Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 3 of 25)

First School House Ix Bellbrook

On the site of the present beautiful residence of Jacob Haines, Jr., and surrounded by a forest of stately oaks and sugar trees stood the first school house in the community. It was a large log building and had a huge fireplace at either end. Here the future \-illage fathers dnmed o\-er their dogeared spelling books, and between the "rule of three" and the master's "birch" spent many miserable days. The seats were not tl:e varnished comfortable affairs with which school houses are now furnished, but rude plank or puncheons resting on pins at a slight angle. The writing desks were ranged around the walls and were made by driving wooden ]iins into auger holes bored in the logs, so that they stood at a proper angle; on these pins were placed boards or planks to serve as a rest for the copy book. Glass was very scarce, and altogether too e.xpensive an article to have in a school house, and this temple of learning was innocent of sash or pane, but necessity is the mother of invention, and a large greased paper was stretched over the window, which in a measure supplied the deficiency and admitted some light at least. This house w'as afterward torn down by Stephen Bell, and a dwelling erected in its

In a sketch written, I think, by Rev. Thomas Beveridge, of the life of Rev. Robert Armstrong, as to the cause of his coming to .\nierica, he says: "Four members of the .\ssix-iate church having settled in the same neighborhood in the vicinity of Lexington, Kentucky, in 1796, namely: James L'.ain, Adam Goodlett, Thomas Robinson and James Pringle, took council together at a prayer meeting on the best means of obtaining a dispensation of the gospel among them. Among the early records of the county James Bain's name appears on the aforesaid records in 1804. He settled in Sugarcreek township, Greene county, the same year as Mr. Armstrong, which was on the 2d day of September, 1804, which was the date Mr. Bain came into Sugarcreek township. He settled the land now owned by Archibald Berryhill's heirs, north of Bellbrook, northeast section 32 (3.6). He built a cabin near the present farm house. Subsequently he erected a malt house west of the cabin. He was a school master, combining the two avocations of teaching the school and brewing beer. He is a man remembered as combining many other seemingly uncongenial professions. It is related of him that he would rise very early in the morning, proceed to his "clearing," work until his good wife, Sarah, who died Xovember 17, 1818, at the age of forty-five, would blow the horn for breakfast, after which he would proceed to his school, and the faithful horn would call him to dinner, and at evening the sound of the horn echoing through the woods gave welcome warn- ing to tlie boys and girls that the dreary hard day's work of school was done, but called the master to his clearing and the maul and the wedge.

He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was in the company of Captain Ammi Maltbie, wliich was a part of the First Regiment, Second Battalion and First Division, and the fact that he was the owner of a private "still" is no reflection upon him. The most of the old pioneers, leading men in the church and other good works, did not at that time think it a sin to have about and make their own liquors. It is said of him that while teaching that, in addition to that, he \\ou!(l make one hundred rails a day by his early rising. He laid out and sold to tlie Associate or Seceder congregation the site for the church and burial place, the strip of land now known as the "Pioneer Associate graveyard." It had been the opinion of some in the neighborhood that this lot was donated with certain peculiar conditions, but this is a mistake ; the deed reads thus : "This indenture made and concluded this 8th day of June. 1816, between James Bain, of tlie county of Greene, etc. \\'itnessed that said James Bain for and in consideration of the sum of three dollars to him paid doth grant, bargain, etc.. a certain lot of ground enclosing the church, knmvn bv the name of the Sugarcreek meeting house. The deed is given without reserve." And in that place, first line of graxxs, near the east line, south corner, he sleeps the long sleep of death. Mr. Bain was Ijorn in the year 1748, and died August 9, 1832, at the age of seventy-fi\e years.

The Pickney Road

was the gateway by which so many of the early residents of the county entered was on account of this road. It was the tirst beaten track through thf wilderness leading from Cincinnati through Lebanon extending north through what is now ]\Iain street, Bellbrook, north toward Al])lia. past what was then known as Pickney pond, from which the road is supposed to have taken its name. Over this road the early settlers received their supplies of salt and iron and such other commodities as they could not produce for themselves. It required long absences from home and laborious travel to go to Cincinnati then w ith a load of ground corn and exchange it for salt and return home again. After a time this road became more of a thoroughfare, the demand for supplies for the growing settlements continued to increase, and large teams of belled horses began to make regular trips carryingloads of flour and returning with merchandise.

-Another road leading from this one was called the "Beer road," because it was used iiiostly by our old pioneer friend, James Bain, to transfer from his place in the liollow, back of what is known as the Pioneer graveyard, to Dayton his beer. The main road crossed the .Miami at what is now the "Upper" mill and passed north of where Bellbrook now is. and e.xtended toward Centerville. Over this route the mail was carried weekly to Xenia.

or 1805. as Mr. Collier removed from Captain Xatlian Lamme's farm to X'ciiia in the snmmer of 1805. Xo stone or marker can 1)6 fonnd of her grave.

Joseph Robinson, Sr

The oldest tombstone standing has inscribed npun it the name of Joseph Rubinson, Sr., who died March 6, 1806, aged seventy-two years. This tombstone is of great historical interest to some who are descendants of his, who were at this time living in Xenia. He was the grandfather of the grandfather of our ex-deputy clerk of courts. Miss EcHth Robinson, and was the great-grandfather to ^\'illiam .F. Trader, attorney at law, and others. Mr. Robinson, Sr.. has two sons also buried here, one of whom Joseph, Jr., was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his brother, Edward, who died October 17. 1845, at the age of seventythree years.

Major William Rogers

Xot far from this lot where the pioneer Robinson family are buried is another grave. It also is of local interest to some living at present in Xenia. It is the grave of Major William Rogers, who was a soldier in the war of 18 12, and w'lio was the father of Amuicl Rogers and his brother Luke. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Joseph Milburn. On his tombstone is the following record: "Born September 7, 1774- Died December 3, 1815." He built what was called the Roger's mill, the first water power mill erected in Sugarcreek township.

Alexander Berryiiill

was a native of Augusta county, Virginia, and at the age of nineteen vears volunteered in the American army, under the command of General Nathaniel Greene. At the battle of Guilford Court House, Xorth Carolina, in the heat of the engagement his company was surrounded by the merciless, victorious British, commanded to give up their arms, and on doing so he was struck on the head with a sw"ord which produced a se\ere wound, the scar of which remained until the day of his death. He was held a prisoner by the captors two years, then exchanged, returned to his home, and after some years he married and settled on a farm. Mr. Berryhill's wife was a niece of Charles Thompson, of Revolutionary fame, and secretary to the first continental congress, a man of sonw executive ability and a lover of liberty. To them were born eleven children, eight sons and three daughters. Their names were James, William, John, Alexander, Margaret, Samuel. Archibald, Rachel, Matthew, Elizabeth and Franklin. Mr. Berryhill's father, John, was a native of Ireland, who settled in Virginia at an early date and there reared a famil_\-.

We have lingered longer at these two historic graves, the graves of those illustrious representatives, than we had intended, so '.vith feelings of almost re\-'erence we take our departure from the tombs of Alexander and Rachel Thompson Berryhill, only stopping long enough to copy the inscriptions that tell of the time of their death. Alexander Berryhill died in September, 1823, aged fifty-nine, his wife, Rachel, in 1838. They came to Ohio in 1814.

James Baix

Along the east line near the south corner apparently in the first tier of lots,' hidden by a cedar tree whose branches reach the ground, is the grave of James Bain. After parting the liranches his tombstone appears in sight, and by his side are buried some of his children and his faithful wife, Sarah. As you stand and gaze involuntary you listen if perchance to hear the sound of the horn that called him from labor in the school and from his work i'.i the clearing. Mr. Bain died August 9, 1832, at the age of seventy-five years. As we have a sketch of his life elsewhere we will proceed to the next, which is the grave of

\Mio first came in.to the county in 1S17 and was related to ^Ir. Bain. He died August 9. 1835. aged forty-seven years. He had also a brother Robert. Xot far from this lot, going north, is the grave of

William Baix

A\'ho was a son of James Bain. Sr.. and was well known in Greene county, and is still remembered by some of the older inhabitants as a genial and well disposed man. Not far from his grave toward the west is the grave of anotlier well known pioneer,

William Law, Sr

^Ir. Law first came nito Greene county in 1804 from Kentucky and settled in Sugarcreek township. He has a number of descendants yet living. His son, Jesse Law, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and who was for years a resident of Xenia township, is still rememljered by many in Xenia and throughout the county. \\'illiam Law, Sr., died January 26. 1826, aged seventysix years. Xot far from where ^Mr. Law is buried is th.e grave of

George Watt, Sr

This grave is of more than usual interest, and as we take our place in front of the stone that marks the last resting place of this hardy old pioneer, George Watt, listen to the story of his life.

In the year 1820 he left his home in Belfast. Ireland, with his family. His destination was the L'nited States of America, state of Ohio, county of Greene, where they arrived the same year. His brother, Hugh, had preceeded him to this country. Hugh, who was six years younger, and who was the father of the late Dr. George Watt, of Xenia, had settled in 181 7 not far from Cedarville, whilst George, the elder, settled in 1820 on the hilltops west of the Little ?iliami river between what is known as the "Indian Riffle" and the old Eureka mill. George Watt, Sr., was the father of George Watt, Jr., who lived in the house on the southwest corner of Market and West streets (present home of Mr. Collins, the carpenter), whilst two other sons, Hugh and Andrew, removed to Indiana. James \\'att. the fourth son, died in Xenia ; he never married. James and Andrew made applications to become citizens of the United States in 1840. which were granted. He had also four daughters: Mrs. Betsey Dodd, wife of John Dodd. Sr. : ^Irs. Samuel Smeigh: Mrs. Jane ^IcClellan, wife of William, of

Siigarcreek : and Margaret, who was single. Of liis children, I think, Mr.s. Samuel Snieigh, mother of Mrs. George Kendall, is the only one living. Mr. Wan, who was born in 1765, came to America in 18 jo. and died in 1845, aged eighty years.

