560 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
RUSH TOWNSHIP.
BY M. C. GOWEY.
Four score years have passed and are engulfed in the unyielding past since the first descent was made and a settlement effected in what is now known, as Rush Township. Yes; eighty years ago, the works of nature in this locality were undisturbed, yet slumbered in that awful stillness which characterizes nature's tranquil sleep, awakened only by the howl of the wolf, the screech of the panther, the rapid flight of the timid deer or the whoop of the red man to break the enchanted stillness that reigned supreme in nature's wild dominion.
Years, in their rapid flight, had chased each other around the dial of time until centuries had been denoted on its face; yet the monarch of the forest -sentinels of ages-marked no change.
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 561
Suddenly, as if by magic, the white man appears on the scene, and is destined to become a prominent actor in the great drama which is to be enacted. The sound of his ax is soon heard, and the blue-wreathed smoke from his cabin is seen ascending through the tree-tops-evidences that civilization has secured a foothold, and the work oŁ transformation is begun.
To man, nothing exerts a greater degree of influence than the unexplored resources of nature's solitude. Here he is awed by the sublimity and grandeur of the panorama that everywhere meets his wandering gaze; his very soul is imbued with the magnificence of his surroundings, and he finds himself impelled by a motive over which he has no control to penetrate deeper and still deeper into the interior of a forest in whose winding labyrinths lurk dangers of every kind.
Howsoever sweet and beguiling may have been the charms, his purpose was not to be deterred by seductive influences, but, like the gladiator of the arena, he bares his arm for the impending struggle, and with cool, deliberate and measured strokes he hews his way into the home of the untutored savage, whose condition to-day is such as should command commiseration rather than censure.
Glances of retrospection running back over the long distance of eighty years bring back to the retentive memory of man the names of Spain, Black, Glendenning, Lincoln, Cranston and others, who endured all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, and to whom their descendants are under as great a debt of gratitude as are we to the heroes of 1776, who gave us liberty and rights, and the old pioneers-God bless them!-gave us homes in which to enjoy these great blessings.
Could our forefathers, weary by their tiresome journey from the far-off fields of the classic East and New England's rock-bound coast have viewed the tract of land now comprising the township of Rush in its present state, we can readily see with what emphasis would be exclaimed, "Eureka," for it is surely one of the most beautiful and fertile districts of the West. Its general surface can almost be termed a perfect plain, for the greater portion of the entire township is so level that were a dispute to arise, its settlement would call into question the spirit level. The surface in the north might properly be classed as slightly undulating and hilly, but with this exception the township is the level plain above described: In the early history of the county, the southern part was covered by a dense growth of prairie grass, interspersed here and there with swamps covered with a profusion of rush. These swamps in later days have been tiled and drained, and now form some of the richest farces in the township. The character of the soil is of that rich black quality generally found ill our bottom lands, saving that in the north on the slightly hilly and undulating portions where it is of a sandy and clayey nature. In fertility, it is second to none. The land is well timbered, there yet remaining probably one-fourth of its acreage in forests, and those being pretty equally distributed over the town it ship. The timber of the northern part consists of a variety, such as beech, hickory, oak, maple. linden, ash, elm, sugar, black and white walnut, etc., etc., while that of the southern portion is mostly oak, with here and there a shellbark hickory.
The district is well watered by the following streams: Big Darby and Spain's Creek, flowing, the former across the northeast corner and the latter across the northwest portion of the township, and by Pleasant Pun, passing from west to east through almost, the center of the township, and Proctor Creek with its tributaries traversing the township from west to east through its southern
562 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
portion. The first stream mentioned is the largest, and is most likely indebted for its name to the Indians. Spain's Creek, next in size, is so styled from the numerous settlers on its banks by that name. It is a pretty little stream whose quiet murmur can in no wise molest the inhabitants of the town of North Lewisburg, through which it wends its peaceful course on it way to the bosom of the deep. Pleasant Run is another beautiful stream, running nearly parallel with Spain's Creek, deriving peculiar significance from the fact that it forms the dividing line between North Lewisburg and Woodstock precincts.
The northwest corner of the township is crossed by the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, formerly the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, which passes through North Lewisburg. The township is again crossed a little south of the center by a railroad, this being the Pan Handle Railroad, and running through the village of Woodstock furnishing the people with excellent and ample facilities for marketing their products. The township is traversed in almost every direction by good. pikes, rendering the county seat of Champaign and the adjoining counties of easy access. A feature of these worthy of mention is that they are all free.
The people are mainly engaged in agricultural pursuits, corn and wheat being raised in great quantities, and, necessarily, much pork is fattened for the markets.
In the northwest corners of the township is situated the town of Lewisburg, and the little village of Woodstock is located southeast of the center of the township. The origin of the name Rush in its application to the township is shrouded in oblivion. We have interviewed many of the old settlers and have signally failed to get an intelligible solution, save from Willis Spain and John B. Cranston. the former of whom giving as his opinion that the name originated and was applied to the township from the swamps covered with rush heretofore spoken of, while the latter is impressed with the idea that the title came from one Rush, a man of prominence in Pennsylvania. We incline to the latter belief, for history records that there was a Benjamin Rush, an American citizen, who was born near Philadelphia in 1745, and died in 1813. This statesman and patriot was a member of the Continental Congress and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also Surgeon General of the army and Treasurer of the United States Mint. It is more than probable that the township was named in honor of this man.
The territory now comprising Rush Township was, prior to the year 1828, a part of Wayne Township, at which date it was made a separate township. It embraces thirty-six square miles of territory, and is in Township 7, Range 12, and is in point of situation the northeast corner of the county, bounded on the north by Logan and Union Counties; on the east by Union county; on the south by Goshen Township and on the west by Wayne Township. It lies wholly in the Virginia Military tract.
In our search for material relative to the early history of the township, we ran across the following, which was published in the Ohio Gazetteer of 1837, and here reproduce it verbatim, as it is short and contains information of interest:
"Rush.; a post township in the nnrtheast quarter of Champaign County, in which the towns of Lewisburg and Woodstock are situated, the first having a post office of the same name. It was constituted in 1829 [1828], and at the census of 1830, contained seven hundred and seventy-five inhabitants. Taxable land, 18,610 acres."
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EARLY SETTLERS.
The earliest settlers of the township of whom we have any account were William Pickerill, William Martin, William Elder, James Merryfield, Emanuel Merryfield and John Rogers, who came from the State of Virginia in the year 1800, and effected a settlement, which, however, was only temporary, as John Rogers was the only one of the number who remained a permanent settler. The others evinced a desire to live a nomadic life, and as settlers came pouring in they " pulled up stakes " and removed further into the interior. All were men of families. Rogers did much toward developing the resources of the country. While these men could safely be termed' "squatters," making little improvement, obtaining their living from the forest and their clothes from the backs of animals, it is due William Pickerill to state that he erected the first grist-mill of which we have any knowledge in the township. This was built in the year 1803, on the outlet of Rush Lake. It was not very extensive, having no bolt and only one run of buhrs. He remained the proprietor about ten years when he sold to John Richardson, who carried on until competition drove him out. Some time between the years 1800 and 1807, the following named persons come to this section, but were not permanent settlers, only remaining a short time: Francis Owen, Robert Bay and James Stover. We have no knowledge as to the part of the township in which these first families settled, but judging from the site upon which the mill was erected it is quite probable the first comers dwelt in the neighborhood of Brush Lake. In 1805, Hezikiah Spain, J. P. Spain, Jordan Reams, Hubard Crowder, William Spain, - Daniel Spain, John Preston Spain, Jr., Thomas Spain and John Crowder all came from Dinwiddie County, Va., and settled in what is now Rush Township. William Johnson and Jonathan Cheney also came in 1805, but from whence we do not know. In 1807, followed, from Virginia, Thomas Goode, Joshua Stephens, Daniel Spain and Edwin Spain. Soon after the year 1807, came James De Vore, from Pennsylvania. Willis Spain, son of Hezekiah, above mentioned, came with his father in 1805, and is now the only one of those who came at that time, living. Samuel Black and his son, Peter Black, arrived in the year 1810. These families effected permanent settlements in the northern part of the township, and many of them in the neighborhood of the present site of North Lewisburg, where many of their descendants now reside. Some years later the following-named persons, principally form the New England States, arrived and settled in the vicinity of Woodstock: Thomas Edwin, Reuben, Henry and Jacob Fairchild, Erastus Burnham, Anson Howard, Pearl Howard, Sylvanus Smith, John McDonald, Stephen Cranston and Ephraim Cranston. In 1815, came John Cranston and his son, John B. Cranston, and in 1817 came Andrew Kimball from Virginia. John Owen is another of the early settlers. The first settlers in the southern part of the township were chiefly from Virginia and Kentucky, but unlike those, in general, previously mentioned, were a wild, reckless people, joyous and free hearted, who loved to drink alcoholic stimulants and have a good time generally ; were fond of dancing and games which frequently encroached on the church, and when such became too frequent whole squads were brought up before the church for trial, and after promising to do better with blessings following them if they would go and sin no more. They were not in a sense quarrelsome, but a good fight would occasionally occur, but on the following day all was forgotten, and the belligerents would meet at a barn or cabin-raising and be as social and friendly as ever.
