TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 415
UNION TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY-SCHOOL LANDS-PIONEERS-EARLY IMPROVEMENTS-FIRST BRICK HOUSE-FIRST STONE HOUSE-FIRST ORCHARD--MERINO SHEEP -"SHORT HORNS"-FIRST REAPER-ROAD SOLD WHEELING-A COUNTY ROAD-NATIONAL ROAD-RAILROAD-MILLS -FIRST TANNERY- FIRST STORE-FIRST TAVERN- BLACKSMITHS FIRST COOPER-DISTILLERIES-ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP –TOWNSHIP OFFICERS–TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY-NORWICH - NORWICH DIRECTORY- NEW. CONCORD -NEW CONCORD DIRECTORY-NEW CONCORD UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-NEW CONCORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-NEW CONCORD M. E. CHURCH NEW CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH- NORWICH M. E. CHURCH-NORWICH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -NORWICH UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHSCHOOLS-MUSKINGUM COLLEGE-NEW CONCORD GRADED SCHOOL- FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL -NORWICH SOCIETY OF INQUIRY- POSTOFFICES -PHYSICIANS- MILITARY - UNION TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEERS- AGRICULTURE– IMPROVED STOCK -DRAINAGE-TIMBER-MINERALS.
Union township is situated within the "United States Military District," constitutes town. one, and range five, of that sul'vey, and contains twenty-five square miles of territory.
SCHOOL LANDS.
When the township was surveyed, in 1803, the Government reserved the. southeast quarter of the same, for school purpose's, and divided the sections into quarters, numbering them from one to twenty-five, beginning at the northeast corner of said tract.
When Ebenezer Zane, in 1797, surveyed the road "from Wheeling to Limestone, in Kentucky," he passed through the territory now known as Union township, and opened up a highway in the wilderness.; a thoroughfare along which the tide of emigration poured, surging its way towards the setting sun.
As the weary emigrant plodded his way along the "Zane Trace," towards "Westbourne," and stopped to slake his thirst at some beautiful spring, he could not fail to note the rich land, purling streams, and gentle slopes of the military district. Hence it was, that town one—now Union township—was early settled by hardy and industrious pioneers. When the whites first set= tied in this locality, there was an Indian camp
416 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
on section five, on the land now owned by Isaiah Carr. There was also a camp on "White Eyes" Creek—the stream deriving its name from the Shawanoes chief, by that name.
PIONEERS.
It is not certainly known who was the first set- tler of Union township, as the school land, being gubject to a lease of ninety-nine years, was early occupied by a class of people, unable to purchase land elsewhere, few of whom became permanent settlers. During the interval between 1803 and 1807, Henry Hardesty occupied lot nineteen, Peter Monroe, lot twenty-three, Henry Hardy, lot twelve, William Newland, lot three, and Mullen, lot nine.
The Government, receiving no revenue from these lands, found it necessary to pass a law ex- posing them to public sale ; offering the occupants the first chance to purchase.
From 1803 to 1806, the Reasoners, Speers, Findlevs, and Wilsons, from Pennsylvania, settled in the northeastern portion of the township, near the present site of New Concord. Henry Reasoner, having in the year 1804, entered the land on which the town now stands.
In 1806, Samuel Wilson located on the north- west quarter of section eleven, and finding a "bee tree" near his cabin, he appropriated the bees, and established the pioneer apiary of Muskingum county. His son, John, still occupies the premises, and looks after the descendents of the "old bee gum"—the bees from which his father nurtured for fifty-seven years.
John C. Wilson, another son, has at this time the largest apiary in the county.
In 1804, Thomas Warren, following the "Old Zane Trace," located on section thirteen, and opened his house for the accommodation of the traveling public. This was the pioneer tavern of the township, and was afterwards known as the "Few Tavern Stand."
In the year 1805, John Self arrived from Vir- ginia, and entered the land now owned by William P. Self, situated on section fifteen.
Judge David Findley came from Pennsylvanvia, in 1806, and purchased the southwest quarter of section one, of Henry Reasoner. In 1813, he was elected associate Judge, and held that office until 1820, when he resigned.
In April, 1807, John Hadden, father of Sam- uel Hadden, located on the southwest quarter of section eight. Andrew Lorimer, William Hun- ter, and Robert Walker, settled on sections thirteen and eighteen, and Ralph Hardesty, from Wheeling, West Virginia, pitched his tent on the southeast quarter of section fourteen. This loca- tion afterwards became famous as the spot chosen by the stalwart and pugnacious settlers to "vote, ,drink, and fight."
Captain Joseph McCune came from Pennsylvania, in 1808, and settled on section ten, now known as the McClelland property. Mr. McCune became a man of influence in the community, serving in the war of 1812, as Captain, and, subsequently, as Justice of the Peace for a period of twenty-one years.
The same year, (1808), James Cummins built his cabin on the southwest quarter of section nine.
In 1809, Joseph Geyer entered the southeast quarter Of section seven, and was soon followed by his brothers, Daniel and John.
In 1810, Barnett Vandevert located on the southwest quarter of section twenty-three.
The year 1811, added quite a number of set- tlers to the population. William Garner located on the northwest quarter of section five, (now Israel Carr's). Peter Galigher entered a portion of section four, (now John Jennings'). Benjamin Wortman " located on the southwest quarter of section seven, (now partially occupied by the village of Norwich). Simon Elliott settled on land now owned by Simon Elliott, Jr., being the southwest quarter of section three.
Frederick Henderson, Adam and Daniel Bowman, and David Sellers, arrrived from Pennsylvania, in 1812. Henderson bought land of William Gladden, who had entered two quarter sections where Thomas Marshall now resides, (section eighteen)., and hired Isaac Tewalt to build him a house. This house, a log one, is still standing on the Marshall farm, but unoccupied.
Col. John Reynolds located on the southwest quarter of section thirteen, on the Wheeling road, and opened a store in 1815 ; the first regular store within the bounds of the present township.
Samuel Cummins, Samuel Hadden, and John Vandevert, are the oldest inhabitants of the township, having resided in it continuously for over seventy years.
EARLY IMPROVEMENTS.
The first houses erected by the early settlers were, of course, of the most primitive kind, being built of unhewn logs, and covered with clapboards instead of shingles, held in place by weight poles instead of nails, the latter being a a luxury few could afford. Judge David Findley, being more prosperous than most of his neighbors, covered his house, in 1809, with lap shingles and wrought nails, the first in the county outside of Zanesville.
