The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 36

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 36

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The Indians in the Mississinewa country becoming more troublesome, Gen. Harrison ordered an expedition to be fitted out to destroy the villages in that section, near where Muncietown, Ind., now is. About December 1, the detach- ment arrived here in command of Lieut. Col. John B. Campbell, of the Nine- teenth United States Infantry. They were only partially mounted, and re- mained here until the 11th of the month to procure horses. Here at Dayton they drew ammunition, ten days' rations and forage; marching from here 600 strong, composed as follows: A squadron of Kentucky Dragoons, one company

yours Truly Jacob Stickle DAYTON

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

: United States Infantry, a Pennsylvania troop of horse, two companies of ennsylvania Infantry, a detachment of Michigan militia and a troop of horse. iding from here, the column reached Greenville on the 14th and left there the ime day, the direction being a little north of west to the Mississinewa River. he duty was severe, and the utmost caution was necessary to prevent surprise id massacre by the savages. On the way out one-third of the command were on ard every night, and the night of the 16th they marched all night down the ississinewa River to a village of Delawares and Miamis, attacking it at day- ght on the bitter cold morning of December 16. The ground was covered ith snow. They rode into the village at once, driving out the Indains, suffering me loss themselves, but killing, wounding and capturing many of the savages. ollowing up their advantage, three other villages were taken and destroyed ne same day, the force returning to camp for the night in the wigwams of the rst village captured.

Long before daylight the next morning the men were quietly awakened hile the officers held a council of war. Shortly afterward, the savages made a urious attack; the fire was instantly returned, and the troops pressed out in the arkness, ending the fight in an hour by the total rout of the Indians. The illed were decently buried, and nearly the whole day was consumed in prepar- ig stretchers for the forty who were too badly wounded to ride. Their total ss was eight killed and forty-eight wounded. The Indian losses were thirty illed and, fully twice that many wounded and forty-three prisoners. So many orses had been killed and lost in action, that nearly one-half the command was ismounted. Toward evening they marched three miles on the return before oing into camp for the night.

Breaking camp before daylight the next morning, they marched fourteen iles that day, and at supper the supply of provisions was exhausted. One-, alf the men were placed on guard, while the other half was engaged in throw- ig up breastworks for defense. The roads were in as bad condition as snow, nud and ice could make them. The wounded were particularly uncomfortable ad suffering intensely from cold and exposure, in addition to the pains from ounds that could not receive proper attention. Nearly every man had either ands, feet or ears frost-bitte ). The horses were in a starving condition. At oon of Tuesday, the 22d, Maj. Adams, with a re-enforcement of ninety-five men com Greenville, met them, and at once issued to the almost exhausted soldiers, half ration each. The next day, Col. Holt met them with a supply of provis- ons that enabled them to reach Fort Greenville on the 24th, with but 303 men t for duty; two of the wounded had died on the march. In camp, twelve miles his side of Greenville, a resolution of thanks was voted Col. Holt, Maj. Adams nd the rest of their command, for prompt and efficient relief afforded.

Sunday, December 27, the detachment reached Dayton, on their way back to eadquarters at Franklinton, showing, by their distressed condition, the hard- nips they had endured and the sharp fights they had been engaged in; with all heir sufferings they had fought gallantly and were punished severely. The Impathies of this little community were immediately aroused for these wound- d officers and men; the command was literally billeted on the town; with parcely an exception there was from one to five in every house; the men were the army at the front; but the good women of the county nobly cared for nese worn-out soldiers. Sunday was given as a day of relief and care for the rounded. The following order will explain itself:

DETACHMENT ORDER, DAYTON, December 28, 1812.

The troops will attend Divine service on Wednesday, the 30th inst., in camp, at 12 clock. When we consider the wonderful interposition of Divine Providence in our favor uring the last fatiguing, dangerous and distressing expedition, gratitude for these favors,

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

require our united and sineere thanksgiving for our deliveranee. I hope the troops whom I had the honor to command in times of peril "that tried men's souls," will attend with suitable deeeney and reverenee, and join in devoutly expressing our obligations to that Be- ing whose protection we have all felt and witnessed.

JOHN B. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.

After resting for several days, the command resumed the march to Frank- linton; many of the wounded were left here and remained for some time; sev- eral of the severely wounded died and were buried here.

