USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Memoirs of the Miami valley > Part 66
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A permanent board of canal commissioners was organized. One of its first acts was to invite Governor DeWitt Clinton, of New York, "Builder of the Erie Canal," as a guest to attend the con- mencement of operation. Work was begun July 4, 1826, near New- ark, Licking county, Governors Clinton and Morrow turning a spade full of earth each, the same ceremony being shortly repeated at Middletown. The canal was finished from Cincinnati to Dayton and the first boats arrived at the latter place January 25, 1829. The boats were named as follows: The Governor Brown, The Farrer,
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The General Marion and The General Pike. It is needless to say that there was great rejoicing at the terminals on the arrival of these boats.
Colonel John Johnston was untiring in his efforts to extend the canal north; as a citizen of Miami county he was very anxious to extend the benefits of the canal to this community. Being one of the canal commissioners, his influence was of great importance in its final accomplishment. That the canal was extended in this direction is largely a personal achievement of Colonel John- ston.
On February 3, 1830, a bill passed the senate authorizing a survey from Dayton to the Auglaize river, stipulating the costs of a survey at $1,500, the most practicable route to be selected. Largely due to Colonel Johnston's efforts, the canal was routed through Troy, Piqua, etc. On October 22, 1832, public sale of canal lands took place at the Piqua land office, Thomas B. Van Horn acting as register and Joseph Young as receiver.
Local contractors secured a great share in this extension, among them being Brownell and Sumner, J. G. and A. C. Furrow, William Johnston and others. Samuel Davis built the locks at Lockington and A. G. Conover was a civil engineer on this work. William J. Jackson was one of the chief engineers. The work on this division was completed and the water turned in at the state dam June 30, 1837. The "Emigrant" was launched the next day with a "pas- senger list" of "seventy souls" and thus was initiated the first water traffic through Miami county.
July 4, 1837, one of the greatest celebrations Piqua has ever held was in honor of the opening of the Miami canal for traffic. There were processions and orations and general festivities. Colonel John Johnston addressed the meeting and a grand ball was held at Tamplin's hotel in the evening. Many toasts were given and re- sponded to. Among those speaking on this occasion were Colonel Johnston, General Robert Young, General Robert Lucas and Gen- eral William Henry Harrison. On this occasion there was a dele- gation of fifty or more citizens from Troy, who attended the Piqua functions in a body.
This canal served the people of Miami county for many, many years. Its usefulness justified its construction beyond the expecta- tions of its early sponsors. With the advent of the railroads and the quicker methods of transportation, canal traffic gradually dwindled and eventually was abandoned entirely.
County Schools. The first school in Miami county was organ- ized in 1813 at what is now the corner of Market and Water streets, Troy. At that time there was not even a township organi- zation. There were only fifteen children in this first school, which was considered a very good enrollment at that time, and the first teacher was Samuel Kyle. He was succeeded by John G. Clark. Somewhat later "The Academy" was built, a little brick school house on the present site of the Edwards building. The records of these very early schools are unreliable, but it is definitely known that Micajah Fairfield, who later started the Miami Reporter, taught for several years in the academy and was followed by Thomas Bar-
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rett, afterwards county judge, and by John Pettit, who took charge in 1831.
The educational development of Miami county since that period is even more remarkable than its commercial growth. From the poorest log-cabin school house and its untrained instructor, to the splendid well-equipped institution of today, with its corps of spe- cialists, is the growth of one hundred years of constant effort. The following summary is a review of Miami county schools under county supervision. The schools of Piqua, Troy and other towns will be set forth more fully in the chapters devoted to these places.
Supervision. Miami county is especially proud of its system of district and local supervision of schools. There are four large dis- tricts and five of the smaller or "4,740" districts. Only one of the large districts has an excessive number of teachers, namely, fifty- one; the other three have from thirty-one to thirty-five teachers each. As a result of this division of supervision among a number of men, the schools are closely supervised in practically every case. It has been possible to get genuinely solid results even in the one- room rural schools. In this class of schools a special effort has been made to improve methods of teaching in the lower grades with special emphasis placed on reading. As a result, the wasteful and almost worthless methods which formerly prevailed in this subject have practically disappeared from the county and have been replaced by modern methods applied daily. This change in reading methods, affecting the rural schools chiefly but also some of the villages, has undoubtedly been the greatest specific benefit derived from the close co-operative supervision. Commensurable improvement has also been made during the past four or five years in the teaching of spelling and elementary arithmetic as proven by the repeated use of Ayres and Courtis tests.
