Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 84

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006

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These, with the other tracts, were given " for the same considerations, and as an evi- dence of the returning friendship of the said Indian tribes, of their confidence in the United States, and desire to provide for their accommodation, and for that convenient inter- course which will be beneficial to both par- ties."

A second treaty was concluded at Greenville, July 22, 1814, with the Wyan- dots, Delawares, Shawnees, Senecas, and Miamies.

The commissioners on the part of the United States were Gen. William Henry Harrison and Gov. Lewis Cass. By it these tribes engaged to aid the United States in the war with Great Britain and her savage allies. The prominent chiefs were Tarhe, Capt. Pipe, and Black Hoof. Both of the treaties were held on the same spot, within the present (1846) garden of Abraham Scribner, in Green- ville. On the 22d of July, 1840, just twenty- six years after the last treaty, there was a great celebration at this place, called "the Greenville Treaty Celebration," at which the many thousands present were addressed at length by Gen. Harrison.

From the year 1805 to 1808 the celebrated Tecumseh, with his brother, the prophet, resided at Greenville. It was the point where they formed their plans of hostility to the whites. During their residence at this place

they were visited by many Indians, who were wrought into the highest excitement by the eloquence of Tecumseh and the cunning of the prophet.

On the plan of Fort Greenville is laid down "Tecumseh Point," at the junction of the rivulet with Greenville creek, about a quarter of a mile from the court-house. At this place are some Indian graves ; here Tecumseh had a cabin, and formerly near it was a spring, called "Tecumseh's Spring." In 1832 the remnant of the Shawnecs, then moving to their new homes in the far West, from their reservation on the Auglaize, took this place on their route, instead of Cincinnati, as de- sired by the United States agents. They en- camped on Tecumseh's Point to the number of several hundred, and remained a day or two to take a final farewell of a place so dear to their memories.

In the graveyard at Greenville lies the remains of ENOCH BERRY SEITZ, one of the greatest mathematicians of his time on the globe, and withal a man of

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singular modesty and amiability of character. He died in Missouri in 1883, aged thirty-seven, and was brought here for burial, because he had been a teacher here for a number of years, was endeared to the people, and this was the home of his wife. He was born near Lancaster, Fairfield county, the son of a farmer, and early displayed great aptness for mathematics. He graduated at the Ohio Wes- leyan University in 1870. His friend, Prof. John S. Royer, wrote of him :

" Having a special fondness for mathematics, he devoted his leisure hours to the broad fields and hidden beauties of its higher branches, delving deep into the mine of original investigation, and astonishing the world by the aptness with which he unfolded the beautiful and mysterious relations of numbers.

Years ago he was a subscriber to the School-day Magazine, which had a math- ematical department, edited by the great mathematician, Artemus Martin. He displayed great ingenuity and ability in solving difficult probability problems, and when asked what works he had on that difficult branch of mathematical science,

ENOCH BERRY SEITZ.

Mr. Seitz, to the great astonishment of his friend, replied : ' I have no books on that subject, but what I know of it I learned by studying the problems and solu- tions in your magazine.' Here was the secret of his success. He first studied the principle-laid a sure foundation, upon which he afterward reared the magnificent edifice. He furnished over 500 model solutions to the School Visitor, which evinced those striking characteristics of his mathematical work-originality, accuracy, and beauty. Many readers have gathered inspiration and taste for the science by his labor of love in this behalf. He was also a regular contributor to the Analyst, the Mathematical Visitor, and the Educational Times, of London, England.

The latter has a department sustained by the greatest mathematicians in Europe and America. In this everything is found starlight, but our lamented friend represented a most brilliant star, standing upon the eminent plane side by side with Woolhouse, England's acknowledged mathematical champion, and in his especial branches-' Average' and 'Probabilities'-Prof. Seitz had no superior in the world." In 1880 he was elected a member of the London Mathematical

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Society, being the fifth American so honored. At the time of his decease he was Professor of Mathematics at the State Normal School, Kirkersville, Mo. He died yonng, but the work he accomplished remains, an endearing monument of fame and honor.

