Montgomery County, Ohio - Chapter 5, 1882

Village Plats And Other Localities

MERSON was platted byr Joseph Peirce, as agent for Samuel W. Davis and Thomas D. Carneal, June 15. 1819, sixty-four lots north of the Miami River, ^opposite the Dayton bridge (Bridge street). The plat was vacated, but about 4 , was replatted by Barnett, Arnold and Jordan; is now in the Tenth Ward i< known as Dayton View.

Buck Pasture (Buck Lot), comprising thirty-seven acres of land now within icpirst Ward, was platted by- D. Z. Cooper and David Stone, and sold at auction rust 6, 1836.

Lowry street was the extension of Fifth street, east of the canal to Wayne r t. Lodwick street was the extension of Lowry street, east to the corporation

Worth Dayton, north of Mad River, and now known as Texas, was platted in : v'-seven lots by Samuel T. ILarker, proprietor, in October, 1841. McPhersontown, both sides of Main street north of the Miami River, was aed in thirty-four lots by* Samuel McPherson, proprietor, February 1, 1845. Mexico, in thirty-nine lots, Third street west of Williams street, was platted erbert S. Williams, proprietor, February 22, 1845.

West Dayton, eighty lots, near Third and Williams streets, was platted by e:y Van Tuyl, W. H. Boon and Jesse Iv. Christopher, proprietors, in April, 1845. Patterson, better known as Browntown, west of the Miami River and south of Cincinnati. Hamilton & Dayton Railroad was platted by R, P. Brown, in forty - ots in October, 1853.

Miami City, from Wolf Creek south to -the railroad, and immediately west of -Miami River, was platted by George Moon and Joseph Barnett, proprietors, la 24, 1854.

The circus grounds, until about the year 1860, were in the triangle eas1 Wayne street between the canal and Third street ; since that time, shows uu canvas have been given south of Hickory street and west of Wayne ; but that p of the city is being so rapidly improved, that the location has been changed the lower end of Brown street north of Rubicon Creek.

For the past forty years, the favorite bathing places have been at the - c banks" in the Miami, a quarter of a mile south of the Washington street brid at the "tumbles" in the race, at the foot of Prairie street; at the "suck" in Miami, at the lower point of an island above the Third street river bridge ; at " l°g " just above the mouth of Wolf Creek ; in the Miami and Mad River at tl confluence ; at the " flats " in the Miami, above Mad River, and in the dee pools above the city, in both of the rivers.

The Mexican War

Dayton as the county seat, and as the center of population, was naturally rallying-point lor enlistment of soldiers, and of rendezvous for troops in the ' of 1812, the Mexican war, and the war of the rebellion, yet the history of eve in each of the three wars named, properly belongs in the county- history.

Company organizations for the Mexican war had been partially effec before the call for troops was issued; yet when the call was issued, men from parts of the county responded; Dayton was the center of the exciting events.

The evening of May 20, 1846, the Dayton National Guard at their armory Second street were addressed by- Capt. Hormell, in a brief and patriotic speech the close of which, he called for volunteers for'the war, and in response, the wl company stepped to the front for enlistment.

A number of the Dayton Dragoons, Capt. Giddings, signed a roll for eni ment. Maj. Thomas B. Tilton had recruited twenty-five of the Dayton C Squad. The evening of the 21st, a meeting of citizens of the county was held the City Hall, and from that time men came in from all parts of the county enlist.

Business in the city was almost entirely suspended from the 27th of ft until June 5, and the excitement was kept up until after the departure of 0; Stout's company- on the 9th.

