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GREENE TOWNSHIP.
BY C C. BOWERS, ESQ.
LOCATION.
GREENE Township lies in the southeast part of Clinton County, Ohio. On the north, it is bounded by Union and Wayne Townships; on the northeast by Wayne Township; on the southeast by Highland County; and on the west by Clark, Washington and Union Townships. Its form is rhomboidal. Its most northern point a little west of north of a straight line drawn from the center of the southeast line bordering on Highland County. This line is about six miles long. The southeast line is six miles in length. The irregular line on the west side is about eight miles. The line bordering the north and northeast is about eight miles in length. It contains about forty-three square miles of surface. The northeast part of the township lies on the waters of Paint Creek; the southwest part on the head-waters of the Little Miami River.
SURFACE.
The surface is gently undulating for the most part, some of it very level. Probably not an acre of the surface but what is plowable, except the beds of the several little streams, natural and artificial, whose little curves pass over various parts of its surface.
SOIL.
The soil is excellent; none better may be found in the county. The larger part is a black loam of great depth, and is very productive. In its natural condition, parts of the township were very swampy. Many supposed it never could be delivered and made available for farming; but improvement has shown the contrary. The formerly rejected swamps are now the best lands-most valuable and most productive.
WATER.
There are no large streams of water in the township. East Fork of Little Miami, Cowan's Creek, another branch of the Miami, and Lee's Crook, or the waters of Paint, are the only streams of any note in the township, and these are comparatively small streams. There are few if any springs in it, yet but a few feet below the surface abundance of water can be obtained. It would require but little labor to secure a supply of water sufficient to run machinery, to an unlimited extent.
VIRGIN CONDITION.
At the close of the nineteenth century, this township, like the adjacent country, was an unbroken wilderness. The bear, deer, wolf, raccoon, opossum and other wild game were abundant. The wild, uncultured Indian, "who sees God in the clouds, or hears Him in the wind," roamed through its forests in quest of game, or to execute his murderous work of savage warfare. Few white men had dared to pass through its " tangled copses."
APPEARANCE OF THE WHITE MAN.
The exact time of the white man's appearance as a permanent fixture is now and probably will remain forever in doubt. The first settlers are all gone. Few if any of the second generation live to inform us of the early settlements. Hence, we are compelled to depend chiefly on the third and fourth generations for our information. Through these we can obtain many facts, but not
706 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
their chronology. Hence, all that can be done is to approximate the time of events.
From the best evidence in our reach, it is believed that 1800 marks the year of the coming of the first settler in the township. In the history of Clinton County, compiled by Lake, Griffing & Stevenson, published in .1876. may be found the following statement: "Among the early settlers of the (Greene) Township were Joseph Anthony, from Virginia, on the land now occupied by Henry Nordyke; Abner Van Meter and Samuel Clevenger, on the land now owned by Isaac Pongate; Morgan Van Meter, a native of Morgantown. Va., settled in the vicinity of Snow Hill in the year 1800, on the land now owned by Zephaniah Spears." "Van Meter's purchase was 200 acres of land, on which he erected a double log cabin, the first of the kind in the township." This statement agrees very nearly with those made by the oldest and most reli able of our citizens now living. Some slight discrepancies in regard to names and dates appear, but these are few and trivial. Hence, we may be assured that about the year A. D. 1800, the first settlement was made in Greene Township.
PLACES OF SETTLEMENT.
The first Settlement was made a little southwest of the center of the township, on the East Fork of the Little Miami. Shortly after this, probably in 1804, Micajah Nordyke, a native of North Carolina, settled in the vicinity of Van Meter and Clevenger, who had preceded him three or four years. In the same year, Israel Nordyke settled on the farm now occupied by Michael Johnson.
In the autumn of 1806, Micajah Nordyke, having sold his former claim, bought and settled the land now occupied by John Malone. The Nordyke brothers were natives of North Carolina, but quite early in life moved from their native State to South Carolina, where they remained but a short time, and then removed to Tennessee, on a stream called Lost Creek. From this place they again took up their journey, and found a lodgment in Greene Township, Clinton County, Ohio, where they remained upon the lands above named until they journeyed to the country beyond the vale of this life. They bought their land of Col. A. Buford, who then owned a large tract in this region. They paid $2.50 per acre for their land.
This small settlement in the far-off wilderness became the nucleus around which many others gathered. In 1806 or 1807, Joshua and Stephen Hussey emigrated from North Carolina, their native State, and bought land, a portion of which is included within the present limits of the town of New Vienna. It extended eastward and included the farm now owned by Charles Good. The first house built by these brothers was situated very near the present site of Frank Woodmansee.
In 1810, Charles Harris, father of Elisha Harris, of Snow Hill, bought the land now owned by Jonathan Leeks, and settled upon it, and commenced the work of improving it. About the same time, the land now owned by Carey Clark and Hezekiah Hildebrant was settled by Thomas Cox, grandfather of Vincent Cox, blacksmith of New Vienna; and Joseph Anthony settled the land now owned by Messrs. Levi Miller, Dr. E. M. Woodberry and Henry Nordyke. William Noble, Sr., settled south of the Harris farm, and Aaron Cox where William Elliott now lives. Elisha Noble settled the Thomas Nordyke farm. Charles Harris built the "Snow Hill House," and opened a tavern there, probably the first in the county. His brother-in-law, Samuel Wasson, near the same time, built a house near where Cyrus King now lives, and commenced to entertain travelers.
