The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 27

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926

USA > Ohio > Champaign County > The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc > Part 27

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

" Soon after Dr. Davidson's arrival, the names of Drs. Case, Collins, Men- denhall, Conkright and Bonner appear, as residents of Urbana. Dr. Collins resided here as late as 1814, for about that time he married a Miss Scott, a sister of Mrs. Byrdwhistle. Dr. Conkright married Miss Culver, sister of Miss Abi Culver, who afterward became the wife of Joshua Baldwin. The Doctor lived where Mrs. Dr. Basset's house now stands, but a frame then, owned by Judge A. R. Colwell. Drs. Davidson and Bonner were both, I believe, brothers-in-law of the late Judge Reynolds. Dr. Bonner at one time lived in the block, afterward so long owned by the late John C. Pearson, and now known as the ' Weaver House Block.'

"In 1814, Dr. Joseph S. Carter, a native of Kentucky, arrived in Urbana and located here for the practice of his profession. Dr. Carter had received a liberal education and was a graduate of the Medical Department of the Transylvania University, which, in connection with a high order of natural ability, soon en- abled him to take first rank among the ablest physicians and surgeons of Cen- tral Ohio. He remained a citizen of Urbana and continued in practice up to within a few months preceding his death, which occurred in 1852, being in the sixty-second year of his age. Dr. Obed Horr was, for a few years, associated with Dr. Carter in practice, at the end of which time he removed to Mechanics- burg, and entered upon a successful career of merchandising.

" Dr. Adam Mosgrove arrived in Urbana in the spring of 1818, and, pos- sessed of an iron constitution and undaunted resolution, soon entered upon the

253

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

large practice which he maintained up to within a few years of his death, which occurred in March, 1875. He died at the ripe old age of eighty-four, being at that time one of the oldest physicians in the Western States, and had been engaged in the arduous duties of his profession for a period of over sixty years. Drs. Carter and Mosgrove were associated together as partners in the practice of medicine and surgery for many years, and, in a large portion of Central Ohio, the names of Carter and Mosgrove were as familiar as household words.

" The practice of medicine has changed much since the earlier days of Car- ter and Mosgrove. Then money was scarce and hard to come at. Those old doctors would ride on horseback, night or day, over the muddy or frozen roads of summer or winter, and through the almost trackless forests, five, ten and fifteen miles, for the privilege of making a charge of from $2 to $3 or $4, which, after standing for years, would be settled by trade in part, and, finally, by note, which would again, in its turn, stand for years or until a new 'dicker' could be made.

"From an intimate acquaintance with the business of Carter & Mosgrove, confirmed by a recent examination of their books, I am safe in saying that their entire receipts did not amount to over 50 cents on the dollar of their business, and of this amount, about 10 per cent only would be cash. Indeed, it seems to have been a constant struggle with them to realize sufficient money to pay for their medicines and to meet that inexorable monster, the tax- gatherer.

"For many years, probably up to 1830 or 1835, Carter & Mosgrove were almost the only physicians in Urbana, and of an area almost, if not quite, co-extensive with the county limits. Ihave, however, obtained the names of a few physicians who must have been here in practice about or shortly previous to this time. Among them may be mentioned Drs. Hughs, Martin, McCann, Curry, Latta and possibly Evan Banes. Dr. Samuel Latta, at least, read medicine at a very early day with Dr. A. Mosgrove, but afterward removed to Cincinnati, where he located and became quite eminent in his profession. After this period, the accessions were more rapid and numerous, among whom may be named Drs. William M. Murdock, Wilson Everett, Evan Banes, E. P. Fyffe, William Hap- persett and M. Woods. Between the years of 1840 and 1850, Urbana sent quite a large delegation of its young men to medical colleges, chiefly the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, all of whom graduated at the termination of their college courses with distinguished honors. About the first of this class to graduate were Elijah Collins and Ichabod C. Taylor, followed, a year or two later, by E. P. Fyffe, Thomas Cowgill and Joseph C. Brown. Dr. Fyffe, how- ever, had been in practice a number of years before this, but, owing to feeble health and pecuniary embarrassments, was not able to complete his college course until the spring of 1845. The following spring (1846), D. M. Vance and James M. Mosgrove graduated, and, two years later, Jo S. Carter, Jr. About the time last mentioned, or perhaps a few years later, Douglas Luce, Jr., H. C. Pearce, I. W. Goddard and William H. Pearson graduated at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio.

