HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 537

CHAPTER LIII.

MONROE TOWNSHIP.

BOUNDARIES AND PHYSICAL FEATURES - PIPE'S CLIFF-CAPT. PIPE - EARLY SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS -SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS - PIONEERS AND THEM REMINISCENCES - BEARS, WILD CATS AND WILD TURKEYS - NAME OF SETTLERS IN 1819-ELECTION-CHURCHES-MILLS-PINHOOK-LUCAS-POPULATION.

THIS township was organized February 11, 1817, out of the north half of Worthington. It contains thirty-six square miles, and comers with the southeast comer of Madison, having Washington on the west, Worthington on the south, and Mifflin on the north. Part of the north and all of the east line joins Ashland County. Its general surface is broken, and in places even hilly, but the land is generally fertile, producing large crops of everything raised from the soil of Ohio. It is well watered with numerous springs and running streams. The beautiful Clear Fork crosses the southeast comer; it only gives Monroe a short call. Switzer's Run, a tributary of the Clear Fork, crosses the southwestern portion of the township, and Rocky Fork and its tributaries and a portion of the Black Fork water all the northern part. The Rocky and Black Forks of the Mohican unite in the eastern part of the township. The Pennsylvania Central Railroad enters the township on its eastern line with the Black Fork, follows that stream to its junction with the Rocky Fork and continues up the latter stream to Lucas; thence it turns north, leaving the township near its northwest corner.

There is much beautiful natural scenery in this township, although in that respect it may not quite .equal Mifflin, but the country along Switzer's Run, and the valleys of the Clear and Black Forks, are lovely to look upon, and were thoroughly occupied and appreciated by the Indians, as they now are by a more cultivated race. Among the landmarks worth mentioning, is Pipe's Cliff. This romantic ledge of rocks is situated in the southern part of the township. near the center of Section 28, about two hundred yards northeast of the residence of J. J. Douglas. The Lexington & Perryville road curves around the base of the rocks, but a fair view of them cannot be had from the road; to appreciate the beauty and picturesqueness of the spot, one must climb up among them. They derive their name from old Capt. Pike, the noted Indian chieftain, who figured prominently in the early Indian wars, and was for many years an inveterate enemy of the white race, until finding further resistance useless, he buried the hatchet, signed the treaty of Greenville, and was ever after a firm friend of the whites. In the war of 1812, when the British attempted to secure the services of this chieftain, he nobly replied " When I signed the treaty of Greenville, it was understood that I was not again to take up the hatchet while the trees grow and the water runs ; " and he kept his word. Mrs. Swigart, still living in Lucas at the age of eighty-three, remembers Capt. Pipe very well, and says, the last time she saw him, he told her he was about one hundred years old. It is said that a scouting party under Capt. Broadhead, or belonging to his expedition, while passing through this section, discovered a party of Indians seated upon some portions of the rocks belonging to Pipe's Cliff, and unobserved by them, approached within shooting distance and fired upon the party, killing a sister of

538 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

Capt. Pipe, who happened to be among them; and that this tragedy gave the place its name, but there is a doubt as to the correctness of this story. Aside from any Indian traditions, however, these rocks are well worth a visit. At the eastern extremity of Pipes Cliff a projecting rock rises full one hundred feet above the valley below, and affords a magnificent view of the surrounding country. The summit of this rock is about forty feet in diameter, is connected with the main cliff on the north, and can be reached from either side. From the west, a narrow pathway winds up along the brow of the main cliffs until it reaches a height of some fifty feet, when it enters a narrow gorge in the rocks, turns abruptly to the north and pushes boldly to the summit. To the east, the ground slopes gradually to the plain. To the south lies the lovely valley of Switzer's Run. The summit itself is a bare rock, with the exception of here and there a bush. Near the center of the summit is a singular rock, some six feet in diameter and two feet high, resembling in many respects, a rude altar. Tradition points out this as the place where Capt. Pipe came annually to offer up a sacrifice in behalf of his murdered sister. Near the western extremity of the cliffs, is a cavernous opening called the Dragon's Mouth. The upper jaw is formed by a ledge of rocks, which project into the air some fifteen or twenty feet, and at an angle of about thirty-five degrees, the lower jaw being formed by the sloping earth. Viewed from the west, this cavern bears a striking resemblance to a huge mouth.

