USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Dayton > History of Dayton, Ohio. With portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneer and prominent citizens Vol. 2 > Part 20
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TREASURERS -- T. E. Clark, 1861; George Dick, 1862 and 1863; J. M. Parks, 1864 and 1865; J. Emmons, 1866; W. D. Linn, 1867 and 1868; J. Q. A. Coffeen, 1869 to 1872; W. D. Linn, 1873; W. W. Wolf, 1874 to 1886; William Webster, 1887 and 1888.
CENSORS .- T. E. Clark, J. B. Owens, and E. W. Bosler, 1864; S. L. Stewart, J. B. Owens, and T. E. Clark, 1862; J. M. Parks, D. E. Taylor, and T. E. Clark, 1863; C. Cropper, George Dick, and S. L. Stewart, 1864; W. D. Linn, A. Shepherd, and William Webster, 1865; HI. Wigand, F. A. Sanborne, and A. Shepherd, 1866; G. W. Smith, I. Dever, and W. W. Wolf, 1867; J. E. Lowes, S. L. Yourtee, and Isaiah Dever, 1868; J. E. Lowes, F. S. Foster, and J. B. Omens, 1869; J. E. Lowes, A. Shepherd,
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and J. M. Parks, 1870; A. O. Longstreet, B. F. Enkens, and G. W. Smith, 1871; A. Shepherd, F. W. Thomas, and R. Spooner, 1872; F. W. Thomas, C. W. Stumm, and J. Geiger, 1873; C. W. Stumm, J. Geiger, and A. C. Rickey, 1874; J. M. Parks, William Webster, and W. Egry, 1875; Wil- liam Webster, J. Geiger, and F. WSThomas, 1876; William Webster, Mrs. K. A. Nobles, and H. E. Beebe, 1877; W. A. Shappee, H. E. Beebe, and J. M. Parks, 1878; W. Egry, W. A. Shappce, and B. S. Hunt, 1879 and . 1880: A. C. Rickey, G. W. Smith, and JI. E. Beebe, 1881; E. T. Allen, C. F. Ginn, and J. B. Owens, 1882; J. C. Fahnestock, J. D. Harris, and T. S. Turner, 1883; W. A. Shappee, J. E. Lowes, and C. R. Coffeen, 1884 and 1885; II. E. Beebe, A. S. Rosenberger, and Madge Dickson, 1886; WV. A. Shappce, C. R. Coffeen, and C. O. Munns, 1887; TI. E. Beebe, C. O. Munns, and C. F. Ginn, 188S.
Following is a list of the names of the members of the society at the present time: C. R. Coffeen, A. Shepherd, J. M. Parks, William Web- ster, Elias Webster, G. W. Smith, C. F. Gin, C. E. Walton, W. E. Duel, T. E. Reed, W. A. Shappee, E. W. Robertson, A. S. B. Nellis, C. O. Muuns, M. M. Eaton, II. E. Beebe; J. W. Means, J. C. Fahnestock, W. A. Cook, Frank Webster, Charles Cropper, J. Emmons, J. E. Lowes, F. W. Thomas, M. W. Byrkitt, J. Dillon, ---- Harris, A. A. Lovett, G. W. Moore, M. P. ITunt, R. B. House, I. B. Wilson, C. A. Pauly, W. A. Cook, C. G. MeDermont, J. K. Webster, Madge Dickson, William Owens, E. T. Allen, W. Egry, Abraham Laser, Mrs. E. A. Nobles, Kate C. Cobham, J. J. Antrim, and F. D. Bittenger.
The Mad River Dental Society was organized in 1855 or 1856, at the office of Dr. William A. Pease. Its early history is not easily accessible, but it held a meeting July 3, 1860, in the office of Dr. William A. Pease. The members present at the meeting were as follows: A. A. Blount, and J. Ramsey, of Springfield; George Watt, and G. L. Payne, of Xenia; J. G. Palmer, J. G. Rose, and E. M. See, of Urbana; S. Clippinger, of Bellefon- taine, George F. Foote, of Cincinnati, and C. Bradley, J. E. Jones, and William A. Pease, of Dayton.
