USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 15
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ested in writing pioneer sketches, many of which he had gleaned from his old friends, James Collier and Jacob Haines. It is said that he had at one time compiled what would have made a book of two thousand page-, which became scattered and lost. He died in Nenia, February 24. 1871, at the age of seventy-three years, and is buried in Wood- land cemetery. But as yet he sleeps in an unmarked grave. He was also editor of a newspaper in Nenia published by James Douglass, 1829-1833. "The Xenia Tran- script." AAmong the stories that are on rec- ord. written by Thomas Coke Wright, the story of Josiah Hunt is of grreat interest, from the fact that from the years 1802 to 1814 he was a resident of Caesarscreek township. At the former date he had pur- chased of Edward Mercer fifty acres of land situated on the road from Spring Valley leading to Paintersville, as you go south on what is now called the Burlington pike, and where the pike intersects the Spring Valley pike, turning to the left on what is now known as the Robert Ferguson farm, was the cabin of Joseph Hunt, not far west of the residence of Mr. Ferguson. He removed from Greene county in 1814. going. I think. to Madison, Indiana. Josiah Hunt was a stout, well formed man, heavy set, capable of enduring great hardships and privations, and was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. There was a tone of candor and sincerity, as well as modesty in his man- ner of relating the thrilling scenes of which he had been an actor. which left no doubt of the truth in the minds of those who heard him. He was one of Wayne's legion. and was in the battle of the "Fallen Timber." on the 20th of August, 1794. At the com- mencement of the onset. just after entering
the fallen timber, Hunt was rushing on and about to spring over a fallen tree, when he was fired at by an Indian concealed behind it. The latter was compelled to fire in such haste that he missed his aim. It was, how- ever. a close shave, for the bullet whizzed through the lock of his right temple, caus- ing that ear to ring for an hour afterward. The Indian's body was entirely naked from the waist up, with a red stripe painted up and down his back. As soon as he fired he took to his heels. Hunt aimed at the center of the red stripe, the Indian running zig- zag like the worm of a fence. When he fired the Indian bounded up and fell for- ward. Ile had fought his last battle.
Hunt was an excellent hunter. . In the winter of 1793 while the army lay at Green- ville he was appointed to supply the officers with game, and in consequence was exempt from garrison duty. The sentinels had or- ders to allow him to leave and enter the fort whenever he chose. The Indians made a practice of climbing trees in the vicinity of the fort, the better to watch the garrison. If a person was seen to go out, notice was taken of the direction he went, his path am- bushed and his scalp secured. To avoid this danger. Hunt always left the fort in the darkness of the night. for said he. "When once I had gotten into the woods without their knowledge I had as good a chance as they." He was accustomed on leaving the fort to proceed some distance in the direction le intended to hunt the next day, and camp for the night. To keep from freezing to death it was necessary to have a fire, but to show a light in the enemy's country was to invite certain destruction. To avoid this danger he dug a hole in the ground with his tomahawk about the size and depth of a
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hat crown. Having prepared it properly, he procured some roth, meaning some thick oak bark, from a dead tree, which will re- tain a strong heat when covered with its ashes. Kindling a fire from flint and steel at the bottom of his "coal pit." as he termed it, the bark was torn into strips and placed in layers crosswise until the pit was full. After it was sufficiently ignited it was cov- ered over with dirt with the exception of two air holes in the margin, which could be opened or closed at pleasure. Spreading down a layer of bark or brush to keep him off the cold ground. he sat down with the "coal pit" between his legs. enveloped him- self with his blanket and slept cat dozes in an upright position. If his fire became too mnuch smothered he would freshen it up by blowing into one of the air holes. He de- clared he could make himself sweat when- ever he chose. The snapping of a dry twig was sufficient to awaken him. When, tin- covering his head, he keenly scrutinized in the darkness and gloom around, his right l:and on his trusty rifle ready for the mis- chance of the hour.
