History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 56

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 56

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The next house was built northeast of the present residence of Jacob Hering, on the farm of Jacob Lentz, being near the south- east corner of section 27 (3.7). This house was a rude log cabin, common to those early days, and was used as a meeting-house by the German Reformed Church as early as 1809.

In the year 1817, there was another house erected in the north- west part of the township, in the northeast part of section 16 (3.7), just north of the present house of Jacob Swadner. This school was presided over by Amos Quinn, a gentleman of genial tempera- ment, not to be crossed by any amount of rebelliousness on the part of his pupils. It is related that this school was famous for many escapades and " tricks" by the "big boys" of the "settle- ment," who trained under the amiable Quinn. Many lively scenes occurred between the teacher and scholars, especially during the Christmas holidays, when it was customary to bar the teacher out, and compel him to "treat" before the doors would be opened and the school allowed to proceed. At one time "the boys" barred Quinn out, who, after making a desperate effort to gain an entrance at the door, ascended the roof, and began tearing the clapboards from the house. The noise and general clatter of this procedure attracted the attention of the settlers, and several assembled to wit- ness the conflict. Finally the teacher effected an entrance, but as he dropped from the roof among the " boys," he was immediately seized and securely bound, so that he was glad to surrender and furnish the "cider and apples," which he did, having procured them from a neighbor, when the course of education, thus mo- mentarily suspended, was allowed to resume its "even tenor" in Beaver Creek.

The next house was erected on the site of the present union school building, at Beaver, on the Dayton and Xenia pike, north-" east of Alpha. This house, like all the others, only on a larger plan, was built of rough logs, having one end wholly occupied by a

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fire-place of such commodious proportions as to admit of the large logs from the wilderness of woods immediately surrounding this early school house. The benches, without backs, were rudely con- structed of long, rough-hewn slabs, with holes bored through at each end, in which were inserted wooden pins for support, and this seat was considered a very comfortable arrangement for the primi- tive scholar.

This building was succeeded by a brick house, in 1822, and after- ward another brick building, of the same size, was added to this one, making the present union school house. This school, at pres- ent, has two departments, and embraces, in addition to the common school studies, a curriculum of the higher branches.

The township now has twelve school districts, well furnished with good buildings, and supplied regularly with teachers at public ex- pense, thus bringing the ordinary branches of education to the very doors of the poorest man in the township, and the present general appearance of intelligent thrift and enterprise, everywhere evinced throughout this township, is, no doubt, attributable to the interest manifested in the public schools.

CHURCHES.

The first church organization, was effected in the log school house, as above mentioned, sometime in 1809, and was called the "German Reformed Church." Afterwards, this congregation, to- gether with the Lutheran congregation, built a log " meeting house" on the site of the present Beaver Church, and these organizations held their respective services there on alternate Sabbaths. The first minister for the German Reformed Church was Thomas Winters, father of the well known David Winters. And among the original members of this body, were Jonathan Snyder, George Long, Adam Glotfelter, Ebenezer Steele, and many others whose names can not now be recalled. The first minister for the Lutherans, was Henry Heinicker. Among the first members were Andrew Smeltzer, Michael Swigert, and Daniel Haines. In 1844 and 1845, these or- ganizations built another house at Mt. Zion, about two and one-half miles south-west of Alpha, and in 1846 and 1847, the present brick "church at Beaver was built. In 1851, the German Reformed Church, known as "Hawker's Church," was built; it is situated on the Dayton and Xenia pike, about five miles northwest from Alpha,

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and about three-fourths of a mile from the Montgomery County line, on the farm of Adam Hawker, S. E. Sec. 9, (2. 7.) Among the original members, were Joseph Coblentz, John Westfall, Solo- man Snepp, Fredrick, Abraham and Adam Hawker. In 1822, David Winters succeeded his father as pastor of these congrega- tions, continuing in this capacity until during the past year. Under his ministry, these houses have all been erected, all bearing the same external appearance. They are of brick, plain, but substan- tial, having basements for Sabbath-schools; are of general uniform size, being about 45x70 fect.

