USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 29
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
put him on a horse, and brought him to headquarters, got their re- ward, and a good dinner, donated by the officers. Powers subse- quently recovered, and meeting Mr. Haddox at a sale, talked over the matter in a friendly manner, and expressed no ill-will towards him for the part he had taken in bringing him to justice.
JOSIAH HUNT.
The following is taken, with but little changing, from Howe:
During the last war with England, a notorious hunter and Indian fighter, by the name of Josiah Hunt, lived in this county ; power- fully built, fearless and thoroughly versed in wood craft, he was a terror to the Indians. He was a member of Wayne's legion, and participated in the battle of Fallen Timber, August 20, 1794. In the beginning of the battle, while he was rushing through the tangled net-work of logs, he was fired at by a savage, whom he had scared up in such haste, that his aim was harmless; the bullet whizzed through the hair over his right temple, and caused a singing. in his ear for a long time. The Indian, after firing, took to his heels, and as he ran zigzag, Hunt aimed at a red stripe along his naked back, fired, and bounding in the air the redskin expired.
Being an expert hunter, he was employed to supply the officers with game, while the army was encamped at Greenville, in 1793. Environed by savages, the task was perilous in the extreme. The Indians climbed trees in the vicinity of the fort, and watched the egress of the garrison; if one was observed going out, note was taken of the direction, his path was ambushed, and his scalp awarded the assassin. To forestall this, Hunt left the fort in the darkness. Once in the woods, "our chances," said he, "were equal."
After leaving the fort, he made his way to the vicinity of his next day's hunting, and encamped for the night. His plan to keep from freezing was unique ; with his tomahawk he would dig a hole about the size and depth of a hat crown, in this he placed dead white oak bark; igniting this with flint and steel, he carefully covered it, leaving an-air hole on each side; spreading bark or brush over this minature coal-pit, enveloped in his blanket, he sat down with it between his legs, and slept the sleep of a watchful hunter. When his fire grew low he would give it a few blows through the ventilators, and it was all right again. In this way he said he could make himself sweat whenever he choose. The snapping of
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a twig aroused him, and with his hand on his trusty rifle, his keen eye penetrating the silent gloom around, boded no good to the savage intruder, man or beast. Sitting before our own quiet hearths, surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of civilization, we scarce can realize the imminent dangers, privations, and hard- ships through which our forefathers passed. Alone amidst the denizens of the wilderness, in a "dreary forest, swarming with enemies, bloodthirsty, crafty, and of horrid barbarity, without- a friend or human being to afford him the least aid, in the depth of winter, the freezing winds moaning through the leafless branches of the tall trees," the howling of the gaunt grey wolf, all conspired to awaken emotions of fear in the bravest heart. There would he sit in his blanket, nodding in his uneasy sleep, scarce distinguish- able from surrounding objects, defying the rigors of winter, yet showing no fire; calm, ready, and prompt to engage in mortal combat with any foe, whether Indian, bear, or panther. At daylight he proceeded slowly and with extreme caution, to look for game, and at the same time watched closely for Indians.
When he espied a deer, previous to shooting it, he put a bullet in his mouth, with which to reload, which he invariably did immedi- ately after firing. Peering in every direction he cautiously ap- proached his game, dragged it to a tree, and with his back against it he would skin awhile, then straighten up and scan his surroundings, to ascertain if the report of his gun had attracted a foe; satisfied in this direction he resumed skinning. The breaking of a stick or the slightest sound, was sufficient to arouse all his vigilance, and with his trusty rifle firmly grasped, he was ready for any emergency. Having skinned and quartered the animal, the choicest parts were packed in the hide, slung over his shoulder, and carried to the fort.
Once while hunting, he suddenly came upon three Indians within easy gunshot. His position was above them. Unconscious of his presence, they were marching in Indian file, little dreaming of the deadly rifle, whose owner was waiting to get two of them in range. Not succeeding in this, and deeming the odds too great otherwise, he allowed them to pass unharmed. Through all his perilous adventures, and constant exposure to danger in all its forms, he passed unscathed, in great part due to constant watchfulness, which seemed to render these faculties almost involuntary. During the winter of 1793, he made $70, solely by hunting. At the treaty of Greenville, the Indians inquired for him, and when he made his
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
appearance, they crowded around him, and were profuse in their praises and compliments. They seemed to consider him next in greatness to Wayne.