The Gowdv Family

Not far from the grave of Cieorge Walt, Sr., is the grave of John Goudy. as the name is spelled on the tombstone. Along side of him is buried his good wife, Ann Gowdy. What time Mr. Gowdy came and settled in Sugarcreek town.ship is no-t known. This much is known : He was there previous U) 1803, as his name and that of his son, Andrew Gowdy, appear on the first enumeration taken of the aforesaid township in 1S03. Mr. Gowdy died November 13, 1807, at the age of seventy-seven years. His son, Andrew Gowdy, was married to Mary ]\Ic- Connell. l-'cbruary 7, i8of), i)v the Rev. Robert Armstrong, and from his tombstone we learn that he was born April 2. 1777, and died September 25, 1818, aged forty-one years. There are living in Xenia ( 1900) one son and one daughter of Andrew Gowdy, namely, our venerable and resi>ected townsmen who has spent so many years of his life in nur midst. .Alexander Gowdy, now in his eighty-seventh year, living on W^est Main street, and his sister, Mrs. Jacob Miller, residing on East Main street, mother of Mrs. Joseph M. I\Iillnn-n. John Gowdy, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, removing from there to Kentucky, and thence to Ohio at the date given. Other children he had beside Andrew: One son, John, who was a soldier from Greene county in the war of 1812, and William Gowdy, who went to

Kentucky, and removed Rev. Armstrong to this place in 1804. John removed to Franklin, Indiana, as did two other sons, Robert and Thomas. His daughter, Ann, Xovauber 8, 1804, was married to Air. James Bull, and it was an event that was made historical by our old pioneer friend, Hugh Andrew, who was one of the guests at the wedding. He says: "Th2y were there from Dan to Beersheba." Another daughter of John Gowdy, Xancy, born August 14, 1817, was married to Jesse Law, a well known pioneer of Greene county. The children of Andrew Gowdy were John, Jane. Adam, Susanna, Alexander, Mary Ann and Eliza.

But to mentii/U all of the illustrious dead that are buried here would make this article tiK) long, so we pass these graves and go to the next and last that we sliall mention, which is the grave of Captain Nathan I.amme, a gallant soldier of the Revolution, and by his side his son, David, a soldier of the war of 1812. A brief sketch of both will be found elsewhere in fhis book.

One of the early settlers of Greene county was John Hutchison. He came from Bourlwn county, Kentucky, in 1806. He and Mr. Frazier had married sisters by the name of Finley in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and because of slavery they only remained in Kentucky some ten years. John Hutchison bought a farm one mile southeast of Bellbrook. the east line along the Miami, now known as the Alorris farm. He was a weaver and while he worked at his trade his sons George, John, Andrew, Samuel and William cleared and cultivated the farm.

Kobixson'S History Of Greexe Couxtv

George and Sarah. Juhn and Andrew, William and Martha ( Sterrett ) were twins. Samuel, May (Jobe) and Jane (McClure) were "not in it." John cultivated the farm after marriage to Ellen Clancey, April 24. 1822, until he bought one hundred acres near Xenia, a half mile northwest of the fair grounds, now the "Shoup farm," which he sold in 1835 ^''"^^ moved to Shelby county, near Sidney, and died in Sidney at the age of eighty-six years. His father and mother died in the same week of fever and are buried in the "Upper graveyard," he at the age of fifty-five years. He belonged to the first board of trustees of the First United church of Xenia, and tlie family came on horseback to church. And what a task in the absence of con\-eniences must ha\-e l)een the rearing of such a family. The mother dare not leave one of a pair by itself when she went to the spring to carry water, but carried one on the back, another under one arm, leaving one hand for the bucket. Andrew came to Xenia to learn the tailor trade with Mr. Currie, and pursued it until the last day of his life. He died in 1865 at the age of sixty-nine years. He was the father of W. C. the merchant. Mrs. Gevirge Ebright and Miss Emma, who are still li\- ing in Xenia.

Samuel Log.Vn

Died at Bellbrook, Ohio, X'ovcmlicr 21, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was an old bachelor, and had made his home with Mr. Samuel Pogue for a long time past. He was one of th.e most eccentric and ])eculiar men of our age. One of his oddities that we have no record of any one else copying was that he would not accept any more than seventy-five cents per day from any one for doing work. He was a good workman, and made a good hand at carpenter work. But he always said that seventy-five cents was all that a day's work was worth, and would not accept any more. He began life a poor boy without a dollar, was always industrious, made a good living, wore good clothing and saved six thousand dollars, which he earned by a day's work at seventyfive cents per day. In the western and southwestern part of this county are still standing in fair condition houses that he built }ears ago. He would go to some of the farms where the residents were living yet in their cabins, cut down the trees and hew the timbers for the frame of a house, and in the fall wcjuld ha\'e the aforesaid families lixing in their new homes. The old maxim would hold good in his case, "It is not what we make, but what we save that makes us wealthy." "Old Honesty" would be a fit inscription for his monument. In his will he gave Mrs. E. Pogue seven hundred dollars ; William Duck fi\e hundred : Miss Kate Hawkins two hundred dollars : and one bundled dollars to. Miss Bell : and the remainder tr the Parker heirs.

He was a pensioner under the act of June I. 1832. Application was made for same September 15, 1832, he being then seventyfour years of age. The pension was granted May 3, 1833. He was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. At the outbreak . of the war of the Revolution in this country lie was a member of Colonel Dunlap's regiment. Captain Askew's company, of the

Pennsylvania militia. He was then a private soldier in that regiment. July 28. 1777. the United States government called his regiment into actual service; he was then ])romoted to the position of orderly sergeant of his company, which position he filled with honor for seven months and fifteen days. After the war was over he emigrated t<j the state of Kentucky, locating near Lexington, and from Kentucky lie removed to Ohio, where he arrived in 1804, settling in Sugarcreek township. Greene county. The old records of the county show that he was a useful man hoth in church ami state, and lived to a good old age, when he died and was buried in the Associate church yard. West Market street, Xenia, the site now co\-ered by the school house of th it name, lie was afterward taken up and l)uried on the lot of his son, Aaron Torrence, in Woodland cemetery, Xenia. Mis oldest son. William, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He had beside William three sons, Aaron : John, who was the father of Henry Torrence, ex-recorder of Greene county: and David, who was the father of Finley Torrence, of the firm of 'McDowell & Torrence : also four daughters, namely : Elizabeth. Ann. Mary and Clarissa.

He was born on the 3d day of September. 1704. in Stokes county. X^'orth Carolina. His parents were Jesse Sanders and Sarah Reddick. They were both natives of X'orth Carolina. On the 15th day of December, 1804, the father of Jesse with bis family and household goods departed from old Carolina in wagons via Virginia and

Lexington, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, arriving in Greene county on the 13th day of February, 1805, and immediately settling in Sugarcreek township ( now Spring \''alley township) on what was then called military lands. He bought his land (two hundred and forty acres) of Colonel Xathaniel Massie, one of the first settlers of Ross county, Ohio, [n 1806 he died. In December, 1807, his wife followed him. The oldest of the children, Forace, died in Laporte, Indiana, in 1869, having been through life a farmer and mechanic. John died in 1812 in Spring V^allev township. Jemima married Jeffrey Saulsbury. a farmer of Warren county, Ohio, and died in 1S14. Jane married Isaac Beason. a farmer of Wayne county, Ohio, and died in 1809. Susanna never married, and died in 1809 in Wayne cnunty, Ohio. Jesse, the subject of this sketch, died at his home in Spring Valley township, May 21, 1880, aged eighty-eight, and is liuried in Woodland cemetery, Xenia.

During the war of 1812 Mr. Sanders performed a cons])icui)us part as a member of Captain John Clark's company. He had thmugh life followed farming. He was nnirried, on the 5th day of Xovember, 1840, to Elizabeth Simerson, a native of this county. Her parents were natives of Maryland, and very early settlers of Greene county, coming in 1801. They were the parents oi four children. Politically he was a Democrat ; voted first for General Jackson. Religiouslv he was by birth and early training a Quaker, but on account of joining the armv was expunged, and ever afterward preferred to have a creed not circumscribed by the doctrines of any church. Mr. Sander's name will forever live as one of the pioneers of Greene countv. Ohio.

Robixso.Vs History Of Greexe Couxtv

Josiah Elam and liis wife, Sarah A. (Porter) Elam. settled in what is nowknown as Spring \'alley township in the spring of 11-^03. Mr. Elam was a native of Culpeper county, Virginia, and was born in 1753. He had in 1801, previous to his settling in O'hio come out and selected a place for his future home, entering one thousand acres of land on Caesar"s creek. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and in the French and Indian war held a captain",; commission under General St. Clair in the Indian campaign of 1791. He died February 28. i8ji, aged sixty-nine years, and is buried in the Elam graveyard in the orchard in front of what was known as the Ambrcjse Elam farm. The old home is situated live miles south of Xenia near the Burlington pike. His family consisted of six sons and four daughters ; one of his sons, John, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The wife of Josiah Elam died September 25, 1850, aged seventy-nine years, and is buried at his side; also his wife's mother, Susanna Porter, who died October 21, 1821, aged eighty-four years.

