Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. I, Pt. 1, Part 67

Author: Greve, Charles Theodore, b. 1863. cn
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1020

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On December 4th, A. Hunt & Company ad- vertise for a quantity of "Corn-fed Pork" for which they offer cash. In a note is stated the fact that "a Journeyman Tanner will meet with encouragement by applying to A. H."

Levi Munsell offers at public sale on Decem- ber 9th, at his house "in lots of about Ten Gal- lons, a few Barrels of Spirits, cordials," etc.

Daniel Duffey "finding it necessary to have all his accompts fully settled, requests all to whom he is indebted, to bring in their accompts for pay- ment : Those who have accompts before the first of Nov. last unpaid, and cannot make it convenient to discharge the same, will please to call at the Store, and give their obligations, as all accompts antecedent to that period will be closed."

From the issue of December 7th, from which these last notices were taken, it is learned the subscriptions were received in Columbia, by John Armstrong, Esq. ; at North Bend by Aaron Cad- well, Esq .; at Colerain by Capt. John Dunlop, and in New-Port, by Capt. John Bartle.

Jolin Dunlop offers donation out-lots of ten acres each to so many of the first settlers at a new station on the Great Miami River, three miles above Colerain. On December 14th is re- corded the return of Mr. Wells and a friendly Indian from the "Ogglase" with two Indian squaws as prisoners.

John Ludlow on December 18th advertises "Good Encouragement will be given to a Num- ber of Settlers at Mount Pleasant, two miles from Ludlow's Station, on the Main Road to Fort Hamilton."

C. Avery (December 21st ) calls on those who are indebted to him to pay their accounts, "other- wise, he will be under the necessity of taking measures which will be disagreeable to him and more so to those, who do not comply with this friendly notice."

John Dealy advertises for journeymen coopers. Obediah Scott offers to "winter horses or horned cattle of which good care will be taken, but not answerable for accidents."

On December 28th is announced the arrival of Captain Faulkner from headquarters with the information that two spies who had gone out with Mr. Wells had "penetrated so near one of the Ogglaze towns, as to have a view of it, but being discovered, were pursued so close that they were obliged to take shelter in a swamp where they continued for several days: They at length left the swamp, but from the weather being cloudy, they mistook their course, and came within view of the Miami villages, where they saw a large body of Indians encamped under cover of tents, supposed to be about nine hundred: They immediately returned, and after surmounting many dangers and obstructions, ar- rived at head quarters on the 12th inst, almost perished from the want of sustenance, and the inclemency of the weather."

We are likewise informed that a detachment has been ordered out to the old battle-ground, to erect a garrison ( Fort Recovery).

The same number of December 28, 1793. coll- tains Governor St. Clair's proclamation insisting upon neutrality toward Spain and forbidding the inhabitants to join in the attempt against the Spanish settlements on the Mississippi.

On January 4, 1794, is announced the erection

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of several blocchiouses on the old battle-ground, in which two companies were left under the command of Major Burbeck. On this same day William Kelly publishes "his first and last no- tice" to all persons indebted to him to come and settle as he is "determined to give no longer in- dulgence."

James Forguson ( Ferguson) offers his dwell- ing house and part of the lot whereon he lives for sale and calls upon the persons indebted to him to make settlement with him as he is determined to leave this place on the 15th inst.

Mathew Winton offers eight dollars reward for the thief and a stolen horse "five years old, a long switched tail, shood all round, has a scum over part of the off eye, paces, trots and hand- gallops well."

William Tait offers "a neat and general as- sortment of Dry Goods and Groceries, far supe- rior in quality to any yet opened in this place," in a small frame house on the southeast corner of Sycamore and Second streets.

On January 18, 1794, appears "TO BE LET THE large frame House, lately occupied by Will- iam M'Millen, and where the Printing-office is now kept."

John Galbraith, being about to leave this coun- try, asks those who are indebted to make pay- ment to him "as it will be a great advantage to him, and perhaps no loss to them."

John Dunlop notifies those holding donation lots in the town of Colerain that they must com- ply with the terms of settlement by the first day of May next or look upon their lots as for- feited.

On January 25, 1794, are published the "pro- posals" of George R. Clark, Esq., "Major- General in the armies of France, and Comman- der-in-Chief of the French revolutionary Le- gions on the Mississippi River. For raising Volunteers for the reduction of the Spanish posts on the Mississippi, for opening the trade of said river, and giving freedom to its inhab- itants &c." In these proposals, land from one to three thousand acres is offered to those joining the expedition. This notice is printed upon the same page and preceding Governor St. Clair's neutrality proclamation.

