History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 33

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 33

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SEC. 3. Said board of trustees are authorized to receive into said home, the indigent children of deceased soldiers and sailors, who lost their lives in the military or naval service of the United States, during the late rebellion, or have since died by reason of wounds re- ceived, or disease contracted while in said service, and in the line of duty as such soldier: provided, however, that no child of such de- ceased soldier, shall be received into said home under the age of twelve years, during the life time of the mother of said child; and

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provided also, that no child shall be received into said home, except the child of a deceased soldier, on account of whose death the United States has paid, or is paying a pension.

SEC. 4. That, after the passage of this act, the said board of trus- tees, shall admit, and continue in such home, no child or children, unless the mother or guardian of such child or children, shall pay over to said board of trustees, for the purpose of clothing said child or children, the money paid by the United States as a pension on account of the death of said soldier.

SEC. 5. The superintendent shall keep an accurate account of the amount of pension received, on account of each, and every of such children, and the amount of pension so received, on account of such child shall be used for no other purpose, except for the clothing of such child, and if a greater sum than is needed to pro- perly clothe such child, shall be received as a pension on account of such child, then such balance shall be paid said child or the guardian thereof, when said child leaves said home.

There were two cases of death during 1878. Anna Scoby, of cottage No. 15, died February 10, and Nettie Bowen, of cottage No. 11, September 23, 1878, both of consumption.

On the 16th of February, 1879, the administration and domestic buildings were destroyed by fire. A number of the officers and em- ployes were slightly injured, but none seriously. The loss to the state was nearly $75,000. The officers and employes lost various sums, ranging from $10 to $500. The cottages escaped the ravages of the fire, and the children were therefore unharmed. The super- intendent and his assistants took up their residence in some of the cottages, the hospital, and the school building. The legislature with commendable speed and unanimity, authorized the re-building of the destroyed structures, and made the necessary appropriation therefor, and for the furnishing of the same. The walls of both buildings, to some considerable extent remained standing and sound. The board of trustees adopted the plans of D. W. Gibbs, architect, which provided for thorough fire-proofing, for the reconstruction of the buildings. 'The domestic building was pushed rapidly to completion, and was ready for occupancy in about three months after the fire. It has since been occupied for its purpose, and also for the accommodation of the officers of the home during the pro- gress of work on the administration building, which is nearing com- pletion. During 1879 the school house was completed, and occupied

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by the schools, and the old school building had been assigned in its various divisions, to occupancy by the different industrial pursuits which were practically taught to the beneficiaries of proper age and advancement.

During the spring of 1879, rumors of improprieties on the part of the superintendent toward the female employes became rife. To avoid the publicity of an investigation, the superintendent at the request of the board, tendered his resignation to take effect on the 1st of April, 1879. Until the election of a new superintendent, the affairs of the home were carefully and satisfactorily managed by Hon. A. M. Stimson, and Hon. A. M. Stark of the board of trustees, and Prof. M. J. Hartley, superintendent of the schools; having authority to do so by resolutions of the board of trustees.

N. R. Wyman, of Shelby county, was chosen superintendent on the 17th day of April, 1879, and entered upon the discharge of his duties on the 23d day of the same month. He, on the 9th day of May, 1879, appointed Mrs. Mary Wyman, his wife, matron of the home. The board confirmed the appointment.

· DESCRIPTIVE.

The home grounds are located about a quarter of a mile south- east of the corporate limits of Xenia, and contain two hundred and seventy-five and one-half acres. That portion on which the build- ings are erected is slightly elevated, making altogether a very pleasing contrast. The grounds are inclosed by a neat board fence. At about the center of the south side is the main entrance, through which travelers in conveyances pass, while foot passen- gers may mount the steps and tread the boarded walk. Upon ascending, the first object presented to view is the handsome chapel on the right. In this building are held services on each Sabbath, except during the warm summer season, being conducted in turn by the ministers of Xenia. Mr. J. II. Cooper, of Xenia, is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which position he has held since the opening of the institution. Thus do loving hearts ad- minister to the spiritual wants of the children, preparing them for a brighter home through the beautiful portals above. To the rear of the church, surrounded by evergreen shrubbery, is located the little cemetery. The angel of death, whose grim features are visi- ble in every portion of the universe, has penetrated even this

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secluded abode of six hundred of the rising generation. Nineteen slabs of wood, erected at the head of nineteen mounds, with simple inscription of name and age thereon, tell their own sad story. The bodies of nineteen former inmates of this institution are sleep- ing the sleep that knows no awakening-their souls have gone to join their Maker. 'Tis sad to die so young, and so full of promise. Some who are here sleeping so sweetly had lived in suffering and misery. To them death was sweet relief. The fathers and mothers of others have long since crossed the dark and bloody chasm. Thither are they going, with hurried steps, to participate in an everlasting and glorious reunion.

