History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 48

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108

USA > Ohio > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families > Part 48

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After the various articles had been placed, the box was sealed, deposited within the stone and cemented securely. Mayor W. H. Hartman then delivered a short ad- dress, the stone was swung into place and the ceremonies were over, after which the masons resumed the work of erecting the walls.

In January, 1904, Mrs. C. C. Nichols, the president of the Library Association, gave a beautiful bronze tablet on which the names of all the members of the Library ANNO- ciation during 1903 and 1904, the building committee and the librarian, are shown In relief letters. The tablet is found on the north vestibule wall, to the left as one enters the building.

The library was dedicated by ceremonies, over which Mayor W. H. Hartman pre- sided, on Thursday afternoon, June 30, 1904. The meeting was opened by a song rendered by a quartet composed of Messrs. Colvin and Hockett and Mesdames Linton and Hazard, with W. G. Fisher acting as accompanist. Rev. Walter Mitchell pronounced an invocation, which was followed by a solo by Robert Hockett. Mayor Hartman then rend a letter from the Xenia Library Association, congratulating the Daughters of the American Revolution upon their great success. Prof. Charles B. Galbreath. librarian of the state library at Columbus, Ohio, then made the address of the evening. After the reading of the treasurer's report by Dr. Elizabeth Shrieves, and a solo by Mrs. Clate Linton, an appeal for funds was made by the Rev. J. G. Pumphrey, of the Metho- dist church. The afternoon was closed by a song by a quartet composed of Messrs. Hockett and Colvin and the Misses Howland and Thorne.

That evening the building was lighted for the first time and thrown open for a reception to the public. Hundreds of the citizens of the town called to see the Interior of the building and many compliments were paid the ladies for their well-directed efforts and indefatigable labors The library was opened for Its renders on June 30.

The library building is a handsome structure, sixty by fifty-six feet, with a foun- dation of gray stone left in the rough, walls of buff pressed brick and roof of red tile. Entrance is made into a beautiful vestibule with floor of mosale tile, marble wainscot. and doors of quartered oak. There are practically two floor, the main floor and a basement. In the basement on the north side are found tollet rooms, a magazine room, a bailer room and fuel hins; in the center is an auditorium, thirty-two hy twenty- one feet with a stage about twelve feet square, and seating enpneity of about two hundred people: on the south side is a museum, twenty-one feet wide and thirty-two feet long. On the main floor, facing the entrance, is what may be called a dellvery lobby. seventeen hy nineteen feet. with the librarian's desk : beyond the librarian's desk is the stack or book room; on the north is a general reading room and In Its renr is a

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reference room; on the south side of the delivery lobby is a children's reading room and in its rear is the librarian's room.

The library has been remembered most generously by its many friends and patrons in the way of suitable gifts and bequests. The most notable example is the library of the late Judge Felix Grundy Slone, which was given to the library in April, 1914 by Mrs. Slone. This collection contains twelve hundred and seventy-five well-chosen volumes of standard works. They are found in handsome sectional book cases along the west wall of the adult reading rooms. They were accompanied by an excellent steel engraving of Shakespeare and his friends. This collection of books, a library in itself, is a fitting memorial to the memory of Its donor.

A few other friends of the library and their gifts should be mentioned. Mrs. Katherine Denver Willams has contributed many well-chosen volumes. An annual Christmas present is received from Mrs. C. C. Nichols, in the form of books, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bosworth, of Cincinnati, have been very generous also. The Woman's Re- lief Corp gave a beautiful silk flag and ornate stand in 1913. Kent Browning con- tributed the outdoor fing. W. H. Cole, of Sabina, former superintendent of the Wilming- ton schools, gave the library his bound proceedings of the American Falucationa! Association. This is only a partial list of the larger contributions that have been made.