To the right of the Dragon's Mouth is a perpendicular rock some thirty or forty feet in height, and entirely detached from the main cliff. Its sides are indented and furrowed by the beating storms of past ages ; its summit is crowned with shrubs and clambering vines. The solitary rock, thus standing in monumental loneliness, has been appropriately named, in commemoration of the murdered sister of Capt. Pike, "Onalaska's Tower." There are several other points along these cliffs worthy of notice, such, for instance, as the "Hanging Rock," The Porch," the "Frowning Cliff," etc.

This township, like most others in the county, was heavily timbered with hard wood, and, in making their homes. the settlers were compelled to encounter this forest, as well as the bears, wolves, wildcats, and other animals that abounded. Indians were plenty, but it does not appear that they committed any depredations in this township, though generally keeping the settlers in continual dread.

The first settlers followed up the Black Fork in 1809. When they came to the junction of the Black Fork and Rocky Fork, some of them continued up the former and settled in Mifflin. Among the latter were the Copuses, the Zimmers, some of the Hills. Andrew Craig and others mentioned in the history of Mifflin. Others continued up the Rocky Fork, and settled first in the neighborhood of the present village of Lucas. Among these early settlers, David Hill has the honor of being the first, and of building the first cabin in Monroe Township. It was erected on the farm for many years occupied by John Swigart, adjoining the village of Lucas. The place is now owned by Ursula Kerr. It stood on the north side of and near the railroad, on the bank of a little spring brook. The following is a list of the earliest settlers of the township, so far as known: David Hill, Section 9 ; Frederick Bonenberg, Section 10; John G. Peterson, Section 1 ; John Lambright, Section 2 ; Mordecai Williams, Section 9 ; William Slater, Section 35; Adam Wolfe, Section 19; Robert and William Stewart. Those who settled on Section 8, were. William McLauglin, William Ray, William Ferguson, Thomas Rigdon and Thomas McBride. Jeremiah Smart, Section 4 ; Andrew Richey ; Michael Huffman and Ebenezer Smith settled on Section 6 ; Thomas Pope and David Balliett, Section 9, John Iler

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 539

and Melzer Coulter, Section 19 ; David and Charles Schrack, Section 34 ; David Ellis, Section l7 ; Frederick Cromer and David Crawford, Section 26; Abraham Baughman, who came in 1812 or 1814, Section 25; Christian Good, Section 3 ; John Douglas, Section 28; Frederick Switzer, Section 13; and Solomon Gladden, who came in 1817. Mr. Switzer came in 1817, and Mr. Douglas in 1818.

Of the settlers above named, a few came in 1809, with David Hill; others followed in 1810 and 1811, and all of them were here by 1818. Adam Wolfe came in 1816, and William McDanel in 1819, both settling on Section 26. The majority settled along the Rocky Fork and Switzer's Run. These, and perhaps others whose names are not recorded, were the men who laid the foundation upon which rests the prosperity and happiness of the people of Monroe. They came mostly from Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. A few were from Virginia. They were a hardy people, inured to hardships and dangers before they came here; and were men of sterling integrity and worth, and of strong convictions. In religious beliefs they were generally Lutherans. It is somewhat remarkable that, of the five churches in the township, four are Lutheran. As in other parts of the country, wherever a few settled near each other, they organized a school and a religious society in their cabins.

The first schoolhouse was located on the farm afterward owned by R. Oldfield, near Lucas ; now owned by Josiah Rummel. One of the earliest schoolhouses was located on Section 26. It was of hewed logs, covered with a clapboard roof, etc., as was usual in that day. Some of the teachers in this house were John Clark, John Tucker, William Wigton and Joseph Wolfe. This district embraced a large part of the township, children coming several miles through the woods to school. The same house was frequently used for religious meetings, singing schools, etc. One of the first schools was also opened in the northern part of the township near the Mount Zion Church. The school was first kept in private houses. and afterward in the log church.