In this same number William M'Millan "hav- ing removed to the country, gives notice to those whom it may concern, that his office of Judge of the common pleas, will hereafter be kept at the mansion house of Isaac Martin in Cincinnati, wliere 'dne attendance will be given cach

Wednesday and Saturday in every week." The "country" is the present site of Avondale.

On February 15th appears a notice signed John Mills, major in the second sub-legion, in- spector and adjutant-general to the army, that "as the army at present on the frontiers will undoubtedly, be inclined to purchase many of the articles of country produce, and will pay a gen- erous price in cash-The Citizens of this place, of Columbia, and of the adjacent country, may find it to their advantage to convey to any of the military posts, any species of provisions, or other country produce ( whiskey excepted) for which they will have a ready sale and prompt pay- ments. The greatest encouragement will be given, and an assurance of protection from in- sult or injury."

In the same number appears the notice that "David Zeigler (Ziegler) has lately arrived from Philadelphia with a valuable and choice assort- ment of West Indian & dry goods, which are now exposed for sale at the store lately occupied by Robert Tait, deceased. Corn will be taken equal to cash."

Joseph Prince aiso repeatedly advertises, cash given for furs at his shop "where may be had genuine good Hats."

February 22, 1794, Mr. Findley, merchant, just arrived from Pittsburg, tells of being at- tacked by the Indians above the mouth of the Scioto. A statement is also made that the time for the Indians to come in and treat had elapsed and that there was no probability of their com- ing:

William Wilson announces his arrival "with a fresh and general assortment of DRY GOODS and GROCERIES, which he is now opening at his store, kept by Mr. James Silver, in Front Street, next door to where Henry .Reed de- ceased, formerly kept." He will receive as well as cash "Deer skins, Bear skins, and furs."

Disappointment seems to have soured the dis- position of Daniel Duffey for he advertises : "Having notified the persons indebted to the con- cern of Mr. Atcheson, in the store I superintend, at Cincinnati, that obligations were expected for the balance due- I find the people pay no attention to any thing offered through the me- dium of a News-paper. However I hope that all our customers will individually consider this as a notice directed to each of theni; as their giving their obligations will prove honesty on their part ; so it will also give confidence to their humble servant, to credit them in future."

Sammuel Black did not trust to the newspaper,

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but announces that he has put his claims in the hands of Thomas Goudy, attorney-at-law.

A. Hunt repeats his advertisement for "an ac- tive lad between 14 and 18 years of age, who can come well recommended as an Apprentice to the tanning & Currying Business." "An active lad" was also desired as an apprentice to the printing business.

The following week, in the issue of March Ist, G. Turner advertises: "WANTED-The ensu- ing spring, four or five Buffalo Calves 'of cach sex."

A large portion of each number of the paper is given to news from France. As an indication of the interest in things French, on March Ist there is printed a table which will enable readers "to decipher the French dates for a twelvemonth to come."

John Meeker of Columbia, in the issue of March 8th, authorizes the following: "Notice, To all whom it may concern, Not to credit my wife Elizabeth Meeker, on my account as she has absconded from my bed and board with out any Provocation; therefore I am determined not to pay any debts of her contracting, from this date."

In this number also is the news of an attack by Indians about nine miles on this side of Fort Hamilton "upon two wagons owned by Mr. Scott Traverse, the one loaded with merchandize belonging to Messrs. Smith & Findley, of this place, the other with Quarter-Master's stores. *

* The waggoners were both killed, the teams captured, the waggons set on fire, and together with their cargoes intirely consumed. Mr. Traverse appears to have been most inhu- manly butchered."

On March 10th "Mr. Flin and Mrs. Prier, were coming along General Harmar's old trace, on their way from White's Station to this place. ** Was met by two Indians and chased a considerable distance, but escaped without damage.

"There has also been a number of horses stolen out of this town, in the corse of the present week." The stealing of horses seems to have been of common occurrence for every number contains notice offering rewards for the return of stock of this character.

