722 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

CHAPTER VII.
RANGE TOWNSHIP.

THIS township occupies a central position in the southern tier of town ships in the county of Madison. It embraces a scope of beautiful country, which, from the earliest advance of civilization. and its occupancy by the whites, had its fine prairies, with their exuberance of grass, occupied by herds of stock which were driven here from Ross County and herded 1w men hired for that purpose. This afforded the finest of pasturage, and continued to be occupied in this manner by the extensive stock-dealers of Ross County and other counties, with no cost whatever but to employ men to watch the stock and keep them together upon this broad. unfenced and unbounded expanse of country, till finally the land was so generally taken up by purchasers and actual settlers that those from other counties were debarred from carrying on their former profitable herding business any longer in this portion of country.

This township was early erected and put into fall working order. Upon the records of the county at London we find the following, bearing date December 7, 1812: "At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madison County (on petition), ordered that the following bounds compose a new town ship, which shall be hereafter known and designated by the name of Range Township, viz.: Beginning ort the county of Fayette at the crossing of the North Fork of Paint Creek: thence to the eight-mile tree on Langham's road: thence with said road westwardly to the line of Union Township: thence with the said line to the southwest corner of Judge Baskerville's survey: and then from the aforesaid place of beginning, west with Fayette County line to a point one mile east from the crossing of Main Paint. thence northerly to the southwest corner of Judge Baskerville's survey aforesaid."

The surface. of the territory composing this township is remarkably level, there being only small portions of it along the creeks, and occasionally a small tract here and there in certain localities, that are undulating, and a few places of small extent that may be called as approaching the order of hills. The township is bounded on the north by Paint and Oak Run Townships, east by Pleasant Township, south by Fayette County, and west by Stokes and Paint Townships. It was. as the settlers first found it. possessed of large oak openings and prairies, with some portions. especially along the creeks, heavily timbered. The varieties of timber consisted principally of burr, white and red oak, hickory, walnut, elm and maple, the first two varieties mentioned predominating, and the burr oak growing to a large size, and probably in excess in number of any other variety. In some localities there was an abundance of fine walnut timber, which, in an early day, was cut down and burned on the ground in order to get the land cleared and ready for cultivation. Hundreds and thousands of beautiful logs were piled up at their log-rollings, which, if in possession of the owners of the land to-day, would net them a large income. Most of the timbered land of this section of country was perfectly clear from any brush or

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undergrowth when the first settlers located here, constituting some of the most beautiful oak groves which the eye ever beheld. This condition was brought about by the effects of the yearly fires, which were set in the grass late in the fall by the Indians. and the entire country burned over for miles in extent in every direction, the object being to give a clear and unobstructed view and opportunity for hunting in the winter season, as game. such as bear, deer. opossum, wild turkeys, etc.. were then in great abundance. The contrast between the country then and the timbered portions which remain to-day is remarkable and striking: then so open and beautiful that a man could ride through anywhere and in any direction. on horseback, at a gallop in the hunt or chase. with no obstructions to their rapid travel: now it is so thick and close with the undergrowth. since it has ceased to be burned over by these fires. that in some sections it is almost impossible for man or beast to get through at all at the slowest pace.

The soil of this township is very rich and productive, the flat and more level portions being composed of a vegetable soil, very deep, rich and black: while the rolling and more elevated portions are a strong loam and clay soil, excellent for wheat and grass. While the black, rich loam of the flat land is superior for corn, yet, as it becomes older and more thoroughly drained. will also become better for wheat, and, in fact, for all grains. The leading and most profitable business with the farmers for many years was stock-raising, but of late years as the land is becoming ditched. tiled and drained, so as to get clear of the abundance of surface water, it is becoming better adapted to the raising of wheat and corn, and the farmers have gone quite extensively into the cultivation of these cereals. This year (1882) they have raised a wonderful crop of wheat: and, though the season has been uncommonly wet, and considerably against the progress of a good corn crop. yet there is a fair prospect of somewhat below an average crop, the prospect in this township being probably fully up to that of most of the townships of Madison County. The township is abundantly watered by numerous creeks and branches, fed by beautiful springs, and, with a clay and disintegrated limestone subsoil, is almost proof against common or ordinary droughts. The principal streams are the Bradford, the head branches of which rise in Paint and Oak Run Townships. and, uniting on the north boundary line of this township, flows in a southeasterly direction forming the boundary line between Range and Oak Run Townships for about one and a half miles, then passes into Oak Run Township, then again enters this township. passing through its northeast corner, and enters Pleasant Township. In its course it receives a tributary which is formed by two branches, which water all the northern portion of the township. by their various branches penetrating it in numerous directions. In the center of the township, on the Chrisman land, rises Mud Run, and flows southeast into Pleasant Township. The North Fork of Paint is formed by two branches, which rise a little northeast of Midway and form a junction just north of Danville. flowing southeast into Fayette County. In the southern central portion of the township is Thompson's Run. and in the western and southwestern part are Willow Spring Branch and East Fork of Paint, which flow in a southeastern course, form a junction about one-half mile north of the township line, and flow on into Fayette County. The general direction of all these creeks and their branches is east, southeast and south, showing distinctly that. the northwest portion of the township has the greatest elevation.

724 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

PIONEERS.

The position of this township, and the quality of its soil, with its prairies and abundance of pasturage, were conditions which tended to an early settlement. It appears the first actual settler to penetrate the territory of what has since become Range Township was William M. Linton, with his family. He was born in England about 1753, emigrated to Virginia, there married Mary Williams and settled in Hardy County. About 1797, they emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County. In 1800-01, they removed to Madison County, settling just south of where Midway is now located, and there resided till his death, in 1835. He devoted his life to the occupation of a farmer. A few years before his death, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was the father of eight children -Maria. George. Sarah, Susan, Hannah. Nancy, Betsey and Peggy, all now deceased. Maria married Cyrus Ward; had three children, one only now living-W. Curtis Ward, now freight agent at London: George never married, and resided in this township till his death, in 1876. aged eighty-seven years; Sarah married Archibald Stewart: had two children, one now surviving- Mrs. Rev. James Dunlap, of Springfield, Ohio. Susan married Joseph Pancake, had two children, who are now living-Isaac and Jesse, residents of Illinois; Hannah married Benjamin Walker, by whom she had several children, and all the surviving ones are residents of Iowa; Nancy married William Davis. had six children, and all surviving are residents of Illinois; Betsey married David Dye, had four children, three now survive (David, a resident of Yellow Springs, Ohio; Sarah. now Mrs. Cartmell, residing in Indiana; and George, a resident of Republic, Kan.): Peggy married Lockhart Biggs, had five children, one now survives; William, a resident of Missouri.

