(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 351 flesh and fowl seemed the order of the day. They had a rather singular way of shooting deer after night. Providing themselves with a canoe or dug-out, they would erect a board palisade or screen on the side next the shore ; on the same side was placed a lantern or blazing torch. Behind this screen, and nearly opposite the light, sat the hunter, rifle in hand, with the barrel pointing shoreward through a port-hole, and waiting in silence for the deer to come down and drink. The unsuspecting animal, being blinded by the light and hearing little or no noise, would allow the canoe to come within a rod of him. This was considered rare sport. As before remarked, while meat was plenty, bread was scarce, the family once going three weeks without any except what they made from grain pounded in a mortar. Hominy was then used daily, but was a poor substitute for bread. Corn was bought at 25 cents, and wheat at 50 cents per bushel. At that time, wheat and corn were both ground by the same buhrs, and the flour, if bolted, was done by hand. This enterprising family went cheerfully on with their work, and soon had cleared an acre of land, and, strange as it may seem, they sowed two crops on it, one of turnip seed and the other of wheat. From it, in December, they got a good crop of turnips, and in the next summer a good crop of wheat. In October, they built a substantial log house, which afforded them comfortable winter quarters. During the winter and spring, they cleared several acres for corn in the Stillwater bottom, and, though it was not planted until the 5th or 6th of June, it yielded a most bountiful crop. As corn was more easily obtained than wheat, it was used to much greater extent. In addition to triple loaves, baked in the skillet, they had the johnnycake, of widespread popularity, which remained in use for many years. This consisted of a flat cake of corn dough put upon a board about six inches wide and twenty or twenty-four inches long, having the ends rounded. This was placed on its edge before the fire, and, being always in sight, was baked without scorching. It has been remarked by an old Revolutionary soldier named Conner, who lived on Stillwater, that they frequently substituted a " nigger's " foot for the board. In a few years, Samuel Jones' seven sons (excepting Jonathan, who settled in Indiana), were married and settled not far from him ; his four daughters also did the same, and he had the singular satisfaction of beholding quite a community of descendants springing up around him, subduing the wilderness and making it the' abode of civilized life. Some of them being good hunters, many a deer, turkey, pheasant and other wild animals fell before their unerring rifles. The howling of the wolf had no terrors for them, the gobble of the wild turkey was music in their ears, and the timid pheasant, as it started up in flight before them, might have reminded them of these thoughts of Pope : "See, from the brake the whirring pheasant springs, And mounts exultant on triumphant wings," while the lugubrious notes of the solemn midnight owl and shrill cries of the lone whippoorwill might have served as a serenade, as lying, rifle in hand, concealed in their canoes at night, they awaited the approach of the thirsty but unsuspecting deer. Of the skins of these animals, with the aid of their brains steeped in water, they made a beautiful, white, soft and spongy leather, very useful for breeches, aprons and other articles in general. So enduring was this material, that clearing and log-rolling, which told fearfully on common clothes, hardly affected it. A ball-cover of it would hardly wear out. John, the eldest son, was a blacksmith as well as farmer, and was very serviceable as such while he lived. These men all lived to see the empire of nature pass away, and teeming fields, bountiful orchards, flowery gardens, handsome residences, churches, villages and schoolhouses spring up where once frowned a dense wilderness. POLITICAL HISTORY OF UNION TOWNSHIP. It appears in history that the first white settlement in Miami County was made at Staunton, a little east of Troy, in 1798. About nine- years afterward, on the 352 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY 16th of January, 1807, a county government was formed and three men were appointed either by the court or County Commissioners at Staunton, to give names to three townships now comprised in the territory of Union, Concord and Monroe_ The name of one of those men the author cannot ascertain ; but the names of two, were Samuel Jones (of whom I have before written) and John North. They met, soon after their appointment, at the house of Samuel Jones, to perform the duty assigned them. After some discourse upon the propriety of giving becoming names, Samuel Jones said, " I find that wherever my neighbors meet, either at log rollings, raisings, or at church, a spirit of harmony and unity pervades them, so I will call my township Union. " Well !, " responded the man whose name is unknown,. " since you have selected so good a name for your township, I will select one equally appropriate for mine," so, lighting his pipe to electrify his mind, he walked off alone to hunt the desired name. After a short time he returned and said, " Mr. Jones, since you have named your township Union, I will call mine Concord, which name, I think, is about as good as yours. ' We do not learn that Mr. Jones made any objection to it. The other man, North, seemed to be influenced by a personal consideration. Having served in the Revolutionary army, and perhaps under Col. Monroe, who afterward became President of the United States, in honor of him he named his township Monroe. Of the twelve townships in this. county, but four of them have the names of distinguished men. Indeed, the practice of naming both counties and townships after great men is now much more common than at that early day. We are not to suppose that the naming of a township has any effect upon the character of its inhabitants, but facts here almost warrant the opinion that old father Jones' conclusion was a correct one,, namely, Union ; for, of the voting population, a fraction over four-fifths are Republicans. I do not state this to extol one political party or disparage the other, but merely mention it as an historical fact, attributable, perhaps, mainly to the influence of the Friends. The organization of the township government took place soon after this meeting and was held at the same house ; at this preliminary meeting, as in all others, the officers, such as Chairman and Clerk or Secretary, have to be chosen viva vote. This mode was adopted, but for some time none could be found willing to serve, mostly alleging ignorance and incompetency as the reason. Said old Squire Thomas McCool nearly fifty years afterward, " When I was asked to serve as Clerk, I told them I knowed nothin' about it and declined to do. so." It seemed for a time that we would not get organized at all ; at last they appointed for Clerk Samuel B. Edwards, who appeared to have more brass than brains, so the work went on and was at last finished. When done and signed, some one asked what the B. in Edwards' name stood for ; he, being slow to reply, a bystander volunteered for him, " I'll tell," said he " what it stands for ; it stands for Booby." This answer appears to have been accepted by the company, and it seems was Edwards' debut and finale, for we never heard of his serving as a civil officer afterward. This first election meeting seems to have been a very crude one, yet it was the foundation of all subsequent ones for a period of seventy-three years, and, of all who participated in those early elections, not one now remains. No person is now living who can tell the names of many of the first elected civil officers of this township. John Coate, son of Marmaduke Coate, of Newberry District, South Carolina, is said to have been its first elected Clerk, and, though his place of residence is now in Newton Township, it was then in Union. We have now reached the time when the village of Milton was begun, and, as it is far the most important one in the township, we propose to give its early history. MILTON. About the year 1805, one Joseph Evans, a native of Newberry, S. C., immigrated with his family to this township. He appears to have first settled in Section 13, but, being of a very appreciative and discerning mind, he soon discovered a HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 353 site better adapted to his taste and spirit of enterprise. This was in Section 21, In the western bank of the classic Stillwater. Nature appeared to have exerted herself here in the production of the grand and beautiful ; it was in proximity to those romantic cascades, or waterfalls, of which we have previously spoken, made by the perennial springs, which afforded ample power for propelling machinery ; the green carpeting of the river banks, the grand display of umbrageous forests, covering the valleys and bluffs, made it look as if it might be the place where Queen Violenta led her fairy troupe in their mazy moonlight dances. This place Evans selected as the proper one for a village ; purchased the land and had it surveyed in lots, comprising each fifty-three rods, with two principal streets, one Main and the other Miami, running parallel with the river bluff, and crossed at right angles by a number of streets and alleys. The first sale of lots took place in 1807 ; the crier was George Buchanan, who resided near, and the lots sold were neither high nor many. This Buchanan was a carpenter and cabinet-maker of more,than brdinary skill, and such he continued to be for many years. Griffith Mendenhall, a fourteen-year-old son of Caleb Mendenhall, of whom mention will be made, informed the author that he and his younger brother, William, mounted two steers and rode them to the sale of these lots, thinking to witness something extraordinary-; their mode of traveling would be thought extraordinary at this time. Joseph Evans was the father of four daughters and one son, namely, Elizabeth, Anna, Rebecca, Robert and Susan ; his eldest daughter, though young in years, is said to have read Paradise Lost, and to have so much admired it that she induced her father to give the village the name of its illustrious author. It was at first called Milton only, but, when a post office many years after was established there, the qualifying word West was added. This village, though it became the place for holding elections and transacting the legal business of the township, continued for many years without any material growth. Its founders, Evans, George Buchanan and Samuel Pearce, appear to have been its only residents for several years. Evans owned the first store in the township, opening it soon after his settlement there ; the author remembers seeing an advertisement of his store in the Ohio Sentinel of 1810, published in Dayton ; so it appears that Evans, at that early day, knew that which many business men have hardly yet learned, namely, the value of advertising. One small store was at that time all-sufficient for the demands of the township. Up to 1825, but three families, namely, those of John F. Jay, a carpenter, Robert Finney, a hatter, and Abner Vore, lived in the town proper, though two others, Oliver 'Benton and Samuel Kelly, lived just above. Benton was a New Yorker, and son of a soldier of the Revolution. He had been a partner with Joseph Evans in a store in Cincinnati, and, having married his daughter Ann, came to Milton and established a dry-goods store, on land bought of his father-in-law, adjoining Milton. This was about 1817 or 1818. The first post office appears to have been established here at this time (a weekly one), and kept by Benton. He was a man well educated for those times, of much refinement of manner, skilled in business, and of far more than ordinary mental capacity. He acted for a time in the triple character of Postmaster, merchant and magistrate. For a long period he owned the only store in the township, and used to send his furs and butter by wagons to the Cincinnati market. He was an ardent patron of schools, never failing to send his children, and, being foremost in the employment of teachers, thus giving them a good education. These remarks apply to the time before schools were established by the State. Benton, after holding the post office fifteen years or upward, was displaced by C. W. Beebe, of opposite politics. He divided a portion of his land into lots and streets, and added to Milton, thus increasing its area and adding to its facilities for growth and advancement. About the year 1836, Benton removed his store and family to Springfield, Clark County. In 1840, or near that time, he returned, taught school, and practiced law in the magistrate courts. 354 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. EARLY MANUFACTORIES. It is said a carding machine was established previous to 1812, in connection with the grist-mill of John Mast ; during the carding season it operated alternately with the grist-mill, but its capacity was small. About the year 1815, Samuel Kelley, an enterprising Massachusetts Yankee, erected a woolen:mill on Section 21, just west of Stillwater, on the Spring stream. At first, wool-carding was only done, leaving to the wheel to spin it into wearing material. The fulling-mill fol- lowed, and in those days did good work. A few years later, the spinning jenny was introduced. In about 1820, Davis W. Thayer, after having rented the Kelley Mills, bought them and enlarged and improved them, soon after which the power loom was introduced, followed soon by the broad hand loom for weaving blankets. People from all parts came here with wool to have it converted into flannel cloth, satinet and other cloths. Though these mills have often changed owners, they are still in active operation, buying wool, exchanging and manufacturing goods, etc. After Kelley rented to Thayer, he built a cotton manufactory on the river bluff; just above Milton. about 1819, which he subsequently converted into a woolen-mill; and finally sold to William Rutledge, its present owner. About 1824, Seth Kelley, a younger brother of Samuel, erected a scythe-factory on the river bank, also in Section 21. The water from the woolen factory was used to run his triphammer, grindstones and bellows. The history of the sickle manufactory is described in the biography of Henry Coate. The manufacture of linseed oil was begun in about 1819, though on a small scale, as the flax was raised only for the lint. Powder was also made in early days near Mast's Mill, but, it is presumed, in small quantities. Guns were also repaired, and it is said the Indian chief Tecumseh frequently came here to have his guns repaired. But the most of the latter-described works have disappeared, and been replaced by modern improved machinery. From 1826 to the present, Milton has been slowly improving. Should it be asked why a village having such great water-power, such fertility of soil, and such enterprising inhabitants around it, continued so tardy in its growth, our answer would be, that its life-blood has long been drained by Dayton and Troy. Remote from canals and railroads, its large grain and pork trade has gone almost exclusively to the above-named markets. It was trade that built Palmyra in the desert ; it was trade that built New Orleans in the fevered swamps of Louisiana. It is trade, in fact, that builds all towns and cities, however much their eligibility of situation may contribute to it. In 1840, a turnpike was made from Dayton, through Milton and on to Covington. This helped the village to some extent, but did much more for Dayton and Covington. The great desideratum of Milton was a canal or railroad, and, as a railroad was practicable, great exertions have at different times been made, both by the village and township, to secure one. From some cause or other, the schemes have all failed, until the people became incredulous of ever getting one. They, however, at last have one, and can hardly realize how much they are indebted to Mr. Arnold, of Dayton, for it. He conceived the scheme of making one from Dayton, through Milton and Covington, to Versailles, and with indomitable energy, pursued it until it is almost accomplished. Though a narrow-gauge, it takes off a great amount of grain which Milton depot furnishes. . The scream of the iron-horse has revived the hopes of the people. Capitalists have come, and a great revival of house-building and trade is the consequence. From a population of about eight hundred souls, we expect to see it erelong, doubled or trebled. We now resume the individual history of some of Milton's most noted citizens. Joseph Evans, the founder, returned to Milton about the year 1828 or 1829. His removal to Cincinnati appears to have pecuniarily injured him. He still owned several lots, on one of which he built a dwelling and storehouse. He continued merchandising on a rather small scale until late in the autumn of 1837, when he HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 355 died of abdominal dropsy. As nearly as can be ascertained, Evans was the first magistrate elected in Milton, and the first member of the State General Assembly. He was a man of considerable ability. After his removal to Cincinnati, no magis- trate appears to have lived in Milton until the coming of Dr. Benjamin Crew. He came there about 1827, and entered upon a lucrative practice of medicine. Getting the people's confidence, they made him a Justice of the Peace. Being of a very enterprising spirit, and having accumulated money, he entered into merchandising in 1832, with Gardner Mendenhall, thus driving a triple business. He appeared to be on the high road to wealth when he was stricken down by consumption, in 1834, but he left behind a name in every. way worthy and honorable. Two sons, Casper W. and Menalcas, survive him. The first is a harness and trunk maker, in Dayton ; the second is a farmer, in this township. Soon after Crew's death Milton was incorporated, and C. W. Beebe became the first Mayor. From that time onward, it has had many Mayors, Marshals and Councilmen, the history of whom I leave to the inhabitants. The first tavern in Milton, it seems, was opened by Wiley S. Jones, in 1826 or 1827, and was run successfully by different men for a great many years. The first meeting-house (Methodist) was built about 1833, previous to which meetings had been held both in the schoolhouse and private houses. Friends, Methodists and Christians now hold meetings there. Schools were taught in Milton from an early period, but the names of teachers, previous to 1820, can hardly be ascertained ; from that time to 1830, we have the names of Charles Mills, Daniel H. Jones, Mark McCool, Bonham, Rebecca and Susan Evans, some of whom taught several terms—all subscription schools. TOWNS. The village of Georgetown, or New Lebanon, appears to owe its paternity to George Hatfield. It was laid out about the year 1840, in Sections 15 and 22. Its growth has been very gradual, because of its isolated position. It lies within sight of the county line on the west, and draws considerable of its trade from Darke County. A rich country surrounds it, and a large dry-goods trade is carried on by the firm of Levi Ammon & Sons. It once had a large trade in oak shingles, made by the citizens, but the scarcity of timber and coming of pine shingles have ended it. Its inhabitants number not far from 150 souls. The German Baptists have a church here. Its post office is Pottsdam. Laura is situated about three miles north of Georgetown, in Section 3, and is about the same age. Its founders were Wesley Sharp and Riley McCool. Being near the North Branch of Ludlow's Creek, and one of its tributaries, the ground around it is not level like that of Georgetown. Being also near the county line, a part of its patronage comes from Darke County. It has a graded schoolhouse and two churches (Christian and Union) in its precincts. Although its population is superior to that of Georgetown, being some 200 inhabitants, its trade is not as great. It, however, enjoys one great advantage or blessing not possessed by many villages. It has no liquor den, because the inhabitants will not tolerate one. The proximity of these two villages to Milton, and their want of a railroad, will necessarily prevent them from receiving that growth which would follow were they more favorably situated. CHURCHES. The establishment of divine worship was coeval with the first settlement of this township. The little colony of Friends held informal meetings, first at the cabin of Caleb Mendenhall, and subsequently at the neighboring cabins. According to the discipline of the Friends Church, no branch can be established without the consent and recognition of the Superior Meeting within whose jurisdiction such branch is established, and the parent' meeting at Bush River, from which these had removed, having ceased to exist by reason of such removal, 356 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. no formal meeting could by its authority be established ; hence it became necessary to obtain authority from the nearest quarterly meeting to establish a monthly meeting. On the 13th of December, 1806, application was made to the quarterly meeting at Red Stone, Penn., the nearest meeting, for the establishment of a monthly meeting, which was granted. Subsequently, a yearly meeting having been established in Richmond; Ind., the privilege of holding a quarterly meeting was by it granted to West Branch, in June, 1812. Thus we see by this record that there has been a recognized Friends Church in this township for, beginning with the social informal meetings, seventy-four years. From two causes, viz., deaths and an almost continual outflow of emigration, commencing about 1833, by means of which various churches in Iowa and Indiana were built up, this church to-day does not contain as many members as were once comprised in one of its three monthly meetings. William Neal and Enoch Pearson, who came in 1806, were the pioneer preachers of this church. Christian Church.—About the year 1819, a great revival of religion took place, in Kentucky, which, on account of the extraordinary zeal and piety of its converts, was denominated the Christian Brotherhood, or Church, from which, his soul being full of holy zeal for the advancement of the cause of Christ, and the evangelization of his race, came one Abraham Snethen, who, by his influence as a minister, established in the year 1820, a church on Ludlow, in the western part of this township, which still exists, and is known as the Christian, or generally called, New Light Church. During the year 1846, a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Covington, was in the habit of coming to the town of Milton to preach, and, as there was no church building there of his denomination, he usually occupied the Methodist Church. For the regular accommodation of its members, the attempt was made, principally by one individual, to build a church, but, failing to receive the pecuniary aid anticipated, after having partially completed the same, he abandoned it for some years. Finally it was purchased by a new branch of the Christian Church under the auspices of Elder William Jay. In 1850, a church house was built on the Milton & Tippecanoe road, one mile east of Milton, by the members of the Christian Church, which was occupied by them until so badly injured by a storm as to render it unfit for occupancy. Desiring one in the mean time more centrally located, they sold it, and erected a magnificent structure, one and one-half miles east on the same road, which was dedicated about August, 1879. After having built the new structure, they sold the old one- to the German Baptists, or Dunkards who now occupy it. German Baptist Church.