The History of Warren County, Ohio, Part 63

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1081

USA > Ohio > Warren County > The History of Warren County, Ohio > Part 63

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¢ the lots in town which he had laid out were $6; they consist of a half acre of ground, and you were obliged to build a house in a certain time.

"Highway remained here, housed his goods, sold his boat, etc., and hired two wagons to take what goods they could, and, on March 4, 1797, the two wagons started, accompanied by a guide, to conduct them through the wilder-

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James Jsurgen

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ness and three or four pioneers to clear the road of trees. * And, on the 6th of March, Dr. Bane and myself started about noon, accompanied by several others in the neighborhood, some of whom were tempted by curiosity and others with a prospect of settling there. We were mounted on horses and had each a gun, and across our saddles we had a large bag containing some corn for our horses and provision for ourselves, as also some blankets. We kept the road as long as we could, and, when that would not assist us any farther, we struck out into the woods and toward sundown found ourselves about twenty miles from Columbia; here, having spied a little brook running at the bottom of a hill, we made a halt, and, kindling a fire, we fixed up our blankets into the form of a tent, and having fed both ourselves and our horses, we laid our- selves down to rest, one of us by turns keeping watch, lest the Indians should steal our horses. The next morning, Tuesday, March 7, as soon as it was day. light, we continued our journey, and the middle of the day overtook our friend

Highway almost worn out with fatigue.

* . His wagons had been overturned

twice or thrice-in fact, he related to us such a dismal story of the trials, both of patience and mind, which he had undergone, that I verily believe if the dis- tance had been much greater, he either would have sunk under it or formed his settlement on the spot. We encouraged him with a prospect of a speedy termination and the hopes of better ground to pass over, and with this his spirits seemed to be somewhat raised.

" We all encamped together this night and made ourselves as happy and comfortable as possible. My friend Highway also seemed to put on the new man, and from this and from his being naturally of a lively turn, we found that it was a great deal the want of society which had rendered him so de- sponding and out of spirits, for, after we had cooked what little refreshment we had brought with us and finished our repast, he sang us two or three good songs (which he was capable of doing in a masterly style), and seemed to take a pleasure in delaying as long as he could that time which we ought to have devoted to rest.

"The next morning, Wednesday, the 8th of March, by daylight, our caval- cade was in motion and some of the party rode on first to discover the spot, for we were traveling without any other guide than what little knowledge of the country the men had acquired by hunting over it. I could not but with pleasure behold with what expedition the pioneers in front cleared the way for the wagons. There were but three or four of them and they got the road clear as fast as the wagon could proceed. While we were proceeding on at this rate, we observed at some distance before us, a human being dart into the woods, and endeavor to flee from us. Ignorant of what this might mean, we delayed the wagons, and some of us went into the woods and tracked the footsteps of a man for some little distance, when suddenly a negro made his appearance from behind some bushes and hastily inquired whether there were any Indians in our party or whether we had seen any. The hideousness of the man's coun- tenance (which was painted with large red spots on a black ground) and his sudden appearance startled us at first, but soon guessing his situation we put him beyond all apprehension and informed him that he was perfectly safe. . He then began to inform us that he had been a prisoner among the Indians ever since the close of the last American war, and that he had meditated his escape ever since he had been in their hands, but that never till now had he been able to accomplish it. He asked us what course the nearest town lay from us, and, after telling him, he said that the Indians no doubt had been pursuing him ever since they had missed him, and that he intended to escape to the first town for protection. He said that they had used him remarkably well ever since he had been with them, treating him as one of their own children, and

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doing everything in their power to render his situation comfortable. They had given him a wife and a mother (it is their usual practice to put white people whom they wish to encourage to come among them, under the protection of some matron who is called his mother) and plenty of land to cultivate if he chose it, and the liberty of doing everything but making his escape. With all these inducements, he said he could not give up the idea of never seeing again those friends and relatives whom he left in his early days. This man, when he was taken prisoner, was a slave to a person in Kentucky, and, though amongst the Indians he enjoyed liberty and all the comforts which can be expected in a state of nature, and which were more (I may safely pronounce) than when he tasted of the bitter cup of slavery, yet was this man who so lately enjoyed all the blessings of heaven, going to render up a voluntary slave to his former master; for what? That he might there once more embrace those friends and relatives from whom he had been so long separated. We could but look upon the man with an eye of pity and compassion, after giving him something to pursue his journey with, and desiring him to follow our track to Columbia, we separated.