The north and northwestern parts of the township were not settled quite
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so early as the south and southeastern parts. the parts just described. The means of knowing precisely the time of the settlement in that part of the town ship are not within our reach at present; but the principal names of the early settlers there are Vandevort, Bashore. Hodgson, Rogers. Gregory, Hulse. Cashman, McKenzie, Walker. and perhaps others. The land of this region was held originally in large tracts. which Congress had bestowed for military services rendered in our Revolutionary struggle, or in repelling the attacks of the savage aborigines of the country. The first settlers purchased their lands of these original patentees. The pioneers of this region, like the pioneers of all countries, were brave, large-hearted, truthful, generous and kind. They left the civilization of their early homes and industriously sought their fortunes in the wilds of the Mississippi Valley. The first thing those brave men did when they found the lands they had bought, was to erect a rude structure called a cabin, for the protection of those for whom they were ready to Sacrifice even their lives. When they found suitable sites whereupon to erect their cabins, they at once began the work of construction. and in a marvelously short time there would rise in the woods these embryo homes, where the loving housewives and playful children were afterward to share the love and caresses of their noble husbands and sires. The houses were usually small, containing but a single room, of probably sixteen or eighteen by twenty feet in the square, eight or nine feet high, made of unhewn logs of moderate size, covered with clapboards three or four feet long, six to ten inches broad, laid in layers and held to their places by poles of sufficient size to accomplish what was desired The spaces between the logs were filled with timber and covered with mortar made of clay and water. The floor was rough, made of puncheons or slabs split from the trunks of trees, of suitable size, and one Side hewed This hewn side was placed upward, and constituted the floor. The chimneys of these homely but hospitable palaces were constructed by cutting away three or four of the lower logs, at one end of the building, and removing them three or four feet out from the wall, then building them to the house again, by attaching pieces between the ends of the logs removed and the parts still remaining in the building. Against there logs and timbers stones were built, against which the fire was to be placed. This was called the back-wall; from the top of this back-wall the chimney was constructed by building together small pieces of timber and plastering these within and without with clay mortar. Such is a brief description of the first houses erected in this region. The dress of the people corresponded to their houses. The people had not then learned the refinements (?) of modern aristocracy. Their clothes were made, both fabric and form, by the labor of their own hands. Industry, economy and thrift were marks of that time. Under such a regime it took but a comparatively short time until in place of forests, fields full of grain, with peace and plenty, appeared
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The township was organized while it was yet within the territory of Highland County. Clinton County was organized in 1810, from territory which belonged to Highland and Warren Counties; but Greene Township had been organized prior to this date. This is evinced from the following record taken from one of the township books:
"(1.) October 28, 1809, William Noble's ear mark of his hogs, sheep and cattle is a crop and under-slit in the right ear and a hole in the left."
" (2.) December 4, 1809, Thomas Cox's ear mark of his hogs, sheep and `cattle is a swallow-fork and under-bit in the left ear, and a crop and Slit in the right ear."
Further evidence is found in the fact that citizens of the township paid
708 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
tax as citizens of Greene Township. Highland County, as early as 1807 to 1809. Here follow two receipts:
"Tax receipt, October 6, 1807. Received of Micajah Nordyke $2.65 of land and county tax for the year. Received by B. W. Johnson."
"November 9, 1809. Received of Micajah Nordyke his State and county tax; State tax, $2.25, county tax, 45 cents; 300 acres of land, No. 4,397."
This view is sustained by the testimony of Stephen Hussey and Henry Nordyke, two of the oldest citizens of the township. Both of these men, now nearing fourscore years of age, testify that they believe the township was organized about the year 1809. Snow Hill was made the voting place from the organization of the township until about 1858; then it was divided into two precincts. New Vienna was made the voting place of the southeast precinct, and New Antioch of the northwest precinct.
INCIDENTS, ANECDOTES AND AMUSEMENTS.
Micajah Nordyko reached his land too late in the autumn of 1806 to complete his rough cabin for the use of his family before the winter stopped his work. In this half-finished house, with no chimney, warmed by a fire built in the center of the house, he and his family wintered. Here, in the midst of the forest, the wife of Mr. Nordyke often sat through the night season in the absence of her husband, with her little children around her, and listened to the howl of the wolf, whose desire for food often led him even to the doer. Here, also, she often cooked food for the straggling Indian. Henry Nordyke says he remembers an old chief by the name of John Coldwater, who often visited those early settlers and enjoyed their hospitalities. Upon the knee of this old savage he often sat whIle his mother prepared his meals. This friendliness of the white and red men had grown up in this region because each respected the other's rights.
Hunting the wild hog in the fall and early winter was quite an amusement, but often rather dangerous. The wide forest, through which the swine could range, caused them to grow wild and sometimes ferocious. They could only be taken by strategy. A little corn, of which his hogship is very fond, would be scattered along a line in the woods toward an inclosure purposely prepared, and then a quantity would be thrown out in the field, and the gap in the fence left open and carefully watched until the swine would get well in to the field; then a rush upon the gap was made to close it. After this, help was obtained, and as many hogs as were thought necessary were slain.
The first death among these pioneers was a child of Abner Van Meter. This cast a gloom over the, thinly settled community, but their souls were stayed on the word of Him who said, " Suffer the little ones to come unto me, and forbid them apt, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
DEVELOPMENT.
Seventy-five years ago the territory of this township was nearly without inhabitants; the most part of it low, flat and swampy, and all of it heavily timbered. It then had few houses, few settlers, no roads, no schoolhouses, and no churches. Now, it is delivered from this condition. The forest is nearly all gone, the low and flat lands are cleared off and well drained. Swamps have disappeared, and timber is scarce. The whole territory is thickly settled; inhabitants are numbered by thousands: schoolhouses and churches are plenty. For several years after the coming of the first settlers and the first sounds of civilization, progress was slow. Emigrants from the East and South moved in gradually. By 1820, however, population had so increased as to occupy most of the lands of the township. Then the work of clearing and fencing the wild lands and subduing them to the interests of the settlers went
GREENE TOWNSHIP. - 709
forward rapidly. Soon thousands of acres were under cultivation, and covered with flocks and herds and golden grain, rich reward to the honest, earnest and industrious noblemen who settled here. Through those years of development the people were sociable, benevolent and kind, and though without many books, they were not without learning. Their minds were trained to think. They reasoned for themselves, solved their own problems, and acted as individuals. True, they were rough in dress, and often lacked the refinements (1) of our modern aristocracy; still, they possessed the elements of a true, noble and in dependent manhood. The pioneer came to this forest home without money and without machinery; hence, his struggle was protracted, and his victory slow but sure. The log cabin has given way to the stately mansion; wealth has taken the place of poverty; the forests have vanished and orchards of richest fruits fill their places. Population is now numbered by thousands; the house-railings, log-rollings, flax-pullings, corn-huskings, spinnings, quiltings and singing-schools have given place to others, and it is thought, more refined(?) amusements, such as pools, cards, the dance, base ball, croquet, etc. In reference to these changes it may be questioned whether the progress has been forward or backward, upward or downward
SCHOOLS.
