USA > Ohio > Darke County > The history of Darke County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; > Part 32
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EARLY PREACHERS-EDUCATION-MARRIAGE CUSTOMS AND MARRIAGES, ETC.
When settlers' cabins stood at secluded places, at wide intervals upon high ground, on creek banks, or deep in the woods, the circuit rider had set out on his mission of good. Traversing road, trace and forest paths, he found cordial wel- come everywhere. Arousing strong opposition, he had power in Gospel truth, plainly expressed, and found ample illustration from the boundless volume of
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Nature. Let it be said to the honor of the pioneer, that despite the crude state of society, whoever made any profession of religion was faithful in worship and fervent in spirit. Church members from the East gladly called in kindred spirits to hold prayer-meetings in their cabins, relate their experience and cheer each on. They gave kind greeting to the chance or expected itinerant preacher on his arrival, took charge of his horse and speedily sent out the children or went them- selves along the byways to notify the neighborhood, when all dropped their employment and gathered to the meeting.
It was well that Christians were strong in faith, brave and determined, for there was much wickedness practiced. The character of employment, and asso- ciation at races, courts, musters, raisings and other assemblages, tended strongly to make the popular vices of gambling, drinking and fighting. There was urgent neod of the enthusiastic and eloquent men, who from the cabin door, the rude stand in the large barn, or the extemporized pulpit at the camp-meeting in the wood, addressed the gathered throng in ringing tones with thrilling language upon those noblest of themes-salvation and immortality. The records of those meet- ings of the olden time almost persuade the reader that some speakers of that day were, at times, inspired with superhuman power of speech.
There are few now living who recollect John Purviance, who lived on the Whitewater, and championed the tenets of the Christian Church ; Andrew and Henry Rush, who exhorted in the Methodist faith, and Dearborn and Finley. represent- ative circuit riders. Some few may recall old John Hiller and his grown-up sons -settlers on the West Branch-and the pioneer meeting-house erected in his neighborhood. They have passed away, and few are the traces left of them.
It is asserted that Judge J. Purviance preached at the house of Judge Rush, on Mud Creek, in 1811, the first sermon delivered to a civil congregation within the bounds of Darke County. His father, David Purviance, was one of the origin- ators of what were termed the " New-lights," in Kentucky. Rev. J. Purviance was a teacher, as well as a preacher and worker, and his dwelling near Braffettsville, in Harrison Township, was made to answer the threefold purpose of schoolroom, meeting-house and dwelling.
About the same year, Abraham Sneethen preached a sermon in Greenville, and Henry Arnold speaks of it as the first he had heard in this county. Among other pioneer preachers of the Christian denomination were Isaac Main, John Foster and William Polly. The Baptists formed a society at an early date and erected a house of worship-evidence of members and influence. The Presbyte- rians delayed organization until 1818, when Rev. Shannon who had served as chap- lain in one of Harrison's Kentucky regiments, preached at the residence of Mr. Martin, father of John H. Martin. Early history of Methodism in Darke County has mainly to do with the circuit riders, elders and churches. The record of Methodism during the early years of settlement is meager. The first Methodist minister that visited this county was Rev. John Brown in 1817, and the year fol- lowing John P. Durbin (since Corresponding Secretary of the American Missionary Society) preached on what was then known as the Eaton Circuit. It was extensive in area, embracing appointments at Camden and Eaton in Preble County ; Green- ville and Hiller's in Darke County, Covington, in Miami County, and Union, Con- cord and Germantown in Montgomery County, besides parts of Wayne and Ran- dolph in Indiana. The pioneer meeting-house of the county was erected by the Methodist society in 1818, and is yet standing upon its original site, about four miles west of Greenville and a half-mile south of Winchester turnpike. Great pains were taken with this rude sanctuary in its construction. Its walls were of hewed logs, and the work when completed was considered excellent. The pulpit, made of rough boards, and two or three slab seats, are still in existence. The roof was originally of the old well-known cabin style, but has since been renewed and bears a more modern covering. The old house itself has been kept in such repair that it served for the accommodation of the people on funeral occasions. The
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dedicatory sermon for this old landmark of religion was preached by Rev. Durbin, and the following Presiding Elders severally held within its door their quarterly meetings : Alexander Cummins, Jolin Strange, John Collins, J. B. Finley, John F. Wright, William H. Raper and William B. Christie. The first quarterly meeting for the Greenville Cirenit of 1817 was held at Greenville in the private dwelling of John Dunn by Elder Moses Crume. Rev. Durbin preached at the house of A. Scribner and his teaching seems to have been salutary in its effect upon the commu- nity. Soon the limits of the circuit were diminished and regular preaching was discontinued until 1833. although during this interval, sermons were occasionally delivered at the court house, dwelling-houses, and such other places as could be procured for that purpose. The want of houses of worship gave rise to the cus- tom of holding camp-meetings and other religious assemblages in the open air. This was resorted to by the different denominations, and drew large crowds. but sometimes the good results were counterbalanced by the rowdying ruffianism that intruded itself. The yearly Dunker meetings were rarely disturbed. The peculiar methods of the sect. their generosity in feeding the multitude, chiefly upon soups, had much to do, no doubt, in securing the order that so generally prevailed at their meetings.
