USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. I, Pt. 1 > Part 69
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Timothy Scannell announces the opening of a cooper shop at the Stone Landing.
In the following issue appears the information that the Indians had brought into Greenville a woman, whom they had taken prisoner out of Kentucky about 18 months before. A treaty was to be held on June toth at Greenville.
One begins to suspect the printer of writing up both sides of a controversy to fill the paper, for this paper contains another communication from "A Friend To Truth," discussing the Gov- ernor's arrival and the Secretary's alleged usur- pation of authority in issuing a proclamation while the Governor was within the Territory.
The matter of the organization of the Terri- tory is discussed at length, in a three-columnin ar-
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ticle by our friend "Dorastus," who believes that the people have the right to self government whether they are six hundred or sixty thousand in number.
A. Hunt & Company offer three dollars per cord in cash for good oak bark fit for tanning de- livered at their tan-yard in Cincinnati.
In a note, "those persons that subscribed for the Confession of Faith and the new addition of Docter Watts' Psalms, and have not received them, are requested to call immediately and take them up agreeable to contract, no longer time will be given as eighteen months has already elapsed since that ought to have taken place."
Isaac Mills on February 7th reported from the mouth of the Great Miami that the Indians had killed two men, Benjamin Cox and Thomas Wal- ter, about a mile and a half below that place.
"By Particular Desire" a notice is inserted February 7th, requesting all good citizens to as- semble at the house of Charles Avery for the purpose of forming a petition to send to the Leg- islature in order to obtain redress of the many inconveniences, resulting from some of the then existing laws of the Territory.
The following notice needs no comment : "I do hereby acknowledge that the report which was propagated by me, of and concerning Mr. John Baine, concerning a watch, was false .--- Given under my hand this 4th day of February, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five.
his JEREMIAHI + SALIVAN." mark
"Witnesses, J. WIFISLER, JAMES COX, I. DAR- NEILLE."
On the same day there appears in the advertis- ing column an "Inventory taken by Nathaniel Stokes and David E. Wade of sundry articles found under the root of a tree." This inventory included coats, vests, "cazimer" and nankeen breeches, nankeen linen and woolen overalls, shirts, stockings, "cravatt," handkerchief "and sundry other articles too tedious to mention." The owner by paying charges is notified that he can have the goods.
Josiah Mott announces that he has been ap- pointed administrator of the cstate of Henry Moore "packhorseman."
James Silver for Wilson announces that he has removed his store to his new house on the bank next door to where he formerly kept.
The identity of "A Friend To Truth" who wrote the letter last referred to, concerning the discussion about the Governor's arrival, is dis-
closed; in an issue of February 14th under the heading "Self-defence" appears the following communication :
"Mr. Maxwell,
"The learned writer in your paper signing him- self a friend to that truth of which he is devoid, has so pointedly bespatered me with sarcasms for the commission of some inadvertency in an un- guarded hour when his H- -r was drunk, and politeness to him, had led me to depart a lit- tle from sobriety, that I can not easily forgive, but feel a strong desire to communicate to him personally, the falsehood of his publication; I owe to myself to be decent, and shall therefore only further observe, that as I am not the auther of the piece signed Volunteer, his H-r must be a 1 -- r.
ADVICE TO MR.
Diminitive, paltry, petty Quibler,
Advocate to meanness, dirty scribler ;
Reasons what canst' thou urge, all this winter
Nonsence so much to write? To plague the Printer?
I prithee now, thy foolish tricks give o'er,
Each piece of thine shows the blockhead more ;
Let law thy study be, 'twill gain thec pelf,
Let S- write his pasquinades himself. TOBY.
Even in these degenerate days when the writ- ing of acrostics has become an unknown science, it is possible to discover that the attorney for the United States is the gentleman who aroused such ire.
The interest in the petition to the Legislature is shown by the fact that simultaneous meetings were called at Captain Kibby's, Columbia; at Francis Dunlevy's, Frazie's Station over the Lit- tle Miami; at Robert Wheelan's, North Bend ; and at Charles Avery's at Cincinnati. This is in the issue of February 14th.
James Forguson (Ferguson) "now making ready to start to the old settlement" desires payment from those who stand indebted to himn.