In the basement of the building is found a museum that is a great credit to the library. The relies are placed under cover in beautiful, heavy. hand-carved walnut cuses that were obtained by the library trustees from the estate of the Inte Capt. D. A. Lamb. Mrs. Maria 8. Rickham, of Dayton, gave to the museum the great collection of relies that had been gathered by her son Willlme Rickham from all portions of the country. The museum also contains a good collection of eggs, that was purchased by the town from the Samuel Walker estate. There are quite a few relics of pioneer households in the form of spinning wheels, distaffs. etc.

The Library Association is composed of the members of the George Clinton Chap- ter. Daughters of the American Revolution. It is governed by six officers who constitute the board of trustees, Two trustees are elected annually to serve for three years. The present board of trustees and officers are, Mra. C. C. Nichols, president : Mrs. Dr. W. R. Hale. first vice-president : Mrs. Charles Skimming. second vice-president : Mrs. Amos Huffman, recording secretary : Mrs. Frank L. Miller, corresponding secretary. and Dr. Elizabeth Shrieves, treasured. Miss Minale Farren is the librarian, with the Misses Cleta Williams and Ethel MeCor as assistant librarians.

WIL MINGTON COMMERCIAL CLUB.

Wilmington has had two commercial clubs within the past fifteen years, the first club leading more or less of a desultory existence from 1901 to 1910. The second and present club dates from 1914.

In the spring of 1901 a large number of the business and professional men of Wil- mington conceived the idea of organizing a commercial cinb. A constitution and by- laws were adopted at a public meeting held In the mayor's office on March 12, 1910. D. A. Lamb was chairman of the meeting and Dr. Thomas L. Cooksey was secretary. The record shows that the club had sixty chartered members. Including most of the leaders in the business and professional life of Wilmington. The first officers were as follows : Dr. George W. Wire, president: J. S. Kimbrough. vice-president ; Dr. Thomas I. Cooksey, secretary : Frank L. Gallup, treasurer. For some reason, the club maintained an active existence for only two years. It held sporadle meetings up to January. 1903, but no other meeting is recorded until December 22. 1910, and this was the last one. The 1910 meeting was the result, evidently, of a breach of contract in the part of the Wilmington Water and Light Company and this Inst recorded meeting

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of the club was held to protest against the dllatory tactics of the public utility com- pany. With this meeting the first commercial club of Wilmington closed Its career.

The present Wilmington Commercial Club was organized on February 25. 1914, with the following officers: M. R. Denver, president: G. P. Thorpe, vice-president; Dr. F. A. Peelle. secretary : H. H. Henderson, Assistant secretary : Frank L .. Gallup. treasurer. Within a month there were one hundred and forty-four members enrolled and the membership has been materially increased sh. . that time.

The object of this association is to promote the industrial, commercial and civic welfare of Wilmington, and to develop the manufacturing and industrial interests of the city and vicinity. Membership is Hmited to those recommended by a member of the association, active membersbip being contingent upon approval of the board of directors and the payment of stipulated fees. The admission fee is five dollars, with annual dues of two dollars

The constitution provides for the appointment of seren committees, who are to take general charge of as many different lines of activities. These committees are as fol- low : Finance. J. W. Sparks. A. J. Bailey and S. G. Smith: city, mercantile and manu- facturing industries. J. W. Lawhead, F. E. Ferrell. R. B. Montfort. J. W. Metzger and J. S. Hummel : entertainment. A. J. Brown and C. A. Rennells; press, H. B. Patterson. O. J. Thatcher and F. C. Jeannot ; railroad relations. S. A. Mitchell, C. R. Fisher and J. R. Clevenger ; membership, H. F. Hoskins. E. J. Hintt. I. N. Lair, D. F. McCoy and Frank Murphy ; civic relations. R. L. Owens. F. M. Clevenger and Joseph T. Doan.

The executive committee is composed of the five club officials, the anme body con- stituting the board of directors and the committee on committees. The officers for the rear 1915 are as follows: M. R. Denver. president ; G. P. Thorpe, vice-president : Dr. F. A. Peelle, secretary ; H. N. Henderson, assistant secretary : F. J .. Gallup, treasurer.

