HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 421

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS,

CHAPTER XLIV.

BERLIN TOWNSHIP.

NAME AND ORGANIZATION-FIRST ELECTION-TOPOGRAPHY

PRIMITIVE CONDITION-MOUND BUILDERS-INDIANS

FIRST SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS-THE MARKLEYS-A.

H. ROYCE-THE LEEDYS - RICHARD ROBERTS-"CELE-

STIAL LIGHT"-THE OLD HARTER TAVERN-SHALER'S

MILL-OTHER M ILLS-PALMYRA-ANKENYTOW N-SCHOOL-

HOUSES AND TEACHERS-CHURCHES-POPULATION JUS-

TICES OF THE PEACE.

"--------------The hills

Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun; the vales

Stretching in pensive quietness between;

The venerable woods; rivers that move

In majesty, and the complaining brooks

That make the meadows green;

. . . . . . . . . . . Are decorations all

Of the great tomb of man-----"

W. C. BRYANT.

BERLIN township derived its name from Berlin, Connecticut, the name being proposed by Stephen Cole. It was created June 4, 1822, as stated on the journal of the commissioners in the following extract:

Ordered, That the following boundaries be laid out into a separate and distinct township, towit: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range, thence north on the township line to the old boundary line; thence on said boundary line to where the nearest north and south line in the new purchase strikes said boundary line; thence north on said north and south line to the county line between Knox and Richland counties; thence east on said line one-half mile further than where the line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges strikes said county line; thence due south one-half mile east of said range line to the south boundary of the eighth township in the twelfth range; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of the same; thence north to the southeast corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range; thence west on said township line to the place of beginning, which shall be known by the name of Berlin township, which shall be entitled to all the privileges of a separate and distinct township as aforesaid.

An election was ordered to be held at the house of Michael Harter on the twenty-second day of June, 1822, for the purpose of electing township officers.

Berlin township was reduced to its present limits March 9, 1825:

Berlin shall be composed of the eighth township of the thirteenth range, except the sixth and seventh sections in said township eighteen.

It first belonged to Wayne, but was afterward included in the territory of Pike, before receiving an independent existence. Its northern boundary line joins Richland county; it is the most northern of the second tier of townships from the west line of the county - the tier in which Mt. Vernon is located.

The Greenville treaty line, located by General Wayne at the close of the Indian war in 1795, passes across the northern part of this township, running a little south of west, about a mile north of Ankenytown. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad passes diagonally across it from northeast to southwest. It is sufficiently watered by the east branch of the East fork of Owl creek; this stream passes diagonally across the township in the same general f direction as the railroad. The tributaries of this stream drain the larger part of its surface. The west branch of Schenck's creek, a tributary of the Kokosing, rises in the northwest corner of the township, and numerous and beautiful springs are to be found in various parts.

Originally it was covered with a dense forest of hard wood of every description. This fact speaks volumes for the quality of the land; wherever the

422 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

soil was covered with black walnut, sugar, beech, hickory, etc., the pioneer well knew the soil could not be surpassed for agricultural purposes. When the first white settlers made their appearance there was not probably a spot of ground in the township large enough to erect a cabin without first clearing away the trees and underbrush. It was a paradise for the wild animal and the wild hunter.

The Mound Builders left traces of their occupation, and it is almost startling to think that in the centuries gone by a civilization existed here that might have compared favorably with the present one; that, probably, the land was cleared and cultivated as it is to-day. The number of mounds and ancient earthworks that existed in this township will never be known; no doubt the ravages of time have destroyed hundreds of them, and only those remain that were exceptionally large, or that occupied positions exceptionally favorable for preservation. One of these elevations was known to exist on what is known as the Ellis Willet place, near the Quaker meeting-house. It was not large, being, perhaps, thirty or forty feet in diameter at the base, and eight or ten feet in height. It stood exactly upon the spot Mr. Willet had selected for his house, and hence was destroyed. The cellar was dug directly under the mound; human bones were found, some articles resembling cooking utensils, or supposed to have been used for that purpose; charcoal, evidences of fire, etc.; these are usually found in all the ancient mounds that receive a thorough examination. Thus it is that the abode of one civilization is reared upon the tomb of another, and

". . . . . . . .All that tread

The globe are but a handful to the tribes

That slumber it its bosom."

A mound, larger than the ordinary size, is located on the Davis farm, in the southern part of the township. It is, probably, fifty or sixty feet in diameter at the base and fifteen feet in height. Like the others it is made up of sandy loam, and situated on high ground. These mounds are evidently connected with the one that stood on the present site of Fredericktown, and with several others in Morris township. Were the timber cleared away these mysterious elevations would all appear in sight of each other, or at least in such connection that signaling from one to the other would be comparatively easy.

Whether the Mound Builders were the first animals in human form to tread the soil of Berlin township can only be conjectured. It has been established by indisputable evidence that they were here more than seven hundred years ago, and were the pioneer settlers here so far as history traces the inhabitants.

It does not appear that the next inhabitants of this township, the Indians, had any permanent residence within its limits; they used it, however, as a hunting ground, roaming freely through its silent woods for centuries before they were disturbed and driven away by the white savage. When the first settlers came they found the territory occupied by stray squads of hunters from the Greentown and Jerometown Indians, and the Delawares and Wyandots. An old Indian named Toby is remembered by the early settlers. He established his wigwam on what has since been known as "Toby's Run," where he lived and hunted until about the time of the War of 1812, when he disappeared.

The third race to occupy this territory began coming about 1808, or before. Bedford county, Pennsylvania, probably has the honor of sending Berlin its first settlers; these were the Markleys. Henry Markley came in 1808, and erected the first cabin in the township, upon the farm now owned by James McIntire. Markley was accompanied by John Brown, sr. Mr. Markley purchased one thousand acres of land, lying on the north side of what was known as the Ellicott section; this section occupying one-fourth of the township, or four thousand acres. His family consisted of his wife, three sons and two daughters, viz: Henry Markley, jr., John, James, Mary and Amelia; all are now dead. John Brown's family consisted of wife, three sons, John, Jeremiah and Thomas, and a daughter, who married John Pinkley. None of these are now living.

Amos H. Royce, the first justice of the peace in this township, came to Fredericktown in 1809, and settled in this township in 1810. He was born in 1786, in Connecticut, removed with his father to New York State, and from there to this county. This remarkable pioneer is yet living in Fredericktown at the age of ninety-four, and is yet in full

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 423

possession of his mental faculties and enjoying good health, with a fair prospect of completing, at least a century on earth. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and for this service obtained a land warrant for lands located in this township, upon which Amos H. settled with a family of ten children, viz: Norton D., Mary, Erneline, Sally, Louisa M.; Julia Ann, Alfred, Laura, Lucy and Jane A. Those now living are Emeline, Julia Ann, Laura and Jane A. Amos H. Royce was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving on the frontier and with General Hull for a short time, and for this service draws a pension. He was one of the soldiers surrendered by Hull. He assisted in building a block-house at Mansfield and one at Trucksville, and was stationed at New Haven, or rather encamped on the site of that village, at the time of the Copus murder, and was one of a squad of soldiers that followed that same band of Indians a short distance just prior to the massacre, they having encamped the night before the murder near the site of New Haven.

The Leedys were an important and influential family among the pioneers of this township. There were five brothers: John, Jacob, Abraham, Samuel and Daniel. Some of these settled further north in Richland county, in the vicinity of Bellville. Many of their descendants are yet living in Richland and Knox. The Leedys trace their ancestry back to Switzerland; in this country they first settled in Maryland, and moved thence to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, before coming to Ohio.

Among the earliest settlers in this township beside those mentioned, were Stephen Cole, Ed. and Isaac N. Richardson, George Wolford; James Fraer, John C. Brown, John and Peter Kreigher, Frederick Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and Israel Roberts, John Long, Joseph Lane, Daniel and Joseph Hetrick, the Joslyns, John Moltzbaugh, the Wrights, Farquhars, Pinkleys, William Van Horne, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel, Michael Harter, John Lewis, Casper Fitting, and perhaps others.

E. Richardson moved , to the West, but his brother became a judge, and was an influential man in the county. The descendants of the Kreighers and Robertses are, some of them, yet living on the old places, where their fathers settled in 1808 or 1809. John Long was a relative by marriage of the Leedys; one of his family is now a resident of Pike township. Joseph Lane came from Connecticut, and married the daughter of Stephen Cole; he was a cabinetmaker. Daniel Hetrick and his brother came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania; the former married a Leedy and raised a large family, some of whom are yet living in this neighborhood. John Moltzbaugh came about x815; he was a Dunkard preacher, and with the help of the Leedys organized a Dunkard church. Stephen Cole came from Connecticut, settling here about 1816, and becoming an influential man among the pioneers. His family consisted of Stephen, jr., Wilbur, Henry, Russel (now living in Chicago) and two daughters. Wilbur now occupies the old homestead.

Richard Roberts, an old resident of this township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in July, 1789, and removed to Ohio, with his father, Henry Roberts, in 1805, and stopped in Belmont county one year. In 1806 he pitched his tent and built a cabin on the farm now owned by Nicholas Darling, in Morris township. In 1819 he built a cabin on the farm in Berlin township, on which he died, August 24, 1877, at the age of eighty-eight years, making him fifty-eight years a resident of Berlin, and a resident of the State seventy-two years. He married a daughter of John Garrison, an early settler, in the vicinity of Palmyra. His family consisted of nine daughters and one son-a family of intelligence and high respectability. Of the members of this family Mrs. Louisa Cohen, a widow lady, is now a resident of Mt. Vernon; Rebecca married Gideon Elliott, and died some years ago; Mrs. Hubbell, some years after the death of his wife, married Ellen, a sister of his deceased wife; Phoebe married C. G. Mount, and resides in Fredericktown, a widow; Martha died in childhood; Elizabeth, wife of Milton B. Williams, of Berlin; Mary, wife of Cory B. Chancey, and Emily, the wife of W. B. Rowley, of Fredericktown. Burr resides on the homestead.

Uncle Richard, as he was familiarly called, was of a very social disposition-a great talker-and delighted in talking over the scenes of early times. The cabin, the big log fire, and the winter evening were the necessary surroundings for Uncle Richard

424 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

to tell the younger ones of his hunting exploits, when Ohio was a three-year-old.

Celestial Le Blond, a Frenchman, was also among the early settlers in this township. His name is entered on pool-book as "Celestiai Light;" he was a little eccentric and quite conspicuous. He was the originator of Shaler's mill, but was unsuccessful; he afterwards removed to Bellville, where he died. The .family subsequently moved west, and a son, Francis C., became a member of Congress from one of the western districts of Ohio.

One of the early and prominent settlers was Michael Harter, a brother-in-law of Henry Markley, who came about 18o8, and settled upon land now owned by the Farquhar heir. Harter erected a log house on the crossing of the two roads leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield, and from Columbus to Wooster. "Harter's tavern" became a prominent place. The first and many subsequent elections were held here, and the militia musters of those early days. It was said to be the best tavern then in northern Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christiana made it an uncommonly interesting place for sleighing and other parties. The fame of "Aunt" Katie's cooking spread far and wide, and caused weary, mud-bespattered travelers to ride many long miles after nightfall to get there. Harter planted the first orchard in Knox county, and now lies buried in the midst of it, on the hill east of the old tavern stand. He brought the trees from a nursery then called a plantation, down on the Muskingum river. Harter's brother-in-law, Markley, had been a merchant, and was a quick, sprightly business man, and hence was selected as one of the first commissioners of the county. He was generous and well liked by the people. The road upon which stood Harter's tavern became a great thoroughfare, over which the great four and six-horse freight wagons rolled, carrying the produce of the rich counties of Knox and Licking to the market at the lake. The early stages and mail carriers also passed over this road many years. The tavern was built about 1813 or 1814; subsequently a brick addition was built. Mr. Harter died here, and his widow sold out and moved to Canton, where some of the descendants yet reside. One of the same family is now president of the Peerless Reaper company, at Canton; another a director in three of the banks there; another the prosecuting attorney of Stark county, and a fourth is the treasurer of the Aultman & Taylor company, at Mansfield.

Jacob Switzer was probably the next owner of this tavern stand; but after the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad was built, it went down gradually until it was no longer a paying institution. Switzer sold to a man from the West Indies by the name of John Bassett. Warner Miller, long a resident of Mt. Vernon, and now living in Newark, held a mortgage on it and became its owner. It is now a brick dwelling house, and is owned by a Mr. Gilmore.

What has for many years been known as "Shaler's mill," a half-mile east of the present village of Ankenytown, was among the first mills erected in the township, and the first post office was established here, the first postmaster being Mr. J. M. Robinson. This was about 1844. Mr. H. W. Greegor succeeded Mr. Robinson, about 1848, and has retained the office ever since. It was called Shaler's Mills post office, and yet retains that name, though Mr. Greegor has kept it for many years in his store at Ankenytown.

In 1849, a post office was established at the residence of Richard Roberts, called "Maple Grove," and he was appointed postmaster, continuing as such until 1860, when the office was discontinued at his request.

As before mentioned Shaler's mill was established by Celestial Le Blond, about 1815, or perhaps later. He undertook more than he was able to perform, being without practical experience in mill building, and after erecting a saw-mill, and doing, perhaps, some preliminary work on the grist-mill, he sold out to a Mr. Brollier, who erected the first grist-mill. Brollier sold out to Mr. Shaler about 1840, the latter running the mill many years. It is yet in operation, being owned by Mr. William Toms.

Amos H. Royce erected one of the first sawmills, on the present site of Ankenytown, on Isaac's run. He purchased two acres, containing the mill seat of Mr. William Shultz, an early settler from Pennsylvania, and after running the mill a few years, sold out to Snyder & Grove, who erected a

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 425

grist-mill, which they conducted several years. This mill went down several years ago. Isaac's run no longer furnishes the amount of mill power that it once did. Two or three other saw-mills were erected in an early day upon this same stream, above that of Mr. Royce. David McDaniel built one and Moses Faulkner another. These have long since disappeared. Several saw-mills were also erected on the main fork above Shaler's mill, but none now exist. Saw-mills are no longer erected; timber is getting too scarce; farmers now buy the larger part of the lumber they use, at the city lumber yards. Messrs. Strong & Son's mill was erected on the east branch of Owl creek in the southern part of this township near Fredericktown. The first mill here may have been built as early as 1825. Strong subsequently erected an expensive and excellent mill, and did a large business for some years. It passed into other hands a few years ago, and was destroyed by fire.

Palmyra, for many years, was the only town in the township. It was laid out November 17, 1835. Prior to this date a tavern had been erected there, which for many years was a noted stopping place for stages and wagons, voyaging by mud or snow from Fredericktown to Mansfield. A post office was established there; this with the tavern and a little grocery constituted the business; and a few dwellings added made up the town. The railroad came through and extinguished what little life it had, by monopolizing the carrying trade; nothing is left of it but a few dwellings and a church.

The land upon which Ankenytown stands was first owned by Aaron Bull, a Revolutionary soldier, who, for services in that war, received the land warrant which placed him in possession of land, then in the wilderness, but now highly cultivated and very valuable. One of the earliest settlers here was Sylvester Clark, who married the daughter of this soldier, and came here to occupy the wild lands of his father-in-law. There are many owners of this property at present. Mr. Shultz, before mentioned, early purchased some of this land of Clark, and Mr. Royce purchased two acres of it for a mill seat. Abraham Leedy was also one of the first purchasers of ground upon which the town stands. The mill, before mentioned, was probably the germ of the present town. When the railroad came through, Warner Miller, of Mt. Vernon, erected a warehouse, and also established a store, putting Mr. H. W. Greegor in charge of both. George Ankeny came here from Pennsylvania about this time, purchased a small piece of land from Abraham Leedy, and built a blacksmith shop in the town. He was a very excellent and influential man, and the town came to be called by his name. He was a blacksmith, a justice of the peace and finally a member of the legislature. Mr. Brollier, who owned Shaler's mill, started the first store here about r 84o, and kept it three or four years, but failed to make the business pay. J. M. Robinson was the next store keeper, and H. W. Greegor took charge of it about 1851, and has kept it ever since.

The place sometimes went by the name of "Squeal," from the fact, it is said, that when the iron horse first made its appearance, his "squeal" so alarmed the natives that they turned out armed cap-a-pie with guns and blunderbusses to capture him, though this account is probably somewhat exaggerated. The iron horse, however, ran over and killed some stock belonging to some of the farmers, which so incensed them, that, fearing this might be of frequent occurrence, they banded together and tore up the track, which brought on a lawsuit, the history of which appears on the records of the common pleas court at Mt. Vernon.

The first school-house, probably, in the township was erected on the site of Ankenytown, on a lot directly opposite Mr. Greegor's store. John Lewis, a son of Governor Lewis, taught here. The building was a hewed log, and was afterward used as a dwelling. The next school-house was probably that built upon land donated by Abraham Leedy. Ankenytown now contains one store, a few shops and a dozen or more dwellings. Mr. Greegor has kept the, store about thirty years, during which time he has also been freight and express agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, serving without compensation. Ankenytown is at present the only village in the township. Shaler's mills once aspired to be a town, and obtained a store and post-office, but being unable to advance, realized the full meaning of qui non proficit, deficit.

But three churches have an existence within the limits of the township. The Dunkards were probably the first religious denomination to sow the

426 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

seeds of the gospel on the soil of Berlin. Their society was organized as early as 1815, by John Moltsbaugh and the Leedys, as before mentioned. Another pioneer family, the Hetricks, were also members of this society. It was the habit of this society in those early days, and part of their religious creed, to feed the multitude; they therefore held services every two or three weeks, in the cabins of the members, and invited everybody to come, spreading a large table with all the good things the forest and soil produced. The members of the society and the older people sat down to this table, after which everybody present was invited to the repast. When the wants of the "inner man" were satisfied, and everybody in good humor, the preaching began; the people were then in good condition. to receive the gospel and look favorably upon its teachings.

About 1850 the society erected the present substantial frame church, about one-quarter of a mile north of Ankenytown. There are forty, or fifty people yet connected with this church, and for some reason they call themselves Baptists.

The Methodist Episcopal church, located near the south line of the township, was organized about 1830; though many years before this the denomination had itinerant ministers through the township, who preached in the cabins of the settlers and in the old log school-house, in the open air, or wherever they could get an audience. The original members of this church, or some of them, were John Durbin and wife, Stephen Cole and wife, A. H. Royce and wife, Isaac Cole and wife, and some others. The Coles were prominent, and donated the land upon which the present church stands. Before the church was erected the society met at the cabin of Mr. Royce, and in the schoolhouse. Their first church edifice was erected about 1834, and was used about twenty, years, when the present neat frame was built. It stands a little east of the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield. Revs. William Herr and Russell Bigelow were among the earliest ministers of this church, as well as of all other Methodist churches in this and the adjoining counties. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is the present pastor, with a membership of about fifty.

The Sunday-school, yet connected with the church, was organized even before the church had an existence as an organization here. It is one of the permanent institutions of this neighborhood.

A second Methodist church was organized at Palmyra, about 1840, but has since gone down, though it had an active existence several years. Robert Sites and Joseph Palmer were probably influential in establishing it. They worshiped in the school-house a few years, then purchased a cooper shop and fitted it up for a church building. Most of its members now belong to other churches.

Lately, about 1874, the Disciples erected a church at Palmyra. This organization was effected after many years of gradual growth, during which an occasional minister visited the neighborhood and preached to the people. There are thirty or forty members now connected with this church.

While the Methodists were in a flourishing condition they established a Sunday-school, which has been regularly kept up and now meets in the new church.

In 1830 this township had five hundred and twenty inhabitants; eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-four acres of land were entered for taxation, and valued at thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-four ' dollars. In 1840, the population was one thousand one hundred; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and fifty-six; in 1860, one thousand and twelve; in 1870, eight hundred and eighty-seven; and in 1880, nine hundred and ten.

Following is a list of the justices of the peace: Amos H. Royce, elected in 1821, and re-elected in 1825, 1827, 1830 and 1833; Richard Roberts, 1823; Elijah McGregor, 1836; George Ankeny, 1836, 1839, 1842; Alexander Menzie, 1838; J. A. Richardson, 1838, 1841 ; Joel Elliott, 1841; Richard Roberts, 1844; Henry Miller, 1845; Alfred Royce, 1847 ; George Shaffer, 1848; Gideon Elliott, 1849; Joseph Ankeny, 1850, 1855; Michael Hess, 1852; J. C. Auten, 1855; Alfred Royce, 1856; Joseph Ankeny, 1858; James Conings, 1859; J. W. Condon, 1859; George Irwin, 1860; Issacher Rowley, 1862 ; J. W. Condon, 1863; Augustus Rowley, 1865, 1868; J. W. Condon, 1866, 1869; S.J. Moore, 1872, 1875; William Tours, 1872; C. A. Amsbaugh, 1873, 1876, 1879; R. B. Smith, 1878.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 427

CHAPTER XLV.

BROWN TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION - FIRST ELECTION-LIST OF JUSTICES OF

THE PEACE-TOPOGRAPHY-HUNTING GROUNDS-PIGEON -

ROOST--BEAR STORY-FIRST SETTLERS AND SETTLE-

MENTS - MILLS -SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-JELLOWAY-INSURANCE.

BROWN belongs to the northern tier of townships, with Pike on the west, Jefferson on the east, and Howard on the south. It was named in honor of Major General Brown, a distinguished officer in the last war with Great Britain. It was originally included in Union. On the ninth of March, 1825, it was "attached to Jefferson, until it shall be ascertained that there are inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." At that date there were but a small number of inhabitants in the township. Several families in the meantime having moved into the township it was further ordered by the commissioners March 6, 1826, "that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Jonas Ewing for township officers on the first Monday in April." The following have been the justices of the peace for Brown township since 1825: 1825, Samuel Parkhurst; 1826, Jonas Ewing; 1830, James McMillen; 1831 James Blair; 1833, James McMillen; 1834-7, .James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1840, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1843, James Blair; 1844, Thomas Wade; 1845, John W. Guberson; 1846, William Soverns and James Blair; 1849, James Blair; 1850, William Severns and Joseph Pinkley; 1852, Solomon C. Workman; 1853, Joseph Pinkley; 1854, John Hicks; 1856, John W. Leonard; 1857, Joseph Pinkley; 1859-62, John W. Leonard; 1863, John P. Cumingham; 1866, Miles Darkins and Jacob Frederick; 1872, Miles Darkins and John W. Leonard; 1875, Edward E. Whitney; 1878, Marion Pinkley and E. E. Whitney; 1879, D. C. Whitney..

The general surface of Brown township is broken, and in many places hilly, but the land is generally fertile, and yields ample returns to the husbandman for his labors. It is well timbered with oak, sugar, beech, chestnut, elm and sycamore.

The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner from Richland county and continuing in a southeasterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe was frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner Sapp's run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical purposes.

This township at its first settlement, and for many years subsequent, was one of the best hunting grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, foxes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years. As than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840 deer were still hunted.

There was a noted pigeon-roost to the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, immense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and bagging the birds, he suddenly aroused a large and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs. He ascended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, who caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on with a firm grip, and shouted lustily for help, but the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hearing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it was by much care and attention that his life was saved at all.

The first settlers came to Brown about 1809.

428 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming. to Brown about 1810, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertainment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and having a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.

Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 1818, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was on the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stopping place of the wearied traveler in the days of the old fashioned stagecoach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 1816. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Virginia. He was an efficient officer and his company was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.

James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace, and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin's mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He was a poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair, and his memory will long-be cherished here.

James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first settlers of this township. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, industrious, and frugal people, most of them inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, some of them having served in the Revolutionary war, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.

They were men of strong convictions, sterling integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Bar. rett while residing in Pennsylvania, had been principally engaged in school teaching, and was thoroughly educated, and an estimable citizen.

James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin's and Giffin's mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.

The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children coming for several miles through the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 429

forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.

There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed in Brown, the inhabitants most universally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, "God's first temples," and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the community. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers of these denominations held meetings frequently at various places in the township.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jelloway. This organization has been, from its commencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first members were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Hemberger, I. J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized children, who are considered members, is one hundred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more commodious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a cemetery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.

The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day,.which is known as the Danville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township. In 1871 a frame building was erected on section fifteen, Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church.

At one of the camp meetings held in this township about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of a man named Bartlett He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refreshments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, who were in, attendance at the meeting. In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them so that they ran away at a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.

Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first

430 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

postmaster. At that time the post office was known as Pipher's Cross Roads. Joseph Pinkley taught the first school in the town. Jefferson Sapp, Morrison, and ----- Whitford were also of the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located outside of the village.

There are two religious organizations, but only one church building in the village at present.

The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rolland, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officers are: George Blakely, John Nuhart, and William Patton, trustees; Marion Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. The membership at present numbers about twenty-five.

There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.

The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members composing this organization are: S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. Waltz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, Miss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer; W. M. Bauer, secretary; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.

The Farmers' Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, president; J. W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. In 1879 the capital was reduced to one hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventy - four dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: 1. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assessments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on improved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of improvements or other perishable property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers' company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.

The Jelloway Mutual Aid Life Insurance association was organized March 5, 1878. The charter members were: Byron Castor, W. M. Crowner, A. J. Hyatt, S. M. Vincent, R. M. Critchfield, M. B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R. M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. The association pays to the insured therein the amount specified in the certificate of insurance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 431

from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office. Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.

Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it is a place of considerable business activity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishment by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.

CHAPTER XLVI.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION - TOPOGRAPHY - INIDANS - FIRST SETTLERS

-MILLS-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES,

BUTLER township was organized March 9,1825. The surface is very broken and hilly, especially along Owl creek, where the scenery is picturesque and grand. The soil is generally fertile, and large crops of wheat, corn, and other cereals are grown. It abounds in numerous springs of clear, cold water, and is otherwise well watered by streams supplied from these springs. Owl creek, or Vernon river, crosses the northern portion of the township. Emptying into this stream are Brush run and one or two smaller creeks. The Wakatomika crosses the southwest corner of the township. Originally most of the township was heavily timbered with red and white oak in the central and southern parts, and sugar, oak, walnut, and buckeye in the north. Although much clearing has been done there are extensive tracts of timber in the northern and western portions of the township, and at this date hundreds of acres of forests are being denuded.

In the early settlement of Butler the hills lying along Owl creek and Brush run were almost entirely destitute of trees, caused by the Indians and hunters burning the woods in order that they might have an unobstructed view of the deer and other game. These hills are now covered with a heavy growth of red and white oak.

When Butler township was first settled it was one of the best hunting grounds in this county. Bears, deer, wild turkeys, wolves, and all kinds of wild game abounded. The early settlers could procure their supplies of meat with but little trouble, and the meat thus procured contributed materially to the support of their families. Had it not been for these supplies, much suffering would have been caused by lack of food, as but little could be raised the first year or two. Wild game, such as wild turkeys, foxes, coons, opossums, etc., are still quite numerous.

Coal has been found in a few places in the township, but not in sufficient quantity to pay for mining. Sandstone for building and other uses exists in almost inexhaustible quantities. Some years ago, an oil well was sunk on the farm of G. W. Butler, and petroleum in small streams issued forth from the well; but it ceased to flow in a short time, and the enterprise was abandoned. Another well, sunk on George W. Riley's place, near the Coshocton county line, about the same time that the one on Butler's place was sunk, sent forth quite a large stream of oil for some time, when it suddenly ceased to flow, and this enterprise was also abandoned. By the sinking of these two wells it was ascertained that petroleum exists along the Owl creek bottoms.

When the first settlers came Indians were numerous, and their camps were to be found in various places. They had located a small village on the south side of Owl creek, on land now owned by William Darling. There are many evidences that

432 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

the aborigines especially abounded here in the ages past. Relics, such as arrowheads, stone knives, and axes, silver brooches, etc., have been plowed up by the farmers frequently. In the hills on G. W. Riley's farm numerous skeletons have been washed out, which were found in a sitting position, buried according to the mode of the Indians. When the first settlers came there was standing in the northwestern portion of the township a large stone wall about one hundred and seventy-five yards in length, from four to five feet high and about three feet in width. It was in the form of a semicircle, one end of the construction reaching to Owl creek. It was undoubtedly used by the Indians or some other race of people as a fortification. Near this ancient stone wall is a cascade and cave. Probably the excavation was made by the Indians for military purposes, probably as a place for retreat while engaged in war with other tribes. The Indians were desirous of having many dogs, and it is said by many of the old settlers that they could at any time trade a good dog for a horse. They also took a special delight in having wrestling matches with the whites, and often engaged in such amusements. Nicholas Riley often had trials of his skill and strength as a wrestler with them, and, being an athletic, robust, and muscular man, could always "throw them." One of the noted Indians who resided in Butler township in its early history was the chief Tom Jelloway. He claimed to be a "bird charmer," and in order to test the genuineness of this claim the father of William D. Beatty requested him at one time to give a display of his skill as a charmer. He accordingly ascended a wild cherry tree growing on Mr. Beatty's place, commenced to utter a peculiar cry, and in a few minutes hundreds of birds of every kind were in the tree tops. Some perched on the limbs, and others on Jelloway's head and shoulders. This convinced Mr. Beatty that his claim was not a pretentious one.

The pioneer families of Butler township were the Shrimplins, Carpenters, Staats, Darlings, Rileys, Hamells, Horns, Eleys, Beattys, McLarnans, Dennises, Campbells, Wolfs, Lepleys, Morrisons, Butlers, Giffins, and Morningstars. They were emigrants from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, principally from the two first named States. They were a hardy race, well fitted for pioneer life, men of muscle not lacking in brain power, who were not afraid to take hold of the axe and mattock, and engage in clearing up their land. The women were well fitted to take places by their husbands' sides, and take hold of their distaffs, throw the, shuttle, card the fleeces of wool, and often pull, break, and hatchel the flax, and thus materially contribute to the welfare of the family.

Butler township has longer retained the primitive habits of early times than any other town. ship in this county, and the log cabin and old fashioned fire-place still abound

At a distance from the railroad and telegraph office, settled among hills almost as high as the largest in any part of Ohio, the inhabitants, many of them, still live a life bordering closely on pioneer times.

One of the first settlers and noted hunters was George Lepley, now residing in Harrison township at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He came to Butler township with his father about the year x805. At that time, there were no roads, schoolhouses or mills, and but a few white families in the township. Butler was then a dense wilderness, wild beasts were very numerous, Indians abounded, and their camps were scattered all over the township.

Mr. Lepley's father settled near Brush run, a short distance north of the centre of the township. At that time it was an almost unbroken wilderness between his place and Mt. Vernon. His neighbors were the Staats, Carpenters, Rileys and Shrimplins, who had but recently removed into the county, and had made but very little progress in clearing their farms. For the first few years they went to Zanesville to mill. They generally took their grists on horseback. Mr. Lepley was a great hunter, and has killed more deer than any other man that ever lived in the county. More than a thousand have succumbed to his rifle. The Lepleys down to the present generation are noted Nimrods, and take much pleasure in hunting and fishing, and are experts with the rifle and shot-gun.

John Shrimplin was among the first who settled on Owl creek, and was probably the first settler within the present limits of Butler township. He was

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 433

born in Maryland about the year 1778, and came to the county about 1805, purchasing three thousand acres of land, lying on both sides of Owl creek. Prior to his removal to Ohio he made several trips to New Orleans on flat-boats laden with flour, pork and whiskey, which he sold for cash, and receiving a good price for these commodities, he was enabled to make an extensive purchase of land He built the first grist-mill in the township, if not in the county. Mr. Shimplin engaged in farming, milling and various enterprises, amassed quite a fortune, and was a man of considerable local celebrity in the early history of Knox county. He ended his somewhat eventful career in 1818 by shooting himself with a rifle. The cause of his suicide could not be ascertained. His son Samuel still lives on the old home place.

The second person to settle on Owl Creek was Nicholas Riley, who was born in Maryland about the year 1778. He emigrated from Maryland to Wellsburg, Virginia, about the commencement of this century, where he resided until 1803, when he moved to Coshocton county, Ohio. After a short residence there he returned to Virginia, from whence he came to Butler in 1806, residing there until his decease December 15, 1866.

Previous to his removal to Knox county when it was one vast wilderness, but one white man, Andrew Craig, living in it, he had visited various portions of Knox and was favorably impressed with the county, and this visit to the wilderness, no doubt, had m: duence in causing him to secure a permanent location in Butler township. A short time after his removal he purchased seven hundred acres of land from John Shrimplin. This land was a portion of the three thousand acre tract which Mr. Shrimplin had previously bought from the government.

With the exception of three or four acres, which the Indians had cleared to raise some corn, this land was densely covered with sugar, walnut, buckeye, and other timber. He went to work with a determination to succeed, and in a few years he had a large tract cleared and in good order for farming. He was married to Hannah Shrimplin, of Virginia, by whom he had fourteen children.

Mr. Riley made several trips to his old home, Wellsburg, Virginia, subsequent to his removal to Butler, for the purchase of salt, sugar, coffee, etc. These journeys were always made on horseback, as the country between Knox county and Virginia was almost an unbroken forest. Mr. Riley and John Hibbitts went to Detroit about the year 1808, to see Colonel Hamtramck, who owned an extensive tract of land in Knox county, which they desired to purchase. This was considered, at that time, by the entire community, as an event of much importance. Taking their rifles and a pocket compass, they started on horseback for Detroit. All the human beings they saw on their route were Indians, and when they were near Detroit a few French families. They secured the principal part of their sustenance from the woods. They were frequently pursued by wolves, but frightened them away by firing their guns at them. They succeeded in accomplishing this trip, and in due time returned home in health and safety.

Jacob Horn came from Washington county Pennsylvania in 1815. He settled in the eastern part of the township, near the Coshocton county line. By dint of hard labor and perseverance he became rich. His family of twelve children all lived to become men and women, most of whom are now living in Knox county. The Horns are the most numerous of any family in the township.

Isaac Darling was another early settler. He was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, in 1778, and came to Butler township in 1806. He settled near Owl Creek, and after a few years' residence returned to Virginia, removing again to Butler in 1820, where he resided until his removal to Union county in 1843, his death occurring in that county in 1853. The Darlings have long been identified with the history of the township.

One of the most noted personages of the early times, both of the township and county, was Benjamin Butler, who is claimed to be the founder of Mt. Vernon. He was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, in April, 1779, was married to Leah Rogers, May z, 1799, by whom he had thirteen children, viz: Elizabeth, Hiram, Benjamin, Joseph, Matilda, Huldah, Reason, Laban R., Maria, Paulina, Hettie, Squire John, and George W. A short time after his marriage he removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming, renting-

434 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

lands of Major Cass, who afterwards became the distinguished Democratic statesman and politician. In 1801 he moved to Coshocton county, where he resided until 1805, when he moved to Clinton township, Knox county. He was one of the three founders of Mt. Vernon, and after the laying out of that town, kept hotel for some years. In 18og he removed to Butler township, where he lived nearly a half century, engaged in milling and farming. He purchased land lying on the north side of Owl creek, which was very productive, and yielded large crops of corn and wheat. Owing to the infirmities of old age he quit farming and resided with his daughter Hettie, wife of John Carpenter, at New Castle, Coshocton county, where he died May 13, 1872. His son George W. and daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, still reside in Butler township.

Daniel Campbell came to Ohio in 1816, locating in Butler township. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, lying near to the Mt. Vernon and Coshocton road. He continued to purchase from time to time until he was the owner of several hundred acres of good farming land. He was very industrious, and considered laziness as one of the greatest sins of which a man or woman could be guilty, and consequently detested a lazy man. He came from Marshall county, Virginia to Ohio. He was born in Ireland, on the fourth day of May, 1790. His father, Richard Campbell, emigrated to America when Daniel was four years old. Daniel was drafted in the War of 1812, a short time after his marriage to Miss Jane Caldwell of Ohio county, Virginia. He hired a substitute for one hundred dollars. Although the first settlers of Butler had come some ten years previous to his removal from Virginia, the township was still almost a wilderness. But little progress had been made in clearing up the land in the southern and central portions. What clearing had been done was principally in the Owl creek bottoms. Deer were still numerous, wolves were troublesome, and small game abounded in great numbers. After Mr. Campbell paid for his first purchase of land, he had four dollars in cash and a blind horse as capital with which to commence farming, but his resolute, determined spirit very soon surmounted all obstacles, and in a few years he was one of the wealthy farmers of "old Knox." Of his family of eleven, ten children lived to manhood and womanhood.

Joseph Staats was a native of Virginia, and with his father, Joseph Staats, sr., came to Butler about the year 1806. He was married to Catharine Hull, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had eleven children, several of whom are now residing in the township. He was the first one to put a glass window in his cabin, and also built the first brick house. "Uncle Joe," as he was generally called, was noted for his jovial disposition, very often engaging in the then common amusements of the day, such as wrestling, running foot races, throwing the hammer, etc. He engaged for some years in the distilling of whiskey, but hearing a temperance lecture. delivered by one of the early preachers who labored in the township, he quit the business and became an earnest temperance advocate. At one time he was about the only Whig in Butler township; but in defiance of all opposition he persisted in voting that ticket. His father, who died in 1826, was the third person to die in the township. His resting. place is marked by a large wild cherry tree, which grew from the centre of his grave.

John R. Gamble came to Butler in 1836. He was quite a noted man in central Ohio for many years, on account of his connection with the public works. He was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1796, and came to Delaware county in 1810. A short time after his coming he went to Columbus, where he engaged in brick making. He was married in 1825 to Lovina Collins, Soon after his marriage he moved to Newark, where he engaged in the construction of public works. From there he went to Tuscarawas county to construct the locks on the Ohio canal. Afterwards removing to Coshocton county, and from there to Butler township in 1836, he purchased a large tract of land lying north of Owl creek, and engaged in farming and distilling. He has, during his residence in the township, again engaged in the construction of public works, building several sections of the Walhonding canal. Upon the completion of the canal he erected a large grain warehouse in Walhonding, and was for some years engaged in the mercantile, milling, and commission business. Mr. Gamble was a Democratic politi-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 435

cian of considerable local celebrity, and. was the nominee of that party for the legislature for one or more terms. He died at his home in Butler in 1857. His widow still survives him at an advanced age.

William, father of John R. Gamble, emigrated from the county of Antrim, Ireland, having been obliged to flee the country on account of his democratic principles, and in consequence of having a personal collision with one of the King's officers. Mrs. Gamble's father was also Irish. He participated in the old French and English wars; was under General Wolfe at Quebec, and afterwards became an ardent patriot; was in the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, Long Island; fought with Gates at Saratoga, where Burgoyne surrendered his entire army to the American commander. He was transferred to the navy, and died while cruising in the Mediterranean. His maternal grandfather was a captain in Washington's army.

The Carpenters were noted pioneers in the early history of Ohio and Butler township. During the Indian wars, while the Revolutionary war was in progress, and subsequently they were often engaged in fighting the Indians. William Carpenter came to Butler in 1808. His neighbors at that date were the Riley's, Shrimplins, Spurgeons and Darlings. He engaged in farming, purchasing land in the northern part of the township. His sons Thomas, John, George and Ned are still residing in Butler.

William D. Beatty who was born January, 1807, is the oldest man now living who was born in Butler township. He resides in the southwestern part of the township and is owner of a large farm.

One of the first justices of the peace, who was a good humored "Pennsylvania Dutchman," not having a docket, kept all his official records on his mantel piece, using a piece of charcoal for that purpose.

