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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY |
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said at this time deer were as plentiful as hogs are now, while turkeys
and pheasants made the forest resound with their gobbling and drumming.
In the depths of the woods might be seen, at almost any time, the bear,
wolf, panther, catamount, and wild-cat, who remained within their
sequestered fastness during the day, and at the approach of darkness,
sallied out in search of prey.
The valley through which the Little Miami Railroad now passes from Xenia to Cincinnati, literally swarmed with wolves. Al the live stock of the early settler had to be driven in at night, and placed within strong enclosures. Even then, the ravenous prowlers had to be driven away by fire-brands, bells and firearms. Bands of Indian hunters frequently visited this locality when game was abundant. One of their principal hunting camps was situated on the ridge a short distance west of the present residence of Mr. Wash. Stark. Their sole object was hunting, and they were never any cause of annoyance to the settlers. Shortly after the arrival of Frederick Bonner, Sr., his son David was seized with a desire to see Xenia, of which he had often heard. Taking, therefore, his little brother Freddie with him, one morning, he started through the woods in the direction of the town; cutting his way through the underbrush as he proceeded. After much labor and very slow progress they arrived at the bank of Shawanoes Creek, where it is crossed by the Cincinnati Pike, and Dayton Railroad. After resting awhile, “Freddie’s” curiosity being aroused, he insisted on going on to town, as he wanted to see it. But upon being informed that there were no houses there, his ardor subsided, and they retraced their steps along the road they had made, the first road into Xenia. The first public road into Xenia from the south, extended from a village on the Ohio called Bullskin, north, to Urbana, from the former of which it received the euphonious name of the Bullskin road. In 1805, William Gordon moved from Warren County to Xenia, and built and ran the first brewery in the town. It was a small log establishment, and stood near the present northeast corner of Water and Whiteman streets. Mr. George Gordon, brother of William, helped move him here, but did not remain. He was here again in 1806, and assisted his brother in erecting a large log house, 40 X 40, which then included the site now occupied by the brick business rooms of Aschiem, on Main Street. (END) |
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