The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 131

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 131

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Going to untie my horse, I found to my horror, that a cow had so in- jured the bridle that it seemed to me impossible to use it; however, I re- paired damages as best I could, and pushed on to Franklinton. There I made my business known to the clerk of the court, Lyne Starling, and how did my heart sink when he informed me that my testimonials were not suf- ficient. In vain, I assured him all was right. There was a penalty of $1,500 for issuing a license without a full proof that all was right. I started for the door with a sad heart, when the Clerk called me back, and asked to see my papers again. After looking at them a moment he said, " Seeing Col. Langam's name is on your recommendation, I will issue the license." I received the document with great joy, supposing my troubles were well-nigh over.

I went to Gen. Foos' Hotel to stay all night, telling him I wished to pay my bill before retiring, as I must start quite early. I soon went to bed but not to sleep much.

Very early in the morning I found my gray horse and started for Georgesville, determined to find the Justice before he had time to take his morning dram. But alas, for all human expectations, he was too quick for me. I found him in a worse condition than he had been in the evening be- fore. After much fruitless effort to get him started, he said, "Stranger, go home," repeating his order three times "and bring your girl here, and I will marry you, and you shall love her better than any man ever loved his wife in the world." I replied, " I love her well enough to marry her." I then asked, if he could not direct me to another Justice. Staggering to the door, he gave me the direction to Esquire Gotes. I took the direction in- dicated and found the cabin late in the afternoon. Much to my disappoint- ment, however, I found that Justice's horse was out on the barrens: he started to find the animal, and I was left to put in the time as best I could. I walked back and forth in the vard, every few moments stopping to look for the returning horse, and listen for the bell. The moments rolled away slowly, and still nothing was seen of the horse or its owner. I went into an old corn crib, and rolled and tumbled about there for a long time. At length, when I was about to despair, the Esquire returned with a borrowed horse; hastily changing his clothing, he mounted and gave the order to go on as fast as I chose.

Now, thought I, my troubles are over: I felt light as a feather and happy as a bird. Suddenly the thought struck me that I might not have money enough to pay the Justice for the marriage ceremony. Quick as lightning, my spirits sank to zero. I thought, what shall I do? I had

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but $2 and that was borrowed. I did not know of any one that I could borrow a cent. I felt that the Justice would trust me, if he only lived in my neighborhood, but living so far away. I could not expect him to do that.

Several times, I fell back. determined to know the worst, but my heart would fail me. Then I would conclude to keep quiet about it until the ceremony was over; then if his price should be too high, I would be mar- ried at any rate. At length, I could endure the suspense no longer, and decided to know the worst if it killed me. "Esquire " said I, " what do you generally charge for performing a marriage ceremony." " The law allows me $2" he replied. "Good " thought I, " I'm safe." All my gay feelings returned. and we journeyed on We reached home an hour before sundown.

The wedding occurred July 29, 1807. My wife's name was Mary Hel- phenstine, and she was born March 5, 1793. I went half a mile further to get my clothes, and was married in true backwoods style. My roundabout was of nankeen, being the remnants of a suit presented me by my super- cargo in Germany. We went to my father's, where we spent a few days, then commenced housekeeping in a cabin belonging to a Mr. Smith. stand- ing where my son Samuel now lives.

Mr. Smith and his family proved to be very strange people. He came to the settlement with a family of three sons and one daughter. When he had cleared about eight acres of land, and things began to look home-like about him. his children suddenly left him, he pretending not to know why they had left him or where they had gone. He had said to me that if I would marry Polly, we could come and live with him and use what he had about the house. This kind offer had been accepted; all had thus far gone well. On a certain day, wife and I had gone over to Brother Minshall's to assist in killing some pigs. Some time during the day, we had observed a wagon at the house and wondered what it could be. Returning home in the evening, we found the house empty. Smith had left as unceremoniously as his chil- dren had done before him. Our distress was great, indeed. Wife asked with tears, "What shall we do?" I reminded her that we had some corn meal: that I could make a trough in a few minutes, and she could mix her dough in that; that we could roast our meat and live well. "But," she asked; "what shall I heat water in?" I thought of a Mr. Withrow, who was camping out a short distance above us, and of having seen an iron kettle in his possession. I concluded to go up and see if I could borrow it. Upon telling him our troubles, he lent us the kettle with pleasure. Thus we managed, though suffering many privations, to get through the winter.

