History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 64

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 64

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MIAMI TOWNSHIP.

This Township, one of the most fertile of the townships lying along Clarke County, in the northern part of this county, is bound- ed on the north by Clarke County, on the east by Cedarville, on the south by Xenia, on the west by Bath and Beaver Creek Townships. In shape, it is very irregular; the cause of which is given in another part of this work. The surface is undulating, the highest points being in the north, and sloping gradually to the south. The Lit- tle Miami River, from which the township derives its name, forms the boundary between Clarke County and this township, for a dis- tance of about one mile, thence flows southeastwardly and enters Xenia Township. A number of minor streams cross the various sections, and by the assistance of springs add to the fertility of the soil. For a full description of the springs, the romantic scenery, and the geology of this township, we refer to another part of the work.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

Lewis Davis, was perhaps the first settler in this township, as he came in the early days of this century. While at Dayton, then a small hamlet, he met an Indian just arrived from the Yellow Springs, by whom he was informed of the extraordinary natural advantages in its immediate vicinity. The savage further explained to him, that the springs were located near a branch of the Little Miami River. Accompanied by a friend, he followed the instruc- tions given by his dusky informant, and, upon the discovery of the spring, went to Cincinnati and entered the land. He was frequently engaged in surveying land, accumulated considerable property, and was considered an upright and enterprising citizen. Uunfortunately, he fell a prey to the wiles of king alcohol, and was completely ruined thereby. He finally removed to Bellfontaine, Ohio, where he ended his days. His last resting place is thus described, by one who discovered it accidentally. "On the left hand side of State 42 661

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road, six miles west of Bellefontaine, in an open forest, is a sandy . knoll, surrounded by a rail enclosure, and covered by an oval shap- ed bowlder, perhaps six feet in diameter; beneath this stone reposes all that remains of Lewis Davis, unhonored, unwept and unknown. For years, he had lived the life of a pauper, and when he saw the grim vision of death approaching, he expressed a desire that this spot should be his last resting place."

The Lawheads were early settlers, and at one time ran a carding machine.

James Johnson, sen., a Kentuckian, bid adieu to his native state in 1815, and accompanied by his wife, seven sons, and four daugh- ters, came to this township, settling in the eastern part, near the present village of Clifton, on a tract of land containing eighty acres; rented an adjoining farm, and, in addition to this, purchased an eighty-acre tract in Clarke County, just across the line. They paid six dollars per acre for the land, of which about ten acres were cleared. It was purchased of one Wells, having been rented by Thomas Beath prior to its sale. The latter had erected a small cabin, into which the Johnson family moved. Immigration to this country was gradual. Good land was sold at prices ranging from four to six dollars per acre, while lands were offered at a much lower figure in our sister State of Indiana, and thus the tide swept through Ohio and entered the portals of the hoosier state. After'a lapse of a few years, less rivalry existed between the two states, and the population of this community increased more rapidly. Johnson's descendants still reside in the neighborhood, wealthy and respected citizens.

John Graham, of Virginia, and his wife Mary, a native of Penn- sylvania, met in Kentucky, where they were married. In 1802-3 they came to this township, and settled on the Xenia road, two miles south of Yellow Springs .. Graham died in this county; his wife in Illinois, whither she had removed, and lived with her youngest son. A daughter, Anna, born in 1804, is yet living in Yellow Springs, the relict of the late Daniel Pennell.

Another settler, who deserves prominence, was James Anderson, a native of Dundee, Scotland. With his family, consisting of his wife, three sons, and two daughters, he, in 1820, crossed the Atlan- tic, landing at Quebec; traveled to Buffalo, thence to Sandusky City, and in the spring of 1821 arrived at this township, near the Grinnell Mills, where they remained until 1826; thence removed

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to Clarke County, where a farm containing one hundred acres was purchased at one dollar per acre, which his son James and daugh- ter Sophia yet occupy. Upon their first arrival in this township, they found it very difficult to gain a subsistence, the father being frequently compelled to wander about the country for two or three days in succession, and when fortunate enough to obtain employ- ment, would receive but thirty-seven cents per day for his labor.

J. B. Gardner was one of the early settlers, and attended the old school near the springs. He served his county in the legislature, and occupied the responsible position of state printer for several years. When in this neighborhood he resided at the Neff House. Ilis daughter is married to Hon. Richard Thompson, Secretary of the Navy.

