History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 69

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 69

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When the news of Hull's surrender to the British reached the inhabitants of Bath, there was much consternation among her peo- ple, as it was generally supposed that the British forces would leave for this state at once. A call for volunteers was made, which was responded to by the people of the entire county. It was de- cided to gather all the qualified men obtainable, and march at once in the direction of Lake Erie, to repel, if possible, the approaching armies of the British. They proceeded at once to Urbana, in Champaign County, where had been gathered a large concourse of

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people from the surrounding country, who were willing to sacrifice their lives, if need be, to prevent the enemy from ravaging on Ohio soil. From Urbana they proceeded northward, in the direction of Lake Eric. Before arriving at the end of their march, they were met by couriers, and informed that it was not the intention of the British to invade Ohio, whereupon they returned to their respective places of abode. Nimrod Haddox was stationed in Canada during Perry's victory on Lake Erie, receiving $1.50 per day for his servi- ces. Food was obtainable at a very high figure only, consequently the men were compelled .to pay for their maintenance even more than their salaries, which caused much suffering.

INDIANS.

When the pioneers took up their abode in the wilds of this town- ship, they found that red men were undisputed possessors of the forests. They represented the Delaware and Shawanoes tribes, and were generally peaceable and harmless. They devoted their time mostly to hunting and fishing, and would frequently present the whites with venison. During the cold winter months, they often came to the house of Mr. Haddox, and obtained permission to lie down by the fire-place, which they considered a great treat. John Haddox well remembers the names of two of these-Ellalaho-pas- sewassona and Patucky-passaqua. In the spring of each year most of them left for the Sandusky reservation. Here they spent the summer months, and returned again as the cold weather approached. They decreased in number gradually, and, with their tribes, finally moved westward. In 1825 there was but one Indian family in the township. They gained a livelihood by making baskets, and trad- ing the same for bread. Occasionally a few straggling red men passed through the country, but in a few years later every vestige of them had disappeared.

GAME.

The forests abounded with game. The deer, the wolf, and the bear alike were found in great numbers. The howl of the wolf sounded frightful to the unprotected inhabitants. They were killed in great numbers. Richard Hall, a great hunter in those days, killed deer at the rate of six per day. Even as late as 1835, bears

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were killed, though very scarce. Captain William Stevenson shot squirrels in the forests where now is located the village of Osborn, as late as 1845.

INCIDENTS.

. The first birth was that of Benjamin Wolf, who was born in the year 1800.

John Wolf and Dr. Folk came to the township with what was then considered a large sum of money, which they secreted in their respective premises. In the year 1809, the money was stolen- probably the first robbery that occurred in the township. Suspi- cion pointed to several parties in the neighborhood, but the guilty ones escaped punishment. A peddler was also robbed at this time, and to avoid detection, the victim was murdered and thrown into a well. The perpetrators of this terrible crime escaped the penalty of the law.

A man named Kent was placed in the county jail charged with committing various crimes. By the aid of a two-inch auger he succeeded in liberating himself, and fled to Canada. Here he was met, some years ago, by a citizen of Osborn, whom he informed that " did he feel so disposed, he could make some startling revela- tions." It is very generally supposed that he was connected with the robbery and murder above mentioned.

The following incident was obtained from a leading citizen of Bath Township, and is given for what it is worth :

It is generally supposed that a considerable amount of Govern- ment money was secreted in the Cox hill by agents of the Govern- ment, during the Indian war. It is believed, also, that the money was discovered hidden under a stone by several persons, and car- ried off by them. Recently, however, a young man residing at Osborn, had a dream to the effect that the money was yet undis- covered, and that its whereabouts were revealed. So far he has made no attempt to secure the treasure, nor will he disclose the hiding-place of the same.

EARLY CUSTOMS.

Upon arriving at their destination, the pioneers of Bath Town- ship found themselves in a deplorable condition. The domain

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which they called home, was but a wilderness of impenetrable for- ests, which must be cleared before it could be cultivated. Then, too, their implements with which to perform the Herculean task before them, were decidedly of a primitive design. But our fore- fathers never wavered from their chosen purpose. Realizing that "in union there is strength," the entire neighborhood met from day to day, and together they engaged in the log-rollings, of which every old resident is proud. When in a suitable condition, the soil was upturned with the wooden plow drawn by a yoke of oxen, and thus was the land placed in a state of cultivation.