In 1818, the first class was organized in Darke County, at the pioneer church, and was known as the "Hiller and Livergood class." In 1833, William Oliver, resident about six miles north of Greenville, formed a second class, which con- sisted of the following named persons : Mrs. Turpen and daughter Emeline (the wife of Dr. Sexton), Mrs. L. R. Brownell, William Barrett and wife, and William J. Birely and wife. It is said of Mrs. Turpen that she, at times, walked four miles to church and class. This class was organized under Revs. Francis Timmons and Ira Chase, who were on the circuit at this date. A class was formed at Greenville this same year. The Methodists experienced much opposition, being regarded as hypocritical and fanatical. Meetings were disturbed and attempts were made to inflict violence upon the ministers.
In 1834, prayer-meeting began to be held at the house of William Wiley, whose wife had been a member of the Baptist Church at her former home. Mr. Wiley's meetings were at first attended by persons spirituously as well as spiritu- ally inclined. After a time, religious people came quite generally, and this led in time to the present Wednesday evening prayer-meeting in Greenville.
This year, Jesse Prior was on the circuit, and among those in the county added to the church were William J. Birely and wife, J. M. Baskerville, Lovina Houp, Hiram Bell, Jane and Lemuel Rush and Eliza McGinnis. In 1835, a church building was commenced in Greenville. Stephen F. Conry and Adam Miller were on the circuit. In the year 1837. Rev. Prior was returned and the church influ- ence became manifest. Religion was the topic of converse at home, in public and on the street. while attendance at church was general. Eli Truitt labored on the cir- cuit in 1838-39, Robert O. Spencer was Presiding Elder, and Wilson Barrett and George Starr were Class-Leaders. During the years 1840-41, William Morrow and James McNabb being on the circuit, it was now reduced by increase of population to Darke County. About 300 persons were converted and a like num- ber joined the church. From 1841, to the close of 1843, S. M. Batty and Eliakim Zimmerman, were on the circuit. They were followed in 1844, by Jacob Brown and Cadwallader Owens ; then came T. Phillips in 1845-46 ; Joseph Wykes in 1847-48 ; and Alexander Hammond in 1849-50. David Rutledge labored on the circuit in 1851. and the church received some accessions. Jacob Burkholder, assisted by Franklin Mariott, were well received in 1852. and the church prospered. L. C. Webster, assisted by Rev. Mariott, in 1853. W. W. Winter was the senior preacher in the two following years, assisted first by P. G. Goode, then by Oliver Kennedy, who from 1856-58, was senior preacher, aided by L. C. Webster and P. B. Lewis. Great interest was shown, accessions were numerous, and the people saw these men remove elsewhere with regret. Ministers
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in 185S were W. J. Peck and John T. Bower, and for 1859 and 1860. Isaac Newton, assisted by P. B. Lewis, at which date Greenville was made a station with an appointment at Coleville. From this date, the history of Methodism will be found continued in city and township record. It was but justice to enroll the names of those circuit riders. What a life was theirs ; uncertain one year of their field of labor the next. A pair of saddle-bags contained their wardrobe and their library. Long journeys were made to meet appointments. All honor to these men, though they have gone from us, their memories are preserved in the ennobling influences created and fostered by their faithful instructions.
