Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 47

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149

USA > Ohio > Butler County > Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio > Part 47

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

Captain Joseph Hilt enlisted a fine set of men for Company G. Twelfth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, who did splendid service for the flag throughout the war. Middletown boasts of this company.

Capt. Lewis Lambright led the boys in Company K. Thirty-fifth Ohio, and how they fought for the preservation of the States! The Captain came home a cripple and for his gallant service was made and continued as postmaster for twenty years.

Capt. D. P. Reed was at the head of Company G. Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The reader of the annals of Ohio in the war will make proud note of the do- ings of this famous regiment of Ohio men.

Captain Kerr stood at the head of Com- pany G, One hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a band of fine men who went to the front in a crisis for an enlistment of a hundred days. Many be- came soldiers in the permanent volunteer service.

In all. some five hundred men went out from Middletown and the nearby country as soldiers under the Stars and Stripes, and some two hundred soldiers who are pen- sioners reside in this vicinity.

This community of men and women were loyal to their country in the days of the great war, furnishing men, money, cloth- ing and comforts for men in the field and families at home.

James Bowman, once mayor of the city and an attorney at law, was the first man in Middletown to sign an enlistment roll. but he was disqualified in some way and never entered the service, leaving Capt. Robert Wilson was the first man to be en- listed, sworn in and to enter the services of the Union from Middletown. Captain Wilson still lives in the city, after an honorable and highly successful business career, respected by the entire city. He became one of our best citizens and accomplished much for the city in many ways.

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SOUTH MAIN STREET, MIDDLETOWN, Showing Homes of Daniel McCallay and Geo. W. Verity.

MRS. P. J. SORG'S RESIDENCE. MIDDLETOWN.

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SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND. PIONEERS' MONUMENT. MIDDLETOWN.

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Several of the men who went out in the Civil war came home with shoulder straps, won by splendid achievements in battle. Among these were Capt. Robert Wilson, Capt. Dan Bonnell and Capt. Jacob Schaffer.

Middletown had a number of men in the service of the government in the Mexican war, and three of these old veterans now survive and have their homes in this city, namely, Henry Shankel, David Bowman and Joseph Giffens. These men are all about eighty years of age and receive pen- sions for gallant service in the war of 1845-6.

A company of one hundred young men responded to the call and went to the South, ready to be used in the movement for the freedom of Cuba in the Spanish-American war. They waited for weeks on the south- ern sea coasts of Florida, but were not sent over to the island.

The war in the Philippines drew largely on the ranks of the young men of Middle- town and a number spent three years in that far-away land under the flag of the Republic.

THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

This handsome memorial to the soldiers and sailors of America deserves and receives the attention and regard of the people of this city and vicinity. It is a pleasure to de- vote some space to a mention of it and its initiation, evolution and completion.

The trustees of Woodside cemetery, moved by a desire to remember the men who had so bravely served their country, in army and navy, kindly set apart the whole of section 15, a large triangular subdivision, formed by the junction of three broad avenues, for the burial of the soldier dead and the erection of such a monument as

might be determined upon in the future. On May 3, 1895, in accordance with the resolution of the Woodside cemetery board. a full and proper deed for said section was executed to Joseph R. Allen, James Law- rence and Harry Knight, as trustees, in trust for the use of the donation.

On May 30, 1895, dedicatory serv- ices were held on this large and beautiful reservation, when the lot was formally set apart for this sacred trust. A large con- course of citizens were present.

W. H. Todhunter was chosen as chair- man of the day and, in a few brief words, presented the deed for the section to J. R. Allen, trustee, who in turn accepted it in an appropriate way. Timely and fitting ad- dresses were made by Dr. Dan Millikin, of Hamilton, and Rev. Lyman J. Fisher, of Middletown. Dr. J. H. Paine, a veteran soldier and a local deacon in the Methodist Episcopal church, was present and acted as chaplain. Since that day this beautiful plat of ground has been held as a consecrated spot.