On March 22nd is recorded the death of Bal- lard Smith, "Major in the fourth sub-legion of the Legion of the United States." The reporter is extremely conservative in his statement about the deceased officer. He says: "His remains were viewed with the regret of all who knew

him. They knew his foibles : they knew his vir- tues. As a soldier, his courage was unquestion- able ; as a man, his conduct was such (allowing for the frailities of human nature) as placed him on a respectable scale in society.

"His corpse was attended to the grave by the commissioned officers, and a detachment of sol- diers of the garrison of Fort Washington. These were accompanied by the ladies of the officers, the chief magistrate at present in the Territory, and the most respectable citizens. During the procession, minute guns were fired from the Fort. In short, the whole was con- ducted with that solemnity and decorum which stamp merit on the object that were designed to honour."

Information is given of the discovery by Mr. Litle, a surveyor on the Little Miami, of a large encampment of Indians. Litle and his party returned to Columbia without being dis- covered by the enemy and on Monday, March 17th, - a party consisting of forty men, com- manded by Captain Flinn, set out in pursuit of the savages. On the 19th two men were fired upon by Indians within four miles of Colum- bia, one of whom was mortally wounded.

John Ludlow, the sheriff, on March 21st issued a proclamation adjourning the court until the second Tuesday in April next at which time the justices of the peace, the coroner and constables with their rolls, records, inquisitions and other remembrances and all persons who will prosecute against the prisoners are directed to appear.

Thirty dollars reward is offered for an Isaac Kelsey "by profession a Savage having resided with them twelve years; * who deserted off his post on the night of the 15th inst." He is described as "about thirty years of age, dark complexion, short black hair, black eyes, snaggle teeth, six feet six or seven inches high, and of slender make, moves very awkwardly."

John Dunlop offers "good encouragement to a Black-Smith" at Colerain. William Bryant on March 22nd offers ten dollars reward in the following terms: "Ran away from the subscrib- er on the 21st of February last, living in Ken- tucky in Lincoln county, a Negroe man by the name of Sam, about 23 years old, and about five feet six inches high, and well made to that hight, and has a very large beard for a Negroe of that age, and a very large mouth. Had on when he went away, country made gray clothing. Any person securing the said Negroe so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward."

In the issue of April 5th the editor apologizes

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for not having issued the paper the week before. His excuse was sickness. The same issue con- tains a letter from Judge Turner to Captain Kib- by of Columbia congratulating him on pursuing and killing two savages who had committed de- predations on the inhabitants at Columbia. The fact that the inhabitants at Columbia had offered rewards for Indian scalps is commented on with favor in another letter.

A. Andrews complains that "some evil minded person, or persons, have thought proper to mark a heifer, my property" and offers a reward for the detection of the persons who committed "this daring and flagrent act."

John Miller "wishes to inform the public that he has engaged in the business of butchery in the Town of Cincinnati."

The opening of the General Court before Hon. George Turner is reported: "The procession from the Judge's Chambers to the public ground, was in the following order :

"Constables with Battoons.

"Shiriff and Coroner with white Wonds. "Gaoler.

"The Honorable Judge.

"Clerk with a green bag.

"Judges of the Common Pleas.

"Justices of the Peace.

"Attornies, Messengers, &c."

A letter written from Marietta to Maj. David Ziegler is quoted in which the statement is made that the "British Minister had required the United States, either to take arms for, or against the French nation, as they would not allow the Americans to be any longer neutral, and in conse- quence of that or other reasons, Congress has ordered fifteen thousand men to be immediately raised .- All the topic here is a British war-and the numerous captures of American vessels by the British, are corroborated by the Philadelphia newspapers, strongly evince the necessaty of some decisive measures to prevent the insults of the haughty Albions, on the one hand, and the horred yell and barbarity of the savages on the other."

In another letter the statement is made that "A number of the members of the House (at the Capital) speak of the situation of our army wretched-That the Senate in general are opposed to A. W. (Anthony Wayne) and it was the opin- ion of all the eastern members that a reduction to two regiments was the only measure to be adopt- ed, and to depend upon the militia for further support."

John Armstrong of Columbia states that "EN-

COURAGEMENT Will be given to any num- ber of families who wish to form a settlement on that fertile TRACT of LAND, bounded by the Great Miami, on which Fort Hamilton stands and including the large Prairie."

