Gasper Township (part 3 of 3)

The Underground Railway

During the war of the Rebellion an institution existed in southern Ohio which was the cause of considerable ill feeling between the opposing factions in that part of the State. This was an organization known as the Underground Railway," and was organized with a view to rendering assistance to any fugitive slaves who might cross the Ohio river, and were desirous of reaching Canada. The society was splendidly managed, and it is a of pride with those who were members, that not a single slave was ever captured when once he had obtained a pass on the "Underground Railway." The modus operandi was somewhat as follows: The organization had members stationed along the banks of the river, and it is even shrewdly surmised that agents were sometimes on the southern side of the stream. As soon as a slave crossed the river he sought protection in the houses of these members, and was immediately sent north to the next station. From this point they were hurried by friendly hands to the next station, provided the road was clear; otherwise they were kept in safe hiding until the "train" could be carried through in safety. One of these stations was near West Elkton, in Gratis township, and was under the charge of one of the leading citizens in that part of the county. This gentleman, whose name is retained, declared that he had often had as many as five or six fugitives on his hands at one time, waiting for a safe pass northward. The transportation was 'generally done at night, but urgent cases sometimes occasioned an exception to this rule. The agents ahead were at once instructed if there should be any pursuit, to immediately place the northern bound passenger in hiding for a season. The slave was instructed to watch for a certain sign, and ifgiven him at at any time to follow without questioning. This association often received threatening letters, but pursued their humane work regardless of outside enmities. They claim that the number of fugitives who arrived in Canada in safety, through the assistance of the society, reached into the thousands.

Miscellaneous Items

At the present day this township is strictly temperate. As was remarked before, no dram shops of any kind are tolerated; but in days gone by this was not the case; distilleries could counted by the score, all through the northern part of Gratis, although, owing to the influence of the Friends, few, if any, ever were erected below the line of West Elkton.

The first distillery of which any record can be obtained was builtin the northeastern part of the township, about the year 1811, by Christian Fall. This was only run fora year or two. Daniel Chrisman started one in the same part of the township, in 1824, which was kept in operation for over six years. About the same time one was started in the same neighborhood by Peter Riner. Around Winchester it is stated that as many as fifteen could be counted within a circuit of two miles.

This country was settled by families from the Carolinas and Georgia, all of whom were familiar with the work of distilling, and each man who could afford it had a copper still on his place. 'The article produced was of the best quality. Each man used his own grain. Those who could not afford a still of their own were accustomed to exchange grain for whiskey. It was regarded as indispensable at every log-rolling or house-raising, and it required a man of strong determination to refuse the liquor to the workmen. It was gradually done, however, until finally any attempt to manufacture the article was frowned down by the majority of the citizens.

The first death in the township was that of Mrs. Nathan Maddock, who died in the year 1805, and was buried in Fair Mound cemetery, near West Elkton. She was the wife of one of the earliest settlers i the township.

The First White Child

born in the township was Rebecca, daughter of Hezekiah Philips. She afterwards married Jonas Brubaker, and is now living west of Winchester, on the Eaton pike. She has reached the age of seventy-six years, and is the mother of five or six children. Besides being the first white child born in the township, Mrs. Brubaker has the honor, of being the first female child born in the county, Mr. George Hendricks, of Somers, being the first male child.

No incident of a stirring nature seems to have occurred during the infancy of the township. The settlers were too close to the settlements along the Maimi river to have very great fear of the Indians. These latter were often seen passing through the township, but always in a peaceable manner. They were always stopping to beg food, and seldom failed to express gratitude.

'The only event which seems to have impressed itself on the minds of the early pioneers was a severe fall of snow in the winter of 1803-4. It was the heaviest ever of Gratis township are: Noah Brower, F. L. Raikes and Daniel Gifford, trustees; G. W. M. Brookwalter, clerk; J. M. Matthews, treasurer; J. G. Thomas and Lewis Mc- Kay, assessors; H. C. Michael and James Robinson, constables; A. Stiver and Nathan Hornaday, justices of the peace; P. S. Brower, W. S. Vickers, E. R. Taylor, C. Platt, S. Eckhardt, James Robinson, S. Stonebraker, M. Stubbs and George Hauger, supervisors.

No records of the early elections of the township can be obtained. They have either been lost or else are laid away in some corner among the papers of some early pioneer, as there is no recollection of them now. The first election was probably held at the residence of that settler whose house was easiest of access to all. There is no town house in the township. 'The elections are held at the office of the township clerk in Winchester.