A Mr. Groves came into the neighborhood and spent the winter with 118 He had a few articles necessary for housekeeping: in addition to these, I borrowed two knives and forks. made one out of buck-horn, my shoe knife made the number even-three knives and three forks. A chest served us for a table. A short time after commencing housekeeping, my wife re- ceived the first present over made us. She had spent the day in visiting sister Minshall: when she came to leave in the evening, wife's sister said she had nothing fit to make her a present of; "but." said she, "here is a cloth that will do to wipe your dishes." Wife declared she could not have given her anything that would have been more acceptable.

I was still owing $60, the last payment on my land. How to meet that obligation was a question that gave me great trouble. Col. Langam

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and a Mr. Huffman had a settlement of business matters, in which the Colonel came out just $60 in debt. He told me of the debt and requested that I would give my note to Mr. H. for that amount, saying that he would wait upon me until it was convenient to pay it. I hesitated, because I had not, as yet, received a deed for my land. My father-in-law stated that he had authority to make me a deed and would do so at any time. I therefore gave my note, payable on demand. Mr. Huffman went to Chillicothe; put the note into the hands of an attorney, by the name of Brush, with orders to have it collected as soon as possible. Of this fact, however, I remained in blissful ignorance until a writ was served upon me by the Sheriff. Mr. Groves nobly offered to go my security on the docket, and I went to work to make the money as speedily as possible, which was very slow, indeed. Having secured $13 of the amount, I went, in company with the Sheriff, to pay it. Col. Brush had just arisen from bed, and was washing himself. The Sheriff said I had brought $13 of the amount of that note. and asked if he should take it. "Yes," said Brush, " take all you can get." "Colonel, "said I, "can't you give me a little more time on that note. "Not another minute; not another minute," said he, shaking his finger at me. We turned away, and the Sheriff informed me that my horse was advertised for saie at the court house, and he feared that I would be imprisoned. I made up my mind that I would never go there alive, and so told the Sheriff. He promised to do all in his power for me, and. if possible, stave the matter ,off until another court. I mounted my horse and, riding by Col. Brush, on his way to the court room, made my way home.

By all possible industry and economy, we succeeded, during the several months following, in saving $12 more. I was almost afraid to trust myself with the money, and hence took it over to my father, asking him to keep it for me, telling him what it was designed for. Some days afterward, Col. Langam called upon my father and stated that he was feeling badly, be- canse some parties who owed him had failed to pay him, and was much dis- tressed for a little money. He asked my father if he had any that he could lend him. Father said he had the little I had put in his hands for safe keeping. The Colonel pledged his honor to return it before the next court. At length father was prevailed upon to let him have the money.

When I was made acquainted with this fact, I expressed my fears that it would not be forthcoming, but my father assured me there was no ground for uneasiness. But when the court came on, these fears were realized. One day a horseman rode up to my father's door and asked for David Wat- son. Being within hearing. I stepped forward. and said that my name was David Watson. It was then about 10 o'clock in the forenoon. The man assured me if I was not in Franklinton before noon it would be a sorry time for me. I asked if the money had not been paid. He said it had not, and he was sent for me. I knew if I could see Col. Langam there would be some way out of the difficulty; but he had gone to Chillicothe. We agreed to meet at the Esquire's office that night. who was living with Col. Langam. I went over, but the Colonel had not yet returned: and his son assured me he could do nothing for me. I agreed to accompany the Sheriff in the morning. Starting for home, I heard the bars fall, and looking up whom should I see but Col. L., with Judge Scott and other gentlemen from Chil- licothe. I told him of the difficulty into which he had brought me. He heard me through, with the utmost coolness, and then said, " the Esquire may examine my papers, and he will find your receipt. The papers were exam- ined, and at the bottom of a large bundle my receipt was found. How

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eagerly I grasped it, and what a load was lifted from my heart! The Deputy Sheriff wanted to take it, but I had suffered so much I would not give it to any one. Thus was the trouble settled, and I was once more free.

