Springfield Township (part 3 of 69)

There was also quite a demand for pork, in its various forms, all along the frontier; this, then, was one source from which money could be obtained by the settlers. The first shipment of * goods" or produce from Clark County was a flat-boat load of pork, by David Lowry.t

Cattle and horses were introduced slowly, at first, on account of the absence of forage, yet it must not be understood that the first comers were entirely destitute of this class of stock, as nearly all of them moved into the country with teams of oxen or horses.

Ox teams were better suited to the wants of the pioneer farmer than horses were. A stout pair of cattle would twist and turn through the woods, over logs, hummocks and fallen timber, without jumping, or snapping some part of a harness, and thereby causing an expensive delay. For "logging," a well-broken team of oxen was necessary, on account of their strength and steadiness.

Did some fallen oak of enormous size and weight lie half buried in the forest mold, resisting all efforts of the woodman with fire and handspike, it was sentenced to be "snaked" out by the cattle. A little trench was punched through the dirt underneath it. the proper " hitch " made with the log-chains, a

* 'tin V Buren. EE 1 D ER David Lowry builta flat-boat upou Mad River, to voyage down to the Miami, thence to the Ohio and Mississippi down to New Orleans, with a load of pickled pork, five hundred venison hams and oe The venison was taken on, and this first of flat-buats navigated down to Dayton, where, assisted by a man name

Ross, Lowry made barrels to hold his pork. The boat floated down the Miami to the Ohio, and was rowed up e s cinnati. Meanwhile, Lowry had his hogs driven from his farm to the same place, where they were E M pork salted in barreis, and started for New Orleans. Arriving at the end of his tedi vus journey, th e pork yield » * A per hundred, and the venture proved remunerative. Call to mind the stretch of route traversed, the rude oa e

*skid" laid in place, the team backed into position, and, everything being ready, the word was given, the chains clinked as the "slack" came out of them, and for an instant there was a balancing of forces that made the result doubtful. A sharp crack of the whip, and a yell from the driver, the faithful team crouching almost to the ground, the well-packed earth around the giant trunk begins to crack, and the next moment the worm-eaten and moldy monster is high and dry above ground, where the ax and wedge soon reduce it to a condition for burning. Meanwhile, the oxen are quietly ruminating over the result, with an expression that seems to indicate " next."

Grain of all kinds was sown here and there among roots and stumps, scratched in with a bushy tree-top as a substitute for a harrow, reaped with a sickle, thrashed with a flail, and winnowed in any manner that would remove the chaff.

Mills were rudely constructed and slow in their operation, besides being few in number and at long distances apart. Some of the first settlers of this county were obliged to go to Lebanon, Warren County, for a little grist of corn.

Sugar was made in the woods from the sap of the sugar maple, and was a good substitute for cane sugar. It was prepared in several different forms, such as caked sugar, stirred or dry sugar, tub sugar, ete. As the country grew older and cane sugar came into market at a fait price, the well-to-do housewife discovered that maple sugar "wasn't nice for cake," and would " turn tea," so for a period both were kept in stock; but the forests went down to make way for the plow, and maple sugar, as a plain backwoods necessity, disappeared, only to come to the surface again, in after years, as a high-priced and frequently adulterated luxury, in the crowded markets of the towns and cities, which in some cases now occupy the former sites of pioneer sugar camps.

A recent writer of early history says: " The Indians learned the art of*making sugar from the whites, but how to be cleanly about it they never would learn. It required a strong appetite to eat their sugar. * * * * When their sirup was about ready to granulate, they would have a raccoon ready to cook, which they would put into the sirup, hair, skin, entrails and all. The coon would get 'done' in a short time, when he was removed and allowed to cool A crust of sugar came away with the hair and skin. The flesh seemed nicely cooked, but the sugar - well! "

Wild honey was sometimes found in what were called bee-trees. Some of these would be found to contain one or two hundred pounds of honey. The tree, of course, would be hollow for a portion of its length; this cavity was usually at or near the upper portion of the tree, and could not well be seen from the ground. The bear has a great love for honey, and a natural instinct for finding it; besides, he can climb, all of which make him the natural enemy of the bees, as well as a pretty good guide to their whereabouts. This state of things made it possible for the hunters to get a "clew" to the location and operations of both, sometimes, that would result in a supply of honey and bear's grease, both of which could be used to good advantage in the household.

The money of those days was confined to the centers of trade more than it now is. To-day, the frontier is reached by rail about as soon as a settlement is made, and with the locomotive comes the result of trade, viz, money. Many of the early pioneers had no money after their arrival on the land, and were dependent on whatever could be turned to advantage for the wants of life. Exchange of labor was a practice engaged in by all; the settler who could swing a broad-ax would " hew " for the one who could not, and he in turn would plow or "log" for the hewer; the shoemaker went from house to house and worked up the leather, and sometimes took leather for pay. The miller and sawyer were paid bya system of tolls, sharing, etc. The money proper consisted of

Government coin and Spanish milled dollars, or a paper circulation representing it in value. "Cut money " was nothing more nor less than the Spanish dollars eut into halves or quarters, for the purpose of making change, as the fractional currency of the times was vastly inadequate to the demand. |

Nearly all the real money the settler could raise was expended in payments on his land, and for taxes. Barter, traffic, " changing work" and * swapping 3 . were the details of business three-fourths of a century ago.

Flour was purchasable at Chillicothe, Zanesville, and at Cincinnati. Goods were high; they were hauled in wagons to Pittsburgh, floated down the Ohio to Cincinnati, and thence hauled or packed up. Tea retailed at $2 to $3 per pound; coffee, at 75 cents; salt brought 310 to $12 per hundred pounds; calico was 31 per yard; whisky was 31 to $2 per gallon, and the Indians were excellent customers. Store-keepers are said to have given liquor free to encourage purchasers.

No implement, tool, insignia nor device is more worthy of being wrought in gold, or of receiving the honest regards of mankind, than this emblem of the efficacy of that early edict which declared that " In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread."

Whether * Baltimore pattern," "Yankee," single or double bitted, concave or ridged, * jumped " or new, patent or home-made, double portioned, light or heavy, the tool was essentially the same. It was the consort of the rifle, and the constant companion of the frontiersman, while its echoing ring through the forest was the herald of the coming of " light and law."

It is the medium through which the mighty force of * God's image" in man was made potential, to the end that the wild kingdoms of nature should become the gardens of Christian civilization. It was the wand in the hands of that great conjurer called Progress, whereby the haunts of the savage were transformed into the homes of " My chosen people."

The First White Men

About the middle of the eighteenth century, the French Government claimed and held the whole extent of country west of the Alleghany Mountains, from the far north to the Gulf of Mexico on the south, excepting the territory of the Spanish dominion on the extreme southwest.

This vast stretch of empire was penetrated by their bands of armed adventurers over the watery highways of the St. Lawrence, and the great lakes on the northeast, and through the Mississippi River on the south.

At various points, far distant from each other were " posts" or military establishments, with the * ancient and honorable (?) post trader, as a necessary adjunct in each case.

There is a tradition that there used to be a "trader's" station somewhere near the "forks of Mad River," and that the Indians settled in a little community around it. Just where this store was located (if it ever existed), is now unknown, as its history is nothing 1nore than the rumor of a tradition that used to be common among the Indians. |

"The 'Ohio Company' which had been formed in 1748, now dispatched (1753), Christopher Gist as an agent to explore the country and make a report of the result of his discoveries. As a pretext for this dangerous enterprise, he went in the capacity of a trader whose ostensible object was to carry on a friendly traffic with the Indians, but in fact to gain over their good will to the English,

From this it will be seen that Gist was nothing more or less than a spy, and as such he explored the country north and west of the Ohio, and found various posts occupied by the French and Indians. Gist's account of this journey, with his report to the Ohio Company, was printed soon after his return, and is one of the earliest records of the state of affairs then existing; this work is now very rare and valuable, only three or four copies of it being known to be in existence in this country; from the language of the writer, it is inferred that he was the firsu man who explored those portions of the valleys of Mad River and Buck Creek, which are in this county.T

Imlay's America is the title of a book published in the latter part of the eighteenth century, by an officer of the old Continental army, and extensively circulated as standard literature; from this work the following is taken: " Mr. Gist in his explorations in 1753, visited this French fort, a mere trading-post with a stockade. By him the stream was called Mad Creek, and now it is called Mad River." From these accounts, together with many plausible traditions, it may be fairly concluded that one of the early French trading-poste was located within the present limits of this county.

Some of the accounts of Old Piqua mention a trader's store, and many of the relies found in a certain eorner of the Indian town are of such a character as to indicate the existence of an establishment of that kind.

From about 1770 to the time of Gen. Clark's expedition, and for many years after this territory was a sort of middle ground between the British lines on the lakes, and the settlements in Kentucky.

That these lands were explored by parties of land-hunters in the interests of Judge Symmes, and those associated with him, and by other bands of prospectors, is well known, in fact the territory was open for the inspection of any straggling individuals or parties of adventurers who were willing to take the chances of loosing their scalps for the sake of securing a home and good farm.