"Great man," said they. "Captain Hunt great warrior-good hunting man ; Indians no can kill!" They informed him that often their bravest and most cunning warriors had set out expressly to kill him; they had often seen him; could recognize him by his dress, especially his cap, which was made of coon skin, with the tail hanging down behind, the front turned up, and ornamented with three brass rings. They knew his way of making a camp fire, which excited their admiration, yet with all the glory of capturing such a noted hunter inciting them, they could never surprise him, never get within shooting distance without being discovered, and exposed to his unerring rifle. Some years after the war he removed to Indiana, and has never been heard of since.
EFFECTS OF THE WAR.
Previous to this war the country was thinly settled, vast stretches of forests remaining in pristine luxuriance. The inhospitable woods were the habitat of wolves, wild Indians, and panthers, who roamed undisturbed throughout the boundless solitudes ; but her beauty was not long hidden. The watchful eye of the daring hunter observed her rich and fertile valleys, sparkling streams, delicious summers, and fruitful autumns, and game, and range for all, and the sound of the ax was heard on every hand, from the banks of the Ohio, to the prairies that skirt the far-away Mississippi. Look now abroad, and lo! the forest, the Indian, and his wigwam, his light canoe, and the moccasined hunter, have all sunk into the past. The ax of the white man, and the ordinance 1787, have effected these changes. Auxiliary to these are, first, the Christian religion, the handmaid of civilization, the bulwark of civil liberty ; secondly, the love of labor, noble and honest labor, offspring of sober thought, and immunity from evil propensities, superinduced by the first. .. To the combined effects of these two potent agencies, therefore, are we to ascribe the great progress, and the many changes that have taken place, in our noble county, since the first lonely pioneer cleared a spot for his solitary cabin.
Notwithstanding the energy of the county was paralyzed for a time by the war, and the consequent reduced circumstances of the
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people, especially those whom it more immediately affected, we see almost supernatural recuperation, and progression in all directions.
The character of her soil having been made known, the conse- quence of which was, that when the country was entirely free from Indians, and all danger removed, by the treaty of Ghent, the hardy and enterprising Virginians, and Pennsylvanians, and the unique Yankee, whose inventive and mechanical genius has rendered his name almost a synonym for these terms, made their appearance in this county. A better combination for the development of a new country could not be found. The sturdy habits, iron will, and agricultural proclivities of the one, impelled by indomitable energy, leveled the forests, converted the barren wilderness into fruitful fields, and shed the light of civilization where darkness and gloom had hitherto reigned supreme, while the ever active, almost ubiquitous mind of the other, soon gave birth to the mechanical appliances of civilization.
THE OLD MUSTER.
As it may be a matter of interest to many, to know the military discipline to which the youth of early days were subjected, we de- vote a page to its explanation.
July 25, 1788, a law was published at Marietta for "regulating and establishing the militia," which was confirmed by the territorial legislature, and approved by the governor (St. Clair). This law provided that all male citizens, between the age of sixteen and fifty, should perform military duty, be armed with a musket and bayonet, cartridge box, and pouch, or powder horn, and bullet pouch, one pound of powder, and four of lead, priming wire, brush, and six flints.
For the promotion of health, civilization, and morality, they were required to drill, on the first day of the week, at 10 A. M., armed and equipped, adjacent to the place of public worship; and at all other times and places, as the commander-in-chief should direct. For failing so to appear on the first of the week, they were fined twenty-five cents, and for failure on the day designated by the com- mander-in-chief, fifty cents; for refusing to do guard duty, one hundred cents, and for refusing to serve in case of invasion, they were considered guilty of desertion, and court martialed.
On the 23d of November, 1788, the governor and judges published a law, providing that all who should not furnish arms and accout- rements, according to law, after thirty days negleet, should, for a musket and bayonet, be fined five dimes; for every pound of powder and four pound of lead, not furnished in fifteen days, two dimes and five cents; for every powder horn and bullet pouch, two dimes ; for every six flints, not provided within ten days, one dime and five cents; and brush not provided within thirty days, one dime. They were also to be inspected by the commandant of companies, on the first Sabbath of each month. By a law passed July 2, 1791, all commandants of companies, were to drill their men, two hours. on each last day of the week, and inspect their arms, ammunition, etc.
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THE OLD MUSTER.