The result of this expedition was to place the Delawares and Miami tribes in a starving condition, so that, in January, 1,000 of them came in to Piqua to be cared for by the Government. There was no further trouble from that direction, al- though in January, the Montgomery County, militia, stationed at Greenville, organized an expedition against the Indian towns, but it was abandoned by orders from Gen. Harrison. Thirty Miami Indians were afterward brought to Dayton, and held as hostages for the good behavior of the tribe.

Shortly after New Year's Day, 1813, the weather moderated. Then fol lowed continuous rain storms, that again knocked the bottom out of the roads. Troops, artillery, pack-horses and wagon trains that were moving to the front made but slow progress, yet they kept going. Some days a hundred wagons and sleds, loaded with supplies, would start north for the army at Fort Defiance, Urbana and Fort McArthur,

In January, Capt. A. Edwards, a physician of Dayton, who had had expe- rience in the medical staff of the army the year before, organized a company here and marched to the front.

Pay of non-commissioned officers, privates and musicians, had been fixed by law of Congress, as follows: Sergeants and principal musicians, $11; musi- cians, $9; private soldiers, $8.

About the middle of the month, Gen. Winchester, with the left wing, ad- vanced to the rapids; then assumed the responsibility of bringing on an en- gagement, and alone was responsible for the butchery of regulars and Kentuck- ians at the River Raisin, the result of which was the loss of 32 officers and 474 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, wounded and missing. Fortu- nately, Gen. Harrison soon arrived, checked the disaster and temporarily with- drew the army from the Maumee. The snow up there was very deep, and the army was kept moving about just enough to make them uncomfortable during the winter. In February, Ohio and Kentucky militia, whose terms of enlistment had expired, marched through Dayton on their way to their homes. The companies and regiments would generally bivouac on Main street for the night, keeping the little town in a hum of excitement.

The waters were at such a good stage that large quantities of stores were forwarded from Cincinnati by boats, small boats of supplies were worked through the swamps from Loramie Creek to the Auglaize, and down to Fort Defiance; and between Loramie and St. Mary's there was but six miles haul- ing to be done.

The troops in the camps and forts being greatly in need of shoes during the winter, made moccasins of green hides to replace their worn-out shoes. Three hundred hogs and a large drove of cattle were bought in the county and driven north to the army early in the winter.

Kentucky and Ohio, with the Territories of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, formed the Eighth Military District of the United States. Troops were needed and the greatest efforts were made to increase the army in the Northwest. Two additional Ohio regiments were authorized. Gen. Harri son visited Urbana, Franklinton, Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Dayton, to urge recruiting for the spring campaign. He was successful in this mission. Small bodies of troops were continually marching through here to the north during

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY,

March and April. The roads were again to be filled with an ever-changing ¡ norama of troops and trains; the county was to have the exciting experience ( the year before.

In April, Gen. Green Clay, with a brigade of Kentucky troops, halted in de rain overnight, on muddy Main street, in Dayton. Although it was nec- Gary to hurry to the North, the roads were so fearfully muddy that progress us slow. However, they pulled through in time to advance with the army for 10 spring campaign.

The campaign of 1813 opened the latter part of April by the British and leir Indian allies laying siege to Fort Meigs, then being built by Gen. Harri- sa at the rapids of the Maumee. The enemy, shortly afterward, retreated up 13 Detroit River, and then to the Canada side. Lieut, James Flinn, of the cond company of United States Rangers, that had been recruited here in ayton the year before, opened an office here on the 19th of May, to enlist tirty or forty rangers for one year's service ' (unless sooner disbanded) at $1 a (y. Perry's splendid victory on Lake Erie, September 10, and Harrison's jrsuit of Procter, ended successfully at the battle of the Thames, October 5, covered to the United States control of the lakes and possession of all the ter- bory lost by Hull's surrender. These grand results brought rejoicing to the vizens of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The troops were to come home; the 1 litary road from the Maumee to the head-waters of the Big Miami, and on wn the valley through Dayton, seemed alive with the returning battalions. nio Volunteers, Kentucky rangers and riffemen, were constantly marching 1ck through Dayton.

The war in the West was over, the boys were coming home to family and iends, who were anxiously watching for them. The town was crowded every y with families from every part of the county, looking for husbands, fathers, ns, brothers and sweethearts. There were no telegraph lines, or other means know where the companies were; the only way was to wait and watch-the xt one to march into town might be the one looked for, or, it might be a hun- ed miles away.

