The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 92

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 92

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When the present beneficent school law was passed, to have six moi school in each subdistrict, the people took advantage of it immediately, have complied with its provisions ever since. The schools are admirably advantageously kept for the benefit of our youth. The teachers employer able and competent, keep up with the times and stand at the head of the fession. The township is divided into nine subdistricts, having four gr schools under the supervision of the Board of Education, and five school graded. Thirteen teachers are employed to carry on our schools.

MANUFACTURING.

The manufacturing interests of the township have been somewhat div fied. Mr. Martin Sheets, Mr. William Sheets and others carried on

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

nithing for many years in the early history of Union. They made rifles for je settlers for great distances around. and did a great deal of work for the dians. Mr. Henry Sheets. who is still living and making rifles. remembers Il when the Indians used to come to his father's shop for rifles.

The milling interest was attended to at an early date. The first Il was constructed in 1803 by Daniel Hoover. In 1806, there was a mill ilt in Salem by John Wertz, and rebuilt. in 1820, by John Rench. and lately wned by James Heck. It burned down on the 20th of December, 1880. aniel Rasor built a mill in an early day near Union. Two more mills re built near the same place, and later still, William and Andrew Sheets lilt a large and commodious mill on Stillwater. At present, it is owned by drew Hoover. Benjamin Engle owns a mill on Stillwater, near the south- ist corner of the township. Flour used to be an important staple for export. was, in early days, with corn, bacon, etc., sent down Stillwater in flat-bottom lats, to Dayton, and sometimes to New Orleans.

There are only two mills in operation at this time, both on Stillwater, and tither one is doing anything at shipping flour out of the county. having only ¿ ocal trade.

Saw-mills were erected at an early date-one on Baker's Creek, owned by Inry Baker at this time, has been in successful operation for about sixty-five Jars. It was built by John Baker, father of the present owner. Martin

feets built one near Union about the same time, but it has not been used for aut thirty years. There were several saw-mills on Wolf Creek, but have long s .ce been discontinued. There is one portable saw-mill at Salem, owned by Trner & Hubley, and one at Union, owned by David Shaw. Moses Spiller ons one and moves anywhere to suit customers. Jacob Iams. at Harrisburg. 80 owns a stationary saw-mill.

The distilling industry received attention at an early day. Benjamin Ihman built the first distillery, but when, it is not definitely known. H. M. Trner, Jacob Heck and Joseph Turner operated a distillery at Salem for sev- el years. Mr. Heck sold his interest to Turner & Bros. about 1846, and, in 147, Turner & Bros. built a large distillery at Salem, which burnt down in 154, but was rebuilt the same year, by H. M. Turner and Joseph M. Turner. Jeph M. Turner sold his interest to H. M. Turner shortly afterward, and the tiness was continued by H. M. Turner until 1877. Many thousand barrels c high-wines were shipped from the Salem distillery during its operation by I M. Turner. The last run was made in February. 1877. There is no like- l ood that there will ever be another gallon manufactured in the township.

William Sheets had a distillery for many years near Union. So, also, had JT. Smith & Son. John W. Turner built a distillery near where Engle's rll now stands about 1850. but discontinued operating it when the duty on o tilled spirits was put above 20 cents per gallon. The building is in ruins. Sare all the other distilleries, except the Salem distillery. which stands yet i act.

There used to be a carding machine near Salem, owned by Michael Indis: also a woolen manufactory. near Union. owned by Jesse Yount. But ty ale things of the past.

G. W. Purcell and Dr. Hawkins, at Union, have a crockery ware and tile f tory. They carry on the business extensively, and manufacture everything ntheir line.

PHYSICIANS.

The medical profession was not represented in the early history of the tenship. People would doctor the sick with herbs and roots indigeous to the 84. In the winter of 1825 and 1826, an epidemic, supposed to have been ty-

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

phoid fever, made its appearance in the township, and many persons died fc want of proper medical treatment. Dr. Powell, a farmer, appears among th first as a physician; but has long since passed away. Dr. Martin, of Salem, the next who attended to the necessities of the sick and was an able physician He moved to Illinois in 1838, and is yet living. Drs. Hibbard and Gish wel very successful practitioners for many years. Dr. Hibbard went to Richmon many years ago: is practicing medicine yet. Dr. Gish went to Brookville where he resides, practices some, but is engaged mostly in farming.

