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 55
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Andrew Winter, physician, Cedarville, was born, August 18, 1820, at Fayetteville, North Carolina. Removed to South Carolina with his parents, when quite small. Received his early education at Pendleton, South Carolina. Commenced the study of medicine at the age of seventeen, graduating at Charleston Medical College in 1841, at the age of twenty-one, and commenced practicing the same year. Removed to Columbia, South Carolina, remaining there un- til the commencement of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the First Regiment, East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, served one year, and was wounded at the battle of Mill Springs; was appoint- ed assistant surgeon shortly after, filling that office about two months; was transferred to the Fourth East Tennessee Infantry, and promoted to first surgeon, holding that position until the Union forces retreated from Cumberland Gap, under General George Morgan ; was taken sick at Gallipolis, and transferred to the Vet- eran Reserve Corps. Resigned, August 28, 1864, and came to this place, where he has followed his profession until the present time. The doctor was a personal friend of John C. Calhoun, but differed very radically in politics. He is the son of Andrew Winter, sen.,
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and Hannah (Baxter) Winter. His father was born in what was then called Marion District, South Carolina, and was a schoolmate of General Andrew Jackson. His mother was born at Wilming- ton, North Carolina, and was a grand-daughter of Richard Baxter. The doctor, we are pleased to record, is one of the true Union gen- tlemen who left that notorious hot-bed of rebeldom to fight for his country. He was married, in 1868, to Nancy Turnbull, a grand- daughter of Judge Kyle. Three children have been born by this marriage, Elizabeth B., Maria A., and Andrew.
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BEAVER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
This township is situated in the western part of the county, and- is bounded on the north by Bath, on the east by Xenia, on the south by Sugar Creek Township, and on the west by Montgomery County. It was one of the original townships of the county or- ganization, embracing at that time, a considerable larger expanse of territory than at present, although it is now one of the largest townships in the county, containing as it does, an area of 31,360 acres, being seven sections square, with the addition of some irreg- ular protrusions of the eastern boundary.
The surface of the land comprising this township, consists of rolling lands of gentle undulations, with many prairie valleys stretching in fertile fields between the sloping ridges. The soil is generally of a very rich clay in the higher lands, while in the val- leys, the darker, and more alluvial soil is found. The timber con- sists principally of oak, walnut, ash, hickory, and some cherry, the latter is found mostly in the bottoms, while the former predomi- nates largely along the ridges of the higher lands.
The principal productions are corn, wheat, rye, barley, and in the southern part of the township, some tobacco is raised.
BIG BEAVER VALLEY.
Big Beaver Valley is a considerable scope of prairie land of ex- traordinary productiveness, extending north from the village of Alpha for some five miles, with a variable width of a mile, and is drained by Big Beaver Creek, from which it takes its name. On the ridges extending along both sides of this valley, the prosperous farmers have built their home-like and commodious residences, and seldom is there found a more pleasing rural prospect than is exposed to view from these elevations, commanding this beautiful, and bountiful valley.
The Little Miami River enters the township at the southeast, and
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
flowing directly across the southeast corner, enters Sugar Creek about midway of the boundary line of the two townships. Big Beaver Creek, a considerable stream, flows from the north through the eastern part, southward, and empties into the Little Miami River, south of Alpha.
Ludlow Run rises in the extreme northeast, and flows almost directly south, emptying into the Little Miami northeast of Beaver Station (Trebein's).
Little Beaver Creek takes its rise in the western part of the township, and, flowing directly east, is joined by Bull-skin Run from the northwest, and other minor branches from the southwest -emptying into Big Beaver just west of Alpha.
POPULATION AND INDUSTRIES.
- The population of this township is mostly rural, there being no
incorporated towns or villages within its limits; there are, how- ever, several small villages in the township, some of which approach the size of respectable incorporations. For the above reason, the chief industries belong to the agricultural department. There are three flour-mills in active operation at present, together with one distillery, and various saw-mills located at differint places through- out the township. In the past, quite an extensive woolen factory, and another distillery were in operation at Alpha; also, an oil-mill on the Little Miami, south of Alpha. The woolen factory was destroyed by fire in 1871, and the other interests were allowed to expire for reasons not known. The census of 1880 gives the town- ship a population of 2,470, a gain of one hundred and eighty-one since 1870.
