Jefferson Township (part 5 of 15)

"Tliis patriot bids fair to linger years yet among the general generation grown up around him. and to unite in the scenes of actual life. He is now a live young old man. full of the sap and joyousness of youth, and ready to meet his competitors in the forum of Justice. He still prosecutes his profession with all the artlor and energy of early manhood, and is genial and happy in his home and social circle. His erect form, elastic step, rapid movements, unimpaired intellect, sparkling vivacity and youthful energy are remarkalile for one of his age. How beautiful and grand is age. found with intelligence, graced with virtue and cheerfulness, beautified with a luster of piety. Their memories, like visions of enchantment and beaut}', e^'er linger aro^md our pathway." He died March 23,1863, aged eighty years, and was buried in Woodland cemetery, Xenia, Ohio.

Ebenezer Steele

Mr. Steele was one of the early settlers of Greene count}'. He was born in Uartley county, Mrginia, on the iSth of December, 1 78 1, and in 181 5 he emigrated to Ohio, settling first on the land owned by Mr. Trcbine, where his mill is located on the Little Miiuni river, upon which he resided five years, when he removed to the farm of E. Steele, Jr., where he resided forty-six years. Durinsf his Ion": life iii this countx' he enjoyed the respect of his neighbors and fellow citizens, who showed their confidence in him by conferring uiwn him various offices of local nature and Ijy electiiig Inm in 1836 to the office of county commissioner.

One who knew him long and well writes us: Ebenezer Steele was always a man of strict integrity and obliging manners. He was not only father, faithful and true, tO' a large family of children', but was a friend and neighbor to all who- proved themselves worthx'. He was a member of the German Reform church, and a consistent Christian. He died at Alpha, Ohio, on the 17th of Februarv, 1862, at the age of eighty-two years.

Robixso.X'S History Of Greene Couxty

records of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, &re associated witli Licking Creek and Fort Ligonier. Jolin Hamill and wife came from Ireland before the Revolution. They were the parents of the following sons: Robert, John, Hugh and Nathaniel, and all, with their father, weie soldiers in that war. Hugh Hamill enlisted at Fairfield in August. 1776, and served until INIay, 1777. as a private in Capt. Samuel IMiller's company, Eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Colonel McCoy. He participated in the battles which resulted in the surrender of General Burgoyne, and passed the winter at Valley Forge, and received an honorable discharge. Nathaniel Hamill was a private soldier in Capt. Henry Dodge's company. His serxice during the time of the war was in New York mostly, and he was mustered out December 12, 1781. Robert Hamill eniisted in December. 1776, as a private in Cajitain Pomroy's compaii}'. and serxed, off and on, two years of the war. He was born November 25, 1759. and was seventeen years old when he entered the army. In 1785 with his parents he moved to Bedford county, where he remained until some time in December, same year, vidien he returned to Fort Ligonier on business for his father. John Hamill rccei\'ed pay for his services in the Penns}-l\ania Militia from January i, 1781.

Robert Hamill was born in 1732, and died in Pennsylvania, April 8, 1799. His wife, Jeannette, came with her sons. Hugh, Robert and Josepli, to Ohio in 1806. Hugh and his mother first settled in Preble countx', while Robert and Joseph canie to Nenia in 1S06. In 1810 Hugh and his mother came and settled in Ncnia, the mother li\-in<^- until

\\'illiam Owens, the founder of the family in Greene county, was a settler in \'irginia in colonial days. He was born in 1 741, and emigrated from Brunswick county, A'irginia, with his family in 181 1. settling in what is known as the L^nioii neighborhood south of Nenia, where he continued to live until March 11, 1827, when the "Free Press, a paper published in Nenia at that date, makes the announcement of his death, at the age of eighty-six years, and from one of his friends the statement that his body had Ijeen laid to rest in the orchard of Philip Davis near what is known to-day (1900) as the Union church, two miles south of Nenia. "He is spoken of as one of the most exemplary saints that age afforded. I-Ie li\-e(l and died without a known enemy. Notwithstanding his extreme age and de])ilitv, he retained his rational jwwers to the last." He was seventy years of age when lie first came to Greene county in 181 1 with the colony that left Virginia at that time. Although coming from dift'erent parts of Virginia they were related to each other, and consisted of Henry Hypes and family. Samuel A\'right (father of Thomas Coke Wright) anrl family, William Owens, Sr., and family. Among the latter was \A'illiam Owens, Jr., who was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, March 9. 1779, who previous to leaving \ irginia was a farmer. He li:ul married Lucy Wright, who was born in the same county June 19, 1773 : she was aunt to Thomas Coke Wright. Their children were

Samuel Tliomas and Geurge B. William Owens after coming to Greene county cleared u]) a farm of fifty acres, two and one-half miles south of Xenia. Here he remained until his deatli,. which occurred in his eighty-fourth year, December 26, 1862, at the residence of his son, Capt. Samuel T. Owens, of Xenia, Ohio, and was Ijuried at Woodland ceinetery, Xenia. He was a typical pioneer, a man of high character, and a meniber of the M. E. church, in which faith he brought up his sons. In politics he was in earl\- life an old-line W'hig, and later a Republican. Capt. Samuel T. Owens was born November 7, 1807, in Brunswick county, \^irginia. He served tlie public in Greene county fourteen years as county surve_\'or, and auditor four years. He was captain of Company C, Seventy-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the late Civil war, and was also a local preaclier in the M. E. church. In i8j8 he was united in marriage to Aliss X'ancy Ledbetter. Fifteen children were born to them. He died in Xenia. January i, 1867. Rev. George B. Owens was burn July 14. 1809. in Brunswick county, \'irginia. He was a farmer and school teacher for many years, and later l>ecame a preacher in the 'SI. E. church. He died November 28, 1862, at the home of his son Ira, near Xenia. He was buried in Woodland cemetery.

George \\'right. the subject of this sketch, was born February 4, 175G. and grew to manhood in Brunswick ciamty, Virginia. He married Sophia, the daughter of William and Marv Owens, and einigrated to Ohio in 1815. Fie was an elder brother of Samuel Wrig'ht, father of Thomas Coke Wright. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution from the state of Virginia. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Wesley, born October 10, 1785; iMary B., born February zy. 1787; Sarah X., who was wife to Josiah A\'right and later Henry Hypes', was born December 3, 1788; George C. Wright, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, was born Octol>er 23, 1790; Sophia Wright, who married John Loyd, was born December 21, 1792; Elizabeth Ann was born January 13, 1794: Lewis Wright, born February 11, 1796; William T., born April 9, 1798; Nancy L. D., born May 30, 1800; Samuel W., born December 14, 1802; Edward Owens, born June 5, 1806; Richard W., bom June 22, 1808. Lewis W^right was also a soldier in the war of 18 12, under Capt. Berry Applewhite, of the Virginia troops. He was also a school teacher. Where the residence of Mr. Lester Arnold now is was the Wright Academy along about 1846. Some persons yet living in Xenia. were his scholars. Another son, Edward Owens Wright, was also teaching on the hillside near the residence of Homer Hudson, West Third street. Xenia.

Iiexry Hypes

Among the first settlers of the new city of Xenia was Henry Hypes', who was., the son of Xicholas and Abigail H\-pes. Nicholas Hypes was born in Gennany, March 8, 1728. Abigail, his wife, was also born in the same country March 22, 1740. Henry Hypes, the subject of this sketch, was born within five miles of the X'atural Bridge, Rockbridge county, Virginia, on the 12th of

June, 1775. It was in tliat state when eigliteen years of age he was united in marriage witli Miss Patience Reynolds. He was engaged in farming in Virginia until 181 1. He then came nverland to the Ohio river, and there took a ilatboat tO' Cincinnati. In settling in this county he purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of go\-- ernment land, hea\-ily timbered and unimproved. The first work he did was the clearing of a place and building a log house, in which he and his family lived for a few years. In 1823 his wife died, leaving a family of si.x sons and two daughters, namely: Xancy, Joseph, Washington, Sarah, Benjamin, James Davidson, John Wesley and Francis Asbury. May 23, 1824, Mr.Hx'pcs w as united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah X. Wright, widow of Josiah Wright and daughter of George and Sophia Wright. Her father was a soldier of the Revolution, who came to Xenia in 181 5 from Brunswick county. Virginia. 'Sir. and ^Nlrs. Hypes became the ]>arents of four children, two still living, Susan Maria, widow of Tobias Drees, and Samuel Henrv Hypes, who is engaged in the fire insurance antl real estate business in Xenia. Rev. \\'illiam L. and Rev. Fletcher Hypes are dead. What was known as the Henry Hypes farm is now ( 1900) the most of it in the corporation of Xenia, bounded on the south by Shawnee creek, between what is now known as the Cincinnati ];ike im the west and West street (11 the east, running south to the north line of the land of Samuel McConnell. The old brick house which was erected in 183 1 is still standing, also part of the old barn. Henry Hypes died at his home in Xenia, October 1. 1854. His good wife, Sarah X., survived him until April 25, 1862, when she died at the age of seventy-three. Henry Hypes and his two helpmeets. Patience and Sarah X.. are buried in our own beautiful Woodland. Xenia.