During the years 1827 and 1828 John H. Martin and Thomas F. Chenowith, by the aid of two four-horse teams, transported all of the products marketed in the county to Cincinnati, and brought back about all of the merchandise sold in the county. In 1886 they were both living, and at the age of about eighty years. The following items are from the "County History :"

Indian Trading. - The first permanent white settler in Darke county was Azor Scribner, who in 1806 or 1807 established an Indian trading-house in Greenville town- ship. His goods were hauled from Cincin- nati along Wayne's road by a yoke of oxen attached to a rough sled denominated a mud boot, and a trip usually occupied from three to six weeks. He exchanged his goods for furs and did a thriving business. The man- ner of trading has thus been described : The Indians, bringing with them their roll of furs, walked into the cabin and found seats, while each was presented with a small piece of to- bacco. Pipes were lighted, and the residue was placed in pouches. After some time passed in smoking and talking among them- selves, one arose, went to the counter, and taking up a yard-stick, pointed out the article wanted and asked the price.

Payment being made in skins, there was to each kind a recognized value. The muskrat was held at a quarter, the raccoon at a third, a doe at a half, and a buckskin at a dollar. Payment was made following each purchase, until all exchanges were effected. As each retired another came forward in his turn un- til all had traded. No one desired to antici- pate his turn, decorum was observed, and no attempt was made to "beat down," for, if not satisfied, another article was pointed out and named. It is reported that Scribner not only sold the Indians tobacco, but rum, and they generally reserved some of their furs with which to procure liquor for a final frolic.

In the winter of 1807-8 Samuel Boyd moved in with his family, and in 1810 the three Rush brothers and some others. A year later the Indians became hostile and committed some murders. Prior to the war of 1812 several dwellings and four block- houses were erccted in Greenville. Among those who were killed by the Indians was Andrew Rush. One day in April, 1812, while going to mill through the wilderness, he stopped at the cabin of Mr. Daniel Pot- ter, when Mrs. Potter asked him if he was not afraid of the Indians waylaying and kill- ing him. Upon this he langhed, and running his hand through his hair jokingly replied : "No, I had my wife this morning cut my bair so short that they could not get my scalp off." That afternoon he was shot from his horse, tomahawked and scalped.

The First School-House .- So slow was the settlement of the county, that in 1824 there

were entire townships that did not contain a single inhabitant. There were but two meet- ing-houses, one a Methodist, the other a Hardshell Baptist. The roads of the county. consisted of the old war traces of St. Clair and Wayne, some Indian paths and some few other traces cut by the early settlers. Educational advantages in town and county were for many years quite limited. There were a few rude school-hou, es widely scat- tered, and these were occupic ! three months of each winter by teachers whose qualifica- tions better adapted them for burning brick than solving problems in mathematics, and consequently there was little learned. Schools were taught by subscription.

Settlers built houses as they were needed. Many settlers had large families-as many as ten children were found in a single cabin- and to provide for the future of these young people, the parents came to this county. There was always work to be done, and the services of all hands were needed; it was only during the winter months that schools could be attended. At these only the ele- mentary branches were taught, and the pre- dominant idea of the school-master was dis- cipline first, learning afterward. No gram- mar nor geography was taught. Few stud- ied arithmetic, and these did not proceed much beyond the rudiments; and when at length grammar was introduced, such pupils were thought well advanced.

In any locality, whenever sufficient families had moved in to form a school, the settlers stood ready to build a house and engage a teacher. Tall, strapping youths attended school, and the master had need of decision and courage as well as method and erudition. It was the custom for the person applying for the school to call upon the parties within sending distance and canvass for scholars. If enough were secured school opened. An illustration of the old-time method is given as follows : About the year 1815 a man came into the Rush neighborhood and offered his services as a teacher. The settlers located along Mud creek, West Branch and Bridge creek talked the matter over and concluded to employ him. It was a light labor for all to turn out with axes, handspikes and oxen, upon a day appointed, to chop and draw logs to a chosen site for the purpose of putting up a school-honse. The location was near Rush Fort, on Mud creek. While some put up round logs, notched down one layer upon another, until they were of sufficient eleva.

