502 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

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OXFORD.

OXFORD is bounded on the north by the county of Preble, on the east by Milford Township, on the south by Reily Township, and on the west by the State of Indiana.

The township once formed a part of Milford, and before that of St. Clair. The boundary lines were fixed as they now exist in 1811. In 1820 the population was one thousand six hundred and fifty-three; in 1830, two thousand nine hundred and twenty-eight; and in 1840, three thousand three hundred and eighty-eight inhabitants.

The justices of the peace have been Joel Collins and Levi Lee, in 1811; James M. Dorsey, in 1813; James Beck, in 1815; James M. Dorsey, in 1816; James Beck, in 1818; James M. Dorsey, in 1819; Daniel Strickland, in 1820; Abraham Martin, in 1821 ; James M. Dorsey,

in 1822; Abram A. Chittenden, in 1823; Abram Martin, in 1824; James M. Dorsey, in 1825; A. J. Chittenden, in 1826; Abram Martin, in 1827; James Crawford, in 1827; A. J. Chittenden, in 1828; James Ratliff, in 1830; James Crawford, in 1830 ; Abner H. Longley, in 1831; Gideon S. Howe, in 1832; Peter Sutton, in 1833; James Crawford, in 1833; Gideon S. Howe, Peter Sutton, and Wales B. Bonney, in 1835 ; Gideon S. Howe, Peter Sutton, and Wales B. Bonney, in 1838; Joseph Hills, in 1839; Wales B. Bonney and Peter Sutton, in 1841; E. A. McArthur, in 1842 ; James Crawford, in 1844.; and William A. Irwin, in 1845.

The old inhabitants of the township were named Beeler, Collins, Keely, Dorsey, Morris, Ludlow, De Witt, Alger, Minor, Bond, Wadley, Hughes, Chittenden, Aus-

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tin, Adams, McCullough, Greer, Chancy, Temple, Black- leach, Hoag, Weller, Horner, Freeman, Crawford, Ratliff, and Doty. Most of these have passed away.

Oxford Township presents a variety of soils and surfaces. The laud is generally elevated and well adapted to grazing, the growing of wheat, and produce of all kinds. Farms are small, and the agricultural population large for the territory embraced. With the exception of two or more sections, the land belongs to the Miami University, the trustees of that institution leasing the land for ninety-nine years, renewable forever, subject to the annual payment of a quit-rent of six per cent on the purchase money.

Indian Creek runs through the south-west corner of the township, and in places the banks are high and precipitous. The stream here is quite rapid, and in early times afforded many excellent mill-sites.

Four-mile Creek flows through the township diagonally from north-west to south-east. The country bordering this stream is hilly, and in some places almost wholly unfit for agricultural purposes. Bottoms of sonic width and fertility follow the stream, on which fine crops of corn, wheat, and barley are usually grown. Four-mile has streams flowing into it of considerable size, among the most important of which are Cotton's Run, with a bevy of tributaries from the west, Harker's Run, from the north, likewise with many small branches, and other streams of more or less importance from the north. One of the remarkable features of Four-mile Creek is that it is larger in the township of Oxford than in St. Clair. The old settlers tell us it has ever been so, and that probably the water sinks into the sandy soil as it approaches nearer and nearer the Miami, or Seven-mile, into which it empties.

The late Colonel Thomas Irwin, of Butler County, was appointed commissioner to lay out and make a road, which was accordingly executed during 1804 and the following year. James Heaton, who was the county surveyor of this county, assisted in the undertaking. The road terminated at the center of the township, and the timber was cut to that point, but soon grew up in bushes. When the town of Oxford was laid out, in 1810, and began to improve, the direction of the road was changed from a point some distance east of the township, and laid out to the town.

The commissioners of Butler County, at their session in December, 1808, made an order for laying out a road from Rossville to the west boundary of the college township, nearly opposite to where James Crooks then lived, in the State of Indiana. The persons appointed for the work—Samuel Dick, William Blackburn, William Crooks, viewers ; James McBride, surveyor ; Benjamin Davis and Cyrus Timbre!, chain-men, and Hampton Adkins, axman and marker—accordingly met at Rossville on the 9th of February, 1809, and proceeded with their duty. This was the first county road laid out in Oxford Township. For many years it was traveled a great deal by the counties that lay west of the State line.

The December commissioners of 1808 appointed the same viewers to lay out a road from Joel Williams's mill at Millville, to the west boundary of the county and State, at the west side of Section 6, township 4, of range 1.

The next public road laid out was in March, 1811, from Derrough's Ford on the Miami River to the town of Oxford, and thence north-easterly in a direction for the town of Eaton, in Preble County. Joseph Walker, Charles Bruce, and John Maxwell were appointed viewers ; James McBride, surveyor ; John Walker and Darius C. Orcutt, chainmen ; and Harp Tietsort, ax-man and marker.

The north boundary of the county was struck about thirty-five chains west of the north-east corner of the township. The whole length of this road was twenty-one miles and a fraction.

In January, 1830, the Legislature oflOhio passed a law incorporating a company with a capital of $150,000 to make a turnpike from Hamilton, Ohio, to Richmond, Indiana. At the evening session of the Legislature of Ohio, the law was modified and amended so as to authorize the company to make a turnpike road from Hamilton to the north-west corner of the College Township. The directors or managers appointed by the act were John Woods, William Taylor, Daniel Millikin, Robert Hewes, Abraham J. Chittenden, and Joel Collins, who organized themselves, and on the 29th of August, 1831, opened books for the purpose of receiving subscriptions to the capital stock of the company.

In the Summer of 1832 about seven miles of the road was located and staked out by Samuel Forrer, civil engineer, who then resided in Cincinnati.- On Saturday evening he came home to see his family, and the cholera having broken out in the city, he did not return. Afterwards, in consequence of the difficulty in raising money and other embarrassing circumstances, no further progress was made, and the prosecution of the. work was finally abandoned.

The history of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Society is obscure. In 1832 John Stewart, pastor in charge, organized the first Church at the house of Peter Butler, one mile and a half east of where the chapel now stands. The first leader was Isaac Crume, son of the Rev. Moses Crume, who was presiding elder of the district in 1817 and 1818. At the time of the organization, or soon thereafter, the Church consisted of the following members : Isaac and Jane Crume, Peter Butler and wife, Mary, Joshua Leech and wife, Miller and Ann Dorsey, Lucretia Procter, James Finkbine, John Duke and Eliza his Wife, and Mr. Keely and wife. The chapel was built in 1834 or 1835. A local preacher by the name of Wetherby seems to have been more active in the enterprise than any one else.

In 1829 Elijah H. Fields, pastor, organized the first

504 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Church in the neighborhood of the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, at the house of Elisha Fay, and appointed Broomfield Boone the first class-leader. In 1834, during the pastorate of C. W. Swain and John Waterman, a log church, " old Zion," was built, three- fourths of a mile west of the present church., On the 2d of March, 1843, the log church was burned to the ground, the origin of the fire being unknown. In the same year the present house was commenced, and was completed in about one year from the time the first house was burned. On the 22d of March, 1844, the new house was dedicated by Zachariah Connell, pastor in charge. At this time the society was very prosperous, but for the last twenty years it has been on the decline. There is no Sabbath-school, no class-meetings nor prayer- meetings, and very small congregations.

The Christian Church in the Doty settlement, three miles and a half north of Oxford, was organized in 1844 by Herrick Burdsell, who was the most prominent of all the early members—Samuel Doty, Job Smith, Samuel Ware, Mrs. Joseph Morris, and others as members, and the Rev. Mr. Campbell and Joel Collins as principals. For the business men of the Church the society had Samuel Doty and Judge Ccilins. John Griggs, a reformed man, came in some time after the first permanent organization, and in after life won the esteem and confidence of his brethren. Solomon Keller was also among the first of the members. The frame church, twenty-four by thirty-six feet, which is now standing unfinished and rarely used, was erected a year or more after the Church was organized. Job Smith donated one acre of land for church and burial purposes, on which there are considerable numbers buried. The grave-yard is in a good condition, quite unlike the church. This congregation never had a regular pastor, but the Rev. Henry Prickett, a son-in-law of Herrick Burdsell, preached here for some time after the organization.

Fifty-five or sixty years ago, a Baptist church was erected on Section No. 31, a few feet distant from the old Girton school-house. This house was a frame building, and is now standing—removed from its original site—on Section 29. The house was, however, used for worship by all the denominations who chanced to be without a church in this neighborhood. The Rev. Firm Vanness, now a Methodist minister in Indiana, was one of the early preachers. Ebenezer Stibbins was also a local preacher and an early member. The Rev. Wilson Thompson, and, in fact, all those who preached from time to time at the Indian Creek Baptist Church, in Reily Township, administered to this people. John Burress was one of the first and most influential members, a man of many good motives and actions.

Christopher Girton's mill, on Indian Creek, in Section 31, was built sixty years ago by Mr. Barnum, a Yankee mill-wright. This flouring establishment passed from the father to son, Jacob Girton, and twenty-eight years ago became the property of Thomas McCullough, a leading citizen of Oxford village. The first mill, an undershot frame, is yet standing, but is now propelled by a turbine water-wheel, and has two sets of buhrs. Thomas McCullough is the son-in-law of Jacob Girton.

Christopher Girton had a still-house about three hundred yards west of the mill, with a wooden still, fifty odd years ago. This pioneer establishment continued to run for a good while, but finally went down. About seventy-five feet north of west of the still-house there was a private burying-ground. A buckeye tree marks the site of this ancient burial place exactly. A Mr. Bake had a still-house on Section 18, on Indian Creek, thirty-five years ago.

While Jacob Girton was in charge of the mill, he also carried on a country store. He continued in this branch of trade for more than twenty years. The house in which the store was kept is 'row standing, and is owned by Mr. McCullough.

Kennedy Brooks's brother, an Irishman, sixty years ago built a saw-mill on Four-mile. This mill was run for about ten years, and then sold to Mitchell & McClure, who erected a new undershot establishment. For six or eight years the firm did a considerable amount of sawing„ but finally the mill went down on their hands. Mr. Mitchell was a son-in-law of McClure, whose given name was John.

There was a fulling-mill above the Brooks saw-mill, on the next farm, owned by James Lee. This manufactory was propelled by water-power, and the, building was a frame. Lee sold the farm on which the fulling-mill stood to Mr. Orr. North of this mill a fourth of a mile Robert Marshall had a frame tread-wheel still-house, propelled by ox-power. All these three last mentioned establishments were in operation at the same time, and all have passed away.

Fifty years ago, on Section 31, a school was taught east of Girton's mill, on the top of the hill, by Maria Burris, a single lady, who now resides in Oxford. Miss Burris afterwards taught in Cincinnati for twenty years. She was an excellent teacher. The second house, which was also a frame building, was erected thirty-five years ago. Colonel French and Jacob Girton, who were the largest tax-payers in this section of country, with others, combined and built the building. Elizabeth, Christopher, Adam, and Phebe Girton were among the scholars. Christopher Girton was afterwards a member of the Legislature in Indiana for two or three terms, and also a county commissioner. Among the other scholars who obtained an education here were Robert Riggs and sisters mad Colonel Dickinson's children. Judge Fisk, now of Brookville, Indiana, was a scholar in the first frame. Four of the Wardwell brothers were also scholars. Mrs. Isaac Wardwell, whose husband is dead, celebrated her eighty-fifth birthday on the 15th of April, 1882, surrounded by over one hundred relatives and friends.

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Near the Doty Christian Church a log school-house was built fifty years ago, on Levi Goodwin's farm. Goodwin was a chair-maker by trade, and many of the old chairs and tables, bedsteads and stands in this township are specimens of his workmanship. The house was removed in 1846 or 1847, after having been in use for ten or twelve years. Some of the early teachers were Robert Orr, who was from Union County, Indiana, Andrew C. and David McDill, all men of much respectability. A one-armed man by the name of Smith was also among the first teachers. The Martins, Adamses, and Dotys were the scholars.

The frame house was built in 1847, one-fourth of a mile south of the church. William Swan and Jay Procter were early teachers in this house. The present brick house was built eight or ten years ago on the foundation of the old frame building.

The township, in 1845, was divided into ten school districts, and about one thousand dollars was annually collected from the citizens and appropriated for educational purposes.

The first frame house and barn erected in the township are now to be seen. These two buildings were put up in 1817 by West Bonney, the Mher of Wales B. Bonney, of Oxford, who was born in 1799, and who is, perhaps, the oldest man in the township. They stand on the College Corner pike, one mile and a quarter from Oxford. The house is eighteen by forty-two, and one and a half stories high ; the barn is thirty by forty feet. Both are in a good state of preservation.

Aaron Austin's grist-mill, on Four-mile, was erected about 1815. This building was a frame, three stories high, and was supplied with power by a sixteen foot over- Allot water-wheel. This mill was used for about thirty years, when it burned down. Some time after the erection of the grist-mill, and its successful operation, a saw-mill was built near by. Both of these establishments stopped at the same time. Franklin Austin, a son of the old gentleman, built the second mill, which was also a frame, three stories high, a year or two after the first mill was consumed by fire. Young Austin was a mill-wright by trade, and, like his father, was possessed of many sterling qualities. The same power was used in the second mill as in the first, though the machinery was greatly improved. Franklin Austin, it appears, had nothing but a son's interest in the grinding department, for we find his father selling out his property, and soon after James Broadberry became the owner. This gentleman carried on the flouring department for about three years, and a little time after, Samuel Mollyneaux conducted the mill. He, in turn, disposed of his interest. J. B. Pugh, the present proprietor, has been in possession for about fourteen years. This mill has four sets of buhrs, and does a large business in country work and merchant flour.

