PRE-HISTORIC RECORD-MOUND BUILDERS-FIRST WHITE SETTLERS-FIRST ROAD-BRUSH CREEK ROAD-FIRST BRIDGE-FIRST BLACKSMITH-A HUNTER'S EXTREMITY-CARPENTERS-PHYSICIANS-FIRST SAWMILL-DAM ACROSS BRUSH

CREEK - GRISTMILLS TANNERIES - FIRST SCHOOL-" THE CLASS OF 1814" -FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP-TOPOGRAPHY-SOIL-THE POTTER'S ART-CANNEL COAL-IRON-SALT-FIRST JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND SUCCESSORS -FIRST SALT WELL-LUTHERAN CHURCH-LUTHERANS AND PRESBYTERIANS BUILD A CHURCH

- CHANGE IN SYNODICAL CONNECTION - FIRST DISTILLERY-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- PIONEER STORE-ANTIOCH UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH-ZOAR BAPTIST CHURCH-AMITY SUNDAY SCHOOL-STOVERTOWN-CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION-FIRST BRICK-FIRST POST ROUTE-GEOLOGY.

The history of this township has, in addition to the usual-historic data, that revive old time memories, and enable the pioneers yet on the stage of action, to live over the scenes that inspired their earlier life, become henceforth the most notable in the county, and gained a place in the Archaelogical world,. that invests it with no ordinary importance. As, whoever is interested in the mound builder's history can not fail to consider the peculiar topography as inviting that peculiar people to its hills, and valleys, 'especially will they desire to study the remains they left in this township, in connection with those in other parts of the State, and in other parts of the United States, that, though prehistoric, are yet in a sense classic ground. The mound builder chapter in this work will be found a compilation from the most distinguished writers on the subject ; and of such importance that it is assigned a special place in this work.

The first settler, in modern parlance, was George Swingle, a native of Saxony, in Germany. He was born July 4, 1756, and at the age of sixteen entered the army , in which he served eight years, and during which period his parents died. When his term of service was ended, he sailed for America, and located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in shoemaking, which he seems to have taken up, without learning the art from a master. Here he married Mary Magdalene Dietrich, and continued to reside there until 1810, when, accompanied by his son, Nicholas, he started for "the northwest country," and halted in the region now known as Brush Creek township, where he concluded to settle, on the farm now occupied by Solomon Swingle. After selecting this place, he left his son to prepare a shelter for them, whilst he returned to Pennsylvania for the remainder of the family ; and Nicholas, with the neighbors help, erected a cabin, into which the family domiciled soon after. The journey thither was through the wilderness, then inhabited by savages and wild beasts, and it is an ind-

ication of the heroism that characterized Mr. Swingle and the pioneers of that day, that they braved these dangers and attained not only the mastery over both, but converted these wild lands into productive fields, and gardens. Those were the days that tried men's souls in the most literal sense, for they had to create all the means of the comfort they enjoyed ; and to contend with the ravages of the raccoon and squirrel, who wantonly appropriated their corn, as if it had been planted for them. Mr. Swingle never became discouraged, however ; during his first year he made a barrel of maple sugar, and a barrel of molasses ; for coffee they substituted parched corn, and for tea they used sassafras root bark. During the second year, they built a hewed log house, the first in the township, and they abandoned the one built by Nicholas ; they also built a barn and set out an orchard, and planted wheat. George Swingle died on this place, October 28th, 1844, honored and beloved by all who knew him. His wife survived him two years. The only surviving members of his family, are : Samuel, who lives in Harrison township, and Elizabeth Willis, who lives in Clark county. Illinois—the latter in her eighty-second year.

Among the pioneers who came prior to 1820, and soon after Mr. George Swingle, were Thomas

Davidson, Balsor Dietrich, David Woodruff, Simmons, Samuel Whitaker, Lewis Whitaker, Archibald Buchanan, Thomas B. McConnell, John McConnell, Joseph Showers, James Brown, Joseph Hudson, Lewis Hudson, John Boyd, John Worstall, John Hopkins, James Hopkins, Christian Baughman, E. Longshore, David Woodruff, Virginia David, Martin Adams, Adam Leffler, Jacob and Henry Stain-brook, Henry Dozer, Zedekiah Butt, J. Worstall, John Brighton, Abner Brelsford, John M. Carlisle, Robert Crook, William Thompson, William McElhany, Michael Wiseman, Peter Shepard, and " Abe." Stanbrook, r.