David Dye, a native of New Jersey, it is believed, came to Ohio a single man, and settled on land just east of William Linton a few years later, and. about 1810, married Betsey Linton. She died about 1835. He married for his second wife Nancy Wingate, by whom he had two children, both deceased. They remained here till about 1867, when they removed to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where his wife died in 1879, and he in 1880, aged ninety-five years. He was a blacksmith by trade, which, in connection with farming, he followed through life. Peter Moneyhorn settled on land now owned by Mrs. Hicks about 1806. Of him but little is known, except that he was a very eccentric man, and indulged a great deal in writing poetry or making rhymes and funny expressions, to the great amusement of those who heard him. It is believed that. after a few years' residence here, he moved away. Archibald Stewart settled just south of William Linton. probably in 1806-08, and married Sarah Linton. He was a very energetic, good business man, and became an extensive stock-dealer and large land-owner He finally moved to Bloomingsburg, Fayette County, where he died.

Joseph Pancake was born in Virginia December 19, 1789: emigrated to Ohio, first to Ross County, thence, in 1806, came to Madison County, Range Township, and was employed by William U Linton to work on his farm: finally married Susan Linton. and soon after settled on land west of Midway, now owned by Reuben Slaughter. He served in the war of 1812, for which services he subsequently obtained a land warrant. His wife died, and he married Miss Corbitt. She lived only about one year and he married for his third wife Mrs. Jane Dungan nee Wilson, a native of Penn sylvania, the widow of Jessie Dungan. one of the early settlers of Range Township. With her he lived till his death. September 15, 1853, living,

PAGE 725 - PICTURE OF S. MCCLINTICK MD

PAGE 726 - BLANK

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at the time of his death, in Midway. His wife died July 30, 1863. He was the father of four children by his first wife, two now living-Isaac and Jesse, residents of Illinois. By his last wife he had three children; two now survive -Jane, wife of D. E. Johnson, residing in Hardin County, Ohio; and James S. Mr. Pancake devoted his life to farming and at the time of his death had lived nearly half a century in Range Township, having been one of her earliest settlers, and passed through the varied trials, dangers and hardships of those times. And not only was he a pioneer in the secular affairs of the township, but was a pioneer in the Methodist Church. having been a member of the first class organized in this township, and of which he was one of the class-leaders. He served a long and devoted life in the church. and died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. James S. Pancake, the youngest child, still resides in Range Township, the place that gave him birth; has devoted his life to farming, and is one of the reliable and respected citizens, one who has followed well the footsteps of his father, as pertains to an honor able and useful life. being an active and devoted worker and member of the Methodist Church.

Jesse Dungan, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent, married Jane Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, and, about 1807, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Range Township, on Bradford's Creek, where he resided till his death, in 1824. Ho was the father of eight children; five now survive -Wilson, Rebecca (now Widow Rayburn), Esther (now Widow Moore, residing in Iowa), John and Martha (who married Joseph Rayburn, and resides in Chicago, Ill. ). Mr. Dungan spent his life as a farmer, and know the full force of pioneer life. its trials and privations. as he was one amon; the earliest in that neighborhood. He was a devoted member of the Christian Church, and, soon after his settling here, he caused preaching to be held at his house, and a society was organized about 1814, embracing Mr. Dungan. David Kingery, William Hall and others, whose names are not now remembered. Some of the early ministers who preached here were Rev. Forgus Graham. George Alkire and Rev. Barton Stone, of Kentucky, the founder of the Christian Church. Mr. Dungan was the main pillar in this society, and served as exhorter for several years. and the organization was kept up and services held at his house till his death, after which they ceased, his funeral sermon being the last sermon ever preached there. Thus, though Mr. Dungan's life in this t wnship was not a long one being cut off by death about 1824, yet those eighteen years were filled full of ac tivity and usefulness. Joseph Burris, a native of Maryland. settled in Range Township about 1807. Of his life but little can now be ascertained. except that he was the father of seven children--John, Samuel, Joseph, Robert, James, Betsey and Margaret. most of whom moved West, and none have been in this county for many years.

Levin Willoughby, one of the earliest settlers. located here probably as early as 1807. William Vincent was a brother-in-law of Levin Willoughby and settled in the same neighborhood about the same date. Mr. Wiloughby was born on Sharp's Island. in Chesapeake Bay. He was a son of Job and Mary (Mills) Willoughby. The grandfather. Job Willoughby, was a native of Wales. Levin's parents soon moved into Maryland and settled near Cambridge, where they died. Their children were Levin, Sally. John. Andrew, Amelia and Job. Levin married Elizabeth Levy. and soon after with his family and some of his brothers and sisters. emigrated to Ohio and

728 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

residence there. he removed to Madison County and settled in Mange Township, in the vicinity of the Shepherds, or where they now reside. This. it is believed, was about 1807 and here he resided till his death. He was a farmer through life, and held many of the offices of his township. an early settler of this county, and a good neighbor and worthy citizen. He was the father of five children. of whom one died in infancy--Martha, married Benjamin Badger. Nancy. married Jacob Hull, David, married Elizabeth Kinney: and Levin married, it is believed, a Miss Gray.

