The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 95

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 95

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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

was conveyed to and from the mill, of course, in a manner in keeping with times. Two horses were made use of, one for the rider and the other to ca the grain, which was fastened on securely by means of straps or thongs, the horse led through the unbroken paths of the dense forest by the ride the other. On these journeys an occasional bear was seen prowling about, the yelp of the wolf heard, which, doubtless, tended to quicken the steps of pioneer's horse. Christian, Jr., resided in his first rudely built cabin u 1811, when he contracted with David Baker, of Dayton, to build him a t story stone house for the sum of $100. It was in war times, and mechar had but little to do, hence the exceedingly low price. There was a good ce dug and a fine house erected. covered with lap shingles; the stone wers ta from the quarry in Section 28. It is now standing, being occupied by Da H. Oliver. In this house was born Owen G. Shiveley, a well-to-do farmer Jefferson Township, and one of the thinking and reading men of the cour who is highly respected by its citizens. In the year 1805 also came fr Huntingdon County, Penn., John Gripe and family; his wife was Cathar Wolf, and their children as follows: Susan, Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jo Stephen and David. He entered 160 acres of land in Section 26. During same year, John Wogaman, Sr., and family, emigrated from Somerset Cou of the State thus far supplying so abundantly this locality with her stu yeomanry, and entered land in the vicinity of the village of Amity. Of five children of this household, but one survives to rehearse to his children children's children the events of the days of yore-by name, "Uncle J. Wogaman," as he is known far and near, who, upward of sixty years ago, the paternal roof and made happy the heart of Mary Burkett. This vener: couple were, until recently separated by the death of Mrs. Wogaman, the j neer twain of the township, each close on to the goal of fourscore years ten of well-spent time, having resided where, more than half a century a they reared the log cabin on the brow of a hill overlooking a beautiful stre the gentle murmur of whose rippling waters these many years comforted th in their lonely moments. Here together these aged folks have shared ii cares and joys, and here, too, were they permitted to pass together the even of their lives. Her death occurred March 2, 1881.

This same year, from Frankstown, Penn., came John Vaniman and f. ily, and entered Section 33 and portions of Sections 28 and 29. His wi name was Catharine, and their children were John, Jacob, Catharine, Be Anna and Polly. The father died on the home farm in 1823, and his rem: were interred on the homestead.

Two more of Pennsylvania's sons resisted no longer the entreatie. friends and former neighbors in the old Keystone State, but now, in the far, West, and in the year of 1807, found them tinkering up the wagon and pre], ing generally to join the tide of emigration moving westward. These were Florys-Joseph and Emanuel. They came from Somerset County, Eman entering 160 acres of land in the western part of the township. In 1810, colony was augmented by the family of David John, coming from Little Co Franklin Co., Penn., in which State, in the year 1785, Mr. John and Elea Powell were married, and became, prior to emigrating to Ohio, the parent thirteen children. In the spring of the year above mentioned, they settle( the green woods, entering land near the school section. During the wa 1812, Mr. John died, leaving this pioneer woman in a new country, with charge of a large family, to encounter all the privations of such a situation best she could; but, being a woman of hale constitution, industrious and ec omical habits, with a confiding trust in God, she was enabled to bring up family respectably. and see them settled in life. She was a religious won

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

al, on coming here, became one of the constituent members of the Wolf Creek Iptist Church, and the only one, at her death (1848). At this time, her own c Idren were thirteen ; grandchildren, seventy-one ; great-grandchildren. tirty-seven-making her descendants 121. She was familiarly known as "[other John." She was extensively loved and respected by both rich and pr.

This year also came Benjamin John and wife, Rhoda, the former of Welsh a:l the latter of English descent, from Fayette County, Penn., coming by way Cincinnati, where they landed in April. thence traveling by horseback to tl vicinity of the village of Trotwood, where he entered land, and there died inthe year 1814, from exposure in the war of 1812, in which he served. Mr. Jin was born May 19, 1786, and his wife April 18 of the same year; she died 11835. Joseph John, now a resident of Van Buren Township. who was born This county in 1813, is their son.