In the issue of February 28th appears the fol- lowing: "Sunday last being the universary of the President's birth, the same was respectfully noticed at this place in the evening, by an eligant allumination of the barracks and flag staff of Fort Washington; the house of the Honorable the Secretary of the Territory and that of Messrs. Elliot and Williams, late contractors for the army."
P. Jones for John and Charles Wilkins at Fort Washington advertises for a quantity of hard soap which is desired at once.
The proclamation of General Wayne warning
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the citizens from the Indian country referred to in the preceding chapter is printed in the issue of March 7, 1795.
This same issue contains the charge of Judge William Goforth to the grand jury.
James O'Hara, quartermaster-general of the army of the United States at Fort Washington, publishes rates of freight for owners of private boats carrying public property up the Miami River. Fort Washington to Fort Hamilton for every barrel of flour, $1.10; for every barrel of whiskey, $1.33 1/3; for every bushel of corn, $0.26 2/3 ; and for all other property for every hundred pounds, $0.50. From Fort Hamilton to the mouth of Still Water or to Loramie's Store the rates of freight for the same service were $2.20, $2.66 2/3, $0.50 and $1.10, respectively. From Fort Washington to the mouth of Still Water or to Loramie's Store the rates were $3.30, $4.00, $0.83 1/3 and $1.60, respectively. Corn was purchased and received at the Still Water landing at $1.10 per bushel. The cargoes were at the risk of the owners of the vessels except the dangers of the Indians.
Daniel Symmes, the sheriff, announces that the jail was broken into the night of the 2nd of March and five prisoners therein confined made their escape. The white men were confined for (lebt and the negro as a runaway. The prisoners who escaped stole a "flatt" from Mr. Kennedy and went down the Ohio.
. This issue as all others contains several no- tices of rewards offered by Capt. John Pierce, commandant at Fort Washington, for the ap- prehension of deserters.
On March 14th the killing by the Indians of a man in the village of North Bend is reported. Eight horses were stolen and Lieut. Celadon Symmes with a party of 27 men pursued the raiders about 60 miles and retook the horses but the Indians made their escape.
"Vitruvius" returns to the fray on March 28th with a complaint that the people have no share in their government and that the so-called Leg- islature which had been convened to make laws has no authority to make them. He fears that "we shall be imposed upon, by our farcical aris- tocracy, as well as by our miserable whiskey 'drinkers."
E. Sproat, inspector of Survey No. 2, Ohio District, gives notice of an office of inspection in Cincinnati for the purpose of collecting the duties on wines, stills, etc., and for the issuing of li- censes for the retailing of said articles.
William Goforth, one of the United States jus-
tices of the peace, issues a startling notice head- ed "STOP THE MURDERER!" The notice recites the arrest of one Rheuben Whetston, yeo- man, charged with the murder of his wife and his escape under cover of the night. His appear- ance is described but it is impossible to describe his apparel as "his clothes were found cast off, as is supposed, to fit himself for the flight."
One "Conrad," a correspondent, addresses Mr. "Vitruvius" whom he regards as the same per- son as "Philo Vitruvius" and "Dorastus." He is given advice as to his conduct : "Whilst you are flattering a judge of the Supreme Court for a diploma; do not censure his observations to a grand jury, when he is left the county ; as this is cowardice. Nor say to the executive positive- ly that any person is the author of your political tracts but yourself ; for the purpose of getting a commission, which no person but you alone would receive.
"Do not associate with any woman of bad faine ; especially in open court.
"Do not attempt to try any person on a crim- inal prosecution twice for the same offence.
"And lastly as you are only a bird of passage, and your wings nearly worn with clerical and political fatigue; mind your conscience, your wife and your lately adopted profession."
A familiar name is noted in an advertisement of James Taylor who offers "three thousand acres of military land on Clough creek, a branch of the Little Miami and near its junction with the Ohio." Clough creek * * affords good mill seats which runs through the land.
A. M. Dunn the postmaster notifies "those who have a right to calculate on receiving letters or papers at his office, that in future they must come prepared with ready change, cash in hand or no letters or papers."
George Gordon, the collector .of the United States for the county of Hamilton, offers for sale on the same day April 2, 1795, two boats to- gether with their cargoes containing about 16 gallons of whiskey which had been forfeited for non-payment of duties.
The issue of April 11th contains the resigna- tion of Isaac Darneille of the commission of at- torney to the United States addressed to the Sec- retary of the Territory.