Many of the first settlers engaged in the distilling of whiskey. On account of the low prices for grain and not much of a market for their productions, it was more profitable and convenient for them to convert their corn, rye and wheat into whiskey, which could always be sold for money, and was more easily transported.

Johnny. Appleseed was a frequent visitor in Butler. One of his largest nurseries, located on Nursery Island, Mohican creek, was but a short distance from the line between Butler township and Coshocton county. He spent considerable time visiting the early settlers. He frequently stayed several days and nights at a time, with the Rileys, Shrimplins, Staats, Carpenters and Benjamin Butler. They never charged him for his board or entertainment, and he was a welcome visitor at the homes of the pioneers. Apple trees originally procured from his nursery can now be seen in Joseph Staat's orchard, and various other orchards in the township.

The first grist-mill built in Butler, and also one of the first in Knox county, was built by John Shrimplin, some time before the commencement of the last war with Great Britain, the exact date not known. It was a very primitive structure, but was considered a curiosity in those days. Its patrons were from various points in Knox, Coshocton, Richland and Licking counties. Mr. Shrimplin went to Zanesville after the mill stones, bringing them home on horseback.

Another mill erected about the same time was the "Giffin Mill," by Robert Giffin. They have long since been torn down. At one time a couple of pioneers, each with a peck of corn went to mill, put one of the grists into the hopper, turned the water on to the wheel, and started the machinery, but found no meal would come through; after much conjecturing and searching, they discovered a large bull frog in the hopper who placed himself in such a position as to prevent the corn from entering the buhrs. After his removal from the hopper, the grinding proceeded satisfactorily.

The only grist-mill in the township (built about fifty years ago,) is now owned by Lloyd Nichols and Stephen Zuck. It is on the north side of Owl creek, and is doing a large business.

The date of the first saw-mill erected is not known. There are two saw-mills in the township, one on Owl creek, owned by Nichols & Zuck, and one on Brush run by Jacob Beale.

There are two iron bridges: One spanning Owl creek, a few hundred yards east of the Green Valley mills. It is probably the longest bridge in the county. The other crosses the Wakatomika in the southern part of the township and is a small one.

436 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Both of these bridges are of recent construction. The first road in Butler was the Mount Vernon and Coshocton, and passes across the entire township from west to east. It was laid out and finished at an early date. The other principal roads of early construction were the Mt. Vernon and Walhonding and the road leading from Bladensburgh to New Castle.

The first post office was established about the year 1817, with Abraham Darling, postmaster. The name of the post office was "Owl Creek.

After serving several years and getting tired of the duties devolving upon him, he resigned and the office was discontinued. A post office was established some months since at Green Valley Mills, called "Zuck," named after Stephen Zuck one of the proprietors of the mills.

No villages have been laid out in this township. The nearest approximation to a village is at Green Valley mills, where there is a grist and saw-mill, a grocery store, post office, and three families residing. The people generally go to Mt. Vernon, New Castle and Bladensburgh to trade.

For several years after the first settlement, but little attention was paid to educational matters. The teachers were illiterate, and the school-houses were of the rudest style of architecture. The following description of one, which George McLarnan attended when a boy, will illustrate. It was situated on a knoll about four rods from a fine spring of water in the midst of a dense forest. It was constructed of round logs twelve and sixteen feet long, one story high, with a log across the north end placed about four or five feet high from the floor, and about the same distance from the wall, upon which, and against the end wall, was erected a large stick chimney, plastered with mortar, joined to a stone back-wall cemented with the same material.

The roof was made of clapboards that were held in their places by weight poles, which in turn were held by a small log, notched into the ends of the top end logs, and called a butting pole. Not a nail was used. Greased paper was used in place of glass for windows. The ground floor was composed of huge puncheons, faced and jointed by some pioneer with his broadaxe, and laid upon large logs placed in as sleepers. The seats were made from small trees, cut into logs of the proper length and split in two, the bark taken off, and the other side hewn and made smooth; two inch holes were then bored into the ends and middle, into which sticks were placed for legs. Holes were bored into the walls on the west side, and south end, and large wooden supporters placed therein, upon which were laid boards to write upon ; then, to complete the structure, the door was made by cutting a hole in the southeast corner of the house, five and one-half by three and one-half feet in dimensions; the same was cased with timber, split hewn and shaved, and fastened with wooden pins." These rude structures have been superceded by neat white frame schoolhouses, placed at convenient distances, and competent teachers have taken the place of incompetent ones. William Braddock was one of the first school teachers. His educational qualifications were very limited. He could read, write and "cipher some."

Another of the early pedagogues of Butler was a "Judge" Davis from Maryland. A citizen of the township who was one of his scholars thus describes his personal appearance, etc. " He wore linsey-woolsey pants and home-made linen vest, red flannel warmus, cowhide shoes, the sole and upper leather both of his own tanning, together with overshoes made from sheepskin with the wool on. He was born and received his education near Hagerstown, Maryland, emigrated to Virginia, and from there to Knox county, where he set up as a small farmer, tanner, politician, and last but not least, in structor of the young rustics of -Butler and adjoining townships. He was a believer in Methodism, a thorough Democrat, a good neighbor and citizen.

As to his pupils, they came from every direction for two miles each way. Some of them six feet in height, all dressed in homespun from head to foot. The young women were also clad in homespun. The books corresponded with other surroundings. The old United States spelling book, the Adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, Robinson Crusoe, Lives of Washington, Penn and Marion, were the reading books. As for geography, grammar and algebra, they were not known. A majority of these youngsters went to work with a will, and soon acquired the rudiments of an education, and matured into excellent men and women; some of them are the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 437

sturdy old farmers and matrons of Butler to-day."

For many years after the first settlement religious meetings were held in the houses of the settlers. The Methodists and Baptists were the pioneers. The first church organization was the Butler Baptist church, organized April 26, 1841, by Elder L. Gilbert. William Underwood and Benjamin Horn were the first deacons, and Henry Underwood the first clerk. The first pastor was L. Gilbert, who was succeeded by Elders L. Root, B. F. Smith, Gibson Moore, James Fry, Benjamin Morrison, James h. Lionbaugh, W. S. Barnes, and A. W. Arnold. The number of members at present is twenty-six. A neat white frame church has been erected by this society, located in the southeastern part of the township.

The Messiah Evangelical church (Lutheran) was built in 1874. It is a frame building, twenty-eight by forty-four feet. Rev. Thomas Drake was the first pastor. There is no pastor at the present time (1880). Jacob Leply, Michael Beale, and James McCamment were the building committee. No regular church officers have yet been chosen, and as there are but few Lutherans in the township, the church does not yet enjoy a large measure of prosperity.

Riley chapel (Baptist) was built in 1875. It stands in the northeastern part of Butler, near the Coshocton county line. It is a frame building, thirty-five by forty feet in dimensions. John Spurgeon was the first deacon, and J. K. Lionbaugh the pastor. Alexander Hardin is the present deacon.

The Methodists have no organization, although in the early history of the township they were a prominent denomination.

There are many Disciples in the township, who have generally connected themselves with the Dennis church organization in Jackson township.

Sunday schools were organized by the Baptists at an early date, and there is a very prosperous school in connection with the Butler Baptist church.

CHAPTER XLVII.

CLAY TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-FIRST SETTLERS-INDIANS-TOWNSHIP

RECORDS -MOUNDS-MARTINSBURGH SCHOOLS-MAR-

TINSBURGH ACADEMY-CHURCHES-REv. HENRY HERVEY -

FIRES.

CLAY township was created out of Morgan and organized March 9, 1825. It was named after Henry Clay, the great Whig statesman. The first election after its organization was held the first Monday of April, 1825, in the village of Williamsburgh, now Martinsburgh, when the following officials were elected: Rynard Reece, David Hann, and William Lyon, trustees; William Barton and Washington Houck, constables; William McCreary, clerk; James Elliott, treasurer; Ebenezer Brown, house appraiser; Robert Dillon and James Pollock, overseers of the poor; William McWilliams, lister; Abraham McLane and Arony Pierson, fence viewers. The first settlement of the trustees with the treasurer was had March 6, 1826, when orders to the amount of twenty-six dollars "were lifted." The official records of that year show that the township clerk, trustees, treasurer, and the other township officers "charged the township nothing for the year 1825." Robert Dillon and William Dehart were selected for grand jurors, and John Reagh and Ebenezer Brown petit jurors for 1826.

Topographically the surface of the country is uneven, with the exception of the northern portion of the township, which is a beautiful level prairie. The land is all tillable, and generally of fine quality. A branch of the Wakatomika crosses the northeast portion of the township, and the Big run the northwest. Paul's run traverses the southern part from east to west. In an early day the larger part of the township was heavily timbered with oak and hickory, more especially oak, and at this date large forests of oak remain.

In the northern part of the township several mounds exist. The largest one is about two acres in area, and was covered with a dense growth of heavy timber when the first settlers came to Clay. This mound is on the farm now owned by Charles Murray. The smaller mounds have an area of from one-half to one acre. When the first settlers came to Clay they found wild game in great abundance. The first season that Levi Harrod lived here

438 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

he killed sixty deer and ten bears, and wolves were so numerous that he found it necessary to build fires at night to protect his flocks of sheep, which were in small enclosures near his residence. The southern parts of Knox county were the favorite hunting grounds of the Indians residing at Greentown and Upper Sandusky, and they annually encamped here for several weeks at a time during the hunting season, and were generally successful in securing large quantities of game.

Levi Harrod was probably the first settler in the township. He came from Green county, Pennsylvania, to Knox county in 1804. He first settled in Clinton township, near the present site of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Harrod and family was one of seven families that settled permanently in Knox county in 1803 or 1804. The families were those of William Leonard, John Mills, Henry Haines, William Knight, Levi Harrod, James Harrod, and Peter Baxter. They were all related to each other and lived very harmoniously together. These families all settled in Clinton township, in the same neighborhood. Levi Harrod removed to Clay township some years previous to the War of 1812. When he first came Clay township was an unbroken wilderness; the woods literally swarming with wild animals. Indians were quite numerous. He settled in the northeastern part of the township on Government land. He went to work clearing his land, and in a few years became quite prosperous. For several years after he first settled here he frequently found elk horns and Buffalo skulls on his farm and in other portions of the township, evidences that these animals at one time were numerous, but none were here at the date of the first settlement.

Steven Cook, an early settler, came from Washington county, Pennsylvania in 1814, where he was born the nineteenth of August, 1789. He first settled in Morgan township. He partially cleared three farms after his removal to Knox county. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and an elder many years. The religious element was strongly developed in Mr. Cook, being an earnest worker in the church and Sunday school. He was liberal in his donations to the church institutions and the poor. He was a believer in the power of prayer to secure temporal as well as spiritual blessings, and the following anecdote is related of him

Having no pasture fields cleard, his horses, cattle, and sheep, ran in the woods, and to prevent their being lost, bells were fastened around their necks. At one time one of these bells was lost, and as there was no store nearer than Mt. Vernon, he was very anxious to find it. He prayed fervently that the Lord would assist him in finding it. As he was going through the wilderness to a neighbors one day-earnestly praying as he was walking along-he suddenly caught his foot in the mouth of the bell that was lost, That this was a direct answer to his prayers he did not doubt.

Mr. Cook continued to reside in Clay until his death, May 20, 1870.

Cornelius Barkalow, who was born in Virginia in 1801, came with his father to Knox county in 1804. His father settled near Utica, Licking county, residing there until 1812, when he removed to Clay township, locating on section fifteen. At that date but a very small number of settlers had as yet located in the township. Wild animals Here still numerous; Indians were living in large numbers, and Mr. Barkalow's playmates were Indian children. He still lives in Martinsburgh. Mr. Barkalow has lived to see Clay emerge from a wilderness into a thickly settled county.

John McWilliams came here in 1818 from Belmont county. He was born in Ohio county, Virginia, in 1798. Hefirst settled on Government land near the village of Martinsburgh, where he engaged in farming about half a century, when he sold his farm and removed to Martinsburgh. He has been an active member of the Presbyterian church nearly fifty years, and a deacon forty-one years.

Ezekiel Boggs, who died in 1853, was one of the early settlers of Clay, coming from Belmont county. He served as representative from Knox county in the Ohio legislature. His widow and his children still reside in the township, one of his sons, Coleman, being a very successful teacher, and a member of the board of school examiners.

Ziba Leonard came with his father from Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1804. His father settled in Clinton township. Mr. Leonard attended the first funeral in Knox county. He was also present at the first wedding in the county, the marriage being that of his two sisters. One of the bridegrooms was Amariah Watson, who afterwards removed to Richland county, where he founded the village of

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 439

Lexington. Mr. Leonard worked many years at the carpenter trade, and a large number of the houses now standing in Martinsburgh were erected by him. Politically he was a Whig, afterwards a Republican, and is now a Prohibitionist. He has been a working member of the Presbyterian church of Martinsburgh a -long time. Mr. Leonard has resided in Clay since his removal here in 1831.

James Cook has long been an honored and useful citizen. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1801. He removed to Knox county in 1817, locating in Clay township. He has been a prominent member of the Presbyterian church more than fifty years, engaging actively in the prayer meeting and Sunday-school. He is also noted for his great liberality in giving of his means to the various boards of the Presbyterian church. He has been elder in the church for many years and is still living at Martinsburgh.

The oldest person now living in Clay is James Sims, who was born in Maryland in 1792. He has been a resident of the township since 1835.

Of the earliest settlers, Ziba Leonard, Jacob Harrod, John McWilliams, C. Barkalow, James Cook, and James McKee are still living in the township.

The early settlers, in addition to those named, were: Abner Brown, Jacob Smith, David Harrison, James Pitney, John Huston, James Paul, Abram Day, James Larason, Nathan Veach, Samuel Porterfield, Robert Dillon, Michael Mills, John Culp, Luther Brown, Samuel Ross, James Hays, William Henry, James Carr, John Williams, John Reagh, Johathan Curtis, Aaron Conger, and Philemon Pierson. They were from Virginia and western Pennsylvania, and generally of Scotch and Irish descent. Almost all of the early settlers are dead, and but a few more years will pass until all will be "cosigned to the narrow house appointed for all the living."

Clay has not been as fortunate as many of the other townships of Knox county in securing railroad communication with other places. Owing to the numerous hills in southern Knox and other reasons, there is no probability of its having a railroad for many years at least. There are no streams of sufficient size for manufacturing purposes, and consequently there are no manufactories in the township. Outside of the village of Martinsburgh there are no grist- or saw-mills to note in the history of Clay, and it will in all probability remain as heretofore, an agricultural community. The church, school, and farm employ the time, talent, and labors of the people, and in these they find both profit and happiness. There are no very poor to be found within its borders, and the inhabitants are generally in very comfortable circumstances financially.

The first school was taught by an Irishman named Samuel Hill. The school-house in which this school was taught was a small log cabin with greased windows, similar to the cabins of a century ago in the frontier settlements. Reading, writing, and arithmetic were all the branches taught. But a small number of scholars were in attendance, probably not more than six or eight. John Roy taught the second school in the township in a small log house near the present site of the Martinsburgh cemetery. Of the original scholars who attended these schools but two are now known to be living, Jacob Harrod, who attended the first, and C. Barkalow, who attended the second. Both are still residents of Clay. In place of these rude structures are now to be found neat and comfortable frame houses, and the schools at present are taught by competent teachers, who, many of them, are able to instruct their pupils not only in the common but also in the higher branches of science.

This township has long been noted for the strong religious sentiment of the people, a large proportion of the inhabitants being connected with some church. At first the meetings were held at the residences of the pioneers, and no churches were erected until after the village of Martinsburgh was started. The Old School Presbyterians were the religious pioneers of Clay, and at one time the township contained more members of that denomination than any other township of the same population in Ohio. There are no churches in the township outside of the villages of Martinsburgh and Bladensburgh, and the description of these churches will be given in another portion of this chapter.

The village of Martinsburgh proper was organized in 1828. Prior to this year it was known as Williamsburgh and Hanover, the street running east and west dividing the place into two villages.

440 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

A consolidation was affected in 1828 and the name changed to Martinsburgh. James Pollock built the first dwelling-house in the village. The first merchant who established a store in the village was I. D. Johnson, who came from Richland county in 1818, and with a limited capital and a very small stock of goods commenced business. By aid of friends and dint of perseverance he succeeded in a few years in establishing such a business as was hardly equaled by any merchant in Knox county at that time. He purchased very large quantities of wheat, wool, pork, tobacco, and various kinds of produce and marketable commodities, hauled them to Newark and shipped to the eastern markets. He continued doing business on a remarkably large scale until 1837 when he failed, leaving eight of his friends, who had indorsed his notes, to pay thirty-two thousand dollars to eastern parties. He soon afterwards removed from Martinsburgh. Mr. Johnson was considered the leading merchant of Knox county for many years after he first commenced business in the village and was a great help to the early settlers in enabling them to pay for their farms. He was a leading member of the Martinsburgh Presbyterian church and a very liberal supporter of the same. He died some years after his removal from the village.

The Beckwith Brothers opened a store about the year 1824, and were successful in doing a good business for some years, when they sold their stock of goods to other parties. The first hotel was kept by Solomon Cook on the corner where Bird's store formerly stood. The first mill was erected at a very early date in the history of the village by Enos Beckwith. It was operated by horse-power. The second grist-mill, run by steam-power, was built by Slocum Bunker. The exact date of the erection of these mills is not known. O. Drake was the first blacksmith.

The present population is about three hundred. The population of the village has not increased much since 1830.

At present there are two stores kept by the Cline and Tilton Brothers, respectively, a hotel by Isaac Simpson, one saddler's shop by James Snyder, three shoe shops by David Chandler, Sylvester Rouse and Samuel Hollabaugh, a butcher shop by Conn Simpson and Hugh Boyd, four blacksmith shops by R. P. Gordon, Leroy Beeney, Henry Upfold and Milton Mahaffy, one tailor shop by Elias Hardman, one barber shop by David Kidwell, one tannery by Charles G. Cromer. There are three physicians-Thomas B. Miser, N. S. Toland and John F. Shrauntz.

The post-office is kept by Miss Hettie Kerr.

Martinsburgh has long been celebrated for its educational facilities. In 1838 the building known as the Martinsburgh academy was built. The first trustees were Hugh Elliott, Samuel C. Porterfield, Steven Cook, James Elliott, George McWilliams, Uriah Reece and Aaron Davis. Rev. Henry Hervey was the president, Joseph Clingan, Rev. James Ferguson, David Elliott, Samuel McCreary, Rev. John Elliott, Dr. A. C. Scott, Rev. Israel Dodd, Robert McLoud, Patterson Reese and Alexander S. Berryhill were some of the students who attended the first session of this somewhat noted institution. Among the graduates of the academy who attended subsequent terms were Hon. William Windom, now of Minnesota, who has attained a national reputation; Hon. Judge West, of Bellefontaine; Rev. Alexander Scott, now a noted Presbyterian minister in Iowa, and many others who became useful ministers of the Presbyterian and other churches. The academy was discontinued about 1860, and the building was purchased by the township board of education for the Martinsburgh district school. Owing to the loss of the records a full history of this academy cannot be given.

John Roy was probably the first school teacher of the village school. The union school of Martinsburgh is at present under the superintendency of Professor Ikes, who is assisted by Miss Anna Davis. The board of directors are Wesly Tilton, John Shrauntz, and R. H. Morgan.

Martinsburgh has been noted for religion, morality and temperance. The temperance element is so strong that it is impossible for any vendor of intoxicating liquors to procure a foothold in the village; all attempts to start a saloon have ignominiously failed, and no one can now be found who will brave public sentiment by making the experiment.

The Old School Presbyterians organized a church at a very early date in the history of the town. Rev. James Scott was the first pastor. He remained

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 441

pastor until 1827, when he resigned; and was succeeded by Rev. John McKinney, who was succeeded by Rev. James Campbell. Rev. Campbell officiated until the installation of Rev. Henry Hervey in 1830. When Rev. Henry Hervey assumed the pastorate of this church there were about one hundred members in good standing. His labors were greatly prospered, and at one time there were three hundred members in full connection with the church, and sixty male members who could lead in prayer when called upon so to do. But three of the members who belonged at the time of Rev. Hervey's installation are now living, viz: Ziba Leonard, James Cook, and John McWilliams.

In this connection it would be proper to give a short biographical sketch of Rev. Henry Hervey, who so long "broke the bread of life" to this people. He was born in Brooke county, Virginia, November, 22, 1798. He graduated at Jefferson college, class of 1825, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Washington in 1827, and ordained to the ministry, and installed pastor of the Martinsburgh Presbyterian church, April 15, 1830. Prior to this date he had preached several months in western Virginia and eastern Ohio. In the early part of the year 1829, he came to Knox county, where some months afterwards he received a call from the church at Martinsburgh. He continued to be the faithful and honored pastor of the church until the eighteenth of October, 1867, when he resigned his pastoral charge on account of increasing years and failing health. His death occurred at Martinsburgh, February 17, 1872. The services connected with his funeral were held in the Presbyterian church, March 20th, and an unusually large number of persons of all religious denominations from Knox and Licking counties were present to pay their last tribute of respect to the loved and honored dead. Rev. N. C. Helfridge and Rev. Mr. Walkinshaw were the successors of Rev.Mr. Hervey. The present officers of the church are Elders John Lyon, Smiley Boyd and William Freece; Deacons Isaac Simpson, John McWilliams, William Gilmore, Johnson Sims, and Thomas Stevenson; Trustees William Boyd, Isaac Simpson, and William Gilmore. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Porter who is also superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Baptists organized a church May 14, 1846, with a membership of twelve, viz: Elias Hardman, Jackson Clutter, Michael Cline, Joshua Conway, Nancy Hardman, Sarah Clutter, Jane Conway, Susan Perrick, Elizabeth Barkalow, Nancy Watson, Susan Cline and Eliza Waldron. Elias Hardman was the first clerk, and Michael Cline the first deacon. Rev. D. D. Walden was the first pastor, who was succeeded by Reverends Amos Pratt, Mr. Northrop, N. Martin, R. Lockhart, S. West, J. G. Tunnison, D. B. Sims, C. King, S. Yarnall, A. J. Wiant and S. Yarnell. who is the present pastor. The church is now enjoying a good measure of prosperity.

The Disciples, though not as early in the field as the other denominations, are quite prosperous. They organized a church June 19, 1876. Nathan Veach, H. C. Dicus and W. J. Denton were the first trustees, J. B. Wilson treasurer. Rev. James E. Harris was the first pastor. His successors were Elders Lyman P. Streeter, S. M. Cook and Philo Ingraham. There is a flourishing Sunday school in connection with this church.

The Methodists have not been as prosperous here as the other churches. Their ministers commenced to labor here in early times, and the denomination erected a large and substantial church building many years ago. At the present date the society is very small, and as the official records of the church cannot be found, its early history cannot be given in this chapter.

The Free Presbyterians organized a society some time during the period of the great anti-slavery excitement, which swept over the entire north. They were seceders from the Old School Presbyterian church of Martinsburgh. Quite a large number of the members of the church, who were the most bitterly opposed to slavery, seceded from the church and organized an anti-slavery society under the name of The Free Presbyterian church. They had a moderate degree of prosperity for some years when the church ceased to exist, the majority of the members returning to their former societies. All of the churches mentioned have neat and commodious buildings.

The village has been a sufferer by two fires, the first occurring June 21, 1850, and the second in February 1854. In both cases business blocks

442 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. .

were consumed, and the village has never fully recovered from the effects of the loss. But a small amount of business is now done in Martinsburgh, in comparison with that of fifty years ago. The village was incorporated some years since. R. H. Morgan is mayor at this date.

A small portion of the village of Bladensburgh is in Clay township, but as that village is fully described in the history of Jackson township, it need not be repeated here.

The following were the successive justices of the peace:

1827 James Elliott. 1854-Wallace McWilliams.

1830-Jatties Elliott. 1855-Mercer McFadden.

1831-W. McCreary. 1857-Wallace McWilliams.

1833-W. Spratt. 1858-Isaac Bell.

1834--W. McCreary. 1860-Wallace McWilliams.

1837-W. McCreary. 1860 James Elliott.

1839 James Paul. 1863-Daniel Paul.

1840-W. McCreary. 1864-William McCammet.

1842- James Paul. 1865 John M. Boggs.

1843-W. McCreary. 1866-T. F. Van Voohies.

1845-Wallace McWilliams. 1867-A. S. Kerr.

1846-W. McCreary. 1868-G. P. Porterfield.

1846-John M. Boggs. 1869-David Lawman.

1848-Wallace McWilliams. 1871-Samuel Fowls.

1849-John M. Boggs. 1872-David Lawman.

1851-Wallace McWilliams. 1875-T. F. Van Voohies.

1852 John M. Boggs. 1878-Frank P. Hess.

1878-R. H. Morgan.

CHAPTER XLVIII

CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

ORIGINAL DIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY-LATER MODIFICA

TIONS-MOUNDS-ANDREW CRAIG-A TRAGEDY- BU'T-

LER~S VISIT-HENRY HAINES' INSANITY- JOHN MILLS

OTHER EARLS- SETTLERS-THE PIONEER MILL-OTHER

MILLS-ROADS-AN INDIAN TRAGEDY-TOWNSHIP OFFI-

CERS- JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

CLINTON is one of the four original townships into which Knox county was divided by the commissioners, May 2, 1808. The order in reference to Clinton township is as follows:

Ordered, That the following bounds be laid off into a separate township: Beginning at the northeast corner of Wayne township; thence east to the west side of the eleventh range; thence south to the centre of the township; thence west to the west line of the twelfth range; thence south to the south line of the sixth township; thence west to the west line of the county, which shall be called by the name of Clinton township.

The township thus constituted included Bloomfield, now in Morrow county, Liberty, the north-half of Pleasant, Monroe, Pike, and the south half of Morris. After various changes in the boundaries of the township the commissioners caused this entry to be made in their journal, March 9, 1825: "Clinton township shall be composed of the sixth township in the thirteenth range."

By this last order the area of the township was reduced to about twenty-five square miles of terri tory, which is well watered by Owl creek and its tributaries. The land is all tillable, and of good quality, a great portion of it being an alluvial deposit, highly cultivated

One half mile north of the residence of Morgan F. and Gilman B. Stilley may be seen a mound about fifteen feet high and twenty-five yards in diameter, built of the same material as the surrounding soil. It was opened by Aaron Loveridge, but nothing of importance discovered in it.

To Andrew Craig belongs the honor of being the first white man to locate within the present limits of Clinton township. He came to Ohio from the mountain regions of Virginia. Like his native mountains, he was a rough, rugged, bold man, a regular frontier character, who took delight in hunting, wrestling, and kindred athletic sports. The exact time of his locating on Owl creek is not known, but it is certain that he was in this section of Ohio when Ohio was in its territorial condition.

In September, 1801, Benjamin and John Butler went on an exploring expedition up the Kokosing as far as the mouth of Centre run, and camped over night about one hundred yards north of the creek bank, and about one half mile east of the present site of Mt. Vernon. There they found Andy Craig living in a little log nut, with a woman he had brought with him from the vicinity of Wheeling, Virginia. Not another white family at that time inhabited the entire country watered by the Kokosing and Mohican and their tributaries. An Indian chief and his tribe were encamped at the "Little Indian Fields" near by, and was having a grand pow-wow at the time. In the spring of 1805 Benjamin Butler returned to the country that had so. charmed him in 1801, and found Andy Craig and the Indians still enjoying themselves. From long association with the Indians, and having so

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.- 443

fallen into their customs and modes of life as to be almost identified with them, Craig could not brook the restraints of even such civilization as the white society of that day imposed upon him. So he cast his lot with his dusky friends, and in 1809 removed to Greentown.

About the year 1800 a tragedy was enacted on the point of the bluff between Centre run and Owl creek, which ended in the death of two persons, one white, the other a mulatto. Two slaves had run away from their master, one Tomlinson, who lived in Virginia, and coming into this part of the country had taken up with squaws. Their pursuers tracked them through Zanesville and up Owl creek, and finally came upon them at Andy Craig's. One of the boys, a mulatto, recognized his master's son as he approached with two other men, and sprang to the bank into the creek, pursued by the men, who overtook him in the middle of the stream, and a deadly struggle took place, in which he killed his young master, but was then overpowered, taken to the hut, tied, and shortly after placed on the horse his young master had ridden, and the company started for Virginia with him. The second night after leaving Craig's they built a camp fire and left the mulatto tied by it, when they went out for game. On their return he was found to have been shot. It is believed that they had become tired of taking him along, and as he was surly and troublesome, he was killed out of revenge for the loss of young Tomlinson.

Benjamin Butler related that on the occasion of his trip to Owl creek in 1801, Andy Craig told him the particulars of this fight, and that in 1805, when he made a visit to Sandusky plains, he saw the negro that escaped, who was then living with a squaw among the Indians, and talked with him about this affair.

Henry Haines, one of the members of the Pennsylvania colony, came to Knox county about 1803 or 1804 with his family, and settled in what is generally termed the Ten Mile settlement, the farm now owned by the Hon. Columbus Delano forming part of the colony's possessions. The land was first purchased by William Leonard, the patriarch of the settlement. Mr. Haines was one of the best men in the county at its organization in 1808. He was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was a man of education and property, and was, at the time of his melancholy death, in easy circumstances. He was 'a man of great ingenuity, and with a turning-lathe he had in his house, made many useful household articles.

Prior to 1825, the commissioners appointed the county treasurers. Mr. Haines was their first appointment, it having been made in the year 1808, shortly after the organization of the county. Mr. Haines held the office up to 1815, when he was succeeded by Mr. George Downs.

Mr. Haines became deranged on the subject of religion, and was at the time an active and leading member of the Christian denomination at that early day called New Lights. He officiated with James Smith in the first conference held in the county, of which David Young, of Zanesville, was presiding elder.

Mr. Haines became a loud exhorter, and, being deranged, secured a tin horn and rode around the town and county, day and night, notifying the people to prepare for judgment, as the world was coming to an end. He proclaimed the same doctrine in his insane moments as that subsequently promulgated by the Millerites.

When he became ungovernable he was taken to Dr. R. D. Moore, who confined him in a mad shirt, or straight jacket,. and treated him for several weeks, until he was restored to reason; but he said if he ever became insane again he would kill Dr. Moore. Shortly after this the doctor removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Haines again became deranged, and was soon missed by his relatives and friends. Search was made for him, but with failure. His unexplained absence created considerable alarm. The first information that his family received of his whereabouts was in a letter from Dr. Moore. Haines had made his way to Connellsville for the purpose of killing the doctor, and had stolen the family silver spoons to pay his way. Upon his arrival at Connellsville he had become rational again, and he told the doctor what his purpose had been. Dr. Moore took the poor man to his home, cared for his wants, retained him for several weeks, and provided means for his return home. In the summer of 1817 the tin horn had ceased to be heard on the streets of Mt. Vernon for several days and nights. Haines had

444 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

left his home once more. Word was brought to town that Hains was missing, and fears entertained that he had made away with himself. It was on Sunday, and nearly all the population of the village turned out to scour the woods adjacent Jo his farm. It was not until late in the afternoon that he was found, suspended from the limb of a small tree, about a quarter of a mile south of his residence on the Merritt farm. Thomas Kerr, now of Liberty township, was one of the searchers, and has a vivid recollection of the occurrence.

Robert Thompson, from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, ascended Owl creek in 1804, and selected a site for a farm two miles west of the public square in Mt. Vernon, now on the old Delaware road and occupied by Morgan F. and Gilman B. Stilley. Mr. Thompson was a surveyor, and was in July, 1805, employed by Butler, Patterson & Walker to survey the new town of Mt. Vernon. He spent the greater part of life on his farm, and he and his wife now sleep together on a little knoll east of the old homestead.

Moses Craig married a daughter of Robert Thompson and came to Knox county at the same time.

John Mills was one of the parties who emigrated from Ten Mile, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, to the Harris settlement south of Mt. Vernon, 1n 1804.

0n the fourteenth of February, 1808, the general assembly of Ohio by joint ballot appointed William W. Farquhar, John Mills and William Gass, associate judges for Knox county, and on the twenty-eighth of March of the same year, the commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice for Knox county appeared before John Mills, justice of the peace, and were qualified to perform their duties. Mr. Mills held the office of associate judge until May 9, 1814, when he was succeeded by Samuel Kratzer.

Peter Baxter was one of the original settlers 1n the Haines' settlement, and was a member of the first jury impaneled in the county-the jury that convicted William Hedrick, who was publicly whipped for stealing. Isaac Bonnett came to Clinton township in 1805, located north of the old Delaware road and built the first brick house in the township, now occupied by Albert Sharp.

About 1805 or before, the Haines settlement was augmented by the arrival of the Leonard family, and the last will and testament of William Leonard was the first instrument of that kind admitted to probate in the courts of Knox county.

Matthew Merritt came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and located on the land now occupied by Hon. Columbus Delano. Mr. Merritt was foreman of the first grand jury impaneled in Knox county, March 29, 1808, and in October of the same year he was elected county commissioner, for two years. Mr. Merritt was also elected justice of the peace for Clinton township in 1809.

The Beams, Lafevers, Walkers and others were also early settlers of Clinton township, but as their history is more closely identified with that of Mt. Vernon, it will be found in that connection.

Ebenezer and Abner Brown came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and located in the Haines settlement. Here they erected the first grist-mill in Knox county. It was a very primitive structure, and while it bore no outward resemblance to Solomon's temple, it was yet constructed "without the sound of the hammer upon iron." It was built entirely of wood; a sugar trough sufficed for a meal-box, and for want of iron the stones, which were about two feet in diameter, were hooped with slippery elm bark. It was propelled by water, and cracked corn very well when copious rains furnished sufficient motive power. The building was about ten feet square. constructed of rough logs, and was located on Delano's run, above the Martinsburgh road. It was principally fed at that time by what was called the Little Lake, but the lake, like the mill, is a thing of the past, having been so drained and altered by ditching as to no longer be entitled to that appellation. This mill, although of the rudest possible construction, was sufficient to "amaze the gazing rustics round" with its wonderful mechanical perfection. The stones are still relics of "ye olden time."

About the year 1815 a man named Wolgamott owned a small saw-mill on Delano's run, just, below where the Martinsburgh road crosses the same. Later Walter Turner built a saw-mill on Owl creek, above the mouth of Center run, and James Newell erected one on Armstrong's run.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 445

The .Martin steam saw-mill, Mr. George R. Martin being proprietor, is located at the intersection of the Newark and Granville roads, near the city of Mount Vernon, and is the only manufacturing establishment in Clinton township, outside of the city limits. The first mill was erected on these grounds by the firm of Shipley, Martin & Hart, in 1854, where .they manufactured all kinds of hard lumber up to 1856, when the mill was destroyed by fire. The firm soon erected a new and more complete mill on the old site. This mill they operated with entire success until after the close of the late war of the rebellion, the demand for hard lumber being up to the full capacity of the mill. After the war, business being dull, and little or no demand for their lumber, a change in the proprietorship took place, until Mr. George R. Martin became sole owner. The. business was continued with more or less success, as the demand increased or decreased, until 1874, when fire again destroyed the mill. With his usual energy and business tact, Mr. Martin soon erected the present mill upon the old site where he continues to manufacture hard lumber of all kinds, fully equal to the demand.

In 1870 Robert Kelly and Byron Welch erected the Mount Vernon flax mills on the west bank of Owl creek, one and a half miles west of Mount Vernon. The main building is forty by seventy feet square. The engine-house is built of brick and is twenty by thirty feet in size. The buildings and machinery when ready to commence the manufacture of bagging for cotton bales, cost twenty-two thousand dollars.

Messrs Kelly & Welch operated the mills about five years, when, owing to the action of Congress in abolishing the tariff' on jute, they failed in business, and at the assignees' sale Messrs. F. C. Wolf and Benjamin Martin purchased the mills for four thousand six hundred and seventy dollars. Wolf & Martin ran the mills two years, since which time they have been standing idle.

The first roads laid out through Clinton township were the following: A road from Mt. Vernon to the west line of the county, petitioned for by Samuel Kratzer and others. Ziba Leonard, Nathaniel Critchfield, and Joseph Coleman, were appointed viewers, and John Dunlap, surveyor, and they made their return on the fourth day of August, 1808.

The next was the Mt. Vernon and Newark road, petitioned for by John Dunlap and twenty-one others. William Gass, Henry Haines, and James Colville, were appointed viewers, and John Dunlap surveyor. The return to the county commissioners was made September 22, 1808. A road from Mt. Vernon to Francis Hardesty's was returned June 12, 1810. The State road from Cleveland to Columbus afterwards occupied very nearly the same ground. "John Stilley's road" was laid out in 1814.

The old Delaware road was surveyed by the State in September, 1817, and laid out on very nearly the same ground as the first road from Mt. Vernon to the west line of the county. The new Delaware road was laid out by Frederick Avery, John Storm, and George Lewis, commissioners appointed by the State, and a copy of the survey filed in the office of the commissioners of Knox county, November 30, 1830..

The Ohio Register of May 7, 1817, contains the following account of an Indian murder which occurred in Clinton township the week previous. The murder took place at an Indian encampment a short distance north of where the present White bridge spans the creek at the west end of High street. The encampment was on the west side of the creek:

Some day last week a small party of Indians, principally of the Mohawk tribe, arrived in this town for the purpose of trading off their cranberries, etc., to the white people. They encamped on the west side of Owl creek, and remained there in apparent harmony until Friday last, when that arch enemy of the civilized and savage (whiskey) made his appearance among them. It appears that two of the Indians having become rather "cockoosey," began scuffling with each other through diversion, when a third (more intoxicated than the others) interfered, and fell upon Jim Wyandot, who took the rough salutations of his adversary in good part, until he became too severe, when he informed him that they two had only been diverting themselves; but the murderer, disregarding the protestations of the deceased, fell upon him with the greater fury, armed with a tomahawk, scalping-knife, and club, and finally succeeded in killing Wyandott by giving him a blow on the breast with the club. It appears that Wyandot, when he found that forbearance had ceased to be a virtue, made a strong resistance-but in vain! The murderer belongs to the Delaware tribe, and we are informed that this is the second homicide he has committed. He decamped the next morning.

We cannot here omit to mention that a gentleman of this town, with a humane generosity which does him much honor,

446 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

presented the friends of the deceased with a coffin for their red brother.

Clinton township-outside of the city limits-has a population of nine hundred and twenty-six, six schools and a convenient number of good roads. Two railroads traverse its territory-the Lake Erie division of the Baltimore & Ohio road, and the Cleveland, Mt Vernon & Columbus road.

The first election was held in Mt Vernon, and all subsequent elections until April, 1866, when the voting place was changed to the brick schoolhouse south of the Owl Creek bridge. At the last election Samuel Davis, John Boyd, and William McFadden were chosen trustees; R N. Kindrick, treasurer; L. E. Huntsberry, clerk; Edward M. Knight and W. L. Vance, constables; F. M. Shaffer, assessor; W. L. King, Norman L Wall, Ezra Thayer, Thomas Spearman, C. D. Rinehart, William L. Morey, and J. B. Steinmetz, board of education.