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tion to form a story, split clasp-boards for the roof, chamber floor and door, and puncheons for the floor, others drew stone for the fire- place, and prepared sticks and mud for the chimney. The floor being laid, next came the desks and the seats. Large holes were bored in a log on each side of the room, wooden pins were driven in, and a slab or unplaned plank laid on these pins. For seats, holes were bored in puncheons and legs driven in, two at each end. Windows were made by cutting out a log nearly the whole length of the house, leaving a hole a foot wide. Into this was foiled a sort of lattice-work of sticks, and upon this greased paper was pasted to transmit the light. Such was the school- house of sixty-five years ago. It was not much of a structure, but there was no great contrast between it and the homes of the builders. There was no lack of ventilation, and the wood was not too long for the fire- place.

Love-Making and Marriage .- The arrival of a family occasioned eager inquiry by the young men as to whether there were any marriageable daughters of the number. The demand was in excess of the supply. The same maiden had sometimes several suitors ; this involved the delicate matter of rejection as well as choice.

Sometimes the girls were betrothed before leaving home, and a knowledge of this fact caused disappointment. For a long time after the first settlement of the county the people generally married young. The parties differed little in fortune, and none in rank. First impressions of love resulted in mar- riage, and a family establishment cost only a little labor.

The marriage ceremony was arranged to take place before dinner, which was a sub- stantial feast of beef, pork, fowls, and some- times venison and bear meat, roasted and boiled, with abundance of potatoes and other vegetables. Dinner was free from formality, and a time for mirth and enjoyment. There was dancing after dinner. "The figures of

the dance were three and four handed reels or square sets and jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which was followed by what was called jigging it off; that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and were followed out by the remaining couple. The jigs were often accompanied with what was called cutting out, that is, when either of the parties tired of the dance, on intima- tion the place was supplied by some one of the company without any interruption to the dance. In this way the amusement was often continued till the musician was heartily tired of the situation."

Among marriages in pioneer days was that of Ullry to his brother's widow ; they had lived together some time during the inopera- tive period before the election of justices, and when a justice was chosen they were legally married. In a spirit of jovialty a party of young people, being resolved to have a mar- riage, seized upon a man named Israel Wertz and fitted him out with a suit. One of the party furnished leggins, another some other article of dress until he was properly clothed, and then calling upon a woman named Jane Dugan, asked her if she was willing to marry Wertz. She replied affirmatively, and they all started for the house of Alexander Smith, a justice of the peace who lived east of Green- ville. Wertz repented and broke away, upon which a dog was set after him, and he was caught and held. The ceremony was then performed, and the twain thus singularly made one lived many years together happily, and both finally died of old age.

At this date the only article of export from the county was hoop-poles. During the win- ter the principal employment of farmers was wagoning these hoop-poles to Germantown, Middletown, Lewisburg, etc., and by this means they were enabled measurably to sup- ply themselves with salt, groceries, leather and other necessaries. This supplied the people with ready money. The county-seat had only about 300 people, many very poor finding it hard work to get a living.

We here make a valuable extract from the pen of Prof. W. H. McIntosh, in the " County History," relating to the climate when the country was in a wilder- ness condition, and the changes which the clearing away the forests have produced in the health of the people :

Since the early settlement of Darke county occurring changes have greatly modified the climate, and to a less extent this is still in progress. The original forest, together with the undergrowth, shut out the sun from the soil and impeded atmospheric circulation. The almost monotonous level, receiving the winter snows and spring rains, retained the water through the summer, and thereby caused a moist, cool air. The forests broke the sweep of the cold northwest winds of winter, and the freezing of large, partly sub- merged tracts gave off a sufficient amount of heat to sensibly mitigate the cold incident to the season. The soil, bedded in leaves and

vegetation, was greatly protected from the frost, and the warm air of spring speedily awakened the dormant germs of vegetation. It also, being protected by the overhang- ing foliage from the heat of summer, more readily experienced the influences of wind and frost, and hastened winter.

