The influence of Jack the Ripper had a worldwide effect, along with the tabloid-like practice of naming killers. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a series of criminals were given similar monikers, from Jack the Peeper, a man who broke into houses to tickle the feet of the lady residents, Jack the Grabber, an exhibitionist, all the way to Dayton, where a vicious serial killer who terrorized Dayton for 9 years (1900-1909) was nicknamed, “Jack the Strangler.”
The Runaway Slave in Dayton
A simple blurb in the paper was all it took to change one man’s life, and to start a huge political debate in Dayton.
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. A reward of $50 will be paid for the arrest and return of BLACK BEN, five feet, six inches in height; weight about 145; color, very dark. Hold said fugitive and notify his legal owner J. C. Atkinson, Richmond, KY.
Before the article, Ben had been earning money through odd jobs around Dayton, working in homes and stores, getting work where he could. Nobody questioned his presence in 1832 Dayton, as it was known around town that Dr. Hibbard Jewett of Jefferson Street had opened his barn as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Ben worked in freedom for two years before the article was printed.
Prominent Local Figures: James Wilkinson
Similar to the level of involvement Jonathan Dayton had, James Wilkinson’s contributions to Dayton Ohio were mostly in name. Wilkinson, Dayton, Arthur St. Clair, and Israel Ludlow, were the purchasers of the land now known as Dayton, Ohio.Born March 24th, 1757 in Benedict, Maryland, Wilkinson grew up with a sense of superiority over others. He believed that his social standing excused any and all bad behavior on his part. At age 7, Wilkinson’s father died, leaving him with the parting words,
“My son, if you ever put up with an insult, I will disinherit you.”
Dayton Hero – Bill G. Sloan
March 1913, The Great Dayton Flood. Rising waters drove people to treetops and attics. People were spotted on rooftops, stranded, but were not able to be rescued. Survivors recount tragic tales, including watching a two-story house floating by, a man, woman, and child stranded helplessly at their front door. As the house was swept along with the current, on an ill-fated journey into the Dayton View Bridge, the man closed the front door suddenly. Moments later, the distinct sound of two gunshots was heard from inside.
Enter William “Bill” G. Sloan.
Dayton Firsts Part 3
On the first Friday off every month, we share some firsts for Dayton!
First Prosecutor – Daniel Symmes, of Cincinnati
First Coroner – James Milles
First Jail – It stood on the site of the present county jail on West Third Street, and was erected in 1804. It was of log construction, 30×16 feet, with log flooring and ceiling. It contained two disconnected cells and was erected by David Squirer at his bid of $299.
First Post Office – The first post office was opened in 1804 in a cabin at First and St. Clair Streets with Benjamin VanCleve as the first postmaster.
First Metropolitan Police force – Organized in 1873 with a chief, two lieutenants, 26 patrolmen, three roundsmen and three turnkeys.
The Story of Mary Knight
There was no question about it – Mary Knight and her mother, Catherine Hark, argued constantly. There was a long history; Mary had shown a lifelong disrespect toward her mother. Mary was the type of lady who liked to stay out with “questionable companions” in bad parts of the city.
Marriage did not settle the spirit of Mary Knight. Drinking caused much strife in her marriage and after a particularly ugly argument with Mr. Knight, Mary moved in with her mother.
The arguments that ensued brought neighbors from their homes, attempting to calm the ladies and bring peace back to their street. On the morning of May 10, 1895, the screaming became so loud that neighbors considered calling the police. Once the shouting stopped, neighbors saw Mary stagger out of the house, obviously drunk.
As this behavior was typical, they went about their daily business, ignorant of the events to come.
Hometown Eats – Part 5
Try these delicious restaurants in Dayton!
- Pasha Grill – Turkish
– 72 Plum Street, The Greene
– Try the hummus! - George’s Family Restaurant – Diner
– 5216 North Dixie, Dayton
– Friendly service and great food! - Smokin Bar-b-que
-200 East Fifth Street, Dayton
-The pulled pork and Southern Style greens are delicious!
The Obese Judge
If you will be remembered in history, don’t be remembered as the fat guy who got stuck in a fence.
Dayton Firsts Part 2
Ready for some more Dayton Firsts?
First Cabinet Maker – Matthew Patton
First Tailor – Thomas McNutt.
Prominent Local Figures: Jonathan Dayton
Jonathan Dayton (Source)
Although he is not from Dayton, and had never actually visited Ohio, we owe our city’s name to a relatively unknown historical figure, Jonathan Dayton.
Jonathan Dayton was born in Elizabethtown (presently named Elizabeth), New Jersey in 1760. His father, Elias Dayton, was a storekeeper and active in local and state politics. Jonathan entered into the Continental Army after graduating from the College of New Jersey, which was later renamed Princeton.
Dayton served under his father, General Elias Dayton, and became Captain by the age of 19. Some of the men serving under him were Israel Ludlow, James Wilkinson, and Arthur St. Clair, who would later purchase the land that bears his name.
Dayton Unknown 