In those days of natural simplicity and poverty as well, it was not considered a disgrace to be dressed in a suit of plain texture. Nor was it considered worthy of notice, if a call was made by a shoeless or bootless individual-a majority of the settlers were well contented with one pair of shoes each year.

After harvest the surplus grain was taken to Cincinnati and ex- changed for coffee, sugar, and other household necessities. When the Erie and Miami Canal was completed, Dayton was selected as the market for their produce. The trip was a tedious one, as the roads were scarcely traversable.

CHURCHES.

Reformed Church of Fairfield .- This church was organized March, 1843, by Thomas II. Winters. The society, consisting of the Fair- field members of the Union Church, located four miles southeast of Fairfield. A number of conversions were made prior to the organization, which resulted in the formation of a new congrega- tion. Rev. Winters served in the capacity of pastor for two years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Weise, who labored six months, when Rev. T. II. Winters again took charge of the flock. March 1, 1845, Iliram Shaull was called to the pastorate, and accepted. Immediately after the organization, preparations were made for the erection of a house of worship. In 1844 workmen were employed in the building of the same, and in the following year, on the 8th of June, it was formally dedicated. During the month of Febru- ary, 1846, some seventy conversions were made through the efforts of the pastor, Rev. Shaull. He severed his relation to the church on July 26, of the same year, and Rev. Jesse Steiner was called to fill the vancancy. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Z. Dale, in 1852,

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who, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. II. K. Banes. Rev. J. Schlos- ser accepted a call to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rev. Banes, October 31, 1859; he labored in the cause until 1867, and was followed by Rev. J. M. LeFever, who served until 1880, when J. T. Hale, the present incumbent, was appointed.

The church is a good substantial brick, forty by eighty-six feet. The present membership is one hundred and eighty-six, and the church may truly be said to be in a prosperous condition. Servi- ces are held cach Sabbath. A Sunday-school was established several years ago, and is now in a condition highly satisfactory to its founders. Robert Miller, superintendent; H. C. Williamson, secretary ; D. K. Wolf, treasurer.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Osborn .- This church is an off-spring of the Methodist Episcopal society at Fairfield, and was organized in the year 1858. The writer was unable to obtain any informa- tion regarding the history of the church, but refers to the history of the Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church for further particulars.

The society is now in a very prosperous condition. A debt of four hundred dollars, which has been hanging over the church for some time, has been liquidated; a dome has been added at a cost of one hundred and fifty dollars, in which has been hung a bell, at an expense of one hundred and eighty-seven dollars; two hundred and sixty dollars have been expended in frescoing, painting, and furnishing. The present membership is about fifty-five. Rev. W. H. Black, present minister. Sunday-school services are held each Sabbath; membership, seventy-five; D. W. Fortney, superintend- ent; J. J. Whaley, secretary; Emily Shepherd, treasurer.

The Presbyterian Church at Osborn .- This church was organized in the year 1865, by G. L. Massey, Rev. Johnson, of New Carlisle, be- ing the first minister. Services were held in the Lutheran Church until 1867, at which time a building was erected. At the organi- zation there were seven members, but prior to the completion of the church, the membership had swelled to eighty-five. Rev. Pol- lock was pastor at the time the building -erected at a cost of six thousand dollars-was dedicated. Rev. Colmerry, stated clerk of the Dayton Presbytery, is the present pastor, and the present mem- bership numbers about sixty. Services are held each alternate Sabbath. The Sunday-school was organized in 1866, and G. W. Palmer elected superintendent. There were about eighty-five members; this is about the present number. Services every Sab- bath; G. W. Massey superintendent.

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NOTE .- Besides the churches mentioned, there is a Roman Catholic Church at Osborn, and several others in the township. The mem- bers have been importuned to furnish the necessary information relative to the history of their respective churches; the request has not been complied with, hence the omission.

SCHOOLS.

The writer is indebted to Hon. J. W. Greene, for the following . valuable contribution relating to the schools of this townshto.