The site of the first schoolhouse in this township is somewhat uncertain. Lake, Griffing & Stevenson, in their Historical Atlas of Clinton County, say it was on the land now occupied by Henry Swingley. Stephen Hussey locates it near the site of his present residence, within the village of New Vienna. We have no means of settling this dispute, and must leave it to those whose tastes may lead them to further inquiry. It was built about the year 1812. In this house one Robert Peggin was employed to teach, but his intemperate habits caused his dismissal. After this, another man by the name of James Savage was employed, but he in his habits was but little better than Peggin; hence, he remained but a short while. This was the beginning of the schools of the township. Now there are nine subdistricts, one special and one village district. At first the schools seldom ran longer than three months in the year; now they average about eight months. The special district is at New Antioch, in the northwest part of the township; the village school in the southern part, at New Vienna. The special district has a good brick house, two stories, and two schools under the charge of Prof. -- Sewell and Miss Ratio Mitchell. This district was organized about eight years ago, or in 1874. James Dodd, a graduate of Bethany, W. Va., was the first Principal. Since he left, Profs. Laymon, L. D. Wysong and --- Sewell have taken charge oŁ the work. The school has done good service, and is still prospering. The district has furnished many thoughtful men and women, and, several teachers, who have been eminently successful in schoolwork. It may be interesting to note a few facts in reference to some of the sub-districts of the township, showing population, term of schools, wages paid, etc. I shall have to transcribe a few things from the records of the Township Clerk:
Report of District No. 1: -September 25, 1838. Our school commenced October 20, 1837, and expired April 20, 1838; the term of six months. There was $120 paid by subscription. No school tax. The number of pupils that attended school, fifty-eight. The branches taught-common reading, writing, arithmetic and geography. No building; no repairing We find on a settlement with the Treasurer, that there remains, after paying the Clerk for taking and returning the number of youths for 1837, $1.50, and leaves in his hand $17.86. After proposing to the meeting repairing schoolhouse, proceeded to business. -
WILLIAM LUPTON,
ABRAHAM FRASER,
JOHN B. CLARK, BENJAMIN CLARK,
Clerk, School Directors.
The above is a verbatim copy of the report.
710 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Report of District No. 2:-September 21, 1838. The number of schools the past year is one for three months; the number of scholars in attendance, boys thirty-three, girls thirty; average attendance, thirty and a half. The branches taught were reading, writing, arithmetic and English grammar. The amount of public funds made use of this year was $15' the balance was raised by subscription. Amount raised by tax, none. We have received no school funds from the County Treasurer since the proportion of 1837. The balance remaining in the hands of the Treasurer is $38.85 1/2.
JOHN HODSON, Clerk.
Such are mere samples of early reports of the public schools of the township. It will be seen that wages were low, time of schools short, attendance small, and, it may be added, qualifications of teachers very moderate at best. At present there are nine subdistricts in the township; eight months, average length of schools; attendance, good; wages average $35 per month; teachers' qualifications, fair. The teachers in the subdistricts are generally energetic and worthy of the trust committed to them. Subdistrict schools, or as they are more generally styled, common schools, are doing more in promoting intelligence among the masses and giving permanency to our Republican institutions than are our graded schools. They develop more thought, more intellect, less form, less style than do the graded schools. This tendency of our graded schools to inculcate mere form and style, with little thought, is the bane of these schools, and must, sooner or later, if not abated, prove their disgrace, perhaps their destruction.* The township maybe proud of the general intelligence of her population.
POPULATION.
In the census of 1880, the population numbered about two thousand seven hundred. This population is chiefly permanent, made up of land-owners, mechanics, merchants, professional men and laborers. The most part of all have homes, and are well to do .
ROADS.
The roads of the township are good. Most of the highways are now gravel pikes. It is now pleasant traveling at any time of the year, so far as the roads are concerned. It would be difficult to describe the difference between the swamp and mud roads of twenty and fifty years ago with the solid pike of to-day. These roads have cost a great deal of money, yet few, if any, would have them removed if the money they cost was paid back with heavy interest.
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passes through the southern part of the township. This road does an immense business. It furnishes a good outlet for all exports and inlet for all imports. The road is in good condition and ably conducted. Two other railroads are now in prospect-one from Maysville to Columbus, and the other from Cincinnati to the Hocking Valley coal fields. If these roads are ever built, they will open up ample competition for the advantage of shippers who live in this region. They will cross the township at right angles to each other, the one east and west, the other north and south. The Cincinnati & Marietta would pass through the center north and south, and the Cincinnati & Hamilton through the southern part. Nearly all crossings of streams are bridged; hence, weather can have little to do with travel. None are detained on account of lack of facilities, roads, bridges, etc.
CHURCHES.
Churches in this township. outside the villages, are two in number; one, the Methodist Episcopal Church near Snow Hill, on the New Vienna & Wilmington pike, was built twenty-eight years ago, or about 1854. Like most other churches, this one has seen both prosperity and adversity. At present, however, it is without regular service. The other church belongs to the *What would be the result if the graded, or higher schools, were abolished?- P' A. D.
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Friends, and is situated on the pike leading from Lexington to New Antioch, about five miles southeast of the latter. It is a comparatively new house, having been built about twelve years. The house is a good one, and the church in goal condition. The other churches of the township will be noticed in the history of the villages where they are located.
VILLAGES
The first village laid out in the township was called Morgantown, and was situated on the farm now owned by Washington Spears, near Snow Hill. There were but a few houses built here. It remained a town but a short time, and was then vacated, and became a part of the farm above mentioned.
The second village was New Vienna, now a pleasant town of about a thousand inhabitants, situated about the middle of the southeast boundary of the township.
New Vienna was laid out by Thomas Hussey, in 1827. Jonathan Haworth was the first settler in the town after it was laid out. He settled the lot now owned by Thomas L. Rogers, and on the back: part of the lot he and Thomas Reese erected a carding machine.
About the same time, Thomas and Joshua Hussey built a tread mill on the lot now occupied by Rev. C. C. Lazenby. This was afterward changed to a steam mill, and a sawing department added. This mill was built in the woods. It was a haunt for squirrels. The frisky little animals generally shared with the miller the toll of the grain, and for their thievish conduct many of them suffered capitally. The deadly rifle of the early settler was daily used upon them with terrible effect to the poor squirrels. The squirrel hunt was frequent, and an occasion of much merriment to both old and young.
About this time James Johnson and Ellis Nordyke, both then but mere boys, wrote a poem which has been preserved, and I here transcribe. Johnson wrote four lines, then Nordyke four. It is headed " The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness," and reads as follows:
"Come ye mechanics from afar,
And lend a helping hand.
From selling we will not debar;
Come settle fertile land.
"Yea, Buzzard's Glory is the place
Where happiness doth reign;
Come, come mechanics, don't delay!
We invite you again.
"The invitation is to all,
Ye sons of Freedom. come!
If you pass this way, I hope you'll call
And make this place your home.
"Where oil doth run so clear and bright,
And the steam engine plays,
If you were once to see tire sight,
Our noble works you'd praise."
This poem was written when lots were being laid out for the village of New Vienna, called in the poem " Buzzard's Glory." Reasons for this name we cannot give. No doubt there was some cause for the name, but none seem to know the reason now.