The spring of 1811 brought another from Pennsylvania, John Olinger and aily, settling near what is now Post Town, on the John Vaniman farm, en- eng the southwest quarter of Section 22. The land patent, which is now in astence, was granted by President Madison, and bears date of 1812, given : his signature. Olinger was united in marriage, before leaving the East, 7 1 Eve Hay. and to them were born eight children-two in Pennsylvania, 11 the others in the State of their adoption. The stone house, two stories in ught, now occupied by John Vaniman, another model piece of architecture fye olden times," was built by Father Olinger in the year 1816. Beneath h sod of the Bowman Burying-Ground rest his remains.

Virginia responded to the call from the West, and sent forth a son in the a of 1811, David Heck and family coming to join former acquaintances. He eled on eighty acres of land formerly entered by his father-in law, Jacob Spiler, situated in the south west corner of the township. Heck built his cabin ar cleared some two or three acres, but, becoming dissatisfied, and likely a ite timid at. the aspect of things-it being a period when numerous reports ve in circulation as to all manner of depredations that would be perpetrated yhe Indians during the war-left for his native State during the winter. A rever, he again returned to his cabin in 1818, and in this vicinity ended ni lays, living a life of usefulness through the long period of fourscore years. H children were Samuel, John D., David L., Annie, Elizabeth, Susan, Polly Andrew. Mr. Heck was a very stout and active man, and, with his sons ] settled around him, cleared much land. On his way to this locality in the e 1811, he was offered, when passing through Dayton, the corner lot where h Phillips House now stands for a fine gray horse, included in his team. istian Heeter and family came from Huntingdon County, Penn., in 1814, n purchased 160 acres of land in Section 32, of John Wertz. Heeter married labeth Rarich, and to them were born fifteen children. The descendants of h couple were over one hundred, many of whom settled in this township and ty, and did much toward converting the former wilderness into the culti- a 1 fields of the present. The father died in 1846, and the mother in 1867, latter reaching the remarkable age of ninety years. A family of Garbers 1) with Heeter. The Stutsmans and Martins were early settlers. Prior to lerear 1813, from Bedford County, Penn., came the Metzgers; among them e the families of Jacob, Andrew and Henry; also the Whitmores and Brum- aths and Wagners were here in an early day. It appears of record that D'ag those entering land prior to 1812 in what was then Madison Township the following named: Robert Wilson, Philip Bowser, James Bowman, Jo. Miller, John Gripe, Henry Hess, Jacob Kunz, John Miller, Daniel Mur- tin Adam Replogel, Daniel Miller, Martin Wibricht, David Gripe, William

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Bowser, Leonard Wolf, J. Ditmer, George Kunz, William Bruce, Andrew Hoo Peter Krumine, Ephraim Owen, Benjamin Owen, Jacob Shiveley, Stephe Ullery, William Wilson.

We here end a brief sketch of some of the early settlers, who have near all been called from their toils and privations to final rest. Peace be to the memories. May the present generation preserve inviolate and carry to perfe tion the sacred heritage bequeathed by them.

EARLY ENTERPRISE.

In this, as in nearly all newly settled countries, the industries depende upon trade were slow of development. Pioneer wants were proportionate their abilities to satisfy them. Milling was principally done on Wolf Cree One of the early mills-and this appellation is scarcely applicable to it -- w erected on a branch of this stream, in Section 18, by a Mr. Fryman, but it w nothing more than what was in those days styled a " corn-cracker." Anoth of the ancient mills was the Isaac Hyer, later known as the Weybright Mi which stood in that vicinity; and still another was the old grist, saw mill a: still house combined, erected about the year 1824, in Section 15. " To be not to be " seemed with this enterprise a question for several years. Its cc struction was commenced by Daniel Weymeyer, but ere the frame-work was t he was overtaken by misfortune, and the mill sold at Sheriff's sale, and pi chased by Jerry John, who added a little toward its completion, roofing it a: placing one set of chopping stones-the old gray, or nigger-heads; then went into the hands of Amos Higgins, who pushed it to completion, giving t neighborhood the benefit of a good mill. This mill, though somewhat remo eled, is still standing and in operation, now known as the Trotwood Mill, ca ried on by Fred Herter. A carding and fulling mill was operated in Secti 14 by Joseph Ullery, and one of the very early saw-mills by Leonard Wol Samuel Ullery was probably the first blacksmith in the township. His sh stood on the northwest quarter of Section 35. Blacksmiths of later years we Jacob Kimmel and John Marker.

