The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 47

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051

USA > Ohio > Miami County > The History of Miami County, Ohio > Part 47

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Besides these, Troy has corn shellers with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day ; malt establishment, patent medicine establishments, and various other indus- trial enterprises.

Hydraulics were incorporated under a certificate filed March 5, 1866, and signed by William B. McClung, W. H. H. Dye, C. H. Culbertson, Elias Skinner, John D. Meredith, Samuel Davis, C. N. Hoagland, C. D. Coolidge, H. H. Culbert- son, John Masserman and M. G. Mitchell ; whereby they became a joint stock hy- draulic and manufacturing company, the principal object being to furnish Troy with water.

At the organization, W. B. McClung was elected President ; S. R. Harter, Treasurer ; L. T. Dillaway, Secretary ; John Knoop, S. R. Harter, N. Smithers, E. Holden, L. T. Dillaway, H. G. Sellers, H. Coleman, J. C. McCaig and W. B. Mc- Clung. A statement made by the President April 20, 1870, showed that $19,500 had been subscribed by fifty-nine names. A canal was dug from above the lock at Farrington's mill and distillery, terminating in a reservoir west of Troy, canal being thirty-five feet wide at the top, and twenty at the bottom, five feet deep, and fall of three inches to the mile, and four and one-half miles long. The reservoir is to be walled in by embankments of solid masonry, with face set in hydraulic cement. John Knoop being the principal stockholder, the property finally went into his hands, and after his death was purchased of his heirs by L. Hayner, the present owner.

The first foundry was built in 1838, by John Smeltzer, and afterward sold to Elisha T. Harker, who ran it till 1844, when he took in Orbison, then continued it till 1847, and sold to Brandruff.

Richard and Dana Shilling went into the firm till 1849, when Shilling sold out to them. Brandruff and Richard bought it all, then sold out to Shilling Brothers in 1850, who built and run it under name of Shilling & Brother for seven years. Since that time Dana Shilling is the head of the firm ; runs four or five hands ; brass casting, custom work and machinery of all kinds.

THE PRESS OF TROY.

It is believed the first newspaper in Troy was started in 1822, under the name of Miami Reporter, Micajah Fairchild, publisher .. In 1828 it passed into the hands of John T. Tullis, who published it about eight years, when it was purchased by N. C. Langdon, who in turn sold it to H. D. Stout in 1841. The paper then passed into the hands of Furnas & Little, who, with one Hunter, conducted it till 1852, when it was transferred to Marven & Munson, of whom it was bought in 1855, when it was finally purchased by E. C. Harmon in 1857, who continued its publi- cation until it ceased in 1869.

The Miami Union issued its first number January 1, 1865, under the control of J. W. Defrees, editor and proprietor. February 28, 1871, the entire establish- ment, including a valuable library, was destroyed by fire, the only vestige left to the editor being a lead pencil and note book. Mr. D. immediately resumed publi- cation in the job office of E. C. Harmon, and in March, 1871, came out with an enlarged sheet all the better from its phoenixian experience. In politics, it is Republican. S. S. Defrees, son of J. W., is local editor. This sheet has a very wide circulation and is quite popular.

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Troy Sentinel (Democratic) was begun in 1878, under the supervision of J. A. McConaley, subsequently passing into the hands of J. Manfred Kerr, who con- tinued it until March 4, 1880, when it was discontinued.

The Troy Imperial .- The material, fixtures, etc., of the Sentinel, were pur- chased by the Imperial Publishing Company shortly after its discontinuance, and on the 3d day of April, 1880, the first number of the Imperial was issued; A. Kaga, editor, Ed. J. Scott, manager; office Pearson's block, second floor ; Democratic. This paper is a synonym for neatness, and the proprietors are courteous gentlemen. The Troy Weekly Bulletin was started January 1. 1875, by William H. and Cal Bidlac, and, after a short existence, was discontinued. Republican in politics.

BANK8.

First National Bank, successor to the Miami County Branch of the State Bank, established in 1863. President, Asa O. Coleman ; Cashier, John C. Culbert- son; Board of Directors, Asa Coleman, Jacob Knoop, J. L. Meredith ; subsequent Cashiers, Daniel Brown, L. Hayner, S. R. Harter, H. W. Allen. Cash capital, $200,000. In 1865, H. W. Allen was elected President and Daniel Smith successor to Meredith, deceased; Jacob Rohrer, Vice President; Board of Directors, Jacob Rohrer, S. R. Harter, Horace Coleman, S. R. Statler, George Ziegenfelder, Cyrus T. Brown and H. W. Allen. Bank in good standing at present.