On the road leading from Yellow Springs to Clifton, lived two men, each named James Miller. To distinguish one from the other, the one residing on the farm now owned by Arthur Forbes was given the cognomen of "Congress Miller," he being possessed of congressional aspirations; the other, being a staunch, reliable citi- zen, was familiarly called "Stand-by Miller."

Gamaliel Garrison is an old settler of this neighborhood, though not of the township. His parents came to Clarke County, near the line of Greene, in 1808. Ile was born in 1800. Has- been a resi- dent of Yellow Springs for about twenty years, and from him has the writer obtained much valuable information regarding pioneer matters. In 1808, Mr. Garrison's father began keeping a record of his business transactions with his neighbors. This is yet in the son's possession, and from the same have been obtained the follow- ing names of residents of this township at that time: Sebastian Schroufe was the first " squatter" in the township; came from Ger- many, with a large family, the descendants of which are still living in this township; Davis Browrick ; Justus Luce, lived near Clifton, and engaged in buying and selling cattle; Erin Stevens, James Miller; William Anderson, near Clifton, where his descendants still reside; Joel Van Meter, the first elder of the Presbyterian Church at Clifton, a man well and favorably known throughout the com- munity; General Whiteman, a noted man, whose daring deeds during Indian oppression are still fresh in the memory of the sur- .viving pioneers; Owen Davis, the first owner of Clifton Mills.

The following.sketch of an old resident of this township was published in the Xenia Gazette :

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"Greene County can boast of an old resident, aged ninety two years. Last Monday, the 22d of November, the ninety-second birthday anniversary of Mr. David Dye, sen., was celebrated at his home, near this place. He was born near the county seat of Hun- sterdon County, New Jersey. At the age of seventeen he came to Ohio, then a vast wilderness, and settled near Oldtown, Ross Coun- ty. In 1813 he moved to Madison County, near Medway, where he lived until 1866, when he moved to Yellow Springs, his present residence. He lived through every administration from the inaug- uration of George Washington to the election of James A. Gar- field. At this ninety-second anniversary gathering, he was very spry, and talked and joked with all present. The occasion was closed with prayer by the Rev. Kalbfus, and by singing that old, familiar song, 'Together let us sweetly live.'"

EARLY CUSTOMS, AND OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST.

As to the general condition of the country, and the habits of the people of "ye olden times," we can scarcely improve on the follow- ing interview with A. C. Johnson, Esq .:

"There were but few roads, which were scarcely traversable, the state road from Columbus to Cincinnati, via Clifton, Yellow Springs, and Springfield, being used most generally. Our school facilities were very meager; a child could not be accorded even a common school education. There were, perhaps, three school cabins within the township limits, wherein instructions, such as they were, were given to the youth about three months in a year. In this dis- triet-near Yellow Springs-we had a log building, and at Clifton there was a frame, 12x15. We traveled to church, by placing two or three children on a horse, while the father and mother did like- wise. When Van Meter, the tanner, and his family made their first appearance in the 'Dearborn wagon,' they were scanned by the whole populace. We traded chiefly at Springfield; obtained our lumber and flour from the Patterson water-mills, at Clifton. Game, such as turkey, deer, and squirrels, was plentiful, and occasionally a bear was killed."

Referring to the topography of the country, the gentleman says :

"The vast domain of land extending two miles west of the Neff House, was unimproved. Where now stands Antioch College, was then a dense, impenetrable thicket. The beautiful ' Oakwood Park,'

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where is located the handsome residence of Mrs. Means, was cov- ered with water most of the time; frequently it reached a depth of three feet. When Judge William Mills took the steps preparatory to the erection of his dwelling, people ridiculed him for building in the water. To-day, the site is more elevated than the surroundings. Remember very distinctly, that a few years prior to the erection of the Allen mansion, north of Yellow Springs, its location was thick- ly covered with trees. At its completion, this was the most elegant building in the county, containing eight rooms, each twenty feet square."

