William Harper Irwin family in 1900's

William Harper Irwin family in 1900's
William Harper Irwin family in 1900's Back row L-R:Harry, Nora, William, Front row: L-R: Leona, Livonia, William, Ansel

Saturday, September 19, 2015

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 1, November 29, 1935 & December 30, 1939. Notes taken from pages of toll gate history. In 1848, at the April meeting of the board of directors, Samuel Carr and James Beckett appeared in the behalf of the Hanover, Stillwell and Rossville Turnpike company, which company had charge of the road between gate No. 1 on the Hamilton and Fair Haven Pike and Stillwell’s corner on the Colerain Pike. After hearing the proposition made by Carr and Beckett, the board appointed Morton Irwin, James Elliott and John Woods a committee to make investigations and give a report on plans for a union of the two companies.

Morton Irwin committee re union Turnpike co_0001Morton Irwin committee re union Turnpike co_0002Morton Irwin committee re union Turnpike co_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 1, November 29, 1935 & December 30, 1939. Interesting sidelights on taverns of Turnpike Days. We have mentioned several of the taverns and homes along the Hamilton and Fair Haven turnpike in Butler County, Ohio where the men working on or connected with the road improvement were fed or lodged. Until much later than Stephen Kendall’s time, the mail stage passing through Darrtown on its way between Hamilton and the state line made but one trip a week. Today the distance between Fair Haven and Darrtown is a mere nothing to tourists, but at that earlier date communication between the villages were few and far between. Family letters show how great the separation seemed to young “Wes Irwin and his wife, Mary Ann Woods, who left their farm homes near Darrtown to live at Fair Haven”.

Wes Irwin wife, Mary Ann Woods leave Darrtown_0001Wes Irwin wife, Mary Ann Woods leave Darrtown_0002Wes Irwin wife, Mary Ann Woods leave Darrtown_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 1, November 29, 1935 & December 30, 1939. First bridge to span Great Miami. The first bridge to connect the little town of Hamilton and Rossville in Butler County, Ohio was a toll bridge through out its entire existence. It was called the Miami Bridge, and connected Hamilton and Rossville at about the site of the present bridge at High Street and Main Street. Not only was this Hamilton’s first bridge, but it was also the first to span the waters of the Great Miami and the first large bridge in this part of the country. The one over the Scioto at Chillicothe, which town was Ohio’s first capital, was the only one of any size in the state in 1815, when the citizens of Hamilton and Rossville came to feel that the service afforded by the ferries was inadequate. Charter members of The Miami Bridge company was Robert Irwin.

Robert Irwin Charter member The Miami Bridge company_0001Robert Irwin Charter member The Miami Bridge company_0002Robert Irwin Charter member The Miami Bridge company_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 1, November 29, 1935 & December 30, 1939. Turnpikes appear as step in development. In 1825 February papers full of turnpikes. The Hamilton and Richmond project started several years ago failed because of adverse local interest and lack of perseverance of those who should have pushed it. What good is the most fertile country without roads over which to market crops? Statements prove a turnpike would pay even at a cost of $4000. a mile. At Fairhaven on January 29th delegates declare it expedient to construct through Darrtown, and Fairhaven. Bebb McBride, John Winton, William G. Field, R. B. Milliken of Ohio and five from Indiana appointed to petition Legislature for chapter. 20 appointed to open books for subscriptions. Samuel McFragee and Morton Irwin to Darrtown.

Morton Irwin asked to open books in Darrtown, Butler Co, OH_0001Morton Irwin asked to open books in Darrtown, Butler Co, OH_0002Morton Irwin asked to open books in Darrtown, Butler Co, OH

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 2, January 6, 1940 & December 27, 1943. Boot and Shoe makers of an earlier day. It seems that always there were tanyards north of Main Street and around the lower end of Boudinot in Rossville, Butler County, Ohio. This was near the best business section and also a good residential district, and there was frequent complaint about the unsightliness of these tanyards. Previous to 1819, John Sutherland and William Irwin owned a tanyard at Main Street and the River . When they wished to sell, they advertised that there were 46 vats, a bark house and shed and 300 cords of bark. They also wished to sell the good dwelling house near by. This had its own well, right at the door, and the garden had a paling fence.