Aaron Austin was an early settler on Section 23, where he owned over two hundred acres of fine bottom land. This portion of the township is very fertile, and in the course of seventy-five years has apparently lost none of its native strength.

COLLEGE CORNER.

The village of College Corner was laid out by Gideon T. Howe, May 5, 1837. It is located mostly in Ohio, in Butler and Preble Counties, but is also partly in Indiana, in Union County. The village, as it was platted, belongs to Butler County, but the various additions have changed the original intentions of the founder somewhat. The land round about is fertile and level. The great thoroughfare, already mentioned in speaking of the roads, was the pike, which afforded an excellent outlet for all the outlying country in the West.

The first house built in College Corner was a log hemp-mill, erected by the neighbors in 1811, or thereabouts, for the purpose of pounding hemp. The site of this mill is now occupied by Ridenour & Bake as a store- lot. This mill was used for eight or ten years. But the mill was built before the land was entered, the farm on which it stood being taken up by Chrisley Kingrey, of Virginia.

There was a blacksmith, a Mr. Bright, here many years ago, who remained for three or four years, a few rods east of the old hemp-mill. Some of those by whom he was succeeded were John Murphy, whose shop stood on the ground now occupied by Ramsey's store, and who stayed with the people for twenty-five years. His residence is now supplanted by the home of Dr. McChristy, who has been here for fifteen years. David Montgomery was here as a blacksmith fifty years ago, in a shop the site of which is now opposite Bake & Ridenour's store.

The first store, however, which was kept in College Corner, was in a hewed-log two-story house, which stood where Samuel Ramsey now lives. Thomas Forbes was the store-keeper. Samuel Ridenour was the second man who engaged in the same branch of trade. He succeeded Forbes by buying him out, remaining three years. The elder Ridenour was followed by his son, J. M., in the same house, for fifteen years. J. M. Ridenour then removed across the street, in the brick house which he built in 1847, and which is now occupied by the Shera Brothers. College Corner was never of any importance until Samuel Ridenour became engaged in mercantile pursuits in this neighborhood. He was a man who dealt largely in hogs and cattle, and in all the industries of the community took a leading and active hand. His sons followed their father in many respects, and are now honored citizens of the place.

For the first tavern-keeper the village had Gideon Howe, who began in the house now occupied by Oscar Schlenk for the same purpose. This house was built in 1830, and Howe continued in it for ten or twelve years. Joseph Beck was also a tavern-keeper in the same building for ten or more years. Ezra Smith was here in

506 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

1852; William H. Ridenour, in 1853, remaining for three years; David Long, Charles Ruffin, and Michael Gavin, the latter in 1872.

The first school-house was a hewed log building, which stood a few feet south of the store of Ridenour & Bake. This building was used for a number of years, and then sold and removed. Some of the teachers here were Mr. Thompson, 'Squire Howe, who was from the East, also his sister Charlotte, and Mr. Macmean. Among the scholars were J. M. and C. P. Ridenour, J. M. C. Howe, James Long, and his sister Sarah. All these persons have since achieved considerable distinction.

The second school-house, a brick building, one story high and twenty-five by thirty feet, stood fifty rods northeast of the first house. Among the prominent• teachers here were James Jones, James Welsh, Franklin B. Brookbank, and Charles B. Ruffin.

The third school-house in College Corner was a brick building the same size as the second house, erected in 1855, or thereabouts, and stood twenty-five rods southeast of the second building. The present school-building was erected in 1872, and is a two-story brick costing $3,000.

The post-office was first kept in a frame building south of Ramsey's store, on the site now occupied by a tin-shop. George Widener, the tinner, has been here for fifteen years. The second post-office was immediately south a few feet of the first. The site is now occupied by a drugstore and town hall, the latter occupying the second story. The building is owned by John Howel, a dealer in real estate, but it was built especially for the purpose for which it is now used. All the other post-office buildings were owned by the postmasters.

Before the War of 1812 Samuel Ridenour resided half a mile south of the village, where he died in 1850, of erysipelas in the hand, contracted while cutting grain with a sickle in the harvest field. His death was deeply lamented by the entire community.

John Miller, of Rockbridge County, Virginia, settled one mile south of College Corner, on a farm now occupied by George Wilson, in 1806. Tobias Miller, of the same place, came in 1809. Jacob Bake came in 1809, and took up his residence one-half mile below Tobias Miller's. Colonel John Miller, of Virginia, came in 1809, and took up his residence among the people in this section of country.

Joseph Kingrey, who came from Virginia, settled one mile and a half north-east of College Corner in 1809. Samuel and James Huston, of Virginia, settled between Kingrey's and the Corner at an early day. John Patterson settled one mile north of College Corner in 1810. Peter Ridenour settled one and a half miles north-east of the village in 1810. Captain Long took up his residence in Indiana, one mile west of town, more than seventy years ago. The farm is now owned by Barney Bright, on which Long lived, and which he, no doubt, entered some time thereafter. Samuel McDill and David Bonner took up their homes south of College Corner many years ago. Jonathan Paxton had a still-house on a branch of Four-mile many years ago. Samuel Ridenour had a similar concern in 1820 at his home. The first saw-mill in this part of the country, was owned by Tobias Miller, in 1820. His mill sawed much of the lumber for the Miami University. Miller also carried on tanning extensively. His tannery was built in 1815, and continued to run until 1837. Both the saw-mill and tan-yard were kept going at the same time.

One of the curiosities of pioneer life is found in a hat shop or manufactory, which existed in a very prosperous manner, in College Corner, soon after it was laid out. Mr. John Tilford was here in 1835 or 1836 in this business, who was from Franklin County, Indiana. He remained but about two years. His place of meeting his customers was in a little frame house where Charles Cokefair's drug store now is.

John Leach was a tailor in the village in 1837, in frame building where Ridenour & Bake's store now is. One of the most distinguished of the early citizens of College Corner was General Ambrose Burnside, who was a tailor here before 1835. General Burnside is remembered by some of the oldest citizens as at that time being a very promising young man.

Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 224, was chartered March 28, 1861. The charter members were Ira Maxwell, A. S. Hall, Finley Egbert, J. E. Tucker, John Tweedy, J. M. Ridenour, Samuel Ridenour, Jun. The first meetings of this society were held in the present place of assembly, which is a leased building. The first officers were Ira Maxwell, N. G. ; A. S. Hall, V. G. ; H. C. Peters, R. S. ; T. M. Ridenour, Treas. ; John Stephenson, W. ; Joseph E. Tucker, Con. ; E. Howe, I. G. ; John Tweedy, R. S. ; Finley Egbert, L. S. Vice Grand supporters : S. B. McKee, R. S. ; Marion Harter, L. S. Some of the leading present members are George Bargelt, who is now and has been secretary for nine years; George Clark, John Campbell, Finley Egbert, J. C. Gilmore, A. S. Hall, M. C. Judkins, .F. M. Jackson, Philip Jackson, J. D. Johnson, M. C. Keffier, George Handley, George Montgomery, W. H. Shephard, H. Kiger, W. C. Miller, and William Rigsby. At present the membership numbers abOut forty. J. D. Johnson is the present N. G., and H. Kiger, V. G. In January, 1882, six hundred dollars was stolen from the society safe, the combination of which some persons had previously learned. An effort was made to detect the thief, but it proved unsuccessful.

In the Spring of 183.7 the Rev. George M. Beswick, of the Indiana Conference, organized the M. E. Church at College Corner. Beswick has now been dead these twenty years. This Church was organized at the house of John J. Murphey, in a little log house east of Ramsey's store. Thirteen members constituted the original roll, as follows: John and Desire Murphey, Samuel and Barbara Ridenour,

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Brice and Eliza Purcil, Broomfield Boone and wife, Joseph Kitchen, who was a local preacher, and wife, Mrs. Margaret Ridenour, Caleb Shera, and Sarah his wife. Mrs. Barbara Ridenour, Mrs. Boone, Mrs. Kitchen, Mr. and Mrs. Shera are still living. For a few years this point of worship belonged to the Centerville circuit; but was soon changed to the College Corner and Liberty circuit, which name it still retains. The parsonage is located at Liberty.

Among the first preachers were Mr. Hasty, of Indiana, who was. in 1837 ; John Kigers and Landa Havens, both here two years, the former of whom is still living in Indiana ; Greenbury R. Beeks, who was with the people for two years, and who is now dead ; Mr. Kelso, who traveled with Becks ; Joseph Tarkington, who was here for one year, and who now lives in Greensburg, Indiana ; William Hibben, who died in Indianapolis one year ago ; W. W. Snyder, who was here after 1845, and who stayed for two years, now of South Bend, Indiana ; John S. Wingate, another traveling preacher, who was-here for three years altogether, and now of Greensburg, Indiana ; and Mr. Falkinburg, here in 1855, who was the pastor in charge for two years.

The first place of worship this society had was a frame building, erected in 1838, which cost $800 ; the second house, a brick, was put up in 1855, and cost $3,500. It stands on the old site.

This society is a branch of the Oxford Methodist Church. The land on which the house stands was given by Samuel Ridenour. The present preacher is the Rev. R. R. Baldwin. The membership numbers about two hundred.

One mile and a half south of College Corner an old log meeting-house, owned by the Methodists, was in use in 1821. This house stood about nine rods north of the present school building. The second church, a frame building, was erected in 1841. In 1860, on account of deaths and removals, the society divided, part of the members going to Oxford and part to College Corner. The old church is now partly used as a dwelling. Some of the first members of the Bethel Church, the, name by which this society was known,. were John Brown and wife, both of whom are now dead ; old Mr. Dollahan and wife, Wm. Shera and wife Eleanor, Margaret Ridenour, Broomfield Boone, and Joseph Kitchen. This church, from the time of its building to the time it was abandoned, belonged to the Oxford circuit.

In 1845, or thereabouts, the Presbyterian Church was organized in College Corner. Joseph Stewart was a ruling elder for a number of years; so also was Josiah Wilson, who is now dead. Sarah Howe was one of the leading and early members. Professors John W. Scott and Charles Elliott, of Oxford, were instrumental in the organization of this society. When the Church was first formed the professors from Oxford supplied the people with ministers. Before the society was organized the Rev. James Graham often preached to the people. He was a man of considerable ability, and did great good. He belonged to the New School Presbyterians, and was a resident of Oxford. This Church now has about sixty members and a capacity to seat two hundred and fifty people. The Rev. Wilber Chapman, of Lane Seminary, preaches to this people once every fortnight; also at Liberty.

As early as 1840 Samuel Ridenour gave one and a half acres of land for burial purposes, but it was not until 1880 that the heirs of this liberal-minded gentleman deeded the ground to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Samuel Ridenour died June 30, 1850, aged 57 years, 9 months and 3 days. He was in every way a man of the highest order, qualified for almost any undertaking, and so constituted as to win the cordial esteem and regard of his fellow-man. John M. Ridenour, a son, was at the time of his death a captain in the Twenty-eighth United States Infantry.. He was wounded by the explosion of a mine at the battle of Petersburg, Virginia. He was then taken prisoner and held in captivity for three months, and during two months of this time lay in prison at Castle Thunder, dying afterwards from the effects of bad medical treatment. He died November 25, 1869, aged 32 years, 3 months and 23 days. In the cemetery are :

Rev. H. B. Collins, a member of the Southern Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, born May 4, 1829 ; died September 4, 1864. Mr. Collins was a fine scholar and preacher, and at the time of his death was highly esteemed by all those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Robert Howell, died April 24, 1862; aged 62. Jane Howell, died May 28, 1881 aged 83. Both were natives of England. Dr. Brice Purcil, born December 2, 1795 ; died December 8, 1866. David Montgomery, born June 15, 1809, and died June 12, 1852. Thomas Jones died June 10, 1875; aged 77. William R. Duckett, died December 30, 1866 ; aged 86. Grace, wife of William R. Duckett, died August 25, 1849 ; aged 71. Tilghman Duckett died April 27, 1873; aged 66. Thompson Wilcox was born September 28, 1791, and died September 25, 1876. Caroline Wilcox, his wife, was born January 3, 1821, and died September 25, 1876. .

The Old School Presbyterian burying-ground was given for this purpose by Joseph Harter, a gentleman of many good deeds, but who did not belong to any religious society. He had three wives. We give their lives and his in brief :

Joseph Harter died August 11, 1863, aged 76 ; Rosannah Harter was born March 2, 1800, and died April 21, 1876. Mary Harter died May 3, 1839 ; aged 32. Cathaarine Harter died April 27, 1849 ; aged 36. These other two epitaphs are from the same yard: Calvin B., son of Gideon and Sarah Howe, a member of the Sixty-ninth Ohio Regular Volunteer Infantry, Company B, died March 23, 1862 ; aged 25. Sarah, wife of Ebenezer Howe, died October 25, 1865;

aged 88.

Between the time when those lands were offered for sale and the time the location of this township was

508 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

made, two and a half sections lying on Four-mile had been purchased by individuals. Section No. 25 was entered by Colonel Samuel Beeler, and the west halves of Sections Nos. 11, 14 and 24 were purchased by Matthew Hueston. In the Summer of 1803 Colonel Beeler removed to his lands, and made the first improvements in what is now the Township of Oxford ; and about the same time Colonel Hueston sold off the other halves of the sections which he had purchased in the township to James Adams, Zachariah P. De Witt, Nathan Horner, and Thomas White, who severally made improvements and settled on them about the same time. In the year 1806 Captain Joel Collins purchased a part of Colonel Beeler's section, and settled on it. Colonel Beeler afterwards removed to Illinois.

The location of this township for college purposes having precluded all further purchases, it consequently remained unsettled, with the exception of the families above mentioned and some few squatters who dwelt along the bottoms of Four-mile Creek ; amongst whom were Robert Taylor, called Buffalo Bob, Edward Lytle, Henry Hall, David Lee, John Slack and Mr. Perkins, and perhaps a few others. At this sale some of the above men became purchasers of the land on which they had settled ; others abandoned their improvements and removed farther west.