—Prominent among the churches in this township, is the German Baptist, whose preachers were among the first to proclaim the Word of God in the Great Miami Valley. The fprst members of this church immigrated from Swartzenaugh, Germany, in the year 1719, and settled in Germantown, Penn. They had been severely persecuted on account of their religious faith, and fled to America, with a hope of gaining liberty, and of having the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their conscience. For sixty years their progress was slow, owing to the difficulties and hardships of a new country, in its unsettled state, caused by the French war of 1755, and the Revolution twenty years later, and the many subsequent Indian wars all along the borders of the new settlements. In 1748, Christopher Saur published the fprst German Bible in America, also edited the first paper ever issued from the church. They organized their first Sabbath school in 1740, and the first annual conference of which we have any knowledge was held in 1778. The liberty and protection the Constitution of the United States gave them, instilled new energy, and their progress became more visible. The first meeting-house of the church we have any account HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 357 of was built in Franklin County, Penn., in 1798. The first brother that settled in Virginia, was John Garber, in Flat Rock Valley, in 1777. He was an eminent minister, and built up a large congregation. From this valley, Jacob Miller moved to Ohio. and settled on the west bank of the Great Miami River, near Dayton, in 1800. He was the first one to settle on the west side, was an able man, and did much toward founding the church, and to him the church is gratefully indebted for its present efficiency. He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1735 ; he raised a very exemplary family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, three of his sons becoming able ministers of the Gospel. There are, at this time, about seventy-five organized churches in Ohio, with many large and commodious houses for worship. There are organized churches in twenty of the States of the Union, and eleven religious periodicals printed by members of the church, and devoted to its advancement. There are three colleges under control of the church, one in Mount Morris, Ill., one in Ashland, Ohio, and one in Berlin, Penn. The students of these institutions are watched over with great care, and are welcomed, regardless of religion or sect, if they conform to the moral standard required. This denomination of religionists began their labors here in 1800, and, from the silent few who gathered in each other's cabins for worship, have sprung the many that now inhabit this region. These people are plain, unostentatious, make no display of finery, or a gaudy appearance, are honest, temperate, and among the best citizens in the land. In this county, the townships of Union, Newton, Newberry and Monroe have large organized churches, which are presided over by a number of excellent ministers, who bid fair to bring the church to a high standard. Brethren, in Christ Church,--(Incorporated).—This denomination in Union Township has a membership of about eighty, who have just erected a new edifice in which to worship, near Potsdam. The structure is 36x46 feet. They have services every four weeks, which are conducted by the Rev. George W. Wright, of Painter Creek, Darke County. Jacob Swank and his nephew, John Swank, were the first preachers in this church, which is now in good condition, being in union and harmony with themselves and the world. Trustees, Henry Fess, Henry Arnett, Abraham Wright ; Exhorters, Joseph Sando, Abraham Wright ; Deacon, Moses Blackburn. Methodist Church.—The seed of Methodism seems to have fallen in stony places in this township, for about the year 1833, they organized and built a church, which sprang up and flourished for a season, but, after an existence of ten or twelve years it began to decline, until at present it numbers but few members, and the house is occupied mainly 'by the Friends. In the village of Laura are also two churches, one built by the successors of the church established by A. Snethen, the other by the united efforts and means of the citizens, regardless of denomination and open to all Christian people. In addition to those already enumerated, there is a church in the eastern part of the township denominated " Second Adventists or Soul Sleepers." Sabbath Schools.—In connection with the Friends' Church are three flourishing Sabbath schools, one of which—located in Milton—continues during the entire year. In addition to these, there are various union schools held during the pleas ant season, not under the control of any particular denomination, but for the accommodation of the general public, irrespective of creed or sect. SCHOOLS. The first schools in this township were taught at West Branch, from 1808 ti 1832, in the old Friends' Meeting-House. From the remains of certain manuscript it appears that one John How, an Englishman, taught as early as 1808, thong probably not the first ; he was a very fine penman, and somewhat of a classicl scholar. A period of about nine years elapses, during which the teachers are not known. In 1817, Charles Mills taught. In the following year, Daniel H. Jones wielded the rod, and in 1819, Davis W. Thayer held the scepter of studious sway 358 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. He afterward became magistrate, manufacturer and merchant. In 1820, Charles Mills again ruled the young thoughts. His place was filled in 1821 by David Mote, who took his first steps as instructor here. In 1822, one Thomas Adams, from the East, a superior scholar, and highly recommended, drew many students for miles, and taught the largest school ever collected at this place, but, owing to inefficiency in government, his school was a failure and finally ended in zero. The following year found Charles Mills in the schoolroom again, who made up his complement by subscription. He was an old veteran in the ranks, having served forty years in the schoolroom. In 1824, during the summer it was controlled by Jacob Angle a New Yorker. During the winter of 1825, the school was taught by Daniel H. Jones, who was said to be rather an extraordinary man, a kind of universal genius, a mechanic, mathematician, surveyor and poet. In 1826, the school was taught by David Mote, and in 1827 by Gardner Mendenhall, one of West Branch's students. While teaching, five wagons came from Troy, ar'l hauled off nearly all his corn crop to satisfy a paltry muster fine. The next winter David Mote taught again. During the autumn of 1828, and winter of 1829, the schools were taught by Alexander L. Wilson. James Hanks, a land surveyor, held the birch during the winter of 1830. During a part of the autumn of 1830, and following winter, the young ideas were directed by W. B. Jones, of South Carolina, who inaugurated the tickets of reward. He continued till 1832. The last winter school was held at West Branch. In the way of books, Webster's Speller, Murray's Grammar, American Preceptor, Pike's Arithmetic, etc. The public schools are too well known to need a description here. NEWTON TOWNSHIP. Newton Township is situated in the extreme western part of Miami County, belonging to the central tier of townships running east and west, and containing some forty-two sections, eighteen of which belongs to Town 8, Range 4 east, the remaining four-and-twenty belong to Town 7, Range 5 east, embracing in all about forty-two square miles of surface, measuring seven miles from east to west and six miles from north to south, so that within its limits are found 26,880 acres, the most of which is tillable. Its boundaries are Newberry and Washington Townships upon the north, Concord on the east, Union on the south, and Franklin, one of the eastern townships of Darke County, bounds it on the west. Possessing as it does a superior sy stem of drainage, fertile soil, ever-living springs and streams of excellent water, ample railroad and shipping facilities, its citizens at the present time are happy in the possession of a country inferior to none in that which conduces to render prosperity accessible to all within its limits The township is traversed almost centrally_from north to south by the Dayton, Covington & Toledo Railroad, which, though yet in its infancy, is of incalculable benefit to the country through which it passes in affording its citizens traveling and shipping accommodations, thereby greatly enhancing the value of the lands and encouraging industrial pursuits in general. In addition to this, the township is intersected by a perfect network of free pikes, excellent county and township roads kept in good condition, her streams are spanned by numerous magnificent bridges, all of which stand as enduring monuments and attest to the industry and progressive spirit of the people by whom they were constructed. Inasmuch as the Stillwater River has been one of the most important factors in the early settlement of this and all other townships bordering its banks, we think it is well worthy of particularization. We shall not, however, begin at its source, nor carry it to the mouth, but shall endeavor to describe it in sections bounded by the limits of the township lines whose history we are recording. Stillwater enters this township near the division line between Sections 5 and HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 359 6, and flows in a southwesterly course through Sections 5, 8 and 17, when it bends somewhat abruptly in its course, and flows southwest through the southeastern corner of Section 18, thence turning in its course it flows south to the center of Section 18 ; flowing back, it enfolds the southeast corner of the section, after which it assumes a different direction, flowing in a tortuous channel a southeasterly direction and making its exit from the township at Section 33. Panther Creek, the northern and most important branch .of the Stillwater in this' township, has its source in Twin Township, Darke Co. and, flowing east, enters Newton Township, at the southwest corner of Section 10 ; it then takes a northeasterly course to Section 2, where its waters are increased by the addition of a small stream flowing from the northwest ; it then takes a generally easterly course, and reaches the stream of which it is the principal tributary, in this township, in the southern part of Section 6, Range 4 east. As to how this creek received the appellation by which it is commonly known there are two versions, one of which is, that in earlier times, before the curiosity and enterprise of man had led him to penetrate the wilderness, and establish himself a home in this vicinity, when the howl of the wolf and the whoop of the Indian were the only sounds, which struck the tympanum of nature's auditory apparatus, and sent the echoes reverberating through the almost impenetrable forest—at such a time as this, tradition tells us the story of two hunters, Abbott and Jones by name, who, led away by the fascinations of the chase, had penetrated thus far in the sylvan solitudes, when, tired and disappointed with the almost fruitless labors of the day, they were preparing, as the shades of night were fast settling o'er the solemn forests, to recruit their wasted energies by " tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep ;" and, without previous warning, their preconcerted plans were suddenly terminated by the appearance upon the scene of a huge panther, whose domicile, it appears, they had unwittingly invaded, and the animal, not willing to retire from the place without asserting her rights to the use of the same, from the legal standpoint of having been the original possessor of the soil, made a vigorous attack upon the hunters, but, after a brief hand-to-hand conflict, which appeared of great length to the tired men, the battle terminated in perfect accordance with the theory of scientists concerning the survival of the fittest. The victorious hunters throwing the carcass of the brute into the gurgling waters of the little brook, again sought to recuperate their ebbing strength, by passing the remaining hours of darkness in undisturbed repose ; and since that time, the stream has been called Panther Creek. in commemoration of their struggle with that animal upon its banks. The other version of the story is that long years after the members of the Caucasian race had sought and made for themselves homes in this vicinity, and the wild children of the forest had retired from the hunting-grounds of their ancestors, and had gone to seek a place nearer the Great Father of Waters, where they might hope for awhile, at least, to free themselves from the encroachments of their white brothers, one among their number, a warrior of the Miamis, whose name was Painter, unwilling to quit in his later years the hunting-grounds and graves of his forefathers, refused to follow his people, and, constructing his lodge on the borders of the stream which bears his name, remained upon the spot, watching with philosophic eye the metamorphosis of his childhood's home ; and, no doubt, as he saw the primeval forests rapidly fading from his view, he wondered if the change was a reality, or mere delusion caused by his failing senses. Well might he say with the poet : " Is it changed, or am I changed ? Ah, the oaks are just as green, But the friends with whom I ranged beneath their thickets, Are estranged by the years that intervene. "Bright as ever flows the stream, Bright as ever shines the sun, But alas! It seems to me Not the stream that used to be, Not the sun that used to shine." 360 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. However, as to which of the two stories is the more authentic, it is not possible for us, at a period so remote from the time when these events should have occurred, to determine with absolute certainty ; although for various reasons, which the limited nature of our work does not permit us to chronicle, we are led to think that the former of the two versions is probably the more plausible. Be this as it may, it is a. well-known fact that the portion of the township drained by this creek offered the greatest inducements to the earlier settlers, and by no means the least of these advantages was the exceeding fertility of the soil, to which the extreme healthfulness of the climate and bewitching beauty of the location united to make it an extraordinarily desirable place for the heads of families to choose as a permanent home. These advantages, together with that offered by the stream, which was capable of producing power sufficient to run the various mills, which were very essential, and, indeed, almost indispensable factors in the earlier settle- ments, account for the first settlements of the township having been made in this locality ; besides the streams to which reference has already been made, there are several minor ones, two of which flow in an easterly course through the southern tier of sections, and finally empty into the Stillwater, while another flows, a more southerly course and pours its waters into Ludlow Creek, in Union Township. Excellent springs of never-failing water also well up in various localities, than which, water more sparkling or refreshing is not to be found within the limits of our country. As regards the chorography of this portion of the county, it can be said of Newton that it is mostly level'; the township 'slopes gently from the east of the Stillwater, and no waste land is to be found. The western banks of the river, however, in some places rise abruptly into rather high bluffs, which, in several places, extend some distance west of the river, but a very small 'portion of this land cannot be tilled, the most of it at the present time being in a high state of cultivation ; this productive condition of the soil is not a mere matter of chance, but has been brought about only after spending long years of manual labor at agricultural pm suits, 'assisted in later years by the mechanical arts. In the beginning of the present century, when the first settlements were made, the township was one densely wooded forest, with but two exceptions ; what to-day is the meadow green, with its abundant herbage, was then an unknown forest, fit home for the wild animal and native Indian, who held a joint proprietorship in the land, and each walked unmolested, as was their wont, the " monarchs of all they surveyed." The purity of the atmosphere was then tainted by nothing save the smoke which curled in fantastic wreathings from the wigwam of the red man ; now the air is rendered noxious by the impure vapors rising from the noisy locomotive, as it rushes through with its load of freight, exchanging the products of other climes for the surplus products in this ; then the giant oak reared its lofty head deep into the ethereal depths ; now the monarch of the forest is fallen. and in its place fields of waving corn and wheat, orchards bending beneath their loads of luscious fruits, dot the landscape here and there as far as the eye can reach. Within the memory of the oldest inhabitant of the township the country has been perfectly transformed—much farther back than this we cannot go ; but the old trees, could they speak and tell the history of this township as far back as there are circles by which the years of their growth are numbered, would tell a story that now lies locked in the silent bosom of dead centuries, but their dumb tongues refuse to reveal the secret that inquisitive man longs to know and, although we have many indications of the existence of a people who toiled and lived upon what is now Newton Township long before the advent of the white man or even Indian, what they were, together with their manners, customs and language, remains too deeply buried in the mold of centuries to be soon unearthed by scientific researches. The soil in this section of Miami County is an alluvial deposit of great depth, formed by the slight additions of successive years ; it is remarkable for its continued fertility, inasmuch as the ground which has been tilled three quarters of a century has not the least abated in productiveness ; on the contrary, the amount of its products is constantly increasing instead of diminishing. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 361 The only exception to the universal forest which occupied the township, and, [indeed, the whole county, upon the arrival of the oldest settlers, was what is now known as " Williams' Prairie ; " it was a spot of land not encumbered by a single tree, situated east of the Stillwater River, mostly on Section 19. The original tract embraced between sixty and eighty acres ; now, however, it cannot be distin- guished from the adjoining tracts, which have been cleared and form part of the .original prairie. How or when this section was cleared, or who was instrumental in its clearing—for it, doubtless, was at one time as densely wooded as the rest— .can only be theorized upon, and there is a theory contended for by some who have -examined the location, of which we shall make mention in another connection. Besides this, there was another small prairie in the south part of the township, the main part of which is situated in Union Township. After these, nothing broke the monotony of the wooded depths, which, to the early settler, seemed almost limitless. This township, as are most of the others in this county, is well provided with numerous excellent roads, offering splendid facilities for traveling or teaming in almost any season of the year ; these are, however, comparatively speaking, a modern invention ; the oldest inhabitant of the township remembers well how, in former times, when it became necessary to construct a highway for general utility, the neighbors would collect together with ax and mattock, and persistently chop and grub their way through the forest till they had reached the place for which they started. These roads, if not so smooth and straight as the beautiful drives of to-day, possessed the redeeming feature of being well shaded. Numerous pikes cross the township in various directions ; of these, the Covington and Panther Creek traverse a part of the northern portion of the township, Hogpath Pike runs from Pleasant Hill west through the township, while the Troy & Newton Pike extends from Pleasant Hill to Troy. The Newton & Covington Pike is the oldest in the township, and probably as old as any in the county. To give the history of Newton Township and not speak of her first white settlers, would be as impossible as to demonstrate a mathematical proposition by means of ciphers alone, not taking into consideration the more important digits. We shall, therefore, speak briefly of the sturdy pioneers who left the more hospitable East and came to brave the perils of the wilderness in search of homes 'for themselves and their descendants. Some time between the years 1797 and 1800, Michael Williams, who had removed with his family from North Carolina to Ohio, learned, from Gen. Harrison, with whom ht. met in Cincinnati, and who had, some time previously, made an expedition through this section of the country, of the existence of the prairie of which mention, has already been made. He immediately resolved to remove thither, and, like Jacob of old, he collected together his sons, with their wives and all their earthly goods, and started immediately for the land which was to be the heritage of his children for many generations, and which he reached in safety, and located on Section 19, which embraced the prairie, the only oasis in the wilderness of trees that surrounded him. He was the head of a family of four sons, the youngest of whom, John, was the first minister produced by the township. The remaining five children were daughters. Marmaduke Coate, the second white settler in the township, was born in the year 1738, in South Carolina, from which place he emigrated in his sixty-eighth year. He was the father of seven sons and two daughters, each of whom reared a large family of children. Moses, Marmaduke's second child, and Samuel, the fourth, came to the Miami Valley on a prospecting tour in 1804. Being well pleased with the appearance of things in this locality, they determined to take permanent homes here, and, consequently, were joined by the remaining members of their families in the fall of 1805. They immediately established themselves upon the southeast quarter of Section 32, in this township. They made themselves as cornfortable as circumstances would permit in their new-quarters, and proceeded at once to remove the forest, preparatory to planting in the spring, knowing well that unless they sowed they