CHURCHES.

The earliest religious societies in this section were those of the Germ Baptists and the old Regular Baptists. Of the latter we know but little merely that such an organization existed in the early settlement of tho tov ship. In the pioneer cabins and barns, the people of old met and raised th voices in unison and praise in magnifying the name of their Great Preserv The names of Jacob Miller and David Bowman, a sketch of whose lives is giv. in the history of Jefferson Township, were early Elders in the German Bapt Church. The first meeting-house in the township was built by this denomi tion in about the year 1832. It was a brick building, and stood in Section Joseph Garber was then the Elder in charge. This church, in the course time, was deemed too small, and a larger one was erected, which, when ab ready for occupancy, was destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt, just over f line in Harrison Township. The Christian Church was organized with 1 members, namely, Solomon Bookwalter, Joseph Smallwood and wife and Is. Piatt and wife, in August, 1848. The following year, a small brick chu. was erected in Section 9, which was dedicated by Rev. Isaac N. Walter, regular pastors being Caleb Worley and Thomas Wells. Here they worship until the building of the new church at Trotwood, in 1872, costing $4,00 The lot upon which this building stands was purchased of William Worl The present minister is Rev. B. F. Vaughm, and membership, eighty-thr The former building of this sect was sold in 1872, to a congregation knowI the "Albrecht Church," who occasionally hold services there. Many of people in this region worship at other churches in the adjoining townships

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneers early began to realize the importance of giving attention to uc raining and education of their children, and, as soon as they made proper prcision for more pressing wants, began the erection of the rude log house as the temple of learning. We are unable to give the first house built in the t v ship, but one among the first stood in Section 35, in which was taught English and German, by John Singer. The Shiveley Schoolhouse was ancier early one, built prior to 1818, and the " masters " were Peter Bright, and later, Jesse Higgins. These crude schools have steadily advanced, until te' have reached a high degree of excellence, there being now twelve school isicts in the township, and as many fine brick buildings, three of which were I mi in 1880, two containing two rooms each. The value of school property is 2000. The annual appropriation for school purposes is $3,500. School is Ileight months during the year.

VILLAGES.

Amity, a small village located in the western part of the township, was iout October 6, 1840, by William Towman. The original plat shows six- t exlots. The land was purchased by Robert Brooks, who was instrumental in ov g the town laid out. This gentleman was the first merchant of the place, aDavid Stillwell the first blacksmith. There are now in the village about ti.top houses, among them one general store, it answering the purpose of a -ory, shoe shop, post office, etc. The post office was established here in 7 the first Postmaster being G. Weidman.

Trotwood, another village, or hamlet, is situated in the center of the town- i] on the Dayton & Western Railroad. It is indebted for its existence to T Pfoutz, who, in 1854, after the completion of the railroad mentioned, il a business house, opened a store and inaugurated the village. He became rst Postmaster, and is still in office. The American Express Company red an office here in 1866, and the United States Company a few years D There is quite an extensive warehouse for storing away grain previous to Ipient at this station. J. B. Piatt was the first blacksmith, and his hammer llebounds against the heavy anvil. A carriage manufactory was opened in 7\ The village can boast of a first-class hotel, kept by E. Sleight. the 07 Englishman," and of a job printing office, carried on by J. W. Sleight. irhill is a small station on the same road, in the northwestern part of wnship.