The Darke County charge of the German Reformed Church presents its first record in reference to a meeting held at Beamsville Aug. 6. 1853, at which five congregations were represented, viz .: Zion. five miles west of Greenville; St. John's, in German Township ; beside Zoar, Beamsville and Gettysburg. At this meeting, Jesse Prugh was President ; John L. Darner, Secretary ; and Philip Hartzell and Jesse Prugh, delegates to synod and classis. A new charge was designed at Greenville, and the different congregations pledged $131 for the support of a minister, and Indian Creek congregation was put down for $25, the sum they were supposed willing to contribute. At the next annual meeting, Zoar and Zion only were represented. Another year elapsed, and the joint consistories of the county met at St. John's Church, when the resignation of Rev. J. D. Colli- flower was tendered and accepted, and a committee appointed to procure another minister. Meeting again on July 24, these same congregations extended a call to Rev. J. McConnell, and pledged $185 to his support. The call was not accepted ; Mr. Prugh was re-elected President, and Mr. Hartzell was chosen Secretary. Aug. 23, 1856, these congregations were represented at a meeting held at Clayton, Miami Co., Ohio. The same person was continued as Secretary, and John Nicodemus elected Treasurer. Delegates were chosen to attend the meetings of the Synod. The consistory of Zion's congregation desiring to withdraw from the charge, the request was assented to on condition of a donation of $50 to supply the deficiency caused by their retiring. Meantime, Rev. I. M. Lefevre had accepted a call to preach, and a meeting was called for August 23, 1857, at the house of Levi Rahn, in the limits of the Gettysburg congregation, at which Zoar and Beamsville met the local consistory and chose for officers J. L. Darner, Vice President ; Secre- tary, the same as before; G. W. Cromer, Treasurer; Jesse Prugh and William Aspinwall, elected delegates to Synod and classis. The Missionary Board was asked for $50 for one year, to support minister, in addition to $175 pledged by the members. Again they met a year later, continued the same officers, and, as an illustration of the poverty but willing spirit prevailing, a deficit of the Pastor's salary was reported and a pledge made of $160 for the coming year. It was then "Resolved, That the Pastor preach a missionary sermon in each congregation of this charge, and at the same time take up a collection for domestic missions." In 1859. Beamsville, Zoar and Gettysburg met at Clayton, Ohio. elected officers and appointed a committee to extend an invitation to Rev. J. Weaver to visit the charge with a view of securing him as Pastor. The Darke County charge, of which these records are given, has ceased to be known as such. By an action of classes in the fall of 1861, the Zoar congregation became attached to the St. Paris' charge, and the Beamsville and Creager's (Gettysburg) to the Dallas charge in 1862, thereby dissolving the charge. This action was preparatory to starting an interest in the town of Greenville, so long neglected, and the formation of what was thereafter to be known as the Greenville charge. The hardships and discouraging vicissitudes incident to a new country, have been experienced by the different denominations ; although the record has not been in all accessi- ble, yet no distinction need be made, since originators, members and minis- ters have been heroic and undaunted in building up the present elevating and advancing interest in things spiritual and eternal, and furthering the cause of the Master.
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The first Sabbath school in the county was organized early in 1834, in what was afterward sometimes called " Seribner's white house," wherein Harrison made a treaty with the Indians. The school began with an enrollment of but eleven persons, including officers, teachers and pupils, and that it was non-sectarian is proved by the association in this work of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congre- gationalists. In the spring, sixteen accessions were chronicled, and within three years the number had increased to fully one hundred and fifty more. The school was then discontinued, and each denomination that had sufficient pupils organized a school of its own. The first Superintendent was William Barrett, a Methodist. The first Secretary was Herman Searles, a Congregationalist, and the pioneer teachers of classes were Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Sexton, Mrs. Briggs, Mrs. Barrett and Miss Evaline Dorsey.
Educational advantages in town and county were for many years quite lim- ited. There were a few rude schoolhouses widely scattered, and these were occu- pied three months of each winter by teachers whose qualifications better adapted them for burning brick than solving problems in mathematics, and, consequently. there was little learned. Schools were taught by subscriptions. Settlers built houses as they were needed. Taxes came as a result of the practical defeat of a law which appropriated public lands for school funds. Many of these sections were at the time worthless, and, such as were of value being sold, the proceeds were squandered. The work was in private hands, there was no test of ability or qualification, and not till 1821 was the first general school law found in the statutes. There were no school districts, nor public funds, special or tuition. Every one paid for the instruction of his own children.