Henry Updyke was the eldest son of Captain Albert Updyke, a soldier of the Re\olution, from Xew Jersey. Henry was born in Bethlehem, Xew Jersey, Xovember 16, 1774. and came to an untimely death by an accident in 1825. While digging a well on the Steele farm a mattock fell on him while he was down in the well. He was buried in what was known as the Methodist Episcopal church yard, which was on the southwest corner of Thomas White's farm. Afterward his body was removed with other deceased members of the family to the cemetery at Dayton, Ohio.

He built the brick house on the farm and owned the land on which the west part of Bellbrook now stands. He, with Stephen Bell and James Clancey, laid out the town in 1815. In another place in this took is a notice inserted in the "Vehicle," a paper published in Xenia in 1815, Samuel Pelham, editor, in which notice is given of the sale of the aforesaid lots. It is said there was some trouble in selecting a name for the place, but at length Air. Updyke suggested the name of Bellbrook, which was at once agreed upon and adopted. As can be seen, the town takes its name in part from the name of one of its founders, Stephen Bell, anil the latter part of it from the numerous streams and rivulets in that vicinity.

James Clancey

In tracing the history of the old pioneers of the county it is a source of regret that our records do not extend farther back than 1803. James Clancey's name appears on the roll of the first enumeration that was taken of the free white male inhabitants over the age of twenty-one. He was a native of Virginia, and had located in what is now known as Sugarcreek township, Greene county, and on the present site of the village of Bellbrook some time previous to 1803. It might be truthfully said of him that he was a tavern keej-jer fnmi "away back." As has been said elsewhere he had i)urchasecl tlie first cabin that Iiad been erected by Joseph C. Vance, in 1797, to be used as a kitchen to his new tavern, whicli he had completed, to accommodate liis large and growing trade. His bar-room was the resort of the choice spirits, in more senses than one, of the surrounding country. On the long winter evenings they would congregate around the huge fireplace and after sundry visits to the bar would while away many hours in recounting their adventures \\ ith the Indians and bears as the case might be. Many a weary tra\-eler slaked his thirst and found a comfortable bed beneath their hospitable roof. Captains Robert McClelland, .\nimi Maltbie antl Captain John Clark had each recruited and taken fmni the township full companies of men, and during the war of 181J, and after, Clancey's tavern was matle "headquarters," thc\- would often meet here with the rank and file of their companies and fight over their battles again and again. So much can be gleaned and gathered here and there even after so long a time of this historic old township that one hardly knows when to stop. One petition of cur subject. Mr. Clancey, to kee]> tavern in Bellbrook. the original of which the compiler of this sketch has in his possession as custodian of the county, we will here co])y : "To the honoral.ile judges of the court of common pleas of Greene county. The petition of the undersigned free holders of Sugarcreek townshi]> humbly represent to yi>ur honors that we conceive a i)ublic house of entertainment in said township would conduce to the public convenience. We therefore recommend James Clancey. one of our citizens, as a man of good character and in e^-ery way calculated to keep a public house. \\ e therefiire pray your honors would grant him a license for that purpose and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. Signed. January. the 22d, 1816, John Hutchison, .\ndrew Bird. Joseph Gillispie, James Gillispie, David Lamme, William Standley and Alexander Armstrong."

Rev. Robert Armstrong, on his first arrival from Kentucky in answer to a call to become pastor of the Associate or Seceders, as they were then called, preached first at the house of James Clancey, present site of Bellbrook, to he following families : Esq. John and his brother, Joseph McKnight, John and Joseph C. Vance, whose son was afterward governor of Ohio ; Captain Nathan Lamme; \\'illiam and James Tanner; the three Snodgrass brothers, William, James and Robert : two Snowdens. James and Jacob; Abraham ^'an Eaton and others. .\ few of these were meml)ers of the Associate Reformed and Presbyterian churches, but were glad to listen to ^Ir. Armstrong.

About 182P Mr. Clancey removed to near Flat Rock, Indiana, with his family, all but I'.is son. Dr. James Clancey. Jr.. who had about one vear previous formed an alliance fur life with the daughter of Dr. William Frazier, which event reads as follows : "August 12, 1819. married at the home of the bride, Mr. James Clancey, Jr., to Miss Sarah Frazier, daughter of Dr. William Frazier."

James Clancey. Sr.. on his arrival at his new home. Flat Rock, Indiana, purchased eightv acres of land, and not far from the creek erected his cabin, where he continued to reside near two of his former Greene county nighbors, Mr. Van Pelt and Mr. Avery, until 1822, when his life's work was done and he was called home, and was buried in the graveyard not far from his home, where Conn's creek empties into Flat Rock.

Back fruni the mcutli of Conn's creek in the fork thus formed was the graveyard in which was iiut away all that was mortal of James Clancey, Sr. After his deatli his two sons. CJeorg^ and William, returned to their old home. Rev. J. F. Hutchison, of Xenia, is a grandson of Mr. Clancev, and many other citizens here and elsewhere are the descendants of this grand old pioneer. The first election ever held in Sugarcreek townsliij) was by order of the court held in the house of James Clancey, and it was for years the voting place of the .'ownshi;,.

Stephen Bell

Stephen Bell was born in Xew Jersey, August J 8, 1774. and was married to Aliss HannalT Scudder in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1795. Of this union there were born ele\ en children, viz. ; John S., William, Charles, Aaron, Rebecca, Mary, Xaoini, Permelia, Casander, Benjamin ant! Franklin J. Little is known of his early da\s except that he learned the trade of a millwright in the east, and there being a demand f^r that kind of skilled labor in the west he with his family mo\-ed to Ohio in the early ])art of 1812, stopping for a short time (jn the James Trnvler farm west of Xenia.

.\I)out 1813 or J 8 14 he bought out and iiKjvcd on the farm now owned by Jacob Haines, living on that property at the time of the marriage of his five daughters, so you can imagine the (dd property has seen some fun within its walls. He worked at his trade while living there and helped to t)uild several mills on the Miami river, and also built a mill for Henry Updyke on Sugar creek just above the Escj. Ferguson property. The older Bellbrook "boys" can yet remember the old frame where so often they have played "hide and seek" after it played out as a mill. About the year 18 15 Stephen Bell and Henry Updyke purchased of James Snowden the southeast of centei of section 2 (2.6) ; the lands embraced all of east part of the above section, being then all the western part of Bellbrook. The town had been surveyed and laid otif in lots and a notice sent to Mr. Samuel Pelham. editor of the Vehicle, a paper publisheil in Xenia. calling attention to tlie new town, anil also to the date when the sale would take place.

The Village Of Bellbrook Notice

The subscribers hax'ing laid out the town of Bellbrook in the county of Greene. Sugarcreek township, on the great mad that leads by James Clancey's ta\-ern, leading from Lebanon to Urbana, and where the road crosses leading from Franklin to Wilmington. The lots in said town will be sold at public sale to the highest bidder on Saturday, the 7th day of October, ensuing. Tlie terms of the sale will l)e made kn(jwn on the day of sale. The situation of the town is healthy^ and convenient to springs which can be easily conveyed through the town. Saw and grist mills within a mile, .\djoining the town lands is a stream of water on which all kinds of machinery may be erected. Signed, September 19, 1813.

Tlie limits of the town as then laid out extended north to the alley that runs between the properties of George Webb and Samuel Willi lUi^'hliy. On the to the street that runs from this alley south. On the south to what is known as the lower street. And on the east to the street that runs frum the southeast corner of David Rape's lot north to a large rock that still is to be seen a little west of the two apple trees on "HoiikiiTs Hill." The lots were in Xo. 84, each fi)ur rods wide and ten rods long on each side of Main street. The first sale of lots on the date above stated took place; Aaron Xutt, an old pioneer of Centerville, Montgomery county, Ohio, was the auctioneer on this occasion.

Mr. Bell about the year 1832 or 1833 sold this farm where his children had grown up to manhood and womanhood and liought a farm across the road (reaching from the south line of the new cemetery to the north line of the Lewis Kemp farm, and on which is built all that, part of the town east of North Main street ) from the venerable Judge Jdlrn McLane. on which stood the tavern then kept by William Edwards. where the young men and maidens often met to while awav the evening hours in the d^untry dance.

In 1838 ]\rr. I'ell had a se\-ere attack of western fever, and Iowa then being the Eldorado of Xnrth America he sold his farm to Ca])tain John C. Mur|)h\'. intending to move there, but his wife dying in May, 1839, changed his iilans for his future course in life. He served one term in the legislature of Ohio as a representative from Greene county. From 182J to 1828 he served Greene county as one of her county commissioners. In 1839 he married the widow

Daughterty, of Springfield, Ohio, and made that place his home, where he was an honored citizen, serving as the first mayor of the city, and afterward li\ing a quiet, unassuming life until the time of his death, May 14, 1852, It is said that Mr. Bell in his old age, knowing that time with him would soon close, and having a mental dread of being laid away in the cold, cold ground, where no kindly eye or loving friends could ever see him again, he had a vault built in the Green Mount cemetery east of the cit\', corner of Main street and Green Mount avenue, Springfield, Ohio. He was placed therein and there he is to-day resting to ail appearances as natural as the day he fell asleep. One of his great-grandsons visited the vault a few days ago, and on coming home remarked, "How much grandfather looks like Uncle Benedict."' The body was petrified. Mr. Bell was also a soldier in the war of 1812, under Cajstain Robert Mc- Clelland.