John Paul

There is just enough mystery hanging over this circumstance to make it exceedingly interesting, and to prompt us to dig deeper and search further for the missing threads in the fabric; there are details and particulars connected with this case which are not proper materials for use by this generation of writers. Leaving this semi-traditional event to stand in its doubt-enshrowded condition, the first undoubted and well-established permanent settlement in this county by David Lowry and Jonathan Donnel is reached, and is thus narrated by the venerable Dr. John Ludlow.

It may be remarked that this is probably the best account of the circumstance, now in existence, as after four months of close attention to this and kindred subjects, nothing new or important has been found to add to this article. Mr. Ludlow knew these men and conversed with them, and that with the view of recording what he heard, and had witnessed:

"It is with the aid of my own recollections of David Lowry, Griffith Foos, Jonah Baldwin, Maddox Fisher and others among the early settlers of the *own and vicinity, and the frequent conversations I have had with them, and also

+" James Smith was the first white man to pass through the valley, accompanying a party of Indians. The journey occurred in 1760, and Smith saw elk and buffalo." From an old account, this was Col. James Smith, who was captured by the Indians in 1755, and lived with them many years. Thestatement that he was first is no doubt erroneous.

City Of Springfield

cation than the Mad River bottoms, where the Humphreys settlement had been formed. He built the first log house within the present limits of the city. It was a large, double log cabin, and stood for many years on the brow of the hill on the noi th bank of the Lagonda, on the west side, and near the State road, now Limestone street, leading to Urbana.. The present Northern School building formerly the Seminary, is near the site of this cabin. Mr. Demint entered and held by certificate from the Government a large tract of land south and west of his new home. This he afterward laid out into town lots, which are embraced in the first plat of Springfield, and is here given:

Original Plat Of The Town Of Springfield South Line Of First Plat

The surveyor who laid out this plat was a young man named John Daugherty, who was then temporarily stopping at Demint's.cabin. He commenced the work March 14, 1801. The intention had been formed by Demint to lay out a town on the slope facing the bluff, on which the proprietor had located his cabin. The plat as shown here indicates his purpose to have the center of his town midway of the slope. which he has designated on the plat as the publie square. The principal streets ran parallel with the Lagonda Creek. Columbia street was at that time the principal thoroughfare, or Main street, and what is now Main street was then known as South street. Subsequent developments, however, pushed the center of trade south. and the adoption of South street as the line of the road from Springfield to Dayton established that street as the Main or business street of the place.

When Daugherty began this survey, there was some trouble about finding a starting-point, as the Government survey had not yet been completed. He finally determined to go down to the range line running between Ranges 8 and 9, and measure due north a distance of four miles, which would fix the position of the Government section line when it should be run by the Government sur vey. This brought him to about where the line of High street now is, and from there the new plat was laid off, and is dated March 14, 1801.

Some time after this, probably in the fall of the same year, Israel Ludlow, as Government Surveyor. established the present section line between Sections 34 and 35. This line passes through the open alley which runs between the First National Bank and the new commercial building on Limestone street, and is two hundred feet, more or less, farthor north than the south line of the towu plat as located by James Demint. In short, two surveyors, each measuring four miles in the same direction, made a difference of about two hundred feet in the result of their work. It is needless to add that the last line was the true one, because it was one of the great system of lines by which this county was divided, though the experience of every surveyor from then until now is that the first measurement was very nearly correct, while the Ludlow surveys generally overrun, both in distance and quantity. There has been, therefore, a dispute as to the exact locality of these lines, but the statement here given may be regarded as authentic.

The publie square as designated in the plat, and now occupied by the court house, county buildings and Soldiers' Monument, was intended as an open space, the center of the future city, but the wishes of the founder in this respect have not been observed, and the lots have always been occupied to the street. The recorded plat is dated and signed by James Demint September 5, 1808, and was recorded in Greene County September 13, 1804, it being then included in the limits of that county.

Beauty Of Location

A more favorable location for a prosperous city could not have been selected. The extensive area of table-land that lay thirty feet or more above the level of Buck Creek, with an undulating surface, or rising into abrupt bluffs, opened from this chosen site not only a variety of scenery, but a broad range for an extended growth. We take the following description of the landscape from a faithful narrator Dr. John Ludlow:

"The scenery had all the irregularity and variety of a New England landscape, without its hardness and abruptness. For several miles east and south of the new village of Springfield. the country was an undulating plain, which in the summer was covered with tall grass, mixed with a great variety of flowers, among which a species of wild pea. very fragrant but now extinct, was abundant. The country north for miles was an unbroken forest of large trees in great variety. The beautiful and never-failing stream called Buck Creek, or Lagonda, fringed its northern border with clear, running water. Mad River, with its rapid current, was within a couple of miles of its northwestern boundary. The 'Rocks,' or perpendicular bluffs, filled with deep strata of solid limestone on either side of Buck Creek as it advanced toward its junction with Mad River, were covered with cedars, hanging vines, ferns, mosses and flowers; the wild grape-vine hung from the stately trees and dipped its tendrils into the placid stream below: the sycamore bent its projecting boughs over its banks, while the sugar maple and mulberry, towering above, with the dogwood, redbud, spicewood, butternut, buckeye and other trees, with their variegated leaves, formed a beautiful and attractive picture. Near the mouth of Mill Run, a little rivulet which flowed near the south and west lines of the village, the scenery was unusually attractive and romantic. The little stream went tumbling over the rocks in order to reach the brief valley below and empty its waters into Buck Creek. On each side of this cascade, there were high, projecting rocks, covered with honeysuckles and wild vines and beautiful ferns, which hung down in festoons as a curtain to the chasm below, which was taller than a man's head. On the east side of this chasm, there was a large spring of water flowing from a round hole in the rock, with a strong current, remarkably cold, and depositing a yellow sediment. On the west side, there was another spring of delicious water, which, in after years, slaked the thirst of little fishing and picnic parties, who found delight on the banks of Buck Creek in the wild and pivturesque valley." FIRST COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE.

The first commercial enterprise was inaugurated by Demint, who some time after his location erected a small still at the foot of the hill below his cabin, and near the present spring-house on the Northern School grounds, and began making *fire-water" for the Indians and settlers. Demint was a rough, reckless man, a type of the class who are always found upon the frontier. In his wife he had a suitable companion, a hard working affectionate woman, who was a help-meet for her husband in the hardships of a pioneer life Among the denizens of the rocks along Buck Creek, were multitudes of rattlesnakes which were driven from their dens by Demint, his good wife assisting in smoking them out and killing them as they attempted to escape. It is said in one spring they killed ninety of these reptiles in this manner. Jesse Demint, son of James, shot and killed near the rocks an immense panther, which measured nine feet in length, and was supposed to be the last of its race in this vicinity.

Character Of Demint

James Demint, although recognized for his many good, qualities, had a passionate fondness for whisky and gambling. He frequently would mount his fine bay horse for a visit to the neighboring towns where he usually indulged in a prolonged spree. On these visits he would supply himself with a new deck of cards, and eagerly engage with any one for small wagers. At one time, he was playing with a man who owned a very fine deck of cards. He took such a fancy to it that he determined to purchase it. but the owner refused to sell, and it was only when Mr. Demint offered him a deed in fee for any lot on the plat of Springfield which he might select. for the cards, that he was induced to part with the treasure. The exchange was made and the consideration for one of the finest and most valuable blocks in the city. was at one time a gambler's deck of cards. The founder of Springfield died about the year 181%, at the tavern of the Widow Fitch in Urbana. His widow. who was his second wife, afterward married a man named John Rust. He followed teaming between Springfield and Cincinnati, and lived for several years about four miles from Springfield, on the old Dayton road. The venerable William Patrick, of Urbana, in a letter read at the Clark-Shawnee Centennial, says (Patrick) was an employe about the house of the Widow Fitch at that time, and remember on a summer evening that Mr. Demint rode up and ordered his horse put up, and took a room and would receive such persons as would minister to his chosen pastime, and other amusements. I have said already that he was addicted to drink; I do not mean, however, that he would stagger or wallow in the gutter - he was of the kind that could drink deeply and not show intoxication. His great mania being for the enjoyment of his cherished game for small stakes, he followed his accustomed amusements at any points in the village that would screen him from the lynx-eyed officers of the law. He would frequently, during his stay, take a nap on a long bench that stood against a partition in the bar room, where, one evening, a little before sun down, the old landlady came to me and told me to wake up Mr. Demint and prepare for supper; and obeying the request, I went to him on the bench and shook him, and called him by name: but he stirred not, and to my horror I found him dead. _ He had gone to sleep to wake no more. And after the bustle and excitement of preparing the body for the cooling board was over, it being nearly 9 or 10 o'clock, John Fitch, the son of the old landlady, approached and asked me who would go to Boston (Springfield) and inform his wife. I immediately answered "I will go," so he immediately ordered the hostler to saddle and bridle the dead man's valuable gelding, and when all was ready he said to me * give me your foot," and immediately vaulted me into the saddle, slapping the horse on the buttock, and addressing me waggishly, said: "Bill be careful that old Demint does not get on behind you." And although I was never subject to superstition, yet for the life of me I could not avoid looking askance occasionally during my lonely and melancholy ride that night, reaching my destination about daybreak, and breaking the sad news as well as I could to his wife. After taking some refreshment she immediately had a horse saddled and returned with me to Urbana, receiving the coffined remains of her husband and returning to Springfield for sepulture immediately."

