CHAPTER VI
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP
This township is situated on the southern boundary of Pickaway County, being located east of Perry and west of Wayne townships. The surface of the township is a level plain, except along the course of its chief stream, Deer Creek; the township is also watered by Hay Run and Yellow Bud Creek. Corn is the principal grain grown. There are many extensive stock farms in this township. Possibly the best known one is that of W. I. Wood, with its herd of 200 registered Shorthorn cattle. The sales of stock at this farm attract buyers ,from many sections of the country. Eight sales have been held, at each of which about 50 head were sold, the proceeds from each sale being about $10,000.
It is not definitely known just when Deer Creek township was organized, except that it was before the formation of Pickaway County, when the territory was still included in Ross County. The earliest record of an election now extant, which was held on the first Monday in April, 1816, furnishes us the names of the officers chosen, which are as follows : Trustees -- Thomas Williams, John Teverbaugh and John Timmons ; clerk, David Yates; treasurer, James Burbridge; overseers of the poor--Simon and Jesse Hornbeck; fence viewers--John Mottester and David Grabill; lister, John Rust; constables--William G. Cantrill and Andrew Motter; supervisors--Benjamin Freeman, Charles Hays, William B. Bailey, Jesse Fitzgerald, Christopher Cardiff and Moses Colvin. The following are the present township officers : Trustees--R. B. Blacker, Charles L. Bishop and John L. Cox; clerk, William T. Ulm; treasurer, Clark. K. Hunsicker; assessor, Edmond Rector; justices of the peace--John Maley and Abraham L. Alkire; constables--Frank Martin and John Justus. The population of the township in 1900 was 1,673.
EARLY SETTLERS.
The first settlers established their homes here about 1800; some of them came in the preceding year. One of the first settlers in the township was Edward Rector, from Virginia, who at the age of 13 years came here with his widowed mother and four other children younger than he. The family moved to the Northwest Territory in 1798 and the following year moved upon a farm near the mouth of Deer Creek. The descendants of the early pioneers of this family are numerous in this township and are prominently identified with all its interests.
Michael Alkire, who was a Virginian by birth, came to Ohio from Kentucky about 1798 and for two years lived upon the Pickaway Plains not far from the Logan Elm: In 1800 he purchased a farm in Deer Creek town-ship now occupied by his heirs. George Ater came to Ohio from Virginia in 1799, and settled in Deer Creek township. The family has many representatives in the township at the present day. Abraham Shanton settled on Deer Creek in 1800. Among the pioneers who came here near the dawning of the 19th cen-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 113
tury were: Moses Colvin, George and Samuel Phebus, John Baker, Homer Starbill, Michael Wolf, Samuel Wilson, Andrew Taylor, Samuel Hanson, William Scott, John English, and Bartholomew Baker and his two sons, Joseph and Martin.
Edward Davison settled in Deer Creek township in 1803; James Smith, in 1804 and David Yates, in 1806. All of these came from Virginia. David Yates was connected with the manufacturing interests of the township from its infancy and is represented by many descendants, who are among the most prominent citizens of the township. Mrs. Polly (Voss) Colston, widow of Gladstone Colston, settled in Deer Creek township, with three children, at a very early day. Ebenezer Davis arrived in Deer Creek township in November, 1813, having removed here from Virginia. In 1817 he took up his residence in Williamsport village, where he opened a hotel, the second in the township. Jacob and Philip Terwilliger came here from Ulster County, New York, the former in 1815, and the latter in 1816. James Rose also came here from Ulster County, New York, arriving in Deer Creek town-ship in 1818. George Bennett removed with his family from Virginia to Ohio in 1820 and after a five years residence at Chillicothe located permanently in Deer Creek township.
CHURCHES.