A person now, in full security from dan- ger, enjoying the comforts and refinements of civilized life can scarcely bring his mind to realize his situation, or do justice to the powers of bodily endurance, firmness of nerve, self-reliance and courage, manifested by him that winter. A lone inan in a dreary. interminable forest, swarming with enemies. bloodthirsty, crafty and of horrid barbarity. without a friend or human help to afford him relief, or the least aid in the depth of winter, the freezing winds moaning through the bare and leafless trees, while the dismal howling of a pack of wolves, cruel as death and hungry as the grave, burning for blood.
bony, gaunt and grim, might be heard in the distance mingled with the howlings of the wintry winds, were well calculated to create a lonely sensation about the heart and ap- pall any common spirit. There would he sit nodding in his blanket indistinguishable in the darkness from an old stump, enduring the rigor of winter, keeping himself from freezing. yet showing no fire, calm, ready and prompt to engage in mortal combat with whatever enemy might assail, whether In- chian, bear or panther. At daylight he com- menced hunting, proceeding slowly with ex- treme caution, looking for game and watch- ing for Indians at the same time. When he found a deer, previous to shooting it he put a bullet in his mouth, ready for reloading his gun with all possible dispatch. which he did before removing from the spot. Cast- ing searching glances in every direction for Indians, cautiously approaching the deer after he had shot it. he dragged it to a tree and commenced dressing it with his back towards the tree and his rifle leaning against it in reach of his right hand. And so with his rear protected by the tree he would skin a short time. then straighten up and scan in every direction to see if the report of his rifle had brought an Indian into his vicinity, then apply himself to skinning again. If he heard a stick break or the slightest noise indicating the presence of animal life, he clutched his rifle instantly and was on the alert prepared for any emergency. Having skinned and cut up the animal, the four quar- ters were packed in the hide, which was so arranged as to be slung on his back like a knapsack, with which he wended his way to the fort. If the deer was killed far from the garrison he only brought in four quar-
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ters. One day he had gotten within gun shot of three Indians unperceived by them. He was on a ridge and they in a hollow. He took aim at the foremost one, and waited some time for two to range with each other. intending, if they got in that position, to shoot two and take his chance with the other in single combat, but they continued to march in Indian file and though he should have killed one of them, the other two would have made the odds against him too great, so he let them pass unmolested. Amidst all the dangers to which he was ex- posed he passed unharmed. Owing to the constant and powerful exercise of the fac- ulties, his ability to hear and discriminate sounds was wonderfully increased, and the perceptive faculties much enlarged. He made seventy dollars that winter by hunt- ing. over and above his pay as a soldier. . At the treaty of Greenville, in 1795. the In- dians seemed to consider Hunt as the next greatest man to Wayne himself. They in- quired for him, got round him and were loud and earnest in their praises and com- pliments. "Great man. Captain Hunt. Great warrior, good hunting man, Indian no kill him." They informed him that some of their bravest and most cunning warriors had often set out to kill him. They knew how he made his secret camp fire, the in- genuity of which excited their admiration. The parties in quest of him had often seen him, could describe the dress he wore and his cap, which was made of a raccoon skin with the tail hanging down behind. the front turned up and ornamented with three brass rings. The scalp of such a great hunter and warrior they considered to be a great trophy. Yet they never could catch him off his guard. never get within shooting dis-
tance without being discovered and exposed to his death dealing rifle.
EARLY PHYSICIANS OF XENIA AND GREENE COUNTY .- ANDREW W. DAVIDSON
Was the first physician to settle in Xenia, which was in the fall of 1805. He was an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, and in 1811 built the first brick house ever erected here, on Main street, near the site of Brice Knox's saddle shop, and in 1814 he built the first stone house in the town, also on Main street, of which a part was occupied by the late John Dodd as a grocery. June 15. 1807, Dr. Andrew Davidson and Re- becca Todd were married by William Mc- Farland, Esq., this marriage being No. 99 on the marriage records of the county. Sub- sequently the Doctor became a merchant and tailor. In the course of his business, 1820- 21, he moved with his family to Columbus, Indiana, and subsequently to Madison, In- diana, where he died in the thirty-ninth year of his age. Dr. Andrew Davidson and wife were of those who constituted the old asso- ciate congregation of Xenia, under the pas- torate of the Rev. Francis Pringle in 1811.