All who attended the drill on Saturday, were excused from church or drill on Sunday; also if they attended church armed and equipped, they were not required to drill on Saturday. Thus the law remained until December 13, 1799, when the whole was revised by the territorial legislature, which fixed the ages at eighteen and forty-five, men were to be armed and equipped in six months, officers, to have sword or hanger and espontoon, (spontoon or pike) arms exempt from execution. It also provided for districting and- officering the militia ; the commissioned and non-comissioned officers, to be drilled by the brigadiers, six days five hours each, during the year. Company musters once in every two months, except Decem- ber, January, February, and March. Each battalion to muster in the month of April every year, and a muster of the regiment in October. For non-attendance at company muster, one to three dollars; regimental or battalion, one dollar and fifty cents to six dollars.
By act of December 30, 1803, Quakers, Menonites, and Tunkers were exempt from military duty, on payment of three dollars each year. Privates were allowed twelve months to equip, and fine re- duced from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents.
February 14, 1809, all laws for organizing, etc., were repealed. Only two company musters a year, in April and September; bat- talion, once in April, and in September. Commissioned to meet in August of each year, for two days exercise according to Steuben's tactics.
February 2, 1813, a bounty of twelve dollars per month was 1 allowed soldiers whose term of service had expired, in case they continued until their places could be supplied.
Passing over all the intermediate laws, continually changing the mode of organizing, times of drilling, fines, etc., we finally reach the act of 1844, which declares military duty a failure, in so far as the improvement of morals is concerned, and excuses the rank and file from drilling in time of peace, thus verifying the words of Dryden :
Raw in fields the rude militia swarms;
Mouths without hands, maintained at vast expense ;
In peace a charge, in war a weak defense;
Stout once a month they march, a blustering band, And ever, but in times of need, at hand.
On the prairie north of Oldtown, was a favorite place for drilling,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and almost due west of the old tavern, described in Xenia Town- ship, the venders of whisky had their stations. It was a day looked forward to with a good deal of pleasure. At the command of the captain, to "stand at ease," the sergeants passed along the line with a bucket full of whisky, tin cup in hand, with which every man helped himself, according to his calibre. The officers were more highly favored. Days of regimental and battalion muster were agreeable occasions, but officer muster was creta notandum.
Then these men swelled out, with war-like pride, and "set the teeth, and stretched the nostrils wide," and gave the eye a terrible aspect, and as sable,-save the blue coats and brass buttons,- knights of old, they pranced upon their pampered steeds, with the glitter of the polished saber, the waving white plume, the bril- liant sash and flashing epaulet, the proud recipients of many ad- miring smiles from fair ladies, whose sparkling eyes rivaled their own gay uniforms in brilliancy, while the stolid, anti bellum Quaker, looking on, exclaimed, with the sentiment of the frogs: "It may be fun for you, but it is death to us."
Among the officers who acted a conspicuous part on these occa- sions, we subjoin the following :
At a court of inquiry, held at the house of Peter Borders, by the officers of the First Battalion, Second Regiment, Third Brigade of the First Division of the Ohio State Militia, on Tuesday, June 11, 1805, the officers present were-
Lieutenant-Colonel-Benjamin Whiteman.
Major-William Maxwell.
Captains-William Buckles, Samuel G. Martin, James Morrow, Harry Martin, James Snodgrass.
Lieutenants-James Bull, George Alexander, William Snodgrass.
Ensigns-Joseph Hale, David McCoy, David Wilson, Reuben Strong, George Taylor.
The date of officers' commissions in the First Battalion were- James Morrow, major, January 1, 1806.
Adam Kulkler, captain, August 10, 1804.
Jacob Haines, captain, April 15, 1806.
James Galloway, captain, October 23, 1805.
Thomas Bull, captain, April 2, 1806.
William Townsley, lieutenant, April 2, 1806.
William Freeman, lieutenant, October 6, 1806. John McCoy, ensign, April 2, 1806.
-
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THE OLD MUSTER.
Daniel Kizer, ensign, October 10, 1806. Samuel Stiles, ensign, August 11, 1807. Second Battalion ---
William Buckles, major, January 2, 1806. William A. Beatty, major, January 1, 1810. James Morrow, major, December 6, 1813. John Clark, captain, March 18, 1806. Peter Price, captain, August 11, 1807. Robert McClellan, captain, February 18, 1809. John Watson, captain, December 11, 1811. John Clarke, captain, January 6, 1812. Robert Gowdy, captain, January 8, 1811. John Davis, captain, March 18, 1810. William Stevenson, captain, December 13, 1810. Joseph Lucas, captain, May 16, 1812. Zach. Ferguson, captain, December 11, 1811. Samuel Herod, captain, July 17, 1812.