The Williamsport Christian Church.--This is the oldest church in Deer Creek township. As early as 1803 Rev. Barton W. Stone came here and conducted services in the house of George Alkire. In the following year a church was formed, which was first known as the New Light Church and later as the Christian Church. From this small and unpretentious beginning grew the large and important church of to-day. A hewed-log meeting-house built in 1810 was disposed of in 1816, when a small frame church was erected, located upon the site of what became the Christian Cemetery. A few years later, owing to the growth of the society, a larger church building was erected and this was occupied until 1869, when a brick church edifice, 40 by 56 feet in dimensions and costing $4,000, was completed. The church has a flourishing Sunday-school. Rev. Charles A. Tracy is pastor of the church and also conducts services at the Christian Church at Five Points. Among the early ministers of this church were: Revs. Barton W. Stone, Joseph Badger, George Zimmerman, William Kincade, James Hays, Matthew Gardner, James Marom, George Alkire, James Burbridge, Isaac N. Walter, S. Bradford, Joseph Thomas, Daniel Long, John L. Green, Isaac Cade, Benjamin Seevers, John L. Perkins, Enoch Harvey, Thomas Hand, N. Dawson, C. A. Morse, T. A. Brandon, Peter McCullough, William Overterf, B. H. Chrisman, Joel Osgood, A. C.. Hanger, and E. W. Humphries.
Williamsport M. E. Church.--At an early period in the life of the settlement, Samuel Parrott, who lived a half mile east of Williams-port, collected a few people of the Methodist faith together and held meetings at his home. The class was formed in 1826 and consisted of Samuel Parrott and wife Mary, Samuel Manley and wife Ann, George Frame and E. Hunsicker. In 1831 Rev. Adam Poe, who was in charge of what was then called the Deer Creek Circuit, held meetings at the Parrott home, at which an effort to build a meeting-house was made. Owing to the death of Mr. Parrott, however, the building was never completed. Eight years later another effort was made to build a church. In due time a frame building, some 35 by 50 feet in size, was completed at a cost of about $3,000. In 1864 some land was added to the church site and a brick church edifice was erected during the same season at a cost of $4,000. This was in use until 1889, when the present church structure, also a brick, was erected at a cost of about $10,000. In 1872 a frame parsonage was built at a cost of $2,200. There have been a number of changes in the circuit to which the Williamsport church belongs. Deer Creek Circuit was formed in 1808 from a part of Scioto Circuit, which had been established in 1799. New Holland Circuit was detached from Deer Creek Circuit in 1854. Williamsport was separated from New Holland Circuit in 1866. The following
114 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
pastors have been in charge of Williamsport Circuit since its formation : Rev. David Smith, Dr. W. F. Hughey (during whose pastorate extensive revivals occurred), Rev. B. F. Thomas, Rev. F. S. Davis, Rev. David Mann, Dr. T. G. Ross, Rev. H. L. Whitehead, Rev. George W. Lott, Rev. F. S. Davis, Rev. Frank Gillilan, Rev. C. A. Naylor, Rev. I. M. Brashares, Rev. A. F. Hixson, Rev. S. A. Crosby, Rev. W. B. Warren and Rev. J. W. Blair, the present incumbent, who is now entering upon the fifth year of his pastorate.
The official board of the Williamsport M. E. Church is as follows : Trustees--Samuel W. Dunlap, G. W. Gephart, N. L. Schein, Dr. T. C. Tipton, L. O. Morgan, Ezra Shaeffer, Wesley Tarbill, W. S. Sands and George P. Hunsicker; stewards--Samuel W. Dunlap, C. H. McDonald, S. M. Ulm, Rezin W. Phebus, Miss Carrie Rector and Miss Nellie Grabill; class leaders--Jesse Jones and C. H. McDonald. The church now has a membership of about 300. The Sunday-school, which is under the superintendency of C. W. Gephart, has a membership of about 200.