Dr. Samuel Hawkins, of Union, was the next physician, coming abo! 1846. He is a man of ability, has a successful practice, a man of large e: perience and unsullied reputation, and stands at the head of the profession Dr. Thompson, his partner, is a young man, but has already gained a reputi tion as a successful practitioner and a gentleman. Dr. Gillis practiced i Salem from 1858 to 1870 with marked success. Dr. Kimmel, now of Liberty Jefferson Township, a gentleman of experience, was a practitioner in Salem fo several years, and met with great success. Drs. Levi and Samuel Spitler wer located in Salem from 1869 to about 1879. They were very successful in the practice; they had an extensive field to operate in while here; are gentleme of ability and experience, self-made men; have extensive information on near. all subjects that interest mankind; they now are partners in their profession : Dayton.

There were other physicians here from time to time, whose names th writer has forgotten. Dr. G. W. Hous, of Salem, came in 1878; has an e: tensive practice: a self-made man; has remarkably good success-a gentlema of experience and education. He is young yet, and is destined to make h mark in his profession. Dr. W. C. Smith, who came to Salem in 1880. is young gentleman just starting in the profession; has competent requiremen a. inan of education, and has before him a bright career, and is successful : his professional callings and services. Dr. Boone, of Harrisburg, is a gentl man of education and experience, and meets with good success in his practic which is extensive. This township is well supplied now with the M. D. pr fession. Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Thompson. Dr. Hous, Dr. W. C. Smith and D Boone are all competent in their profession to attend to the wants of the sic" room. Dr. John W. Pence is a graduate of the regular profession, but has r tired from it, makes chronic cases a specialty and practices by animal magne ism.

OFFICERS OF THE TOWNSHIP, ETC.

Who organized a civil government is not known to us, as the townsh records are lost. David Hoover was the first Justice of the Peace; Dani Hoover was elected a member of the Legislature, in 1810, John W. Turner 1830, and Dr. Hibbard in 1846. The voting-place for many years was at Jace Smith's house in Section 19. Union then became the voting-place and 1 mained so for many years. About ten years ago, the Trustees saw fit to chang the place to vote. and Harrisburg being more centrally located, is now the ca] tal of the township. The present incumbents (1881) are E. D. Hubley, Dav Shaw and John Tucker, Trustees; Thomas P. Eby, Treasurer; E. E. Smit Clerk: J. R. Weddle and Isaac Fetters, Constables. Andrew Hoover and F. Warner officiate as Justices of the Peace. The population is 2,330.

In the war of 1812, this township furnished its quota of soldiers, b there were no commissioned officers that lived within its borders. In the w with Mexico, it sent several soldiers to participate in the glories and honors that war, who were present when the army of occupation, under Gen. Sco entered the "Halls of the Montezumas."

In the war of the rebellion, the sons of this township, cheerfully gave the services for the restoration of the Union.

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

ROADS.

) " There are but few things that add more to the general comfort and con- vience of a community than good roads, or an easy method of social and rumercial intercommunication."

There is no record when the first road was established. but at an early la a road was established running from Union to Dayton; also from Dayton o treenville. running through Salem; also from Salem to Union,

In 1836, the national road was cut out from east to west through the cen - tenof the township, but was never macadamized by the General Government. thill be a completed turnpike this year.

" In 1838, the capitalists and business men of Dayton, seeing the impor- a e of holding the rapidly increasing trade of the Stillwater Valley, which n had heretofore enjoyed, and. foreseeing the danger of its being diverted o oints along the Miami Canal, then just completed to Piqua, organzied the Diton & Covington Turnpike Company, secured the necessary stock and began h work of construction in 1839."

The road runs through the eastern part of the township for about seven 1 s, on the bluffs of Stillwater, and is of incalculable advantage to the people log the road, who used to go many miles, especially farmers, with loads of r'n to reach the "Covington pike " going to Dayton. About 1847, the Salem 'apike was organized and a road built from Salem to intersect the Dayton & ' ngton Turnpike at a distance of five miles from Salem. These two roads roll-pikes. In 1869, steps were taken to build a pike from Salem to Air fi, and the next year it was built. The Dogleg pike, from Salem to Trot- (, was built the same year. The Heckman pike was built shortly after. year the Skyles pike was completed. The National road pike was sold year and partly completed, and a branch road, running to Salem, built. L'E township has twelve miles of toll-pike and seventeen miles of free pike. "himud roads, as they are called, are well improved by the local authorities, a ng gravel hauled on them every year.

Every road running east and west but one is a turnpike -- all feeders of u Dayton & Covington Turnpike. Some of the roads running north and ih are having a great deal of gravel hauled on them.

There are five bridges across Stillwater within the limits of the township. Di near Hoover's mill, one east of Union. one at Harrisburg, one at Little ( and one at Engle's mill. All the creeks have good bridges across them, l'her on pike or mud roads. Most of the bridges were built by the County ( missioners-all, in fact, but a very few small ones. There is a pike being ut from Salem to Brookville.

