History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 30

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 30

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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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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. H. 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."

A number of destitute children have found a home within the walls of the Infirmary. Besides supplying the bodies with the essentials of life, it has ever been the aim of the Christian and philanthropic gentlemen composing the board of directors, to provide for their educational and spiritual wants as well. The daily intercourse of the children with that fallen class of humanity which is found in all charitable institutions, was damaging in the extreme, and could not fail but to lead to evil results. It was obvious that the younger in- mates should be separated from the bad influences surrounding them. At a recent session of the board, it was decided to transfer all the children to the colored infirmary, while the older inmates of the latter institution were removed to the main building. Before the change was carried into effect, numerous alterations were made in the old buildings.

The building now serving in the capacity of a "Children's Home," is one hundred feet long and forty feet wide, containing a basement and two stories. The basement is used for a bakery and store-room. On the ground floor are located the kitchens, dining-

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COUNTY INFIRMARY.

room (with a seating capacity of forty), matron's apartments, re- ception room, and sleeping rooms. On the second floor are the children's dormitories. From the porch in the rear of this floor, a splendid view is presented of the surrounding country, which is traversed by the rival railroads running to Dayton. The rooms are models of neatness, being cleaned by the inmates under the super- vision of the matron, Mrs. E. Bryant. This lady is the relict of the late Rev. Bryant, the first colored Baptist minister that ever occu- pied the pulpit in Xenia; an exemplary Christian and esteemed citizen. Mrs. Bryant was appointed matron of the colored infirm- ary in March, 1875, and has continued in that position to this day, to the full satisfaction of the directors. She will assume control of the "Children's Home." The old "crazy " building has been con- verted into a chapel and school house. This building is 33x33, and two stories high. The lower floor is used for a school room. Re- ligious services are held on the upper floor each Sabbath. A very fine orchard has been planted on the tract between the buildings just described and the pike.

We return to the pike, and crossing it, enter the grounds where now is located the main building. The graveled avenue over which we pass is bordered on both sides by shade trees. In front of the main building is a rich and profuse display of flowers, in the midst of which a fountain throws up a steady stream of water. The Infirmary, proper, is one hundred and fifty feet long, and about fifty feet wide, to which is added a wing. The building contains three floors and a basement. The floors are divided into sections by halls, running east and west and north and south. To the left of the main entrance is the superintendent's office, where the meetings of the directors are held; to the right is the reception room. The west side of this floor is occupied by female dormitories and dining room; the east side is similarly arranged for the males. The family dining room, and a number of smaller apartments, are also located on this floor. On the second floor is the chapel; services are held in the same every Sabbath afternoon. The superintendent's private apartments are located in the center of north side. To the rear of these are sev- eral apartments called "flower rooms," in which are kept the flowers and plants in cold weather. The superintendent and matron un- derstand perfectly how to care for plants, and all lovers of the beautiful, would certainly be benefited by a visit to the floral de-

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partment of the Infirmary. The sewing and linen rooms, several private bed rooms, and male and female dormitories, constitute the remainder of the floor. The third floor is occupied principally by the inmates. The wing attached to the south side of the main building is divided mainly into cells for the insane patients-those incurable, and those awaiting transportation to one of the State Insane Asylums. An old lady aged 97 occupies one of the rooms, although being allowed the freedom of the buildings and grounds; apparently she has a passion for the one room she occupies, which she calls her home.

The basement of the main building, is used for a store-room, laundry, kitchen, and for general industrial purposes. In the base- ment of the wing, are the huge engines, and' boilers, to which are attached all the modern improvements. Steam is used in heating the building, and pumping water to all parts of the same. Here also, are stationed tanks, containing gasoline with which the building is lighted. Bath tubs are stationed in various parts of the building, in which, to prevent the contraction of disease, the inmates are bathed at stated intervals. To the rear of the main building, are the various out-buildings.

As all of the new buildings are located on a knoll, a perfect system of drainage has been established, and the infectious waters are conveyed from the premises. The farm is beautifully located, very productive, and surrounded on all sides by forests.

The management of the Infirmary is in the best of hands. One of the directors, Mr. J. C. McMillan, has held this position for a period of nearly thirty consecutive years, consequently has much experience which is beneficial. The other directors are gentlemen of real worth. The superintendent, Mr. H. Gram, and his estimable lady, the matron, are thoroughly acquainted with the duties of their offices. They are kind, Christian people, beloved, and esteemed by the inmates. Greene County is in possession of an Infirmary and Childrens Home, of the management of which she need not be ashamed. From the semi-annual report of the directors to the county commissioners, submitted September, 1880, we extract the following :

Expense of conducting Infirmary, six months, $4,458.

Paid for out-door relief, 1,016.

Average number of paupers, - 114.

Board of Directors: Brenton Baker, president; J. C. McMillan,

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ORPHANS' HOME.

secretary ; Robert Gowdy; superintendent, H. Gram; matron, Mrs. HI. Gram.

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' ORPHANS' HOME.

INTRODUCTION.