At the Mt. Zion Church, the German Reformed, and Lutheran organizations hold services alternately. Among the ministers for the Lutherans, after Henry Heinicker, were Roszen Miller, Solomon Ritz, and John Geiger. The present minister is J. F. Scheafer. The trustees of this church at the time of its erection, were Michael Swigert, Jacob Rike, and Henry Coy.

United. Brethren Church .- Is situated in the northwest part of the township, on what is known as the "Fifth Street road," on the farm formerly owned by Jacob Aley, being near central part of Sec. 10, (2. 7.). Jacob Aley donated the land on which this church was built, and hence it is familiarly known as " Aley's Church". It is a plain frame house, about 25x30, and was built in 1838, by the German Reformed, United Brethren, and Lutherans, uniting together. The United Brethern hold services every alternate Sab- bath. Among the original members, were Jacob, John, and Abram Aley, David Costler, and Jacob Fox.

Pisgah German Reformed Church .- Is situated about two miles north of Zimmermanville, on the northwest corner, where the road from the above place crosses the Fifth Street, or Dayton road, cen- tral part of Sec. 34, (2. 7.). It is a plain frame house, about 30x36, and was built in 1872. This organization formerly held services in the school house of this district, under the ministry of Father Le- fever. Their present minister is Adam Hawker, and among orig- inal members, were George Koogler, Eli Trubee, S. C. Bates, and others.

Methodist Protestant Church (Alpha) .- This church was erected in 1872, by the united efforts of the Methodist Protestant and Ger- man Reformed organizations; but the latter do not hold services at this place now. The original trustees were composed of mem- bers from cach body. For the Methodist Protestant were Daniel

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Overholser and David Gray; for the German Reformed were John Harbine, Solomon Glotfelter, and George Danner. The Methodist Protestant organization belongs to the Ohio Conference of that de- nomination, from which it receives its ministers regularly by call of the delegate elected by the members of the organization. Among those who have served this church were : T. J. Evans, W. R. Par- sons, Reuben Rose, William Overholser, and at present, W. M. Creamer. The building is a substantial brick, about 40x60, and is the only church building in the village of Alpha.

German Baptist (Dunker) Church, (Zimmermanville) .- The first or- ganization of this church in this township was effected in 1805, the services being held at private houses of the brethren until 1843, when the present house, located as above, was erected. The house is a single-story frame structure, about 36x70, in which services are now held regularly every alternate Sabbath. The original minis- ters were Jacob Miller, Elder Sigler, and Moses Shoup. The first deacons were Moses Shoup and John Stoneberger; the present ones are Jacob A. Coy, Daniel Shoup, Aaron Coy, and William J. Shoup; present ministers are B. F. Darst, Henry Duncan, and David Bates. This organization of German Baptists are commonly called Dunkers. This is a modernized appellation, taken from the German word taufen or tunker, which means to dip or immerse, from which, by unknown processes, the word became dunker, and was given to this branch of the Baptist Church. The organization has a strong membership in this township, and as its customs and beliefs are in many respects peculiar, they should have place in this history. Among the peculiar customs is that of "washing of feet." This occurs at the communion service, which is held once every year. This operation is performed by one of the ministers, who, girding himself with a towel, proceeds to wash the brethrens' feet. (This is taken as a divine command, as revealed in John, xiii. chap.) The ministers relieve each other, until the feet of all the brethren are washed. The sisters, in the same way, perform the same cere- 'mony separate from the brethren. Immediately following this ceremony supper is served, after which the bread is broken and the wine is taken. The ministers are required to "anoint the sick with oil," as taught by St. James. They do not conform to the world in matter of dress. The men wear broad-brimmed hats and straight- collared coats with rounded skirts; the women plain sun-bonnets, plain dresses, and caps. This custom in dress they have preserved

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from the first German emigrants who came to America. They are opposed to war, and will not bear arms; neither do they vote at political elections, though to this latter, perhaps, they do not hold so stringently. All matters of dispute between themselves are settled in the church, without appealing to the laws of the country, ac- cording to Matthew, xviii. chap. They believe in triune immersion : the person kneels in the water, and is dipped three times, face foremost, in the water.

SECRET SOCIETIES. .