There was no railroad in this township until the Dayton, Covington & do Narrow-Gauge Railroad Company built its road. The people took writ interest in the road. The farmers donated the right of way to the com- The road passes from north to south across the township. Kinsey's >t'on, Harrisburg, Union and Becker's Station are shipping-points on the Large quantities of produce are shipped from these points.

In 1879, the first railroad track reached the township, and was rapidly ti down until it reached Covington. There is an outlet now south to Dayton mnorth to Covington, Versailles, Delphos and Toledo.

CHURCHES,

Among the first settlers on Stillwater was a considerable of neighborhood of e Friends. A church organization and meeting was granted them by West Brich Quarterly Meeting of Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio, and services were firsheld in the summer of 1807. They erected a meeting-house called " Rocky

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Spring." about three-fourths of a mile west of the Dayton & Covington Turn] on Section 36, where services were held for about twenty-five years, but nothi now remains to mark its site except a small neglected cemetery. which has been used for many years. Some of the early members of this organizat were Moses Kelley, Frederick Waymire, Benjamin Owen. William Farm with his sons William and John, Jonathan Justice, Benjamin and Isaac Cool Jacob Wisener, David, William and Jonathan Cox, Nehemiah Thomas ; Ephraim Owen, most of whom were heads of families, who also belonged to faith of this worthy, peace-loving people.

German Baptists .- The Dunkers, or Dunkards, as they are commc called, were the next to organize a church inside of the present limits of R dolph Township. In the year 1800, Jacob Miller came from Flat Rock Val. Va .. and settled on the west side of the Miami River, near Dayton, Ohio. was born in Pennsylvania in 1735; was a man of ability and labored earne for his church. He was much revered by the red sons of the forest, who E that he was "the good man the Great Spirit sent from the East." He rai a family of nine sons and three daughters. three of the former becoming a ministers in the Dunker Church. The earliest pioneer Dunker preache Randolph Township was Emanuel Flory, who, in 1810, organized a congre tion of his co-religionists. For many years, they had no house to worship: and held service every alternate Sabbath at the dwelling-house of some on its members. Every member that was able to have meeting would take hi her turn, "so to speak," in having the meeting at his or her residence. took about two years time, until it came back to the starting-point The ( gregation were served refreshments by the individual at whose house the m ing was held. All who wished to stay, after the meeting was adjourned, w made welcome to partake of the hospitalities of the brother, who always s bountiful table.

They have two churches, one in Randolph Township, the other in C and are known as Stillwater. near Dayton, and Salem Congregations; 1 each a membership of 275. The former is presided over by the Rev. Abral Flory, Rev. Samuel Kinsey. Rev. John Smith and Rev. George Garver; latter by Rev. Abraham Deitrich, of Miami County, Rev. Samuel Shellebar Rev. John Sollenbarger and Rev. Jesse Kinsey, " all gentlemen of ability refinement, and are doing good work in the advancement of Christianity enlightenment." The Dunkers are an agricultural people, quiet, inoffen and unostentatious, making no display in wearing apparel, and living st temperate, industrious lives, taking little or no interest in Governmental aff and few of them, especially among the older members, casting a vote. A g many strictly oppose a collegiate education, or even a higher education of masses, on religious grounds, and are, therefore, looked upon as out of barn with the spirit of this age; yet they are model farmers, good neighbors honest and conscientious to a fault. They have three colleges in the Un States, under the control of the church-one in Illinois, one in Pennsylvi and one in Ohio, where a higher education may be obtained and where stud are welcomed regardless of creed, so long as they conform to the moral stand required and enforced in these institutions.

Methodist Church .- The Methodists had no organized society in this to ship until 1819. In that year an announcement was made, and the follow named members of that faith assembled at the house of the Rev. George E man and formed a class: Rev. George Hoffman. Jesse, William and John mer, Stephen Bender, Mr. Kennedy, John Waymire and Mr. Hollingsw They held their meetings at the house of the Rev. George Hoffman until 1 when the Concord Meeting-House was built, which yet retains that na

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

Choord Circuit was widely known and wielded great influence for good in its p miest days. But its territorial limits are circumscribed now by other de- nhinations, so that its influence is narrowed down in territorial jurisdiction. I', congregation is as zealous in the cause of religion as it ever was and does gat good. The first ministers were Rev. Jesse Stubbs and John Durbin. Its p pit has been filled by the Rev. M. P. Gaddis, Thomas Gursuch, Daniel Da- v 3on, Raper, Tipton, Fiddler and many others. The Rev. Mr. Keck now oc- cries the pulpit. It has a membership of about fifty at this writing. The sent meeting-house was built in 1849. There is a cemetery connected with th church. John Barnett donated one acre of land for the purpose. Jacob Wgoner was the first person buried there, in 1825. They had for many years a .lis at Salem, under the supervision of the same ministers that were at Con- I, but have no organization there now. They also have a society at Union cul a membership of about seventy-five. The organization was effected in 85, and a large and commodious meeting-house built. The Rev. Mr. Tipton al Rev. Mr. Hartley were the first ministers. There is a parsonage at Union, vre the ministers live who preach here and at Concord.