The first brick house built in Union township was that of Peter Monroe, on lot twenty-three of the school land, in 1827. The next was that of Judge David Findley, in New Concord, in 1828.
The first stone house was built by Ralph Hardesty, in Norwich, in 1830. It is still standing and occupied by Mr. Robert Denny.
James Watson had the first peach orchard, on lot seven of the school lands, and Judge D. Findley the first apple orchard.
John Hadden was the first to introduge fine Merino sheep, in 1830.
James Findley first introduced short-horn Dur- ham cattle, from Kentucky, in 1840.
The first reaper, (a McCormick), was brought into the township by James Taggart.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 417
ROADS.
The first road through Union township was the " Old Wheeling Road," surveyed by Ebenezer Zane, in 1797. It entered town one, of the ".Military Lands," on the southeast quarter of section ten, and passed into range six, (now Perry township), on the northeast quarter of section sixteen.
In 1827, the National Road was surveyed through, entering the township on the southeast quarter of section one, and passing out on the northwest quarter of section fifteen. After the construction of the National Pike, the old Wheeling Road was abandoned as a thoroughfare, and the travel transferred to the new route, which, for years, enjoyed all the " pomp and circumstance" of the four-in-hand stage coaches. But a time came when its glory, too, departed, when the Central Ohio Divsion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was completed, running nearly parallel with the National Pike, and the once autocratic stage coach .found itself left far in the rear by the all conquering " iron horse ;" it bade farewell to the old familiar scenes and hied away to " the pleasant plains of Iowa."
The common " dirt roads," of Union township, are generally good, as the country is not so hilly as to make traveling difficult.
MILLS.
The settlers in Union township either went to Zanesville, or Cambridge, to get grinding done, and when they wanted boards, they resorted to the " pit saw.' But the distance to the former, and the labor of the latter, were grievances not easily to be borne, and home talent was brought into requisition to dispense with both. The first horse mill was built by Benjamin Reasoner, in 1815.
The first fulling mill was built at New Concord, by Judge David Findley. The Judge was also the happy possessor of a primitive gristmill, but the time of building it is unknown.
Harper & Keitly built a "tramp sawmill," just south of lot twelve, in the town of Norwich, in 1827, which was afterwards turned into a brewery by Holley & Son. Applin & Abbitson were also its proprietors for a time. Finally it was turned into a tannery, by James Caldwell.
In 1830, a large gristmill was built on lands owned by Jos. Geyer, south of Norwich, by Thos. Maxfield, Thomas Few, Samuel Lorrain, and Manning Putnam. It contained three run of buhrs, with ample machinery, but after passing through various hands, (always unprofitable,) it was torn down, and the machinery moved to Gratiot, west of Zanesville, in 1870.
Samuel Hadden and Andrew Lorimer built a sawmill on Hadden's land, in 1840, and sold it to' John Whitaker, in 1841. He attached buhrs for grinding, and moved the mill to New Concord, in 1850. The mill is still in operation, with a planing mill attached.
In 1852, James Findley and John Patterson built a gristmill at New Concord, near the railroad depot, with three run of buhrs. After being owned by various partners, Alexander Speer became its sole proprietor, in 1863, and still runs it.
L. D. Stoner has recently erected a steam gristmill and hollow-ware factory in the town of Norwich, and is doing a good business.
John Hadden built the first tannery, in 1807, and followed the business until 1827, when he was succeeded by Messrs. Caldwell and McClure.
The first store was kept by Colonel John Reynolds, at Locust Grove, in 1815. He was succeeded by Thomas Maxfield, who kept store at the Grove until 1827, when he moved to the new town of Norwich.
The first tavern was kept by Thomas Warren, on the old "Zane Trace," in 1805. The accommodations were of the most primitive kind, but amply sufficient for the time. He sold out to George Heep, and he, to Isaac Few, in 1812. This place was long noted as the "old Few Tavern stand."
As early as 1804, William Speer located on the southeast quarter of section two, and in the spring of 1805, opened a blacksmith shop, the first in the present township of Union. He brought his iron by wagon, over the Alleghan) mountains, and followed the trade until 1811, when he returned to Pennsylvania, to take care of his aged parents. He afterwards returned, but did not resume his trade.
Joseph McKinney was also an. early blacksmith. He began in 1816.
Joseph Reasoner learned the trade at Pittsburg, and located his shop on the Wheeling road. He made the first ax ever made by hand in Muskingum county. In later years he used to boast of having shod General Jackson's horses.
Robert Walker was the first cooper in the new settlement. He came from Ireland, and brought with him, as the fruit of his industry, "a bag of yellow guineas," with which he made a payment on his land, and, tradition says, in lieu of a bank, deposited the remainder in a log.
Distilleries.—During the early stages of agriculture in Muskingum county, distilleries were numerous, and as it was not considered disreputable to engage in the business, we find such men as Judge Findley owning and running a still.
Whiskey was an article of consumption almost as common as food, but it was pure, and the evils resulting from its use were not so great as at the . present day.
Organization of the Township.—The date of the organization of several townships of Muskingum, does not appear, upon examination of the Commissioners' journal, Union township amongst them, but that it was amongst the first, is evident from the fact of elections being held at the old Few Tavern in 1808, at which Benjamin Reasoner was elected Justice of the Peace.
The first board of officers cannot now be given, as the records are lost, and tradition unsatisfactory.
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The polls were subsequently moved from Warren's, (afterwards Few's,) to Ralph Hardesty's, further west on the Wheeling road, which continued to be the voting place until the completion of the National Road, when it was established at Sensabaugh's tavern, in Norwich.
In April, 1876, the township was divided into two voting precincts, and a polling place established at New Concord, for the eastern ten sec- tions of the township.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Justices of the Peace—George L. Foley, and H. F. Lorimer.
Constables—Joseph Decker, and William G. Madden.
Assessors—New Concord precinct, Richard Rice ; Norwich precinct, Alfred Wyman.
Trustees—John S. Speer, M. L. Harper, Theodore Mitchell, Geo. L. Foley, and Charles C. Taylor.
Notary Public—Geo. L. Foley.
Land Appraiser—William T. Forsyth.
Census Enumerator—Frank T. Kyle.
Board of Education—Joseph E. Kelly, F. E. Richey, James C. Wilson, (President), and Joseph White.
Supervisors—J. M. Johnson, M. O. Huffman, John Malone, Thomas Waddle, James Caldwell, Ed. Richardson.
