HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

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

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

GERMANTOWN.

October 3, 1814, the following announcement was made:

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

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

PHILIP GUNCKEL.

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

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

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

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

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

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

342 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

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

LIBERTY.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNION.

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

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

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

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

LITTLE YORK.

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

COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING.

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

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 343

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

MARKET RATES.

In December, 1816, market prices were as follows: Flour, $5 per barrel; wheat, 75 cents: beef, per hundred weight, $3 to $3.50; pork, per hundred weight, $4; corn 25 cents to 33 cents; oats, 20 cents to 25 cents; butter, 12 cents: eggs, S cents; venison hams, pair. 50 cents ; bacon hams, pound. 10 cents. January 1, flour had advanced to $6, and wheat to $1. In October, 1819, wheat was selling at 62 1/2 cents, and flax, 87 1/2 cents. After a long, cold winter and late spring, the conditions were favorable, and there were immense crops throughout the valley in 1821; roasting ears in July; the large yield of wheat reduced the price to 20 cents a bushel, and in the fall, flour was selling at $3.75 a barrel.

In March, 1822, the Dayton prices were: Flour, per barrel, .52.50; whisky, per gallon, 12' cents; wheat, 20; rye, 25; corn, 12; fresh beef. per pound, 1 to 3 cents; bacon hams, per pound, 2 to 3 cents; butter, 5 to 8 cents; eggs, 3 to 5 cents; chickens. per dozen. 50 to 75 cents.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

Butler Township was formed October 7, 1817, from the parts of Wayne and Randolph Townships lying between the Miami River and Stillwater. The first election was held June 12, 1815, at the house of Sylvanus Swallow; sixty-six votes were cast. and William Kennedy was elected Justice of the Peace.

The township paid $123.87 1/2 in taxes that year. Chambersburg was platted by William Kennedy and Robert Hosier, proprietors., January 26, 1830; "twenty-four lots, besides the schoolhouse."

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

MIAMISBURG.

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

PUBLIC VENDUE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The post office was established in June, 1822, with Adam 5huey as Postmaster.

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

Perry Township was formed March 7. 1820, to include the parts of Madison and Jefferson Townships in Township 5, Ranges 4 east. At the first election, held October 2, 1820, there were sixteen votes cast. George Hoerner was elected Justice of the Peace.

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

New Lebanon was platted with ten lots, by Jacob Grice, June. 3, 1843: and on the same day, John Brancre made an addition of nine lots to the village plat.

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

NOTES.

Tax rates on lands for 1820 were, upon first-rate land. $2.50 per 100 acres; second-rate land, $1.75 per 100 acres. third-rate land, $1 per 100 acres; and one-fourth of 1 per cent upon all personal property. Taxes were reduced the next year, on first-rate land, to $1.50, second-rate land, to $1.12: and on third-rate land, to 75 cents.

March 29, 1822, eighteen hunters of Dayton and vicinity joined in a squirrel hunt, which they kept up until noon the next day and counted 1,000 scalps of squirrels that they had killed.

Thousands of coon-skins were brought in every winter.

In 1822, the Sheriff's salary was fixed at $50 per annum: Clerk $50; Auditor, $150. Of course, there was a schedule of fees that the officers were entitled to in addition to their salaries.

A certified copy of field notes of all land surveys and lands in Montgomery County, was obtained from the United States Surveyor Genenal's office. and placed in the County Auditor's office in December. 1823.

In 1824, it was estimated that there were fifty flour-mills and one hundred distilleries on the Miami River, in Montgomery County and above.

In March, 1825, in order to get equitable valuations and tax rates, the power to appoint County Assessors was given to the Common Pleas Courts. John H. Williams was appointed for this county, and made return, as here given, in November, 1825:

Total acres of land in the county... . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .......... 257,251

Value ......................................................... .......................... 1,137,817

Value of improvements in the townships... .. ......................... 73,155

Value of improvements in the towns.......................... ............. 179,903

Value of horses..................................................................... 164,400

Value of cattle...................................................................... 47,816

Value of carriages................................................................... 350

Mercantile capital.................................................................. 132,500

Total valuation. ............................................ 1, 736,031

In February, 1821. the office of County Collector was abolished, and in March, the power to appoint Assessors was transferred to County Commissioners.

