History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 66

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 559

USA > Ohio > Preble County > History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches > Part 66

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HISTORY OF PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO.

Character was the first store in New Paris. The pioneers had neither time nor money to indulge in luxuries of any kind, and the shelves of even a small general store held a supply greater than the demand.

Robert Sprowls built a large frame house where Hazel- tine's grocery now is. The present site of the Odd Fellows' building was at first occupied by Robert McGill's house and blacksmith shop. The tanyard on Washington street, now owned by Joseph Burgoyne was "sunk" as early as 1820, by a man named Crampton. A number of dwelling houses were built, and even at that early day the hamlet of New Paris bade fair to become a thriving town. For a time more business was transacted in Paris than in the neighboring town of Richmond. A very extensive business was carried on by Chadwick's pork packing establishment, which was situated just north of the store of Means & Johnson. For a number of years more pork was packed in New Paris than in any neigh- boring town. Afterwards George Vaneman purchased the business, and engaged in the packing of pork on Main street, on the left of where the depot now stands.

ADDITIONS

were made from time to time as the population in- creased. On March 26, 1829, James Fleming and L. Ginger added sixteen lots to the north part of town.

Peter Scott surveyed fourteen lots for S. J. H. Ireland, September 26, 1829, and the plat of the addition was recorded and acknowledged on the tenth of October.

An addition of sixteen lots, comprising the southeast part of New Paris, was presented for acknowledgment October 31, 1822, by S. J. H. Ireland.

The fourth addition to this rapidly growing village was made by Samuel Mitchell, October 31, 1832. This addition comprised twenty-six lots, situated in the south- west quarter of section twenty, immediately north and east of the second and north addition.

John F. Ireland, better known as Fielding Ireland, added fourteen lots at the south end of the main cross street near the addition made by S. J. H. Ireland and Robert McGill. The plat of this addition was pre- sented July 14, 1835. There is a record of the addi- tion of forty-two out-lots in 1866, and in October, 1870, and lots twenty-eight and thirty were subdivided into seven lots, by John F. Ireland. During the years 1870-2, three additions were made-two by the assig- nees of Beam and Jay, and the executors of John F. Ireland.

On June 21, 1879, Henry O. Hutton made an addi- tion of in-lots from No. 184 to 203.

The lots thus added have been bought from time to time by enterprising citizens who have erected substan- tial, and in many instances, handsome residences.

Washington street is the north and south thoroughfare, with High street on the east running parallel with it from Main, which crosses Washington street at right angles, and runs thence east and west. Walnut street to the north and Cherry to the south of Main street, are its parallels. These streets are broad, clean, and well shaded with rows of ornamental trees. They are gener-

ally well supplied with good sidewalks, and are lighted a night by numerous street lamps.

The location of the town was most fortunate. Down in the valley, protected but not shut in by high hills, the spot in which it is situated is by nature attractive, and the skill of the artisan has added finishing touches which have made the view more picturesque.

Little did the founders of New Paris dream that they were laying out their town right in the path which would in later years be chosen by the iron horse as he rushed up the valley. But as good fortune would have it, the little town was right in the way of two railroads owned by the great Panhandle company. The Dayton & West- ern branch was built about the year 1851, and prior to 1860 the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapo- lis branch connected New Paris with great cities east and west, and the business enterprise of the place re- ceived a new impetus when it heard the shrill whistle of the locomotive.

Situated in a good farming region, it was natural that the markets made accessible by the railroads be supplied with the products of the broad acres all around, and it was also natural that New Paris, the principal town, should become the center of this growing trade. The Dayton & Western road built a warehouse, and one was put up north of it, by Beam and Jay, and is now owned by Thomas J. and J. S. Smith, and run by Robert Richie. The shipping business is quite extensive.

Nature has been very kind and provident, and as if foreseeing that a town would some day be built in the vicinity, has well stored the earth with strata of lime- stone peculiarly fitted for the manufacture of the best lime, and well adapted to building purposes; and but a short distance below town the copious fountains of water are impregnated with healing power. The lime- stone quarries, and the Cedar springs near by are the natural resources of the wealth and health of New Paris.

INCORPORATION.