Union township contains two villages, one college, eight schools, eight churches, three post- offices, two railroad depots, three telegraph offices, and three mills.
The railroad depots are on the Central Ohio Div sion of the Baltimore and Ohio Road ; one at New Concord, and the other at Norwich. The agent at New Concord is Alexander Speer.
A telegraph office was established at the New Concord depot, but afterwards removed to Nor- wich station. Wm. P. Parks, and H. W. Jones, operators.
The office in New Concord was established in December, 1879. Samuel Best, operator.
VILLAGES.
Norwich is situated in Union township, near the center of section seven, and occupies a portion of three-quarters of that section. The southwest quarter was entered by Benjamin Wortman, the northwest by Frederick Yarian, and the northeast by George Richie, who sold the same to John Crawford, in 1811. William Harper, an Englishman, bought of Crawford and laid out the town of Norwich, in 1827, naming it for his native town of Norwich, in England.
The first house in Norwich was built by Samuel McCloud, who kept a boarding house.
The first regular hotel was kept by Reuben Whitaker. The first store by Thomas Maxfield.
The first brick house was built by William Harper, and the first stone house by Ralph Hardesty.
The town was incorPorated in 1833, and the first Mayor was James Launders.
Samuel and James Lorimer were amongst the first physicians.
NORWICH DIRECTORY.
Churches—Presbyterian, United Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal.
Schools—Graded school, James M. Starrett, Principal.
Stores—C. C. Taylor, R. J. Young & Co., and Wm. Tudor.
Groceries—Reuben Whitaker, and J. F. Haines.
Drug Store—Dr. J. L. Geyer. Hotel—Benjamin F. Crablin.
Grist Mill and Factory—L. D. Stoner.
Postoffice—C. C. Taylor, postmaster
Physicians—J. L. Geyer, and R. M. Bainter.
School Board—James F. Foley, John E. Cherry, and Alva J. Conn.
Shoe Shops—James Foley, and Jamas Ludman.
Blacksmith Shops—James and Alva Conn, and Wm. Snoots.
Wagon Shops—James Launders, and John Moorhead.
Saddler Shop—Thomas R. Bryant.
Butcher Shop—John F. Haines.
Millinery Shops—Mrs. Hendershot, Miss Snoots, Misses Davis, Ann Sheldon, and Mrs. J. P. Kelley.
BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD DEPOT.
Nursery--" Excelsior," G. H. Miller, proprietor.
Store—Joseph P. Kelley.
Postoffice— J. P. Kelley, postmaster.
Telegraph Office—W. P. Parks, operator.
Blacksmith—Judson Ferguson.
Undertaker—C. N. Bainter.
NEW CONCORD.
In the year 1804, Henry Reasoner, from Pennsylvania, entered the southwest quarter of section one, which he sold to David Findley, in 1806, and, in 1828, Findley laid out the town of New Concord, along the line of the National Road.
NEW CONCORD OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor—William Alexander.
Council—M. A. Brown, W. S. Speer, T. J. Hukill, W. H. Pringle, M. D.,.T. H. Paden. Clerk—J. H. Henderson.
Treasurer—W. P. Gault.
Marshal—Alexander McKinney:
Board of Education—S. T. Stoner President ; Stewart Speer, Secretary ; H. H. Stoner, Wm.
Alexander, M. L. Harper, C. B. McKee.
Street Commissioner—Ezra S. Lyle.
Muskingum College—F. M. Spencer, President.
Graded School--J. K. Watson, Principal.
Churches—United Presbyterian, Dr. David Paul, Pastor ; Reformed Presbyterian, Dr. H. P. McClurkin, Pastor ; Presbyterian, Rev. Faris Brown, Pastor ; Methodist Episcopal, Rev. Wil-
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 419
ham Peregoy, Pastor ; Baptist, Rev. Charles C. Erwin, Pastor.
Postoffice—Joseph McKinney, Postmaster.
Telegraph Office—Samuel Best, operator.
Grist and Saw Mill—Alexander Speer, proprietor.
Grist, Saw and Planing Mill—Porter & Son, proprietors.
General Stores—H. H. Wilkin, Harper & Harper, Wilson Stewart, John Best & Sons, Alexander Speer & Son.
Hotels—Mitchell McCloud and S. B. Maharry.
Drug Stores—W. P. Gault & Bro. and William S. Speer.
Physicians—Henry McCreary, S. T. Storer, I. W. Chisholm, and W. W. Pringle.
Dentist—F. H. Closman.
Veterinary Surgeon—William B. Ford. Civil Engineer—T. C. Connor. Machinist—Wlliam Alexander.
Hardware and Groceries—Joseph McKinney & Sons.
Shoe. Store—J. H. Herdman.
Furniture—James Nelson and William Grumman.
Shoe Shops—Wilkin & Paff, David G. Thompson, and T. Jenkins.
Harness Shop—John W. Miller and L. Bonnell.
Livery Stable—T. Ed. McCloud.
Carpenter—M. A. Brown, W. T. Smith, W. G. Madden, and George Madden.
Painters—James Larimore, John Caldwell, and William Todd.
Blacksmiths—T. J. Hukill, James Alexander, Alexander McKinney, and S. Johnson.
Wagon Maker—john Miller and J. D. Amspoker.
Butcher—W. Warren.
Tinner—Ira Cooper.
Undertakers—Wilson & Miller and William Grumman.
Book Store—Mrs. R. S. Campbell.
Milliners—Misses Cooper & Funk, and Miss Hattie Hanson.
Baker and Confections—William T. Griffith.
Restaurants—Mrs. Catharine Marshall, Mrs. Catharine Walker, and Mrs. S. A. Noble.
Mason—William McDonald. Brickmaker—William Sherlock.
Barber—F. Curtis.
Silver Cornet Band—Leader, H. H. Wilkin ; assistant, T. F. Gault ; Warren McKinney, M. A. Brown, E. H. Speer, James Porter, W. S. Speer, W. G. Madden, S. H. Harper, M. L. Harper, Joseph Ramsey', William Miller, and James Harper.
CHURCHES.
New Concord United Presbyterian Church was originally known as "Crooked Creek Church," the first meeting-house being situated about one mile southwest of the village of New Concord. It was connected with what was then known as the Associate Reformed Church. Tradition says that the first Associate Reformed preaching in this county was in Judge Findley's barn, not far from the present residence of David Stormant. Rev. Alexander Calderhead was the preacher.