" About 3 or 4 o'clock the same afternoon, we had the satisfaction of seeing the Little Miami River; here we halted, for it was on the banks of this river that the town was laid out, and we were soon joined by our other companions. who had proceeded on first, and who informed us that they had recognized the spot about half a mile up the river. We accordingly went on and got the goods out of the wagons that night, so that they might return again as soon as they thought proper; and here we could not but congratulate our friend Highway upon his arrival at the seat of his new colony. He appeared heartily glad that his journey was at an end, and he seemed to eye the ground and the country about with that degree of secret pleasure which a man may be conceived to take in viewing a spot which, in point of cultivation, was to be the work of his own hands; he seemed to anticipate his labors and fancy he saw fruitful corn-fields and blushing orchards in every object he beheld, and ex- pressed a secret satisfaction in thinking he should end his days in this delight- ful country.

"The next morning, nothing was to be heard but the sound of the ax re- sounding through the woods. Every one who was expert at that art was gone out to cut down trees to build our friend a house, and before night they had got several of the logs laid and the house raised several feet. They all joined cheerfully in this work. * * While the major part were engaged in this necessary employment, Dr. Bane and myself and two of the men took our guns and a couple of axes and went bear-hunting. We had discovered marks of several in coming along, and we were now going to see if we could shoot some of them, in order to furnish ourselves with provision. * * It is easily dis-

coverable whether a tree has a hole in it, and it may also be easily ascertained whether there is a bear in it or not, for in climbing up the trees they scratch off the bark in such a manner as to leave an indelible track through the whole winter; when, therefore, the hunters have found one of the trees in which they imagine a bear to be lodged, they set about cutting it down, which those who are used to it will very soon do, and three or four of the party, with loaded rifles, will plant themselves at a little distance off, and in the direction where they expect the tree to fall. As soon as the tree comes to the ground, bruin starts from his hiding-place and endeavors to flee into the woods, but the per. son who stands nearest to the course which he is going to pursue, immediately aims his piece and most probably kills him; however, if he should only wound him, the bear will generally turn upon his attacker, and, in this case, the others come to his assistance and put an end to the contest by shooting him through the head.

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"This being a new species of diversion to me, I embraced with pleasure the opportunity of going with them to enjoy it. We had not proceeded far in the woods ere we discovered a hole in the top of a lofty oak, whose diameter was upward of three feet at the bottom. These immense trees are gen- erally those to which bears fly-in fact, no others of a smaller size could con- tain them at a height of sixty or seventy feet from the ground. We saw evi- ent traces of his claws on the bark of the tree, and it was soon resolved that the tree should come down. Accordingly, our two men set at it, and when they had nearly got through, we took our appointed stations to watch the egress of the tyrant of the woods. In a short time, the immense trunk began to give way, and, carrying all the lesser trees before it, fell with a tremendous crash upon the ground; bruin, finding his habitation in motion, began to look out be- fore it reached the ground, and, with a sudden spring, arrived there first. Im- mediately, Dr. Bane leveled his piece and shot him through the body, but only so as to wound him, and the bear began to turn on him. * * This afforded me time to come round to Dr. Bane's assistance, when I shot the animal through the head and put a period to his existence. After that we left him to out men to carry to our camp, whilst we went to discover the haunts of some others, and in this expedition we killed two or three deer and saw a great quantity of wild turkeys, so that we had not any prospect of extreme want whilst we were here. After this, we returned home and received the thanks of our party for supplying them so sumptuously with provision. This diversion I pursued as often as the weather favored almost every day I was here.

"Friday, March 31, 1797-I had now been with my friends near a month, during which time I had an opportunity of observing the steps which are taken in first settling the country. It opened quite a new field to me, as it must to every one who has never been witness to it."

(Here he enters into a lengthy description of the country, soil and timber and the progress of the settlers in building, laying out gardens, prospects, etc., which I omit.)