The following spring we raised a cabin for Mr. Groves, where Mr. Evans now lives. After the logs were up, I said to the friends standing near me: "I wish I had as good a house as that." Some one desired to know where I wanted it. I told him I wanted it about one mile west, on the creek. I was then asked if I would be there the next morning; and upon my replying in the affirmative, all agreed to meet there at that time and assist me. The company met according to agreement, and we put up my first cabin-twelve by twelve feet. It was small, indeed, but large enough to contain our household goods, with room to spare.

The following items composed our outfit: One spinning wheel; my shoe bench; one bed; a few stools, and the table before referred to. Into this new home, all our own, we moved, February 12, 1808.

In the fall of 1808, a camp-meeting was held on Hay Run, near Chilli cothe. Brother Minshall and his family, my wife and myself attended together. On Saturday, Brother M. came to me, and asked if I had any quarterage. I replied: "You know how poor I am." and putting my hand in my pocket, I drew out all the money I had-372 cents-and said, "tak .. what you think I ought to give, if it is the whole." He took 25 cents, say ing, " I will take this, and may be God will convert Polly to-night." Sure enough my wife was converted that night.

When the meeting closed. we went to Chillicothe, being desirous of purchasing some household goods, and also some clothing. You may imagine my feelings when I thought of my depleted purse, and saw the many things we so sadly needed. I went to the little store of James Mc Clintock, whom I had known in Virginia, and spoke to him of my wants, adding, but I am poor, and see no prospect of paying you He generously told me to give myself no uneasiness about that, but to take just what I wanted. As it was then nearly night, he kindly suggested that we bring our bedding into the store. use such groceries as we needed, adding, in the morning you shall take such as you want of my goods. This generous offer was thankfully accepted, and we returned to our little home very happy.

And now began a series of events which led to my being able to cancel this indebtedness, with some others that I had contracted. Jonathan Min- shall had a friend in the East, who was by profession a school teacher. This friend desired to come West and purchase a home. A short time before the occurrences above alluded to, a Quaker, who owned a small tract of land near to mine, desired to go to some friends near Richmond, Ind., and gave his land and cabin to Minshall and myself for moving him. There was a legacy coming to Brother Minshall from some friend in Philadelphia. With his share of that, the school teacher bought this piece of land. With this money I paid James McClintock for the goods bought of him, and also canceled some other obligations I had contracted, and had $9 remain ing. With this surplus money I bought three calves. Thus far the Lord had brought me on. We were out of debt, in our own house, owned three calves, had good health, and better than all, my dear wife was con. verted. Surely the Scripture was confirmed. "He that goeth forth weep- ing, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again, with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

My dear mother died Jannary 5, 1822, and my father six months after- vard, viz., June 11, 1822. It had long been his wish and prayer that he

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might outlive mother, and then speedily follow her. His wish was granted. Lovely and beautiful were they in their lives, and in death they were not long divided. My father's funeral was preached by Rev. William Sim- mons.

In the spring of 1810. Madison County was formed, and Commission- ers appointed to select a county seat. The present site of London was se- lected. The land belonged at that time to John Murfin. My father bought four lots. two in and two out lots. Three houses were built the following spring, one of which I helped to build. Rev. Father Sutton, living here at the time, built one of them. which stood until a short time since. By this time we began to raise more than we needed for our immediate use-such as hutter, eggs and vegetables. These I occasionally carried to our new coun- ty seat for sale, being the first one to do so.