would not reap. They plied their axes vigorously, 362 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. the effects of which soon made themselves apparent in more ways than one. Not only was a spot of ground laid open to the genial influence of the sun, but, one particularly clear morning, when the sounds created by their vigorous strokes sent the echoes rebounding merrily through the surrounding forest, the woodmen were surprised by the appearance upon the scene of Michael Williams, who had been roused from ".the even tenor of his way " by the sounds which bespoke the onward move of civilization. Having previously considered himself the only settler in the vicinity, he proceeded at once to investigate matters, and, in company with one of his sons, pushed his boat up the Stillwater to the place from where the sounds proceeded, and was not a little surprised at the sight which greeted his eyes. The emotions of gladness which thrilled him at the prospect of establishing friendly relations with one of his own kind can better be imagined than described. His desire being fully reciprocated by Mr. Coate, for, in those primeval days, a neighbor was an article not to be lightly estimated, they at once became fast friends, and, probably, the first highway in the township was the simple footpath that spanned the distance between their dwellings, and which was indicated by the blazed trees that marked its course. Mr. Coate died in the year 1822, at the Advanced age of eighty-four years, having been a resident of this township some eighteen years. He lived to see much of the land occupied by the enterprising white settlers who immigrated here between the war of 1812 and his death, and to see his sons, the most prominent men in the vicinity, happily situated on homes of their own, free from any incumbrance, save the trees, the spontaneous. products of the soil. The wife of Mr. Coate died some time previous to the death of her husband. The life of the lady, could it be written, would make a large and interesting book. She had been captured by the Indians at the age of seven, and, after enduring hardships that but few of her sex could have outlived, finally escaped from her captors after having been in their custody for five long, wearisome years, during which time she became conversant with their customs and language, which accomplishments, if so we may term them, proved very beneficial to the whites during the time of hostilities. Thomas Hill was probably the third white man who established himself permanently in this township ; he came from the East about the year 1805 or 1806, accompanied by his family, which consisted of two sons, viz., Nathan and John, and two daughters, viz., Elizabeth and Sarah. Mr. Hill established himself at once on Section 20, where he resided until his death. He early identifped himself with the manufacturing interests of the township, building as soon as practicable after his arrival, the fprst and only copper still ever erected in this township. This he ran very successfully till the year 1818, when he disposed of the property to Jacob Rench, who operated it till 1831 or 1832, when the whole establishment was destroyed by fire. Thomas Coppock was probably the fourth white man who conceived and put into execution the idea of making his permanent abiding-place in this township.. He was the second son of a family of nine children, consisting of six boys and three girls. South Carolina was his native State, and there he would probably have remained ; but being opposed to slavery in any form in which it might appear, he found it impossible to prevent his opinions from conflicting with those of the great mass of the people in that old Slave State, and he determined at last, if he could not assuage their grief nor loosen the fetters with which they were so firmly bound, he would not, at least, remain to witness the miseries of the colored people engendered by the lash of the most cruel task-masters. He believed these people to be possessed of that spiritual something which philosophers denominate soul ; this. however, was an attribute not coincided by the majority of the people to belong to them. Therefore, not being able to coincide in his views of these things with the people of his State, he resolved to quit it and carry his family away from such dangerous influences ; consequently, with his three sons and five daughters, he left• the land of bondage, and, after enduring the hardships consequent upon so long a. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 363 journey through a sparsely settled country, he reached this township in the fall of 1805 or 1806, and located at once on southwest quarter of Section 33. He turned his attention at once to the task of clearing the ground, from which he expected to obtain his sustenance ; by trade, however, he was a blacksmith, the first person of that ancient and honorable profession in the township. A short time after his arrival, he built his shop, but, being, as it was, just across the line in Union Township, it cannot be claimed as being the first smithy built in this township ; it was run by a tilt-hammer, which piece of machinery is by no means complicated, as it consisted of a simple beam of wood about six feet long, one end of which was attached to a pivot, and the other, to which a hammer was firmly fastened, extended just over the anvil ; to this wonderful piece of mechanism a treadle was attached, so that when it was necessary to employ both hands in holding the work, the smith, by means of his foot, which worked the tilt-hammer, was enabled to accomplish the work of two men. Coal was then almost an unknown article here, and Mr. Coppock obtained fuel for his shop by burning charcoal, which answered his purpose very well. At the first election held in the county for Commissioners, in 1808, Mr. Coppock was elected and served in that capacity three years. He was a, prominent man in the county, and died at a good old age, mourned not only by his relatives, but by the people of the county in general, who felt that their loss would not soon be replaced. At this period in our history, immigrants began pouring into the township more rapidly than heretofore. The face of a white man, although always beheld with pleasure, was not such a novelty as it had been a few years hitherto, and the sound of an ax did not produce so much astonishment among the settlers as that instrument had been seen to do on a former occasion. In the fall of 1806, the little colony was increased by the addition of three families, originally from South Carolina, but subsequently from Warren County, Ohio, where they had located upon removing from their native State. Upon arriving here, they took immediate possession of three quarter-sections of land, lying in a direct line north and south. The heads of these several families were all brothers-in-law, consequently, as far as family ties were concerned, they formed quite a settlement of themselves. Samuel Teague, the elder, located on the middle quarter, Section 28, Benjamin Pearson on the south quarter, Section 33, while William Furnas took the north quarter, Section 33 ; the latter died the 21st of December, 1835, and is buried in the cemetery at Pleasant Hill. These men were endowed by nature with a resolute will, which, added to their thrift and unflagging industry, soon enabled them to change the gloomy aspect of the forest, if not into an Eden; at least into such homes as they learned to love, where they lived happily and prosperously. many years with their children, who had located themselves comfortably near them. Jacob Embree was a native of Tennessee, from which State he emigrated at a very early day in the beginning of the present century, and located first in Montgomery County in this State. Not being satisfied here, and hearing the wonderful fertility of the soil in this county commented on in the most favorable terms, he determined to remove thither, and consequently, in the spring of 1807, we find him settled on the southeast quarter of Section 29, in this township, on land now owned by J. C. Coppock. Mr. Embree identifped himself at once as being an enterprising citizen, and proved a valuable addition to the people among whom he settled Under his wise supervision, the manufacturing interests soon began to be developed and an important epoch in the history of the township was leached. Mr. E had resided on his farm many years before he learned that it had not been enterer by other parties, and, immediately upon receiving intelligence in regard to this matter, he set off for Cincinnati on horseback, riding all the night and day, whet he reached the land office and secured for his own a home such as is calculated to make the heart of man glad. William Long, one of the oldest settlers in the township, brought his family from Virginia in the year 1806 or 1807 and located himself near the ford of the river, on the northwest quarter of Section 7. He was the head of a family of fou sons, one of whom, Stephen, was the third preacher produced by the township 364 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. Alexander Mills, from South Carolina, settled on southeast quarter, Section 20, in 1807, where he remained till the war of 1812. Benjamin Iddings, from Tennessee, came about the same time as the preceding, and erected his cabin on Section 33, for which purpose land was given him by Mr. Pearson. Joseph Furnas settled on the banks of the Stillwater in 1808.; he had a family of seven children, and taught the first school in the township, in his own house. Two brothers, Isaac and Evan Ballinger, settled on southeast quarter, Section 20, at about the same time in 1807-08. The first settlers west of the river were William and David Miles, who hailed from South Carolina in 1807. The former died the same year of his arrival. At this period, settlements began to be made in the northern part of the township, on Panther Creek. Robert Leaven, from .South Carolina, settled on Section 2, in 1808, and William Perry, from Tennessee, located himself on Section 6 at about the same time, while Robert Dickson, the father of two sons and several daughters, located himself on northwest quarter, Section 7, in 1808-09. Inasmuch as the township, at this date, was rapidly filling up in every direction, it would be impossible in the limited space allotted us, to follow each family through the perils of the wilderness to the spot where they located ; among the later settlers we might mention Samuel Falkner, Jacob Rench, George Freshour and many other men of indefatigable perseverance, who rapidly transformed the forest into productive farms, and laid the foundation for that high degree of prosperity enjoyed by the present population. From the result of their labors, we imagine their motto must have been— "Trust no future howe'er pleasant, Let the dead past bury its dead ; Act—act in the living present, Heart within, and God o'erhead." Jacob Embree may be legitimately credited with being the father of the manufacturing interests of the township ; prior to his arrival, the power offered by the streams had not been utilized; was not long after this, however, till the grating of the crank as it turned the opper of the old mill, and the whirring sound of the saw as it passed rapidly through the ponderous logs, whispered a story of better days, When the puncheon floor and split-slab door would give place to smooth oaken boards, and flour for family use could be obtained at home. A short time after Mr. Embree erected the saw-mill, in 1808, he attached to it a flouring-mill, or corn-cracker, as it was then called. It was a very simple piece of machinery, consisting of a hopper, around which four forks were set in the ground, held together by cross-pieces and covered with brush, in order to serve as a shelter for the grinder while the mill was being operated. On so small a scale as this began the milling interests of the township, which have since assumed in comparison almost gigantic proportions. These mills were operated by Mr. E. for several years, but have long since been replaced by more modern and pretentious structures, the products of which are more satisfactory than those of their predecessors. The mill now owned by J. C. Coppock was built by Mr. Embree in 1828, and occupies the site of the first mill in the township. Robert Dickson built the second saw-mill in the township, and the first one on Panther Creek. Deeter's Mill now stands upon the spot formerly occupied by this. George Freshour also built a saw-mill on Section 10, Range 4, in a very early day. This mill has not been operated for many years, but the frame still stands, a lonely landmark of the past, bent and tottering beneath its weight of years. An oil-mill was established below the falls on Panther Creek, by Abraham Deeter, sometime prior to 1840. Jacob Rench built a distillery in 1818. This was the first establishment of the kind on the Stillwater; in the northern part of the township. Mr. R. ran this business successfully until his building was destroyed by fire, in 1831-32. He immediately erected another structure, on the west bank of HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 365 the river, where the Sugar Grove Mill now stands. He was again burned out, in ' 1837, but rebuilt a second time, and devoted his attention to this work till the spring of 1848, when he disposed of the business and property to the Deeter brothers, who shortly abandoned it. The second regular grist-mill in the township was built by Mr. R. in 1833. In the spring of 1848, he sold this also to the Deeter brothers. This mill was run till about one year ago, when it was destroyed by fire, and the present Sugar Grove Mill was then built by John Crumrine, who, at the present time, is doing a good business. F. and I. Deeter started a tile factory, about one mile east of Pleasant Hill, several years ago, since which time they have been in successful operation. They burn a kiln each week, and constantly employ in their factory five or six hands. The grain-mill of Patty, Whitmore & Co. was built in 1879, and is of inestimable value to the farmers in the vicinity, as it fills a want long felt, and offers a ready market for their grains. They have a capacity for shelling 4,000 bushels of corn per day. The war of 1812 put a stop for awhile to the stream of immigration westward, and this township proved no exception to the general rule. Wars and runiors of wars, with blood-curdling stories of Indian barbarity, began to reach the ears of the people, so that many settlers in the northern part of the township, fearing an invasion, collected together their families and household effects, and removed to various places in the State, ,where the danger was less threatening. Many removed their families only, and returned themselves to care for their growing crops. The majority, however, disdained to flee before an imaginary foe, and instead, made preparations for self-defense, for which purpose the neighbors collected and began constructing the " block-house." It was built on Section 19, west of present site of Pleasant Hill A trench was dug inclosing a sufficiently large space of ground to contain the people, and inside of this, palisades were driven ; in the inclosed space several cabins were erected, and this formed the fortification, which was by no means inaccessible. Here, however, the families would congregate at night for their mutual support in case of attack. Nothing appearing to disturb their usually peaceful lives, the " Fort " was soon abandoned without the necessity for its construction having been verified in a single instance. The building has long since crumbled away, but the spot upon which it stood is readily pointed out by the old settler, through whose sluggish veins the blood flows with almost youthful vigor, as he recalls the excitement which existed during that warlike period. To those persons who delight in evolving theories in regard to the existence, in America, of a pre-historic race, and in wiping the dust of centuries from the pages of the past, Newton Township offers them a field, wherein their inventive as well as imaginary powers can be exercised to their utmost capacity. West from Pleasant Hill, just across the river, stand a number of fortifications, which have stood so long that, in the words of Blackstone, " The mind of man runneth not to the contrary." The largest one is inclosed on three sides by a ravine, in most places 100 feet deep, while the remaining side is provided with breastworks, at the present time about six feet high, but, inasmuch as there are trees on this which are about two feet in diameter, and must have grown after the ground was thrown up, we are led to believe that the wall of earth was formed many hundred years ago ; and, if this is the case, it was at least fifteen feet high when first built. About one acre of surface is inclosed, now covered with saplings, but it must have been almost entirely free from trees when the fortification was formed. Numerous articles denoting the presence of a race that had some knowledge of the fine arts, have been found ; among these are pieces of pottery, curved in form, showing that the vessels, of which they are pieces, were circular in shape. Human skeletons have been found near at hand, and many things go to show that this almost impregnable fortress was occupied by a people of more than the ordinary intelligence of the Indian. As to who these people were, or when they lived upon the spot, we pretend not to determine, but leave for more specdlative 'minds the 366 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. agreeable task of creating the hypothesis, from which the origin and destiny of this people may some day be ascertained. The prairie of which previous mention has been made, was just across the river from this fort, and probably was used by this people as a burying-ground. It may, indeed, have been cleared by them in the beginning. Many skeletons have been found here, and the fact that this spot of prairie-land was partially surrounded by sycamore trees, goes to show that they were planted by human hands, for this species of tree is usually found only upon the banks of streams. We can be positive in regard to several matters: First, the human skeletons show that a people did really exist ; secondly, the earthenware vessels, that they were creatures of intelligence ; thirdly, the existence of the fortification proves that they had an enemy. Who that foeman was that inspired the erection of such a fortification, is not explained even by tradition, and probably never will be known, but to those who have long since gone to the land of spirits. Pleasant Hill, the only village in this township, has a population of about 500 inhabitants, and includes one square mile of surface in its corporate limits. The town was for many years called Newton, after the township, which, by the way, was named in honor of the philosopher, Sir Isaac. The ground upon which it is situated was surveyed by James Hanks, and laid out by J. K. Teeter, May 26, 1843. The original plat consisted of eight lots, all west of Main street, which bounded them on the east, and which was sixty-six feet wide then, but subsequently had its width increased to eighty feet. The lots were 132 feet deep, with seventy-five feet front, and were divided by two cross streets, viz., High and North, each forty-nine and one-half feet wide. These streets are now eighty feet wide, while the cross-streets which intersect Main on the east, are sixty-six feet wide. After having been laid out, the growth of the village rapidly increased, and in 1850, became of so much importance that it was decided, for general convenience, to move the post office from Coppock's mill to Newton. The post office had first been kept about one mile southeast from town, and, from the peculiarly beautiful spot of its location, was called Pleasant Hill. It was moved from here in about 1840, to Coppock's mill, and was kept awhile in the mill, but it still retained its first name, and, upon its being removed to Newton, it was decided, in order to prevent all irregularities in regard to postal matters, to change the name of Newton to Pleasant Hill, which was accordingly done. After the removal of the office here, John Whitmore became Postmaster, which position he retained fpve or six years. At present, the position is filled by Mr. J. Reiber, a brave soldier in the late rebellion, who, in a single engagement, was the target which received five leaden bullets while battling for the Union under the banner of the old Stars and Stripes. The village was incorporated June 30, 1866. The first officers were as follows : Mayor, Charles W. Recorder, N. B. Teeter ; Trustees, William Patty, M. D., John H. Williams, D. Davis; Minnich, John Whitmore and Joseph Pearson ; Treasurer, Fred Deeter ; Marshal, J. G-. Ritter. The number of business establishments are as follows : Three merchants, one boot and shoe shop, three blacksmiths, one silver-smith, one agricultural implements, two wagon-makers, five physicians, one grain dealer, one furniture dealer, one confectionery, two Milliners, and one saloon. SCHOOLS. The progress made by a country in civilization is denoted in a great measure by her educational advantages. The mighty strides taken in this direction, may well be regarded with pride by the enterprising citizens of Newton. The first school in the township was taught by Joseph Furnas, in the year 1808, in his own cabin, which stood on the banks of the Stillwater. The greater part of his pupils consisted of his own children, seven in number ; to these were added the children of the neighbors when they could be spared from HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 369 home. The house was warmed by a fire-place, and gathered around this, seated on sticks of wood, an inverted basket or some other article equally comfortable, the young hopeful conned his daily lesson, and was glad when the task was completed and he might indulge in sports more congenial to his nature. In 1811, a schoolhouse was built on Furnas' land, and was probably the first in the township ; it was not particularly noticeable for architectural beauty, neither for the convenience of its furniture. The roof was made of clapboards so put together as to provide such a ventilation as would now be considered neither pleasant nor healthy ; the door was a rude affair of oak swung on wooden hinges, which, upon being opened, produced such a screeching noise as sent the blood curdling through the veins of the strongest ; the patent bench with stationary inkstand had not yet made its appearance, but in lieu of this, the pupils were seated on benches rudely hewn from saplings and held up by wooden legs driven through auger holes provided for that purpose. In such rude and homely edifices as this did the children of the old settlers receive their early instruction and fit themselves for the business of life. The second teacher in the township was Richard Clegg, who taught in 1813. Amos Perry was the third and John Pearson the fourth 'man who taught " the young idea how to shoot" in Newton. At about this period, schoolhouses began to spring up in different places, the second was built west of the river ; and as soon as practicable the log house gave