OXFORD.

The village of Oxford is situated in latitude 39̊ 34' north, and 7̊ 38' west longitude from Washington City. It is thirty-seven miles from Cincinnati, one hundred and ten miles from Columbus, and eighty miles east of Indianapolis.

On the 6th day of February, 1810, the Legislature of Ohio passed a law by which the board of trustees of the Miami University were directed to cause the town of Oxford to be, laid off on the Miami College lands. In pursuance of the instructions contained in this law, the board of trustees, at their meeting in March following, appointed a committee of their body to make the selection and cause the town to be laid out. This committee proceeded, on the, 29th day of March, 1810, to the Miami College lands, and, after a careful examination of the whole township, selected the present site of Oxford for the location of the town, which was laid out on the 10th of the month following. The town is one mile square, and when laid out contained one hundred and twenty-eight in or town lots, and forty four-acre out-lots on the south of the in-lots. In July, 1827, an additional number of lots were laid off, and in November, 1831, a further addition on the east of the former lots and north of the University Square was made.

In the east part of the town is laid off a plat of ground containing fifty-six acres, which is designated the "University Square." It is reserved for the erection of buildings for the use of the institution, to lay out such gardens, avenues, and promenades, as may be found necessary and convenient. In the north-east corner of the town plat is also reserved a tract of about forty acres, designed for a botanical garden.

Oxford is situated half a mile west of Four-mile Creek, on an elevated piece of ground about eighty feet above the level of the channel of the creek. The lots in the town of Oxford were disposed of by the trustees of the University at public sale, in a manner similar to the lands of the township ; only with the exception that the purchaser was required to pay the amount of the price bid for the lot, on which being complied with he receives a lease for ninety-nine years, renewable forever ; subject, however, to the payment, annually, of a quit-rent of six per cent on the purchase price of the lot, in the same manner as the other lands of the township.

The first sale of the lots in Oxford was held at Hamilton, on the 22d and 23d days of May, 1810, when the lots then laid out of an' uneven number were offered for sale. At this sale eleven in-lots and eight four-acre out-lots were sold, the in-lots at prices from $16.661 to $25.90 each ; the four-acre out-lots at the rate of five dollars per acre.

On the 28th and 29th of August ensuing a second sale of lots in Oxford was held in Hamilton, when the residue of the lots then laid out were offered for sale. At this sale only three in-lots and three out-lots were sold, at about the same price as the first sales.

During the Summer of 1810 the tall trees which then covered the site of the town began to be cut down, and a few cabins commenced. The first house erected in Oxford was built by Samuel McCullough, on Lot No. 1., being the lot on which Captain Joel Collins's house stood in 1838. It was built of unhewed beech logs, and for several years was the only house of entertainment in the place. It disappeared many years ago. On the lot adjoining the public square was shortly afterward erected a hewed log house by William McMahan, which was also removed many years since. According to the census of 1830, the population of the village amounted to seven hundred and thirty-seven souls.

Oxford had for her first settlers James M. Dorsey, William Ludlow, John Smith, son of Jacob Smith of Green County, Moses Crume, James Parker, Seth Bates, George Davis, Robert Morris, Levi Lee, Stephen Min4, Walter Dickinson, Abraham York, William Allen, Thomas Longley, Benjamin Jones, Aaron Jones, James Ratliff, Elias Farr, Sylvester Lyons, James Beck, and Philip Wiggins. These men constituted what might be properly called the first settlers. But there were others whose influence was as great. Zachariah De Witt settled here in 1808 or 1810; Colonel Samuel Beeler, Captain West Bonney and his son Wales B., coming here about 1816 ; 'Squire Crawford, a merchant, in 1822, justice of the peace for forty years; 'Squire Sutton, now eighty-one years of age, for thirty-six years a justice of the peace ; Eleazar Hoag, settling on Four-mile in 1810, being a

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school-teacher by profession ; Ethan S. Weston, recently deceased, a remarkable man for his age; Thomas Craven, an early Baptist preacher here in 1812 ; John Mollyneaux, a merchant ; Joseph Ward, here in 1822 ; John Demoss and John Parsons ; Elijah Fay and Christopher Girton, the latter already mentioned as having a mill on Indian Creek ; Henry Lewis, a merchant ; John Abel, Deacon White, and Thomas McCullough, the latter the first white male child born in the township, and others. Squire Dorsey was a well-informed early citizen.

Below is given a letter from Dr. John W. Keely, now of Indianapolis. We publish it in his own language, because it will better illustrate those pioneer times :

" I lived all my life, up to 1836, in the town of Oxford, save the first year and a half. My father, John Keely, a brick and stone mason by trade, was induced by one Merrikin Bond to remove from Cincinnati to Oxford, some time iu 1817. My oldest brother, William, died in his eleventh year, on the 2d of May, 1818, and was the first one that was buried in the old graveyard, down by the railroad depot.

" Speaking of the grave-yard, reminds me of an inscription upon the tombstone of Mrs. Phebe Morris, wife of David Morris, a deist. A good many years ago he had a conversation with the Rev. William H. Raper, who was on the Oxford circuit in 1820 or 1821. Mrs. Morris was then sick, and desired to converse with a minister. Mr. Morris would not agree that Mr. Raper should talk personally with his wife, but agreed that the minister should visit the sick lady and converse with him in her presence in regard to the differences in Christianity and Deism. The conversation was had, and at one point she put in a word as to the reasonableness of Mr. Raper's argument. This threw Morris into a passion, and resulted in breaking off the conversation, and the forbidding Mr. Raper the privilege of administering to the dying woman the consolations of religion. Mrs. Morris, I think, had been persuaded to adopt the principles of her hujband, but in her last 'sickness had fears, and desired the presence and services of a minister of the Gospel. The following is the inscription I copied from the tombstone years ago, after my conversation with Mr. Raper :

“1821—Mrs. Phebe Morris, wife of David Morris, died September 6, in the 23d year of her age. She recognized the doctrine of the infinite perfectibility of the human mind, and believed that to be happy we must be virtuous; and to be virtuous, we must do something•to mitigate the woes and increase the happiness of others. To her husband she was most affectionate. To her friends, generous and kind. To her enemies, cold and indifferent. Her greatest desire was the cultivation of her mind. Her principal amusement was reading, and her favorite books " Godwin's Political Justice" and " Condorcet's Human Mind." Her fate and untimely death, which occurred September 6, 1821, was brought about by affliction, which was borne to the last moments of her existence with patience and philosophic fortitude, perhaps never excelled.'

" A man by the name of Kitchen, I think, was a blacksmith in Oxford, and local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1820, or thereabouts. Joseph Shirk was a blacksmith from my earliest recollections. He built a house, a brick building, in which he lived, on the corner of High Street, north of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Shirk was also a Baptist preacher, a man of sterling integrity and a good citizen.

" Among the early merchants I call to mind Bonney, Chamberlain, and Chittenden. The former was also a kind of dealer in real estate and loaned money by taking the interest in advance.

“Among the tavern-keepers I only remember Weller, father of John B. Weller, once governor of California ; also a man by the name of Chauncy, from Maryland. His wife was regarded as one of the finest cooks in town. John McGonigle also kept a tavern and boarding-house. John Huston was a carpenter and builder, employing a great number of hands. He planned and built what was known as the Mansion House, and was a man of integrity and enterprise. The Mansion House was the principal hotel for many years.

" Of Dr. Bishop I can say nothing but good. If he was not a good man there is no use of looking for good men in this world. The Rev. Henry Little, who died in Madison, Indiana, a few months ago, became pastor of the Oxford Presbyterian .Church in or about the beginning of the year 1830. He had not been there long before a very remarkable awakening took place in the Church and throughout the community. A great many young people professed conversion and united with the Church. The Presbyterians, under the pastorate of Mr. Little, held a camp--meeting in a beautiful grove in the north-west corner of the corporation of the town of Oxford, beginning on the first day of September, 1831. It was on Thursday that the first service was held. I have a very pleasant memory of that meeting, the services of which I attended every day, for the reason that it was on the Sabbath, the fourth day of September, 1831, that I was converted down in a big cornfield just north of the camp-ground. The memory of that time is precious to me, and as fresh as though it had transpired but a week since. Of the ministers who assisted in the meeting I can recall only a few : Mr. Little, Mr. Graves, Dr. Blackburn, of Kentucky, and Dr. Bishop. On the day the meeting closed, as they were singing a farewell hymn, Robert Morris, familiarly known as Robby Morris, who was a member of the New Lights' Church, became very much excited and began to shout quite loudly. Mr. Graves and Dr. Bishop were sitting almost touching each other. Mr. Graves made some very severe remarks on the disorder, but the doctor touched him with his elbow and said, Charity, brother, charity.'

" Among the early Universalist preachers of Oxford, in 1832 or 1833, was Jonathan Kidwell, a man of dark- gray eyes and a keen caricaturist.

"My first recollections of Sunday-schools begin with

510 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

about 1824, when I was eight years old. It was a union school, and was held in the south-west corner of the University building, over the ground floor. My father, John Keely, was the superintendent of that school for many years. It was a primitive affair when compared with the schools of the present day. The exercises consisted of reading the Scriptures, singing, recital of verses which had been memorized, and prayers. It often happened that there was not sufficient time to hear all the verses that had been memorized. One girl, I remember, memorized nearly the entire New Testament. Her name was Laura Cross. The scholars were rewarded as follows: For ten verses, a plain white Scripture ticket; when ten of these were obtained the scholar was entitled to a pink ticket, and so on.

"The Presbyterians for many years occupied the chapel of the University for church purposes.

" Dr. Bishop was, I think, the most popular and successful president the college ever had. Prof. McFarland was the only Methodist professor, as I now remember, that was ever employed in the University.

" Mr. Markle carried on the tailoring business for many years ; also Thomas Dollahan, William H. Woodruff, and William Lange. Early in life the last named was very intemperate. He removed to the village of Camden, reformed, was converted, united with the Methodist Episennpal Church, became a local ordained preacher, and died a Christian over forty years ago. I attended a two days' meeting held by the Rev. Moses Crume, in the village, and was entertained at Mr. Logue's. Danforth Wetherby was an early citizen of Oxford. He was engaged in the coopering business. He was also a local preacher, and -a man of more than ordinary ability.

" I must not forget to mention Peter Sampson, an early Merthodist, a colored man. He and his wife were members of the Church and very good- people. Thomas Rollins and wife ; 114 was a mulatto, and a man of very dignified bearing.

"John Baughman, a young man working at the tanning business, was converted at my father's house. He afterward became a preacher of some note. Nehemiah Griffiths, living near Oxford, also became a successful preacher, but died early. The Rev. Samuel Bromer lived in Oxford at an early day. I think he ran a carding machine. It afterwards went into the hands of the Roots, who manufactured cloths and hat felts.

" On the first day of February, 1834, Charles W. Swain gave me license to exhort, and on the ninth day of April, 1834, I was recommended for license to preach as a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. I was then nineteen years and nine days old.

“Philip D. Matson came to Oxford somewhere near 1832. He and John Ferguson were tinners by trade. They formed a copartnership and remained together for thirty or forty years. They never, I am told, had any falling out ; got along pleasantly and amicably, and wound up their joint interests, Matson retiring, some years ago. These men lived and worked as brothers. They are both respectable men, loved and admired by all good people."

In the year 1811 the trustees of the Miami University made an appropriation for the erection of a school building on the University Square, which was to be used for the time bring by the citizens of the township as an English school. This house was situated about fifteen rods west of where the college building_has since been erected. It was built of large hewed logs, about twenty by thirty feet, one story high, with a stone fire-place and chimney in each end. The building was completed so far as to be occupied in December of that year ; and the citizens of the township having selected James M. Dorsey as the teacher of the school, in the same month he moved into the building. There was a partition run through the house, dividing it into two rooms. Dorsey lived with his family in the room at one end and taught the school in the other room. At that time there was no settlement on any in-lot in the town, and not a road of any description leading to where the town was laid out, and it is believed that not a stick of timber had been cut from any in-lot except what was used in the erection of the school-house. In 1824 a second story was added to the building and prepared for a residence for Robert H. Bishop, then appointed president of the University, in which he and his family resided for many years. The first settlers in the town of Oxford were John Taylor, James M. Dorsey, Merrikin Bond, John C. Irwin, Jacob Webb, Skillman Alger, Enoch Simpson, Fergus Mitchell, and Daniel Hopkins.

About the year 1815 William McMechan, then but a few months from Ireland, put up the first shingled roof house in the town. This building was a two-story hewed log house, and stood on the north side of High Street, on the lots next west of the lots granted for public purposes. James Carlisle moved into this house and kept a tavern, the first in Oxford, in 1816. His wife was Harriet, a daughter of Mrs. Greer, of Hamilton. Her sister Belle married Joseph S. Benham, then a lawyer of Hamilton, afterwards of Cincinnati. The talented Harriet Prentice of Louisville, Kentucky, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benham, and consequently niece of Mrs. Carlisle, who died at Defiance, Ohio. Sometime afterwards Samuel McCullough erected a row of frame buildings east of the public ground, in which he kept a tavern until the time of his death, but his widow continued the business for some time thereafter.

For her leading tavern-keepers after Samuel McCullough and his good wife, Oxford had Calvin Ward, here more than fifty-five years ago, in a two-story log house, which was weatherboarded, in the southern part of the town. Ward continued in this business many years. He was followed by Mr. Thompson, who kept in the same building, and at the same time had a museum, the

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first in Oxford. After Thompson gave up his business the old house was used for a dwelling, but is now gone.