I wish hastily to record my connection with the war of 1812. In those days all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, were required to muster once a month, and to meet for general muster once a year. Expecting a call to active service. our Captain had divided us into classes of eight in number. We were soon called out to build a block-house at Mill Creek, near Marysville, Ohio. We spent four weeks there, and as we could see no signs of trouble from the Indians, we returned home. I made up my mind not to try to secure a substitute, nor in any way avoid going when I was needed. Soon we were called to Sandusky. On the way we met an express with the command to return. Several weeks were quiet- ly spent at home. One day the Captain came with the word that I must go again. We hurried to Sandusky, arriving there at noon the day after the battle. It was decided to discharge 4,000 men, leaving 3,000 still in the field. I was among those that remained, and returned with others to Frank- linton. Two wagon loads of us had been taken down with the measles, and were hauled home.

While in camp at Franklinton, I had formed the acquaintance of Mother Beam, as she was familiarly called. She had known my parents in Virgin- ia, and said she was a member of the same class. While returning sick with the measles, I encouraged myself with the thought of meeting her, feeling sure she would receive me kindly and give me a chance to rest. Crawling out of the wagon and hurrying with what strength I had, I went to call on Mother B. At every step I felt stronger. Just before reaching the door I heard loud talking. as if there was a gale of some kind within. At the door she met me coldly, when the following conversation occurred : "Can I come in?" "There is a large house," pointing across the way. With a sad heart I started across the way to the large house. Just before reaching there I saw a fellow-soldier refused the privilege of stopping. Returning, Mrs. B.

asked, "Did you not get permission ?" I replied I saw a fellow-soldier re- fused who was as good as I was, and concluded it was useless for me to try. I reminded her that I was small, and would get into a corner and occupy as little room as possible. She declared if I stayed at her house I would be in the way. However. I concluded not to go away until ordered to do so, and setting my knapsack down and leaning against the door. I spoke a pleasant word as often as opportunity offered A length she offered me a chair, which I accepted with thanks. In a short time supper was ready, and sne asked me if I would not have some. I feared to decline lest the invi- . tation should not be repeated, and under the circumstances I did not like to accept. While I hesitated she said, " You had better do so." I very glad- ly accepted. After supper a kind of bed was shown me, which I reached by

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climbing a ladder to the second story. In the morning I was so stiff, it seemed for a time that I could not get up; but after several attempts I suc- ceeded in doing so. I went to headquarters, got my discharge, and started home. On the way I gave out, but being assisted by my companions to a house near by, I was refreshed by a night's rest, and reached home the next day. Thus ended my experience in the war of 1812.

From 1818 to 1824, I was employed to distribute the laws through this western district-a territory embracing some fifteen counties. During my long and tedious journeys, many amusing incidents occurred Among many that I might record, I select the following: Once, when on my go- ing to the western part of my work, I stayed overnight with a Quaker, who lived a short distance below Wilmington. He told me that the next night I would be among the horse-thieves of the Miami Valley. During the next day, I was much troubled with reflections upon what the old gentleman said. As the evening drew near, I found these troublesome impressions in- creased in frequency and intensity. The surroundings were well calculated to deepen such thoughts. For long intervals, I saw no one, not even a dwelling. When I came within hearing of the waters of the river, I felt, surely, this is the place.

About dark, I came to where a new road turned off to the left. A short distance before me, on the main road, I could see a cabin; I was about to leave my team in the road to go and inquire the right way, when a large, rough-looking man came out of the cabin, and, walking up to one of my horses, said, with an oath, " That's a fine horse." Then he looked at the whole team before speaking to me, or apparently noticing me. At length, he addressed me thus: "Good evening." "Good evening," I replied. "What are you loaded with ?" "Laws," said I. "Laws? laws ?" he re- peated, "have they nothing else to do but to haul laws?" " I don't know what they have to do, " I said, " but I am loaded with laws." "Can I stay all night with you?" I asked. "Yes, sir," he replied. " Have you any feed ?" "Yes, sir." Ah, thought I, you wish to deceive me. If I stop with you, I will be in the Miami before morning. "How far to the next house ?" I inquired. "Three miles," he said. "But you can't get there to-night." " Why ?" I saw a road leading in that direction." "That was a road for a two-horse wagon. It won't admit of the passing of a four-horse wagon." " We'l," said I, " I believe I will try it." "You may try it, but you will never get through," he said. Accordingly, I started full of fears, imagin- ing danger at every step. It seemed to me, my horses were my only friends. Speaking to them as if they were intelligent beings. I promised them extra care, provided they took me safely through.