Beaver Grange No. 60, was organized in 1876, and holds regular meetings in the basement of the Beaver Church. The official mem- bers of the original organization were: J. C. Williamson, Master; C. J. Butt, Overseer; John Ridenour, Lecturer; David Gray, Treasurer; Jeremiah Overholser, Chaplain; Horace Ankeney, Sec- retary; John Weaver, Gate-Keeper; Edward Munger, Steward; Ella Weaver, Pomona; Jennie Shank, Ceres; Mary Gray, Flora. The meetings of the society are enlivened by debates on agricul- tural questions, and the consideration of plans and suggestions for the improvement of agricultural interests. This organization is in good condition, having about sixty members from among the most prominent farmers in the township.

Grange No. 1,208, was organized in 1877, under Oliver Moler, Master. The hall in which this organization meets was built for this purpose, on the farm of Adam Hawker, near Hawker Church, on the Dayton Pike. It is a two-story frame, 24x40. The society, with an original membership of nearly sixty, is now in tolerable prosperity.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

The first settlement in this township was made at Alpha, some- time prior to 1798, by Owen Davis, in which year the log cabin mill, erected by him, was finished and put in operation. A short distance east of the mill, two block houses were erected, and it was intended, in case of an attack by the Indians, to connect them by a line of pickets, and include the mill within the stockade. The log cabin built by General Benjamin Whiteman was a short distance south of the mill. In this cabin the first court of Greene County

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was held on the 10th day of May, 1803. It witnessed the organi- zation of the county, the first administration of law, the first exercise of suffrage through the ballot-box, and the first legal pun- ishment of crime. Near it the first corn was ground into meal for the settlers, and here they rallied for protection against the Indians. Sheltered beneath the protecting arms of the rude frontier stock- ade, and clustering about this "cradle" of the county, the forefath- ers of Beaver Creek Township built their homely cabins, and pushed the germs of civilization further and further into the great wilderness. One by one, up from the last farewell to civilization at Cincinnati, and along the old Pinkney road, the covered wagons and the lagging horses, guided by the sturdy pioneers, came. The settlement grew; the woods and thickets gave way to growing fields and bounteous harvests, and the log cabins have now long since given place to the comfortable homes of prosperous farmers.

In 1800 the father of Jacob Coy came from Maryland and settled where Jacob now lives, on the Shakertown Pike, about two miles west of Alpha - Southwest, section 31 (2. 7). He built a log cabin where the present residence now stands. George Shoup, from Pennsylvania, settled on the farm now owned by B. F. Darst - Southwest, section 36 (2. 6.) -about this same year. He built a cabin near the present farm residence at Mount Zion, and about the same time Jacob Judy built a cabin on the land now owned by Benjamin Benham, near his present residence, central part of sec- tion 30 (3. 6), about one mile south of Alpha; also, Jacob Haines, where Adam Garlaugh now lives, southwest of Alpha, and built his cabin near the mouth of Little Beaver - West, section 25 (3. 7). In 1805 Benjamin Whiteman, of Virginia, owned the land on which Jacob Herring now lives, about two and one-half miles north of Alpha. In the following year (1806) David IIering, from Fred- erick County, Maryland, purchased this farm, and built a log cabin immediately in front of the present residence of his son, Jacob - Southwest, section 20 (3. 7). In 1807 a man by the name of Kent settled the land now owned by David Garlaugh, north of Hering's, being Southeast, section 22, (3. 7.), and built his cabin a short dis- tance east of Mr. Garlaugh's present residence.

Some time previous to 1810, Richard Kizer built a log cabin about one hundred yards west of the present house of Jacob Swad- ner's, northeast of Garlaugh's being central part of section 16 (3. 7.), and in the same year George Frost built a cabin in the north-

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east of this section. In 1810 Adam Swadner came from Maryland, and entered one hundred and fifty acres of land in section 16 (3. 7.), and built the present residence of his son, Jacob Swadner. IIe was granted this land for a period of fifteen years for the improve- ments, which he was to put on it, consisting of the log house now occupied by Jacob Swadner, and a log barn. He was a shoe-maker and general mechanic, thus making himself generally useful in the new settlement.

In the year 1815, John Kinney settled the land on which Isaac Swadner now lives-southwest section 10 (3.7). Among the early settlers of this locality, at this time, were Philip Morningstar, who had erected his cabin where George Wolf now lives-northeast section 9 (3.7) ; George Morningstar, on the farm now owned by John B. Stine-southwest, section 9 (3.7), his cabin standing on the site of the present farm residence. He afterward removed to the farm now owned by John Haines-northeast, section 13 (3.7).

