History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 75

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 75

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Mrs. Eliza McDowney, relict of the late - McDowney, landed at Jamestown on February 5, 1831, and has resided here to this day. This lady remembers accurately the location of all the build- ings then in the village. From a diagram, drawn by her, we com- pile the following :

The town, proper, was composed of two roads of streets, oue ex- tending east and west from Washington to Xenia, called the Chilli- cothe road; the other running north and south from Maysville to Urbana, and called the Limestone road. At the crossing of these roads, on the southeast corner, and where a store is now kept by C. Dingess, was located the old Baker Tavern, with a stable a short distance to the rear. Going south on the left-hand side of the street, lived a man named l'endlum-the site is now owned by J. Adams. Still further south, on the same side of the road, was a tan-yard, owned by one John Dawson, sr., who owned a tract of land in the vicinity ; his residence was located about half-way be- tween the Pendlum residence and the tannery. Returning to the crossing of the roads, on the opposite side, we come to a small log cabin, owned by William Baker-located on the land just about opposite to the present Adams residence. The next house, near the present location of Mrs. McDowney's residence, was owned by "Grandma" Griffy. The site where is now located Jenkins' build- ing, corner Main and Limestone streets, was occupied by one Adair, who conducted a wheel-wright shop; his residence stood where now stands the St. Cloud Hotel. The next building, on the south side of west Main street, was the so-called Parker Hotel property, which still stands, and is fulfilling the purpose for which it was erected-a country tavern. Proceeding a short distance further westward, we arrive at a small building on the corner of a cornfield, owned by Dearduff. At or near the spot where is now the resi- dence of Dr. C. H. Spahr, lived Martin Mendenhall, the original owner of all the above located lands.

We have now arrived at the western limits of Jamestown, and will return on the opposite side of the street. About half-way be-

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tween the limits and the public square, lived Dr. Winans; the site of his residence is now the property of Mrs. Peter Harness. On the northwest corner was a small store, kept by -. On the west side of north Limestone street, one square from the corner, was the abode of Samuel Zortman, sr. At some distance still further north, was located the Nathaniel Hodges dwelling. North of him, on the Browder lands, a carding machine did good service; west of this lived Thomas Browder, the original proprietor of the north side of the town. We again return to the place of begin- ning, corner Main and Limstone streets. After proceeding a short distance, we arrive at a tan-yard, on a lot now owned by Samuel T. Baker. South of this, and at some distance east of the road, was located the house of Benjamin Fessenrider. Where now is located the Adams building, was an unpretending little structure containing three rooms, about seventeen by twenty-two feet each. The north room was used as a dwelling by one Bently, who kept a store in the middle room. The remaining room was occupied by - Hollingsworth as a store. Upon arriving at the corner now occupied by the Wickersham Hotel, we find a vacant lot, wherein a well has been dug, which is used by the general public, and the weary traveler who, perchance, may pass through Jamestown. We stop to imbibe of its cool and refreshing waters, and taking an eastward course, we proceed a short distance, when we reach the house of Joseph Davis, a double frame, and the only habitation on this side of the road. Returning on the opposite side, we reach the Adams Hotel, located on the site of the present residence of L. L. Syphers, and thus we have seen Jamestown as it was in 1830.

The town was surrounded almost entirely by the lands of Thomas Browder and Martin Mendenhall. About one-half mile east on the Washington road, was an extensive sugar camp, where the lads and lassies were wont to gather, and where youths often poured into the listening ears of maidens their avowals of love and affec- tion. The town gradually increased in size; log cabins gave place to frame structures, and they, in turn, were supplanted by beau- tiful brick edifices. Slowly but surely was Jamestown erected on solid foundations, and, for its size, is to-day the peer of other towns and villages in point of social and financial enterprise.

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RELIGIOUS.