"There is sweet rest in heaven."

We return to the walk, and resume our journey. Ere long we arrive at an imposing structure-

THE HOME SCHOOL BUILDING.

This commodious building was erected at a total cost of $30,000, and was completed in 1878; is constructed of brick, and consists of three stories and the basement. A fountain is seen playing on each side of the front entrance. During the school months the building is occupied by upward of five hundred children, and in charge of instructors of rare ability.

We next turn to the cottages, of which there are twenty-ten on each side of the main building. They are built of brick, and two stories in height. Each floor is divided into three apartments- the large sitting-room for the children, the matron's parlor, and the wash-room. The children's sitting-room is handsomely carpeted; on each side is a row of chairs, sufficient for the accommodation of thirty persons. In the center is a table loaded with books, or, in some cottages, covered by a miniature aquarium. On the upper floor is the children's dormitory, the matron's sleeping apartment, and the bath-room. The cottages are kept scrupulously clean by the children, under the direction of the matron. Each cottage is numbered-those south of the main building, occupied by the girls, in odd numbers; those north, occupied by boys, in even num- bers. In the front of each cottage is a piazza, which continues from the first to the last building. At the sides of the piazzas and

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the cottages, vines of ivy and morning-glory have been planted, presenting, during the summer season, a beautiful aspect. On the space between the rows of cottages is located the

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING,

Which contains the officers, teachers, and children's dining-rooms, dormitories, parlors, reception-rooms, superintendent's office, and . private apartments. The main building is constructed of pressed brick, and elegantly furnished throughout. The addition to the rear is built of material less pretentious. In the basement are the mammoth stoves, used for culinary purposes, the bakery, store -* rooms, and a refrigerator. To the rear of the administration build- ing is the water tower, in which is a massive tank. Water is forced into this, and thence to all parts of the grounds.

We next arrive at the engine house, containing four large boilers. Two are in constant use during the warm season, while all of them are pressed into service in cold weather. The steam is used for heating purposes, running the pumps which force the water into the tower, and for the laundry. There are also several force pumps, which are held in reserve, to be used in case of fire; one of the rooms in this building being a receptacle for the hose reel and an abundant supply of hose.

A few rods east of the engine building is the laundry, a large, two-story building-the first floor being used for washing purposes, the second divided into sleeping apartments. The establishment is fitted out with the latest improved washing machines, a steam wringer, and a mangle for pressing sheets and table-cloths. In one corner of the main room is a fine engine, which supplies the power for the various machines. Steam for running the same is conducted by pipes from the engine house. Miss Ann Harvey, a lady who has been employed at the home for upward of eight years, has charge of the laundry. The building is surrounded by a lawn, on which are planted beautiful flowers of various kinds.

Proceeding yet further east, we arrive at the hospital. Upon en- tering, we are greeted and cordially welcomed by the matron, who kindly volunteers to show us through the building. To the right, as we enter, is the cozy reception-room; to the left, the physician's office; adjoining the reception-room is the dining-room ; in the im- mediate rear of this room is the kitchen. Meals are prepared here

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for the inmates, under the supervision of the hospital matron. Opposite the dining-room is the ward for the sick. The second floor contains a ward for the sick, the matron's apartments, and a spare room. Thirty-four children can be treated conveniently at one time. During a recent prevalence of measles, however, more than one hundred were accommodated in the building. This build- ing is surrounded by a lawn, on which are planted evergreen trees and flowers.