The following is a list of justices of the peace in and for Clinton township: John Mills, 1806; T. B. Patterson, 1808; Matthew Merritt, 1809; Samuel Kratzer, Silas Brown, and Allen Scott, 1811; James Smith and Benjamin Barney, 1815; Benjamin Martin and Stephen Chapman, 1817; John Roberts, 1818; William Y. Farquhar and Benjamin Martin, 1820 ; John Roberts, 1821 ; John H. Mefford, 1822; William Y. Farquhar, 1823; John Roberts, 1824; Joseph Brown and James McGibeny, 1825; John Roberts, 1826; Gideon Mott and William Bevans, 1830; S. W. Hildreth, 1831; William Bevans and Thomas Irvine, 1833; S. W. Hildreth, Johnson Elliott, and Thomas Irvine, 1836; Timothy Colopy, 1837 ; B. F. Smith and Robert F. Hickman, 1839; William Welsh, 1840; B. F. Smith, Robert F. Hickman, E. W. Cotton, 1842 ; William H. Cochran, 1843; Benjamin McCracken, 1845; E. W. Cotton, 1845; Nathaniel McGiffin, William H. Cochran, and Truman Ward, 1846; E. W. Cotton, 1848; William H. Cochran, 1849; Joseph S. Davis, 1850; E. W. Cotton, 1851; William H. Cochran, 1852; Joseph S. Davis, 1853; Thompson Cooper, 1854; Samuel O. Beach and William H. Cochran, 1855; Thompson Cooper, Thomas V. Parke, and William H. Cochran, 1858; Calton C. Baugh and Thomas Cooper, 1860; Henry Warner, 1861; Henry Phillips, 1863; Edmund V. Brent, 1864; Henry Phillips, 1866; John Y. Reeve, 1867; Thomas V. Parke, 1869; William Dunbar, 1870; Thomas V. Parke, 1872; B. A. F. Greer, 1873; Thomas V. Parke, 1875; John D. Ewing, 1876; Calton C. Baugh, 1878; John D. Ewing, 1879.

CHAPTER XLIX.

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY-DISTILLERY-ORGANIZATION -ELECTION

ROADS-THE CONDITION IN 1829--THE MILL RACE-THE

VILLAGE AND ITS BUSINESS-JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

THE PRESS OF GAMBIER-THE DWARFS - CHURCHES.

MORE than ten years prior to the organization of this territory into a separate township, it was in possession of the trustees of Kenyon college; and that famous institution, under the direction of Bishop Chase, was in course of erection. The land was owned by a non-resident, Mr. William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. This gentleman owned the northeast quarter of Pleasant (now College) township (four thousand acres), which was purchased by Bishop Chase for the college grounds.

The entire tract was covered with a dense forest. The woods on the hill, where the college now stands, were somewhat open, owing, in part, to a wind-storm having at some period passed over it and prostrated the trees. Much of the history of the first settlement of this township will be found in the chapter following this; also many other matters connected with its early history.

The rich valley lands in this township had been under cultivation since 1812, the inhabitants being known as squatters. They owned no land, were without property or education, and lived mostly by hunting, but had cleared up a few acres of ground around each cabin. As late as 1829, however, it appeared that only a small portion of the bottom land was cleared. From the top of the hill to the east line of the township was a dense forest of sugar, hickory, black walnut, etc. In those very early days a distillery was located near a large spring one hundred rods or more northeast of the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 447

present site of Milner hall. There were no roads, but many paths and blazed trails through the forest, every one of which led as directly to this distillery as the spokes of a wheel to the hub. This necessity of pioneer life was, in 1830, used as a washhouse, where the washing for the college students was done. Every vestige of it has long since disappeared. As a distillery it was closed upon the advent of Bishop Chase, who was a strict temperance man.

The inconvenience of attending the township elections, at a point located some miles away on the Mt. Vernon and Martinsburgh road, induced the citizens living on the college grounds to petition the legislature to have this tract set off and organized into a separate township. The petition was granted, and the first election held December 21, 1838, at the public house in Gambier, kept by Mordecai W. Vore, and the following officers elected:

O. Lane, J. McMahon, M. W. Vore, trustees; D. L Forbes, clerk; O. Welchymer and N. Head, constables; J. Kendrick and W. Claytor, overseers of the poor; M. T. C. Wing, treasurer; T. G. Odiorne, G. C. Johnson, N. Weaver, fence viewers; W. M. Lane and A. K. Forbes, supervisors. The voters in the early elections numbered twenty to thirty, and almost all of these were connected with the institution as professors, agents, keepers of boarding-houses, or other establishments dependant upon the college for sustenance.

At the spring election, 1859, J. McMahon, T. G. Odiorne and M. W. Vore were elected trustees; A. G. Scott, clerk; and M. T. C. Wing, treasurer. M. T. C. Wing was re-elected again and again, until he declined serving in 1842, when G. W. Meyers was chosen treasurer. Mr. Meyers was one of the earliest settlers of this township; a good practical printer and bookbinder, the first in these two trades on "the hill;" he contributed much to the preservation of works in the libraries of the institution. For many years he was connected with the Acland Press. The printing office was the gift of liberalminded English Protestants to Bishop Chase in 1825, and received its name in honor of Lady Acland, the fair donor who started the subscription. Upon this has been published various literary and religious articles calculated to advance the cause of learning and religion.

Prior to 1829 there were no roads over Gambier hill. The road from Mt. Vernon east passed around the foot of the hill and separating near the present residence of William Wright, one road led south, crossed the river below the present mill-dam and connected with the old Cambridge road, a mile south of Hopewell church. The road east wound thiough the brush and timber, crossing the river at Troutman's ford. In November, 1829, as Bishop Chase was about departing on a tour east for the purpose of raising money for the college, he instructed Mr. N. W. Putnam (yet living, an old and much respected resident of Gambier) to get up petitions in proper form, to the county commissioners, for four roads, making the public well in Gambier the starting point. One road was to lead north- toward Amity; one east toward New Castle; one south toward East Union and Bladensburgh, and one due west to the old Cambridge road in Pleasant township, crossing the river near the present railroad bridge. The petitions were duly written out by Mr. Putnam; the requisite number of signatures obtained; the petitions granted, and the four roads duly surveyed and established by the commissioners of Knox county.

Upon the return of Bishop Chase in May following, he went immediately to Mr. Putnam with an angry lowering countenance, such as only Bishop Chase could wear, and asked in a stern manner who had been meddling with the road matter. When Mr. Putnam informed him that he was the author of the mischief and that it was by his (the bishop's) directions that the work was done, he was sternly rebuked, and informed that no such orders had ever been issued. It seems that, with the press of greater matters, the bishop had entirely forgotten about ordering the laying out of roads. He informed Mr. Putnam that he never intended to have public roads through Gambier; that he designed enclosing the "hill" in a high board fence, and place a keeper's lodge at the foot of the hill, near the road to Mt Vernon. The road west was to start from the west end of Wiggin street (the main street east and west across the hill). The upsetting of the bishop's arrangements about the road ruffled his temper for some time, and to multiply the bad effects of a public road westward, he caused to be prepared a sign-board, on which

448 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

was painted in large letters the following: "West end of Wiggin street." This board was nailed to a post set on the bank of the creek, on the west side near the Mt Vernon road. In the course of a few days some waggish fellow took up the post and pitched it, sign and all, into the river. Shortly after, it was discovered standing erect at the mill dam.

The following from the pen of Mr. Putnam, above mentioned, is interesting as giving a picture of the condition of things west of and in the village of Gambier in 1829:

The most prominent building east of Main street, Mount Vernon, at that time (1829) was the somewhat aristocratic residence of the late judge J. B. Thomas. Judge Thomas was the real author of the Missouri compromise-a measure, it was hoped, would for all time to come, settle the vexed question of slavery. In front of the residence of judge Thomas now owned by P. H. Updegrafl; esq., was a long row of Lombardy poplars standing as erect as a platoon of French grenadiers at a review. In those days the Lombardy poplar was a sure indication of civilization and culture-since then it has been voted a nuisance, and is now scarcely to be seen in any part of our country. Judge Thomas' place was the extreme eastern improvement on Gambier street. From thence to the top of the Brew house hill was an unbroken forest. Near the top of the hill on the northeast side near the spring, was a small clearing and a cabin occupied by a Mr. Thrailkill. A few straggling peach trees were standing there for some years afterwards. From this point to the place now owned by Walter McClelland there was no improvement. This last named place, known as the half-way house, was owned by a very worthy Frenchman from the island of Guernsey, by the name of Torode. Mr. Torode came to this neighborhood in 1828, for the purpose of locating on the college land-he and his large family being zealous Episcopalians. Bishop Chase adopted, at this early period, the plan of holding all occupants of college lands as tenants at will, whether farmers, mechanics, or others, liable to be discharged at any moment when the bishop should feel so disposed. Mr. Torode, having some money, preferred to be his own master, and the best thing he could do under the circumstances, was to purchase land of Daniel S. Norton, and open and improve a farm of his own. These lands of Mr. Norton being the nearest to the college that he could procure. Mr. Torode, having a large family of strong able bodied boys, soon made an opening in the woods, built a large double-log cabin, put out fruit trees, etc. The large cherry trees now standing in front of the house were of his planting. Some years afterwards he sold the property back to Mr. Norton for the purpose of going west to obtain a larger quantity of land for his growing family. He settled in Cook county, near Chicago.

From the half-way house to the foot of the hill known as the Bishop's back-bone, was an unbroken forest of oak timber. Near the present residence of W. S. Wing was a cabin, with a few acres of cleared land and a small orchard. This place was occupied by Mr. Owen Lane, the father of James and P. C. Lane, of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Lane died at this place some forty years ago. The next improvement was what was afterward nick-named Frog hall, a comfortable log house near the foot of the hill, a few hundred yards northwest of Bishop Bedell's present residence. At the time the writer came to Gambier this house was occupied by Mr. W. K. Lamson from Columbus, head clerk in the college store. Not long after a daughter o f Mr. Lane married the Rev. Mr. Preston, of Columbus, and some years later another daughter of Mr. Lane married the great war secretary, Hon. E. M. Stanton, of Pittsburgh. A short distance south of Frog hall was a cabin, previously occupied by Solomon Shaffer, one of the well-known pioneers of Knox county, the father of Mrs. Andrew Miller, now living at an advanced age at Monroe Mills. The Shaffer cabin was afterwards, for many years, occupied by Morris Grimna, a very good man, well known in the early history of Gambler. Our next step forward brings us to the top of the hill in what is now the classic village of Gambier. The road east at that time did not pass over the hill as now, but wound around the hill, near where stands the pleasant residence of William Wright, thence easterly near where now stands the depot, thence on to the Troutman ferry. There were two or three cabins along this road west and south of the college, one occupied as a schoolhouse, where Mr. Owen Lane taught for one or two winters after the writer came to Gambier. This same school-house had been used previously by Philander Chase Freeman, a nephew of Bishop Chase, from New Hampshire, now deceased, who gives a vivid idea of what Gambier was at the time referred to in a communication, from which the following is taken

" When I first entered Kenyon, then located at Worthington, Ohio, was in its infancy, and its inhabitants not much advanced in knowledge or civilization. My first years at Kenyon were spent in a long cabin for my study. I went to Gambier before the college was erected, and before any improvements were made on the college hill. The first night I spent on the hill was in a cabin of boughs covered with English blankets, the donation of English liberality, while the foundations of Kenyon were being laid. In the winter of 1827 I was engaged in teaching the first rudiments of the English language to the original settlers, in a log cabin situated about forty rods west of the college building, on the banks of Owl creek, alias Vernon river, alias Kokosing. I spent three months of the winter of 1827 in Perry township, Coshocton county, teaching the good peoples' children. My terms of tuition were two dollars per scholar for the three months, payable in corn at ten cents per bushel, and wheat at twenty-five cents per bushel. I had a school of eighty scholars or upward. My recompense in corn and wheat all went to Kenyon to pay for my board and tuition. The college building was not completed to receive occupants till about three months before I received my degree, consequently during all my college course I lived in temporary buildings, except three months."

The charge in college for board, tuition, room rent, lights, fuel and washing, in those days, was only sixty dollars for the year of forty weeks.

The village of Gambier, at that time, consisted of five twostory houses with four rooms on each floor, built of green oak, lumber from the college saw-mill, for the use of the students until the college building should be ready for use. Four of these buildings are yet standing where originally built. One of them is a part of Mr. Scott's store; another a part of the hotel (Kenyon house). The two others, Mr. Waugh's house, and the Lurkin house, now partly occupied by the shoe shop of Mr. Joseph R. Brown. Besides these houses there was a log build-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 449

ing used for a store till, 1834, near where Mr. French's store now stands. This store house was built in 1828 by the late Warner ferry, and was intended for a blacksmith shop. The Bishop and Mr. Terry fell out in regard to a title to the lot, and Mr. T. removed to Mt. Vernon. There was also near where the Church of the Holy Spirit now stands, a double log cabin, one part used as the Bishop's "palace," the other end for a kitchen, where provisions were cooked for the students. A frame building nearly forty feet long, attached to the kitchen, was used for a dining-room and chapel. The cooking department was under the charge of Mrs. Russel, a niece of the Bishop, so well known to the students in those days. The allowance for each student at that time -for his Sunday dinner, during the winter and spring, "was a large buiscuit and a piece of dried apple pie." Near the college building was a one-story stone house, occupied by Dr. Sparrow as a family residence. Soon after Bishop McIlvaine came, a brick front was added to it, and was for many years ccupied by the late Professor Trimble. Near it was a frame building used as a printing office, where was issued in 1830 the first Episcopal paper west of the Alleghany mountains, and which has been continued uninterruptedly to the present time under different names and different publishers and editors. For sonic two or three years it was published and edited in Mt. Vernon by Mr. Muenscher, afterwards removed to Cincinnati, and is now published under the name of the Standard of the Cross at Cleveland.

There were no improvements at the time we sneak of east of. Gambier hill, until you reach the ferry at Troutman s. t he intervening space was heavily timbered with walnut, hickory, sugar and oak. This track was cleared mostly during the agency of Mr. Odiorne, between 1833 and 1840. President . Bodine has stated in some of his publications, that nearly all the bottom lands were cleared by squatters as early as 1812. This is a mistake. At the tithe Bishop Chase purchased the lands, there were but few openings; those usuaully where there was a spring, generally at the foot of the hills: The bottoms were considered unhealthy and avoided on that account. A short distance across the river was the stone house now owned by T. R. Head. It was built and owned by Solomon Welker, a well-to-do farmer, and who was engaged also in running a big Pennsylvania wagon, hauling goods, etc., for Bishop Chase and others. Not being satisfied with doing well, he was ambitious to do better - sold his farm and purchased the Hawnmill property at Millwood. He also engaged in merchandizing, and in a few years failed utterly, and found himself a poor man. He supported himself and family during the last years of his life by jobbing about Millwood with a team, whenever he could find employment. The contrast between the career of 'Mr. Welker and the present owner of the stone house farm is singularly striking.

Near the residence of Mr. Walker were three or four families, old pioneers, who have long since passed away, among them John Troutman, Alexander Ream, George Lybarger, and Mr. Hull. The homesteads of Mr. Troutman, Mr. Ream and George Lybarger, are owned and occupied by their descendants. Mr. Hull sold his farm to the present owner, Jonathan McArtor, and moved many years ago to northern Indiana.

In another communication, Mr. Putnam writes as follows regarding Bishop Chase's first mill-race

The need of a saw-mill to supply lumber for the new college building was apparent from the start. The first plan was to use whip saws, but this was slow work, and a saw-mill became indispensable. The first business was to select a site for the mill. The Bishop selected the spot .where the present mill now stands. In his reminiscences he says, "The whole stream of Vernon river (Owl creek,) makes a bend almost equal to a circle, or rather resembles an ox bow-the canal to be cut across the neck of this bow is called the race. The force of all the teams, with many earth scrapers, had been employed for several weeks, but the work was more tedious than anticipated and went on but slowly, when a storm of rain, usual at this. season (September), but seldom so copious, commenced. It poured down for several days almost incessantly. The river rose to an uncommon height, and being stopped by the mill-dam (already built), inundated the whole surface of the low lands." The Bishop gave up all as lost. The dam could not be seen, and the water rising and carrying everything before it. The assuaging of the waters brought to view the fact that the dam was safe, and had stood firm-and as the flood drew off its force a channel was found in the commenced race, and the whole race was nearly all excavated, thereby saving an expenditure of several hundred dollars. This mark of providential goodness was of signal service in building Kenyon college.

As before stated, Bishop Chase insisted upon controlling absolutely the college grounds, and during his control of them would allow no business to be transacted, either in the way of farming or merchandizing, without his especial supervision, and without securing a large share of the profits of such business for the use of the college; and in addition he insisted on considering all, who settled on the grounds as tenants-at will, liable to be ejected at any hour whenever his "Royal Highness" pleased. Of course such arbitrary rules were a detriment to he settlement and development of the college lands. He would have no town laid out, nor would he have the land divided into farms, but allotted his tenants such portions as he desired. Quite a number of people undertook to do business, under these circumstances, on the Bishop's premises, but nearly all failed.

The village of Gambier was not laid out until about 1845, long after the bishop departed; but prior to that several parties attempted to carry on mercantile business near the college under such arbitrary restrictions as the bishop chose to allow. The first store, as has been before stated, was the supply store started by the bishop himself, in a log building that stood about where Mr. French's store now stands. The first clerk in this store was Robert Burnside, who was followed by A. W. Putnam, above mentioned. These gentlemen managed the business for the bishop until 1833, when

450 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

the bishop, having more on his hands than he could attend to, sold the privilege of merchandizing to Messrs. M. & G. B. White, of New York. By the terms of the contract, the bishop was to receive one hundred dollars per year rent, and onehalf of the profits of the business. This arrangement succeeded very well the first year, and the bishop cleared about fifteen hundred dollars. It was a time when a great number of workmen were engaged on the college, and the entire community patronized the store. After the first year, however, the business did not pay, and Messrs. White & Co. soon threw up the contract. Other parties tried it, among whom was Mr. Putnam, but all failed to make anything. The bishop being inexorable in his determination to adhere to his terms, Mr. Putnam moved his store to Martinsburgh, and for a time Gambier was without a merchant. This did away with the "monopoly," and thereafter stores were admitted to the college j grounds free. The new store room that had been erected by Mardenbro White was the finest building in town. It was frame, two stories in height, about fifty feet in length and painted white. It was erected in 1833, and the store opened in 1834. In 1836 Putnam & Topping erected their storeroom, similar to the above. Both these buildings are now used as dwellings. The third store was started by Baldwin Norton about 1840. It was first kept in a small building where the hotel now stands, but he afterwards erected the building on the corner now occupied by Mr. Harnwell, as a storeroom. The town was laid out about 1845, but no building of consequence was done until 1851, as there seemed to be a difficulty about getting titles. About 1851, the college grounds were laid off into farms, and the town into lots, and the sale of the property was determined upon. The first sold was the "south" section, or that part belonging to Pleasant township, and the sale continued from time to time until the college grounds, proper, were reduced to their present proportions -probably five hundred acres or less. A. G. Scott opened a store in Gambier about 1838, which has been continued until the present time, and is now conducted by C. G. Scott & Co. A. B. Norton was for several years engaged in the merchandizing and milling business here. H. H. French is one of the oldest merchants in the place at present, having carried on the book and drug business many years. Many business men have appeared here from time to time, among whom were E. Pearce, Witt & Mulford, G. J. «'. Pearce, Russel Clark, Mr. Clements, A. K Fobes, and J. Waugh. Mr. Sharp, in early times, was the brewer and baker, in a large stone house in the rear of the main college building, which has long since disappeared. The present stores, beside those named, are kept by B. Harnwell, S. R. Doolittle, and William Oliver. There are two blacksmith and carriage shops, two shoe shops, a hotel and other minor business establishments. The first hotel was erected by Archibald Douglas, on the spot where the present hotel building stands. It was a small, rough frame building. The present hotel was erected about 1855-6, by Robert Wright, father of the present landlord.

The old college mill, elsewhere mentioned, erected by Bishop Chase, long since went into decay, and on its site, many years ago, Daniel S. Norton put up one of the finest mills on the Kokosing. The "Kenyon Mills"' flour acquired a good reputation.

The post-office, upon Bishop Chase's application, was established in 1826, and was for a number of years kept by M. T. C. Wing. About 1846 Benoni Elliott, a student from the District of Columbia, was appointed. In 1849 Mr. Wing was again appointed postmaster; he was followed in 1853 by James Young; in 1857, by E. J. Riley, and in 1861 by Joseph Leonard. Mr. Leonard was followed by the present incumbent, Mrs. Fearns, who is very acceptable to the people, and has held the office many years.

Following is a list of the justices of the peace of this township: x839, John Powell; 1839, C. S. Johnson; 1840, A. G. Scott; 1842, A. K. Fobes; 1843, A. G. Scott; 1844, E. M. Gwin; 1845, A. G. Scott;. 1845, G. C. Johnson; 1847, E. M. Gwin; 1847, B. Elliott; 1848, G. C. Johnson; . 1850, N. W. Putnam; 1853, N. W. Putnam; 1853, D. L. Fobes; 1855, J. H. C. Bonte; 1856, N. W. Putnam; 1856, Norman Badger; 1857, John Cunningham; 1859, George J. W. Pearce; 1860, John Cunningham; 1862, George J. W. Pearce; 1863, John Cunningham; 1863, G. S. Benedict;

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 451

1866, Joseph Leonard; 1866, D. L. Fobes; 1869, D. L. Fobes; 1869, George S. Benedict; 1870, Joseph Leonard; 1872, D. L. Fobes; 1872, George J. W. Pearce; 1875, John Cunningham; 1875, D. L. Fobes; 1878, D. L. Fobes; 1878, George S. Benedict

The first paper started in Gambier was in 1838, when the Gambier Observer made its appearance from the Acland press. In after years the paper was known as the Western Episcopalian. The paper was devoted to the interest of the church, and to the interest of Kenyon college more particularly. It was conducted under different editorial and financial managers, its publishers being George W. Myers and R. M. Edmonds. It was ably edited by Dr. Sparrow, Dr. Wing, Dr. Muenscher, Dr. Cotton, the Rev. Norman Badger, and George Denison, and was favored with many very able articles from the pens of professors of the college and other friends. The paper was first removed to Cincinnati, then to Cleveland, where, under a different name, Standard of the Cross, it is doing efcient work both for the church and for the college, under the able management of the Rev. Dr. French. The Collegian, a monthly magazine was published at Gambier for two years by R. N1. Edmonds, and was ably edited by the college professors and students. The Gambier Argus followed the Collegian, and was published by R. M. Edmonds 8, Daniel Hunt for some four years, and after the death of Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Hunt conducted the paper about a year, when the type and press were sold to a young man named Fant, who, for four months published the Gambier Herald. For the past three years the students have published a monthly paper styled the Kenyon Advance, strictly a college paper. The first year it was published at the Argus office, Gambier, but for the last two years the Advance has been printed at Columbus.

Two very strange dwarfs appear to have had for a short time a residence in this township. Thirty years ago a Mr. Porter, a man of family and in straightened circumstances, came from Tiverton township, Coshocton county, and settled on the owl creek bottoms, in a little log but near the residence of Lewis White. His wife had been previously married to a Mr. Davis, and besides other children was the mother of two dwarfs-twins. They appeared to belong more to the monkey species than the human, having paws instead of hands and feet, and faces and heads shaped like monkeys. They could not speak but possessed some intelligence. Mr. Lyman Warner, an enterprising Yankee from the Western Reserve, hearing of them, conceived the idea of making a fortune out of'them by exhibiting them to the public, and gave them the high sounding names of "Plutano and Vespasinus, or the wild men of the Island of Borneo." An arrangement was made with the Porters, and Mr. Warner travelled several years with the dwarfs making the business a success. After some years Mr. Porter, concluding that Warner was making too much money out of his children, concluded to conduct the business himself, and when the twins were brought home on a visit refused to let Warner have them again. Out of this refusal grew a law suit well remembered by some of the attorneys of Mount Vernon. The court decided in favor of Warner, who had taken the precaution to secure a time contract of the Porters, and that gentleman continued his exhibitions and accompanied the same with an entertaining lecture. He sent the children's share of the money regularly to Mr. A. G. Scott, of Gambier, who held it in trust for the payment on a small tract of land, some thirty acres, which had been purchased for them of Daniel S. Norton, and which was located in Pleasant township on the high ground nearly opposite of what is known as the Half Way house. It is yet occupied by some of the Porter family.

Mr. Warner moved to Farmington, Illinois, and died in 1871, the dwarfs passing into other hands some time before this, since which nothing has been heard of them. They are supposed to be dead. The mother still lives in Pleasant township. Property belonging to the boys in Tiverton, Coshocton county, having been sold, and the fact of the death of the children not being substantiated, a suit in the court of common pleas of that county regarding the settlement of this problem is now pending.

The first religious services in Gambier were held by Bishop Chase under the wide spreading branches of the native forest trees, and his audience was

452 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

composed mostly of those who were in his employ. Religious services were also held in his cabin. The first religious organization was known as the Harcourt parish, so named in honor of an English nobleman, who gave pecuniary assistance to the young institution and who was also a minister. Harcourt parish was organized in June, 1827. The minutes of the first meetings have not been preserved. The records of 1828 show that Nicholas Trode, senior warden, was chairman, and Charles W. Adams, secretary. The wardens and vestrymen elected on Easter . Monday, 1828, were James Glass, Richard Young, N. Trode, David Ash, and Milo Everts. At the Easter meeting 1829, W. K. Lamson and Charles Elliott were elected senior wardens, and John Robinson, Milo Everts, N. Trode, David Ash, and C. W. Adams, vestrymen; George P. Williams and Alva Guion were made delegates to the diocesan convention. Mr. Williams is the only one of the above list now living, and is the Rev. George P. Williams, D. D., Emeritus professor of mathematics of the University of Michigan, aged about eighty years.

At the parish meetings in April, 1831, Bishop Chase made a brief address stating that the peculiar situation of the parish as connected with Kenyon college; the danger of collision between the college faculty and the parish officers, rendered it necessary that the parish organization be dissolved; .but as the parish was entitled to representation in the diocesan convention, the meeting would proceed to the election of two delegates for that purpose, and Charles Elliott and George Denison were duly elected.

This arrangement did not last but a few months. In September of that year Bishop Chase resigned his office of bishop of Ohio and president of the seminary and college, and in the following year removed to Michigan. In March, 1835, he was elected bishop of Illinois, removed to Peoria county and established an institution called "Jubilee college."

In the spring of 1832 the parish held its regular Easter meeting, and the following officers were elected: Archibald Douglass and Milo Evarts, wardens; George W. Meyers, John Clements, N. W. Putnam, Owen Lane, N. Trode, John Kendrick, and Charles Elliott vestrymem; C. W. Adams, secretary; John Clements and Herman Dyer delegates to diocesan convention. Of these persons three only are now living, viz.: N. W. Putnam, of Gambier; Professor John Kendrick, of Marietta, Ohio, and Rev. Herman Dyer, D. D., of New York. This parish has held its annual meeting every year up to the present time. Most of the professors of the college and seminary, and many .of the leading citizens of Gambier, have been members of the vestry at different times during the past fifty years, The wardens and vestry for 1880 were as follows: M. White and E. T. Tappan, Theodore. Sterling, John Cunningham, T. R. Head, S. R. Doolittle, and J. 'D. H. McKinley; M. White, J. Cunningham, and S. R Doolittle delegates -to diosesan convention; T. R. Head, J. D. H. McKinley and E. T. Tappan delegates from Christ church at the quarry.

Some twenty years ago, a neat, small stone chapel was built at the northeast corner of College township, near the stone quarry of Mr. A K. Fobes. This chapel was built with money raised by subscription and has been under the charge of the vestry of Harcourt parish-being the only property really owned by this parish. Regular services and a flourishing Sunday-school have been kept up chiefly by the students of the seminary and a few ladies of the neighborhood, who are deserving of much credit for their devoted labors in the good cause. A small cemetery is attached to the church where a few persons of the neighborhood have been buried.

In the summer of 1829 the college dining-room, situated near the bishop's house (a log cabin, near where now stands the Church of the Holy Spirit), was used for a chapel. In September of that year, the college edifice now known as Kenyon hall was nearly finished, excepting the two wings, and the basement was used for kitchen, dining-room, chapel, etc.

In the spring of 1830 the bishop built a large, unsightly frame building a few rods east of Rose chapel, and called it the " Seventy-four;" it being seventy-four feet in length. It was two stories high, with a kitchen in the rear. The large room on the ground floor was used for chapel and schoolroom; the upper story was a dormitory for the boys, who were under the care of Rev. H. Dyer.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 453

Three or four years afterwards the fine edifice known as Milnor hall was built, and' the school, under the charge of G. P. Williams and Mr. Dyer, was removed to the new building. During this period Ross cliapel was built, and the parish had then a commodious place of worship. The building was not completed for several years, and the congregation was under the necessity of using the basement during the winter seasons.

This parish has always labored under a great disadvantage in having no place of worship separate and apart from the college chapel-the vestry having no control of the building. On account of this state of things the majority of the citizens have never taken a very great interest in the affairs of the parish, the election of wardens, vestry and delegates to the convention being a mere matter of form.

Previous to 1837 there was really no regular rector of the parish. The preaching and parochial duty was performed by the bishop, Dr. Sparrow, Dr. Fitch, Dr. Meunscher, and others, and without any salary to speak of. Since then the rectors have been as follows: Dr. Colton, 1837-40; Dr. Blake, 1840-43; Dr. Fuller, 1843-45; Dr. Smith, 1845-47; Dr. J. T. Brooke, 1847-49; Rev. Professor Dobb, 1849-50; Dr. Brooke, 1851-53; Dr. Blake, in charge, 1853-55 ; Dr. N. H. Schenck, 1855-57; Rev. E. B. Kellogg, in charge, 1857-58; Rev. M. Cracraft, 1858-59; Rev. Samuel Clements, 1860-62; Rev. W. Newton, 1863-66; Rev. Dr. Brown, in charge, 1867-68; Rev. George A. Strong, 1868-70; Rev. M. A. Tyng, 1870-71; President Bodine, 1871-76; Dr. F. James, 1876.

The Congregational church at Gambier was first located a little north of the village by the Cumberland Presbyterians. Among the original members were Thomas Minard, Thomas Bennett, John Bennett, and others.

In 1867 this church was organized into a Congregational church. The present, or new church, edifice was erected in 1871, near the old site, and cost two thousand two hundred dollars. In 1876 the building was removed to the site it now occupies.

The early pastors were the Rev. Enoch F. Baird, J. W. Cracraft, and others. Its membership at this date is thirty-eight.

The Sunday-school was organized in 1871, with about fifty scholars; its average attendance is from thirty-five to forty, under the superintendence of William Oliver.

As far as can be ascertained Methodists were in Gambier as early as 1832. At what time a class was formed in this place there is no written account, yet members of the church resided here and held prayer meetings in their cabins about that time. They generally attended at what was called "Brown's" on Schenck's creek, and were attached to Danville circuit, Michigan conference, which was supplied with one preacher, Rev. James Wilson, under whose ministry Rev. William Nast united with the church at Danville.

In the year 1838 the name of the circuit was changed to "Amity," Gambier being then an appointment for preaching in private houses, supplied by two preachers, Revs. Charles Thomas and John Scoles. During that year the Lord's Supper was first administered by Methodists in Gambier. About the year 1841 the Methodists obtained the use of the district school-house for divine worship, which they held until 1854. In 1841 Rev. William L. Harris, now Bishop, was appointed on this circuit. In 1849 and 1850 the lands around Gambier were surveyed and began to be sold by the Theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church of the diocese of Ohio. The Methodists at once began to arrange for the purchase of a site on which to build a house of worship, and after several exchanges they secured the lot on which the present church building stands, and in 1855, after many struggles, it was solemnly dedicated, free from debt, to the service of Almighty God by Rev. Thomas H. Wilson, presiding elder. In 1860 the North Ohio conference formed the Gambier circuit with four appointments or stations. Gambier circuit passed through many changes in its number of stations, and its succession of ministers, and from the first Methodism centred at the Gambier station.

In 1879, the Rev. V. D. Laurence being preacher in charge, Gambier became a half station with Pleasant Valley and Hopewell charges attached to the Gambier circuit. In 1880 Gambier became a whole station with only Hopewell attached, on what is known as the Gambier circuit. Hopewell is where President R B. Hayes taught Sunday

454 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

school. In 1880 the church lot was enlarged by the purchase of some adjoining property and the lot was divided, setting off apart of it for parsonage use and a neat and substantial parsonage was erected thereon.

Gambier station of the Methodist Episcopal church belongs to the Northern Ohio conference. Its membership is eighty. Its Sunday-school is flourishing; its average attendance being eighty-five.

Its benevolence is systematic and its church work is zealous.

The value of the church lot is about two thousand dollars. The value of its parsonage and lot is about two thousand two hundred dollars. The church is free from debt.

There are many beautiful and substantial residences in and around Gambier. Among the number is that of Mr. Peter Neff, a cut of which is here given, and though a faithful representation, the residence and grounds must be seen to be appreciated. Mr. Neff is engaged in developing the oil-producing lands in the Kokosing valley, an account of which appears in the geological chapter.

Fifty-six years ago Bishop Chase, in the forenoon of a bright summer day (July 12, 1825,) stood upon the trunk of a fallen tree and spoke the words, "Well, this will do," and at that instant fixed for all time the location of the world-renowned institution known as Kenyon college. What great interests to the people of the county, the State and the Nation were wrapped up in those few words and those few moments; but the history of this college is reserved for the next chapter. The village makes no especial claim as a business place, but as a place of residence it can hardly have a superior, especially for those who have a family to educate and prepare for the duties of life. The society is excellent; saloons and other low places of resort are not allowed on the grounds, and the purity of the moral atmosphere is unexceptionable.

Probably a more quiet, or a more lovely spot does not exist in the State, or indeed anywhere, than the grounds contiguous to the college buildings at Gambier. The grass-carpeted lawns, the native forest trees, the thick woods, the gravel walks, the solidity and architectural beauty of the buildings, the purity of the air, the elevation, and the thousand and one beautiful surroundings, visible but indescribable, all combine to elevate the mind, lift up the soul, and make an impression on the mind not easily erased.

CHAPTER L

KENYON COLLEGE.

ITS LOCATION-TOUR OF INSPECTION-THE NORTH SEC-

TION-THE SOUTH SECTION-COLLEGE HILL-FIRST

VIEW FROM THE TOP-"WELL, THIS WILL DO!"-THE

PURCHASE OF EIGHT THOUSAND ACRES-THE SITE OF

OLD KENYON-OBTAINING SUBSCRIPTIONS-REPORT OF THE

BISHOP-THE LADIES' SOCIETY-MILNOR PROFESSORSHIP

-DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUND-LAYING THE CORNER-

STONE-AN INCIDENT TN THE BUILDING OF THE COL-

LEGE-HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE BY PRESIDENT BODINE -

THE BLAKE SCHOOL.

IN connection with the location of Kenyon college, the following article, written in 1859, by the Hon. Henry B. Curtis, of Mt. Vernon, will be of interest. Mr. Curtis was one of the persons who accompanied Bishop Chase in his tour of in spection through the county in 1825, seeking a proper site for the contemplated college

It was a bright summer morning (July 22, 1825), that a party of gentlemen started from Mt. Vernon, with Bishop Chase, for the purpose of exploring the country eastward of, and adjacent to, this city-then a village of about fifteen hundred inhabitants -with a view to the selection of a suitable site for the Theological seminary and Kenyon college. The party, besides Bishop Chase, consisted of Daniel S. Norton, esq., and myself of Mt. Vernon; John Trimble and James Rawden, of Perry township, Coshocton county; and George Melick, of Jackson township, Knox county. We were all on horseback. I was the youngest of the, party, and had no previous acquaintance with the bishop, except having met him a few weeks previously at "Gully's," in Newark, and having attended the preceding evening, on occasion of his preaching at the old Presbyterian church in this place-the first time, I believe, the Episcopal service had ever been performed here.

It was known that Mr. William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, owned a tract of eight thousand acres of land-two military sections of four thousand acres each-lying a few miles east of here, which, from the varied character of its surface, and beauty of its streams and valleys, it was suggested might offer a suitable location for the proposed seminary and college. And the attractive rolling character, and beautiful scenery of other tracts of land lying in that part of our county, also encouraged us to believe that we should be able to present to the bishop a site more desirable and pleasing than any that had been before proposed.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 455

We went out on what is here called the Coshocton road, and struck the land of Mr. Hogg, on the west boundary of what has since been called the " North Section," at the distance of about four miles. We proceeded through the section, noticing many pleasant features. The first place that attracted marked atten tion, as probably suited for the object of our exploration, was the high elevation a little to the south of the road and immediately west of what is now the farm and residence of Henry Errett, esq. We examined this point with a good deal of interest and satisfaction. A small stream (Schenck's creek) was winding its way through a lovely valley which lay immediately east of the hill, widening as it extended southward, and presenting some beautiful views, but rather limited in extent and distance. The bishop, and indeed all the party, were pleased with the spot, but reserving our judgments for further observation and discoveries, we proceeded into the valley, and through the entire section. Thence through lands of the " Rathbone" and "Campbell" sections, down the valley of the Schenck's creek, to the junction of that stream with Owl creek-to which Bishop Chase, in his subsequent maps of the college lands, gave the more euphonious name of the Vernon river-and thence turning again westward, and proceeding up that river, and generally near its margin, we again entered the lands of William Hogg, at the eastern boundary of the South section.

On this section there were several cabins, and a number of small farms opened. The road lay across the beautiful valley (that now spreads out like a great garden, immediately east of Gambier), and again striking the river, followed its margin in a pretty straight line, until interrupted by the abrupt descent of what is now the College hill, whence winding round the base, it followed the course of the stream, pretty near the present railroad line, into and across the large bottoms and beautiful valley, that lies on the west side of the hill.

I had once, on a previous occasion, crossed on this hill, a promontory, and was the only one of the party who professed any knowledge of the character of the plain that lay on top of its elevation; and it was with reference to this spot that I had desired the party to return by this route. Arriving, therefore, at the base of the hill, on its south side, I called the attention of the bishop and the others of the party, to the elevation on our right, and its beautiful surroundings. The curve of the base, the acclivity of the hill, and the graceful bend of the river, with the wide opening of the valley east and west, were attractions too striking to need explanation. But it was suggested by Mr. Norton that there was not room enough on the crown of the hill for the accommodation of the necessary buildings and grounds of the contemplated institution. To this I replied that I had once crossed the hill, and that there was a level plain on top, wider than was supposed.

Bishop Chase answered by saying, "Come, Mr. Curtis, I will go up with you to the ton of this hill, and we will see how it looks." The other gentlemen of the party, not having much apparent faith in the fruits of our difficult ascent, dismounted from their horses, and disposed themselves for rest in the shade at the road side, and the bishop and myself proceeded alone to mount the hill. The side was thickly set with an undergrowth of oak bushes, frequently interlaced with rambling grape vines. We struggled through these tangles, on our horses, until about halfway up the hill, when the bishop becoming discouraged with that mode of proceeding, proposed that we should take it afoot. We dismounted, hitched our horses, and then proceeded as well as we could until we emerged on the top of the hill, on the very spot where the old college building now stands.