way to more convenient and comfortable structures, and at the present time there are thirteen neat schoolhouses in the township, giving employment during thirty-six weeks in the year to thirteen efficient teachers, while the whole amount of school property is valued at $22,000. The amount of funds on hand September 1, 1879, was $2,337.98, after all expenditures had been deducted. From the Clerk's report for the year ending August 31, 1879, we learn that the number of pupils enrolled that year was 669 ; average monthly enrollment, 490 ; average daily attendance, 354 ; pupils enrolled between sixteen and twenty-one years, 103 ; number of different teachers employed during the year, 23 ; average wages—gentlemen $38.97 ; ladies, $24.95. Subdistrict No. 7, which included the village of Pleasant Hill, was organized into a special district November 3, 1866. The first Directors of this district were William Patty, M. D., C. W. Davis, J. K. Teeter, George Shoemaker, Nathan Hill and David Minnich. The different grades were taught the first year by Oliver Furnas and Harriett Moore. Owing to the rapidly increasing population, the house became too small to accommodate the pupils, so that in January, 1875, it was decided to erect a more commodious structure. Obed Macy was chosen architect, the old schoolhouse and lot were sold for $400, and the new house, 60x62 feet, begun immediately. The building is heated by steam, contains six large and well-ventilated rooms, with a hall in third story capable of comfortably seating 300 people. Horatio Pearson was elected Principal i n April, 1875, which position he has faithfully and satisfactorily filled ever since. The subordinate teachers for the year 1880-81 are Miss Mattie Iddings and Miss Dora Deeter. The present officers are : Chairman, Fred Deeter ' . Clerk, William Patty, M. D. ; Treasurer, G. W. Whitmore ; Directors, J. A. Landis, John Jay and A. Reiber. CHURCHES. The oldest settlers in the township were members of the denomination of Friends, who immigrated here from the East to free themselves from the persecu- tions of the Puritans, and many of the people of the township to-day, trace their relationship back to Macy, the good Quaker whose sufferings and name have been immortalized by Whittier in his beautiful poem, "The Exile." For many years, Divine services were held in barns, dwelling houses and in the open air. The first church was a log building erected in 1820, and was called Union Church, because formed by the union of members from so many different congregations. This denomination was organized in 1813. The second church in the township was a log house built by the Christians in 1820 ; it was situated south of the cemetery of Pleasant Hill. This house was 370 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. afterward taken down, and a frame building occupied its place. This denomination was organized in 1815, when, a discussion arising as to what the church should be called, Mrs. Kyle said she "hoped the church might do well," and sug gested the name of Hopewell, which was unanimously adopted, and it has been known by that name ever since. After the old frame building fell into disuse, the present brick edifice was built in Pleasant Hill. The denomination at the present time has no regular minister, but the membership is, perhaps, as large as any in the township ; they maintain a Sunday school throughout the year, and have a general attendance of about 150. The third church in the township was of logs, built by the German Baptists. about 1841. This was replaced in 1849 by the "Old Stone Church." It was remodeled in 1873, and is now known as the Sugar Grove Church. The Congregational Brethren Church of Pleasant Hill was organized in the fall of 1876. The officers were as follows : Presiding Elder, John Cadwallader ; Elder, Jacob Crumrine ; Minister and Secretary, Elias Teeter ; Deacon, Daniel Deeter. Present officers : W. G. Ullery, Elias Teeter and Jacob Crumrine, Elders ; M. Deeter and Samuel R. Deeter, Deacons ; W. H. Cadwallader, Secretary ; William Mikesell, Treasurer. The present frame edifice was built a few years since and is a neat structure, whose congregation consists of a goodly number of devout worshipers. It is a substantial structure, size 50x70 feet, the upper part being of brick, and the basement of stone ; this denomination also has a church edifpce in Pleasant. Hill with a membership of more than 100, which, in conjunction with the members of Sugar Grove Church, in numbers exceed any other single denomination in the township. The Disciples' Church was organized here in 1872, at which time the congregation consisted of about 12 members ; it is a branch of the Miami Church at Frederickstown. At present, services are held monthly in the Disciples' Hall. Only about six persons are now connected with the church. SECRET ORDERS. A., F. & A. M.—Pleasant Hill Lodge, No. 361, received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio the 17th October, 1866. The charter was signed by Thomas Sparrow, of Toledo, Ohio, as Most Worshipful Grand Master, and John D. Caldwell as Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. The following were the charter members . Joseph Marlin, Thomas H. Coate, Nathaniel Hill, Matthias D. Myers, John Whitmer, William Furnas, Jacob Reiber, Joseph Coppock, Joseph Cox, H. J. Byrkett, Jacob K. Teeter, William Anderson and Amos E. Duncan, four of whom are members in good standing at present. The lodge now numbers fifty-six members ; of these the youngest is twenty-one years of age, while the years of the oldest number fourscore. The present lodge-room was completed at a cost of $1,153.08, and was dedicated November 13, 1867. It is 45x22 feet in size, and, being nicely furnished, forms one among the best, for so small a place, in the State. Present officers are as follows : Thomas N. Coate, W. M. ; Samuel Yount, S. W. ; Henry W. Miles, J. W. ; George K. Harshbarger, Treasurer ; Jacob Reiber, Secretary ; Reuben L. Shoe, S. D. ; Joseph Cox, J. D. ; William R. Sloan, D. W. Debra, Stewards ; John F. Shoe, Tiler ; D. M. Coppock, Joseph Cox, Jesse M. Coate, Trustees. I. O. O. F—A charter was granted to Pleasant Hill Lodge, May 16, 1874, at Cincinnati, by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The charter members and first officers were as follows : Jasper Jones, deceased ; J. G. Ritter, N. G. ; Aaron Heft, V. G. ; S. Barton, P Secretary ; M. Myers, Treasurer ; S. B. Reiber, Warden ; Fred Deeter, I. G. ; J. K. Hittle, R. S. S. ; W. H. McCain, L. S. S.; William R. Sloan, R. S. V. G. ;, D. M. Murray, L. S. V. G. ; J. P. Fenner, R. S. N. G. ; Isaac Deeter, L. S. N. G. Joseph Cox, R. Secretary ; J. W. Cable, Conductor. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 371 Present officers : Joel Rothermel, N. G ; L. A. Teeter, V. G. ; S. G. S. Barton, P. Secretary ; James P. Fenner, R. Secretary ; M. Myers, Treasurer ; G. W. Whitmore, R. S. N. G. ; A. J. Hunt, L. S. N. G. ; James Coate, Warden ; N. L. Hill, Conductor ; W. F. Long, R. S. S. ; T. N. Hunt, L. S. S. ; A Heft, I G. ; G. P. Huffman, R. S. V. G. ; J. W. Whitmore, L. S. V. G. The present hall, 24 x 54 feet, was built at a cost of $625, and was dedicated December 2, 1879. The fund for building was obtained by the donations of 121 different persons in the township. Patrons of Husbandry.—The lodge known as Pleasant Hill Grange, No. 175,, was organized October 23, 1873, at which time there were thirty-three members. Since this time there has been more than one hundred initiations and three deaths. The society at the present time is in a prosperous condition. The first temperance organization was 'known by the name of the Sons of Temperance, which flourished here several years, when it was supplanted by the I. 0. G. T. This lodge finally emerged into the present society, known as the Temperance Society, which meets weekly, and its pledge has been signed by a great number of persons in the township. The offpcers are : I. H. Menges, President ; J. K. Teeter, Vice President ; Mrs. J. K. Teeter and Mrs. McCarter, Secretaries ; Joseph Rothermal, Treasurer. CEMETERIES. The oldest in the township is Union Cemetery, the property of the Friends, and it was established as early as 1807 or 1808. The first person buried here was Mrs. Pearson. The town burying-ground was laid out in 1808 or 1809 ; a few years since, it was enlarged. The third place of interment belongs to the German Baptists, and is near the Sugar Grove Church, in the northern part of the township. In wandering through these various cities of the dead, we notice that most of Newton's old settlers are freed from the trials of earth ; not only, however, on the moss-grown headstones are the names of Williams, Coate, Hill, Coppock, Furnas, Inman, Teague, and scores of others, engraven, but upon the hearts of the people their names and the story of their manly deeds are inscribed in characters not to . be effaced by the fpnger of Time. The tired hands, once wearied with the toils of earth, are now at rest. The feet, aching neath the burdens of this world's cares, have reached the wayside inn, and are at peace. The hearts that beat so anxiously with the hopes and fears of fife, are stilled forever. It remains for you who now live to carry on toward completion the goodly-begun work of your fathers, and when your task is ended, " Be gathered to their side by those Who in their turn shall follow them." 372 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. CONCORD TOWNSHIP. This township is centrally located, bounded on the north by Washington, on the east by the Miami River, on the south by Monroe and part of Union, and on the west by Newton ; organized about 1807, and named by the Commissioners appointed for that purpose, Concord, vying with the name given by Samuel Jones to Union. Traversed by excellent turnpikes in all directions, her eastern border laved by the Great Miami, along which runs the canal, drained by numerous streams ; rich and fertile soil, capable, within itself, of perpetual regeneration ; excellent building material, both stone and timber ; central market, in the seat of justice for her produce—she is truly in a happy position to enjoy all the facilities tending to prosperity in every direction. Among the early settlers, we may mention Aaron Tullis, who came from Kentucky by way of Dayton, in a wagon, with a family of boys, arriving here in 1805 ; William Barbee, who came about 1804 ; Reuben Shackelford, Alexander Telford. In 1806, John Peck, with eight children, Jacob, John, Joseph, Isaac, and four-daughters, came from Kentucky and settled on Boone's place, one and a half Miles from Troy. Mr. Peck came in the winter, selected his land and bought 160 acres, with one acre cleared, for $100. It had a little log-cabin on it, containing one room 16x18. His stock having been brought from Kentucky, nearly all died the second year, losing eleven horses, besides sheep, hogs and cattle, only leaving him one mare, two or three cows and a few sheep. His land was of the best in the country, having four fine springs and good soil. Abraham Thomas; another, old settler, came in 1805, with two boys and as many girls, and located north of Mr. Peck. Mr. Thomas was in both campaigns of G. R. Clarke against the Indians in this vicinity, in 1780-82. It is said that he came with Boone. James Fourt came from Ireland, first to Georgetown, Ky., married there, and, in 1805, came to this township and settled, south of Mr. Peck. McGimpsy and Steward wanted the same piece of land, improvised modern Olympics ; goal, Cincinnati ; the crown, land. The former won it, and got the land just as his competitor was entering the door. David Jenkins, from South Carolina, cleared a patch and erected a cabin southwest of Mr. Peck's quarter-section, in 1807. The same year, the little community was increased by James Knight, from Pennsylvania, who located one mile east. In the way of agriculture during this period, G-ahagan's Prairie yielded a bountiful return, and, having been previously formed by the Indians, it offered no stubborn resistance to the primitive instruments of the pioneer. Corn was the principal harvest, serving for man and beast, wheat not being raised for several years subsequent to the first settlement. The first attempt of Mr. Peck yielded him forty-one bushels to the acre, perhaps the first acre of wheat sown in the township. These were the days when they went to mill on horseback, with a two-bushel sack, through the woods so thick that the limbs would pull off the sacks. The flour was bolted by hand, and frequently taking two days to go and return. There were only two wagons in this neighborhood up to 1814, and only two mills • Mendenhall's, in Elizabeth Township, and Henry Gerard's, for grinding wheat and corn by water. The first schoolhouse was of the usual style—round logs and greased paper windows—with a few months' school in the winter, from which the boys were deprived in pretty weather, when they could work at home. Samuel Anderson, from Kentucky, was the first teacher, in this schoolhouse. Mr. Peck had gone to school to him in Kentucky, where he was in the habit of visiting a stillhouse every noon, and, on his return, would cut a beech stick and give each pupil a tap as he came in ; but he could get no whisky here. Puncheon floors, wooden hinges, paper windows, three-legged stools and cavernous fire-places, were characteristic of all pioneer buildings in those days, while, with the latter convenience, the smoke had no particular directitst of egress. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 373 Perhaps twenty or thirty children would come to school wearing moccasins, and wading in the snow knee-deep, with rags tied around their legs to keep the water out. The first meeting was held by the New Lights at the cabin of Mr. Thomas, in 1807, Mr. Thomas Kyle preaching. Subsequently, the Baptists organized a church, and had preaching sometimes at Mr. Thomas', the first preacher being Stephen Riddle, who had lived with and fought for the Indians, and "killed white men until his back ached ; " had his ears slit and wore ornaments in them of lead. In 1813 or 1814, a log church was built near Mr. Peck's, heated by an old-fashioned ten-plate stove. The first preacher in this church was a man named Steepleton. A New Light Church was built soon after in Troy, which still remains. The Methodist Church was early represented by traveling ministers coming monthly or sometimes semi-monthly. The first blacksmith was Mr. Thomas, who held forth in a log pen for a shop ; burned his own charcoal for the forge ; shod their horses but once a year, and thought they did well at that, but then there were no graveled pikes to wear off the hoofs, the land was low and soft and horses would sink to their knees ' • but now, through drainage, it is the best in the township, then worthless, such has been the change in all things. The panic, during the war of 1812, extended to this township as well as the other frontier, and on the slightest alarm, even barking of a dog, the family would be aroused, and children wrapped up, homes deserted, and places of safety sought in the dense forest, shivering the while from fear of the glittering scalping-knife. Notwithstanding all apprehensions, no attack was made by the Indians, whose attention was completely absorbed by the active operations of Gen. Harrison in other localities. When the cloud of war had passed over, immigration revived with renewed vigor, and the whole aspect of the country assumed a more lively appearance. It is said as many as eighty sleds, loaded with whisky, would pass on their way to Fort Wayne and St. Mary's during a day, to stimulate the patriotism of the soldiery. Even up to this date, agriculture was in its infancy. Hogs grew fat on the food of nature, and not five bushels of corn were needed to fatten a hundred hogs. Corn was raised simply for food, cultivated by hoeing and digging around stumps. A man who could go to mill with two bushels of corn was considered a prosperous farmer. Potatoes were a luxury introduced a long time after the first settlement, and commanded a very high price, a French crown being paid for one-half busheL Most of the immigrants came here without teams, hiring their furniture, what little they had, hauled by professional movers, who would move one family in and return for another. Having no fences in those days, all the stock was belled, yet, despite this precaution, they were frequently lost. Marketing consisted chiefly of butter and eggs, which were taken to Staunton. Few groceries were bought, as sugar was made at home from the tree, and sage and sassafras took the place of the productions of China ; rye made good pioneer coffee, and tansy, pennyroyal and other herbs made good medicine. Ague was the most prevalent disease. The first man was buried in a corn-field. It was the custom then to bury the dead on their own premises Messrs. Thomas and Kyle started the first graveyard in the neighborhood, but the first regular cemetery was at Troy. In traveling, people would go many rods around a log or tree-top, as no regular road was made, and circumstances of nature altered each road at will. Grain was cut with sickles, which process was considered quite expeditious, and the instrument a wonderful invention. Mr. Peck raised the first rye in the county, and his son John cut the first handful of the same, at the same time cutting his little finger, which has never become straight since. Alexander McCullough built the first brick house, in 1813, burnt his own brick and assisted in the work. It stands yet, and is occupied by his grandson. In those days, they pulled corn in the daytime, threw it in piles under a covering, and invited thirty or forty boys and girls for miles around, and husked it 374 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. after night. The corn was put in piles, a rail in the center, two umpires chosen, two appointed to choose up, and the work began ; the throat soon getting husky, the little brown jug was passed around, and boys and girls each took a " pull," and that so much, too, that they would feel the elevating effects to such an extent sometimes as to end in a general row ; but the whisky was the pure material, and did not injure any one as it does now. If a neighbor happened in and the bottle was not offered; the host was considered too stingy for social purposes. Considerable trading was done with the Indians, who traded furs and skins for whisky, sugar, " tobac " and needles, one enterprising merchant demanding a coon-skin for a needle. The pioneers were independent in the way of dress, raising their own flax and wool. Fine shirts were unknown ; anything above 600 thread was considered dandyism. Muslin cost 75 cents then ; tow linen was used for pants ; they made their own pants, and linsey-woolsey dresses. Crimps, flounces, pull-backs nor spit curls were in vogue. All the fruit they had was the wild plum and gooseberry, which grew in the woods and prairie. The first fruit trees in the township, and no doubt in the county, were brought from Kentucky in saddle-bags, by Abram Thomas. Mr. Peck had the first peach orchard, from seed brought from Kentucky. Cord-wood was cheap ; sold in Troy for 371 cents per cord. A man would chop a cord in the morning, haul half Of it at a time, make two trips, and realize 374- cents or half-yard of muslin. Corn was 8 cents per bushel, wheat 25, and oats 6i, and, after carrying it, in early times, on horseback, it was hard to sell at that. Stock was driven to Baltimore to find a market. Abraham Thomas, one of the oldest settlers here, was a Revolutionary soldier, and came to this township from Kentucky with Daniel Boone. He is said to have cut the first sapling on the site of Cincinnati, and died in 1843. William Gahagan entered the land Troy was laid out on. He was one of Gen. Wayne's soldiers, and was so proud of it, and referred to it so often, that finally he was called Gen. Wayne. He had three sons and daughter. James Orr, with six boys and five girls, came from Kentucky and settled in this township in 1804, on the section now occupied by the Daniel Favorite heirs. At one time, running out of meal, he traded a barrel of whisky to Jonathan Rol-. lins for that useful article. Other old settlers were James Gowart, Matthew Caldwell, J. Alexander, A. McCullough, James Marshall. John Johnston, Henry Orbison and Joseph McCorklc, mostly from Kentucky. Henceforth, the history of Concord is absorbed in the description of Troy, and we shall simply mention a few pikes and bridges, and close with a history of the county seat. The Troy & Covington pike runs from the southwest corner of Section 2, through Sections 11, 12, 18, 20 and 21, to Troy. The Troy & Newton pike enters at the southwest corner of Section 23, passes through Sections 21, 30, 29 and 28, and enters Troy on the south. The Troy & Stillwater pike enters at the northwest corner of Section 4, passes through Sections 36, 31, 32, and intersects the Newton pike in Section 29. The Troy & Frederick, pike enters southeast corner of Section 5, and intersects the Troy & Newton pike in Section 28. The Miami & Montgomery pike enters the southeast corner of Section 4, and runs north into Troy. The Dayton & Michigan Railroad enters the southeast corner of the township and runs north ; enters Troy and crosses the bridge into Staunton Township. The canal runs along the entire eastern side of the township. TROY. As the Greeks, by divine skill of Pallas, built a mountainous horse, within whose womb destruction lurked for Troy, and when discovered in the deserted HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 377 On the corner of Mulberry and Water streets stood a weather-boarded log house, the first court house and first tavern, in 1807. The first still-house in the county mouth. On the corner Water and Clay streets stood a plain frame, occupied by William Brown, who, in partnership with John Wallace, started a carpenter shop during the first settlement. Mr. Wallace thought a jug of whisky was a good preventive of miasma. Brown, though skeptical, consented ; Wallace filled the jug first, and Brown the second time, but, perceiving the increase in Wallace's doses, Brown dissolved partnership in the whisky business, but W. clung to the jug, and died poor, while B. filled the office of County Treasurer and became a useful citizen. On the opposite corner of Clay and Water dwelt Dr. DeJoucourt, the Hippocrates of Troy, who dispensed pills and drew blood without stint in those early days ; then the anaemic was phlebotomized if he contained no more blood than an Egyptian mummy. On the west corner of Main and Clay a lot was donated by Mr. Gahagan to the Methodist Church, and, George H. Houston granting them the privilege to get material from a Mr. Phillips' land, below town, they erected a log building in which to hold divine worship. Methodism was embryonic, and had, as yet, no organized church in Troy, though there was a class at Mr. Winan's, where Raper Chapel now stands. To be sure, the new church was not frescoed, had no gas, pews were not cushioned, had no pipe organ, and all the modern accessories to worship, but then they were led in singing by Henry West, and they sometimes got very happy. The poor were not overawed by the grandeur of the exterior or blazonry of the interior. There was nothing to hinder' the human soul from going right up in direct supplication to its God. The first building called the Clerk's office was a large two-story frame house, located where Dillaway & Davis' store now is. Back of it was a log kitchen, in which the Clerk lived, and held office in the front. This was afterward supplanted by a brick building, 12x15 feet square, between Mulberry and Walnut. This was not only the Clerk's office, but also the Recorder's office, post office, Commissioners' office, Town Director's office, Master Commissioner in Chancery's office ; for all these functions were performed by, and resided in, Mr. Cornelius Westfall, and he was, as our red brethren would says " Heap much office-holder." When Mr. W. removed from the frame, Mr. Fielding Loury occupied it with a store, and movedblacksmithing,o the kitchen. The house now occupied by W. H. H. Dye was built by Dr. Asa Coleman, who, when quite a young man, in 1811, stopped in Troy and began the practice of medicine in a lit- tle brick office. In 1814, he built the east wing of Mr. D.'s house, subsequently putting up the front. The old market house, on Main street, was built of pillars of brick, but has long since been torn down. Stafford's clothing store stands where the old post office was situated Kinkaid & Davis' store stands where Dr. Coleman once lived. Thus ends a greater part of the old buildings of Troy. With the advent of railroads, canals and pikes, the rich agricultural country surrounding it, Troy increased steadily in wealth and population after the war of 1812, up to the present. Her streets have been improved and beautified, her buildings have been remodeled and enlarged, and new ones erected. Manufactories have sprung into existence, some of which we shall briefly describe. Beedle & Kelly agricultural works were built by Wright & McGalliard in 1867. The following year they associated with them John Kelly, a practical machinist, from Milton. In the following June, the buildings were completed and operations begun ; 1869, McGaillard retired, followed by Wright in 1870, the present proprietors being A. F. Beedle and John Kelly. For a time, the firm made a specialty of plows in connection with a general foundry and machine-shop. In 1873, the champion corn planter engaged their attention, of which they now make a specialty. The building at present covers the corner of Race and Mulberry streets, and is about 220 feet long. Estimated value of real estate, merchandise, machinery,. 