Normal Training. County Normal school was established at West Milton in September, 1914, and has proven a very successful and helpful institution. It has had an average enrollment of about twenty each year, with the average number of graduates slightly less. The method used to keep up the normal school enrollment has been personal solicitation by the county superintendent among the senior classes of the various high schools. It is a good deal more economical in the long run to train teachers in a normal school than it is to supervise those already into service into being good teachers, although the latter can be done. The percentage of teachers who have had normal training depends not only upon the presence of a county normal school, but upon the willingness or ability of boards of education to pay enough money to attract teachers with train- ing. By a constant campaign of education, the village and rural boards have been led to see that it is much better to employ a teacher with adequate normal training than to take chances on an "inexperienced" applicant. Nearly all of the boards of the county pay a higher wage to the teacher with one year normal training than to a teacher with less training, except in a case of those teach- ers who have had a number of years' experience and who have proven successful. Boards of education are usually quite willing to spend money to the limit for the best grade of teachers, once they
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are convinced that there are marked differences in the kinds of teachers to be had. As a result of the constant application of this policy, eighty teachers or fifty-three per cent of the elementary teachers in the village and rural schools of Miami county have had one year or more normal training of a recognized sort. About fifty of this number are graduates of the Miami County Normal School, while the remainder came from normal schools in other counties or from the State normals. A few of the graduates of the Miami County Normal School are teaching in other counties.
The text books used in the elementary schools are uniform throughout the entire county district, excepting the fact that two systems of primary reading are in use-the Aldins being used in the towns and the New Education being used in the rural schools.
High School. The standard of teaching in the high schools is high. All high schools, except one, are first grade and the excep- tion is planning to reach first rank in another year. The large high schools offer very liberal courses, giving many opportunities for elective studies. There are four teachers under the Smith-Hughes law, two ladies and two men. Each of these come in contact with a large number of rural pupils. A special effort has been made to make the enrollment of the high school classes as large as is reason- able in every community. Teaching of agriculture and domestic science has been stimulated not only in the high schools, but in the grades by the organization of boys and girls clubs in connection with the State University Extension Service.
Centralization. The first successful vote for centralization in this county was taken in Elizabeth township in December, 1914. There are at present three centralized schools in operation, each of them maintaining first grade high schools. During the past year four more townships have voted to centralize, all of them by a good majority, two of the majorities running as high as seventy-seven per cent. Three of these new schools are maintaining high schools. The fourth lying near Troy will continue to use Troy High School for secondary education, but will build a fine building for the eight grades. Centralization is proving to be all that is claimed for it. There has been a very marked increase of interest in school affairs as the first big result. The work of the teachers has proven much more efficient, which is shown by the fact that the centralized schools graduate about sixty-five per cent more pupils per capita from the eighth grade than do the one-room schools. One of the three cen- tralized schools in operation deserves special mention, as it is said to be the largest and best equipped rural school in Ohio.
Bethel township, Miami county school. The township lies in the southeastern part of Miami county between Tipp City and New Carlisle. It contains some of the best improved farm land to be found anywhere and is also the home of numerous fruit tree nurseries. This abundant wealth has made it possible to erect a magnificent school building at a cost of approximately $160,000 at contract prices before the United States entered the war. The build- ing is constructed of a beautiful pressed brick, with terrazza floors in all the corridors. The front entry way is especially beautiful.