The Crooked Creek congregation was organized in 1812. The first stated supply was Rev. Alexander Craig. The first Elders were Judge Findley, Andrew Lorimer, -- Rambo, and James Cummins. The first settled pastor was Rev. David Proudfit. He was installed in 1824 or 1825.
In consequence of the vast territory over which the members of the congregation were scattered, preaching stations were established, seven miles north and five miles south. John Duff was chosen Elder for the north branch (now Lebanon), and David Forsyth for the south branch (now. Salt Creek).
Mr. Proudfit preached half his time at Crooked Creek, and divided the remainder equally between the two branches. Death closed his labors, in 1830.
Rev. Johnston Welsh became pastor in 1834, and resigned in 1885.
Rev. B. Waddle began his pastorate in 1836. During his incumbency the congregation reached its maximum membership.
By common consent at different times, Lebanon. Salt Creek, and East Union, were erected into separate organizations.
About 1851, steps were taken looking toward the organization of an associate church, in New Concord. Of this congregation, Rev. S. McArthur was the first preacher.
The following persons were Elders in this congregation : Robert Harper, Elijah Coulter, Joseph McCune, Matthew Cherry, Samuel Briggs, William Laro, and R. R. Moore.
Rev. James M. Henderson became pastor in 1855. After the union of the Associate, and Associate Reformed churches, it was thought best that the New Concord congregations (Associate," and "Associate Reformed"), should become one. To this end, both pastors (Waddle and Henderson); resigned. All the other officials resigned, except Samuel Cummins and Elijah Forsythe, who continued in office in order to hold the organization.
In February, 1860, Rev. James C. Murch took charge of the congregation, as pastor. He resigned in 1876. July 1, 1876, the present pastor, Rev. David Paul, D. D., commenced his pastoral labors.
Since the union of the two congregations, the following persons have acted as elders : Elijah Forsythe, Samuel Cummins, Joseph Harper, Samuel Harper, William Patterson, James A. Miller, William McClure, J. L. Patterson, John Speer, and James Nelson.
The present membership is about three hundred. Recently, five deacons were chosen, and ordained, namely : B. Marshall, J. L. Boyd, Andrew Caldwell, Wilson White, and I. W. Chisholm.
The New Concord Presbyterian Church was formerly located one mile south of New Concord,
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and was known as the Pleasant Hill Church. Its origin was as follows :
In 1804, Rev. John Wright preached at the house of John Reasoner, on the southeast quarter of section ten. Other ministers preached occasionally until about 1818, when Rev. James Robinson organized a church. Mr. Robinson was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Baldridge, in 1819. At this time, services were held in houses and barns, and sometimes in a tent at Pleasant Hill Spring. It was during Mr. Baldridge's ministry that the first church was erected. It was a frame, forty feet square, two stories high, and stood on Mr. Reasoner's land, near the old "Zane road." In 1823, Dr. Baldridge moved West, and from 1823 to 1827, the church had no regular pastor. Rev. M. Clark holding communion services in 1825, and Rev. Mr. McMillen, in 1826.
In the year 1827, Rev. James Arbuthnot was ordained, and installed pastor of the churches of Pleasant Hill and Salt Creek, and on the 27th of October, 1829, he organized the church at Norwich, of which he also became pastor, and remained in this connection till 1830.
Rev. Samuel Wilson was ordained, and installed as pastor over the united churches of Pleasant Hill, Salt Creek, and Norwich, April 5, 1832, giving to each one-third of his time, and receiving from each one-third of his salary, of $400. This arrangement continued for seven years, when Pleasant Hill and Norwich each applied for one-half of his time, and Mr. Wilson was released from Salt Creek. He continued in this relation until April 28, 1868, thirty-six years, and only dissolved his connection when forced to do so by the infirmities of age.
In the year 1849, this congregation re-built and enlarged the church, completing it in 1850.
After Mr. Wilson's resignation, Rev. N. C. Helfrich became pastor, and served until October 25, 1874.
Rev. Faris Brown became stated supply for the united charge September 10, 1875, and was installed pastor and still continues in that relation.
In the year 1872, a new site having been obtained in the village of New Concord, a new church building was erected thereon at a cost of $4,000.
The name was changed from Pleasant Hill, to that of New Concord, by an act of the Presbytery.
The following is a list of Elders and Deacons of this church from its organization to the present.
The Elders were as follows :
1818—John Reasoner, Solomon Adams, David Hammond.
1819—John Connor, John Shaw, Benjamin Reasoner Enoch Rush.
1827—William Hunter.
1832—Abraham Pollock.
1833—Robert McGee.
1841—James Bell.
1844—Isaac Storer, Robert Hunter.
1854—George Walters, Jesse Wortman, Nathan Reasoner.
1862—Alex. McKinney, Peter Reasoner, Thomas Conner, Joseph Ainspoker.
1872—Robert Cariens, Andrew H. Marshall.
1877—Stuart Speer, John St. Clair, Robert Daugherty.
The Deacons were as follows :
1844—Jesse Wortman, John Milholland, Robert Comin.
1854—John Whitaker, Peter Reasoner, Sam'l. Pollock, Alexander McKinney.
1862—John Shaw, Robert Speer.
1872—John Halstead, Charles P. Morgan, William P. Gault, James Noble.
The present membership of this church is one hundred and forty-five. During the sixty-two years of its history it has had five pastors and twenty-six ruling elders.
NEW CONCORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1836, a small class met in the school house at New Concord, with Andrew Magee, as Leader. They continued to meet in the school house until 1850, when they met in the College building.
In 1859, a frame church, 36x44, was erected at New Concord, and dedicated by Rev. D. P. Mitchell.
The present number of members is fifty.
Leaders—William Alexander and V. C. Jenkins.
Stewards—Robert Campbell and Joseph McKinney.
Preacher in charge—Rev. William Peregoy.
NEW CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized by Rev. George C. Sedgwick, September 20th, 1829, at Norwich, Muskingum county, Ohio.
The names of the original members are as follows :
Isaiah Miller, Esther Miller, Elizabeth Fowles, James Fulk, Matilda Fulk, Fannie Bradford, Sarah Williams, Rebecca Bond, Mary Bond, Sophia Williams, and Emily Williams.