Every squad and battalion was hailed with-" Hello! What company is at?" "Bourbon County Rangers." "Do you know where such and such a mpany is?" "Oh, yes: we left them stuck in the mud back in the Black vamp." Or, "we camped with them last night; they will be along soon." ains and soldiers were again camping here; the town was filled with excite- ent and rejoicing. One of the Kentucky regiments, in bivouac on Main street, ere a little noisy in their demonstrations-in a way that old soldiers have; ey got a barrel of "'commissary," and began at once (like old soldiers will) to t "outside of it," and to make things lively in the town for the night. They ot a cannon out of Henry Brown's barn, in Dayton, then supplying themselves ith powder from the Government storehouse, added to the excitement by dis- arging the gun at intervals until daylight. The history of the gun was this: had been captured by the Indians in one of the battles with Gen. Wayne, id, after that war, was traded in by one of Sutherland & Brown's agents, and as finally brought here from Hamilton and used by the citizens for several ears in firing salutes on the 4th of July and other occasions. For some reason aring the night the Kentuckians got excited over the fact that the gun had en bought of the Indians, and they planted it on Main street to fire into Mr. rown's house, but the affair was readily explained, and the boys went on with leir hurrah.

When it became certainly known that the Dayton soldiers were on their arch home; citizens of the town and county met to arrange details for their ception. A proposition was discussed and agreed upon, to build a foot bridge

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

across Mad River, that the heroes might march in dry shod: this part of the plan was afterward abandoned. A flag pole was planted at the head of Main street, and the cannon was kept there in readiness; decorations of cedar were liberally indulged in; streets and houses were trimmed up as gaily as could be with the scant resources.

The arrival of a company or regiment was announced by a signal gun, and, in response, the people gathered to give the boys a hearty welcome and dinner. Tables were arranged in the open air, and the backwoods veterans were enter- tained with a square meal; then in speeches and rejoicings for the rest of the day.

By the 1st of December, the companies had all returned; the men, who, for two years, had been fighting through swamps, wading the rivers and march- ing in the mud roads, had conquered a lasting peace, and were at home. Many families were to mourn the loss of dear, brave relatives, for the Montgomery County companies had been constantly on active duty at the front, and suffered with the rest.

The excitement continued in the West, although military operations had been transferred to the lower end of Lake Erie. Some of the Ohio militia were retained in the service until 1814, and others were called out for short tours of duty the following year, at St. Mary's, Greenville, Fort Wayne, Fort Defiance and Detroit.

A company from German Township, with one other company from this county, were called out for six months' service in 1814. The garrison at Fort Detroit, under Col. Butler, had several sharp skirmishes with the British, hold- ing them in check, and fully protecting Ohio and Michigan.

Friday, March 31, 1815, was designated by the Governor as a day of thanksgiving for peace that had been declared.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

ERMANTOWN - JACKSON TOWNSHIP - FARMERSVILLE - ALEXANDERSVILLE-WHISKY TAX-IMPROVED STOCK-LIBERTY-UNION-LITTLE YORK-COUNTY BUILDING -MARKET RATES-BUTLER TOWNSHIP-CHAMBERSBURG-VANDALIA-MIAMIS- BURG -- PERRY TOWNSHIP-NEW LEBANON-JOHNSVILLE-NOTES-SUNBURY- CLAY TOWNSHIP-PHILLIPSBURG-ARLINGTON-WEST BALTIMORE-BROOKVILLE - COUNTY INFIRMARY - MIAMI TOWNSHIP - CARROLLTON - MIAMI CANAL - EVENTS OF 1833 TO 1841-DIVISION OF DAYTON TOWNSHIP --- HARRISON TOWN- SHIP-MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP-VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP-BEAVERTOWN -- TURN- PIKES.

OR several years after the close of the war, farmers throughout the county were busy renewing fences, roads, farm buildings and implements, that, by ason of the pressing war necessities, had been so long neglected. Many brave omen had been able to hold the farms, cultivating just enough to feed them- lves and the children, while the men were off to war. With the treaty of hent came assurances of prolonged peace, and all of the people could go to ork to rebuild the shattered fortunes. Many of the soldiers from other States ere so favorably impressed with the rich lands of the valley that they either mained here or shortly came back to settle. That part of the county now in ickson, Perry and Clay Townships was soon all taken up.

GERMANTOWN.

October 3, 1814, the following announcement was made:

The subscriber has lately laid off a town near his mills on Twin Creek, in Montgomery punty, and will expose the lots for sale, at public vendue, on the ground, on the 21st day October.