John McLane entered the land on which \\'illiam Huston now resides. His cabin, which was erected near the site of the present residence, was rudeh- constructed of rough logs. He was a bachelor, and here with no other companion but a dog and his rifle he lived. Often at night, while reposing on his lonely couch, he heard coming from the depths of the forest solitude around him the piercing scream of the wild cat and the hungry hcui of the w-olf. To protect himself from these beasts he each night made and kept a large fire in front of the entrance to his abode. Even at that day he was known as a "queer genius." and many are the anecdotes told of his eccentricity. One of these we will relate. While at various log rollings in the sui:rounding country he had heard the settlers boasting much of tiie prowness of their dogs in fighting wild cats. This made IMcLane feel a little envious, and one day while out hunting his dogs treed one of these animals. Xijthing could have pleased John better, and he immediately set about to see what kind of wild cat dogs his were. Setting his gun by the side of a tree he Ijegan to climb tiie one "outer was the cat," but he had not climbed within more than ten feet of the "varmint" when it rolled up its back, set its hairs all the wrong way and looked him right in the eye. He tried to draw off its attention, but no, said he, "No whar would it look but right in mc c\-e." He licgan to descend the tree slowly and cautiously at first but more rapidly as he neared the ground. Once again on solid earth he grasped his rifle and, after (|uieting the "buck ager" that had taken possession of him, brought it to his shoulder and sent the ball crashing through the brain of his foe. He used to sa_\' when relating" this adventure that it was the only time in his life that he was "skared," and that it was the first and last time that he e\er tried to shake a ])ainter "offen" a tree. John ]\lcLane came from Lexington, Kentucky, and entered the land where his body lies buried. He came some time jire- \-ious to 1803, as his name appears on the records at that date. 'J'he associate judges a])piiinted him on the 15th of Xovember, 1804. to be (3ne of the commissioners in place of Jcihn Sterritt, who bad resigned. We also find that he was one of the associate judges nf (ireene county, and while he may not have lieen a well educated man, he was a man of good judgment and sterling worth. It is said of him that being a bachelor, and having no children of bis own, he used to speak his mind pretty freel_\- when speaking of our legislators, who would enact a law that would compel him to pay for schooling other people's children, and denominated such as "a set of dung-hill gods," from which he jirayed to be delix'ered.

The compiler of this sketch paid a visit to liis tomb one bright day in June, 1899, and was well repaid for the \isit. Leaving the cars at Shoup's Station, on the Panhandle Railroad, I started from there due sou:th toward !Mt. Zion church, which is about two miles fri:)m said station. I stopped at the home of Capt. Benjamin Darst to inquire as to where was the tomb of John McLane, and was told that it was at least three miles from his home, and "Yonder is my horse and in that shed is my buggy : you .shall not walk," and, in almost as short a time as it takes me tt^ write abotit it, the captain had me seated in his buggy. "And now for the direction: keep right on the direction south, that \'ou ha\'e been in coming here: cross the p'ike that leads past ]\It. Zion, contiinie the same direction until you come to another pike that leads toward Dayton; tiu-n to the right and go about two miles, which will lead you to where, on your right hand, you will find a building that used to be the "toll-gate house:" at that place near you w ill find a narrow lane on the right : drive north about one-half mile and in the woods on the left you will find it." I did not forget a single direction that the captain gave me, and was soon there. .\nd, clim1)ing the fence, soon had transferred fnim the tombstone to my book tlie following : "Here hes the remains of John McLane, who died Uctol>er 21, 1848, aged eight} -three years and ele\-en months.

With the words that I have copied from liis liroken tombstone still ringing in my ears " Let no one distiuMj my iuimble cot", it looked as though his wish had been respected, and for fifty-one years no one had been near that lonely grave. Back from the lane, over the fence I had worked my way among the thick underlinish and \'ines, and there about twelve feet from the fence was a stone enclosure about four feet in height, the walls two feet thick, the end next to the east about eight feet from out to out, and twelve feet long from out to out, the one acre of ground that had been reserved for a burial place. It looked as though in the past the primitive lorcst had been cut off, and the present growth of trees had grown to their present heig^'ht.

The walls tlial kind friends had erected around where his bodv had been laid were broken and had fallen inward from either side, and had hid from \"iew the grave of John IMcLane. Out from among the stones had sprung up grape \-ines at least two inches in diameter. The tombstone was broken, /)ne half of whicli was supported and kept from falling by the \-ines aforesaid. The woiid in which this one acre of ground had T)een reserved and in which was the tomb, <loes not look unlike it did wdien its owner used to travel through it near one hundred years ago, 'Tis true tlie white man has destroyed the wild game that was so plentiful in the days of Mr. IsIcLane l>nt the face of nature remains unchanged ; as you stand and gaze, the silence of this spot seems unbroken and while standing alone you almost expect to see some of the objects that used to be seen, to hear the cry of t!ie wild cat. or the howling of the wolf. 'Tis a scene both wild and wierd and well repaws a visit.

John C. Hale, Sr

John C. Hale was a son of James Hale, who was lx)rn in England in 17,17. He first settled in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1767. He removed to Blair county, Penns} Ixania. How long he resided in the latter Plate is not certain. He removed from Pennsylvania to Mason county, Kentucky, where he died in iSor or 1802. His home in Kentuckv was on Clark's run not far from P>rant's Station, nine miles from ]\Iaysville. John Hale had taken to him.self as wife Miss Catherine Baird, who was born in 1774, and was of Welsh descent. Of this marriage there were born eight children : Rebecca, Joseph, Lydia, John, Hannah, James, Thomas and Silas.

In 1802 the widow came to what was tlnn the Northwestern territory with her cliildren and settled in that parr that is no\v known as the great state of Ohio, county of Greene and Sugarcreek town-^hi]j. In the first enumeration of the male inhabitants over the age of twenty-one taken by James Collier and completed August 10. 1803. we find the names of three of Mr. Hale's children, who were of the required age, namely : Joseph, John and Thomas. James

Hale"s name appearing first on tlie list of voters October, 1805. and Silas, the last son, voting for the first time in April. 1826. After 1810 none are left in tlie county save John and his son. Silas Hale. Jr. In the year 1802 John Hale built a log cabin on the present site of the residence of William Lansing. In this cabin our late venerable friend, Silas Hale. Jr.. was born, and near it. when a child, he matle a narrow escape from being devoured by a hungry bear, but through the efiforts of his mother he was rescued. The floor of this cabin was made of planks sawed out by hand, there being a; that time no sawmills in the neighborhood, and but few in the county. This cabin was afterward torn down, hauled to Bellbrook and re-erected by Joseph Gillespie at the rear of tlie house in which ^Irs. \'aughn used to live. The method of sawing plank in that day was novel : the log was first hewn square, then lined on two opposite sides, one erid of it was raised to a scaffoling, so that it stood on such an incline as to admit of one standing under and another on top of the log both using the saw with ease. Those days have passed and gone, and the savage "swish" of the saw as it is drawn by steam or water power is now heard in the land. John Hale, the subject of this sketch, removed from the county to Kosciusko county. Indiana, in 1838. He was born Xovenil)er 25, 1775, and died in Kosciusko county September 25, 1845, 3'"^^! was buried in the Dunkard graveyard in Jackson township, that county.

Silas Hale, Jr., son of John, took unto himself as a wife, Miriam Updyke, daughter of Henry and Catherine Updyke. .-'v sketch of Henry Updyke as one of the founders of the town of Bellbrook appears in this book. To Silas Hale and liis wife were born ten children, seven sons antl three daughters. Mr. Hale was born August 26, 1803, and died June 20, 1889. Mrs. Hale, the widow of Silas, was born February 5, 1814. and was in 1S99 still living, and it ;s hoped that she will l>e left for many years to be what she ever has been, a source of pleasure to her numerous friends, children and grandchildren. To the descendants yet living of this family it is a pleasure to meet them, and kindly thoughts of them you will have when j-ou say g(X)dbye.

Moses Walton

Moses Walton, one of the pioneers of Greene county, was born i;>n the 27th day u' June, 1809, in what is now Spring \"alley township. His parents were Edward Walton and Deborah Allen. His father was one of the earliest pioneers of Greene county, coming in 1806 from Virginia. He was born on the 30th of January, 1777, in Shenandoah county, Virginia, and belonged to a family who bore their part in the Revolution. The Walton family, of four brothers, originally came from England, and in 1664 settled near Philadelphia. They were the advance of William Penn's Quaker colony. Tlie Walton family to-day. on both sides, hold to the creed of their forefathers. The father of the subject of this sketch departed this life on the 10th day of April. 1867. in Spring Valley township, having reached the advanced age of ninety years and seven months, and was buried in the Caesarscreek Friends' churdi^ard. south of New Burlington. He had through life been a farmer, and a man of stanch integrity and usefulness in society. At the age of twenty-two

Mcses began life on liis own resources as a farmer, in Spring \'alle}', wh^re he ever afterward resided. On the 30th day of Octol)er, iiS34, lie was united in marriage to Mary Cook, a daugliter of John Cook, one of the first pioneers of Warren county. She died March 13. 1844, aged twenty-eight years, leaving h\e children. On the ist of October Mr. Walton was united in marriage to ivachel Reagon, a daughter of Reason Reagon, one of the early pioneers of Warren county, Oliio. She died April Jo. 1844, aged twenty-three years, leaving one child. Mr. Walton was united in marriage to Deborah Johnson, a daughter of Josepli .\. Ji'hnson. an early ])ioneer of Highland county, on the 19th of Sei)teml)er, 1849. ^'''- ;ii;d Mrs. Walt<in were the parents of eight cliildren. Mr. Walton died January 8. 1887,