On this day and occasion Hon. P. J. Sorg was present and made a short address. He urged the erection. at an early date, of a monument, to be dedicated to the memory of those who had, through so much sacrifice and heroism, served in the armies and navies of the republic. He said that the monument should be builded by the people, and sug- gested that every school child in the town- ship should contribute something so that the coming generation might have a part in it as well as those in active life. He closed by saying that "if the people would. in any way, build the shaft he would crown it with the figure of an American soldier in bronze." This suggestion and promise

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were received with great enthusiasm by the large assembly, and became the real begin- ning of the beautiful shaft now standing at Monument Place.

Contributions were soon received from children and people, and granite bowlders from the fields adjacent to Middletown were hauled by the farmers to the lot so dedicated and foundations were begun.

F. M. Andrews, architect. of Dayton, kindly drew up a sketch for the monument, to be builded of native bowlders from the farms nearby. The monument idea and the design as drawn by the architect met the approval of the people. It was soon realized that this way of securing funds was too un- certain and slow. The soldiers and the en- terprising country-loving citizens of Hamil- ton conceived the idea of erecting a substan - tial memorial in stone on the site of old Fort Hamilton. These kindred ideas and hopes led to a union of interests and of plans.

In April, 1898, the state legislature au- thorized the erection of monuments at Hamilton and Middletown. The matter was referred to the people and was by them ratified at the regular election in the fall of that year.

On November 3. 1898, the central execu- tive committee at Hamilton named a com- mittee for Middletown, consisting of Messrs. C. B. Palmer. Sr., Jacob Schaffer, J. R. Allen, Harry Knight and W. H. Tod- hunter. This committee soon after or- ganized for the purpose of building the monument at Middletown by selecting W. H. Todhunter as president, Dr. T. A. Dickey as secretary and J. R. Allen as treasurer. They at once decided to build the monu- ment of native bowlders, or "nigger heads." F. M. Andrews was employed as the archi-

tect, the drawings previously made by him were accepted and he soon furnished the specifications. At a public letting of the work C. L. Thiely, of Dayton, secured the contract, and successfully carried out the de- sign to the pleasure and satisfaction of the architect and committee.

During the progress of the work a letter was received from Mr. Sorg, dated at Lakewood, New York, where he was spend- ing the summer, confirming his promise made on the day the lot was dedicated.

When the monument was completed and the handsome statue of the soldier, as fur- nished by Mr. Sorg, was in place, dedicatory services were planned. On December 17, 1902, imposing and appropriate services were held in the Sorg Opera House, which was crowded to its utmost capacity. The soldiers from all nearby towns and Grand Army posts were present, with the veterans from the home at Dayton. Rev. Dr. J. H. Paine opened the meeting with prayer. J. R. Allen presided. W. H. Todhunter pre- sented the monument, in a short address, to Hon. Edgar A. Belden, representing the people, who spoke fitting words in response. Hon. L. B. Gunckel followed in a formal ad- dress, meeting the idea of the occasion in every way.

At the adjournment the large concourse of people, headed by the Third Regiment Band, soldiers and speakers under the di- rection of C. B. Palmer, grand marshal, visited Monument Place and there, with proper ceremonies, was unvailed the beauti- ful figure in bronze by Miss Ada Sorg, daughter of Hon. Paul J. Sorg, the donor. Thus was completed and dedicated a monu- ment at once unique and striking. It will speak throughout the years to come of the

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deeds of the brave men in whose honor it was erected, who were as firm as its foun- dations, as unmovable as its granite and as stable as the bronze that crowns its summit in their patriotism and love of country.

This handsome shaft has cost the people $7,358, and the statue $3,000, making a total cost of $10,358.

FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.

The secret orders of Middletown are social features of no mean prominence. Through their quiet, unostentatious meth- ods much good is done for humanity.