The Flood Of 1847

The rivers were so swollen in the latter part of December, 1846, as to exi fears for the safety- of property in the lower portions of the city-. The waters ! been rising for several days; and on January 1, 1847, merchants and mauiflt urers along the canal, moved stocks and material from the cellars and lower do to the second stories of the stores and warehouses. The levee was new, and that reason there was great fear that it could not withstand the great pressure the waters. About midnight, a general alarm was given, and shortly afterw. the old outer levee at the Bridge street bend gave away, and from the rush of mighty torrent, the new levee was broken through, the waters filling the cell r covering the lowlands from the corner of Wilkinson and Water streets, around v. t of Perry to Fourth street, creeping up Fourth and Fifth streets nearly to Ykinson, and along Sixth street to Main. At 2 o'clock in the morning of the (the levee above the head of Mill street began to wash, the alarm was promptly i :n, but soon the waters swept down the canal bed, spreading to St. Clair tret at Second, and through the alley south of Third street to the market house, Te n Jefferson street to Sixth, and on Fifth to Main street, leaving only the center t he oldest part of the city above high-water mark, Relief parties were at ,'<k all night, on horseback and in boats, rescuing the people from the dwellings one more exposed portions of the city. Uptown buildings and residences were :h:wn open for the reception of those who were driven from their homes. It was light,. clear night, and there were no lives lost or serious accident of any kind. 1 annoyance was very great, the damage considerable, but being distributed a ng so many, individual losses were small in comparison to what at first was fflatened.

Whatever of provisions and supplies that were left in the cellars, were spoiled; .abets and furniture were damaged; fences, yards and buildings were injured by i riwood and floating timbers; but within a very few days all was cleaned up,

The levee was shortly afterward strongly reconstructed, and is constantly >eig strengthened, and since the water-way has been widened, by the bridge exnions, it is believed that there can be no danger to the city from high waters ijae future.

The City In 1850

There were four newspapers- - the Dayton Daily Journal, owned and edired R. N. and W. F. Comly ; the Western Empire , owned and edited by Fitch & Ra sey ; the Transcript , owned and edited by William C. Howells & Co.; Das D&< Journal owned and edited by John Bittman. J ohn W. Harries' brewery was on 1 west side of Jefferson street, north of First street ; the brewery of John and Her Ferneding was on the east side of Kenton street, near Third. -

The city was well provided with hotels and taverns ; the Voorhees House, 1 H. Squires, landlord; Sway nie House, Alexander Swaynie ; Montgomery Hom C. Forrer ; Farmer's and Mechanic's Hotel, John P. Kline ; Franklin Hon Conrad Smith ; Lafayette House, J. Zweisler ; Columbian Hotel, Adam Kneel) Day-ton Hotel, Francis Ohmer ; City Hotel, M. S. Gunckel ; Galt House, J. Nauerth; Liberty Hall, Adam Snyder ; Pennsylvania House, H. Good ; Union Hou H. Good ; Harrison House; Philadelphia House ; American House, Andrew Span, St. Charles, N. L. Anil & Co.; Canal Hotel, T. Stephens; Chillicothe House, Rowe ; Augustus Kryder and F. Shutte each had small taverns in the alley the north side of the Market House ; Erasmus Mutlch kept hotel on Third stre east of Bainbridge street.

City Of Dayton

The four banks were the Dayton Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, Peter in, President, C. G. Swain, Cashier ; Dayton Bank, Jonathan Harshman, Sr., : ident, Y. Winters, Cashier. March 31. 1850, Mr. Harshman died, and John e;h was elected President, and John B. Chapman appointed Cashier, vice V. Tiers resigned; City Bank, owned by J. 0. Shoup and Samuel Tate, Joseph A. i ung, Cashier ; Farmers' Bank, owned by Daniel Beckel, Joseph Clegg and am Dickey, under the firm name of Beckel & Co.

The Dayton Hotel Company was incorporated in March, 1850. In July they : hased the ground at the southwest corner of Third and Main streets, and in e fall of the same year began building the Phillips House. The house was « ed by Leonard & Potter September 10, 1852; a very elegant and popularly it ded ball and supper were given at the hotel, under the management of a large nier of the most prominent gentlemen of the city, the evening of October 14 ; ts, $5.

Minor Events

In July, 1851, a town clock that had been purchased by the City'- Council was a d in the tower of Wesley Chapel, where it did duty for a number of years, and hen placed in the Second Presbyterian Church steeple.

Sin sewing machines, the Singer machine was the first exhibited in Dayton ; it aorought here October 11, 1851, by S. N. Shear, agent, and of course was an >j t of great interest to people of all classes.