To return. In 1828, Stephen Hussey, Jr., and William Reese put up a building on the property now owned and occupied by Mr. Wooddell, and opened a store of groceries and dry goods. This was the first store in the village. In 1827 or 1828, Stephen Hussey started a tannery just north of the property now owned by W. D. Moore. This property passed into the hands of Samuel Myers about 1835, who did a considerable business in his line. He
712 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
secured the help of a colored man by the name of William Gullifer. Gullifer was a good workman. He had a small family. This was the first colored person who had found a lodgment in the village or even settlement; hence, it created no small stir. Though he was a good citizen, yet the people said in suppressed tones, "The darkies are settling among us!"
The family at first lived on Main street, between First and Third streets, then moved into a little log house on the corner of Main and First south side. Mr. Myers lived at this time near where Stephen Hussey now lives. One evening, after Myers and family had gone to bed, a few men and boys got together at the store of Mr. Thornburg, successor of Stephen Hussey and Mr. Reese, and entered into an agreement binding all to secrecy, to build a house of brick from the kiln of Mr. Myers, high enough for a boy to stand straight in, say four feet high, which they did that night; and, after covering it with boards, they wrote and fastened to the door the following: " Please take this colored family over to Canada and relieve the village of them." In this way the northeastern part of the village has ever since been called Canada Nothing further, however, resulted from this prejudice of race; but the community has long been strongly opposed to slavery in all its forms.
A Mr. Rains erected an oil factory where Dr. Quinn now lives, and was quite successful for awhile in his enterprise. Silas Woodmansee and George W. Matthews opened the second store in the village, but fortune was against them, and they soon closed.
A. S. Amberg, the present Mayor of the village, and a Mr. Guiteman opened the third store. This store, under the direction of Mr. Amberg, continued many years, but finally adversity overtook it, and it was closed five or six years ago.
On the property where Adophus Woodmansee now lives, Jared Morgan opened the first hotel in the village. This has been succeeded by many others at different times and places in the town. But the names of proprietors or the dates of their commencement is not now known. There are at present two hotels, one boarding-house and two eating saloons. The hotels are kept by William Barnard and John Harrison; the boarding-house by Isaiah Brewer; the eating saloons by L. F. Craven and J. N. Underwood. These are all worthy men and keep good houses.
At present, the town boasts of one clothing, four dry goods, three fancy, six grocery, three shoe and boot, two stove and tin, and three drug stores, all 'situated on Main street between First and railroad depot. These stores are owned and conducted by Messrs. W. A. Brown, A B. Beard, S. Hetherington, Dr. A H. Lindley and Hussey, J. N. Underwood, Charles Kelly, Williams & Henry, A Mohleinpage, F. Conard, John Eakins, W. E. Beard, George Haynie, Dixon & Son, James Santee, H. L. Day, McWright, Osborne & Allison, all of whom are gentlemen of high order, to business bred; Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, Mrs. Hetherington and Mrs. Gray control the notion stores.
The village has also two harness, three shoe and three blacksmith shops, all of which are in a prosperous condition. It has two wagon shops, and one buggy and carriage shop, one sash and blind factory, three livery stables and one furnishing and undertaker's establishment. The stables are owned and run by Nordyke & Sons and Homer Hussey; the blacksmith shops by the Hunt Bros., Vincent Cox and H. Deriven; the carriage and buggy shops by Samuel Hixou & Son; the wagon shops by S. Hixon and Allen Dennis; the shoe shops by S. Hetherington, J. Eakins and T. Dowden; the sash and blind fac tory by James Nevin & Son. It has two mills, both of which grind and saw. One is owned by C. C. Lazenby & Co., the other by Benjamin Baker. The post office is located on Main, between West street and railroad, west side. It
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is easy of access, and in a very commodious building, erected by the present Postmaster, George E. Barrow, for the special use to which it is applied. There are two tailor shops, presided over by Joseph Williams and P. Mohleinpage. There are also two coaleries, under control of John Bernard and John Philips. There is one extensive grain and lumber firm, conducted by Routh & Livery. All these institutions are doing a good business. They, moreover, go to show the thrift and enterprise of the people of the village. The township in 1882, had $32,000 more of taxable property than in 1881. The town has one bank, called the New Vienna Bank. Dr. E. M. Woodberry is its President, E. Arthur its Cashier. The Directors are Stephen Hussey, J. M. Hussey, Charles Good, Ellis Good, E. P. Johnson and Mr. Guthrie. The bank has been occupying a small brick building on the north side of West street. a little west of Main street, but has recently sold its building to the Town Council, and proposes to build a new and commodious structure on Main, east side, opposite the Odd Fellows corner.
SALOONS.
There are, we are sorry to say, two drinking houses. These are located near the railroad depot. One is run by Mrs. Rice, a Jewess, and the other by Mr. Dunden, an Irishman. No native American is engaged in the business.
ASSOCIATIONS.
The town has one Building and Savings Association, organized in November, 1881. Its capital stock is $500,000. It has so far done well by its stockholders. Also one Library Association, with headquarters in Dr. Connard's office on Main street, north of the post office. It has several hundred volumes, and is being read extensively. The books consist of encyclopedias, history, general and biographical, literary and scientific works, poetry and fiction. It is enlarged yearly by dues and memberships. It was organized about 1878.
PROFESSIONALS.
Editors-Daniel Hill is editor of the Friends' papers, such as Messenger of Peace, Olive Leaf, Christian Worker, and Sunday School Lesson Leaf.
Mr. Wilson and Samuel DeLa are editing a weekly paper under the title of the New Vienna Record. Mr. John Hussey is the publisher and proprietor of all these papers. He owns the press and supplies the labor and materials for publishing them.
Physicians-There are two schools represented, the allopathic and the homoeopathic. Of the first school there are four, viz., Drs. A T. Johnson, George Connard, R. T. Trimble and T. C. Quinn. Of the second school there is but one, Dr. E. W, Brown. A. T. Johnson is the senior physician of the place. He is a very intelligent gentleman, with an immense surgical experience. He served four years in the great rebellion as Surgeon. The others are all well read and practical men.
Attorneys-There are three attorneys, viz., William West, C. C. Bowers and W. D. Moore. George E. Barrow is Postmaster, and also Notary Public.
Ministers-Of these there are six, all living in the town, and working more or less for it. Of the Friends there are two, viz., --- -- and Joseph Wright. Of the Methodist Episcopal Church two, C. C. Bowers and C. C. Lazenby. Of the Baptist Church one, --- Powell. Of the Church of Christ one, viz., W. D. Moore.
SCHOOLS.