The club meets on the second Friday of each month. Its handsomely appointed rooms are in the Samuel Walker Memorial building. Although the present club has heen organized less than two years, it has already done much for the city. It was Inrgely instrumental in bringing about the paving of the streets In 1914. and Is now agitating additional paving. The cinb is also responsible for the fall festival, which was held for the first time in 1914.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

The following is a list of the business interests in Wilmington. 1915: Abbatoir, William Thompson. C. C. Nelson ; auto dealers, Wilmington Anto Company. Griffith Anto Sales Company: auto repair, Ronta & Davis; auto livery, Wohlgamuth & Lowry, H. D. Pennington : abstractor. J. C. Linton : auctioneer. Brann & Steele, Charles Ayres. A. W. Lacy : architect. L. L. Compton, John Doyle: attorneys, Smith & Clevenger. W. 1. Stewart, Doan & Cartwright, G. P. Thorp. S. I .. Gregory. J. M. Moore, J. Clayton 1.inton. Edward J. West. Hayes & Hayes, Swalm & Jordan, N. M. Linton : agents. rail- way. E. H. Cowden, Pennsylvania; F. P. Leary, Baltimore & Ohio; express, V. B. Tonker. Wells Fargo: W. B. Kirk. Adams; banks, First National. Clinton County National, Citizens' National : building supplies. Edwin S. Collett. Fisher Manufacturing & Fuel Company ; building associations. Wilmington Homestead Company, Inton Loan Savings Company : bakeries. Homestead Bakery. Alkire Bakery, George Riehl: bar- bers. G. F. Merker, Sliker, manager: Randall & Funk. Harry Rath. Thatcher, Marshall. Clifford Brann : honds. F. H. Bryan, H. N. Henderson, E. E. Terrell : blacksmiths, C. D. Wallace, Lew Wallace, Cliff Reed, Baker & Huff: book stores. A. W. Starbuck. Hildebrant Book Store, Joe Walker, proprietor; brickmason. William Taylor, Charles carriage and auto painting, H. M. George Company : chiropidist, Josephine Hart ; elgar stores. T. M. Burnett. Walker Zimmerman, Thomas J. Denehy; coal dealers, C. R. Van Tress & Company. I. Egan, Edwin S. Collett. Frank Farquhar, Fred Orehaugh ;