George W. Wright

Mr. Wright was born October 13, 1809, in Brunswick county. \'irginia, and died at liis hi me in Xenia, Ohio, October 4, 1873, aged sixty-four years. He was the son of Josiah and Sarah Xelson \\'right. Josiah Wright died in 18 14 and was buried on his farm two miles south of Xenia on the Bullskin Road. His widow, ilay 25, 1824, was married to Henry Hy]>es. Mr. \\'right came with his parents to Xenia n 181 1. When a young man he went to Dayti.ni and learned the trade of a tailor, and in 1827 returned again to Xenia and took u]i his abode here permanentlv. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Levey. They were blessed with a family of fourteen children, nine of wdiom at the time of his death were living, five l)oys and four girls. In i860 he united witli the First M. E. church of this city, under the pastorate of Rew William I. Fee. and lived the life of an upright Christian to the last. He was mayor of the city of Xenia in i8(')3. and also filled the oiiice of justice of the peace for Xenia township for se\-eral terms. Air. ^^'right enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors through life, none more so.

\\"as b.orn in Worcester cmmty. ]\[aryland, ?*Iarch 2/. 1798. and died at the residence iif his son-in-law. Air. Charles Marks, six miles east of Muncie. Indiana, at the age of seventy-two years and six montlis. He came to (ireene ccunty, Ohio, in the year 1816 and removed to Indiana in^ 1838, wliere he (hed October 24, 1870. He was a man of firm integrity, social in his nature, a l<ind friend and a good neiglil)or, a meml>er of tlie !\I. E. churcli and a regularhlicensed exhorter in the same. His voice was ofttimes heard in most of the churches and school houses in the county in condemnation of vice and immorality and in building u]) the cause of the Redeemer in the world. He was a good friend of the itinerant minister, bis home being theirs. His finieral was attended by a large concourse 'of friends and relatives. Sermon by Rev. closes Marks. "After life's long and fitful sleep he sleepeth v.ell."

A\'as born September 4, 1738, and died at his home two miles south of Xenia. Ohio, in 1830, at die age of eighty-eight years. We ofttimes speak of Wendell Philips, Joshua R. Giddings, Charles Sumner, Ben W'ade and John P.rown and others, who, in their day and place, had the courage to back up by their lives, if need be, in their outspoken convictions of the system of human bondage which used to e.xist in our fair land, and we were proud of them and admired their courage and manliness in opjjosing and denoimci ng the great blot on our name as freemen. As a companion of these we would mention Fredrick Bonner, Sr., the subject of this sketch, who was a slave owner in a slave state, ^^'itness the following, by I\Ir. Bonner : general assembly of X'irginia, passed May 12. 1792, entitled an act to authorize the manuniissicm of slaves, those persons who are disposed to emancipate their slaves are empowered so to do. And. whereas. Almighty Gi;d hath so ordered human events that liberty has become a general topic, I, Frederick Bonner, of Dinwiddee county, Virginia, being pos.ses.sed of slaves, and from clear conviction of the injustice and ':nininality of depressing my fellow creatures of their natural rights, do hereby emancipate and set free, from a state of slavery, the following (seven in number) who are in the prime of life. Declaring the same ne- .groes entirely free from me, my heirs, to all intents and purposes, and entitled to all the privileges granted in the aforementioned act. I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 2 1 St of January, 1798.

Fredrick Boxxer. Sr." We would add the following from his son, Fredrick Bonner, Jr. : "In the '/ear 1802 father sold his land in Dinwiddee county. \'irginia. five hundred acrt>, iV-- two thousand dolars, and bought two surveys of one thousand acres each in what was then the Northwestern territory, at a cost of two thousantl dollars. Upon visiting it and finding it well situated he returned and began preparation for removing on it the following season. On Saturday, April I', 1803, we started and went as far as Petersburg, and remained until Monday. Two other families joined us, and our outfit was put into two covered wagons, including household goods, a chest of carpenter's tools and a turning lathe. To each of these wagons were attacheil fmir horses, with I^ells on the leaders. A one-horse wagon carried the provisions, and the females, when they became tired of walking. In addition to 'these we had a canvass to sleep under at night. On ^Monday morning we resumed our long journey to the far west, pursuing a route through southern Virginia, which, in a few days, broug'ht us within view of the mountains, first the peaks of the Blue Ridge, then the Allegheny and Cumberland. Crossing these in safety we reached Kentucky, passing along the Crab Orchard road. Arriving at Lexington we pushed on to Cincinnati (then a village of fifteen hundred), crossing the Oliio river at that place Mav lo, 1803, and cani'ped near the mouth of Deer creek, then some distance from the village.

"Xe.\t morning we went up the river into the Little Miami valley, crossing the river a little above Cincinnati. Here we encountered our first serious difficulty. The water was high and running swiftly. Our four-horse wagon crossed without accident, but when the wagon containing the wife of a Mr. Day proceeded as far as the middle of the stream, or the swiftest part, one of .the horses fell and cnuld not rise. ^Ir. Day, in attempting to assist, was washed oft' down stream with the horses. Father went to his assistance and the water tripped him up and he \\ent also struggling down the ri\er, to the alarm of all. Fortunately he got out on the same side from which he entered. While Day was still struggling in the river near his horses they finally succeeded in fastening a chain to the end of the tongue, and hitching otir horses to it, we drew it out. All this time Day's wife and child were in the wagon in imminent danger of being capsized int) the river and washed away."

the ri\-er to the present site of Milford, where we found a vacant cabin, which was rented for a few months. Lito this we moved and remtiined until we could make arrangements to go to our land in Greene county. In June father and seme of the boys went to the land !and selected a spot to build a cabin near Glady Run, a branch of the Little Miami, which was to acconunodate us as our new home in the woods. He chose a building site in the southwest portion of the land near the present residence of Erastus Boiiner, two males south of Xenia. He procured the services of some yotmg men to build a log house, and then returned to ^lillord. The cabin of one room, with its puncheon fioor and clapboard roof and ceiling being finished, the family and four of their \'irginia neighbors, who came west with them, thirteen persons in all, moved into it in the fall of that year. The canvas tent was now cut up to form partitions in the cabin.

Four of the children were marrieel while the family livetl in this house. Xanc_\' Bonner was married in 1804 to Rev. John Sale, the first Methodist preacher in this section. David Bonner married a iliss Reynolds, of L'rbana, Ohio, in 1805. Chaiiel H. Bonner married a sister of Samuel Pelham, who married ALartha Bonner. Samuel Pelham was the father of \\'illiam F. Pelham, who used to keep the grange warehouse. He was also editor of the first newspaper published in Xenia, "The Vehicle." James E. Galloway, of Xenia, has now in his possession the files of that paper for the year 1815.

Mr. Bonner and' his sons burned the first liine-kiln and built the first brick house in this county. It was occupied by the remaining members of the family as early as 1807, but was not hnishcd 011 the inside for some years later. It now forms part of the residence cif I'Irastns Bonner and liis family. Stith Bonner, another son, was married to Miss Maria Mercer, the daughter of Edward Mercer, a neighbor, in 1819. Eliza Bonner became the wife of Rev. John P. Taylor in 1820. He was a Methodist minister of some prominence and also a phy- 'sician. They removed to Indiana some years ago, where they died. Mr. Fredrick Bonner, Sr., died in 1830, at the age of seventyiwo years. His wdfe died in 1818 in the si.xl v-second year of her age. Of the si.x children t(j whose marriages we have referred, one, Mrs. Pelham, died at the age of sixtytwo years ; the remaining five lived to be from eighty to eighty-eight years of age. One child, a daughter, died when about eigihteen years of age in Virginia before they left there. Fredrick Bonner, Jr.. the youngest child and the i>nlv survixing member of the family in 1879. was born near Petersburg. Dinwiddie county, Virginia, November 1 1. 1796, and died March 26, 1880, aged eighty-four years, and was buried in the Bonner graveyard. He was married to Miss Elizabeth ]\Iercer, the daughter of a neighbor, Edward Mercer, October 15. 1823. They had two children, Horace and Erastus. The former died in 1846 in tlie twentysecond year of his age. The latter is oiir well knnwn florist, proprietor of Maple Grove greenhouse, so much admired by its many visitors. ]\Irs. Bonner died in 1830 at the earlv age of twenty-seven years.

\Micn the familv moved into their newcabin home in 1803 they were in the midst of forest, unbroken for miles around, through which not even a winding pathway took its course. About two miles south of their home there was a cabin owned and occupied by a family b\' the name of Price. Two miles north of them, and aliout two liundred yards north of where the present Robert's Villa now stands, was the cabin of Remembrance Williams and his family. He was the father of John ^^"illiam.s, who was the father of Mrs. David Medsker, Mrs. Samuel Gano, Mrs. James AlcCarty, Mrs. William B. Fairchild and ]Mrs. McCann, who are well known in Xenia. From the Little Miami river on the west to a point w here the Wilmington and Xenia pike crosses Caesar's creek on the east, there was not a habitation of any kind except their humble home. Near Old Town Run and aljout a mile and a half from Mr. R. Williams' cabin home, there was a similar structure occupied by Mr. Leonard Stump and family, which was the only cabin this side of Massies creek settlement. On the east side of Caesar's creek at the crossing of the Wilmington pike and about where the residence of Mr. Paris Peterson's house now stands, there was a little village called Caesarsville. Scattered along the creek for some distance perhaps there were a dozen cabins occupied by as many families. These inhabitants of Caesarsville, those mentioned above and perhaps a lew others, not exceeding twenty or thirty m all, were the only families residing in Clreene county east of the Little Mian;i ri\-er in 1803. The principal settlements were at that time on the west side of the river 011 congress lands. He was of the opinion that there was not a family living at that tinie in that portion of the county now com- prising Jefferson. Silver creek. Riss and the eastern pi;>rtion of Ceclarville and Caesarscreek township-s. and that it was not settled at all until the Browilers and ]\Iendenhal!s settled some time afterward in the vicinity of Jamestown, and soon after laid the first grounds for that village. There was not a puhlic road at that time in the county, and one would travel for miles without seeing an acre of tillahle land. Game of all kinds was abundant, and it was the principal subsistence of the scattered inhabitants. Deer were said by Mr. Bonner to be as numerous m Greene county then as hogs are now, and wild turkys and pheasants were to be seen in large numbers on every hand. The depths of the extensive forests were the hidingplaces of bears, panthers, catamounts and wild cats during the day and furnished them a vast territory o\-er which to roam at night in search of prey. The narrow \-alley through which the Little Miami railroad extends from Xenia toward Cincinnati, was literally a den of wolves. These ferocious beasts would roam the surrounding country at night, necessitating strong enclosures as a protection for the live stock of the early settlers against the ravishings of the mighty thieves which often had to be driven from their .determined attacks by the burning of torches, ringing of bells, blowing of horns and repeated banging of fire arms. Bands <)f Indians frequented the county in search of game in accordance with the right they had reserved in their treaty with \\'ayne. They had almost a perpetual camp for several years on the ridge a short distance wc-t of where the residence of Mr. Washington Stark now stands. They were always peaceable, and gave the settlers no cause for fear while thev remained in this vicinitv.

