History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 29

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037

USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 29

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In this connection, we submit the following interview with Hugh Andrew, an aged and highly esteemed citizen of Xenia :

Hull, who surrendered at Detroit, was commander of all the northwestern armies, except a few companies of rangers, quartered in block-houses. Prior to his defeat, he was encamped at Dayton, and I was then a private. I was on duty during a greater portion of the war, but did not engage in any active battle. My company was encamped, for some time, on the Sandusky River. One night I was detailed for guard duty. Nothing unusual occurred until the dawning of the morning, when I heard the rustling of the thicket, a short distance from my post. Peering through the semi-

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darkness, I saw a dark object approaching; could not discern its features, but concluded, naturally, that they were those of 'an In- dian. It came yet a little closer, and stopped. I brought my gun to a level, took aim, and fired. A loud report, and all was silent; and when the smoke had cleared away, I perceived that the object had vanished. Upon being relieved, I went to the spot where I had last seen the Indian (as I supposed); saw spots of blood, by which I tracked him to the rear of the guard-house, thence further, beyond the limits of the camp. Here I discovered the carcass of a hog, that had strayed from some settlement. Thus ended my ex- perience in Indian killing.

The announcement of Hull's surrender reached this section on the Sabbath day, while the people were attending worship. They were panic-stricken, as it was considered that we were on the fron- tier, and liable to be invaded by the British armies without a mo- ment's warning. Simultaneously with the news of the surrender, an order was issued, requesting the First Regiment-composed, partly, of Greene County men-to report at Yellow Springs, on the following Monday morning, at 10 o'clock. I was then in my eighteenth year, in the vigor of youth, and mounting my horse, rode to Xenia. Here we equipped ourselves with the necessaries of war, and were on the ground at the appointed time. We did camp duty that night, and on the following day marched to Urbana, where we remained several days. A large concourse of people had been gathered here from all parts of this section, who were ready and willing to answer the country's call. After several days' delay, and a protracted discussion, it was decided that a portion of the First Regiment should proceed northward, while all others should return to their homes, and await further orders.

May, 1813, Fort Meigs was beseiged by the British and Indians. A call was made for a volunteer regiment of mounted militia. I volunteered, with about seven hundred from this county. We were out a short time, and then ordered to go back to Xenia. On our return, we were met by a call for volunteers, to be stationed at Fort McArthur until the arrival of a drafted company. I volunteered again, and at the expiration of twenty-two days, we were relieved by a company in charge of Captain McClelland.

In the month of August, 1813, there was an urgent call for a company of volunteers, to guard a train of provisions, which were being conveyed from Fort McArthur to Fort Finley. Together

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with fifty-one others, I answered the call. The train consisted of pack-horses, loaded with bacon, to insure the safe delivery of which it was necessary to provide a strong guard. . The service was performed successfully, and the company then voted to join a de- tachment near Upper Sandusky. Upon our arrival, it was whis- pered that the camp was surrounded by Indians. At night the fires were put out, the sentry brought in, and arrangements made to march to an open plain, where we could more successfully defend ourselves, which place was reached in safety. We waded the river, and took possession of Fort Wall, then unoccupied. On the fol- lowing day we marched to Upper Sandusky.

During the battle at Lower Sandusky, our forces were com- manded by General Corwin. He took possession of the fort, but was ordered by General Harrison to evacuate the same. Harrison was well aware that the enemy far exceeded the American forces in point of numbers, and concluded that the latter must withdraw at once, to avoid overwhelming defeat. Corwin was loth to leave be- hind him the provisions and equipments, and disobeyed orders. Under his direction, a number of men were detailed to strengthen the fort, and dig a trench around the same. On top of the wall was placed a huge cannon, charged with log chains. When the British began to storm the fort, they descended to the ditch. Here they were charged upon, and slain by the hundreds, and ere long, beat a hasty retreat, leaving behind them a number of prisoners. For his gallantry, Corwin was promoted on the spot, and remained in the regular service until the commencement of the civil war, at which time he died at New Orleans.

I was again drafted, in 1814, but participated in no battles, and was discharged on the 5th of April.

Mr. James Scott, an old citizen of this county, still living, while in Pennsylvania took an active part in the war of 1812. He was a member of one of the companies composing a brigade of soldiers, which left Pennsylvania, and started to the scene of action in which Hull and his forces were then engaged. On arriving at Pittsburg, they learned of Hull's surrender, and were ordered to Erie, where Perry was then engaged in building his fleet. At Pittsburg they were first furnished with tents, and other equipments necessary for their comfort, having been obliged to sleep in the open air, sheds, pig-pens, or wherever they could find a place of shelter, until this time. They remained at Erie for a short time, and were then or-

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dered to Buffalo. Here they were detained until late in the spring.

