History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 55

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 55

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

slavery candidate for the presidency. Mr. Mitchell was reared on the farm, on which he lived till thirty-one years of age. In 1842 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob McFarland, who has borne him three children, James J., Anna, and William M. In the spring of 1854 he abandoned the farm, went to Cincinnati, and engaged in the grocery business for three years, when, in the fall of 1857, he came to Cedarville, and soon after embarked in the lumber business, in which he is yet engaged, having a branch yard at Yellow Springs, which is under the management of his son James. Mr. Mitchell and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which they were raised. He is a ruling elder in the church, an office he has held since 1855.

Jacob Miller, farmer, Cedarville, is, we are pleased to record, one of the oldest settlers now living in Cedarville Township. He was born January 9, 1799, not far from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and immigrated to this county, with his mother, in 1809, a part of the journey being made with one small horse, which carried the greater portion of their goods. They found this county a wild and deso- late wilderness. He has seen the vast forests disappear, and beau- tiful fields of grain take their place. His mother was a poor widow, with seven small children, and the hardships they endured for the first few years were simply heartrending. The younger children were compelled to hunt and trap small game, while the older ones endeavored to break the ground as best they could, to raise small lots of potatoes, corn, and pumpkins, and thus they toiled on for some years. At the age of thirteen, Jacob left home, and went to live with one of the neighbors until he reached the age of twenty- · one, in consideration of which he received one hundred dollars, and a horse, saddle, and bridle, after which he rented the same farm on which he had remained for eight years, and cared for the family until he was married, about the year 1825, to Margaret Mcclellan. Three children were born to them. William died at the age of fourteen, and the other two are now living. After forty years of married life had been spent, his wife died, and again, October 15, 1874, he married Eliza Rodgers. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and he is a Baptist, and a strict temperance man all his life.

John Orr, retired, Cedarville. The above gentleman is one of the oldest living settlers in this township. He was born in South Carolina April 6, 1795. He is a son of John and Rosana Orr, who

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were born in Ireland, where they were married, and in 1783 emi- grated to America, settling in Chester County, South Carolina, in which they lived forty years, when they moved to Gibson County, Indiana, -he walking the entire distance when he was in the eighty-first year of his age. Here they lived till their decease: he in 1833, aged eighty-three years; she in 1838, eighty-four years. They were parents of five sons and three daughters, of whom only our subject survives. The boyhood of our subject was passed in South Carolina, on the farm where he was born, living thereon until thirty-five years of age. He received his education through the teaching of his father, who was a highly educated man. In his native state he was married to Genet B., daughter of John McMillan, and after two children were born to them, emigrated to Indiana, where he built a log house for his father, after which he visited Illinois, and upon his return, came to Greene County in 1831, locating in Xenia. In March, 1833, he came to Cedarville and erected the first frame house ever built on a town lot in the village. He cleared most of the ground on which the town stands. IIe kept the first store in the place, having a stock of goods in his dwelling, from which he supplied the wants of the settlers. In 1840 he built the house which he and his son occupied as a dry goods and clothing store. ITis fair dealing and popular business habits, have always won the confidence and esteem of the people. He has never been a political aspirant. A Republican in politics, a lover of his country, a respecter of human rights, and a champion of any cause that tends to develop the happiness and well-being of humanity. In the war of 1812 he served six months in Captain Chestnut's company of Colonel Meens' regular South Carolina militia, and is on the pension rolls of the Government as one of the survivors of that war. To Mr. and Mrs. Orr nine children were born, five of whom are living - Martha, Rosana, Elizabeth, Adassa, and James; the deceased are Genet, Mary A., John R., and Cam- meron. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church during a great portion of his life, and a ruling elder since 1822. He is the author of a book entitled, "Some Thoughts on the Book of Revelations," which was edited in 1876.

James W. Pollock, farmer, Cedarville, born in Logan County, Ohio, January 12, 1841, is the son of John and Jane (Elder) Pol- lock. James, subject of this sketch, spent the earlier part of his life at home with his parents. July, 1862, he enlisted in the Forty-

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Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the hardship of an unusual career of a soldier's life commenced; was mustered into the service at Columbus. Soon after his enlistment his regiment chased John Morgan on his raid, until he was captured, after which he had his horse, a great favorite, shot from under him, near Knox- ville, Tennessee, and taken prisoner, with a number of his comrades, on the 19th of October, 1863. IIe was incarcerated in the following prisons: Atlanta, Georgia; Bell Island, Libby and Anderson- ville; in the latter place he remained for six months, suffering.all the horrors of a prison life. He also had experiences in Millen, Charleston, and Florence prisons. Sixteen of his comrades, that were taken prisoners with him, perished in Andersonville, he being the only one that survived the hardships of that awful place. IIc witnessed the hanging of six Union soldiers, in prison, by their own men, for murdering and robbing their own comrades. He weighed one hundred and seventy pounds when captured, and has not weighed to exceed one hundred and forty any time since; still, Mr. Pollock does not draw a pension, and has not asked for one. November 4, 1870, the subject of this sketch married Miss Nettie Anderson, daughter of Samuel and Jane Anderson, by which union three children are now living- Edith, Jennie, and Junia. The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Smith, farmer, Cedarville, born in Clarke County, on the Little Miami River, December 30, 1827, is the son of Seth and Deborah (Wildman) Smith. Seth was born July 11, 1798, and was the son of Seth Smith, sen .; he was born in Virginia, May 19, 1761, and departed this life April 1, 1837, aged seventy-five years. Samuel, the gentleman's name who heads this sketch, spent the early part of his life on the farm with his parents; afterwards re- moved to the farm where he now lives. Married June 1, 1869, Miss Esther J. Cook, daughter of Marcalus Cook, by which union four children have been born, three of which are now living. The family are all members of the Friends Society.