The first Pastor was Rev. William Rees, suc- seeded by Rev's. William Spencer, Mr. McGowen, William Marz, B. Y. Seigfried, Hugh Brown, Amos Pratt, R. H. Sedgwick, B. Allen, W. D. Seigfried, B. Y. Seigfried, C. H. Gunter, G. W. Churchill, S. C. Tussing, J. C. Skinner, James Herbert, and C. C. Erwin.
In 1860, this congregation built a new church, (frame,) 44x54, at New Concord, and dedicated the same in 1861. It cost S2,500.
The maximum number of members is eighty. Present number of members, fifty-one.
The present officials are as follows : Treasurer—James Wilson.
Clerk—W. T. Smith.
Trustees—J. S. McKinney, W. T. Smith, J. H. Dague, Frank Hancock, and J. M. Parkhill. Deacons—J. S. McKinney, Harrison Dye, and J. H. Dague.
Present Pastor—Rev. Charles C. Erwin.
This church has ordained two ministers, W.
MUSKINGUM COLLEGE, NEW CONCORD, OHIO.
MUSKINGUM COLLEGE was chartered in 1837. Reverends Robert Wallace, Samuel Wilson, B. Waddle, D. D., Daniel McLane and Messrs. Andrew Lorimer, John Jamison, John McKinney, John Hull and William Finley were the incorporators. The College was founded in the interests of Christian education. Leading Christian men of all denominations in the community united their efforts to secure the education of young men designed for the ministry and other learned professions. In later years the privileges enjoyed by young men have been extended to young women.
The first building was destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt. In 1873 an addition 45x70 was erected in front of the old building. Both are now in good repair.
The number of students in attendance, at first small, has steadily increased. The catalogue number for the year ending June 22d, 1882, was 189. The Fall session of the present year marks a gain of eighteen over the same term of the preceding year. Between two and three hundred young men and women have graduated from this institution. About one hundred of these have entered the Christian ministry, and are now laboring both in this country and in foreign lands. Her Alumni are also well represented in the other professions. It is estimated that at least two thousand students have been in attendance during the forty-five years of her existence. It will be seen that Muskingum College has been closely inwrought into the life and prosperity of Muskingum and adjoining counties.
The following persons have served as Presidents of the College : Rev. B. Waddle, D. D., Rev. S. Wilson, Rev. D. A. Wallace, D. D., LL. D., Rev. John Milligan, Rev. S. G. Irvine, D. D., Rev. S. McArthur, Rev. J. P. Lytle, D. D. (pro tern.), Rev. H. P. McClurkin, D. D. (pro tem.), Rev. L. B. W. Shryock, Rev. D. Paul, D. D., and Rev. F. M. Spencer.
Until 1877 Muskingum College was simply a local college. At that date she was transferred to the care of the United Presbyterian Presbyteries of Muskingum and Mansfield. In October of 1882 the Synod of Ohio of the United Presbyterian Church voted to accept the care and control of the College. Her doors will, however, still be open to students of all denominations.
It is expected that the endowment of the College will be largely increased during 1883, enabling her to do more and better work than ever before.
President F. M. Spencer will cheerfully give any additional information.
FACULTY.
Rev. F. M. Spencer, President, and Professor of Hebrew, and Mental, Moral and Political Philosophy.
Rev. David Paul, D. D., Vice President (elect).
Rev. J. A. Gray, A. M., Professor of Mathematics.
T. H. Paden, A. M., Professor of Latin and Greek Languages.
John McBurney, A. M., Professor of Natural Sciences.
H. McCreary, M. D., Adjunct Professor of Natural Sciences.
Mary Miller, A. M., Teacher of French and German.
J. S. Moffatt, Latin Tutor.
Prof. S. T. Wallace, A. M., Principal of the Department of Music.
Jennie McCartney, Assistant Teacher of Music.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 421
D. Seigfried and C. C. Erwin, and licensed two others, W. B. Watson and W. H. McKinney.
NORWICH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The "class" from which this church sprang, was originally organized at the house of Martin McCloud, in Perry township, and when Mr. McCloud, in 1827, moved to Union township, his house still continued to be the place of meeting.
The first class was composed of Martin McCloud and wife, Phillip Richcreek and wife, Israel Jennings and wife, Father" Speck and wife, Mrs. R. Hardesty and two daughters, Thomas Cookston and wife, Lewis Virden and wife, William Jennings and wife, Rev. Manning Putnam, (a local preacher,) Mrs. Lloyd and two daughters, Enos Jennings and wife, Mrs. Pass- more, Peter Bowers, Enoch Marple and wife, Sarah Self, and Delphi McCloud.
Phillip Richcreek was the first Leader, fol- lowed by Israel Jennings.
During 1829-30, a church, (brick,) 3ox40, was 'erected on lot fifty-one, in the town of Norwich, which stood until 1842, when it was taken down and a new brick structure, 40x60, erected in its stead.
The present number of members is one hun- dred and thirty-four.
Leaders—Joseph Kelly, Samuel Mock and William Jennings.
Stewards—James C. Wilson, Jesse Hendershot, and J. F. Jennings.
Preacher in charge—Rev. William Peregoy.
NORWICH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized October 27th, 1828, by Rev. James Arbuthnot, under authority granted by the Presbytery of Lancaster, Ohio. This organization was mainly composed of members from the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church. Its first pastor was Rev. James Arbuthnot, whose pastorate continued about two years. The orig- inal Elders elected, were Robert Miller, John Jamison, John Wycoff, and William McLaughlin.
The first Trustees were : Robert Miller, John McCurdy, John Wycoff, Peter Galliger, John Crawford, and Benjamin Wortman,
In August, 1831, a call was extended to Rev. .Samuel Wilson, and he was installed pastor, April 5th, 1832. Mr. Wilson continued his pastorate until April 28th, 1868, a period of thirty-six years, when he resigned on account of ill health.
May 17th, 1870, Rev. N. C. Helfrich was called, and installed November 3d, 1870. The pastoral relation between Rev. Mr. Helfrich and his church, was dissolved in October, 1874.
Rev. Faris Brown became stated supply, Sep- tember loth, 1875, and November 21st, 1876, was installed as pastor, which relation he still continues.
This congregation first worshiped in a small frame house, and in the year 1839, a brick meeting house, 45x65, was built at the west end of the town of Norwich, which stood until 1852, when it was replaced by the present frame structure.