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The portico is supported by gray sand stone columns. The broad stairway, just within the entry, is made of marble. Indirect light- ing system is used in all the rooms. There are eight grade rooms, six of them being on the first floor. The high school occupies all of the second floor except the rooms used by the seventh and eighth grades. The study hall is a beautiful room, seating eighty pupils. The high school recitation rooms are of different sizes and each is well adapted to its purpose. There are separate laboratories for both physics and chemistry with demonstrating and recitation room lying between the laboratories. In the basement is the agri- culture laboratory, manual training shops offering both bench work and forge work and the household art rooms. These last include kitchen, pantry and sewing room. All laboratories are fully equipped in every detail. A pressure system supplies gas so that Bunsen burners may be used. The water system is adequate for all purposes throughout the building, including the laboratories. Both the domestic science and agriculture laboratories are presided over by Smith-Hughes teachers and each laboratory is fully equipped to meet the requirements of the State Board of Educa- tion in these particulars. The pupils' seats throughout the building are Moultrap chairs. The building contains two pianos and is in every respect well furnished. The library room is especially beau- tiful and is well lighted both day and night. It contains a collec- tion of books much larger than is usually found in a public school building. It is card-catalogued and is under the charge of one of the teachers during several periods of the day. A number of magazines are taken and the reading room is proving very pop- ular.
The building contains an auditorium and gymnasium, each of which is large and well arranged. The auditorium has a seating capacity of over five hundred. The stage is ample for all purposes. Located at the rear of the auditorium is a fire-proof booth for a mo- tion picture machine, which will probably be installed in the near future. The gymnasium is thought to be the largest floor found in any school building in the county. Ample provision has been made not only for players, but spectators, as double galleries have been arranged on three sides. The floor is well finished. In connection with the gymnasium are ample shower baths. The grounds con- sist of a ten-acre tract which is beautifully situated. There is ample space for play, agriculture experimentation and community meet- ings. The latter will be held in a four-acre grove which covers a part of the school property. The whole plant has been arranged and planned with the idea of being used as an educational and social center in all seasons of the year both day and night. It is said to be as near ideal as any rural school plant in existence.
The school conducted in this magnificent plant is worthy of its quarters, from janitor to superintendent. Every employee in the building is especially adapted to the position which he or she fills. A fine corps of teachers is the result of the desire of the Board of Education to have the best and a willingness to pay the price to get it. The people of Bethel township deserve a great deal of credit for the wonderful financial and moral support which they have given
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to the cause of education and community welfare. A school so unusual is naturally receiving a great many visitors, and visitors are always welcome.
Splendid Junior Red Cross work was done by the pupils and teachers of the county schools during the war, an account of which may be found in this volume under the head of "Miami County in Red Cross Work." Mr. L. J. Bennett, who has been county superin- tendent since 1914, is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, where he earned the degrees A. B. and A. M. He later studied at Columbia University, where he took the master's degree. Before occupying his present position, he was superintendent of schools in Covington, Ohio.
Early Banking. The old State banks have outgrown their use- fulness, a new era of banking was ushered in with the advent of our National and State chartered banks and savings institutions. Prior to the old State banks, currency was as fluctuating as a "grain exchange" when the "bulls and bears" are at death grip. Part of the wisdom of the early merchants consisted in being informed on the latest value of currency.
All this uncertainty of the "wild cat" banking days retarded the stability of business in general and it was not until the institu- tion of sound banking laws that the country began to stride for- ward commercially.
Bank failures during early days seems to have been a pastime and the currency issued was as questionable as the beautifully engraved "wild cat" oil stock is today, in fact, the security behind the banks of that time was frequently less than the real assets of the worst oil fakes of today. The State banks remedied the situation to a great extent. The gradual evolution of the new banking system, which has, with many improvements, continued to this time, solved the currency question and methods of exchange for all time to come.
Among the early banks to be established in Miami county was the Piqua National bank, established in 1847. First organized as the Piqua branch of the State Bank of Ohio, the First National of Troy was established in 1863 as successor to the Miami county branch of the State bank, founded in 1847.
In 1871 the Miami County bank was established, later becom- ing the Troy National bank. A more detailed history of banks and banking in Miami county will be found in the sketches of Troy, Piqua and other towns.