One of the earliest schools was located on Michael Shinnebarger's land. and one also near what is now called the Hastings Post Office. This post office was established in 1829, being the first one established in the township. John Tucker was one of the early school teachers. He was a New Hampshire Yankee, and was one of Johnny Appleseed's converts, and also a doctor.

The Rev. Michael Schuh, one of the founders of the Mount Zion Church, was a very learned man a German scholar and for a long time kept a select school in the old log church. which he was instrumental in erecting, on the site of Mount Zion Church. It was a high school or seminary, and was started about 1820. Many of the influential men of the township were partially educated there. Mrs. John Swigart, before mentioned, came from Washington County. Penn.. and settled near New Lisbon in 1804; and in what was then called the Twentysecond Township, now Orange Township. Ashland County, in 1814. She removed from there to Monroe in 1821. Solomon Gladden. John Lambright and Adam Wininger were her neighbors then. Mr. Gladden came to the township in 1816, but did not settle permanently until 1817. He was a very excellent; well-informed and prominent man; serving many years as Justice of the Peace, and one term in the Legislature. He was also something of a military man, commanding the Perryville rifle regiment, and serving with credit in the war of 1812.

Mrs. Swigart says that thirteen soldiers were buried on the bank of the Rocky Fork, near where the first settlement in the county was made, at Beam's Mill. These soldiers died while they were in camp near the spring there. and before the block-house was erected. They were buried on the point of the hill, above the

540 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

present mill. There is nothing to mark their grave, and the spot could now be pointed out with difficulty. These soldiers cleared off a little field there. John Swigart was for many years a Trustee of the township, and Jacob Mason was one of the first Justices of the Peace. At one time, a young couple came to him to have the marriage ceremony performed. Money was a scarce article in those days, and the would be husband had not the wherewith to pay for getting the knot tied. A happy thought, however, came to his relief, and he offered the Justice a pup, which, under the circumstances, was kindly accepted and the ceremony performed. This would not seem, in the light of to-day, a sufficient compensation for a marriage ceremony, but in those days of wild animals, a good pup represented a money value not to be overlooked. Mr. Swigart served in the war of 1818; in the same company with Gladden. They were in the battle of Mackinaw. Gen. Brooks cut the first road through the township, when he advanced to the seat of war in 181?. He passed the present site of Lucas, encamped there for a short time, and cleared of a little ground about where the village stands. Mrs. Swigart says Brooks had about one hundred wagons, each of which were drawn by six horses. One wagon was loaded with specie, with which to pay the army about Fort Meigs. The money was put up in little iron-looped kegs. Mrs. Swigart was married in what is now Orange Township, Ashland County, her husband being the first school teacher in that township. The adventures of the early settlers of Monroe with the wild animals were numerous and interesting, but space forbids more than a glance at them. The William family were among the earliest settlers, Mordecai William arriving in the county in 1810; and settling on the Rocky Fork of the Mohican, west of the present site of Lucas, in 1815. Mr. Williams and his wife lived more than eighty years, and raised a large family of children. One of his sons, Joseph, relates being chased by wolves. and barely escaped into the cabin. The following bear story was related to Gen. Brinkerhoff, by Solomon Gladden Washington Chew, a son of William Chew, when a boy of ten years, went out to hunt the cows. In passing along the creek bottom, on the McBride farm, he came suddenly upon a black bear. As the bear refused to run, he turned and beat a hasty retreat, the bear following. Finding he could not escape, the boy climbed a small dogwood tree. The bear came up and, after considering the matter, commenced gnawing at the roots of the tree. He continued to gnaw until the tree began to tremble and the boy gave himself up for lost, when, fortunately, a hog came grunting along, and the bear ran away after that, leaving young Chew to escape. A few days after this, Mrs. Isaac Applegate discovered a bear among their hogs, and went for assistance to her neighbor, David Crawford. Mr. Crawford took his gun and clog, went over to the cabin of Solomon Gladden, who also took his gun and dog, and the two men went on a bear hunt. They struck the trail, and after a long chase treed the bear. As it was now night, they camped at the foot of the tree, having been joined by Joseph Applegate, Hugh and Samuel Reed. Bruin was kept up the tree during the night, and in the morning Mr. Crawford fired at him. The bear fell, but did not appear to be hurt, and ran away, notwithstanding the efforts of the dogs and hunters. The chase was now a very exciting one, and the bear was soon brought to bay by the dogs. Mr. Gladden, being fleet on foot, was rather ahead of the others, and attempted to get a shot at the bear, a difficult matter, surrounded as it was by the dogs. In his haste and excitement, he fell over a log, his gun discharging itself into the ground. The bear retreated again, with the dogs hanging to, and snapping at it. As his gun was useless, Mr. Gladden caught up a club, and followed up beating the bear over the head as it turned at bay. This continued a long dis-