We next proceed to the old school house, or "industrial building," as it is now called, a long, frame structure, two stories in height. The rooms formerly used for school purposes are now converted into workshops, and various vocations taught therein. On the lower floor is the shoe-shop, where are manufactured all the shoes worn by the inmates. Here eighteen boys are employed, under the supervision of a foreman. The tin-shop, where are employed a number of boys, is also on this floor. All the tinware and spout- ing used by the institution is manufactured in this department. On the second floor is located the paint shop, sewing-rooms, and the printing office, from which a neat little paper " The Home Weekly," is issued. West of this building is the gardener's cottage, a lovely spot, which is almost hidden from view by flowers. South of this is the home stable, a large and commodious building, well stocked with horses and milch cows.

Half way between the industrial building and the "L" of the fe- male cottages is the hot-house, for the cultivation of flowers, which is surrounded by handsome floral designs, one of which, a magnifi- cent star composed of many colors, never fails to attract the atten- tion of the passer-by. A fountain sending its spray high into the air adds to the beauty of the scene. Here several men and boys are kept constantly employed.

In front of the main building is an extensive display of flowers which are beautiful to behold. In the center is a fountain, from which numberless sprays of water issue spasmodically. Artistic hands have formed the letters " S. O." by the tasty arranging of flowers. The gas-house, in which is manufactured all the light used by the institution, is located at the foot of the knoll, near the main entrance; in the immediate vicinity of which an ice house has been erected.

The vacant spaces between the respective buildings are sodded, and shaded by trees. They are divided by graveled avenues for

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vehicles and foot-passengers. Groups of little ones spend much of their unoccupied time on the lawns, and their childish prattle falls sweetly on the ear of the passer-by.

The farm, proper, surrounds the grounds just described on the east, south, and west. A portion of it consists of timber land, The larger part however is in a state of cultivation ; potatoes, corn, cabbage, and all crops cultivated in this section, are produced each . year for the consumption of the inmates.

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.

Superintendent of Instruction .- O. J. Thatcher.

Names of Teachers.

No. Grade.

No. Enrolled.

Miss Helen M. Nave,

12,

Miss Sarah A. Jones,

11,

Miss Stella Gray,

10,

Miss Sallie B. Pearce,

- 40

Miss Fannie Weeks,

Miss Kate M. Gardner, -

Miss Ames Steigner.

Miss Mollie M. Guthridge,

Miss Mary E. Bell,

Miss M. Lute Carson,

Miss Carrie R. Dohrman,

Miss Lide Hutchins,

Total enrollment,

- 556

HOME OFFICIALS.

Board of Managers .- Hon. John Little, Xenia; Dr. B. C. Black- burn, Roscoe; Col. I. A. Bope, Findlay; Dr. J. H. Rodgers, Spring- field.

Superintendent .- Major William L. Shaw.

Matron .- Mrs. Rachel J. Shaw.

Clerk .- John P. Kellogg.

Physician .- A. H. Brundage.

Heads of Departments. - Hospital matron, Mrs. E. Hardesty ; housekeeper, Miss - Young; printing, George W. Dodds ; tin- ning, George W. Toeros; shoemaking, Joseph G. Rust; laundry,

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Miss Ann Harvey; butcher, Albert Gest; baker, A. G. Miltner; gardener, T. E. Nichols; farmer, James McNeal; engineer, David Evans; seamstresses, Mrs. Anna Pilkington and Susan Pitsford; tailor, Clarence Smith ; painter, James Liddle.

Cottage Matrons .- Cottage No. 1, Miss Kate Wiley; No. 2, Miss Amanda Stokes; No. 3, Miss Elizabeth French; No. 4, Miss Kate Sparger; No. 5, Mrs. Martha A Foos; No. 6, Mrs. Anna M. Dun- . bar; No. 7, Miss Lillie Hoyle; No. 8, Mrs. Amanda Harper; No. 9, Mrs. - DeBruin; No. 10, Miss Alice Welsh; No. 11, Miss Effie McMorrow; No. 12, Mrs. Mary Burroughs; No. 13, Mrs. L. Ed. wards; No. 14, Mrs. Clara John ; No. 15, Mrs. M. J. Coburn; No. 16, Mrs. Elizabeth Bazzle; No. 17, Mrs. Mary Smith; No. 18, Mrs. Mary Bain Miller; No. 19, Mrs. II. A. Watson; No. 20, Miss Rose Mathews.

GREENE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

In the year 1837, or 1838, a society was formed which had for its object the encouragement of agricultural and mechanical pursuits. All persons were entitled to a membership by paying one dollar. In the fall of this year the first meeting was held in the court house yard, on which occasion there was a large attendance. The display was an extensive one, consisting of farm productions, fancy needle-work, etc.