Burton Blizzard, a native of Virginia. became an early settler of toss County, where he married Millie Willoughby. and, about 1807-08, settled in Madison County, Range Township. on land he purchased of William Dunlap at $1 per acre and here he spent his entire life. From time to time, he purchased more land. till he was in possession of 900 acres of good land. Mr. Blizzard was somewhat of a carpenter. and was often called upon by the new settlers as they located to come and hew puncheons for their cabins. Mr. Blizzard was one of the active. prominent men of that day. He assisted Patrick McLene in much of his surveying and it is said helped lay out the lots for the town of London. He filled many of the important offices of his township and county. He served as a Justice of the Peace for thirty years. and as County Commissioner from 1816 to 1839 inclusive. He was largely identified with the establishment growth and prosperity of Madison County: a man of more than ordinary ability, firm in character and integrity, he was one of the men for pioneer times, and his life was crowned with prosperity and usefulness. His wife survived him several years, and died at the advanced age of nearly ninety-four years. Their living children are Levin W.. who married Clarinda Counts Sallie. married William Crawford: Betsey, married John Corson: William, married and settled in Missouri: and Mary, now Mrs. Workman, also a resident of Missouri. Those deceased were James married Mary Carr: Hattie. married Thomas Prosser: and Burton. who married Elizabeth Foster,

Daniel Counts, born in Rockingham County. Va., November 30, 1779, emigrated to Ohio. stopping first in Ross County, where he married Elizabeth Walker and thence, about 1808 removed to Range Township, this county and settled on the place now owned by Mary A. Thompson, where he spent a long life devoted to farming and stock-raising. He started in life poor having no means, and at first lived in a tent till they could do better. He was very industrious and economical. and was successful from the start. accumulating rapidly and at the time of his death owned 2,500 acres of land in Range Township, also a large amount of Western lands. besides moneys and personal property of large amounts. He passed over sixty years in this township. He knew what it was to commence poor and endure the full hardships of pioneer life. and as well he experienced what it was to be wealthy. and able to have all that money could buy: had passed through all these stages and conditions in life. He died January 22, 1873, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. He was a very eccentric man. and many stories are told of his peculiarities. He was the father of thirteen children, six now living--:Mary A., now Widow Thompson: Joseph: Christena. now Widow Williamson. residing in Illinois: Louisa. wife of W. A. Koontz: Daniel A. and Levi. Peter Counts came here from Ross County and herded cattle in 1812. and purchased land and remained as settler, and engaged largely as a farmer and stock-raiser and became quite wealthy. His widow still survives, and resides near Danville. Septimus Stuthard. a native of Virginia, settled on the place now owned by David.

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Haskell. Subsequently he moved from there, but remained a resident in this vicinity till his death. He married for his second wife Lovey Salmon. There were three children, whose names we get as Solomon, Mary and Lovey: the two daughters are deceased; the son still survives. Mr. Stuthard was a good neighbor and worthy citizen, and a member of the Methodist Church. His last years were spent in Fayette County. where he died in 1857. Caleb Ramey. a brother-in-law of Mr. Stuthard, probably settled here about same date. Thomas Baldwin, a native of Virginia, settled a little east of Danville about 1811-12. He married Mary Cookus, and were residents here for several years, and during this time his wife died. Subsequently, he moved away. He was a good neighbor and a substantial citizen. He served as a away. of the Peace for several years. James Whitesides settled where Danville is now located, and was one of the early teachers of this neighborhood. He married for his second wife Widow Ward. raised a large family of children, all of whom have moved into other counties in the northern part of the State. He served as Justice of the Peace in 1814, and several years subsequently.

John McClimans, a native of Pennsylvania. married Mary Creverston. They emigrated to Ross County. Ohio: thence, about 1812. removed to Madison County and settled in Range Township. on the place now owned by Mrs. Isaac McClimans. and there resided through the remainder of their lives. He was a devoted Christian man. and a life-long member of the Presbyterian Church. They had ten children. nine of whom grew to maturity Margaret, married William Johnson: William, married Nancy Pearson, and settled in this county, where he spent his life as a farmer: George and John never married, but remained residents here through life, engaged as farmers and stock-dealers: Sarah married Isaac Housman; Samuel married Rachel Pearson, and subsequently removed to Illinois, where he died: Isaac married Mary Parker and settled on the old home place, where he remained through life: he was twice married: his second wife was Elizabeth Clearage; David married Eliza Parker and settled near the home place, where he resided till his death. John Housman a native of Virginia, married Martha Frost: emigrated to Ohio. and settled in Ross County: thence about 1813 removed to Madison County and settled in Range Township. on land now owned by Mrs. Hicks. They had nine children. of whom but one now survives-Mrs. Margaret McClimans. Those deceased were William, Isaac, Jacob. Abraham. Samuel, Francis. Mary. Hannah and Martha. Of these, William married Abigail Britton. and spent his life in this county as a farmer till quite advanced in years. when he removed to London and engaged in the business of keeping hotel till his death. He was twice married. By his first wife he had ten children: two now survive-Joseph and Francis. His second wife was Frances Roberts, by whom he had one child, now deceased. Isaac married Sarah McClimans and spent his life as a farmer near the old home place of his father. He also engaged largely as a stock-dealer, and accumulated a large property prior to his death: was a leading, prominent man, and represented this county in the Legislature, and was Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for some years. He was the father of eight children; three now survive-Mary, wife of William Baldwin. and resides in Fayette County, Ohio; Martha, wife of Granville Rogers. and resides near Knoxville, Tenn. ; and Margaret, wife of John W. Steel. Jacob never married, but spent his life on the home farm with his sister Frances. who also remained single, and both died at the old homestead. Mary married Thomas Reeves: Hannah never married.

730 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Martha married William Rayburn; he died, and she married for her second husband Philip McDonald, and remained a resident of this county till her death.