"All of the above named. after receiving their degrees, except Drs. Luce and Pearson, settled in Urbana and vicinity, and immediately entered upon the duties of their profession, and have continued in active practice up to the pres- ent time. I will close this hastily written and imperfect sketch, by giving the names of physicians who composed the first or earliest regularly organized

254

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

County Society of which we have any correct data. The organization, which was made in March, 1852, was as follows :

" President, William H. Happersett; Vice President, Adam Mosgrove ; Sec- retary, James M. Mosgrove; Treasurer, Marquis Wood ; Librarian, Jo S. Car- ter ; Board of Censors, Adam Mosgrove, William Murdoch and E. P. Fyffe.

" The following is a list of members :

" A. Mosgrove,* William H. Happersett,* William M. Murdoch, E. P. Fyffe,* J. M. Mosgrove, John Baker, I. W. Goddard, M. Wood,* Cyrus Smith, * J. C. Brown, James M. Pheron,* J. S. Carter, Jr., W. M. Housten, J. H. Clark, M. L. Haster, D. M. Vance .*

" It has been suggested, in order to make this sketch more satisfactory to all parties, that it should be continued to present date, and, as I am particularly desirous of mentioning and recording the name of every regular physician of Urbana and of the county, I have concluded that I can do so in no more accept- able manner than by appending a list of the members of our County Medical Society, which, it is believed, includes the name of every regular physician of the county.

" The following list of physicians of Urbana and Champaign County were members of Champaign County Branch of Ohio State Medical Society, June 27, 1880 :

" Urbana-Drs. J. M., S. M. and William A. Mosgrove, Miami street ; Dr. H. C. Pearce, Scioto street ; Dr. T. S. Hitt, Main street; Drs. W. J. Sulli- van, G. H. Hodges, I. W. Goddard, J. E. McLain, J. C. Brown, J. H. Ayres, P. R. Bennett, Jr., William M. Murdoch, J. S. Carter, Samuel Chance and Israel Fisler. Mutual-Dr. H. S. Preston. Mechanicsburg-Drs. J. H. Clark, C. K. Clark and C. H. Newcomb. St. Paris-Drs. John Baker, B. F. Baker, John Musson, - - McIlwaine and - - Jones. Millerstown-Drs. Whitmer and Comer. Careysville-Dr. H. B. Hunt. Terre Haute-Dr. W. S. Hunt. Woodstock-Dr. L. C. Herrick. Northville-Dr. E. J. Barr. Kingston- Dr. A. B. Pearce. Cable-Drs. Moore and Swimley. Spring Hills-Dr. Offenbacker. Mingo-Dr. J. F. Good. North Lewisburg-Drs. Williams and Smith. Crayon-Dr. Thatcher. Bowlesville-Dr. Henderson. Fre- mont-Dr. Hughs. Westville-Dr. Richard Mclaughlin.

" Homoeopathists-Drs. Hamilton Ring and W. M. & H. C. Houston, Ur- bana.

" Eclectic-Drs. S. and J. C. Butcher Urbana."

ANTIQUITIES.

We gather from a report of the antiquities of the Mad River Valley, made by Prof. Thomas F. Moses, of the Urbana University, to the Central Ohio Scientific Association, a condensed statement of an examination made by him- self and others of two mounds lying in Champaign County, known respectively as the Roberts Mound and the Baldwin Mound. The location of the earth- works of the Mad River Valley, thus far examined, bears a close relation to the topographical features of the country. They occur usually on the high lands overlooking the river valley, the exception being nearly always in the upper part of its course, where a mound is occasionally found located on low ground, at the junction of the main stream with one of its smaller tributaries. The mounds vary greatly in size. The smaller ones are usually low, and flat on the

* Deceased.

255

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

summit. These are from three to five feet high, and from thirty to fifty feet in diameter. Another class of mounds is more conical in shape, varying from eight to fifteen feet in altitude, and having a diameter at the base of from seventy to eighty feet. The internal structure of all the mounds of this region that have been opened, is nearly homogeneous in character, being generally of a clayey loam like the surface soil. In regard to the relation of the mounds to each other, sufficient data have not yet been obtained upon which to base a definite statement, but as, in the case of those situated on high ground, one or more may be distinctly seen from the summit of another, it suggests the idea that they may have been used as signal stations.