564 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
Early in the fall of 1815, John Cranston, in company with a number of others, started from Rice City, R. I., to make a home in the then Far West. The little band numbered twenty-four souls in all, the most of whom, as well is Mr. Cranston, were natives of Connecticut. but had gathered at Rice Citv as a rallying and starting point. They were just six weeks on the road, and experienced the usual vicissitudes of emigrants. The roads over the mountains were in places almost impassable, and, in descending them, they had at times to chain the wheels of their wagons and let them slide along for quite a distance. One among the not least discouraging of their numerous difficulties was met and overcome in the following manner, at what was then called Bib Belly Creel:, near Columbus, Ohio. On reaching this stream, it was too much swollen to admit of fording, and they at length enlisted the service of a man with a canoe, who first ferried over the people and then their goods. They then swam the horses across, unpacked the bedcords, tied them to the wagon tongue on the opposite side of the creek, hitched the horses to the cord and then drew theta over.
John Cranston died at the age of seventy years, leaving six children as his immediate descendants, only three of whom are now living, viz., Stephen, Edward and John B., the latter being seventeen years of age when his father came to Ohio, and to whom we are indebted for much of the early history of the township. They all three, with numerous descendants, occupy farms in the immediate vicinity of the first Cranston settlement.
There remains near the present residence of John B. Cranston, the log cabin built by him nearly half a century ago, which aptly illustrates the primitive manner in which our forefathers lived.
Among the early reminiscences of frontier life, as related by Mr. John B Cranston, we quote the following: It seems that at some place between Mechanicsburg and Springfield, there was a small settlement of people, who either came from Virginia or Pennsylvania, and who evinced a decided horror of Yankees, as they termed all those who came from the New England States. One day John went with his father to the settlement spoken of above, for the purpose of paying for and bringing back with them some cattle which his father had bar gained for some days previous. On arriving at their destination, the old gentleman found the cattle as represented, and proceeded to count out the money, but, by some mischance during the operation, disclosed the fact that lie was one of the terrible sect called Yankees. Upon hearing this, the man of whom they had purchased the cattle declined to have any dealings with Yankees, and absolutely refused to let them have the cattle under any circumstances, and they were obliged to return without them.
Most of the early settlers in the central and southern parts of the township were from the New England States, while those who first occupied the northern part were mostly from Virginia and some from Pennsylvania.
The New Englanders who settled in the low, wet prairie lands of the lower part of the township, supposed that it could never be drained, and that they and their children would always occupy it for grazing purposes. Time has proved how greatly they were mistaken, as these lands are now the most valuable in the township for farming purposes.
EARLY ROADS.
Speaking in regard to the roads that ran through the settlement at an early date, Mr. Cranston said that he once started to Cincinnati in a two-horse
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 565
wagon with a small load of cheese for to market. The roads were very bad, and the end of the first day's journey found him at the small lake just north of Mechanicsburg, only about ten miles from his starting-point. Taking the horses from the wagon, he returned home that evening and went back next morning with a yoke of oxen in addition to his horses, and in this manner made the trip, consuming just two weeks time in the journey and sleeping most of the time in his wagon.
THE CURRENCY
of that period consisted principally of what was known as " wild-cat money " and shin plasters, issued by private parties, with a small amount of silver and a smaller sprinkling of gold. Most of the wild-cat money was at a discount, and could only be passed in the immediate vicinity of the banks which issued it, while most of the shin plasters never were redeemed. For change, it was customary to cut a silver dollar into nine triangular-shaped pieces, with the longest point tapering toward the center of the coin. This money, when so cut, was called "sharp-shins."
THE SHAKERS.
About the year 1828, the religious sect called Shakers gained a partial,. though nbt lasting, foothold in the Cranston district, on Pleasant Run, and held their meetings on Joseph Johnson's farm, now owned by Enrique Miller.
In their peculiar mode of worship they exercise both soul and body. There is usually an address by one of the Elders upon some doctrinal subject or some practical virtue, after which they sing a hymn ; then they form in circle around a band of singers, the two sexes opposite each other, to whose music they "go forth in the dances of them that make merry." They were led by one McNemo, who was their leader and preacher. He was soon ably assisted in his work by a Mr. Burlinghame, a former Christian preacher, who became a convert to their religion. He married a Miss Burnham, of the district, and was a bright and shining star among the Shakers during their stay, and when they left the country he joined his fortune with theirs, and took his departure with them. Samuel Rice was also one among their earliest converts to the religion, and deserves more than passing notice. He was a man of superior intelligence and considerable ability, and in his younger days was a noted gambler. In late years he reformed, joined the Christian Church and maintained his integrity as a Christian until after his arrival to this county, in 1815, and up to the time he joined the shaker. He afterward returned to the East, and spread such glowing accounts of the new country as to induce a large number to emigrate to this county. A number of families joined the Shaker, and they vainly endeavored for some years to effect a permanent settlement, but failed in so doing, and finally "shook " the dust of Rush Township (if any there was at that date) from their feet. and returned to Stillwater and Lebanon, from whence they came.
METEOROLOGY.
The following is an abstract of meteorological observations made at Lewisburg, Ohio, latitude 40° 11' north, longitude 88° 35' west; prepared for history of Champaign County by H. D. Gowey, Voluntary Observer at Signal Service Station, from Record of Reports to Signal Service Office at Washington, D. C., and other records
EXPLANATORY.
The observations were made in accordance with h the rules of the Smithsonian Institution and Signal Service Office
The hours for observation are 7 A. M. 2 P. M. and 9 P. M.
566 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY
The page contains charts showing rain fall. The charts are not included in the scan.
The following is a list of township officers, from the first election, which was held in 1829, up to the present time:
1829-Trustees, Jordon Reames, Thomas Irwin, Christopher Cranston; Clerk, Elba Burnham ; Treasurer, Anson Howard; Justices, Sylvanus Smith, Thomas Spain.
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 567
1830-Trustees, Thomas Irwin, Nathaniel Kidder, Samuel Reed ; Clerk, Elba Burnham ; Treasurer, Anson Howard.
1831-Trustees, Thomas Irwin, George Gideon, Jerry Colwell ; Clerk, Harvey Cushman ; Treasurer, Anson Howard.
1832-Trustees, Thomas Spain, George Gideon, Thomas Irwin ; Clerk, Isaac W. Marsh ; Treasurer, Anson Howard.
1833-Trustees, Henry Fairchild, Isaac W. Marsh, William Audas ; Clerk, Samuel Williams; Treasurer. Anson Howard.
1834-Trustees, Henry Fairchild, John N. Williams, Sylvanus Smith; Clerk, Christopher Cranston ; Treasurer, Bela Kimball.
1835-Trustees, Henry Fairchild, Sylvanus Smith, William Milligan; Clerk, Oziel Lapham; Treasurer, Bela Kimball, Justices, Guy Gary, William Audas.
1836-Trustees, Henry Fairchild, Sylvanus Smith, Stephen Spain; Clerk, Oziel Lapham ; Treasurer, Bela Kimball.
1837-Trustees, Elba Burnham, William Milligan, David H. Hall; Clerk, Isaac W. Marsh; Treasurer, Bela Kimball; Justice, Ira C. Johnson.