The subjects discussed at this meeting were as follows: First, certain points in mechanical dentistry; second, diseases accompanying deep seated caries, and third, the cure of ulcerated teeth. The last topic clicited the most interest at this meeting, the members being very enthu- siastic as to resources in possession of the profession, by means of which they said ulcerated teeth could be permanently cured in two or three days.
. In February, 1861, an important subject occupied the minds of the dental profession of Dayton. It was this; " Who are Dentists ?" The
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question was treated at some length by Dr. William A. Pease in the publie prints. After presenting a brief history of dentistry, he pro- ceeded to divide those who operated on the teeth, into two classes, viz .: mechanics and dentists. Very different systems, he said, might be expected from the two classes. From the dentists one might expect the preservation of the teeth, as they based their practice. on the knowl- edge of the laws of the human system, and would refuse to extract a tooth merely because it ached, or because there was a soreness about the gums, Or in case they did consent to extract the tooth in such a case, it was reluctantly, at the request or command of the sufferer who refused to undergo the treatment necessary to its preservation. The mechanics, on the other hand, having little more than mechanical skill and dexterity, conscious of their inability to preserve an aching tooth, persistently advised the sufferer to have it extracted, or if not that directly, they talked so disparagingly of the process of "plugging," as it was then called, as to induce the patient to demand the extraction of the tooth, on the principle that dead men and extracted teeth tell no tales. The patient of the true dentist saved his teeth, and with them his ability to masticate his food, and thus preserve his health, while the patient of the mechanic secured a shining set of white teeth which could be readily seen to be artificial, and with them imperfect mastication and consequent imperfect nourishment, an offensive breath, sunken mouth, protruding nose, com- pressed lips, wrinkled and shriveled checks, unnaturally prominent, cheek * bones and an appearance of premature age.
About the same time Dr. Pease issued a warning to dentists as to the use of a certain substance or compound for filling the teeth. This material was variously called artificial bone, artificial dentine, ete., and was composed of zine paint, chloride of zine, together with a little borax, quartz, or other material. It was a very strong and active compound. If a little of it touched the gums or lips, it would cauterize the spot touched in an instant. The writer said, however, that the dentists of Dayton had never done more than to experiment a little with it, and as soon. as they ascertained the true nature of the compound they ceased to use it in their practice.
This society continued its regular meetings until 1887, when it was suffered to lapse into a state of inactivity; but measures are now being taken to revive it and its usefulness. All matters pertaining to the progress of the profession were the subjects of discussion at its meetings, but it is a question with some as to whether much material progress has been made in the methods of filling, or in the ability of the profession to save ulcerated teeth. No materials have been found to take the places
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of gold and amalgam, and it is still out of the power of dentists to save some ulcerafed teeth. With reference to the materials of which to manufacture plates for artificial teeth, celluloid has been found unsuited to the requirements and gold is to some degree objectionable. Aluminum has not yet been brought under perfect subjection, but on account of its many superior qualities, viz., lightness, strength, fusibility at a compara- tively low temperature, flexibility, non-corrosiveness, and other peculiar qualities, it is looked forward to as the "metal of the future," in this as in most other departments of the arts and manufactures.
Probably the first dentist in Dayton was Dr. A. Kniscly, who, in 1831, advertised that he tendered his services to the ladies and gentlemen of Dayton in the several branches of dental surgery. Ile proposed to insert natural or artificial teeth with such permanency and so naturally as to escape detection. He could cure all cases of scurvy of the teeth, pre- serve those which were decaying, extract decayed teeth and remaining roots with care and safety. He said that the benefits of filling teeth were so truly important that it was impossible to recommend it too highly, but it was generally delayed so long that decay could not be effectually stopped; whereas, if the filling were performed at the commencement of decay, or before the nerve was exposed, the teeth would be preserved not for a short time only, but for the period of a long life. This advertisement would seem to indicate that the filling of teeth was something new to this locality, at least, otherwise its advantages would not have had to be so strenuously insisted upon.