The Roberts Mound .- These mounds (Roberts and Baldwin) are so called from the name of the owners, on whose lands they are found. The former was opened in the summer of 1877, and, like the Baldwin, is located on a high hill composed of drift, gravel and sand, the material having been chiefly derived from the limestone strata of this State. Standing upon its summit a wide and beautiful prospect meets the eye in whatever direction one may turn. On the east the horizon is bounded by a range of hills. These hills are, in reality, the termination of a broad plateau, and indicate the contour lines of the eroded val- ley, formed during some former geological period, into which valley now flow the streams which furnish the natural drainage of the country. Similar pla- teaus stretch away to the north and south. One of these elevated plains is styled "Pretty Prairie," but, while the name is applied only to the southern part of the northern plateau, geologically it extends to the eastern side of Urbana, the city itself being placed upon a lower terrace, and is the whole tract included between the valley of Mad River and its eastern tributary, Buck Creek. But perhaps the most remarkable feature of the landscape is the broad valley itself which sweeps down between the places above described from the northeast, near Mechanicsburg, and, taking a course due west, as it flows by the base of the hill upon which the mound stands, trends away to the southwest, broadening as it goes, and is lost to view in the distant horizon. One cannot fail to be im- pressed with the idea that this valley once held a noble river. The only rem- nant of this river, if such there were, is the little stream called Buck Creek, so called from the manner in which its smaller branches here unite with the main trunk like the antlers of a stag. Standing upon the Roberts Mound, tokens of welcome or signals of approaching danger could be seen from the mound now on the Baldwin farm, crowning the summit of the opposite bank. These sites, selected as they were with unusual care as burial places for their dead, betray a love of nature and an appreciation of its beautiful features, worthy to be classed among man's nobler faculties. Permission of the owner of the property having been given to make such use of the mound as was thought fit, it was at first proposed to expose the whole floor at once by means of plow and scraper; but, the number of trees, some of which were of considerable size, scattered over the surface, and their interlacing roots, soon made it apparent that this would be out of the question. Work was accordingly begun by carrying an adit from the northwest side and sinking a central shaft four feet by eight, the longer diameter of the shaft running north and south. In the side adit nothing was disclosed till the floor of the mound was reached, when, perhaps, about a foot above the natural surface of the soil, the trench passed through a layer of white ashes. This layer was found to extend from nearly the outer margin of the base of the mound across its whole floor, arching up over the center, so as to present a convex surface above. The thickness varied from

256

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

half an inch to one and a half inches. Near the center the layer was almost of stony hardness, causing it to come off in large flakes. When the clay was cleared off, the layer disclosed a mottled surface of a reddish-brown color. The hardness was apparently due to the lime, of which the ashes seemed to be largely composed, and the reddish-brown surface might have been produced by a covering of bark placed over the ash layer. Below this layer of a varying depth, but on an average of eight or nine inches, a second layer was reached similar in character. The space between was filled with clay, like that compos- ing the mound. At the point of junction between the side adit and central shaft, was found a heap of loose ashes mingled with small fragments of calcined human bones. In the heap were found also several rudely fashioned flint arrow, heads and a pierced ornament of stone. At a later day one or two other heaps of calcined bones were found, all at about the same distance from the center of the mound. It is a question whether the whole of the ash layers were not origi- nally composed of burnt bones. In carrying down the central shaft, some frag- ments of human bones much decayed were unearthed near the surface, marking the site of an intrusive burial. At the depth of three and a half to four feet, near the center of the mound, a human skeleton was reached, lying on the back, the head toward the north, and was found firmly imbedded in the compact clay. With the exception of only a few bones of the ankle and wrist and several pha- langes, the entire skeleton was secured, and was found to weigh exactly nine pounds. The breast-bone had been perforated by some sharp instrument, prob- ably a flint spear or arrow head, as the aperture, larger on the outer than upon the inner surface of the bone, shows it to have been made by a tapering instru- ment. The external opening measures one and a half inches, while the inner one is but three-fourths of an inch. Under the right thigh was found a frag- ment of quartz rock as large as the palm of the hand, one side of which was flat and polished. It was then proceeded to deepen the excavation, which resulted in the finding of a skull of a second skeleton. This skeleton was in very imperfect condition, and but small part removed. It was underneath the

upper layer of ashes, the head but a short distance from the heap of calcined bones before described, and from the position of the scattered fragments had been placed upon the back with the head toward the west. At a short dis- tance from this the bones of a third skeleton were found. The bones of the forearm and hands were entirely wanting, and but little of the spine was present. This might have been the result of decay, but the bones that remain are remarkably heavy and nearly vitrified. They were covered with a thick incrustation, and presented the appearance of having been in the fire. The lower jaw is much awry, and the skull has a very low and retreating forehead, and altogether presents the appearance of a very low type of humanity.