376 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. condoned by Mr. 0., and peace once more reigned in Troy. Mr. 0.'s house was the scene of the little renconter between Judge Dunlavy and St. Clair and Kerr, when the rot-gut elevated the latter gentleman to a noisy pitch, unpleasant to the former. Notwithstanding the domestic difficulty, they continued the tavern, and it seems the fare was so tempting that the run of custom suffered no diminution. On the removal of Maj. Hart from the house on the north corner of the square, it was occupied by Mr. 0., who continued his tavern here, making one step in advance in an ethical point, by opening his bar-room for prayer-meeting and preaching, the celebrated revivalist, Reuben Dooley, figuring largely on these occasions. Of course, whisky and religion did not run smoothly from the same faucet, therefore meeting-nights were not prolific of whisky trade. The whole front on Water street consisted of one-story buildings, with the single exception of the tavern, which was a two-story frame. Some time in 1824, an incendiary fire broke out in the one-story buildings, and, through want of engines or even ladders, all were destroyed. Mr. 0.'s goods were only saved by being carried out. From here, he moved to the Ewing House, north corner of Main and Cherry, where he continued in a prosperous business until his death, in July, 1831. Another of the prominent citizens of Troy, was " Billy " Barbee, who bought a lot on Market street, for $65. In addition to this, when he married Miss Peggy Marshall, his father gave him eighty acres of land, and his wife was the owner of eighty also. Clearing out a patch on the former, he built a cabin, and when his father died, he threw his improvements in hotch-pot, and came to Troy, built a log-cabin on his lot, rented a kit of blacksmith's tools, hired a journeyman and started in business. His assistants, not willing to work under his instructions, were discharged. Having learned to shoe a horse, he made a specialty of it during the war of 1812, which at that time was very lucrative. After amassing quite a little fortune, he formed a partnership with Dr. Telford and Moses L. Meeker, in the dry-goods business, and to keep pace with his rising position built a two-story brick house. While his two partners managed the store, he continued to wield the hammer. His word was as good as his bond, and he always confined himself strictly to the terms of his contract, and expected the same of his co-contractor. He was very benevolent, and many a poor person has been the recipient of his alms. The blacksmithing, under his personal supervision, prospered, but the store soon stranded. Mr. Barbee was the only partner of means, and the Sheriff seized his goods. With the money that he had made in the shop he bought cattle, and drove them to the village of Chicago and liquidated the debt. He now left the shop and began speculating on a large scale, and died worth over $300,000. Squire Brown came from Staunton during the infancy of Troy, and carried on a saddlery business in a little shop that stood just a little below where John Culbertson's house now is. In that little shop, Henry Culbertson graduated in saddle-making Here Isaac Peck learned to make his first blind-bridle here the Squire dispensed law and the United States mail. On the next corner Henry Culbertson built a house. He came to Troy in 1814, finished the saddler's trade with James Brown, which he had begun with Col. Reed, of Dayton, at the end of which he condudted a successful business for himself. In 1821 he was elected County Auditor ; in 1840, entered into partnership with his brothers and Mr. Dye, in the Bosson Mill, which, in 1850, was consumed by fire. The company rebuilt the mill and soon dissolved partnership, Culbertson going into merchandising, when he was again burned out, which seemed to paralyze his energies. Joseph Culbertson came to Troy in 1808 a poor boy. A lot was presented to him by Mr. Gahagan, from which he cleared the timber, hired Peter Sewell to snake the logs together for a cabin, paying in wool hats for his boys and self. Subsequently erecting a Buckeye shop, he began his trade making wool hats. He traded a fancy hunting-shirt for tools and stock, and carried on a progperous business, meanwhile educating his brother Samuel and Joseph L. Tennery in the art of hatting. He was elected Township Treasurer and served many years. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 375 camp of the foe, much contention arose. Thymoetes smiles with joy, and advise to take the treacherous design within the gates of Troy, but Capys, more wise strenuously urges to throw it in the sea. Laocoon, despising the cunning Greekf thrusts his spear into the monster's side, until within its hollow caverns, it resound again, but all opposition gives way, and the instrument of destruction is take within the walls, and, issuing from their prison, the Greeks set fire to Troy, an open wide the gates to their exultant brethren. So, likewise, did contention spring up in modern Troy, and the Piquods an Trojans strove, when, at the September term of court, in 1807, the Commissioner ordered the laying out of the seat of justice. Other rivals also joined in the wa By some, Staunton, the original county seat, sought to retain her position as tl most desirable. While the attention of the Commissioners was directed to Mr Marshall's farm, Samuel Beedle sent them an invitation to view his farm, whil Piqua regarded its location there sine dubio. Troy, it seems, was equally anxiou but perhaps, conscious of her favorable location, awaited the sequel with moi patience. The first survey of the town was made by Andrew Wallace, December 1 1807. Originally, eighty-seven lots were laid off, beginning on Water and Ch streets, numbered one, and comprising all between the river and back street to Short street. On August 21, 1808, a second survey and additions were made, which have since been added to, from time to time. On the 2d day of December, 1807, Robert Crawford was appointed Town Director, and gave bond in $2,000, conditioned for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office, viz., to purchase land designated by the Commissioners, for the seat of justice, lay off the same in lots, streets and alleys, according to the instructions of the court. On the 9th of February, 1811, Cornelius Westfall was appointed Direct orvice Crawford, giving bond in $3,000. The lands comprised in the survey April 27, 1808, consisted of a tract of thirty acres, deeded to the Director William Gahaghan, out of fractional Section 27, Township 5, Range 6, which was divided into lots,, numbered from eighty-eight. Northwest from the first survey, Lots No. 121 to 168 were laid out. By the same survey, forty-six outlots, including fractions, were laid out southwest of the back street. Whole lots were 16x24 rods. On the 10th of July, 1834, John Gahagan and Thomas L. Barrett, with Jacob Knoop. Surveyor, laid out twenty nine lots southeast of the second survey. Smith & Barbee, August 28, 1849, with J. B. Fish, Surveyor, laid out lots west of the canal. The original lands selected for the now beautiful town of Troy were laid in the center of a dense forest, and purchased for $3 per acre. The ground now forms the square, once was the resting-place of the deer ; the spot upon which the piano now stands, re-echoed once to the howl of the wolf. Among the very first citizens of Troy, was Mr. Overfield, who kept a tavern or travelers' rest in this place. Mr. Overfield was certainly no respecter of persons ; epaulets and buckskin breeches were treated with the same urbanity Through strict economy and close application to business, he made rapid progress on the road to prosperity. On the 24th of March, 1810, he suffered an irrey able loss in the death of his wife, leaving a family of children motherless. household affairs were taken charge of by Mrs. Tennery, whose husband had shortly prior to this, died. Soon, one Thomas Oliver rented his house, and began tavern-keeping again in the meantime, Mr. Overfield was drafted, and sent to Greenville to perform military duty. While guarding the frontier, he met a Miss Rebecca Simpson. The soldier readily surrendered to her charms, Mark Antony-like, and, as soon as he was mustered out of service, he brought her home as his wife. Mr. Owen gave up the .reins of government, and Mrs. Overfield took charge of the tavern with Mr Oliver as boarder. It seems that one Roberts, of Troy, was also a boarder, and the fair Cleopatra inclined unto him, although legal proceeding were instituted, the offense was finally 378 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. furniture and fixtures, about $33,000, and turned out in 1879, 2,000 corn planters, besides various other agricultural implements. The Troy Spring Wagon Company was incorporated in 1872, with a capital stock of $60,000, $53,900 paid in. Officers-H. W. Allen, President ; W. H. H. Dye, Vice President ; W. J. Meredith, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors-H. W. Allen, S. K. Harter, G. D. Skinner, N. Toby, W. H. H. Dye, J. H. Young, S. A. Cairns, W. J. Meredith. Employ from sixty to eighty hands ; business good, increasing annually. This manufactory covers five' acres of ground; has 87,500 square feet of floor, and contains, all the latest facilities for doing perfect work. Besides these, Troy has corn shellers with a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day ; malt establishment, patent medicine establishments, and various other industrial enterprises. Hydraulics were incorporated under a certificate filed March 5, 1866, and signed by William B. McClung, W. H. H. Dye, C. H. Culbertson, Elias Skinner, John D. Meredith, Samuel Davis, C. N. Hoagland, C. D. Coolidge, H. H. Culbertson, John Masserman and M. G. Mitchell ; whereby they became a joint stock hydraulic and manufacturing company, the principal object being to furnish Troy with water. At the organization, W. B. McClung was elected President ; S. R. Harter, Treasurer ; L. T. Dillaway, Secretary ; John Knoop, S. R. Harter, N. Smithers, E. Holden, L. T. Dillaway, H. G. Sellers, H. Coleman, J. C. McCaig and W. B. Mc- Clung. A statement made by the President April 20, 1870, showed that $19,500 had been subscribed by fifty-nine names. A canal was dug from above the lock at Farrington's mill and distillery, terminating in a reservoir west of Troy, canal being thirty-five feet wide at the top, and twenty at the bottom, five feet deep, and fall of three inches to the mile, and four and one-half miles long. The reservoir is to be walled in by embankments of solid masonry, with face set in hydraulic cement. John Knoop being the principal stockholder, the property finally went into his hands, and after his death was purchased of his heirs by I. Rayner, the present owner. The first foundry was built in 1838, by John Smeltzer, and afterward sold to Elisha T. Harker, who ran it till 1844, when he took in Orbison, then continued it till 1847, and sold to Brandruff. Richard and Dana Shilling went into the firm till 1849, when Shilling sold out to them. Brandruff and Richard bought it all, then sold out to Shilling Brothers in 1850, who built and run it under name of Shilling & Brother for seven years. Since that time Dana Shilling is the head of the firm ; runs four or five hands ; brass casting, custom work and machinery of all kinds THE PRESS OF TROY. It is believed the first newspaper in Troy was started in 1822, under the name of Miami Reporter, Micajah Fairchild, publisher. In 1828 it passed into the hands of John T. Tullis, who published it about eight years, when it was purchased by N. C. Langdon, who in turn sold it to H. D. Stout in 1841. The paper then passed into the hands of Furnas & Little, who, with one Hunter, conducted it till 1852, when it was transferred to Marven & Munson, of whom it was bought in 1855, when it was finally purchased by E. C. Harmon in 1857, who continued its publication until it ceased in 1869. The Miami Union issued its first number January 1, 1865, under the control of J. W. Defrees, editor and proprietor. February 28, 1871, the entire establishment, including a valuable library, was destroyed by fire, the only vestige left to the editor being a lead pencil and note book. Mr. D. immediately resumed publication in the job office of E. C. Harmon, and in March, 1871; came out with an enlarged sheet all the better from its phcenixian experience. In politics, it is Republican. S. S. Defrees, son of J. W., is local editor. This sheet has a very wide circulation and is quite popular. HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. - 379 Troy Sentinel (Democratic) was begun in 1878, under the supervision of J. A. McConaley, subsequently passing into the hands of J. Manfred Kerr, who continued it until March 4, 1880, when it was discontinued. The Troy Imperial.-The material, fixtures, etc., of the Sentinel, were purchased by the Imperial Publishing Company shortly after its discontinuance, and on the 3d day of April, 1880, the first number of the Imperial was issued ; A. Kaga, editor, Ed. J. Scott, manager ; office Pearson's block, second floor ; Democratic. This 'paper is a synonym for neatness, and the proprietors are courteous gentlemen. The Troy Weekly Bulletin was started January 1. 1875, by William H. and Cal Bidlac, and, after a short existence, was discontinued. Republican in politics. BANKS. First National Bank, successor to the Miami County Branch of the State Bank, established in 1863. President, Asa 0. Coleman ; Cashier, John C. Culbertson ; Board of Directors, Asa Coleman, Jacob Knoop, J. L. Meredith ; subsequent Cashiers, Daniel Brown, L. Hayner, S. R. Harter, H. W. Allen. 'Cash capital, $200,000. In 1865,11. W. Allen was elected President and Daniel Smith successor to Meredith, deceased ; Jacob Rohrer, Vice President • Board of Directors, Jacob Rolirer, S. R. Harter, Horace Coleman, S. R. Statler, George Ziegenfelder, dyrus T. Brown and H. W. Allen. Bank in good standing at present. Miami County Bank, established by W. H. H. Dye & Sons, June, 1871, suc- ceeded by the Miami County Bank, June 17, 1879. W. H. Weekly, President ; Noah Yount, Cashier. Cash capital, $50,000. In a flourishing condition. CHURCHES. The Methodist Church was organized about 1815. Preachers, Bascom, Finney, Elliot, William Raper. Services were conducted in a log house ten or twelve years. In 1823, the present parsonage was built. The present church was built about 1840 ; during 1863, it was remodeled and improved, and is at present worth about $15,000. The Episcopal Church was organized May, 1831. Rev. Ethan Allen was the first preacher. The number who signed the articles of association was thirty-six, six of whom are now living. Allen preached about twenty-seven years, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Guyon, who presided three years. A cottage was donated by Dr. Asa Coleman, in 1833, on Franklin street. A church was built the same year, a comfortable brick, 52x32, on a lot 66x48. No regular Pastor now. The church has suffered from emigration and death. Before the church building was erected, services were held in the court house, Methodist Episcopal Church, and various other places. The church was consecrated November 10, 1835, by Bishop Mcllvain, and called Trinity Church. Numbers about thirty members. Dr. Reifer is the only one living in Troy who signed the original articles of association. Christian Church.-On the first Sunday in October, 1856, Elder James Maple preached for the Missionary Board of the Miami Christian Conference in the court house. The board pledged themselves to furnish a preacher, provided a suitable place of worship could be secured, which was done, in hiring the court house until August, 1857. Elders Maple, McKinney, McWhinney, Barghdury, Simonton and Dougherty were among the early preachers. August 10, 1857, at a meeting of the members, a subscription was raised amounting to $308, to support a minister, the ensuing year enlarged to $521, when the services of Elder McKinney were secured for $400 per year, preaching twice a month at Mayo's Hall. The church was organized August 23, 1857, with twenty-seven members. The present building was finished August, 1863. Members, 132. Sunday school, 159. November, 1865, the Christian Missionary Society was organized with the object of bringing poor children into the Sunday school. Elder J. P. Watson was called to the pastorate in 1870, and so continues to the present. Its members now number about 400, and Sunday school 200, and the church and all its adjuncts are in a prosperous condition. 380 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. Presbyterian Church,-The first services were held in an old brick schoolhouse, in 1818, by George Burgess, the first minister employed, two years of which he preached in the schoolhouse ; he also organized a church at Piqua. Sometimes preaching was held in the court house. In 1826, they built a house on Franklin street, in which Mr. Coe preached till 1837, after which, one Harrison presided until the division of Old and New School took place, when the property was sold, and money divided, and then services were held in the new court house till 1839. Mr: Rice preached the first sermon to the New School. The new church was built in 1839, on Franklin street. Rice preached in a frame. The new brick was begun in 1859, and finished in 1863. Calhoun came in 1862, and preached three or four years, when the New and Old Churches united in 1863 or 1864, after which Daniel Tenney preached till 1866. Difficulties occurring, A. W. Cloaky took his place till 1868. German Lutherans.-The German Lutherans began about 1841 to hold meetings in various places. Six families in the beginning. Among the first ministers were Mr. Klap, Doepken and Eidemiller. Mr. Smither and Barker donated the ground for the first church ; Sabbath school was cotemporaneous with the church. G. H. Hinderer preached in the old church from 1858 till 1869, when the congregation, then numbering nearly 100, divided, after which he held services in the Episcopalian Church for one year, then bought the old Presbyterian Church. About fifty members at present ; Sunday school every Sabbath, forty to seventy-five scholars ; also prayer-meeting every two weeks. A Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at a called meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Rev. T. Boyle, February 23, 1874. The first succeeding services were held in the small hall of Mr. Dye, on the 1st of March following. For some time the church was without a Pastor, and prayer-meetings only were held, and sometimes class-meetings. Shortly, Rev. John Downs was engaged for a year, when the membership amounted to forty. The next Pastor was Rev. D. W. Heston, who was succeeded by Charles W. Washington, who in turn was succeeded by Daniel Tucker, the present Pastor. A building was erected in 1876, and completed in 1879, at a cost Hof $625, called Richard's Chapel. Baptist Church.-March 27, 1834, a meeting was had at the old church, corner Franklin and Cherry streets, with Elder J. L. Moore in the chair, J. W. Meredith, Clerk, at which a committee was appointed, consisting of J. L. Moore, Elijah Counts and Amariah Smalley to prepare articles of organization ; at a subsequent meeting, May 9, 1834, the organization was completed with thirty-one members. J. L. Moore was chosen the first Pastor, June 21, 1834, E. Counts and A. Smalley, first deacons ; preaching, semi-monthly. February 10, 1838, E. French was Pastor. August 11, 1838, Rev. Samuel Hervey was Pastor for three months. November 18, 1838, Elder Z. Eaton was called. The present incumbent is W. E. Stanley. The Methodist Episcopal Church in Troy, Ohio, was organized in 1838, by Rev. M. M. Clark, with a membership of twelve ; present membership sixty. Church building has been twice enlarged, and is now worth $1,500. Sabbath school of seventy scholars and eight teachers. Rev. William Johnson present Pastor. FIRE DEPARTMENT. The Fire Department of Troy was organized in the fall of 1857. , The company consisted of about seventy-five members, fifty of which belonged to the Mohawk Company, and the remainder to the hose carriage. Jack Julian was the first foreman of the department. The present officers are : John Weatherhead, Chief of the Fire Department, and Jesse Shilling, Chief Engineer and General Manager ; George Myers, Assistant Chief Engineer. There are now two steamers in the company, viz., the Troy and the H. S. Mayo, the former having cost $7,200, and the latter $5,000 ; also one hook and ladder truck worth $890, and 2,000 feet of hose. The force is a very efficient one, and in the most serious fire which has HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 381 occurred since the company was organized, in 1871, they succeeded in saving as 'much property as would have paid for all previous outlays of the company. TOWN HALL. The town hall is one of the best buildings to be found, in a town the size of Troy, perhaps, in the State. The lot upon which the building stands cost $10,000, and-the hall was erected at a cost of $50,000. The furniture is excellent, and the stage and scenery compare favorably with far more pretentious structures. SECRET ORGANIZATIONS. Franklin Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M.