Jacob Shingledecker, captain, February 14, 1809. Thomas Constant, captain, May 28, 1814. George Jenkins, captain, August 6, 1814. George Logan, captain, May 28, 1814. Robert Buckles, captain, June 14, 1813. Thomas Gillespie, captain, November 10, 1814. Reese Baldwan, captain, May 28, 1814. John Smith, captain, June 10, 1815. John Gowdy, captain, January 1, 1810.
William Harpole. captain, June 10, 1815. Renken Seward, lieutenant, August 11, 1807.
Benjamin Haines, lieutenant, September 1, 1807. Robert Buckles, lieutenant, September 1, 1807. Daniel Wilson, lieutenant, September 1, 1807. William Kirkpatric, lieutenant, January 22, 1808. John McCulloch, lieutenant, June 1, 1812. Thomas Davis, lieutenant, January 8, 1811. Stephen Hussey, lieutenant, December 11, 1811. Samuel Stiles, lieutenant, February 18, 1809. Mann, lieutenant, May 16, 1812. Elisha Leslie, lieutenant, January 22, 1808. Peter Borders, lieutenant, February 18, 1809. David M. Laughead, lieutenant, March 18, 1810.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
James Winter, lieutenant, March 18, 1810. Robert McFarland, lieutenant, October 23, 1811. Christopher Shroupe, lieutenant, May 16, 1812. Samuel Butts, lieutenant, May 16, 1812. Joseph Watson, lieutenant, May 28, 1814. David Douglas, lieutenant, May 28, 1814. John Gowdy, lieutenant, August 6, 1814. Amos Quinn, lieutenant, August 6, 1814. Jacob Puterbaugh, lieutenant, November 10, 1814. J. McBride, lieutenant, February 18, 1809. - McDowell, lieutenant, June 10, 1815.
Conwell, lieutenant, November 10, 1815.
Snodgrass, ensign, August 11, 1807. A. Maltbie, ensign, January 22, 1809. Jacob Golden, ensign, January 22, 1808. David Douglas, ensign, October 23, 1811. John McClelland, ensign, July 15, 1810. Barton Hobbett, ensign, June 1, 1812. John McColly, ensign, February 18, 1809. George Price, ensign, May 16, 1812. Stephen Conwell, ensign, March 18, 1810. Jacob Puterbaugh, ensign, May 29, 1814. George May, ensign, July 6, 1814. William Sutton, ensign, May 28, 1814. Anthony Cannon, ensign, May 12, 1813. John Tucker, ensign, November 10, 1814. J. Snodgrass, ensign, June 10, 1815.
Robert Stephenson, ensign, January 1, 1816.
The specific enumeration of immigrants since the war, would be a work tedious beyond our time and space, and anæmic beyond the patience of our readers. We therefore close the personal history, and consider the improvements of the present. .
COUNTY IMPROVEMENTS.
RAILROADS.
The Little Miami Railroad Company was organized under charter of March 11, 1836, to construct and maintain a railway from Spring- field to Cincinnati, by way of Xenia. Work was begun in 1837, and the road was open for traffic from Cincinnati to Milford, in De- cember, 1842; to Xenia, in August, 1845; and to Springfield, in August, 1846-a length of eighty-four miles. Originally, the track was laid with strap iron, but was re-laid with T-rail in 1848. November 30, 1853, a partnership contract was made with the Columbus and Xenia Railroad Company, by which the roads of the two companies were united, and worked as one line. January 1, 1865, the companies jointly leased the Dayton and Western Rail- road, and purchased, February 4, 1865, at judicial sale, the Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad, from Xenia to Dayton, sixteen miles. November 30, 1868, this partnership was dissolved, and an inter- contract made, by which the Columbus and Xenia was leased to the Little Miami for ninety-nine years, renewable. December 1, 1869, this company leased its road, property, and leased lines, for the term of ninety-nine years, renewable forever, to the Pittsburgh, Cincin- nati and St. Louis Railway Company, by whom it is now operated, constituting the Little Miami Division of that company's line.
The Columbus and Xenia Railway Company was chartered March 12, 1844, and was opened for business February, 1850; formed a union contract with the Little Miami Railway, Novem- ber 30, 1853; finally became merged in the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis, as above explained.