William Johnston, a native of Pennsylvania. married Margaret McClimans, a native of the same State; emigrated to Ohio and located in Ross County, near Chillicothe, about 1804-05, where they resided till the fall of 1813; they removed to Madison County and located in Range Township. on Mud Run. on land now owned by John Johnston's heirs, and here, and on land adjoining, which he subsequently purchased, he resided till his death, in the fall of 1801. They bad eight children who grew to maturity-John; Nancy, who died unmarried; William, married Philista Hall. and on Wednesday, September 27, 1882, was celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion were assembled a large number of the family children and grandchildren. who had a very sociable and enjoyable time: George married Barbara Beam and settled in this township, where he still resides: Margaret married William Nelson, and, soon after, settled in De Witt County. Ill., where they still reside; Henry married and settled in the same county in Illinois; Hannah married Dr. Joseph Bryant. and resides in the same county; and Joseph, the youngest child, married and settled in the same county. Mr. Johnson, who was one of the pioneers of Range Township, at the time of his locating there had but few neighbors, as the county was only sparsely settled, and he had to endure his full share of pioneer work and hardships. He was a man of firm character and principles. and of undoubted integrity, possessing the entire confidence of his community. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace for several years, and died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. John, the eldest son of the above William Johnston, was born in Ross County March 13, 1806 and was in his seventh year when, with his father, they located in Range Township. and here he grew to manhood, married and settled, and raised a largo family of children. and here resided till his death, July 29, 1882. in his seventy-seventh year, having been a resident of the township almost sixty-nine years. He was a man of high moral character, a kind neighbor and most worthy citizen. and was held in high esteem in the community where he had lived so long.

Richard Gosslee was born in Sussex County. Del., May 19, 1781. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Brown February 11, 1803, and in 1804 emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County. In 1816, he settled on his well-known farm, about eight miles south of London, in Range Township, where he remained until 1856 when he removed to London. where he died on the 20th of November, 1872, at the advanced age of ninety-one years and six months. His wife, the companion of his youth. was taken from him by death many years since. Subsequently he was married to Mrs. Martin of Circleville. Ohio. This lady lived but a few years and they were years of affliction. In 1847, he was united in marriage with Mrs. McFeely, of Circleville, Ohio. By his first wife he had eight sons and four daughters of whom five now survive-Ketturah. now Widow Warner, residing in London: Sarah A.. now Widow Sloan, residing in Denver, Colo.: Elizabeth W., now Widow King residing at Marion, Ohio; Richard A., a resident of Otisville, Mich. and John Wesley, a resident of Loda. Ill. Mr. Gosslee was one of the pillars of the Methodist Church. and the founder of the Concord Church of Range Township. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1801. Immediately after his marriage, he commenced to hold family worship, morning and evening, which custom he constantly kept

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up till within a few days of his death. Over seventy years of his life were devoted to the service of God, in communion with the church of his choice. Very soon after he settled on his farm in this township, he was the active man in organizing a class at his house. and there preaching was had for many years, till the erection of a church building in 1886-37. He appeared to have but one work and but one subject of thought. and that was the service of God. He was exemplary in life and tranquil in death.

Cornelius Johnson, a native of Maryland, married Sarah Andrews, and, in 1803, with his family, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County. About 1817-18, he removed to Madison County and settled on the place now owned by Harvey Suver, in Range Township. but, prior to his death. he returned to Ross County, where he died. He was twice married, and by the two wives was the father of twenty children, all now deceased but three -Andrew, Noah and Strader: the last two reside in Missouri: Andrew married Mary Dye, a daughter of David Dye, by whom he had eight children; six now survive-Margaret, married Dr. M. F. Garrard, and now resides in London: David. Sarah, married John Fallestine and resides on the place: Eliza, married M. H. Hamilton, resides at Bloomington, Ill.: Myra, resides in Toledo. unmarried: Mary, married L. C. Black, and also resides in Toledo. Mr. Andrew Johnson has spent his life in Range Township, devoting his entire attention farming. He has been a member of the Methodist Church for more than half a century, and an exhorter in the same for more than twenty years. and was one of the organizing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Midway. Thomas Athey, a native of Loudoun County. Va., emigrated to Bourbon County. Ky., where he resided several years. and was a minister in the Methodist Church; thence he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, and married Diana Abrams, a daughter of Judge Henry Abrams. and, about 1801-02, removed to Fairfield County: then in the fall of 1818. settled in Range Township. Madison County, on the James Foster farm. Finally he became a resident of Union Township, one and a half miles south of London. He was born November 18, 1780. and died October 26, 1861. His wife was born June 8, 1777, and died October 8, 1863. They had eleven children ; two now survive--George W. and William A. Athey, Esq. William King was among the early settlers, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace of Range Township, serving with Barton Blizzard in 1813. Others who were considered early settlers, and who have been prominently identified and associated with the growth and progress of Range Township are James Foster, Joseph Gillespie. Benjamin Harrison and Richard Ayers. John Fisher was born near Harper's Ferry. Va.. in November, 1776. He married Elizabeth Evers in April 1797 and removed to Ross County,. Ohio. in 1809 and, about 1819, settled in Range Township, Madison County. where by resided till his death, aged about ninety-three years. He was in the war of 1812: was the founder of the Bethel Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. in which he was the first class-leader. the class being organized a t his house. which served as the first preaching-place of this society. Mr. Fisher was Leader, Trustee and Steward of the society till near the time o f his death. He was an honored citizen. a devoted Christian. and a firm friend of Old Bethel Church to the latest hour of his life.

TOWNS.

As this township became thickly settled and the people advanced in the various improvements. from which spring, as an outgrowth, all towns and villages, so here have sprung into existence two villages. The first to

732 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

come into existence was Midway. At quite an early day, a road was opened through from the East to the West. passing through this township from east to west and which subsequently became a general thoroughfare, over which droves of cattle passed from the West to the Eastern markets. Travel and traffic kept increasing, and hotels and stores for their accommodation were soon in demand to meet these increasing wants. On this great thoroughfare from the West to the East. in Range Township, was a central point which was half way between Chicago and Philadelphia. It was also a middle point between several of the important towns of nearer proximity. Hence, from these circumstances of its position, geographically considered, it was given the name of Midway.