Griffith Foos' Arrival

In 1801, Griffith Foos brought several families to Ohio from Kentucky. The Scioto Valley at first attracted them, but, finding it malarious, they determined to seek a more congenial. locality. In March, 1801, they came to Springfield on horseback from Franklinton, near Columbus, following Indian trails as their guides.

They had heard from hunters that the Mad River Valley was a healthy and beautiful regions and, when near what is now the county seat, they entered upon an Indian trail which they followed until they reached Mad River. They passed up the valley without observing the Humphrey's settlement, going in the direction of Urbana, until they reached "Pretty Prairie," then changing their course southwestward they followed Buck Creek until they came to James Demint's cabin. The party enjoyed his hospitality for several days, and, after an inspection of the country, expressed themselves well pleased, and as Mr. Demint offered them valuable land at very low prices and stated his intention to lay one a town as soon as competent surveyors could be procured, Mr. Foos and party concluded to return to Franklinton, where they had left their families and household goods and bring them to Springfield. Four days and a half were required to move from Franklinton, a distance of forty miles. They made the first wagon track into Springtield from that direction. They were com- pelled to cut down trees to make a roadway and ford streams. They transported their goods over the Big Darby upon horses, and then drew their wagons over with ropes while some of the party waded and swam by the sides to prevent them from upsetting. ;

The First Tavern

We now enter more directly into the history of the development of Springfield, as a distinct feature of the county. Prior to June, 1801, the town plat as laid out by Demint was without an occupant. The log cabin on the bluff north of the creek was the only tenement visible, but as Mr. Foos had expressed a desire to locate here for the purpose of going into business soon after his return from the Scioto Valley, he began the erection of a house to be used as a tavern It was a double log house, and was located on the south side of what is now Main street, a little west of Spring street. In June, 1801, he opened it to the publie, and continued it until the 10th of May, 1814. "These were the days of magnificent distances, and the patrons of Mr. Foos lived within a radius of forty miles. On the day announced for the raising of Mr. Foos' cabin, the set tlers came from all directions to participate in the festivities of the occasion. A "log cabin raising" was an event of the season. Plenty to eat and to drink, especially the latter, was furnished by the proprietor to all who chose to attend, with or without an invitation, the climax being attained by a dance in the evening which continued until the dawn began to glimmer through the trees. Mr. Foos died in 1858, having lived in Springfield over half a century. He saw it develop from a single house to a rapidly growing and flourishing inland town, and peopled by a class of men who were remarkable for their industry, enterprise and culture.

Picnic To Yellow Springs

Mr. Demint did not receive much encouragement immediately after the laying-out of his village plat. His lots were not considered valuable investments, and but few improvements were made thereon for several years. The attractions in the vicinity were appreciated by the residents, but the fame thereof had not as yet spr ead abroad. The natural scenery at Yellow Springs had been highly extolled by passing hunters. Griffith Foos and Archibald Lowry determined to visit that locality. In the "leafy month of June" with their wives and on horseback they went "picnicking" to the now popular resort. They were prepared to camp out, 'and, directing their course toward Dayton until they reached Knob Prairie near Enon and turning southeast following an Indian trail which ran in the direction of Mud Run, they came to the Springs, where they remained two days. unmolested by beast or savage, enjoying the beautiful scenery which was then worthy of tedious journey. Its wild luxuriance, unmarred by the encroachments of civilization, made it a subject for the cunning hand of the limner, and to this day, such has been the marvelous beauty of some of its scenery, that it has been transferred to canvas by skillful artists. 'The exeursionists discovered near the river, while rambling through the beautiful evergreens and shrubbery, the deep ravines and rumbling cascades what appeared to be two artifieial wells eut in the solid rock about three feet in diameter, and several feet in depth. They were until recently visible a short

Improvements, Mills, Etc

Following the erection of the double log cabin of Mr. Foos. a number of other buildings rose on different parts of the town plat. All were roughly built and did not add to the attractions of the place. The first "mansion " of any pre- tensions after thatof Mr. Foos was built in 1803 by Archibald Lowry, a brother cf David Lowry. He owned a tract of land which was afterward laid out in town lots by his son, James Lowry. James was at one time a prominent business man of the city, but his latter days were spent with dissolute companions, and he was murdered some years ago in, a wretched hole called * Rat Row," on Market street, in a midnight brawl The new house built by Archibald Lowry was a large two-story hewed- log house on the alley first West of Limestone street, about half way to High street. It was the second publie house in the place.

Necessity at the time suggested that the rapid waters of the stream which flowed along the southern limits of the village might be utilized by furnishing power for grinding the corn and wheat ré used in the fertile valleys. There were no mills nearer than Lebanon, Ohio. to which the settlers were obliged to convey their grain avd purchase their flow. To make a market nearer 'hone, Demint built a small grist-mill near the mouth of the stream on the spot afterward océupied by Fisher's old mill The stream became known as Mill Run, which name it holds to this day. This mill was the first in the vicinity. It had the capacity to grind about twenty-five. bushels of corn every twenty-four hours.

Dayton And Springfield Road

In 1803, Congress passed a law dohating 3 per cent of all money received from sale of lands, for use on roads. In order to obtain the benefits of this law, a movement was inaugurated among those interested to establish communication between Dayton, Springfield and Columbus. A wagon road was surveyed in 1803, between Dayton and Springtield, which was afterward cxtended east toward Columbus. This road did not follow the principal or Main street of the then village, on account of the low swampy land which was on the east end of that street, but was located on South street. It soon became a thoroughfare, and had much to do in establishing the business center south of the original Main street. In after years, business houses were built along the principal lines of ingress and egress. Two years after the road had been located between Springfield and Dayton, one Capt. Moore «nd hfs brother Thomas, took the contract to open the road from Franklinton to Springfield. The advent of the construction corps employed on this road was hailed with as much enthusiasm by the citizens of Springfield as in after years they weleomed the railroad and the locomotive. When within a few miles, the contractors made a frolic of the job and invited all the people to come and help them, so that they might go into Springfield in one day. Never was invitation responded to with greater alacr ity. The road was finished in a day. an event which was celebrated in the evening by an immense supper and a ball at Foos' "Tavern.

The City In 1804

The boast of the embryonic city in 1804 was about one dozen houses, all built of logs. Some of the most pretentious. such as Col. Daugherty's, Lowry's tavern and Charles Stowe's business building, had large stone 'chimney 8, which were esteemed quite aristocratic. The houses of which the village was then composed were situated as follows: Near the southeast corner of Main and Market streets, a man named Fields kept a small repair shop; west and almost opposite, was a cooper-shop owned by John Reed: on the northeast corner of the same streets stood a log house. while a short distance west on the south side of what is now Main street. near Primrose alley, was a larger log structure occupied by Charles Stowe, of Cincinnati, as a general store. He was the first merchant in this place, and had a profitable trade with the Indians and hunt- ers. Another log house was on the southeast corner of Limestone and Main streets, and Col. Daugherty's large log house with its imposing stone chimneys was nearly opposite. A large two-story log house, which, in time of the Indian incursions incident to border life, was used as a block-house, stood {near the southeast corner of High and Limestone streets. Not far from what was long known as "the old Buckeye corner," nearer the public square, was another cabin, in which two Frenchmen named Duboy and Lueroy sold goods suitable mostly to the Indian trade. The two taverns conducted by Foos and Lowry, with two or three cabins on Columbia street, composed the village of Springfield.

The health of the neighborhood is indicated in the fact that there were at that time only four graves in what is now known as the old graveyard. One of these was the grave of Mrs. Demint, who died in the fall of 1803.

The Early Settlers Of Springfield

Those who have been identified with the early settlement of a community leave their impress upon it. An insight into their habits, characters and modes -of thought is essential to a thorough understanding of the growth and development which was made possible by their early struggles. A study of New England without a knowledge of the Puritan characterof the Plymouth fathers would be as valueless as a history of Old England without a thorough deseription of the Saxons and the Normans. Let us, therefore, take a glimpse at some of those hardy men whose names are linked with early life in Springfield.

John Daugherty first comes under our notice as engaged in laying out the town.plat of the village, having been called to this work by Mr. Demint. He was a native of Virginia, who had come to Demint's from Kentucky. He was a man of considerable natural ability, uncouth in person, but endowed with the faculty of making friends 'among all classes. His persuasive manners made him popular among the pioneers. He held various offices of trust; was elected Auditor of the county of Clark in 1818, Representative in the State Legislature during the winters of 1820, 1821, 1822, and again in 1824. As he had proven an efficient Representative, he bad little diffieulty in being chosen to the State Senate from the district then composed of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties, in 1825. The primitive method of electioneering, as used by this pioneer politician, was to make a personal canvass of the district on horseback, having a jug of whisky in each end of his saddle-bags. An intuitive insight into character suggested to him when to use a direct appeal for support, and when the more indirect, but equally as potent, influence of the jug should prevail A ready wit, fluent speech and courteous bearing gained him a large following. At the close of his political life, he moved to a farm in Springfield Township, .about two miles south of Springfield, where he died in 1882.