From the establishment of Deer Creek Circuit, in 1808, to the formation of Williamsport Circuit in 1866, the following pastors served in their work here: Revs. Benjamin Lakin, John Crain, John Collins, Wood Lloyd, Francis Travis, Ralph Lotspeich, J. Harris, R. Cloud, Charles Waddle, Samuel Parks, Alexander Cummins, H. B. Bascom, Isaac Quinn, Ledosa Baker, Walter Griffith, Isaac Pavly, Samuel Glaze, Shadrach Ruark, R. W. Finley, William Swayze, John Brown, William Stephens, Andrew McClain, I. C. Hunter, William Simmons, Zach Connell, J. F. Wells, James Collard, Nathan Walker, Jacob Delay, W. Young, John Stewart, John Ferrell, A. Sellers, Francis Wilson, J. T. Donahow, John Power, J. Gurley, David Lewis, Joseph A. Reader, C. C. Lybrand, Edward Estel, James Armstrong, Henry Wharton, W. L. Morrow, F. H. Jennings, Wesley Roe, Robert Chaney, J. F. Conroy, Elijah H. Field, W. M. D. Ryon, B. A.. Cassett, David Reed, Philip Nation, Zach Wharton, J. D. Webb, Alexander Mehany, B. L. Jefferson, J. W. Lock, J. G. Dimmitt, William Sutton, Alexander Nelson, J. Laws, D. H. Sargent, Samuel Middleton, David Smith, H. F. Green, W. A. Prettyman, J. F. Williams, L. F. Drake, T. H. Phillips, H. T. Magill, W. C. Holleday, William Morris, J. Q. Lakin, J. W. Clark, T. G. Ross, Nath Westerman, I. B. Brodesick and E. H. Dixon.
Mount Pleasant M. E. Church, at Kinderhook, dates back to 1826, when a class was formed under the ministry of Rev. Jacob Delay. Thomas Emery was the first class leader. In 1838 a small frame Meeting-house was built on the site of the present brick church, which was erected in 1859, at a cost of $5,000. This church is in the Williamsport Circuit and the names of the pastors are therefore included in the sketch of the latter church. The Mount Pleasant church has a present membership of about T00. The Sunday-school, which was established in the early days of the church, has a membership of about 175 and C. F. Puffinbarger is superintendent.
Many years ago there was a Protestant Methodist society in the township, but services were long since discontinued.
CEMETERIES.
At a very early date a cemetery was established in connection with the Christian Church at Williamsport and one of the first burials was that of Edward Davison, who died soon after the family settled in Deer Creek in 1803. The Christian Cemetery, as well as the Methodist Cemetery established at a later date, are no longer used for burials. Spring Lawn Cemetery, located on the west side of Deer Creek, near Williamsport, was first occupied in 1875, when George Gordy's remains were interred. It is now one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the county. It is controlled by the township trustees and is kept in excellent condition.
SCHOOLS.
The first school of the township was held in 1803, a deserted cabin on the Ross County line being fitted up with the usual slab furni-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 115
ture of that day. The benches were formed of split slabs supported by four rough legs driven into auger holes. Three-legged stools were fashioned in the same manner. Pegs were driven into auger holes in the wall, and small shelves made to hold the hoods and dinner baskets. It is said that the teachers often taught "from sun to sun." The teacher of this school, James Bartlett, was paid by individual subscription.
The Board of Education of Deer Creek township, elected in the fall of 1904, is constituted as follows : Fred C. Betts, Frank D. Alkire and Edward C. Rector--four years; John W. Smith and R. W. Phebus--two years. The clerk of the board is Fred West. For a long time there were but five districts in the township; at present there are nine, eight of them outside of Williamsport.
District No. 1, known as the Bennett school, began so far as is known, in a log schoolhouse that stood on a little knoll on the William Bennett land. This log house was burned down, and about 1852 a frame building was erected on or near the same spot ; this also was destroyed by fire. Then a small brick school building was erected some distance south of the original schoolhouse site. It was used until the present building was erected in the year 1885 on a site much farther south. While the small brick building was in use, the district was divided and the Woodlyn district was formed from the northern part.
District No. 2, known as the Hornbeck school, began in an old log building that stood on a spot near the road between the house and barn on Elmer Helwagen's place. This building was succeeded about 1850 by a solid ,frame structure on the south side of the road. .The present brick building was erected in 1877. The old frame building was moved on land now owned by N. L. Schein and fitted up for a residence.
District No. 3, now known as the Betts district, began in an old log house that stood on land now owned by James M. Dunlap. The story is told that an early teacher of this school took up a piece of the puncheon floor and thrust an offending youth into the prison beneath for punishment. All trace of the building is now gone. It was succeeded by a frame building erected on a triangular spot in the forks of the road. When the present brick building was erected in 1872, the frame was moved upon the land now owned by William Walston, and fitted up for a residence.