Some two feet from the surface, at the south end of the excavation, a mass of charcoal was met with, the fragments of which were of large size. With the charcoal was found a piece of thigh bone, charred and petrified, and part of a bone of the forearm. Near by was a stratum of clay, burnt nearly red. It is inferred that these charred fragments of bone and charcoal, as well as those found on the surface, were scraped up from the site of the cremation, and that they were thrown on the mound with the surrounding earth during the process of con- struction. Two modes of burial-inhumation and cremation-appear here to have been simultaneously practiced, unless the latter had been imperfectly per- formed in regard to the imperfect skeleton on the floor of the mound. The practice of cremation, sufficiently common in ancient times, is still observed to some extent by the native races of North America.

257

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

The Baldwin Mound .- This mound is located on the top of a hill lying between the North and East Forks of Buck Creek at their junction, about eight miles southeast of Urbana, and upon the farm of the late Judge Samuel Bald- win. It is nearly conical in shape, about seventy-eight feet in diameter at the base, and fifteen feet in height. Upon it oak trees of considerable size are now standing. The brick used in the construction of a house, some fifty years ago, and now standing on the farm, were made from clay taken from the south side of the mound. In the process of removing the clay, it is said a quantity of bones was unearthed, but afterward re-interred. Work was begun by carry- ing an adit from the side toward the center, and, after the center was reached, sinking a shaft toward the base. Some two feet from the surface, the bones of several skeletons were found. These are frequently found in the surface, of mounds, and are generally accounted to be those of some Indian tribe, and of comparatively recent date. The original place of sepulture was reached at the depth of twelve feet. Here an under structure had been made, constructed, as nearly as could be ascertained, in the following manner : First, a layer of bark was laid down, then the bodies placed upon this ; the head of one being directly toward the east, of the next toward the west, and so on. Logs were placed at the sides and between the bodies, dividing the grave into as many compart- ments as there were persons to be buried. The whole was then covered with a thick layer of bark, upon the surface of which was found a thin layer of char- coal. Bark, branches and bodies had of course reached the last stages of decay, only the ashes of the former remaining to show how they had been disposed ; and long, hollow cavities, filled with dirt, alone indicated the position of the logs. The whole mass had been pressed down and flattened by the weight of the overly- ing earth and most of the bones showed evidence of the great pressure, being crushed in and broken. The first skeleton reached was found with the head lying toward the east, and supposed to be that of a female; a small copper ring was found at the head. Further excavation disclosed a second skeleton, with the head toward the west. The bones of this skeleton were very large and strong, and those of the lower limbs in a remarkable state of preservation ; near the hand, and lying across the body, were the flint heads of three spears or arrows. Their position seemed to show that they had been held in the hand by wooden shafts, now moldered away. The upper part of the body had been crushed and distorted to a great extent by the pressure above. It had apparently been placed on the left side, and the arrows grasped in the right hand. Removing the earth carefully from this, a third skeleton was seen, its head pointing to the east. This was lying upon its back, and measured from its toes to the top of the head nearly six feet. The teeth were thirty-two in number and perfectly sound. Around the neck was a string of beads, made of mother of pearl, probably taken from the shells of the river Mussel. This skeleton seemed to be that of a young woman of from 18 to 20 years.

The skeleton next disclosed was that of a young man of about sixteen years. The head was placed in the reverse position to that of the preceding one. The skull is remarkably well shaped. Over the heart were found several plates of mica cut in the form of a crescent. Plates of mica are frequently found in mounds, and the mica is believed to have been brought from Carolina. This, with the copper from Lake Superior and shells from Mexico, is an evidence of the commercial habits of the people. The next space was occupied by the skele- tons of two small children, placed feet to feet. Near the head of one of these was a heap of small sea shells belonging to a species now found in the Gulf of

258

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

Mexico. These were pierced at the ends. The succeeding skeleton was that of an adult person, and near it was found a small implement of banded slate, belonging to the class called " boat-shaped " implements in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. An eighth skeleton was found belonging to this group, near which also lay a small quantity of shell beads like those last described. Following these, near the margin of the mound, were three others, thrown down apparently without regard to position, as they were disposed at various angles, with the limbs crossing each other, and no protection of logs had been placed around them, nor were any ornaments found with them. Of all the skeletons found in the mound, the eight first described were buried with especial care, and each of them had some mark of distinction or token of affec- tion. The arrangement of the bodies was also somewhat remarkable, they being placed with great uniformity with the heads alternately toward the east and west, though the conjecture is that this arrangement was made simply with a view to economize space.