The land upon which this town is located was owned by William Morris, Frank Thompson and Lockhart Biggs. The exact date of laying off the first lots cannot be definitely stated; but we find on the records at London that it was surveyed and laid off in lots, and that he platted the town which was recorded June 13. 1833. Also, on January 18, 1838, was recorded Ward's Addition; again, on October 30. 1868, an addition by J. Q. Minshall: on January 6, 1869, an addition by Cyrus Timmons; on May 8, 1870, an extension by the Council; and on February 15, 1879, an addition by Levi Counts. It appears that there were two small cabins built here be. fore the town was laid out-one on the corner where the hotel now stands, built by William Oliver: and one on the corner where Mr. Shough now lives. But, after the laying-out of the town, the first house was built by Isaac Newman, on the corner where Hewett Bros.' store now stands, and occupied by John Blue as a hotel. He was succeeded by Joseph Wilmuth, and he by W. T. Garrard; thence this house ceased to be used longer for hotel purposes; but two others were erected, probably at nearly the same date, the one by Richard Smith being the property now owned by John Timmons. Smith was succeeded by James Williamson. and he by Mr. Jackson: then Thomas Green, Elihu Watkins, and last b David Small, after which the property went into ownership as a private residence. The other was the present hotel building, erected by L. D. Rowe. and kept by John McElhaney. He was succeeded by the following parsons in the order respectively as their names appear: Mrs. Elizabeth Watkins, James Blizzard, A. J. Thacker, Isaac Byers, A. Miller, Miss Caroline Morris, Charles Bailey, A. Miller, Carty Ellers, W. C. Wheaton, John Timmons, Benson Hedley, E. C. Duff and Isaac N. Fisher, the )resent incumbent. Thus this enterprise has been carried on by. twenty-four different parties. and in an early day. when this great thoroughfare was doing its greatest business with the stock-dealers and its varied travel and traffic, the hotel trade was an extensive business. Here was the great meeting-place of the Eastern stock-buyers and the Western stock sellers, and here they left hundreds of dollars with the landlords of the hotels for their accommodations. But when the railroads passed through the country, and stock ceased to be driven in that slow and tedious way, but was transported by steam with such rapidity from the West to the east then this road with her numerous hotels, lost: her prestige, her palmy days were gone, and the attention of the people was turned to other channels of business.

The first Postmaster in Midway was James Williamson. The first store was opened by William Holt, who kept a general stock of merchandise, tinware. etc. The first blacksmith was Mr. Boss, situated either on the Barrett or Johnson property. Dr. Clark was the first physician of the town. and he was followed by Drs. Lemon, Garrard, Darling, Akinson,

RANGE TOWNSHIP. - 733

Fields, Seaton and others. The present physicians are Drs. Kirkpatrick and Ogan. The town now contains a business representation as follows: Hewett Bros.. general store; J. M. Stroup, general store; Rev. John Steele, general store: and Watson Everett, general store: J. H. Asher, drug store; Isaac N. Fisher, hotel; two blacksmiths -Richard Williams and Conn Steele; two wagon-makers-Peter Brow and R. Williams; one undertaker-A. L. Oglesbee; two physicians-Dr. A. Ogan and Dr. Kirkpatrick; and two veterinary surgeons-William Core and S. Vincent. The present population is about three hundred. It has two churches-Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian: and one school. and one dealer in agricultural implements, buggies. etc.--J. R. Shoaf.

Danville.-The land where Danville now stands was formerly owned by Daniel and Joseph Counts, the latter owning the northeast corner, between the cross-roads. and the former owing the northwest corner, and all south of the Federal road. About 1827 or 1828, a stock-dealer. Daniel Brown, who had been buying stock and driving to the Eastern markets, proposed to open a store at the cross-roads. Daniel Counts gave him a piece of land to erect a house upon. and assisted in putting up the building, a dewed-log house. about on the spot where the Housman's store now stands. When the building was completed. Mr. Brown put in a small stock of goods and continued in trade here about three years. He was succeeded by Joseph Counts, a brother of Peter Counts. He continued in trade two or three years, when he removed to Ross County, thence to Springfield, Clark County, and finally to Piqua, where he now resides. Finally, Mr. Daniel Counts gave several lots to individuals for the purpose of erecting houses, and the result was the beginning of a town. From the fact that both the proprietors of the town. Mr. Brown and Mr. Counts. were named Daniel, the now town received the cognomen of Danville. About 1836-37, a building was erected where Edward Ulm now resides. for a hotel. It was built by the McClimans Bros.. and the hotel was kept by Andrew Willoughby. He was succeeded by John Justis. and he by a succession of others for several years. this town enjoying a similar trade and prosperity with Midway from the stock-dealers and trade and traffic of those early days. The first blacksmith in the town was James Counts. a brother of Peter Counts. The first shoe-maker was William Mitchell, a one-legged man, a Frenchman by birth. who vas in the war. with Perry on the lakes, was taken prisoner. and subsequently he. with many others. was released and came to Chillicothe, and from there Mr. Mitchell came to Danville. The town was laid out and the plat recorded at London October 18, 1848. The town now contains about one hundred inhabitants: has two general stores-Housman Bros. and William Williamson: one blacksmith-Mr. Ross: one grist-mill (steam), erected in 1881, by Simeon Martin; one tile factory, by Housman Bros.; and one physician-Dr. Deem.

SCHOOLS.

One of the early schools of this township was in the David Dye Schoolhouse. on land now owned by Mr. Ford. This was a hewed-log house. Frank Flood was the first teacher. The next schoolhouse which succeeded this. was the two-story frame house in Midway, now owned by John Jeffers, which was used for school purposes till the present large frame was erected, with two rooms. and hall between one room as a primary department and the other for a grammar school.

From the small cabin schoolhouses which were first built by the early settlers in the various neighborhoods of Range Township, they are now es-

734 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

tablished into eleven subdistricts, with as many good comfortable frame or brick schoolhouses and all the houses are kept insured.

