. An old toll-gate formerly stood opposite the church. From 1815 to 1843 the im- portance of this point as a place of holding preaching was very great. When people first began to assemble here, along in the '20's and '30's, they brought their din- ners with them, and put in the day attending divine worship. The site of Bethel was selected because, at that time, there were no Presbyterian Churches for miles in all directions. From Venice came the Wades, Butter- fields, Hungerfords, Willeys, Clarks, Dieks, Andersons, and others; from the direction of Hamilton came the Kumlers, Wiekards, Moores, Emrieks, Timbermans ; from the north, the Grays, Wards, Stephenses, Bradys, and dozens more, many of whom have long sinee passed be- yond; from Paddy's Run eame the people of that enterpris- ing community in great numbers. These persons made a congregation of great respectability ; and henceforward the Church continued to prosper. Serviees were often held in distant farm-houses, at the bidding of a score of the members.
In 1828 the Rev. A. B. Gilliland, father of Carey Gilliland, now of Venice, took charge of Bethel. In the mean time a parsonage had been erected, now occupied by Mr. Robert Moore, where the ministers took up their abode. Here they were always found, ready to lend a helping hand and administer to the wants of the un- fortunate. Gilliland was a man of large intelleet and an excellent singer.
As the membership continued to grow under Messrs. Gilliland and John S. Weaver, and a number of less prominent pastors, there naturally sprang up a desire in the hearts of many of the members to have a Church nearer at home. This feeling resulted in the Venice Presbyterian Church, in 1828, and some time afterwards a Church at Reily. These Churches reduced the attend- anee and membership somewhat, but still the old Church was full of life. Not until 1873 was Bethel abandoned, when the Millville Presbyterian Church was erected. The old church had grown out of date, with its old-fash- ioned furniture.
The Bethel Church at Millville is a handsome briek building, capable of holding six hundred people. It is nicely furnished. The building is principally an addition to the old school-house, with the walls raised and a vesti- bule and steeple added. The line dividing the townships of Ross and Hanover passes through the north-west eor- ner of the house.
The following are inscriptions from the Bethel bury- ing-ground, which was given by Andrew Lewis's father. The ground ou which the old church stands was from Ezekiel Ross. Mr. Lewis is the only member of the building committee -- composed of three members -- who is yet living.
A large monument reads: Samuel Dick, departed this life August 1, 1846; aged S2. Martha Allen, consort of Samnel Dick. Ezekiel Ross, the father of a large and respectable pos- terity in this and other townships, departed this life Febru- ary 13, 1845; aged SS. Ruth Ross, his wife, died November 10, 1819, in the 62d year of her age. Among the first buri- als here was Smith Williams, one of the original members of the Church, who departed this life April 22, 1819, in the 57th year of his age; also his wife, Polly Williams, who died April 11, 1828, in the 61st year of her age. Nenian Beaty, a large land-owner among the pioneers who lived on Section 33, immediately north of Millville, was born March 26, 1787, and died February 21, 1857. Jane, wife of Nenian Beaty, was born November 12, 1785, and died March 8, 1838. A very peculiar block of marble, in the shape of a full-size coffin, reads: James Beaty, died February 26, 1863; aged 78 years. Jane, wife of James Beaty, died November 26, 1864; aged 68. In memory of Jacob Denman, who was born Jan- uary 5, 1782; died November 13, 1834. Also his wife, who was born December 12, 1783, and who died April 13, 184S. Both natives of Essex County, New Jersey. Here lies an- other pioneer: Nathaniel Briant was born in Westfield, New Jersey, October 18, 1776; died September 18, 1859. Eliza- beth, wife of Nathaniel Briant, a native of Westfield, New Jersey, died October 27, 1856; aged 77 years, 2 months. Ellis Hand, a native of New Jersey, died March 20, 1837 ; aged $2 years, 1 month, and five days. Hannah, his wife, died February 19, 1858; aged 87 years and 4 months. In memory of John Dungan, who departed this life January 29, 1843, in the 7ist year of his age. The Rosses were old men in this part of the county in 1800, as witness these: William Ross departed this life January 12, 1831, in the 91st. year of his age. Jacob Ross, born August 13, 1781; died March 13, 1859.