THE MASONS .- In the very front rank stands Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest secret order in the city. This lodge was instituted on January 18, 1827. The lodge sets great store on the fact that its charter is signed by the Hon. Thomas Corwin, who was probably the greatest genius Ohio ever pro- duced. This great man also installed its first officers, who were David Davis, Israel Gibson, John Crane, Charles Starr, John P. Renyolds and Dr. Carlton Waldo, all of whom were closely identified with the de- velopment of the city. The lodge rented a meeting place until 1883, when they built the present temple on the west side of Main street, north of Third street. In this hand- some and imposing temple the brethren hold their sessions in a commodious lodge room tastefully and appropriately furnished. The oldest living member is W. B. Headding, who was initiated October 3, 1852. Hon. James E. Campbell, ex-governor of the Buckeye state, ex-congressman from the old historic third district and a Middletown boy by birth, is a member of this lodge. This lodge is one of the most prosperous in this

jurisdiction and numbers among its mem- bers many of the most prominent and pros- perous men of the city. This lodge now has one hundred and sixty-five members. Lylburne Palner is now worshipful master

THE ODD FELLOWS organized Hope Lodge, No. 16, October 26, 1842, and on July 4, 1860, dedicated the handsome and well appointed building now the home of this order. This lodge has now one hun- dred and sixty members in good and regular standing and many of the best men of the city have been and are now members of the beneficent order. W. B. Hedding is the oldest Odd Fellow in the ranks and only a year or two since celebrated his fiftieth anni- versary as an Odd Fellow. The property owned by this lodge is one of the best and most profitable of the business blocks of this city.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS .- Lafayette Lodge. No. 37. was instituted in November. 1872. and is the oldest lodge of this order in the county. The present membership is two hundred. This has been an active, pro- gressive lodge since its organization, and is much at home in its elegant rooms in the third floor of Leibee's block. Dr. John T. Sutphen, of this lodge, acted as grand chan- cellor a few years since; he has also acted as supreme representative and is now a member of the board of control of the En- dowment Rank.

THE ELKS are here too. The local lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., was organized in March, 1894. and it has steadily grown in strength ever since its opening session. This order is always in the line of progress and leads in many public movements. Their lodge rooms and social parlors are found in the fourth floor of the Sorg opera house

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block. These are tastefully and handsomely the story of the death and burial of those furnished and are among the finest lodge who formed and shaped things more than a hundred years ago. rooms in the state. Hon. P. J. Sorg was a charter member of this lodge.

SENIOR ORDER UNITED AMERICAN ME- CHANICS .- Shining Light Council, No. 93, was organized in this city February 14, 1892, and it has steadily grown in vigor and membership since that time. It is numeri- cally the strongest secret order in the city.

JUNIOR ORDER UNITED AMERICAN ME CHANICS .- Alpha Council, No. 326, was or- ganized July 21, 1894, and now numbers over one hundred and sixty members. This is a strong, vigorous, helpful association of men.

BURIAL GROUNDS.

No historical sketch of a town would be complete without some mention of the spots dedicated to the burial of those who have been called to the great beyond.

The first burial grounds used at Middle- town were located along the eastern bank of the Miami river, just south of the point where Fifth street now meets the present bank of the river. The river was then much farther west than its present channel. An attractive and inviting level sward was here found which induced the pioneer fathers to begin the interment of their dead at this spot. This location was near the southwest corner of Steven Vail's entry, and here he was buried, with one or two of his family.

The river gradually changed its course to the eastward and great inroads were made by repeated washings, in the eastern shore line of the river. Little by little this old burial place was washed away and to- day not a grave or a marker is left to tell

This is said, to the shame of Middletown and to those of the Vail and other families whose fathers were buried there. The city should have preserved it and here erected a shaft to Steven Vail and others. In 1873 hut two stones remained, that of George Russell, who died May 25, 1814, and Moses Vail, son of Steven Vail, who died at the age of sixty-two years.

THE MIDDLETOWN CEMETERY

was laid off and platted by James Heaton, civil engineer, in 1827, and was taken out of the southeast quarter of section 28, as entered by Moses Vail, and sold to Daniel Doty, who made the grant to the cemetery. The original trustees were Israel Gibson, John M. Barnett and Robert Campbell. By special act of the legislature, the Middletown Cemetery Association was organized and, under the authority of this act, took charge of this burial site and placed it upon a better and more certain footing; enlarged the yard by new purchases and beautified the grounds. The new trustees were William B. Oglesby, Joseph L. Kelly, John Corson, Thomas Wil- son, Edward Jones, S. V. Curtis, G. Rath- man, G. E. Wampler, C. W. Sutphin, J. C. Farries, J. D. Collins, William More, C. S. Barnitz, C. F. Gunckel, J. B. Hartley and J. J. Potter, all of whom are dead and were buried in this yard, except Dr. C. S. Bar- nitz, who is still active. This yard is still sacredly and carefully cared for by C. B. Oglesby, Charles E. Denny, E. L. McCally and C. S. Barnitz, trustees.