Xot very long after their arrival in this countv Da\id. the oldest son, accompanied by his little brother "Freddie."' whom he kept with liim almost constantly on all occasions, started in the direction of the to-wn, Xenia, of which they had heard, but had not yet seen. They plodded diligently along, cutting away the underbrush and making a clear pathway as they proceeded, and at last came to the banks of Shawnee, where that stream is now covered by a stone arched bridge at the crossing of the Cincinnati pike and the Dayton railroad. Here they stopped to rest and "Freddie"" insisted that thev^ go into the town, as he wanted to see the place ; but when his brother explained to him that there no houses built yet. that nothing had been done l.nit the surveying- of the grounds, and staking off of some of the streets, and promised that he should return some time to see the town, he yielded the point, and they proceded homeward along the new-made pathway, which was the only road to Xenia for a long time. The first public road into Xenia from the south was the "Bullskin." now the Burlington pike. It extended from a village on the Ohio river called Bullskin. from which the road took its name, north to Urbana, Ohio. The records of the original survev of the road were l<:)st. and when the road was again surveyed, and afterward made a pike, it was called by its present name.

In the first organization of the countv. it was thought best by some to make Caesarsville the county seat, but the present locatiim was finally selected and in 1803 the ground was laid out preparatory to building the town of Xenia. The first h.ouse erected was a small log building on what is known on the town plat as let Xo. 193. now

( 1900) in the rear of the residence of Ru- (loph Hiistmire, on \\'est Third street, and at tliat time owned by John Marshall, who was the grandfather of William and James Marshall, who are at the present (1900) residents of Xenia. This cabin was razed April 27, 1804.

The first school house was built in ifc!o5. Jt was by no means a large iiouse, and was Iniilt of small, round logs, without floor or ceiling. It was erected on Third street, a little west of the present residence of Mrs. Harvey Coo]3er. and the teacher was Benjamin Gr()\cr, a brother of JosialT, who was the successor to John Paul as clerk of courts. About seven years later the town could boast of "The Xenia Academy," in which the princijjal instructor was Professor Espy, afterward renowned as the great "storm king." The academy building was a ' iie-story brick structure that used to 1>e on the southeast corner of Market and West streets. Xenia improved very rapiilly until 1812. Whether it was the severe earth- (juake' shock felt so distinctly in this section and especially along the Mississippi \alley in the winter of i8ii-i2, and which ^Ir. iionner said shook his father's house until the windows rattled, caused the check to liie rapid growth of the town, he did not iniurm us.

John Marshall. wIki built the first house; John Paul, clerk of the first court held in the county, and the original pri/prietor of the town ; Josiah Grover, the second clerk of the court and at the same time county auditor and recorder: William A. Beatty, tavern i<eeijer ; James Collier, tavern keeper and sheriff of Greene county and coroner ; John

Alexander, law}er and wonderfully large man : James Towler, preacher and first post master of Xenia : Henry Barnes, carjjenter ; John Stull. tailor: Benjanfin Grover, teacher of the first school in Xenia: John Williams, blacksmith, a son of Remembrance Williams, and the father of Mrs. David Medsker: John Mitten, wheelwright and chair maker: old Mr. Wallace and Captain James Steele, tanners: Jonathan H. Wallace, hatter: Dr. Andrew W. Davidson, the first physician : James Gowdy, the first merchant, and Samuel Gowdry, engaged in the same business ; Robert Gowdy, tanner ; William Ellsberry, lawyer; Abraham La Rue, carpenter; and James Bunton, carpenter and joiner, and a very fine workman, are remembered by Mr. Bonner as among the earliest inhaljitants of Xenia. With the exception of James Gowdy, a bachelor, they were all young married men seeking their fortunes in a new country, or with fannlics, large and small, striving to secure a heritage for their children. Of the first houses built in Xenia ]\Ir. Bonner says there are but two still (1879) standing upon their original foundations. They are both two-story log buildings. One was on the north side of Main street on the present site of H. H. Eavey's wholesale house, and was known as the Crumbaugh House, Mr. Bonner's father having it built for Rev. James Towler in 1805. The other one stood on the north side of West Second street, on the site now occupied by the two two-story buildings of David Hutchison. It was built by Mr. James Bunton, carpenter and joiner, in 1806. This house was known in later years as the McWhirk residence. He sold the property some time afterward and re-

Rev. Wilev Curtis

Died Xovanber ist, 1869, in Crawford county, lUinois. He was born in Greeneville county, Virginia, on the 6th of Februar_\-, 1793. About tlie first day of November, 1805, his stepfather and family arrived at Mr. Frederick Bonner's after a tedious and toilsome journey of seven weeks. There were but four families living in Xenia, Rev. James Towler, \\'illiam A. Beatty, James Collier and John Marshall. There was neither shop nor store in it. He served a tour of duly in the last war with Great Britain. He had two sons, one of whom died in the service. He left this county in 1817, and was a ])ioneer in Indiana and Illinois, and went through many hardships, jjrivations and bodily afflictions in his removal farther west. He led a blameless and industrious life and was a devoted and' zealous Christian. In August he lost the partner of his joys and sorrows, the mother of his twelve children, and his grief was inconsolable. He could neither eat nor sleep, and was .seized with a chill, which was followed by lung fever. His last prayer was for death to relie\-e him from suffering and sorrow.

Xexia, Now The First United Presbyterian Church

"The first church edifice was erected in 181 1, situated on the southeast corner of what is known as the George Gordon land, north King street. It is now being used as a dwelling house. The second edifice was erected in 181 7 upon the ground known as Milieu's pork house, on East Church street. The third, now occupied by the First United Presbyterian church, on East Market street, v^as erected in 1847. The first notice of the Xenia congregation which is to be found, is found from the minutes of the Kentucky Presbytery, from 1798 down to 181 7. It is the following: That at a meeting of this presbytery held in Cynthiana, Harrison county, Kentucky, Septeml>er 28, 1808, a petition was presented froin certain persons in Xenia, Ohio, desiring supplies of jKeaching from the presbytery.

In accordance with this petition Rev. Abraham Craig was appointed to preach at Xenia on the first Sabbath of October, and first Sabbath of Xovember. 1808. which appointment was filled as ordered. The same records show that Mr. Craig preached four Sabbaths in Xenia in 1809. In 18 10 Mr. John Steele was appointed to preach four Sabbaths in Xenia previous to the next meeting of presbytery. At the next meeting of presbytery held in Millersburg, Kentucky, April 24, 1 8 10. ]Mr. Steele was appointed to preach in Xenia and preside 'it the election and ordination of elders in this congregation. Thus it can be seen that the regular organization of this congregation took place some time during the year 18 10.

In 181 1 Rev. Adam Rankin and Rev. ^^"illiam Baldridge were appointed to preach in Xenia. In 1812 Rev. McCord and Rev. Wallace were appointed to preach in Xenia. In 18 1 3 a petition was presented for the moderation of a call. This was the first call lor a pastiir. It was made out lor tiie Rev. James McCord but it was never presenteil. Rev. McCord connected himself with the Presbyterian church and the call was returned to the congregation. During the year 1814 Revs. Rankin and Craig preached frequently in Xenia, and on the second Sabbath of August of that year dispensed the Lord's Su])per, which is the first account on record of the observance of that holy ordinance ill this congregation. The presbytery of Kentucky, at this date, 1814, consisted of Revs. Rankin, Porter, Risque, McCord, Craig. Rainey, Bishop, Carrithers, McFarland and Steele, all of whom have long iince gone to the grave, and as we humbly trust to the reward of their faithful labors in Heaven. In 1815 and 1816 Revs. Risque. McFariand and Steele were frequently apixjinted to preach in the vicinity of Xenia. In 1817 a call was made out by the congregation in Xenia for the Rev. John Steele, and by him accepted. He removed to Xenia in 1817 and took charge of the congregation. Here he continued to labor until 1836, a period of nineteen years. The lalxjrs of this eminent and faithful servant were crowned with success. Air. Steele resigned his charge in 1836 and in 1837 ^n the nth day of January, this good and faithful minister of God was called home to his reward in Hea\-en.

cothe from Romans 10:4: also Remans 14:47. This was in all probability the first preaching to the Associate congregation of Chillicothe. On the 13th of May, he crossed the Little Miami in a canoe, making his horse swim by his side, and preached at the house of Air. (afterward Gov.) Alorrow. On the 17th he preached at the house of Mr. Bickett. On the 20th of May preached at the house of Mr. Shaw on Clear creek. On the 2 1 St of May preached at the house of Air. AIcKnight near Bellbrcxjk from Jer. 31 :^;}. On the evening of the 22nd of Alay he tarried at the house of Air. James Galloway, Sr., near Old Chillicothe. Here we learn from his diary that about the 22nd of Alay, 1798, Air. Steele made his first visit to this county, and preached the gospel in this wilderness. After the resignation of Air. Steele in 1836 the congregation remained without a settled pastor for some two or three years. At the expiration of this period a call was made for Rev. James R. Bonner and by him accepted. Air. Bonner continued his labors as pastor of the congregation for a period of about eight years.