MC AFFEE MURDER.

n the year 1824, the John Keener farm was the scene of the murder of s McAffee by her husband, John McAffee. This grew out of the intense ef the man for a Miss Hettie Shoup, then a resident of the neighborhood. De eed was committed while the wife lay sick in bed, and was accomplished cking her. McAffee was tried and found guilty of murder in the first je, and hanged at Dayton. near the Great Miami River, in the presence 5,00 people, the execution taking place at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the Llay of March (Monday), 1825.

he prisoner addressed the crowd from the scaffold, confessing his guilt. Le entence was pronounced by Judge Crane, and the execution performed Seriff George C. Davis. This was the first murder in the township, and Ist public execution occurring in the county.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

BY HENRY CUPPY.

THIS is the northeastern corner of Montgomery County, and joins M and Clark Counties on the north, Greene County on the east, Greene Cor and Mad River Township on the south, with the Miami River as its wes boundary. On petition of a number of inhabitants residing in the nort part of Dayton Township, the Commissioners, January 1, 1810, ordered the four northern tiers of sections in eighth range east of the Great M River, within this county, and the third tier of fifth range west of the Mi excepting two fractional tiers of sections of the same township, compose a township, to be called Wayne; and the election for township officers wi the same be held at the house of Benjamin Van Cleve, on the Staunton r on the 20th day of January, 1810. Upon the formation of Butler Towns October 7, 1817, all that part of Wayne west of the Miami River was usc the erection of Butler Township. At the election held January 20, 1 twenty-one votes were cast, and James Miller and William Snodgrass elected Justices of the Peace. On the second Tuesday in October, 18] meeting of the Trustees was held to consider a petition for " a road to be out from the Staunton road, between James Black and Samuel McFadde the middle of Section 30, Township 2, Range 8, running past the cent Section 18, and thence passing James and Robert Miller's the nearest and way to Greene County line at the east end of John Ainsworth's lane." Viewers appointed were James Miller, John Ainsworth and Shaphat Mcl Samuel Archer appointed as Surveyor.

At a subsequent meeting on the 17th of the same month the record s. that " by the consent of James Miller one of the Justices of the Peace of township," the Overseers of the Poor of Wayne Township-John Ainsw and Peter Sunderland-"doth bind John Slider, a Poor child, aged fou years against the 1st day of April next ensuing this date (17th October, 11] to James Forgas, of Miami County, Tanner, to Learn the art and miste · the Tanning business, for the term of seven years," at the expiration of w all the covenants of each party being fulfilled, he was to receive " his free and one suit of Superfine clothing and one suit of Coarse Clothing, and horse, saddle and bridle, to be worth $75." A horse, saddle and bridle v $75 seems also to have been stipulated for in every indenture of apprentice of " poor " males, who were to be instructed "in the Trade of Husband and who were to be taught " Reading, writing & arithmetick as far as the common rules," and to receive, when their time expired, "one good st. hollowday cloths of the vallue of $30, two other good suits for every day and one new Bible." (Indenture of Hiram Huffman before Justice of Peace John D. Campbell, June 17, 1815.)

Upon what terms females were bound to serve is shown from the reco an indenture dated October 5, 1817, in which it is recited that the Over " Do put & place Sarah Keiser, a poor child of the county and Township & said, with them to Dwell & serve from the Day of the Date of these pres untill she shall arrive to the full age of Eighteen years. * * During all which Time the said apprentice her said Master shall faith serve on Lawful Business according to her Power, wit and ability," for v

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

thether parties covenanted "to learn her to Spin, sew & to Do common house wo, and one year's schooling and one Spinning wheel and one second rate to and two suits of Clothing of a good Decent quality and a freedom suit al.ed at $18, and one good Bed and Bedding & one new Bible."

It would seem that the township officers were not uniformly elected by its otig inhabitants, but that the Trustees then in office sometimes named them. hs:

" At a meeting of Trustees of Wayne Township at the house of James lax, April 14, 1814, the following appointments were made:

" Trustees -- John Holderman, George Hayney, Levi Jennings.