RAILROADS.
The Dayton & Xenia Railroad, a branch of the Little Miami Road, built to connect Dayton and Xenia, extends across the central por- tion of the township from east to west, and was completed some time in 1853. The Dayton & Southeastern Narrow Guage Railroad was built in 1877-8, and extends along almost the same route with the other road, connecting the same points. Along these lines of railroads most of the thickly-settled neighborhoods are located, in- cluding the villages and mills and other business interests, present-
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BEAVER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
ing no small show of dilligent enterprise all along the line through the township.
TURNPIKES AND ROADS.
The first road over which the early settlers passed in their ex- tended explorations of the wilderness, undoubtedly was the old Pinkney road from Cincinnati running through Bellbrook, in Sugar Creek, and extending to the Owen Davis mill, then bearing east- ward, passing what was known as Pinkney Pond, near where Beaver Station is now located, on toward Oldtown and Xenia. The route of this old road, however, is not so plainly marked through this township, having been lost, no doubt, in the many diverging tracks leading in various directions from the point mentioned. Over this road early settlers made their long six-weeks' pilgrimages to Cincinnati for the necessary family supplies, and paying in that distant market- after so long a journey, accompanied by difficul- ties which cannot to-day be realized -twice as much per pound for common salt as is paid in Alpha now for the finest grade of sugar. The Dayton and Xenia Turnpike was built first from Day- ton to Alpha, some time about 1858, and was afterward completed to Xenia, thus affording the chief means of communication with markets of these cities. This road was built by a joint stock com- pany, and is kept in repair by collections made in the common way, at the toll-gates on the road. Good, substantial gravel roads extend throughout the township, uniting all points in easy and safe ยท communication, through all the seasons of the year.
MILLS.
The present flour-mill of Jacob HI. Harbine stands on the site, or very near, the first mill erected in Greene County, which was built by Owen Davis, some time about 1797. This mill then passed to Jacob Smith, and from him to James Scott. The present one was built by John Harbine in 1833, and was successfully operated by . him until his death, when it came into the possession of his son, Jacob. It is situated on Big Beaver Creek, from which its motive power is derived, just southwest of the village of Alpha, and at present has four run of stones, with a capacity of seventy-five barrels per day. The " old system " is used in the manufacture of
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
flour ; shipping mostly to Baltimore, Maryland, and other eastern cities. The building is a substantial frame, over four stories, and at present in good general repair. This mill very appropriately took the name of " Alpha," being the first, or on the site of the first, mill in the county.
The next flour-mill was built by Solomon Shoup, in 1805, about two miles west of Alpha, near the village of Zimmermanville, now on the line of the railroads. Several buildings have been since built on this site. The present was erected in 1812, and is now owned and operated by John Schantz, who came into possession in 1868. The building is a frame, about 40x55 feet, and is three sto- ries high; at present has three run of stones, with a capacity of forty barrels of flour per day. The " new process" is used to some extent, and the power is derived from Little Beaver Creek, on which the mill is situated.
The next mill was built about the same time, on the site of the present one at Beaver Station, on the railroads, about two miles east of Alpha, on the Little Miami River. It was built by Adam Emory, and was known as the " Emory Mills." In 1815, Jonathan Snyder and Andrew Baughman operated this mill; then it passed to E. C. Frost, afterward to Lester and William Arnold, who con- tinued in possession for about six years. At present it is owned and operated by F. C. Trebein. The structure is a frame, of mod- ern finish, has five run of stones, propelled by both steam and wa- ter-power, and has a capacity of ninety-five barrels per day, ship- ping mostly to Philadelphia and New York.
The only distillery in the township is operated by Mr. Trebein, at the same point-Beaver Station. The first building for this pur- pose was erected on this site, by Baughman & Snyder, in 1841, and has been operated in connection with the flour-mill since. At present it has a capacity of two hundred and twenty-six barrels, mashing two hundred and sixteen, with daily average of eight hundred gallons. Mr. Trebein is also feeding quite a large number of hogs and cattle at this place, and at present is making arrange- ments to increase his facilities in this branch of the business.