The excavation above described occupied the northwest quarter of the mound. A few days later, work was resumed in the northeast quarter by care- fully uncovering the whole until the floor was reached. The space was found covered with ten skeletons, which had been promiscuously thrown down, the bodies being bent at all angles, and the limbs of one often lying across those of another. A layer of charcoal was found over the upper surface, and another had been placed below. No implements or ornaments were found with these bodies. In one corner of the area, near the center of the mound, was a small heap of ashes containing a few burnt bones and calcined mineral shells. At the outer angle was a vase of baked clay crushed to fragments, the rim only retain- ing its original form. This vase was placed with the mouth downward. The interior surface was coated with black carbonaceous matter. In the south part of the mound, from which the clay had been taken for making brick, a pit was dug, and bones were reached quite near the present surface. Here were parts of three skeletons, conjectured to be the same as those mentioned when the clay was removed, and said to have been again buried. On the west side a test pit was sunk, but nothing found.

It is quite probable that much more remains to be discovered in the remain- ing portion of the mound, and it is the design of the association to continue the exploration at a future day. The soil of the mound is composed of a clear yellow clay, quite free from stone or gravel, and cutting under the spade with a smooth, bright surface. The hill upon which it rests is a loose mixture of limestone pebbles, having a thin surface covering dark loam. For a con- siderable distance around the base of the mound, the earth is somewhat similar in character to that of the mound, but it is not so free from stone. Such peb- bles as were found in the mound were of quartz and sandstone, only a single specimen of limestone being found, and that a water-worn one. The material was probably brought from a distance. The clay was nearly homogeneous throughout, and very compact. At the base, a complete arch had been formed by the decay of the log structure, the superincumbent soil having first become sufficiently firm to retain its position. In regard to the bones in general, it may be said that the same peculiarities that are mentioned by other writers, such as the foreshortening of the skulls and their want of symmetry, the flat- tening of the tibia and perforation of the humerus, are all exhibited in a marked degree. Many of the bones had become bent by the weight of earth resting upon them, and much of the distortion exhibited in the skulls is believed to be

yours truly, Davinci Loudenback. MAD RIVER.TP.

261

HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.

due to this cause, rather than to compression during life. Frequently bones lying over each other were found soldered together. To account for this, it is only necessary to consider the peculiar conditions to which they have been sub- jected. For centuries they have lain beneath an immense mass of earth, and this constant and long-continued pressure, accompanied by a kind of molecular disintegration and re-arrangement of the particles of bony matter, is amply suf- ficient to produce these changes of form.

A number of mounds, of a less important character, have been opened from time to time. One, a small, flat mound, at the junction of the Mackachack with Mad River, on Mr. Clem's farm, and another of similar character, on the farm of Mr. Michael, near Buck Creek. One on the ridge northeast of the Baldwin Mound, on the farm of Mr. Wilson ; the latter, about three feet in height and thirty in diameter. Also, one opened by Mr. James Dallas, on the farm of the late Judge Dallas, four miles below Urbana. From a survey made by Dr. R. H. Boal, this mound was found to be fifty feet in diameter and four feet in height, and situated 105 feet from the edge of the plateau. A few rods below, on the slope of the hill, is a small circular ridge, some fifteen feet in diameter, the earth forming the ridge thrown out in such a way as to leave a small conical elevation in the center. The mound is placed on the summit of the bend overlooking the Mad River Valley, and, as the valley here changes its direction, making a sweep toward the southeast, and is some three or four miles in width, the situation is a very commanding one. The beauty and extent of the view are remarkable. The relics taken from this mound by Mr. Dallas were numerous and particularly interesting.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc, Part 27

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 926

Author: Ogden, J. W. (John W.); Beers (W.H.) & Co., pub
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 926