The following is a list of Elders, with date of installation
1828. Robert Miller, John Jamison, John Wycoff, William McLaughlin.
1841. Jacob Glessner, John Miller.
1854. Prestly Hastings, Ezra Lyle, James Day.
1861. Robert Dain, Robert Buchanan, Geo. Miller.
1872. Alfred Taylor, A. M. Glessner.
The following is a list of Deacons, with date of installation :
1854. Robert Dain, Andrew Geyer, Leslie Armstrong, Joseph Sellers, James Hastings.
1861. Prestly McCloud, James Gibson.
1872. C. F. Glessner, Jesse Wortman, Benjamin Wortman.
The present number of members is one hun- dred and eighty-five, the child having outgrown the parent church.
During the fifty-two years of its history, this church has had four, pastors and fourteen ruling Elders.
NORWICH UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized June 8th, 1862, by a committee appointed by the Presbytery, consisting of Rev. G. W. Goudy and Elders Joseph Harper and Samuel Lee.
The original members were, Samuel Hadden and wife, and John, their son, Joseph White and Jane, his daughter, John Henderson and wife, with their sons, Clark and John A., and Julia, their daughter, William Walker and wife, Mrs. Ray, and Richard, her son, James Hastings and wife, John M. Lorimer and wife, Mary and Jane McWhorter, Robert Young and wife, with his son, William, and daughters Eliza, Mary Ann and Nancy, William Wilson and wife, and daughter, Mary, Dr. McCandless and wife, Matthew Cherry and wife, S. P. Moore, Mary Ann Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Robert Moore and wife, and John J. White and wife.
The ruling Elders were Samuel Hadden, John Henderson and William Walker.
The first pastor was Rev. J. R. Boyd, who was succeeded by Dr. David Paul. Rev. S. M. Hutcheson served a short time, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. W. S. Harper. In June, 1878, Rev. E. A. Huston was installed as pastor, and still officiates.
In 1863, a church was erected on lot 11, in the town of Norwich ; a frame, 40x50, at a cost of $1,800. Maximum number of members in 1879, was one hundred and nine.
Present officials—Ruling Elders Joseph White, William Thompson, Dr. R. M. Bainter, David Young, J. R. Starrett, Samuel Hadden and William Walker.
Deacons—John Lorimer, Joseph White and John Cherry.
Trustees—J. G. Starrett, J. A. Henderson, Findley Richie, R. G. Young and John Nixon.
422 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in Union township was taught by Nicholas Reasoner. He was no pedantic pedagogue, who,
" With words of learned length and thundering sound, Amazed the gazing rustics ranged around,"
But a man suited to the time and occasion, who understood the needs of the hour, and strove to fill a place that, without him, would have been vacant, in the history of civilization.
The old school-house, a primitive affair, stood on the southeast quarter of section ten, near the old Wheeling road.
Rev. James Robinson was the next schoolteacher, and after him, came Robert Ardary, followed by the Lorimers.
These rude cabins and primitive teachers have long since passed away, but they have left an impress upon the community not easily effaced.
In the year 1820, a Presbyterian Church was erected on the southeast quarter of section ten, on the land of John Reasoner, near the old Wheeling road. This church'was a frame building, forty feet square, and two stories high. One of these stories was designed for, and used as an academy, where the youth of the community might receive more than a common school education. This was the pioneer academy of eastern Muskingum. Who the teachers were, or how long it continued in operation, is not now known.
We next find an academy in operation in the town of New Concord, under the superintendence of Rev. A. M. Black. This school was successfully conducted until it finally ultimated
in Muskingum College.
MUSKINGUM COLLEGE.
This institution occupies a beautiful location just north of the village of New Concord, and overlooks that town. The original act of incorporation is dated March 13th, 1837.
The first Board of Directors was composed of Robert Wallace, Samuel Wilson, Benjamin Waddle, Daniel McLane, Andrew Lorimer, John Jamison, John McKinney, John Hull, and William Findley. The ground for the building was deeded to this Board and their successors in office, by William and Janet Findley, May Loth, 1838.
The first building wrs erected during the summer of 1838. It was of brick, forty feet square, two stories high, and cost $2,479. This building was nearly destroyed by fire in 185o, and was immediately rebuilt--the college classes reciting elsewhere, in the interim.
In 1874, a new front was erected, forty by seventy, making the entire building seventy by ninety—large enough to accommodate one hundred and fifty students—this last addition costing ten thousand dollars.
The following is a list of those who have served as President of the college, and the term of their service :
Rev. B. Waddle, from 1837 to 18338.
Rev. S. Wilson, from 1838 to 1846.
Rev. D. A. Wallace, D.D. LL.D., from 1846 to 1848.
Rev. John Milligan, from 1848 to 1849.
Rev. Samuel G. Irvine, D.D., from 1849 to 1851.
Rev. Samuel McArthur, from 1851 to 1855
Rev. Benjamin Waddle, from 1855 to 1859.
Rev. J. P. Lytle, D.D., pro tempore.
Rev. H. P. McClurkin, D.D., pro tempore.
Rev. S. B. Shryock, from 1861 to 1864.
Rev. David Paul, D.D., from 1864 to 1879.
Rev. F. M. Spencer, from 1879 to --.
Seventeen students are reported to have been in attendance the first year. During the present year, one hundred and forty-eight have received instruction, with an average attendance of about one hundred. Besides the usual college curriculum, this institution includes Hebrew, and pays special attention to music—both vocal and instrumental. The Scientific Course now requires four years of study, and the Classical, six years.
One hundred and eighty-six students have received diplomas, one hundred and thirty-three of these graduating in the Classical Department.
Until 1876, the college was under the fostering care of the several denominations represented in the community. At that time, the entire management of the college was transferred to a Board of Trustees, nominated by. the Presbyteries of Muskingum and Mansfield, of the United Presbyterian Church. Since then, twelve thousand dollars of an endowment fund has been raised, and it is confidently expected that it will soon, by additional endowments, be placed upon a firm financial basis.
The following persons constitute the present Faculty and Board of Trustees of the college :
Rev. F. M. Spencer, President, and Professor of Hebrew, and. Mental, Moral and Political Philosphy.
Rev. J. A. Gray, A.M., Professor of Mathematics.
T. H. Paden, A.M., Professor of Latin and Greek Languages.
Rev. R. I. Miller, Professor of Natural Sciences.
H. McCreary, M.D., Adjunct Professor of Natural Sciences.
Mary Miller, A.M., Teacher of French and German.
Prof. S. T. Wallace, Principal of the Department of Music.
Emma M. McClurkin, B.S., Assistant Teacher of Music.