Many settlers had large families-as many as ten children were found in a single cabin-and, to provide for the future of these young people, the parents came to this county. There was always work to be done, and the services of all hands were needed ; it was only during the winter months that schools could be attended. At these, only the elementary branches were taught, and the predomi- nant idea of the schoolmaster was discipline first, learning afterward. No gram- . mar nor geography were taught. Few studied arithmetic, and these did not proceed much beyond the rudiments ; and when, at length, grammar was intro- duced, such pupils were thought well advanced. In any locality, whenever suf- ficient families had moved in to form a school, the settlers stood ready to build a house and engage a teacher. Tall, strapping youths attended school, and the mas- ter had need of decision and courage as well as method and erudition. It was customary for the person applying for the school to call upon the parties within sending distance and canvass for scholars. If enough were secured, school opened. An illustration of the old-time method is given as follows : About the year 1815, a man came into the Rush neighborhood and offered his services as teacher. The settlers located along Mud Creek, West Branch and Bridge Creek talked the matter over, and concluded to employ him. It was a light labor for all to turn out with axes, handspikes and oxen, upon a day appointed, to chop and draw logs to a chosen site, for the purpose of putting up a schoolhouse. The location was near Rush Fort, on Mud Creek. While some put up round logs, notched down, one layer upon another, until they were of sufficient elevation to form a story, split clapboards for the roof, chamber floor and door, and puncheons for the floor, others drew stone for the fireplace and prepared sticks and mud for the chimney. The floor being laid, next came desks and seats. Large holes were bored in a log on each side of the room, wooden pins were driven in, and a slab or unplaned plank laid on these pins. For seats, holes were bored in puncheons and legs driven in, two at each end. Windows were made by cutting out a log nearly the whole length of the house, leaving a hole a foot wide. Into this was filled a sort of lattice work of sticks, and upon this greased paper was pasted to transmit the light. Such was the schoolhouse of sixty-five years ago. It was not much of a structure. but there was no great contrast between it and the homes of its builders. There was
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no lack of ventilation, and the wood was not too long for the fire-place. School opened in charge of W. H. Jones, of whom mention has been made in a previous chapter, his services having been secured at a salary of $7 per month. He was severe and exacting; punishments were the order of the day. Whispering and other indiscretions subjected the offender to blows with a ferule upon the palm of the hand ; and so freely did Mr. Jones administer chastisement, that the patrons were obliged to request him to moderate his punishment, as the hands of their boys were so sore from repeated feruling that they were unable to use the ax. It was a species of torture to strike the tips of the gathered fingers with the ferule, and this was disapproved by the settlers, indurated to rough usages as they were. Only two branches of education were taught-reading and writing. The example of this neighborhood was contagious, and soon a house was built near the place of David Studabaker, and a man named Montgomery was hired as teacher. Gradually schoolhouses became more numerous, and the demand for teachers in some measure induced a supply. Summer schools were rare. Females made no application till an adventurous woman, named Anna Boleyn, attempted a three-months term during the summer of 1825, but quit in disgust before the expiration of that time. Despite liberal provisions favorable to educa- tion, little had been done up to 1838 toward perfecting a system of common schools, the result of the scanty means and constant toil incident to pioneer life. No inconsiderable portion of early history is that which treats of marriage cus- toms, first births in the county, deaths and cemeteries.