SUNBURY.

Jacob Beard and Daniel Gunckel, Sr., as proprietors, laid out the town of Sunbury, German Township, in March, 1825. and lead the first sale of lots on the 15th of April. It was at the " cross-roads," leading to Dayton, Cincinnati and Lebanon, and there were three grist-mills, six saw-mills and a carding machine within a mile and a half of the town.

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CLAY TOWNSHIP.

June 8. 1825, the original surveyed Township 6, Range 4 east, then in Randolph Township, was set off as a new township, and named Clay. The first election was held on the 4th of July, at which thirty-three votes were cast.

Phillipsburg, ten lots, was surveyed January 30, 1836, by James Hanks; proprietors, Philip Studybaker, John John, John Thomas and Nehemiah Thomas.

Arlington was platted July 8, 1839, by Slingsby L. Barnes, proprietor of the sixteen lots.

West Baltimore. near the northwest corner of the township, one-half lying in this county and the other half in Preble, was surveyed June 22, 1852, by Jacob Frees. The proprietors of the land in this county were Peter Snyder, Isaac Shauff. Rhinehard Bens. William Read and D. K. Boyer and Fritchey.

Brookville was surveyed April 13, 1850, by Jacob Frees, for Jacob Flory, proprietor of the fifteen lots. The town was incorporated September 9, 1874,

COUNTY INFIRMARY.

December 6, 1825, the Commissioners advertised for a "site for a poor house." In April, 1826, they bought, of James B. Olivers, his farm, the south west quarter of Section 2. Township , Range 5 east, at $10.50 per acre. Gen. Edmund Munger, Abraham Darst, John Folkerth, John C. Negley, Abraham Troxell, Henry Oldfather and John Ehrstine were appointed Directors. Gen. Munger was chosen President of the Board. The institution was ready for inmates in July. The expenses for the first year were $329.81 1/4.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP.

Miami Township was formed from Washington Township. December 9, 1829; the division line to commence at the point where the section line between Sections 3 and 9 intersects the south county line; thence with said section line to the north boundary line of Washington Township; thence west to the Miami River; down the river to the county line, and along the county line to the place of beginning. March 7, 1831, fractional Sections 19, 20, 29, 30, in Township 1. Range 6, the southwest corner of Dayton Township, west of the Miami River, were attached to Miami Township; and at the same time, a large tract west of the Miami, described as follows, was added to the new township: That part of German Township included within the following boundaries: Beginning at the Miami River, on the line between Montgomery and Butler Counties, at the southeast corner of German Township; thence along the county line to the southwest corner of Section 28, Township 2, Range 5; thence north by the section line to the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 2, Range 5 : thence east on the line between Jefferson and German Townships to the northeast corner of fractional Section 2, Township 2. Range 5; thence with the Miami River to the place of beginning. August 21, 1841, Section 34 and fractional Sections 35 and 36 were added from Jefferson Township. The first election in the new township was held April 21. 1830: 219 votes were cast; William Sawyer was elected Justice of the Peace.

Carrollton was platted April 27, 1831) ; Horatio G. Phillips, Alexander Grimes and Moses Smith were proprietors of the thirty-six lots.

MIAMI CANAL.

The demand for public improvements resulted in the passage of a bill, in February, 1825, authorizing the construction of the Ohio and Miami Canals. In the first week of April, 1827, the engineers began the survey, to locate the Miami Canal from Mad River to Middletown. May 17, the Canal Commissioners, in session at Dayton, opened 600 bids for construction contracts, and then

348 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

made the awards by sections. The contractors near Dayton. and along the line generally, began work about June 1. Monday. September 3, excavation was commenced at the basin between Second and Third streets. Dayton; and in the evening the event was celebrated by an artillery salute. which attracted a large assembly of people to the commons.

Water was let into the canal from the mill-race near the corner of Fifth and Wyandot streets, Dayton. Friday evening, September 26, 1828. Most of it leaked through the embankment along the river at the bluffs in Van Burin Township ; and a break was made in the embankment there November 24. Wednesday, December 17. the packet Alpha, with a party of Dayton ladies and gentlemen, made a trip to Hole's Creek. With another Dayton party, she made her next trip to Miamisburg, Monday, the 22d, and returned to Dayton on Wednesday; and made a second trip to Miamisburg on Christmas Day, returning Friday.