After Mrs. Elizabeth McCullough ceased to entertain travelers, Ludwick Weller followed in the same property. He was the father of John B. Weller. Mr. Chancy came in after Weller, who remained about ten years. Chancy was superseded by Dawson, also in the McCullough property. Mr. Dawson left about twenty years ago, after which the tavern-stand was converted into a business block.

The Mansion House was built about 1830, by J. R. Huston, who, unfortunately, died before the house was completed. Harry Lewis and Colonel French bought and completed the house, the latter keeping hotel in the building for a short time. Roberts & DeWitt then rented the house, continuing in the hotel business for several years. These men were followed by William McChesney, here a good many years, and Isaac Worden. James Worden, his son, is now a leader of the famous Chautauqua Sunday-school. Worden was very poor while here, and it is told that many a guest, before he could get his meal, had to advance the money. At the sale of Lewis & French, Daniel Corwin bought the property, and in turn sold to P. II. Cone, who, during the late war, and before and after, was engaged in hotel-keeping. Mr. Cone afterwards sold the house, and it is now used for business purposes.

The Davis Hotel was built by Ludwick Weller. After him came James Adams, here for three or four years, and Roswell Hazleton, who remained with the people for twenty successive seasons. In 1872 Thomas McCullough bought the stand, but the present owner is Mayor B. B. Davis, who has held that office since 1869, and who now conducts it as a public boarding-house under the name of the Girard House. The schools have been noticed somewhat, but Mr. W. H. Stewart kindly furnishes this information :

" In 1817 Dr. Blackleach taught a school in the house our marshal now lives in. 'Squire W. B. Bonney and Godwin Dorsey were among the scholars. About 1833, 'Squire Bonney and a Mr. Morrison taught a public school in the building now known as the old Catholic Church. Lyman Hardin succeeded 'Squire Bonney. Sometime after this the board of education purchased the present site, and erected a building of four rooms. Among the superintendents, or principals, we find the names of Mr. Longnecker, Henry Brown, Charles P. Dennis, and J. W. Zeller. The latter served seven years, and was followed by F. D. Davis, who superintended four years. In 1874 W. H. Stewart, of Connersville, Indiana, was elected superintendent. The Miami University having closed, the board of education thought it advisable to open a high school which, in part, might take the place of the preparatory department of the University. The high school has been in operation for eight - years, and is now more popular than ever before. The course of study is that pursued in the Cincinnati schools, with the exception of the high school, where a few modifications are made."

We add to the history of the taverns this card :

"Thankful for past favors and wishing those favors continued, the subscriber has at considerable expense repaired and enlarged his house in the town of Oxford for the accommodation of travelers. From his experience and strict personal attention he reasonably expects a share of the public patronage, and flatters himself that he will render satisfaction to all who may please to favor him with a call. The stage from Hamilton arrives at this house on Mondays and Fridays, and leaves at one o'clock P. M., for Brookville, via Bath Springs, when desired ; and returns Tdesdays and Saturdays, and leaves at eight o'clock A. M., for Hamilton. Hacks or single horses can be had at all times by travelers or visitors.

A. STILSON.

"OXFORD, OHIO, May 20, 1830."

We add another equally as interesting :

"OXFORD HOTEL.

"John McGonigle respectfully informs his friends and the public generally, that he has opened a house of entertainment in Oxford, Butler County, Ohio. This house is situated on High Street, near the center of the town, commanding a full view of the college yard and buildings of the Miami University. The house is large and convenient, with stabling and out-building nearly new, and in excellent repair. His bar is amply supplied with choice liquors ; his larder will be well furnished and care taken to make the table acceptable. Every attention will be given to render the traveler or visitor comfortable who may favor him with a call. Carriages and hacks for parties wishing to visit the Bath Springs or other places in the neighborhood will be at all times available."

From a memorandum we take the following :

"OXFORD, Ohio, October 20, 1828.—Candles had to be lit in this place at dinner on Sunday, the 19th inst., the air being darkened by an unusual quantity of smoke arising from the woods, which are on fire in this community."

A. V. Flagg was a citizen of Oxford for twenty-five or thirty years, during which time he engaged in the business of a blacksmith. Flagg was here about sixty years ago. The lot where the blacksmith's shop stood is now owned by John Sterns. The shop is now occupied as a shoe-shop. E. D. Smith was here forty years ago, in the same branch of business, in a frame building. B. B. Davis, another blacksmith, was engaged in blacksmithing in Oxford for twenty years, where Mrs. S. V. Hill now lives. Davis was a strong Methodist; he died in Indiana. J. Jellies was also a similar mechanic, on the ground where Charles Watt now is. Jacob Brandenburg has been here for forty years. Edward French was a smith-on lot No. 43, but left many years ago. John Kirkwood was another blacksmith in Oxford fifty years in the past. William Procter, a colored smith, was a mechanic in this village in 1830. He was shot by two drunken soldiers some time during the war, who, in turn, were killed the same night by some of the citizens.

512 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Oxford Township had for its first distillery one situated on lot No. 42, in the village of Oxford. This still-house was owned by Samuel McCullough, who was from Pennsylvania. McCullough came here from the mill which bore his name, on the Big Miami above Hamilton. One of the largest distilling establishments in the western half of Butler County was owned by Robert Richey, more than fifty years ago, half a mile north of the public square, in Oxford. This still-house was in operation for about twenty years. From Richey the farm on which the still-house stood passed into the hands of the Rev. Mr. Brainard. The widow of James Adams now "owns the main part of the northern half of the old Richey farm.

Joseph Morris, who lived three miles north-west of Oxford, on a farm, made the hauling of whisky to Cincinnati a business at an early day. In returning he brought with him a load of groceries. It took one week to make the trip. The old Richey still-house was torn down and converted into business houses.

David Swing had the first tannery in Oxford, located on lot No. 28, in 1815. Swing was a Yankee ; after carrying on the tanning business for about twenty years, he abandoned his tannery. Dr. Boude, who died in Illinois, had another on lot No. 33 ; also, A. W. Irwin, son of David Irwin, on lot No. 240, forty years ago. The present owners are Surface & Flanagan.

Joshua Davis, a well-known man in the town of Oxford, built a large carriage factory in the place twenty- four years ago ; it was a frame building, and stood on lot No. 88. It had„ a front of eighty-eight feet, sixty-six feet long, and was two stories high. This shop was an extensive affair, containing all the departments necessary for such work. The renters of this establishment were Thomas Davis and George Russell. In 1879 this house burned, with a total loss of $3,000. In 1859 Mr. Davis also lost a store and other buildings, by incendiarism, valued at $1,500.

In 1872 the Davis Hall was erected, which is three stories high, and is seventy-eight by seventy-eight feet. The Odd Fellows' hall occupies the third story in part. Three firms were connected in the erection of this building, Joshua Fry and George Munns, Joshua Davis and the Odd Fellows. This is the best block in Oxford and cost over $12,000. The hall will seat over five hundred people.

On the north-east corner of the public square a very large stable was at one time built out of the frame-work of the Richey still-house. This house had a front of fifty feet. A very large and extensive business was carried on in the way of trading, buying, and barter generally. This was called the Gabriel Cathcart block.

In 1820 George Siple had a distillery on Indian Creek, on Section 31. This establishment had what was known as a wooden still. Siple failed in business in 1844. Below, on the same section, David Gray had a like affair. John Wilson, on Four-mile Creek, was engaged in the same work, but had for his distiller a William Bane, now of Richmond, Indiana. Bane was a great fiddler. In the evenings many of the young men of the surrounding country gathered in to hear his music. This still-house had the reputation of being haunted with ghosts. People came for fifty miles to see the sights. It finally resulted in pickets being posted to watch Bane, who was suspected of being concerned in the matter. On a certain occasion, as the ghost was skipping over the whisky barrels, an ax was thrown through the sheet which the creature wore. It passed very near to Bane's breast, and ever after the ghost was not to be seen.

Risking some things already mentioned perhaps by Dr. Keely, we give an outline of who the store-keepers have been. In 1828 West Bonney was here, where the Citizens' Bank now is. The same year John Smith was also a country merchant in the frame house now used for a bakery. John Johnson was here at the same time, and continued for twenty years. Charles Spinnings was where William H. Johnson now lives, about the same time, remaining for some ten years. The old store-house has since been greatly remodeled. Harry Lewis was also in the same branch of trade, in a frame building where Shera & Brother are now. Mr. Lewis remained in this vocation for fifteen years. Ross Chamberlain occupied two or three houses in as many years. He went from Oxford to California. Colonel Jacob Ogle was a storekeeper for two or three years where the Oxford Bank now is, many years ago ; he was followed by Ratliff & Meridith, in the same house for a year or two. In 1840 'Squire Crawford, who had also been with the people for many years previous, was a merchant. He held the office of justice of the peace for several terms, and died in Oxford three or four years since. Abraham J. Chittenden was here in 1825 in a little frame house on the corner of Cathcart's block. Chittenden removed to Illinois. Mr. Dollahan was before Chittenden, in a little frame north of the public square. Merrikin Bond was also a very early merchant. Robert Mollyneaux was here in 1830, on the corner opposite the Cathcart block.

Invincible Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 108, of. Oxford, was chartered April 21, 1848, with the following members: Wm. T. Smith, Wm. Brooks, G. W. Churchill, G. W. Keely, I. I. Keely, and S. C. Pearce, and was instituted on the 7th of June of the same year. The first meetings of the organization were held in the third story of the Mansion House, after which they leased for twenty years the Irving building. After this they were for three or four years in the Chatten Hall. The present house was erected the same year as the Davis Hall. For the present officers, Spring of 1882, this lodge has S. P Murray, N. G.; John A. Morrow, V. G. ; H. D. Gath, R. S. ; D. P. Beaton, P. S. ; W. L. Lane, Treasurer. There are about sixty-five active members, with a

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usual attendance of about twenty-five, many of them living at a distance, which prevents their presence.

The first members of this society were men of enterprise and sound judgment. They were Dr. G. W. Keely, Daniel Brooks, John P. Clough, Isaac H. Harmon, I. W. Maclain, B. F. Steele, Ebenezer Warner, I. I. Keely, John E. Chatten, Edward H. Bacon, Mahlon Bacon, W. B. Bonney, R. S. Campbell, John Alexander, Robert A. Finkbine, Christian Sheeler, Albert Adams, John C. Lindley, Wm. H. McChesney, Thomas Warner, Allen Clute, Joseph H. Merridith, and others, all before 1850. Jacob T. Feber, Isaac Cooper, and Dr. Robert C. Huston joined in 1852, and are now prominent as they were thirty years since. John Wray, Erza Bourne, M. W. Duvall, dead ; G. W. Sadler and George Adams joined in 1856. J. E. Chatten, W. B. Bonney, Samuel Guth, Jr., and Sutton C. Richey became members in 1860. P. H. Cone, who came from Connecticut, and who died March 15, 1882, became a member on the presentation of his card. W. L. Lane identified himself with this lodge in 1866, from St. Charles Lodge. This organization owns the third story, which, together with the .society furniture, is valued at $3,000.

There is also an Encampment of Patriarchs, No. 119, instituted on the 4th of June, 1869. The charter members were R. C. Huston, J. E. Chatten, S. C. Richey, A. P. Cox, G. W. Murphey, Joseph McCloskey, A. J. Owens. For present officers: C. P., R. W. De Witt ; S. W., M. H. Beckett ; H. P., Dr. H. M. Logee ; S., H. C. Huston ; Treas., J. E. Chatten. This organization meets in the Odd Fellows' Hall the first and third Thursday evenings of every month.

Oxford Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 67, was organized June 18, 1822, by dispensation. The charter was granted January 16, 1823. The charter members were Abraham J. Chittenden, Joel Collins, Anthony Butler, Charles Newhall, James R. Hughes, Alpheus Sherman, James M. Dorsey, Thomas Walton, and Abner Stilson. Mr. Chittenden was made a Mason in Connecticut ; Messrs. Hughes and Collins, in Ohio ; Messrs. Sherman and Butler, in Vermont ; Messrs. Newhall and Walton, in Massachusetts; Mr. Dorsey, in Maryland ; Mr. Stilson, in New York. Peter H. Butler was the first Mason made in this lodge, 1822. He was followed by Sylvester Lyons. Among the other first members were Herrick Burdsell, John Clark, Asa Newton, Edward Newton, Henry Powers, Asher Fields, Charles W. H. Temple, Asahel Moore, Mr. Anderson, Jacob Markle, and Samuel Gleason.

Abraham J. Chittenden was the first Master, James Hughes, the second, and Alpheus Sherman, the third, In 1876 Sylvester Lyons was the oldest surviving member, having been made a Mason in 1823.

The first meetings of this society were held in the second story of a frame building, where Chatten's store now stands. Some time thereafter the society made the second story of Anderson's building, on. South Main Street, a point of meeting. From there, in 1851, they took up their quarters in the present hall, which cost $1,100. Below we give a list of the three principal officers since 1843:

1843—P. P. Taylor, W. M. ; Alpheus Sherman, S. W. ; Charles Newhall, J. W.

1844—Wm. T. Emmett, W. M. ; Alfred Luce, S. W. ; Sylvester Lyons, J. W. The others will be given in the same order.

1845—Alfred Luce, David Fagan, John R. Kerwood.

1846—David Fagan, William Kennedy, John R. Kerwood.

1847—Alfred Luce, William Kennedy, Wilkerson Higgins.

1848—Alfred Luce, William Kennedy, Peter H. Butler.

1849—Alfred Luce, Wm. H. Crume, Chas. W. H. Temple.

1850—Wm. H. Crume, Chas. W. H. Temple, Christopher Souders.

1851—Wm. H. Crume, David P. Nelson, Christopher Souders.