The people of this township are now giving especial attention to the erection of brick schoolhouses. Although at this time they have but three out of the eleven built of brick, yet we are informed the School Board has decreed to build one brick house every year until every district is supplied with a good brick house. The Board of Education for 1882 are as follows: Subdistrict No. 1. J. S. Pancake: No. 2. J. W. Kellough; No. 3. Benjamin F. Emory: No. 4. J. R. Henry: No. 5. W. H. Bowers: No. 6. Wilson Johnson: No. 7. M. L. Yates: No. 8. I. T. Green: No. 9. Clinton Junk: No. 10, L. W. Blizzard: No. 11. G. L. Alkire: with M. L. Yates as President of the Board.

Enumeration in 1881: Subdistrict No. 1-Males. twenty-four; females, twenty: total, forty-four. No. 2-Male twenty-eight: females, fifteen: total. forty-three. No. 3- Males, thirty-one: females, thirty-seven total, sixty eight. No. 4-Males, 4- Males, females. eighteen: total, forty-two. No. 5-Males. seventeen. females. twelve: total. twenty-nine. No. 6- ales. seventeen: female, eighteen: total, thirty tive. No. 7 - Males, thirty-seven: females. forty-two: total. seventy-nine. No 8- Males fifteen: females. ten. total, twenty-five. No. 9 - Males. eleven: females, three; total fourteen. No. 10-Males, twenty-two: females, twenty: total. forty-two. No. 11- Males ten: females. eleven : total. twenty-one Total. 442: Independent District. Midway. 120 total enumeration of township, 562. Teachers' wages, average-male $35- female. -$32. School funds for 1881 $5,015.41: paid for tuition. $2,921.46: incidentals. $2,444.15: Independent District Midway. total school funds. $960.82: paid for tuition, $726.97: incidentals. $90.28.

CHURCHES.

The first church organized in Range Township was probably the Methodist Episcopal Church of Midway. The first preaching-point was at the house of William M. Linton, where it appear's a class was early formed, probably about 1812-14, consisting of the following persons: David Dye and wife. Joseph Pancake and wife. Lockhart Biggs and wife. Elizabeth Counts and Septimus Stuthard and wife. These nine persons, it is believed, formed the first class, with David Dye and Joseph Pancake as Class formed the first class, with David Dye and Joseph Pancake as Class Leaders. But soon after the following persons were added: Thomas Hughs and wife, William Chappell and wife, Andrew Johnson and wife, Zachariah Adams and wife, Thomas Bethard and wife. Lemuel Bethard and wife and Isaac Fisher and wife. Mr. Linton's house continued to he. a preaching-point until the building; of the David Dye Schoolhouse, after which that was used for church purposes until about 1844: a frame building was erected at Midway. which was occupied for church purposes till the erection of the present church edifice. Among the first ministers who preached at this point were Rev. Nation, Rev. William Sutton. Rev. Young. Rev. Morrow and Rev. John Stewart. The present membership is ninety seven with William Bonham and J. H. Asher as Class-Leaders: A. B. Core and R. F. Williams, Stewards: A. B. Core. R. F. Williams. Daniel Greenich, Dr. A. Ogan, William Bonham, Jacob Heavner and Jacob McDaniel. Trustees; and Rev. Isaac Mackey. Pastor. The parsonage for this circuit is located here. A lot adjoining the church property on the north was purchased and in the summer of 1868 a large. two-store frame house was erected. by Thomas Hughs at a cost of about $2,000. The house con

PAGE 735 - BLANK

PAGE 736 - PICTURE OF R. N. BROWN (DECEASED)

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twins seven rooms, with a porch and kitchen; is well-finished and pleasantly located. J. S. Pancake. Washington Withrow and A. B. Core constituted the Building Committee.

The Concord M. E. Church-In 1816-17, a class was organized at the house of Richard Gosslee. consisting of the following persons: Richard Gosslee and wife. Charles Holland and wife, Thomas Dawson and wife, and a few others whose names could not be ascertained. with Richard Gosslee as Class-Leader. The house of Mr. Gosslee continued as a preaching-place till in 1837, when the present church building was completed, and, in due form, dedicated to service. In 1860, this church was remodeled and repaired, and rededicated to service by a sermon preached by Rev. A. B. See. Some of the early preachers who held services at the house of Mr. Gosslee were Rev. Jacob Hooper. James B. Findley, William Findley and William Westlake. The present membership is thirty-eight. with Samuel Gillespie as Class-Leader; Stewards. Joseph Gillespie and John Shepherd: Trustees, Joseph Gillespie, Andrew Shepherd. John Shepherd, John Emory, Isaiah Gillespie. Milton Shepherd and Samuel Gillespie.

Bethel :M. E. Church.-This society was organized at the house of John Fisher. by Rev. Mr. Maley in the year 1820 or 1821. The class consisted of the following persons: John Fisher and wife. Elizabeth Fisher, John Morris, Elizabeth Morris, Robert Farrar. Isabel Cox, James Fisher. Sarah Fisher and Prudence Steel. It is believed this first class consisted of ten members. They continued to have preaching at the house of Mr. Fisher. and in summer in the groves of the neighborhood, till the erection of the church. which it is believed was about 1847-48. These facts of the early organization of this church have been kindly furnished by Mrs. Lydia Brown. the oldest member of Bethel society, and the only surviving daughter of John Fisher now residing in this county. She resides on the old homestead place of her father, and has been a member of Bethel Church nearly all her life. Present membership of the church is eighty-five, with fourteen probationers. Class-Leaders, James S. Pancake. Joseph S. Martin and Christian Wissler: Stewards. James S. Pancake and J. B. Chenoweth. Trustees. J. B. Chenoweth. J. S. Pancake. Allison Grim, Christian Wissler. William A. Johnston, J. S. Martin. J. P. Foster and S. W. Brown.

These three churches whose history is given above, with the Newport Church. whose history is given in the history of Paint Township, and the society formed which holds its services at the Foster Schoolhouse, constitute the Midway Circuit. embracing five societies, with five preaching stations. The membership at the Foster Schoolhouse, Oak Run Township, is at present writing seventeen, with D. B. Foster as Class-Leader; total membership of the circuit. 320. and twenty-five probationers. This circuit s embraced in the Ohio Conference.