District No. 4 (Pleasant Grove) has had a long history. The first log house, which stood on land now owned by David Ater, was succeeded by another log house, which was built near the site of the present brick building. In the year 1851, the second log house was replaced by a frame, near the same spot. This house was in use until the present brick structure was built in 1876.
District No. 5, known as the John W. Ater district, has had few changes, though it has been long established. It began in a log house that stood out in the field opposite the present building. The frame structure that supplanted the original log house was replaced in 1879 by the brick structure now standing. The brick building was partially destroyed by fire in 1888, but was repaired and fitted up as at present.
District No. 6, the Mount Pleasant school at Kinderhook, began in an old log house which was later replaced by a frame building erected on land now owned by Cyrus Courtright on a spot a short distance from the Mount Pleasant M. E. Church. In 1878 the present brick school building was erected where it now stands.
District No. 7, the Plummer district. Back in the '40's, Hiram Howard and Isaac Horn-beck taught in an old log house which stood on land now owned by Dr. C. D. Briner. A frame building, erected later on a. spot opposite W. B. Plummer's residence, was occupied until the present brick building was erected in 1875.
District No. 8, Woodlyn. The history of this district goes back to the old log school in the Bennet district. When the old log building was abandoned, a new site was chosen much farther south. The district was then divided, and the north part with adjacent territory was erected into the Woodlyn district.
116 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.
The present brick building was erected in 1869.
District No. 9, Williamsport. As early as 1818 the first school in Williamsport was taught by John White on land now occupied by the Pythian Castle. The teacher contracted to teach for so much a head and his board and lodging thrown in -- the plan known as "boardin' 'round." It was stipulated in the contract that each boy was to take his turn providing wood for the huge fire-place, and if the boy was too small his father must take his place. Mr. White's scholars numbered about 25 and came from the surrounding country as well as from the village. After using this building for a number of years, school was held in a log building situated on or near the lot now owned by Hugh Tool. In 1853 this building was torn down and a frame one erected at the same place.
School was held in the new frame building until the Williamsport Village School District was formed in April, 1874. Upon the formation of this district, Dr. T. C. Tipton, A. D. Radcliff, W. B. Davis, S. G. Hunsicker, Dr. George W. Hurst and A. D. Rector were chosen directors. The present grounds were secured and a two-room brick building was completed in October of that year. The cost including the site and the furniture was $4,000. There were at this time 133 pupils enrolled in primary and grammar departments. This building finally proved inadequate, but as the village school district was not in. a position to make the desired addition, an enabling act was passed April 15, 1892, by the General Assembly of Ohio, which gave the township Board of Education the power to -levy a tax upon all taxable property of the township, not exceeding $4,000, in addition to other levies for the support of the schools, the money de-rived from this special tax levy to be employed in building a schoolhouse in the village of Williamsport, provided the village school district was abandoned, and became a sub-district of the township. The provisions of this act were duly complied with and in 1893 the township board added a front to the original structure, making a "T" shaped building, with six rooms. The building was destroyed by fire on February 2, 1901. In the same year the present school building was begun. This school has four departments--primary, taught by Edith Black ; intermediate, taught by Ethel Asher; grammar, tau ht by L. A. Lewis and high school, taught by Stella Real. The high school admits pupils from all districts of the township. Prof. A. B. Hall is superintendent. When the code of 1902 went into effect the Williamsport district was reorganized as a special school district. In the November election, 1904, the following were elected members of the Board of Education of the special district : Dr. C. D. Brines, O. B. Hornbeck, George P. Hunsicker, Charles Clinch and Clifford Heiskell. In the following year, how-ever, the special district was again abandoned, becoming District No. 9, once more tinder the control of the township Board of Education. The total enrollment of the township schools is 368, of which 150 are enrolled in Williams-port.
SOCIETIES.