The heavy timber that had once covered the crown of the hill, had, principally, many years before, been prostrated by a storm or otherwise destroyed, so that, excepting a more stunted growth of brush than that we had just come through, the plain on the top .u comparatively open and free from obstruction to the view. Passing a little northward, the whole panorama of the beautiful valleys that lay' at our feet, the undulating line and varying surface of the distant hills, eastward, southward, and westward, with the windings of the river, all were brought into view, and presented a scene and landscape of unsurpassed loveliness and beauty. It certainly appeared so tome then, and so it seemed to strike our good bishop. Standing upon the trunk of an old fallen oak, and permitting his eye to pass round the horizon, and take in the whole prospect, he expressed his delight and satisfaction in the brief but significant exclamation, "Well, this will do!" He then pointed out the varied beauties of the spot, its extensive views, and the advantages that would be obtained by opening some parts of the contiguous forest-improving the prospect in certain directions. We then returned to the foot of the hill, and found our companions amusing and resting themselves, where we had left them. The bishop expressed himself to them in strong terms of satisfaction and delight, in respect to the spot he had just examined.

We all returned to Mt. Vernon together. The bishop came with me to my house to tea; and from the circumstance of my wife being a relative of Mr. Hogg-the owner of the land where the site had been selected the conversation turned very much upon the hope of making that permanent location, and the probability of obtaining the land at a price within the means of the young institution and its then limited endowment. When he left my house, Bishop Chase expressed to me his intention to visit Mr. Hogg at an early day, with a view of securing a contract for the purchase of the land,rand he took with him a letter from me to that gentleman (with whom I was on the most kind and friendly relation), strongly recommending the objects of the bishop's proposed visit.

When I next saw Bishop Chase, which I think was sometime during the following winter, he had made a provisional contract for the purchase of the whole eight thousand acres at three dollars per acre-a price considered very low, as the land could readily have been sold at a higher rate. Mr. Hogg, subsequently, on the solicitation of Bishop Chase, and in view of the noble objects of the purchase, munificently rebated six thousand dollars from the original contract price.

At the annual convention of 1826 steps were adopted by which the purchase from Mr. Hogg was confirmed, and the permanent site of Kenyon college and its other institutions was established in their present location, and upon the identical spot to which I conducted the bishop on the occasion above referred to, and from which his mind had never wavered from the time he first stood upon the ground.

Now, after the lapse of a quarter of a century, every year of which has but added new evidence of the sagacity, sound judgment, and good taste of Bishop Chase in the location which he made, and the wisdom of the convention and its committee that confirmed that decision, it is pleasant to recur to these reminiscences of the infancy of the institution, when, indeed. it had neither a local habitation nor a name, and to contrast its condition in the days of its obscurity and feebleness, with its present proud position. Old Kenyon, as the boys love to call her, has

456 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

indeed won her way upward, gloriously and successfully. The clouds that have sometimes hung upon her horizon, have passed away; and she stands this day a peeress among the noblest institutions of learning in our country-an honor to the diocese and a monument of the wisdom, and to the fame of the noble founder.

From a report made by Bishop Chase in 1827, the following extracts are taken:

Concerning the collections from 'our friends in the Atlantic States to aid in the erection of our college buildings, I cannot speak in terms of sufficient respect and thankfulness. The hearts of thousands were open to us; and of all classes many were found twilling to assist us. From relations in Vermont and New Hampshire, I received between three and four hundred dollars. From friends in Philadelphia, rising of three thousand; from those in New York, about that sum; from Providence, Rhode Island, nearly five hundred; and from Boston, Salem, Newburyport, Portsmouth and Portland, in all sufficient to cause the sum received to amount, if I have counted right, to nine thousand two hundred and twenty-eight dollars.

Besides this, I hear that there are moneys in Philadelphia uncollected, and lying in the hands of friends, to the amount of several hundred dollars.

Mr. Bacon is still soliciting subscriptions for us at the south, where, considering their wonted liberality, and our great need, I have good hope of his success.

Here I cannot but mention, though the result is not vet known, the very great hopes of a liberal collection from the exhibition in New York, of that celebrated picture, the Capuchin chapel, for the benefit of Kenyon college, Ohio, which Benjamin Wiggins, esq., so liberally granted, just before his leaving this country for London. The exhibition is to commence on the tenth of September next (1827), and continue so long as productive of profit. As this picture is considered the most perfect exhibition of the art of optical deception by painting, so as to make us doubt of its being a fiction even while beholding it; there is little reason to doubt the combined result of good taste, of a laudable curiosity, and of a benevolent desire to aid a useful institution. The public will take this method of benefitting Kenyon college, which so many thousands are uniting, both in England and America, to benefit.

What has excited my most grateful sentiments, and which, no doubt, will call forth similar feelings from you and all that shall hear of it is, that, influenced by the example of the industrious and benevolent exertions of some ladies in England, put forth in aid of the plan to promote religion and learning in the west, many of our American ladies, with an emulation truly praiseworthy, have formed themselves into circles of industry to unite their efforts for the benefit of Kenyon college. This has taken place in Gardiner and Portland, in the State of Maine; in Newburyport and Salem, Massachusetts; and the same is expected in other places. Already have some of them made their offerings of considerable value, and they still continue their pious and useful exertions. All this is done and doing in these places, besides what some pious and devoted ladies in Philadelphia and New York are doing to maintain beneficiaries at our college and seminary. What bond of affection this will constitute between them and our benefactors in England, and ourselves in the west, I will leave to you to judge. The pure streams of piety and benevolence will mingle, though their fountains respectively be in different and far distant lands.

One thing more, and I shall close my report of the success with which God has been pleased to crown my endeavors, during the past year, to increase the funds of Kenyon college.

Arthur Tappan, esq., of New York, actuated by a spirit of uncommon liberality, has subscribed one thousand dollars to found a professorship, to be called the Milnor professorship, out of respect to the Rev. Dr. Milnor, rector of St. George's church, New York, who is to have the naming of the professor. The subscription is based on the condition, that, within one year from the date of his signature, in January last, there be raised for the founding of this professorship, ten thousand dollars, considering his own donation a part thereof.

To this has been added the subscription of one hundred dollars, on the same conditions by W. W., esq., of New York.

My own brother, the Hon. Dudley Chase, of Vermont, who loves me, and takes a lively interest in Kenyon college, but whose fortune, compared with many others, is small, was so deeply affected at the liberality of Mr. Tappan, of the Presbyterian persuasion, that he generously assured me of another thousand, provided I previously obtained the other seven thou sand and nine hundred dollars before the end of the year.

On page two hundred and thirty-nine of the ' "Church Register," published at Philadelphia, July 28, 1827, may be found an account of the laying of the cornerstone of Kenyon college; from which the following extract is taken

The ceremonies and solemnities of laying the corner-stone took place on the 9th of June (1827). I think proper, for the satisfaction of those who have not been on the ground, to state that the college grounds, amounting to eight thousand acres, lie in an oblong square form, length from north to south five miles, and width from east to west two miles and a half. The north half, through which the main road to Coshocton passes, is watered by Schenck's creek ; through the south half, on which the college is located, runs, in a very circuitous manner, Vernon river, whose waters are more pure and perennial than any other in the State, or, perhaps, in the western country ; this river enters the tract belonging to the college on the western side, about midway from north to south, of the south four thousand acres, and runs nearly half the distance through it, in an easterly direction, till it meets with the base of those commanding grounds, from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet above the level of the water, on the top of which are located, in an area of about fifty acres, the town of Gambier and Kenyon college. The river then turns to the south and southeast, and opens to the view a most fertile and beautiful region. A park of lofty trees completely surrounds the college (except at the north), and covers all the descending grounds, consisting of some twelve or fourteen acres. Here, in this smooth and well adapted area, seemingly by the hand of God prepared for the purpose ; on this site, raised above, and forever must be secluded from the noise and busy scenes of life, we saw the preparations for the commencement of this great, good, and benevolent work. As I approached it, after haying attended divine service, and heard an excellent sermon under the spreading trees, by the Rev. Mr. Morse, I could not but feel as seldom I ever have before felt. I blessed God for having permitted me to see the commencement of a Christian institution, the fountain of so many- blessings to the present and to future generations. Filled with these thoughts, which the scene, of itself,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 457

was calculated to inspire, I was called to witness a most appropriate service, the solemnity of which will be, I trust, imprinted on my memory as long as life shall last.

The Bishop commenced it by saying, " Except the Lord build the house, their labor is but vain that build it."

The ceremony was an impressive one, but too I long for insertion here.

The following incident in the building of the college is worthy of preservation, in connection with its location. It is an extract from Bishop Chase's Reminiscences, of June, 1826. He was the first Protestant Episcopal bishop of Ohio, and the work to which he refers was the building of I Kenyon college, the Theological seminary and Bexley hall. An immediate resolution was formed for a total prohibition of ardent spirits on College hill. This measure, at the time, was thought rash and unadvised-it was an unheard of thing, for few buildings in America had been erected without the use of liquors. The Bishop writes:

J. H. was the head carpenter on Gambier hill, and often was he with the writer in consultation on the ways and means of proceeding with the buildings. On entering the college service, he had agreed, as all the rest had agreed, to refrain from the use of spiritous liquors. The writer thought him friendly to this measure, and as he was a Baptist missionary, that he would second the views of the bishop in promoting temperance. But in this there was sad disappointment. What with the love of liquor, the, fondness for being the head of a party to maintain the "unalienable rights of an oppressed people," and the desire of humbling the bishop, the promise made when he came on the hill was laid aside, and a combination with the hands was formed, and their grievances were made known by petition. \1 r. H. was the "scribe," and the first to subscribe; and a majority of the rest, to the number of nineteen, chief men of the company, "men of renown," followed his example. This famous petition was in the following words

"To the Rt. Rev. Philander Chase:

SIR: We, the undersigned, being mechanics and laborers under your employ, have agreed, after mature reflection, and a consultation held upon the subject, to address you a line by way of petition, thereby to make known to you our united request, which request, we presume to think, and humbly trust, will not, by you, be considered unreasonable; and from many considerations we are inclined to believe it not only necessary, but beneficial, both for the preservation of our health and the forwarding of the business in which we are engaged. Request as follows: That you will grant us the use of spiritous liquors three times a-day, while we may be occupied in your service, in quantity, one small glass at each time; inasmuch as it has become a custom, not only. in this State, but throughout the United States, to have it more or less at places where public works are going forward, a moderate use of which, in our opinion, would greatly forward the business in which we are engaged. The principal reasons which we urge for asking the foregoing, are the following, to wit: Having to work the principal part of the time under the influence of the sun's rays, and our provisions, though good, are principally of the salt kind, and not having constantly a supply of good fresh water at hand; and in consequence of the reasons here assigned, we have many times drank more than was really goad for us, and to remedy this we have made the preceding request. If it meet your approbation, we think the expense will be repaid the institution ten fold; if not, we shall await your command, and abide the consequences with due respect. We have the honor to be yours very respectfully, (Names signed)"

This petition was tent to the writer when in his log cabin all alone. ,He read it, and was considering its unhappy consequences, when a voice struck his ear from behind him. "Mr. H. wants an answer," said the little boy, who had waited on the hands. "Tell Mr. H. to please get the hands together under the shady trees near the timber, and I will come and talk with them about the matter.

As he approached the place where the hands were seated, there were signs of great unanimity-significant nods and bold looks; none spoke, and the suppressed, yet half-uttered laugh, indicated their expected speedy triumph.

The writer now took his seat on an elevated piece of timber, with a view to say something, yet found himself unable to utter a word, and for a considerable period there was nothing said; and when he did begin to say a word or two, it was not in language of reproach of their conduct, nor in any way an attempt to display his own oratory. Something different was now required. Their affections were to be won, their minds enlight ened, and their will persuaded. In short, he saw it was necessary to speak to them as members of the human family, and make them friends to himself, to their own selves, and to the true interests of the institution. To this end he told them his own history, and in so doing gained their sympathy, and enlisted their affections in his behalf. Many of them were in tears, and all arose and went to work without a drop of whiskey.

The following history of the college is from the versatile pen of President Bodine, who has guided the college so successfully several years past. It is well worth a place in these pages and is given entire

The traveler in central Ohio, journeying by the new railroad from Columbus to Cleveland, by way of Mt. Vernon, finds himself, for several miles of his course, skirting the banks of a sparkling stream, to which the old Indians gave the euphonious name "Kokosing." The valley through which the river flows is a charming one, and the ride delightful, for new beauties greet the eye at almost every turn, and rocks and hills and venerable woods utter together their voice of praise. At one of the sudden turns of this winding stream, a few miles beyond Mt. Vernon, upon a hill beautiful for situation, rises the village of Gambier, the seat of Kenyon College.

" Kokosing! loveliest streamlet of the west,

Where Nature stands in beauteous garments drest,

How oft along thy winding banks I've strayed,

Enchanted by the song thy murmurings made.

Thy sloping shores are decked with verdant meads,

And proud majestic hills that lift their heads

With foliage and waving forests crowned;

Here Nature sits enthroned, while all around,

Above, below, presents a charming view,

Lovely as Eden, glittering with the dew

Beneath a morning sun."

458 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Half a century ago there was probably no institution of learning in our land more talked about than Kenyon college, for it was one of the first literary ventures of the west, and its needs and expectations were heralded far and near. There is a certain charm about infancy which we do not recognize in manhood. This, doubtless, is one of the reasons why Kenyon has recently occupied a less prominent place before the public than in her early days. Besides, her development has not altogether been in the line anticipated. She has failed where success was dreamed of; she has won honor in ways that were not contemplated.

The corner-stone of Kenyon college was laid in the month of June, 1827, so that Gambier has just begun her second half century of earnest life. By a happy coincidence, the fiftieth year marked the elevation of one of Kenyon's sons to the Presidency of the United States. One of the trustees of Kenyon college, Hon. Morrison R. Waite, is now the highest judicial officer of the country. Kenyon's sons, also, are found in the halls of Congress, so that she has links binding her to every department of the Government-legislative, judicial, executive.

The list of the alumni at Kenyon has already grown to fair proportions. From the beginning her standard has been high, and many of those who have studied in Gambier have left before completing the course; but five hundred have been graduated. A large number of Kenyon's sons have become men of mark in church and state, and five of them had attained to a wide national reputation. Henry Winter Davis, that "prince of parliamentary orators," in his early days practiced economy, and wrought with brain and muscle at Kenyon. Edwin M. Stanton, the great War Secretary, came in the spring-time of his life to Gambier. His college experience proved to be a turningpoint, so that afterward he was accustomed to say: " If I am anything, I owe it to Kenyon college." David Davis, late justice of the United States, now senator from Illinois, was an associate of Stanton in college days. Stanley Matthews, also, an eminent lawyer of Cincinnati, who won great distinction by his arguments before the Electoral commission, and who has lately retired from the Senate of the United States, was at Kenyon a friend and companion of President Hayes. Not unnaturally Kenyon is proud of her alumni roll.

The founder of Kenyon college was Philander Chase, the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in Ohio. A friend writes thus concerning him:

"In height he was six feet and over; the span of his chest was nearly, if not quite, equal to his height, and with that noble trunk his limbs were in full and admirable proportion. In a crowd his giant figure, in front or back, excited, wherever he moved, universal attention. Large and heavy in stature as he was, he was remarkably light and graceful in his movements, and when not ruffled with opposition or displeasure, exceedingly agreeable, polished and finished in his manner. Toward those who betrayed hauteur in their deportment with him, or whom he suspected as actuated by such a spirit, or who positively differed with him as to his policy, and especially toward those whom he looked upon as his enemies, he was generally distant and overbearing, and sometimes, when offended, herhaps morose. In his bearing toward them his noble countenance was always heavy and lowering. and his deportment frigid and unmistakably repulsive; but in his general intercourse, and always with his particular and intimate friends, his address and social qualities were polished, delightful and captivating; his countenance was sunlight, his manner warm and genial as balmy May, and his deportment winning to a degree rare among even remarkably commanding and popular men."

Bishop Chase came of a sturdy New England stock. He , was born in Cornish, New Hampshire, where he spent the days of his youth. When manhood came, however, he could not content himself with such quiet and settled surroundings, for, of hint, as afterward of his nephew, the Secretary, ambition was a most marked characteristic. He was first a missionary in western New York, and then he was stationed in Poughkeepsie, but soon afterward removed to New Orleans. He was the first Protestant minister in the State of Louisiana. After five years of hard and successful labor, he removed again to the north, and for six years was a minister in Hartford, Connecticut. But Philander Chase was a man too restless, too ambitious, too great, to remain long contented in any quiet and peaceful nook. He craved the contests and the storms of life. So, early in the spring of the year 1817, resolved "not to build upon another man's foundations," he started for what was then the far west-the newly admitted State of Ohio. He was consecrated bishop in Februaty, 1819.

He began his work with rare earnestness. No pecuniary support had been provided. Indeed, for several years all that he received for his public ministrations was not enough to pay his postage; so, to gain his daily bread, he had to become a tiller of the soil.

He soon became convinced that he must have assistance in his work. In four years his list of three clergymen had grown to six, but what could six men do to so vast a field? 'Moreover, he became convinced that for western work the best laborers were western men, more accustomed than others to the hardships of the new civilization, and more likely to be contented with the labor and its returns. So his mind began to be filled with a dream of a "school of the prophets," which, before long, took definite shape in his mind. Happily, the bishop's son suggested that favorable mention had been made in a prominent English journal of the new missionary work in far-off Ohio. The bishop immediately determined that the ocean must be crossed, and the mother church asked to help. He first appointed his son for this service; but his son's failing health required a journey to a southern clime, so the resolute bishop determined to go himself.

At once he made his plans known to his brethren. Some of them approved, while others disapproved, and one went so far as to violently oppose him.

Bishop White, the father of the American church, made objection firmly, but gently, as was consistent with his saintly character. He thought it undesirable that application should be made to a foreign source for aid, because of the probable effect upon the church at home. What countenance, it was said, will be given to the odium, which some would fain cast upon our church, as in a state of dependence on another church, incorporated with a foreign State. The lessening of the respectability of the church was also insisted upon; .the American church should not stoop to be a suppliant for the bounty of another.

Bishop Chase, however, was resolute. He thought he knew the needs of his own field of labor, and determined to provide for them as best he could.

He bade his son good-bye in New York, the last good-bye he was ever to say to him. His son, he knew, was appointed to die, and it would have been a privilege to minister to him in his I last moments. The claims of nature, however, must yield to

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 459

the higher claims of God's cause on earth. The parting was sad and heroic.

A month upon the ocean followed, for those were days when steamships were unknown. From Liverpool, Bishop Chase went to Manchester, and so on to London.

He met at once with a most formidable obstacle in the opposition of the bishop of New York. He was publicly attacked in the British Critic, and for months his hands were tied; he could do nothing.

But after a while the tide turned. It so happened that the British parliament was then divided on the question of the emancipation of West India slaves. The subject was being everywhere discussed with intense feeling. As a consequence, any one who was known to have made sacrifices for the negro was sure to find friends.

Wilberforce's particular friend, Butterworth, who was also a member of parliament, lived near to the house where Bishop Chase had taken lodgings. One day a Dr. Dow, from New Orleans, called on Mr. Butterworth, when, in the course of conversation, something like this was said:

"So you are from America, Dr. Dow! Were you acquainted with Bishop Chase?"

"Yes; he was my pastor in New York, and I his physician and friend."

"Tell me about him; there must be something singular in him, or he would not be neglected as he is in England."

"Singular! I never knew anything singular in him but his emancipating his yellow slave, and that, I should suppose, would not injure him herein England."

The story was then told of his emancipation. A negro named Jack had belonged to Philander Chase while was living in New Orleans. Jack absconded. Years afterwards, when Philander Chase had become bishop of Ohio, lack was caught and put in prison, where he was kept, awaiting an order from his master for his sale. Bishop Chase thought the matter over, and wrote his southern friends to let Jack go free.

The story made Butterworth Bishop Chase's friend. He invited him to his house, introduced him to great and good men, and soon the Ohio cause grew and waxed strong. Subscriptions were received from hundreds of sources. There was a genuine, almost an enthusiastic, outflow of British beneficence. Wealthy friends were gathered, and the pioneer bishop was the hero of the hour, delighting all with his thrilling sketches of frontier hardships, and with his glowing prophecies of magnificent triumphs sure to be achieved. Lord Gambier helped him greatly, Lord Kenyon, also, and Sir Thomas Ackland, and Lady Rosse, and Hannah Moore. The total result of- this first appeal was more than five thousand pounds.

The largest single donor was Lady Rosse. We give the story of the way in which Bishop Chase became acquainted with her, inasmuch as it shows very clearly how mysteriously the links of the chain of life are bound together by the good providence of God.

In the winter of 1819-20 Bishop Chase had a letter from his friend, Dr. Jarvis, of Boston, making inquiry as to the manner of his support. The letter came at a time when the good bishop's burthens were more than ordinarily heavy. He was caring as well as he could for the scattered sheep of Christ; besides, he was providing for his family by his own manual labor. He had no money to hire others; he was, therefore, obliged to haul and cut his own wood, to make his own fires, and to feed his own domestic animals.

Bishop Chase replied to Dr. Jarvis's letter frankly, drawing an accurate picture of a frontier bishop's life. The letter thus written, upon bad paper, with bad ink, and with fingers stiffened by labor, was sent by Dr. Jarvis to a Scottish bishop, who was desirous to know something about western life and work. The thought of this letter had entirely faded from Bishop Chase's mind. Judge therefore, of his surprise, when it' was shown to him one day in London, and he learned that, in consequence of it, a bequest of money had been made to him by an English citizen. Nor was this all. The Scotch bishop's daughter became his friend, told his story to Lady Rosse, secured his interest, and gained thereby for his cause some thousands of dollars.

Bishop Chase returned to his home a poor rich man. For those days, in Ohio, thirty thousand dollars was a very large sum of money, and so, doubtless, Bishop Chase would have considered it when he started to go abroad. Meanwhile, however, his ideas had grown. At one time a theological school would have contented him; but now larger and more dazzling ideas took possession of his brain.

His school was first established upon his farm near Worthington, where before, he had taught, amongst others, his nephew, afterwards Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. This, however, was but a temporary arrangement. A permanent location had to be selected.

About this time Bishop Chase's attention was called to a tract of land, consisting of eight thousand acres, in Knox county. He at once came to Mount Vernon, the county seat, upon a tour of observation, rode with friends across the country, and followed for a while the valley of the Kokosing, until he came to the hill where the college at present stands. It was suggested that, possibly, at the top of this hill there might be found a good site for building. The general reply was, ''No." The bishop said, "Let its see." He scrambled upon the hill-side with a single companion. Once at the top, he climbed upon a fallen log, and as his eye stretched hither and thither, taking in the splendid sweep of the country round about, he exclaimed' with satisfaction, " This will do." In that instant the location of the new institution was practically fixed.

The assent of the diocesan convention had to be secured. It was not certain that this could easily be done, for there was hardly a town in the State that had not fixed its covetous eye upon the infant college. More than seven cities contended for the boon, not one of whlch carried off the prize, for Bishop Chase was a man of will, and his will was that the school should be located in the country. "Put your seminary," said he, "on your own domain; be owners of the soil on which you dwell, and let the tenure of every lease and deed depend on the express condition that nothing detrimental to the morals and studies of youth be allowed on the premises."

A still broader question, also, must needs be settled. What would be the nature of the new institution? Should it be simply a school for the education of clergymen? or should it open its doors to all classes of citizens? Some said, have nothing but a theological seminary. Mr. Charles. Hammond, a trustee, and a very influential citizen of Ohio, said this most earnestly, and indeed went so far as to prepare and carry through the legislature a bill for the incorporation of "The Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Ohio," and so fixed the legal title of the new institution.

But Bishop Chase was equally strenuous the other way. His first thought had been to provide ministers for the waste places

460 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

of the church-his second and greater thought now was "to be of service to his country, without regard to denomination or religion." "But two courses," said he, in his address before the convention, "are before us--either to confine our seminary to theological candidates only; or, it we receive students in general science, to lay a foundation sufficiently strong and large to sustain the magnitude of the college, which must be reared to do those students justice. In the former case, nothing more is necessary than to turn your attention to the deed of gift of my own estate in Worthington. In the latter case, the only .thing presented worthy of your attention is the proposed lands in Knox county. Here is a foundation on which to erect an edifice worthy of the kind expectations of our esteemed benefactors. On this we can build, and justly expect the patronage of our civil Government. Anything less than this would be to degrade, not to improve, our present blessings. There will be no college for all professions if the Knox county plan fail. No other can give and adequate encouragement."

A most favorable report was received from the committee of the convention to whom this matter was referred, declaring that "the lands in Knox county afforded an eligible site for the seminary and college, and combined advantages of greater magnitude than any offer that had been made." So it was decided that the Theological seminary of the diocese of Ohio, and Kenyon college, should be forever established upon these lands, and the broad plan was adopted of laboring to build up, not only a school of theology, but a college as well. The ., English funds were to be approptiated sacredly to the purpose for which they were given. The college endowment, it was hoped, might, in some other way, be secured.

This choice of a location amid well-nigh untrodden forests involved, as a matter of course, heavy sacrifices and large outlays of labor. It was necessary to begin with the very elements of civilization. Workmen must be gathered, land made ready for tilling, crops raised and harvested, and cabins built fur shelter. In fact, for some years, farming, milling and merchandising were carried on in the name of the college, and the. institution came to be possessed of a store, a hotel, a printingoffice, a saw-mill, a gristmill, a carpenter and a shoemaker's shop, with houses for the miller, the dairymen and the workmen to dwell in. So ere long the funds contributed by English friends were spent, and the resources of the pioneer bishop were quite exhausted.

It was needful, therefore, to make additional appeals for aid, and very naturally the " public crib" was thought of as a ready source of succor. So in December, A. D. 1827, Bishop Chase went to Columbus, addressed the legislature, and received from that body an endorsement of an appeal to Congress for a donation from the public lands. Soon after, a bill was introduced into the U . S. Senate making a grant of a township of land. The bill was advocated by prominent Senators (among others by Thomas H. Benton and William Henry Harrison), but in the House of Representatives party spirit was roaring like a flood, and drowned the voice of the infant college. The bill failed in committee, and, amid the rush of other business, was pushed aside.

The good bishop was keenly disappointed, but not in despair. Renewed effort was his refuge. So at once he scattered broadcast a public appeal entitled "The Star in the West, or Kenyon College in the year of our Lord 1828."

" Never before," he wrote, " on any other plan have the expense s of a public education been brought within the compass of seventy dollars a year; never before has the light of science beamed thus on the cottages of the poor. Who, then, would not give his mite to expedite the completion of a college erected in the woods at great personal sacrifice, and for such benevolent purposes? A small sum only is asked of every friend, of every name and class. In this way numbers will make amends for deficiency in quantity, and in this way the wound occasioned by the late disappointment in Congress will be healed by the hand of individual beneficence. In this way the commenced buildings may be finished, and the great work accomplished. Whoever' reads this is, therefore, most respectfully and earnestly entreated immediately to enclose one dollar, in aid of the present struggles of Kenyon college, in a letter addressed to P. Chase, P. M., Gambier, Ohio."

This method of begging has since had ample following, but then it had the charm of novely, and so succeeded. The dollars, it is said, came to Gambier as the leaves fall in autumn. Larger subscriptions were not neglected. John Quihcy Adams, then President of the United States, gave a hundred dollars. " Kenyon Circles" were formed in towns near and distant, and thousands of ladies were busy sewing for Kenyon college. In all, some twenty-five thousand dollars were received through this appeal.

Meanwhile a goodly number of students had assembled at Gambier, acrd the work of the college went bravely on. Bishop Chase nominally occupied the office of president. He really filled most efficiently the post of general manager and superintendent. Every morning the "head men" had to be directed by him as to their daily work; every evening they were gathered to give accounts of labor. There was the tilling of the thou' sands of broad acres to be looked after, the quarrying of stone, the erection of buildings, the industries of the village, and all this in addition to the wants, bodily, mental and spiritual, of the student community. Besides, there was the keeping of detailed accounts, and the maintenance of a most extensive correspondence. The burden was altogether a very heavy one; but Bishop Chases' broad shoulders were well fitted to hear it, partictularly as he had a most efficient helpmate in his noble wife. "Mrs. Chase entered with her whole soul into her husband's plans. She w as a lady perfectly at home in all the arts and mini utiae of housewifery; as happy in darning stockings for the boys as in entertaining her visitors in the parlor; in making a bargain with a farmer in his rough boots and hunting blouse, as in completing a purchase from an intelligent and accomplished merchant, and as perfectly at home in doing business with the world about her, and in keeping the multifarious accounts of her increasing household, as in presiding at her dinner table, or dispensing courtesy in her drawing-room."

Through her efficiency and wisdom, and her husband's untiring and marvelous activity, Kenyon's affairs were for a time prosperous. A corps of able professors was gathered; there were more students than could he well accommodated, while the building known as Old Kenyon, with walls four feet in thickness. rose solidly as though it were intended to stand forever.

The salaries paid to professors were, all things considered, quite ample, for the purchasing power of money in Ohio was then very great.

The president received eight hundred dollars per annum, and each professor five hundred dollars; and in addition, the professors were supplied from the farms with everything they needed to sustain life, groceries only being excepted. The larger the family, therefore, the larger was the pay in butter, eggs and

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meat, in flour, milk and corn, in lights and firewood. One can not help wondering, nowadays, how they managed all thiswhether, once in awhile some one did not get the cream, and some one else the skim milk, and whether eveything was lovely in consequence.

The college not only for formed a large landed estate, and kept a hotel and shops, mills and stores; it boarded, also, its entire family of professors and students. One looks curiously to-day at its inventory of goods-pots, pans, pails, tubs, saucers, spoons, white dimity bed-curtains, mixed all up with oxen, cows, and vinegar. Then what could have been the need of "trundle-beds?" Possibly to put to bed some homesick freshman.

The charge for board, tuition, room-rent, lights and fuel varied from fifty dollars to seventy dollars per annum. Perhaps it is not to be wondered at that the provender afforded should have come in for its share of adverse criticism. An early- college publication advertises, " cash will be given at the seminary store for hats and old shoes suitable for making coffee;" it also chronicles an "-awful Catastrophe-Died very suddenly, on Wednesday last, seventeen interesting hogs, of sore throat, endeared to the students by their unassuming manners, gentlemanly deportment, and a life devoted to the public service. The funeral of each of them will be attended every day until the end, in the dining-hall."

Those were the days when discipline was somewhat stern. We read of a sophomore who was commanded to the room of a professor, and severely beaten with a rod. For the first time in his life a Mississippi freshman received bodily chastisement, and even Doctor Sparrow, the vice-president, took care to see that it was well laid on.

Nor was Bishop Chase's course in Gambier all smooth sailing. Difficulties appeared which grew to great proportions. "Kenyon college," he wrote at the time, "is like other colleges in some respects. and unlike all in many other respects. The fundamental principle in which it differs from all others is, that the whole institution is patriarchal. Like Abraham on the plains of Mamre, it hath pitched its tent under the trees of Gambier hill, it hath its flocks and its herds, and its different families of teachers, scholars, mechanics, and laborers, all united under one head, pursuing one common interest, and receiving their maintenance and food from one common source, the funds and farms of the college." The picture, it must be confessed, is not without its beauties, though the coloring is certainly more occidental than oriental. Accurately drawn, it would have shown western workmen ready to cry " independence," a western faculty to question the limits of authority, and western Young America to cheer them on. Pecuniary troubles added to the embarrassments of the situation. So on the ninth of September, 1831, Bishop Chase resigned the presidency of the college and the episcopate of Ohio The next day he mounted " Cincinnatus," and rode sorrowfully away, and Gambier saw his face no more. He was afterwards elected Bishop of Illinois, and died at " Robin's Nest," where he had founded jubilee college.

In the language of one well qualified to judge with accuracy, "thus closes the record of Bishop Chase's labors in founding a theological seminary and college. He probably had no superior in all the qualities necessary to originate such an institution. The versatility of his manners was such that he could adapt himself readily to any condition of society. Whether he were in the log-cabin of Ohio, where the whole family slept, ate, cooked, received guests, and lodged them in the same apartment, or in the magnificent halls of Lord Kenyon, surrounded with the refinement of the old world, Bishop Chase was equally at home, and capable of winning golden opinions. Add to this an energy that never flagged, a will that never succumbed, and a physical system that never tired, and we have such a character as is seldom produced, but which was precisely adapted to the great work that he accomplished. Bishop Chase was equally remarkable for industry and endurance. Daylight seldom found him in bed, and he seemed as fond of working or travelling in the rain as though water were his native element. 'He would preach at Perry (fifteen miles from Gambier), and as soon as daylight peeped in the east on Nfonday morning, take his bridle himself, go to the field, catch 'Cincinnatus,' mount and be off to set his head men at work in Gambier. Bishop Chase began a work for the church in Ohio, and in truth for the whole west, such as no other man then living would have attempted, or probably could have accomplished."

What the subsequent history of Kenyon college might have been, had Bishop Chase remained at its head, it is idle to speculate and vain to surmise. In laying its foundations his great work was done. A lawyer of Ohio was wont to say concerning him that he was an almighty man. Nor did the countryman come very wide of the mark, who, when meeting him one day, called him "general." " I am not general," was the somewhat curt reply. " I beg pardon; I mean judge." "I am not judge." "Well, then, bishop." "Why do you call me bishop? How do you know that I am a bishop?" "Well, I knowed," said the man of homespun sense, " that whatever you was, you was at the top." The countryman was right. Philander Chase was not only a lover of men, but a leader of men now gentle 1s a child, most sweet and winning; now, again, imperious, invincible. All honor to his memory!

Kenyon's second president was Charles Pettit McIlvaine, D. D., D. C. L. (oxon); who came to Gambier at the early age of thirty-three. Born in the same year in which George Washington died, he bore a close resemblence to the Father of his Country, both in appearance and character. He looked a king among men; he was great, also, as a thinker and an orator. He had already filled the office of chaplain at West Point, and had won renown in the great centers of Washington and New York.

Such a man, coming to Gambier, could not but be warmly welcomed. He saw at once, moreover, the importance of the institutions, and girded himself to labor in their behalf. New buildings were much needed. Besides, there was an accumulation of debt. Bishop McIlvaine, therefore, before establishing himself in Ohio, solicited aid, chiefly in the eastern cities, and received in all nearly thirty thousand dollars, the larger part of which was contributed by friends in Brooklyn and New York. This was done in 1833. Without the help thus opportunely given by the new bishop, Kenyon must have perished, the trustees having determined that it would be impossible for them, as things were, to carry on the college.

The first by-law passed under bishop McIlvaine's administration is characteristic : " It shall be the duty of every student of the college and grammar-school, on meeting or passing the president, vice-president, any professor, or other officer of the institution, to salute him or them by touching the hat, or uncovering the head, and it is equally required of each officer to return the salutation."

In winter the rising bell rang at five o'clock, and the first

462 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

recitation was held at twenty minutes after five. In the summer the first bell rang before sunrise, and the second at sunrise, for prayers. At nine o'clock in the evening all lights had to be put out, and all students to go to bed. The professor of chemistry was also physician to the college. Each morning he attended at his office to see the sick, and excuse persons to be absent on that account. No plea of sickness was allowed without the doctor's written certificate.

In those days the diocese of Ohio was poor, and so Kenyon college paid the salary of the bishop. The arrangement was not strictly just, for Kenyon received only a part of the bishop's time and energy. So strongly did bishop McIlvaine feel the injustice of this arrangement that he finally took a resolute stand, and the college was no longer taxed for his support.

He was necessarily absent from Gambier much of the time; so a vice-president was elected, who was his representative when absent, and who governed in the ordinary college affairs. Dr. William Sparrow was the first vice-president.

President Hayes entered Kenyon as a student in the fall of the year 1838, and was graduated in 1842. A classmate writes that for the first two years of his course he did not really lead his class, but had a reputation as a reader of newspapers, and as a person well informed in politics. He afterward came rapidly to the front in scholarship, taking a particularly high stand in mathematics and logic, and was graduated with the honors of his class. His commencement address, "College Life," with the valedictory, is still spoken of in terms of the highest recommendation. The uniform suit of the class, worn at graduation, would now look somewhat strange. It consisted of a coat of blue Kentucky jeans, with black velvet collar, a white waistcoat and white linen trowsers.

A college friend of President Hayes has written: "I recollect him as one of the purest boys I ever knew. I have always recollected of him that in our most intimate, unreserved, private intercourse, I never knew him to entertain for a moment an unmanly, dishonest or demoralizing thought. And when we met in afterlife, in scenes which called for the highest manhood and patriotism,. I found the man to be exactly what his boyhood had promised.

Hon. Stanley Matthews says of him: "Hayes, as a boy, was notorious for having on his shoulders not only the levelest but the oldest head in college. He never got in any scrapes, he never had any boyish foolishness; he never had any wild oats to sow; he was sensible, not as some men are, at the last, but sensible from the beginning."

The following incident of President Hayes' college life may almost seem prophetic. We give it in the words of his intimate friend, Hon. Guy M. Bryan, of Texas, the facts having been certified to us by the President himself

"There were in those days two rival literary societies in the college the Philomathesian and the Nu Pi Kappa; the last known as the Southern society, and the first as the Notthern, because the students of the slave States belonged to the one, and those frorn the free States to the other. The college for years had been largely patronized from the Southern States, but this patronage gradually waned until, in the winter of 1841, there were so few Southern students in the college that the members of the Nu Pi Kappa were apprehensive that the society would cease to exist for want of new members. This was a serious question with the members of the society. I determined to open the subject to my intimate friend Hayes, to see if we could not devise some mode to prevent the extinction of the society, which was chartered by' the State, and had valuable property. We talked over the subject with all the feeling and interest with which we would now discuss the best means of bringing about an era of good feeling between the two sections of the country. At last Hayes said, 'Well, I will get "Old Trow," Comstock and some others to join with me, and we will send over a delegation from our society to yours, and then we can make new arrangements so that both societies can live in the old college.' He and I then went to work to consummate our plan. Ten members of the Philomathesian joined the Nu Pi Kappa. A joint committee was then appointed from the two societies, that reported a plan by which students could enter either society without reference to North or South. Thus Hayes, by his magnanimity, perpetuated the existence of the Nu Pi Kappa society, and should he be elected President, I earnestly hope that he maybe equally successful in his best efforts in behalf of a civil policy which will wipe out forever the distinction between North and South in the government of our common country."

The following letter from President Hayes, written after his last election as Governor, may be taken as fairly representative of the kindly feelings entertained by the graduates of the college in general:

"FREMONT, Ohio, October 13, 1875.

MY KENYON FRIENDS: A host of congratulatory dispatches are before me. I can not acknowledge with even a word of thanks the most of them. But yours, first to be replied to, touches me particularly. Accept my thanks for it. I hope you will all have reason to remember old Kenyon with as much satisfaction as I do. I have no more cherished' recollections than those which are associated with college life. Except the four years spent in the Union army, no other period of my life is to be compared with it. I hope you may all have equal reason always to think of Kenyon as I do. In the greatest haste, I remain, sincerely,

R. B. HAYES."

The expenses of living in Gambier in early days were very small. The annual charges were:

For instruction, thirty dollars; for board at the college table, forty dollars; room rent in a room with a stove, four dollars; room rent in a room with a fire-place, six dollars; for theological students and sons of clergymen the total charge was fifty dollars.