Robert Rennick

That portion of the city now known as the West End was originally owned by Robert Rennick, jointly with James Demint. Mr. Rennick at first settled in Springfield Township, but, soon after Demint's location of the town, he be- -eamearesident there. His land, which was in Section 5, Township 4, Range 9, was set apart to him upon a mutual division of the tract, which, as stated before, he owned in common with Demint. The east half, by this partition, came into the possession of the latter, while the former held the west half, the eastern boundary of which ran along the line called Yellow Springs street. He was a man of indomitable will and enterprise. The small mill at the mouth of Mill Run could not meet the demand made upon it from the surrounding country, which fact induced Mr. Rennick, during the years 1806 and 1807, to build a larger millon Buck Creek, on the opposite bank, and a little below what is now Fern Cliff Cemetery. It became a valuable acquisition to the new settlement, and long continued in successful operation. About fifteen or twenty years later, this mill, together with the farm on the north side of the creek, came into the possession of a Mr. Henry Bechtle, who continued the business successfully as late as 1835. After the death of Mr. Bechtle, the mill was abandoned, and finally torn down.

Mr. Rennick, in 1820, held the office of Justice of the Peace. His rulings were marked by a profound contempt for the decisions of the higher courts, but were tempered by a sturdy common senge, which guided him aright. He was frequently a law unto himself, and served his own writs if a Constable was not convenient or suitable to his mind. At one time, a man charged with horsestealing was arrested and brought before him. As the modern features of jail or station-house had not been provided, and it beeame necessary to retain the prisoner overnight to secure the attendance of an important witness, Squire Rennick proceeded to improvise a pair of stocks. He split a log in halves, and hewed them so that, when joined again, two holes sufficiently large to insert the prisoner's legs were made. In these holes his legs were placed, the log pinioned fast, and the offender secured. He then laid the man thus fastened in a convenient place on the ground, confident that he would not forfeit his recognizance for his appearance the next day.

Jonah Baldwin

One of the Commissioners in the council with Tecumseh held in the village in 1807 was Jonah Baldwin, who was selected because of his sound judgment and excellent character. He came to Springfield in 1804, a young and then unmarried man. He built a large two-story frame house some years after his arrival, on a lot a little east of Limestone street, on Main street. Here he opened a tavern, which also served him as an office as a Justice of the Peace. He had a remarkable memory for dates and circumstances connected with the history of the hation. Mr. Baldwin died near Springfield in 1865, having attained the age of eighty-eight years.

Walter Smallwood

In the spring of 1804, Walter Smallwood, with his young wife, came from Virginia, purchased a lot on the south side of Main street and erected a residence near where the Western House now stands. He was a valuable acquisition, as he was the first, and, for a number of years, the only, blacksmith in the place. Mrs. Smallwood was a woman of superior intellect, cultivated manners, and very active in all matters pertaining to the social improvement of the community. She became one of the original members of the first Methodist societies organized here. She was remarkably gifted in prayer. Her choice words and sweet voice, melting in its tenderness, were frequently heard in supplication in the religious worship of that church. Mrs. Smallwood became the mother of six children - three boys and three girls - all of whom reached mature years, and, under the early teachings of a pious mother, identified themselves with religious organizations. The oldest son, Louis, went farther west in 1832, and settl.d in Lexington, Mo., where he engaged in the practice of his profession, the law. He served several terms as Clerk of the Court at Lexington, with credit. In 1852, Mr. and Mrs. Smallwood followed their children to Missouri. Their youngest son, Walter, who had learned the trade of a painter, and also studied law while in Springfield, became a Judge in one of the inferior courts in Missouri. He entered the Union army during the rebellion, serving a portion of the time as staff officer. At the close of the war, he went to Mississippi, where he assisted in framing the new constitution of that State, and wrote a very able address to the Senate of the United States in advocacy of its approval by that body. The Smallwoods were all loyal during the rebellion, and none more so than their aged father. The following anecdote of Mr. Smallwood is . related by a writer in Harpers Magazine, and is characteristic of his intrepid character: " When the rebel Gen. Price, with his army, was making a raid in the vicinity of Lexington, Mo., Mr. Smallwood was standing one morning at the gate in front of his house in that city, when a rebel officer rode rapidly up to him and inquired if he could inform him where Gen. Price and his army was. The old gentleman gazed indignantly at the officer a moment, and then replied, 'I don't know, sir, where they are, but can tell you where they ought to be at this moment.' The officer innocently asked, 'Where? Mr. Smallwood, raising - his cane and shaking it with great violence at the rebel officer, exclaimed, in a loud voice, 'In hell, sir, in hell!' The officer pursued his inquiry no farther, but rode rapidly away."

Rev. Saul Henkle

The first settled minister of the Methodist Church in Springtield was Rev. Saul Henkle, who came from Hardy County, Virginia, in the spring of 1809, on horseback, with his young wife and child, two months old. He moved in the log house built by Archibald Lowry, then occupied as a tavern, and continued to live there until he built his one-story brick house on High street in 1825, where he lived the remainder of his life. Mr. Henkle was a regularly ordained preacher of the Methodist Episcopal - Church, but joined the Protestant Methodists soon after their organization. He was a devout Christian and an exemplary citizen, living to promote the moral and religious welfare of the people in the village and neighboring couniry. His ministerial life covered a period of twenty-eight years. At every marriage feast and every funeral ceremony, he officiated, and neither would -have been complete without him. A funeral in those days was attended with a solemnity unobserved at the present time. The coffin rested upon a simple - bier, and was carried: on the shoulders of four or six men, walking to the grave. The officiating minister preceded the coffin, and the pall-bearers, the mourners and friends, with ,"solemn step and slow, " walked behind in twos. When the . procession began to move, the minister would commence the singing of a familiar hymn, in which the rest would join, and which they continued until they reached the grave. The usual hymn sung on these occasions was the one beginning - * Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound."

In the year 1827, Mr. Henkle edited and published a religious paper called The Gospel Trumpet. He performed all the labor at his residence on High street. He also wrote some editorials for the Western Pioneer. In 1830, he was elected to the office of Clerk of the Court, in which position he proved an efficient and popular officer.

He was a man a little below the ordinary height, of rather slender form, inclined to stoop in the sboulders, with a remarkably pleasant face, and manner indicating his ministerial office. In the pulpit, his speaking was extemporaneous. He was slow in delivery, but his words were appropriately chosen, and his thoughts were entertaining and instructive. His first wife died in Septem- ber. 1825, and he married again in 1829. He died in Springfield in 1837, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. His second wife, a most excellent woman, survived him about thirty-seven years. She was a very active and consistent member of the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Saul Henkle, Esq., now of Washington City, and Mrs. J. S. Halsey, were their children.

John Ambler

John Ambler came from New Jersey to Springfield in 1808, remaining but a short time, when he purchased and removed to a farm on Mud Run. The oceupation of farming not being congenial to his tastes, he soon sold his farm, and removed, with his wife and children, to Springfield. Among the residents when he first came to the village were Griffith Foos and Archibald Lowry, tavern-keepers; Mr. Hodge and Samuel Simonton, merchants; Walter Smallwood, blacksmith; James Shipman, tailor; Mr. Doyle, saddler; Mr. Fields, who kept a repair-shop for articles in wood and iron; Dr. Richard Hunt, the first physician; and Col. Daugherty, the surveyor. In 1812, Mr. Ambler was both merchant and tavern-keeper, occupying a small log house nearly opposite the Mad River National Bank. He was a very public-spirited, worthy gentleman, and among the foremost to advocate the prosperity of the place. When Springfield became the county seat, he was elected Treasurer, and used his private residence as the office. This building was a two-story brick house, on Main street, on the northwest corner of the alley west of Factory street. Mr. Ambler and Maddox Fisher were the contractors for building the first court house; also, te inclose the old gravéyard on Columbia street with a stone wall He also donated one-half of the lot now used by the First Presbyterian Church, of which he was one of the original members, and contributed largely to the first church building thereon, paying for and doing a portion of its painting.

Mr. Ambler died shortly after, turning over the books and papers of the Treasurer's office to James S. Halsey, who had been elected his successor. Mrs. Ruth Shipman, mother of John Shipman, present Postmaster, was the daughter of Mr. Ambler.