His name is found upon the records of (jreene county. Ohi(j, first in the enumeration of the inhabitants of Sugarcreek township of the year 1S20. At that time he was the owner of lots Xos. 9, lO and 28 in the town of Bellbrnok. and afterward ran a hotel in that place, and was also constable in Sugarcreek township. "On the 30th of Ainil. 1827, personally appeared in court ( ilie court of common pleas lor the county of Greene, being a court of record in the seventh circuit of the state of Ohio) Richard Cunningham, a resident ot said county, aged seventv years, who tirst being duly sworn, according to law. doth on his oath say and make the following declaration in. order to obtain the priivision made by the acts of congress of the 18th of ^larch, 1 818, and the i8th of May, 1820, "That he, the said Richard Cunningham, enlisted for the term of three years, some time in the spring of the year 1777, in Franklin count\ , in the state of Pennsylvania, in the company commanded by Captain Crawford, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Dunlap, in the line of the state of Pennsylvania on the military continental establishment. As well as his recollection serves him, lie knows that at the battle of Brandywine he was commanded by Colonel IJunlap, but at the battle of Germantown he w as under the coinmand of General Armstrong. Then when that part of the army to which he belonged went into winter cpiarters at \'alley Forge he was detained to drive a public team, which he followed for a consideraljle time, after which he was attached to and did duty in a ril1e company under various officers, in scouting or spying parties: the names of these latter officers he does not now recollect. That he continued to serve in this latter species of service until the expiration of his term of service, when he was honorably discharged at the town of Lancaster, in the state of Pennsylvania, having previously received a certificate in the state of New Jerse_\'. .Soon after his discharge he volunteered his services for one year, and served as a rifleman for that time in scouting, spying, etc. He was afterw-ards out for nine months in General Mcintosh's caml-aign against the Indians as a pack-horse man. and served one year in the late war {1812) under Lieutenant John Hopkins, of the corps of rangers (I think from Warren countv, Oliio)." He had one son by his second wife. Richard S. Cunningliam, who at this time (1827) was fifteen \-ears of age.

Roblyso.Vs History Of Greexe Couxty

His pension was ailmved. and he was placed on tlie roll May 4. iS^^^. His pension commenced ^larch 4. 1831, at the rate of eighty dollars per year.

Sackett Farm, Ix One Xame, From 1 799

The following is taken from the "Fjellbrook ^loon :" "One hundred years ago Cyrus Sackett, accompanied by his wife and three children, came from Kentucky and settled on wiiat has been known in later years as the Alexander Sackett farm. Mr. Sackett bought this farm of one hundred and fifty acres at two dollars per acre. They arrived there on October 17, at three o'clock in the afternoon. The land was then covered with dense forests. He, however, cleared a small space, where they pitched their tents made of bed clothes, in which they managed to live for some time. Mr. Sackett then built a log cabin, which was called a round-log cabin, in which they lived for several years. He then built a large hewed-log house, wliicli was at that time considered \-erv fine. Here INlr. Sackett and wife spent the remainder of their lives. After their death the farm was di\ided into two parts and sold. Alexander Sackett bought the eastern part contain.ing eig-bty acres, and Preston Poaguc bought the remainder of the farm, which is now owned l)y the heirs of the late Benjamin Vaughan. Alexander Sackett held this farm in his possession until his death, which occurred April TO, 1893. The farm was then purchased ji^intlv 1;\- Phineas \\'ilson and Emily Sackett, grandchildren of Cyrus Sackett. The farm remained in their possession until the end of the year 1899, when they sold it to Jacob Carey. Thus it passed

In tile old Baptist grax'eyard about one mile south of the village of Bellbrook lies all that is mortal of Cyrus Sackett, Sr. Many more of historic worth also are buried there ; among the number are Rev. Josiah Carman, the veteran pioneer Baptist preacher, Captain Ammi Maltbie, who made a name for himself in the war of 1812, Andrew Byrd, Sr., and others. Mr. Cyrus Sackett, Sr., died at his home July 13. 1846, aged eightythree years, leaving his wife. Xancy, and the following children : sens. Alexander, Joseph, Samuel and Cyrus Sackett, Jr. ; daughters, Sarah Hand, Mrs. Anna Hoblet and ]Mrs. Poague.

Was Ixjrn in 1754 and died }ilay 21, 1S49. at the good old age of ninety-five years. He was a native of Penns_\I\-ania, and at the time of the Revolutionary war was a private soldier in the Pennsylvania militia. The records on file in the pension office at Washington, D. C, show that he was drawing a pension, and was then a resident of Greene county, Ohio. His annual allowance was se\enty-six dollars and sixty-six cents. He applied for the pension May 4, 1831, being al that time se\'enty-nine years old, and he was placed on the roll October 12, 1833. .\fter the close of the war he removed first to \'irginia. and from that state in 1820 to Ohio, settling in Greene county, where he continued to live until his death.

were a liard-working, Imnest set of men. Just over tlie line in Clinton ctiunty, near Luniljerton. is a l)eaiitiful little cemetery; in that lies all that is mortal of this old hero, George Hiney. .\t his side lies his wife, Mary, who died September 22, 1858, aged eighty-one years. His son Henry also lies there: he died Septeml)er 24, 1869. at the age of eighty years.

First Court Of Common Pleas

The gathering of the pioneers of Greene county in what is known as Beavercreek township, August 2, 1803. The wheat harvest had been gathered by many of the early pioneers in the young count}-. Work by manv had licen laid aside, and some had received notice to ap])ear at the house of Owen Davis, which was situated five and one-half miles west of the now city of Xenia, on the farm now (1900) known as the Harbine farm. Others came out of curiosity ; some few had come in the night before, and were the guests of mine host, Peter Borders, who was at that time the tenant of Owen Davis, who was ready to supply the wants of both man and l>east with the necessities of life arid comfort. Some had traveled far through the trackless forest. Tomorrow v.ould be a great day in the history of the new made county and of Beavercreek township. Three months previous there had been a gathering. May 10, 1803, for the purpose of organizing the county into townships and other matters pertaining to starting the wheels of the county government. But this da}- had lieen spoken of among the few hardy settlers as they would meet to assist each other in the erection of their cabin homes in the few townships then organized ; tomorrow would l>e a chance to meet hardy men like themselves, representatives from the four townships which constituted Cireene county. This day was to be a countv reunion.

It was to l)e a great day in the county, and the people were gathered in large numbers; here was the presiding judge, and his associates, prosecuting attorney and grand jury; here was the coiui: house and jury room, and also the tavern of Peter Borders, whose bar was well supplied with whisky. What was the meaning of this gathering? The lirst court of common pleas for the new made county of Greene was to meet to-day. And it had been said on one occasion previous to this, "there were giants in those days," so could it lie said i>f the cian-t and grand jury truthfully that had assembled at the house of Owen Davis on this occasion. And as the court has met. and the business of the dav conmienced, we will step inside and proceed to introduce the members of the court. First, the presiding judge is the

This is his first visit to Greene county, which is one of the points on his circuit, which he continued to travel until 1817. A Virginian Ijy liirth, he was born near Winchester, December 31, 1761. His father, Anthony Dunlavy, came from Ireland in 1745. and took for a helpmate Hannah White, sister of Judge Alexander White, of Virginia. Of this marriage there were four sons and four daughters. Francis was the oldest son. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, was also twice a member of the legislature of the Xorthwestern territory, and also a member of the convention that formed the first constitution of the state of Ohio, and was also a member of the first legislature of Ohio. The next member of the ciiurt is the

Hon. William Maxwell

One of the associate judges, who was nut unknown to the presiding judge, for both of them Ivad been members of the first legislature of Ohio, which had met ]\Iarch i. 1803, at Chillicothe. Mr. Dunlavy was a member of the senate and Mr. Maxwell a member of the house, but in matters which for a joint session were brought face to face. This explains another item of history. Mr. Ala.xwell being a member of the body that formulated and passed the act creating the new counties of Butler, Warren, Montgomery and Greene, whilst in the legislature had received the appointment of associate judge, along with Benjamin Whiteman and James Barrett, and while there had taken the oath of office. When the court met "Slay 10, 1803, he administered the same to his two associates. I\Ir. Maxwell was akso a soldier, and he is said to have published the first paper printed in Cincinnati. He was a "resident of what is now known as Bea\ercreek township, Greene county, at the time be is credited as being a representati\'e from Hamilton county, Ohio.

Mr. Maxwell resigned as associate judge and accepted the ofifice of sheriff' of Greene county, in place of Captain Nathan Lamme, who had first been appointed and served six months. He continued to act as sheriff imtil 1807. when he was relieved by Colonel James Collier, who had been his faithful deputy. It was while ]\Ir. Ma.xwell was sheriff, in 1806, that the notorious fight occurred between Ben Kizer and Aaron Beall. Mr. Maxwell in his attempt to uphold the majesty of the law rushed into the ring to stop the fight, received a blow that sent him reeling and bleeding from the ring.