DR. JOSHUA MARTIN
Was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, March 23. 1791, and died in Louisville, Kentucky. November 30, 1865. When quite young he commenced to study medicine with Dr. Huff, in the town of Waterford, and while engaged in the prosecution of his studies he attended a course of lectures in Philadelphia under the celebrated Dr. Rush, but completed his medical education in the west and graduated in Lexington, Ken-
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tucky. Some time after he had commenced practice, in company with his preceptor, he emigrated to Ohio, in 1813. traveling from Waterford to Wheeling on horseback and in wagons, and thence to. Cincinnati down the Ohio in flatboats, Cincinnati at that time being a village compared to its present condition, and to all appearances there were already there fully as many physi- cians as it was thought the population of the piace would warrant ; he consequently had to look elsewhere for a suitable location, and after visiting several places he located in Xenia. Accordingly in the fall of 1813 he settled in Xenia, Ohio, and commenced to practice medicine. At that time there was prevailing here and in the west an epidemic known as the cold plague, which the older physicians were not successfully treating, it being very fatal. His mode of treatment was successful and at once brought him into extensive practice, which extended south to Lebanon, north to Urbana, east to Wash- ington and beyond London, and west of Dayton. The country was then new. the roads bad, the streams destitute of bridges. and the traveling disagreeable and danger- ous, yet such was his temperament that when called to see a patient he always obeyed the call. Although having an extensive prac- tice, he received little pay, and as he had his labor to depend on for his support, after two years he removed to Lawrenceburg, Indi- ana, where he embarked in the mercantile business with his brother. The investment was not a success, and in a short time he lost all and also involved himself. This sat- isfied him with that venture, and he deter- mined to persevere in his profession. After a little more than one year's absence he re- turned to Nenia and resumed his practice.
On the 4th of June. 1818, he was united in marriage to Hester Whiteman. daughter of General Benjamin Whiteman, with whom he lived until her death, in February, 1834. In April, 1835, he was united in marriage to Sarah Poague, who died in 1840, leaving an infant daughter. In 1814 his father's family emigrated to Ohio and settled in Lebanon, Warren county, where his father died in 1824. after which his mother and four sisters made their home with him. His mother died in 1835. and his eldest sister in 1851, while his three surviving sisters and daughter constituted the family that he left at his death. When his body was brought back from Louisville for burial al- most the whole town turned out to pay the last tribute of respect to his memory. Few men have left an impress of their own char- acter on a community so distinctly marked as has Dr. Joshua Martin.
DR. JOSEPH JOHNSON
Came to Xenia in 1814 and in 1820 was elected to represent Greene county in the house of the Ohio legislature. He removed from the county to Galena. Illinois, where he died, June 5, 1847. aged sixty-four years.
DR. IIENRY GOOD
Was also a resident of Xenia in 1817. I think he removed from here to Madison, In- diana. and Dr. Jeremiah Woolsey. the grandfather of the present Mrs. Dr. Wool- sey. of Xenia, was here as a physician in the year 1827; he removed from here to Cincinnati. Ohio, where he died February 6. 1834. A brother of his, Daniel by name. was also a resident of Xenia and he removed to Evansville. Indiana.
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DR. WILLIAM BELL.
Long ago Dr. Bell was a practicing physician at Bellbrook, Ohio. Ile had quite a local reputation, but in later years he re- moved to Xenia. where he died.
CEDARVILLE, O1110.
Though a neighborhood center, first it was called Newport's mill. then again it was known as llanna's store, then as the "Burgh." next as Milford. and finally as Cedarville. No physicians there in early days : Dr. McTume was there in 1833, and next probably Dr. Andrew Cowden, who re- moved to Washington, Iowa, where he died.
DR. JOSEPH TEMPLETON.
In 1826 Dr. Joseph Templeton, from western Pennsylvania, settled in Xenia, and had an extensive practice and great influ- ence outside of professional life. He was one of the early abolitionists, and thus be- came a valuable support to his pastor, Rev. Samuel Wilson, D. D. Our young fellow citizens can have but a very indistinct idea of the moral courage necessary to be an abolitionist in those days. Dr. Templeton's wife is said to have been the first to estab- lish schools for colored children in Xenia. On account of family ties, Dr. Templeton re- turned to Pennsylvania and was succeeded by Dr. Samuel Martin. But after a lapse of a few years he returned to Xenia, oc- cupying the property known as the R. F. Howard homestead. In 1843 he again went to Washington, being made very wealthy by the estate of his father-in-law, deceased. In 1865 he made a brief visit to Xenia and died
suddenly a few days after his return home. .\ leading dentist of Pittsburg. Pennsyl- vania, is a namesake and nephew of Dr. Templeton. He is a man six feet, three inches tall, and weighs two hundred and six- ty pounds, although he weighed but three pounds at his birth.