In the north-west corner of the yard we find: Mary, wife of Dr. R. D. Herron, who died January 26, 1847 ; aged 29. Margaret, wife of Charles Chambers, departed this life May 21, 1847 ; aged 77. In memory of Margaret Hindman, who died August 22, 1836; aged 76 years. Robert Crawford, born December 4, 1788; died August 21, 1864. Elizabeth, wife of Robert Crawford, born April 5, 1798; died April 29, 1853. Andrew Lewis, Sen., a native of Ireland, and an early pioneer in the West, died March 26, 1847; aged 84. Martha, wife of Andrew Lewis, Sen., died February 22, 1852; aged 77. All the above, from Mrs. Dr. Herron, are in the north-west corner of the yard.
Thomas Tracy died July 5, 1849; aged 80. Rebecca, his wife, died October 29, 1851, in the 66th year of her age. Adam Bowman, died September 11, 1853; aged 92. Mary, wife of Adam Bowman, born November 23, 1789, died July 27, 1835. Joseph Van Ausdall, died August 7, 1834; aged 49. Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Van Ausdali, died October 15, 1825; aged 43. In memory of Lewis Williams, who ched August 29, 1840; aged 69. Chloe, wife of Lewis Williams, departed this life March 11, 1833, in the 64th year of her age. In memory of James Haslet, who died November 28, 1834; aged 65. Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of James Haslet, who departed this life March 2, 1826; aged 44. John Sendder, died April 7, 1839; aged 37. Susanna Seudder, died October 28, 1862; aged 92. David Baker, Sen., died April 11, 1855; aged $3. Fanny, wife of David Baker, Sen., died June 3, 1831; aged 59. Benjamin James de- parted this life November 11, 1848; aged 74. In memory of Jane, wife of Benjamin James, who died March 1, 1953; aged 76. Here lies another of the Ross family: Sacred to
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the memory of Cermon Ross, who departed this life July 25, ' 1534, in the 54th year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Car- maon Ross, died July 11, 1865; aged 83. Sacred to the mem- ory of Randolph Ross, who departed this life January 30, 1.834, in the 32d year of his age. Ellis John, died Septem- ber 3, 1859; aged 94. Margaret, wife of Ellis John, died October 10, 1833; aged 33.
These complete a partial list of some two hundred and seventy-five persons who have been buried here. Bethel is seldom used now.
The Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church stands in the extreme south-west corner of Section 7, almost on the township line. It is supposed to be one of the oldest societies on the circuit, but the exact date of its organiza- tion is not known. It is not improbable that this Church was organized as early as 1817. The first meetings in this neighborhood were held in private houses. In 1822 " log church was built, a few feet north of where the present church stands. It was dedieated by the Rev. John P. Durbin. The brick house was built in 1833. Thomas A. Morris, presiding elder, afterwards bishop, preached the dedieation sermon. This house, in 1860, was the strongest point on the Venice circuit. In 1867, during the pastorate of Rev. W. N. Williams, an effort was made to build a new church and locate it at Woods' Station. A considerable amount of money was subscribed, but the enterprise failed. In 1868 the Rev. N. C. Parish introduced the first catechisms into the Sunday-school. The pastor in charge catechised the school once in four weeks.