Dr. J. M. Stewart, physician and surgeon, Cedarville, was born in York District, South Carolina, and immigrated to this county with his parents in an early day, locating three and one-half miles east of Xenia. Receiving the rudiments of an education in the common district schools, he then attended Rev. Hugh McMillan's Academy, at Xenia; also a select class in mathematics, after which he commenced life for himself, as a school teacher, following that

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profession for eight years, and again taking up the study of medi- cine with Dr. Martin, of Xenia, commencing his practice at Cedar- ville, in the year 1846, where he has remained until the present day. The Doctor was married in the year 1848 to Rosanna Orr, daughter of John Orr, sr., whose biography appears in this work. They have five children, all of whom are living - Martha D. (now Mrs. Ustick), Samuel L., John O., Jewett R., and Mary L. The subject of this sketch and his wife have long been members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and are strong advocates of the temperance cause.

James C. Stormont, deceased, Cedarville, was born July 13, 1831, in Chester District, South Carolina ; immigrated to this county, with his parents, when but a child; was educated in the district schools, remaining on the farm, with his parents, until the age of twenty-two years; then taught schools in the neighborhood where he lived, for a period of eight years. Was married March 24, 1857, to Agnes MeQuiston ; she dying, he was again married, December 24, 1861, to Miss Jennie Bradfute, daughter of John and Eliza (Laughead) Bradfute. James, the subject of our sketch, was the son of John and Esther (McMillen) Stormont, a member of the Reformed Baptist Church, departing this life October 23, 1877. The people in the county in which he lived felt the loss of a valuable man and good citizen.

Samuel N. Tarbox, saw-mill, Cedarville, was born near Port- land, Maine, December 3, 1821, is the son of John and Lucy (Merrill) Tarbox. Samuel, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, immigrated to this county in 1848, and married in about three years afterwards to Ruth L. Jackson, daughter of David and Nancy (Nichol) Jackson, who bore him five children, now living- Frank T., T. H., Harry L., David N., and Eliza O. Mr. Tarbox and his wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church.

James E. Townsley, farmer, and livery, born in this township, April 30, 1824. He is a son of Alexander and Margaret Townsley, who were born in Pennsylvania-Alexander in 1788, and Margaret in 1785. Alexander's parents emigrated to Cynthiana, Kentucky, shortly after his birth, and in 1801 came to this county. Alexander departed this life in 1870. His wife still survives him, is now in her eighty-sixth year, and one among a few of the carly settlers re- maining to tell us of the hardships of this country when it was a wilderness. James, whose name appears at the head of this sketch,

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received his education in the common district schools, and remain- ed with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-seven, when he went to Iowa, and started in life for himself as a farmer in that then far-off country. Remaining in that state for thirteen years, he returned to this county, and embarked in the grocery business. He followed that branch of trade for a number of years with suc- cess. In the year 1851, he married Sarah A. Feree, of Washington County, Iowa. She died in April, 1853. But one child was born by this marriage, fra B., who also died at the age of two and one- half years. Again, April, 1857, he married Margaret A. Dalzell, daughter of John and Letitia Dalzell. Four children have been born by this marriage, only one of which is now living. The names of the deceased are Orrell, Clara B., and Bertty. John D. is living with his parents, aged eighteen.

Alexander Turnbull, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, February 24, 1838, and is a son of John and Margaret (Kyle) Turnbull, of whom mention is made in other parts of this work. Alexander spent the early part of his life on the farm, with his parents. In the year 1861 he enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regiment for two years, passing through a number of engagements, during which time he was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run. In Decem- ber, 1863, he was married to Sarah J. Barber, daughter of John and Sarah Barber. Five children have been born. to them, all of whom are now living.

S. K. Turnbull, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, on the farm where he now lives, August 19, 1829. Is the son of John and Margaret (Kyle) Turnbull, who are mentioned among the pioneers of this county. Our subject received his edu- cation in the common schools. The house was a log cabin, with pole benches for seats, so common with all schools of those days. In 1857, he was married to Catharine Hanston, daughter of John Hanston, a native of Ireland. Both himself and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and have four children, all of whom are now living.

John Turnbull, farmer, Cedarville, was born near Nashville, Ten- nessee, February 17, 1801, and came with his parents to Centerville, Montgomery County, Ohio, at the age of nine years, riding on horseback the entire distance. Soon after the family arrived in Ohio, he was sent, with an older brother, to Xenia Township, to cut

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brush and clear a small piece of ground, for the purpose of open- ing up a new farm. The remainder of the family joined them in 1815, where they made a permanent home. The subject of this sketch has been a man of great physical endurance, having been known to cut and make six hundred rails in two days, and we found him an active, energetic man at the age of eighty years. He was married, February 21, 1824, to Margaret Kyle, daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Mitchell) Kyle, whose names appear in a number of places in this work. Again, in 1855, he was married to Margaret J. Allen, daughter of Hugh and Catharine Allen, and is the father of nineteen children, eleven of whom are now living.

S. K. Williamson, farmer, Cedarville, was born near Jamestown, this county, October 26, 1846. Is the son of John S. and Jane (Kyle) Williamson. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in this county. Our subject was married, in November, 1872, to Miss Isabel Collins, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (McClellan) Collins, natives of York County, Pennsylvania. Four children have been born by this union, two of whom are now liv- ing, E. C. and Ella R. The deceased are George S., infant, and John Clarence. His wife and himself are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Xenia.

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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and Hannah (Baxter) Winter. Ilis 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 cast 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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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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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 communication, through all the seasons of the year.

MILLS.

The present flour-mill of Jacob H. 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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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.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 55

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

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