The water at that time was making slow progress toward Franklin. The canal was opened through to within four miles of Cincinnati, January 1, 1829.

Work on the aqueducts over Mad River and the Miami commenced in 1833: but construction north of Dayton was not pushed with vigor for the canal was not opened to Piqua until in 1837 and to Toledo in 1845.

The opening of the canal from Mad River south was the beginning of a new era of prosperity and improvement in the county. also marked with an increase of trade in all the branches. The men who had lived in the log cabins had won a competence in the wilderness. Horses and other stock, so long on a footing of social equality in cabin life, were to be shut up in the barn-yards, or turned into the fields to graze. Squatters had long before been crowded from the hills and valleys of the county. After a few years in the dea&nings, evidences of comfort and thrift shone through the log heaps and corn patches. The county was dotted with comfortable farmhouses and clean little villages. The streams, large and small, were taxed to gather power to run the mills that occupied every " site." The aggregate value of taxable property in the county in 1831 was $1,891,433; the total tax assessment for that year was $13,161.20.

EVENTS-1833 TO 1841.

Although the cholera in 1833 created a big scare in the United States, it did not prevail to any considerable extent in this county.

Schools were in successful operation in the townships after 1830, and were, with but few exceptions, held in log houses. After 1835, the number of build ings was increased, and in 1837 every neighborhood had its own school. Bridges were built and the roads improved, but not macadamized until after 1838.

In 1837, log, frame and brick taverns were doing a successful business at different points along the Franklin and Staunton roads, and on the roads t.o Springfield, Xenia, Lebanon and Eaton. The brick tavern on Greencastle Hill in Dayton has been but recently torn down, to connect Summit street with Germantown street. Another brick building. formerly used as a tavern, stands on the north side of West Third street. west of Summit street.

Dayton Township was divided into .two election precincts, by act of the Legislature, March 12, 1839: all north of the Eaton road. Third street and the Springfield pike, to be the First Precinct, and elections held at the court house: all south of that line to be the Second Precinct, and elections held at Houk's tavern, Market street. The first county fair was held in the barn-yard, at Swaynie's Hotel, in Dayton. October 17 and 18, 1839.

" The Washington Social Library" was organized as a banking concern at Miamisburg in October, 1839: President, John Treon; Vice President, Ed L.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY - 349

Jones: Directors. John Treon, E. L. Jones, William Huff. William L. Smith and C. P. Huber, of Miamisburg: Christian Taylor. of Germantown; and John Mooney, of Franklin. The bank ceased business in January. 1841.

The limits of the city of Dayton and Dayton Township were made one and the same by act of the Legislature. granting to Dayton the new charter to take effect March 8, 1841.

From the territory thus taken from Dayton Township, Harrison, Mad River and Van Buren Townships were formed by the County Commissioners.

May 17, it was ordered that all that part of Dayton Township lying west of the Great Miarni River should he formed into a separate township, to be known as Harrison Township. It was ordered that the first election be held at Samuel Puterbaugh's blacksmithshop, on the road leading from Dayton to Union, Monday, June 28, 1811, to elect the following officers, to serve until the next annual election: Township Clerk, Treasurer, threo Trustees, two Overseers of the Poor, three Fence Viewers and two Constables. The result of that election is not given; but at an election held at the same place September 11 following, to elect two Justices of the Peace, Cyrus Carpenter and David Clark were elected; 249 votes were cast.

May 28, 1841, it was ordered that all that part of Dayton Township lying east of the west bank of the Great Miami River, and without the limits of the city of Dayton, should constitute a township, to be called Mad River Township. The election was ordered to be held at John Cox's tavern, on the Xenia road, June 28. At the next election, held September 11, John Snodgrass and Augustus C. Miller were elected Justices of the Peace; 192 votes were cast.