The forests being gradually cut down to make room for cultivation, the land being thoroughly drained, these conditions have correspondingly changed. The earth now receives the sun-rays unobstructed ; the air has free circulation. The tilied lands have been underdrained with tile and open ditches, thereby carrying away at once the melting

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snows of winter and the rains of spring, leaving little moisture to affect the climate by evaporation. The effect of this denuding and draining of the soil is seen in the great depth to which the summer's sun-rays pene- trate, and as these rays are given off, the arrival of winter is proportionally delayed.

But when the reserve of heat is exhausted the unprotected earth is deeply frozen, and from these conditions come later springs, warmer summers and delayed but more severe winters.

An analysis of the climate of Darke county, according to the previous descrip- tion, requires a consideration, also, of the situation of its land, and the direction and character of its winds.

Located about midway between the Alle- gheny mountains and the Mississippi river there is observable a prevalence of westerly winds. This is explained by the enormous area of level lowlands whereon the atmos- phere is influenced by the earth's rotary mo- tion, causing it to move in westerly currents toward or from the equator. The west and northwest winds are mainly dry-air enrrents, so that although the annual rainfall is con- siderable, yet under their action the moisture is rapidly absorbed. Such conditions would inure to the productiveness of most soils, but in a good, rich soil, such as Darke county occupies, there is almost a certainty of ample and abundant crops.

The averages in the various seasons are, approximately, 31° for winter, 57° for spring, 74° for summer, 52° for autumn. The winter is long, and there are sudden changes from the mildness of spring to the most intense cold. These cold spells are rarely of more than seven or eight days' duration, and are generally preceded by storms of rain or snow. Rain falls almost nightly and for a day or so at a time during spring, and the temperature fluctuates from the chill of winter to the warmth of summer. Following one of these changes summer comes and throughout is one of a tropical character. As fall draws near, the atmospheric conditions approach uniformity, and at this period Darke county is seen to the greatest advantage. Breathing an agreeable atmosphere, surrounded by healthful conditions, the beholder looks with pleasure upon the fields, the orchards and the gardens. Turning to the woodlands, he sees the maples, elms and oaks in holiday at- tire, preparing for their period of rest. There is every hue and all shades of color. The winds toy with the branches ; the sunlight is all about them ; some are darkened as in shadow, others are brilliant in the glow of light, and all about there are seen bluish, smoke-like mists, completing nature's finest portraiture of the forest in the fall-time ar- rayed in splendor.

The health of the settler and of the later residents has been subjected to the mutations affecting the climate. In the low swamps miasma prevailed ; the action of the sun upon the decaying vegetation opened by the clearing and stirred by the plow, induced

fevers and chills, and there were few that did not, at times, succumb to these disorders. The healthy and hardy entered into the struggle with nature courageously and joy- ously. Labor had its zest, and food and sleep were most refreshing ; but there were many who struggled on under the depression and hindrances of sickness.

As settlers came in and clearing took greater swecp, sickness became more gen- eral, or at least more apparent, and when Drs. Perrine and Briggs came to Greenville, they found constant employment in attending to the calls of the sick. Fever and ague pre- vailed, and few, if any, families but had some sick members. Not then, as now, was quinine available-not even known-and the popular remedies were dog-wood and wild- cherry bark steeped in native whiskey.

Slow progress was made for a time, as men became disheartened, left the county and circulated reports that were not only true, but sadly true, of an irreclaimable wilderness of morass and swamp, the haunt of pestifer- ous agues and consuming fevers. It is a fact that very few of the pioneers of Darke held on through all vicissitudes.

From 1820 to 1840 the doctors were all kept busy attending to the sick, so prevalent were ague, flux and bilious fever at certain seasons of the year. The years 1836 and 1837 were comparatively healthy; the year following was more sickly, and 1839 still more so, and from that time till 1850 there were more or less of bilious complaints every season. Since that date both towns and country have been generally healthy.

