380 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO

PERRY TOWNSHIP.

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THE FIRST SETTLER—PIONEER NEIGHBORS— FIRST CABIN—FIRST BRICK BUILDING—FIRST MARRIAGE — FIRST DEATH — FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE— FIRST STORE—FIRST TAVERN-.–FIRST BLACKSMITH—FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE— TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED—NATIONAL PIKE—GEOLOGY—FIRST SAW AND GRIST MILLS—WESLEY CHAPEL M.E . CHURCH—EBENEZER M.E. CHURCH —ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH POSTOFFICE—BRIDGEVILLE— SONORA— MILITARY RECORD.

The first home made within the boundary of Perry township, was by James Brown, Sr., from Massachusetts, who resided for a time in Waterford, in Washington county, but in 1802, built a cabin, and Opened a hotel, where the "Zane Trace" crossed Big Salt Creek. This road, also called the " Old Wheeling Road," entered this township on section twenty, and passed out near the southwest corner of the township. Along this road the first settlements were made. Mr. Brown was "a man of means," and of more than ordinary intelligence, and thereby acquired considerable influence, in the neighborhood, and offered no inconsiderable opposition to the dominion of Isaac Pryor, who kept hotel further west, on the same highway. David Comstock came and settled on the southeast quarter of section eighteen, just west of Mr. Brown, in 1804, the place since occupied by William Caw. Abraham Gabriel, and his son, Reuben, came from Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and bought five hundred acres of land, in the Johnson four thouand acre purchase, and located on the Wheeling road, the site now occupied by R. H. Atkinson. Amasa Davis came during this year also, and located on the place now occupied by Samuel Bowers. And during this year, also, John Echelberry came from Green county, Pennsylvania, and entered the northeast quarter of section six. He was unable to pay for the tract, however, and sold it to George Border, in 1810, removing to the southwest quarter of the same section. Jacob Livingood settled, first, in Washington township, in 1806, and, in 1807, sold out to Joseph Bowers, and came to this township, and settled on section twelve, where he built a saw mill, and, soon after, a grist mill, on Salt Creek. Joseph Dicker came in 18̊8, and settled, probably, on section nine. In 1809, John Wartenbee came from Wellsburg, West Virginia, and built a small saw mill on Salt Creek,on the southwest quarter of section twenty-two, in 1810, and built a small grist mill, in 1812. Peter Livingood came from Green county, Pennsylvania, and located on the Wheeling road, in 1810 ; the property passed, subsequently, to Howard Dunn. The same year came, also, Jacob Vanpelt, and located on the place now occupied by George Little, and Simon Merwine, where Elijah Eaton now lives ; Philip Baker, where Irvin Winn lives ; Christopher Schuch. on the northwest quarter of section nine, and James Brown, Jr. on the northeast quarter of section twenty. Alexander Armstrong came from Armagh, Ireland, and located on the Wheeling road, in 1810, and Samuel Connaway came about this time. Aaron Vernon moved from Washington township to the northeast quarter Of section five, in 181 i ; and during the same year, a Mr. Harris came from Pennsylvania, and located on the northwest quarter of section twenty ; and a Mr. Engle on the northeast quarter of section nineteen, on the Wheeling road. The country settled up so rapidly, from this date, that the " oldest inhabitants" fear to undertake to give a correct list of the incoming tide.

Notably, the first cabin was erected by James Brown, Sr., sometimes called Luke Brown ; it was where the "Zane Trace" crossed Salt Creek, and was erected in 1802.

The first brick building was erected by Eli Walls, in 1819. The next was by Mr. Kaufman, in 1820. The latter was afterwards occupied by Michael Sauerbaugh.

The first Marriage.—"The high contracting parties" were Christopher Shuck and Mary Livingood, and the dignified official who pro- nounced the twain one flesh, was Christian Spangler ; time, "an early day."

The first death .was Abraham Gabriel, in 1808. He was buried on the place now occupied by George Orr.

The first school house was the conventional log cabin, with puncheon floor, etc., on the Comstock place ; and the first school teacher was Simon Merrin, who taught in 1811, and was "every inch a gentleman.