-Dispensation issued January 10, 1812. Charter issued at Chillicothe, January 5, 1815. Alexander Ewing, Asa Coleman, Jacob Mann, Robert Morrison, William Gahagan, John McKinney, C. Wolverton, Benjamin W. Langley and Peter Felix. First meeting January 12, 1812. Alexander Ewing, first W. M. Franklin Chapter, R. A. M., No. 24.-Charter granted at Lancaster, Ohio, October 22, 1841, to James H. Briston, George Keifer, Levi Ross, Asa Coleman, Caleb West, Jonathan Crozier, Jonathan Mahen, Aaron Tullis, Oliver Vantryle, R. C. Langden. James H. Briston, first High Priest. Franklin Council, R. & S. MI-Charier issued at Columbus, Ohio, September 18, 1847. George Keifer, Asa Coleman, Oliver Vantryl, Thomas Jay, Thomas J. Line, David J. Smith, J. W. Kells, J. N. Walter, Joshua Boucher, S. E. Hestler. George Keifer, first Th. Ill. G. M. Coleman, Commandery, No. 17, K. T.-Dispensation issued at Cleveland November 3, 1868. Charter granted October 15, 1869. First Eminent Commander, James Nesbitt. SCHOOLS OF TROY. In 1804, the population of what is now Concord Township, consisted of but three families, so that the necessity of public schools did not make itself apparent until several years later. In 1813-14, the first school in Troy was taught by Mr. Samuel Kyle, in a log house situated on the corner 'of Market and Water streets ; this edifice, by no means noted for architectural beauty, was without floor or windows. The town at this time was small, and the roll-book showed an attendance of about twelve pupils. The next schoolhouse was more pretentious in some respects, and the seekers after knowledge were here presided over by John G. Clark, in 1816. As was the custom on such occasions, when Christmas came, Mr. Clark proceeded to " treat, " but, instead of offering the scholars the sweetmeats usually provided for that purpose, he gave them something more stimulating, in the shape of whisky, diluted slightly with sugar and water, which was partaken of in such quantities that many of the pupils learned from personal experience what they had formerly known only from hearsay, viz., the pleasurable emotions which thrill the whole being of a man when for the first time he becomes tipsy. Mr. C. was a very eccentric individual, and punished his pupils in a variety of ridiculous ways, one of which was by splitting a goosequill, and flipping the nose of the offending youth with this torturous instrument, till he frequently roared with pain. After this a small brick building was erected on Main street, where the Edwards Schoolhouse now stands ; for this purpose, a public subscription was raised, and the house known as " The Academy" was built, consisting of a single room. The teachers were all paid by subscription. Rev. Micajah Fairfield was the village teacher in 1826, and, after filling the responsible position faithfully for two years, was succeeded by Thomas Barrett, who afterward served as County Judge. In 1831, John Petit had charge of the school ; this gentleman subsequently moved to Indiana, where he became a prominent man, and, removing to Kansas, he became United States Senator, and afterward United States District Judge. From 1836 to 1841 inclusive, the basements of the Episcopal and Baptists were respectively 382 - H [STORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. filled up and used for educational purposes. Uriah Fordyce taught in the Episcopal Church in 1837, and at the same time Hiram Brooks was teaching in the old brick house on Main street. A fine select school for young ladies was taught by Miss Mary Barney in 1838. George D. Burgess taught from 1839 to 1841, at $100 per quarter, this was increased in time to $225 per quarter, part of which was paid by subscription. Mr. B. taught the boys only, the girls were put under the care of Miss Altazera Eaton, who subsequently married Rev. T. p Childs. Mr. F. W. Burgess, brother of George D. Burgess, taught some time in 1841. Besides the common branches, Mr. B. organized and taught classes in algebra, geometry and Latin. In. 1842, Robert McCurdy taught in a small building in the rear of the Presbyterian Church, and after that in a private house, then the property of Messrs. Grosvenor & Clark. About this time the upper story of the old Presbyterian Church was fitted up and used for school purposes. Mr. Irving Gales taught there in 1843, during which time he was assisted by Mr. Osgood, who afterward became a Presbyterian minister ; Miss Anna Jones also assisted Mr. Gates during the same time. This school was continued under the supervision of Mr. Gates, till the organization of the graded system under the law of 1849. While Mr. Gates was teaching this school, another one was in progress in the Wesleyan Church, under the charge of Mr. Bement. These schools were supported by rival factions, and, the animosities of the parents were shared to some extent by the children. Mr. Bement's pupils called those of the other school " Gate's Hinges." How the compliment was returned, neither tradition nor history informs us, but no doubt it was delicately reciprocated in some appropriate manner. Benjamin F. Powers, afterward a prominent ftctor in educational matters, taught the school in 1832, and in 1833-34-35, a flourishing school was kept by an Irishman, who went through the world with the appropriate name of Walkup. In 1835-36, G. A. Murray taught in the Episcopal Church. He was assisted in his labors by his sister, who afterward became Mrs. Ressler. E. P. Coles taught in the Coolidge house, otherwise known as Fort Meisinger, in 1842-43. He paid attention principally to the higher branches, the principal features of one of his exhibitions being a Latin oration, delivered by Augustus Coleman, who served as a Colonel in the late rebellion, where he was killed. In 1846-47, a school was carried on in the old Wesleyan Church by Minor W., a son of Micajah Fairfield, and in 1845-46, a school was also carried on by Rev. Edmund B. Fairfield, who afterward became President of the State A grit-glib-1ra] College of Pennsylvania He was assisted by his sister Sarah, who became the wife of Dr. N. S. Norton. As these early schools are not a matter of record, it is exceedingly difficult to give a correct history of them and their workings. Many of the teachers are most pleasantly remembered. Mr. McCurdy, especially, is spoken of as a man of broad culture, a fine scholar and most excellent instructor. Those who were his pupils in those old days never mention him but in the most laudable terms. One of the beneficial effects of these early schools, was to prepare the mind of the public for the adoption of the " Law of Forty-nine." Under that law, a call was issued for a meeting to consider it with reference to its adoption. This call was signed by George D. Burgess, Rev. Daniel Rice, William B. Johnston, Benjamin F. Powers and Joseph Pearson. Several meetings were held, and the matter was discussed with much enthusiasm. The matter was the common topic of conversation in the town for three weeks. At the final meeting, the law was adopted by a fair majority, and, in accordance with its provisions, a Board of Education was elected the first week of June. The first Board of Education consisted of the following members : Charles Morris, Rev. Daniel Rice, Benjamin F. Powers, William B. Johnston, Zachariah Riley and Henry S. Mayo. Under the successful management of these gentlemen, the schools grew rapidly in public favor. The citizens voted $6,000 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, the board at that time fearing to ask more. The present Edwards building was then commenced, and soon $2,500 were added for its completion and the fencing of the HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 383 grounds. The school interests of Troy were very fortunate in falling into such hands as constituted the first and succeeding Boards of Education. Nor was the board less fortunate in securing the services of Mr. W. N. Edwards, of Dayton, to superintend the village schools. The first corps of teachers with salaries, was as follows : William N. Edwards, $800 ; Jonathan Arnott, $400 ; Arnold Fenner, $400 ; -Miss Susan Linn, $300 ; Miss Catherine Gaylor, $225 ; Miss Frances Rice, $225 ; Miss Louisa Thorne, $200 ; Miss Bishoprick, $200. The salary of Mr. Edwards was increased to $1,200. This gentleman soon gained the hearty support and confidence of the board, and, under his wise and efficient management, the schools grew rapidly into the confidence and affection of the people ; they committed the schools to his care till the summer of 1867, when he was removed by death. It has been said of him that " He laid the foundation of the union school so broad and deep that those who came after have had only to build in harmony with the original design." He was recognized as one of the foremost educators in the State, and was, for a time, one of the associate editors of the Ohio Journal of Education. At the public commencement, each year, a large portrait of Mr. Edwards forms a prominent feature in the decoration of the stage, " Being dead, he yet liveth." Prof. H. A. Thompson, of Otterbein University, was chosen to fill the vacancy. Mr. Thompson occupied the position of Superintendent four years, during which time but few changes were made. At this period of the history, not much mental arithmetic was required. In the first and second primaries, half the children would attend in the morning, the remaining half in the afternoon. This was done on account of the rooms not being commodious enough to contain them all at once. The only objection to this arrangement was the extra work it afforded the teachers, which was quite an objection. Mr. Thompson resigned in 1871, to accept the presidency of the Otterbein University, and was succeeded by L. V. Ferris, of Vermont, an alumnus of Middlebury College, who had charge of the schools for three years. This gentleman removing to Chicago to begin the practice of law, in 1874, Mr. H. P. Ufford, of Delaware, Ohio, but at that time a teacher in Missouri, took charge of the schools. He was an excellent instructor, but, desiring to complete his collegiate course in the Otterbein University, at Delaware, Ohio, at the end of the first year declined being re-elected. In 1875;the Forest building, on Franklin street was completed, and occupied by Mr. John W. Dowd, formerly Principal of the Western District, in Chillicothe, Ohio, who took charge of the schools upon the removal of Mr. Ufford, and was assisted during his term by many able teachers. Perhaps the greatest interest in school matters centers in the high school. It has ever been esteemed an honor to be numbered among its members. It was organized in 1852, at which time it consisted of seventy-five members. The course of study was not then established, and most of the pupils studied the common English branches. Soon, however, there was a regular course of study, and the first class graduated in 1856. Its members were Augusta Brandriff, Diana. Meeks, John W. Morris and Walter S. Thomas. The high-school course of study consisted from the first, of four years, however, a three-years course has been added for the accommodation of those who might not have time to complete the regular course ; scholars seem loath to take advantage of this privilege as yet. The high school owns both an organ and a piano. An annual re-union of all members and ex-members is held in the ,Edwards building during the winter term, at which the school is opened in the usual manner, by singing, reading the Scriptures, and prayer, and calling the roll of the school from its foundation. Supper is prepared and served by members of the high school, and the evening is spent in reading letters from absent members and teachers, in listening to music, and in social enjoyment. The course of study includes four years of Latin, and, in that time, pupils are expected to become familiar with Caesar, and to read five books of Virgil's .Enid. Algebra, chemistry and geometry are studied, one-year each. Physiology, physics and geology are studied two terms each. United. 384 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. States history, botany, trigonometry, Constitution of the United States, physical geography, and rhetoric are one-term studies. The last term of the senior year is spent in re viewing the common branches. Rhetorical exercises are held in high school every Friday afternoon, each member coming twice on duty, every month. The high school teachers have always been such as to give character to the school. The Superintendent has usually taught about half his time, giving the other half to supervision. The primary rooms being greatly crowded, a new building of four rooms, costing nearly $10,000 was erected in the eastern part of the town, on Franklin street, in 1874. The primary grades are thus doubled, the children east of Market street going to the new, or Forest building, those west of it attending the old building, nam,A, by common consent, the Edwards Schoolhouse, in honor of the first Superintendent. About fourteen years ago, the board erected a building for the accommodation of the colored youth ; previous to this, the colored pupils had school but for three or four months in each year. All the schools now continue in session for ten months. The first term, being the longest, begins on the first Monday in September, and continues sixteen weeks ; the remaining two terms continue tweh e weeks each. The men elected members of the Board of Education have discharged their duty with great fidelity. Among these Barton S. Kyle was Lieutenant Colonel of the Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh, in 1862 ; W. H. H. Dye served as a member of the board for many years. Robert Furnas was deeply interested in the schools, and, since his removal to Nebraska, of which State he afterward became Governor, has occasionally sent back valuable contributions to the school cabinet. The different teachers employed for the year 1879-80 were as follows : John W. Dowd, Superintendent ; Miss Dora J. Mayhew, Principal. Teachers in Edwards School : Miss Estella Parsons, Bertha McCorkle, Kate Milan, Alice Beckerman, Mary S. Bennett, Mary Kelly, Mattie Telford, Flora M. Fairchild, Mrs. Clara Temple. Forest School : Misses Christie Balheim, Lida Defreese, Joy Kyle and Rhoda Denman. Lincoln School, for colored youth : C. A. Napper, Principal. Mr. Dowd has superintended the schools since 1875, during which time Miss Dora J. Mayhew has held the position of Principal. The schools were never more prosperous than at present, and, under the care of the efficient corps of teachers now employed, there is for the schools of Troy a glorious future, when they will have attained a degree of excellence even much beyond the elevated standpoint they occupy at the present time. STAUNTON TOWNSHIP. Inasmuch as Staunton was the first place of settlement permanently maintained in this county, and the nucleus around which all subsequent settlements clustered, and, by natural sequence, the starting-point and reservoir from which the greater portion of the earlier county history has been drawn, it was, therefore, unavoidably blended and absorbed in the same, leaving facts for an individual history almost as anemic as King Psammis' mummy, in Caesar's reply to Clodius, over the Greek girl, Zoe. Staunton should not, therefore, be jealous or feel slighted if she loses the luster of individual history in the more exalted flame of the initial point of county history. Aside from this, Staunton possesses several features taking precedence over all others in Miami County. She has the greatest length of territory, the longest sea shore, the first plotted town, the first seat of justice, the oldest graveyard, the County Infirmary, all of which are good cause whereof to be proud. Her infirmary, as a county institution, has been fully represented in the county history. The HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 387 little " Dutch Station," the embryo settlement of the now noble county, has been given it prominent place in the general history. Her noble pioneer fathers—the Knoops, Gerards, Hamlets and Tilders, of 1798—these brave men pushed their way through an unbroken wilderness, amid all the dangers of wild beasts and wilder Indians, established a little cluster of cabins, cleared out each a patch of ground, went out armed to the prairie near by to cultivate a little crop of corn, and anxiously watched and waited for the tide of immigration to flow toward them, which hope was realized in the following spring by the advent of John, Abner and Nathaniel Gerard, Joseph Coe, Uriah Blue and Abram Hathaway, who increased the strength, comfort and social elevation of the little forest settlement. As the Indian retired and apprehensions caused by his presence subsided, settlements sprang up, clearings were made, crops put out and improvements carried on. The soil, once cleared of its heavy timber, was admirably adapted to the growth of all the cereals necessary to the support of an increasing population. Game of all kinds was abundant, and, indeed, some of the smaller kinds, such as squirrels and coons, abounded in such profusion as to be a great annoyance to the small farmers, frequently destroying half the crop. Wolves, also, were bold in their attacks upon the few sheep the pioneers brought with them for the purpose of manufacturing home clothing. In 1800, a number of Canadian Frenchmen came to Staunton, or, by some authorities, they were said to have been in this locality previous to those first mentioned. We know that the French were in equivocal possession of all this country since 1749, and it is quite likely that these were stragglers of that nationality, and the fact that Peter Felix, one of them, was an old Indian trader, strengthens the hypothesis, and this, carried out, might establish the settlement of Staunton Township to still more remote antiquity. Simon Landry was also of this number. Felix subsequently became the first tivernkeeper in Staunton, having made enough money off the Indians to build a good house. It is related of him that he demanded for one needle the price of a coon skin, equal to $1, which, if true, explains his wealth and the means of obtaining it. Levi Martin and family, whose wife was scalped by the Indians, a full account of which is given in the county history, was an early pioneer here, and, as might be supposed, cultivated no warm feeling for the red man. During the year 1807, Amariah Smalley entered one quarter of Section 15, erected a cabin, cleared out a garden spot, put up a blacksmith-shop, and pounded on, through life, until his last fire went out, at the age of eighty. John Defrees entered 160 acres in Section 28 in 1806. He left the old State of Virginia to seek a home and wealth in the forests of Ohio, and lived,' or a great number of years, on the farm that his own labor wrested from the woods. During the same year, Henry Marshall came from Kentucky to this place and lived here till over eighty years of age. William McCampbell, a Virginian, and weaver by profession; located on the northwest quarter of Section 22 in 1807. He was of great benefit to the surrounding settlements in furnishing wearing material ; and, in appreciation of his services, and the good impression he made, they elected him Justice of the Peace in 1809, which office he filled thirty years. In 1807, Jacob Riddle entered Section 10, and by hard labor, combined with economy, succeeded in wringing a fortune from the soil. Sections 4 and 16 seem not to have pleased the eye of the early pioneer, for, while all others were taken up, they remained under forest primitiveness till 1820. William and James Clark came from Virginia and entered Section 27, in 1808. Nine years after, John Gilmore entered the northwest quarter of Section 21 ; the northeast quarter was taken up by F. Hilliard, of Virginia, in 1820, who lived upon the old homestead until more than fourscore. The southwest quarter was purchased by John Julian, of Maryland, in 1806. Section 9 was taken by John Deweese, of Pennsylvania, in 1806. In 1807, Uriah Blue, Richard Winans and Rev. David Clark settled on Section 14. William Jones antedated this nine years in settling on a part of Section 18. During the same year Lewis Deweese selected a part of Section 8, cleared out a patch of ground, built a cabin, and erected a log tannery, and, perhaps, started 388 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. the first tannery in the county, a very necessary element, too, of comfort, as leather was high and was mostly purchased at Cincinnati. As has been said previously, the first settlements in Staunton Township were made by the Knoops and Michael Carver, who came from Pennsylvania in 1799. One year later, Carver purchased a half-section of J. C. Symmes, at $2.50 per acre. At this period, civilization had not yet reached this region, which for miles was one vast forest, inhabited only by straggling bands of Indians. There was a great spirit of rivalry manifested between this portion of the county and the upper part, in the location of the seat of justice, which was carried to such an extent as to sever the social ties in great part. We shall give two or three interviews with old settlers, as they tell it, somewhat, so that it may savor of their own individuality and _carry the reader back to them. Gen. John Webb : " I was present at the first court held at Staunton. The first schoolhouse was located where the Piqua road crosses Spring Creek." Isaac Rollins, " During the war of 1812, a fort was built on the farm now owned by myself, which was often resorted to by the neighbors for protection. Father (Jonathan Rollins) bought this farm in 1815, at which time there were no meeting-houses in the township. Among the early preachers were Nathan Worley, of the Christian denomination, Samuel Deweese, Presbyterian, and Abbott Goddard, a Methodist. Raper Chapel was built about thirty-five years ago. In early times, they would hold meetings wherever there was a large log-house. The Orbisons and the Frenchs were our nearest neighbors. Father came here from Vermont during the popular cry, Go to Ohio.' One day father sent me after the horses, which had strayed away, when I saw about ten deer in the meadow. Being but a small boy, I was very much alarmed, and ran back to the cabin and told father and mother about the animals with big horns that I saw. In those days, the game we killed furnished the most of our living. There were some bears, for I remember having seen one. It is generally supposed that at one time there were plenty of buffalo in this county. " Two-thirds of the old pioneers wore buckskin pantaloons. I remember Tom Rogers, the great hunter, who lived in two