Presbyterian Church, Midway. -This society was organized by Rev. C. W. Finley, with the following persons: Scott Robinson and wife, Margaret Robinson. Mrs. Charlotte Withrow and Mrs Sarah Corgi.. . and soon after, under the preaching of Rev. James Dunlap, the following names were added as members: Louisa Counts, George Byers, Samuel Withrow, Barney Evans and wife and his father. Catharine Evans, Rebecca Linson and Nancy Dye. with Samuel Withrow as the first Elder.

Services were first held in the Methodist Church. then for some time they were held in the schoolhouse. and then again in the Methodist Church. Rev. C. W. Finley was their first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. James Dunlap. Then came Rev. James McIntire, Rev. Jones, Rev. David

738 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Kerr, Rev. George Brown and Rev. S. S. Garmo. Under the ministry of Rev. James McIntire, the church edifice was erected in 1863. The present condition is good, with Dr. Findley Kirkpatrick. Maxwell Murray and Robert Harper as Elders. In the erection of this church, a serious accident occurred. The girder gave way, precipitating several workmen to the ground, by which William Swank was instantly killed and John Wonderland had his thigh broken in two places, and others more or less injured. The wounded were attended by Dr. Seaton, of Midway. This church, when first built. was erected with a steeple seventy feet high. In March 1866 the tail spire was struck by lightning, and the whole building was much damaged. Two corner-stones of the church wore thrown out from under the building to quite a distance. In repairing the house. the steeple was built in its present form.

MILLS.

There is comparatively little to be said upon this subject in Range Township, as the majority of the mills that are or have been in the township have been portable mills, or mills of a temporary character. Many of the early settlers would erect a cheap temporary saw-mill on soule stream or creek, to be run by water-power and as the supply of water was only adequate to run the mill a short time, just when there was high water, the balance of the time the mill was useless. And there has never been a railroad within the township to give facilities for shipping. or any great value to the lumber of this section: but this township is strictly an agricultural and stock-raising country, and these interests have absorbed the attention and capital of her people to the general seclusion of everything else. At quite an early day. probably about 1835, William Holt erected a steam saw-mill at Midway. on the Armstrong loot, which was probably one of the first steammills in the county. This mill was run a few years and removed to Newport, and there run several years. There are a few portable sawmills, which move from place to place and do a neighborhood work, but the principal and permanent mill of this township is the grist-mill at Danville, erected by Simeon Martin in 1881. This roust prove a great convenience to the people of this community as it is centrally located, and the only one in the township.

ROADS AND TURNPIKES.

This township is well supplied with good roads. and an the main lines are free turnpikes. Commencing in the western part of the township, running in a north and south direction through the township is the London & Midway pike and Bloomingsburg road. Further east. near the center of the township, passing entirely through the township, in the same ;general direction and almost parallel with the first-mentioned is the London Bloomingsburg pike. Further east still is another road, branching off from the London pike above Newport and taking a general southeastern course, connects in the eastern part of the township with the Federal road near Mud Run. And lastly, and the principal east and west road of the township, is the Federal road. This road runs almost directly east and west through the township, with about one-third of the township lying south of the road. and the two-thirds lying north of it. At the time the General Government proposed to build a turnpike from the East to the West, from Maryland to St. Louis. her officers first viewed and surveyed this road for that great thoroughfare; but subsequently another survey was made north of London about four miles. which survey was finally adopted, and the great National road built, the acme of magnitude of improvement of that

RANGE TOWNSHIP. - 739

day and age. And from the fact that the Federal Government surveyed and laid out this road, it has ever since been known as the Federal road. And. although for many years it was merely a mud road yet it became a lively thoroughfare from the West to the East for immense droves of cattle and stock and of General travel. It is said that, before the days of railroads, it was no uncommon thing to see as many as two thousand cattle pass over that road in a clay on their way to Eastern markets.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Leanore Lodge. No. 512, F. & A. M. Midway, was declared in working order under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, granted October 26. 1875. with the following appointed officers: Jeriah Swetland, W. M.: A. P. Hewett. S. W.; D. T. Yates. J. W.; Henry McCann, Treasurer; S. J. Paulin Secretary: Thomas S. Davis. S. D. ; John W. Kellough. J. D.: John H. Peters. Tiler. The charter was -ranted and the lodge instituted November 2. 1876. by O. A. B. Senter. proxy for the Worthy Grand Master of Columbus. Ohio, with the following charter members: Jeriah Swetland. A. P. Hewett. Henry McCann, S. J. Paulin. David T. Yates, Frank Woosley, Thomas S. Davis, John R. Griffith, John W. Kellough, John H. Peters and James H. Horrell. Officered as follows: A. P. Hewett. W. M.; Henry McCann. S. W. ; David T. Yates, J. W.; J. W. Green, Treasurer: S. J. Paulin. Secretary. Thomas S. Davis, S. D.; Fred L. Watkins. J. D.; R. F. Williams and John H. Peters, Stewards; and Daniel Greenich. Tiler. The lodge now numbers forty-seven members, officered as follows: Ambrose Ogan. W. M.: Henry McCann, S. W.; Lewis Counts, J. W.: Mark L. Yates. Treasurer: S. A. Ireland, Secretary: W. H. Proffitt, S. D.:John Laytham, J. D.: William H. Gillmore. Tiler; R. F. Williams and R. L. Watkins. Stewards. The regular meetings of the lodge are on Thursday evening, on or preceding full of moon.

REMARKABLE STORMS.