When this county was first settled, and for many years after, the only thoroughfares known to the pioneer were the meandering trails through the woods, whose course was marked by blazes upon the trees. These were succeeded by cutting out the trees, and clear- ing out a passage wide enough for a wagon, spanning the swamps
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
with corduroy bridges. As the population increased, regular roads were laid out and worked. The next step in progression was the pike, succeeded by the railroad, the acme of rapid and easy trans- portation. Then, the shipments were made to Cincinnati, and other points, by the ox team, requiring many days; now, produce is sent in a few hours. Then, the postmaster, on his pony, carried the mail in his hat; now, we have all the facilities of intercommunication, which enables us to speak to friends thousands of miles away in a few seconds.
WOOLEN FACTORIES.
In 1826 this county had the following:
Xenia Factory, near Xenia-Spinning, weaving, fulling, and carding.
Oldtown Factory-Carding and fulling.
McFarland's Factory, on Massie's Creek-Spinning, carding, and fulling.
Bradford's Factory.
Smith's Factory, on Beaver Creek.
Sayers & Wells', on Little Miami. Laughead's, on Yellow Springs branch.
Petham's, Xenia.
Bonner's, near Xenia.
GREENE COUNTY INFIRMARY.
It was the custom of the early inhabitants of this State, to engage their poor and destitute-that is, when application was made to the township trustees, for the keeping of one in destitute circumstances, he was bound for a certain term to the lowest bidder; it was the duty of the successful applicant, to feed, clothe, and properly care for his charge. This was not strictly in accordance with the old abolition idea of the people, but, owing to the very few who required public aid, could not be remedied. Time rolled on, and with the tide of immigration, did the number of destitute, and helpless in-
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COUNTY INFIRMARY.
crease, making it apparent that measures must be adopted to pro- vide for their care and comfort. To this end, a bill providing for the "Establishment of County Poor Houses," was passed by the Ohio Legislature. Any county, having within her limits a sufficient number of paupers, was empowered to purchase grounds, and erect suitable buildings thereon, to which all the infirm and needy were to be admitted. Thus was the former custom of selling human beings, as so many articles of furniture, abolished forever.
. The commissioners of Greene County, in compliance with the above mentioned act, purchased in 1827, one hundred acres of land, on what is now known as the Dayton pike, one and one-half mile west of Xenia. The lands were located on both sides of the road, being about equally divided by the same. The net cost of the ground was seven hundred dollars. The commissioners appointed the following to . serve as directors: George Galloway, George Townsley, Josiah Davidson. On the tract located north of the road, just in front of a small brook which crosses the northern and eastern portions of the farm, and immediately to the rear of the site of the building now used as a " Children's Home," was erected the first building. The object of locating the house on that remote spot was due to the fact that water could here be ob- tained in abundance, and without much exertion. The building was constructed of brick; its length sixty feet, its breadth eighteen feet, and one story in height. William Ellis, a benevolent Quaker, was elected superintendent, although called keeper in those days. Under his careful management, the affairs of the institution were well conducted, and the inmates properly cared for. In 1831, William McIntosh was elected superintendent; he served until 1833, when R. T. Marshall was elected, who was in 1834 succeeded by John Crowl. Mr. Crowl continued in office until 1838, at which time John Gibson was appointed. The gradual increase in the number of inmates necessitated the erection of a more commodious building. In 1840, a brick structure, 40x100, and two stories high, was erected in front of the old building, and the latter torn down. Some years later a wing was added to the east end of the house; a "crazy" building, to be used for the confinement of insane inmates, was erected a few steps east of the new building. A considerable portion of the farm had been improved, and was under cultivation.
John Bowers was appointed superintendent, and served five years, and was succeeded by Jonathan Adams. During the time inter-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
vening between 1846 and 1874, the following gentlemen served in the capacity of superintendent, at stated intervals: Jonathan Adams, John Gibson, William Mayner, John W. Mayner, George. Barnes. Mr. II. Gram was appointed in 1874, and has occupied the position to this day.
The constant increase in the number of inmates ere long proved 'the inadequacy of the old building; in view of which fact a new building was erected in 1870, on that portion of the farm south of the Dayton pike, at a cost of $75,000, including out-buildings, steam fixtures, etc.
DESCRIPTIVE.
The grounds of the Greene County Infirmary are located on both sides of the Dayton pike, one and one-half mile west of the city of Xenia, and contain one hundred acres of land, sixty of which are in a state of cultivation, the remaining forty being used for the lawns, building sites, etc. Upon arriving at the grounds we pass through the entrance on the north. Proceeding on the graveled avenue, we reach the old Infirmary building. Since the comple- tion of the new structure this has been used by colored inmates only, but has recently been converted into a " Children's Home."
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