sycamore trees in the woods. He wore long gray whiskers, a skull-cap and buckskin breeches. Rodsy Church was built over fifty years ago. I remember the high pulpit, which was first painted green." Mrs. James Dye (now living in Troy): " I am a daughter of John M. and Elizabeth Dye. The Cumminses, Morpheys and Metcalfs were among the early settlers of Staunton Township. I was born in 1800, and married in 1818, and settled near the Elizabeth Township line, on land now owned by Mack Hart. The Indians often came to our cabin, but never disturbed anything. We made our own sugar, and would often take sugar-water yeast, sassafras and spices and make beer, which was a favorite beverage of the Indians. At one time, my father-in-law, Stephen Dye, obtained a half-barrel of cider from a man living below Dayton, which was, perhaps, the first ever brought to this settlement, and possibly, to the county. I remember once, while my husband, myself and children were returning from a visit to his father's, we were attacked by wolves. We were on horseback, and the wolves were very close to their heels, and my husband barely succeeded in getting into a place of security. When he returned with a gun, they had given up the chase and skulked away. I can remember well when calico was $1 a yard." In early times, the squirrels were very troublesome here, even destroying the corn crop ; sometimes the shocks of corn would seem almost alive with them and well-beaten paths would be made through the fields, and from the shocks to the bordering forest, to which the provident little animals would carry the ears of corn for future use. If a man could make a living and pay taxes, he was considered very fortunate. Cincinnati was the nearest market, to which wheat and pork iwere taken by wagon, over the mud roads through the woods. The nearest mil was Freeman's, below Tippecanoe, and Dye's, near Casstown. One of the old spinning-wheels is now in the possession of Mr. Ramsey, with which their home-spun cloth- HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 389 ing was made from flax and wool. They would buy leather in Cincinnati, and traveling shoemakers would go from house to house and make up the stock. Sometimes the early settlers would drive horses as far as South Carolina, in order to get money to pay for their land. At other times, they would build flat-boats, load them with produce, and float down the Miami, Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans, Sell their produce, dispose of their boat and walk back. Children of course went barefooted ; they hardly knew what shoes were made for. As has been noticed, the Knoops and Carvers were among the earliest settlers here ; the Carver family were much annoyed by the Indians. Once, while Mr. Carver was hauling wood on a sled, a drunken Indian came along, who, by his peculiar gestures and capers, so frightened the horses, that it Was by the utmost endeavors they were restrained from running away. The Indian seemed to enjoy it immensely, which so exasperated Mr. Carver that he struck him with a stake, knocking at once all the whisky and romance out of him. Indians frequently camped on Carver's place. Once they came with a white woman they had captured when a little child in some place in Pennsylvania. This woman refused to leave the Indians, married one of them, and brought up a family of red-skins. The Indians in the neighborhood would do nothing but hunt, and beg bread and whisky from the whites. Joseph Skinner came here in 1806, and, being rather ingenious, and seeing the necessities of the people, built one of those original machines called a corn-cracker. While this was a source of some: emolument to him. it was a great accom- modation to his neighbors, as corn bread was really the staff of life ; and this, with pork and beans in connection with milk,make a meal, which, as Isaac Walton would say, " Is too good for anybody but honest men." Section 4 was early settled by the Knoops, and has remained with the same since, now a very fine piece of land, transformed from the dense forest out of which it was literally hewn into its present beautiful fields of waving grain. C. and D. Lefevre came from Pennsylvania and cleared up a home on Lost Creek, and have ever since been worthy and useful citizens of this township. William Shell located on Section 10, in 1812. Daniel Nowland on Section 13, 1821. The following year, J. L. Meredith settled on Section 17. Immigration from this on, poured with increasing rapidity. We shall therefore advert to other features that should be brought into clearer relief. Bounded on the west by the Miami, whqse rich basin furnishes the richest and most fertile soil, it naturally follows, that numerous tributaries penetrate its borders, chief among which we may mention Lost Creek and Spring Creek, the former of which enters the township near the center of Section 4, passing diagonally through the southeast corner of the same, enters Section 3 near the center, flowing southwest to near the west side thereof, when it flows a little east of south out of the township. Spring Creek enters near the center of Section 10, north, flows nearly south to the lower border of Section 9, thence southwest, emptying into the Miami in Section 19. In addition to these there are, south of Staunton, three considerable streams flowing into the river ; above Staunton, there are six, all forming rich bottom lands. Thus we observe that, with the whole western border laved by the Miami, and otherwise intersected by ten streams, Staunton possesses very fine natural resources in the direction of pasturage and agriculture, indeed, second to none in the county. Her crops of corn, wheat, oats and barley, consequently, are very heavy, and her citizens prosperous. To afford facilities for the transportation of her produce, and inter-commercial relations, she has transformed the old blazed path and corduroy bridge for excellent pikes, roads and bridges, along which the traveler can pass the darkest night, and during the wettest season, with ease and safety. Running along theo dividing line between Staunton Township and Spring Creek, we have the free pike, named after these townships, intersecting the pike from Staunton to Piqua. One mile south and parallel with the former is the Piqua and Lost Creek pike, extending the full width of the township. 390 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. Still lower down is the Troy and Urbana pike, running from Troy in a broken line northeastwardly across the township. Again, on the south, extends the Troy and Casstown pike, intersecting the township transversely near the center, and passing through the town of Staunton. Still lower down passes the Troy and Springfield Pike, running through the lands of J. and J. H. Knoop and the Enyeart's. Passing from the lower end, on the east side comes the Troy and Dayton Pike, running nearly north, bearing west to intersect the former pike on the lands of Abner Enyeart, and pass over the river on the bridge near Benjamin Enyeart's. The Dayton & Michigan Railroad enters the township from the north, in the extreme northeast corner of Section 28, and passing in a straight line a little east of south, until near the river, when it deflects to the southwest, crosses the same and passes through Troy, and on down to Dayton, connecting with railroad for Cincinnati and all other important points north and south. The churches of Staunton Township, which formerly consisted of log huts, have been replaced by more modern structures, and the routine of transition and improvement is so generally alike in all townships, that it is not necessary to particularize. Some of the old churches have been mentioned in the interviews with Mts. Dye, John Webb and others, and our information being limited in regard to both church history and schools in this township, we are obliged to omit a more extended notice of them in this connection. The old Staunton Cemetery, formerly situated where the Eastern School building now stands in Troy, was abandoned and most of the bodies exhumed and re-interred in the Riverside Cemetery, north of Troy, on a beautiful spot fronted by a high-rolling ridge sloping from the river toward the north. Stones may be seen of plain and unpretentious design; recording deaths as far back as 1810, when the lonely pioneer watched alone by the bedside of his wife or his child, or the mother pillowed the head of her only child as it breathed away its soul, and as its spirit took its untrammeled flight to the source from which it emanated, the grief-stricken parent watched alone the little piece of clay until it was forever laid away. We next introduce the old Baptist Church at Staunton. " To-day, while the knell of the bell assembles a congregation of church-going people to the worship of God according to the dictates of their own conscience, where there are none to molest or make afraid, let us remember the days of our Miami, our mater familias, where the only sanctuary was the hearth-stone of a log-cabin, and worship was conducted at the peril of life. For it was amidst circumstances like these our ancestors planted the first Gospel church of Miami, and raised the banner of Immanuel at Staunton, which place afterward became the temporary seat of justice for the county. Henry Gerard, of Pennsylvania, in connection with four others moved near the present site of Staunton in the spring of 1798, and established there a station, for the security of their families. In the following year, Nathaniel Gerard and wife moved to this settlement from Pennsylvania, where they held their membership in the Red Stone Baptist Church. In 1801, Mr. William Knight, and his wife Priscilla, moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and settled on Lost Creek, near this station. In the spring of 1804, Moses Winters moved his family from North Carolina to Ohio and settled on Honey Creek not far from this little village. In 1801, Mr. Stephen Dye, and Mehitable his wife, came from Pennsylvania, where they were members of the Red Stone Church, and made their home on the Miami within the boundary of the station. These God-like men of yore, though few in number, were strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. The Christian religion preserved in its pristine purity and honored in its efficacy, imbued their hearts and minds with a deep sense of their obligations to the Church of Christ, and their duty to propagate the Apostolic doctrine. Without consulting secular interest tivey felt that the cause of Christ must be sustained, and, therefore, with all the fortitude of a Christian hero, they went, forth boldly and magnanimously to plant the first Gospel seed in a hitherto barren land. They left their own pleasant homes and social circles, to go HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 391 into a land of nought, and to worship God upon the evening air. No frescoed walls or gas-lit streets adorned our pilgrim fathers' home ; would that some to-day knew the deprivations and sacrifices of their predecessors, but " behind a frowning providence, God hides a smiling face." In the midst of nocturnal darkness, to ! the morning star appears. It was a bright Saturday morning on the 3d of November, 1804, in a country new and wild, when the last standing oak, the one that sheltered the old cabin door, rustled its autumn leaves in silent memory of the past, and the only dayspring to usher in a new era, was the distant, mournful cooing of the turtle dove, that a little band of seven believers met as Christian sentinels, with muskets by their side, to constitute a Baptist Church. The place selected was the house of Stephen Dye ; the people present to organize a church were Moses Winters, Nathaniel Gerard, Stephen Dye, William Knight, Elizabeth Winters, Mary Gerard, Mehitable Dye. This band of believers became a church with all the power and authority delegated to the chosen people of God. To them, what a day of joy was this ; when the hallowed shrine of Christianity was again accessible ; when the halos of better days encircled them. Two ministers being present, Elder Joshua Cannon and Elder John Smith, a feast of fat things was enjoyed. We stop here to give the minutes of the church after its constitution. Staunton Baptist Church, Saturday, December 1, 1804. Church met according to appointment, and after services', proceeded to business. Chose Bro. William Knight as Moderator, and Th.̊. Henry Gerard for Writing Clerk. Thus the church was formed, and is now in running operation. The Apostolic rule of church government was theirs. Upon the basis of the primitive Christian church, theirs was built. They had the Bible for their guide, and, no doubt the Word of God was precious in those days, and good sermons were appreciated by unbelievers. But it was not without difficulty that services were conducted, for the few lonely cabins were scattered over a large area of country, and the sentiment of the red man was : “ I scorn your proffered treaty. Your pale face I defy.'' But they went forth in the name of the Lord of Hosts and claimed the vic-, tory, and victory came. The Lord blessed them day by day, until their little dwellings were not copious enough to entertain the crowds that came, and they began to contemplate the conveniences and appropriateness of a sanctuary. But at this time they were unable to make any advancements toward the building of such a house. It appears that Elders John Smith and Thomas Childers had supplied the church with preaching occasionally, since its organization, but the books do not show that they ever received any compensation for their labors. In 1806, the church was visited by Elder John Thomas. We presume this. visit was not to secure a pastorale, but a mere gratuitous call, something not• unusual in those days. Staunton being the seat of justice, naturally constituted the Baptist Church, the grand metropolis of evangelization throughout the whole region round about. At one of the regular meetings about this time, Bro. H. Stites, was, by his own request, granted the privilege to act as missionary for the church. By virtue of a request presented on February 23, 1811, by the members residing near the Wilson settlement, (now Lost Creek) the church concluded to strike them off as an arm of Staunton, and allow them the privilege of transacting their own business, providing it be done according to the rules of said church. In June, 1816, Lost Creek was constituted a separate church. It appears that among other Apostolic usages, the deacons were always ordained, in the early history of the church. Sister Sarah Staler, the oldest member now living (1873), was baptized into church fellowship in 1817. Many other prominent members might be mentioned with profit and interest, could their true chronology be obtained. 392 - HISTORY OF MIAM I COUNTY. The same necessity of meeting from house to house, prevailed until the year 1818, when it was resolved to build a church. Measures were taken, therefore. immediately, and a committee appointed to select a suitable' location, to ascertain the price of the same, and report to the church. In April of the following year, the deacons reported that they had procured the lots of land which the church requested them to purchase, and the terms, $50 ; one-half to be paid in six weeks from date, the balance in one year from contract, the deed to be given in June. In 1822, the house was completed, and on the 25th of May, was for the first time opened for service, and a glorious service it was. The church was duly recognized by Elder Gutridge, who was the only minis ter present. On the following day (Sabbath), the church met and set apart Bro. Corbly Martin, to the work of the Gospel ministry, by ordination. So, now, with their new house and new preacher, the people had reasons to be encouraged and to hope for days of prosperity. A strange subject for Baptist people presented itself about this time, and caused considerable discussion. Some members were in favor of introducing into the. service the practice of " feet washing." but, the majority being opposed, it was deferred from meeting to meeting, until it died out. A slight disagreement arose in 1824, in regard to the Philadelphia Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, which resulted in the exclusion of all the members except two, who were pro-mission ; this left the church a pure and unadulterated anti-coca-mission. About this time, Bro. Joshua Deweese was licensed to exercise his gifts of preaching in a public manner. In 1833, Bro. Enos French was granted the same privilege. In 1833, meetings were begun in Troy, held on the second Saturday of each month. In March, a church was established there, which was fully recognized May 10, 1834. In February, 1834, Lewis was licensed to preach. In April, 1834, the " Staunton Branch at New Carlisle" was organized, recognized. in February. In September, Bro. Enos French was ordained by laying on of hands. The Staunton Church, growing weak, was removed to Casstown and the name changed to Casstown Baptist Church. This was accomplished by granting letters of dimission to all the members of Staunton Church except one, who was left to hold the churchproperty and deed the same into the hands of the church at Casstown; but we have not heard whatever became of that one, whether he united with the Casstown Church on experience, or deeded away his right and title to all churches. Some few other changes were made, and, at the present, the church in Cass-town, the outgrowth of the old church in Staunton, has a neat little house, worth about $1,800, and a membership of eighty-four. We have given this church in full, because it was the first and the largest and the only one of which we could obtain any facts for its history. We aim not to be partial, neither are we sectarian. We have copied very nearly the minutes in the above history. Among first things in this township, we may mention that Peter Felix was the first Indian trader, the first man who could sell a needle for a dollar, the first who could make an Indian believe the needle-maker had died and that he had the last ones, the first man who owned the house in which the first court was held in this county. The Dutch Station was the first place of settlement, Staunton was the first town in tue county and the first seat of justice, Jane Gerard Deweese was the first white female child, and J. Knoop was the first male child born 'in Staunton Township, dating back to 1800. William McCampbell was the first Justice, elected in 1809. The first school teacher was Isaac Gerard. The first ministers were James Frazer and John Stapleton. Peter Landre was one of the first coopers. William Dye and Amariah Smalley were the first blacksmiths. Lewis Deweese was one of the first tanners. Felix was the first and Abram Dye the second tavern-keeper. Joseph Skinner was the first to erect a corn-cracker. From a consideration of all these initial points, in which Staunton Township claims precedence over all others in the county, we see no reason why she should HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 393 be any the less proud of her record, even if some of her sisters have outgrown her. They have yet to acknowledge their allegianc,, to her and reverence her as their alma mater. LOST CREEK TOWNSHIP. INTRODUCTION. In the pioneer history of Lost Creek Township, nothing beyond the ordinary routine of incidents connected with the early settlement will be found. Here, as to other places, came the hardy pioneer, armed with his trusty ax and a heart to be subdued by no difficulties, and, on the banks of the beautiful stream which has given its romantic name to the township, he erected his log cabin and cleared a patch of land. The men of those days have, with few exceptions, joined " the innumerable caravan," and those who remain, notably Gen. Webb and Alexander McDowell, Sr., find the infirmities of years bearing heavily upon them. " Alas! how few are left to tell How they lived long ago ; The grass is growing o'er their graves, On hill, in valley low. The plowshare strikes a musket al, That tells with silent tongue, The story of the good old days, When the pioneer was young." ORIGIN OF NAME. The origin of the name "Lost Creek" is involved in much obscurity, but, as usual in such cases, tradition is called upon to tell its story. This case is no exception. It is said that, away back, before the white settler planted his foot in this region, a Shawanoes Indian, having found himself lost after a long and unsuccessful chase, reached the banks of the stream in his wanderings. It was a creek which he now saw for the first time, and he eagerly followed it, with the hope that it would lead him out of his unpleasant dilemma. But in vain. The glittering water drew him on and on, until the warrior concluded that, like himself, the stream was " lost." too. From that day, so says tradition, the stream bore the name of Lost Creek, and the naming of the township through which it flows was, of course, a natural sequence. There is, in the topography of Lost Creek Township, much that would encourage early settlement. The land is gently rolling, the soil rich and fruitful, and the country well watered. Natural springs, whose supply of cool water is exhaustless, abound everywhere, and of these the early settler was not slow to take advantage. Lost Creek Township is to-day one of the best grain-producing townships in the State, her soil yields readily and in abundance, and to her rich acreage she justly points with pride. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. On December 10, 1818, the Commissioners of Miami County, assembled al Troy, ordered that the thirteenth township should be known by the name of " Lost Creek," and, on the 25th of January of the succeeding year, they proceeded to fi3 substantially its boundaries. At the latter meeting (January 25), Brown ant Staunton Townships were laid out and bounded. But, before this, the settler hat erected his cabin in Lost Creek Township. As early as 1802 to 1804, Willi Northcutt and John Rogers had settled here, and, later, Gen. John Webb, Alex ander McDowell, Sr., and a number of others. Gen. Webb says, in his manuscrir autobiography, from which we shall quote at length further on, that, as early a 1808, he taught school a short distance from where the village of Casstown stands. 