So rapidly did the little hamlet of New Paris grow into a thriving village that the citizens thought best to petition for an act of incorporation, and accordingly in the year of our Lord 1832, and in the fifteenth year of the village, New Paris became a regularly incorporated village, by a special act of the legislature of 1831-2. An order for an election of village officers was issued, and Lewis Davis, esq., was declared mayor, and at once proceeded to manage the affairs of the village. The earliest records have been lost, and the full list of officers elected at the first election can not be given; but it is known that the chief executor of the decrees of Mayor Davis was R. S. Tillman, the first marshal. As nearly as can be ascertained, the following men have officiated as mayor of New Paris since Lewis Davis: John G. Jameson, David J. Cottom, John Cowgill, David J. Mauzy, Peter Fleming, R. S. Tillman, Levi Johnson, A. P. Johnson, John F. Ireland, R. F. Thompson, L. W. Richey, eleven years, Alfred Calkins, Jacob Middaugh, and perhaps others whose names have not been ascer- tained. The present mayor is L. W. Richey, who was

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re-elected in 1880. He was elected mayor in 1865, and held his office eleven years. He is also justice of the peace for Jefferson township, and attends to his respec- tive duties at his office in New Paris. The other corpor- ation officers are: Timothy Cronin, James Dwyer, Pat- terson Sawyer, Joseph Burgoyne, Joseph Wrenn, and David Rayburn, councilmen; W. G. Hahn, treasurer; S. V. Henkle, clerk; J. T. Cox, marshal; and William Patterson, street commissioner.

The population of New Paris is about eight hundred and thirty-five.

THE SCHOOLS OF NEW PARIS

are as old as the village, and have improved even more rapidly. Enterprise in a people is proof of intelligence, and the growth of these two necessary elements of success is simultaneous. The first school-house in New Paris was situated on the branch on the east side of where the railroad now is, in the western edge of town. It was a building of the primeval days of education, but in the little log school-house some of the leading citizens of New Paris received the rudiments of a common-sense education. Many men who are living in New Paris to- day remember with tender interest that this was the place where they got their first insight into the three mysterious R's-Readin' ' Ritin' and ' Rithmetic. At that time geog- raphy and grammar were considered the higher branches.

In a few years it was thought best to build a larger and better school house, and accordingly a frame build- ing was erected nearly opposite where the Christian church now stands. This building contained two rooms, and was considered quite a fine school-house. But edu- cation was making rapid strides towards the higher planes of learning. The high school system was being estab- lished in every village, and studies which had but re- cently been prominent only in the curricula of colleges, became the delight of hundreds who never expected to enter college hall. Nor did the people of New Paris sneer at the high school system, but showed their good faith in it by erecting, in 1868, a commodious brick building, part of which is used by the High school. This building is located in the eastern part of town, in a large and well shaded yard. In 1878 the west side of the building received an addition, and the whole was remod- elled, and is now eighty feet long and forty-seven feet wide.

Abner Hahn, a graduate of Otterbein university, at Westerville, Ohio, is the superintendent of the schools, and principal of the High school.

The course of the High school is divided into two years of three terms each. The studies embraced in the first year are: Geometry, natural philosophy, algebra, Latin, Greek lessons, trigonometry, English analysis, and physical geography; those of the second year are: Chem- istry, rhetoric, Constitution of the United States, Greek analysis and Greek Testament, geology, astronomy, men- tal philosophy, botany, and political economy. Rhet- orical exercises are given throughout the entire course. There is a good preparatory course.

There are four intermediate departments, respectively

presided over by John A. Moore, W. V. Henkle, Miss Julia Kesler, and Miss Minnie Ireland. There is a large country patronage to this flourishing school.

The board of education is as follows: Jacob Mid- daugh, president; I .. W. Richey, secretary; W. A. Mc- Whinney, treasurer; remaining members, Timothy Cro- nin, Dr. Haynie, and William G. Hahn.

FELLOWSHIP LODGE, NO. 108 FREE AND ACCEPTED MA- SONS.