Dr. G. A. Frydinger, surgeon dentist, came to Dayton early in 1833. In an advertisement in the newspapers he tendered his professional ser- vices to the citizens of Dayton and vicinity. Ile said that he inserted incorruptible teeth, the utility of which was incomparable on account of their neatness, cleanliness, and durability. So far as they had been used, they continued to claim superiority over every other kind of artificial teeth. IIe substantiated this statement by the following extract from a certificate from the Medical Society of Philadelphia:
"Ivory, the tibiae, and the teeth of oxen, the teeth of the hippopot- amus, and even the human teeth, when transplanted, are all subject to putrefaction. They contract, besides, communicating disease to the gum and the adjoining teeth, and thus impart to the month the most offensive and scorbutic appearance. The saliva becomes impregnated with un- wholesome matter issued from the decayed teeth and guins, which, being carried to the stomach, frequently produces the most unmanageable dyspepsia.
" These teeth combined among others the following properties:
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"1. They are unalterable by heat.
"2. Neither alkalies nor acids produce the least impression npon them.
"3. The material of which they are composed, being indestructible, the injurious effects resulting from those in common use are thus avoided. "4. They can be made of any shape or color to correspond with the adjoining tecth.
"5. They are less expensive on account of their great durability."
The names of the committee signing this certificate were as follows: Thomas Harris, Samuel Jackson, and C. D. Uregs.
Dr. Williams advertised as a resident dentist April 17, 1838. Dr. John Jones was probably the next dentist that came to the city, and he was the teacher of some who have since become dentists, and are now in practice here. He came early in the forties. Dr. Bashaw came soon afterward Dr. William A. Pease came in 1847, has been in practice ever since, and has written very largely for medical journals. Dr. C. Bradley came in 1849 and is still in practice in the city. Dr. Edward Conway, like Dr. Bradley, was a student of Dr. John Jones, and practiced here a long time. Dr. A. S. Tolbert came early, and was shortly followed by his brother. Dr. T. R. Willard came in 1850, Dr. Satterthwait in 1859, Dr. C. II. Leaman in 1865, Dr. Compton and Dr. E. F. Sample in 1866, and Dr. Whiteside in 1875.
Dayton has been twice visited by the cholera, the first tine in 1833 and the second time in 1849. The first death from this disease in 1833 was that of Elijah Crist, which occurred June 25th. Just outside the city there was one death before that of Mr. Crist, at Howard's factory on the Rubicon, above Patterson's farm. The disorder continued until the latter part of September, and the whole number of deaths from the disease during its prevalence here that season was thirty-three. Among those who died from it were Aaron Casad, Robert L. Hagan, Jeremiah Tritt, Barnhart Speck, Daniel Stuisman, John Munday, J. N. Fasnacht, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Simms, Mrs. Huntington, Mrs. Munday, and several children.
The epidemic of 1849 was much more virulent. The first death this year occurred May 18th, and was that of William Munday. He was nineteen years of age and resided at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson streets. He was confined to his bed but twelve hours. He had just returned from Cincinnati, where the cholera was then epidemie. On the same day that this young man died, there was an old man attacked in Frenchtown, who, however, recovered, and up to the 24th of the month there were no other cases, and the general health of the city was good.
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The citizens were cautioned against intemperate habits and methods of life, intemperance usually, if not always, being conducive to the spread of epidemies. On June 11th, John J. Pearson, a merchant of Lockport, Shelby County, visited Dayton with his wife and put up at Kline's tavern. On Wednesday, the 13th, he started home, but died of cholera before daylight next morning. William Hill, a blacksmith living on Eaton pike, stopped at the same tavern on Wednesday, the 13th, and died on the 15th of the month. George W. Snyder died on the 16th, as did also a young man who was hostler at the Kline Hotel. Up to this time there had been no case of cholera in the city except those which were in some way connected with this hotel. This was looked upon as being extremely singular. At that time all the boarders had left except Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, and they. left on the 17th. Mr. and Mrs. Kline also vacated the premises, with the intention of closing the hotel until such time as it should be thought safe to again open it to the public. Mrs. Marshall died at the Engine House on the 19th. This made seven deaths among those who had been inmates of the Kline House, and there had so far been no fatal cases except among those which had originated there.