The village supports a graded school of six rooms, five teachers and a Principal. Its enumeration is probably nearly three hundred. The school grew
714 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
up gradually out of the common schools by the increase of population. Prior to 1800, many good teachers had been employed in the district, and quite an interest in education had been awakened. This interest induced a joint-stock company to build a two-story brick house with two good rooms- below and two above, and to employ teachers to organize a seminary. This was done, but it was but a short time until the religious sect called German Baptist bought the house of the company, and started a school of their own. For a time the enterprise was successful, but success did not last long, though the denomination worked with a zeal worthy of permanent success, yet the school failed to be self-supporting and had to be abandoned, as every such enterprise must, unless supported by an endowment.
Schools can never be self-sustaining if they depend only upon the tuition fees for support. Hence, no adverse criticism should fall upon the people who made this attempt. They did what they could, and probably as much as any others would have done under like circumstances; yet they failed-failed only because the plan they adopted must always fail. At this time, the district had begun to enlarge rapidly, yet it was only a subdistrict. The records of the district call it a subdistrict as late as April 9, 1860. On this day the voters elected Directors as follows: John Matthews, now Probate Judge, for three years; C. C. Bowers for two years, and J. B. Truitt for one year. On the 16th of the same month and in the same year, I find it called an Independent District. On this day the board, which had been elected on the 9th, or seven days before, met under the title of the Board of Education of Independent District, No. 1, and organized by appointing J. B. Truitt, Chairman, and J. Matthews, Secretary. At this meeting the Board resolved to levy a tax for school purposes, amounting to $350, and also $150 for contingent fund. They also ordered J. Matthews, the Recorder, to make a plat of the additional territory to the corporation of Independent District No. l., Greene Township, Clinton County, Ohio. From these facts it seems evident that the district was detached from the subdistrict of the township, and became an independent one in April, 1860. Between April 16 and August 4, 1860, J. Matthews resigned his office as Director, and on the 4th of August J. L. Swarts was appointed by J. T. Crawford Township Clerk to fill the unexpired time of Mr. Matthews. He was sworn into office August 14, 1860, and on August 22, a meeting was held by the Board, and C. C. Bowers offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That a tax of $4,000 be levied on Independent District No. 1, Greene Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, for the purpose of building or buying a schoolhouse for said district; one-fourth to be paid in June, 1861; one-fourth in December, 1861; one-fourth in June, 1862, and one-fourth in December, 1862.
But this resolution was never carried into effect on account of its illegality. In April, 1861, T. L. Rogers and Nathan Hussey were elected Directors of the district, one for three and the other for two years. At their first meeting following the election, they voted a tax for school and incidental purposes of $500. At the same meeting the Board levied a tax of $3,000 for a house, $1,500 to be paid in 1861, and $1,500 in 1862; and they appointed T. L. Rogers to see to the selling of the old property. Subsequently, an election was held to determine whether the tax above named should be levied or not; the votes stood in favor of the tax. Asa Nordyke was elected in 1862 in place of C. C. Bowers, whose time expired then. In 1863, George Mory was elected as Director; in 1864, J. C. Green was elected to the same office. In 1864, the Board raised the tax for school purposes, etc., to 4 mills. In 1865, Asa Nordyke was re-elected. This year the people voted a still greater tax. In 1866, George Mory resigned, and A. T. Johnson was appointed in his stead, and was afterward re-elected. The school officers from 1866, elected in April of each suc-
GREENE TOWNSHIP. - 715
ceeding year and appointed to fill vacancies, are as follows: A. F. Johnson, reelected: J. F. Crawford, Daniel Hill, B. Y. Seigfried, Silas Routh, George Mory, Granville Osborne, A. S. Amberg, Asa Nordyke, A. B. Beard, Edwin Shockley, G. R. Counard and C. C. Lazenby. The three last named constitute the Board at present.
Somewhere between 1860 and 1865, the old subdistrict schoolhouse was vacated and sold to the Catholic Church, and the house owned by the German Baptists was bought. There is nothing definite in the records by which to determine with accuracy the time of said purchase; but it seems probable that it was made about 1862. This house continued to be occupied until 1878. Preparations, however, had been made to erect a new building more in accord with the advance of the times, in 1877. The work of collecting material, etc., was well on the way in this year, and early in 1878 the workmen proceeded to erect the house. The house was ready, and school opened the last Monday of September, 1878. It is a substantial brick structure, two stories and cellar, with hall above and below stairs. It contains, besides the cellar, six school rooms, and a commodious hall. The building speaks well for both the heads and hearts of the people whose skill and money put it up.
TEACHERS.
The following are the teachers as far as can be ascertained, who have been employed since 1860: Prof. William Haydock was probably the first Principal; his wife assisted him; also J. E. Powell and Hannah Lewis; Mary A. Powell his and Flora Higgins were also employed some part of the time of Mr. Haydock's principalship. In 1867, Prof. W. R. Spooner was employed as Principal at $65 per month. Misses Jennie Holliday, Hannah Lewis and Mary A. Powell were his assistants. The length of school in this year was six months. In 1868, M. L. Ent was employed as Principal at $65 per month; Allen Terrill at $50 per month; Mary A. Powell, $35, and Hannah Kinsey at $25; six months length of school. In 1869, Allen Terrell was employed as Principal at $80 per month; Ettie Blair, $40; Hannah Lewis, $35, and Hannah Kinsey, $35; length of school eight months. In 1870, J. M. R. Bateman was employed as Principal, and continued to fill the place acceptably for four years, or including 1873, when he resigned and moved to California, where he has since been engaged in the schools of that State. He was a good scholar and educator. The names of the teachers under him for these four years were D. J. Batsman, Misses Rhoda Francis, Lidie Oldaker, Clara Rhodes, Sallie Hunt, Allie Mory, Michael Nordyke and Mr. Samuel DeLa. During these four years, before schools ran about eight months each year. Wages much the same as those before recorded. In 1874. S. A. DeLa was employed at $75 per month as Principal, and Mr. Cyrus B. Austin, Misses Allie Mory, Michael Nordyke and Jennie Kinsey were his assistants. Miss Kinsey, soon after the close of the school, married a Mr. E. Good and left the school, and Mr. Austin attended Delaware College till he graduated, and then obtained a professorship in his Alma Mater. In 1875, W. D. Moore was employed as Principal; he continued in this position till April, 1880; his assistants were L. A. Henry, Grammar School four years; Miss Lacy, now Mrs. Conard, one year; Miss Flynn, now Mrs. Brown, four years in first and second departments, and Mrs. Craig, one year in second department; Mrs. C. Henry, wife of L. A. Henry, five years; Miss Allis Mory, five years. These were all good workers in the school.