"Having, as I observed before, been with my friend near a month, I began to think of leaving him and pursuing my journey down the river. It was my intention to go down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans-a city in the Spanish dominions, * * and from thence to return to New York by sea. A long voyage was before me. * * I determined upon taking the early part of spring, that I might have the whole summer before me. Accordingly, as Mr. Highway was going to Columbia this morning (March 31), I determined to accompany him and to bid adieu (perhaps forever) to this little society of which I had seen the first rise. * Furnishing ourselves, therefore, with a little provision, and mounting our horses about 10 o'clock this morning, we struck into the woods. * * We proceeded on our journey, and, before the second day was closed, we reached Columbia, where Dr. Bane was expecting us."

The foregoing narrative illustrates the hardships of the early settlers in reaching the West, and is a fair illustration of nearly all. Perhaps all did not encounter the same incidients and hardships, but the majority experienced severe privations. Not so now, when all parts of the country can be reached within a short time by railroads. It may be of interest to know what be- came of Baily. On the 3d of April, 1797, he boarded a flat-boat at Cincinnati, and in that manner went to Orleans and the Southern country; returned by horseback through the country to Knoxville. Tenn., and, on the 28th of Janu- ary, 1798, boarded a ship at New York for England and arrived at Bristol March 1, 1798.

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RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES.

The Friends were the first to organize into a society. In 1800, Ezekiel Cleaver, with others, came with their families from Virginia to Red Stone, now Brownsville, in Pennsylvania, and the families remained there, and Cleaver (and perhaps some others) came to Waynesville and erected a large log house on the east corner of Miami and Third streets, resting on large logs cut and placed in the ground endway, and returned to their families. In the spring of 1801, Cleaver moved here.

Previous to 1803, the Friends organized a society, a committee of Friends coming from Red Stone to sit with them, as was then and I believe still is their custom. After the organization, meetings for worship were held at the differ- ent family residences until 1805, when they built a substantial log meeting- house, where the house of the Orthodox Friends now is.

David Brown was appointed a committee to build the house. The records of the Friends show that he built it, put in a stove and fenced in the grave- yard, and received as a compensation for building and completing the house, $65.88; the stove. $35.93, and for fencing in the graveyard, $19.

The Friends got the title to their grounds in 1808. David Pugh. Benja. min Evans. Isaac Mills. David Horner, Samuel Test and Benjamin Hopkins, were made trustees in the deed. A committee was appointed to examine the title, consisting of Joel Wright, Joseph Canby, Mordecai Walker, John Haines, Abijab O'Neall, Isaac Ward and George C. Ward.

In May, 1811, they determined to build a brick meeting-house, 40x60 feet. one story, and appointed Asher Brown and Joseph Evans, managers, and, in August following, considered the propriety of building two stories, and Jona- than Crispin was appointed an additional manager. In February, 1812, re- ported expenses were $1,195.13, and probably expense, to complete lower story for use, $400.

In May, 1812, Noah Haines, Chairman of the committee, reported total expenses, $1,278.45.

In 1813, a committee was appointed to draft a plan and finish the upper part of the house, consisting of John Stubbs, Levi Cook, Joseph Evans, Thomas Sherwood, Asher Brown, John Satterthwaite and Isaac Stubbs, which they did at a cost of about $250, making a total cost of a little more than $1,500. David Evans and wife were the first couple married there.

In the year 1870, the house was repaired and remodeled, leaving but little of the original architecture and giving it the appearance of a one-story build- ing, with a small gallery on the east side, at an expense of over $2,000.

In a division of the society in about 1828, the orthodox branch, which was in the minority withdrew and they repaired the old log house, which was badly rotted, where they worshiped until 1835 or 1836, when the old log house was taken down and the present structure erected. The Friends Graveyard on their premises in Waynesville was the first regular graveyard in the township.

A log meeting-house was erected by the Baptists on the farm of Jane Car- man, on the road from here to Dayton, at an early day. I have been informed about the year 1814.