Speaking of a peculiar people, who formerly resided here, Mr. Johnson continues:

" Years ago, a peculiar class of people, called Owenites, or Com- munionists, lived near the springs. They were organized by Robert Owen, and in their creed and manners bore a striking resemblance to the Shakers, except that they married, while the latter did not. They occupied one large building, which, with its contents, was. considered common property ; labored for the interest of the entire society, and divided the profits, if there were any, equally. The house stood in the ravine, near the cliffs; was constructed of logs, which were set in close proximity to each other, the gaps being covered with mortar. The rooms, which were partitioned by logs, consisted of a private apartment for each family, and one large dining-room and kitchen. As the party increased in number, new rooms were added. The building proper was one hundred feet long, and twenty-one feet wide. They were professed Christians, but I have often heard them uttering the most horrible oaths. The society met a premature death. Too soon did the majority assume to be leaders, and issue commands, while an insignificant minority did the work. Their existence ended in a law-suit. A few of them, and their descendants, yet live in the neighborhood, but the remainder are scattered profusely over the country.".

CHURCHES.

Presbyterian Church at Clifton .- In the early days of the nine- teenth century, the beautiful and romantic tract now occupied by the Yellow Springs House could boast of but one unpretentious little cabin, owned and occupied by a widow, named Davis, who was a staunch Presbyterian, and frequently entertained at her house

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the traveling ministers who chanced to pass. On these occasions, the few settlers of the neighborhood flocked to the house to par- ticipate in the services conducted by these traveling preachers- the first meetings ever held in the township. An organization was effected in 1812, and a rude log structure erected at what is now known as Clifton, Rev. Peter Monfort being the first man that ever expounded the gospel from the pulpit of this primitive structure; he was the uncle of Monfort, editor of the " Herald and Pres- byterian." The old log soon proved inadequate to the demands of the rapidly growing congregation, and a brick was erected. A number of years after, the present substantial brick structure at the outskirts of Clifton, was erected. Rev. Andrew Polk was the min- ister of this congregation for a period of twenty years, death severing the bonds that had so long bound him to his beloved flock. From this, the oldest church in the township, have sprung the va- rious Presbyterian organizations in this vicinity.

In the rear of the Clifton church is the first church cemetery in the township. - Johnson is one of the first persons buried here. David and Rebecca Garrison, parents of Gamaliel Garrison, pion- eers, repose in this ancient city of the dead.

Methodist Episcopal Church, of Yellow Springs .- Religion, the great moral guide, entered the wilds of Greene County hand-in-hand with the pioneers; hence, the introduction of Methodism dates . back to the early settlement of this community. For a number of years after the first occupancy of a portion of the lands in this township, her Christian inhabitants of Methodist proclivities, at- tended the services which were held in the adjoining county of Clarke. From the limited data at our command, we assume that in about the year 1837, a few men and women living in the imme- diate vicinity of Yellow Springs, organized a society, Daniel Pen- nell and his wife Anna, Mrs. Cox, and David Potter being among those who constituted the original organization. Meetings were held in houses, barns, and frequently in God's first temples-the primitive forests. They were conducted by Joseph Hill, the first Methodist minister that preached in this country, one Noosen, Robert Cheney, and others. The little band prospered, and in the year 1840 erected a neat frame church building on the site now known as the northeast corner of Dayton and Corry streets. The building was dedicated to Rev Hammeline. In 1845-6, Judge William Mills and A. B. Johnson, Esq., who owned the lots adjoin-

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ing the church, wished to convert the entire tract into a business center, and offered to donate a lot and sufficient money to defray all expenditures attending the building of a new edifice. As the church was near the railroad, this liberal offer was accepted, and the present building, located on lot forty-seven, corner Dayton and Winter streets, was erected. A few years after the completion of the church, a parsonage was built on the adjoining lot. The church formerly belonged to the Jamestown circuit, but was afterward called " Yellow Springs station." Father Finley was the first station minister. The following ministers have been in charge since 1851 : 1851, E. D. Roc, William D. Ellsworth, presiding elder; 1852, G. C. Townley ; 1853, I. I. Beall; 1854-5, E. P. West, William Sim- mons, presiding elder; 1856-7-8, G. W. Harris; 1859-60, S. A. Brewster; 1861, John F. Spence, David Reed, presiding elder; 1862, S. D. Clayton, James F. Chalfant, presiding elder; 1863-4, G. W. Kelley, J. Ford Conrey, presiding elder; 1865-7, M. P. Gaddis, J. W. Weakley, presiding elder; 1868, G. L. Yonstee; 1869-71, J. T. Boyle, A. Lowry, D. D., presiding elder; 1872-3, James Ken- dall, A. Maharey, presiding elder; 1874, G. C. Crum, J. W. Casset, presiding elder; 1875-6, J. P. Shultz; 1877-8, H. M. Keck; 1879, T. De Witt Peak, present incumbent.