The charge of George Turner to the grand jury delivered on April 8th is published in the issue of April 19th. It discusses liberty and morality in general but says little that could be of any assistance to the grand jurors in their delibera- tions. At this session which broke up on the 17th the following sentences were imposed :

"James Dorsey, a-free negro, convicted of lar- ceny-to be whipped through the principal streets of this city, with one and thirty stripes on the bare back; and during the punishment to wear fastened to his hat a paper with these words in large letters, 'AN INCORRIGIBLE OFFENDER.'-Then to find assurity for his good behaviour for 6 months, pay costs of prose- cution, and stand convicted til sentence be per- formed.

"Mingo (supposed to be a runaway negro) convicted of larceny,-to be whipped before the Jail Door with 29 stripes on the bare back.

"Thomas Cochran, innkeeper, was found guilty of suffering gaming in his house, contrary to a Territorial statute-and adjudged to pay a fine of 100 dollars to the use of the Territory, to lose his license, and pay costs of prosecution.

"The several Sentences have since been carried into execution.

"On the 16th the High Sheriff of Hamilton, the Coroner and the Gentlemen of the Bar, gave an elegant entertainment to his Honour, at the house of George Gordon, esq and to which the Gentlemen who composed the Grand Jury were likewise invited. The day was spent with per- fect harmony and decorum."

R. M'Clure advertises "THE SUBSCRIBER, Has excellent Bitters for sail, made agreeable to the London dispensatory, and are equal, if not superior to any made by Stoughton."

In the following week a correction is made to the effect that on the ioth instant the grand jury gave an entertainment which had not been men- tioned in the notices just quoted. The state- ment is made as to the entertainment at the house of George Gordon and "many patriotic and re- publican toasts were drank."

Four horses were stolen by the Indians at Co- lumbia and Captain Kibby set out in pursuit of them.

Peter Welsh, hairdresser and perfumer, adver- tises for an "Apprentice to the Hairdressing bus-

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iness," desiring an active lad between 13 and 14 years of age "who can come well recommended for his activity and manners."

(Dr.) John Hole on May 3rd announces his determination to give no longer indulgence to his creditors.

In the number of May 3rd is reported the pro- ceedings of the general court-martial whereof Captain Ford was president and Captains Porter, Cook, Creton, Thompson and Lieutenants Inger- sall and Massey were members and Ensign Charles Hyde, judge advocate. The court was called to try Adam Caldwell, a settler of this place, who was charged "for having made an at- tempt to depreciate the current bills of the Bank of the United States, in declaring to a private soldier of the Legion, who offered him one of the said bills of three dollars, that he would not give him in hard money for it, half the amount there- of-Intending thereby to destroy the confidence of the soldier in the said bills of the Bank of the United States which conduct ultimately tends to excite and cause mutiny in the Legion."

Captain Miller swore as a witness to the trans- action which happened in Mr. Munsell's store. Mr. Caldwell had stated to a soldier that he would not give two dollars in silver for the bill whereupon Captain Miller accosted him and "he turned to me smiling in the presents of the 'sol- dier, that he would not give half the amount of any bill; I then told him he ought to be hanged and went out of the door, the soldier went out also without trading with him."

With the usual disregard of the rules of evi- dence that prevails in courts martial, testimony was offered to show that on other occasions the accused had received bills at their face value, but the court found him guilty and he was sentenced to leave the cantonment and never to return in the capacity of a trader.

The usual attacks of Indians are reported. On April 25th four men coming from Hamilton were attacked by savages about 18 miles from Cincin- nati. One of the men was killed, another mor- tally wounded; three teams going to White's Station were in view of the attack but made their escape.

That the Americans were blessed with that confidence in their superiority over all other na- tions that is a national characteristic at all times is shown by a letter to an officer in the "Legion" published May roth in which the statement is made, referring to the fear of a British war, that "our country is unvulnerable, and we have little to lose; whilst our inveterate and persecuting

foe, will hazard her West India, and other Amer- ican possessions ; domestic commotion, and a rev- olution. No nation can retard the rising im- portance of our country, but Britain, and our ag- grandizement must keep pace with her depres- sion."

George Turner complains of the loss "between Town and the Fort, a thin flat box containing two Paintings in oil, both Landscapes."

A week later the attack upon the command of Major Winston en route from Fort Washington to headquarters is recorded. This same issue contains the notice printed elsewhere offering re- wards for Indian scalps.

John and Charles Wilkins and Company "hav- ing declined business at this place," ask for a set- tlement of accounts.