"The schools in this township are in a prosperous condition. There are many things connected with their early history, which are suggestive of the enterprise and spirit which controlled the pioneers in their efforts to establish the common school system.

In 1820, the subject of the organization of the township into school districts began to be agitated. In March, 1821, the township trustees, after a long struggle with the subject, finally divided the territory into seven districts, which were large, and in many cases, the pupils were compelled to travel three miles to school.

As near as can now be ascertained, the children of school age, at that time, must have been less than three hundred. Now there are thirteen districts, and nearly nine hundred children. In two of these districts there are graded schools, one in the village of Os- born containing four departments, the other in Fairfield containing three-both are in a flourishing condition. In those pioneer times there was no school fund, their expenses being paid by the patrons at so much per scholar. At present, there is invested in school houses, sites and apparatus, over twenty-three thousand dollars. The annual cost of maintaining them-teachers and incidentals -is nearly seven thousand dollars."

OSBORN.

This village is located near the northwest corner of the township, and is divided into two almost equal parts by the Cleveland, Col- umbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, and the New York, Pennsyl- vania and Ohio railroads. For its size, the town contains an unusual number of handsome dwellings, surrounded by beautiful lawns, which are thickly dotted with shade trees. Aside from the railroads mentioned, the village has access to the outside world by six pikes. Its population is estimated at seven hundred.

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Osborn was laid out in 1850, by John Cox and Samuel Stafford ; the former being possessor of most of the land contained in the site. It was surveyed by Washington Galloway. The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad was then in process of construction, and this site was considered a splendid location for a grain market: the wisdom of the original owners has since been verifiedl. On the first of January, 1850, the first train on the new road, was run from Springfield to Dayton; the friends of the road, all along the · line, were invited to participate in the trial trip, and an enjoyable time was had.

Shortly after its survey, the new village was christened Osborn, in honor of E. F. Osborn, Esq., superintendent of the M. R., and R. E. Railway.

The first house, which is now occupied by Henry Mercer, was erected in 1850, by Samuel Hadewall; the second was built by Henry Huskett in the year following. Subsequently, one Holden erected a building in the rear of the present store of S. W. Massey, and kept therein a small stock of groceries and provisions, but de- rived a greater income through the sale of intoxicating liquors. George Massey owned the first store of any importance ; James Van Austin was the first knight of the anvil and bellows, who located within the limits of Osborn. The first tavern was kept by Charles Russell and Harry Goode.

Immigration to the village was dilatory, prior to the establishment of the above mentioned enterprises; but when the future was as- sured by the success of the past, new settlements were made more frequently. In order to provide for the storage of grain, received for shipment, the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad Company erected a grain warehouse, which still stands, and is now owned by the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railway Company. A second warehouse, erected by the Hostetter Brothers, is still owned by them, and has been recently refitted. In 1857, the large brick mill, commonly known as' " Harshman's Mill," was built by Samuel E. Stafford, to be propelled by water-power; he ran it one year, and then sold the same to John and Joseph Harsh- man, who operated it until a few years ago, when the machinery was stopped. In 1880, it was purchased by the present owner. A distillery was erected on the site of the mill, in 1856, but was burn- ed to the ground shortly after. The town continued growing rap- idly, until 1864, since which time its advance has been more steady.

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Owners of lots have always demanded exorbitant prices for their property, which has proved detrimental to the general prosperity of the community.

OSBORN CORPORATION.

Osborn was incorporated in 1867. The first meeting of council, was held December 19, 1867, at which time the following persons were declared elected to their respective offices: Mayor, Solon W. Mussey; clerk, Aaron Spangle; treasurer, J. B. Worley; council- men, J. B. Massey, Samuel E. Woodard, Henry S. Musser and Cas- par Fisher. At this meeting a committee was appointed to draft by-laws for the government of council. At the second meeting, held December 27, 1867, considerable business of minor importance was transacted. The first "ordinance to prevent disturbance" was passed January 2, 1868. A board of health, consisting of the fol -. lowing gentlemen, was appointed June 19, 1873: Joseph Harshman, Aaron Spangler, L. C. McNabb, N. B. Holder, Henry Routzong, Daniel Lesher. Following, is a list of the incorporate officials for 1880 : A. Spangler, mayor; T. F. Dewey, clerk; S. F. Woodard, M. V. Baggott, D. W. Fortney, W. B. Sanborn, Elias Musselman, councilmen ; G. W. Helmer, marshal; John Neitzer, treasurer.