In October, 1845, Rev. R. D. Harper made his first visit to this congregation and the following year accepted a call that had been made, was ordained and installed as pastor. In 1870 he was succeeded by Dr. Wm. G. Aloorehead who served until 1875. \\heii Dr. Thomas PI. Hanna was called, who in turn gave place in 1880 to Rev. J. H. \\^right.

On the iith of April', 1798. he set out for a point near Alaysville, Kentucky. After crossing the Ohio river he lay out in the woods all night, and reached' Chillicothe on the evening of the JOth. preached at Chilli- twenty years cf age. Mr. Cline came to this state with liis mother, three sisters, a married lM-other and iiis wife, and Miss Fannie Mortimer, a neighbor girl. The journey was made in one month to a day in a large wagon, and the party settled at Milford, now Cedarville, in this county, April 28, 1827. One beautiful Sabl)ath in ^lay following he attended public worship for the first time in this county, going to an- old log church situated in the near Cedar-

\ille. where a Baptist cungregation held divine services. He went in company with Christopher F( x. a resident of the town, and arriving at the cliurch before the hour of service they went to a spring near by toi get a drink, the weather being dry and warm for that season of the year. From that point ]\Ir. Cline had a good view of the arriving worshipers and their diversity of dress presented to him "just from old Virginia" a novel feature. One man came without coat or vest, boots or shoes, wore an immense straw hat and carried a large Inann book under his arm. Another, a pair of heavy boots and a thick overcoat, huge ca[>e and other clothing to correspond, walked up with an air of ease and comfort. While remarking the great difference in dress of the two, Mr. Cline noticed another man who was just tying his horse to a sappling near by. who wore a pair of green leggings which extended just above his knees, and he asked his companion why these were worn when there was no mud, and Fox replied "Oh, he wears them to hide the holes in his pants." At this time ^^lilford was composed oi four log cabins and a small frame house which was owned and occupied by a miller whose mill, a small concern, stood near bv.

Here the grinding was done by water power, )>ut the bolting apparatus was run by hand, and each customer had to turn the machine to bolt his own grist while he gave the same toll taken at other mills where the work was all done by water power, thus apparently pa}ing for the privilege of running the machine. Soon after his arrival at this place Mr. Cline was employed as a farm hand by ^Ir. John Reid for whom he labored for some time at seven dollars per month. Obtaining license from Judge Grover, then clerk of courts, he was married June 15, 1827, to Miss Fannie Mortimer, and not long afterward. he removed with his wife to a farm near Grape Grove, and commenced farming for himself. After gathering his crop of corn the following year, 1828, he shelled what was then considered an immense load by hand, measured it. hitched up a four-horse team, hauled it to Clifton and sold it to a miller there. This man was a German, and kept two lialf bushel measures, the larger of which he used to measure grain in when he liought it. the uther when lie sold it. As measured by the Dutchman his load did not hold out according to Mr. Cline's measurement, wb.o, informing the miller that he himself had measured the grain with a scaled measure, and did not propose to be cheated in that way, succeeded in getting pay for the whole load, with the proceeds of which he went to a store near by and purchased two and one-half yards of Cassinet, made at Old Town, for a pair of pants, at a dollar per yard, fifty cents worth of coffee, and twenty-five cents worth of sugar at six and a fourth cents per pound, which consumed the amount received for his grain. And often on the way home he had to laugh

It was in the fall of tliis same year Mr. Cline cast his first vote for President, which vote he cast for Adams, as against Jackson, who was elected. He made a visit to Xenia .soon after, making some purchases of Moses Trader and Samuel Xewcomb. In the spring of 1829 he removed to a small farm on Massies creek, near George Gordon, for whom he often worked. From this place he rem()\ed to Xenia in April, 1834, and did a great deal of work the first year grading and otherwise impro\ing the streets ar.d also worked as a brick mason for Luucll Kiler. For six years he drtive a hack to and from Cincinnati, and to Dayton and Springfield. In the fall of 1847 ^I''- Cline commenced his long termi as sexton of Woodland cemetery by assisting" the surveyor in his work in laying it out. He took charge of the same in 1848 and continued there for many years. Amid .ill the excitement on account of the cholera in 1849 Mr. Cline was ever true to- his trust, and while many sent to assist him failed for lack of courage, Mr. Cline was alwavs at his post pcrfonrang his duty as a brave man should. When the late Civil war, with all its sad features, was forced upon the people of the north, Mr. Cline, although southern born, t(;ok his place in the ranks as a defender of "the one country and the one flag" as a member o-f Company B, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lies in the cemetery that he did so much to make Ijeautiful. Peace to his ashes.

1852, aged se\-enty-thrce years, and is buried in ^\'uodland cemetery. He was a nati\e of Virginia, came to Ohio in 1810 and settled near Xenia. In the last war of this country with England, when our frontier was inxaded and the inhabitants exposed to British depredations and their savage allies, he entered the army, served one year faithfully-and received an honorable discharge. He was for more than fifty years a member of the M. E. church, and for a numiber of years was the faithful sexton of what is now called the First M. E. church of Xenia. His conduct was consistent as a professing Christian. Peace to his ashes. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him. He was the father of Mahlon Wamble, who was so well known in Xenia as an honest, hard-working man, respected by all who knew him.

Michael Nunxemaker

Was born in the state of ^laryland on the 3d day of August, 1790, where he spent his youth and early manhood. At the age of twenty-six years he left his home and emigrated to Ohio, settling" in Xenia in the year 18 16. Here he spent fifty years of his life. He "was for a number of years bookkeeper and principal salesman in the dry goods store of the late Col. John Hivling. In the early marriage records of the county is the following: "Married, October 28, 1 82 1, Air. Michael Xunnemaker to Miss Mary Hivling, by Rev. Thomas Winters. She was the daughter of his employer. Col. John Hivling." They li\-ed a happy married life for nearly half a century until his death, which occurred at his home in Xenia February 2/, 1866. The issue of this marriage was one daughter, Sarah A. For many years he was one of the leading merchants of Xenia. Afterward and at the time of his death lie was a banker in partnership with his son-in-law, the Hon. John B. Allen (deceased), who was born near Mt. Pleasant, Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1816, and died at his home in Xenia December i, 1893. in his seventy-eighth year.

December 10, 1839, Rev. Joseph Hill spoke the words that united the lives of John B. Allen and Miss Sarah A. X'unnemaker for iife as man and wife. Air. Allen ]iad at first on corruing to Xenia, in 1836, accepted a position as salesman in the store 'Of Canby & Walton, who were then conducting a store in the east room of Merrick's Hotel. Mr. \\'alton's wife was a sister of Mr. Allen. At the .death of Mr. Allen, as given above, he left beside his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Col. Coates Kinney and Miss Clara Allen.

Mr. Nunnemfeker was ever known as an enterprising, prudent and strictly honest business man. He was successful in the accumulation of wealth. Perhaps no' one more fully observed the precept, "If riches increase, set not your heart on them." With .an open hand and warm heart he was ever ready to assist the worthy poor. For more than thirty-three years he was a worthy and active member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia. His last illness was of four montlis" duration. Pie and his faithful wife. Mary, and their honored son-inlaw arc buried in our beautiful Woodland cemetery.

Aaron Harlan

18, 1868, aged sixty-six years. Mr. Harlan was born in \\"arren county, September 8, 1802. He was admatted to the bar in 1825, and immediately removed to this county, which he was chosen to represent in the state legislature in 1831, the people thus early appreciating his talents and wortli of character. In 1838, 1839 "^^d 1849 h^ ^^"''^ chosen to the state senate. He was a presidential elector, and also a member of the Ohio constitutional convention in 1850. In 1852 he was elected to congress from this district, where he, in the critical period previous to the war, served for several years, the approved, consistent, faithful and zealous champion of the struggling principles of Republicanism. On the breaking out of the war Mr. Harlan was nominated for congress by the Republican convention' at Morrow, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of Hon. Thomias Corwin minister to Mexico. It was at this convention that iVir. Harlan made his memorable speech, in which, referring" to the rebels, he urged to "whip them quick and whip them well," an expression which, placed as a miotto on the Republican ticket, became famous throughout the state. Owing to his boldness and radicalism, and to' the milkand-water and weak-kneed character of a large number of Republicans, he was defeated.