It would require more space than it is deemed practicable to spare in this connection to give a detailed account from day to day of the deaths that occurred here during the epidemic, but the numbers that died ou each day, so far as could be conveniently ascertained, are presented below. The disease became epidemic on the 13th of June, and on that day there was one death, that of J. A. Kline, who lived on Second Street, west of Main. On the 15th there were two deaths, those of John Spohn, who lived on Main Street, and of John Willey, who lived near the corner of Main and South. On the 19th there were five deaths, those of Absalom Kaylor, Elizabeth. Marshall, Peter II. Gravatt, Mrs. Krause, and Mrs. Turner. On the 20th there were 3 deaths; on the 21st, 3; on the 22d, 2; on the 23d, 1; 24th, 7; 25th, 5; 26th, 2; 27th, 6; 28th, 6; 29th, 4; 30th, 4; July 1st, 11; 2d, 8; 3d, 12; 4th, 8; 5th, 7; 6th, 5; 7th, 5; 8th, 4; 9th, 3; 10th, 6; 11th, 5; 12th, 8 ;. 13th, 4; 16th, 7; 17th, 7; 18th, 3; 19th, 6; 20th, 5; 21st, 5; 22d, 6; 23d, 5; 24th, 6; 25th, 3; 26th, 3; 27th, 1; 28th, 4; 29th, none; 30th, 1; 31st, 2; August 2d, 1; 8d, 2; 4th, 4; 5th, 1; 6th, 2; 7th, 2; 8th, 1; 13th, 1. Thus there were at least 216 persons who fell victims to the cholera that year in Dayton, and probably a few more, the record of whose deaths was not discovered by the compiler.
As is well known, the epidemie was general and severe throughout the country that year, insomuch that the president of the United States issued a proclamation recommending that the first Friday in August be observed as a day of humiliation and prayer by the people. In accord-
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auce with this proclamation of the president, the mayor of Dayton, the Hon. JJohn Howard, on the 27th of July, issued a proclamation to the people of Dayton, in which he said that in view of the presence of a fearful pestilence, which, under the providence of God, was in the land, he recommended that on the day set apart by the president of the United States, the people generally close their houses of business, and observe the day in a becoming manner.
A "recommendation" was published next day, signed by nine of the ministers of the churches, in which they said:
" WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God in his sovereignty, to affliet our beloved country by sending the pestilence among us, whereby many of our fellow-citizens have been suddenly removed into eter -. nity; and,
" WHEREAS, The epidemic is still lingering in the midst of us, and is severely visiting other parts of the land; and,
"WHEREAS, We believe it to be both the duty and the privilege of a Christian people to acknowledge in a publie manner the just providence of God in this visitation, to humble themselves before him, to confess their sins, and to unitedly deprecate his wrath, and implore his mercy in the removal of this dreadful scourge; and,
" WHEREAS, The president of the United States has set apart the first Friday in August as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer; therefore,
"Resolved, That we do earnestly request our several congregations to" suspend all public and private business on that day and meet in their several places of public worship at 10:30 o'clock A. M."
As will be seen by the death rate published above, the epidemic gradually disappeared in the beginning of August, and on the 16th of the month the board of health resolved that in then opinion the cholera had ceased to be epidemie in the city. This resolution was immediately published, signed by George B. Holt, president, and M. G. Williams, secretary of the board. By the middle of the month almost all traces of the disease had disappeared, the health of the populace was daily improv- ing, and few deaths were occurring from any disease. Business was reviving, and the people in the country were no longer afraid to visit the city. Thus passed away the second visitation of this dread scourge.