The next one sitting near Mr. Maxwell is one upon whose face if you once gazed you would li->ok again, attracted by his fine military look and bearing; that man was the companion of Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, and is well known by all present as a brave soldier,

General Bexjamix Whitemax

Another of the three associate judges of Greene county, and son-in-law of Owen Davis, the owner of the building in which the court is being held, which building General \\'hiteman had erected for his father-in-law in 1799. He is at this time in the prime of life in his thirty-fourth year. He was liorn on the 12th day of March, 1769, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AX'hen but thirteen years of age he had emigrated to Kentucky, about seven years after the first white settlement had been made by Colonel Daniel Boone, and settled near Limestone (now Maysville). He himself says he came to Beavercreek township in 1799.

cliiUlrcn. two sons, James and Philip, and dangliters Eleanor and Hannah. He was at this time well up in years, and the inlirmities of age were beginning to show that he had reached the top of the hill and had commenced going down. In cuming into the township he located on the land better known as the farm of Robert Tate, nortiiwest of the present village of Bellbrook, being south part of section 9 (2.6). His boys were hale, hearty fellows, James at this time being twenty-one years old, and I'liilip nineteen, and as they all had their Imme in common the father and mother were well cared for. Mr. Barrett and his family in first coming to Hamilton county settled on Dick creek in what afterward was ] hitler county.

The next member of the court that attract.-; our attention is that distinguished looking man that is present to act as prosecuting attorney, the

A former native of Xew York, who had emigrated early to the Northwestern territory, and had settled in what proved to be Hamilton county. He ha<l Ijeen chosen to represent Hamilton county in the first session of the legislature which met at Chillicothe. March i, 1803, and was a member of the senate of said body, and here it was that "Hon." was first prefi.xed to his name. He makes the fourth member of that honorable body that is now present at this first court of common pleas, which met at the house of Peter Borders.. The others are His Honor Francis Dunlavy, of \\'arren county ; John Paul, the etificient clerk of the court and whose home was at this time at what is now known as Trebein's Station, where he first settfed when, in 1800, he came to (ireene county. Here Mr. Paul had. as it were, harnessed the waters of the Little Miami to run his sawmill, and it was known at the time as "Paul's mill." These three, a short time before, were members of the senate, and William Maxwell, of whom we have sjxjken l>efore, was a member nf tlie hini^e of that first legislature.

Over the hill southeast of where the honorable court is now sitting is the home, and was when he was in this first legislature of Ohio, of William Ma.xwell. "Honor to whom honor is due." History says that Messrs. Paul and Maxwell were members from Plamilton county, which was in part true, nevertheless they were residents at the time of what is now known as Greene county.

Over in the corner sit the members of the grand jury, a fine looking" body of men. Sugarcreek township is well represented on said jury. Out of the fourteen. Sugarcreek has seven, namely, Joseph C. Vance, John Wilson. William Buckles, Abraham Van Eaton. James Snodgrass, Robert Marshall and Alexander Armstrong. ?ilad River township for some cause was not represented on this first "grand jury." Caesarscreek was represented by William I. Stewart, w-ho was cliosen as foreman, and Martin Mendenhall and Joseph Wilson. Beavercreek township, in which the court was being held, was represented by John Judy, E\-an JNlorgan, Jolm Buckhannon and Harry Martin.

Rev. Moses Shoup

Son uf George and Chaiiutte Shoup. was born in Frederick county, ^Maryland, on the I St day of October, 1793. and emigrated to Greene county in the spring of 1805. His life was one of usefuhiess, and his kind and genial disposition won for him the good will of all. He was a faithful minister in the German Baptist church fur more than fifty years. He was married to Elizabeth ]\Iiller in the year 1818, and with whom he lived more than fifty years. She died in 1877. Mr. Shoup died ]\Iay 7, 1880, in his eighty-seventh year, and is buried at ;\It. Zion churchyard. His grandfather, Martin Shoup. was a native of Switzerland, and his three sons, George and Solomon settled in Beavercreek township, whilst Samuel made his home in Bath township the short time that he lived after coming to Ohio. He died at his home in Bath township, July 18, 1812, aged fory years, and is Imried along side of his wife, Dorothy, who died March 28, 1837, at the age of sixty-four years. Both are buried in what is known as the "Cost gravevard," in sight of Fairfield, Bath township, Ohio. George Shoup, Sr., father of ]\Ioses Shoup. was the father of the following children : Moses, George, Solomon, David, and one daughter, Mary Hawk, living in Frederick county, ^Maryland. Rev. Moses Shoup" s children who arrived at adult age consisted of the following: One son, Daniel M. Shoup, and daughters. Airs. Charlotte Coy. Mrs. Catharine Gearhart, Mrs. Sarah Wampler, Mrs. Harriet Brubaker and Mrs. Rebecca Ann Darst.

1812. He was married to ]^Iiss Mary Cadwell in Xurthumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1816, and in the fall of 1820 he, with his wife and two children, emigrated to Ohio, settling first in Franklin, Warren county. They came in true emigrant style with wagon and four horses attached, and were six weeks making the journey. After residing in Franklin two years the family removed to Beavercreek township, Greene county, in tiie year 1822, and settled near what is known as Harbine's Station, and continued to live there until the year 1S34, when they removed to Shelby county, Ohio, into what might be termed then the back woods of Ohio, and for a number of years endured all the hardships of frontier life. Mr. Allison died and was Ijuried in Shelby county. For a while when they \\\td in Beavercreek township they resided in that ever to be rememljered house, the house of Peter Borders. Greene county's first place vi holding courts. And here in this house some of their children were born. After the death of Mr. Allison the mother was left with a family of nine children, the care of which was thrown upon her, and well did she do her part. Mrs. Allison's parents emigrated from the north of Ireland in 1782 to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and were of the highest type of Scotch Presbyterians, and she inherited all the traits of character peculiar to that race of people to a very liigh degree. In 1882 six of her children were living, three sons and three daughters. James, the eldest, when quite a boy, learned the mercantile business with Samuel Puterbaugh : William, the well known insurance agent ; and Samuel, manufacturer of liinder twine : also another son. Robert, who emi-

The Coming Of The H.Akbines To Greene

I*"ew families have been as successful in tracing their ancestors back to "the long ago" as lias been the case with this honored famil}-. i'he history as gleaned here an<l there reads almost like the beginning of fiction. The Harbine family descended from the Huguenots, and their early ancestors were driven from their native France to lands where thev might wnrship according to the dictates of their own consciences. Three families of that name left their native lands about the \ear 1700. One family settled in Algiers, where a small town now now bears their name. The other two came to the United States, one settling in West Virginia, and the dther in Herks county, Penns_\-lvania. Peter Harbine was at the head of the Jast family spoken of. and was the ancestor of our Greene county Harbines. Briefly fullowing out the Scrijjtnral form. we would say of John Harbine. he was the son of Daniel, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of Peter Harliine. who in 1749 purchased a tract of land from Thomas and William Penn in the then province of Pennsylvania. Daniel Harbine, Sr., had removed to Washington county, Maryland, where. January 17. 1804, the subject of this sketch, John Harbine, was born, and there continued to reside until the year 1828. He was married in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. August 21. 1827. to Miss Hester Herr, and the year following, with his young wife, started for their new home. They drove through in a carriage, and not long after Mr. Harbine"s arrival he purchased the land on which stood the first court house for Greene county, in Beavercreek township. They moved intO' the building thus obtained, and the husband occupied himself as miller and owner of the Owen Da\-is mill, the first that was built in Greene county. He continued milling for some years, and finally built extensive oil, flour and woolen mills, together with the store, and became largely interested in the grain trade in .\enia. He also had two mills on the Miami river, where was erected the first cotton factory of this section, ami was largely interested in the dexelopment of the lurni)ike system, besides being instrumental in securing the building of the Little Miami road. He was warmly interested in the establishment of schools. Politically he was' a Whig, and later a Republican. Religiously he was a prominent member of the Reformed church. To him and his estimable wife there was born a family of eight children, ail of whom grew to mature years : Daniel R. ; Jacob H.. who i« still a resident of the old home; Marv E.. who was married to David G. Steele; Hattie M.. wh< became the wife of the Hon. John ^filler: Sarah J. married Dr. William Hagenbaugh : Anna C.. the wife of George Smith ; J. Thomas ; and B. F. Harbine.

June 8, 1873, after a life of usefulness, the father, John Harbine. died. .\t the age of eighteen he was received into full communion with the Reformed church at St. PauFs church, near Clear Springs. Maryland. The esteem in which he was held as a citizen and neighbor was exinced by the large procession that followed his remains to their last resting place in \\'oodland cemetery. Xenia. Ohio.

At the September term of the court of common pleas of Greene county. Ohio, in tlie year 1821 personally appeared in open court before the court of common pleas Thomas Davis, aged sixty-five years last January, a resident of Bath township, in the county of Cireene aforesaid, who being sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war, as follows : "I served as a private in the company commanded by Captain Thomas Young, Western Battalion, in the regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Crockett, in the service of the United States." Mr. Davis had previous tO' this made a])plicatii:in and was recei\'ing a pension of eight dollars per month under what was termed "the law of 1S18." whicii pension was granted him at the rate of eight dollars per montli. He made that application in Clark county, Kentucky, previous to his coming to Ohio. The date of his certificate under the law was No. 7258. He had at the time of making his last application two children living, a son, John Davis, who was then thirty-six years old, and was a cripple in his left arm, not able to help his parents ; and one daughter. Nancy Davis, aged sixteen years, who was acting as housekeeper. He farther states that he served five years in the Revolutionary war and three years under General Anthony Wayne.