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 541

tance, until dogs, man and bear were nearly exhausted. At length, Mr. Applegate came up with a gun, but was too tired and worried to shoot, and handed the gun to Gladden, who placed the muzzle against the bear and fired, killing it and putting an end to the chase.

Mr. Gladden brought a pack of hounds from Jefferson County at one time for the purpose of hunting wild-cats, and killed about thirty of these animals altogether. During the time these wild-cats were so plenty, Mr. David Crawford, who was troubled a great deal with them, secured a young dog, which he was anxious should be trained to hunt them, and desired to try him on a live cat, which he was unable to do. But Solomon Gladden thought he could secure one. Taking his hounds one bright September morning, he entered the woods, and had not proceeded far before the hounds struck a trail and soon treed a cat. The tree was a small one, and Gladden determined, if possible, to take it alive. He succeeded in clubbing the cat from the tree, and, after the dogs had worried it sufficiently, he seized it by the hind legs, drove off the dogs, placed his. foot on its neck and attempted to manage it alone, but found he had caught a tartar. He could neither let go nor hold on with safety. After much maneuvering, he succeeded in getting off his suspenders, with which he tied the" varmint," and in this way carried it to Crawford's house. Mr. Gladden was full of stories like these, that picture these woods as the paradise of hunters.

Wild turkeys were also very plenty, and were trapped as well as shot. A pen for this purpose was made in different shapes, according to the fancy of the builder. It was generally made in the woods, of small logs, about eight or ten feet square, and covered over with bark or brush. The logs were far enough apart to admit light to the pen, but not allow the escape of. a turkey. In two or more places under the sides of the pen, the earth was removed sufficiently to allow the turkey to creep under into the pen. Considerable corn was scattered about these places of ingress, and the turkey in picking up the corn kept his head down until inside the pen. It was then caught, for it did not have sense enough to creep out the way it came. It always looks up, instead of down, for a place of exit.

William Chew, the father of the boy who was treed by the bear, came to Monroe in 1821, and settled on Rocky Fork. He was the father of seventeen children, many of whom are now citizens of the township. The Mr. Applegate mentioned settled on Rocky Fork in 1822, and cleared a farm, which is now one of the finest in the township.

In 1819, the following names appear on the tax duplicate of Monroe Township, which affords positive evidence regarding its early settlements. It is presumed the list comprises nearly all the heads of the families in the township at that date.

"James and George Archer, Abraham Baughman; Stephen Brady, Jacob. Baughman, George Baughman, Frederick Boneberger, James Church, Frederick Cramer, John Douglas, David Ellis, William Furgeson, Benjamin Forbey, Benjamin Gatton, Christian Good, Solomon Gladden, Henry Huffman, Rebecca Hensel, James Irwin, John Her, Peter Kinney, Lawrence King, John Lambright, William McLaughlin, Amerine Marshall, Thomas and Alexander McBride, Alexander McBride, Jr., Jacob Oler, John G. Peterson, William Ray, Andrew Richey, Jacob Sweitzer, Frederick Sweitzer, William Slater, Thomas Summerman, Samuel Stewart David Shrack, Ebenezer Smith, M. Shinnebarger, Jeremiah Smart, Jacob and Mordecai Williams, William Wilson, Adams Wininger, Samuel White, Adam and Robert Wolfe, and Peter Zerby."

The total number of horses in the township was seventy-eight, total number of cattle one hundred and fourteen; the total tax on these

542 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

animals was $34.20, or less than 18 cents per head.

In the spring of 1817, the first election was held, and John G. Peterson. William McLaughlin and David Ellis were elected Trustees; David Crawford, Treasurer.