Miami County Bank, established by W. H. H. Dye & Sons, June, 1871, suc- ceeded by the Miami County Bank, June 17, 1879. W. H. Weekly, President ; Noah Yount, Cashier. Cash capital, $50,000. In a flourishing condition.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Church was organized about 1815. Preachers, Bascom, Finney, Elliot, William Raper. Services were conducted in a log house ten or twelve years. In 1823, the present parsonage was built. The present church was built about 1840; during 1863, it was remodeled and improved, and is at present worth about $15,000.

The Episcopal Church was organized May, 1831. Rev. Ethan Allen was the first preacher. The number who signed the articles of association was thirty-six, six of whom are now living. Allen preached about twenty-seven years, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Guyon, who presided three years. A cottage was donated by Dr. Asa Coleman, in 1833, on Franklin street. A church was built the same year, a comfortable brick, 52x32, on a lot 66x48. No regular Pastor now. The church has suffered from emigration and death. Before the church building was erected, services were held in the court house, Methodist Episcopal Church, and various other places. The church was consecrated November 10, 1835, by Bishop McIlvain, and called Trinity Church. Numbers about thirty members. Dr. Reifer is the only one living in Troy who signed the original articles of association.

Christian Church .- On the first Sunday in October, 1856, Elder James Maple preached for the Missionary Board of the Miami Christian Conference in the court house. The board pledged themselves to furnish a preacher, provided a suitable place of worship could be secured, which was done, in hiring the court house until August, 1857. Elders Maple, Mckinney, McWhinney, Barghdury, Simonton and Dougherty were among the early preachers. August 10, 1857, at a meeting of the members, a subscription was raised amounting to $308, to support a minister, the ensuing year enlarged to $521, when the services of Elder Mckinney were secured for $400 per year, preaching twice a month at Mayo's Hall.

The church was organized August 23, 1857, with twenty-seven members. The present building was finished August, 1863. Members, 132. Sunday school, 159. November, 1865, the Christian Missionary Society was organized with the object of bringing poor children into the Sunday school. Elder J. P. Watson was called to the pastorate in 1870, and so continues to the present. Its members now number about 400, and Sunday school 200, and the church and all its adjuncts are in a prosperous condition.

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Presbyterian Church .- The first services were held in an old brick schoolhouse, in 1818, by George Burgess, the first minister employed, two years of which he preached in the schoolhouse ; he also organized a church at Piqua. Sometimes preaching was held in the court house. In 1826, they built a honse on Franklin street, in which Mr. Coe preached till 1837, after which, one Harrison presided until the division of Old and New School took place, when the property was sold, and money divided, and then services were held in the new court house till 1839. Mr. Rice preached the first sermon to the New School. The new church was built in 1839, on Franklin street. Rice preached in a frame. The new brick was begun in 1859, and finished in 1863. Calhoun came in 1862, and preached three or four years, when the New and Old Churches united in 1863 or 1864, after which Daniel Tenney preached till 1866. Difficulties occurring, A. W. Cloaky took his place till 1868.

German Lutherans .- The German Lutherans began about 1841 to hold meet- ings in various places. Six families in the beginning. Among the first ministers were Mr. Klap, Doepken and Eidemiller. Mr. Smither and Barker donated the ground for the first church ; Sabbath school was cotemporaneous with the church. G. H. Hinderer preached in the old church from 1858 till 1869, when the congregation, then numbering nearly 100, divided, after which he held services in the Episcopa- lian Church for one year, then bought the old Presbyterian Church. About fifty members at present ; Sunday school every Sabbath, forty to seventy-five scholars ; also prayer-meeting every two weeks.

"A Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at a called meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Rev. T. Boyle, February 23, 1874. The first succeeding services were held in the small hall of Mr. Dye, on the 1st of March following. For some time the church was without a Pastor, and prayer-meetings only were held, and sometimes class-meetings. Shortly, Rev. John Downs was engaged for a year, when the membership amounted to forty. The next Pastor was Rev. D. W. Heston, who was succeeded by Charles W. Washington, who in turn was succeeded by Daniel Tucker, the present Pastor.