As an illustration of the desperation to which the medical treatment subjected pa- tients, we relate an incident in the practice of Dr. Gard, one of the veteran physicians of the early days. He was called in, as family physician, to minister to the wants of a sick child. Cold water was forbidden, and calomel, as was usual, was administered. The doctor then retired, with promise of a return the next day. Cold water was barred ; the boy begged for a drink, but entreated in vain, as the doctor's orders were immutable law. He then resorted to strategy. Feigning a desire for rest and repose, the family re- tired to permit their indulgence. Soon heavy breathing announced that all were asleep, and the patient arose from bed, staggered to the water-bucket, and, to his dismay, found it empty. This discovery would have been hailed with imprecations that would have roused all in the house had not the necessity 01 the case demanded control. Water must be had, although the spring was at quite a distance. The coffee-pot was found, and the patient set out to assuage his consuming thirst. He rested several times in the wet grass, but finally arrived at the spring, drank heartily, and, undiscovered, returned to his bed, having placed the well-filled coffee-pot at his bedside. This was two-thirds emptied before this suicidal act was known, when the doctor was hurriedly summoned and stood with astonished and ominous look, awaiting

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serious results that did not happen. In a few days the patient had recovered. Dr. Gard was as skillful as the best, and did his duty, but the practice of that day had its rigors.

Rich as the land was, it could not-produce money, and this must be had to meet pay- ments and taxes. Clearing, aside from small patches, had no stimulus. Of what avail were bins of corn and wheat, and droves of swine, without a purchaser or market, and of markets there were none. Having suffi- cient bread and meat, all were satisfied, and they shared freely with each other and with strangers. Wheat was worth about two shillings per bushel, and corn changed hands at about one-half that price. The current prices fluctuated with the supply ; and it was a gratification when a newspaper for the first

time made its appearance and obtained general circulation in the county. It was published at Eaton, Preble county, and subscription was paid in corn at fifteen cents per bushel.

Pork was sold, when it could be sold, at two and three cents a pound ; beef brought about the same price ; maple sugar was held at six and eight cents per pound, and maple syrup at about two shillings a gallon. Wages ranged from two to three shillings a day, and this was regarded as an average of compensa- tion. Had some wealthy man bought large tracts and taken steps to develop the capacity of the land, there were many who would have gladly offered their services ; but improve- ment in wages, prices and health were yet far in the future, and this border life between the civilized and the savage had few attrac- tions such as society affords.

During the war of the Rebellion Darke county contributed her full share to the ranks of the Union army. The Fortieth Ohio infantry, largely composed of Darke county men, was organized in the fall of 1861.

After varied service, in March, 1863, it joined the army of Kentucky at Frank- lin, Tenn., where, a few weeks later, an attack was made by a strong force of the enemy upon the place, but they were repulsed by the excellent fighting of some companies of the Fortieth out on picket line. The story of this fight, with the spicy conversation between Van Dorn and Serg. Orin of the Fortieth, who had been taken prisoner, we copy from the " County History :"

On the 10th of April, 1863, the regiment was placed on picket duty in front of the town, with Capt. Charles G. Matchett in command. At that time the rebel forces, under Gen. Van Dorn, were stationed at Spring Hill, Tenn., nine miles south of Franklin. Soon after 12 o'clock M. the rebels commenced an attack upon seven companies of the Fortieth, which had been stationed on and between the Columbia pike and the Big Harpeth river (a distance of about five hundred yards), but were hand- somely repulsed. The attack was renewed with reinforcements, and again repulsed. By this time the enemy were preparing to charge in force, and the situation of the For- tieth was precarious. Behind them, for the distance of more than half a mile, lay an open field without an obstacle or a shelter on it; but, momentarily expecting reinforce- ments, they held their ground, and repulsed charge after charge, for two hours.

Van Dorn then formed his entire force for a charge, and the Fortieth fell back in good order to the town, where, taking advantage of hedges, fences, houses, etc., they repulsed the enemy and drove them out of town, and, at 4 o'clock P. M., resumed their former po- sition on picket duty.

The Fortieth's loss was three killed, four wounded, and ten missing, and all afterward were exchanged and rejoined the command.

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Historical collections of Ohio in two volumes, an encyclopedia of the state, Volume I, Part 84

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio Number of Pages: 1006

Author: Howe, Henry, 1816-1893
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Cincinnati : Published by the state of Ohio
Number of Pages: 1006