I soon found difficulty. When but a short distance on the new road, my wheel struck a tree, and I was fast. I unhitched my leaders, fastened them to the back part of the wagon, drew it back some distance, then hitch ing them to the wheel, I drew it as far from the tree as necessary, replaced my horses. and, with all possible care and perseverance [ soon came to clearing, and saw a light through the window of a cabin. Going to the door, I asked the woman if I could stay all night. Her husband not being in at the moment. she could not tell me, certainly. Turning to my horses, I met her husband. "Can I stay all night with you?" Yes, sir; glad to see you." Ah, thought I again, so would any horse-thief be glad, under the circumstances. However, I made up my mind to stop with the man, and take the chances My horses were well taken care of, and I had a good night's rost. After having completed my work, I presented my bill, and it

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may be mentioned, as an illustration of the financial condition of the State in that early day, that there was not money enough in the treasury to pay me.

In the fall after I moved into my house, the brook, now running near to where I live, suddenly disappeared some distance above this point, and did not re-appear for a considerable distance. We were put to considerable trouble to secure water. It never occurred to us to dig for it, and since there were no springs we were compelled either to carry it from the point above us where it disappeared, or below us, where it appeared again. And as I did not own a bucket, all must be carried in what was called a " piggin," a sort of little tub without a bail. In the spring I noticed the water stand- ing around in pools, and the thought struck me that plenty could be secured by digging for it. I therefore dug a few feet and found abundance of good wator near the surface. That first well is still to be seen.

When I first came to this part of the country, the Indians were numer- ous. They often came near my cabin, and my association with them was quite intimate. I will relate two or three incidents with which the Indians had some connection, as illustrative of their character. One day while I was digging trenches in which to plant apple and peach seeds, an old Indian woman came and sat down near me. It was said she was one hundred and five years old. She remained perfectly quiet until I had finished my work. When I arose up from my work she left her seat, and, coming close up to ine, patted me on the back and said, "Bye and bye yon have hoap, heap," at the same time turning around and motioning with her hand. She doubt- less meant to assure me that the time would come when I would own a great quantity of land. This occurred in 1807.

During the years 1807 and 1808, we went all the way to Chillicothe to mill. not knowing of any one nearer. I asked Capt. Johnny, an old Indian, if he did not know of a mill near to us. He said there was one on the Mi- ami somewhat nearer. I offered to give him $1.50 if he would blaze a path from my house to the mill. I recollect as if it was yesterday his coming up from his camp, a short distance below, to commence his work. He was a very large man, and came up the creek smoking, and puffing the clouds of smoke above his head. He struck his hatchet into an oak that stood near the cabin. and then started as straight as a bee-line for Clifton, the location of the mill, a distance of about twenty miles. Just here I think I ought to speak of the first grist I over sent to mill. It will give the young people of to-day some idea of how we began life in this country. On a certain day my father was going over to the neighborhood of the mill on horseback. I asked him if he could not take a pair of saddle-bags along. Upon his assuring me that he could. I put a peck of wheat into one end of the saddle- bags and a peck of rye into the other. this being the amount of grain then ready for grinding.

Some time during the year 1808. I was helping to prepare some timber with which Mr. Withrow intended to build a house. On my way home in the evening, I passed the Indian camp. The hunters had just returned with some excellent venison. Seeing an Indian with whom I was well ac- quainted, I offered to wrestle with him for some of the game. He declined, giving as a reason that his ankle, which some time before he had injured by falling from a tree. still pained him. There was a very large fellow near by. who. having heard the conversation, accepted my offer. He was very unpopular with the tribe, being a lazy. good-for-nothing sort of a fellow. He was almost twice as large as myself, but I knew he was slow and clumsy.

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The history of Madison County, Ohio, Part 131

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Brown, Robert C; W.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W.H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1180