CHAPTER XXI.
Literature, Music, and Art -- Early Writers-J. W. Van Cleve -- W. D. Howells -- Maskel E. Curwen -- W. D. Bickham-Isaac Strohm -- Gertrude Strohm-Hon. G. W. Houk -- Mrs. G. W. Honk-Mrs. L. B. Lair -- Miss Mary D. Steele-Mrs. Charlotte Reeve Conover- Miss Leila A. Thomas-Samuel C. Wilson-Rov. M. P. Gaddis-Rev. J. W. Hott, D. D. -Professor A. W. Drury, D. D .- Bishop J. Weaver, D. D .- Rev. E. S. Lorenz, A. M. -Rev. M. R. Drury, A. M .- Rev. L. Davis, D. D .-- Rov. W. J. Shuey -- Rev. D. K. Flickinger, D. D .- John Lawrence -- Rev. D. Berger, D. D .- Professor J. P. Landis, D. D., Ph. D .- Mrs. Isadore S. Bash-E. L. Shuey, A. M .- Rev. D. H. French, D. D .- Rev. E. Herbruck, Ph. D .- Dr. J. C. Reeve-Dr. W. J. Conklin-Edward B. Grimes- Dr. C. II. Von Klein -- Robert W. Steele-Pearl V. Collins-Dayton Literary Union --- Woman's Literary Club-Early Musical History -- Music Teachers-Vocalists-Instru- mentalists - Composers - Philharmonic Society -- Harmonia Society - Y. M. C. A. Orchestra-Other Societies -- Charles Soule, St .- Mrs. Clara Soule Medlar -- Mrs, Octavia . Soule Gottschall-Charles Soule, Jr .- Edmond Edmond-on -- John Insco Williams- Mrs. Williams-Mrs. Eva Best-T. Buchanan Read-Mrs. Mary Forrer Peirce-Miss II. Sophia Loury --- Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers-Effie A. Rogers-Miss Laura C. Birge- Hugo B. Froehlich-Harvey J. King-The Decorative Art Society-Otto Beck-Miss Mary Burrowes-The Misses Edgar-Valentine H. Swartz-Early Architecture-Daniel Waymire -Joseph Peters - Recent Architecture-Leon Beaver-Peters and Burns --- Charles I. Williams.
0 NE of the first literary celebrities of Dayton was John Whitten Van . Cleve. At an early age he exhibited marked proficiency in the classics, and was equally remarkable for his proficiency in the acquisition of a knowledge of mathematics. In 1828, he purchased an interest in the Dayton Journal, and assumed editorial control of the paper. This position he retained six years, at the same time contributing to other papers and magazines. During the memorable presidential campaign of 1840, he contributed a series of caricatures to the Log Cabin, the carica- tures being drawn and engraved by himself. A brief sketch of this paper may be found elsewhere in this volume. The caricatures made the paper famous throughout the United States. Mr. Van Cleve was an active member of various societies, literary, scientific, etc. He was one of the founders of the Dayton Library Association He was very fond of the study of botany and geology, and is known as an authority in many of the leading botanical and geological works. He was a superior linguist, thoroughly understanding both the French and German lan- guages. He translated from the German the first volume of "Goldfuss," and Schiller's "Robbers," besides numerous comedies and fairy tales. Ile compiled and had lithographed a map of the city of Dayton in 1839,
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and in 1846 he compiled a map in book form for the city. He died of consumption September 6, 1858, at the age of fifty-seven years.