The first store was kept by James Brown, on the Wheeling road, in 1834. --The next was by Phillip. Bastian, on the National roadwest of Bridgeville, in 1840. This store was subsequently successively owned by Richard Hall, John W. Winn, George Winn, Stephen Tudor, I. N. Shroyer, James Lorimer, Samuel Mock, Stephen Tudor, Joseph Fisher, Eli Border, and Hugh Huff, the pcesent proprietor.

The first tavern was kept by James Brown, in 1802, the first cabin mentioned. His son, Major James Brown, also kept tavern on the same road in 18io.

The first blacksmith was Jacob Wisecarver, who lived on Peter Livingood's land, southwest of the site now occupied by Sonora. This was probably in 1811. Amasa Davis was also an early knight of the forge, and by some, claimed to have been the first ; but his fire went out so long ago that no trace remains to indicate the time or place.

The first Justices of the Peace were Richard H. Hogan and Francis Silvey.

Perry township was organized in 1812, and named in honor of Commodore Oliver H. Perry. Geographically considered, it is the "Military District ;" is five miles square, bounded on the north by Salem township, east by Union township, south by Salt Creek and Wayne townships, the dividing line between Perry and the latter

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township is the “Military Base line," and on the west by Washington township, and constitutes town one, range five of that district.

Topographically this township is not hilly, but undulating ; the soil is limestone clay, with sand, and-yields good crops. The entire township is drained by Salt Creek and its tributaries, Little Salt Creek, White Eyes Run, and numerous smaller streams. Springs are numerous, and the water is good.

The National Pike passes through the township from the northeast quarter of section eleven, in a general western direction, and is the only Pike in the township. It was completed in 1829.

RAILROAD.

The Central Ohio Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad enters this township (Perry) on the southeast quarter of section ten, and leaves it on the northwest quarter of section fifteen, traversing a distance of six miles. It has a station and water tank at Sonora.

The following is the only exhibit of its geology, made by the State Geologist :

PERRY TOWNSHIP GEOLOGICALLY.

The following geological section was obtained on the land of F. Dunn, Little Salt Creek,. about two miles southwest of Bridgeville :

Bed of Little Salt Creek, on the land of W. Dunn, a half mile east of F. Dunn's, was taken

the following section :

The coal from the bank of Mr. Dunn was analyzed by Prof. Wormley, with the following result :

Specific gravity - 1.252

Water - 6.15

Ash - 4.41

Volatile matter - 30.97

Fixed carbon - 58.47

Total - 100.00

Sulphur - 0.41

This analysis shows this to be a very superior coal. The fixed carbon is large and the sulphur small. It has been tried in a small way, in the Zanesville furnace, with approval. So far as analysis has been made, the coal is found to be the purest in that part of the county belonging to the Second District, and is one of the best coals in the State. At many other points, the coal of this seam is much less pure.

The following geological section was taken on the land of Mr. Crane, about one mile south of F. Dunn's, near the line between Perry and Salt Creek townships :

The coal No. four, in this section, could not he examined, the old 'opening having fallen in.-

[Geological Report, 1873, volume 1, pp. 333-4

and 5. E. B. Andrews, Assistant Geologist.]

THE FIRST SAW AND GRIST MILLS.

The first saw and grist mills were built by Christopher Shuck, in 1807, for Jacob Livingood, on Salt Creek, just below where the National Pike now crosses that stream. Notwithstanding its primitive character, Livingood's mill was hailed as a decided acquisition. The Livingoods have since built several mills, on the same stream, but they have been given a rest."

John Wartenbee had a small grist mill, on Salt Creek, lower down than Livingood's, but it, too, has ceased. Salt Creek no longer turns the busy wheels ; the naiads now may claim its pools for bathing.

WESLEY CHAPEL M. E. CHURCH.