John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard at Main Street (1)John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard at Main Street (2)John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard at Main Street (3)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 2, January 6, 1940 & December 27, 1943. Importance of Tanners in Early Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio. Among the very early local occupations was that of the tanner. The shoemaker came first, and the tanners mad a living by supply them with leather. The tanner, shoemaker and saddlers were closely allied, but their trades depended upon the earliest of all pioneer–the woodcutters. Trees were felled ruthlessly for log cabins. After sawmills were established, the best of lumber was used for framed houses. Forest oak were sacrificed to make room for tillable soil, but the uncleared land was raided for its most valuable trees. The connection between the woodcutters and tanners is that oak bark is rich in tannic acid used in turning raw hides into leather. Very little is known about Hamilton tanneries earlier than 1814 when Captain John Caldwell, Joseph F. Randolph and James Wiedner are found. Andrew Stewart was an 1815 tanner. John Sutherland and William Irwin undoubtedly started their tannery soon after Rossville, Butler County, Ohio was laid out in 1804. Both families came in the 1790’s. All that is definitely known about the tanyard is that it was offered for sale in 1819. It was on the river “at Main Street”. There was a good dwelling house with a well at the door and a paled garden; also a bark house, shed, 46 vats and 300 cords of bark. In 1820, Sutherland and Porter were carrying on, and by 1825 Mr. Sutherland was alone.

John Sutherland, William Irwin tannery Rossville, OH 1804_0001John Sutherland, William Irwin tannery Rossville, OH 1804_0002John Sutherland, William Irwin tannery Rossville, OH 1804_0004

Friday, September 18, 2015

History of Pisgah, Union Township, Butler County, Ohio. Pisgah is the highest point in Union Township, Butler County, Ohio, although to be casual observer it seems to be on a general level with the surrounding country. It is the higher than Lebanon and all points around. It was probably named by William Belch, a pioneer of the place, and so called from the old church that stood on this land. The village has but eleven residents, a grocery store, post office, and a blacksmith’s shop. William Belch came here as early as 1812 or 1815. He was a Pennsylvania German, and very energetic. He kept the first hotel of the place many years before he died, after which his son, William Belch kept it fifteen or twenty years longer. William Belch and James Van Hise started a hotel about 1838, and also a store and post office in Pisgah. IT was subsequently kept by David Conover and James Middleton, and now by S.M. Sprinkle. The two Van Hise also kept the first store. They carried on the business a number of years, and were the last to keep the hotel. A still house was erected in an early day by James Irwin on the farm now owned by James Irwin, his grandson. Mr. James Irwin came to Ohio before 1800, and settled first in Warren County, Ohio and after a few years came to Pisgah and settled on 360 acres of choice lands. He started the first tan-yard. He was the grandfather of Governor William Irwin of California, about 1850, and for several years edited the leading paper of California. He was afterwards sent to the State Legislature, and later elected Governor of California. He has since that time been conspicuous in the management of California state affairs, and is known as a representative citizens of the country. The people of Pisgah, in an early time, attended Church at Muddy Creek. This was a Baptist society just outside the Butler County, Ohio. Subsequently the Presbyterians erected a church building on the Belch property. This house stood on the old Quakertown Road, near the Pisgah village, and on the same lot upon which the school house stood. the two buildings were within the fencing. The school house was made of round logs and the church of hewed logs. After a few years the Church people built a brick house, and the school was moved into the old church building. This was on James Irwin’s place, and in 1835 or 1836 the district built the new brick school house, on the identical spot on which stood the old log-house, and it remains, in a repaired condition, still stand, but the house is owned as private property. The district purchased land in 1862, when and where the present structure was erected. The church served its purpose for a long period of time, but for many years it has gone into disuse, save for an occasional service. The property was finally sold, and the organization has lot its identity.