As a citizen Mr. Harlan won the respect nf all parties. As a lawyer his pre-eminence stood confessed. A graceful as well as a forccable speaker, his words always had weight and influence rarely possessed.

esteemed citizens of Xenia. He died December 3, iSjg, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. M. J. Sheley, in this city. He was a native of Connecticut and came to Ohio with his parents in 181 1. Tliey settled first in Dayton. He was not yet fourteen years old when he enlisted in the army in the war of 1812. He was noted for extraordinary expertness in playing the fife, as was also his brother Silas an expert with the drum. Both of them were mere boys and went out together and returned without a scratch. They served in the army as musicians two years upon the Canada frontier. At the close of the war he returned to Dayton, and in 1815 came to Xenia with his mother, his father having died in Dayton. July 10, 1819, he was married to Elizabeth Sanders. He soon afterward engaged in business in Xenia as a manufacturer of edged tools, in wliich business he continued until quite old. As a workman in that line it is said he had no superior. His shop once stood on the lot where now ( 1900) stands the (irand Hotel of Xenia. ^Ir. Rice was identified as an active meml>er of the Whig party, and in his early manhood took an active part in politics. In later years he became and cor.tinucd a stanch Republican. For many years the notes of his fife were kept step to by the tramp of the militia. During the timp of the musters in the "good nld times" long ago he organized and was captain of the first artillery company fonned in Greene count}-, and in his old age was able to relate many interesting military and political events which formed a prominent part in the early history of this city and county. His strict integrity and active life won for him the highest respect and esteem which was evinced by the many aged friends who assembled tO' pay the last tribute of respect to his memory the day he was buried in our own beautiful Woodlan4, west of Xenia, where he had spent so many useful days of his life. His life-long friends arid intimate associates, Brinton Baker, Aniel Rodgers, J. C. McAIillcn, Davis Fifer, John Moore and E. S. Xichols, were his pallbearers. He was for many years an esteemed member of the Reformed church of this city, and at the age of eighty-one years died as he had lived, a Christian, December

Mr. Winans was born in ]\Iaysville, Kentucky, June 7, 18 18, and died at his residence in Xenia, Ohio, April 28 1879, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. His father was Dr. Matthias Winans. James was the second son of a family of ten children. His early years were spent at home with his parents, and in February, 1837, he went to Winchester, Kentucky, and became a clerk in the store of Simpson & Miller. He remained .in Winchester about five years, and during this time, under the supervision of John R. Huston and Judge James Simpson, he studied law and was admitted to the bar by the Mt. Sterling circuit court and shortly afterward came to Jamestown, this county. In April or May, 1842, he removed to Noblesville, Indiana, where he engaged in the practice of law, but on account of the unhealthfulness of the locality he returned to Jamestown in February, 1843. He was admitted to the bar in Indiana, Mr. Howard, afterward minister to Texas, being chairman of the examining committee. During the summer of 1843 he was admitted to the bar in Ohio at the supreme court in Clinton county, Judge George J. Smith being chair- man of the examining committee. At this examination tliere were six apphcants for admission, four of whom were rejected. After admission to tlie bar lie began to practice law in Greene county, and on September 26, 1843. he was married to Caroline E. Morris, who with six children survive him. Soon afterward he formed a lawpartnership with William Ellsberry, with whom he continued until June, 1845, ^vhen he was app<jinted clerk of the court of common pleas of Greene county. He continued in this olfice until the fall of 1851, when he returned to and continued in the practice of law. In 1857 he was elected to the senate of Ohioi from the district comprising the counties of Greene, Fayette and Clinton. In 1863 he was elected to the house of representatives from Greene county to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of John M. .Miller. In February, 1864, he was ap- ])iiinted judge uf the court of common pleas for the third subdivision of the second district, composed of the counties of Clark, Greene, Warren and Madison, in place of Judge Wilham White, who was appointed to a vacancy on the supreme bench. In the fall of 1864 he was elected without nomination and without opposition for the residue of the term, and in 1866 he was reelected for the lull term of five years. In 1868 he was elected as a representative to congress from the seventh congressional district, comprising the counties of Greene, Clark, Madison and Franklin, resigning his office as judge. At the expiration of his term he declined a second nomination, although tendered him, and resumed the practice of law. In the campaign of 1872 he fell in with the Greeley or "Liberal" movement and ran against L. B. Gunkle for congress in the fourth district on the Liberal ticket and was defeated. Afterward he devoted his whole attenticm to the practice of law and continued within a few months of his death, when compelled lo' quit practicing on account of failing' health. As a citizen, as a practitioner, as an officer, as a representati\-e and in all his Ijusiness relations Judge Winans was a man of sterling worth. As a judge he was universally popular, and as a congressional representative no man ever served his constituency more faithfully. He lies buried in oiu' own beautiful Woodland cemeterv.

Died at his residence in Xenia January 9. 18(13. He was l»rn near Salisbury, Rowan county. North Carolina, on the 7th day of Alay, 1797. His family emigrated first to Kentucky, and st(_)pped awhile at Crab Orchard. In 1803 they arrived in this county, and settled near the present site of Bellbrook. His mlilitary title was gained in the militia, in which he rose from the rank of captain to that of brigadier general, which office he held until 1838. In 1836 he entered upon the duties of cimnty commissioner and served until 1842. After William Coburn Robinson, sheriff, died in the last mentioned year. Major Lewis was the next sheriff of Greene county, and served until 1846. In 1849 he was appointed postmaster for Xenia, and served until 1853. In 1854 he was again elected sheriff, and served four more years. In 1861 he was elected county treasurer, and was serving as such when he died. His father, Daniel Lewis, Sr.. was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is buried in the Old Associate, or Pioneer, graveyard at Bellbrook, Ohio.

Abraham Blank

Perhaps many of the old "boys" wlio were Ixirn in Xcnia previous to' 1840 stiU rem,'emher "Old Blaiin." the jolly, good natured colnred man "auction bell rint^er ' and professional shoe black, and on "m/iister days" always brought up the rear carrying his bucket and tin cup to supply the thirsty soldiers of that day. Almost every one knew him and never will forget the cross-eyed, eccentric, droll old negro, whose whims and oddities ha\e excited so much hearty laughter, the delight of the small boy and loved by all. He died of smallpox in Xenia, Saturday, February 17, 1849. He was a native of Nottoway county, Virginia. His inhuman "master" tore him away from liis wife and seven children, sent him l:>y sea to New Orleans and sold him t(5 a sugar planter, in whose plantation he labored a number of years. While there, for some su]>])osed offense he was tied up and received a punishment almost as sex'ere as the "Russian knout." being whipped at intervals nearly all day. This confined him to the hosi)ital two months, and much attention was necessary to i>rcvcnt nwrtification from! ensuing. His cruel master had paid the debt of nature and it was Blann's consolation that it ; he soon found himself surrounded bv a band of hostile Seminoles. But among the merchandise there was some whiskey, with which he treated them liberally, and so anmised them that they got in a fine humor and left the freight untouched. For this act his master gave him to a relative in Cincinnati that he miight become a free man. He was for some years in the employ of (jo'V. Tom Corwin, coming from there tO' Xenia.

William Bull, Sr

Was a native of Virginia, and came to Greene county, Ohio, and purchased land on Massies creek in 1803. He was a soldier of the Revolution. He was the father of six sons, namely : Asapli, John, James, Thomias, Richard and William. He was alsi) the father of two' daughters, Ann and Alary. Mr. Hugh Andrew gives, in the "History of Greene County," a very interesting account of the marriage oif James Bull to Ann, daughter of John Gowdy, Sr., of Sugarcreek township. This event occiu-red November 8. 1804, Rev. Robert Armistrong officiating. This was marriage No. 25 as shown on the early records. AMlliam Bull's daughter, Ann, must have l:)een married to- Samuel Shaw previous to his coming to Ohio, as we find from the records that she was a widow' with two children, namely, Amos Shaw and sister Mary. Amos Shaw made his home with his uncle, Jamies Bull, until his twenty-first birthday. From the early records we also find that Septeml)er i, 1803, she was married to Jolni Marshall, the man who' erected the first cabin in the now city of Xenia, April 27, 1804. And on the 4th day of September, 1804, was born the first child in what