Census

Of the settlers who came to the county, April 1, 1796, eight men, three women, our girl children and one baby boy, total sixteen, located at Dayton. Within oiext three years some of the original settlers moved out, but new-comers Cased the population of the hamlet to twenty-three - nine men, seven women eleven children. In April, 1803, the population was shown to be five men, six )i;n and eight children, total nineteen. December 21, 1808, the village had Inhabitants ; August 10, 1810. 383 ; June 1, 1S20, 1,139 ; May 1, 1828, 1,697 ; 14, 1829, 2,358.

In the fall of 1813, the Dayton Manufacturing Company was chartered. Amber 28, the following Board of Directors was elected : H. G. Phillips, Joseph hje, John Compton, David Reid, William Baker, Charles R. Greene, Isaac G.

1 ,ett, Joseph H. Crane, D. C. Lindsley, John Ewing, Maddox Fisher. David in and John H. Williams. May 19, 1814, the board organized by the election I G-. Phillips, President, and George S. Houston, Cashier. At an election held >14, J. N. C. Schenck, George Grove, Fielding Gosney and Benjamin Van Cleve were added to the board. The amount of stock issued was $61,055. The b; opened for business August 14, 1814 ; the President's salary was fixed at $150 annum, and the Cashier's at $400, but both were afterward increased. In Novi ber. Mr. Phillips resigned the Presidency, and Joseph Peirce was elected. ' next year the company built the stone house on the east side of Main street, no of First. Luther Bruen and James Steele were elected directors. In June exhibit of the condition of the bank was made as follows :

In 1817, Henry Bacon, as a professional character of reputable standing, , employed as attorney for the bank. In .1818, William Huffmam, Henry Ban and George W. Smith were elected Directors, and, in 1819, Alexander Grimes.

The President, Joseph Peirce, died in September. 1821. Benjamin Van C ' was elected to succeed him, but died in November, and was succeeded by Gee Newcom. The bank had been forced to suspend specie payments at several ferent times, and the business had run down. In February, 1822, James St i was elected President, but shortly afterward the directors decided to close up i business. It, however, run along until in 1825, a new law was passed that wn first deemed favorable, but taxes were oppressive, and it became evident that bank must go down.

In July, 1831, the board was re-organized by the election of nine direcj James Steele, H. G. Phillips, David Stone, Jacob Catterlin, William Eaker, H<| Stoddard, Luther Bruen, Charles G. Swain, John Rench. James Steele, Presid Alexander Grimes, Cashier ; D. Z. Peirce, Assistant. In 1833, Henry Stock was employed as attorney for the bank at a salary of $50 per annum.

The Legislature shortly afterward authorized the name to be changed to of the Dayton Bank. J. H. Bowen afterward became Assistant Cashier, then A. Dusang, and in 1839 John Harries was appointed. |

In 1841, the bank suspended specie payment; January, 1842, the board notice of their intention to wind up the business ; January 1, 1843, the chi expired, and Alexander Grimes, as agent, closed up the affairs of the bank.

The city was then without banking facilities from the 1st of January, until June 1. 1845 ; except that for a part of that time D. Edwards, a broker, in business on the north side of Third street, near Main street, in Harshim row.

In February", 1845, a new and more liberal bank law was enacted. With few weeks stock was subscribed for an independent bank, to be called the ,l 1 c Bank," under the new law, with a specie capital of $60,000. May 1, the '.owing Directors were elected: Jonathan Harslnnan, Sr., John Rench, Thomas B'wn. Jonathan Harshman, Jr., Daniel Beckel, Henry Van Tuyl, David Davis, liathan Harshman, Sr., was made President, and Valentine Winters, Cashier.

The bank was located on the north side of Third street, the second door east Villain street. It was opened for business about June 1, and two weeks later Anew bills were in circulation.

John Rench was elected President of the bank upon the death of Mr. Harsh- :m. in March, 1850 ; in November following, Mr. Winters resigned, and John B. ipman was appointed Cashier. The bank discontinued business in the spring >1:1852.