1852—Christopher Souders, Abraham G. Elliott, R. L. Rea.

1853—William. H. Crume, Abraham G. Elliott, Silas Roll.

1854—Silas Roll, William Kennedy, Samuel Wray.

1855—Same.

1856—Silas Roll, Willis R. De Witt, S. A. Kennedy.

1857-Willis R. De Witt, W. W. Currey, Gideon Wilkinson:

1858—Alfred Luce, Gideon Wilkinson, Wm. R. Crume.

1859—Willis R . De Witt, Silas Roll, Chas. W. H. Temple.    W

1860—Willis R. De Witt, Silas Roll, Allen Clute.

1861—Silas Roll, Gideon Wilkinson, Charles Wright.

1862—Willis R. De Witt, Allen Clute, Robert H. Riggs.

1863—Willis R. De Witt, Allen Clute, Sutton C. Richey.

1864—Willis R. De Witt, Sutton C. Richey, Robert Ratliff.

1865—Alfred Luce, Sutton C. Richey, John W. Roll.

1866—Willis R. De Witt, John W. Roll, Edward L. Hill.

1867—Willis R. De Witt, Charles Wright, George Stork.

1868—Willis R. De Witt, Gideon Wilkinson, Silas Warner.

1869—Edward L Hill, George Stork, Henry Saunders.

1870—George B. Rohrer, Gideon Wilkinson, Robert

514 - HISTORY OF- BUTLER COUNTY.

1871—George B. Rohrer, Gideon Wilkinson, Karl Merz.

1872—George B. Rohrer, Karl Merz, Robert Riggs.

1873—Karl Merz, George Stork, Sutton C. Richey.

1874—Karl Merz, Robert Riggs, Moses DeCamp.

1875—Karl Merz, A. Beaugureau, W. L. Jones.

1876—A. Beaugureau, W. L. Jones, James T. Gray.

1879—Gideon Wilkinson, S. W. Higgins, Caleb Shera.

1880—S. W. Higgins, Caleb Shera, A. Truce.

This lodge ceased working for a few years, but retained their charter. In 1843 they asked permission from the Grand Lodge to resume work, which was granted. The early records of the lodge are lost. The oldest living member is Wilkinson Higgins, who joined in 1844. The leading members at present are Adrian Beaugureau, Samuel Gath, L. E. Grennan, S. W. Higgins, Wilkinson Higgins, Edward L. Hill, George W. Keely, Karl Merz, Caleb A. Shera. Since the reorganization this lodge has had over two hundred and fifty members.

In 1869 the leading citizens of Oxford organized what was known as the Co-operative Loan, Building, and Savings Association. This institution continued in force until 1877, when the society was practically disbanded. Among the members we find W. H. Johnson, P. H. Cone, R. Butler, G. W. Keely, W. H. Smith, John Ferguson, G. W. Murphy, John Miller, J. E. Newton, J. M. D'Arco, J. T. Langstroth, S. C. Richey, R. C. Huston, and J. D. Ringwood. P. H. Cone was their last president. F. J. Cone is the present treasurer. The organization meets but once a year. It holds but one house in trust, or as its proprietor.

Immediately after the above organization went into partial non-existence the Oxford Loan and Building Association was formed. This society had for its leaders R. H. Bishop, president ; H. M. Logee, vice-president ; S. C. Richey, secretary ; F. J. Cone, treasurer; and P. W. Smith, solicitor. P. D. Matson, O. F. Garrod, G. W. Keely, and William Tucker are the trustees, the latter being the only one who has not served since its organization. There are two thousand shares; sixteen hundred in force are taken. The amount loaned is ninety thousand dollars in cash. There are now nearly three hundred members. Both these building associations were chartered by the State.

In the year 1827 the Erodelphian and Union Literary Societies of the Miami University purchased a printing-press, and in June commenced the publication of a journal entitled the Literary Focus. It was edited by and under the superintendence of a joint committee of young men belonging to each of the societies. It was published monthly, in octavo form, of sixteen pages in each number. At the expiration of the first year, the form and title of the paper was changed, and it was published weekly, in quarto form, of eight pages, and called the Literary Register. The editorial department was under the superintendence of the faculty of the college. At the expiration of the year, the publication was discontinued for want of sufficient patronage, as well as a want of leisure on the part of the faculty to attend to the publication. The last number issued bears date of June 27, 1829. The press remained in Oxford in 1838, and was used for job printing. A book-bindery was also attached to the office.

In 1854 a paper was placed before the public by the name of the Oxford Citizen. Charles Bingham, a young man, was the projector of this enterprise. The paper continued with some degree of prosperity, and was finally sold to Richard Butler, who edited the paper for ten or twelve years. He is now in Clinton, Illinois, as postmaster, and editor and proprietor of the Clinton Public. Mr. Butler was very successful with his paper.

After various changes in management, the Hill brothers—Charles, who was eighteen, and Hewitt, who was sixteen—became proprietors in 1877. These two young men at once began to build up the paper. They have since established a paper at Liberty, known as the Union County Democrat, which has a circulation of nearly one thousand subscribers. The Citizen is an independent journal, and is popular with the people.

In 1869 Thomas McCullough and J. S. Smiley began the Citizens' Bank of Oxford as h private institution. These men continued until March, 1872, when Mr. Smiley bought out Mr. McCullough's interest, continuing in the business himself until 1878, when he died. The heirs of the Smiley estate are now the proprietors, with W. L. Lane as president. Mr. Jewett E. Ricker, the present efficient cashier, has been connected with the institution ever since it first opened its doors to the business public.

Murphy & Fry began the Oxford Bank in 1870— also a private depository. These persons continued for a few months, when Mr. J. J. Fry, one of the original owners, bought Mr. Murphy's interest, in which business he continued alone for one year. The firm then became known as Fry & Munns, who will have been partners eleven years in December, 1882. The capital stock invested was $20,000 ; business for each year amounts to $80,000. This firm own the first and second story of the Bank Block.

Many of the younger as well as the older citizens of Oxford will remember the carding-mill which stood in the south half of the town. This fulling-mill, for it was such, was built by Alanson Roots, who was from New England, in 1840, or about that date. His sons, who were in partnership with their father, established a similar concern at Connersville at the same time. The Oxford carding and fulling mill was a frame building, two stories high, and forty by sixty feet. At the death of Mr. Roots, in 1851, the enterprise was abandoned, and from that time to 1877 was used for various purposes. At the latter date the building took fire and was destroyed.

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Twenty years after Oxford was laid out the village was incorporated. The incorporation papers are dated February 23, 1830. Isaiah Leigh' was the first president. Russell Haseltine was the clerk and recorder for the same year. On the 12th of March, 1832, the election for borough officers was held, which resulted as follows : Edward Foster, president ; Peter Sutton, recorder ; James P. Hughes, Joseph Woodruff, and John McGonigle, trustees. On the 19th of the same month the town council met and appointed these officers for the ensuing year : Treasurer, Isaiah Leigh ; marshal, Warren W. Wetherby ; market-master, S. S. Gleason ; assessor, Russell Haseltine. The old market-house stood on the public square. It was a frame building two stories high, about thirty-two by fifty feet, and had . a ball above, where the mayor's court was held for many years, meat stalls below or on the ground-floor, which were rented, and other fixtures, such as lamps, peanut stands, and so on. The present town hall is a handsome brick building, combined with the fire-engine rooms, mayor's office, and other conveniences. The necessity for a market- house passed away with the old frame.

Among the curious relics of ancient Oxford, we find an ordinance concerning marble playing :

" SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the town council of the town of Oxford, that from and after the 4th day of July next, any person or persons of three years old or upwards, found playing at marbles on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public ground within the bounds of the lots of the town, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty-five cents for the first offense ; fifty cents for the second, and one dollar for each subsequent offense ; to be collected on the complaint made to the president or any of the citizens thereof, and by him paid over to the treasurer for the use of the corporation.

"PETER SUTTON, Recorder.

"EDWARD FOSTER, President.

"OXFORD, 0., August 30, 1833."

Mr. Foster filled the office of president from 1832 to 1842. Reuben E. Hills was recorder in 1837; Watkin Williams from 1839 to 1842. From 1842 to 1844 William H. Smith was president. From 1842 to 1844 C. W. H. Crawford was town recorder. Philip D. Matson was president in 1845; S. R. Mollyneaux, in 1847; Peter Sutton, from 1849 to 1855, six terms. From 1845 to 1852 James Crawford was recorder. Hiram Osborn served as recorder from 1853 to 1855. The town officers for the year 1855 were Peter Sutton, mayor; Hiram Osborn, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; S. M. Skinner, marshal; David Oliver, G. W. Keely, J. M. Stern, Thomas McCullough, trustees. From 1856 to 1859, H. A. Smith filled the office as recorder. On the 4th of April, 1859, the election was held. The result was Peter Sutton, mayor; C. A. Burgoyne, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; S. M. Skinner, marshal; W. Higgins, P. D. Matson, and E. A. Smith, fire wardens; Benjamin Wright, J. M. Stern, P. H. Cone, G. W. Keely, and James E. Newton, trustees. For 1861 if B. Mayo was president or mayor, and C. A. Burgoyne, clerk. James Crawford was mayor in 1867, and A. H. Webb, clerk. Crawford was also mayor in 1868. The present mayor is B. B. Davis, who has held the office continuously since 1869, with the exception of a few months. Samuel Richey was elected recorder in 1868, and served four years. James Kennedy has held the office continuously for ten years—since 1872.

Oxford seems to have early considered the question of having a fire company. The first mention we find in the records of such an organization is under date of December 7, 1833, when the office of fire warden was created, with power to examine all chimneys, and in other ways prevent the spreading of fire. This resulted in the first meeting, on the 19th of the above month, at the house of L. Weller, and on the 20th a hook and ladder company was formed. Officers were also elected, and the time fixed that their offices should last.

The first meeting to establish a cemetery was held March 22, 1855. There are thirty-two acres in the ground. It is a portion of sixty acres which was bought as a farm at fifty dollars per acre. For the first trustees the association had Thomas McCullough, J. D. Ringwood, James Smiley, G. W. Keely, Elias Kumler, Peter Sutton Ro Ratliff. The first clerk was H. A. Smith. Some of the prime movers in the matter were : G. W. Keely, P. D. Matson, W. A. Irwin, J. W. Cooper, S. R. Mollyneaux, Alexander Porter, Samuel Gath, Sen., J. E. Newton, G. G. White, Joseph Hills, R. R. McClung. Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, who was born in 1779, and who died August 1, 1855, was the first person buried in the ground ; Mrs. Eliza McVeigh was the second ; and Mrs. Phebe Russell, the third. Dr. G. W. Keely planted the first evergreens in the yard on the grave of Mrs. Collins, wife of Captain Joel Collins.

Many of these inscriptions will convey to the reader the briefest sketch of many of the leading citizens of Oxford and the township :

Catharine McGregor, wife of John Ferguson, born in Campbelltown, Scotland, 1812; died 1869. Orlando Finch, born May 13, 1804 ; died August 9, 1873. Eliza, wife of Orlando Finch, born August 6, 1818. George Merridith, born March 5, 1805; died May 3, 1867. Robert Ratliff, died January 30, 1881; aged 66. Lucinda Lee, wife of Robert Ratliff, , died January 9, 1879; aged 61. Michael Shafer, born August 15, 1804; died March 5, 1846. Mary, wife of Michael Shafer, born February 18, 1812; died November 20, 1848. Eliza, wife of Daniel Shafer, born March 6, 1838; died February 20, 1863. John Duke, died February 7, 1872 ; aged 82. Samuel Lintner, born April 17, 1803 ; died June 11, 1874. Matilda, wife of Samuel Lintner, died September 18, 1869; aged 64. Mary, wife of the Rev. D. K. Flickinger, died September 30, 1851; aged 25. John Lintner, died September 11, 1862; aged 28. William Lintner. member of the 4th 0. V. C., died at Nashville, Tenn., April 10, 1862; aged 22. Peter Lintner, died January 31, 1836; aged 75. Mary, wife of Peter Lintner, died December 13, 1831; aged 69. Joel Collins, born September 16, 1772 ; died November 15, 1860. Henry Noland, died October 3, 1879 ; aged 73. The Mar-