1838 Trustees, Elba Burnham, David H. Hall, William Audas; Clerk, Isaac W. Marsh; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith; Justice, William Audas.
1839-Trustees-Elba Burnham, William Snuffin, Melvin Sprague; Clerk, Isaac W. Marsh; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1840-Trustees, Elba Burnham, John B. Cranston, Edwin Spain; Clerk, Amos Stephens ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1841-Trustees, -John B. Cranston, H. Hall, Jacob Ellsworth; Clerk, Amos Stephens; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1842-Trustees, David H. Hall, Jacob Ellsworth, Christopher Cranston ; Clerk, Amos Stephens ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1843-Trustees, David H. Hall, Christopher Cranston, Jacob Ellsworth ; Clerk, Amos Stephens ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1844-Trustees, Harvey Cushman, Joseph Johnson, Joseph P. Smith ;. Clerk, Henry H. Kelsey; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1845-April 7, Trustees, Elba Burnham, Joseph P. Smith, Joseph Johnson ; Clerk, Henry II. Kelsey; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith. April 12, Justice, Harvey Cushman.
1846-Trustees, Elba Burnham, Joseph Johnson, Truman M. Kimball; Clerk, H. H. Kelsey; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1847-Trustees, Oris Fairchild, William Audas, T. M. Kimball; Clerk, H. H. Kelsey; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1848-Trustees, Elias Smith, William Taylor, William Hoisington; Clerk, Jennison Hall; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1849-April 2, Trustees, William Hoisington, William Taylor, R. T. Burnham. May 27, Justice, Russel B. Spain.
1850-April 1, Trustees, R. T. Burnham, Robert Elliott, A. N. Howard; Clerk, H. Smith; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith. November 2, Justices, Harvey Cushman, Jesse Smith.
1851-Trustees, R. T. Burnham, C. P. Morse, Elias Smith; Clerk, H. Smith ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1852-Trustees,, Elias Smith, Charles Lincoln, C. S. Hyde; Clerk, S. G. Smith ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1853 Trustees, Truman AI. Kimball, Jesse Smith, John Hunter; Clerk, S. G. Smith; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith..
568 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
1854-Trustees, Jesse Smith, S. M. Kimball, R. Jennings; Clerk, S. G. Smith ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1855-[No Record].
1856-April 7, Trustees, Philo Burnham, T. M. Kimball, Henry Winder Clerk, C. W. Smith; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith. April 19, Justices, Levi Smith, S. G. Smith.
1857-Trustees, T. M. Kimball, Philo Burnham, Henry Winder; Clerk, B. S. Bennett ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith ; Justices, Harvey Cushman, Joseph Black.
1858-Trustees, Philo Burnham, T. M. Kimball, Henry Jackson; Clerk, Azro Smith ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
[June 19, to fill vacancy by resignation of J. Black, Justice, H. Jackson].
[September 25, to fill vacancy by resignation of H. Jackson, Justice, Aaron Winder].
1859-Trustees, Philo Burnham, J. D. Cranston, Levi Kirk ; Clerk, Azro Smith; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith.
1860-Trustees, Philo Burnham, J. D. Cranston, Levi Kirk; Clerk, B. S. Bennett ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Smith ; Justice, George F. Bennett.
1861-April 7, Trustees, J. D. Cranston, Frank Pearl, Levi Kirk; Clerk, Azro Smith ; Treasurer, Svlvanus Smith ; Justice, Harvey Cushman. November 5, Justices, Frank S. Pearl, Levi Kirk.
1862-Trustees, Levi Kirk, J. D. Cranston, A. Russell; Clerk, B. S. Bennett ; Treasurer, E. M. Bennett
1863-Trustees, N. P. Cone, Philo Burnham, E. Callendar ; Clerk, F. H. Clark; Treasurer, E. M. Bennett; Justice, Azro Smith.
1864-April 4, Trustees, Levi Kirk, D. Kenfield, N. P. Hewitt ; Clerk, Azro Smith ; Treasurer, C. F. Wait; Justices, G. S. Marsh, J. S. Crawford. May 23, Justice, H. Cushman. December 2, Justice, H. D. Gowey.
1865- Trustees, Levi Kirk, D. Kenfield, C. L. Winget; Clerk, Azro Smith ; Treasurer, Joe Chamberlin.
1866-[No Record].
1867~Justice, Ora Fairchild. January 7, 1868 (special election by resignation of O. Fairchild), J. D. Marsh. January 20, 1868, Justice, J. T. Davis. January 27, 1868, Justice, H. D. Gowey. .
1868-Trustees, D. Kenfield, J. D. Cranston, Levi Kirk; Clerk, J. F. Gowey ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin.
1869- Trustees, D. Kenfield, Charles Lincoln, W. D. Sibley ; Clerk, J. Frank Gowey ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin ; Justices, Geo. Riddle, S. G. Smith.
1870-Trustees, David Kenfield, J. A. McDonald, C. G. Bullock; Clerk, J. F. Gowey ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin.
1871-April 3, Trustees, W. H. Wagstaff, W. D. Sibley, Azro Smith; Clerk, J. F. Gowey; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin. April 7, Justice, Henry Bishop.
1872-Trustees, S. D. Fairchild, W. H. Wagstaff, N. P. Cone; Clerk, J. F. Gowey ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin ; Justices, S. G. Smith, George Riddle.
1873-Trustees, D. Kenfield, Joseph Miles, Ed. 0. Miller; Clerk, J. F. Gowey ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin.
1874-Trustees, Joseph Miles, R. C. Moulton, William H. Miller; Clerk, J. F. Gowev ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin ; Justice, H. Bishop.
1875-Trustees, J. Miles, W. A. Gunn, Abram Colwell ; Clerk, L. C. Herrick ; Treasurer, J. Chamberlin.
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1876-Trustees, J. Miles, Abram Colwell, P. A. Smith ; Clerk, L. C. Herrick ; Treasurer, J. F. Woodard.
1877-Trustees. H. Wright Spain, J. D. Cranston, Ora Fairchild ; Clerk, William Hunter; Treasurer, W. S. Cushman ; Justice, A. N. Hurd.
1878-April 1, Trustees, J. D. Cranston, William Dolan, J. Chamberlin ; Clerk, William Hunter; Treasurer, E. S. Callendar; Justices, S. G. Smith, John Clark, Jr. June 17, Justice, W. A. Gunn.
1879-April 7, Trustees, J. D. Cranston, E. P. Black, George Lincoln ; Clerk, M. C. Gowey. Treasurer, R. J. Eason. October 14, Justice, Eli Sherrett.
1880-Trustees, George W. Lincoln, P. A. Smith, A. M. Spain ; Clerk, M. C. Gowey; Treasurer, R. J. Eason.
LEWISBURG.
This beautiful village is situated in the northern part of Rush Township and near the Logan and Union County lines. It is on Spain's Creek, in a level, fertile and populous part of the county, and is noted for its healthy situation and the enterprise and intelligence of its inhabitants.
Lewisburg, consisting of Maple and Sycamore streets, was laid out in 1826, by Gray Gary, on a high point of land on said stream, and near the big spring. The lots were sold at. auction-the northeast corner lot, where the Partridge House now stands being sold for $18. The village was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1844. The officers were a Mayor and five Trustees. The first Mayor was Russell B. Spain. Trustees-Joseph F. Gary. William Milligan, C. F. Bowron, Aaron Winder and Abner Winder, Jr. Harmon Limes was appointed the first Marshal ; William Reames, the first Treasurer, and John Winder the first Recorder-all of whom are deceased except William Reames.
Joseph F. Gary was elected Mayor in 1845; R. B. Spain. 1846 ; Royal Jennings, 1847; Caleb Hopkins, 1848 and 1849; Theodorick Spain, 1850 and 1851; Cyrus S. Hyde, 1852; H. D. Gowey, 1853 to 1858 ; Caleb B. Winder, 1859; Levi Kirk, 1860 and 1861; Aaron Winder, 1862 to 1865 ; C. G. Bullock, 1866 ; H. H. Wolfe, 1867 ; J. H. Bullock, 1868 to 1870 ; Milo H. Mumford, 1871 to 1875: A. N. Hurd, 1876 and 1877 ; John Clark, 1878 and 1879; H. M. Bush, 1880-the present date.