! Stock books of the Dayton Branch State Bank of Ohio, were opened the first vijk of April, 1845. The first meeting of stockholders was held May 21 ; the d-d was organized as follows : President, Peter Odlin ; Cashier, David Z. 4ce : Directors, Peter Odlin, Alexander Grimes, C. G. Swain, R. W. Steele, J. Phillips, Samuel Shoup, Warren Estabrook, David Stout, Herman Gebhart ; c.tal, $150,000.

The bank began business July 7, in a room on the south side of Second i et, four doors east of Main, aMd in the latter part of December following nred into Shoup's building, at the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson diets. Mr. Peirce resigned in March, 1849, and Charles G. Swain was elected Jiihier, and served in that capacity, with Mr. Odlin as President, until the capiaiind business was transferred to the Dayton National Bank in April, 1865.

The City Bank, a private bank owned by J. O. Shoup and Samuel Tate, Sr., 'Viji Joseph A. Dusang as Cashier, was located on the north side of Third street, of doors east of Jefferson, and opened for business August 7, 1850. In April, 92, Mr. Tate withdrew from the firm, and the business was continued by Mr. 'Tup for several years.

Daniel Beckel, William Dickey and Joseph Clegg established tlffi Farmers' I k in the Ohio Block, Third street west of Kenton street, and opened for busi- >(i! November 20, 1850. March 29, 1852, Mr. Clegg withdrew from the firm, r the bank was moved to the northeast corner of Jefferson and Third streets, ffiber 24, of the same year, Mr. Dickey withdrew, and Mr. Beckel continued until the bank closed in 1854.

The Miami Valley Bank was established in 1851, and opened for business Vteraber 10. Daniel Beckel, President ; S. C. Emley, Cashier ; Directors, Dane deckel, Nathaniel Strong, J. McDaniel, Daniel A. Hajmes, Joseph Clegg. The ;k was at first located in room No. 3 of the Ohio Block, but was afterward i ed to the Dayton Bank room, on Third street, near Main, where the business Jed.

The Exchange Bank, owned by Valentine Winters, Jonathan Harshman, R. Dickey and James R. Young, was first opened for business at the northeast tier of Main and Third streets, April 5, 1852. September 26, 1853, Messrs. Gey and Young withdrew, Harshman and Winters continuing the business n 1 in 1857, Mr. Harshman withdrew, and Jonathan H. Winters became a mem- 4 of the firm. The firm name was changed to V. Winters & Son, who coned and largely increased the business, and for many years held rank v i the best banks of the country. In the fall of 1861, the bank was moved doors north into the building that was torn down in 1871, to give place to hr present handsome structure. On the 1st of January, 1882, it was changed

National Bank and is known as Winters' National Bank. Its capital stock ' 300,000, and its officers are as follows : J. H. Winters, President ; J. D. Platt, ' h President ; J. C. Reber, Cashier ; Directors, J. H. Winters, J. D. Piatt, Vali ne Winters, L. B. Gunckel, J. Decker, J. M. Phelps, James Stockstill, Samuel Vtghead, E. M. Wood.

man occupied the room as a private banking house ; then he, with Jonathan Gorman, established the Central Bank, and moved into the corner room, vaca by the Exchange Bank, and continued business until about 1874.

The banking house of Harshman & Co., east side of Jefferson street, nortl Third, was established b}r Jonathan and Joseph Harshman in 1860 ; in 1865.11 gentlemen were associated in the organization of the Second National Bs In 1870, Harshman & Co. again engaged in banking, and continued until aff'ec by the panic of 1873.

The First National Bank was organized in the spring of 1863, with $112. capital, which was afterward increased to $150,000. President, Simon Gebha Cashier, G. B. Harman ; Directors, Simon Gebhart, Henry Herrman, Thomas 1 rott, Caleb Parker, John L. Martin, D. E. Mead, Samuel Marshall, George Shaw, Josiah Gebhart. May 1, 1870, Simon Gebhart, G. B. Harman and W. Gebhart purchased the good will and succeeded to the business of the bank, have since that time conducted a general banking business under the firm nam Gebhart, Harman & Co., north side of Third street, three doors west of Jeflen