During the second year of its existence, the society purchased grounds in the eastern part of Xenia, on the Columbus pike, con- taining seven acres. Subsequently additional lands were added. In 1866 it became apparent that new grounds must be secured; the old location proving too small. A heated discussion arose as to the new site. The citizens of Jamestown and vicinity demanded that it should be located on the Xenia and Jamestown pike. The Xenians on the other hand contended that it must be selected in close proximity to the county seat. The latter were triumphant, and the grounds were located at Xenia. This action caused much dissatisfaction, which terminated in the organization of a new society, which received the name of the " Union Agricultural So- ciety," and held its exhibitions at Jamestown.

The original organization purchased thirty-six acres of ground

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(the present location), and held fairs thereon each succeeding year. The society became financially embarrassed, and the grounds were sold. They passed into the hands of Eli Millen, Esq., who has leased them to the members of the association. A few years ago the practice of horse racing was abolished, and at this time the annual meetings are gotten up for the sole purpose of displaying agricultural productions and farming implements.

The old records have been lost or destroyed, consequently it is. impossible to ascertain the names of the original officers: 'Squire McClung was elected president in 1860, and continued in that ca- pacity until his death, when D. McMillen, one of the original members, was elected; he was succeeded by Thomas B. Johnson, who in turn was followed by J. B. Lucas, the present incumbent. Dr. McClellan was one of the first secretaries. That office is now occupied by Hugh McQuiston. Mr. Leaman was treasurer for nineteen years. The society is now in a prosperous condition, at- tracting a large number of spectators and exhibitors each year.

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NEWSPAPERS.

THE XENIA GAZETTE.

The publication of the Xenia Gazette was commenced in the year 1868. For several years previous to this date, there had been but one paper published in the county. Indeed, it might almost be said, there never had been but one paper in Xenia. Several attempts had been made at different times to establish a second one, but, for want of patronage, or some other sufficient reason, they had all been abandoned. In the meantime, the village, or town of Xenia had advanced to a city of some six thousand population ; the county, also, had increased largely in population and wealth; and it was believed the business interests of the city and county, would be pro- moted by the publication of another paper, and that the prospects were sufficiently encouraging to warrant the investment. Accord- ingly, during the spring and early summer of 1868, several confer- ences in regard to the matter were held, in which a number of prominent and leading citizens participated. Different plans were suggested and discussed, among which was that of a joint stock com- pany ; but it was considered more advisable by the friends of the enterprise, that it should be undertaken by some one individual, or by an association of two or three members as partners.

Proceeding upon this council, a partnership was entered into between J. F. Patton, Thomas L. Tiffany, and Warren Anderson, under the firm name of Patton, Tiffany & Anderson ; and the pub- lication commenced, the first number being issued on the 15th of August, 1868. The press and office were purchased from the Cin- cinnati Type Foundry, by Mr. Tiffany, the only practical printer in the firm ; the press being the "Wells Power Press," the first cylinder press ever used in the county. The first issue of the paper consisted of eight hundred copies, and this was considerably more than the number of names then on the subscription list. New names were, however, rapidly added, and by the end of the first month an edition

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of twelve hundred copies was required. Patronage, in the form of job-work and advertising, was also obtained far beyond the most sanguine expectations of the friends and patrons of the paper ; and the Xenia Gazette at once started apparently upon a prosperous and successful career.

The original proprietors, Patton, Tiffany & Anderson, continued the publication two years, and at the end of the second volume, Mr. Anderson having a desire to try his fortune in the far west, disposed of his interest to Colonel R. P. Findley, and retired from the firm.

This was the first interruption in the proprietorship of the Gazette, but it was soon followed by another, and one of a sadder character. On the 28th of September, 1870, the firm of Patton, Tiffany & Find- lay was suddenly terminated by the death of Mr. Tiffany; and a short time after his death, his interest was purchased from his widow by the surviving partners, Patton and Findlay, who published the paper until May 25, 1875, when Col. Findley, by the purchase of Patton's interest became sole proprietor, and continued so till November, 1877, when he sold out to the present, owner J. P. Chew, whose son, W. B. Chew, is now associated with him.