DR. SAMUEL MARTIN
Died at his residence in Xenia, Ohio, on Saturday morning. June 21. 1879. aged eighty-three years. He was a native of Ire- land and educated in Glasgow University. Scotland, for the English navy. But on graduating he declined to enter the service. married his first wife and began the prac- tice of his profession in Ireland. In less than a year his wife died, and the young doctor sought the United States as a place for a short sojourn, but soon became so weil pleased with the country that he determined to make it his home. He settled in Nobles- ville, Pennsylvania, where he married Miss Helen Anderson, the mother of his children, and who died in Xenia about 1859. In 1834 Dr. Martin became a resident of Xenia, Ohio, and for forty-five years, with the ex- ception of a few years, he was continually engaged in the successful practice of his pro- fession. He had many generous qualities, and had endeared himself to a large number of friends. Ilis last wife was Miss Nancy Liggett, who during his last days and through his illness waited upon him with great kindness and faithfulness. Dr. George Watt, one of his pupils, has left on record his recollections and tribute of respect to our subject as follows: "Dr. Samuel Martin was no ordinary man and his life in this community no ordinary career. In the prime
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of his manhood he came among us in 183-4. and was immediately recognized as a lead- ing physician by the extensive practice ac- corded to him. He gave his whole mind to the practice of his profession and enlist- ing into his service an extensive library and the leading medical journals of the day. His patrons recognized him not only as their phyiscian, but their friend."
The present generation have no concep- tion of the hardships of the practice at that early day. The average roads of that day would be regarded as impassable to-day. A strong horse with a saddle were the requis- ites. Day and night through mud and storm did Dr. Martin plod his way till his form became familiar to all. and he continued to be "the man on horseback" till laid aside about five years before his death by paraly- sis. As a teacher of young men. Dr. Mar- tin was earnest, industrious and faithful. At least some of his pupils can recall "horseback" recitations of twenty to forty miles in length. interrupted only by occas- sional stops to examine and prescribe for patients. Seven of his pupils attended his funeral, four of them, residents of this city, being pall bearers. At last, however, the silver cord began to loosen and after a long and patient waiting the wheels of life stood still and the old man passed to his rest. John W. Shieldls also adds his tribute, as follows: "He was kind and generous even to a fault ; had he saved his earnings, he would have been rich. I remember, in 1849. when the cholera was so fatal here, that Dr. Martin fitted up part of his stable as a los- pital, and there he nursed and doctored homeless Irishmen until they were able to return to work on the railroad which was then being built. During the last few years
his mind dwelt chiefly on religious matters. and his readings were all of that nature. We will not soon forget him as he sat in the shade by the door reading his Bible, but he has gone to his rest and we will cherish his memory.'
ROBERT CASBOLT.
In connection with this it may not be out of place to add here some history in re- gard to Dr. Martin's old home, which is still standing on East Main street. Xenia. The house in which the late Dr. Martin lived for forty-five years was built by Robert Cas- bolt in 1814. and is now among the few re- maining monuments of the olden times. Only a few of our oldest citizens will re- member Mr. Casbolt, who used to act as constable and tax collector. He had tender eyes and on cold windy days would ride with a vail over his face. Mr. Casbolt and his wife. Polly, came here in 1806, when Xenia was quite new. When he first came to Green county, like many old pioneers, he made Sugarcreek township his first home. He removed from there to Xenia in 1811 and became a resident of Xenia. and, as tradition says, "the course of true love never runs smooth." and Robert Casbolt, who was thirty. found it difficult to marry Polly Todd. a precocious maiden of fourteen. Polly was willing but the old folks were not. An elopment was planned. Polly went out in the shade of the evening to milk, and. setting her pail on the fence, led her father's horse ont of the stable, jumped on behind her lover, rode away and they were mar. ried. In the early times here Mrs. Casbolt practiced a very useful vocation, as many now living can well attest. On such oc- casion she wonkl frequently witch for water
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with a peach tree rod, telling how far they would have to dig by the nod of the wand. Mrs. Casbolt was a strong-minded woman. and had she lived in these days when women have organized for their required rights she would have stood high among them.
Robert Casbolt was a soldier of the war of 1812, under Captain Robert MeClellan, of Sugarcreek township. He was also a sol- dier of the war of the Revolution, in the Continental army. He was placed of the roll as pensioner for that war. Septembe- 27, 1832, at the rate of eighty dollars per year. Sometime in the 'Jos he removed to Sidney, Ohio.
DR. HORACE LAWRENCE.
Dr. Horace Lawrence was the first one I ever saw, and I do not recollect at what period of time: he resided near Bloxsoms bridge, where the Columbus pike crosses Massies creek, some five miles east of Cedar- ville ; he retired from practice at middle life. Two of his nephews were physicians, Dr. Deluna Lawrence, eldest brother of Mrs. Joseph Brotherton, and Dr. Horace Law- rence, son of Levi L .: the former died young, the victim of consumption ; the other was killed by acciden at Kenton, Ohio, where he had succeeded the writer in practice. Both were good physicians and gentlemen.