394 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. FIRST RECORDS. The first records of the. Township Clerk's office, which are still well preserved, show that at the first election held under the permanent establishment of boundaries. John Lenon, George W. Green and James Buckles were elected Township Trustees, and J. K. McFarland, Clerk. Of these parties, but one, James Buckles is living at this date. The election was held at the house of George Puterbaugh, a short distance east of the Lost Creek Baptist Church, and on the old Puterbaugh farm, now owned by Harrison Youtsey. The poll-books of that election, could they be unearthed, would show a meager poll, for the inhabitants of Lost Creek Township were " few and far between ' at that time, and it would be safe to say that there was no " log-rolling " at that election. The pioneers went to the farmhouse, deposited their ballots, and, after discussing local affairs, which meant the common good, not politics, mind you, they returned to their work. In the spring of 1820, Jonathan Yates, J. K. McFarland, Jonas Sutton and John Webb were drawn as grand, and Levi Westfall, Willis Hance and James Frazee, Sr., as petit jurors. The Township clerk of that date denominates the last mentioned gentlemen as " petty jurors." EARLY ENTERPRISES. Prior to the formal organization of the township, as has already been said, a number of settlements had been made. Beside dwelling houses at that day, principally log-cabins, George Green had erected a grist-mill, with which a distillery was connected, and James Frazee had also put up a still. In 1814, John K. McFarland put up a carding and fulling mill near the site of Casstown ; but, as the new venture did not yield the desired profits, we believe it was abandoned a few years later. During this time, the several accomplishments were not .entirely neglected, for, as already mentioned, Gen. Webb had taught the young idea, and John E. Cory had conducted a singing-school. Mr. Cory opened the school in his own house, in 1814, and probably numbered among his scholars, nearly all the young folks in the community. THE WAR. OF 1812. During these times, the early settlers of Lost Creek Township were not wholly without fear. The outbreak of the second war with Great Britain was calculated to seriously interfere with their repose. The Indians were not far distant, and more than once, the pioneer and his little family cowered, as it were, in the shadows of the tomahawk. Almost within the boundaries of the township, David Gerard and Henry Dilbone and wife fell before the merciless hatchet of the Shawanoes. Alexander McDowell, Sr., with Gen. Webb and others whose names have, unfortunately, been lost to your historian, entered the army and guarded the frontier posts. (In 1811, Gen. Hull's troops, en route to Detroit, passed through this section of the county. A halt was made at Rogers' blockhouse, that occupied the site of George G. McDowell's dwelling, and the pioneer . women relieved the wants of the troops, many of whom were shoeless and in a suffering condition. It is supposed that anterior to this event, Gen. Wayne marched through a portion of Lost Creek Township on his way to punish the confederated tribes at the rapids of the Maumee. After the war of 1812, our pioneers enjoyed the blessings of peace, and settlements rapidly increased. As houses sprang up everywhere, the distances between neighbors became lessened, acquaintance was extended, and society received the long-needed impetus. FIRST CHURCHES. The year 1821 saw the erection of the first regular meeting-house in Lost Creek Township. This structure was built of hewn logs, near where the present brick church of the Lost Creek Baptists now stands. Its dimensions were 30x36 HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 395 feet. On the minutes of that early congregation is found the following queer con-,tract pertaining to the old church : " Agreed to employ Brother Abia B. Martin to lay two floors in the meetinghouse, to plough and groove both floors, to plain one side of the upper floor, and to make two doors and casings, for which the church agree to pay Brother Martin $20 in work at Mr. Fordyce's, if said Martin should want it there ; if not, to be paid in corn, wheat or young cattle." In 1837, a secession from Lost Creek Baptist Church resulted in the erection of another log-house of worship, known as Providence Meeting-House, on the Casstown and Addison turnpike. This latter landmark, like its predecessor, has disappeared before the ravages of time, and, overgrown with weeds, is the site around which " the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." Afterward, the log church of the Lost Creek Christian Congregation, was erected on the Barnett Rapp farm, and then followed the houses of worship that dot and beautify the township at the present day. FIRST JUSTICES. Gen. Webb was the first Justice of the Peace within the boundaries of Lost Creek Township. The certification of his bond, by the Township Clerk, bears date of December 11, 1819, and he served uninterruptedly, we believe, until 1849. Among the other early Justices were John Lenon, Abraham Buckles, James Fordyce and Thomas Shidler. The last-named gentleman represented Miami County in the Ohio Legislature. He died only a few years ago. John Wilson also served as Justice. THE " CHOLERA YEAR." In 1832, the cholera devasted the happiest homes in the township. Its blows fell everywhere without mercy, and in more instances than one, husband and wife, or parents and children were buried in the same grave. There are several incidents connected with this terrible visitation that approach the domain of the thrilling. One night a merry party of neighbors gathered at the house of Mr. John Martin. Reports from districts then ravaged by the pestilence, at once became the theme for conversation ; but, by the merriest of the assembled party, they were lightly treated, and a dance was proposed. A violin was soon found, and before long its merry strains awakened the echoes of the night. Louder and louder grew the sounds of pleasure. The hand at the bow knew how to use it, and the motto seemed to be, no sleep till morn." At last some one suggested a " cholera tune," which was played ; but at the close of it, so say the few living participants, frightful noises were heard among the horses in the barn, and almost every cheek became blanched. The soberest said it was a death token, and the assembly, silently and soberly dispersed. Not long afterward, a few hours at the farthest, the' cholera did come. It entered that very house, and smote its people with death , and many of the participants in that merry gathering fell victims to the dread plague. The hand that drew the bow that night has not lifted another since, although its possessor still lives, an aged and venerated citizen of the township. In 1836, the dread scourge again visited this section of the county, but did not rage with the violence that characterized its former visit. At that time the nearest physicians resided in Troy, and more than once they were hurried out on Lost Creek, to attend a cholera patient. CASSTOWN. The only incorporated village within the limits of the township is Casstown; hich is situated in .the southeast corner thereof. It is now a village of 375 souls, a beautiful and thrifty place. It was laid out in 1832, by Rankin Westfall and Luke Daney, from land purchased of James Frazee. At the time of the survey only three cabins occupied the site of the town, which was called Trimmensburgh, in honor of Trimmens, a man who helped to lay it out. Afterward the 396 - HISTORY OF MIAMI ,COUNTY. name was changed to Casstown, 'in honor of Lewis Cass, United States Senator and General, and an unsuccessful candidate for the Presidency. Mr. Daniel Knoop put up the first brick house in the town; a small affair, only fourteen feet square, and Joseph Green and Joseph Campbell opened the first stock of goods. Knoop also brought on a lot of goods, and continued in the business at the original stand until a few years since. He is now dead but his widow still resides in Casstown. Casstown is noted for civility and aood morals. Not a drop of liquor is sold within the corporation. It contains three churches, and one hall devoted to the I. O. O. F., which order is in a flourishing condition. Small as it was during the late civil war, it sent out an entire company of soldiers, who did good service around Washington, for which they received the personal thanks of President Lincoln. Several miles north of Casstown, and in the township, is a small collection of houses which bears the name of Sodom, or Pencetown ; but it has no post office and is hardly called a village. EDUCATIONAL. In education, Lost Creek Township has a good record. Forty years ago the total number of school children enrolled in the township was 647 ; the school buildings were mostly log structures, and poor affairs at the best ; but now a substantial brick building graces every district, and the' school furniture is of the latest pattern and cannot be excelled. In Special District No. 1, which includes the village of Casstown, a large and handsome brick building has been erected within the past few years. In this a thorough graded school is kept nine months of the year. and the result is that it ranks among the best schools in the county. More than forty years ago, when Thomas Long was Superintendent and Visitor of the common-schools of Lost Creek Township, the system of school visitation was strictly adhered to. Mr. Long was a careful, methodical and painstaking man, and the entries in his journal exhibit the condition of our country schools at that day. Of a visit to the school in District No. 1, January 22, 1839, he says : " The order in the school is not good, too much confusion, but little government exercised by the teacher, very little exercise of moral influence, and but very little time is spent to convince the scholars of the propriety of such measures as would be conducive to their good." He found in the schools at that day not enough system in writing, the philosophy of arithmetic illy taught, and, finally, noisy schools. The Board of Education'of Lost Creek Township, profiting by Mr. Long's experience, have brought the schools to a high grade, and all to-day are in a flourishing condition. RELIGIOUS. The Lost Creek Baptist Church,—The oldest religious body in Lost Creek Township is the Lost Creek Baptist-Church. The nucleus were members of the old Staunton Church, now torn down, and an organization was effected at the house of Jonathan Cavault, in 1816. Samuel Deweese was the first minister, and Rachel Webb was the first accession. David Archer had the honOr of being the first Moderator, and John Wilson, afterward Judge. and a member of the Legislature, . Clerk. The history of the building of the church structure has already been given. The Pastors of the church, since its organization to the present time, have been Samuel Deweese, Moses Frazee, Robert Stapleton, Willis Hance, Thomas A. Warner, William Fuson, Thomas J. Price, N. Martin, John Blodgett, David Scott, David E. Thomas. James Harvey, W. R. Thomas, W. A. Welsher, I. M. Chapman, W. S. Hamlin, and N. B. H. Gardner. At present the membership does not exceed forty souls. The Christian Church.—This church was organized by Elders Samuel Kyle and William Dye in May, 1821, with about twelve members. For the first nine years no extensive records of its proceedings were kept. The first regular Pastor was Elder Joseph Kirby, and Thomas Long served as Clerk for forty-two consecutive years. While this congregation has made no noise in the world, it has pursued the HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 397 even tenor of its way, doing much good. The Pastors of the church, since its-organization to the present time, number some of the best and purest men to be found in the ministry. They are Samuel Kyle, William Dye, Joseph Kirby, Adam Thomas, M. D. Briney, Daniel Long. Josiah Knight, D. W. Fowler, John McMillen, H. Y. Rush, C. A. Morse, Thomas Wells, Thomas A. Brandon, C. T. Emmons, E. M. Rapp and Joel Thomas. CASSTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH. The Casstown Baptist Church was organized between 1850 and 1852, by members from the Staunton Baptist Church and the Salem Congregation at Troy. The first-named church had become reduced in numbers, and, being too near Troy, it was decided to establish a new one, and thus the present flourishing congregation at Casstown became a Christian body. The first meetings of the Casstown Baptists were held in the old Universalist Church (now Odd Fellows' Hall) in that village until their own new church was dedicated, May 25, 1856. Since that time the chnrch has kept steadily forward, and is in a prosperous condition at the present .clay. Among the able men who have sustained a pastoral relation with the Cass-town Baptist Church, we record the well-known names of Willis Hance, Sr., Robert Stapleton, Samuel Deweese, William Sutton, Moses Frazee, L. C. Carr, E. D. Thomas, Daniel Bryant, David E. Thomas, John Blodgett, J. G. Tunison, J. W. Weatherby, J. W. Miller, W. S. Hamlin, and A. B. Nixon, the present Pastor. Many of the above Pastors rest from their labors. Casstown Lutheran Church.—The Casstown Lutheran Church was established between 1835 and 1840. The congregation not possessing a house of worship of their own, meetings were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church until a Lutheran Church was erected. This was a substantial stone structure, which gave way, in 1867, to a handsome brick edifice, in which the congregation still worship. Among the pastors of the Casstown Lutheran Church, since its formation, have been Revs. Link, Anghe, Harris, Weills, Welsh, Hershiser, Lilly and Helnig. Casstown M. E. Church.—This religious body was formed a few years prior to the establishment of the Lutheran Church. A house, now used as a planing-mill, was the first Pace of worship, but a beautiful brick church replaced it a few years ago. The congregation is in a flourishing condition. Its pastors are selected annually by the General Conference. GEN. JOHN WEBB'S NARRATIVE. We believe that we can no better illustrate the life, trials, triumphs and experiences of a pioneer than by giving the history of one written by his own hand ; and such a document we introduce at this point. It is from the pen of Gen. Webb, and we preface it by saying that what the old gentleman says of other places is peculiarly applicable to the early settlement of Lost Creek Township : " I was born of Baptist parents, at-May's Lick, Mason County, State of Kentucky, May 17, 1793. My parents were church members before I was born. In the month of November, 1797, my father removed to Ohio, six years before the State was admitted into the Union, and wintered near Waynesville. In March following, he settled in the dense wilderness between the two Miami Rivers, near where the city of Dayton now stands. There was no mark of an ax (excepting those of Indian tomahawks) there until my father and brothers cut logs to build a cabin, into which he put his family. At that time, the cabin was hardly up and covered, and it was without floor, chimney or door. Our nearest neighbors were Indians, bears, wolves, foxes, wildcats, turkeys, deer and raccoons. Spring opened early, vegetation grew rapidly, the ground was loaded with hickory-nuts, walnuts, etc., and the woods swarmed with different kinds of singing birds. I was not nine years old, and, not realizing our lonely situation, I thought it a paradise. About forty or fifty rods east of our house stood a little prairie, in which we made our first garden, but we were soon compelled to inclose it with a high ' staked and ridered ' fence, to keep the deer from destroying the fruits of our first planting. 398 - HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY. We had to watch our cornfields, to prevent tfie squirrels and raccoons from pulling up the corn in the spring and from eating the ears in the fall. The wild pigeons were very plentiful and destructive, picking up the wheat almost as soon as sown. "My father sowed the first wheat and clover seed, and planted the first apple and peach trees and built the first cabin in that region. After eight years of life there, father exchanged farms with my brother-in law, Timothy Green, and moved three miles west, near the present site of Beavertown. " There being no school near us then, my mother taught my youngest sister and myself at home. Our main books were the spelling book, Testament and Bible. I was eight years old before I saw a schoolhouse, and never went to school in any house but a log-cabin. In 1811, father sold his farm of 240 acres for $2,000, intending to purchase land in this (Miami) county for his sons. One day he mounted a young, hard-mouthed horse, intending to select a location, and started off. But the horse, becoming frightened, ran a quarter of a mile, threw my father against a stump, broke his arm in two places, and crushed his shoulder and skull, of course killing him instantly. This occurred on Thursday, November 28, 1811. " On the day following father's funeral, our family assigned to mother all the money and property that he left, and shortly afterward I purchased the land I now occupy, two miles north-of Casstown, from John Rogers, for $320. At that time Rogers owned an entire section. There were two cabins on my piece, a lot of land inclosed ; and I. gave Rogers in payment an order on my mother, for I was but eighteen years old, and engaged in "keeping" school. Two years before this I taught the first school ever held in this region. “In the following spring, mother and I, with my brothers Elisha and Joseph, moved to this neighborhood. Joseph, having no house on his land, moved into one of my houses. He had purchased a quarter-section of land, where John Mitchell now lives [i. e. the present Hyatt farm—En.], and subsequently built a cabin there. He afterward exchanged it for a quarter-section then owned by Richard, Palmer, my brother-in-law, and now owned by George Hammon and Joel Burton, adjoining the village of Casstown. " In the latter part of the winter of 1813,1 volunteered as a soldier, expecting to go to Detroit. But the surrender of Hull's army there, left our whole northern and northwestern frontier exposed to Indian depredations. The general Government, therefore, caused a line of block-houses to be built along the frontier of Ohio and Indiana, and called out a large portion of the frontier militia to be stationed in them. So we were marched to Greenville, Parke County, under Captain Charles Hilliard, where we remained six months. John Stoner and Gosberry Elliott, two of our soldiers, were killed by the Indians, also Philip Taylor, an Indian trader, Mr. Rush, a settler, and two little girls, daughters of a Mr. Wilson. In August of the same year (1814) the savages killed David Gerard within a mile of our house, and the same evening Henry Dilbone and wife•further up on Spring Creek. " In the month of March, 1815, our two houses were consumed by fire, and we removed to Roger's until I built another cabin. I was teaching school in one of my own cabins at the time of this calamity. During this year, Priscilla' Knight and I were married, and lived happily together for more than half a century. At our first company muster, after our return from Greenville, I drilled the company at the request of our captain. I was twenty years old at that time (1813). Having been appointed Orderly Sergeant, I was shortly afterward elected Captain. My company's membership extended as far north as there were inhabitants at that time. As there were a few settlers scattered along the Miami as far as where Sidney now stands, our place of company drill was on the ground where Elder D. E. Thomas' house now stands (i. e., near the D. & M. R. R. depot adjoining Piqua). I afterward acted as Major at regimental musters, and shortly after was elected Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel successively. A short time subsequent, I was elected Brigadier General, receiving every vote in the county but one, and, by HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY - 399 the resignation of Gen. Young, I became acting Major General of the Tenth Division of Ohio Militia. The division embraced the counties of Montgomery, Darke, Shelby and Miami, and consisted of ten regiments of infantry, riflemen, cavalry and artillery. “In 1819.1 was unanimously elected Justice of the Peace of Lost Creek Townhip, in which office my whole term of service extended over thirty years. Durg that time, I married more than one hundred couples. I was a trustee of the riginal survey of the township, and, assisting in the survey, wrote all the leases. also assisted in the survey of a number of county roads, and administered on any estates. In 1838, I resigned my military commission, and, many ,years after the war of 1812, I received two warrants for eighty acres of Government land each, and I now receive a yearly pension for services rendered the nation. " In 1861, at the outbreak of the rebellion, the young men asked me to drill a company of Home Guards, which I consented to do. A company was speedily recruited, and made rapid improvements in the tactics. The patriotic ladies raised funds for the purchase of a beautiful flag, which was presented to the company at Casstown. On that day, the company was drawn up in a hollow square, the ladies and speakers facing inward. Georg C. Clyde presented the standard in the name of the ladies, and D. E. Thomas accepted it in behalf of the company, in a neat speech. The whole affair was a grand success." In speaking of the " financial frauds " of the old days, Gen. Webb says : " In 1819, I was appointed administrator with the widow on the estate of . Her bad management and the confused condition of the estate came near ruining me. The first difficulty I encountered was to clear it of a judgment for $18,000, in favor of John H. Piatt, of Cincinnati. There were other judgments and other claims, and the result was that the estate proved to be insolvent, with but 40 cents on the dollar. The widow bought and kept it at its appraisement, for which she gave no security, and paid nothing, and I had to foot the bill ! At various times I bailed — and others, and was left to pay the amounts. Many years after, I bailed — ; he availed himself of the bankrupt act, and, as usual, left me to pay his debts. I took stock in the ' Troy Manufacturing Company ' ; it failed. I took stock in the Addison, Troy & Covington Turnpike Co.' ; it 'fizzled.' Then I invested in two toll-bridge companies at Troy ; one of the bridges fell before it was finished, and the other was washed away shortly after completion. I was generally called a good fellow,' and consequently was often imposed upon. " These difficulties, poor health and a large family, often seriously afflicted, have affected my progress. From the foregoing it would seem that I have been a poor economist and financier. This is true, yet my family have been comfortably and respectably raised." Gen. Webb concludes his memoir by saying that, on the 9th of August, 1827, he was received into the Lost Creek Baptist Church, and baptized by Elder Willis Hance. He was for many years Clerk of the Mad River Association, and prepared its minutes for publication. On one occasion, Mr. Webb went to Columbus on horseback to attend to some business pertaining to the church charter before the Legislature. LOST CREEK IN THE WAR. During the war of the rebellion, no rural township replied more liberally to the calls of the President than Lost Creek. Her citizens were among the first to enlist in 1861, and from that eventful period until the termination of the struggle, she had more than two hundred soldiers at the front. They took part in some of the most sanguinary battles without, so far as we are able to learn, having a single one of their number killed outright. Of her war record, Lost Creek Township is justly proud, and should her citizens ever be called upon again to take up arms in defense of principle, we doubt not that they will obey with the enthusiasm that characterizes them in everything they undertake.