CHAPTER XXV.
MEAD TOWNSHIP.
COL. DAVID LOCKWOOD-THE FIRST SETTLERS-THE MINING INDUSTRY-THE MILLING INDUSTRY-THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-BETHEL-MOUNT SUMMIT PARK-THE BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-BUSINESSBURG-OLD CITIZENS-THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1884-THE SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-CANNING FACTORY REMINISCENCES-A BLOODY TRAGEDY-AN INCIDENT OF PIONEER DAYS-AN ANECDOTE OF LEWIS WETZEL.
COL. DAVID LOCKWOOD.
One of the first settlers of Mead township was Col. David Lockwood of Revolutionary fame, who, at the conclusion of the war, located at Dillie's Bottom in 1800.
Because of his zeal and patriotism in the cause of America, Colonel Lockwood was honored by his fellow citizens with a position as one of the first associate judges of the county, a position he filled with much honor and ability for years.
After the formation of the township, it was named Mead, in honor of Colonel Lockwood's mother.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Old Squire McMasters, who is still living at a ripe old age, says the first settlement in Mead township was made along the river front in 1793-95 by the Dillies, Hayeses, Colemans, Sheweys, Smiths, Rileys, Dunfees, Creamers, Lockwoods and McElherrens.
A number of these early settlers, notably the Smiths, Colemans and Sheweys, located at Dillie's Bottom for the protection that the fort afforded. The depredations of the Indians were so hostile that the Dillies and their neighbors were obliged in self protection to erect a block-house.
Many of the early settlers, however, sought homes on the ridge above, on what afterwards became the "Drovers' Road." This is notably true of Revs. Robinson and Hall, the Rileys, Dunfees and McElherrens. As heretofore mentioned, it was in the McElherren's home that the first court in Belmont County was held. Among the old families of a later date were the Dents, Taylors, Loys, Ramseys, McMasters, Duvalls, McKelveys, Linns, Amblers, McKinleys and McNieces.
Squire Sowerhaver of Dillie's Bottom was the first justice of the peace.
While Mead township is six miles long by four in breadth, its topography is very hilly, and it is abundantly watered by the waters of Wegee and Pipe creeks.
Dillie's Bottom and the rich bottom lands extending back from the river for several miles are very fertile. In the past much valuable coal was mined from the river hills, and shipped by flatboats to Southern markets. The great Cleveland Gas Pipe Line crosses the river at the mouth of Pipe Creek, and traverses the entire length of the township.
THE MINING INDUSTRY.
In 1865-66 there were five extensive mining companies in operation that yielded 700,000 bushels of coal per annum.
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These companies were the Pipe Creek Coal & Iron Company, the Empire Coal Company, Col. Thompson's mines, the U. V. Wallace mines and the Wegee mines.
There are also several immense veins of limestone and sandstone rock, suitable for building and road purposes.
Within the past six months, one of the most important deals in coal lands since the organization of the township has been consummated. This purchase comprises the Pipe Creek mines owned by Johnson Brothers of Pittsburg, and their big block of coal, comprising over 2,000 acres, fronting on the Ohio River. The prospective purchasers are Eastern capitalists, and George Hernickle, an Eastern Ohio coal operator, is credited with engineering the deal. There is no reason to doubt that the deal will be made in a very short time and a vast sum of money will be involved as the property is one of the most valuable in the eastern part of the State.
It is a slope mine, at present employing about 100 men, but if the Eastern parties take hold they purpose to spend over $20,000 immediately to equip it with modern machinery. It will be their plan to make it a model mine and increase the number of employees several times over. This will necessitate the erection of a large number of new houses and the formation of a new town.
THE MILLING INDUSTRY.
Because of superior water power, the milling industry was of foremost importance in the early history of Mead township. In 1821 David Lockwood erected a mill at Dillie's Bottom. Thirteen years later Benjamin Lockwood built a mill three stories high with three runs of burrs and a capacity of 50 barrels daily.
In 1845 steam was introduced, but in 1868 the boiler exploded, killing two men ; thereupon steam was discarded and the mill was again operated by water power.
While sheep husbandry is perhaps the foremost industry in agriculture, the farmers forthe most part pursue mixed farming, namely,—gardening upon the rich bottom lands and growing grain and stock on the hills. The farmers' surroundings are for the most part comfortable and cozy.
THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The population of the township in 1880 was reported at 2,000. In 1890 it was returned at 1,705 and in 1900 it was given at 1,726.
While the census reveals a loss in population ,the tax duplicate shows a gain in the last year of $4,981 in the Businessburg precinct and $8,485 in the Wegee district, or a total increase of $13,466. The tax levy in 1901 was 1.98 ; in 1902, it is given at 1.81.
The township trustees are : James Hervey, S. F. Workman and William Unterzuber; township clerk, D. M. Albright; treasurer, E. Wallace; justices of the peace,—M. C. Stonebraker and Frank Finicum.
BETHEL
Is a station upon the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railway, containing a post office, railroad station, telephone exchange and a school and church.
The telephone company is known as the Enterprise Telephone Company, and is connected with all the independent telephone companies (as opposed to the Bell) in the county.
Located at Bethel is a school with an attendance of 50, conducted by Miss Nora Myers. The School Board consists of M. C. Stonebraker, S. A. White and D. F. McKelvey.
MOUNT SUMMIT PARK.
Not far from Bethel station is Mount Summit Park, one of the largest and most attractive picnic grounds in the southern part of the county, whereat immense gatherings attend the annual farmers' picnic.
THE BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Was organized by Rev. Thomas Groves in 1855, and a church building was erected in
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1857. Fourteen years thereafter it was found necessary to enlarge and remodel the church edifice to accommodate the increasing numbers, and this work was done under the supervision of the pastor, Rev. James Day. The membership then numbered 200, and the board of elders consisted of Thomas Ault, M. Watt, J. M. Watt, Martin Curtland, James Hopton and Dr. Michael. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Minnemeyer, and the board of elders is constituted as follows : W. W. Watt, William King and Thomas Watt. The membership is 135.
BUSINESSBURG
Is a little village, located on Pipe Creek, hemmed in by hills that are almost as precipitous as mountains. It contains an old-time water mill, erected in 1848 by Archibald McGrew and Robert Hammond. In those days Pipe Creek supplied ample water power and for seven years the mill was thus operated. In 1855 steam was introduced, and thereafter the mill was successfully operated for a period of 25 years by Allen Ramsey, James Shipman, Sylvester Creamer, David McGrew, Isaac Richner and Thomas McNiece, respectively.
OLD CITIZENS.
The store and post office are conducted by William Duvall, a venerable citizen who has been a merchant in Businessburg for half a century, and recalls the men prominent in the days of the town's prosperity. He says that the men active in township affairs in the olden times were Arch McGrew, C. Ambler, James Campbell, Allen Ramsey and Squire McMaster.
Among other old citizens of the township still living are John Giffen, past 90, and George Crozier, 71 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Crozier, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, left home to fight the battles of his country in the ranks of the 170th Ohio Regiment, leaving his wife and six little ones at home. At the close of the war, he returned to the old farm, where he is still living vigorous in mind and body.
The present population of the village is between 50 and 55.
THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1884
Nearly destroyed Businessburg. The waters of Pipe Creek rose to a height of 15 feet, and the town was practically submerged. Many houses were carried away and the loss was very heavy.
THE SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
The district school is conducted by Mr. Bethel and has an enrollment of 55. The school directors are : Alexander McMaster, William Ramsey and Mr. Lucas.
The first school in Mead township was built on section 32 in 1818. Another was built on Beallsville Ridge about five years later. In those days the school term was very short. The number of book were few and the teachers were not well qualified. Now the township contains 18 excellent schools, which are conducted for nine months in the year.
There are three churches in and near Businessburg, namely : The Methodist Episcopal Church of Businessburg which is included in the circuit of Rev. Mr. Bevington, with a membership of 30. About one and a half miles down Pipe Creek there is another Methodist Episcopal Church in charge of Rev. Thomas McGuire. In Businessburg there is also a Christian Church, with a membership of 25 or 30, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Lucas.
One of the most distinguished ministers in the Presbyterian Church was born on Pipe Creek. Rev. Dr. Gillaspie, for years secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church in this country was a native of Mead township.
The Doctor was a graduate of Washington-Jefferson College, and also of Allegheny Theological Seminary. After his appointment as secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, he made a tour of investigation around the world and his reports were received with much favor. Dr. Gillaspie died in February, 1899.
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CANNING FACTORY.