The ground given is the fact that "the small pittance on conviction of respondants being an inadequate compensation for the duties of that office." Other considerations are hinted at but not mentioned.
Jacob Lowe announces in the same issue that
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he has obtained permission to -erect and establish a ferry at Cincinnati to cross the Ohio and that he will be happy to accommodate the public "at lis Inn at the sign of General WAYNE."
Zekiel Fuller on April 18th forewarns the pub- lic against trusting his wife Elizabeth who has "absented from my bed without any provication, and has since taken up with another man."
On April 25th the editor announces "that the emigration to this Territory is daily encreasing ; during the present .week, there has a considerable number of flatbottom boats arrived at this place loaded with families for the purpose of set- tling this country." -
Aaron Cadwell, commissioner, warns the pub- lic that the report that the license law has been repealed is erroneous.
Commissioners Thomas Goudy and Seth Cut- ter give notice "tliat a Court-house for the coun- ty of Hamilton, will be built and compleated in the present year, forty feet front and thirty back, two stories high, the materials will be Stone, Brick or Wood. Any gentlemen macanicks, or others who wish to undertake the said building of either of the above materials may apply to the subscribers," etc.
David Ziegler announces he has just arrived from Philadelphia with a large assortment of dry goods and groceries.
In the issue of May 9th William Kelly offers for sale or let "the new and well finished frame house, known by the name of Kelly's Tavern, situate on Front Street in Cincinnati."
Charles Vattier warns the public against tak- ing an assignment on a bill of sale for lot 7 in the town given by Thomas Irvin to William Moore, assigned to Vattier and lodged by him with John Bartle, "who now without any manner of claim, refuses giving up said bill of sale."
Anthony Furney forewarns all persons against trusting his wife Elizabeth.
On May 16th the arrival of the Governor on the preceding Monday at Cincinnati is announced with pleasure and with the following comment : 'Happy period .- At which tyranny and despot- ism, must once more lay down the arm of cruelty and oppresion .- Let the patriotic lovers of ra- tional liberty again rejoice."
The arrival of Judge Turner is also noted as taking place a few minutes before the paper went to press.
On the previous Sunday the Indians stole nine horses from Ludlow's Station and were pursued but without success.
W. Maxwell offers on May 23rd one dime re-
ward for taking up a runaway about 19 years of age named Benjamin Stokes, an apprentice to the printing business, whom he denominates as a notorious villain.
In the issue of June 13th John Reily as pur- chaser gives notice to Israel Ludlow, Samuel Freeman and Joel Williams, proprietors of the lands of the town of Cincinnati, of a sheriff's sale of lot 120, late the property of Capt. William Faulkner, and warns the proprietors from issuing any deed for said lot to Faulkner or his assigns.
This issue also contains the Governor's procla- mation relating to the murder of two Indians in St. Clair County, commanding all officers to make diligent inquiry for the perpetrators of the mur- der.
Charles Jaudin warns the public not to trust his wife Elizabeth.
The substance of the Governor's observations made to the Legislature which had convened at Cincinnati on the 26th of May is given also in this number.
In the issue of June 27th the editor apologizes for the non-appearance of the paper the preced- ing week but promises to his readers the Govern- or's speech to the Legislature and the answers of the judges.
In this issue Messrs. Ludlow, Freeman and Williams, proprietors of the town, give notice to all persons holding lots to come forward with their claims and receive their deeds.
Fourth of July was celebrated this year by a salute from the cannon in the early morning and again at one o'clock and by a repast at Gordon's Hotel. "The day was spent with great har- mony, and wine received an additional zest from the following toasts, which were answered by salutes from the cannon." The toasts were the usual ones,-the people, the President, the Gov- ernor, the Territory, the Legion, the Territorial fair, the French nation, agriculture, commerce, honesty not for its own sake but "because 'tis the best policy," etc. After each toast a nun- ber of guns were fired varying from three to thirteen.
Robert Armstrong forewarns the public against his wife Elizabeth "as she has proved false to my bed and board."
The celebration of the Fourth at Columbia is reported on July 18th. There the "respectable mhabitants" united in a social band to enjoy an elegant repast and after dinner drank 15 toasts accompanied by the discharge of small arms.