The Masonic order is well represented in Jefferson township by the above named lodge. The charter mem- bers were: Thomas K. Peebles, Lewis Davis, James Sampson, James M. Knox, Thompson Fleming, and W. B. Schenck. The date of dispensation was November 1, 1839. At the first meeting the following officers were in- stalled: Thomas K. Peebles, first worshipful master; Frederick Bowers, first senior warden; Lewis Davis, first junior warden; James Sampson, treasurer; James M. Knox, secretary; Thompson Fleming, senior deacon; William Ireland, junior deacon; Darius Shaw, tyler. John L. Davis, and Samuel W. Richey became members soon after the first meeting. The latter is still living.

The charter granted was dated October 21, 1841, at Lancaster, Ohio, and signed by W. J. Reese, grand mas- ter; W. B. Phrall, deputy grand master; Isaac C. Cope- land, senior grand warden; John M. Barrere, junior grand warden; and was attested by J. D. Caldwell, grand secretary.

Fellowship Lodge held its first meetings in the second story of a frame house on East Main street, New Paris. They continued here but a short time, when the second story of the frame building belonging to Richey and Hazeltine was leased. They continued in this building which is located on North Washington street, until 1856.

On the ninteenth of April of that year they purchased of Jeremiah C. Crampton the three story frame building on the west side of Washington street, between Main and Walnut, which building they still own and occupy.

Of the charter members Thompson Fleming is the only one living.

The lodge has prospered since its founding, and now numbers about forty members. The following is a list of the officers elected in 1880: Joseph Burgoyne, wor- shipful master; Daniel F. Woofter, senior Warden; Wil- liam R. Reid, junior Warden; Timothy Cronin, treas- urer; Patrick McGrew, secretary; David Mackey, senior deacon; George McFadden, junior deacon; Samuel Rein- hardt, tyler.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, LODGE NO. 303.

The New Paris lodge of the Odd Fellows was organ- ized about the year 1854, and is at present in a very pros- perous condition. A few years ago the Odd Fellows' building was erected on the corner of Main and Wash- ington streets. It is a handsome brick structure, and was erected at great expense. The lower part is occu- pied by stores. It is the largest and handsomest business house in New Paris. The hall in the upper part is the arcanum of the order, where they hold their meetings.

The officers of the society are: John A. Moore, noble

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grand; Joseph Wrenn, vice grand; William Smith, secre- tary; Jacob Reinheimer, treasurer.

CHURCH HISTORY.

The early settlers of this township were religious people, and the trials and hardships which they encoun- tered during their settlement in a new country only had the effect to strenghten their convictions that religion was to them a comfort and necessity. When it is remem- bered that among the earliest pioneers there was such a man of God as Elder David Purviance, it will not appear at all strange that the church was organized first, even before the township. Elder Purviance, and, in fact, nearly all of the early pioneers, were fresh from a big re- vival at Cane Ridge church, in their old county of Bour- bon, in Kentucky. Then, too, quite recently a new church had been formed of a number of dissenters from the old Presbyterian faith, and Elder Purviance and his people declared that they belonged to the

NEW LIGHT, OR CHRISTIAN CHURCH,

which Elder Purviance helped found in Kentucky. As soon as he reached Jefferson township, in 1807, he pro- ceeded to organize a church. He had the material in the sturdy pioneers that had come with him from Ken- tucky. It was customary to hold the first meetings in the grove by the big spring, just north of where New Paris now is, and where, in the year 1807, was organized the first church in Jefferson township, and one of the first churches in the county. Among the first members were the Irelands, Purviances, Flemings, and Mitchells.

Meetings continued to be held from time to time in this temple of nature's God until about the year 1820, when a house was put up near where the first meeting had been held. The house, according to the recollection of citizens of New Paris, was a structure of frame, filled in with brick, and the room ceiled with planks. Prior to this time the southern wing of the congregation became so large that it was thought advisable to organize the Shiloh church, whose history is noticed among the early churches of Jackson township.

The New Paris church continued to prosper, and, in the years 1838-39, it was a respectable and happy church -nothwithstanding there was some diversity of opinion on the subject of baptism.