United Brethren .- The United Brethren Church organized a class at Salem .1.869. The Rev. T. W. Bushong helped to bring about a permanent organi- zaon, and was its first minister. The Revs. John Miller, George Gilbert, Htsinger and Samuel Holden have filled the pulpit. They worship in the Ujon Church, built for the accommodation of all denominations, who wish to 1: it for public worship. The United Brethren Church has the ascendency 10, having a membership of 115 at Salem.

Presbyterians -The Presbyterians had a large following at one time but ke no church or membership here now.

Baptists .- The Baptists are well represented; they have an organization atlalem, and worship in the Union Church, and the Rev. Samuel Pence is its p.tor.

Brethren in Christ. - The Brethren in Christ have three distinct branches the township; on what they differ, the writer could not ascertain, but each nach has its own ministers, church officers and hold worship at different times. [ branch known as River Brethren is claimed originated in Upper Switzer- a'l, Europe, and were members of the Mennonite persuasion. In 1835, six failies emigrated from Pennsylvania to Montgomery County, Ohio, and or- giized as a church. John and Daniel Coffman, Samuel Herr, Sr,, and John A ker, Sr., were ministers; Isaac Cassel was Deacon until his death, in 1880. [ above-named ministers have all been gathered to their Fathers years ago. N'y have a neat and commodious church edifice, near the center of the town- b). They are a plain an unassuming people. Their membership is about hty-five in the county. They are among the best citizens we have. Samuel Ar, Jr., John Hocker, Jr., and Abraham Engle are the ministers; Adam Aker and Jacob Cassel are Deacons. Their meeting-house is called "Fair- vi y."

Another branch of the Brethren in Christ has a church organization and s'nterest in a meeting-house at Harrisburg. The church is locally known as h" Swankites." They have a large congregation at Harrisburg, presided over jhe Rev. Jabez Swank. Another resident minister is Samuel Longnecker, w/ preached at Swanktown, Clay Township, There are congregations of the chrch in Darke and Miami Counties and other portions of the State; also in Pinsylvania, Indiana and other States. The history " of this body " as it now exts was formed by the uniting of several branches, which took rise near akit the same time, of which dates there is no account. A general conference w called and convened in May, 1861, at Crooked Creek Church, Armstrong

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

County, Penn. The ministerial delegations were: From Ohio. Jacob Swar John Swank and David Rasor: from Pennsylvania, George Shoemaker, Deford, H. G. Marsh and J. Shoemaker, with a number of lay delegat They adopted a constitution and appointed another general conference to me in Harrisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in October, 1865. This body met pi suant to appointment at Harrisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio, in Octobi 1865, and completed its organization. Of the ministers present who wore the former conference were Jacob Swank, John Swank, George Shoemaker a J. Shoemaker and a legal number of lay delegates, Brothers D. Rasor and G. Marsh having died in the meantime.

The other branch of the Brethren in Christ is locally known as " Wonge ites," whose founder's name was the Rev. John Wenger. They have, al a large congregation at Harrisburg, and worship in the same meeting-hou that the Swankites do, but not at the same hour. They have three churches Clay Township, and have congregations at other places. The names of t ministers could not be ascertained. Why these three branches of the sar name at least do not unite, the writer could not ascertain.

There are other denominations represented, such as the Menists, Albrigh Universalists, Spiritualists, Free-Thinkers, etc., but have no organizations he: So we will close this article by saying nearly every creed can have members sympathy with it. All are welcome and everything moves along smoothly wi religious people.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Randolph Lodge, No. 98. 1. O. O. F .. was instituted January 31, 1848, Salem. Its charter members are John W. Turner, Thomas F. Wieser, Jose M. Turner, Michael Cline, Albert G. Hadden and James F. Hibbard. T lodge has furnished the majority of the members for several other lodges neighboring villages. The officers at present are: William Landis, N. G John W. Roof, V. G .; O. P. Swartzel, Secretary; E. F. Warner, P. Secretar John F Rowe, Treasurer; J. R. Weddle, W .; W. H. Carl, C .; Willam Litt R. S. N. G .; John O'Rourke, L. S. N. G .; L. C. Herr, O. G .; William Geist, I. G., and numbers sixty-four members.