The class from which this church sprang, was organized in Washington township, about 1808, at the house of John Bowers, and was composed

382 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO

of John Bowers, and wife, Barbara, with their sons, Peter, Nicholas, Henry, and Samuel, and daughters. Catharine and Mary, John Vernon, and Elizabeth, his . wife, Jacob Walters, and Alice, his wife, Aaron Vernon, and Susan, his wife, William, John, Wells, Elijah, Edward, Lucinda, Mary, Christina, and Emily Spry. John Spry was class leader. They met from house to house, until 016, when they were per- mitted to use the school horse, just built, and they continued to meet there, until 1823, when they built a hewed log meeting house, on the Bowers place, and on that account it was called the Bowers Meeting House, for many years.

In 1846, a new church, 4ox58, of frame, was built on the northeast quarter of section six, near Sonora, Perry township, and the congregation gathered there and worshiped.

The present number of members is ninety. The Leaders, John Auchauer, Cummins Orr, and Edward Bowers. The Stewards are, Nicholas Bowers, and John Auchauer. The pastor, Rev. Wm. Peregoy, of Norwich.

EBENEZER M. E. CHURCH.

This society was organized by Joseph Carper, in 1827, with the following members : Andrew Dewees, and wife, Isaiah Carr, and wife, Christopher Shuck, and wife, Edmund Northen, and wife, and "Mother Spry."

The Trustees were, Isaiah Carr, Christopher Shuck, John Vernon, Peter Bowers, and Rich- ard Johnson.

In 1828, the society erected a hewed log church, 30X38, which they weather-boarded, plastered, and painted. Some years afterward, the church was named, Ebenezer M. E. Church, though it is generally known as " Carr's Church." Rev. Gilbert 'Blue preached the first sermon, in the new church. Edmund Northen was Exhorter, Isaiah Carr was Leader.

In 1830, the membership was about thirty, and four years later the society had doubled its membership. At this time the Leaders were, Isaiah Carr, and Samuel Garner ; and, during this year, Carr was appointed Circuit Steward.

In 1851, Isaiah Carr was licensed to preach, and Samuel Garner, and John D. Mock became Leaders. Jacob Shuck also became a Leader, and Ward Atkinson was Sabbath School Super- intendent. Isaiah Carr was local preacher and Steward.

The foregoing statistics were furnished by Isaiah Carr, whose age rendered him almost too infirm for the task ; he was near 87 years of age, and scarcely able to see, but his spiritual lamp is " well trimmed and burning."

ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

About the year 1830, Rev. Samuel Kaemmerer preached occasionally at the house of George Border, and formed a small class, composed of George Border, and family, John Auspach, and family, and Lorenzo Shick. George Border, and Robert Dickson, deeded one acre of ground. situated on the north line, between sections seven and fourteen, and, on this, a log church, 20x30, was erected. In 1836, the society contained the following additional members ; J. F. Sutter, Jacob Folk, Nicholas Lockers, Phillip Bastian, Casper Brock, Jacob Shick, John Hewett, Michael Sauerbaugh, Andrew Sandel, Anna M. Sutter, Mar- tha Stiers, Elizabeth Crane, and Dorothea Kerner.

The log church stood until 1856, when a new plat of ground, just east of the old site, was secured from John Culbertson, and a frame church. 34x44, was erected, under the superintendence of Michael Sauerbaugh, Bartley Sutter, and Michael Sandel, Trustees.

Rev. Samuel Kaemmerer preached until 1852, and was followed by Rev. Amos Bartholomew, who ministered two years, and Rev. A. J. Wed- del, three years. The church was dedicated by Rev's. James Ryan, and A. Bartholomew. Rev. George Leusabaugh, was installed in 1856, and remained until 186o, and was succeeded by Rev. W. M. Gilbreath, who served six years, and was succeeded by Rev. Thos. Drake, who served until 1869, and was followed by Rev. W. M. Gil- breath, (second term), who began in 1873, and continues their pastor.

Elders—Nathan Peregoy, and Philip Birkheimer.

Deacons—Bartley Sutter, and George Sauerbaugh.

Trustees—William Dickson, John Dickson, and Joshua McGee.

The membership is about one hundred.