" Clerk-Samuel Petticrew.

"' Overseers of the Poor-John Fryback, Moses Miller.

‘Fence Viewers --. Richard Sunderland, Jacob Brenner.

"'Supervisors of Highways --- James Black, Benjamin Keiser. Jacob Ar- ] Sr., John D. Campbell.

"Constable-Eli Compton.

'Constable and Lister-John Ainsworth.

'Treasurer-Jonathan Knight."

From that date up to the present time, the following-named have served te various township offices:

Trustees-John Holderman, Levi Jennings, Moses Miller, Richard Sun- n rind, James Miller, Sr., John Hacker, John Duncan Campbell, Jacob Mat- el, Jerome Holt, James Malcom, Elias Matthews, Samuel Archer, John F. i Ice, Thomas Crook, Samuel McPadden, Henry Jennings, Samuel Morgan, h Miller, James Petticrew, Edward McDermott, Samuel Favorite, Walter w, Peter Kellenberger, Moses Shearer, Samuel Longstreth, Robert Mc- bless, Joseph Bond, John Ainsworth, John Matthews, John A. Deam, John hler. John Allen, Dennis Dougherty, Beniah Tharp, William Oram, Charles lag, William H. Sturr, James Bartlow, Robert Sloan, Levi Booher, John ar, Charles Crook, Franklin P. Grimes, Henry H. Bond, David Barkman, mmin Fovier, Daniel Kneisly, John Finlay, David P. Oram.

Township Clerks -- Samuel Petticrew, James Miller, Jr., James Tamplin, s; Shearer, John F. Aughe, Henry Deam, Elias Matthews, William H. u D. S. Zediker, Henry Cuppy, Samuel Sullivan, Joseph Bond, George A. mith, George W. Shearer, Christian Hower, John B. Patton, Thomas Min-

Assessors-John Ainsworth, Jacob Stoker, James Miller, Jr., Jacob Evertz. h Hayney, Samuel .Longstreth, Shaphat McCrea, George Kephart, John hon, Henry Brandenburg, John Hacker, William Van Cleve, James Black. nel B. Dover, Joseph Light, Wesley Noland, Hugh McFadden, Moses ve er, John Prill, William Sawyer, William H. Sturr, Levi Booher, John Jhenny, Henry Foster, David Sclencker, James Jordan, John B. Patton. co M. Tippy.

Treasurers-Jonathan Knight, Lewis Brenner, Jacob Arnold, Valentine e er. Henry Brandenburg, Festus E. Munger, Beniah Tharp. Daniel leker, Bartholomew Wilson, Thomas J. Johnson, Dr. J. R. Moist, Stephen den, Isaiah Wilson.

ustices of the Peace-James Miller, William Snodgrass, Samuel Archer, Wią Matthews, John D. Campbell, Jerome Holt, Samuel Favorite, John F. ge, Henry Brandenburg, Joseph Bond, Thomas Crook, Daniel S. Zediker, Willam H. Sturr, Jacob Beyl, Samuel Sullivan. Joseph C. McElhenny, Peter Sull'an, John Dille, John Powell, Joshua Oram, George W. Smith, Charles Cros, John B. Patton, Thomas Minnich, Whaley James.

mong those who occupied other places of trust in the township might be

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

named Henry Enoch, Israel Enoch, John Slagle, Andrew Russell, John iker, John Shafer, Jacob Evans, William Courtney, Isaac Read, Peter Slu David Martin, John Booker, David Archibald, Samuel Koogler, Adam D John Miller, John Cuppy, Abraham Powers, Philip Shafer, Simon Brei Abraham Cossler, George Favorite, Samuel Fulton, Amos Gray, Henry B James Barnitz, Peter Filbrun, Samuel A. Andrews, Cyrus Kellenberger, A lom Enoch, William McNair, Peter Light, Henry Shoeperd, Daniel Kne William Lewis, Alexander Sloan, James Kay, Enoch McCord, Jacob L Andrew Puterbaugh, John Shroyer.