Board of Trustees.—Rev. D. H. French, President, Mansfield, Ohio ; H. McCleary, Secretary,
New Concord, Ohio ; S. Harper, Treasurer, New Concord, Ohio ; W. H. Cockins, Zanesville, Ohio ; W. Dickson, De Kalb, Ohio1 Rev. T. P. Dysart, Utica, Ohio ; John Finney, Mansfield, Ohio ; Rev. John Comin, D.D., Rixville, Ohio ; Rev. J. P. Lytle, D.D., Sago, Ohio;
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 423
R. B. Maxwell, Mansfield, Ohio ; James McKin- ney, New Concord, Ohio ; Rev. J. W. Martin, North Salem, Ohio ; Alex. Speer, New Concord, Ohio ; Rev. James White, Mt. Perry, Ohio ; Robert Wilkin, Londonderry, Ohio ; Rev. W. Wishart, D.D., Ontario, Ohio ; Rev. David Paul, D.D., New Concord, Ohio ; Colonel R. G. Brown, Lexington, Ohio.
Executive Committee—F. M. Spencer, President ex-offcio ; H. McCleary, M.D., Secretary; S. Hamer, Rev. John Comin, D.D., Rev. J. P. Lytle, D.D., Alex. Speer.
The following is a list of the graduates of Mus- kingum College for 1880 :
Artemas M. Bogle, A.B., Mt. Perry, Ohio ; John K. Henry, A.B., Lancaster, Ohio ; Melancthon T. Huston, A.B., Mt. Perry, Ohio ; Hugh T. Jackson, A.B., New Concord, Ohio ; James A. Lawrence, A.B., Cambridge, Ohio ; William C. Paden, A.B., New Concord, Ohio ; Lou. M. Hadden, B.S., Norwich Ohio ; George W. Jennings, B.S., Norwich, Norwich, ; Frank L.
St. Clair, B.S., Cumberland, Ohio ; Miss Flora J. Anderson, B.S., Milnersville,Ohio ; Miss Anna
K. Comin, B.S., Rixville, Ohio; Miss Mary M. Paden, B.S., New Concord, Ohio ; Miss Mary J. Shepherd, B.S.; Freeland, Ohio.
Muskingum College has been fortunate in its location, The people of New Concord, and vicinity, are stanch, earnest friends of education, while the morals and intelligence of the com- munity are above the average.
NEW CONCORD GRADED SCHOOL.
This building was erected during 1878-79. It is a neat and tasty structure ; material, brick, size, 40x70 feet. Two stories high, and containing four rooms, with a seating capacity for two hundred pupils ; cost $8,000 ; attendance last term, one hundred and twenty. Principal, J. K. Watson. Wages paid, fifty dollars per month for the Principal, and thirty, and twenty-five dollars, respectively, to the assistants.
Norwich graded school is located near the Methodist Episcopal Church. The building is frame, two stories high, twenty-four by forty- ight feet ; built in 1874. James M. Starrett, Principal. Wages, two dollars per day.
The first Sunday School was organized in 1827, at Norwich, by A. S. Rau. It was a .'"Union" school.
Captain Samuel McCune held the first school exhibition in Union township.
SOCIETY OF INQUIRY.
Norwich Society of Inquiry was organized in January, 1878, and, as its title indicates, is one of research into the hidden mysteries of science, art, and historic lore.
President—G. H. Miller.
Recording Secretary—J. L. Geyer, M. D.
Corresponding Secretary—George L. Foley.
Treasurer—R. Y. Young.
The officers of this society are gentlemen of intelligence and energy, and the character of its members is a sufficient guaranty.of its future success. Its motto should be : "Ad astra per asperum"—to the stars through difficulties.
POSTOFFICES.
The first postoffice in the township was estab- lished at the house of Colonel John Reynolds, on the Wheeling road. He was succeededby John McDonald ( familiarly known as "Fox McDonald").
When the stage route was transferred to the National road, Mr. McDonald moved to Norwich, and kept the first office in that town. He lived,at the time, on lot nineteen, where the store of C. C. Taylor now stands, in which the pres- ent postoffice is kept.
Mr. McDonald was succeeded by Lewis Virden, he, by Horatio Chandler. Then Came Hezekiah Maxfield, and John Tudor, followed by L. D. Stone, 1861, and Dr. J. L. Geyer, in 1876.
Charles C. Taylor, the present incumbent, was appointed April 23, 1880.
This office is in "class four.
A postoffice was established at New Concord,. in 1829, with Joseph McKinney as postmaster. He held the office sixteen years, and was succeeded in 1845. by William McClain, who was succeeded by Noble Kelly. Ichabod Drurnmon followed him, in 1860, and held the office until May, 1864, when Joseph McKinney, the present incumbent was appointed.
New Concord office, is a "money order office," and does a yearly postoffice order business of $20,000. It ranges in "class four." Compensation, $400.
Sundale postoffice was established at the railroad depot, near Norwich, in April, 1880. J. P. Kelly, postmaster.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Baldridge was the first resident physician in the township. He dates back to 1818.
After him came Dr's. Hull, Holsten, Berry, Matthew McConnell, James D. Cunningham, Jame Bell, and George W. Pringle. These practiced in New Concord. Bell left in 1869, and Pringle died in 1876.
When Norwich was laid out in 1827,Samuel and James Lorimer, brothers, built in the town, and practiced there. Samuel died in 1833, and James in 1834. Dillon and Strahl were 'Also early prac- tioners.
Dr. A. B. McCandless came in 1857, and left in 1865. Dr. L. H. Gratigny came in 186o, and left the same year. Dr. Henry McCreary came• in 1866, and is still practicing at New Concord.
Dr. Joseph Moorehead, and John Law, were practicing in Norwich, in 1867, but Moorehead left in 1867, and Law in 1868. Dr's. Mitchell and Shillito, also practiced in Norwich.
Dr. Joseph L. Geyer commenced in 1869, and Dr. R. M.Bainter, in 1877. Both are still residents of Norwich, and enjoy a lucrative practice. New Concord boasts an able corps of physicians.
424 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
Dr. Henry McCreary came in 1869, Dr. Isaac W. Chisholm, in 1874, S. T. Storer, M. D., in 1878, and Dr. W. W. Pringle, in 1879.
Allopathy is the only school of medicine represented in Union township.
MILITARY.
Joseph McCune served as a Captain in the war of 1812, and distinguished himself as an aid to General Harrison. He died at Otsego, Monroe township, in 1838.