516 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

tindell and Douglass family vault was built in 1856. It is faced with white marble and has several receptacles for the dead. James Gage, Sen., a native of Colerain, Ireland, died November 7, 1847 ; aged 82. Mary, wife of James Gage, Sen., died March 26, 1840; aged 60. In memory of Samuel Mollyneaux, who departed this life August 7, 1823; aged 64. Sarah, his wife, died August 5, 1823 ; aged 54. Abraham Knowlton, died October 23, 1843 ; aged 59. Lucy, his wife, died December 3, 1857 ; aged 73. Sarah Sadler, born April 5, 1806 ; died August 7, 1872. Theda White, died March 25, 1871 ; aged 73. Isaac H. Harmon, died March 25, 1855 ; aged 51. William K. Sadler, surgeon of the Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteers, killed at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1864 ; aged 31. From General Order, No. 27, Ba Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1864: " Surgeon Sadler as untiring in his profession, thorough and accurate as a staff officer, an accomplished gentleman,. a noble and generous man: Few offrcers of this command were as generally known—none more universally loved. 'Without an enemy in the world, he fell a victim to the blind revenge intended for another." Alexander Wallace, born June 19, 1800 ; died April 28, 1865. Mary, wife of William Gray, died March 6, 1863; aged 76. Rindelt Maria Glaszen, wife of J. B. Jellies, born April 5, 1801; died December 22, 1869. Rev. Seth Howell, born in Wales, June 4, 1804; died at Oxford, Ohio, February 18, 1858. Thomas Coulter, died. May 5, 1872 ; aged 86. Isabella, wife of Thomas Coulter, died April 16, 1865; aged 79. Ellen, wife of James C. Moffat, of the Miami University, died July 15, 1849; in the 28th year of her age. Caroline A. Neal, assistant principal in the Oxford Female Institute, died June 16, 1853. Her father, John A. Neal, was born at Bristol, England, October 25, 1774 ; died at Oxford, Ohio, November 28, 1854. Sylvester Lyons, died February 3, 1820 ; aged 68. Elizabeth, wife of Sylvester Lyons, died January 13, 1837 ; aged 66. Major James Montgomery, a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, died at Oxford, Ohio, August 18, 1844, in the 67th year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Major James Montgomery, born April 24, -1782 ; died December 16, 1862. Sarah Morrison, wife of John Huston, died January 18, 1854, in the 77th year of her age. Francis Finkbine, died September 16, 1865, in the 71st year of his age. Mrs, Ann Davis, died November 20, 1856, in the 81st year of her age. Jane Montgomery, wife of Dr. R. C. Huston, born February 20, 1813; died December 23, 1871. Henry Alexander, born June 1, 1809; died June 7, 1875. Michael Yeakle, died May 22, 1862; aged 59. This gentleman was a prominent citizen of Hanover Township. Patrick Smiley, died March 28, 1855 ; aged 78. Mary, his wife, died March 4, 1855 ; aged 76. Chrisey, wife of S. L. McDonald, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1808; died February 14, 1854. Rebecca Amelia Dunn, wife of John G. Langstroth, born at Chestertown, Maryland,. February 2, 1783; died October 12, 1860. Anna Mary Tucker, wife of Rev. L. G. Langstroth, born at Rowley, Massachusetts, March 3, 1813; died January 23, 1873. Samuel Stewart, died July 18, 1866 ; aged 76. Jane Cathcart Newman, died March 17, 1880; aged 82. Asa Newton, born January 6, 1789 ; died May 27, 1833. Elizabeth, wife of William Cathcart, formerly consort of Asa Newton, born October 14, 1795 ; died October 29, 1859. David W. Leach, born September 25, 1839. He enlisted in Company F, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in September, 1861 ; was killed in the attack on Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863, while nobly performing his duty as a soldier in the army of his country. John Burris, born at Wilmington, Delaware, January 14, 1792 ; died June 22, 1880. Albina Pentacoast, wife of John Burris, born in Loudon County, Virginia, May 25, 1794; died September 4, 1854. Elijah Chamberlain, died October 10, 1837 ; aged 66. William White died April 12, 1821. Ruth Green, consort of William White, died September 1, 1838. Harriet, wife of Dr. R. Morris, died at the Western Female Seminary, October 9, 1858; aged 37. Mary, wife of Rev. David Tenny, born July 29, 1822 ; died August 28, 1866. Emmor Moore, died August 23, 1834; aged 50 years—a native of Pennsylvania. Sarah W. Moore, died November 6, 1867; aged 76 years. Willie Pearce, born April 4, 1861. Lost by the colliding of the steamers United States and America, December 4, 1868. Thomas C. Munns, died April 14, 1868; aged 57. Mary A. Lowes, born September 2, 1802 ; died February 6, 1842. Cynthia C., daughter of the Rev. J. A. Waterman ; wife of Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, born August 19, 1820 ; died January 14, 1871. Elizabeth B., wife of Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, born March 13, 1804 ; died September 4, 1878. John H. Douglass, born June 15, 1867; died January 17, 1878. Margaret K. Douglass, born February 26, 1808; died June 26, 1872. Amos Hoag, a native of Oxford, Ohio, died February 19, 1873; aged 60. Rhoda Brace, born February 25, 1773 ; died March 3, 1862. James M. Brace, born May 6, 1803 ; died July 16, 1865. Oliver J, Stork, killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863.. Hugh Gilchrist, M. D., horn in Kilmarnock, Scotland, February 5, 1816 ; died August 30, 1878. Elisha S. Burk, born July 2, 1809; died October 8, 1880. Almira S., wife of Elisha S. Burk, born October 24, 1820 ; died June 7, 1877. John Roll, born March 22, 1801 ; died May 26, 1851. Andrew Dodds, died July 31, 1825; aged 70. Margaret, his wife, died August 25, 1826 ; aged 65. Another private vault in this cemetery is the Freeman, which is of modern build and quite handsome. In memory of James R. Hughes, for fourteen years a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, who died August 8, 1839 ; aged 46. Phebe, wife of Dr. J. R. Hughes, born March 31, 1801; died December 24, 1833.

Following are inscriptions from the old burying-ground, which was given for this purpose by the trustees of the Miami University :

Mariette Sophia, wife of the Rev. Thomas Goodwin, died April 25, 1843 ; aged 25. Mary A., wife of the Rev. John A. Waterman, died December 14, 1837 ; aged 45. Rev. John A. Waterman, born in Concord, New Hampshire ; died August 6, 1837 ; aged 47. Sacred to the memory of Susan, wife of Dr. J. A. Waterman, and daughter of Luther and Grace Dunn. She died at Oxford, Ohio, November 9, 1839, in the 35th year of her age. Rachel McDonald, wife of Martin McDonald, died May 13, 1844; aged 77. Samuel Brown, born in the County of Londonderry, Ireland, died January 25, 1835; aged 75. Sarah, wife of Samuel Brown, born in Londonderry, Ireland; died July 29, 1844; aged 22. Thomas Barr, a native of Ireland, died September 11, 1848 ; aged 27. John Martin, a native of Ireland, died August 7, 1847 ; aged 23. David Ratthay, born in Paisley, Scotland, November 18, 1792 ; died March 3, 1851. Silas Osgood, died May 16, 1840, in the 78th year of his age. Sarah Ann, consort of Rev. John W. Clark, died February 14, 1833, in the 24th year of her age. West Bonney departed this life on the 26th of September, 1843, in the 72d year of his age. Catharine, wife of Seth Webb, died August 29, 1848 ; aged 100 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Henry Webb died October 6, 1857; aged 72. Townsend D. Peyton, died August

OXFORD - 517

25, 1852; aged 77. Sarah, his wife, died August 11, 1864; aged 77. Dr. Freeman Perry, of Fair Haven, Massachusetts, died in Franklin County, Indiana, after a few days' illness with typhus fever, aged 62. He was born July 27, 1825. Rev. J. J. Tiffany graduated in the Miami University, and was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Died December 29, 1857 ; aged 31. Nancy, wife of Joseph Tiffany, afterward wife of Samuel Pollard, died August 26, 1853; aged 78. Sacred to the memory of Ebenezer Howe, a native of Bost n, Massachusetts; born on the 13th of July, 1763, and at Oxford, Ohio, July 10, 1830. Died on the morning o the 16th of October, 1834, at his residence in Oxford, Ohio, Colonel Isaiah Leigh, aged 51. Colonel Leigh was the first Mayor of Oxford. Anthony Butler, a native of Massachusetts, died March 13, 1847, in the 80th year of his age. Rachel Smith, born in Boston, Massachusetts, died June 13, 1834; aged 66. Isaac Harker, died April 25, 1849, in the 56th year of his age. In memory of Ashel Murdock, a Revolutioner of '76, who died January 23, 18377, in the 82d year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Ashel Murdock, died May 1834, in the 74th year of her age. Abraham Booth, a native of the West Riding, Yorkshire, England, died June 21, 1852, in the 56th year of his age. Isaiah Hall, born November 26, 1761 ; died June' 29, 1831. Phebe Dutton Hall, born March 12, 1768; died October 21, 1827.

The earliest appearance of a Methodist itinerant near Oxford was early in the Spring of 1805. A portly, dignified man, of intellectual appearance, was seen astride of a large, black horse, at the crossing of Four-Mile Creek, near Mr. De Witt's farm. He quietly inquired the nearest route to a certain Indian village, located in the vicinity of Connersville, Indiana. Having gained the information desired, he pushed his course rapidly through the wild, trackless woods skirting the stream, and was soon lost to view. This traveler gave his name as Moses Crume, and the object of his visitation to the wild country was as a missionary of the Methodist. Episcopal Church, sent out by the authorities of that society to the Indians. Mr. Crume died April 1, 1839, aged seventy- three years. In 1787 he became a Christian, and began to preach in 1791. His remains, marked by a plain monument, lie in the old burial-ground in Oxford. Anna, wife of the Rev. Moses Crume (the second wife), died June 5, 1853, aged sixty-seven years and some days. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1810, and the following year embraced religion. She was married in 1829 to Mr. Crume. Sarah, Mr. Crume's first wife, died May 10, 1829, aged fifty-seven years, four months, and twenty-four days. Mr. Crume lived in Oxford with his family many years.

Soon after the settlement of the township Mr. Crume made his appearance in Oxford, and left an appointment for preaching. The place of worship was in a log schoolhouse directly opposite and north of the present school building. This house was used by all religious sects for worship, and by the public generally for holding meetings for many years. These appointments were continued irregularly by the Methodists until 1818 or 1819. Mr. Crume, with great faithfulness, continued to minister to the infant Church, planted by his own hand, for a number of years. His appointments were for every sixth Sabbath. This band continued to prosper until the little log-house became too small for their accommodation. In 1813 Mr. Crume was appointed to the Oxford Circuit. He was succeeded in 1814 by the eloquent John Strange.

In 1818 the society selected a site for the new house. Father Weston says that, "at this time, this land was covered with the primeval forest, where, in his youth, he had often hunted squirrels and chopped cord-wood at twenty-five cents a cord." In the Fall of 1818, material was collected for the building. The leading spirit in this work was John Keely, father of the Rev. John W. Keely, of Indianapolis, and Dr. G. W. Keely, of Oxford. The house was begun in the Spring of 1819, its dimensions being thirty by forty-two feet. The building had progressed favorably, when, in the latter part of June, a fearful hurricane blew down the east wall. A large maple-tree was also thrown across the building, so as to crush in one of the side walls. This disaster caused a delay for one year. By the continued effort of Mr. Keely the house was completed in the Fall of 1820, but he came out of the enterprise financially a ruined man. Even his house was given up, and at last his cow and garden-patch were surrendered to liquidate the debt.

In addition to John Keely and his wife Ann, the members of the Church were Laban Holland, Elias Wilson, Sen., Peter Sampson, Thomas Dollahan, Skillman Alger, Charles Robinson, who was an exhorter ; John Strickland, Daniel Dickinson, Samuel Bush, John Griffith, James Ratliff, John Demoss, the Rev. Mr. Cromwell, who was a local preacher ; the Rev. Mr. Crockwell, a local preacher. George Howard, Mr. Wilcox, William Henry, Benjamin Sutton, Joseph Kitchen, the Rev. Elisha Stout, local preacher, and William Crume, were all early members. G. G. White, familiarly known as "Deacon White," came into Oxford as a citizen a year or two after the formal opening of the Church. Many of these brethren had families, and their wives and some of their children were members.

The house stood unplastered for a number of years, as the society was too poor and depressed in spirit to finish it.

Among the most eloquent and logical of the early preachers were Russel Bigelow, Samuel Brown, Allen Wiley, B. F. Cranch, Samuel Baker, Wm. H. Raper, and Levi White. During a part of this time the venerable Deacon White used the house during intervals of worship as a cabinet-maker's salesroom, and some declare as his workshop also. Deacon White was an excellent singer, and much of his time was given to worshiping God in this manner.

The Church pressed forward with varying success until December, 1837, when a committee was appointed to take into consideration the propriety of selling the old house and building a new one. In February, 1838, the

518 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

committee made a verbal report, and recommended a new house fifty by sixty feet, with basement, for $2,000. The quarterly conference decided to build if $1,500 could be raised in addition to the assessed value of the old house and lot. Some time afterwards the old house was improved by additions, which made it double its original length. The building thus enlarged was completed in the Fall of 1839. In the east wall of the addition Deacon White had inclosed a jug filled with various documents and other articles of value and interest, but upon tearing down the wall for the improvements they were found to have moldered to dust. Two or three pieces of metal only were found, which were afterwards deposited in the box of the corner-stone.

By this last improvement the house was made a very neat and commodious building. A heavy debt was incurred, which in time was paid off. A great many have joined the Church since 1839. Among the pastors have been D. D. Davison, John A. Baughman, Robert O. Spencer, John C. Brooks, Elijah H. Fields, John Stewart, James W. Finley, Charles W. Swain, John A. Waterman, B. Westlake, A. W. Musgrave, Granville Moody, M. Dustin, Clinton W. Sears, J. F. Conrey, and J. F. Marlay.

On the 30th of March, 1872, it was decided to build a new house of worship, but not until the old house had become too small to accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation. The following persons were appointed a canvassing committee : P. D. Matson, D. M. Magic, John Shera, George C. Munns, and James Shera. The name of John J. Goff was afterward substituted for James Shera. The canvassing committee was also made the building committee. P. D. Matson was made chairman. Joel Stover was architect for the new building ; Walter Jones superintendent of stone and brick work, and John and William Craig superintendents of the carpenter work.

The old house was torn down the first week in May, 1872. Excavations were begun on the 13th of the same month for the foundations. The corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, in the presence of a large concourse of people, with the Rev. Thomas J. Harris as pastor. Prayer by the Rev. W. C. Rogers, of Oxford, Ohio. Reading of Scripture by the Rev. James W. McGregor, of Minneapolis, Minn., and the reading of a historical sketch of the rise and progress of Methodism in Oxford, by the pastor. The Rev. Granville Moody, D. D., preached the sermon. A collection was taken which amounted to over $500, and the corner-stone was laid by Mr. Moody. During the interval between April, 1872, and January, 1873, the society met at the New School Presbyterian Church. The first meeting of a religious nature held in the new house was on the first Sabbath in January, 1873.