A building was erected in 1876, and completed in 1879, at a cost of $625, called Richard's Chapel.

Baptist Church .- March 27, 1834, a meeting was had at the old church, corner Franklin and Cherry streets, with Elder J. L. Moore in the chair, J. W. Meredith, Clerk, at which a committee was appointed, consisting of J. L. Moore, Elijah Counts and Amariah Smalley to prepare articles of organization ; at a subsequent meeting, May 9, 1834, the organization was completed with thirty-one members. J. L. Moore was chosen the first Pastor, June 21, 1834, E. Counts and A. Smalley, first deacons ; preaching, semi-monthly. February 10, 1838, E. French was Pastor.

August 11, 1838, Rev. Samuel Hervey was Pastor for three months.

November 18, 1838, Elder Z. Eaton was called. The present incumbent is W. E. Stanley.

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Troy, Ohio, was organized in 1838, by Rev. M. M. Clark, with a membership of twelve ; present membership sixty. Church build- ing has been twice enlarged, and is now worth $1,500. Sabbath school of seventy scholars and eight teachers. Rev. William Johnson present Pastor.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The Fire Department of Troy was organized in the fall of 1857. The com- pany consisted of about seventy-five members, fifty of which belonged to the Mo- hawk Company, and the remainder to the hose carriage. Jack Julian was the first foreman of the department. The present officers are : John Weatherhead, Chief of the Fire Department, and Jesse Shilling, Chief Engineer and General Manager ; George Myers, Assistant Chief Engineer. There are now two steamers in the company, viz., the Troy and the H. S. Mayo, the former having cost $7,200, and the latter $5,000 ; also one hook and ladder truck worth $890, and 2,000 feet of hose. The force is a very efficient one, and in the most serious fire which has

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occurred since the company was organized, in 1871, they succeeded in saving as much property as would have paid for all previous outlays of the company.

TOWN HALL.

The town hall is one of the best buildings to be found, in a town the size of Troy, perhaps, in the State. The lot upon which the building stands cost $10,000, and the hall was erected at a cost of $50,000. The furniture is excellent, and the stage and scenery compare favorably with far more pretentious structures.

SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.

Franklin Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M .- Dispensation issued January 10, 1812. Charter issued at Chillicothe, January 5, 1815. Alexander Ewing, Asa Coleman, Jacob Mann, Robert Morrison, William Gahagan, John McKinney, C. Wolverton, Benjamin W. Langley and Peter Felix. First meeting January 12, 1812. Alex- ander Ewing, first W. M.

Franklin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 24 .- Charter granted at Lancaster, Ohio, October 22, 1841, to James H. Briston, George Keifer, Levi Ross, Asa Coleman, Caleb West, Jonathan Crozier, Jonathan Mahen, Aaron Tullis, Oliver Vantryle, R. C. Langden. James H. Briston, first High Priest.

Franklin Council, R. & S. M .- Charter issued at Columbus, Ohio, September 18, 1847. George Keifer, Asa Coleman, Oliver Vantryl, Thomas Jay, Thomas J: Line, David J. Smith, J. W. Kells, J. N. Walter, Joshua Boucher, S. E. Hestler. George Keifer, first Th. Ill. G. M.

Coleman Commandery, No. 17, K. T .- Dispensation issued at Cleveland Nov- ember 3, 1868. Charter granted October 15, 1869. First Eminent Commander, James Nesbitt.

SCHOOLS OF TROY.

In 1804, the population of what is now Concord Township, consisted of but three families, so that the necessity of public schools did not make itself apparent until several years later. In 1813-14, the first school in Troy was taught by Mr. Samuel Kyle, in a log house situated on the corner of Market and Water streets ; this edifice, by no means noted for architectural beauty, was without floor or win- dows. The town at this time was small, and the roll-book showed an attendance of about twelve pupils. The next schoolhouse was more pretentious in some respects, and the seekers after knowledge were here presided over by John G. Clark, in 1816. As was the custom on such occasions, when Christmas came, Mr. Clark proceeded to " treat, " but, instead of offering the scholars the sweetmeats usually provided for that purpose, he gave them something more stimulating, in the shape of whisky, diluted slightly with sugar and water, which was partaken of in such quantities that many of the pupils learned from personal experience what they had formerly known only from hearsay, viz., the pleasurable emotions which thrill the whole being of a man when for the first time he becomes tipsy. Mr. C. was a very eccentric individual, and punished his pupils in a variety of ridiculous ways, one of which was by splitting a goosequill, and flipping the nose of the offending youth with this torturous instrument, till he frequently roared with pain. After this a small brick building was erected on Main street, where the Edwards Schoolhouse now stands ; for this purpose, a public subscription was raised, and the house known as " The Academy" was built, consisting of a single room. The teachers were all paid by subscription. Rev. Micajah Fairfield was the village teacher in 1826, and, after filling the responsible position faithfully for two years, was succeeded by Thomas Barrett, who afterward served as County Judge. In 1831, John Petit had charge of the school ; this gentleman subsequently moved to Indiana, where he became a prominent man, and, removing to Kansas, he became United States Senator, and afterward United States District Judge. From 1836 to 1841 inclusive, the basements of the Episcopal and Baptists were respectively

