by Paul W. Schanher, III
Our march back into time continues as we delve into the lives of those early pioneers who forged ahead with the new beginnings of frontier Springfield. Some have considered Griffith Foos of Kentucky to be the “Father of Springfield”. Foos, a man of relative means, moved with his family to Franklinton, Ohio, a small town west of present day Columbus located on Route 40, perhaps in 1800. History does accurately tell us that Foos along with several others became restless in that small community and decided to venture out together seeking what they hoped to be “greener pastures”. This was March 1801. They followed old Indian trails as they ventured in a westward direction eventually stopping at a beautiful springs located on the present day southwest corner of Spring and Main Streets. After resting there a while, they continued westward until they reached the Mad River changing directions there and passing through the valley leading to Urbana. Then turning in a southwestern direction following Lagonda Creek, now Buck Creek, they happened upon the double log cabin built by James Demint.
As their friendship developed, Foos followed through with Demint’s offer to buy property at a reduced rate in the area of what would become the original 1801 city plat of Springfield, so named by either Demint’s or Simon Kenton’s wife. Foos bought the property that he first rested upon during his initial trip to the area, because of the underground springs that were located there. Upon that ground he constructed his double log cabin home that also served as a tavern. This was the first home/ business building located in the original village limits. In the meantime, Griffith Foos returned to Franklinton to bring his family to this budding community.
In June 1801, Foos opened his tavern for business closing it May 10, 1814. At times his establishment served as the local gathering place for Sunday worship until a permanent building for church services could be constructed; however, that is another story for another day. After closing his tavern, Griffith Foos retired to his farm east of town. As I continue to quote noted local historian Ann Benston, “In 1817, Foos built and operated a small oil mill on the corner of Linden and Monroe Streets remaining active in public affairs, being elected to township trustee committees from 1812 through 1830.” He died on Thursday, May 5, 1859.
Walter Smallwood and his young wife came to Springfield from Virginia in 1804 bringing talents with them that would be the early beginnings of social change to the rugged frontier village. “Mr. Smallwood, the town’s only blacksmith at the time, became a most useful citizen though a man of rough manners with little to no regard for matters of religion, but a man of sound sense and good judgement.” Mrs. Smallwood, a woman of superior intellect, took a leading role in the promotion of peace and morals. A woman of strong Christian convictions, she was among the first twelve people to organize the first Methodist church and Bible society that met in a schoolhouse located on the NE corner or Main and Market, now Fountain Avenue, Streets. Eventually, having raised six children, all believers in the gospel of Christ, the couple moved to Missouri in 1852, as they followed several of their children in that direction.
In 1809, the Reverend Saul Henkle from Harden County, Virginia rode into Springfield with his wife and child as a circuit riding preacher filling the pulpit of the Methodist church. Reverend Henkle served the Springfield community and led an exemplary life of devotion to God for all to follow for the next 28 years. It was said of Rev. Henkle that he "married them and buried them." "The Gospel Trumpet", a religious paper edited and published by Rev. Henkle, proved to be a life-changing addition to many local readers. Springfield suffered a tremendous loss upon his death in 1837 at the age of 55.
No comments:
Post a Comment