At the election held the succeeding fall. Thomas Pope and Andrew Richey were elected Justices of the Peace. The clerks of this election were Solomon Gladden and David Ellis. The election was held in a cabin on the farm afterward owned by Daniel Beasor, and which is yet in possession of a member of that family. Solomon Gladden was the third Justice of the Peace, and held the office fifteen years. At this first election, the candidates found much difficulty in getting together enough voters to hold a legal election, ten being the required number. Up to 12 o'clock only nine had voted, and matters began to look serious; the candidates were alarmed; the fate of two Justices of the Peace was held in dreadful suspense. Nothing was impossible to a politician, however, even at that early day, and, after a solemn council, it was suggested by a brilliant wire-puller that the woods be searched for another sovereign. Frederick Sweitzer was the man who was dispatched on this mission, and soon re-appeared with Mordecai Williams, who cast the tenth vote and thus saved the country. It is very evident that they had not then learned the art of stung ballot-boxes, else they would not have taken the trouble to send for another voter.

The religious sentiment of the township is better developed than in most other townships of the county; one of the earliest churches in Richland County having been established here - Mount Zion. That friend of humanity; Johnny Appleseed, was probably instrumental in organizing one of the first, if not the first religions society. While scattering apple-seeds, he also scattered religious tracts, and these, like his seeds, took root in the soil of this township and grew. Mr. John Tucker, one of the oldest of Monroe's pioneers, concluded that Johnny's tracts contained as much religion as any man needed, and succeeded in organizing a society, of which David Crawford, Joseph Applegate, Henry Wyrick, John Eyler. George Shambaugh, their wives, and some of their children; were members., This society did not flourish, however, and after a time, ceased to exist.

The Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was the first established in the township, and among the first in the county, having been organized by a man named Ridenour soon after the war of 1812. Ridenour was the first preacher, and held meetings in private houses, barns, and in the open air. It is believed the first organization was effected, and first meetings, held in the house of Michael Shinnebarger. Some of the first members were Michael Shinnebarger and wife, Michael Culler, Jacob Koogle, Adam Wininger and wife, Gerhart Sheets, a carpenter, John Ernsberger, Henry Smith, the Messrs. Keifers, Mrs. Bonenberg, John Swigart and wife. The Cullers. of which there are many families now living, both in Mifflin and Monroe, were influential in this church, as well as in the organization and building up of other Lutheran churches in this part of the county. They have been ready, it appears, with their money and influence to assist in this work. Adam Wininger, above mentioned, was the first blacksmith in the township, and located his shop on the Rocky Fork, a short distance east of Lucas. After Ridenour s time. Michael Schuh arrived. took charge of this organization, and assisted materially in strengthening it. It was during his pastorate that the first church in the township was erected near the spot where Mount Zion Church now stands. It was a log church, and was erected in 1818, on a fine elevation overlooking the valley- of the Black Fork. This elevation probably suggested the name of Mount Zion. This organization has always been a live, active and numerous one. The old church

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was occupied until 1832, when a frame was meted. This building was about 30x50 feet, and was erected near the old log building. Mr. Castetter and George Culler did the carpenter work, and the members generally furnished the material. This building served the purpose until 1866, when the present fine frame building was erected at a cost of about $5,000. In January, 1880, they finished the steeple and placed in it a good bell.

The ministers in this church, after Mr. Schuh, were: Rev. Mr. Mohler, who preached in both English and German; J. F. Ruth, who came from Frederick County, Md.; George Leiter, from Mansfield; Rev. Hanich, William Emerson, Jesse Helsel, J. F. Ruth (a second term), Harmon L. Wiles, Isaiah J. Delo, G. H: Slaybaugh and John A. Hall. The present membership is about two hundred, and the contributions to charitable purposes very liberal.

The Sunday school has always been a strong one, and now numbers about one hundred members. It was organized in 1844 by William B. Miller, though spasmodic efforts had been made before that for a Sunday school. The school has always been well sustained, and is an influential institution. From Mount Zion Church have sprung five other churches, within a radius of a few miles, viz.: The Pleasant Valley Church, of Monroe ; the Petersburg Church ; the Emanuel Church, of Madison Township, near Goudy's Mill; the St. John's and Lucas Churches, both of Monroe.