From time immemorial each section of country has enjoyed par- ticular views on religion-all have worshiped their God or their idol. The good old pioneers who first settled at Jamestown, did not forget Ilim in whom they had placed their confidence. At first they were compelled to attend the religious gatherings in the surrounding country-sometimes a great distance from home-or remain contentedly at home and conduct religious services around the family fireside. As time passed on, it was thought advisable to organize societies in the near neighborhood, and thus was laid the corner-stone of the many churches with which this community is. blessed. A Campbellite society was organized in 1828 or 1830, by Dr. Matthew Winans. In the beginning it consisted of about forty members. Dr. Winans was pastor, and, in fact, the head of the church. The Doctor was a very influential man in the community, and under his careful ministration the church membership grew rapidly. They built a brick structure thirty by forty feet, which was regularly utilized as a house of worship. In 1859, Dr. Win- ans, while at Cincinnati, was taken ill with the cholera, which dread disease terminated his useful life. One by one the oldest members of the church were called to their everlasting homes, and slowly but surely were the pillars of the church weakened. About 1865 it was ascertained that the membership had decreased at an alarm- ing rate, and it was thought expedient to dissolve, which was done.

Christian (New Light) Church .- This church was organized in 1835, by Matthew Gardner, an old-time preacher of Brown County, with about one hundred members. They continued holding services in the old Campbellite church, until the same was declared unsafe, and torn down, in 1861. The church organization was then sus- pended until the year 1871, when the society was reorganized by Rev. Asa Coan, of Yellow Springs, with a total membership of fif- teen. A room in which to hold services was rented in the school house, and Rev. Peter McCullough called to the pastorate. During the winter of 1871-2, a revival was held by the pastor, assisted by (). A. Roberts. Their labors were abundantly blessed, an increase of one hundred and sixty-five members being the result. Shortly afterward, the society, aided largely by M. J. Christopher, began the erection of a new building, and in due time the same was fin-

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ished. The dimensions of the structure are 60x72; the inside is beautifully frescoed, and is the handsomest audience room in town. In 1876, Rev. B. F. Clayton was called to minister to the spiritual wants of the congregation, in which capacity he served faithfully and successfully until August 1, 1880, when he accepted the call of a congregation in the State of Rhode Island. Up to this writing, the church is without a pastor. Arrangements are now being made, and ere this work goes to press, a pastor will have been called to fill the vacancy. The church is totally out of debt. A prayer-meeting is held every Wednesday night. A Sabbath-school is held every Sabbath, J. W. Cruzen, superintendent; average attendance, sixty. In connection with the history of this church, we add that M. S. Sanders, Mrs. Eliza McDowell, and Mrs. Eliza Bargdill are the only members now living who belonged to the first organization.

We have been unable to get the Presbyterian and Methodist churches.

The Colored Baptist Church was organized March 15, 1867, with eight members, John Emery first minister, who continued for two years. They occupied the old school building, in which they still hold their services. The next pastor was Rev. Daniel Bush, who, in turn, was succeeded by William Baylay, the present incumbent. The church now has a membership of fifty-eight, and is in a good condition. A Sunday-school was organized about two years ago. Its membership has reached eighty, and it is in a flourishing con- dition. Meet every Sabbath afternoon. Chili M. Bowles, 'superin- tendent; Kansas Knee, secretary.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Odd-Fellows .- Jamestown Lodge No. 181, was instituted March 31, 1851, by William A. Skinner, special deputy. The following are the names of the charter members: P. S. Browder, James M. Johnson, Samuel J. Hawkins, John M. Syphers, P. Dingess, Ed- ward Wickersham, and John W. Baker. The total membership is now about sixty-eight. Several new lodges have been instituted in the surrounding country, which has naturally decreased the number of members of this lodge. The society owns a very fine hall. 30x40 in size, which is handsomely furnished. The floor is covered by a beautiful carpet, in which are interwoven the various

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emblems of the order. On the 6th day of June, 1880, one of the members, Mr. J. W. Ellis, died, the first loss by death for fifteen years. Officers for 1820: J. T. Murphey, noble grand ; J. W. She- ley, vice-grand; G. W. Clark, recording secretary; J. C. Sheley, permanent secretary ; William Reese, treasurer.

Grace Encampment No. 171. Instituted August 6, 1873, by J. A. Armstrong, grand patriarch. Charter members: G. W. Clark, . J. R. Short, T. J. Stinson, B. S. Steward, John A. Young, G. T. Bently, J. P. Frank, Lon. Miars, S. R. Smith, and C. II. Spahr. The encampment has grown to about thirty or forty members. Present officers: Charles Clark, chief patriarch; J. W. Sheley, senior warden ; L. M. Jones, high priest ; A. Little, junior warden; C. H. Spahr, treasurer. The encampment occupies the hall of the subordinate lodge.