The first necessity, after securing shelter and provisions, was a road, and the road was surveyed by . Beckwith, running the entire length of the township, from the Muskingum river to the Morgan county line, dividing the township centrally, from north to south. The date of this survey is not known ; the thoroughfare has since been known as the Brush Creek road, which it derived from the name of the stream which bears that name, and entering the township at its southern boundary, crosses northward and nearly centrally, through the township, and empties into the Muskingum river, which is fairly concealed by a brushy under growth, and hence its name.

The first bridge in this region was built across Brush Creek, by John Worstall, near the present residence of John G. McConnell. This was in an early day.

The first blacksmith to start a fire, in this township, was Thomas Davidson, who came in 1813, and remained until 1844. The sons of Vulcan who came after him, were John G. McConnell, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Harrop, and Tobias Thomas.

The pioneers, whether attracted to this region by the abundance of game of all kinds, or the salubrious climate and fertile soil, nevertheless, spent much time in the chase. Henry Dozer, Adam Leffler, and Henry Stainbrook, were so fond of this occupation, ,that they were generally spoken of as "the hunters."

On one occasion, Henry Dozer found a "bear tree," that is, a hollow stump, of considerable height, within which a pair of the ursus Americanus had made their home, and, at this time, had cubs, which had been left to themselves, while the parents had gone in quest of food.

Mr. Dozer, feeling safe from molestation, captured the cubs, and was making off with them, when Madam Bruin's anxious ear heard their • cry and she-hastened to their rescue, and so hot ly did she pursue the invader of her home and the would-be despoiler of her family circle, that Mr. Dozer was compelled to release the bear babies, and to defend himself as best he could with his rifle. Being in ;very -"close quarters,"- he thrust the muzzle of his gun into her mouth, which she seized in her teeth and almost wrenched it from him, and struck it so violently with her paws that it was with difficulty he could retain. his hold of it ; but he 'suceeded in discharging the contents of the gun into her brain, which quieted her excitement and saved Mr. Dozer from her fatal embrace. He then had all the bear meat he wanted, and the cubs, beside. The gun barrel shows the marks of her teeth, and how certainly Madam .Bruin could have crushed his bones.

Another of this trio, "caught in his own trap," came near perishing for want of help to get out. Having made a pit and covered it with branches, in the usual way, he thought to try it, and it worked. so 'well that he was precipitated to the bottom, from whence he could not return, and thus found himself imprisoned, thirty miles from the nearest human habitation, and with abundant opportunity to realize "how it was himself"—to be trapped. There he remained, despite every effort to get out, and, having been there nearly three days, he was almost resigned to his fate, when Henry Stainbrook happened to pass near, and heard his feeble cry, and rescued him. The fear of starvation, or being devoured by wild beasts, had greatly exhausted him.

Black bears were so numerous that Henry Stainbrook killed two from a beech tree, not More than half a mile from his cabin home. This was on the farm now owned by William S. Swingle. He cut his name and the year of this occurrence— 1815—in the bark of the tree, and they remain visible to this day.

The first carpenters were George Swingle, the Second, and Joseph Showers. The first carpenter work done in the township, was for George

Swingle, the First. [This designation signified their priority of coming, and fixed their individuality.]

The first physician was Doctress Addison, who "practiced through all this region," and carried her bag of roots and herbs like "the great medicine men" of that day, and was warmly welcomed at every fireside. This was about 1813.

The first sawmill was built by Samuel Stover, who built a dam across Brush creek, and thus found water power to propel his mill, in 1813. He added a gristmill, in 1819. In 1827 and 1829, new mills were built, on the old foundations, on the site afterwards occupied by John E. McCoy's tannery, in Stovertown.