SCHOOLS.
The first school house of which any account can be found, was built prior to 1800, on the farm of Jacob Coy, southwest, section
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31 (3.7), in the southeast corner, made by the Shakertown road crossing the road from Schantz's mill, about two miles west of Al- pha. This school was taught by a very eccentric English gentle- man, who prided himself on a sounding name and an imaginary title, insisting, on all occasions, on being addressed as Thomas Marks Davis, the Second. He succeeded, however, in supporting the dignity of such a title on a very uncertain salary, fluctuating between eight and ten dollars per month.
The next house was built northeast of the present residence of Jacob Hering, on the farm of Jacob Lentz, being near the south- east corner of section 27 (3.7). This house was a rude log cabin, common to those early days, and was used as a meeting-house by the German Reformed Church as early as 1809.
In the year 1817, there was another house erected in the north- west part of the township, in the northeast part of section 16 (3.7), just north of the present house of Jacob Swadner. This school was presided over by Amos Quinn, a gentleman of genial tempera- ment, not to be crossed by any amount of rebelliousness on the part of his pupils. It is related that this school was famous for many escapades and "tricks" by the "big boys" of the "settle- ment," who trained under the amiable Quinn. Many lively scenes occurred between the teacher and scholars, especially during the Christmas holidays, when it was customary to bar the teacher out, and compel him to " treat" before the doors would be opened and the school allowed to proceed. At one time "the boys" barred Quinn out, who, after making a desperate effort to gain an entrance at the door, ascended the roof, and began tearing the clapboards from the house. The noise and general clatter of this procedure attracted the attention of the settlers, and several assembled to wit- ness the conflict. Finally the teacher effected an entrance, but as he dropped from the roof among the " boys," he was immediately seized and securely bound, so that he was glad to surrender and furnish the " cider and apples," which he did, having procured them from a neighbor, when the course of education, thus mo- mentarily suspended, was allowed to resume its " even tenor" in Beaver Creek.
The next house was erected on the site of the present union school building, at Beaver, on the Dayton and Xenia pike, north- east of Alpha. This house, like all the others, only on a larger plan, was built of rough logs, having one end wholly occupied by a
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
fire-place of such commodious proportions as to adinit of the large logs from the wilderness of woods immediately surrounding this early school house. The benches, without backs, were rudely con- structed of long, rough-hewn slabs, with holes bored through at each end, in which were inserted wooden pins for support, and this seat was considered a very comfortable arrangement for the primi- tive scholar.
This building was succeeded by a brick house, in 1822, and after- ward another brick building, of the same size, was added to this one, making the present union school house. This school, at pres- ent, has two departments, and embraces, in addition to the common school studies, a curriculum of the higher branches.
The township now has twelve school districts, well furnished with good buildings, and supplied regularly with teachers at public ex- pense, thus bringing the ordinary branches of education to the very doors of the poorest man in the township, and the present general appearance of intelligent thrift and enterprise, everywhere evinced throughout this township, is, no doubt, attributable to the interest manifested in the public schools.
CHURCHES.
The first church organization, was effected in the log school house, as above mentioned, sometime in 1809, and was called the " German Reformed Church." Afterwards, this congregation, to- gether with the Lutheran congregation, built a log " meeting house" on the site of the present Beaver Church, and these organizations held their respective services there on alternate Sabbaths. The first minister for the German Reformed Church was Thomas Winters, father of the well known David Winters. And among the original members of this body, were Jonathan Snyder, George Long, Adam Glotfelter, Ebenezer Steele, and many others whose names can not now be recalled. The first minister for the Lutherans, was Henry Heinicker. Among the first members were Andrew Smeltzer, Michael Swigert, and Daniel Haines. In 1844 and 1845, these or- ganizations built another house at Mt. Zion, about two and one-half miles south-west of Alpha, and in 1846 and 1847, the present brick church at Beaver was built. In 1851, the German Reformed Church, known as "Hawker's Church," was built; it is situated on the Dayton and Xenia pike, about five miles northwest from Alpha,
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BEAVER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
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and about three-fourths of a mile from the Montgomery County line, on the farm of Adam Hawker, S. E. Sec. 9, (2. 7.) Among the original members, were Joseph Coblentz, John Westfall, Solo- man Snepp, Fredrick, Abraham and Adam Hawker. In 1822, David Winters succeeded his father as pastor of these congrega- tions, continuing in this capacity until during the past year. Under his ministry, these houses have all been erected, all bearing the same external appearance. They are of briek, plain, but substan- tial, having basements for Sabbath-schools; are of general uniform size, being about 45x70 feet.