Population And Valuation

The present population of the township, according to the last census, is two thousand three hundred and nine (2,309). The value of property in the township, according to the returns of the assessors, is eight hundred and sixty-six thousand eight hundred and 'thirty-eight dollars ($866,838). Of this amount, seven hundred and fortynine thousand six hundred and three dollars ($749,603) is the value of the lands, and the remainder - one hundred and seventeen thousand two hundred and thirtyfive dollars ($117,235) - of the buildings etc. The above valuations include those of the three towns in the township, Winchester, West Elkton and Greenbush. The property valuation of Winchester is fifty-seven thousand nine hundred and forty-eight dollars ($57,948); that of West Elkton is thirty-one thousand eight hundred and seventy dollars ($31,870), and of Greenbush, four thousand two hundred and twenty dollars ($4,220).

John Chrisman

This venerable citizen was born September 13, 1797, in Guilford county, North Carolina, and is consequently now in his eighty-fourth year. His grandfather, Jacob Chrisman, was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and afterwards removed to Guilford county, North Carolina, where, in 1775, his son Daniel was born. Subsequently the Chrisman family-removed-to Rowan county, North Carolina. Daniel Chrisman married about the year 1785, Mary, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Ozias, who had emigrated from Pennsylvania to North Carolina some years ago.

As has been stated, the subject of this sketch was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, where his father, Daniel Chrisman, continued to reside until the year 1803, when, in company with his son and his wife's parents, he decided to remove to Ohio. The little party was six weeks on the tedious journey through the mountains, and they were very weary when at length they arrived at their destination, Warren county, near Springborough. Grandfather Jacob Chrisman lived in Warren county during the remainder of his life. The Ozias subsequently removed to this county and settled on Twin creek. The former was an active minister of the Gospel and a life-long member of the old Presbyterian church. He commenced preaching many years before his emigration to Ohio. He travelled extensively, and could speak fluently in both English and German. "As early as 1801 he made a trip to Ohio, and was undoubtedly one among the first Presbyterian ministers who preached in Ohio. After his emigration to this State he frequently preached in this county. Being a very heavy and not a very strong man, he was often compelled to sit down while speaking. He died in 1810, aged sixty-six years, six months and six days.

In August, 1805, Daniel Chrisman, having decided to settle in Preble county, removed thither with his family. He had to cut a road part of the way through the dense forest, which on every side surrounded the spot in Gratis township where the new home was to be built. The first three days after their arrival were spent in a tent made of the wagon cover, while the neighbors gathered from all sides and assisted in the building of a rude pole shanty, which served as a house until Mr. Chrisman could find time to build a more substantial log house, in which he lived for some years, and afterwards built the one that-is still standing on the old home farm, in which Mr. Chrisman, sr., continued to live during most of his life. He entered the northeast quarter of section eleven, aud in the early days of his residence in this county he undertook the manifold hardships and discomforts which fall to the lot of the pioneer. He died February 12, 1861, surviving his wife ten years, the latter dying March 2, 1851.

Humus

John Crouse, and lives in Indiana; Solomon married Elizabeth Shuey, and both are dead; Jacob. married Julia A. Riner, and Daniel married Eliza Ann Fudge.

John Chrisman has been a farmer all of his life, aud in early boyhood commenced to "make his hand" in the field. His school days were brief. He lived on the old home place with his father until the year 1820, and on the twentieth of February, of that year, was united in marriage to Mrs, Susan Hall, the widow of Richard D. Hall, who emigrated from Newmarket, Maryland, in 1809, the year of his marriage. Mrs. Chrisman, whose maiden name was Fishbourn, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, February 8, 1791. When a little girl she removed with her parents to Baltimore, and afterwards she became a resident of Newmarket, Maryland, whence she came to Ohio, and settled with her first husband on the farm where John Chrisman afterwards married her, and where they lived until her death, which occurred June ro, 1877, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, four months, and two days.

Mr.and Mrs. Chrisman began life together in the old log house, which for many years occupied the site of the present substantial brick residence, which has stood as it now is for full thirty years.