In 1880, "the board met pursuant to adjournment," May 18, the members of the board all present. The following work was then done: They determined that school should commence the first Monday in September, 1880, and run eight months, with one week vacation at holidays. They levied 4
716 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
mills to the dollar for furnishing means to pay indebtedness on building, and 5 1/2 mills for school purposes. They then elected the following teachers: "For Principal, J. F. Fenton, at $ 7 5 per month; for Grammar School, L. A. Henry, $45 per month; Second Intermediate, Allie Mory, $35 per month; First Intermediate, Annie F. Brown, $35 per month; Second Primary, Frankie Smith, $35 per month; First Primary, Clara Henry, $35 per month."
"May 27, 1881, board met pursuant to adjournment; members present. * * * Resolved that the board proceed at once to the selection of Principal and subordinate teachers for the term commencing September 1, 1881, upon the following conditions: That each teacher elected deposit with the Clerk during the month of June a certificate covering the length of time for which each is employed. * * * The board then proceeded to ballot for Principal, which resulted in the election of Prof. J. F. Fenton, after which L. A. Henry was chosen to the Grammar Department; Alice Mory to the Second Intermediate; Emma Wright, First Intermediate; Miss Frankie Smith, Second Primary, and Mrs. Clara Henry, First Primary." The school was run this year eight months.
On May 1. 1882, Prof. J. F. Fenton was again for the third time chosen as Principal; Mrs. Clara Henry, First Primary; Second Primary, Miss Frankie Smith; First Intermediate, Miss Emma Wright; Second Intermediate, Mrs. Clara E. Brown. School to ran nine months. Wages, $90,$45, $40 and $35. Such is a brief view of the schools for the last twenty-two years.
CHURCHES.
The village of New Vienna has five churches-one Friends, one Baptist, one Methodist, one Catholic andone Disciple.
The Friends' Church was organized many years ago. Their house at that time and for many years stood nearly three-fourths of a mile west of north from the village. The house at that place growing old and considerably dilapidated, made it necessary to build a new house. This house was built on Church street, between Second and Third Streets, in the year 1871. It is a substantial brick edifice, capable of seating comfortably about three hundred persons. The Friends' Church is in a prosperous condition; they hold regular services every Lord's Day, and have a fine Sunday School. The Friends have their principal printing office of the United States in this village. They send off an immense amount of printed matter, in weekly papers, monthlies, books, etc.
Methodist Episcopal Church.-The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized early in the history of the village, prnbably about the year 1843; their first house of worship was built about 1850, on or near the site of their present house. This continued until 1878, when they erected a two-story brick edifice, which they at present occupy, though the auditorium is not yet completed. There is hope, however, that it will Soon be ready for use. Rev. C. B. Warrington, an itinerant, was the first preacher of the denomination who visited the place, and, at the commencement of his first meeting, Mrs. Mary Bowers, wife of Rev. C. C. Bowers, was the only member in the town. During his first meeting several professed religion and were organized into a congregation; subsequently, not being able to build a house, they rented the Baptist Church house for one year; then fitted up a house standing at that time on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Eliza Dennis, in which they continued to hold services until 1850, when they built their first house, above referred to. Among the names associated with Mrs. Mary Bowers in the first organization, are found Julia Moyer, now wife of Rev. C. H. Savidge, of Minnesota; Eliza Matthews, widow of George Matthews, of Leesburg; William Noble and his wife, Ann Noble. There were perhaps others, whose names are not now known. Many of the
GREENE TOWNSHIP. - 717
first members have passed to their reward. The names of ministers who have labored for this church are as follows, given in the order of the time of their labor: Revs. C. B. Warrington, Francis A. Timmons, James Webb, Jeremiah Ellsworth, Levi Cunningham, T. M. Gossard, Anthony Musgrove, a blind man; Joseph Gateh, John S. Jackson, Allen Thompson, D. Calahan, A N. Spahr, S. A Brewster, H. Stokes, T. A. G. Philips, M. P. Zink, E. H. Field, John Shinn, Jamea Porter, Wesley Webster, J. H. Middleton, S. W. Edmiston, J. R. Hunter, J. McShultz, Lafayette Young, R. E. Smith, G. M. Edgar, J. G. Black. The Presiding Elders, as far as known, are William P. Ellsworth, George W. Walker, George C. Crum, M. Kaufman, M. Dustin, James Kindal, S. D. Clayton, J. T. Baile, L. F. Van Cleve. Under the labors of this ministry, this church has had its share of trials and difficulties, its ups and downs; yet, withal, progress has, on the whole, attended it. Hundreds have held membership with it. But through deaths and removals its numbers now stand at about 110. It has regular preaching each alternate Lord's Day, and a good Sunday school, which meets in the morning of every Lord's Day. Its future is hopeful. Its resident or local ministers are C. C. Bowers and C. C. Lazenby, both of whom are zealous and energetic men.
Baptist Church.-This church was organized at first a mile or two east of the village, and continued there several years. It was then known as a "Hardshell" Baptist Church. However, after a time, a division occurred, when the more liberal-minded collected themselves together and kept up worship about at the houses of friends till the band grew strong enough to erect a house of worship. Their first house was built in the village about the year 1840. The leading spirits of this missionary Baptist society were Joseph Haskins and wife, Istma Harris and wife, Charles Posegate and wife. The other division of the church remained in possession of the old house and decayed and died as the old house rotted down. The missionary Baptists enjoyed the labors of Revs. Eli Frey, Hiram Burnett, J. B. Sutton, Mr. Waters, Henry Brown, J. W. Dinkleman, J. R. Sargent, Eli Tilson, G. W. Churchill, B. Z. Seigfried, H. H. Witter, J. R. Powell and others whose names we do not have. The church has been quite prosperous. It has in it now many of the most substantial citizens of the town and vicinity, such as Isaac Routh, Isaac Posegate, A. B. Beard, John Routh, Cleyborne Burnett, William Burnett, L. A. Henry, etc,, and their families. They number about 120 members, with a fine Sunday school, which has been under the management of A. B. Beard, a man every way worthy of the place. They are erecting a fine brick edifice, which, when finished, will cost about $10,000.
Catholic Church. --This church has been organized but a short time, probably fifteen or twenty years. At first, it bought and used the old school building, but within the last five or six years, it has removed that building and replaced it with a new brick structure of a plain, neat finish. The house is not large, but sufficient for the church, except on great occasions. It has no pastor settled in the town, but one visits it regularly and instructs it in its special theology. The members are mostly of foreign birth or descent. The names of the leading men are Augustus Kernan, Thomas Higgins, Patrick Tooey. The numerical strength of this church is not large, but the membership is earnest and devoted to the interests of the church. Most all, if not all, of this church are either of foreign birth themselves or children of those who are of foreign birth. The church is not aggressive here. Its increase is from those who move to the place.