Those were the days when the boys were required "to sweep their own rooms, make their own beds and fires, bring their own water, black their own boots, if they ever were blacked, and take an occasional turn at grubbing in the field, or working on the roads." The discipline was somewhat strict, and the toil perhaps severe, but the few pleasures that were allowed were thoroughly enjoyed.

During the President's school-days there were two great men at Gambier, Bishop Mcllvaine and Dr. William Sparrow. There were other eminent men among the instructors: Major Douglass was a man of ability, and the traditions which still linger in the place concerning Professor Ross clearly show that he was possessed of remarkable power; but Bishop McIlvaine and Dr. Sparrow were pre-eminently great men-men whose greatness has been felt as an educating influence on both sides of the Alleghanies. Bishop McIlvaine's was a divided duty, for in addition to his college labors he had the care of a large and struggling diocese; while Dr. Sparrow gave to Kenyon his full and undivided strength, and so had the stronger hold upon the students. He led them not oniy wisely and bravely, but

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 463

faithfully, and with a true heart. President Hayes speaks of him as "one of the giants;" Secretary Stanton also honored him through life, and sent for him in his later days that he might be baptized at his hands.

Until the year 1840 there was a joint faculty of theology and arts in Gambier. At that time separate faculties were constituted with separate heads, Bishop McIlvaine continuing at the head of the Theological seminary, while Major D. B. Douglass, LL.D., was elected to the presidency of the college. Major Douglass was an accomplished civil engineer, a soldier and "every inch a man." He began his work earnestly in Gambier, and improvement was the order of the day. But the time was not ripe for him. He was succeeded within a few years by Rev. Dr. S. A. Bronson.

In 1842 a pecuniary crisis came. Bishop Mcllvaine labored with all his might, and secured the needed thirty thousand dollars.

The chief event accomplished during Dr. Bronson's presidency was a sale of a large portion of the college hinds. Though of very considerable value, these lands, from the first, had brought to the institution only the scantiest returns. One agent after another had been employed to oversee them. The raising of sheep proved disastrous; the culture of wheat could not be made to pay. Many of the tenants turned out to be either shiftless or dishonest. So, in the year 1850, after much discussion, it was determined that the form of the investment should be changed, and the lands were ordered to be sold.

Almost immediately there came increased prosperity. Happily, too, at this juncture, Lorin Andrews, LL.D., was elected president. The friend and champion of popular education in Ohio, he found helpers in every county of the State. The list of students was quickly swelled, so that in 1855 "room for enlargement" was a thing of necessity. President Andrews resigned in 1861 to enter the Union army. He was the first volunteer from Ohio, entering the service as colonel of the Fourth Ohio infantry. Very soon, however, he contracted disease, from the effects of which he died. His body rests in a quiet nook of that college park, which so often echoed to his step. With President Hayes, he was for a time a member of the class of 1842.

His successors in the office of president of Kenyon college have been Charles Short. LL.D. (1863--67), James Kent Stone, A.M. (1867-68), Eli T. Tappan, LL.D. (1868-75), William B. Bodine, D.D., the present incumbent.

The rolling years have brought added endowments to Kenyon, though she still waits for such large benefactions as have been given to colleges in the eastern states. Upon the occasion of his latest visits to his native land, Mr. George Peabody contributed the endowment of one professorship (twenty-five thousand dollars), chiefly out of regard and affection for Bishop McIlvaine, his early and life-long friend. Mrs. R. B. Bowler, of Clifton, Cincinnati, gave the sum requisite for another professorship, in memory of her husband, whose interest in Kenyon had been warmly manifested. Mr. Jay Cooke bestowed thirty thousand dollars in the days of his large prosperity. Other considerable sums have also been received, chiefly through the exertions of a long tried and devoted advocate and helper, Rt. Rev. Gregory Thurston Bedell, D. D. By his ardent and faithful endeavors, Bishop Bedell has secured contributions for Gambier, in all amounting to nearly two hundred thousand dollars.

This sketch has been written with special reference to Kenyon in the past. A rapid glance at the buildings of the institution may help to give an idea of her development and growth, and of her capacities for present usefulness.

Bexley hall stands upon a knoll at the northern extremity of the village. It was erected for the exclusive use of the Theological seminary, after a design given by the architect of the London crystal palace. It contains the library of the seminary about seven thousand volumes and furnished rooms, each with separate bed-rooms, for thirty-four students.

The College park is about half a mile in the opposite direction; a broad and well shaded avenue leads the way thereto. Near the southernmost point of this park, just upon the brow of the hill, and overlooking for miles the charming Kokosing valley, stands the more. massive and venerable edifice of Kenyon college. This building is of plain stone, one hundred and ninety feet long, and four stories high, including the basement; with battlements, pinnacles, belfry, and a spire one hundred

464 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

and seventeen feet high. It contains upwards of fifty rooms for students; also the libraries of the Philomathesian and Nu Pi Kappa societies.

Rosse hall, a substantial stone building in Ionic architecture, is used for lectures and rhetorical exercises on commencement occasions, and is capable of accommodating nearly a thousand persons.

Close by old Kenyon stands Ascension hall, an imposing structure, and one of the finest college buildings in the land. It contains two spacious and elaborately furnished halls for the literary societies, six recitation and lecture rooms, the library of Kenyon college, with its museum, and twenty-six rooms for students. The tower is used for an observatory.

Directly north of Ascension, and about fifty yards from the village street, stands the college church, the "Church of the Holy Spirit," which was finished in 1871. This most beautiful of all the buildings in Gambier is cruciform-with the tower in one of the angles-the nave and chancel being ninety feet and transepts eighty feet in length-all the windows are f stained glass-the church finished in oak, and the walls tastefully illuminated. The building is of the same freestone as Ascension hall, laid in courses, with dressed quoins and facings. It will accommodate a congregation of about six hundred. Ivy, transplanted from Melrose abbey, has already begun to adorn its walls. Within, the coloring and the caning are most attractive. The funds for the erection of this college church

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 465

sere given by members of the Church of the Ascension, New York, as a tribute of appreciation for their former rector, Bishop Bedell.

To the north and east of the village, and some distance from. the main street, environed by trees, and commanding an extensive and beautiful prospect of the valley of the Kokosing, stands Milnor hall, built for the use of the preparatory school. This is a plain structure of brick, the main buildings four stories high.

Hon. Columbus Delano recently contributed ten thousand dollars to this institution.

In all her requisites for admission, and in the course of study, Kenyon does not materially differ from the leading colleges of the Eastern States. She aims to give a thorough liberal education, and believes in the value of hard mental discipline. She believes also in right religious influences, and labors to afford them, pursuing steadily "the true, the beautiful, the good." In her view, "Christianity is the science of manhood," and all truth, being God's truth, should lead finally to Him. So her faith is liberal, conservative, evangelical, catholic.

The new college chapel should be seen to be appreciated. It is a poem in stone and mortar, and both within and without is surpassingly attractive. Used, as the chapel is, for daily college prayers, it has a steady influence for good. A new clock and full chime of bells have been added, to make it all complete

Its construction was due to the liberality of the former parishioners of Bishop Bedell, of the Church of the Ascension, New York; and those munificent donors have planted a thing of beauty, "a joy forever," on as exquisite a site a-c ever was graced by the house of God.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Rt. Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, D. D., President ex officio.

Rt. Rev. Thomas A. Jaggar, D. D., ex-officio.

Rev. William B. Bodine, D. D., ex-officio.

PERMANENT BOARD.

Under Constitution, Article lll.

Rev, N. S. Rulison, D. D., of Cleveland.

Rev. A. H. Moss, of Sandusky.

Rev. Leighton Coleman, S. T. D., of Toledo.

Hon. M. M. Granger, of Zanesville.

Rev. Erastus Burr. D. D., of Portsmouth.

Hon. Rufus King, of Cincinnati.

Rev. John Boyd, D. D., of Marietta.

Gen. Wager Swayne, LL. D., of Toledo..

ELECTED BY THE CONVENTIONS OF THE DIOCESES OF OHIO

AND SOUTHERN OHIO.

Under Constitution, Article VI.

Rev. Alfred F. Blake, of Cincinnati.

Mr. George W. Jones, of Cincinnati.

Rev. John W. Brown, S. T. D., of Cleveland.

Gen. J. H. Devereux, of Cleveland.

Rev. I. Newton Stanger, of Cincinnati.

Mr. William J. Boardman, of Cleveland.

ELECTED BY THE ALUMNI.

Rev. J. Mills Kendrick, of Cincinnati.

Mr. Levi Buttles, of Cleveland.

Rev. William W. Farr, D. D., of Philadelphia.

Mr. Charles E. Burr, of Columbus.

MARDENBRO WHITE, ESQ., of Gambier,

Secretary, Treasurer and Agent.

COLLEGE FACULTY.

Rev. William B. Bodine, D. D., president, Spencer and Wolfe professor of mental moral philosophy.

Lawrence Rust, A. M., vice-president, Professor of the Greek language and literature.

Rev. Edward C. Benson, A. M., professor of the Latin language and literature.

Theodore Sterling, A. M., M. D., Bowler professor of natural philosophy and chemistry.

McIlvaine professor of English literature and history, Instructor in rhetoric.

Eli T. Tappan, LL. D., Peabody professor of mathematics, civil engineering, and astronomy. Instructor in logic.

Rev. Cyrus S. Bates, D. D., acting professor of mental and moral philosophy.

William T. Colville, A. M., Instructor in German and French.

Candidates for the Freshman class are examined in the following studdies:

English-Grammar, reading, spelling, and composition.

Mathematics-Arithmetic, alegebra, to quadratics, four chapters of Tappan's geometry.

There are two examinations in arithmetic. The first is on the primary rules, factoring, greatest common measure and least common multiple of integers, compound numbers (including the metric system), fractions and decimals. The second examination is on percentage and interest, circulates, greatest common measure and least common multiple of fractions, and extraction of roots.

Latin-Grammar, including prosody; Arnold's Prose Composition to chapter X; Caesar, four books; Cicero, six orations; Virgil, four books of the Aeneid.

The English method of pronunciation is preferred.

Greek-Grammar, including prosody and composition; Xenophon's Anabasis, three books; Homer's Iliad, one book.

Goodwin's grammar is used as a manual. Some simple reader or companion book of exercises should be used in connection with the grammar.

German-Students who omit Greek are examined in Otto's German Conversation Grammar, and Otto's German Reader (Joynes' edition).

Geography-Ancient and modern.

In reading Caesar and Xenophon there should be constant reference to the map.

Mythology-A hand-book, such as Baird's Classical Manual, should be studied in connection with Virgil and Homer. A good classical dictionary and a dictionary of antiquities are necessary to every classical student.

Candidates for advanced standing are examined in the above studies, and in the studies that have been pursued by the class.

Fair equivalents are received for any of the above named books, or for parts of them. The books named serve to indicate the amount required.

If a student is further advanced in some studies than in others he may pursue the studies for which he is prepared. Opportunities are furnished such irregular students to make up the defective study. .

Candidates for admission must pressent testimonials of good moral character; and, if they come from other colleges, certificates of dismission in good standing.

The regular examination for admission to college takes place on Monday preceding commencement, beginning at 8:30 o'clock

466 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

A. M. Another examination is held on the day before. the opening of the Christmas term, at the same hour. Students maybe examined for any advanced standing at any time before the commencement of the second term of the senior year.

Gambier is a small country village, situated in the central part of Ohio, and is noted for its beautiful scenery, and its healthful and invigorating climate. No better place could well be found for quiet study, or for moral and religious culture. There are no saloons in the place. Gambier is distant by rail two hours from Columbus, five hours from Cleveland, and six hours from Cincinnati. The station of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad is immediately in the rear of the college grounds.

The buildings are among the best in the United States. The halls of the literary societies are unsurpassed. The college park contains about a hundred acres, well shaded with maples, and with the grand old oaks of the native forest. To the east, the west, and the south, it slopes most beautifully toward the valley of the Kokosing.

The college year is divided into three terms, named respectively Christmas, term, Easter term, and Trinity term.

Christmas term begins on the first Wednesday in September, and continues fifteen weeks.

Christmas vacation continues three weeks.

Easter term begins on the Wednesday next following the fourth of January, and continues eleven weeks.

Trinity term begins at the close of Easter term, and continues thirteen weeks; and Commencement is on Thursday at the close of Trinity term.

There is a recess of one week in Trinity term, immediately following Easter day; and when Easter falls in Easter term, the recess is the first week of the period assigned to Trinity term.

Students not in their places at the opening of the term must show by written statement from their parents or guardians that the absence was necessary.

No student shall be absent from Gambier during term time without special leave of the president.

Every student is required to attend punctually upon all the academical and religious exercises. In case of necessary absence from any exercise, the student must inform the officer in charge beforehand, if possible; if not possible, he is required to present his excuse as soon as may be after the absence has occurred.

Students are required to attend morning and evening prayers in the college chapel, also the public services on Sundays, and on the principal holy days of the church.

A weekly lectureship has been established for the elucidation and enforcement of the great doctrines of the Christian religion, for the discussion of great moral questions, for meeting individual difficulties of belief, and making plain the harmony between God's work and His word.

This lectureship will be under the charge of Rev. Dr. Bates (whose extraordinary qualifications for this special work have been abundantly proven), with occasional aid from the president of the college, and the bishop of Ohio.

A student is admitted to matriculation when he has sustained a satisfactory probation. Matriculation gives accredited membership to the institution, and entitles the student to an honorable dismission. For misconduct, he may be reduced to the condition of a probationer.

The faculty of the college earnestly desire that the students may be influenced to good conduct and literary exertion by higher motives than the fear of punishment, and it mainly relies for the success of the institution, as designed for liberal education, on religious and moral principle, a sense of duty, and the generous feelings which belong to young men engaged in honorable pursuits;. but when such motives fail, the faculty will use friendly caution and warning, admonition, and official notice of delinquency to parents and guardians, reduction of rank, refusa to grant privileges and indulgences allowed to meritorious Students, withholding of honors, which would otherwise be con. ferred; and to suspension, removal or expulsion. Students will be required to observe the utmost decorum and courtesy towards each other at all times, and the practice of hazing will be rigor. ously suppressed.

The degree of bachelor of arts is conferred upon all students in good standing who are approved at the hnal examinations of the senior class.

The degree of bachelor of philosophy is conferred upon those who have successfully pursued the study of modern languages instead of Greek, and who have sustained satisfactory examinations upon all other studies of the regular course.

Candidates for the degree of master of arts in course must show that they have, since taking the Bachelor's degree, been engaged for three years in the study or practice of the learned professions, or in other scientific or literary pursuits; and each candidate must deliver to the faculty an essay upon some literary or scientific theme.

Application for the master's degree must be made to the president at least one week before commencement.

The two literary societies, the Philomathesian and Nu Pi Kappa, have always been fostered by the college. The society halls are very commodious, and have been fitted up at great ex pense, occupying the whole of the second and third stories of the central portion of Ascension hall. All the students are active members. The meetings are held every week, for practice in declamation, essay, oratory, and discussion. These exercises, with the mutual criticism which forms a part of the regular work, and the generous rivalry maintained between the societies, contribute very much to the education of the students as writers and speakers.

Arrangements have been made whereby instructions in this important subject will hereafter be given by the distinguished elocutionist, Professor Kidd, M. A.

The students have access to the libraries of the theological seminary, Kenyon college, the Philomathesian society, and the Nu Pi Kappa society. The aggregate number of volumes in these four libraries is about twenty-two thousand.

The Kenyon Advance is published monthly during the college year, and is under the control of a beard of editors chosen front among the students.

Two reading rooms have been fitted up by the members of the Philomathesian and \u Pi Kappa societies, where copies of the leading English and American periodicals and newspapers are kept on file.

Tuition fees are remitted to the sons of clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal church.

The college fees of other students of superior merit may be remitted in part or in whole upon application to the president.

A perpetual scholarship has been founded by Mrs. Mary N. Bliss, of Columbus, by the gift of one thousand dollars. The income of this scholarship will be given to some student of high character and ability, who shall be nominated by the president

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 467

and approved by the faculty of the college, the preference to be given, other things being equal, to a resident of the city of Columbus.

A scholarship has been founded in memory of Rev. Alfred Blake, D. D., which yields an annual income of a hundred dollars.

Other friends have. indicated their purpose to give annually, sums varying from one to two hundred dollars to aid in the education of students of the highest order of character and ability.

These scholarships will ordinarily be given only to those who have proved their superiority by success in college work, and to those who stand highest at the entrance examinations.

Rooms are provided in the college buildings in which all students must lodge, unless they obtain permission from the president to room elsewhere. The college makes no special provision for board. This can be readily obtained in private families, or, at times, in clubs.

Each room is sufficiently large and convenient to accommodate two students. The rooms are provided with stoves, and are neatly painted and papered by the college. Students provide their own beds, furniture, light, books and stationery. Furniture can be bought, as well as sold, at second-hand, and the expense incurred by its use need not be great.

The college charges are: For tuition, ten dollars per term; for room rent, five dollars per term; and for incidentals, ten dollars per annum. A matriculation fee of five dollars is charged to every student at his entrance. There are also some minor expenses, consisting of taxes voluntarily imposed by the students in their classes and literary societies, and the expenses of graduation.

Every student on entering the college must deposit five dollars with the treasurer, as security for damage. The charges on this fund have averaged less than one dollar per year to each student. The balance is returned to the student on leaving.

When a student is absent for a term, and is afterwards, upon examination, allowed to go on with his class, tuition is charged for the time of his absence. Room rent is charged when a room is reserved for a student.

Fuel is supplied by the agent of the college, and must be paid for in advance, at the same time with the bill for tuition. The charge is six dollars per term for the first and second term, and three dollars for the third term, and twice these sums when a room is occupied by a single student.

Board in private families costs from three dollars to three dollars and fifty cents per week. Clubs are sometimes formed, and the expense for board is thereby materially reduced.

Students are not allowed to board themselves in their rooms, as this practice has been found perilous to good health.

The following estimate may be given of the necessary annual expenses, not including expenses in vacations:

Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 30

Room rent. . .... . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Incidentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Fuel......................................... 15

Board. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Washing. . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lights. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 5

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . $204

Other incidental expenses, such as books and stationery, furniture, expenses in societies, travelling expenses, etc., vary according to circumstances, and the character and habits of the individual student.

The college bill must be paid in advance, according to the following rule of the trustees:

"All students shall be required to pay their regular bills in advance. The treasurer's receipt shall be required by the president before he shall sign a certificate of matriculation, or, after the first terns, before the student shall attend recitation."

Students who do not desire to graduate may enter at any time, and take any studies which they are prepared to prosecute to advantage.

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF KENYON COLLEGE.

William B. Bodine, D. D., Lawrence Rust, M. A., Cyrus S. Bates, D. D., regents.

OFFICERS OF INSTRUCTION AND GOVERNMENT.

Rev. William B. Bodine, D. D., rector.

Professor Lawrence Rust, M. A., vice-rector, in charge of department of Greek.

Professor Cyrus S. Bates, D. D., instructor in Biblical history and morals.

Professor Edward C. Benson, A. M., in charge of department of Latin.

Rev. J. F. Ohl, D. D., head master (elect).

Willis M. Townsend, A. B., first assistant.

Colonel Benjamin P. Runkle, U. S. A., military instructor, and commandant.

Ernest Stanley Cook, second assistant.

Mrs. J. F. Ohl, matron (elect).

From the time of the foundation of Kenyon college it has been necessary to provide, in connection with the college, efficient preparatory instruction. For this purpose Milnor hall was established nearly fifty years ago. Its object was, and is, by God's blessing, to provide a church school where boys can receive thorough training under influences which tend towards the development of high Christian character.

The school has recently been placed under the control of the regents named above. They intend that it shall be one of the best training schools in the land. The school will be under the immediate charge of a head master, who will be assisted by a full corps of competent teachers and a matron. The buildings have been thoroughly repaired. Other important improvements have also been made by which the attractiveness of the school has been greatly increased.

The distinctive work of the grammar school is the preparation of boys for Kenyon college; but, whenever desired, they will be trained with reference to the special requirements of any leading college. The school will be divided into four forms. In the first form the pupil's time will be spent exclusively upon English studies. In the second form he will continue the study of reading and penmanship, of mental arithmetic, geography and grammar, and will begin the study of Latin. In the third form he will begin Greek (or German, finish the Latin reader and Caesar's commentaries, written arithmetic, commercial arithmetic, and bookkeeping. In the fourth form, he will finish preparatory work in Xenophon's Anabasis and Homer's Iliad (or Otto's German reader), Cicero's Orations and Virgil's Eneid, Ray's algebra and Tappan's geometry, besides studying an outline of ancient history and geography. In all the forms special attention will be paid to the correct use of the English language. Boys who do not desire to enter college can pursue a course

468 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

designed to give thorough preparation for business. The studies of this course will be English, including geography, grammar, and history, mathematics, penmanship, and bookkeeping, and, if desired, Latin and the modern languages.

The pupils live in the same building with the head master and the assistant teachers, and take their meals .at the same table. They are thus brought under the personal control of the teachers, and the school is made a home. The intercourse between teachers and pupils is free and cordial. The pupils are allowed and encouraged at all times to seek help from the teachers, and thus valuable instruction is constantly imparted as well out of, as during, study hours.

The regents believe that the health and good moral training of the younger pupils can be best guarded by a system which requires them to sleep in single alcoves in dormitories, under the charge of teachers; but, whenever desired by parents, any boy can occupy a room with a single companion. All pupils of the fourth form are provided with rooms, two pupils occupying one room. Upon payment of an extra charge pupils will be allowed to room alone. Each pupil is provided with a single bed.

The system of discipline and the general. management of the school are based on the principle that the authority of the parent is supreme to the child, and that the teacher in charge of a school stands in the place of the parent. The conscience of the pupil and his own conviction as to right and wrong are appealed to, so as to make him manly and self-reliant. The laws are such as are needed in every large family to insure regularity, comfort and harmony of action. .

Generous liberties are allowed, with the understanding that they shall be well and wisely used, and while authority (and respect for it) is, and must be maintained, it is always enforced with kindness and affection.

Thorough and accomplished scholarship is a constant aim.

The quality of every recitation is carefully registered, monthly reports thereof, together with other information relative to the standing of each pupil in punctuality, application and deportment, are forwarded to the parents or guardians. Parents are particularly requested to take notice of these reports, and to keep themselves informed thereby of the progress and behavior of their sons.

Examinations are held at the close of each term; by these the progress of the pupil is determined.'"

The college libraries contain twenty-two thousand volumes, covering every department of literature. By the payment of a small fee the scholars of the hall have access to these libraries. They may also attend, as visitors, upon the exercises of the literary societies of the college,

A service of daily morning prayei is held at the hall. The pupils also attend daily evening prayer at the chapel of the college, and the public religious worship of the Lord's day.

A weekly lecture is given upon the great truths of Christianity, with moral instruction intended to develope a genuine- and manly Christian character.

Particular attention is given to physical culture. The playgrounds are large, and all manly sports are encouraged. Ample opportunities are afforded for bathing and skating. To promote personal cleanliness the pupils have access to a bathroom in the building.

* No pupil who fails to answer a certain percentage of the questions in these examinations will be allowed to pass into a higher class; nor will any so failing be recommended for the entrance examination to college.

Boys are admitted who are over twelve years of age, and are able to read, write, and apply the first rules of arithmetic.

Applicants for admission to advanced standing must pass an examination upon the studies of the lower forms. After the examination they will be placed in that form for which they seem to be, on the whole, best fitted. In all cases in which there is any hope of success, an effort will be made, by private instruction, to bring up such pupils in the studies wherein they are deficient, rather than put them back in those in which they are molt advanced.

Students who expect to enter college will find it greatly to their advantage to take their preparatory training at the grammar school. In most high schools attention is given to certain studies which are of no avail in an examinatiori for admission to college, and which are much more thoroughly taught in the regular college course. A year, or even two years, of valuable time may thus be saved.

Students of mature years, well trained in mathematics and English, may make more rapid advancement towards entrance to college by devoting themselves with special energy to the study of the classical or the modern languages. Arrangements will be made for this class of students.

The charge for tuition, board, fuel, lights, washing, and mending, will be three hundred dollars for the entire session, This is payable as follows: one hundred and fifty dollars on entrance, the balance the first day of February thereafter.

Pupils who are a month late in entering will be charged at the rate of thirty-five dollars per month for the remainder of the half-session.

The charge for tuition alone will be fifty dollars per session, semi-annually in advance.

A deposit of ten dollars will be required from each pupil to cover damages done to the property of the school. Whatever is not required in payment of such damages will be returned at the end of each session.

An extra charge will be made for books; stationery and medical attendance; and a sufficient deposit, not less than ten dollars, is required for these and for other "incidentals."

Books are supplied at the school at publishers' prices.

An extra will be made for instrumental music and the use of piano.

Pupils must be entered for the whole of the school year. But they will be received at any time when the school is not full, and a proportionate deduction will be made; but subsequently no deduction will be made for absence, except in case of protracted sickness, when the loss will be equally divided.

Special rates will be made for sons of clergymen.

The session begins the first Wednesday in September and closes the Friday before the last Thursday in June. There is a vacation of three weeks at Christmas, and of one week at Easter. A charge of five dollars per week will be made for those who remain at the school during the vacations.

Each pupil should bring with him an umbrella, a pair of overshoes, blacking-brush and blacking, clothes-brush, a coverlet, two pairs of sheets and blankets (single), pillow-cases, towels, napkins a plain napkin ring, and clothes-bag.

To avoid loss, each article of clothing or use must be distinctly marked with the owner's s frame.

The department of military drill and instruction is under the charge of an officer of the United States Army, by whom the pupils are regularly drilled. The system will be made subordinate to the higher purposes of the school as a literary in-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 469

stitution. Its advantages are: (1.) It secures agreeable and healthful exercise. (2.) It tends to give an erect carriage and good manners. (3.) It promotes habits of order and obedience, important elements of success, both at school and in after life.

For such a school as Milnor hall there are great advantages in uniformity of dress: (1.) In the matter of expense, giving the advantage of wholesale rates. (2.) As a great help in produoing a feeling of esprit du corps, among the pupils, leading them to be careful, lest they should discredit the organization whose badge they wear. (3.) As a means of avoiding unpleasant comparisons by placing all upon the same footing in the matter of dress.

A uniform has been adopted for the school, consisting of coat, pants and vest of fine, dark blue cloth trimmed with neat brass buttons and a small gilt stripe. The uniform is such that, by removing the trimmings, it will answer for wear when the pupils are away from school. It is distinctive, but not peculiar.

The cost of each suit will vary from twenty to twenty-five dollars, depending upon the size of the wearer. A sample of the cloth used will be sent on application. .

Parents and friends are earnestly requested not to furnish the pupils with pocket money, except through the rector, or head master. A deposit for this purpose should always be made.

Borrowing or lending of money and buying on credit are strictly forbidden.

Believing the use of tobacco to be especially injurious to the young students, the regents desire the cooperation of their patrons in discouraging its use on the part of any pupil at Milnor hall. Smoking in the students rooms will be prohibited.

To encourage habits of punctuality, a careful record of tardiness at meals, and at all school exercises, is kept and forwarded to parents with the monthly report.

Suitable testimonials or references should accompany all applications for admission.

All communications from parents should be made in writing to the rector. We can not act upon messages received at second hand.

No pupil will be allowed to spend the night away from the hall.

Absence from the premises after supper is prohibited.

Boys who manifest vicious habits or a spirit of insubordination will not be allowed to remain at the school.

Pupils are not allowed to have any firearms in their possession.

All letters shoula be addressed to the care of the school. Pupils are not allowed to have private boxes in the post-office, and express packages must be always prepaid.

Forty years ago Bishop McIlvaine wrote: " It should be recollected that in the west a college can hardly be expected to sustain a dignified stand as to the requisites for admission, to enforce a vigorous system of internal discipline and carry out such a course of study as becomes its profession and its degrees, without sacrificing for a long time numbers for attainments. It is the determination of those in the administration of Kenyon college to endeavor to attain an enlarg patronage without compromise with any defective notions o educations. or any humoring of popular caprice. A few young men, well educated, are worth a host superficially taught. Such a determination in this country requires much patience and firmness in its prosecution, but I trust it will never yield to any temptation to popularity or pecuniary increase. Ultimately it must have its reward. "

HARCOURT PLACE ACADEMY.

The Rev. A Blake, D. D., the founder of the Harcourt Place Academy, was a native of Keene, N. H.- the home of Chief Justice, Salmon P. Chase. When probably about twenty years old Young Blake came to Ohio and entered S. P. Chase's school, as a student at Worthington, Ohio. In 1828 he came to Gambier with the other members of the school. The first winter was pretty hard on the boys.

Mr. Blake was a member of the first class that graduated at Kenyon college, (1829.) . The members of the class, beside himself, were: Jas. B. Chase, Samuel Chase, Geo. Denison, P. C. Freeman and B. B. Sayre. Four of the six were near relatives of the bishop, and five of the six were from New England. Mr. Blake graduated from the Theological seminary in 1835. During the next fifteen years Mr. Blake was engaged, a portion of the time, as president of Milnor hall and city missionary in Cincinnati under the auspices of Christ church. In 1852 he purchased the house built for B. J. McIlvaine and several acres of land connected with it, and opened his select school for boys. Mr. Blake, having many warm friends in Cincinnati, the school was patronized at once by the better class of people of that city and other places. He continued at the head of the school until his decease, July, 1877. His first assistant for many years was Rev. E. C. Benson, a very popular and efficient teacher. Mr. Blake and his estimable wife had a peculiar aptitude for managing boys, and the school has been a favorite institution from its first opening. For several years Mr. McKinley has had charge of the school. He has now associated with him Mr. Blake's son Leonard; both are graduates of Kenyon college. The school has never been more successful than it is at the present time.

Mr. Blake was universally esteemed by the citizens of Gambier-not only as a clergyman, butas a benevolent, kind-hearted, Christian gentleman; and it is, safe to say that he had not an enemy in the world. For several years Mr. Blake was an efficient member of the board of trustees of Kenyon college..

470 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

CHAPTER LI.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP.

NAME-TOPOGRAPHY-INDIANS-FIRST SETTLERS AND SET-

TLEMENTS-SKETCHES OF THE PIONEERS- BURLINGTON

STORM - ROADS - MILLS - POST-OFFICES -SCHOOLS CHURCHES.

HARRISON township was organized March 9, 1825, and named in honor of General William H. Harrison. It is an excellent township of farming land, being generally level or moderately rolling. It was once very heavily timbered, with the usual varieties found in Ohio, and much oak, sugar and beech timber are still found in the township. It is well watered, both with springs and streams. The Kokosing river crosses the north-west corner. Indian Field's run is the principal stream. It rises in the western part of Butler township, runs west to near the Centre of Harrison, and turning north flows into the Kokosing river. At the mouth of this stream the Indians had cleared a large amount of land, on which they raised much corn, and the stream was so named from this fact. The Kokosing and Indian Field's run have numerous small tributaries not named. Barney's run rises in the northwest part of the township, and flowing north into Howard township, empties into the Kokosing river. There are no mounds in this township. A small beaver dam still spans Indian Field's run on Simon Dudgeon's farm.

The Cleveland, Mt. Vernon S: Columbus railroad crosses the northwest corner of the township.

The Indians were numerous when the first settlers came to Harrison, and for several years after the first settlement they would come from Greentown and the Upper Sandusky to hunt the deer and other wild animals which abounded here. The old Indian trail leading from Greentown to the Wakatomica, passed through Harrison, and bands of Indians were passing frequently through the township several years after the conclusion of the last war with Great Britain. It was also much used by the early settlers before any roads were laid out. After General Lewis Cass, the distinguished Democratic statesman, was appointed governor of Michigan territory, he passed over this trail on horseback, on going from his home in Muskingum county to Detroit. He was accompanied by a party of three or four men, and stopped over night at the house of Simon Dudgeon, a pioneer of Harrison.

Andrew Casto was probably the first white man to settle in Harrison township. He entered land in the western part of the township. But little of his early pioneer experience can be obtained as he has been dead many years, and none of his family are living in Knox county.

Jeremiah Biggs, who is claimed by some to have been the first settler of Harrison, was born in Virginia December 27, 1769. He came to this township in 1808, settling on section sixteen. When he first settled here, Harrison was almost, if not altogether, an unbroken wilderness. Deer "were as plenty as sheep," the wolves "made night hideous" by their howling, the Indian still lurked in the forest, and Mr. Biggs experienced all the privations, hardships, enjoyments, and pleasures incident to pioneer life. He raised a family of eleven children; one of his sons, John, who was born here in 1812, is still residing in the township. A few years after his removal to Knox county, Mr. Biggs' friends in Pennsylvania sent him a letter addressed as follows: "To Jeremiah Biggs on Owl Crick, State of Ohio," Notwithstanding this vague direction if arrived at its destination. This letter is still in possession of John Biggs. Mr. Biggs lived long to enjoy the fruits of his arduous pioneer labors. He died in 1844.

The Dudgeons have long been a prominent family. Simon Dudgeon was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, in 1776. His father owned a small freehold in Ireland, and being a man of much enterprise and resolution, determined to better his condition by emigrating to America. At the time he formed this resolution, his sons, Simon, Moses and Thomas were in the British army, serving as regulars. Desiring to have all his family with him when he went to America, he sold his freehold and bought the unexpired time of his three soldier boys. He sailed for the United States in 1801, landing at New York city. When Simon landed he had but one English shilling left. He procured employment in the city, and after working a short time went to Connecticut, remaining in that State several months. From there he removed to Delaware county, New York, purchased a farm and lived there until 1810, when he came

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 471

to Harrison township, and entered three quarter sections of land near the centre of the township. After making some improvements, he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Nancy Elliott, by whom he had ten children, viz: Jane, Thomas, Charles, Moses, David, William, Simon, Mary, John, and Andrew. Eight are still living, four in Harrison. Mr. Dudgeon returned to Knox county in 1811, living on his place in Hurrison until his decease, June 2, 1845.

John Schooler, another prominent citizen, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the year 1770. When he was twenty-six years old he removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his removal to Harrison township in 1818. Four years prior to his coming to Knox county he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in the southeast part of Harrison township. While living in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss Sarah Walker. They raised a family of twelve children: James, Rachel, William, John, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, George, Hannah, Jane, Samuel, and Sarah Ann-six of whom are still.living. Mr. Schooler was a member of the legislature from Knox county, in 1831 and 1832; he also served as justice of the peace several terms, and was otherwise prominent in public affairs. Mr. Schooler was a participant in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and was also a soldier of the War of 1812. He endured many hardships, and made some narrow escapes while a soldier. At one time a squad of soldiers was sent in pursuit of some Indians who had committed depredations in the frontier settlements. They were cut off from their supply of rations while in the wilderness, and were without provisions about a week, when one of them shot a deer, and every particle of meat, even the hoofs and head were cooked and devoured by the famishing soldiers. Mr. Schooler had a small piece of bacon concealed, from which he would take a bite or two each day, so that he did not fare quite as hard as some of his less fortunate comrades. He was a noted hunter. In one year, while residing in Pennsylvania, he killed one hundred and fifty-three deer, and at another time shot two panthers. Game was still abundant when he came to Harrison, and one fall he shot twenty-three deer. He died in the year 1853.

The Harrods were also noted pioneers, being among the first to settle in Knox county. Michael Harrod removed to Harrison early in this century, settling in the southeast part of the township. John, son of Michael Harrod, who was born in 1807, was many years a resident here. He was married in 1829, to Rachel Veach, and removed to Clay about the time of his marriage. They raised a family of eleven children. Michael Harrod built the second brick house in the township, which was blown down by the Burlington storm, and Mrs. Harrod and an infant in her arms, were covered up with the bricks. Mrs. Harrod had an arm broken, but the infant was not injured.

Arthur Fawcett came to Harrison about 1810. He was a native of Ireland and being poor it was with considerable difficulty that he secured sufficient means to pay his passage across the Atlantic. He settled in the dense wilderness of Harrison township, and cleared up a farm. Many years after his removal here, he experienced a considerable loss at the hands of some thieves. He had secreted one thousand dollars in his milk-house loft, for safekeeping. It remained undisturbed some time, when one night it was stolen, and no clue to the thieves could be obtained.

Daniel Ullery was a thrifty Pennsylvania Dutchman. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and came here in 1817, locating one hundred and sixty acres of land. At an early age he was married to Miss Mary Kinder. They raised a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living. One of his sons, Valentine, is a resident of Harrison.

George Lepley, another Pennsylvania German, was one of the first settlers, and is the oldest man now living in the township. He is the only one of the first generation that settled in Harrison, still residing here. He was born about 1790, and his wife who is but one month younger than her husband, is still living. Mr. Lepley came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1807, and first settled in Butler township, but removed to Harrison about 1812. He served three months in the last war with England, but was in no engagements.

472 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

William Green, one of the early pioneers of Ohio, was born in Maryland about 1789, and with his father settled in the southern part of Licking county, Ohio, about 1804. He removed to Harrison township in 1824, settling in the southern part of the township. He was married to Elizabeth Morris while a resident of Licking county. One of his sons, Daniel, has been a resident of this township since 1824. He was married to Miss Lydia Bowman in 1843, and their family of nine children are all living. Two of his sons are residents of Washington city, one being a clerk in the census office, and another, an attorney-at-law. William Green died in 1855.

The Horns are quite a numerous family. Benjamin Horn came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and Joseph in 1820. They both settled in the southeastern part of this township.. Joseph Horn was born about the year 1788, was married to Miss Anna Ely in Pennsylvania, and their family of eleven children are all living. The Horns are noted for their longevity and thrift.

Nathaniel Ross came to Harrison about 1815. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1794. Prior to his removal to Ohio he was married to Miss Sarah Hair, by whom he had eight children, three-Samuel H., Alary, and Timothyonly, survive. Mr. Ross was a man of indomitable spirit, great liberality, and was remarkable for his extensive reading. He was one of the very first in Knox county to embrace and advocate the political views and doctrines of the Abolitionists, and was, consequently, the subject of much persecution. So bitter at one time was this persecution that he was both politically and socially ostracized by his neighbors, but he never deviated in the least from the path of duty as he considered it. He was also one of the very first to espouse the religious views of Alexander Campbell. At that time it was almost as much of a stigma to be called a Campbellite as it was an Abolitionist. But he lived to see the unpopular political and religious doctrines, which he so ardently contended for, both triumphant and honorable. While Mr. Ross was a resident of Harrison he was a sufferer by two tornadoes which swept over this place. The noted Burlington storm, May 18, 1825, prostrated all of his buildings, destroyed much valuable timber, and otherwise damaged him financially; and, on the second day of September, 1846, another tornado destroyed one of his out-buildings, and a log falling upon his daughter, Rachel Ann, a young lady of sixteen years, caused her death instantaneously. But one of his children, Samuel, now resides here. Several years since he removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Mary Crumrine.

The Lybargers, although not of the first settlers, have long been identified with the history and interests of Harrison. George, Adam, Henry, and Andrew Lybarger, brothers, emigrated from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to Knox county, in the fall of 1819. They rented a house in Mt. Vernon and remained there during the winter of 1819-20. The following spring they removed to Harrison, where they purchased a large tract of land in the northwest part of the township, much of which was Owl creek bottom land and very productive. George Lybarger was born in Pennsylvania April 30, 1791. He was married to Miss Magdalena Lybarger October 9, 1814. Their children were Maria, Elizabeth, Valentine, Simon, Eli, George, Henry, and Louis, five of whom are still living. The Lybargers were industrious, frugal Pennsylvania Germans, very zealous Lutherans, and were the prime movers in the organization of the Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church of this township. George died in 1876, Adam in 1872. All of the four brothers are dead. Their descendants are still numerous here.