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filled up and used for educational purposes. Uriah Fordyce taught in the Episcopal Church in 1837, and at the same time Hiram Brooks was teaching in the old brick house on Main street. A fine select school for young ladies was taught by Miss Mary Barney in 1838. George D. Burgess taught from 1839 to 1841, at $100 per quarter, this was increased in time to $225 per quarter, part of which was paid by subscription. Mr. B. taught the boys only, the girls were put under the care of Miss Altazera Eaton, who subsequently married Rev. T. P. Childs. Mr. F. W. Burgess, brother of George D. Burgess, taught some time in 1841. Besides the common branches, Mr. B. organized and taught classes in algebra, geometry and Latin. In 1842, Robert Mccurdy taught in a small build- ing in the rear of the Presbyterian Church, and after that in a private house, then the property of Messrs. Grosvenor & Clark. About this time the upper story of the old Presbyterian Church was fitted up and used for school purposes. Mr. Irving Gales taught there in 1843, during which time he was assisted by Mr. Osgood, who afterward became a Presbyterian minister; Miss Anna Jones also assisted Mr. Gates during the same time. This school was continued under the supervision of Mr. Gates, till the organization of the graded system under the law of 1849. While Mr. Gates was teaching this school, another one was in progress in the Wesleyan Church, under the charge of Mr. Bement. These schools were supported by rival factions, and the animosities of the parents were shared to some extent by the children. Mr. Bement's pupils called those of the other school "Gate's Hinges." How the compliment was returned, neither tradition nor history informs us, but no doubt it was delicately reciprocated in some appropriate manner.

Benjamin F. Powers, afterward a prominent factor in educational matters, taught the school in 1832, and in 1833-34-35, a flourishing school was kept by an Irishman, who went through the world with the appropriate name of Walkup. In 1835-36, G. A. Murray taught in the Episcopal Church. He was assisted in his labors by his sister, who afterward became Mrs. Ressler. E. P. Coles taught in the Coolidge house, otherwise known as Fort Meisinger, in 1842-43. He paid attention principally to the higher branches, the principal features of one of his exhibitions being a Latin oration, delivered by Augustus Coleman, who served as a Colonel in the late rebellion, where he was killed. In 1846-47, a school was carried on in the old Wesleyan Church by Minor W., a son of Micajah Fairfield, and in 1845-46, a school was also carried on by Rev. Edmund B. Fairfield, who afterward became President of the State Agricultural College of Pennsylvania. He was assisted by his sister Sarah, who became the wife of Dr. N. S. Norton. As these early schools are not a matter of record, it is exceedingly difficult to give a correct history of them and their workings. Many of the teachers are most pleasantly remembered. Mr. McCurdy, especially, is spoken of as a man of broad culture, a fine scholar and most excellent instructor. Those who were his pupils in those old days never mention him but in the most laudable terms.

One of the beneficial effects of these early schools, was to prepare the mind of the public for the adoption of the " Law of Forty-nine." Under that law, a call was issued for a meeting to consider it with reference to its adoption. This call was signed by George D. Burgess, Rev. Daniel Rice, William B. Johnston, Ben- jamin F. Powers and Joseph Pearson. Several meetings were held, and the mat- ter was discussed with much enthusiasm. The matter was the common topic of conversation in the town for three weeks. At the final meeting, the law was adopted by a fair majority, and, in accordance with its provisions, a Board of Education was elected the first week of June. The first Board of Education con- sisted of the following members : Charles Morris, Rev. Daniel Rice, Benjamin F. Powers, William B. Johnston, Zachariah Riley and Henry S. Mayo. Under the successful management of these gentlemen, the schools grew rapidly in public favor. The citizens voted $6,000 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, the board at that time fearing to ask more. The present Edwards building was then commenced, and soon $2,500 were added for its completion and the fencing of the

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grounds. The school interests of Troy were very fortunate in falling into such hands as constituted the first and succeeding Boards of Education. Nor was the board less fortunate in securing the services of Mr. W. N. Edwards, of Dayton, to superintend the village schools.