Church of Christ (ordinarily called Disciples).-This church has existed as an organized body since 1885. The and-work was laid by W. D. Moore, who was a missionary at this place under the auspices of Mt. Olivet, Bethel
718 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
and New Antioch Churches. These churches employed him one-fourth of his time for one year, commencing in the fall of 1859, to labor at New Vienna. A result of this work was to call out many into the services of God and to unite them on the Bible alone. In June, 1860, W. D. Moore and Rev. Mr. Bacon held a discussion involving the doctrine of Universalism. This discussion was fruitful of good, as it is believed, as it has settled that question in this community, and few are left to advocate the doctrine of unconditional salvation. Many were called to a fuller realization of their obligations to God. Mr. Moore collected and united within this year some forty or fifty persons as Disciples. In the fall of 1860, from $1,000 to $1,500 were subscribed for building a church house, and the work was postponed till spring. When the spring came, the great rebellion came with it, and in a large degree stopped almost all religions enterprises; so the work was not begun again until after the war ended, when Elder F. D. Garvin and others renewed the thought of building, which was carried out in 1866 or 1867, and the house dedicated to the worship of God and a congregation organized, with Zephaniah Spears and Clark Dixon as Overseers. Clark Dixon, who withdrew from the church, was Succeeded by Brother C. B. Tattershall;. Brother Z. Spears by George E. Barrow, and he by W. D. Moore, with whom J. W. Ruble was associated for two years; but at present, and for the past two years, W. D. Moore is the only Elder in the church. At present, Washington Spears and Dora Hildebrant are the Deacons; Zephaniah Spears, John Pond and Dora Hildebrant are the Trustees. The church is in good condition. It numbers about eighty members, with a good Sunday school. It has preaching once a month by W. D. Moore, who has worked for it more or less for the last ten years. It has had hundreds of members in fellowship; but death, emigration and other causes have kept it depleted until it is numerically small. It has been, and still is. a liberal church, ever ready to assist in whatever tends to promote the true interests of society.
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
There are three lodges in town-one Masonic, one Independent Order of Odd Fellows and one I O. O. F. Encampment. These are all in good condition. All have halls of their own. The Masons own the second story of a brick building east side of Main street, south of Third street, over Frank Conard's grocery. The Odd Fellows own a building on the west side of Main street, north of West street, on the corner and opposite the Masonic room. It is two stories, two business rooms below and lodge-room above. This lodge is wealthy. The Encampment meets in the same hall.
Such is a brief and succinct statement of facts, as far as necessary, to show the present condition of the town. Industry, economy and thrift are marked characteristics of the people of the village. They are, moreover, an average for enterprise and general intelligence.
NEW ANTIOCH.
This place is but a hamlet of probably one hundred inhabitants, situated a half-mile to the northeast of the New Vienna & Wilmington pike, and about eight miles from the former place. Its buildings are all frame, but are good and substantial. It takes on quite an appearance of thrift It has two pikes passing through it. It has one mill, owned and run by John Duchane, a very worthy citizen; two stores, run by the Layman Bros. and the Rulon Bros. They seem to be doing a fair business; John Barrett makes shoes and boots for all who call upon him, and Pressly Rulon furnishes harness to those who wish. Both these are enterprising young men. Jesse Pond is a citizen of the hamlet, and trades extensively in grain and stock. It has two physicians Drs. Barriers and - Farabee, both worthy men.
GREENE TOWNSHIP. - 719
CHURCHES.
Seventh-Day Adventists.--This church is but of three or four years' standing, and is small numerically and not rich in purse. John Durham, William Bloom, the family of the late Richard Vandervort, the widow of G. L. Haynie and wife of Jesse Pond comprise the principal membership. They meet on each seventh day for worship and for the study of the Scriptures.
Church of Christ.-This is one of the oldest churches of the county, having been organized about 1820. Its influence has been far-reaching. It has numbered among its members nearly every person who has lived any length of time within five miles around it. It has had the labors of nearly all the pioneer preachers in what is known as the Reformation of the nineteenth century. Walter Scott, A. S. Hayden, Benjamin Wilkins, S. .K. Hoshour, James Challen, Aylett Rains, J. M. Henry, John Rowers, Samuel Rogers, L. L. Pinkerton, William Pinkerton, J. B. Lucas, D. S. Burnett, Jonas Hartzell and many others have labored more or less for this church through the first fifty years of its existence. Since then, it has enjoyed the labors of many younger men, whose names it is not necessary to record. The church has numbered as high as 350 at one time. It seldom fell below 200 members. This is probably about its present strength. It has no regular pastor and has not had one for several years. It has occasional preaching. P. H. Vandervort, John Vandervort and Thomas Starbuck are its Elders at present. It has for years carried on a successful Sunday school. A young man by the name of Utter is its present Superintendent.
BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
The Odd Fellows have a lodge here, and own a ball over the store of the Rulon Bros.
In the foregoing, the progress and present condition of Greene Township may be seen. Brevity has been studied, and no effort at rhetoric has been made. The plain, simple facts, plainly set forth has been the only aim of the writer.
GREENE TOWNSHIP IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
In writing the history of the township, the subject above named was overlooked till the work was finished; then it was thought advisable to add this postscript, setting forth such facts as may be at hand and of interest touching her action in the war of the rebellion. It is but just to say that she stood in the front of the townships of the county in furnishing her quota of men and money to sustain the flag of her country; she never lost faith in it for a moment. Her people were nearly a unit on all the great questions of that time, and especially in regard to the maintenance of the National integrity. No call was ever made, either for men or money, that she did not respond to at once and with zeal. Following we record the names of soldiers from the township, indicating the officers and the dead as far as known:
Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.-John Halvey, David Lyon, Robert Alexander (dead), P. H. Stevens, Wilson Kellis, J. G. Smithson (dead), Joseph Juvenile, John Driskill, Simon Driskill, James A. Harrison, James Kellis, John Roberts (dead), P. A. Arthur, First Lieutenant; Austin Hildebrant (dead), Elias Roberts, Henry Kenon (dead), John Richards, Samuel Richards, John Henry, Levi Huff (dead), Marion Underwood, J. M. Spears, Joseph Smith (dead), Morgan Lupton, B. F. Clark (dead), Thomas Allison, Thomas Johnson, Asa Higgins, Major.
Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry-John Conard, Davis Conard (dead), William H. Duncan, Thomas M. Duncan, J. W. Matthews, John M. Patton, John McGroarty (dead), Isaac Hazard, J. T. Bowers, Second Lieuten-
720 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
ant; William Moore, Corey Johnson, John Dixon, Calvin Townsend, Clay Brown, all dead; D. M. Stivens, John V. Mayers, Thomas Mercer; Isaac Renwell, Peter Johnson, James Ross, dead; Charles Pidgeon, John B. Abbott, Carroll Huff (dead), Matthew Ryan (dead).
Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry.-S. H. Rulon, John W. Barrett, H. S. Reese, G. E. Pearson, William Wilson (dead), S. D. Sayers (colored), P. D. Barrett, Joseph Luellen, Michael Clement, William Canney. Nathan Wilson, Greenberry Miller (Lieutenant), John Drake (Captain).
Thirty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry-William Burton, G. H. Ellis (dead), Elwood Morman (dead), Edward McKinzie, D. H. Sayers, Silas Paige, Amos Horseman, George Horseman (dead), T. G. Rannalls, Henry Certain, R. Bell, James Rix, Alph Maze, James Maze, William Rickman, Joseph Maze, James Rickman, John Rickman, Ed Jones, Joseph Greene (dead), John Harrison (Second Lieutenant), James Drake (Captain).
Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry-Samuel J. Arnold, John Fleming (dead), Ewing Fleming (dead), Milan Thatcher, H. W. McFadden, Charles McFadden (dead), George Hodson (dead), William Morris, Marshall Hyatt (dead), Barney Luckey, Alpheus Vandervort; P. C. Vandervort, W. V. Vandervort, John R. Dixon, all dead.
Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry-Joshua Burley, Asa Adams, Bushrod McDonald, James Lucky, dead; J. W. Gregory, Simeon Cox, A. T. Johnson, Major Surgeon; Jesse Allison, Second Lieutenant; Nathan Fisher, Major Surgeon.
Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry-Eli Fisher, Thomas Fisher, Joel Johnson, James Bowers, John Van Pelt, D. C. Harrison, Wyatt Crawford, Harrison Pitzer, James Dillon.
Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry-Francis James, dead; J. W. James, George Seaman, Jonah Seaman, Noah Hyatt, Jesse McKenzie, Reese Seaman, L. Hendee.
One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry---Joshua Hussey, Captain; William Wilson, Captain; George F. Bowers, First Lieutenant; S. L. Pitzer, Second Lieutenant; J. V. Rannalls, Newton Shoemaker, George Lawhead, H. O. Luellen, Parker Bond, E. H. Roberts, R. H. Wilson, Richard Morton, Thomas Devers, Mayberry Freed, J. H. Fenner, W. C. Fenner, Daniel Fenner, J. J. Gregory, R. W. Gregory, John Eachus, Squire Eachus (dead), T. C. Rannalls, Griffin Baker, John Boring, J. M. Johnson, Frank Craig (killed), Alpheus Bloom, George Brewer, Seneca Dennis, Albert Stackhouse, Jesse A. Stackhouse, Joshua Stackhouse, Martin Clevenger (dead), Harvey Spencer, Samuel Sheolit, Joseph Cotterill, George Lieurauce (dead), D. Licurance, Mr. Sabin (substitute), Mr. Hoover (substitute), William Hendee, George Fisher, J. W. Cline, S. C. Swartz, Isaac Achor, Isaac R. Allison, Jonathan Belford, David Baker, Robert Burns, Samuel Cline, David Cox, J. R. Wooddell, J. B. Hildebrant, Hezekiah Hildebrant, Isaac Hodson (dead), P. A. Hildebrant, James L. Williams, Henry Leeka, William B. Pitzer, James Ryan (dead), J. T. Severs, Henry L. Severs, Jeff Tronary, William P. Woodruff, William Fisher, E. P. McDonald, Mr. Walker (substitute), J. N. Woodmansee, A. B. Beard, C. S. Drake, J. C. Routh, John W. Nuby, Samuel Mowrer, Joel Brewer, John W. Barnes, J. D Barnes, William Clark, John M. Cline (dead), William Chamberlain, Jesse Greene, Theodore Hildebrant, Cyrus Hodson (dead), C. S. Hildebrant, A. G. Hixon, George Keohler, Patent Mowrer (dead), Michael Quigley, Benjamin Smith, James Severs, S. G. Frenary, George W. West (dead).
As a finale to the war record of the township, w e transcribe a poem written during the war by Miss Morley Amberg, daughter of the Mayor of the village:
GREENE TOWNSHIP. - 721
"The rolling deep, whose azure wave
Sweeps o'er our darling lost one's grave,
Doth many friends now make to weep
For those lost in the briny deep.
"Among this number was Willie Moore,
That dared t' far from the rocky shore.
From Kanawha's Falls he's gone to rest,
Till summoned home with all the blest.
"Some died from sickness, far away,
In misty twilight, dim and gray;
Or at eventide, so calm and still,
They bowed to God's own holy will.
"Upon this list was one brave boy,
Gone home to share eternal joy!
John Dixon's friends did sadly mourn,
When he from their embrace was torn.
"Upon the bloody battle ground
Our brave men, pierced with many a wound,
Have fallen here to rise no more,
Covered with wet and reeking gore.
"In the second battle of Bull Run,
Beneath the hot and burning sun,
Carey Johnson was killed in fight,
While battling for his country's rights.
"And then another from this cause,
While struggling for our own free laws,
Col. Townsend fell amidst the fray
Upon this sad and fatal day.
"While suffering much from bitter pain,
Have our poor boys, so often lain,
With not a gentle mother's hand
To smooth the brow where cold drops stand;
"No sister's winning smile to cheer,
Nor father's well-known voice to hear,
They thus have sunk into the grave,
The noble and true-hearted brave.
"Carl Huff, and Cyrus Hodson, too,
They thus passed home to heaven to view
The splendors of that beauteous land,
Where all is lovely, rich and grand.
"They there have met the brave George West,
In heaven's attire so richly dressed
How joyous will that meeting be
When they, their friends-each-gladly see!
"Austin Hildebrant lingered long,
Then went to join the happy throng.
Surely for him hot tears were shed
When gathered round his dying bed.
"The noble Burley, from us torn,
Left his dear wife and son to mourn,
When he his fame and kindred left;
Of him have we all been bereft.
"Another, parted from his wife,
Whom he had chosen for his life;
He, too, rests in the silent grave.
Yes, Adams was among the brave!
"In loathsome prisons some have died,
How bitterly for them we've sighed!
O sad, indeed, is such a death,
Where is not e'en felt one pure breath!
722 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
"In gloomy 'Libby Prison' died
These two brave boys, each side by side.
John Ryan was the hallowed name
That died in such a place of shame.
"Another that hoped soon to see
His cherished wife and family,
To use more-was stricken down,
Elijah Hussey, from this, our town.
"Captain John Drake, with his brave men,
Whom he had led through marsh and fen,
Was shot upon the battle ground
And here his last remains were found.
"Matthew Ryan, while fighting well,
At battle of Stone River fell;
Amidst the booming cannon's roar
This brave boy fell to rise no more."