The first school in this township was taught by David Woodruff, Sr., during the winter of 1814, in a log house, erected on Adam Baughman's farm, by George Swingle ; this farm is now the home of J. S. Baughman. Among the scholars taught by Mr. Woodruff, were, of "The Class of 1814," John Swingle, Samuel Swingle, Mary and Margaretta Swingle,. Elizabeth Dietrich, Reuben, Lewis, and Ruth Whittaker, David and Lewis Stockdale, Elizabeth and Sarah Stover, James Bridgener, Stephen, Nathan, and Hannah Woodruff, Joseph Hudson, Thomas Davidson, Balsor Stover, and Edwin Erwin.

The schools of this period are under the management of our common school system, and supplied with comfortable houses, distributed over the township, where they meet the wants of the population most advantageously. they are nine in number : total attendance, 464.

The first tanner was Archibald Buchanan, who located on the bank of Turkey run, about 1815, on land now owned by John Aston, and operated by John E . McCoy and Upton Lybarger in Stovertown.

"A petition was presented by a number of the inhabitants of Harrison township, praying that a new township be incorporated, viz.: Beginning at the southeast corner of section thirty-one, in township number ten, in range number thirteen ; thence north, with the range between the thirteenth and fourteenth ranges, to the northwest corner of section number six, in township number eleven, in the thirteenth range, east, to the Muskingum river ; thence, down said river, until. it intersects the range-line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges ; thence south, to the county line ; thence west, to the place of beginning, called Brush Creek township.—February loth, 1817."—[See Commissioners' Journal.]

Topographically this township is one of the most hilly and broken in the county. One of the old settlers facetiously . remarks that "we have more surface to the square mile, and can come. nearer being able to farm both sides of our land, than any other township in the lot." In ye olden time, there was a denser growth of large trees, of all kinds known to Southeastern Ohio, than in almost any other part of the State. There is a large area of good timber land now.

The valley lands are the most fertile, and, being numerous, this is accounted one of the best farming regions. The soil is very productive, even on the uplands, and is composed of clay, lime, and sand—notably well adapted for cereals. The lowlands are chiefly of a sandy loam. Sandstone is more abundant than limestone, yet . both are found in sufficient quantities for building purposes.

There are several varieties of clay, valuable for pottery, and in quantities that make this a very desirable region for the potter's art.

Iron ore has ben traced, and is supposed to abound in this township. Some specimens have been pronounced very good, but, as yet, none has been mined for use.

The first Justice of the Peace was Samuel Whitaker, who probably began to perform the duties of his office soon after the formation of the township, which was in 1817. He was succeeded by James Brown, and the following succeeded each other in the order given : William Thompson, " Zach " Baumgardner, David Butt, John Baughman, John Thompson, Robert Cummings, George Dozer, Thomas B. McConnell, Solomon Dozer, Balsor Dietrich, Thomas Showers, Abram Morrison, John Plantz, William McConnell, John Baughman, Hiram Dozer, Washington Loners, George Weaver, John Baughman and John G. McConnell.

The first salt well was bored by Thomas Moorehead in the year 1818, on the farm now owned by Martha and Joshua McConnell. This proved a success, and the business of salt making has been a prominent industry in the township for many years.

Lutheran Church.—The Rev. William Foster, an Evangelical Lutheran clergyman, visited from house to house in Brush Creek township, from 1812 to 1818, holding religious services. These visitations and services were conducted during 1818 by Rev. Andrew Hinkle and his brother, Charles. In 1819, Rev. Andrew Hinkle, assisted by Rev. Lewis Shite, organized a circuit, consisting of four or more congregations ; one near Deavertown, in Morgan county, known as the Jerusalem Church ; one in Brush Creek township; denominated St. John's Evangelical Church ; one in Roseville, and one in Fultonham, the latter

three being in Muskingum county. In 1819, the Church of St. John erected a church, two miles south of the village of Stovertown. The spot where this primitive log. church stood is now marked by a graveyard, where many of the pioneers have been laid. The first person buried there was Miss. Phebe J. Swingle, daughter of George Swingle, who died early in the year 1812. She was identified with the church while yet in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and died triumphant in the faith. There was no Lutheran minister in this region at that time, and Rev. John Goshen, of Putnam, Muskingum county, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, conducted the funeral services. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Kammerer, who began his ministerial work in 1820, and continued to serve them for sixteen years.

The Lutherans and Presbyterians united in building a church, and vacated the old log church.