The present town officers are: H. M. Bush, Mayor; E. Calendar, R. J Eason, H. W. Spain, J. Reames, William Hunter and R. M. Davis, Council ; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; G. M. Smith, Treasurer, and J. K. Hawkins, Marshal.
POPULATION.
The population of Lewisburg, in 1860, was 390; in 1870, it was 735, and in 1880, it is 936 inside of the corporate limits, and about 1,000 in the village.
SCHOOLS.
There is a large and commodious brick schoolhouse. A Principal and three assistant teachers are employed. The branches taught are the common English branches, al algebra, chemistry, philosophy, physiology, botany; astronomy, Latin and German. Number of scholars residents of the district, 327 ; there is also quite an attendance of larger scholars from the adjoining districts, who are fitting themselves for the profession. of teaching in the near future,
570 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
RAILROADS.
The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad runs easterly and westerly through the village, making direct communication with New York and Cincinnati.
POST OFFICE.
The villagers, previous to 1845, received their mail from Coberly's, on Darby Creek (now discontinued) and from Woodstock. In 1845, the post office (North Lewisburg, Ohio) was established. Royal Jennings was the first Postmaster. In 1853, the present incumbent took charge of the office, which was made a money-order office in 1871. The Western Union Telegraph Company and the United States Express Company have their agents and offices here.
BUILDINGS.
The town hall, 50x72 feet, and three stories high, was built in 1870, on the southeast corner of Sycamore and Maple street, at a cost of $10,000. Union Schoolhouse was erected in 1876, on East Maple street, at a cost of $12,000 for house and grounds.
CHURCHES.
The first church, the Friends' Meeting-House, was built in 1842. They have a fine brick edifice now, near where the old meeting-house stood, at the corner of Winder and Poplar streets.
We are indebted to Dr. J. Stokes Garwood for the following history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in North Lewisburg, Ohio: Hezekiah Spain came from Virginia in the year 1805 and settled near the present site of North Lewisburg. Ohio, then a wilderness . and, about the year 1808, regular preaching, every four weeks, was established at his house. which was then within the bounds of the Lebanon Circuit. Several years afterward the circuit was divided, and this division called Mad River Circuit. About the year 1816, a small cabin was built for church purposes one mile west of the present site of North Lewisburg, on the knoll one hundred yards north of where the railroad now crosses the road running from the Urbana pike to the old North Lewisburg and West Liberty road, and the services were then held in that building until about the year 1832, when a more commodious hewed-log church edifice was erected just north of the old one, and was known as Spain's Church. Willis Spain is, he thinks, the only man now living that helped to erect that church. The society at that time numbered about twenty members. Willis Spain, aged eighty-four years in February, 1880 (a son of Hezekiah Spain's) and his present wife, Nancy Epps, aged eighty-three years in December, 1879, who also came from Virginia with her parents in the year 1807, and settled just west of the present site of North Lewisburg (to whom he was married in the year 1815), are the only surviving members of those who formed the organization at the time that church was built. Afterward Abram Spain, Lemuel Spain, Abram Holycross (who died this summer, 1880) and others whom Willis Spain does not now remember, were members of the society. Urbana desiring to become a station, the circuit was divided and this part called Mechanicsburg Circuit. In the course of time, the circuit was again divided and this part called East Liberty Circuit. In 1870, another division was made, leaving North Lewisburg a station, and it was served the first three years by Rev. George W. Kelley as Pastor. The present Methodist Episcopal Church edifice
PAGE 571 - PICTURE OF PETER BLACK (DECEASED) SETTLED IN CO. 1809
PAGE 572 - MARIA A. BLACK - RUSH TP.
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 573
in North Lewisburg was erected in the year 1850, under the superintendence of William Audas, William Crowder, Royal Jennings, Abraham Spain, Joseph F. Gary and Caleb F. Bowron, Trustees. The building and bell cost $1,350. The church was dedicated to the service of God by Rev. James L. Grover, Presiding Elder of the district, on the 22d of December, I850 ; text, I Kings, viii, 27-" But will God indeed dwell on the earth ? behold the Heaven and Heaven of Heavens cannot contain Thee ; how much less this house that I have builded ? " A deficiency of $500 remained at the dedication, which was more than met by a subscription of $649. At this time, Rev. Philip Nation was the preacher in charge; Rev. Alfred U. Beall, assistant preacher; William Audas, Circuit Steward; Royal Jennings and Caleb F. Bowron, Class-leaders. The membership of Spain's church was transferred here. The preachers that served the church here, and also at Spain's church, as far back as we could learn, are as follows: George W. Walker and Michael Marley, 1833-34; Joshua Boucher and Alexander Morrow, 1835; George W. Walker and David Warnock, 1836; George W. Walker and Samuel Clark, 1837; Samuel Clark and James Smith, 1838; Joshua Boucher and Silas Chase, 1839; Silas Chase and I. B Cartlitch, 1840 ; I. B. Cartlitch and Abraham Wombo, 1841; T. A. G. Phillips, 1842 ; William Letsinger, 1843 ; William Letsinger and Valentine Beemer, 1844 ; Elijah H. Field, 1845; Joseph W. Smith, 1846; James F. Donahue, 1847; David Sharp and Edward P. Hall, 184S; Philip Nation and William Cheever, 1849; Philip Nation and A. U. Beall, 1850; David Warnock and Thomas M. Thrall, 1851; Thomas D. Crow and Wesley Denit, 1852; George W. Harris and James Kendall, 1853; George W. Harris and Thomas Audas, 1854; James T. Bail and John Vance, 1855; Samuel Brown and John M. Sullivan, 1856; Joseph W. Smith and John M. Sullivan, 1857; David Sharp and James Manning, 1858; N. McDonald and David Sharp, 1859; W. N. Williams and D. Sargent, 186061; W. B. Jackson and T. E. Fidler, 1862-63; W. Webster and J. Verity, 1864-65; J. C. Deem and E. McHuah, 1866-67; H. M. Curry and Thomas Audas, 1868; H. M. Curry and John Shinn (afterward Staley ; Shinn's health failed and Staley supplied), 1869 ; George W. Kelley, 1870-71-72 ; A. U. Beall, 1873-74 ; J. F. Loyd, 1875-76; G. H. Kennedy, 1877-78-79 ; L. D. Hayward (present Pastor), 1880.
The present membership of the church is 225. Class-leaders-J. I. Callendar, H. Wright Spain, Gearge Cowls, John Corbitt, William Hunter, T. Hollingsworth, J. Stokes Garwood and Luther Spain.
A neat, commodious parsonage was built on a lot adjoining the church in the year 1872.
The Methodist Protestant, familiarly known as the Middle Church, is located on Townsend street, and is a neat, well-finished edifice, built in 1870, mostly by contributions from its members, the land for the same having been donated by C. W. Lyon. The church was organized in 1867, by Rev. E. J. Wynens, who was succeeded by the following Pastors in the order named: Rev, J. W. Spring. for three years ; Rev. J. M. Flood, for one year; Rev. A. Hall, one year, Rev. A. M. Ravenscroft, two years; Rev. A. P. Powelson, ii, one year ; Rev. W. M. Cramer, one year; Rev. T. B. Graham, the present Pastor, who is serving his second year. The charge at present. numbers fifty-two members. The church grounds are well inclosed with a neat iron fence in front, while a fine new parsonage, just completed, joins the premises.
The Christian Church on Mill street, built in 1855. Since abandoned
574 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The Catholic Church, corner of Poplar and West Elm streets, erected in 1869.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of Gregory and East Townsend streets, in 1876.
BANK OF NORTH LEWISBURG.
The company doing business under the above name was organized in June; 1871, by Hudson Haines, who was elected President; James Carder, Cashier; E. S. Callender and J. I. Callender. These men conducted the business until May, 1876, when the company was re-organized and increased by adding fif teen Directors, all residents of the county, and men of integrity. The board of officers, as re-organized, was-W. D. Sibley, President; S. Clark, Vice President ; E. S. Callender, Cashier; but in June, 1879, owing to the removal of the Cashier, his place was filled by Warren Cranston, who is a young man of extra ability and of the highest degree of intelligence. Under his supervision, the bank promises to become one of the wealthiest and most successful enterprises of the county. It is now doing business with a paid-up stock of $25,000, and total capital and assets of $500,000. It occupies rooms in Partridge's Block, on East Maple street, which are said to be furnished better than any other bank in the county.