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WOODSIDE CEMETERY.

As the years went by, and the population grew, ideas were, for several years last past, entertained by many looking toward a new and larger burial spot to meet the needs of those who were here now and of those who were to follow.

Many plans and measures were dis- cussed and entertained; these were all with- out much form or force, until the Wood- side Cemetery Association was organized and incorporated in June, 1901, by T. A. Dickey, James Lawrence, William Caldwell, V. C. Hatfield and W. H. Johnson. James Lawrence was made president and W. H. Johnson secretary, which positions they re- tain at this time. This association at once acquired title to one hundred acres, just south of the city along the canal and the road to Amanda.

The soil of this tract is well adapted to the uses contemplated, being of a dry and gravel subsoil. This farm secured, the association employed Messrs. Earnshaw and Punshon, the landscape artists who laid off and platted the famous Spring Grove Cemetery at Cincinnati, as well as many of the principal cemeteries of the middle West. These gentlemen platted and mapped the whole one hundred acres, so that the scheme should be uniform throughout. The man- agement at once proceeded to grade, drain, sewer and beautify forty acres off the north side of the farm, and have made ready one of the most beautiful and pleasing burial places in southern Ohio. Here are found large lakes, fountains, broad avenues, shrub- bery, trees, perfect sewerage and drainage. with handsome elevated and attractive burial plats. This association in the purchase of

the land and in its preparation for the uses of its patrons, has already expended thirty- eight thousand dollars, and since its opening six hundred interments have been made. This beautiful spot is appreciated by our citizens.

The Catholic people have their own burial plat in the northeastern side of the city, which is well cared for and sacredly re- garded.

RANDOM NOTES.

No man was more highly regarded, and few did more to advance Middletown in- dustrially, commercially and morally, than Francis J. Tytus. This good man was a native of Virginia and from the day of his coming until his death made a deep impress on the city. He was in likeness and stature and bearing much like General Washington, so much so that strangers noted it. His daughters still live here and with their fam- ilies enjoy the respect of all. Mr. Tytus was at the front for many years in the paper business of the city and led for a number of years in the pork trade. He had a splendid reputation as a business man and his career was without reproach. Mr. Tytus, while at the front of business affairs, found time for and pleasure in the activities of the First Baptist church, in which he was a leader for many years.

A. E. Harding was an Englishman, full of energy, possessed of splendid health and, gifted with unusual mental force and exec- utive energy, he became a power soon after he became identified with the affairs of this city. He, as the leader, with Mr. Tytus, Mr. W. B. Oglesby, Mr. George C. Bar- nitz. John W. Irwin, organized the Excello Paper Company and built the first writing

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paper mill in the West. This was a success from the beginning. His energy and enter- prise led to the building of a great mill at Franklin. just north of this city, when the Excello mills were incorporated with it and became known as The Harding Paper Com- pany. His sons followed him in the paper business, and the mill under their charge has maintained its prestige. A few years ago it passed into the hands of the American Writing Paper Company, but the Hardings still manage plants as before. Mr. Harding was a man of rare powers. -

In 1866 William and Louis Sebald be- gan to make beer in Middletown, and their plant was operated by horse power, making only one thousand barrels per day. This same plant grew under their control and to- day the brewery is owned by the heirs of William Sebald, and has a capacity of eigh- teen thousand barrels a day. This shows in a way the growth of industrial affairs in Middletown.

The firm of Wilson & McCallay, consist- ing of Captain Robert Wilson and Daniel McCallay. was organized in 1877, and was later incorporated as The Wilson & McCal- lay Tobacco Company. The business grew rapidly from the beginning of its career. and its immense output of plug tobaccos was in demand in all sections of the states and Canadian towns and in some foreign fields. To meet the large demand eight mil- lion pounds of tobacco was manufactured each year. reaching in value $2.500.000. Their plant was located on Sixth street. near the canal. and consisted of a large group of three and four-story brick build- ings. Some three years ago the company sold all their holdings to the Continental Tobacco Company. During the manage-

ment of its former owners it was one of the industries of which Middletown boasted. The projectors of this giant enterprise live here now respected and honored by all.