A free meeting-house was built on the farm now owned by Rev. John Hisey. in east Wayne Township, in 1817, by subscription. As I have a copy of said subscription paper, I here give it, with the original orthography:

Feb 5th 1817

We the undersigned-to buyld a meeting house in Our neighborhood, as there is none handy, to be open and free for any society whatever. It is to be buylt on the North east corner of John Smiths land. The description of the house will be as follows : the logs to be cut & put up & then hewed down inside and out-the roof is to be framed with rafters

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& clabboards to be nailed on ; the size will be concluded upon by the subscribers-the sub- scribers will subscribe as many days work as they think proper, and if anyone chewses to pay money, they can subscribe the money to pay hands with in their stead.

Subscribers Names.

No. of Days.

John Smith, senior. .10 days

John Smith, junior.

5 days

Ezekiel Cleaver.

2 days

Alexander Stewart.

Robert Stewart. 6 days

6 days

Jacob Elmore.

4 days

Thomas Hall.

4 days

Zachariah Prater

4 days

Daniel McGregor. 2 days

John Welch ..

4 days

William Grimes.

3 days

Job Castles.

4 days

Eli Cook 2 days

Thomas Spray.

3 days

Henry J. Good. $3

The building was used by the Baptists, who organized a society there, until after 1840, when the society built a comfortable frame church across the road, which still stands, but is not much used. John Smith, who died about 1827, devised the lot where the log house stood to any society that would build upon it. A graveyard was also started on the lot and several persons buried there, when it ceased to be used.

The Methodists organized a society near Mount Holly about 1820-perhaps before-and raised a log meeting-house on Section 32, Township 4, Range 5. A graveyard was started there in which a number were buried; the unfinished house was taken down and moved near the present graveyard at Mount Holly, and was used until about 1845, when it was vacated and the present frame erected in Mount Holly. The Methodists also had an organization at Raysville at an early day, and built a log meeting-house and established a graveyard. The log meeting-house was removed and a very handsome frame built-prob- able about 1850-which was burned down and afterward the present comfort- able house erected. They have a very good society. There has been a very large number buried there, but the graveyard has almost ceased to be used.

They early organized a society in the vicinity of Waynesville, at what date I am unable to give, but previous to 1815, and their meetings were held at pri- vate houses until about 1826, when they built their first church here-a com- fortable little brick, on Outlot No. 2, on Water street, which was used until 1840, when they built where the house now stands. In 1869, the house was repaired, enlarged and much improved. In 1837, a great revival occurred amongst them under the ministration of the Rev. Mr. Harker; forty-two joined the church, and, in 1842, another noted revival took place, conducted by the Rev. J. J. Hill, when over 160 joined them.

The first permanent Sabbath school established in the township was in 1837, under the control of the Harrisons, Hendlys and other members.

In 1843, the Mormons introduced their doctrine into the township. They organized a society and quite a number were attracted to Nauvoo, most of whom returned and many of them found homes in other churches and the organiza- tion here was abandoned.

In 1850, the Regular Baptists endeavored to effect an organization, but not meeting with sufficient encouragement, the effort was abandoned.

In 1856, the Congregationalists under the preaching of the Rev. Simeon Brown effected an organization and fitted up a snug little church. The society was weak, some of the members removed, and, after an effort of two or three years, the society disbanded.

The Christians (Campbellites) made an organization and built asnug little

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church on High street, east of Main street, Waynesville, where they now w ship.

The first Episcopal service was given in Hay's Hall in April, 1869. August of the same year, the corner-stone of St. Mary's Church was laid i lot on the corner of Third and Miami streets. On Easter Thursday, 1881, edifice being finished and free from debt, the church was consecrated to worship of Almighty God by Right Rev. Thomas A. Jaggar, Bishop of South Ohio. Although there were but two communicants of the church in the nei, borhood at the time the corner-stone was laid, the communion now numt some twenty-five members, and, being free from debt and ministered to b most excellent pastor, the Rev. Charles A. Hayden, it is in a very prosper condition. The church property is probably worth $3,000. Much is due to Drew Sweet for his energy and perseverance in organizing and building this society and church.

The first Friends were principally from New Jersey and Virginia I very few years, the number was largely increased from Pennsylvania, Maryla the Carolinas and Tennessee-all attracted here, no doubt, by the reporte the character and quality of the soil, the prospect of independent homes : being free territory. The society became very large. They were a frugal, dustrious class of people, and their principles have very largely influenced people of the township. Since the division, both societies have become mi reduced.