Cooper Ludlow

Cooper Ludlow, who came to Clark County in 1805 and settled in Springfield Township, near the first Mad River bridge west of the city, was a tanner by trade, and worked a tannery in connection with his farm. In 1812, he moved into Springfield, and kept a public inn on the corner of Main and Factory streets. He was an industrious citizen, and invaluable in laying the foundations of Springfield's prosperity. Mr. Ludlow was twice married. Dr. John Ludlow, President of the f'irst National Bank, was his son by his first wife. His second wife was the mother of Abraham Ludlow, member of the City Council, and of the extensive manufacturing firm of Thomas, Ludlow & Rodgers, George Ludlow, ex-member of the police force, and three other sons, and one daughter, Mrs. Ferrill. His descendants have been valuable citizens, and have aided much in promoting the prosperity of the place of which their ancestor had been one of the founders. The house of Mr. Ludlow for many years was on the southwest corner of High and Factory streets, and but recently gave place to the new High-School building.

Pearson Spinning

Among the first merchants, who contributed largely by his wealth and energy toward the prosperity of the village, was Pearson Spinning, who came to Springfield from Dayton in the fall of 1812. He at once entered upon the sale of dry goods, and continued in that business until 1834, when, having accumulated a large property, he was considered the wealthiest man in the piace. For many years. it was Mr. Spinning's custom to make a trip to New York City and Philadelphia once a. year. on horseback, to purchase goods, and, owing to a lameness with which he was afflicted, always rode on a side-saddle. It required about six weeks, then, to make the trip. The goods he bought were bronght over the Allegheny Mountains in wagons to Pittsburgh, and in keel. boats floated down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, and from there to Springfield in wagons. Freight then averaged about $6 per hundred weight, while wheat only brought 37 cents per bushel. In 1827, he built his fine residence on the east side of Limestone street, which now forms a part of the King building, and. in 1830, he commenced the block of buildings on the northwest corner of Main and Limestone streets, known as the ^ Buckeye" building, and at one time oceupied as a hotel In 1837, Mx. Spinning took large contracts in the publie works of the State then in progress, in whieh he lost a large portion of his property. After this, he continued the business of his hotel, called the "Buckeye House," for several years, and later in life he acted in the capacity of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Spinning was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1756. and died in Springfield in 1857, in the seventy-first year of his age.

Granny Icenbarger

We are indebted to Dr. John Ludlow for the following description of two original characters, for many years familiar to the residents of Springfield:

* * Granny' Icenbarger, as every one called her, was no ordinary person in the early history of the town. She came here with her family during the war of 1812. They were Germans, and the family consisted of four children, the aforesaid Granny. and a wild and drunken husband. The family were supported by the old lady in the manufacture and sale of cakes and beer, in which capacity she gained a wide popularity among the people of both town and country. She was a woman of unblemished character, and diligent in her calling. She was admitted within the bounds of all camp-meetings, and was a regular attendant of all military musters and other publie gatherings, where her cakes and beer were made part of the programme, and many a hungry and thirsty soul was replenished at her board. Her kindness of disposition to all, especially to the children, gained for her the respect of every individual. She ever had a cake as a reward for kind acts from boys, and all stood ready to befriend her. She was a portly, good-natured and motherly looking person, and lived in town for more than a quarter of a century of its early history.

a log house on the west side of Market street, not far from the southwest corner of Main street. It was while she lived in this cabin that her husband died. He was a small, thin man, with very slender and crooked legs, which seemed to stand very far apart when he walked, and when he was under the influence of liquor, which was nearly always the case, he was extremely noisy, and danced and hopped about in the wildest manner, and was a source of much trouble to his wife. At the time of his death, I remember going to their house, in company with some other boys.to show our sympathy and gratify our euriosity on the occasion. ; "Tt was in the evening, and the old lady met us at the door and said to us: 'Law me! poys, te olt man is tet; what a pity!' After telling her son to hold the candle that we might see the remains, she told us, in her simplicity, how much it would cost her to bury him. Nevertheless, we thought she was deeply afflicted at her loss, though we boys expected to see her rejoice at his departure. Granny Icenbarger died in Springfield in 1839."

Joel Walker

In the two-story log house in which the first court was held (near the present location of the First Baptist Church), there lived for many years a very . eccentric and notable pioneer named Joel Walker. He came to Springfield among its first settlers, and one of his brothers lived among the Wyandot Indians. Mr. Walker, unlike his brother, was a man of plausible manners and smooth words, whose chief occupation consisted in a careful attention to everybody's business but his own. He was "headquarters" for all the gossip and news of the village, and a standing witness in court. "While regularly imbibing his "morning dram," he carefully kept himself from drunkenness and profanity. His greatest vice was the excessive laziness, loafing much of the time, leaving the support of his family to the labors of his wife and daughters. He made a seeming care of the morals and welfare of the community. He wore a stout leather belt, fastened around his body by a large buckle, as a substitute for suspenders, with which he often strapped his boys for being trifling and lazy. By shrewdness or politeness to a stranger, or the proffer of a bunch of tanzy, he procured his *morning dram" at the bar of some tavern, or perhaps by the recital of some funny anecdote, cracking a joke, or giving one of his long and peculiarly loud laughs, he satisfied his love of the ardent for the day. If he had nothing to eat at home, he managed to drop into the house of a neighbor at meal time and accept the invitation to "set up" at the table. He was a very singular man, and, by his eccentricities, he afforded much amusement and fun in the town. So noted were his lazy habits that it became a common expression by any citizen then out of employment, if asked what he was doing, to reply, *Helping Joe Walker."

Another peculiar character was a son of Granny Icenbarger, who was familiarly and widely known as "Gabe." Gabe had inherited some of his father's weak elements, and had several times been arrested for violation of the law. Upon one occasion, he was brought before His Honor, Judge Swan, then Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, on an indictment for unlawfully selling liquor. Upon his plea of guilty, the Judge announced a fine of $25. Gabe very impudently responded by telling the Judge to charge it, as he had an open account with the county. The indignant Judge added thirty days' imprisonment to the fine. Gabe was hustled off to the jail, but insisted that his kit of tools - being a shoemaker - should be sent him. Having procured some leather, he worked assiduously at his trade, and when his time expired he refused to leave, when ordered out. He said that he had an understanding with the Judge by which he was to occupy the jail permanently. It was finally necessary to eject him by legal process.

Little Daddy Vicory

Merrytield Vieory, an odd but genial character, located in Springfield in the year 1814. and soon afterward received and held the sobriquet of " Little Daddy Vicory." He was a short. round man, with a jolly face. He had been a drummer in the Revolutionary war. and had his drum shot from his side by a cannon ball at the siege of Yorktown. Mr. Vicory in one instance displayed skill and bravery in catching a thief while stealing some bacon from his smoke house. He seized the thief and tied him fast with a rope, and, it being Sunday morning, kept him in confinement until the horn for church, when he drove the thief down Main street under threatenings of a large club, with two sides of bacon swinging over his shoulders. He went so far in his efforts to humiliate that thief as to take him to the door of the Presbyterian Church and ask the people there assembled if they claimed him as one of their members. The thief was never after seen in the town. Mr. Vicory received a pension from the Government, and, soon after his settlement here, he bought ten acres of land on the old Columbus road, on what afterward became the east end of High street. He was father of Mr. Freeman Vicory, another esteemed citizen, who inherited the property, and spent his days also in Springfield. Mr. Merryfield Vicory was buried with military honors, in March, 1840, aged seventy-seven years.

James Wallace

James Wallace was a native of Kentucky, and came to Ohio when he was a boy of fourteen years old. During the war of 1812, he brought the mail once a week to Springfield on horseback, returning with the same to Cincinnati. He settled in Springfield about the year 1814; apprenticed himself to William Moody, a harness and saddle manufacturer, but, before finishing his trade, he bought the remainder of his time, and, by the assistance of Pearson Spinning, he opened a store in the village of Lisbon. He soon returned, however, and entered Mr. Spinning's store as partner,* where he and Mr. Fisher, on opposite corners, kept up a lively competition. In 1823, Mr. Wallace had a store in his own name, in the brick building immediately east of the present Mad River National Bank building, where for several years he continued as a leading merchant. Mr. Wallace was a very affable man, a good talker, somewhat excitable, and an excellent salesman. He was opposed to any one leaving his store without purchasing goods, and often he was seen enticing customers in from the streets or pavement as they were passing along. He kept a great variety of goods, so it became proverbial, if an. article could not be found elsewhere, it could be had at "Jimmy Wallace's." Becoming unfortunately embarrassed in his business in later years, he sold out and left Springfield. He maintained, however, during these and subsequent days, his standing in the Presbyterian Church, and reached a good age ere the day of his death.

Dr. Needham

One of the pioneers in the profession of medicine in Springfield, Dr. William A. Needham, came from Vermont in 1814. He first lived in a small log house in the vicinity of Lagonda, but, in 1817, moved into his new frame house on the southwest corner of Main street and the alley east of Limestone street, opposite the building now owned by William Burns. The Doctor became a popular physician and leading citizen. He was a jovial man, full of quips and pert sayings, and his social qualities and kindness of heart gained for him a large circle of friends. He was the father of the wives of Samson Mason and Jonah Baldwin, and died in Springfield in 1832, aged sixty-five years.