Isaac Coan, Hugh Miller, Paul Welker, Silas Ralston, Wendell Melker, John Wolf, John Troutman, Israel Dillon, Benjamin Ellis, Jacob Hayes, Marvis and Asa Freeman were early settlers, and influential citizens. The inhabitants of this township are principally Pennsylvanians and their descendants, but there is also a sprinkling of Virginians and Marylanders.

Most all of the early settlers who endured the toils, privations and hardships in rescuing the township from its wilderness condition are gone to their long rest. Their children and grandchildren, who are now living in comfort and even luxury, can but faintly realize what their ancestors suffered to purchase the blessings they enjoy.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 473

Nathaniel Ross built the first brick house in the township.

The Burlington storm, one of the greatest that has occurred in Ohio since its first settlement by the whites, swept across this township from southwest to northeast. It prostrated everything in its path, which was about three-fourths of a mile in width: Log, frame and brick houses were blown down, and not a large tree was left standing. It was also accompanied by heavy hail; some of the hail stones were said to be larger than hen's eggs. The second tornado, September 2, 1845, crossed the southern part of Harrison, and caused a great destruction of property and a loss of life.

In November, 1857, another violent whirlwind swept over the southern part of the township. It threw down the dwelling house of Jacob Ellett, some of the family being covered by the debris, and severely injured. It also uprooted many trees, blew down the fences, and passing into Butler township tore down a house in which a corpse was I laid out. There have been one or two severe wind storms since the one of 1857, and the inhabitants live in fear of a recurrence of these cyclones every few years, though probably without reason. Several accidents resulting in loss of life have occurred in this township. Some twenty years since William Lepley was killed by falling on an upright saw in his mill while sawing logs. About 1859, John Guess while engaged in cleaning out a well was overcome by the "damps" or gas generated therein, and lost his life. Samuel Lepley accidently shot himself while handling a gun, and was found dead by his friends. About 1833 a Mr. Morrison was killed by a falling tree.

The first road in the township was the one leading from Mt Vernon to Coshocton, now known as the Mt. Vernon and New Castle road. This was laid out probably as early as 1809 or 1810. The Gambier and Martinsburgh road was cut out some years after this one.

The first saw-mill was built about 1833, by William Lepley, on Indian Field's run. This was the saw-mill in which Mr. Lepley was killed.

The first and only grist-mill in the township was erected several years since by Simon Dudgeon, on Indian Field's run. It is a small one and has never done much grinding. The inhabitants generally get their milling done at the Gambier or Green Valley mills.

The first post-office was established about 1842, and named Wolfe's post-office, in honor of George Wolfe, the first postmaster. This office was discontinued some ten years after its establishment. Some years ago the inhabitants residing in the central part of the township petitioned the postmaster, General for another office. Their petition was granted, Pipesville post-office established, and Mr. Warren Pipes appointed postmaster. Mr. Pipes died some time after his appointment, and his daughter Anna Bell has had charge of the office since his death. The inhabitants receive their mail semi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the mail route being from the office to Gambier. Mr. John Burkholder is the mail messenger.

The first school as far as can be ascertained was taught by John James in a small log building in the Dudgeon settlement. Moses, Jane, Charles and Thomas Dudgeon; John, Charlotte, Levi, David and Elizabeth Harrod; Levi, John and Mary Riggs and Mary Ross were some of the scholars who attended the school. Samuel Hill was another of the early school teachers of this township, as well as of Butler, Jackson and Clay. His services as a pedagogue were in great demand by the early settlers. For many years after the first settlement the schools were taught either in the dwelling houses of the settlers or in small log school houses, but these in course of time gave way for the more commodious and neat frame buildings which are now found in the township. The establishment of the Martinsburgh academy and Kenyon college, both contiguous to Harrison, was of great benefit to the youth of that township, and many of them received a thorough education at those places.

The religious interests of the people have not been neglected. The early missionary preachers through here were the Rev. James Scott and Cunningham, Presbyterians; the Revs. Charles Waddle, Crawford and Glancy, Methodists; Andrew Burns, .Taylor; Lockheart, White, and Moody, Disciples; and Truman Strong, Thomas Eaton, and W. W. Curry, Universalists. The Methodists erected the first church edifice, a log one, about 1823 or 1824. This was located in the northeastern part

474 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

of the township, and called the Mt Labor church. The organization continued to hold meetings in this church several years, when the society dissolved, and there are very few of that denomination in the township at this time.

About 1832 a small log church was built on Nathaniel Ross' farm by the Disciples, or Campbellites, as they were then named. Nathaniel Ross and Harrod Riggs, with a few others, organized a society and worshipped several years in this smallbuilding. From this little body of earnest workers has sprung the Union Grove church, built in 1841. It is a neat frame, located in section fifteen, and occupied by all denominations, no particular sect having absolute control. It is now principally used by the Disciples. The Revs. Taylor, Burns, Lockheart, White, William and Jackson Dowling, Charles Van Voorhees, and Benjamin Bell, jr., have preached at various times to the Disciple organization here.

The Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1835, by the Rev. H. W. Lauer. The first elders were Henry Lybarger and Samuel Stough; deacons, Adam Lybarger and Jesse Lybarger; trustees, George and Peter Lybarger; clerk, Samuel Stough. Among the first members of this church were Samuel Stough and wife, Henry, Andrew, Peter, George, Jesse, and Anthony Lybarger, and their wives; Ludwig Lehman and wife, Michael and Frederick Lybarger, and Magdalena Ream. The ministers who succeeded the Rev. Lauer, as far as known, were the Revs. W. M. Gilbreath, ------ Ritz, --------Smedley, --------Sensebaugh, O'Bannon, Thomas Drake, -----Showers, and I. K Booker, the present pastor. The first church edifice was erected in 1837. This was a frame building of sufcient dimensions to hold the large congregation which assembled for worship at that early date. In 1854 this building was replaced by a large and substantial frame, in which the society worship at this time. This organization of Lutherans was a strong body, numerically and financially, from the beginning. The original members were almost all Pennsylvania Germans, and the members now are generally their descendants. The first records of the church were kept partly in English and partly in German. The present membership is eighty-six.

The Baptists have no church or organization in the township, but hold occasional meetings at the Union Grove chapel.

The Universalists hold occasional meetings at Union Grove, but have no organization here.

There are several families of Dunkards, Or Nazarines in the township, who have occasional preaching at the Union Grove chapel. The Revs. Henry Davie, John Workman, Isaac Ross, and Edmonston have preached here at various times.

There are a few Catholic families here, but they do not have meetings in the township.

The Mt. Zion cemetery, attached to the church of that name, was laid out about 1831, and the first burial was in 1832.

The Union Grove cemetery was located about 1823, the first interment in the cemetery being in that year.

CHAPTER LII.

HOWARD TOWNSHIP.

LOCATION - FIRST OFFICERS-TOFOGRAPHY-INDIANS-

EARLY SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS - HUNTING -

SKETCHES OF THE PIONEERS -DISTILLERIES-MIILLS

SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-KINDERHOOK.

HOWARD was originally a part Of Union township, and now lies directly west of and joins it. It was erected into a separate township, and organized March 9, 1825. At the earliest election recorded in the township records, held in 1834, at the house of Nathaniel Critchfield, the following officers were chosen : trustees, George Lybarger, Joseph Critchfield and Jonathan Wartor; clerk, Henry H. Wartor ; treasurer, Nathaniel Critchfield ; fenceviewers, Thomas Elwell and John W. Mason ; overseers of poor, Moses Porter, Nathan A. Magers ; constables, Eli Engle, Samuel Critchfield. Joseph McMahon and Martin Engle were the first justices of the peace elected in the township. Amos Workman, Benjamin Huddington, Thomas J. Porter and William Williams were of the first justices. For several years after the organization of Howard township, the trustees, clerk, treasurer, supervisor, and other township officers,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 475

donated their legal services to the township. The inhabitants, at that time, were comparatively poor, money was scarce, and it was about all they could do to support their families and pay state and county taxes, and the strictest economy was necessary in order to "make both ends meet."

The surface of this township is generally broken, but the ascents and descents are not as abrupt as in most of the eastern townships of Knox county. The soil is fertile, much of it being gravelly loam, which is peculiarly adapted for the growing of wheat and other cereals. The bottom lands of Owl creek, and the big and little Jelloway streams, produce very heavy crops of corn, etc. Howard township originally was well timbered, and at this date much valuable timber exists.

Owl creek, the principal stream of water, enters the township about the centre of its southern side, its course through Howard being north and east, leaving the township near the southeast corner. Big Jelloway creek enters the northeast corner of Howard, from Brown township, and flowing in a southwesterly direction empties into Owl creek near the village of Howard. Little Jelloway creek coming from the northwest, joins the big Jelloway near its mouth. Schenck's run crosses the southwestern part of the township, discharging its waters into Owl creek. Barney's run, coming from Harrison township, empties also into Owl creek. These streams, with their tributaries, make Howard one of the best watered townships in the county.

The Cleveland, Mt Vernon & Columbus railroad passes diagonally across the township, the direction being northeast to southwest.

There is one small mound in the southern part of the township, situated on the farm of Worthington Shipley.

There was a permanent Indian encampment in this township, at the mouth of Indian Field's run. The Indians had cleared quite a large tract of land at this place, and raised large crops of corn and vegetables. Game was plenty, the Owl and Jelloway creeks abounded in fish, and altogether it was a very desirable camping place for the red man. There were also temporary encampments in various places in this part of the county, especially along Owl creek and the Jelloway streams, where bands of Indians from Greentown, Upper Sandusky, and other places, would encamp during the hunting season.

There was a somewhat noted Indian named Tom Jelloway, in whose honor the Big and Little Jelloway creeks were named, who remained in this section of the county several years after the removal of his tribe to their western reservations. He became very much attached to the whites, adopted their dress, and, in a measure, their style of living, and refused to go when the Government removed the Indians in this part of Ohio to the west. He obtained his living principally by selling brooches, and other trinkets of Indian manufacture. He frequently visited at the Critchfields, Welkers, and other pioneer families in order to dispose of his wares.

Howard township was one of the best hunting grounds that could be found in the State at its settlement. The Critchfields, Welkers, and other pioneers were very successful hunters. A few years after Nathaniel Critchfield removed to this township, he one evening heard a hog squealing in the thicket near his residence. He seized his gun and started for the place from which the noise of the unhappy porker proceeded. Mr. Critchfield was soon near the bear, which had the hog still living in his embrace. He discharged the contents of his gun into old bruin, who, not appearing to feel any effects from the first shot, still continued holding the hog in his paws. He fired another shot which did not prove fatal, and reloading his gun he fired the third load into the bear before he succeeded in killing him. The bear weighed four hundred pounds, and his carcass yielded ten gallons of oil. On another occasion, Benjamin Critchfield and his brother Isaac were out hunting wild turkeys. They heard the cry of a panther, which was in the top of a tree a short distance from where they were standing. They each dreaded to fire the first shot, but was finally agreed that Isaac should shoot first, as he was an excellent marksman, and rarely missed a shot. He deliberately, but not without some trepidation, aimed his gun at the panther and fired. The ball penetrated the animal's brain and he fell from the tree dead. He was of enormous size, measuring eleven feet from tip to tip. This is said to be the only panther ever killed in Knox county by a white man.

476 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Abraham Welker was probably the first white man to settle in Howard township. He came from Harrison county, Ohio, about 1806 or 1807, and located his farm on the Indian fields, near the mouth of the stream by that name. This land had been cleared by the Indians and had been under cultivation for generations probably. He was thus saved the labor of clearing his land of the heavy forests, which was no inconsiderable item of labor and cost in those early days. At the time of Mr. Welker's removal to Howard township there were but a very small number of whites residing in the eastern part of Knox county. There were three or four families along owl creek, in Butler township, and scattering ones elsewhere in the adjoining townships. Indians were encamped near his cabin. His younger children were unused to seeing whites, and his daughter, Mrs. Critchfield, now living in this township, says that that the children were much more alarmed at seeing a white man than they were at seeing an Indian. Mr. Welker died about 1820.

Paul Welker was another of the very first settlers, coming here about the same time that Abraham Welker did. He settled in the southern part of the township. He often related the following anecdote:

Some time after his removal to Howard township he was out hunting deer. He was not aware of any white man living nearer than the settlements on Owl creek in Butler township, and that of Abraham Welkers. He had chased a deer into a swamp when he was startled by the sound of an axe, in the hands of some one cutting wood. Not deeming it probable that any white man would settle in such a spot, he stealthily approached the place from whence the noise of the chopping came, expecting to see an Indian, but to his great and agreeable surprise he discovered a white man cutting logs for his cabin. This man was Simon Dudgeon, one of the pioneers and honored citizens of Harrison township. Although Welker expressed much surprise and made considerable sport at Mr. Dudgeon's selecting such a marshy location for a home, it proved to be a wise one, as Dudgeon became quite wealthy before his death.

Among the first settlers and prominent families were the Critchfields. They are very numerous in this township especially and in other portions of Knox county. Nathaniel, Isaac, John, Joseph and William, five brothers, emigrated from Maryland to this township about 1807 or 1808, Several of these brothers had been soldiers in the war of the Revolution, and had been inured to dangers and hardships while engaged in that struggle. They were well fitted to endure the toils and privations necessary in the settlement of a new and heavily timbered country. From these old pioneers have sprung the numerous families and individuals of that name in Howard and other townships of Knox county. Their descendants can be numbered almost by the hundreds. The pioneer Critchfields were athletic, industrious farmers and public-spirited citizens, and for many years after the first settlement of Howard township held a large share of the local offices. After Joseph Critchfield came to this township he built a cabin, cleared up a piece of land, and raised a crop or two of corn. He then went to Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where he was married Procuring two horses, one for himself and one for his wife, he packed a few articles of furniture and utensils for cooking on the horses and they started for their new home in Ohio, making the entire trip on horseback, most of the way being through a dense forest. Nathaniel Critchfield was married to Miss Christina Welker at an early age. They raised a family of thirteen children. He held several township offices, and was an active Democratic politician. He died about 1837. Isaac died a short time after his removal to the county. Benjamin Critchfield came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he was born May 18, 1797. He was also one of the earliest settlers, coming to Howard about 1808.

Isaac Dial, Uriah and Marvin Tracy, James Logue, James Wade, Benjamin Ellis, Philip Dial, George Lybarger, Jesse Enlon, John Stedman and Andrew Lybarger were early settlers. Of the later settlers were John Hull who came in 1830, Henry Eckenrode in 1833, George McFarland in 1835, John Durbin, Thomas McElroy, John Cassill, Martin Engel, Amos Workman, H. H. McArtor, Daniel McGugin and James Berry. As in the case in the other townships of eastern Knox, these

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 477

settlers were principally emigrants from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. The absence of the foreign and New England element in the population of the eastern and southern townships is a notable feature.

For many years after the first settlement, the distilling of whiskey was a common business. Atone time there were six of eight distilleries in full blast in Howard township. One of the old distilleries, owned by a Mr. Hawn, is still standing near Millwood, and is now used for a barn. Some of the whiskey manufactured here was consumed at home, as whiskey was a common beverage among all classes at that date, even the minister of the Gospel drank it. The remainder of the whiskey was hauled to Mt. Vernon and Newark and shipped from those I places to various points. The distilling business was considered as respectable as any legitimate business. After the Washingtonian Temperance association was formed, and spread all over the land a great change of opinion occurred in the public mind, and the owners of these distilleries quit the business, and some of them became radical temperance advocates.

The first bridge in the township was built across Jelloway creek in 1830. The first grist-mill was built about 1815 by Nathaniel Critchfield. It was situated on the Little Jelloway creek. There is but one grist-mill in the township at this date, which is owned and operated by Rollin Critchfield. One of the first dwelling houses built in Howard township is still standing about three-fourths of a mile north of the village of Howard. It is a log building, and was built by Benjamin Critchfield about 1810.

Steven Workman was the first man to bring a threshing machine into the township. This was about 1838-9.

The first brick house was erected by Benjamin Critchfield. Good and substantial brick and frame houses, have generally taken the place of the rude cabins of the early times, although a log house, lately erected, is occasionally seen, in this, as well as in all the townships in the eastern and southern portions of Knox county.

There are several iron and wooden bridges, which span the Big and Little Jelloway, Owl creek and other streams in this township placed at convenient distances, and which add much to the accommodation of the citizens and travel ers. Although Howard has superior, water privileges, and much valuable timber still standing, there are no manufactories but one grist-mill, and but a small number of portable sawmills in the township. Since the completion of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad through here, much of the oak timber has been made into staves and shipped to various points east and west, thus adding materially to the income of the farmers.

The first school-house in Howard township was a small log building, after the pattern of all primitive school-houses so often described in other chapters of this history. It was built on Joseph Critchfield's farm. The early school teachers were Joseph Dunlap, Nathan Heddington, William Williams, Mr. McDermott and Jacob Lyons. There had probably been school taught in the cabins of the pioneers, before the erection of this school-house. Among the scholars who attended the first schools taught in Howard, were Lewis, Lydia and Hannah Critchfield. The location of Kenyon college at Gambier was a great advantage and blessing to the youth of this township. Being in the immediate vicinity, many of the young men of Howard availed themselves. of the privilege to secure a collegiate education.

The Methodists were the religious pioneers of the township. At a very early day Rev James B. Finley and Rev. Anthony Banning and Absalom Waddle, Methodist ministers of considerable celebrity, occasionally preached to the pioneers. Rev. James B. Finley was one of the most energetic and useful of the preachers of that denomination in his day. He preached at many places in Ohio, was stationed for some time at Detroit, Michigan, and also had ministerial supervision of an Indian mission at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. This mission church of the Wyandots was mainly established by his instrumentality. He succeeded in causing the Government to appropriate money for this purpose.

Rev. Anthony Banning was one of the pioneer preachers of Knox county. He was not only an active worker in the cause of Christ but was extensively engaged in commercial operations and business pursuits, was an ardent advocate of the tern-

478 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

perance cause, a zealous Whig politician, and was president of the first meeting held in this county in the interests of Henry Clay for President. He began to preach at the age of sixteen years in Virginia in the wild and mountainous portions of that State. He thus early imbibed that energetic spirit and resolute determination which are the almost universal characteristics of all the inhabitants of mountainous districts.

Rev. Waddle was a minister of much energy and usefulness. The first church in Howard township was built by the Methodists in 1830. It was located on the farm of Philip Brown two and one-half miles east of Gambier. The farm on which it was built is now owned by Lewis Britton. Joseph and Philip Brown were the prime movers in the organization of this church. They came from near Hagerstown, Maryland, and were very zealous Methodists. Among the early members of the society were Isaac Critchfield, the Browns, and Peggy Miller; and such eminent ministers as Adam Poe, Russell Bigelow, and John H. Powers proclaimed the gospel of salvation to this church in its early history. Rev. Shafer, who was a great singer, and revivalist; was another of the early pastors. There was a graveyard attached to this church and quite a number of bodies interred therein. In the course time it became expedient to build a new and better church, and instead of placing it near the old one it was decided that it should be located at a more eligible point, a mile south of Monroe Mills, in Monroe township. The old log church and graveyard have disappeared and hardly a vestige of either remains to mark their former location.

The Jelloway church of the Disciples of Christ was organized in 1836 by Elders John Dawson and John McElroy. It is located near the Little Jolloway creek in the western part of this township. There were thirteen members at the time of organization, as follows: John McElroy and wife, George McFarland and wife, John Dawson and wife, Mrs. Nancy Cassill and her daughter, Nancy, Mrs. Ann Graham, Nancy McFarland, Louisa Dawson, Mary Dawson, and John Dawson, jr. The first officers were John McElroy, and John Dawson, elders; George McFarland, deacon. But four of the original members are now living. The first church was built about 1839. The society worshiped in this edifice until 1871 when a new and more substantial building was erected. Elders Sanders, James Porter, .Charles E VanVoorhes, O. W. Keyle, and Rowe, have been pastors of the church There is no pastor at this time. The Jelloway church has enjoyed a large measure of prosperity since its organization, but on account of the removal and death of many of its members it is not as numerically strong as at other times in its past history. There are nearly one hundred members at this date. A cemetery is attached to the church which was laid out about the time of its organization. The present officers are Robert Cassill, Smith Drake, and William Welsh, elders; James Dawson, Simon Spindler, and Lyman Barker, deacons. The Disciples of Christ is the leading denomination in Howard township. There are a large number of its citizens connected with the Millwood church in Union township in addition to those belonging to the Jelloway church, There is a lack of church edifices here, there being but two structures in the township.

Howard, formerly Kinderhook, is the only village in Howard township. The original name was changed at the time of the completion of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad through the village. It is situated in the southern part of the township, on the west side of Jelloway creek, and near Owl creek. The village did not amount to much until after the completion of the railroad, when it commenced to improve, and it has gradually increased in population since. Henry Warden built the first house in Kinderhook, at the time of its laying out, about 1836. He also kept the first store in the village. Ross Arbuckle was the first hotel keeper, and James Cassill the first tailor in Kinderhook. William Welker was the first shoemaker. Lafayette Emmett taught the first school. The village has a .population of about one hundred and fifty at this time. There are two dry goods stores kept by William Ralston, and Insell & Critchfield; one hotel by John McNabb; one harness shop by Ed. Beerbower; two blacksmith shops by James Panorwood, and James Launtz; one restaurant by Thomas Blake; two wagon shops by C. Holbrook, and . Thomas Wal lace; one cooper shop by Michael Cox; one boot

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 479

and shoe maker, Samuel McGill; one livery and feed stable by John McNabb; one grain warehouse owned by Insell & Critchfield; two physicians, Frank Humbert and N. Hull. A. fine iron bridge spans the big Jelloway creek at this place. A flourishing district school is sustained by the inhabitants.

The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Howard was organized in 1863. The first board of trustees were: Benjamin M. Morrison, president; A. B. Cummings, secretary; L. D. Whitford, Francis Long, S. M. Vincent, J. S. Tilton. It remained a mutual company until 1868, when it was reorganized as a stock company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. M. Critchfield was the first president, and Eli Pealer, the first secretary after the reorganization. The company recently closed up its business for want of proper support.

There is but one church in the village, the Free Methodist church of Howard, which was organized in 1873, and is the only church of that denomination in the county. The first society of Free Methodists in this county was on Brush run in Butler township. In February, 1872, they held a series of meetings in that locality, and formed a class of seven members. Rev. B. R. Jones, of the Mansfield charge, preached the first Methodist sermon in the county, and had charge of this society during its first year. This society was soon after disbanded, and absorbed by the Howard organization. In August, 1875, they held a camp meeting in Moses Smith's grove near mills, and also another one in June, 1876, both of which meetings were attended by thousands. During the summer of 1877, they erected a church edifice at the village of Howard, B. F. Shipley, Kinsey Hartsman, now preaching in Michigan, and E. C. Shipley being the first trustees. Among some of the original members were Eugene, Benjamin, Emeline, Lizzie and Mrs. Mary Shipley, Sarah and Jane Waddle, and William Parmenter. Among the pastors of the Howard church have been: Reverends Burton, Jones, Frink, Ellsworth, Leonardson, Nelson Woods and Jasper Hayden, the present one. The present officers are: Silas Workman, James Waddle and Benjamin Shipley, trustees; Mary Shipley and Silas Workman, stewards. Present membership eleven. The Free Methodists are bitterly opposed to the fashionable tendencies of the age, and prohibit the wearing of jewelry and ornaments by the members. They are also opposed to all secret societies. Their government is strictly democratic, the members having an equal voice with

the ministers in all the councils of the church. Both the annual and general conferences are composed of an an, equal number of laymen and ministers. Instead of presiding elders, they have chairman of districts, who generally have circuits as well as those they appoint.

CHAPTER LIII.

HILLIAR TOWNSHIP.

LOCATION - ERECTION - NAME -TOPOGRAPHY - SETTLE-

MENT-PIONEER ANECDOTES JAMES HOUCK-DR. HIL-

LIAR-EARLY FARMING-FIRST ELECTION-TOWNSHIP

OFFICERS-MILLS-CHURCHES-SCHOOLS-ROADS-VIL-

LAGES-NEWSPAPERS-POSTMASTERS-STATISTICS.

HILLIAR township is situated in the extreme southwest corner of the county, and was erected from territory formerly a part of Miller township, as appears by reference to the journal of the county commissioners. The entry is made August 28, 1818, and reads as follows:

On the petition of sundry inhabitants of Knox county praying for a new township to be laid out-Ordered - That the following boundaries be, and are hereby laid out into a separate township as follows

Beginning at the southwest corner of said county and running east on the line between the counties of Knox and Licking, seven and a half miles; thence north five miles, to the line dividing the fifth and sixth townships; thence west, seven miles and a half, to the west boundary of Knox county; thence south, five miles to the place of beginning; which shall be known and called by the name of Hilliar township.

On the ninth of March, 1825, the boundaries of Hilliar township were changed as follows:

The township of Hilliar shall be composed of the fifth township in the fifteenth range.

The township thus constituted contained sixteen thousand acres, and was divided into four equal parts, owned by different individuals and named respectively the "Rathbone," "Dayton," "Hilliar" and "Parker" sections. The Hilliar section was

480 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

the first to come into market, and that upon which the first settlement was made; hence the new township was named in honor of Dr. Richard Hilliar, one of the original proprietors.

The physical features of Hilliar township are not characterized by great diversity. The surface is nearly level, or gently rolling. The water courses have sufficient descent to afford good drainage, but do not fall rapidly enough to present any attractions to the millwright; although the early mills were necessarily water mills. The north fork of Licking creek traverses the township from northwest to southeast, passing near the village of Centreburgh.

Dry creek drains the northeast corner of the township, and several other smaller streams, the southwestern portion, furnishing sufficient living water for stock and other purposes.

Geologically considered, the soil of Hilliar township is composed of the debris of the olive shales of the Waverly, intermingled with glacial drift, strongly impregnated with litre, and generally covered with a rich alluvial deposit. When cultivated it yields ample returns for the labor of the husbandman, but the principal energies of the farmers appear to be expended in raising sheep, as appended statistics show.

The land was originally heavily timbered with black walnut and sugar maple; the former being mostly destroyed before its value was appreciated. The timber remaining is principally of the following varieties: Ash, white oak, beech, hickory, elm, walnut and maple.

Large quantities of white ash and beech are being shipped away on the railroads at the present time, for which a good price is obtained.

No minerals have been discovered in this locality.

As Knox county lies almost entirely outside the great Appalachian coal fields, coal must be brought from other points, and costs the consumer at this point about four dollars and a half per ton.

That mysterious people, the Mound Builders, have left behind them in this locality but few remains. Two small mounds on the property of Edward Roberts and one on Mrs. Thurston's property are all that appear in the township.

The settlement of Hilliar township dates from 1806. Dr. Richard Hilliar, a native of England, came to Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1805, and being a. man of enterprise bought of William Stanbery, of Newark, Licking county, Ohio, eighteen hundred acres of military land, situated in Knox county. In 1806 he repaired to his new purchase and built a cabin in the southwest corner of what is now Hilliar township, moving his family into it. After Dr. Hilliar, came Joseph Jennings, Jacob Houck, James Houck, Joseph Kerr, and George Hinton, with their families, located near Hilliar on land purchased from him. William Russell, William Reynolds, John Borden, and Elijah Dowell came soon after, and the woods began to resound with the sturdy strokes of the hardy pioneers.

At first the Indians were not very troublesome, but as the difficulties increasedwhich culminated in the War of r 8 t z-they became a constant source of dread to the settlers, who never ventured to step outside their cabin doors without their trusty rifles in hands; no actual outbreak occurred, however, and after the war the red men

"Folded their tents like the Arabs,

And as silently stole away,"

leaving the pale-faces in undisturbed possession of the hunting grounds of their fathers.

The pioneers were generally equal to the difficulties that surrounded them. The Hilliar settlement seems to have been no exception to the rule. A few anecdotes will serve to illustrate the temper of the settlers. Being destitute of mills, and roads to get to those built elsewhere in the county, they petitioned the county commissioners for a road to Shrimplin's mill on Owl creek, east of Mt. Vernon. It was surveyed and reported on, but the commissioners refused to confirm it on account of the cost of constructing a road such a distance through the woods. Nothing daunted they went to work themselves and cut a road from Houck's to the settlement near Mt. Vernon. Previous to this time they had gone to Zanesville, in Muskingum county, to get grinding done.

On one occasion, during an apple-bee at Jacob Houck's, a "scap" of bees mysteriously disappeared, and suspicion rested on one Ferdinand McLain, who indignantly denied it, and challenged young James Houck to seftle the matter according to the frontier code, i. e. take it back or take a whipping.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 481

Houck chose the latter horn of the dilemma, and took the beating, but when it was over he said: "Of course you can whip a sick man, but I'll see you about this next election day." Accordingly on election day they met, and Houck struck McLain with such force that he was rendered insensible, and it was with much difficulty that his friends resuscitated him. This should have ended the matter, and probably would, but whiskey got the better of them, and the difficulty was only settled after eight more bloody battles had been fought. That was regarded as very fair amusement for one day.

Good men were plenty in those days, and some of them, conscious of their muscular superiority, were quarrelsome, but the best man amongst them never picked a fight, and never was whipped. That man was Stephen Sutton.

One day while Ebenezer Bordon was passing through the woods he spied an old she bear and two cubs up a tree. One of the cubs being near the root of the tree he appropriated it, and started towards the settlement, but the old bear did not appear to relish his interference with her domestic affairs, and quickly descending gave chase, and Mr. Borden was reluctantly obliged to drop his prize and flee for his life. He proceeded to Houck's and securing re-enforcements returned to the sport, and succeeded in securing not only the cubs, but Mrs. Bruin also.

The following extract is taken from the statement of James Houck, one of the original settlers of Hilliar township. He resides at present in Iowa; is ninety-nine years of age, in good health, active in body, and his mental faculties unimpaired. He is a ready and fluent talker, and takes great delight in narrating the adventures of his early days.

In the spring of 1802, accompanied by five young men from the head waters of the Juniata, in Pennsylvania, I made the tour of central Ohio on horseback. Zanesville then contained six log cabins and one hewed log house. In the winter of 1803, in company with a party of young men on a bear hunt we camped at the mouth of Dry creek, near where Hughes' tavern now stands. In company with Jacob Houck and James Jennings, I followed Dr. Hilliar to Knox county, Ohio, the doctor having preceded us about three years. There were then four or five families in the new settlement, and our nearest neighbors were the widow Perfect and her six sons, five miles west of us. Our next nearest neighbors were Higgins, seven miles northeast of us, and the Hardesties and Yoakams beyond.

During the winter of 1812, I went to Zanesville, purchased one hundred bushels of oats at twenty-five cents per bushel, hauled the same to Upper Sandusky and sold it to the army quartered there at two dollars per bushel. It was there that I made the acquaintance of Simon Girty. When the Indians became troublesome the settlers took refuge in the Perfect block house.

In 1811, the Wooster, Mt. Vernon & Columbus road was laid out. I met the viewers and surveyors at Mt. Vernon, and volunteered to pilot them through. My services were accepted and I led them to the northeast corner of my brother Jacob's land ; thence due west along our north lines, laying the road all on Stanbery's land, north of us. Having passed our lands I again turned to the southwest, and led them to Zoar-now Galena. I cut then timber and brush from the road, from Higgins' to Zoar. Commissioner Mitchell gave me the contract. I knew Dr. Richard Hilliar. He was a good looking, ambitious man of medium size. He would never transact any business with a man who told him a falsehood. When we came to Hilliar township he lived in a pole house and had seven acres of land cleared; the work was done by a man named Hyatt Willison, from the settlement ten miles north. Dr. Hilliar was affected with consumption and dropsy, but boasted that he lived eighteen years in spite of death. Before his death he broke down some brush near a cherry tree in the woods, about thirty rods southwest of the forks of the Sunbury road, and directed that he be buried there and his grave be left unmarked, and he wanted no man to say, "Here lies old doctor Hilliar." His orders were obeyed, and "no man knoweth of his grave to this day...

Early agriculture was pursued with difficulty. The first plows used were of a very primitive kind, familliarly designated as "go devils" and "bull plows." The Wood's plow was an improvement on the latter, and had an iron share, secured by a bolt and nut. Thomas Hinton was the happy possessor of one of these improved plows, and hired Philander Bailey to use it. After plowing a few rounds the new plow became unruly, and refused to penetrate the ground. Not to be outdone, the boy piled stones upon it until the weight kept it in the furrow. Mr. Hinton now appeared on the scene, and discovering the kind of work done, examined into the difficulty, and found that Bailey had lost the share off the plow, and had actually plowed several rounds without it.

Grain, when raised, had to be threshed with the flail, or trodden out by horses, and then cleaned by winnowing with a sheet or a large wooden "fan." Sickles were the tools used to cut the grain, until William Reynolds, in 1820, constructed a "grip" cradle. This was not much of an improvement on the sickle, and was soon superseded by the grain cradle, which laid the grain in regular swaths to be taken up with the rake. The first windmill was

482 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

introduced by a Mr. Matthews, about 1825, and the first mower by George Jones.

"Brad." Follett, who introduced threshing machines, was noted for his recklessness in running the same; and while threshing at Gideon Sutton's, the cylinder bursted with a loud report. Follett coolly remarked, "I wish I had been astraddle of that."

An election for township officers was ordered to be held on the fifteenth of September, 1818, at the house of Thomas Merrill; at which James Pell, James Houck and Jacob Houck officiated as judges; and John Borden and Joseph Jennings as clerks. There were eighteen voters, namely: James Houck, James Pell, Aaron Hill, John Davis, Benjamin F. Hilliar, John Pell, James Severe, Joseph Jennings, Samuel Sickle, James Bell and John Donelson.

The following officers were elected: James Houck, Joseph Jennings and James Pell, trustees; John Severe and James Bell, overseers; James Severe and William Houck, fenceviewers; Jacob Houck, lister; James Pell, appraiser; William Russell, constable; James Houck, treasurer; James Severe, supervisor.

At the Presidential election, November 3, 1820, only twelve votes were cast for electors. The vote stood-Jeremiah Morrow twelve, and John McLaughlin twelve.

At the Presidential election held on the twentyninth of October, 1824, the Adams electors received fifteen votes each, and the Clay electors two votes each.

Justices of the peace for Hilliar township were elected in the following order : In 1819, Jacob Houck; 1822, William Reynolds; 1824, Jacob Houck; 1827 to 1833, John Borden; 1835, Harvey Jones; 1836, Daniel Nofsinger; 1838, Harvey Jones; 1839, Ferdinand McLain; 1841, Gideon Sutton; 1845, Daniel Wolfe; 1847, N. Borden; 1848, Daniel Wolfe; 1850, N. Borden; 1851, David F. Halsey and Dr. E. Nichols, the latter serving until 1870; 1854, D. S. Lyon; 1857, T. M. Owen; 1860, Simon Schaffer; 1863, Elisha Marriott;, 1866, George M. Acherman and Abraham C. Camp; 1868, Thomas H. Vankirk and Cassett Levering; 187o, Emanuel Yough; 1871, W. L. Mills; 1872, George Peardon; 1874, W. L. Mills; 1875, R. J. Pumphrey; 1876, William A. Dumbauld; 1878, J. M. Roberts; 1879, George Peardon; 1880, George B. Hubbell

The present board of township officers is constituted as follows: George Peardon and G. B. Hubbell, justices of the peace; Henry Capell and Samuel Hopkins, constables; D. A. Sutton, William Apnett and J. T. Robertson, trustees; A. M. Murphy, clerk; Edward Lyon, assessor; Reuben Jennings, treasurer; T. J. Wolf, land appraiser; W. L. Woodruff, Lewis Kitzenberg, Samuel Sutton, S. H. Grant, D. Bricker and W. T. Barnes, board of education.

Since Centreburgh became the central point in Hilliar township, elections have been held at that place.

Dr.. Richard Hilliar who was the first physician in the new settlement was the first on the list of mortality. He died in September 1811, and was buried on his own property.

The first public graveyard was laid out on land donated by James Houck, for that purpose adjoining his homestead. The next graveyard was laid out at the Baptist church, southeast of Centreburgh.

The first marriage on record is that of John Westbrook to Mary Houck, daughter of Jacob Houck.

The earliest mills were built on the north fork of Licking creek: One by Jacob Houck in 1835, situuated just north of the town of Centreburgh. About the same time-or as some assert beforeSamuel Hupp built a saw-mill on the creek, near the present residence of Harmon Debolt. John Vandeberg built one above Houck's, and John Rinehart another, followed by David F. Halsey. John Mahanna also built a saw-mill on the farm now owned by Rollins Long, which did a good business. White walnut logs were manufactured into finishing lumber and black walnut into weatherboarding. Lewis Rinehart built a tannery near Rich Hill, about 1835, and in 1847 Gideon Sutton and Daniel Wolfe built a carding and fulling-mill in the town of Centerburgh. None of above named mills are now in operation. Smith and Hopkins built a steam grist-mill in Centreburgh in r874, which is still doing a good business.

The Methodist preacher, mounted on his trusty horse, with his heart full of missionary spirit, and

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 483

his saddle-bags containing a Bible, hymn-book, and a change of linen, was generally the first to penetrate the western wilds and raise the standard of the cross. Several of these pioneers of the gospel visited Hilliar township, and preached at various times and places, but no class was formed till 1834, when the Rev. Morrow organized one at the log school house near Rich Hill.

The original members were: John Rinehart, Harriet Rinehart, Samuel Degood, Julia Degood, Ferdinand McLain, Mary McLain, William Borden, Margaret Borden, and Daniel Chadwick and his wife. Ferdinand McLain was leader. Services were held in the school-house about one year; after that in the house of John Rinehart for several years, or until the place of meeting was moved to Centreburg in 1840, when the society assumed the name of the Centreburgh Methodist Episcopal church. In 1841 a frame meeting-house, thirty by forty feet square, was built just east of the public square, which was used as a house of worship until 1843, when a new frame church was erected, on lot fifty-five; size, forty by fifty feet; cost, two thousand, seven hundred dollars. The present membership is ninety-five. The class leaders are George Peardon and William Smith; the preacher in charge is Rev. Joseph McK. Barnes. A Sundayschool of ninety scholars is connected with this church, William Smith superintendent.

The Free-will Baptist church, of Centreburgh, is the result of the labor of the Rev. George W. Baker, a zealous preacher whose labors in the vicinity of Centreburgh finally culminated in the organization of a regular church in 1839, at the house of Absalom Debolt, three-fourths of a mile southeast of Centreburgh. The original members were: Philip Barnes, Tirzah Barnes; Laban Messmore, Mary Messmore, Jacob Wise, Harriet Wise, Elizabeth Debolt, David Marshall, Moses Hornbeck, and Sarah Reynolds.

The meetings were held in private houses, barns, and log school-houses, until 1842, when a frame building, thirty-six by forty feet in size, was erected, one-half mile east of the town of Centreburgh, still used as a house of worship by the congregation. Elder George W. Boker was pastor from 1839 till 1860, when he was succeeded by Elder Kendall Higgins. Elder Wilford Whittaker came in 1863, and was succeeded by Elder O. J. Moore, after whose term of service Elder Kendall Higgins again became pastor. Elder A. H. Whittaker followed Higgins, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Elder S. D. Bates. The first deacon was Philip Messmore, and the present deacons are Harvey Messmore and W. T. Debolt. Mr. Debolt is also clerk. The present membership is ninety. The Sunday-school numbers fifty scholars. Lorenzo Barnes is superintendent.