This union, for the purpose of erecting a church, was in 1831 ; and the two societies worshiped without disturbance, one from the other.

The Rev. Amos Bartholomew served as pastor from 1836 to 1838, and in 1839, Rev. James Manning became the pastor. He continued to serve in the field until 1856.

In 1851, an additional lot, adjoining the one on which the church stood, was purchased. Upon this lot, the Lutherans erected a neat frame church, .36x40, and it was dedicated according to the usages of the Lutheran Church.

The Rev. John Bugan succeeded Mr. Manning in the pastorate, and remained twelve years, when the Rev. James Manning was called the second time to the pastorate. In 1872, owing to some dissensions among the members, the pastor resigned, and the pulpit was supplied from Zanesville.

In 1873, the congregation changed its synodical connection by uniting with the English District Synod of Ohio, and, at the same time, with the Zanesville Evangelical Lutheran Church, thus forming one charge.

The Zanesville congregation being in want of a pastor, the two united in calling Rev. William Ruthruff, of Akron, Ohio. This gentleman had the happiness, of seeing peace restored amid the troubled spirits. Mr. Ruthruff continued to serve these churches until May, 1876, when he was suddenly called from the church militant to the church triumphant. He left many friends to mourn his death, but who long to meet him " on that other shore."

Their next pastor, Rev. Frank Richard's, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is ministering to them, and acceptably.

In the spring of 1878, the Brush Creek congregation purchased ground adjoining the lots above mentioned, and erected a frame church of Gothic architecture, 66x40, with a steeple one hundred feet high, at an aggregate cost of $5,000. The building was dedicated the same year, and is regarded as one of the finest country churches in the State. The congregation is free from debt and in a more flourishing condition than at any previous time of its history.

The Presbyterian Church.—The first organization of the Presbyterian Church in Brush Creek township, was in 1825, by Rev. JaMes Culbertson. Services were held at the residence of Mrs. Turner, a widow lady residing on the farm since owned by James Leasure, and continued to be held there for some years.

The Presbyterians and Lutherans, Anno Domini, 1831, united for the purpose of erecting a house of worship, and at this time the Rev. Hunt was installed pastor of the Presbyterian congregation. The membership at this time consisted of Mrs. Turner, Lemuel Whitaker, David Woodruff and wife, Thomas B.McConnell and wife, Hugh Hankinson and wife, William Thompson and wife, John McCandless and wife, James French and wife, Daniel Spangler, Mary Stover and Hannah Woodruff. These good people continued in the faith and were the means of disseminating the truths of the gospel to many.

Antioch United Brethren Church.—The inception of this organization was when Royal Hastings, the first. preacher, gathered the people together and preached to them, in the house.of George Swingle, (the third,) about the year 1830. In this humble cabin he blew the Gospel trumpet with such unerring sound that they were constrained to unite the little band into an organization, and determined to hold regular meetings, and they met in that house until 1844, when a cabin was erected, on the farm of Samuel Dozer, where they worshiped until 1869, when they took possession of the commodious and neat frame church that they have continued to use to this day.

The membership, at the time of organization, consisted of Henry Dozer .and wife, John Barringer and wife, George Dozer and wife, Samuel Dozer and wife, Peter Stainbrook and wife, and Kate Davis.

Zoar Baptist Church.—This church was composed of Samuel Bagley, Joshua Breeze, Wm. Foster, Henry Hamrick, Wm. Marlow, and Sarah McCurdy, who were formerly members of churches of this denomination, and having certificates of such membership, met in school house No. 3, on Irish Ridge, Brush Creek towr1/4- ship, June 4th, 1831, and organized this church. Joshua Breeze was chosen pastor, and they continued to worship in. this school house until the spring of 1833, when the congregation found it convenient to provide a building of their own, the rough log house of the period being considered sufficiently good for this purpose, as well as for residence. They worshiped there until 1859, when it was deemed expedient to have a larger house, arid a frame structure, more commodious and ornamental, was erected, instead of the old church. This church is still in use. Their growth has been slow and steady. The membership enrolled is thirty. Those who have

served this church as pastor, succeeding Mr. Breeze, are given as follows : Joseph Sperry, Samuel Moody, Matthew Brown, Peter Ogen, John. Pritchard, J. J. Van Horn, Ephraim Barker, David Baker, Wm. Fisher, and John Croy.