At the Mt. Zion Church, the German Reformed, and Lutheran organizations hold services alternately. Among the ministers for the Lutherans, after Henry Heinicker, were Roszen Miller, Solomon Ritz, and John Geiger. The present minister is J. F. Scheafer. The trustees of this church at the time of its erection, were Michael Swigert, Jacob Rike, and Henry Coy.
United Brethren Church .- Is situated in the northwest part of the township, on what is known as the "Fifth Street road," on the farm formerly owned by Jacob Aley, being near central part of Sec. 10, (2. 7.). Jacob Aley donated the land on which this church was built, and hence it is familiarly known as " Aley's Church". It is a plain frame house, about 25x30, and was built in 1838, by the German Reformed, United Brethren, and Lutherans, uniting together. The United Brethern hold services every alternate Sab- bath. Among the original members, were Jacob, John, and Abram Aley, David Costler, and Jacob Fox.
Pisgah German Reformed Church .- Is situated about two miles north of Zimmermanville, on the northwest corner, where the road from the above place crosses the Fifth Street, or Dayton road, cen- tral part of Sec. 34, (2. 7.). It is a plain frame house, about 30x36, and was built in 1872. This organization formerly held services in the school house of this district, under the ministry of Father Le- fever. Their present minister is Adam Hawker, and among orig- inal members, were George Koogler, Eli Trubee, S. C. Bates, and others.
Methodist Protestant Church (Alpha) .- This church was erected in 1872, by the united efforts of the Methodist Protestant and Ger- man Reformed organizations; but the latter do not hold services at this place now. The original trustees were composed of mem- bers from each body. For the Methodist Protestant were Daniel
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Overholser and David Gray; for the German Reformed were John Harbine, Solomon Glotfelter, and George Danner. The Methodist Protestant organization belongs to the Ohio Conference of that de- nomination, from which it receives its ministers regularly by call of the delegate elected by the members of the organization. Among those who have served this church were : T. J. Evans, W. R. Par- sons, Reuben Rose, William Overholser, and at present, W. M. Creamer. The building is a substantial brick, about 40x60, and is the only church building in the village of Alpha.
German Baptist (Dunker) Church, (Zimmermanville) .- The first or- ganization of this church in this township was effected in 1805, the services being held at private houses of the brethren until 1843, when the present house, located as above, was erected. The house is a single-story frame structure, about 36x70, in which services are now held regularly every alternate Sabbath. The original minis- ters were Jacob Miller, Elder Sigler, and Moses Shoup. The first deacons were Moses Shoup and John Stoneberger; the present ones are Jacob A. Coy, Daniel Shoup, Aaron Coy, and William J. Shoup; present ministers are B. F. Darst, Henry Duncan, and David Bates. This organization of German Baptists are commonly called Dunkers. This is a modernized appellation, taken from the German word taufen or tunker, which means to dip or immerse, from which, by unknown processes, the word became dunker, and was given to this branch of the Baptist Church. The organization has a strong membership in this township, and as its customs and beliefs are in many respects peculiar, they should have place in this history. Among the peculiar customs is that of "washing of feet." This occurs at the communion service, which is held once every year. This operation is performed by one of the ministers, who, girding himself with a towel, proceeds to wash the brethrens' fect. (This is taken as a divine command, as revealed in John, xiii. chap.) The ministers relieve each other, until the feet of all the brethren are washed. The sisters, in the same way, perform the same cere- mony separate from the brethren. Immediately following this ceremony supper is served, after which the bread is broken and the wine is taken. The ministers are required to "anoint the sick with oil," as taught by St. James. They do not conform to the world in matter of dress. The men wear broad-brimmed hats and straight- collared coats with rounded skirts; the women plain sun-bonnets, plain dresses, and caps. This custom in dress they have preserved
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from the first German emigrants who came to America. They are opposed to war, and will not bear arms; neither do they vote at political elections, though to this latter, perhaps, they do not hold so stringently. All matters of dispute between themselves are settled in the church, without appealing to the laws of the country, ac- cording to Matthew, xviii. chap. They believe in triune immersion : the person kneels in the water, and is dipped three times, face foremost, in the water.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Beaver Grange No. 60, was organized in 1876, and holds regular meetings in the basement of the Beaver Church. The official mem- bers of the original organization were: J. C. Williamson, Master ; C. J. Butt, Overseer; John Ridenour, Lecturer; David Gray, Treasurer; Jeremiah Overholser, Chaplain; Horace Ankeney, Sec- retary; John Weaver, Gate-Keeper; Edward Munger, Steward; Ella Weaver, Pomona; Jennie Shank, Ceres; Mary Gray, Flora. The meetings of the society are enlivened by debates on agricul- tural questions, and the consideration of plans and suggestions for the improvement of agricultural interests. This organization is in good condition, having about sixty members from among the most prominent farmers in the township.