In 1839 James McVey, a disciple of Alexander Campbell, came to New Paris, and ere long there was a division in the church, and henceforth the two organiza- tions were known commonly as the New Lights and Campbellites. Neither party was willing to acknowledge any sectarian name, but desired to be called Christian.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

There were only ten or twelve Presbyterians, about the year 1830, who formed themselves into a society and de- termined to have their chosen denomination represented by a church. Rev. John Ross ministered to them for a number of years. Among the first members were Adam Reid, Peyton Irvin, James Brown, members of the Mc- Vey family, and others. The church was first called the Beulah church, but the name was changed to the Pres- byterian church of New Paris, by the old presbytery of

Oxford. In 1841 Rev. Franklin Berryhill became the pastor of the flock. During the first year of his pastorate the congregation worshipped part of the time in the Chris- tian church, and part of the time in the Methodist church. Seeing the great need of a house of worship, Rev. Berry- hill stirred the people to action by a sermon from the text found in Haggai 1, 8-"Go up to the mountain and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleas- ure in it, and I will be glorified saith the Lord." Within four days after this sermon was preached the sum of four hundred dollars was subscribed. Very soon a neat frame building was put up, and soon paid for. Rev. Berryhill continued to preach to this people until, in 1851, he was compelled to resign on account of failing health, and soon after removed to Greene county. He now re- sides near Bellbrook, and is one of the oldest ministers in the presbytery at Dayton.

The last minister of the New Paris church was Rev. Da- vid H. Greene. There are now more than fifty members.

THE PUBLIC CHURCH.

About the time of the division of the Christian church at New Paris, it was deemed advisable to build a public meeting house in New Paris. The ground on which the building stands is located on East Cherry street. It was donated to the citizens of New Paris on condition that it forever be used as a place for public worship, and that people of all denominations and creeds be permitted to enjoy the privilege of holding meetings there. A neat frame building, seventy by forty feet, was put up at an expense of about one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. Of the one hundred and fourteen subscribers, eighty-three belonged to no church, and thirty-one were members of various organizations. Preachers of every belief were allowed to preach in this church, and it was and is still often used as a place for public entertain- ments, and meetings of all kinds. The Campbellite or Christian church was accustomed to hold meetings there, and a few years ago a dispute arose as to the ownership of the public church, which was decided in favor of the public.

The first trustees of the public church were, Lewis Davis, R. S. Tillman, S. W. Richey, and John F. Ireland. The donors of the ground were James and Eliza Cochren.

All of the big temperance meetings, that have been held in New Paris, are held in the old church, which is still kept in good repair.

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

was organized in the public meeting house soon after it was built. Rev. J. C. McCune, of Miamsburgh, Mont- gomery county, effected the organization. Their house of worship is new, and is considered one of the best in New Paris. It is situated on South Washington street. The old Universalist church building stood just west of the Christian church. Rev. J. V. Guthrie was the pastor for quite a number of years. Rev. C. P. Carlton was the last regular pastor. It has been thought best to do with- out regular preaching, until the building is all paid for. However, services are held every few weeks. There are about seventy members.

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METHODIST CHURCH.

Quite a number of people, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal denomination, were living in New Paris and the vicinity in the early times, but prior to the year 1840, the latter class that had been formed did not feel able to build a church. Previous to this time occasional services were held by circuit riders, who passed that way. John Cottom, James Fleming, Jr., Robert McCord and others were instrumental in organizing the church, and in building a house of worship. About the year 1840, a frame house was erected on the south side of East Main street. Since that time preaching has been regularly kept up. The first preacher was Rev. James Smith, and the present pastor is Rev. T. H. Fiddler.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH,

after failing to establish its claim to the public meeting- house, was not discouraged. The congregation, with commendable zeal, decided to build a new house of worship. Accordingly a lot was chosen on the north side of Cherry street. As soon as the necessary funds could be raised, a handsome brick building was erected. The efforts of Mr. McVey had started the church with nearly one hundred members, mostly dissenters from the New Light church. There is no regular preaching there.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Quite a number of the citizens of New Paris, especial- ly the foreign population, were staunch supporters of the Roman Catholic church, and about the year 1870, with characteristic zeal, they took steps toward the building of the church, which is a brick building standing on the south side of East Walnut street. This building, both in size and appearance, compares very favorably with the other churches of town. The church is not strong enough to support a settled priest, but is supplied from time to time by priests from the neighboring city of Rich- mond.