Masons .- Jamestown Lodge No. 352, was organized in 1866, with the following charter members: J. F. Huston, M. O. Adams, J. R. Kindle, John Zemer, and A. D. Dewdon. At present the lodge numbers about thirty-eight members, and is in a good social and financial condition. Officers for 1880: D. M. Shrack, worshipful master; W. F. McMillen, senior warden ; Josiah Layman, junior warden; Moses Sanders, treasurer; W. B. McClain, secretary ; J. C. Morris, senior deacon ; Gideon Harness, junior deacon; G. W. Clark, tiler.

BANKS.

The Farmers' and Traders' Bank was established October 1, 1867, with a cash capital of $50,000; L. L. Syphers, president, and Morris Sharpe, cashier. In 1870, John Brown was elected cashier, and has continued in that capacity to the present day. The institution is a private enterprise, and does a flourishing general banking busi- ness.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Union Agricultural Society, of Jamestown, was organized in 1858, and held a fair in the fall of the same year. It is stated that thirty days before the holding of the first fair, the ground on which the exhibition took place was almost totally covered with underbrush and forest trees. The society leased about twelve acres

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of ground, of James Browder, and constructed a small track, about one-third of a mile in circumference. The success of the first exhibition was far beyond the most sanguine expectations of its projectors. People came from far and near, and returned to their homes well satisfied with the display. The experiment was repeated the following year, with gratifying success. Thereafter the annual fair became a permanent institution. More land was added, and fairs held each succeeding year. Robert Brown was the first president, and J. II. Jenkins the first treasurer. The land now included in the fair grounds embraces thirty-six acres. The association is in a flourishing condition. At a recent election the following officers were elected for 1880-1 : President, G. L. Correll; first vice-president, J. G. Clemmens; second vice-president, A. Wickersham; recording secretary, S. A. Harper; corresponding secretary, W. L. January ; treasurer, S. T. Baker; directors, John Stephens, Harvey Kyle, Edward Conklin, Jonathan Williams, W. J. Smith, Charles Gray, M. O. Adams, W. R. Harrison, James Compton, J. L. Ginn, Henry Long, and James Paul.

THE JAMESTOWN POST OFFICE.

The first postal arrangements were as follows: Dr. Winans was postmaster, and conducted the office in connection with his store. Before he was appointed, however, the mail was brought from Xenia semi-weekly, by a post-boy. When within a mile of the town he would blow his horn,-his inseparable companion,-at the sound of which the people would assemble, and receive letters and periodicals from their distant friends. During Dr. Winans' administration the original mail route was changed, being carried from Dayton to Jamestown, thence to Chillicothe, once per week. In 1845, or 1850, another change was made. The mail was car- ried from Washington to Bellbrook, by the way of Jamestown, thrice each week. At the outbreak of the rebellion, the mail was delivered from Xenia once each day. This state of affairs con- tinued until the completion of the Dayton and Southeastern Rail- road, at which time arrangements were made for the conveying of mail on that road, twice each day, once in each direction. This plan is still in operation. After Dr. Winans, Peter Dingess be- came postmaster, and he was succeeded by his son Charles. These gentlemen had charge of the office until 1861, when J. L. Quinn

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was appointed; he served until 1874, when he was succeeded by W. S. Galvin, the present incumbent, who is conducting the affairs of the office in a manner highly satisfactory to the people.

NEWSPAPERS.

June, 1877, a want long felt was supplied by the establishment of the Jamestown Tribune, a five column quarto, by George II. Cooke. It was published, weekly, by Cooke, for a period of ten months, when it passed into the hands of Dr. B. F. Clayton. De- cember 20, 1878, the paper was purchased by J. II. Adams & Co., who, on the 20th of April, 1879, sold an interest to J. W. Logan, and continued its publication under the firm name of Adams and Logan. The latter became its sole proprietor, in May, 22d. The paper was changed to a seven column folio, on the 1st of January ; and to an eight column folio, its present proportions, July 17th. Last November, a half-interest was purchased by W. II. Rowe, and is now published and edited by Logan & Rowe. The paper is de- voted to general local news, independent in politics, and has at- tained a circulation of one thousand copies. Its editors are young men of enterprise and ability, and are conducting the journal satisfactorily.

JAMESTOWN SCHOOL.