Miami County Journalism. Prior to 1820 there was no means of news dissemination in Miami county. Communication was indeed slow; newspapers from other parts reached the community many days after publication. Very little news of general interest was received at the settlement as most of the papers received confined their general news to Congressional doings. Indeed, almost all news of interest was passed along by word of mouth. Every stranger was a source of news supply and generally regaled his hearers with the happenings along his journey, what he heard and what he saw, etc. Oftentimes a gullible public was feasted on strange and impos- sible yarns by these early "news" vendors. However, new arrivals, traders and wayfarers were called upon to furnish the latest news,
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thus serving the needs of the community until the advent of the newspaper. About 1820 the first newspaper was established in Miami county, William R. Barrington, from Philadelphia, estab- lishing "The Piqua Gazette." A more detailed story of the develop- ment of newspapers in Miami county will be found in the sketch of Piqua and Troy.
Physicians. Possibly in no other profession has so complete a change in method been made as in medicine in the last hundred years. In the last five years, under the impelling demands of the war, inventions that seem almost to revolutionize surgery have been made, and the efficiency of the entire profession has increased in leaps and bounds. Not only have scientists been able to provide curatives for disease, artificial limbs to replace shattered legs and arms, but have, by means of antitoxins and vaccinations, prevented the spread of malignant diseases that otherwise would have caused infinite numbers of deaths. When the first men came to Miami county the only resources to medical aid was the overworked coun- try "doctor" who, mounted on horseback with his saddle bags hang- ing on either side, rode over almost impassable roads to the aid of the isolated sufferers. No more heroic figure can be painted than the pioneer doctor, for early and late, day and night, in fair weather and foul, he traveled weary miles in the interest of humanity. As good as were his intentions, however, methods at that time were so primitive that many a person got well in spite of the doctor's aid rather than because of it. Of course, everyone is familiar with the bleeding process that was supposed to be the panacea for all ills, which probably cost the life of as many persons as it saved. Anesthetics were unknown and the crude surgery of the day must have caused untold pain and suffering. Germs were as yet undis- covered and the necessity of segregation of patients suffering from contagious diseases was not realized. Epidemics of typhoid and small pox sometimes would leave a community almost depopulated, for in spite of all their care, ignorance of natural laws caused a tragic spread of the disease.
One of the earliest physicians in Miami county was Dr. Henry Chapeze, who came to Ohio in 1814 from his former home in Ken- tucky. He built a brick office on the corner of Wayne and Water streets in Piqua. In 1820 Dr. John O'Ferrall joined him and they worked hard to take care of the sick in the community. Other doctors in the early history of Piqua are: Drs. Jackson, Teller, Jorden, Hendershott and Worrall.
Of the Troy physicians, none stands out so prominently in the early days as Dr. Asa Coleman, who was born in Glastonbury, Conn. In 1811 he came out to Troy where he became identified with church and civic affairs and was known as a valuable citizen apart from his renown as a doctor. He enlisted in the War of 1812 and was made a lieutenant-colonel in 1818. At one time he was representative from Miami county and also an associate judge. He died in 1870. In 1850 his son, Dr. Horace Coleman, opened an office in Troy, but later became examining surgeon in the United States Pension Office in Washington. Other doctors of past fame are Dr. Alfred Potter of Casstown, Dr. G. Volney Dorsey of Piqua, Dr. William Patty of
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Newton township, Dr. Isaac S. Meeks of Lost Creek township, Dr. De Joncourt, Drs. Abbott, Telford and Sabin of Troy.
The Miami County Medical Society, which was organized some fifteen years ago, enrolls most of the doctors of Miami county. At the regular meeting, December 5th, at the Piqua club, the follow- ing officers were elected: President, L. A. Pearson ; vice-president, R. O. Spencer; secretary-treasurer, J. F. Beachler; State delegate, J. E. Murray. The members enrolled at present are: Drs. A. J. Bausman, S. N. Bausman, J. N. Baker, J. Barker, W. Coleman, J. R. Caywood, Van S. Deaton, E. B. Davis, A. B. Frame, S. D. Hartman, G. Carrie, H. W. Kendall, B. J. Kendall, Ada L. Malick, J. E. Mur- ray, R. M. O'Ferrall, H. Pearson, W. R. Thompson, T. M. Wright, I. C. Kiser, H. E. Shilling, L. A. Ruhl, J. Eichelberg, C. W. Baus- man, C. A. Hartley, C. R. Coate, J. Prince, G. C. Ullery, M. Bru- baker, F. Keener, C. E. Hetherington, J. F. Beachler, Chas. Baker, I. Trout, O. Stultman, P. L. Snorf, J. Funderberg.