The Second National Bank was chartered in the spring of 1863, and oq ized as follows : President, Jonathan Harshman ; Cashier, David C. Ren Directors, Jonathan Harshman, James Perrine, G. W. Kneisly, T. S. Babl William P. Huffman, Robert Chambers, L. R. Pfoutz, N. B. Darst, D. C. Rei Their place of business at first was on the east side of Jefferson street, nortl Third street, and September 1, 1869, was moved to its present location at northwest corner of Jefferson and Third streets. The capital at first emplo was $100,000, but has at different times been increased until it reached $300, ( The last officers of this bank were : William P. Huffman, President ; Daniel Ke Vice President ; Charles E. Drury, Cashier ; Directors, W. P. Huffman, T. S 1 bitt, D. Keifer, G. W. Kneisly, R. J. King, John K. McIntyre, Preserved Sn George W. Shaw, E. J. Barney. It ceased to exist May 25, 1882.

The Dayton National Bank received its charter in April, 1865, and withou terruption to business, succeeded the Dayton Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, bank was organized with $300,000 capital ; Peter Odlin, President; C. G. Swi Cashier ; Directors, J. H. Achey, G. W. Rogers, Harvey Conover, T. A. Phil Horace Pease, Dr. H. Jewett, Joel Estabrook, Herman Gebhart. The bank re was at the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson streets. Mr. Swain die 1866. H. C. Hiestand succeeded him, and served until W. S. Phelps was ele| in January, 1869. The bank was moved to its present location in the Hu: building at the southeast corner of Third and Jefferson streets, October 1, 1 J. H. Achey was made President in November, 1872, and is still serving in capacity ; W. S. Phelps is Cashier, and the Directors are John H. Achey, G. Rogers, Harvey Conover, Samuel W. Davies, R. R. Dickey, Josiah Gebhart, W ill P. Callahan, William H. Simms, Isaac Van Ausdal.

The Merchants' National Bank began business February 15, 1871, in room which they yet occupy at the southwest corner of Third and Jeffei streets; capital, $100,000; afterward increased to $150,000. President, -' Powell ; Cashier, A. S. Estabrook ; Directors, John Powell, E. D. Payne, i Mead, J. C. Peirce, J. W. Dietrich, James Applegate, Samuel Marshall. 0 Parker, N. Obmer. The present board are : D. E. Mead, President ; J. C. Pe Vice President; A. S. Estabrook, Cashier; Directors, D. E. Mead, J. C. Pe John R. Reynolds, B. F. Hargrave, E. A. Daniels, T. A. Legler, James A{ gate, A. Gebhart, N. Ohmer.

The Dayton Savings Bank, 432 East Fifth street, was organized $100,000 capital February 24, 1874; President, C. F. Kneisly; Cashier, ! Dietrich ; Directors, C. F. Kneisly, Charles Burroughs, Jost Durst, D. Sk John L. Prugh. Mr. Kneisly served as President until January, 1880, when J L. Prugh was elected. The present board are : John L. Prugh, President ; * Crawford, Cashier ; Directors, John L. Prugh, Jost Durst, D. Slentz, E. P' Joseph Bigger.

John Bettelon and William Gkmckel, in 1872, established a Savings Bank at >( East Third street. Mr. Bettelon withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Grunckel is t' carrying on the business.

Small weekly deposits, which, in the aggregate amount to a considerable sum, iimade in the Building Associations, and in the Savings and Loan Associations, mny of which have been organized in the city. These associations have accomilhed great good to a very large number of mechanics and laborers, by affording i fe deposit for small sums of weekly earnings, and in this way enabling very aiiy families to accumulate a sum sufficient to buy or build small homes.

The Third National Bank was organized and began business May 10, 1882, in hibuilding formerly occupied by the Second National Bank. Its capital stock is 540,000, and its officers are : William P. Huffman, President ; Daniel Keifer, Vice isident ; Charles E. Drury, Cashier ; Directors, William P. Huffman, T. S. Bab- 5 Daniel Keifer, G. W. Kneisly, R. J. King, John K. McIntyre, Preserved 1th, George W. Shaw. E. J. Barney.