On the 6th of July, 1873, the first story or Sunday- school rooms were completed. The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. S. F. Gillett, D. D., of Greensburg, Indiana. At the close of the services $2,300 was the amount of the indebtedness found to be existing. The pastor then asked for $7,000 to complete the auditorium, which was raised, with an excess of $200. More than one-half of the money was obtained by subscriptions of fifty dollars and under.

The auditorium was dedicated on the 28th of November, 1875. Bishop R. S. Foster conducted the services, assisted by T. J. Harris, J. W. McGee, Dr. J. M. Walden, Dr. R. D. Morris, J. F. Black, and Jacob Norris. On the day of dedication there yet existed a debt of four thousand dollars, but by the excellent way in which Bishop Foster conducted subscription taking, four thousand five hundred dollars was pledged in forty-five minutes, and thus the church was dedicated without a dollar's indebtedness.

P. D. Matson has been Sunday-school superintendent for over thirty-five years, and now holds this office.

Oxford Circuit was organized in 1813 or 1814. The following list of pastors is taken from the General Minutes : 1813, Moses Crume ; 1814, John Strange ; 1815, John Somerville ; 1816, Benjamin Lawrence ; 1817, William Hunt ; 1818, Russel Bigelow and Samuel Brown ; 1819, Russel Bigelow ; 1820, Allen Willey and Benjamin T. Crouch ; 1821, Samuel Baker and William H. Raper ; 1822, Moses Crume and Richard Brandriff ; 1823, James Jones and Levi White ; 1824, Peter Stephens and James Jones; 1825, Daniel D. Davison and John A. Baughman ; 1826, Daniel D. Davison and Robert O. Spencer ; 1827, John C. Brook and Isaac C. Hunter ; 1828, John P. Taylor and Benjamin Lawrence ; 1829, Elijah H. Fields and Robert O. Spencer ; 1830, Robert O. Spencer and Elijah H. Fields ; 1831, John Stewart and A. D. Beasley; 1832, John Stewart and James F. Davison ; 1833, J. W. Clark and J. W. Finley ; 1834, Charles W. Swain and John A. Waterman ; 1835, Burroughs Westlake and Lucien W. Berry, J. A. Waterman, superannuated ; 1836, Burroughs Westlake and Daniel Poe ; 1837, Stephen Holland, for three months, A. W. Musgrove, for nine months ; 1838 and 1839, A. W. Musgrove ; 1840 to 1842, Granville Moody ; 1842 to 1844, Mighill Dustin ; 1844 to 1845, Clinton W. Sears, with Arthur W. Elliott as resident superannuated ; 1845 and 1846, J. A. Waterman, who shortly after went with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and whose place was supplied by Jonathan F. Conrey; 1846 and 1847, Jonathan F. Conrey ; 1847 to 1849, Charles R. Lowell ; 1849 to 1851, James C. Bontecou ; 1851 to 1853, James F. Chalfant ; 1853 to 1855, John F. Marley ; 1855 and 1856, Thomas D. Crow ; 1858, Robert O. Spencer ; 1858 to 1860, George W. Harris ; 1861, James M. Leavitt ; 1861 to 1863, William H. Hypes ; 1863, William G. W. Lewis; 1864 to 1866, William H, Moler ; 1866, Asbury Lowrey ; 1867, William H. Lawder ; 1868, James L. Grove, eight months, and J. W. McGregor, four months ; 1869, James W.

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McGregor ; 1870 to 1873, Thomas J. Harris ; 1873 to 1876, David C. Vance ; 1876 to 1879, James Murray ; 1879, A. N. Spahr ; 1880, B. F. Dimmick, who is also the present pastor.

In the early history of Oxford a Baptist congregation was formed, the Church purchasing in-lot No. 126, on which they erected a neat frame building as a place of worship. The land where the house stood is now owned by P. D. Matson. The Rev. Mr. Spencer was pastor of this society in 1824. He was a man of many fine qualities, and in all his intercourse with the people won their affectionate regard. There were but a few members, Mr. Farr and wife being among the number. In consequence of death and removals the society ceased to exist practically after 1826.

One peculiarity of the house was that in the middle of it there was a large brick floor on which the fire was built. The smoke escaped through holes in the roof made for that purpose. The house was thirty by forty feet—two stories.

Soon after the Miami University began to assume importance, it seemed as though all the other Churches but the Presbyterian were to have a precarious existence. This was especially true with the Baptist, and since that time the society has never been re-established.

On the 6th of January, 1827, the Legislature of the State of Ohio passed a law authorizing the trustees of the Miami University to lease at nominal rent to the directors of the school district of Oxford, a lot of ground not exceeding one acre, for the location of a school-house. The house, a brick building twenty by forty feet, one- story, was accordingly erected on lot No. 33. This, after it became too small for school purposes, was sold with the lot to the trustees of the Catholic Church, and used by them until 1867, when the present house was erected. Among those who were active in the organization and establishment of this society were Michael Taylor with his brothers, Michael Kiley, Byron Kelly, Nicholas Hester, and Charles Fye. The succession of pastors since 1852 have been: Rev. Messrs. O'Conner, Darco, who led the people in the erection of the present building, which cost $8,000; Daly, who remained nine years, and D. V. Crowley, who came in 1880, from Cumminsville, Ohio. This denomination has about eight hundred and fifty members, many of whom reside at a distance of six or eight miles from their place of worship. A handsome parsonage—a two-story brick—and a cemetery of two or three acres are connected with the church edifice.

In 1818 the Presbyterian congregation was formed in Oxford under the direction of the Rev. James Hughes, of the grammar school. He continued to preach to this people occasionally until his decease in the Spring of 1821, from which time they were only supplied occasionally by traveling preachers, until the year 1825, when the congregation was organized in a more regular

manner by Robert H. Bishop, D. D., who continued to preach to them for several years in the college chapel.

The Rev. James Hughes, A. M., had charge of a congregation at Buffalo and Short Creek, in the State of Virginia, and preached his farewell sermon to them at West Liberty on the 11th of September, 1814. His text was Rom. xv, 13. The sermon was published at Charlestown, Virginia, in 1814, and has this preface: " The .following discourse is presented to the people of the congregation of Short Creek and Lower Buffalo, as a small testimony of the sincere regard of their former pastor—James Hughes."

After the organization of the Church it was several years before it had any particular place of meeting. Sometimes .the Church met in the college chapel, and sometimes at private residences. On the 22d of November, 1831, Joseph Woodruff purchased lot No. 300, at the price of $136; for the use of the congregation, and in 1833 the present or old meeting-house was erected at a cost of a little over ,000. The house is fifty by seventy feet, and has a high basement story. The height from the ground to the eaves is about thirty feet. It has seats capable of holding four hundred and eighty persons. By a law of the State, dated the 15th of January, 1833, Benjamin C. Swan, James Montgomery, Abraham J. Chittenden, John Harding, James R. Hughes, C. H. Spinnings, Charles Barrows, Harry Lewis, and Joseph Woodruff, and their associates, were incorporated under the name of the "First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, in the County of Butler."

Dr. Bishop was succeeded as pastor by the Rev. Henry Little, who continued for two or three years. Then the .Rev. George B. Bishop officiated for about two years ; and after him the Rev. William Graham officiated until about 1840, when he joined the New School. Presbyterians, and severed his connection with the former Church. The Rev. John W. Scott afterward preached to the congregation for a few years, and was succeeded by others. The Rev. Henry Maltby became the pastor some time in 1850, and remained some two years. In 1857 and the earlier part of 1858, the society was supplied by J. R. Burgett, W. Rogers, Dr. Scott, and Professors Swing and Elliott. In 1858 the Rev. J. B. Stewart was called to the pastorate, and was with them some two years and a half, after which the Rev. Wm. Rogers, a returned missionary, who had taken up his residence at Oxford, was engaged as stated supply to 1864, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Haight in a two years' pastorate. The Rev. John Crosier succeeded Mr. Haight, and was pastor until November 23, 1869, at which time the two separate bodies then existing as the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford and the Second Presbyterian Church of Oxford decided to unite in one Church organization, and gave a call, as thus organized, to the Rev. A. H. Young, who held this offrce for nearly three years thereafter. In November, 1872, the Rev. Charles Fuller was

520 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

installed, remaining about two years, and was followed by the Rev. Jacob Norris, who stayed until July 9, 1876, when he resigned to accept the professorship of mathematics in Wabash College, Indiana. On the 13th of the following November the Rev. Francis M. Wood was chosen pastor, who was succeeded in May, 1880, by the Rev. George G. Mitchell, the present incumbent. The present membership is about two hundred and fifty.

“During the month of January, 1841, owing to some division of sentiment on questions of Church polity among the membership of the Presbyterian Church of Oxfbrd, party spirit and strife rose to such a pitch that a large number withdrew themselves therefrom, and on the first of February following organized themselves into a new religious body, under the name of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oxford. Among those thus seceding from the mother Church was the acting pastor, the Rev. William Graham, and him the new Church called to be their first minister. The new society organized with some thirty-two members, which number was increased at the second meeting to seventy. Joseph Woodruff, Joseph Parks, Robert Long, R. E. Hills, G. Y. Roots, and Horace Cross were elected the first board of elders; and Aaron Austin, Harry Lewis, R. E. Hills, Romeo Lewis, William Kennedy, John Adams, James Mayhew, P. H. Roots, and Robert Long were made the first board of trustees. In March Joseph Parks, G. Y. Roots, and R. E. Hills were constituted a building committee to raise funds and superintend the erection of a place of worship for the new Church, which about this time applied for and obtained admission into the Cincinnati Presbytery of the so-called New School Presbyterians. The new body pushed matters vigorously, and in due time were in possession of a comfortable house of worship, on the southwest corner of lot No. 54, bounded west by Main and south by Church Street, and fronting on the latter. Mr. Graham continued to serve the new interest for some three years, and was followed by the Rev. Daniel Tenney (June 30, 1844). Mr. Tenney remained the efficient pastor for nearly twelve years. In July, 1856, the Rev. E. W. Root was installed pastor, being followed, August 11, 1861, by the Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, and in March, 1869, by the Rev. A. H. Young. In the Fall and Winter following the settlement of Mr. Young, a growing fraternal feeling developed itself among the membership of the two existing branches of the Presbyterian Church in Oxford, and in November, 1869, by full and most harmonious concert of action upon the part of both bodies, it was decided to unite the same in one organization, to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. The new Church thus strengthened, decided to occupy the house of worship of the Second Church, and retain the pastoral labors and pulpit ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Young, and to enlarge and improve their church edifice to meet the wants of the increased society and congregation, which was accordingly done. The future history

of the body was thus merged into that of the First Church.

From the time Oxford began to attract the attention of the public the Presbyterian Church took a strong hold upon the people. Nearly all the professors of the university belonged to this or the Associate Reformed Church. Many of the students were often sent to college here because of the strict Presbyterian doctrine to which most of the faculty were committed. About the year 1836 the Associate Reformed congregation was organized. It was a branch of the Rev. Alexander Porter's Church of Israel Township, in Preble County, eight miles north. Porter's Church was formed by members who came from South Carolina to avoid slavery. After some years of great success the Oxford Church was organized with the understanding by the synod that a theological institute should there- be opened. The Rev. S. W. McCracken, who was born in Hamilton County, was the organizer. He preached here as " stated supply" for two or three years, during which time he was a professor of mathematics in the university. He afterward removed to Hopewell, in Preble County, and died in 1856 or 1857. The Rev. Joseph Claybaugh, D. D., was the first pastor. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, July 1, 1803. He received his preparatory education in the Chillicothe Academy, Ohio, and was graduated at Jefferson College, in 1822, and in 1824, May 26th, was licensed to preach. His theological education was obtained under the direction of the Rev. John Steele, of Xenia, Ohio. He served the people as pastor at Chillicothe, Ohro, from 1825 to 1839 ; and of Oxford, Ohio, from 1840 to September, 1855. He was the principal of the Chillicothe Academy from 1825 to 1827, and professor of theology in the Associate Reformed Seminary at this place from 1839 until his death on the 9th of September, 1855, which resulted from scrofula.

The Rev. Mr. Claybaugh was succeeded as pastor of the Church by the Rev. Wm. J. McSurley, who remained about four years. Then came Marcus. Ormond, for four years ; J. S. Black, four years ; James Dodds, for two years, and who was with the people from 1878 to 1880. The Church was then without stated ministration after Mr. Dodd left for over a year. In April, 1882, they extended a call to the Rev. S. R. Frazier, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the Church, now known as the "United Presbyterian," having taken that name in common with bodies of the same faith in 1858, has been enjoying his labors as settled pastor from the first Sabbath in June. It has a resident membership of about ninety communicants. We find among the early members Kennedy Brooks, William and Alexander Wallace, Hugh Herron, Arthur Orr, John Caldwell, Mr. Beaton and Alexander Young, with their wives and portions of their families.

In November, 1839, the Universalist congregation was organized in Oxford, Ohio ; the number of members who

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associated themselves together at that time was thirteen. Harvey Gifford was their preacher, and officiated as their pastor for some time. In the same year the society purchased lot No. 5, for $350, and erected upon it a frame building for a church, thirty by fifty feet, and sixteen feet to the cave of the roof. The interior was furnished with pews capable of seating two hundred and fifty persons ; the cost of the building was $300. In 1856 the membership numbered thirty ; the pastor or preacher was the Rev. William Curry.

The Rev. Abner Longley, a citizen of Oxford in 1828, was among the early members and preachers. He afterwards removed to Lebanon, Indiana, and died in Kansas a few Years ago. Mr. Longley was a cabinet-maker by trade ; he attended college at the university, but was not a good speaker. Amaziah Dodge was another of the early members, and also exhorted sometimes. Dodge was a farmer; he died thirty years ago. Isaiah Hall, a farmer and music-teacher, was a prominent member.