Miami county has reason to be proud of the response made by its physicians during the war. When the urgent call for doctors came many offered immediately and although all who volunteered were not called, the following were chosen for service: F. W. Thomas, E. M. Clark, M. R. Haley, Robert Kunkle and E. A. Yates from Piqua; L. N. Lindenburg, J. S. Shinn from Troy; Judson Teeter from Pleasant Hill, and J. H. Warvel of Bradford.
Miami County Dental Association. The Miami County Dental society is included in the Western Ohio Dental society as a part of the Ohio Dental association. The Western Ohio division includes Miami, Darke and Shelby counties. This branch of the State organi- zation was formed in 1914, and Piqua was the place of meeting desig- nated for future meetings-unless otherwise decreed by vote. Be- sides the executive officers, the constitution required the election of one vice-president from each of the counties represented. The present officers are Dr. A. A. Davis of Troy, president; Dr. F. A. Mccullough of Troy, secretary and treasurer. The vice-presidents are Dr. J. J. Little, Darke county ; Dr. V. W. Bedford, Shelby county ; Dr. E. G. Eddy, Miami county.
Miami County Bar Association. A number of years ago a bar association was formed in Miami county. This, however, ceased to be active and for many years lay dormant. It was not until 1914 that an active organization of the bar of Miami county was effected. At that time G. T. Thomas of Troy was elected president and F. C. Goodrich was elected sceretary.
On April 11, 1901, a banquet was held by the bar association in Piqua that will long linger in the memories of those present. The toastmaster on this occasion was A. F. Broomhall of Troy. The responses were made as follows: Early Bench and Bar, Major Stephen Johnston, Hon. H. M. Jones and Hon. J. F. Mckinney ; The Early Troy Bar, Hon. J. W. Morris; Early Prosecuting Attorneys, Judge H. H. Williams; Probate Judges of Miami County, Judge W. C. Johnston ; Miami County Lawyers as Legislators, Hon. T. B. Kyle; Lawyers in Journalism, Capt. E. S. Williams.
In his response, the venerable M. H. Jones, dean of the Miami county bar, recalled his early life as a lawyer and reviewed the early
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bench and bar of Miami county and famous trials of that period. Mr. Jones recalled that he was admitted to the bar on May 11, 1848, by the old supreme court at Cincinnati and was examined by a com- mittee composed of Judge Salmon P. Chase, Judge Timothy Walker, author of "American Law," and Judge Coffin. "After this examina- tion," Mr. Jones continued, "buying a few law books, I took passage on the canal packet under command of Capt. W. J. Downs of Piqua, where I arrived without a dollar in my pocket. There were then practicing in Piqua Col. James H. Hart, Samuel S. Mckinney and Gordon N. Mott. Two or three years later came Maj. S. Johnston, J. F. Mckinney and James T. Janiver. In Troy there were active in practice then, Daniel Grosvenor, George D. Burgess, Ebenezer Parsons, William I. Thomas, Harvey G. Sellers, Charles Morris, George H. Aylesworth and Henry B. Smeltzer."
Mr. Jones recalled many amusing anecdotes of early practice and described the characteristics of many of the figures of the bench and bar of early days.
"Our supreme court at that time," said Mr. Jones, "was com- posed of five judges who traveled to every county in the state an- nually, two being a quorum, and generally traveling together in a buggy. On one occasion the court came to Troy in their buggy in the evening, went to the court house and got the papers in all the cases from the clerk, read them and considered them in their room at the hotel that night, decided them, putting a slip in each package announcing their decision, took them back to the clerk before break- fast next morning, called his attention to their decision, and told the clerk to tell the lawyers when they came in, and after an early breakfast started in their buggy to 'hold court' in the next county. You can imagine the pious ejaculations of the lawyers when they 'came into court' to try their cases."
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