The following is taken from the report of the clerk, for the year ending March 15, 1880:

Receipts for 1879, . $258 09

Expenses,

662 34

The old school house, near the southern limits of the village, has been converted into a town hall. Meetings of council are held up stairs, while the lower floor is used for prisoners.

FAIRFIELD.

This, the oldest village in Bath Township, and, as a matter of record, the third in the county, was first settled in the year 1799. The town was laid out in 1816, by Joseph Tatman, who came from Kentucky, and Samuel Cosad, a native of Virginia. To show that its original projectors had an eye to the beauty of its surroundings, a short description of the valley in which it is situated may not be out of place here.

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It is from two to three miles in width, and about five miles long. Viewed from either of the hills which trend away from its north- ern, eastern, and southern boundaries, furnishes to the lover of the beautiful in nature a panoramic view of fertile fields and wood- lands, villages, hamlets, and sparkling streams, while its western boundary is marked by the impetuous stream which enters it from the northeast, and was appropriately named by the aboriginal own- ers of the soil, Mad River. The soil being alluvial (especially that part originally known as Tatman's Prairie, on which the town of Fairfield was laid out), would seemingly imply that in ages gone by it was the channel of a great water course, or held within its confines a very considerable body of water. The region is emi- nently healthful, the soil noted for its productiveness, and when tickled by the labor of the husbandman, rarely fails to produce fruits to amply reward his toil. .

The pioneers-the Tatmans, the Reads, the Casads, the IIalls, the Haddoxes, the Coxes, and a score of others-came, saw, and were conquered; this prairie and its surroundings became the future home of themselves and posterity. That they succeeded, and suc- ceeded well, the fine farms, and the evidences of prosperity which dot the landscape, fully attest.

The village of Fairfield, being centrally located, is the shiretown of Bath Township, and by the late census, had a population of nearly 400. It has one dry goods, one drug, two grocery, and one notion store; two wagon, and two blacksmith shops, one public house, one grist-mill, and three churches (Methodist, Reformed, and Baptist). It also gives employment to three physicians and one lawyer. Good turnpike roads radiate to Springfield, Dayton, Xenia, and Yellow Springs. The village has no railroads. Its proximity, however, to two important lines (the Cleveland, Columbus, Cinein- nati and Indianapolis, and the New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio) gives easy access to the outside world. Education is carefully min- istered by a graded school of three departments. Oddfellowship is represented by a flourishing lodge. In 1817, the Masonic order established a lodge there, called Golden Rule Lodge No. 31, which ceased to labor in 1833, and has been at refreshment ever since.

The above is kindly furnished by Hon. J. W. Greene.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

Martin V. Baggott, justice, was born in Mad River Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, January 30, 1837. He is a son of James and Mary (Caylor) Baggott. He, James, was a native of Virginia, (Fredericksburg,) and removed to this state in 1824, in company with one of his brothers, locating in Montgomery County, where he remained till 1854. He then removed to Osborn. He was a coop- er by trade. IIe was twice married, having children by both wives. Our subject is a son of the second wife, and one of five who are still living. James Baggott died in January, 1863; his wife in May, 1877. 'Squire Baggott, as he is familiary known, spent his boyhood on the farm, and received the rudiments of his education in the common schools, which he afterwards developed by careful research and self application. At the age of nineteen he began teaching, and has followed the profession ever since, having become identified as one of the leading educators in the section. During the past eleven years, he has occupied the position of the justice of the peace in Bath Township. In 1859, he married Lousia Williams. They have four children : Vallandigham, Mary, Frances and George P., are living. Luella, deceased : besides a nephew, son of his brother, whom he adopted when only seven weeks old, John C. by name. Mr. Baggott is a member of both the Masons and Odd-fellows, to which he is fondly attached, and has held posi- tions of honor in both. Was Master in the Masons in 1879.