This school was formed with a "Constitution and Regulations." The first article of the Constitution provided that "This Society shall be known by the name of Amity Sabbath School Association, auxiliary to the Muskingum County Union. Second. That any person contributing to the funds of this society shall be a member. Third. The affairs of this association shall be conducted by a Board, consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and the Superintendent and Secretary of the school, three of whom shall be a quorum. * * * * Fifth. The Board shall have power to call special meetings of the society, fill all vacancies which occur in their own Board, make their own By-Laws, and adopt such other measures as may, in their opinion, promote the objects of this association. Sixth. Any two members of the Board may call a special meeting, of which due notice shall be given. Seventh. The Constitution may be altered at any regular meeting of the association, with the concurrence of two- thirds of the members present. Eighth. The Superintendent of the school shall be the delegate of the association to represent it at the annual meeting of the Muskingum County Union."

Regulations.—First. This school shall be called the Amity Sunday School Union. Second. It shall open at at 9 o'clock in the morning and close at 12 ( noon) and open again at — o'clock P. M., and close at —o'clock. Third. It shall be conducted by a Superintendent, Secretary, and as many teachers as shall offer to conduct its several classes. Fourth. The Superintendent and Secretary shall be elected yearly. Fifth. The duty of the Superintendent shall be to direct the general concerns of the school, take care of the books, and see all the regulations carried into effect. The duty of the Secretary shall be to record all the proceedings of the school in the minute book and register, and shall yearly render a report of the progress and success of the school to the society. Sixth. Each teacher shall be regular and punctual in attendance, and shall not retire from the school room without permission, and if obliged to be absent, should signify it to the Superintendent, and, if possible, procure a substitute to instruct his class. Seventh. Teachers shall maintain order in their several classes by the most temperate measures. They shall deliver all disorderly scholars to the Superintendent, whose duty it shall be to reprove them, and to take such measures as may insure their good order and obedience. Eighth. The Superintendent and teachers shall occasionally visit the scholars and parents ; such intercourse will greatly aid them in enforcing the rules of the school, and promote its interests in many other respects. The absentees shall be visited by the Superintendent or teacher, every week, if possible. Ninth. The selected Scripture lessons shall be used so that every class shall receive instruction on the same subject at the same time, and the lesson. for the next Sabbath shall be announced at the close of the school. It shall be the duty of the teachers to prepare themselves for this lesson by a careful attention to it during the week. An examination on these lessons shall take place quarterly, by the Superintendent. Tenth. No scholar shall be permitted to retire from the school room without the consent of the Superintendent. Eleventh. Meetings of business shall be held monthly, or quarterly. Twelfth. It shall be the duty of the teachers to attend the concert of prayer for Sabbath schools, which is held on the second Monday of each month, to which meeting the people shall be invited, and the parents particularly. Thirteenth. The scholars and their parents shall be convened yearly at the church, or school room, by invitation, and a sermon or address given by the minister, a brief report made, and such exercises, at the discretion of the Superintendent shall be had, as shall be calculated to excite an interest in the school. Fourteenth. The scholars are neither to talk nor laugh during the hours of tuition."

Another meeting was held on the 23d of September, 1831, when the constitution and regulations were adopted, and the following officers chosen :

The number in regular attendance was fifty- five. The society adjourned from November to April, 1843 ; the same officers continued. The average attendance was forty-seven. The verses committed by scholars was two thousand nine hundred and seventy-live ; closed October first. 1844—daily attendance, forty ; average number of verses committed, sixtv-one ; closed October 15^th. 1845— opened in May, and closed in October ; attendance fifty. 1846—the Superintendent was Lemuel Whitaker: teachers—William Swingle, Adam Baughman. Joseph Baughman, David Woodruff, Catharine Baughman, Susan Stover, Sarah Duval ; daily attendance, forty- five. 1847—re-election of officers. IS52—daily attendance, fifty-live ; number of verses committed, live thousand nine hundred and eighteen ; highest number by one scholar, one thousand three hundred and forty-nine. 1853—number of verses committed, five thousand ime hundred and nineteen. 1854—The Superintendent was George Swingle ; number enrolled, seventy-two ; average attendance, fifty ; number of verses committed, two thousand one hundred and fifty. 1855—the attendance was forty-eight ; verses committed, four thousand one hundred and fifty-two. 1856—the number of teachers was six ; the attendance, forty-one. 1859—H. Prescool was Superintendent ; the attendance, forty-two.