The arrival of a family occasioned eager inquiry by young men as to whether there were any marriageable daughters of the number. The demand was in excess of the supply. The same maiden had sometimes several suitors; this involved the delicate matter of rejection as well as of choice. Sometimes the girls were betrothed before leaving home, and a knowledge of this fact caused dis- appointment. For a long time after the first settlement of the county, the people generally married young. The parties differed little in fortune, and none in rank. First impressions of love resulted in marriage and a family establishment cost only a little labor. Weddings occupied the attention of the entire neighborhood, and the event was an hilarious occasion, anticipated by old and young. This is readily understood when it is considered that a wedding was almost the only gathering not accompanied by labor. The marriage ceremony was arranged to take place before dinner, which was a substantial feast of beer, pork, fowls, and sometimes venison and bear meat, roasted and boiled, with abundance of potatoes and other vegetables. Dinner was free from formality, and a time for mirth and enjoyment. There was dancing after dinner. "The figures of the dances were three and four handed reels or square sets and jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which was followed by what was called jigging it off; that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and were followed by the remaining couple. The jigs were often accompanied with what was called cutting out, that is, when either of the parties became tired of the dance, on intimation the place was supplied by some one of the company without any interruption of the dance. In this way the amusement was often continued till the musician was heartily tired of his situation." Among marriages in pioneer days, was that of Ullry to his brother's widow; they had lived together some time during the inoperative period before the election of justices, and when a justice was chosen, they were legally married. In a spirit of joviality a party of young people being resolved to have a marriage, seized upon a man named Israel Wertz and fitted him out with a suit. One of the party furnished leggins, another some other article of dress until he was properly clothed, and then calling upon a woman named Jane Dugan, asked her if she was willing to marry Wertz. She replied affirmatively, and they all started for the house of Alexander Smith, a Justice of the Peace who lived east of Greenville. Wertz repented and broke away, upon which a dog was set after him, and he was caught and held. The ceremony was then performed,
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and the twain thus singularly made one lived many years together happily and both finally died of old age.
Instances of seduction and bastardy were rare, and could not take place with- out great danger from the brothers or other relatives of the injured party, as family honor was highly estimated. Divorce was accounted dishonorable, and was seldom a resort. The statistical reports for 1877 give. of marriages that year, in Darke, 334; suits for divorce pending, 23; brought within the year, 41-total, 64. Brought by husband, 26 ; wife, 38. Principal causes were, absence, neglect, incon- tinence and cruelty.
The burial customs of sixty years ago differed much from those of to-day. When a death occurred, neighbors would call in, take the measure of the body, and procure a plain coffin, at a cost rarely exceeding $5. A neighbor possessed of a team brought the coffin to the house and conveyed the body to the grave. Ruder sepulture was not infrequent. No costly shaft marked the spot where their dust reposes, but plain head-board. Cemeteries were known as graveyards, and some families had a burial plat of their own, as the Sumptions. We close by a brief extract from the record of what is known as the Old Graveyard, at Greenville, which was deeded by John and Margaret Devor to the Trustees of the M. E. Church, July 15, 1818. The deed is recorded in Book A 1, R. 74, and the bounds are as follows : Southeast by Water street, and running along the said street eight poles and fourteen poles, to the rear, so as to include the burying-ground at the north end of town, and to contain 112 square rods-excepting two square rods, to be used as a burying-ground by each and every person who has heretofore occupied any part of said lots for that purpose." The conveyance was a dona- tion, since the consideration was $1. The grounds were laid out, fenced and left to be populated as the wearied and worn here " laid themselves down in their last sleep."
DARKE COUNTY IN 1840-CELEBRATION-COMMEMORATION-MASS MEETING GREENVILLE.
It was during the period of heated political debate that Greenville and Darke County began to emerge from the gloom and obscurity of nature, where they had lain from time unknown, and to aspire for place among older and sister counties of the State. You glance over her townships, and you find them thickly settled still. You find that in ten years her population has more than doubled. The 6,204 of 1830 has now become 13,145, or twenty inhabitants to the square mile. Of its eighteen townships, Greenville leads, with a population of 1,851. Four others, Harrison, German, Butler and Twin, have over 1,000 each, while Mississinewa enumerated but 124. Greenville, the county seat, contained four churches, sixteen mercantile stores, a flouring-mill, a printing office and about 800 inhabitants. The lands wear a wild look. There is an abundance of fine poplar, walnut, blue ash, beech, hickory and sugar maple. It has won a reputation for the production of excellent wheat, and is reputed to be well adapted to grazing. The woods still abound in game. The heavy timber stretches almost unbroken for miles, not alone over the low and swampy but along the higher lands. Cattle range at will through the woods, and the swine run wild and savage in droves. Land ranges in value, from the Government price, to $12 per acre, the latter for improved farms. Soil, relieved of heavier growth, sustained rank and luxuriant grasses, while furnishing but seant supply of wheat and other grains. The old cry of milk sickness and fevers was now changed, and it was said of Darke County that its chief products were " pumpkins and hoop poles," and in this there was much of truth, especially in regard to hoop-poles, since, at this date, they were the only article of export. During the winter, the principal employment of farmers was wagoning these hoop- poles to Germantown, Middletown, Lewisburg and other markets, and by this means they were enabled to measurably supply themselves with salt, groceries,
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