One of the most prominent of all the early members of this Church was Ebenezer Woods, an exhorter, who settled about one mile south, on one of the tributaries of' Salmon's Run. It was after Mr. Woods the Church was named. The ground on which the church stands, con- taining one acre, both for the house and burying-ground, was a part of a body of land comprising eighty-eight acres, owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, whose husband made the presentation. Some of the other members were Corry Conkling, Hiram Griffis, John Maione, the latter of whom is living, and their wives, with portions of their families. Among their ministers were John Baughman, Arthur W. Elliott, John Waterman, all of whom were abdle men. The Rev. Messrs. Flint, Steel, and Tibbitts were here in early times. A full list of the preachers of this circuit will be found in the history of the Venice Methodist Episcopal Church.
During the last decade Ebenezer has undergone many important changes. About 1854 the Old and New School and the Associate Reformed Churches united and built a church at MeGonigle's. The members of the different societies were front Bethel, Oxford, and Darr- town Churches. For several years this congregation was prosperous, but in time there came dissensions which re- sulted finally in the abandonnent of the church. There were also removals aud deaths. Some of the members Were Samuel Lintner, William Effiott, Michael Yeakle,
James Simley, James Beekett, Thomas Nichol, David P. Nelson, a man of ripe enlture, who graduated at Oxford, and afterward filled the position of principal of the Mill- ville High School. Rev. Daniel Teuney, of the Oxford Female Seminary, represented the New School Presby- terians; Rev. Dr. Patterson, the Old School Presbyte- rians, and Rev. Mr. Claybaugh, the Associate Reformed.
After the abandonment of the Union Church by these three denominations, the Methodists, who formerly worshiped at Ebenezer, took charge of it, with such res- ervations as the Presbyterians thought proper to make. This was in 1878, since which time there has been preaching every fortnight, and Sunday-school weekly. "Old Ebenezer" is seldom used, mainly on account of its unfavorable location and failure to meet the wants of more modern worshipers. The Church at MeGonigle's is prosperous. We give inseriptions from the grave-yard connected with the old church :
In memory of Rachel, consort of William S. Stewart, who died September 3, 1835 ; aged 42. William Hamer. a native of Pennsylvania, who married Isabel Vanderhook, September 11, 1796, and who died May 4, 1811. Archibald Addison, a native of England, died March 12, 1846; aged 63. Mary, wife of Archibald Addison, died February 19, 1868; aged 82. Timothy Meder died December S, 1853; aged 62. Nathaniel Meder died September 5, 1841, in the 56th year of his age. Samuel Weaver died September 13, 1868; aged 61. Lydia, wife of Samuel Weaver, died Feb- ruary 12. 1875; aged 57. Peter Wilson died March 20, 1803; aged 72. Abigail, wife of Peter Wilson, died October 8, 1855; aged 58. Jonas Jones died December 26, 1853; in the 67th year of bis age. Henry Hall, Sen., died February 1, 1858; aged 84. William Chaney died August 15, 1834; aged 60. In memory of Samuel Marsh, who died February 12, 1828; aged 68. Hannah, wife of Samuel Marsh, died Jily 20, 1847; aged 75. Gabriel Stead died June 27, 1849: aged 41. Rebecca, wife of Gabriel Stead, died April 20, 1855; aged 46.
There are, perhaps, one hundred burials here. The yard is overgrown with bushes.
The Samuel Zeigler Church of Hanover Township will be treated in a connected manner in the history of Millville.
MCGONIGLE'S.
MeGonigle's Station, on the Junction Rafiread, took its name from Philip MeGonigle, an old settler who coll- tracted for and built one mile of the railroad at this point. He added the house used as a station, but it is yet owned by private parties. MeGonigie had a horse- mill here in 1830, as also a still-house. Among the dis- tinguished residents at this station have been Dr. Silas Roll, who was here forty years ago. Dr. Hancock, who studied with him, was also a practitioner in this vicinity. Dr. James Roll, a nephew of Dr. Silas Roll, is the present practicing physician. Daniel Larey was a bleck- smith here in 1806; some of the others have been Michael Shank and Joseph Hfileman. There is a band- some Grange hall in the village; also a Grange store- House. A good mill is in active operation. The stone
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