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James Irwin settles Pisgah, Union Twp, Butler Co, Ohio 1800

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Intelligent and beautiful. In the writings of the Reverend Philip Fithian, he tells a most interesting story of Peggy Piper, ten year old child of Captain William Piper, whose cabin was on Warrior run, where he and others were building a church. When the Reverend Mr. Fithian came to preach to them, the captain proudly told him: “There is not one in the society but my little wain can tell you what is “effectual calling”. The minister found the child to be remarkably intelligent as well as beautiful. As the church was not finished, the preaching was from an open wagon, the people sitting on the ground among the bushes on the facing hillside. Shortly after this, Indians burned the church and homes around about, but the Pipers escaped. When the captain’s “little wain” was seventeen, she married William, son of William and Mary Smith. He laid out Mercersburg on the land he had inherited, naming it for General Mercer, a friend of the family who had been very kind to him. Peggy Smith had one child before William Smith died. She then married James Irwin, who was the great uncle of President William Henry Harrison. Peggy Irwin’s namesake granddaughter, Margaret McClellan, told that the “little wain” was a bright and handsome woman who attained the fruition of her “effectual calling” at the age of 88. The church at Mercersburg was organized by steadfast Scotch-Irish in 1738. After Braddock’s defeat, John McCullough and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baird, as well as James Smith, all members of this church were taken captives by the Indians, who broke up the church and trading post. The people returned to their desolated homes, and reorganized their church, among whose members besides Smiths, McClellans and Irwins were Maxwells, Campbells, Flemings and Templetons. Peggy Piper Smith Irwin, of whom so much has been written, was a first cousin of our James Smith and an aunt of James Findlay, who was Mr. William Smith’s business partner in early Cincinnati, Ohio. His brother, William Findlay, was state treasurer and governor of Pennsylvania as well as United States senator. James Findlay made a name for himself in the State of Ohio. In 1797 he married Jane Irwin, a sister of his brother William’s wife.

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Peggy Piper Smith married  James Irwin (1)Peggy Piper Smith married  James Irwin (2)Peggy Piper Smith married  James Irwin (3)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. First Tanyard. Rossville, Butler County, Ohio first tanyard of which mention is found was owned by John Sutherland and William Irwin, prior to 1820.

John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard prior to 1820 (2)John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard prior to 1820 (3)John Sutherland, William Irwin tanyard prior to 1820 (1)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Friends meant relatives, largely if not altogether. When one member of the family wrote to another, in speaking of the health of the family it was stated that “Your friends are all well at present.” Quite often, the report was not so good. The point we wish to bring out is that from among the first families who located near Fort Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio the Christys, Hendersons, McClearys and McClures were relatives of Colonel James Smith. Some one from each family had married a daughter or granddaughter of the colonel. Collateral relatives, or at least relatives of the in-laws, were the Halls, Falconers, Dunns, Beatys, McFarlands, McClellans, Irwins, and Tolberts. These are but a few of the names for which he have proof that there were relationship. Many could be named, and some have been mentioned in previous sketches, who were neighbors or friends in Pennsylvania.

William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania 1799 (2)William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania 1799 (3)

Irwins closely related to Col. James Smith Bulter Co, OH_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. In 1799, William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania carried the word that Robert McClellan had “entirely broke himself by Bail”. Whatever were his difficulties, he did not stay “broke”. A much blurred letter was written in Louisville on the April 20, 1802, in which Robert McClellan told William McClellan that he reached that place by water in company with Lt. Pike, and was led up with a fever, that made him almost deaf. He hoped he would be able in a few days to ride to Lexington, Kentucky where the $200 William McClellan had mentioned would be paid “on sight”. He said to let a certain party have a certain piece of land “providing he gives up the bond not other way’.

William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania 1799 (2)William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania 1799 (3)William Irwin on a trip to Pennsylvania 1799 (1)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Early Mills in Butler County, Ohio. Every indication is that this is one of the six mills erected in Butler County, Ohio by Joel Williams and that he built it for Solomon Line. Together they planned it as a good investment, and Solomon Line’s deed to Thomas McCullough proves that the mill was built as early as 1802. Joel Williams found a good turnover for his land in 1797 when he sold to William Bigham and Robert Irwin. The present Dayton Street marks the south boundary of the tract. In 1803, William Bigham and Robert Irwin partitioned the jointly owned land, setting off the 750 acre Bigham farm, on which the stone house was built in 1810. In 1813, Thomas McCullough sold his mill to William Bigham.