STREETS.
In 1844, the village consisted of two streets, viz., Sycamore street, extending north and south, and Maple street, extending east and west. It has now the following, viz.: Sycamore, Maple, Winder, Poplar, North, West Elm, East Elm, West Maple, Milburn, Cemetery avenue, Young, Water, Gregory, Railroad, Mill, West Mill, West, Linn, Cherry, Walnut, East, East Townsend, South Gregory and Grant.
The number of electors at first election for corporation officers in 1814 was nineteen. The number of electors who voted for corporation officers this year (1880) was 217. The list of corporation officers so far as they can be obtained from existing records, is for
1844-R. B. Spain, Mayor; Joseph F. Gary, William Milligan, Caleb F. Bowron, Aaron Winder, Abner Winder, Jr., Trustees; Harmon Limes, Marshal; John Winder, Recorder.
1845-Joseph F. Gary, Mayor; Robert Elliott, Ira Kline, Caleb Hopkins, Jesse R. Reames, William Epps, Jr., Trustees; William Taylor, Recorder De Witt C. Hopkins, Treasurer; Theodrick Spain, Marshal.
1846-R. B. Spain, Mayor; C. F. Bowron, Lester Ware, Caleb Hopkins, J. R. Reames, Royal Jennings, Council; William Epps, Treasurer; William Taylor, Recorder; Robert Elliott, Marshal.
1847-Royal Jennings, Mayor; Abner Winder, William Milligan, Aaron Winder, Joseph M. Wood, Jesse R. Reames, Council; William Reames, Jr., Treasurer; John Winder, Recorder; James Winder, Marshal.
1848-Caleb F. Hopkins, Mayor; Aaron Winder, Morgan Baldwin, William Epps, Cyrus S. Hyde, George Young, Trustees; Jesse R. Reames; Treasurer; Joseph M. Wood, Recorder; Lester Ware, Marshal.
1849-Same officers as in 1848
1850-Theodrick Spain, Mayor; L. Ware, John Harlan, James Hays, Isaac Prall, William Reames, Jr., Council; Jesse R. Reames, Treasurer; R. Jennings, Recorder; James Gregg, Marshal.
1851-Same officers as in 1850.
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 575
1852-Cyrus S. Hyde, Mayor; John Hunter, William Reames, Jr., Adam S. Wood, Aaron Winder, E. Stewart, Council; Jesse R. Reames, Treasurer; W. G. Boggs; Recorder; William D. Thompson, Marshal.
1853-H. D. Gowey, Mayor; John Winder, John Evans. Aaron Parker, Robert Elliott, Royal Jennings, Trustees; C. S. Hyde, Treasurer; William Reames, Recorder; James Haise, Marshal.
1854-H. D. Gowey, Mayor; J. M. Butcher, J. Hunter, R. Jennings, John Winder, R. Elliott, Council; C. S. Hyde, Treasurer; William Moore, Recorder; James Haise, Marshal.
1855-H. D. Gowey, Mayor; John Hunter, John Winder, E. Callender, J. R. Reames, R. Elliot, Council; C. S. Hyde, Treasurer; William Dickerson, Recorder; B. F. Wright, Marshal, and E. Dobbins.
1856-Officers same as in 1855, except Henry Jackson, Recorder.
1857-Officers same as in 1856, except T. S. Good, Recorder.
1858-H. D. Gowey, Mayor; J. I. Callender, T. B. Hood, I. W. Prall, William Reames, G. W. Hinds, Council; T. S. Good, Treasurer; Harvey Pim, Recorder; William Milligan, Marshal.
1859-C. B. Winder, Mayor; John Hunter, T. S. Good, H. Jackson, A. Winder, L. Kirk, Council; C. S. Hyde, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder ; Barney H. Davis, Marshal.
1860-Levi Kirk, Mayor; John Hunter, John D. Bower, T. S. Good, Aaron Winder, John Evans, Council; Morgan Baldwin, Treasurer; Thomas Spain, Marshal; H. D. Gowey, Recorder.
1861-Levi Kirk, Mayor; Charles Osborn, Joseph Hunter, I. W. Prall, Thomas Spain, Robert Elliott, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; J. M. Danforth, Marshal.
1862-Aaron Winder, Mayor; William Elliott, J. M. Butcher, Charles Osborn, Levi Hollingsworth, Jonathan Haines, Council; Elisha Callender, 'Treasurer; 11. D. Gowey, Recorder; Hollis S. Amv, Marshal.
1863-Aaron Winder, Mayor; Joseph Miles, Charles Osborn, J. L. Smith, (J. M. Danforth, vice Smith), Joseph Hunter, J. D. Bower (Samuel Hutchins, vice J. D. Bower), Council; George Lynas, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; Levi Hollingsworth, Marshal.
1864-Aaron Winder, Mayor; John Hunter, J. I. Callender, L. Kirk, S. Hutchinson, D. Chapel, Council; Joseph Miles, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; Thomas Good, Marshal.
1865-Aaron Winder, Mayor; B. A. Haines, S. Hutchinson, H. Kezertee, E. G. Miller, A. E. Wait, Council; Joseph Miles, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; L. D. Warner, Marshal.
1866-C. G. Bullock, Mayor; Levi Kirk, Aaron Sharp, E. G. Miller, A. C. Humphreys, Thomas Good, Council; Joseph Miles Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; Thomas Spain, Marshal.
1867-H. H. Wolfe, Mayor; C. W. Lyon, W. A. Gunn, W. G. Evans, J. Snyder, E. B. Dillon, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; H. Murphy, Marshal.
1868-James H. Bullock, Mayor; C. W. Lyon, E. B. Dillon, W. G. Evans, W. Dolan, H. H. Wolfe, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer ; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; Thomas Spain, Marshal.
1869-J. H. Bullock, Mayor; D. A. Williams, Levi Kirk, C. W. Lyon, H. II. Wolfe, William Dolan, Council; -T. I. Callender Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Recorder; Thomas Spain Marshall.
576 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
1870-J. H. Bullock, Mayor; C. W. Lyon, Levi Kirk, William Dolan, H. Wright Spain, E. S. Callender, William Hunter, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; Wilson Young, Marshal.
1871-M. H. Mumford, Mayor; C. W. Lyon, L. Kirk, W. Dolan, H. W. Spain, William Hunter, Ed. 0. Miller, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; A. G. Wood, Marshal.
1872-M. H. Mumford, Mayor; Henry Bishop, William Dolan, C. G. Bullock, Ed O. Miller, William Hunter, H. W. Spain, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; Oliver Ewing, Marshal.
1873-M. H. Mumford, Mayor; A. N. Hurd, G. W. Conner, S. Igou, A. L. Williams, William Dolan, H. Bishop, Council; J. I. Callender, Treasurer;. H. D. Gowey, Clerk; O. Ewing, Marshal.
1874-M. H. Mumford, Mayor; William Dolan, Charles Osborne, H. H. Wolfe, G. W. Conner, S. Igou, A. N. Hurd, Council; J. F. Hunter, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; W. P. Palmer, Marshal.
1875-M. H. Mumford, Mayor; A. N. Hurd, Jordan Downs, William Hunter, William Dolan, H. H. Wolfe, C. Osborne, Council; J. F. Hunter, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; W. P. Palmer, Marshal.
1876-A. N. Hurd, Mayor; J. H. Pence, George W. Conner, R. J. Eason, J. Downs, William Hunter, A. L. Williams, Council; J. F. Hunter, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; Thomas Spain, Marshal.
1877-A. N. Hurd, Mayor; H. W. Spain, William Inskeep, J. N. Embrey, H. M. Bush, J. H. Pence, R. J. Eason, Council; E. S. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; Thomas Spain, Marshal.
1878-John Clark, Mayor; J. H. Pence, William Hunter, J. L. Long, H. M. Bush, William Inskeep, J. N. Embrey, Council; E. S. Callender, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; J. R. Jones, Marshal.