Joseph Palmer first settled the farm of William Miller, which joins Beaver Station on the north. Gray lived for many years on the farm of Samuel Andrews-southeast, section 8 (3.7). These cabins formed the outline, or nucleus, around which the ear- liest settlements of this township were originally made.

CEMETERIES.

There is no "cemetery association " controlling burying-grounds in this township, but the many churches all have cemetery grounds attached, and in these places the interments are mostly made. The first burial place in this township is on the corner of Jacob Coy's farm, west of Alpha, where the Shakertown and Zimmer- manville roads cross, but only a few time-worn tombstones now re- main to mark the spot. On the farm of B. F. Darst, next to Mount Zion Church, is located a grave-yard, which was donated to the public for a free burying-ground. This yard is kept in good re- pair, and is, in every way, a respectable place for interment.

VILLAGES.

Alpha is the largest village within the bounds of the township, and takes its name from its situation near the site of the first mill in the county, and near the first settlement of the township (from

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alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet). It is situated in the southeast part of the township, on the line of railroads, as before mentioned, and has a population of nearly two hundred. The main street, being the only one, crosses the railroads, running almost north and south, on which the principal residences and business houses are located. It has at present one dry-goods store, grocery, and post-office, one Methodist Protestant Church, one flour-mill, one saw-mill, one saloon, one blacksmith shop, one butcher shop, and one doctor's office. Among the prominent citizens are Jacob Harbine, Lewis Craig, Dr. Hagenbaugh, Eli Kershner, and Samuel Leonard. Hon. John M. Miller, a former resident of this place, was elected to the United States Congress, in 1861, but died before taking his seat in that body. The village did not begin to assume any degree of progress until the railroad was built, in 1853, but at this time it is related that quite a rivalry began among the citizens of the community, as to who should put up the first house in the new town. Enoch Needles and Bain Dice each began to erect their houses. Needles, at this time, began the house now occupied by William Wardle, across the railroad from the present dry- goods store, and Dice, at the same time, began his house just oppo- site. The contest was an exciting one; and though Mr. Needles succeeded in getting the frame of his house up first, such was the hurry in the construction, that it fell down the same night, thereby giving Dice the opportunity of declaring that his was the first house built in the town of Alpha. Enoch Needles kept the first dry- goods store in the above house.

Zimmermanville is a closely settled neighborhood on the Dayton and Xenia pike, about two miles northwest of Alpha, the cross- ing of the Bellbrook and Fairfield road with the above, making the only street. It has at present one school house, one German Bap- tist (Dunker) Church, one grocery, and about forty houses. The first house built here was erected on the southeast corner of the cross-roads, for Jacob Zimmerman, after whom the village takes its name. In this house, which is still standing, the first grocery was kept by Mr. Zimmerman. Ile also kept a house for entertainment of travelers. The next house was built just across the Dayton pike, by Samuel Tobias, and is remembered as one of the first voting places in this neighborhood.

Beaver Station, is situated in the southeastern part of the town- ship, on the Dayton and Xenia, and the Dayton, and Southeastern,

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Railroads, and is known as the location of the flour mill, and dis- tillery of F. C Trebein. It has one grocery, and several dwelling houses.

Germany is a small collection of houses in the extreme north- western part of the township, on the Harshmanville road, and at pre- sent, has a school-house, grocery, and blacksmith shop.

HOMICIDES.

On the night of the 22d of October, 1872, at about eight o'clock, John William Fogwell, (or properly Faulkwell,) was assassinated by William Richison, on the road about one mile north of Beaver Station. The victim was returning to his home from Dayton, when he was fired upon by the assassin, who was secreted in a corner of the fence. The weapon wasa shot-gun, loaded with balls. The flash of the gun revealed the face of the assassin, and he was recognized by the murdered man, who lived long enough to tell the name of his murderer. Richison was arrested, and at his trial, evidence was brought which fastened the guilt of the crime upon him: besides the evidence of the victim-which was strengthened by evidence of experts, who demonstrated by experiments, the possibility of the accuracy of his statement-the paper used for the wadding of the shot-gun, was found to correspond with pieces of torn paper found in the assassin's own house. He was found guilty on his. first trial, but for some reason, was granted a second trial, and was again declared guilty, and was sentenced to death by hanging. But before the day fixed for his execution arrived, he committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell, in the Xenia jail. He was buried in his own door-yard, in a lone and unmarked grave, near the scene of the tragedy.