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cement workers, W. H. Crawford, I .. I .. Compton, Charles Martindale, Roy McLaren, Harry South, T. C. Grogan; contractors. Foster Warner. J. E. Hale. W. F. Ludlum, Bloom & Conner, John Dayle, William Smithson : confectionery, Charles Heller, Roy Walker. The Palms. Swisshelm, proprietor; The Utopia, Applegate, manager: creamery, French Brothers, Bower; clothing. Charles L. Haworth, Katz & Bonecutter, Champlin & Mitchell: dry cleaning, Smith Brothers, William Sharky; dentists. W. R. Hale, Auber Peebles. R. F. Hale, C. H. Martin. Frank R. Smith, R. F. Peelle, F. G. Williams; decora- tor, Harry H. Walker; department stores, Watt & Patterson, The Syndicate: drugs. T. E. Brindle, Brown's drug store, Harry Christopher, DeVanney's drug store. Egan Brothers, Charles Crumley, J. M. Durkin: dry-goods. J. C. & W. C. Linton, Eagle store, W. & J. Fife. Savage & Daly ; elevator. Buckley Brothers, Wilmington Grain and Milling Company : electric supplies, Standard Electric Company, Dayton Power and Light Com- pans. F. I. Gallup: furniture dealers, Crary & Bangham, G. M. Rice; funeral directors, Burch D. E. Arthur, C. A. Holladay, Taylor & Son; factories, Auto Compressor Com- pany, Farquhar Furnace Company. Champion Bridge Company, National Safety Snap Company. Wilmington Casting Company. Irwin Anger Bit Company, Bates Canning Fac- tory, Brown Manufacturing Company, Baird Umbrella Company : fence builders, H. C. Thatcher; feed store, John W. Urton; florists. Trebor Weltz, Wilmington Floral Com- pany ; grocery, Martin Hampton, H. A. Davis, William Bright & Company, Dwight Moore. Charles Farquhar. J. E. Hart, G. E. Merker. R. C. Sprinkle. A. H. Hadley, Sabin Brothers, Russell Hiatt, Erskine Hayes; green house, George H. Moores; hardware, The Murphy-Benham Hardware Company, J. W. Sparks. W. G. Talmage; harness, Gran- ville Wallace. J. E. Mann: hay dealers, Harry S. Hale, Charles Ayres, E. C. Linton; hotels, New Martin. Geiselman, proprietor ; horse buyers, Frank Hunnicutt : house fur- nishings. Frank Gallup; ice dealers, Ireland & Tucker, Adams Dickinson: ice cream manufacturers. H. M. Woodmansee, Charles A. Hatfield : insurance. Metszgar & Company, Clarence T., Haworth, F. B. Sayers, W. W. Walker, E. E. Terrell. C. S. Thomas, Mills & Brann, Henderson & Wright, Truitt & Linton; jeweler. Ed. DeVoss, Frank L. Miller: junk, Frank Schoffeld: Hvery. J. W. Wire, W. E. Smith, Oshorne & Sbidaker; laundry, South Brothers: live stock dealers, Clarence L. Haworth. M. & C. Buckley. Bennett & Thompson : meat market. M. Ludlum, Frank Pain, Sabin Brothers: music teachers, Ernest Hale. Viola Mussetter. Mrs. Mabel Peelle: millinery, Mrs. S. C. Kelso and daugh- ter. Carrie B. Truitt. Nannie Mel'ann. Elizabeth Wright, Mrs. C. B. Taylor. Hoover Sisters, Honora M. Keefe, Mrs. Otto Crawford, Simmons & Taylor ; nursery. Leo Weltz; modiste. Mrs. John B. White: milling. Wilmington Grain and Milling Company : monu- ments, W. A. Harsha : moving pictures. The Cub, Frank Murphy ; The InMax, Lacy & Meloy : music store. George A. Baumann: newspapers, Clinton County Democrat. Journal- Republican. Daily Herald; optometrist. E. F. Stackhouse; painter and paper hangers, Frank H. Conner, Albert Williams, Lon Spurgeon, Bert Walker: photographer. Lester Spahr. J. W. Mock ; poultry dealer. A. J. Whiteside, Snyder Poultry Company : physicians. G. M. Anstin. A. D. Blackburn, E. Briggs. W. J. Dudley. Kelley Hale. D. V. Ireland. I. G. Murrell, S. D. Myers, F. A. Peelle, Elizabeth Shrieves, H. Whisler. A. D. Williams, G. W. Wire. G. W. Wood : osteopath. A. J. Williams : plumbers. Frederick J. Breeze. C. C. Hiatt, W. H. Taylor; pool and bifffards. Walker Zimmerman. Andrew Sliker; restaurant. Charles Heller. The Palms. The Busy Bee: shoes. Kate E. Reardon; sewing machines, Frank Harris: shoe repairing. F. A. Dunham. P. D. Barrett : theater, Dr. Russell Hale, numager : tinners. Charles W. Chaney. Wayne Jeffries, Fred Crane; variety store, The Famous. A. C. Stone, proprietor : Peoples' Store, J. T. Watt : veterinarians, Sidney D. Wyers, H. K. Bailey ; wool dealers, Bennett & Thompson; well drillers, Waldo Pelle.

CHAPTER XXXI. SIDELIGHTS ON CLINTON COUNTY HISTORY.

ABOLITION IN CLINTON COUNTY.