The present building is located on a lot on the corner of Main and - streets, is two stories in height, and contains four rooms. The surrounding grounds are ample for the general amuse- ment of scholars. A neat and tasty display of flowers has been arranged in front of the building. The rooms are named respect- ively, high school, grammar room, intermediate, and primary. Each room is divided into three grades: A, B, and C; when neces- sary, the fourth (D) grade is added. The high-school room pre- sents a very cozy and inviting appearance. The walls are adorned with beautiful engravings and appropriate mottoes, and a large time regulator is so arranged that scholars can ascertain the time of day at a glance. In the southeast corner of the room, on an elevated platform, is the desk of the principal. The room contains a large book-case, containing useful books, a geological cabinet, organ, etc. All the rooms are kept clean, and look cheerful.

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There are now about two hundred and sixty names enrolled on the school register. Following are the names of teachers : High school, William Reece; grammar, J. W. Cruzen ; intermediate, Miss Addie Shigley ; primary, Miss Sue M. Zortman; superintendent of instruc- tion, William Reece. A literary society was organized in 1870, which has proved very beneficial to its members. Meetings are held on Friday night of each week. This society purchased the library, organ, etc., in the high school, at a cost of $350. The library is open for the use of students. Mr. Reece, the efficient superintendent, has been in charge for nearly .ten years, and through his indefatigable labors, the educational interests of James- town have reached a very high degree.

The colored school room is located in the colored church build- ing, and is taught by W. P. Shields. The scholars are making rapid progress.

THE WICKERSHAM HOTEL BUILDING.

The old hotel corner, after the building was destroyed by fire, re- mained vacant for some time. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Al. Wick- ersham, one of Jamestown's most enterprising and public-spirited citizens, commenced thereon the erection of a hotel building. The structure, which will soon be completed, is one hundred and twenty feet long, and forty feet wide, and two stories in height. Besides the office and dining-room, it contains twenty-five sleeping rooms, and three store rooms. The total cost of erection exceeded $9,000.

THE BUSINESS INTERESTS

Is represented as follows: Dry goods, etc., J. H. Jenkins & Sons., J. II. Adams & Co., S. A. Bottler & Co., M. T. McCreight, Charles Dingess ; groceries, S. F. Evans, J. F. Johnson, George G. Shigley : hardware, Wickersham & McMillan; drugs, R. P. Strong, John T. Murphy ; hotels, J. R. Parker, (American House), H. H. Long, (St. Cloud Hotel), W. Mannington, (Wickersham House); boots and shoes, G. T. Ready ; harness, Crane & Miers, E. Ilixon ; livery, S. T. Baker; blacksmithing, James A. Glass, Felix Riggleman; fur- niture, John Zeiner; bakery, Geisler & Copenhaver; saw-mill and lumber yard, J. L. Ginn; grain elevator, Trebein & Co .; flouring mill, J. W. McMillen ; photograph gallery, -Smith.

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The first hatter in the town, was one Culler. The first tailor, Ephraim Thaw, a German.

The northwest corner of Main and Limestone Streets, was first occupied by Thorp and Ballard, merchants, then by James Hibben. When again vacated, it was reoccupied by Thorp. . It was next oc- cupied by Edward Wickersham; after him came Syfers and Butler, then Syfers and Son, who tore away the old building, replacing it with a brick building which still stands, and is at present occupied as a saloon, and owned by Henry Deem.

City officials : Mayor, J. L. Crane ; council, James Spencer, J. L. Ginn, James R. Paul, George MeLaughlin, Demus Schrack, clerk, S. A. Harper; treasurer, S. F. Evans; street commissioner, Andy Chalmers.

CONFLAGRATIONS.

Few settlements or communities have escaped from the perils of fire. In the record of the eyents of each year, accounts of the destruction of property by fire predominate. Until a comparatively recent date, this town was considered an exception to the general rule, but her turn came at last. On the night of the 18th of June, 1878, at 2 A. M., a fire broke out in the hardware store of Stephen- son and Smith, on Limestone Street. The fire spread with alarm- ing rapidity, and at 6 A. M., all the surrounding buildings were enveloped in the flames. The Adams block, J. F. Johnson's dwell- ing, and the old - hotel were burnt to the ground. The total loss was eighteen thousand dollars, one-half of which was covered by insurance.