On the night of the 7th day of September, 1872, Jesse Curry was shot, and killed by a revolver, in the hands of Jack Davidson. They were coming home from a dance near Zimmermanville, on the road northwest of Alpha. Davidson was convicted, and sen- tenced to a life term in the penitentiary, but was pardoned by Governor R. M. Bishop.

INCIDENTS.

On the farm now belonging to John Allen, just southwest of Beaver Station, was a large body of standing water, known as

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Pinkney Pond. To this pond, the deer, and other wild animals, would go at night for water, and it was the custom of the early settlers to go there on hunting expeditions. One night, John and Samuel Morningstar went out on this pond in a canoe, with their guns, and a large torch. Proceeding slowly along the banks, they suddenly came upon a large buck standing at the edge of the water. The blinding light of the torch, seemed to petrify the animal with fright, and the sudden appearance of such large game, gave the boys a genuine attack of what is known among hunters as " buck- ague." However, the boys recovered, and shot the deer, when it bounded directly into the boat, capsized the hunters, and a long struggle took place in the water, which finally ended, when the boys succeeded in dispatching the deer. This is related as one of the exploits on the famous Pinkney Pond.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

David Ankeney, retired farmer, Byron, was born, June 8, 1831, near Alpha, and is the son of David and Elizabeth Ankeney, who were born in Washington County, Maryland, where they were reared, and after reaching their majority were married. They im- migrated to Ohio in 1830, locating near Xenia, and soon after pur- chased the farm on which Albert Ankeney now lives, near Alpha, making it their permanent home. The land purchased was only partially cleared, and had a small log house, in which our subject was born. He only lived a short time after settling here, dying very suddenly, while in his chair at supper, November 2, 1830, from a paralytic stroke, aged forty-two years. ' His wife survived him until December 23, 1851, aged thirty-two years. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: Mary (Mrs. John Steel), Sarah, Margaret (Mrs. Rev. George Long, of Indianapo- lis), John, Nelson, Jacob, and David. The deceased are Samuel, Henry, and Martha (Mrs. Shank). ITis father and mother were members of the German Reformed Church until their death. The boyhood of our subject was passed on the farm, receiving his edu- cation in the district school. Soon after twenty-one years of age, he began life for himself, and was married, August 27, 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Varner, a native of Maryland, and subsequently a citizen of this county, now deceased. After mar- riage he located in Alpha, and after residing here for upward of

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twenty years, purchased a farm of two hundred and ten acres, where he now resides. He owns, in the aggregate, two hundred and forty- four acres of land, which is mostly in a high state of cultivation, and tastefully improved, making one of the most desirable locations in the township. Several years afterward he closed active labor, and sought the quiet of retirement. His well-tilled and productive farm furnishes a handsome income. Jacob was a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-Fourth Ohio National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of service. Two children have been born to them, Alice E. and Edward II. Politically, Mr. Ankeney is a strong Republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont.

IIenry Ankeney, deceased, was born in Washington County, Maryland, February 17, 1813, and was a son of David and Eliza- beth Ankeney, with whom he came to Ohio when a young man. In 1837 he was married to Margaret, daughter of Henry Shank, whose history appears in this work. After their marriage, they took up their residence in Bath Township, near Yellow Springs, where they lived about twenty years. In 1863, he moved to the land where his widow now resides, near Alpha, and made a per- manent home. He died, March 7, 1880, aged sixty-seven years, leaving his aged wife a farm of sixty-two acres, highly improved, making a comfortable home for her. He was a member of the German Reformed Church, with which he had been connected for many years. He was an exemplary man, and his death was regret- ted by all who knew him. They had two children, John H. and Orange. Mrs. Ankeney was born in this county, February 13, 1817, and has been a member of the Lutheran Church since girlhood.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 56

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

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