Elijah Beardsley

Elijah Beardsley, originally from Connecticut, came to Springfield in 1815, bringing with him a wife, two sons.and six daughters. He first occupied a log "house that stood near the southeast corner of Plum and Main streets, and, with all its inconveniences, he made it pleasant to many a weary traveler who wished to tarry for the night. One of Mr. Beardsley's daughters in later years married Ira Paige, and another, Laura, married James S. Christie, who, with her husband, is still living, and among the oldest of the present inhabitants of this city. Except a temporary residence of nearly three years in Cincinnati, Mr. Beardsley lived in Springfield until his death, October 2, 1826, aged sixty-six

* Mr. Wallace returned from Lisbon and was partner with Mr. Spinning on the northwest corner of Limestone and Main streets. In 1823, Mr. Wallace had a store of his own on the northeast corner of Limestone and Main streets. Subsequently Mr. Wallace's store was moved to the brick house named, where the Republic Printing Company is now

Maddox Fisher

Maddox Fisher. who came from Kentucky with his family in 1881, became one of the most enterprising and public-spirited of the early settlers of Springfield. He possessed considerable wealth, and, soon after his arrival, purchased twenty-five lots, at $25 per lot, of Mr. Demint, most of them being located in the vieinity of the publie square. He opened a dry-goods store on Main street, a little west of Limestone street. While prosecuting with energy his own trade, he was ever ready, by his influence and wealth, to aid in the improvement of the place he had chosen as his home, and which he believed would eventually become a large city. In 1814, he built a cotton-factory on the Rocks, near where Mill Run empties into Buck Creek, taking the place of Demint's old mill. It continued operations a few years, when it was changed into a flouring-mill. In this mill he did a profitable business until November, 1834, when the mill was destroyed by fire, at a loss of $6,000. The building of this factory, and afterward mill, seemed to have marked a turning-point in the history of Springfield. Prior to this, little business was doing; the inhabitants appeared discouraged, real estate had depreciated, and hard times were depressing. But this improvement of Mr. Fishers gave a new impulse to trade and further growth. In 1815, he built a two-story brick house on the east side of Lime- | stone street. just north of the public square, designing the same for a store and | dwelling. In 1825, he built a handsome residence on the corner of North and Limestone streets, which afterward was partially incorporated in the fine dwell- | ing of the late Dr. Robert Rodgers. In 1824, he served, with general accept- | ance, as Postmaster, and. in 1830, he erected the store and residence (since enlarged and built into a handsome block of four stories) now owned by his son, M. W. Fisher, on the southwest corner of Main and Limestone streets.

Mr. Fisher was a native of Delaware, where he was married at the age of twenty, after which he moved to Kentucky, and thence to Springfield. He was a man of medium height, somewhat fleshy, a true gentleman of the old school, a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, quite entertaining in conversation, and very hospitable and kind to strangers, as well as to his numerous friends. He generally wore a straight-breasted, dark broadcloth coat, and his polished, silver-headed cane, and his well-filled silver snuff-box in one of his spacious vest pockets, were his constant companions. He died in this city October 22, 1836, in the sixty-fifth year of his age.

Ira Paige

Ira Paige was another prominent person who settled in Springfield in 1814. He was a native of Massachusetts, and, soon after his arrival, he established a woolen-factory, with Mr. James Taylor as partner, near by or in the basement of Fisher's flouring-mill,where jeans and flannels and woolen rolls were manufactured for customers. This business was continued by Mr. Paige for more than fifteen years. and was considered then an extensive factory. In 1832 and 1833, he represented the county in the lower branch of the State Legislature, and subsequently he became an Associate Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and sat upon the bench with Judges Service and McKinnon. During the latter part of his life, Judge Paige was engaged in farming. He was a man of excellent judgmont and good, sound sense, coupled with intelligence, strict integrity and fine social qualities. By his influence and force of character, he added much to the moral and social condition of the village and town. He died in Springfield in July. 1847, in the fifty-eighth year of his age.

James Johnson

James Johnson, a native of England, came to Springfield at an early date, and, in 1816, he built a large two story &tone house on the south side of Main street, between Factory street and the alley east. He built also a small. onestory addition on the east end of this house, where, in 1817. he manufactured cut nails by hand. The nails used in building Dr. Needham's house were made here, and for several months the citizens were supplied with the article from: Mr. Johnson's factory. He afterward removed to Pike Township. on Donnel's Creek, where he had purchased a farm, and erected a small mill. He here spent the remainder of his days. The two-story stone house was taken down in 1871, by Edwin L. Houck, who erected in its stead a fine three-story block. with a spacious hall in the third story.

Major Christie

The last of the early settlers to whom we shall here call attention is Robert Christie, or Maj. Christie, as he was more familiarly known. He came from Washington County, Vermont. in the fall of 1817, with his second wife and eight children, and his aged father, Deacon Jesse Christie, then in his eightyfirst year. A small frame house on Main street. below Yellow Springs street, - was his first residence, but the year following his arrival he located on what is known as the Bechtle farm. a part of which now constitutes the largest portion of Fern Cliff Cemetery. There was an unbroken forest from his residence east as far as Demint's cabin, extending north several miles. The land occupied by Wittenberg College and Fern Cilff was heavily timbered. the maple predominating over other trees. The wild grape festooned the trees in wild luxuriance. The species known as the fox grape was a very desirable fruit. and gathered in large quantities. Small game, with occasionally specimens of larger and more dangerous animals, furnished sport for the expert hunter. A species of _ panther and several deer were shot while the Major resided on this farm. The Major was a wide-awake man, nervous, and quick in all his movements, and had a very intelligent and social family. His humble but hospitable dwelling was often the scene of merriment and good cheer. and the frequent resort of the neighbors and friends. On the 8th of April, 1819, his daughter Mary was married to Louis Bancroft. Their wedding tour was simply a horseback ride, both riding the same horse, from the farm to their new abode in the village. On the 8th day of April, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft celebrated their golden wedding - in all probability the first event of the kind that occurred in the annals of this city.

A singular circumstance occurred in Maj. Christie's family while residing on the Bechtle farm. Their youngest daughter, Sarah, who was then in her teens, was very ill with the typhoid fever, and preparations were made for her shroud and funeral. But a young physician who called to express his sympathy for the afflicted family, on seeing the supposed corpse, thought he discovered that the vital spark was still lingering. After labored efforts, her resuscitation was effected. She fully recovered from the illness, and lived to be twice married and rear a family of four sons and two daughters. A

Of Maj. Christie's sons, two of them, James S. and Jesse Christie, Jr., became residents of Springfield, where they were influential men, taking an active part in the promotion of all that pertained to the welfare of the people. They were both for many years Elders in the First Presbyterian Church. The elder, James S. Christie, was particularly active in all the religious movements of the churches. He had the entire confidence of the people, and was several times recipient of the unsolicited office of Justice of the Peace.

The youngest son of Maj. Christie. Robert, was an early settler of Scott County, Iowa, and at one time an influential citizen of Davenport, Iowa. In August, 1822, Maj. Christie died, in the forty-seventh year of his age. He was buried with Masonie honors, in which fraternity he held an exalted rank. In January of the succeeding year, his father, Jesse, followed him, in his eightyseventh year.

Steady Growth Of The Village

Having briefly sketched the lives of some of the principal characters who were identified with the foundation of the future city, whose names are 1nseparably connected with its infant growth and development, and whose patient endurance, enterprise and sagacity gave it an impulse which has been repeated by their descendants in later years, we may return to a more detailed narration of the progress which was steadily made. All the difficulties which were common to the settlements on the frontier were the lot of the young village. The facilities for intercourse with the world beyond were limited, markets were few and inaccessible, material for the erection of buildings and machinery for the manufacture of articles of necessity were not to be had. The danger of incursion from the savage tribes kept the whites in a constant state of alarm, and prevented the immigration which would have been gladly weleomed. But, notwithstanding these difficulties, the little cluster of log cabins on the east. fork of Mad River began to stretch along the slopes:

A post office; with its weekly mail carried on horseback from Cincinnati, was, according to the official records at Washington, established in 1804, with Richard McBride as the first Postmaster. There seems to be a discrepancy between this statement and the recollections of some of those whose memories run far back into the early years, who assert that no postoffice was established until 1814, and that Robert Rennick was the first Postmaster. He kept the office in his mill on Buck Creek, and subsequently in a little cabin that stood a | short distance west of the Republic Printing Company's building, on Main | street.

The architectural demand for improvement upon the unsightly log cabins. was first met' by Samuel Simonton who began in May, 1804, to erect a two-story frame house on the northeast corner of Main and Factory streets. When this building was in the progress of erection, a tornado, but thirty yards wide, came sweeping over the place from the southwest, taking a northeasterly direction until it struck this house, when it changed to an easterly course. So violent was the storm that the upper story was badly injured, which induced the owner to reduce its height to one story, and postpone its completion until the following spring. Several log cabins in the course of the storm were thrown down, others unroofed, and considerable damage done to fences. Mr. Simonton kept tavern in this building, and, in later years, had a store on the corner of Main and Limestone streets, long known as the "Buckeye Corner." He finally sold this establishment to Pearson Spinning and removed to New Carlisle, in this county, where he built a mill on Honey Creek.