1879-John Clark, Mayor; H. M. Bush, Elisha Callender, H. Wright Spain, J. H. Pence, William Hunter, J. L. Long, Council; G. AI. Smith, Treasurer; H. D. Gowey, Clerk; J. R. Jones, Marshal.
1880-On first part of record of officers of the incorporated village.
SOCIETIES, ETC.
Star Chapter No. 126, Royal Arch Masons. -Warrant granted to W. H_ Wagstaff, Amos Underwood, J. Miles, D. W. Harris, L. M. Crary, Charles Hill, Ed 0. Miller, Shepherd Clark, William McAdams, Marion Guthridge, W. H. Crary, Levi D. Warner and William Austin by Charles C. Keifer, Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, on the 28th day of November, 1870.
The companions held the first regular on December 6, 1870. The charter was granted on the 26th day of September, 1871, and Comp. W. H. Wagstaff was installed as first H. P.; Amos Underwood, first K.; James Miles, S.; J. C. Butcher, C. O. T. H.; L. M. Crary, P. S.; Charles Hill, R. A. C.; Ed O. Miller, G. M. 3d V.; S. Clark, G. M., 2d V.; William McAdams, Adams, G. M., 1st V.; M. Guthridge, Secretarv; L. D. Warner. Treasurer; D. A. Millice, Guard. By Comp. Charles C. Keifer, M. E. Grand High Priest; first member admitted, H. D. Gowey. Officers for 1872 : W. H. Wagstaff, H. P.; M. Guthridge, Secretary. 1873-H. D. Gowey, H. P.; G. M. Mumford, Secretary. 1874-W. H. Wagstaff, H. P.; Ed. O. Miller, Secretary. 1875 L. M. Crary, H. P.; H. D. Gowey, Secretary. 1876 - W. H. Wagstaff, H. P.; H. D. Gowey, Secretary. 1877 - W. H. Wagstaff, H. P.; H. D. Gowey,
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 577
Secretary. 1878-L. M. Crary, H. P.; H. D. Gowey, Secretary. 1879 W. H. Wagstaff, H. P.; C. Wes Lyon, Secretary ; H. D. Gowey, P. T. 1880-H. D. Gowey, H. P.; W. H. Wagstaff, Secretary.Present number of members, thirty-four.
Blazing Star Lodge, A., F. & A. M. -A dispensation for Blazing Star Lodge; No. 268, A., F. & A. M., was granted to Brothers William Inskeep, B. F. Wright, George Morse, G. W. House, Eason Johnson, H. D. Gowey and H. S. Amy by Most Worthy Grand Master William B. Dodds, and the first meeting was held July 16, 1855. The first officers elected, November 5, 1855, were: William Inskeep, W. M.; B. F. Wright, S. W.; George Morse, J. W.; J. S. W. House, Treasurer; C. B. Winder, Secretary ; John A. Gunn, S. D.; H. D. Gowey, J. D.; H. S. Amy, Tiler. A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, William Inskeep, B. F. Wright, George Morse, Caleb Winder, John House, John Marshall, H. D. Gowey, Hollis S. Amy, Amos Williams, E. Johnson and Silas Igou, dated July 9, 1855, being the charter members. The Masters succeeding William Inskeep were: H. D. Gowey, elected November 5, 1859; W. H. Wagstaff, elected February 8, 1868; Ed O. Miller, elected November 13, 187 5 ; W. H. Wagstaff, November 7, 1877; I. Willett, elected November, 1879. Present number of members, fifty-one.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first publication was a small pamphlet printed in Lewisburg, and was called the Experiment, by H. D. Gowey, December 29, 1860, and in March the next year was started the Lewisburg Weekly Magazine, by the same printer, which was continued six months. July 1, 1868, the Boomerang was commenced oy P. G. Mitchell and M. C. Gowey, and continued by the latter to November 1, 1869, when it was discontinued. From the Lewisburg Weekly Magazine we append the following of the Lewisburg market of July 3, 1861:
"Wheat, 90 cents; flour, $5; corn, 20 cents; oats, 18 cents; butter, 5 cents ; eggs, 5 cents; lard, 7 cents ; dried apples, 62 cents; beans, 75 cents ; bacon, 8 cents."
It will be recollected that this was at the commencement of the war of the rebellion.
From the Boomerang of July 15, 1868, we transcribe the following market report:
Wheat, $1.79; flour, $12; butter, 20 cents; oats, 50 cents; eggs, 15 cents; lard, 15 cents ; bacon, 15 cents ; hams and shoulders, 18 cents ; sugar, 16 to 18 cents; potatoes, new, $2."
The Magazine was "Designed eventually to be a Cosmopolitan Hebdomadal," and the Boomerang's motto was, "Hic et ubique."
In January, 1876, J. H. Fluhart started the North Lewisburg Star. It was discontinued after six months.
In January, 1876, Vaugh & Sherrett commenced the publication of the North Lewisburg Gazette. It was continued only eleven months.
The village at present contains three dry-goods stores, three meat-shops, three drug stores, two saloons, two hotels, three billiard halls, four groceries, one clothing store, three milliner stores, five boarding houses, five blacksmith shops, three wagon and carriage-shops, one jeweler and book store, one coal and lumber yard, two grain warehouses, two steam and one water saw-mill, oue steam and one water grist-mill. one bakery, five physicians, two dentists, three lawyers and one bank - the Bank of North Lewisburg, Ohio - which commenced
578 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
business in the spring of 1871. It also contains the following lodges, orders and societies: a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; a Chapter of R. A. Masons; a lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows; a lodge of Knights of Honor; a voluntary observer's office of Signal Service Station of the United States Army, and the office of the Central Ohio Mutual Life Insurance Company, whose main office and headquarters are located here.
EARLY BUILDINGS.
The first frame house built in Lewisburg (yet standing) was built by Gray Gary, and is now occupied by Rev. Samuel Hutchinson. Before that house was built, Gary occupied a cabin near where A. G. Winder's house now stands, and near the little grist-mill of Gary's, which stood on the bank of the millpond west of where the brick grist-mill of A. Beltz' now is.
There were also cabins built where J. Carter's home now is, one where Beltz' brick dwelling is, one where J. I. Callender now lives, one on the opposite side of the street, two cabins where William Inskeep now lives, one north of it near the alley, one where William Dolan's dwelling is, one where Dr. Wagstaff's brick building is, one just south of Hoisington's drug store, one near where the post office now is, one on what is now the corner of Maple and Gregory streets, and one near the Methodist Episcopal Church. The last-mentioned one was erected there in 1849, and is still standing sand occupied by Mrs. Murphy. The old log schoolhouse stood on the lot now owned and occupied by John Hunter.
The next schoolhouse, a frame, was built on a lot donated for that purpose by Gray Gary, near the creek and west of Mrs. Gandy's dwelling.
The next schoolhouses were built, one on the south sideof West Elm street, then in the woods, and the other on the west side of South Sycamore street, about a quarter of a mile from town, which last is yet standing and occupied as a dwelling. After these went into disuse, the schools were in the brick building on the south side of Mill street on the hill, which building is now used for dwellings.
WOODSTOCK.
This pleasant village is situated near the geographical center of the township, and on the C., C. & I. C. Railroad. and at the last cencus, in 1880, contained 384 inhabitants. It was laid out in 1832 by Sylvanus and Phoebe Smith, and consisted of twenty-five lots of about one- fourth acre each, of which the former laid off fourteen lots, numbered 1 to 14, and located in the northwest corner of the Milford, Urbana, Mechanicsburg and Bellefontaine roads, and the latter eleven lots, numbered from 15 to 25. The town first took the name of Hartford, but afterward finding there was a post office in the State by the same name, they changed it to Woodstock, in order to have the name of post office correspond with the town. When the town was laid out, Phoebe Smith's house came on Lot No. 24, and therefore was the first in town. The first house built after the village was laid out was on Lot No. 3, by David H. Hall, a shoemaker. The second one on Lot No. 2, by William B. Linell, a blacksmith, who also built a shop on Lot No. 15. During the next three years houses were built on Lots Nos. 5, 4, 16, and 1. On the Last-named lot a dwelling-house and store-room was erected.
In 1836, B. D. Sibley made another addition to the town in the southeast corner of the cross street, and these lots were numbered 26 to 35.