The First M. E. Church, Xexia

This churcli was organized hy tlie Rev. Benjamin Lakin, June 23, 1813, and was one of the regular appointments on Union circuit, Miami district, with Benjamin Lakin and Solomon Langdon, pastors. The following board of trustees was appointed : Frederick Bonner, John Beall, Chapel Bonner, Richard Conwell, John StuU, Samuel Pelham and James Towler, who at once resolved to make arrangements for building a church, holding divine service during the time in private houses. A committee was duly appointed to secure a suitable lot of ground and report terms at the next meeting of the board. According to appointment the board met, and the committee reported as follows: Lot Xo. 151 (being the ground on which this church now stands) could be purchased for thirty dollars of James Towler, une of the board of trustees. The report accepted lot secured, they proceeded at once to make preparation to build the church. A committee was appointed and authorized t(j secure forty thousand brick for said building. The next meeting of the l)oard, we find recorded, was not until Alarch 12, 18 14, Rev. Samuel Parker, presiding elder, and Revs. Marcus Lindsey and Joseph Tatman, pastors. The preacher in charge found it necessary to appoint new trustees, two having resigned and one expelled for non-attendance at class-meeting. It was decided that the number be seven : Xathaniel McClain (brother of Hon. John McClain ) was apjx>inted to fill the vacancy. Towler and IMcClain were appointed to superintend the building of the church; the size to be thirty by forty feet, twelve feet from floor to top of wall; foundation of stone; roofed in workman-like mianner; said committee h^ have the work carried on as they felt justifiable from amount subscribed, and use the same to the liest of their judgment. The work went slo'W. The ne.xt meeting recorded was ]\Iay 18, 181 5, Rev. John Sale, presiding elder. Revs. Moses Crume and Jacob Miller, pastors. According to previous notice trustees met. Two having resigned Henry Hypes and Dr. Joseph Johnson were appointed to fill the vacancy. Samuel Pelham was appointeil to assist Towler in superintending and carrying on the build" ing. August 28, 18 1 6, Rev. Abbott Goddard, pastor, we find recorded trustees accepted the meeting house from builder. Mills Edwards, and find Ijalance due him, forty dollars and twenty-six cents. Trustees gave their due bill, to be paid in three, six and nine months. Resolved further that suit be brought against those who owe balance on subscription who do not pay in thirty days from date, and Henry Hypes is hereby authorized to carry said resolution into effect. \\"e have no record of dedicate irv ser\ices having been held. October 13, 1S17, Moses Crunije. presiding elder, f'iev. John Sale and Rev. John Brooks, pastors. Edward Wamble was em,])loyed to take care of the church for one year, at a salary of ten .dollars. He is authorized to call on each member for a contribution of si.x and one-fourth cents to buy candles for lighting the meeting house during di\-ine service. In 1818, \\'illiam Dixon and John Waterman, pastors; in 1819, Truman Bishop and Stephen Harber, pastors ; in 1820, James B. Finley. presiding elder, Revs. John Strange and W. M. P. Ouin, pastors. W. M. Faulkner offered his services to keep the cliurch in order gratis during his continuance in Xenia. Truly this was a day of small things. Yet faithful men of God served the church. Great and jxjwerful revivals followed year after year, and many were added to the church. In 1821 Revs. John Strange and W. T. Taylor, pastors; in 1822, J. Strange and Jcjhn Brooke; in 1823, Arthur W. Elliot and J. Brooke; in 1S24, Rev. John Collin, presiding elder, and .\. \V. Elliot and Burrous Westlake, ])astors. ;\t this period the congregation had hccome so large that the trustees found it necessary to enlarge the church by building an addition, fifty feet long and twentyeight feet wide, taking out one end of the church, making the addition in the form of a T. Here we find recorded : Trustees employed Reuben Hixon to keep the churcii for one year for ninety bushels of corn and si.K dollars and eighty-seven and a half cents in money. In 1823, Revs. Russell Bigelow and Burrous Westlake and Thomas Beacham. pastors: in 1826, Charles Waddle, John Sale and William B. Christy, pastors; in 1827, W. 11. Raper, G. W. Maley and G. W. Walker, pastors; in 1828, \\'. H. Raper, G. W. Maley and J. W. Clark, pastors; in 1829. Augustus Eddy and Joshua Boucher, pastors; in 1830, I. F. Wright, of precious memory, was presiding elder, Augustus Eddy and W. P. Taylor, pastors; in 183 1, Francis Wilson and Ebenezer Owen, pastors; in 1832, Francis \\'ilson and Daniel D. Davidson, pastors. During this last year the tallow candle became a thing of the past. Trustees ordered that one and one-half gallons of sperm oil be purchased for the use of the church, and a committee be appointed for said purpose. We find also recorded, May 16, 1832: Trustees decided to build a l>elfry on the east end of the church, to be ten feet above the comb of the roof, eight feet in the clear, eight feet square, a dome and wooden ball of proportional size; the ball to be painted chrome yellow ; the roof of pine shingles painted brown; the body painted white; at a cost of one hundred and sixteen dollars. A bell was placed in this belfry that lias calle;d the people together for more than half a century. The old bell still rings, and may continue to ring for a century to come. In 1832 and 1833 James Law and Dr. Samuel Latta were pastors. During this year one of the most wonderful re\-ivals of religion that we have on record occurred. It commenced before the holidays and continued until late in the spring. Between three and four hundretl were con- \'erted and united with the church. Feople came a distance of twenty and thirty miles to attend the meetings. During this wonderful outpouring of the Spirit many believers received the blessing of sanctification. In 1834 and 1835 Alfred K. Lorain. Stephen Holland and Alexander ^bn-row were pastors. This year it was decided that the interest of the church demanded a change. As the ct)ngTegation had become sufficiently strong to support a preacher, the conference granted the change, and in 1836 Rev. A. Brown' was appointed stationed preacher. Rev. W. li. Raper, presiding elder; in 1837, Rev. L. White, pastor. Rev. O. Spencer, presiding elder; in 1838, Solomon Howard, pastor; in 1839, W'illiam Young, pastor; in 1840 and 1841, J. J. Hill, pastor, and Rev. James B. Finley, presiding elder. During the last two> years there was a gracious outpouring of the Spirit upon the church, sinners were con- \erted, believers sanctified and many added to the church of such as shall be saved. In

1842 Rev. I. W. White was pastor; in 1844, \y. H. Tyffe. pastor, and the beloved \V. H. Raper again presiding elder. During the second year of Brother Tyffe's pastorate the old church was taken down to give place to a new one. The congregation worshiped during this time in the Methodist Protestant church un Church street. In 1845 K^^'- J. G. Dininiett was pastor; in 1846 and 1847, Rev. William Herr, pastor. Rev. George \\ . Walker, presiding elder. In December, soon after the arrival of Brother Herr, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Morris. Immediately following the dedication of the church was a great revival, and many united with the church, seme of whom are efficient members at this time. In 1848 Rev. W. H. Raper has again been appointed as pastor, having served this church four different times during a period of twenty-one years. In 1849 Rev. Charles Elliot was pastor. This was a year of great affliction. That fearful scourge, cholera, prc\-ailetl. Xo doubt many will remember that faithful servant of the church, Rev. Elliot, as he went from house to house caring for the sick and .dying. He, too, above all others, was ever keeping the interest of the missionary cause before his congregation, and was most ardent in his prayers that the gospel might be preached in the city of Rome. His prayers are answered; his son-in-law. Rev. L. M. Vernon, is at this time a missionary in that city. In 1850, Augustus Eddy was pastor; in 1851, Asl)ury Lowry ; in 1853, Rev. Cyrus Brooks; in 1855. Granville Moody; Rev. William Simmons was presiding elder; in 1857, Charles Adams; in 1858; Moses Smith: in i860, W. H. Sutherland; in 18G2, W. I. l-~ee, pastor. These years were noted as a crisis in the historv of the church.

First a great revival and large ingathering; more than two hundred joined the church. Xe.xt the division of the congregation and the ( rganization of Trinity church in 1864. The first pastor after the division was Rev. James L. Grover, followed by Rev. Thomas Collett, who rendered efficient service in remodeling the audience room and building the valuable addition of lecture rooms and class rooms in the rear of the churcli. In 1868 W. L. Hypes was pastor; in 1871, J. F. Marley: in 1874, ^l. A. Richards; in 1877, Lucian Clark; in 1880, E. T. Wells; in 1882, Rev. William Runyan, who was successful in raising funds to refrescoe, paint and carpet the entire church, leaving it for his successor in perfect order. In 1885. Dr. J. F. Marley, after an absence of eleven years, was returned, much to the gratification of old friends.

In the seventy-three years past this church has been served Iiy more than si.xty miinisters, as pastors and presiding elders, the best talent in the conference, noble men of God. and eloquent. The annual conference has been entertained in this church four times: In 1836. Bishop Roberts presiding; in 1853. Bi.shop James presiding; in 1864, Bishop Baker presiding, and in 1877, Bishop Ida\en presiding.

Tiepositioxs Of Some Old Pioneers

.\mong the many old cases at law that are yet found in our court records are many that bring to light history that has been forgotten. One case we will recall, a chancery case, or suit of ejectment, brought by Peter and Jesse Vandolah against Major John Stevenson. It had been a long time in court and June 15. :8i8. notice had been given liy Thomas R. Ross, attorney for plaintiff, to Hon. John Alexander, for the defendant, and acknowledged liy him, that on the loth day of Jnne, 1818, they would meet at Old Chillicothe, or Oldtown, at the house of Abner Reid (house still standing in igoo), and prtx-eed to take depositions befi re the nitisier commissioner, Josiah CJrover, to be used in the case before the sul)reme court, which was soon to meet. Court was called to order and they proceeded to take deposition of David Laughead and others.

.\ns. On an expedition from Kentucky I was attached to a troop of horse under the command of (ieneral Clarke and arrived at Old Chillic.ithe on the 5th day of August, 1780.

Ans. ^'e^, 1 know it to be a strong Indian town by the name of Chillicothe. and it was generally said to be such in Kentucky before' we left it.

Ques. flow long ha\e you known John Jamison's entry and survey, which is said to ha\e been made at the lower point of an island, opposite Old Ch.illicothe on the Little Miami ri\er?

Ans. 1 knew the officers met at the falls of the Ohio in the yeiy' 1784 or 1785 and appointetl Richard C. Anderson as their surveyor. In the year 1786 or 1787 I was informed that John Jamison had made his entry near Old Chillicnthe on the Little Miami river.

-Ans. I knew it to be an island from informatiaii gained at Old Chillicnihe at that time. The way that 1 was infcjrmed that it was an island was on the 7th ,day of August, 1780, on the return of the troops fnMii Mad river to Olil Chillicoilie: about tifty men were ordered out to cut down a lot of corn on the ojjposite side of the Little Miami rnid one of the men had a sore foot and his messmates took him across the river to the island, supposing he was across the river, and set him down ; and the lame man had to get them to come back and take him across the other part of the river, wdiich circumstance was generally sjioken of by the troops on their retm'n from Old Chillicothe.

Ans. I have known it since the month of October or November, 1782. It was at that time and continued to be a place of public notoriety in the Miami country.

Ques. How long have you known an island in the Little ]\Iiami river opposite the said Chillicothe at the point which it is said T'hn Jamiison's entry was made?