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

There are many colored folks in New Paris and vicin- ity, and naturally they are Methodists, and earnest ones, too. They are not so fortunate as their white brethren, and own neither house nor pastor. They hold their regu- lar meetings in the old school-house, next to the depot, and their quarterly and other big meetings, in the public church.

THE TEMPERANCE WORK.

The people of New Paris ever handled intemperance with ungloved hands. Prayers, entreaties, legal and moral suasion have all been used as weapons against the foe. Long, long ago did king alcohol receive his marching orders from an outraged people. From time to time saloons have slyly opened their doors, and every time they have been closed, and to-day there is not a saloon in New Paris.

In the spring of 1868, one George Clatterbuck started a saloon on Main street at a place called the "Yellow Cat," and after establishing himself he swore that he would stay. Though the men of New Paris are by no means backward, the ladies are always first in an on-

slaught against liquor dealers. This time the ladies took the initiative. The following ladies assembled in an in- dignation meeting: Mrs. A. W. Tibbits, the Methodist pastor's wife, Mrs. John F. Ireland, Mrs. Mary Graves, Miss Ruth Graves, Mrs. Kate Braffet, Miss Nellie Whit- ridge, Mrs. Henderson Fleming, Mrs. Frank Burtch, Miss Anna Whitridge, Mrs. Lizzie Ferris, Mrs. J. Wilson, and perhaps others whose names have not been ascer- taid. After due discussion it was thought the best plan to visit the grog shop en masse and to stay there until the proprietor should understand that his submission would be the only mode of escaping their importunity. The ladies went to the saloon in the morning and remained there all day. The ladies took their knitting and crochet- ing with them. In the evening a number of prominent gentlemen read the law to the proprietor, and ere long succeeded in purchasing his stock. The liquor was taken outside of Paris and turned out. Saturday night the defiant saloonist was initiated into the order of Good Templars. He soon afterwards started a beef shop and received the hearty support of the citizens.

During the crusade there was no saloon in Paris, and the ladies went to Richmond and assisted in the work there.

Since that time a Greenville man tried the liquor busi- ness in New Paris and had to quit.

About the year 1877 one of the drug stores in town became a resort for drinking men. Substantial citizens of the place raised a fund and determined to prosecute every violation of law. Evidence accumulated and no less than nineteen indictments were found. The trial, which was held at Eaton, attracted universal attention. On the morning that the temperance men and women left New Paris to attend the trial, the bells in town rang out "God speed." Suffice it to say that the temperance people were successful, and to-day no saloon is allowed within the corporal limits of New Paris.

John G. Whittier has celebrated in song the name and memory of Thomas Barber, who was killed in the west during the Kansas troubles. For many years he lived in the vicinity of New Paris. He and his brother had the old woollen mill in charge at the time that it was burned. He emigrated to Kansas a short time prior to the tragedy which ended his lite. While in New Paris he was in favor of the abolition of slavery, and of course he strove to be true to his new place of abode. He strove hard to help make Kansas a free State, and his life was the forfeit. Whittier thus honors Thomas Barber:

" Bear him, comrades, to his grave ; Never over one more brave Shall the prairie grasses weep ; In the ages yet to come, When the millions in one room, What we sow in tears shall reap. .

Plant the buckeye on his grave, For the hunter of the slave In its shadow cannot rest ; And let martyr, mound and tree Be our pledge and guaranty Of the freedom of the west !"

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THE PRESS

in New Paris has a history which, though rather une- ventful, deserves passing notice.

In 1844 Daniel Winder started a paper, whose name was larger than its history. The New Paris Post and State Line Sentinel was the name of this four page sheet, which was devoted to news rather than politics, and to miscellany rather than either news or politics. The paper and its editor were enterprising, but lack of patronage killed it.

Mr. Winder then started a paper bearing the signifi- cant name of Reformer. Its course, too, was short, and journalism in Jefferson township remained at a stand still.

The Amateur and the Key are of recent date, and were edited by C. W. Bloom.

At present there is no paper edited in the township.

PHYSICIANS.

New Paris has always been the medical center of Jef- ferson township. Though the general health of the peo- ple is good, and the very fountains of health are situated near town, nearly all the physicians are settled here.

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History of Preble County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches, Part 66

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages: 559

Author: H. Z. Williams & Brothers
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 559