The town is laid off in a dry, healthy, elevated situation, in the center of a rich and burishing neighborhood, with two good grist and saw mills in sight, and perhaps offers as any inducements for industrious tradesmen to settle in it as any other situation in this art of the country. The terms will be liberal, and made known on the day of sale.

PHILIP GUNCKEL.

This first plat sold rapidly, and Mr. Gunckel made an addition to the town, nd had the second sale on the 15th of November, 1815. The post office was stablished in October, 1818, and Peter Shaeffer was appointed Postmaster.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

Jackson Township was formed from Jefferson and German, December 7, 1814. Earch 6, 1815, the citizens of the new township petitioned the Commissioners change the name to that of Rockingham; the petition was refused.

Joseph Ewing, surveyor, for Mr. Dalrimple, proprietor, platted Farmers- ille, August 30, 1832; forty-five in-lots, three out-lots.

February 1, 1815, the United States put a tax of 25 cents a gallon on all istilled spirits; Thomas Constant, of Xenia, was appointed Collector of this, he Second District. March 13, John Taylor laid out Alexandersville, "in the eautiful and elegant situation at the mouth of Hole's Creek, on the State road, etween Dayton and Franklin."

The number of horses in the county had been thinned out, which offered a jood opportunity to improve the stock; a better and larger grade of draft horses

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

were brought from the East. In the stud, in different parts of the county, were the Miami Chief, Farmer's Interest, Jack of Diamonds and Merry Andrew. The next year, Goliah was the noted and much admired horse.

LIBERTY.

The town of Liberty was laid off by Peter Becher December 4, 1815. The first sale of lots occurred January 8, 1816. The town was advertised "as sit- uated on pleasant, healthy and elevated ground, in the midst of a rich, populous and well-cultivated country. Roads from all the chief parts of the State meet at the town.

"It is only four miles from the Great Miami River, and one-half mile from Bear Creek, on which there are a number of saw and grist mills in operation.

"The town is laid off at the place where William Brown formerly kept store. It is now a very public place, as all the elections are held there for that township; it is also the place for military rendezvous.

"The merchant, the mechanic and the lover of social life will here find a place to suit them all.

"The many advantages which present themselves must render the town of Liberty a place of great importance."

The post office at Liberty was established in April, 1821, with Henry Hip. ple as Postmaster.

On the 1st of January, 1816, there were 2,047 white male inhabitants in the county twenty-one years of age and over; in Hamilton County, 3,725; But- ler, 2,877; Warren, 2,313; Preble, 1,067; Greene, 1,616; Miami, 1,116; Cham- paign, 2,097.

UNION.

The town of Union, Randolph Township, was platted by Daniel Razer and David Hoover, on the 12th of February, 1816, and the first sale of lots was on the 26th of the same month. The notice of sale read as follows: "The town is situated on pleasant and very healthy ground, adjoining Daniel Razer's mill, in the midst of a rich, populous and well-cultivated country, abounding in mills and mill seats.

"It is on the State road leading from Dayton to Greeneville and St. Mary's. twelve miles from Dayton, and one-half-mile from the Southwest Branch of the Great Miami River, which is a navigable stream.

"The proprietors obligate themselves to put a pump of good running water in the middle of the town plat."

This pump was fed by water brought through wooden pipes from a spring half a mile west of the town.

LITTLE YORK.

In the same township, but lower down, and on the opposite side of the river, were situated the mill, distillery and carding machine of Adam Weymire, who, on the 25th of March, laid out the town of Little York, and had the first sale of lots April 13. He advertised the location "as pleasant, healthy ground, in the midst of a fertile, populous country, on the Southwest Branch of the Miami, which is a navigable stream. The town lies eight miles from Dayton, and four- teen from Troy; flat-bottomed boats can be taken with their loads from the town plat down the mill-race to the river."

COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING.

With the increase in population, more system was required in the adminis- tration of county affairs; and in the summer of 1816, the Commissioners decided to erect a building for county offices, on the lot upon which the new court house is now being built. July 29, the contract was sold to James Wilson, at $1,249.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Under this contract, the building was to be but one story; the plans were changed, however, and it was built two stories high; was completed by winter, and occupied in the spring of 1817. It was a brick building, forty-six feet front and twenty feet wide. In August, 1818, the upper story was rented to the Watchman, "at $50 a year, and free publication of the annual report of the Treasurer, and election notices." The whole building was, after 1820, occupied for county offices. The first floor was paved with brick; the north room was the Clerk's office, the south room the Recorder's. The Treasurer's office was in the north room, second floor; the Auditor's, the south room. After 1820, the upper story was rented for lawyers' offices.