As previously stated, Williamsport has been a "dry" town for the past 18 years. Temperance societies, such as the Independent Order of Good Templars, were once strong in. the township but they long since ceased their labors. A local union of the W. C. T. U. was organized at Williamsport, in August, 1893, with 11 charter members. The organization has grown and prospered and now numbers 32 members. Mrs. Laverna Radcliff is president. At the time the Grange movement was inaugurated, Alpha Grange, No. 59; P. of H., was chartered, June 3, 1873. It was consolidated on May 22, 1875, with Deer Creek Grange, No. 449, which had been organized January 27, 1874. In 188o the number of members was 68. Work was long since discontinued.
Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M.; was chartered October 21, 1875; The first officers were : W. B. Davis, W. M.; Henry Clarke, S. W.; John A. Alkire, J. W.; James D. Finnell, secretary; J. J. Myer, treasurer; Palmer
PAGE 117 - BLANK
PAGE 118 - PICTURES: CHURCH OF CHRIST, NEW HOLLAND; METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CIRCLEVILLE; MASONIC TEMPLE, WILLIAMSPORT AND CALVARY EVANGELICAL CHURCH, CIRCLEVILLE.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 119
Lowe, S. D.; Benjamin Linville, J. D.; Clinton L. Lee, Tyler. The lodge first met in a small room over Dr. George W. Hurst's drug-store. In May, 1876, it moved into its spacious hall in the second story of the Masonic Building at Williamsport, erected at a cost of $1,500. On September 1, 1903, the new building was dedicated. The lodge utilizes the second story and has put about $6,000 into its quarters. The present membership is 114. The lodge is out of debt and has a comfortable balance in the treasury. The present officers are: L. A. Lewis, M. M.; L. J. Hurst,. S. W.; J. W.; John West, treasurer ; Tom H. Tipton, secretary; R. E. Harmount, S. D.; Charles E. Garrison, J. D.; Clinton L. Lee, tyler. There is also an active chapter of the Eastern Star at Williamsport.
Williamsport Lodge, No. 478, Knights of Pythias, organized ,some time ago, has a present membership of 110 members. The Pythian Castle which was built some five or six years ago cost $8,000.
There is also a camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Williamsport, which was instituted on January 22, 1897, with 18 charter members. The camp now has 15o members and holds its meetings in the old Masonic Hall.
For a number of years past, the Modern Woodmen of America and. the Knights of Pythias have held a joint field day at Williamsport. The one held here in the summer of 1906 had an attendance of about 4,000. The total receipts amounted to about $1,200.
For the past 14 years Farmers' Institutes have been held at Williamsport. The officers are: S. W. Miller, president ; L.. J. Hurst, secretary; S. M. Ulm, treasurer. The object is to advance interest in agriculture and to promote sociability among the agriculturists of the township.
PHYSICIANS.
At the present time there are three physicians-engaged in the practice of their profession at Williamsport, viz.: Drs. G. C. Hays, D. H. Marcy and C. D. Briner. The last named has been here for the past 15 years. Dr. T. C. Tipton, who located for the practice of his. profession at Williamsport before the Civil War, now conducts a drug-store here and is not now actively engaged in practice. The following list gives the names of physicians who have been located at Williamsport in the past : Drs. Brown, Thrall, Cassett, Perkins, Rush, Harriman, Lewis, Smith, Timmons, Black, Ecord, Martin, Zimmerman, Gould, Halstead, Radcliff, Judy, Hunsicker, George W. Hurst, and T. F. White. There are now no dentists located at Williamsport, though there have been in the past.
THE FARMERS' BANK
At Williamsport, was established in 1891, its founders being George P. Hunsicker, Dr. T. C. Tipton and Col. George Betts. The capital stock of this institution is $25,000, with individual stockholders' liabilities of $250,000. For the accommodation of this business, a fine bank building was erected, which in point of elegance is seldom seen in a village many times larger than Williamsport. It is two stories in height, the second story having been built by the Masonic fraternity for lodge purposes. The first floor consists of the banking room proper, the directors' room and a massive fire and burglar proof vault. The bank fixtures are of quarter-sawed oak and the floor is in a beautiful pattern of mosaic tile. A furnace furnishes heat and light is supplied by an acetylene plant. Beauty and solidity are combined in .this handsome structure and its fittings, while every modern comfort and convenience has received consideration. At the time of organization, Col. George Betts was chosen first president, and upon his death Dr. T. C. Tipton succeeded him. F. D. Alkire is vice-president. George P. Hunsicker has been cashier from the beginning.