William Read

1793, and was the second child of Andrew and Catharine Read. During the year 1799 he removed with his parents to Ohio and settled on ]SIad river, four miles northeast of Dayton, thence removed in the spring of 1802 to near Fairfield, settling upon what has been called "Read's Hill." During the war with England in 18 12 and 181 3 he served as a teamster, carrying commissary stores from Dayton to Urbana. Bellefontaine and stations far beyond. Still later he sers'ed as a private under Captains Stevenson and McClellan, and was stationed at Fort Mc- Arthur, guarding the open frontier and keeping a line of comnuinicatinn ojien to Fort Meigs. After his return home he was married, in 1814, to ]\Iiss Mary Tatman, eldest daughter of Rev. Joseph and Rebecca Tatman. There were biirn unto them six children. He was an active member of the Alethodist Episcopal church. He was justice of the peace for many years, and a commissioner ior six years. He lacked just twenty-eight days of being sex'entv vears old at the time of his death.

Nimrod Haddox

During the year 1800 Ninn-od Haddox started from Virginia with two pack horses and came to Qiillicothe, Ross county, and while traveling at Deer creek met an old friend from \'irginia, with win nn he stopped over night, and liking the surroundings he prolonged his stay over winter. In the following spring he and five other families moved up Deer creek to Lamb's purchase, and squatted cm it. After having made a little improvement, learning that his nephew had settled on the Little Miami, he came to visit him, and finallv moved in with him.

After remaining here a couple of years he learned tliat his mother and family had moved to Kentucky, and he determined to visit her. Packing up, he started; and aljoiu three miles below Dayton he fell in with another old friend from Virginia w lio persuaded him to remain all winter and teach a school in the vicinity. In March the smallpox appearing in the settlement he moved across the river and began making sugar. Having good success in this direction, a fine lot of sugar was the result. About this time the great Hood took place. The water began to rise and he was compelled to cross the river with his sugar to a cabin on higher ground. The water still rising, lie moved to a house owned by a Mr. Taylor. This, also, being' surrounded by water, he put his sugar in the loft, and they all paddled across to an elevated spot and camjied for the night. Mr. Iladdox was ])laced on watch, and about midnight the water reached them and they were compelled as a last resort to cut trees and fall their tops together and climb them, and remain on them from Friday till Monday without food or drink. On Mmidav the water began to subside, and soon they descended from their perch and went to the house, which was turned around. They rowed their boat to the upper window and crawled in, and finding a large iron kettle in the loft and some meat they made a fire in the kettle and l)roiled some of it ; and also finding a sack of meal stowed awav in the loft they mixed this with water and baking it also in the impromptu oven soon had a good meal. On looking for his sugar, he found that it hail mostly disappeared. Fully satisfied with his \isit, he returned to his nephew's house.

What Became Of Peter Borders

From the old files of the "Torchlight" under date of Octol)er 23, 185 1. we find the following: "Died at Irish Grove, Menard county, Illinois, Sylvia Borders, wife of Peter Borders, aged seventy-eight years. Mr. Borders kept the first [lublic house in Greene countv, Ohio. And the first courts of said county were held in his house. He was at the time his wife died an old man eightyfour years of age, in good health, and astonishing activity for one of his age.

William Stephenson, Sr., wilh his wife and four children, namely, William, James, Peter and John, left the state of Kentucky some time previous to 1803 and settled in Bath township, Greene county, one mile and a half east of the present town of Osborn on land which in later years came to be the home of John Dispenett. His son. William, was a soldier with the rank of captain in the war of 1812.

John Hosier, Son Of Frederick

Mr. John Hosier, of Osborn. Bath township. Greene county. Ohio, died on Friday. December 24. 1869. at the mature age of eighty-one years. He was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1789. to which place his parents had remo\-ed and where thev made their home until 1797. They brought up a family of seven children, of whuiii John was tlie youngest save one. In 1/97 tlie family removed to this state, which was then hut a part of the "Xorthwestern territory, " and in a wilderness condition, inhabited or rather occupied by the "red men of the forest." Thev made a halt in Mason countv for about four years, where they rented some land and lived as most "backwoodsmen" lived in all new countries in a primitive way, with wants few and easily supplied. 'There were the carcasses of wild animals, many varieties of which abounded in every part of the great Northwest. The bread was made from corn meal, which was ground in little hand mills, somewhat like those in eastern countries, as in Bible times "upper and lower mill stones." the upper being turned liy a \)\n of wood or irijii inserted in the top, and near the outer rim or edge, for the hand of the operator to take hold of while the other hand supplied it with corn. It was sifted through a primitive screen, made of untanned deerskin, with holes made with the tines of a common table fork, which had been made red hot for the purpose. This process of burning the skins, through which the heated fork tines passed, prevented it from resuming its original shape again, and the seared and crisp material ser\'ed the purpose for which it was designed for long periods, and was certainly a good substitute for the wire sieve of to-day, though the process, like the grinding, as above described, was decidedly slow and tedious, compared with the method of doing the same work in our old settled country. At the end of the four years the family made another journey toward their ]ircsent home, and halted at a point near Cincinnati, called Columbia, at that day. Here they stayed more than two years. In coming from Shenandoali they stayed one entire winter in a rude camp which they hastilv constructed lor the purpose at the mouth of the Little Kaitawha river, and where they had expected to embark on a flat boat for their coveted western home, with their two horses and two cows and household goods and provisions, but with no wagon or other vehicle to facilitate land transportation. The boat did not come as anticipated, and they had no recourse but to make "virtue a necessit}'," and winter where they were, in their rude cabin, three miles from any white inhabitants and under the necessity of wintering their animals on browse, which they cut for the purpose in the surrounding forests, together with a little corn which they secured from the nearest settlement. The}' had no meat on their table with the exception of a large fat bear, which one of the larger boys had killed, with now and then a wild turkey. Their bread during the long winter was made from corn that was pounded in the hole of a large stump, hollowed out for the purpose with fire, a spring pole pestle being used for the purpose of mashing it. The next spring they embarked on a flat boat, according to their original plan, and finallv landed on the shore of the Miami river near Cincinnati. At this place, three miles from Cincinnati, they occupied a farm which was owned by a Mr. Isaac VanNess. The house was back from the river, on the "second bottom," tlnxigh some of the improved gTound was on the "lower bottom," nearer the river. They' were yet on this farm of Mr. VanNess when the great flood of 1803 occurred and where their cows got surrounded with a wide waste of whirlingwaters, while they had a little more than sulticient standing room on a little patch or knoll, just eniiugli to keep them from being swept a\va\' 1)_\- the seething flood. At one time, during the progress of the fltxad, our subject, with another l^rother, came near being drowned by the upsetting of their narrow, sliai>eless log of a canoe, with which they were striving to convey some food to their imprisoned animals, an eddy in the seething flow brought them into collision with a lug whicli was being whirled alnng at a rapid rate and which upset them ; however, he managed to grasp a branch of an elm tree and to climb among its branches, where he rested until his brother got safe to land, and returned with another raft of the same kind, and which had been dug out just the day before, as if to be ])riividentially readv for the occasion. There were no levees to confine the accumulated waters of the spring freshet within the legitimate banks of the river and, of course, they spread themseh'es out intn the forest on either side of the stream proper until the Miami \-alIey was like a vast lake, or an inland sea, or like the great father of waters in width and volume.

They came here in the valley of Mad river in 1803, and settled upon the eighty acres of land upon which uur subject resided until his death, midwav between the village of Osborn and Fairfield. The lanrl had been i^re-empted bv John Hunt, as were most of the government lands in that immediate locality by different individuals. They paid Mr. Hunt two shillings per acre for his pre-emption rights and then paid the government agent two dnllars per acre, with five years payments. But the land was in a state of nature, covered by a thick growth of ]3lum and hazel Ixishes. Fairfield had Isut a single hut at that time, and there were Init few inhabitants anywhere in the vicinity. Their household goods were unloaded in the woods, where they had no shelter but the canopy of the heavens, until they could hastily construct a tentlike structure of their bedclothes on short sticks set in the ground. After they had made their lirst pavment on their land they found themselves destitute of available meani, and, of course, depended ui>(in their good constitutions, their acquired skill in battling with the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and, of course, on the blessing of God. ThcA- had all of their provisions to procure by their labor in working for others who needed their services. Wages were low, and pries of pro\isions were correspondingly low. The price of a day's work with sickle in harvest was only four shillings, yet there was an active demand for it; all of the grain of the country had to be cut with the sickle for .several years, and until the grain craille was in- ^-ented and brought gradually into use. They got their grain, corn and wheat ground .MJinctimes at McCormack's mill on Mad river, nearby on the "chopinng mill' of the late John Knisley, sometimes at ]\lr. Steel's mill at Midway, near the site of Mr. Felix Wise's ]iresent woolen factory, and sometimes at Mr. Davis' mill near Clifton. The flour wherever made was bolted bv turning the machinery by hand. This was usually done l)y the owner of the "grist" so as to accelerate the process of making the wheat into flour and bran. This vicinity to Tatman's prairie near Fairfield enabled them to share with others in cutting the grass of that prairie for their cows and horses in the first winter.

Robinso.Ts History Of Greene Couxty

dix. of Oslx)ni. She was the motlier (if thirteen chilch-en. Mr. Hosier was converted to tlie service of God in 1840 and connected witli tlie Methodist Episcopal church. His opportunities for attending religious meetings had been few and far between. The first meeting that he attended was at "Read's Hill." east of Fairfield village.