In the same issue is contributed a list of other toasts, expressive of the liberal, independent
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sense of a respectable class of citizens of the United States. They are written in quite vio- lent language and are intended to reflect the so- called republican sentiments of that part of the community opposed to the dominant powers in the Territory.
On July 25th W. Maxwell, being appointed by the Legislature to print for them 200 copies of their laws, invites proposals. of printing by subscription the laws of the Territory to be adopted in the present session of the Legislature. It was his desire to print 1,000 copies so that the remaining 800 could be disposed of at a moder- ate price of 19 cents for every 50 pages to sub- scribers and to non-subscribers 30 cents.
The news from Greenville gave reason to be- lieve that the peace with the savages would final- ly take place although it could hardly be ex- pected to be a durable one. The summer is re- corded as hotter than any known before in the country ; the thermometer rose frequently to 951/2 in the shade and reached to a point as high as 98. This was in the upper town and it was supposed that in the lower the record was two degrees higher.
The death of the postmaster, Abner Martin Dunn, attorney-at-law, is reported in this issue as well as that of the clerk of the Legislature, Ar- mistead Churchill.
The well known names of Abijah and Jesse Hunt appear in a notice of dissolution of the partnership of A. Hunt & Company, together with the announcement of the opening of the. store of J. & A. Hunt.
The Jay treaty is printed in the issues of Au- gust Ist, 8th and 15th.
An interesting item is that of August 15th, re- citing that at a court of Oyer and Terminer held in Lexington on Monday the 27th of July, 1795, "Hugh Ross being arraigned at the bar for fel- ony was found guilty, claimed benefit of clergy and was burnt in the hand."
Archibald M'Donald offers a reward of $5 for a woman by the name of Rhodah M'Donald, about 39 years of age, five feet four inches high who ran away and took with her a male child about 18 months old.
R. Hall of Little Miamia (sic) advertises the taking up by him of a negro man by the name of George who can be had by the owner upon pay- ing charges. ,
On August 22nd begins the publication of the proceedings of the Legislature of the preceding May. The first business reported was the re- ceipt of a petition of Joel Williams for permis-
sion to erect and hold a public ferry from his landing in Cincinnati to the opposite shore of the Ohio. The second was a petition of Rebecca Kennedy of the same character. Among other petitions was one for divorce prayed for by Will- iam Lemond.
On September 5th I. Darneille advertises "1 shall be necessarily absent until next term ( No- vember ) at which timne my clients may rely on my return and attention to their business, (acci- dent excepted)."
James Gillespy informs the public that "he has just erected a brew-house on Dear creek in the vicinity of Cincinnati, where he means to carry on the malting and brewing business, at an ex- tensive rate."
"The Subscribers for the Bridge to be built over Deer Creek, are requested to meet at Mr. John Brown's Tavern, on Saturday evening the 5th of September, for satisfaction to themselves, and the public welfare."
Thomas Doyle offers for sale lot 109 on which is erected a dwelling house and barn together with lot 108 adjoining. He also offers the lot next to Mr. Garrison on Main street, upon which is erected a log building, also out-lot 32 being now in corn and out-lot 31 being in pasture. These out-lots were at Court and Vine.
Samuel Freeman is somewhat indignant about his creditors and gives notice to them to come and make immediate payment-"or they may expect etc .!!! " This notice is printed upside down in one issue and in the following issue at right angles to the usual lines of the page.
Thomas Williams announces that he carries on the "Parchment making Business" and that a "Breeches Maker" will meet with encouragement by applying to him.
Abraham Garrison advertises for sale on Sep- tember 5th his good log building together with an elegant peach orchard and two lots situated at the foot of the second bank enclosed with a good fence and timothy thercin.
Another jail delivery took place on the 26th of August at which six prisoners escaped.
Henry. Pickel informs the public on Septem- ber 19th that he carries all passengers with horses from this side of the Ohio to the side where he lives free. The point of this notice can be gath- ered from an advertisement some time previous that Pickel had constructed a road from his ferry to Bank Lick four and one half miles long. It is presumed what Pickel lost in ferrying people for nothing he made up in tolls.
The interest in France and French affairs is
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shown by the fact that not only does the paper print each week news from France in the shape of a complete journal of the proceedings of the national convention but on September 26th be- gins the publication of a plan of constitution of the French Republic.