Robert Irwin and William Bigham mill 1797 (2)Robert Irwin and William Bigham mill 1797 (3)Robert Irwin and William Bigham mill 1797 (1)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Prominent men, as optimistic as they were, were perfectly willing to go their security only to find themselves involved in financial problems. Some of these were Major William Ruffin, one of the first proprietors of Rossville, Butler County, Ohio, William Irwin who in the teens of the 1800’s had a tannery at the river end of Rossville’s Main Street in partnership with John Sutherland, and Joseph Hough, a contemporary pioneer merchant and nephew of J.N.C. Schenck, the Warren County, financier. The original Nicholas Longworth, and the young attorney, Salmon P. Chase, were interested in several of the judgments against Mr. John Sutherland.

William Irwin tannery Rossville, Butler Co, OH 1800 (1)William Irwin tannery Rossville, Butler Co, OH 1800 (2)William Irwin tannery Rossville, Butler Co, OH 1800 (3)

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Old letters tell of early day hardships. In January of 1799, Isabella Sterrett wrote letter to her sister, Polly McClellan. William McClellan and his wife, Polly McClellan lived in log tavern frequented by Indians and the riff raff left from the army. Before the end of 1798, William McClellan wrote to his brother, John McClellan asking him to come out to Fort Hamilton and join him in the trading business with the Indians. Two months later, James McClellan addressed a letter to his son, William McClellan who lived in Fort Hamilton, Butler County, Ohio. He began it “Dear Children”, and at once told that Polly’s brother James had passed away. William Irwin had brought a letter from Hamilton which had given them great satisfaction. Other news was that William Hunter was dead, Uncle McFarland had married to the widow Colwell, and that their brother Karns was married to Elizabeth Whitesides. James McClellan Jr., added to this letter, expressing concern over hearing that Robert had entirely “broke himself by Baile”, and sending his compliments to Littler Sheley.

William Irwin delivers letter to from Hamilton 1789_0001William Irwin delivers letter to from Hamilton 1789_0002William Irwin delivers letter to from Hamilton 1789_0003

Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 3, January 1, 1944 & December 18, 1947. Miami University Students Volunteer for “Siege of Cincinnati, Ohio”. In the fall of 1862, there was no other city in United States had ever had to fortified against an advancing foe as was Cincinnati during the second year of the Civil War. The fall session at Miami University had just opened when news of the approach of General Kirby Smith’s troops towards the southern boundary of Ohio, with all that it applied. Quickly following this came the word that General Lew Wallace was in command of Cincinnati. Charles H. Fiske, a loyal Union boy and Miami University student who home was in Newport, Kentucky sent a wire to General Lew Wallace, asking if he would accept a company of volunteers. An affirmation reply came from General Lew Wallace and your Charles H. Fiske went to work. First he secured a two horse wagon, and with fifer and drummer aboard, scoured Oxford township for arms and ammunition, at the same time spreading the call for volunteers. He gathered all the shotguns, rifles, lead bullet molds, and ammunition of war which he could be found. On his return to Oxford, he found many eager to enlist. Fiske was elected captain. Mart Jones, who had seen service in the 100 days call for troops, was elected first lieutenant, and John J. Davis, a Miami University student, was made second lieutenant. Captain Fiske named his non-commissioned offers as shown in the roster of the company. One of the privates was John N. Irwin. All of the Miami University students who had arrived for the fall term, with the exception of perhaps a dozen were enrolled. Men, young and old, from Oxford and that township were enrolled. Within twenty four hours the company was organized, armed and ready to march. They were taken to Cincinnati by train, arriving in time to be entered before supper upon the roster of troops for service in behalf of United States. The ate in the old Sixth Street Market house and were assigned to quarters in the Smith and Nixon Hall on Vine Street, near Sixth Street.