The Centerburgh Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized August 18, 1840, at Centreburgh, by Rev. Harrison Thompson. The constituent members were as follows: James Huffty, Thomas M. Rusk, David F. Halsey, Thomas Hill, Jacob Waldroff, Annie Bottenfield, Morris Waldroff, Isaac Waldroff, Rebecca Hill, John Miller, Mary Miller, Lovina Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Aaron Hill, Fanny Rutan, Mehitable Bishop, Phebe Bottenfield, Elizabeth Bottenfield, Sarah Haiden, David Haiden, James Hill, Mary Hill, and Pamelia Huffty.

Meetings were held at various places until 1855, when the congregation was moved to Rich Hill, a frame house thirty-six by forty-six feet erected, and the name of the society changed to Rich Hill Cumberland Presbyterian congregation. At this time Daniel Reynolds was clerk. In 1878 the church was moved back to Centreburgh, and assumed the original name A substantial frame building thirtythree by thirty-five feet was erected on lot one hundred and twenty, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, in which the congregration worship at present. The succession of pastors was as follows Harrison Thompson, 1840; James McFarland, 1850; J. W. Cleaver, 1853; Enoch Baird, 1866; James Best, 1867; George W. McWhorter, 1872; D. H. Green, 1875; J. W. Cleaver, 1877; R. N. Grossman, 1878 ; the latter being the present incumbent. The present number of members is sixtythree. The presiding elders are Ira Gearhart, Daniel Reynolds, and John K. Haiden. Mr. Haiden is also clerk. The Sunday-school has forty scholars. Sylvester S. Best is superintendent and Dr. D. H. Ralston assistant.

The Christian Church of Centreburgh.-Rev. M. Harrod organized this church December 20, 1872, in the town of Centreburgh, with the following

484 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

membership: J. A Willis, P. A. Willis, William Eaton, Matilda Eaton, Anna Arlin, William Wilson, Livonia Wilson, Aaron Gearhart, Sarah Gearhart, John Armstrong, Rebecca Armstrong, and C. D. Pelter. The Free-will Baptist meetinghouse was occupied by this congregation the greater part of the time from its organization until 1879, when a neat frame building, thirty-two by thirty-eight feet square, was erected on lot one hundred and nineteen on the plat of Centerburgh, at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars, and dedicated on the second day of September, 1879, by Rev. A. L. McKinney. The names of the pastors who had charge of this church, together with the dates of their accession to the pastorate, are as follows: Rev. M. Harrod, 1873; A. C. Hanger, 1874; William A. Dobyns, 1876; S. A Hutchinson, 1879; G. D. Black, 1880. The present number of members is eighty. The deacons are Theodore Crowel and John Armstrong; clerk, William Eaton; trustees, William Eaton, Aaron Gearhart, Theodore Crowel, John Armstrong, and Oscar Jennings. The attendance at the Sabbath-school is eighty. Hart Ross is superintendent and Charles Bishop assistant.

Miss Fanny Mitchell was the pioneer schoolteacher -of Hilliar township. William Houck, father of Jacob and James Houck, built a blacksmith shop-the first in the township-on the property of Jacob Houck, on the main road. The abandoned shop was left standing, and in that Miss Mitchell taught the first school, in 1820. Her successor was Elizabeth Borden, who taught in the same shop.

In 1823 James Houck donated an acre of ground to the public for a graveyard and school-house. On this ground a small log house was built, which served its purpose well, and was the only one in the township for a number of years. As the settlement progressed other houses were built in various parts of the township, but the instruction imparted in them was of a rather inferior quality.

Seeing the need of improvement, Mr. W. H. Stephens, in 1855, organized a select school in a small building near the present Methodist church in Centreburgh. His first class was composed of seven pupils, viz.: Emeline Roberts, John K. Haiden, Sarah E. Williams, William Goodrich, Moses Skillen, Pulaski Gear and Mary Annett. This was quite an innovation and required considerable courage on the part of Mr. Stephens to inaugurate, but the friends of education rallied around him, and he was ably sustained by such men as Dr. Nichols, Gideon Sutton, John Riley, E. and W. Roberts, Ira Gearhart, George Skillen, James Headington and Ephraim Dally. His school increasing to one hundred and ten, he, in the fall, fitted up two rooms in the Jones hotel, where he taught three of four years. The common branches were taught thoroughly, with the addition of algebra and philosophy.

During the year 1860 a joint stock company erected a substantial frame building on the public square in Centreburgh, and in the fall of the same year Mr. Stephens rented the same, procured the services of an assistant, and in addition to his select school taught the children of the village. At the flood tide of his success the tocsin of war sounded and Mr. Stephens, obeying a higher call of duty, enlisted in his country's service.

The building is still owned by the company that built it; the upper part is used for a town hall, and the lower part rented by the school board; but no select school has been taught in the village or township since 1861.

Hilliar township at the present time has six schools, two of which are in the village of Centreburgh, but controlled by the board of education of the township. The buildings are neat, substantial frames and in good condition.

The Centreburgh Lodge, No. 666, of the Inde. pendent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted at Centreburgh, June 22, 1877, by Henry Hedges, grand master. The charter members were: C. M. Jennings, George W. Granstaff, William A Dumbauld, George Peardon, M. F. Hasson, John Burkholder, Ira Barr, William Mahan, William Crowell, J. E. Easterday, Levi Kile, William Smith, A. M, Murphy, John Miller, J. W. Hopkins, T. O. Freeman, James Headington and W. A. Paul. The original officers were: C. M. Jennings, N. G.; George H. Granstaff, V. G.; J. E. Easterday, R. S.; Levi Kile, P. S.; William Smith, treasurer. This lodge is in a healthy condition, and comprises in its membership the elite of the town and surrounding country; it meets every Saturday night in the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 485

O Brokaw building. The present number of members is forty-five. The present officers are as follows : Henry Capell, N. G.; George Hess, V. G.; C. M. Jennings, R. S.; Sylvester S. Best, P. S.; George Peardon, treasurer.

The early roads in Hilliar township were very indifferent in condition, and the bridges were of the primitive type, called corduroy. The principal road extended through the township from the northeast to the southwest corner, and on this the mail was carried on horseback by Thomas Merrill.

Jacob Houck kept tavern about one mile and a half beyond the present site of Centreburgh, and William Houck plied his trade as blacksmith.

In February, 1829, the legislature of Ohio passed an act to establish a State road from Mt. Vernon ' to Columbus, and appointed James McFarland, of Knox county, Adam Reed, of Franklin county, and John Meyers, of Licking county, commissioners to locate said road. In performing their duties the commissioners, when passing through Hilliar, followed the route of the road formerly cut out by the citizens of this township, and filed a copy of said survey in the office of county commissioners of Knox, January 10, 1830.

A line of stage coaches was established by Colonel B. Barney soon afterward, and in 1831 Neil & Moore had a contract of carrying the mail, and were running a line of coaches on the road. Horses were changed three times between Mt. Vernon and Columbus, vie.: at Blendon Corners, Sunbury, and at Joseph Jennings' tavern in Hilliar township. William Houck and Benjamin Jennings were the original stage drivers on this road. Later, when an opposition line of coaches was established by Walker & Company, Samuel Clawson, John Landis and Reuben Jennings held the reins and plied the whip.

Centreburgh was laid out in October, 1830, by Edson Harkness, surveyor, and the plat recorded December 22, 1834, by Stephen Sutton and Jacob Houck, owners of the land on which the town now stands. They gave the new town the name of Centreburgh because it was in the centre of the township, and supposed to be in the centre of the State. The principal part of the plat was located on the northwest side of the State road. The first house was built on lot thirty-five of the town plat by Harvey Jones, who also kept the first tavern, and opened the first dry goods store in. 1835. Mr. Jones was a wide awake, energetic business man, and soon gathered around him a coterie of kindred spirits, who made Centreburgh the centre of attraction for miles around.

At this period the entire travel from the lake region- to Columbus passed over the road through Centreburgh, and great efforts were made by the rival stage lines to secure the greatest number of passengers, and make the best time, as by these means each party hoped to secure the United States mail subsidy. The price of passage was reduced to a mere nominal figure, the life of a horse was lightly esteemed, and the driver who could rein up to Jones' tavern with the largest load of passengers, ahead of the opposition coach, was prouder than a king.

Centreburgh continued to flourish, houses were built, stores opened, and trade multiplied. Daniel Finch built a brick house on lot 17, the first in the town and township, now (1881) occupied as a hotel, and known as the Central house. This state of affairs was highly gratifying to the citizens of the village, and continued as long as the mail coaches kept on the road, but

Flowers have their time to fade,

And leaves their time to fall,

and when in 1851, the Newark & Sandusky railroad was finished, and the mail and travel was diverted to that route, the coaches departed towards the setting sun.

About this time, too, the construction of a new railroad was commenced, called the Springfield, Mt. Vernon & Pittsburgh railway, the survey of which passed through Hilliar township, near Rich Hill In anticipation of the speedy completion of the new road a town was laid out at that point, by Aaron D. Rinehart, August 11, 1852. To the new town the name of Hilliar was given in honor of Dr. Richard Hilliar.

The first house was built by Richard Shackleton, who also kept the first hotel in 1853.

John Miller built a steam grist-mill, and Michael Ross kept a store. Hilliar at this time was quite a thriving village, and from its situation and prospects became a formidable rival to Centreburgh, but the failure of the railroad company-leaving the road

486 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

unfinished, virtually ended Hilliar's dreams of greatness.

The village now goes by the name of Rich Hill, and contains one store, one postoffice-Joseph Riggs, postmaster; one grocery, one physicianG. B. Hubbell; one carriage shop and one blacksmith shop.

Centreburgh, which had been on the decline since 1851, received a new impetus in 1871. That year a new railroad company was organized, called the "Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Delaware Railroad Company." The new company bought the right of way of the defunct "Springfield, Mt. Vernon & Pittsburgh Company," and used the old road-bed as far as the eastern line of Hilliar township. From there they surveyed a new route to Columbus, which brought the road through Centreburgh. The new road was completed as early as 1874, and caused Centreburg to spring into new life and activity. Torn lots, which in 1860, were not worth more than twenty dollars, are at the present time worth two hundred. Old buildings were repaired, and many new ones built; business houses multiplied, and all the modern improvements were introduced. The following directory will give a fair idea of the business of the town

Two railroad depots, Cleveland, Mt. Vernon and Columbus, and Central Ohio; two express and telegraph offices, M. T. Hasson and William Ralston, agents; one post-office, J. M. Jennings, postmaster; one newspaper, George E. Kalb, editor; four churches, Methodist Episcopal, Freewill Baptist, Cumberland Presbyterian and Christian ; one Odd Fellows' lodge; two schools; one town hall ; one steam grist-mill, Smith & Hopkins, proprietors; two steam saw-mills, E. B. Cook and James 1I. Osborn, proprietors ; one warehouse, William Smith, proprietor; three hotels, William Harrod, Peter Shaffer and S. W. Lyons, proprietors; four physicians, R. C. M. Lewis, D. H. Ralston, W. B. Merriman and J. R Moody; one dentist, J. B. Wilson; three dry goods stores, John Hopkins, Skillen & Hix Brothers, and M. H. Frost & Co .; one clothing store, George W. Darling; two drug stores, E. C. Vincent and E. C. Emly ; two groceries, J. Hildreth and S. W., Lyons; two hardware stores, Jennings & Faraba and A. Oberholtzer; two millinery stores, Mrs. Mattie E. Updyke and Mrs. L T. Barnes; two livery stables, A. T. Borden and Peter Shaffer; one undertaker, R J. Pumphrey ; three blacksmiths, Isaac Pierce, sr., Henry Cappell and Henry Bunnell; one shoe shop, Geo. Peardon, proprietor; one photograph gallery, E. M. Maynard, proprietor; one marble shop, Devereux Brothers, proprietors; one tinshop, Jennings & Faraba, proprietors; one carriage shop, R. J. Pumphrey, proprietor; one tailor, Darling Barr ; two meat-markets, Timothy Baker & Son and Willis Bedell, proprietors; one harnessmaker, P. D. Kasson ; three furniture stores, George McCracken, David Long and George McConchie, proprietors ; one agricultural depot, R. J. Pumphrey, proprietor; two lumber yards, Bishop & Raney and George W. Barnes, proprietors; one implement factory, Burkholder & Brentlinger, proprietors; one paint shop, Burt & Beach; one cooper, C. M. Tanner; one greenhouse, L. B. Barnes, proprietor ; two barbers, Clinton Jones and Rufus Webster; one cigarmaker, S. W. Lyons, and one saloon, J. Anweller, proprietor.

Centreburgh is not a regularly incorporated town, with full municipal powers, but was, in 1877, made an independent district, which gives it control of its streets and highways.

E. B. Cook, J. \V. Burton and R. B. Jackson are the trustees and C. M. Jennings clerk and treasurer. The torn at present contains one hundred dwellings and four hundred and fifty inhabitants.

The pioneer publication of Hilliar township was the Universalist Advocate. It eras a sixteen page semi-monthly magazine, devoted to the advocacy of universal salvation, and was printed in a building on lot .45, in the village of Centreburgh. The following extract is from the first volume of this I publication, issued September 26, 1848:

The Universalist .advocate will be published on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, on the following low terms: seventy-five cents per annum, paid in advance, one dollar if paid within the year. All communications intended for the t: niversalist Advocate must be address to Daniel Wolfe & Co., at Centreburgh, Knox county, Ohio. Free from postage.

The publication of the Advocate was discontinued about 1861.

The Centreburgh Mirror yeas a seven column four page independent newspaper, established in Centreburgh in 1878, but it was short-lived, and

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 487

expired in a few months. John S. Watson was editor and proprietor.

The Centreburgh Gazette is the name of an independent seven column four page newspaper published weekly at Centreburgh ; the first issue appeared January 6, 1881. It is devoted to the interests of Centreburgh and surrounding country. George E. Kalb is editor and proprietor.

Harvey Jones was the first postmaster of Centreburgh. His successors were: Nimrod Bishop, Edward Gant, Chester Heldt, Smith Hadley, J. Scott, Enoch Nichols, Daniel Wolfe, Robert Woods, Enoch Nichols, Robert Jackson and Charles M. Jennings, the present incumbent.

The Cleveland, Mt Vernon & Columbus railroad enters Hilliar township at the northeast corner and passes out at the southwest corner, passing through Centreburgh. The first passenger train passed over this road September 1, 1874. The Ohio Central railroad also passes through Hilliar township, near the village of Rich Hill, and crosses the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus road at right angles near the town of Centreburgh. This road was completed in the month of November, 1880.

The Dayton section came into market shortly afterthe organization of the township in 1818; the Parker section in 1831, but the opening of the Rathbone section to settlers was delayed till 1839; hence the development of the township was retarded, but notwithstanding this drawback Hilliar has made rapid improvements in growth and development.

In 1820 the population of Hilliar township was 60; in 1830, 200; in 1840, 1,012; in 1850, 1,141; in 1860,------- ; in 1870, 931, and in 1880, 1,101.

In1880 the total number of acres under cultivation 2,816; the same to pasture, 11,011; in wheat, 808; bushels of wheat, 12,844; acres in oats, 656; bushels of oats, 23,595 acres of corn, 1,778; bushels of corn, 59,685; acres of potatoes, 51; bushels of potatoes, 5,071; acres of meadow, 1,886; tons of hay, 1,429; pounds of butter, 31,280; pounds of wool, 51,503; number of horses, 433-assessed value of same, $19,994; number of cattle, 1,008 assessed value of same, $14,784; number of sheep, 10,564-assessed value of same, $21,097; number of hogs, 1,008 - assessed value of same, $2,075; moneys and credits, $61,225; value of all personal property subject to taxation, $189,538.

CHAPTER LIV.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY-ORGANIZATION-STREAMS-TIMBER-EARLY SETTLERS-MILLS-DISTILLERIES-SCHOOLS - CHURCHES VILLAGES.

JACKSON township was organized out of Mor gan, September 4, 1815. It was named in honor of General Andrew Jackson, the hero of New Orleans. Topographically, the surface is broken, and in the southern portion of the township several large hills exist. The soil is productive and yields good crops of all the cereals. Valuable springs of water abound, one especially on the farm of William Darling being unusually .....and the source of a considerable stream. Several streams of water traverse the township, the largest being the Wakatomica. It rises in Coshocton county, running west across the township near to the line of Clay, thence south in a meandering course passing out of the township into Licking county. Jug run rises near the centre of the township and runs southeast into Coshocton county. Iron ore of superior quality is found in the hills near to the Licking and Coshocton county lines, and in such quantities that it may be profitable to mine it, although no one has yet attempted it.

Every part of Jackson was once densely wooded, oak, sugar and chestnut being the principal varieties. Although much of this timber has been cleared away, yet the hills along the Wakatomica and elsewhere in the township exhibit a large growth of oak and chestnut

In the early history of the country, the hills of Jackson township abounded with wild animals and venomous reptiles.

The early settlers killed large numbers of deer, bear and other animals. Though multitudes of reptiles have been killed in former years, still at this later period they are to be found. . In September, 1880, John Farquhar found a black-snake

488 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

eleven feet in length, and after a desperate fight succeeded in killing it. Owing to the hills of Jackson township abounding with deer and other wild animals, it was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians, who came from the region about Greentown and Upper Sandusky in large numbers, often camping weeks at a time.

From the time of the first settlement to the present, large numbers of Indian relics have been found, farmers ploughing up great quantities of arrow points, wedges and other stone implements. The old Indian trail from Greentown through to Coshocton county passed across Jackson township. This trail the first settlers found very convenient for a guide when travelling. Evidences of ancient fortifications, are to be found, one especially, on the farm of Mrs I. Kerr, being the most remarkable. It is a wide trench encircling a small hill on which her present residence is situated. It extended completely around the hill, and was of such width as to make it quite formidable to the foe. Early settlers found it very plainly indicated, but frequent plowing has almost obliterated it. One or two small mounds are to be found in the northern part of the township.

Robert Eaton is supposed to be the first white settler of Jackson. He came from Wheeling, West Virginia, in April, 1810, locating on section seven. He was one of the soldiers that helped to suppress the whiskey rebellion, and it is said, had seen General George Washington several times. After living many years in Jackson he emigrated to the west. Although Eaton had many opportunities of becoming rich, he did not succeed in amassing much wealth, being content to live on a small income.

David Meelick, the-second settler, came to the township in August, 1810, settling on section seven. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government at two dollars per acre. He was one of the first two justices of the peace elected after the organization of Jackson township, and served in that capacity several years. At the time of his coming, Jackson township was indeed a wilderness. The surface of the entire country was covered with a dense growth of hard wood timber; the woods swarmed with game, and he had no difficulty in procuring ample supplies for the family larder. Being somewhat of a Nimrod, he succeeded in killing hundreds of deer, turkeys and other wild game. With the exception of Robert Eaton, the Indians were his only neighbors for some time after his arrival. It was his belief that the hills in the southern part of the township would remain an unbroken wilderness to all generations, but he lived to see them thickly settled. His descendants are still numerous in the township. .

Andrew McCamment was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Jackson township in 1819, selecting land in section nineteen. He was married August 19, 1816, to Rebecca Strain, of Brooke county, Virginia, by whom he had eight children: John S., Mary, William, Alexander, James, Sevenah, Hannah Jane, and Thomas Jefferson. Mr. McCamment died December 14, 1864, after a long life of industry and usefulness.

George Holtz was from Belmont county, where he was born in March, 1800. He removed to Coshocton county about the close of the last war with England, and to Jackson township in 1830. He entered eighty acres of Government land lying in the southern part of the township, and in a few years he purchased eighty acres more from the Government. He married Susan Mavisin in 1825, who bore him nine children.

Samuel Davidson was born near Baltimore, Maryland, November 4, 1788, and came to Jackson township in 1830, where he resided until his death August 8, 1880. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, and was in the battle of Bladensburgh.

William Hall was another of the early settlers of Jackson. He was born in Pennsylvania, and in 1809, when thirteen years of age, with his father, Obediah Hall, removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, remaining there until 1814, when he came to Jackson township. He settled in the southern part of the township. His family consisted of his wife and ten children, viz: Washington, Columbus, Jerome, Angenola, Benjamin F., Ruth M., Accious, Lane, Albert Fremont, and Abraham Lincoln.

Washington Houck, although not one of the first settlers, is one of Jackson's most prominent citizens, and has long been identified with its history. He was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 489

February 18, 1799. He visited Ohio in 1821,with one dollar and fifty cents in his pocket, walking the entire distance from Pennsylvania, returning home in November. Soon after, he sold his household and other goods, settled up all his accounts, and having but eight dollars, started for Ohio on the fourth of February, 1822. He landed in Hilliar township the twenty-fourth of that month, and resided there until the twentieth of July, when he removed to Clay, where he purchased eighty acres of Government land at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. After paying for his land, he had eighteen cents remaining but possessing extraordinary energy and perseverance he soon cleared his land, and has secured, a competence. At that date the growing of tobacco was the principal occupation of the farmers of Jackson and the southern townships of Knox county. Mr. Houck was once gone eleven days in two weeks, to tobacco house raisings. While in Hilliar township, he purchased a cow and yoke of oxen, and brought them to Clay. They got out of the enclosure, and after a search of ten days, he found them at their old home in Hilliar. He found but four houses in twenty-five miles travelling through the forests, but the few settlers that he did find were very clever and glad to see any one in their secluded homes. He subsequently sold his farm in Clay, and purchased some land on the site of the village of Bladensburgh, in Jackson township, where he erected a dwelling house, and also a hotel, engaging in that business several years. He also engaged in the mercantile business many years. He still resides in Bladensburgh.

John Donahey entered eighty acres on section twenty-six in 1810. He came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was born June 27, 1799 He was probably the first settler who located land in the southern part of the township. His neighbors were the Indians, and the hills surrounding his habitation were full of wild animals and venomous serpents. He, like the other pioneers, killed large numbers of deer, bear, and turkeys. At that early date log-rollings and houseraisings were frequent, and Mr. Donahey spent much of his time assisting his neighbors in clearing their land and erecting their habitations. The work was often severe, owing to the scarcity of hands, but the festivities of the evening, after the conclusion of the day's toil, afforded ample recompense. He was married at an early age to Martha Rogers. They had nine children; five sons and four daughters. He died in Jackson township in 1873.

Peter Fry, who lived to be a centenarian, carne to Jackson at an early period of its history. He was at St. Clair's defeat, and was forty years old at that time. He remembered many of the important events that transpired during the exciting period of the Revolution, and had often seen General Washington. He settled on section seven, but did not succeed in acquiring much property.

Thomas Nichols, still living in his eighty-eighth year, arrived from Virginia in 1828, and purchased his land from the Government. He settled in the southern part of Jackson, and still lives on the farm on which he first settled. Several of his children are still living in the township, in prosperous circumstances. For several years after first settling in Jackson he was troubled by wolves visiting his flocks of sheep at night and carrying away the choicest.

William Hanna, another of the early settlers, and long a resident of the township, died in 1856.

Jacob Stricker, Adam Earlywine, Robert Wilson, Joseph Scott, Daniel Massholder, Daniel Blue, Peter Miller, Christian Baughman, James Harris, John Wheeler, Elijah Harris, William Braddock, and Daniel Stricker, arrived at an early date, and a majority of them became prosperous.

William Darling, who came from Hampshire county, Virginia, in 1820, to Butler township, and from Butler to Jackson in 1835, has long been an influential citizen. He has served as justice of the peace fifteen years, and held other important local offices.

Johnny Appleseed was frequently a visitor in this township. One of his largest nurseries in Coshocton county being near this locality, he found a market for his apple-trees in Jackson. Many of the first orchards were started from trees procured from his nursery, and there are still trees remaining in several orchards that originally came from his Coshocton nursery.

A terrific tornado visited Jackson in early times,

490 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

the exact date being not now remembered There were but few settlers in the township then, and the damage done to dwelling houses and orchards was comparatively light, but many forest trees were prostrated, and cattle, horses and sheep killed.

The first grist-mill was erected by Samuel Wheeler about the year 1816, and the first sawmill by S. Brown about 1818. These mills were busily employed to meet the demands of the increasing population, both for flour and meal for the sustenance of the settlers, and lumber for their dwellings.

Samuel D. Ross built the first carding-mill in 1818. Prior to the building of these mills, the inhabitants were compelled to go to Mt. Vernon or Zanesville for their meal and lumber.

There are two or three small iron bridges that span the Wakatomica, and several wooden bridges spanning that-stream and jug run in the township, but no large bridges have been erected.

Until after the establishment of Bladensburgh in 1833, there were no stores in the township, and the settlers were obliged to go to Coshocton, Mt. Vernon, Zanesville and elsewhere for the purchase of the groceries, dry goods, and other necessaries for their families. About the year 1817, I. D. Johnson started a store in Martinsburgh, then a village of about half a dozen houses. He purchased all kinds of produce, paying cash for the same. At that time tobacco was the principal crop of the farmers of southern Knox, and large quantities were annually raised by them on their newly cleared lands. Mr. Johnson purchased all that was offered him, and it is said, thus enabled many farmers of Jackson and surrounding townships to pay for their farms, who, if it had not been for Johnson, would have been unable to pay for them, as money was very scarce, and produce very low.

The distilling of whiskey was another business in which the early settlers engaged. They could convert their cereals into a smaller bulk, and as there was always a ready sale for whiskey at remunerative prices, they found it more profitable to manufacture their grain into whiskey than haul it to distant markets and sell it at low rates. The last still-house disappeared many years ago.

For several years after the first settlement of Jackson, one private school was sufficient for the entire township. This school was held in private houses, and no school-house was erected for many years. At first the only school-houses were built of logs of very primitive style, but these have been superceded by substantial frame buildings. The first school, as near as can be ascertained, was taught by William Braddock. He was rather illiterate, but could "read, write and cipher to the rule of three,'' the "sum total" of his educational qualifications. He was induced to become a 'teacher more by the urgent solicitations of the pioneers, than by his own preference. Braddock continued the profession of teaching many years, and until it became necessary for teachers to have a certificate, when he ceased to be a pedagogue.

Abraham McLane was another of the early teach ers. His literary attainments were at par with Braddock's. He also continued teaching until certificates were necessary to enable teachers to draw public money for their services, when he also retired from the profession.

The people generally are a church-going people. There are five churches, three having an organized existence within the township limits, and two with in the limits of Bladensburgh.

For many years after the first settlement there were no regular church organizations. Preaching was held occasionally in the houses of the settlers. One of the first ministers to proclaim the gospel to the inhabitants of Jackson, was a Rev. Mr. Cunningham, a Presbyterian divine. He was a very plain man in his dress and habits, and of moderate talents and ability. Being poor it became necessary to devise means for his support. A subscription paper was drawn up and circulated among the people. One of the signers was proprietor of a small distillery. When his subscription became due, on demand, he refused to pay it. After repeated demands and refusals he was sued, judgment for the full amount of his subscription was obtained against him, execution was issued, and the constable, into whose hands it was given, levied on a barrel of whiskey, sold the same, and thus satisfied the debt.

Rev. James Fry, a Baptist, was another of the early ministers, who labored earnestly to lead the people to eternal life. The Methodists were early in the field, but did not erect a house of worship,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 491

holding their meetings in churches of other denominations, or at private dwellings. At one time they were quite prosperous, but at present there are but few in the township.

The first Disciple church in Ohio was organized in this township in August, 1828. At that date Alexander Campbell, and his co-laborers, were zealously laboring in Ohio and other States. A few copies of his paper, the Millennial Harbinger, were circulated in the township, and being carefully read, proved to be seed sown in good ground, yielding a large increase. Elijah Harris, Washington Houck, and John Wheeler, with their wives, organized themselves into a Disciple church, which is claimed to be the first regular church organization of that denomination in this State. Rev. Charles Van Voorhes, still living, was the first pastor, and only preacher for many years.

Another Disciple church, known as Dennis chapel, was organized about 1830. It is situated in the southwestern part of the township. William D. Beatty and George Eley were the first elders, and William Braddock and Benjamin Eley the first deacons. Rev. James Porter was the first pastor, and continued in that capacity until 1839, when he was superceded by Rev. Charles Van Voorhes, who has preached to the people most of the time since.

At the first organization of this church there were about twenty members. At this date the organization has nearly one hundred members in full connection. A small frame church was erected soon after the organization, which was replaced by one thirty-six by forty feet in dimensions some years since. There is a flourising Sunday-school in connection with this church, S. E. Bell, superintendent.

The first Union church of Jackson township, was organized about 1870. The first trustees were John S. McCament, Uriah Blue, Henry Holtz, J. F. Way and Ephraim Anderson. John Way, Uriah Blue, and Jonathan Traver were the first elders. Rev. George Stevenson was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. Ambi Welch, J. B. Clover, James Lamp, and Allen Mann, who is present pastor.

In 1870 a neat frame building, thirty-five by forty feet, was erected on section twelve. The number of members at the commencement of the organization was thirty, which has increased ten in number.

In 1879 a neat and commodious structure was erected in the southeastern part of Jackson, known as the Mt Zion church. It was built for the accommodation of the people resident in that locality, and belongs to no particular denomination. The first and also the present trustees were Simon Ashcraft, Perry Harris, and William Mercer.

This church has no regular pastor, the constitution prohibiting anyone denomination or sect from having absolute control.

The first village in Jackson township was Front Royal It was located on the farm of William Darling, in the northern part of the township, about the year 1832. It had a small store, blacksmith shop, and several dwellings. It flourished for some years, but owing to a deficiency in the title of the village lots the village was abandoned, and not a vestige of it remains to mark its location.

Bladensburgh was laid out in 1833 by John and Samuel Wheeler and Washington Houck. The village lies in both Jackson and Clay townships, the main part being in Jackson. Washington Houck built the first house. Mr. Houck first started a blacksmith shop, and after a few months engaged in the keeping of a hotel. After following this business many years he engaged in the mercantile business.

John Wheeler started the first store in Bladensburgh in 1833. He was for many years a prominent citizen, Whig politician, and a zealous worker in the Disciple church. He subsequently removed to Iowa, where he died some years since. Mr. Wheeler was the first postmaster of Blandensburgh, and Washington Houck was the first mail carrier. He carried the mail once a week from Blandensburgh to Martinsburgh, a distance of four miles, performing the journey on foot, and received as compensation eight dollars for eighteen months service.

A flourishing mill was erected on the bank of the Wakatomica, on the present site of the village, prior to the location of the place. It is now operated by Messrs. Anderson & Darling.

One of the early physicians and prominent citizens, Dr. A. C. Scott, came to Bladensburgh in

492 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

1841. He is a son of Rev. James Scott, the pioneer Presbyterian preacher of Knox county. Dr. Scott has been a very successful physician, and still has a large and lucrative practice. He has served as justice of the peace, and held other offices.

Ohio Lodge, No. 199, Free and Accepted Masons, at Bladensburgh, commenced work under dispensation dated July 19, 1850, granted by the Most Worthy Grand Master M. Z Kreider. The officers by dispensation were: Eli Farnham, W. M.; A. C. Scott, S. W.; Peter Berry, J. W.

Organized under charter by Mr. Henry Barton, proxy for Grand Master, on the third day of November, 1851, under charter dated October 28, 1851. Its first officers were installed on that evening, and were: Eli Farnham, W. M.; A. C. Scott, S. W.; Peter Berry, J. W.; William Underwood, treasurer; James Loveridge, secretary; Obed Underwcod, S. D.; D. J. Ber.tz, J. D.; Alexander McCament, tyler.

Its charter members were: Eli Farnham, A. C. Scott, Peter Berry, James Loveridge, Andrew Vance, John S. McCament, Alexander McCament, William Underwood, Obed Underwood, Jesse Underwood, William McCreary, W. F. Redman, David McCann.

Robert Strahorn and D. J. Bentz were the first Masons initiated; this was September 17, 1850.

The officers July 1, 1880, were: Schooler Horn, W. M.; James Donohey, S. W.; W. A. Harris, secretary; Jeremiah Hess, S. D.; C. P. Ramsey, J. D.; David Blyston, treasurer; William Underwood, steward; Thomas Earlywine, J. D.; Archibald Little, tyler.

The number of deaths since organization have been eight. The present membership is fifty-five.

Following are the worthy masters of Ohio Lodge with terms of service: Eli Farnham, seven years; A. C. Scott, fifteen years; Levi Mercer, one year; Daniel Paul, two years; John G. McGaw, one year; E. W. Hall, one year; N. K. Kamsey, two years; Schooler Horn, elected November, 1879.

The following have served as secretaries: James Loveridge, Josephus Wheeler, Isaac N. Huey, John H. Miller, R. S. Conner, S. T. Schooler, R. D. Mavis, J. Fox Scott, Alexander S. Kerr, D. H. Tuttle, John W. Scott, F. P. Hess, George McCament, W. A. Harris.

This lodge has been fairly prosperous. It now owns one of the finest buildings in the village, erected three years ago, and is acknowledged to have the best arranged and finest finished lodge hall in the county.

A grange was organized several years ago and a hall was erected by the organization in 1878. The order is prosperous and numbers many of the substantial farmers of Jackson and adjoining townships as members. Several successful fairs under the auspices of this grange have been held at Bladensburgh since its organization.

For a long time after the village was started the village school was held in a small frame building, which was replaced by a large and substantial structure in 1878, now known as the Bladensburgh Union school. Professor Kennon, of Belmont county, is the principal.

There are two churches in the village-Disciple and Presbyterian. The first, known as the first Disciple church in Ohio, is described elsewhere in this chapter. It was organized before the village had an existence, and the present church building was erected some years after the founding of the town. It enjoys a good degree of prosperity at the present date.

The Presbyterian society was organized in 1846, and was originally an outgrowth of the Presbyterian church of Martinsburgh. Rev. Henry Hervey, pastor of the Martinsburgh church, having preached a sermon on "the evils of war," denunciatory of the war with Mexico, then in progress, gave such offence to a portion of the members of his church, that several seceded and organized a society at Bladensburgh. This society soon after erected the present church building. Rev. James Anderson was the first pastor. He was succeeded by' Revs. Densmore, Brough, and Brombarger. The church has no pastor at present.

There are three dry goods and one grocery store, one jewelry establishment, two hotels, one barber shop, one millinery store, one harness and several blacksmith shops, also one grist- and one saw-mill. Its present population is about two hundred. Although Bladensburgh is a small village it is an enterprising one. Being at a considerable distance from any large town, large numbers of farmers do their trading at this place.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 493

In February, 1869, a murder was committed which caused much excitement at the time. S. L. Roley, a very passionate and bad-tempered man, killed Joshua Cackler. Roley became offended at Cackler because of some slight misunderstanding concerning a trivial affair, when he procured a club, and, striking Cackler on the head, caused his death in a short time. Roley was caught after he had fled to another State, was brought back to Knox county, had his trial, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years imprisonment in the penitentiary.

James Ross is the present postmaster. A daily mail is received, the route being from the town of Utica to Bladensburgh.

CHAPTER LV.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-ELECTION-JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-TOPOG-

RAPHY-RELICS-FIRST SETTLERS - GRAND HUNT-MILLS

-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-GREERSVILLE.

JEFFERSON was organized in March 1829. It is the northeast corner township of Knox county, and is bounded on the north by Ashland and Holmes counties, on the south by Union township, on the east by Holmes county, and on the west by Brown township. In 1876 one mile was taken from the south part of this township and annexed to Union.

At the first election held in April 1829, the following were chosen: trustees, John McMillan and Josiah Trumbley; clerk, Robert Greer; constables, Andrew Lockard and Joseph Critchfield.

The early political history of Jefferson is derived from the ofcial records which are still in a good state of preservation. From these it appears that the first official business transacted by the township board after its organization, was the annual settlement with the township officers, recorded as follows:

March 1830.

On the first Monday of. March 1830, the trustees met a full board. The accounts of the different officers were settled without any charge being made by the township, and adjourned.

Attest, ROBERT GREER, clerk.

At the election held in 1832 at the house of Frederick Rice the following officers were elected, Alexander Greer, Josiah Frost and John Hibbetts trustees; Alvin Critchfield and Jesse Casteel, constables; George Rice and Robert Greer, overseers of poor, and Robert McMillen, fenceviewer.

The following justices of the peace have been elected since the organization of the township: 1849, James Henderson and John Greer; 1832, John Greer; 1835, James Greer; 1837, James Withrow; 1838, Joseph Greer, Josiah Frost; 1840, James Greer, James Withrow; 1842, Alexander Greer; 1843, James Withrow; 1845, Alexander Greer; 1846, James Withrow; 1848, Alexander Greer; 1849, Robert Greer; 1851, Alexander Greer; 1852, Robert Greer; 1854, Josiah Frost; 1855, Robert Greer; 1857, Josiah Frost, James Greer; 1858, Charles Miller; 1860, James Greer; 1861, Charles Miller; 1863, John Workman; 1865, Charles Miller, Frederick Rice; 1867, Charles Miller; 1868, Edward Day; 1869, Mark Greer; 1870, Charles Miller; 1871, John D. Shrimplin; 1873, Charles Miller; 1874, Benjamin Wander; 1876, John C. Banbury; 1877, James W. Baker, John Body; 1879, Philip Love; 1880, James W. Baker.

This township was named after Thomas Jefferson, one of the Presidents of the United States. The surface is exceedingly broken and hilly, some of the lofty and precipitous hills reaching an altitude attaining to the grandeur of mountains: The magnificent rocky and hilly country along the Mohican river, and elsewhere in the township, is undoubtedly the most interesting geographical' feature in this county. In the early history of the country these high hills and rocky bluffs formed a secure retreat for the various wild animals, and dens for large numbers of rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles. Hundreds of these reptiles were killed by the pioneers. Wild game, such as foxes, coons, opossums, and turkeys are still quite numerous in the hills, and mink and otter are found along the Mohican.

The Mohican river, the principal stream, crosses the entire eastern part of the township, from north to south, in a meandering course.

Many interesting relics of former ages have been found here. The early pioneers unearthed with their plows hundreds of flints; or Indian arrow

494 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

heads, and various implements of Indian manufacture. On the farm of George Bird, near Greersville, were several small mounds. These were explored by the early settlers, several human skeletons unearthed, and ashes and charcoal also found. On the summit of a high and precipitous hill adjacent to Greersville are the remains of an ancient fortification or intrenchment. The sides of a portion of the hill were so steep as to make an entrenchment unnecessary, but the portions less abrupt were strongly fortified by a wide and deep ditch, cut in the form of a semicircle.

In the vicinity of Greersville are various ledges of rocks, some of which have received names, suggested by peculiar surroundings or individual appearance. One of these ledges, alum rock, is so named because the water which flows from its crevices is strongly impregnated with alum. The water which exudes from the rock, on being exposed to the rays of the sun and evaporated produces alum in considerable quantities. This locatity is a favorite resort for pleasure parties in the summer, and is annually visited by many young persons from Mt. Vernon, Loudonville and other places, who encamp here for days at a time, and engage in fishing and hunting. Whortleberries are very plenty in the hills of Jefferson township, and hundreds of bushels are annually gathered by the inhabitants here as well as by persons from adjoining counties.