1862—attendance, thirty-eight. 1866—B. F. Swingle was Superintendent ; the attendance, forty. The attendance in 1867, was sixty-one ; in 1868, forty ; in 1869, forty-two ; in 1870, it was sixty-two ; in 1871, it was seventy. In 1872, the classes numbered six ; the scholars seventy ; the attendance, thirty-seven. In 1873, the classes, five ; enrolled, sixty-one. 1874—the classes, five ; enrolled, seventy-four. In 1875, the classes numbered six ; enrolled, seventy. In 1876, classes, six ; enrolled, seventy-eight. 1876— enrolled, one hundred and two. 1877— enrolled, ninety-six. 1879—enrolled, one hundred and eight.

The foregoing, is a correct abstract of the records obtained to date. This school has excited a wide and salutary influence ; surpassing the fondest expectations of its friends.

May 24th, 1877, Thomas McCann and James Cullins, members of Zanesville Christian Tem perance Union, visited Brush Creek township, for the purpose of organizing a branch society, auxiliary to the Union. A meeting of the citizens, was held in the church of the United Brethren, at which James Cullins was President and Thomas McCann, Secretary, and an organization, with the following officers, was effected :

The name chosen by the society was the " Brush Creek Temperance Union, " and the following were charter members John II. Cooper, Ella Shepard, Henry Blake, Marshall Cooper, Alice McConnell, Emma Fouts, Howard Andrews, William Stone, Jesse Stone. William F. Price, Caleb Blake, Alonzo Riley, " Zach" Morrison, John T. Stuart, James Riley.

The association did a good work ; not less than ninety persons signed the total abstinence pledge during the first three weeks.

Tradition has it that " there. has not been any intoxicating liquors sold in the township, during the past twenty years," and vet, it must be remembered, that the inhabitants generally " do their trading in Zanesville," where " the ardent " is easily had. With this outlook, it must be considered a signal victory, to have gained such strength.

This is the only village in the township, and was laid out and named in consideration of Samuel Stover, in 1832. He was found murdered, near the upper bridge, in Zanesville, and after his death, a stock of goods, shipped from New York to Samuel Stover, arrived at their destination—were brought here, and the store formed the nucleus of the town, which contains a store, shoe shop, hotel, postoffice, Justice of the Peace, and a physician, and is the nucleus for a thriving inland. town. The highest number of votes polled in the township, was two hundred and seventy-four.

The pioneer store was opened in 1830, by Gottlieb Slyder, on the farm now owned by B. F. Swingle, near Stovertown. It is said that he had a choice selection of dry goods, groceries, and hardware, which were afterwards moved to Stovertown.

The first distiller was Adam Leffler, who came to this region prior to 1820. His distillery was located on land afterwards owned by Daniel Longstreth.

The first brick made in the township, were burned by Willi:an Swingle, and were used in building the house now occupied by B. F. Swingle ; this is said to have taken place at an early day.

The first post route was from Putnam to Stover- town. Washington Baughman carried the mail. This was about 1850.

On the land of Mr. Sloan, near Stovertown, section thirty-six, in Brush Creek township, a geological section was made, revealing the Alexander seam of coal.

Feet

Inches

1. Shale.

2. Cual

3. Clay

4. Coal

5. Under-clay.

On the land of J. Elmore, section thirteen, the following geological section was taken :

Feet

Inches

1. Sandstone

2. Coal, reported thickness

3. Mostly laminated sandstone

4. Alexander seam, reported

5. Laminated sandstone

6. Sandy limestone

7. Laminated sandstone

8. Blossom of Straitsville or Nelsonville coal

The two upper coal seams in this section, have formerly been opened, but the openings have fallen in, and no measurements could be made. It is possible that the seams are less thick than reported.—[Geological "Report, 1873, volume 1. p. 329 ; E. B. Andrews, Assistant -Geologist.]