WILLIAMSPORT
Was platted on February 27, 1818, and the plat recorded on the 9th of the following March. The- village was incorporated about
120 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY
the year 1842. After a time the annual elections ceased to be held and the act of incorporation became virtually extinct. The village was reorganized in 1858, when an election was held for village officers. No election was held during the Civil War. A third reorganization took place on July 2, 1866, when the following village officers were elected : Mayor, James Marshall ; recorder, J. D. Andrews; treasurer, D. L. Knowles; trustees--Dr. George W. Hurst, Dr. J. W. Hunsicker, William B. Davis, A. D. Baughman and A. D. Radcliff. The officers for 1906 are as follows: Mayor, A. L. Timmons; marshal, William Betts; clerk, William Heiskell ; treasurer, William T. Ulm; Council--C. L. Bishop, Will Sands, L. A. Lewis, W. N. McCoy, Ben Bate-man and C. E. Garrison. The population of Williamsport in 1900 was 547. The town has no saloons, having been under local option for the past 18 years. A natural feature of the place is the Sulphur Spring, whose waters have been widely used in the past and whose medicinal qualities are well known. The pioneer store was opened by a man named Foresman, in 1815, but it did not long continue. The pioneer hotel was kept by John Wilson.
The shipping of Williamsport is done through the station at Woodlyn on the C. & M. V. R. R. Since Williamsport is not on the railroad, being about a mile distant, it has no grain elevators. S. M. Ulm operates a sawmill; there is also a grist and sawmill, owned by L. O. Morgan, which is not now in operation. Andrew Schwarz conducts a black-smith shop and carriage painting establishment, Wesley McAllister also has a blacksmith shop. There are two livery stables, which are run by Josie F. Allen and Nelson Trego, the latter also being proprietor of a hotel. W. N. McCoy has an extensive undertaking business. Harry R. Johnson is a tinner and slater. The mercantile interests of the town are as follows : General stores, John Heiskell & Son, John West and William See; drugs, Dr. T. C. Tipton, who is president of the County Board of Pension Examiners; groceries, B. M. Radcliff, Charles Clinch, Amos Duvall and A. L. Timmons ; hardware, W. B. Davis; furniture, Haynes Furniture Company; meat market, Bishop & Company. A postoffice was established at Williamsport in 1816. The first postmaster, John Williams, resigned soon after he was commissioned and was succeeded by. Ebenezer Davis, who in turn gave way to Ebenezer S. Davis, who held the office for a period of about 50 years. He was in business at Williamsport for about 6o years. His death took place August 22, 1894. The present postmaster is R. E. Harmount. Three rural routes run from Williamsport. The only newspaper published in Williamsport is the Williamsport News, which is conducted by Tom H. Tipton,. who also has a well-appointed job printing establishment. Both the Bell and Citizens' telephone companies have connections here.
WOODLYN
Is a small station on the C. & M. V. R. R. about 10 miles west of Circleville. It is the shipping point for Williamsport. The town has about a dozen families and a total population of about 50. The postoffice here has been discontinued and the residents now get their mail by rural free delivery from Williamsport.. The Woodlyn Grain Company, controlled by Ballard B. Yates and Charles S. Hunsicker, has an elevator here and also conducts an implement store, selling agricultural implements, buggies, cement, fertilizer, etc. The Heffner Grain Company, of Circleville, operates. the S. W. Dunlap elevator. W. A. Chenault conducts a tile factory, whose annual output is valued at about $2,500. The demand for tile from this factory far exceeds the capacity of the plant. Charles Stebelton is agent for the C. & M. V. R. R. Company here.
KINDERHOOK
Is located almost on the line of Deer Creek and Wayne townships and is a station on the C. & M. V. R. R., about seven miles west from Circleville. The town claims a population of about 5o. Here are found general stores, owned by C. F. Puffinbarger and C. G. Campbell. The latter also has an elevator at this point. Mount Pleasant M. E. Church and Mount Pleasant school, District No. 6,. are located here.