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 579
In the same year, some two or three houses were built on that part of the town. About the same time was added in the southwest corner six lots, from 36 to 41. There has been two additions to the original since that time - one by Elias Smith and one by E. M. Bennett, both in the southwest corner of the cross roads.
The town is very irregular in shape, and some of the streets cross at right angles. This arises from the fact that the first land sold to settlers was bounded by old Indian trails through the plains, and, at the time Hartford was laid out, Sylvanus Smith owned the northwest angle of the cross roads, Phoebe Smith the northeast, Isaac Marsh the southwest, and B. D. Sibley the southeast. It was agreed that they would lay out a town, and they would make it with streets crossing at right angles. Sylvanus Smith engaged the County Surveyor to do the work, and when he came on Sibley and Marsh refused to have anything to do with it, and by that means defeated their plan. Woodstock now contains one hotel, one livery stable, two dry goods stores, one bakery, three groceries, one carriage-shop, two saloons, four blacksmith-shops, one tile manufactory, one drug store, one harness-shop, one meat store, one boot and shoe store, two physicians, one grain dealer, two milliner stores, and two saw-mills.
BANK OF WOODSTOCK.
This institution was organized April 4, 1877, with a capital stock of $10,000, and the following officers and Board of Directors: President, Hon. A. P. Howard; Vice President, Azro Smith; Cashier, George Riddle; Directors, R. C. Moulton, A. P. Howard, S. P. Carlton, Azro Smith, D. A. Martin, D. Hanly and Dor Martin. The officers have remained the same from the commencement up to the present date, with the exception of the substitution of E. P. Black as a Director in place of Dor Martin, resigned. Mr. Riddle is a man of superior ability as a cashier, and under his present management the bank is proving a financial success to its stockholders.
WOODSTOCK LODGE, NO. 167, I. O. O. F.
This lodge was instituted October 22, 1850. The charter members were Cyrus Wait, W. D. Sibley, Hiram Smith, T. J. Wilcox, Royal Jennings, George Gregory and W. F. Shaffer. They own and occupy the second story of a fine brick building, the lower rooms of which are occupied by the bank, stores, post office, etc.
EARLY HISTORY OF WHAT IS NOW KNOWN AS THE WOODSTOCK SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.
The first school, or about the first, was organized in the year 1820. and taught by Asahel Woodworth, in a cabin about one-fourth of a mile south of the present site of the schoolhouse on the land of a Mr. Conger. The school was soon after transferred to the cabin of the Widow Phebe Smith, that stood where D. P. Smith now lives, on Lot No. 24, in Woodstock ; and schools were taught there until 1824, when a log schoolhouse was built-where the old brick schoolhouse was afterward built-Lester Smith teaching the first school. This house was made of rough, unhewed logs; size about 24x32 feet, and covered with clapboards, weighted down with poles, and had on open fire-place with stack chimney. Logs were cut out, and greased paper was used for windows, which was. however, soon replaced by light:; of glass.
580 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The seats were slabs or puncheon, smoothed, and holes bored and legs inserted, on which the smaller scholars were obliged to sit while in school, with no rest for the back and but little for the feet, as they were generally so high that they could hardly reach the floor. The writing-desks were made by boring holes in the sides of the house, at a slight angle, wooden pins being inserted and a smoothed board laid thereon; and when scholars wished to attend to their writing lessons, they would crowd their next neighbor over a little, raise their feet from the floor, and, by swinging of the feet, twist right about and get in position for writing. In this house, schools were kept up about six months out of a year until, I think, 1832, when it was torn down and a brick house was built on the same site and is yet standing, and now occupied as a dwelling, William Casey being the present owner.
During the time that the old schoolhouse was occupied, schools were taught during winters by male and in summer by female teachers. Among the earliest male teachers were Lester Smith, David Ripley, E. Burnham and Joseph Irwin. Their wages were from $8 to $10 per month, and board around-that is, among the scholars. The teacher would generally send word by the scholars to their parents that they would be at their house for board next week; then the mother would begin to put the house in order, and to impress upon the little ones that they must be on their good behavior during all of next week, as the school-teacher would be there at that time. This school district during its infancy was especially fortunate in securing good teachers. As a rule the school-masters in those days were well qualified, and were exemplary members of society. They governed the school with a firm hand, and no scholar, however large or of either sex, was spared the rod if the offense seemed to require punishment, and various were the modes of chastisement resorted to. At one time a young man was guilty of disobeying the rules of the school, and for punishment the teacher threw him on the floor and the young men of the class of spellers were required to stand on his body during the class exercises. Although the teachers were close and severe during school hours, they were especially lively and sociable when out of school, and when the hour of noon came round and both scholar and teacher had partaken of their bountiful supply of dinner which the good mother had carefully put up in the dinner basket, with which every family was supplied and sent to school by the larger scholars, they were always among the first on the play-ground and would spend all the balance of the noon hour in playing ball or running and jumping with the scholars, but when 1 o'clock came they would drop everything, clothe themselves in their official dignity, and then woe unto the offender during the balance of that day. Then there was no false dignity among the scholars or teacher, but all were on equality, and however near the schoolhouse they might reside, the dinner must be taken and eaten at the schoolhouse, and however homely the fare it was eaten with a relish and hospitably shared with any chance caller at such dinner time. During these schools each scholar tried to excel and stand at the head of the class. and most of -them did become excellent scholars. About 1832 the brick schoolhouse was built, and E. Burnham probably taught the first school therein. After him came Isaac Marsh, who taught, two terms or, rather, winters, and Marietta Kimball taught one or two summer terms. Melvin Sprague, Melvin Newton and Dr. Sabin and Dr. Delaney and wife probably one winter each. The village of Woodstock was laid out about this time, which brings us to 1840, in the spring of which year Robert Wilson, an Irishman, opened a select school during the summer and fall which was largely attended by the more advanced
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 581
scholars. The district having increased to such a degree that it became necessary for more than one school, and two teachers were employed, of whom one was Mr. Wilson and the other Elder Amos Stephens. A second house was secured for Mr. Wilson (this was formerly built and used as a blacksmith-shop), and at this time repaired, plastered and used for school during the next two winters.
Mr. Wilson at that time concluding a change of locality would be to his advantage, moved to Mechanicsburg and opened a school at that place.
At the time of Mr. Wilson's removal a Mr. Joseph P. Smith, former Principal of Meadville Academy, in Pennsylvania, whose health had become impaired and who had for some two years been traveling about this part of the country, peddling clocks, tin reflectors and buying feathers, became attached to the place, concluded to abandon his roaming life, settle down and try his hand at teaching again. He bought a few acres of land about one mile west of Woodstock, moved on it and commenced farming and teaching. At the latter he was a complete success, but at the former was a failure.
This school was kept up until the year 1846, when Joseph Smith died and the school was closed. This Mr. Smith was very singular in his actions, and, when absorbed in his duties as teacher or in conversation upon any subject, became entirely oblivious to anything that was passing. Some of the scholars were fond of perpetrating innocent jokes on him, and laugh at the perplexity that was depicted on his countenance when he found it out; but he never lost his equanimity of temper, and only wondered that youngsters could be so bad. One joke, especially, played off on him was this : He had lost a front tooth and, in order to enable him to speak with more ease and distinctness, bad fashioned a piece of sole leather to just fit the cavity, and would frequently remove the tooth and then replace it when he wished to explain to the class any subject. One day, while busy with a class in geometry, he removed the leather tooth, laid it down for a moment, when some mischievous scholar picked it up and put in its place one fully double its size. Soon, some point in the theorem seemed to need a clearer explanation. The teacher picked up the tooth to insert in its place, but it would not fit. After examining it critically for a moment he said. " Things which are equal to the same thing are equal to one another, but how it happens that my old leather tooth so soon becomes double the size of the cavity it has to fill is past my comprehension," and the missing tooth was immediately handed over to him, and the young man was never again guilty of trying to play off a joke on " Uncle Joe."
The scholars generally became proficient in any science they undertook. and during the winter of 1845-46, this school turned out seventeen teachers from a class of twenty eight, and some of that class are now filling very good situations, among them are Dr. Timothy Davenport, who has been elected a number of times to both branches of the Legislature oŁ Oregon; Warren and Samuel Cranston, who both have, or do now, hold lucrative Government situations in Oregon ; also, C. W. Smith, at present a resident of New York City, holding a high position in railroad circles.