The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran is located near the southeast corner of the town ship. It was organized in 1838, by the Rev. George Leiter, at the residence of M. Stouffer, near the present location of the church. The prat meetings were held in private houses and other places until a church could be built. The original members were as follows, the list being copied from the first record-book, now in possession of the Pastor, Rev. C. S. Ernsberger : John Smith, Mathias Stouffer. George Rummel. Samuel Hess. John Graber and wife. Elizabeth Stouffer; Mary Rummel. Nancy Smith, Peter Rummel. Samuel and Elizabeth Dome. Catharine Crouse. Mary Shellenberger, Louisa Zoda, Margaret Parr and John and Ellen Rummel. The ministers. after Rev. Leiter, were Reva. Shaffer, Hoffman. Eastman. Smith, Emerson, Ruth. Wiles, Domblazer, Earhart and Ernsberger.

The first church building was a frame, erected in 1842, at an expense of about $200; this was occupied until 1870, when the present comfortable and substantial brick was erected at a cost of about $4,600. The Pastor of this church' serves three other Lutheran churches. the four churches employing the minister at about $800 per annum; dividing the expenses among them. The present membership is 120. A Sunday school was organized in 1843 and is healthy and well sustained, with a member ship of about sixty. L. Ernsberger is present Superintendent.

The Pleasant Valley English Lutheran Church was organized in 1863, and a church erected about the same time on Section 28, near the residence of John J. Douglas. Charles Schrack donated the ground for this church, with the understanding that it should be free to all denominations when not occupied by the Lutherans. The principal original members were John J. Douglas, Aurelius Tucker, Lemuel Craig, George Swigart, John Swigart, Benjamin and Adam Berry, Joseph Hastings and others. The church is a neat, substantial brick and cost about $3,000. It was erected during the war, when political matters divided the people of that, as well as other townships, and under the excitement and feeling engendered by that struggle, the regular Pastors of the other Lutheran churches in the township did not occupy its pulpit, but the feeling has now subsided, and the "brethren dwell together in unity."

544 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

D. I. Foust was the first minister; D. A. Coon was also one of the early ministers, after which came T. F. Dornblazer, and other regular ministers of the Lutheran Church in the circuit. Rev. C. S. Ernsberger preaches for them at the present time. The membership is about one hundred and twenty-five.

Many years before this church was erected, a Sunday school was organized in the Hastings Schoolhouse, called the Hopewell Sunday School. It was well sustained, and when the new church was erected, moved into it. H. J. McDanel is present Superintendent, with a membership of about seventy.

The United Presbyterian Church of Monroe is a comfortable brick edifice, located on Section 30. It originated a few miles south of its present location in Worthington Township. On the records in Mansfield appears a deed, dated November 24, 1827, from William Robinson, "to Frances Johnson, John Douglas and Robert Kenton, as Trustees of the Worthington Associate Reformed Church and their successors in office." It conveys two acres of ground, in the northeast quarter of Section 18, for the purposes of this church. The organization of this church occurred some years before this, and the first church was built of logs. The original members were John Douglas, :Frances Johnson, Adam Johnson, John Robinson, Robert and William Stewart, Robert Kenton, Peter Alexander, David Filloon and others.

Rev. James Johnson, of Mansfield, was one of its earliest ministers, preaching there once a mouth; afterward, Rev. William Loughridge and the Rev. George Wilson, officiated; and later, Rev. Richard Gailey. In 1858, it became the United Presbyterian by the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed, and the new church was erected in Monroe, which location was considered more central Rev. D. H. French followed Mr. Gailey in 1867. Mr. Galley was the first preacher in the new church, and opened a select school in the same building, at which young men were prepared for college. He afterward built a small frame building near the church to which he transferred his school and which came to be called the Monroe Seminary. Mr. Gailey afterward transferred his school to Lexington, where he died, but his daughter stall continued the school. The old seminary in Monroe is occupied as a dwelling by James McCulloch, a brother of the venerable Judge McCulloch, of Mansfield.