Mr. and Mrs. Chrisman were blessed with two children - daughters - Elizabeth and Catharine. Elizabeth married Henry Riner and resides near her father. She has three children: Charles W. and Susie, the widow of Edward P. Johnson, and resides in Cheyenne, Wyoming territory. John C. resides near his parents' residence. Mr. Chrisman's second, and youngest daughter, Catharine M., married Jacob F. Stover, by whom she has had one son, John C., who is living with his parents, at Mr. Chrisman's. Although Mr. Chrisman's father and grandfather were Presbyterians, he saw fit to connect himself with the German Baptist or Dunker church, of which for many years he has been a faithful member. He has never engaged in the vexatious turmoils of political strife, and has always lived a quiet and industrious life. Thus he has accumulated not only a large property but has also won the love and respect of the whole community. Although having completed the full measure of his days, his four score years, his bodily and mental powers are still well preserved. While waiting to joinloved ones on the other shore, how fitting that in this, the evening of his life, he hand down to his posterity the impress of his features and the record of his life's history, which otherwise would be lost to the many loved ones who may survive him.

His father, Martin Sayler, was born in Fredrick county, Maryland, about 1775. He moved to Virginia in 1800, and to Preble county in 1809. He was a millwright by trade, and many of the earliest mills in this part of the county were built by him. He died June 21, 1852. Our sbject began the study of medicine at the age of twentythree years, having first gained as good an education in the common branches as was possible in the early days of the settlement. He read first with Dr. Samuel Nixon, and afterward attended the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, from which he graduated, and began the practice of his profession in the year 1830. He has now been in practice fifty-one years, and although not as actively engaged as he was a few years since, obeys all calls for his He lives in a house which he built before he was married, and has occupied no other during the long period that has elapsed since that dwelling place was new. He was a captain in the early day militia, and also the surgeon of a regiment. Politically, he is a Republican. He has voted for fifty-five years, and has never missed a single annual election. The following presidential candidates have received his ballot, viz: in 1828, Adams; in 1832, Clay; in 1836, Harrison; in 1840, Harrison; in 1844, Clay; in 1848, Taylor; in 1852, Scott; in 1856, Fremont; in 1860, Lincoln; in 1864, Lincoln; in 1868, Grant; in 1872, Grant; in 1876, Hayes, and in 1880, Garfield. Dr. Sayler has been twice married. His first wife, Esther Lyning, of New Jersey, died August 14, 1834, after the birth of her second daughter. On March 31, 1836, he married his present wife, Catharine Bence. Six children have been the offspring of this union. Dr. Saylers eldest son, by his first marriage, James Sayler, is a prominent politician of Ohio, having been four years in the assembly, and two in the senate. His oldest son, by his second marriage, William Sayler, studied medicine with his father, graduated from the Ohio Medical college in 1871, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of medicine in Preble county, with his home at Winchester. The youngest son, Winfield Scott Sayler, is also a graduate of the Ohio Medical college, the same institution from which his brother and his father graduated, the latter, more than half a century ago. He graduated in the spring of 1880, and is now located at Winchester.

Dr. Christian Sayler is possessed of a strong constitution; is still vigorous and sturdy, notwithstanding his years and with the exception of one winter, has always enjoyed excellent health. He is a man of remarkable mirthfulness, which quality he inherits from his father. Although his early educational facilities were very meagre, he has, by extensive reading, accumulated a large amount of valuable information, and has brought together, little by little, a large library. He has led a very industrious, active, upright life, and has long been one of the most influential and respected citizens of Preble county.

Source changes here: from History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions, by R. E. Lowry, published 1915; 1,228 words in this source stream.

Gasper Township

Gasper township is the smallest one in Preble county, comprising only twenty-four sections, struck off of the south end of township 7, range 3 east, in 1825, on the petition of Gasper Potterf, as stated in the chapter on organization of the county.

It is drained by Seven Mile creek, which flows south across the township about one mile and a half west of the east line thereof. Along each side of the stream are generally small tracts of rich bottom land, and then follows what in this county are called hills, the land sloping up somewhat rapidly to the level or rolling plateau above, but the slopes are mostly cultivable. The hills are nearly all confined to a tract of about a half mile on each side of the stream. Then Paint creek drains the western side of the township, flowing across within a mile or less of the western line of the township, and what is said of the hilly land along Seven Mile is also true of the Paint Creek land.

