CHAPTER XIX.

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UNION TOWNSHIP.

THE SOIL—THE FIRST SETTLERS--THE FIRST COMPANY FROM THE COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1812—THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS— MORRISTOWN— THE MILITIA MUSTER—THE TOWN OFFICIALS—THE POSTMASTERS— THE CHURCHES- THE SCHOOLS—SECRET SOCIETIES.

Union township contains about 36 sections and in shape is nearly square. It was erected in August, 1804, by order of the county commissioners, and in the manner heretofore described in the formation of the township. The first meeting of the .electors of the township was called at the home of Duncan Morrison—after whom Morristown was named.

THE SOIL

Of Union township is rich and well watered, and there is a vein of coal four feet thick that can be readily made available for domestic use, —but is not of much value for manufacturing purposes. Union township is the headwaters of Wheeling and McMechen's creeks, and because of a dividing ridge running from east to west, these streams flow northeast and southeast.

THE FIRST SETTLERS.

Among the first settlers in the township were Duncan Morrison and Jonathan Ellis, in 1801 ; William Dunn, in 1802; Robert Patterson, in 1803-04; David Hoge, Solomon Hoge and Abner Hoge, in 1803 ; Allen Bond, in 1805; Levi Barnes, Samuel McWilliams, Edward Milner, Noble Taylor, Moses Milligan, Barnet Groves, Major Lippincott and Squire William Barber, in succession. Of this long list of pioneers, 'Squire William Barber alone remains. Mr. Barber was born in the north of Ireland, 91 years ago, and removed with his parents to Morristown when but a babe, where he still abides, and can recall many pleasing incidents of the olden time.

Jacob Holtz and William Hill kept taverns in different parts of the township from 1806 to 1809.

The old Plainfield Meeting House was erected in 1806 of logs by the Quakers. This was the first church organization in the township.

THE FIRST COMPANY FROM THE COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1812.

Capt. Robert Morrison's company, recruited mainly from Union township, was the first company organized in Belmont County during the War of 1812. It was mustered into service in September and went into camp at the old Indian Springs, near the home of J. B. McMechen, east of St. Clairsville. Some of the soldiers, whose names have been given me, were : Thomas Riddle, Abe Riddle, Jacob Auldfather, John Gaston, Nicholas Gasaway, James Clark, Joseph Wiley and John Ault.

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THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

The population of the township in 1890 was 2,000; in 1900, the census revealed a population of but 1,482, a falling off of 518 in the last decade.

While there has been a falling off in population, the assessor's returns reveal a gain of $20,464 in personal property, and the tax levy for 1902 is but 1.16, as against 1.41 in 1901.

The township trustees in 1879-80 were : John Vancuren, James Dallas and Hugh Barber; justices of the peace,—William Barber, David G. Perry and Robert Morrison. The board of trustees in 1902 consists of Thomas McWilliams, Jesse Yaus and John Ralston. In 1902 the justices of the peace are : Thomas W. Hyde and James Reed.

MORRISTOWN

Is located on the National Road, near the center of Union township, and, as heretofore noted, was named after Duncan Morrison, one of the first settlers. It was surveyed and laid out into town lots, a century ago. Squire Barber says, "The original town was built along the back street, which was then the principal thoroughfare. But upon the completion of the National Road, the leading business houses and taverns were erected along that great thoroughfare."

THE MILITIA MUSTER.

F. Cummings made a tour through Belmont County in 1807, and his description of the country through which he passed is very interesting to the reader today. In relation to Morristown, he says : "Ten miles further brought me to Morristown, through a similar hilly country, with a succession of woods and farms, the latter at every mile, and a tavern at every two miles.

"On the road I met, in straggling parties, above 50 horsemen with rifles, who had been in Morristown at a militia muster for the purpose of volunteering or being drafted to serveagainst Great Britain in case of war with that country, which is now much talked of. Most of them were above `half seas over,' and they traveled with much noise, some singing, some swearing, some quarreling, some laughing, according to their different natural dispositions, which are always most manifest in that unguarded condition.

"I found Morristown, where I arrived just before dark, all in a bustle from the same cause, many of the country people remaining to a late hour drinking and fighting.

"My host, Morrison, who is a justice of the peace, and a major of the militia, had shut his house against them, but there was another tavern, where 'Squire Morrison, while commanding the peace during a fray, came in for his share of the blows, and had his garments torn."

THE TOWN OFFICIALS.

On January 7, 1853, the town was incorporated and Peter Bramhill was elected mayor, with Joseph R. Mitchell, clerk, and Stephen Gregg, treasurer. The councilmen were : T. S. Ambrose, Dr. Hamilton, R. S. Clark, J. W. Henderson and J. J. Handy.