The station has had some very able ministers, but the following deserve special mention : James Kendall, a very remarkable man; Dr. Lowry, a very firm expounder of the gospel; G. C. Crum, a man of more than ordinary ability. Rev. T. De Witt Peak is a clear and logical speaker.

The Methodist Church at Clifton was organized soon after the town was laid out. The society erected a brick building, which was sold, and occupied as a school-house some years later. Bates and Lewis presented a lot to the congregation, upon which they built the present building. The church enjoys great prosperity. Rev. W. I. Shannon is the pastor.

Presbyterian Church, of Yellow Springs. (By C. H. Chandler .- The first Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs was of the Asso- ciate Reform Communion, and was organized about the year 1852. It built the house of worship now occupied by the Colored Baptist Church, but, as the Presbyterians never succeeded in paying for it, the house was sold by the sheriff. The church itself was short lived, its only minister being Rev. Alexander Nesbitt.

First Presbyterian .- The present Presbyterian Church was organ-

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ized at request of Judge Mills, and under the direction of Dayton (New School) Presbytery, by Rev. Samuel D. Smith, February 3, 1855. The original number of members was fourteen, twelve being received by letter, and two on profession. Rev. M. Smith was in- stalled its first pastor, preaching one-half the time until 1858. The church was legally incorporated as the " First Presbyterian Church," January 19, 1859. Its house of worship was erected in 1859, and dedicated March 3, 1860. It is constructed of limestone, in gothic style of architecture, with enamelled glass windows. It is 40x62 feet in size, and furnished with open roof, giving a height in the center of forty-three fect.

Mr. Smith's successors in the pulpit of the church have been Revs. James Bassett, 1858-60; J. J. Ward, 1861-4; D. M. Moore, 1864-8; J. S. McCoy, 1868-9; D. R. Colmery, 1869-72; J. L. Rodgers, 1872, present incumbent.

The first elder of the church was Robert M. Davis, who was chosen in 1855, but in the following year was suspended because of his belief in spiritualism. Robert Love and Nathaniel Benedict were next chosen to the office, and since that time, George L. Kedzie, William A. Ewing, Martin Polhemus, and Cyrus E. Drake have been elders. The present session consists of Messrs. Kedzie and Drake. The deacons are James K. Hyde and James M. Steward.

The total number of members from the organization of the church is about two hundred and seventy-five; the present mem- bership is about ninety. Mrs. Nancy C. Love, widow of Elder R. Love, is the only one of the original fourteen members, who has continued her membership unbroken to the present time.

Central Presbyterian .- In 1861 twelve members of the church, one male and eleven female, withdrew to form an Old School Church, known as the " Central Presbyterian Church," which maintained an organization for eight or ten years, holding services in the Asso- ciate Reform Church building. Its ministers were successively, Revs. - Haight, Norman Jones, and John S. Weaver. During the years of the war, the general sentiment of the members of this church was favorable to the southern cause. The organization finally perished, some of the members coming to the First Church and others uniting with churches of other denominations.

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THE CITY OF YELLOW SPRINGS.