He lived to see manv changes, and was one of the most useful men that lived in his day and generation. He was not the man to make himself too consjHCuous in the neighborhood where he lived, unless it was that he was known for his modesty and moral worth, for his honesty and integrity could not be called in question ; he would be ki\own as a good man, good citizen and a good Christian, and such he was in the judgment of charity. He had lived to see our country ])ass thrdUgh conflicts with foreign powers successfully, and then the great rebellion which threatened the life of the nation. He lived to see peace restored to our countrv. W'hen his time came he was readv

"To the Worshipful Court of Greene county, humbly showeth : "That whereas your petitioner liath been solicited from time to time liy travelers from remote distances as well as adjacent, tliat hath been and now continue to exjjlove the flourishing and fertile lands of Mad river, to ask license from the Honorable l>ench to keep a public house of entertainmen. That for want of such a place of cimvening for a recourse for shelter hath often sufficed in their recognizing in the said tour through this e.xtensi\e country, and being yet almost unsettled for many miles from m_\' dwelling. And beside all this he farther adds that without said lawful indulgence to obtain said license, must sustain great loss ; for at times am much crowded with sojourners to the dissatisfaction of private life, with no man near of profit, but an entire fatigue. His habitation being north fmni Sijringheld twent)- miles, from Chillicothe sixty miles. Ottawa Town forty miles northwest, from Mr. Isaac Zane's ten miles west. Your petitioner hopes to obtain and of your clemency the said license, and as in duty bcjund will e\-er pray. Signed by

The petition was also signed by Simrm Kenton, Peter Olix'er. Thomas Davis. Joseph Sutton. John Fisher. J. T. Galloway. Lewis Da\-is. Lewis Sutton. George ^L Smith. William Moore.

The author of this remarkable petition. James McPherson. or Sc]ua-la-ka-ke, "the red-faced man," was a native of Carlisle, Cumberland county. Pennsylvania. He was taken prisoner on the Ohio at or near the mouth of the Big Miami at the time of Ldughry's ilefeat, and was for many years engaged in the British Indian department, under Elliott & McKey. Married a fellowprisoner, came into our service after Wayne's treat)-, 1705. and continued in charge of the Shawnees and Senecas of Lewistown until liis removal from oflice in 1830, since which he has died. His nearest neighbor at this tinie was Isaac Zane. living ten miles east. Our own grand old pioneer, [Major James Galloway, was up in that part of the state in tlie year 1800, and there can be no ilnuln but tli;it he was intiniatelv accpiainted with

McPherson. Zane and dlliers ni tlic i)ii)neers of that section of the country. Years afterward he gave from memory his recollections of that part of what is now Logan county, and which had been fruni 180^:5 until 1H05 a part of Mad River township. Greene county, previous to the organization of Champaign county at that date, thus circumscribing Greene in its northern limits. .Vnd again in the fall of i.Sij we gave to Clark county a part of our northern territory, yet we ha\e historically the satisfaction of kiiowing that all of their early inhabitants or pioneers were first ours. And when Logan and Champaign counties point with pardonable \n-k\e to the home and place where the bodv of Simon Kenton was laid to rest "after life's long and titfid sleep." we can open our little poll Ijooks and the enumeration of the pioneers of Mad River township in Greene county from 1803 to 1805 and see the name of the aforesaid Simon, and we listen as he is being interviewed by John Daugherty, "lister"' of Mad River township for the year 1803. and we hear him sa\- in answer to the questions that are asked him : "This mill here on Mad river is worth, I suppose, one hundred and fifty dollars." .\nv cattle?' "Yes, I have three horses and twenty-two cattle."

At the first election held in said township, June 2 1, 1803. at the house of Griffith Foose, town of Springfield, John Daugherty and Roljert Loughry, clerks, and James Woods, Tliomas Redman and J(ihn Clark, judges. At this election a|)pears the name, among others selected for the different oifices, Simon Kenton, who was chosen to act as overseer of the poor. The subject of this sketch. James McPherson, was present and cast his Ijallot and helped to organize. The compiler of this sketch has the original petition of James McPherson framed and ready to return to the new court house among a number of papers of iiistorical interest, .^niong the signers of this petition is the autograph of Simon Kenton.

Alajor Thomas D. Carneal, founder of Caesarsville, Greene county. Ohio, and one of the earliest settlers of Cincinnati, but of late years a resident of Frankfort. Kentuckv, died at the residence of Nicholas Longworth in Cincinnati, Xovember 3, i860, aged seventy-six years. Jn the early days of Ohio he was an extensive speculator in wild lands, and located m;my warrants in the Virginia military district. .A few years since he set up a claim to sundr}- tracts of land on Caesar's creek in this county, but never pursued the matter to adjudication.

Like all others who invested in lands in the Ohio valley at an ^arly date, he realized a f(jrtune. He was the founder of the town of Caesarsville. which place was located four miles southeast of the present city of Xenia, on the farm where now (1899) resides our old friend. Pad Peterson. And strong hopes were entertained that it would become the jx^rmanent county seat of Greene countv. Buildings were erected for that purpose and a house that was to be used as a "court house." and east of this building was the public well (that can be seen to-day. 1899). covered with a large flat stone, located in the barn lot of Mr. Peterson. And scattered here and there w^ere some tw'enty-five or thirty cabins, which at that early date ( 1800) was to be the county seat of Greene county. At the organization of Greene county into tnwnsliips. ^lay lo. 1803, by order of court this was to be the voting place of Caesarscreek township, and was until the organization nf Xenia township, August 20, 1805.

William J. Stewart was acting as justice of the peace, a \'ery important office at that day, as the tally sheets of elections will show more \-otes were cast for the candidates for that oFlice tli.'ni in the fall for governor of the state. .Mr. Stewart seems to have been acti\-e in trying to help settle or to legalize methods that would have a tendency to build up and create a population, as the following record will show.

Married at Caesarsville at the house of William j. Stewart and by him, November 8, J 803, Mr. Samuel Bone to Miss Aletha Bcason ; by the same. }*Iay 10, 1803, Mr. Samuel Ruth to Miss Jane Wilson- again bv the same, under date of July 12, 1804. Mr. Jiihn Price to Miss Hannah Davis; and again, .\pril ic), 1804. ]\lr. Reuben Strong tc Miss Anna Wilson.

Joshiw Bell

He was a nati\e of Harford county, Maryland, but was raised in Baltimore county. He came to Caesarsville in April, 1807. and had not been in the village but a short time until we find in the records the following notice: "Married June 23, 1807. Mr. Joshua Bell to Miss Mary Bales by the Rev. Bennett Maxey. She was a sister of John Bales, and we find from the records that ]\rr. Bell was keeping tavern in tlie same house that had been erected for a court bouse and continued to do so until the year 1829. when he removed from Greene countv first to Indi.nna. then to Henrv countv.

Iowa, in 1841, where he continued to live until July i. 1856. when notice is sent back to his old home that at the above date he had died at the age of eighv-six vears. Numerous receipts and papers in the old records will show that he was acting as agent for Mayor Carneal in collecting interest and other money that were due ~Slv. Carneal for lands sold to the earlv settlers, l.)ut who never was a resident of the county. Ijut was largely interested in what was termed wild lands.

In the spring of 18 15 Samuel Peterson came from Virginia to this countv for the purpose of assisting his brother-in-law, Joseph Bootes, on his farm. In company with a Mr. Hegler, he made the long journey "n horseback, remainin.g all summer, then with a few friends returned to \'irginia b_\- the same mode of crnneyance. In the fall following his father came to this county with his family of five sons and two daughters and located on a tract of fi\'e hundred acres on Caesar's creek, south of Xenia, which he had previously purchased. Soon after his arrival one of his daughters was married to Jonathan Ketterman. who had formerly lived in this county, ^^"hen he started back to Virginia with his bride on horseback, his father-in-law sent Samuel to Cbillicothe with llicin to buy the bride a new saddle, which was presented to her as a bridal gift. T!ie father and his five sons, Samuel, Joel, Moses, Jacob and Felix, immediately began a vigorous assault uixm the dense forest that surrounded them, the efifect of which was soon visible in the sweeping crash of the mighty oak, the burning heap and the crackling brush. When a few acres were thus cleared they were planted in cnrn, for wliich not finding a readv market in the ear they tram[)e(I it out on the puncheon rtiior, took it to a distillery, had it made into whisky, took the whisky to an iron-furnace, traded it for iron, which they sold, and thus realized a good price for their whisky.

Samuel was a powerful man, and on one occasion lifted a trip hammer weighing seven hundred ])ciunds. lie cut the limher and made four hundred and lifty rails in one day. When ahout twenty-one he and Samuel Hegler, Colonel Mallow and I'cter Price, all 3-oung men, each took a four-horse load of flour from Oldtown mills to Cincinnati for William P.eall. Starting early in the morning with ten barrels each, ihev succeeded, by (k)ubling teams at every hill, in getting as far the first day as the present locality of Spring valley. Cam])ing out all night, the next day thev drove within a mile of \\'aynes\-ille, when Beall hired another team, which enabled them to travel more speedily. Reaching Cincinnati, thev were paid one dnllar ])er barrel for hauling, and started for home, making the round trip in ele\-en days. Beall, not being al)le to dispose of his Hour in Cincinnati, shipped it to New Orleans and walked back,

February 22, 1821, Samuel Peterson was married to Miss Hannah Heaton, who had come to this county a few years previous. He lived with liis parents for some time, then moved to a tract of one hundred acres given him by his father, upon which he had previously built a hewed-log house, considered in those days one of the most imposing structures in the country. Being entirely alone, the labor of clearing out tlic forest proceeded very slowly until 1825. Avhen lie leased the premises and to