In June, 1860, severe wind and rain storm passed just south of Midway, from west to east. destroying considerable timber and fences, but doing little damage to buildings. In July of the same year, another severe storm passed north of Midway. taking the same general direction, but more destructive than the former on the timber and fences, and it moved a two frame house of William Jones from three to four inches on its foundation. Also, some ten or twelve years since, a wonderful hail-storm, accompanied with wind, passed ever the southern portion of Range Township. doing much damage to houses and other property. the stones not only breaking windows but even split the weather boarding on the houses. Some of the stones were said to measure eleven inches in circumference. Benjamin Harrison's house was especially damaged by the storm.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

We find no official records of the elections of the township prior to the year 1849. Since that date, the officers have been as follows:

Trustees.-1849-51. Levin Willoughby, John Foster and I. B. Fisher; 1852, I. B. Fisher, Levin Willoughby and Rollin Wilson; 1853, Levin Willoughby. I. B. Fisher and Jesse Watson; 1854, Jesse Watson, Levin Willoughby and Seaman Baldwin: 1855-57. Levin Willoughby, Jesse Watson and Seaman Baldwin: 1858, Jesse Watson, I. B. Fisher and Joseph H. Chenoweth; 1859, -Joseph H. Chenoweth. David McClimans and James

740 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Hornbeck; 1860. Peter Counts. Cyrus Timmons and John Johnson; 1861. Peter Counts, John Johnson and L. S. Baldwin; 1862. L. S. Baldwin. Peter Counts and Jesse Watson: 1863, Peter Counts, Cyrus Timmons and William McClintick; 1864. Jesse M. Linson, William McClintick and L. S. Baldwin; 1865, J. M. Linson. William McClintick and Isaac Reaves: 1866. Cyrus Timmons. John Johnson and Benjamin Harrison: 1867-68. Cyrus Timmons. John Johnson, Sr.. and Benjamin Harrison: 1869. John Fallestine, D. C. Yates and Peter Counts. 1870. Peter Counts, Battle Harrison and Cyrus Timmons: 1871-72. Cyrus Timmons, Batteal Harrison and John McClimans: 1873, Batteal Harrison. John Johnston. Jr.. and Levin Blizzard: 1874-75. Batteal Harrison, John Johnston and Immer Barrett. 1876. John F. Johnston, John Wingfield and Solomon McClimans: 1877, Solomon McClimans, John Killough and John Wingfield: 1878-79. Solomon McClimans, Immer Barrett and J. M. Johnston: 1. 1880 - 81, Solomon McClimans, W A. Johnston and Nathan Shepherd: 1882 Solomon McClimans, W. A. Johnston and J. R. Wingfield.

Justices of the Peacc.-1813. Burton Blizzard and William King: 1814, James Whiteside : 1835. William Johnston: 1837. Burton Blizzard: 1838. William Johnston: 1841-44. Thomas Baldwin; 1840, Burton Blizzard; 1843-46. Christian Selsor: 1846, William Johnston; 1849. Vincent Allen and W. A. Koontz; 1852, William Small and Peyton R. Chrisman: 1853, W. A. Koontz: 1854 Woodville A. Freeman: 1856, John J. Baldwin: 1857. W. A. Koontz: 1859, David Haskell: 1860-63. John J. Baldwin; 1862. David Haskell: 1869, John Baldwin and James M. Horrell: 1875, Theodore Hill: 1878. Theodore Hill and G. H. Alkire: 1881. G. H. Alkire and Joshua Ross.

Treasurers.-1849. D. M. Jackson: 1850-61 M. Lemon; 1862--70. W H. Creighton; 1871-73, C. L. Telfair; 1844, Benjamin Harrison: 1875-78. Levin Blizzard; 1879-82, Batteal Harrison.

Township Clerks .-1849-51. W. A. Koontz: 1852-53. D. C. Bench1854-56. N. Baker; 1857. J. D. Reeves: 1858. Levin Willoughby: 1859. William Stroup: 1860, D. D. Johnson: 1863-64, J. H. McDaniel: 1865. W. L. Morgan; 1866, J. H. McDaniel: 1867-74, William Ellars: 1875-76. J. M. Stroup 1877. P. R. Chrisman: 1878-79, J. M. Stroup: 1880-82. Isaac T. Housman.

Constables.-1849. Thomas Bethard and I. Norman: 1850. J. Brock and L. McClimans: 1851. P. McDaniel and L. G. McClimans: 1852. L. G. McClimans and A. F. Wright: 1853.. James Haggard and W. A. Koontz: 1854-55, William Alspaugh and Thomas Bethard: 1856, Thomas Bethard and A. V. Chrisman: 1857. William Alspaugh and Thomas Bethard; 1858, Hugh Workman and George Housman: 1859. Thomas Bethard and Hugh Workman; 1860-61, William Alspaugh and J. B. Housman. 1862-63, William Alspaugh and Philip McDaniel: 1864. James Reeves and William Ellars; 1865. B. F. Bader and M. W. Cannon: 1866. John .Johnson. Jr.. and E. C. McClimans: 1867 James Reeves and John Johnson, Jr.: 1868, William Corson and Moses Foster: 1869, B. F. Badger and John C. Counts: 1870. Joshua Ross and James Reeves: 1871. John W. Sells and C. P. Jeffries; 1872, John W. Sells and Hugh Gibblin: 1873, Hugh Gibblin and D. Bra-; 1874. Hugh Gibblin and James Reeves; 1875. Joshua Ross and J. R. Stroup; 1876-77. Jacob McDaniel and Joshua Ross: 1878-82. Thomas W. Wright and Jacob McDaniel.

Assessors,--1849-53. Thomas Reeves: 1854. William Stroup: 1855-56, Benjamin Harrison: 1857. D. E. Johnson. 1858-59. Alfred Jenkins.

RANGE TOWNSHIP. - 741

1860-61, George McClimans; 1862, P. R. Chrisman; 1863-64, John Timmons; 1865, Levin Blizzard; 1866-71, John Timmons; 1872, D. D. Johnson; 1873, John M. Stroup; 1874-76, William Johnston; 1877-82, James Reeves.

Mayors of Midway.-1845, James Shepherd; 1846, William Chappell; 1848, Vincent Allen; 1850-51, Thomas Hughs; 1852-53, Vincent Tomlinson; 1854, Woodville Freeman; 1858, Isaac Norman; 1859, Thomas Hughs; 1860, W. A. Freeman; 1861, R. F. Shepherd; 1863, W. A. Koontz; 1864, N. R. Stanford; 1865, W. A. Koontz; 1866, B. F. Shepherd; 1868-69, William Ellars; 1870, W. J. Bonham; 1872, James H. McDaniel, and 1873-74, Theodore Hill.