William D. Howells was also connected with the early literary history of Dayton. He was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and was a son of an active country editor. He learned to set type in his father's office. After the inauguration of President Tyler, in 1849, his father sold the Hamilton Intelligencer and purchased the Dayton Transcript. The pro- prietor and his sons labored faithfully and hard to build up the paper, but the load was too heavy for them. But in the hour of disaster the family pluck was unshaken. "We all went down to the Miami River, and went in swimming," says Howells .*
Maskell E. Curwen was a Dayton writer of merit, his principal work being a "History of Dayton." This is a small volume of sixty-four pages, two editions of which were published-one in July, 1849, and the other in August, 1850, the publisher being James Odell, Jr., of Dayton. Although written in great haste, it is in many respects a valuable work as it is a well written one. It is now out of print. It contains a brief outline of Indian history, the names of the earliest settlers of Dayton, together with a brief account of each, a description of the first town plat, topog- raphy of the city in 1799, when there were but nine log cabins on the present town site, habits and customs of the early inhabitants, the growth of the city from time to time, the first incorporation of the town, its first newspapers, the War of 1812, the great flood of 1847, several tabular . statements, statistics, etc.
Another work of rare merit is "Rosecrans' Campaign with the Fourteenth Army Corps," by W. D. Bickham, volunteer aid-de-camp on Rosecrans' staff with rank of major, who was one of the best army cor- respondents connected with any portion of the Union army, and who is now editor of the Dayton Journal. The work commences with the removal of General Buell and the accession of Rosecrans to the command of what at that time was "The Army of the Ohio," but which was im- mediately changed by Rosecrans to the "Fourteenth Army Corps," and subsequently was changed to the "Army of the Cumberland." It goes into details sufficiently to present a vivid portraiture of the men under Rosecrans and a striking portrayal of the battles in which they were engaged. It is written in very picturesque language and treats quite as fully as could be desired the perfidy of Southern ladies in their dealings with the officers of the Union army, of those who were still in favor of the " Union as it was," and of every phase and variety of army life.
* From The Story of Ohio, by Alexander Black.
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Rosecrans' preference for youngsters on his staff and elsewhere where prompt and efficient action was an essential to success, the correspondence between the rebel General Bragg and General Rosecrans regarding the uses to which a flag of truce had been put up by soldiers in the command of the former general, and with reference to the exchange of prisoners of war, including General Bragg's violation of the cartel, are clearly pre- sented, as are also the movements preceding, during, and subsequent to the battle of Stone River. Taken altogether, the little work is a valuable contribution to the literature of the war.
Isaac Strohm was prominently identified with the literature of Dayton, his chief work, if not his only one, being entitled "Speeches of Thomas Corwin, with a Sketch of Ilis Life." It was published in 1859, by W. F. Comly & Company, of Dayton. The sketch, though brief, is interesting and the work contains all of the speeches of Mr. Corwin from that against corporal punishment, delivered in the general assembly of Ohio, December 18, 1822, upon the bill to introduce publie whipping as a punishment for petty larceny, to that on " Current Political Issues," delivered at Ironton, Ohio, August 19, 1859. This collection contains, of course, Mr. Corwin's great speech on "The Mexican War," delivered February 11, 1847, in the Sonate of the United States. It was this speech that decided Mr. Corwin's fate as a public man. The book is now out of print, but is very valuable.
Miss Gertrude Strohm, daughter of Isaac Strohm, has compiled the " following books: "Word Pictures," published by D. Lothrop & Com- pany, 1875; " Universal Cookery Book," White, Stokes & Allen, 1887; and "Flower Idyls," Estes & Lauriat, 1887; and the following mis- cellaneous works: "Scripture Exercises for Use in Sunday-school Concerts," United Brethren Publishing House; "Scripture Reward Cards," by New York firms; and "Social Games for Home Amuse- ment," of which three were published by Milton, Bradley & Company, one in Boston, and one in New York City.
The Hon. George W. Houk has attained distinction through his literary labors and acquirements, as well as in his profession, the law. ITis literary labors, however, have been performed mainly for the sake of diversion and the pleasure derived therefrom, rather than for sake of gain or fame, and what he has achieved in this kind of labor has not been done at the expense or to the neglect of the legal profession. He has faithfully studied the English classics and the best current English literature. Some of Mr. Houk's more noted productions are, "An Address on Religion and Science," delivered at the Music Hall, Dayton, before the Young Men's Christian Association, in March, 1875, in which
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