Matthias W. Baker, retired farmer, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, December 18, 1806. He is a son of William and Mary D. (Winans) Baker, natives of Kentucky, and born August 10, 1781, and May 2, 1785, respective. In 1810, he removed with his famlly to Fleming County, Kentucky, where he remained till 1828, follow- ing the business of teamster, hauling from Maysville to Lexington, chiefly. After coming to this state, in 1828, he followed farming. He died May 26, 1838. His wife survived till 1870, dying in her eighty-sixth year. Our subject lived with his father till 1824, at which time he came to Ohio, making his home with his uncle, Dr. Winans, of Jamestown. He went back to Kentucky, in 1825, and remained with his father one year, then returned to this county, where he has lived ever since. In the fall of 1830, he went on a place one and one-half miles west of Jamestown, on the Xenia

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pike, where he opened a farm. It was at that time a mass of fallen timber and thick underbrush. Here he labored till 1853, clearing the farm now owned by John Cooper. He then moved to within a mile of Byron on the farm he now owns, where he lived seven years. In the spring of 1860, he moved into Byron, where he kept tavern and grocery some six years. He. then retired from active life, and moved into the dwelling where he now lives. IIe was married, August 28, 1828, to Matilda, daughter of Childs Moorman, a native a Rockbridge County, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bryon are parents of four children : Mary E., born July 9, 1829; Lavenia E., December 30, 1830; W. C. M., October 2, 1833; and Selathiel E. W., September 13, 1838 ; the latter died in Xenia, April 28, 1866, from camp diarrhea contracted in the army, leaving a wife but no chil- dren. The remaining three are living, and all married. Mr. Baker was a hard working farmer during the greater part of his life. He is spending his latter years in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early labors.

Elias M. Brandenburg, farmer, Osborn, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 15, 1825. He is a son of Aaron and Eliza (Matthews) Brandenburg, natives of Frederick County, Maryland, who came to this state in 1808 or 1809, with their par- ents. They were the parents of seven children : Susannah, Melis- sa, Elias M., Margaret, Benjamin, George W., and William L. Aaron Brandenburg was a wood-worker, working chiefly at wagon- making, though his genius at that time allowed him to handle tools in wood in almost any department. He died in October 1855, in his sixty-second year. His wife survives, and is living with her son, Elias M. The subject of this sketch passed his boy- hood in Carlisle, Ohio, and at the age of thirteen went with his father to Indiana, where he remained until he reached manhood. In November, 1849, he was married to Matilda Lewis, who died in August, 1858: Mr. Brandenburg then came back to Ohio, and in 1859 consummated his second marriage, with Mary J. Light, and then returned to Indiana, where he remained until January, 1860, following the trade of wagon-maker. He again returned to his native state, and located on the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of one hundred and twenty-four acres, which he tills chiefly to grain. Mr. and Mrs Brandenburg are active members of the Bath Presbyterian Church, and, though they have no children, take an active interest in the general good of the community at large.

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Robert Chambers, farmer, Osborn, is a native of this county, and was born October 11, 1827. Is a son of William and Elizabeth (Kirkwood) Chambers. William Chambers was a native of Ire- land, but came to this country when about twelve years of age. He located in Virginia for a few years, after which he came to this county : living first on the Samuel Andrews property, and after- wards buying the property where Robert now lives. Was a soldier in the war of 1812, enlisting heartily in the cause of his adopted country. Prior to coming to this state he married Elizabeth Kirk- wood, of Virginia. They were parents of seven children : Jane, David, Eliza A., Mary, Margaret, Robert, and Sarah. Five of these are now living, and two, Margaret and David, deceased. When they came to the farm there were no improvements on it, or any of the adjoining lands on the ridge. The unbroken forests were the haunts of deer and bears, and the lurking place of the wild turkey. But by hard labor, in common with other pioneers he hewed out a farm in spite of natural difficulties. Here Robert was reared, and educated in the old log school house, which stood near where Bath church now stands. The farm consists of one hundred acres, and is tilled chiefly to grain. Mr. Chambers has followed farming all his life. In 1864 he was married to Malinda C. Snyder, who died in March, 1870. His second marriage was consummated in 1877, with Susan Forrer. They are both members of the Pres- byterian Church, and respected members of society. They have no children.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 69

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

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