Grace Lodge, No. 504, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 23, 1871, Union. Its charter members are William A. West, George Sinks, Samu Hawkins. George Lockert, John A. Hawkins, O. P. Waymire, Eli Waymi Austin Waymire, David Baker, E. W. McMurray, Alex Waymire. The offic. who first filled the chairs were: George Lockert, N. G .; George Sinks, V. ( Samuel Hawkins, Recording Secretary; Edward Eby, P. Secretary; Jau Stockslager, Treasurer. The present officers are: D. M. Flick, N. G .; John Hawkins, V. G .; Thomas Becker, Recording Secretary; W. A. West, P. Sec tary; John S. Becker, Treasurer. Its membership is 100. It is in a flouris ing condition.

Randolph Encampment, No. 220, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 9, 18 at Union. The charter members are George Sinks, William A. West, D. Sha E. D. Hubley, J. E. Wanner, L. R. Pfoutz, David Skyles, W: E. Geist a William Flick. The officers are: E. D. Hubley, C. P .; William Sherer, H. ] D. Shaw, S. W .; J. E. Wanner, J. W. ; W. A. West, Scribe, and Thom Newman, Treasurer. The membership numbers thirty-three.

VILLAGES.

Salem was laid out in seventy-five lots, January 15, 1816, by John Leath man. Who built the first house cannot be ascertained. Its population, 1880, was about 350. It has two stores, one blacksmith-shop, one wago maker, one tin-shop, one cabinet-maker and undertaker, one grocery sto

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP.

tee doctors, three boot and shoe shops, one saddler, one harness-maker, one cpper, three carpenters, four school-teachers, three butchers, one saw-mill, two s'ne and brick masons, two milliner stores, one flour exchange, one union church, one schoolhouse, one hotel, two painters, three millers and one ditcher. Te village at one time had a large trade; from about 1830 to 1865, there were a reat many goods sold yearly. H. R. Smith was the first merchant, but wheu h commenced business is not known. Michael Reouk sold goods in an early d. The merchants then succeeded each other about as follows: Kinsey & Eple, Redebaugh & Heck, Warren Estabrook came about fifty-five years ago. Ecut up pork for several years extensively, and built a large storeroom in 184; sold to H. M. Turner in 1846, and he also did a very large business un- 1860. He sold to Beachler & Heverling. Their successors were S. L. Herr. Ryers & Herr, Schaeffer & Baker, Baker & Young; then S. L. Herr again; hi Herr & Smith, the present proprietors. David Swank started a store ilat 1846, and was succeeded by Joseph Studybaker, William Hurley, S. G. Vislich, Tobias Q. Landis, S. G. Masslick and J. H. Landis, the present prietor. Warren Estabrook built the first hotel, and sold to Willaim dumerset about 1847. Then David Borden kept it, George Geist, Samuel Lure, H. Teissel, John Vatter and Mrs. E. A. Stoker, the proprietress at onent. The blacksmiths were Messrs. Emerick, Edwards, James Cart -- wight, John Nolan, Robert Turner, John Compton, Jacob Saylor, Fred I ley, Hezekiah Hull and Jacob Saylor. The wagon-makers were Leon- r Billmyer, Samuel Smith, Jacob Rauch, William Bandon and Joseph irth. John Lizet is carrying on the business now. The cabinet busi- Lef and undertaking was carried on first by Augustus Haskins, William IBride, George Shell, Emanuel F. Warner, W. Schaeffer and W. H. Carl, } is now engaged in the business. The saddle and harness making was aied on by James Klepser and Steele Smith, who is yet in the business. A Ir:Harris first manufactured boots and shoes on an extensive scale in early ns. He employed many hands and supplied the whole country. Among is mployes was Emanuel Schultz, the member elect to represent this Con- reional district in the Forty-eighth Congress. who lives at Miamisburg. h'other shoemakers were Morgan Stillwell, Gottlieb Wahl, G. M. Williams, o.p. A. Steele. Those who are now engaged in the business are Timothy utley, J. L. A. Smith. John Vicroy and Samuel Goodyear. The tinners e Samuel Frantz, succeeded by Henry Beachler; Jonathan H. Kline is r ly engaged in the business at this time. Coopering was an extensive iness at one time. D. H. Wilson is the only cooper here. The tailors e T. F. Wieser and David Woodrow.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 92

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