The first tavern was conducted by Duncan Morrison, in 1803, in a one-story log house. Subsequently William Gott, William Harvey and John Lippincott kept hotels in succession up to 1865. The first merchants were John Eaton, E. W. Brooks and Mrs. Hazlett. Nicholas Rodgers and Squire Morrison were tanners and saddlers; John Milner was a blacksmith, and James Holliday was a hatter.

The present town officials are : Mayor,—Dr. D. T. Phillips; marshal, A. C. Landers; street commissioner,—J. W. Ambrose; clerk,—L. K. Russell; treasurer,—C. K. Lee; councilmen,—George Armstrong, J. A. Staggs, James Taggart, Dal Shepherd and Link Lynn.

THE POSTMASTERS

Since 1800 have been the following : Duncan Morrison, Dr. Gaston, Alexander Morrison, John Eaton, Samuel Price, Robert Morrison,

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J. H. Arnold, J. R. Mitchell, Robert McKelvey, John Lippincott, J. V. Fisher, Joseph Henderson, J. W. Lippincott, William Metcalf, William Fenton, Fannie McKelvey, Henry Sipe, E. E. Shepherd and W. D. McWilliams.

THE CHURCHES.

The Presbyterian Church of Morristown was organized September 25, 1824, at the home of Dr. Alexander Gaston. The first regular pastor was Rev. William McMillan. Previous to the church organization, services were held twice a month in the homes of the various members, conducted by Rev. Abram Scott.

In the intervals between regular services, prayer meetings were conducted by such devoted Christians as John Perry, Margaret Hazlett, Mrs. Rachel Gaston, Mrs. Martha Eaton and Mrs. Morrison.

In 1828, the old log school house was abandoned as a place of worship, and a neat little brick church was constructed, under the supervision of Dr. Abram Gaston, Nicholas Rodgers and John Perry. Twenty years later the present substantial brick structure was constructed at a cost of $1,400. The building committee consisted of Robert S. Clark, John Lippincott, Nicholas Rodgers and Dr. E. Gaston.

The ruling elders for 75 years have been John Perry, Samuel Boden, Arthur Morrison, Nicholas Rodgers, William Harvey, Robert Morrison, R. S. Clark, John Lippincott, William Tidball, Joseph Harper, Robert McKelvey and Jacob P. Hoover. The ministers in the order of service were : Revs. Abram Scott, William McMillan, Joseph Reed, Richard Campbell, John C. Tidball, William College, Alexander Ewing, Samuel Boyd, John P. Graham and Fitzgerald.

The present pastor is Rev. H. A. L. King, and the total membership is 130. The board of elders in 1902 consists of Jacob P. Hoover, William McCreary, Jonas Thomas and Joseph H. Pollock. The Sunday-school has an average attendance of 100, and is conducted by William McCreary, superintendent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Morristown was organized by Rev. John McPherson 75 years ago, or to be exact, in 1827 or 1828. Before it was established into a separate church, it was connected with the Barnesville circuit. Twenty-six years after its organization, it was associated with two other churches in a circuit known as the Morristown circuit. Ten years thereafter Hendrysburg was removed from the circuit and it then became a circuit of but two appointments.

The church was not able to construct a house of worship until 1835. Five years previous, however, the officials had rented the Episcopal Church building until the new structure was completed. The first church served the congregation for a period of about 40 years, when it was replaced by a modern brick building, neat in design and finish.

John Hatcher is said to have been the first member of the church, and Amos Gulie, the first class leader.

The present pastor is Rev. J. R. Stewart, and the enrollment of members about 150. The following is the official board for 1902: Stewards,—W. M. McWilliams, Essie Taylor, John Shepherd and Joseph Major; trustees, John Shepherd, Levi Russell, Joseph Major and S. Milner; Sunday-school superintendent,—Essie Taylor.

Before the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, there were class meetings and camp meetings conducted by these zealous people. It is claimed that the first camp meeting held in the township—and the second in the county—was conducted by the brethren in 1809 and because of its novelty great crowds came from all the surrounding country and remained until its conclusion.

The Christian Church of Morristown.— A permanent organization of this church was effected in 1854, and it was known as the Auburn Church. The deacons were R. B. Atkinson, William Snedeker and Joseph Russell. The elders chosen upon organization were Walter McFarland and William Martin.

Previous to the permanent organization, meetings were held in an old-time log house

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near Hendrysburg. In 1822 they separated from the Baptist Church during the great revival conducted by Bishop Campbell, and under the ministry of their pastor, Rev. William Lee, formed the Christian Church above referred to.

The prominent members of the church in those days were the Hoovers, Israels, Conners, Dallases and Tracys. About the year 1840, the State was divided into 16 church districts and the district to which Morristown was assigned was served by Revs. John Flick, Charles VanVoorhies and Alexander Hall.