Rev. G. M. Reed preaches in this church every three weeks. The membership is about forty-eight. For the last eight years, no Sunday school has been connected with the church.

The Rocky Fork and Black Fork furnished the settlers of Monroe with that which is so necessary everywhere, but which was of great importance in a new country, and especially before steam power was understood-waterpower for milling purposes. A thing most essential to the well-being and prosperity of every community is a mill-one that will saw the lumber for dwellings, and manufacture corn and wheat into meal and flour. To-day mills can be located at any point where water can be procured from a spring or well, but in those days, before steam was used, mills were located on the banks of a stream, flowing with sufficient volume and force to turn the machinery. These streams were of incalculable benefit to the earliest settlers, not only to furnish water power but means of transportation to and from civilization. The Black Fork was navigable for small row-boats and scows up through Monroe into Mifflin Township, and the hunters, trappers and farmers of those days would load their canoes with furs, pelts and produce of different kinds and travel down the stream to the nearest trading-place, and return with such materials as they needed, and for which they had exchanged their cargoes The rapid advance of civilization, the building of mills and cutting of roads soon put an end to this, and for many years the streams have

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been so obstructed by mill-dams that any kind of navigation is impossible.

The earliest settlers in Monroe went to Fredericktown and Mount Vernon for their grinding, and afterward to Herring's mill at Newville, in Worthington Township. Peter Zuby has the honor of erecting the first mill in Monroe, about a mile east of the present vil lage of Lucas, on Rocky Fork, in 1820. It was a "little choppin' mill," as the old settlers express it, by which it is meant to convey the idea that it was a small affair and did not do fine work. It is fair to presume that a little improvement has been made in milling since that time. Mr. Zuby erected both a saw and grist mill, both of which are yet in operation, and are now known as the Doran Mills. Mills were erected from time to time, until they numbered twelve or fifteen, including saw-mills. The second saw-mill was built by a Mr. Ailer, half a mile from, and a little south of west of, Lucas, about 1822. This mill is still in operation, being now owned by Mr. Williams. The second grist-mill was built on the Rocky Fork, half a mile east of the present village of Lucas, in 1830, by Reinhart Oldfield. Later, it was oned by Abraham Marks, and is now owned and operated by Silas Rummel. A splendid saw-mill, one of the best in the township, is also attached to the mill. One of the earliest sawmills was erected by the McBrides, within the present corporation of the village of Lucas, about 1820. It is still running, having been repaired and rebuilt several times. One of the early saw and grist mills was that of Charles Schrack, on that pretty little tributary of the Clear Fork called Switzer's Run, in the southern part of the township. It is a water mill. The third mill in the township was built in 1830, by Mr. LaRue, on Rocky Fork, about one mile west of Lucas. It is now owned and operated by Mr. Mathews. In 1835, John Swigart built a saw-mill on Thompson's Run, below and near the Hastings Post Office. Jacob Culler also built a saw-mill in 1832. on the Rocky Fork, below the old Zubv mill, and still further down the stream is a saw-mill built by the Beasores about 1855, now known as the Mower's Mill. About 1846, John Culler built a woolen-mill one and a half miles east of Lucas, near Jacob Culler's saw mill. It has never done a large business, but is yet, occasionally, in operation.

Monroe can boast of only one village at present-Lucas--though an attempt was made many years ago to start a town at what is known as the Six Corners, near the center of the township, where a number of roads cross. Mr. William Wigton owned the land where a village was blocked out, which was first called Mechanicsburg, and afterward Pinhook. Mr. Wigton came to the township in 1826, and was Justice of the Peace sixteen years. Christian Welty bought an acre of ground of Mr. Wigton, laid out the town, the plat of which was, however, never placed on record. Mr. Welty built the first house, and worked as carpenter in the neighborhood. Soon after; James Greer built a two-story blacksmith shop, and the town grew until it contained five or six dwellings, a grocery, a few shops, a post office, called Six Comers; and a hotel, kept for some time by William B. Miller. At present, no business is done there, and only about three occupied dwellings and the blacksmith-shop, remain of the town. The post office has disappeared. Soon after it was started, an eccentric character by the name of Nicholas Swarenger, came along and gave it the name of "Pinhook," which name the place will probably retain as long as time shall last.