MARKET RATES.

In December, 1816, market prices were as follows: Flour, $5 per barrel; wheat, 75 cents; beef, per hundred weight, $3 to $3.50; pork, per hundred weight, $4; corn, 25 cents to 33 cents; oats, 20 cents to 25 cents; butter, 12} cents; eggs, 8 cents; venison hams, pair, 50 cents ; bacon hams, pound, 10 cents. January 1, flour had advanced to $6, and wheat to $1. In October, 1819, wheat was selling at 623 cents, and flax, 873 cents. After a long, cold winter and late spring, the conditions were favorable, and there were immense crops throughout the valley in 1821; roasting ears in July; the large yield of wheat reduced the price to 20 cents a bushel, and in the fall, flour was selling at $3.75 a barrel. In March, 1822, the Dayton prices were: Flour, per bar- rel, $2.50; whisky, per gallon, 122 cents; wheat, 20; rye, 25; corn, 12; fresh beef, per pound, 1 to 3 cents; bacon hams, per pound, 2 to 3 cents; butter, 5 to 8 cents; eggs, 3 to 5 cents; chickens, per dozen, 50 to 75 cents.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

Butler Township was formed October 7, 1817, from the parts of Wayne and Randolph Townships lying between the Miami River and Stillwater. The first election was held June 12, 1818, at the house of Sylvanus Swallow; sixty- six votes were cast, and William Kennedy was elected Justice of the Peace.

The township paid $123.874 in taxes that year. Chambersburg was plat- ted by William Kennedy and Robert Hosier, proprietors, January 26, 1830; " twenty-four lots, besides the schoolhouse."

Vandalia was laid out in thirty-three lots, by Benjamin Wilhelm, August 4. 1838.

MIAMISBURG.

In February, 1818, the town of Miamisburg was platted by Peter and John Treon, Jacob Kercher and Emanuel Gebhart, and within a few days, the following announcement was made:

PUBLIC VENDUE.

On Friday, February 20, will be offered for sale, a large number of lots in a new town by the name of Miamiesburg.

Situated on the left bank of the Great Miami River, on a beautiful and fertile plane, free from inundation by the river, and through which the State road from Dayton to Cin- cinnati, and the county road from Centerville to Germantown pass, completely situated for its future inhabitants.

The plan itself shows order and convenience ; in the whole it is divided into squares. each lot containing the fifth part of an acre, adjoining on alleys sixteen feet wide; and also public grounds gratis in the center.

It is coutemplated to convey the water from the river to the center of the town. Fur- ther description would be unnecessary, as the elegant situation and plat will entice the purchaser; aud reasonable credit will be given, with approved security. Terms made known on day of sale, and good titles will be given to purchasers.

Due attendance by us, Dr. Treons, Jacob Kirger, Emanuel Gebhart.

N. B .- Said lots being six miles from Franklin and eleven miles from Dayton, and known by the name of Hole's Station.

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Friday, May 22, the same parties had a second sale of lots.

The post office was established in June, 1822. with Adam Shuey as Post- master.

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

Perry Township was formed March 7, 1820, to include the parts of Mad ison and Jefferson Townships in Township 5, Ranges + east. At the first elec- tion, held October 2, 1820, there were sixteen votes cast. George Hoerner was elected Justice of the Peace.

Pyrmont was surveyed by William G. George; and the twenty-one lots were platted by Daniel Mundhenk, proprietor, May 25, 1835.

New Lebanon was platted with ten lots, by Jacob Grice, June 3, 1843; and on the same day, John Brange made an addition of nine lots to the vil- lage plat.

Johnsville, on the Eaton pike, twelve miles west of Dayton, was a flour ishing village in the busy days of the stage lines, from 1840 to 1855.

NOTES.

Tax rates on lands for 1820 were, upon first-rate land, $2.50 per 100

- acres; second-rate land, $1.75 per 100 acres; third-rate land, $1 per 100 acres; and one-fourth of 1 per cent upon all personal property. Taxes were reduced the next year, on first-rate land, to $1.50, second-rate land, to $1.12; and on third-rate land, to 75 cents.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 36

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214