Paint creek leaves the township in and near the southwest corner of section 32, near Mutton ville, and flows into Seven Mile about a half mile south of Camden. After reaching the upland on each side of the streams, the country is level or slightly rolling. The drainage is good and the township has always had the reputation of being a healthy location, although there are tracts which have been drained by large tile ditches. Some of the most abrupt creek bluffs of the county are to be found along the lower course of Paint creek, rivalling those along Little Four Mile. These two streams, while among our small streams, seem like some small calibre people, to be able to do the most unexpected things so as to make themselves noticed, and they generally succeed .

The land is loam and clay or clay subsoil, and very productive, some of our finest farms being in this township. The markets for the township are Eaton and Camden. The Cincinnati and Richmond division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis railroad practically follows the course of Seven Mile across the township, but there are no stations in the township; although originally there was one at the Four Mile Valley house, four miles south of Eaton, but it was abandoned many years ago, and is now only a long siding for the passing of freight trains. Wayne's Old Trace road crosses the township about a mile west of its east line.

The township originally was heavily timbered, but the area of woodland is today very restricted. In the days of the early settlers the township was reputed as one of the best hunting grounds of the county, but today the few thin forest areas afford so little protection that even squirrels are a scarce game.

A Few Notable Names

The first settler of the county was Silas Dooley, Sr., who, with his father, Moses Dooley, settled on upper Paint creek in 1805, and the first house had three sides, with a fire in front of the open end of the house. Silas worked at chopping and clearing for parties at Springdale and Seven Mile while his father went back to Kentucky for the family. Silas was then only twenty-one years of age. In 1806, he worked for David E. Hendrix, clearing land in Eaton, and in 1807 entered a quarter section of land for himself in section 17, part of which is yet owned by his descendants. In May, 1808, he married Johannah Westerfield, and a day or so after the wedding, they began planting corn, his wife doing tfie dropping while he followed with a hoe. Lieut. Silas Dooley, so well known to the people of the township and Eaton, who died only a few years ago, was a son of the pioneer. The marriage license for the marriage of this couple is claimed to be the first marriage license issued in the county.

Gasper Potterf, born in 1754, in Virginia, was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and married Susannah Ridenour in 1784. He moved into Gasper township in 1806, and settled in section 26. Of German extraction, he inherited the German thrift and soon saw there was a demand for mill product, and in 1808 he built a mill on Seven Mile creek, and for some years the bolting was done by hand. He soon erected a distillery in connection with the mill and the war of 1812 made the demand for both mill products and whisky very considerable. He made money rapidly, which he saved and invested in land, built a saw-mill and carried on farming extensively for his day. He was married twice and had a family of sixteen children. He died in 1836 and was buried on the farm, but some years since his remains were removed to the Eaton cemetery.

John Railsback came into the township hunting land with Moses Dooley in 1805, and is said to have made his selection, but he did not move from

Stephen Allbaugh, born in 1791, came from Maryland and settled in Gasper township in 1812. He accumulated considerable property, left a large family and lived to within a few years of the century mark.

There were a number of other early settlers at about the same times as those given, but some of them later sold out and moved away, and of the others it may be said that their history can not now be gathered to a certainty.

Christian Sayler, born in Maryland, 1785, came to Preble county in 1806 and moved to Gasper township in 1814, dying on his farm in 1852. He had a family of nine children, and his farm is yet owned by his grandson. Martin Sayler.

There are two churches in the township, one in section 17, called Friendship church, and one at Muttonville, originally built about 1840, and burning down some thirty years later, it was afterwards rebuilt.

A New Use For Mutton

The writer was informed many years ago, that about 1830 to 1840, the neighboring farmers of the vicinity of Muttonville raised many sheep, which did well, and three or four houses were built on small tracts of land, near together. The young men of the surrounding country nicknamed the cluster of houses "Muttonville," for want of a name, and as time passed it came into general use and stuck. There is a small grocery at Muttonville, and there was a post office, but the rural routes did away with it. There was also a church at what is called Antioch, and also one in the northeast corner of section 18, but both have long since gone, the members now coming to Eaton churches.

While there are no towns in the township, it has furnished a number of our public men. Peter Shideler was one of our associate judges; Hayden Dooley, a state representative ; Henry Shideler. state senator, three terms; Martin F. Stephens, representative, and treasurer, two terms; Josiah Flora, county commissioner for seven years, and John B. Campbell, county commissioner, two terms.

The lands are generally fertile clay soil, with limestone subsoil, well improved, and the houses are good farm residences, many of them containing many modem improvements; the bams are large and commodious, all of which tell their own story of a thrifty, prosperous and contented community of farmers.