Near Wegee a large tomato canning factory is operated by the McMillens, an industry that furnishes a ready market for the product of the extensive tomato fields in that vicinity.
REMINISCENCES.
Cummings in his "Tour Down the Ohio" in 1807 speaks of Dillie's farm thus : "Passing the Indian Mound, we found a floating store at the landing.
"It was a large square flatboat, roofed and fitted with shelves and counter, and containing a various assortment of merchandise, among which were several copper stills, of which much use is now made throughout the whole Western Country for distilling peach and apple brandy and rye whisky.
"About one o'clock, we proceeded on our voyage, passing on the right Mr. Dillie's large frame house and fine farm, round which the river takes a great bend to the westward."
A BLOODY TRAGEDY.
The old fort at Dillie's Bottom was constructed about 1790 by Mr. Dillie as a protection from the attacks of the Indians, and many thrilling stories of adventure cluster around its historic ruins. The early settlers had built their cabins within easy range of the fort for the shelter it would afford.
Between 1790 and 1795 a bloody tragedy occurred under the very guns of the fort, which might have been averted by a little more courage upon the part of the fort's defenders.
One morning an old pioneer named Tate was shot down by some concealed Indians the moment he stepped out of his door. His children quickly pulled him in and barred the door. But the Indians ran forward with yells and tried to break down the barrier, and failing in their efforts they fired through the closed doors and seriously wounded the boy. As the woman sought to escape through the chimney, she was shot and fell into the fire. The wounded boypulled her out and then sought a hiding place. Eventually the Indians forced an entrance and killed the girl at the door and brutally scalped the three that were shot.
The wounded boy who was hidden escaped to the fort while the Indians were slaughtering his kindred, and when the massacre was completed the Indians escaped.
The entire bloody deed was witnessed by the inmates of the fort, who had not the skill nor courage to attack, though the number of savages did not exceed 13 in number.
The Lockwoods, both David and Benjamin, were great hunters as well as valiant soldiers. Benjamin was attacked at one time by a horde of howling wolves and only escaped death by the speed of his alarmed and excited beast.
AN INCIDENT OF PIONEER DAYS.
It is related of the wife of Major Smith, one of the pioneer residents of Dillie's Bottom, that on one occasion a great bear entered the dooryard. With courage she called the dogs and soon a life and death struggle began. The dogs began to worry and annoy the wild beast to such an extent that it took to a tree for self preservation. Then Mrs. Smith with consummate skill fired the trusty rifle at the wild beast, killing it at one shot.
AN ANECDOTE OF LEWIS WETZEL.
Before General Wayne achieved his great victory over the British and Indians, Lewis Wetzel had just got back from a long visit to his brothers and was at Dillie's fort for a few days.
Below the fort was a boastful fellow named Forshay, who was somewhat of a scout and hunter but who was constantly boasting of his prowess in these acts. He had a great jealousy of Wetzel and the fame he had acquired and delighted to spread his feats of hunting and scouting in Wetzel's presence. On this occasion he asked who Wetzel was and when told he replied with the air of a braggart: "No white man or hunter either could come upon him in the woods."
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Wetzel smiled sneeringly. Forshay repeated his boast with a proud shake of the head. Wetzel could stand it no longer and turning to Forshay said : "See here, Mister, I ain't much on the hunt, but I'll bet you I can pounce upon you in the woods any were and you won't see nor hear me, till I slap you on the shoulders." Forshay laughed scornfully and accepted the challenge.
The crowd eagerly followed to witness the feat. Forshay selected an open piece of ground near Kirkwood's cabin at Bridgeport. There was but little undergrowth for a quarter of an acre, with but an occasional tree here and there, and a thicket all around.
On the north side there was a very steep bank, leaving Forshay with practically butthree sides to guard. Wetzel entered the thicket and when Forshay was ready Wetzel shouted from the thicket :
"Look out or I'll scalp you.,
Forshay kept a vigilant watch, and the crowd looked on eagerly, but in silence, when Wetzel like a spirit sprang from the thicket without the rustle of a leaf, and struck Forshay on the shoulder a blow so hard that he fell. Springing to his feet, he cried in anger, "I dare you to do that again." Without bluster Wetzel again stepped into the woods and again shouted, "Ready," and before either the crowd or the victim was prepared, Wetzel had again sprung upon Forshay, and struck him on the shoulder.
Forshay reluctantly acknowledged he was beaten.