Among the early settlers of the township, the following-named loc prior to the year 1810: Rev. Joseph Tatman, John Ainsworth, Robert M James Miller, John Booher, John Duncan Campbell, Jolm Hacker, Henry nings, Peter Sunderland, John Slagle, Jacob Arnold, Valentine Shearer, John Cuppy, nee Lydia Oilar, Henry Oilar, Levi Jennings, Simon Bre: Jacob Brenner, Lewis Brenner, Samuel Petticrew, John Petticrew, John Sh Joseph H. Johnson, Nathan Maddux, Ignatius Maddux, Henry Deam, J Black, John Booher and John McFadden.

During the next decade, there were, with other accessions to the immig population, James Black, Jonathan Knight, George Favorite, Elias Mattl John Matthews, Robert Archibald, David Archibald, James Kay, Abra Buckley, John Slagle, William Hoover, John Zediker.

Of these early pioneers, Rev. Joseph Tatman immigrated from Kent and located in 1800. He was an earnest and devout minister of the Meth Episcopal Church, and had charge of the congregation of the first orga tion in the township, of which further notice will be taken in this his sketch. He was afterward a Representative in the General Assembly of and is remembered as a man of strict probity and large common sense, coml with Christian benevolence. It is related of him that, when driving his to Cincinnati, in company with his neighbor, John Hacker, in passing the of a poor widow, he was importuned by her to sell her a little flour-that had not the means to purchase a barrel. In the condition of the roads in days, a trip to the city and return took some eight or ten days, and it was day when the widow's request was made. He, however, rolled out a barre received what mite she could spare in full pay for it. On their return, Ha who was a member of his church, reported him for violating the Sabba selling flour on the Lord's Day!

Jacob Arnold emigrated to Ohio from near Boonesboro, Ky., in the s' of 1806. Mr. Arnold was a tailor by occupation, but abandoned the ‘ board, goose and scissors," after purchasing a half-section of land on w! now known as the Brandt Turnpike road, where he commenced the wor clearing and putting up such buildings as were deemed sufficient for the fort of hardy pioneers. By industry and perseverance, he succeeded in ing and cultivating one of the best and most productive farms in the towi As an evidence of the esteem of his neighbors and the confidence they p in him, he held various township offices from its organization until hi vanced age compelled him to retire from active business pursuits. Of its ily of nine children, Mrs. Elizabeth Shafer only survives, and who is the d person in the township. having completed her eighty-fifth anniversary c birth, and with seemingly a prospect of "many returns of the same."

John Shafer, also from Kentucky, arrived in 1806, and located on the now owned and occupied by Col. John Allen. Mr. Shafer's lands were bot on the east by those of Jacob Arnold, and their nearest neighbor was th Leonard Hain, of Clark County, who resided five miles distant. schoolhouse was erected on his premises, on the banks of Dry Run. in th

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

+ un of 1809, and the first teacher who occupied it was James Miller, father of hwvenerable James Miller, of Mad River Township, who has been for nearly r uite half a century engaged in teaching. In a beautiful grove on the a.'s of Dry Run, near Mr. Shafer's log cabin residence, the venerable pio- er minister, Rev. David Winters, preached his first sermon on a Sabbath : ît noon in June, 1822. There were about two hundred persons in attendance. bh included very nearly all the inhabitants, old and young, for many miles ar nd. Mr. Winters on that occasion filled an appointment which his reverend tor was unable to meet, and, that fact having been bruited, there was a curi- si, natural to a rural community, to know how the young Winters would do. of he assemblage then present, but two are known to be living-Mrs. lisbeth Shafer and Thomas Chinn-the latter a septuagenarian of African sint, who rejoices in the Fifteenth Constitutional Amendment, and supports Weolitical party through whose advocacy it was adopted.

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The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 95

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