It is related of Captain Robert McClelland, that while he was in command of Fort McArthur, on one occasion one of his men left the fort a short distance, to peel some elm bark, and while so en- gaged, was shot twice through the body by two Indians, concealed near by, the report of whose guns was so nearly simultaneous that but one sound was heard. Upon receiving the shots, he uttered an agonizing scream, and ran at the top of his speed for the fort, but fell before he reached the gates. The alarm instantly aroused the entire garrison, as it was supposed this was the signal for a mo- mentarily expected general attack. So far from closing the gates, and standing upon the defensive, however, the brave but reckless McClelland seized his rifle, and calling upon his comrades to follow, which was almost unheeded, rushed to the supposed place of am- bush, and scoured the vicinity in every direction; but the wily foe had effected a silent and instantaneous retreat.

DESERTER.

One night, as Nimrod Haddox was returning from mill, he ob- served, when near his house, a man carrying something on a pole. The next day, Cox came to him and said some one had stolen his bee- hive last night. They were in their stocking feet, and the tracks made in the mud were traced to a house occupied by a notorious character named Powers. It appears that about a year prior to this, Powers had stolen a mare from Cox, and gone to Virginia ; had sold the animal in the neighborhood of Paint, and she had returned to her former owner. Powers, learning that Nimrod Haddox had ac- cused him of stealing the mare, sued him for slander. In the mean- time, Cox's barn and wheat were burned, and suspicion rested heavily upon Powers' wife. Cox swore out a warrant for her arrest. John Haddox went with the constable, and when he made the arrest, he, and those who went with him, observed that Mrs. Powers' ankles were scratched and bleeding, on account of passing through a brier patch near the barn. We are not informed as to whether she was convicted, but this, in connection with the bee-hive, and the mare and slander suit generated bad blood. A verdict was rendered in the slander suit against Nimrod Haddox, for $250.00. It appearing that Powers' wife, and a girl living with them, had stolen the bee- hive, John Haddox, foreseeing the impossibility of his father's paying

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the damage, determined to appeal the case, and use this girl as a witness against him. To this end, he began to "shine" around her, and pretended to make love to her; and finally she confessed to having assisted in stealing the bee-hive, and furthermore, said the dead bees could be found under Powers' house. This, in conjunction with other testimony of a more relevant nature, reduced the damages to one cent.

About this time, Powers enlisted at Cincinnati, got his bounty, deserted, and re-enlisted four or five times until he was advertised, but could not be found. At a military gathering soon after, some one, in a drunken frenzy, was heard to yell for Hull. His name then was held in exeeration. A band of Kentuckians seized him, and, lo, it was the inevitable Powers. They put him under the water, but every time he came up he would yell for Hull. He was releas- ed, and made his escape to the woods, in the seclusion of which he had built a cabin, and in which he and his wife remained.

A reward of $50.00 was offered for him, dead or alive, and par- ties started in pursuit, among whom was John Haddox. The party watched the house all night, and towards morning Haddox crawled to a large log near the shanty, and looked in, but could not see him. A light snow had fallen during the evening, but no tracks could be seen leading from the cabin. Soon Powers' wife opened the door cautiously, looked around, then came out to look for tracks. Not finding signs of the enemy, she gave two or three violent raps on a bucket, and presently Powers came sneaking out of the woods. Seeing the coast clear, he took up an ax and began splitting wood. While his back was to them, they rushed upon him, and Haddox seizing him by the shoulders, said, "Powers you're my prisoner." Brandishing a large knife, he broke loose, jumped to the loft, seized his gun, and swore he'd shoot the whole d-d crowd. All took to their heels but Haddox, who presented his gun, but it flashed ; he then fled, but slipping, fell ; Powers was immediately upon him, but regaining his feet his antagonist fled through a corn-field. Haddox called to him to stop, and at the same time fired. Mc- ran from behind a stump, and fired; Philip Hoosier also fired at him, one of which took effect below the shoulder blade. Powers jumped the fence, the party in hot pursuit; finally he brought up on a log and crying out, "Boys! you've killed me!" surrendered. The party re- ported that he was shot, and the recruiting officer at Xenia said, " D-n him, bring him in, dead or alive." They went to his cabin,

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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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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.

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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 neglect, 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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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 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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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."

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 29

Author: R. S. Dills Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1037

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037