When peace was declared by the opposing factions of the "late unpleasantness," the northern, or Union armies had great cause for rejoicing. They had fought for liberty and equal rights, and their cause was triumphant .. And yet the participants of the late rebel- lion did not escape the horrible scenes of bloodshed, suffering, and death, the inevitable results of strife between rival governments. When the victorious soldiers returned to their homes, they were met by a throng of grateful people, and accorded a cordial recep- tion. The horrors of the war were forgotten; every heart was filled with rejoicing at the safe return of the "brave boys in blue." But, in the midst of that joyful assembly, there was many a mother's heart saddened by the cruel reflection that her brave and noble boy was not there. The wife sees her fond and doting husband in im- agination only. His body is buried in southern soil, his spirit has been wafted through the heavenly portals. Children realize that on this earth no more will they see the familiar face of "father;" that they are orphans, thrown on the cold charities of the world. Peace and prosperity fled from the cottage of the soldier's widow and orphan; poverty and misery alone remained. Oh! how cold and dreary was the future! Bereft of husband, money, and friends, who can wonder at the despondency of the soldier's widow? The existence of this dreary state of affairs, however, a country, grate- ful and magnanimous, would not long permit. Appropriations for temporary relief were made by congress ; homes for disabled soldiers were established by the same authority. The different states took it upon themselves to care for the orphan, while the widow had her temporary wants relieved by pension. Our own state, which an- swered so promptly the call for defenders of our country, recognized at once, the invaluable services rendered by her patriotic citizens. Second to none in point of gratitude and magnanimity, she has ever accorded her citizens that care and protection required for their

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welfare. To-day she points with pride to her many charitable in- stitutions, excelled by none other in system and management. As has been intimated, this state, upon recovering from the devastation produced by the late war, proceeded to make provisions for the maintainance of those whom the implements of war had rendered incapable of self-support. Prior to 1870, however, no definite action had been taken by the legislature of the state. The initiatory steps toward the establishment of a home for soldiers' and sailors' orphans, were taken by the Grand Army of the Republic, a society which had for its object the protection of disabled soldiers, and the widows and orphans of those who gave their lives that their country might live. Greene County, and the city of Xenia, also rendered material aid in the good work. To the Grand Army of the Re- public, the philanthropic citizens of Xenia, and Greene County, and the state at large, do we award the honor of establishing, and main- taining, one of the grandest institutions known to civilized nations -The Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home.

HISTORY.

The establishment of a permanent home for soldiers' orphans was first agitated by the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1869. It was the object of the society to procure the funds necessary for the purpose from individual sources, believing that the state would take the matter in hand at the proper time. On the 31st of June, 1869, a meeting was held at the City Hall, at Xenia, the object of which was to devise ways and means for the furtherance of the plan then under consideration. The address was delivered by Chaplain Collier, agent for the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he vividly portrayed the duty of the citizens of this state, insomuch as it was involved in the question now before them. On the 13th of July another meeting was held at the same place, which was largely attended. Speeches were made by Governor Hayes, Congressman Winans, Captain Earnshaw, and others. Subscrip- tion books were opened, and the sum of $16,500 guaranteed before the close of the meeting. Of this sum, Eli Millen, Lester Arnold, and J. C. McMillan subscribed $1,000 each.

In the meantime, citizens of Xenia, assisted by representatives of the Grand Army of the Republic, were actively at work. The press favored the project, and advocated the erection of suitable

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buildings at once. It was ascertained that a favorable location, situated in the immediate vicinity of Xenia, could be secured, and the friends of the cause continued in the good work. The annual convention of the Grand Army of the Republic was held at San- dusky City, on the 21st and 22d of July, 1869. Nine delegates from Xenia were in attendance. The "Home" question was ear- nestly discussed, although no definite action was taken. The Xenia gentlemen, however, were encouraged to believe that the lands lo- cated near their city would eventually be selected as the permanent location of the Home. Subsequently, a resolution providing for the acceptance of the real estate, and funds offered by the citizens of Xenia, was passed by the Grand Army of the Republic, the in- itiatory steps toward the establishment of a Home at Xenia.

The Board of Control, consisting of General George B. Wright, Major M. S. Gunckel, Colonel H. G. Armstrong, Eli Millen, Esq., Judge White, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Mrs. H. L. Monroe, and Mrs. Ann E. MeMeans, met, on the 11th of October, and agreed to accept the location offered by the people of Xenia. Contracts for the erection of four cottages were made with Drees & Thornhill, Norris & Mell- wain, and Smith, Howard & Co., at a cost of about $1,650 each. Meanwhile, in anticipation of the early establishment of the "Home," a number of children had been gathered at Xenia. To provide for their temporary wants, the board leased the premises of the Messrs. McMillan, on Main Street, lately occupied by Rev. W. T. Findley. Mrs. A. McMeans was elected superintendent, January, 1870; Dr. John G. Kyle, of Xenia, was appointed surgeon. To supply the spiritual wants of the children, a non-sectarian Sunday-school was formed, which was to be conducted by a committee, appointed by all the orthodox churches of the city. The following gentlemen constituted the committee: T. Drees, J. W. King, D. Millen, J. C. McMillan, A. Trader, W. Keller, A. II. Baughman, W. C. Hutchin- son, J. C. Cooper. They met, January 3, 1870, and elected J. H. Cooper, superintendent ; William Smith, assistant superintendent ; Ewing Hannon, secretary ; A. H. Baughman, treasurer; Thomas Moore, librarian. The school was opened at the Young Men's Christian Association rooms, on the following Sunday. During this month, eighty-one children were being cared for in the tem- porary quarters. Major M. S. Gunckel was appointed acting super- intendent, rice Mrs. McMeans, resigned. Additional appointments had been made, as follows: Mrs. Edgington, of Chicago, matron;

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 30

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

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