Peter Sutton, a carpenter and house joiner here in 1828, now living, a justice of the peace for thirty-one years in succession and a term afterwards, and treasurer of the Miami University for thirty years, was also one of the leading early members.

Mr. Lee, Mrs. Withrow, and Mrs. Peter Sutton were also first members.

This Church now has a membership of thirty. There were here for the first preachers the Revs. Messrs. Rogers, Kidwell, and St. John. Kidwell was an itinerant and went throughout the country in all directions. St. John afterwards joined the Methodist Church, and died in Brookville, Indiana. Mr. Emmett was located here as pastor for some years. The Rev. John Gurley, a distinguished minister from Cincinnati, preached to this society some time in the '50's. The Rev. Messrs. Man- ford and Pingree did not reside in Oxford, but preached here as much as a quarter of a century ago. Mr. Polk, who resided in Oxford, remained with the people for seven or eight years. C. L. Haskell came in 1876 and remained for two years. Many of the preachers who administered to this society also preached to the Bunker Hill Church in Reily Township. Their names will appear in the history of that organization.

The Oxford African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on the 11th of November, 1842, in the house of John Rollins, by the Rev. Robert Johnson of Hillsboro, Ohio. The house in which this Church worships was built by Joel Collins for the Christian Church, which had a partial existence at one time. Collins was the only member of the Church who lived in this neighborhood, and for this reason built the house mainly out of his own means. From the best information at hand, the probabilities are that the Christian Church never had any regular .pastor, but the Rev. John Harrison preached to a small congregation in this and other houses for twenty odd years.

The following are worthy original members of the Colored Church : Martha Roberts, Josiah Alberson, Mother Rollins, Thomas Rollins, Jeremiah Lewis, Simon White, John Banister, George Williams. Martha Roberts and John Banister are still living.

The Rev. Robert Johnson was the first minister, and served for one year, commencing in the Fall of 1842. Watkins Lee followed for one year ; Robert Jones began in the Fall of 1844,_ and served one year ; he was followed by Hiram Revels, Horace B. Smith, Benjamin Hill, Levi Bass, and John Turner, all for one year. At that date this Church was under the control of the Indiana Conference, and remained so until the General Conference which met t Cincinnati in 1856 placed it under the management of the Ohio Conference. Since that time the succession of their ministers have been : In 1857, Matthew J. Newsome ; 1858, David Smith ; 1859, Jeremiah Lewis; 1861,, Turner Roberts ; 1862, Alexander Austin ; 1863, William Davidson ; 1866, Jeremiah Lewis; 1867, Henry A. Jackson ; 1869, George W. Clark ; 1870, Moses W. Walker ; 1872, George H. Shafer ; 1875, Philip Towler ; 1880, Primus Alston.

Its local preachers were Thomas Rollins, William Brown, James Knox, Richard Hastie, and Samuel Burrell. The most useful of the laymen : Albert Russell, Thomas Rollins, Beverly Tyler, Henry McDonald, William Townsend, Beverly Yancy, Ephraim Jones, John S. Jones. Among the faithful workers were Katie Brown, Betsey Jackson, Martha Roberts, Mary Townsend, Eva Sawyer, Cilea Williamson, Mary J. Lewis, Clara Jackson, Elizabeth Lawrence, Margaret Young, Betsey Saunders, Emily Carter, and Jane Yancy.

The original place of worship of this Church was called Bethel, a hewed log-house built by Jeremiah Lewis and Thomas Rollins. In this house the congregation worshiped from 1843 to 1858, when the trustees, under the pastorate of Matthew J. Newsome, purchased the present place of worship for $3,000.

The Christian African Church of Oxford was organized about eighteen years ago. At first this Church met at the colored school-house, but shortly afterwards a frame building was bought of Mr. Constantine McCowen, an early member. This building stood on the site now occupied by the present house, but is removed to the rear of it, for festivals and other purposes. The present house, which cost about $3,000, and which has a seating capacity of three hundred people, was completed in 1881. Hannah Scott, Hardy. Scott, Constantine McCowen and wife, Isaiah Dicson and wife Sarah, William Brassfield and Mary his wife, Jacob Piatt and wife Maria, Ann Wright, • Amanda Anderson, Ceburn Oliver and wife Malinda, Betsey Crawford, Alfred Reed and wife Nancy, Ronson Deviney and wife Fanny, Maria Price, Eliza Mitchell, Polly Tipton and George, her husband; Stephen Piatt and Jane, his wife, were among the early members. At present there are about fifty members on the register.

522 - HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The Rev. Rufus Conrad was the first preacher, and also the organizer of the Church, serving for two or three years. The Rev. Isaiah Dicson, who removed to Kansas, and died in 1878, preached for twelve years. The Rev. Benjamin King, of Cincinnati, filled the pulpit for two years. The Rev. William Brown, of Kentucky, served as pastor for three years. He is now in Kentucky engaged in ministerial work. The Rev. Laban S. Locker filled the pastorate for one year. This Church is one of the most enterprising in the village, and bids fair to do much good.

The Baptist African Church, of Oxford, was organized about twelve years ago by the Rev. Mr. Brown, of Cincinnati. James Stroud, Mary Roberts, Mather Tester, Willis Pyle and wife, Jackson Piatt and wife, Ellen Carter, Thomas Jackson, Mother Laney, who is now about eighty years of age, Spencer Young, who was licensed here to preach, but is now in Covington, Kentucky, and wife, were among the leading first members. Persons who are now the support of the Church, are Wesley Calbert, Mary Case, Chrisey Dickinson, Thomas Boston and wife. The membership numbers about twenty-five.

The Rev. Mr. Brown, of Cincinnati was the first pastor who filled the pulpit for two years. He was followed by the Rev. Spencer Young, who served six or seven years, but who was ordained outside of the regular association. Then came the Rev. Mr. Woodley, of the Middle Run Church, near Xenia, Ohio, who remained one year. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Goings, from Shelby County, Ohio, who remained for nearly three years. During the Winter of 1881 and 1882 the Rev. Mr. Clay preached as an irregular minister.

The house in which this society worships was erected in 1875. The builder was Mr. Marshall, now an old man, and one of the first settlers in Oxford. The land on which the house stands was given for this purpose by Dr. Andrew Guy, of Oxford, a gentleman of many excellent parts.

OXFORD FEMALE COLLEGE.

The Oxford Female College was chartered by the State of Ohio on the 19th of January, 1854, and was the outgrowth of the revolution which took place in the Miami University in the Spring of 1845, by which Drs. Bishop and Scott were thrown out of the faculty. Professor Scott was, however, prevented from immediately followipg, the plan of the Female College, which he had previously formed in his mind, by the solicitation of Dr. Bishop and Prof. F. G. Cary, of College Hill, Ohio, to aid them in the establishment of an agricultural institution at that point.

The establishment of the Miami University at Oxford had induced the people to take much interest in the education of their sons, and efforts for the education of their daughters naturally followed.

After Dr. Scott had given some three or four years to Farmers' College, he began to make arrangements to set the Female College in successful operation. Hence, in 1849, a number of the public-spirited citizens of Oxford organized a stock company for the Oxford Female Institute, and secured a special charter from the Legislature of Ohio for that purpose. A handsome two-story brick building, forty by fifty-three feet, was at once erected in the west end of the village, and operations begun. The Rev. John W. Scott, D. D., formerly of the Miami University, was elected principal, with his daughter, now Mrs. Lord, and his sister-in-law,. Miss Neal, who became his first permanent assistant, and continued so until her death in 1852, as helpers. The institute prospered and began to draw students from a distance. Dr. Scott's position at Farmers' College was filled by the Rev. John Covert, who on the foundation which had been laid built the Ohio Female College, an institution which accomplished much good in female education.

On the arrival of Dr. Scott and his assistants from College Hill, operations were begun in the basement of the United Presbyterian Church, while waiting for the completion of the building. But in the Fall these rooms were needed for the theological seminary, and the young institution was compelled to seek quarters elsewhere, which were found by renting rooms over Mr. Mollyneaux's store and the adjoining building, on the corner of Main Street and the public square. In 1850, the institute being finished, the Female College took possession of their new building, with a flourishing school of boarding and day students. But the accommodations were soon found insufficient.

Under these circumstances, Dr. Scott, the Rev. W. S. Rogers, and the Rev. Henry Maltby, Presbyterian clergymen and able educators, along with other friends, offered to raise the money for the much-needed and necessary buildings, provided they could be secured in the general management of the institution. Mr. Rogers's plan was, that the new school should cease to be a private enterprise, and that while it should be open to all, it should be especially adapted for the education of missionaries' daughters ; where, at least, if not altogether, some of the regular expense might be lessened, and the mission boards might be relieved of much care and anxiety. At the same time Mr. Ebenezer Lane, then a resident of Oxford, handsomely offered a tract of thirty-four acres of land, adjoining the eastern edge of the borough of Oxford, as a college site, and in addition a subscription of a liberal sum in money for the endowment of such an institution. After consultation it was decided to go forward with the enterprise. Mr. Lane gave his land and Mr. Rogers took the field to solicit subscriptions.

This change of location produced important results. Great dissatisfaction sprang up among a very large portion of those interested in the institute, and resulted finally in Dr. Scott taking new rooms by renting the old Oxford Hotel, then vacant. The founders of the Female

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College were mainly connected with the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. The pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, the Rev. David Tenney, and his friends were New School, and determined to found another institution, on the south-eastern borders of Oxford, on the Mt. Holyoke system. The institute then passed under the control of the Rev. J. H. Buchanan and the United Presbyterians. Thus the three schools arose, and were zealously carried forward by their several friends, far and near.

After Mr. Rogers's canvass for a few weeks he reported subscriptions in one form and another, to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, a large proportion of which, however, unfortunately were scholarships. A board of trustees was formed under the sanction and direction of the Synod of Cincinnati, of the Presbyterian Church. A committee was appointed to visit Eastern colleges, and report on some plan for the buildings. Thus the present college was determined upon, and on the 3d of September, 1856, dedicated by appropriate ceremonies. The Rev. Professor Moffat, afterward of the Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. Joseph Warren, formerly missionary to India, and others delivered addresses. A beautiful poem was also written for the occasion by Mrs. Lydia" H. Sigourney. The school was thus launched into existence, and practically began a new life.

In the commencement of this enterprise, the general intention was to expend some $25,000 or $30,000 in a building, with whatever additional amount might be necessary for its furnishing and apparatus, the remainder to be so used as to lessen the cost of tuition, and for the payment of the faculty. When the proposals came in, however, the lowest amounted to considerably over $40,000. The building was begun, and before its completion, with all the steam-heating and gas-lighting fixtures, cost $60,000 ; and with musical instruments, room furniture, and sundry stables and other out-houses, and general improvements of the grounds, to over $80,000. But the first year opened with two hundred students, one hundred of whom were from a distance. There were, however, many embarrassing circumstances, and the patronage which had fallen to this people, began to be withdrawn and directed toward the Wooster University. The Synod of Cincinnati, after much indifference, finally, by a formal vote, entirely dissolved their connection with it.

Before this, however, some of the debts had become very pressing, and in the exigency of the case some of the members of the board and other friends of the enterprise formed themselves into a joint-stock company to save the institution from failure and bankruptcy. This was some time in the Fall and Winter of 1857. The name of the company was the " Company in trust of the Oxford Female College." This company proposed to assume in trust the debts and obligations of the institution till such time as the obligations and debts were released, and then return it to the synod and its chartered board, to be a public institution for the benefit of the Church and the world forever. But after taking the matter in hand and paying off a considerable portion of the pressing debt, the company found that in consequence of the drawing back of certain parties, who were with some ground of confidence expected to become partners, they were left too weak pecuniarily to manage the whole debt, and were, therefore, compelled to give the property back to the synod, with a small portion of the obligation paid off. Yet there remained a considerable portion of debt still to be met.

In the early Spring of 1859, the Rev. Dr. Chester, one of the secretaries of the General Assembly's board of education, who had distinguished himself in the management of financial matters, by request came, out from Philadelphia to meet with the board, and if possible adopt some measures to relieve their pecuniary embarrassments. The indebtedness was found to over $35,000. A decision was made to send out two new soliciting agents in addition to Mr. Rogers, the regular agent of the college, and to secure if possible the amount needed to save the institution. The condition was that no part should be binding unless the whole amount was subscribed. The three agents were Mr. Rogers, Mr. Stewart, then pastor of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Scott. On making a three months' canvass, the whole amount summed up only to about $20,000. During these troublesome times Mr. Stephen Wade, a gentleman of much Christian benevolence and philanthropic spirit, made a proposition to sustain the boarding establishment at his own expense, for whatever pay the scholars might bring in for tuition.

For ten years the Oxford Female College had undergone many hours of trial. The time had now come for the resignation of President Scott. He had during his connection with the institution sunk some $20,000 or $25,000, and in other ways made for himself enemies and traducers. -

Among those who contributed liberally to the support of the institution in its hours of need were Dr. Alexander Guy, who gave in donations some $15,000 ; Judge Nehemiah Wade, who gave $5,000; Ebenezer Lane, besides the land, a large donation in money ; the Rev. W. S. Rogers, S. R. Mollyneaux, Mrs. Judge Hindman, and perhaps others, who gave from $1,000 to $2,500. And it is worthy of record that the Rev. Samuel Hair did effective service in aiding Mr. Rogers to obtain subscriptions and scholarships. Judge Wade was for a number of years president of the board of directors, of which there were thirty.

When Dr. Scott resigned, in July, 1859, the college was in danger of suspension, if not of direct failure. Students p