But I have digressed from my subject in regard to district schools. From 1842 to 1850, schools were kept up about six months out of each vear, and two teachers were required at each school. They were taught by Ira J. Smith, G. W. Kellogg, R. C. Moulton, John Smith, Maria Sibley, Maria Chapman and some not now called to mind. An addition to the old schoolhouse was built in 1843. During this time the citizens in a measure lost the irterest
582 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
formerly taken in education and the schools did not show that life they had previously, though good schools were kept up until the year 1860, when new life was infused into them.
In 1860, a substantial two-story building was built in the west end oŁ the town near the railroad. Here school was kept for seventeen years. In 1862, Erastus Martin and Pearl Howard erected a small building near the lamer one, which was called the " College," where the higher branches were taught at a certain sum per quarter for several years. This house was turned over to the Township Board in 1867, after which time the Woodstock School was divided into three departments, at which it stands to-day. Among those who taught during the period named, I will mention Albertine Clark, Clark Dix, Josie Lapham, Benjamin Bennett, William Lugenbeal, F. S. Fuson, P. E. Fleck and John Outram. Albertine Clark was a lady of rare endowments and a great success in the schoolroom. She never resorted to corporal punishment, but woe to the luckless knight that aroused her wrath. Her terrible tongue-lashings were never forgotten ! Clark Dix was victor in a knockdown argument one day, that nearly finished his earthly pilgrimage. Several large boys tested his muscle in an open fight, but he was too strong for them. Benjamin Bennett, who is an inhabitant of our town at the present time, was a terror to evil doers. Being a man of powerful frame and a strict disci plinarian, he quickly reduced order out of chaos. P. E. Fleck is now a successful lawyer of Columbus. He was a good teacher.
John Outram was Principal of the school for two years, and was a faithful and conscientious teacher. He was greatly beloved by his pupils who mourn his death, which was caused by that great foe of the American people-con sumption. In 1875, a strong effort was made by a number of the leading citizens of Woodstock to establish a township school, with a department for the instruction of the older and more advanced pupils of the country schools. After a very exciting canvass, this project was defeated owing to the opposition of the large land owners who feared an increase of taxation.
The scheme was not dropped, however, for Joseph Chamberlin, the chief conspirator, succeeded in securing the passage of a bill through the State Legislature organizing Woodstock Special School District, a tract extending about a mile in each direction from the public square.
Immediately upon he passage of the bill a levy was made, an architect employed and soon the present school building, which is the pride of the town was in course of erection. The total cost of grounds, building and fixtures was about $9,000.
The house is easy of access, of fine appearance, and finished inside with all. modern appliances of the school. It has four well-ventilated rooms, heated with furnaces, and an extensive basement. The present Principal is J. W. Freeman, who has held that position for five years.
In 1880, the School Board issued a course of study and regulations, which cannot fail to be of material benefit in years to come.
Heretofore older pupils have dropped out of school at the age of eighteen or twenty, after pursuing such studies as they might select. Now the branches to be pursued are named by the School Board, and it is expected to turn out graduates at the age of sixteen or seventeen who will possess greater educational qualifications than many who have attended the same school several years longer in the past. Much time is gained by a systematic arrangement of studies. according to the age of the pupil. For instance, grammar is not introduced
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. - 583
until the child is old enough to comprehend its numerous rules, and instead of an endless progression in arithmetic as in the past, algebra and geometry are substituted.
One peculiarity of the course of study is the attention paid to composition in its various forms. This is begun early and continually kept in view. For this feature we are indebted to the Rev. S. P. Carleton, an ardent believer in good schools.
Many improvements have been made in school teaching in the last quarter of a century, and let us hope we have not kept far in the rear.
The rod is no longer a necessity in school government. Why? Because teachers have learned that the lessons can be made so interesting and attendance on the school such a pleasure, that force need rarely be appealed to in the education of the young. If this is not the case elsewhere, it is so at least with us. Our schools are to-day in a very flourishing condition, conducted by energetic teachers and filled by interested scholars. A permanent literary society on a new plan has been organized in the High School, which promises to do much for the future well-being of its members. The graduating class this year will probably number six. Algebra, geometry, botany, physiology, literature, Latin, astronomy, Constitution, book-keeping and philosophy are taught outside of the common branches. Let us hope that many young people of this neighborhood will avail themselves of the great advantages offered by our schools.
WOODSTOCK LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
The following history of the Woodstock Library Association has been kindly furnished us by Dr. L. C. Herrick, who has been the Librarian from the time of its inception,. L. 1874, up to the present date
"This institution was organized at the drug store of George Riddle & Co., on the evening of May 19, 1874, the following-named persons participating Hon. J. F. Gowey, Rev. T. N. Glover, Dr. L. C. Herrick, Messrs. Levi Kidder, George Riddle, N. P. Hewitt, N. W. Chamberlin, Charles Colwell, Samuel Standish, S. D. Fairchild, J. A. McDonald and Miss A. L. McDonald. with Rev. F. N. Glover in the chair. The following plan of organization was agreed The number of stockholders to be unlimited ; each share to be $5 ; no one to have any right to the books, except stockholders, unless by vote of the Association ; the President, Secretary and Librarian to constitute an executive board.
"By-laws and regulations were then adopted, after which the following officers were elected : President, S. D. Fairchild ; Secretary and Treasurer, Rev. T. N. Glover; Librarian, Dr. L. C. Herrick.
"Half of the capital stock of the association was then called in, to be immediately expended for books.
"Dr. Herrick tendered the use of his office as a library, which was accepted. On motion, three others were added to the purchasing committee, whose duties should expire with the first negotiation, viz.: Messrs. Hewitt, Gowey and McDonald. The committee selected and purchased thirteen volumes, and with that small stock commenced operations, the first book being loaned May 29, 1874, according to the Librarian's record. In the month of August, 1874, the association negotiated with several persons who owned a small collection oŁ books, and thus secured thirty-three volumes, taking the books at a fair valuation on shares in the association. The library was kept supplied with fresh reading matter by means of assessments on the capital stock, made at intervals of three or four months, until the stock was all paid up, since ice which time it has been
584 - HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
supported by means of dues on shares of 50 cents, every four months, together with the rents of books to non-shareholders, fines and occasional entertainments. The present number of volumes in the library is four hundred and twenty-three, besides numerous unbound magazines and pamphlets.
"The library also takes ten standard magazines and periodicals, which are put up in reading covers as soon as received, and thus being carefully preserved while they are circulating among the readers, and at the end of each year they are all neatly and substantially bound.
"The library is becoming one of the principal institutions of our town, and the circle of its influence is slowly but surely extending. It has been the aim of the managers to furnish wholesome mental food, and to educate the coming generations into a relish for instructive and useful reading. and lead them to shun the pernicious dime novels and story papers. A good deal has already been accomplished in that direction, and now very little of that kind of literature can be found in this community."
The officers since the commencement of the association have been as follows
PRESIDENTS.
Elected. Name. Time Expired.
May 19, 1874......... ............. *S. D. Fairchild ..................... September 27, 1874.
October 13, 1874.................... Hon. J. F. Gowey...... .......... February 29, 1876.
March 10, 1876..................... Hon. A. P. Howard .............. December 14, 1877.
December14, 1877................. Azro Smith ........................... December 5, 1878.
December 5, 1878.................. Joe Chamberlin..................... December 5, 1879.
December 5, 1879.................. George Riddle, Esq.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER.
May 19, 1874..... ................... Rev. T. N. Glover ................... February 13, 1876.
February 13, 1876.................. (1) John M. Outram...................December 15, 1876. December, 1876......... ............E. M. Smith ........................... December 14, 1877. December 14, 1877................ J. W. Freeman.
TREASURER.
December 14, 1877.................. N. P. Hewitt........................... December 5, 1878.
December 5, 1878.................... George Riddle, Esq................. December 5, 1879. December 5, 1879.................... J. F. Wise.
LIBRARIAN.
May 19, 1874........................Dr. L. C. Herrick.
* Died at sea, while returning from Europe.
(1) Died.