The Friends at Waynesville contracted for their grounds, but were una to get title before 1807, when a patent for 208 acres was granted to Da Faulkner (including most of the old town plat), but they established a gra yard there as early as 1804. Previous to that there was no permanent gra yard in the township. Many family burying-grounds have at one time another been used, but all, I believe, have ceased to be used.

On the 2d day of April, 1866, the cemetery association was formed nn an act of the Legislature of the State, passed February 24, 1848, and is n the principal burying ground for quite a large district of the country.

SCHOOLS.

The citizens took an early interest in education, and, as neighborho were settled, a log schoolhouse was built with narrow openings at the si sufficient to receive a single 8x10 glass. Among the first school-teachers w Rowland Richards, who taught in a log schoolhouse in Waynesville in 18( Joel Wright, who taught at Abijah O'Neall's, in east Wayne Township, in i years 1802, 1804 and 1805; Elizabeth Wright, in 1808, and, between that a the year 1820, Joel and Allen Wright, who both taught in Waynesville; fr 1820 to 1824, Thomas Ricket taught in Waynesville: he was followed Thomas O'Brien, Horace Lathrope, Jeffrey Truman, William Butterwort John C. Whitrage, John Gilpin, Noah Leeds, Chaney Pyle and others up the year 1830.

Each district is now supplied with a good and substantial school buildi maintained at the public expense. In 1857, the Union Schoolhouse in Wayn ville was built, with George P. Brown as first Superintendent. Since ther higher order of schools has been maintained. The school is now under the 8 perintendency of Mr. George J. Graham.

PHYSICIANS.

The first physician to locate in the township was Dr. Evan Banes, who w associated with Highway in the land purchase. He came from Virginia, & tled here in 1799. He was kindly spoken of by old settlers and regarded 88

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good physician. After remaining a few years, he removed to Clark County. In 1804, Dr. Kemper, from Cincinnati; in 1807, Dr. Joseph Canby; in 1814, Dr. Martin D. Lathrope. Sylvanus Cornell informed me some years ago that he brought Dr. Lathrope with his movable effects, including a horse, from New York, down the river on a raft; that he was engaged at that time in rafting lumber to Cincinnati. Dr. Lathrope died in Waynesville in 1823. Dr. John E. Greer came here about 1823 and practiced until about 1837, when he moved to Indiana. Horace Lathrope, a nephew of the Doctor above mentioned, prac- ticed a few years with his uncle and after his death. -

TAVERNS.

James Corey, about the year 1800, put up a log building in Waynesville, on Wabash square, on Main street, and opened a house of public entertainment there (long since known as the Hammel House stand), and was probably the first to keep a house of public entertainment in the township. Previous to 1806, the premises were sold to James Jennings, from New Jersey, who continued the business and erected a frame building. As no absolute title could be given for lots until after David Faulkner got a patent for the land in 1807, in June of that year, Faulkner deeded to Jennings in that square, Lots No. 7, 8, 4 and north half of 6, for $350. I am unable to state how long Jennings continued in the business, but he was succeeded by Samuel Beck, Robert Way and Rich- ard Cunningham. In 1817, Jennings deeded the stand, including Lots No. 4, 7, 8 and parts of 3 and 6, to John Warrell, for $600. In 1822, Warrell im- proved the stand by building thereon a large brick building, and sold out and moved away in 1831. Between that date and 1841, a tavern was kept there by Keene, Barnhart & Durand, and N. McLean became the owner, and, at the date above mentioned, sold to Enoch Hammel, from New Jersey, who continued there until about 1863. In 1804, a public house was kept by a Mr. Goodwin, and the first election in the township was held at his house. In 1810, Samuel Test sold to David Hammett Lots 5 and 6, in Miami square, for $50. Mr. Hammett built a large two-story house thereon, plastered outside, with a walk around front to the second story. It was peculiar in its structure, facing three sides to the streets. A tavern was kept there by Hammett and Richard Cunningham until 1819, when it was kept by Levi Johnson, and after him by Brady. No hotel was kept there after 1824. The building will be remem- bered by the older citizens as the "Old Penitentiary."

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The History of Warren County, Ohio, Part 63

Author: W. H. Beers & Co. Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1081

Author: W. H. Beers & Co.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1081