Isaiah Carr was also a soldier of 1812. He still resides on the old homestead, on the northeast quarter of section five, in the enjoyment of the proper uses of his mental faculties.
Samuel Cummins, another veteran of 1812, resides on the National road, one mile west of the town of New Concord, and at the age of eighty-nine, still lingers on the shores of time, waiting for "taps."
UNION TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEERS, 1861-5.
Company A, Fifteenth Regiment O. V. I.—Captain, James C. Cummins ; First Lieutenant,
C. Reasoner ; Second Lieutenant, S. T. Storer.
Sergeants—T. Newton Hanson, A.S. Hadden, Jas. S. Bovd, Jos. McKinney, Oliver S. Langon.
Corporals—James Dumer, William S. Scott, Hugh M.Cox, John B. Galbraith, Charles W. Bailey, Carson E. Madden, James Galiher, Wlliam H. Ogg.
Privates—Wm. Alexander, James W. Anderson, Levi Boyer, Benjamin B. Briggs, Joseph S. Brown, Robert B. Brown, John Brown, James T. Case, Jacob Campbell, Wilson Cavev, Thomas B. Cherry, Matthew Cherry, John G. Decker, William Dodds, Samuel Evans, William Ferguson, Samuel B. Few, John D. Fleming, Lewis Forsyth, Peter G. Gardner, George A. Gardner, Hugh Gormley, John S. Gregory, Samuel R. Guthrie, William Guthrie, Jesse Hackett, James D. Hadden, Robert Hammond, Johnson Hammond, Adam Hammond, Emmet Hart, John Hartong, William H. Hatfield, Wm. L. Henderson, James W. Howell, Lloyd H. Jones, Jacob Krissinger, Benona Ledman, Jas. Little, John Masters, John Mercer, John Mitchell, Francis Mount, John W. McCrea, John S. McKinney, James M. McKinney, Charles E. Mc- Kinney, John A. McKinney, W. T. McKinney, John A. Nelson, Samuel L. Patterson, John D. Patterson, J. M. Patterson, James Paxton, Wm. I. Permar, Thomas Ramsey, Samuel Rankin, Charles L. Reeder, William Rice, William E. Richey, Samuel Robb, Frank Schreiber, N. A. Smith, William R. Stewart, Thomas W. Skinner, R. W. Thompson, Jas. C. Thompson, Samuel M. Thompson, W. B. White, Isaac B. White, Harvey White, Josiah Whitaker, E. O. Wilhelm, Samuel Williams, James Wilson, John W. Wilson, David Wilson, William Lee Wolf, Joseph Wood, Isaac Wiley, G. Wiley, Conyers Wiley.
The following is a list of Union Township Volunteers who served in the Seventy-eighth O. V.I. :
Joseph L. Geyer, M.D., Steward ; Gabriel H. Holland, James T. Caldwell, Jr., John B. Dougherty, Hiram Moorhead, Charles S. Wiley, John A. Henderson, Thomas Reasoner, Henry Taylor, Henry S. Chambers, H. A. McDonald, First Lieutenant ; Alexander U. P. Hagar, Second Lieutenant ; Samuel H. Vankirk, (promoted to Captain) ; Benjamin F. Tudor, William Gages, Philip Gibbons, William Hadden, Samuel Taylor, Albert G. Gault, William P. Gault, Robert Hancon, (killed) ; Samuel Hurrel, (died in prison) ; Levi Hammond. Clinton Jenkins, Jesse M. Moorhead, Joseph Moorhead, Joseph E. McKinney, Joseph Reibardine, John Stoner, (discharged for disability), Solomon Urban, Joseph Vankirk, Wesley West, Alfred Wymer, (promoted to Second-Lieutenant), Lewis H. Wall. David Cherry, John A. McKinney, Oliver P. Yaw, David R. Yaw.
AGRICULTURE.
Union township is essentially an agricultural district, but has no organized agricultural soci- ety. The surface is comparatively smooth and easy of cultivation. The soil is productive, and the farmers in good circumstances.
Wheat and corn were formerly regarded A the staple articles of production, but of late these have given way to wool and stock.
Fine wool is now the principal article of ex- port. Several fine .flocks of sheep are to be found ; among them are Hadden's, Perkins', and Wortman's.
The rearing of thoroughbred short-horned cattle, has also received considerable attention. Mr. James Perkins having on his farm quite a number of "pedigreed and registered" animals..
The township is drained on the east by Crooked Creek, on the south by White Eyes Creek, and on the west by Self's Run. Springs are rtumer, ous, there being no less than One hundred and twenty-five springs in the township, and water for stock abundant. The streams, however, are small, not affording any available water power.
TIMBER.
The prevailing kinds of timber are : White. oak, black oak, red oak, rock oak, walnut, butternut, poplar, hickory, maple, elm, gum, beech, buckeye, sycamore, cherry, sassafras, iron wood, dog wood, and mulberry.
MINERALS.
No minerals of consequence have been dis- covered, and even coal has been but slightly developed.
Store of A. SPEER & SON, New Concord, Ohio.
(Advertizing)
IN 1837, on the site of the present merchandise store of H. H. Wilkins, Mr. Speer, a native of Guernsey county, opened out as a dealer in boots, shoes, clothing, and a general line of merchandise. New Concord then boasted but a small population; but the little country store around the corner prospered, and its proprietor gradually accumulated a share of this world's goods. In 1855 he bought a third enterprise, the old Finley & Patterson grist mill, of which he became sole owner in 1860. He is still in active business, and justly ranks among the most progressive business men of the place. Since 1859, with the exception of time spent in the United States service, as private and ranking officer, S. Speer, son of the above pioneer, has been associated with the house, in which he became a partner in 1870.
Store and Dwelling of H. H. WILKIN, NEW CONCORD, OHIO
THE above-named gentleman ranks among the leading merchants of New Concord. In 1875 he located at the intersection of Main and Liberty streets, having purchased a half interest with the late Henry C. McDonald. Together they continued in a general merchandise business until 1878, when Mr. Wilkin purchased the entire stock. From this time until the destructive conflagration of August, 1881, quite an extensive business was transacted. The building formerly occupying the present site was a substantial frame, uninsured, and the fire proved a trying ordeal for the young aspirant for commercial honors. Immediately afterward, Mr. Wilkins completed on the site of the ruins the present establishment. Here, in his new and commodious quarters, he solicits the continued patronage of his old customers, and kindly welcomes the new.