In 1852 a number of the members withdrew and established a church at Mount Olivet, and in 1861 the membership in and adjoining Morristown had increased so rapidly that an agreement was entered into with Auburn to establish a church at Morristown. Previous to its erection, meetings had been frequently held during the summer in the barn of R. B. Atkinson. The building committee consisted of R. B. Atkinson, Samuel Dallas, Jesse Tracy, Robert Israel, Isaac Adkins, Adam Cordner and Joseph Loper. When the new and handsome structure was completed, Rev. A. E. Meyers was chosen minister, a position he held until 1870. In the meantime five other congregations had been formed from the mother church. In 1879-80, Rev. E. G. Gants was the preacher in charge, and the following constituted the board of elders and deacons, viz.: Robert Israel, Jesse Tracy, Abner Milson, Jonathan Carpenter, Lemuel Davis, William Snedeker and John Atkinson ; Sunday-school superintendent, W. G. Todd; clerk, Dr. A. J. Hogue,

The church in 1902 contains a membership of upwards of 150. The pastor is Rev. H. H. Tilock, and some of the official members are John C. Israel, John J. Atkinson and Mr. Dallas.

The Baptist Church of Morristown was organized in 1836. For want of a house of worship, they met in a carpenter shop for upwards of a year. During the administration of Rev. William R. McGowan, a brick church was erected in 1837 and dedicated to the service of God. With a membership of but 12 at the beginning, the church increased in numbers so rapidly that during the pastorate of Rev. G. G. Boyd the membership had reached too.

We will mention the names of the pastors in succession, viz. :—Revs. William R. McGowan, Robert Sedgwick, Thomas Irwin, William R. Mayberry, William Squibb, John Covert and G. G. Boyd. The elders in 1880 were : Joel Bell and William Clark; clerk, David L. Ewing.

At present the church is without a pastor, and we are unable to collect later data.

THE SCHOOLS.

Squire William Barber says : "The first school teacher in Morristown was Casper Cuttler, who conducted a private school." Other teachers mentioned are: Thomas Weir, John Hagerman and Horatio Huntington.

The usual school term was but three months in country districts, and the salary of the teacher was from $10 to $15 per month. In towns and villages the term was subsequently lengthened.

Mr. Greenlech is mentioned as one of the pioneer teachers in the old log house, where the "New England primer" the "rule of three," "readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic" was the course of study.

The school in 1902 is a graded school with primary, intermediate, and high school departments, and an enrollment of 105 scholars. The superintendent is A. A. McKendree, with Miss Bessie Snyder and Miss Mary Ewers as assistants.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

There are three secret societies in Morristown, viz: Free Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.

Hazen Lodge, F. & A. M.—The charter of Hazen Lodge was granted May 24, 1854. The following were charter members : Richard B. Ryan, Joseph W. Henderson, James McCance, Phillip Hanauer, Albert Honus, Christopher Hoover, James McConnaughy and George W. Hazen, after whom the lodge was

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named. The lodge continued at Morristown (from date of charter) until January 14, 1867, when it was moved to Belmont, but the minutes of the lodge show the first communication to have been held July 15, 1867. The lodge continued at Belmont until December 27, 1884, when it was moved to Morristown and has 34 members at present.

The present officers of Hazen Lodge are : W. S. Gilham, W. M.; L. K. Russell, S. W.; L. Lynn, J. W.; H. D. Bowles, treasurer; John W. Taylor, secretary ; F. S. Milner, J.D.; C. K. Lee, tyler.

Eulalia Lodge, No. 196, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 23, 1852. The present officers are : Lee Murphy, N. G.; D. C. Strahl, V. G.; A. C. Landers, secretary ; D. B. Hoge, treasurer ; M. Truby, chaplain ; J. W. Ambrose, I. Con. ; W. H. Bigley, O. Con. ; D. T. Phillips, I. G.; George McConnaughy, O. G.; and H. W. Bigley, Alf. Ankrom and J. T. Crozier, trustees. The number of members in good standing is 38.

Morristown Lodge, No. 330, Knights of Pythias, was instituted February 27, 1889. The lodge meets every Thursday evening. The following is the list of officers for 1902: L, E. Bramhall, C. C.; Joseph McAllister, V. C.; E. A. Hogue, prelate; J. H. Perry, of W.; A. C. Landers, K. of R. & S.; A. C. Landers, M. F.; W. T. McCreary, M. Ex.; H. F. Wilson, M. A.; James Barry, I. G.; C. K. Lee. O. G.; J. E. Major, J. H. Perry, C. K. Lee, trustees ; E. L. Israel, D. D. G. C. The number of members in good standing is 62.