Another jail delivery is recorded on September 16th by which a soldier confined on suspicion of felony made his escape.
Israel Ludlow announces in the issue of Sep- tember 26th : "A Party will set out the middle of next month for Pittsburgh, by the way of Chela- cothe, on Little Miami, cross Scioto at Darbey's Town, Muskingum, at the mouth of White Woman's creek, or Fort Lawrence. The dis- tance of that rout is computed at, about three hundred miles, and from the best information, a road level and pleasant to Pittsburgh, may be had, which will greatly facilitate our intercourse by land to the atlantic states.
"A considerable number will start at that time for Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, among whom will be several well acquainted with the rout."
James Kavenagh offers $20 reward for the re- covery of his "Morocco Pocketbook" which he lost on September 9th between the store of Messrs. A. and J. Hunt and his own house and which contained bank bills to the amount of $95 and certain papers, inchiding a note of hand upon John Ryland to the amount of £56 payable in horses and cows. He hopes that "if it has fallen into the hands of an honest man he will give it up; but if it has fallen into the hands of a differ- ent person, they will give up the papers, (as they are of no use to any person but the owner) if not the other articles.'
The rates of advertising are given as one dol- lar per square for the first three weeks and one fourth of a dollar for each continuance after, the cash to be paid at the time the advertisement is handed to the press.
Evidently the Indians were not the only ma- rauders for on October 3rd is the report that a Mr. Litle who was on his way from Greenville to Cincinnati and about three miles on this side of Fort Hamilton, was robbed by two white men of $625 in bank bills and $1 in silver.
John Humes announces on October Ioth that he carries on "Spinning Wheel & Windsor Chair making," on Sycamore street next door to Aaron Cadwell.
On October 17th is published "A Hint .- Just opening at Col. Gibson's Yellow Store on the river bank, an assortment of Good Goods," etc.
In the issue of October 31st appears the fol-
lowing notice dated Cincinnati, October 29, 1795 :
"The Subscriber has opened a house of enter- tainment, in that large and commodious house, lately occupied by Mr. Mathew Winton. From the situation of said place, and his having excel- lent stabbling, together with a stock of the best liquors, he hopes to engage the patronage of his acquaintance and of the public in general-And pledges himself that the utmost regularity and good usage shall be observed in said tavern.
"GRIFFIN YEATMAN."
On November 7th the editor congratulates the Governor upon his return from visiting the West- ern country. He states "we also should be hap- py, to announce the return of the Honourable Judge SYMMES, who went in company with the Governour from this place; but has not yet returned."
In the issue of November 14th and some issues thereafter John S. Gano shows a knowledge of advertising worthy of modern days. He gives notice of the loss of his gold watch, chain, seal, and key which are described and offers $10 re- ward for their return "which is sufficient for an honest man, and I expect a rogue will not deliver them if any larger sum was offered." This 110- tice is printed across the margin of the entire page so as to be very conspicuous.
Judge Turner announces in the issue of No- vember 14th his intention of shortly leaving the Territory and offers his property for sale, includ- ing "his valuable collection of books, generally the works of eminent authors in law, history, philosophy, chemistry, Architecture, mechanics, &c.," and also liis household furniture, his build- ing lot in Cincinnati on the eastern side of Fort Washington and "an Iron Borer, for examining the earth 61 feet deep," etc.
This issue closed the second volume of the Centinel and the editor returns his thanks for the encouragement he has received which in so young a country far exceeded his expectation. He an- nounces that he has established a general corre- spondence with the chief of the printers through- out the Union by which he receives their papers by an established post every Monday.
On November 21st-"It is with no small satis- faction we announce the return of the llon. John C. Symmes, of the county of Hamilton on Tues- (lay last."
"I. Felty announces as found on the fourteenthi instant in Cincinnati, where the same was se- cretly deposited, a considerable sum of money."
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John Prince informs the public that he intends carrying on the auctioneering business in the house formerly occupied by James Caldwell in Main street two doors above Major Doyle's.
The late drought which prevented the paper mill in Kentucky from operating reduced the Centinel for several issues in November, 1795, to a very small size which made it necessary to omit some of the advertisements regularly published.
Stuart Richey announced once more the open- ing of his school on the 16th of December, to which not more than 30 scholars would be admit- ted.
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