It is difficult to ascertain who was the first white settler of Jefferson township. Isaac Enlow and Nicholas Helm were among the first to settle within the present limits of the township. The date of this settlement is not known, but it was probably a short time after the close of the War of 1812. As far as known there was no settler to be found in this township prior to that war. Jefferson was the last of all the townships of Knox county to be settled. Owing to the broken condition of the surface and its isolation, settlers preferred other government land as long as it could be had in the vicinity. John Melton, Aaron Mathene, Andrew McKee, Ephraim McMillen, Jacob Shiner, Elisha Ross, John Dailey, Alexander Darling, James Henderson, John Hibbetts, Josiah Trimbley, Joseph Critchfield and George Greer were of the first settlers. The Greers have long been identified with the history of Jefferson. John Greer came from Ireland to Knox county early in this century, settling near Danville. Possessed of a vigorous intellect and -indomitable spirit, he soon took a prominent position among the early settlers. During the War of 1812 he did much to promote the formation of companies, and became captain of one of them. He served several terms as justice of the peace, and was elected representative to the legislature in 1830. For forty years some of the Greer name have officiated as justice of the peace in this township.

Robert Greer, another influential and useful citizen, was born in the county of Antrim, Ireland, March 12, 1806. He emigrated to America in 1826, first settling in Maryland. In 1827 he removed' to Jefferson, locating in the eastern part of the township. He received a very thorough education in Ireland, was an accomplished scholar, well versed in mathematics and the languages. After his arrival here he engaged in farming, also schoolteaching; was the first clerk of the township, and was elected justice of the peace for several terms. He died March 13, 1865. His only child, Abraham W., is still residing here.

Jacob Colopy, was an early settler, emigrating from Maryland to Knox county in 1812, first settling three miles south of Mt. Vernon, where he resided until his removal to Jefferson in 1825. He located his farm in the southern part of the township, in that portion attached to Union in 1876. Mr. Colopy was very industrious, working night and day, and at one time was the owner of seventeen hundred acres of land. Because of his habit of working early and late, he received the appellation of "Night and Day," from his neighbors. He resides at present near the village of Gann.

Absalom Shrimplin, son of John Shrimplin, one of Knox county's earliest settlers, was born in Owl Creek valley, November 27, 1806, and was the second white child born in the county. His mother, Elizabeth Shrimplin, nee Morrison, who was. born near the banks of the Ohio river in Jefferson county September 7, 1787, is said to have been the second white female child born in Ohio. Mr. Shrimplin removed to Jefferson township a few years after its organization and resided here until his death, December 28, 1879.

James Witherow was from Beaver county, Penn-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 495

sylvania. He came to Jefferson township in 1836, settling on section four. He was elected representative by the Democrats in 1851, Hon. Columbus Delano, the Whigs candidate, being the other representative elected that year. Mr. Witherow served one term, but being very much disgusted with the lax morals of some of his brother representatives, he declined a renomination. He has also served several terms as justice of the peace, and was noted for his accurate decisions in cases tried before him.

Samuel Beck came from West Virginia in 1837. He was married in 1829, to Miss Mary Seaman, of Virginia. Mrs. Beck resided near Bethany, Virginia. She was intimately acquainted with Philip Doddrige, the historian of western Virginia and Pennsylvania, and Alexander Campbell, the founder of the religious body known as Campbellites or Disciples. She was present when he preached his first celebrated sermon on immersion, at a private house in the neighborhood of Bethany. She has been a member of the Presbyterian church for many years. Mr. Beck died October 4, 1848. Mrs. Beck's father was born in London, England, removed to Virginia about the close of the Revolutionary war, and purchased three hundred acres of land near Wheeling. Her paternal grandfather, Harris, lived near the Potomac river during the progress of the Revolutionary war. At one time, in company with a negro servant, he was pursued by a band of Indians, was wounded, but managed to secrete himself in a sycamore tree. The Indians losing sight of Mr. Harris, continued in pursuit of the negro, and finally captured him.

Jonathan Rice, another honored and useful citizen of this township, came from Allegheny county, Maryland, in 1831. He has long been a member of the Methodist church, and a zealous worker for the cause of Christ. A short time after Mr. Rice's removal here, a grand union hunt was organized by the citizens of Jefferson, Brown, and Union townships, and parties from Ashland and Holmes counties also participated. It was estimated that more than a thousand persons were present. There were but few wolves or bears at that date, but deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and smaller game abounded. A central point was selected in the woods, near where the Wesley chapel now stands.

Captains and other necessary officers were appointed to manage the incoming lines, fill up vacancies, and prevent the escape of game. The lines were formed in a square, enclosing several miles, and the hunters were armed with guns, clubs, tin horns, knives, pitchforks, etc. At a given signal the lines advanced toward the center, every man and boy making as much noise as possible. As the advancing column approached each other, turkeys began flying over; the affrighted game rushed from side to side, seeking an avenue of escape, and by reason of mismanagement on the part of some of the officers, a gap in the lines was left open, through which most of the game escaped. This was the last grand circular hunt in the township.

The settlers of Jefferson were at first, principally from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ireland, but in later years a large number of Germans have located in the township, and form an important addition to its population. Settling among the rugged hills, where it would seem almost impossible to obtain a livelihood by agricultural pursuits, they soon, by their good management, industry.and economy, acquire a competency.

Although the Mohican river affords abundant water power for mills and manufactories, it has never been much utilized by the inhabitants. The first grist-mill in the township was built about 1833, on the Mohican, by John Greer; he also erected a saw-mill in connection with it. Some years later a large flouring-mill was erected at Mt Holly, now Gann.

As in other townships, the first schools were " subscription schools, " there being no public school fund. These schools were taught at first in the houses of the pioneers. The first schoolhouse was built about 1826, on Nicholas Helm's farm. It stood about eighty rods west of Greersville, and was a small structure, built of unhewn logs. Another of the early school-houses, probably the second, was situated on Philip Hardinger's farm, near the centre of the township. A third was erected a few years after this, near the present site of Wesley chapel These were all log buildings of a very primitive style of architecture. Elisha Ross, Robert Greer, David Buzzard and Isaac Beann were among the first teachers in this township.

496 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Only two churches have an organized existence at present within the limits of Jefferson township, one of these being in the village of Greersville. The first church was organized by the EpiscopalMethodists in 1832, at the house of Rev. Burriss, who was the first class-leader of the society. George Burriss, William Cornell, Joseph and Henry Hess, the Colwells, McMillens, Hickes and Harrises were among the early members of this organization. The first ministers were Revs. William Conant, Russell Bigelow, John McNabb, Allen Moffatt, Charles Waddle, Daniel Lambert, and ------ Davidson. The early meetings were held at the residences of the first members and in the schoolhouses. Some years after the formation of the society a log structure was erected, which was superseded by a frame building in 1866, still standing, and in use by the members. This edifice cost about eleven hundred dollars, and is a neat frame, twenty-eight by thirty-four feet in dimensions.

There is a cemetery adjacent to the church, known as the Wesley Chapel cemetery, in which many of the former citizens of Jefferson are buried. The present membership of the church is about sixty-five. In 1853 a Winebrenarian society was organized in the northwestern part of the township, which held their meetings in the Jericho school-house. Thomas Carpenter, Chamberlain, and Russell, were among the first members. This organization was a weak one, and disbanded in a few years. There was also a society of Catholics organized here at an early date, and a small log building, call St. Michael's church, erected in the northern part of the township. There being flourishing Catholic societies at Loudonville and Danville, it was deemed inexpedient by the members of St. Michael's church to keep up the organization, and it was dissolved many years since, the members generally uniting with St. Luke's church, of Danville, and the Loudonville Catholic church.

The present winter (1880-1) has been a most remarkable one in the history of this township, as well as of the county. Winter and sleighing began about the middle of November, 1880; the sleighing was uninterrupted until some time in February, 1881, and the cold extremely severe. A fall of snow, nearly two feet in depth, occurred about the first of April, and the voters went to the spring election in sleds and sleighs. A winter of such length and severity is not within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.

Greersville is the only village within the present limits of Jefferson township. It was laid out in 1836 by Robert Greer, is situated on the Mohican river, about four miles north of Gann, and has a population of about seventy. Solomon Hull built the first house, a log dwelling; James Greer kept the first store, and Miss Amanda Allen taught the school. Prior to the erection of the first schoolhouse in the village, a school-house stood a short distance outside of the town to which the first inhabitants sent their children. Arthur Greer taught the first school in this house. At this date there are in the village two dry goods stores, owned by John DeWitt and John Friermuth; one hotel, kept by George Derrenberger; one harness shop, by Casper Paul; one wagon shop, by Edward Shrimplin, and one cigar store, by L. Shaw. John Friermuth is the postmaster, and the village has a triweekly mail.

The Wesleyan Methodist church of Greenville was organized in 1854, by Rev. George W. Bainum. Its early members were Asa Greer, Agnes Severns, Sarah Bird, Calista Severns. Rev. George B. Bainum was the first pastor of this society. The subsequent pastors were Reverends L. R. Royce, George W. Smith, William Sewell, McConnell, Hamlin, Richard Horton, J. A. Nettleton, James Preston, and B. F. Hestor. The society worshipped in the Greersville school-house until 1861, when a neat frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand two hundred dollars. The present officers of the church are Jonathan Rice, Michael Wander and A. W. Greer, trustees; John Wesley Rice, William Kaylor and Elmer C. Greer, stewards; Josiah Workman, class-leader. The present membership is about sixty. An active Sunday. school is connected with the church, A. W. Greer being the superintendent.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 497

CHAPTER LVI.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

LOCATION - ERECTION TOPOGRAPHY-MOCNDS-SETTLE-

MENT-ROADS-MILLS-ELECTION-OFFICERS-VILLAGES

-STORES-SCHOOLS - CHURCH FS-CEMETERIES-ORDERS

-STATISTICS.

LIBERTY township was established by the county commissioners, June 4, 1822, and bounded as follows

Ordered-That the following boundaries be laid off into a separate and distinct township, to-wit : Beginning at the southeast corner of the sixth township of the fourteenth range, and running west on the township line to the southwest corner of the same; thence north on the line between the fourteenth and fifteenth ranges, to the northwest corner of said township ; thence east on the township line to the northwest corner of the same ; thence south on the range line to the place of beginning ; which shall be known and distinguished by the name of Liberty township, which shall be entitled to all the privileges of a separate and distinct township.

March 9, 1:825, the commissioners ordained that:

Liberty township shall be composed of the sixth township in the fourteenth range.

The surface of Liberty is rolling, but not rough. The southern part of the township is drained by Dry creek, which empties into the Kokosing river at Mt. Vernon, while the northern portion is drained by Granny's creek, Armstrong's run and other small streams. The drainage is good, there being little or no swamp lands in the township. About one-third of the land is under actual cultivation, the balance is in grass and woodland, but nearly all is susceptible of cultivation. The soil is composed of loam, impregnated with lime, and resting upon substratum of drift gravel, hence very productive; all the cereals being successfully grown.

This section of the country was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, of the following varieties: hard maple, black walnut, beech, white oak, and other varieties indigenous to the soil, but much of it has disappeared before the destroying axe of the woodman.

There are very few relics of the Mound Builders to be found in Liberty township. About the only ones deserving mention are located on the property of J. D. Higgins, one mile east of Mount Liberty. On the hill north of Mr. Higgins' residence is. a mound about thirty feet in diameter, and was originally eight or ten feet high, but is at present very much reduced in height by being plowed over. It was opened by Mr. Higgins, who, however, found nothing but the traditional ashes and charcoal

In an adjoining field, and occupying much lower ground than the above described mound, is the remains of a circular embankment one hundred feet in diameter, but so worn down by the plow that its original height cannot be determined. It has the general appearance of a military work, but its proximity to higher ground, and the fact of the earth from the ditch having been thrown outward, would seem to preclude that idea The mystery that surrounds the subject of the mounds and their builders, appears to be enhanced by the fact that the Indians who occupied this country when the white man made his advent confess entire ignorance of their origin.

The earliest settlers were the following: Francis Atherton, Francis Blakeney, Thomas Fletcher, George Ginn, Francis Hardesty, and Alexander Dallas. These came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1805, and settled on Dry creek. Mr. Atherton located where John H. Bird now resides. He was a very ingenuous mechanic and was very useful in the new settlement. The first frame house in the township was built by him in 1808. He also built a mill-intended to be a grist-mill-on Dry creek, but died before its completion, and the mill was not a success. Francis Hardesty located where Mrs. Bird now lives, about three miles east of Mt. Liberty. Hr. Hardesty and his wife are said to be the first adults who , died in the township. They were buried a few yards east of the Bird's graveyard. The first death was that of a child of Francis Atherton. It was buried in the woods north of Mr. Atherton's house. Alexander Dallas was a rough character a distiller by occupation-and was sent to the penitentiary for burning a barn. Joseph Higgins arrived in the country in 1810, and pitched his tent one mile east of the present site of Mt. Liberty, where J. D. Higgins now resides. Michael Yoakam came in 1811 and located west of Mr. Higgins. John Yoakam, son of Michael, is still living, and to his faithful memory this history is indebted for many of the statements made. John Wilson was the pioneer blacksmith. His shop stood, in 1811, on the farm now owned by George Carey.

498 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Lewis Bricker, sr. of Green County, Pennsylvania, had a very large family, and determined to distribute them in the western country where lands were cheap, and he could provide them with farms. Accordingly he bought sixteen hundred acres of land in what is now the northeastern portion of Liberty township, and started the elder members of his family to it in the spring of 1810. Of this number were Peter Bricker and George Lewis, his brother-in-law. They came out to this wild region, camped one night, and the next day by noon were on their way back. They reported the country wild, and they did not believe it ever would be settled. They saw many Indians, heard the owls hooting, and the wolves howling all night; and unaccustomed to these things they agreed with their wives to let their land go, rather than risk their own and their children's lives in the Dry creek region.

Their father, accustomed to frontier life, and knowing also the value of land in this country, determined in the fall to make another effort at a settlement. Accordingly he sent another delegation, and continued the work until he got into this township the following children: Peter, George, John, Jacob, David, Solomon, Lewis, Catharine, Rachel, and Mrs: George Lewis, who have in their own time peopled the wilderness, felled the forest trees, and cultivated the ground, multiplying the original number by the double rule of three. Peter Bricker had a dozen children, George Lewis sixteen, and the other members of the family were nearly equally prolific. It is related of one of the elder Brickers that he arrived at his destination late in the fall, too late to build a cabin, and no cabin could be rented. In this emergency a substitute was thought of. Mr. Bricker had brought with him a large Pennsylvania wagon, and turning the bed of it up side down he transformed it into a dwelling place, and in this novel habitation passed his first winter in Knox county.

The children of George Lewis recollect when their father went to Shrimplin's mill with a grist of corn, and left his wife and family alone, with nothing to eat, and the Indians prowling about the premises.

The Coyles, Humphreys, Severes, Careys, Hollisters, Magoons, Gearharts, and Wolfs, came in ---------------------------------- last named family located on Granny's creek, in the northwestern corner of the township, and it is still known as the Wolf settlement. The most numerous families at the present time are the Brickers, Lewises, Ewalts, and Rineharts.

The hardships and vicissitudes incident to pioneer life were experienced by the early settlers of Liberty, but they proved equal to the occasion, and are to-day surrounded with all the comforts and conveniences of civilization.

The first public road in Liberty township was petitioned for by Samuel Katzer, Benjamin Butler, Robert Anderson, James Walker, jr., Stephen Chapman, Aaron Brown, C. Leffland, William Wallace, James Craig, Robert Walker, Thomas Merrill, Jesse Severe, Michael Barton, and John Click; Ziba Leonard, Mathias Critchfield, and Joseph Coleman were appointed viewers, and John Dunlap surveyor. The road petitioned for was surveyed nearly due west from Mt. Vernon to the county line, and passed through the north of Liberty township. It was returned August 5, 1808, and confirmed to the county commissioners on the fifth of the same month.

June 4, 1810, Francis Hardesty and others petitioned for a road running from Mt. Vernon to his place, and thence to Joseph Higgins'. The names of the petitioners were: Francis Hardesty, James Smith, Alexander Dallas, Joseph Higgins, Charles McBride, Thomas Fletcher, Francis Blakeney, James Dunlap, Daniel Dinimick, Jonathan Hunt, jr., John McConnell, John Doth, John Boyle, Silas Brown, Rufus Vore, James Haines, Barton Lucas, James Strange, Henry Haines, George Zinn, Jacob Thomas, Joseph Walker, John Wilson, Nicholas Kyle, Enoch Harris, Nathan Kyle, Samuel Kratzer, J. Grant, and Michael Clark. The viewers were: Charles Cooper, John Harrod, and Henry Roberts. Surveyor, John Dunlap. The return was made to the county commissioners June 12th and confirmed in September, 1810.

Joseph Eichar, Benjamin Martin, and James Carpenter were appointed by the State commissioners to lay out a road from Mt. Vernon to Delaware, Ohio. They performed their duty and filed a copy of the survey in the office of the commissioners of Knox county, September 1, 1817. The

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 499

road is now known as the "Old Delaware Road," and passes through the northern part of Liberty township. The "New Delaware Road" was also laid out under the auspices of the State. Frederick Avery, John Storm, and George Lewis were appointed, February 22, 1830, commissioners to lay out said road, and filed a copy of the survey in the office of the county commissioners, November 30th, of the same year.

Gilman Bryant built the first successful mill on Dry creek, near the present site of the county infirmary. In 1824 he built a saw-mill, and in 1825 erected a grist-mill. John Wilson built a corn cracker at the Proper place in 1829, and Albertus Bird built a saw-mill in 1832 on the property now occupied by Harman Hollister. In 1827 Samuel Thatcher, sr., built a saw-mill on the north fork of Dry creek, one and a half miles north of Mt. Liberty, and in 1839 he built a carding-mill on the south fork, one-half mile west of the present site of Mt. Liberty. He conducted the latter about two years and then abandoned it. Mr. Thatcher seems to have had a mania for building mills, for he shortly after built another saw-mill just south of the village, and sold it to George Beardsheare. This mill is still standing.

A saw and grist-mill was built by Mr. Thatcher in 1847, on the north side of the creek, just below Mt. Liberty, and sold to Mr. John Inscho. John D. Higgins subsequently purchased this mill and turned it into a barn, and in 1865 it was burnt. In 1862 two steam saw-mills were run in the village by Youngblood & Weller, and Peter Shafer.

Francis Wilkins was the first regular hotel-keeper. He lived in a brick house on the Columbus road, one mile west of the east line of Liberty township, in 1827. This building is yet standing, but is no longer used for hotel purposes. For many years it was kept by Jerome Rowley, a very clever gentleman, now well along in years, and a resident of Mt Vernon. This tavern was in its day a noted stopping place for stages and travelers long before the advent of railroads; and also for sleighing and dancing parties.

Samuel Thatcher, sr., in 1833 opened a hotel on the Columbus road just west of Mt. Liberty, and kept entertainment for man and beast till 1838, when he rented it to a Mr. Baggs, moved to the Carter place, built a new house and opened a hotel at the east end of the village in 1839. This house Mr. Thatcher sold to James Severe, in 1841, who kept it about one year, and was succeeded by Harrison and John Thompson. They were followed successively by a Mr. Eastman, James Emery, John Thompson, and lastly by Isaac Hawkins. James Osborn opened a public house in the village of Mt. Liberty in 1843, where George Shaffer now lives, and Charles Bird kept tavern about the same time in the building now occupied by David Teegarden. Mr. Bird was followed by James Emery. After Mr. Emery's occupancy, the building was used as a store until 1880, when Mr. Teegarden reconstructed it as a hotel.

The county commissioners ordered an election for township officers, to be held at the school house near Francis Wilkins' on the fifteenth day of June, 1822. That was the first election ever held in the township; but unfortunately, as is too frequently the case, no record of the proceedings was preserved, and it is impossible at this date to ascertain who composed the first board of officers.

The following is a list of the justices of the peace for Liberty township:

Frederick Carey, from 1822 to 1828; Francis Wilkins, 1828-33; Christopher Wolfe, 1831-37; Luther Hill and Joseph Shaw, 1837; W. E. Davidson, 1839-44; William Oram and Joseph Shaw, 1842; Christopher Wolfe, 1844; John Inscho, 1846; Christopher Wolfe, 1847 ; John Inscho, 1849; Christopher Wolfe, 1850; James Severe, 1852; Christopher Wolfe, 1853; James Severe, 1855; A. Dalrymple, 1856; James Severe, 1858; J. H. Tarr, 1858-63 ; Arthur Pratt, 1861; Charles Wright, 1863; John H. Tarr and Corbin Lineweaver, 1864; John H. Tarr and George R. Bowlby, 1867; Rezin B. Walsh and John W. Jackson, 1870; John Koonsman and G. W. Duval, 1873; Frank Snyder and John Koonsman, 1876; Frank Snyder and Jonathan Tucker, 1878; John Koonsman and William H. Smith, 1879.

Rezin B. Walsh is township clerk; Robert D. McBride and Joseph C. Bricker, constables; Jerome Bricker, treasurer; Andrew J. Sharpneck, assessor; Ransom Yoakam, Emmet L Cotton, and E. M. Hyatt, trustees; and Jesse P. Robertson, T. J. Brown, J. Gardner, W. G. Lohr, William Col-

500 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

ville, T. F. Cole, and Christian Tarr, board of education.

Mt. Liberty is the principal town in Liberty township and is situated on the State road leading from Mt. Vernon to Columbus, in the heart of a productive country on Dry creek. The land on which the town stands was owned and the town laid out by Samuel Thatcher, sr., and George Beardsheare, October 8, 1835. T. G. Plummer was the surveyor. The growth of the town was slow until the completion of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad, since which time it has improved more rapidly, and now presents quite a business appearance.

The following is an inventory of the business of the town: One railroad depot, express and ticket agent, George M. Shaffer; one hotel, D. L. Teegarden; one post-office, J. P. Wintermute, postmaster; one steam saw- grist- and planing-mill, Peter Batty; one water saw-mill, A. Miser; two dry goods stores, J. P. Wintermute and M. E. Dumfee; groceries, 1i'. R. Rowland; agricultural implements and buggies, J. B. Brokaw; physicians, A. P. Robertson and C. R. Bradfield; blacksmiths, D. Mosteller and W. O. Coe; shoemaker, L. D. Campbell; harness maker, George Kraft; stock dealers, T. D. Updike and Isaac Hawkins; carpenters H. R. Bostwick and Jonathan Tucker; butchers, Jackson & Conway; grain dealer, G. M. Shaffer; painter, Fenner K. Robertson; lumber dealers, H. W. Mosteller and N. L. Sperry; one church, Methodist Episcopal; one graded school, B. F. Morris and Philena Barr, teachers; one lodge of Sons of Temperance and one lodge of Knights of Honor. There are at present one hundred and seventy-five inhabitants.

The following interesting matter regarding the Wintermute family is furnished by Mr. J. P. Wintermute:

The Wintermute family is of German extraction; and tradition says the founder thereof in this country was a sailor who, when his vessel was lying off the coast of New Jersey, went on shore with others of the crew, and, being pleased with the country, concluded to remain. Below will be found the inscription on his tomb-stone in the Stillwater cemetery, New Jersey, with the translation of the same, which was copied from the stone by Mr. J. P. Wintermute, while on a visit there in the fall of 1876:

ALHIER Here

RUHET 1N GOT IOH: GEORG Rest in God; George

WINDEMUTH GEBOHREN, Windemuth born 11 May

D: 11 MAY 1711 INPUNG- 1711 in the town of Inpung

STAD, in EUROPA. NAGHAME- in Europe. Came to

RIGAKOMEN, ANO 1736 America in the year 1736

VERHEYRATH MIT, M : and was married to M.

EL: BERNHARTIN ANO El. Bernhartin in the

1739. UND ZEUGETEN 8 year 139 and had 8

KINDER: LEBETE IM children. Lived in

EHESTAND 43 IAHR wedlock- 43 years and 3

UND 3 MONATH Ano months. He died

1782 DEN 19 DEC. ABEND in the year 1782 the

UM 10 UHRSTARB ER 19th of Dec., in the evening

SEIN ALTER WAR 71 at 10 P. M. at His age

IAHR 3 MON: UND 8- was 71 years 3 months and

TAGE, UND VERLIES 8 days, and left behind

3 SoHNE UND 3 ToCH- 3 sons and 3 daughters

TER LEBEND alive.

Of these children one is renowned as having built Fort Wintermoot, near Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. One was said to have been killed in the massacre of the Wyoming, one killed in battle, one uniting his fortunes with the British removed to Canada, where his descendants now reside, near Fort Erie, and who are reputed to be quite wealthy. Another, the grandfather of J. P. Wintermute, after bringing up a large family at the old home in New Jersey, finally in his old age removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where several of his children were residing, and where he died at the ripe age of ninety years. The various branches of the family have been noted for their longevity.

Bangs is the name of a small village situated on the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad, near the eastern line of Liberty township. It was named after George H. Bangs, superintendent of United States mail routes, at the time the post-office was established at that place.

In 1872, when the railroad was under construction, William H. Smith purchased the adjoining land of Shannon Rowley, built a house and opened a store just opposite the county infirmary. He was appointed postmaster in 1873, and still holds that office, Mr. L. H. Burgess being his deputy. Mr. Smith kept store about three years, and then went to dealing in live stock. In 1875 Isaac Babbs built a store room and opened a grocery. He continued in the business till 1880, when he was succeeded by L. H. Burgess, who now keeps the only store in the village. Charles Casteel lo-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 501

cated here in 1876 and engaged in blacksmithing. William Lee is the village shoemaker. Mr. Smith sold off lots as occasion required, but the town was never regularly platted till in the fall of 1880. It now contains eleven dwellings and fifty-six inhabitants.

Dr. Henry A. Childs was the first resident physician in Mount Liberty. He began practice in 1837, and was followed by Drs. Riggs, Gunsaulus, Foutz, Hildreth, Barkis, Duke, Deckrow, Russell, Green, Bradfield and Robertson.

Henry Lavering kept a small store in 1829, where the house of Henderson Bird now stands. It was a rather diminutive establishment, but as it supplied the people with the necessaries of life, powder, lead, tobacco, whiskey and a small assortment of groceries and dry goods-it is entitled to the name of the first store.

The next venture in the mercantile line was made by Norton B. Rice in 1832, who rented a part of Samuel Thatcher's house-afterwards known as "Thatcher's tavern." Mr. Rice did a good business, and was followed successively by Samuel Thatcher, sr., John W. Cotton & Company, Conway & Arnold, Daniel Veatch, William Cooper, Luther Hill, Conway & Higgins, Harman, Hollister, Douglass Bryant, Bowlsby & Campbell, J. P. Wintermute and J. P. Davis.

Henry Lavering who kept the first store was also the first postmaster. He was appointed in 1832, and his successors have been James Severe, John W. Cotton, Luther Hill, John McAllister, Dr. Henry A. Childs, William Conway, Prentice S. Wilson, William McGaughey, E. D. Bryant, D. K. Waldruff, Judson Hildreth, C. R Lineweaver, Daniel Veatch, G. R Bowlby and J. P. Wintermute. Mr. Wintermute, the present incumbent, has been postmaster during the last twelve years.

William Nash has the credit of teaching the first school in Liberty township, as early as 1811, in the vicinity of Michael Yoakam's. The facilities of acquiring an education at that time were very meagre, and both the schbol room and its appointments of the most primitive type, but he taught what was then considered an excellent school. John Yoakam, one of his pupils, then eleven years of age, still retains a lively recollection of the log cabin, with its puncheon furniture and clapboard roof. Books were a luxury, possessed only by the few, the school-book fiend having not yet been developedbut the inventive genius of Mr. Yoakam's mother was equal to the occasion. She cut letters out of a newspaper, pasted them on a paddle and sent him on his way rejoicing, happy in possession of his first spelling book. The snows of seventy winters have come and gone since then. The little band that composed Nash's school has been scattered far and wide. One by one they have passed over the silent river; only one remains.

The pioneer preacher of this locality was Rev. Thomas Carr, of the Methodist Episcopal church, who filled appointments regularly in 1814. Rev. John Raymond was also an early herald of the cross. Like the majority of the early itinerants, he was a pious and zealous man, travelled over a great extent of territory on horseback, following blazed trails, and preached wherever he could collect an audience. These men and others continued to preach at intervals in the settlement, but no regular class was formed until 1837. Father Conant preached in the old log school house which stood on the ground occupied by the present Mt. Liberty school building. The class was composed of Charles Wright, Joanna Wright, John Zent,- - - - - Spellman, Martha Spellman, Allen Spellman and his wife, Keziah Robertson, Eliza Robertson, John Wilson, son and daughter. Charles Wright was the first leader. From this class ML Liberty Episcopal church originated The early meetings were held in the school house above referred to, then in the church at Mt Liberty, open to all denominations (afterwards known as the Christian meeting house). In 1845, under the auspices of Rev. Mr. Berry, a neat frame building thirty-six by forty-five feet was erected in the village of Mt. Liberty, which is still occupied as a house of worship. In the Methodist Episcopal connection where the itineracy obtains it is difficult to give the succession of pastors, and it is not here attempted. Rev. Joseph McK. Barnes is the present pastor. Present number of members, fifty-four. Class leaders, Wesley Jackman, and Wellington Wintermute. A Sunday-school of about forty scholars is connected with this church. Thomas Brimmacombe is superintendent.

The Christian church of Liberty township was

502 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

organized in 1830, by Rev. Daniel Long. The original members were Hugh Beardsheare, Riley Beardsheare, Sarah Yoakam, Sheldon Riley, Sarah Riley, John Lineweaver, Dorothy Lineweaver, Mary McLain, Elizabeth Wilson, Jesse Higgins, James Severe, Elizabeth Colany, Daniel Decker, and David Stothard. John Stevens and John Higgins were the first deacons, and James Coleman, clerk. When Samuel Thatcher and George Beardsheare laid out the town of Mt. Liberty they donated lot 48 for the use of the religious public. Accordingly a subscription was raised and a union meeting house was erected on said lot. It was a frame, twenty-eight by thirty-eight, two stories high, containing a gallery, and was to be used in common by all demominations. The Christians, Disciples and Methodists were its principal occupants, but in time the Christians becoming the more numerous it came to be known as the Christian church. The building is still standing, though not in use. Neither the Christians nor Disciples have at this time any stated preaching.

Friendship Methodist Protestant church was organized in the month of March, 1834, in a log house owned by Thomas Higgins, by Rev. Franklin L. Flowers. The early members of Friendship were Berry Roby, Margaret Roby, Amelia Brown, Ann Brown, Richard Harding, Ann Harding, Philip Holland, Sarah Holland, Henry Lewis and his wife. The early meetings of this society were held in the log house already referred to for several years. The preaching was generally on a week day instead of on the Sabbath. In 1841 the place of meeting was changed to near the centre of the township, on the New Delaware road and near the site of the present church building. General prosperity attended the society, and many members were added to the roll. In 1843 what was known as the Old Friendship meeting-house was built, and occupied the lot on the north side of the road New Friendship edifice stands on the south side of the road, and was built in 1870, at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. The successive pastors have been Franklin L. Flowers, David Howell, John Herbert, John Beatty, Moses Scott, George Clancey, W. A. Sampson, J. M. Woodward, T. L Dibble, and G. W. Hissey. Rev. J. H. Hamilton is the present incumbent. The present number of members is eighty-five. A prosperous Sunday school is connected with this church, of which William Bryan is superintendent.

Beulah Methodist Protestant church is located on the Mt. Vernon & Columbus road, in the southeastern part of the township, near Bangs Station. This church was first organized on the fourteenth day of November, 1847, with Rev. Abram K. Earle as pastor. Amongst the original members were Berry Roby, Margaret Roby, Garretson Brown, Ann Brown, Amelia Brown, Lydia Orme, and Ann Brown.

Meetings were held in Bird's school-house up to the time of the erection of the present house of worship in 1860. Owing to the system of itineracy which prevails in the Methodist Protestant church, as in the Methodist Episcopal, the regular succession of ministers cannot be given. The following persons have been pastor at various times: Rev. A. K. Earle, J. W. Southard, G. M. Scott, E. S. Hoagland, Isaac Fister, J. H. Hamilton, T. L Dibbs, J. M. Woodward, and G. W. Hissey. This church has seventy-one members at present. The Sunday-school connected with it was organized in 1861, and has a present membership of sixty. Benjamin Casteel is superintendent.

Liberty chapel, a Methodist Protestant church, was organized in February, 184 7, at Bedell's schoolhouse, in Liberty township, near the Old Delaware road, by Rev. John Lamb. The original members were David Morris, Mary Morris, Mrs. Richard Ewalt, Sarah Myers, John Garden and his wife, Mrs. Dart, David Willis, Susan Willis, Seth Willis, Mary Willis, and John Merrihew and wife. The society continued to meet in Bedell's schoolhouse till the present chapel was erected in 1856. The pastors at this chapel have been as follows: Revs. John Lamb, Thomas Potter, S. Catlin, James Winn, D. B. Dorsey, J. W. Southard, J. H. Hamilton, G. Clancey, Chauncey Baldwin, W. H. Marshall, A. K. Earle, N. S. Brown, J. H. Hamilton, George Burnes, A.. Abbott, G. W. Hissey, W. A. Sampson, E. W. Grimes, T. I.. Dibble, J. W. Woodward, and L: Bowman. The present membership is seventy.

The oldest public graveyard in Liberty township is called Bird's graveyard, and is situated on the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 503

Columbus road, .about three miles east of Mt Liberty, on the property of George Carey. Michael Yoakam, who died in 1823, was the first person buried here. There were several private burial places in existence previous to this, but none set apart for public use. The graveyard at Friendship church is also an old one. That at Mt. Liberty was established in 1835.

The Hopewell Division No. 63, of the sons of temperance was organized at Mount Liberty, October 11, 1875, by State Deputy A. M. Collins. The following is a list of the charter members: J. P. Wintermute, J. W. Jackson, Edward Robertson, C. R. Lineweaver, Charles Lineweaver, Elmer Higgins, Norman Jennings, Arnold Bishop, Silas Woodruff, W. A. Thompson, N. D. Skillen, R C. Wintermute, Russel Bird, Cliff. Gaylord, J. Tucker, Allen S. Bishop, Hiram Mostellar, Thomas Thatcher, A. B. Collins, Dana Mitchell, Clayton Bishop, Olen Conway, Edwin Borden, William Dick, J. W. Moffit, Price Jennings, W. A. Wintermute, C. R Bradfield, Clara Carroll, Emma Carroll, Elsie Jackson, Sadie Jackson, Minnie Davis, Angie Thompson, Mary Jackson, Ettie A. Wintermute, Annie Bishop, Mary Hawkins, Angie Dripps, Huldah Carroll, Sarah M. Bradfield, Minerva Moffit, E. J. Shira, Ellen A. Borden, Ida Bishop, Olive Bishop, Emma Cleghorn, Nettie Bishop, Millie Lineweaver, Jane Baskins, Sarah A. Bishop, Luella Bishop, Lola Wintermute, Mary E. McKnown, Mary Robertson, J. A. Moffit, B. F. Bishop and Edith Waldruff. The original officers were: J. W. Jackson, W. P.; Mrs. E. A. Borden, W. A.; J. P. Wintermute, R. S.; Mrs. Angie Thompson, A. R S. ; J. W. Moffit, F. S.; C. R Lineweaver, Tr.; W. A. Wintermute, Chap.; Russel Bird, Cond.; Miss Elsie Jackson, A. C.; Miss Emma Carroll, J. S.; W. A. Thompson, O. S.; Mrs. Sarah M. Bradfield, P. W. P.; Dr. C. R. Bradfield, D. G. W. P. The first meeting was held in the Methodist Episcopal church. Afterwards the meetings were held in the hall belonging to the Knights of Honor until 1877. The society now meets every saturday night in Jackson hall.

The present officers are: Arnold Bishop, W. P.; J. W. Hawkins, R S.; Miss Ida Bishop, A. R. S.; Mrs. Ettie Wintermute, F. S.; J. W. Jackson, Tr.; J. P. Robertson, Chap.; H. W. Mostellar, Cond.; Miss Sadie Jackson, A. C.; Miss Emma Hawkins, J. S.; Benson Bishop, O. S.; Mrs. Mary J. Jackson, P. W. This was not the first organization of this character in Mount Liberty. From 1840 to 1860, a lodge of the Sons of Temperance and a lodge of Good Templars were in existence, and both did a good work. Whiskey was in common use in those days and the evil grew so rapidly that the people were generally alarmed, and these lodges sprang up all over the country. The lodges in Mount Liberty were both in a flourishing condition many years, and many a middle-aged man of today attributes his freedom from the habit of drinking to the solemn pledges and oaths taken in those organizations. Arnold Bishop whose name appears above, was long a member of one or both of these organizations. Dr. McGugin, a farmer and a man of a good deal of ability and influence in Mount Liberty, was saved from a drunkard's grave by the old organization of the Sons of Temperance. The good they accomplished cannot be computed by figures: They very nearly or quite accomplished the objects for which they were organized, and passed away about the beginning of the war.

Mount Liberty Lodge, No. 41, of the Knights of Honor was organized at Shaffers' hotel in Mount Liberty, December 17, 1874, by Deputy Supreme Dictator, S. D. Thompson of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

The charter members were: J. W. Williams, C. J. Updike, F. Snyder, D. Wilson, C. R Bradfield, W. G. Bradfield, G. J. Collins, S. Jaggers, J. W. Jackson, John Thompson, P. Shaffer, A. P. Robertson, E. Sharpnack, J. W. Moffit

Original officers: J. W. Williams, P. D.; C. J. Updike, F. Snyder, V. D. ; W. G. Bradfield, A. D.; E. Sharpnack, guide; J. W. Moffit, Rep.; J. P. Robertson, F. R.; J. W. Jackson, Tr. G. J. Collins, sentinel.

This society meets in their own hall on each alternate Tuesday evening. The present number of members is thirty, and the present officers as follows: J. W. Robertson, D.; H. W. Mostellar, V. D.; Jonathan Tucker, A. D.; H. R Bostwick, reporter; B. F. Morris, F. R.; J. W. Jackson, Tr.; H. H. Robertson, G.; C. R. Bradfield, Chap; William Austin, guard; F. S. Rowley, sentinel.

Liberty township is a good agricultural district.

504 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

The first threshing-machine was introduced by Leonard Weaver, and the first mower by Amos Leech. The following statistics may be found useful.:

Population in 1880, 1,036; total number of acres in the township, 16,072; number of acres under cultivation, 4,496; number of acres in pasture, 9,510; acres in wheat, 1,096; bushels of wheat, 14,239; acres of oats, 586; bushels of oats, 14,442; acres in corn, 1,854; bushels of corn, 46,344; acres in meadow, 1,510; tons of hay, 937; acres in potatoes, 69; bushels of potatoes, 5,032; pounds of wool, 22,864; pounds of butter, 31,251.

Number of horses in the township, 385; assessed value of the same, $18,258; number of cattle, 991, assessed value of the same, $14,516; number of sheep, 6776; assessed value of same, $12,829; number of hogs, 1,032; assessed value of same, $2,533; moneys and credits, $67,923; total value of all taxable personal property, $189,538.