To most of us who live In this day, when the black man, also, enjoys the privileges of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," those ante bellum days that Harriet Beecher Stowe so vividly depicted in "Uncle Tom's Cabin." seem almost to belong to the dim vistas of the past. To us those days possess a gripping fascination. We hear and read with Interest of those old times, when slavery existed in the United States, while in our heart we are glad that it has been forever banished from our door, even though the cost was the bloody struggle between the North and South. And is there any doubt that of all the interesting bits of historie incident possessed by these days gone by. the most fascinating of all is the work and operation of the "underground railroads"-railroads whose trains very seldom followed their schedule during the day and never carried a light at night.

Clinton county, so close to the territory of the slave-holder and early to be crossed by "I'nderground Railroad" lines, was among the first to feel the fire of the abolitionists. But a short time after the holding of the famous international abolition convention in London In the year 1840, Clinton county had an anti-slavery society of her own. In its issue for December 10. 1842. the Clinton Republican gives an account of one of its quarterly meetings. Wright Haynes was the president and James Linton, the secretary. Resolutions were offered and speechs made by B. C. Gilbert. A. Brooke. J. O. Wattles and 8. Brooke. all of which are published at length. In February. 1842. an anti-slavery con- vention had been held at Wilmington, of which Perry Dakin was the president. A central committee was organized for Clinton county, and among those elected to serve upon it was Eli MeGregor. The Abolition or Anti-Slavery party nominated a state ticket in 1842 also, with Leicester King as the gubernatorial nominee. The ticket received sixty-seven votes in Clinton county. At this time It should he remembered that one who stood for abolition was looked upon as almost mad. He was a social outeast and often the treatment of him bordered upon persecution. Even persons who were honestly opposed to slavery looked upon them as fanatics and thought they could accomplish no good by their methods But. the sentiment grew and in the fertile soil of Clinton county Friends, who were schooled in the doctrines of George Fox, William Penn, John Woolman and others, to "bear a faithful testimony against slavery." It flourished. Most of the Quakers were Whigs and to them a vote for abolition at first seemed like a vote for the Democrats, but gradually. under the leadership of Seth Linton. Dr. Abram Brooke. Abram Allen, John D. Thompson, John Hollin. Elbu Oren. Amos Davis and others, the seed was sown and the grain grew. This little group of Clinton county pioneer abolitionists found their inspiration in Levi Coffin. of Cincinnati, Ianne F. Hopper, of Philadelphia. Lydia Marie Child, of New York, and William Lloyd Garrison, of Boston. They believed that the right and the truth would triumph, and they imperiled their own names and fame in order to embrace those high principles, even though it was at the greatest personal sacrifice.

A state Abolition ticket was again placed before the public in 1844, with. King -again nt its head. This time Clinton county honored it with two hundred and eighteen votes. In 1846. Samuel Lewis, for the same position, received three hundred and ninety-two

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votes in Clinton county. It has been Impossible to ascertain whether the Abolitionists nominated a separate ticket in 1848. In 1850, however, a ticket was put in the field, upon which the name of Edward Smith appeared as the candidate for governor, and Clinton county gave him three hundred and fifty votes. On the same ticket Samuel Lewis received from this county two hundred and sixty-eight votes in 1851 and eight hundred and thirty-nine votes in 1853. The strength of the party steadily grew from this time until 1854, when the Republican party was organized, and Salmon P. Chase received in 1855 and 1857, respectively, one thousand six hundred and forty and one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight votes from this county. William Deunison. in 1850, received one thousand seven hundred twenty-one votes and in 1861 the Republican candidate received two thousand eighty-one votes. From a small beginning, the men who opposed slavery- men who were almost persecuted for their views grew in power until they finally caused the overthrow of slavery in the I'nited States and established the grand principles to which they bad adhered when they were in a hopeless minority.