Demint found that the demand for lots was growing, and that a preference existed for those which abutted on South, now Main, street, because that was now the thoroughfare, the road running between Dayton and Springfield as before stated having followed this street. Demint, therefore, in the early part of the year 1804, laid out a second addition to the village. This was an extension of the first plat west as far as Race street. In this plat the name of South street was changed to Main street, and the original street by the latter name was obliged to be content with a more modest title.

The First School

Prior to the year 1806, no attention had been paid to the education of the children of the settlement. The rugged life of the pioneer found no great advantage to be derived from learning. They had "books in the running brooks and sermons in stones." A knowledge of wooderaft and unerring skill with the rifle were deemed sufficient for the time. The loose, unrestrained habits which always vanish as civilization advances, bringing with it culture and respect for order and sobriety, still lingered here. Drunkenness and lawlessness prevailed. The voice of the minister in rebuke was not heard, nor had the influence of religious associations been suggested. But, in 1806, the necessity of establishing a school became apparent, and Nathaniel Pinkered became the founder of the educational system in Springfield. He opened a school in a log house on the northeast corner of Main and Market streets. All the branches embraced in the common school system of that day were taught.

The same year which began the educational history of Springfield found also an awakening interest in religious matters. The Miami Methodist Episcopal Circuit, which was established in 1800, extended northward from Cincinnati and included Clark County within its bounds. There had been but little organization among the church people. Mrs. Smallwood had called several of the sisters in the Methodist Church together and formed a temporary society, but even the itinerant minister had not penetrated before this time into the forests along Mad River. This year, 1806, however, the Miami Circuit was in charge ef Rev. John Thompson who extended his labors to Springfield, visiting it at

_ stated periods. Two Methodist preachers named Saile and Goble also preached alternately here every three or four weeks. They held services in the log house on the northeast corner of Main and Market streets, where Pinkered kept his school. Rev. Mr. McGuire rode the circuit in 1807, and Rev. Milligan in 1808. The pulpit was supplied irregularly by ministers of the Miami Circuit until Rev. Saul Henkle, who moved into the place in 1809, began to hold stated religious services. There was also preaching occasionally by ministers of other denominations, who held their services in Foos' tavern or out-doors if the weather permitted. But to the Methodist Church belongs the credit of first establishing publie worship.

First Church Building

The interest which had been created in religious worship by the Methodist Church led members of other sects to similar efforts. During the winter of 1810-11, the "New Lights" (as they were then called) or Christian denomination, were successful in a revival of religion. This led to an organization of a New Lights or Christian Society. The members felt strong enough to begin the erection of a church. A general call was made upon the citizens of the place, which met with a hearty response. Mr. Griffith Foos gave toward this building a fine young horse valued at $10, which seems to have been a fair price for a horse at that time. As all the citizens, irrespective of their tendency or affiliation with other sects, contributed to a common fund for the erection of a church edifice, it was determined to make it a free church for all denomina-

" tions. This catholic spirit was in accord with the general character of the pioneers, who opposed exclusiveness or caste in religion as in society. The site selected was on the south side of the lot west of Mill Run, and south of Main street, just in the rear of Funk's building. It was built of hewed logs about twenty by thirty feet in size. The pulpit opposite the door was made of rough, unpainted boards, and stood high up from the floor. The ground around the building for several yards south was dry and slightly elevated and neatly sodded. In the midst of this lawn stood three or four large spreading pow oaks, whieh gave the tempting shade in summer. Near the church door lay a large gray bowlder upon which many a saint and sinner sat. In 1818, this church was used as a schoolhouse, but, in 1825, it had been converted into.a mere shelter for hogs and cattle.

The same sect, the New Lights, also had a camp meeting here about this time which attracted to it. with those who attended for devout purposes, a large number of depraved men, who were riotous in their conduct and disgraceful in their behavior. One person in particular attracted attention. His name was Jack Eels, said to have been the wickedest man in the neighborhood. He visited the camp meeting one day somewhat intoxicated, and began to make fun of the worshipers, especially of the peculiar "jerks" which characterized many who were converted. Jack said it was all a sham. But the jerks (whether from the influence of liquor or not, the veracious historian does not state), prostrated him so completely that his friends were obliged to carry him home in an exhausted condition.

A Seat Of Justice

Before the Legislature organized the county of Clark, the temporary seat of justice for the county of which it was then a part was Springfield, and the place for holding court was the house of George Fithian. The Presiding Judge of the first Court of Common Pleas was Francis Dunlevy. John Reynolds, Samuel McCullough and John Runyan were the first Associate Judges.

In September, 1805, the court was organized for the transaction of business. The first case tried was "The State of Ohio vs. Taylor," who had been indicted for threatening to burn the barn of Griffith Foos. At the first session of the tice, with William 'Sprigg and Daniel Symmes, Associate Justices. This court was held in a two-story log house which then stood in an open common near the southeast corner of High and Limestone streets. The only criminal case tried before this court was "The State against Isaac Bracken, Archibald Dawden and Robert Rennick," upon an indictment for an assault upon an Indian named Kanawa Tuckow. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and taking issue "for plea put themselves upon God and their country." The jury was composed of William McDonald, Sampson Talbott, Justis Jones, George Croft and others. The attorney for the defendants was Joshua Collett, who afterward was one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. The defendants were found not and had persisted in occupying Rennick's land in opposition to his wishes. As an illustration of the bitter prejudice which existed at this time among the settlers against the Indians, one of the jurors of the case, before the trial openly declared that he would never bring in a verdict against a white man for assaulting an Indian.

Treaty With The Indians

scarcely ceased, when the settlement of Springfield was made. Its effect upon both sides was yet plainly visible. It had been a warfare full of malignant spirit So outrageous had been the acts committed by the Indians on helpless women and children, that the settlers were bound in a common cause against them. During the summer of 1807. the inhabitants were frequently alarmed at reported incursions of the Indians against them. When these rumors seemed to have foundation, all the families were collected in a two-story log house which then stood on the southeast corner of High and Limestone streets. and remained there until the alarm subsided. While the community was in this agitated condition in the autumn of 1807, a white man by the name of Myers was killed by a band of strolling Indians a few miles west of Urbana, and a family by the name of Elliott, living on Mad River not far from the present residence of Peter Sintz. had been frightened by a rifle shot piercing the sunbonnet of Mrs. Elliott. while gathering wood in their door-yard, supposed to have been sent by an Indian. who a few days before had been refused the use of a butcher knife.

These outrages. taken in connection with the assemblage of the Indians under Tecumseh and the Prophet. created a great alarm among the people of Springfield and surrounding country. Many families moved back to Kentucky, whence they came; others were formed into companies of militia, and Foos' tavern was converted into a garrison. A demand was made by the whites upon the Indians for the persons who had committed these unlawful acts. The Indians denied that these things were done with their knowledge or consent. The alarm, however, continued, and it was finally agreed that 4 council should be held on the subject in Springfield for the purpose of settlement. Gen. Whiteman, Maj. Moore, Capt. Ward and two others acted as Commissioners on the part of the whites.

The council assembled in Sugar Grove, that then stood on or near Main street, opposite the Foos tavern. Two bands of Indians attended the council, one from the north in charge of McPherson; the other, consisting of sixty or seventy braves, came from the neighborhood of Fort Wayne under the charge of Tecumseh. Roundhead, Blackfish and other chiefs were also present. There was no friendly feeling between these two parties, and each was willing that the blame of the outrages should be fixed upon the other. The party under McPherson, in compliance with the request of the Commissioners, left their weapons a few miles from Springfield. But Tecumseh and his party refused to attend the council unless permitted to retain theirarms. The reason Tecumseh gave was that his tomahawk contained his pipe and he might have occasion to smoke. After the conference was opened. the Commissioners, fearing some violence still, made another effort to have Tecumseh lay aside his weapon. This he positively refused to do. At this moment, Dr. Richard Hunt, a tall, slim young man recently from Pennsylvania, and a boarder at Foos' tavern, thinking to reconcile matters with Tecumseh. cautiously approached and handed the chief an old long-stemmed earthen pipe intimating that if he would give up his tomahawk, he might smoke the aforesaid pipe. Tecumseh took the pipe between his thumb and finger, held it up, looked at it fora moment, then at the owner, who was gradually receding from the point of danger, and with an indignant sneer immediately threw it over his head into the bushes. The Commissioners then yielded the point and proceeded to business.