This beautiful little city, the largest in the township, is located in the center of the western part of the same, west of the world-re- nowned springs from which it derives its name. It is the most im- portant village on the Little Miami Railroad, between Xenia and Springfield, and is connected with Dayton, Springfield, Xenia, and the numerous surrounding villages by turnpikes. Besides being connected with the Neff House grounds, the town is beautified by the Antioch College grounds, the private park of Mrs. Wm. Means, the Oakwood park, (public school grounds) and the cemetery. The principal thoroughfares are Xenia Avenue, and Dayton Street, the former extending from northeast to southwest, the latter running nearly due east and west. These streets are crossed by about twenty-five minor routes, running from east to west, and from north to south.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Prior to the year 1852, there were but few houses in the now populous little village. The old Methodist Church, now owned by Dr. D. T. Jones as a residence, and two or three small houses, one of them occupied by William Mills, constituted the " settlement" in 1845. But the celebrity of the Yellow Springs as a summer re- sort, soon attracted a number of people to its immediate vicinity, and it soon became apparent that a village would be formed sooner or later. The completion of the Little Miami (Xenia and Spring- field) Railroad added much to the general prosperity of the com- munity. Houses were built, stores opened, and the site presented a city like appearance. William Mills and A. C. Johnson in 1846, erected the building near the corner of the railroad and Dayton Street, now known as the " Union House," and kept a stock of dry goods and groceries. The frame building cast of this was con- structed in the same year by Thomas Gilmore, who sold dry goods ; his brother William can still be found at the old stand. That they might convert the entire block into a business location, Messrs. Mills and Johnson made a very liberal offer to the members of the Methodist Church, as an inducement for the erection of a new church, that the corner building might be vacated. The proposi-

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tion was accepted, and the old structure remodeled and converted into a dwelling. When used for church purposes, the lot contained a number of shade trees, and altogether presented a very lovely appearance.

Thus did the village assume proportions in spite of itself, for no attempt was made as yet to survey a village proper. The first brick dwelling house, now the property of Mrs. Meredith, was erected by William Mills, the second, now in the possession of Dr. Thorn, was erected in 1848 by John Hamilton. He engaged in the manufacture of brick in the same year, and has supplied nearly all the brick used in the town, Antioch College being one of the exceptions.

The main building of the Yellow Springs House, was the first building erected within the present limits of the village, being crected by Elisha Mills, and used as a dwelling; he afterwards super-added to the original, and converted it into a tavern. During the several seasons that witnessed the closing of the " Neff House," this structure drew a very large patronage. It has been closed since 1877, but will likely be re-opened in 1881. James Feish owned ten acres of cleared land, and built a log structure thereon- whose location is now occupied by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. William Mills erected the magnificent structure now owned by Mrs. Means, in the " park," and removed into the same in January, 1843. The house was not sufficiently finished, however, and he moved into the aforesaid log.

John Hammond, a carpenter, was the next settler. He purchased a lot containing five acres, but afterwards sold it to Robert Chaney who laid it off in lots. The lot owned by Albert Kellogg, and the house in which he now resides, was originally owned by Dr. Isaac Thorn, the entire tract consisting of three acres. Then came C. W. Michael and bought five acres, a portion of which is now the home of C. D. Ruth. In 1844, Frank Hafner came over from the Neff House, bought an acre of ground on which he built a log house, now used by him for a bakery, and lived there one year when he again returned to the spring. One Baker bought a lot adjoining Hafner, erected a small house and shoe-shop thereon.

In 1853, Judge William Mills, engaged the services of a survey- or named Samuel T. Owens, who laid off a tract of three hundred acres, which comprises most of the land now within the corporate limits, into lots; they were sold at prices ranging from $150 to $500, by Mr. Mills; he reserving twenty acres surrounding his

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residence, and donating ground for the schools, college and various church organizations.

Besides the business men already mentioned, we add the names of John B. Knox, elder and steward, and Frank Hafner, who kept the first bakery.

The first post-office was located in the orchard of A. C. Johnson, then removed to the springs into the store of Walking and Mills. Mrs. Cox, who lived in the old white brick, east of town on the Springfield pike, next assumed charge of the office. During the administration of President Taylor, Mr. Gilmore was appointed postmaster, after him came Arnold Benedict, then Cassner; who was succeeded by Burkholder. At the close of the late war, Mr. Charles Winters was appointed, and served in that capacity for a period of more than ten years, when he was succeeded by Mrs. E. McNair, the present worthy and efficient postmistress.

When the town was surveyed, it was the intention of Judge Wil- liam Mills and his father, Elisha Mills, Esq., to build up a city that would contain a population of at least ten thousand in the near fu- ture : hence the extensive plan on which it was surveyed. The judge devoted himself solely to the noble task of attaining this end. Through his herculean efforts, the railroad and college were secured to the village. With his own private means, he paved and graveled the streets ; lots were sold at a nominal price, that they might be within the reach of all, and every inducement was held out by him to those who were looking for a home.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 64

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

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