Ques. Is there anything to obstruct the view Iietween where you now sit and the island first mentioned and the last one mentioned more than the distance to each island where you sit?

Ones. Is the ground you have described as the lower island encompassed by the waters of the Little Miami when the Miami is at its common height?

Ans. At the time of low water it is not, but at the time of high water it is, from alx^ut the latter part of June till the fall the water does not run around it in common, and that has been the situation ever since I knew the island, which has been twenty years. The island spoken of is alxjut ten (;r tweK'e rods long and from two to three rods in breadth at its widest place.

Ques. If you were directed by the supreme court to find a point directly opposite the Old Chillicothe what would be the point ynu would fix on?

Ques. If vou were directed to go to the liiwer point of an island directly opposite the Old Chillicothe would you go to the island first spoken of or to the island last spoken of?

Ans. Yes, and tlie distance toi the upper island, the first spoken of, is, 1 suppose, eighty rods, and the Inwer island, the last spoken of, I supiKJse to be one hundred and flirty rods.

Some time in the winter of 1806, in a conversation witii Joseph Vandolah respecting a survey oi one hundred acres of land which himself and brothers, James and Peter, claimed near the Old Chillicothe town on the Little Miami river, said deponent informed said Joseph of that date and manner in wiiich their said entry was made, and of the surveys whicli it interfered with, and he thinks, but is not certain, showetl him copies of the said entries and surveys. The said Vandolah appeared convinced that their claimi to the four hundred acres aforesaid was such that they must lose the land, and talked of petitioning congress for leave to withdraw their entry and have it located elsewhere, requesting his aid in endeavoring- to get their land secured to them and to miake inquiry and do something for them, promising him a compensation if he could do anything to secure them their land, with their warrants that would be clear o^f dispute. On or about the 20th day of March, 1807, said deponent became acquainted with the law of the United States which authorized persons losing lands by interference with prior claims, although such claims might be patented, to withdraw the part of the claim so lost and enter the same elsewhere. Said de- I)onent, upon asserting the proper method to proceed, did, on or alx)ut the 20th of Marcli, 1807, withdraw the said Vandolah entry of four hundred acres aforesaid, and entered the same elsewhere. Some time afterward this dejxinent, meeting with James Vandolah, informed him of what he had done with his said claim, who expressed himself satisfied therewith, and desired said deponent to give him notice when he would be going intO' the neighborhood of where his land had been entered, by said deponent, and he would accompany him and see it and have it surveyed. Said deponent did accordingly send word to said Vandolah a short time before he set out on a tour to the woods but he ,did not attend. Some time after said deponent, returning from the woods, again met with said James V'andolah, who expressed some concern at his being disappointed. In going to see the land and upon inquiry finding that his land had not been surveyed, he wished again to have notice when it would be convenient f(jr said deponent to survey it and he woiild accompany him. Notice was given him the second time by said deponent that at such a time he might attend and accompany said deixment on another toiir, when the land might be surveyed, but said Vandolah did not attend.

Deposition Of Gen. Benjamin Whiteman

Ones. Have vou heard of the controversy existing between the complainants and defendant in this case and how long? Ans. I have heard of the controversy existing between the complainants and defendant live or six years and have understood that one qtiestion in that controversy depended on the entry of John Jameson. l)ut tlie point where that entry begins I have no knowledge only from hearsay. I have understood that it is on an island near Old Chillicothe, and my impression was that that island was formed by a tongue of land between the Little Miami and Massies creek, which is a little above Old Chillicothe. The reason of my impression was that, from viewing the situation of the Little Miami from a point near the place where James Galloway now lives and from the direction that the river runs and the appearance of the ground at that place, my conclusions, with others generally as far as I have heard it sicken of, were that it was an island. In the year 1792, I. together with the detachment of militia from Kentucky, encamped on this tongue of land. an,d it was spoken of as an island generalh' among us, and I always believed it to be an island until after I became a resident of the conntv. which was in the year 1799. and alx)ut one vear after I settled in this county I had occasion to go to the falls of the Little Miami, and on traveling up between the Little Miami and Massies creek I found them to be separate streams, and as to the island below the mouth of ]\Iassies creek, at which I have since understood Jameson's entry comnxenced, I have no kn<iwledge of nor ever heard of such an 1 me until several years after 1 settled in this county. I first settled on Beaver creek about six miles from Old Chillicothe. in what is now the bounds of Greene county, and there was no settlement alx)ve Davis's mill on Beaver creek except three families on the Little ]\Iiami, in the limits of what is now Greene count}-, and the settlement where I then li\-ed on Beaver creek did not exceed si.x or eight families.

Ques. If you had been directed to make an entry at the lower point of an island opposite Old Chillicothe on the Little Miami what point would you have made?

Ans. I would have searched for an island lower down than the mouth of Massies creek if I could have fouud one, and my reasons for so doing would have been Ijecau^c I did not believe the mouth of Massies creek to be directly opposite the Old Chillicothe.

Ques. BK' what rule would yon ascertain one point to be opposite another point ? Ans. Because it is neitlier above nor below, but imanediately opposite.

Ques. Do you say that the island in the Little Miami river at the lower point of which it is said John Jameson's entrv- is made is directly opposite Old Chillicothe because it is neither lower ,down the river nor higher up the river than the extremities of Old Chillicothe? Ans. Yes.

tongue uf land l)efore described as Ijeing formed Massies creek and the Little Miami ii\er, undertake to ascertain from actual examination whether that tongue of lanil was an island or not.''

Ones. Was it the first time you discovered that that tongue of land was not an island when you left homie to go tO' the falls (if the Little Miamii before spoken of?

Ones. When did you jjecome acquainted with an island in the Little ^Nliami river, op- ])' site Old Chillic.ithe. the lower end of which it is said Juhn Jameson's entry is made?

Ans. In the latter end of November or the beginning of December in the year 1801 we cut timber on both of the islands, the upper and lower one, as much as one horse could cleverly draw. They cut one tree on the upper island which took two men to lift the butt (if it (jn a fork. James Stevenson looked for marked trees on the island to ascertain the corner, Ijut found none. This island is opposite to Old ChillicDthe, the other island mav be two hundred yards below the upper island or may be more, and is below a direct line drawn from Old Chillicothe fr(Jin the river. The upper island was larger than the lower one.

Ques. Have the beds of those rivers since the year 1790 changed their course from natural or artificial causes at any time since; if so, when and from what cause?

Ques. Had you at different times or in different years been through this country by Old Cliillicothe, above named, and how often, and what w-as the general report and belief as to the point of land formed by the junction of the Little Miami and Massies creek, whether it was called an island, and whcth.er any other island was then known in that neighborhood or near that place and what place?

Ans. I passed through that point of land three times in three different years, between the years 1790 and 1794, once under the comimjand of Colonel Edwards, with aljout four hundred volunteers, and twice on small scouts. As far as I heard it spoken of it was called an island, and it was frequently spoken of, and I believed it to be an island until after I came to reside in this county.

Ones. At the time above alluded to did not you believe that Massies creek put out from the Miami and that the island above alluded to included at least three hundred acres ?

Ans. I did not know of Massies creek, but the branch since called Massies creek I believed to be part of the Little Miami formed that island.

Deposition Of James Collier

Ones. How long have you resided in this county and how long have you known and been acquainted with the situation of Old Chillicothe on the Little Miami river?

Ans. I have resided in what is now the countv of Greene nineteen years last November. I have known Old Chillicothe nineteen years this month or next.

Ques. If you had been directed to make a location of land beginning at the lower point of an island opposite Old Chillicothe on the Little Miamii what point of land would yon have selected for that beginning?

Ans. Some time after that I discovered a small island below the mouth of Massies creek. I do not recollect the size of the island at that time, but to the best of my recollections it was small. It has increased since and I would not believe it had been formed more than four or five years from the size of the saplings that w-ere on it, which I think would not exceed tw'O inches in diameter. The last time I noticed them they had grown to tolerably large trees.

some of them were at least forty feet high. mostly sycamores. There are now a good many willows, and when I first saw it I think there were none. I think the first time I saw the island it did not exceed six rods in length at low water mark, with a small streak of bushes on it. I thought it looked more like a sand bar than an island. So at that time I would have been compelled to take that island, knowing of no other opposite, or near Old Chillicothe, in making a selection. I. never heard of an island there until I saw that one that I have described, for I thought it too inconsiderable to attract notice.

Abner Read died at his home near Oldtown, Greene county, Decemljer 27, 1858. He was born in Xorthbridge, Worcester county. Massachusetts, September 11, 1783. His father was a soldier of the Revolution and his mother was a daughter of Capt. John Brown, who served with distinction in the old French war. was for many years a member of the general court of Massachusetts, and with nine sons fought in the Revolution. Mr. Read came to Ohio first in 181 5 and remained about a year in Cincinnati, where he was engaged with an elder l)ri)ther, Ezra, now of Champaign county, and another brother, Amasa, now deceased, and Thomas Watson in the clock business. He then returned to his native state and in 1816 married Cynthia Adams, of Worcester county, ^Massachusetts, and two weeks afterward moved with his wife to this county, arriving here in June of that year, being thirty-six days on the road. He and his 1)rothers Ezra and Amasa first bought together the farm where he has ever since resided, which afterward Ijecanie his own entirely. He cumnienced liotisekeeping near the spot where tiie dwelhng house now stands. Mr. Read was in all the relations of life a must excellent n>an, of the strictest integrity, moral and upright in his life. He ])ossessed great energy of character ami a resolute purpose. His industry was proverbial, his c(jnstitution was a vigorous one, and up til within a few days of his death he engaged in his usual avocation with the alacrity and vigor of a man twenty years younger in life. In his family he was the kindest of husljands and the best of fathers. He was devoted to his children, six of whom with their mother survive to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. For many years he iiad been a member of the Metho^ dist Episco])al church, and Ijy his exemplary life illustrated the Christian virtues. His death was the result of injuries received on the 2 1 St of Octoljer, 1858, from a fall from a horse. His death was hastened, perhaps, by subsequent exposure. His remains were followed to the tnmb in Woodland cemetery in Xenia by a large procession of citizens and members of the Masonic fraternity, to which he belonged, lieing one of the charter members in Xenia, Ohio.