As usual, on. May 24th more Indian outrages are reported. Two Indians stole a horse from Columbia and were pursued by a small party from Neison's Station. The Indians were over- taken and one of them killed. Ile was immedi- ately scalped and the party claimed a reward of $136 offered by the public notice already re- ferred to.

A familiar name, Zebulon Pike, is attached to a proclamation offering $50 reward for the arrest of a deserter who "appears to strangers to be a man of morality, and not habitual to the vices of hard drinking, swearing, &c. he is very industrious and a great impostor, is capable of every imaginable dissimulation."

Robert Mitchel and John M'Cloud informed the public that "they purpose carrying on the rope making business in all its various branches."

George G. Taylor advertised for a runaway negro named Aaron.

Quite a pretty little controversy was aroused by the letter referred to as written from Mariet- ta in which General Wayne was commented upon. It is apparent from the tone of the cor- respondence that partisan politics cut as much figure in the criticism of army and officers in the early days as at present.

Peter Davis on June 14th advertised : "NO)- TICE, Is hereby given to all whom it may con- cern, that Elizabeth Davis (my wife). absented from my bed, and has since taken up with another . man, This is therefore to forewarn all persons to trust her any thing on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting."

Mr. Davis seems to have been in earnest about this matter as he repeated the advertisement in several issues of the paper.

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In the issue of June 21, 1794, appears the ac- count of an attack by Indians upon Major Stites and Nathaniel Reeder of Columbia while on their way to Cincinnati ; the latter was slightly wound- ed. The same evening a Mr. Jones was taken prisoner but fortunately made his escape during the night.

An announcement is made of a public auction at the house of Samuel Freeman and there "will be sold * (for cash only) the follow- * ing articles, viz : Rose Blankets, No. 1 and No. 2, Indian ditto, No. 1 Forrest Cloth. Printed Cot- tons, Barrowthrees, Blue Strouding, No. 104 Brown Halfthicks Gray Coating Silk and Twist, Coloured Thread, Coat Buttons, Vest ditto, Crosscut Files, Handsaw ditto, Looking Glasses, Ribbons and Gold Cord, Table Spoons, Tea dit- to, Shot and Lead Sattin and Hats." There were also offered the following books: Carr's "Sermons," 2 vols .; "Paradise Lost ;" "Modern Chivalry" by H. H. Brackenridge, 2 vols .; the "Sexator or Parliamentory Chronicle," Seneca's "Morals," Rollins' "Belles Letters," "Prince of Abissinia" ( sic) and the "Idler," by Dr. Johnson.

On June 28th appeared a news item to the ef- fect that "we learn that here is a Post established from Pittsburgh to this place, and that Abner M. Dunn Esq. is appointed Deputy Post-Master- General in this place."

A. Hunt & Company offer "FOR SALE, A house and lot on the hill. The house has two very convenient rooms down stairs." "On the hill" of course means above Third street.

The paper is increased in size with issue No. 35, July 12, 1794.

The anniversary of Independence Day was cel- cbrated "with becoming glee, by a joyous band of free hearts and willing spirits, from the Army and the City.

"At noon a federal salute, from Fort Wash- ington, now commanded by Captain John Pierce of the artillery.

"At 4 o'clock the company sat down, if not to Eastern luxuries, to -a handsome and plentiful dinner, well served by Mr. Gordon .- The juicy high flavored venison of the forest, and the deli- cious turtle of the Ohio, was not absent on this occasion.

"Well seasoned mirth, and paternal harmony beguiled the passing day, and the company re- tired at 8 o'clock, having drank the following toasts and sentiments, under the discharge of cannon."

Some of the toasts were as follows :

4. "The Sans Cullottes of France and cause of Liberty, triumphant."

6. "General Wayne and the Legion."

7. "Heads of Departments, may they feed well, physick well, pay well, cloath well and carry well.'

8. "War with Britain or speedy concession."

9. "Volunteers of Kentucky, two thousand of them on the northern bank of the Ohio."

10. "The memory of Major M'Machan, and his gallant brethren in arms, who fell on the 30th ultimo, overpowered by a host of savages, and may the name of Hartshorn of Craig, and of Torry, never be forgotton."

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Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. I, Pt. 1, Part 67

Author: Greve, Charles Theodore, b. 1863. cn Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1020

Author: Greve, Charles Theodore, b. 1863. cn
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1020