POSTOFFICE OF BRIDGEVILLE.

Anno Domini, 1833, application was made to the Postmaster General, for a postoffice. The petition was granted, and Andrew Hughes, who lived near the bridge, on the National Road, was appointed Postmaster, and the office was called Bridgeville Postoffice, and thus the hamlet of Bridgeville was founded. It contains two stores, kept. by A. L. Turney, and Hugh Huff; two blacksmith shops, by Lewis and Hugh Huff, and one shoe shop, by T. L. Stiers. Its command- ing situation argues a bright future. The post- office has since alternated between Bridgeville and the store at the cross roads, half a mile west, where it now is. R. F. Huff is Postmaster.

SONORA.

John Brown was the original proprietor of this town site ; it was laid out in 1852, by Isaac Stiers. There are now two stores, kept by the Haines brothers, and Mrs. Bowers ; one hotel, kept by Robert Dunn ; this was the first house —built by Solomon Bowers—now known as "Dunn's Hotel ;" one express and freight of- fice, Miss M. Bowers, agent ; one broom factory, by Allen Dunn ; two blacksmiths, F. B. Farley, and G. W. Watts ; one shoemaker, C. W. Jones ; one carpenter, John Erwin ; one stone mason, John Whitcraft ; the postoffice, Miss Media Bowers, Postmistress ; one physician, J. D. Jennings,

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M. D., and two clergymen, Rev W. M. Gilbreath (Lutheran), and Rev. — Daniels (Baptist).

There are twenty-one dwellings, and about one hundred inhabitants.

The post-office at Sonora, was established in 1855 ; Evan Crane was the first Postmaster. He was succeeded by Adam Turney ; he, by Solomon Bowers, in 1862 ; he served six years, and died. J. Probasco then acted as Postmaster, for six months, when Hester, Solomon Bowers' widow, was appointed,and served eleven years,when she died, and was succceeded by her daughter Media, the present incumbent.

The first resident physician in the township, was Dr. J. S. Halderman ; he was succeeded by F. H. Jennings, who remained until 1865, when Dr. J. D. Jennings came, and continues to hold the fort.

MILITARY RECORD.

The following list is a just source of pride to the citizens of old Perry as an evidence of her patriotism. She sent her sons, brothers, and fathers, to do battle for our common country, that our liberties might be perpetuated :

Seventy-eighth Regiment 0. V. I.—Company F, David Sinsabaugh, James Taylor, Henry Birkheimer, Edward Vernon, William Vernon, John J. Wine, Benjamin Tudor, Joseph Richardson, John McHunter, John Morrison.

One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment 0. V. I.—Company F, Simon H. Fisher, James Matson, Henry Bowers, John Hauck, Edward B. McCracken, George E. Walters.

Twenty-fifth Regiment 0. V. I.—Company F, Isaac Berkheimer, Michael Huffman, John Huffman, Henry Tudor, William Caw, and James Russell.

Ninety-seventh Regiment 0. V. I.—Company B, Joseph Sinsabaugh, Samuel Shuck, Henry Wisecarver.

One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment O. V. I.—F. L. Stiers.

One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Regiment 0. V. I.—John Stiers.

Seventy-sixth Regiment 0. V. I.—William Frazier.

One Hundred and Ninety-fifth 0. V. I.—David Dunn, and Howard Johnston—Martin Bowers, Robert Stotts (colored)--John Martin, Wil- liam Evans, C. H. Craig, J. W. Winn, Alfred Shamblin.

One Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment 0. V. L—Richard Reed.

Tenth Regiment 0. V. C.--Company F, John Richardson, J. P. Thatcher, Salathiel Thatcher, John Morgan, Job Morgan, William Moore, Gibson Arnold.

Ninth Regiment 0. V. C.—George Edwards, David Reed, Jacob Brock.

One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Regiment 0. V. I.--Howard Miller, Harry Miller.

Seventy-eighth Regiment O. V. I.—Daniel Bishop, and George Friedlin.

[The foregoing lists were furnished by Alex. Armstrong, of Sonora Postoffice.]