Van Buren Township was formed June 26, 1841. Sections 16, 22, 28 and 34, in Township 2, Range 6, and Section 4, Township 1, Range 6, between the Miami Rivers, were taken from Washington Township and attached to the new township, described as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 16, Township 2, Range 6, between the Miami Rivers; thence west on the south lines of said Sections 16, 22, 28, 34 and 4, to the southwest corner of said Section 4; thence north along the west line of said Section 4 to the northwest corner of the section; thence west on the south lines of Sections 11 and 1 7 to the Great Miami River and across the river to the west bank; thence up the west bank of the river to the southwest corner of Dayton Township; thence across the river and east along the south boundary line of Dayton Township to the southeast corner of that township, and along the south lines of Sections 27, 21 and 15, Township 2, Range 7, to the Green County line; thence south along said line to the place of beginning. The election was ordered to be held at the schoolhouse in District No. 11, July 10. At the election held September 11, 142 votes were cast. Isaac Douglass was elected Justice of the Peace.

Beavertown was surveyed March 18, 187 3, by Joseph B. Johns, and platted in thirty-four lots, by the proprietors, John Gray. J. R. Sourbray, Michael Ryan, Soti Brown, Henry Rike. Hannah Hosier. Mary A. Zink, Richard H. Edwards. Jonathan Rudisill. James B. Dean. David Hennessey, Patrick Delaney and eighteen others.

TURNPIKES.

The building of the National road by the Government created active interest in the counties through which it was hoped that the road might be located; then the towns and townships made. great efforts to secure favorable location of the line. Dayton people were especially interested; meetings were held and committees were appointed, and every possible influence was brought to bear upon the Locating Board and engineers. Having failed to secure a change of route; a special meeting of Council was held at which the following resolution was adopted:

350 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Resolved, That the Mayor of this town, forward to Joseph H. Crane. Esq., our Representative in Congress, whatever statistical information can be obtained, with regard to the advantages possessed by this place, and other facts which it may be thought necessary, to submit to the consideration of Congress ; to induce them to order a change in the route of the National road so that it may pass, from Springfield. through Dayton and Eaton to Richmond. Ind.

All of these efforts failed, and the route was fixed west from Springfield to Brandt, in Bethel Township, Miami County; crossing the Miami River into this county at Tadm or, in Butler Township, thence continuing west through Vandalia, Harrisburg, Arlington and Rachman, in Butler, Randolph and Clay Townships. Improvements so long needed were now begun on the country roads. In February, 1833, three turnpike companies were chartered: Dayton & Covington, Dayton, Centerville &Lebanon, Dayton $.Springfield. The last earned company intended to locate a road built through to Eaton and Richmond, but the Dayton & Western Company was afterward formed to build the pike west of Dayton.

The roads were only partly graveled until after the McAdam invention: then the pikes were built by chartered companies: and of late years all important roads in the county have been macadamized by the County Commissioners. The Dayton; Centerville & Lebanon Company let the contracts for building that pike at Centerville, April 16, 1838, and work began at once.

The Dayton & Springfield Company opened books for stock subscriptions January 19, 1838, and the work was put under contract May 12. The road bed was built to resemble the National road; bridges, toll-gates and stone culverts were constructed on the same style; mile-stones were made, similar to those on the National road; and the junction with that road was built to as far as possible. mislead emigrants coming West. Snug brick taverns were built convenient distances along the pike.

In May, 1837, a meeting was held at Dayton in the interest of building a pike from Dayton up the old military road through Milton to Greenville, but the project was abandoned; and. March 30, 1838, the Dayton & Covington Company began taking stock subscriptions. and soon after the contracts were let.

The Great Miami Turnpike Company, to run from Dayton over the hills to Carrollton, and on down the valley through Miamisburg. Franklin and Middletown to its junction with the Cincinnati Pike at Sharon, was chartered in March, 1837.Construction was commenced in the summer of 1838.

The first election for Directors of the Dayton & Western Pike Company was held in May, 1839. Construction contracts were lot July 8, the same year.

The Shakertown Pike, from Dayton to Xenia, was chartered in March, 1841.

The Miami & Montgomery Company built the pike from Dayton through Vandalia to Troy in 1842.

The Valley Pike, up the north side of Mad River, was chartered in March, 1843, and the contract for the first twelve miles was let May 29. The pike from Dayton to Germantown was built in 1847. The Wolf Creek Pike was chartered in May, 1844, and was built in 1849. The Xenia Pike and the Dayton & Wilmington Pike were built in 1849. The nest year, the Salem Pike and the Brandt Pike were under way. Under the provisions of a law recently passed, the 140 miles of toll pikes in the county have been bought from the companies and made free pikes.