The first corps of teachers with salaries, was as follows : William N. Edwards, $800 ; Jonathan Arnott, $400 ; Arnold Fenner, $400; Miss Susan Linn, $300; Miss Catherine Gaylor, $225; Miss Frances Rice, $225 ; Miss Louisa Thorne, $200 ; Miss Bishoprick, $200. The salary of Mr. Edwards was increased to $1,200. This gentleman soon gained the hearty support and confidence of the board, and, under his wise and efficient management, the schools grew rapidly into the confi- dence and affection of the people ; they committed the schools to his care till the summer of 1867, when he was removed by death. It has been said of him that "He laid the foundation of the union school so broad and deep that those who came after have had only to build in harmony with the original design." He was recognized as one of the foremost educators in the State, and was, for a time, one of the associate editors of the Ohio Journal of Education. At the public com- mencement, each year, a large portrait of Mr. Edwards forms a prominent feature in the decoration of the stage, " Being dead, he yet liveth."

Prof. H. A. Thompson, of Otterbein University, was chosen to fill the vacancy. Mr. Thompson occupied the position of Superintendent four years, during which time but few changes were made. At this period of the history, not much mental arithmetic was required. In the first and second primaries, half the children would attend in the morning, the remaining half in the afternoon. This was done on account of the rooms not being commodious enough to contain them all at once. The only objection to this arrangement was the extra work it afforded the teachers, which was quite an objection. Mr. Thompson resigned in 1871, to accept the presidency of the Otterbein University, and was succeeded by L. V. Ferris, of Vermont, an alumnus of Middlebury College, who had charge of the schools for three years. This gentleman removing to Chicago to begin the practice of law, in 1874, Mr. H. P. Ufford, of Delaware, Ohio, but at that time & teacher in Missouri, took charge of the schools. He was an excellent instructor, but, desiring to complete his collegiate course in the Otterbein University, at Del- aware, Ohio, at the end of the first year declined being re-elected. In 1875, the . Forest building, on Franklin street was completed, and occupied by Mr. John W. Dowd, formerly Principal of the Western District, in Chillicothe, Ohio, who took charge of the schools upon the removal of Mr. Ufford, and was assisted during his term by many able teachers.

Perhaps the greatest interest in school matters centers in the high school. It has ever been esteemed an honor to be numbered among its members. It was organized in 1852, at which time it consisted of seventy-five members. The course of study was not then established, and most of the pupils studied the com- mon English branches. Soon, however, there was a regular course of study, and the first class graduated in 1856. Its members were Augusta Brandriff, Diana Meeks, John W. Morris and Walter S. Thomas. The high-school course of study consisted from the first, of four years, however, a three-years course has been added for the accommodation of those who might not have time to complete the regular course ; scholars seem loath to take advantage of this privilege as yet .. The high school owns both an organ and a piano. An annual re-union of all members and ex-members is held in the Edwards building during the winter term, at which the school is opened in the usual manner, by singing, reading the Scriptures, and prayer, and calling the roll of the school from its foundation. Supper is prepared and served by members of the high school, and the evening is spent in reading letters from absent members and teachers, in listening to music, and in social enjoyment. The course of study includes four years of Latin, and, in that time, pupils are expected to become familiar with Caesar, and to read five books of Virgil's AEneid. Algebra, chemistry and geometry are studied, one year each. Physiology, physics and geology are studied two terms each. United

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States history, botany, trigonometry, Constitution of the United States, physical geography, and rhetoric are one-term studies. The last term of the senior year is spent in reviewing the common branches. Rhetorical exercises are held in high school every Friday afternoon, each member coming twice on duty, every month. The high school teachers have always been such as to give character to the school. The Superintendent has usually taught about half his time, giving the other half to supervision.

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The History of Miami County, Ohio, Part 47

Author: W. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1051

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1880
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051