Paul J. Sorg was an honored citizen. A sketch of his life is found elsewhere in this history, but in these notes it is proper to say that the great P. J. Sorg Tobacco Company was one of his creations. The McSherry Manufacturing Company, the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company, the P. A. Sorg Paper Company, the United States Hotel Company, the Middletown Gas Company and the beautiful Sorg opera house arose at his call. All the foregoing industries save the tobacco company are now in active and profitable operation, under the direct supervision of W. L. Dechant as attorney for the Sorg estate. ' These are among the foremost industrial concerns of the valley and speak of Mr. Sorg's genius and enterprise.

Thomas Wilson was one of the potential men of Middletown, and began his career here in 1839. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and soon added furniture and under- taking to his regular business. He brought the first hearse to this town. He died in 1879. after an honored, successful and use- ful life.

Joseph Sutphin was born in Middle- town, and a third of a century ago his was a name to conjure with. He touched the life of Middletown in an industrial way, but to make the progress of the city certain. His connection with the paper and flour trade was honorable and progressive.

George L. Wren and his brother, Smith W. Wren, were Virginians and came here when Middletown was a struggling village. They were men of industry and talent : their .

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influence was felt everywhere and their they are highly successful. No one family courses were successful. Their sons and of the early settlers made a higher mark daughters are here and in Chicago, where than these. '

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP.

The history of Fairfield township is very intimately connected with the city of Ham- ilton, which place, until March 14, 1867, was a part of the township proper. On that date the board of county commissioners, acting in accordance with the desire of a majority of the freeholders of the city of Hamilton and Fairfield township. cut off from Fairfield township the second and third wards of the city of Hamilton, which with the first ward, taken from St. Clair township, was thereafter known as Hamil- ton township.

The first settlement in Fairfield township was at Fort Hamilton. The settlement was originally called "Fairfield." and when the township was formally established by the court of quarter sessions, on Tuesday, May 10. 1803. the original name of the settle- ment, that of "Fairfield," was given the new township.

Fairfield township lies wholly within the Symmes purchase and is bounded on the north and west by the Miami river; on the east by Liberty and Union townships, and on the south by Hamilton county.

The first roads in Fairfield township were mere bridle paths, and it was not until the settlers became more numerous that the state roads were laid out. The first road of any importance led from Hamilton to Cincinnati via Springdale, following about the route St. Clair and Wayne had taken in their marches northward to Fort Hamil-

ton to make ready for their expeditions against the Indians. Another road of con- sequence in the early days was the Symmes' Corner road. Both of these roads, in after years, were macadamized and are now paralleled respectively by the Millcreek valley and the Cincinnati, Dayton & To- ledo electric traction lines. These electric thoroughfares, in addition to the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton and the Pennsylvania railroads and the Miami canal, afforded to the inhabitants most valuable facilities for travel and freight traffic.

No creeks of any considerable size flow through Fairfield township. yet it is well drained by natural streams, artificial ditches and tiling. Banklick is the largest creek in volume in the township. It takes its rise in Colerain township, Hamilton county, and is very rapid in its current. This stream takes its name from the fact that in the early settlement of the county deer frequented it to drink the peculiar water which in some places flows from its banks. Pleasant run is a stream of some size. Its course is tor- tuous and winding. The waters in the re- gion of "Big Pond" flow southward into Mill creek. Many Indian murders were committed on these creeks.

The Fairfield Baptist church, established in 1800, was the earliest church in the town- ship, and with one exception the earliest in the county. It was a hewed-log house, ca- pable of seating about two hundred persons.

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Elders Childers, William Thompson and cently completed a beautiful church edifice Mott were among the early preachers.

The Auburn Methodist Episcopal church was organized about 1835. It originally be- longed to the West Chester circuit. Rev. John Baughman was the first regular pastor. John Rudolph and Solomon Flenner do- nated the land for the church structure.

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Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 47

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1149

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149