Among the early workers against slavery in I'nion township the names of Abram Allen, Jonathan Hadley, Thomas Hibben, Ell McGregor, Thomas Wraith, John Work and many others appear above the rest. It was these men that maintained the "underground railrond" stations and helped the fleeing slaves on their journey north to Canada. In this township the excitement became so great that even religious societies were affected, and. about the year 1844, a split occurred in the Methodist Episcopal church, which resulted in the organization of the Wesleyan Methodist church. a strong anti-slavery denomination. The latter society purchased the old school building at Wilmington and fitted it up for a house of worship. Rev. Mr. Voucher was one of the early ministers in this church, which continued Its meetings until the results of the Civil War removed the cause of separation, when most of its members returned to the parent church.

Perhaps the strongest of the Abolitionists in Chester township was John Grant, of New Burlington. His chief alds were Allen Linton, Amos Compton. Sr., and Doctor Brooke, of Oakland. Doctor Brooke became an zealous in the anti-slavery cause that he erected a large building on his land that became known as Liberty Hall, where enthusiastic conventions were held.

In Clark township, Aaron Betts and Christopher Hiatt were the leaders and were constantly persecuted. The story is told that on one occasion, when some anti-slavery speakers were stopping over night at Mr. Illatt's house, the manes and tails of their bornes were trimmed closely by some of the pro-sinvery citizens of the community.

Thomas Woodmansee, a pioneer of Washington township, was one of the original anti-slavery men of southern Ohlo, and also kept a station on the "underground railroad."

Perhaps Liberty township has the most enviable anti-slavery history. The "under- ground road" that crossed this township seems to have done a thriving business during the time it was in operation. Elfhu Oren's house seems to have been the principal station In the township and was often filled with dusky passengers fresh from the blue grass regions of Kentucky. The chief train on the road seems to have been known as the "Liberator." It was a large, closely-curtained carriage, made for the purpose by Abram Allen, that was driven at night, with the north star as its guide. The old "Liberator" was In the service for several years and carried many passengers, on their way to freedom. At Paintersville. there were two or three ready to relieve it of Its passengers and care for them. Joseph Coat. Abel Beven and Doctor Watson knew when it was due to approach and just what disposition to make of its contents. Samuel Haines, of this township, was one of the pioneers of the anti-slavery cause and it is supposed that he cast the only vote that was given in this township for James G. Birney in 1840; but this was the last time he voted alone. The anti-slavery sentiment grew stronger every year.

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THE DESERTED CAMP.

The following story of the "deserted camp" is taken from the notes of the late Judge Robert B. Harlan, of Wilmington :

"Clinton county is by no means celebrated for her many places of historic interest. A reason for this may be found in the fact that no Indian town was located within her borders, and the white man's war-trace and the Indian warrior's road generally lay to the west or east of us. Among the places of more or less celebrity within the county, the Deserted Camp is perhaps the most conspicuous. This is a well-known landmark, and is proudinently shown on the county map. It is situated on a high bank of Todd's fork, about three miles northeast of where Wilmington now is, on the spot now covered in part by Starbucktown. Surrounded by flat and rather low lands, this place of encampment ta high and rolling, and, in a state of nature, was covered by a heavy growth of large onks and such other trees as are common to the forests in the neighborhood. With such a surface, and so convenient both as to wood and water, it offered facilities for encampment unsurpassed for miles around.

"The name of the place was plainly derived from a circumstance which is said to have occurred there several years prior to the first white settlement in this part of the state.

"The tradition of the neighborhood is that an expedition in some force was fitted out in Kentucky during the existence of the long and bloody war between the people of that district and the Indians, to march against the towns of the Miamis or Mad Rivers. On its way. it encamped on Todd's fork. and in the morning It was discovered that one of the men had deserted to the enemy. Several questions arise here, as, What expedition is here referred to? When did it march? And who was the man who abandoned the brave and civilized Kentuckians to unite his fortunes with a savage people?

"The expedition was one of force, or it would never have ventured into the Indian county so far as the Deserted Camp. Four armies (if that is not too magnificent a term) were sent against the Indians mentioned above, and only four at any time.

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History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 48

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1108

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108