On the morning of April 17, 1879, a fire broke out in the store- room of James H. Glass, then occupied as a bakery and grocery by Jonathan Bargdell. The store-room was entirely burned; then came Mrs. George Clark's house, occupied by David McLain and family, and Dr. Torrence, immediately south, which was occu- pied as a dwelling, grocery, and doctor's office-all burning ; every- thing movable in both house, however, was saved. At this fire the loss aggregated about $4,000, one-fourth of which was insured. Thus was one square of buildings-except the blacksmith shop- destroyed. However, the energetic parties who had sustained the loss, did not become discouraged, and soon the destroyed buildings were replaced by more imposing structures.

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INCIDENTS, ETC.

Jacob Dearduff, sr., was one of the first citizens of Jamestown, and lived on land adjoining the present residence of Dr. Spahr. Mr. Dearduff served as constable for several years. On a certain occasion, in 1833 or 1834, he was ordered to arrest a negro for some offence against the law. While in the act of making the arrest, he was stabbed by the negro with a knife, the blade entering just be- low the heart, and killing him almost instantly. The negro was shot and severely wounded, by James Browder, also a constable. He was tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary at Columbus, where he died.

Noah Strong, sr., one of the carly settlers, hauled the logs for the first house built in Xenia. Some of the logs were buckeye wood. They were hauled by old " Buck " and "Brandy," a yoke of oxen brought from Vermont. The house was afterwards used as a tavern, and kept by Major Beatty.

The first person buried here was little Bushrod Strong, brother of Sylvester Strong. His remains now lie in the Jamestown cem- etery. The second person was a colored woman, brought from Virginia by Thomas Browder. In 1814, on the 14th and 15th days of March, grandfather and grandmother Strong died of the "cold plague," which was then raging. Within ten days, Mr. Paullin, Harkness Turner, and the Baptist preacher's wife, all of this neigh- borhood, succumbed to the same dread disease.

The following incidents will be read with interest in connection with the history of Jamestown. They were obtained by George K. Jenkins, of the well-known firm of J. H. Jenkins & Son, at considerable pains. The writer gratefully acknowledges the kind- ness of Mr. Jenkins in the presentation of the facts for publication in this work:

" When it became known that a county-seat was to be assigned to Greene County, Xenia and Jamestown were announced as aspir- ants for the honor. The claims of each were about equal, and it was difficult to tell which would be chosen. Finally it was decided to hold an election, to determine at the polls, which of the towns should be favored. The vote, taken at Xenia, resulted in a tie. Before the voting hour closed, however, a man riding on horse- back, was seen not far distant, and importuned to, cast his vote for

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either of the contesting towns, so as to decide the matter then and there. Ile did as requested, and the result was a majority of one in favor of Xenia. Until his vote was cast his preference was un- known. Three Jamestownites, Mendenhall, Campbell, and Brow- der, forgetting the day upon which the election was held, failed to be present, otherwise the vote would have stood in favor of James- town by a majority of three. It will be observed that neither town is located in the center; hence, the chances of the selection of either were equally favorable.

"The first marriage alliance was formed by Washington Strong and Sallie Mendenhall. No cards. Mrs. Nancy Stephens, nce Mendenhall, was the first child born in Jamestown."

THE FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.

From the Tribune interview with Sylvester Strong, we extract the following :

" The first Fourth of July celebration was held at this (Adams) tavern, in 1830. Seven old soldiers of the revolutionary war were present. I remember of riding over the country, telling them to come. Among them was a man named Allen, a relative of Ethen Allen of revolutionary fame; his descendants now live at Allen- town, Fayette County. Others present were, Robert Snodgrass, Asa Reaves, and Sammuel Webb. The last named was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and saw the General give up his . sword. The names of the others I don't recollect."

BIOGRAPHICAL.

John Adams, retired blacksmith, Jamestown, is a native of Rock- bridge County, Virginia; was born September 2, 1811; reared and remained in that place till twenty-six years of age, when he came to Jamestown, and has since resided in this place. He married Miss Harriet Dawson, a native of Berkeley County, Virginia, Sep- tember 8, 1840; she is a sister of Dr. W. W. Dawson, of Cincin- nati, Dr. Dawson, of Columbus, and Dr. Dawson, of Bellbrook. Mr. Adams is a descendant of President Adams. Has spent a por- tion of his life while here, blacksmithing, and was successful in ac- cumulating a sufficient amount of means to live his declining years retired from active labor-has at least fifteen thousand dollars.

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History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 75

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

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