Grange No. 1,208, was organized in 1877, under Oliver Moler, Master. The hall in which this organization meets was built for this purpose, on the farm of Adam Hawker, near Hawker Church, on the Dayton Pike. It is a two-story frame, 24x40. The society, with an original membership of nearly sixty, is now in tolerable prosperity.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The first settlement in this township was made at Alpha, some- time prior to 1798, by Owen Davis, in which year the log cabin mill, erected by him, was finished and put in operation. A short distance east of the mill, two block houses were erected, and it was intended, in case of an attack by the Indians, to connect them by a line of pickets, and include the mill within the stockade. The log cabin built by General Benjamin Whiteman was a short distance south of the mill. In this cabin the first court of Greene County
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was held on the 10th day of May, 1803. It witnessed the organi- zation of the county, the first administration of law, the first exercise of suffrage through the ballot-box, and the first legal pun- ishment of crime. Near it the first corn was ground into meal for the settlers, and here they rallied for protection against the Indians. Sheltered beneath the protecting arms of the rude frontier stock- ade, and clustering about this "cradle " of the county, the forefath- ers of Beaver Creek Township built their homely cabins, and pushed the germs of civilization further and further into the great wilderness. One by one, up from the last farewell to civilization at Cincinnati, and along the old Pinkney road, the covered wagons and the lagging horses, guided by the sturdy pioneers, came. The settlement grew; the woods and thickets gave way to growing fields and bounteous harvests, and the log cabins have now long since given place to the comfortable homes of prosperous farmers.
In 1800 the father of Jacob Coy came from Maryland and settled where Jacob now lives, on the Shakertown Pike, about two miles west of Alpha- Southwest, section 31 (2. 7). He built a log cabin where the present residence now stands. George Shoup, from Pennsylvania, settled on the farm now owned by B. F. Darst- Southwest, section 36 (2. 6.) -about this same year. He built a cabin near the present farm residence at Mount Zion, and about the same time Jacob Judy built a cabin on the land now owned by Benjamin Benham, near his present residence, central part of sec- tion 30 (3. 6), about one mile south of Alpha; also, Jacob Haines, where Adam Garlaugh now lives, southwest of Alpha, and built his cabin near the mouth of Little Beaver - West, section 25 (3. . 7). In 1805 Benjamin Whiteman, of Virginia, owned the land on which Jacob Herring now lives, about two and one-half miles north of Alpha. In the following year (1806) David Hering, from Fred- erick County, Maryland, purchased this farm, and built a log cabin immediately in front of the present residence of his son, Jacob - Southwest, section 20 (3. 7). In 1807 a man by the name of Kent settled the land now owned by David Garlaugh, north of Hering's, being Southeast, section 22, (3. 7.), and built his cabin a short dis- tance east of Mr. Garlaugh's present residence.
Some time previous to 1810, Richard Kizer built a log cabin about one hundred yards west of the present house of Jacob Swad- ner's, northeast of Garlaugh's being central part of section 16 (3. 7.), and in the same year George Frost built a cabin in the north-
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