Yellow Springs In 1804

A writer in the "Post and Country Man," published at Cincinnati, gives an account (if the appearance of Yellow Springs in the summer of 1804. At that time the village was not, and the springs were the resort of invalids rather than pleasure seekers. Lewis Davis was the keeper of the boarding house at that time. The accommodations were few and simple. The writer savs : "At that time, as near as I can recollect, there were some dozen patients seeking the healing" of those waters. With three of them I was personally acquainted ; one was a sad dyspeptic, one had an incontrollable eruption of the skin, which all the doctors had failed to cure, and one was a married woman who had been prostrated with a strange disability for years. The water was an efifectual cure for the tirst two and a present relief for tlie last. The dyspeptic lived until near ninety years old, acti\-e to the last. The second reared a family of twelve or thirteen children. And the last after a few years again sank down and was bedridden during the twenty years or more of her life. As to the effect of these waters whether by bath or drinking, on the other patients there at that time 1 know nothing, as they were strangers to me. At ' that time a Frenchman whose name 1 ha\'e lost kept a little store at the springs, principally, I think, to trade with the surrounding Indians. He also kept a pack of hounds. the first and last I ever saw. At daylight each mprning I was there he loosed his hounds, and such a yelling as immediately followed can be imagined better than described. The master took them 1 m the morning hunt, wdiich usually lasted until ten o'clock, when he returned with them wet and weaiy. By this time his Indian customers, I was told, came to trade at his store. But as I then staid but a single night and part of two days, I do not recollect having seen any Indians there, but I understood from visitors there at that time niany hu!idreds came to trade w^ith him, exchanging furs and skins for his articles of ornament and use." The compiler of this sketch can furnish the name of the storekeeper, which was Thomas Fream. General Benjamin Whiteman at that time undoubtedly owned a large part uf what is calletl the Yelluw Springs, aiul frinn (-Id papers that belong to the county wliicii liave passed through tlie writer's hands can produce tlie evidence that such was a fact. And as General Whiteman had married for his wife a daughter of Owen Davis, who was the father of Lewis Davis, the founder of what is called Yellow Springs, the writer has proof tij' show that Thomas Fream had leased the land on which he was staying from General Whiteman. and in addition to his having the store, he was also the first postmaster of the aforesaid Yellow Springs. In a deposition taken at Old Town in the year 1816, General \\'hiteman states that he first canie to Greene co^mty in the }ear 1799, and settled first in Beavercreek township. He says further that about one year after coming he had occasion to go to the falls of the Little Miami river and there were at that time ( 1800) but three settlements on the Little Miami river. Owen Davis, the prol,rietor of the first imiil in Greene county and the father-in-law of Mr. Whiteman. had sold his mill to Jacob Smith, and in 1805 thev removed to ]Miami township.

^\'e will close by giving a c<ipy of a petition to keep the tavern in Yellow Springs, the date of which is June 13. 1804: To the Honorable Court of Greene County, now sitting, and for said County: Your petitioners humbly showeth that a license may be issued to Thomas Fream, now living at Yellow or Medicinal Springs, to keep a tavern or public house, and your petitioners will ever pray, etc. Signed by J. P. Stewart, Lewis Davis, Jacob Smith. Joseph Lavton, John Paul, Robert Renick, Robert Layton, John Daughterty, Joseph. C. ^"ance, George Allen. Felix Hover, Joseph Reid,

Jacob Mills, Esq

Died at his residence in }ilianii township, July 29, 1850. He was a native of \"irginia, emigrated to this state in 1796 and settled near Waynesville. The same year the first log cabin for the residence of a white settler was raised in Greene county. In 1809 he removed to this county, Miami township, where he continued to reside until his death. He was appointed majijr by Governor Tiftin on the first organization of the militia, and afterward for years he filled the oftice of justice of the peace for Miami township.

Remixiscexces Of Old Town

Christmas morning Ijeing briglit and beautiful we made a pedestrian excursion to Old Town, three miles north of Xenia. It was formerly called Chillicoithe, that being the Indian name for town. This peaceful, cjuiet village is a jilace of miorc , historical interest than any other in this county. The landscape is of unrivaleil beauty. A lovely prairie stretches away to the west, the view being bounded by a range of wooded hills, skirting the horizon some seven miles distant, whose summits were rendered indistinct by a blue, hazy mist. On the north meanders the Little Miami, bounded by undulating highlands : paralleled hills on the south side ran.ge rounel the east end of the prairie tO' Massies creek, named after Gen. Nathaniel Massie, a brave pioneer who surveyed many of the land entries in this county. The hills on either side of this beautiful vale are adorned with commodious residences, the abode of civiliza- til 111. iieighljui'ly kindness and welcome hospitality. Their elevated situatinns afford a pros])ect \arie(I. cxtensixe and deUghtfuI. over wliicli tlie eye may roam witli nnsated satisfaction. An air of quiet, dreamy repose seems to rest on the landscape, while evidences of good farming, thrift and industry, and their legitimate consequences, the ciimforts of life, on all sides greet the cye>. What wnnderlul changes have taken place. The church in which divine precepts of fraternal love are inculcated has taken the place of the council house, in which luinian l^eings were doomed to be roasted alive at the stake, in all of the prolonged agony that diabolical ingenuity could suggest. The plowshare passes over the ground on which the gauntlet has been run and unmitigated torture inflicted. The school house in wliich knowletlge is im- [jarted to qualify the living generation to usefulness may occupy ground which has been tramped in the ferocious war dance. Hominy blocks have been superseded by one of the must elegant mills in the state, and the shrill whistle ci the iron ht)rse has taken the place of the fierce warwhoop and savage scalp yell. It seems strange and out of character that a place which nature has adorned as if to show a sample of her power should have been a theater of revolting barbarity and moral agony.

This was the chief town of that nomadic race, the Shawnees. This was the place of rendezvous for war parties from Piqua, Maumee. Sandusk)-. Mad River and other towns to carry murder and desolation to settlers on the "dark and bloody ground." Here they returned with their prisoners, jilunder and scalps before separating for their different villages. The dwellings were constructed with poles and roofed with bark. There was a stockade enclosing several acres of ground, including the village and council house. The late Abner Read's orchard is on part of the ground.

Tecumseh, the renowned warrior, was born here, near the spring a short distance west of where the church now is. in 1769. That Tecumseh was born here we have the statement of "Ben" Kelley, his adopted lirdtlier, who was a member of IJlacklish's family tive years at Old Town, and who so informed Thomas H. Hind at a treaty at Chillicothe in 1807.

First White Man Known To Enter Old Town

In the year 1773 Captain Cullet unexpectedly entered this town with a flag of truce. It was a .daring but successful adventure. He was on his way down the Ohioi on a surveying expedition. In 1778 Daniel Boone was brought here a prisoner and had a shooting inatch with the Indians, whose vanity he humored by letting them beat him slightly. He ran away on the i6th of June and arrived at Boonsborough, a distance of one hundred and sixty miles in four days, eating but one meal during the whole time. What iron men those times produced !

In 1778 Simon Kenton was brought here a prisoner. He was stripped naked, and his hands tied to a stake above his head, his capn tors intending to burn him alive, but after torturing himj till past midnight they concluded tO' defer the pleasure of burning him until another time. Next day they made him run the gauntlet between ranks of Indians extending nearly a quarter of a mile, commencing at the foot of the hill near where now stands the brick mill as you pass under the railroad going into Old Town,

Kobixso.Ws History Of Greexe Couxty

Tlie place is memorable as being the first point invaded front the Kentucky side of the ri\er in July. 1779. Colonel Bowman arri\ed liere with i.iue hundred and sixty men in the night under cover, but the attack next miorning was so badly managed that a retreat was ordered. The Indians becoming the aggressors, overtook and surrounded them near Glady, on what used to be called Churchill Jones" entry, and partly owned by Mrs. Lydia Stanfield. Their situation was critical, as Indian reinforcements were expected. The advice, generalship and courage of Colonel Logan saved them. Mounting some of the bravest men on the baggage horses he made a successful charge and opened a way for the retreat. Bowmait lost nine men and a few wounded. In all the account? of this expedition it is stated that Blackfi.sh was killed here, but that was not true.

That noted chief was killed in Kentucky. He had Ijroken into a cabin, and while engaged in a struggle on the floor with the owner, his daughter seized a butcher knife and stabbed him to the heart. (For particulars see sketch of James Collier in this book. )

In 1780 Roger Clarke, at the head of one thousand men. miade this place a point of invasion. The Indians fled precipitately, lea\-ing their camp, kettles with beans and hominy cooking over the fires, to' the gratification of the hungry soldiers. Xext day some of them were seen sitting on their ])onies on the hills north of the Miami

What adds interest to this account of the invasion of Clarke's army in 1780 is that the story has been confirmed recently by the discovery of depositions taken at Old Town in the year 1818, which adds local interest to that successful campaign of General Clarke.