Lucas was laid out in 1836, by John Tucker, before mentioned, who acted as agent for his brother David, the proprietor of the town. It is pleasantly situated, about seven miles southeast of Mansfield, on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, and on the Rocky Fork of the Mohican. It is on the west half of the

548 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

southeast quarter of Section 8. The first lots were sold at auction, and the first house. built by James King, is yet standing near the lower end of the village, on the cast side of Main street, a few doors below the Monroe House Lot No. 2. The first store in the place was opened by Mr. King in this building. Gen. Brooks encamped on this spot on his way to the seat of war in 1812, cleared off a little patch of ground here and cut the first road. The place was named in honor of Gov. Lucas. of Ohio. The frame hotel called the Monroe House is probably the second house in the village, and has been used for hotel purposes ever since it was built, having been several times repaired and enlarged. It stands at the intersection of the two roads that cross in the village, and has never yet had a competitor in the business. A majority of the first settlers in Monroe located their lands along the Rocky Fork, near the site of Lucas, and two of the earliest schoolhouses were built in this neighborhood, not far apart, one called the McBride, and the other the Williams Schoolhouse. These served the purpose until the village was incorporated, when a two-story frame schoolhouse was erected by the corporation. In 1877, this was moved up on Main street and is occupied by Mr. Swigart as s' wagon-shop, and a fine brick was erected for school purposes. This building is three stories in height and cost about $6,000. The two lower stories are used for the schools, and the upper occupied by the Odd Fellows. Three teachers are employed, Marian Douglas, son of J. J. Douglas, being Principal. The building was erected by John Charles. Lucas can only boast of one church at present. The flat church organized in the place war a Baptist, about 1830, by Rev. James Johnson. The first organization occurred in a schoolhouse, and for several years meetings were held in this house; but they succeeded, in 1838, in erecting a frame church. The original members of this society were Alexander Lakin, James Hewlit. Cornelius Bartelow. Thomas Moffitt. Peter Sweitzer. and others. After a time the older members moving away, the organization was broken up and the church sold.

Rev. S. B. Leiter also organized a German Reformed Church here at an early day; they worshiped in the Baptist Church, and, afterward, when that church was sold, joined with the Lutherans in building the old frame church that stood on the hill where the new brick now stands. This was called a union church, was built in 1846, and occupied by both denominations. The German Reformed organization did not last, however, and the church finally came into possession of the Lutherans, who, in 1872, built the only church now in the village. It is a substantial brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This church was organized about 1850, and originated, as before mentioned; from the Mount Zion Church. The original members were David Balliet, Samuel Henry, Samuel Barr, David Henry, David Leiter, John Crome and others. The first Pastor was Rev. W. A. G. Emerson, followed by Revs. Jesse Helsell, F. J. Ruth, H, L. Wiles, and others before named in connection with the other Lutheran churches in the township. Rev. C. S. Ernsberger is present Pastor. The membership is about one hundred and thirty. As is the case with the other Lutheran churches in this vicinity, a large and healthy Sunday school is maintained. It is a union school, the children of all religious denominations attending; the present enrollment of pupils being 164. Jacob Leiter is Superintendent.

Lucas is about half a mile long, but without much width, being built principally on either side of a single street. It contains three blacksmith-shops, one hotel, one wagon-shop, four doctors-Bowles, Mecklen, Conway and Skeggs ; and three stores, kept by I. C. Charles, Myers & Son, and W. W. Lemon. Charles keeps groceries and notions in the brick block on the corner, at the intersection of the two streets. Myers &

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 547

Son carry a stock of dry- goods, groceries and general merchandise, keeping what is called a "country store," a general assortment of everything country people want; W. N. Lemon carries a large stock of the same class of goods. These stores are well sustained, and business does not appear to be overdone.

In 1850, the population of the township was 1,719, all white; ten years later, it numbered 1,765. In 1870, it is found to have decreased in numbers for some reason, the census showing a population of 1,572. Probably the war of the rebellion had something to do with this decrease. Considering the extent of available territory in this country, and the cheap lands of the West, any great changes in the population cannot be expected.