In the fall of 1873, the business of the Gazette having outgrown the room, and accommodations in the building occupied up to that time, on Main Street, opposite the Ewing House, it became neces- sary to remove to larger and more commodious quarters. Accord- ingly, the office was removed to new rooms on Greene Street, near the Post Office, and directly opposite the court house. At the time of this removal, an engine was purchased, and steam introduced to run the presses. On January 1, 1878, the proprietors removed the office to the commodious room over the Post Office, on Greene Street, which had been formerly used by the Young Men's Chris- tian Association, and added a large engineand press room in the rear; thus making a model office for newspaper and job printing. The circulation is over 2,000. With all the the advertising they can carry; also, several hands constantly employed in job work ; all of which is successfully operated. Republican in politics; it is active and fearless in advocating the principles of the party, and the country at large.

THE XENIA TORCHLIGHT.

The Xenia Torchlight newspaper was founded in 1838, the first

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number having made its appearance on the 18th of September of that year. It was started as a Whig newspaper, at a time when the Democratic party was in the ascendancy in the county, and the want of a Whig organ severely felt. Accordingly, the names of sixty-nine of the most prominent citizens of the county were sub- scribed to a paper drawn up by Hon. E. F. Drake, and which set forth that the subscribers "agree to pay the amount opposite their names, the money to be applied to the purchase of a printing press and material, and the procuring necessary apparatus to put in operation a Whig newspaper at Xenia." The names are as follows : E. F. Drake, Charles L. Merrick, John Sexton, T. Marshall, Daniel Martin, James A. Scott, Samuel Puterbaugh, John Walton, Jacob Bechtell, Joshua Martin, Robert D. Poague, Nay C. Baker, A. G. Zimmerman, Alexander Connor, G. C. Lauman, Samuel Newcoms, John Kendall, John Ewing, John Harbison, Albert Galloway, Sam -. uel Lanne, James Bratton, Bazil Keiler, Alfred Trader, Ebenezer Steele, George W. Wright, Nathan Nesbitt, Thomas C. Wright, John Keiler, John B. Allen, A. Harlan, T. M. Perkins, Robert Ste- venson, John McBride, James Galloway, James Collier, Jonathan Fallis, Jeremiah Gest, A. Hivling, jr., J. II. McPherson, H. G. Beatty, C. F. Beall, Alexander B. Beall, John Hivling, Brinton Baker, L. Wright, Samuel Powell, B. Newkirk, Samuel Crum- baugh, Smith Persinger, Walter King, John Ankeny, Isaac S. Per- kins, Samuel Galloway, David Hanes, Moses Collier, John S. Per- kins, James McMillan, Silas Roberts, R. F. Howard, Tinsley Heath, William Lewis, Aaron Collett, Andrew Galloway, Conwell & Co., Pugh Sterrett, Benjamin Towler, John Stevenson, Cummings & Conwell.

The first editor and publisher of the Torchlight was Pazzi Lap- ham, who came from Champaign County, and commenced opera- tions in a frame building, that stood on the corner of Market and Detroit streets, the site of the present German Reformed Church. Shortly afterward E. S. Nichols arrived from Columbus, and took charge of the business management of the paper, Mr. Lapham being still retained as editor.

In the fall of 1840, W. B. Fairchild, a practical printer, and a gentleman of considerable literary culture, became the editor and publisher of the paper, which position he continued to fill for near- ly three years, dissolving his connection in a valedictory, dated June 15, 1843, which breathes a spirit of great satisfaction over the po-

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litical situation, and predicts that " no power, but that to which we all must bow, can prevent the election of Henry Clay to the presi- dency in 1844."

Mr. Fairchild was succeeded by Otway Curry and Robert McBrat- ney, who continued associated together in conducting the paper until the issue of June 10, 1845, when the valedictory of Mr. Curry appears, leaving the entire control of the paper to Mr. MeBratney. Both these gentlemen were from Union County. Mr. Curry had achieved a wide celebrity as a poet, and had brought himself politi- cally into notice in the state by his famous song, written for the occasion of the great state convention held at Columbus, in Febru- ary, 1840, entitled, " The Log Cabin." In Mr. Curry's valedictory we have the assurance that, though " the Whig party has been de- feated, it has not been destroyed." He sees hope in the future, and its members are exhorted to adopt the motto, Nil desperandum.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 33

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

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