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John N Irwin enlist Civil War company Oxford, Butler Co, OH_0001John N Irwin enlist Civil War company Oxford, Butler Co, OH_0002John N Irwin enlist Civil War company Oxford, Butler Co, OH_0003

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 4, January 1, 1948 & December 26, 1951. Nancy Ramsey Sutherland was deserving of her husband’s devotion. Her sister Mary Ramsey married Archibald Irwin. Their daughters Jane and Elizabeth Irwin married sons of General William Henry and Anna Symmes Harrison. Through the Irwins, there were relationships with the Smiths, Findlays, Torrences and other prominent Cincinnatians who spoke of John Sutherland as their Scotch cousin. William Irwin, a brother of Archibald Irwin wrote to Cincinnati relatives about moving to Ohio from Pennsylvania and asked about bringing along slaves. His wife was a sister of James Smith, father of C.K. Smith. Whatever may have caused the Irwins to come to Hamilton instead of Cincinnati, they were here in 1819. William Irwin and Mr. John Sutherland formed a partnership in the tanneries near the West End of the new covered bridge. However, the Irwins soon moved to Oxford, Butler County, Ohio.

Jane and Elizabeth Irwin married  William Henry Harrison sons_0001Jane and Elizabeth Irwin married  William Henry Harrison sons_0002Jane and Elizabeth Irwin married  William Henry Harrison sons_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 4, January 1, 1948 & December 26, 1951. When scanning the entries of Arthur St. Clair’s account book it is interesting to note the cost of labor and materials. On June 12, 1802, paid to William Irwin for digging foundation $.75 (75 cents).

William Irwin paid  $.75  digging foundation 1802_0001William Irwin paid  $.75  digging foundation 1802_0002William Irwin paid  $.75  digging foundation 1802_0003

The Alta Heiser Collection Index Vol. 4, January 1, 1948 & December 26, 1951. Owners had their land improved under contracts; and a comparison of cost is startling. Removed Fences. Mr. John Woods had a farm in Union Township, Butler County, Ohio with over one hundred acres but all was not under cultivation. Owners of farms who were not farmers had their land improved ready to sell at a profit. Agreement made between John Woods and Christopher Trine and Ruben Trine. John Woods leased to the Trine’s thirty acres of land of the west side of the tract of Section 10 for four years from 1st of March next. The Trine were to clear off the tract of thirty acres and to fence into three fields. The fences were to be well staked and ridered all of the timber fit for rails made into rails or to be left standing upon the ground. Trine’s were put up buildings in addition to the one they now occupied and to deliver to Mr. Woods one half of their crop raised upon the premises the last year except two acres were left to them. The Trine’s were to leave the premises in good order and repair at the end of the four years and have land fenced into three fields as stated above. All the valuable timber not used for making rails or for improving the premises were to be left growing on the premises. Mr. Wood reserved the use of two cribs now on said tract of land and if he sells said tract before the end of their contract he is to pay the Trine’s a reasonable sum for their labor deducting the sum by said Trine if they decided to have possession of the thirty acres. This agreement was on 12 November 1842. In On May 24, 1844, Mr. John Woods wrote to Mr. Christopher Trine that he had been told he had to removed fences along the land next to Patchells in Union Township in Butler County, Ohio, which he had no right to do. Mr. John Woods had already notified him that, according to their agreement, the lease was at an end and if he wished to stay he would have to get the right from Mr. Stites. He wrote: “If you come up Monday I will tell you how the matter can be arranged. If you remove any of the fences or let the cattle hogs or any animals run in the ground or injure the crops of others you will be liable for damages. Come up Monday and I will settle with matter with you for whatever you have a just claim.” Whether or not Mr. Trine went to Hamilton as invited, the final arrangements were not made until October 9, 1844, and where witnessed by Morton Irwin. the amount agreed upon as the value of improvements made over benefits received was $80.. Peaceable possession was to be given on December 1, 1844.

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Morton Irwin witness agreement 1844_0001Morton Irwin witness agreement 1844_0002Morton Irwin witness agreement 1844_0003