After a full and patient inquiry into the facts of the case, it appeared that the murder of Myers was the act of a single Indian, and not chargeable to either band of the Indians. Several speeches were made by the chiefs, the most prominent of which were those by Tecumseh. He gave a satisfactory explanation of the action of himself and the Prophet in calling around them a band of Indians: disavowed all hostile intentions toward the United States, and denied that cither he or those under his control had committed any depre-

The council then terminated. During its session, the two tribes of Indians became reconciled to each other, and peace and quiet was gradually restored to the settlement. The Indians remained in Springfield for three days, amusing themselves in various feats of activity and strength such as jumping, running and wrestling, in which Tecumseh generally excelled. At this time, Tecumseh was in the thirty-eighth year of his age, five feet ten inches high, with erect body, well developed and of remarkable muscular strength. His weight was about one hundred and seventy pounds. There was something noble and commanding in all his actions. Tecumseh was a Shawnese; the native pronunciation of the name was Tecumtha, signifying "The Shooting Star." He was brave, generous and humane in all his actions.

Among others who were present at this council were Jonah Baldwin, John Humphreys, Simon: Kenton, Walter Smallwood, John Daugherty and Griffith Foos.

The council had a salutary effect upon the Lear a It set at rest the startling rumors which discouraged immigration, impeded progress, and paralyzed the ambitious efforts of the inhabitants. The town began rapidly to improve. The valuable water-power attracted men of enterprise, who began to utilize it in various branches of industry. "There were no streams of water of consequence nearer than Chillicothe, sixty miles distant, so that mills of various kinds began to spring up in favorable localities.

In the year 1809, Jobn Lingle erected a powder-mill near the mouth of Mill Run. He also built a log magazine for the storage of the powder, a little west of the present city hall, on the north bank of the stream. The machinery of this mill was primitive, but the untiring energy of the proprietor enabléd him to supply the demand for that indispensable article in frontier life for some years. The residence of Mr. Lingle was on top of the rocks near his powder mill, but after the loss of a little child by drowning in the mill dam, he moved to a small frame house on Market street, opposite his magazine, where he died in 1818.

The streams in this vicinity, being fed by thousands of springs which poured into them at frequent intervals, were wont, upon the slightest provocation, to assume dangerous proportions, but no serious difficulties were apprehended from inundation until the spring of 1809. Lagonda Creek had then a current which in depth, width and rapidity was not to be compared to the sluggish waters which now crawl over the bed of that once beautiful stream. In the beginning of the season just mentioned, there had been many heavy and long continued rains, which caused the creek to overflow its banks, inundating all that part of the country northeast of the town, which was then an open prairie, and encroaching dangerously near the settled portion of the town. After giving this evidence of its destructive power, it soon subsided, but many began to fear for the safety of the place from a repetition of the overflow, and some who had settled there with the intention of making it their permanent abode soon took their departure.

The founder of the village was not discouraged at the doubts and fears of the timid, for about this time he made a third addition to the original plat, extending his line of lots to Pleasant street. The precise date of this addition is not known, as it was not recorded during Demint's lifetime and not until 1853, but it is thought to have been about the year 1810.

The First Brick House

As the rude log cabins gave way to the more substantial frame dwelling, so the latter in time was compelled to give place under the advancing steps of improvement to the enduring brick structure. It is a mooted question who is entitled to the credit of building the first brick house in the limits of the town. Respectable authority gives it to John Ambler, and equally authentic sources say that William Ross, who assisted David Lowry in making pork barrels in Dayton, should have the honor. It is stated that Ross erected n twostory brick house on the southeast corner of Main and Market streets, that it was first oceupied by him as a dwelling and store, and then as a tavern which was widely known as " Ross' Tavern." This building was standing as late as 1869, when it was removed to give place to the more modern edifice erected in that year by Ridenour & Coblentz On the other side of this not vitally important question is the statement that John Ambler made and burnt the brick that went into Ross' house as well as his own, which he built on the north side" of Main street, about half way between Factory and Mechanic streets, in 1815, about six months, it is asserted, before the Ross house was erected. Mr. Ambler's dwelling is standing at this date and is now occupied by Mr. C. A. Davis. Freeman Vicory hauled the bricks for this house. About this time, Maddox Fisher built the two-story brick house adjoining the publie square, as marked in Demint's plat, which remained standing until torn down by James D. Stewart, who erected thereon his present residence. Mr. Fisher intended this building for a store as well as a dwelling, but subsequently used it for the latter alone. ADDITIONAL CHURCH EDIFICES.

As we have seen, the Methodist Episcopal Church organized the first religious society, so that this pioneer denomination was the first to erect, in 1814, a church edifice for their exclusive use. It was a large frame building and stood on the northwest corner of Market and North streets, and was used as a place of worship for twenty years, when it was converted into a dwelling. At the time this building was erected and for fifteen years thereafter, the lots in that part of the town were not inclosed, but were covered with scrub oak, hazel bushes and plum trees. The foot paths which led to the church followed irregular lines, that were the most convenient for the villagers. The Second Methodist Church was not built until 1834.

Open air meetings were held in a grove near the first Methodist Church, at which some of the noted preachers of the day were present. Lorenzo Dow, an an eccentric itinerant, delivered a sermon here. While he was earnestly pointing out the way of salvation to an interested audience, some graceless boys climbed a tree overlooking the audience. Dow had his attention attracted by the noise. and. stopping short, he turned to the boys and said:

Volunteers For Harrison

The war spirit strongly animated the loyal people of the country, and when Gov. Meigs issued his call for volunteers to hasten to the relief of Gen. Harrison. who, in the month of December, 1813, with his army, was besieged at Fort Meigs by the British army and a band of Indians under Tecumseh, the response was met by the enlistment of many volunteers. James Shipman undertook to raise a company of citizen soldiers. He obtained a number of names of volunteers who agreed to meet him at Urbana. When the day for marching came, Mr. Shipman's recruits failed to come to time. Nothing daunted, however. he went to Urbana alone. and, with one Thomas McCartney, whom he met on the way, joined Capt. MeCord's cavalry company at Urbena.

A number of other volunteers also hastened to the relief of Fort Meigs, going by the way of Troy and Piqua, among whom was Cooper Ludlow, father of John Ludlow.

Smith'S Academy

One of the characters of the village, who established at this time a seat of learning which became famous for miles as " Smith's School," was a stout, sturdy Englishman named Samuel Smith. He kept a pay school in a frame building on the north side of Main street, on the west bank of Mill Run. He was a man of stern discipline, who did not "spare the rod" to "spoil the child," and neither the age or sex of his pupils was respected in administering punishment. He designated two or three ' monitors" over his forty or fifty scholars, to whom he gave the audible instruction, "if they disobey the rules. knock them down, kill 'em or drag 'em to me." To catch a disobedient boy by the hair of the head, and drag him to the middle of the room and lay on the blows thick and fast, was no uncommon mode of punishment. His classical learning allowed him to indulge in the humor of dignifying some of his scholars with such appellations as "Mark Antony," "Pompey," "Julius Cæsar," ete. His assistant was his wife, a tall, angular, sharp-featured Yankee woman, who taught the smaller children at their residence near the school. Smith was wont to amuse his scholars by marvelous tales of Yankee land, which he narrated with a serenity that led his younger hearers to believe in their absolute verity. He | gave instances of the rough land and hard soil of Vermont. so hard that a farmer there was obliged to use a team of fifty yoke of oxen in breaking up a | new piece of land with a plow, and the land so hillv that one-half of the oxen | hung by their necks between the hills while plowing. That the climate was so | variable that a big ox went into a lake to drink, one mild day in winter, and was frozen fast while drinking by a sudden cold change in the weather, that the ox walked up the mountain carrying with it the whole frozen lake, and the next day, when a thaw came, the ice melted, causing a great flood, with immense destruction of life and property.

it, Smith's stories grew Munchausen like in their exaggerations. It became a habit of the people to call any story of doubtful veracity one of Smith's lies.

It was a custom in those days for the boys to "lock out" the sehoohnaster about the holidays from the schoolhouse, until he paid the usual penalty of a treat with apples, cakes, ete. The larger boys of Smith's school attempted an throwing a handful of brimstone down the chimney into the huge fire of logs burning there, placed a board over the top, to the great discomfiture of the boys, who soon opened the windows and beat a hasty retreat. In later years, Smith gave up his bottle and died at an advanced age, respected as a useful citizen.

The village had now grown of sufficient importance, and its relations to the adjacent territory were such as to justify the State Legislature in constructing from theadjoining counties of Champaign, Madison and Green a separate county. By an act of that body passed March 1, 1818, the county of Clark was thus formed, and so named in honor of Gen. Rogers Clark, who defeated the Shawanese and Mingo Indians in the battle at their town on Mad River, called Piqua or New Boston. The particulars attending the organization of the county more properly belongs to the history of the county, to which the reader is referred. It will be sufficient to state here that the accomplishment of this advanced movement was due largely to the efforts of Maddox Fisher, who, as a successful lobbyist, visited Chillicothe where the Legislature was in session, and by persevering effort finally succeeded in having the bill passed, which also provided that Springfield should be the county seat. An attempt was made to have the county seat located at New Boston, the reputed birthplace of Tecumseh, but the measure failed through the active opposition of Maddox Fisher. When he returned from Chillicothe with the news of the success of his measure, he was received with shouts of gratification. As a reward for the active efforts of Maddox Fisher, he was awarded the position of Postmaster, which at that date was a post of honor more than of profit.