DR. MATHIAS WINANS.
Dr. Winans came from Maysville, Ken- tucky, to Greene county in 1820, and pur- chased land in what is now Silvercreek township, but practiced medicine in James- town, and in later years had his son-in-law. Dr. John Dawson, for a partner. He was
the father of Judge James Winans, and, I think, two of his sons were physicians. He had a large practice. It was said that he was sceptical in early life, but I can best recollect him as a minister of the Christian or Disciples church. Dr. Harper. a promi- nent physician of Lima, Ohio, married one of his daughters. Ile died in Cincinnati in July, 1849, aged fifty-eight years, and was buried at Jamestown.
DR. EWLASS BALL.
Dr. Ewlass Ball as early as 1827 kept a store at Clifton, then Patterson's mill, and. 1 think, practiced medicine ; also Dr. Joshua Wilson, late of West Second street, Xenia. and Dr. Prescott also practiced at Clifton at a later date. Dr. Prescott afterward be- came a lawyer. still later a preacher. It is stated that a young man asked his advice as to selecting a profession and he recom- mended him to the law, saying a man will contribute a dime to his soul's salvation, a quarter to be restored to health, but for the satisfaction of having his own way the "al- might dollar" will be sacrificed.
I ROFESSIONAL MEN OF GREENE COUNTY IN 1830.
On the JIth of June. 1830, the com- missioners and auditor proceeded to estimate the annual income of the practicing law- yers and physicians, and to charge a tax upon each of them, which tax, as charged. is attached to their respective names on the list returned by the assessors to the auditor.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
John Alexander, William Ellsberry.
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Aaron Harlan. Thomas C. Wright, Joseph Sexton and Cornelius Clark.
PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS.
Joshua Martin, Joseph Johnson. Joseph Templeton. Jeremiah Woolsey, William Bell. Matthias Winans, Horace Winans, Robert E. Stevens, Ewlass Ball, Randolph R. Greene, Lenard Rush and M. P. Baska- ville.
STEAM DOCTORS.
Stacey Haines, Mounce Hawkins, Fred- erick Beemer. Amassa Reid, James Hays. Childress Askew, Thomas P. Moorman and Abraham Gause.
"YE OLDEX TIMES, CONTRIBUTED BY DAVIS HAWKINS.
"During my last affliction I thought I might spend a portion of my time in jotting down a little sketch of people and things as they were about Xenia from sixty to sev- enty-five years ago. It may interest some who know but little about pioneer life in those early days. I was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia. March 14, 1813, and that fall Davis Allen, my grandfather, came to Ohio to look for a new home. He had a couple of brothers-in-law living in Greene county, and. of course, it was natural for him to make them a visit. One of them. John Haines, lived on a farm now divided into two farms, one owned by John Middle- ten. and the other by David S. Harner. He occupied the house that was known a few years ago as the Chaney house. The house was built three years before he moved into it. making it about seventy years old, a
pretty ripe age for a house. The other brother-in-law was Edward Walton, of Spring Valley. There is a representation of his log cabin in the Greene County Atlas. .After visiting with those friends, the next thing was to select a new home. He se- lected a beautiful and fine tract of land lying right by the side of John Haines' farm. It is that portion of land that lies between the iron bridge road and the Dayton pike, now known as the Hawkins, Steele. William Moore and Lucas farms, containing in all a thousand acres, more or less. He then returned to his home in Virginia for his family, consisting of his wife, Elizabeth Al- ien. and his children, Reuben, Deborah. Davis, John. Obed, Barsheba, Homer, Milo and Jackson Allen. Two other families came with them: the first of these consisted of Mounce Hawkins and his wife Mary, ind three children, Reuben. Joseph and Davis, the writer of this article. The sec- and family consisted of Frederick Beemer and his wife Sarah and one child, Samuel. A young man by the name of Harve Evans came west with the last family to grow up with the country, and he became clerk of the court in one of our eastern counties. All were now ready for the move and with five wagons, a carriage, several head of cattle. in April. 1814. the line of march was taken up. A journey of six weeks was performed, with no railroads to speed you on the way. in due time all landed near Xenia, safe with- out the loss of one of the crew. After pass- ing through Nenia they landed in a couple of log cabins on the big farm that had been bought the fall before. These cabins stood on the William Moore farm, near Shawnee. in which the three families summered. But soon the work of building commenced. Mr.
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